Sri Medha Dhakshinamurthy Ashtotharam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Sri Medha Dakshina Murthy Ashtothara is hundred and eight names  of Lord Medha Dhakshina Murthy.   This is one of the sacred  forms of Lord Shiva as 'Acharya' / 'Guru'. 

Om Vidya Roopiney Nama:

Mahayoginey Nama:

Shudhha Gnaniney Nama:

Pinakadruthey Nama:

Ratnalamkrutha Sarvanginey Nama:

Raktha Maliney Nama:

Jada Dhariney Nama:

Gangadharaya Nama:

Achala Vasiney Nama:

Sarva Gnaniney Nama:

Maha Gnaniney Nama:

Samadhikruthey Nama:

Aprameyaya Nama:

Yoga Nidhaye Nama:

Tharakaya Nama:

Brahma Roopiney Nama:

Baktha Valsalaya Nama:

Jagath Vyapiney Nama:

Vishnu Murthaye Nama:

Puranthakaya Nama:

Vrushaba Vahanaya Nama:

Charma Vasaya Nama:

Peethambaradharaya Nama:

Moksha Nidhaye Nama:

Andhakaraye Nama:

Jagad Pathye Nama:

Vidhya Dhariney Nama:

Shukla Thanuvey Nama:

Vidhya Dhayiney Nama:

Ganadhipaya Nama:

Papadhasmara Samhathrey Nama:

Sashimoulaye Nama:

Maha Swaraya Nama:

Samaveda Priyaya Nama:

Avyaya Nama:

Sadhavey Nama:

Samastha Devathalankruthaya Nama:

Hasthi Vahnikaraya Nama:

Srimathey Nama:

Mruga Dhariney Nama:

Sankaraya Nama:

Yagna Nathaya Nama:

Yamanthakaya Nama:

Bakthanugraha Karakaya Nama:

Baktha Sevithaya Nama:

Vrushabadwajaya Nama:

Basmodhoolitha Vigrahaya Nama:

Akshamala Dharaya Mahathey Nama:

Thrimoorthaye Nam::

Parabrahmaney Nama:

Naga Rajalamkruthaya Nama:

Santha Swaroopiney Nama:

Maha Roopiney Nama:

Ardha Nariswaraya Nama:

Devaya Nama:

Muni Sevyaya Nama:

Surothamaya Nama:

Vyakyana Devaya Nama:

Bhagavathey Nama:

Ravi Chandragni Lochanaya Nama:

Jagad Shreshtaya Nama:

Jagad Heythavey Nama:

Jagad Vasiney Nama:

Trilochanaya Nama:

Jagad Guruvey Nama:

Mahadevaya Nama:

Maha Nrutha Parayanaya Nama:

Jada Dhariney Nama:

Maha Yoginey Nama:

Maha Mohiney Nama:

Gnana Deepairalamkruthaya Nama:

Vyoma Ganga Jalasnathaya Nama:

Siddha Sanga Samarchithaya Nama:

Thathwa Moorthaye Nama:

Bakthanam Ishta Phala Pradaya Nama:

Para Moorthaye Nama:

Chit Swaroopiney Nama:

Thejo Moorthaye Nama:

Anamayaya Nama:

Veda Vedanta Thathwarthaya Nama:

Chathush Shashti Kalanidhaye Nama:

Bava Roga Bhaya Dwamsiney Nama:

Bakthanam Abhaya Pradaya Nama:

Neelagreevaya Nama:

Lalatakshaya Nama:

Gaja Charminey Nama:

Gnanadhaya Nama:

Aroginey Nama:

Kama Dhahanaya Nama:

Thapaswiney Nama:

Vishnu Vallabhaya Nama:

Brahmachariney Nama:

Sanyasiney Nama:

Gruhasthashrama Karanaya Nama:

Danthasramavatham Shreshtaya Nama:

Dayanidhaye Nama:

Yoga Pattabiramaya Nama:

Veena Dhariney Nama:

Vicheythanaya Nama:

Mathi Prakja Sudha Dhariney Nama:

Mudra Pustaka Dharanaya Nama:

Vethaladhi Pishachaika Vinasanaya Nama:

Raja Yakshmadhi Roganam Vinasanaya Nama:

