tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29629375470324074672024-03-16T21:52:43.955+03:00HINDU RITUALS AND ROUTINES...Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-48055425820928144222019-09-20T17:03:00.001+03:002019-09-20T17:03:45.641+03:00Download Technology Cinematic Promo - G4Ds<a href="https://gift4designer.com/technology-cinematic-promo.html">Download Technology Cinematic Promo - G4Ds</a>: Download Technology Cinematic Promo Video Displays created by TranSMaxX shared by Gift4Designer - Envato Elements free download!Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-10500956291046192732019-09-20T16:26:00.001+03:002019-09-20T16:26:11.185+03:00Download Technology Cinematic Promo - G4Ds<a href="https://gift4designer.com/technology-cinematic-promo.html">Download Technology Cinematic Promo - G4Ds</a>: Download Technology Cinematic Promo Video Displays created by TranSMaxX shared by Gift4Designer - Envato Elements free download!Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-68963086334579512052012-08-04T12:47:00.000+03:002012-08-04T12:47:06.081+03:00Sri Adi Sankaracharya’s Life Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Guru – Brahma Guru – Vishnuh, Guru - devo Maheswarah</div>
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Guru - sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmai Sri Gurave namah</div>
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[The Preceptor is Brahma; He is Vishnu; He is the God Maheswara.</div>
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And, He is verily Brahma Himself. Salutation to such a Preceptor.]</div>
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Vidyadhiraja, a learned Brahmin lived in Kaipilli house at Kaladi in Kerala. The family home of Vidyadhiraja was Sivapuram.</div>
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Sivapuram is a village about 3 miles southeast of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. There is a Siva temple in this village. This was where Vishnu, in the form of white boar (Varaha) worshipped Siva. The name of the presiding deity – the Siva Lingam – is “Siva-guru-natha”.</div>
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Vidyadhiraja’s son was “Sivaguru”, named after the Lord of Sivapuram. Vidyadhiraja got Sivaguru married to Aryamba, who belonged to Melpazhur, twenty miles southeast of Ernakulam in Kerala. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbVdKTRD132u8Bq7LF5gf4Q4kRyDrpwM6-LOr4Cq-ucpwUuQqKxRIot4h6TE9bvWjYanxYcr4C7FCm248Bq4OpmAvwSVIerEEGleL_yaHjgTRByi6f2PtLxqBVLo6G4Tk6CxqP040BiU/s1600/2.+Shankaracharya+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbVdKTRD132u8Bq7LF5gf4Q4kRyDrpwM6-LOr4Cq-ucpwUuQqKxRIot4h6TE9bvWjYanxYcr4C7FCm248Bq4OpmAvwSVIerEEGleL_yaHjgTRByi6f2PtLxqBVLo6G4Tk6CxqP040BiU/s200/2.+Shankaracharya+2.jpg" width="138" /></a>Sivaguru, and his wife, Aryambal, spent their life in pooja and in giving alms to poor and in other good deeds. This childless couple went to Trichur and performed puja for 48 days to Lord Vadakkunathan (Lord Shiva) at Vrishabhachaleswara temple and prayed for a son. </div>
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Lord Shiva melted in their devotion and appeared in their dreams and told them "I am extremely happy with your devotion and you will get what you want. But tell me whether you want a number of dull children or a son who is extremely intelligent, who will live for a short period only." The couple replied the decision could not be theirs as the Lord knows what is good for them. </div>
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Lord Dakshinamurthy, pleased with the reply, was born to Aryambal in the Vasanta Ritu or the spring season at noon under the star "Thiruvathirai" (Arudhra). As the Lord had already promised that he will be born to do well to this world, the child was named Sankara. All the visitors stood in awe at the divinity of the child and said "This is not an ordinary child". </div>
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Sivaguru was delighted to find that the dream in which he had a boon from Shiva had indeed come true. He saw that his son was of a divine lineage and bore the marks of an incarnation. </div>
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The mark of wheel on the baby Sankara's head, the impress of the third eye on the forehead and the sign of the Trishul on the shoulders made wise men decide that he was an incarnation of Shiva. </div>
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Sankara was an infant prodigy. The superior genius and the extraordinary intelligence were clearly sprouting in him even when he was a child. This wonder of a child had even by his third year finished reading many books, and by only listening to the readings and chanting of the Vedas, the Vedanta, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas learnt them by heart. The most surprising thing about the boy was that he was a Sruthidhara (a person who can repeat in full, all that he hears just once). Whatever he read or heard got indelibly impressed in his memory. </div>
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Sivaguru was extremely happy to find his son endowed with super natural powers. He wanted to perform the boy's Upanayanam in his fifth year, and then to send him to the preceptor's house for study. But, Sivaguru died before he could have the Upanayanam done. </div>
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After the bereavement in the family, Aryamba moved to her father's house for some days. But she did not forget the last wish of her departed husband. As soon as Sankara reached his fifth year, she returned back to her own home and performed Sankara’s Upanayanam as per the Holy Scriptures. Thereafter, she sent Sankara to the Gurukulam to study. </div>
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In a short span of two years, Sankara was proficient in the Upanishads, Puranas, Itihas and Vedas. He also mastered the various philosophical systems like Nyaya, Sankhya, Patanjala and Vaisesika. Indeed he was as well versed as Bruhaspati, the teacher of the Universe. </div>
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Once some pupils were arguing about the number of seeds inside a melon. Young Sankara said that the number of seeds inside that melon would correspond to the number of gods who created the universe. When the children cut open the melon, they found only one seed ! </div>
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In accordance with the Gurukulam rules, Brahmachari Sankara used to go out for alms every day. One day he went to the house of a poor Brahmin for alms. That day they did not even have a handful of rice. The housewife, not knowing what to do, gave Sankara an Amla fruit (Indian Gooseberry). With tears, she told him of their very poor condition. The woman's terrible poverty deeply moved Sankara. Standing there, he composed and sang a hymn to goddess Mahalakshmi, the great mother who removes poverty and misery. </div>
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The hymn, consisting of eighteen verses, known as “Kanakadhaara Stotram” (kanaka – gold; dhaaraa –shower) moved Goddess Mahalakshmi. She appeared before him and said, "My dear child, the members of this poor family, in their past lives, did not perform any meritorious acts. How will I bestow on them, wealth and riches?" Sankara then replied to the Mother, " Dear Mother, this lady just now gave me an Amla fruit, when she had nothing else.That, by itself is a meritorious act. If you wish to favour me, please free this family from poverty." </div>
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While even very intelligent students took at least twenty years to acquire mastery of all scriptures, Sankara was able to acquire that mastery in just two years with the blessings of his Guru. </div>
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Hence, Sankara was permitted to return home long before the expiry of the prescribed term at the Gurukulam.</div>
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Sankara as a Brahmachari, now lived at home and devoted himself to learning and teaching. He continued to study various philosophical systems existed at that time. </div>
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But it was the serving of his mother that was for him his all-important duty and his greatest discipline. He ensured his mother's comfort and happiness by attending on her and serving her. </div>
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Sankara’s measureless proficiency in studies and uncommon skill in instructing brought him much renown, and within a few days his fame spread on all corners. Even aged scholars in large numbers began to come to him for a deeper study of the scriptures. </div>
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Sankara’s early life was marked by several miraculous exploits that single him out for a divine role. </div>
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The devout Aryamba used to go for a bath to the river Purna everyday. And on her way back home, she offered worship at the shrine of Kesava who was her family deity. <br />
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River Purna was adored as a sacred river. The river was far off from Sankara's house. Yet, his mother, with great steadfastness, went to the river every day for the holy bath. Once on a hot summer day, Aryamba went to the river as usual, but even after a long time, she did not return home. Sankara went in search of her. As he was walking along the riverbank, he saw her lying unconscious due to exhaustion. In deep misery, he wept profusely and started nursing his mother back to her senses and then slowly led her way back home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu-TrAAWHIL2INyVoGF1Jnv4VwONXFyB4d7rv-uLLJaGHqwWXVUbEHqic0iWZ_34IfsPonhr0A5C78StJ00ET6ENYH0PmqQrCKELwUFvL0R9AnkH5BFuXKftk2gtYzZ4yGoF7AqnxLsU/s1600/8.+Shankaracharya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu-TrAAWHIL2INyVoGF1Jnv4VwONXFyB4d7rv-uLLJaGHqwWXVUbEHqic0iWZ_34IfsPonhr0A5C78StJ00ET6ENYH0PmqQrCKELwUFvL0R9AnkH5BFuXKftk2gtYzZ4yGoF7AqnxLsU/s200/8.+Shankaracharya.JPG" width="141" /></a>Sankara was ardently devoted to his mother, and no words can portray his feelings on seeing the condition of his mother. All in tears, he sent forth a prayer to God saying, " Lord, You are indeed omnipotent. If You only wish, anything is possible. I cannot bear to see this suffering of my mother. Be gracious and bring the river closer to our house. Then, there will be no more suffering for my mother." Day and night he was immersed in this one appeal to the Lord. </div>
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The All-merciful Lord responded to the prayers of Sankara. During the night, it rained so heavily that the river changed its course. Breaking through its north bank, the Purna River began to flow by the side of Sankara’s house. </div>
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Even today one can see the river has taken an uncharacteristic turn towards the Math shrine in Kaladi. </div>
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This miraculous incident was a big news and spread within a few days to all corners of the area. People came in groups to have a sight of this wonder boy. </div>
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Rajashekhara, the ruler of Kerala came to hear of Sankara's divine powers. He himself was a very well read man, including the scriptures. Coming to know of the unprecedented depth of scholarship and the abundance of divine power in a Brahmin boy of seven, the ruler desired to meet him. He sent his chief minister to Sankara, with the gift of an elephant and extended an invitation to meet him at the Palace. </div>
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When the minister in all humility told Sankara of the king's desire, Sankara said, "Dear Sir, of what use is an elephant to me? I live only on alms, my clothing is very simple, and my daily round of duties consist of prayers, study of Vedas, teaching, and the service to the Guru. O minister, please carry this reply of mine to the King. Also, please inform him that a Ruler’s primary duty is to ensure that all the Citizens duly perform their duties and lead righteous lives.” With these words he declined the invitation to meet the King. </div>
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Sankara’s turning down the invitation of the Ruler did not make him angry. On the other hand, being a learned King, Rajashekhara became even more drawn towards the Wonder boy. </div>
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Accompanied by the ministers, the ruler himself arrived at Kaladi one day to meet Sankara in his own place. He saw Sankara, and all round him were seated Brahmin scholars engaged in scriptural study. Sankara cordially welcomed the king showing him the respects due to royalty. In years he was but a boy, in demeanor and conduct he was one of the eminent and wise. </div>
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The monarch's object in coming to Kaladi was to test and measure Sankara's scholarship. After a brief discussion with Sankara on the scriptures, the ruler realized that the boy was a prodigy, distinguished by intellectual sharpness and extraordinary skill. The king had no doubt that Sankara was endowed with divine powers. Both king and the boy merged into a discussion of scriptural themes for a long while, much to their delight of the scholars around. </div>
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The monarch then paid obeisance and laid gold coins at the feet of Sankara, He requested Sankara to accept the gift. But Sankara told the royal King: "Noble King, I am a Brahmana and a Brahmachari. These gold coins are of no use to me. The income from our property is quite sufficient to meet my and my mother's expenses. There is no want in our home." </div>
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Sankara's spirit of renunciation and disinclination to receive gifts greatly astonished the king. Holding together his palms in reverence he said, "I salute you; such sentiments are indeed becoming of you and you only. I consider myself blessed indeed. But how can I take back the gift I have intended and set apart for you? Please distribute the money yourself to worthy recipients”. </div>
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Without a moment's delay, Sankara replied smiling, " You indeed are the monarch of the land. You should be able to know the deserving and the undeserving than a Brahmachari devoted to scriptural studies. While learning and teaching is the duty of a Brahmin, ruler’s duty is to handle wealth and feed the needy. It is for you to distribute this wealth to the deserving." </div>
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The monarch saluted Sankara's genius and bent his head in reverence. He ordered the distribution of the gold coins among the Brahmins assembled there. </div>
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This incident of Sankara's refusing to accept the preferred money made a deep impression on the ruler's mind. He understood that Sankara was not merely a scholar well versed in all the scriptures, but the boy was superhuman, possessed of powers that were of divine nature. And he was so much drawn to this boy-marvel that from then on, he visited Sankara's house regularly to benefit from his holy company. </div>
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Rajashekhara was the author of books like Balabharatha and Balaramayana. He read out these dramas in Sanskrit to Sankara and had the corrections made according to his suggestions. </div>
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Sankara's divine quality soon spread all round. And many people came to see him even from far off places. Many scholars wanted to hear an exposition of the scripture from Sankara. </div>
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One day a few astrologers arrived at Sankara's home. After discussing the contents of the scriptures in various ways, the astrologers expressed a desire to look into the horoscope of Sankara. On examining the horoscope, they said that death might overtake him in his eighth or sixteenth or thirty second year. </div>
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On hearing this, Aryamba was deeply distressed. </div>
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Aryamba was so sad after hearing the astrologers and informed Sankara about it. Sankara had just then entered on his eighth year. It may not be time to leave the world, but Sankara realised that it was time to leave his mother. He knew that there was no possibility of attaining the knowledge of Truth without resorting to monk hood. And in the absence of knowledge of Truth, there was no possibility of achieving liberation from the bondage of life. </div>
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Sankara sensed an opportunity now, to talk to his mother. </div>
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“The Lord had told you, before I was born, that I would live only for a short period. So why do you worry? You cannot change the Divine Order. So, be brave”. </div>
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“In your earlier births, you gave birth to so many children. What is your connection with them now?” </div>
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Sankara continued: “After rains, one sees a lot of bubbles on the surface of water. Some bubbles are attached to each other for sometime. Afterwards, they vanish one by one, and merge with the water….We are also like those bubbles. We have to leave one day”. </div>
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Aryamba was amazed with her son’s speech! But she did not want to understand anything Sankara said. “ Is this the way to talk to your Mother? Your father is no more; you will go away; then what will I do? Please pray that I should die. If you do, I am sure it will happen. I will go to your father……though I cannot see you married and enjoy my grand children….” She was sobbing. </div>
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Sankara did not continue further. But his desire to embrace Sanyasa became stronger and stronger. He was quite determined. One day he found a suitable opportunity to speak to his mother about it and told her of his intention of becoming a monk. </div>
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Aryamba started weeping and wailing. Embracing him, she said, " My dear child, is it right for you to speak such a thing? You are such a tender sapling now. If you become a monk and walk out of home, who is there to look after me? Who will take me to places of pilgrimage? Who will perform my funeral rites when I die? No, no, my dear, as long I am alive, I shall not let you become a Sanyasin." </div>
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Sankara remained quiet. Here was a command from the mother not to embrace Sanyasa. There seemed to be no way out of the situation. </div>
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Sankara prayed with an earnest heart to the Lord requesting him to make it possible for him to take Sanyasa. He was confidant that the petty desires of men and women including his Mother, cannot stand against the divine will. </div>
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Sankara was very clear that he would embrace Sanyasa only with the permission of his mother. And, he was biding his time. </div>
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One day, early in the morning, Sankara asked his mother to accompany him to the Purna river for a bath, now that the river was very close to their house. </div>
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While Sankara was having bath, all of a sudden, everyone heard a loud shout: “ Ahhhhhh……………Help! “. </div>
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It was Sankara who was shouting. </div>
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Aryamba turned to him and shouted back: “ What happened, Sankara? “ </div>
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“ Ahhhhh…. My leg…… Somebody is pulling it…… Ahhhhhhh………Help me!” </div>
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Aryamba saw a crocodile, which was pulling her son’s leg. She also shouted for help. But the crocodile continued to pull him down to deeper waters. Between the pull-up and pull-down, Sankara said, " Mother, saving me is only in your hands now”. </div>
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All mothers would do anything, including giving their life, at a situation like this, to save their child. Aryamba was no exception. “Tell me son, what can I do? How do I save you?” </div>
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“Give me permission for my rebirth, I will be saved” – Sankara. </div>
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"The crocodile will any way eat my son, why does he need my permission to die and be born again?” thought Aryamba. “ Son, I don’t understand what you are saying. I will do anything to save you”. </div>
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“Amma, rebirth or Punar janma need not happen only after death. If I totally change the path of my life…… I mean, I change over to the life of a Sanyasin, that also means rebirth. So, I will be saved from death. If you give me permission to become a Sanyasin, then I will change over my life. Then there is a chance that I will survive…… Amma, why don’t we test? In any case, I am going to be swallowed by this crocodile.” </div>
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The crocodile had pulled him further. Was there any option for Aryamba? “I gave birth to this child after a lot of prayers. Is this the way to lose my child? Is this the time to think? Is there any hope of saving my child? “, she went through these thoughts. </div>
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And finally, she said: “My son, so be it. You become a monk, or whoever you want. As long as you are safe and living anywhere in this world, I give you permission." She said the above words with great difficulty, sobbing with tears rolling down her eyes, and then fainted. </div>
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Sankara chanted the mantras to become a Sanyasin. He thus took Apath-sanyasa (the adoption of Sanyasa when death is near) at once. </div>
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Immediately, the crocodile let him go unharmed. Sankara came out of the water as a “nominal” Sanyasin. Why nominal? Because one could be formally initiated into the sacred order of Sanyasa only through a Guru. Till then, Sankara would be only a “nominal” Sanyasin. </div>
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Immediately after Sankara came out of the water, a Gandharvan appeared from the water where the crocodile was, and spoke to Sankara: “ Years ago, I was into bad habits and was enjoying in a riverbed when Maharishi Durvasa passed by. I ignored him totally and he became very angry and cursed me to be a crocodile. He also said that the only way for me to get back to be a Gandharvan was to hold the Lotus feet of Lord Shiva when he visited this river sometime in future. Because of this act today, I am free of my curse and you, from the mundane life.” After saying this, the Gandharvan disappeared. </div>
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By then, Aryamba got back her consciousness. With her motherly affection, she told Sankara: “Come, my son, let us go home”. </div>
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Sankara said: </div>
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“ Home? Just a few minutes ago you told me that I can embrace Sanyasa……. You know that Sanyasins have no home. How can I go with you?” </div>
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Till then, Aryamba thought that she only had a bad dream. But was this for real? She felt as if the weight of the sky had descended on her head. Weeping and sobbing, she said, " What is this that you say my boy! You are but a child, how indeed can you renounce home now? How can I renounce my own son born out of so much of prayers?” </div>
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Sankara did not loosen his resolve. He quietly said: </div>
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" Who do you think saved me from becoming a prey to the crocodile? That very God will look after everything”. </div>
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" I am the one born of your womb. I know how much you sacrificed to have me as your son. I will never forget that you opted for ONE intelligent son rather than many children. I know you have nobody except me to love you in this world.”</div>
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“What have you achieved other than sadness and sorrow in your life? Before I was born, you were sad for a long time because you had no children. Then you suffered for 9 months, bearing me inside you. Then you were sad because your son was going to live only for a short while. Later, you were very sad losing your husband. Leaving me in Gurukulam, you suffered because you were all alone. For how long do you want to continue this suffering?” </div>
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“Like how I have to perform my duties to my mother, I have my duties to the World at large. I cannot postpone it to a period ‘after you’. I did not ask for Sanyas only for me. If you renounce me rather than worry about me, you will also find peace. The sadness and sorrow will not be there any longer for you. The peace and fulfillment you will get in this sacrifice cannot be obtained through any other means, including having me with you, or by accumulating more wealth.” </div>
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“Please do not grieve. The whole world will be my home hereafter. All those who will initiate me into the sacred lore will be my fathers. All women who give me bhiksha (alms) will be my mothers. By realizing the Atman, I will gain peace and that peace will be my spouse. All my disciples will be my sons”. </div>
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Disappointed and depressed, Aryamba said: “You are my only son. You have a duty to perform the rites of your father and forefathers. Who will do my final rites?” </div>
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Sankara said: “As per the sastras, if one lives the life of the Sanyasin as specified without violation, it is said that his forefathers to twenty one generations would get Moksha.” </div>
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“ However, I promise you that during your last moments, when you think of me, I shall, wherever I may be at that time, know of it. And I shall reach you. Before life ebbs out of you, I shall help you to have a vision of your chosen deity. That indeed will be the essence of all pilgrimages for you." </div>
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The circumstances which attended Sankara's birth now came to Aryamba's memory and she saw that all these happenings were but inevitable. In a voice choked with emotion, she said, "So be it my son, I bless you by heart and soul that you attain your desired goal." </div>
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It was now clear that Sankara's earnest prayers had reached the Lord. By the grace of the Lord, Aryamba's entire being was filled with an ineffable joy. She would no longer hinder her son's ascending to the absolute Brahman. Sankara then prostrated at the feet of his mother. It is said in the Sastras that even a Sanyasin shall prostrate before his mother. </div>
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After receiving her blessings on his head, Sankara walked out to have a view of the family deity Sri Keshava. And the sun just rose to view on the eastern horizon. </div>
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An eight year old boy full of dispassion towards worldly pleasures and having cast off mother's affectionate shelter now went about in the eternal quest of the human soul, the search for the ultimate truth. </div>
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Those who saw this shaven-headed boy clad in a Sanyasi's robe with staff and water bowl (kamandala) in hand, could not take their eyes off from him but gazed on in speechless wonder. Loving mothers, who saw him, shed silent tears thinking of his mother. </div>
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Sankara was not affected by anything he heard or saw. Inquisitive glances, compassionate sighs, eager queries, nothing affected him. He was indifferent to everything except the Spirit and Reality. </div>
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Meditating with a one-pointed mind on the All-pervading Supreme Energy, the soul behind all creation, he walked on. He would cover long distances on foot, ask for Biksha (alms) and accept the food, take rest, and walk on. </div>
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Thus, in the quest of the Unknown, he passed through many villages and populated human habitations, towns and cities, crossed many fields and meadows, wild animal infested forests, hills, rivers and rivulets and trod along many unknown paths. </div>
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Sankara finally reached Omkarnath by the river Narmada. There he learnt that a great Yogi had been living in an ecstatic trance for many years in a cave. Sankara's heart was filled with indescribable ecstasy. </div>
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Advancing a short distance, Sankara met a few old monks who lived near the caves at Omkarnath and he enquired them of Govinda Bagavatpada. </div>
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This boy at an age, when others of his years were still playing with toys and battling with the alphabets, had come alone and on foot, all the way from home in far off South, in search of a Guru! </div>
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An old monk told Sankara, " Child, The holy Yogi Govinda Bagavatpada lives in that cave. He has been in trance for a long time. We have been waiting here, and have grown old in waiting. Blessed indeed are you child! Commendable is your Guru Bhakti. " </div>
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At Narmada, Sankara got a positive response from the old monk when he asked if he could have a Dharshan of the Sage inside the cave. Immediately, Sankara prostrated before the caves. He was waiting for instructions to enter the caves. </div>
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With tears welling up from within and flowing down his tender cheeks, he stood with folded hands and started praying. </div>
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All of a sudden, he heard a voice, loud and clear, from inside the cave, “Who is there?” </div>
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Sankara’s heart was flooded with an inexpressible sublime bliss driven by a powerful urge of devotional emotion. He started answering: </div>
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“The person who has come here is neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor air, nor ether, nor a sense-organ, nor the aggregate of all these (meaning, ‘I am not a human being’) because all these are transient, variable by nature. </div>
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The existence of the Self is proved by the experience of sublation in deep meditation. I am that One, Auspicious and Pure, which alone remains.” </div>
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Sankara introduced himself in ten verses, known as Dasa Sloki, each ending with the words “Siva: kevaloham” (I am of the form of Pure Auspiciousness). </div>
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Sankara also gave out these very verses to His disciples before leaving this world, when they asked Him to instruct them on the ideas to be contemplated and meditated upon. </div>
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Sankara prostrated before the great Sage, Govinda Bagavatpada, and said: </div>
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”You are verily the sage Patanjali, the personification of Yoga Shastra. You are born of the great serpent king, Adi Seshan. Like the drums of Mahadeva, you sound and resound supreme wisdom. Your glory is infinite. You have perfection, having imbibed the total knowledge from Sri Gaudapada, the disciple of ShukaDeva, the son of VedaVyasa. I beseech you to accept me as your pupil and bestow on me the knowledge of Brahman. Please grant the prayer of this humble seeker by showing him how to find the Final Truth." </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada was protecting the wealth of Gnana and had been waiting to hand it over to the owner. And he knew the time had come for the handing over. </div>
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At an auspicious moment, Sankara was formally accepted as a disciple by Govinda Bagavatpada, who initiated him into the Paramahamsa order of Sanyasa (sam.nyAsa), the highest kind of renunciation. </div>
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Sankara now becomes <strong>Sri Sankara</strong>. </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada started to instruct the discipline of Yoga to Sri Sankara. The course of studies started with Hatha Yoga in the first year. Hatha yoga prepares the body for the spiritual path via physical and breathing exercises, and asceticism. Hatha yoga is the most superficial component of yoga. It prepares and conditions the body so that the mind can practice meditation more or less without obstacles. </div>
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Sri Sankara easily mastered the techniques of Hatha Yoga before the year was out. </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada then taught Raja Yoga, the science of disciplining the mind. </div>
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Raja Yoga is the king of all Yogas. It concerns directly with the mind. In this Yoga there is no struggling with Prana or physical body. The Yogi sits at ease, watches his mind and silences the bubbling thoughts. He stills the mind and restrains the thought-waves and enters into the thoughtless state. </div>
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Sri Sankara mastered this discipline in the second year. As a result, he became gifted with psychic powers like telepathy, clairvoyance, movement in space unseen and above all, death at will. </div>
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In the third year, Govinda Bagavatpada initiated his disciple into the high discipline of Gnana Yoga, the Realization of Ultimate Reality through Knowledge. </div>
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Gnana Yoga is the road to perfection since it helps the Yogi perceive Truth in its entirety without any trappings or maskings. It consists of : </div>
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1. Developing correct awareness of the mind, the body and the Atman or Self. </div>
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2. Purification of the body and the mind through self-discipline </div>
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3. Acquiring true awareness of the world around and beyond. Knowledge of Sat (Truth) and Asat (Falsehood) </div>
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4. Practicing elimination of thought process. </div>
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By practicing Gnana Yoga, Sri Sankara </div>
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- became free from all illusions and delusions; </div>
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- was remarkably clear-minded and fearless; </div>
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- was not stained by any longings, high or low; </div>
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- was qualified to make the bold leap into the Impersonal ‘beyond’; </div>
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- lost all sense of individuality in the ocean of Infinity. </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada made Sri Sankara undergo the duly regulated scheme of Sravana-Manana-Nidhidh-yasana. This consists of: </div>
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- Hearing the spiritual truths and secrets from the mouth of the Guru; </div>
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- Investigating and discussing it ; </div>
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- Constant contemplation on it. </div>
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The Guru established Sri Sankara firmly in the higher planes of spiritual striving and truth-experiencing. </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada found that Sri Sankara's spiritual practice and education completed and he had reached the last rung of the ladder. He needed no more training and no further instruction. He had become firmly established in Self-Knowledge. </div>
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But Sri Sankara, the man of true illumination, never gave a thought to these acquired powers. He would, if at all, make use of them only for doing good to humanity. The so-called miracles emanated from a sense of passion on his part. </div>
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Govinda Bagavatpada felt that his part in the training of Sri Sankara to function as an Acharya had been completed and that it was time for his departure from the world. He addressed Sri Sankara in a calm and collected voice: </div>
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"My son, you are born with a divine mandate to re-establish the Vedic religion. There is a purpose in your birth. Your task is not to merely swim safely across the turbulent waters of life and death. You have already done that as naturally as a fish swimming in water. Now, you have to help others to do the swimming across. See reflections of Rama, Krishna and Vyasa in yourself. Now my task is done. I have passed on to you, the treasure of Gnana which I inherited from my Guru. You are destined to accomplish much more. </div>
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You are not just an individual, but a whole institution in yourself; not just an isolated star but an entire Solar System." </div>
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Sri Sankara acknowledged His Guru’s orders with silent consent. </div>
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On an auspicious day selected for the purpose, Govinda Bagavatpada smilingly cast off his aged body in Samadhi. The disciples performed the last rites on the banks of Narmada in devotion befitting the prince of Yogis. </div>
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Sri Sankara, along with a few other Sanyasins proceeded to Varanasi as his Guru had ordained. </div>
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Varanasi lies between two holy rivers, Varana to the North and Asi River which joins the Ganga in the south. It is also known as Kasi because it is beleived that Supreme brilliance shines here, and lights the way to Heaven (Kaas - to shine). </div>
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With the holy Ganga on one side, Sri Sankara was having the Darshan of Lord Vishwanatha and Mother Visalakshi every day. </div>
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Soon, He got easily `discovered'. Earnest seekers and scholars flocked to Him in increasing numbers. He began teaching them of the Ultimate Truth. Within a very short time, his vast learning, unusual gifts of exposition, astounding intellectual keenness and charming personality became the talk of the town. Scholars and monks belonging to diverse philosophical sects and owing allegiance to various systems of thought like Jaina and Buddha approached Sri Sankara and had their doubts cleared on the Ultimate Truth. </div>
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Thus, His life task of re- establishing the pure Vedic faith in the whole of India had its auspicious beginning in Varanasi. </div>
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In the presence of the genius of the boy-Sanyasin, others aspiring for victory were humbled and they felt blessed realising the Truth. </div>
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One day, a brahmin youth named Sanandana from South India arrived at Varanasi. For many years, he had been in search of a Guru who would put him on the sure path to Ultimate Knowledge. He heard of Sri Sankara's supernatural power and uncommon genius and developed a high regard for Him and courageously requested him to be his Guru. Sankara surveyed the youth, and after putting a few queries, gave him permission to stay with him. </div>
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After sometime, Sanandana begged Sri Sankara to initiate him into Sanyasa, which, Sri Sankara obliged. Thus, Sanandana became the first Sanyasi disciple to Sri Sankara. </div>
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Sri Sankara thus became <strong>Guru Sri Sankaracharya</strong>. </div>
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Sanandana, as a boy, had developed a religious turn of mind, and went to a hill called Ahobala in the south to realise God. He had engaged himself in the worship of Lord Narasimha, the lion headed and human bodied incarnation of Lord Narayana. </div>
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One day, a hunter came to him and asked him, "Why are you living alone in this uninhabited forest?" He told the hunter that he was looking for a creature with a lion's face and a human body. He asked the hunter to help him find it. The hunter returned after a while with an image of Narasimha wrapped in green leaves. </div>
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Sanandana prostrated before this image and prayed. Lord Narasimha appeared before Sanandana, asking him, "Dear child, ask for a boon." Sanandana asked for ‘Abhaya’, (fearlessness) and "It is also my wish that whenever I remember you, you shall appear and help me out of my difficulty." "Be it so," said the Lord and disappeared. </div>
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Sanandana was highly devoted to his Guru. He constantly stayed by the side of Sankaracharya, serving his Guru. Endowed with a superior intelligence and a deep knowledge of the scriptures, he was able to win the complete confidence of his Guru and soon became his favourite. </div>
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The other disciples, human as they were, looked on Sanandana with a jealousy. This did not escape Acharya's eye. And in a strange manner he made everyone understand and concede the superiority of Sanandana. </div>
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One day Sanandana had reached the other side of the river on some errand. He had crossed the river by means of a bridge close by. Desiring to give to all, an exhibition of his unequalled Guru Bhakti, Acharya cried out in a loud voice, "O Sanandana, come to me at once!" </div>
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This fright-filled call of his Guru disturbed Sanandana a great deal. He felt for sure that his master was in some danger and was in need of immediate help. But he saw that getting to the opposite bank of the river by walking over the bridge would mean wastage of time. The call of his Guru was a distress signal and had to be responded to, immediately. He was in no mood to calculate and count the pros and cons of his action. And so he answered his Guru’s call by simply getting into the river and walked. </div>
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The water was cold and the current was strong enough to sweep away even an elephant. But in Sanandana's mind, there was no river to be crossed, no cold to be borne, no danger to be faced. Only the call of the Guru sounded in his ears and only the need to be near his Guru, as quickly as possible, was in his mind. He was utterly oblivious of every other consideration. </div>
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The onlookers were sure that he would sink in the water and perish. They raised shouts of alarm and waved at him, warning him. Sanandana was deaf and blind to everything. </div>
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And then, a miracle happened. He did not sink. At every step of his foot, bloomed a lotus and supported him, and he crossed the river walking on the bed of lotuses. Sanandana ran breathless and stood before Acharya for his commands. </div>
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The other disciples stood amazed at this supernatural happening and were dumbfounded. Then, pointing to Sanandana, Acharya addressed his other disciples, "You have now witnessed what immense grace the Goddess Bhagavati has on Sanandana. Henceforth we will call him Padmapada, the lotus-footed ". </div>
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Padmapada, with a sense of humility and a spirit of dedication, bowed again and again at the holy feet of Sri Sankaracharya. </div>
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One day, Sri Sankaracharya, accompanied by his disciples was proceeding to the Ganga for a bath. On the way, He saw a pathetic sight. A young woman, who was the picture of total grief, was crying loudly and soliciting help. A dead body, possibly of her husband, lay on the ground, its head resting on her lap. She wanted proper performance of the funeral rites of her departed husband. She had been sitting with a corpse in such a way that the narrow path leading to the river was totally blocked. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya requested the woman to move the corpse to one side of the pathway, so that He could proceed to the river. </div>
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The women could not pay attention to Sri Sankaracharya’s words. On being repeatedly requested by Him to move the body to one side of the pathway, the woman responded by telling him, "Why, Great Soul, why do you not yourself ask the corpse to move aside?" </div>
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The Guru responded to her in a voice choked with compassion, "Mother, I understand your grief. However, can a corpse ever move of its own accord?" </div>
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The woman then fixed her gaze on Sri Sankaracharya and spoke, "You best of Monks, you say that it is the one and only Brahman who is the sole authority of the universe and Shakti is indifferent. Is this not so? When Brahman is present everywhere, why should not the corpse move? Brahman is present there too." </div>
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The Guru stood astounded and began to think over what she said. And, all of a sudden, both the women and the corpse disappeard! </div>
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He experienced the sportive play of the Great goddess, Mahamaya, who is Shakti or the ‘Prime Energy’. It was because of her glance that earth and heaven throbbed. Prostrating, The Guru began to sing in praise of the Goddess Tiripurasundari, the sole refuge of the universe: </div>
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"Oh Goddess Supreme! Mother Bhavani! I have surrendered myself to You. In debate and in danger, in error and in alien lands, in water and in fire, on hills, among foes and in forests, please protect me everywhere. You alone are my only security”….. (Bhavani ashtakam) <br />
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Sri Sankaracharya understood that the Goddess Supreme, who was worshipped by the Lord Himself, had made him realise her magnanimous glory and grace. She was the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of this universe and it was She again who bestowed material abundance. </div>
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He had already experienced that the individual Soul (Jiva ) and the Infinite Soul (Brahman) were identical. He now understood that the Brahman was just a witness, a mere spectator and no more. The authorship of the universe was that of Shakti, The Prime Energy. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya understood that by remaining immersed in deep meditation would not help him to accomplish his life's purpose. </div>
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He would have to work out a practical application to life and labour on earth, of his experience of the Absolute Reality. Only then, would he become the meaningful living embodiment. </div>
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When Mother Bhavani played Her leela in the life of Sankara, would Mahadeva, the consort of Bhavani, be left behind? <br />
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On another day, when Sri Sankaracharya with his disciples was going to bath in the holy Ganga, saw a Chandala (an untouchable and worker at the cremation ground, at the very bottom of the social scale and devoid of any culture, a very primitive of men, extremely ugly and terrifying in appearance). He had four fat dogs held in leash, and was approaching in a drunken manner from the opposite direction. </div>
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Finding no other way of avoiding a confrontation with him, Sri Sankaracharya addressed him and said, "Oh, you Chandala, step aside with your dogs, and let us go". </div>
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The Chandala did not appear to have listened to his words and did not bother, but continued to advance. Sri Sankaracharya in a somewhat excited voice cried out again, "Stop, fellow, stop. Leave a passage free for us". </div>
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The terrible looking Chandala burst out: "Whom are you asking to move aside, Sir? Are you demanding the self to do so or the body to do so? The Self is omnipresent, non-active, ever pure by nature. Instead, if you ask the physical body to move aside, you know that the body is inert matter, how can it move aside at all? </div>
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“Moreover, in what respect is your body distinct and different from any other body? You say that you are firmly established and rooted in the Supreme Truth and there is One, non-dual entity, `One without a Second'." </div>
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“I see that your claim is false, you are indulging in plain talk. Is there any difference between a Chandala and a Brahmin from the viewpoint of the knower of the Truth? Is the sun reflected in the water of Ganga any different from the sun reflected in a dirty water pool? Is this your knowledge of the all-ness and the Absolute Reality? " </div>
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Hearing these words of the Chandala, charged with wisdom, Sri Sankaracharya was both amazed and ashamed. He clearly perceived that this was the play of the Divine. He remembered what Krishna had said in Gita (Chapter 5):</div>
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<b>brahmane gavi hastini</b></div>
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<b>suni chaiva sva-pake cha</b></div>
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<b>panditah sama darsinah</b></div>
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Wise men, by virtue of their true knowledge, see with equal vision, a learned and gentle Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (untouchable). </div>
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Immediately, Sri Sankaracharya folded his palms in adoration and spoke prayerfully, "He who perceives all beings with an awareness of “sameness” and acts with that perception of sameness in all, he indeed is my Guru. You Chandala are my Guru. I bow down at your holy feet a million times". </div>
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All of a sudden the Chandala and his dogs disappeared. But Sri Sankaracharya saw the Divine form of the Lord and Father of the Universe, Sri Mahadeva, radiant and shining. The Lord stood before him in all glory holding in His hands the four Vedas. These eternal scriptures were what Sri Sankaracharya had seen as dogs before. He bowed down at the feet of the Great Lord and burst into a hymn of praise: </div>
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"I reflect on the One Great God, who is the enemy of passion, the Lord of all beings, the annihilator of sin, the great lord, springing from whose matted locks the waters of the Ganga flow.”</div>
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I take refuge in Him who is without birth, the eternal, cause of all causes, the all auspicious one, from whom the universe gets expression, the Being beyond the three Gunas (qualities), who is beyond all darkness, the One without beginning and end, the Supreme, the Purifier in whom there is no duality. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64b7Vabai_3m1FsIZhe5nwxQvSbYDQuEcPw_HzwxjK4rbtXr3SN_cb1Vy4TDv7ZBQRIrPO7grMyETXcqnXjldY0CBQl7GDYsVCDk8_cT_larYmSKyJhDs1avpKSa08MCVcAS5C8s_Dgs/s1600/21.+Shankaracharya+Shiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64b7Vabai_3m1FsIZhe5nwxQvSbYDQuEcPw_HzwxjK4rbtXr3SN_cb1Vy4TDv7ZBQRIrPO7grMyETXcqnXjldY0CBQl7GDYsVCDk8_cT_larYmSKyJhDs1avpKSa08MCVcAS5C8s_Dgs/s200/21.+Shankaracharya+Shiva.jpg" width="200" /></a>“Salutation to You, O Lord, salutation to You, who is of the form of the Universe; Salutations to You again and again, who is of the form of knowledge and Bliss; Salutations to You over and over again, who is reachable by the Vedic Knowledge; Salutations to You again and again." …… (Manisha panchakam) </div>
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The essence of Manisha panchakam is that atman shines forth equally in a Brahmin and an untouchable. </div>
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It contains five slokas. In the first four, the non-duality as specified in the four Vedas is glorified. The fifth sloka glorifies the Pranava Mantra, ‘OM’, which includes the four Vedas. </div>
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Pleased by this hymn, Lord Mahadeva placed his hand on Sankara's head and said: "Child, I am pleased and gratified. I wish that you work towards the re-establishment of Vaidika Dharma on earth, the Spiritual Discipline described in the Vedas. You must give out a flawless meaning of Vedanta and blow up the other theories that lead men to duality and darkness. You must write out a commentary on the Brahma Sutra of Vyasa and firmly establish that knowledge of Brahman. You have to preach the Vedic faith in such a way as to make it available to all". Mahadeva then disappeared from view. <br />
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Soon after, as per the wishes of Mahadeva, Acharya was explaining to his disciples, the commentary on the Brahma Sutras when an aged Brahmin entered the place. The lesson was stopped as the venerable old man stepped in and everyone there got up and with great reverence, requested him to take a seat. </div>
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Without taking the offered seat, the old man queried: "I hear that a certain Sanyasi here gives detailed explanation on the Brahma sutras. Can you tell me where he is? " </div>
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The disciples answered: " This is our Guru Sankaracharya, who has all the scriptures stored in his memory and they are all at his finger tips. He has written a commentary on the Brahma sutras which has silenced all critics. He is now teaching us that valuable treasure". </div>
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Then the old man took a seat and made a request to the Acharya: " They call you the commentator on the Brahma sutra composed by Veda Vyasa. Well, I want to see if your commentary agrees with my interpretation. Please tell me the meaning of the first section of the third chapter". </div>
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Everyone was stunned by the authority of the old man’s poser of the question. </div>
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With great humility, Acharya said: "To all masters who know the meaning of the sutras, I offer my salutations. I have no such egoistic feeling that I am a great Comprehensor of the sutras. I shall try to answer all your questions". </div>
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With these words, Acharya started giving out a correct explanation of the sutra that the old man had asked. Acharya found in the old man a very powerful contestant. Hardly had the Acharya put forth a point with his unmatched brilliance, the old man cut short with what struck everyone as an unassailable objection. </div>
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With great steadiness Acharya met the old man’s objections with replies, strikingly sensible and impressively rational. But the old man would not be silenced. He would put forth another argument, only to draw out a more powerful counter-argument from Sri Sankaracharya. </div>
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Indeed this battle of wits went on and on. In this volley of dialogue, the whole of the Brahma sutras, the four Vedas, many scriptures, various philosophies, all came in for analysis, elucidation, research and summing up. </div>
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The combatants were far removed in age from each other, but so alike in wisdom and learning. The astoundingly deep scholarship, the astonishing power of memory, the limitless sweep of intellect, the rare depths of introspection, and the powerful skill in debate made the disciples dazed and dumbfounded as the entertaining warfare went on. </div>
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The Himalayan debate raged for several days. Padmapada, who had followed this clash of high talent with keen understanding, approached the Acharya in private and asked him, "Master, who other than VedaVyasa can possibly possess all this superior scholarship, this sharp intellect and this great skill of debate? Is it possible that he is Vedavyasa in the disguise of an old man and we stand outwitted as to his real identity?" </div>
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The next day, Acharya addressed the old man: "Great soul, we have been eager to know who you are. All of us believe that you are indeed Vedavyasa. If our feeling is right, please accept our salutations”. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The spontaneity and sincerity of Acharya's words touched the Brahmin deeply and he told the Acharya that his inference was correct and that he was indeed Vedavyasa.</span></div>
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Acharya and all the disciples prostrated before Sri Vedavyasa. Placing his hand on Acharya's bowed head, the greatest of the sages blessed the young Sanyasin. </div>
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The poet in Acharya immediately came into play and took shape as a beautiful hymn. He said: </div>
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"O Great Sage Krishna-dvaipayana, my life has become blessed by the sight of your holy feet. You have performed mighty deeds for the benefit of the mankind. Your services, like your name, will live for all times to come. You are the compiler of the eighteen Puranas. You have classified the Vedas into four parts. You know the past, the present and the future. There is nothing on earth that you do not know. You are the milky ocean, and out of it has come the Mahabharata, like the moon. You have done infinite good to the world. I salute you as the foremost of the Gurus". <br />
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Sri Vedavyasa felt delighted about Acharya's discovery of his identity and Acharya's understanding of him(Sri Vedavyasa). Taking the seat offered by Acharya, he said: "Wise boy, your erudition has quite charmed me. You are divinely gifted, with attributes unequalled on earth or in heaven. There is no one on earth who could have answered even one of my queries. You answered them all to my complete satisfaction. Among the spiritual teachers, you are a class apart." </div>
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"Hearing that you have written a commentary on my sutras, I came to see you. I am convinced that you are indeed worthy of the big task of commenting on my sutra. Like the Sun in its dazzling glory of brilliance, you too will remove the darkness of ignorance in the world by spreading the glory of Advaita." </div>
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"I now request you to continue your noble work. You have to write commentaries on Sruti and the Smriti". </div>
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"I have already accomplished that work as well”, said Sri Sankaracharya and produced the other parts of his works to Sri Vedavyasa. He was quite amazed to see the works of the young Acharya, and went through all his commentaries on Sruti and Smriti with absorbing interest, and then said: "All this is very well done indeed! It is all as it should be. I am very delighted". </div>
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At this time, when everyone’s mood was ecstatic, Acharya threw a bombshell. He made a submission to Sri Vedavyasa Bhagavan: “Sir, I have completed all the work that you expected of me. Kindly give me the permission to terminate my physical existence in your very presence here and now". </div>
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Sri Vedavyasa was astonished. Padmapada and other disciples were bewildered. There was silence all around. </div>
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When Sri Sankaracharya wanted to terminate his life in front of Sri Vyasa, Vyasa Bhagavan said: " No Sankara, contrary to what you think, your task is not yet finished. Much remains to be done yet. You have to meet and vanquish in debate all the renowned scholars in the land of Bharata and bring them round to your point of view of scriptural truth. You alone can do it. I have come here to grant you a boon of extended life-span. My dear boy, destiny had fixed your span of life at eight years first. But you took Sanyasa and by the grace of Lord Shiva, your life was extended by eight more years. It is the gracious dispensation of the Supreme lord that you live for another sixteen years in this body.” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVsbARviP_2p-vtL71I1IiEB6MggLC5XrZVJ3Tj3QuB-qzq4-SUaCfJDZf3hQ4akcC3qa6xfbi5MlAm8h2wTsMFYlb7Le_it3Wl5w0tB1IvAJOXbcmv6SfOUN5FpfOJ7DOLElizF6NVI/s1600/23.+Shankaracharya+shiva+srisailam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVsbARviP_2p-vtL71I1IiEB6MggLC5XrZVJ3Tj3QuB-qzq4-SUaCfJDZf3hQ4akcC3qa6xfbi5MlAm8h2wTsMFYlb7Le_it3Wl5w0tB1IvAJOXbcmv6SfOUN5FpfOJ7DOLElizF6NVI/s320/23.+Shankaracharya+shiva+srisailam.JPG" width="231" /></a>“Your first task now is to vanquish Kumarila Bhatta. Then, you have to travel across the vast Bharata, traversing the holy land from end to end, in order to confront, conceive and convert all those who contradict your views. Your foremost work will be to harmonize the different schools of thought. You will also have to hoist aloft the flag of Advaita, establish Vedanta on a sound basis and proclaim the glory of the Brahman to all. On your shoulders rests not the destiny of an individual, but a whole nation's spiritual welfare." </div>
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Acharya bowed down in approval, and Sri Vedavyasa left that place. The minds of all the disciples were freed from the dark. There was no fear of their Acharya's quitting the world early. They were overjoyed and happy at the extension of his life-span. </div>
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Acharya became very eager to carry out the instructions of Sri Vyasa. His first task was to conquer Kumarila. Acharya came to know that Kumarila was a holy soul, who had vanquished in debate various philosophers and propagandists of anti-Vedic schools. Acharya also came to know that the aged scholar, Kumarila Bhatta now lived in Prayaga. </div>
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Kumarila was born in the Chola country in South India in a Brahmin family. Since the boyhood, he was devoted to the Vedas. He belonged to the Meemamsa School of thoughts. </div>
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Mimamsa means "investigation, inquiry, discussion." In this philosophy, Vedas are ultimate and God does not exist. So, there is no ‘aham brahma asmi’. </div>
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Kumarila believed that In order to refute any school of thought, one should master that philosophy to have a thorough knowledge of its theory and practice. In order to combat Buddhism, he had to master its philosophy and know all the intricacies of its workings and beliefs. So he entered a Buddhist school as a disciple, concealing his identity, and became a Buddhist pupil to learn Buddhist doctrines. </div>
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One day, the Buddhist teacher started abusing and ridiculing the Vedas. Kumarila felt extremely agonized to hear this condemnation of the Vedas. He did not let the tirade against the Vedas go unchallenged. He entered into an argument with his teacher. Then began a long debate, a philosophical duel and a battle of keen wits, between the teacher and pupil. </div>
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Kumarila effectively smashed the successive positions and attitudes of his teacher. The Teacher found himself more and more powerless to contend against his own pupil, who overwhelmed and confounded him with unanswerable refutations and forthright arguments. Kumarila was easily able to establish the Supreme authority and the unbeaten superiority of the Vedas. </div>
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Then, Kumarila made a strong and severe remark against his teacher’s philosophy. The Teacher became very angry and as atonement for the sin committed by Kumarila, he ordered Kumarila to be thrown down the roof of building and lose his life. </div>
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The disciples, who were waiting for an opportunity to pounce on Kumarila, outran the teacher and pushed Kumarila down from the top. Kumarila quickly composed himself into Yogic steadiness, and uttered: "If the Vedas are true, may my life be protected". </div>
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Ultimately, Kumarila did not lose his life, but lost an eye. Why? While his strong belief in Vedas saved his life, his slight doubt, ‘if’, caused the damage. He should have said: “Vedas are true; may my life be protected". </div>
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Kumarila realised that absolute Faith would have saved him absolutely and that a very miniscule, subconscious doubt caused him dearly. </div>
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Kumarila avenged his folly by spreading Vedic faith vigourously. He was victorious in his campaign of resuscitating the Vedic faith. Wherever he went, he demonstrated by argument, how the Vedas contained the true faith and how they were not man-made, but trans-human. </div>
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Kumarila Bhatta conquered the Jains as much as he conquered the Buddhists. He was a man of great initiative and power and proved much more than a match to many well-known religionists of that day. He was also a noted writer and wrote with authority on the Meemamsa philosophy. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya set out to meet this Kumarila Bhatta, at Prayaga. Prayaga is now Triveni in Alahabad where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswathi merge. </div>
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He desired to visit and worship at the many holy spots on the banks of the sacred Yamuna, and so moved along the Yamuna towards the direction of Prayaga. On the way he touched Kurukshetra, the site of the epic Mahabharata battle where the Gita was born. </div>
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He reached Brindavan, the playground of Sri Krishna's boyhood. Acharya went to see many spots associated with Krishna's boyhood and visited the famous temples in the region. At the shrine of Lord Krishna, he was moved by his divine love for the Supreme Guru of Gita, and reverentially offered a sweet hymn at the feet of Krishna<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">When Acharya reached Prayaga, a shocking news reached his ears. Kumarila Bhatta had entered the husk-fire for the purpose of burning himself to slow death. This was an act of atonement for the sin he committed, for Guru Droh - cheating his Guru. Many years ago, in order to learn Buddhist philosophy, he cheated on his Buddhist Teacher disguising as his disciple and learnt the Buddhist philosophy.</span></div>
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Acharya's chief objective in coming to Prayaga was to have a discussion with Kumarila. When he heard of Kumarila's resolve to pay for his sin with slow burning, the Acharya went to the place where Kumarila was already in the husk-fire. </div>
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Even while Kumarila was burning slowly, Sri Sankaracharya explained to him, the Advaidic philosophy as against Meemamsa. </div>
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Advaita believes in Vedic Karma, which cleanses the soul. Then through Bhakthi, one realises god and becomes one with Brahman. Upanishads teach how to reach that state through Gnana. Karma, Bhakthi, Yoga, Gnana - is the sequence, as per Advaita. </div>
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Meemamsa does not accept Upanishads. According the Meemamsa, Karma takes one straight to Moksha. No God and No Bhakthi required. </div>
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Advaita literally means ‘non-dualism’, ‘only one’. Advaita bases itself upon the Upanishads, the Brahma-sutras and the Bhagavad-gita. Advaita asserts that the real, essential identity of the individual self (Jivatma), is nothing other than Brahman Himself (Paramatma). The teaching follows from upanishadic statements like tat tvam asi and aham brahmAsmi. </div>
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Brahman alone is Truth, the universe is an illusion, and the seemingly bound soul, Jivatma, is none but the Brahman. </div>
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In essence, Jivatma and Paramatma are one and the same, `One, and there is NO Second'. </div>
