Guest guest Posted March 21, 2008 Report Share Posted March 21, 2008 Krishna , Guruvayoorappa ! Dear Bhakthas , Bhagavan Krishna says in Geeta 3.21 "Common people will follow the deeds of a Great man. The whole world will emulate the standards that he sets " My humble request to the learned and reputed Bhakthas, is not to promote Blasphemy of the sacred "Kshetra Acharams" ( Temple Customs) . Especially , since the Atheist-rulers and anti-Hindu Groups are desperately trying to deconsecrate the Temples . Recently ,a Hindu Mega-star of Kerala proudly claimed in an article in "Malayala Manorama" that he is a devotee having no faith in any "Vritham" ( vow) . If one doesn't have control over his material senses , for sure he is free to engage in any activity of his choice . Our great Acharyas were "Thrikala Jnanis " ( who knows the past , present and future) . They have mercifully established the `Kshetra-Acharams' to enable the lesser Successors to maintain the Vedic temples . There are specific systems in place to enable the Vedic-Authories to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of potential changes and to seek the Deity's will prior to changing any "Acharam" . One can't replace the Naivedayam with Sandwich , or live Elephant with artificial Elephant in Vedic temples , according to his personal convenience . Such opportunism may be fine for the man made religions but not Vedic Sanatana Dharma . The Ever Compassionate Devatas Our Devatas are most compassionate to all beings . So, too their rituals and customs . If we look closely at the Temple customs , we can see that the rituals are never continuous and there are many long breaks in between . Elephants are required only for short periods during the Ulsavam . And they get lot of rest in between the rituals . Also , the Devotees enthusiastically feed them even when on duty . What will Happen if Elephant is Prohibited in Temples. If the use of Elephants is prohibited in Temples , instead of that they will be continuously engaged for 1000% harder tasks like the continuous handling of heavy materials under hot until their death . Those who are shedding crocodile tears for the "plight" of Elephants in Temples are ignoring this fact . Last week Kairali TV showed a programme on Elephants by the expert Sri.Kattumadam . He revealed with evidence that Guruvayoorappan's Elephants as well as the other temple Elephants are definitely the most fortunate Elephants in Kerala , simply because they are very rarely engaged for Heavy works outside. Also they are being cared much better than the Private Elephants . It is very expensive for an owner to maintain an Elephant . If he is denied the easy income from Temples , he will be forced to send his Elephant for the said Heavy jobs which are lucrative . The existing laws ( which have many loop holes) have no control over such hazardous environments which are the domains of the fearsome Mafia-dons . Let us better focus on Bhakthy rather than helping the Atheist's moves to destroy the Temple-customs of Sree Guruvayoorappan and other Devatas . Om Namo Narayanaya !!! Krishnadaya. ------------- 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.> > >> > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2008 Report Share Posted March 21, 2008 Some Achaaram can change if it is bad for people or any living thing. Using elephant for Temple rituals is not the problem here. The problem is misuse or mistreatment of the elephant. Here the elephants are being misused by people. So the people should stop it. To do so what should be stopped is the misuse of the elephant, not change the temple ritual. Using mechanized elephant for temple is not a good idea. Use the mechanized elephant for work. "Time changes and we should change with it" is not always acceptable, to me at least. Here, there could be change. That change should be to ban using elephants for hard labor and use them exclusively for temple. There are lot of machinery which could do every kind of work the cruel human being wants to do to full fill their materialistic needs. Why to use the poor animal whose language we are unable understand fully and put them through so much of pain and misery.Thanks.krishnadaya <krishnadaya wrote: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 HARI AUMDear Shri Krishnadayaji,You are very muchright - in the good old days, we all used to feel real Great about all these Temple Utsavas. Elephants were never treated that bad andthat