August 2017 archive

The marriage procession had reached Narayanapuram. The clamor in the procession is deafening. The people were caught in the crowd. Millions of deities were roaring high. Only dais was empty.

Bhajan : Kalyanam Kalyanam Srinivasuni Kalyanam !

King Akasha brought Padmavati, beautifully dressed and decorated, on an elephant. Srinivasa who was on Garukmanta , decorated Padmavati with His garland. Padmavati who was on the elephant decorated Srinivasa with her jasmine garland. They both exchanged garlands thrice.It was a system followed by deities. Both Padmavati and Srinivasa went in a procession and reached the venue of their resting place. Muhurtam was late in the night .

Srinivasa instructed Tondaman, the brother of king Akasha to arrange food for all the deities. . Tondaman satisfied everyone. Every one rested. Next day morning Srinavasa called sage Vasishta and said that He along with His mother Vakula, His wife Lakshmi and the priest Brahma should observe fasting on that day. Padmavati , her father, mother and brother also should observe fasting. Akasharaju was informed the same . In any auspicious function it is advised to observe fasting till the completion of the rituals.

Srinivasa instructed Kubera to inform the king about the arrangements for the dinner . King Akasha came along with his people to perform the auspicious worship to the bridegroom. Dharani Devi along with Arundhati Devi, wife of sage Vasishta had brought the sacred water from Pushkarini in a golden vessel to wash the feet of the bridegroom during Vara Puja. Vasishta had given permission to perform the worship.

The royal couple along with their relatives started the ritual. All the deities came near to watch the wonderful moment. Kayanam Kalyanam Srinivasuni Kalyanam

Srinivasa had paid respects to his parents in law. Sages were reciting Vedic hymns. Dharani Devi had poured the sacred water of the Pushkarani from the golden vessel on the bridegroom’s feet as the king Akasha Raju washed His feet by keeping them in a golden plate.They both and their relatives had sprinkled the water on their heads. Srinivasa honored Vasudhana, the brother of Padmavati with silk clothes. They had to honor each other. Dharani Devi’s rejoice knew no bounds to apply sandal paste to Srinivasa’s feet. How fortunate was the couple!

After the worship was completed king Akasha took Srinivasa on Airavata, the divine elephant in a procession through his city to the palace. The sages were reciting Vedic hymns. The royal employees who were employed to praise were praising Srinivasa. Srinivasa approached the main entrance of the royal palace. The elderly bride women welcomed Srinivasa by offering camphor which was the auspicious manner of welcoming the bridegroom.

Kalyanam Kalyanam Srinivasuni Kalyanam.

The dancers were dancing. Srinivasa was made to sit on a golden seat which is studded with the precious gems of nine kinds. The bride’s women had given sacred bath to Padmavati and dressed her in silk clothes. Her long plait was decorated with beautiful flowers. A diamond necklace was decorated around her neck. Collyrium was applied to her eyes. On her forehead a special design for a bride was drawn. It is called Kalyana Tilakam. She worshipped Mother Goddess Gowri, made offerings to their family deity and stepped onto the dais. The bride was seated to the east on a golden seat. The bride groom was seated to the west on a golden seat. A screen was held in between them. As auspicious time approached, the screen was removed! It was a divine moment!

The eyes of the bride and the bridegroom met with each other. Padmavati and Srinivasa were looking at each other. It is marriage of the Nature , Purusha and Prakriiti . The whole creation was blessed. People around echoed. What a moment to visualize! King Akasha gifted ten million gold coins to Srinivasa.A diamond crown was gifted to him.A golden chain equalling the weight of the crown,seven valuable lockets,a chain called Mukta malika and shoulder ornaments were gifted to him.

Chola king was freed from his curse of being a ghost with one glance at the crown.Ornaments in abundance were given to Srinivasa . A large golden plate and vessels were gifted to Him. Brihaspati invited with vedic mantras, “O Srinivasa accept the hand of Padmavati and grace her who has Atri as her origin family sage, who is the great grand daughter of king Suveera, the granddaughter of Sudhama and the daughter of king Akasha.”

He was chanting Vedic hymns, “Srinivasa who was born in the family whose Family sage was Vasishta, the great grandson of King Yayati, the grandson of Surasena and the son of Vasudeva is ready to accept your daughter.” The royal couple had given their daughter’s gem studded bangles worn hand to Srinivasa. As the married women (suvasinis) were singing auspicious songs, Srinivasa tied the MAngalyam.

Srinivasa sent Subhramanya who was passing by,to call his foster father Agni, the god of fire. He enquired him whether he cooked for the guests. He replied, “The seven hills are filled with the guests. Not an empty place is left on the hill. I‘ve no vessels to cook for so many guests.”

