August 2017 archive

The discourse consists of the Puja procedures practised by TondamAn Raja , the way He surrendered and various methods of devotion that are found in devotees. There are different pious places where Gods and Goddesses manifested in various forms .

TondamAn felt sad that Srinivasa was angry with them and hence he wanted to pray Him. All the sages like Angeerasa advised TondamAn to pray Srinivasa with Tulasi bunches which are His favourite . TondamAn , since he was the king , decided to worship with golden Tulasi bunches . Despite worshipping with golden Tulasi bunches , Srinivasa was not impressed with TondamAn. Tondaman was egoistic and continued to worship with golden tulasi leaves.

Tondaman did not give up worship knowing that the Lord was unimpressed with him. He continued stubbornly. Then, Srinivasa addressed him and said, “Tondaman, I have many devotees. Give up the false ego that you are my only devotee. Moreover your mistake was actually unpardonable”.

TondamAn said, “O Lord even if you search minutely in all the three planes of existence you will never find a devotee who is more dear than me”.This was yet another mistake caused due to arrogance.

Many devotees have this wrong nothing that he/she is the best devotee. He/she can never make a mistake, whatever he does only is the correct method. There will be no other devotee like them in the world. This ego would be deeply filled in them.

Tondaman continued, “I am the foremost among all your devotees. I am the foremost among the persons who have received your compassion”  In reality, this compassion from God was the reason for him to become egoistic. The Lord stopped speaking.

Though egoistic, TondamAn worshipped with utmost devotion. HIs arrogance did not recede. One day , TondamAn worshipped with Golden Tulasi leaves. To his surprise he saw that the golden leaves offered by him were falling to one side. on the Lord’s feet there were tulasi (basil) leaves made from clay.  Time and again as he was worshipping with golden ones , they were disappearing but to his surpise Tulasi made of clay appeared in their place.

Tondaman got scared whether Srinivasa was unhappy with his worship. His ego also came down. He decided that Swamy was not accepting his worship and that he was not happy with him. He started crying holding His feet and started pleading

Bhajan : Ehi Srinivasa ! Pahi Venkatesha !

Srinivasa’s heart melted. He who is the father became very compassionate. From the statue itself said that He had many devotees who are very dear to him. These devotees consider Him to be everything. TondamAn was not the only devotee of the Lord.

He mentioned about a staunch devotee who was a potter called Bhima . He treated a tree in his house as his Lord Srinivasa and worshipped with Tulasi bunches made of mud with utmost diligence . Srinivasa was very much pleased and blessed him. The tualsi leaves offered by Him are now seen at my feet. Go and meet this potter. Learn from him what true devotion is.

From there Tondaman immediately walked to the potter’s home. The entire street was filled with devotees of the Lord. From every home the Lord’s names were being chanted. All of them had adorned the Lord’s sacred mark on their forehead. Tondaman was stunned. He enquired the address of Bhima, the potter, and finally located the house,

The house was an epitome of cleanliness and purity. It was conducive for meditation. Tondaman, in tiredness, collapsed at the place. Tondaman was enquiring from everyone, “Who is Bheema? I seek to hold his feet and learn from him about devotion”.

From that house a man hurriedly came out. He was Bheema. He thought, “Why is the king at my doorstep? Why is he asking for me? What is wrong with him?”

He immediately sprinkled water on the king. King Tondaman opened his eyes. The king recovered and enquired, “Bheema who taught you this procedure for worshipping the Lord? What is the procedure you follow at home? The leaves that you offer here in your home are appearing on the Lord’s feet. How is this possible? Please explain to me in detail.”

Bheema said, “O King! Please tell me who has informed you of this secret. Without taking offence kindly tell this to me.”

The king replied the Lord Srinivasa himself revealed the secret. Bheema then said, “O King, no one has taught me this puja procedure. I perform the puja based on my firm belief and conviction. Thats all. I am so pleased with your arrival here today. The king himself has come to my house.

Seeing you here today some old memories come to me. Previously Lord Srinivasa gave me some boons. He said, “O Bheema, the moment your devotion becomes well-known causing King Tondaman to come to your doorstep, you will be blessed with liberation”.

