A new year Gift

During the year 2011  - there were too many places to visit, - almost all were unforgettable and unique. Grace of Lord Bhaktaparipala has showered on us throughout the year.

In continuation to this He gave us an oppurtunity to witness His glory on the new year's eve.

We had a great chance of visiting a place -an unique place. The place where Ayyappan stayed for two months to organize militants to fight against “Udayanan”.

Many are not interested in visiting these type of places. What indeed is so special about a old building? - especially to a group of devotees who are interested in tour - than yatra. To many, there is nothing spiritually worthwhile except when there are publicity, pomp and splendor. But for a person who is inclined towards the Lord -with a bond called devotion, he is attracted to his divine leelas. For a person who is involved in Upasana and mantra shastra - the solitude and divine presence is felt only at very few places.  The divine grace of My Bhaktaparipala and anugraham of my great grand father Shri.Chaami Anna, has never failed to guide us and because of this divine grace we finally made it to the place.

The Alangadu group has an inseparable role in the history of Sabarimala. Even today they have the special privilege of doing the last pettai thullal at Erumeli and the Krishna Parundhu appears during their pettai.

Few years ago ie exactly during 1863 AD Sri Kesava Pillai of Ambadathu Family,a pious gentleman by nature was an ardent devotee of Lord Sree Ayyappan. He was the chief of ‘Alangadu Yogam’ and was leading the group for Erumeli Pettai thullal.

Usually the Alangad yogam starts on Dhanu 19(around Jan 3rd) But  Unfortunately that year he was heldup at Thiruvananthapuram on an official duty. He could return to his ancestral home “Ambadathu” only on Dhanu 29,ie,one day before Makarajyothi. Sri Kesava Pillai was totally dejected but soon composed himself and started the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

During the journey, Sri.Kesava Pillai was in a disgusted state as he could not start the yatra in time and was going all alone. On the way he met with a middle aged Brahmin. Seeing him, pillai felt that his mind experienced some peace as well and was happy at the company. They both proceeded the yatra together. A long way to go and they have not even covered half the distance. Soon it became dark and they took rest at the nearby temple. The Brahmin handed over his Mudravadi and Mudra Sanji (Bhasma bag) to Sri.Kesava Pillai and requested him to wait there till he completes his evening prayers. Sri.Kesava Pillai, who sat there waiting for the Brahmin, was very tired and he dozed off.

Suddenly somebody woke him up saying "its time for Makara Jyothi"... Kesava Pillai could not beleive anything !! yes ! - he was near the Padhinettampadi at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam along with others and got the Jyothi Darshanam. Then he understood that the Brahmin, who came along with him, was none other

than Lord Ayyappan himself, for whom he was desperately praying.

There were no bounds to his joy ! Wonder-struck with the experience, he climbed the pathinettampadi and had the darshan of the Lord Shabarigireesha.

Soon after the darshan Kesava Pillai was in a dilemma as to what to do with the Mudra Vadi and Sanji. The Brahmin reappreared and told Sri.Kesava Pillai to consider the holy things as his embodiement s and consecrate it at the very same residential palace -where Ayyappan stayed hundreds of years ago.

So these were consecrated at the third floor of the Ambadath Palace. Soon Sri.Kesava Pillai got salvation and even today the Mudra Sanji - vibhuti bag and the Mudra Vadi are kept at the palace and poojas are being done. 

Till recent past - this was maintained by the family and was not open to the public. Now Sri.Sudarsan, an auditor, the successor of Sri.Kesava Pillai is now the care taker of the Mudra Sanji and the Mudra Vadi and is doing the poojas.

The very moment we entered the place our minds were filled by inexplainable serenity and joy. A testimony to the Glory of the Lord - right in front of our eyes... I wanted to spend some time there. And when I was doing my japam there - the divine energy emanating from there was unmistakable. Very intense vibrations in the room that houses the Mudra Vadi and Sanji.

 

Equal amount of energy is emanating from elsewhere confirmed Ayyappan's stay at the very spot.

Just for a moment, the sight made me to reminiscent how the Lord would have appeared while he stayed here.

