August 2017 archive

Aug 27 2017

Shatashloki 6: Auspicious qualities of the Supreme Being.. contd.

  • August 27, 2017

Ātmavān ko? Jitakrodho dyutimān ko nasūyakaḥ

Kasya bibhyati devāśca jātaroṣasya saṃyuge

Meaning- Who is the person – m) who has his mind under his complete control, n) who has conquered anger, o) whose illumination causes astonishment, p) who is free from envy and q) whose aggressiveness in war causes fear even among celestials?

12) Atmavān– Great heroes, who have conquered everything in this universe, fail to conquer their mind, which in reality is inside them and very close to them. Even after acquiring control over every thing, they suffer from lack of mental peace, the reason being their inability to control their mind. Great ancient seers (Maharishis) and eminent poets have always compared the mind to huge animals.

Hence, conquering the mind is said to be the greatest victory that one can achieve! This is the true proof of a person’s courage and strength. Controlling the mind is true yoga; it in itself is yaaga. Hence Valmiki Maharishi explicitly questions about this.

13) Jita krodhah– Next, Valmiki wants to know a person who, in addition to conquering the mind, has also controlled inner and outer anger in totality.

Here, what we should understand is that Valmiki Maharishi, does not seek to know merely about a yogi, but is desirous of knowing about that Supreme Being (uttama purusha) who considers every being as his kith and kin, and therefore, with such feelings, treats everyone equally.

Therefore, he asks- who is that person, who, having achieved complete mastery over the inner mind, has in addition, also conquered the inner and the outer anger in totality? Often we notice Mahatmas exhibiting feelings of anger. This is not their natural/ inherent anger but something that they have willingly taken upon themselves. Releasing this, we too should aim to scale to those heights.

14) Dyutimaan- Coming to the next trait, who is the person who possesses dazzling illumination that causes astonishment?

The Sun’s illumination is the brightest illumination that surpasses every other form of illumination known. Valmiki Maharishi enquires about an illumination that eclipses even the Sun’s illumination. This is the illumination of the Self! Hence, the question here is a prayer to teach about Self-illumination.

15) Anasūakah– Asuya (jealousy) means to scan the faults in others and accuse them of it. Going over and above this trait, means to be non-jealous (Anasuya).

One should acknowledge the good deeds that are performed even by his enemy. If merely because he is an enemy, one scans and finds faults in his good deeds, then such mistakes will attach to him. Instead, if the good trait within him is appreciated, then there is a great chance for even an enemy to transform into a good being.

 

16) Bibhyati devāh- This is the last trait being asked by Maharishi Valmiki. He wants to know about that person who causes fear even among Gods.

 

Among the Gods, Rudra, Agni (Fire God), Yama (God of death), Lord Narasimha, Veerabhadra, Sharabha and Kali Devi are said to be the most fearful and ferocious. If they get angry, they can swallow the entire creation as if it were a drop of water. Hence it is mandated that deeds that displease them should never ever be performed.

It is only adherence to dharma (righteousness) that pleases them. At times, even Devatas transgress dharma. Here, Valmiki Maharishi seeks to know about that person who causes even these greatest Gods to abide by the dharma that he is following. The person who can cause even the greatest Gods to abide by his dharma is none but Paramatma.

‘Bheeshāsmāt vātah pavate’ says the Taitareeya Upanishad. It means- He, out of whose fear, the fire burns, the Sun rises and blazes, the wind blows, Indra and other Devatas discharge their duties in the prescribed manner and the God of death being scared runs away, is none other than Paramatma.

Valmiki Maharishi ends his questioning with this. In all, he has enquired about 16 traits/qualities. The number 16 symbolizes completeness (poornatvam). The number 16 instantly brings to memory the 16 avatars of Dattatreya and the Shodasi (16 syllable) vidya of the Divine Mother. Paramatma, the complete being (Poorna Purusha) is known as Shodasha kalaha.

From this, it is absolutely clear that Maharishi Valmiki is enquiring about Paramatma.

