August 2017 archive

Srinivasa Kalyanam 32: Vakula-devi speaks to queen proposing Srinivasa’s marriage with Padmavati

Govinda Sananda Ananda ParamA
Gopala Sripala Sachchidananda PayAmAm !

Today we will discuss about Dharani Devi visiting Padmavathi .

Bhajan :
Sriharim Shraye Sriharim Shraye !
Sridharam Srikaram Sriparam Shraye !
Dharani Devi reached Padmavathi’s palace . On observation, Padmavathi was by looks and mentally was else where and never noticed her mother’s arrival . She was lost in her own thoughts . She was talking to herself . But her mother noticed the traces of tears on her cheeks . The cheeks were still wet too . The unique Padma KaLa was missing on her face . Padmavathi always had a ray of smile on her face and a jumping spirit in her . But both were missing for which Dharani Devi was upset .

Dharani Devi pampered Padmavathi asking her to tell the reason for her distracted mood . Padmavathi went close to her mother and narrated ” Yesterday I had been to the floral garden where I was playing with my folklore . There arrived a person who was looking like a hunter . When He was about to catch hold of my hand , which I did not like , I instructed my friends to beat Him with stones due to which He was injured . Later listening to who He was , I felt very hurt and am not able to come over that ill feeling for the treatment my friends gave Him. I came to know that He is Srinivasa , Vaikuntha Vasa , the one who gives happiness to all the living beings , the one who bestows bliss to sages and the one whom Brahma and other Gods worship always ! He is Srinivasa ! I am in divine love with Him. I cannot live without Him . I want to marry Him. ” said Padmavathi .

Dharani Devi consoled Padmavathi assuring her that she would try to fulfill her wish of getting her married to Him. Dharani Devi also thought that she should find out whether Srinivasa likes Padmavathi and would like to marry her . She was pondering over the issue of conveying Padmavathi’s love to Srinivasa . In the meanwhile , the folklore arrived at that place along with the eleven priests that performed ablutions to Lord Shiva and also Vakula Mata who wanted to meet Dharani Devi . They also reported that they got the ablutions performed to lord Shiva as per the queen’s instructions . The priests handed over the holy Prasadam to Dharani Devi and blessed her that Padmavathi’s wish would be fulfilled .

Later the folklore introduced Vakula Mata to Dharani Devi , informed that she came on a special purpose to Dharani Devi and that it should be informed only to Dharani Devi . They both greeted each other and Vakula Mata was offered a seat and both of them were seated . Vakulamata introduced herself saying that she was Srinivasa’s mother , who stays on Venkatadri . She calls Him as Krishna . As Srinivasa liked Padmavathi, she came to inform the same and request Dharani Devi to give Padmavathi in marriage to Srinivasa . That was what Dharani Devi was also thinking of Infact and hence felt happy .

Dharani Devi enquired about the family back ground of Srinivasa . She told that Srinivasa’s mother was Devaki Devi and father Vasudeva , dynasty was Chandra Vamsham and Gotram was Vasishtha Gotram . She told that all of them address Him as Krishna at home . Outsiders call Him Srinivasa . He responds to both names . He was born in Shravana star .

She said that her son went casually for hunting the day before and somehow was directed to the garden where Padmavathi and her friends were playing . Her son , Srinivasa , as He looked at Padmavathi was very much attracted by her divine beauty and wanted to enquire the details of her family, as He wanted to marry her . But her friends instead of flower shower , threw stones on Him . But He decided to marry her and hence He informed of the same to His mother . When Vakula Mata enquired about the girl, Srinivasa found , it was confirmed that it was Padmavathi , the daughter of Aakasha Raju and Dharani Devi . Hence she approached the queen . Vakula Mata said that they make a good pair . She also said ”

Coming to my Srinivasa , He is a person of all good qualities in intellect , behaviour and courage . “

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-32-vakula-devi-speaks-to-queen-proposing-srinivasas-marriage-with-padmavati/

Srinivasa Kalyanam 31: Srinivasa comes to the palace in the guise of a female fortune-teller