We were overwhelmed with joy, and tears started rolling from our eyes..

My mind was fully engrossed there itself. I was also vexed with the thoughts that we have to make a move from there. Anyway, With great mental satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment of all our actions we took leave.

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.

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

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/11/shabarimala-yatra-vidhanam-dos-and.html

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.

A Blunder with Lakshmi Ashtotram

Yesterday it was about Devi and so today its Mahalakshmi...

In Tamil there is a proverb - "Ezhudinavan Ettai Keduthan".... One who wrote, spoiled the text...

This is 200% applicable to Lakshmi Ashtotram.... in which almost everyone is making a very big mistake because of a person who made a mistake first...

Before getting into the subject, we must understand that, all these Ashtotram, Sahasranamam etc are told in ancient texts as Stotrams only.... On a later date... These Stotrams were split up into individual Namas for the purpose of Archana....


For example, vishwam vishNur vashatkAro, bhUtha bhavya bhavatprabhuH is Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram... when it is split up, it becomes, "Vishwasmai Nama:, Vishnave Nama: , Vashatkaraaya Nama: etc etc...

Similarly Lakshmi Astotra Shata Nama Stotram goes this way....
prakṛtiṃ vikṛtiṃ vidyāṃ sarvabhūtahitapradām|

And when split up, the namavali goes this way

Sloka 1

prakṛtiṃ vikṛtiṃ vidyāṃ sarvabhūtahitapradām|

śraddhāṃ vibhūtiṃ surabhiṃ namāmi paramātmikām||1||

Om Prakrtyai    namah
Om Vikrtyai   namah
Om Vidyayai    namah
Om Sarva-butha-hita-pradayai  namah
Om Shraddhayai   namah
Om Vibhutyai   namah
Om Surabyai   namah
Om Paramatmikayai  namah

Sloka 2

vācaṃ padmālayāṃ padmāṃ śuciṃ svāhāṃ svadhāṃ sudhām|

dhanyāṃ hiraṇmayīṃ lakṣmīṃ nityapuṣṭāṃ vibhāvarīm||2||

Om Vace              namah
Om Padmalayayai  namah
Om Padmayai   namah
Om Suchayae   namah
Om Swahayai   namah
Om Swadhayai   namah
Om Sudhayai   namah
Om Dhanyayai    namah
Om Hiranmaiyai   namah
Om Lakshmyai   namah
Om Nitya-pustaayai  namah
Om Vibhavaryai   namah

Sloka 3

aditiṃ ca ditiṃ dīptāṃ vasudhāṃ vasudhāriṇīm|

namāmi kamalāṃ kāntāṃ kāmākṣīṃ krōdhasambhavām||3||

Om Adityai    namah
Om Dityai    namah
Om Diptayai   namah
Om Vasudayai   namah
Om Vasudharinyai  namah
Om Kamalayai   namah
Om Kantayai   namah
Om Kamakshyai   namah
Om Kroda-sambavayai namah

Now looking into the meaning of the the last line ie
namāmi kamalāṃ kāntāṃ kāmākṣīṃ krōdhasambhavām

Om Kamalayai   namah  - Salutations to Goddess Kamala
Om Kantayai   namah  - Salutations to One who is the Consort of Vishnu
Om Kamakshyai   namah - Salutations to one with attractive eyes
Om Kroda-sambavayai namah - Salutations to one who manifested on Anger

Does this make any sense? Iam sure Mahalaksmi will be angry to hear each time when the archana is done with this nama...

The blunder had occurred while splitting the Namas...

Somebody has made a mistake while splitting and all other publishers.... (they dont bother about the correctness of the information) just copy and paste the same thing... And invariably in all Lakshmi Ashtotram books you see the same mistake...

Sri Lakshmi ashtothram will give Lakshmi kataksham- It gives you wealth and all round prosperity. But we see many people still suffering inspite of doing archana regularly.... How can one expect result when the ashtotram itself is wrong? Will we be happy if we are called "Oh Angry Faced fellow" ? So this must be reason for not getting 100% result...

