Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Note: forwarded message attached. India Mobile: Ringtones, Wallpapers, Picture Messages and more. Download now. AllDeitiesGodsandGoddessess, GoddessBhoomiDevi, GoddessDurga, GoddessGanga, goddessgayatri, GoddessKali, GoddessPadmavathi, GoddessParvathi, GoddessSanthoshiMaa, GoddessSaraswathi, GoddessSriLakshmi, GoddessVaishnoDevi, LordAyyappa, LordBrahma, LordDattatreya, LordKumara, LordNarasimha, LordRama, LordShivaShankara, LordSriKrishna, LordVenkateshwara, LordVinayaka, LordVishnu, SriHanuman, SriSaiBabaofShirdi, JaiRadhaKrishna, LordSriRama, YashodhaNandan =?iso-8859-1?q?Sandeep=20Kodali?= doktersandy Mailing-List: list YashodhaNandan; contact YashodhaNandan-owner Wed, 12 Nov 2003 15:49:29 +0000 (GMT) Lord Vishnu - Lord Satyanarayana Lord Vishnu He is the second member of the Hindu Trinity. He is said to be the Preserver or Sustainer of life, especially in his associations with the principles of order, righteousness and truth(dharma). Every now and then, when these are threatened, he comes out of his transcedence in order to restore order. He takes on an earthly form and becomes incarnated. He is also known as Hari, the remover. He is described having a dark colour representing the passive and formless ether , a great quality for a pervading God. He has four hands : First hand holds the conch shell(sankha) indicating spread of the divine sound"Om", One hand holds a discus(chakra) which is a reminder of the wheel of time, and to lead a good life, One holds a lotus(Padma) which is an example of glorious existence and The fourth hand holds a mace(gada) indicating the power and punishing capacity of the Lord if discipline is broken. Out of his navel blossoms a lotus which holds Brahma, the God of Creation whose responsibilities Vishnu has assumed.His vehicle is Garuda , the swift flying bird - which can spread the Vedic knowledge with great courage. He is often depicted reclining on a coiled and many headed cobra(sheshnag) which rests on the cosmic waters. This represents the sleeping Universe. There are a total of ten incarnations(avatars) of Vishnu. These include -- a fish, tortoise, man-lion, boar, dwarf, Parasu-Ram, Rama(of Ramayana), Krishna, Buddha and Kalki , who is yet to come.Lord Vishnu's consort is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Lord Satyanarayana Lord Satyanarayana is another form of Lord Vishnu who is commonly worshipped by Hindus in their homes along with family and friends. The worship is performed usually on a full moon (purnima) day of the month. People worship by reciting the gracious story of the Lord which was once told by Lord Vishnu himself to the sage Narada for the benefit of humankind. The Lord's grace is described in a Hindu book called Skanda Purana. He has four hands like Lord Vishnu, however, his fourth hand does not hold a lotus rather it is extended upward to bless people. Lord Vishnu & Goddess LakshmiLord Vishnu represents the aspect of the Supreme Reality is the Lord of protection & maintenance. His consort Lakshmi is the possessor of wealth, which is a necessity for maintenance. Goddess Lakshmi represents not only material wealth, but the wealth of grains, courage, valour, offsprings, success, luxurious life, eternal bliss. Vishnu symbolizes the all-pervading protective aspect of the Supreme God, Brahman. However, according to Hindu mythology, Vishnu is reincarnated on earth from time to time, to destroy the evil in the world. The four arms indicate Lord's omnipresence and omnipotence. The right side of the body represents the creative activities of the mind and the intellect. The left side symbolizes the activities of the heart; that is, love, kindness, and compassion. The following ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are described in Hindu mythology and are popular among Hindus. These incarnations reveal the help rendered by God during various stages of human evolution.As shown below, the first two incarnations are in the animal form, the third one is half-human and half-animal, and the fourth and the subsequent ones are all in human form. These incarnations relate to human evolution from aquatic life to human life, and are consistent with the modern theory of evolution suggested by science: Matsya (fish)---saves Sage Manu from floods and recovers the Vedas from demons. Kurma (tortoise)---sustains the earth on his back. Varaha (boar)---brings the