tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80656753760330671662024-03-16T11:53:12.515-07:00Srimad Bhagawat GeetaAdiyen is merely translating the lecture on Srimad Bhagawat Geeta by Sri U.Ve. Velukudi Krishnan that is being telecast on TV.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.comBlogger723125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-72057902275302751822009-11-05T22:19:00.000-08:002009-11-09T21:41:31.819-08:00BG 18.76Today [6th November 2009], we will see about Velvikkudi [வேள்விக் குடி], which has been mutilated as Velukkudi [வேளுக்குடி]. It is on the way from Mannargudi to Tiruvarur. Many persons, who had performed Yagna [Tamil <span style="font-style: italic;">Velvi</span> வேள்வி], lived here. They were all performing their duties or<span style="font-style: italic;"> Dharma.</span> Here, in the temple, Sri Prasanna Venkatesa <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal </span>is gracing. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Archaka</span> here, is doing all services to the Lord, alone. From this place, many <span style="font-style: italic;">Vidwan</span>s have emerged.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Tirumanjanam</span> in this temple is eagerly attended by people all around this place. Anjaneya of this temple is very famous. As mentioned earlier, the lecturer's father was born in this place only. His father, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe</span>. Velukkudi Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>, was honoured with the title <span style="font-style: italic;">Vak Amruta Varshi</span> - Showering, Nectar like, Speech. He was born in 1921, in the month of <span style="font-style: italic;">Thai</span>, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vishaka </span>star. In a <span style="font-style: italic;">Thai</span> month only, Tirumazhisai <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> was born; and, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vishaka</span> star was born Nammalwar. Thus, his father had very great affinity for Nammalwar's <span style="font-style: italic;">pasuram</span>s. After he completed his Fifth standard, his father [lecturer's grand father], put him in religious line and so he studied in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Patashala</span> in Narayana <span style="font-style: italic;">Mudal</span>i street, in George Town area of Chennai. Then, he continued in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Patashala </span>at Tirupati. After learning all, he learnt under <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe</span>. Karappankadu <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>. Then, he learnt under H.H. Sri Desika Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami,</span> in Srirangam. He also learnt under H.H. Sri Sadhu Ramanaujacharya of Tirumala. He traveled North to South of this country, and propagated <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vaishnava</span> philosophy. It is because of him, that this lecturer has gained knowledge. His family lived in Pavalakkara Street, in Chennai. There, we can see Sri Venugopala <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>temple. In this temple Sri Rukmini, Sri Venkatesa and Sri Andal are also gracing. There is also a sannidhi for Sri Rama and Hanuman. Tirumazhisai <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> had once visited this temple. This lecturer, by profession, is a Chartered Accountant. In 1996, this lecturer stopped his C.A. profession and, from that time, he is fully involved in religious pursuit. The lecturer's father, once visited Srirangam for <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikunta Ekadasi,</span> and after the festival, he went round the temple worshiping Sri Ranganatha and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> Sri Ranganayaki; immediately afterwards he died! He had such a great love for Srirangam and the Divine Couple took him to be with Them for ever! The lecturer is thus grateful fo <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe.</span> Karappankadu <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sri UVe. </span>Velukkudi <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>and his <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Koil Kandadai Chandamarutam Cholasimhapuram Doddayacharya Swami.</span><br />Let us see the remaining slokas of Chapter 18. Sri Krishna now has a close look at Arjuna and asks whether Arjuna listened to all those He preached, with attention? <span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka</span> 72:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">kaccid etac chrutaṃ pārtha tvayaikāgreṇa cetasā</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">kaccid ajñānasaṃmohaḥ pranaṣṭas te dhanaṃjaya 18.72</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Te dhanamjaya</span> = Arjuna [who has conquered desire for wealth], <span style="font-style: italic;">kaccid etac chrutam</span> = was it listened, [Sri Krishna's preaching] <span style="font-style: italic;">tvayaikagrena cetasa</span> = with concentrated mind?, <span style="font-style: italic;">kaccid ajnanasammoha</span> = was [Arjuna's] ignorance based confusion, <span style="font-style: italic;">pranasta </span>= lost? The Lord wanted to know whether His [18 Chapter long] preaching was attentively listened to by Arjuna and did that clear his confusion, based on ignorance. Arjuna replies in <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 73:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">arjuna uvāca</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">naṣṭo mohaḥ smṛtir labdhā tvatprasādān mayācyuta</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sthitosmi gatasaṃdehaḥ kariṣye vacanaṃ tava 18.73</span></span><br /><br />After replying the Lord, Arjuna gets up and picks up his bow Gandeepa, with rejuvenated bravery! <span style="font-style: italic;">Nasto moha</span> = [Arjuna replied that his] confusion was lost [or he has clear mind], <span style="font-style: italic;">labdha </span>= [Arjuna had] gained, <span style="font-style: italic;">smrti </span>= true knowledge, <span style="font-style: italic;">Acyuta </span>= Sri Krishna [Who, never lets down His devotees], <span style="font-style: italic;">tvat prasadat </span>= by Your [Sri Krishna's] blessings, <span style="font-style: italic;">maya </span>= by me [Arjuna]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gatasamdeha</span> = [because all] doubts cleared, <span style="font-style: italic;">sthitosmi</span> = [Arjuna] attained [his] natural self. <span style="font-style: italic;">Karisye</span> = will act, <span style="font-style: italic;">vacanam tava</span> = as per Your [Sri Krishna's] directions or words. It means Arjuna promises to act as advised by the Lord - that he would fight, as it was his assigned duty; with <span style="font-style: italic;">vairagyam; </span>with the Three <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span>s; with <span style="font-style: italic;">atman gyana</span>, that <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> is servant of <span style="font-style: italic;">Paramatma;</span> and with <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti. Swami</span> Ramanuja in his <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Bhashyam</span>, inquires the Three points: what was Arjuna's confusion, how it was destroyed and what real knowledge did he gain? Arjuna thought body and soul were same. He thought he would be killing Bheeshma, etc. Next he never thought that both <span style="font-style: italic;">Chit</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Achit</span> were body of the Lord and the Lord was inner soul of all. Arjuna also thought that doing one's assigned <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, would involve in <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram</span> further. All these thoughts born out of ignorance, were cleared. Arjuna understood that<span style="font-style: italic;"> atman</span> was eternal and ever servant of the Lord. The Lord was the Prime Force within all and was commanding and controlling. Doing one's own duties with detachment, enlightened and involved one in <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti.</span> Thus, Arjuna is cleared of his worries and doubts, and picks up his bow, to start fighting. With this<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span>, the conversation between Arjuna and Lord Sri Krishna ends. The remaining Five <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s of Chapter 18, are spoken by Sanjaya to Dridarashtra. In the beginning, Dridarashtra and Sanjaya conversed. He asked Sanjaya as to what was happening in the Kurukshetra battlefield. And, all these <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s were what Sanjaya told the King. Though Sanjaya was sitting in the palace far away from Kurukshetra, with the blessings of Vyasa, Sanjaya was able to visualize every happening in the battle field. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka </span>74:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sañjaya uvāca</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ity ahaṃ vāsudevasya pārthasya ca mahātmanaḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">saṃvādam imam aśrauṣam adbhutaṃ romaharṣaṇam 18.74</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ity =</span> this, <span style="font-style: italic;">aham </span>= I [Sanjaya], <span style="font-style: italic;">samvadam</span> = conversation between, <span style="font-style: italic;">vasudevasya</span> = Sri Vasudeva [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">parthasya ca </span>= and Partha [Arjuna], <span style="font-style: italic;">mahatmana</span> = the blessed,<span style="font-style: italic;"> imam</span> = this [conversation], <span style="font-style: italic;">asrausam</span> = well listened to [by Sanjaya]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Adbhutam</span> = [it was ] wonderful, <span style="font-style: italic;">romaharshanam </span>= had goose bumps. Sanjaya is astonished at the intimacy between Arjuna and Sri Krishna. He calls Arjuna, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahatma</span>, a great soul! <span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka</span> 75:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">vyāsaprasādāc chrutavān etad guhyam ahaṃ param</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">yogaṃ yogeśvarāt kṛṣṇāt sākṣāt kathayataḥ svayam 18.75</span></span><br /><br />Sanjaya says how he was able to visualize all those happenings. Arjuna was blessed with Divine eyes to view <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam,</span> by the Lord; but, Sanjaya was blessed with such Divine visual power, by Vyasa. <span style="font-style: italic;">Vyasa prasada</span> = with Vyasa's blessings, <span style="font-style: italic;">aham</span> = I [Sanjaya] was, <span style="font-style: italic;">chrutvan</span> = able to listen to, <span style="font-style: italic;">param guhyam</span> = supreme or most sacred secret [revealing ways to attain <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>]. Though this listening ability was blessed by Vyasa, he listened directly those sacred words from the Lord Himself. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yogam</span> = [this <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>] <span style="font-style: italic;">yoga shastra, yogesvarat krsnat</span> = from Sri Krishna, embodiment of all auspicious qualities, <span style="font-style: italic;">sakshat</span> = directly, <span style="font-style: italic;">kathayata svayam </span>= heard by self [Sanjaya]. Now, <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 76:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">rājan saṃsmṛtya saṃsmṛtya saṃvādam imam adbhutam</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">keśavārjunayoḥ puṇyaṃ hṛṣyāmi ca muhur muhuḥ 18.76</span></span><br /><br />Sanjaya tells Dridarashtra that Sanjaya could never forget this great philosophy. The King might not have understood, Arjuna also might not have understood, Bheeshma and Drona might not have imagined, but Sanjaya told that the more and more he thought of those words, his delight was on the increase. <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajan</span> = King [Dridarashtra],<span style="font-style: italic;"> samsrtya samsrtya</span> = more and more thinking of,<span style="font-style: italic;"> imam</span> = this, <span style="font-style: italic;">adbhutam</span> = astonishing, <span style="font-style: italic;">punyam</span> = sacred,<span style="font-style: italic;"> samvadam </span>= conversation between, <span style="font-style: italic;">kesavaarjunayo</span> = Kesava [Sri Krishna] and Arjuna, <span style="font-style: italic;">muhur muhu </span>= again and again, <span style="font-style: italic;">hrsyami</span> = I [Sanjaya] am delighted. Sanjaya tells Dridarashtra that all the words spoken between Arjuna and Sri Krishna, were causing immense happiness to Sanjaya. But of all these <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s in all these Eighteen Chapters, one thing appeared very supreme to Sanjaya. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka</span> 77:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">tac ca saṃsmṛtya saṃsmṛtya rūpam atyadbhutaṃ hareḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">vismayo me mahān rājan hṛṣyāmi ca punaḥ punaḥ 18.77</span></span><br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam</span>, which was exhibited by the Lord in Chapter 11, thinking of it every time, Sanjaya tells Dridarashtra, that he was amazed more and more.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Tat =</span> that [<span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam</span>, shown in Chapter 11], <span style="font-style: italic;">samsrtya samsrtya</span> = thinking again and again, <span style="font-style: italic;">rupam</span> = that Image was, <span style="font-style: italic;">adyadbhutam</span> = most amazing, <span style="font-style: italic;">me vismayo mahan</span> = greatly astonishes me [Sanjaya], <span style="font-style: italic;">hrsyami </span>= makes [Sanjaya] happy, <span style="font-style: italic;">puna puna</span> = again and again. Dridarashtra asked in the beginning one question: who would succeed? Dridarashtra's children or Pandu's children? Now, Sanjaya seems to reply that Dridarashtra's children would never see victory and flourish. None can try to antagonize righteous people. Sanjaya tells his opinion in the last <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> of Chapter 18, and of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo yatra pārtho dhanurdharaḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama 18.78</span></span><br /><br />This is Sanjaya's opinion. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yatra </span>= where,<span style="font-style: italic;"> yogesvaro krsna</span> = [the repository of all auspicious qualities and commander of entire Universe] <span style="font-style: italic;">Yogeswara</span> Sri Krishna is, <span style="font-style: italic;">yatra</span> = where, <span style="font-style: italic;">partho dhanurdhara</span> = Arjuna is with bow [when Sanjaya tells this, Arjuna is already with his bow, Gandeepa], <span style="font-style: italic;">tatra </span>= there will be, <span style="font-style: italic;">dhruva </span>= steady, <span style="font-style: italic;">sri </span>= wealth, <span style="font-style: italic;">vijaya </span>= victory,<span style="font-style: italic;"> bhuti </span>= prosperity, <span style="font-style: italic;">niti </span>= justice or <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">matir mama</span> = this is my [Sanjaya's] opinion. Sanjaya tells that where Sri Krishna and Arjuna are, there victory, prosperity, wealth and justice would remain firm. He concludes thus. We also conclude this lecture series in <span style="font-style: italic;">Kannanin Aaramudu</span>. It was started in January, 2007 and concluded in November 2009. We convey our sincere thanks to:<br /><ul><li>First to Sri Gitacharya gracing in Triplicane, Chennai.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span> Vyasa, who wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahabharata</span> epic, in a cave in Badarikashram.</li><li>All our <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span>s for excellent commentaries on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span> Especially to <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Yamunacharya for his <span style="font-style: italic;">Gitarta Sangraham</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Ramanuja for his <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Bhashyam</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Vedanta Desika for his <span style="font-style: italic;">Tatparya Chandrika</span>.</li><li>That anonymous person, who initiated this lecture, so that all are benefited.</li><li>Doordarshan - Podhigai, especially its Madurai branch and all technicians and engineers, involved in timely and quality telecast of this program</li><li>Hindu Religious Endowment Department of Government of Tamilnadu, for giving permission to record in all temples visited.<br /></li><li>All temple authorities and religious servants in the service of God.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe </span>Karappankadu <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe</span> Velukkudi<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami</span></li><li>All listeners for the sincerity and support.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">MAY ALL BE BLESSED WITH PROSPERITY AND HAPPINESS.</span><br />Now that the series is over, what next? It is proposed to give lectures on <span style="font-style: italic;">SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM</span> from 9th November 2009, onwards, daily Monday thru Friday, at 6:30 AM.<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TRANSLATOR'S THANKS ARE TO:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/65301346" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/65301346.gHzevvcf.jpg" alt="U.Ve. Sri Mukkur LakshmiNarasimhachariar Swami" width="116" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/mattapalli2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/features937.htm&usg=__Yhq7BRu1qEDqlGEfg1h6YUWmP2A=&h=406&w=544&sz=458&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=juL6jEHnZ3NT-M:&tbnh=99&tbnw=133&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmattapalli%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:juL6jEHnZ3NT-M:http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-08/mattapalli2.jpg" width="133" height="99" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://vaticanculturation.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/velukkudi-krishnan.jpg&imgrefurl=http://vaticanculturation.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/beyond-compare-and-christian-vaishnavite-encounters/&usg=__EGbKmsJskTjnitBUKBMTNr69tGs=&h=360&w=360&sz=121&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=PxeJr6m5aLx2vM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvelukkudi%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:PxeJr6m5aLx2vM:http://vaticanculturation.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/velukkudi-krishnan.jpg" width="121" height="121" /></a><br /><ul><li style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">The Lord Sri Mattapalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal </span>and Sri Rajya Lakshmi <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>, for blessing me with an opportunity to listen to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita, sloka</span> by<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span>, and complete the translation with my limited intelligence and grasping power.<br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">I did not take a formal permission of Sri UVe. Velukkudi Swami or Doordarshan authorities. But they have been generous in not raising any objections. I apologise for this great lapse, and at the same time I convey my gratitude to them.</span><br /></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><li>I started this as a translation for my son Chi. Raghunathan and daughter Sow.Sowmya, in USA, and wanted to write in daily email. But at their advice to make the audience larger, I started this blog and uploaded the lectures. My thanks are to them and their spouses Sow.Supraja and Chi. Gopi Prashanth.<br /></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><li>There were occasions, when I could not be physically present to record and then translate the lecture. But many persons helped in recording and made my task easy. In that regard I am thankful to my Mother-in law smt. Renganayaki, my wife smt.Parimala, Smt.Padmini & Sri.Vedantam of West Mambalam, Smt.Akilavalli & Sri.Ranganathan of West Mambalam, Smt.Vaidehi & Sri.Badri of T.Nagar and Sri&Smt. T.S. Naganathan of Srirangam.<br /></li><li>To all those who gave words of encouragement, I am grateful.</li><li>Last but not the least, I am grateful to <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri UVe. </span>Mukkur Sri Lakshmi Narasimhachariar <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>, who is not physically present in this world to bless me, but who is always blessing me and my family in all our endeavours. Only his blessings have made me what I am today.</li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><li>There are many websites I visited to give visual effects to the lectures and also for some clarifications. Though, I do not have the list of all, I am grateful to the following sites:</li></ul><ol style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><li>Prapatti.com</li><li>Ahobilavalli.org</li><li>Dictionary.com</li><li>tamildict.com</li><li>srivaishnavam.com</li><li>sacred-texts,com</li><li>divyakshetrams.blogspot.com</li><li>bhagavad-gita.us</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">and many, many more.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">PRAYING SRI MATTAPALL SRI LAKSHMINARASIMHA AND SRI RAJYALAKSHMI THAYAR TO BLESS ALL WITH HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Dasan,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">saranathan.</span>TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-4076609936865459092009-11-04T22:21:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:03:41.439-08:00BG 18.75<img src="file:///C:/Users/SARANA%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-13.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.walk4cows.net/images/Brahma_sarovar_in_Kuruksetr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.walk4cows.net/india_life-1.html&usg=__nfveuPj6L_terfQpLcHoxNTQG3M=&h=464&w=500&sz=26&hl=en&start=19&um=1&tbnid=H4tNQxJK-vq7eM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbrahma%2Bsarovar%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:H4tNQxJK-vq7eM:http://www.walk4cows.net/images/Brahma_sarovar_in_Kuruksetr.jpg" width="130" height="121" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2124914240_d0d3a3d688.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/8105510%40N06/2124914240&usg=__y2R6P9Gm3i95YdR6iKjA9Pl7Hg4=&h=380&w=500&sz=81&hl=en&start=32&um=1&tbnid=XISkbHJ9KiChpM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbrahma%2Bsarovar%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:XISkbHJ9KiChpM:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2124914240_d0d3a3d688.jpg%3Fv%3D0" width="130" height="99" /></a><br /><br />We are at the bronze statue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gitopadesam</span> on the banks of <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Sarovar</span>. It is Arjuna's chariot, driven by Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna used Arjuna as a tool, and conducted the war. Since He had promised Duryodana that He would not use His weapons in the war, He did not fight in the war. Arjuna was holding Gandeepa bow. Did it not mean that Arjuna fought the war? <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> does not accept it. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> says that the war was fought by Sri Krishna. Not by using weapons, but by driving the chariot here and there, He conducted the war! In memory of that, this bronze statue is installed here. It is 50 Ft. high, 26 Ft. long and 25 Ft. wide. We may wonder, when we see the statue, as to, who was more important, Arjuna or Sri Krishna? Seeing Sri Krishna in the front, it appears, He is important. But since the owner of the chariot was Arjuna, he seems to be important. Thus this gives importance to both. At this spot, today's [5th November 2009] lecture on the remaining <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s will be seen. For the past about Three years, we have been studying <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> in this program. It is the duty of the lecturer [Sri <span style="font-style: italic;">UVe</span>. Velukkudi Krishnan <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>] to convey his gratitude to those who taught him <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>and its interpretations. In that regard, he is grateful to <span style="font-style: italic;">Srimad Veda marga pratishtapanacharya ubhaya vedantacharya</span> Sri Velukkudi Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami,</span> who was his father. His father grasped these details from <span style="font-style: italic;">Srimad veda marga pratishtapanacharya ubhaya vedantacharya</span> Sri Karappankadu Venkatacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/76191881" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/76191881.VdpXLGVI.jpg" alt="vELvikkudi Swamy.jpg" width="103" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/70195553" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/70195553.vtFiOf1b.jpg" alt="Karapankadu swamy with sishyas.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="112" /></a><br /><br />Karappankadu is near Mannargudi. <span style="font-style: italic;">Kar + Appan + Kadu</span> [கார் + அப்பன் + காடு]= Dark blue + Lord + forest. This place is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Neelambuja vanam</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Krishna Aranyam.</span> Here, the Lord Sri Abheeshta Varadaraja, along with Sri Perundevi <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>, is gracing beneath <span style="font-style: italic;">Punyakoti Vimanam</span>. Before <span style="font-style: italic;">circa</span> 1900, Sri <span style="font-style: italic;">UVe</span> Karappankadu Singaperumal <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> lived here, like a lion! He had learnt all <span style="font-style: italic;">shastra</span>s thoroughly well. He was scholar in, both Sanskrit and Tamil. His maternal grand son was Sri Karappankadu Venkatacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>. He was born in 1906, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Panguni </span>month, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Punarvasu</span> star, like Sri Rama. He learnt all <span style="font-style: italic;">shastra</span>s from his maternal grand father. Sri Singaperumal <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> adopted his grandson Sri Venkatacharya, as his son. Sri Karappankadu Venkatacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> also learnt from another scholar Karappankadu Sri Desika Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>, who later, came to Srirangam as head of <span style="font-style: italic;">Sriranga Narayana Jeer Mutt</span>. Sri Karappankadu Venkatacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>came to Chennai in 1930, and in Triplicane and in Mylapore, he had given numerous lectures. Even now, some living octogenarians, fondly remember those lectures. In 1971, he departed this world to reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>. His lectures on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, were a treat to the ears. With minimum time and minimum efforts, one could easily understand very difficult subjects. He also prepared the next line of scholars, to propagate our <span style="font-style: italic;">sampradhayam</span>. He taught four such <span style="font-style: italic;">Vidwan</span>s, among whom was this lecturer's father <span style="font-style: italic;">UVe. </span>Velukkudi Sri Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami.</span> We can see a vintage photo of Sri Karappankadu Swami with his Four disciples, above. We will see about Velukkudi and about Sri Velukkudi Sri Varadacharya <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span>, tomorrow, when this lecture series would conclude. Now, we will see some more <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s in Chapter 18. First, <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 67:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">idaṃ te nātapaskāya nābhaktāya kadācana</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">na cāśuśrūṣave vācyaṃ na ca māṃ yobhyasūyati 18.67</span></span><br /><br />As Arjuna requested, the Lord Sri Krishna explained all the important meanings hidden in <span style="font-style: italic;">Upanishads</span>, in all these 18 Chapters. Sri Krishna thought that while He had explained all these great secrets, without any reservation to Arjuna, for mere request, He felt that those should not be revealed to others just like that, and only those who showed interest and had <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> in Him, should be told. So, He advises Arjuna, not to reveal these secrets to the persons mentioned in <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 67. It is not that the Lord wanted to keep it hidden from all; but, only interested persons should know. We can see in the <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> that as Sri Krishna lists the persons, stricter guarding of the secret is stipulated. <span style="font-style: italic;">Idam </span>= this [great <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Shastram</span>], <span style="font-style: italic;">na atapaskaya</span> = never to [those] without <span style="font-style: italic;">tapas</span> or meditation. Arjuna thought that all were not that great, to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">tapas</span>. Then, almost none will be able to know. Could not the Lord, slightly relax the condition? <span style="font-style: italic;">Kadacana </span>= always, <span style="font-style: italic;"></span> na = never,<span style="font-style: italic;"> abhakaya</span> = [to those] not devoted [to Sri Krishna]. Those, who do not have <span style="font-style: italic;">bhakti</span> in Him, should not be told. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>also is not that easy to get. That too, with the definition of <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> in Chapter 9, it was almost impossible for all. Could not He relax the condition further? <span style="font-style: italic;">Na ca asusrave</span> = never to [those] uninterested in listening. Here also, Arjuna felt that in this fast world many might not have time to listen. Perhaps, if <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> is told, some might develop interest. Again, Sri Krishna, relaxes the condition. <span style="font-style: italic;">Na ca mam yobhyasuyati </span>= never to one, who is jealous of Me [Sri Krishna]. If anyone has no love for Sri Krishna, he should never be told of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>. These persons, out of jealousy, think of His auspicious qualities as bad qualities. These are the persons, who should not be told about <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span> In the next <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, the Lord says that those who propagate <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> and its interpretations, are very dear to Him. The Lord says such persons will remain always with Him. They are given the same status as great <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyani</span>! <span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka</span> 68:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ya idaṃ paramaṃ guhyaṃ madbhakteṣv abhidhāsyati</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhaktiṃ mayi parāṃ kṛtvā mām evaiṣyaty asaṃśayaḥ 18.68</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Esyati </span>= attains, <span style="font-style: italic;">mam eva</span> = Me [Sri Krishna] only, <span style="font-style: italic;">asamsaya</span> = have no doubt. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ya </span>= he, who, <span style="font-style: italic;">idam </span>= this, <span style="font-style: italic;">paramam</span> = supreme, <span style="font-style: italic;">guhyam </span>= secret [of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita, Moksha Shastra</span>], <span style="font-style: italic;">madbhaktesa </span>= among My [Sri Krishna's] devotees, <span style="font-style: italic;">abhidhasyati </span>= preaches, with interpretations, <span style="font-style: italic;">mayi</span> = to Me [Sri Krishna],<span style="font-style: italic;"> param bhaktim</span> = supreme devotion, <span style="font-style: italic;">krtva </span>= done. Person, who preaches <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meanings to His devotees, is considered as greatly devoted to the Lord. He will reach the Lord and there can be no doubt in that. Arjuna gets another doubt. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>it is told that <span style="font-style: italic;">Tatva</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">viveka </span>is to be acquired and attachment to body should be destroyed. We should have the Three <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span>s, <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>, etc. We should know the greatness of the Lord. We have to acquire many good qualities. Then only, one could reach Him. Now, the Lord says that the reward for all these, preached in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, that is <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksha Prapti</span> or attainment of <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>, is given to him, who preaches <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meaning, to others! Is it possible, Arjuna doubts. For this the Lord replies in the next<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka, </span>69:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priyakṛttamaḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhavitā na ca me tasmād anyaḥ priyataro bhuvi 18.69</span></span><br /><br />The Lord says that he, who preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meaning, is liked by the Lord in the same way He liked those, who had already preached like that. Not only that; all those, who are going to preach, in future also would be liked by Him. There was nothing more pleasing to Lord. When we preach or think or study always, with its meaning, the Lord is pleased very much. Since the Lord is pleased, He uses His power to grant him <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. We have to note that by thinking of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>and its meanings, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> would spring spontaneously and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>would enable reaching the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tasman manusyesu</span> = all those persons [who preach <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meanings] are, <span style="font-style: italic;">me priyakrttama</span> = very much liked by Me [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">na kascin </span>= none else. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhavita </span>= in future, <span style="font-style: italic;">tasmad anya</span> = other than those [who preached<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita</span> with its meanings], <span style="font-style: italic;">bhuvi </span>= in this world, <span style="font-style: italic;">na priyatara</span> = no one is liked [by Sri Krishna]. In the past also, there was none equal to him, who preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, with its meanings, loved by the Lord; in future also, the Lord is going to like such persons preaching <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>with its meanings, and none else. So, Arjuna's doubt, whether by preaching <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita,</span> whether <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham </span>was possible, is answered by the Lord; it is possible, because, constant thinking on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> will generate <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> which will mature to <span style="font-style: italic;">Parama Bhakti a</span>nd make the person to reach the Lord. If we meditate on God, and if He decided, in a split second, our desires would be fulfilled. To get <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> therefore, His blessings are needed, in spite of our many efforts. So, if He could be pleased, then anything is possible. By these Two <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s [68 and 69], the Lord reveals His love for those who preach <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>. Now, <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 70:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">adhyeṣyate ca ya imaṃ dharmyaṃ saṃvādam āvayoḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">jñānayajñena tenāham iṣṭaḥ syām iti me matiḥ 18.70</span></span><br /><br />Arjuna gets the next doubt! It is OK that those preaching, get <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. What about ordinary people like us? After all, preacher could be very few and listeners would be much more. Each one of us do not have the capability to preach <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span> Arjuna wants to know, whether listeners had any benefit. Our <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span>s might get <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham;</span> what about the disciples? Sri Krishna says it is pleasing to listen to such great lectures. Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar says in his <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirukkural</span>, '<span style="font-style: italic;">selvatthut selvam sevi chelvam</span> [செல்வத்துட் செல்வம் செவிச் செல்வம்]' - of all the wealth, listening is the greater wealth! After all, for the sake of Arjuna as a listener, the Lord delivered such a great <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra! Ya </span>= he, who, <span style="font-style: italic;">samvadam</span> = conversation, <span style="font-style: italic;">avayo </span>= between Us [Sri Krishna and Arjuna], <span style="font-style: italic;">imam dharmyam</span> = this teaching [<span style="font-style: italic;">Moksha Shastram</span>, detailing how to reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>, like <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga, karma yoga, Purushottama Vidya</span>, etc.], <span style="font-style: italic;">adhyesyate </span>= studies or recites or chants [<span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>] with its meanings. It is not mere listening to this lecture series, <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita parayanam</span> is over. For the rest of our lives, we should be constantly studying and chanting them. <span style="font-style: italic;">Me mati </span>= My [Sri Krishna's] opinion is, that person worshiped the Lord by <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana. </span>Normally, we perform <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>, with materials like flower, etc. By chanting <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>with its meanings, or listening to such chantings, the Lord is worshiped by <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana. Tena jnanayajnena </span>= by that worship by <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> [of listening to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meanings], <span style="font-style: italic;">aham</span> = I [Sri Krishna] am, <span style="font-style: italic;">istah syam </span>= very much pleased. This is His opinion. Is it that, all those, who listened to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> lectures from many <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span>s, in the future would be liked by the Lord? The Lord says 'Yes' and says it is His opinion! He did not care about others' opinion! Next we see <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 71:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">śraddhāvān anasūyaś ca śṛṇuyād api yo naraḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sopi muktaḥ śubhāṃl lokān prāpnuyāt puṇyakarmaṇām 18.71</span></span><br /><br />It is OK listening to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meanings. What about just listening to? The Lord has climbed down from the top: First, He wanted the person to have <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> in Him; or, at least, chant <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita,</span> with its meanings; or else, to listen to with meanings; or, now He says, at least listen to the <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s! Our group of Three Thousand people assembled in Kurukshetra, had chanted all <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s. All of us listened to those <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s. Not only those, who joined the group; even those listening to the lecture series, also are blessed. The Lord did not specify that <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita sloka</span>s were to be listened to or chanted at any particular place. Benefit is same, wherever it is chanted or listened to. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sraddhavan </span>= whoever is sincere [to the Lord], <span style="font-style: italic;">anasuyas ca </span>= and does not have jealousy [in the Lord], <span style="font-style: italic;">srnuyad api </span>= even mere hearing, <span style="font-style: italic;">mukta </span>= is relieved of [<span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s in the way of <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti]</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">prapnuyat </span>= reaches, <span style="font-style: italic;">subham lokan</span> = auspicious group of, <span style="font-style: italic;">punyakarmanam</span> = [persons having performed] <span style="font-style: italic;">punya karma </span>or noble deeds. In that group, this person will listen to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with its meanings and that will induce him to learn <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, with its meanings; that will lead him to <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti, </span>then <span style="font-style: italic;">Para Bhakti,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Para Gyana</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Parama Bhakti</span>, and finally he will reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham.</span> Thus the greatness of the Preacher and Listener of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, is told by the Lord. <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/SARANA%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-14.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/SARANA%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-12.jpg" alt="" />TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-31178531656515640732009-11-03T22:26:00.000-08:002009-11-04T04:20:17.331-08:00BG 18.74<span style="font-style: italic;">Ananyāś cintayanto māṃ ye janāḥ paryupāsate</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">teṣāṃ nityābhiyuktānāṃ yogakṣemaṃ vahāmy aham || (9.22)</span><br />We have seen this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka </span>earlier. The Lord says that if, we could always remember Him, He would certainly, provide us all welfare. But how are we to remember Him always. The simplest way is by <span style="font-style: italic;">Divya Nama Sankeerthanam</span>. Singing His Divine names, in praise of Him, is the way. In that regard, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam</span>, is of great help to us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.harekrsna.de/artikel/bhishma-wheel.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harekrsna.de/artikel/bhishma-wheel_s.jpg" alt="Bhisma confronts Krishna in battle" width="406" border="0" height="306" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.harekrsna.de/artikel/bhismaarrowbed1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.harekrsna.de/artikel/bhismaarrowbed1.jpg" alt="Bhismadeva's Instructions on his death bed of arrows" width="485" border="0" height="327" /></a><br /><br />The Lord Sri Krishna describes Bheeshma, as tiger among men. Bheeshma was always remembering Sri Krishna [<span style="font-style: italic;">anusmaranam</span>]. We can worship Bheeshma at Kurukshetra. The place, where Bheeshma, preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">SVS</span>], to Yudhishtra and others, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bheeshma Ghat</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;"> Bana Ganga</span> [ it is about 5 KMs from <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Sarovar</span>, on the way to <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyotisar</span>].<br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v7brKVfJ8O4/RyWnnSqBoVI/AAAAAAAAAZE/sJkHVKHJRFw/bhishma+Ghat.JPG" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5VrDCUV7ZbYHjM:http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v7brKVfJ8O4/RyWnnSqBoVI/AAAAAAAAAZE/sJkHVKHJRFw/bhishma+Ghat.JPG" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><a href="http://kurukshetra.nic.in/tourist/bignarka.gif"><img src="http://kurukshetra.nic.in/tourist/narkatari.gif" width="101" border="0" height="78" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>is great, because it instructs us to chant <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam</span>; and, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam</span> is great, because it was recommended by <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita!</span> Both have the same purpose. But which is more sacred? <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>was born before <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. Gita</span> was delivered on the very first day of the<span style="font-style: italic;"> Mahabharata </span>war; while, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam</span>, was told after Bheeshma was pulled down and was lying on the bed of arrows, after the tenth day of the war! Since <span style="font-style: italic;">SVS</span> was later, its greatness is more! Both are eyes to us, but <span style="font-style: italic;">SVS</span> is our right eye! <span style="font-style: italic;">Nama Sankeertanam</span> is essential for every one of us. Yudhishtra asks Bheeshma, six questions. In reply, Bheeshma says that listening to and chanting the Thousand Divine names of the Lord, is sure to redeem everyone. Nammalwar, Tirumangai <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> and others have praised the sanctity of<span style="font-style: italic;"> SVS</span>. Sri Andal in <span style="font-style: italic;">Tiruppavai</span> 3rd <span style="font-style: italic;">pasuram,</span> mentions the greatness of singing His names. Even now, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranama</span> is reverberating in this place. Our group of Three Thousand persons, chanted <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam;</span> which means His name has been chanted 3 Million times in half an hour! We are very fortunate that way. Now, we shall see more interpretation of <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 66 of Chapter 18.<br />What<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita</span> wanted to convey is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Saharanamam</span>. One can reach the Lord by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga</span>. but, <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s obstruct performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. We are incapable of undergoing the results of <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>; nor, can we eliminate the <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s, by atonements or <span style="font-style: italic;">prayacchittam</span>. So, the Lord advises that if we abandon all <span style="font-style: italic;">prayacchitta</span> efforts, by surrendering unto Him, then He would absolve us of those atonements, and release us from all <span style="font-style: italic;">papa,</span> so that we can perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span> and reach Him. This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Anga Prapatti</span> [Surrender as Auxiliary, to <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>] and was explained in the last lecture. What is <span style="font-style: italic;">Swatantra Prapatti?</span> Will not <span style="font-style: italic;">Prapatti,</span> by itself, fetch us <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>? Yes. We do not need <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span> in between. Mere <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati </span>would fetch the Lord. Then, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>necessary? Let us see the meaning of this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, with <span style="font-style: italic;">Swatantra Prapatti</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Masucha </span>= do not worry. We had seen the description of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga,</span> by the Lord in the earlier Chapters. It may look unsurmountable task to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga. Bhakti yoga</span> seems to be impossible. Our sins are huge. Our capacity to do all these <span style="font-style: italic;">yoga</span>s, is very limited. But if we think we are ever dependent on Him [<span style="font-style: italic;">Paratantra</span>], then is it not His responsibility to protect us? The Lord is too willing to protect us and so, should we not surrender this responsibility also to Him? This is what Sri Sita told Hanuman. Hanuman went to Lanka and found out Sri Sita in <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashoka</span> gardens. He saw Her, conveyed the message of Sri Rama, and was about to take leave of Her. At that time, Hanuman had an idea. Why should he simply return and tell the Lord Sri Rama, that Sri Sita was in Lanka. Why not he carry Her on his back and present Her to Sri Rama? Hanuman conveyed his idea to Sri Sita. Why waste time in bringing the army of monkeys to fight Ravana and then rescue Her? Sri Sita replied that She very well knew, how to save Her from Ravana and She was capable of doing that. But, if She did so, it would be a disgrace on the valour of Sri Rama. As His dependent Wife, it was right only if Sri Rama rescued Her. Her chastity, could very well burn Ravana and entire Lanka. But She refrained from doing any such thing. Sri Rama had married Her, promising that He would be Her guardian at all times. So, it was Sri Rama's responsibility to rescue Her. Sri Rama should arrive at Lanka and after defeating Ravana, He should rescue Her and accompany Her to Ayodhya! This is the <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> for both Him, as Husband and to Her, as Wife! From this episode, we have to understand that we are not responsible for our redemption. We should be free of <span style="font-style: italic;">swatantaryam </span>or independence. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahankaram</span> or ego, should be totally absent. Abandoning everything, we should think, He was the only asylum for us. This <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati </span>is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Nivrutti marg</span> or totally free from doing anything, and leaving the responsibility of fetching us <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham </span>to Him alone. This method would fetch us directly, without the need for <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tvam eva upaya me bhava iti prartanamati sharanagati</span> - You are the only one, Who should be the means [to reach Him]. This prayer is <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati.</span> This simple <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> is<span style="font-style: italic;"> saranagati. </span>This feeling should be in the root of our heart. By this, we do not have to seek any other, as means. So, why should we do any <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>? In fact, if we started any of them, it would amount to acting independently. It will make the Lord to feel sad? He is promising to help, then why seek any other recourse? That is why the Lord says, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sarva dharman parityajya </span>= abandon all [<span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga, Bhakti Yoga, </span>etc.]. This is a welcome direction. Because, we are incapable of doing any of these, <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. But the Lord does not mean it that way. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Even if one was capable of doing those, one should abandon all, </span>Karma yoga<span style="font-weight: bold;">, etc</span>. Also, by saying abandon, it does not mean that, after performing <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> we can stop worshiping Him; we need not go to temples; we need not do any service to the lord, etc. Should we not have <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti, </span>after <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagat</span>i? No. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> is very much necessary, even after <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati. </span>In fact after <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> these persons should continue with <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma, Gyana </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti.</span> They are not to be performed as means for seeking <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>; but, they are to be performed, because it is the order of the Lord; because, it would please Him; because, it was the way shown by our elders. After all, the Lord Himself had said in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> that He was appearing every time, there was decline of <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>. Would He ever, therefore, ask us to abandon our <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, which is <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>? After performing <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> we should continue to do our <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> and perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> as service to the Lord and not as means for any reward. We have to do them for His pleasure alone. So, we have to abandon not the <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, but expectation of any reward for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti. </span>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span>s had surrendered to the Lord; but, they continued with <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>. Granting <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> was His responsibility; doing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>is for His pleasure. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>should not be the means. So, abandoning the thought that <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, is means, we have to seek, <span style="font-style: italic;">mam ekam </span>= only Me [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">saranam vraja</span> = surrender, as means to attain [Him]. That is, we should consciously, be at His feet. The word 'only' is important. We should be convinced that He was the only rescue for us. That is no other action and no other <span style="font-style: italic;">devata</span>s, are going to be our <span style="font-style: italic;">upaya</span> or means. Here, we should be careful not to ever think that by our efforts, we surrendered unto Him. Even performing saranagati, is with His blessings only. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Koorattalwan says that even to utter the word '<span style="font-style: italic;">sharanam</span>', His blessings were needed! So, it is not correct to think that we performed <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> and so we would be granted <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham. </span>But, it is His will and blessings, alone. We have to simply pray, that is all. Granting <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> is His will. Then, why <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>? It is like appetite for food, as compared by elders. If we want to eat food, we must have the appetite. Then only, we could enjoy the food. Similarly, we are not granted <span style="font-style: italic;">moksham</span>, just because we have done <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati.</span> But, out of compassion, He rewards us with <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. At the same time, by doing <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>, we show that we were ready to be targets for His compassion. In other words, we remain qualified for Him to grant <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham. </span>So, even that <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati </span>does not become a means; but, He, and He alone, grants <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham.</span> The first line indicates, what we are to do. The Lord tells in the second line, what he is going to do. <span style="font-style: italic;">Aham =</span> I [Sri Krishna, Who is all powerful and with all qualities, which Arjuna or any of us never possessed. Sri Krishna is possessing the power to grant <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>], <span style="font-style: italic;">sarva papeya</span> = from all <span style="font-style: italic;">papas</span>, obstructing, in realizing <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham, mokshayishyami </span>= release, <span style="font-style: italic;">tva</span> = you [Arjuna]. He comforts Arjuna not to worry, because of <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> being difficult to get; because sins are very large and strong; because <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram</span> is so painful. Arjuna or we have very limited capacity to remove sins, but since the Lord is taking full responsibility and since He can clear all past, present and future <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>, Arjuna and we need not worry. Earlier, in <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> as <span style="font-style: italic;">Pravrutti Dharma</span>, the Lord assured He would remove all <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span> in the way for performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti.</span> But now, with <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> as <span style="font-style: italic;">Nivrutti Dharma</span>, the Lord says that all<span style="font-style: italic;"> papa</span>s in the way of attaining <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> would be removed. The Lord, thus, shows that He was the means or <span style="font-style: italic;">upaya;</span> and, this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka i</span>s famous as <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama sloka</span>. Who can perform <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>? Those, who are worried, about <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram?</span> Eligibility is mere worry about getting <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> and to get relieved of <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram. </span>Result of <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>, is removal of worry. If we still worry, it means that we have no faith in His words.<br />We have tried to understand the interpretation of <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama sloka</span>, in a small way. We will see some more <span style="font-style: italic;">slokas</span> on tomorrow and day after. With that, our lecture on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Shastra</span> would conclude.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-24383129549755435212009-11-02T22:21:00.000-08:002009-11-03T03:30:00.035-08:00BG 18.73We are reaching the end of this program <span style="font-style: italic;">Kannanin Aaramudhu</span>. The 66th <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> of Chapter 18, of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> is known famously, as <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama sloka</span>. That<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span> is:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sarvadharmān parityajya mām ekaṃ śaraṇaṃ vraja</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ahaṃ tvā sarvapāpebhyo mokṣyayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ 18.66</span></span><br /><br />In this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, the Lord asks all of us not to be worried. We are going to study this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka,</span> in the very same spot, where<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita</span> was born, in Kurukshetra. Already, we visited <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Sarovar</span>. From there, we have arrived at <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyot Sarovar</span>, from where today's [3rd November 2009] lecture is held. This is the place, where the Lord preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> to Arjuna.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jyotisar_Banyan.gif" class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Jyotisar_Banyan.gif" class="thumbimage" width="360" height="237" /></a><a href="http://gkamesh.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/gita_sthal.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:z4iy_TkiZCkhfM:http://gkamesh.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/gita_sthal.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P6E8tm3KfC0/SkRNcMsxEkI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/TwhN1IKsBC4/s320/Kurukshetra+-+Jyotisar1.JPG" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ifRKd-NlYmZDgM:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P6E8tm3KfC0/SkRNcMsxEkI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/TwhN1IKsBC4/s320/Kurukshetra+-+Jyotisar1.JPG" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="60" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is known in this place as <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyotisar</span>. It is the spring of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> or pond of knowledge. We acquire<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gyana</span> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span> He, who gets <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> from <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita,</span> becomes equal to the Lord in <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>. That is, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>, power, unaffected by <span style="font-style: italic;">papa/punya,</span> birthless, deathless, hungryless, oldageless, diseaseless, etc., he is like God. Such is the <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> provided by <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Shastram. Gita</span> is reverberating through out the world. In every <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakta'</span>s mind it is deeply rooted. Such a great source of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>, originated in a small place. It is written here, that the banyan tree is the witness to the discourse of the Lord. It is also written as '<span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Upadesha Stha</span>l'. It does not mean that the Lord lectured at the very same spot; but the entire <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> is very sacred. Anything done here, is considered as <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma. Yagna, Dhanam, Tapas</span> or anything performed here, rewards us in many ways. In this place, the two armies of <span style="font-style: italic;">Kaurava</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandava</span>s, assembled. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandava</span> army of Seven <span style="font-style: italic;">Akshauhini</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Kaurava</span> army of Eleven <span style="font-style: italic;">Akshauhuni,</span> were ready to fight. If so many millions of people had to assemble, we can imagine, how vast this place should have been! Amidst the Two armies, Sri Krishna preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span> We can see idol of Sri Krishna preaching to Arjuna, here. Arjuna is seated on the top, with folded hands, and Sri Krishna is sitting at the bottom, and preaching. In 2.7, Arjuna told the Lord that he was not knowing which was <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> and whch was<span style="font-style: italic;"> Adharma</span>, and requested the Lord to clarify. We also, in our lives are confused many times at many places with many persons. Arjuna was confused as to whether to kill his brothers and other relatives and friends. It was not that Arjuna did not possess the skill to fight them. He was confused, whether to get Kingdom, after killing them. His mind was filled with emotion and compassion. So, he requested the Lord to advise him the best and beneficial to him. He fell at His Divine feet and prayed for proper advice. We have to learn from <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita </span>that if we had faith in the Lord and prayed Him, He would certainly lead us properly. At no time, we should have the feeling that we were doing ourselves. We should be firm that He was the protector and that He would lead us. It might appear that the Lord was finally telling something illogical; we should remember that we have crossed all those logical steps and arrived at this concluding part.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami</span> Shankaracharya, that is why, says that again and again rebirths would not be salvation; but only singing Sri Govinda's Divine names with devotion and love. We are fortunate that more than 3,000 persons have assembled here to chant <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, together. Each letter in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita,</span> was spoken by the Lord and so have divine power. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, the most important <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama sloka</span>. The interpretation for this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> could be told for even 100 days. But, we will see to the extent time permits. This <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> defines <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati.</span> Before we see the meaning of this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, we have to see an introduction to this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka. Saranagati </span>is of Two types:<br />*<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">SWATANTRA PRAPATTI</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">स्वतंत्र</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">प्रपत्ति</span><br />*<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ANGA PRAPATTI.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">अंग</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">प्रपत्ति</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Prapatti</span> means <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> or ultimate surrender. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sharanamiti aagati: Saranagati: </span>- [The Lord's Divine] feet are asylum, and [we] come to surrender. We have to very carefully note the following explanations. One method is, to seek the Divine feet of the Lord, as means or <span style="font-style: italic;">upaya</span>, for <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>, and surrendering. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">Saranagati</span> at His feet, is means, <span style="font-style: italic;">upaya, prapakam</span> or way. That is, the Lord Himself carries us to<span style="font-style: italic;"> Moksham</span>. This is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Swatantra Prapatti. </span>That is, <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> independently, by itself, fetches <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> and no other effort is expected from us. In the other method, <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> is not used to get <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. We know that we could reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>, by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>also. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> means <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga.</span> By practicing <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana Yoga,</span> we reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga</span>. And, by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga</span>, one can reach the Lord. Thus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakt</span>i becomes the means or way or <span style="font-style: italic;">upaya</span> to reach the Lord. This is, what we had been seeing all these days, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita. Purana</span>s say that <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> could be attained by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Prapatti.</span> Latter is known as <span style="font-style: italic;">Swatantra Prapatti</span>. In<span style="font-style: italic;"> Bhakti marg</span>, we are seeking something other than the Lord, as means to reach Him. We have to remember that to do <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga</span>, we should have done <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>. We should know all our limitations also. We may think we are all <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakta</span>s. We have to remember that our present <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, is not what the Lord told in<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita.</span> The Lord had been telling Arjuna all about <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>. Those words should make us realize our limitations and so it was necessary for the Lord to tell in detail about <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma Yoga, Gyana Yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga.</span> Two <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s back, the Lord asked Arjuna to surrender. There was a pause, and we also ran through all the Chapters to recapitulate what we learnt all these days. Arjuna thought that <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga</span> was quite pleasant and so decided to opt for that. Seeing that, the Lord asked in 18.65, to worship Him alone, and get salvation. But now in <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 66, the Lord asks Arjuna to surrender to Him. We may get the doubt, whether the Lord was recommending <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">bhakti</span> to get <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>? Why this alternating words from the Lord? In 18.62, when the Lord suggested to surrender, Arjuna did not surrender. Arjuna did not show any eagerness. We should know that <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Nivrutti Marg </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>is <span style="font-style: italic;">Pravrutti Marg.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Pravrutti </span>means taking lots of efforts and doing many actions. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>requires a lot of effort from us. In <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> we move away from any efforts and simply pass on the responsibility, to the Lord. No effort is <span style="font-style: italic;">nivrutti.</span> It is like an infant being looked after by the mother. The child takes no effort for its welfare and growth. In fact, if a child is harmed, people would blame the mother only, for not taking precautions! Similarly, if we, children of the Lord, come to Him and surrender, the Lord as a Mother, has all the responsibilities! The Lord is willing to take the responsibilities, provided we seek asylum. Unfortunately, many of us think that we could take care of ourselves! Similarly, many of us think that we could reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham,</span> by our own efforts. Therefore, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, there will be a little of <span style="font-style: italic;">ahankaram</span>! Seeing both, we might think that when <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati </span>is so easy, would there be anyone choosing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> a difficult path, to reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>? Yes, there are persons desiring to follow<span style="font-style: italic;"> pravrutti marg </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> to reach Him. They have some traces of <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahankaram</span>. But persons without any <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahankaram</span>, would choose <span style="font-style: italic;">Nivrutti marg</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Saranagati</span>, only. Arjuna was a <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshatriya</span>, with great skill and fame. He would naturally, choose the path, where efforts were needed. So, he was passive to <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>. The Lord suggested, therefore, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti marg</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 18.65! But <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> is not easy to follow. The Lord Himself said earlier, that it was very rare to find a person in Bhakti and saying that Sri Vasudeva was all for him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti Yoga</span> needs so many preparations. So many hurdles, like <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s of past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span>s, would prevent practicing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti. Swam</span> Koorattalwan says that accumulating <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span> is very easy; but to wash them off, it takes even, many births. When Arjuna thought that he could choose <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>, he found that past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span> effects were very great hurdles. He was perplexed and did not know what to do! How to remove all those hurdles? <span style="font-style: italic;">Papa</span> could be cleared by two methods: 1. To expend the <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span> by undergoing its results. This is almost impossible, as even one <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span> may need many births to undergo all its effects! 2. <span style="font-style: italic;">Prayacchittam</span> or atonement or expiation, is the second method. One has to atone for the<span style="font-style: italic;"> papa</span> committed and make amends, as specified in <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastras</span>. This is also difficult, as we might not know, what is the atonement for which <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>, and atonement itself might consume many births. Thus clearing <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s to start <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> seemed impossible to Arjuna and he was worried. This is the Third time Arjuna was worried. First, at the start of the war, he was worried as to how to kill his relatives. Next, in Chapter 16, he was worried whether he was <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>, and the Lord cleared his worries. Now, for the Third time Arjuna was worried. Arjuna did not know how to start <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. For this, the Lord gives the remedy in <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 66. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ma sucha</span> = do not worry! <span style="font-style: italic;">Sarva dharman parityajya</span> = leave all <span style="font-style: italic;">prayacchitta dharma</span> or atonements. He is not asking Arjuna to leave all his duties or <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, but only the atonements needed to clear his <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mam ekam saranam vraja </span>= surrender at My [Sri Krishna's] feet only, as means, <span style="font-style: italic;">aham</span> = I [Sri Krishna, the Almighty and All Capable] will, <span style="font-style: italic;">mokshayishyami </span>= relieve, <span style="font-style: italic;">tva </span>= you [Arjuna, incapable of doing atonements], <span style="font-style: italic;">sarva papebya</span> = from all sins obstructing [from performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>], . So,<span style="font-style: italic;"> in lieu</span> of <span style="font-style: italic;">Prayacchitta Dharmam,</span> Arjuna should surrender to the Lord, to start <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga. Prayacchitta</span> would destroy <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s, in the way of performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti.</span> The Lord says that He would destroy those <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s, if He surrendered unto Him. Arjuna could then start <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>and reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. That is,<span style="font-style: italic;"> saranagati </span>helps in Arjuna performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>; and by <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> alone he could reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. That is, <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">prapatti, </span>independently, is not the means for <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span> here. It assisits in perfroming <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti,</span> and through <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, he would attain <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham. Prapatti</span> is just an <span style="font-style: italic;">angam</span> or subsidiary or auxilary, to Bhakti, only. This<span style="font-style: italic;"> Prapatti </span>is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Anga Prapatti. </span>This is what is specified in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita. </span>We will wait to see how<span style="font-style: italic;"> saranagati</span>, independently, fetches <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham. </span>TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-35363156692547840802009-11-01T22:12:00.000-08:002009-11-02T05:47:46.140-08:00BG 18.72<span style="font-style: italic;">Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāś caiva kim akurvata sañjaya||</span><br />We heard this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, in this program, some Three years back as the First <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> of<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita. </span>Kurkshetram is <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma Kshetram;</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> grows in Kurukshetra. Long back we saw this First <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>, and now to listen to the last few <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, we have arrived at Kurukshetra! This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> has many glories. As if introducing them all, is this <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Sarovar</span>, at which, today's [2nd November 2009] lecture is held.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Brahma_Sarovar.jpg"><img alt="File:Brahma Sarovar.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Brahma_Sarovar.jpg" width="545" height="409" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.long-associates.biz/Kurukshetra%20pond%20%282%29%20web.JPG" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:SQqbdsR-CGMfYM:http://www.long-associates.biz/Kurukshetra%20pond%20%282%29%20web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkarini</span>, elevates the image of this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma sarovar </span>means lake of Brahma or lake which identifies <span style="font-style: italic;">Brhamam</span>. It is about 3,600 Ft. length and 1.800 Ft. width. We can imagine its surface area. It is about 12Ft. deep. There are many <span style="font-style: italic;">ghat</span>s like <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhisma ghat, Arjun ghat, Yudhishtra ghat, Hanuman ghat</span>, etc.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kurukshetram gamishyami Kurukshetre vasamyaham |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Evam satami bruyat sotitatai: pramuchyate ||</span><br />Even mere mentioning that one wanted to go to Kurukshera or to live in Kurukshetra, one gets all sins washed away. If so, what benefits one would have, if one were to actually live in Kurukshetra? We should, in our lifetime, at least once, go to Kurukshetra.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pamsanopi kurukshetre vayuna samuditita: |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Atidushkruta karmanam vayam atanti paramangatim ||</span><br />Air carries dust from Kurukshetra, and those dust have the capacity to wipe out our sins. Is it then necessary to mention that those, who live there, would get <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Manasat stuti kamasya kurukshetram yudhishtiram |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Papa vipramsyanti brahmalokam sa vasyati ||</span><br />Even mere desire in mind to go to Kurukshetra, one reaches supreme place. In such a glorious place Kurukshetra, <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span> Vyasa published <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahanharata.</span> In Badarikashram, we saw that in a cave Vyasa wrote Mahabharata; in Naimisharanyam, he preached it to the disciples. But it was published First, in Kurukshetra. Lord Brahma taught <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s to <span style="font-style: italic;">Sapta Rishis</span>. After learning them well, they started chanting, in Kurukshetra. For Indra and other <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s, this was the place for performing <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span>. Many have been coming to Kurukshetra, being a sacred place, for performing <span style="font-style: italic;">Yagna, Tapas</span>, Charities, etc. This place got the name Kurukshetra, as it was established by King Kuru. He wanted to make this, a fertile land for growing <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma,</span> and so, started tilling the soil with his golden plough. Indra wanted to know, why the King was ploughing and so, he appeared before him and asked. The King replied that he was going to cultivate the crop of <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashtanga Dharma</span>. Indra asked how he was going to do that. The King replied that he had the seeds for that <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>. He, then mentioned the seeds:<br /><ol><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Tapas</span> - meditation.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Satyam </span>- speaking truth always.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Kshama</span> - patience or forbearance, even when provoked.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Daya </span>- compassion, for all living beings.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Saucham</span> - purity in mind, speech and body.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Dhanam </span>- charities.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Yogam </span>- always meditating on God. And,</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Brahmacharyam </span>- behaviour in accrdance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s.<br /></li></ol>Indra was amused and left the place. Everyday, the King ploughed Seven <span style="font-style: italic;">krosa</span>s. On Seventh day, as he finished ploughing the 48th <span style="font-style: italic;">krosa,</span> the Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, appeared befoer him. Like Indra, He also asked why the King was ploughing the earth. King replied that he had the seeds for <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashtanga Dharma</span> and he wanted to cultivate <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>. The Lord asked the King to surrender himself and those seeds. The King understood that the Lord wanted him to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati.</span> As told in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita,</span> it is He, Who protected <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma.</span> The King surrendered the seeds and himself at the Divine feet of the Lord! Pleased with that, the Lord said that whatever the King desired would happen in that place. The King desired that <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span>s like <span style="font-style: italic;">Tapas, Kshama,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Daya</span>, etc., should flourish very well in that place. He desired <span style="font-style: italic;">sanathana Dharma</span> should always be present. Any noble deed done here should yield manifold results. It should be able to guide to <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. When the King prayed like this, the Lord blessed him, with all such desires. From that time this place is known as Kurukshetra. Whatever was done here, became <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma.</span> We can see <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita Parayanam</span> being performed always. Knowing its glory, Sri Krishna selected this place to preach<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gita</span>. Similarly, Bheeshmacharya chose to preach <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.</span> We are going to visit those places and also perform collective <span style="font-style: italic;">parayana</span> there! Thus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vishnu sahasranamam, Veda</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahabharata</span>, all started from here. In this <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma sarovar,</span> Duryodana was hiding in his last days. Bhima killed him after he came out of this. Yudhishtra and others performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Tarpanam</span>, rites for deceased ones, for having killed many in the war. It is also said that Sri Rama and Sri Sita came by <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushpaka Vimanam</span>, to this place and performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Pitru Tarpanam</span>. Sri Krishna also came with His wives and with Nandagopa and other <span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s, and performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Pitru Tarpanam</span>. When Sahadeva, selected an <span style="font-style: italic;">Amavasya</span>, to start the war, Sri Krishna came and did <span style="font-style: italic;">Tarpanam</span> here. From here, we will First see the summary of Chapter 18; also, we will see <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s 64 and 65, after which the most importane <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> [Charama sloka] was delivered by the Lord. Now, summary:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯ı´svare kartr. t¯a buddhih.sattvop¯adeyat¯antime |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">svakarma parin.¯ama´sca ´s¯astras¯ar¯artha ucyate || (22)</span><br /><br />In this last Chapter [18], essence of <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>, is told. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhagavad Gita Shastra saram</span> or essence. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, which is the essence. That <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> is got by, the transformation of one's own duty or <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>. Arjuna's duty was to fight in the war. Doing his duty, would get matured and mind will be purified. That will result in <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>, and realization of <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> that it is servant of the Lord. Thereby, <span style="font-style: italic;">ahankaram</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">mamakaram</span> would be destroyed. This will further mature and result in <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga.</span> That would transform into <span style="font-style: italic;">Para Bhakti,</span> which would result in <span style="font-style: italic;">Para Gyana</span> and further, to <span style="font-style: italic;">Parama Bhakti</span>. Ultimately, it would fetch the Lord Himself. So, <span style="font-style: italic;">sva karma parinamasya</span>, means one has to do his specified duties. But, while doing this <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma,</span> without the Three attachments, but with the conscience that the Lord was doing and so He was the <span style="font-style: italic;">Karta. </span>We should have only <span style="font-style: italic;">sattva</span> quality. The Lord had told that for each of these Three qualities - <span style="font-style: italic;">sattvam, rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamas - Yagna, Tapas, dhanam</span> and food habits, varied. Now, He says that we should follow only <span style="font-style: italic;">sattva </span>quality and <span style="font-style: italic;">rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamas </span>qualities were to be abandoned. Only<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sattva Yagna, Tapas, Dhanam</span> and food habits were to be followed. This is explained in the last Chapter. In this Chapter, the Lord classifies <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> into Three - <span style="font-style: italic;">satvika gyana, rajasa gyana </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamasa gyana</span>. That <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>, which makes one to view all equally, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattva Gyana</span>. He does not see variance among <span style="font-style: italic;">atman.</span> But seeing difference exhibited by bodies, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajasa Gyana</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamasa Gyana</span>, one does not know the purpose and its feasibility of any action. We have seen persons indulging in useless activities. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana </span>, which induces a person to do such activities, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamasa Gyana</span>. Similarly, the Lord classified <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Karta</span>, into Three. If one did a <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span>, knowing its purpose and with the Three <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span>, then one is <span style="font-style: italic;">Satvika Karta</span>. But if an action is done for publicity and fame, then he was <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajasa Karta.</span> Doing without any use and torturing others, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamasa Karta</span>. In the beginning of this Chapter, Arjuna raised a query. Are <span style="font-style: italic;">Sanyasa </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span>, same or different? Is abandoning <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma, sanyasa</span> or renouncing life? The Lord started replying. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sanyasa</span> are one and the same. Abandoning <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, is not <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span>. One should be performing one's <span style="font-style: italic;">nitya</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">naimittika karma</span>s always. Some people assume that since they had acquired <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> and become <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyani</span>s, they need not have to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>s like <span style="font-style: italic;">Pitru tarpanam</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Shraddham</span>, etc. According to what the Lord had stated in Chapter 18, He did not support this assumption.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Nitya</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">naimittika karma</span>s have to be performed and <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma </span>had to be followed. Because, many hurdles in reaching<span style="font-style: italic;"> Moksham</span>, are removed by these only. <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>s should not be sacrificed but only the results are to be sacrificed. We will have to abandon the feeling that we did that<span style="font-style: italic;"> karma.</span> And, we have to abandon the feeling that the <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span> was for us. These are only called <span style="font-style: italic;">Tyaga</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Sanyasa</span>. After expalining <span style="font-style: italic;">sattvam, rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamas</span>, the Lord told <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka </span>18.62. He said that Arjuna [and also we] should surrender to the Lord Sriman Narayana. The Lord waited to observe whether Arjuna was responding and say 'I surrender'. But, no, Arjuna kept quiet. The Lord thought that perhaps Arjuna was not interested. Then He told <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 18.63, and mentioned that He had told most secret of the Shastras. He had told Karma yoga, Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga, the Secret of His <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar</span>, how to do <span style="font-style: italic;">yoga</span>, glory of <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakta,</span> about His wealth, showed His <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam</span>, about <span style="font-style: italic;">Achit-Chit- Iswara</span> entities, about the Lord as <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span>, about who <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s were, advised to follow noble persons' way of life, superiority of <span style="font-style: italic;">sattva</span> quality, etc. Without any exception the Lord told all, which were to be told to Arjuna. He then gave the choice for Arjuna to choose and do. Still, Arjuna did not utter '<span style="font-style: italic;">sharanam</span>' to the Lord! Then, the Lord started the<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span> 64:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sarvaguhyatamaṃ bhūyaḥ śṛṇu me paramaṃ vacaḥ</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">iṣṭosi me dṛḍham iti tato vakṣyāmi te hitam 18.64</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tato vakshyami </span>= I [Sri Krishna] am going to tell you more,<span style="font-style: italic;"> te hitam </span>= beneficial to you [Arjuna], <span style="font-style: italic;">sarvaguhyatamam</span> = of all [<span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga, Gyana yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>], most important secret, <span style="font-style: italic;">bhuya</span> = again, <span style="font-style: italic;">srnu </span>= listen, <span style="font-style: italic;">me paramam vaca</span> = My [Sri Krishna's] superior words. Is it because Sri Krishna is interested in what He was to tell? Or, was there none to listen to, and so was He trying to tell Arjuna? No. Because,<span style="font-style: italic;"> istosi me drdham iti =</span> [Arjuna was] most dear to Me [Sri Krishna]. Therefore, He wanted to tell that, which was beneficial to Arjuna. This is the gap, the Lord gave for Arjuna to react! In <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 62, He wanted Arjuna to surrender unto Him. In <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 63, He gave time and asked Arjuna to choose and do. In <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 64, the Lord found that Arjuna was not willing to surrender. If he was to do <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati,</span> he should realize that he should destroy <span style="font-style: italic;">ahankaram, mamakaram</span>, that he was always dependent on the Lord. But Arjuna is habituated to doing himself. Therefore, the Lord decided to tell him again, in 18.64. In <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 65, the Lord again tells about <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">manmanā bhava madbhakto madyājī māṃ namaskuru</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">mām evaiṣyasi satyaṃ te pratijāne priyosi me 18.65</span></span><br /><br />Sri Krishna says, with a promise, as Arjuna was, <span style="font-style: italic;">priyosi me</span> = My [Sri Krishna's] dear [cousin]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Manmana bhava </span>= have mind [thoughts] in Me [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">mad bhakta</span> = with [love] devotion unto Me [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">mad yaji</span> = worship Me [Sri Krishna, with dedication], <span style="font-style: italic;">mam namaskuru</span> = do prostrate [by all three means - body, speech and mind] unto Me [Sri Krishna], <span style="font-style: italic;">mam evaisyasi</span> = [if done like this] [Arjuna] would reach Me [Sri Krishna] only, <span style="font-style: italic;">satyam te pratijane</span> = it is true and [ Sri Krishna] promises [and have no doubt]. Because, Arjuna is dear to Him, He would tell all these. Thus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span> is reiterated. By telling Arjuna to always meditate on Him, the Lord says about <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam.</span> By continuously thinking of Him, one will realize His glory and fame. It will give raise to love. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam</span> with love makes it more useful. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>. We will be induced to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja </span>and worship Him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mad yaji </span>also indicates all such sacred duties in the house and in temples and <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s. Doing like this, one reaches Him. The Lord makes a promise that what He told was truth. It is not that, only Sri Rama was always speaking truth; Sri Krishna was also a <span style="font-style: italic;">Satyavadi</span>! His words would never be false or empty. Now, Arjuna was to do <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. Did he start <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>? Or, was he in confusion and worried? How did the Lord remove his worries? The answer is in the next <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> [66], for which we shall wait.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-59755971107070087512009-10-30T23:17:00.000-07:002009-10-31T04:13:20.913-07:00BG 18.71Lord Brahma wanted to conduct one <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span>. But, since Saraswati <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi </span>was not with him, he married Gayatri <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi </span>and conducted the<span style="font-style: italic;"> yagna.</span> After it was started, Saraswati <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi </span>came, and found Gayatri by the side of her husband. She got angry, and cursed Brahma that he would not have any temple anywhere! That is why, only in this place, Brahma has a temple.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/outoftown/india/rajasthan/pushkar/brahmatemple/04brahmatemple.jpg" alt="Brahma Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India" /><img src="http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/outoftown/india/rajasthan/pushkar/brahmatemple/09brahmatemple.jpg" alt="Brahma Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India" /><br /><br />In Pushkaram, we have to worship Four important places. One is <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkar</span> lake. Second is temple of Brahma. Here, Brahma is in meditating pose. On one side of Brahma is Gayatri <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi</span> and on the other side Savitri <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi,</span> are gracing. There are Two temples <span style="font-style: italic;">Purana mandir </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Naya mandir,</span> in South Indian architecture and with <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>s performed in Southern pattern. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Purana</span> Mandir, Sri Venugopala, as a very large idol, is gracing, along with Consorts. On one side Sri Ranganatha, reclining, is gracing. On another side a huge idol of <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Bhagavat Ramanuja is there. Next we see the reincarnation of<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami</span> Ramanuja, <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Manavala Mamunigal. All these are in <span style="font-style: italic;">Purana</span> [Old]<span style="font-style: italic;"> mandir</span>. We can see the antiquty of the temple in its <span style="font-style: italic;">mantap</span>s, <span style="font-style: italic;">gopuram</span>s and in <span style="font-style: italic;">prakarama</span>s. From there we reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Naya</span> [New] <span style="font-style: italic;">mandir</span>. Here Sri Vaikuntanatha <span style="font-style: italic;">Swamy</span> is gracing. There is a <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> for <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Vedanta Desika, who has given us <span style="font-style: italic;">Tatparya Chandrika</span>, commentary on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span><br /><br /> <a href="http://img2.travelblog.org/Photos/2061/19702/t/90181-Pushkar-Temple-0.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Epyp3C4V0ExEGM:http://img2.travelblog.org/Photos/2061/19702/t/90181-Pushkar-Temple-0.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pushkaram is famous for Brahma, Gayatri, Savitri and the lake. The Lord resides in water and when the water was Milky Ocean, He churned it, to get Nectar or <span style="font-style: italic;">amrut</span> for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s. When same water was obstructing in reaching Sri Sita, the Lord got <span style="font-style: italic;">Sethu </span>bridge constructed. Thus the Lord is worshiped as Water and as Bridge on water! Now, we will see the summary of Chapter 17. In Chapter 16, the Lord advised to do according to <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. Arjuna had a doubt. What if, one did, not according to Shastras, but sincerely and earnestly? This might be the doubt in many. Is there result for such actions? It need not be great, but at least a little. In mathematics exam, students expect some marks for the steps, even if answer was wrong! Arjuna raises this doubt [17.1]. He wanted to know that what was the reward for those, who violated <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, but did sincerely - would they get <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattva </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajo</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamo</span> result? Sri Krishna was irritated at this quaetion! He had already stressed that every action should be in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. So, doing sincerely, is secondary. He then, says that such actions in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, have to be done sincerely. Thus, both the conditions - in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s and sincerity - are important. This is what the Lord says through out the Chapter. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Alavandar in his <span style="font-style: italic;">Gitartha Sangraha</span> mentions as:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">a´s¯astram.¯asuram.kr. tsnam.´s¯astr¯ıyam.gun.atah.pr. thak |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">laks.an.am.´s¯astra siddhasya tridh¯a saptada´soditam || (21)</span><br /><br />Those done, violating <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s or done without sanction of <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s, are all with <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span> quality. But those done in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, will vary according to the quality [<span style="font-style: italic;">sattvam, rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamas</span>] with which they are done. Also, such <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span> accepted actions would have to be done with the Three - <span style="font-style: italic;">OM, TAT</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">SAT</span>. Why we should do anything according to <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s? Because, they are as desired by the Lord. It is like rules and regulations, in any administration. Even in a republic, people have to abide by rules and regulations. Similarly, the Lord has prescribed certain rules and regulations for the people of this Universe. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>! For those abiding by <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, Three types are told by the Lord in this Chapter. Those with the Three qualities, differ in worship of deities, in performance certain <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span>s, do certain <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhanam</span>s, perform some <span style="font-style: italic;">Tapas</span>, eat certain type of food. <span style="font-style: italic;">Satva</span> persons worship Sriman Narayana and other <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s [17.4]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajasa</span> persons worship <span style="font-style: italic;">Yaksha</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Rakshasa</span>s. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamasa </span> persons worship ghosts and manes. In 17.7, He lists the food eaten by people with various qualities. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattvika</span> food would grow happiness and satisfaction. It would provide good health, in the long run. Too much spicy would be <span style="font-style: italic;">rajasa</span> food. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamasa</span> food are spoiled and over cooked food, without natural taste and with strong smell. In 17.20, He speaks of <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhanam</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattvika</span> donations are done at proper time to proper person, as prescribed and donated happily. If donations are done for publicity and fame, it is <span style="font-style: italic;">Rajasa dhanam. Tamasa dhanam</span> is done carelessly and humiliating the recipient. We will now proceed to Kurukshetra, where we will complete <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> lectures, in a fitting way!TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-19357432031685201992009-10-30T06:41:00.000-07:002009-10-30T07:29:19.611-07:00BG 18.70equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">title><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After worshiping all Dwarakas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, we have arrived at Pushkaram <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> in Rajasthan.</span><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/junoon_53/2658885868_9c7ea89b92_b.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Ky9ikViBUw1DMM:http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/junoon_53/2658885868_9c7ea89b92_b.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="120" height="80" /></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This is one of the <span style="font-style: italic;">swayam vyakta Kshetram</span>. Long ago, this entire place was full of water. Now only, we see houses and streets. In those days, only Pushkaram lake was existing. Here, the Lord is appearing in the form of Water. Lord Brahma wanted to do meditation in this place. That time, there was a <span style="font-style: italic;">rakshasa</span> by name Vajranatha. He was habitual, in killing the children of this place. Realizing that only after destroying the <span style="font-style: italic;">rakshasa,</span> he could perform meditation or yagna, lord Brahma, threw the lotus flower he held, on the <span style="font-style: italic;">rakshasa</span>. It killed the <span style="font-style: italic;">rakshasa</span> and the petals fell on 52 places, in about 5 miles around this place. At each of these 52 places, <span style="font-style: italic;">theertham</span>s or sacred ponds were formed. All those 52 ponds became one lake and was called Pushkaram. Pushkaram means water fromed by lotus flower. We know that water does not stick to lotus leaf. But lotus itself becoming water, is in Pushkaram only! Later, at the request of <span style="font-style: italic;">Rishi</span>s, the Lord agreed to be present, as the water in the lake. Water and the Lord are closely connected. '<span style="font-style: italic;">Aapo narayiti</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">prokta: aapovai narasunara:'</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Aapa </span>– water, <span style="font-style: italic;">naara: </span>- water, <span style="font-style: italic;">ayanam </span>– residing place. Since the Lord is having water as His residence, He is Narayana [नारायण]. While creating, the Lord has given great importance to water. He might be seated on land or standing on hills, but He is never separated from water. It is not that the Lord is reclining only in <span style="font-style: italic;">Paarkkadal </span>[Milky Ocean]; wherever water is there, the Lord is reclining in all those waters, be it saline ocean, or <span style="font-style: italic;">ghee</span> ocean or even milky ocean. In all oceans, the Lord is reclining. Here also, the lake is vast and appears like an ocean. Presently, the lake is being repaired and cleaned. But once upon a time, this entire city was full of water. Presently, Pushkaram is made of Three lakes – <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyeshta Pushkaram, Madhya Pushkaram</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Kanishta Pushkaram. Madhya Pushkaram</span> is the main <span style="font-style: italic;">pushkaram</span>, place where Sri Vishnu resides. Away, outside the town is <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyeshta Pushkaram,</span> for lord Brahma. Each of these <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkaram</span>s is large like an ocean! <span style="font-style: italic;">Kanishta Pushkaram</span> is the residence of lord Shiva. There is another important incident, which we will see next day. We will also see why there is temple for lord Brahma in this place. Now, we will see summary of Chapter 16:</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >dev¯asura vibh¯agokti p¯urvik¯a ´s¯astrava´syat¯a<br />tattv¯anus.t.h¯ana vij˜n¯anasthemne s.od.a´sa ucyate || (20)</span><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In Chapter 15, the Lord established that He was <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama.</span> We have to see only Chapters 16, 17 and 18. Theses are mentioned in Chapter 16: all of us are bound by <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s [we have to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span> according to <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s; we have to follow <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s while doing <span style="font-style: italic;">Karmas</span>].While mentioning this, Sri Krishna tells another aspect.There are some who obey and follow <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. And, there are others, who do not obey <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. So, the Lord classifies all those who obey <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s into one group; and those, who do not obey and violate, as another group. He calls those obeying as <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and those not obeying as <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s! Thus, in Chapter 16, He groups people as <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s. Thus, this Chapter is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Devasura vibhaga adyaya</span>. But this classification is not the theme of this Chapter. People should obey <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, is the main purpose. Therefore, using this classification, the Lord says that we are all bound by <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. We should get the <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana </span>about <span style="font-style: italic;">Tattvam </span>– that the Lord is the Most Supreme God. We also need <span style="font-style: italic;">Anushtanam</span> or practice, in accordance with that <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana.</span> Once we realize the Lord is the Supreme Leader, then we have to follow His orders. So, <span style="font-style: italic;">anushtanam </span>has to be in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s and we can not independently do whatever we like or think. He, who does not obey <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s and violates, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>. We should tell truth, not because we like to do so, but because <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s say so. If we tell truth, just because we like it, then there could be instances, when we might not like to do what <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s say. So it is fundamental to obey <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s, whether we like or not. <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s stipulate that one should observe fasting on <span style="font-style: italic;">Ekadashi</span>. But one can not say that one would observe fasting on Sunday, being a holiday! That is, we can not choose at our will any day for fasting. If we do, we will not be obeying <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. Those observing fasting in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s are <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s. The Lord indicates the identifications of <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s; He mentions the means of <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s. [16.1]. Gyanam, Yagna, Tapas, Swadhyaya, etc,. are identifications of <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s. <span style="font-style: italic;">Abhayam</span>- person called <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span> is not afraid of anyone; because he is straight forward and follows <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s. His mind should be clear. That is , he is always thinking of <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>. He should be always in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana Yoga. Dhanam</span> – he should donate in accordance with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shastras</span>. We should control our sense organs. We should perform the daily <span style="font-style: italic;">Pancha Maha Yagna</span>s. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swadhyayam </span>– chanting <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s regularly. <span style="font-style: italic;">Arjavam</span> – living honestly. These are all qualities of <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s group of persons. When the Lord was to describe the qualities of <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s, Arjuna got the fear as to in which group he belonged to! To know whether one was <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura, </span>it is not physical outlooks like cruel face, canine teeth, horns on the head, etc. The Lord says that if <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span> quality was there, it would fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham;</span> and, <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura </span>quality, would make the person to be reborn again and again. The Lord comforts Arjuna and asks him not to be despondent. He assured that Arjuna was certainly, a <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva.</span> How did the Lord classify Arjuna as <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>? Simple! In all these preceding 15 Chapters, the Lord has been proclaiming about His supremacy. Had Arjuna been an <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>, he would have objected to that and stopped further lecture! <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s will always think that whatever they had, were all earned by their efforts alone. They would claim, they were the lords, and all belonged to them. Such people with <span style="font-style: italic;">Kama, Krodha</span>, etc., are made to be reborn again and again. The Lord asks Arjuna not to acquire any qulities of <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s. He should go by <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s, to know what should be followed and what should be abandoned.</span></p>TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-2961132822250563552009-10-29T02:02:00.000-07:002009-10-29T04:36:06.749-07:00BG 18.69We are at the entrance of Srinath<span style="font-style: italic;">ji mandir </span>in Natha Dwar[aka]. It has silver doors. As soon as doors are opened, devotees rush in for <span style="font-style: italic;">Darshan</span>, shouting '<span style="font-style: italic;">Jai! Srinathji</span>!'. Inside the <span style="font-style: italic;">mantap, </span>women are allowed to have <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan</span> from near the Lord, and males have to be behind. All pray with fervour. There are many <span style="font-style: italic;">seva</span>s.Every time the temple doors are opened, an alert siren is blowed and people rush to have <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan.</span> First in the morning, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Mangala Harati</span>, similar to <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam</span> in South Indian temples. We now have a <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan</span> of the Lord.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.shrinathji.info/shrinathji.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shrinathji.info/&usg=__IKJjHKI_qERZ0QMMm-P9puZIwEM=&h=850&w=550&sz=96&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=u9ZKahjwvBdUWM:&tbnh=145&tbnw=94&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnathdwara%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:u9ZKahjwvBdUWM:http://www.shrinathji.info/shrinathji.jpg" width="94" height="145" /></a><a href="http://images.exoticindiaart.com/panels/sri_nath_ji_at_nathdwara_wd38.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:9Ny0ql9qqa63sM:http://images.exoticindiaart.com/panels/sri_nath_ji_at_nathdwara_wd38.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="54" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Lord is lifting up and holding Govardhana hill, in His left hand. The hill appears very small, within the palm. Both the hill and the arm are decorated with ornaments. Right hand is on His waist. The Lord appears with just Two hands. The idol is black and with muscles. On the idol itself, one could notice cows, peacocks, snakes, etc. The Lord was just Seven years old, when He lifted Govardhana<span style="font-style: italic;"> giri</span>. Govardhana <span style="font-style: italic;">giri</span> is near Brindavan. As mentioned earlier, only in 18th Century, the idol was brought to this place. Next<span style="font-style: italic;"> sewa</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Shringar</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">sewa</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">Bala bhog</span>. Before evry<span style="font-style: italic;"> sewa</span>, the Lord is offered food items and immediately, followed by public <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Prasad</span>s of this temple are beyond words! Each <span style="font-style: italic;">prasad</span> is Two palms large and one<span style="font-style: italic;"> bhog prasad </span>would be sufficient for a family of six! The Lord is decorated with dresses similar to <span style="font-style: italic;">kurta-pyjama</span> seen in North India. Then, <span style="font-style: italic;">Raja bhog sewa</span>. For half an hour, the Lord is offered food. Then again <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan</span> for devotees. At about 12PM, the temple is closed. At 4:30 PM, it is <span style="font-style: italic;">Utthapan sewa.</span> Then there is <span style="font-style: italic;">harati, </span>when people in Thousands worship. In the evening <span style="font-style: italic;">Harati</span>, the Lord is decorated with all ornaments. The temple is closed by about 7:30 PM, and so, <span style="font-style: italic;">sayana harati</span> is at 6:45 PM. While the Lord is made to sleep, in summer, to remove heat, fans are used. These are not electric fans we use, but the old <span style="font-style: italic;">pankha,</span> where air is wafted using ropes and pulleys. Two families, by tradition over centuries, are engaged in pulling the ropes through out the night. It is a great service to the Lord. Two <span style="font-style: italic;">pankha</span>s are used - one for the Child Sri Krishna and the other for Sri Srinath<span style="font-style: italic;">ji. </span>The<span style="font-style: italic;"> pankha</span> pullers deserve our respects. <span style="font-style: italic;">Srinath</span> means Husband of Sri or Mahalakshmi. To protect <span style="font-style: italic;">Jagat</span>, the Lord has to be Srinath. <span style="font-style: italic;">Srinath</span> means He is <span style="font-style: italic;">Paramatma </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span>. The Chapter 15 we are to see, is also called <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama Vidya</span>. In 15.19, the Lord says that he, who realizes Him as <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span>, attains Him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Alavandar says that only He, Who has lotus eyes, Who is Purushottama, Who is embodiment of <span style="font-style: italic;">sattva guna</span>, could be the Husband of Sri Mahalakshmi. Now, summary of Chapter 15:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">acinmi´sr¯at vi´suddh¯acca cetan¯at purus.ottamah. |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">vy¯apan¯at bharan.¯at sv¯amy¯at anyah.pa˜ncada´soditah. ||(19)</span><br /><br />This is told in Chapter 15: <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span> is different from, and superior to all others [which include <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">chit</span>, is of Three categories - <span style="font-style: italic;">Baddha</span> (like us, bonded in <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram</span>), <span style="font-style: italic;">Mukta </span>(liberated from <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram</span>) and <span style="font-style: italic;">Nitya</span> (ever remaining in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>, like Adisesha, Vishvaksena), and <span style="font-style: italic;">achit </span>(all inert matters having no <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>). To easily remember that the Lord is different from all these Four, we can see our fingers. Thumb is different from other Four fingers; no finger can do anything, without the aid of Thumb! Similarly, the Lord is associated with all Four categories]. Let us glance at some <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s of Chapter 15. In 15.1, the Lord says that <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram</span> is like an inverted banyan [<span style="font-style: italic;">aswatta</span>] tree, with roots up in <span style="font-style: italic;">Satya lok</span> [symbolises Brahma creating from above], branches down below. This tree can be cut off only by an axe of <span style="font-style: italic;">vairagya </span>or detachment [15.3]. In 15.15, the Lord says that He resided in everyone's heart; under His control, one understood, remembered or forgot anything. He is the One, understood from all <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">Vedanta</span>s. Result of <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s are also granted only by Him. He further says that He is different from baddha and mukta atman [15.16]. He is praised as <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s and in this World [15.18]. He si pervading in all, supporting all and commanding all, and so, He is different from and superior to all [15.17]. Person, recognizing Him as <span style="font-style: italic;">Prushottama,</span> [Who has descended for our benefit as Sri Srinath<span style="font-style: italic;">ji</span>], attains Him [15.19]. We will now move to the next <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram. </span>TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-63072462949649950072009-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:002009-10-28T23:12:26.213-07:00BG 18.68Two Divine names are very important. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vallabha</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sri</span> Nathan are those. The Lord is the Sweet Heart of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mahalakshmi</span>; and, He is the Husband of Her. Divine name <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jagannatha</span> is well known. He is the Leader of<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jagat</span> or Universe. More Divine, is the name <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Natha</span>. In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Nathdwara</span>, in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rajasthan</span>, the Lord is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Srinath<span style="font-style: italic;">ji</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span>Today's [27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> October 2009] lecture is from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Nathdwara</span>. We are at the front of the temple.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.ganesh.us/temples/nathdwara-temple.jpg" width="434" border="0" height="269" /><a href="http://abhashahra.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/1-3.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Ww5PKVDaXlQbqM:http://abhashahra.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/1-3.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="90" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This side of the gate is called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Moti</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Mahal</span>. There are Two gates, one for entrance and other for exit. Before entering, we could see the pond in this place. Actually there are Twin ponds. There is close contact between these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ponds</span> and the Lord here. We find many shops selling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">pictures</span> of the Lord. Pictures of the Lord, in various decorations inside, are available. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Srinatha<span style="font-style: italic;">ji</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>was originally in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Brindavan</span>. The Lord appears as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Govardhana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Giridhari</span>. For many Thousands of years, the Lord was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Brindavan</span>. In circa 1726, He came to this place. One <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Daoji</span>, had gone to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Brindavan</span> to worship the Lord. At that time there was an invasion and there was a necessity to protect the Lord. The Lord had commanded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Daoji</span>, to carry Him Westwards. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Daoji</span> took a bullock cart and with assistance of Two persons, he carried the Lord, wrapped in husk and grass, to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">this</span> place. The trip took many days. The Lord had told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Daoji</span>, that he should stop at the place, which would be indicated. When the cart came here and tried to cross the pond, it could not. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Daoji</span> realized, that place might be His desired spot. With the help of King Rana Singh, he got the Lord installed in this place and a temple was built. From that time, Millions of devotees are visiting the temple and worshiping the Lord. The Lord's <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">sannidhi</span> is raised on some steps. Main Deity is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Srinath<span style="font-style: italic;">ji</span></span>. Besides, as Child, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Navaneetha</span> Krishna is also gracing. In this temple <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Vallabhacharya</span> has done many services. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pooja</span>s</span> are performed according to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Vallabhacharya</span> tradition. Each <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">sewa</span> is only for a few minutes, as the Lord is Child and He might not stand posing, for long! In our tradition, temples are opened in the morning and remain so, till noon; and, again, in the evening, when the <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">sannidhi</span> is opened at about 5 PM, it is kept opened till 9 PM or so. Here, at 5 AM the <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">sannidhi</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>opens and closed by 5:30 AM. Again <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">harati</span> at 7:15 AM and closed by 7:45 AM! Then again, between 9:15 and 9:45 AM; 11:15 and 11:45 AM. Like this for very short durations <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span style="font-style: italic;">dharshan</span>s</span> are available. We will see the Lord in the next day's lecture!<br />We will now see summary of Chapter 14:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">gun.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">abandhavidh</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯a tes.¯am.kartr. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">tvam</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">tannivartanam</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">gatitrayasvam</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">ulatvam</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">caturda</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">´</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">sa</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">ud</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯ı</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">ryate</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> ||(18)</span><br /><br />In Chapter 13, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Sri</span> Krishna told Arjuna that body was different from <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">atman</span>, both of which were different from the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Kshetram</span> was body, to be recognized as cultivable land. This is known by <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Kshetragya</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>. The Lord resides in both of them. Arjuna got the doubt, as to how the body was binding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">atman</span>. One takes birth because of past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span> and gets a body to reside. How body controlled <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">atman</span>? What <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Sri</span> Krishna told as reply, is mentioned in Chapter 14, says <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Alavandar</span>: the three qualities bind <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">atman</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">samsaram</span>; actions are due to the inducement by the three qualities [by nature <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">atman</span> is not to do any action]; [does it mean <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">atman</span> can not get liberated?] means of liberation; the Lord only, grants the Three desires [of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakta</span>s</span> - wealth, <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Kaivalyam</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Paramapadam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> to serve the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">Lord</span> for ever]. These four points are told in Chapter 14. In 14.2, He says that with the <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Gyana</span>, described in Chapter 13, acquired, he reaches <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">saadharmyam</span> [that is, whatever is His nature, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">Satyam</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">Gyanam</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">Anantam</span>, he also attains the same. That is, by reaching <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> this person also acquires equality with the Lord in these qualities. We have to note that this person does not become one with the Lord, as told by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">Sri</span> Krishna]. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">Jeevatma</span>'s Gyana was covered by <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">samsaram</span>, and it is cleared. He further explains how each of these Three - <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">sattva</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">rajo</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">tamo</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>- qualities bind us. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Sattvam</span> keeps us in happiness and comforts, and binds us in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">samsaram</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> [</span>14.9].<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87"><span style="font-style: italic;">Raj</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">o</span> quality binds us in desires arising out of action, <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">tamo</span> quality puts us in delusion. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">Sattva</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>quality keeps one in happiness, good health and with knowledge [ 14.6]. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">Rajo</span> qualitywill keep our desires enhanced [14.7]. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">Tamo</span> quality will keep us in carelessness, laziness and sleep [14.8]. He, who understands that his actions are due to influence of qualities, and <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">atman</span> is not responsible, attains similarity with the Lord. Soul is inside body, formed by the Three qualities; and so influenced by them. In 14.23, the Lord says that qualities would be doing their nature, and why <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">atman</span> should get worried about that. We should be indifferent to them. In 14.25, it is said that if we keep ourselves away from worldly activities, with this knowledge, and be indifferent to praises and abuses, then we are considered to have crossed those qualities.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-11808529564472021152009-10-27T22:56:00.000-07:002009-10-28T03:44:42.959-07:00BG 18.67Sri Krishna was the darling of the Five lakhs females of Brindavan. From there, He came as Sri Dwarakadeesha in Dwaraka, which He got constructed. Dwaraka city was about 120 Miles in length! In that, Gomati Dwaraka was the beginning or the Drawing hall! We have now come to Bhet Dwaraka after travelling by boat, and this is the place where His palace was. This place is also called Bhent Dwaraka. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhet</span> means island, in Gujarati. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhent </span>means offering. Kuchela offered Two handfulls of puffed rice. This is the place where he offered and so it is Dwaraka [where Kuchela] offered. Sri Andal desired, that at dawn, getting up from bed, She should hear the sweet music of birds, singing the arrival of Sri Dwarakadeesha of Tirumaliruncholai! This She told from Srivilliputthur! Her <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>was so great that She desired the garlands worn by Sri Krishna in Dwaraka, thousand Miles away! If we also want the arrival of the Lord to our houses, then we have to acquire the knowledge indicated in Chapter 13! Chapters 13 to 18, form the <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama Shadka</span>. We will see them one by one. In the summary of <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama Shadka,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Alavandar says that the Lord had told whatever was to be told to Arjuna, in the preceding 12 Chapters.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">pradh¯ana purus.avyakta sarve´svara vivecanam |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">karmadh¯ırbhaktirity¯adih.p¯urva´ses.o 0ntimoditah.|| (4) </span><br />Those which were left out in the preceding Chapters, are being told in the last Six Chapters. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pradhana</span> means all associated with body or <span style="font-style: italic;">prakruti.</span> That is, it includes <span style="font-style: italic;">ahankaram, mahan</span>, Five <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhoota</span>, Five<span style="font-style: italic;"> Karmendriya</span>, Five <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyanendriya</span>, Five <span style="font-style: italic;">Tanmatra</span>s and mind [24 in total]. These are inert matters. <span style="font-style: italic;">Purusha</span> means <span style="font-style: italic;">Jeevatman. </span>Then <span style="font-style: italic;">Sarvesvara</span>, the Lord, Who controls <span style="font-style: italic;">Pradhana</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Purusha. Vivecanam</span> means <span style="font-style: italic;">viveka gyana</span> or analytical knowledge. That is understanding that body and soul are different in all respects. Also, understanding the Lord as the Owner and Commander of body and soul. All these were told in previous Chapters. Now, we will see summary of Chapter 13:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dehasvar¯upam.¯atm¯aptihetuh.¯atmavi´sodhanam |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bandhaheturviveka´sca trayoda´sa ud¯ıryate || (17)</span><br /><br />In Chapter 13 these were told: Body is temporary, got out of past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma.</span> Soul is not natural associate of any body [13.2]. Body is like the cultivable land and good crops of good characters, are to be grown. <span style="font-style: italic;">Atman</span> which realizes this need, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetragya. </span>Person pervading both, <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetra </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetragya,</span> is the Lord. Once this<span style="font-style: italic;"> atman gyana</span> or realizing <span style="font-style: italic;">atman swaroopam </span>[nature] is achieved, one can attain the Lord. To make our mind proper, certain qualities have to be built up. Twenty such qualities are listed from 13.8. <span style="font-style: italic;">Amanitvam</span> - without attachment, <span style="font-style: italic;">adambitvam</span> - without publicity. Talking of publicity, we can see it in Kuchela's story. Kuchela was known as Sudhama, was a classmate of Sri Krishna, under Sandheepani, in Ujjain. Sudhama was poor and had a large family to look after. His wife suggested to visit Sri Krishna, Who was a great King of Dwaraka, and bring some money for support of the family. Kuchela was reluctant to go and pray for material benefits. She argued that if Sri Krishna were to know that Sudhama was not able to support his family, it would cause Him agony. At least to avoid that he should visit Sri Krishna. Finally Sudhama agreed to go, but wanted to carry something to offer to the Lord. She gathered some puffed rice from other houses and making it into a small bundle, she gave it to her husband. When he reached Sri Krishna's large palace, Sudhama was hesitant to enter. At that time Sri Krishna saw Sudhama from balcony and arranged to receive His old friend. He offered Sudhama seat and personally comforted him! Sri Krishna's Wives were also at the service of Sudhama. After enquiring about his welfare, Sri Krishna asked whether he brought anything for Him! Feeling shy, Sudhama;s hand automatically went for the bundle. Sri Krishna immediately, grabbed the bundle and started eating the puffed rice. He praised the taste of it and took Two morsels. Instantly, in Sudhama;s place, all wealth were granted. Sri Krishna talked to Sudhama about their school days and mentioned that their teacher had blessed them both, prosperity. Sudhama felt shy to ask for any help from Sri Krishna and he, after sometime, took leave of the Lord. Kuchela felt relieved that he did not ask for anything! Not knowing what had happened at his place, Sudhama, when reached, was surprised at the transformation. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>can fetch material benefits; but if we pray for material benefits, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>would not grow. All such noble qualities should be acquired. In 13.20, the Lord told that because of association with the Three qualities[<span style="font-style: italic;">sattvam, rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">tamas</span>], <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> suffers rebirths. To get released we should realize the difference between <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> and body [13.24]. Now, we take leave of this place and proceed to Sri Nathji <span style="font-style: italic;">mandir</span> in Rajasthan!TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-20819067578998448262009-10-27T07:39:00.000-07:002009-10-27T09:22:17.440-07:00BG 18.66We will see Chapter 12. Arjuna said that he had hopes that by acting in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">marg</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> he would get salvation. But he also felt that <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bhakti</span> was not in our habits. Can we switch over to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>so easily? Can our habits and practices that easily change? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sri</span> Krishna replied him, that it was not like that, and there were many easier steps available for practice. This is the summary of Chapter 12.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Alavandar</span> says this as:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhakte´s´srais.t.hyam.up¯ayoktih.a´saktasy¯atmanis.t.hat¯a |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tatprak</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ar</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">astvatipr</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯ı</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tih</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">bhakte</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">dv</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ada</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">´</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">sa</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ucyate</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> ||(16) </span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sri</span> Krishna tells that those who could not practice <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> yoga</span>, should remember His auspicious qualities, continuously. Besides, they have to follow some habits. In 12.13, He says that they should never show any <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">hatred</span> to any living being. They must be friendly with all. They should show compassion. But many do not behave like that with us. What to do then, even when we show friendship? Then, it is better to be away from such persons. On no account we should have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">contacts</span> with them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Vibheeshana</span> left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Ravana</span>, when the latter did not heed good advice. We should be in touch with noble persons only. Because, we are not that refined to be friendly with persons who hate us. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span>s</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span>s</span> might have been in such elevated positions. The Lord further advised that one should show same quality to both friends and enemies. We should show the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">temperament</span> to both praises and abuses heaped on us.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sloka</span>s</span> 12.13 and 12.18 are important. We are reviewing this Chapter, in the ocean on the way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Bhet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Dwaraka</span>. It is on an island.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.holidayiq.com/uploadimages/Gujarat-775_129.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:9fm0zzQvHw5rFM:http://www.holidayiq.com/uploadimages/Gujarat-775_129.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="79" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On one side is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Gomti</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Dwaraka</span> and on the other side is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Bhet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Dwaraka</span>. Earlier they were all one and called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Dwaraka</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Sri</span> Krishna established a single city <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Dwaraka</span>. There are many boats to transport people. In <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Sri</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Rama Avatar</span>, we saw boats of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Guha</span>. It takes about Twenty minutes to reach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Bhet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Dwaraka</span>. After <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">reaching</span> it, we will see what happened when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Kuchela</span> was with the Lord. Beneath this Ocean, many archaeological studies are being conducted. Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">ASI</span> and Private Agencies, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">have</span> written many reports of their findings. Those interested may see them. We could know how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Dwaraka</span> was in those times; how it was submerged in ocean, etc. Now, while travelling, we will see the summary of Chapter 12. His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakta</span>s</span> should be without ego. Where <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">ahankara</span> is, likes and dislikes emerge. This <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>has acquired countless <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span>effects, and as a result, it is now residing in this body. We take efforts to get freed from this cycle of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">rebirths</span>. But when we think <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">atman</span> is this body, it is <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">ahankara</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. Atman</span> as such has no enemies or friends; but, through the body we acquire relations like mother, father, etc. <span style="font-style: italic;">Atman</span> has no mother or father. Its only relation is with the Lord. So, we assume all body relationships as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>'s</span>. So we think we are happy, when our relations are happy and feel sorry, when they face problems. When our head aches, <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>suffers, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">though</span> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">atman</span> has no head or any organ. And, we complain 'my head aches'! Thus we assume all our likes and dislikes, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54"><span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>'s</span>. We are carrying unnecessary relationship and bondage. Therefore, the Lord advises that only removal of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">ahankara</span>, would result in impartial outlook, and likes and dislikes will disappear. When we go on tour, we hop from one place to another. At no time, we think of any attachment with any one place. Because, we know it is transient. Our rebirths are also like this tour. But we seldom think in any one life cycle, that it is transient and we should not show any attachment! In 12.13, He says that we should be without <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">ahankara</span> and view happiness and sorrow equally. Though this might look formidable, by devoting more and more on the Lord, we can achieve success. This the Lord says in 12.8. We can realize this in practice. As we travel to many such <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s</span>, our outlook and short temper will change for good. If we absorb <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Gita</span> properly, then our attitude will change and get refined. Arjuna again asks how we can try to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">think</span> of the Lord, when we are used to think of ourselves only? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Sri</span> Krishna climbs down a step lower, and asks him to meditate on <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> Here, a hidden agenda of the Lord exists. As one thinks of one's <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>only, slowly one would realize <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63"><span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>'s</span> true nature! One would realize <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>is servant of the Lord. But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Arjuna</span> says thinking of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">atman</span> is also difficult. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">Sri</span> Krishna gets to a lower step and asks Arjuna to do service. That is doing one's own <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma.</span> Doing one's own <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> continuously, would enlighten one's knowledge about <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">atman</span>. Thus, again thinking of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>can be started. That would result in knowing the true nature of<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>and devoting oneself to the Lord. That will result in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Bhakti</span> and eventually, reaching Him. First the Lord wanted Arjuna to do <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> When he expressed difficulty, He suggested thinking of Lord's auspicious qualities. When this was also found difficult, He suggested meditating on <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">atman</span>. Finally, when that step also was difficult, He suggested to do one's own <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, continuously.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-16943952273669362002009-10-26T23:05:00.000-07:002009-10-27T03:45:40.500-07:00BG 18.65<a href="http://www.nio.org/projects/vora/dwarka_temple.JPG" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:15X6Fe7XwOACtM:http://www.nio.org/projects/vora/dwarka_temple.JPG" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="57" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After bathing in Gomati river, we have come to enter the temple. There are 56 steps to climb. Above the steps, is the tall <span style="font-style: italic;">Gopuram.