Sureswaraya Nama:

Sri Medha Dhakshina Murthaye Nama:

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Chaitra Amavasya on 2/3rd May, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The New Moon Day or  Amavasya creates special upsurge of energies in human body.  Severe austerities on the days of Amavasya and Pournami (Full moon) are treated as auspicious.  The New Moon Day  considered as capable to bring abundance of merits for men by following austerities and by paying homage to departed  souls (Pitru Tharpanam), similarly austerities on  the Pournami day also brings abundance of merits to women.  Amavasya which falls in the month of September/October known as Pitru Paksha/Mahalaya Paksha, treated as the most auspicious period to offer reverence to the departed souls.

Amavasya is the day to remember forefathers.   It is believed that the departed souls stay close to their beloveds during the day of Amavasya from dawn to dusk.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Pradosha Mahathmyam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!

Yevai Pradosha Samaye Parameswarasya
Kurvanthyananya Mansangri Saroja Poojaam

Nithya Pravrudha Thara Puthra Kalathra Mithra
Sowbhagya Sambad Adhikastha Ihaiva Lokey

Whoever worships Lord Shiva during the Pradosha would avail His blessings. 

The Pradosha Kalam - 'Dosha' Kala is the time to worship Lord Shiva.  The time of 'Pradosha' is 4.30 PM to 7.00PM to worship the glory of Lord Rudra.   The Worship of Lord can be done by Mananam, Sravanam and Keerthanam.  The Mananam is the process of uttering or chanting the glory of Lord Shiva, Sravanam denotes listening or reading   the sacred scriptures and last but not the least singing and praising the glory of the Lord.  'Shiva' in sanskrit means ' The Auspicious'.    

The scriptures describe the worshipping forms of Lord Shiva as:

Anugraha Murthy - Lord Shiva with pleasing features blessing His worshiper

Rudra/Samhara Murthy - Lord Shiva in a fuming rage/ destructive mood

Tandava Murthy - Performing cosmic dance

Sri Dakshina Murthy - Form of an 'Acharya'/ Guru

Linga - Universal form/Nirguna Brahmam

Bhikshadandar - Saintly form

Harihara/Sankaranarayana - Two equal halves represents Hari and   Hara

Ardhanarishwara - Two equal halves, one represent Lord Shiva and other half Goddess Sakthi

Ayur Nasyathi Pasyatham Prathi Dinam
Yathi Kshayam Youvanam
Prathyayanthi Gatha Puna Na Divasa
Kalo Jagat Bakshaka
Lakshmisthoya Thanga Banga Chapala
Vidhyuchalam Jeevitham
Asman Mama Saranagatham Saranadha
Twam Raksha Rakshaa Dhuna

Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Glory of Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Ekadashi Vratam Nama

Sarva Kama Phala Pradam

Kartabyam Sarvada Viprair

Vishnu Prinana Karanam

The above line reveals the importance of Ekadashi Vrata and fasting on Ekadashi Days.  The Ekadashi Vrata could bring Everything in the life of worshipper whoever follows with utmost faith and devotion.  It brings Dharma (Righteousness), Kama (Desires), Artha (Knowledge about Self), Moksha (Salvation).

There are 26 Ekadashis in a Year and they are:

Utpanna Ekadashi, Moksada Ekadashi, Saphala Ekadashi, Putrada Ekadashi, Sattila Ekadashi, Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi, Amalaki Ekadashi, Papamocani Ekadashi, Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Sayana Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi, Pavitra Ekadashi, Annada Ekadashi, Parsva Ekadashi, Indira Ekadashi, Pasankusa Ekadashi, Rama Ekadashi, Utthana Ekadashi, Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi.

Astai Tanyavrataghnani

Apo Mulam Phalam Payah

Havir Brahamana Kamya Cha

Guror Vachanam Aushadham

Worship of Lord Sri Hari on the day of Ekadashi, fasting and keeping awake in the night was absolutely perfect for the people in Kritha, Treta, Dwapara Yuga unlike Kaliyuga.  At this Kaliyuga, where there is no moral values, faith, devotion, dedication, inability to concentrate, poor memory and multiple illness etc... make difficult to follow the vrata as prescribed in the scriptures.  At least, avoiding meals made out of rice, moong dal, wheat flour, white flour, Barley, Lentil, Green Peas, Sesame oil and Mustard oil will keep the  Ekadashi Vrata with austerity.  The consumption of rice and the pulses on the day of Ekadashi brings the sins of Brahmahathya and the sin of killing Cow.  It is believed the sins of the above said take shelter in the grains and the probhibited pulses on these days.   The Ekadashi Vrata  also  known as the day of 'Upavasa' ( Upa + Vasam =  stay close to Lord), refraining from all other activities and engage in chanting and praising the glory of Sriman Narayana.  