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This knowledge non-duality of the individual soul and the Brahman, the Supreme soul, is experienced in the deepest state of super-consciousness. The attainment of this state of experience is extremely difficult and is a very rare privilege for ordinary mortals like us. </div>
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However, in our practical day to day work and behavior, it is possible in a partial way, to understand that ‘Brahman is all’, as a result of prolonged and steady practice. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya explained the above Advida principles to Kumarila with examples: </div>
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“In darkness, a rope is mistaken for a snake. But when examined with a light, we will find that the supposed snake is only a rope. The ‘superimposed’ snake disappears when light (knowledge) is thrown on it. Even for an illusion, there must be a basis in reality. The basis in this example is the rope. All illusions are superimposed on truth; and conversely, what remains after the illusion is removed, is the truth.” </div>
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“When a person wakes up from a dream, everything seen and felt in the dream disappears. What remains is only the dreamer. It means that we project ourselves into the objects of our dream. When we get up and the dream goes away, we realise that there is nothing outside us.” </div>
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“The reflection in a mirror has no substance; it is only an appearance of what already exists.“ </div>
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“When we realise, with the aid of gnana, that God is the only ultimate Truth and everything else is illusion, then, other emotions like anger, desire, hatred, pain, grief etc. will not affect us. “ </div>
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When Acharya finished his explanations on Advata, Kumarila was getting burnt severely. However, he said: “O greatest of the monks, I am convinced about Advaita. I am willing to propagate Advaita now. But as you see, I am nearing death and so I cannot do that. But, there is a disciple of mine, named Mandanamishra who lives in Mahishmati town. He is the right person to be conquered.” </div>
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Kumarila’s end came soon after. With a heavy heart, Acharya and his disciples left Prayaga to meet Mandanamishra.</div>
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Mandana's wife Ubhayabharati, was the sister of Kumarila Bhatta. She was also known as Saarasavaani. She had mastered a number of philosophical systems. Though gifted beyond measure and united in wedlock to a person very well to do in life, Ubhayabharati considered the performance of her household tasks the foremost duty. She was an ideal Wife to a perfect Husband. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The service to husband, with the knowledge that he is God in person, is one of the finest gifts to the world civilization by Indian culture. Equally, placing the wife on the pedestal of unshakable glory is the Indian tradition. The number of Goddesses outnumbering the (male) Gods is proof enough for this fact.</span></div>
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Mandana and Ubhayabharati were a couple ‘made for each other’. Ubhayabharati was the incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning. </div>
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When Mandana suggested Ubhayabharati to be the judge of the debate, Acharya agreed immediately. </div>
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Ubhayabharati came forward to do her duty without any fear or favor. With no pride and with no airs of any kind, but with modesty and bashfulness, she occupied the judge's seat. </div>
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The condition of the debate was made known to all: If Mandana got defeated, he would take Sanyas from the Acharya. If Mandana won, Acharya would forego Sanyas and get into worldly life. Not just that, the vanquished would accept the Victor's views and propagate his faith. </div>
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Ubhayabharati knew that announcing a winner from two great scholars was not going to be easy. She then put garlands of flowers on the necks of both and then declared, "He whose garland fades first will be the vanquished in the debate. Please proceed with the debate comfortably". </div>
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The arguments became keener and complex, and the refutations and denials also became correspondingly stronger and bolder. Both the contestants raised more and more intricate questions. There was a downpour of assertions and objections from either side. Quotations from the scriptures were marshaled with marvelous skill by both, and exploited to lend support to their case. </div>
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The debate was carried on for seventeen days. On the eighteenth day however, Mandana appeared to be shaken and agitated. The brilliant scholar perspired all over. The garland round his neck was gradually losing its freshness and began to wither, while Acharya's garland shone with added luster. Ubhayabharati noted this and felt much distressed as a loving wife she was. Setting aside sentiments, she stood on the needle-point of honesty and in concluding the debate, publicly announced, "My husband has lost the debate". The crowd was dumbfounded. </div>
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Ubhayabharati's moral courage was of unequalled excellence and all were thrilled by her utter impartiality and unqualified objectivity. </div>
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Mandana gracefully owned his defeat. He had no more of mental conflict, no more of any intellectual strain or emotional stress. He then bowed down to the feet of the Acharya and said: " Venerable monk, I have no more doubts, no misgivings, no mental reservations any longer. With a full heart and a clean conscience I implore you to bestow on me the privilege of being your disciple. If you graciously consider me worthy of manhood, competent to enter a life of total renunciation, do kindly initiate me into the monastic order". </div>
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Ubhayabharati had remained a witness for sometime. Her sentiments and emotion now overtook everything else. Not wanting to part ways with her Husband, she addressed the Acharya and told him: "Sir, my husband's defeat is not yet complete. In the scriptures, it is said, that the wife is a half of the man's soul. I agree that you have defeated him. You must however defeat me, the other half of my husband, and then you may make him your disciple. I have a strong urge to debate with you". </div>
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Here was a situation for which Acharya was totally unprepared. Ubhayabharati's offer to debate with him took him by surprise. He thought for a while and said: "Mother, scholars of standing never desire to debate with the ladies". </div>
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She replied rather sharply: "Why do you entertain a belittling attitude towards women? You know that the great sage Yagvavalkya did engage in a debate with Gargi. The royal sage Janaka also entered into a debate with a woman Gnani, Sulabha. Why should you not debate with me, when I solicit you to the debate? If you do not agree to a debate, then you must accept your defeat". </div>
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Acharya saw that there was no escaping from this gentle but firm lady. In the interest of his mission, which was not for personal glory, he felt compelled to agree to a debate with the arbiter who had acted as a judge so impartially. No time was lost and the debate between the homeless wanderer and a home-keeping housewife began in full swing. </div>
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Ubhayabharati identified herself with her husband's philosophy and argued hotly. Gradually the debate entered the subtle and complex fields. Her mode of debating, the magnitude of her scholarship, her powers of analysis, her deep grasping power and remarkable self- confidence filled Acharya with amazement. Finding her an adversary, with talent as brilliant as his own, Acharya proceeded cautiously on. To the hundreds of questions that Ubhayabharati raised on all aspects of philosophy, Acharya gave highly original and convincing answers. This again went on for seventeen days. </div>
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The audience began to think that the debate would never come to an end. It was not long before Ubhayabharati understood quite well that she could never score a victory over the monk in the field of Veda and Advaita. </div>
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On the eighteenth day, she sprang a surprise on the Acharya. </div>
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Ubhayabharati’s only intention at that moment was not to lose her husband. So, she was prepared to ask and argue on any subject to win the debate. She did not realise that she was asking uncomfortable questions to a Sanyasin, who had never experienced the worldly pleasures, that too in front of her husband. She asked: </div>
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"What are the signs and qualities of romantic passion? How many types are there in erotic science? In what parts of the body has erotic passion its centers? By what physical acts does the passion find expression and by what acts does it subside? How does passion rise and fall in man's and woman's body in the bright fortnight when the moon waxes and the dark fortnight when it wanes?" </div>
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Acharya was taken aback and remained silent for a while. Then he said: "Mother, please question me in the scriptures. And I shall answer you. How is it that you put such types of questions to a celibate monk?" </div>
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Pat came the reply from Ubhayabharati, "Why greatest of the monks, is not the science of erotic also a proper science? You are a monk and may say that you have renounced everything. But you have not yet renounced the desire to be a winner in debates. If you are a perfect monk, you must really be a master of the senses and a conqueror of the passion. Why should a mere discussion on the subject of erotic cause a ruffle in your mind?" </div>
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Acharya kept quiet. She continued: "The conquest of passions like lust and anger is the result of knowledge. If a mere discussion on erotic is going to cause undulation to your mind, then you are not established in the knowledge of Reality. Hence you are unworthy to be my husband's Guru". </div>
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Strong words were these, coming from Ubhayabharati. She would not part with her husband so easily. </div>
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Acharya listened and sat still with downcast eyes for long. He was in an awful predicament. If he answered the questions, people would tag him as a ‘fake sanyasin’. Even the word ‘Sanyasin’ would become corrupted. If he did not answer, he would lose the debate and become a ‘Grihastha’ – to lead the same life about which he could not answer. It was indeed a dilemma. Never before in his life, had he faced such an embarrassing situation. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Mother Sarada was making her divinity evident. This was all her wonderful play, play of Parasakti, without whom even the Shiva, Vishnu and others lose their very existence and meaning. Glory to Sri Sarada, Sri Rajarajeshwari, Sri Kamakshi, Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri TiripuraSundari!</span></div>
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The Acharya got over the feeling of surprise at these inconvenient questions and got ready to meet the challenging situation. With no anger or bitterness, but with a smiling countenance he said: “Mother, I am a celibate, a monk. The primary discipline for a monk, based on the scriptures, is total renunciation of lust and of all lustful inclinations and preoccupations. I am not bound by the desire to score victories in debate as you incorrectly pointed out. I am not here to score points over others. I am just carrying on my mission of Lokasangraha, of which this debate is a small part.” </div>
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Acharya said: “If I choose to reply to your questions by a word of mouth, I shall be tarnishing the ideal of monasticism. Therefore, I shall enter another physical frame and then shall answer your questions by writing a book for the purpose. Do you agree to this arrangement?" </div>
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Ubhayabharati gladly agreed to Acharya’s plan and gave a month's time for him to revert. She postponed the inevitable by a month! </div>
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For the first time since she posed the ‘inconvenient’ questions, Ubhayabharati raised her head and looked at Sri Sankarachrya. The ever peaceful Acharya looked into her eyes. The looks that had created only ‘bhakthi’ everywhere all the while thus far, created a sense of fear in Ubhayabharati. </div>
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Acharya left the city of Mahishmati and proceeded towards peace, into a thick forest, with his disciples. All of a sudden, they saw a man sleeping under a tree. “He must be a very brave man, all alone in a forest like this, and sleeping without any worries. Was there no danger?” the thought went through everyone’s mind. </div>
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There was no more danger for him since he was already dead. Acharya found out that he was the King Amaraka, who came to the woods on a hunting expedition and had met with a sudden death. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Tragic as the king's death was, Acharya saw in it an opportunity. He took Padmapada into confidence and said: "Look Padmapada, here is a golden chance for me, I shall immediately enter the king's body, live as Amaraka for a while, find the answers to all of Ubhayabharati’s queries and come back. Till then, please keep my body….” - he did not feel good saying “my body” - “Please keep my body in a lonely cave. The Atma does not get affected by this act of mine. My body will also remain pure”.</span></div>
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Padmapada was not sure. Very worried, he tried to dissuade the Acharya. “Do not worry, Padmapada. You may now think that this role of a married-man would get me a bad name as a Sanyasin. At a later date, I will be playing another role, which will be worse than this. You must be prepared and be brave.” </div>
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Achrya continued: “Guard this seemingly dead body of mine inside the cave very carefully. After a month, I shall re-enter this body and be my old self again". </div>
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Acharya used his Yogic power of Parakaya Pravesha (entering another's body), and entered into the king's body. <br />
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When the King returned back to his palace, his behaviour was totally different. He attended to the people’s needs; worked on their problems and solved them; he gave alms to the poor; he went to temples; he was very keen in poetry, and so on. He was no longer ‘a bad King’, but became a good ruler. </div>
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Acharya, while residing in the king's body, called in scholars versed in the science of erotics and made a thorough study of the writings on sex by sage Vatsyayana and pursued all the commentaries on them to gain complete mastery over the subject. He also perfected in the practicalities of the science of Kamakala. It was then possible for the mastermind of the Acharya to produce an authoritative book on erotics in which all the questions of Ubhayabharati were more than answered. Padmapada came in disguise and had an interview with king Amaraka and obtained the book from him. </div>
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In the meantime, the learned ministers became suspicious of the king. How could such a bad personality turn so good overnight? They ultimately found out about the Parakaya Pravesha. Since they were very happy about the way the King ruled, they wanted him to continue without getting back to his original body. They thought that if the original body of the soul was destroyed, then they would be blessed with this King for ever. </div>
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They traced the body of Acharya in the caves. The ministers immediately ordered their men to burn the body of the Sanyasin. Padmapada and others went to the king in disguise and informed him through statements, which had two meanings. The Acharya, who was in the body of the king, immediately understood the inner meaning. </div>
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Acharya’s soul left the King’s body leaving the King dead and was searching for its original body. In the meanwhile, the body of the Acharya was set to fire by the men of the ministers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkHhhZFMq_ycB8NCCluAFYdnlkhHsFjgR6341PsYbfJUEOCEuQl581cWwjyzsFxnip6xwKHsCNRHuDvgcOC8h5zaMLwOIih9F03Z0UZPSS1xSE0k4VGm2bdxWpRlr2lX4MIWBOU4znMc/s1600/29.+Shankaracharya+Chandala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkHhhZFMq_ycB8NCCluAFYdnlkhHsFjgR6341PsYbfJUEOCEuQl581cWwjyzsFxnip6xwKHsCNRHuDvgcOC8h5zaMLwOIih9F03Z0UZPSS1xSE0k4VGm2bdxWpRlr2lX4MIWBOU4znMc/s320/29.+Shankaracharya+Chandala.jpg" width="227" /></a>And, the body of the Acharya started burning. </div>
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When the soul of Acharya reached the body, the right hand was already burnt out. Acharya got up from the pyre. At the request of Padmapadha, Acharya sang out a hymn in praise of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Stotra.</div>
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Each stanza ends with “mama dehi karAvalambam”, meaning, ‘O Lakshminrsimha, provide me the support of (Your) hands’. </div>
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The burning hand was rescued immediately by the grace of the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, who was quick to shower his blessings on this Prahlada-like devotee. The Acharya then thanked the Lord and returned to the city of Mahishmati to confront Ubhayabharati. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Mandana was eagerly awaiting Acharya's return since mentally he had already taken to the discipleship of the Acharya. Mandana was unique among the Acharya's disciples. Others had approached the Guru in the traditional way, with homage and reverence and had begged for and received his mercy. Mandana alone had fought his way to Guru's grace.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl28AJl8WqPRysIEFJ50H-YljFa5xQjjgLrecNklwpMiJl1mfzQs6VIQzuwqI4mK04EKxI_CdogYcBCeceYGdgB2QPGpIy1qmt0uaBoYBZC3AgO8LAmM907Sl00yfjedL7NHHFegkg9Y/s1600/30.+Shankaracharya+the_kama_sutra_the_hindu_art_of_love_vatsyayana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl28AJl8WqPRysIEFJ50H-YljFa5xQjjgLrecNklwpMiJl1mfzQs6VIQzuwqI4mK04EKxI_CdogYcBCeceYGdgB2QPGpIy1qmt0uaBoYBZC3AgO8LAmM907Sl00yfjedL7NHHFegkg9Y/s320/30.+Shankaracharya+the_kama_sutra_the_hindu_art_of_love_vatsyayana.jpg" width="217" /></a>Mandana and Ubhayabharati gave a very warm welcome to Acharya. The Acharya greeted Ubhayabharati and said, " Mother Bharati, here is the promised book, please accept this as the answer to all your queries". </div>
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Ubhayabharati went through the book very carefully from beginning to end and was greatly pleased with its excellence. The book was a treatise, also on the branch of astrological science, dealing with the conception, evolution and reproduction of the human species under certain categorical conditions laid down by the ancient Rishis. It also expounded certain principles regarding the structure of the human organism, its mental and moral qualities, aesthetic, physical and psychological tendencies, interrelation of the sexes, and attraction and repulsion of persons born under various stars. The treatise is known as Amarakam. </div>
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Ubhayabharati told the Acharya, "Great one, now your victory is complete indeed. My husband will now become your disciple and a monk. And I shall return to my eternal abode of Satyaloka, ending my incarnation as Ubhayabharati". </div>
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Acharya bowed before her and praised her glories and said, "Adored mother Bharati, you have descended on earth to impart divine knowledge. I know that you are none other than Devi Saraswati. If you depart from the earth now, all the knowledge will disappear from the world. Therefore please stay on for some time”. </div>
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Saraswati offered to grant him a boon. Acharya requested her to go along with him until he consecrated Her divine grace at some congenial place. Saraswati granted his prayers under a condition that he should not look back during the course of the journey to know if she was following. If he turned back, she would stop at that spot itself. </div>
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Acharya accepted that condition. He then initiated Mandana into monk-hood in the appropriate manner. He gave up the name Mandana, and took on a new name Sureshvaracharya. </div>
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The long travel towards the south bagan. Acharya and his disciples walked along, followed by Saraswati Devi. When they reached a sandy tract very near the confluence of Tunga and Badra rivers, Saraswati’s anklets got stuck in the sand and the tiny bells in the anklets ceased to tinkle. Till then, the Acharya was sure that she was following by hearing the tinkling of the bells. </div>
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Since the sound of the bells stopped, Acharya turned back. And LO! She stopped there. Then Acharya consecrated her as Sarada, in that spot, in the standing pose. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Acharya then set out on what was virtually a Digvijaya - a campaign of world conquest in the cultural and spiritual field of India, covering all parts.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">After that Acharya arrived at Srisailam (in Andra Pradesh). He visited the shrine of Sri Mallikarjuna and Devi Bhramarambika.</span></div>
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He sang a prayer in praise of Mahadeva. Seeing the radiant and loving face of the goddess, Acharya burst out into a hymn in praise of Mother Bhramarambika. Acharya also established a Srichakra in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Devi. </div>
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Srisailam was the stronghold of the dreaded Kapalikas. The Kapalikas were a sect of fanatics who in excess of their religious zeal, had got into perverted ways far removed from culture or true spirituality. They killed human beings and offered the flesh to the God and also eat it. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Kapalikas would not subscribe to the basic doctrines of spiritual effort. With their wonted fury and thoroughness, they declared a war on the Acharya and his philosophy.</span></div>
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But the Acharya floored them by the soundness and the force of Advatic philosophy. </div>
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Their king Krakacha was exteremy upset with Acharya. He engaged Ugrabhairava, the chief of Kapalikas in Srisailam for the purpose of doing away with the life of the Acharya. </div>
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Ugrabhairava was an expert in deceiving others. One day, he approached the Acharya in the guise of a seeker and bowing at his feet asked for discipleship under him. Acharya, though all- knowing, granted his prayer. And thus, Ugrabhairava got into the privileged group of Acharya's disciples. His behavior and devoted service fascinated everyone and he soon became a favorite with all. </div>
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One day, when Acharya was meditating, Ugrabhairava approached him and fell at his feet and shed tears. When Acharya asked him what the matter was, he said: </div>
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"My lord, I know what really you are. You are a great soul, a being like Shiva, compassionate and helpful. You are the embodiment of endless virtues. I beg you to fulfill just one desire of mine, thereby rendering my human birth useful". </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Acharya said: "Good man, speak out your desire. I shall satisfy your wish".</span></div>
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Ugrabhairava said: "I have been, so far in my life practicing several spiritual disciplines to be worthy of inhabiting the abode of Lord Shiva. The Lord became extremely pleased with my penance and granted me a boon. The boon is that my desire will be fulfilled if I do a Homa or a fire sacrifice to Rudra, and the head of a True Sanyasin is to be sacrificed. Since the time the boon was granted, I have been going around from place to place making great efforts to procure the head of such a Sanyasin, but with no purpose. Now you certainly are omniscient. If you agree to favour me, my human birth will be rendered effective". </div>
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The senseless pleading of Ugrabhairava made the Acharya give him many a wholesome advice on the philosophy of true knowledge. But the Acharya's words fell on deaf ears. </div>
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Ugrabhairava continued weeping and said, "Lord, You know that I am not competent enough to receive the knowledge of Advaita and contain it. I am aged and have not many more days to live. It is now on you to take pity on me. It is said that Dadhichi, a great sage attained undying glory by making a gift of his body to Indra. You too, by throwing away this ephemeral frame of yours for my good, will achieve lasting fame". </div>
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Acharya came to feel that it was quite in the fitness of things that his ephemeral frame went to the fulfillment of a meritorious act. Moreover, everything depended on the will of the Lord and wisdom lay in letting things happen according to divine dispensation and direction. He at once spoke out of his readiness to Ugrabhairava. </div>
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Ugrabhairava said, "Master, I shall have the sacrifice done in such a way that your disciples will not come to know of it. In the forest nearby, there is an uninhabited shrine of Bhairava. I shall have all the arrangements made there. At midnight, on the coming Amavasya, (darkest night of the New Moon), you may come there. No one will be able to know anything of this". </div>
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Acharya approved of the plan. On the appointed day, The Acharya went to the place of sacrifice. Ugrabhairava was waiting there. The Acharya asked Ugrabhairava if he was ready and then sat in Padmasana position, closed his eyes and started meditating thus allowing him to cut his head off with a sword. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">A very happy Ugrabhairava took his sword out, thinking “I am going to remove the greatest enemy of my religion from this world. I will get all the benefits for doing this service to my religion” and threw the sword on Acharya.</span></div>
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Meanwile on that Amavasya night, when the Acharya quietly walked out to the place of sacrifice, Padmapada was sleeping along with the other disciples. He had a very bad dream. In the dream, he saw someone severing the head of his Guru, Sri Sankaracharya. He was so shocked that he woke up and did not know what to do. Padmapada immediately remembered the boon he received from Lord Narasimha. </div>
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[Lord Narasimha appeared before Sanandana, asking him, "Dear child, ask for a boon." Sanandana asked for ‘Abhaya’, (fearlessness) and "It is also my wish that whenever I remember you, you shall appear and help me out of my difficulty." " Be it so", said the Lord......... ]</div>
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As soon as Padmapada remembered the Lord, He not only appeared before Padmapada, but entered Padmapada’s body, jumped up from the bed and rushed towards the spot where the Acharya was to be sacrificed. </div>
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He saw Ugrabhairava raising the sword and throwing it on Acharya. Just at that moment, Padmapada, the Narasimha possessed, snatched the sword in a flash. Then he roared like a lion and tore open the heart of Ugrabhairava with his sharp nails and killed him, as he did with Hiranyakashipu. The thunderous roar reverberated across Srisailam. </div>
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Acharya opened his eyes after hearing that noise. Oh! What a fantastic sight! “Isn’t this, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha? Is it not Hiranya’s body around his neck like a garland?” Acharya wiped his eyes to see the sight more clearly. But he saw Padmapada in the place of the Lord, and the body of Ugrabhairava lying down with blood stains all over. </div>
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By then Padmapada had fallen unconscious. When he regained his consciousness, he confessed that he did not know what actually happened. He only remembered the bad dream and that he had invoked his beloved deity. The presence of mind of Padmapada thus saved the life of Sri Sankaracharya. </div>
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While at Srisailam, Sri Sankaracharya composed some exquisite verses in praise of Lord Mallikarjuna. Sample this composition, known as Sivanandalahari: </div>
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“What can I offer you, Eswara? (Eswara is also Aiswaryava, the one having everything). You have everything, so what can I give you?…. Ok, I will give you my heart….. Oh, he is coming to me even to take that…. Look at him. I thought he was very rich… he has no riches! He has an old bull, he is wearing elephant skin, has a snake around his neck! He says he drinks poison and that is his food! He is asking me, ‘you gave me your heart, what can I give you in return?’ Lord, give me the attitude that will make me think of your lotus feet all the time in pure bhakti.” </div>
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"I bow before Lord Mallikarjuna, who helps everyone to get over, as if through a bridge, the great ocean of Samskara, and who always resides on the Srisailam hill." </div>
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From Srisailam, Acharya and his disiples went to Ahobila to pay respects to the Lord Narasimha who saved Acharya’s life. There, he composed the famous Lakshmi Narasimha Pancharatnam. </div>
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It is interesting to note that while Padmapada, the Sishya, learnt Advaita, Bhakti Gnana and everything else from his Guru Sri Sankaracharya, the Guru got the Narasimha bhakti from his Sishya, Padmapada. </div>
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The successive Sankaracharyas of the lineage of Adi Sankara have continued to worship Narasimha. In addition to worshipping Maha-Tripurasundari and Sri Chandra-mouleshwara as the main deities, Lakshmi Narasimha Upasana has also been traditionally followed by the Acharyas. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya’s Dig vijayam continued towards south. In Karnataka, along with his disciples, he visited a Vaishnavaite temple. The authorities stopped Sri Sankaracharya from entering the temple, a la Rameswaram, saying that Saivaites were not allowed entry there! </div>
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At Sriveli, where the Acharya had camped, there lived a poor Brahmin who visited the Acharya with his young deaf and dumb son. With tears in his eyes, he told Acharya: </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">“With great difficulty, I got his Upanayana ceremony performed. But the boy does not speak a word. Till now he has not even learnt the alphabets and there is no question at all of his reading the Vedas and other scriptures. Never once has he called out to his father or mother. He does not express his feeling of hunger and thirst. You are the ocean of compassion. Please bestow your grace on him and make him normal".</span></div>
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Acharya looked at the boy and asked him: "Dear child, Who are you? Where are you going? What is your name? “ </div>
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The boy looked straight into the Acharya's eyes and spoke out immediately in a very sweet voice and also in a verse: </div>
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"I am not a human being; I am not God; nor Yaksha; Neither Brahmin nor Kshatriya nor trader nor an untouchable. I am not a Brahmachari, nor a householder nor a forest-dweller nor a Sanyasin. I am that ever Self-aware entity.”…………… </div>
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The boy, who had been dumb right from birth, answering the Acharya's questions with a verse revelatory of the nature of the Self, was something beyond comprehension. The verse was reminiscent of Acharya’s own verse when His Guru, Govinda Bagavatpada asked him “Who are you?”. </div>
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The boy’s father did not understand what the boy had said. He was so happy that he did not bother to understand. He was so proud that his son had started talking! He prostrated before the Acharya after thanking Him and took his son back home. </div>
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After reaching home, the father invited everyone in the town very proudly, to meet his son, who could now hear and talk. But the innocent boy could neither hear nor talk. “Oh! May be, the Sanyasin’s mantra worked only for a few hours”, he thought. He took his son again to the Acharya. </div>
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In front of Acharya, the boy spoke again, fluently. What a miracle! “Your son is not for you, leave him with me” said the Acharya. The parents agreed. That their son was with them when he was mute and not with them when he became alright, went through their mind. But they returned home with a sense of satisfaction. </div>
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The Acharya initiated the boy into the discipline of Sanyasa. He was named Hastamalaka. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The verse that came out first from the boy when he started to talk, was known as Hastamalakiyam.</span></div>
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Normally, a Sishya writes commentaries and explanations to his Guru’s works. Here, Sri Sankaracharya wrote a commentary for Hastamalakiyam, His Sishya’s verse. What an ego-less spirit! </div>
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Acharya, along with his disciples was walking along the Tungabadra river during a hot summar day, when he watched a marvelous sight! </div>
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A pregnant frog was struggling in the blazing sun to be delivered of its offspring. A cobra, the natural enemy of frogs, raised its hood to provide the frog with shelter and protection from the ravages of the tropical sun.<br />
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The Acharya was greatly moved by the sight of the venomous snake protecting its arch rival. If there was paradise on earth, it was there, where the cobra and the frog lived in mutual amity and peace. Even natural animosities did not exist, he thought. </div>
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Called Sringa Giri (meaning Peak Mount, now Sringeri), the place had also been the sacred abode of sage Rishyashringa. </div>
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Both the rivers Tunga and Badra were flowing there. A popular saying about the river Tunga was, `Tunga Pana Ganga Snana'. That is, drinking the water of this sacred river had the same effect as taking a dip in the holy Ganges. </div>
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The place was expressive of the lofty spiritual atmosphere prevailing there. </div>
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Since Sri Sankaracharya had consecrated Sarada Devi in that same place, He decided to establish his first monastery or Peetham there. </div>
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Acharya started the task of building up the spiritual lives of everyone there by expositions of his commentaries and other scriptures by his religious instruction and spiritual discourses. </div>
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Gradually a fine temple and a Peetham were built. </div>
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Sarada Parameshwari, the chief deity here, is much more than just an aspect of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning. She is Tripurasundari, the triple form of Lakshmi-Saraswati-Gauri. She is the supreme queen Rajarajeshwari. </div>
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The Acharya also established various other deities like Bhadrakali, Hanuman, Ganesha and Bhairava for the protection of the place. </div>
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Thus, Acharya established the Sringeri math, the first of the Peethams, with a stability lasting over hundreds of decades for the infinite good of the world. </div>
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The establishment of the Sringeri math by the Acharya is, in many ways, a very significant event in the spiritual history of the world, especially of India. </div>
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Staying in Sringeri, the Acharya wrote many books full of instructions with the spirit of renunciation. </div>
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A youth called Giri, who did not know much of reading or writing, had devoted himself to the service of Acharya. In addition to taking care of Acharya, Giri was always ready to look after the needs of the other disciples. Within a short time, Giri became a favorite of all, particularly with the Acharya. </div>
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The disciples of the Acharya were all vastly learned. They were worthy disciples of the great Acharya in exposition of the scriptures and debating skill. From that point of view, Giri was no where equal to the other disciples. But incomparable was his devotion to his Guru. </div>
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When the Acharya gave his disciples lessons on the scriptures, Giri would sit near the Acharya respectfully and listening attentively to all that was said. </div>
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One day Sri Sankaracharya was sitting quietly. It was the hour of teaching of scriptures. The disciples had assembled. But Acharya did not start. Padmapada said: “We are waiting eagerly for you to start the teachings”. </div>
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Acharya said: "Please wait, let Giri also join ". Padmapada was surprised. He said: “Giri is a wonderful boy, alright. Can he understand anything of the scriptures? In intelligence, this Sringa Giri and Sishya Giri are same (meaning, he‘s like an inanimate object, not capable of understanding Upanishads)". </div>
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Giri, after washing the garments of his Guru in the river nearby, was walking back. Suddenly, he started singing and dancing! Magnificent verses, full of rhythm flowed out of his mouth. </div>
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This famous hymn composed by Giri in praise of Sri Sankaracharya is called Totakashtakam. This is a beautiful poem in the Totaka metre (Totaka Vritham has twelve syllables in each line). Even great composers could not easily comprehend Totaka metre! </div>
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Everyone was surprised to hear these verses in pure Sanskrit and full of deep meaning. </div>
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Padmapada, though ashamed, praised Giri for having done a wonderful work on Acharya. He prostrated before the Acharya, feeling sorry for whatever he had said of Giri. </div>
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On an auspicious day, the Acharya initiated Giri into Sanyasa. He was given the name of Totakacharya. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">It was a similar incident on another day. Sri Sankaracharya was meditating, though it was the hour of teaching. The disciples felt that He was engaged in a conversation with someone, in his meditation! Looking at His face, they were worried.</span></div>
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Meanwile at Kaladi, Aryamba was very sick and was remembering her son. </div>
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By telepathy, the Acharya heard her call. He immediately meditated and requested Sri Krishna to appear in front of His mother. </div>
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His disciples knew something was happening, and kept quiet. "My mother is thinking of me on her death-bed. I have promised her that at the moment of her death I shall be present at her feet. I have to go to my mother without any delay". The Acharya exercised his Yogic powers and reached his mother in Kalady. </div>
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Aryamba was more or less unconscious. Like all mothers, she was reminiscing her days with her child Sankara. She wished to see him for one last time. She heard her son’s voice and opened her eyes slowly. What a surprise! She was lying in the lap of her Sankara! </div>
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“Sticking to my life has not gone waste”, she thought. “I have seen my son, I have felt him also; now I can hear his sweet voice as well”. </div>
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“Amma, Amma, can you see me? I am your Sankara. I have come all the way to see you, Amma.” </div>
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“Sankara! How can I not recognize you? You told me that you would come to me during my last days, when I think of you. I can think of you only if I have forgotten you, Sankara! But now, I did not want to disturb you. So I was removing you from my mind! Oh! I am unable to do that, Sankara. Why did you leave all your work and come to me?” Aryamba wanted to say these words, but was not in a position to do so. </div>
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But Acharya realised what she wanted to say. “Amma, I have also lived the life of what you imagined! I was a King, Amma. For a full month, I was a King! But, I am happier as a Sanyasin. Happiness is inside, and one cannot look for it, outside”. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Aryamba was not in a position to listen or understand. As per her wish, Acharya invoked Lord Shiva. The Lord sent his messengers to bring Aryamba to Shiva Loka. But Aryamba was frightened at the sight of the terrible-looking messengers, who were adorned with snakes and tridents. She said, "Sankara! How terrible they look! I will not go with them".</span></div>
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Acharya then meditated on Narayana, and the Lord, holding the conch, discuss, mace and lotus in his hands, appeared before Aryamba, Very happy at this sight of her beloved deity, Aryamba blessed her son profusely. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">By then, the messengers of Sri Vishnu had also appeared there in a beautiful flying chariot. It was as if Aryamba's house had been transformed into Vaikuntha. Then the messengers took her soul up on the flying chariot to Vishnu Loka. Aryamba thus reached the lotus feet of the Lord.</span></div>
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The Acharya considered himself blessed at being able to be present near her in her last moment and provide for her salvation by making possible, the sight of her cherished God. </div>
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Mean wile Acharya Written Maathru Panchakam about Mother.</div>
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In Our Shastras, MOTHER has been assigned a place even above that of Gods. A Sanyasi who has renounced the world, is permitted to lay Prostrate before his mother. </div>
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There is no Mantra superior to Gayathri, and no God above the Mother. </div>
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Acharya’s devotion to his mother had arisen from the Brahman consciousness, mingled with Bhakti. </div>
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He remembered his promise to his mother and started preparing for her funeral rites. All the villagers had assembled by then. The Acharya said, "I will perform her funeral rites. Even though it is not proper for a monk, it is my duty and desire that I shall perform her final rites". </div>
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The villagers called him a cheat and a hypocrite. They said, "You, being a monk, have no relationship with anyone. You have no right to perform the funeral rites of your mother. We will never allow you to do that". </div>
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The illiterate villagers would not accept the point made by the Universal Teacher, Jagatguru Sri Sankaracharya. </div>
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They left the place in anger and banned anyone from helping the Acharya in performing the funeral rites. The Acharya was left alone with the body of his other. </div>
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Acharya was and is, the Guru for the entire universe. It seems, even Gnanis, who have corrected the ways of life of many of their opponents, are made to face their failures in some way or the other, in their own life time! Does this resemble the current situation? </div>
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The Acharya carried his mother's body with great difficulty. No Mantras, no cries, no traditions, no water, no fire….. Everything was Sankara, Sankara, Sankara….. </div>
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How far could He carry? Only till the garden yard behind the house. And placed her body there. He looked up. He got His voice back: “ Hey Agni Bhagwan! Till now, as per household Dharma, I have not offered you ghee or wood. But now I am offering you the more sacred body of my mother. Please take her!” The fire engulfed her body immediately. Her body went back to the place where it belonged. </div>
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King Rajashekhara, who had met Acharya when the Acharya was eight years old, heard about His visit to Kaladi. There had been a significant deterioration of social life and the king was thinking of a social reform. The arrival of the Acharya provided the right opportunity for him. He decided to institute social reform under the Acharya's instructions and guidance. </div>
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The King met the Acharya and briefed him about his plan. Agreeing to the king's suggestion, the Acharya said: "Very well, I shall draft a brief code. You should discuss its good and bad points with the scholars here and then institute it. This will be conducive to the welfare of the people". </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Soon, a book incorporating sixty four edicts was written. The king was very happy and read it many times. The book was given the title, Sankara Smriti, 'the code of Sankara'.</span></div>
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The king convened a meeting of scholars to discuss the merits and demerits of the code. The Acharya also attended the meeting. The scholars said that the principles put forth by the Acharya were against the scriptures and were harmful to the society. During the debate that followed, the scholars were gradually silenced by the super-human scholarship and divine brilliance of the Acharya. But they refused to admit defeat. </div>
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They took recourse to a novel idea to have their way. At two places, separated by nearly fifty miles, they arranged for two meetings on the same day and at the same time. The delegates at both the meetings separately informed the king that they were challenging the Acharya for a debate. If he could defeat them in debate, they would accept his code. </div>
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The Acharya agreed. </div>
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On the appointed day, at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the king, the Acharya silenced all the Scholars by giving proper replies to the hundreds of questions raised by them. It was clearly established that the code formulated by him was in conformity with the scriptures including the Vedas and Puranas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ06uKlhw6iFvKjdGr3mTpMMIAf7pV71YKkLhGUenHjYlDInKH8myfGIpkypOxBSf8JBtsYmq5lqRx2pQd03Vwmxymn6UN-Eu6ShSbMXWUHMK1kOt3-uEpvbYZCTx5wR0zgQLdqXTqPo/s1600/42.+Shankaracharya+u.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ06uKlhw6iFvKjdGr3mTpMMIAf7pV71YKkLhGUenHjYlDInKH8myfGIpkypOxBSf8JBtsYmq5lqRx2pQd03Vwmxymn6UN-Eu6ShSbMXWUHMK1kOt3-uEpvbYZCTx5wR0zgQLdqXTqPo/s400/42.+Shankaracharya+u.JPG" width="261" /></a>The Scholars were astonished at the numerous quotations from the scriptures cited by the Acharya, who could easily retain in memory whatever he had once heard or read, correctly reproducing it ever afterwards. They were compelled to admit defeat, but they still hoped that the deliberation of the other meeting would be favorable to them. For, the Acharya was engaged in debate with them and had no chance of being present at the other meeting. </div>
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Meanwhile, Acharya multiplied himself by his divine powers and at the appointed hour was present at the other meeting also. Answering all the queries of the Scholars and clarifying all doubts, he silenced them. Though they admitted their defeat, they were happy that the Acharya had lost since he could not have been present at the other meeting. </div>
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But when the both the meetings came to be known, all were surprised. Bowing down before the young Acharya of such supernatural powers, the Scholars accepted the code laid down by the Acharya and agreed to implement it in the society. </div>
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King Rajashekhara became an ardent admirer and follower of the Acharya. One day Acharya asked the King how his literary works were progressing and if he had written any new books. The king sighed and said: "No sir, I have given it up now. It is a sad story. The three plays that I read out to you long ago, have been destroyed by fire. I have been so grieved by this that I never felt like writing any new plays". </div>
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Sympathising with him for this loss, the Acharys said: "I understand your feelings. Long time ago, you had read out the plays to me. I liked them so much that I still remember the contents of all the three books, from beginning till end. I shall dictate from my memory and you may have them written down and thus recover the texts". </div>
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The king and his men took down the Acharya's dictation of the three plays. Reading the books, the king found that the Acharya had dictated the very same words that he had written. He bowed down at the Acharya's feet again and again. </div>
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It was Ekadasi, the auspicious day of the month of Vrishchikam when Lord Krishna imparted the Gita to Arjuna. The Acharya wanted to get back to Sringeri and He invoked his super natural powers to fly in space. </div>
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While above Guruvayur, he saw the Siveli procession of the Lord Krishna on the northern side of the Nadapandal of the temple. He felt sorry for the crowd that did not know about the Brahman in the self, and were rushing to see an image outside of the self! THUD! The next second, He came crashing down in front of the Lord! <br />
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The Acharya soon recovered and saw the Lord in all his royalty. Realising the cause of his fall, the Acharya prostrated before the Lord and begged for forgiveness. The Lord told him that temple worship, repetition of Lord's name and listening to religious discourses were ways of expressing devotion and were dear to him. </div>
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The small opening in the roof over the North- West courtyard in the Guruvayur Temple is in commemoration of this event. </div>
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The Acharya chanted 8 slokas in praise of Govinda, known as Govinda Ashtakam. </div>
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He formulated the elaborate puja routines at the temple. He said that on Ekadesi day, there should be a grand festival with dawn to dusk worship. Even today, the system of daily rites at the temple is practiced in accordance with the directions given by Sri Sankaracharya. </div>
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He also ordained the Guruvayurappans and Krishnans of the future to be at least a squirrel during the Campaign for Dharma! </div>
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While at at Sringeri, the Acharya had requested Sureshwara to write the Vartika (explanatory notes) on the commentary of Brahma sutra Bhashya. </div>
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Padmapada and the other disciples knew that Sureshwara was an expert in the Mimamsa system and a ‘convert’ to Advaita. . They thought that he would establish the superiority of the Mimamsa system and distort the significance of Acharya’s commentaries. Also, Sureshwara took up sanyas after being a grihasta while all other disciples were brahmacharis. As a result of these issues, there was an uncomfortable atmosphere (politics). </div>
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The Acharya noticed this and asked Sureshwara to discontinue the work and instead, write on Advaita Vedanta. He requested Padmapada to write the explanatory notes, what He had given to Sureshwara earlier. </div>
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Sureshwara wrote an authoritative philosophical work on the Brahman and the self. Acharya was delighted to read it. Sureshwara's deep knowledge of Advaita, profound scholarship, wonderful style of writing, his capacity to use sentences appropriate to the meaning, his demolition of the views of the opponents with irrefutable logic, and the great force with which he established his conclusions impressed the Acharya very much. </div>
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The other disciples also appreciated the work. No one, including Padmapada had any doubts about Sureshwara's scholarship or his devotion to Advaita Vedanta. </div>
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Padmapada had not completed his work and he read out to the Acharya whatever he had written till then. The Acharya praised the efforts and named the collection of notes as Vijayadindima and blessed him to complete the work. </div>
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Meanwhile, the incident of stopping Sureshwara's work had made Padmapada feel very guilty. As an atonement for his sin, he, along with a few other disciples set out for Holy Rameswaram, after getting the blessings from his Guru. By then, he had more or less completed Vijayadindima. </div>
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On the way, he visited his maternal uncle in Srirangam. Padmapada told his uncle about his Guru and engaged in a discussion of the scriptures with him. The uncle was himself vastly learned and was the follower of the Dvaita or dualistic school. </div>
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Padmapada's reasoning and logic were so good that his uncle was not able to hold on to his own for long. The Uncle requested Padmapada to leave his book, Vijayadindima with him so that he would read and understand Advaita fully. He promised to give it back to Padmapada on his return from Rameswaram. </div>
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Padmapada along with the other disciples left for Rameswaram. </div>
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The wicked Uncle did not have the intellectual power to refute the views put down in the book through debate. He realised that the publication of this would mean a strong attack on Dvaita and he decided to destroy the book. He wanted to set fire to the book, but did not want Padmapada to know about it. Wicked people could only think of wicked ways! He kept the Vijayadindima inside his house and set fire to the house! Vijayadindima was totally destroyed. </div>
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On his return, Padmapada heard about the fire and the destruction of Vijayadindima. He felt shocked. His guilt feeling had escalated and he left that place to get back to the Acharya. </div>
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Padmapada narrated to the Acharya about his trip and the destruction of Vijayadindima. The Acharya, comforting his disciple, said: "Do not indulge in futile grief. No one can escape the bitter consequences of past karmas. It is much better to patiently bear the pain that cannot be cured. There is nothing to grieve over the destruction of your works. You had read out to me the explanatory notes on the first five sutras. I still remember them fully. I will dictate from my memory and you may take it down”. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Padmapada wrote the notes on the five sutras from Acharya's dictation. (Pancha Paadika)</span></div>
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His mind was then calm and the mental and physical exhaustion were totally removed. He was purified in spirit and in body. </div>
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Acharya and His four distinguished disciples, Sureshwara, Padmapada, Hastamalaka and Totakacharya and a number of His devotees continued the Digvijaya yatra towards the south. </div>
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The entourage reached Chidambaram. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The idol of Nataraja is enshrined in the Chit sabha. Behind this idol, is a black screen, which is considered to cover the Akash Linga. There is no Linga, but we are made to believe that there is an invisible Linga, with golden vilva garlands. This is to stress the belief that there is everything in nothing. Shiva is worshipped in the "formless form" of the Chidambara Rahasiyam ( Secret of Chidambaram). There are five silver plated steps to reach the Chit Sabha, representing the Panchakshara mantram – Na-ma-si-va-ya.</span></div>
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The Acharya worshiped Lord Shiva there. He was supposed to have learnt the secret of shri-yantra and shri-chakra meditation in this temple. While He was meditating, He saw in his Gnanadrishti, a saguna-nirguna spadika linga to be installed by Him there at a later date. (The Saguna Brahman is as it were, the Ocean of Forms; and that which is free from illusion is called Nirguna Brahman.) </div>
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Acharya then visited another great temple at Thiruvidaimarudur, in Thanjore district. </div>
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The name of the Linga at Thiruvidaimarudur is “Mahalingam”. It is believed that this lingam here is in between two other lingams-Mallikarjuna and Putarjuna, and hence it is also known by the name Madhyarjuna. </div>
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Acharya won over many scholars in Thiruvidaimarudur debating on Advaita philosophy. At the end of the debate, the Acharya asked them to enter the temple. As they reached the Sanctum Santorum of the temple, there was a loud voice saying "Satyam is Advaita". This was repeated thrice, and there was a hand that came out of the Linga and conformed the truth. The scholars acknowledged the principle of Advaita and accepted Sri Sankaracharya as their Guru. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya then visited Thiruvanaikaval, near Tiruchirapalli. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The temple is named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the linga is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as water.</span></div>
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In this temple, the Goddess Akhilandeswari was having fierce power and people who went to have her darshan could not stand her fierceness. The Acharya created two sets of earrings called Tatankam and he presented these to the Goddess. The fierceness of the deity reduced. </div>
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The Acharya worshiped Sri JampuKeswarar and Sri Akhilandeswari. Then He went to Srirangam, nearby. </div>
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Srirangam has not less than 22 gopurams, one of which is 236 feet high stupendous thirteen tierd Rajagopuram, the tallest in India. The temple lies on an islet, formed by the twin rivers Kaveri and Kollidam. </div>
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It is believed that Sri Sankaracharya installed at this temple, a Yantra called Janakarshana Yantra to attract pilgrims. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya stayed and prayed at Srirangam for some days and conducted Advaita discourses before He moved on further south. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya and His disciples reached Madurai, after visiting many temples along their way from Srirangam. </div>
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The sprawling Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai is being considered as one of the world’s wonders. The Acharya worshiped Meenakshi and composed Meenakshi Pancharatnam and Meenakshi stotram here. ...... </div>
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From Madurai, Sri Sankaracharya and the group left for Thiruvananthapuram. On the way, they visited temples and met people and propagated the Advaita philosophy. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvanantahpuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a very inspiring structure that has a 100 feet high 'gopuram'.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Acharya stayed at Thiruvananthapuram, worshiped the Lord and met various scholars and discussed Advaita philosophy with them.</span></div>
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He then left for the southern tip of India. But on the way, the Acharya fell ill. </div>
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Those who have traveled with our Acharyas know well that they ignore their health and continue their journey. May be, it has been the tradition since Adi Sankaracharya days. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya continued his Yatra and reached Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. The Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean merge there. </div>
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A virgin. That's the literal translation of Kanyakumari. </div>
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The temple, which overlooks the shoreline, is dedicated to Devi Kanya. She wears an exceptionally brilliant diamond on her nose ring and it shines out to the sea. </div>
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Acharya prostrated before the Devi and worshiped her. </div>
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From Kanyakumari, Acharya traveled north towards Tiruchendur. On the way, he stopped by Suchindram Temple. The temple was dedicated to a deity who was the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. (one of the few temples in India where the Trinities are worshipped ). </div>
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The Acharya, His disciples and the devotees then managed to reach Tiruchendur. The Acharya was still unwell. </div>
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Tiruchendur is one of the six Arupadai veedu shrines of Murugan. It is located on the seashore in the southern tip of India near Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. While the other five padaiveedu shrines are situated on hills, this is situated on the seashore, bounded on the north and the east by the sea. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">At Tiruchendur, Sri Sankaracharya meditated upon Lord Subramanya (Skanda, Muruga, Kumara, Vadivela, Saravana, Sakthi-velayuda, Soora-samhara) and composed Subrahmanya Bhujangam</span><br />
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In his composition, Acharya said: “Just by looking at your sacred ashes (vibhudhi), all ills will be cured”. </div>
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Acharya got cured of his illness when He sang His composition in front of the Lord Shanmuga. </div>
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The entourage then left northwards to Rameswaram. </div>
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Rameesa or Ram-Eswara (Lord of Rama) Temple in Rameswaram, the Varanasi of the south, is known for one of the twelve Jyothir Lingams. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPuFTPAe5ExbUoUc1S_9-OiENj10Pa1ytfgu6rAyC90Cc_SdkOFUGSTSUiHBq2E-0a24uqI204HqTnny3DMl91fFmnDfEN4ailJSnwu8LkEwBdWxJsmGEULHA2BInoeRmiVfisyPfZxI/s1600/Sri+Adi+Shankara+Stupi+in+Sankara+Matam,+Rameshwaram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPuFTPAe5ExbUoUc1S_9-OiENj10Pa1ytfgu6rAyC90Cc_SdkOFUGSTSUiHBq2E-0a24uqI204HqTnny3DMl91fFmnDfEN4ailJSnwu8LkEwBdWxJsmGEULHA2BInoeRmiVfisyPfZxI/s200/Sri+Adi+Shankara+Stupi+in+Sankara+Matam,+Rameshwaram.jpg" width="152" /></a>Acharya had a holy dip at the conjunction of Mahodadhi(Bay of Bengal) and Ratnakara(Arabian Sea) . He had no trouble entering the Sanctum Sanctorum. He performed the Abhishekam to Lord Ramanatha with Ganga water, performed Vilva Puja and meditated on him. He also worshiped Sri Parvathavardhini. </div>
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Acharya visited Kothandaramsamy Temple where Vibhishna, Ravana's brother surrendered to Rama. Then He visited Dhanushkodi and Ramasethu. </div>
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Acharya stayed at Ramaeswaram for two months. He established Rameswaram as the main Kshetra for the Sringeri math. </div>
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Acharya then started His Yatra towards North India in propagating Advaita philosophy. On His way to Tirupathi, He reached Srikalahasthi. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G1Uqb_pmBmB9AzVpoHcv73bAGoMXB11B8TvUZqmEIgP1jaEZd_QjKALmGnj41zo35nQh2nf1UhosHfIKyRKQa28Vqq1Kzz7UiMm-Dhqg7UcznVcMzGEWQCzStacLTg_-Hk84aVqhsb0/s1600/57.+srikalahasti-temple-andhrapradesh-shiva-parvati+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G1Uqb_pmBmB9AzVpoHcv73bAGoMXB11B8TvUZqmEIgP1jaEZd_QjKALmGnj41zo35nQh2nf1UhosHfIKyRKQa28Vqq1Kzz7UiMm-Dhqg7UcznVcMzGEWQCzStacLTg_-Hk84aVqhsb0/s320/57.+srikalahasti-temple-andhrapradesh-shiva-parvati+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a>The temple at Srikalahasthi is dedicated to Siva and represents Vayu (air) of the Pancha Bhootha Stalams (temples celebrating Siva as the embodiment of the primary elements). <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The presence of Vayu is evidenced by a continuous flame which flickers though there is no loophole for air to enter the temple. The shrine is 30 feet beneath ground level.</span></div>
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In ancient days, the Lingam is said to have been worshipped by a spider, a cobra and an elephant. The spider worshipped the Lord by spinning a web over the Lingam, the snake by placing a gem atop it, and the elephant by washing the Lingam with water from its trunk. All three beings are said to have attained Moksha, through their devotion to the Lord. Even the name bears their appellations: Sri (spider) Kala (cobra) Hasthi (elephant). </div>
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The Acharya worshiped the Lord at Srikalahasthi and left for Tirupathi. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMmzP3xzfJckaifKe9nb_N3RNlRQRcxUstH1wNkbbhtHTNEdBFsAe5XZtT8ElTkw-6WQObHsIma27Ul16yJqS89tt9jGUyFA6fvTBoOSeRPzl4bnz9E3tSdDCZYsQdQlSzAm1zRMpO6Q/s1600/56.+Shankaracharya+t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMmzP3xzfJckaifKe9nb_N3RNlRQRcxUstH1wNkbbhtHTNEdBFsAe5XZtT8ElTkw-6WQObHsIma27Ul16yJqS89tt9jGUyFA6fvTBoOSeRPzl4bnz9E3tSdDCZYsQdQlSzAm1zRMpO6Q/s320/56.+Shankaracharya+t.JPG" width="228" /></a>The Acharya had the dharshan of Lord Venkatesa, the Nitya Kalyana Srinivasa. In the idol, He saw Kesava, Narayana, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusudhana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Rishikesa, Padmanabha and Damodhara. He saw all the Dasavatharams of the Lord. Suddenly. He saw a Lingam on the Lords head. Vishnu carrying Siva on His head! Oh, that was the golden crown, Sri Balaji was wearing. The Acharya worshiped the Lord and meditated on Him. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya established the Dhanakarshana Yantra at this temple to attract riches. </div>
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The Acharya wrote all his experiences with Sri Venkatesa in beautiful verses in Sri Vishnu Padadi Kesanta Varnana Stortam. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya, during his Yatra, preached the basics of God-worship. This was a special contribution of the Acharya to the Sanatana Vedic dharma. He said that there could be five basic forms of Brahman: Siva, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesha and Durga. One could practice to worship one of the Gods among the five as the chosen deity, according to his own tastes, Samskaras and qualifications. The other four could be worshipped as auxiliary deities. </div>