</span> On the <span style="font-style: italic;">Gopuram</span>, a flag is hoisted on 52 Yards flagstaff! It appears, Sri Krishna lived here with 56 Crores of people! They were all brought from Mathura in a single night! Since, we can not see those 56 Crore people, 56 steps are representing them! After climbing the steps, we enter. On one side there are Four tiers and on the other side, Seven tiers. What is the reason for 52 yards staff? Stars are 27, Zodiacs are 12, Planets are 9 and Four directions - all together make 52! The flag is hoisted 5 times in a day, Three times during day and Twice during night. This is done to indicate that Sri Krishna was a King. Near the Lord, is Sri Balarama's <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi.</span> He is also called Sri Trivikrama. He is holding discus and conch, and mace and lotus flower. He is also decorated with Plough as weapon. On the other side Sri Madhava is gracing. Then we see Pradyumna, son of Sri Krishna, and Aniruddha, Pradyumna's son. When we go round the temple, we can worship sage Durvasa. Once Sri Rukmini had invited Durvasa for food. It is customary for the host to eat only after feeding the guest. But Sri Rukmini had drunk water and so Durvasa was angry. He cursed that She would be separated from Sri Krishna. That is the reason, there is no <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidh</span>i for Sri Rukmini in the temple. Her temple is about 3 KMs away, on the way to Bhet Dwaraka! Seeing Sri Rukmini suffering separation, the Lord gave His beautiful idol to Her to worship. And, that is Sri Dwarakadeesha!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kamalkapoor.com/images/wallpapers/800x600/Dwarkadheesh%2520Wallpaper1396.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.kamalkapoor.com/wallpapers/view-wallpaper.asp%3Fid%3D1396%26name%3DDwarkadheesh-wallpaper&usg=__S67-WOkFLMScytgaOp0A8J2jx-w=&h=600&w=800&sz=196&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=cm5TWQIvDAQuHM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddwarkadheesh%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cm5TWQIvDAQuHM:http://www.kamalkapoor.com/images/wallpapers/800x600/Dwarkadheesh%2520Wallpaper1396.jpg" width="143" height="107" /></a><br /><br />Opposite the Lord's <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> is Devaki Matha's <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span>, and not Garuda, as seen in other temples. This is to compensate for the initial 10 years, Devaki missed Sri Krishna. This temple was established by Vajranabhi, Sri Krishna's great grand son, with Vishvakarma's assistance. The Lord is gracing with mace in His upper right hand, discus in upper left hand. He is holding conch in lower left hand and lotus in lower right hand. The Lord's Consorts and others are on His body. Many<span style="font-style: italic;"> harati</span>s are performed for the Lord, daily. Decorations change for every <span style="font-style: italic;">Harati. </span>In the morning, <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span> starts with <span style="font-style: italic;">Mangala Harati,</span> like <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam</span>. All come and worship this <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>, before commencing the day. Then the Lord is offered <span style="font-style: italic;">Bala Bhog</span>, with a new decoration. Before 8 AM, we can have <span style="font-style: italic;">Swaroopa Darshan</span>. The Lord can be seen without any decoration. <span style="font-style: italic;">Shringar Harati </span>is at 9:15AM. At about 11:30 AM, <span style="font-style: italic;">Raja Bhog</span> is offered. The Lord is decorated like a King. At about 4:30 PM, <span style="font-style: italic;">Utthapan</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Harati</span> are performed. Finally, in the night <span style="font-style: italic;">Sayana Harati</span> is done. This temple has been praised by <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span>s. If we climb up and go via <span style="font-style: italic;">Gopuram</span>, we can see the idol of Yoga Maya, sister of Sri Krishna. Flag hoisting is done after <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span> for Yoga Maya. She is believed to be saving the temple. Temple has survived many natural and other disasters.<br />We will now see the gist of Chapter 11:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ek¯ada´se sva y¯ath¯atmya s¯aks.¯atk¯ar¯avalokanam |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dattamuktam.vidipr¯aptyoh.bhaktyekop¯ayat¯a tath¯a (15)</span><br /><br />In Chapter 11, to actually view His Natural state, He granted special eye power to Arjuna and showed that <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> alone was the means to understand and to reach Him. We try tu understand the Lord through books or lectures. Here, Arjuna was gifted with Divine eyes to view Him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar </span>asks people to perform<span style="font-style: italic;"> Bhakti</span> at His divine feet. In Chapter 10, the Lord described His wealth. All were under His command. Arjuna in 11.3, expresses his desire to see Him, with His wealth! Sri Krishna tells that with the ordinary eyes Arjuna possessed, it was impossible to see Him. He was beyond His eyes and intelligence. But, because Arjuna desired, He said He would bless him with Divine eyes to see Him [11.5]. Then the Lord showed His unimaginable <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam.</span> Sanjaya was explaining <span style="font-style: italic;">Viswaroopam </span>to Dridharashtra, in the palace [11.9]. Arjuna sees and for sometime, he was not knowing what he was seeing. The Lord appeared with many weapons, His body with sandal paste, wearing Vanamala, with Sun and Moon appearing on His body. He saw Sri Lakshmi on His body. He found lord Brahma and lord Rudra on His.body. He could see many soldiers entering His mouth, and many others coming out. He could not see the beginning nor end, and so neither middle. He found the entire Universe on His body. Seeing this frightful image, Arjuna became panicky. He was delighted to have seen the unseen; but, that gigantic image caused fear in him. So, with trembling voice he asks the image Who He was? The Lord replies in 11.32, He was <span style="font-style: italic;">Kaala</span> [time]. He determined what should happen at what time. He came to relieve Earth of her burden. Arjuna was a mere tool [11.33]. He directs Arjuna to fight the war and get whatever fame due. He allows Arjuna to see whatever he had seen, in the past, on His body. He could also see the result of the Mahabharata war. Arjuna says in 11.45, that the Lord was Father, Mother, the God to him. There was none equal or superior to Him. He felt ashamed that he was thinking of Sri Krishna as his mere cousin! In 11.41, he repented for having called the Lord by names, out of ignorance and immaturity! In 11.46, he requests that the Lord with thousands of arms and eyes, should return to His old Self as Sr Krishna! The Lord agreed and became Sri Dwarakadeesha.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-24917221281540624422009-10-26T06:20:00.000-07:002009-10-26T23:05:02.901-07:00BG 18.64We have reached an interesting <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram,</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">Kannanin Aaramudu</span> tour. Today's [20thOctober 2009] lecture is from the place where river Gomati enters the ocean, in the West of Gujarat. Vasishta, Brahma's son, was the <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya</span> for Sri Rama's dynasty. His daughter was Gomati. When she was born, she was not in the form of a river, but like all other girls. When she reached the age for marriage, Vasishta desired to find a suitable groom. Accompanied by her, he visited many places. But Gomati was in deep love with Sri Krishna. Like Sri Andal, she never wanted to marry mortals. She prayed to the Lord. With His blessings, she told her father Vasishta, that she would follow him from behind, till he was able to find a suitable match for her. At no time he should look back to see her. If he violated this, she would turn into a river. Vasishta wanted to know how he could find she was following him? She replied that her anklets would be making noise and that would signal him that she was following. They proceeded from place to place and reached present Gujarat. This is the place of Sri Krishna and Dwaraka. Gomati was happy to reach the place of her beloved. They came to the spot, from where lecture is being conducted. Being ocean side, they had to cross the ocean. Therefore, the sound of the anklets stopped! Vasishta felt that Gomati had stopped following him. When he turned back to look for her, she was walking through the water. But as per her condition, immediately, she took his permission and became a river and started flowing! This is not a river that originates from a distant place. Its total length is juat Five Miles! Thus Gomati is always near her beloved Lord Sri Krishna!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KYetzm4HI7E/SScxudfYSbI/AAAAAAAAA5U/N4qn_HPnCQo/DSC05092.JPG" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ZifJpnZEWF2AiM:http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KYetzm4HI7E/SScxudfYSbI/AAAAAAAAA5U/N4qn_HPnCQo/DSC05092.JPG" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Samudra Narayana. The Ocean is in the form of the Lord and accepting Gomati river. If we cross this and go beyond, we find <span style="font-style: italic;">Pancha Kund</span>s. Five sages were meditating here. There were problems from <span style="font-style: italic;">Rakshasa</span>s. As prayed by the sages, the Lord destroyed the <span style="font-style: italic;">Rakshasa</span>s, and Five <span style="font-style: italic;">Kund</span>s were established. The water, in each of the Kund, was different in taste. The taste reflected the mindset of various <span style="font-style: italic;">Rakshasa</span>s. Over the ages, the water in the place is sweet now. From a distance, the tall <span style="font-style: italic;">gopuram</span> of Sri Dwarakadeesa temple, welcome us!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.religiousindia.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/283279782_97e65e464d.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:36AyJHT0rKs02M:http://www.religiousindia.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/283279782_97e65e464d.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dwaraka means <span style="font-style: italic;">dwaram + kayati.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Dwaram </span>means entrance [here, to <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>], and <span style="font-style: italic;">kayati </span>means shows. Thus Dwaraka shows us the entrance to <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>. Millions of devotees come here to worship the Lord here and hope to reach <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam! </span>Sri Krishna, having decided to leave Mathura to protect people, came here and requested King of Oceans for establishment of a city. Accordingly, about 12 <span style="font-style: italic;">yojana</span>s [120 miles] length of land was recovered from ocean and Dwaraka city was constructed. This place was earlier known as Kuchasthali. Long back, a King performed<span style="font-style: italic;"> yagnas </span>on a island here, using <span style="font-style: italic;">darbha </span>[type of grass]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Kucha</span> means<span style="font-style: italic;"> darbha</span> and so this place got the name. The King invited the Lord Sri Trivikrama, to destroy <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s in <span style="font-style: italic;">Patala lok.</span> Thus we can worship Lord Sri Trivikrama also. In one night, the Lord brought all people from Mathura here and rehabillated them. On <span style="font-style: italic;">Sharat Poornima</span> day about 300,000 peopel come here. That was the day when the Lord played <span style="font-style: italic;">Rasa Kreeta</span>! Thus we can know His eminence and greatness, His wealth and glory, here. We can also know them, from Chapter 10:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">svakalyana gunanantya krtsna svadinatamatih |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhaktyutpatti vivirddhyartha vistirna dasamodita || (14) </span><br /><br />In the Tenth Chapter Sri Krishna explains in detail, to grow <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span> and develop it, His many auspicious qualities and His infinite wealth. This place is most appropriate to describe this Chapter. People will feel confident only, when as Emperor of Dwaraka, Sri Krishna told about His wealth and qualities! He described everything without any exception. We start devotion and allow it to grow, only when we know the person has a great personality. With Chapter 9, <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga, Gyana yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga </span>descriptions ended. In the very first <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> the Lord says He was interested in Arjuna's welfare. Even though Arjuna never asked the Lord to detail His wealth; but taking the cue that Arjuna did not object also, the Lord starts His lecture. Great persons bestow, even if we never asked! In 10.3, He says that he, who understood the Lord as never-born and without end, as Loka <span style="font-style: italic;">Maheswara,</span> is most intelligent. In 10.8, He says that He was Origin, Middle and End of all. Everything originated from Him. Everything finally ended in Him. He, who realized His greatness and actions in Mathura, Brindavan and Dwaraka, speaks about them with others [10.9]. For that person, who thinks of Him as everything, He blesses with <span style="font-style: italic;">Para Bhakti</span> and blesses him with <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>. Finally, he reaches the Lord. Arjuna asks the Lord to give list of His properties! The Lord replied that there was nothing which was not His property! Other than His property nothing was there in this Universe and many worlds of others! Arjuna says that he wanted to hear about His wealth, any number of times. The Lord then lists some important portions of His wealth. He mentions group after group and says that for each group He was the Leader [10.21 and other slokas]. He was Vishnu among <span style="font-style: italic;">Adityas</span>. Amsuman among <span style="font-style: italic;">Jyotish</span>. He was Marut among <span style="font-style: italic;">Marichee</span>s. Like that He lists many. Thus our <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti </span>grows hearing His greatness.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-82165752061073952392009-10-25T22:35:00.000-07:002009-10-26T02:00:03.726-07:00BG 18.63It may appear that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sri</span> Krishna's life was full of happiness. While, one might think that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sri</span> Rama suffered a lot by going to forest for 14 years; and, for 10 months, He was separated from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sita</span>. But we should remember <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">that Sri</span> Rama lived for 11,000 years. Of this 14 years is a negligible percentage! In forest also He was with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sita</span> for more than 13 years and They enjoyed life there. In forest He had no responsibility and so was free. Another difference between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sri</span> Rama and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sri</span> Krishna is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sri</span> Rama continued friendship. We can see the examples of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Guha</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sugreeva</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Vibheeshana</span>. They were all invited to His Coronation and were given presents before seeing them off. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sri</span> Krishna, however, never continued friendship. Also, when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sri</span> Rama left for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>as we saw in our visit to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Muktar</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Ghat,</span> near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ayodhya</span>, He took with Him all animate and inanimate objects to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Vaikuntam</span>. Only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Hanuman</span> did not accompany, that too, ecause <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Hanuman</span> refused to come! In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sri</span> Krishna's case we can notice difference. At the very instant He was born, He had to abandon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Mathura</span>. Even parents were abandoned! He was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Gokulam</span> only for Five years; after which, He lived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Nandgaon</span>. When He was 10 years old, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Akrura</span> came as emissary of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Kamsa</span> to take Him to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Mathura</span> back! He was invited by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Kamsa</span> to be killed! In spite of protest of people of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Nandgaon</span>, He left for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Mathura</span>. Afterwards He never returned to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Gokulam</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Nandgaon</span>! He was so dear to the Thousands of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span style="font-style: italic;">gopi</span>s</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span style="font-style: italic;">gopik</span>as</span>, and the vast cattle. Yet, He never returned to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Gokulam</span>. In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Mathura</span> He was with His parents <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Vasudeva</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Devaki</span>. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Devaki's</span> request, the Ten year old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Sri</span> Krishna, enacted all His infant pranks, enjoyed by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Yasoda</span>! From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Mathura</span> He left for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Ujjaini</span>, to learn under His <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Acharya</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> sage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Sandeepani</span>. Then He left for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Indraprasta</span> to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pandava</span>s</span>. Then He got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Dwaraka</span> established and moved there. Then He left for participating in war at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Kurukshetra</span>. Then He came unnoticed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Prabhasa</span> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Kshetram</span>. Like this He was always on the move and remained in solitude at the end. While departing for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Vaikuntam</span>, none accompanied Him. That way <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Sri</span> Krishna's life was full of turmoils and makes us sorrowful. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Sri</span> Rama lived <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">like</span> an Emperor and enjoyed all regal comforts. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Sri</span> Krishna tells that all thought of Him as another man and treated so! In Chapter 9, summary of which, we are to see today [19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">th</span> October 2009], He mentions the same complaint.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">svam¯ah¯atmyam.manus.yatve </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">paratvam</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.ca </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">mah</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">atman</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯am |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">vi´</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">ses</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.o </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">navame</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">yogo</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">bhaktir</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">upah</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">prak</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯ı</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">rtitah</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">. (13) </span> <br /><br />In Ninth Chapter <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> yoga</span> is explained. This Chapter is called <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">yogam</span>. His eminence and greatness is told. In Chapter 7, He told about His real state. He also mentions n Chapter 9, that even as a human, He was still greatest. For the sake of His devotees, He was prepared to undergo any difficulty. These Three points are mentioned in Chapter 9, says<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Alavandar</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">sloka</span> 9.4, He says that He was present in every matter we perceive. He is the power of sight, listening and every form of perception. He pervades all, in and out. Arjuna wanted to know, why people did not understand His greatness. To help people, He took human form, and so all think He was also an ordinary man! They do not want to understand Him from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73"><span style="font-style: italic;">Shastra</span>s</span>. They never wanted to rely on anything they could not perceive. In <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">sloka</span> 9.11, He says that all illtreated Him, thinking He was a man. Arjuna wanted to know how His devotees treated Him. In 9.14, He says that those who had faith in Him, never considered any problem in life as problem; they considered them as His blessings. They are always worshiping Him, always praising Him and determined to reach Him. In 9.26, He says that they never expected any reward for their <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">Bhakti</span>; from such persons the Lord happily accepted even a drop of water, as a very great present. Because, the Lord is never in want of anything! None can ever present Him, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">matching</span> His status! Finally, in 9.27, for which <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Vedanta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">Desika</span> has given wonderful interpretation in his <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">Tatparya</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">Chandrika</span>, such persons, whatever they did, or ate or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">yagna</span> was performed or Tapas practiced, dedicated everything to the Lord. That is what we should do. What is <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">Bhakti</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">yoga</span>? The Lord answers in one <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">sloka</span> at the end in 9.34. That mind should be in Him, heart should be loving Him, all organs doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">Karmas</span> dedicated to Him and entire body worshiping Him alone. That is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">Bhakti</span> yoga and such a person certainly reaches the Lord. We have come to the place, where the Lord Himself reached <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Vaikuntam</span>. We will now proceed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">Dwaraka</span>.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-37538442526485447332009-10-25T06:12:00.000-07:002009-10-25T07:57:27.246-07:00BG 18.62We are on tour of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dwaraka</span>, in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kannanin</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aaramudu</span> program. We have reached <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Prabhasa</span> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kshetram</span> in Gujarat. It is also called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ban ka</span> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Theertham</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Prabhasam</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>means well illuminating or very bright or well exposed. What was exposed? Some of the auspicious qualities of the Lord are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">brightly</span> exposed here. In Chapter 4, Arjuna asked the Lord, whether His birth was real. The Lord replied that just as Arjuna's birth was real, His <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar</span> also was real. Our bodies are made of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pancha</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bhoota</span> [space, air, fire, water and earth]. Was His body also similar? The Lord told that His body was made of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Aprakrytam</span> and not made of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pancha</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bhoota</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> His body <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">was</span> made of <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Pancha</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Shakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> It is neither created nor destroyed. The Three qualities are not in it. Only <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">sattva</span> quality is there. In <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Srimad</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Bhagavatam</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Sukhacharya</span> tells that at the end of <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sri</span> Krishna went to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Vaikuntam</span>, with His body as such. We have come to that place, from where He left for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><br /><br /><br /><img alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/id/6/6f/Prabhasa.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/id/6/6f/Prabhasa.jpg" /><br /><br />In our case only <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">atman</span> travels to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Vaikuntam</span> and body is dropped here. The Lord lived on this Earth for more than 100 years. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Kurukshetra</span> war was over and many good things were done by the Lord. He <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">decided</span> to leave for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Vaikuntam</span>. He came here and left for<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikunta</span>m</span>. Here we can see the Lord sculpted. He is sitting on a branch of a tree. One leg is on the branch and the other is on the knee of the other leg. One could see the sole of His Divine foot. He is decorated with flowers and <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">tulsi</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> He is holding conch and discus in His upper two hands. He is relaxing merrily! Nearby, we can see a hunter, kneeling before the Lord and his eyes reflect fear and sorrow. Hunter might have done something wrong and so is requesting for pardon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Jara</span> is the name of the hunter. He shot an arrow to hit the toe of the Lord. After completing His mission in <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Sri</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Krishna Avatar</span>, the Lord decided to destroy <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Yadu</span> group of people [<span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s], and leave for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span>For that, a drama was enacted. Once, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s</span> misbehaved with sages, after taking liquor. They tried to tease the sages by asking what child would be born to Samba, a lad in the guise of a pregnant woman! Sages understood the mischief and cursed that a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">pounder</span> [pestle உலக்கை] would be born and that would annihilate <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Yadavas</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s</span> found a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">pounder</span> and gave it to the King. Thinking that by crushing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">pounder</span> to powder, they could avoid the curse of sages, they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">powdered</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">pounder</span> and sprinkled the powder in the ocean. A small piece of iron was thrown into the ocean. The wooden powder all grew into wild grass on the shore and the iron piece was swallowed by a fish! The fish was caught by a fisherman and he found the piece of iron in the fish. This was taken by hunter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Jara</span>. He sharpened the iron piece and fixed it to his arrow! All <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s</span> once assembled in this place, near which ocean is there. Famous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Somnath</span> temple is also here. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yadava</span>s</span> started fighting among themselves using the wild grass and all of them died! Only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Sri</span> Krishna was alive! He came to this place in His chariot driven by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Dharuka</span>. While He was relaxing on the tree as told above, the hunter mistook the sole of the Lord as the face <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">of</span> deer and shot the arrow. Using that as an excuse, the Lord departed for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> Unlike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Sri</span> Rama, Who was accompanied by the entire population of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Ayodhya</span>, to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Sri</span> Krishna went alone! He consoled the hunter, as he was merely a tool in His drama. The Lord told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Dharuka</span> to inform all in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Dwaraka</span>, that it would be shortly submerged by ocean as <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Dwapara</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">yug</span> was ending and that all should move to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Prabhasa</span> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Kshetram</span> for safety. Saying so, He left for <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Vaikuntam</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> His chariot First went up and He followed! All <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62"><span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s</span> and Brahma witnessed the scene from the sky! Here His auspicious quality of blessing His devotees like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Dharuka</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Jara</span> was exhibited. Not only that, He left along with His body in tact! This place is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Ban </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">ka</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">theertham</span><span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> because the arrow caused all these incidents.<br />Now we will see summary of Chapter 8:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">ai</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">´</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">svary</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">aks</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">aray</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">ath</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">atmya</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">bhagavaccaran</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">arthin</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯am |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">vedyop</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">adeyabh</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¯av¯an¯am as.t.ame </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">bheda</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">ucyate</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> || (12)</span><br /><br />Chapters 7, 8 and 9 explain <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">Bhakti</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> yoga</span>. Here, the Lord tells Arjuna that different people come to Him for different purposes, like more wealth; but some come to Him only for His sake! What should be practiced and what should be abandoned by them is explained. Wealth, <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">kaivalyam</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">Bhagavt</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">anubhavam</span> are sought and what they should hold on and what should be left away, are mentioned. These are told in Chapter 8, says <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">Alavandar</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">Do's</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Dont's</span> are mentioned for the Three categories of devotees. In<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">sloka</span> 8.6, the Lord says that everyone dies and if a devotee desired to reach Him, then at the last moments, he should have <span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">Sri</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Krishna </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">smaranam</span> or think of the Lord. Because, whatever is in the thoughts at the last moments, the person is reborn in that way. We have heard of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">Jata</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">Bharata</span> story, where he was thinking of a deer in his last moments and he was born as deer in his next birth. So, in 8.7. He says that one should always be thinking of Him. By worshiping the Lord here we can practice that.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-31722810734937810102009-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:002009-10-25T00:01:45.831-07:00BG 18.61<img alt="http://www.lakesparadise.com/travel/viewpic.php?id=150" src="http://www.lakesparadise.com/travel/viewpic.php?id=150" /><br />In this temple of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sri</span> Rana <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chod</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rai</span>, doors are having silver plates carved with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sri</span> Krishna <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar</span>'s incidents, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vasudeva</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">carryng</span> child <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sri</span> Krishna on his head, lifting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Govardana</span> as umbrella, etc. On both sides of the doors, artistic windows can be seen. Behind these windows, the Lord <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sri</span> Rana <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Chod</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rai</span> is gracing. In the morning at 6:30 AM, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mangala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">harati</span> </span>is performed. In South, the First <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">dharshan</span></span> is called <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Viswaroopam</span></span>; but here it is <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mangala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">harati</span></span>. The Lord appears with the same dress and ornaments, He was decorated previous night. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Bala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Bhog</span></span> or <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Dwal</span>,</span> is like breakfast, and is offered to the Lord at about 9:30 AM. Then there would be a <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">harati</span>. </span>Doors are closed and the Lord is offered <span style="font-style: italic;">Raj <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Bhog</span> </span>at 11:30 AM. In this, all types of eatables are offered. When, after this, the doors are opened, devotees shout 'j<span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">sri</span> ran <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">chod</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">rai</span>'.</span> One speciality is that only ladies can go near the Lord, through a special entrance. Afterwards the doors are closed and at 4:30 PM, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Utthapan</span></span> is performed. Here, the Lord is woken up after a fiesta! There will be <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Shringar</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">seva</span></span>, when the Lord is decorated to play and dance with Thousands of <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Gopika</span></span>s! Finally, at bed time, it is <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Sayana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">harati</span>.