Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal - Cruelty to Elephants in

[Guest guest]

HARI AUM

Sub: ChottanikkaraMakam Thozhal

– cruelty to Elephants in the name of God and Traditions.

Yes ShriGopalakrishnanji, I do remember your Very, Very

touching message No. 5702 dated May 1, 2007 in this very Forum " … cruelty to Elephants in the name of

tradition and God …" and also the comments from our devotees, some of which were really very unkind. Perhaps they were not directly exposed to the

actual facts!

A humblerequest to all devotees:

Please visit

and have Darsan of all those 60+ShriGaneshas in the Punnathur Anakotta of

Guruvayurappan as well, as part of your GuruvayurDarshans. Not only you

will get a firsthand information about the present condition inwhich they are

kept there, but also these frequent visits by devotees willcompel the authorities

to take propercare of these ShriGaneshas.

With Regards,

Yours affly nb nair.

nbnair2000 March 20, 2008.

guruvayur , "K.V Gopalakrishna" <gopalakrishna.kv wrote:>> Dear all,> Radhe Krishna!> > As a person who initiated this topic for discussion, I feel delighted when> there are more and more people agreeing with us in the matter of cruelty to> amimals, especially the elephants, in the name of God. There were quite a> few who had disagreed with us, with the argument that those responsible for> the elephants and the organisers of the pooram festival have taken all these> points into account while planning itself, and do take care of them by> watering the ground where they stand, giving them water to drink, feed them> with sufficient Ola madals etc. Bhut during the 2-3 hours of the time* I> watched the Pooram festival on the TV, I dsid not see any such thing> happening, and as you have rightly said, there were tears flowing from the> eyes of two elephants. Probably these were the two who protested by going> mad. *> **> *Imagine these pachyderms standing in the hot April summer sun (black colour> absorbs more heat!) without any cover over them, with their sensitive feet> engulfed in the hot sand all daytime and the night also, for nearly 24> hours, and to add insult to injury, not given water and food in time! To> add further insults, the deafening noise of the Chendakkottu! Who will not> protest ? If the elephant protests, they call it "Ana verandu" and tie> them with chains more securely. Even the mahouts who are supposed to take> care of them dont understand!*> **> *The Ana Ottam is another dastardly festival. Even to see it in the TV is> so dreadful, what about those who really witness it?*> **> *Will Guruvayoorappan give us more of His divine grace on these accounts?*> **> *I am not against conducting Trissur Pooram or any other festival for that> matter, but I only request those who take care of them to show their> affection to them and treat them well. Another Trissur Pooram is round the> corner and I do not know whether somebody takes care of these.*> **> *Yours, *> *KVG.*> > **> > > On 3/19/08, nbnair2000 nbnair2000 wrote:> >> > *HARI AUM> > *> >> > *Dear "binu nair",*> >> > *I found your rejoinder very interesting mainly ontwo major accounts(though my response got unduly delayed):> > *> >> > *1. Yourmention about the lesson you have learned from your grand mother.> > For any society the nuances of its values andculture get deeply impressed> > in young minds through such grand mothers'stories. And that is exactly> > what thepresent generation lacks – a real loss that all the nuclear families> > do sufferfrom.*> >> > *2. Your concern about animals, especially the cruelties the> > captiveelephants are being subjected to. It is generallybelieved that the> > Guruvayurappan's elephants are comparatively better lookedafter at Punnathur> > Anakotta. Please makeit a point to visit Punnathur Anakotta whenever you> > make the next visit toGuruvayur – after all elephants are in the form of> > SriGanesh. You may not find a single elephant there without shedding> > tears, for what so ever reasons it may be. Also please don't fail to take> > a look at thetusker Keerthi who had trampled his first mahout Gopalakrishnan> > to instantdeath after an Anayottam festival at Chettuva. For a full report> > click the link below:> > [image: Extern Link] Read full article (external link)<http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IER20070816014302 & Page=R & Title=Kerala & Topic=0> Therubbish> > being trampled over there by Keerthi was once the sole bread winner ofa poor> > family! *> >> > *From time immemorial elephants have been anintegral part of our religious> > festivals and other cultural events. I too used to feel enthralled at> > themagnificent sights of caparisoned elephants – we see and enjoy only that> > front view! After a visit to Punnathur Kotta a few years back the sight> > ofcaparisoned elephants reminds me of those thick iron chains most probably> > half-sunk into deep woods in their legs, mostly on all the fours! *> >> > *Elephants were never a willing partner inall these practices. But in the> > past they were never treated this bad.