Then Srinivasa gave him an idea to cook rice making the tank Pushkarini as a vessel. Use the tank Papanasanam to cook Sambar, tank Akasha Ganga to cook sweet rice pudding and the tank Tumburu to cook lemon rice garnishing with tasty cashew nuts. Vegetable curries were to be cooked in other small tanks.

Agni praised, Srinivasa ” You are very mystic who makes the impossible to possible. This idea did not flash in my head. Now in no time I will cook for all the three hundred and thirty three millions of deities.” All the deities had come down to earth. Not even a security guard is left in the heaven. All the deities were ready to eat sitting in rows. The rows started from Seshachalam and ended in Srisailam,Lord Shiva’s hill and went through Ahobilam, Lord Narasimha’s hill. Deities ate in seven such rows in seven batches on that day.

Narasimha is very short tempered so the food was offered to him first. Brahma had given permission to serve the food. Srinivasa standing in the middle of the rows with folded hands had asked for excuse for not being able to serve rich food for them. But all the deities said that they were all satisfied with the food which was tastier for them than any other rich food.

Srinivasa was giving training to all the human beings about the manners of the host while hosting the guests. Lakshmi and Brahma also had taken food at the end. That night everyone rested there. Srinivasa had sent Garuda to find whether every one was ready to leave for Narayanapuram early next morning.

Brahma came to Srinivasa and said that everything and everyone was ready. He signaled every one to move. The trumpets were blown. The drums were beaten. All the instruments were being played at their highest volume. Chariots were started in a procession. Srinivasa mounted his vehicle bird Garuda. Lakshmi devi was seated in golden chariot. Vakula Devi started in a plane. Shiva was walking to the right of Srinivasa and the god of wind to his left. Subhramanya the chief of the celestial armed forces was walking at the back of Srinivasa along with his force. All other deities, sages, dancers and singers were walking in front of Srinivasa.

The god of death and punishments was supervising the procession. Celestial singers were singing, dancers were dancing and the sages were chanting Vedic hymns. Some other sages were showering flowers on Srinivasa. Ganesha was organizing the procession. The procession was very much crowded so that all were pushed forward automatically without walking. The procession had reached the ashram of the sage Suka. Suka was standing there holding the auspicious sacred coconut in his hands to welcome Srinivasa.

Srinivasa dismounted his vehicle bird and the sage prostrated at Srinivasa. He said, “I am very fortunate to receive you today. Sacred sages perform penance to have a glance of you. My birth is fulfilled. Please be my guest for today as you are proceeding for your marriage.”

Srinivasa objected saying, “I am a family man and you are a bachelor parrot sage who eats nuts. How can you host me? Consider that I had accepted your invitation.” But the sage had insisted him to be his guest. Before Srinivasa would object again Vakula Mata went there and convinced Srinivasa saying, “He was the motivating force behind your marriage. Every thing was possible because of him. Have you forgotten? Please accept his request.”

Srinivasa agreed and went inside his ashram. He had offered him a seat. He had offered a pudding made out of grains and sunflower seeds chutney and tulasi leaves soup. All other sages waiting outside felt disgraced as they were not offered any food. Srinivasa had put his hand on his stomach and said ” let the food be offered to all the living beings.” Suddenly all the members of the procession felt the satisfaction of eating food and started to burp loudly.

Sage Shuka requested Srinivasa to stay and take rest for that day. Srinivasa had accepted. Anjaneya was watching the ashram that night. The next day the procession had started for Narayanapuram.

Bhajan : Venkata Ramana Sankata Harana Kinkara Pala Govinda Govinda

Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Jayee Bhava Jayahe Janani Vijayee Bhava

Srinivasa brought a branch of the Shami tree and Narada came forward and said that Srinivasa asked Him to remind to plant a tree in the ambiance of VarahaSwami . Srinivasa having taken permission of Varaha Swami , planted the branch near His place.

Brahma intended and instructed everyone to have lunch before leaving for Narayana Puram. But Srinivasa had nothing to feed them. Then Brahma advised Him that on the Earth there was a practice of taking loan to meet the expenditure. Kubera came forward to arrange for the loan.

Srinivasa had taken Kubera to the Aswadha, the pepal tree and asked, “Give me some loan as I can not ask in front of every body. In any of my avataras I did not bring anything from Vaikunta or take anything from here. I create my money use it and leave the Earth. But now following the rules of the Earth please lend me some money”.

