Vishnu Puranam - The Rituals !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

According to Vishnu Puranam there are important rituals should be performed during the life span of a man.




The rituals starts exactly from the day of birth.  The Namakaranam - (The naming ceremoney) on the 10th day of Birth followed by Anna Prasnam, Mundanam (Tonsure), Yajopaveetham, Marriage, Gruhapravesam it goes on...and on...Till the end of ones life known as last rites - The death Ceremoney.

Vishnu Puranam also describes the types of marriages performed according to the nature of  Varnas such as Brahman, Divya, Arsha, Prajapathya, Asura, Gandharva, Rakshasa and Paischacha.

Some of the practices are one should worship  Lord, Sages, Brahmin, Cows and Gurus on daily basis.  Be Truthful and respectful  and should not hurt anyone by words or actions.  Should not be envious or jealous at other's prosperity and should not enter into a burning house or climb up the top of the trees.   One should be away from the evildoers and wild animals.   One should put into practice of  closing  mouth while yawning.   One should pray to Lord before  leaving home.  And  one has to follow serveral rituals  before  gettting married.

When the final journey takes place,  as a preparation for the last rite the body  of the deceased should be bathed and garlanded.  The body should be burnt out of the village.  All the funeral rites should be strictly observed for the  peace of departed soul.  The 'Gaya Sraddham' is an another  way one can perform the funeral rites of the departed soul.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vijaya Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!


 

Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi which falls on the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun.

 

Lord Krishna speaks ' Oh King Yudhishtira - I am delighted to explain to you about the abundance of merits acquire by observing the Vijaya Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion.  One who worships Lord Hari on this auspicious day would bring success in their all endeavor in their present life and in future births.   It also removes all the sins of the worshipper '.

 

Once, Maharishi Narada requested his father - Lord Brahma about the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi.  Lord Brahma replied to his Manasa Putra that whoever worships Lord Vishnu and fasts on this auspicious day of Vijaya Ekadashi ensures success all through their life.  Moreover, the sins committed in their life will vanish like cotton balls in the fire.  It provides the worshipper to attain Victory in their venture as its name indicates.

                                                                                                               

 

Lord Rama was exiled for fourteen years from his Kingdom Ayodhya.  He arrived at Panchavadi with his Brother Lakshman and His wife Sita Devi.  They lived in Panchavadi like any other ordinary human beings.  During this period, the Demon King Ravana abducted Sita Devi.  At this, Lord Rama was traumatized and he was felt powerless.  Lord Rama resumed his journey with his younger brother Lakshman, on his way he killed Kabandha, met Jadayu - The Pakshi Rajan (The King of the Birds -Eagle).  Jadayu was on the edge of his death explained all the truth about how Sita Devi was mercilessly abducted by the demon king Ravana.  Immediately after Jadayu took last breath and he got salvation at the Lotus feet of Lord Rama.  Later, Lord Rama had friendship with the Monkey King Sugriva.  Lord Rama constructed an army of Monkeys with the help of Sugriva.   The army consists of powerful warriors like Hanuman, Angadha, Nalan, Neelan and Jambavan and many more.  Lord Rama chosen Hanuman as a messenger to preceed to Lanka with His Anguleeyam (Ring) and he were entrusted with the job of safely hand it over to Sita Devi.  Hanuman had to face lot of hindrances on his way to Lanka, like Mainakam - The Mountain, Surasa - Nagamatha, Simhika - The demon, Lankini- who was the protector of Kingdom Lanka.  Finally, Hanuman located Sita Devi in Ashoka Vatika surrounded by the ogre featured Demons.  Hanuman described Sita Devi about the incidents happened in the life of Lord Rama in the absence of her and the friendship He had made with the Monkey King Sugriva.  Sita Devi realized Hanuman as the faithful servant of Lord Rama and handed her 'Choodamani' (an ornament which is used for decorating hair) to give to Lord Rama.  Hanuman as a truthful messanger illustrated what had happenned in Lanka to Lord Rama.

 

Lord Rama with the help of Monkey King Sugriva and his huge army arrived at the shores of Lanka to fight against the demon King Ravana.  He found that it was difficult to cross the vast ocean, the depth and the deadly animals in the deep ocean made them further helpless.  Lakshman consoled his brother with the information of Sage Bagadhalbya who was agreat scholar would help them to find a way out.  Sage Bagadhalbya was a wise an intellectual scholar who lived four miles away in an island.  As soon as they entered the hermitage of Sage Bagadhalbya, the Sage could visualise the Lord Sriman Narayana in Lord Rama.  He received them with utmost reverence.  Lord Rama described the Sage about his purpose to cross the deep ocean and reach the Kingdom of Ravana. 