> > *> >> > *Is it not time that we seriously reconsider whether we should continue> > this practice,especially in the name of God? *> >> > *With a humble request to all fellowdevotees as well to consider this> > point keeping in mind the interests ofGuruvayurappan, the creator of all.*> >> > *Regards, nb nair. March 19, 2008.*> >> > guruvayur , Binu nair nairbbinu@ wrote:> > >> > > OM Namo Narayana> > >> > > Dear NB Sir,> > > .> > > First, let me thank you for the appreciation for the write-up.It is my> > second write up in this group...and I was really happy that you liked it> > because my earlier experience is restricted to writing political articles> > only in Educational> > > Journals> > >> > > Now coming to the Question you have addressed.......People have> > different writing styles ..I have used the word Enthral which means 'to> > captivate'.not as 'to charm'....It is clear from the write up the people are> > enthralled by Panchavadyam and Nadaswaram...> > >> > > [thousands of devoteeswho are enthralled by the enchanting> > "Panchavadyam" and"Nadaswaram" performances.]"> > >> > > Don't you think Sir you will be captivated by an elephant coming> > across......or what about the famous Thrissur Pooram?...> > >> > > In the Thrissur pooram, during the last day...two elephants which carry> > the Devis of 2 temples cry...u can see tears in their eyes....It is said> > that ,the 2sisters, Thiruvambadi Devi and paramekkavil Devi are crying.Itis the parting time..They will be able to meet only next> > year.during the next pooram[said to me by my GrandMother.-.May be it is> > one of her versions for Kids..but it always had an impact on me] .Moreover> > in Kerala, there are no temple festivals with out elephants> > >> > > I do agree with you about the inhuman treatment towards elephants due to> > the so called "modern commercialisation" and I myself has signed a petition> > against the inhuman practices towards elephants....it is really sad......I> > do> > > understand perfectly your view....but while writing, i have to provide> > the information as it cater to many across the globe> > >> > > .Animals have to be treated well. Animals like elephants are abused by a> > few owners for monetary benefits without giving them their due care, respect> > or rest. The situation needs to be tackled by the Government and> > > non-Governmental organisations.> > > Public awareness of animal rights is abysmally low in the State.> > Therefore, ill treatment of elephants evokes not a big protest from the> > public. Periodic health check-up by Government-approved veterinarians should> > be made compulsory for all captive elephants. Instances of physical torture> > should be dealt with as per the extant laws. Elephants that are physically> > unfit should not be forced to participate in festivals. The festival> > organisers and the devotees who participate in the temple festivals should> > take the initiative to ensure that the elephants are treated in a humane> > manner. The mahouts should be trained scientifically to tackle the> > behavioural and physiological changes in elephants. Creating awareness about> > animal rights among the younger generation will go a long way in preventing> > cruelty towards elephants.> > >> > > Thank you once again for your interest and will be expecting this> > enthusiasm and comments for my future write-ups in the group......> > >> > > Sree Guruvayurappa Sharanam> > > Hare Guruvayurappa thwal padhe sarvawum samarppayami> > > Bhadra KrishnaPrasad> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > nbnair2000 nbnair2000@ wrote:> > > HARI AUM> > > Thank you Binu Nair for the veryinformative and interestingwrite-up. I> > really enjoyed it but for themention of the haplesselephants being> > caparisoned and kept there for such longhours:> > > "[ ... isaccompaniedby Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven> > > caparisoned elephants marchtowardsthe"Pooraparambu" the traditional> > vantage point where theyremain till 11 a.m.This spectacular show is every> > year witnessed by Yes, Panch Vadyam and Nadaswaram are enchanting> > toushumans. But is it not simply in-human that we subject these> > magnificentbuthapless elephants, known to be fond of calm, cool environments> > tosuch noiseand din for such long hours?!> > > Can you really get enthralledby this sight if you take alook at the iron> > chains wound deep into the woundson the legs of thesecreatures. If you care> > to think of the countlessitems of cruelty thatwe subject these elephants to> > for their entire life - illfed, tightlychained, especially during their> > periods of MUSTH, the lifelongstrict CELIBACY that we impose on all these> > male ( we use onlytuskers forthese festivals) elephants - then how can you> > be reallyenthralled?