Now let me present my approach....
Namami kamalam kantham kamam shirotha sambhavam
Om Kamalayai   namah  - Salutations to Goddess Kamala
Om Kantayai   namah  - Salutations to One who is the Consort of Vishnu
Om Kamaayai namah - Salutations to one who is attractive 
Om Ksheeroda sambavayai namah - Salutations to one who is born out of Ocean of Milk

This version tallies with the Puranic story of Mahalakshmi Manifesting from the ocean of milk during Amita Matanam (Churning of the Milky Ocean). This makes sense...

So I request all our readers to please make this change in your books and do the archana to Goddess Mahalakshmi and earn the grace of Ksheera Saagara Sutaam

So its
Om Kamaayai namah 
Om Ksheeroda sambavayai namah 

Lakshmi personifies all that is happy. In fact Lakshmi kataksham is what is yearned for....

So here is wishing you all the prosperity Goddess Lakshmi can shower.

Maataa Meenakshi and Peter Pandiyan

Since our navaratri theme this year is Mother Meenakshi, let me write about HER MAJESTY, the Empress of Madurapuri....  A real life incident to show her care towards her children. Meenakshi appeared as a three-year-old girl three times in History. First during the ‘Puthirakamestshi yagna’- (her actual incarnation), next during the aranketram of ‘Meenakshi Ammai Pillai Tamil’ by Kumaraguruparar(during the regign of Tirumalai Naicker) and Latestly before Rous Peter - during the British rule.

The East India Company was actually ruling Tamilnadu during 1812 and Rous peter was the Collector of Madurai.  Rous Peter was kind hearted person and respected and treated people of all faiths equally. 

Unlike other English officers, Peter cared a lot for the welfare of the people. He also restored peace, prosperity and justice in Meenakshi's Pattanam (Madurai).. The people had a great regard for Peter and felt that he is equal to the Great Pandiyan Kings. Because of this attitude, the people called him with the popular name ‘Peter Pandian’.

As a district Collector, he was not only in charge of the temple town, but also for the Temple administration. Peter had the habit of going around the temple everyday before beginning his daily work. 

One night the city experienced huge thunder storm with lightning. Peter was inside his bungalow in deep slumber.. Suddenly a three-year-old girl appeared at his residence and dragged Rous Peter by his hand outside the house. As soon as they left the compound, a lightening struck the building and the bungalow collapsed to pieces and destroyed the room, where the collector was sleeping. 

Everything happenned within few seconds... Peter was takenaback and was in total shock. Soon he came back to himself, and found the mysterious little girl walking away.

He immediately followed her... though he ran after her, he could not keep up with the girl. The tiny tot always seemed to be the same distance away in front of Peter, however fast he walked. 

She playfully entered the Meenakshi Temple and went straight to the Sanctum Sanctorum of Meenakshi... and right in front of his eyes... there she disappeared.

Peter was sure that the empress Herself has come in the form of that mysterious girl... For Shri Matha everyone - including Peter is her Child. The Ruler Meenakshi had come to save a good man from calamity.

Peter was ever-grateful to Mother Meenakshi and donated many jewellery and other gifts to the Minakshi Temple. Among which, a notable one is a set of golden stirrups studded with diamonds and red stones to the temple for use on the idol of Sree Meenakshi when taken in procession in the streets of Madurai.

He also wished that after his death he should be buried in a position that enabled his eyes to face the temple. It is interesting to note that Rous Peter’s grave is positioned the way he wished while the pther graves faces the other way.

The stirrups offered by Peter Pandiyan adorns the Horse Vaahanam on the day of procession. Even now this is used when Goddess Meenakshi riding the horse is taken out during festival days.  He also donated a Jade necklace which is still preserved, in the temple museum.

maata marakata shyama maatangi madhushalini 

kuryaat kaTaaksham kalyani kadamba vanavaasini

Animals at divine Places

Once when we went to Giri Pradakshinam at Tiruvannamalai, I found a dog coming with us all the fourteen kilometers. Even when we missed the route, the dog actually led us to the right direction. The best part it, it never ate anything and didn't even bark for all the 5 hours. All it did was helping us in visiting all the temples in the Giri Vala Route... And finally just in between Ramanashramam and Seshadri Swamigal Ashramam, it vanished into thin air. Later it was revealed by Gurunathar that the dog was actually a Siddha Purusha in its previous birth .