Vakula Devi requested the folklore , who were watching the ablutions being performed to Lord Shiva , to take her to the queen Dharani Devi whom she wanted to approach. The folklore too agreed to do so since she was an elderly woman. The bell rang which they considered to be an auspicious sign. Eleven priests were performing ablutions to Lord Shiva by chanting Namaka and Chamaka , singing the glory of Lord Shiva . The folklore had a blissful Darshan .
Bhajan :
Naga Bhusham Nada Thosham .
Tam Namami Maheswaram

The folklore along with holy Prasadam left for the palace of the princess Padmavathi who fell unconscious looking at injured Srinivasa . They invited Vakula Mata too , to accompany them . But by then Dharani Devi was occupied and hence Vakula Devi and also the priests who arrived there were asked to wait .

During that time Srinivasa got tensed whether Vakula Devi would bring a positive news or not. Hence Srinivasa started in the guise of a fortune teller . His koustubha gold chain turned into a bead chain. All other ornaments too became bead jewellery . Bead bangles in the place of gold bracelet appeared . A band appeared in the hand . Srinivasa in the form of a fortune teller , started singing that He was a fortune teller . The crown got transformed into a basket . On His back appeared a seven month old baby .
Sodi chaputhanamma sodi chaputha !!
I tell what is going to happen as it is !
I tell what is not going to happen as it is !
Kurro Kurru !! Konda devara Kurro Kurru !
I speak whatever Konda devara utters !
Srinivasa having taken the guise of Pulindi , walked towards the palace of Aakasha Raju . Dharani Devi happened to listen to Srinivasa’s announcements and looked at Padmavathi suspecting a reason that caused disturbance on Padmavathi’s face . Dharani Devi considered the entry of Fortune teller as a divine incident since she thought of learning from the fortune teller the reason for Padmavathi’s disturbed mind and then proceed with the remedial measures . Hence she ordered the folklore to invite the Pulindi into the royal palace .
Namah Parama Kalyana Namah Parama Mangala
VASUDEVAYA Shantaya YadunAm Pataye Namah
Pulindi started narrating the incidents past and future . She is none other than Maha Vishnu . Hence she told that ” when Padmavathi went to garden to play with her folklore , she happened to meet a handsome person who is none other than Maha Vishnu of Vaikuntha . That Vishnu who arrived on to the mountain , is called Venkatadheesha . He is popularly known as Srinivasa . Your daughter having not identified his true form , instigated her folklore to beat him . Later , after realizing and recognizing Him, she was hurt and fell unconscious .”

He also revealed that Padmavathi fell in divine love with Srinivasa and it would be good for the kingdom, King, queen and Padmavathi also if their wedding was performed . Or else she would die in three days . ” If the wedding is performed, it brings prosperity to the whole kingdom ” said Srinivasa , disguised as fortune teller . He also said that an old lady sent by Srinivasa would approach them and instructed them to follow her advise and do accordingly . Before manifestation as Edukondala vaadu , Srinivasa’s miracles were stunning .
Bhajan :
Edukondala ElikA
Yelara Inta Alaka !

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Srinivasa Kalyanam 30: Coming to know the real identity of Padmavati, Vakula proceeds to the palace

Krishna Krishna Hari Keshava !
Vishno Jishno Sada Mamava !
Vakula Mata curiously enquired about the past and present of the lady to whom Srinivasa tried to propose . Srinivasa said that she was Vedavati in her previous life and she performed an amazing penance to be blessed to marry Srinivasa .
In her past life , Ravanasura forced her to marry him. She declared that she intended to marry only Srinivasa and that she was not interested in marrying him. But he forced her time and again. As this pressure increased from Ravana , Vedavati , using her yogic energy created fire and jumped into the fire . The helpless Ravana retired from that place . Due to her yogic power , Vedavati remained the same and unaffected by the fire. Agni deva, the Fire-god in appreciation, gave her shelter. He also informed her of the great deed she would have to support in future .
As it is obvious to everyone , in the Ramayana , Ravana went to Dandakaranya in the disguise of a golden deer and attracted Sita . Sita Mata got tempted to possess it and requested Rama to obtain it for her . As Lakshmana was taking care of her and Rama’s voice was heard , Sita Mata sent Lakshmana to take care of Rama . In the meanwhile , Ravana carried away Sita Mata .