> > > All these too in the name ofGOD, the creator! Do you really believe that> > Chottanikara Devi - theMother GODESS will be pleased to see these sons of> > hers being treated by us inthis condition?> > > LOKA SAMASTA SUKHINO BHAVANTU.> > > With due regards to all and nooffense to any> > > Yours affectionately,> > > NB Nair> > > PS. My first attempt to reply did not come, perhaps due to some error> > from my side and hence I am repeating it now pl. nbn.> > >> > >> > > guruvayur , Binu nair nairbbinu@ wrote:> > > >> > > > Chottanikkara Makam> > > >> > > >> > > > Chottanikkara enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the> > most popular deities in Kerala. The temple is said to have been built by> > Uthiyan Cheran of the Chera Dynasty Bhagawati, is the presiding deity here.> > The image of Bhagawati (Rajarajeswari) is of laterite; untouched by the> > human sculptor, this image is of irregular shape and is covered with a> > golden kavacham. The image has four arms. The upper right holds the discus,> > the left a conch. This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as> > Saraswati (Sri Mookambika Devi) in the morning - draped in white, as> > Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in> > blue. An interesting feature of the image is that it is mounted on sand> > instead of being fixed on the ground.The Temple is famous for healing> > mental disorders and evil spirits, apart from fulfilling all the righteous> > wishes of the devotees> > > >> > > > According to legend, a notorious dacoit called Kannappan was chasing a> > cow to slaughter it when he found his daughter playing with the same cow at> > home. So he abandoned the idea of killing. Later after his daughter died, he> > was greatly grieved. It was then that Goddess Bhagawati appeared and said it> > was she who had come in the form of a cow. Kannappan found two images, in> > his cowshed the next day, one of the Goddess and the other of Lord Vishnu.> > This was the root of the shrine that came to be the Chottanikkara Temple.> > > >> > > > The annual festival here is celebrated during the month of Kumbha,> > February to March. The "Makam" star is one of the most auspicious days> > during the period of the annual festival. Devotees from all over the country> > visit the temple on that day The Devi appeared before Vilwamangalam Swamiyar> > as Sree Lakshmy in all her regal splendour along with Maha Vishnu, at the> > auspicious moment of Midhuna lagna, Makam Nakshathra in the month of Kumbha,> > That forms the basis for the most Holy Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal. This> > year, it is on February 21st.> > > >> > > > The ritualistic bath of "Devi" in ceremonial pond in the morning at> > the sacred pond at Onakkoor, far on the northern side of the Temple. After> > this "Devi" is accompanied by Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven> > caparisoned elephants march towards the"Pooraparambu" the traditional> > vantage point where they remain till 11 a.m. This spectacular show is> > every year witnessed by thousands of devotees who are enthralled by the> > enchanting "Panchavadyam" and "Nadaswaram" performances.> > > > After the mid-day, the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes. Only to> > re-open at 2 PM for the "Makam Darsanam". The whole temple premises will be> > over crowded by devotees especially the women folk to have a look at Devi> > who appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her> > sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands. It is a> > resplendent vision. This is exactly the form of vision which Villwamangalam> > Swamiyar was believed to have had when he faced westward after the> > "Prathishta" (installation) of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy, Chottanikkara Devi> > appears at this moment, clad in glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and> > fine jewellery with her four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram> > (Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees. It is fervently believed> > that who gain "Darsanam" at this crucial "Mithuna Lagnam", will be blessed> > with the fulfilment of their long standing desires and prayers. The prayer-> > Amme Narayana, Devi> > > > Narayana Lakshmi Narayana and Bhadre Narayana will be chanted by> > devotees in great fervour and devotion> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Bhadhra Krishna Prasad> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Binu Nair> > > >> > > > More important than What is Behind you and what is Ahead of you is> > what is In you.> > > > Seek it. Centred in it, act and live. ----Swami Chinmayanada> > > >> > > > > > > > Why delete messages? Unlimited storage is just a click away.> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Binu Nair> > >> > > More important than What is Behind you and what is Ahead of you is what> > is In you.> > > Seek it. Centred in it, act and live. ----Swami Chinmayanada> > >> > > > > > Save all your chat conversations. Find them online.> > >> >> > > >>