earth back from the bottom of the ocean where it was dragged down by a demon, known as Hiranyaksha; Varaha kills the demon. Narasimha (man-lion)---kills the demon King Hiranyakashipu, who was planning to kill his own son, a devotee of Lord Vishnu.Vamana (dwarf)---the first human incarnation of the Lord, kills the demon King Mahabhali, who had deprived the gods of their possessions. Parasurama (the warrior with an axe)---saves Brahmins from the tyranny of the arrogant Kshatriyas. Rama---kills Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Sri Krishna---the most popular incarnation; Krishna's contributions throughout his life include the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.Buddha---Hindus consider Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and accept his teachings, but do not directly worship him. Kalkin (a man on a white horse)---this incarnation is yet to come and will mark the end of all evil in the world.Lord Vishnu is also called Nilameghashyamalan - possessing a complexion the colour of the dark clouds. As proof that opposites attract, Vishnu's outer appearnce is dark while he is associated with the santha gunam, bringing light & peace to the world. He rests on the ocean on his bed of Adisesha (serpent with 1,000 heads ). Any time Lord Vishnu sees great trouble, He takes an avataram to rescue the people from evils. He is all merciful, ever rushing to serve his devotees. In the form of Mahavishnu he has four arms wielding the chakra, conch, lotus & the gadha in his four arms. The preserver god of the Trinity has four hands. The first holds a conch shell (sankha) indicating spread of the divine sound "Om"; one holds a discus (chakra), a reminder of the wheel of time, and to lead a good life; one holds a lotus (Padma) which is an example of glorious existence and the fourth hands holds a mace (gada) indicating the power and the punishing capacity of the Lord if discipline in life is ignored. His vehicle is the swift-flying bird Garuda which can spread the Vedic knowledge with great courage. The dark color of the Lord represents the passive and formless ether, a great quality for a pervading god. He rests on the bed of the powerful, coiled serpent, Seshanag who represents the sleeping universe. Lord Vishnu is also known as Hari, the remover. Lord Vishnu's consort is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth . Vishnu, the Preserver God, is the protector of dharma (righteousness) and the guardian of humanity. His particular task is the conservation or preservation of the Divine Order in the world.Vishnu has had10 avatars or incarnations. He assumes these and comes down to earth in order to help humanity. In reliefs, sculptures, and paintings Vishnu is shown possessing 4 arms and has a long and narrow sign in the shape of a U inscribed on his forehead. His followers wear the same sign. He carries his symbols of:1. a white conch shell with which he is victor over the demons. 2. a rotating disc, a weapon to oppose every enemy of the Divine order. 3. a Golden mace, symbol of his royal power in the realm of gods and men. 4. a lotus flower, symbol of purity and original creation. His mount is the Garuda bird, an enormous eagle which often takes the form of a winged man with a strongly curved beak. He has a long and narrow sign in the shape of a U inscribed on his forehead. Vishnu is on the coils of the giant multi-hearded serpent, Ananta,who drifts endlessly on the eternal sea of milk. As the lord sleeps, he dreams the cosmos into reality. One of the most popular depictions of Vishnu is seated or lying upon Ananta, the cobra-headed snake, in the midst of the primeval ocean. From his navel grows the lotus out of which appears Brahma, who undertook the specific work of creation. Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, is at his feet massaging his legs. sree satya narayana swamy ------ annavaram Annavaram shrine - source of all sanctity The hill in the beautiful landscape is Ratnagiri at Annavaram in the Nature-rich East Godavari district, amid gentle winds, chirping of birds of myriad hues, running streams and a majestic river, the Eastern Ghats so beautiful on golden morns and eves where the immortal spirit grows like harmony in music banishing the fits of vulgar thoughts and joys. Atop the hill there is a shrine dedicated to Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, whose consort is Sri Anantalakshmi Satyavathi