While Ravana was carrying Sita Mata , the Fire-god appeared and informed Ravana that he cheated Rama and Lakshmana by going in disguise of a golden deer. Do you know that Rama is a greater conjurer than you? However he could not cheat Sita Mata as the one he was carrying was not really Sita Mata and that she was Vedavati.She is not Sita. Vedavati is here disguised as Sita. Sita is safe in my custody. I am speaking cause I revere you. If you trust me, I will hand over the real Sita to you.

Fire God then took the real Sita who was being abducted by Ravana and kept her safely with Swaha devi. He then transformed Vedavati into Sita and handed over Vedavati to Ravana.

After killing Ravana and before leaving for Ayodhya, I asked Sita to undergo a fire test to prove her chastity. Sita disappeared into the fire. From the fire three persons emerged.  They were , Agni Purusha , Sita Mata and Vedavati .

Agni Purusha explained how Sita Mata was protected from the hands of Ravana by transforming Vedavati into Sita Mata . Since Vedavati helped Rama so much , Agni Purusha requested Rama to marry her also in appreciation of her penance performed by her , to have Rama as her husband . Then Rama said that in that incarnation , He was very keen on maintaining discipline of one word , one wife and one arrow . Hence Rama promised that he would marry Vedavati in his next incarnation. Until that time Vedavati would reside in Brahma loka, said Rama.

That Vedavati was born as Padmavathi . He explained all this to his mother . Listening to this, Vakula Mata left that place to meet Padmavathi . Srinivasa felt very happy and had food .
Namah Krishnaya RAmAya Vasudeva Sutayacha
Pradyumnaya Aniruddhaya SAtvatAm Pataye Namah !
Vakula Devi started her travel and reached Agastya Ashrama . Srinivasa felt happy for this deed . There was a shiva temple where ablutions for shiva were being performed which was a good sign .
Namah Shivaya Shantaya Namassomaya Shambhave Namah Namah Shivaya Kalyani Pataye te Namo Namah !!
Vakula Mata thought that Shiva alone could help in making her efforts successful. Looking at the attire of the women folk there, she decided that they were from the Royal palace . She enquired who they were . They replied that they were the attendants of Padamavathi , the princess and that they were getting the ablutions done for Shiva .

The previous evening they were playing in a garden and a handsome and graceful Man arrived there . His name was Srinivasa and appeared like a hunter. He tried to converse with Padmavathi and tried to hold her hand. The annoyed Padmavathi made us beat him with the stones . Looking at His injuries, Padmavathi became unconscious . Immediately Padmavathi was taken to the palace where the king and the queen, looking at Padmavathi’s condition, called for a royal priest .

After testing her,the priest said that ” Padmavathi met a person who made a great impact on her mind . Padmavathi was so much attracted by that person that she would reach Him soon.

Shortly a lady would enter that place and if the parents follow her instructions, Padmavathi would settle in happiness . Perform a shanti Puja and everything would be fine . Shiva Himself was great and hence invite 11 priests to perform ablutions to Shiva . With the power and result of ablutions alone Padmavathi would become conscious ” The frineds said that they were getting ablutions performed with the instructions given by Daivaghna. Finally they questioned Vakula Mata about her details and who she was. Then Vakula Mata said that she went there with a specific purpose and that she was supposed to speak to the queen , Dharani Devi to get her work done . She also requested the friends to take her to Dharani Devi .

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-30-coming-to-know-the-real-identity-of-padmavati-vakula-proceeds-to-the-palace/

Bhagawatam 232: Maharishi Sanat-kumara preaches; those desirous of liberation should not develop attachment towards luxuries

Srikrishnāya namah

Maharishi Sanat-kumara continued. “Only when the instrument called mind functions, the individual develops awareness of his separate existence, the existence of a separate visible world perceivable by the senses and of an illumination which remains as a witness to them both. It means he experiences these three as separate existences.

In other words, due to spiritual ignorance (ajnana) differences such as -the world, the body which perceives the world and the sense of I-ness (egoism) are experienced.