 

Sage Bagadhalbya explains to Lord Rama about the glorious worship of Lord Vishnu on the auspicious day of Vijaya Ekadashi and the methods of worship as a resolution for the whole issue.

 

Sage continued to explain the process of worship of Lord Vishnu, on the previous day of Ekadashi a pitcher made of silver, gold, copper or mud should be kept ready filled with water and decorated with mango leaves on the top and covered with a lid.  The pitcher should be kept on the the top of rice grains.   After abulations, the pitcher should be decorated with sandal paste and flowers.  On the top of the lid of the Pitcher a small idol of Lord Vishnu should be placed and offerings of fruits should be made to Lord.  The whole day should be spent in chanting the names and glories of Lord Vishnu, follow fasting and abstaining from sleep and keep awake in the night.

 

On the Ekadashi day, after abulations and worship of Lord Vishnu by offering fruits, incents, flowers, ghee lamp, Bhog, abstain from sleep and worship of Lord Vishnu should be carried out faithfully.  On the Dwadashi day, after abulations the pitcher along with all the offerings made to Lord is taken to the river side.  After prayers the offerings in the form of Fruits & Bhog along with the idol of Lord Vishnu and the pitcher should be donated to a righteous Brahmin.  Sage Bagadhalbya explained to Lord Rama that by observing Vijaya Ekadashi would yield him and his warriors to attain success in all their endevors.

 

Lord Rama observed the Vijaya Ekadashi as instructed by Sage Bagadhalbya with utmost faith and devotion.  Consequently he conquered the vast Kingdom of Lanka and killed Ravana and his demon army. 

 

Lord Krishna continued, whoever listens or reads the glories of Vijaya Ekadashi would attains the merit of Ashwamedha Yagam and whoever observes it would get rid of all the sins committed and attain the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Varaha Puranam - Subha Vrutam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes Subha Vrutham for the  life long Prosperity.

The austerity begins from the First day of the month - Margashirsha.  Worship of Lord Vishnu on the day of Ekadashi along with Lord Prithvi with utmost devotion and faith, Giving alms to Brahmin, fasting on this day, keep awake in the night are treated as part of the austerity.  On the  day of Dwadashi as a concluding part, 24 Brahmins should be invited and served with food and alms.  Donations in the forms of Apparels, Sandals, Umbrella, ornaments, cow, walking stick also provided to the Brahimins with the alms.  It is believed that whoever observes Shuba Vrutham would be blessed with  prosperity in their entire life.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part VII !!

Jai Sriman Naryana !!

Cheenappa Naikkar heartbreakingly cried to Panduranga at His mercy to pick him from the world of material bondages.  All these years he was running behind wealth, fame and money.  Now he realized who he was.  He had an aversion on himself.  The birth of human life is a blessing of Lord to do all the goodness.  He spent all these thirty years of life doing no good deeds.  He understood thoroughly his intention of birth in this world.  He promised to Lord that he would not leave Him and forget Him even for  a second.  The keerthanas flew from him praising the glory of Lord like a stream. 

People from all over the village assembled around Naikkar.  All were surprised to see him in a state that they had never seen.  He was crying and singing praising the glory of Lord.  The people surrounding him started to pass cheap comments on him and started to mock him.  He did not pay any attention to them.  The devotion and faith to Lord made him behave like a mad man.  Each and every keerthana were filled with a lot of emotions.

 

Immediately, Naikkar turned back to his wife and instructed her to bring their children.  Naikkar took his Tampura in his hand and revealed his intention to leave his home and his wealth behind.  His wife Lakshmi Bai reminded him about the wealth he had earned  all  these years.  But Naikkar was not willing to listen to any of her comments about the wealth.  Lakshmi Bai wanted to give off all their wealth as charity before leaving home.  Naikkar insisted her that if they stop for a second, the desire for fame and material things would spoil their devotion to Lord.  Lakshmi Bai sincerely followed her husband.  He promised her that they were going to get rid of the clutches of material world.

He took his tambura, his wife took all their children and left the place  singing the glory of  lord  without looking back.