Many times, at many temples, when I see birds and animals, I always wonder about their relationship with the Lord. For instance, at Ramanashramam I saw two Kitten sitting still and very silently unlike other Cats in the vicinity. When drum full of milk was poured on the Shivalingam, these two beings never seemed to be bothered about it and was just gazing at the eyes of Ramana Bagawan's idol. Were these ordinary animals or other divine entities ?

Last month I had another surprise at Sabarimala forest. I saw a cat which frequented near the inner sanctum. We cannot see the cat when the shrine is open; Only after the shrine is closed after the monthly pujas, this cat comes and assumes its office. When no one is there in the vicinity, every morning, the cat is the one of the first to do the pradakshinam to the Lord. It climbs the holy Padhinettampadi as many times as possible. I cant help wondering the relationship between the cat and the Lord. It reminds of me Manidasar's hymn  praying for the dust of his feet... Anything in vicinity of Lord Sabarigireesha is blessed. Differing kinds births serve Him. So any birth in front of Lord - will earn the grace of the Lord and  Iam sure will not have any more birth.

Don't look at the moon tonight

Lord Ganesha, the chief deity among all devatas is an extremely benevolent Lord who is worshipped on Vinayaka Chthurthi. During this Pooja, people worship Lord Ganesha and also recite and listen to the story of Syamantaka - Syamantakopaakhyanam during Vinayaka CHathurthi. (I dont know how many of us are following this today... Any way atleast for that reason yesterday some of our friends reminded me to post it so that the devotees may listen to the story). This story was originally narrated in Skandha Maha Puranam for the benefit of mankind.

It is said that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Shukla Chaturthi will be falsely charged with accusitions (Apavaadha) or similar charges. If someone inadvertently sees the moon on this night, the remedy for the dosha is listening to (or reciting) the story of the syamantaka jewel.

Pranava Swaroopam Vakratundam

Aravind Subramanyam

---------------

One day while traveling round the universe on his Mooshika, Ganesha came to Chandraloka (the realm of the Moon). The Moon saw him. The Moon, very handsome, was proud of his appearance. On seeing the elephant faced, big-bellied Ganapati riding on a rat, he laughed at Ganesha with contempt.

This was an insult and Ganesha was very angry about the Moon. His eyes grew red. He pronounced a curse "Oh Moon, your handsome appearance has made you too vain. Receive now the fruits of your foolish pride. From now on, whoever sees you on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month, the day of my birth, will suffer because of unjust accusations."

The curse shattered the Moon's pride. He realized his mistake,and with folded hands before Ganesha he prayed to him.

Then the kind Ganesha grew calm. "Chandra, you have realized your fault. Anyhow, my curse cannot be in vain. But those who are subjected to false accusations will be saved and regain their good name if they see you on the second day of the bright fortnight also or listen to the story of the Syamantaka gem."

Syamantaka Upakhyanam

Satrajit, a devotee of Surya, was living in Dwaraka. Surya being pleased with Satrajit's devotion appeared before him and gifted him a perecious stone ie the Syamantaka gem. The Syamantaka gem's specialty was that it could magically produce eight measures of gold a day.

Lord Krishna understood the danger behind the stone and then approached Satrajit and told him that he should share the gem with the other people. But Satrajit declined it .

A few days later, Satrajit's brother Prasena wore the jewel as a necklace and went out on a hunt. During the hunt, his aacharam was lost and immediately he was killed by a Lion.

The lion, being attracted to the glow of the gem, picked it up and carried it away. Very soon Jambavan, the king of the bears saw the Lion and was attracted by the glow of the gem. He attacked the lion and killed it and took the gem to his cave.

