Monday, November 28, 2011

Thathwamasi - what is it?

[Query] What is Thathwamasi that is insribed in front of Sabarimala Sannidhanam ?
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How many of the pilgrims, who reaches the Sanctum of Ayyappa, reads this message there?

Thathwamasi - has nothing to do with the word "Thathuwam"..

It is one among the four Mahavakyas of the Vedhas...  Mahavakyas are the grand utterances of the Upanishads. The Final truth expressed in the Vedhas.

They contain the essence of the Vedanta and the ultimate truth. There are mahavakyas for all the four vedhas and everything convey the same meaning of Advaithic Truth.

The term Thathwamasi appears in the Samavedha - in the Chandogyopanishat.

Its a combination of three words

Tat Twam Asi = Thou art you. ie That is you
Tat - That
Twam - You
Asi - becoming / is

Here "That" refers to the Supreme being... ie Iam same as the supreme being

Understanding that we are not ordinary mortals - but we are the ultimate; this is Thathwamasi.

Tatvamasi is the fulfilment of spiritual knowledge. There is no second - "Iam that Supreme Entity"

This complex adwaithic wisdom is made simple in Ayyappa Thathwam... The State of Oneness... Thats the reason, once we wear the maala, we are taught to see everything as Ayyappan and everyone as Ayyappan.

Though we just call it outwardly and most of us never try to put the theory "everything is Ayyappan" into practice..

Just imagine the situation if it is in reality... "Every being is Ayyappan" "Every Devotee is Ayyappan" "Every piece of rock and mud is Ayyappan"...  Now there is no question of "I" here... because even "Iam Ayyappan..." ie  "Iam that Supreme Entity" ie "Thathwamasi"


Actually this (Thathwamasi and other) Mahavakyam is given as upadesham only while taking Sanyasam... Kanchi maha Swamigal said:

"It is to attain this highest of states in which the individual self dissolves inseparably in Brahman that a man becomes a sannyasi after forsaking the very karma that gives him inward maturity. When he is initiated into sannyasa he is taught four mantras, the four [principal] mahavakyas."

But Ayyappan is in Yoga Peetam at Sabarimala; He is a gurunathan there. Thats the reason he explicitly teaches this Maha Vaakya Saaram ie Thathwamasi with his Chinmudra...

Mahayogapeeto jwalantham mahantham 
Mahavaakya Saaropadesham Sushaantham
Maharshi Praharsha pradham gnana kaantham 
param jyoti roopam bhaje bhoothanatham

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Trayambakapuram - My favorite temples - Part III


Traymbaka puradheesam, Ganadhipa Samanvitham
Gajaroodam aham Vande, Sastharam Kuladaivatham
One Who is the Ruler of Tryambakapuram, who is with Lord Ganapathi and one who rides on an elephant, - I salute that Saastha who is the master of my dynasty

Almost every devotee who goes to Shabarimalai might have chanted this Slokam. But not even 1% of the devotees know where this Trayambakapuram temple is located. 

Trayambakapuram is one of the holy Kshetrams of Lord Sastha located near Tiruvaroor. The small temple is located amidst dense fields and is a very tranquil place.  This is an ancient temple for Lord Hariharaputra who is in the form of Bala Sastha.

Due to poor rood conditions and the muddy terrain, one can reach this place only with an own vehicle. But traveling to Trayambakapuram in the winding - isolated roads amidst palm trees is a very different and memorable experience.  But there is a chance of getting mislead because there will be no road or persons to guide you. And the temple legend says whenever the devotees are in need of assistance, Bala Sastha manifests in the form of a small boy and helps them. (We had an experience of getting lost and I just made a comment, "Only Bala Sastha has to come and show us the way",.....  Everyone of us were taken aback....  instantaneously from nowhere came a small boy... He said nothing - just pointed his finger to the direction of the temple... Even now my hairs stand on end when I write this.)
 
From the view of the spiritual sense, everything about the temple is special. 

The floor of the Sanctum is inscribed with the moola mantram of the Lord. And hence the priest takes utmost care while doing puja. Everytime he enters the sanctum sanctorum only after taking bath in the well within the temple.

Unlike in other Sastha temples Here Only one Parivaram - Veeran is seen with sword & weapons - just near the outer gate.