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The Acharya then proceeded inside Andhra Pradesh. Having travelled through many places in Andhra, the Acharya spread the knowledge of Brahman and Self. </div>
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Then, the Acharya arrived at the holy city of Puri in Orissa. He went into the famous Jagannath temple there, only to find the altar there empty. </div>
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He learnt that during oppression by Kalayavana ( who was determined to kill all Yadhavas including Krishna), priests of the place had buried the casket containing the wooden image of Lord Jagannath on the banks of Chilka lake. During a period of Buddhist attacks that followed, it got further moved elsewhere. Later, through the support of a King, a large number of Salagrama stones were installed and on that very altar, rites of worship were instituted.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Acharya was filled with deep sorrow at the sight of the altar without the image of Jagannatha. He plunged into deep meditation on the banks of the lake. Then he told the people: "The casket containing the idols is buried on the eastern banks of the lake under the largest banyan tree. If only that spot is dug up, the casket will be recovered".</span></div>
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The people dug up the indicated spot and, they found the casket! Everyone there celebrated. In great pomp and show, the casket was brought to Puri. On an auspicious day, amidst great joy and reverence, the image of the Lord was installed in the shrine of Jagannath. </div>
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The Acharya also established a math in Puri called Gobardhan Math to propagate Vaidika Dharma. </div>
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At the Jagannath temple, Acharya composed Jagannatha Ashtakam. </div>
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Acharya travelled westward towards Saurashtra. He reached the Godhavari River near Nasik in Maharashtra. He visited the Triamba-keswara temple. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Triambakeswara has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying the Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.</span></div>
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Tri means "three," and Ambak means "eye,"; triambaka means the "three-eyed one", who is Lord Siva. </div>
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Sri Acharya worshiped the Lord and meditated on Triambakheswar. He had detailed discussions with the people around and educated them on bhakti and proper worship. </div>
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Acharya then visited Pandharpur. </div>
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Pandharpur hosts the Vithoba temple, on the banks of the river. Vithoba is a form of Krishna; Vithoba's consort is Rukmini. </div>
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The name Vithala means "One who stands on a brick". In the temple, the Lord stands on the small stone-platform. The idol is 3-1/2 ft tall. Below the platform is inverted lotus. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya described the Lord beautifully in His composition, Panduranga Ashtakam. He said the lord was ‘Parabrahma Lingam’. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sri Acharya continued his journey to Ujjain, another Jyothirlinga Temple.</span></div>
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Ujjain is one of the celebrated Siva Kshetrams in the banks of the river Shipra, in Madhya Pradesh.. </div>
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The Acharya, with his disciples, went to pay his respects to the deity. He worshipped Mahakaleshwara by composing a charming hymn in his glory. His attitude of overwhelming devotion touched the hearts of everyone. Seeing the unostentatious mode of life of the noble Acharya, the people were very curious to know more about Him and Advaita philosophy. </div>
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The Acharya then debated with famous scholars on Advaita philosophy and won them over. </div>
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Sri Acharya then continued his Yatra to Somanath. </div>
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Somanath is situated in the south coast of Saurashtra, in Gujarat. The temple is a splendorous beauty. The lord here is called Somanathar and Someshwar. This Siva Lingam is one among the Jothirlingams. </div>
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After worshipping the Lord Somanatha, Acharya and His disciples proceeded to Dwaraka. </div>
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The Acharya established a Peetham at Dwaraka. To provide Shakti to the Peetham, He made the Kalikadevi as the principal Devi and Siddeshwara as the Murthi. The Peetham was called Dwaraka Kalika Peetham. <br />
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After establishing the Math at Dwaraka, the Acharya stayed there for some more time and organized the worship-practices. He continued his journey to Rajastan and Sindh. He visited Pushkar in Rajastan, pilgrimage shrine dedicated to Brahma. </div>
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He passed through villages and towns and visited many shrines. He was greatly honoured everywhere. Followers of diverse views came to respect and follow Advaita after hearing the Acharya's exposition of the Vedanta. </div>
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The Acharya passed through Purushapura (Peshawar) and Bahlika country (undivided Punjab), and reached the country of Gandhara (which was situated between the Kabul and Peshawar). Buddhism was very predominant there. The Acharya fulfilled the desire of people who sought truth by teaching them the Vedic path and asked them to follow the same. </div>
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The Acharya had great debates with Buddhist teachers. He proved that Lord Buddha's spiritual practice was in accordance with the Vedic injunctions and that Buddha attained unqualified supreme knowledge. He had also preached the Vedic truth and the spiritual practice. It is because they had not properly understood the instructions and the life of Lord Buddha that Buddhists were preaching their theories against the Vedas. </div>
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The Acharya established his spiritual victory over Kamboja, on the banks of the Kabul river and many other regions situated north of Kashmir (POK). He crossed deserts, mighty peaks, and rivers and finally entered Kashmir. </div>
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Kashmir was an important center of Hindu culture at that time. Eminent scholars from all over India and spiritual aspirants lived there, adding to the glory of the place. Kashmir was also the abode of Sarada, the goddess of learning and fine arts. </div>
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Inside the Sarada Devi temple, there was a pedestal known as the Sarvajna Peetham, the seat of omniscience. The pedestal was guarded by famous scholars from all over India, but no one had occupied it. Any scholar who proved that he knew everything, would be allowed to ascend the pedestal. He would have to defeat scholars belonging to the different sects and faiths. The right to ascend the Peetham would be by the common consent of all the scholars. </div>
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Sri Acharya went to the place and expressed his desire to debate with the scholars there. Vaisesikas, Sankhya followers of Kapila, Logicians of the Gautama school, Meemamsakas, Buddhists, Jain scholars as well as other learned intellectuals engaged in debates with the Acharya on various subjects. </div>
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At the end of the debate, all the scholars unanimously said: “You are a limitless ocean of knowledge and learning. You know all the scriptures and all the branches of learning. We consider ourselves greatly honoured, even to be defeated by you. Please ascend the Peetam”. <br />
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Sri Acharya worshipped the Goddess Sarada with a rhythmic Sloka. At this moment, a voice from heaven was heard: " Dear son Sankara, I am pleased with you. I bestow on you today the title, Sarvajna ( all-knowing). You alone are worthy of sitting upon this Peetham". It was the divine voice of Sarada, the mother of the universe, reverberating through the temple. </div>
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Hearing the divine voice, the Acharya bowed down to the Devi. This unthinkable event also made everyone convinced of the living existence of the Goddess at that place. Taking his seat upon that Peetham, the Acharya satisfied everyone present by explaining the true nature of the great Goddess Parasakthi. </div>
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Staying in Kashmir for some days, the Acharya explained Advaita, Brahman and Self to the common public and formally initiated many worthy recipients into the worship of Goddess Sarada on the basis of Advaita Vedanta. </div>
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Sri Acharya then continued his Yatra to Srinagar. </div>
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Gopaditya, the King of Kashmir named a hill after the Acharya and called it ‘Sankara Giri’. Nowadays, it is called ‘Takhti Sulaiman Hills’. He constructed a Sankaracharya temple on top of the hill. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya continued His journey towards Kailash. He reached Haridwar. </div>
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Haridwar is the gateway to the Himalayas. Legend has it that Bhagiratha brought the Ganges into the earth, and into this point where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila. Kapilastaan, a spot in Haridwar is pointed to as Kapila's hermitage. </div>
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Acharya went to many temples and had discussions with the people there. He also laid down the procedures for the worship in many temples. </div>
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Acharya then reached Rishikesh. He went to Yagneshwara Mahavishnu Temple. When He went inside the sanctum, he found the pedestal barren and empty. There was no image of any God, and there was no arrangement of any kind for any worship. He found out that long ago, frightened by the troubles caused by bandits, the priests of the temple had concealed the image of Sri Vishnu somewhere in the bottom of the holy Ganga. But later, even in spite of extensive search to recover the idol, they could not locate it. </div>
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Acharya remained silent for a moment and then went into meditation. He located the idol in His deep trance. He walked a short distance along the bank of Ganga and pointing to a spot there asked the people to go below the river bed and get the idol out. To the great surprise of all, the image was found intact. On an auspicious day, Sri Sankaracharya got the image re-installed in the Sanctum Sanctorum with all the religious rites. He then resumed his pilgrimage and set off towards the holy Badrinath. </div>
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Close to Rishikesh, Acharya visited Lakshman Jhoola, where Vidura underwent his religious austerities. According to legends, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama crossed this river with the help of a hanging bridge made of jute. </div>
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Then He reached Vyasashrama and Devaprayaga. At this place, Acharya worshiped at the temples of Ganesa, Sri Rama and Sita, and Hara and Parvati. </div>
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Sri Shankaracharya and his disciples arrived at Badrinath. On two sides of the region, Nara and Narayana, the two snow-covered mountain peaks, as white as foam, stood aloft in noble grandeur proclaiming the glory of that ancient past. Close by, the river Alakananda flowed in its own majestic course. Just by the side of the temple of Narayana were hot springs. Acharya and his disciples bathed in the hot springs and went to the shrine of Badrinarayana. But the four-armed idol of Badari Narayana was not to be seen in the shrine. In the place o that idol, they were worshipping a Salagrama stone. </div>
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As in another temple, here too, the image was hidden by the forefathers of the priests to save it from the bandits. But later on, in spite of intensive search, the image could not be recovered. Therefore, all along, the Lord has been worshipped in the symbol of the sacred Salagrama stone. Hearing this, Acharya became immersed in deep thought, and remained absorbed in meditation. On returning to normal consciousness, he proceeded towards the Naradakund springs. Acharya started getting down into the waters of the spring. The under-current there would draw anyone into the deep bottom of the river. A number of people had lost their lives by getting into these springs. But Acharya came out holding in his hands, a four armed image of Narayana. </div>
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On bringing it out of the water and closely inspecting it, he felt that it did not have any distinctive features to indicate it was a divine idol. He put it back into the water and again dived into the Narayankund and again found an idol but did not find anything distinctive about it. He dived the third time and again found an idol and just when he was about to put it back into the water a voice stopped him, which said: "I am Badrinath and have been consecrated by Brahma once before. Give this divine idol its rightful place". </div>
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The Acharya bowed before the idol, and in accordance with the prescribed modes, did the ceremonial bathing of the image, and with his own holy hands installed the Narayana idol in the shrine. Acahrya composed and recited Shat-Padi stotram here in praise of the Lord. </div>
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An installation by Acharya meant the transmission of a powerful spiritual current whose efficacy would remain unimpaired for many a millennium. The Acharya entrusted the responsibility of worshipping the installed deity to a worthy group of his followers, after laying down the procedures for the worship. </div>
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Shri Sankaracharya established Joshimath, one of the five Mathams. Located at a distance of 14 kms from Helang enroute to Badri, Acharya got enlightenment at this place and authored Sri Sankara Bhashyam. Acharya constructed a temple for Lord Narasimha and consecrated the temple. </div>
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Acharya visited one after another, the shrines of Vishnu Prayaga, Brahmakunda, Vishnukunda, Sivakunda and many other holy places and reached Kedarnath. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya worshipped Lord Siva and formulated the worship protocols of the Lord for the future generations to follow. </div>
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On the background to this temple were fully snow-clad peaks. These range of mountains were the beginning of Himalayas, where Acharya identified the Kailas. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya identified the path towards Kailas, the Heaven. He slowly and anxiously started his trek towards the earthly Heaven, Mount Meru, the Kailas. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya reached Kailasa, Siva’s abode, the Heaven. </div>
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On Kailasa Peak, in a beautiful garden strewn with various radiant jewels and garlands, scattered with different sorts of trees and creepers, filled with various beautiful flowers, in a pedestal adorned with various pure gems, in front of which were the attendants softly murmuring and conversing, were seated Bhagavan Mahadeva, and his consort, Uma Devi. They were flanked by Brahma, Indra and Vishnu, Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Shukra) and hosts of Brahmins, Rishis, Siddhas and Gandharvas. The Lord was wearing a crescent moon and holding a trident, one hand giving boons, the other dispelling fear. The Devi was adorned with ornaments and looking very beautiful and peaceful. </div>
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Sri Acharya had the darshan of Lord Parameswara and Devi Parvathi. He saw the Lord and Devi together, in Ardhanareeswar form as well. </div>
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Acharya adored Devi and Parameswara by singing hymns, "Sivapadadi-kesanta stotram" and "Sivakesadi-padanta stotram". </div>
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It had been a poetic-practice to describe Goddesses starting from head and ending with the lotus feet and male Gods from the feet ending with their head. Sri Acharya was a true and great poet and was truly blessed by Parvathi and Parameswara to enable Him sing such beatutiful hymns. </div>
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Uma Devi and Maheswara looked at Acharya, who gave the Universe, the Amrut of Advaita from the Ocean of Vedanta. Immensely pleased with Acharya’s prayers, the Lord blessed Him and presented him with five sphatika (crystal) Lingams and instructed Him to arrange for the worship of the Lingams for the sake of the welfare of the universe. The Lord also gave instructions on the mode of worship of these Lingams. Lord Parameswara also handed over to the Acharya, the palm-leaf manuscript of Soundarya Lahari, which was Siva's own hymn in praise of the Parasakthi. </div>
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Sri Adi Sankaracharya bowed to the Lord and Devi and sang Uma Maheswara Stotram before taking leave of them. </div>
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There is a saying, “God gives a boon; but there is a Nandhi in between”. Nandhikeswaran thought that Kailas was being looted, since Acharya was taking away the Pancha Lingams and Soundaryalahiri! He jumped on to Achrya to snatch them away. He got the last 51 stanzas of Soundaryalahiri and started reading them. He got so involved in the beauty of it that he forgot about Acharya, the rest of the Soundaryalahiri and the Pancha Lingams. Sri Sankaracharya returned with the first 49 stanzas and the Lingams. </div>
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Acharya was sad that he lost half of Soundaryalahiri. In his prayers, Uma Devi blessed Him to write the balance and complete it Himself! </div>
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The five lingams Acharya obtained from Siva, were Mukti-Lingam, Vara-Lingam Moksha-Lingam, Bhoga-Lingam and Yoga-Lingam. </div>
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The Mukti-Lingam was consecrated at Badhrinath. The Vara-Lingam was consecrated at Neelakantha Kshetram in Nepal. In Chidambaram in south India, Acharya consecrated the Moksha-Lingam. On an earlier visit to Chidambaram, Acharya saw in his Gnanadrishti, the sphatika lingam At Sringeri, Acharya consecrated the Bhoga-Lingam. Yoga-Lingam was consecrated at Kanchipuram. </div>
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Sri Adi Sankaracharya left Kailas and proceeded towards Nepal. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya arrived at Nepal from Kailas, The Nepal king received Him and the disciples with due honour and respect. Blessing the king and giving him some advice, the Acharya went to the temple of Sri Pashupatinath. </div>
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At the temple, worship of Pashupathinath had been stopped because of Buddhist dominance. Even the holiness of the shrine was affected. Religious opponents had defiled the temple by throwing all rubbish inside. </div>
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At the direction of the Acharya, the disciples cleaned the temple and restored the sanctity of the place. </div>
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He lived in the temple courtyard for some days and ensured the glory of the temple was restored. He also instituted the rites of worship. He began to give discourses to the people. The Buddhist intruders left Nepal without facing Him. </div>
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On an auspicious day, He consecrated the Vara-Lingam in the temple. Soon, entire Nepal witnessed a resurgence of spiritual feeling at the reawakening of the Sanatana Vaidika Dharma. The Acharya instructed the people on the daily duties and the worship of the deities. The king also showed an interest in these auspicious activities. Within a short time, Veda and Vedanta spread all over Nepal. Centers of study on the Vedas and the scriptures were set up in different places of Nepal. </div>
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Acharya also defeated the evil powers of the Vamacharis. He was unscathed and overcame hundreds of obstacles and spread the glory of Vedanta all over Nepal. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya returned to Prayag once again. This was the place where He met Kumarila Bhatta. He worshipped the Triveni, the three-river-confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. Staying there for a while, He witnessed the Kumbh Mela. During Kumbh Mela, He saw a lot of Sanyasins of various divisions and sects from all over Bharath assemble there. He met many of them in groups and spoke to them about Sanatana Vaidika Dharma and Advaita philosophy. He listened to them and answered their queries and established a fine rapport with them. </div>
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He designed ten divisions for the Sanyasins and established their rituals and rites and protocols. The Dasanamis, as they are called, were given individual names: </div>
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- Thirtha </div>
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- Aranya </div>
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- Saagara </div>
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- Saraswati </div>
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- Puri </div>
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He ensured that all the Sadhus and Sanyasins belonged to one of the above ten groups and at the same time, work together in unison. Thus, Sri Sankaracharya was the originator of the re-engineering process! </div>
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After completing the re-engineering process, Sri Sankaracharya proceeded to Kasi, for another visit. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya visited Kasi, the Mokshapuri again and visited the Viswanath temple. He worshipped the Lord and offered His prayers. </div>
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Here, Sri Sankaracharya composed and sang "Bhaja Govindam". </div>
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The first verse goes like this…</div>
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Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam</div>
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Govindam Bhaja mudhamathe</div>
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Samprapthe Sannnihite-kale</div>
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Na hi na hi Rakshati Dhukrinkarane</div>
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Seek Govinda! Seek Govinda! Seek Govinda! Oh ignoramus, at the time of death, the rules of grammer, which you are trying to cram and master, will not be able to rescue you at all. </div>
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His indirect message to the non-believers, materialists and wholly-worldly minded is “All secular knowledge and earthly acquisitions which you acquire now will not help you at the time of death. Only seeking the Lord will give peace”. </div>
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In Bajha govindam, Acharya eulogises His Guru, Sri Govinda Bagavatpada, in the name of Lord Govinda. </div>
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The Acharya composed Kasi Panchakam and Annapurna Stotram at Kasi. </div>
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From Kasi, the Acharya reached Gaya. </div>
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Gaya was a great pilgrimage center for offering oblations to forefathers. People came to offer oblations at the lotus feet of Sri Vishnu for the sake of deliverance of their departed ancestors. </div>
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At the place where Lord Buddha attained Buddha-hood, there was a temple which housed an image of Buddha. It was a very sacred pilgrimage center for the Buddhists. Earlier, Acharya had declared Lord Buddha to be one of the ten incarnations of Sri Vishnu in his Dasavatara Stotra. According to Acharya, it was only through spiritual practices following the Vedic path that Lord Buddha had attained the state of realization. </div>
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The nirvana that he spoke of, was not an empty state of mind but a state full of joy. Nirvana in the Buddhist theory as preached originally by Lord Buddha, and Moksha according to Vedanta, are synonymous. However, the later followers of Buddhism misinterpreted the teachings and gave a different account of Buddha's doctrine. The Acharya clarified this point and reformed many Buddhist sects. </div>
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As a result of the Acharya's acceptance of Buddha as an incarnation of Sri Narayana, the foundations of the Buddhist religion were weakened. The people of Gaya instituted the worship of Lord Buddha as an incarnation of Sri Vishnu. House-holder Buddhists of different social levels devoted themselves to the worship of Buddha as an incarnation of Sri Vishnu. Within a short time in places around Gaya and also in far away places, people in large numbers found refuge in Vaidika Dharma. </div>
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After leaving Gaya, the Acharya explained and preached the Vedic faith in different places of Bengal. Within a short period, the Sanatana Vaidika Dharma came to be instituted at different levels of the society. </div>
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At that time, Buddhist and Hindu Tantrikas were very powerful all over Bengal. Very few people knew about the existence of the Vedas. As a result of the Acharya's initiation, Hindu scriptures began to be read and taught in different parts of Bengal. In some places, the house-holder disciples accompanying the Acharya had images of Siva and Kali installed and encouraged their worship. Scholars were fascinated to hear the exposition of the scriptures and the explanation of the greatness of the Vedas from the Acharya. Sri Sankaracharya was accepted as the visible living incarnation of the Lord by all. </div>
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After completing the work of religious reform in Bengal, the Acharya proceeded towards Assam. He faced a major crisis there. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya reached Assam with His disciples and a large number of devotees. The ruler of Assam greeted and received the Acharya with great respect. Blessing the king, the Acharya, accompanied by the king, arrived at the foot of the Kamagiri hill, the seat of the Peetha of Goddess Kamakhya, famed in the Puranas. The Acharya ascended the hill and performed the rites of worship at the shrine of Parasakhti. </div>
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The Acharya and his disciples gave instructions in Vedic dharma to the people of Assam. </div>
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Those days, all over Assam, the tantriks were predominant. They were accomplished in charms and spells and were skilled in the rites of destruction, mental distraction and bringing the opponent into subjugation. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya worked on these tantriks who practiced black magic and brought them down to give up those practices for mean attainments. Advaita became the only goal of Tantra. He educated them on the practices of Tantra to be followed without desires and in complete devotion to Parasakthi. After reforming the Tantriks, the Acharya initiated them to the Dakshinachara mode of worship of the Goddess. As a result, people became attached to Vedic dharma and got themselves engaged in the worship of the Divine mother. </div>
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A few tantriks were opposed to the transformation of their practices brought in by the Acharya. “Who is he to change our tantrik practices?” was the refrain.They believed that Devi Kamakhya was the God of Tantrik practices and wondered how she kept quiet over those changes. They invoked a black magic called “Abhichaara” on the Acharya. </div>
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The effect of the black magic affected Acharya’s health slowly. But He did not bother and continued his discourses and meeting people. His condition deteriorated to such an extent that all the disciples were worried. </div>
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Padmapada, the ever agile disciple, invoked Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in his prayers and the Lord as promised earlier, appeared before him and told Padmapada how to dispel the black magic spell on the Acharya. </div>
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Accordingly, Padmapada, who had studied the tantrik practices, invoked a counter black magic spell. This not only cured Acharya, but also killed those Tantriks who had invoked the Abhichaara. </div>
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This news spread like wild fire and everyone came to know about the Acharya and His disciples. They all accepted the supremacy of Advaita system. Sri Sankaracharya again pointed out to them, the deficiencies in their Tantrik worship and suggested remidial measures and reformed their traditions. </div>
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The Acharya then toured North Bengal again. He met Murari Mishra and Dharma Gupta, the renowned scholars of Mimamsa philosophy. They learnt that Mandana, the greatest scholar of Mimamsa was accompanying the Acharya as His disciple. And they gave up all hopes of a debate. The Acharya explained to them the points of difference between the conclusions of Vedanta and those of Mimamsa. They realised the correctness of the Acharya's teaching and became a disciple of Advaita Vedanta. </div>
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The Acharya and his disciples arrived at the banks of the Ganga. </div>
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One evening, the Acharya was sitting all by himself in meditation at a lonely spot, when he saw a Yogi of great brilliance and radiant presence appear in front of him. The whole place was enveloped in the light that radiated from his being. As soon as that figure of wonderful appearance, covered all over with matted locks came to him, the Acharya left his seat and bowing down at the feet of the serene being with folded hands, requested him to be seated. </div>
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The august person cast a pleasant look at the Acharya and blessed him. Then he said in a voice full of grace and charm, "Dearest son, you have completely attained supreme knowledge. Like a boat helping one across a river, you have helped millions across the oceans of ignorance and duality. Indeed you have brought me great joy. I am Gaudapada, your Parama Guru. I have come here to bless you". </div>
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With his palms joined above his head, the Acharya said, "O great Guru, ocean of kindness, since you have glanced upon this servant with favor, your blessings will give me strength. The sight of your holy presence itself is a great fortune”. </div>
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Pleased at the words of the Acharya, full of humility, Sri Gaudapada blessed the Acharya. Later in the evening, the Acharya gave an account of His interaction with Parama Guru to his disciples, with great joy. </div>
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The Acharya visited Ayodhya, the birth place of Rama. He went to Badrinath and consecrated the sphatika Lingam (Mukti-Lingam) from Kailas, at the Joshi mutt. He visited Kedarnath again and then many places in central Bharat and reached Sringeri. </div>
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At Sringeri, Sri Sankaracharya consecrated the sphatika Lingam (Bhoga-Lingam). He reviewed the Mutt establishment and then continued His yatra towards south and reached Thiruvotriyur. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya visited the Tiruvotriyur temple and put an end to the ritual of offering sacrifices at the Amman shrine. He incepted a Sri Chakra and reduced the power of Devi and converted the fierce form of Devi into a graceful, beneficent form. </div>
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He also appointed a Kerala Namboodri to perform puja at this shrine. Sri Sankaracharya composed the Tripurasundari Ashtakam here, comprising of 8 slokas. </div>
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When Sri Sankaracharya arrived in Mangadu from Tiruvotriyur, the people requested him to help them by putting off the heat emanating from the homa kundams. The Acharya installed and consecrated an Ardha-Meru Sri Chakra in front of the Goddess and thus nullified the heat. </div>
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The Sri Chakra has the shape of a koorma (tortoise) as its base. There are three steps over the base. A 16 petal-lotus and a yantra have been installed over the steps. The Sri Chakra has 43 triangles, representing 43 devatas. It is made of eight different herbs. </div>
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Sri Adi Sankaracharya left Mangadu and proceeded to Kanchi. </div>
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King Rajasena, the ruler of Kanchi, met Sri Sankaracharya at the outskirts of the city and offered a fitting welcome to Him. The local scholars also expressed their deep respect for the Acharya. Acharya entered the city and worshipped Shri Kamakshi, Sri Ekamranatha and Sri Varadaraja at their respective shrines. Then He stayed at the Muktimandapa, in the temple of Viswesvara on the bank of the Sarvatheertham tank, for some time. </div>
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As per the Acharya’s instructions and suggestions, the king remodeled the city of Kanchi in the form of a Srichakra. He reconstructed the temples of Ekamranatha, Kamakshi and Varadaraja in a very short time. The great twin-city was rebuit, Siva-Kanchi with Ekamranatha temple and Vishnu-Kanchi with Varadaraja Perumal temple. The Kamakshi temple was in the center. Possibly, it was done so, so that during the festival times, the idols of Ekamranatha and Varadaraja would go around (pradakshana) Kamakshi! Also, the sanctum of the Kamakshi temple formed the bindu of the Sri Chakra. </div>
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After the Kanchi City was remodeled by King Rajasena as per the instructions of Sri Sankaracharya, The Acharya consecrated the Prithivi Lingam, Sri Ekamranatha in Siva-Kanchi and Sri Varadaraja in Vishnu-Kanchi. He also made arrangements for proper form of worship in the temples. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya visited the Temple of Sri Kamakshi. He worshiped her and consecrated a Sri Chakra in front of her. </div>
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Upon establishing the Sri Chakra, Sri Sankaracharya morphed her from Ugra Swaroopini to Shanta Swaroopini (form of peace and tranquility). He prayed to Her and received an assurance that she would not leave the temple and wander into the city without his express permission. The curfew worked and people were happy. This was one of the very few curfews imposed by man on the Goddess. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya established a Sarvajna Peetham at Kanchi. </div>
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To show the world Acharya’s profound knowledge and exposition, Sri Saraswathi Devi appeared and debated with the Acharya. Once He won, she named Him ‘Saraswathi’! </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya then ascended the throne of omniscience, Sarvajna Peetham, before a large assembly of scholars, Pandits, Rulers and Intelligentsia from around Bharat. They looked at His radiance and His simplicity and humility and in one voice, roared: Sarvajna Peetham was established for the Intelligentsia, scholars and the Wise. But, how about the common man? How could Sri Sankaracharya attract the general public, teach them Sanathana Dharma and the way of life? Sri Sankaracharya decided to establish a Peetham to attract all others. </div>
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To represent the four Vedas, Sri Acharya established the first four Mathams in the four directions of Bharat. To glorify OM, the Pranava Mantra, which is a part of all the Vedas, He established the Kamakoti Peetham. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya was the first Peetaathipathi – Head – of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He assumed the Head as “Indra Saraswathi”. While the name Saraswathi was given by Devi Saraswathi herself, the name Indra was given to the Acharya by the Lord Indra himself. </div>
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Earlier, Sureswara was down with fever. The Acharya invoked Ashwini Devaas to cure him. They were the official ‘doctors’ of King Indra. They came to cure Sureswara without taking permission of Indra. Indra got wild when he found out that they had gone out without his permission. He invoked ‘Vajrayutham’ (thunderbolt weapon) to kill them. Sri Acharya, with all his powers, stopped the Vajrayutham from nearing the Ashwini Devaas. Hearing the power of Acharya, Indra came down and bowed to the Acharya and gave the title ‘Indra’ to the Acharya. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya consecrated the Yoga Lingam (Sri Chandramouleeswara) obtained from Kailas, at the Kamakoti Peetham with Sri Maha Tripurasunadri as the Sakhti. Since one temple is not enough for Chandramouleeswara, and he belongs to all places. Sri Sankaracharya commanded His successors at Kanchi to take Chandramouleeswara from place to place and worship Him with all the honours. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya instituted the proper form of worship of Sri Maha Tripurasunadri and Sri Chandramouleeswara. All the punnyaathmaas (fortunate ones) watched Sri Acarya’s Bhakthi and his Puja rituals every day. Kanchi city was overwhelmed with Bhakti. </div>
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The Govardhana Peetham at Puri was made responsible for the Eastern Bharat. It represented Rig Veda, with Prajnanam Brahma (Supreme knowledge is brahman) as the Maha-vaakya. The Lord was Vishnu Jagannatha and His Sakhti, Vimala. The Thirtha was Mahodhadhi (Bay of Bengal). The title of the head was Vana or Aranya. </div>
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The Sarada Peetham at Sringeri was made responsible for the Southern Bharat. It represented Yajur Veda, with Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman) as the Maha-vaakya. The Lord was Chandramouleeswara and His Sakhti, Sarada. The Thirtha was Tungabhadra. The title of the head was Bharati, Saraswati and Puri. </div>
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The Kaalika Peetham at Dwaraka was made responsible for the Western Bharat. It represented Saama Veda, with Tat Tvam Asi (You are that Brahman) as the Maha-vaakya. The Lord was Siddhesvara and His Sakhti, Maha Kaali. The Thirtha was Gomati. The title of the head was Tirtha and Asrama. </div>
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The Jyotir Peetham at Badrinath was made responsible for the Northern Bharat. It represented Atharva Veda, with Ayam Aatma Brahma (This Self is Brahman) as the Maha-vaakya. The Lord was Narayana and His Sakhti, Puranagiri. The Thirtha was Alakhnanda. The title of the head was Giri and Parvata. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya thus established very firmly, the paths of Bakthi, Karma and Jnana as per the Advaita Vedanta. </div>
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In a short span of thirty two years, the Acharya achieved the rarest union of Sage and Saint; of Philosopher and Devotee; of Mystic and Logician; of Original writer and Commentator; of Traditionalist and Innovator; of Establisher and Integrator; of total renunciation and Intense activity, all characterizing the loftiest man born in Bharat. </div>
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Sri Acharya was nearing His time to depart from this materialistic world. His actions and behaviour implied that he was very close to leaving His body. </div>
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One day Sri Sankaracharya is meditating in front of Sri Kamakshi, Many of His disciples are present and a large number of devotees have gathered. </div>
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All are hear the chanting of Upanishads, and the singing His praise by His disciples and devotees. Some group is singing bhajans: </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya opens His eyes and looks into Kamakshi’s eyes. She is ready to accept Him for one last time, and forever. </div>
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That time inside the Kamakshi Temple, the Sri Chakra was start sparkling. In the center of the Chakra is a Brahmasana Peetham. There the Lord, the Saantha Swaroopa, Kameswara is seated. On His left thigh is seated, the beautiful Kamakshi with blistering eyes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5ZSELnuEnkIl-BWFkNqyZCuYYH5pyuqNnVLMq4m7bQn32FsoGF5gDrcxn1JRmz_ZhbVlQ9kDp3qC4SF8SWtIToZ6aN74pWtHskkbt3z19zeUqzPuR-efuELxr-U2T2PdSf1ALwrvfFE/s1600/87.+shankaracharya-kanchi-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5ZSELnuEnkIl-BWFkNqyZCuYYH5pyuqNnVLMq4m7bQn32FsoGF5gDrcxn1JRmz_ZhbVlQ9kDp3qC4SF8SWtIToZ6aN74pWtHskkbt3z19zeUqzPuR-efuELxr-U2T2PdSf1ALwrvfFE/s320/87.+shankaracharya-kanchi-image.jpg" width="235" /></a>Sri Sankaracharya slowly moves His lips and there we can hear…Tripurasundari Vedapada Stavam. How wonderfully He describes what He sees! (WHSIWYG – What He Sees Is What You Get). </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya is now getting up. He is going to cast off his gross, subtle and casual bodies one after another to attain Paramamukti, the final liberation. He is going to become one with Supreme Brahman, Sat-Chit-Ananda (existence-consciousness-Bliss). </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya adjusts his cloth around his head. He has started walking towards Sri Kamakshi in the Sanctum ….step by step. </div>
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The Jyoti is walking towards Parabrahmam…..One sees the Ekaroopini, Kamakshi throwing a very bright light…….The smaller Jyoti is slowly moving towards the brighter one. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya jyoti has reached the Sanctum……and is getting merged with the brighter Jyoti of Sri Kamakashi. </div>
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His soul lives for ever. There is no death for the Aatma. His body had been dried up in the fire of wisdom. </div>
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Sri Sankaracharya's blessings to you all. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianaLm0-gOlgWlfvB3MNcaWd0sXnh9Mnd_TxZ_NtNX-dB1runABWOJR2aSYRQZYqBeEONSey22wkbx_bG8Y-ZmK_kaSO4fllMCmzvRtXceTwxl7tiumO97-bLJs07z0aTRZkv5y479qS4/s1600/4.+Shankaracharya+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-77060143415076730872012-07-09T12:54:00.000+03:002012-07-09T13:50:11.535+03:00Shirdi Sai Baba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3C8iq8zkUGlSSLnd1ygN1LIGdm7Pt3SfC5XNEaE_FVyP_u8k4wB4GOfw1ZWRzI1AvGpodn6GcLfmAPSpM4kID8FaBioVEfzyUCQxMzqszLgKw_S6ue-na6RRCACKZBEwq7N-dykzPiU/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3C8iq8zkUGlSSLnd1ygN1LIGdm7Pt3SfC5XNEaE_FVyP_u8k4wB4GOfw1ZWRzI1AvGpodn6GcLfmAPSpM4kID8FaBioVEfzyUCQxMzqszLgKw_S6ue-na6RRCACKZBEwq7N-dykzPiU/s640/C.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although
SaiBaba's origins are unknown, some Historical researches into genealogies in
Shirdi give support to the theory that Sai Baba could have been born in 1835 at
Pathri Village. In that village there were a couple named Gangabhavadya and
Devagiriamma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were
worshipers of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. They had no offspring for a long time.
They intensified their prayers. Gangabhavadya used to ply boats near the
village for a living. One night, when it was raining heavily, Gangabhavadya
left his house to take care of the boats, telling his wife that he would not be
returning in the night. After the husband had an early meal and left,
Devagiriamma ate and went to bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytCo1rjU9j2gWjg01mzxanjKmi3yiEhVlU5IqtIqqkT_IuMguQvr_JPE4bcFEvpSZp2ppGK7Gmlg_oTJznaDup48FXI3V_k4MWyYi4Cl47Ei4BXsf8S_eXZgqi492ULO1uXZSMbpqPQM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytCo1rjU9j2gWjg01mzxanjKmi3yiEhVlU5IqtIqqkT_IuMguQvr_JPE4bcFEvpSZp2ppGK7Gmlg_oTJznaDup48FXI3V_k4MWyYi4Cl47Ei4BXsf8S_eXZgqi492ULO1uXZSMbpqPQM/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 9 p.m.
there was a knock at the door. Devagiriamma opened the door, wondering if her
husband had returned. A very old man entered the house. He pleaded, "It is
very cold outside. Please permit me, mother, to stay inside." As a pious
woman, she allowed him to stay in the inside verandah and went in after bolting
the inner door. She opened the door. The old man said, "I am feeling
hungry; give me some food." Finding that there was no food, the woman
mixed some flour with curd and gave it to him. Another knock sounded after some
time. When she opened the door, the old man said, "My legs are aching,
Mother, will you massage them?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Devagiriamma
went inside, sat in the prayer room and prayed, "O Mother! Why are you
testing me like this? What should I do? Should I serve him or refuse?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Going out
of the house by the backdoor, she went in search of someone who could be
engaged to render this service. No one was available. Again there was a knock
by the old man. At the same time, a woman knocked at the backdoor. She said,
"It appears you came to my house and sought some help? I was away at the
time. Please let me know what service I should render you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling
happy that Goddess Parvathi herself had [come to her rescue and] sent the woman
in response to her prayers, Devagiriamma sent the newcomer to the verandah to
serve the old man and closed the door. The old man and the new woman were none
other than Shiva and Parvathi, the Divine couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lord Shiva
told Parvathi, "Fulfill the cherished desires of this lady." Parvathi
Shiva replied, "You are Supreme. Please shower your Grace on her yourself."
Shiva said, "I came to test her. You came in answer to her prayers. Hence you
must bless her."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was
a knock at the door again. This time Devagiriamma promptly opened the door
because of the presence of another woman. Parvathi and Shiva appeared before
her in their divine form. Unable to contain her joy, Devagiriamma fell at their
feet. Parvathi then blessed her, "I grant you a son to maintain the
lineage and a daughter for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>kanyadan</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(a girl to be offered in
marriage)." Devagiriamma fell at the feet of Shiva. Shiva said, "I am
immensely pleased with your devotion. I shall take birth as your third
child." When Devagiriamma got up, the Divine couple had vanished. Feeling
ecstatic by this experience, Devagiriamma eagerly awaited the return of her
husband in the morning to relate to him the whole story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the
husband came home in the morning she related to him all that had happened
during the previous night. The husband said, "Devagiri! What is this
fanciful tale! It is all a dream. Parvathi and Parameswara appearing before you
and giving<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Darshan</i>! It is
pure fantasy!" Gangabhavadya dismissed the whole episode as incredible and
fanciful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the
years passed, Devagiriamma became pregnant and a son was born. A year later a
daughter was born. Gangabhavadya was now convinced that the birth of the two
children was the result of the blessings conferred by Parvathi and Parameswara.
He told his wife, "You had the good fortune (to be blessed by the Divine
couple). I did not have that luck."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VE2idyVuMRzYBMqpbRQypdNvvbTeSd7fNn3sYPOLp_VvOPLAP9dS52NDFDJ8-ArNQNpMdC0dOFPBQ6JLKmzeBQa4rijtDb6Qx1UPzhCDCOhcs6KZYYpaLUJ0ysJq_cRn8fptB6RXeuc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VE2idyVuMRzYBMqpbRQypdNvvbTeSd7fNn3sYPOLp_VvOPLAP9dS52NDFDJ8-ArNQNpMdC0dOFPBQ6JLKmzeBQa4rijtDb6Qx1UPzhCDCOhcs6KZYYpaLUJ0ysJq_cRn8fptB6RXeuc/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Devagiriamma
conceived again, Gangabhavadya began to feel an urge to give up hearth and home
and go in search of the Divine couple. He announced to his wife that he was
leaving for the forest to do penance. The devoted wife that she was,
Devagiriamma decided to follow him, though she was in the ninth month of her
pregnancy. After proceeding some distance, she developed labor pains. She
delivered a boy. Wrapping the babe in a piece of cloth, she left the child by
the forest and followed her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1835</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was
in the same village a Sufi fakir. As he was also childless, he took charge of
this child and brought him up in his home. The boy stayed in the fakir's home
for four years (1835 to 1839). The fakir passed away in the tide of time. The
fakir's wife, who had lavished great affection on the child, was
grief-stricken. To add to her worries, the boy was behaving in a troublesome
manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3fCW92UsEI0Zo-vi1l65HPD4HX5_x0wDN6M2N-Jy_lqrl02kfkmTlvNSt6_7J3Gb7FMThHNNF0Vo_SMVIleH_EHM8Q7AT-G31JF8CXcEiE32VnV3SL0nYPJVrs0zQQ090GfdqlSgEq8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3fCW92UsEI0Zo-vi1l65HPD4HX5_x0wDN6M2N-Jy_lqrl02kfkmTlvNSt6_7J3Gb7FMThHNNF0Vo_SMVIleH_EHM8Q7AT-G31JF8CXcEiE32VnV3SL0nYPJVrs0zQQ090GfdqlSgEq8/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His
behavior in singing about Allah, Rama and Shiva in a mosque & temple was a
puzzle to the public. Members belonging to both the communities went to the
fakir's wife and complained about the boy's behavior. Unable to deal with this
situation the fakir's wife handed over the boy to a high-souled, pious scholar
named Venkusa (Hindu Guru), who was living near her house. The boy stayed in
Venkusa's ashram for 12 years from 1839 to 1851. Venkusa was extremely fond of
the boy. In every matter, he used to give priority to the young Boy’s views.
Seeing this, in course of time, members of the ashram developed envy towards
the boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: black; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1851</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One night, the boy
left the ashram. He reached Shirdi, a very small village at the time. He led an
ascetic life, sitting motionless under a Neem tree and meditating while sitting
in an asana. His presence attracted the curiosity of the villagers and the
religiously-inclined such as Mhalsapati, Appa Jogle and Kashinatha regularly
visited him, they treated as a Fakir (Saint Baba), while others such as the
village children considered him mad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some time Baba
stood as a beggar and rooming in city called out, “ oh lassie, give me a piece
of bread” and spread out his hand to same. In one hand he carried a Tumrel (tin
pot) and in the other a zoli or chopadari, i.e., a rectangular piece of cloth.
He daily visited certain houses and went from door to door. Whatever things he
got in his zole and in the tinpot were mixed together and partaken by baba to
his heart’s content. Sometime he collected food thrown in a earthen pot to dog,
cat and crows. Rest of the time baba mediating under neem tree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr4EF-rpOiFEALmIrJT9-KM6O2Bru7OFsgotr6fcm3c5eOZmtJugj1MSCdt8bsxBj9nN76WhoP1Ige3Uof8xqc49Mkk7E6iWm7Dtdn3wXQ0wwX_B_stpr8Ea1fyGleQalK786iza6fM8/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr4EF-rpOiFEALmIrJT9-KM6O2Bru7OFsgotr6fcm3c5eOZmtJugj1MSCdt8bsxBj9nN76WhoP1Ige3Uof8xqc49Mkk7E6iWm7Dtdn3wXQ0wwX_B_stpr8Ea1fyGleQalK786iza6fM8/s200/4.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some villagers from nearby places used to visit
him under the tree and get relief for their ailments. He would take out some
leaves, crush them, and give them to the ailing person as a medicine. In this
manner, he cured many persons of their illnesses. News of the healing powers
spread to all the surrounding villages. As a result a large number of persons
used to come to him, receive the crushed leaves from him and get cured of their
ailments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After some time he
left the village, then wandering from place to place, to met many saints and
fakirs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzCkVGjUdhkn0rXqJwCVTGoXWBwc1F2EgswdnPZRMlhHSUdwCKS9zBHPFN0r48lXnmKEWU6qed2ebMJwDBXfBMyRK1x-HiA3jV3uuhngAzUBnz-1SKcXls73FbdJl-m-4lgTcCWkgLBw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzCkVGjUdhkn0rXqJwCVTGoXWBwc1F2EgswdnPZRMlhHSUdwCKS9zBHPFN0r48lXnmKEWU6qed2ebMJwDBXfBMyRK1x-HiA3jV3uuhngAzUBnz-1SKcXls73FbdJl-m-4lgTcCWkgLBw/s200/7.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After strolling for many years, he reached
a place called Dhoopkheda (Aurangabad District). Meanwhile a gentle man name called
Chandu Patel making
a trip to Aurangabad, he lost his mare. For two long months, he made a diligent
search but could get no trace of the lost mare. After being disappointed, he
returned from Aurangabad with the saddle on his back. After travelling four
Koss and a half, he came, on the way, to a mango tree under the foot of which
sat a RATNA (queer
fellow). He had a cap on His head, wore Kafni (long robe) and had a
"Satka" (short stick) under His arm-pit and He was preparing to smoke
a Chilim (pipe). On seeing Chand Patil pass by the way, He called out to him
and asked him to have a smoke and to rest a little. The Baba asked him about
the saddle. Chand Patil replied that it was of his mare which was lost. The
queer fellow or Baba asked him to make a search in the Nala close by. He went
and the wonder of wonders! he found out the mare. He thought that this baba was
not an ordinary man, but an Avalia (a great saint). He returned to the Baba
with the mare. The Chilim was ready for being smoked, but two things were
wanting; (1) fire to light the pipe, and (2) water to wet the chhapi (piece of
cloth through which smoke is drawn up).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsljfF28GG3QSXB1TYABCuhRMCxyheqP3L9co0EdkMQB154xC-0qFu_ObRRcyGuOGG2FKkqXCvDcuzxZP_q1JqSO6Txv9nBz1xfMB7XWPTdmsIEF9O2nud_CCVVT8nZZ1Eopo8li_RRc/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsljfF28GG3QSXB1TYABCuhRMCxyheqP3L9co0EdkMQB154xC-0qFu_ObRRcyGuOGG2FKkqXCvDcuzxZP_q1JqSO6Txv9nBz1xfMB7XWPTdmsIEF9O2nud_CCVVT8nZZ1Eopo8li_RRc/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Fakir took His prong and thrust it
forcibly into the ground and out came a live burning coal, which He put on the
pipe. Then He dashed the Satka on the ground, from whence water began to ooze.
The chhapi was wetted with that water, was then wrung out and wrapped round the
pipe. Thus everything being complete, the Baba smoked the Chilim and then gave
it also to Chand Patil. On seeing all this, Chand Patil was wonderstruck. He
requested the Baba to come to his home and accept his hospitality. Next day He
went to the Patil’s house and stayed there for some time. The Patil was a
village - officer of Dhoop. His wife’s brother’s son was to be married and the
bride was from Shirdi. So Patil made preparations to start for Shirdi for the
marriage. The Baba also accompanied the marriage-party. The marriage went off
without any hitch, the party returned to Dhoop, except the Baba alone stayed in
Shirdi, and remained there forever. That was in the year 1858.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the marriage - party came to
Shirdi, it alighted at the foot of a Banyan tree in Bhagata Mhalsapati’s field
near Khandoba’s temple. The carts were loosened in the open court-yard of
Khandoba’s temple. The carts were loosened in the open court-yard of Khandoba’s
temple, and the members of the party descended one by one, and the Baba also
got down. Bhagat Mhalsapati saw the young Baba getting down and accosted Him
"YA SAI" (Welcome Sai). Others also addressed Him as Sai and
thence-forth he became known as Sai Baba.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTJrsp5CtmB8MB5qR9MYQzZvG_VNiWkYXhq5Y4skrGjR3PSXTmsEIlLlxSL3LE8zeVpeWekuv-0CCcGf8LWmvItyQRlGom_TbsRwFiBaeRZWI_rRhCo-oQMq3ZBbDyflEAj20XIOqIUQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTJrsp5CtmB8MB5qR9MYQzZvG_VNiWkYXhq5Y4skrGjR3PSXTmsEIlLlxSL3LE8zeVpeWekuv-0CCcGf8LWmvItyQRlGom_TbsRwFiBaeRZWI_rRhCo-oQMq3ZBbDyflEAj20XIOqIUQ/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The name 'Sai Baba' is a combination of
Persian and Indian origin; Sāī (Sa'ih) is the Persian term for "holy
one" or "saint", usually attributed to Islamic ascetics, whereas
Bābā is a word meaning "father" used in Indian languages. The appellative
thus refers to SaiBaba as being a "holy father" or "saintly
father".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sai Baba began to stay in a deserted
Masjid. One Saint named Devidas was living in Shirdi many years before Baba
came there. Baba liked his company. He stayed with him in the Maruti temple, in
the Chavadi, and some time lived alone. Then came another Saint by name
Jankidas. Baba spent most of His time in talking with him, or Jankidas went to
Baba’s residence. So also one Vaishya house-holder Saint, from Puntambe by name
Gangagir always frequented Shirdi. When he first saw Sai Baba, carrying
pitchers of water in both hands, for watering the garden, he was amazed and
said openly, "Blessed is Shirdi, that it got this precious Jewel. This man
is carrying water to-day; but He is not an ordinary fellow. As this land (Shirdi)
was lucky and meritorious, it secured this Jewel." So also one famous
Saint by name Anandnath of Yewala Math, a disciple of Akkalkot Maharaj came to
Shirdi with some Shirdi people. When he saw Sai Baba, he said openly,
"This is a precious Diamond in reality. Though he looks like an ordinary
man, he is not a ‘gar’ (ordinary stone) but a Diamond. You will realize this in
the near future." Saying this he returned to Yewala.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day
Mahalasapati was sitting near Baba and doing some service to him. Mahalasapati
was the priest in the Khandoba temple. The Muslims who were opposed to the
presence of a Hindu priest near Baba, came with sticks and beat up
Mahalasapati. At every stroke, Mahalasapati cried out, "Baba! Baba!".
Each time he shouted the name of Baba, the blow was borne by Baba. Mahalasapati
fell to the ground. Baba came out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZY40MX1G1UD61Ed-nnfoKddKPOUiYseiyLKx6uk1wSVr0V9CAhyphenhyphenG0mK5K5Ju1Tz9NA7akG3HCPZHZtHfsEJ832PMbLkRF0TIloTg_Nz6BBxgX3WftGwtYZUogjPW-yPSYLAuQlW5mHo/s1600/Bhagat+Mhalsapati+ji.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZY40MX1G1UD61Ed-nnfoKddKPOUiYseiyLKx6uk1wSVr0V9CAhyphenhyphenG0mK5K5Ju1Tz9NA7akG3HCPZHZtHfsEJ832PMbLkRF0TIloTg_Nz6BBxgX3WftGwtYZUogjPW-yPSYLAuQlW5mHo/s200/Bhagat+Mhalsapati+ji.jpg" width="159" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Muslims
had great reverence for Baba. Baba roared at the Muslim crowd, "Saithan!
On the one side you worship me and on the other you beat me. Is this
devotion!?" Baba was bleeding all over the body. The Muslims saw it and
asked Baba who had beaten him. "Did you not beat me? Did you not beat
me?" said Baba pointing to several men in the crowd. They said, "We
did not come near you at all. We only beat Mahalasapati."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Who
is in Mahalasapati? I am in him," declared Baba. "He has surrendered
to me and hence all his trouble are mine."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On hearing
this, the Muslims fell at Baba's feet and craved his forgiveness. Baba then
summoned the Hindus and Muslims and told them, "Dear children, you are all
the progeny of one mother." Thereby Baba demonstrated the Fatherhood of
God and the Brotherhood of Man. He wanted all differences of caste and creed to
be eschewed. What mattered for mankind was the heart. One who is only concerned
about his creed (matham) will never discover the Divine (Madhava). You must
seek the Divine within you. Baba pointed out that all caste and creed
distinctions related only to the body. Therefore, you should seek the Supreme
in your inner consciousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sai Baba did not mix and speak with the
people. He only gave answers when he was questioned. By day he always sat under
the Neem tree, sometimes under the shade of a branch of a Babul tree near the
stream at the outskirts of the village. In the afternoon, He used to walk at
random and go at times to Nimgaon. There He frequented the house of Balasaheb
Dengale. Baba loved Mr. Balasaheb. His younger brother, named Nanasaheb, had no
son, though he married a second wife. Balasaheb sent Nanasaheb for taking
darshana of Sai Baba, and after some time with His grace, Nanasaheb got a son.
From that time onwards, people began to come in numbers to see Sai Baba, and
His fame began to spread and reached Ahmednagar; from thence Nanasaheb
Chandorkar and Keshav Chidamber, and many others began to come to Shirdi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba was surrounded by His devotees
during day; and slept at night in an old and dilapidated Masjid. Baba’s
paraphernalia at this time consisted of a Chilim, tobacco, a "Tumrel"
(tin pot), long flowing Kafni, a piece of cloth round His head, and a Satka
(short stick), which He always kept with Him. The piece of white cloth on the
head was twisted like matted hair, and flowed down from the left ear on the
back. This was not washed for weeks. He wore no shoes, no sandals. A piece of sack-cloth
was His seat for most of the day. He wore a coupin (waist-cloth-band) and for
warding off cold he always sat in front of a Dhuni (sacred fire) facing south
with His left hand resting on the wooden railing. In that Dhuni, He offered as
oblation; egoism, desires and all thoughts and always uttered Allah Malik (God
is the sole owner). The Masjid in which He sat was only of two room dimensions,
where all devotees came and saw Him. After 1912 A.D., there was a change. The
old Masjid was repaired and a pavement was constructed. Before Baba came to
live in this Masjid, He lived for a long time in a place Takia, where with
GHUNGUR (small bells) on His legs, Baba danced beautifully sang with tender
love.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdQN5BqdGNU1Y4wxgdyWTGhyphenhyphenDNQcm3FsIWX4yvLyRY_F-8SNGa10kth_xz8RLHj4wTavrmyQmFu5AUibpyT0-hyO494s937zZterkdXxcU4l2rpODkoLzbIc5Djlz09VYmKiXse36NMY/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdQN5BqdGNU1Y4wxgdyWTGhyphenhyphenDNQcm3FsIWX4yvLyRY_F-8SNGa10kth_xz8RLHj4wTavrmyQmFu5AUibpyT0-hyO494s937zZterkdXxcU4l2rpODkoLzbIc5Djlz09VYmKiXse36NMY/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdQN5BqdGNU1Y4wxgdyWTGhyphenhyphenDNQcm3FsIWX4yvLyRY_F-8SNGa10kth_xz8RLHj4wTavrmyQmFu5AUibpyT0-hyO494s937zZterkdXxcU4l2rpODkoLzbIc5Djlz09VYmKiXse36NMY/s200/8.jpg" width="200" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sai Baba was very fond of lights. He
used to borrow oil from shop-keepers, and keep lamps burning the whole night in
the Masjid and temple. This went on for some time. The Banias, who supplied oil
gratis, once met together and decided not to give Him oil. When, as usual, Baba
went to ask for oil, they all gave Him a distinct No. Unperturbed, Baba
returned to the Masjid and kept the dry wicks in the lamps. The banias were
watching Him with curiosity. Baba took the Tumrel (tin pot) which contained
very little (a few drops) of oil, put water into it and drank it and forced it
fall in the container. After consecrating the tin-pot in this way, He again
took water in the tin-pot and filled all the lamps with it and lighted them. To
the surprise and dismay of the watching Banias, the lamps began to burn and
kept burning the whole night. The Banias repented and apologized. Baba forgave
them and asked them to be more truthful in future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sathe was
quite an extraordinary person. On reaching Shirdi, he and Narke had<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Darshan</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of Baba. On several occasions, looking
at Sathe, Baba used to laugh, sing, and make strange gestures. Doubts arouse in
Sathe’s mind whether Baba was a real sage or an eccentric person. No one
mentioned anything about Sathe to Baba. Sathe and Narke merely went to see Baba
and sat in his presence. Baba told Sathe, "Don't worry about anything.
Bodies are like water bubbles. Don’t develop any attachment to the body.
Develop your attachment to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>dehi</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(indwelling spirit). Worries are
passing clouds. Have courage. Protect your child."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last
remark had a reference to the fact that Sathe's wife had died after giving
birth to a child. Even Narke had not heard about the survival of this child. On
hearing Baba's words Sathe realised that Baba was not a crazy person but one
who was a</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><i style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trikala Jnani</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(one who knew the past, the present,
and the future). Sathe, who had intended to stay for a short while just to have
dracaena of Baba, prolonged his stay by two more days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehUNHefDSZpdXl8A2xPhds-9DjGovgujLCg6V1Rer2VElkWUCWMU4qBzOG2-QcbMQuMKSr1_pxUnQCBm5ah5NvWq126Yaz8SLu2aAwv38tSvURi_qrUduitHxwHrcUcpcK-jPkgaQMq8/s1600/DSC00646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehUNHefDSZpdXl8A2xPhds-9DjGovgujLCg6V1Rer2VElkWUCWMU4qBzOG2-QcbMQuMKSr1_pxUnQCBm5ah5NvWq126Yaz8SLu2aAwv38tSvURi_qrUduitHxwHrcUcpcK-jPkgaQMq8/s320/DSC00646.jpg" width="240" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making
frequent visits to Shirdi, Sathe was the first to realise that there were no
proper amenities at Shirdi for those coming to Baba. The place where he
provided residential accommodation for visitor's [in Shirdi] is Sathe Wada.
Sathe was the first to set up apartments at Shirdi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While
serving in this manner, Sathe went again to Shirdi after he began to feel
whether there was any purpose in his continuing to earn income and accumulate
wealth. On seeing Sathe, Baba smilingly said, "You appear to be losing
interest in your job. You are wondering how to dispose of the wealth you have
acquired. Why give it to anyone? Use it for a good cause. Build a Koti in
Shirdi." Sathe told Baba, "Swami! I am not a millionaire. How can I
build a mansion here?" Baba replied, "Go on doing as much as you can.
Why fear when I am here?" Baba encouraged Sathe in this manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In due
course Sathe's maternal uncle Kelkar settled down in Shirdi. Sathe used to send
funds from Poona and his uncle used to carry on the construction in Shirdi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
regarded Sathe as his right hand in regard to all matters. Because Baba was
keeping Sathe close to him and relying on him for everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVNoxAX8rMKhPlYhIrAJLp_-eUG-y1iP7rLA6QqpCJrSJ3BfMgz-9SLr4ejWVpismBrqeckfDEqjn4TzXYAuYsN7ULwFCzemmpUG9PIsvO8dnrKBoK-O4PSrs63E4jKeI25BjOPd6FIk/s1600/Appa+was+the+Kulkarni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVNoxAX8rMKhPlYhIrAJLp_-eUG-y1iP7rLA6QqpCJrSJ3BfMgz-9SLr4ejWVpismBrqeckfDEqjn4TzXYAuYsN7ULwFCzemmpUG9PIsvO8dnrKBoK-O4PSrs63E4jKeI25BjOPd6FIk/s1600/Appa+was+the+Kulkarni.jpg" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appa was the Kulkarni (revenue official) of the Shirdi village. He was
ever immersed in service to Sri Sai Baba. It is the merit of our past lives,
which rules our mind and dictates our actions. Now hear what happened once to
Appa Kulkarni by the effects of his past Karma. A case was filed against him
alleging misappropriation of funds. Only God knows for certain whether he was
innocent of the charge or not. The people started vilifying Appa, saying that
he was a corrupt man and a troublesome character. Appa heard these gossip of
the villagers. He was troubled in his mind whether Sai Maharaj too would hear
these rumours and start believing them. The revenue officer superior to Appa
issued summons to him to come for an inquiry into the allegations against him.
Appa was in a great panic. He was apprehensive that he may not come back to
Shirdi again from the inquiry. He went to the Masjid and saluted Baba with
reverence. He said, "Oh! Supreme amongst the guru's, you are a saint. You
are verily God. A great calamity has befallen me. Baba, I know that you can
command time itself. You know whether this calumny is true or not. Oh powerful
one! You are omniscient. You know the past, present and the future. What more
can I say than this? You are my mother. I turn to you as my refuge and last
resort. Only you can save me and my good name from these infamous allegations."