'Thamburi Meetinava Bavadhi Dhatidava
 Thalava Dhatidava Suranudu Sevidava
Gejjaya Kettidava Kalaredeya Meettidava
Gayana Padidava Harimuruti Nodidava
Vithalana Nodidava (Purandara) Vaikunthake Odidava'

He wanted to go to Pandharipuram.   His urge to have a Sadguru took him to Vyasarayar.   Vyasarayar had eminent disciples like – Kanaka Dasar, Vadhiraja, Krishnadevarayar etc..  In olden times, when Naikkar used to visit the Palace, he had to cross Vyasarayar’s Mutt.  People earnestly adviced Naikkar to visit the Sadguru and get his blessings.  But he just ignored all their advices, with the thought that a Sadguru could not  add wealth in his life.  Though Naikkar passes through adamantly, Vyasarayar felt  Maharishi Narada in him. 

Naikker came running and fell on the feet of Vyasarayar with guilt.   Vyasarayar was the composer of the famous Krithi – 'Krishna Nee Beganey Baro'.  Vyasarayar hugged him and he visualized everything that had happened in Naikkar’s life.  Seeing the tremendous change in him, Vyasarayar  gave him the name ‘Purandara Dasa’.   From that day onwards, Naikker came to be known as  ‘Purandara Dasa’.    Dasar in one of his compositions sang about the glory of his Guru.  Nothing is equivalent to Guru Kataksham and   Nothing  divine will  take place in  life without the blessings of Guru.   Jyana,  Tapasya , Devotion, Faith  and Intelligence are  possible only with the Blessings of  a Guru.   Guru is the Acharaya who  takes us  to Lord. 

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishno: Gurur Devo Maheswara;

Gurur Sakshath Parambrahma, Thathsmai Sri Guruvey Nama:

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part VI !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

As soon as Cheenappa Naikkar entered home, he started screaming at his wife - Lakshmi Bai enquiring about her diamond nose ring.  Lakshmi Bai was really scared to see Naikkar in a furious state.  She was standing near the Tulsi Plant, praying to Lord .  Her eyes were filled with tears.  She never wanted to lie to her husband.  She lied to her husband that, since it was Friday, she had her oil bath so in order to keep the diamond nose ring safe, she kept it aside.  

She cried to Lord ‘ Why  did you put me in this situation? I have done a good deed without my husband’s consent. Was that wrong? ‘  Her fingers searched for something in the sands of Tulsi plant.  Alas ! a sharp light sparkled through the sands of Tulsi plant - A diamond Nose ring.  She happily took it  and gave it to Naikkar.  This time Naikkar got confused.  He was expecting the answer that Lakshmi Bai  had given the nose ring as alms to the Brahmin.  Instead, She picked up her diamond nose ring and handed it to him.  

Naikkar hurried to his shop to meet the Brahmin.  To his  great dismay,  he realised that the  Brahmin to whom he had told to wait was not there .    He hurriedly opened the jewel box where he had kept the diamond nose ring safely.  But to his amazement, the nose ring was not there.   He ran back to home in panic, confused and worried.  He explained everything to Lakshmi Bai and cried.  Naikkar looked at the diamond nose ring in great awe.   Suddenly a bright light whizzed through his eyes. In that, he could envision  Lord  Vishnu in His reclining posture instructing Maharishi Narada.   

‘Narada, your time has arrived to take birth as a human being on the Earth.  You will be born as an ordinary human being to re-establish righteousness and spread the Devar Nama praising the glory of Lord.’  At the instruction of Lord Vishnu, Maharishi Narada cried and pleaded ‘ Lord I  am born to Praise your glory, but  I dont want to go to Earth.  I am your servant in Vaikundham to praise your Glory.  Please don’t let me take birth in this world as an ordinary human being and keep myself away from you.  I don’t want to get attached to this material world and forget the glory of my Lord.’ 


Lord Vishnu replied ‘ In case, if anything as such happens, I will be there to bring you back  and save you from the material world’. 


The vision of the Lord disappeared suddenly.  Chennappa Naikkar  with great pain  and heavy heart started weeping,  thinking over the life he had wasted all these  thirty years without engaging himself in any of the righteousness.  His eyes over flowed with tears and it was a  heart breaking sight indeed.   He cursed his fate blabbering to himself ‘ I have spent all my life without knowing the fact that Gopala Ratnam is  Buvanaika Ratnam’.