[Guest guest]

Hari OM!

Dear Ones,

According to time we need to change, may be applicable to some issues but for not all issues, Motorised elephants.. it is really funny to note this. The present situation in Punnathoor Kotta is the "Bharanam" of the present atheist politicians, even 3 years back it was fair and nice. Elephants use to get good treatment, every 15 days an Ayurvedic Doctor use to examine them.

The funny part is we ourselves elect people and make them as ministers and after we realise that it is REALLY bad out there, we will choose another party and then give them power, then after 5 years realise....................... this story goes on and on...... Pothujanam Kazhuthayannennu Rastriyakkar parayunnathu shariyanu....

It is like Bhasmasuran's story.....

Instead of Motorised elephants, Why can't we control the participation of Elephants to limited Utsavams, So that we will keep the tradition. IN THE WHOLE WORLD KERALA IS ONLY THE PLACE WHICH HAVE TEMPLE FESTIVALS WITH ELEPHANTS! TRADITION IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT! ESPECIALLY NOWADAYS THE CONVERSION TIMES... (Nowadays, other communities also started participating elephants in their mosque/church funcitions)

Do not compare Adi Shakaracharya with us... that is the funniest thing one can do. His state of mind and our state of mind is totally different. like Ocean and small well. It reminds me the story of once Adi Shankaracharya on his Vijaya Yathra, have to taste alcohol for tantric purposes... one of his Disciple objected... but the Padmapaadar said just wait.. for some time, after a week, he entered in to a Gold smith shop and drank Molten iron...... so never compare people who live in all comforts with Jagadguru.

Elephants with adequate care, and rest is one of he Majestic Animals. So it is man's greed who makes all this issues.

So you think that there should be nor more Kesvans, and Padmanabhans???? Control the frstival participation of elephants to the main temples only!!!! things will be much better.

Hare Guruvayurappa!

With Love & OM!

Krishna Prasad

 

 

 

 

 

guruvayur , "Savitri Puram" <savitriopuram wrote:>> Dear All,> > According to time, we have to change practices also. The thing is we> are ready to change our eating habits, dress code, educational> materials and tools, even attitude. But when it comes to exploiting> the majestic, loyal and loving elephants, we want to stick to our old> traditions! There is no end to our hypocrisy! It was OK to use> elephants for temple processions in the olden days because they were> never used commercially or for making money. Mahouts looked after them> like own children. They had ezhunnallippu only a few days in an year.> They were treated with respect and they treated us with respect. I> have heard so many real life stories about the loyalty of both the> mahouts and elephants. Kootalatupuram Komban was one of them. I myself> had the opportunity to see how well they were treated.During the> Utsava season, no elephant was used for two consecutive days. They> will not commit like that because they were really worried about the> sleep deprivation of the elephants as well as the mahouts.> > Now things have changed. It hurts really bad to think how they are> treated. They cannot complain and cry and say no to the authorities.> So they through temper tantrums. Should we be annoyed about that? God> has showered us with all the faculties in the world like thought,> speech and so many other useful and dangerous capabilities and how> many times we humans through temper tantrums and make the lives of> everybody around us miserable? We also kill each other, cheat each> other use all the faculties He gave for wrong purposes. So why are we> upset when an ill treated elephant looses his temper and acts? It is> so sad that all the kindness has dried up from our hearts.