During deep-sleep the mind ceases to function. At such time, these differences cease to exist. Differences of seer and seen are absent. Only when a person stands in front of a mirror, water or other objects that reflect images, he is able to see his reflection separately. At that point there are two distinct entities- his form and the reflected form. In the absence of a mirror, where is this reflected image? It will not have a separate existence. It would have merged into him.

This same principle applies to the Self. Grasses growing by the banks of a pond pull up all the water from the pond through their roots. In the similar manner, by mentally concentrating upon sensory pleasures, the senses which are attracted towards them completely steal the power of reasoning (buddhi) with the help of the mind. With this, discriminatory intelligence is totally destroyed in the person.

When discriminatory intelligence is lost, all previous memory vanishes. The person who has lost this memory forgets his original form. In other words, he loses the chance to obtain Self-knowledge. Learned scholars state that distancing from Self-knowledge is equivalent of committing suicide.

The person should not endlessly focus upon money, luxuries and other worldly attachments for he would be wasting all the four-fold goals of life (puruśārtha). He would be destroying himself. Hence such thoughts are not permitted. Such person loses the chance to obtain initiation into Self-knowledge as taught by the scriptures or attaining Self-realization. In his next birth, he will be reborn as tree or stone.

Under no circumstances should a person, who truly seeks to cross this ocean called spiritual ignorance, develop inclination towards worldly bondages. He should possess only as much as is necessary for living. He should not increase his possessions.

By developing interest towards worldly comforts, the person totally destroys the four-fold aims of life. The first three aims of life i.e. Dharma (righteousness), artha (materialistic earnings) and kāma (fulfillment of desires) are under the control of time. In other words, they are of fleeting existence. However, the ultimate aim of life i.e. liberation is eternal. It is the best among the four principles.

Devatas and other superior beings as well as animals and other lower beings originate purely due to the imbalances of the trigunas. Time destroys the desires of all beings. Therefore, none of these beings enjoy eternal well-being. (They will get destroyed).

O king, all living beings associate with the body, senses, intellect, sense of I-ness and life-force and thus take on a form consisting of them. In all such living entities, the Supreme Lord remains as a witness to the body, mind and senses.

While shining in His original form He remains as a witness that controls everything and also as a dearest friend of the individual soul. Through the principle of non-dualism (abheda jnana) the person should realize oneness with Him.

Snake and rope are different. Even then due to ignorance a snake is seen in that rope.  After understanding the real picture, the snake is no longer seen in the rope. Likewise, the world, which is made up of cause and effectual energies, inherently does not exist although it appears to exist. The moment Supreme Knowledge is obtained, the truth about its illusory existence is instantaneously grasped by the person.

The Supreme Lord is eternally liberated. He is absolutely unconnected with merits and sins. He is an embodiment of indivisible knowledge. Only the body which arises out of Nature gets tainted with the impurities called joys and sorrows. He is unaffected by them. I surrender to such Lord.

Yat-pāda-paṅkaja-palāśa-vilāsa-bhaktyā Karmāśayaṁ grathitam udgrathayanti santa

Tadvan na rikta-matayo yatayo ’pi ruddha-Sroto-gaṇās tam araa bhaja vāsudevam

Subtle impressions of all past actions exist in the form of ahamkara granthi i.e. knot of egoism. Saints are eternally devoted to the illumination emitted from the toe nails of the Lord. Due to its influence they easily cut this knot of egoism and fulfill the life’s purpose. However spiritual aspirants are unable to totally control the senses and restrain the mental modifications (thought waves). As such they are unable to easily cut this knot of egoism. Therefore, surrender to such Lord Vāsudeva and serve Him.

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-232-maharishi-sanat-kumara-preaches-those-desirous-of-liberation-should-not-develop-attachment-towards-luxuries/

Bhagawatam 231: Maharishi Sanat-kumara preaches; benefits of singing divine glories.

Haraye namah

Maharishi Sanat-kumara said, “O King, you are a learned scholar. Yet, with the intention that entire mankind should benefit you have questioned wisely. This is exactly the way noble saintly persons think!