Meanwhile, when Prasena did not return to Dwarka, people were wondering what had happened to him. Satrajit suspected that Krishna might have killed Prasena in order to attain the gem. Many people started talking ill of Krishna. Even when Balarama spoke in such way,Krishna was so dejected. So in order to prove his innocence, He went into the forest.

Krishna noticed lion tracks in the forest and Prasena's body and assumed that a lion must have killed Prasena. Very soon he was surprised to see the body of the dead lion. Krishna noticed that the lion had the marks of a bear's claws and noticed that there were bear tracks around the body. On following the bear tracks Krishna reached Jambavan's cave.

While he entered the cave alone. Krishna found Jambavan's son playing with the Syamantaka gem. Frightened by the stranger, Jambavan's son let out a wail that alerted Jambavan. Now Jambavan thought someone was attacking his child and attacked Krishna. Krishna fought Jambavan for twenty-eight days after which Jambavan recognised Krishna's divinity and surrendered to him. Along with the gem, Jambavan offered Krishna his daughter Jambavati's hand in marriage.

Krishna gave the Syamantaka back to Satrajita and put an end to the evil rumors. However, he was surprised at what had happened. He asked the sages, "how could such things be said of me even when I had not done anything wrong". Great sages told him the story of Ganesha's curse and said, "You saw the Moon on the fourth day."

Then Krishna worshipped Ganesha to get rid of the curse.

Krishna getting false blame of being a thief of Syamantak mani and how he overcame such blame and proved his innocence by the grace of Mahaganapathy.. Listening or reading this story is considered as a blessing from Lord ganesha and removes all the blames and ill-luck from one's life

So even by mistake if one sees the Chandra on Chathurthi day, the prayaschittam is to chant this slokam and mentally contemplate on this story

SIMHA PRASENA MAVADHEET SIMHO JAMBAVATA HATAHA

SUKUMAARAKA MAA RODHISTHA TAVAHYESHA SHYAMANTAKAHA 

A lion killed Prasena; the lion was killed by Jambavan.

Don't cry, O dear child! This syamantaka jewel is yours

The ancient text Vrutha Choodamani Kalpam says - one has to chant this sloka even during Ganesha Puja.

Mahaganapati Tarpanam

Dear Anna, I wish to know about the Ganapathy Tarpanam. When I met you at Sabarimali, You suggested me to perform this tarpanam for 41 days. You also gave me a picture for the Chatur Avruti Tarpanam

I took your words as upadesham and have started doing the tarpanam and completed 10 days and I could see the result immediately. So I want to know its greatness.

Krishnan, 

Mumbai

---------------------------------

This post is solely meant for Upasakas.. For some it may sound Greek and Latin. Anyway, even by reading this, I think we contemplate on Ganapati and Ganapati may cast his Kataksham on us... Since Vinayaka Chaturti is fast approaching I thought few of our readers may be benefited.

Ganeshas Tarpana Priyah: says Sasthram

So the easiest way to please Ganapati is performing the chaturavrutti tarppanam. 

A person can earn the grace of the Lord speedily by offering this 444 tarpanams. 

The water should be mixed with vasana dravyams like chandanam, cardamom, Saffron etc and this tarpanam is done with the moola mantram of ganapati along with the all his avarana devatas. This in turn removes obstacles, bestows us all good things in life

The qualification for this is proper upadesham of (28 lettered) Moola mantram of Maha Ganapati 

This may be done for Ganapaty yantram, or yantram drawn with turmeric or sandal. Or else some may use Sonabadra stone directly for doing the tarpanam. This changes according to one's acharam. 

Do the shodochopachara puja to ganapaty and after that pour the suganda jalam on the yantram/bimbam while chanting the prescribed Mantra and "Tarpayami namaha". Each tarpanam in repeated 4 times.

There are 28 aksharas for the Maha Ganapati moola mantra. 

Ganapathy Tarpanam starts by doing tarpanam with all these 28 aksharas individually.

So 28 Moolam Tarpanam + 28 Aksharam Tarpanam = 56 x 4 times= 224 Tarpanams

In the same way, each the avarana devatas(along with their consorts separately) of Ganapaty are to be pleased by doing tarpanam .