> > Now what is the solution? Why cannot we use a Ratham instead of> elephant? If it has wheels and motorized it can travel from rich> temples to poor temples with out problem. Or even build a Ratham in> the shape of an elephant with motorized swaying ears and we can use> all the nettippattoms and umbrellas, aalavattom and venchaamaram in> the same way as we are doing now. We can use them day and night with> out worrying about the sleep deprivation and inhuman treatment. I> think Guruvayurappan will be the happiest person if they make that> change because He is the personification of kindness. We do not have> to have a devaprashnam for that. Krishna has showed his kindness so> many times to tell us again and again to be kind and considerate to> all. Why did the Mahabharatha war happen? Because Krishna saw how> unfair and unkind Kauravaas were to Pandavaas. Did not he encourage> Arjuna to fight evil and establish dharmam? How many times> Guruvayurappan made the elephants fight back and kill mahouts and> sadists saying that we have become too business minded and we have to> stop this practice? But we will not listen because when it comes to> somebody else's suffering, that too when the victim cannot speak for> oneself, we want to stick on to traditions! There is nothing more> pathetic than this.> > I think the only solution for us is to pray to Guruvayurappan.> > I have to tell an incident about how broad minded was my mother who> never went to school, who never locked the front door of her house,> who has never travelled out of the country, who never raised her voice> to anybody. I came to America and we were in Virginia for 18 years.> Once I asked Amma whether I can offer beautiful plastic flowers to> Guruvayurappan because it was almost impossible to get fresh flowers> in winter. My mother said: If you cannot get fresh flowers or if it is> too expensive for you to afford, there is nothing wrong in offering> plastic flowers. ( please note the word"IF". At that time my husband> was a student and with two small children we literally had a hand to> mouth existence). Please imagine that they are real flowers and offer.> Every evening, sprinkle the offered flowers with water chanting> Narayana naamam and they are as good as fresh flowers again and you> can offer them again the next morning. I did that for several years.> She also added, sankalpam is the most important. Sankaracharyar wrote> maanasa poojas when he had to travel from one end of the country to> the other end spreading Sanathana Dharma and during the journey he> could not even do Sanshyavandanam sometimes because there was no body> of water near by. So he created all the maanasa poojas and imagined he> was doing everything more ceremoniously and offering naivadyam in> diamond studded golden vessels! He did not worry about not having the> necessary conveniences, but imagined that he has everything in> abundance and did his pooja with utmost devotion and respect. So amma> said sankalpam and bhavam are most important when we cannot do it in> the prescribed way. Of course if you can do it traditionally, go ahead> and do it. Otherwise never give up doing because He really cares about> our sincerity. Now even after all the globalization, it is sad that we> do not have the broadmindedness of several of our ancestors! ( now we> are in Texas, a much warmer place and I get fresh flowers through out> the year!)> > I do not know writing like this has any meaning. But frustrated and> immensely hurt by watching how the beautiful and innocent elephants> are treated, I am throwing my temper tantrums. Guruvayurappa,> kshamikkane!> > > Regards and prayers> > Savitri> > > > > On Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 2:13 AM, nbnair2000 nbnair2000 wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> >> > HARI AUM> >> > Sub: ChottanikkaraMakam Thozhal – cruelty to Elephants in the name of God> > and Traditions.> >> > Yes ShriGopalakrishnanji, I do remember your Very, Very touching message No.> > 1502 dated May 1, 2007 in this very Forum " … cruelty to Elephants in the> > name of tradition and God …" and also the comments from our devotees, some> > of which were really very unkind - perhaps they were not directly exposed to> > the actual facts!> >> > A humblerequest to all devotees: Please visit and have Darsan of all those> > 60+ShriGaneshas in the Punnathur Anakotta of Guruvayurappan as well, as part> > of your GuruvayurDarshans. Not only you will get a firsthand information> > about the present condition inwhich they are kept there, but also these> > frequent visits by devotees willcompel the authorities to take propercare> > of these ShriGaneshas.> >> > With Regards,> >> > Yours affly nb nair.> >> > nbnair2000 March 20, 2008.> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