Jai Sriman Narayana !! 

Sri Lalithambal Sobanam - Birth of Lord Harihara Putra !! Part II !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Demons realised and flabbergasted at the fact that, Mohini disappeared from the scene leaving behind the empty Divine Nectar Pot.  They were fuming in a rage started to fight with the deities.  The fierce battle continued, finally the deities made the Demons ran away from the Heaven.  With the amazing effect of the divine nectar, the deities’ proppelled them into 'Pathal Loka' (netherworld).  The Deities praised the glory of Lord Vishnu.

After this incident, Maharishi Narada ran off to Lord Shiva and explained to him about what had happen while serving the divine nectar.    Immediately, Lord Shiva arrived at the Milky Ocean to have a word with Lord Vishnu and to appreciate him in His efforts to save the Deities.  Lord Shiva had begun His overwhelming speech with Lord Vishnu.  In between their conversation, Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to reveal his incarnation as 'Mohini' to save the nectar of Immortality from the wrong hands.  Lord Vishnu humbly accepted the request of Lord Shiva and disappeared. 

Lord Shiva turned around to visualise the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as 'Mohini'.  Lord Shiva amazed at the view of enthralling garden with varieties of flower filled with scents, there He found a beautiful young lady with enchanting physical features.  She was playing with the balls made of flowers.  Lord Shiva got attracted to the lady, in a moment he hurried to her and hugged her.  As a consequence,  Lord Hari Hara Putra born to this divine couple.  

Immediately after the incident Mohini vanished   and Lord Shiva realised the things which had happen between them.  Lord Shiva returned to Mount Kailash on His Vehicle 'Rishabha'. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Patteeswarar Temple, Perur - Coimbatore!!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Patteeswarar Temple is one of the famous temples of Lord Shiva situated in a village called Perur in the District of Coimbatore.  Perur was also known as Melai Chidambaram located on the banks of river Noyyal.   Patteeswarar Temple is one of the historic temples mentioned in Thirupukazh and Thevaram as well.    This magnificent temple was built by the chola King Karikala Cholan. The Kings of Hoysala and Emperors of Vijayanagara   also have made great architectural contributions to this temple.  The historical and Architectural land mark of Perur  Patteeswarar Temple was built some 1500 year back on the banks of river Noyyal.

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Patteeswarar and Goddess Maragathambikai/Pacchai Nayaki.   Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of self-manifested Linga.   The temple has a grand Kanakasabai (Dais of Cosmic Dance), a golden hall with exquisite sculptures closely associated with the legend of Cosmic Dance of Lord Shiva.

The main festivals celebrated in this temple are: Panguni Uthram, Shangabishekam and Annabishekam in the Tamil month Karthikai, Arudra Darisanam in the month of Markazhi, Natyanjali in the month of September.  It is believed that this temple is known as one of the 'mukthisthal', last rites for the departed souls also perform here. 

The temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 12.00PM and 3.00PM to 8.00PM.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

'Meditation' - Its Physiological, Psychological and Spiritual Benefits !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The re-produced below is an interesting article regarding the benefits of  'Meditation'. 

*Physiological benefits:*

1. It lowers oxygen consumption.

2. It decreases respiratory rate.

3. It increases blood flow and moderate the  level of heart beat.

4. Increases  the tolerance level.

5. Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.

6. Reduces the level of  high blood pressure.

7. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.

8. Decreases muscle tension

9. Reduces the level of chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.

10. Reduces the symptoms of  Pre-menstrual Syndrome.

11. Helps in post-operative healing.

12. Enhances the immune system.

13. Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress

14. Enhances energy, strength and vigour.

15. Helps with weight loss

16. Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage

17. Higher skin resistance

18. Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.

19. Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.

20. Decreases the aging process.

21. Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

22. Prevention, reduction or control of pain due to chronic illness

23. Makes you sweat less

24. Cure headaches & migraines

25. Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning

26. Reduced Need for Medical Care

27. Less energy wasted

28. More inclined to sports, activities

29. Significant relief from asthma

30. Improved performance in athletic events

31. Normalizes to your ideal weight

32. Harmonizes our endocrine system

33. Relaxes our nervous system

34. Produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity

35. Helps cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with
the release of hormones that regulate ovulation).

*Psychological benefits:*

36. Increase the self-confidence level.

37. Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.

38. Resolve phobias & fears

39. Helps control own thoughts

40. Helps with focus & concentration

41. Increase creativity

42. Increased brain wave coherence.

43. Improved learning ability and memory.

44. Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.

45. Increased emotional stability.

46. Improved relationships

47. Mind ages at slower rate

48. Easier to remove bad habits

49. Develops intuition

50. Increased Productivity

51. Improved relations at home & at work

52. Able to see the larger picture in a given situation

53. Helps ignore petty issues

54. Increased ability to solve complex problems

55. Purifies your character

56. Develop will power

57. Greater communication between the two brain hemispheres

58. Respond more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.

59. Increases ones perceptual ability and motor performance

60. Higher intelligence growth rate

61. Increased job satisfaction

62. Increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones

63. Decrease in potential mental illness

64. Better, more sociable behaviour

65. Less aggressiveness

66. Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction

67. Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills & pharmaceuticals

68. Helps to recover from sleep deprivation

69. Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia

70. Increases sense of responsibility

71. Reduces road rage

72. Decrease in restless thinking

73. Decreased tendency to worry

74. Increases listening skills and empathy

75. Helps make more accurate judgments

76. Greater tolerance

77. Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways

78. Grows a stable, more balanced personality

79. Develops emotional maturity

*Spiritual benefits:*

80. Helps keep things in perspective

81. Provides peace of mind, happiness

82. Helps you discover your purpose in life

83. Increased self-actualization.

84. Increased compassion

85. Growing wisdom

86. Deeper understanding of yourself and others

87. Brings body, mind, and spirit in harmony

88. Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation

89. Increased acceptance of one self

90. Helps learn forgiveness

91. Changes attitude toward life

92. Creates a deeper relationship with your God

93. Increases the synchronicity in your life

94. Greater inner-directedness

95. Helps living in the present moment

96. Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love

97. Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego

98. Experience an inner sense of Assurance or Knowingness

99. Experience a sense of Oneness

100. Leads to enlightenment

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Lalithambal Sobanam - Birth of Lord Harihara Putra!!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The deities and Demons decided to churn the Milky Ocean using the Mandara Mountain as the center point object and the serpent Vasuki as rope.   As a result, many of the precious things generated while churning the Ocean including the divine nectar of 'Immortality'.  After seeing the divine nectar, the greedy demons started to fight for it; it created a huge mess amongst the deities and demons. 

The fight with the deities and demons continued, Lord Vishnu prayed to Goddess Mahamaya and turned out a beautiful young woman - Mohini and started playing her tricks.  In order to distract the attention of the demons, Mohini gracefully walked into the middle of them and magnetized them.  At the mesmerizing features of Mohini, the demons totally lost their interest for the divine nectar.  They started to follow the gorgeous young woman and fallen at her enchanting physical features.

Mohini's attractive features, her anklets, precious jewels, thin waist was decorated with jewels’, dazzling attire decorated with diamond & precious stones, red lips symbolized the sweet pomegranite fruit, her eyebrows revealed the beauty of the bow of Lord Kamadeva, her earlobe were decorated with jewels, her diamond nose rings, her long beautiful hair locks added her boundless beauty.  The demons stopped their fight for the divine nectar and encircled her, thinking of her shimmering beauty. 