Appa grasped Baba's feet and prostate on the ground, started weeping piteously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Baba, if something bad happens to me at the inquiry, it will bring
you a bad name and disrepute. Oh powerful one, keep this in mind and remove
this affliction. When I have Kubera (the God of riches) with me why should I
wander abroad for alms form house to house? Do the children who drink the milk
from the overflowing udders of that gem amongst cows, the wish fulfilling
Kamadhenu, search elsewhere for milk? When the Kalpa Vruksha which fulfils all
one's desires is with one does he seek thorny bushes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do the fish leave the vast ocean of milk and seek refuge in mere
rivulets? Baba, I have sought shelter at your lotus like feet. You are my
mother, my father, please save me from this danger. If you remove me to safety
from this danger, all will laud you as the saviour. On the other hand, if I am
punished, it will be a black mark on your fame. Sai, please shower your kind,
benevolent grace on me." Appa begged Baba piteously for his kind grace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislkYUrBuJSta0Ny7IfJThyxqhkvUZ_0K0aDCMy59orr-UhwNMiRncma5ti-jHQ3mZbDlZB4PdEl2XHP_CzJk3K95ZtHnb6EGVMjMKs6kKwr6LeICnzCDGygW8AObvrZLxWq8D2eLA_sg/s1600/f18_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislkYUrBuJSta0Ny7IfJThyxqhkvUZ_0K0aDCMy59orr-UhwNMiRncma5ti-jHQ3mZbDlZB4PdEl2XHP_CzJk3K95ZtHnb6EGVMjMKs6kKwr6LeICnzCDGygW8AObvrZLxWq8D2eLA_sg/s320/f18_big.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba's heart melted. He said, "There is no need for you to worry
anymore. Have faith in me! Go from here to Niwasa Village. There, one the bank
of the Pravara River, the God who plays the part of the unseen director of this
whole universe, has taken the form of Mohini. Go thou there. He, to whom
Jnaneswar had surrendered when he wrote, the 'Bhavartha Deepika' (commentary on
Bhagavat Gita); He who incarnated ten times to rid this world of evil and
uphold the dharma; that Allah-I-llahi has assumed form there to save these
foolish people steeped in ignorance. Go thou there to him. Salute him with
reverence and then go to your superior. The all merciful Allah will protect
you. Do not fear." Appa Kulkarni went to the Mohini Raj on the banks of
the Pravara River and after paying obeisance went to where the inquiry was
scheduled. He kept repeating the holy name of Sri Sai Baba while answering the
questions of his superior. The inquiry concluded. The officer said, "It is
my belief that you have been falsely accused in this case. I am of the opinion
that you have not misappropriated any money. You are free to go." Appa
turned towards Shirdi and danced with happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appa praised Baba, "Sai Baba, thou wish fulfilling Kalpa Vruksha of
the devotees! Thou the protector of the devotee! Thou abode of dispassion! You
have shown great kindness to me. I have succeeded by your grace. You have
upheld my honour, Baba, thou great mahatma." Appa arrived at Shirdi the
next day and hurried to the Masjid. He informed Baba of what all had transpired
at the inquiry. Baba heard him out in silence and said, "God is the one
who is the doer and the one makes us do action. He is the refuge of the true
devotee. Even the impossible becomes possible by his will."<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEgbncUC-bjbjXAnlQWEcPt_QrkA6I4goYt6p-dz8a9EVatORf1JF2vo-BUkAwWXsa3OEgNL0KzUVC8dmYBCkfEWV3lF2QMPu7HD06Y3R_B5C3aef_wdNRaE0Wmc81_S1lsndJQtap_8/s1600/55-SamadhiMandir_old_Shirdi_Sai_Baba5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEgbncUC-bjbjXAnlQWEcPt_QrkA6I4goYt6p-dz8a9EVatORf1JF2vo-BUkAwWXsa3OEgNL0KzUVC8dmYBCkfEWV3lF2QMPu7HD06Y3R_B5C3aef_wdNRaE0Wmc81_S1lsndJQtap_8/s640/55-SamadhiMandir_old_Shirdi_Sai_Baba5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was one Gujarati Brahmin called Megha. He was a wise man. He used
to diligently chant the Gayatri mantra regularly. He was well built. His hair
was matted and long. Day and night, he would chant "Shiva, Hara
Hara." He was a bachelor who diligently performed all the religious
activities daily. He had come to Shirdi with Hari Vinayak Sathe. Megha used to
get up before dawn and have a cold water bath. He would apply ash to his body
and apply the horizontal arks of the devotees of Shiva to his forehead with
sandal paste. He would sit on a deer skin to meditate. His body used to have an
otherworldly shine by the dint of his devotional exercises and he looked like a
latter day Jalandhara. He would go for the darshan of Sri Sai Baba three times
a day to the Masjid. He saw Shiva in Baba. To him it seemed that it was Shiva
himself who was ensconced in royal court at the Masjid. So he would chant the
panchakshari, 'Om Namah Shivayah' while keeping his head Baba's feet. He would
worship the holy feet of Baba with Bilwa leaves said to be a favourite of
Shiva. He would also go 5 miles to the distant Godavari River everyday and
bring the water from there to perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of Baba. If
any one questioned him; he would say, "Who do you think Baba is? He is
that Shiva himself. He has to be bathed only with the water of Godavari.
Ordinary water will not do." Sri Sai Baba was pleased by the devotion of
Megha. He presented him with a Shiva ling (the symbol of Shiva) for his regular
daily worship. This is the concise story of Megha. The able Sai Maharaj showers
his grace on his devotees in the same form that they worship him. Sri Sai
Baba's leelas are wonderful and beautiful. He appears as Shiva to the devotees
of Shiva, as Vishnu to the devotees of Vishnu and as Parvardhigar to the Muslim
devotees. One the one hand he would look like the Panduranga Vittala standing
on a brick and on the other he would look like Sai Baba. His love for his
devotees was limitless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDDBAm8sLNlCb5xt_UW_BwAjGST7Ywikx6zsAWTq5tfCTNrwzOZmtoS1Yt-HQHwfEvtq4LjX7ehDC5v05LwPYltSWBBIlfyvFKhsxx-3d1PtG5yoc62t-hu4fFuHfNevCrNXnlpf3cV0/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDDBAm8sLNlCb5xt_UW_BwAjGST7Ywikx6zsAWTq5tfCTNrwzOZmtoS1Yt-HQHwfEvtq4LjX7ehDC5v05LwPYltSWBBIlfyvFKhsxx-3d1PtG5yoc62t-hu4fFuHfNevCrNXnlpf3cV0/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the
days passed, the residents of Shirdi developed hatred towards Sathe because he
was collecting all the offerings to Baba in a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>hundi</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to use the money for building a
Mandir. Just at the time, a silver chariot with silver horses, which was in
Sathe's keeping, was stolen by some thieves. Sathe was the principal trustee.
The people of Shirdi suspected Sathe of complicity in the theft. One day one of
the residents planned to strike Sathe with an axe on the way. Getting wind of
this, his maternal uncle called Sathe and urged him to leave immediately as it
was too dangerous for him to stay there. He told Sathe that he could worship
Baba wherever he might be. Reluctantly Sathe left Shirdi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba used
to ask for Sathe ceaselessly. But Sathe was not there. Baba appeared to be in
great distress. Sathe was near and dear to Baba. The devotees felt that Baba
was sorely affected by the absence of Sathe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About this
time, the parents of Shyam came to Shirdi with the two-year old child. Shyam's
father had just retired from service and decided to settle down in Shirdi. The
boy's name was Mohan Shyam. The parents called him Mohan, while Baba called him
Shyam. The boy was put to school at Shirdi and in due course he completed his
studies and received training as a teacher. He was appointed as a teacher at
Shirdi. The school adjoined Baba's room. During the day, Shyam would be
teaching at school. There was a ventilator in the wall separating Baba's room
and the classroom. Shyam used to watch Baba at nights through the ventilator.
He used to notice Baba talking to himself, getting angry at times, or laughing
to himself, or doing other curious things. Baba used to sleep on an
eighteen-inch wide plank suspended from the ceiling. Shyam was apprehensive
that Baba might fall from his lofty but narrow perch during sleep.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once he
mustered courage to ask Baba while massaging his feet, "Swami! You don't
seem to sleep at all at nights. You are laughing to yourself, or talking. What
is the secret of all this?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You
simpleton! Do you imagine you are the only person about whom I am concerned in
this world? There are numerous persons who are praying to me. I am speaking to
all of them," replied Baba. "When I turn my finger, I am turning
their minds. When I laugh, I am amused at their follies. These are the things I
am doing for my devotees, dear child."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shyam prayed
to Baba, "Swami! My classes don't take up much of my time. Let me stay
with you during the rest of the time and serve you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1Q46dYzdgI6i6YDVojVfSLg-yTaH06LWPuykanpLt2YwaqFxTGaVuy2I1RXOogNuHC-x-j-fk4Fx_HJ8ID7Yd9tBv3bdXkW5h6AKAKK_i5blb1hjt28-mySt8OJDBb-aZtIe6lriKY/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1Q46dYzdgI6i6YDVojVfSLg-yTaH06LWPuykanpLt2YwaqFxTGaVuy2I1RXOogNuHC-x-j-fk4Fx_HJ8ID7Yd9tBv3bdXkW5h6AKAKK_i5blb1hjt28-mySt8OJDBb-aZtIe6lriKY/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At that
time there was a woman called Laxmibai who used to cook the food for Baba.
Shyam used to go to her and assist her in the preparation of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">jowar rotis.</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba had great liking for</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">brinjal</i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Shyam went to Laxmibai
to learn how to prepare</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">brinjal</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dishes. Shyam went on serving Baba in
this way and he alone knew the joy he derived from such service.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYz5kP9kZtrVX7r-njfPy3vMRysyoIy1rrhaUufg08tXDc8cPQ2Dl5yoPjFM9q7k6mezMhsI2Ai2iheKHteo9r0d1iIbUOrMBILW3PtkkMcRfWl-XRnwaeUQPnC_AxTlVP_kS2NfXGyM8/s1600/feb_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYz5kP9kZtrVX7r-njfPy3vMRysyoIy1rrhaUufg08tXDc8cPQ2Dl5yoPjFM9q7k6mezMhsI2Ai2iheKHteo9r0d1iIbUOrMBILW3PtkkMcRfWl-XRnwaeUQPnC_AxTlVP_kS2NfXGyM8/s200/feb_18.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba often
used to fly into a temper. This was only an outward appearance. Sometimes he
used to throw a stick at someone ten feet away. Shyam once asked him,
"Swami! You are hurling the stick at the man in such a rage. Supposing
something happened to him and he died, will you not get a bad name?" Baba
replied sharply, " You keep quiet! That fellows life is in gods hands. He
will die only if god permit him. You better mind your business. Why are you
bothering about others? That man will come to his senses only if he sees me in
this manner. If I am indulgent they will try to ride the high horse."
Thus, in this way, Baba used to discipline people by threats and harsh words.
"It is only with this aim in view I am displaying anger and not for any
other purpose." This secret was revealed by Baba only to Shyam and none
else. Baba's life is really a saga of love and nothing else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeping
Shyam near him and allowing him to serve him, Baba spent many years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmQ0-FfCQqDLIoL3CrEUT4QusTb8NgGQMoqbzGwm2kZBnMW3xfhqgY09C3M5kQf9Vq94sMwUOx_uHDf8m2HDA7lsz6dkvYybI0GQm_pMQchowvzgMQ7N34aFRm_QuTGXy8u0fIkTjsvo/s1600/nanasahebrasne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmQ0-FfCQqDLIoL3CrEUT4QusTb8NgGQMoqbzGwm2kZBnMW3xfhqgY09C3M5kQf9Vq94sMwUOx_uHDf8m2HDA7lsz6dkvYybI0GQm_pMQchowvzgMQ7N34aFRm_QuTGXy8u0fIkTjsvo/s320/nanasahebrasne.jpg" width="233" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1917,
Baba once called Abdul Baba, Nana Chandorkar, Mahalasapati, Dasganu and others
and started asking each of them, "Do you know who you are?" Each of
them replied, "I am your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Sishya</i>(disciple)."
Baba said, "Nonsense! Don’t use that term any longer. I have no disciples
in this world. I have countless devotees. You do not recognize the distinction
between a disciple and a devotee. Anyone can be a devotee. But that is not the
case with the disciple. A disciple is one who carries implicitly the commands
of the guru (the preceptor). The mark of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> S</span><i>ishya</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is total devotion to the preceptor.
Only the man who says, 'I have none in the world other than the preceptor,' is
a disciple. How far have you respected my injunctions? How are you entitled to
claim that you are my disciples? Only the one who follows me like my shadow can
claim to be my disciple. The devotee is one who prays to the Lord wherever he
may be. Hence, there is a big difference between a disciple and a devotee. The
disciple and the preceptor are like two bodies with one spirit. The disciple
should have no sense of separateness from the preceptor. He should feel, 'I and
you are one.' There are no such disciples to be found in the world. There are
millions of devotees, but no disciples."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Ff3KM-O3pJ2N00ouzSd5sJSVcPa3eek0DErSu1mjQ18CA3HW3umbLlP0jB_TOlcp23OXdpDr0GPrE_FUDDgKGn3rF6v3kP4zgeBZP_MQi73sNMEQ4BUa6K-4ZWzS5iSqvTLnzNshWI/s1600/Sai_Baba_Painting_Black_and_white%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Ff3KM-O3pJ2N00ouzSd5sJSVcPa3eek0DErSu1mjQ18CA3HW3umbLlP0jB_TOlcp23OXdpDr0GPrE_FUDDgKGn3rF6v3kP4zgeBZP_MQi73sNMEQ4BUa6K-4ZWzS5iSqvTLnzNshWI/s400/Sai_Baba_Painting_Black_and_white%255B2%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On hearing
this, Shyam was in deep pain. He felt within himself, "Apart from serving
at your feet, I have no other concern." Baba then went into another room
and called Shyam inside. "In this entire world, for me you are the only
disciple. All others are only devotees." At that moment, Shyam fell at the
feet of Baba, and cried out, "You alone, you alone (are my refuge)!"
and breathed his last.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all his
life of over 82 years, Baba had never shed a tear in the presence of devotees.
When Shyam passed away, he shed three drops of tears. The devotees present
there said, "Swami! Why do you feel so grieved? All are in your
hands." Baba replied, "Dear boys! I am not grieving at all. Almost
all his sins had been wiped out already. By the three drops I shed, the
remaining of sins (of Shyam) have been washed away."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All that
Baba said or did was for the good of the devotees alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One
day a group of people came for the darshan of Sri Sai Baba. The first was the
son of Govind Chandorkar, Narayana Chandorkar, who was working at the
collector's office at Ahmed Nagar as the Chitnis. He was called Nanasaheb by
all. The second was a singer of ballads honouring God called Ramadas of Vayi
village. The third was Bapu Nagarkar and the fourth was Kangaokar. They had all
arrived at Shirdi on the day before Hanumajjayanti (the birth day of the God
Hanuman, the foremost devotee of Sri Rama). They had all come to Shirdi to have
the darshan of the divine Sai and to hear his gospel. Ramadas had to sing the
ballad of God on the day of Hanumajjayanti at Ahmed Nagar, situated on the banks
of the Seena River. He was hurrying the others of the party to leave
immediately after the darshan of Sri Sai Baba. He stated shouting for the cart
to take them all to the railway station.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then
Baba told Chandorkar, "You have your food first and only then leave."
Nana did not know what to do. He took Kangaokar with him and saw to the food
for himself and the others of his party. Ramadas, however, was hurrying them
and was insisting on leaving at once for the railway station. Bapu Nagarkar
said, "What is your hurry?" Ramadas retorted, "I have to sing
the ballad of God tomorrow at Ahmed Nagar. We have spent enough time with this man.
Chandorkar is well off, he has no worries about his next meal. If we do not
leave now, I will be losing a lot of money. What do we gain by following this
Sai Baba? I will not get even a paisa here. Let us go to the railway station
immediately. It is now time for the train to arrive. We have in any case
accomplished what we have come for." He prevailed upon Bapu Nagarkar to
accompany him and they both started for the station. Chandorkar and Kangaokar
stayed on at Shirdi as per Baba's instructions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z_xykDAWNd5os86X_Z7LOuBYPsgYnmUy_n1DTDCtE5emAVBfRn2yFa0X9pMU1Nx1U15vRum3QrS_xVczw4JZx2gQ1Yd_KWxjHsxyJN1kK3yV5ojQOrImVKC7W085ae_OTFfed34PYDk/s1600/Chandorkar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z_xykDAWNd5os86X_Z7LOuBYPsgYnmUy_n1DTDCtE5emAVBfRn2yFa0X9pMU1Nx1U15vRum3QrS_xVczw4JZx2gQ1Yd_KWxjHsxyJN1kK3yV5ojQOrImVKC7W085ae_OTFfed34PYDk/s640/Chandorkar.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba
then said to Nanasaheb, "Have you noticed how people behave? They leave
those with them and go away to seek their own selfish interests. That is why we
should bring with us those who stay with us till the end of the world as the
perfume stays with the flower."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They
all finished their meal. Baba said, "Now you can start. Believe in my
words. Do not worry that you will miss the train. There is time yet for its
arrival." Chandorkar and his friend believed Baba. They listened to his
advice and after reverentially saluting his feet, started for Kopargaon. As
they reached the station, they found Bapu Nagarkar and Ramadas with drawn faces,
famished with hunger. They could not find anything to eat at the railway
station.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They
hung their heads in shame as they saw Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Nana said,
"Why, you have still not left for Ahmed Nagar? It seems that your train
has still not arrived." Nagarkar replied, "Today the train is late by
three hours. It is our fate to fast and go hungry today. We have received our
just desserts as we have not heeded the instructions of that great saint, Sai
Baba." The train arrived and they all boarded it to go to Ahmed Nagar. Sri
Sai Baba knows the past, present and the future. His words are never in vain. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba one day told Appa, "Some thieves have entered our village.
They are not ordinary thieves. Their methods are entirely different. They enter
each house and examine it minutely. They only steal the most valuable things
from each house. They are such experts in their vocation that one does not even
realize that a theft has happened in one's house. They will first come to your
house.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You go to your house and see to its security." Appa could not
understand Baba's words or their inner meaning. He hired some people to guard
his house and he too joined them standing guard though that night. An hour or
so after night fall; Appa started vomiting and had diarrhoea. He was afflicted
with that dreadful disease- Cholera. His body lost its temperature and he
started twisting in agony. His eyes lost focus and protruded. His pulse was not
palpable. The villagers saw the condition of Appa and were saddened, losing all
hope of his survival.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appa's wife, fearing the imminent death of Appa, ran at once to the
Masjid to that mountain of kindness and the sole refuge of all in this world.
She fell on the Baba's feet and pleaded with tears streaming from her eyes,
"Baba, my husband is in the last stages of his life, please give my
husband some Udi along with your blessings. It will save my husband and bring
him back from the doors of imminent death. Please save me from wretched
widowhood"</span></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dOBEDMQpNYywoVIL0WzWYurpPCKyBe6Wmh_txVCzB1zjs1ci2tIHjz6sLpobyNdwz5WL49_SBgMVjdY2W4GwnPyLDzoS0Cknr8FDBujchHv9UY7ciDzniM6cU_j-HdUk8Cq8Y_iA8Z0/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dOBEDMQpNYywoVIL0WzWYurpPCKyBe6Wmh_txVCzB1zjs1ci2tIHjz6sLpobyNdwz5WL49_SBgMVjdY2W4GwnPyLDzoS0Cknr8FDBujchHv9UY7ciDzniM6cU_j-HdUk8Cq8Y_iA8Z0/s400/D.jpg" width="271" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba said, "Oh mother, do not cry. All those who are born have to
die, someday or the other. To be born, to live and to die are all decided by
the almighty. He is in everything and everywhere. It is not in our hands to
change his plans. Who is it that is born? Who is it that dies? Get hold of your
self and examine this with dispassion and true knowledge. You will also realize
the truth. If the cloth we wear is torn, we throw it aside. We lose whatever
liking we had for it too. The all-merciful God has covered the ever living soul
with this cloth of a body. That soul is the ever living, infinite, indivisible,
attribute less, formless God. Do not show love for the worn out cloth of the
body of Appa and try to protect it by applying Udi to it. Do not come in Appa's
way and cause him harm. Let him reach his destination as per his destiny. As I
have been talking to you here, he has already left behind the worn out cloth of
his body. Do not interfere any more. Appa will achieve salvation. You will not
be able to see it with your worldly eye. Let whatever happens happen. Baba
consoled her thus and she went home reconciled to Appa's death. By the time she
reached home, Appa was dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day two or three more people died in the village of Cholera.
The villagers were all terrified by this scourge and went to Baba who was their
sole refuge. They prayed to him, "Baba, cholera is dancing her dance of
death in the village. Do something and get her out of the village. What is the
use of having you here if we are all to die by cholera?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba replied, "Seven people have to die in the village. After that
cholera will go away from here." This turned out to be literally true.
Seven people died at Shirdi due to cholera. No further deaths occurred. How
wonderful is Baba's knowledge. What he says will happen.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MTCzv5DrzGe2oVb96PlsBgHxcNoux7Hn92dgXrlRxk-uocd0DFEQZxKCuw0Msi3WDWPWGeeSxmZfsmAOxdid9PM2ioH5Evl52BgDe-wP7dc5aSN-pA9iA61UEgGcXcBhN07TDh5uiZY/s1600/413_Sai_Baba_Painting_sitting_under_moon_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MTCzv5DrzGe2oVb96PlsBgHxcNoux7Hn92dgXrlRxk-uocd0DFEQZxKCuw0Msi3WDWPWGeeSxmZfsmAOxdid9PM2ioH5Evl52BgDe-wP7dc5aSN-pA9iA61UEgGcXcBhN07TDh5uiZY/s320/413_Sai_Baba_Painting_sitting_under_moon_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" width="251" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baba
had with him an old well baked brick with him. He used to love that brick more
than he did his life. He would use it every day as his pillow when he slept.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar saw this and said, "Baba why do you use that brick as
a pillow? I will have a nice pillow stitched for you. Please throw that brick
away." Baba then replied, "Even if you bring a hundred thousand
pillows they will not equal this brick. This was presented to me by my Guru.
This is more valuable that the whole world to me. This is my meditation as well
as the object of my meditation. Nobody can estimate its value. It is breaks; my
life will depart this body. My guru's feet had touched this brick; that is why
I have made it my pillow. He who keeps his head on the lotus like feet of his
guru; his shadow is also holy. That is why I keep my head on this brick which
touched my guru's lotus feet. By this I am becoming one who every day keeps his
head on his Gurus feet. Nana! You all come and salute me in the mornings. I in
turn present all your salutes to my guru. In the manner that the Godavari River
takes all the water that joins it and consigns it to the sea, in the same way I
consign your salutes to my guru. When I had put this brick at the feet of my
guru, my guru who loved me as a mother did her child, laughed with pleasure at
my devotion. He said, 'Well done. In the past Pundaleeka had presented Krishna
a brick and asked him to stand on that. Now you are doing me same thing and
asking me to put my feet on that. By the dint of the excellence of your
devotion, I have to stand steadily on this brick forever. What body is in
samadhi, the same body will also be in this brick.' This is the truth. My
Sadguru had commingled with Lord Sri Venkateswara and had become Venkateswara
himself. He is now in the form of Lord Venkateswara. Sri Venkateswara's
footprints are on this brick. That is why I call my guru Venkusa (Venkateswara
Swami). The power of this brick is beyond compare. Have you now seen what it
is?" Nanasaheb Chandorkar and the other devotees heard Baba and prostrated
at his feet in devotion. Chandorkar was an ardent devotee of Sri Sai Baba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1910</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day Baba was sitting near the Dhuni
on Divali holiday and warming Himself. He was pushing fire-wood into the Dhuni,
which was brightly burning. A little later, instead of pushing logs of woods,
Baba pushed His arm into the Dhuni; the arm was scorched and burnt immediately.
This was noticed by the servant Madhava, and also by Madhavrao Deshpande
(Shama). They at once ran to Baba and Madhavarao clasped Baba by His waist from
behind and dragged Him forcible back ward and asked, "Deva, for what have
You done this?" Then Baba came to His senses and replied, "The wife
of a blacksmith at some distant place, was working the bellows of a furnace;her
husband called her. Forgetting that her child was on her waist, she ran hastily
and the child slipped into the furnace. I immediately thrust My hand into the
furnace and saved the child. I do not mind My arm being burnt, but I am glad
that the life of the child is saved."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On hearing the news of Baba’s hand
being burnt from (Shama) Madhavrao Deshpande, Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar,
accompanied by the famous Doctor Parmanand of Bombay with his medical outfit
consisting of ointments, lint and bandage etc. rushed to Shirdi, and requested
Baba to allow Dr. Parmanand to examine the arm, and dress the wound caused by
the burn. This was refused. Ever since the burn, the arm was dressed by the
leper devotee, Bhagoji Shinde. His treatment consisted in massaging the burnt
part with ghee and then placing a leaf over it and bandaging it tightly with
Pattis (bandages). Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar solicited Baba many a time to
unfasten the Pattis and get the wound examined and dressed and treated by Dr.
Parmanand, with the object that it may be speedily healed. Dr. Parmanand
himself made similar requests, but Baba postponed saying that god was His
Doctor; and did not allow His arm to be examined. Dr. Paramanand’s medicines
were not exposed to their air of Shirdi, as they remained intact, but he had
the good fortune of getting a darshana of Baba. Bhagoji was allowed to treat
the hand daily. After some days, the arm healed and all were happy. Still, we
do not know whether any trace of pain was left or not. Every morning, Bhagoji
went throught his programme of loosening the Pattis, massaging he arm with ghee
and tightly bandaging it again. This went on till Sai Baba’s Samadhi (death). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sai Baba, a perfect Siddha, as He was,
did not really want this treatment, but out of love to His devotee, He allowed
the ‘Upasana’ - service of Bhagoji to go on un-interrupted all along. When Baba
started for Lendi, Bhagoji held an umbrella over Him and accompanied Him. Every
morning, when Baba sat near the post close to the Dhuni, Bhagoji was present
and started his service. Bhagoji was a sinner in his past brith. He was
suffering from leprosy, his fingers had shrunk, his body was full of pus and
smelling badly. Though outwardly he seemed so unfortunate, he was really very
lucky and happy, for he was the premier servant of Baba, and got the benefit of
His company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubJIi3UBlWFA9kavKiFoUamMOfks0LKJ6oPLG18gZvdbC67ni_StrPxzn7TymtXH17_SC8PEuTTRi52v3WhPbj4ZmO-lnc8NAEVvGE14uZOViTPRGHP4S5R0csEeTWfR6LucFtLamzzo/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubJIi3UBlWFA9kavKiFoUamMOfks0LKJ6oPLG18gZvdbC67ni_StrPxzn7TymtXH17_SC8PEuTTRi52v3WhPbj4ZmO-lnc8NAEVvGE14uZOViTPRGHP4S5R0csEeTWfR6LucFtLamzzo/s640/10.jpg" width="520" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People were immensely benefited by
having a darshana of Baba. Some became hale and hearty; wicked people were
turned into good ones. Kushtha (Leprosy) was cured in some cases, many got
their desires fulfilled, without any drops or medicine being put in the eyes,
some blind men got back their sight and some lame ones got their legs. Nobody
could see the end of His extraordinary greatness. His fame spread far and wide,
and pilgrims from all sides flocked to Shirdi. Baba sat always near the Dhuni
and eased Himself there, and always sat in meditation; sometimes with and on
other times without a bath.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ3SygOpGke4NzcWEt7KXrJS_Xvo-HLlpNoIO9lmJSrZpO-J8Pcg-G6jOTq_QqIqjUGPvMX0QmwsQkNbFa7HQWSL9MnO2Lb562tU94a4f1pMjYDNkbGQfowWu5lKZ24Nfmovq0dJPPGo/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ3SygOpGke4NzcWEt7KXrJS_Xvo-HLlpNoIO9lmJSrZpO-J8Pcg-G6jOTq_QqIqjUGPvMX0QmwsQkNbFa7HQWSL9MnO2Lb562tU94a4f1pMjYDNkbGQfowWu5lKZ24Nfmovq0dJPPGo/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He used to tie a white turban on his
head; and wear a clean Dhotar round his waist, and a shirt on his body. This
was his dress in the beginning. He started practicing medicine in the village,
examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became
famous as a Hakim (Doctor). A curious case may be narrated here. One devotee
got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The
other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans,
cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases. Baba’s remedy was quite
unique. He pounded some ‘BEEBA’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and
made two balls of them, thrust them on in each eye of the patient and wrapped a
cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water
was poured over them in a stream. The inflammation subsided and the pupils
became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the BEEBA caused no
smarting; but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured and
this is only an instance in point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SaiBaba also
interpreted the religious texts of both faiths. According to what the people
who stayed with him said and wrote he had a profound knowledge of them. He
explained the meaning of the Hindu scriptures in the spirit of Advaita
Vedanta. This was the character of his philosophy. It also had numerous
elements of bhakti. The three main Hindu spiritual paths -Bhakti Yoga, Jnana
Yoga and Karma Yoga - were visible in the teachings of SaiBaba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Another example of the way he combined both faiths is the Hindu name he gave to
his mosque, Dwarakamai.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVr3h9yi7jnOgASotSqHuewJni4wN8NndkYpoUKL0JyyNwKziURRDlN2goTg8mPxHEYyiN4vrrxCn7iK1TxsLkSHcWCCRxI_7w5LY9tjbRkdMLgQX_CDtTqYIVThVBWDnQwyjl3bbFMI/s1600/shirdi-baba-dhuni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVr3h9yi7jnOgASotSqHuewJni4wN8NndkYpoUKL0JyyNwKziURRDlN2goTg8mPxHEYyiN4vrrxCn7iK1TxsLkSHcWCCRxI_7w5LY9tjbRkdMLgQX_CDtTqYIVThVBWDnQwyjl3bbFMI/s320/shirdi-baba-dhuni.jpg" width="252" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SaiBaba said that God
penetrates everything and lives in every being, and as well that God is the
essence of each of them. He emphasised the complete oneness of God which was
very close to the Islamic tawhid and the Hindu doctrine, e.g. of the
Upanishads. SaiBaba said that the world and all that the human may give is
transient and only God and his gifts are eternal. SaiBaba also emphasised the
importance of devotion to God - bhakti - and surrender to his will. He also talked
about the need of faith and devotion to one's spiritual preceptor (guru).</span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 1.5pt;">He said that everyone
was the soul and not the body. He advised his disciples and followers to
overcome the negative features of character and develop the good ones. He
taught them that all fate was determined by karma. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 1.5pt;">SaiBaba left no
written works. His teachings were oral, typically short, pithy sayings rather
than elaborate discourses. SaiBaba would ask his followers for money
(dakshina), which he would give away to the poor and other devotees the same
day and spend the rest on matches. According to his followers he did it in
order to rid them of greed and material attachment.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SaiBaba encouraged
charity and the importance of sharing with others. He said: "Unless there
is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or
creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them
well and treat them with due respect. Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased
if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked and
your verandah to strangers for sitting and resting. If anybody wants any money
from you and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him
like a dog."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l30cScvQDc58BUBJ7mAc5Luq6hmP4AB-GpLRT7M4jTsEwEy1z87prAab5y_69hUeWzIui8xGhKMCxw7UsC5jc07HeDlbb7bwlGGMsVrGxN3ZFB8GWQOt7SNWFZlR6X1yKR-81dJ5sl4/s1600/MadhavRao_Deshpande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l30cScvQDc58BUBJ7mAc5Luq6hmP4AB-GpLRT7M4jTsEwEy1z87prAab5y_69hUeWzIui8xGhKMCxw7UsC5jc07HeDlbb7bwlGGMsVrGxN3ZFB8GWQOt7SNWFZlR6X1yKR-81dJ5sl4/s200/MadhavRao_Deshpande.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day, a Pandit came to Baba and said that his
biography should be written. His name was Hemanthpanth. He is the author of
'Sai Satcharita' [The gospel of Shirdi Baba's life]. He entreated Baba to
disclose facts about the place of his birth, his parentage, his name and his
early life. He could not get any information. Baba did not reveal anything to
anyone. But on one occasion, when he was alone with Mahalasapati Baba disclosed
his date of birth for him. Mahalasapati was no scholar. He had learnt Rituals to
conduct the Puja in the temple. He noted down the
date of birth, on a piece of paper. This came into the hands of Hemadpant. With
this, he began to write the life of Baba.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We return
to final touch stories of Baba. One day,
Baba called Pradhan and asked him to construct a small tank. Pradhan was thus
the first to be involved in the building of a Samadhi for Baba.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EiUrQC1ru7vBy1PQUj-nS1NYKGkQ1QSVmx4j-gOFxflVKOlAKdXT_FGOAnptzun2eWg4gdDhsC1FmSbBGcHDA8lOrw2B9QHOdXckAc-t_oYhIRheg9jolLAma9e5cVWP7-KhymAWCvs/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EiUrQC1ru7vBy1PQUj-nS1NYKGkQ1QSVmx4j-gOFxflVKOlAKdXT_FGOAnptzun2eWg4gdDhsC1FmSbBGcHDA8lOrw2B9QHOdXckAc-t_oYhIRheg9jolLAma9e5cVWP7-KhymAWCvs/s200/B.jpg" width="142" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was
year 1918. Pradhan's wife, who was living in her native village, had a dream in
which Baba appeared to have passed away. Pradhan was in Shirdi. On waking up,
Pradhan's wife started crying over the passing of Baba in her dream. At that
moment she heard a voice in the house declaring, "Don't say that Baba has
died. Say that Baba is in a state of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Samadhi</i>."
Samadhi means equal-mindedness. "Life and death are alike. Joy and sorrow,
profit and loss are the same. Hence, there is no such thing as death for
Baba"—this is what the voice declared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When she
was trying to find out wherefrom this voice came, she received a message from
her husband conveying the news of the passing of Baba. That occurred on
Vijayadashami day in 1918. Baba Stayed 60 years in Shiridi.</span><br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“If a man
utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes, increase his devotion
and if he sings earnestly my life and my deeds, him I shall be set in front and
back and on all sides. Those devotees, who are attached to me, heart and soul,
will naturally feel happiness, when they hear these stories. Believe me that if
anybody sings my Leelas, I will give him infinite joy and everlasting
contentment. It is my special characteristic to free any person, who surrenders
completely to me, and who does worship me faithfully, and who remembers me, and
meditates on me constantly. How can they be conscious of worldly objects and
sensations, who utter my name, who worship me, who think of my stories and my
life and who thus always remember me? I shall draw out my devotees from the
jaws of death. If my stories are listened to, all the diseases will be got rid
of. So, hear my stories with respect: and think and mediate on them, assimilate
them. This is the way of happiness and contentment. The pride and egoism of my
devotees will vanish; the mind of the hearers will be set at rest: and if it
has wholehearted and complete faith, it will be one with supreme consciousness.
The simple remembrance of my name as Sai, Sai will do away with sins of speech
and hearing.” </span></div>
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Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-81066025928297421372010-09-11T11:00:00.003+03:002010-09-11T11:07:45.943+03:00Sonnalige Siddarameswara<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ6tVHM1AZkJl6SaYGe23C8psvd8do8jIZSzeXl4ApNC8f-J5SEtoQCJufdoDRk7_P9NLEs3uO0XvQG7u5QWh6X7bYGxzm-xovLi0oNnJ0o_ecvITQK3zAj_XxVSI_YRrckma_cCB4ek/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515562959454520306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQ6tVHM1AZkJl6SaYGe23C8psvd8do8jIZSzeXl4ApNC8f-J5SEtoQCJufdoDRk7_P9NLEs3uO0XvQG7u5QWh6X7bYGxzm-xovLi0oNnJ0o_ecvITQK3zAj_XxVSI_YRrckma_cCB4ek/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />Dear friends, brothers & sisters<br /><br />At present I am working with Mr. Somashekar (Kannada Film Director) as an assistant director (My Fist Movie) for the Sonnalige Siddarameswara film Project (12th century Story). For that I need your blessing & wishes.<br /><br /><strong>Sonnalige Siddarameswara</strong><br /><br />Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a Jangam Swami and called himself Mallinath from Shrishaila. The place where Mallinath met Siddharam is known as 'Gurubhet' which is now in front of the Collector's Bungalow in Solapur, Maharashtra.This Jangam requested Siddharama to serve him hot fried tender Jowar.Next he demanded curd-rice at the earliest in order to soothen the burning sensation in his stomach.Siddharam ran to his home and asked his mother for curd-rice. On his return to the fields,he searched for him, shouting, "Mallaya, Mallaya" did not find him. There he inquired with the Kawadi Jangams who were on a pilgrimage to Shrishaila. They promised him of showing Mallayya. His quest for Mallayya made him determined to go to Shrishail. At Shrishail he was shown Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga however this linga of black stone did not please him. Then he inquired every object and every people about the whereabouts of Mallayya running over the length and breadth of the vast Shrishail. Siddharama was undergoing a tough time and he began to weep. His tears were collected in the earth in the form of a tank, presently known as 'Nayan-Kunda' at Shrishail. When Shivayogi Siddharam reached the brink of a very deep valley 'Rudrakada' and peeping down he yelled out "Mallayya, Mallayya!. Lord Mallayya didnt show up and continued to test Siddharam. While Siddharama was about to jump in the valley, Lord Mallinath appeared and caught hold of Siddharam by his hands.He visualized Mallaya telling him to return to Sonnalige and work towards making it the second Srishailam. The Lord pacified him and offered 'Vajrakundal' and 'Yoga Danda' which possesses the potential to fulfill all wishes. The Lord Mallinath asked Siddharam to return to Sonnalgie to wash out the grief of the entire life on earth. The Lord Mallinath assured him that he himself will appear in the form of Shivalinga in Sonnalgie. Shivayogi Siddharam returned to Sonnalgie; the ruler of that time Nannappa and his wife Chamala Devi gave 5 kosa land as they were told by a vision of Lord Shiva. Shivayogi Siddharam consecrated 68 lingas by the holy hands of Jagadguru Kapilasiddha Panditardhya, within the Panch Crosh of Sonnalgie making Sonnalgie a "Kshetra" (holy place).<br />Siddarama returned to Sonnalige and involved himself in public works. He was building lakes and temples. <br /><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515562965224327026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq__XsOR0ttEJLXxNwIx0GeY7KybmruFdKNXvxhYQSoiR3CADSG1guyFIwxANgdeDMVNycN8wRV3aoQHtl35jz1cBuTXaxFZagSWUlo7_wN1IeTgFK4pFmHLMZdsHgAH_FbNXIYdup0c/s400/siddheshwar.jpg" border="0" /><br />He encouraged people to conduct mass weddings, and do other works, which would benefit mankind. Many people joined him and transformed Sonnalige into a prominent place. Allama and Siddarama came to Kalyana.At Anubhava Mantapa Allama, Siddarama, Chennabasavanna, Basavanna, and others discussed the need for Istalinga. Siddarama accepted Chennabasavanna as his Guru. Chennabasavanna performed the Istalinga initiation for Siddarama.<br /><br />Shri Siddharameshwar was a hero of the 12th century whose "Karmayoga" on his own native land-Solapur, turned him into a God-figure over the course of time. Great saint Shri Siddarama,who preached the teachings of Shri.Basaweshwara. A young girl, inspired by the teachings of this saint wished to marry him.Shri.Siddaram denied to marry her and gave permission to marry with his Yogadanda. The same marriage function is celebrated every year on the Makar Sankranti for three days on Bhogi, Sankrant and Kinkrant. The Nandi Dhwajas are presumed as Bride and Groom for the marriage. This festival falls around 14th Jan every year. A fare popularly known as Gadda Jatra is arranged for fifteen days during this period.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515562960101178994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmgtEQn-tH3yZLt0AoGHjiZx6APBkVHfSLB6EF3E8UacFNDkBVddS5VZnwp0NfM3P9mccfUj6nRP2FBZpr5A_xSHu1GksIn22NylUdO_9nO1cuyZJGCgIZ092tKYIYLeCGC2sn8bPDfY/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /><br />Siddharama considered as one of the five prophets of Veerashaivism religion. He was a great Kannada poet who was a part Basavanna's Veerashaiva revolution during the 12th century. Siddharama claims to have written 68,000 vachanas out of which 1379 are in existence.<br /><br />Remember me in your prayer<br />dil se,<br />Bhaarth.K<br />Mangalore<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-61171115615040819152010-04-10T15:07:00.006+03:002010-04-10T16:13:00.007+03:00Shani Shingnapur<div align="justify">Shani Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa taluka in Ahmadnagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani (Saturn). Once upon a time Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, no theft is reported in the village. Villagers never keep their valuables under lock and key. Villagers believe that the temple is a "Jagrut devasthan" (lit. "alive temple"), meaning that the god here is very powerful. They believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting theft.</div><div align="justify"><br />As per a legend , It is said that long long ago there were floods and one idol came floating in the flood. It was struck to a Bari tree. After the reducing of flood water when cowherds went near Panas Nala, they saw the big stone boulder in the branches of tree. They were surprise to see it. With the lot of hesitation, they poked the idol with their sticks and stone started bleeding. The cowherds saw this injury. With the scared, they ran away. They came back to the village and told their elders about what they saw. Listening to all this, villagers went to that spot where the stone was found. They were also shocked to see it. They could not decide what to do of this stone. At last they all returned to their homes by deciding that they would think tomorrow on this.In the same night, when all villagers fell asleep, God Shani dev appeared before one villager in dream and said, “I am Shanidev. Whatever you & your villagers saw yesterday is true. Let me from that place and install me in the village.” On the next day, devotee told the villagers what he heard in the dream. Listening to this entire, villagers went to that place where stone was found. They tried to lift idol but they could not succeed. They tried all day but they could not move a bit. At last people returned back to their homes. In the night when villagers were sleeping, again god Shanidev appeared in front of same devotee in dream & said, “I will move from that place only when the people who move me from there are of the real relation of maternal uncle and nephew.”Next morning devotee told the villager about his dream. And villagers did according to the dream. At that time many people tried to their best to install the idol in their own field, but the idol would not budge from there at all. At last the statue placed where it stands today in open ground. </div><div align="justify"><br />Devotees generally wear a saffron-coloured attire and have a head bath in the holy water close to the temple before entering it. There is no priest to perform the pooja. The pooja is carried out in the form of offering Pradakshinams - of going around the idol a couple of times, chanting specific prayers such as Shani gayathri and slokas. Devotees also perform Abhishekam with water and oil. <blockquote> </blockquote></div><div align="justify"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9h_WONoYXGkL0zDYvF6QEhk-9OBPtd8H6NAx4KMk3uRUm61VVT_Zx74ZyufY1eA50vW-QNLDdVSLFYmfZNUpgk-8LBQuO2MPKNEk4RaOBvjNxm6pJ8D-lSybEamFPBUJTs7CXrSRE8/s1600/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458483447088335010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap9h_WONoYXGkL0zDYvF6QEhk-9OBPtd8H6NAx4KMk3uRUm61VVT_Zx74ZyufY1eA50vW-QNLDdVSLFYmfZNUpgk-8LBQuO2MPKNEk4RaOBvjNxm6pJ8D-lSybEamFPBUJTs7CXrSRE8/s400/1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458483452060575506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGTlisjXy26Pwr9Ud2Snh7dDtx5gzt4YgKvSJ1Ere62xok735Ba0Ese-HhpyQsN-HKFr9LU2xn7y28TOCfK08uzeleXd7Kec_vymoyqEw7TUr2owTQ-xbxdfg3s-qr56kZxbQtoVH-Rw/s400/Image2.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458483459108693202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBnzeZhGXdClIr28wgZPUJKywQ17OicccFazGEatfuaeOnPPSDGd0yYoiu4LPtPwbpbv-LBkpZQjHJw9HMoqbsWpYNpx15IgoK6Ao7yYgijPhyfRo-1_P12yYQwJbCTiCQag-FyF2rew/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><br /><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458483470739602642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JgzM641qMkuPFDt6hsTeaSnlKMqwRQj7NWriKgVmXgctNy4RzIxz8OzYDc9yrWw5sH7id668M5H3NsGYW8G8-WFxNMzyoLsmeJ_WwphfCgyEXzGLs0NYIYmCL8qCQiNGr0HKqO9GQXQ/s400/4.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458483474320151362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9yEa1XHuTinpQ3j8Y4U9CwfKcc-zwOFxvD7xOqiteM_-uCvg259Gp7G2VSBsd72CYHiGWzeuHyCqJCIWI6zrxodRciYjbbziBsFE4IBCZZnk8Nr_09mg4oyMU8iGdM2L-d62oPHVTTE/s400/5.jpg" border="0" /></div><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484680865110258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyd_AQLbif8PU6u8Be9tN8UuwpX-6nSiv0hB3kJfH2lVfC0s-DriuOkuNsmnhjPx7-vpg0ana_nY1z8tbqvgokcPOTXFvSv_RCxKD_kBGzfPV8KWVPicliPO_1lC9YsIuFnl4lC2viBs/s400/6.jpg" border="0" /> <div><blockquote></blockquote></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484682510411858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvQXkziSbrJk9Beh9ksSf9lIK1VjiAbQ5yZcwZ4f1sgw8jBn080R-zfzudrdD5_h0oPBZRy9yPb4Go5T9QNnU8O1qVI24H5eyZLVfLdP661SkNdnctOViwyKQP2lufTRE1Umd5xN8cQA/s400/7.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484688965933202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi909ByoZvAlVHhVVD_wS0COMdAHkghossnbj2AvUKp_eYfXiOQ51b0g7rtPI7Wcn9iofJ2sJLirVsItMOghzjdlPA2IQ6CQotBvmppvgDGvi9M-68aEYK-jC0L5zhdDOsUMVtf5plznDc/s400/8.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484698176399074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnoTC0b7RdNq2wwhNCBwnCXHboV2p3zMiBES3GIjwOUI6hZP_eIEZKbyY8USvpdOxQQOnLtaK3SqP1VKS8YUbgWqnZuI2c8TdetI2y_059iY1W4yd5j-7nxKULMLPbqJWw_7gisWYv3M/s400/9.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484703699014786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5gOspp6xuidM2euNiIMZ4HChxhbSVuR9SjIJdSrc4_-jp3cIOBVOOQU37QI98Benr8ROZZwpP5hzgJwLsIGWuoBfATDsw5g1jmES6LWe0ym1MHPF3CF08g0Th2ddyohB_E4QjyGwDyA/s400/10.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484923744922242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NruiJ9Y4e-ohyY20jctcqyLWuCPpuIFtlxi-u1Z767jbwf93IVDgG11R7VCwBJVhD7Evf9QnASJphqKq8LaC5UwsXPdWgqT0V9bsz_OPrLAmpn-GKPJ89sI0Lx2JCxg1dHTMGcu-s3E/s400/11.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484931037737970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOJR96MLFGm1lqUbNBi9nKDZGqrTblThjftItw-uSC2nqTpDmnIAZLSIiTk3joUCqZtGtnXgUvD1DMGt3RVX4a-8SO_q7w4sbMshS5cAfv2iyQC-D1ATeY0vIoZFANDzljYQhSmbMmnU/s400/12.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458484932162036290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJc-0bX8A_69myd9bUq_U202ZFl8IPCct_LUPSWR6k3tuXzZhKpU7IRLgQvSA9U0y7rsiKydOgo43yp3gnsPDsRnOuIPu-238hZ_QeoXGXI5o5nQfeX4eyu1mcNG5EUrJ4tU9V-zNTCM/s400/13.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-44609262521170509772010-01-11T10:05:00.028+03:002010-01-11T16:54:28.414+03:00Lord Shiva<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425379689773596194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VjtOk8zAZwkxXgYMYSiCUL9THLRCbdQfn0fFRFesnehRb6I_u6oxgZNrjDQbk99v9xenRpVSHf7nUOjEIrUKBY03qovqAhq7yFCtMzvklE73Jxz6D-TBYAx4IDb3BXdh_vXJA6bdep8/s400/3950585200_da8b68e0ca.jpg" border="0" />“Om Namah Shivaya” <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify">Shiva means the supreme one, the auspicious one, the pure one and for me the beloved one. Shiva means "the One who is eternally pure" or "the One who can never have any contamination of the imperfection of Rajas and Tamas" <blockquote></blockquote>Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being that continuously dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. Lord Shiva is absolute which does not have any parents which never takes birth which is all alone without association with any of the creatures or creations enjoying in the Self. God is the only one who is dependable for anybody / anything to surrender to as it is the only perennial Being. Hence God is the Lord of all creatures (lives/souls). For this reason the Lord is hailed as Pashupati (Lord of living beings). Whether it is devas or asuras or humans or other creatures all are pashus.<br /><br />Lord Siva is popularly known as Shankara. The word Shankara is made up of two words, namely "shanka" and "hara". Shanka means doubt and hara means dispeller or destroyer. The word "Shankara" thus means He who dispels or destroys doubts. dispels or destroys all doubts. He rules over our disbeliefs and hesitations and establishes firm faith in us through his compelling nature. By dispelling our doubts and establishing faith, He destroys all our bondage.<br /><br />Shankara or Sankara can also mean sankata + hara, that is he who destroys or ends all difficulties. Sincere prayers to Shankara can be very effective. The Lord is easily pleased with pure devotion and responds immediately. Siva is known for his boon giving nature, which at times causes trouble because when he is pleased he can be very generous even to the evil characters.</div><div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425451495867111266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 603px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2EjjE9LMw_wDvTrXy_DxnS_0vrVn1NEYZlR01u5jY3KHY3ap9764oYRoFim4WnaLr1hjpc17uGJLk0VxqCoaqZd81cKce2iInpDh4j_bEMQ1c8Ylb2MkB32_MkSViiBhesJ4ARmDOfo/s400/water.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote>At the beginning of creation, there was nothing in the universe. There was water everywhere. Lord Vishnu manifested himself in his great form and slept on the water. While Vishnu was sleeping, a lotus flower (padma) sprouted from his navel. It had many petals and its stem shone like a thousand suns. From the cells of the lotus Brahma was born. He began to wonder, There seems to be nothing around except for this lotus. Who am I? Where did I come from? What am I supposed to do? Whose son am I ? Who made me? </div><p align="justify">Brahma thought he might find the answers to these questions if he explored the lotus a bit. Perhaps he ought to try and find the centre of the lotus. Brahma descended down the stem of the lotus and wandered around for a hundred years. But he could not find the flower's centre. He then decided that he might as well go back to the cell from where he had been born. But despite wandering around the stem for another hundred years, Brahma could not find the cell. By then he was so tired that he gave up and rested. </p><p align="justify">Suddenly he heard the words, Brahma, perform tapasya (meditation).Brahma meditated for twelve years. When the twelve years were over, the Vishnu appeared before Brahma. Brahma didn't know who this person was and he asked,</p><p align="justify">Who are you? Vishnu didn't directly answer the question. Instead, he replied, Son, the great Lord Vishnu has created you.</p><p align="justify">Who are you to call me a son? Demanded Brahma.</p><p align="justify">Can't you recognize me? came the reply. I am Vishnu. It is from my body that you have been created. But Brahma was not convinced. He began to fight with Vishnu.<br /><br />Shiva then assumed the form of a great pillar of fire (light linga) and appeared between the two fighting gods. Seeing this immense shaft of light stunned Brahma and Vishnu and they were quiet for a moment, wondering what such an unknown and mighty force might be.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425454538934421378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPtj_JvGyUkTNBAPj5LMZSslTG1oORCeVgSDrD6GiSeGET9Gm26INlPuZ5kXJANngSIkYMsCCn7qpgJFXnJ97gKI2KWUrgn3Zd3U0xG87JeFciGxr6cxc2QZsViEyRsO4dhuQ0chPi4w/s400/337142537_df428d82ef.jpg" border="0" /> They then heard an asariri (a disembodied voice) from the sky commanding them to listen. The voice then continued to say that the dispute of the two gods would be settled if one of them was able to ‘see’ the top or the bottom of the pillar of light before them. </p><p align="justify">At once, it was decided that Brahma would go up (towards the sky) and try to find the head of this pillar of Light (Shiva) and Vishnu would go down (under the earth) to find the foot of Shiva. It was agreed that whoever was able to find the limit (the head or the foot) would be superior to the other. Brahma then assumed the form of a swan and began his journey into the sky. Vishnu on the other hand, assumed the form of Varaha (wild boar) and bored through the earth to descend into the very depths of the world. The two of them went thus on their quest for thousands of years and even still could find no end to the pillar of light (as light has no limit). After proceeding in their quest for so long, the two of them began to tire and realize that they cannot find out end of this filler. This realization began to humble their ego and their arrogance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZkQ-LMVri8SX19EFBCCD9C2vrg9J9AfKj8xgpQRdJDjNcKgWcWDByY_-F7o-MvqCmwr7cBgKEdihkbECDfBxfAce9_02wbPW_abzNeV2E8ZLP8A_cllPJNiVVbUJtl_ipbkIxnsvJlY/s1600-h/mahashivaratri_27.jpg"></a><br />Vishnu decided to end his search (becoming humbled) and proceed back to the earth. At the same time, Brahma saw a Ketaki flower slowly wafting downwards from the sky. He stopped the flower on its way down and asked it where it was coming from. On being questioned by the creator, the flower replied that it had been placed at the top of the pillar of fire and had fallen from there. Unable to find the head of the pillar, Brahma decided to end his search and instead use the ketaki flower as evidence of him having reached the head.Both Brahma and Vishnu came back to the earth in the end and when asked, Vishnu replied truthfully that he had been unable to find the feet of the fiery pillar even after a very long search going to the very ends of the universe. Brahma on the other hand lied by saying that he had in fact reached the head of the pillar of fire and that he had brought the ketaki flower from the top as proof of having reached there. This false claim angered Shiva and he revealed his true form & said, We are all three parts of the same entity and have been divided into three. Brahma is the creator. Vishnu is the preserver and I am the destroyer… </p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425437938766878290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaLRxI8ka3C3mY4_ZVDDWTDnQCUz0N744HBtGeihbzBevbB9xOiQbzIntoU63WbOiJDEXNIXNAMdtVK3Gg0-8FHODrNAXtxD22Ot8anmYkM4Zzr4E2bZqjleCvXC_I-5Tmw0stIDatME/s400/3220674097_8e6a4e647f.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />We three represent the three fundamental powers of nature which are manifest in the world viz. creation, destruction and maintenance. These powers exist perpetually. Creation is going on all the time. So is destruction and maintenance. All three powers are manifest at all times. We are inseparable.<br /><br />Brahma that he would have no one to be worship as he was undeserving (as a result of his falsity) and ketaki flower that henceforth she shall not be used in the worship of Me (as she had given false testimony when questioned).<br /><br />Brahma said to Shiva, Please forgives me!</p><p align="justify"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425379695370552338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUBqWlatvi795RNOc9tp1FtO8pZJHQumxI8UiITm9ppx26AhXxEhxTqfi8lFfPwCGayRt1Ao9ZrujQFp7imp1CKRqfi1Xkg7R8AGtXcQjqIVxJ052G-DnqFD95pzAphHorTjat_zSaZU/s400/1290931867_+++c29061e3c4.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />All right, I forgive you, Shiva agreed. Still Brahma was not fully satisfied. He said to Shiva, You have to prove that you have forgiven me.<br /><br />What kind of proof do you want? Asked Shiva. </p><p align="justify">You have to take incarnation in my family, declared Brahma. You have to take birth as my son.<br />Fine, fine, said Shiva. I shall take incarnation in your family. I will be your son.<br /><br />Brhama He started meditating. So Brahma prayed to Shiva for five thousand years, but Shiva did not appear at all. One day, Brahma began shedding bitter tears because Shiva had failed to keep his promise. Brahma said, I cannot go on in vain. Even after seeing my tears, Shiva is not coming. I am crying like an infant, but he is deaf to my prayers. I have now decided to commit suicide. Shiva is a liar. He is not going to come. So the best thing is for me to immolate myself. After saying these words, Brahma committed suicide. As soon as he had done so, Shiva came out of Brahmas mouth. While coming out, Shiva was crying and crying, and at the same time Brahma was revived. Brahma was so happy to see his son. When he noticed Shivas tears, Brahma became very concerned. Why are you crying, why are you crying, my child? he asked. </p><p align="justify">Shiva said that he was crying while taking human incarnation because he was entering into world-ignorance. For this reason Brahma gave him the name Rudra, meaning he who cries pitifully. </p><p align="justify">At the beginning of every cycle Brahma is enjoined to create the worlds but his mind-born creation had failed and he fell into great sorrow. At that time he heard a voice form the heavens that said,<br /><br />"Create through the union of Man and Woman." But he did not have the power to create Woman. Thinking that only through the grace of Shiva would he succeed, he resolved to gain the favor of Mahadeva through strenuous tapa.<br /><br />Favoring His earnest bhakta, Shiva quickly appeared before him in the form of Ardhanarishwara.<br /><br />Shiva said:<br /><br />"My child, oh my fortunate, dear son Pitamaha, I have instantly understood your hearts desire. For the increase of progeny you have until now performed tapa and thereby pleased me. I will grant your wish."<br /><br />Speaking thus, Shiva manifested the godess Shivaa from His left side. His soul gladdened to its core.<br /><br />Brahma said:<br /><br />Oh Shivaa, Your husband the God of Gods has protected me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbovds2oBnwwSU2xcLmzWInaHBS3xCkFYCAG3sZMS4rL1Z-C9Npj8-m7BpSK3qPei62YEXKKuhWAvtcDt4HMd7Ae0ka1iFZcH8Y5QPMeixO_hd694_rJzObw2dVCQHKvkdHx97xMyGAM/s1600-h/ardhanarishwar_shiv.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425418250912703186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbovds2oBnwwSU2xcLmzWInaHBS3xCkFYCAG3sZMS4rL1Z-C9Npj8-m7BpSK3qPei62YEXKKuhWAvtcDt4HMd7Ae0ka1iFZcH8Y5QPMeixO_hd694_rJzObw2dVCQHKvkdHx97xMyGAM/s320/ardhanarishwar_shiv.jpg" border="0" /></a>Through His blessings I was brought forth to create. Time and time again I have created the Gods and sages from the power of my mind. But they do not follow my wishes and thus my creation has not flourished. Now I wish to create a Maithuni creation that will grow and flourish. But that creation will need the presence of Woman and for that my shakti is insufficient. All shaktis have you alone as their source so Sarveshwari I beseech You, give me the power to create Woman. Oh Jagannmata! I bow to you again and again. And I have one more wish, oh Ambika who dwells within all. Through Ishwara alone does the world moving and still grow and prosper so become the daughter of my son Daksha.