Ammavaru. Though the shrine is of recent origin, it attracts large number of pilgrims next only to Tirupati as the presiding deity is the powerful primeval God, the source of all auspiciousness, and who is compassionate ready to extend His grace to the performers of His 'Vratam' (a religious observance propitiating the Lord). It is popularly believed that there is none else than Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy in the Kali Yuga who offers solace to and bestows His grace on those who surrender at His feet and observe a 'Vratam' called the "Satyanarayana Vratam," the most effective of all other rituals at the temple. The Lord shows His fondness for His devotees. On an average about one lakh couples perform 'Vratas' every year. Marriages and thread ceremonies (Upanayanams) are also performed there. Bhishma Ekadasi, which occurs during January-February, Kalyanotsavam, and Vysakha Ekadasi during April-May, are important festivals. Annavaram is situated at a distance of about 500 km from the capital city of Hyderabad, 72 km from Rajahmundry, and 142 km from Visakhapatnam. Express trains will not stop at Annavaram railway station. The nearest Express halting stations are Tuni and Peddapuram. Buses from Kakinada to Tuni, Rajahmundry to Tuni, and Yeleswaram to Tuni, pass through Annavaram village, touching the foothill, from where the shrine on the hill is about half a mile. In addition to the wide flight of steps, ghat road had also been laid leading the pilgrims to the Lord. There are adequate lodging facilities. There flows a holy river Pampa at the foot of the hill as if washing the feet of the Lord. As there is no Pushkarini or tank on the temple premises, pilgrims take bath in the river before going to visit the Lord. There are bathing ghats for the convenient of men and women. This river is referred to as Viraja of Goloka (the cosmic world), who melted in her ecstasy of faith and took birth as this rivulet to stay in the presence of the Lord. There is a school run by the Devasthanam, which provides free boarding and lodging for students. Religious discourses are arranged during Kalyanam and on other festival days on the temple premises. Besides Kalyanotsavam in May, Devi Navarathri celebration during October-September, Swayamvara Vardhanti on Sravana Suddha Ekadasi day, Srirama Kalyanam, Kanaka Durga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam, Jwalatoranam and other Sevas are also conducted with religious fervour. Observance of Bhishma Ekadasi is a special event at the shrine. It was on this day Bhishma, the grand old man of Kauravas, attained Moksha in the Kurukshetra war. A day prior to it he initiated Yudhishtira (Dharma Raja) to the most effective "Mantra" called "Vishnu Sahasra Naama." It is about the chanting of Lord Vishnu's thousand names. No less a person than Adi Shankara, the leading exponent of Advaita philosophy, wrote a commentary to "Vishnu Sahasra Naama" as he did on the "Prasthana Trayam" and other scriptures. That is the reason why the "Satyanarayana Vratam" which is specially linked to Vishnu Sahasra Naama, is performed on Bhishma Ekadasi day. At the Annavaram shrine this Vratam is performed with great eclat and sanctity. Pilgrims in their thousands throng this shrine on Bhishma Ekadasi and participate in the Vratam performed in the very presence of the Lord. Legend has it that Sri Satyanarayana Swamy appeared to the local Zamindar and to some villagers in their dreams simultaneously and told them that His image was lying on the hill under a tree without worship or any rituals. The villagers, accompanied by the Zamindar, rummaged the hill and found the idol under a tree at its trunk in the ground. They worshipped the idol and purified it with ceremonial baths. The idol was taken to an elevated place a little away from the tree and installed it at the place where the present shrine is situated. At the place, where the idol had appeared, a temple dedicated to Sri Sita-Rama was constructed. It is a two-tier temple. At the lower shrine the pilgrims have to first worship at the feet of the Lord. It is here that a unique "Yantra" (a diagram of a mystical nature containing core letters of a spell---Beejaksharas) was installed. Then they go to the upper temple to have the Darshan of the Lord and His Consort, Ananthalakshmi Satyavathi Ammavaru, besides other deities. The "Yantra" is said to be based on the Tripada Vibhuti Narayana Upanishad, which is part of the Devarshi Sakha of the Atharva Veda." The sanctum sanctorum of the Lord has four entrances. Archanas to the idols and to the 'Yantra' are conducted thrice a day regularly, besides the very powerful Salagramams and the crystal 'Sri Chakra.' The temple is constructed in the shape of a chariot with four wheels on its sides, according to the architectural norms of Agni Purana. Besides Ramalaya, there are shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga. Vana Durga is most popular and much venerated and is said to be guarding the shrine. Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy is merciful and He will not disappoint His devotees. Pilgrims, as they go up the hill to visit the Lord, are often heard chanting: "Lord, I give myself to you; I trust you. You are my Light and Saviour. I will visit you, Lord, again and again, and sit in your presence for a long, long time." ANNAVARAM Annavaram is at a distance of 72 kms from Rajahmundry, 124km from Visakhapatnam and 498 kms from Hyderabad and it is a sacred pilgrim centre on a hill top known as Ratnagiri. The presiding deity at Annavaram is Veeravenkata Satyanarayana Swamy. It is believed when Vrata is performed in the name of Satyanarayana Swamy by devotees, their wishes will be fulfilled. It is estimated on an average about one lakh Vratas are performed here every year by couples generally. Marriages, thread marriages (upanayanam) are performed in large number. Chief festival days are Bhishma Ekadasi (Jan/Feb) and Kalyanotsavam, Vysakha Ekadasi (Apr/May) are important. It is situated on the banks of river pampa about 3 km from Annavaram. STATION : ANNAVARAM Tourist Place : Book Stall : Computer Reservation Room : Refreshment-Veg : Waiting Room : Refreshment-Non_Veg : Retiring Room : Light Refreshment Room : Trains Originating/Terminating/Passing through ANNAVARAM For further train details click on any Train number TRAIN NO TRAIN NAME Frequency Arrival Time Departure Time 3352 ALLEPPEY - DHANBAD EXP DAILY -- 11.50 6004 CHENNAI - HOWRAH MAIL DAILY -- 10.29 3351 DHANBAD - ALLEPPEY EXP DAILY -- 12.27 7045 EAST COAST EXP DAILY -- 06.09 7046 EAST COAST EXP DAILY -- 17.04 7007 GODAVARI EXP DAILY -- 18.47 7008 GODAVARI EXP DAILY -- 03.33 6003 HOWRAH - CHENNAI MAIL DAILY -- 14.46 7479 HOWRAH - TIRUPATI EXP DAILY -- 01.17 179 KAKINADA - VISAKHAPATNAM PASS Daily -- 05.44 8561 LINK EXP DAILY -- 15.15 8562 LINK EXP DAILY -- 11.21 435 RAJAHMUNDRY - VISAKHAPATNAM PASS DAILY -- 13.04 2717 RATNACHAL EXP DAILY -- 14.07 2718 RATNACHAL EXP DAILY -- 09.36 472 RAYAGADA - VIJAYAWADA PASS DAILYException : [Microsoft][ODBC Microsoft Access Driver] Not enough space on disk. http://www.eholidaysindia.com/lesserknowneastcoasttour.htm http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/andhrapradesh/annavaram/ http://www.templenet.com/Andhra/annaanna.html http://www.vizaginfo.com/tour/aptours/annavaram.htm http://www.volam.com/ssns/ http://www.indiaonlinetravel.com/destinations/destinationdetails.asp?destination=annavaram http://www.aptemples.com/brief/annavaram.htm http://www.indiaonlinetravel.com/destinations/destinationdetails.asp?destination=annavaram http://www.mypurohith.com/Pilgrimages/Annavaram.asp http://www.rajahmundry.net/rajahmundry/places.asp http://www.google.co.in/search?q=Annavaram&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&start=30&sa=N Once in Visakhapatnam, Annavaram should be on your itinerary. This sacred pilgrim centre, located about 124 kms. from the city on the banks of the river Pampa, is situated on a hill known as Ratnagiri. The presiding deity is Veeravenkata Satyanarayana Swamy. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Bhishma Ekadasi, which comes in the month of January / February, Kalyanotsavam and Vaisakha Ekadasi in the month of April / May. AllDeitiesGodsandGoddessess GoddessBhoomiDevi GoddessDurga GoddessGanga goddessgayatri GoddessKali GoddessPadmavathi GoddessParvathi GoddessSanthoshiMaa GoddessSaraswathi GoddessSriLakshmi GoddessVaishnoDevi LordAyyappa LordBrahma LordDattatreya LordKumara LordNarasimha LordRama LordShivaShankara LordSriKrishna LordVenkateshwara LordVinayaka LordVishnu SriHanuman SaiBabaofShirdi JaiRadhaKrishna LordSriRama YashodhaNandan India Mobile: Ringtones, Wallpapers, Picture Messages and more. Download now. YashodhaNandan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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