Author's posts
Aug 21 2017
Srinivasa Kalyanam 14: Bhrigu reaches Kailasa to test Shiva
Sage Bhrigu Chanted “Om Saraswatyai Namah ” Saraswati who is immersed in the divine music did not heed to his call. She picked up intense practice just then and was doing ragam, tanam and pallavi. on veena. She was doing gamaka sadhana with ascending and descending swaras. Saraswati did not respond to Bhrigu Maharshi. Brahma too never responded despite watching Bhrigu Maharshi with opened eyes.Not even a smile, no happiness, no anger. He was peacefully listening to music.
Bhrigu lost temper and felt insulted. He gave utmost importance to Satya loka but now with this negligent treatment he was annoyed . Having become restless and angry with Brahma , Bhrigu questioned whether it is form of knowledge or form of ignorance ? is it inanimate or animate ? Is it unreal ? or unreal ? Is it truth or falsehood ? Bhrigu doubted and suspected the situation. Those who are ascending ,always will have a fall.Anger always leads to downfall.
We should never be egoistic. Bhrigu said ” If Brahma is ignoring me, the greatest of saints, he is not knowledgeable. He is ignorant. Such Brahma does not deserve worship .
Brahma means knowledge. But Brahma does not have knowledge. Why then should prayer be offered to one who is not Self-realized? Since those who worship Brahma, remain in illusion and will remain ignorant like him, he should not be worshipped in future. Hence his idol will never be worshipped in future” Thus was Brahma cursed by Bhrigu Maharshi.
In a fist of anger Bhrigu left Satya loka.He walked out in all ego and anger. He proceeded towards the abode of Lord Shiva, the Kailasa. As Bhrigu was approaching the place of his visit, he could hear the music that accompanied dance, like” Thaddhimi Takadhimi “, could feel the beautiful smell of Pious ashes ( Vibhuti ) and he realized that he was going close to kailasam.
Looking at the festivity and assembled celestials at Kailasam, Bhrigu anticipated some function that was taking place there. But He realized that Shiva and Parvati were immersed in Shiva Tandava, the famous dance form by them. Om Namah Shivaya. The dance of delicacy by the first couple of the universe was very lucrative. People and visitors were also playing the instruments following the rhythm of their tandava of delicacy. It was going on very smoothly and the audiences were totally immersed in witnessing the dance form.
Bhajan : Tadhdhimi Shankara Thakadhimi Shankara !
Bhrigu also looked at the dance. He went forward crossing the bhoota ganas. When such dance is going on we should watch from a distance or else we get stuck in stampede. Praying to Shankara, finally Bhrigu reached to Shankara.
Is shankara this busy ? He is bhola shankara. There is no end to this dance. Why is this couple dancing ? It was quite noisy ; but tala, raga and rhythm were synchronizing. But the troops are quite disciplined since they had been dancing since ages. They were not getting tired. Some bhoota ganas were just slipping down if they were unable to catch up the speed. They are immortals. they were raising dust.
Do not mistake this Kailasa on earth to be the real Kailasa. The original Kailasa is a different planet in itself.
Shiva also did not acknowledge the arrival of Bhrigu.. No one responded to him. He was not reverentially welcomed. He wanted to call out Shiva as Shambho! But the bhoota ganas were producing much more noise.One person was standing like a Krishna and playing flute. Bhrigu thought that there was no use of blaming the troops and decided to blame Shiva only.
When the Tandava was in climax Parvati was struggling to cope with Shiva’s dance speed. She suddenly noticed Bhrigu and stopped dance. As she stopped dancing, there was a sudden imbalance and Shiva lost synchrony of dance and pramadha ganas also missed the rhythm.
Shiva shouted in anger asking as to who disturbed Shiva Tandava,. He looked sternly in all directions. He saw Bhrigu and raised his trident.
Bhrigu also got wild. He was furious. Jaganmata realized the danger of the situation and held Shiva’s hand.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-14-bhrigu-reaches-kailasa-to-test-shiva/
Aug 21 2017
Srinivasa Kalyanam 13: Sage Bhrigu goes to Satyaloka to test Brahma’s supremacy
Narada was pleased that he could participate a little in that Maha-yagna. He thought that he instilled a tinge of conflict among the sages with regard to the grading of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara , though it is for a divine cause, going to happen in future . This conflict caused by Maharishi Narada was the turning point in the story. Narada was pleased that he had obtained the desired outcome of creating confusion in the saints.