<br /><br />Hearing this prayer of the noble Brahma, Parameshwari Devi said "so be it" and gave Brahma the power to create Woman. Seeing Jagannamayi Shivaa Devi bring forth that shakti from between Her eyebrows, the best of gods, Shiva ocean of mercy laughed and said<br /><br />" Oh Devi, Parameshthi Brahma has pleased you with his tapa. quickly and lovingly fulfill his request and be born as the daughter of Daksha. " </p><p align="justify">After that, Brahma powers of his meditation, he created several sages (rishis). Kardama, Daksha and Marichi were among them. Marichi's son was Kashyapa. Daksha had sixty daughters and thirteen of them were married to Kashyapa. The children of Kashyapa and these daughters became adityas (gods), daityas (demons), danavas (demons), trees, birds, snakes, mountains and creepers. Thus was the world populated.<br /><br />Meanwhile, there was water everywhere. In the water, Vishnu created a huge egg (anda). He then himself entered the egg in his huge form.<br /><br />Twenty-seven of Daksha’s daughters were married to the moon-god Chandra. One of these wives was named Rohini and Chandra loved Rohini more than he loved the other wives. The other wives felt neglected and they complained to their father. Daksha repeatedly warned his son-in-law to devote himself equally to all twenty-seven wives. But Chandra was in no mood to listen. Daksha thereupon cursed Chandra that he would gradually fade away. Chandra didn’t know what to do. He went and sought advice from Brahma and Brahma told him that the only rescourse was to pray to Shiva. Chandra went to Prabhasa tirtha and made a linga on the banks of the river Sarasvati. He prayed to Shiva for six months.</p><p align="justify">At the end of the tapasya Shiva appeared before Chandra and offered to grant him a boon. Chandra explained what the problem was. Well, said Shiva, Daksha’s curse cannot be entirely ignored. Let us have a compromise. During krishnapaksha you will wane. And during shuklapaksha (the bright part of the lunar fortnight) you will wax. Finally, Shiva put him on his head. </p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425381972213304370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 392px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ7LhM9ZLP3lPYNBMcH-p8M2btLLhy6Z9CK7cLk72ND4kgIuHyygCYr8nPI1oJHl6ugEJhDmTL8OF_6USzEBnMcyRBJ2RX6Th9NWjg2a6NgVZMlBgyx8XVshAOJm_XNWdgFFt1klnKn4/s400/Shiva+on+Nandi.jpg" border="0" /><br />Daksha's daughter Sati was married to Shiva (Rudra).</p><p align="justify">But Daksha and Shiva did not like each other. Daksha arranged a yajna (sacrifice) and he did not invite Shiva to attend this sacrifice. Although Sati was not invited either, she went to attend the ceremony. But Daksha insulted her so much that Sati gave up her life in protest.<br /><br />When Nandi informed Shiva about Sati's death, he became very furious. He angrily pulled out a locks of hair and dashed it against the mountain, which got divided into two parts. From one part manifested the valiant Veerbharda and from the other part Mahakali. </p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425379699978374322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCn6EpzscnTPb9_7oDnXKs2Kh1HAfRroqm3DzLzYaC1FraBeW11FIHPc_Q-IsH0tNZH9cFCIOuNbFffWEpwAQ34dISUY0v9OpM_W25APmWH8YkufHfBhU5TnJA3yvjDOpw9EkBOwHTjs/s400/2282540878_2f831+++++++61a2c+copy.jpg" border="0" /><br />Veerbhadra and Mahakali were instructed by Shiva to destroy the yagya of Daksha and to kill all the people who were present during the time of Sati's death, including the deities and the sages.<br /><br />After getting the instructions from lord Shiva, Veerbhardra marched with a huge army which included the mighty Shivaganas like Dakini, Bhairav and Kapalish etc. Goddess Kali to joined him with her army which consisted of all her nine incarnations like Katyayani etc. As the army marched on numerous auspicious signs were visible. </p><div align="justify">On the other hand Daksha experienced many inauspicious signs. His left eye, left army and left thigh started throbbing. He saw the vultures flying over his head. He heard the sounds of jackals howling.<br /><br />Daksha then prayed to lord Vishnu to rescue him from the imminent wrath of lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu preached Daksha and said-"Daksha! Since you have committed the greatest sin by dishonouring Shiva and Sati. Even I can not prevent the calamities which you are certain to face."As lord Vishnu was preaching Daksha suddenly there was a loud commotion. The army of Veerbhadra had arrived. Daksha was frightened and again prayed to Vishnu to save his life.Lord Vishnu again expressed his helplessness and told him that because of him all the deities too would have to suffer.<br /><br />A terrible battle was fought between the armies of Veerbhadra and the deities. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4hBHX87Z1JB0slViY8BlHW75JMQqgUwYjuWRhiFEgtnAYyXbkcwpqdmjymyN4vgzDwfnBim7QrV6tYn98J5HXb2a5BZebllU6PAOYR7rhhyphenhyphensK972QU-jQBlL8Zp_s1qFxlVIVoiYJ0s/s1600-h/Virabhadra.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425456281989438978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4hBHX87Z1JB0slViY8BlHW75JMQqgUwYjuWRhiFEgtnAYyXbkcwpqdmjymyN4vgzDwfnBim7QrV6tYn98J5HXb2a5BZebllU6PAOYR7rhhyphenhyphensK972QU-jQBlL8Zp_s1qFxlVIVoiYJ0s/s400/Virabhadra.jpg" border="0" /></a>The deities got defeated and fled away. Daksha ran for his life and hid himself behind the attar where the yagya was being performed. But Veerbhadra pulled him out from there and severed his head. He then threw his head in the agni-kunda.<br /><br />Brahma, the gods began to pray to Shiva. These prayers pacified Shiva and he asked Virbhadra and Bhadrakali to refrain from causing any further damage.Brahma request Shiva was subsequently pacified and brought the dead gods back to life. The sacrifice was completed.<br /><br />Meanwhile, there was an asura (demon) named Tara. Tara's son was Taraka.Taraka wished to defeat the gods. He therefore went to a place named Madhuvana and began to perform very difficult tapasya. The meditation was so difficult that Brahma was pleased. He appeared before Tarakasura and said, I am pleased with your tapasya. What boon do you want?If you are pleased, replied Tarakasura, grant me two boons. The first boon should be that no one created by you should be as strong as me. The second boon should be that I should be killed only by Shiva's son.Shiva at that point of time had no sons. Sati had died and although she had been reborn as Parvati. She herself was reborn as the daughter of the mountain Himalaya and his wife Menaka.<br /><br />Brahma granted Tarakasura the two boons. The demon went to a city named Shonitapura and began to live there. All the other demons made Tarakasura their king. Thanks to the boon. Tarakasura was so strong tha the easily defeated the gods. He conquered the three worlds and drove the gods out of heaven. He stole all their belongings and employed the gods as his servants.The despondent gods went to Brahma and asked him to find a solution to the Tarakasura problem. I can't, said Brahma. It is because of my boon that the demon has become so powerful. Besides, my boon says that Tarakasura can only be killed by Shiva's son. Shiva has got to have a son. He is now performing tapasya in the Himalaya mountains. Parvati is also in that region. Do something so that these two fall in love with each other and marry.<br /><br />The gods decided to follow Brahma's advice. But how could it be ensured that Shiva and Parvati fell in love with each other? The king of the gods was Indra and the god of love was Kandarpa or Kamadeva or Madana.Indra summoned Kandarpa. You have to help us, said Indra. There is no <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxmH47ju_pPoRc_SOyKC0mpR9CUdc_s9M9RMpF3m-zhuNQXduWJJt6L1fYUrlsmGuk9tUKIsFyyDitGa1yd0OIUGwMdiI_hEs6YOHUV2kAG-A9-kZe057e35GINui7xLq5Us_QBXh5DU/s1600-h/kama-deva-the-hindu-god-of-love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425417913819211378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxmH47ju_pPoRc_SOyKC0mpR9CUdc_s9M9RMpF3m-zhuNQXduWJJt6L1fYUrlsmGuk9tUKIsFyyDitGa1yd0OIUGwMdiI_hEs6YOHUV2kAG-A9-kZe057e35GINui7xLq5Us_QBXh5DU/s320/kama-deva-the-hindu-god-of-love.jpg" border="0" /></a>other way out. Shiva is performing tapasya in the Himalayas. Parvati is also in the region. Make sure that the two fall in love. That is your job.Kandarpa went to the place where Shiva was meditating. And as soon as the god of love appeared, the place took on the traits of a spring which was perennial. Flowers bloomed and bees buzzed among the flowers. Cuckoos sang and fragrant breezes started to waft through the forest. Shiva tried to concentrate on his meditation. But he kept getting distracted.While all this was going on, who should arrive there but Parvati? She was so beautiful that Shiva was smitten with love for her. Parvati also seemed to like Shiva.But life is never simple. Shiva was, after all, Shiva. He realized that something was wrong. How could his meditation have been disturbed? How was it that the season seemed to be spring although it had no business to be spring? When Shiva glanced around, his eyes fell on Kandarpa who was hiding. He realized that it was Kandarpa who was responsible for all this mischief.Shiva was angered. He had a third eye in the middle of his forehead. From this third eye flames sprouted and these flames burnt Kandarpa to ashes.Kandarpa's wife was Rati. When Rati saw that her husband had been burnt to ashes, her grief knew no bounds. At first she lost consciousness. When she recovered, she lamented, Woe is me. What is going to happen to me? My husband, my love, where have you gone? </div><div align="justify"><br />The gods and Rati sought out Shiva. They explained that it had been no fault of Kandarpa's. He had been asked to disturb Shiva's tapasya because of the Tarakasua problem. What would happen to Rati now? </div><div align="justify"><br />Shiva replied, What has happened has happened. Nothing can be done about kandarpa now. He will eventually be born in the city of Dvaraka as Krishna's son Pradyumna. Rati will then be reuntied with Kandarpa. But till such time, let her simply wait. </div><div align="justify"><br />The gods dispersed, still despondent. The matter of Shiva and Parvati's marriage had not progressed at all.<br /><br />But Parvati had fallen in love with Shiva and she didn't know what she could do about it. She thought of Shiva all the time. </div><div align="justify"><br />One day the sage Narada came and told her,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtml5VO3wuoBaRriOrXsntpRP3UB8SukKVpmRAnioAWewfhN4ag5AP_J92WIB3tsmaLt8NDEcYNAYokB7NJU7MtwPmeZrLGLqRvFx5A7R8IK04E5Fn1XW3Uvpiz9AKKAEzVQCv3pRQuL8/s1600-h/narada.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425458134485170162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtml5VO3wuoBaRriOrXsntpRP3UB8SukKVpmRAnioAWewfhN4ag5AP_J92WIB3tsmaLt8NDEcYNAYokB7NJU7MtwPmeZrLGLqRvFx5A7R8IK04E5Fn1XW3Uvpiz9AKKAEzVQCv3pRQuL8/s400/narada.jpg" border="0" /></a> Shiva is only pleased with tapasya. Without tapasya, even Brahma and the other gods do not get to see Shiva. Why don't you perform tapasya?<br />Parvati decided to do what Narada had asked her to. She asked her parents for permission. Her father agreed with alacrity. Although her mother Menaka was not at all keen that Parvati should perform difficult tapasya, she too eventually agreed.Parvati gave up her jewellery and handsome clothes. She wore deerskin instead. There is a peak in the Himalayas known as Gouriskikhara. It is there that Parvati went for her tapasy. The meditation was very difficult. During the monsson Parvati meditated while seated on the ground. In the winter she mediated under the water. Wild beats dared not harm her. All the gods and sages assembled to see this wonderful tapasya. The gods and the sages also began to pray to Shiva. Lord, can't you see that Parvati is performing difficult tapasya? They asked. No one has meditated like this before. No one will meditate like this in the future. Please grant her what she wants.</div><div align="justify"><br />Lord Shiva then himself went to Parvati in the guise of a brahmin. Parvati on seeing a brahmin welcomed her with full honour.Shiva asked Parvati as to why was she doing penance. Parvati told him that she wanted to have Shiva as her husband. Lord Shiva, who was in the guise of a brahmin started cursing Shiva to see how Parvati reacted to it.Parvati replied that inspite of her penance Shiva did not appear, so she has decided to give up her life in burning pyre. After saying like this Parvati requested the Brahmin to go back and she herself entered into the burning pyre but remained unharmed Lord Shiva was very pleased to see her firm resolve and devotion. He again asked her as to what was the purpose behind doing such a tremendous penance. </div><div align="justify"><br />Parvati told the brahmin; who in reality was Shiva himself that, she wanted to have Shiva as her husband at any cost. She said-"You say that lord Shiva does not possess anything - not even wealth. He does not put on clothes on his body. You also say that he is not fit to be a bridegroom of me. But all of your utterances prove your mean intelligence."</div><div align="justify"><br />Parvati continuing with her statements said that Shiva was the most capable deity in all the three world. "There is no sin greater than condemning Shiva." Said Parvati.As Shiva, who was in the guise of Brahmin was about to say something Parvati said to one of her companion-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsj_i9_fNc4P3SzJTu4EReGZcDSQvtfqQKMayfLLp1ePdno-owln5Tng69RSR7Q716DEGBRxnoxia1MfyOwvD1YjpyXe-6ud6OInPxL_OHmubdRk6U_N8zvAtkeLLq_AFE3Uke4pf7-M/s1600-h/mahashivaratri_27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425442069282811618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsj_i9_fNc4P3SzJTu4EReGZcDSQvtfqQKMayfLLp1ePdno-owln5Tng69RSR7Q716DEGBRxnoxia1MfyOwvD1YjpyXe-6ud6OInPxL_OHmubdRk6U_N8zvAtkeLLq_AFE3Uke4pf7-M/s320/mahashivaratri_27.jpg" border="0" /></a>"This condemner should be killed, if this is not possible then we must leave this place at once."As she was about to leave that place, lord Shiva revealed his true identity and by holding her hand said- "You have been my wife since time immemorial where are you going?" </div><div align="justify"><br />Parvati became very pleased and her heart was filled up with extreme joy. She requested him to take to her father regarding their marriage. Lord Shiva agreed. Shiva called the seven great sages (saptarshis) and asked them to go to Himalaya as his messengers. The message was that he wished to marry Himalaya's daughter Parvati. Himalaya was delighted to see the sages and even more delighted to learn that Shiva wanted to marry Parvati. A date was fixed for the marriage.<br /><br />Under Brahma's supervision, the marriage ceremony took place and Shiva and Parvati returned to Kailasa.<br /><br />Shiva and Parvati's son was Skanada or Kartikeya. When the baby was very small, it got lost in some reeds. Six princesses discovered the baby in the reeds and each wanted to bring up the baby as her son. All of them finally cooperated in bringing up the body. These princesses were the Krittikas and the boy came to be known as Kartikeya.</div><div align="justify"><br />The gods got to know from Narada that Kartikeya had been brought up by the Krittikas. They came and appointed Kartikeya their general. The army of gods then invaded Tarakasura's city Shonitapura. A terrible fight raged for ten days. The gods completely decimated the demons and Katikeya killed Tarakasura.After the victory celebrations were over, Kartikeya was restored to his parents.<br /><br />Tarakasura had three sons named Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana. These three began to perform tapasya. For a hundred years they meditated.Brahma was pleased at this difficult tapasya. He appeared before them and said, What boon do you want? </div><div align="justify"><br />Make us immortal, answered Tarakasura's sons.</div><div align="justify"><br />I can't make you immortal, replied Brahma. I don't have the power. Ask for something else instead. Very well, then, said Viyunamali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana Grant us the following. Let three forts be made. The first will be of gold, the second of silver and the third of iron. We will live in these forts for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, the forts will become one. This combined fort will be called Tripura. And it anyone can then destroy Tripura with only a single arrow, that shall be the death destined for us.This rather unusual boon Brahma granted. Tarakaksha got the golden fort, Viryavana the silver one and Vidyunmali the iron one. Each of the forts was a big as a city and had many palaces and vimanas (spaces vehicles) inside.The demons populated the three forts and began to flourish. The gods did not like this at all. They first went to Brahma, but Brahma said he could not help them. After all, the demons had got Tripura thanks to his boon. The gods then went to Shiva for help. But Shiva said that the demons were doing nothing wrong. As long as that was the case, he did not see why the gods wre so bothered. The gods then went to Vishnu. Vishnu's suggestion was as follows. If the problem was that the demons were doing nothing wrong, the solution was to persuade them to become sinners.Out of his powers Vishnu created a man. This man's head was shaven, his clothes were faded and he carried a wooden water-pot in his hands. He covered his mouth with a piece of cloth and approached Vishnu.What are my orders? he asked Vishnu.</div><div align="justify"><br />Let me explain to you why you have been created, replied Vishnu. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-cRJiox16Yxn5pZAIkRnogqJKmQqcleZQ54dORqpJYT4M5jkEflYo2vVXGViIeb3FA2UB65pf_b6UvxDzjav29M_PVQJIda38C6LFHlkpLpOMApwQtFBISTIIivKIWMZy64C9bfUw3Y/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425448384293691458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 347px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 343px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-cRJiox16Yxn5pZAIkRnogqJKmQqcleZQ54dORqpJYT4M5jkEflYo2vVXGViIeb3FA2UB65pf_b6UvxDzjav29M_PVQJIda38C6LFHlkpLpOMApwQtFBISTIIivKIWMZy64C9bfUw3Y/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>I will teach you a religion that is completely against the Vedas. You will then get the impression that there is no svarga (heaven) and no naraka (hell) and that both heaven and hell are on earth. You will not believe that rewards and punishments for deeds committed on earth are meted out after death. Go to Tripura and teach the demons this religion, which they are dislodged from the righteous path. Then we will do something about Tripura.</div><div align="justify"><br />The being did as he had been asked to. He and four of his disciples went to a forest that was near Tripura and began to preach. They were trained by Vishnu himself. Therefore, their teachings were convincing and they had many converts. Even the sage Narada got confused and was ಕಾಂವೆರ್ತೆದ್</div><div align="justify">.<br />In fact, it was Narada who carried news of this wonderful new religion to king Vidyunmati.King, he said, there is a wonderful new teacher with a wonderful new religion. I have never heard before. I have got converted. </div><div align="justify"><br />Since the great sage Narada had got converted. Vidyunmati also accepted the new religon. And in due course, so did Tarakaksha and Viryavana. The demons gave up revering the Vedas, they stopped worshipping Shiva's linga.Vishnu and the other gods then went to Shiva and began to pray to him. When Shiva appeared, they told him that the demons had now become evil and should be destroyed. They had even stopped worshipping Shiva's linga.Shiva agreed to destroy Tripura. Vishvakarma was the architect of the gods. Shiva called Vishvakarma and asked him to make a suitable chariot, bow and arrow. The chariot was made entirely out of gold. Brahma himself became the charioteer and the chariot was speedly driven towards Tripura. The gods accompanied Shiva with diverse weapons.By then a thousand years had passed so that the three forts had become a single Tripura. Shiva instilled a divine weapon known as pashupata into his arrow and shot it at Tripura. The arrow burnt up Tripura into ashes in a split second.While the celebrations were going on, the shaven-heads religious teachers arrived. What are we supposed to do now? they asked.Brahma and Vishnu told them to go and live in the desert. The last of the four eras was kaliyuga and in kaliyuga, evil would reign supreme. When kaliyuga arrived, they were to come back and begin their teaching afresh.<br /><br />Goddess Parvathi once, while bathing, created Ganesha as a pure white being out of the mud of Her Body and placed Him at the entrance of the house. She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she went inside for a bath. Lord Shiva Himself was returning home quite thirsty and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider. When Parvathi came to know of this she was sorely grieved. To console her grief Shiva ordered His aids to cut off and bring to Him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesha and Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their powers to bring back life to the dead body. <blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425379710338418706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQlIEQbAFX7fgdhZOK5kqOmZXLEWMip1V3GEJL2az9WAyyNeXV8uuf6MmtrKMorwRCJKP1aWZuzTvxRScvD4qRfTpwvVFX0DMQzzBy85g4dWdEnd0sds3ZpeY2pf4ubYDRD6MX09zZ2w/s400/3433938781_8867735605.jpg" border="0" /></blockquote></div><p align="justify"><br />Shiva accepted Ganesha as his son. He also made Ganesha the lord of all his companions, the ganas. </p><p align="justify">Shiva and Parvati had two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGENB-zN6nhJI0DHHxOI3NTPzIdaG1V9Ua9UYZq0YT0dy2LGQKO3P1AlqV4uJzm0GeJhQNDNYbBEXdEucguexFcsSy0RU3cSSFS5oe53VRAE7JQbZT6Mx9Wzc5qicksKMbZiWcqeWipT0/s1600-h/05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425386354555543138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGENB-zN6nhJI0DHHxOI3NTPzIdaG1V9Ua9UYZq0YT0dy2LGQKO3P1AlqV4uJzm0GeJhQNDNYbBEXdEucguexFcsSy0RU3cSSFS5oe53VRAE7JQbZT6Mx9Wzc5qicksKMbZiWcqeWipT0/s320/05.jpg" border="0" /></a>Both sons wanted to get married. And Shiva and Parvati found it difficult to decide who should be married first. The other one was bound to feel hurt. Both the sons were equally dear to them.They decided to have a test. They called Ganesha and Kartikeya to them and said, We have devised a competition. Both of you have to travel around the world and return here. Whoever returns first will be married first. That should be fair and square. </p><p align="justify">As soon as these words were out, Kartikeya dashed out on his journey. But Ganesha tarried and pondered. He realized that this was a task that was impossible for him to accomplish. He found it difficult enough to travel a couple of miles.Ganesha found a solution. First, he bathed. Then, he made Shiva and Parvati sit on two seats. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtzgww1XN2KC78HzYpOwMLc4ZSnqhgqdcBdiR76VAEwkzSo8fwGfUAdoumd0CwnoDTqEALfmtWomz0aU2xfooGsUZbaguE1SLgvYlueDExcfbw6lLw_BeJz54xYQ0-qAhV9XahglLWmk/s1600-h/06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425387065836730786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtzgww1XN2KC78HzYpOwMLc4ZSnqhgqdcBdiR76VAEwkzSo8fwGfUAdoumd0CwnoDTqEALfmtWomz0aU2xfooGsUZbaguE1SLgvYlueDExcfbw6lLw_BeJz54xYQ0-qAhV9XahglLWmk/s320/06.jpg" border="0" /></a>He worshipped them and circled them seven times. After he finished circling them. Ganesha said, Now please make arrangements for my wedding.What do you mean, exclaimed Shiva and Parvati. Didn't you hear what we said? We asked the two of you to travel around the world and come back. You'd better hurry. Kartikeya has already left. If you don't take care, he will beat you to it.But I have already been round the world seven times, replied Ganesha. Haven't I circled the two of you seven times? The Vedas say that circling one's parents is the same thing as circling the world. </p><p align="justify">If you do not wish to argue that the Vedas are wrong, then you have to agree that I have circled the world seven times. </p><p align="justify">Shiva and Parvati could not very well argue that the Vedas were wrong. They therefore had to accept Ganesha's logic. Arrangements were made for his wedding. Vishvarua, the son of Kashyapa, had two daughters named Siddhi and Buddhi. These two were married to Ganesha with a lot of fanfare. Ganesha and Siddhi had a son named Laksha and Ganesha and Buddhi had a son named Labha.Kartikeya returned to Kailasa after traveling around the world and discovered that Ganesha was already married and was already the proud father of two children.</p><p align="justify">When Kartikeya reached Kailash mountain he made salutations to lord Shiva and Parvati and without saying anything, went to Kraunch mountain to do his penance.</p><p align="justify">Parvati was very sad. She went to Kraunch mountain to meet Kartikeya accompanied by Shiva. When Kartikeya saw them coming he moved to another place. Lord Shiva and Parvati followed him and ultimately met him.<br /></p><p align="justify">Bhagiratha was the renowned king forefather of Raghu Vamsa. His forefathers known as Sagaras were burnt down due to a curse. For the upliftment of those ancestors from the cursed state to get to the heavens, he wanted to bring the river Ganga to earth. The idea is that when Ganga waters touch the ash of Sagaras, they would be uplifted from their sin. He did very severe austerities and to get the permission from Indra. He gave permission to bring the Ganaga flowing in the heaven to the earth, however he told, coming down to earth would be the decision of Ganga. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425381967579657602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9pSeVGSCk7RTTbIOcCNKiMfGmNB6-BrTFU2_7mFh4VTOFfCwO4uXTJ6_foGHFMZ9pKfF74WMdqHj598FxY05LhUxV2rqAvEW0Ihl9t-XCJRyam_qx9ZiA7dgeUHYA8WKGv_JfrhyphenhyphenqGk/s400/3434743344_5164c0b381.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify">So Bagirata again started his penance and prayed the goddess Ganga. She agreed to come down, but warned him that he should find a person who could withstand the force with which she will descend to earth! He agreed and found out that the refuge would be at Lord shiva. He did the austerities pleasing Lord Shiva. Appreciating his devotion and efforts, Lord agreed to hold the Ganga when she descends to earth. Ganga out of her pride and ignorance thought that the Lord won't be able to withstand the force! She came down with an intention to gush down the Lord with heavy force. Can the Lord, Who holds the entire world He created, be pushed down by a river? The Lord, who is the creator of the entire universe and who has taken the forms just out of the grace on creatures, arrested her flow in His matted hair! She tried her best to rush out of His matted hair, but in vain. Not a drop of water could escape! Bhagiratha, worried by this (as he would not get Ganga to earth otherwise), prayed to the Lord to show mercy on her. The Gracious Lord allowed the Ganga through a strand of His matted hair. Ganga then flowed humbly, gracefully and giving prosperity on her way to Patala. Thus the ancestors of Bhagiratha were resurrected by the holy water of Ganga.<br /><br />On day Indra was going towards Kailash Mountain to have a 'darshan' of lord Shiva. Sage Vrihaspati was accompanying him. </p><p align="justify">Lord Shiva came to know about his arrival. He wanted to test his devotion towards him. While both Indra and Vrihaspati were still on their way. Lord Shiva met them on their in the guise of a hermit. </p><p align="justify">Indra did not recognize Shiva, who was sitting on the way disguised as a hermit. Indra inquired as to who he was and where he live. Lord Shiva sat quietly without saying a word. Indra repeatedly asked the same question, but each time Shiva remained quiet. Indra became furious and tried to attack lord Shiva with his Vajra.</p><p align="justify">Lord Shiva paralyzed the raised hands of Indra by his divine power. Shiva's eyes had reddened due to anger which made Indra very frightened sage Vrihaspati was able to recognize the real identity of the hermit as to who he was. He made salutations to lord Shiva and requested him to pardon Indra. Lord Shiva became pleased and diverted the power of his radiant eyes to the ocean. This way Indra's life was spared by Shiva. Lord Shiva then returned to Kailash mountain. Indra and Sage Vrihaspati to Kailash mountain. Indra and sage Vrihaspati too returned to their respective abodes. </p><p align="justify">The effulgence, which had been divided by lord Shiva into the Ocean resulted into the manifestation of a small child. This incident happened at the place where river Ganges submerged into the ocean. </p><p align="justify"><br />The child was crying so ferociously that an environment <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW5ZPLzmiA6JzGd8UL0Zqlihb4t_-Zd6Ew7fFcahe10q6cZ7R7VM_tYo6dDy94SVtC6mDhBU8otECZAMXBEwnT9_ldwH6bg5k60BGGjO_-Q5d-VKuilzQv5d0HSoYT91SQZ7qNSOShB0/s1600-h/02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425462685858548194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW5ZPLzmiA6JzGd8UL0Zqlihb4t_-Zd6Ew7fFcahe10q6cZ7R7VM_tYo6dDy94SVtC6mDhBU8otECZAMXBEwnT9_ldwH6bg5k60BGGjO_-Q5d-VKuilzQv5d0HSoYT91SQZ7qNSOShB0/s320/02.jpg" border="0" /></a>of fear was created everywhere. The deities and the sages went to lord Brahma to satisfy their curiously. Lord Brahma assured then to find out the reason. He went to the seashore. The sea put the child in his lap and enquired about the name of that child and also about his future. </p><p align="justify">Meanwhile the child pressed lord Brahma's neck with such power that tears rolled down from his eyes. For this reason he named the child as Jalandhar. Lord Brahma told the sea that the child will become the mighty ruler of the demons. No deity would be able to kill him except Shiva. </p><p align="justify">The sea was very pleased by lord Brahma's predictions. After Lord Brahma returned to his abode, the sea brought that child to his home and brought up that child with great love and care.<br />Shukracharya, the guru of the asuras, recognized that Jalandhar was very powerful indeed. He crowned him the king of the asuras. Brahma ordered Shukracharya to wed Jalandhar with Tulsi, the daughter of Kalnemi. Tulsi was a very pious lady and an ideal wife. Because of her purity and chastity, Jalandhar was unconquerable. </p><p align="justify">As time passed, the asuras and the daityas became very strong under the able leadership of Jalandhar. In general, there was an increase of evil among the people. On seeing the headless Rahu, Jalandhar was perplexed and perturbed and asked Guru Shukracharya, the reason for Rahus condition. Then Shukracharya narrated the incidents of Samudra Manthan. Rahu had masqueraded as a devata and partook of the amrit. But even as the nectar reached his throat, Surya and Chandrama told Vishnu about Rahu, and Vishnu beheaded him with his chakra. To Jalandhar, the devatas stealing away the nectar and jewels appeared as the ultimate insult to the daityas. He decided to get the jewels back from the devatas.</p><p align="justify">Jalandhar sent his emissary by the name of Ghasmar to Indra. Boldly, nay rudely, the emissary entered Indras sabha. Without showing even common courtesy to the members he announced : the devatas should return the precious jewels of samudra manthan or else..</p><p align="justify">Indra was taken aback. Fear and surprise gripped him. How could Saagar, whose loyalty to the devatas was above board, demand such a thing? After all, the devatas had only taken the jewels, they could have taken away all the evil powers of the asuras and daityas, but they did not. Indra told the emissary Ghasmar that the claim of the devatas over the jewels was rightful and that the jewels will not be returned to Saagar or Jalandhar. Jalandhar seethed with rage when the emissary returned with the details of the events at Indras sabhagraha. Jalandhar gathered all the asuras and the daityas, appointed Shumbh and Nishumbh as the commanders and declared war with the devatas. There was a prolonged battle and both sides incurred heavy casualties. The asuras planned another strategy. The Dronachal parvat was famous for the medicinal plant that grew on it. The daityas thought that if this mountain could be thrown away then the devatas would be cornered. Sure enough, all the asuras got together and flung the Dronachal Parvat into the ocean. All the devatas fled and took shelter in the caves and crevices of the Sumeru parvat. Jalandhars victory was imminent. Guru Brihaspati, and the devatas who were hiding in the mountains then pleaded with Lord Vishnu, for succour from Jalandhar.</p><p align="justify">Vishnu decided to take immediate action, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nZm_9tvKdCO84jEx1QGd-r7EEU5QWELraNBilt2p6Hrkz5Ir826PW9QFlNXugtk2h5QH_uXc5RhXHdz3bq0l3VL81kvVYnGyMPDn8EkelWjQDPbxmYkS1zq8JP1tc70PX_d0zbAkZ5w/s1600-h/vishnu.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425469896554439538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nZm_9tvKdCO84jEx1QGd-r7EEU5QWELraNBilt2p6Hrkz5Ir826PW9QFlNXugtk2h5QH_uXc5RhXHdz3bq0l3VL81kvVYnGyMPDn8EkelWjQDPbxmYkS1zq8JP1tc70PX_d0zbAkZ5w/s320/vishnu.jpg" border="0" /></a>climbed his vehicle, Garuda, and set forth to the place of battle. But before leaving, Lakshmi intervened, Since Jalandhar is born of samudra, he is my brother. So, please do not kill him.<br />When Jalandhar saw Vishnu coming to the battleground he entered into a duel with Lord Vishnu. They first fought with arms, and then continued the combat without arms. The duel raged on without any result. Vishnu, too, admitted the prowess of Jalandhar. Then Vishnu told Jalandhar about his relationship with Lakshmi they are both born of Saagar and hence are siblings. Jalandhar, acknowledging the relationship, invited Vishnu and Lakshmi to stay in his palace. Meanwhile, he replaced all devatas' appointments with asuras. He confiscated all the wealth of the devatas, kinnars, gandharvas, yakshas etc. He was now the supreme ruler of all the loks. </p><p align="justify">Narad looking for Vishnu, visited Jalandhar's city. Jalandhar was extremely happy to play host to Narad. He told Jalandhar that his kingdom was no less than that of Kailash with the sole exception that Ma Parvati was with Shiva. Jalandhar then decided to steal Parvati from Shiva. Jalandhar sent Rahu to Kailash with a message for Shiva that he, the ash smeared yogi, with unkempt locks, wearing a garland of skulls, is not a befitting consort for the beautiful Parvati. Therefore, he should send Parvati to Jalandhar who is the king of all the three lokas. The moment Rahu concluded his speech, a very angry Shiva created a dangerous, horrifying human being from his eyebrows. The fearsome human had a face like a lion's, red eyes, and hair like sharp spikes. This organism decided to eat the headless Rahu. Rahu got scared and pleaded with Shiva to spare him he was a Brahmin and only an emissary of Jalandhar. Shiva caught hold of Rahu and hurled him in the sky and he careened into the earth. When Jalandhar heard of the fate of his emissary he was enraged. He gathered together the huge army of daityas and led them to battle. There were many bad omens when he left his palace but he was determined to fight Shiva. </p><p align="justify">Meanwhile, Shiva called for Vishnu and asked him why he had not killed Jalandhar. Further, he admonished Vishnu for residing with Lakshmi in the palace of Jalandhar. Vishnu explained the details of the birth of Jalandhar and that his death was ordained in the hands of Shiva. Both Shiva and Vishnu understood that the pious Tulsis devotion to her husband was giving Jalandhar unfailing strength. There was a need to do something about it. By this time Jalandhar with his huge army had reached the gates of Kailash. There was pitched battle among the devatas and daityaas. Whenever the devatas killed the daityas, Guru Shukracharya would restore them to life. Then, Shiva produced a fearsome girl from his mouth. She was Taaljangha. She took away Shukracharya and disappeared. The disappointed daityas started retreating. Then, Jalandhar played a trick. With his maya he created gandharvas and apsaras who started dancing. Shiva quickly forgave him and joined the dancers. This was just what Jalandhar had wanted. While Shiva was dancing, Jalandhar rushed to the side of Parvati with the intention of stealing her and making her his own. But Parvati, anticipating his evil plan, had turned invisible. Parvati called for Vishnu and expressed her anguish over the incident. Vishnu then decided to use the same trick on Jalandhar. </p><p align="justify">Tulsi was very worried about Jalandhar. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLzisLyyj9cgZqf7oAXQHDidPHY_Ljl_QI6xiT5mf0E9K0eNRYIz1mMGCIIjUapI3OazPaQPzgNSNcf2VlmXzn360PN5EyXMAbGE6WOScGdnITvg-0aiZ7UUdqXY5ECEG1BQ-2L1uiks/s1600-h/tulsi_devi_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425470845681224146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLzisLyyj9cgZqf7oAXQHDidPHY_Ljl_QI6xiT5mf0E9K0eNRYIz1mMGCIIjUapI3OazPaQPzgNSNcf2VlmXzn360PN5EyXMAbGE6WOScGdnITvg-0aiZ7UUdqXY5ECEG1BQ-2L1uiks/s320/tulsi_devi_big.jpg" border="0" /></a>She had ominous dreams portending disaster. While she was searching for Jalandhar in the forests, Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar, and stayed with the unsuspecting Tulsi. She believed him but later realized that this Jalandhar did not have the evil qualities that were so conspicuous in her husband. Since she had been deceived, she cursed Vishnu to become a stone and always stay at her feet. Vishnu accepted the curse but exhorted Tulsi to see that while her husband was spreading evil, she, in the capacity of a wife did not stop him. Thus, she became an accomplice. In sheer guilt, realizing the misdeeds of her husband, Tulsi died and fell at the feet of Parvati in atonement of her husbands sins. </p><p align="justify">After Tulsi Death The Jalandhars demon army trooped attacked Shiva.<br />Shiva inserted his big toe into the ocean and started to churn the water. From this churning, the terrible weapon known as the sudarshana chakra was created. Jalandhara ready to fight with chakra, but as soon as he starts fighting, the weapon sliced off his head. Jalandhara’s flesh and blood cluttered up the universe. Shiva had all of this sent to Yama, the god of death. Yama constructed a hell (naraka) named maharourava with this flesh and blood. After his death, Jalandhar's soul united with Shiva.</p><p align="justify">Lord Vishnu was very much saddened by the death of Vrinda. He took the ashes from the pyre and after applying them on his body started wondering here and there. The deities became very worried to see the condition of lord Vishnu. They went to lord Shiva and requested him to eliminate the false attachment with which Sri Vishnu was suffering. Lord Shiva sent the deities to goddess Parvati, saying that she would ceratainly help in this regard. The deities went to goddess Parvati and prayed to her. She became very pleased and with the assistance of Laxmi and Saraswati, gave some seeds to then. The deities sprayed those seeds on the pyre, on which Vrinda had given up her life. Three holy plants manifested from that pyre-Amla, Tulsi and Malti. Later on Tulsi and Malti attained to the Vishnuloka, by the virtue of their respective penance.<br /><br />Shiva was once sitting on Mount Mandara. Paravati came up from behind, so that Shiva could not see her, and covered Shiva's eyes with her two hands. Shiva could not see and everything seemed to be dark to him. Parvati's hands sweated from the exertion and the sweat fell down on the ground. From this sweat, a dark and fierce creature was born and started to roar.Parvati, said Shiva, What are you up to ? First, you cover up my eyes so that I can't see. Next, you roar so as to frighten me.Not I, replied Parvati. See for yourself. I wonder where this creature has come from.She removed her hands and Shiva saw the being in front of them. It is our son, said Shiva. It was born from your sweat when you covered my eyes. Since it was born when my eyes were in darkness, let it be called Andhaka.Andhaka was born blind, as Shiva was effectively blind when Andhaka was born.Meanwhile there was an asura named Hiranyanetra. (In other Puranas, this same asura is referred to as Hiranyaksha.) Hiranyanetra had no sons.He therefore began to pray to Shiva so that he might have a son. Shiva told Hiranyanetra that it was impossible for him to have a son. However, if he so desired, he could have their son Andhaka and bring him up as his own son. Hiranyanetra gladly agreed to this.</p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425379709386918930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4yrv-glnJGG1QEd659M6OrjgW6l1KKmp84XO4MhaKMgyGKBmAAKSZtjP9O9XFVRdSM5itflgiLl5a5BpiBW4KAo5dwlnX-iufkMS42GatNEZ64OpGKlkOQW8CkjQd9QN_o0V-uBXyl0/s400/2518544291_eec0b87837+.jpg" border="0" /><br />Hiranyanetra was very strong and powerful. He conquered the three worlds and drove the gods out of heaven. He even took the earth down to the underworld. In desperation, the gods prayed to Vishnu for deliverance.<br /><br />For Kill this demon demons oppressed the gods and the gods went to Vishnu for deliverance. Vishnu said that the demons were so powerful, that he would first have to worship Shiva if something was to be done about the asuras. Vishnu went to Mount Kailasa and bean to pray to Shiva. He chanted many mantras, but there was no sign of Shiva. Shiva has a thousand names and Vishnu next started to chant these names. Each day he chanted the thousand names and offered a thousand lotus flowers to Shiva.</p><p align="justify">Shiva decided to test Vishnu. One day, he stole a lotus flower from the thousand that were to be offered. When Vishnu realized that there was one lotus flower less, he gouged out his own eye and offered it in place of the missing lotus flower. Shiva was now pleased and appeared before Vishnu. He offered to grant Vishnu a boon. </p><p align="justify">You know that the powerful demons have been oppressing the gods, said Vishnu. I need a weapon to fight the demons with. Please give me a weapon.Shiva then gave Vishnu the sudarshana chakra. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425445616949198882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OigJjT5ep4ykRo4yFxol93Oykb2q30Ir3xXSmD-Xm0FKop06Nkm3vE1-AFX9Ii-wSfA2BxvqIgWeRVDccTZhY-vPhmqhRyYgSOAZSBfGAwatbChq6yxGs70LiP5Cc-LZddUobijZG3g/s400/3534840463_436314a442.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />Vishnu adopted the form of a boar (varaha) and went down to the underworld in search of Hiranyanetra. When he found the asura, he killed him with his sudarshana chakra. He also killed several other asuras with his boar's tusks. Then, he lifted up the earth with his tusks and replaced it where it should be. So far as Hiranyanetra's kingdom was concerned, Vishnu crowned Andhaka king there.<br /><br />Hiranyanetra had a brother named Hiranyakashipu. This brother prayed to Brahma and obtained a boon that made him virtually impossible to kill. Finally, Vishnu (Narasimha Avathara) kills the Hiranyakashipu, Vishnu crowned his son Prabhlada king.<br /><br />Andhaka had been crowned king in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-b8VSK8UmpB26fR9xP92uA4vursei0ksV-bOwt56w6zgJOx9q8xeg69ljaE0YCblBOt1_5V80TuBaOMGNc7scYlpTVlFxOHALYPPYF9gxGlS2_6x6RScNctK8pqvu5aIado8Tq5TIBE/s1600-h/prahlad2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425417577355489506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-b8VSK8UmpB26fR9xP92uA4vursei0ksV-bOwt56w6zgJOx9q8xeg69ljaE0YCblBOt1_5V80TuBaOMGNc7scYlpTVlFxOHALYPPYF9gxGlS2_6x6RScNctK8pqvu5aIado8Tq5TIBE/s320/prahlad2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hiranyanetra's kingdom. Prahlada (Hiranyakashipu Son) and Andhaka's other cousins went to him and said, You are blind. What are you going to do with a kingdom? Give it to us. Our uncle made a mistake in accepting a blind son from Shiva.<br />Andhaka was very hurt at these nasty words. He went away to the forest and started to perform tapasya. He prayed to Brahma. For millions of years he stood on one leg, with his arms raised high, and prayed. No one since that day has been able to duplicate Andhaka's wonderful feat of meditation.</p><p align="justify"><br />He did not eat or drink at all. He chopped off parts of his body and offered it to the sacrificial fire. It came to such a pass that there was no more meat of blood left in his body. It had all been offered to the fire. He was just a skeleton. It was then that Brahma appeared before him and offered a boon. </p><p align="justify"><br />Prahlada and my other cousins have taken over my kingdom, said Andhaka. Please grant me the boon that I may be able to see. Please also grant me the boon that I may not be killed by gods, demons, or humans, or even by the great Vishnu himself. </p><p align="justify"><br />Brahma was in a fix. Earlier, many demons had asked for similar boons, but they had generaly not mentioned Vishnu. So that , when the need arose, Vishnu had been able to kill them. But here was an asura who asking for the boon that even Vishnu would not be able to kill him. This would make him virtually immortal.Everything that you have asked for is possible, replied Brahma. But all beings have to die.</p><p align="justify"><br />Indicate the circumstances under which you will die<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-N1FPPI0b9uincu1q79O6uBytqG5pvHfHn7chophPavz-b8w7YDiAlPgxIkxeGIa6E4MH3ZXiaMzSh6pxGaHZ87OhYHvXNg3TUX3TOr9rSj09J1IXNTvqnNQECxujIFNvwhU3XTu5nU/s1600-h/brahma.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425473811310371634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-N1FPPI0b9uincu1q79O6uBytqG5pvHfHn7chophPavz-b8w7YDiAlPgxIkxeGIa6E4MH3ZXiaMzSh6pxGaHZ87OhYHvXNg3TUX3TOr9rSj09J1IXNTvqnNQECxujIFNvwhU3XTu5nU/s320/brahma.jpg" border="0" /></a> and the boons will be granted.Since I have to die, said Andhaka, Let it be under the following conditions. If I ever wish to marry a beautiful woman who is like a mother unto me, let that be the hour appointed for my death. </p><p align="justify">This condition was better than nothing at all and Brahma granted Andhaka the boons. Andhaka returned to his kingdom. When Prahala and the other cousins learnt that Andhaka had become so powerful because of the boons, they not only returned to him his kingdom, but theirs as well. </p><p align="justify"><br />Remember that Andhaka could now see. The first thing that Andhaka did was to invade heaven. He defeated Indra and the other gods and made they pay taxes to the demons. Next he defeated the snakes (nagas), the gandharvas, the rakshasas, the yakshas (companions of Kubera) and the humans. Thus he began to rule over all the three worlds. </p><p align="justify">For millions of years Andhaka ruled in this fashion. The religion of the Vedas suffered during this period, since Andhaka paid no attention to it.Once Andhaka went to a visit tot he Mount Mandara. The place was so beautiful that he made up his mind to live there. Three of Andhaka's generals were named Duryodhana, Vighasa and hasti. </p><p align="justify">These three were exploring the environment of Mount Mandara when they came upon a cave. An ascetic was meditating inside the cave. He was dressed in the skin of a tiger, wore a garland of skulls, his hair was matted and he wore a crescent moon on his forehead.</p><p align="justify">There was a beautiful woman near the ascetic. She was more beautiful than any other woman in the three worlds. The three generals concluded that this was the right wife for Andhaka. </p><p align="justify">When the generals came back to Andhaka and reported on what they had seen, the asura king said, What are you waiting for? Go to the ascestic and ask him for the woman. </p><p align="justify">Duryodhana, Vighasa and Hasti went back to the ascetic. You are only an ascetic, they said. You don't deserve such a pretty wife. Our master is the lord of everything and he is immensely rich. He is also handsome because of a boon received from Brahma. Give us this woman so that our master Andhaka may marry her. </p><p align="justify">Ask your master to come and take the woman himself, replied Shiva, for the ascetic, as you have already guessed, was none other than Shiva. And the beautiful woman was Parvati.</p><p align="justify">As soon as he heard this, Andhaka grasped his sword and came to fight with Shiva. The door to the cave was guarded by Nandi, and Andhaka first had to fight with him.</p><p align="justify">Nandi easily defeated the asura and also defeated the asura soldiers who had accompanied their king. But Andhaka returned and again a fight raged with Nandi for so many years. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and the other gods also came to help in the fight with the demons. </p><p align="justify">The general Vighasa was a very strong warrior. He opened his mouth wide and swallowed up all the gods, including Vishnu. So far, Shiva himself had not played any part in the fighting. But hearing what Vighasa had done, he ascended his bull and came out to fight. He killed Vighasa and rescued the gods from the asura's stomach. The asuras had a preceptor named Shukracharya who knew the art of bringing back dead beings to life. So Shukracharya moved around the battlefield, brining back to life any demons that were killed. This was not helping the cause of the gods at all. Shiva's companions (gangas) captured Shukracharya and brought him to Shiva. Shiva promptly swallowed up Shukracharya. Soon all the demons were taken care of, with the exception of Andhaka. He continued to fight. Vishnu's mace could do him no harm and he only laughed at Indra's arrows. Some of the arrows did pierce the asura's body. But whenever drops of blood from his body onto the ground, asuras who were exactly like him in appearance were created from this blood.As a result, the battlefield was soon populated with thousands and thousands of Andhakas.Shiva created a goddess known as Devi from his own body. Devi was appointed the task of drinking up the blood of the asuras before it could spill onto the ground. Thus aided by Devi, Shiva started to tackle the demons and soon there was only the original Andhaka left. Shiva flung a trident at him. </p><p align="justify">The trident struck Andhaka on the chest and the asura king fell down dead.When the war was over, Shukracharya prayed to Shiva and was released from Shiva's stomach.<br /><br />After coming out, Shukraharya eulogized Lord Shiva. Shiva became pleased with him and showered him with affection just like his own son. After being blessed Shukracharya went and rejoined the army of the demons.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425416557260208722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUykQ960N0y8Y9Sr0mkqb40g6N5dEpSuRTGxijCvkYBeCUIctVYTbpultO55H5uHTNO2hX4Ypt6pwyOgTuDBtBSybzzGYY7I3Ljj0J1jrh4NO2I4qUyJzuLDVQwW8ndQKkf1MS5G8igV0/s400/vanvlibnlasvb.jpg" border="0" /></p>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-89599137458224525942009-12-27T15:22:00.003+03:002009-12-27T15:37:40.989+03:00Maun Vrat<div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEmAIU_XFPuHEYFToiqVGz0HzESkBmog37UhoqKqfk2pIRH2mrJCtqDaKSf7g8eC20bvjuf5nntFx4R_jiaMsravSnSw55pWYr3-LGYTbeJCeUpJ8D8VzC-eKsWKaRvuKn5LyHEH_Kpo/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419890709914203922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEmAIU_XFPuHEYFToiqVGz0HzESkBmog37UhoqKqfk2pIRH2mrJCtqDaKSf7g8eC20bvjuf5nntFx4R_jiaMsravSnSw55pWYr3-LGYTbeJCeUpJ8D8VzC-eKsWKaRvuKn5LyHEH_Kpo/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote>“Do not speak unless you can improve the silence”<br /><strong>- Proverb </strong></div><strong><div align="justify"><br /></div></strong><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"><strong>What is silence?</strong><br />Generally we tend to think that silence is the absence of noise.<br /><br /><strong>Is silence mere noiselessness? </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>Can absence of noise be called silence?</strong><br /><strong>But what do you actually hear when there is no noise?</strong><br />You may hear your heartbeat, you may hear rustling leaves, you may hear subtle sounds that you usually do not perceive. Some seem to hear a primal sound, a primal buzz, as is spoken of in the Vedas: 'Aum', the very first, the eternal sound, from which all sound and all creation arises.<br /><br />Silence itself cannot be perceived. You are silence, the silence of your heart. </div><div align="justify"><br />This silence that you are, is a borderless heart, all inclusive and all pervading. This silence is the beloved One, the abode of peace and love.<br /><br />It is amazing how eloquent could silence be. And humans, it seems, have an intimate connection with it. It keeps coming to us in many mysterious ways. Somewhere deep down, in the farthest recesses of our consciousness, we have a deep connection with it. We are unable to understand it or reach it, probably because between silence and us we have erected multi-dimensional walls. We almost try to deny silence, which is the core of our being, even defy it. In fact, most of us seem to be quite uncomfortable with noise. We seem to fight silence, even defeat it, as we announce our arrival in this world with a loud, piercing wail.Just as we have to go through the heart of darkness to see the flaming light, we have to enter the cluttered noisiness of our mind and the world around us to reach where silence alone remains. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><strong>But why silence?<br /></strong>According to Yogiraj Nanak, the essence of life is ever flowing and eternal. If we want to express it in its entirety, or even try to do so, we can succeed only to a limited extent. When our senses, mind and intellect fall short of expressing all, another expressive channel called maun (silence) opens up. “If the speaker can communicate through the silence and the listener can listen silently, it is the most powerful means of communication. And in spiritual learning, it plays a dominant role,” he says.</div><div align="justify"><br />He explains that a quiet communication is most important where two individuals are burdened with different sanskaras (inherited traits, impressions, memories) due to bonding with a particular religion, ethnicity, culture or country. In which case, the connotation of a word or its sentiments remain tied to sanskaras, however subtle the words may be.</div><div align="justify"><br />In Yogiraj Nanak booklet, Maun Samvad (Dialogue in Silence), he says: “Life’s essence cannot fully blossom into words. Maun has the essence, which always exists in the present, and is free of ahankar (ego). The speaker’s or the listener’s ego (‘I know this’ and ‘I don’t know this’) always takes him to I-ness instead of Be-ness and Is-ness. Once freed from ego, what remain are purity, beauty and the nectar of peace and solitude. The power of peace thus obtained is so strong that our life within remains unshaken by the storm and stress without. In short, maun calms the mind and thus fills the whole life with peace.”</div><div align="justify"><br />Says a Vipassana meditator: “Silence is the medium that takes us forward on the journey from the apparent self to the real self. When we are silently observing the body, and observing the mind, this something that is witnessing is silence—the real Self. We are constantly allowing in the garbage through our five doors—the senses—and we are constantly reacting to it. Silence takes us beyond the sense experiences to the real experience.”</div><div align="justify"><br />Osho [Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Indian mystic, guru and philosopher] too describes the importance of silence in our lives beautifully: “Only silence can be heard and understood. Words can be heard but only superficially, and can be understood but only intellectually. Silence is heard existentially and is understood from your innermost being. It is a total understanding… Silence means you have put aside the whole furniture of the mind—the thoughts, the desires, the memories, the fantasies, the dreams, you have all pushed aside. You are just looking into existence directly, immediately.</div><div align="justify"><br />‘‘You are in contact with existence without anything in between you and existence. That is silence. Silence is usually understood to be something negative, something empty, an absence of sound, of noises. This misunderstanding is prevalent because very few people have ever experienced silence. All they have experienced in the name of silence is noiselessness. But silence… is overflowing with a music that you have never heard before, with a fragrance that is unfamiliar to you, with a light that can only be seen with the inner eyes. It is not something fictitious; it is a reality, and a reality which is already present in everyone—just we never look in.<br /><br /><strong>And how can we look in and reach the silence within us, touch the silence of our being? </strong><br />To reach the real silence, the absolute silence, we need to go beyond the silence of the body, the silence of the heart and finally the silence of the mind. Thus before we merge with eternal silence we shall need to reach, touch and then transcend the silence at the physical, emotional and mental levels.To begin with, allot a time and place to yourself, where once a month, and if possible, once a week (increase the duration and frequency as you move on), observe complete silence. It should be complete in the sense that during that period surrender yourself totally to your intention. Merely keeping mute is not maun vrat.</div><div align="justify"><br />According to Shama Sharma, who has practised guided spiritual maun off and on, it is more important to keep internal maun rather than external maun. For someone in maun who cannot give up the desire to communicate with the external world and keeps doing it either by sign language or by involvement in other activities, cannot find the bliss that is in real silence. When she recently took a 40-day maun, she would break the silence whenever she felt the real urge to communicate verbally, though such moments were rare. “At such a time my mind would create more noise than my spoken words. So it is better to get over with what’s bugging you and then carry on,” she says.</div><div align="justify"><br />So if we intend to keep silent for two hours, but all the while we are thinking of what we are going to do for the rest of the day, or what are we going to cook for dinner, or what jobs need to be finished, that is no maun. To reach internal maun, complete withdrawal from the world and from all external experiences, to whatever degree possible, is important. </div><div align="justify"><br />But again this is only the beginning. Absolute silence is arrived at after successfully crossing over all thought walls, which might seem difficult but practice makes it possible. Silence comes with stillness of the mind and heart alone. Silence is losing self to timelessness.</div><div align="justify"><br />But why do we need to go into silence? Why do we need to know it or to reach it? Because when we know silence, we shall know ourselves. When we reach silence, we reach the supreme power that is often called God. Silence is shoonya, the no-mind state which every yogi, every sincere sadhak aspires for. Silence springs forth from the ultimate union.<br /><br />Maun-vrat literally means a vow to keep silent. For spiritual growth it is essential that one’s speech must be pure. To acquire purity of speech the practice of silence is important. It is believed that through silence one is able to achieve one’s desires. One attains the abode of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. Along with maun-vrat it is essential that some time must be spent in offering prayers.</div><blockquote><p align="center"><strong>In the Bhagavad Gita,17/16, it is said:</strong> </p><blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419890905397893330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbEWRk2VcfrdJS8Auyoa5hmlj5Muxe4vIY4nkpycodjrqaH9hndHR7Mm10yLtKytONLeAmFcxcZSiqtH2FmkfD8efNQqUe85l6_V_co18Jn4S-hMP210PMHHX8ULLBrKRShDa2eh-wd8/s400/gita-003.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Contentment of the mind, amiable temperament, silence, religious meditation and good thoughts reflect austerity of the mind. </p><p align="center"><br />Silence is placed mid-way between other qualities. It begins with control of the mind. Once the mind is controlled, one becomes friendly. One begins to look kindly towards others. One cuts down on useless speech and thinks more of God. One begins to generate good thoughts.<br /><br /><strong>In the Chanakya Niti, 11/9, it is said: </p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="center"><br /></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419890916350444802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev8rBGwCA6gNG1PBPjKDP4kBUpK4vUipIxaSsCoa0-nlFGgaPDwAknTMYKoGCUQbq8bF9_TprG-dGg-U9Vdb-yqny1Tr5F50Y2W3ef03bAHK8GxcWLYjk-d6VYvKogJplryfKofQ_hnY/s400/chanakya.jpg" border="0" /><br />Whoever can remain silent everyday for a full year becomes worthy of thousands of years of praise in heaven.<br /><br />Silence can change the personality of an individual. Through silence a person controls anger and speech. One grows stronger through greater determination and self-confidence. One is more at peace and free of tension. There is conservation of energy and a person experiences greater inner strength.