Thiruvarangam - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Rangam

gokulkr · January 5, 2009

<table title="About 108 Divyadesams" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td valign="middle">Thiruvarangam - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Rangam

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

Situated in Trichy district near Trichy in Tamil Nadu. 3/4 miles away from SriRangam railway station which is in between Vizhupuram - Trichy railway lane. Plenty of buses and lodging facilities.

Appearance of the Sthalam:

There are 7 big walls found around this temple covering next to next each other. The 7 walls are referred to as the 7 worlds. The 7th wall is the outer wall which can be seen and it is 3072 feet in length and 2521 feet in breadth. For 7 prakaarams, 7 thiruveedhi (streets) are found. 7th thiruveedhi is called "Chitthirai Thiruveedhi" where bigh houses and bunglows are found. Sixth Veedhi, which is found in Sixth prakaaram is called "Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi" fifth veedhi om 5th prakaram is Agalangan Thiru veedhi". Fourth veedhi in 4th prakaram is "Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi". Third veedhi in 3rd prakaram is "Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi". Second veedhi in 2nd prakaram is "Raja Mahendran". And in the first prakaram, Emperumaan Sri Ranganathan in Kidantha Kolam gives seva and this is called "Dharma Varman Thiru chuttru (circle).

Total area of this temple is alomost 155 1/2 acres, and 6 miles in area.

There are total of 21 gopurams in this temple. The weight of the Gopuram is 24,880 tons and the entrance is 11 3/4 width and height is 24 3/4.

Explaination of Raja Gopuram:

The Gopuram of Sri Rangam is popularly called as "Raja Gopuram" and it is the biggest gopuram in the Asian Sub - Continent.

It took almost 7 years to complete the Gopuram. When coming out of the 7th Veedhi, all the 4 entrances of the Gopura Vaasal.

The height of the Gopuram is 236 feet high with 13 Nilays. 12 Kalasams are kept on the top of the Gopuram.

Specials:

Biggest gopuram in Asia.
All the 11 Alwars did Mangalasasanam here.
Udayavar (Ramanujar) guru periyanambigal, Buttar Vadakuthiruveethi pillai, Pillai Lokachariyar - Birth Place.
Kula sekara Alwar, Thondaradipodi Alwar, Soodikodutha Naachi Aandal, Thuluka Naachiyaar, Udayavar (Ramanujar) Thirupaan Alwar - Paramapatha Sthalam.

Moolavar:

Sri Ranganathan. Other names of their god is Periya perumal, Nam Perumal, Azagiya Manavalan. Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam facing south direction. Prathyaksham for Dharmavarma, Ravindharman, chandiran and Vibeerhanan.

Thayaar

Sri Ranga Nayaki (Ranga Nayakiyaar).

Utsavar

Namperumal.

Sannadhis:

Veli Aandal
Periyazhvar
Kanna peruman
Manavala Mamunigal
Alwargal
Naathamunigal
Aalavanthaar
Thiruvaranga perumalarayar
Amirtha kalasa Garudan
Thondaradipodi Alwar
Thiru Paan Alwar
Chakkarathalwar
Sriranga Naachiyaar
Ul Aandal
Metty Azhagiyasinger
Vedantha Desikar
Periya Garudan
Nammazhwar and
Danvanthari.

Mangalasasanam:

Except Mathirakavi Alwar, all the other eleven Alwars have done Mangalasasanam here.

Periyalwar - 31 Paasurams
Sri Andal - 10 Paasurams
Kulasekara Alwar - 31 Paasurams
Thirumazhisai Alwar - 14 Paasurams
Thondaradipodi Alwar - 55 Paasurams
Thirupaan Alwar - 10 Paasurams
Thirumangai Alwar - 72 Paasurams
Poigai Alwar - 1 Paasuram
Boothathalwar - 4 Paasurams
Pei Alwar - 2 Paasurams
Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams
Total - 246 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Chandira Pushkarani
Cauveri
Kollidam
Vedacchurangam.

Vimanam:

Pranavaakruthi. It took almost 7 and half years to build this huge vimanam (Gopuram). It is also called as "Raja Gopuram". This Raja Gopuram is 236 feet high with 13 Nilais (Partition) and 12 Kalasams at its top.

Sthala Puranam:

Once on the base of Himalaya, River Ganga, Cauvery, Yamuna and Saraswathi are playing in the sky one ghandharvan (person who belong to Deva logam) saw these rivers playing and worshipped them. Seeing this all the 4 river women started saying themselves that he worshipped them only. They started arguing on whom actually he worshipped. The arguement continued but didnt stop. Yamuna and Saraswathi stopped their quarrel. But to Ganga and Cauvery it continued. Finally, they both went to sriman Narayanan.

River Ganga told to Narayanan since she was originated from the feet of Narayanan, she is bigger and mightier than cauvery. Sriman Narayanan accepted it. But, cauvery doesnt accept it and she did tapas on Sriman Narayanan. Finally, Narayanan gave seva to her and told him that he will sleep on the bank of Cauvery and at that time, river Cauvery will be the garland (Maalai) in his chest, which will the better position than Ganga, who is found in his feet. This is the sthalapuranam said here.

Emperumaan gave the Vimaanam of Srirangam to Brahma Devan. Brahma Devan gave this to "Itsuvaghu" who is one of the King of Sooriya family. From Itsuvaghan to Lord Rama time, this Vimaan was worshipped and belonged to Ayodhya Kings.

Sri Ramar who took the avathaar as an ordinary human being, worshipped Sri Ranganathan, the god is also named as "Periya Perumal". After his pattabishekham (crowned as king), he gave the Thiru Aranga Vimaanam to King Vibeeshan, which belongs to Ayodhya Kings and their followers.

Coming along with the thiruvaranga temple vimaanam, he kept the vimaanam in the midst of Cauvery river to worship it. During the worship, Chozhan Dharmavarman and lots of Rishis also joined. After finishing all the poojas, tried to take the vimaanam along with him to Lanka, he was unable to take it and he could not even move.

At that time, Sri Aranganathan told since he had given varam to River Cauvery and since he has to purify her, he has to be all along the Cauvery River. And told that he will not be in a position to move from there. But on hearing this, King Vibeeshan became sad, for which Sri Aranganathan says that inspite of not coming to Lanka, but he will be facing the south direction of Lanka. This is the history explaination of Sri Rangam.

The position which Sri Ranganathar is found in this sthalam is one of the great thing that has to be explained.

In this sthalam, Aranganathan is found inside the Aranga Vimaanam, Keeping 5 headed Aadhi seshan as the bed, his legs stretched along the direction of the sun's upcoming side (East) direction from where the moon in the evening rises and Lord Yaman, who is the demon king and cool breeze and wind which are said to be found from the South direction are seen by Aranganathan and he sees Lanka. behind him, is Guberan (North Direction) and Selva Magal (Sri Lakshmi) are found. His right hand is kept under his head as a "Pillow" and the left hand is on his lap and it is pointed to his feet. This position explains to the world that all the Jeevathmas are finally getting terminated only in his feet.

Till now, if we stand at the top of Srirangam Temple Gopuram, we can find that the Eyes of Arangan as still seeing the south direction of Sri Lanka.

As the year go an history is said that Srirangam Gopuram and Sri Ranganathar got into the river and when Dharma Varman came along that side, a parrot came to him and told that the Gopuram is lost in the river and finally it is taken out from it is one of the story said here but not sure, how much true it is and since the parrot helped him to get out the temple, a mandapam for that parrot is build.

Srivilliputtur Pattarbiraan periyaalwar's daughter Sri Aandal, who sang Thiruppaavai and called as "Soodi Kodutha Sudar Oli", Kulasekara Alwar's daughter Cherar Vali, Nandha Chozhan's daughter Kamalavalli and Delhi Badhusa's daughter Thullaka Naachiyar all loved Sri Aranganathan and finally they got in to Sri Aranganathan's Body.

The temples outer walls are built by Thirumangai Alwar and Nandhavan (Park) was constructed by Thondar Adippodi Alwar.

In this sthalam, Mettu Azhagiya singar (Narasimar) Sannadhi is found and in front of it is found the 4 pillared mandapam (Nallu Kaal Mandapam). In this mandapam, Kambar explained for the first time, his great work "Kamba Ramayanam" and in that "Iranya Vadhai Padalam" is also included in that. (Iranyavadhan is the story about the killing of Iranyan by Lord Narasimha). But on hearing the inclusion of it, all the people around the Mandapam protested against it. At that time, a voice that belong to Lord Narasimha arised and it said there should be no Prostestation on that and he accepted the inclusion of it. It is also one of the said story here. No where is found a seperate sannadhi for Sri Dhanvanthri (doctor for god and God of medicine) in this temple.

Thiruppaan Alwar got his paramapadha mukthi (left his life and went to paramapadham) here.

Arayar seva, which is one of the type was created by Naadha muni in this sthalam. It is the type by which Naalayira Divya Pprabhandham is sung in a musical manner.

Krishna saynar, thulasi dhasar, Maadhavar had also sung songs on Sri Ranga nathar. Manavaala Maamuni did Kaalatshebham here. (Kaalatshebham means explaining some good things on the basis of god to everyone).

When explaining about Sri Ranganathar and the temple, one more special person has to explained and he is Sri Ramanujar.

Sri Ramanujar says that Gnanam is Arangan and Gnana Teacher is Arangan and the follower is also Arangan and the person who follows it as also Arangan. And finally on the command given by Arangan, he left the earth and terminated into Aranganathan. Eventhough his soul was out from the world, his body was still found inside a sannadhi. Inside it, he is sitting and his eyes are opened and he giving his blessings to the world.

The temple servers are applying a kind of Oil (thaylam) all along his body to protect it from not being destroyed. Like this same way, in Russia, Lenin's body and in Goa Saint Fransis Saviours bodies are also protected by applying proper oils.

Sri Ramanujar is given some names such as Udayavar Ramanujar, Yathirajar, Emperumaanar, when he was in Melkottai, Karnataka district, his bhakthas and relatives kept a statue like him to remember him and because of his memory. Its name is "Thamar Ugandha Thirumeni".

And then, he himself wanted to make a statue and ordered for it. Finally after seeing it, he gave the approval for it and its called as "Thaan Ugandha Thirumeni" and it is kept in Sri Perumbhutoor. (Thaney Aana Thirumeni).

All the devotees are said to wash their feets when going into the Sannadhi of Sri Ranganathar, because the artistic works on Sri Ramanujar are found in the floors here.

Sri Desikar sung a song on Sri Ranganathars Paadhukai (feet) and its called as "Paadhukasahesram". To appreciate this, he was given the name as "Kavitharkkitha simhan" by the God itself and as "Sarvathantira Swathanthar" by pirattiyaar.

Sri Rangam is more special like Paarkadal and Vaikundam. It is called as "Bhooloka Vaikundam".

gokulkr · January 6, 2009

Peyalwar

Thiru Myilai, which is one of the sthalam found in Thondai Naadu, is now called with the name "Mylapore" is said to be a place where lots of divine humans and people who spread the divinity are born and are said to be leading their lives.

Sri Aadhi Kesava Perumal temple is one of the famous temple found in Mylapore, has a small pond (where lots of different kinds of flowers are found). Likewise on Siddhartha year, Iyppasi month, Dhasami, Thursday in Sadhaya Natshatram (Star), Pei Alwar was born as a small child in one of the Alli flower, which is found in the pond. He is the Hamsam of one of the Panja Aayudham of Sriman Narayanan, the Sword (weapon of Sri Vishnu) which is called as "Nandhagam" in 7 A.D century.

gokulkr · January 7, 2009

<TABLE title="About 108 Divyadesams" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD vAlign=center>Thiru Evvul - Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, Tiruvallore

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple is situated in Tamil Nadu. 30 miles from chenni in North west direction, 3 miles away from Thiruvallore Railway Station, which is in between Chennai to Arakkonam Railway lane. Plenty of bus facility available.

Sthlapuranam :

A Rishi (Munivar) named Saalihothirar lived in Thiruvathari Ashram (Badrinath). There is a story to be expained how he got this name.

Saali means measurement instrument which is used to measure the weight (or) quantity of Rice. Saalihothirar's parents did a homam which has to be done for 1 year using 28 Thousand Saali Rice. As the result of that homam only, he got his birth and got the name as "Saalihothirar".

To get the Paramapadham, he came to this Veeksharanya Shetram to worship the God here. He came to the Kshetram on Thai Amaavasai. On the same day he came, he took bath in Hiruthaapanasana Theertham and on the north shore of this theertha, he started the silence fasting (mouna viratham) for one year. Daily he collected some rice and after a year of fasting, he purified it, he collected about 3 padis (a small quantity) of rice. Then he cooked that and some part of the rice is did Naivedhyam to God and after it is done, he kept the rest of the rice for himself to eat. He waited for some Adhithi (muni or rishi) to come, so that he can offer them something to eat and after that, he can finish the fasting.

At that time Sriman Narayanan came there as an old muni, keeping Kamandalam in this right hand and an umbrella in his left hand and chappel on his feet. He seems to be so hungry and thirsty and as if he has travelled a long way. On seeing him, Saalihothirar greeted him and made him to sit, facing East direction. He was offered only a quater part of the rice. But, the old muni (the Perumal) wanted all of the rice to eat.

Saalihothirar gave all of the food to the old muni. After eating the entire food, he asked where can he sleep? ( Evvullil Urangalam ) (Vul - means a place) For this, Saalihothirar asked him that he can sleep in his hut itself and he will do the Paadha seva to him. The old muni slept keeping his head along the south direction and it this Kidantha kolam the Emperumaan is giving his seva in this sthalam.

Since he asked Salihothirar muni that in which place (Vul) he can take rest, this sthalam is called "Evvulor" or "Thiru Evvuloor".