Mohini grabbed the attention of all the demons and assured them that they are the one going to get benefited with the divine nectar after serving a small portion of it to the deities.  She tactfully got the pot of divine nectar from the hands of the demons.   The deities and demons seated in a line waiting for the turns of divine nectar of Immortality.  Mohini started serving the deities with the divine nectar, the golden spatula moving elegantly in and out of the golden pot of the nectar to the deities.   Her graceful movements, the noises made by the jewels adorned her body captured the whole attention the demons.  They obediently waited for their turn. She continued serving the nectar to all the deities; the spatula made a peculiar sound which disclosed the emptiness of the pot.  Immediately, Rahu and Kethu recognized the truth, they disguised into deities and seated amongst the Lord Surya and Chandra to secure their portion of nectar.  Mohini realized the presence of Rahu and beheaded him with the spatula as a punishment for the deceitful act of consumption of the divine nectar.  Mohini  kept the empty nectar pot in front of the demons and disappeared. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiru Kalahasthi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!

Sri Kalahasthi Temple is one of the 'Pancha Bootha Sthalangal ' of Lord Shiva, which represents 'Wind'.  This temple is situated in a village known as SriKalahasthi, situated 38 km away from Tirupati.  This is one of the most famous Temples of Lord Shiva considered as 'Dakshin Kailash' in South India situated on the eastern banks of River Swarnamukhi.   The vast structural contributions to this temple were made by the Kings of Chola and Vijayanagara Kingdom.  Sri Kalahasthi Sathakam written by Durjeti Kavi in Telugu describes the myth of the temple and  it speaks about the life of Kannappa Nayanar ardent devotee of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga white in color.  This swayambu Linga was remain untouched from the begining, not even by the priests.  The shrine of Lord Kalahasthiswara and Gnana Prasunambika situated on the raised platform in the third enclosure.  The well known fact is that Lord Shiva is 'Abisheka Priya'  ( ceremonial bath), the Abishekam for the Lord is performed in the form of Scented water, Ashes, Honey, Rice, Sandal Paste, Flower, Panchamrutham, Tender coconut water etc.. on the Ustava Murthi.  There are sannidhis for Lord Ganesha under the ground, Durgamba temple on the northern part of the hill and Sri Kannapeswsara Temple dedicated to Sage Kannapa Nayanar on the southern part of the hill .

The legend has that, Umanabha the son of Vishwakarma (Celestial Architect) was an excellent sculptor.  He started creating replica of the creations of Lord Brahma.  This made Lord Brahma agitated and cursed Umanabha to become a Spider.   Umanabha turned out a Spider,   realized his mistake pleaded Lord Brahma.  In order to get relieved out of the curse, Lord Brahma advised Umanabha to worship Lord Shiva at Dakshin Kalish.  The spider became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and started to decorate the temple roofs with its beautiful webs.   In order to test the devotion of the spider, Lord Shiva set out fire on the webs from a lamp.  The bewildered spider attacked the lamp and cried out the help of the Lord.  The compassionate Lord Shiva appeared before the spider and offered 'Salvation'.

In Tretayuga a serpent made delay on its way back from netherlands to adorn Lord Shiva's neck, thus it came down to earth at His curse.  So as to get rid of the curse, the serpent began worshipping Lord Shiva at Dakshin Kailash with Gem.  In Dwapara Yuga, an elephant also engaged in worshipping Lord here, with the aim of get rid of the curse.   The serpent continued to worship Lord with the Gem.   The elephant remove the Gems and worship Lord with Bilva leaves.   This practice continued for several days.  At last they confronted each other and ended up in a big fight.   Finally, the serpent and elephant got killed each other.   At the devotion of the serpent and elephant, Lord Shiva out of mercy granted them liberation.   The name of the temple 'Sri Kalahasthiswara' commemorates the incidents took place  here.    'Sri' stands for 'Spider', 'Kala' stands for 'The Serpent' and the Hasti stands for  ' Elephant' respectively. 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varuthini Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Bavishyothara Puranam describes the glory of Varuthini Ekadashi which falls on the wanning period of moon.  Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishtira about the austerities should be followed on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi.

Lord Krishna narrates that the observer should strictly follow the austerities from the previous day of Ekadashi by consuming meal once and abstaining from all the sensual pleasures.  Moreover, the food consumed should be self-cooked in earthen pots. and consumption of meat, chickpeas, honey, spinach, dal should be strictly avoided.