</p></blockquote></blockquote>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-36282929335074727562009-12-23T10:30:00.005+03:002009-12-23T11:44:02.156+03:00Ekadashi<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8rpcm28ju8G6BY6zu9RAUgrRvmjUGDB-ituWtVrzISpVx9_f2kWmcK8sjT465gs3bYRMffYPspfR1l0zB7e_etMjKtQSdim4krE27viLvsMGp-YZacEDPcWbt2Fg6uFnFJwpQpxxXFg/s1600-h/5787032-md.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418348432825164354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8rpcm28ju8G6BY6zu9RAUgrRvmjUGDB-ituWtVrzISpVx9_f2kWmcK8sjT465gs3bYRMffYPspfR1l0zB7e_etMjKtQSdim4krE27viLvsMGp-YZacEDPcWbt2Fg6uFnFJwpQpxxXFg/s400/5787032-md.jpg" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote>Ekadashi is considered to be the favourite day of Krsna, when devotees refrain from material activities. The Sanskrit word Ekadasi literally means eleven. Ekadashi is the eleventh of the fifteen-day lunar month. In one of the lunar months (called the light month) the moon grows from new moon to full moon and in the following lunar month (called dark month) it diminishes from full moon to no-moon. Thus every calendar (solar) month there are two Ekadasis, the light Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waxing moon, and the dark Ekadasi that occurs on the eleventh day of the waning moon. It is recommended that all Vaisnavas should fast on this day of Ekadasi. Such austerity will be greatly beneficial for their devotional life.<br /><blockquote></blockquote>Since there are 12 months in a year, with two Ekadasis in each month, there are 24 Ekadasis in each year. Each Ekadasi has a name, that are Utpanna, Mokshada, Saphala, Putrada, Shat-tila, Jaya, Vijaya, Amalaki, Papamocani, Kamada, Varuthini, Mohini, Apara, Nirjala, Yogini, Padma (Devashayani), Kamika, Putrada, Aja, Parivartini, Indira, Papankusha, Rama, and Haribodhini (Devotthani). Occasionally there are two extra Ekadasis that happen in a lunar leap year, which are Padmini and Parama.<br /><br />Devotees fast on this day, observe vigil the whole night and do Japa, Hari Kirtan and meditation. Some do not take even a drop of water. Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk.<br /><br />No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days. This is very important. The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.”<br /><br />Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.”<br /><br />For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi. If one observes the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated. All sins are destroyed. The mind is purified. Devotion gradually develops. Love for God becomes intense. Orthodox people in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day.<br /><br />It is said that even if one mistakenly misses the observance of an Ekadasi, he or she may make up for it by observing it the very next day on Dvadasi, and then break one’s fast from grain on the next day, Trayodasi. One may also observe the special fast on Nirjala Ekadasi. This is also called Bhima Ekadasi. This is because the Pandava brother known as Bhima was so strong and had such a voracious appetite that he could not observe Ekadasis twice a month. He could not fast because he was too hungry. So Lord Krishna told him to merely observe one Ekadasi a year, which is the Nirjala Ekadasi. Nir jala means no water. So he had to observe at least one Ekadasi a year, and on that day he had to abstain from not only beans and grains, but from all foods, even water. So devotees who miss an Ekadasi day often observe a complete fast from all food and liquids on the Nirjala Ekadasi, which is usually sometime in June, and thus make up for whatever was missed. However, this is a very potent Ekadasi, so a complete fast on this day gives one who observes this many pious credits.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><div align="justify"><div><div><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418331562047937202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbRUQK1NryxnFkpjwoMvoVHfautWes56HmKuJ3ap8Cm_5csPz4AGXTsIAhXVqXXnRHYTXaA05-3g1UtVBai0catKsMYgaCmZt-XQh57ZZrUmKseZvGSuxJenbm5VkQNIYcoU3f-hGN9s/s400/3733861453_be6b07f14b.jpg" border="0" /><br />Once there was a demon, Mura, who oppressed the gods. The gods approached Lord Hari for protection. Hari sent Yoga Maya to kill the demon. Yoga Maya carried out the behests of the Lord successfully.<br /><br />Then the Lord said to Yoga Maya, “Those who observe Ekadashi will be freed from all sins, and you will be called by the name Ekadashi.”<br /><br />King Ambarisha was a great votary of Lord Hari. He practised the Ekadashi Vrata for a year. Ambarisha obtained His Grace. On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days. He was about to break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest. The king received him with due respect and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the river. The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return. Time was running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his Vrata would not bear fruit. And if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi. As a compromise the king took a little water to serve both the conditions.<br /><br />When Durvasa returned from his bath, he knew exactly what had happened, and was angry. He tore a hair from his tuft and charged it to kill Ambarisha. The king was unmoved. The discus of Lord Vishnu destroyed the power of the hair of Durvasa. It now followed the Rishi wherever he went and tried to destroy him.<br /><br />Rishi Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for help, but to no avail. He went to Lord Hari who said to him, “I am dependent on My devotees. My heart is in the possession of My devotees. Go thou, therefore, to Ambarisha; beg his pardon and thou shalt be saved.”<br /><br />Ambarisha thereupon prayed to the charged hair to desist from its course, and saved the Rishi. Durvasa thanked him from the bottom of his heart. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><br /><strong>Padma Purana 14th chapter - “Kriya-sagara-sara”<br /><blockquote></blockquote></strong></div><br /><div><strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418331556211008274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbw-aNiONHXItkOyBPxAhDOSxZKztiiLNjkOwOCm6sDsSmu5pTSFL_rneA2BB8i1fJs05S4whgG-Zn75jAdtHyEXd-K7hOnKfNXkn2PeCSj92CuPIpkT4L0pMDdtda-TV5IeIFe1vSovc/s400/3730885119_6d3362a17d.jpg" border="0" /></strong><br /><div>Once the great sage Jaimini Rishi said to his spiritual master, “O Gurudeva! Previously, by your mercy, you described to me the history of the Ganga River , the benefits of worshiping Vishnu, the giving of grains in charity, the giving of water in charity, and the magnanimity of drinking water that has been used to wash the feet of the brahmanas. O best of sages, Sri Gurudeva, now, with great enthusiasm, I desire to hear of the benefits of fasting on Ekadasi and of the appearance of Ekadasi.”<br /><br />“O Gurudeva! When did Ekadasi take birth and from whom did she appear? What are the rules of fasting on the day of Ekadasi? Please describe the benefits of following this vow and when it should be followed. Who is the utmost worshipable presiding deity of Sri Ekadasi? What are the faults in not observing Ekadasi properly? Please bestow your mercy upon me and tell about these subjects, as you are the only personality able to do so.”<br /><br />Srila Vyasadeva, upon hearing this inquiry from Jaimini Rishi, became situated in transcendental bliss. “O brahmana sage Jaimini! The results of following Ekadasi can be perfectly described by the Supreme Lord, Narayana, because Sri Narayana is the only personality capable of describing them in full. But I will give a very brief description in answer to your question.”<br /><br />“At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord created the moving and non-moving living entities within this world made of five gross material elements. Simultaneously, for the purpose of punishing the evil human beings, He created a personality whose form was the embodiment of the worst kinds of sin (Papa-purusha). The different limbs of this personality were constructed of various sinful activities. His head was made of the sin of murdering a brahmana, his two eyes were the form of drinking intoxicants, his mouth was made from the sin of stealing gold, his ears were the form of the sin of having illicit connection with the spiritual master’s wife, his nose was of the sin of killing one’s wife, his arms the form of the sin of killing a cow, his neck was made of the sin of stealing accumulated wealth, his chest of the sin of abortion, his lower chest of the sin of having sex with another’s wife, his stomach of the sin of killings one’s relatives, his navel of the sin of killing those who are dependent on him, his waist of the sin of egotistical self-appraisal, his thighs of the sin of offending the guru, his genitals of the sin of selling one’s daughter, his buttocks of the sin of telling confidential matters, his feet of the sin of killing one’s father, and his hair was the form of all sorts of less severe sinful activities. In this way, a horrible personality embodying all sinful activities and vices was created. His bodily color is black, and his eyes are yellow. He inflicts extreme misery upon sinful persons.<br /><br />“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, upon seeing this personality of sin began to think to Himself as follows: ‘I am the creator of the miseries and happiness for the living entities. I am their master because I have created this personality of sin, who gives distress to all dishonest, deceitful and sinful persons. Now I must create someone who will control this personality’. At this time Sri Bhagavan created the personality of Yamaraja and the different hellish planetary systems. Those living entities who are very sinful will be sent after death to Yamaraja, who will in turn, according to their sins, send them to an appropritate hellish region to suffer.<br /><br />“After these adjustments had been made, the Supreme Lord, who is the giver of distress and happiness to the living entities, went to the house of Yamaraja, with the help of Garuda, the king of birds. When Yamaraja saw that Lord Vishnu had arrived, he immediately washed His feet and made an offering unto Him. He then had Him sit upon a golden throne. The Supreme Lord Vishnu became seated upon the throne, whereupon He heard very loud crying sounds from the southern direction. He became surprised by this and inquired of Yamaraja, ‘From where is this loud crying coming?’<br /><br />“Yamaraja in reply said, ‘O Deva! The different living entities of the earthly planetary systems have fallen to the hellish regions. They are suffering extremely for their misdeeds. The horrible crying is because of suffering from the inflictions of their past bad actions.’<br /><br />“After hearing this the Supreme Lord Vishnu went to the hellish region to the south. When the inhabitants saw who had come they began to cry even louder. The heart of the Supreme Lord Vishnu became filled with compassion. Lord Vishnu thought to Himself, ‘I have created all this progeny, and it is because of Me that they are suffering.’”<br /><br />Vyasadeva continued: “O Jaimini, just listen to what the Supreme Lord did next. After the merciful Supreme Lord thought over what He had previously considered, He suddenly manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi. Afterward, the different sinful living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of Vaikuntha. O my child Jaimini, therefore the lunar day of Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, and the Supersoul within the heart of the living entities. Sri Ekadasi is the utmost pious activity and is situated as the head among all vows.<br /><br />“Following the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, that personality who is the form of sinful activity gradually saw the influence that she, Ekadasi, had. Thus, he approached Lord Vishnu with doubts in his heart and began offering many prayers, whereupon Lord Vishnu became very pleased and said, ‘I have become very pleased by your nice offerings. What boon is it that you want?’<br /><br />“The Papa-purusha replied, “I am Your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi, I have become all but destroyed. O Prabhu! After I die all of Your parts and parcels who have accepted material bodies will become liberated and return to the abode of Vaikuntha (the spiritual domain). If this liberation of all living entities takes place, then who will carry on Your activities? There will be no one to enact the pastimes in the earthly planetary systems! O Keshava! If you want these eternal pastimes to carry on, then You please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious activity can bind me. But Ekadasi only, being Your own manifested form, can impede me. Out of fear of Sri Ekadasi I have fled and taken shelter of men; animals; insects; hills; trees; moving and non-moving living entities; rivers; oceans; forests; heavenly, earthly and hellish planetary systems; demigods; and the Gandharvas. I cannot find a place where I can be free from the fear of Sri Ekadasi. O my Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct me to a place where I can reside fearlessly.’”<br /><br />Vyasadeva then said to Jaimini, “After saying this, the embodiment of all sinful activities (Papa-purusha) fell down at the feet of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, who is the destroyer of all miseries and began to cry.<br /><br />“After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papa-purusha, with laughter began to speak thus: ‘O Papa-purusha, rise up! Don’t lament any longer. Just listen, and I’ll tell you where you can stay on the lunar day of Ekadasi. On the date of Sri Ekadasi, which is the benefactor of the three planetary systems, you can take shelter of foodstuffs in the form of grains. There is no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi will no longer impede you.’ After giving direction to the Papa-purusha, the Supreme Lord Vishnu disappeared and the Papa-purusha returned to the performance of his own activities.<br /><br />“Therefore, those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit of the soul will never eat grains on Ekadasi. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of (grains) foodstuff. Whoever follows Ekadasi is freed from all sins and never enters into the hellish regions. If one doesn’t follow Ekadasi because of illusion, he is still considered the utmost sinner. For every mouthful of grain that is eaten by a resident of the earthly region (on Ekadasi), one receives the effect of killing millions of brahmanas. It is definitely necessary that one give up eating grains on Ekadasi. I very strongly say again and again, ‘On Ekadasi, do not eat grains, do not eat grains, do not eat grains!’ Whether one be a kshatriya, vaishya, shudra, or of any family, he should follow the lunar day of Ekadasi. From this the perfection of varna and ashrama will be attained. Especially since if one (even) by trickery follows Ekadasi, all his sins become destroyed and he very easily attains the supreme goal, the abode of Vaikuntha.” </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><br /><strong>What are the benefits? </div><blockquote></blockquote></strong><strong><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418331551893085634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse25_yX4dct13F8qhDMARPPqtrtMKwAExownPDBfML9ckPXsqio8GUIcDRCyOC89Plh11uLTC-kSaYX0N30aGhMikwfcGNhIUzqEIP4evwyHoFffyouT2Zbb6mbymtLzz3QnudIO86Kk/s400/3547460913_e75af454a6.jpg" border="0" /><br /></strong>It gives one a taste for renunciation, and thus helps one to give up sense gratification.<br />** Fasting gives the system a rest: The physiological system may become overworked due to a little overeating or indiscrimination in diet. Fasting gives the system a chance to catch up.<br />** Fasting helps us practice self-discipline in eating and concentrate more on pleasing God.<br />** Fasting helps keep the body light and the stomach free so that one can meditate better. The digestive system draws the blood circulation towards the digestive organs. Therefore blood circulation to the head is decreased once food is taken: so we feel sleepy.<br />** Observing Ekadasi increases spiritual advancement.<br /><br /><strong>Science: </strong></div><strong><div><br /></strong>Moon seems to have considerable influence and seems to create some imbalance in our body. So the chances are that, if our body is not pure and balanced with any unwanted stuff, it might surface as a disease, sooner or later.<br /><br />On the days of ekadasis, the effect of the moon can be felt on the stomach. Avoiding eating grains etc, helps reduce this effect. Hence fasting is recommended.<br /><br />On Ekadasi day by fasting, body doesn't have its regular food crunching job. So it can concentrate in cleaning the body system. Whatever impurities the body acquired, KNOWINGLY AND UNKNOWINGLY, (by eating and other means) it can remove it.<br /></div><br /><div><strong>Spirituality:</strong> </div><div><br />In Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in spiritual life.<br /><br />The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, Krishna . The real reason of observing fast is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting His holy name etc. The best thing to do on Ekadasis is to remember the pastimes of the Lord and hear His holy name constantly. </div><div><br />The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states, "In this world there are only two concrete procedures for attaining liberation and atoning for one's sins. These two things are- fasting on the Ekadasi days and chanting of the names of Supreme Lord Sri Hari."</div><blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418331567541294866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4PgES4PYG5PmOHXe6VL_0SZ0aX3AbnABx80X73IukAgZ9aKORtdkz35Fic2G4bMeTHaURD_JlQcIIMpFL7elUDp2FfvCnpYVPrjwJiOv9uaMOqnnnEByg7xVQH4HJajIKgqeBckdQT0/s400/3548268868_3aec810b6f.jpg" border="0" /></blockquote></div><br /></div></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-2116270140446446752009-12-23T09:28:00.002+03:002009-12-23T09:39:00.888+03:00Lakshmi and Daridra<div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo7vv_dJIyla6Hw5Vw7mTd9UVFLGihqPxFdou_gKmjWn9YEgmdx6HCOFcr4MCjDX9Q1Ih40g79L7Nf0oED1ek5J4ePpsbGwkCUJLj4Z_Mj6JLbP3uf30TPPhk-HCfhY6C4q5p_uFdgWg/s1600-h/lord_vishnu_Lakshmi+and+Daridra.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418315310423877250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo7vv_dJIyla6Hw5Vw7mTd9UVFLGihqPxFdou_gKmjWn9YEgmdx6HCOFcr4MCjDX9Q1Ih40g79L7Nf0oED1ek5J4ePpsbGwkCUJLj4Z_Mj6JLbP3uf30TPPhk-HCfhY6C4q5p_uFdgWg/s400/lord_vishnu_Lakshmi+and+Daridra.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>O</strong></span>nce there were two sisters Lakshmi and Daridra. Lakshmi was the goddess of wealth while Daridra was the goddess of poverty. Though they were real sisters, their behaviour towards others and temperament were totally different. Lakshmi got up early in the morning. She took her bath regularly. She remembered God regularly. She took keen interest in her day-to-day work with a smiling face. She befriended everybody and worked till late at night.<br /> <br />Daridra was very lazy. She got up very late. She did not take her bath. Washing clothes was a rare occasion for her. She was very discourteous. She was as much a flirt and unthoughtful. Cruelty and awe were natural to her. She generally told lies and befooled others. She was always hated by men in the street. </div><div align="justify"><br />Goddess Lakshmi was very much liked by Lord Krishna and he married her happily. Daridra remained alone. She became sad. </div><div align="justify"><br />One day Lakshmi said to Lord Krishna, “My dear husband, Daridra is my real sister. She is alone. Now she is quite grown up. Please arrange for her marriage. The life of an unmarried woman is difficult in our society.” Lord Krishna said, “My love, your worry is justified. But who will accept her in marriage? Her way of living is hated by one and all. She wears shabby clothes and loiters away her time. Even an ordinary man will not take her hand.”</div><div align="justify"><br />Lakshmi said, “Arrange her marriage with a Rishi. He would not expect much from her because most of his time he would be busy performing religious rites.” Lord Krishna agreed. He searched for a suitable match for Daridra. A Rishi agreed to marry her. Most of the Rishi’s disciples were away. He needed someone’s help in performing the ‘Yajna’. </div><div align="justify"><br />Goddess Lakshmi was happy that a Rishi had accepted her sister’s hand. After performing her marriage, they returned to their kingdom. Daridra could not accept Rishi’s way of life. She would get up late. She would not take her bath. She would not care for the cleanliness of the Ashram. The Rishi was fed up with her indolence. He gave her up. Daridra was badly disappointed. She went to Lakshmi again. She looked very shabby and disorderly. Lakshmi felt pity for her. She said to Krishna , “Please arrange a suitable abode for her. A woman’s life without a suitable abode is difficult. I knew that habits die hard but she has a right to live in this world.” </div><div align="justify"><br />Lord Krishna accepted Lakshmi’s request. All the three came down to earth together. Krishna spotted out a Peepal tree in a lonely corner. They went to that tree. Lord Krishna said to Daridra, “You can reside under this tree. This is a lonely place suited to your temperament. You need not clean this place daily. None would visit this place either. You may live as you please.” Daridra said, “I will be fed up with lonely life. Lonely place is an abode of ghosts. Please do visit me frequently with my sister, Lakshmi.” </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>Lord Krishna agreed. He gave a word to her that he would visit and stay at the peepal tree on every Saturday alongwith Lakshmi. From that day onwards, people visit Peepal tree on every Saturday. They water it and offer their prayers, knowing well that Lord Krishna and Lakshmi reside in the tree on Saturdays. </strong></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-36342420229349402902009-12-22T16:00:00.004+03:002009-12-22T16:23:27.656+03:00Santoshi Mata Varth Katha<div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF2fFdURURMZF012SQhk58qYdA8AcsMChkVRU1Rt91IBrvbEost9mweMLXniwMay4rlhmfAtlAdDrA1cbVY22xxxsKuvkc-kQ8kOQ-vA0tzXtLd69yrIURcjhgh2H6nrl5JK-QELUzTA/s1600-h/santoshi+mata.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418045143844647634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF2fFdURURMZF012SQhk58qYdA8AcsMChkVRU1Rt91IBrvbEost9mweMLXniwMay4rlhmfAtlAdDrA1cbVY22xxxsKuvkc-kQ8kOQ-vA0tzXtLd69yrIURcjhgh2H6nrl5JK-QELUzTA/s400/santoshi+mata.jpg" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote>Santoshi Mata is referred as the goddess of Satisfaction; she is the daughter of Lord Ganesh. She accepts all the sorrows, problems and ill fate of all her devotees and blesses them with prosperity and happiness.She is particularly worshipped by women of North India . Maa Santoshi is an emblem of love, contentment, forgiveness, happiness and hope. It is so believed that fasting and praying for her for 16 consecutive Fridays brings peace and prosperity in ones family.<br /> <br />She is treated as the most calm, soft, pure and kind form of Goddess Durga. She is sitting on lotus which signifies that even in this world which is full of selfishness, rudeness and corruption goddess of satisfaction is still present in her devotee’s hearts. She resides on the lotus which is blossoming in the sea filled with milk which is a symbol of her purity signifying that where there is purity of heart and dedication there we will have our mother of satisfaction.<br /> <br />As it’s a general saying that if we will eat sweet things then our words will be as sweet as sugar, in the same manner maa Santoshi refrains all the sour things and symbolizes her devotes that by avoiding the sour things which are wrongs acts they can achieve the complete purity, happiness and satisfaction in their hearts.<br /> <br />Maa Santoshi not only provides purity and calmness, she also saves all her devotees from ill powers with her Sword in her left hand and Trishul in her right hand. As per the beliefs she is a four handed Goddess with only two hands visible to her devotees and other two with weapons like Sword and Trishul are only for the ones who play as the hurdles in the path of truth and goodness. Santoshi Maa is the most beautiful and lovable goddess who is always ready for blessing her followers and looking at her statue all the devotees forget their problems and feel as if they are lost in her beauty and calmness. Maa Santoshi is worshiped on Friday and it is believed that people get all their wishes fulfilled by worshipping Goddess Santoshi by keeping 16 consecutive fasts and following the strict rule of refraining from all the sour eatables<br /> <br /><strong>Rituals<br /></strong> <br />On a Friday morning have head bath and place the photo in a clean Pooja area and put a small Kalash. Place Santhoshimatha's photo and decorate it with flowers. Keep channa (soaked in water for 6 hours in water) or puffed bengal gram along with jaggery piece and bananas as prasadam. Light diya before the Goddess. Chant the mantras and read the story and give aarti to the Goddess and have prasadam. You can do fasting the entire day or can have food only once in a day (may be supper or dinner). You are not supposed to eat anything sour on the day of the Pooja...<br /> <br />You need to do this for 16 weeks on Friday, and after you finish the 16 weeks you will be required to do Udyapan, i.e. you will be required to offer food to kids and remember not to feed them anything sour and not to give them any cash, as they might use the cash to buy something sour.<br /> <br /><strong>Things required for the Pooja:</div><div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote></strong>kalash<br />betel leaves<br />flowers<br />dry whole channa and jaggery for prasad<br />camphor for aarti<br />agarbatti<br />diyas<br />turmeric<br />kumkum<br />photo of santoshima<br />coconut for kalash (have to continue with the same coconut till you complete Pooja)<br />a wooden stool for placing the moorthi<br />rice mixed with turmeric <blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><p align="center"><strong>SANTOSHI MATA'S VARTH KATHA</strong> </p></blockquote></div><div align="justify">ತೇರ್e was an old woman, she had seven sons. Six of them were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo04vs-LC9ullskmY5ahy56pk0duHME5lM-5nlka4jQuurYvZc5s82g6fzFTyHAgP0GI7RB4v2V-GYlp2BHeP2OBrjdBhudx9k73dgPTXYtSbANG6Tsr4BZgeJadINKOdgaSKM5viwo0E/s1600-h/untitled+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418045959803519234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo04vs-LC9ullskmY5ahy56pk0duHME5lM-5nlka4jQuurYvZc5s82g6fzFTyHAgP0GI7RB4v2V-GYlp2BHeP2OBrjdBhudx9k73dgPTXYtSbANG6Tsr4BZgeJadINKOdgaSKM5viwo0E/s320/untitled+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>working hard and one was lazy and not working. The old woman would make food and feed the six sons, whatever remnants were there she would serve the seventh son. The younger son was innocent and was not aware of this.<br /> <br />One day he told his wife - "See, how much my mother loves me?" She said - "Why not, she gives you the remnants of everyone to eat." He said, "What, how can such a thing be? Till the eyes see, I cannot believe what you say. The wife laughed and said, " Will you believe once you see yourself?"<br /> <br />After a few days there was a festival in the house. Seven types of food and laddoo [sweet dish] were prepared. To check out the truth he made an excuse of headache and went to the kitchen and laid down covering his face with a thin cloth, through which he was watching everything. The six brothers came into the kitchen for food. He saw his mother had spread beautiful seats for them and served them the seven varieties of foods. She was serving them the food with love. He kept on watching. The six brothers ate their food and got up. The mother took from their plates the leftovers and from the pieces of the ladoo, made a ladoo out of it.<br /> <br />After clearing the leftovers, the mother called out to the son- " Get up son, the six brothers have eaten and gone. You are left, get up. When will you eat?" He started saying, "Mother I do not wish to have food. I am going out of the country." The mother said, "If you are planning to go tomorrow go today." He said, "Yes, Yes. I am going today only."<br /> <br />Saying this he left the house. While leaving the house he remembered his wife. She was in the cow stable making cakes of cow-dung. He went there and said, "I am going away to another country for some time. You stay in peace and do your duty." She said, " Go in peace do not worry about me. I will stay in the care of Lord Rama, Lord be with you. Give me something of yours to remember, in all your worries and work do not forget me."<br /> <br />He said, " I have nothing, only this ring. You take this and give me something of yours as a remembrance." She said, " What do I have? I have only this hand full of cow-dung." Saying thus she put her hands filled with the cow-dung as a mark on his back. And he went away.<br /> <br />T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFPiCubIfpq0sOZbMMXGxKHgUriayyJRKjowpb5pJO2t1jJayef42xiXf3DhIhB22Yu7mo-GbGvkgAV-G5LCkQT3MlKWR8X7V0ZqKhpMsRrXZ9ZmDslYWDBfbNjUwmLtZhmGYrVevR3s/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418046382954952418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 211px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFPiCubIfpq0sOZbMMXGxKHgUriayyJRKjowpb5pJO2t1jJayef42xiXf3DhIhB22Yu7mo-GbGvkgAV-G5LCkQT3MlKWR8X7V0ZqKhpMsRrXZ9ZmDslYWDBfbNjUwmLtZhmGYrVevR3s/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>hus walking and walking he reached a far land where he reached the shop of a merchant. Going there he said, " Brother, keep me as your servant." The merchant needed one so he asked him to stay. The boy asked him. "How much salary he would give?" The merchant replied, "You will be paid after I see how you work."<br /> <br />He got the job from the merchant. He used to work from morning 7am to 2pm in the afternoon. In a few days, he managed the transactions, accounts, selling of the items to the customers and managed all the work. The merchant had seven to eight servants and they were all astonished. He was very intelligent. The businessman seeing his work made him his partner sharing 50% of the profits within 3 months. In 12 years he became a famous businessman and the owner left all the work on his shoulders and went out of the country.<br /> <br />Now what happened to the daughter-in-law, kindly listen?<br /> <br />The mother-in-law and father-in-law started troubling her a lot. The complete household burden was put on her and she was also sent to collect wood from the forest. During this time, the grain from which the rotis [chapathi] are made- the husk [bhoosa] was removed and the roti was made and kept for her and in the broken coconut shell water was kept. This way the days passed by.<br /> <br />One day, while when she was going to collect the wood on the way, she met many women who were doing the Santoshi Mata Vrat [fasting]. She stood there and heard the story, then she asked them, "Sisters, you are doing this fast for which God, and doing this fast-what fruit do you achieve? What are the rules to perform this fast? If you can explain to me the steps to perform the rituals of this fast I would be highly obliged to you."<br /> <br />Then one of the women said to her, -"Listen, this is the vrat [fast] of Santoshi Mata. From this calamity, poverty is wiped out. Wealth comes in. All worries are removed. If there is happiness in the house, the mind is happy and peaceful. Barren woman begets a child. If the husband has gone out he will return immediately. Unmarried girls get their own choice of husbands. Court cases which are being on for long time would be resolved fast. If there are quarrels in the house, there will be peace and happiness, prosperity will be there in the house, money and land will be got, sickness would go away and thus whatever desire you have in the mind this Santoshi Mata's blessings will fulfill them. There is no doubt about it."<br /> <br />She then started asking, "How is this fast kept? Could you please explain to me? I would be very grateful to you.<br />"<br />The woman began explaining- "Buy 1 ¼ Anna jaggery and grams (olden days we had Anna's and 16 Anna's made a rupee). If you desire you can buy for 5 ¼ Anna's or 1 ¼ rupee as per your capacity you can buy, without any botheration as per your devotion and love you should buy. Right from 1 ¼ paise to 5 ¼ Anna's upto your capacity of strength and devotion you can buy. Every Friday, keep a fast - do not eat food and listen or read this story. There should be no break, continuously follow the rules and keep the fast. If you do not get anyone to listen to the story, then light a lamp with ghee or keep the vessel with water in front of you and read the story but see that the rule is broken. Continue till the results happen following the rules and performing the fast. On the fulfillment of the desire do the Udyapan (final day).<br /> <br />Within 3 months the mother fulfills the desire - in between if one's stars (astrological) is not favorable, then too the mother fulfills the desire. On the fulfillment of the desire only should the Udyapan be done, not in between. On the Udyapan day one should make 2 ½ kg grounded cashew, kheer and gram curry. You must feed 8 boys with this food. As far as possible let the boys be from the close- immediate family members that is elder/younger broth-in-law's son, relatives and family. If they are not there, then you can get other relatives or from the neighbor's son can be invited. Give them food and as per your capacity give them gifts and complete the rules of the rituals of the Mata. On that day no one should eat sour items in the house.<br /> <br />After hearing this old woman's daughter-in-law went away. On the way she sold the wood she had collected and with that money she purchased jaggery and grams and prepared for the Mata's vrat (fast). Walking along she saw a temple and she started inquiring "Whose temple is this?" Everyone started saying, "This is the temple of Santoshi Mata (Mother)." Hearing this is the temple of the Mata she went in and fell at the feet of the Mother.<br /> <br />She started praying very sadly.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvr7lJ_hLgKAv-hW_BDAFpsVBi_aNlEOxBSF8-w7QriJyzwXgRLBpsYXpMCv1n27qrF98xrzCv3jDT5auoMx_wxQ76YBN73o-HcwxPu_RJ5ecBKvj3T8rNuQdnU2ahH8JqKXqif3bPX8/s1600-h/POOJA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418045965482452290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvr7lJ_hLgKAv-hW_BDAFpsVBi_aNlEOxBSF8-w7QriJyzwXgRLBpsYXpMCv1n27qrF98xrzCv3jDT5auoMx_wxQ76YBN73o-HcwxPu_RJ5ecBKvj3T8rNuQdnU2ahH8JqKXqif3bPX8/s320/POOJA.jpg" border="0" /></a> "Mother, I am an ignorant woman, I do not know the rules to perform this vrat. I am very unhappy. Hey Mother! Goddess of the world please remove my unhappiness, I have come to your shelter."<br /> <br />Mother got compassion, one Friday passed and the next Friday somebody brought a letter from her husband and the third Friday she received the money sent by him. Seeing this, the elder brother-in-law and his wife made faces. In so many days so much money has come, what is so great? Boys started taunting her,"Money has started coming, now respect for Kaki (brother's wife) will increase, brother!"<br /> <br />"Letter comes, money comes it is good for all of us." Saying thus with eyes full of tears she went to the Santoshi Mata's temple and at the feet of Mateshwari (Goddess Mother) she started crying. "Mother! When did I ask for money? What work do I have from money? I have only work with my husband. I have prayed to see my husband again and serve him."<br /> <br />Then the Mother being pleased said, "Go daughter! Your husband will come." Hearing this she became happy and returned home and started doing her work.<br />Now Mother Santoshi started thinking, " I said this to the innocent woman. But from where will her husband come? He does not even remember her in his dreams! I will have to go to him to remind him." In this way, Mataji went in the dreams of the old woman's son and began saying.<br /> <br />"Wealthy man's son, are you sleeping or awake?" He replies, "Mother I am neither sleeping nor awake. Kindly tell me what do you wish to instruct to me?" Mother started saying, " Do you have a family - Yes or No?" He replied, "I have everyone, Mother! Mother-father, wife I have nothing less." Mother said, "Innocent son! Your wife is taking lots of trouble, your father - mother is giving her plenty of trouble. You should inquire about her."<br /> <br />He said, "Yes, Mataji, I know about it but how do I go back? This is another country, there is no limit of buying and selling transactions, there is no road for going which I can see." Mother started saying, listen to me, "In the morning after having taken bath, take the name of Santoshi Mata, burn a lamp with ghee. Then go and sit in the shop. Slowly your liabilities will be over. Your stores will be sold. By evening heaps of wealth will be formed."<br /> <br />Now he got up early and shared his dream with his friends. They all told him, "Do any dreams come true?" One old man said, " Listen to me, instead of doubting the truth or falsehood of the dream, following what God has instructed what will you loose? Now listen to the old man. After bathing, pray to Santoshi Mata, light a lamp of ghee, and go and sit in the shop."<br /> <br />In a short while what does he see, the borrowers started returning the money and the lenders started taking back their money? People started buying the stocks in cash only. By evening he had collected plenty of wealth. In his mind he continuously took the name of Mata and watched the miracle. Being happy he purchased jewelry, clothes and things to take to his house. Having completed the work here he immediately left for his hometown.<br /> <br />There the wife has gone to the forest to collect wood, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnIivmAlMj0H40tvpH-d7hcB54J1c4cikqKC2GCjEr4rPKPcdpjXLN3zgZ8RFZqAdJHh4Jr-lfEFv-TAm-ZJsCCdMJvfO_SX74NmSTF0imEA3swoj1NM9uPIDSOCgDymgI-Ss_khq8hI/s1600-h/Untitled-+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418046387277158226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnIivmAlMj0H40tvpH-d7hcB54J1c4cikqKC2GCjEr4rPKPcdpjXLN3zgZ8RFZqAdJHh4Jr-lfEFv-TAm-ZJsCCdMJvfO_SX74NmSTF0imEA3swoj1NM9uPIDSOCgDymgI-Ss_khq8hI/s320/Untitled-+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>on the return she rested at the Santoshi Mata Temple . This was her regular everyday place of halt to rest. Seeing the dust flying from far she asked Mataji, " Oh Mataji, Why is this dust flying? " Mother says to her, " Oh daughter! Your husband is coming. Now make three bundles from the wood. One you keep on the bank of the river, one in the temple and the third keep on your head. Seeing the bundle of wood your husband will have desire and he will stop at the temple, make some snacks. And then go to the mother". Then carrying the burden of wood remove it from your head and in the center of the lane cry out three times loudly, " Take, mother-in-law! Take the bundle of wood, give me the roti of husk and in the coconut shell give me water! Today which guest has come? Listen to the Mother, daughter-in-law."<br /> <br />The daughter-in-law said, "Ok, Yes Mother!" Then happily made three bundles from the wood. She kept one at the bank of the river, one in the temple of Mataji and at that time one traveler reached there. Seeing the dried wood the desire to rest and make some food came in his mind. After resting he went to the village. He met everyone with love.<br /> <br />At the same time the wife comes along with the bundle of wood. Keeping the heavy bundle of wood in the compound, she cried out loudly, "Take mother-in-law, take the bundle of wood, give me the husk roti, give me in the broken coconut shell water. Today who has come?"<br /> <br />Hearing this the mother-in-law to hide her trouble says, "Daughter-in-law! Why do you say thus?<br /> <br />Your Lord (husband) has come. Come in have sweet rice meal, wear clothes and jewelry!"<br /> <br />Meanwhile hearing the voice the husband comes out and seeing the ring gets astonished. He asks his mother, " Mother, Who is this lady?" The mother says, "Son, she is your wife. Today 12 years have passed, from the time you left she roams about like an animal in the whole village. She does none of the household chores. Four times she comes and eats, seeing you she is asking for husk roti and water in the coconut shell."<br /> <br />Being ashamed he said, " It's alright mother! I have seen her and seen you also. Now give me the keys of the other house so I can live there." Then the mother said, "It's alright son! As you wish." Here is the bundle of keys, which she threw forcefully on the floor.<br /> <br />He picked the keys and went to the next house. Opening the room on the third floor he kept all the things. Within one day the house was decorated like a King's palace.<br /> <br />Now what happens? The wife started enjoying happiness; meanwhile the next Friday comes. She told her husband, " I want to do the Udyapan of Santoshi Mata Vrat." Her husband said, " Very good! Do it happily."<br /> <br />Immediately she started preparing for the Udyapan. She went to invite the sons of her elder brother-in-laws for lunch. She accepted the invitation but the other middle sister-in-law teaches her son, " See! All of you ask for sour item by which her Udyapan would not be completed."<br /> <br />The boys came for the lunch; they ate stomachful helpings of Kheer. But remembering the words of the mother began saying, "Give us something sour, we do not like eating Kheer. Seeing it we are feeling uneasy." The daughter-in-law started saying, " No one will get any sour item. This is the prasad of Santoshi Mata." The boys stood up and said, "Give money!" The innocent daughter-in-law knowing nothing gave them money. The boys at that moment stubbornly purchased imli (tamarind) and started eating.<br /> <br />Seeing this the Mother cursed the daughter-in-law. The soldiers of the King arrested her husband and took him away. The brothers and sister-in-law started falsely making statements, "Always looting, he has collected this wealth." The soldiers of the King took him away. Now everything will be known once he gets beating in the jail. The wife could not bear to hear this statement. Crying she went to the temple of Mataji .<br /> <br />She began saying, " Mother! What is this you did? Why did you make me cry?" Mother said, "Daughter, you have done the Udyapan and spoiled the Vrat. So soon you forgot all the talks."<br /> <br />She started saying, "Mother I have not forgotten, nor committed any sin. The boys made me forget and forgetting I gave them money, forgive me Mother!" Mother said. " Does one forget thus?" She said,"Mother please forgive me, I will do your Udyapan again." Mother said, " Now make no mistake". She says, " Now no mistake will be committed. Mother please tell me now how will he come." Mother said, " Go daughter, you will find your husband coming on the way."<br /> <br />She went from there and on the way she found her husband. She asked him, "Where did you go?" Then he started saying, " He had earned so much of wealth so the King wanted him to pay the taxes, he had gone to pay the taxes." Being happy she said, "Good thing happened, let's go home."<br /> <br />They went home.<br /> <br />After few days once again Friday came, she said to her husband- "I want to once again do the Udyapan of Mataji." The husband said, "Do it."<br /> <br />She again went to invite the sons of her elder brother-in-laws. The sister-in-laws taunted her and started teaching the sons, " You all in the beginning only ask for sour item." The boys started saying, " We do not like eating Kheer, we get uneasy, give us something sour to eat." She said, "You will get no sour item, if you desire then eat only." Then she got the Brahmin's sons and started feeding them. As per her capacity in place of money she gave each one -one fruit. This pleased Santoshi Mata.<br /> <br />With the blessings of the Mother in the New Year she<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix953y-IcFeT3G4mCeO6UP1yHoD1uT6uqd3hbejycCu3a7GAaAElwQQn8OYev16WjxxoXKi-icSRqNKczw2Iech-oQVHmsiiGxpgSKXFTv8mFOWm6TfGO9P-2qRkDTEjsE4c9xT1AQ3SE/s1600-h/Untitled-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418045969608096434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix953y-IcFeT3G4mCeO6UP1yHoD1uT6uqd3hbejycCu3a7GAaAElwQQn8OYev16WjxxoXKi-icSRqNKczw2Iech-oQVHmsiiGxpgSKXFTv8mFOWm6TfGO9P-2qRkDTEjsE4c9xT1AQ3SE/s320/Untitled-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> got a moon-like son. Taking her son everyday she went to the Mataji's temple. Mother thought, "She is coming everyday, today why should I not go to her house and see her on this pretext." Thus thinking, Mata made a fearful form. With jaggery and gram made a thin face and on top made horns and mosquitoes were hovering around. Putting her foot on the doorstep the mother-in-law shouted. "See, some wicked witch is coming. Boys drive her away, otherwise she may eat anyone." The boys got frightened and started closing the windows.<br /> <br />The daughter-in-law saw through one peephole. Happily in a maddening voice she was screaming. " Today my Mataji has come to my house." Saying thus she moved her child whom she was feeding milk. Meanwhile the mother-in-law got angry.<br /> <br />She said, " Prostitute, why are you getting excited?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGR2dmrBWbGg1Qou5kFJLqIA7Msllz_SLrCwYfbeUp7AqXrPnKP70FVJC4hEMgMlqt0Q0Olg4RX2pQ0IB632iMyi3yfNr0HlkrdjtPGjzhFw-Ur4z2LNSmHi9btdVIoF5DIINnbHnb6E/s1600-h/santoshi_mata_the_goddess_who_grants_the_boon_of_rm84sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418046372470227522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGR2dmrBWbGg1Qou5kFJLqIA7Msllz_SLrCwYfbeUp7AqXrPnKP70FVJC4hEMgMlqt0Q0Olg4RX2pQ0IB632iMyi3yfNr0HlkrdjtPGjzhFw-Ur4z2LNSmHi9btdVIoF5DIINnbHnb6E/s320/santoshi_mata_the_goddess_who_grants_the_boon_of_rm84sm.jpg" border="0" /></a> She banged the child. Meanwhile with the aura of the Mother everywhere there were boys standing. She said, " Mother, the fast which I am keeping this is the same Santoshi Ma". Saying thus she opened all the doors and windows of the house. Everyone caught the feet of Mataji and prayed to her, "Hey Mata, [dear mother] we are fools, sinners, we do not know the rules of your fast, spoiling your fast we did very big mistake. Hey Jagatmata- Mother of the world! Forgive our mistake." This way the Mother became happy.<br /> <br />How Mother rewarded the daughter-in-law in the same way reward everyone. Those who read the story their wishes are fulfilled. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Say Santoshi Mata ki Jai...</strong> </div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-12962664843460466732009-12-22T12:19:00.002+03:002009-12-22T12:49:19.679+03:00Vaibhav Lakshmi Varth Katha<div align="justify"><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nmnd3WKK9eNJWmBvWm6PDgTpSqZMnBQF8QrHyyUJgwUB0AE3TUg-AzUMY5zzXtXAUrZb-ka1O6DsobvRJkCUZcYu6EvC1Z-y8kMJdbJYHfvjftPVrD65SBZk2sBk1UK0-qJS2e8cbEQ/s1600-h/srimati-lakshmi-devi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417989104691364002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nmnd3WKK9eNJWmBvWm6PDgTpSqZMnBQF8QrHyyUJgwUB0AE3TUg-AzUMY5zzXtXAUrZb-ka1O6DsobvRJkCUZcYu6EvC1Z-y8kMJdbJYHfvjftPVrD65SBZk2sBk1UK0-qJS2e8cbEQ/s400/srimati-lakshmi-devi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Vaibhav Lakshmi is one of the manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) in Hinduism. Goddess Lakshmi has different names as per her eight forms- Dhanya Lakhsmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Adi Lakshmi,Vijaya Lakshmi, Aishwarya Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Dhan Lakshmi and Santan Lakhmi. It is believed that 'Shri Yantra'(a mystic pictorial of geometrical figures, numbers and words) is Goddess Lakshmi's favorite and the yantra bestows health, wealth and prosperity to the who adorns it or worships it. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat is a popular fast among Indian women, observed for 11 or 21 fridays, in which they consume food or water only at their home and take meals once a day preferably.<br /> <br />The pooja is performed in the evening when the sun sets. After cleaning the pooja altar, make a rangoli and place uncooked rice on it to form a square. Before starting the pooja, establish a kalash with water, cardomam,edible camphor and saffron. Close it with a lid containing coins. The vaibhavlakshmi yantra or the Ashtalakshmi picture can be placed nearby for worship. The yantra, picture and the kalash can be decorated with sandalwood paste, kumkum and flowers.</div><div align="justify"><br />Make a thick paste of turmeric powder (around 1 tsp full) with few drops of water to form a small cone similar to a modak. This will be used for the Ganesh pooja.</div><div align="justify"><br />The vaibhavlakshmi pooja commences with the Ganesh pooja, followed by the Vaibha lakshmi worship, listening or reading the Vaibhavlakshmi legend and bhajans, ending with an aarti. A sweet dish, usually a milk-rice pudding is offered to the Goddess after that. The water in the Kalash and the offering can be consumed and later distributed to others. The rice could be used for cooking and the coins can be utilized for other worship. <blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><strong>Varth Katha</strong> <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify">Many years ago there was a very big city. Lakhs of people lived there. In ancient times, people really lived the happy social life. They used to meet and sit together and enjoyed themselves. In those days, people used to lead the life completely in different way. People of this city were totally busy engaged in their own personal worldly affairs. The elements of holy devotion, benevolence, sympathy and affection all these virtues were rarely visible in the cultural life of the society. Innumerable vices had spread in the daily-life of the citizens living in that city. Wine and gambling, race and speculation, illegal relations and various guilty misdeeds were done by the people living in that city. <blockquote></blockquote> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417989115469880914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT95BIkPdT1Qvx2LeEKfa84w2iEgcaFhv8BQtFIhP-1bi8ToUECySuSTy8BtQ3iVtPIKWKSCHcbEEZYFhvU14vPj0QBC7W3UqJeyKmR5rHUouzhWe22g1j47MMrdjKdmz7Qm4IZaSTraM/s400/old+big+city.jpg" border="0" /><br />There is always a silver line hidden among the black clouds in the sky. The lightning of the eternal hope spreads into the thousands of dark clouds of disappointments. Inspite of so many vices prevailing in the social life some pious people lived the virtuous life like the lotus in the muddy water of the pond. Among all the virtuous people, Sheela and her husband also lived pious worldly life. Sheela was of religious nature living the contented life. Her husband was a humble fellow having good character.<br /> <br />Sheela and her husband lived honestly. They never abused or displeased anyone. They were happy to utilize their time in worshipping God. Their worldly life was ideal and people never got tired while praising them.<br /> <br />Thus she had been passing her life happily. It is said that the end of the misdeeds is quite strange. Who could read the words of fate written by the Goddess of Fortune? A king becomes a poor man, and a poor man becomes a king. By the destiny, in just a moment, such a great change can be done. As a result of misdeeds done, Sheela’s husband got the company of bad friends. It is said that the man is influenced by the company he keeps. Due to the influence of the company of bad friends, Sheela’s husband dreamed to be one of the wealthiest people gaining crores of rupees. As a result he misled his life and became as good as a beggar instead of becoming the wealthy person. He followed evil ways of immorality and began to ruin his life. He indulged in drinking wine, gambling, and race, speculation that had spread in the city-life. His friends were also on the same immoral path. He began to waste his money in the way of immorality. And at last he lost all the savings and also the ornaments of his wife. Once there was a golden time when he was passing his life happily with his wife and they were utilizing the time in worshiping God. Now there was a great change in their life. They became so poor that they could not get food to satisfy their hunger. Moreover Sheela had to suffer much due to the abusive language of her husband.</div><div align="justify"><br />Sheela was a polite and well-cultured woman. She had suffered a lot because of her husband’s misbehavior. But keeping faith in God she began o bear the sufferings of unhappy life. Unhappiness is followed by happiness and happiness is followed by unhappiness in this worldly life. That is the eternal truth. Having faith in the eternal truth of the happiness and unhappiness, Sheela forgot herself in praying and worshipping God, she was hopeful for future happy life. While she had been passing her unhappy time of her life, one day at noontime someone came knocking at her door. She began to think, ‘who would have come to my place as I am so poor and have nothing with me?’ Still however, inspired by Aryan religious culture of welcoming the guests at the door, she stood up and opened the doors of her house.<br /> <br />To her wonder, she saw an old woman standing in front of her. She was a very old woman. Her face was dazzling with the glow of divine light. Her eyes were dripping with the glow of divine light. Her eyes were dripping the nectar of love. Her majestic face was overflowing with the compassion and love. Sheela experienced immense peace in her heart though she was not acquainted with her. She was full of delight. She welcomes her and gave her the only torn mat and requested her to sit with hesitation. The old lady said, ‘Sheela! Don’t you know me?’<br /> <br />Sheela humbly said, ‘Mother, I feel delightful to see you and experience peace in the soul, as if I have been searching you for a long time, but it seems that you are not known to me!’<br /> <br />With a smile the old lady said, ‘why! Did you forget me? Every Friday I used to come to the temple of Goddess Laxmiji , when there had been singing praise of the Goddess. There we happened to meet each other!’<br /> <br />Sheela was full of sorrow, as her husband had gone to the immoral way of life. She had stopped going to the temple of Goddess Laxmiji . She felt ashamed to get associated with others. She tried much to recollect the memory of that old lady. But she was not successful.<br /> <br />After a while, the old lady said to Sheela, ‘How sweet you had been singing prayer of Goddess Laxmiji in the temple amidst the devotees! Now days you are not seen there. Hence I have begun to think the reason for it. At last I have come to see you’. Hearing the kind words of the old lady, Sheela’s heart moved and her eyes were full of tears. She began to sob painfully. The old lady moved near her and began to console her striking lightly on her back with love. <blockquote></blockquote> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417989122303847170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRRnfCDqwoKnrZEVixCz7WWRZOCxd3KiUmwD1pGJO8xN5IJuRSr0mzp5aKyIAc2Mym4ud0OM4lDYwFTXlvIG6dWkqXxMC8Dm454yZwp7lzCpk06jwAufG6S04nni2Yw-ZwJ8dHrud65M/s400/The+old+lady+said.jpg" border="0" /><br />The old lady said to Sheela, ‘My dear, happiness and sorrow are like the heat and shadow of the Sun. Happiness and misery come one after the other. Please have patience and tell me all about your sufferings. You will feel exempted from your pains, and will get the remedy for the same’.<br /> <br />Hearing the consoling words of the lady, Sheela’s heart felt peace and comfort. She said to her, ‘We were very happy in our life and enjoyed ourselves with the bliss in our heart. My husband was also having a good character. By the grace of God, we wee pleased with our financial position. We used to utilize our time in worshipping God. But by our ill luck, my husband was influenced by his bad company. At last he ruined the life by going on the path of immorality: drinking wine, speculation, gambling, race, intoxicating drugs etc. As a result we have become as good as beggars of the footpath’.<br /> <br />The old lady said, ‘Dear, happiness and sorrow come one after the other. Moreover the end of the misdeeds is strange. Every man has to suffer the consequences of his good or bad deeds. Now don’t get worried. You have already suffered all the consequences of your husband’s misdeeds. Now, you will have happy days of your life. You are the devotee of Goddess Laxmiji. Goddess Laxmiji is the incarnation of love and compassion. She is very merciful to her devotees. Hence, have patience and observe the Vrat of the Goddess Laxmiji and your life will be quite easy-going.’<br /> <br />Having heard about the observance of the Vrat of divine Goddess Laxmiji, Sheela’s face glittered with light. She said to the old lady, ‘Mother! Kindly tell me how the Vrat of Laxmiji can be observed. I will certainly observe it.’<br /> <br />The old lady said, ‘The Vrat of Laxmiji is very easy to follow. It is called the ‘Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat’ (Vrat giving wealth) or ‘Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat’ (Vrat giving Luxury). All the hopes of the person who observes the Vrat, will get fulfilled, and she or he becomes happy, wealthy and reputed’. Then she began to describe how to perform the Vrat.<br /> <br />‘Dear, this Vrat is very simple and easy to observe. Many people observe this Vrat by the improper method. Hence they don’t have good result. People believe that the Vrat can be observed only by applying yellow and red turmeric to golden ornaments. But it is not so. Vrat should be performed with proper ceremony according to the religious scriptures or shastras. Then only the observance of the Vrat becomes fruitful. The celebration of the Vrat also should be performed as prescribed by the shastras with proper ceremony’.<br /> <br />‘The Vrat should be observed on Friday every week. One should put on clean clothes after taking bath and should utter silently ‘Jai Ma Laxmi’. One should not speak evil of others. Having washed hands and feet in the evening, one should sit on the wooden seat facing the east direction. One should put a big wooden seat, and then one should put a copper pot on the small heaps of rice arranged on the handkerchief spread on the wooden seat. One should keep gold or a silver ornament or a rupee coin in a small bowl placed on the copper pot. One should light the lamp-stand and the incense stick near the wooden seat."<br /> <br />"There are many incarnations of Goddess Laxmi." A person observing the Vrat of Vaibhava Laxmi should devotedly see ‘Shree mystical diagram’ and various complexions or forms of goddess Laxmiji. Then one should sing the prayer of Laxmiji. Afterwards one should apply the ornament or a rupee-coin with the yellow and red turmeric and rice-grain. Then after adorning it with a red flower, one should wave lights keeping sweets or piece of jaggery and should utter ‘Jai Ma Laxmi’. After the rituals one should offer the prasad among the members of the family. That ornament or a rupee-coin should be put to the safe place. The water kept in the copper-bowl should be poured into the pot of basil-plant [tulasi] and the rice grain should be thrown to the birds. In this way one gets his or her desires fulfilled by observing the Vrat according to the prescribed ceremony of the shastras. A Man gets wealthy by the grace of Goddess Laxmiji. An unmarried girl gets married. The married woman maintains the happy state of wifehood and a childless woman gets a child by the influence of observance of the Vrat.<br /> <br />Sheela was pleased to know about the observance of the Vrat from that old lady. She said to her, ‘Mother! You have shown me the ceremony of the Vrat. Now I will surely observe it. But please, tell me how long this Vrat should be done and how it should be celebrated’. The old lady said, ‘People say that this Vrat can be done in one’s own way. But it is not so. This Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat should be done for eleven or twenty-one Friday. On the last Friday, the Vrat should be celebrated offering a coconut and sweet dish of rice. Then on that day the sweets should be given to seven unmarried girls or ladies, and saying…’Jai Ma Vaibhava Laxmi’ they should be given a book of ‘Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat’. Afterwards you should bow down your head to the photograph of Goddess Dhanlaxmi and should pray in the heart! Mother! I have observed the Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat. Please fulfill all our wishes! Kindly give wealth to the poor and give children to the childless woman. Let the married woman enjoy the happy state of wifehood. Let the unmarried girl fulfill her desires. Please have grace on those who observe your Vrat and be kind to them by favoring happiness in their lives’. By praying in this manner, bow down your head to the Dhan Laxmi, incarnation of the Goddess Laxmiji and Keep your hand above (not to touch) the flames of the lamp and apply it to your eyes’. Hearing the ceremony for the observation of Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat, she closed her eyes and decided in her mind to do the Vrat with full faith according to shastras for twenty-one Friday and to celebrate the same with ceremony. When Sheela opened the eyes, she was very much surprised to know that the old lady had disappeared! That old lady was no one else but Laxmiji Herself! As Sheela was the devoted worshipper, Goddess Laxmiji Herself had come in the form of an old lady to show Sheela the path of happiness.