On collecting rice, everyday for one year and doing fasting and finally dedicated that to Sriman Narayanan, he asked for all the food for himself. On hearing this, he gave only some part and after the muni asked for all the food, he gave all the food to himself. This shows how he had Bhakthi on God and his followers. But he could not understand the Muni who had asked all of his food was Sriman Narayanan. But, Sriman Narayanan not only took the rice from him, but at the same time he took the bhakthi of Saalihothirar in his soul. He not only gave his food but also his place of stay. Sriman Narayanan wanted to explain how the Bhakthi towards him shold be through Salihotira muni, to the world.

Moolavar is Veera Raghava perumal, in Bhujanga Sayanam in Kidantha Kolam and his right hand is kept on the head of Saalihothira Muni. Naan Mugan, Brahma is shown the Paramathma Soroopam (One way of the showing his body (or) seva) and showing the Gnana Muthirai in his left hand as the symbol of Vedas. This is the way the Moolaar is gives the seva to the world.

The Perumal here is Veeraraghava Perumal and he is capable of curing diseases so he is called "Vaithiya Veeraraghavan".

The god married the Thaayar, who borned in this sthalam as the daughter of King Dharmasenan and was named as "Vasumathi".

This Sthalam is under the control of Ahobila Mutt Jeeyar.

Specials:

If we take bath in the Pushkarani fo this temple in Amavasai, it is said that diseases are cured. All Bakthas submit salt and Pepper as their dedication (Kananikkai) for god.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Veeraraghava Perumal also called as Vaithiya Veeraraghavan. Moolavar in sleeping position (Bujanga Sayanam) facing east direction.

Prakthyaksham for Salihothra Munivar.

Thaayar : Kanakavalli (Vasumathi thaayar). Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar.

Sannadhis:

Seperate sannadhis for Boopalarayar, Manavalan, Kannaki, Saligrama Moorthigal,Lakshmi Narasimar, Gajalakshmi Thaayar in pathuma peedam. Ramar, Venugopalar, Vedantha Desikar, Nammazhvar, Andal, Garudan, Thirukachinambigal and Vishwaksenar.

Mangalasasanam:

Thiru Mangai Alwar - 11 Paasurams.
Thirumazhisai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
Total - 12 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Hruthapapa Nasini, which is used to cure mental disease. It is said that if taken bath in this pushkarani cures all kind of diseases.

Vimanam:

Vijaya Kodi Vimanam.

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gokulkr · January 8, 2009

<table title="Images of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"> <tbody><tr height="25"><td title="Free Article, Religious Article" valign="middle">"In the month - I am Margazhi"

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Pictures of vishnu -->

The Yugam, in which presently we are living, is called as “Kali Yugam”. Other than this Kali Yugam, there are 3 Yugams that we have crossed and they are Kretha, Thretha and Dwapara Yugam. In all these 3 yugams, Sriman Narayanan has taken lots of Avatharams (incarnations) to protect the Dharmam against Adharmam (evil) and protect the life of his bhaktas.

The holy star Mrigaseersha combined with the Pournami thithi is the birth of the great Margazhi month. Among the 12 Tamil months, Margazhi brings the spring season.

The month of Margazhi which is supposed to be sacred from all aspects. Thus it's rendered to the god himself in aim of attaining prosperity and blessings, hoping god showers with all good luck. The very objective this month is to get together and offer the prayers, he will surely listens to it.

How to go about it?

Generally Brahma Muhurtham is considered to be good time perform pooja. Early morning on all 30 days Margazhi between 4.00 am to 6.00 am is beneficial for human being while the whole Margazhi the Brahma Muhurtham for DEVAS.

It is celebrated not only on Sri Vaishnavas and Saivas of Hindu religion but also Christians celebrate Margazhi. In this month, there are many programmes for SriVaishnavas in particular. On all the thirty days of this month, Tirupavai Pasurams will be rendered in the early morning in all temples and houses. Adhyayana Utsavam for 21 days (10+10+1) will also be held during this month by rendering holy scriptures (Four thousand Divya Prabhandam Pasurams) at 108 Divya Desam including Sri Rangam and many other Vaishnava Sthalams. The famous Vaikunda Ekadasi also will be celebrated in the early hours of the Tenth day of Adhyayana Utsavam the people will join with Lord in proceeding Symbolically to Swargham and on this Swargavasal will be opened in all temples. Lakhs of people gather on 3rd January 2004, the Vaikunta Ekadesi day in Sri Rangam, Tirupathi, Thiruvallikeni. Kanchi, Srivilliputhur, Brindavan and in many other temples. Saivites will celebrate Arudhara Dharshan. In Srivilliputhur, there will be "Piriya Vidai and Sri Andal Neerattu Utsavam" and followed by Sri Andal Thirukkalyanam on Bhogi Day".

The Proverb in Tamil says that "Thai Piranthal Vazhi Pirakkum". On completion of Margazhi and commencement of Thai, there would be better future and there is a way for happiness and good omens.

On Bhogi day, people not only cleans the houses, burn the old things but also purifies from bad things or situation by rendering prayers. Children also celebrate this month perhaps they enjoy holidays as Half yearly exams also conclude in this month only.

Elders and music lovers also visit to the Sabhas in the evening to listen music, attend dance programmes and other cultural activities throughout Margazhi. This month is familiarly known as Margazhi Maha Festival. All musicians, Vocalists and doyens of singers will gather together at Thiruvayaru and render Keerthanas of Sri Thiyagarajar. Doordarshan in All India Radio in is relaying this live. Thus, the New Year starts with the year ending in a Divine Manner.

In Tirumalai, only the sattrumarai pasurams used to be recited during the JEER SATTRUMARAI on all days and whereas at the time of commencement of Margasirsha, Margazhi month, entire Tiruppalli Ezhucchi and Tiruppavai will be rendered by Sri JEER Swami and all Sri Vaishnavites gather at Sri Varahar Sannadhi and Srivari Moolavar Sannadhi.

gokulkr · January 10, 2009

Sri Ramar, Vaduvoor

Vaduvur is a place situated between Thanjavur and Mannargudi, where water from lakes, ponds and canals are used for cultivating both wet and dry lands, which one can find in abundance. Apart from being fertile, this place is famous for Sri Kodhandarama temple. Here the main deity, Sri Kodandaramar along with Sri Seethapiratti, Lakshmanar and Hanuman appear in 'Thirukalyana kolam' and the special aspect is that utsavar also appears in the same state. The Aadhi Perumal in this place is Rukmani-Sathyabhama samedha Gopalan.

The other holy names for Vaduvur are Vagularanyam (magizhankadu), Bhaskara Kshetram and Dhakshina Ayodhi. Vagula maram (maghizha maram) is the sacred tree of this sthala.

History of Sri Kodandarama templue

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This place called Vaduvur was once donated to the vidhwans by the kings of Thanjavur on an Ekadasi day and hence it is also called as 'Ekadasi' village. There is an interesting story about how the Rukmani-Sathyabhama samedha Gopalan temple gave place to Sri Kodandarama temple.

When Rama spent 14 years in the forest and was preparing to leave for Ayodhya, the rishis prayed in earnest asking him to stay with them. The feeling of separation from His holy presence melted their hearts. Torn between duty and love, Rama sends them away for the time being and starts thinking about their request. Then he creates His enchanting divine form as an idol and leaves it outside the ashrama.

The rishis and the munipungars who came to see Rama and Seetha the next day were spellbound by the beautiful statue. They were fascinated by its magnificence and went inside the ashrama to repeat their entreaty to Rama. Rama asked them wheather they wanted Him or the statue placed at the threshold. The rishis, enamoured by the statue's beauty and still under its spell, told Him that they wanted the statue.

Rama, with a smile, agreed to their request and leaving the statue behind, left for Ayodhya. Later, the natives of Thirukannapuram brought the idol and established it in their village. Time passed by and later they themselves, during a certain period, took the Ramar statue and the statues of Seetha, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Hanuman themselves and made it to Thalai Gnayiru, a village near Thiruthuraipoondi and buried them under a tree.

Years rolled by and it was the time when king Sarfoji ruled Thanjavur. One day, Lord Rama appeared in the king's dream and told him to unearth the idols from Thalai Gnayiru. He asked the king to establish and worship the deities. The king woke up in a state of shock and later, with his entourage, went to Thalai Gnayiru, and unearthed the idols.

When the king and his entourage were preparing to leave, the natives of the place prevented the king from taking the idols. The king managed to convince them and as compensation left the statues of Bharatha and Lakshmana behind with them. He took possession of Rama, Seetha and Hanuman statues and on his way rested at Vaduvur.

The people of the village, known for their unity, came to know about the idols and pleaded with the king to establish the deities in their Rukmani-Sathyabhama samedha Gopalan temple. Initially, the king refused but when the villagers threatened to jump from the tower of the temple and commit suicide, he relented. He allowed them to establish the idols and since then Rama has been the main deity in the Gopalan temple.

Later, the statue of Lakshmana was also sculpted by the people of Vaduvur. It appeared like a woman and so the villagers established it as Sundari Amman and built a separate temple for Her. They sculpted the statue of Lakshmana again and today Rama with Seetha and Lakshmana stand majestically to bless the devotees.

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</td> </tr> </tbody></table> It is said Kanva Maharishi worshipped in this temple and was blessed with the darshan of Sri Kodandaramar. Likewise, Kulasekara Perumal also was blessed with the Lord's darshan. Of the two Vaishnava holy religious scriptures, Panjarathram and Vaikanasam, the former is followed in this temple.

Apart from this, there are beautiful turrets over the sanctums of Sri Kodandaramar and Sri Gopalan. The 'Mottai Gopuram' was rebuilt as a 61 feet, five-tier rajagopuram by Poovanur Sri Rasu Mudaliar.

Daily pooja like Viswaroopam, followed by Thiruvandhal, Kalasandhi, Uchikalam, Thirumaalai, Irakkalam, and Arthajamam are performed here. It is believed that worshipping Sri Kodandaramar in this temple relieves one from sufferings - both mental and physical.

gokulkr · January 12, 2009

Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

The First Upanishad

Bhagawan Narasimha who is partly human and partly lion shines as Parabrahma with Rutha (discipline of the visible world) and Sathya (basic truth). He appears with two colours viz. black and golden red. His nature is to go up and he has a very terrible and fearsome stare but he is a “Sankara” doing good to people. He is called “Neela Lohitha (He who is red and black)” because his neck is black and the top of it is red. In another of his aspects he is Umapathi (husband of Uma) and Pasupathi (Lord of all beings). He holds the bow called “Pinaka” and has great luster. He is the god of all knowledge. He is god of all beings. He is the Lord of all Vedas. He is the boss of Brahma and He is praised by Yajur Veda. One should know the praise of Sama Veda of him. Those who know that will attain the deathless state.

The Second Upanishad

Devas were afraid of death, sins and family life. They approached Praja Pathi. He told them about the Narasimha Mantra which was “the King of all Mantras” written in Anushtup meter. Because of this, they won victory over death. They won over all sins and also destroyed the problems of family life. So any of those who are afraid of death, sins and family life, should get themselves taught the “Narasimha Mantra” which is called “the King of Mantras” and which is written in anushtup meter. They all would win over death and win over sin as well problems due to family life.

The King of Mantras:

[The following is a simple translation of the King of Mantras of Lord Narasimha and what follows is an explanation and justification of each description.)

My salutations to That Nrusimha,

Who is fierce,

Who is heroic,

Who is Maha Vishnu,

Who is burning,

Who has faces every where,

Who is half Lion and half Man,

Who is fearful,

Who is safe,

Who is death and deathlessness.

He is called “Ugra [fierce]” because by his power He creates, looks after, destroys and elevates without break and also attracts all devas, all beings, all bhoothas Hey Lord Narasimha, you who is being praised by me, please give me perennial happiness even when I am in this body which is not permanent. Let your soldiers kill all my enemies who are different from me. 1

He is called “Veera [heroic]” because by his power He makes all worlds, all devas, all beings and all boothas play, and allow them to take rest and also creates, helps them grow and attracts without any break these worlds, devas, beings and boothas. He is behind every action, very capable, mountain like and one who fulfills the desires of devas. 2

He is “Maha Vishnu”, because he pervades in all the worlds and makes all the world pervade, similar to the fatty gum that spreads in all meat, from this side to that and also from other side to this side. There is nothing in the world that is not him. He is pervading in all things in the world. He is the leader of all souls. Worship of souls is His worship. He exists in all the three shining things viz. Moon, Sun and fire. 3

He is called “Jwalantham [burning]”, because he makes the entire world which includes all devas, all beings and all Bhoothas shine because of his luster and also shines in them and makes them release flames. He is the one who created the world and makes it rapidly multiply. He is the one who shines because of his own luster and also makes others shine. He spreads heat throughout the world and makes the world swelter. He spreads his rays everywhere and makes them release rays. He has a personality which causes only good. He gives only that which is good and he is good. 4

He is called “Sarvatho Mukham [having faces everywhere]” because he sees everywhere without having any organs, he is able to hear every thing, he is able to go every where, he is able to attract everything, and also because he is spread everywhere and exists every where. In the beginning he was alone and he has become all these things now. Those who rule over the world came from him. In the end everything goes back and merges in him. I salute him who has faces every where. 5

Among all animals the most fear some and also most special is the lion. That is why God of the Universe took birth as Narasimha. That deathless form became one which does good to the entire world. That is why he is called “Narasimham [half man and half lion]”. That Maha Vishnu who has this fearsome form does not cause fear among his devotees. He is being worshipped and praised by them. He is the one who travels all over earth and also one who lives on the mountain top. In his form of Trivikrama, he measured all the worlds in three steps. 6

He is called "Bheeshanam [fear full]” because all the crowds of devas, men and Bhoothas and all the worlds run away fearing Him; but he is not afraid of anything. The wind blows because it is afraid of Him. The Sun rises above because he is afraid of Him. It is because of fear for Him, that the God of fire, Indra and the God of death do their work. 7

He is called “Bhadram [safe]’ because he is good things personified, because he forever shines giving good things, because he makes others shine, because he is superior and because he does very good things. Hey Devas, we have to hear with our ears about this “Bhadram”. Hey, those of you who are fit to be worshipped, we have to see with our eyes that “Bhadram”. Let us live as much as the Gods live with healthy organs and healthy bodies praising and singing Him. 8