was why perhaps we never felt anything that bad about it. As you mentionedin your Messate No.8930; "OurDevatas are most compassionate to all beings … the rituals are never continuousand there are many long breaks in between. Elephants are required only for short periods during the Ulsavam, And they get lot of rest in between therituals, etc." But allthese are things of the past. Every bodyknows that elephants are treated as a source of easy money these days. Hundreds of elephants are being brought toKerala from other states mainly for hiring out to temple festivals. Pl. see the link below: one Mr. VV Jose ofChalakkudy wants to bring nine elephants from Assam to Kerala!.ClickHere For HC Restrains the use of elephants – Mr.VV Jose of Chalakkudy wants to bring 9 elephants from Assam…The Hindureport. This is to bring one singlepoint to the attention of all fellow devotees: The interference of power-hungry,greedy politicians in the sacred practices in Guruvayur Templethus causing Blasphemy with total disregard for all the Guruvayurappandevotees.Many of ourdevotees were offended by the outbursts of the minister Shri Sudhakaran. I too do not agree with what all he said: butI take it as a God-sent warning through this atheist minister who mostironically is in charge of Devaswam Board! Shri Sudhakaran was at least outspoken. There were many cases of undesirable interference by greedy and corrupt politicians in the garbof devotees in the affairs of Guruvayur Devaswam Board that most shamefullybrought disgrace to Hindu Dharma. I feelit is the duty of all Guruvayurappan devotees to register our strong protestand think of ways to remedy these ill-doings at the earliest.Decades backGuruvayur Devaswam Board had taken a decision not to accept any more Elephantsas offering/ donation from devotees. This was on the basis of the fact that:(a) There were already enough elephants inPunnathoor Anakotta for all the rituals of Guruvayurappan Temple.(b) Punnathur Anakotta even after some moreacquisitions of private properties was already over crowded and could not accommodateany more elephants.After thisdecision, naturally Gurvayur Devaswam Board had bluntly refused many offers ofElephants from Guruvayurappan devotees – that is fine.But in total violationof its own decision, in total disregard for the wishes of many devotees (whoseoffers were rejected), Guruvayur Devaswam board had accepted many moreelephants making the Punnathur Ana Kotta the most notoriously crowded cellkeeping the largest number (in the world) of male elephants in celibacy for life.The over crowdingas on today in Punnathur Ana Kotta is in total violation of all accepted normsfor captive elephants, including Kerala Government Rules.ClickHere For "The Kerala Captive Elephants Rules, 2003." But neither the government, the judiciary nor anyInternational NGOs come forward to question this as it is considered as areligious matter.So, we as thedevotees of Guruvayurappan should decide whether we should allow these dubiousbut influential people to break all rules taking protection under HinduReligion and finally bringing disgrace for Guruvayur TempleWe should insist onthe Guruvayur Devaswam Board to come out in the open with facts and figures as to after theirdecision not to accept any more elephants (and refusing many offers from ordinary devotees):(1) Howmany elephants they have admitted to Punnathoor Kotta.(2) From whom all they have accepted and theconditions in which they have accepted each one of them.(3) What made them to believe that these peoplewere in any way special to Guruvayurappan than the ordinary devotees whoseoffers they had already refused in the past.Also, theconcerned authorities should declare a time bound proposal to improve theconditions in Punnathur Kotta so that the elephants are provided with theminimum facilities as to:a) Thearea requirement of open space,b) Thearea requirement of weather-proof quality accommodation andc) Therequirement of a thorough bath everyday in clean water, among other things as stipulatedby The Kerala Government Rules. No one should beallowed to break the laws of the land to satisfy their own selfish interestsand then take shelter under religion, bringing disgrace to Guruvayurappandevotees With Regards toall fellow devotees,Yours sincerely,nb nair.Gurgaon, April 4,2008.guruvayur , "krishnadaya" <krishnadaya wrote:>> > Krishna , Guruvayoorappa ! Dear Bhakthas ,> > Bhagavan Krishna says in Geeta 3.21 "Common people will follow the> deeds of a Great man. The whole world will emulate the standards that he> sets "> > My humble request to the learned and reputed Bhakthas, is not to> promote Blasphemy of the sacred "Kshetra Acharams" ( Temple> Customs) . Especially , since the Atheist-rulers and anti-Hindu Groups> are desperately trying to deconsecrate the Temples .