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

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

. 

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 !!

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 !!