</span> All incidents of <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Sri</span> Krishna avatar</span>, are pictured here. Here the Lord is standing with one hand lifting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Govardana</span> as umbrella and the other hand on His waist. <br />From Chapter 7, the Lord talks of <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Bhakti</span></span> only.<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Bhakti</span> yoga </span>is reached by <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Gyana</span> yoga. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Bhakti</span> yoga</span> is needed to realize the Lord truly and reach Him. It is not mere understanding God, but realizing that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sriman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Narayana</span> is the Most Supreme God and <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Paramatma</span></span>. We have to understand that from that most superior position, He descends on this earth as an ordinary cowherd. This <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Bhakti</span> yoga</span> is explained in the <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">madyama</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">shadka</span></span> or middle six Chapters. We may recall that some of the <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">sloka</span></span>s of Chapter 7, were seen while on visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Sri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Rajagopala</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Swamy</span></span> temple at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Mannargudi</span>. The same Lord <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Sri</span> Krishna is here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Dwaraka</span>. Summary of Chapter 7: <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">svay</span>¯<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">ath</span>¯<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">atmyam</span>.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">prakr</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">ty</span>¯<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">asya</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">tirodhi</span>´s´saran.¯<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">agatih</span>. |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">bhaktabhedah</span>.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">prabuddhasya</span> ´srais.t.hyam.saptama <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">ucyate</span> || (11)</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Sri</span> Krishna explains here, real state of His being. But the<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">prakruti</span>,</span> shields Him from being realized by us. Remedy is <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">saranagati</span></span> or surrender. Of those surrendered, there are Four categories of devotees. Of them, the one who wants only Him, is the best. These are the points explained by the Lord, says <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Alavandar</span>. The Lord explains Who He was. In <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">sloka</span></span>s 7.4 and 7.5, the Lord says that He possessed Two properties - <span style="font-style: italic;">chit </span>or all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">jeevatman</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">achit</span></span> or inert matter, like organs, mind, etc. These matter are 24 but classified into Eight. There is none equal or superior to Him. His auspicious qualities are infinite. None possessed these qualities except the Lord. This way He established His nature. Why we are not able to know all these? In 7.15, He explains that all people go away from Him and did not realize His superiority. All think that He was also another man like them, as He also slept, ate, etc. Reason being <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Prakruti</span>,</span> which blinds people. The solution is to surrender to the Lord alone. In 7.16, He mentions the Four categories of <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Bhakta</span></span>s. One prays for <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Kaivalyam</span>;</span> another for recovery of lost property; yet another prays for new property; all these are inferior <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">Bhakti</span>. The Lord says He considers that devotee as <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Gyani</span></span>, who wants nothing else, but only Him and <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Moksham</span>.</span> He is the dearest to the Lord [7.19]. He attains this <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">Bhakti</span> </span>after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">numerous</span> births. He attains the Lord after expending all past <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">effects</span>. His devotion to the Lord is so great that the Lord felt that He could not reciprocate even a fraction! Actually, it is the reverse! That is His <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">magnanimity</span>. We will now take leave of this place.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-39399598093464581582009-10-24T06:24:00.000-07:002009-10-24T22:27:09.047-07:00BG 18.60In this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kannanin Aaramudu</span> program, we have visited 107 <span style="font-style: italic;">Divya desam</span>s, and finally reached Dwaraka. Five Dwarakas [<span style="font-style: italic;">Pancha Dwaraka</span>] are famous - Dakur Dwaraka, Moola Dwaraka, Gomati Dwaraka, Bhet Dwaraka and Natha Dwaraka. In addition Chantoli Dwaraka is there. In all these, Lord Sri Krishna is gracing. Today [14th October 2009], we are at Dakur [Dakor] Dwaraka. It is about 90 KMs from Ahmedabad. It is about 30 KMs from Anand Railway station. There is a pond, perhaps the Lord might have bathed in this.<br /><a href="http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/sudhamukunthan/albums/default/Picture%20124.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:-cNJM-fxXvYI9M:http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/sudhamukunthan/albums/default/Picture%20124.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After taking bath or sprinkling this holy water, we proceed to the temple. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Gopuram</span>, with the majestic North Indian architecture, welcomes us. We see the large silver doors, with intricate craftmanship. Two large lamp stands are there. As in North Indian temples, marble stones are used extensively. All <span style="font-style: italic;">prakaram</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">mantap</span>s are all with marble stones. We go round the temple. We can see the <span style="font-style: italic;">Vimanam</span>, under which the Lord Sri Dwarakadeesa is gracing. Plenty of <span style="font-style: italic;">prasad</span>s are offered. Everywhere we can see <span style="font-style: italic;">prasad</span>s are kept in heaps. Then we come near the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahadwar</span>. We have entrance and exit gates. Here the Lord is called Sri Ranachod Rai [Sri Ranachor Rai]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Rana</span> रण - battlefield, <span style="font-style: italic;">chod </span>छोड़ - left, <span style="font-style: italic;">rai</span> राइ - Sri Krishna. The Lord ran away from the battlefield. The Lord would never run away in fear. He navigated Arjuna in the biggest battle, without any fear. So, why this name? We know that for the initial 10 years He lived in Gokulam, away from Kamsa. Akrura, then brings Sri Krishna to Mathura. There Sri Krishna kills Kamsa. Kamsa had two wives, father of both of them was Jarasanda. The wives of Kamsa complaned to Jarasanda. Furious that Sri Krishna had killed his son-in-law, Jarasanda invaded Mathura with 23 <span style="font-style: italic;">Akshouhini</span> troops. But Sri Krishna and Sri Balarama defeated them. Jarasanda did not realize the greatness of Sri Krishna. He was further induced to fight by Sisupala and the likes. Repeatedly he invaded Mathura, 17 times. An incident took place between 17th and 18th invasions. Sri Krishna opined to Sri Balarama that by the invasions of Jarasanda, common people were affected and so they could transport them to a new town to be established ine West, where river Gomati was entering the Ocean. He desired to rehabilitate all people in the new town Dwaraka. Sri Balarama felt that it would be a cowardly act and did not support that idea. At that time Kala Yavana, a King of <span style="font-style: italic;">Yavana</span>s, came with a large force, to help Jarasanda in the fight. Sri Krishna thought that time was most opportune and with silk robes and with Four hands, left His palace and started going away from Mathura. This was noticed by Kala Yavana. Narada gave the identification of Sri Krishna. Recognizing Sri Krishna, Kala Yavana followed the Lord, shouting to stop going away from battle field. Sri Krishna did not care and went away swiftly. Kala Yavan also followed and both reached the present Dakur Dwaraka. There was a cave here. In the cave an Ikshvaku King, Muchukunda, was sleeping. Why was the King sleeping in a cave? Muchkunda had helped <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s in their fight with <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s. After the battle, he felt tired and wanted to take rest. He requested <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s to show him a place where he could sleep undisturbed by others. They showed him this cave and granted a boon that while he was taking rest, if anyone disturbed his sleep, that person would be reduced to ashes, when Muchukunda looked at that person. This news was known to the Lord and He found an easy way to finish Kala Yavana. He entered the cave noticed by Kala Yavana, and stepped on the sleeping Muchukunda, and He hid Himself. Kala Yavana followed and mistook the sleeping Muchukunda to be Sri Krishna! He also kicked Muchukunda and shouted. Muchukunda's sleep was disturbed and he saw Kala Yavana. With the boon granted to Muchukunda, instantly Kala Yavana was reduced to ashes! Sri Krishna then blessed Muchukunda and left. In that very same spot the Lord is now gracing as Sri Rana Chod Rai! Thousands of devotees daily come here and worship. We have also come with Three Thousand Pilgrims to worship the Lord!<br />Now, we will see the summary of Chapter 6:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">yog¯abhy¯asavidhiryog¯ı caturdh¯a yogas¯adhanam</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">yogasiddhissvayogasya p¯aramyam.s.as.t.ha ucyate (10)</span><br /><br />Here <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga</span> is explained. Person practicing <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>should perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Yogam</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam. </span>There are rules for doing them. Sri Krishna explains those rules. He says that <span style="font-style: italic;">Yogi</span>s are Four types. He describes <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga sadhanam</span> or methods. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga</span> would slowly flourish and mature into <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam</span> and then to <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>. This would fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">Atman sakshatkaram</span> and ultimately result in reaching the Lord. The maturing process is <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga siddhi</span>. Fighting the war and protecting his people was Arjuna's <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma.</span> But, normally <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">poojas</span> result in <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>; then, how fighting could fetch it? This <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> practiced properly, would slowly mature to become <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span> would be realized. Finally, it is said that more than <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga</span> was superior. Meditating on the Lord is <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yogam</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 6.11, the Lord says that first a good and solitary place should be selected. A firm seat should be used. On that <span style="font-style: italic;">darbha</span> [grass] and over them deer skin, should be spread. Then a silk cloth should be spread on it. One should sit in <span style="font-style: italic;">padmasanam</span>. This is a good health exercise also. There are 27,000 nerves in our body. Body should be straight and erect. Very high seat should not be used; nor too low also. Place should have an ambience giving peace and happiness. Our eyes should focus on the tip of our nose. Then we should meditate on the Lord. This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Dhyanam,</span> and it takes us nearer God. Both mind and body are made healthy by this. We should allocate time for this daily and practice. This way <span style="font-style: italic;">Yogam </span>would slowly develop and more time will be spent on it. Slowly, we will find that even after sitting in <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga</span>, the Lord would be in our mind. <span style="font-style: italic;">Atman sakshatkaram</span> is not the end or goal. This is only the initial step and more would be told about <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>. Finally, in sloka 6.47, the Lord says that more than <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga, Bhakti yoga</span> on the Lord was better. He says that he, who after performing<span style="font-style: italic;"> Karma yoga </span>and realized that the true nature of <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> was servant of the Lord, and performed <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti</span>, was the best devotee of the Lord.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-29648681113100316702009-10-23T22:11:00.000-07:002009-10-24T03:35:21.888-07:00BG 18.59102. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BADARIKASHRAM [BADRINATH] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வதரி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பத்ரிநாத்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45471940" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45471940.thiruvadhri.jpg" alt="thiruvadhari-1 (BadrikASramam)" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45471941" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45471941.thriuvadhari.jpg" alt="thriuvadhari-2" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br />As mentioned by Alwar, the Lord Himself took the Forms of Sri Narayana and Sri Nara, and preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirumantram</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">Ashtaksharam</span>]. The Lord is called Sri Badrivishal, Sri Badri Narayana and Sri Badri <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal.</span> The Two mountains are <span style="font-style: italic;">Nara - Narayana Parvat</span>. From <span style="font-style: italic;">Narayana </span>mountain the Lord preached to Sri Nara, in human form, on <span style="font-style: italic;">Nara</span> Mountain. River Alakananda flows. This is one of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Swayam Vyakta Kshetram</span>s. The Lord is made of <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama.</span> Near Sri Badri Vishal, Sri Nara, Uddhava, Narada and Kubera are gracing. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tapta Kund</span> here has hot water. Bathing in this is customary before worshiping the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Badari </span>means <span style="font-style: italic;">ilandai </span>[இலந்தை], a type of berry. Beneath a <span style="font-style: italic;">Badari </span>tree, the Lord as Sri Narayana, meditated and preached. In nearby Mana, we can see Vyasa cave. From there only, Vyasa wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahabharata </span>epic, which contains <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhagavad Gita</span>. We can see there, mingling of river Saraswati with river Ganga. From <span style="font-style: italic;">Damodara Kund</span>, Gantaki river originates. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gangotri</span> is the origin of Ganga. We can see many wonders like Swargarohini. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Aravindavalli. In nearby <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Kapalam</span>, people offer <span style="font-style: italic;">pinda</span> for deceased ancestors.<br />103. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SALAGRAMAM [MUKTINATH] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சாளக்கிராமம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">முக்திநாத்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59179541" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59179541.GandakinearJomsom.jpg" alt="Gandaki-near-Jomsom (21km away from muktinath)" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59305304" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305304.thelongtrekking.jpg" alt="the long trekking" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59305300" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305300.Salagramamsfoundonriverbed.jpg" alt="Salagramams found on river bed-1" width="160" border="0" height="118" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59179547" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59179547.Templeonleft.jpg" alt="Temple on Top-left" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58494694" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58494694.muktinathshrine.jpg" alt="Have the darsanam of Mukti Narayana with Sridevi, Bhu devi" width="160" border="0" height="105" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59305298" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305298.Salagramamountainstip.jpg" alt="Salagrama mountain's tip (Locals call this small tip as Vishnu)" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59305303" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305303.soundofanundergorundrivercanbeheardhere.jpg" alt="Sound of an undergorund river can be heard here, which is just on the side of the temple." width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59305306" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305306.tibetansplatformshopseesalagramam.jpg" alt="Tibetan's platform-shop near temple - see the locally found salagrama mUrthis on the left side baskets" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />This also a <span style="font-style: italic;">Swayam Vyakta Kshetram</span>, but is in Nepal. Between the 25,000 feet high mountains Annapoorna and Daulagiri, one has to reach, by helicopter or on mules or by trekking, Gantaki river bed and worship the Lord. The Natural beauty of the place is very attractive. The Lord is Sri Muktinath and Sri Salagrama <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. Sri Sridevi <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar</span> is in sitting pose. As prayed by river Ghantaki, the Lord resides within the river in <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama Murty</span>s. They are fossils formed over Millions of years. We have seen the various varieties of <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama. </span><br />104. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MATHURA- BRINDAVAN-GOKULAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வட</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மதுரை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பிருந்தாவனம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கோகுலம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44435965" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44435965.GovardanagiriatoutskirtsofBrindavanam1.jpg" alt="Govardana giri at outskirts of Brindavanam-1" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44481596" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44481596.KalingaNardanamatBrindavanam.jpg" alt="Kalinga Nardanam at Brindavanam" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44481598" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44481598.Kusum_saravoratoutskirtsofBrindavanam2.jpg" alt="Kusum sarovar at outskirts of Brindavanam-2" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44526456" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44526456.Barsana_RadhaRanisBirthPlace.jpg" alt="Barsana- Radha Rani's Birth Place-1" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44570415" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44570415.NandaGramamatoutskirtsofBrindavanam1.jpg" alt="Nanda Gramam at outskirts of Brindavanam-1" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44143921" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44143921.Brindavanam_radha_govindaMandir.jpg" alt="Brindavanam- Radha Govinda Mandir" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44143923" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44143923.GopikaVastarabaranamatYamunariverbed1.jpg" alt="Gopika VastrAbaharanam at Yamuna river bed" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.toursinmanali.com/india-packages/india-tourism-guide/gifs/mathura-vrindavan-tourism2.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LzrOCjsn_AAnFM:http://www.toursinmanali.com/india-packages/india-tourism-guide/gifs/mathura-vrindavan-tourism2.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="89" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.indialine.com/travel/images/templegovardhana.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:8AW7L4GN9Zc-MM:http://www.indialine.com/travel/images/templegovardhana.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="111" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The name Mathura will nullify our <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram </span>is associated with the Lord in all the Four <span style="font-style: italic;">yugs</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Krita yug</span>, Sri Vamana's <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashram</span> was here. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Treta yug</span>, Sri Rama's brother Shatrugna defeated Lavanasura and ruled from here. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Dwapara yug</span>, the Lord was born as Sri Krishna. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kali yug</span> we are all fortunate to worship the Lord here. We can see <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Krishna janma</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">bhoomi</span>, within the prisons of Kamsa. In nearby Keshav<span style="font-style: italic;">ji Mandir</span>, Sri Krishna Himself has worshiped. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kotra kund</span>, Vasudeva and Devaki used to wash clothes. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kamsa sheela</span>, the Lord killed Kamsa, after destroying Kuvalayapeeta elephant and wrestlers Mushtika and Chanura. On the other side of river Yamuna is Gokulam. Sri Andal mentions this as '<span style="font-style: italic;">seer malgum aaipadi</span> [சீர் மல்கும் ஆய்ப்பாடி]'. Brindavan, Nandgaon, Kamyavan and Govardhana also are part of Gokulam. Earlier this place was described, when, for 7 days we stayed and visited nearly 90 spots. In <span style="font-style: italic;">uttavi bandam,</span> Sri Krishna was tied to a mortar [உரல்]. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Ramana rehi</span> people roll on the ground, where the Lord had played. Sri Andal describes Yamuna as pure water, as Sri Krishna washed Himself in it! In <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahmanda ghat</span>, Sri Krishna showed entire Universe in His mouth, to Yasoda! In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kesi ghat</span>, Sri Krishna killed Kesi, who had come in the guise of an horse. Sri Krishna lifted up Govardana hill, to protect <span style="font-style: italic;">gopi</span>s and <span style="font-style: italic;">gopikas</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kanda vana</span>, we visited the sliding rock. At <span style="font-style: italic;">Charan Pahadi,</span> we can see the foot prints of Sri Krishna and of cows and calves.<br />105. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU PARKKADAL </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பாற்கடல்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br />The Lord is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vyuha</span> forms of Sri Vasudeva, Sri Pradyumna, Sri Sankarshana and Sri Aniruddha. By these the Lord creates, sustains and destroys the Universe. The Lord is reclining here. <br />106. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">VAIKUNTAM [PARAMPADAM] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வைகுந்தம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பரம</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பதம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br />All <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span>s have praised this as <span style="font-style: italic;">Nalamandhamiladhor Naadu</span> [நலமந்தமில்லதோர் நாடு]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> is in full blossom. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nityasuri</span>s are always worshiping the Lord. After crossing river <span style="font-style: italic;">Viraja </span>and after discarding body made of <span style="font-style: italic;">prakrutam</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> gets <span style="font-style: italic;">aprakruta</span> body and enters <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>. The Lord is seated on a throne of Adisesha. The Lord graces with Sri Sridevi to His right and Sri Bhudevi and Sri Neeladevi to His left. Everyone has to go to <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span> one day! <span style="font-style: italic;">Upanishad</span>s say that after reaching <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>, none returns [to <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram]</span>. This is considred as the 108th <span style="font-style: italic;">Divya desam. </span><br />We have to visit only one - Dwaraka.<br />We will see the summary of Chapter 5:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">karmayogasya saukaryam.´saighryam.k¯a´scana tadvidh¯ah.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">brahmajn˜a¯napraka¯ra´sca pan˜cama¯dhya¯ya ucyate (9)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> is easier to perform than <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>. Not merely, it is convenient to practice, it yields result also quickly. It has many divisions. By practicing the chosen one, he sees others equally.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sloka</span> 5.18 is the soul of this Chapter. <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Gyana</span> means he sees all, as part of <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahmam </span>or the Lord; every <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> is body of the Lord and there is no difference between one atman and another. <span style="font-style: italic;">Atman</span> are all identical, whether the body is of a learned or illiterate; of a cow or an elephant; of a dog or a dog eater. All differences are only in the bodies. By nature all <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> are identical in qualities - embodiment of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> and servant of God. One can be identified as possessing <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahma Gyana,</span> by the way he sees all. All <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> are superior. Though <span style="font-style: italic;">muktatman</span> is at higher stage, <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>, in this world, are born because of past <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma. </span>Once this body is removed, all differences are gone and in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam </span>all are equal in worshiping the Lord. Many perform meditation and <span style="font-style: italic;">tapas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span>s. But all ultimately reach the Lord only [5.29]. The Lord is the Leader for all living beings. With this thought, one should perform <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga, </span>which is easy to practice and quick to yield results. We will now go to Dwaraka.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-22003501403292182942009-10-22T21:53:00.000-07:002009-10-23T22:14:15.833-07:00BG 18.5896. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUMALAI TIRUPATI [TIRUVENKATAM] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருமலை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்பதி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருவேங்கடம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/28335099" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u44/svami/small/28335099.P4240538.jpg" alt="gOpuram" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/28335229" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u44/svami/small/28335229.gv.jpg" alt="gOpuram vimAnam" width="160" border="0" height="133" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_DQMiowcbtWg/Rf5kw0jKbmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ErFaKug9v98/C:%5CTirumala%5CNew+Folder%5CGovindrajswami+Temple+-+Tirupti+%287%29.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gwz4BnrM91j3jM:http://lh4.ggpht.com/_DQMiowcbtWg/Rf5kw0jKbmI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ErFaKug9v98/C:%5CTirumala%5CNew+Folder%5CGovindrajswami+Temple+-+Tirupti+%287%29.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gangesindia.com/catalog/images/DSC_8674-Mini-Trupti-Small.jpg&imgrefurl=http://findnews.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html&usg=__bfxJTclT1sOxN18AVUzDLuaEbrM=&h=250&w=173&sz=20&hl=en&start=54&um=1&tbnid=Mdl4BLiuxKU01M:&tbnh=111&tbnw=77&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtiruchanur%2Bpadmavati%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3D74r%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Mdl4BLiuxKU01M:http://www.gangesindia.com/catalog/images/DSC_8674-Mini-Trupti-Small.jpg" width="77" height="111" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.divyadeshdarshan.com/home/images/stories/tirupati/padmavathy.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.divyadeshdarshan.com/home/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D21%26Itemid%3D98&usg=__WL4zaExaMIRoMuoIoFmuE7BEPjI=&h=211&w=134&sz=13&hl=en&start=39&um=1&tbnid=gYtODVO1Iqu_mM:&tbnh=106&tbnw=67&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtiruchanur%2Bpadmavati%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3D74r%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gYtODVO1Iqu_mM:http://www.divyadeshdarshan.com/home/images/stories/tirupati/padmavathy.JPG" width="67" height="106" /></a><br /><br />We start tour of North Region <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s, with visit to Tirumala-Tirupati. First we worship Sri Padmasani <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span> aka Sri Alarmel Mangai <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar </span>at Tirucchanoor, at Tirupati, at bottom of the hill. Then we proceed to Sri Govinda Raja temple, again at Tirupati. This is an ancient temple. After worshiping <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> and then Sri Govindaraja, it is customary to climb the hill, chanting the Divine name <span style="font-style: italic;">Govinda,</span> repeatedly. While climbing up <span style="font-style: italic;">Venkata</span> hills, if we only utter '<span style="font-style: italic;">nama:</span> [नम:]', then the Lord accepts it and like a debtor, He does all good things to us. Our purpose in life should be to serve Him and His Consort, always. Earlier, this was <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Varaha Kshetram</span>. Even now, Sri Varaha <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span> is gracing on the banks of <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami Pushkarini.</span> He is Leader for this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>. Sri Venkatesa <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Kali yug</span> God. We had already seen the story of how Lord Sri Venkatesa married the daughter of King Akashraja. Like Srirangam, this is an important <span style="font-style: italic;">Divya desam</span>. Inside the temple, only one <span style="font-style: italic;">Acharya </span>has sannidhi. That is of <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Ramanuja aka Sri Bhashyakara.<br />97. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AHOBILAM [SINGAVEL KUNRAM] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">அஹோபிலம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சிங்க</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வேள்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">குன்றம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101243603" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t5/95/360595/4/101243603.PdHkkx8J.jpg" alt="upper ahObilam" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/26365194" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u40/svami/small/26365194.PB230517.jpg" alt="view of pAvana nrusimhan temple" width="160" border="0" height="133" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/26365239" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u40/svami/small/26365239.PB230526.jpg" alt="view of SrI mAlOlan sannidhi" width="160" border="0" height="133" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/26365601" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u40/svami/small/26365601.PB230517.jpg" alt="ugra sthambham" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/26768163" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u41/svami/small/26768163.ahobilanrusimhan.jpg" alt="jwAla nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/26726604" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u41/svami/small/26726604.P1010235.jpg" alt="garuda vAhanam" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101241761" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101241761.LHwI8uGm.jpg" alt="SrI kArancha nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101241766" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t5/95/360595/4/101241766.Jl7aE848.jpg" alt="SrI varAha nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101241769" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101241769.2t1EeiPa.jpg" alt="SrI yOgAnanda nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101241764" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101241764.m3M7uQiW.jpg" alt="SrI chathravada nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101241773" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101241773.TTtuJ9Mf.jpg" alt="SrI pAvana nrusimhan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101242801" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t5/95/360595/4/101242801.NzscBeIy.jpg" alt="SrI chakarathAzwAr" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Nava Narasimha Kshetram,</span> famous because of Sri Narasimha. Garuda, once meditated on the Lord and prayed that He should show Himself as, when He killed Hiranyaksipu, but not with anger. This hill is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Garudachalam</span>. Here, river Papanasini flows. Bathing in it will destroy all <span style="font-style: italic;">papa</span>s. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Ksheram</span> has Lower Ahobilam and Upper Ahobilam. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar </span>of Sri Malola Narasimha, is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Ahobila Mutt,</span> and is performed daily <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>s. Sri Varaha Narasimha is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Varaha</span> [wild Boar] form. Reaching the <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> of Sri Pavana Narsimha is difficult. Worshiping Sri Karanja Narasimha is easy. Sri Chatra Vata Narasimha graces with a tree acting as umbrella. Sri Bhargava Narasimha blessed Sri Parasurama. Reaching Sri Jwala Narasimha <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> also is very difficult. Sri Malola Narasimha's <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> can be reached easily. Sri Alli Ma Malar Mangai is always with Sri Malola Narasimha. Sri Yogananda Narasimha is in <span style="font-style: italic;">Yoga</span> pose. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahobalam Ahobilam!</span><br />98. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AYODHYA </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">அயோத்தியா</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.templenet.com/Ganga/bodhgaya.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.templenet.com/ganges.html&usg=__4Cl40SqRHFH06rHBrz9fBCCWD_o=&h=536&w=332&sz=24&hl=en&start=25&um=1&tbnid=OIaj4h91mbMcoM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dayodhya%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:OIaj4h91mbMcoM:http://www.templenet.com/Ganga/bodhgaya.jpg" width="82" height="132" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bharatonline.com/uttar-pradesh/pics/kanak-bhawan-ayodhya.