The compassionate Lord often appears in the dreams of the devotees, mostly as a small boy and shower His grace. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them, bless them and guide them

Needless to say, the deity, Bala Sastha is simply stunning. He is little beauty hardly 1 feet idol sitting on an Elephant. It is difficult to take one’s eyes off the Lord.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sri Sastha Koti Archana at Banglore



Last week I was at Banglore to attend a glorious Sastha Preethi by the Kambankudi family at Seetharam Mandhir. After the event, Shri.(Kambankudi)Hari and Santosh invited me for a Koti Archana to Lord Sastha. While we have performed and witnessed several homas, navavarana pujas, laksharchas etc for Sastha,  Iam hearing Koti archana after a very long time and so and my curiosity peaked.  And so when they requested me to attend, I accepted without arguments.

Lord Hariharaputra is Avyaja Karunyamurthy, and even if a single flower is offered to Him, he bestows His boundless grace in return. 

And if this is chanted 1 CRORE number of times, what will be the vaibhavam of the Lord ? 

I could literally experience the radiance emanating from the Lord at the entire premises. This is happening at the residence of Sri B S Kesavan residing at “ROHINI” 17/61 9th cross, 1st main, CT Bed, Banashankari III stage, Katriguppe, Bangalore 560085 . He had made a Sankalpam to do a Koti Archana to Lord Sastha for the well being of the society. The most important point is, that the pooja is being conducted by an individual at his residence.


Events of such a great magnitude can happen only with the Divine intervention. The quality of the energy emanating speaks for itself – this has to be experienced than explained. Along with doing archana, I was requested to give a small lecture on the occassion. It is indeed a great punya accumulated in various Janmas – by which one can worship Lord Sastha. The Lord gave me a pleasant surprise here for not only doing archana but also to talk and ponder about his glory of “my beloved” who is being celebrated there. 

In the Boothanatha Geeta, Bhagavan Manikanta says:
"I (Parabrahma) am the source of all; all evolves from Me; thus comprehending, the wise, who are mindful (of the supreme truth), worship Me." 

So worshiping Lord Sastha is a very rare opportunity and is equivalent of worshiping all the divine beings.

The daily puja starts in the morning with Rudra Abhishekam to Lord Hariharaputra and immediately followed by chanting of Sahasranaama Archana by the dedicated Bhakthaas who sit for several hours.  The evening session continues with the archana, Ashtaavadhana pooja and with the ceremonious HARIVARAASANAM and Closing of the NADAI. Something similar to what happens at Sabari Mala.


I really felt sorry that I could not spend much time as I had to leave the same night.

The pooja started on the 13th November with support of Bhakthaas from Bangalore and a group of Bhakthaas from Chennai and has been progressing exceedingly well to reach a unimaginable number of over 50 lakhs in just under 13 days.  

As a mark of thanking the Lord for the grace he has showered on us, Shri Kesavan has scheduled a POORNA PUSHKALA KALYANA MAHOTSAVA in Bhajan Paddathi. This is to be held on on 1st January 2012 and usher in the New Year as well.  The Kalyana Utsavam will be held at Nagalakshmi Kalyana Mantapa, Banashankari II Stage, Near Devagiri Temple, Bangalore.

Shri Kesavan has extended a warm invitation to all the members of Shri Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam and our readers. We hope that those interested will make ample use of this opportunity and attain the grace of Lord Maha Sastha

I pray to Shri Bhaktaparipala Maha Sastha to bless all the organizers and enable them to bring us many more such opportunities. 

Friday, November 25, 2011

"Sadguru Vandhanam" - New Audio CD


Swami Sharanam

One of our close Associate Shri Chidambaram Bhagawathar and his team has brought out a wonderful Audio Cd on Lord Ayyappa titled "Sadguru Vandhanam" 

There is no commercial inclination attached to this project.

The noble mission of recording this Audio CD is to propagate the Bhagawath Nama. The mandali has decided to contribute a part of the sale proceeds to "Sri Sasthalaya Sevanam" project of Our Maha Sasthru Seva Sangam, ie for renovating various ancient Sastha temples

Another portion will be contributed to the spiritual and charitable activities being organized by several institutions, temples and Sabhas across India.