> > Recently ,a Hindu Mega-star of Kerala proudly claimed in an article in> "Malayala Manorama" that he is a devotee having no faith in any> "Vritham" ( vow) . If one doesn't have control over his> material senses , for sure he is free to engage in any activity of his> choice .> > Our great Acharyas were "Thrikala Jnanis " ( who knows the past> , present and future) . They have mercifully established the > `Kshetra-Acharams' to enable the lesser Successors to> maintain the Vedic temples . There are specific systems in place to> enable the Vedic-Authories to analyze the advantages and disadvantages> of potential changes and to seek the Deity's will prior to> changing any "Acharam" .> > One can't replace the Naivedayam with Sandwich , or live Elephant> with artificial Elephant in Vedic temples , according to his personal> convenience . Such opportunism may be fine for the man made religions> but not Vedic Sanatana Dharma .> > The Ever Compassionate Devatas> > Our Devatas are most compassionate to all beings . So, too their> rituals and customs . If we look closely at the Temple customs , we can> see that the rituals are never continuous and there are many long> breaks in between . Elephants are required only for short periods during> the Ulsavam . And they get lot of rest in between the rituals . Also ,> the Devotees enthusiastically feed them even when on duty .> > What will Happen if Elephant is Prohibited in Temples.> > If the use of Elephants is prohibited in Temples , instead of that> they will be continuously engaged for 1000% harder tasks like the> continuous handling of heavy materials under hot until their death .> Those who are shedding crocodile tears for the "plight" of> Elephants in Temples are ignoring this fact . Last week Kairali TV> showed a programme on Elephants by the expert Sri.Kattumadam . He> revealed with evidence that Guruvayoorappan's Elephants as well as > the other temple Elephants are definitely the most fortunate Elephants> in Kerala , simply because they are very rarely engaged for Heavy works> outside. Also they are being cared much better than the Private> Elephants .> > It is very expensive for an owner to maintain an Elephant . If he is> denied the easy income from Temples , he will be forced to send his> Elephant for the said Heavy jobs which are lucrative . The existing> laws ( which have many loop holes) have no control over such hazardous> environments which are the domains of the fearsome Mafia-dons .> > Let us better focus on Bhakthy rather than helping the Atheist's> moves to destroy the Temple-customs of Sree Guruvayoorappan and other> Devatas .> > Om Namo Narayanaya !!!> > Krishnadaya.> > ------\> -------------------> > > 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.> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2008 Report Share Posted April 17, 2008 Sub: Cruelty to Elephants in the name of God -continued. HARI AUM First of all let me say from my heart SORRY to those of my fellow devotees, friends or contacts if at all I had offended their feelings in any way by my post (Message 9184). Now I am fully reconciled to the fact that we can't change overnight some age-old practice just because that practice is getting distorted or abused by some vested interests. A better way may be to stop all those aberrations to the maximum possible extent. I am very much indebted to a good number of my learned fellow devotees and friends (I had sent it to some of my close friends and contacts as well) who wrote to me to my gmail id, nbnair, expressing their frank opinions on the topic: a few of them totally agreeing and a good number explaining the practical difficulties for a sudden change over. Also a few, for whom I had great regards, have totally disagreed to my ideas. I really feel equally indebted to all of them for their frank opinions. In the light of the above, I started re-reading the messages from some of our learned devotees, especially Krishanadayaji (8930) and Krishna Prasadji (8891). Also with the latest news about the government proposal to take over one of the most popular and well administered (far better than