He is called “Mruthyu-Mruthyum [death and deathlessness]” because just by mere thought of His devotees, he destroys death and untimely death to them. He is one who gives the knowledge of the soul and also one who gives strength. All devas bow before Him and praise Him. Let us satisfy Him by offering Him “Havis-food” through the fire sacrifice because even his shadow is nectar and he is the death which destroys death. 9

He is worshipped by the chanting of “Namami [i salute him]”, because he is being worshipped by all devas, all those who have forsaken his world and all those who swear by Brahmam and also because the lord of the Vedas worship him telling these words. Indra, Mithra (Sun), Aryama and all other devas exist in him. 10

I was born before this world which is pretty and orderly. I existed even before the devas. I am the central power of that which never dies. He who gives me (in my form as food for people) in charity, becomes the one who protects the soul. If given without understanding this, I who am food, eat the one who eats. I am the one who becomes all the world and destroys it. My light is like that of a sun, who standing alone gives light to all the world. This Upanishad says that one who understands this attains salvation. 11

The Third Upanishad

The devas requested Brahma to teach them the power of Anushtup Mantra Raja (The king of Chants set to anushtup meter) and also its root. Brahma told them:

This illusion (Maya) which is the power of Narasimha (which is EEm) is the one which creates everything, protects them and destroys them. Therefore you have to realize that this illusion is the power. The one who understands the power of this illusion, he crosses all sins and also attains deathlessness. He enjoys the wealth with fame. The experts in Brahmam argue among themselves whether this is short, long or extra long (Pronunciation?). One who pronounces this with short ending, will burn away all sins and would attain deathlessness. He who pronounces this in long ending, would get wealth with fame and also attain deathlessness. He who pronounces it with extra long ending would attain ethereal knowledge and also deathlessness. What follows is the explanation given by sages:

“Oh power behind EEm who is the personification of the power of illusion, please protect us. Please bless us so that we are able to cross easily in a straight forward manner this sea of birth and death. People who know you, call you also as Sreedevi, Lakshmi, Parvathy, Bhoodevi (The Goddess of Earth), Sashti Devi, Sree Vidhya and Indra Sena. Requesting you to give me long life, I submit myself to you who is the mother of all Vedas.

All the beings and things in the world were produced from the sky (Ether). All living things were made from the sky. They live in the sky. They go towards the sky and enter and disappear there. So we have to understand that the sky is the root (The root word for the sky is Ham).”

The explanation given by sages are as follows:

“That root “Ham” is the Sun God traveling in the pure sky, in “Air” in the atmosphere, in “Fire” in fire sacrifices, and exists as “Guests” in homes. That is the only one thing which is with devas and also with men. It is the truth. It is that thing which is born out of sky, water, earth, sacrificial fire and mountains. This is the great truth. The Upanishad says that “only the one who knows this knows the secret implication of the mantra”.

Fourth Upanishad

The devas approached Brahma and asked him to teach them about the branch (part) mantras of the Narasimha Mantra Raja. Brahma told them that they should know that the Pranava, Savithri, Yajur Lakshmi and Narasimha Gayathri are the four parts (Branches) of Narasimha Mantra and also that any one who knows this attains deathlessness.

1. Pranavam is nothing but “Om”

2. The Savithri Mantra which protects those who chant it is told in Yajur Veda. It has spread throughout the world. The Savithri Ashtakshara (Eight letters) consists of the two letters “Gruni”, the three letters, “Soorya” and the three letters “Aadhithya”. This is a chant which increases your stature and your wealth. Great wealth will come in search of one who knows this.

3. The Yajur Mahalakshmi Mantra is “Om Bhoor Lakshmi, Bhuvar Lakshmi, Suva Kala Karni, Thanno Lakshmi Prachodayath”. This has 24 letters. All this universe is in the form of this Gayathri. So the one who knows this Yajur Maha Lakshmi Mantra, would enjoy great wealth with lot of fame.

4. The Narasimha Gayathri is, “Om Nrusimhaya Vidhmahe Vajra Nakhaya Deemahi. Thannah Simha Prachodayath”. This is the mantra in which all the Vedas and Devas reside. The one who knows this would be the one with whom the Devas and Vedas will live forever.

The devas approached Brahma and asked him, “By chanting which Mantra, God will take great mercy on us and give us a sight of His form. Please tell us about that.” Then Brahma told them as follows:

“Om, Um, Om. Yo Vai Nirusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Brahma Thasmai Vo Namo Namah. Om Kram Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha Vishnu Thasmai Vai Namo Nama. Om Veem Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha Maheswara Thasmai Vai Namo Nama.”

[The 32 gods to whom similar mantra has to be prayed with Um-kram-Veem-Ram are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara Purusha, Eashwara, Saraswathi, Sree Gowri, Prakuthi, Vidhya, Omkara, Ardha mathra, Vedhaa, Panchakhya, Saptha Vyahrudaya, Loka Pala, Vasava, Rudra, Aadhithya, Ashtou Gruha, Maha Bhootha, Kaala, Manu, Mruthyu, Yama, Kandhaka, Paraana, Soorya, Soma, Virat Purusha, and Jeeva and in the end chant “Om Ham, Om, Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Sarvam Tasmai Vai Namo Nama.”)

Brahma told, “If One who prays God daily using these 32 mantras, God will become greatly pleased and would appear personally. So to any one who prays Bhagawan Narasimha using these mantras, He would appear to him personally. That devotee would also see everything and attain deathlessness .Thus tells the great Upanishad.”

Fifth Upanishad

Devas approached Brahma and requested him, “Bhagawan, please tell us about the famous Chakra called Maha Chakra. The sages tell that ”It is supposed to fulfill all the wishes and is the gateway to salvation”.

Lord Brahma told them:

“Sudharshana (the holy wheel of Lord Vishnu) is that great Chakra. On its middle is written, the Taraka mantra (OM) and also the single letter of Narasimha (Kshroum), on its six petals of the Sudarshana six letters (Sahasrara Hum Phat) are written, on its eight petals the eight letters (Om Namo Narayanaya) are written, on its twelve petals is written the twelve holy letters (Om Namo Vasudevaya), on its sixteen petals, the mathruka (model) sixteen letters with their roots (Am Aam, Em, EEm…. Aha) is written and on its 32 petals are written the letters of the “Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja.” This is the Sudarshana Chakra, This fulfills all ones wishes and is the gateway of salvation. It is a form of Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Brahmam and Amrutha (nectar).

The one who daily chants this “Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja“ would be able to control fire, control wind, control Sun, control moon, control water, control all devas, control all planets and control poison.

Rig Veda tells us about this, “The devotees who practice this would be able to see Lord Vishnu in the ethereal sky, like an ordinary man is able to see the sun in the sky. The devotees who are Brahmins would be able to praise the lighted Vishnu’s form. The Upanishads tell that, this would be attained only by one who worships without any desire.”

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

Here ends the Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the Atharva-Veda.

gokulkr · January 13, 2009

Kanaka Dhara Stotra

Introduction

Adi Sankara was possibly one of the great saints of his time.He was born in a poor Brahmin family in Kerala. After brahmopadesa, as is usual during those times, he was asked to beg alms for his lunch. One day when he went to a Brahmin house, the lady of the house was so poor that she did not have anything to give him. She searched hard and found one small fruit of gooseberry, which she gave to Sankara the boy. He was so touched by her gesture that he sang these 21 mellifluous hymns on Goddess Lakshmi, who poured golden goose berries as rain to the poor woman’s house. Even today it is believed that poverty would be banished by singing this hymn.

1

Angam hare pulaka bhooshanamasrayanthi,

Bhringanga neva mukulabharanam thamalam,

Angikrithakhila vibhuthirapanga leela,

Mangalyadasthu mama mangala devathaya.

To the Hari who wears supreme happiness as Ornament,

The Goddess Lakshmi is attracted,

Like the black bees getting attracted,

To the unopened buds of black Tamala[1] tree,

Let her who is the Goddess of all good things,

Grant me a glance that will bring prosperity.

2

Mugdha muhurvidhadhadathi vadhane Murare,

Premathrapapranihithani gathagathani,

Mala dhrishotmadhukareeva maheth pale ya,

Sa ne sriyam dhisathu sagarasambhavaya.

Again and again return ,those glances,

Filled with hesitation and love,

Of her who is born to the ocean of milk,

To the face of Murari[2],

Like the honey bees to the pretty blue lotus,

And let those glances shower me with wealth.

3

Ameelithaksha madhigamya mudha Mukundam

Anandakandamanimeshamananga thanthram,

Akekara stiththa kaninika pashma nethram,

Bhoothyai bhavenmama bhjangasayananganaya.

With half closed eyes stares she on Mukunda[3],

Filled with happiness , shyness and the science of love,

On the ecstasy filled face with closed eyes of her Lord,

And let her , who is the wife of Him who sleeps on the snake,

Shower me with wealth.

4

Bahwanthare madhujitha srithakausthube ya,

Haravaleeva nari neela mayi vibhathi,

Kamapradha bhagavatho api kadaksha mala,

Kalyanamavahathu me kamalalayaya

He who has won over Madhu[4],

Wears the Kousthuba[5] as ornament,

And also the garland of glances, of blue Indraneela[6],

Filled with love to protect and grant wishes to Him,

Of her who lives on the lotus,

And let those also fall on me,

And grant me all that is good..

5

Kalambudhaalithorasi kaida bhare,

Dharaadhare sphurathi yaa thadinganeva,

Mathu samastha jagatham mahaneeya murthy,

Badrani me dhisathu bhargava nandanaya

Like the streak of lightning in black dark cloud,

She is shining on the dark , broad chest,

Of He who killed Kaidaba[7],

And let the eyes of the great mother of all universe,

Who is the daughter of Sage Bharghava[8],

Fallon me lightly and bring me prosperity.

6

Praptham padam pradhamatha khalu yat prabhavath,

Mangalyabhaji madhu madhini manamathena,

Mayyapadetha mathara meekshanardham,

Manthalasam cha makaralaya kanyakaya.

The God of love could only reach ,

The killer of Madhu[9],

Through the power of her kind glances,

Loaded with love and blessing

And let that side glance ,

Which is auspicious and indolent,

Fall on me.

7

Viswamarendra padhavee bramadhana dhaksham,

Ananda hethu radhikam madhu vishwoapi,

Eshanna sheedhathu mayi kshanameekshanartham,

Indhivarodhara sahodharamidhiraya

Capable of making one as king of Devas in this world,

Her side long glance of a moment,

Made Indra[10] regain his kingdom,

And is making Him who killed Madhu [11] supremely happy.

And let her with her blue lotus eyes glance me a little.

8

Ishta visishtamathayopi yaya dhayardhra,

Dhrishtya thravishta papadam sulabham labhanthe,

Hrishtim prahrushta kamlodhara deepthirishtam,

Pushtim krishishta mama pushkravishtaraya.

To her devotees and those who are great,

Grants she a place in heaven which is difficult to attain,

Just by a glance of her compassion filled eyes,

Let her sparkling eyes which are like the fully opened lotus,

Fall on me and grant me all my desires.

9

Dhadyaddhayanupavanopi dravinambhudaraam,

Asminna kinchina vihanga sisou vishanne,

Dhushkaramagarmmapaneeya chiraya dhooram,

Narayana pranayinee nayanambhuvaha.

Please send your mercy which is like wind,

And shower the rain of wealth on this parched land,,

And quench the thirst of this little chataka[12] bird,

And likewise ,drive away afar my load of sins,

Oh, darling of Narayana[13],

By the glance from your cloud like dark eyes.

10

Gheerdhevathethi garuda dwaja sundarithi,

Sakambhareethi sasi shekara vallebhethi,

Srishti sthithi pralaya kelishu samsthitha ya,

Thasyai namas thribhvanai ka guros tharunyai.

She is the goddess of Knowledge,

She is the darling of Him who has Garuda[14] as flag,

She is the power that causes of death at time of deluge,

And she is the wife of Him who has the crescent,

And she does the creation , upkeep and destruction at various times,

And my salutations to this lady who is worshipped by all the three worlds.

11

Sruthyai namosthu shubha karma phala prasoothyai,

Rathyai namosthu ramaneeya gunarnavayai,

Shakthyai namosthu satha pathra nikethanayai,

Pushtayi namosthu purushotthama vallabhayai.

Salutations to you as Vedas[15] which give rise to good actions,

Salutation to you as Rathi[16] for giving the most beautiful qualities,

Salutation to you as Shakthi[17] ,who lives in the hundred petalled lotus,

And salutations to you who is Goddess of plenty,

And is the consort of Purushottama[18].

12

Namosthu naleekha nibhananai,

Namosthu dhugdhogdhadhi janma bhoomayai,

Namosthu somamrutha sodharayai,

Namosthu narayana vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is as pretty.

As the lotus in full bloom,

Salutations to her who is born from ocean of milk,

Salutations to the sister of nectar and the moon,

Salutations to the consort of Narayana.

13

Namosthu hemambhuja peetikayai,

Namosthu bhoo mandala nayikayai,

Namosthu devathi dhaya prayai,

Namosthu Sarngayudha vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who has the golden lotus as seat,

Salutations to her who is the leader of the universe,

Salutations to her who showers mercy on devas,

And salutations to the consort of Him who has the bow called Saranga.

14

Namosthu devyai bhrugu nandanayai,

Namosthu vishnorurasi sthithayai,

Namosthu lakshmyai kamalalayai,

Namosthu dhamodhra vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is daughter of Bhrigu[19],

Salutations to her lives on the holy chest of Vishnu,

Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi who lives in a lotus,

And saluations to her who is the consort of Damodhara[20].

15

Namosthu Kanthyai kamalekshanayai,

Namosthu bhoothyai bhuvanaprasoothyai,

Namosthu devadhibhir archithayai,

Namosthu nandhathmaja vallabhayai.