On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, the observer should not indulge in gambling, sleeping, tattletale or engage in any of the sinful deeds.  The observer should fast on this day, worship Lord Hari chanting His glories with utmost faith and devotion and keep awake in the night. On the day after Varuthini Ekadashi (Dwadashi) after ablutions and worship of Lord Hari with Bhog,  Dwadashi Parana should be followed within the specified time.

Lord Krishna continued, King Mandata and Dhuntumara were the strict followers of Ekadashi, which brought them the highest of the piety, freed them from the cycles of birth and death.   Observing the Varuthini Ekadashi brings the remarkable piousness known as 'Salvation'.  It also provides good fortune, perpetual happiness and eradicates all the sins committed.   One can achieve the merit,  that is equivalent to observing austerities for ten thousand years by observing Varuthini Ekadashi.  The piousness includes, donating 40 kilos of gold during the time of solar eclipse in the righteous land Kurukshetra.

 

Lord Krishna explains about the types of charities.  Donating an elephant is superior than donating a horse, donating a land is superior than donating an elephant, donating  sesame seeds are greater than  donating a piece of land, donating gold is greater than donating the sesame seeds, donating food grains is greater than donating gold.  Donating food grains earns the highest merit in the charities  which is equivalent to donating cows, by this act one can satisfy deities, forefathers and all the living entities.   Last but not the least giving knowledge to others is one of the most rewarding and highest among all the charities. 

 

Lord Krishna explains some of the heinous acts that mount up the sins are:  giving away  a girl child  in exchange of money  out of greed or for livelihood is the highest among the sins, the sinner of the above act born as cat in his/her next birth and the latter remains in  the hell until the total annihilation to the Universe takes place.   The parents who perform 'Kanya Dhanam' as per the prescribed rules and rituals attain the piety which is difficult to count or describe not even by Chitra Gupa, who is the chief in the ministry of Abode of Lord Yama.   Lord Krishna declared that by following Varuthini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion, one could attain all the devoutness.

Whoever reads or listens to the glories of Varuthini Ekadashi would attain the merit of donating one thousand cow and would be  freed from all the sins and attain the Abode of Lord Sri Hari. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

          

Sri Varaha Jayanthi on Ist May, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Srimad Bhagavatha Purnam describes the glory of Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Lord Varaha, which stands third in line of the ten incarnations.

Lord Brahma' had 'Manasa Putras', they were Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulaha, Pulasthya, Krathu, Brighu, Vashishta, Daksha and Narada.  They all were great sages and 'Prajapathis'.  Marichi's son Sage Kashyapa married to Aditi, Diti and Danu  daughters of Daksha Prajapathi .  Aditi was a gentle and pious lady gave birth to Devas.  Diti and Danu were self-centered and proud, they gave birth to Demons. Obviously, Danu's children were Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kashipu.  These two arrogant and powerful demons, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakaship underwent severe penance for nearly hundred years to win over his step-brothers who were ruling the Devaloka. 

Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu continued their penance; the most pleased Lord Brahma appeared before them to offer boons.  Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakshipu desired for the ’Immortality’, Lord Brahma revealed that it was impossible to provide and was  against the nature.  The two brothers obtained several boons such as no one could kill them, not by human or animal, not with any astra or shastra etc.. After acquiring extraordinary powers the two demons started to harass the entire world.   The two brothers had only one thing in their mind to conquer Lord Vishnu in order to get hold of the entire Universe.  They made a wicked plan to hide the Mother of Earth /Boodevi -(Consort of Lord Vishnu)  and plunged Her into the depth of the ocean.   It made a big mess, all lives wiped out.   The most infuriated Lord Vishnu decided to battle against  the unruly act of the demon. 

The deities were terrorized by these two demons and approached Lord Brahma.   Lord Brahma anxiously heaved a sigh at the disappearance of the Mother Earth.   At this moment, a tiny speck was propelled out from His left nostril.  While looking at this, it was started to grow bigger and bigger and turned out a transcendental boar.  The deities and Lord Brahma realized the presence of the Supreme Lord and praised the glory of Him.   Lord Varaha appeared with garlands of lotus and beautifully adorned with jwels, Panchajanya, Sudarsana Chakra and mace.  The  tumultuous roaring divine boar plunged into the ocean and entered a fierce battle with Hiranyaksha.   The fierce battle continued for thousand years.  Finally, Lord Varaha pierced Hiranyaksha and killed him with His sharp tusks.  Lord gently lifted Mother of the Earth from the depth of the ocean with His  tusks.  This is one of the incarnation of  the most compassionate Lord Vishnu in order to save Mother Earth.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals & Routines !! The Epilogue !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