All the sages were perplexed. Who was great among the Trinity? All of them looked at Bhrigu Maharshi, who was the senior most in their group. They prayed to Bhrigu Maharshi to decide who is great among the Trimuthis since at times Bhrigu appraises himself as Brahma, Vishnu and also Maheshwawara.
Bhrigu decided to work on the issue and realize the truth by himself. Amidst the applause by all the sages, Bhrigu got ready to start his project with a proud smile. He was proud that he was going to accomplish a major task. It is a system to encourage a person who takes up a good deed. Should never discourage. Bhrigu said that all of them gave a great responsibility and said that he would leave for heavenly abode to decide this issue and that it would be possible only for him to study this issue. He looked at them all and gave a happy, proud smile. He pulled his beard to indicate his superiority.’You have given me a great task. Only I am capable of assessing who is great among the Trinity. I will return successfully. Now i will travel in the path of skies to test them.”
As long as they could see Bhrigu, sages could watch Bhrigu walking towards Satya lokam. Their victory screams reverberated in all directions. The saint was flying in the skies. there is a difference between walking, flying, flying with wings in space. They are different ways of travelling in space. There are beings who go with body, without body etc.
The sage thought whom he should test first. HE decided to go Brahma who never lies and who resides in Satyaloka. He has four faces but none of the four faces never lie. Applauding himself for having selected the easiest and best route, He patted himself.
As he entered Satya loka, He could listen to Omkara. Anyone listening to Omkara, feels like meditating then and there. such is the power of Omkara. Bhrigu also felt the same but was reminded of his duty. Satya loka is very peaceful where even a fool can meditate like a sage. Bhrigu looked around. Absolute silence. Sages were meditating. there was nothing to be heard barring Omkara. Everyone was engaged in either chanting Vedas or Omkara. Veda Parayana was going on. The four faces of Brahma were peaceful and were doing veda parayana. Saraswati was immersed in divine music. She is the Goddess of education. It is just her form. Her Veena is no ordinary one. It consists of all the planets. Brahma and Saraswati, who were seated on swan chariot and swan respectively, were calm and peaceful. Bhrigu walking slowly , reached the lotus upon which Brahma was seated and chanted,
Om Chaturmukhayai Namah ; Sri Saraswatyai Namah.
Brahmane jaji devaya namaskritya samadhina
Ruksamani Udgiranvatyai yah punadi jagatrayam.
This time he raised his voice and said ” Om Brahmadevayai Namah ! ” No change in any of the faces of Brahma. There was absolutely non movement. Saraswati is doing intense practice of veena . All the eight eyes of Brahma were looking but with no observation. Bhrigu’s entry was not noticed either by Saraswati or by Brahma . Bhrigu felt terribly insulted and shouted. He tried many times but there was no response from either of them.
If people stare and not talk, we cannot tolerate ; but they are in a different world. Having become restless, Bhrigu questioned whether it is form of knowledge or form of ignorance ? is it inanimate or animate ? Is it real ? or illusion ? Is it truth or falsehood ? Bhrigu was confused.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-13-sage-bhrigu-goes-to-satyaloka-to-test-brahmas-supremacy/
Aug 21 2017
Srinivasa Kalyanam 12: Narada visits the sages who are performing Yagna on the banks of Ganga
We have discussed about Venkata Ramana Swamy’s wish to stay back on the earth and protect the devotees and the world. What is He going to do later ? Where is He going to stay ? How is He going to manifest ? We will discuss now. Varaha swamy gave darshan to the king till His knees. What will happen next ? Let us recollect the Murthy of Venkateswara Swamy.
Narayana Narayana Narayana…..While chanting the nama Narayana..the first name we are reminded of is of Sage Narada. Narada is the one who had initiated the Narayana Mantra to the world which had spread like a banyan tree (Vata vriksha) in this world. All the families across the world are still chanting that nama.
On the banks of River Ganga all the sages have started to perform one Yagna (sacrifice) to have the darshan of Paramatma. Pratishtapana Yagna was going on . Devarshi Narada Maharshi was going around there and heard the mantras and felt that a huge auspicious procedure is in progress there. He felt that His part should be played in the Yagna as it was not an ordinary Yagna. Narada said that He just happened to go there and was not intentional and was not aware of the event too. It is common to say this in scriptures.
Salesmen say that the saree is a unique one and there is only one piece. Nothing wrong . That is his business. Narada actually came down with a purpose. Why should anyone be invited for auspicious work? It is a great event and we need to go on our own and help, in fact. He did not know that Yagna was going on. Voluntarily, one should take part in the the Maha-yagna program not expecting any special treatment for them. Narada felt that it was not an ordinary Yagna and hence he wanted to be part of yagna. He brings Himself into the limelight. Looking at Narada, some were very happy and others got tensed as He is capable of making or marring. But all the sages worshipped Him . Requested Him to address.