Salutations to her who is light living in Lotus flower,

Salutations to her who is the earth and also mother of earth,

Salutations to her who is worshipped by Devas,

And salutations to her who is the consort of the son of Nanda[21].

16

Sampath karaani sakalendriya nandanani,

Samrajya dhana vibhavani saroruhakshi,

Twad vandanani dhuritha haranodhythani,

Mamev matharanisam kalayanthu manye.

Giver of wealth, giver of pleasures to all senses,

Giver of the right to rule kingdoms,

She who has lotus like eyes,

She to whom Salutations remove all miseries fast,

And my mother to you are my salutations.

17

Yath Kadaksha samupasana vidhi,

Sevakasya sakalartha sapadha,

Santhanodhi vachananga manasai,

Twaam murari hridayeswareem bhaje

He who worships your sidelong glances,

Is blessed by all known wealth and prosperity,

And so my salutations by word, thought and deed,

To the queen of the heart of my Lord Murari[22].

18

Sarasija nilaye saroja hasthe,

Dhavalathamamsuka gandha maya shobhe,

Bhagavathi hari vallabhe manogne,

Tribhuvana bhoothikari praseeda mahye

She who sits on the Lotus,

She who has lotus in her hands,

She who is dressed in dazzling white,

She who shines in garlands and sandal paste,

The Goddess who is the consort of Hari,

She who gladdens the mind,

And she who confers prosperity on the three worlds,

Be pleased to show compassion to me.

19

Dhiggasthibhi kanaka kumbha mukha vasrushta,

Sarvahini vimala charu jalaapluthangim,

Prathar namami jagathaam janani masesha,

Lokadhinatha grahini mamrithabhi puthreem.

Those eight elephants from all the diverse directions,

Pour from out from golden vessels,

The water from the Ganga[23] which flows in heaven,

For your holy purifying bath,

And my salutations in the morn to you ,

Who is the mother of all worlds,

Who is the house wife of the Lord of the worlds,

And who is the daughter of the ocean which gave nectar[24].

20

Kamale Kamalaksha vallabhe twam,

Karuna poora tharingithaira pangai,

Avalokaya mamakinchananam,

Prathamam pathamakrithrimam dhyaya

She who is the Lotus,

She who is the consort,

Of the Lord with Lotus like eyes,

She who has glances filled with mercy,

Please turn your glance on me,

Who is the poorest among the poor,

And first make me the vessel ,

To receive your pity and compassion.

21

Sthuvanthi ye sthuthibhirameeranwaham,

Thrayeemayim thribhuvanamatharam ramam,

Gunadhika guruthara bhagya bhagina,

Bhavanthi the bhuvi budha bhavithasayo.

He who recites these prayers daily,

On her who is personification of Vedas,

On her who is the mother of the three worlds,

On her who is Goddess Rema[25],

Will be blessed without doubt,

With all good graceful qualities,

With all the great fortunes that one can get,

And would live in the world,

With great recognition from even the learned.

[1] A forest tree

[2] The God who killed the asura called Mura i.e Lord Vishnu

[3] He who gives immortal bliss

[4] An Asura

[5] A garland wirn by Vishnu

[6] A precious blue stone

[7] An Asura

[8] One sage who did penance to have goddess Lakshmi as his daughter and succeeded.

[9] An asura

[10] King of Devas

[11] An Asura

[12] A mythical bird which is always thirsty.

[13] Name of Lord Vishnu

[14] A mythical eagle on which Lord Vishnu travels

[15] Holy books of Hindus

[16] Wife of the God of Love

[17] Goddess parvathy

[18] Greatest among men , a name of Lord Vishnu

[19] Another name for sage Bharghava referred earlier.

[20] He who was tied by a rope in the stomach –a name of Lord Krishna.

[21] Nanda Gopa the foster father of Lord Krishna

[22] He who killed the asura called Mura

[23] The holiest river for Hindus

[24] Goddess Lakshmi was supposed to have come out of the ocean of milk during churning .Nectar along with many things also came out similarly.

[25] A name of Goddess Lakshmi

gokulkr · January 14, 2009

Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad

Om ! Speech is rooted in my thought (mind) and my thought is rooted in my speech.

Be manifest, patent, to me; be ye two, for me, the lynch-pins of the Veda.

Let not Vedic lore desert me.

With this mastered lore, I join day with night.

I shall speak what is right; I shall speak what is true.

Let that protect me; let that protect the speaker.

Let that protect me.

Let that protect the speaker, protect the speaker !

Om ! Peace ! Peace ! Peace !

I-1: Then the Gods said to the Lord: Lord ! Expound for us the science of the Goddess of Prosperity.

I-2: The Lord, the primeval Narayana, replied: Be it so. With intent minds, all of you Gods, listen ! With the aid of the fifteen verses beginning with the verse ‘hiranyavarnam’ (of the hue of gold), etc., meditate on the four-armed Sri (the Goddess of Prosperity), whose form is that of the Fourth, who is beyond the Fourth, who is supreme over all, who is present in all consecrated seats, and who is encircled by the divinities of the seats, major and minor.

I-3: Now, the seers of the hymn on Sri consisting of fifteen verses are Ananda, Kardama, Chiklita and Indirasuta. Of the first verse, the seer is Sri. Of the (next) fourteen verses, the seers are Ananda etc. Of the first three verses, ‘hiranyavarnam’, etc., the metre is Anustubh. Of the verse ‘kamso’smi’, the metre is brihati, of the two others Tristubh (is the metre); of the next eight the metre is Anustubh. Of the remainder, the metre is Prastarapankti. The divinity is the Fire which is Sri. The seed is ‘hiranyavarnam’. The power is ‘kamso’smi’. The consecration of the limbs is (effected) with the words hiranmaya chandra rajatasraja hiranyasraja hiranya hiranyavarna, beginning with Om, ending with Namah (i.e. salutation), and having the nouns declined in the dative case. Next (follows) the consecration of the limbs with the triads of faces. With the verses of the Srisukta themselves consecrate, in order, the head, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the face, the neck, the two arms, the heart, the navel, the privies, the thighs, the knees and the shanks.

I-4: Seated in the spotless lotus

Coloured as its pollen heaps

Bearing in her lotus palms

Lotus pair and symbolled promise

Of fear dispelled and boons bestowed;

With jewelled crown and ornaments diverse

Wondrously adorned – Let Sri,

Mother of the world entire,

Promote our fortunes ever.

I-5: Her seat: With the goal kept in view, set down in the pericarp the seed-syllable’ of Sri; and in the eight-petalled, twelve-petalled, and sixteen-petalled lotuses, the half verses of the Srisukta (hymn on Sri); outside it (the sixteen-petalled lotus), (set down) the verse ‘yah sucih’, etc., together with the alphabet (from a to la); (and outside, and all around) set down the ‘seed-syllable’ of Sri. Also, draw the ten limbs of the diagram. Then invoke the Goddess Sri.

I-6: With the limbs (e.g. ‘SRAN salutation to the heart’), the first encasing (is accomplished); with Padma, etc., the second encasing; with the mantras of the Lords of the world, the third; with those of their weapons, the fourth encasing. With the hymn of Sri, invocations, etc., (must be made). Sixteen thousand utterances (of the hymn must be made).

I-7: Of the monosyllabic incantation of Rama, the Goddess of Prosperity, the seer, metre and deity are Bhrigu, Nicird-Gayatri and Sri. The power of the seed is SAM. The six limbs are SRIM, etc.

I-8: Abiding in the lotus, lotus-eyed,

Her home Sri Padmanabha’s breast;

Her hands of lotus pair uphold,

And surety of gifts and fear dissolved.

Shining like to burnished gold

Bathed in waters held in jars

By trunks of elephant pair agleam

Like white and spotless clouds;

Her crown with clustered gems bedecked

In silk exceeding pure enrobed

With sweet unguents anointed

May Sri our welfare still promote.

I-9: Her seat: The seat of Rama (the Goddess of Prosperity] consists of eight petals, three circles, divisions comprising twelve houses, and four sides. In the pericarp (are inscribed) the seed of Sri, keeping the goal in view. Worship the nine powers with the words ‘prosperity’, ‘elevation’, ‘glory’, ‘creation’, ‘honour’, ‘humility’, ‘individuality’, ‘upliftment’, and ‘welfare’ in the dative case, each having Om in the beginning and Namah (salutation) in the end.

I-10: The first encasing is done with the limbs; the second with Vasudeva, etc.; the third with Balaki, etc.; the fourth with Indra, etc. The utterance (of the incantation has to be repeated) twelve lakhs of times.

I-11: Sri Lakshmi, the giver of boons, the spouse of Vishnu, the donor of wealth, of golden form, is decked with a garland of gold, and a chaplet of silver. She has the sheen of gold, is in a fortress of gold, and dwells in the lotus. She holds a lotus in her hand and loves the lotus. The pearl adorns her. She is the moon-goddess and the sun-goddess, is fond of bilva leaves and is mighty. She is enjoyment, release, prosperity, increase, true increase, the ploughing (and the) development. She is the giver of wealth and the mistress of wealth. She is faith, rich in enjoyments, the giver of enjoyments, the upholder, the ordainer – these and similar terms in the dative case, with Om in the beginning and Namah in the end, are the mantras. The seat has eight limbs with the monosyllable inscribed on it. A lakh (in number) are the utterances (of the incantations). The proposition is (made with) a tenth (of the lakh). The oblation is (made with) a hundredth part. The gratification of the twice-born is (won with) a thousandth part.

I-12: Adeptship in the science of Sri is reserved for those who are free from desires; never for those who cherish desires.

II-1: Then the gods said to Him: Expound the principle indicated by the fourth (i.e. the final) Maya. ‘Be it so’, said He:

Yoga through yoga must be known;

From yoga, yoga does increase;

Who through yoga is ever alert,

That Yogin long delights therein.

II-2: Awake from sleep, eating but little

When food consumed is digested aright,

At ease be seated in a spot secluded,

Untroubled by pests, ever free of desire –

Such is effort. Else restrain the breath

And stray not from the path of practice.

II-3: Filling the mouth with breath, and in Fire’s seat

Drawing the down-breath, there arresting,

With fingers six of hands, from thumbs commencing

Stopping the ears, eyes and nostrils, too,

Yogins behold along this way

The inner light; their minds wrapt in the course

Of varied musings on the sacred Om.

II-4: Ears, mouth, eyes and nostrils must, perforce,

Be by yoga stopped;

Clear and flawless then is heard the note

In cleansed Susumna’s channel.

II-5: In Anahata, then,

Resonant with strange notes, a sound is heard.

Sacred becomes the yogin’s body; thus

With splendour filled and odour heavenly

He is ill no longer;

II-6: His heart is filled;

When heart-space resounds, a Yogin he

Becomes; snapping the second knot, flows

At once the breath to middle region.

II-7: Poised in lotus seat and others, too,

Firm established must the Yogin be.

The knot of Vishnu, then rent asunder

Delight wells up supreme.

II-8: Beyond Anahata, ‘the unstruck note’,

Rises the drum’s resounding sound;

With energy, piercing Rudra’s knot

The maddala’s note is heard.

II-9: The vital breath moves on to Largest Space,

The sure abode of all perfections; thence,

Ignoring mind’s delight, the breath pervades

All yogic seats.

II-10: Yoga achieved, the all-pervading sound

Tinkles and hence is ‘the tinkler’ styled.

Then, integrated, the mind is adored

Of sages like Sanaka and the rest.

II-11: Identifying the finite with the infinite,

The fragments with the Whole, one meditates

On the vast Source; thus fulfilment found

One immortal becomes.

II-12: Through unity with Self, prevent contact

With others; so too, through Self’s being

Oppose ought else’s self; thus, becoming

Truth supreme, of all dualities free,

Supreme is one for ever.

II-13: Renounce the sense of I; yea,

Of this world, of appearance so unlike.

Never again is sorrow for the sage,

Rooted in Truth transcendent.

II-14: Like salt in water melted and fused,

So self and mind in oneness are blended.

That concentration is styled.

II-15: Breath dwindles and mind dissolves

And Bliss homogeneous is found.

This is concentration.

II-16: Fusion of lower and higher selves

Free from all imaginings,

Is styled concentration.

II-17: Rid of the light of wakefulness,

And of the mind that dreams;

Rid of sleep that knows none other,

Free of all that causes pain;

Total void without reflections –

Such is concentration.

II-18: Through ceaseless concentrated sight

When thought of body there is nought;

Then unstirring Self is realized –

This, concentration is called.

II-19: Whithersoever the mind wanders

There, just there, is the prime abode;

There, just there, is supreme Brahman

That abides alike everywhere.

III-1: Next, the gods said to Him: Teach us how to discern the nine wheels. ‘Be it similarly’, said He: At the base is the wheel of Brahman shaped like a threefold circle of waves. In that root is a power. One should meditate on it in the form of fire. Just there is the seat in the form of desires; it yields the objects of all desires. Such is the basic wheel.

III-2: The second is the wheel of Svadhisthana; it has six petals. In the centre of it is a west-faced phallus. One should meditate on it as resembling a sprout of coral. Right there is the ‘seat of the girdle’, yielding the power to attract the world.

III-3: The third is the wheel of the navel, a wide whirlpool with a form crooked like a serpent’s. Meditate in its centre on the ‘serpent power’, effulgent like a crore of rising suns and resembling lightning. It has the power of competence and yields all perfections. It is the wheel (called) Manipuraka.

III-4: The wheel of the heart has eight petals and it faces below. In its centre, on the phallus of light, one should meditate. The symbol (of the divine Power), here, is the swan. She is beloved of all and enchants all the worlds.

III-5: The wheel of the throat (extends over) the breadth of four fingers. There on the left is Ida, the moon-nerve; on the right is Pingala, the sun-nerve. In its centre, on Susumna of fair colour, one should meditate. Who knows thus becomes the donor of the perfection of Anahata (‘the unstruck note’).

III-6: The wheel of the palate: There flows the immortal elixir; the image of the tiny bell is in the orifice whence is suspended ‘the royal tooth’ (the uvula) the tenth opening. One should meditate on the void there. The dissolution of the mind-stuff takes place.