<br /> <br />On the very next day it was Friday. After taking bath Sheela began to utter, ‘Jai Ma Laxmi’ with full faith in the Goddess Laxmi. During the day she didn’t defame any one. In the evening having washed her hands and feet, Sheela placed the wooden seat. She put her nose-ornament in the small bowl placed on the copper pot, which was on the heaps of rice arranged on the handkerchief spread on the wooden seat. Sitting in the east, Sheela observed the Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat with proper ceremony as informed by that old lady. Then she offered some sugar to her husband. Immediately there was a great change in her husband’s nature. As usual her husband did not beat her! She was very much happy to see such miraculous change in husband. Then after observing the Vrat with devotion and faith for twenty-one Friday. Sheela celebrated the last Friday. She gave a book of Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat to seven ladies and bowing down her head to the photograph of Goddess Laxmiji, prayed: ‘Mother! I have finished observance of the Vrat today. Kindly fulfill the desires of the unmarried girls and return the happiness of those who observe the Vrat. Be merciful to bless us with bliss of life uttering, "Give wealth to the poor, a child to the childless woman and preserve the happiness of the married woman. Kindly fulfill the desires." Uttering these words, Sheela kept her hands above the flames of the lamp and applied her hands to her eyes and paid homage to the Goddess. In this way, Sheela could get the result as she had observed the Vrat according to the prescribed ceremony of the shastras. Her husband gave up the immoral way of life and began to earn with great efforts. With the pious power of the Goddess, her husband became wealthy. He got back the ornaments of Sheela mortgaged by him. Hence forward he became a noble man and Sheela regained the peace and happiness in her life as before.<br /> <br />Having seen the pious power of the Vaibhava Laxmi Vrat, other women of the street began to perform the Vrat according to ceremony described by the shastras.<br /> <br />Oh! Goddess Dhan Laxmi! Be merciful to all, as you had been to Sheela. Fulfill the desires of all. Bless all with peace and bliss. Jai Ma Dhan Laxmi! Jai Ma Vaibhava Laxmi!!. </div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-43672958756070340712009-12-22T10:56:00.003+03:002009-12-22T11:01:35.721+03:00Why people offer oil to Shani dev ???<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquiBXJyGmA9iKGduMu-NddB_-N1m2W2Jmz5BXYLrtGSfkQ-WX9T1fFTffF-9gfjD8aY0miSudzxD9yvS5GepqRbg-G8AfVHvUa8Pbd72a5CEMChJWFrljs5jknfrmXZWlT8vBW4_4X8Q/s1600-h/shani+dev+lamp.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify">In our Hindus society, it is habitual to bath Shani dev in mustard Oil. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquiBXJyGmA9iKGduMu-NddB_-N1m2W2Jmz5BXYLrtGSfkQ-WX9T1fFTffF-9gfjD8aY0miSudzxD9yvS5GepqRbg-G8AfVHvUa8Pbd72a5CEMChJWFrljs5jknfrmXZWlT8vBW4_4X8Q/s1600-h/shani+dev+lamp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417966495055481426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquiBXJyGmA9iKGduMu-NddB_-N1m2W2Jmz5BXYLrtGSfkQ-WX9T1fFTffF-9gfjD8aY0miSudzxD9yvS5GepqRbg-G8AfVHvUa8Pbd72a5CEMChJWFrljs5jknfrmXZWlT8vBW4_4X8Q/s320/shani+dev+lamp.jpg" border="0" /></a>Many people also raised this question that why people offer oil to Shani dev. There is a short story behind this. </div><div align="justify"><br />As per Hindu Epic Ramayana, when the bridge was constructed from Rameswaram to Lanka by Ram’s army, Hanumanji had the responsibility of looking after the security of bridge lest the enemy damage it. One day Hanumanji sat under the trees and offering prayer to God Rama. God Shanidev went there and said to Hanumanji, “I am the powerful god Shani dev. I heard you are also so powerful, so I want to test your might with me. Open your eyes and fight with me.”</div><div align="justify"><br />In response to shanidev, Hanumanji opened his eyes & said “Now I am meditating upon my lord. I request you don’t disturb me in my prayer & leave me alone.” But God Shani dev was stable on picking a fight. At the same time, hanumanji stretched out his tail and started binding it around Shani dev. slowly he tightened the coiled tail. God Shani dev tried to free himself but he could not. Hanumanji moved his tail up & down hitting him against the stone of bridge. Shanidev started bleeding. </div><div align="justify"><br />When the pain was unbearable, God Shani requested to him, “Release me. I will never do a similar mistake again.” Hanumanji replied, “If you promise me that you shall never afflict Ram’s devotees then I will let you go” In the great pain shanidev promised to Hanumanji, “I will do as you say, I will never interfere in the destiny of those devoted to you & Ram.” </div><div align="justify"><br />When shanidev became free, He asked to Hanuman, “Could you give me some oil to relieve my wretched pain.” Then Hanuman gave the oil to Shanidev, after the spread of oil on his body, his pain was relieved immediately. </div><div align="justify"><br />Since then it is customary to offer oil to Shanidev. It is symbolic of soothing his pain. He feels satisfied and this makes him benevolent towards the devotee. </div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-50493077202940607872009-12-22T09:13:00.004+03:002009-12-22T10:51:33.871+03:00Shanivar Varth Katha<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhFSucNRDExz1GXL-tNWT2vKxfkhut7C1vROE4tyFydEQ4hR171-bv8V0KfEsX5EYeuTBLUEIQpxrE8wf0LB7GHbKt5cAEPdo-SiRE3nlc_HBsxpeBObsHBo1Upg-tWc2tj5JV-f_Nzs/s1600-h/lord_vishnu_on_sheshnaag_with_bhudevi_and_sridevi_wd10.jpg"></a></div><br /><div align="justify">Shanivar (Saturday) is dedicated to Shani Devta (Saturn).The Saturday fast keeps away all the hurdles and misfortunes. Saturn sits in a mirror chariot, yoked with eight black horses. The recitation of Shani Chalisa is also beneficial.<br /><br />It is believed that those who have the blessing of Lord Hanuman are protected from the wrath of Shani. Therefore many people make it a point to worship Hanuman at home or in temples. Black is the preferred color on Saturday.<br /><br />Shani, one of the Navagrahas, is worshipped in numerous temples and there are also temples exclusively dedicated to Sani. Devotees who are observing Shanivar Vrat usually visit Shani shrines.<br /><br />Those devotees who fast on Saturday only take a single meal that too in the evening after prayers. Food prepared usually consists of sesame til or black gram or any other black colored food item. Salt is avoided by many on the day.<br /><br />Shani is represented as a deity carrying bow and arrows and riding a vulture. Some devotees worship a black iron idol of Sani. Some worship the Peepal Tree and tie thread around its bark. Black colored items like sesame oil and black clothes are also donated on the day.<br /><br />Shani is so dreaded that many Hindus avoid journeys on Saturday. There are also numerous tales regarding the evil effects of Shani.<br /><br />But generally it is believed that Lord Hanuman devotees are unharmed by Sani. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman had rescued Shani from Ravana. This happened during the burning of the Lanka episode in the epic Ramayana. Lord Shani had then promised that he would not trouble Lord Hanuman devotees.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417940896746020306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbQ_IU6oUirofYdyRN90q0sNDT0SX5vpyEkl3I4NVH6wEnYUobMgxe4gDe9tEs11IVCVM0eyHyEJnSiN-U9h1GR_oB1Ih-b_5dq40nnYueg5vM15x4hx-TzEiLfNwdch4JDnoTZCgkqg/s400/00331.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center"><strong>Varth kath – I </strong></p><p align="justify">Once there was a Brahman. He used to guard against evil spirits at the king’s main gate palace. One day he heard a strange voice and was frightened. He heard this voice for a number of days. He never talked about that mysterious voice to his wife. One day his wife said, “I try to provide you best nutritious meals, still you are losing your health. What is wrong with you?” For some time, he kept mum. His wife insisted that he should reveal his internal feelings to get rid of any * unnecessary strain. The Brahman said, “I hear a strange voice every Saturday. It says that it wants to afflict the king. The duration of affliction will be either seven-and-a-half years or two-and-a-half years or two-and-a-half months or two-and-a-half days or at least for two-and-a-half prahar i.e. seven-and-a-half hours. The king can opt for any period but the affliction is a must.” </p><p align="justify">The Brahman’s wife smiled and said, “Why didn’t you tell it earlier? The king must be saved even at our cost. You accept two-and-a-half ‘prahars’ affliction for you. The spirit again visited the palace and repeated the same message. The Brahman said, “I offer to take King’s affliction upon myself. You can be upon me for two-and-a-half prahars.” The spirit was pleased at Brahman’s offer. The Brahman went to a riverbank. He wanted to spent that time in meditation. He noticed two water-melons floating on the surface of water. He caught them by their tops and placed them under his thigh.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417964272328906962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN1n0xOemGfol06bWNmNlTE0b2V58kiJH75Amj390Rrwq1iRDI-1XzcdpTtEiruhmDsmiPMkzawjETRSaEmeh-C_cfX1kTMxmq3fUd4pwC7fUmTZh6jSDyufT1r2JM6Pic6F6BsDLBVo/s320/Equipment+rental+charge+bill.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="justify">The king’s princes had been out for hunting for the last two days. They had not returned. The king was in great agony. He sent his messengers in various directions for searching out the princes. Incidentally, a messenger came to the Brahman. To his great surprise, he saw that the Brahman was hiding the heads of the princes under his thigh. He reported the matter to the king. The king was enraged. He ordered that the Brahman be impaled or hanged. The king asked the Brahman what his last desire was. The Brahman said, “Please do not kill me for two-and-a-half prahars.”</p><p align="justify">The king agreed. As the stipulated time was over arrangements for Brahman’s end were made ready. The Brahman was to be beheaded with a red hot iron spear. As the slaughter man attacked the Brahman, the hot spear got broken into pieces. The slaughter man now took a red hot silver spear. That spear too was broken into pieces before it touched the Brahman’s neck. The slaughter man took out a red hot golden spear and tried to behead the Brahman. The third spear also did have a different fate. </p><p align="justify">The onlookers were surprised at the sight of such a miracle. Suddenly, the princes too, appeared at the scene. The king embraced the princes and felt sorry for he Brahman. The king said, “O, Brahman! What is this puzzle?” Reveal this mystery to one and all.” The Brahman said, “The Saturn wanted to afflict you. I took your affliction upon me to save you and the kingdom. The Saturn made the water melons appear as human heads. Now could I have killed the princes? I have always been a saviour of this kingdom.” The king said, “1 don’t believe your utterings. I want to see the Saturn myself. If you do not show me, all the members of your family will be crushed in the grinder.” The Brahman began to tremble. He begged for a week’s time. He went to his house. His wife said, “You look pale and horrified. What is the matter?” The Brahman said, “The Saturn wrought the affliction on me. I was saved because I acted according to your advice. Now, if I do not show Saturn to the king, all of us will be crushed under the grinder wheels.” </p><p align="justify">The Brahman’s wife said, “Have patience. You staked your life for a better cause. God will help us.” The Brahman had a sigh of relief. His wife said, “Ask the king to get up early in the morning on the coming Saturday. Saturn will be riding a black horse under the black mountain. He will be covered with a black blanket, all soaked in oil. The king can have his glimpse.” The Brahman took the king to the black mountain the next Saturday. A black shadow was riding a black horse. The king said, “Who are you?” The Saturn said, “I am Saturn. I afflict the poor as well as the kings alike.”</p><p align="justify">The king said, “How can we avoid your affliction?” The Saturn said, “The rich should donate a black horse or one-and-a-quarter maunds of gold on Saturday. The middle-income group can donate iron and black blankets. The poor can give oil-touched loaf to a black dog. The still poorer can water a peepal tree, place some gur there and wrap the tree with a piece of kuchcha thread.” The Brahman said, “Do not afflict our king. Your affliction on the king will affect our town. I can stand your afflictions on myself in the future also.”</p><p align="justify">The Saturn suddenly disappeared alongwith his black horse and the king returned to his palace. He was pleased with the Brahman. The Brahman’s wife felt happy when the husband reported the whole happening to her. </p>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-34275123602050311862009-12-20T13:33:00.003+03:002009-12-20T13:50:14.079+03:00Shukravar Varth Katha<div align="justify"><br /><div>In Hindu religion, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular God or Goddesses. Friday or Shukrawar is dedicated to Shakti – the Mother Goddess in Hinduism – and Shukra or Venus.</div><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417265346482773618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yTv2kkX8IgtPG3GkQ_DXKbbIVMQfyRceutZRwogLzI-FxwSzSj615JW7YSqqRl7taTqy6jsb6r6lNyNec0PFJ1EuVPk2F1pKMIDLQJvqr2tjrLUzx3aUIZ9n3dUt5KgVDcIdiF6_2gg/s400/shakthi.jpg" border="0" /><br />One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on the day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti) & Maariamma. The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color is given importance on Friday.<br /> <br />Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be most productive and luckily period.<br /> <br />Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day. <div><br />Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.<br /> <br />Fast is kept for various reasons which include removal of obstacles, for a child, happy family life etc.<br /> <br />There are numerous stories associated with Shukravar. In almost all the stories, Lord Shukra or Venus is dishonored in the beginning and the devotee later realizes his/her folly through numerous untoward incidents. Then the devotee realizes the mistake and propitiates Shukra and is finally rewarded. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Guru Shukracharya</strong> <blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417265344006153106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3khRZKF3wplOijEBxNtVw5laMu-Gi2YU_LFYBn3n6YoovizOriZrQUzDO__fFdCXfrI06BFYcNx7jju5yOE31H3p2lRPjfo2spIKg3SnblCTXsDsHZDxZ3thcCa-3ue4QwWPxy73ll8/s400/shukra.jpg" border="0" /></div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The planet Venus is known as Sukra in Vedic astrology. In astrology, the planet of Venus is considered to be the guru of demons. As a God Shukra is the Guru of Asuras. According to Hindu scriptures, He was born as the son of Rishi Brighu and his wife Ushana. The feminic natured Shukra is a Brahminical planet. He was born on Friday in the year Paarthiva on Sraavana Suddha Ashtami when Swathi Nakshatra is on the ascent. Hence, Friday is known as Shukravaar in Indian languages especially Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi , Gujarati and Kannada. He went on to study Vedas under rishi Angirasa but he was disturbed by Angirasa's favouritism to his son Brihaspati. He then went to study under rishi Gautama. He later performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the Sanjivani mantra (a hymn that can revive the dead). During this period Brihaspati became the Guru (Preceptor) of the divine people Devaa. Out of jealousy, Shukracharya decides to become the Guru of Asuras. He helps them achieve victory over the Devas and uses his magic to revive the dead and wounded Asuras.<br /> <br />So Jupiter, or Brihaspati, the guru to the Devas, sends his son Kaca (brightness) to study under Sukra.<br /> <br />Sukra has a beautiful daughter Devayani (way to the gods), and she is quite taken with Kaca. Now, the Asuras know what Kaca is up to, so like all good demons they kill him. Devayani, of course, grieves for him and tells father, so Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca comes back to life. Then the demons kill Kaca again.<br /> <br />Once again Devayani complains, and once again Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca come back to life. Undeterred, the demons go about killing Kaca and Sukra keeps resurrecting him. So the demons get a particularly demonic idea and this time they kill Kaca and grind him up into a fine powder and put him in Sukra's wine. Sukra drinks the wine, Devayani begins her grieving, and in response Sukra repeats the mantra, but this time he has a stomachache as Kaca speaks from inside him. At last the demons appear to be happy.<br /> <br />But, they ironically bring about the very thing they were trying to prevent, for Sukra reveals the mantra of immortality to Kaca, so when Kaca tears himself out of Sukra's body he will repeat the mantra and raise Sukra from the dead.<br /> <br />In one story, Lord Vishnu is born as the Brahmin sage Vamana. Vamana comes to take the three worlds as alms from the asura King Bali. Lord Vishnu wanted to deceive the King Bali who was the grandson of the great ing Prahlad, in order to help the Devas. The sage Shukracharya identifies him immediately and warns the King. The King is however a man of his word and offers the gift to Vamana. Shukracharya, annoyed with the pride of the King, shrinks himself with his powers and sits in the spout of the vase, from which water has to be poured to seal the promise to the deity in disguise. Lord Vishnu, in disguise of the dwarf, understands immediately, and picks a straw from the ground and directs it up the spout, poking out the left eye of Shukracharaya. Since this day onwards , the guru of the asuras has been known to be half blind.<br /> <br />Sukra bestows long life, wealth, happiness, children, and property and good education. He is the Guru for Asuras. Well learned in Neeti Sastras follower of such sastras and one who dispenses justice, Sukra is considered a beneficial Devata. He blesses the devotees with power to control one's Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name.<br /> <br /><strong>Varth Katha – I</strong><br /> <br />Once there was an old woman. She used to observe Friday fasts regularly. She worshipped Shukras idol. She gave holy dips to the idol and offered best food to it as bhoga. One day she decided to go on a pilgrimage. But how could she leave the house? Who would give holy dips to Shukras idol? Who would offer bhoga to it? She conveyed her anxiety to her sons wife. Her sons wife, that is her daughter-in-law was not a religious lady. She wanted to get rid of her mother-in-law for some time. She agreed to worship Shukras idol in her absence. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">The old lady felt happy and left on the pilgrimage. Her daughter-in-law being what she was, after taking her bath would squeeze a few drops of water from her wet saree and considered it as a dip for the idol. She would prepare best dishes in her mother-in-laws absence and place some crumbs or remains before the idol as bhoga. Even this was heavy for her. One day she decided to get rid of the idol. She put it in a waste paper basket and threw it on a heap of garbage.</div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417265360628157794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XLne98GUyCe0zWMjfHtUfhJvmCWEQBxkN1YDxmaiA0kPSMfgQKNSJSlZNXoGH91f2dmKXMH43DxpQrs0PvS6bC0n4R-PWSbE78KIc22gmEo_spib_-PKq-NqacN_z5DerVJUtDHiWeY/s400/shukaran.jpg" border="0" /><br />A wise lady passed by. She noticed Shukras bright idol lying on the garbage. She picked it up with great respect and brought it to her house. She gave it holy dips and offered best bhoga. She also observed fast in the name of Shukra. The lady became very rich. On the other hand, the old womans family became poorer and poorer. The family could hardly make both ends meet.<br /><div align="justify"><br />The old lady returned from her pilgrimage. She noticed the changed conditions of the family. She asked the daughter-in-law, Where is the Shukras idol? The daughter-in-law kept mum. She repeated the question, but the lady would not speak. She repeated her question for the third time. The daughter-in-law replied, I was fed up with Shukras worship. I had no time to spare. I threw it on a heap of garbage some weeks ago. The old lady was astonished at the reply. She went to the garbage heap and searched for the idol, but hod to return disappointed She decided to go from door to door to enquire about it. </div><div align="justify"><br />She knocked at the door of a rich lady and said, Have you seen my Shukras idol? The rich lady gazed at her from head to foot and said, Are you insane? Why did you throw the idol on the garbage? You have no regards for deities. You should be punished for it. The old lady narrated the whole story to the rich lady and felt sorry for her daughter-in-law. The rich lady said, If it is so I shall return the idol to you. Lord Shukra has blessed me with health and wealth. I do not want to keep others things with me. Take back this idol with full respect. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The old lady brought back the idol and placed it at the worshipping dias. She observed Shukras fasts as a penance. Lord Shukra again blessed them with health and wealth. The family enjoyed a happy life again thereafter. </div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-73315975470019130362009-12-19T15:38:00.004+03:002009-12-19T15:50:50.926+03:00Guruvar Varth katha<div align="justify"> <br /><div><div>In Hinduism, each day in a week is dedicated to a particular god in the Hindu pantheon. Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Thurdsay is also popularly known as Gurubar or Guruvar. Yellow is the color of the day. A fast is observed on the day and food is consumed only once.<br /> <br />There are numerous stories associated with the reason for observing Upvaas, or fast, on Brihaspativar. Many of the stories are part of local folklore and stories vary from region to region.<br /> <br />Almost all stories suggest that those who perform pujas and Vrats on Thursdays will be blessed with wealth and happy life.<br /> <br />Those devotees fasting on the day wears yellow colored dress and offers yellow colored fruits and flowers to Vishnu and Brihaspati. Food is only consumed once and includes Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) and ghee. Basically, yellow colored food is eaten on the day. <blockquote></blockquote> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416927138710745746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw-rQ5YM7o7bnDZhirMaHV01cx-7M6IYDEcekrDKtxLYiqLHhfE_YKBp_-ka9jrnqnUWyixvrd7RWhe8bewEA39Tmr4TlWIaTWPIaZYtJihcCYl3IN7c_FIWurOXsA5OBDOP39-64UCQ/s400/ragavendra+swamy.jpg" border="0" />In some regions, banana or plantain is worshipped and watered. In South canara, the day is dedicated to Lord Ragavendra Swamy. </div><div> </div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Lord Brihaspati</strong> <blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416926230848153666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa7R5g0iQ2OMwcuOINbvJ2lnMitiqrXhlVBAGV0SYX4C1SNuZKYQnF8FpidZi_kxqKbrAABk75D0dRvMbnRhqoi2j6M3dCN6ugZzmvvZkRJa_EZmneGj1YsS9_HAZa2S3jlqleJRKEDk/s400/guru_jupiter.jpg" border="0" /></blockquote></div><div>According to Mahabharat Aadiparv, Lord Brihaspati is the son of Maharishi Angira and is the priest of Devas. Lord Brihaspati was a great devotee of Lord Shankar. He went to the Prabhas Tirth and prayed to Lord Shankar very deeply. Lord Shankar, pleased by Brihaspati's devotion, blessed him and gave the position of the 'Priest of Devas' and also included Him in the family of Devas. According to Rigved, Lord Brihaspati was very handsome. Lord Brihaspati, when pleased by his devotees, blessed them with wealth, saved them from difficulties and exhorts them to live on right path. Lord Brihaspati travels on a Golden Rath driven by eight speedy yellow coloured horses. According to Rigved the weapon of Lord Brihaspati is a stick (Dand) made up of Gold. Lord Brihaspati had three wives, Shubha, Tara and Mamta. From Shubha, he had seven daughters and from Tara, seven sons and one daughter. The wife Mamta, bore him two sons - Bharadwaj and Kach. Brihaspati is the Lord of Dhanu and Meen rashi.<br /> <br />In the solar system, Guru, Brihaspathi or Jupiter as his popularly known occupies the second largest position after the Sun. Jupiter is revered as celestial preceptor of the Gods. Worship of Bhraspati or Guru (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education. Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter. Following is the katha(story) which is recited by the devotee, who is fasting and praying to Bhraspati Dev on Thursdays.<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Varth Katha – I</strong><br /> <br />Once Lord Indra, surrounded by many gods, Rishis, Kinnaras and Gondharvas sat on his throne in a proud mood. As guru Bhraspati reached there all of them except Indra stood up to pay respect. India used to pay obedience to his guru regularly but he showed discourtesy at that time. Bhraspati felt bad and left his palace. As Bhraspati left the palace Lord Indra realised his mistake and repented over his action. He felt that all his luxurious possessions were due to his guru blessings. Guru anger will turn it to dust.Indra decided to go to Bhraspati and tender apology for his action. It may pacify his anger. He went to Bhraspati. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>Bhraspati intuited that Indra was coming to his Ashram. He avoided meeting out of anger and disappeared immediately. Lord Indra returned home disappointed. A demon god Vrishvarsha, sensed this situation and went to his guru Shukracharya. He begged his gum permission to attack Indrapuri, the kingdom of Lord India in those circumstances. Shukracharya permitted him. The demon god surrounded Indrapuri and made a sudden attack. In the absence of Guru Bhraspati blessings the gods lost all battles one after the other.<br /> <br />After his defeat the gods went to Lord Brahma and related the whole story. He begged for safety and asked for some strategy. Lord Brahma said, You have not done good by disgracing Bhraspati. Anyway go to Vishwaroopa the learned son of Twashta. Request him to become your priest. His blessings can save you. They went to Twashta and sought his blessings. Twashta said, By becoming your priest I do not want to lessen my virtues. But you go to my son Vishwaroopa. He will oblige you by accepting your request for priesthood.<br /> <br />All the gods went to Vishwaroopa and requested him to become their family priest for performing Yajna. He accepted their request. By Vishwaroopa grace demon Vrishvarsha was defeated and Lord India regained his kingdom. Lord India was happy. He implored Vishwaroopa to perform a special yajna for further gains. Vishwaroopa agreed. Vishwaroopa had three mouths. With one mouth he sucked the juice of Sompalli a special creeper. From the second mouth he used to drink wine. He used his third mouth for eating meals. <blockquote></blockquote> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416926223171393074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhDJy8RYhl-MW9k9shu2x12gyMWTv67q9ENYUBGHqgKi2X-j_0AzrO7aKy2kdLshN4ACz0jJWJx7NQwjHFB0uItWDDG4mJbUQ04uD6N1d4GXuCUywh0PcNfAatkZTg1J7yj5r-Jg5OWw/s400/Yajna-201x300.jpg" border="0" /><br />Vishwaroopa started performing Yajna. The demon gods were frightened. They thought a plan to undo the Yajna effects. One of the demon god went to Vishwaroopa and implored, Honourable Sir, do you know that you belong to demon genealogy from your mother side. Your mother is the daughter of a demon god. While performing Yajna kindly make some offerings in the names of demon gods for their happiness. Vishwaroopa agreed to his request. He made some silent offerings to demon gods so that no one may hear it. The result was that the Yajna advantages were divided between dieties and demon gods.When Lord Indra came to know the treachery he beheaded Vishwaroopa in a state of extreme anger. One of his mouth from which he took wine, turned into a black bee. The second which he used for sucking Sompalli juice became a piglion while the third one used for taking meals was transformed into a partridge.<br /> <br />Lord Indras body was immediately deformed due to sacrelige, the murder of a Brahman. All the gods made repentance for one year but it had no effect on India . They approached Lord Brahma for seeking some remedy to redeem India from the sacrelige. Lord Brahma accompanied by Bhraspati went to Indra. He decided the sacrelige act into four parts.The first part was given to the earth. As a result the earth became uneven. Some of its portion became barren. But as a boon he said that the earth would develop power to fill the khuds automatically.<br /> <br />The second part of the sacrelige was given to the trees and as a result they began to ooze gum. But as a boon he said that the gum of guggul - bdellium olibanum - will be treated pure and they would have the power to rebud from their roots though their upper portion may be dried up.<br /> <br />The third part of the sacrelige was given to the woman folk and so they experience menstruation. As a boon he blessed them to the pure or chaste on the fourth day and capable to give birth to children.<br /> <br />The fourth portion. of the sacrelige was given to water. As a result it is covered with aquatic plant or Shaivaal. As a boon the object in which it is added gains weight.<br /> <br />In this way Lord Brahma freed Indra from the heinous crime by dividing it into four places. Who so ever reads or listens this story is blessed by Bhraspati.<br /> <br /><strong>Varth katha – II</strong><br /> <br />Once there was a young girl. She used to water a banana tree. She also used to play under it. One day a strange voice came as if fluttering from its leaves. The girl got frightened and ran away. Next day the girl was again watering the tree. She heard the same voice. She took courage. The voice said, Will you play with me? Will you play with me? The young girl looked here and there. She could locate nobody there. She started to grow weaker and weaker. Her mother noted this change. One day the mother said, My dear girl, what is wrong with you? Why are you losing your health despite best food? <blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416926215258665362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINIWWJLVVeoFjQXEFRSvjrS5BcmLszXn8uSdYWCaWAxitFA_YlL88H9vQWDlMasrKZrQbn6uxn4l4uROrIVpMl33sRpCaeAa_jHKNe2m3yM67luhvcu5-5kGhFmISBkqAe8FJ_aR51hM/s400/banana_tree_for_web.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>The young girl said, 1 water my banana tree everyday. I hear a strange voice from it. The voice says Will you please play with me? I see no one around me. The mother heard her daughter and said smilingly, You are a very innocent girl. The banana goddess is pleased with you. You welcome her tomorrow for playing. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>The girl heard the same voice the next day. She invited her to play with her. After the play was over, the goddess of banana or Lakshmi said to the girl, Will you please accompany me to my house for lunch? The girl said, Have you a house too? The goddess took her to her palace through the hollow of the banana tree and served her with best sweets and fruit in gold and silver pots. She offered her various types of costly gifts. When the girl returned, her mother was happy. She said to her daughter, "Have you offered your friend a return visit? You must invite her next day. </div><div><br />The girl said, We are very poor. How can I extend invitation to her? Our utensils are broken. Our clothes are shabby and torn. We have nothing to sit upon. The mother said, Service and courtesy will compensate for them. We will dean our house and give her a warm welcome. The girl agreed to her mother advice. When she met the goddess the next day, she extended to her invitation for visiting her house. The goddess accepted the invitation. She accompanied the girl to her house the next day. The goddess had hardly stepped into the house when it was converted into a beautiful palace. The broken utensils turned into shining gold and silver ones. The shabby and torn clothes became new and attractive. The ordinary meal prepared by the family tasted like mana. As she was about to leave, the goddess blessed the family with a happy future. The girl mother requested the goddess to stay with them permanently. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div>The goddess said, 1 am goddess Lakshmi. I am of very unstable and fickle-minded. I cannot commit to stay with you all the time. So long as you work hard and water the banana trees, I shall be there in form of banana fruit. Your business will flourish day by day. Water banana tree, especially on Thursdays.</div><blockquote></blockquote><div>The goddess then disappeared from the scene leaving plenty of wealth for the family.<br /></div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-59125095029010960212009-12-19T14:12:00.003+03:002009-12-19T14:34:46.605+03:00Budvar Vart Katha<div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p7GIMHDxlUtdvmy_WMT4VNbA7jqVN3URISjwGW9g3YkEXtl1fEB6K7ZaAV0AQqRx_h5M6KiQ86xX5XYDGocqHLHwC5RUCSoE3xPBHMbCRynGgZsk3xgS-5GZzpSjSl93UB7HOs9OmyU/s1600-h/mercury_2_-514x416.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416908225077625266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 392px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p7GIMHDxlUtdvmy_WMT4VNbA7jqVN3URISjwGW9g3YkEXtl1fEB6K7ZaAV0AQqRx_h5M6KiQ86xX5XYDGocqHLHwC5RUCSoE3xPBHMbCRynGgZsk3xgS-5GZzpSjSl93UB7HOs9OmyU/s400/mercury_2_-514x416.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">Budhvar, Wednesday, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the planet Budh or Mercury. The day is also associated with Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna . In some regions, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Keeping a fast (Upvaas) on Budhvar is believed to help in leading a peaceful family life.<br /> <br />Those devotees who undertake a fast on the day only take a single meal in the afternoon. The fasting is observed mainly by husband and wife together. Green color is considered highly auspicious on the day.<br /> <br />In Astrology, mercury is considered to be compassionate and generous. Mercury is usually depicted riding a lion.<br /> <br />In some regions, people start new ventures on Wednesday as Mercury or Budh is considered to help new business ventures. Educational activities begin on Wednesday in some places.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Vrat katha </strong></div><blockquote></blockquote>Planet Budh is known as planet Mercury too.Lord Budh has four hands. Sword, Thaal, Gada and Varmudra are seen in his hands. Lord Budh has golden crown on his head and wears ornaments of yellow flowers and yellow clothes. According to the Atharv Ved, Budh was born to Chandrama and Tara. Since the child was very intelligent, Lord Brahma gave the name Budh to him. According to one story of Mahabharat, King Manu got married his daughter Ila to Budh Dev. King Pururva was son of Ila and Budh. According to Sreemad Bhagwat, the place of Budh Grah is higher by 2 lakh Yojan than Shukra Grah. Normally, Budh Grah is associated with good things. But when it crosses the way of Surya Grah, there is a possibility for Strong Wind (Cyclone), Flood and Drought. According to Matsyapuran, Budh Grah is yellow in colour, The Rath is white in colour and is glowing with bright light, drove by ten speedy horses. Budh Grah is the Lord of Mithun and Kanya rashi.<br /><blockquote></blockquote>Budh Pooja is recommended to reduce the tribulations caused due to malefic position of MERCURY in the horoscope.<br /> <br />Budh Puja is to appease the planet Mercury. Budh Puja is very useful & beneficial puja, since it's worship strengthens benefic Mervury & increases its positive influence and pacifies malefic effects of the planet & neutralizes its negative effect. Budh Puja is recommended for those having malefic Budh or wrong placed Bhudh as per horoscope.<br /> <br />The planets are to propitiated against their evil influences, to ward off them, the Budh Puja is done with faith to ward off all evils of Budh as per the horoscope.<br /> <br />Once there was a newly wed. On a Sunday, he went to his father-in-laws house to take his wife with him. It was the first time after marriage. He was welcomed by the in-laws and was provided with best food and bedding. His wife’s friends cut jokes with him. He enjoyed their jokes and conversation. He forgot the outside world as he enjoyed the hospitality offered to him by his wife’s younger brothers and sisters.<br /> <br />Monday and Tuesday were spent in other pastimes. It was now Wednesday. He told his mother-in-law, I have an urgent piece of work today. You send your daughter with me immediately. But today is Wednesday. Mercury is not favorable to girls on Wednesday. It is considered inauspicious sending daughters in their in-laws house. I shall not send my daughter today, said the mother-in-law.<br /> <br />I do not care for the Mercury. He cannot harm me. Wednesday is very favorable for the businessmen like me. I have also very urgent piece of work at home, said the son-in-law. The mother-in-law said. You came here on Sunday. Monday was your hospitality day. The guest should enjoy only one day’s hospitality. You have over-stayed. This is not our fault. How could we ask you to go away on Tuesday? It was for you to decide. Now, please go tomorrow for heaven sake.<br /> <br />The son-in-law was adamant. He insisted on leaving the same day. The in-laws read his mood and agreed to send their daughter with him. They arranged a chariot for the couple. Soon, the couple reached near a township. The girl was thirsty. She said to her husband, I am very thirsty. Please arrange some water for me. The husband agreed and went towards the township. Another young man resembling her husband brought water for her. She could not distinguish between the two. She took him for her husband and had a good chat with him.<br /> <br />In the meanwhile, her real husband appeared on the scene. He was surprised to see his wife chatting and cutting jokes with someone else. He was annoyed at her conduct. The wife also felt bemused when she saw the like of her husband standing with a water pot in his hand. Both the males quarreled among themselves and claimed the lady as their wife. Incidentally a constable came there and wanted to know what the matter was. He said to the lady, who is your real husband?<br /> <br />The lady said, I am in a fix myself. They resemble each other so much. The real husband felt sorry. He remembered his mother-in-laws words. The constable took them to the king and told the whole story. The king asked his minister to administer justice. The minister said to the constable, it is late evening. Lock them up in separate cells. Arrange strict night watch. I will give my judgment tomorrow.<br /> <br />All the three were locked up in separate cells. It was dead of night. Mercury had a Sound sleep. The real husband was very restless. He was repentant. He uttered loudly; I am suffering for my pride and disobedience to my in-laws. Oh God, forgive me this time. The guards were marking all these uttering. The next morning the minister sent for the guards. The guards related one of the youngmen's behaviors.<br /> <br />The minister said, the man who had a restless night is the real husband. His wife should be restored to him. He should be freed. Produce the second person in my court. The guards went to the prison cell. They set free the real husband and his wife. They were happy to be together again. The guards went to the other young man. His cell was empty though locked from outside. They reported the matter to the minister. He was astonished to know that the cell was empty though locked from outside. He went to the senior minister and related the whole story.<br /> <br />The senior minister smiled and said the missing prisoner is Mercury. Mercury rules on Wednesdays. This man challenged Mercury’s authority. He felt offended and disguised himself as her husband to teach him a lesson. Today Is Thursday. Jupiter rules on Thursdays. Mercury disappeared exactly at sunrise. Don’t be afraid. The guards are not at fault.<br /> <br />The king was happy over his minister’s judgment. The husband and wife reached home and related the whole story to their near and dear ones.<br /> <br /><strong>Benefit from Vrat:</strong><br /> <br />If you are suffering by Skin desease or if you stutter or if you have trouble with langaugae or pronounciation, this is the best Vrat(fats).<br /> <br /><strong>Ritual:</strong><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Hindu devotees who fast on Wednesdays take a single meal in the afternoon. The ritual fast, i.e., 'vrat' or 'upvaas,' is observed by couples - the husband and the wife together. 'Budhvar Upvaas' or Wednesday Fastis believed to be auspicious for leading a peaceful family life. People start new business or enterprise on Wednesdays as the planet Mercury or Budh is believed to augment new projects. This day is also lucky for students and they pray for success in education.<br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-2994857069874001262009-12-07T11:53:00.005+03:002009-12-07T15:50:51.200+03:00Mangalvar Vrat Katha<div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenucZK207P6yZOBGt52tJNXVc_IQamVVNadMakzRFu1mA31VuHDV5CgyOEfdemCMbLvpihP-7n6lbm2pkRm5k6W-3k-uKef5L91BwMOMOKhcPrVpukBwxjGQLeBYbtkuQj0ypw2LeiVE/s1600-h/lord-hanuman2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412419146540271506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenucZK207P6yZOBGt52tJNXVc_IQamVVNadMakzRFu1mA31VuHDV5CgyOEfdemCMbLvpihP-7n6lbm2pkRm5k6W-3k-uKef5L91BwMOMOKhcPrVpukBwxjGQLeBYbtkuQj0ypw2LeiVE/s400/lord-hanuman2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In South India , the day is dedicated to Skanda, aka Muruga or Kartikeya. Devotees also listen to Hanuman Chalisa, songs dedicated to the simian deity, on this day.<br /> <br />Mangalvar Vrat is observed by those couples who Mangalvar Vrat is observed by those couples who wish to have a son. Other benefits include happiness in the family. People who believe in astrology observe fast to alleviate the harmful effects associated with the planet mangal or mars.<br /> <br /><strong>Ritual:</strong><br /> <br />It is a whole day fast. Devotees who undertake Mangalvar fast only take a single meal usually consisting of any food made of wheat and jaggery. Most Hindus keep the fast for 21 Tuesdays without a break. Mangalvar Upvaas is to satisfy Hanuman and Mangal (Mars) that rules the day, and from which it takes its name. Mangal is considered a trouble maker and the fast is observed to ward off evils and problems that strewn our path and make way for happiness. The underlying belief is that Lord Hanuman will help his devotees to overcome difficulties in life especially those created by the intervention of 'Mangal graha' or Mars. Also, couples desirous of having a son, too, observe this fast stringently. </div><div> </div><div align="center"><strong>Lord Mangal (Mars)</strong> <blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412419151464644850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WyFQU8rs06A2fTXNIlZwvIZoI8l1oSe-QzhYqVNTX-xBBp1J9AQv-t3O44jjW2NjrR-FZWoD-_8qVFHwlTnetipd1Bry-scP_0ieFQwrtgvuq8v9iOtux2nhz4H6GHWbpKye26NB9ig/s400/Mangal+.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Lord Mangal (Mars) is one of the nine planets or navagrahas. He is also known by the names Angaraka and Kuja. He is considered the son of Prithvi or Bhumi, the Earth Goddess.He is associated with strength, valor, and courage. Lord Mangal is the protector of dharma (righteousness), and the purpose of life.</div><div><strong><span class=""><blockquote><strong><span class=""></span></strong></blockquote>Ganeshpuranam</span>:</strong> Once the elder brother of Hiranyaksh had kidnapped Prithvi Devi (Earth). To get Prithvi Devi released from him, God appeared in the form of 'Varah'. The God killed Hiranyaksh and Prithvi Devi was rescued. At that time Prithvi Devi was very pleased with the God and she wished to marry him. At the time of Varahavtar, the glowing of God was like having thousands of suns in the sky. It was unbearable. Then the God appeared in the beautiful and original form to fulfill the wishes of Prithvi Devi. They married and lived alone for one year. Mangal was born to them. <blockquote></blockquote><strong>Shiva Purana- Chap 2.71 :</strong> Once when Lord Shiva was engrossed in 'deep meditation' upon his abode Mount Kailash, three drops of perspiration originated from his forehead and fell down on the earth. From those drops manifested a very beautiful infant, who was of reddish complexion and who had four arms.</div><div><br />The child was handed over to the earth goddess, Bhumi for upbringing by Lord Shiva. The child was named Bhaum as he was nurtured and brought up by 'Bhumi' (earth).</div><div><br />When Bhaum grew up, he went to Kashi and did a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed him by granting him 'Mangala loka (the Abode of Mangala), which was superior even to the 'Shukra loka' (the Abode of the god of Venus - Shukra). The same 'Bhauma' is established in the solar system by the name of Mangala (the planet Mars). </div><div><br />Lord Mangal has four hands, and carries a trident and mace as weapons. He wears red ornaments. Worshiping Lord Mangal frees one from skin illnesses, debts, and poverty. The gemstone of Lord Mangal is the red coral, and his day is Tuesday. He is the guardian of the south direction. </div><div align="center"><blockquote></blockquote> <strong> Vrat Katha - I </div><blockquote></blockquote></strong><div align="justify">Once there was a Brahmans son. He was married at an early age. He went to his father-in-laws village to get back his wife. His in-laws welcomed him heartily and gave him best dishes to eat.</div><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412415525390690418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0MZ-uyjl0pKnHByaxawDhVM8Lsu6cNxKnnkQS8G2kHKD0e7jaCLam53rQq89K9u0JnKbkosuUnKzkntvlkU1HL-oZQXWSi01HcDXecx-RZDNhVrrPh9Y6qxhmup6fhZdnG2Kqs-yyIA/s320/3089201948_3b6abf7770.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>The boy said to his father-in-law, Please send your daughter with me. My mother is unwell. There is nobody to look after her. <div><br />That is correct, said the father-in-law, but we have not made full preparations to offer her clothes and cash. The boy said, Our family is not so down-and-out as to accept such offers all the time. You send your daughter with me. The boys mother-in-law raised another objection and said, My daughter is a newly-wed and she is very beautiful. She will wear gold ornaments. Who will guarantee her safety during the journey?</div><div><br />The boy said, I am brave enough to guard her. See my muscular body. The mother-in-law said, It is not the muscular body but the mind which guards us. The boy said, Do not consider me without mind. The father-in-law and the mother-in-law argued for some time with the son-in-law and finally agreed to send their daughter with him. </div><div><br /> The young husband and wife both started their journey for the village. It was Tuesday. Tuesday is devoted he god Mars. He is the commander of this day. The Mars saw the Brahmans beautiful wife. He was dazzled to see such a beauty. He knew witchcraft. He disguised himself as a Brahmans son and said to the boy, She is my wife. Who are you to accompany her? Give her to me, otherwise I will kill you. </div><div><br />The Brahmans son felt bewildered at the sight of an identical man like him. He said, You are a ghost. You are a cheat. She is my wife. How can I give her to you? The woman would not differentiate between the two. She stood there puzzled. Some cow herds noticed their quarrel. They went to them and asked about the cause of their quarrel.<br /> <br />The Brahmans son said She is my wife. This man is a cheat. He wants to take away my wife under a false disguise. He is not the man who has married this woman. I am her real husband. The Mars who was in the guise of Brahmans son said, She is my wife and I am her real husband. The cow-herds felt confused at their claims. One of the cow-herd asked the woman, Who is your real husband? </div><div><br />The lady said, I was married when I was very young. I have cast my look at my husband for the first time, after long years. I cannot differentiate between the two. The matter became still complicated. One of the cow-herds sensed the gravity of the situation. He could see that one of them was a spirit. He knew how to deal with such spirits. He said, Bring an earthen pot with a spout. I will hand over this lady to the real husband. They arranged a Kuchcha Karva or a pot with a spout. The cowherd said, This lady belongs to that person who can enter this pot through its spout. </div><div><br />The Brahmans son said, This is injustice. I cannot enter this pot. The cowherd said, Then you are a cheat. You would have to abide by my order. The Brahmans son kept mum. He was helpless. The Mars said, She is my wife. I can enter this pot through its spout. The clever cowherd said, if you enter this pot, she will be your wife. </div><div><br />The Mars was in the form of a spirit. He knew the craft of changing his body into any shape. He entered the pot through the spout. The cow-herd dosed the spout with a tight cork. The Mars was imprisoned in the pot. He could not come out from it. To make his escape impossible, the cowherd dug a deep hole in the ground and put that earthen pot deep into it and filled the hole up. The Brahmans son was happy. He thanked the cowherd for his intelligence and wisdom.</div><div><br />Since that day, it has been a belief that nobody should dig earth on Tuesday so that the devil spirit of the Mars remains inside the earth for ever. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Vrat katha - II</div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"></strong>Tuesday is devoted to Lora Hanuman. The devotees listen to this story before breaking their fast in the afternoon. The wrestlers do not massage their bodies on this day to avoid hairfalllng. Some wrestlers observe Tuesday as a rest day. </div><div align="justify"><br />Once there was an old lady. She used to observe Tuesday fast. She enjoyed all sorts of prosperity. Her daughter-in-law used to give her four loaves on every Tuesday. She used to go to the Hanuman Temple and offered two loaves there. The remaining two she ate herself and felt satisfied. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412415512381535266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxmRH14IzpqnMLnet0Wq-5doraBCchpCYirkq7hXarKaaVfrH4eEn7Kq3m5JRNyJfgHe8X75dgOhlliaOWl9olGF-Vsx_km_mupA52dUl_s5GbhzPi9uJoeNrLAMtj5ZNbtY4PSR1rTs/s320/82874015_f652487fa6.jpg" border="0" /><br />Once the daughter-in-law asked her children to follow their grandmother and to keep a watch over her activities. Her grandsons noticed that their grandmother offered two loaves to Lord Hanuman and broke her fast with the remaining two. They reported the matter to their mother. Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting two loaves and decided to cook two loaves only. </div><div align="justify"><br />On the next Tuesday, the daughter-in-law gave her only two loaves. The old lady went to the Hanuman temple arid offered one loaf to Hanuman and broke her fast with the remaining one. Her grandsons noticed her and reported the matter to their mother. Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting one loaf and decided to give her one loaf only. </div><div align="justify"><br />The old lady accepted one loaf on the coming Tuesday and went to the Hanuman temple. She offered half a loaf to lord Hanuman and broke her fast with the other half. Her grandson noticed it and reported again to their mother. Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting her food at familys expense. She decided not to give her any loaf on Tuesdays. </div><div align="justify"><br />The old lady went to the Hanuman temple empty-handed. She had nothing to offer. Lord Hanuman appeared before her as a young boy and said, O, old ma, what ails you? The old lady related the whole story to the young boy. The young boy said, Why dont you erect a cottage of yours behind this temple? Take me as your son. I shall arrange food for you. What is the use of living with a family which does not care for its elders! </div><div align="justify"><br />The old lady agreed and started living in the cottage. Everyday the young boy would bring a mug full of milk and a lump of crushed bread mixed with sugar and butter (churma) for her. Her life was now very happy and peaceful. The old ladys daughter-in-law became poorer and poorer day-after-day. Unwanted quarrels broke out in the house due to poverty. They had little to eat. One day she said to her children, Go to your grandmother and observe what she does. </div><div align="justify"><br />The children went to their grandmother. The old lady welcomed them. She shared milk and Churma with them and asked them to visit her everyday. The children went back to their house and related the whole thing to their mother. She was surprised to know that the old lady was hale and hearty instead of growing weak. She realised her mistake and asked her husband to bring her back. </div><div align="justify"><br />Her husband said, Why should I go? You are responsible for our sufferings. You make quarrels in the family everyday. You forced her to leave this house. You were jealous of her even for meager meals. This house lost its prosperity the moment she left us. You have no regards for your elders and their noble deeds. </div><div align="justify"><br />The lady said, Let all of us go to her. We shall convince her that she should come back. Her husband agreed and they went to the old lady. The young boy was sitting with her and serving her food. The old ladys daughter-in-law fell at the feet of her mother-in-law and begged pardon of her for her misdeeds. The old lady said to the young boy; Should I accompany them as they have realised their mistake? The young boy said, Yes, you may. If you face any difficulty, you may come back. </div><div align="justify"><br />The old lady returned to her family. She observed Tuesday fasts and her daughter-in-law never objected to her giving half of her food to Lord Hanuman. Prosperity again visited their house and they lived a happy life. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Vrat Katha - III </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"></strong>Unwanted suspicion, doubt or misbelief creates unhappiness in the family. Unshakeable faith in one god brings happiness. A chaste life is above suspicion. </div><div align="justify"><br />Once there lived a Brahman couple. They were issueless. So their life was very unhappy. The Brahman went to the jungles to appease Lord Hanuman. He would pray for a child in his prayers. His wife used to observe fasts on Tuesdays to placate the Lord. She used to take her food on Mondays only after offering Prasaad to Lord Hanuman. <blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412415515093487058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL2X_p0dd9xs8VDPVYbRR4fBZSkKNqbod8rGZG1kt00R2nqgHMr2-94UKajFg7brENvJTwu1p4SoI_Ou6BX8NkCAlEiBgvskIcDyYAv8_6CkJAJs6G6hCzLSOfP_O7LbqTnGmpcOJols/s320/1448129188_09cba9f97f.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote>Once she observed some special fast for the whole day. So she could not offer Prasaad to Hanuman. She was very sorry for it and felt guilty. She decided to observe a fast till the coming Tuesday. She said to herself that she would take her meals only after offering Prasaad to Hanuman.She became weak and fragile and even fainted due to the long fast. Hanuman took pity on her and appeared before her in the guise of a child. Hanuman said, I bless you with a beautiful son. He will always serve you, day and night. He then disappeared after blessing the lady. </div><div align="justify"><br />Fortunately, the lady got a beautiful son. She named him Mangal. The Brahman returned home after some months. He saw a handsome child playing in his courtyard. He became suspicious and said to his wife, Whose child Is this? Have you indulged in adultery? The woman said politely, My dear husband, I am a chaste lady. I used to observe Tuesday fast in your absence to please Lord Hanuman. He has blessed me with this child. Please believe me. The Brahman kept mum but deep in his heart, doubts began to curl up every moment. The lady was helpless. One day the Brahman was going to take his bath at some nearby well. The lady told him, Please take Mangal alongwith you. He is quite grown-up. He will fetch water for your bath. He will also rub your back. </div><div align="justify"><br />The Brahman agreed and took the boy alongwith him. He thought it would be a good occasion to push him into the well and to get-rid of a sinful child for good. As the boy was to fetch water, the Brahman pushed the boy into the well and returned home. To her great surprise, the woman noticed that the Brahman did not have wet dhoti on his shoulders. She said, Have you taken your bath? The Brahman said, Yes. </div><div align="justify"><br />The lady said, Please give me your wet dhoti to enable me to spread it on the string. The Brahman was nonplussed. He had guilty conscience. He murmured some words and tried to leave the house. The wife said, Where is my Mangal? Where is my Mangal? O! Mangal, appear before my eyes if I am a cheste lady and you are my true son. </div><div align="justify"><br />To the great surprise of both the wife and the husband, Mangal appeared at the door. He embraced his mother and touched his fathers feet. That might Lord Hanuman appeared before the Brahman in his dreams and said, O! poor creature, I blessed you with a son, and you suspect your wife of adultery. You must feel sorry for it. </div><div align="justify"><br />The Brahman realised his mistake. His wife regularly observed fasts on Tuesdays. Thereafter they led a happy life. It is said that whosoever reads or listens to this story and keeps regular fasts Lord Hanuman protects him from air evils and bestows all happiness. </div></div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-27669569142463763582009-12-06T15:00:00.002+03:002009-12-06T15:30:21.996+03:00Monday Fast Katha<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmlgVYo2t2sLaJE_Rde4nwGc4yKZkN6P8vapN2k7VM14H5q-Egybyx0YXNdVDBFqL5k1h_hoDv2vO3jHuf1k4I-5_BWN5PO6c53PivabdnsSP4um1wiRkLOvGPpFD6WjHgE1Ln5yv1w/s1600-h/Shiva+Puja-.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412093742419975906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 324px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmlgVYo2t2sLaJE_Rde4nwGc4yKZkN6P8vapN2k7VM14H5q-Egybyx0YXNdVDBFqL5k1h_hoDv2vO3jHuf1k4I-5_BWN5PO6c53PivabdnsSP4um1wiRkLOvGPpFD6WjHgE1Ln5yv1w/s400/Shiva+Puja-.jpg" border="0" /></a> <blockquote></blockquote>Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. On the day, food is only eaten after evening prayer. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on the day. Of course, no worship begins without remembering Lord Ganesha. The fasting on Mondays in the Shravan month is considered even more auspicious.<br /><br />It is believed that those people who observe Upvaas on Monday will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with wisdom. In some areas, fasting on Mondays is observed by unmarried women to get an ideal husband.The reason for fasting on a day is usually traced back to a particular incident in one of the Hindu Puranas or folk tradition. There are numerous myths associated with a particular fast. The stories vary from region to region and from community to community.<br /> <br />Somvar Vrat, or Monday fasting, dedicated to Lord Shiva too has numerous stories. Among the several myths, three have gained popularity – the first is the story of a poor Brahmin gaining wealth due to Monday fasting, second is the story of a rich merchant begetting a son after long wait and the subsequent death of the son and his rebirth due to the grace of Lord Shiva and Parvati and the third story is the most famous involving the game of dice played between Shiva and Parvati.<br /><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Vrat (Fast) Katha</strong> </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">Once there lived a wealthy merchant in a city. He always had immense wealth and prosperity. But despite all the worldly possessions, he remained sad because he had no son. He regularly observed Monday fast to have a son. He used to go to the Shiva temple and worshipped there Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith. Goddess Parvati was pleased at his devotion. She implored Lord Shiva and said, My Lord, this wealthy merchant is your faithful devotee. He regularly observes Monday fast but still he has no son. Please fulfill his desire. Hearing the imploring of Parvati, Lord Shiva said, Let your desire be fulfilled. I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but he will live for twelve years only”. Fortunately, this wealthy merchant could hear their conversation.<br /> <br />As time passed on, the merchant’s wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his son’s birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money among the poor. All prayed for his sons’ long and happy life. But the merchant was still sad because he knew that his son would not live beyond twelve years. Yama, the god of Death, spares none. </div><div align="justify"><br />Knowing what the situation was, the merchant started observing the Monday fast with greater zest and there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. He practiced all the rites of worship.