The cost of the CD is Rs.100/- and the contact number is +919849303461.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Kochi Thekke Thalam - My favorite temples - Part II


Few temples may be less ancient in age – but the impact which they give is beyond description. One such temple, which made a remarkable effect in my life is Kochi Thekkethalam..

Over 300 years ago a handful of enterprising men, started from a village called Kallidaikurichi,(Tirunelveli district). Their aim was to establish some business and improve their material prospects.

The Karandhaiyar palayam Samooham (of Kallidaikurichi) situated on the banks of river Thamirabarani, was the origin of a concept called Sastha Preethi. Consisting of 18 Agraharams, Kallidaikurichi was in the western ghat region, it was the border of Chera and Pandya Kingdoms in yester years.

Sastha was the beloved deity on both sides of hills. Kallidakuruchi had a temple for Sastha.

Lord ‘Manikandan’ (during his human incarnation) had come to this village and had called at the house of an old couple for some food. The Lord felt very happy with them and became "Kambankudi Daasan". People started celebrating the Lord and thus began the glorious Sastha Preethi through the Kambankudi family who hailed from Kallidakuruchi.
 
When the people of Karanthaiyar palaya samooham, moved out from Kallidaikurichi towards Kerala in search of a new life, Lord Sastha promised that He would accompany them.

Passing through hills and forests they underwent many hardships, but could overcome everything by the grace of Lord Dharma Sastha. They understood that the divine blessing of Lord Hariharaputra was following them. First they settled in a place between the present Mavelikkara and Kayamkulam. But they were not happy and were suffering with a sense of insecurity there… When the Raja of Cochin who visited Kayamkulam, found a community of businessmen there, he invited them to settle down in Mattancherry to carry on their trade.

Those days the geographical setup and main transport was water way. When the first Brahmin settlement went to Kochi, Vanchi Pattu (the boatmans song) was developed on the rivers and backwaters, sung by boatman on voyages to keep up their spirit.
 
As promised, Lord Sastha accompanied the Brahmin Community and thus they came over to Cochin. Soon was born the Cochin Karanthayar Palayam Mahasamooham.

Soon the Raja of Cochin understood the divine will and the importance of the place and he allotted the piece of land to the Samooham to construct a temple. 

The premises – though seem to look like a brahmin settlement - is a wonderful kshetram of the Lord and a witness to His endless leelas.

The Thekkemadam is located in Mattancherry, inside the Cochin Island. The main part of the shrine consists of the `Thekkethalam' and the sanctum housing the idol of Kurathooril Ayyan Lord Dharmasastha.

According to the temple history, during the time of the settlement, the people were very much troubled by the Yakshi who lived there.  She was troubling the people of Thekkethalam too. Lord Sastha took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Yakshi with His spiritual pranks. The ever merciful Lord assumed the form of a small boy and moved about in the midst of men as a member of the `samooham'. Though everyone warned the boy about the turbulences caused by Yakshi, he was least bothered. He went inside a place lit a lamp and sat there for a while. Everybody left the place out of fear. Soon He arrested her movements and averted a great havoc. He controlled the yakshi and made her reside inside the yakshi kavu.

After completing his mission – the Lord sat at Thekkethalam permanently. The cup with the vibudhi inside it which He used and an “anaiya vilakku”  - lamp lit by Him has been kept lighted permanently at the holy spot. Thekkethalam is now a part of the temple premises.

This temple has borne witness to the growth of the settlement here.

Soon after this, the samooham flourished and the celebration of Sastha Preethi along with the members of the Kambankudi family started here - as it was done at Kallidaikurichi. The festival, is to thank the lord for all the good he has done to us and praying for a better future too.

The actual temple is a real surprise for all those who look at the temple from outside. The temple premises is a beautiful place with serene atmosphere. The main part of the shrine consists of the `Thekkethalam' and the sanctum housing Kulathoor Ayyan which is fronted by a large hall. A beautiful water pond is adjacent to the temple.

There is a strange scene here. Generally we will see Sastha facing east sitting alone or with his consorts inside the Sanctum. But here the Lord is facing North, present along with Ganapati, Yakshi, Boothanatha and Shivalingam on his side. The Lord is called Kochi Thekke Thala Karthan – the master of the Thekke thalam.