the administration of the Government of Kerala) Mahakshetrams in Kerala, Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, the fears expressed by some of our members about the evil designs of the present government is proved right. Taking all these into consideration I will be compiling shortly some very important and practical suggestions received and the same shall be posted to our Group to finalise some course of action to counter these aberrations in our system caused by the greedy present day elephant owners under the pretext of religious freedom. With Regards to all, NB Nair. guruvayur , "NB Nair" <nbnair2000 wrote:>> HARI AUM> Dear Shri Krishnadayaji,> > You are very muchright - in the good old days, we all used to feel real> Great about all these Temple Utsavas. Elephants were never treated that> bad andthat was why perhaps we never felt anything that bad about it. As> you mentionedin your Messate No.8930; "OurDevatas are most> compassionate to all beings … the rituals are never continuousand> there are many long breaks in between. Elephants are required only for> short periods during the Ulsavam, And they get lot of rest in between> therituals, etc." But allthese are things of the past. Every> bodyknows that elephants are treated as a source of easy money these> days. Hundreds of elephants are being brought toKerala from other> states mainly for hiring out to temple festivals. Pl. see the link> below: one Mr. VV Jose ofChalakkudy wants to bring nine elephants from> Assam to Kerala!.> > ClickHere> <http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/04/12/stories/2007041210150400.htm> For> HC Restrains the use of elephants – Mr.VV Jose of Chalakkudy wants> to bring 9 elephants from Assam…The Hindureport.> > This is to bring one singlepoint to the attention of all fellow> devotees: The interference of power-hungry,greedy politicians in the> sacred practices in Guruvayur Templethus causing Blasphemy with total> disregard for all the Guruvayurappandevotees.> > Many of ourdevotees were offended by the outbursts of the minister Shri> Sudhakaran. I too do not agree with what all he said: butI take it as a> God-sent warning through this atheist minister who mostironically is in> charge of Devaswam Board! Shri Sudhakaran was at least outspoken. There> were many cases of undesirable interference by greedy and corrupt> politicians in the garbof devotees in the affairs of Guruvayur Devaswam> Board that most shamefullybrought disgrace to Hindu Dharma. I feelit is> the duty of all Guruvayurappan devotees to register our strong> protestand think of ways to remedy these ill-doings at the earliest.> > Decades backGuruvayur Devaswam Board had taken a decision not to accept> any more Elephantsas offering/ donation from devotees. This was on the> basis of the fact that:> > (a) There were already enough elephants inPunnathoor Anakotta for all> the rituals of Guruvayurappan Temple.> > (b) Punnathur Anakotta even after some moreacquisitions of private> properties was already over crowded and could not accommodateany more> elephants.> > After thisdecision, naturally Gurvayur Devaswam Board had bluntly> refused many offers ofElephants from Guruvayurappan devotees – that> is fine.> > But in total violationof its own decision, in total disregard for the> wishes of many devotees (whoseoffers were rejected), Guruvayur Devaswam> board had accepted many moreelephants making the Punnathur Ana Kotta the> most notoriously crowded cellkeeping the largest number (in the world)> of male elephants in celibacy for life.> > The over crowdingas on today in Punnathur Ana Kotta is in total> violation of all accepted normsfor captive elephants, including Kerala> Government Rules.> > ClickHere <http://www.keralaforest.gov.in/html/actsandrules/kce.pdf> > For "The Kerala Captive Elephants Rules, 2003."> > But neither the government, the judiciary nor anyInternational NGOs> come forward to question this as it is considered as areligious matter.> > So, we as thedevotees of Guruvayurappan should decide whether we should> allow these dubiousbut influential people to break all rules taking> protection under HinduReligion and finally bringing disgrace for> Guruvayur Temple> > We should insist onthe Guruvayur Devaswam Board to come out in the open > with facts and figures as to after theirdecision not to accept any more> elephants (and refusing many offers from ordinary devotees):> > (1) Howmany elephants they have admitted to Punnathoor Kotta.