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.

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

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.

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
)

Kiratha Roopa Sastharam

This entire year seems to be a wave of Karunyam from Lord Sastha. Though our pradhana moorthi is Maha Sastha, Kiratha Sastha has an important place in our upasana. Many devotees have asked whats our relation with Kiratha Sastha.. I said, if  Maha Sastha is our Praanan - Kiratha Sastha is the Praana vaayu... Thinking back now, its more than my words and the connection is a lot deeper.

Our ancestors were deeply devoted to Lord Sastha and My great grand father Shri. CV Krishnan(brother of Shri.CV.Srinivasa Iyer – Chaami Anna) - worshipped Lord Kiratha Sastha as one of his chief upasana devatas. A certain incident in his life seems to have propelled him deeply into the upasana of Kiratha and he very fondly worshipped him. His love for the Lord was so intense, that as soon as the Lord came to our home last month (in the form of a Vigraham) his divine guidance manifested in the dream. This was followed by the grace of the ferocious Lord- both happened for three consecutive days.

Few years back when I started to Chant Kiratashtakam, to be frank, initially it seemed rather difficult to recite the Ashtakam – which was in Shardula Vikreedita Chandas and was lengthy compared to other mantras. On an enigmatic Saturday of Makara Maasam I was initated to the mantra of the Hunter Lord. That marked the beginning of a bond with the great Lord, that made many impossible things happen. And soon came the Mudravadi – to dispel all my hesitations… So whenever Mudravadi is in my hand, the fierce Kiratha assured that the rest will be taken care of.



The clouds of confusion were cleared by the mighty presence as gently as a mother clearing the curls off her child’s forehead. 

Kiratha is such a vigorous form that he can even do dwamsa to the prarabdha…

I recollect one incident - One of the close associates of my great grand father was suffering with Cancer. Based on divine guidance, he began to petition Lord Kiratha for help and was cured without any treatment. The cry – Yama Mardha beeti rahito divyam gateem shaashvateem - did the trick! The Lord literally brought him back from the city of Mrutyu.

One of the best part which I like most -during my lecture is about Kiratha Sastha... I loose myself even during my Pravachanam while narrating about Kiratha Moorthy.

Though projected as a ferocious deity, the Karunyam of Kiratha Sastha is uncomparable. It has been one of the turning principles of my spiritual life. It is something beyond description. It's a matter of joy and awe.

The same thing happenned last Saturday - Sunday. Iam attending many number of Sastha Preethis right from my childhood and soon after the above said events, the Lord gave an opportunity to conduct Sastha Preethis and also golden chances of doing puja to him. Apart from our regular Sastha Preethi at Coimbatore, we conduct few Sasthru pujas with very close circle. One such annual Sastha Preethi – is at Balu’s house.

Once the name  “Sastha” is uttered – we take up responsibility voluntarily on our shoulders. This time, without any travel plan or discussion, most of us assembled at Balu’s place.

This year right from the beginning, it was so special. First day... during the Sastha homam, the presence around us was unmistakable. Needless to say about the evening lecture which I gave on Kirathashtakam. Since Swami was there in the Vigraha roopam, this year we decided to have Lord Kiratha Moorthy as the pradhana devata. Next day as soon as the avahanam was done, I was completely lost with fervor and excitement. I could feel that everyone of us were simply present there – where everything was takenover by Him. Iam experiencing such contentment after 2-3 years. All that remained was unceasing serenity, luminosity and a presence like never before.

Sastha Preethi is a very rare occasion where the Lord is invited during the special ritual and His message is received and followed.

After the deeparadhana, to our surprise, the presence of Lord Bhutesha was felt. The presence was so forceful, majestic and blissful. Everybody was taken aback with the glory…

The message from the Lord was simple: “I am here for you”


What more do we need? 
Sharanam na anyam prapannosmyaham

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

Kuthiran - My favorite temples - Part I

Kuthiran or Kuthiran mala is a mountainous terrain in Thrissur district of Kerala state, south India. It is in between Thrissur and Palakkad. Most of us pass through the temple and without even knowing what temple it is, follow the practice of throwing away coins at the temple. (Believe me.... the tender is amounting to several lakhs - for the person who has taken the contract for picking up the coins)

The Kuthiran temple in a sacred area date from hoary antiquity.