1. Lakshmi - Vishnu

2. Girija and Haran

3. Rati and Kama

4. Mahi and Varaha

5. Mahalakshmi and Mahaganapati

6. Riddhi and Amodha

7. Smruthi and Pramodha

8.Kanthi and Sumuka

9.Madanavati Durmuka

10.Madadrava and Avigna

11.Dravini and Vignakarta

12. Vasudhara and Shankanidhi

13. Vasumati and Padmanidhi

For each of the above couples separate Tarpanam

So 13 x 2 = 26 

So 26 Moolam Tarpanam + 26 Devata Tarpanam = 52 x 4 times each= 208 Tarpanams

Separate Tarpanams for Maha Ganapati = 4 + 8 = 12

So 224 + 208 + 12 = 444 Tarpanams

Another notable feature followed in few schools of chaturavrutti tarpanam is unique. ie doing tarpanam with what are all moola mantrams one has got upadesham - through Mahaganapati. This inturn helps a lot in mantra siddhi and earn the grace of one's ishta devata.

After the Tarpanam one can consume the Tarpana jalam as prasadam and also give the same to 

all the people in the house.

When this is done for 41 days, this becomes a yagna and this process removes any obstacles in all the endevours, removes fears and gives success, gives mental clarity in thinking and blesses with all the aishwaryams. 

After this one can continue to do this every even daily or atleast on every Fridays.

Sri Adisankara has mentioned in Prapancha Saram, that all people irrespective of of caste, creed or religion can do it to seek the blessings of Lord Maha Ganapati.

Ayur arogya maishwaryam balam pushtir mahatyasha

kavitvam bukti mukti cha chaturavrutti tarpanaat

By doing Ganapati Chaturavrutti Tarpanam regularly one is blessed with Ayuh- a long life, Arogyam- good health, Aishwaryam - dharmic wealth, Balam - strength, Pushti - lasting eminence, Mahat Yashas-great honour and veneration , Kavitvam- Literary skills, Bukti - enjoyment of worldly life and Mukti - Moksha ie salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 

Anaimukhan Sodharane Sharanam Ayyappa

A Moment Called Ananda

A Moment Called Ananda

 the Laksharcha at Sabarimalai

Moksha is not anywhere else and not an unknown thing.  It is the nature of unsurpassed Ananda. Every human being, irrespective of his caste, creed and belief prays for Liberation and this eternal Moksha from the cycle of birth and death.  

 

With   this little preamble, let me dwell upon some of my experience regarding the Laksharchana we did to Lord Sastha at Sabarimala, who has been the Only God to me.

My great grand Father Shri CV Srinivasa Iyer – knowingly or unknowingly have had a great impact in modelling my life and activities.  I strongly believe that because of His sincere service to the Lord, I am gifted with a priceless gem called Bhakti towards Hariharaputra.

More than forty/fifty years ago, my great grand father Shri CV Srinivasa Iyer started the Laksharchana to Lord Ayyappan at Sabarimala. Over a period of time the puja grew to great heights (even to Ati Rudram) during his age and came to stand still after his demise. Many others had tried to continue this and some could and some could not.

When I grew up, the desire to do at least the same Laksharchana to Lord Ayyappan started developing in my mind. Right from my childhood I did have to face that temptation.

What I heard from all quarters was only discouragement… But at that age I was not ready to accept that “something good is not possible…”

I am of the firm belief that whatever we do with full faith in the Almighty, we will never be let down.  Only with this believe I ventured into our Sastha Preethi, my book Maha Sastha Vijayam, Sasthalaya Sevanam and now the Laksharchana.

Throughout my life there are numerous instances, where I had the experience of the divine play of my beloved and these has only enhanced my faith in Him. 

Everything Sastha gives us is auspicious, if we will only wait long enough, with faith, for the final outcome.

I and numerous friends tried a lot for the laksharchana. We travelled, wrote letters met the officers… But nothing happened and finally at one stage I left everything to HIM and kept quiet.... Believe me.. Only at this stage by the grace of Bhaktaparipala things started coming in order... Certain things started happening even without any effort....