III-7: The seventh, the wheel of the brow, is of the measure of the thumb. There, on the eye of knowledge, shaped like a tongue of flame, one should meditate. That is the root of the skull, the wheel of Ajna, the giver of power over words.

III-8: The Brahman-orifice is the wheel of nirvana. There should one meditate on the opening shaped like a thread of smoke, thinner than a needle. There is the seat of meshes, the yielder of release. Therefore, it is the wheel of supreme Brahman.

III-9: The ninth is the wheel of space. There is the lotus with sixteen petals, facing upwards. Its pericarp in the middle is shaped like the '‘riple peaks'’(the centre of the eyebrows). In its centre one should meditate on the upgoing power, the supreme void. There indeed is the seat of the ‘full mount’, the instrument of fulfilment of all desires.

III-10: Whoso constantly studies this Upanishad is purified by fire and by air; he comes in possession of all wealth, grains, good sons, wife, horses, lands, elephants, animals, she-buffaloes, female attendants, yoga, and knowledge. No more does he return. Such is the mystic doctrine.

Om ! Speech is rooted in my thought (mind) and my thought is rooted in my speech.

Be manifest, patent, to me; be ye two, for me, the lynch-pins of the Veda.

Let not Vedic lore desert me.

With this mastered lore, I join day with night.

I shall speak what is right; I shall speak what is true.

Let that protect me; let that protect the speaker.

Let that protect me.

Let that protect the speaker, protect the speaker !

Om ! Peace ! Peace ! Peace !

Here ends the Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad, included in the Rig-Veda.

gokulkr · January 15, 2009

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Vishwaroopa Dharshan means showing (or) exposing his original representation in a very big way. Sriman Narayanan has shown his Vishwaroopa Dharshan in various aspects of time to various people. As soon as we think of Vishwaroopa Dharshan, next second we will think of the great Dharshan of Sri Krishnar shown to Arjunan during the Mahabharatha war. Let us now know about this Vishwaroopa Dharshan shown by Sriman Narayanan and also some of the other Dharshans towards various persons.

The Great, Vishnu Puranam says that Sriman Narayanan is surrounding this entire world like water, air etc. What we see in this world is the reflection of Sri Vishnu. During the Avathaar of Narasimham, Sriman Narayanan shows his Dharshan as “Sri Narasimhar” to one of his great bhaktan, Prahaladhan. He gives his seva along with Sangu and Chakkaram.

Yet another great puranam, the Bhaghavatha puranam explains the greatness of Sri Krishnar as how he gave his Dharshan towards Gajendran, the elephant. Gajendran elephant used to dedicate a flower towards the divine feet of Sriman Narayanan and it did this activity as a daily practice. Likewise, one day a crocodile caught its leg in the pond where it used to pick the flower for Sri Vishnu. Gajendran raised its voice towards Sriman Narayanan as “Aadhi Moolamey” and seeked for help. As a flash, Sriman Narayanan in his Garuda Vahanam came there and killed the crocodile using his Chakkaram and helped the Gajendran. And finally he was blessed by Sriman Narayanan and got the Moksham (Heaven) and this activity is greatly explained as “Gajendra Moksham”. This action of Sri Vishnu clearly explains that his graceful hands will be extended not only for the humans but also for animals too.

During the time of Krishnavathar, Sri Krishnar showed his roopams and Dharshan to Various peoples. When he was born in the Prison, he showed is original roopam (as Sri Krishnar) who exactly he is to Vasudevar and Devaki. And in the time of Gurukshetra (Mahabharatha) war, he showed his roopam to all the Panja Pandavas.

After Karnan was killed by Arjunan, and as requested by Karnan, Sri Krishnar showed his Vishwaroopa Dharshan to him.

As explained in Bhagawad Gita, Sri Krishnar explained the Geethai and about Karma. During that time, Sri Krishnar showed his Vishwaroopa Dharshan to Arjuna and blessed him with his grace to win in the war. So, let us also dedicate our prayers and Bhakti towards Sriman Narayanan and get his grace to attain Salvation (or) Mukthi.

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gokulkr · January 16, 2009

Sri Hayagreevar, Chettipunyam

[url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rC0Yxr09sUc/R9fp5UyZXEI/AAAAAAAAByM/XImNj_IvpjI/s1600-h/09032008687.jpg"]Chettippunyam village is located about 30 kms from Tambaram on west of GST Road, after Singaperumal Koil.

Though the main deity of this temple is Sri Varadharaja Perumal, many people throng here to worship Sri Yoga Hayagreevar. One can see that the temple is always filled with school and college students coming here to worship Sri Yoga Hayagreevar, as He is the believed as the God for education, knowledge and wisdom.

It is said that, originally this temple had Sri Varadharaja Perumal only. Later during 1848, the idols of Sri Devanaadha Perumal and Sri Yoga Hayagreevar have been brought here from Thiruvaheendrapuram (near Cuddalore) to safe guard them from invaders.

Now, the main deity here is Sri Varadharaja Perumal and Goddess Sri Hemambuja Nayagi. The Urchavar of this temple is Sri Devanaadha Perumal. Sri Devanaadha Perumal is seen here with Prayoga Chakra on His right hand, which is a rare sight.

Usually Hayagreevar is seen along with Sri Lakshmi in many places. But here unusually, He is seen meditating in Yogic posture with his legs folded. Many students visit this temple praying for their good scores in examinations. One can see students coming here with their pens, pencils, hall tickets etc. keep them at the Lord’s feet before taking their exams.

Many of these students write their exam roll numbers and wishes to perform well all along the walls. Though the temple administration has announced on the walls, not to scribble on them, no one seems to respect that. Even such lines like “I want to get engineering seat” are seen in many places.

Dwajasthambha is made of stone here on which Sri Garuda is seen facing the Lord, towards the sanctum.

An Azhinjal tree is present at the northern side of the temple, where people tie a thread or a piece of cloth and pray the Lord for marriage, children and also to fare well in examinations.

A beautiful temple, especially granting wishes for students.

gokulkr · January 16, 2009

hi

i sometimes (even manytimes)feel alone. sometimes i cant coup with this modern world. even though i know everything is leela of narayana it soemtimes hard to bear. i feel everything giong against me (even though krishna tells everything is right). people who doesnt even respect Lord are going fine with them, whereas for me everything reverse. i dunno wat to do ? i want Lord narasimha/lord venkateswara to do something.

om namo narayanaya.

gokulkr · January 17, 2009

http://doddamallurtemple.net

gokulkr · January 21, 2009

Nrisimha Uttara Tapaniya Upanishad

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

First Chapter

Devas approached Lord Brahma and requested him, “Please teach us about the soul which is more minute than the atom and also about the letter “Om”. He said, “So be it” and what he said was:

“All this is the letter “Om”. What is past, what is present and what will be in future are its interpretations. All these are Om. All these are Brahmam. This soul also is Brahmam. Joining this Atma (soul) with the Brahmam called Om and joining together the Brahmam and the soul, and realizing that the birthless, deathless, nectar drenched and fearless Brahmam is nothing but the Om, and then putting together the three types of bodies and all these in to it and then making it our own so as to become one with that and then destroy it. Continue to meditate that Om which is the soul with the three types of bodies and also the Parabrahmam with three types of bodies. This soul which is gross and enjoys mega pleasures, which is also very minute and enjoys even the minutest pleasures and which becomes united and enjoys the pleasures of happiness, has four legs (branches).

When it is awake its feelings are gross. It enjoys gross feelings with its seven organs and 19 faces (ten sense organs, five pranas, mind, brain, sensibility and ego). Its name is,Chaturathma Viswan (on the whole) and Vaisvanaran (partly). This is its first leg.

In the state of dream, its feelings are very minute. It will enjoy this minute sense with its seven organs and nineteen faces. Its name is Chaturathma Thaijasan (on the whole) and also Hiranygarbhan (partly). This is its second leg.

Where there is no desire and also where there are no dreams, that state is called Sushupthi. In that state, one is single, personification of knowledge, having an endless form, one who enjoys happiness and steadfastly concentrates only on knowledge. His name is Chaturathma Pragnan (knower). This is the third leg (aspect). He alone is Lord of all beings, one who knows everything, one who resides in everything, one who is the root cause of everything and one where all beings which were born meet their end. These three involving Sushupthi and Swapna are only illusions. Soul is the only form which is real.

The fourth feet (aspect) of this four fold soul is Thureeya. It is something which make all others act, something which is within everything and it is the active essence beyond Jagrat (awakening), Sushupthi (sleep) and Swapna(dream). Something about it is as follows: It is without macro consciousness. It is without micro consciousness. It is without medium consciousness. It is the personification of consciousness. It is not something immobile and it is not immobile consciousness. It cannot be seen. It cannot be described. It cannot be understood. It is something without any identification. It is something which is unimaginable. It is something which cannot be pointed out. It is something which can be perceived only with the firm belief that there is only one soul. It is that aspect of Pancha Boothas (Five elements viz earth, air, fire, water and ether), where the entire universe is crashed in. It is considered as the fourth state after Shiva (peace), Santha (inner peace without any negative activity), and Advaita (the concept of non dualism). It is the soul. It is that thing which has to be understood. It is that aspect of God, which is the knowledge beyond all knowledge and is called Thuriya Thuriyam.

Second Chapter

The four branches of Brahmam, which is Shining well, is full of same essence of happiness, is never aging, is never dying, is full of nectar and which is providing protection, should be matched with the four letters (branches) of Om. The one who knows, that the Chaturathma Viswan (on the whole) and Vaiswanaran (partly) who are awake and have similarity to the four formed Aakara (letter Aa), are spread inside everything in the form of Sthoola (macro), Sookshma (micro), Bheeja (root) and Sakshi (witness) and are the first of everything, would realize all his wishes. He would be the first among every one.

The Chaturathma Thaijasan (on the whole) and Hiranya Garbhan (partly) who exist in the state of dreams are similar to the four formed letter Uu. This Uu has the form of gross, micro, root and witness. Because of its greatness and because of its double relation, the one who knows this through gross, micro, root and witness aspects would increase the tide of knowledge. He would possess equanimity along with pleasure and pain.

The Chaturathma Pragnan (on the whole) and Easwaran (partly), who are in the state of sleep, are similar to the four formed letter Ma. This letter Ma also has the forms of gross, micro, root and witness. The one who knows this in its aspect of its measurability and its capacity to hide it in itself by macro, micro, root and witness properties, would be able to measure the entire world by his wisdom and would be able to hide everything within himself.

Like this we have to pray on the stages of wakefulness, sleep and dream by the Aa, Uu, and Ma letters of Om. The fourth letter is the one which has within itself the Easwara. It is that which can rule by itself, it is itself Easwara and it has a self glitter. This soul which is the fourth, exists as known and unknown among all beings. Its light is like the Kalagni Surya (sun who is like a fire causing death) at the time of the final deluge. It gives to all, itself as soul and would make everything in to itself. Like the Sun which swallows darkness, this soul which is the unified power, exists like fire which remains detached after burning the fuel, beyond word and mind and has a holy divine form and is the Thuriya. This is the Om. It is within everything which has a name and form, and is the knowledge and the knower. Because it exists as Thuriya and has a divine form and is within everything as knowledge and the knower and is detached and formless, there are no differences within it. And so the teaching regarding this is as follows:

Because it is without syllable, it is peace (Shiva), it is the place where universe meets the end, it is indescribable, it has a non dualistic form and is placed in the fourth position, and it is “Om” itself. The soul, who understands this in this manner, would attain the soul himself.

This valorous hero would understand Thuriya using the Narsaimha Anushtup Mantra Raja. This would make the soul shine. He should deeply meditate on Brahmam as something which would destroy everything, which cannot be conquered by any one, which is everywhere, which shines for ever, which is devoid of ignorance, which is able to cut off his own bondage, which is non dual, which is personification of happiness, which is the basis for everything, which exists for ever and which is one without ignorance, passion and base qualities.

Third Chapter

Meditate deeply on Pranava (Om) in the form of Chidagni (The fire within) which is in Agni Mandala (Orbit of fire) of the Mooladhara, in the Maha Peeta (consisting of 4, 7 and 32 petal lotus) with its family of four worlds (Earth, atmosphere, heavens and moon world) and seven souls (Loka-Veda-Devatha-Gana-Chanda-Agni-Vyahruthi). Then meditate on letter Aa which is the Chaturathma (4 souls) and the Sapthathma (seven souls) as Brahma in the belly (Mani Pooraka), on letter Uu as Vishnu in the heart (Aanahatha), on letter Ma as Rudra in the middle of eyelids (Aagna), on the dot which is the happy nectar form of the soul of Omkara (Sound of Om) in Dwadasantha (just above the eyes) and the soul (Athma) in the form of sound in Shodasantha. Thus after worshipping with nectar (Ananda Amrutha) the four fold Brahmas (Devatha, Teacher, Mantra and the soul), Vishnu, Rudra separately and then together in the form of Linga with offerings and then unifying the linga forms in the Atma Jyothi (Light of the soul) and filling up the macro, micro and causal bodies with this light, we have to unify Atma Jyothi which is their basis with macro, micro, root and witness properties. Afterwards adjust the very gross Virat form in the very micro Hiranyagarbha form, and this micro form in the great causal Iswara form and after arranging the mantras similarly, and meditating on “Otha-Anuj-Jnathru-Anugna-Avikalpa” stages, and merging all this in to the Omkara (sound of Om) in Thuriya, we have to reach the Nirvikalpa Paramathma (formless great truth).