Then Kubera replied that he was ready to give a loan provided Srinivasa would sign a loan document as per the rules of the Earth. Srinivasa agreed. Brahma had written the document. The document goes like this . “Good wishes. For the purpose of his marriage Srinivasa had taken a loan of fourteen lakhs of gold coins with the symbol of Rama, on the seventh day of waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha and in the year of Vilamba in Kali Yuga. He would have to start repaying from the next year of his marriage. Till then the interest is to be paid”.

Brahma signed as the first witness. From that time He is performing Srinivasa Kalyanam every year and is collecting money . Shiva signed as a second witness. Peepal tree signed as the third witness. Srinivasa gave the document to Kubera and received money.

Every one praised Kubera. Bhajan: Kubera Dheera Jayee Bhava Kumargadoora Jayeebhava….

Srinivasa again gave the money to Kubera and asked him to use it for all the expenditures. Srinivasa sent Subhramanya who was passing by, to call his foster father Agni, the god of fire. He enquired him whether he cooked for the guests.

He replied, “The seven hills are filled with the guests. Not an empty place is left on the hill. I have already made a mention of the vessels and nobody paid any attention to it. Now I don’t have vessels to cook for so many guests.” It is like the story that a man had boasted himself to carry a mountain on his shoulders. When everybody assembled to witness the feat he said that he would carry the mountain provided any one lifted it and kept it on his shoulder.

Brahma hurried Srinivasa to proceed to the sacred bath. God of rains and God of wind were ready to give Him the sacred bath. Again Srinivasa started His play. Brahma enquired what the matter was.

Srinivasa said in a depressed tone, “I don’t have anyone to take me to the bath. I can not get up or walk”. Srinivasa was acting stubborn. Brahma was surprised why Srinivasa was behaving like this. Srinivasa shouted so that Lakshmi could hear “Who will give me mangala snana ?Srinivasa shouted at the peak of His voice, ” Again Lakshmi came and made Him walk to the bathing place holding His hand, asking “How can suddenly leg pain become hip pain? Get up! There is no pain for you!” Brahma asked Him whether they were all not His relatives to give Him sacred bath. Again Lakshmi came and walked Him to the bathing place, holding His hand, asking “How can suddenly leg pain become hip pain? Get up! There is no pain for you!” She made Him to sit on a seat and gave Him the sacred bath.

Savitri Devi gave a dry cloth to wipe His body after His bath. Parvati gave sacred fragrant benzoic smoke and Sachi Devi fanned Him. Ganga Devi offered foot wear to Him. He was seated on an elevated place, while the Saptarishis were chanting Vedic hymns. Narada and Tumbura, the celestial singers were singing.

Krishna Krishna Hari Kesava Jishnu Vishnu Sada Mamava….

The celestial dancer Rambha and others were dancing. Kubera had offered ornaments and Lakshmi made Srinivasa wear them. Kubera is maintaining the account for every thing. It was the time for evening prayers and rituals. All of us should pray for three times a day. At 6 am, at noon and at 6pm. Close your eyes and pray at least for 5 minutes to your favorite God though you are traveling or in your office. This keeps you away from problems and troubles.

Vasishta asked Srinivasa to pray to His family deity. Sage Agastya came forward and reminded Srinivasa that His family deity is Shami tree and also said that Srinivasa asked him to remind that it would be found near Kumaradhara Teertham when time comes.

Shami Samayate Papam Shami Shatru Vinasini Arjunasya Dhanurdhatri Ramasya Priyadarsini Matrme Kuru Kalyanam Avighnena Surapri Kalaha Sarva Devanam Pragjna satasya Janodbhave.

Srinivasa prayed to Shami tree and asked every one ,who had accompanied him, to circumambulate the tree.

Jaya Jaya Jayee Bhava Jayahe Janani Vijayeebhava…

Srinivasa brought a branch of the Shami tree and Narada came forward and said that Srinivasa asked that when time comes remind him to plant the tree near the place of VarahaSwami. Srinivasa took the permission of Varaha Swami and planted the branch near His place. Brahma said all of them should take lunch before leaving for Narayana puram. Then Srinivasa said that He had nothing to feed them.

Then Brahma advised Him that on the Earth there was a practice of taking loan to meet the expenditure. Kubera came forward to arrange for the loan. Srinivasa had taken him to the Aswadha, the pepal tree and asked, “Give me some loan as I can not ask in front of every body. In no avatara of mine did I bring anything from Vaikunta or take anything from here. I create my money, use it and leave the Earth. But now following the rules of the Earth please lend me some money”.

Then Kubera replied that he was ready to give a loan provided Srinivasa would sign a loan document as per the rules of the Earth. Srinivasa agreed.Brahma had written the document. It follows, “Good wishes. For the purpose of his marriage Srinivasa had taken a loan of fourteen lakhs of gold coins with the symbol of Rama on the seventh day of waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha and in the year of Vilamba in Kali Yuga. He had to start repaying from the next year of His marriage. Till then the interest is to be paid”. Brahma signed as the first witness.