As the name suggests - I must thank Shri Ganesh from Chennai - who took the initiative on my craving desire. The blessings of all the elders and my Gurus stood with me…

We waited and the Lord gave us the chance for doing a laksharchana after a long time...

All our group members and Ayyappa devotees were in amazement thinking about the end result of our glowing hopes and expectations. But Iam a peculiar person (many call me alien to the present day trends... and a famous quote ???!!!  on me "a man belonging to previous generation with ideologies lagging behind 40 years") when I imposed a rule that anyone who is sitting for archana  should undergo 41 days vrutham - my fellow members, instead of being wonderstruck and delighted by this news, were outraged by it. "it is not practical.... You see we have office... etc etc "

I understand they must have been frightened off by something they'd find difficult to keep under their own control. At any rate, though there was an initial opposition... I said I would go along with it - even if we have 10 people.

But finally we had more than 60 people....  with more than 30 people ready for Archana with full Vrutham.

We started two days before the event and reached pampa by 5.00 Pm. The sky, which was clear during the day, and till that time, became suddenly and heavily overcast with dense dark clouds. Amidst heavy downpour, it should have been about 8 P.M. in the night, when our first batch reached Sabaripeetam after a very great difficulty. As is customary to, we paid our obeisance to the Sabaripeetam sought Samastaparadham by chanting Sharana Gosham…. After this some force started operating us… Shri. Hari started as if he were in trance and immediately I had the same feeling and we started moving and other came running following us… within 3-4 minutes we had reached Nadapanthal…

Immediately we saw the holy 18 steps and the Lord of the 18 steps waiting for us - It is because of his Karunyam we rise into His highest seat where we find waiting for us the Friend, the Beloved and Motherly Lord. This celestial joy is known as bliss. 

Since Bhakta paripala was also with us, we had a wonderful Sastha preethi next day at our Room. Enjoying the Lord by every means was indeed ecstatic and tears of happiness rolled from the eyes. This was truly a rewarding experience.

Throughout the yatra whenever we had few minor problems and hitches, the willpower and faith in the Almighty took precedence and took care of all the problems.

That evening we offered pushpabhishekam to the Lord – the Pushpanjali was a wonderful sight of life time… We had made a crown to the Emperor of the Universe… We did not have the exact size, dimension of the idol…. nothing… I just ordered it out of my own conviction and intuition. Many discouraged us that this is going to be very big…. But at the end of Pushpabhishekam when He was crowned– it was a perfect fit… In fact, the ecstasy got transformed into tears, when we saw the Majestic Lord accepting us in front of Him. I could understand that the entire clan of devotees at Sannidhanam had the similar experience… It was bliss emanating from the Lord and filling everywhere. The happiness is indescribable and beyond all conception and only the experience can tell.

The purpose of the human existence is God realization and we experienced it… Literally it took more than ten to fifteen minutes to realize that we have not been able to relinquish the links to the mundane part of life.

Next day was the laksharchana and when the pujas began, everybody felt themselves in a very elevated state. The young master - Lord of the universe was sitting majestically giving audience to everyone. We were right in front of Him. Literally every nama was roared in the divine presence and since the meaning of each Nama is understood, everyone enjoyed the majesty of the master.

The blissful state of mind was much more and I was getting lost and so held my mudra vadi very tight to control myself.

Sitting in front of the Lord and chanting his divine name is always a great experience and various visions come before the eyes at that time.  I have also had my share of the same

Finally the basmabishekam was made… The happiness and sense of fulfillment one gets with Ayyappan, after so much of ardor, effort, prayers, austerities, rigor and discipline are totally beyond description. 

Icing up this cake of Grace – the Lord accepted the Mudravadi for almost 4 hours with him – giving us an acknowledgement for the Laksharchana. When the Nada was re-opened there was a great revelation and tears of joy came to our eyes when we had the Darshan.