Fourth Chapter

Thus the soul should be meditated upon nine times as the Omkara form of Para Brahma with thuriya pranava sound. Using anushtup mantra as the ever happy full Atma starting with the chants “Om Ugram, Sachidananda Poorna-Prathyag-Sadathmanam, Nrusimham Pramathmanam Param Brahma Chinthayami” and ending with “Om Mruthyum Mruthyum….”. Then the same prayer nine times with Chidathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Then the same prayer 9 times with Anandathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Then the same prayer 9 times with Poornathmanam instead of Sadathmanam and again the same prayer with Pratyagathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Meditating well on the five forms of Sath, Chit, Ananda, Poorna and Atma and pray with the Navathmaka mantras and then meditate on the soul using “Aham (self)”, then salute and then unite yourself with Brahmam. [Example for mantras of Namaskara (saluting) “Om Ugram Sachidananda Poorna Prathyag Sadathmanam (substitute Chidathmanam etc) Nrusimham Paramathmanam Param Brahma Aham Namami.”]

The other alternative is to pray Lord Narasimha using the Anushtup Mantra. He (Narasimha) who is God exists as a human being and also as soul of every one for all times and every where, and also as one who destroys attachments and also as God of the universe. He is the soul of Thuriya. Believing he is yourself, the one who practices yoga should meditate on the Omkara Brahmam.

He is the great sage who serves God, who establishes the lion with its fame, after mutually attracting Viswa, Thaijasa and Pragna who are like the sons of Atma with Pranava which has been pointed out as the bull of Vedas, after making them without separate identity and finishing them in Sakshi Chaithanya and afterwards kill the darkness of ignorance using the fame of the lion.

That devotee who after saluting Virat, Hiranya Garbha and Easwara who have been joined in the horns of Pranava and uniting them in the same Paramatma principle and then saluting Narasimha as described above and make him personally present by methods like Ugra (Very angry) and Veera (great hero), would exist in the form similar to Narasimha.

Fifth Chapter

That type of practitioner would not have any desire towards worldly things, would have all his earlier desires fulfilled and would have desire only on Atma (soul). His Pranas (soul spirits) do not start and go any where and would attain their ultimate here itself in Brahmam. He exists as Brahmam and attains Brahmam. He who worships the exalted Atma in Omkara (the letter Om), attains Brahmam in the form of Narasimham.

He who meditates and venerates the ultimate God in the form of Aa, Uu and Ma, which is incomparable, which is the holy spirit, which sees every thing, which is the witness of everything, which swallows everything, which is the darling of every body, which is prior to everything and which makes everything else shine, would understand and know Para Brahma. One who knows like that would shine as God Para Brahma Narasimha.

Sixth Chapter

Devas wanted to understand this Atma (soul). The Asura qualities caught hold of them. To get rid of that effect, they worshipped Narasimha who is the Thuriya soul which is in the summit of Omkara using the Anushtup Mantra. Then the sin like Asura qualities itself became the great light of wisdom which is the prime happiness (like poison becoming medicine). Those devas became mentally calm, having their sensory organs under control, became those who were not attracted by worldly desires, became those having patience, became those whose conduct became stable, became those who were attracted by the Atma, became those who were having playfulness, unity and happiness, and became those who realized that “Om” is “light of Atma which is Para Brahmam”, and felt that all other places are empty and merged in to the “Om”. So the practitioner should do penance like devas, stabilize his mind in the Omkara Para Brahmam, and would make other people see his Atma as Para Brahmam. There is a holy stanza about this viz. “After meditating on the horns which are the different parts of Pranava and further meditating on the Thuriya Paramatma which is a horn but not a part, add the Nrusimha Raja Mantra to the different parts of Pranava." The three types of Devas(Sathvika, Rajasa and Thamasa) serve the pranava in which, the first two letters (Aa and Uu) are merged and fixed in the third letter Ma and make themselves exalted.

Seventh Chapter

Adding the first half of the Uu with the letter Aa, and making it as the form of Lord Narasimha, and then using the second half of letter Uu on Narasimha Brahma because it is macro, because it is shining, because it is famous, because it is Mahadeva (great God), because he is Maheswara (Greatest God), because it is the best Sathva (sathvic quality), because it is the greatest wisdom, because it is the greatest happiness, and because it is the greatest lord, then unite it with soul which is the meaning of the letter Ma. One who knows this, would be without a body, without sensory organs, without soul, without ignorance, with the form of Sat Chit Ananda (ever lasting bliss) and would become as one who attained salvation (one who attains Swarajya).

Therefore one has to meditate on Para Brahma with the letter Aa, cross the mind with letter Ma and search for that state where one is the witness of the mind. When one pushes out everything, then everything enters in and when he attains awakening of wisdom, then everything rises from him. Thus if one meditates, catch it, set fire and swallow, he would become Narasimha who is of the form of Atma and would establish himself in his own power. There is a holy stanza about this. Its meaning is like this: Join Aa the first letter of Pranava, with the first part of its second letter Uu, and join these together with letter Ma and merge it with Thuriya Brahma which is the meaning of Pranava and is a witness beyond the states of waking sleep and dream.

Eighth Chapter

His soul is woven completely from side to side with thuriya. This with its Narasimha form, and in which every thing pervades and which is the soul of everything, contains everything. This is the secret and is without form or seed. This soul is non dualistic and without form or seed. The word “Om” is non dualistic and is full of wisdom. (Narasimha, the soul of thuriya and the meaning of Omkara are all the same. They swallow everything). This is the unique body of Parameshwara (lord of every thing). This is without form or seed. This which does not have any form or seed, does not have differences within. The one who thinks that there is difference between them, breaks into hundred pieces and breaks in to thousand pieces and attains death from death. This is without a two, self resplendent and great joy. That soul is the ultimate support. It is Brahmam. Brahmam is the ultimate support. The one who knows this becomes Brahmam which is the ultimate support.

Ninth Chapter

Devas approached Prajapathi and requested him, “Oh God, please tell us about the Omkaratma (the letter Om which is the soul). He agreed and told them:

Atma stands behind and observes and is with you as a witness. It is lion, a form beyond thought, a form without feelings and something which can be attained from every where. There is nothing second to it, which is separate from that. It is the Atma which is ready everywhere. Due to the illusion this Atma appears as something different. From Pragna, due to the cover of ignorance, the world is produced. For the living being, Atma is the resplendent Paramatma. Because the sensory organs are not able to feel it, it is not known, even when it is known.

Prajapathi told devas, “see that Atma which is resplendent and without second, which is before you, as, “I am it and it is me”. Has it been seen?”

Devas replied, “Yes, it has been seen. It is beyond things which are known and things which are not known. Where has illusion gone now? How did illusion disappear?”

Prajapathi told them, “It is not surprising that the illusion has disappeared. Because you are all people with a wonderful form. There is nothing surprising even in that. That form of the soul is natural to you all. Understand that is the form of “Om”. You now tell me what you have understood.”

They said, “it appears as if we have understood it and also appears as if that we have not understood it. It also appears as if it is beyond all description”.

Prajapathi told them, “You have now got the knowledge about the soul”.

They told him, “Oh, God, we are seeing it but we are not seeing it, like we see other things. We do not have capacity to describe it. Oh, God salutations to you. Please shower your grace on us.”

Prajapathi told them, “If you want to know any thing more, please ask me. Ask without fear.”

They told, “This knowledge about the soul is a great blessing. Our salutations to you.”

Thus Prajapathi taught them. There is a stanza about it: “Understand that Atma which is spread everywhere by the practice of Om. Understand that, the Atma which does not have any thing which is different and which is in you as the knower, is very much within you. After understanding that stabilize there, as a witness who advises".

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

Here ends the Nrisimha Uttara Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the Atharva-Veda.

gokulkr · January 21, 2009

Sri Mantrarajapada Stotra - Eshwara Samhita

http://vangeepuram.com/Mantra_Eng.pdf

gokulkr · January 22, 2009

Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stotram

[The debt could be explained also as the debt of Karma, which we have to get rid off to attain salvation.]

Deva karya sidhyartham, sabha sthambha samudbhavam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 1

For the purpose of completion of the need of the devas,

You appeared from a pillar in a palace,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Lakshmyalingitha vamangam, bhakthanaam vara dayakam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 2

Goddess Lakshmi embraces your left side,

And you give boons to your devotees,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Aantramaladaram, sankha charabjayudha darinam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 3

God who wears the inner part of your enemy as garland,

God who holds conch wheel, lotus and other weapons,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts

Smaranath sarva papagnam, khadruja visha nasanam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 4

God whose very thought kills all sins,

God who destroys poison of all snakes,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Simhanadenaahath, digdanthi bhayanasanam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 5

God of a terrible lion like roar,

Who removes fear of elephants, which guard all directions,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Prahlada varadam, srresam, daithyeswara vidharinam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 6

God who was kind to Prahlada,

The lord of Lakshmi and he who ripped apart the king of demons,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts

Krooragrahai peedithanam bhakthanam abhaya pradham,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 7

God who gives freedom from fear to devotes,

Who are being troubled by cruel planets,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Veda vedantha yagnesam, brahma rudradhi vandhitham,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 8

God who is the lord of Vedas, Vedanta and sacrifices,

Who is worshipped by Brahma, Rudra and others,

Oh Narasimha, who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Ya idam padathe nithyam, runa mochana samgnakam,

Anruni jayathe sathyo, danam seegramavapnuyath. 9

He who reads daily this prayer for getting rid of debts,

Would surely become debtless and would soon earn lot of money.

gokulkr · January 26, 2009

Venkateswara Suprabhatam

(Sanskrit with English Translations)

kausalyaa suprajaa raama poorvaa saMdhyaa pravartatE

utthishTha nara Saardoola kartavyaM daivamaahnikaM (Twice)

O Rama, son of Kausalya and dearest to the people. The dawn before sunrise is on its way. Rise, O Tiger amonst humans. Your divine duties beckon you.

utthishThOtthishTha gOviMda utthishTha garuDa dhvaja

utthishTa kamalaa kaaMtaa trailOkyaM maMgaLaM kuru (Twice)

O Govinda, who has Garuda on his dhvaja sthambha, lord of the lotus eyed Lakshmi! Please wake to bless the three worlds for happiness and prosperity.

maata ssamasta jagataaM madhukaiTabhaarEh

vakshO vihAriNi manOhara divya moortE

Sree svaamini Srita jana priya daana SeelE

Sree vEMkaTESa dayitE tava suprabhaataM

O Lakshmi, mother of the entire universe, residing always in the heart of Sri Vishnu, the enemy of Madhu and Kaitabha; O pleasant one! dear consort of Vishnu,fulfiller of the wishes of people comming to you, good morning to you!

tava suprabhaata maraviMda lOchanE

bhavatu prasanna mukha caMdra maMDalE

vidhi SaMkarEMdra vanitaabhirarcitE

vRsha Saila naatha dayitE dayaanidhE

O lotus eyed godess, yours is a pleasent moonlike face. You are worshipped by the wives of Brahma, Shiva and Indra. You are full of love and affection. You are the beloved wife of Vishnu who is the lord of Vrishachala. O mother, good morning to you.

atryaadi sapta Rshaya ssamupaasya saMdhyaaM

aakaaSa siMdhu kamalaani manOharaaNi

aadaaya paada yuga marchayituM prapannaah

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

Having worshipped the morning twilight and said their morning prayers, called sandhyavandana, the seven sages like Atri, bringing the beautiful lotuses from the divine Ganges, have arrived to worship Thy feet. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

paMchaana naabjabhava shaNmukha vaasavaadyaah

traivikramaadi caritaM vibudhaa stuvaMti

bhaashaapatih paThati vaasara Suddhi maaraat

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The Gods, like the five-headed Brahma, the lotus-born Subrahmanya, and the six-headed Indra are praising the deeds of your incarnations as the Trivikramavatara. Nearby is Brhaspati who is reading out the planetary position (called Panchangam) of the day. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

eeshat praphulla saraseeruha naarikELa

phoogadrumaadi sumanOhara paalikaanaaM

aavaati maMda manila ssaha divya gaMdhaih

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The breeze, carrying the wonderful fragrance of the partly-opened lotuses, and the beautiful trees like the Areca and Coconut, is blowing gently. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

unmeelya nEtrayuga muttama paMjarasthaah

paatraa vaSishTa kadaLee phala paayasaani

bhuktvaa saleela matha kELi Sukaah paThaMti

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The parrots in their cages are opening their eyes, and graciously singing, after eating the remains of the plantain fruits and the payasam in the vessels. Lord Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

taMtree prakarsha madhura svanayaa vipaMcyaa

gaayatyanaMta caritaM tava naaradOpi

bhaashaa samagrama sakRt kara saara ramyaM

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The sage, Narada, is playing sweet music with his veena, and, in fine language, is singing praises of Thy endless deeds, gracefully waving his other hand. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

bhRMgaavaLeecha makaraMda rasaanu viddha

jhaMkaara geeta ninadai ssaha sEvanAyA

niryaatyupaaMta sarasee kamalOdarEbhyah

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The humming swarm of bees are sucking honey and emerging from the interiors of the lotuses of the adjoining pools, in order to serve Thee. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

yOshA gaNEna vara dadhni vimathya maanE

ghOshAlayEshu dadhi maMthana teevraghOshaah

rOshaatkaliM vidadhatE kakubhaScha kuMbhaah

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

While the womenfolk of the hamlet of cowherds churn the curds, the loud sounds and echoes emanating from the pots seems like as if the pots and the eight directions are quarrelling. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

padmESa mitra Satapatra gataaLi vargaah

hartuM SriyaM kuvalayasya nijaaMga lakshmyaa

bhEree ninaada miva bibhrati teevra naadaM

SEshaadri SEkhara vibhO tava suprabhaataM

The swarm of bees in the lotuses are friends of the sun, and are making lound sounds with a view to surpassing the splendour of the lustrous blue lotuses. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

SreemannabheeshTa varadaakhila lOka baMdhO

Sree Sreenivaasa jagadEka dayaika siMdhO

Sree dEvataagRha bhujaaMtara divya moortE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

One with Lakshmi! One who grants boons! Friend of all the worlds! Abode of Sri Lakshmi! The matchless ocean of compassion! One having a charming form on account of the chest which is the abode of Sri Lakshmi! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