Meanwhile Srinivasa who was seated on vehicle Garuda manifested in that home. He asked Garuda to call Bheema. Garuda brought Bheema near the Lord. In great astonishment and bliss offered prostration to the Lord. His eyes were filled with tears. He asked his wife to offer obeisance. His mind was blank. HE was speechless. He kept staring at the Lord with no thoughts.

Bhajan : KshamaswAparAdham Maha Lakshmi Devi !

Bhrigu Maharshi prayed to Lakshmi to pardon his mistake . Lakshmi immediately excused and said that it was like the Leela played by Narayana . There was no point in Bhrigu’s hitting Narayana,

She herself feeling insulted and came down to the earth. This caused Srinivasa to leave Vaikuntha . This was all created by Narayana . Narayana tests everyone and also Himself . He punishes others ,and verifies whether it really pained or not by giving Himself the same punishment .

Lakshmi Devi reached the left side of Srihari. Celestials felt happy. Gods and great sages can foresee the upcoming dangers or events but they do not tell anyone . They might ask to stop the hazard. Mahatmas never directly inform of the future difficulties. Had Narayana hinted Lakshmi about the arrival and the deed that was going to be performed by Bhrigu Maharshi , Lakshmi would have either kept quite unaffected with the insult or fought with him. That is why Srinivasa planned everything .

Srinivasa along with Srilakshmi reached Tirumala. This itself is Vaikuntha. Vakula Mata received them both warmly. Padmavati offered harati to them both. Srinivasa took Lakshmi aside and informed her about His loan taken from Kubera and asked how He should repay . Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, said that they can repay immediately. She asked him to call Kubera so that they can complete the transaction immediately.

But Srinivasa said, “Lakshmi, I will reveal a profound secret to you. I have taken loan in the name of marriage. In this Kali yuga, we have to behave just as the people behave during this period. During Rama incarnation he enacted like a human being. Exactly in the same pattern, during Kali yuga, I have to enact like a human being. In order to destroy Kali purusha, the presiding deity of Kali yuga and to offer respite to his devotees during this period I have to enact a drama.

I want to educate people the righteousness and unrighteousness. I want to teach them devotion. I intend to stay back for that reason. In Kali Yuga , people are not clean hearted. They pray only to fulfill their wishes . People are very selfish. They pray only for fulfillment of selfish desires. Once wish is fulfilled , they forget God .

People pray for wealth, health, power and peace only till their desire is fulfilled. Once their desire is fulfilled, they forget devotion. Based on their devotion and eligibility I will reward them. As soon as they think of me, I will destroy their difficulties.. I want to remain here to protect them from the difficulties vases due to Kali. I will stay in Tirumala till end of Kali yuga and help my difficulties. My devotees need my help during this period of Kali.” Lakshmi said, “O compassionate Lord! no one understands the depth of compassion you have. Please tell me how you plan to repay the loan. I am worried about the loan.”

Srinivasa said ” Devi ! For people of kaliyuga, only money is important . They are willing to stoop down to any extent for the sake of money like killing their own people . They will kill their parents, king, relatives or even themselves for earning money. They will unhesitatingly cheat, tell lies, engage in unrighteous activities for earning wealth. All these sins attach to them. In form of ill health and difficulties their sins will torment them. Time will ensure that they pay for their sinful deeds.

In the times of utmost difficulty and ill-health , they will seek refuge in me. they will pray and promise to offer me money and gold if their problems are resolved. In the form of money and collections, I will actually be sucking their sins. What they offer to me is actually their sins. I will draw them close to me. I give them difficulties and dispel difficulties and in this process ensure that they remain close to me” .

Lakshmi felt bad. Tears filled her eyes seeing his compassion towards his devotees. She asked whether it was good to take such sinful money .

Srinivasa said, “here lies the secret. To those to pray to me for money, I will offer the money received from the sinners.  The money offered by virtuous people I will use towards interest repayment to Kubera while retaining a little with myself.  The invisible energy which exists in sinful money I will keep distributing it in this manner”.

Lakshmi asked why He was telling all the secrets to her alone . She asked what her role was in this situation . As she questioned directly , Srinivasa answered that she should bestow those devotees who think , speak and worship Srinivasa with abundant money without a second thought . If they are blessed with riches , they will keep doing good deeds . Lakshmi should pour down money to such people without any discretion. They should be soaked in wealth. Without even thinking whether they are good people or bad, money should be poured into their coffers.