This ancient temple to Ashwarooda Sastha is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is located in a commanding position, visible for distances around.

According to Keralothpathi.. - the origin of Kerala, Lord Parasurama threw his Parasu - axe into the sea and reclaimed the narrow strip of land from Kanyakumari to Gokarnam. The Sea withdrew from this area and thus came Keralam.

Parasurama divided this area into different settlements. At one of this settlements, He established four small shrines for Sastha at the four Boundaries of the settlement at Akamala, Kuthiran, Oozhath and Edathirithi.

Legend has it that Sastha is seen mounted on an Ashwam - Horse - Kuthira here and hence the name Kuthiraan.

Kuthiran Mala is situated at a height of about 200 feet in a plateau on the Western Ghats, on the way to Thrissur, amidst lush vegetation and salubrious climate.

Donot think this as an ordinary temple... According to me Kuthiran is one of the important places wherein Lord Sastha willingly lives.

Every temple has an atmosphere about it, and Kuthiran's is one of mystery and wonder. It is easily one of my favorite temples.. It can be an especially magical place for upasakaas... 

Ashwarooda Moorthi bestows seen and unseen powers on those crave for His grace.  He is all alone waiting to bless the real devotees... 

The idol of the Lord in seen mounted on a horse... The presence of "my beloved" is so lively here... During last year yatra while returning from Sabarimala, invariably everyone of us had a feeling that the Horse may come to life any moment and start jumping.

I never miss a chance to visit this temple.. and now my passion for Kuthiran has become contagious and all our friends and group members are attached to the Lord here...

At dawn, it is a feast to the eye to stand in front of the Lord and gaze at the Soul Stirring Horse Rider.

At dusk,  He does instantaneously withdraw your mind and conscience!

To have a look at Him is soul-elevating. To stand in front of him for a few minutes is a blessing. 

It is the supreme joy that fills you now all over, all on a sudden!

Aryankavu Siddhar

Last month a devotee came to my house to meet me...  I had a surprising news from regarding a saint named "Aryankavu Siddhar".... 

Aryankavu is a unique spot - where the Lord will instantly raise the inner feeling and give you the divine awakening. This is the very spot "my beloved" made me understand that "HE is my everything" and took me under his benign care. He gives an enchanting vision; The divine face glows with Kingly majesty and the eyes are full of compassion. I always have a special place for Aryankavu in my heart.

So the word "Aryankavu" pulled me immediately.... 

I vaguely remember having heard this name "Aryankavu Siddhar" before - but didnot or rather could not find any details on this person during my research... 

Now the gentleman who came to my house is his sixth generation descendant and so I was interested in knowing more about this saint... 

But unfortunately we have very very limited information and records about this devotee. Even his original name is not known. 

Around some two hundred years ago a child was born to a Vaishnavite family in Thirunelveli district. The child later became known as Aryankavu Siddhar as he had lived at Aryankavu.

For reason unknown, he had a fascination towards the Lord of Aryankavu.... At the age of seven or eight, on a sunrise the small boy had a vision and a divine call; He was induced to proceed to Aryankavu - the sacred spot of Lord Maha Sastha.

When he reached the divine land - He was awestruck seeing the Lord of Aryankavu, who had called him... The young boy became totally attached to Lord Hariharaputra and decided to spend his life there.

The place was surrounded by dense forests and was the habitat of wild animals. But nothing bothered the boy. The boy was all alone at Aryankavu, serving the Lord - with the company of all wild animals... He slept along with leopards and snakes and whenever hungry, he simply ate fruits and leaves. 

He betook himself to the Lord's forest, where he lived alone for years, until he was sought out and restored to human society by his parents. 

The parents gave up much of  their time searching for their lost son. For many years they met many saints and astrologers to know the whereabouts of their son. Finally an astrologer gave a hint that he might be around "Thenmalai" in a forest- under the care of Lord Sastha.