Narada wherever He goes, He appreciates the Yagna and declares that it is unparalelled. Narada addressed the gathering of all the celestials and sages. Kashyapa and Bhrigu were also present there. Narada said that the Yagna they are performing is not an ordinary one and is very unique. This is exclusively good since they are offering it to Paramatma, whereas others do it through the celestials. You are offering it directly to Paramatma. You are doing it for world prosperity. Narada said “but “and stopped. Then everyone questioned why Narada said BUT. they were worried.
Narada said that there was no major issue but they forgot one simple thing.
He then questioned them, “why are you performing this yagna? To whom will you give the merit of this Yagna?. It needs to be given to Paramatma alone.
NOw tell me, Who is great among celestials? Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva or anyone else? To whom among them are your giving the results of this Yagna? Among the Trimurtis, who is great ? Have you ever thought of this?
You might have decided who is greatest among them. I know to whom to you are giving the results of the Yagna . I leave now. Why should I bother ? Looks like you know everything perfectly.” People talk something and say that it is not their opinion.
No one confesses one’s fault. Like the talk of the ladies who gather to collect water. They gossip for hours but when offered a seat, they say they have no time. They do not speak out their mind. Funny talk. they create rifts among people and then quietly disappear from the scene. This is not fair on their part. Yagna has no hurdles.Then for ignorance also there should be no hurdles. “Let it go on smoothly”, said Narada. To the one you decided to offer the fruit of the Yagna, convey my pranams , said Narada.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-12-narada-visits-the-sages-who-are-performing-yagna-on-the-banks-of-ganga/
Aug 21 2017
Srinivasa Kalyanam 11: Great sages undertake severe penance seeking that the Lord should incarnate on Earth
Since God resolved to protect you, God does protect you passing through all the difficulties that come across in the process of protecting you.We should not trouble God for petty issues. People expect salvation by chanting OM NAMO HANUMATHE NAMAH, just because sadguru initiated. We do not know where to speak what .
God promised that He would protect you despite the difficulties he had to face in cleansing you of your sins. if people are becoming demons why should God take care of them ? You say ” I will not pray as it will be a trouble to Sadguru to protect me.” Not praying is not good. If you stop doing things like puja, meditation and service what about progress? Pray without having a desire. Do not wish for any boon.
God says that despite all difficulties He protects you. You only surrender and submit your happiness to Him. Perform sevas in the name of Sadguru. You pray, meditate and submit the merit to Sadguru. and take refuge in Him. Submit the merit that you get due to prayer to Sadguru. Varahaswamy had taken many vows to protect His devotees. There is no point in avoiding rituals . Nishkama karma (selfless service) is advised.
Every time after the completion of the purpose of the incarnation the Lord returns back to Vaikuntha is the procedure. But somehow Srihari did not like the way of taking up an avatara and ending the avatara and going away from the devotees.
Srihari decided to live amidst people and establish righteousness among people.He thought that He could stay away from Vaikuntha, but could never be away from the devotees who depend on Him. Srihari and who had sought refuge in HIm.
“I will request Varahaswamy to give me a place of 7 feet atleast.” – thought Lord Srihari.
When Sri Hari decided, Mahalakshmi also planned to settle on the Earth.( Sri Datta Venkataeswara Swamy wanted 50 square feet but had occupied 8 acres of land.)
Lakshmi who resides in his heart came to know of his intention. Lakshmi had intense feelings of settling on the Earth to bestow prosperity on the devotees. That was the time for Srihari to land on the Earth. .
Bhajan :Neeraja Nayane Nija Hridayeswari Narayana Sati Neevamma ! Nee Padamulane Niratamu Nammiti, Nanu daya Choodaga Ravamma.
It is time for SriHari to come down to earth. Bringing Gods and Goddesses to the earth is not that easy a job. People have to pray and meditate a lot for this to happen. Many types of meditations need to be performed across many births.It is not possible with our meditation classes that are popular these days.
Bringing God down to earth is possible only for selfless sages who perform selfless penance giving up food, physical comfort and even the thought process. We never find the element of selfishness in such sages. That is why they could be of help to the world. They are the true spiritual soldiers. They also curse each other for the sake of universal prosperity. They can also create their own body again. This is also a sacrifice since they are using their spiritual powers to protect the world with selfless attitude. For them, only God is the Manager. They need not oblige anyone else.