<br /> <br />At the age of eleven, the merchants’ son looked quite smart and mature. All desired that he should be married to a beautiful girl. The merchants’ wife also wanted her sons’ marriage. She insisted for it again and again. The merchant did not agree to this proposal. He sent for his brother-In-law and said, Accompany my son to Kashi. Arrange for his best spiritual knowledge. Take enough money from my treasure. Arrange devotional gatherings on your way to Kashi at every halt and distribute alms among the beggars.<br /> <br />The merchant’s son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them. </div><div align="justify"><br />One day they made a halt at a capital of a king. The kings’ daughters’ marriage was to take place that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. The bridegroom’s party was terribly disturbed because the bridegroom was blind, of one eye. They were in search of a beautiful boy to replace him. The bridegroom’s father sent his men in search of a beautiful boy. The men spotted the merchants son who was camping in an inn with his maternal uncle. The bridegroom’s father was a rich person. He said to the merchant’s maternal uncle, my prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the kings’ daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over. The merchants’ brother-in-law convinced his sisters’ son for a temporary marriage. The brides’ party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412093723641061170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjDCA5Ktt4_V5ep2tawJFUGB5C9VH56kFJtYLvFy4ZHvRkNAAC0sazPTLxgAe8RF7qyyqTjTxZeX7b5AjcR0IwI2tm5sz5-dfQJyA8zSSG2Uj99B9G4NWZDL98za3dZZVjwUSog2H2XY/s400/GARHB.jpg" border="0" /><br />The merchant’s son and the kings daughter were married around the holy fire. At the time of departure, the merchants’ son picked his brides scarf and wrote; now we are husband and wife. I am not the son of a king. I am the son of a rich merchant. I was on way to Kashi for spiritual studies. Your real bridegroom is blind of one eye.<br /> <br />The bride noticed her bridegroom writing something on the scarf. She could not read his message at that time. When the marriage party was about to depart, the bride read the message. She was shocked to know the reality. She refused to accompany with the one-eyed bridegroom. The marriage party returned without a bride.<br /> <br />The merchants’ son reached Kashi and devoted himself fully to the spiritual studies. His maternal uncle arranged devotional gatherings and gave donations everyday for the well-being of his sisters’ son. On the last day of the twelfth year, the merchants’ son felt pain in the chest. His maternal uncle was performing the religious rites as per his routine. As he went inside the room, he found the boy dead. He was full of grief, but kept silent as the Brahmans would not accept food from such a house. With courage, he completed his routine. When his routine was over, he started crying. Many people gathered around him and shared his grief.<br /> <br />Fortunately, Lord Shiva and Parvati were also passing by that house. When Parvati heard the cries and beating of breast, her motherly compassion got aroused. She was a mother, after all. Having known the facts, she said to Lord Shiva, My dear Sire, please ask Yama to return his life. Yama is always at your command. Please do this favour to me. You are the protector of all creatures.<br /> <br />Lord Shiva agreed and sprinkled Ganga water on the dead body. The boy got up as if he was making an excuse for sleep. The spiritual education of the merchants’ son was over. They started their journey homeward. They arranged spiritual discourses and distributed aims among the needy throughout their way.<br /> <br />Now, they were back in the city where this boy was married. The king recognized the boy immediately. He took him to his palace with full honour and on an auspicious day, he arranged to happy departure for his daughter. He also gave adequate dowry. The merchants son reached his city along with his bride.<br /> <br />His father could not believe it. He was sitting on the roof of a big mansion with his wife, waiting for his son. They had decided that they would not come down until their son supported them himself; otherwise they would commit suicide by jumping down the roof. So the merchant’s son along with his bride went up to the roof. They touched their feet. The merchant and his wife were very happy to see the couple.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><strong>Sixteen Weeks Monday Fast</strong> </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">Once Lord Shiva visited the famous city of Amravati . Parvati also accompanied him. On their way, they saw a beautiful Shiva temple and decided to spend some time there. One day, Parvati found Lord Shiva in a playful mood. She said to him, Oh my Lord, let us have a dice game. Lord Shiva obliged her and the game started. Meanwhile, the priest of the temple had come there. Parvati turned towards him and said Please foretell who will win this game? The Brahman gave no serious thought to her question and abruptly said, Lord Shiva will win the game. Incidentally Parvati won the game. She was angry because the Brahman had told a lie. Lord Shiva tried to pacify her, but she cursed the Brahman that he be a leper. In due course, the Brahman became a leper and spent a miserable life. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412093716165513154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TJMQHgBwLiQAg5G0l2L2yNr8SaXGRK7qE8FoDE2kiW8Iog3pCSW1w_yFJjHO9_AJiEIK4qVwoKAYhMkHuiPd7L4X5YynvbdMTnIbhs3qYYbHneZDa2fciMCogywPd_ZK487xHYuZFzg/s400/SHIVA+Parvati++dice+game.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="justify">After some time a few fairies descended on the earth and pitied the fate of the priest. On asking him, the priest narrated the whole episode. One of the fairies said, You observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without break. On the seventeenth Monday, prepare some holy food or Prasaad with flour mixed with ghee and gur. Distribute this prasaad among the members of your family and take some yourself. You will be free from this leprosy. The fairies disappeared and the priest followed the instructions. Soon, he regained his normal health.<br /> <br />Once Lord Shiva and Parvati again visited that temple. Parvati was surprised to see the priest. He was his normal self. She enquired about this feat and the priest narrated the whole story. Parvati was happy; she also decided to observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks. Incidentally, on the seventeenth Monday, when she broke her fast, her beloved son Kartikeya, who was displeased with her, appeared and said, 0 dear mother what is that power with which you have called me? What is the mystery? Parvati said, 0 my dear son, all this miracle is due to observing Monday fasts for sixteen weeks without interruption. Kartikeyas Brahman friend had been in a foreign land for quite some time. Kartikeya said, I shall observe Monday fasts for sixteen weeks for happy reunion with my friend. He observed the 16 weeks fasts as per rules and to his great surprise his friend returned hale and hearty. The friend enquired about the miracle and Kartikeya told him the modalities to be observed for Monday fast. The Brahman friend was very curious about his marriage. He decided to observe the Monday fasts for sixteen weeks.<br /> <br />On the seventeenth Monday, the Brahman friend went to a city. The ruler of the city decided to marry his daughter to a person on whose neck his well-decorated elephant would put the garland. The Brahman joined the show. Incidentally, the elephant garlanded him. The ruler of the city gave him his daughter and also a lot of money. The couple departed the next day and were back in their home. On the honeymoon night, the bride said, 0 my dear, how is it that the elephant ignored all the princes and garlanded you? How did you succeed on the auspicious moments? The bridegroom said, I observed fasts on sixteen Mondays. Monday is Lord Shivas day. It is due to his blessings that I got a beautiful wife like you. My friend Kartikeya revealed this secret to me. The bride too decided to observe fasts on sixteen Mondays for a beautiful son full of knowledge. Her devotion bore fruit and she gave birth to a beautiful son. As the son grew up, he said to his mother, 0 my dear mother, what is the mystery behind my birth? Please reveal it to me. The mother told him how she observed Monday fasts. The son also decided to observe the fasts to gain a kingdom for his parents. Incidentally, an old kings messengers from a nearby State came there in search of a beautiful and learned bridegroom for the princess. They proposed the princess hand for him and he readily agreed.<br /> <br />The king expired after sometime and the boy became the king. The newly-made king continued his fasts for the next sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, he arranged a large prayer party at a temple. All the arrangements were made well in advance. The king requested the queen to accompany him to the temple for breaking the fast after taking prasaad from the priest. The queen refused to go with him. The king had to go alone. The king heard an oracle who echoed, 0 king, turn out the queen from the palace or destruction will fall upon you. The king returned to his palace. He summoned a conference of his ministers and told about the oracle. All of them were taken aback, as it was due to that princess that he became the king of the state. They agreed to his proposal only with a heavy heart. The queen was ultimately turned out. The queen left the palace bare footed and in worn-out clothes. She was thirsty and fatigued. She met an old lady who had a load of spinned spindles on her head. She was going to the city. She felt pity on her and asked to help her in selling the yarn because she did not know the art of selling. The queen took that load on her head. Incidentally, strong wind blew away the spindles which disappeared in the dusty wind. The queen felt sorry and the old lady asked her to go away. The queen went to an oilmans house and sought shelter. The oilman obliged her, but as she stepped in, all of his oil pots developed cracks and the oil began to flow on the ground. The oilman immediately turned her out. The queen was now disheartened. She went to the bank of a river to quench her thirst. As she touched the water, the water dried up. She then went to a deep jungle and saw a tank of water. As she went down the stairs and touched the crystal dear water, it became muddy. She cursed her fate and put a few drops of the muddy water in her mouth. She was now tired and wanted to take rest under a shady tree. As she went near the tree its leaves began to fall and soon it became leafless. The cowherds saw this incident and told the whole story to the priest of a nearby temple. The priest called for the woman. He was surprised to see that the woman had royal features. He consoled her and provided her with all the facilities. But after some days, he also got fed up with her because whatever the woman touched became impure — may it be milk, food or water. One day, the priest said, 0 lady, what curse has fallen upon you? You reveal the mystery.<br /> <br />The woman told him how she rejected a proposal to attend Monday fast prayer. The priest understood the whole thing. He knew it was Shivas curse. He said, 0 dear lady, you observe fasts on sixteen Mondays and Lord Shiva will absolve you of your sins. The woman realised her mistake and observed the Monday fasts for sixteen Mondays. On the seventeenth Monday, the king said to himself, My queen left my palace long ago. Her condition must be very miserable. He called for his courtiers and ordered them to search out the queen. The courtiers reached the temple where the queen was residing. The priest refused to hand over the queen to them and said, Let the king himself come to receive her. The courtiers went to the king and related the whole story.<br /> <br />The king was happy to hear the news. He went to the temple and requested the priest to return his queen to him. The king admitted that he deserted the queen to avoid Lord Shivas wrath. The priest trusted the kings words and the queen returned to the palace. She was given a royal welcome. The king distributed money among the needy and arranged food for the hungry. The king and queen now regularly observed fasts on sixteen Mondays each year and lived a very happy life. After their death they found abode in Lord Shivas city, Shivapuri. Since, then it is believed that a person who observes fasts on sixteen Mondays, gets all pleasures and enters Shivapuri after his death. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="center"><strong>Somaya Pradosh Vrat Katha</strong></div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">Pradosh means the dusk of the early night or evening tide. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and so it is called Pradosh Vrat. It is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. </div><div align="justify"><br />The puja and worship is done in the evening. The Pradosha period can be loosely indicated as 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset.<br /> <br />The Shiva Purana states that one undertakes fasting on Pradhosha will be blessed with wealth, children, happiness and honor. The fasting and worship is specially undertaken by women who long to have children. It is said that those praying to Shiva during the auspicious time of Pradhosha will be freed from sins.<br /> <br />There are numerous legends associated with the Pradhosha Vratam. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison that was churned up from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) during Pradosham. <blockquote></blockquote> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412093731067676930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IkHOXB-1orGcPBJ-PIFyYMVgjI8veqli2t1gCvK3B0bdUErpHXb5FpUkgZBZmCdMobmECc9h6wVMVO5NqIDpEFuaJBPhyGImLUQiE25qAF1NPCaEgwnNf-N5v-9mJ20KM6Yrnz1EIp8/s400/posters_35__81722.jpg" border="0" /><br />Another myth indicates that Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple, are in a propitious mood during the evening twilight on the Trayodashi day and hence are easily pleased and grants whatever that a sincere devotee asks.<br /> <br />Offering Bael or Bilva leaves during the period to Lord Shiva is considered auspicious. There are Shiva devotees that observe fast on both Pradosha days in a month. Some only fast during the waning phase of moon. Staunch devotees opt for water only fasting and will only eat the ‘prasad’ offered in the evening. Such devotees only eat cooked from next day morning.<br /> <br />Another method of fasting is by eating fruits and such devotees eat cooked food on the day after the evening prayers. The strictness of the Pradosha fasting is usually decided by the devotee.<br /> <br />Some devotees do not fast but worship Shiva during the period or visit temples. </div><div align="justify"><br />Since Monday is dedicated to Shiva, the Pradosha falling on Monday is referred as Soma- Pradosha and is considered highly auspicious. Pradosha falling on Saturday during the waning phase of moon is also auspicious.<br /> <br />Once upon a time, there was one widow living with her son. She lefts home daily with her son to gather food for her son and herself. </div><div align="justify"><br />At the same time that religious woman was keeping Somwar Pradosh (means the dusk of the early night or evening tide) Vrat(fast) for her son and herself to be better off and happy. This fast is observed in the evening twilight, and so it is called Pradosh Vrat. It is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. It is practiced to propitiate Lord Shiva, in order to obtain his blessings and boons leading to fulfillment of one’s cherished desired and spiritual upliftment. Those who practice it with unflinching faith and devotion are bound to possess wealth, health, happiness.<br /> <br />One day she found one young man who running from his enemy. She gave shelter to that man. She bring her at home and find out that he was Rajkumar(prince) of ex-king.<br /> <br />One day she allowed her son and Prince to go out in the city to collect the food. In the evening only her son comeback home without Prince. Worried Brahmin woman asked about prince. Her son said he is with Gandharwa Kanya (Lady).On other side the father of Gandharwa Kanya found that his daughter is in love with unknown young man. He send his army to find out the reality of that young man. After investigation he has find out that he is actually a son of the King.<br /> <br />Soon after he arranged marriage with his daughter. After some days with the help of his father-in-law’s army he defeated the enemy and became king. He also appoint the bramin woman’s son, the main Mantri (Diplomate adviser) of his kingdom.This is all happened because of that Brahmin woman’s Somwar Pradosh Vrat. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Shravan (Sawan) Somvar Vrat</strong> </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">The month of Shravan, popularly known as Sawan, is the fifth month of the Hindu calender. Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each Monday of this month, known as Shravan Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset.</div><div align="justify"><br />It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month. As, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially observed with austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Shiva as this day is sacred to Lord Shiva. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honored. </div><div align="justify"><br />The belief is that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of punya.</div><p><br /><br /><br /> </p><div align="justify"></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-70438518351443371292009-12-02T15:06:00.005+03:002009-12-05T15:30:51.413+03:00Ravi Vrat Katha Vidhi<blockquote></blockquote><br /><div align="justify">According to Hindu Shashtra and belief all weekdays have distinct significance. The weekdays are named as Somvar (Monday), Mangalvar (Tuesday), Budhvar (Wednesday), Vrihaspativar (Thursday), Shukravar (Friday), Shanivar (Saturday), Ravivar (Sunday). Each weekday is associated with a specific god and ruled by a specific planet. The days also have various color significance and fasting are observed on those days for special purpose. It is believed that different gods fulfill different desires. One is afflicted by the rage of the gods if they do not show proper respect to the god. There are many ancient stories and legends depicting the glory of various gods or planets as well as the advantage of keeping the fasts on specific days. The stories also narrate the adversities one has to face if they ignore any God or Planet specific for a day. </div><blockquote><p align="justify"> </p></blockquote><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411721086577796626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeeJeLdnr_F81v7sUiO4i6Xg6qsKLjgl0PVhs-5P5QCMLfDymXSZYsJ_ESTnBT1MuRIvtRSgrk-Kx42wIfbBETHwE4imXK50bvTnby5sXmJsLmP5bd2ObFk9NOs3s5z7wtq-JqL1l0ig/s320/Untitled-21.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><strong>Ravi Vrat Katha Vidhi</strong> </div><br /><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Nama Suryaya Santaya Sarvaroga Nivarine </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Ayu rarogya maisvairyam dehi devah jagatpate <br /></span><strong>- Valmiki Ramayana<br /></strong>Oh! Lord Surya, ruler of the universe, you are the remover of all diseases, the repository of peace I bow to you. May you bless your devotees with longevity, health and wealth. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify">Surya is the only visible God whom we can see, perceive and pray. The Sun God is considered as the life-giver, ''Prannadata'' of the entire universe. Surya is essential for life. All Vedas regard Surya as the witness (Saakshi) of all actions. The Sun or Surya is also known as ''Atmakaraka''. Being a Sanskrit word, ''Atma'' means ''soul'' and ''Karaka'' means ''indicator''. The Sun is the ''indicator of the soul''. The Surya is the indicator of our ego, honor, status, fame, the heart, the eyes, general vitality, respect and power. </div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Surya Puja - Worshipping the Sun God </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411721098605871090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MmVLFBn4o-CTE4gTgeVRGyghQZgc3BnEdXyyFZiJJ-sFms-p-7DfIybleB4rX5Q4oH0lUAsHNLcVdtRpWeo_bIFdMGgQLG5suoJ8ZyyXAIykCu8NOdKcWTx9i1X3FzXSvn_4z85MUQk/s320/hindu-devotees-offer-prayers-to-the-sun-god-at-sunset.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"></strong>Surya Puja is a divine boon for those who face problems, hurdles and misfortune in their lives. Worship of Sun is beneficial when people get stuck, no matter how hard working, honest and intelligent they are good luck seems to ignore them. People who aspire for sound health, prosperity, good eyesight, strength and courage, success, cure of chronic diseases like leprosy, heart ailment, nervous weakness, asthma etc. should worship the Sun. This planet is known for his Power, strength and glory. </div><div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote>An ill-placed Sun could also lead to difficulties in health, relating to heart or blood pressure/ blood circulation. In such a case, it is advisable to recite Surya Japa or Dhyan Mantra. After planning to perform the Surya Puja, one should wear clean red clothes on Sunday and offer lotus flower to the God, facing the east direction.<br /><br />People keep fast on Sundays in the name of Surya Narain or the Sun God. They take food only once a day, generally fruit, before sun-set. Saltish and fried items are avoided. It is believed that a fast on a Sunday saves one from skin diseases like leprosy, ringworm, and eye sores. Sun God is worshipped with red sandalwood and red flowers.<br /><br /><strong>This story… </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><br /> </div></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411722778230941474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqP7o7OsA1ZFJO3_XfJOBQmulyKWDcINgv9jybKkPLFQmg9P5jXXZe1X7-w7lZ0_64llfNow6BL4MLnqEZq5-UuBle24-DVlep7dmxJWIXAdxhggQsYKJoWdOshdbgpeMLLn1ifzkQFs/s400/sun.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />The Markandeya Purana describes the birth of Sun God. The beautiful Aditi was born as daughter of Daksha. Kasyapa beget on her the divine Sun. He is identical with Trinity. Surya was married to ‘Saugna Devi’, the daughter of ‘Viswakarma', the divine architect. She bore Surya three “children -‘Vaivaswata Manu, Yama and Yamuna’. It came to pass that she could no longer bear the brilliance of her husband’s presence. She fled leaving behind ‘Chaya’, her shadow for years, Surya did not notice this change. ‘Chaya’ bore him three children ‘Savarni Manu Sani and Tapati’.<br /><br />One day in a fit of anger, ‘Chaya’ cursed ‘Yama’, the son of ‘Saugna’. The curse took effect and Surya was stunned. He knew that no mother’s curse could ever effect her offspring. He questioned ‘Chaya’ who blurted out the truth. He searched for his beloved every-where. At last he spotted her frolicking in the forest in the form of a mare. In order to win her back he changes himself into a horse a horse approached her gently and befriended her. In this form she bore Surya twins called ‘Aswini-Kumaras’. Who later became celestial physician and surgeons. Surya and Saugna turned back into their original forms. In order to keep her by his side, Surya allowed his father-in-law to put him lathe and to share away an eighth of his brightness.<br /><br />Thereafter, the couple lived together in great bliss. The brightness shorn out of the Sun God was put to good use. Out of it were produced ‘Sudarsana Chakra’ for Lord Vishnu, Trisul for Siva, the lance to Kartikeya’, ‘Vajrayudha’ for Devendra, sword and arrows for Goddess Durga and so on. There is another story in ‘Sarva Puranasara’, Once the Lord of Heaven visited Siva-Parvati on Mahasivarathri day. After darshan he revealed to Siva that he desired to install a replica of Eswara at a holy place where Siva ordered-Shiva told him that instead of the said proposal, it would be more appropriate to install Surya at Arasavalli, because He represents Trinity. Further Shiva accorded a boon that he would be attends there as Kshetra Palaka. Indra was so pleased with folded hands. Then and there he ordered Viswakarma to construct a huge and beautiful temple for Surya.</p><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>The Vedas declare, that the colours embeded in the Sun rays cure all diseases.</strong> </div> <div align="justify">These Seven rays, viz. <strong>1.</strong> Red <strong>2.</strong> Orange <strong>3.</strong> Yellow <strong>4.</strong> Green <strong>5.</strong> Blue <strong>6.</strong> Indigo <strong>7.</strong> Violet, are the seven horses of Surya. We also see the same colours in the Rainbow.<br /><br /><strong>The system of curing the diseases with the different colours of cosmic rays and its benefits are detailed. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"><br /></div></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411721082772481794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqMlHx865R85UpcDWt_rHVofMnZz3FnS4NjE5EI4OXYLkwaSbkwXDBMUCiGcVi82_mvr8fnwZQh7Z5Zmg2dyJihnmZLthMxUHEzI7lf7lzdByABfw0DgUofzVZn0pp8xsWCj2XU_yQOA/s320/Rainbow.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />This system of “Chromopathy” is the method of systematic application of the Seven colours present in Sun.<br />In this the health advantages and its procedures are stated. By this treatment certain specific diseases and other common ailments are cured.<br />This means that leucoderma, heart diseases when attacked exposure to the red rays of Sun health will be resorted.<br />In this treatment the application of blue colour cures fever, dysentry, diabetics, blood motions. Bronchitis, head ache, urinary disorders, small pox, filarial Elephantasis.<br />In the line of colours the last one orange, the ultra violet ray are hiddenly secure in its rays. When these rays radiate on our body the ‘D’ Vitamin in the middle of the Skin will be produced.<br />This ‘D’ Vitamin manufacture the substances ‘Calcium’ and phosphorous essential for our body. Due to these substances teeth get improved and help the actions of the body perfectly.<br />Due to chromopathy hernia will be cured. The medicine used for cure is kept in coloured bottles and allow the Sun ray pass through there and made a mixture from two to three bottles each time and used each time for three months. Improvement is found. Every disease through the red colour, the yellow the stomach diseases, the green colour heart and all skin diseases are cured. In the Sun’s ray all the colours of red and white are secretly penetrated.<br />In our body we have different colours in different organs separately. The skin has wheatish colour, hair black, eye balls and teeth whitel the other organs too has different colours in the body. The essence of this cosmic colour therapy is that the deficiency of colour and the reduction of them cause ill health.<br />The blue colour gives good health and the red colour enthusiasm and energy.<br />Depending upon the types of disease pure water is filled in the different coloured bottles, and the Sun rays are being attracted through the bottles into the water, and given to the diseased for few days and there by the colours in their body is recouped and health is restored.<br />The oil and water can be prepared from the cosmic rays during the convenient time from (April, May and June) Caitra to Jesta months. During this period the Sun rays are profusely available.<br /><br /><strong>Medicated Oil Preparation with Sun Rays</strong><br /><br /></p><blockquote><p align="justify"> </p></blockquote><p align="justify">To cure the diseases of head, pour gingelly oil, or Badam ol, two inches below the neck of a bottle, tie with the cork or cotton and keep it in Sun shine. When cotton is plugged, every day the cotton has to be replaced. The oil will be ready in Ninety days. After the oil is prepared perfume can be added but not colours.<br /><br /><strong>Medicated Water Preparation with Sun Rays<br /></p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify"></strong>Depending upon the type of disease, in different coloured bottles, water has to be filled two inches less to the full capacity of the container, and the same coloured cork has to be fitted to the bottle. The oil or water has to be kept on a wooden plank and not on the ground and expose it in full shine from 10 ‘O’ clock in the morning to 5 ‘O’ clock in the evening. In the mean while no shadow should befall on it. If by any mistake it is allowed to stay after the setting of Sun, and the ray of moon, or Stars falls on them the water will be spoiled. Then the bottles must be emptied. It has to be cleansed, fresh water is filled up and again prepared.<br /><br />When different coloured bottles are kept in the same cabin or when they are exposed to Sun rays simultaneously, a separate coloured papers matching their own colour is daily wrapped and separately kept up with out touching each other and one’s own shade of the bottle will not fall on the other.<br /><br />The water prepared in one bottle can not be kept more than three days. Immediately it has to be transferred to a white bottle. It is useful only for three days and again it has to be prepared separately. The water prepared though the Sun rays in a white bottle is very beneficial. This water can be used two times during a day.</p><blockquote><p align="center"><strong>This story of the Sun God, is related on the occasion of Sunday fast.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify"> </p></blockquote><div align="justify"></strong>It depicts the importance of cow and cow dung and suggests the victory of innocence over jealousy. Once there was an old lady. She would get up early in the morning and took her bath. She kept her house dean by plastering it with cow dung, and took her meals only after offering food to the Sun God. She lived a happy life.</div><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411721071091077890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRQrDPTx0lBXfzgg76C_lgZ4h8sObQ5f8iD0nkwUTvh8Hgk-FXPXdDUuVA8RirQAR9QdGDRx3pAqnE1KGrk2pIZcZ2U6Xp3aE03IRp2md3TdzGsUnt-SqBsdaa-1gk7K0h_vWygmXMNA/s320/1531644+.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="justify">This lady used to collect cow dung from her neighbours house. The neighbours wife was jealous of her. She tethered her cow inside the room so that the old lady could not collect the dung. And as she could not plaster her house with cow-dung, she did not cook her food. She did not even offer food to the idols. She remained on fast throughout the day and slept with empty stomach.</p><p align="justify">The Sun God appeared before her in her dream. He sold, Why did not you take your meals? Why did you not offer food to the Idols? The old lady said politely, My neighbours lady did not allow me to collect cow-dung from her house. I could not clean my house. I have no cow of my own. The Sun God said, I am happy with you because you kept fast on Sunday. I am pleased with your worship. I shall give you a beautiful The god disappeared. The old lady opened her eyes. A beautiful much cow with a calf was there in her courtyard. She was surprised to see them. She arranged hay and water for them.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify">When the neighbours lady saw the cow in the old ladys house, she became jealous of her. She also noticed that the cows dung was of gold and not an ordinary dung. She took the gold dung and replaced it with the ordinary dung of her cow. She continued the replacing practice for a number of days. The Sun God noted that the old lady was being cheated by her neighbour. He caused a storm at sun-set. The old lady tethered her cow inside her room for its safety. She was, however, surprised to see that her cow gave her gold dung instead of an ordinary one. She could see through her neighbours trick. </p><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">The neighbours lady was constantly jealous. She thought of a plan to deprive her of the wonder cow. She went to the king and said, My Lord, a poor old lady in our neighbourhood has a divine cow. The cow gives gold dung. It would be befitting for your graciousness if this cow Is with you. She keeps it inside her room. No one can have even its glimpse. The king was a greedy person. He told his courtier, Go immediately and bring the cow.<br /><br />The old lady was about to offer food to the Sun Gods idol when the courtier reached her house. He untied the rope from peg and took away the cow. The lady prayed and wept, but all in vain. The old lady missed her meals that day. She prayed to her God for the safe return of the cow. She could not sleep at night. The king on the other hand, was highly pleased to have that divine cow. That night, he had a dream. The Sun God was there who said, I offered this cow to the old lady as a token of my affection for her worship of me. You do not deserve this cow. </div><div align="justify"><br />The king woke up. He was badly shaken. He saw that the entire palace was full of cow dung. There was bad smell all around. In the morning, the king sent for the old lady with due honour. He returned the cow to the old lady and also gave her some wealth. The neighbours lady was suitably punished which was a cause of relief to all. The king proclaimed order that all his subjects should observe fast on Sundays if they wanted their desires to be fulfilled. Now, all his people were prosperous. Illness never visited them. They never faced any natural calamity. Everyone enjoyed happiness. </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Aum Hrim Hrim Suriyaye Namah Aum''</strong><br /><strong>Ravi Vrat Katha Vidhi(process):</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">::- On the day of Vrat, Wake up before Sun rise.</div><div align="justify">::- Take a shower and wear a New and Neat cloth.</div><div align="justify">::- Take your meal and Fruit, only while Sun is in the sky.</div><div align="justify">::- If you have taken Fast, and if Sun does not come in the sky, do not take any Meal or Fruit and take that next day when Sun comes up in the sky.</div><div align="justify">::- Do not take Salt and Oily food in your meal.<br /><br /><strong>Benefit from this Vrat:</strong></div><div align="justify"><br />::- You can get Respect and Honour in the Family and Society.</div><div align="justify">::- You can get victory from your Enemies and Rivals.</div><div align="justify">::- If you have Eye problem, you can get cure. </div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-81183507112013128072009-12-01T12:37:00.002+03:002009-12-01T12:50:42.200+03:00Upavaasa (Fasting)<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Fasting in Sanskrit is called Upavaasa. <strong>Upa</strong> means <strong>"near"</strong> <strong>+ vaasa</strong> means <strong>"to stay"</strong>. Upavaasa therefore means <strong>staying near</strong> (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord.<br /><br />Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center"><strong>Then what has upavaasa to do with food?</strong> <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="justify"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410200771618850002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kXX_TRYO2p2mnMnCuHtlO_oodgE7hz3XiS2n7j4ncOFDsK7HsoeEBMUJ_nUMOnyXEcOfnwXHs4uR6cR077fi5sB8aN0zb3tJ-qjjI3c1KEi93LfRmAXqrRTp2C7DW4-jTsJbRVLUiog/s400/1479937530_3f55db1d9d.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />According to Hindu philosophy, food means satisfaction of the sense organs, and to starve the senses means to elevates them to contemplation. Fasting in Hinduism, is a method to attain control over one's desires and senses for the sake of spiritual gain. Doing it for a cause has always strengthened people's minds to attain their goals.<br /><br />Fasting in Hinduism indicates the denial of the physical needs of the body for the sake of spiritual gains. According to the scriptures, fasting helps create an attunement with the Absolute by establishing a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. This is thought to be imperative for the well being of a human being as it nourishes both his/her physical and spiritual demands. </p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify">Hindus believe it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life. We are harangued by a lot of considerations, and worldly indulgences do not allow us to concentrate on spiritual attainment. Therefore a worshipper must strive to impose restrains on himself/herself to get his mind focused. And one form of restraint is fasting.<br /><br />A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy. </p><p align="justify">Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.<br /><br />The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace. </p><p align="justify">Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.<br /><br />The <strong>Bhagavad-Gita</strong> urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too much - yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.<br /><br /><strong>The fasting ritual takes different forms:<br /></strong><br /><strong>•</strong> A common fasting ritual may mean avoidance of foods like fish and meat for a couple of days (for non-vegetarians). Most Hindus abstain from eating such foods for one or more days.<br /><strong>•</strong> Moderate fasting involves avoiding solids and following a liquid diet consisting of vegetable or fruit juices. This fasting ritual is generally followed during festivals.<br /><strong>•</strong> Some follow a strict fasting ritual by taking only water or avoiding any liquids for a set number of days. The Karva Chauth ritual among women is the best example of such kind of fasting.<br /><br /><strong>Different Kinds of Fasting<br /></strong><br />· Hindus fast on certain days of the month such as Purnima (full moon) and Ekadasi (the 11th day of the fortnight).<br />· Certain days of the week is also marked for fasting, depending on individual choices and on one's favorite god and goddess. On Saturday, people fast to appease the god of that day, Shani or Saturn. Some fast on Tuesdays the auspicious day for Hanuman, the monkey God. On Fridays devotees of the goddess Santoshi Mata abstain from taking anything citric.<br />· Fasting at festivals is common. Hindus all over India observe fast on festivals like Navaratri, Shivratri and Karwa Chauth. Navaratri is a festival when people fast for nine days. Hindus in West Bengal fast on Ashtami, the eighth day of the festival of Durga Puja.<br />· Fasting can also mean abstaining from taking certain things, either for religious reason or for the sake of good health. For instance, some people refrain from taking salt on particular days. It is common knowledge that excess salt and sodium causes hypertention or elevation of blood pressure.<br />· Another common kind of fast is to forego taking cereals when only fruits are eaten. Such a diet is known as phalahar.<br /><br /><strong>Ayurvedic Viewpoint</strong><br /><br />The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. </p><blockquote></blockquote><p align="center"><strong>Benefits of Fasting</strong> </p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410200778433864210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y-5R6vI7KaOiIXa84XFV3QOD0rGssXVrwqb6fqiAtO4TyPi-507Q3p1e8b0eohCI_zEhu_j4_sImgYzfEQxc8BxvDPl2V9hsW5VIAtmJVKbIkIBM0HyeYt_NRH6eRjzWKtTInSBO81s/s400/Why+do+we+fast.jpg" border="0" /><br />Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is a great penance. It purifies the mind and the heart. It destroys a multitude of sins. Fasting controls the tongue in particular which is the deadliest enemy of man. Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. It destroys all the impurities of the body and all sorts of poisons. It eliminates uric acid deposits. Just as impure gold is rendered pure by melting it in the crucible again and again, so also this impure mind is rendered purer by repeated fasting.<br /><br />Fasting is one of the ten canons of Yoga. However, avoid excessive fasting. It will produce weakness. Use your common sense. If you cannot fast for the full twenty-four hours, at least fast for 10-12 hours and then take some milk and fruit. Gradually increase your fast to 15 hours and then up to 24 hours. Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally.<br /><br />In his code, the Manu Smriti, the great Hindu lawgiver, Manu, prescribes fasting for the removal of the five capital sins. Diseases that are pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by fasting. Occasionally, a complete fast is greatly desirable for all to keep up good health, to give adequate rest to the internal organs and maintain celibacy. All diseases have their origin in overeating and verily fasting is the only method to cure this.<br /><br />Complete fasting helps to control sleep. Taking recourse to tea to control sleep is not desirable. You will not gain any spiritual strength if you depend on an external agent. During fasting avoid all company. Live alone. Utilise your time in Sadhana. When breaking a fast do not take a heavy meal or a heavy food that is hard to digest. Milk or some fruit juice is beneficial.</p>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-41953728218058767212009-11-16T15:02:00.003+03:002009-11-16T15:16:21.651+03:00Mangalsutra<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBLvPsQg2ry6mHj1vfqnZQzpji_CU1mW8kbLiPD1c6TCCNfq4rpQ-dXFeB3JHCVMLnkcZYcWKc2h2mtTYDqDIZSK4qfwdL4aEooWPBFccc3WQIMU0GFX8ohsGy8yQNRItrjASjAydXjo/s1600/mangalsutra.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404672917281609074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBLvPsQg2ry6mHj1vfqnZQzpji_CU1mW8kbLiPD1c6TCCNfq4rpQ-dXFeB3JHCVMLnkcZYcWKc2h2mtTYDqDIZSK4qfwdL4aEooWPBFccc3WQIMU0GFX8ohsGy8yQNRItrjASjAydXjo/s400/mangalsutra.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Sacred Symbol of Marriage..</span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffcc99;"><strong>Mangal = auspicious</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffcc99;"><strong>Sutra = thread</strong></span></div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify">A mangalsutra (also mangala sutra or mangalasutra) is an Indian symbol of Hindu marriage, consisting of a gold ornament strung from a yellow thread, a string of black beads or a gold chain.<br /><br />The word mangalsutra can be deciphered as <strong>'sacred thread or cord'</strong>; as<strong> 'mangal'</strong> means auspicious and<strong> 'sutra'</strong> means thread or cord.<br /><br />In South India, the Maangalyam is made up of a yellow thread painted with Turmeric paste. The thread is tied with three knots around the bride’s neck. In some of the weddings the first knot is tied by the groom, while the remaining two knots are tied by his sister. In North India the Mangalsutra is a golden ornament having black beads and a gold or Diamond pendant in it.<br /><br />Mangalsutra is Lord Brahma. Mangalsutra. That is to say Thali is both creator and destroyer. When tied to a girl’s neck, thali promotes her to wifehood and when removed from her neck it demotes her to widowhood.<br /><br />It is called mangal sutra, because it represents “auspiciousness”. By wearing it, a woman announces that she is happy and fulfilled in her life, this is what makes her “auspicious”. The sutra represents the many strands of emotions, love, faith, trust, friendship etc that go into making up a relationship, especially one that is suppose to last a life time. It also represents the many relationships that bind them now, those of the two families that are now woven into one.<br /><br /><strong>History</strong><br /><br />"Historically, the custom of tying a mangalsutra, the auspicious emblem or cord, on the wedding day, appears to have become popular only after the 6th century AD. Before this, a yellow protective cord known as 'kankanabandhana' was tied around the wrists of the bride and the groom to signal their commitment to marriage.<br /><br />The mangalsutra is considered a talisman to ward off the evil eye. The black colour of the beads is said to absorb all negative vibrations before they can reach the bride and her family. The stringing together of the beads into one thread has its significance as well. Just as each bead contributes to making a beautiful necklace, so does the woman have to blend and integrate into the new family after marriage."<br /><br />According to Hindu culture, there are five signs of marital status of women. They are mangalsutra, Toe rings, Kumkum, bangles and a nose ring. Mangalsutra is the most important among them.<br /><br />The Mangalsutra consists of two pieces, ONE FROM EACH FAMILY, traditionally dangling on a yellow thread. The variations in the Mangalsutra and the way it is made / arranged varies from region to region. It contains images of the Shiva Lingam - Iyers The Namam and Sudarshana Chakra - Iyengars A pair of shell (shakha) and red coral (paula) bangles - Bengali Ivory -Punjab and Rajastan Gold chain with black beads and a gold pendant - West and other parts of India. Kashitali - gold chain with coral beads and two black beads on either side of a diamond shaped gold pendant - Karnataka, specifically "Konkini" Soft 24 Karat Gold is fashioned into necklaces modelled on the local flora and fauna—earrings like the hona, which replicate the orchid, and the lokaparo, which consists of two birds placed back to back. - Assam Gold is used to craft imitations of the human head and long funnel-shaped beads which are used in combination with shells, animal claws and teeth and precious and semi-precious stones. - Nagaland Rice grains, the Cobra’s hood, Melon and Cucumber seeds are some of the common motifs of nature inspired jewellery. - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Silversmiths craft large ornaments, which have a very delicate and intricate appearance. Headdresses called chak, long earrings and large nose rings with papal leaf or bird motifs are the specialties of the region. - Himachal Pradesh Turquoise, Cornelian (sort of reddish quartz), Coral and Agate - Ladakh and East Indian States Our humble Mangalsutra had a very humble Beginning. </div><blockquote></blockquote><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404672922369793906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ETZxHV8pv59aXuD32lrtGZPXUv2_pGkvfivhbzluYpz2KgFWMoTU68JND-aBqJlQyfDaI8nMppkN-aYYYz2paDhF_pZQAkfY1fupAtPoxvwx0Tr4f9XIZy7CW55fcIPen0LsR61wyxs/s400/mangalsutra...jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="color:#ffcc99;">A Hindu marriage symbolizes not just a bonding of two individuals but also the bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth. In Hindu tradition marriage is not just about celebration and fun it demands sacrifice, companionship, dedication, and surrender by both the partners. Each and every rituals and customs associated with marriage portrays the real essence of wedding. Mangalsutra is one such symbol of marriage. It is not just a jewelry item it has lots of significance to an Indian married woman. It is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage.</span> </div><div align="justify"><br />Mangalsutra is the guardian of the wearer; a sort of fence as the South Indian saying goes. To every woman Mangalsutra is precious, as precious as her loving husband. Temple goers invariably touch their Mangalsutra with the Kumkum offered by poojaris as prasad.<br /><br />Married women who value their Mangalsutra perform ‘Sumangali pooja’ for strengthening the life span of their Mangalsutra. When they prostrate before elders to receive their blessings and good wishes, they are blessed with the words ‘Deerga Sumangali Bhava’, meaning ‘Let you lead a long married life’, which only tells indirectly ‘Let your husband be hale and hearty forever so as to make you happy’.</div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-72718047944255961652009-11-12T10:31:00.002+03:002009-11-12T11:31:07.385+03:00Ear Piercing<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG0d3xfQqn1csEM5T-HcxxaEJYBq-4kGgXLkuqUFx2bjY6rLHhF3xDeV0pjTMJQfReeV1RsSIGOuOaFT6VvyI6VmH9fIhYfr84oy0nnRinHReZR_CWdlKwSE91l0dOGbN2N53AR_9XlI/s1600-h/21108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403130308481085634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG0d3xfQqn1csEM5T-HcxxaEJYBq-4kGgXLkuqUFx2bjY6rLHhF3xDeV0pjTMJQfReeV1RsSIGOuOaFT6VvyI6VmH9fIhYfr84oy0nnRinHReZR_CWdlKwSE91l0dOGbN2N53AR_9XlI/s400/21108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In India, Hindu infants of both genders get their ears pierced as early as 12 days after birth or before their first birth day or third or fifth year (depending on region and local custom).<br /><br />According to Legends The shape of the ear resembles the holy symbol 'Aum'. It is believed that piercing the ear is just dotting the Aum. The ear is pierced by a priest during a holy ceremony (Karnavedha).<br /><br /><strong>Karnavedha:</strong><br /><br />Karnavedha or the practice of wearing earrings is one of the Hindu Sanskars (sacraments) performed for a child. Karnavedha is a Vedic rite of passage. Common between male and females, it is intended to open the inner ears of the child for receiving sacred sounds. This rite has deep mystical and symbolic significance. It is believed that merely hearing sacred sounds has merit in that it cleanses sin and nurtures the spirit.<br /><br />According Dharma sindhu, it must be done on the 10th, 12th or 16th day after birth of the child. If it is not possible to do on these days, it must be done on 6th or 7th month after birth. Even if this is not possible, it must be done on odd years and not on even years of the child. At least by the time of upanayana, one must have this done. The men must have the ear stud permanently after Upanayana (thread ceremony).</div><div align="justify"><br />The continuous pressure in the ear lobe perhaps helps in keeping active that part of the brain responsible for memory. It must be mentioned here that piercing the ear at the bottom part of the ear lobe is the recommended<br /><br />Since earliest times, wearing ear ornaments by married Indian women has been considered auspicious. Besides, earrings were considered to be a symbol of woman's wealth and her status in society. Elongated ear lobes were considered a sign of beauty and wealth - the longer the lobe, the greater the woman's wealth. By appending ornaments to almost every part of the ear, the woman also ensured a continuous state of mental and physical well being.<br /><br />According to Acupressure Therapy, the meridians connecting the brain pass though this area. This is said to help in the quick development of the brain. Hence, the earlier the ears of the child are pierced, better the results will be. In certain Indian communities, even a boy’s ears are pierced.<br /><br />Recent studies have identified the ear as a microcosm of the entire body. Some even say the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the center of the lobe. Hence the practice of wearing earrings is thought to have some therapeutic value. Besides, in certain places, ear piercing was believed to be good for the eyes. It also sharpened the mind and drew off 'bad humors'.<br /><br /><strong>Ear Ring</strong><br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403130303484820114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_nU3rH1hbekGdhHzOdxnC3HUB5XIiQlw8HiBawMnOzS2e966aE9OuDY0m8kVItqSYKDf4m3Y7Txw43J-i6oQwpi1Txd8mr-BttxNa7arO5kxQ1onVyETW50HxWn9akwY_dHlIKeGVdY/s400/asinn_85.jpg" border="0" /><br />An earring can be described as a piece of jewelery that is worn on the ear.<br /><br />According to Legends Ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit literature describe girls wearing fresh flowers in their ears. A range of floral earrings of gold, silver or precious stones that have been popular over the centuries in India suggest that the forms of flowers were translated into precious jewelry. A type of flower known as the karnphul, i.e., 'ear-flowers' is considered particularly auspicious. Karn Phools are an large, round metal flower-form earring, with a central stud at the back being the equivalent of a flower stem.<br /><br />Scholars believe that the choice of the flower as the inspiring shape for earrings is not without significance. Flowers are considered natural erotic stimulants, by virtue of their association with Kama, the God of love, besides these are considered a concise symbol of nature, condensing into a brief span of time the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. In addition, flowers also reflects gentleness, youth, spiritual perfection and innocence, qualities which are but the fundamental attributes of feminine character. </div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-19014540245340329302009-11-11T16:14:00.002+03:002009-11-11T16:26:14.791+03:00Nose Piercing<div align="center"><blockquote></blockquote></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoRg2xCqaGoX3wox-4I-wxOsom3olveBsc_gE0vkFBLBHSTzYRDFNUBm5Pa136JVM-c4dHYdu3cgzOCvyV2YcxP3b4TfmoYf2V5v3hyphenhyphenwl64eVGyf8BPKq4Mi-Oek-1VdCUkWeXyIkBdc/s1600-h/Nose+rings.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoRg2xCqaGoX3wox-4I-wxOsom3olveBsc_gE0vkFBLBHSTzYRDFNUBm5Pa136JVM-c4dHYdu3cgzOCvyV2YcxP3b4TfmoYf2V5v3hyphenhyphenwl64eVGyf8BPKq4Mi-Oek-1VdCUkWeXyIkBdc/s1600-h/Nose+rings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402835095830888594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoRg2xCqaGoX3wox-4I-wxOsom3olveBsc_gE0vkFBLBHSTzYRDFNUBm5Pa136JVM-c4dHYdu3cgzOCvyV2YcxP3b4TfmoYf2V5v3hyphenhyphenwl64eVGyf8BPKq4Mi-Oek-1VdCUkWeXyIkBdc/s400/Nose+rings.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote>Nose piercing is the piercing of the skin or cartilage which forms any part of the nose, normally for the purpose of wearing jewelry. The Hindu women usually have their noses pierced at the age of sixteen which is what is considered to be the age to marry. The piercings honor the goddess of marriage, known as Parvathi. <blockquote></blockquote></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402835085983156130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 381px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPddJz2TheZ7rPnzqZRvbaKFv5fVl64T3opa3vgx4aCE2P0grsEpzoGF_Nf58QUMnAj9aQPVf_nGtMQHV8ZwePwIls1gdGxZwCR5ImDxk3YyGbVWaZmG32-xmeSxJqiAPMmHXdQ3THJFc/s400/Nose+piercing.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify">According to the Indian medicine, the female who get her nose pierced is assumed to experience less pains while delivering the child. The reason behind this belief is, through the piercing some vein is pressed that makes the childbirth easier. </p><blockquote></blockquote><strong>Nose Ring <blockquote></blockquote></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402835090195370962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9rbXeHP1wlHSJCH0pSV41T2nGcJ5GK12sojNDievhL5ySaIqcHVCnX_o6Ex7b5vBcEexwdYj1jWv5EPrX8INX-sIxnb5IcZgmyLLc9owp4tt783-URzJMt0idKEXqTeM4iCsqNPagos/s400/nose+ring.jpg" border="0" /> <blockquote></blockquote><p align="justify">A piece of stead-like ornament worn by women in their nose, commonly known as nose-ring and nose stead. (known as Mukkuthi or Mookuthi in Tamil & Kannada and Nath in Hindi) Nose ring are usually worn in the left nostril. The reason that the left side is chosen more often is because it is linked with the female reproductive organs.The custom to wear this ornamental jewel is typically different from one state to other, one caste to other and even different amongst communities. Some use it in their left nose, some at right and few wear it in both sides of their nose. Nose stud is widely worn in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, by both married and unmarried young women.<br /><br />It is strongly believed that the nose ornaments have their own scientific advantages. By piercing the nose to wear these ornaments the women protect themselves from all nasal infections. It also helps her to have a stronger sense of smell. Call it acupuncture treatment.<br /><br />In some parts of India the nose ring is never removed once a woman is married, and thus a nose ring is often considered to be a sign of marriage. </p><p align="justify">All said and done for the Indian woman who wishes to look beautiful in the traditional fashion, her shringar is never complete without the wearing of a sparkling nose ornament. </p>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962937547032407467.post-82924922617960957092009-11-07T15:19:00.002+03:002009-11-07T15:41:36.430+03:00TOE RING<div align="justify"><blockquote></blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivQ-ORFOgOzRxAuj5J9HRUKMLn_qVax7P89Ty0254FQ2ysTz34HF6xR39COdTC91qcSMRc3La-mWbI6VvWOZsayctUejB7CRvBCjWqsbZ5R3Eh8VP3yjXpKG8RiA34y4wlaHzIJwZRCI/s1600-h/IndianRites10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401339605248570354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivQ-ORFOgOzRxAuj5J9HRUKMLn_qVax7P89Ty0254FQ2ysTz34HF6xR39COdTC91qcSMRc3La-mWbI6VvWOZsayctUejB7CRvBCjWqsbZ5R3Eh8VP3yjXpKG8RiA34y4wlaHzIJwZRCI/s400/IndianRites10.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div> <br />Wearing of toe rings is highly practiced in India. It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and is called bichiya (pronounced: bee-chee-ya) in Hindi, Mettelu in Telugu, Metti in Tamil & kalungura in Kannada. Toe rings, also known as bichwa, are a must for married Hindu woman. Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married Hindu women in India.</div><div><br />They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the modern bride. Some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. 'Bichiyas' may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist. <strong>Hindus believe that gold is the metal of the Gods</strong>; it symbolizes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and therefore considers it inappropriate to wear gold below the waist.<br /><br />Traditionally a large ring was worn on the great toe of the left foot to indicate a married status. As Toe Rings or Bicchwas were considered to be symbolic of married woman, Hindu religion prohibits unmarried girls from wearing Bichhwas. Even in present times, girls refrain from wearing toe-rings before marriage.Toe rings also symbolize a womans dual status as sister and wife. She wears two sets of toe rings on each foot one for her brother and one for her husband. When either the husband or brother dies, one set is removed. The symbolism is that if her husband were to die then her brother would offer her protection.</div><div><br />In great Indian epic called 'Ramayana' toe ring plays a vital role. When Seeta was abducted by Ravana, on the way, she throwed her toe ring (kaniazhi) as the identification for lord Rama.This shows that toe ring is used from ancient time. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bichwa or toe rings is one of the most important symbols of marriage and women are encouraged to decorate each toe with different rings with myriad motifs ranging from paisley, to fish to flowers.<br /><br />During the Vedic times, Sanskrit texts laid down the concept of sixteen Shringaar or the sixteen traditional accouterments with which every woman could adorn herself. <blockquote></blockquote> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401339599850195682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN6nimYJE8hXsnJjOJcCYaHfRu5TP_DrGVOQrKcXq4EzZud9EF24sROsEA6sCbRdk9QsN_oAfb4c8J4SZvK2CbguJqcFCk0fhJnOsMOnH697qk0Qc07eytdlhf5i1Y5fLJb4bsw4rwmk/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /><br />In South India too, toe rings are a symbol of marriage and women wear a heavy ring on the second toe of each foot. </div><div><br />Toe rings are usually adjustable.These rings are seldom closed circles but open hoops so that they could easily be removed. Toe rings usually have a small gap on the bottom of the ring to allow them to slip over the tips of the toe more easily.</div><div><br /><strong>Scientific & Ayuvedic. <blockquote></blockquote></strong></div><strong></strong><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401339603820050050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg8nE1QrEWczRN1Pl6ZiUBIAOAoxfPUYQnESPx0uQz_aM13cJYgwzGu2o9-BkgIHbRwDQfxusNOV3a9_JY209LwknRmTsDyof9xx7a8H0S0xHQIKOzbK7UhuvCF_GxPz18iyNQ0w1200/s400/TOE+RING.JPG" border="0" /><br />Some men frequently wore a ring on the big toe for curative purposes or to augment their masculine vigor. Wearing toe ring to the second toe has sexual/erotic effect. The reflexology texts also mention about treating gynecological problems by massaging the second toe. There is also a belief that the wearing of toe rings press on certain nerves that pertain to the reproductive system, keeping it in balance and healthy. Ancient Ayuvedic medicine has long been used along side acupressure. The Indians believe that your "prana" or life force must be in balance in order for you to stay healthy. All of the paths of your "prana" run down to your toes, so the idea that a marital symbol could double up as a reproductive enhancer is not a big stretch.</div><div><br />This is a ring with two or three line rounds, worn in their second finger from toe. By wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women. Also it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from toe, also connects the uteruses and passes thru heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during a day, it revitalizes the productivity organs. Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system.</div><br /></div>Bharath.Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09694522328433502588noreply@blogger.com3