We reach the sannidhanam where Lord Sastha reigns supreme in all His radiance, exuding all grace and charm! The idol made of granite is about three feet in height, with the right hand holding a flower bunch, the left hand placed on his folded knee. The image bears a close resemblance to the deity at Aryankavu.

The beauty of the deity defies all description and is more a thing to be experienced than expressed!

I can say even tens of thousands of Suryas cannot match Lord Sastha of Kochi Thekkethalam in His magnificence! 

Sree Manidasar has glorified this temple in his Panchakams and many other Viruthams and songs. Generally, the Sastha preethi performed at all other areas are symbolic and brief; but at Thekke Madam it is an opportunity to take part in the elaborate and traditional form of the sacred ritual and earn the blessings of Hariharaputra. 

The Lord is in all splendour and bestows grace to the devotees. The grace, majesty, benovelence, divinty everything put together is Kochi Thekkethala Karthan. We can see Him facing us asking “What do you wish?” and whatever we ask, he will give.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Mahaperiyava on Seshadri Swamigal


Last century witnessed the Trinities (brahma,vishnu,siva) Seshadri Swamigal (tiruvananamalai) ,Kanchi  Mahaperiyava,Sri Ramana Maharishi (also known as Chinna Seshadri swamigal).Here is the excerpt from Mahaperiyava

Shri.Bharanidharan : I was writing 'Arunachala magimai' at that time. One day, I said to Maha Periyava that I am unable to locate the house where Shri Seshadri Swamigal lived between 1870 to 1889. Maha Periyava said ' why don't you take efforts to find the house?' and directed me to various people. The search narrowed down to 2 to 3 houses. It was then I met the old man who built the house where Swamigal ived and he said ' when the elder(est) son was 19years he became mad and ran away from the house'. So, finally, I located the Shri.Seshadri Swamigal's house.


Then, when i went to have darshan of Maha Periyava who was at Kollavar Chatram, i briefed HIM on the developments. He said ' shall we buy the house, much like Sangeetha mummoorthigals' houses have been bought in Thiruvaroor?'. We formed a committee, collected money, the house was bought and named as 'Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal Nivasam'. Maha Periyava then asked a portrait of Seshadri Swamigal to be kept in the house and Moovalur Gopala Dheekshitar was asked to shift his residence there and do agni hotram and ishti homam. then, under instructions of Maha Periyava, the aradhana of Swamigal was started in Margazhi Navami.

One day, Maha Periyava drew a plan on the sand at Sivasthanam, Thenambakkam, on how to build a mantap at Swamigal's residence. A trust was formed with Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty, 'Sangupani' Sivaraj Mudaliyar, K.R.Visvanathan and i was also a part of it. In 1985 Sehsadri Jayanthi was also started in Thai, Hastham, again under HIS instructions.


On Jan 21st,1987 (Thai Hastham) I went to the mutt to receive Maha Periyava's blessings for the celebs to go off well and casually mentioned about Unjavrithi that i witnessed at Thiruvaiaru just a couple of days back, during Thiyagaraja aradhana. Maha Periyava said 'start unjavrithi in Seshadri Swamigal Jayanthi too'. I said 'okay, will plan for the next year' 'why next year? start now'. i said i do not know anything about unjavrithi. Maha Periyava showed an old man standing nearby and said ' ivarukku thalaipagai kattu. sombu onnu tholla (shoulder) pottuko, and as you go on the street the ladies will put rice in the sombu, collect it and come back.thats all unjavrithi is all about'. 'bhajanai?'. 'no need for professionals, just the two of you would be enough'. 'what to sing?'. Maha Periyava thought for a moment, started putting thalam and began to sing 'Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Kaamaakshi, Jaya Jaya jaya Jaya kaamakoti, Jaya jaya Jaya jaya Seshadri'.just repeat this. the next year, Papanaasam Sri Kunjumani Bhagavathar joined us.


One day, when we were talking about the registration of Seshadri Swamigal's house, Maha Periyava asked me ' how many Seshadris are involved in this?'. I said 'four'.Maha Periyava said 'five' - first Seshadri Swamigal, then your friend who is with us now, the advocate who verified the documents, the clerk in the register office and, of course, your father!!'.