The parents and the relatives went in search of the boy and finally reached Aryankavu... Everybody were shocked to see the boy sleeping in the forest near the temple amidst snakes and tigers around his body. 

The relatives could not even go near the boy and made many attempts to reach the boy - but could not succeed. 

That night, Lord Sastha appeared in the dream of the temple priest. The Lord ordered the priest to go to the temple, where he would find a small boy amidst the wild animals,  whom he was to wait upon and feed with the prasadam rice and handover him to his parents. When the priest went there no animal was visible to his eyes, so he did what the Lord had ordered and brought the boy to the temple. 

His parents finally got him out of the temple, took him back to their home and pressed him to marry and assume the duties of family life. 

He had no other choice but accept his parents' request. But soon after a child was born, he was unable to bear the influence of samsara, he prayed to the Lord. The Lord asked him come back and also promised to take care of his family and the entire clan. So he again fled from home and reached Aryankavu

He became a wandering monk there and was praised for his spiritual insight and devotion towards Lord Sastha. He lived to a good old age, loved and revered, and finally attained oneness with his beloved Aryan.

The Plan of Sastha

We made a trip to Sabarimalai yesterday combining various reasons... Right from my morning puja I was a very satisfactory that things would go smooth. The grace of all my Gurus and my great grand father will surely help me reach my goals.

Kuthiraan - our favorite spot of the Lord - standing in front of His very Sannidhi gave us an assurance... To be frank - though I felt very happy  and assured there, I never expected such a favorable turn of events from all quarters. 

Throughout the yatra the positive charge was with us... At Pampa during my japam, the main purpose of my visit was accomplished and it was clearly and  physically acknowledged by the Lord. 

The spark gave me the happiness of a lifetime, not because I have achieved something great but to remind me to be more grateful to the ever compassionate God.

The darshanam of our beloved Manikanta was a magical moment(as usual...!!!). and on the whole all the events took a miraculous turn and we were blessed with much more than what we planned and what we expected. 

After a wonderful trip to Sabarimalai we came back yesterday night...  and today morning I wanted to refer a text regarding Dakshina Kaali.... So I went to my library and took the book.  The book was "Dashamaha Vidya" - which completely deals on mantras of the Ten Forms of Devi... and no way related to Sastha.... 

But when I opened the book, I found the place where it was written :

"சாஸ்தாவின் திட்டம் பலித்தது" "Sasthaavin Thittam Balithathu"

The Plan of Sastha - prevailed

My Bhaktaparipala have planned every action that happens next and every molecule in check and under control.

Fortunate to be a slave to the ever compassionate master !!! 

Hariharaputra Jananim

Suddenly today early morning as soon as I got up, a Dikshitar Krithi flashed in my mind for no reason. Especially the words ... "Hariharaputra Jananim" (Mother of harihara putra)... 

A strange combination of words indeed... mother of son of Hari & Hara

I always have a fascination towards Muthuswamy Dikshitar and at one point of time, I had almost all krithis of Dikshitar and was enjoying exploring its meaning.

Dikshitar’s kritis are a treasure house of Agama, tantra, vedAnta, shilpa, itihAsa, purANa, kShetra and tattva-bodha. He was a much-travelled man and that is reflected in his compositions. Most of them contain descriptions about famous temples and their chief deities. It is a great privilege to sing and listen to those glorious kritis 

I was attracted mainly because of the the unique, informative and brilliantly crafted lyrics of the Krithis. His Sanskrit lyrics are in praise of the temple deity, and the songs also contain much information about the history of the temple, and its background, thus preserving many customs followed in these old shrines.

Now I started pondering over the small Kamboji Krithi 

marakatavallIm manasA smarAmi 

madanajanakAdi dEvapAlinIm

harahRdayA vEshinIm mOhinIm 

harihara putra jananIm naLinIm 

krUra daityAdi bRnda marddinIm 

guruguhAdi nuta vahnivAsinIm

This ‘marakatavallIm manasA smaraami’ was composed by Dikshitar at a place called ‘virinchi puram’, a small town near kanchipuram. The Lord here is ‘maargasahaayeshvara swami’ and his consort is ‘marakatavalli’.