 

Om seetaraamaabhyaam namaha.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/shatashloki-6-auspicious-qualities-of-the-supreme-being-contd/

Aug 27 2017

Shatashloki 5: Valmiki seeks to know of a person with all auspicious qualities… contd..

  • August 27, 2017

Cāritreṇa ca ko yuktaḥ? Sarvabhūteṣu ko hitaḥ

Vidvān kaḥ? Ka ssammarthaśca? Kaiscaika priyadarśanaḥ.

Meaning- Who is the person, who g) possess a good conduct, h) causes the welfare of all the living entities, i) is an erudite scholar, j) has the ability to accomplish even most impossible deeds, k) possesses great capacity and efficiency (saamarthya) and l) at all times, causes the same kind of bliss and happiness to the onlookers?

Let us now go in depth into the meaning of this hymn.

7) Caritravān– In this hymn, Maharishi Valmiki at first seeks to know about that person who is of excellent conduct.

Abiding by sadāchara (good conduct) means to complete the designated duties that have been laid down, at the designated hour, systematically without even the slightest deviation. ‘acharo prabhavo dharma dharmasya prabhurachyutaha’ means good and proper conduct (aachara) is the first and foremost among all the dharmas (rules of righteous living) to be followed.

Abiding by this single dharma amounts to having everything in life. Through this adherence, all difficulties can be overcome easily. The unattainable (durgama) becomes easily attainable (sugama).

Therefore, Maharishi Valmiki seeks to know if any person with this trait of excellent conduct (sadachara) exists in this world.

8) Sarvabhūtesu hitah–  Next, Maharishi Valmiki seeks to know if there is any person who seeks/causes the welfare of every being and of everything in creation. In the eyes of such a person, everyone, including his kith and kin, is equal. At no time and under no circumstances will he ever show feelings of differentiation/ discrimination between his people and outsiders.

As a person who sees everyone in the same light, he would have taken a firm vow to cause the welfare of one and all and he strives to fulfill it.  It is very important to note that such person will never harm even his enemy. All these factors weighed in the mind of Maharishi Valmiki when he used the term ‘sarva bhutesu ko hitah’.

This should be the primary and predominant trait of a king. This is also one of the very important characteristics/traits of the Supreme Lord.

9) Vidvān– Coming to the next trait, Maharishi Valmiki enquires about that person who is well versed in all forms of knowledge.

Here he refers to that person who is proficient with the entire knowledge contained in the Scriptures. Such person knows everything that ought to be known and hence is aptly addressed as a Pundit. He causes the well-being of the world. During troubled times, he will act in the proper manner and thus will triumph over those difficulties. He possesses the skill to transform even adverse situations into favourable ones.

10) Samartah- The next trait mentioned in this hymn is skillfulness.

It is knowledge that bestows dexterity upon the individual. Due to knowledge, the person possesses the dexterity to accomplish those deeds that others consider impossible.

11) Eka priya darsanah–  It means he who appears equally pleasing to one and all, at all times.

Objects dear to us cause immense joy at some times and sorrow at other times. That which causes happiness to one may be the source of sorrow for another. Such situations cause aversion in the person towards both joys as well as sorrows.

The person should be able to create feelings of love and affection in the minds of those who look into his face.  The desire to keep looking into his face at all times should emerge in the heart of the onlookers, says Valmiki.

‘Kshane kshane yan navatām upaiti tad eva roopam ramaniyataavah’ – that which assumes a new fresh look every second and leaves the onlooker in wonder is the nature/trait of beauty. Even though people look at him all the time, at each second he should look new and refreshing, much to the amazement of the onlooker. This is a deeper meaning embedded in this phrase

Valmiki Maharishi was referring to such a person through the usage of this phrase.

Such deep meanings are embedded within the thoughts and words of great saints. To them, welfare of the world is the only thing that matters.

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/shatashloki-5-valmiki-seeks-to-know-of-a-person-with-all-auspicious-qualities-contd/

Aug 27 2017

Shatashloki 4: Valmiki seeks to know of any person living on earth who possesses auspicious traits

  • August 27, 2017

Konvasmin sāmprataṃ loke gunavān kaścaveeryavān

Dharmajñaśca krtajñaśca satyavākyo dŗdhavrataḥ

Valmiki asks, “O Maharishi! In this present era, on Earth, who is that great personality who has in him the following virtues –  a) good traits, b) unsurpassed valour, c) ripened knowledge of rules of righteousness, d) gratitude, e) truthfulness in thought, word and deed and f) firm determination?”