HARI AUMDear Smt. Savitri Puram,Thank you very much forone of the most interestingand thought provoking posts in this Group.However,thisone is just a small comment on the lessons you have reported to havelearnedfrom your mother who never went to any school. I do find great lessonsin thepieces of advice that the society gets from the mothers and grandmothers, as Ihad expressed in my MessageNo.8868, in this Forum. The richcultural heritage ofany society gets deeply impressed in the minds of itschildren through grandmothers strories Pl. click below forready Ref. guruvayur/message/8868Thefact thatyour mother had not gone to any external school simply means she wasspendingall her valuable time in one of the greatest Temples of Learning inKerala,Olappamanna Mana. Forthe benefitof fellow devotees: Please see the Temple Travelougue– Mammiyur, from ourSunilji. Click below for ready ref. pl. http://mammiyoor.blogspot.com/ Theconceptof SANKALAM and MANASA POOJA are some thing very, very important,amazing!Thisisa wonderful area where Science and Religion harmoniously fuse together, complementing each other.Thankyou onceagain for making these teachings of Sankaracharya, as fondly told byyour learned mother for the benefit of fellow devotees.Yourssincerely, NB Nair. guruvayur , "Savitri Puram" <savitriopuram wrote:>> Dear All,> > According to time, we have to change practices also. The thing is we> are ready to change our eating habits, dress code, educational> materials and tools, even attitude. But when it comes to exploiting> the majestic, loyal and loving elephants, we want to stick to our old> traditions! There is no end to our hypocrisy! It was OK to use> elephants for temple processions in the olden days because they were> never used commercially or for making money. Mahouts looked after them> like own children. They had ezhunnallippu only a few days in an year.> They were treated with respect and they treated us with respect. I> have heard so many real life stories about the loyalty of both the> mahouts and elephants. Kootalatupuram Komban was one of them. I myself> had the opportunity to see how well they were treated.During the> Utsava season, no elephant was used for two consecutive days. They> will not commit like that because they were really worried about the> sleep deprivation of the elephants as well as the mahouts.> > Now things have changed. It hurts really bad to think how they are> treated. They cannot complain and cry and say no to the authorities.> So they through temper tantrums. Should we be annoyed about that? God> has showered us with all the faculties in the world like thought,> speech and so many other useful and dangerous capabilities and how> many times we humans through temper tantrums and make the lives of> everybody around us miserable? We also kill each other, cheat each> other use all the faculties He gave for wrong purposes. So why are we> upset when an ill treated elephant looses his temper and acts? It is> so sad that all the kindness has dried up from our hearts.> > Now what is the solution? Why cannot we use a Ratham instead of> elephant? If it has wheels and motorized it can travel from rich> temples to poor temples with out problem. Or even build a Ratham in> the shape of an elephant with motorized swaying ears and we can use> all the nettippattoms and umbrellas, aalavattom and venchaamaram in> the same way as we are doing now. We can use them day and night with> out worrying about the sleep deprivation and inhuman treatment. I> think Guruvayurappan will be the happiest person if they make that> change because He is the personification of kindness. We do not have> to have a devaprashnam for that. Krishna has showed his kindness so> many times to tell us again and again to be kind and considerate to> all. Why did the Mahabharatha war happen? Because Krishna saw how> unfair and unkind Kauravaas were to Pandavaas. Did not he encourage> Arjuna to fight evil and establish dharmam? How many times> Guruvayurappan made the elephants fight back and kill mahouts and> sadists saying that we have become too business minded and we have to> stop this practice? But we will not listen because when it comes to> somebody else's suffering, that too when the victim cannot speak for> oneself, we want to stick on to traditions! There is nothing more> pathetic than this.> > I think the only solution for us is to pray to Guruvayurappan.> > I have to tell an incident about how broad minded was my mother who> never went to school, who never locked the front door of her house,> who has never travelled out of the country, who never raised her voice> to anybody. I came to America and we were in Virginia for 18 years.> Once I asked Amma whether I can offer beautiful plastic flowers to> Guruvayurappan because it was almost impossible to get fresh flowers> in winter. My mother said: If you cannot get fresh flowers or if it is> too expensive for you to afford, there is nothing wrong in offering> plastic flowers. ( please note the word"IF". At that time my husband> was a student and with two small children we literally had a hand to> mouth existence). Please imagine that they are real flowers and offer.> Every evening, sprinkle the offered flowers with water chanting> Narayana naamam and they are as good as fresh flowers again and you> can offer them again the next morning. I did that for several years.> She also added, sankalpam is the most important. Sankaracharyar wrote> maanasa poojas when he had to travel from one end of the country to> the other end spreading Sanathana Dharma and during the journey he> could not even do Sanshyavandanam sometimes because there was no body> of water near by. So he created all the maanasa poojas and imagined he> was doing everything more ceremoniously and offering naivadyam in> diamond studded golden vessels! He did not worry about not having the> necessary conveniences, but imagined that he has everything in> abundance and did his pooja with utmost devotion and respect. So amma> said sankalpam and bhavam are most important when we cannot do it in> the prescribed way. Of course if you can do it traditionally, go ahead> and do it. Otherwise never give up doing because He really cares about> our sincerity. Now even after all the globalization, it is sad that we> do not have the broadmindedness of several of our ancestors! ( now we> are in Texas, a much warmer place and I get fresh flowers through out> the year!)> > I do not know writing like this has any meaning. But frustrated and> immensely hurt by watching how the beautiful and innocent elephants> are treated, I am throwing my temper tantrums. Guruvayurappa,> kshamikkane!> > > Regards and prayers> > Savitri> > > > > On Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 2:13 AM, nbnair2000 nbnair2000 wrote:> >> >> >> >> >> >> > HARI AUM> >> > Sub: ChottanikkaraMakam Thozhal – cruelty to Elephants in the name of God> > and Traditions.> >> > Yes ShriGopalakrishnanji, I do remember your Very, Very touching message No.> > 1502 dated May 1, 2007 in this very Forum " … cruelty to Elephants in the> > name of tradition and God …" and also the comments from our devotees, some> > of which were really very unkind - perhaps they were not directly exposed to> > the actual facts!> >> > A humblerequest to all devotees: Please visit and have Darsan of all those> > 60+ShriGaneshas in the Punnathur Anakotta of Guruvayurappan as well, as part> > of your GuruvayurDarshans. Not only you will get a firsthand information> > about the present condition inwhich they are kept there, but also these> > frequent visits by devotees willcompel the authorities to take propercare> > of these ShriGaneshas.> >> > With Regards,> >> > Yours affly nb nair.> >> > nbnair2000 March 20, 2008.> >> >> >>