It was to Virinchipuram that Dikshitar's ancestors belonged and it was from this village that his grandfather and father had migrated to Tanjavur 

Now coming to our interesting fact of "Hariharaputra Jananim"... 

Puranas exclaim about the Mohini Avataara of Vishnu... and I always hold a view that this Mohini Avatara of Vishnu is none other than Devi Parashakthi Herself. Devi and viShNu are one and the same - two sides of the same coin.

Now, Devi in the form of vishNu is "harahRdayA vEshinIm mOhinIm" who, took the form of Mohini and enchanted Hara's heart and She is ‘hari hara putra janani’- the mother of Hariharaputra

(Some people erroneously sing this as ‘hari hRdayA veshni’ which does not make any sense. It literally means 

‘viShNu took the form of a lady and enchanted viShNu himself.)

In this temple maragatavalli is the mohini rUpam of viShNu. To enforce their identity, the devi sannidhi here in this temple is ‘marakatavalli’ the mohini form of vishNu - who is the consort of Shiva.

vandeham Shakthi Nandanam

Moolamantra Varnathmika Sasthru Stuti

This Moolamantra Varnathmika Sasthru Stuti is from Bhoothanathopakhyanam.. This was chanted by the Devas in praise to the Master of the Universe who is seated in Ponnambalamedu...

The speciality of this stuti is - it is constructed in the form of Sasthru Moolamantram

The Sasthru moolamantram evokes the Lord, asking protection and freedom from all sorrow and suffering. All auspiciousness and serenity is attained by this magnificent Moolamantra.

But chanting of moolamantram needs mantra upadesham. So instead, this Moolamantra Varnathmika Sasthru Stuti can be chanted - which carries the same potential of the moolamantram.

It is a prayer that adores the great creator and liberator, who out of love and compassion manifests, to protect us.

Regular chanting of Moolamantra Varnathmika Sasthru Stuti brings amazing benefits. The experience of people who have done this is testimony to the power of the Stuti

swAmin SharaNam Aryapa

Aravind Subramanyam

----

mUlamantra varnAtmika sAsthru stuti 

Om namO bhagavathE namO nArAyaNAyathE
Om namsthE bhagavathE sarvagnaaya namO nama:

ghOra samsArArNavasya thArakAya namO nama:
thAraka bramha ruupAya bhuutha nathAyathE nama:

bhOdha ruupAya bhuuthAya puNya puurNAyathE nama:
varNathraya yugadhEgAya OmkArAya namO nama:

pakArAya namasthubhyam rEbAnthAya namO nama:
yakArAya namasthubhyam gOkArAya namO nama:

pakArAya thakArAya rEbAnthAya namO nama:
nakArAya namasthubhyam makArAya namO nama:

shrii sankara puthrAya sarvadhAthE namO nama:
harabhO sankatam dhEva sakalam sakalEshwara !

dhEvEsha vishwa karthAsthvam pari pAhi jagath pathE !
vishwa barthA jaya sadhA vishwa harthA jaya prabhO !

sarvEshAm jiiva jhAlAnAm Eka jiiva swaruupaka:
dhEva dhEva jayahvam bhO sarvadhA sarva nAyaka
dharma sAsthA jaya bhagavan janma dhukhkha vinAshana II"

108 Sasthalayangal

From ancient times, Lord Sastha has been worshipped in Kerala. When Kerala was created by Parasurama, he wanted the supreme divine force to protect his land. He did penance on Lord Sastha; the Lord appeared 

"rakshitwam kEraLam rAjyam bArgavEna mahAtmana: 

prArtitOham vasishyAmi tatArtham kEraLE drudham" 

- Lord Sastha promised him to stay in the land of God's own country and instructed Parasurama to build as many temples, so that He can stay there.  

Thus Parasurama brought Sastha for the protection of the land and the people.and hence the presence of numerous temples dedicated to Sastha.