Mosahothey nallo nanu

This was the first composition of Sri Purandara Dasa.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part V !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

It was mid afternoon, the   poor Brahmin felt hunger and thirsty went in search for  food.  He walked through the streets and found a big house with nine Kalashams on the rooftop  which revealed the richness of the householder.  There he  Saw a woman ( Lakshmi Bai) on the patio performing   Lakshmi pooja and  Tulsi pooja.

Baghyadha Lakshmi Baramma  Nammamma

 Nee sowbaghyada  lakshmi baramma

The Brahmin with his unsteadily steps  entered Lakshmi Bai's house.  At that moment,  Lakshmi Bai was about to finish her prayers.  She could hear a weak  voice calling  behind  her.  She saw a poor old Brahmin , with  injuries and the blood oozing from his wounds.  Lakshmi Bai rushed to him and humbly requested him to come in. The Brahmin informed her about what had happened to him.  He told the purpose of his visit to her place.  After hearing him, Lakshmi Bai with abundance of happiness rushed inside the house in search of money.  Cheenappa Naikkar never gave his wife a single penny to keep in her custody.  He keeps money and the jewels in a box tightly locked.    She was anguishly wandering through the house in search of money.    She really wanted to help the poor Brahmin after hearing his painful story.   Soon  Lakshmi Bai came up with  an idea. She removed her  diamond nose ring and gave it to the Brahmin.  The poor Brahmin was happy and forgot his hunger after seeing the valuable nose ring in his hand.   He blessed  Lakshmi Bai  heartily and left home.

The Brahmin rushed to  Cheenappa Naikkar's  shop with all the energies regained.    After seeing him, Naikkar really got angry.  This time , the poor Brahmin  did not ask for any alms.  He carefully opened the knot in his Angavastram (Dhothi) in the same old style.   Naikkar started screaming at him without knowing the purpose.  The Brahmin instructed him to stop yelling as he had brought something precious in exchange for money.  He demanded Naikkar  to see the thing which he has brought and exchange the same.  He also added that one kind hearted woman had given him her invaluable diamond nose ring as alms.    The Brahmin handed the nose ring to Naikkar.  After seeing  the nose ring, Naikker was thunder struck. At once he recognized  that  it was his wife Lakshmi Bai's jewel.  He was shocked and confused of thinking that  how did she do this without informing him.   The Brahmin continued  praising the woman and  described about the home where she was living.  Though Naikkar was a miser, he never took back what was given by him  as charity.   Naikkar with a lot of worries, instructed the Brahmin to wait in his shop  and said that he would be back in a few minutes to provide him  the money in exchange for the nose ring.   He kept the  nose ring  locked safely  in his jewel box and walked home hastily.............

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Lord Hayagreeva - Personification of Knowledge & Intelligence !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Brahmanda Puranam, Devi Puranam and Garuda Puranam describes  Lord Hayagreeva as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu .  Lord Hayagreeva is the  Horse faced Lord and Epitome of Intelligence.  He is the Guru of Goddess Saraswathy - Lord of Wisdom.  Chanting of hundred and eight names of Lord Hayagreeva  helps to activate the nerves in  the brain which perform the function of memory power .  Worship of  Lord Hayagreeva  needs utmost devotion, hygiene, dedication etc.. like worship of Sivalingam, Lord Narasimha and Anjaneya.   Lord Hayagreeva worshipped as Spatika Akruthi (shape).

Jyananada Mayam Devam Nirmalam Spatikakruthim

Adharam Sarva Vidhyanam Hayagreevam Upasmahey

The above lines describes as Jynam (knowledge) is the origin of Anandam (Bliss).  He is the sole provider  of Sarva Vidhya (all types of skills and intelligence).   In Thiruvahindra Puram - opposite of Lord Devanatha Perumal Temple  situated Oushadhagiri in which Lord Hayagreeva have a sannidhi.

