12 Jyotir Linga Kshetram !! Tryambakeshwar Linga !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

Tryambakeshwar is one of the Dwadasha Jyotir Linga Temple situated in Nashik,  State of Maharashtra.  This holy temple of Lord Shiva –Tryambakeshar is located on the river banks of Godavari also known as Gautami Ganga.  Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Linga – with three faces which reveals the existence of three entities as – The Creator, Preserver and Destroyer – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively.
 

Traymbakeshwar is one of ancient temples has lots of significance.  Visit to this holy land provides ‘Salvation’, freed from the cycles of birth and death.  Another importance is that, the holy river Godavari originates from Brahmagiri hills in this city. Following austerities and performing final rites for forefathers on the river banks of Godavari  is believed to be one of most gratifying act brings abundance of pieties.

 

The legend has that, Sage Gautama and his wife Ahaliya lived here.  Once, there was severe drought occurred, so the life of living beings made it difficult on this land.  Sage Gautama underwent severe penance praying to Lord Varuna.  Lord Varuna blessed the land with abundance of rain, thus once again the land flourished and it made the life of living beings easier.  It created jealous and difference of opinion among the sages. Especially, the wives of sages who were living in this place persuaded their husbands to degrade the superiority of Sage Gautama and his wife Ahaliya.  The wicked Sages underwent penance praying to Lord Ganesha, seeking His help to drive out Sage Gautama and his wife.  Lord Ganesha advised them to keep themselves away from the unscrupulous act which brings only disgrace to them and blessed for their devotion. 

 

Lord Ganesha appeared in the form of an old cow, entered in the courtyard of Sage Gautama and started to eat the all plants and grasses from his garden.  Sage Gautama came into sight with a stick to drive away the cow.  Sage hit the cow with the stick; the cow fell down and died immediately.  The wicked sages who were made secret hostile plan against Sage Gautama rushed to the spot and started abusing him.  They criticized him and imposed punishments for his sin.  Sage Gautama humbly agreed to accept those punishments.  The depraved Sages forced Sage Gautama to get out of the place and ordered him to follow the punishments they have imposed.  As a punishment for the sin Sage should circumambulate the Earth thrice and Mount Brahmagiri 100 times, last but not the least the Sage should take holy dip in the river Ganga and worship ten million   Sivalingas. 

 

Sage Gautama underwent all the punishments and Lord Shiva was pleased at the devotion of the Sage.  Lord Shiva blessed him and instructed river Ganga to purify the Sage.  Later, this holy river came to known as Gautami Ganga.All the deities praised the glories of Lord Shiva, Ganga and Sage Gautama.  Sage Gautama and deities requested Lord Shiva to remain in the place as Tryambakeshwar and bless this land forever.    Sage Gautama understood about the secret hostile plan against him were made by none other than the wicked sages.  He took all those punishments in a right spirit and felt grateful towards them for the fruitful end result.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Annada/Aja Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glory of Annada Ekadashi which occurs during the waning period of the moon.  Lord Krishna describes the grandeur of Annada Ekadashi at the request of King Yudhishtira.  As any other Ekadashis,  Annada Ekadashi   is also capable to remove all the sins committed in one’s life.   

King Harischandra lost his powers on his Kingdom as a result of failure in a gambling.   His ill-fate resulted in trade his own wife and son.  Though he had to face worst of all, he strictly followed his righteousness.  He worked in a crematorium, day and night taking care of dead bodies for several years.  King Harischandra encountered all the troubles during this period and lamented at his fate.  

One day Sage Gautama appeared before the King Harischandra.  On seeing him, the King offered his respectful obeisance to sage and stood before him with folded hands. Further, Harischandra explained his pathetic story to Sage Gautama. 

Sage Guatama explained to King Harischandra about the significance of Annada Ekadashi.  He instructed Harischandra to faithfully observe Annada Ekadashi by fasting on this day and stay awake in the night.  As per the instruction of the Sage Guatama, the King observed the auspicious Annada Ekadashi and liberated from all his sins.  Later, the piety accumulated made him to regain all his glories and powers, his Kingdom, his wife and son.  He ruled his Kingdom wisely for several years.  At his final stage, he followed the spiritual ways of his forefathers and attained salvation.

Lord Krishna continued, Annada Ekadashi is capable to remove heap of sufferings in no time.  Whoever observes this Ekadashi would be relieved from all their sins and attain spiritual well-being.  Whoever listens or reads the glories of Annada Ekadashi would be blessed with the devoutness of Ashwamedha Yaga (horse sacrifice).

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

       

Sri Krishna Jayanti/Gokulashtami/Janmashtami !! Part VII !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

At  Nanda’s palace Yasoda was in deep sleep.  None of the family members were aware of Vasudeva’s arrival.  He noticed the new born baby girl lying by the side of Yasoda.  He placed little Krishna by the side of Yasoda and took the baby girl in the wicker basket and returned to Mathura.  As soon as he reached the prison, once again all the doors of prison locked themselves.  Vasudeva and Devaki were chained all of a sudden and the securities were cautious once again.