Lakshmi Devi was stunned. She thougght, “My Lord is not asking money to repay his loan. He wants to see his devotees rich. He gives such importance to his devotees”. She was shocked. Tears filled her eyes.She then asked, “promise me that due to the arrogance due to money and riches, they should not do any bad deeds” .

Srinivasa said, “My words will never be untrue’. All the sins of any person who steps into Triumala will be washed off completely. If he engages in any charitable deeds on this sacred hill, his merit will multiply by ten times. If he worships me, all forms of auspiciousness will come to him. Hence there is no danger if you make people rich . As you give money , I take drag them towards me . He cannot escape from my grip. He has to pray to me and make offerings to me. He will get purified. HIs troubles will be dispelled. From the pious offerings I shall accept a tiny share and use the rest for loan repayment. They should keep up their words and promise . Only I know which money is righteous and sinful. How will those who count the money understand my accounting principles? How can those who steal money during the process of counting understand it? I shall collect from these people again in different form.

Once He surrenders , I will bless them . This is the secret of the loan taken. Now tell me, did I take the loan for my personal benefit?”

Lakshmi realized the purpose behind the secret of loan and prayed to Srinivasa .

Murisipotunnavu Merisipotunnavu Ananda Jyothivai O Venkatsha ! Having thoroughly understood Srinivasa’s concern for devotees and His trials to protect them from Kali Purusha, Lakshmi Devi stayed back on His chest

Manninchi Karuninchu O Madhava !!

Srinivasa felt happy that TondamAn Raja , Padmavathi’s brother and all others were happy , including Padmavathi .

People were also happy . But what about His contribution for His physical struggle and effort in the war ? Srinivasa was thinking of His benefit. Srinivasa demanded some share for all his efforts in the war.

Both Tondaman and Vasdhana was perplexed and shocked. Immediately they recovered from the shock. TondamAn said ,” Swamy ! This is all ( kingdom ) given by you . This is all yours ! Kindly take everything “. Vasudhana also reciprocated the same message.

Srinivasa asked them to discuss amongst themselves and come up with a proper solution. They offered 32 villages to Srinivasa. Srinivasa happily accepted this gift. He blessed them and then together with Padmavaty went back to Seshachalam .

After some time when observed , people had become very manipulative. No righteousness . No values ! Men behaved like women while women behaved like men. People had lost fear of dharma. They had no reverence towards elders and Gurus. I have to increase devotion and dedication towards dharma in them all. However if I act directly in person no one will believe me.

He wanted to do it indirectly. Srinivasa decided to remain as a salagrama, as an idol on the hill and wanted to teach dharma to everyone . I will become black idol in Kaliyuga and complete this task . Seeing my idol, people will be afraid. Devotion will increase in them. I will take on a black form so that Kali will fear me. I will be a Salagrama idol. Righteousness will remain at least to some extent. Good people will try to convert others too devotional .

Seeing the dark idol, sometimes people get terrified. the Kali which exists in people will get terrified.

In each scripture, the Tattva appears to be differently stated . When they are all properly understood, the message is clear to us. Padma puranam reveals perfect content . ‘Why is Srinivasa idol always black in colour?’- This question has a deep spiritual significance. To explain its essence, many days are needed.

After deciding to remain like a statue , Srinivasa approached sage Shuka . There is a Padma lake nearby. Srinivasa sat on the banks of the lake and meditated upon wind-god. Srinivasa instructed Wind-god to consecrate one thousand pettaled lotus (sahasra daLa padma) in the lake nearyby . Looking at that lotus, Srinivasa went into meditation , focusing on SriLakshmi .

At that time Lakshmi Devi was in nether world (PatAla) staying in sage Kapila’s Ashrama. Sage Kapila was serving Her while she was in penance. Lakshmi Devi went to PataLa for more privacy, she shifted from Karaveerapuram .

Lakshmi Devi asked sage Kapila ” Why is Srinivasa , the God, doing penance ? I am not able to concentrate on my penance. I am getting disturbed . I was really annoyed with Him and came here . But why did I get angry with Him when He married Padmavathi ? When He is supposed to oblige the whole universe. why not that royal woman Padmavathi ?