Certain places with dense growth of trees are considered sacred, and are the domiciles of the Lord. Those places where Sastha in various forms like Dharma Sastha, Bala Sastha,Vettakkorumakan etc. are called as Kaavu. Legends like Ayyappan Theeyattu and Keralotpatti says that Parasurama has constructed 108 Sasthakaavus.

After a search for many many years... I got the list of these temples few day back... Need to check with the text backup and the details regarding each temple... 

But Iam presenting the list here

May the ever compassionate Lord shower His blessings on us to serve Him more and more

Swamy Sharanam ! 

1. Thrikkunnapuzha Dharmasasthavu
2. Thiruvullakkavu sasthavu
3. Aryankavu dharmasasthavu
4. Chambrakulangara ayyappan
5. Chamravattam sasthavu
6. Achan kovil darmasasthavu
7. Kulathupuzha sasthav
8. Kolakkottiri ayyappankavu
9. Sabarimala sreedharma sasthavu
10. Kizhakedesam sasthavu
11. Meenachil sasthavu
12. Arakkulam dharmasasthavu
13. Mattil sasthavu
14. Cheruthazhathukavu sasthavu
15. Kalleli sasthav
16. Nandikeswarankavu sastha
17. Thakazhi dhramasasthavu
18. Chakkamkulangara dharmasasthavu
19. Aarattupuzha sasthavu
20. Manaloor ayyappan kavu
21. Manakodi sasthavu
22. Edathra sasthavu
23. Edathuruthi ayyappan kavu
24. Kanyakulangara dharmasasthavu
25. Nettissery sasthavu
26. Mulankunnathu kavu darma sasthavu
27. Udalakkavu sasthavu
28. Kodumpu ayyappa
29. Manakkadu dharmasasthavu
30. Thykkadu sasthavu
31. Akamala sreedharma sasthavu
32. Thottakkare molukurussy ayyappankavu
33. Ayyankuzhikkavu sasthavu
34. Kollankodu Pulikkodu ayyappan
35. Cherpulasery ayyappan kavu
36. Poonjal darmasasthavu
37. Punchapadam pulinkkavu ayyappa
38. Theeyadikkavu
39. Nagalassery ayyappankavu
40. Mundamuka ayyappan
41. Thichur sasthavu
42. Malamakkavu ayyappan
43. Nangulam sasthavu
44. Neriyamangalam sasthavu
45. Aanaparambu daramasasthavu
46. Thayankavu sasthavu
47. Perungottukavu sasthavu
48. Kothakulangara sasthavu
49. Mangalam ayyappan kavu
50. Chemeli dharmasasthavu
51. Pottankkavu
52. Thiruvarchanamkunnu
53. Malamakkavu ayyappan
54. Thrikkalathur sreeraman
55. Vayaskkara dharmasasthavu
56. Narayanamangalam ayyappankavu
57. Sakthikulankara sasthavu
58. Ayyappanpara sasthavu
59. Manalithara mullapallikavu
60. Kuttoor sasthav
61. Pattikkadu dharmasastha
62. Markkadakkavu sastha
63. Koodapuzha marathopalli sasthav
64. Neervilagam dharmasastha
65. Kaattuvalli dharmasastha
66. Karukuttikkavu
67. Kozhikkal kandan sasthavu
68. Ezhinjillam sasthavu
69. Kannanallur sasthavu
70. Kutiyothu temple
71. Kannadiparambu dharmasasthavu
72. Chethamangalam ayyappan
73. Chovvara sasthavu
74. Edaneer vishnu
75. Kolasserykavu sastha
76. Paduvilakkavu sastha
77. Kaarakkattu sreedharma sasthavu
78. Paandangari dharmasastha
79. Rampuram sasthavu
80. Kanimangalam sasthavu
81. Elampalli madathil dharmasasthavu
82. Cheerappanchira mukkalvattam ayyappa
83. Vyasachalam sasthavu
84. Karthyakulangara sreedharmasastha
85. Thechikkottukavu sastha
86. Mupuramkavu sreekandansasthavu
87. Varamsasthamkotta temple
88. Pullukulangara darmasasthavu
89. Thrikkadambu temple
90. Chathankottakavu
91. Kodannoor sasthavu
92. Mangattu kavu ayyappan
93. Velupilli dharmasastha
94. Rarothu ayyappa
95. Thrivuvaniyoor temple
96. Malamel temple
97. Areswaram sasthavu
98. Karimpuzha sreeraman temple
99. Chathannoor bhoothanathan (siva temple)
100. Ponnabalamedu
101. Koovapalli narkkalakavu
102. Mundarakodu ayyappa
103. Eramam muthukkattukavu ayyappan
104. Kochambalam
105. Erumeli dharmasasthavu
106. Kezhoor dharmasasthavu
107. Niram kaithakkotta sasthavu
108. Arangavu sasthavu