             

The little baby girl started to cry louder and louder.  The guards approached Devaki and Vasudeva, found the new born.  They rushed to Kamsa and informed the arrival of the eighth child.  Kamsa did not waste a single minute; he hurried to the prison directly from his bed.  He rushed towards Devaki who was holding the child to her bosom and weeping.  She begged Kamsa to spare the child, as it was a girl child she would not attempt to do things which were prophesied earlier.  Devaki’s cries did not fall in to his deaf ears.  Kamsa snatched the baby from Devaki and seized in its tender legs, with all his force  hurled the head of the baby on the  stone wall.  Alas ! Utter to his amazement the baby slipped from his hands and rose in to the sky.  She took the form of Yogamaya.  There appeared Goddess Durga with eight hands holding malicious weapons on each hand.  She roared; ‘Kamsa, your enemy has born already.  The cause for your death is very closer to you.’ Having said the above Goddess Durga disappeared. 

Namami Narayana Padha Pankajam

Karomi Narayana Poojanam Sadha

Vadhami Narayana Nama Nirmalam

Smarami Narayana Thathwa Mavyayam

 

 

Jai Sri Krishna !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Krishna Jayanti/Gokulashtami/Janmashtami !! Part VI !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Vasudeva’s mind was wandering with different poignant thoughts.  In a moment, he feared about the safety of the child and in the next moment he convinced himself that the child is none other than Lord Sriman Narayana, Lord of Lords.  In a seconds various thoughts were crossed his mind, the excited couple prayed to Lord for the well being of their child, Lord Krishna.    Devaki affectionately requested the new born not to reveal his true identity, Alas ! In no time the compassionate Lord turned himself into an infant. 

 

 

 

 

 

As instructed by Lord Sriman Narayana, Vasudeva prepared to leave the child in the house of Nanda at Gokula.  They both were wondering about how to make things possible for them to save the child.  To their amazement, the doors of the prison were wide open.  The guards were under deep sleep.  Vasudeva took the child affectionately in his hands, wrapped and kept the child in a wicker basket.  He carried the basket in his head and looked helplessly around.   Each and every doors of the entire prison fastened with heavy locks and keys were remained unlocked.  Vasudeva without any trouble walked towards the river banks of Yamuna. 

 

 

The heavy torrential rain and wind, thunder and lightning the sudden change in the climate made Vasudeva even more helpless now. Alas ! the baby was safe and sound without a drop water on his body well protected by Sri Adishesha.   Sri Adishesha was holding his thousand heads like an umbrella thus He protected little Krishna from the heavy pouring.   Vasudeva carried the wicker basket on his head and came nearer to the river Yamuna.  Vasudeva once again got disappointed to see the flooded river Yamuna.  He made a try to get into the deep water; he continued to walk till his head sunk in the water.  Alas ! the river Yamuna touched the Lotus feet of Sriman Narayana – Little Krishna and parted her ways.  Vasudeva comfortably crossed the river Yamuna and arrived at Nanda’s palace.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Krishna Jayanti/Gokulashtami/Janmashtami !! Part V !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The nature has started to reveal mysterious omen at the birth of divine child, a gentle breeze was blown in the midnight and extreme serenity prevailed all around.  The stars were glowing brightly as ever, the full bloom lotus flowers were already there to welcome the divine child on the Earth.  The peacocks were dancing gracefully with happiness, the birds started twittering melodisouly.  In the heavenly abodes the divine drum beats announced the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Lord Krishna and showered flowers on the Earth as a mark of boundless joy.  Devaki showed the sign of labor pain and exactly in mid night the baby Krishna, the bundle of joy was born with the birth star Rohini.  Immediately after the birth of the child, the heavy chains bounded in his parents’ body for several years were shattered; they were completely freed from the chains.

Kasthuri Thilakam Lalada Padaley Vaksha Sthaley Kousthubham

Nasagrey Nava Mouthikam Karathaley Venum Karey Kanganam

Sarvangey Hari Chandanam Sulalitham Kandey Cha Mukthavalim

Gopasri Pariveshtitho Vijayathey Gopala Choodamani:

Vasudeva was enthralled at the beauty of the new born.  Vasudeva and Devaki moved closer to the baby with so much of affection and tears rolling down their cheeks.  Instantaneously, a stunning light appeared and created an aura around the child.  There appeared Lord Vishnu, Supreme Lord Sriman Narayana in a Lotus Flower holding Conch, discus, mace and lotus in His four arms, Yellow sparkling attire/Pattu Peethambaram around his waist, with Makara Kundalas /dazzling ear rings, Kaustuba Mani Mala/ Garland of precious Gem – Kaustuba around his neck added with lots and lots of precious jewels all over his body.  It was a spectacular sight to enlighten Vasudeva and Devaki about the new born.

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!