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HARIAUMDearKrishna Prasadji,Many points you had raised in this post and theearlier one No.8891 are very much relevant. But most of them are beyond our immediate control. However, the problem is not confined only to"The Greedy Elephant Owners", as it is generally said: Pl see the link below where Guruvayur Keertiis involved.ClickHere For the news report on Keerti.Whatis getting crushed under his foot by Keerti was the sole bread winner of somepoor family, till a second back!The problem had assumed too ridiculous proportionsbringing bad name for all those directly or indirectly associated with, likethe Devotees ourselves.I do agree this heinous crime may be committed bymany: the elephant owners, their agents, etc., etc., all for their greed foreasy money. But who gives them thismoney? We, the devotees and no one else. So, we can not wash off our handsfrom this. We are financially supportingall these cruelties though we never intend any of these things to happen, evenin our wildest dreams.Let us think in what way we can stop or at leastredress to any extend the endless crimes committed to these hapless elephantsand also the poor mahouts alike.Ours is a close-knitted august Group ofGuruvayurappan devotees. We should befree to exchange our ideas and opinions with out hurting each other – withgreat respect for our learned fellow devotees. We don't have any hidden agenda: we don't have any thing to hide or wrapunder the carpert. Hence I humblyrequest our learned fellow devotees to come forward with out any sorts ofinhibitions – this is not a public forum – it is as good as a family group.As a first step, we devotees should make it a pointto visit Punnathur Ana Kotta as well (at least occasionally) as a part of ourGuruvayurappan and Mammiyur Darsans. SriGanesh will bless us with some ideas.With Regards to all my fellow devotees,Yours sincerely, NB Nair. Gurgaon, March 24, 2008. guruvayur , adidaiveekam <no_reply wrote:>> > Hari OM!> > Dear Ones,> > According to time we need to change, may be applicable to some issues> but for not all issues, Motorised elephants.. it is really funny to note> this. The present situation in Punnathoor Kotta is the "Bharanam" of the> present atheist politicians, even 3 years back it was fair and nice.> Elephants use to get good treatment, every 15 days an Ayurvedic Doctor> use to examine them.> > The funny part is we ourselves elect people and make them as ministers> and after we realise that it is REALLY bad out there, we will choose> another party and then give them power, then after 5 years> realise....................... this story goes on and on......> Pothujanam Kazhuthayannennu Rastriyakkar parayunnathu shariyanu....> > It is like Bhasmasuran's story.....> > Instead of Motorised elephants, Why can't we control the participation> of Elephants to limited Utsavams, So that we will keep the tradition. IN> THE WHOLE WORLD KERALA IS ONLY THE PLACE WHICH HAVE TEMPLE FESTIVALS> WITH ELEPHANTS! TRADITION IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT! ESPECIALLY NOWADAYS> THE CONVERSION TIMES... (Nowadays, other communities also started> participating elephants in their mosque/church funcitions)> > Do not compare Adi Shakaracharya with us... that is the funniest thing> one can do. His state of mind and our state of mind is totally> different. like Ocean and small well. It reminds me the story of once> Adi Shankaracharya on his Vijaya Yathra, have to taste alcohol for> tantric purposes... one of his Disciple objected... but the Padmapaadar> said just wait.. for some time, after a week, he entered in to a Gold> smith shop and drank Molten iron...... so never compare people who live> in all comforts with Jagadguru.> > Elephants with adequate care, and rest is one of he Majestic Animals. So> it is man's greed who makes all this issues.> > So you think that there should be nor more Kesvans, and Padmanabhans????> Control the frstival participation of elephants to the main temples> only!!!! things will be much better.> > Hare Guruvayurappa!> > With Love & OM!> > Krishna Prasad> > > > > > > > > > > > > guruvayur , "Savitri Puram" savitriopuram@> wrote:> >> > Dear All,> >> > According to time, we have to change practices also. The thing is we> > are ready to change our eating habits, dress code, educational> > materials and tools, even attitude. But when it comes to exploiting> > the majestic, loyal and loving elephants, we want to stick to our old> > traditions! There is no end to our hypocrisy! It was OK to use> > elephants for temple processions in the olden days because they were> > never used commercially or for making money. Mahouts looked after them> > like own children. They had ezhunnallippu only a few days in an year.> > They were treated with respect and they treated us with respect. I> > have heard so many real life stories about the loyalty of both the> > mahouts and elephants. Kootalatupuram Komban was one of them. I myself> > had the opportunity to see how well they were treated.During the> > Utsava season, no elephant was used for two consecutive days. They> > will not commit like that because they were really worried about the> > sleep deprivation of the elephants as well as the mahouts.> >> > Now things have changed. It hurts really bad to think how they are> > treated. They cannot complain and cry and say no to the authorities.