Sree svaami pushkariNikaaplava nirmalaaMgaah

SrEyOrthinO hara viriMchi sanaMda naadyaah

dvaarE vasaMti vara vEtra hatOttamaaMgaah

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Brahma, Shiva, Sanandana and several others have bathed in purified water. They are at your doorstep eager to see you, for their own well-being, though they have been hit with canes by your gods. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

Sree SEshaSaila garuDaachala vEMkaTaadri

naaraayaNaadri vRshabhaadri vRshaadri mukhyaaM

aakhyaaM tvadeeya vasatE raniSaM vadaMti

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Lord of Venkatachala! Thy abode is always called by several names, such as Sri Sesasaila, Garudachala, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrsabhadri, Vrsadri. May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

sEvaaparaa Siva surESa kRSaanu dharma

rakshOMbu naatha pavamaana dhanaadi naathaah

baddhaaMjali pravilasa nija Seersha dESaah

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Siva, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairuti, Varuna, Vayu and Kubera, with folded hands placed on their heads, are desirous of offering service to thee. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

dhaaTeeshutE vihagaraaja mRgaadhiraaja

naagaadhiraaja gajaraaja hayaadhiraajaah

svasvaadhikaara mahimaadika marthayaMtE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

The modes of Thy conveyance – Garuda, the Lord of Birds, the Lion, Lord of Animals, Adisesa, the Lord of Serpents, Airavata, the Lord of Elephants and Uccaissravas, the Lord of Horses - are begging Thee to grant them their respective authority and power to serve Thee better, on Thy pleasure trips. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

sooryEMdu bhauma budha vaakpati kaavya Soori

svarbhaanu kEtu divishat parishat pradhaanaah

tvaddaasa daasa charamaavadhi daasa daasaah

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

The main deities of the Assembly of Gods – the nine planets - the Sun, the Moon, Mars (Angaraka), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brhaspati), Venus (Sukra), Saturn (Sani), Rahu and Ketu are happy to serve even your servants and remain most obedient to Thee. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

tvatpaada dhooLi bharita sphuritOttamaaMgaah

svargaapa varga nirapEksha nijaaMtaraMgaah

kalpaagamaa kalanayaa kulataaM labhaMtE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Lord of Venkatachala! Thy devotees, whose heads are sanctified by the dust of Thy feet, being in Thy presence, do not desire Heaven or Liberation, but are worried that another kalpa will start, when there will be no such glory to Venkatachala!

Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

tvadgOpuraagra SikharaaNi nireekshamaaNaah

svargaapavarga padaveeM paramaaM SrayaMtah

martyaa mnushya bhuvanE mati maaSrayaMtE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

On seeing the crests of Thy temple tower, the mortals, who are attempting to attain the exalted paths of Heaven and Liberation, feel like living on in the mortal world, as it gives them the opportunity of worshipping Thee. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

Sree bhoomi naayaka dayaadi guNaamRtaabdhE

dEvaadi dEva jagadEka SaraNya moortE

SreemannanaMta garuDaadibhi rarchitaaMghrE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Lord of Sridevi and Bhudevi! The ocean of nectar of compassion and other virtues! The chief of the Gods! The sole refuge of the Universe! The possessor of Sri (wealth)! One whose feet are worshipped by Ananta and Garuda! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

Sree padmanaabha purushOttama vaasudEva

vaikuMTha maadhava janaardana chakrapaaNE

Sree vatsa chihna SaraNaagata paarijaata

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Padmanabha! Purushottama! Vasudeva! Vaikunta! Madhava! Janardana! Chakrapani! Bearer of the mole Srivatsa! Celestial tree (parijata) under whom refuge is sought! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

kaMdarpa darpa hara suMdara divya moortE

kaaMtaa kuchaaMburuha kuTmala lOla dRshTE

kalyaaNa nirmala guNaakara divya keertE

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Bearer of the charming and divine form surpassing the pride of Cupid (Manmatha)! One whose sight is fondly centred on the lotus bud like breasts of His beloved! The abode of auspicious and pure virtues! The possessor of Divine fame! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

meenaakRtE kamaTha kOla nRsiMha varNin

svaamin paraSvatha tapOdhana raamachaMdra

SEshaaMSa raama yadunaMdana kalki roopa

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Lord in ten incarnations of Matsya (Fish), Kamatha (Tortoise), Kola (Boar), Narasimha (Man-lion) Trivikrama (Dwarf), Parasurama, Rama, Balarama, Krishna and Kalki! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

Elaa lavaMga ghana saara sugaMdhi teerthaM

divyaM viyat sariti hEma ghaTEshu poorNaM

dhRtvaadya vaidika SikhaamaNayah prahRshTaa

tishTaMti vEMkaTapatE! tava suprabhaataM

The Brahmins, well-versed in the Vedas, are now joyfully waiting to worship you. They are carrying golden pots on their heads that are filled with the water of the Divine Ganges (Akasa Ganga), which has been rendered fragrant by mixing cardamom, cloves and camphor in it. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

bhaasvaanudEti vikachaani sarOruhaaNi

saMpoorayaMti ninadaih kakubhO vihaMgaah

Sree vaishNava ssatata marthita maMgaLaastE

dhaamaaSrayaMti tava vEMkaTa! suprabhaataM

The Sun is rising; the lotuses have blossomed; the birds are twittering; the Sri Vaishnavas, always imploring auspiciousness, are waiting at Thy abode. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

brahmaadaya ssuravara ssamaharshayastE

saMta ssanaMdana mukhaa stvatha yOgi varyaah

dhaamaaMtikE tavahi maMgaLa vastu hastaah

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Brahma,the great sages and the good Yogins as Sanandana are waiting at Thy abode, with auspicious offerings in their hands. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

lakshmee nivaasa niravadya guNaika siMdhOh

saMsaara saagara samuttaraNaika sEtO

vEdaaMta vEdya nija vaibhava bhakta bhOgya

Sree vEMkaTaachala patE! tava suprabhaataM

Abode of Lakshmi! Ocean of faultless and auspicious virtues! Bridge to cross the ocean of transmigration (samsara)! One whose glory is known through the Upanishads! One who is enjoyed by devotees! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee.

itthaM vRshaachala patE riha suprabhaataM

yE maanavaah prati dinaM paThituM pravRttaah

tEshaaM prabhaata samayE smRti raMga bhaajaaM

praj~naaM paraartha sulabhaaM paramaaM prasootE!

Day-to-day prayers to You, Sri Vehkatesa! fetch untold wealth of devotional culture and fervour. God, give us your grace.

gokulkr · January 26, 2009

<table title="Images of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" width="619" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr height="25"><td title="Free Article, Religious Article" valign="middle">Deity Worship

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Faith is one of the great aspects, which enables all the peoples in this world to attain god. To fulfill all their needs, the Perumal is giving his seva in the form of Idols) Vigrahams) in the temples.

Because of various aspects, some people might not be going to the temples to worship the perumal but at the same thing, they might be thinking of him always. Even to them and for their bhakti, the perumal himself is taken out for Veedhi purappadu (utsavar is taken out from the temple) and to give his dharshan to all the bhaktas.

Deity (Idol) worship and Purappadu:

Peoples are living by god's grace and the god giving his seva in the temples as Deities (Idol). An ordinary man cannot see the god so that he resembles like this. God will he seen only by great Gnanis and bhaktiman's. They differentiated his different types of roopams. Some of them know about god's mentality and they are explained about him well. These are the main evidence that we are worshiping the god's Idols in the temples. These Idols are very powerful to bhaktas. By spending our time with god's Idols in temples we are getting a mental satisfaction.

Some peoples may not be able to go to the temples and worship the Perumal. To satisfy them, the Perumal himself is going to their place to offer his Dharshan to them.

If we pray the Perumal with full faith, he will really rectify all our sorrow and sins. In this modern world, even the Perumal comes near us, we are least bothered to worship him. But, our Aacharyas, great Rishis have performed lots of Tapas to see him and to attain his Divine feet. So, it is advisable to visit the nearest temple to your place or atleast, worship him when he is taken out for Purapppadu.

gokulkr · February 3, 2009

http://www.guruvayur.com

gokulkr · February 3, 2009

Srimad Narayaneeyam

SRIMAD NARAYANEEYAM is the story of Lord Narayana. It is a work consisting of 1036 slokas or verses, divided into 100 dasakams or chapters, each dasakam consisting of approximately 10 slokas. Composed by Melpathur Narayana Bhattatiri, it is a condensed version of Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuranam, which consists of 18,000 slokas authored by Veda Vyasa (Bhagavata-artha-sangraha). It is said that the work has the blessings of Lord Krishna or Guruvayoorappan, the presiding Deity of the shrine of Guruvayoor.

As the story goes, the author, Melpathur Narayana Bhattatiri voluntarily transferred onto himself, the ailment of paralysis from his Guru and relative, Trikandiyur Achuta Pisharoti ritualistically, in order to save him. In the process, he himself became a paralytic. He then got himself carried to the shrine at Guruvayoor where he could take shelter at the feet of Lord Krishna and get divine intervention.

As he was continuing to suffer from excruciating pain due to his malady, he sought advice from the celebrated contemporary poet, Thunjath Ezhuthatchan, who suggested that Bhattatiri should “start with the fish”. Bhattatiri, being quick to understand the implication of this suggestion, viz., that he should compose a hymn in praise of Lord Guruvayoorappan giving an account of all His sportive incarnations beginning with the incarnation as fish (Matsya-avatara), he sat at the feet of the Lord and composed this great work, a dasakam a day, with ardent devotion. At the end of the hundredth day, when he had completed all the one hundred dasakams, it is said that he had a glorious vision of the Lord and he was completely cured of his ailment. Bhattatiri composed Narayaneeyam when he was twenty-seven, completing it on November 27, 1587.

This work, composed in praise of Lord Krishna, and which is said to have received divine intervention at different stages, is considered to be a short and sweet substitute for Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuranam and is recited by devotees all over the world as a general prayer and also as a panacea for all ailments causing impairment or loss of motor function of nerves. Innumerable devotees flock to the Guruvayoor temple and offer worship to the Lord, reciting this hymn of prayer in the firm hope, belief and trust that they would be cured of their ailments.

gokulkr · February 3, 2009

<TABLE title="Images of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD title="Free Article, Religious Article" vAlign=center>Pancha Mugha Anjaneyar

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All might be familiar with Sri Anjaneyar who is populalry called with the name "Siriya Thuruvadi" (Periya Thiruvadi is Garudalwar). And Anjaneyar gives his seva in various forms. Among those, Pancha Mugha Anjaneyar is said to have a special power and message to explain to this world. Now, in this article, let us know about the great thing about him.

“Pancha” means Five. So, for Pancha Mugha Anjaneyar means Anjaneyar with Five faces. One of the faces will be of Anjaneyar's. The other four faces are the faces of Sri Narasimhar, Sri Garudalwar, Sri Varahar and Sri Hayagreevar. These five faces have unique characters and shaktis to explain.

The center face is the face of Sri Anjaneyar and it will be faced towards the direction of east. This face is seen directly towards ourselves thereby riding away our sorrows.

The next face is the face of Sri Garudalwar and he is facing towards the direction of west and thereby by protecting us from diseases and giving us prolonged life.

Sri Varahar is facing towards North direction and he is capable of riding our sorrows and blessing us with good life.

Next is the face of Sri Narasimhar who is facing towards south direction. By facing in this direction, he is riding all of our sorrows, disease and protecting us from evil things.

And in the top center of all these faces is the face of Sri Hayagreevar and gives us good Gnana and Bhakti for all of his devotees.

So, by worshipping Sri Pancha Mugha Anjaneyar we are worshipping Sri Narasimhar, Sri Garudalwar, Sri Hayagreevar and Sri Varahar and simultaneoulsy we are blessed with good Gnana, prolonged life and our sorrows are eliminated.

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gokulkr · February 4, 2009

Shri Venkateshwara Stotra Lyrics

Kamalakucha choochuka kunkumatho

Niyatharunitha thula neelathano

Kamalayatha lochana lokapathe

Vijayeebhava Venkata saila pathe

Sacha dhurmukha shanmukha panchamukha

Pramuka khila daivatha mouli mane

Saranagatha vathsala saranidhe

Paripalayamam vrisha saila pathe

Athivela thaya thava durvishahai

Ranuvela Kruthairaparada sathai

Paritham thvaritham vrisha saila pathe

Paraya krupaya paripahi Hare

Adhi venkata saila mudara mather

Janatha bimatha dhika danarathath

Paradeva thaya gathi than nigamai

Kamaladayithtan na param kalaye

Kalavenu rava vasa gopa vadhu

Sathakoti vrithath smara koti samath

Prathi valla vikabhimathath sukhadhath

Vasudeva suthanna paramkalaye

Abhi rama gunakara dasarathe

Jagadeka danurdhara dheeramathe

Raghunayaka Rama Ramesa vibho

Varadho bhava deva daya jaladhe

Avaneethanaya kamaneeyakaram

Rajaneechara charu mukhamburuham

Rajaneechara raja thamo mihiram

Mahaneeyamaham Raghuramamaye

Sumukham Suhrudam Sulabham sukhadam

Swanujam cha Sukhayamamogh Saram

Apahaya Raghudwaha manyamaham

Na kathnchana kanchana jathu bhaje

Vinaa Venkatesham nanatho nanatha

Sadaa Venkatesham smarami smarami

Hare Venkatesha Praseeda Praseeda

Priyam Venkatesha Prayachha Prayachha

Aham doorathasthe padamboja yugma

Pranamechaya gathya sevam karomi

Sakruthsevaya nithyasevapalam thvam

Prayachha prayachha prabho Venkatesha

Agnanina maya doshaana seshan vihithan Hare

Kshamasvathm kshamasvathvam Seshasailasikhamane

gokulkr · February 5, 2009

<TABLE title="Images of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD title="Free Article, Religious Article" vAlign=center>Sadari

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Pictures of vishnu-->

In this fast moving and mechanic life, there are still some good things are happening just because of our tradition and culture. Indian country is said to be surrounded with full of divinity and tradition. And because of this fact, lots of temples are found all over our country.