Valmiki Maharishi uses the word bhu loka (Earth) Through this he very tactfully clarifies to Guru Narada that he does not seek to know about the Supreme Lord Vishnu, the resident of Vaikuntha. He further uses the term ‘in the present era’ to emphasize that he seeks to know of the present incarnation and not of any past incarnations such as Narasimha and others. Thus, at the outset, Maharishi Valmiki is very clear about what he seeks to know.

After having said this, Maharishi Valmiki now proceeds with his questions. He enquires whether any person who possesses the entire kalyana gunas (auspicious traits) exists presently on Earth.

The only one who has in him all the auspicious traits is the Supreme Lord. Therefore, through these questions, Valmiki clearly asks Narada to reveal to him about the present incarnation of the Lord.

Only that knowledge which is learnt from the Spiritual Guru is the highest knowledge. Hence Valmiki put forth these questions to the supreme most Guru Narada. The desire that the entire world should benefit from these answers also weighed on his mind. This is the trait of the greatest and the best disciple.

Hence the efforts of the greatest Guru and the greatest disciple resulted in the creation of the world’s first epic, the Srimad Ramayana. It came as a blessing to this entire universe.

Maharishi Valmiki, in his mind, desired to know the form of the Supreme Lord. He expressed this desire in the form of questions put forth before his Guru.

Let us now understand in detail about the traits that Valmiki specifies in this hymn.

1) Gunavān– This is the first trait. Who can be addressed as a virtuous? He who, even though being extraordinarily great, does not recollect his greatness and who is not egoistic due to it is truly virtuous.

Such a person will not behave arrogantly.  Nor will he maintain any differences between himself and those inferior to him. He will mingle with one and all easily. For example, just because he is a great jnani (highly knowledgeable) he will not discriminate against those who are unequal to him. For all the above reasons, such person can be said to be truly courageous.

2) Veeryavān- It means valour. A valorous person is he who is very knowledgeable and is replete with all the virtuous traits but yet behaves in the manner depicted above.

3) Dharmajna– This refers to the knowledge of righteousness. Dharma is that which concerns both this world and the next and which shows the right path. Only he, who has the complete knowledge of righteous and unrighteous deeds (dharma-adharma), can cause auspiciousness. Only such person will cause the welfare of the universe.  At the first step itself, such a person will root out adharma (unrighteousness) and inauspiciousness. Is there any such person on Earth, presently?

4) Krtajnata- It is gratitude. One should never forget help received from others, however insignificant it could be. He who considers any trivial help received from others as profound and significant, and therefore in return helps the person who had helped him in a way that promotes his welfare, is known as krtajna. Such a person can never entertain evil feelings about others and forever seeks others’ well-being. This is the intention behind explicitly seeking for a person with this trait.

5) Satyavān- It means truthfulnes in speech. A truthful person will never utter a lie even when the worst problems land on his head. To him, truth reigns supreme. He believes that everything is dependent on truth. Truth should always emerge victorious, he believes. To emphasize all these points relating to truth (satya), Valmiki Maharishi has used the term ‘satya vakyo’ here.

6) Drdavrata- It means to possess an unflinching and absolutely firm determination. Such a person will not change his mind mid-way, but will stick to his intent till the very end.

What beautiful questions these are! When these questions are applied to this world and analyzed, the preaching being given by Maharishi Valmiki to us through this hymn becomes very clear.

 

The person who devotedly adopts and adheres to these above-mentioned traits will unquestionably walk on the path of God. He will understand God. He will become God.

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/shatashloki-4-valmiki-seeks-to-know-of-any-person-living-on-earth-who-possesses-auspicious-traits/

Aug 26 2017

Srinivasa Kalyanam 49: Conclusion; The different names of the sacred hill Venkatadri

  • August 26, 2017

Bhajan: Venkataramana Sankata harana Kinkara pala Govinda

Different puranas have named the Saptagiris differently.