Yet another day when i went to Thenambakkam, Maha Periyava sat like Seshadri Swamigal, with legs folded in the same way and his left hand palm holding the chin and asked ' is this not how HE is sitting?'. I could not make out any diff between the two of them and tears welled up in my eyes.

It was some time later that Maha Periyava spoke those immortal words ' will I ever become like Seshadri Swamigal?, will I attain that level?' If Maha Periyava whom all of us know is saakshath Parameswaran said this of Seshadri Swamigal, at what level HE must have been? Brahamananda nilai !!

Qualification of getting Moola Mantra upadesam


Query :-

Swami sharanam,

Some of our friends asked, what is the qualification of getting Moola Mantra upadesam. (Sastha  or any god)

I have not answered to them, since I feel you are the right person to answer authentically.

According to me if the person is ready for this it comes automatically, but  I I say this they may not believe and they expected detailed answer.

Can you explain in your blog please.
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I have already given a note here
http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2011/05/guru-mantra-upadesham.html

Moola mantram is the very form of the God... U may be called by one name today (in this janma) and another name tomorrow.. But God's name is permanent... Thats why people are suggested to do Nama Japam and Naama keerthanam...

If Nama japam itself can bring so much glory just imagine how powerful the moola mantram will be? Nama is God's name... whereas Moola Mantram is the very form of God himself.

First of all the Moola Mantram has originated from the Lord Himself. It's the most sacred one in the world.  Right from the start of the creation the moola mantra is used by countless number of Rishis to do the Mantra japam to please the Lord and to get his blessings.

Moola mantram upadesham may happen in two (and rarely three)  ways....

This is what is prescribed in various Tantras like Kularnavam...

1.
First a person is totally immersed in devotion towards a particular God and want to do the upasana...

He surrenders to a particular person - identifying him as his Guru.

Then one has to plead to the Guru for upadesham... And Guru has to observe the sishya and carefully watch his actions for a period of time... Only of he is satisfied he may consider him for giving the mantra upadesham.

For some people only some mantras are suitable; So if a person voluntarily asks for mantra upadesham, his horoscope has to be assessed to check whether this mantram will suit him. Or Siddhari Shodhanam may also be conducted. Most of the Gurus do this and exception from these tests are there for a few mantras.

After this over a period of time, gradually various mantras right from ganapaty (as per the sampradhaya) are given to the disciple

2.
The second case happens due to a divine will - a Mahan or Guru due to his compassion towards the Sishya, gives him the upadesham. Even without asking, one may get the mantra upadesham. This one is actually superior than asking. Its a momentary decision or intuition which makes the Guru to give the upadesham...

Prahalaadha, was given Upadesha of moola mantra from Narada even when Prahalaadha was in the womb.

Iam forunate enough to have personally witnessed few such incidents at Pampa, Veliyanavattam, Karimala and Sannidhanam. Just while sitting in the puja, meditation or Sastha Preethi, the Guru calls someone and gives him the treasure.

3.
The third case, When the Guru parampara order - is in disorder, some divine intervention takes place to set it right... Either the giver should have the blazing fire or atleast the receiver should be a dry log... but in todays case - both are very difficult to find. So for a few very very rare cases mantra a divine force may manifest in dream etc to give the upadesham....  This happens only for one in a million.

.......
So if one is really interested in doing moola mantra japam, one has to catch hold the feet of his guru. Anyway - the qualification for getting a moola mantram - is decided by Bhagawan himself. So one has to sincerely pray to the Ishta deivam to show the proper Guru and to give him the upadesham through the Guru. So once the time comes or rather when "He" feels you are qualified, you get the mantra upadesham.

A very very fortunate person will get to know the moola mantra through proper upadesham. And the person who is now a Shishya of that Acharyan must not at any cost disclose the mantram openly to anyone. These Secred Mantras only when got through an Acharya from a true sampradayam and Guru Parampara, will the power of the potency of these mantras. Only mantras obtained through proper Guru will earn the grace of the Lord.


{The Sishya has to salute the Guru with Dakshina and the Guru has to acknowledge it. This has to be done very clearly... I was wondering why this step is insisted so much?  On pondering over this, it  reminded me of three famous (rather interesting) phrases
1. "Pusthaka Guru" ie Reading the moola mantram from a book and start doing the japam on his own....
This method is not allowed and when practiced, it will not give any result....