Hayagreeva Ashtothara Shatha Namavali:

Om Hayagreevaya Nama:

Mahavishnuvey Nama:

Kesavaya Nama:

Madhusoodhanaya Nama:

Govindaya Nama:

Pundarikashaya Nama:

Vishnavey Nama:

Vishwambaraya Nama:

Haraye Nama:

Adithyaya Nama:

Sarva Vageesaya Nama:

Sarvadharaya Nama:

Sanathanaya Nama:

Niradharaya Nama:

Nirakaraya Nama:

Nirisaya Nama:

Nirupadravaya Nama:

Niranjanaya Nama:

Nishkalangaya Nama:

Nithya Thrupthaya Nama:

Niramayaya Nama:

Chidhanandaya Nama:

Sakshiney Nama:

Saranyaya Nama:

Sarvadhayakaya Nama:

Shrimathey Nama:

Lokathraya Dheeshaya Nama:

Shivaya Nama:

Saraswatha Pradhaya Nama:

Vedo Dharthrey Nama:

Veda Nidhaye Nama:

Veda Vedyaya Nama:

Purathanaya Nama:

Poornaya Nama:

Poorayithrey Nama:

Punyaya Nama:

Punya Keerthaye Nama:

Parathparasmai Nama:

Parasmai Jyothishey Nama:

Paresaya Nama:

Parakaya Nama:

Parasmai Nama:

Sakalopanishadh Vedhyaya Nama:

Nishkalangaya Nama:

Sarva Sastra Kruthey Nama:

Akshamala Jyanamudra Yuktha Hasthaya Nama:

Varapradhaya Nama

Purana Purushaya Nama:

shreshtaya Nama:

sharanyaya Nama:

Parameshwaraya Nama:

Santhaya Nama:

Dhanthaya Nama:

Jithakrodhaya Nama:

Jithamithraya Nama:

Jaganmayaya Nama:

Jaramruthyuharaya Nama:

Jeevaya Nama:

Jayadhaya Nama:

Jadyanasanaya Nama:

Japa Priyaya Nama:

Japasthuthyaya Nama:

Japakruthey Nama:

Priyakruthey Nama:

Prabhavey Nama:

Vimalaya Nama:

Vishwaroopaya Nama:

Vishwagopthrey Nama:

Vidhi sthuthaya Nama:

Vidhaye Nama:

Vishnavey Nama:

Shivasthuthyaya Nama:

Shanthidhaya Nama:

Kshanthi Parakaya Nama:

Shreya: Pradhaya Nama:

Shruthimayaya Nama:

Shreyasam Pathaye Nama:

Eshwaraya Nama:

Achyuthaya Nama:

Anantharupaya Nama:

Pranadhaya Nama:

Prthvipathaye Nama:

Avyakthaya Nama:

Vyaktharoopaya Nama:

Sarva Sakshiney Nama:

Thamoharaya Nama:

Ajyana Nasakaya Nama:

Jyaniney Nama:

Poorna Chandra Samaprabhaya Nama:

Jyanadhaya Nama:

Vakpathaye Nama:

Yoginey Nama:

Yogisaya Nama:

Sarva Kamadhaya Nama:

Maha Mouniney Nama:

Maha Yoginey Nama:

Mounisaya Nama:

Shreyasam Nidhaye Nama:

Hamsaya Nama:

Parama Hamsaya Nama:

Vishwa Gopthrey Nama:

Virajey Nama:

Swarajey Nama:

Sudhha Spatika Sangasaya Nama:

Jada Mandala Samyukthaya Nama:

Adi Madhyantha Rahithaya Nama:

Sarva Vageeswareshaya Nama:

The famous and brilliant orator Dr.D.A.Joseph  in one of his  speech about Lord Hayagreeva requests   all parents to teach their  children the two liner sloka and ask them to chant on daily basis.  It really works.   Parents who have  time to spare    can chant the hundred  eight names of Lord Hayagreeva and include the prayer in their daily rituals.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part IV !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

One Friday, Cheenappa Naikkar was in his shop waiting for a potential customer.  His mind was telling him that  the day is going to be a good  and he would make more money out of his business.   Suddenly,  His eyes fell on a poor Brahmin chanting Rama Nama.  It was very clear from the Brahmin's appearance  that he was not going to be a customer at all.  He was a weary, thin  Brahmin in a ragged clothes .    Naikkar got disappointed to see the Brahmin.  He was expecting some prospective customer from a  rich and royal family.    The poor Brahmin slowly walked towards Cheenappa Naikkar’s shop and continued chanting Rama Nama.  Naikkar was surprised to see the poor brahmin,  as beggars usually never come to him because they know that he would not offer any alms to them. This was the first time a poor Brahmin was approaching him boldly.   Immediately after seeing the Brahmin,  Naikkar started pouring harsh words  and screamed at him to leave the spot.  Without paying any attention to Naikkar, the poor old Brahmin started to undo the knot in his Dhoti.  He spent a good time to open the small knot in his dhoti.  Naikkar got irritated at the Brahmin and continued yelling at him.  Does it make any difference to him? He slowly opened the knot and Naikkar looked into it with his greedy eyes.  He was expecting something valuable from the knot.  Finally, the Brahmin took a few ‘yellow rice’ (Akshadha) from the knot and put it on Cheenappa Naikkar chanting a few Mantras.    The Brahmin slowly with his weak voice requested Naikkar to give him some money as alms for his daughter who was going to get married and his son who was going to have Upanayanam.  At this, Naikkar's rage had no limits .   He replied aggresively at the Brahmin that he would not provide a single penny.  He asked him to leave the place immediately.  The poor Brahmin was unwilling to move even a single step.  He was anxiously waiting to get some alms from Naikkar.  He continued to burden Naikkar with his pathetic story. 