Mantra Upadesham

Query :

Dear Aravind Guruji,  iam reading all your writings regularly and i have developed a guru bhava towards you... I consider you as my manasika guru and now i have a crisis from which only you can help me.

Can I get the mantra of Kirata Varahi? Can u give me the upadesham of this mantra?

You are the only person who can help... my astrologer has analysed my horoscope and said its full of problems and adviced me to do this upasana

.....................

It is actually very ridiculous and funny to hear that an astrologer recommends the "Upasana" of Varahi, that too specifically Kirata Varahi for a problem with one's horoscope. A mantra sadhana is not that easy as you think. You can directly ask me that you are in need of this mantra if you are interested -  I shall say yes or no.

Or If you are really telling the truth then take your horoscope to another proper astrologer who will guide you properly.

Please let me make clear.... Iam receiving many mails like this claiming that Iam their manaseeka Guru etc etc.... A Sishya is a person who must have one to one relationship with his Guru. And one must follow the words of his Guru without a second thought... Only if a person has this maturity he is fit to called to be sishya.

If one can follow 100% what the Guru says then this Maanasika Guru may work out.. But people leave out most of the advises and conveniently choose "selected areas" and claim to be Maanasika sishyas.

And I personally dont accept the concept of Maanasika guru or Manasika Sishya unless a sishya 200% follows his guru. Unless a Guru knows his sishya well, how can he guide him? Ofcourse there may be exceptional cases... But that doesn't happen always.

Similarly for a Guru - A person who cares for his sishya's upliftment without even a trace of selflessness is a Guru.

Today in both sides we have corrupt people....

Today there are sishyas who pressurize and demand upadesham from Guru.. "if are hesitating to give me this mantra upadesham I shall goto some other Guru." or they  make payments in the name of dakshina and get the mantra.

And on the other hand - there are Gurus who are having an inner fear that they may lose their sishya and so venture into dramatic actions.

A very popular person - may be known to most of Ayyappa devotees - claiming himself to be a Gurunathar - he gave a particular mantram as "Mantra Upadesham" to few persons.  The best part is this person has not even got any single mantra upadesham in his life time. A person who gives upadesha without the mantra adhikara is sure to face disasters.

And some more cases - Mantra upadesham thru Phone, thru email - what is all this ?

Many may accuse me of being partial and threatening. But what Iam speaking is truth and only truth. From many real life anecdotes ive seen - my sincere advise is to stay away from such uncalled practices.

When you have Guru Bhava towards a particular person - first shed your ego and hesitation with him. Approach your Guru directly  with utmost humbleness and surrender to him completely. Only then you are eligible for mantra upadesham.

A mantram  is a subtle form of the Lord himself... and the potentiality of mantram varies from person to person. So only a Guru can select a mantra that suits the capacity of the sishya to proceed in his sadhana. By this the Guru purifies the sishya's mind and pray to Lord to obtain the divine grace for the upliftment of the sishya  Not only this - the guru actually is now shouldering the karmic burden of the disciple ... Now it is also the Guru's responsible to take his sishya for salvation. So he takes up the sishya's Karmic burden and prays for its dissolution.

Please understand.. Until the Sishya gets the Gnana(wisdom) the Guru will not attain Moksha. Guru is such an embodiment of compassion. So, direct grace of Guru is vital in any mantra upadesham.

And so, mantra upadesham other than procedural krama order is not going to give any result.