2. "Mantra Thiruttu" ie When the Guru is giving upadesham to a sishya, a person making an eavesdrop on them and start chanting on own
This method is a great sin and will give negative result....

3. 2. "Mantra Sweekaranam" ie The person instigating a guru very cleverly and somehow make him utter the moola mantram - and even without the knowledge of the Guru, they themselves consider this as upadesham and start chanting.
This is a worst crime
)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Guru Krupa - the Golden touch


You are going to a temple casually... What will you do if a complete stranger casually stops you, come to you and says, “You are a Brahmin belonging to _______ gothra. You were not born for this purpose . . . Your lifetime purpose is different. Learn Sanskrit and enter the Upasana Marga”?

99% reaction will be - you come to a conclusion that you are dealing with a madman or yet another way to make money. 

But Ambika Dattan,a young school boy did not leave... He stopped and listened or.... something made him to stop... The face of the mysterious man was very very familiar.

Ambika Dattan was actually in a confused mind set - for the past few days... He was unable to come to a conclusion. Life bound him to disown responsibilities but renunciation was equally enchanting.

It so happened that one tuesday evening, during the month of Maasi he was casually moving inside a temple entrance. Ambika Dattan was encountered by this person... He stopped the boy and started questioning him...

The boy actually didn’t know what to do. Out of sheer desperation, he stood up, thinking of running. But, he heard a voice which clearly ordered, “Iam a Parabrahma vasthu and Ive manifested here just for you ! Iam here to answer your prayer ! be here !” 

Ambika Dattan was perplexed as he couldn’t make out anything. But the person soon started narrating many personal instances, "His" connection with the boy's family for generations.. Still Ambika Dattan was very hesitant in staying back.. Finally he spoke about one personal prayer made by the boy at an Adhishtanam - during his childhood. Finally he revealed his identity and started explaining the reason for his visit. What was heard only in stories -was happening in reality. Divinely inspired, the boy even forgot to salute the great person standing in front of him.  

The person spoke to the young boy for more than half an hour and explained him the reality of the Mahavakhyams given in the four Vedas. He gave him few more insturctions to be carried out and finally He imparted the knowlege of Devi Upasana to Ambika Dattan. 

(There are many more highly miraculous incidents and informations which was imparted, but due to their sanctity, Ambika Dattan requested me not to publish it here.)

He instructed Ambika Dattan to return home and continue the upasana and assured rest will automatically happen.

When the parting moment came, the boy was totally awestruck to say anything... The mysterious person stood there, blessed him and walked away!

Ambika Dattan then returned to his place, and lives happily embraced by the person’s blessings. This became the turning point in Ambika Dattan's life. 

The ‘person’ who stopped the young boy is actually not a "mere person". He is more than that. The main purpose of this post - is intended to show the glory of a compassionate gurunatha who came to lend a helping hand to the boy whom he had promised janmas ago... he had come back after 70 years of his Maha Samadhi...

Yes ! 70 years after the Maha Samadhi - the person who came there was none other than the Great Mystic -  Shri Seshadri Swamigal.  

Sri Seshadri Swamigal is one of the greatest Indian saints who lived Thiruvannaamalai. He was beyond the description of a saint, a reality that cannot be clutched and clasped by the mind leading one to realization.

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, Maha Periyaval of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam said once "will I attain a state like Seshadri Swamigal?". Such was the greatness of Gurunathar Sri Seshadri Swamigal

Yesterday I had a golden chance of going to Thiruvannamalai and had a blissful stay at Seshadri Swamigal's Adhishtanam. This reminded me of the above encounter of Ambika Dattan and Seshadri Swamigal. 

Seshadri Swamigal, well known as Hiranya Bahu - "Saint with a golden hand", whose touch can bring fortune even to an ordinary mortal.

Ambika Dattan is a living example as to what Guru Krupa can do to a person... 