Saṅgamaḥ khalu sādhūnām ubhayeṣā ca sammata

Yat-sambhāṣaa-sampraśnaḥ sarveṣā vitanoti śam

Meeting holy saints is a delightful experience to both the speaker and listener. Meeting holy saints and questioning them wisely leads to the well-being of one and all.

O king, you have deep love towards hearing glories of the lotus feet of Lord Madhusudana. This is the truth! It is extremely difficult to possess such strong desire towards hearing divine glories. It is your fortune that you are blessed with it.

Love towards Srihari destroys lustful and other desires as well as afflictions such as likes and dislikes. It purifies the mind. One should develop detachment with this world, which is non-Self (anātma). He should be firmly dedicated towards the Supreme Lord who is devoid of traits and who is the Self. This is the only tool that will take the individual towards auspiciousness. This is what the Shastras decisively dictate.

Sā śraddhayā bhagavad-dharma-caryayā jijñāsayādhyātmika-yoga-niṣṭhayā

Yogeśvaropāsanayā ca nityaṁ puṇya-śrava-kathayā puyayā ca

The spiritual aspirant should always abide by those dharmas that are loved by the Supreme Lord and which bring joy to Him. He should be desirous of acquiring Self-knowledge. With total dedication he should, at all times, practice to remain steadfast in the Self. He should eternally be engrossed in worshipping Lord Srihari, who is the Lord of Yogis.

Singing the glories of the Lord purifies the mind. Hence everyday he should sing or listen to the glories of the Supreme Lord. By following these techniques he will develop dedication towards the all-pervading Lord.

People who are attached to this material world are always inclined towards wealth and sensory pleasures and hence persistently chase them. The spiritual aspirant should not entertain friendship with individuals who are filled with material desires. He should simultaneously stay away from wealth and objects of sensory pleasures.

He should taste the nectar called divine glories and remain contented. Otherwise he should remain totally fixed in the inner Self and in this state of oneness with God he should enjoy inner bliss. The spiritual aspirant who follows these techniques will develop steady and firm dedication towards the Self.

The spiritual aspirant should abide by the saintly dharmas such as non-violence (ahimsa), control over inner mind (sama) and control over external organs (dama). He should be completely focused on his goal of attaining Self-realization. He should drink the nectar called divine glories, which bestows liberation. He should be immersed in recollection of those glories and enjoy bliss.

The five disciplines of non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing, celibacy, truthfulness and non-possessiveness (aparigraha) are known as Yama. The five disciplines of inner and outer cleanliness, contentment, penance, Self-study and Self-surrender are known as Niyama. The spiritual aspirant should abide by these disciplines without any expectation.

He should not condemn others. He should not strive and earn for selfish material desires. Moreover he should with a balanced outlook tolerate dualities such as happiness-sorrows, heat-cold and others. The aspirant who adheres to these disciplines will obtain Self-realization and liberation.

The devotee should slowly and gradually increase singing of divine glories and extolling them with total devotion. Divine glories are ornamental decorations to the ears of ardent devotees. The aspirant who follows these disciplines will be detached from this material world. Very easily he will be firmly established in devotion to the formless, traitless Lord.

The aspirant who walks on the path suggested by his Guru will instantly develop devotion towards the Supreme Lord! Instantly knowledge and dispassion intensify within him. Just as fire that emerges from the wood reduces it to ashes, his subtle body will be destroyed totally. The question of re-birth does not arise for a subtle body that has been burnt in the fire of knowledge.

Spiritual ignorance (avidya), sense of I-ness, likes, dislikes and fear of death are the five afflictions of the subtle body. They become the cause of re-births. Before obtaining Spiritual Knowledge the individual considers himself and Parabrahma to be two separate entities. However with Spiritual Knowledge the subtle body is destroyed. Along with it, the sense of I-ness and attachments are also destroyed. With this, the differences are dissolved.

In a dream a person sees varied living beings and objects. However soon upon waking up the dream dissolves and gets absorbed into him. Likewise, the Jnani who is Supremely Knowledgeable now no longer sees the world as different from him. The thought that he has a separate existence from this world disappears in him”.

Srikrishnāya namah.

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/bhagawatam-231-maharishi-sanat-kumara-preaches-benefits-of-singing-divine-glories/

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