Four yugas have four names. Krite vrushadrim vakshyanti tretayam anjanachalam dwapare sesha shailamtu kalosri venkatachalam namani yuga bhedena shailasyasya bhavantih

From this hymn it is clear that the mountain that Srinivasa lived on was known as Vrushadrim in Krita Yuga, Anjanadri in Treta Yugam, Seshadri in Dwapara yuga and Venkatadri in Kaliyuga.

This mountain is called Chintamani – Because it fulfills the desires of people.

It is Jnanadri – Because, just like Sadguru, this mountain blesses devotees with true knowledge.

It is Teerthadri – Due to its numerous lakes and holy waters,

It is Pushkaradri – Due to a number of pushkara teerthas,

It is Vrushadri- because it is an embodiment of dharma

Vaikunthadri – Since Vaikuntha is its origin,

It is Simhadri or Simhacalam- Since Lord Narasimha incarnated here in order to slay Hiranyakashipu,

Neeladri – Neela resides here

Anjanadri- As Hanuman was born here, it is called called Anjanadri

Venkatadri – Due to the presence of nectar and prosperity, it is known as Venkatadri.

Anandadri – Since it blesses devotees with boundless happiness when with one glance.

Srisailam- Lakshmi and Sri Hari are present here it is called Srisailam

On this hill, Vishnu wanders happily with Lakshmi.

Anandadri- As desired by Varahaswamy, this mountain was brought from Vaikuntha by Lord Garuda.This mountain bestows bliss. If the spiritual aspirant meticulously continues his sadhana, this mountain will bless him/her with bliss.

Garudadri- As it was consecrated by Garuda

Kreedadri – Since the Lord enjoys living on this mountain and strolls around.

This mountain is an embodiment of Vedas; Vedas reside on this mountain; the wings of Garuda are themselves the Vedas.

The mind of the aspirant should be filled with the Lord. Happily he should climb the steps which lead to Him. IN every rock he should see the Lord. His mind should be filled only with thoughts of the Lord. Then, like Garuda he will get the strength to carry the Lord. Then, even if the body becomes heavy and the person feels helpless in climbing the mountain, the Lord himself will ensure we reach the top.

Vrushabhadri: In Treta yuga, a demon called Vrushabhasura worshipped the Lord with great fervor. Vrushabhasura would offer his head as a flower during puja and the head would automatically get attached to his body towards the end of the puja. Such was his devotion!

One day, the Lord appeared and told him to make a wish but due to his demonic tendencies, he wished to fight with the Lord Himself. During the war, Vrishabhasura strength got attenuated and surrendered to the Lord with folded hands once he sensed this he realized that he will be vanquished. He wished for the place to be known after him as Vrishabhadri.

Anjanadri: In treta yuga, the story of a couple kesari and anjana, who were very desirous of bearing offspring changed the name of these hills to Anjanadri. They were unable to have children. Then, Dharma devata, in the form of a soothsayer advises Anjana Devi to perform penance on Vrishabhadri in order to beget a son. Since then, this mountain came to be known as Anjanadri. Devotees continued to pour in and receive blessings. According to another Purana, Anjana performed penance on the banks of Akasha-ganga. She then begot Hanuman as her son. For this reason this hill is called Anjanadri.

Venkatachalam: In Kaliyuga, a youth of very good character named Madhava got married to Chandralekha. However, he went astray and even left his family and wife. He fell for a tribal woman Kuntala began living with her. To take care of her, he committed many sins including murders. Time passed and Kuntala died. Madhava’s past sins made him terribly sick. People started hating him. They would not even give him a few morsels. He struggled even for a sip of water. Then, once when he was in such pitiable condition, Madhava came across a group of pilgrims. Hoping to get some food, he followed them hoping to get some food. Along with them, he started saying Govinda.

Govinda, Govinda, Govinda, Govinda, Govinda..