I can still enjoy the salubrious breeze with all herbal fragrance of the Lord which I could feel on the Vadi…

At Sabarimalai Sannidanam, we will never feel like asking the Lord for any boon, because, it is Place filled with nothing but Ananda.  On seeing Him, tears of Ananda surface and all thoughts get obliterated from the mind. Only Anandam prevails…

Gurum Poorna Lavanya Padadi Kesham Gareeyam mahat koti Surya Prakasham

Karamboruhanyasta Vetram Suresham Paranjyoti roopam bhaje Bhoothanatham

Japa at Night

Japa at Night

Can we do japam during nights? becoz some people say only day time is suitable for japam and there wont be any result if we do japam during night? some others say night is suitable only for evil spirits? 

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According to me I name all these theories with one nine lettered word

 "S-T-U-P-I-D-I-T-Y"

One can very well do the japam throughout the day.. A person shall do the Japa not only at night but all the time -  unless when you are not breathing.. So all times are suitable for Japam

This doesnt mean that one need not follow any achaara or shuddi etc... Thats a different subject.

One must follow nityaachaaram and complete atleast a minimum count of all his nitya karmas and japams and then comtemplating the japam in the mind throughout the day shall happen.

Japam is of three types 

Vachika - loud recitation - effective

Upamshu - soft recitation - more effective

Manasikam - within the mind - most effective. 

Whether one is physically clean or not, or is walking, talking, eating, sleeping, a true devotee should never stop reciting the bhagawan naama and an upasaka his ishta devata's mUla mantra. 

But Shuddi and achaara has to be maintained for the first two types of japam. These rules do not apply for mAnasika japa, the superior among the three. 

Please Note, This is done only mentally and not even a single letter is uttered openly... Ive met people of both extremes.... Not even uttering the name of the upasana devata loudly and also people who chant out moola mantrams loudly sitting on bed(just to show off)

Apart from all these... the sastra itself prescribes chanting of certain moola mantrams during night... 

One classical example is Varahi... "Diva Na Smaret Vaartaaliim" - do not remember varaahi during the day...

Devatas like Ucchishta Ganapaty, Pulindini, VanadurgA, Kiratha Sastha etc. can be chanted during the night.. 

And for a true upasaka there is nothing called "No Result" 

The sole purpose of japam is to remove the mental attachment towards "Result" and turn it towards the ultimate truth.

Shri Maha Sasthre Namah

Again Makarajothi

Makarajothi is the hot topic again....

A news item was published after the meeting at Trivandrum, where the Board President Rajagoplan Nair had said something regarding "man-made"

And again many have started giving interviews and opinions - even when no one cared for it...The best part is within few minutes the wikipedia page has been updated and written "Makara Jyothi is a man-lit fire"

Some people have expressed their feeling that they are not ready to believe this; Some people say that they have lost their faith...

Many of my friends and devotees called me and "expressed their disappointment(???!!!)" over the issue....and said they have decided not to come for jothi hereafter...

But the best part to be noted is not even a single person said "i have lost faith in God"... This is Bharatham ! This land is a land of rich heritage and culture built on a very strong foundation called faith...

My dear devotees... who are we to bother or worry? As I already said, without His will not even the electron inside an atom can move... So when things are happening, it is happening according to His will. A true devotee is least bothered with all these issues....

People who come to sabarimala as a picnic, who think sabarimala as yet another temple, who wear maala on the previous day and people who come for the sake of coming - they may have some problem in understanding and digesting these issues..

A true devotee who follows the Vrutham sincerely, for whom Sabarimala is his home, for whom Ayyappan is everything - they dont have any problem....

This is the thathwa of sabarimala - when u see Ayyappan in everything - when that though process is instilled in the mind - HE SEES AYYAPPAN IN THE JYOTI - he is least bothered whether it is man made or God made...

NO ONE IN THIS WORLD CAN SHAKE THIS TRUE FAITH .....

We are eargerly awaiting and planning the yatra for next year 2012's Jothi Darshanam !!!

I once again conclude with my same golden words - "FAITH BEGINS WHERE REASONING ENDS"

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You can also read this post

Wonderful approach on this issue by Sri Sastha Gopal

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2011/01/on-makarajyothi-comments-by-devotee.html