> > (2) From whom all they have accepted and theconditions in which they> have accepted each one of them.> > (3) What made them to believe that these peoplewere in any way special> to Guruvayurappan than the ordinary devotees whoseoffers they had> already refused in the past.> > Also, theconcerned authorities should declare a time bound proposal to> improve theconditions in Punnathur Kotta so that the elephants are> provided with theminimum facilities as to:> > a) Thearea requirement of open space,> > b) Thearea requirement of weather-proof quality accommodation and> > c) Therequirement of a thorough bath everyday in clean water, among> other things as stipulatedby The Kerala Government Rules.> > No one should beallowed to break the laws of the land to satisfy their> own selfish interestsand then take shelter under religion, bringing> disgrace to Guruvayurappandevotees> > With Regards toall fellow devotees,> > Yours sincerely,nb nair.> > Gurgaon, April 4,2008.> guruvayur , "krishnadaya" krishnadaya@ wrote:> >> >> > Krishna , Guruvayoorappa ! Dear Bhakthas ,> >> > Bhagavan Krishna says in Geeta 3.21 "Common people will follow the> > deeds of a Great man. The whole world will emulate the standards that> he> > sets "> >> > My humble request to the learned and reputed Bhakthas, is not to> > promote Blasphemy of the sacred "Kshetra Acharams" ( Temple> > Customs) . Especially , since the Atheist-rulers and anti-Hindu Groups> > are desperately trying to deconsecrate the Temples .> >> > Recently ,a Hindu Mega-star of Kerala proudly claimed in an article> in> > "Malayala Manorama" that he is a devotee having no faith in any> > "Vritham" ( vow) . If one doesn't have control over his> > material senses , for sure he is free to engage in any activity of his> > choice .> >> > Our great Acharyas were "Thrikala Jnanis " ( who knows the past> > , present and future) . They have mercifully established the> > `Kshetra-Acharams' to enable the lesser Successors to> > maintain the Vedic temples . There are specific systems in place to> > enable the Vedic-Authories to analyze the advantages and disadvantages> > of potential changes and to seek the Deity's will prior to> > changing any "Acharam" .> >> > One can't replace the Naivedayam with Sandwich , or live Elephant> > with artificial Elephant in Vedic temples , according to his personal> > convenience . Such opportunism may be fine for the man made religions> > but not Vedic Sanatana Dharma .> >> > The Ever Compassionate Devatas> >> > Our Devatas are most compassionate to all beings . So, too their> > rituals and customs . If we look closely at the Temple customs , we> can> > see that the rituals are never continuous and there are many long> > breaks in between . Elephants are required only for short periods> during> > the Ulsavam . And they get lot of rest in between the rituals . Also ,> > the Devotees enthusiastically feed them even when on duty .> >> > What will Happen if Elephant is Prohibited in Temples.> >> > If the use of Elephants is prohibited in Temples , instead of that> > they will be continuously engaged for 1000% harder tasks like the> > continuous handling of heavy materials under hot until their death .> > Those who are shedding crocodile tears for the "plight" of> > Elephants in Temples are ignoring this fact . Last week Kairali TV> > showed a programme on Elephants by the expert Sri.Kattumadam . He> > revealed with evidence that Guruvayoorappan's Elephants as well as> > the other temple Elephants are definitely the most fortunate> Elephants> > in Kerala , simply because they are very rarely engaged for Heavy> works> > outside. Also they are being cared much better than the Private> > Elephants .> >> > It is very expensive for an owner to maintain an Elephant . If he is> > denied the easy income from Temples , he will be forced to send his> > Elephant for the said Heavy jobs which are lucrative . The existing> > laws ( which have many loop holes) have no control over such hazardous> > environments which are the domains of the fearsome Mafia-dons .> >> > Let us better focus on Bhakthy rather than helping the Atheist's> > moves to destroy the Temple-customs of Sree Guruvayoorappan and other> > Devatas .> >> > Om Namo Narayanaya !!!> >> > Krishnadaya.> >> >> ------\> \> > -------------------> >> >> > 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.> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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