Naasti Thathwam Param Gurum
There is no thathwam other than Guru 

Guru is a father, a friend, a guru and a savior, all in one. 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Sabarimala Yatra begins

Mandala Kaalam is fast approaching and on an average Iam receiving atleast 6-7 mails daily - asking for doubts... Can I do this that, Can I watch TV? Can my wife/mother eat non vegetarian...etc etc

I have already made a detailed note last year... For new members, please read it here

I always insist on one Golden Rule and my favorite rule - "Guru Vaakyam Pramaanam" - Guru's words are Final. But few senior Guruswamys complained me regarding the behavior of today's Guruswamys and asked me to explicitly warn - regarding the quality of Guruswamys...

Being a Guruswamy - Its already a profession to many people...So please see the anushtanam, good behavior and most important - discipline - a person having all these three is fit to be a Guru. (You may be surprised to see that devotion is not in the list - A person with true devotion automatically gets all these three qualities)

And please give due respect to the Maala you are wearing... Physical and mental cleanliness is absolutely necessary.. Try to be really sincere to the maximum extend and follow the practices strictly. Wearing slippers, using leather belts, (you may have your own reasons for justifying all these... But everything said and done it will definitely affect the sannidhyam - divinity of the Vrutham)

All that corrupts you mind - can be avoided.. (Please try avoid watching TV. Today's Kalipurushan stays in the form of Television. If you avoid seeing unnecessary programs and serials... I can promise, you'l definitely enjoy a very good experience both during the vrutham and during the dharshanam)

Make it a discipline that you go to the temple regularly.. Taking bath twice a day, doing atleast a simple puja and calling out Sharanams is part of the daily routine. People who are having Upanayanam - make it a strict practice that you do sandhya vandhanam and Gayatri Japam regularly - both in the morning and evening. Even if you are unable to go to a temple - its ok. Ayyappan will be happy seeing you doing your given duty (sandhya) But without Sandhyavandanam whatever you do - is a waste.

Doing Annadhanam is a very big Kainkaryam... But donot waste food in the name of Annadhanam... We see tons and tons of food being wasted at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Veliyanavattam - in the name of annadhanam. Annam Brahma - Please dont waste it.

If you see any devotee smoking or drinking within the Poonkavanam - you have all right to question him. Object this and ask him to stop - make him understand that he is not only committing a sin but also creating hazard to the other devotees.

Just by calling everyone as "Swami"- nothing is going to happen. Understand the reality that everyone is Ayyappan. The Lord resides inside each and every devotee. So donot PUSH or cause trouble to even a single devotee. Just because of this unruly behaviour and the pushing- the tragic accident at Pulmedu occured last year.

As usual please avoid using plastic at sabarimala and let us make Sabarimala clean and green.... Thats a very big offering to Ayyappan than doing any other puja.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Shivananda Vijayalakshmi left for Shripuram

Received the news that Smt. Shivananda Vijayalakshmi, a great devotee of Swami Shivananda and a renowned Upanyasaki and Srividyopasaki attained the lotus feet of Sri Mahatripurasundari yesterday. Mami lived in Madurai, the dwadashanta kshetram, devoting every minute of her life to the sanatana dharma.

Can anyone forget the Soul-stirring Lalita Sahasranamam by her ? Being a Srividya upasaki herself, this is one of her masterpieces. The audio released in 1960s still holds the fort, running in each and every home. She is the guru for almost 90% of us to learn Lalitha Sahasranamam (through her cassette)...

A few occasions I spent with her was more valuable than several hours of study. We pray to the Empress Lalita Parameshwari to grant solace to the grieving family and the sishyas

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Putra Prapti , Horoscope and Hariharaputran


For some obvious reasons... I had stopped looking Horoscopes for the past one year.. except for very few cases.... The main reason was when one of our family friend insisted me to see a horoscope regarding child birth... 

Even for getting a remedy - one's Karma has to permit him... 

In Bharata desham, birth of a child has always been a priority after marriage. After almost 10 years of marriage, and almost all the "Professional" astrologers have discouraged them. 

Analysing a horoscope for child birth has to be done very accurately... Most of the astrologers fail to differentiate between Childlessness and delay in Child birth.

Immediately a Sarpa Shanti is suggested by them.... And what people generally do is perform a puja at Kalahasti or visit Tirunageswaram and start complaining again.

And delay in child birth may be due to the bad influence of any of the nine grahas... First this has to be identified... only after this pariharam has to be suggested. Not every childlessness is connected to Naaga dosha.