The Brahmin explained to Naikkar about the merits He would achieve from the charity.  He explained: Ten Go (cow) dhanam is equal to One Vrushaba Dhanam.  1 Ashwa( horse) dhanam is equal to  Ten Vrushaba Dhanam  ,10 Ashwa( horse) dhanam is equal to One Hastha (Elephant) Dhanam, Ten Hastha Dhanam is equal to One Yagam,  performing One Kanya Dhanam is equal to One Yagam, giving water to a thirsty person brings abundance of merits.   The Brahmin explained about all the righteousness.  Naikkar was least interested to listen to him.  Their arguments continued for sometime.  Naikkar firmly said that  he did not offer alms due to the adamant nature of the him .  The Brahmin also replied back that he was not going to move out unless and until he received any alms from Naikkar.  The wildly raged Naikkar ordered his servants to beat up the Brahmin and make him flee as soon as possible.   

The servants of Naikkar handled the old man harshly and  left him bleeding.  The pain struck Poor Old Brahmin yelled “Vasudeva”  and walked away with the bleeding  injuries unsteadily ....

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part III !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Lakshmi Bai - wife of Cheenappa Naikkar was  a devoted and religious woman  .   Cheenappa Naikkar never involved himself in any rituals or prayers.  She always had the desire to do good deeds with the abundance of wealth in the family such as: assisting  poor Brahmins for meeting the expenses of   Upanayanam, Education and Marriage of children, meeting  medical expenses of poor people and Temples Renovaton etc… she very well understood the fact  that these good deeds  can only bring  happiness.   Many a time she revealed her desires to her husband. In turn, Cheenappa Naikkar insisted her to do charity which requires no money at all.  He instructed her to do prayers at home and fast on auspicious days which are capable to bring abundance of merits.    He disclosed his  intention to his  wife that by fasting on the day of Ekadashi,  he could   atleast save some money used for food on that day.  He advised her to do Tulsi pooja and compelled  her to do some charity which was inexpensive .    Tulsi pooja did not cost any money and it required only Kukum and Sandal paste.  Whenever she opened up her desire of doing some  charity, Cheenappa Naikkar always replied that the expenses had to be cut down.  Later stages of his life,  Purandara Dasar explains about the importance of Tulsi in Tulsi  Mahathmyam.  In Tulsi Mahathmyam, he praises the Tulsi plant, its leaves and the  glory of the sand where Tulsi grows in the form of slokas.

Lakshmibai  continued  worship of   ‘Tulsi’ planted in courtyard on daily basis. 

Namami Thulasi Devim Srikrishna  Charana Priyam

Divyasouraba Samyouktham Pranamami…..

 

Cheenappa Naikkar had a business relationship with the King Krishna Devaraya, Kingdom of Vijayanagara . He made frequent visits to his palace. Usually his visit to palace begins from Queen Manjula.  Cheenappa Naikkar's  words had the power to influence his clients very easily .  He approaches  Queen and with his sweet coated words  impress her to buy gems from him.  His business tactics worked well on her.     With cleverness and sweet coated words, he made a big list of  clients from rich and royal families.   He spent a good time of his life on acquiring wealth through his business tactics.