I have been receiving the mail attachment regarding 'The Hindu Rituals & Routines' for the past several months and kept it safely for reading in my leisure hours.   Somehow, I did not find time to go through the same.  When did I receive last time,   I have decided ( ' Arey, kuch tho karo apaney life mey and educate yourself. '  Summa pozhuthu pokarathiliye irukkama.. ) that is it.   I immediately started to read 'The Hindu Rituals & Routines by  Swami Chinmayanandaji's advises and explanations.   Simultaneously, I was posting them  on my blog for my readers.   Finally,  I had the impression  that I have learned about many things which I was following all these years without knowing the fundamental  facts.   After reading and posting this,  I felt contented and happy that I have done something good.

I request my blog readers, if possible  go through one posting each a day.  It hardly takes precious few minutes or seconds of yours, I assure you this action of yours will definitely provide its fruit.   There are twenty two postings  altogether.  After all, Why we are here? .  As our Acharyas instructed, the knowledge is the only instrument  to wave off the darkness in life.  It is the one and only ultimate tool to know the 'Brahmam' .  Let us follow the foot steps  of our sainly people with  firm mind.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals & Routines !! Why Do we Perform Harathi/Arathi? !!

 Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals and Routines written by Swami Chinmayananda is re-produced
below.  Please enjoy reading the same....

Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.

It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the entire form of the Lord.

Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of the Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.

We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do the aarati?

Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up.  It is akin to silent open-eyed meditation on His beauty.  The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc. denote the joy and auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.

Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance. Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it. It represents our inherent tendencies (vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.

Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while it sacrifices itself.  In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the scent of love to all.  We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is actually performed, our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of the Lord.

Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too the guru reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of knowledge (or the light of spiritual knowledge).  At the end of the aarati, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.

The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars, lightning and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this wonderous phenomenon of the universe. It is due to Him alone that all  exist and shine. As we light up the Lord with the flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the very source of all light, which symbolizes knowledge and life.

Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon represents mind and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them. Without Him, the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The Lord is beyond the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate the Lord? Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;

Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam

Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib

Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam

Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati

In the presence of the Supreme Lord, the Sun does not shine, nor the moon and stars.  Nothing  to talk about this small flame (in my hand), Everything (In the Universe) shines only after the Lord, And with His light alone  we  shines.

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Source: Swami Chinmayananda

The Hindu Rituals & Routines !! Why Do we Chant 'OM"? !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals and Routines written by Swami Chinmayananda is re-produced
below.  Please enjoy reading the same....

The 'Om' is one of the most chanted sound symbols.  It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings.  Most mantras and vedic prayers starts with Om.

All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om etc. It is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.

'Om' is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".

The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.

The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two 'Om'.  The 'Om' is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised".  The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word 'Om'. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting 'Om' and 'atha'. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The 'Om' chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (AUM).

The 'Om' is written in different ways in different places. The most common form symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the stomach; the side one, the trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweetmeat ball (modaka) in Lord Ganesha's hand. Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Source: Swami Chinmayananda

 

The Hindu Rituals & Routines !! Why Do we Offer Coconut ? !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals and Routines written by Swami Chinmayananda is re-produced
below.  Please enjoy reading the same....

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is  coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord.  It is later distributed as prasaada.

The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.

A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.

The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree such as trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc.  It takes in  salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.

The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.

Jai Sriman Narayana!!

Source: Swami Chinmayananda

 

The Hindu Rituals & Routines !! Why Do we Chant Shanti : Shanti: Shanti: ?!!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The Hindu Rituals and Routines written by Swami Chinmayananda is re-produced
below.  Please enjoy reading the same....

Shaanti, means "Peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.

Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.

However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances.  All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.

It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".

We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources:

Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.

Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or  problems  that are minimised from the three sources written  above.

May peace alone prevail.  Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.

It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.

Jai Sriman Narayana!!



Source: Swami Chinmayananda