He climbed the mountain, Anjanadri. Every step he took he chanted the divine name Govinda. This helped completely wash his sins away. As his sins were destroyed, a new glow could be seen on his face. People were perplexed seeing the new glow on his face. When he reached the top, his sins were totally cleansed. The Gods showered flowers on Madhava who had been blessed by Lord Srinivasa. Such is the power of the Lord. Merely by chanting Govinda continuously, his sins were cleansed. Since sins got washed away this way, the place came to be known as Venkatachalam and Srinivasa as Venkateshwara.

There is another meaning to the word Venkata. “Vem” implies sins, “Kata” means destruction. Since this mountain dispels the sins of the devotees it is called Venkatachala. AS the Lord of this mountain, the Lord is called Venkateshwara.

There is another significance contained in the name Venkata:

‘Vem’ is the seed-letter for nectar (amrita beeja). ‘Kata’ means prosperity. As these two, amrita and prosperity co-exist on this mountain the place is called Venkatachalam. When the spiritual aspirant experientially realizes that everything is pervaded by the Lord, nectar and prosperity automatically are under his sway. The vision of the Lord is had when the person incessantly chants the name Venkateshwara!

Narayanadri: A sage by the name of Narayana performed penance to please Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma instructs him to worship Lord Srinivasa who is residing on this hill. After performing penance, sage Narayana was blessed with the Srimannarayana’s presence. Granting him salvation, the Lord renamed the mountain as Narayanadri as it is the name of both the Lord and the sage If we climb this mountain constantly chanting the name of Lord and seeing him in every stone we will be blessed with the strength to carry the Lord, just like Garuda.

When life becomes very difficult to lead, the Lord’s blessings give us strength to weather through such suffering. The final destination is Anandam (bliss). We do not have to travel far and wide for this ananda. We don’t have to go to Vaikuntha. The Lord has sent this piece of heaven for us. Shouldn’t we derive that happiness from this mountain itself? If devotees keen on darshan are diligent in their sadhana, this mountain blesses them with darshan, there is no need to even go to the mountain!

Bhajan: Govinda Sananda

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-49-conclusion-the-different-names-of-the-sacred-hill-venkatadri/

Aug 26 2017

Srinivasa Kalyanam 48: Lord Srinivasa blesses Tondaman with liberation

  • August 26, 2017

Bhajan : Naa DIkku néeve Srinivasa !

Swamy went to  Bhima , a potter’s house . Bhima said, “O Lord I am an ignorant devotee. Yet you have come to my home. There is nothing that I can offer to You.”  Bhima was totally confused and brought several pots with milk. In that confusion he brought some without milk and offered to the Lord. The Lord was smilingly watching him. The potter was dropping the pots due to his trembling hands. His wife Tamalini brought the food that she cooked and offered to Swamy. Such was her innocent devotion. Egoistic people should learn pure love and warmth for God from people like Tamalini . Due to the arrogance that they are learned or that they know the Bhagavad Gita completely, they can never reach God.

Bhima was angry with his wife and her ignorance – How can you offer the rice cooked here to the Lord?.  Meanwhile Srinivasa stretched his hand out and asked her to serve the food she prepared. Seeing this Garuda’s experienced horripilation throughout of body.  Srinivasa never ate even when the greatest Gods and great sages offered food but He was asking for food in the house of an ordinary potter.

Bhima and Tamalini were confused in serving Srinivasa but He was accepting whatever they were offering. They were soaked in bliss that the Lord had accepted food in their home. In that state of happiness they were mistakenly offering one object in place of another to the Lord. Such was their anxiety!

He was immersed In  Love for them and expressed the same and asked them to seek a boon .Srinivasa then said, “I am extremely pleased with your devotion. Enough of this service. Now I will serve you.”

Hethen  meditated on Lakshmi Devi who arrived there instantly. She went thre in all glory of jewels . Srinivasa gave the jewellery of Laksmi to Tamalini and asked her to wear . Srinivasa offered to Bhima a jewel that closely resembled the Kaustubha gem which HE wore and many silken clothes . As they touched them, the messengers of Vishnu arrived there. They went there to take them to Vaikuntha .