In Vaishnava temples, some times due to crowd, we are not able to worship the Perumal in a proper way. But in spite of not getting the Dharshan, we will get Theertham, Sadari and Thulasi. After getting the Theertham, we bow down our head to get the Sadari. Why should we do so in getting the Sadari on our head and what's that all about? Let us see the greatness of Sadari in this article.

Sadari is said to be the form of Sri Nammalwar, who is also named as "Sadagopan". As Sri Nammalwar says in his Thiruvaaimozhi, that all our sins will vanish if we strongly attach ourselves to the divine feet, the thiruvadi of Sriman Narayanan. He also explains that this is the universal way of attaining Mukthi (Moksham).

Since, his Thriuvaaimozhi can't reach all the people in this world but at the same time, they too also has to be shown the way to attain Mukthi, Sri Nammalwar himself is found as "Sri Sadari" in all Sri Vaishnavite temple.

In the Sri Sadari, we can find the thiruvadis (two feet at the top of the Sadari), which are said to be the feet of Sriman Narayanan and this says that Sri Nammalwar is holding the Thiruvadi of Sriman Narayanan on his head. Because of this only, we should bow down our head to get the Sadari on our head. And this is the regular custom that is followed in every Vaishnavite Temples.

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gokulkr · February 9, 2009

<TABLE title="About 108 Divyadesams" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD vAlign=center>Thiruvellarai - Sri Pundarikasha Perumal Temple, Trichy

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

It is situated in Tamil Nadu. This Shetram is situated on the way between Trichy to Urayoor, 13 Kms from the bus stop. Also has bus facility from Sri Rangam. No boarding and Lodging facility.

Sthala Puranam:

Vellarai means white rock. Since, this sthalam is situated 100 feet high in the top of the small mountain, which is white in colour, this sthalam is called "Thiru Vellarai".

The wall around this temple is very big and covering the entire area of the temple and the walls also has all the 7 theerthams.

The Lord here is referred to the Vedas, which is referred to white colour gives seva along with Thamarai Selvi periya pirattiyar in Nindra Sevai.

There are two entrances to go to the Moolasthanam (Where Moolavar is seen). The 2 entrances are named as "Utharayana Vaasal" and "Dhakshanayana Vaasal".

("From Jan 15 to June 15 is through Utharayanya Vaasal and from then to next six month, is through Dhakshanaya Vaasal"). When one Vaasal is opened the other one is closed.

Sriman Narayanan is giving dharshan to all living and non living things as Sooriya Narayanan. By extending his rays, he is giving security to the entire world.

Sooriya Narayanan, is the person who is making the plants grow, making to rain, Calulating the Jeevathmas paapans (sin) and punniyams (good things).

He is revolving round the Earth to make good things happen and to destroy the bad things (or) evils.

Based on the revolving time of the sun, the good time is calculated. And based on that only, all other Subha Muhurthams (Good days based upon Calculations) are done. The sun is revolving round the Earth is at the same time, its revolving himself. Lord Emperumaan, who turns himself has Suriya Bhaghvan, revolves round the universe and he flashes his rays to make all things live. From his rays, nothing can escape.

As we say there are two vaasals in this sthalam, we are not supposed to do any good activities in Dhakshinayana Kaalam and good things are tend to be done at Uthirayana Kaalam.

But the activities can also be done at dhakshinayana Kaalam and by worshpping Suriya Narayana and start the activity, the work will be done in a successful way.

Sri vishnu who is also named as "Maayavan" at the end of Dhakshinayana kaalam (Margazhi 15th) is named as "Thai Maatha Naayagan", at the start of Thai Month (Jan 15th)

There is a small explanation that has to be said for the two Vaasals. In the human life, there are two separate entrances, (i.e) entering to the life and getting out of it is the other.In both these Vaasals when entering in to the life and when getting out of it, he could be able to feel the presence of Paramaathma. To make to understand this, he resembles himself as "Suriya Narayanan" at the state of Utharayanam and as "Govindan" at the end of Dhakshinayanan at the end of Maargazhi.

The Dhakshinayana Vaasal is the Vaasal or entrance which leads us to the death and it is the place of the stay of Lord yeman, the king of Naragam.

The Uthirayana Vaasal, which is the Vaasal which way that all the Jeevathmas enter in to world as an humanbeing (or) a non living being, is the place of "Lord Guberan", who is the God of wealth.

Even if a person who is well enough in money and his good activity will only lead him towards the Emperumaan. And if a person is very poor and if he is a good hearted and do proper kramas, will lead him to attain the Swargam, the Heaven.

To explain this only, there are two vaasals in this Pundarikaksha Sthalam.

Sri Pundarikakshan, Bhoomi Piratti, Periya piratti, Suriya and Chandiran and Aadisheshan resembles as humans in this sthalam and it can be seen in the Moolavari Place.

Engalaazhvan has written the great "Nadaa thooram Aalukku oppatra pungai Maalai".

Nadaathoramaal means Bhakthan who is having full and entire soul of Bhakthi on the God.

The name which has been given Engalaazhvan as "Nadaathoramaal" has a very special story to be said. Every day he gives milk to Emperumaan. Thinking the milk may be hot, he makes it cold by blowing air through his mouth and gives to Emperumaan. On the action of Engalaazhvan as his mother and calls him as "Nadaathoorammaal".

Udaiyavar, Sri Ramanujar, stayed in this sthalam and explained about Vaishnavam and made it grow. Vedantha Desikar in his Hamsa Sandesam has done Mangalaasasanam.

In front of big pillar in his temple, when we make any sound, it replicates and echo around the temple. Because of this, some of paasurams in Divyapprabhandhams are said for 2 or 3 times.

Specials:

This temple has a biggest wall (Mathil sevar)
Birth place of Bhakthar Uyyakondaar.
Situated on top of the Mountain which is fall of white rocks and 100 feet high.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Pundarikashan.

Moolavar in standing position facing east direction.

Prathyaksham for Garudan, called as "Periya Thiruvadi", Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoomi Piratti, Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva).

Thayaar

Shenbagavalli. Also called as "Peri Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi". Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar. Utsavar thaayar is named as "Pangajavalli".

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 11 Paasurams
Thirumangai Alwar - 13
Total - 14

Pushkarani:

Divya Theertham.
Kanda Kshree Theertham.
Chakkara Theertham.
Chakkara Theertham.
Pushkala Theertham.
Padma Theertham.
Varaaha Manikarnika Theertham.

Vimanam:

Vimalaakkruthi Vimaanam.

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gokulkr · February 9, 2009

Sri Uyyakondar

Sri Uyyakondar was a primary sishya of Sri Nadhamunigal along with Sri Kurukai Kavalapar. Sri Nadhamunigal gave the duty of spreading Sri Vaishnavam through his two main disciples.

Sri Nadhamuni had two important treasures with him. (1) The secret of Bhakti Yoga to attain praapthi (This will save the Abyhasaha. ie., practicing person) and (2) Nalayira Divya Prabhantham. When Sri Nadhamuni turned to ask Pundareekaakshar, he immediately replied, “Pinam kidaka manam purivar undo???”(ie, Will anybody marry when there is an occurrence of death in the residence?). He meant that when the entire world seems to be doomed in Samsaaram (Dhukka Suzhalai !), what is the use for just one soul alone reaching the Lord by practicing Bhakti Yoga. Hence he told Sri Nadhamuni,”Let whatever happens to me let it happen, but please teach me the secret that can deliver the entire world to the Lord”.

Nadhamuni unable to explain the generosity shown by Pundareekaakshar, praised his determination and kindness towards mankind and said “Neerae ulagayum ulagi udaya Sriman Narayananyum Avanai sollum Arulisaelaikalayum avatrai paettra adiayenayum Uyyakondavar” (ie., You are the only one who came to redeem the world and The Lord who has the world and the holy hymns which praise The Lord and myself who preach those hymns).

During his last days, Sri Nadhamunigal had requested Swamy Uyyakondar that a grandson would be born to Easwara Munuigal (his son) and he must be well equipped with all Sastras of Srivaishnavam. But before his life time swamy Uyyakondar could not do so and he attained the abode of heaven. But before attaining paramapatham, Swamy requested his disciple Sri Manakkal Nambigal, to fulfil his desire. It is said that Uyakkondar lived for 105 years

gokulkr · February 9, 2009

<TABLE title="About 108 Divyadesams" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD vAlign=center>Thiruvilliputhoor (Sri Villiputhoor) - Sri Vadabhatra Saayi Perumal Temple

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple is situated in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. When going in train, we have to get down in Sri Villiputtoor Railway station, Via Thenkaasi, Virudhunagar and getting down in the Srivilliputtoor station, we have to go 1 1/2 miles to reach the temple. Bus facility and lodging facility is also available.

Sthlapuranam :

This sthalam was once covered full of trees and lots of plants and it is considered to be a forest type of land. This kind of land was under the rule of Malli, who is a lady, who had two sons, named Villi and Kandan.

Kandan was killed by a tiger in the forest. One day, in the dream of Malli, Sriman Naryanan gave his seva and ordered her that the forest should be destroyed and thereby getting Andanars to live. As the same way told by Sriman Naryanan, the forest was destroyed and the Malli nadu became "Villiputtoor". This sthalam is also called as "Puttoor Pudhuvai".

In 9th Centuary, in Kurodhana yer, Aani Month, Valarpirai Ekadesi, Sunday as the hamsam of Garudan, Periyalwar born in Swathi natshatram (star).

He was also named as "Vishnu Sitthar", since he had always the bhakti towards the Emperumaan in his mind. He constructed a small flower Nandhavanam (park) and planted all of the flower plants, these flowers are made as Garlands and was dedicated to Villiputtoor Sri Rangamannar. Since, he gave his blessings (Aasi) for the perumal by singing the "Pallandu", he was named as "Periyalwar".

At the same 9th century in Nala year, Aadi Month, Valarpirai, Chaturdasi, Tuesday, in poora Natshatram (star) as the hamsam of Bhoomi piratti, Sri Andal was born in the Nandhavanam and was taken care by Periyalwar.

As the daily work, periyalwar used to dedicate the Garlands to Sri Emperumaan, Rangamannar. One day, he saw that the Garland which should be around the thirumeni (body) of Rangamannar is found on the body of Sri Andal. On seeing this, Periyalwar got angry on her and warned her not to repeat the same ever after.

On that day, in the dream of Periyalwar, Sri Rangamannar asked him not to get angry on the action performed by Sri Andal and he too added that from next day, he should be dedicated the Garland which is worn first by Sri Andal and that Garland only should be dedicated to him. He also said that he will accept her love and will marry her soon. Because of this, Sri Andal is popularly called as "Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi". Periyalwar explained the beauty of Sri Vishnu in Vada Madhura and in Thirumaaliruncholai, Sri Andal got over joy and had a stubburn mind that she should get married to Sri Vishnu. As her love towards Emperumaan, Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam, came in the dream of Periyalwar and asked him to come along with Sri Andal to Thiruvarangam. As his command, Periyalwar along with Sri Andal went to Sri Rangam.

Sri Andal, on seeing Sri Ranganathar started to admire his beauty. Then, Sri Ranganathar acquired Sri Andal towards him and gave the father-in-law position to Periyalwar.

Sri Andal temple is found close to Vadabathre Saayi temple. 20 Pandha Mandapam is found in the entrance of Andal temple. After crossing along the left side, we can find the Kalyana Mandapam and after crossing this is the separate sannadhis for Sri Ramar, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal. Then, we have to cross the Kodi maram, a mandapam named "Madhavi Mandapam" is found and lots of beautiful paintings of the Emperumaan are found. Next to it is the Mani Mandapam and then the Artha Mandapam and then the Moolavr sannadhi is found.

In Moolavar Sannadhi, Sri Aranganathar having the instrument to ride the Chariot is found in Kalyana Kolam is found along with Sri Andal and Garudan. In all the Vaishnava temples, Garudan is found in the opposite side of the perumal sannadhi, but only in this sthalam, he is found along with the Thaayar.

A separate statue is kept for Sri Andal in the Nandhavanam, where she was born, which is found on the North East direction of Sri Andal temple.

The Arayar sevai, which is sung in Sri Rangam and Thriukurugoor - Alwar Thirunagari, is also sung in this kshetram.

Periyalwar sannadhi is found on the North side of the temple and he is faced towards the south direction. Two thalams (floors) are found in this temple. In the bottom thalam, Sri Narashimhar and the 12 Alwars and Dasavatharam of Emperumaan is found. When going through the steps of the bottom thalam, we can reach the upper thalam where we can find the Moolavar sannadhi, where Vadabadhara Saayi is giving his seva.

In Artha Mandapam, Chakrathalwar, Sri Kannan and Allal Thavirtha piraan Utsavars are found.

Utsavams:

Thiru Aadi Pooram, which is the birth star of Sri Andal, is done as a big Utsavam and the biggest Chariot is taken out and Sri Andal comes around the Mada streets of Sri Villiputtoor.

In Panguni Utthiram, Sri Andal's Kalyana Utsavam is done, which is one of the specialised utsavam of this temple.

Specials:

Vyasa Bharatham, which was translated in Tamil by Villiputtoor Alwar, Pattarpiraan Periyalwar who is called as the senior alwar and Sri Andal, all of these 3 great followers of Sriman Narayanan born in this kshetram.

Next to Sri Rangam Gopuram, which is the biggest Gopuram in Asia continent, Srivilliputtoor Gopuram is the biggest Gopuram next to Sri Rangam.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolvar of this temple is Sri Vadabhatra Saayi. Also named as Ranga Mannaar. Prathyaksham for Mandooga rishi and Periyalwar Moolavar in Bhujanga Sayanam, giving his seva facing along the east direction.

Thaayar: Sri Andal. Also named as Kotha Naachiyaar, Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi.

Mangalasasanam:

Periyalwar - 1 Paasuram
Sri Andal - 1 Paasuram
Total - 2 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Thirumukkulam.

Vimanam:

Samsana Vimaanam.

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Thiruvarangam - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Rangam

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