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

A Tribute to Sri Purandara Dasa !! Part II !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Purandara Dasa was searching for the way to worship Lord Panduranga.  Is it possible to do Jyana yoga? –  Understanding the fact that soul  and body are different and  the soul is where the Paramatma lives.  Nothing is possible in this Kali yuga because of ignorance, worries, ego, proud and fear.  Is it possible to do  charity?   In this yuga  willingness to do any  kind of charity  is decreasing and   money spent for the charity is not derived from  good deeds.   In this way, lot of hindrance occurs when performing any good deed.   Purandara Dasar insists  only Namasankeerthana and Nama Smarana  is  possible in this Yuga which will definitely provide peace of Mind.  Gajendra,  an elephant called  Lord only once. Didn't He rush to save him? Draupadi was insulted by Dushassana in front of all the senior people like Bhishma Pitamaha, Drutharashtra etc.,  Did anyone help Draupadi?   She did not expect any help from her husbands – though they were great Warriors.  Finally, she Surrendered to  Lord Krishna.  Lord Krishna was enjoying His memorable time with Sri Rukmini,   didn’t He  help Draupadi by providing her cloth? So the underlying fact is that if you Surrender to Lord, He can make wonders in your life.

Hari Smaraneymado Niranthara….Paragathikey Idhu

Purandara Dasa firmly advices us to do Hari Nama Smarana .  Prahalada - son of Demon King Hiranya Kashipu, followed the Hari Nama Smaran. Didn't He save Prahalada?.   Andal insists  to do  ‘Vayinal padi and manathinal sinthikka’ in Her sacred Text 'Thiruppavai'.  Purandara Dasa is the Acharya of Bakthi and Sangeetham.  He is the one who sowed the seeds of  Carnatic music , thus he is known as ' Sangeetha Pitamaha' / ‘Pitamaha of Carnatic Music’.  Saint  Tyagaraja watered the plant, brought it up and maintained the huge tree of Carnatic Music’ and  we are the ones enjoying the fruit of the same .    Purandara Dasar composed  the basic  lessons of Carnatic Music - Swaravali,  Alangaram, Geetham, Lakshna Lakshyia Geetham,  Thana Varnam, Ugadi, Dwipadi, Vrutham, Shatpadi, Ashtapadi,  Thathwajavali, Yala Padham etc.. 

Purandara Dasa explains  most of the events that took place in his life through his compositions.  In one of the Keerthanams ‘Vasudeva Namavaliya’ -  He humbly reveals the fact that he has sung praising the glory of Badarikashram, Rameshwaram, Salagramam, Ekadashimahima, Nama Mahima, Sant Mahima, Sadguru Mahima, Ithihasam, Puranam, Mahabratham, Ramayanam, Bakthavijayam, Dharma Sastra, etc…  The number of Keerthanas he has composed comes around 4,89,000.   He also added the fact that, he was capable of singing songs only with the Grace of His ‘Sadguru’.   Dasar was leading a materialistic life  without any self – realization or God – realization.  Later, his guru Sri Vyasarayar remarked about him ‘Dasarantharey Purandara Dasarayya’ (Dasar is truly 'Purandara Dasar' ).   Dasar became well known for his devotion and Nama Sankeerthanam.  It is believed that Maharishi Narada  was born as Purandara Dasa.

In between  Karnataka and Maharashtra is  situated one of the most famous Temples of Sri Pandurangan & Sri Rukumayee. Pandareepuram is the inseparable place of worship  for the people of Karnataka and Maharashtra as well.   The truth is that, Sri Panduranga listens to the  Abang of great saints like Saint Thukaram, Jyaneshwar, Namdev etc of Maharashtra  with one ear and listens to the Devarnama of  Purandara Dasar and some of the great saints of Karnataka with the other ear,  dancing to the tunes. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Pasupathinath Temple - Kathmandu - Pradosham on 16th February, 2011 !! Part II

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

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Everyone should visit this temple in their lifetime.   Many devotees from India and abroad travel to Nepal and feel the spiritual ambience of this Sacrosanct Temple of Lord Pasupathi.    As soon as you land here, you would  feel enthusiastic and forget about all tiredness.   The big Golden Nandi at the entrance of the temple attracts everyone.  This place has a unique capability to bring mental peace and spiritual well being through its natural beauty.  The temple opens for pooja 4 'o clock in the evening.  The fire in the Arya Ghat keeps burning all the 365 days round the clock.  The devotees  as a mark of remembrance of  Lord Shiva's fond of Ashes, burn the cotton dipped in the ghee and the ashes  are offered to the Lord.  The temple is  believed to be built in 8^th century with the Pahoda style.  The huge doors are decorated with Gold and silver.  The Bagmathi river known as ‘Jiva Nadhi’ is situated just opposite to this temple.  There is a temple pond for abulations before entering into the temple.  Aarthi Pooja in the evening is  one of the auspicious event in this temple.