With an egoistic feeling that Swamy would call me again if I stay in Karaveeravam Puram, I came to this nether region thinking that He cannot trace me here, However in reality, all planes are under his control. It is He who created all the 14 planes of existence . How ignorant am I ? Why did I think that He will not locate me if I am so far away? I am so foolsih. From Karaveeravam Puram atleast He sent a word but now He is pulling me by diverting my penance. Foolishly I was arrogant. O sage Kapila ! Guide me . What is it that I should do now?”

Sage Kapila said” Srinivasa is doing penance to call you. Remember that Srinivasa does not belong to anyone. He is not for Lakshmi alone since Swamy belongs to everyone . In fact Swamy Himself declares that he does not belong to Himself also. There is none equal to him”.

“I am on par with me alone” said Srinivasa . If He is calling you , it is with a resolve that He is doing . O Lakshmi ! You are in His heart ! It is you who brought Him on to the earth. Never be away from Him. Go to Srinivasa” said the sage .

Lakshmi took leave of the sage and appeared on the lotus flower in the lake which was consecrated.

All the celestials felt very happy . They showered flowers upon her. Brahma appeared there and requested her, to relocate back into His heart and stay with Srinivasa . Bhrigu Maharshi went to Lakshmi running and asked to excuse Him for his wrong deed of hitting on the chest of Narayana .

Today’s discourse covers various events like Srinivasa getting back his kingdom, war that takes place between Padmavathy’s father’s younger brother and her brother’s . Venkateswara Swamy gets back his villages. Lakshmi comes back from her place of penance . Srinivasa establishes treaty between the uncle and son . He becomes a Saligrama and remains a statue . He remains as a grand Archana murthy. There are many miracles that had been taking place

Bhajan : Govinda SAnanda Ananda ParamA Gopala Sripala Sachchidananda PayAmAm !

The wedding of Padmavathy and Srinivasa had taken place in all grandeur. When Aakasha Raju was going back to his place Padmavathi felt sad for the departure . AkashaRaju consoled her and left for his kingdom.

Srinivasa informed Brahma and Rudra that He decided to stay down the hill following the rules of marriage (Vivaha Deeksha) for six months and said that later He would go to the hill . Till then He declared that He would stay in Agastya ashram. Saying this , he gifted clothes and jewels to all the celestials . He sent them all to their respective places .

In the meanwhile Lakshmi Devi approached Srinivasa to take Permission to go to Karaveeravam Puram to continue her penance . Though felt bad , Srinivasa blessed her and permitted . The newly wedded couple was staying in Agastya’s Ashrama.

In the meanwhile a messenger brought a news that Akasharaju was indisposed . Immediately , Srinivasa along with Padmavathy , Agastya sage and Vakula Mata immediately went to Akasharaja . Akasharaja requested Srinivasa to protect his brother and his son who were not in good terms . When Akasharaja gave up his life, Dharani Devi also sacrificed her life . Their celestial bodies were taken to Vaikuntha by vimana that arrived there. Vasudhama performed the rites to his parents .

Srinivasa and Padmavathy went back to Agastya Ashrama . In Narayana Pura, TondamAn and Vasudhana had big fights which lead to war . They wanted to take opinion of Srinivasa . He likes both of them but could not take a decision as to whom to support . Hence He asked Padmavathy as to who He should help. She said that Vasudhana since he is alone , needs help. Srinivasa promised His help to Vasudhana . Srinivasa noticed that Padmavati was very happy. Seeing her happy, Srinivasa was happy.

But TondamAn was very disappointed and approached Srinivasa, who assured TondamAn that he had nothing to lose as he is strong, has man power , ammunition etc .TondamAn felt very depressed . HE felt the Lord ridiculed him. Srinivasa assured Tondaman that both of them are same to him. All my devotees are equal to me.

He will not differentiate both of them . He promised that He would do justice to both of them . Srinivasa gave away his conch and discus to TondamAn , like How lord Krishna gave away military power to Kauravas and Himself was on Pandavas’ side . “Conch and discus are more powerful, than me’ the Lord said to Tondaman.

TondamAn felt very happy. HE offered obeisance to Srinivasa and left to start the war. The war was like a mini-kurukshetra war. Srinivas fought bitterly with Tondaman’s army. Due to this, Tondaman’s soldiers were getting scared and were running away. Many were killed in the battlefiled.

When TondamAn was getting demoralized , He remembered the discus given by the Lord. He immediately prayed to Sudarshana, which is the power of the Lord.