All such sages performed a yagna at the banks of River Ganges. Within no time the place was cleaned.
A clean place is the abode of Mahalakshmi. God resides in such clean places. For this reason houses should be kept clean. A lamp should be lit daily in every home.
Yagna kundas emerged from the Earth. All of them had vowed by taking bath in River Ganges. It was a very big yagna. Yagna Kundas have emerged from the mother earth. All the vessels, samidha (fire wood) and other materials required for Yagna also have arrived there. All the people saying Govinda Govinda and also chanting mantras, started taking bath in the river.
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/srinivasa-kalyanam-11-great-sages-undertake-severe-penance-seeking-that-the-lord-should-incarnate-on-earth/
Aug 21 2017
Srinivasa Kalyanam 10: In order to be amidst his devotees, the Lord decides to incarnate and remain eternally on earth
Sakrudeva prapannyah TavAsmeeti chayachat
Abhayam sarva bhootebhyo DadAmyE tat vratam mama !
If you plead for protection just once, it is my vow to protect the disciple, irrespective of his/her caste, creed, gender. I protect even animals or birds or any micro organism even.
Even if demon Ravana seeks refuge, I will give him protection- said Rama. It is my vow.
In Krishnaavatara Swamy said :
sarva Dharman Partyajya MAmekam Sharanam Vraja
Ahamtva Sarva PApebhyo Moksha Ishyami Ma Suchaha
I will free you from all sins that are obstacles to obtain me. I will free you from every form of sin. Even if I have to face obstacles in freeing you from sin, I will go ahead and protect you. You need not worry. Some sins are difficult to eliminate.
For instance, a thorn can be removed only with the aid of another thorn. If we decide to pray to the thorn to go away on its own, will it come out? When a thorn pierces, you have to face the pain to take it out forcibly. Likewise, sin has to be removed then and there forcibly.
To take out a thorn, we have to use another sharp device though it pains.We should not leave everything to Paramatma and trouble God. Instead of taking it out with a thorn, if we meditate, try Music therapy or kriya yoga, nothing works as we need to have discretion in dealing with the problem. We should not delay, neglect and transfer the trouble to Sadguru or God.
Here is an example from the life of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. An egoistic yogi challenged Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to walk on water. Yogi walked on water, then Ramakrishna said that there was no necessity for wasting hard-earned spiritual practice just to walk on water and that he could as well pay 10 paise to cross the river on boat. WE should not trouble God for petty problems. We should try to solve them ourselves. Spiritual sadhana should not be done with any expectation.That spiritual power should not be used for petty things.
Sins are hurdles in path of spiritual progress. God promised that he breaks all the hurdles and protect you since you prayed and sought refuge. So He will rescue you from all sins even if you have not explicitly prayed for it. Even if you want to become devilish, God still comes to you and protects.
Learn to pray with selfless attitude. If you say, “I will not pray as it will be a trouble to Sadguru to protect me”- it is incorrect. That is not good. Not praying. If you stop doing things like puja, meditation and service what about progress? Do not wish for any boon. God says that despite all difficulties I protect you. You only surrender and submit your happiness. Perform sevas in the name of Sadguru.You pray, meditate and submit to me and take refuge in me.
Offer to the Lord the merit that you have obtained due to prayer. Learn to perform archana in God’s or Guru’s name. With this, we are conducting the worship selflessly.Offer the fruits of worship to the Lord. Offer everything to me. Surrender to me- said Lord Krishna.
After completing the incarnation the Lord was constantly returning to Vaikuntha . He would incarnate and then after completing the purpose He would return. But somehow Srihari did not like this method of returning back home. So He devised a plan.
Therefore Srihari took a vow:
Vaikuntham Va Parityakshye Na Bhaktan dyattu utsahe
Meru Divyani madbhakta Iti Sankalpa VAnabhu !
I will rather be away from Vaikuntha but will not away from my devotees who have surrendered totally to Me.
Srihari decided to live amidst people on earth and establish righteousness in people. I will request Varahaswamy who will give me a place of 7 feet at least. When He decided, Goddess Lakshmi also resolved to come to the Earth. Sri Datta Venkateswara Swamy wanted 50 square feet but had occupied 8 acres of land. Jaganmatha also got to know His thought. As she is in His heart, Vyuhalakshmi , also felt the urgency to come down to the earth to protect Her devotes.
Neeraja Nayane Nija Hrudayeshwari Narayana Sathi Neevamma Nee Padamulane Niratamunammiti Nanu Dayachoodaga Ravamma !!
Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/22050-2/