Once, Lord Shiva left  mount Kailash angrily and started to live with the animals.  All the deities came in search of Lord Shiva.  In the absence of Lord Shiva, the sinners had increased.  It created chaos among Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu in their responsibility as Creator and Preserver.  They searched for Lord Shiva to perform His responsibilty as the Destroyer.   Lord Shiva had disguised himself as a Deer amongst the animals.  Lord Vishnu recognized Lord Shiva immediately.  The deer began to run. Lord Vishnu sent his wheel to cut off its horn.  With the horn cut,  Lord Vishnu installed the  Linga.

The worship  of Lord Pasupathi Nath temple  takes place in the  form Manthrika and Vaidhikam.  There are  many temples in Nepal in which the worship of Lord is carried out in Manthrika form.  The temple priests are from different parts of India.  Sanyasins walk several miles to visit this Sacrosant city with Vibuthi and Kumkum on their foreheads.  On the way to Arya Ghat, there are many Caves  and Sanyasins who live inside engaged in the Worship of Lord Shiva.   The dead bodies which arrive here are placed on the banks of the Bagmathi river and are covered with saffron colour robes and garlands on their necks.  The feet of the dead bodies are washed by this water and are taken to the cremation ground- A final journey to the Abode of Lord shiva.  The cremation formalities take place with minimum cost in the Arya Ghat.  It is believed that Lord Shiva is fond of  the smoke of the bodies around  Him and the presence of  Aghori Babas make the Arya Ghat a divine funeral ground.

The cottage opposite  to the Arya Ghat is where the people are crowded with  their beloved ones, who may leave this world anytime.  They pay a final tribute to their beloved ones  by sending them safely to  'Siva Loka' - The Abode of Lord Shiva.  In most cases, the old and ill who have no hope for life are brought here.  The relatives wait and sit around them praying for them and engage themselves in chanting sacred texts,  keep pouring   Theertha (holy water) to their dried mouths to make their final journey at ease.  This is one of the most pitiful scenes which brings tears to everyone’s eyes.……..

Anayasena Maranam, Vina Dhainyena Jeevanam

Dehi mey Karuna Sindho - Sri Mahadeva Sambo

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Pasupathi Nath Temple - Kathmandu - Nepal !! Pradhosham on 16th February, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!




Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Skanda Puranam describes the Glory of Lord Pasupathi Nath.  One of the sacrosanct temples of Lord Shiva – Pasupathi Nath is located in the valley of Kathmandu.  It is situated in a village, on the river banks of Bagmathi three kilometres away from Kathmandu.    The devotees should follow severe austerities to enter into the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal.    Previously, this city was ruled by Kings . Another significance of this place is that, it is the  birth place of Goutama Budhha – Kapilavasthu.  Kathmandu is a rich religious land of temples.  Lots of Shivalingams are found in Nepal.  There are many historical buildings and monuments made of old-fashioned architecture revealing the ancient times.  Differentiating the temples and historical palaces are quite difficult.  The sculptures and art form of Gods and Goddesses can be seen almost everywhere  on stone walls.  The serenity of this land  is indescribible with rich natural beauty, rivers, streams, forests  and frequent snow fall . Everything  adds the beauty of the  spiritual  atmosphere.  Due to continuous snow fall, this land is very cold.   The devotees from all  over the world visit the Pasupathi Nath temple .   The  ardent devotees of Lord Shiva – Aghori Babas walk across thousands of miles and reach here.  They have no fear of anything, they dont recognize the difference between poison and honey, they are ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and realize His holy presence in the funeral places.  They visit the temple and spend rest of their times in the funeral places.  It is believed that the blessings from the Aghori babas are equally auspicious. 

This Holy temple is treated equal to Varanasi – and known as Mukthi Sthal.  The fire in the Arya Ghat – The funeral ground opposite to the temple is always kept burning with the bodies.  It is believed that Lord Shiva is very fond of the smell of smoke and fire.  The dead bodies arrive from the entire of Nepal.  Whoever leaves his/her last breath  in this place reaches the Abode of Lord Shiva.  There are some cottages  opposite to the Arya Ghat.  People bring their relatives who are nearing the door of death.  Those who have no hope of living and ready to leave this world are brought here for their final journey from this world.  The relatives wait for their last breath and are crimated in the Arya Ghat.  Like Varanasi, The Pasupathi Temple in Kathmandu is also equally capable to bring Salvation to the Devotees. 


Will be continued.............

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!