Looking at this , TondamAn rushed to the Lord and fell at his feet. He said, “O Lord please excuse me. I have sinned. There are many supreme devotees of yours, I now understand. I am nothing in front of these mighty devotees. O Lord, I have trusted you completely Please bless me too with liberation, which you have granted to Bheema”

Srinivasa replied, “Tondaman, Do you know that there are many citizens in your kingdom who in devotion can be compared to Bheema and his wife? Hence it is wrong to be egoistic. Never compare with others. No two people think alike. NO two hearts merge. Each one has his own opinion and viewpoints. Never hurt others. Never hurt yourself. Be contended with what is earned.

The opinions of no two persons tally despite their having similarities in physique , food habits and other issues. We should be happy with what we have . We have to adjust . We should never question the decision of God comparing with others . Treat happiness and sorrows given by God as a prasadam given by him. Why does the God bless the arrogant? Why has he showered favours upon the wrong-doers? Those who complain that God had given people with no morale , a great blessing and ignored them despite being righteous in life , will be sent to inferno .

There is no doubt that you are my ardent devotee. I will undoubtedly bestow what you want. Tondaman, hand over the kingdom to your son Srinivasa. Give up this body which has become sinful and take up another body.

Do not to be in a hurry to give up the body. Complete to the full life span given to this body. You will then get a good birth and good body. Your worship will then be rendered fruitful. Now even if you work hard the impuritiy will not be cleansed. Complete this life properly. In that birth you will get liberation.” Saying this, Srinuvasa along with Garukmanta flew away.

As per Srinivasa’s instructions, TondamAn reached the holy lake ( pushkarini ) and meditated upon Srinivasa . At the end of his life , Srinivasa manifested and blessed him with a boon of getting the next pious life when he could get liberated .

Twamloke vastu michchami Jaramarana michyate Shrunuyadyaya Pathedbhaktyaya ! KathAm PunyAm PurAtanAm SatubhuktAm Kila kAmAm Anthe Vishnu Padam  Vrajeth

“I want to reside in Vaikunta wherein there is no births and deaths”. Srinivasa blessed Tondaman with this.

Those who rendered this story , listened to it, read it  and those who arranged will in the end go to Vishnu Loka .

Bhajan : Govinda Govinda Govinda Madhava !

This is Srinivasa Kalyanam . This is a Leela . This is the story of His prosperity .

Many scriptures depicted Srinivasa in different ways . Many poets studied and described Srinivasa  in different angles . Swamiji spoke of Srinivasa in the spiritual perspective . There is lot to know about Srinivasa and good to know . It is blissful to know about Srinivasa  and His miracles . We can learn different aspects from different scriptures like VarAha Puranam , Padma Puranam , Garuda Puranam , VAmana Puranam , SKANDA PurAnam, Aditya Puranam , Bhavishyottara PurAnAm Brahmottara PurAnam .

Various pandits had written the miracles of Srinivasa in different ways . Srinivasa manifested in different places. The 8 most important places where He manifested are Srirangam , SrivushnM, Venkatadri, SAlagramam , Naimisham , Totradinpushkaram, NArayana Ashramam,

To the self-manifested Lord there are PANCHA Avataras (5 incarnations).

Para swaroopa – This is the original Swarupa of Vaikuntha. Residents of Vaikuntha worship HIm in this form.

Vyuha Swarupam – The manifestation taken based on the worship of devotees. In this form He does creation

Vibhava Swarupam – This manifestation speaks of the ten Avataras of Vishnu  and their prosperity .

This form is seen by a Jeevi when Karma was being experienced

Antaryami rupam – When the individual entity experiences the states of heaven and hell; when he experinces the results of his past fruitive activities this form is visible, Through mitra dharma, this form which can be witnessed only by Yogis . In the heart of the disciple , Narayana remains in the size of a thumb  in the heart-space . He remains as a witness and is not affected by impurities of the individual entity.

Archavataram: Idols of the Lord made in metal, wood and mud . The priests are all worshipping the Archana Murthy. He accepts the offerings and worship made. In Tirumala in the form of Archana murthy the Lord remains as a Salagrama idol.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-48-lord-srinivasa-blesses-tondaman-with-liberation/

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