Sarpa Dosha is caused due to various reasons.. One cannot simply generalize this... This occurs due to the wrath of the Serpent in previous birth. Due to Sarpa dosha, marriages may be delayed, Progeny may be denied and/or  miscarriages will occur. There are many varieties of Sarpa dosham. Based on this the parihara has to be decided. For most of the cases a simple pushpanjali (on appropriate place and time) would solve the entire issue... 

Yet another  important fact is, the devatas who actually control the navagrahas... For example to please (Chevvai) Mars, without pleasing Subramanya one cannot get 100% result and get the problem resolved.

And coming back to our case.. A lot of issues were present in both the horoscopes and something struck me... I closed the horoscope and returned it... My only suggestion was to fall at the feet of "My beloved". A Lord who can cause fear even to the Prarabdham... 

An archana for Lord Maha Sastha at a specific Sasthru kshetram  - for seven consecutive weeks. I suggested to light the lamp at their home during the same time (when the archana is done) and pray to the Lord earnestly to grant a putra prapti... 

prArthita putra pradaM vasanta nata bRndaM
dIrghAyuHpradaM dIna jana phala pradam
The one who bestows sons.He is worshipped in Spring by crowds of people.
He grants longevity. He bestows happiness to destitutes

Sastha is the only God who promises Putra praapti even in His moola mantram

I think its needess to say about the result... 

Money Corrupts Devotion

Let me start with a story----------

A man who was very meek and humble used to come to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa every now and then. Whenver he saw Paramahamsa, he always did a namaskaram and saluted him utmost reverence and respect. After sometime he stopped coming and they knew nothing of what had happened to him. 

One day, Paramahamsa and few of his disciples, went over to a nearby place in a boat. As they were getting down from the boat, they saw the same person sitting on the bank of the Ganges, where, in the fashion of big folks, he was enjoying the pure air of the river. On seeing Ramakrishna, he accosted him in a stylish tone with the words, "Hallo Thakur! How are you doing now?" 

Everybody were taken aback seeing the drastic change in his behaviour.  Paramahamsa simply smiled and said  "I tell you,  this man must have come by some riches. Can't you see what a great change has come over him?" 

--------
I could not avoid my mind relating this story - when I met a devotee at Sabarimala during September.. I know this person for the past 4-5 years (Iam sure many of you would be knowing him and will be difficult for you to beleive this)... I still remember how he lived as a humble devotee... and our encounter was almost similar to the above story... 

He did a very great service to the Lord and really hats off for the work done, by which he is quite known to everybody. But Hariharaputra's game is always unique... Once you come into His clan, then your test begins... And you can pass the test Only by His grace...

The first test from Swami is regarding ego and desire.

(In Mahabarata - Satyaki has a platform - which actually brings out all the inner truth in your mind... something similar happened that day)

Money is the object of temptation... 

Right in front of the Lord - from the very beginning his talk was literally around money... Just casually I asked about the Makara Jyothi yatra... Immediately  he gave a reply.... "If any of your friends are interested just ask them to contact me... Its just 7000 rupees per head... You see.. Iam influential and can take people along with _________ " 

This person is a bachelor and Ive heard the same person saying, "Ayyppa is everything for me"(few years back).

But this time... I really felt disheartend to see this change in him

He continued... 
"If I just say Ayyappa - Ayyappa and keep on spending everything for God, who will look after me? And when Mahalakshmi comes, one has to take all steps to keep her with you. When opportunity comes, only fools dont utilize it" 

I still wonder what made him talk all the truth in his mind....

The desire for money makes such a difference in a man!

I dont mean that one has to become a sanyasi and never touch money... But doing it in the name of God and exploiting the devotion - is something unacceptable... There are a number of ways that you can make more money... 

Sastha is a Kalpaka Vruksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. You will certainly get whatever you ask of him. He has never turned anyone empty handed... As one thinks, so one receives... Iam sure he is going to earn a lot by this January....

Iam not writing this to attack anyone personally... Its just my observation on yet another the leela of the dearest son of Mohini

Lets pray that everyone of us qualify His test.

Gnana Sadgurunathane.. Sharanam Ayyappa