From that time He has been performing His marriage and has been collecting money every year. Shiva signed as a second witness. Pepal tree signed as the third witness. Srinivasa gave the document to Kubera and received the money The peepal tree was the third witness. He too signed. . Every one praised Kubera for his timely help. Bhajan: Kubera Dheera Jayee Bhava Kumargadoora Jayeebhava….

Brahma was arranging the sacred sticks for the marriage as He was the priest for the marriage. Srinivasa enquired Brahma about the wedding proceedings. Brahma asked Him to first take the sacred bath.

Suddenly Srinivasa started to talk in a depressed voice. He said, “Now I don’t have my Lakshmi with me. I can not be happy without my Lakshmi. I lost my glow. I cannot be happy without my Lakshmi, who normally resides in my heart “.

Brahma said that they would send a message to her. Srinivasa called the Sun and said, “O Padma bandhu! Go to Karaveerapuram. Tell Lakshmi I am not able to move any part of my body. My body is swollen with wounds and I am suffering with severe headache”. The Sun asked Srinivasa why He could not call her since anyway she resides in His heart! She is omnipresent and knows everything.

But Srinivasa said that since was in the form of a human being, he should follow the values of human being.Even in Rama avatara He projected Himself as the son of Dasaratha. So He asked the Sun to perform His duty of bringing Lakshmi to Him.

The Sun went to Karaveerapuram, the place where Lakshmi was residing. The Sun on meeting Lakshmi prostrated in front of her. He said, “O Lakshmi, who lives in the lotus, The Mother of the Universe, Oh Haripriya !! Srinivasa sent me to fetch you as He is suffering from headache, and swollen body and is lying like a log”.

Namastestu Maha Maye Sri Peethe Sura Pujithe Shankha Chakra GadA Haste Mahalkshmi Namostute. Bhajan : Kalaye Hridaye Harivallabhe Kamala Sadayam Kamaneeyam.

Listening to the prayer of the Sun, Lakshmi startled and thought of Maha Vishnu. Lakshmi immediately rushed in a chariot crying “How are you my Love?” There Srinivasa was limping. Putting one hand on Shiva’s neck and another on Brahma’s. She was very much worried to see Him in such a state. She ran to Him and embraced Him. Shiva and Brahma left them alone.

Srinivasa said, “Nothing happened but I am nothing without you. You are the consciousness within me. I can not move without you. I am taking the help of others. I am very happy to see you”. Lakshmi was so surprised with His play. She said, “Are you playing with me also ? What will be the position of others? Brahma and Shiva are also falling prey to your play. of illusion I am nothing before them. I fell a prey to your divine play then itself when the sage kicked You on Your chest. Why have You sent for me? Why did you call me ? Please tell ”

Then Srinivasa replied, “Don’t you remember the other lady, Vedavati who came out of the fire along with you in Rama avatara? You granted her a boon . Do you remember ? I have promised her to marry her in her next birth. You also agreed to that. In this birth she is born as Padmavati. Can we break our promise? Now it is time to marry Vedavati or shall I reject? Shall we return to Vaikunta? I am ready to do what ever you want me to do.”

Lakshmi replied, “Don’t you know my heart? Both of our hearts are one and the same. Whatever You think, so do I. Our opinions are always the same. So whatever You do, I will follow. Vedavati took pains as Sita and You gave her Your word, so don’t go back. I also promised Her in Her previous birth and I won’t break my promise. We should not even change our mind in front of Vishnu, So I cannot change my mind. Decisions are not to be changed.” Every one praised Lakshmi for her decision.

Once we have made a promise in the presence of all Devatas, in the presence of Mother Gowri, we should abide by our decision. Srinivasa was pleased. He now asked Brahma to instruct the next steps to be followed to complete the marriage formalities. Brahma hurried Srinivasa to proceed to the sacred bath.

God of rains and God of wind were ready to give Him the sacred bath. Again Srinivasa started His play. Brahma enquired what the matter was. Srinivasa said in a depressed tone, “I don’t have anyone to take me to the bath. I can not get up or walk”. Srinivasa was acting stubborn. Brahma was surprised why Srinivasa was behaving like this. Srinivasa shouted so that Lakshmi could hear “Who will give me mangala snana ?Srinivasa shouted at the peak of His voice, ” Again Lakshmi came and made Him walk to the bathing place holding His hand, asking “How can suddenly leg pain become hip pain? Get up! There is no pain for you!” Brahma asked Him whether they were all not His relatives to give Him sacred bath.