Sudarshana namastestu Sahasraraya tejase Swatejo naishtadaityaya Shatru vighnachchidhe namah !

Sudarshana  discus came rapidly. Tondaman asked the discus to attack Srinivasa who was fighting bitterly. The discus went rushing towards Srinivasa and hit HIm on his chest. Srinivas fell unconscious. Such was the power of this discus!

Padmavathi was aghast seeing this. She approached Agastya and sought help . The sage advised her to stop the war. She arrived in the battlefield. First she ensured that Srinivasa regains consciousness.

Srinivasa who was now conscious, attacked Tondaman fiercely . Padmavathy fell at her husband’s feet and begged him to stop. Srinivasa was angry seeing her.. “Who permitted you to come to the battle-field? Leave the place now”.

Padmavati was feeling sad for her uncle TondamAn . She begged Srinivasa to stop the war between her uncle and her brother.

Srinivasa heard her. He then instructed her to go away from that place . Sage Agastya arrived there. He too requested Srinivasa to bring this war to an end.  Srinivasa did not agree. He said that he had decided to send TondamAn and his son to heaven and to ensure that the kingdom was handed over to Padmavaty’s brother .

Padmavaty was even more sad. Agastya again beseeched with folded hands ” O Lord, please stop the war. Please ensure that they become friends”.

Saying this, Agastya sat in the battle-field and began meditation. Srinivasa was startled to see the sage meditating in the centre of the battle-field. He immediately agreed to listen to Agastya’s recommendation and bring the war to a close .Agastya got up from meditation. Padmavaty was happen.

The war was stopped and celestials felicitated Agastya. TondamAn agreed to oblige Srinivasa’s order . Vasudhana also said the same thing . Both of them wanted Srinivas alone! Srinivasa instructed them to be friends forever . Srinivasa instructed them to take the kingdom half each .

Mangalya Sutra Mantradi SAnkurArpanamajjatah Vaivahikam KArayitwa LAjaHomAttamevacha .

Starting with AnkurArpana , proceeding with Mangalyam dhArana and ending with Laja Homa ,

the divine wedding had taken place for four days . It was not an ordinary wedding . Whoever has witnessed it and who hears about this marriage will obtain auspicousness. Sapta Rishis and all the sages , blessed them . The celestials showered flowers . Rambha and others danced . Brahma and other celestials blessed the couple.

Aakasha Raju’s feasts and the clothes given by him made people very happy. Srinivasa also gave clothes to everyone. Govinda Raja , the elder brother of Srinivasa, invited all the celestials to his house and satisfied them with good feast and hospitality . Aakasha Raju satisfied every deity and celestial.

Kalyanam Kalyanam Srinivasuni Kalyanam Kalyanam Kalyanam Lokalanniti Kalyanam

Akasharaju handed over the responsibility of Padmavathi to Srinivasa making both of them climb on Elephants . Srinivasa said that He had many responsibilities in Seshachalam and hence both of them would proceed to that place . The parents blessed both of them and sent many precious gifts to them for their new abode. Srinivasa gently refused to take all those gifts , saying that the gifts were nothing compared to Padmavathi . He said that he was grateful to his in laws , for giving Him their daughter in marriage .

Srinivasa offered a boon to Aakasharaju , who sought for untilted faith and devotion in Srinivasa forever .

“ManaswatpAda Kamale ! Thwayee BhaktissadAstume ! ” Akasharaju expressed that he wished to be devoted at Srinivasa’s lotus feet forever . Srinivasa appreciated him and gave a boon that he would get liberated. Srinivasa felicitated Raja . Padmavathi felt sorry for leaving her parents . Akasharaju consoled her and went back to Narayana Puram .

Since Srinivasa had 6 months of wedded life Deeksha, He said that He would climb the mountain Tirumala only after 6 months . He said He would stay back , remain down the hills and stay in Agastya ashram. Srinivasa called everyone by name and asked them to proceed to their respective abodes . They left with great difficulty and reached their places .

They, while going to their respective places , promised that they visit Tirumala at the time of brahmotsavas once a year . Though they take place thrice a year , each celestial visits only once a year as per the instructions of Srinivasa .

Bhajan : Venkata Ramana Sankata Harana Kinkara Pala Govinda !!