> > So they through temper tantrums. Should we be annoyed about that? God> > has showered us with all the faculties in the world like thought,> > speech and so many other useful and dangerous capabilities and how> > many times we humans through temper tantrums and make the lives of> > everybody around us miserable? We also kill each other, cheat each> > other use all the faculties He gave for wrong purposes. So why are we> > upset when an ill treated elephant looses his temper and acts? It is> > so sad that all the kindness has dried up from our hearts.> >> > Now what is the solution? Why cannot we use a Ratham instead of> > elephant? If it has wheels and motorized it can travel from rich> > temples to poor temples with out problem. Or even build a Ratham in> > the shape of an elephant with motorized swaying ears and we can use> > all the nettippattoms and umbrellas, aalavattom and venchaamaram in> > the same way as we are doing now. We can use them day and night with> > out worrying about the sleep deprivation and inhuman treatment. I> > think Guruvayurappan will be the happiest person if they make that> > change because He is the personification of kindness. We do not have> > to have a devaprashnam for that. Krishna has showed his kindness so> > many times to tell us again and again to be kind and considerate to> > all. Why did the Mahabharatha war happen? Because Krishna saw how> > unfair and unkind Kauravaas were to Pandavaas. Did not he encourage> > Arjuna to fight evil and establish dharmam? How many times> > Guruvayurappan made the elephants fight back and kill mahouts and> > sadists saying that we have become too business minded and we have to> > stop this practice? But we will not listen because when it comes to> > somebody else's suffering, that too when the victim cannot speak for> > oneself, we want to stick on to traditions! There is nothing more> > pathetic than this.> >> > I think the only solution for us is to pray to Guruvayurappan.> >> > I have to tell an incident about how broad minded was my mother who> > never went to school, who never locked the front door of her house,> > who has never travelled out of the country, who never raised her voice> > to anybody. I came to America and we were in Virginia for 18 years.> > Once I asked Amma whether I can offer beautiful plastic flowers to> > Guruvayurappan because it was almost impossible to get fresh flowers> > in winter. My mother said: If you cannot get fresh flowers or if it is> > too expensive for you to afford, there is nothing wrong in offering> > plastic flowers. ( please note the word"IF". At that time my husband> > was a student and with two small children we literally had a hand to> > mouth existence). Please imagine that they are real flowers and offer.> > Every evening, sprinkle the offered flowers with water chanting> > Narayana naamam and they are as good as fresh flowers again and you> > can offer them again the next morning. I did that for several years.> > She also added, sankalpam is the most important. Sankaracharyar wrote> > maanasa poojas when he had to travel from one end of the country to> > the other end spreading Sanathana Dharma and during the journey he> > could not even do Sanshyavandanam sometimes because there was no body> > of water near by. So he created all the maanasa poojas and imagined he> > was doing everything more ceremoniously and offering naivadyam in> > diamond studded golden vessels! He did not worry about not having the> > necessary conveniences, but imagined that he has everything in> > abundance and did his pooja with utmost devotion and respect. So amma> > said sankalpam and bhavam are most important when we cannot do it in> > the prescribed way. Of course if you can do it traditionally, go ahead> > and do it. Otherwise never give up doing because He really cares about> > our sincerity. Now even after all the globalization, it is sad that we> > do not have the broadmindedness of several of our ancestors! ( now we> > are in Texas, a much warmer place and I get fresh flowers through out> > the year!)> >> > I do not know writing like this has any meaning. But frustrated and> > immensely hurt by watching how the beautiful and innocent elephants> > are treated, I am throwing my temper tantrums. Guruvayurappa,> > kshamikkane!> >> >> > Regards and prayers> >> > Savitri> >> >> >> >> > On Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 2:13 AM, nbnair2000 nbnair2000@ wrote:> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > HARI AUM> > >> > > Sub: ChottanikkaraMakam Thozhal – cruelty to Elephants in the> name of God> > > and Traditions.> > >> > > Yes ShriGopalakrishnanji, I do remember your Very, Very touching> message No.> > > 1502 dated May 1, 2007 in this very Forum " … cruelty to> Elephants in the> > > name of tradition and God …" and also the comments from our> devotees, some> > > of which were really very unkind - perhaps they were not directly> exposed to> > > the actual facts!> > >> > > A humblerequest to all devotees: Please visit and have Darsan of all> those> > > 60+ShriGaneshas in the Punnathur Anakotta of Guruvayurappan as well,> as part> > > of your GuruvayurDarshans. Not only you will get a firsthand> information> > > about the present condition inwhich they are kept there, but also> these> > > frequent visits by devotees willcompel the authorities to take> propercare> > > of these ShriGaneshas.> > >> > > With Regards,> > >> > > Yours affly nb nair.> > >> > > nbnair2000@ March 20, 2008.> > >> > >> > >> >>