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bharatonline.com/uttar-pradesh/travel/ayodhya/kanak-bhawan.html&usg=__M6odYNs8iTGxrhT8bSzjzVrDyek=&h=190&w=261&sz=17&hl=en&start=35&um=1&tbnid=ZWLWxWsZH-nGVM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=112&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dayodhya%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ZWLWxWsZH-nGVM:http://www.bharatonline.com/uttar-pradesh/pics/kanak-bhawan-ayodhya.jpg" width="112" height="82" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6XyNvOdKHc/SAIECeaauhI/AAAAAAAABy0/Rbllof8JtgM/ayodya%2Btemple%2Bwhere%2Bram%2Bpatt%2Bafter%2Bvanvas.jpg&imgrefurl=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HlIvqT_v9p7huo3Ub36RnQ&usg=__beIxWbN76yNZb-LR7gH0PwkM8yE=&h=383&w=512&sz=13&hl=en&start=40&um=1&tbnid=Ela4Fh9IgMs00M:&tbnh=98&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dayodhya%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Ela4Fh9IgMs00M:http://lh6.ggpht.com/_I6XyNvOdKHc/SAIECeaauhI/AAAAAAAABy0/Rbllof8JtgM/ayodya%2Btemple%2Bwhere%2Bram%2Bpatt%2Bafter%2Bvanvas.jpg" width="131" height="98" /></a><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://parjatakguru.com/uttarpradesh/images/Ayodhya.jpg&imgrefurl=http://parjatakguru.com/uttarpradesh/index.html&usg=__-n5Sl06ddtIpfC9yYkwlmxQHiH8=&h=307&w=380&sz=91&hl=en&start=49&um=1&tbnid=Yi9VCiUIMTUiGM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dayodhya%2Btemple%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Yi9VCiUIMTUiGM:http://parjatakguru.com/uttarpradesh/images/Ayodhya.jpg" width="123" height="99" /></a><br /><br />Sri Rama's birth place is <span style="font-style: italic;">Ayodhya</span>, situated on the banks of river Sarayu. The Lord here was worshiped by lord Brahma. The Lord emerged from <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirupparkadal </span>[Milk Ocean]. Lord Sri Jagannatha was in <span style="font-style: italic;">Satya Loka</span> and, on request by <span style="font-style: italic;">Ikshvaku</span> King, He was brought to Ayodhya and all Kings had performed <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>. Sri Rama also worshiped Him. The Lord along with <span style="font-style: italic;">Vimanam</span> was donated by Sri Rama to Vibheeshana, who installed the Lord in a temple at Srirangam. <span style="font-style: italic;">Hanuman Gaddi,</span> Sarayu river, <span style="font-style: italic;">Kanak Bhavan</span> [which was the palace of Sri Rama and Sri Sita], <span style="font-style: italic;">Muktar Ghat</span> [from where, in Sarayu river, Sri Rama proceeded to <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam </span>with His people], etc., are important places to visit.<br />99. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NAIMISHARANYAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">நைமிசாரண்யம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/94942547" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/94942547.YEUgjcGY.jpg" alt="Vyasa gaddi the birthplace of all 18 puranams and Ithihasams from Vyasar, at Naimisaranyam. The tree is also said to be several" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/94942592" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/94942592.NQufctgM.jpg" alt="Gomti Naimi.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.naimisharanya.com/images/mainph.jpg" id="thumbnail"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:-NOHb0Mppi-buM:http://www.naimisharanya.com/images/mainph.jpg" style="border: 1px solid ; margin: 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="See full size image" width="106" height="80" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Lord graces here in the form of Forest! <span style="font-style: italic;">Nemi</span> means the tip of discus. When Brahma rolled out the discus, the place where discus fell, was Naimsharanyam. Sages were asked to meditate there. River Gomati flows here. There is<span style="font-style: italic;"> Vyasa gaddi</span>. Here, he wrote 18 <span style="font-style: italic;">Purana</span>s and made them public. Sarvata learnt <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhagavatam purana</span> from Soota Powranika, here. The Lord here is Sri Devaraja and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Hari Lakshmi.<br /><br />100.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRU PIRIDI [JOSHI MATH] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பிரிதி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ஜோஷி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மடம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] :</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45368937" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45368937.Thiruppiridhi2.jpg" alt="Thiruppiridhi2" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45368938" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45368938.Thiruppiridhi_Kaliyan_Mangalasasanam.jpg" alt="Thiruppiridhi_Kaliyan_Mangalasasanam" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />In ancient Tirupiridi, the Lord was different; but in the present Tirupiridi, Sri Narasimha is gracing, seated. He was called Sri Parama Purusha and was in reclining pose; and, Sri Thayar is Sri Parimalavalli Nacchiyar. It is presently known as Joshi math.<br />101. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">KANDAMENUM KADINAGAR [DEO PRAYAG]</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கண்டமென்னும்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கடி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">நகர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45471939" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45471939.Kandam_ennum_Kadinagar.jpg" alt="Kandam ennum Kadinagar (dEvaprayAg)" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />It is at the confluence of rivers Bhagirati and Alakananda. We can see the brown and green rivers mingling. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> is connected with Sri Narayana, Brahma and Rudra. The Lord here is Sri Maryada Purushottam Ram. He is gracing as Sri Rama with bow and arrows.<br />We will see Badrinath and others tomorrow. Now, we will see the summary of Chapter 4:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">prasa ˙ng¯at sva svabh¯avoktih.karman.o 0karmat¯asya ca</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhed¯a j˜n¯anasya m¯ah¯atmyam.caturth¯adhy¯aya ucyate (8)</span><br /><br />The Lord suddenly started telling about Him! He found that the time was correct to tell so. The Lord told in Chapter 3, that <span style="font-style: italic;">Karmayoga</span> itself would fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>. In this Chapter, in the beginning He tells Arjuna that by saying <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>is great, Arjuna should not think that He was telling something new. He says that He preached <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>to Vivaswan, Twenty Eight <span style="font-style: italic;">Chatur yug</span>s ago! Vivaswan told this to Manu. Manu to Ikshvaku. Thus it was known hereditarily. But over the ages, it had been forgotten. Therefore, He was repeating it again to Arjuna. Arjuna got a doubt. Now, Sri Krishna had a body; long before, when He preached, He should have had a body. Did it mean that He was also born earlier like Arjuna? Did He also undergo all turmoils of life? The Lord replies these by Four<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span>s [4.5 - 4.8]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Vedanta Desika shows Six interpretations for these. Just like Arjuna's birth, His birth is also true. But unlike him, the Lord does not go through difficulties and He never compromises His natural qualities. The Lord's body was not like Arjuna's. It was not made of <span style="font-style: italic;">prakruti;</span> but of <span style="font-style: italic;">Aprakrutam</span> and of pure <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattvam</span> only. While we are all born because of past <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> effects, the Lord is born out of His Own will. He is born whenever there was decay of <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> and flourishing of <span style="font-style: italic;">Adharma</span>. He is born in any <span style="font-style: italic;">yug </span>and at any time. We are born to expend our <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span>effects; but the Lord is born to rescue noble persons and destroy evil persons, to save Dharma. In 4.11, He says that He presented Himself as desired by devotees. He further says that for the person, who always thought of Him and His actions, that was his last birth. Then He says, in 4.18, that one should see <span style="font-style: italic;">Akarma</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">vice versa</span>. Arjuna asked how without <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> one could do <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>. The Lord says that he who sees <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">vice versa,</span> is the most intelligent. When we go round in temples, we should think that our action is for His pleasure. Thus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> has within it <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>. What is the use in chanting 108 <span style="font-style: italic;">Gayatri mantra</span>, without knowing its purpose. Mere counting is of no use. No doubt in our action, the knowledge portion is superior to the physical action [4.33]. All <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>s eventually end in <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span>. So <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span>has to be performed continuously.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-53107686149892361202009-10-21T23:47:00.000-07:002009-10-22T02:38:28.051-07:00BG 18.5791. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUMALIRUNCHOLAI [AZHAGAR KOIL] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மாலிருஞ்சோலை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">[</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">அழகர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கோயில்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/kallalagar.jpg" width="200" border="0" height="273" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29567009" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/29567009.tirumaliruncholai.jpg" alt="tirumaliruncholai" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/42593159" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u13/svami/small/42593159.Azhagar.jpg" alt="Sundara ThOLuDaiyAn" width="160" border="0" height="127" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/112313892" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/112313892.Xvj09062.jpg" alt="DSC02591.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/112313891" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/112313891.ve4sZZsC.jpg" alt="DSC02582.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/rare-set-1"> <img class="display" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/g4/95/360595/2/91979417.pBQmDVFl.jpg" alt="3. Thirumaliruncholai Azhagar in Noopora Gangai - Water falls .jpg" width="533" border="0" height="800" /> </a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/rare-set-1"> <img class="display" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/95/360595/1/91979418.amgSKslS.4.SriParam_rfalls.jpg" alt="4. Sri Paramaswami Bhattar along with Sri Azhagar in Noopora Gangai - Water falls.jpg" width="700" border="0" height="467" /> </a><br /><br />We have been listening to <span style="font-style: italic;">Kannanin Aaramudu</span> program. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Amrut</span> and Sri Krishna, Who gave <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Amrut</span> of <span style="font-style: italic;">Amrut</span>! That <span style="font-style: italic;">Amrut</span> is beautiful! Who will not be willing to enjoy beauty? The Lord is gracing as Beauty personified! Yes, we have come to Tirumaliruncholai, where the Lord is called Sri Kallazhagr, as Sri Sundara Bahu [ஸ்ரீ சுந்தர பாகு] [Sri Sundara Tholudayan ஸ்ரீ சுந்தர தோளுடையான்] and as Sri Paramaswamy. Nammalwar advises all to go to Azhagar <span style="font-style: italic;">malai</span> and worship Sri Kallazhagar,before losing youth! Here we can see <span style="font-style: italic;">Noopura Ganga </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">Silambaru</span> [சிலம்பாறு]. When the Lord took Sri Trivikrama <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar</span>, lord Brahma washed the toe of the foot of the Lord, that entered <span style="font-style: italic;">Satya loka</span>, by water from his <span style="font-style: italic;">kamandalu</span> [pot]. Part of the water splashed on the anklet worn on His ankle. Water dropped from the anklet, is Silambaru, flowing in Tirumaliruncholai hill. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Moolavar</span> is called Sri Paramaswamy. He is gracing with Five weapons. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Sundara Bahu, as Sri Azhagar and as Sri Kallazhagar [Tamil <span style="font-style: italic;">azhagu</span>அழகு = beauty]. Sri Sundaravalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span> is gracing all here. The Lord is gracing here as prayed by Yama, who meditated here. The Lord got a temple built for Himself, by Vishvakarma. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Srivaishnava sampradaya</span>, this place is known as South <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirumala. </span>On <span style="font-style: italic;">Chitra Pournami </span>day, Sri Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai river bed, is a <span style="font-style: italic;">magnum opus </span>festival in Madurai. Millions of people gather and worship the Lord on that day. At the entrance of the temple is <span style="font-style: italic;">Padhinettam Padi </span>Karuppanna <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> is gracing as the guard.<br />92. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU MOGUR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மோகூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761344" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761344.K90rLodA.jpg" alt="gopuram-close" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761340" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761340.T2pLnyo8.jpg" alt="vimanam" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761346" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761346.d4eNtPm6.jpg" alt="pushkarini-1" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29332751" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/29332751.P52107891.jpg" alt="thirumoghUr Aapthan" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761347" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761347.Hj72iThw.jpg" alt="pushkarini-2" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/Thirumogur.jpg" width="334" border="0" height="461" /><a href="http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__bxacuSUkeU/R2vkFtbXUyI/AAAAAAAAARU/qXncN2cvIVk/s320/Thirumogur%2BChakrathazhvar.jpg&imgrefurl=http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/12/thirumogur-kaalamegha-perumal.html&usg=__GluiWL0U9qhxLhclxgSEHbTLI6I=&h=320&w=246&sz=21&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=Gr6o3s4APqlDyM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dthiru%2Bmogur%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1"><img style="border: 1px solid ;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Gr6o3s4APqlDyM:http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__bxacuSUkeU/R2vkFtbXUyI/AAAAAAAAARU/qXncN2cvIVk/s320/Thirumogur%2BChakrathazhvar.jpg" width="91" height="118" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Kalamega <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal </span>[ஸ்ரீ காளமேக பெருமாள்]. This place is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Mohana Kshetram</span>, which has transformed into Mogur. During the <span style="font-style: italic;">Samudra Manthan </span>[ocean churning], the Lord took the form of a beautiful damsel, Sri Mohini and distributed <span style="font-style: italic;">Amrut</span> to <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s. The same Sri Mohini is gracing as Sri Kalamega <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal </span>here! <span style="font-style: italic;">Kalamegam </span>means dark clouds, ready to shower. Similarly, the Lord is waiting to shower His grace on the devotees. For any <span style="font-style: italic;">Jeevatman</span>, on the way via <span style="font-style: italic;">archiradi mar</span>g, to <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam,</span> the Lord here accompanies and so He is also called Sri Margha Bhandu or Sri Vazhi Thunai Perumal [ஸ்ரீ வழித் துணை பெருமாள்] or Sri Aaptan [ஸ்ரீ ஆப்தன்].<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Tirumogurvalli. As prayed by sage Pulastya, the Lord is gracing as Sri Parkkadal Nathan. Tiru Mogur is famous for Sri Chakkarattalwar [Sri Sudarsana]. He blesses all with longevity and health.<br />93. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU KOSHTIYUR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கோஷ்டியூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40169052" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u39/svami/small/40169052.29b.jpg" alt="thirukkOshTiyUrAn" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/gopuram-vimanam" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u26/svami/small/43503149.P5140982.jpg" alt="gopuram-vimanam" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40263741" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u38/svami/small/40263741.thirukkoshtiyur.jpg" alt="ImaiyOrkku nAyakan" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60946024" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60946024.118.jpg" alt="118.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60946026" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60946026.159.jpg" alt="159.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60946038" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60946038.73.jpg" alt="73.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40263740" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/u38/svami/small/40263740.Thirukkoshtiyurhorse.jpg" alt="The Dedicated Horse" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408880" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408880.100_2792.jpg" alt="100_2792.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408882" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408882.100_2794.jpg" alt="100_2794.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408884" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408884.100_2799.jpg" alt="100_2799.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408885" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408885.100_2800.jpg" alt="100_2800.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408886" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408886.100_2806.jpg" alt="100_2806.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408892" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408892.100_2817.jpg" alt="100_2817.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59408893" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59408893.100_2819.jpg" alt="100_2819.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="121" /></a><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/Thirukkoshtiyur.jpg" width="340" border="0" height="242" /><br /><br />Here all <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s assembled n <span style="font-style: italic;">ghoshti</span> [group] to have <span style="font-style: italic;">Darshan</span> of the Lord and so it is Tiru [Gh]Koshtiyur. Here we can see <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashtanga vimanam, </span>climbing which <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Ramanuja preached the meaning of <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama sloka</span> of Gita [we are to see it in due course], to those desirous. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Moolavar</span> is Sri Uraga Mellanaiyan [ஸ்ரீ உரக மெல்லனையான்] aka Sri Madhava <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Sowmya Narayana <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar </span>is Sri Tirumamagal <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar </span>[ஸ்ரீ திருமாமகள் நாச்சியார்]. On Three tiers in the temple, we can worship the Lord in standing, sitting and reclining poses. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> says that the garment, food and other articles used by the person, who has not visited the temple here, have sinned!<br />94. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU PULLANI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">புல்லாணி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56981412" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56981412.RAM.jpg" alt="RAM" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56888238" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56888238.Thiruppullanicloseupofentrance.jpg" alt="Thiruppullani-closeup-of-entrance.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56888239" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56888239.Thiruppullanientrance.jpg" alt="Thiruppullani-entrance.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56888240" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56888240.Thiruppullanigopuramfrominside.jpg" alt="Thiruppullani-gopuram-from-inside.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56888304" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56888304.Thirukkoshtiyurgopuramcloseup.jpg" alt="Thiruppullani-vimanam-closeup.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/97093433" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/97093433.Os6ikpx5.jpg" alt="2008 Chith 092.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/97093434" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/97093434.g63lHsnE.jpg" alt="2008 Chith 094.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/97093435" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/97093435.lgihJ2dd.jpg" alt="2008 Chith 101.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/Thiruppulani.jpg" width="337" border="0" height="244" /><br /><br />We can come from Madurai to Rameswaram, near which is Tiru Pullani. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pul</span> [புல் grass] + <span style="font-style: italic;">anai </span>[அணை bed], that is <span style="font-style: italic;">pullanai </span>has become <span style="font-style: italic;">Pullani</span>. Here, Sri Rama spread grass and laid down for Three days and requested Samudra Raja to make way for Him to reach Lanka and rescue Sri Sita. But Samudra Raja did not oblige and so the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sethu</span> bridge was constructed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> wonders as to how with the help of monkeys and squirrels, the Lord could build a bridge in Five days! The Lord here is Sri Aadi Jagannatha <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal,</span> worshiped by Dasarata. He was gracing this place much before Sri Darbha Sayana <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span> [Sri Rama]. Here Three sages Pullava, Kannuva and Kalava prayed the Lord and He graced as Sri Aswatta Narayana. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Padmasani <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Kalyana Jagannatha <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Srimad Ramayana</span> it is said that by bathing in or by sprinkling Sethu water or by just seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">Sethu</span>, one's sins are all destroyed.<br />95. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU MEYYAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மெய்யம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29567184" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/29567184.tirumeyyam.jpg" alt="tiru-meyyam.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/Thirumeyyam.jpg" width="333" border="0" height="455" /><br /><br />The Lord Sri Satya Murty, Sri Satya Nathan is gracing from <span style="font-style: italic;">Satya giri. </span>We should all speak truth and that is the effect of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>. Adisesha prayed the Lord that <span style="font-style: italic;">sattva </span>quality should flourish in him and so the Lord is gracing. Tirumangai <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> has praised this place. There was a sage Satya in <span style="font-style: italic;">Himalaya</span>s; the Lord asked him to leave <span style="font-style: italic;">Himalaya</span>s and go to a place marked by Him to meditate. The sage came here and meditated. With this we complete tour of all 18 <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandya Naadu Kshetram</span>s and we have to go to tour <span style="font-style: italic;">Vada Naadu</span> [North Region] <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s. The Sixth <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> for today is, Tiru Venkatam [Tirumala], and is reserved for tomorrow [13th October 2009].<br />Now, we will see summary of Chapter 3.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Swami</span> Alavandar has compressed the essence of Chapter 3, in one<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">asakty¯a lokaraks.¯ayai gun.es.v¯aropya kartr. t¯am |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sarve´svare va¯ nyasyokta¯ t.rt¯ıye karmaka¯ryata¯(7)</span><br /><br />Sri Krishna tells in Third Chapter, that <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> will straight away fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>. All can not practice <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>; but everyone can practice <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga. </span>As a new born child, it kicks, cries and crawls, exhibiting <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma. </span>Can any new born child start meditating? Habitual is <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>. We can never slip from <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga.</span> A little of control of sense organs would enable to practice <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga.</span> It can continue even in next births. So, never abandon <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>. In 3.8, the Lord says that one had to perform one's assigned duty. Because Arjuna got the doubt in 3.1, that when <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span> is next step to Karma yoga and is responsible for <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>, why not Arjuna directly start from the penultimate step of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span> to have <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>? Why to practice <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> unnecessarily? Sri Krishna replied that while <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga </span>fetched <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram,</span> could Arjuna jump to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span> without touching <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>? To reach college level, one had to pass +2 exam. Can one ask that one would skip all previous classes and directly write +2 exams? In fact, there are persons who skip all higher classes and are successful in life. Similarly, Arjuna could avoid <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>itself would fetch him <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>! Chapter 3 is named <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma Yogam</span>. Sri Krishna asks Arjuna to do his <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>. He should remember that such action is not done, only by him; <span style="font-style: italic;">Sattvam, Rajas</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Tamas</span> qualities induce him [3.27]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Prakruti </span>induces one to do <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>. If we are horse, reins is the Three qualities and the Lord is the Rider! The Lord advised Arjuna to do <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma, </span>dedicating it to the Lord. In 3.30, He advises that while doing <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span>, he should abandon the feeling that he was doing, the Karma was done for him and desire for results. Dedicate the <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> to Him and do the <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma.</span> In 3.37, He said that <span style="font-style: italic;">kama</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">krodha</span> were his real enemies, and vanquishing them was not easy. These have been generated by <span style="font-style: italic;">rajo</span> quality in him. He advised Arjuna to practice to destroy those enemies, and not Drona or Duryodana. Thus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> would straight away fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram,</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> has to be practiced with the Three<span style="font-style: italic;"> Tyaga</span>s. <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> should be dedicated to the Lord.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-59140574766786345372009-10-20T02:34:00.000-07:002009-10-21T03:12:49.935-07:00BG 18.5685.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRUK KOLUR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கோளூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/01/images/2002110101360701.jpg" src="http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/11/01/images/2002110101360701.jpg" /><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Vaitthamanidhi Perumal [ஸ்ரீ வைத்த மா நிதி பெருமாள்], and is gracing with Sri Kolurvalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar</span> [ஸ்ரீ கொளூர்வல்லி நாச்சியார்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Kara Vimanam </span>- capable of bountiful grants. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkarini </span>is <span style="font-style: italic;">Kubera Theertham,</span> as Kubera was blessed. This is the birth place of Madurakavi <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar,</span> for whom Nammalwar was everything in life. The Lord saved and granted <span style="font-style: italic;">Navanidhi </span>and so is Sri Vaittha Maanidhi <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Nicchobha Vitthan. For Nammalwar, the Lord here was life saving, nourishmant and enjoyment [<span style="font-style: italic;">unnum soru, parugum neer, thinnum vetrilai.</span>...உண்ணும் சோறு, பருகும் நீர், தின்னும் வெற்றிலை..]. Nammalwar lived as preached by Sri Krishna in Gita - <span style="font-style: italic;">Tarakam, Poshakam </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhogyam, sarvam Vasudeva.</span><br />86. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THEN THIRUPPERAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">தென்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்பேரை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/thiruperai.jpg" width="677" border="0" height="440" /><br /><br />The Lord here is Sri Magara Nedunkuzhaikkadhan [ஸ்ரீ மகர நெடுங்குழைக் காதன்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Tirupperai <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar </span>[ஸ்ரீ திருப்பேரை நாச்சியார்] aka Sri Kuzhaikkadhuvalli. Once Sri Neela <span style="font-style: italic;">devi</span> [ஸ்ரீ நீளாதேவி] was with the Lord, alone. Seeing this, Sri Sridevi was furious and asked sage Durvasa to do something. When Durvasa came to inquire, Sri Niladevi did not get down from the Lord's lap and so Durvasa cursed Her to have dark green color on Her skin! She came to this place and meditated on the Lord. One day She found Two ear rings [<span style="font-style: italic;">kundalam</span> குண்டலம்] and offered them to the Lord, Who wore them on His ears. Thus He became <span style="font-style: italic;">Makara</span> [fish like] <span style="font-style: italic;">nedunkuzhai </span>[long and well formed] <span style="font-style: italic;">kadhan</span> [eared person].<br />87. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUK KURUGUR [AZHVAR TIRUNAGARI]</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">குருகூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ஆழ்வார்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">நகரி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] :</span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/alwarthirunagari.jpg" width="600" border="0" height="369" /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/thiruvaimozhippillai" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60090124.Ayar_Thevu.jpg" alt="thiruvaimozhippillai" width="156" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/adinathar" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60205426.deyvam_mattrillai.jpg" alt="adinathar" width="160" border="0" height="128" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78273190" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78273190.6lCifv9t.jpg" alt="DSCN1612.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78273195" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78273195.kgvbQfJo.jpg" alt="DSCN1616.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78360036" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78360036.KZKf1VGq.jpg" alt="bhavishyadacharyan1.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78428139" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78428139.iSq8Qo0a.jpg" alt="emperumanar_muthaliyandanformamunikal.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78428141" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78428141.KOgDhDE3.jpg" alt="infrontofmamunikalsannidhi.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/78360039" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/78360039.JQCdeUvz.jpg" alt="mamunikal_aftermaryadai.JPG" width="119" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />This is the birthplace of Nammalwar, who was born on <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikasi - Visakam</span>. The Lord here is Sri Aadi Nathan. Nammalwar's father's great grand father Kuruga, ruled this place and so this is called Kurugur. Lord Brahma had meditated here. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Polindu Ninra Piran [ஸ்ரீ பொழிந்து நின்ற பிரான்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Kurugurvalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar</span>. Nammalwar was staying inside a tamarind tree in the temple. Madurakavi <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> came all the way from North India, and was blessed with the Four compositions of Nammalwar - <span style="font-style: italic;">Tiruviruttham, Tiruvaasiriyam, Periya Tiruvandadi</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Tiruvaimozhi</span>, comparable to the Four <span style="font-style: italic;">Veda</span>s. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> asks, when Sri Aadi Piran is here to grant anything and everything, why people are approaching others?<br />88. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SRI VILLIPUTTHUR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ஸ்ரீ</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வில்லிபுத்தூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/srivilliputhur.jpg" width="641" border="0" height="462" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/54045711" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/54045711.srivilliputthur_1.jpg" alt="SrI ANDAL and Her Lord sporting the nUtana muththangi" width="160" border="0" height="107" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64624624" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64624624.pj9J0czT.jpg" alt="Muthukuri utsavam - 2" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/75811197" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/75811197.UDOuKxsO.jpg" alt="Sri vatapatrasAyee" width="106" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/84035976" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/84035976.EIvYTVkK.jpg" alt="Andal thiru-avataram.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/84036108" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/84036108.9vmtt2Jf.jpg" alt="perumal thiruppAdam.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/84036511" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/84036511.Z8vAOe0p.jpg" alt="SL270823.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/84036805" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/84036805.FY6nVgDi.jpg" alt="Adippura rathotsavam.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/84035978" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/84035978.kX1gughK.jpg" alt="andal-perumal-garudan.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766806" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766806.qLHVbb1e.jpg" alt="1-porupanna mAdam polindhu thondrum villiputhur.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766818" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766818.gnZPaoi7.jpg" alt="02-thirumukkulam where ananthAzhwAn searched for the remains of turmeric used by AndAl.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766807" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766807.EtArHjSL.jpg" alt="10-kannAdi arai mandapam at srivilliputhur with exquisite sculptures.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766809" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766809.SsFcWbEs.jpg" alt="11-chaturbuja venugopAlan.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766811" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766811.tKPKh1Au.jpg" alt="13-Andal.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766824" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766824.yI6hBLmJ.jpg" alt="23-shikhai alankaram-2.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766825" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766825.eykgruXX.jpg" alt="24-shikhai alankaram.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766830" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766830.IrvSyjyk.jpg" alt="29-thalai ulari.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766848" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766848.GOlOMb9I.jpg" alt="32-mookuthi sevai.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766836" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766836.qFrl2CiW.jpg" alt="33-kalLar perumAn kanindhurayum kulir malai.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766837" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766837.snC9Mzyv.jpg" alt="34-porkaliru porum maliruncholai.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/91766845" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/91766845.TWf00VuT.jpg" alt="40-kattazhagar koil with the western ghats on the background.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/additional" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/94402058.HKBrjXoe.jpg" alt="Thanks SrI B.senthil (b_senthil2002@yahoo.co.in)" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />We are at Sri Villiputhur,famous for Sri Andal. Villi and Putthan were two hunters. Putthan was killed by a tiger. The Lord consoled grieving Villi and, appeared as Sri Vatapatra Sayi [reclining on big banyan leaf]. Thus, this place is known as Villiputthur or town formed by Villi. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkarini </span>is <span style="font-style: italic;">Thirumikkulam</span> [திருமிக் குளம்]. Sri Andal bathed in this during <span style="font-style: italic;">Margazhi </span>month. After killing Kalanemi, the Lord washed discus in this pond. In this pond waters of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati mingle. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Moolavar</span> is called Sri Vadaperun Koiludayan [ஸ்ரீ வட பெருங்கோயிலுடையான்]. The Lord is gracing with Sri Andal, Who was born as Daughter of Perialwar.<br />89. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU THANGAL </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருத்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">தங்கல்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/Thiruttangal.jpg" width="341" border="0" height="241" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64821047" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64821047.aOAGmO8E.jpg" alt="Entrance to the temple" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44948621" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44948621.vimAnam.jpg" alt="5. vimAnam" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/44769928" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/44769928.dheiveega.jpg" alt="1. dheiveega vAsudEvan" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45310685" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45310685.periyatiruvadi.jpg" alt="17-periya-tiruvadi" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />Sri Mahalakshmi [Tamil <span style="font-style: italic;">Tiru</span> திரு] stayed here [Tamil <span style="font-style: italic;">thangal</span> தங்குதல்/ தங்கல்] and so this place is Tirutthangal. The Lord Sri Tirutthangal <span style="font-style: italic;">Appan</span> is in standing pose, facing East. He is appearing as the Bridegroom, Who married Sri Jambavati [daughter of Jambavan]. A speciality is that <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span>, Sri Shenbagavalli Thayar is in standing pose.<br />90. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUK KOODAL [MADURAI] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கூடல்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">/ </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கூடல்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மாநகரம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">[</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மதுரை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] :</span></span><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/koodalazhagar.jpg" width="200" border="0" height="286" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29332753" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/29332753.P5210787.jpg" alt="ashtAnga vimAnam" width="133" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40122581" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u40/svami/small/40122581.52a.jpg" alt="kUDal azhagar" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40264130" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/u38/svami/small/40264130.kUDalazhagar.jpg" alt="kUDal azhagar" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761045" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761045.fTnMAYxM.jpg" alt="Rajagopuram" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/64761044" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/64761044.CX33tf2t.jpg" alt="Ashtanga vimanam - close" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kruta yug</span>, lord Brahma's son asked celestial carpenter Vishvakarma, to construct a temple with <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashtanga Vimanam</span> on the banks of river Krutamala. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Treta yug,</span> Potti King worshiped the Lord here. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Kali yug</span>, the Lord has been worshiped by<span style="font-style: italic;"> Pandyan</span> Kings. Periyalwar established in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandyan</span> Court, that the Lord was the Supreme <span style="font-style: italic;">Paramatma.</span> The Lord is called Sri Koodal Azhagar.<br />Let us now see the synopsis of Chapter 2.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">nity¯atm¯asa ˙ngakarmeh¯agocar¯a s¯a ˙nkhyayogadh¯ıh. |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dvit¯ıye sthitadh¯ılaks.¯a prokt¯a tanmoha´s¯antaye ( 6)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Swami</span> Alavandar says that Sri Krishna preached to eliminate the disillusions in Arjuna. He establishes that <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> is everlasting and describes <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga </span>and then <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>. Arjuna was thinking that he would be killing Bheeshma and Drona. The Lord pacified him, saying that only their bodies would be destroyed and not their souls. To prove this He explained <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> as everlasting. Arjuna should do his duty or <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma </span>without attachment. Then he would attain pure mind and then <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga.</span> That would result in viewing the soul or <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram.</span> He told that<span style="font-style: italic;"> atman </span>can never be cut, never be made wet nor dried nor burnt. Thus, only the body is destroyed and never the soul. Then He advised Arjuna to do <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> without attachment [2.47]. He advised to do Karma and never desire for results. When one should not expect results, why not abandon the Karma itself? The Lord said that Karma should be performed and leave the result to Him. By doing <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma</span> like this, the person attains <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana</span> and becomes <span style="font-style: italic;">Stita Pragya.</span> He will never be disturbed by happiness or sorrow.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-55361780102971580612009-10-19T04:01:00.000-07:002009-10-20T02:33:46.568-07:00BG 18.5579.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRU SIRIVARAMANGAI [VANAMAMALAI] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சிரீவரகுண</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மங்கை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/28881728" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/28881728.SriDeivanayagan_SriVaramangai1.jpg" alt="SrI deivanAyagan sirIvaramangai" width="107" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29354362" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/29354362.P52207942.jpg" alt="u45%2fsvami%2fsmall%2f29354362.P52207942.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="133" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/62610994" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/62610994.jh3k6pua.jpg" alt="Namaazhwar in Sri Satagopan of Deivanayaka Perumal.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/108829921" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/108829921.KyATeNre.jpg" alt="Jan 2009-Divyadesams 040.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />This place is also called as Thotadri [தோதாத்ரி]. The Lord is gracing, just as He does in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>! The Lord is Sri Thothadri Nathan and Sri Utsavar is Sri Deiva Nayaka <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. He is in seated pose, like in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam. Sri Thayar </span>is Sri Sirivaramangai <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>, by Whom this place has all the glory. Nammalwar performed <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span> at the Divine feet of the Lord here. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami Ponnadikkal Jeer </span>was one of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Ashta Dik Gaja</span> of <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Manavala Mamunigal. Present successor <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami Kaliyan</span> Ramanuja <span style="font-style: italic;">Jeer</span> of <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vanamamalai Mutt,</span> is administering this temple.<br />80. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SRI VAIKUNTAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ஸ்ரீ</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வைகுண்டம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/srivaikundam.jpg" width="509" border="0" height="800" /><br /><br /><br />We now start visiting <span style="font-style: italic;">Nava Tirupati</span> [நவ திருப்பதிகள்]. We are welcomed by the Three <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s, Sri Vaikuntam, Varagunamangai and Tiruppulingudi. Nammalwar has praised all these Three, in one <span style="font-style: italic;">pasuram</span>. Alwar Tirunagari is at the center and all other <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>s are around it. In Sri Vaikuntam, the Lord Sri Vaikunta Nathan is in standing pose. Once lord Brahma started creation. He had kept the secrets of creation in a manuscript. One <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span> stole it away. When Brahma prayed to the Lord, He appeared as Sri Kallar Piran [ஸ்ரீ கள்ளர் பிரான்], and got back the lost one. How <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikunta Pathi</span> became Kallar Piran? There was one thief Kaladoota. He used to offer a portion of things he stole, to the Lord. Once, he was caught by the King. When produced before King for enquiry, the Lord took the guise of the thief and appeared! When the King realized that the Lord was there, he surrendered all and devoted himself to the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Vaikuntavalli. The idol is so beautiful that the craftsman, enamoured by Its beauty, pinched the cheek of the Lord! We can see the mark even now!<br />81. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VARAGUNA MANGAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வரகுண</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மங்கை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span></span><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/natham.jpg" width="531" border="0" height="800" /><br /><br />The Lord Sri Vijayasana <span style="font-style: italic;">Peruma</span>l, is seated. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar </span>is Sri Varagunavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar.</span> A <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahmin </span>Vedavit, wanted to learn <span style="font-style: italic;">mantra</span>s and prayed lord Brahma, who sent him to this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram.</span> This place is also known as Nattham [நத்தம்].<br />82.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRUPPULINGUDI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">புளிங்குடி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/38040744" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u11/svami/small/38040744.ThirupuliyankudiKalinganardhanam.jpg" alt="ThirupuLiynkuDi kALinganardanam" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Bhumipalaka. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Kaisinavendar [ஸ்ரீ காய்சினவேந்தர்] or Sri Kasinivendar [ஸ்ரீ காசினிவேந்தர்]. The Lord is reclining as a large statue. Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhudevi are at His Divine feet. Alwar prays that he should also be included at His feet! To view His feet, we have to see through an opening, when we come around the temple.<br />83. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU THOLAIVILLI MANGALAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">தொலைவில்லி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மங்கலம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/tt11.jpg" width="538" border="0" height="800" /><br /><br /><br />This is also called <span style="font-style: italic;">Irattai Tirupati</span> [இரட்டை திருப்பதி Twin <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>]. For<span style="font-style: italic;"> Alwar, </span>everything was the Lord only! The Lord appears as Sri Devar Piran in one temple and as Sri Aravinda Lochanan in another temple. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> says that by deeds, by speech and by thoughts, Sri Devar Piran was his father and mother. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Karunthadankanni <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar</span> [ஸ்ரீ கருந்தடக்கண்ணி நாச்சியார்]. Sage Chitraba once performed a <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span>. To accept the <span style="font-style: italic;">Havirbhaga</span>, the Lord came with other <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s and so, He is Sri Devar Piran.<br />84. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU KULANDHAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">குளந்தை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/perumkulam.jpg" width="676" border="0" height="461" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101364772" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101364772.quifJ1Mj.jpg" alt="DSC_1010.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="106" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/101364770" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/101364770.bc3khXDh.jpg" alt="DSC_1008.JPG" width="106" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Mayakkootthan [ஸ்ரீ மாயக் கூத்தன்]. The Lord killed an <span style="font-style: italic;">asura </span>and danced on his head and so was called Sri Chera Nathan. Now, we will see <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">svadharmaj˜n¯anavair¯agya s¯adhya bhaktyekagocarah.|</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">n¯ar¯ayan.ah.param.brahma g¯ıt¯a´s¯astre sam¯ıritah. || (1)</span><br /><br />Yamunacharya, that is <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Alavandar, has composed this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> in his <span style="font-style: italic;">Gitartha Sangraha</span>, as the essence of entire <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> with all its 18 Chapters. We are going to see, for the next few days, what was told in each Chapter by Sri Krishna and which doubts of Arjuna were clarified. <span style="font-style: italic;">Svadharma </span>- the duty of each person, or <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga, jnana - Gyana yoga,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">vairagya - [karma yoga</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span>] without any attachment,<span style="font-style: italic;"> sadhya </span>- attain [<span style="font-style: italic;">bhakti yoga</span>], <span style="font-style: italic;">bhaktyekagocharah - bhakti yoga,</span> when continuously performed, becomes <span style="font-style: italic;">parabhakti,</span> then <span style="font-style: italic;">paragyana</span> and then <span style="font-style: italic;">Parama Bhakti,</span> and ultimately attains the Lord Himself. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Alavandar has sectionalised <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span> into Three parts of Six Chapters each -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Pratama Shadkam, Madyama Shadkam</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Charama Shadkam.</span> In <span style="font-style: italic;">Pratama Shadka,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">j˜n¯anakarm¯atmike nis.t.he yogalaks.ye susam.skr. te |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">atm¯anubh¯utisiddhyarthe p¯urvas.at.kena codite (2),</span><br />the First Six Chapters talk about <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>. To attain this result of <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram, Karma yoga </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga </span>are necessary. If we realize about <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> and do <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span> continuously, our mind is purified, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga </span>emerges.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Gyana yoga</span>, when performed continuously, will fetch <span style="font-style: italic;">atman sakshatkaram</span>. This is the essence of the First 6 Chapters. Now, we will see the summary of First Chapter of <span style="font-style: italic;">Gita</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">asth¯anasnehak¯arun.ya dharm¯adharmadhiy¯akulam |</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">p¯artham.prapannamuddi´sya ´s¯astr¯avataran.am.kr. tam (5)</span><br /><br />In the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mahabharata</span> War at Kurukshetra, on one side was Duryodana with 11 <span style="font-style: italic;">Akshauni </span>troops. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandava</span> troops were 7 <span style="font-style: italic;">Akshauni</span>s. While the Two sides were ready to start, Dridarashtra asked Sanjaya as to what his children and Pandu's children were doing in Kurukshetra, a <span style="font-style: italic;">Dharma</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>. Sanjaya started narrating the incidents in the battle field. Arjuna saw both sides and asked Sri Krishna to take him in his chariot, between the Two sides. Sri Krishna did accordingly. Arjuna saw relatives on both sides. He saw his teachers, elders of family, brothers and friends on the opposite side. He wondered whether he should fight them. Was it necessary to defeat them and get the Kingdom? Arjuna thought that it was better to beg and live. Cowardice feeling came on him. He forgot his duty or <span style="font-style: italic;">dharma</span> of fighting and saving his people. He mistook <span style="font-style: italic;">dharma</span> as <span style="font-style: italic;">adharma</span>. Where he should not show mercy, he was overwhelmed by compassion. Where he should not show friendship, he showed the same. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Alavandar says that he saw <span style="font-style: italic;">dharma</span> as <span style="font-style: italic;">adharma</span>. Arjuna fell at the Divine feet of the Lord and prayed Him to guide and advice the right course of action. Sri Krishna agreed to preach him good. In First Chapter, thus, we see Arjuna disillusioned and fearing. We are also like Arjuna, disillusioned and afraid. Sri Krishna advised not merely one Arjuna, but for the benefit of all of us.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-57793011891330144722009-10-18T06:39:00.000-07:002009-10-19T03:13:07.163-07:00BG 18.5473. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUVARANVILAI [ARAMMULA] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வாறன்விளை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ஆறம்முளா</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] :</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381195" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381195.tiruvaranvilai.jpg" alt="tiruvaranvilai.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br />This temple was installed by Arjuna. The Lord is Sri Tirukkuralappan [ஸ்ரீ திருக்குறளப்பன்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Padmasani <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>. Arjuna felt that he had killed Karna by unfair means and so as a repentance, he came to <span style="font-style: italic;">Malayala Divya desam</span>s, and performed meditation for many years. He renewed the temple at Tiruvaranvilai and did many services. Sri Parthasarathy idol, installed by Arjuna also could be seen here.<br />74. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VANVANDOOR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வண்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வண்டூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381194" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381194.tiruvanvanddor.jpg" alt="tiruvanvanddor.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br />We are at the temple installed by Nakula. The Lord here is Sri Pambanai Appan [ஸ்ரீ பாம்பணை அப்பன்] aka Sri Kamala Nathan. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Kamalavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar. Pushkarini </span>is <span style="font-style: italic;">Pampa Theertham</span>. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> is situated on the banks of Pampa river. When we enter this temple, we are welcomed by a unique sculpture. Sri Krishna is dancing on the hoods of Kalnga serpent. It is very attractive.<br />75. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU ANANTAPURAM [TRIVANDRUM]</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருவனந்தபுரம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/52078579" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/52078579.dscn0029.jpg" alt="Gopuram at the backdrop of poigai" width="160" border="0" height="80" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/29459834" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u46/svami/small/29459834.tiruvanandapuramgopuram.jpg" alt="Gopuram - Closeup view" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/52078722" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t4/95/360595/4/52078722.tvm1.jpg" alt="kulasEkarAzhvAr's descendents during brahmOtsavam OCT-2005" width="155" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/76598579" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/76598579.E0IyfIgE.jpg" alt="panguni-theerthavari-2007.jpg" width="123" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />Alwar says that by mere mentioning the name Kesava or Padmanabha, our accumulated <span style="font-style: italic;">papa </span>will all be annihilated. The Lord has to be seen through Three gates - through one gate, His face, through another His navel and His Divine feet, through Third gate. Devotees like us, worship Him from the Third gate near His divine feet; while, lord Brahma and other <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s worship Him at the middle gate; and, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nityasuri</span>s, like Vishvaksena, worship Him at the First gate. Thus He is visible equally to all <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>. The Lord is Sri Ananta Padmanabha. When sage Diwakara meditated on the Lord, He gave <span style="font-style: italic;">darshan</span> as a Two year old infant. The sage was attracted by His beauty, and requested the Lord to be with Him always. The Lord agreed, on condition that the Child should not be scolded for anything He did. One day, the Child took the <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama Murthy,</span> the sage was performing <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja</span>, and ran away. The sage ran after the Child to get the <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama </span>and reprimand the Child, Who entered the forest <span style="font-style: italic;">Ananthan Kaadu</span> [அனந்தன் காடு]. Diwakara could not find the Child, but noticed a Tribal woman singing lullaby for a Child. Then, He gave <span style="font-style: italic;">Darshan</span> to the sage as a very large form, making it impossible for the sage to see in entirety. Sage prayed the Lord to reduce His size, so that he could worship Him. Then He reduced Himself to the size, we now see in this temple. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Srihari Lakshmi. In <span style="font-style: italic;">circa</span> 1729, there was a great fire accident in the temple. King Marthanda <span style="font-style: italic;">Varma</span>, reinstalled the idol with many <span style="font-style: italic;">Salagrama</span>s. Earlier idol was of wood. In <span style="font-style: italic;">circa</span> 1750, King Martahanda <span style="font-style: italic;">Varma </span>placed his sword at the Divine feet of the Lord and did <span style="font-style: italic;">saranagati</span>. From that time all his successors are called <span style="font-style: italic;">Padmanabha Dasa.</span> Like we saw in yesterday's <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> [62], the King surrendered unto Him, and even now daily the King visits the temple to worship the Lord.<br />76. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VAATTARU </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வாட்டாறு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381196" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381196.tiruvattaru.jpg" alt="tiruvattaru.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord here looks like the mirror image of the Lord of Tiruvanantapuram! Sri Adi Kesava <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span> is gracing in Tiruvaattaru. The idol is 23 Feet long! This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> is situated between Two rivers. The Lord is reclining on a plateau. There were Two <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s, Kesa and Kesi. They tried to spoil the <span style="font-style: italic;">yagna</span> performed by lord Brahma. Lord Sri Kesava appeared and laid Himself on Kesi! The Two wives of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Asura</span>s, in the form of Two rivers, rushed. But Sri Bhooma <span style="font-style: italic;">Devi, </span>lifted the ground on which the Lord was reclining. That is what we see now! Realizing their mistake, the Two wives started flowing as a river garland for the Lord. Like in Srirangam, where Kollidam river and Kaveri river encircle the Lord, here, Kodai and Parali rivers encircle the Lord! The Lord faces West. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Maragatavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar.</span><br />77. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VAN </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பரிசாரம்திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வண்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">பரிசாரம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381193" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381193.tiruvanparisaram.jpg" alt="tiruvanparisaram.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />Though people call it Tiruppatisaram, actual name is Tiru Van Parisaram. The Lord here is Sri Tiru Vaazh Marban. Nammalwar prays that he wanted to serve the Lord and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar.</span> The Seven great sages [<span style="font-style: italic;">Sapta Rish</span>is] wanted to have a<span style="font-style: italic;"> darshan</span> of the Lord, near Sucheendram, and so the Lord is here. This place is the birth place of Udayanangai, mother of Nammalwar. With this we complete tour of <span style="font-style: italic;">Malayala Divya desam</span>s.<br />78. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUKKURUNGUDI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">குறுங்குடி</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45509334" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45509334.Thirukkurungudi12.jpg" alt="Thirukkurungudi temple view" width="160" border="0" height="116" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/45619103" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/v3/95/360595/4/45619103.thirukkurungudiNambi1.jpg" alt="thirukkurungudi Nambi-1" width="139" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/38040564" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u11/svami/small/38040564.ThirumangaiAzhvaar_Moksham_Thirukurungudi.jpg" alt="Kalian-Moksham Thirukurungudi-4" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324499" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324499.emperumanar_kurunkudi.jpg" alt="emperumanar_kurunkudi.jpg" width="147" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324501" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324501.emperumanar_parivattaparai1.jpg" alt="emperumanar_parivattaparai1.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="107" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324502" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324502.emperumanar_parivattaparai3.jpg" alt="emperumanar_parivattaparai3.jpg" width="146" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324504" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324504.thirukkurunkudi.jpg" alt="thirukkurunkudi.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="99" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324505" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324505.thirumankai_ramanuja_embar.jpg" alt="thirumankai_ramanuja_embar.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="148" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324506" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324506.thirumankai_thiruvarasu2.jpg" alt="thirumankai_thiruvarasu2.jpg" width="128" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/60324508" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/60324508.thirumankai_thiruvarasu5.jpg" alt="thirumankai_thiruvarasu5.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="109" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/62611013" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/62611013.HaYfala5.jpg" alt="Malaimel Nambi - Thirukkurungudi.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/62611014" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/62611014.UC8ZcI8Q.jpg" alt="Thirumangai Azhwar Thiruvarasu - Thirukkurungudi.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/62611015" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/62611015.o0MOqzNq.jpg" alt="Thirupparivatta Paarai - Thirukkurungudi 02.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/108829645" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/108829645.0C0J7IJq.jpg" alt="Jan 2009-Divyadesams 030.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />We start tour of <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandya </span>region <span style="font-style: italic;">Divya desam</span>s with Tirukkurungudi. Nammalwar's parents prayed Lord Sri Nambi of Tirukkurungudi, for a child. They prayed the Lord to bless them with a child like Him! The Lord HImself was born as Nammalwar! Administartion of this temple is with <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirukkurugdi Jeer.</span> It is a <span style="font-style: italic;">Varaha Kshetram</span> and in <span style="font-style: italic;">Varaha Puranam</span>, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Kaisika Ekadasi Mahatmyam</span>, Tirukkurungud's glory is described. When Nampaduvan [நம் பாடுவான்], while on his way to worship the Lord here, was intercepted by a <span style="font-style: italic;">Brahmarakshas</span> [demon], and according to legend, he was responsible for the salvation of the demon. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar </span>is Sri Kurungudivalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar. Pushkarini</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">Tirupparkkadal Theertham.</span> The Lord graces as Sri Ninra Nambi, Sri Irundha Nambi, Sri Kidandha Nambi, etc. Nammalwar says that if one wanted to become <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaishnava</span>, one should worship at Tirukkurungudi.<br />Now we will see <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 63 of Chapter 18. From this <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka,</span> the direction changes. Now, <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">iti te jñānam ākhyātaṃ guhyād guhyataraṃ mayā</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru 18.63</span></span><br /><br />Sri Krishna tells Arjuna to review all those He told so far and to choose any and try to follow that. <span style="font-style: italic;">Iti te</span> = thus, for you [Arjuna], <span style="font-style: italic;">jnanam akhyatam</span> = knowledge was preached [by Sri Krishna]. It is not ordinary knowledge, but, <span style="font-style: italic;">guhyad guhyataram</span> = most important secret among secrets, <span style="font-style: italic;">maya</span> = by Me [Sri Krishna]. The Lord says that He had told whatever He wanted to. <span style="font-style: italic;">Vimrsya</span> = review [ from the beginning to<span style="font-style: italic;"> sloka</span> 62 of Chapter 18], <span style="font-style: italic;">itad asesena</span> = without omitting any, <span style="font-style: italic;">yatha </span>= whatever, <span style="font-style: italic;">iccasi </span>= [you] like, <span style="font-style: italic;">tatha </span>= that way, <span style="font-style: italic;">kuru </span>= do. It does not mean that Arjuna could run away from the battle field! He should examine all the Lord told, and choose the method Arjuna liked, and do according to that. It does not mean that Arjuna could choose something not told by the Lord. The Lord gives the independence to choose the means for <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham</span>. He wanted all to be reviewed. He told about <span style="font-style: italic;">Karma yoga</span>, then <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana yoga</span> and then <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakt yoga. </span>He told about <span style="font-style: italic;">Sarangati</span> as an auxiliary for <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhakti yoga</span>. He told about the secret of His <span style="font-style: italic;">Avatar.</span> He mentioned that He was the <span style="font-style: italic;">Purushottama</span>. He told many, till in the last <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka </span>where<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>He asked to surrender unto the most Supreme Leader. He wants now Arjuna to weigh all those He preached and choose. Whatever method he chose, he would not be able to abandon his duty of fighting the war. Now, the Lord pauses. It is the time given for Arjuna to weigh and choose. Though, Arjuna being very intelligent, would take a couple of minutes to review, we have to take time. We have been seeing all the <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span>s in more than 700 episodes, and so from the next lecture, we would review daily one Chapter and we will return to <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 63. Then we will see what Sri Krishna told further to Arjuna.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-86280611602896746282009-10-17T03:51:00.000-07:002009-10-18T05:10:16.418-07:00BG 18.5367.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRU KAATKARAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">காட்கரை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/37358277" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u48/svami/small/37358277.Thirukatkarai.jpg" alt="Thirukatkarai" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is Tiruk Kaatkaria <span style="font-style: italic;">Appan</span>. He is appearing as Sri Vamana. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Vatsalyavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>. This <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> is very much connected with <span style="font-style: italic;">Onam</span> festival, celebrated in Kerala. Emperor Mahabali was vanquished by the Lord. As requested by the Emperor and granted by the Lord, to see his people once in a year and celebrate, <span style="font-style: italic;">Onam</span> festival is celebrated through out Kerala. This festival is celebrated in this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> in a very grand manner. The Lord was waiting eagerly to hear Nammalwar sing in praise of Him. Similarly, <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> was very eager to see the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> took sometime to realize that the Lord was about to come and bless him. In this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span>, one devotee was presenting bunches of banana fruits to the Lord. But once this offering got into some problem in his garden, and so with great difficulty he offered some bananas, as was his practice. From that time onwards, these bananas were called <span style="font-style: italic;">Nendiram pazham</span> [நேந்திரம் பழம்].<br />68. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU MOOZHIKKALAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மூழிக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">களம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381189" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381189.tirumuzhikkalam.jpg" alt="tirumuzhikkalam- day view" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/74147008" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/74147008.M8U6oeV8.jpg" alt="thirumoozhik kaLatthuRaiyum oNsuDar.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />This place can be approached from Alwaye and Angamali Railway stations. The Lord presented Himself here, to preach a sage. The Lord is Sri Srisukti Nathan. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Sukti </span>means <span style="font-style: italic;">tiru mozhi</span> [திரு மொழி] and so this place's correct name is Tiru Mozhikkalam. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Maduraveni <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar.</span> It is said that the Lord was worshiped by Lakshmana. <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> says that the Lord is here for the benefit of those who could not worship when the Lord took many <span style="font-style: italic;">avatar</span>s.<br />69. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VALLAVAZH [TIRUVALLA] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வல்ல</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வாழ்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வல்லா</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381192" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381192.tiruvalla.jpg" alt="tiruvalla.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord here is Sri Tiruvazhmarban [ஸ்ரீ திருவாழ் மார்பன்] or Sri Sri Vallabhan. This place is also called as <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Vallabha Kshetram</span>. There was one noble woman, who fasted on <span style="font-style: italic;">Ekadasi</span> and fed guests on <span style="font-style: italic;">Dwadasi</span> day. But an <span style="font-style: italic;">asura</span> was causing her problems; and as prayed by her, the Lord finished the <span style="font-style: italic;">asura</span>. At thet time, the upper garment of the Lord, fell down slightly and the woman could see Sri Lakshmi on Lord's chest. When she inquired the Lord, He made her to see His chest and Sri Lakshmi. Thus, He is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Tiru</span> [Lakshmi] <span style="font-style: italic;">vaazh</span> [living] <span style="font-style: italic;">marban</span> [chested]! The woman offered rice and salted mango [<span style="font-style: italic;">uppu maangai</span> உப்பு மாங்காய்] in an <span style="font-style: italic;">arcanut </span>bark. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Selvak Kozhundu Naachiyar [ஸ்ரீ செல்வக் கொழுந்து நாச்சியார்].<br />70. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU KADITTHANAM </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கடித்தானம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381188" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381188.tirukkadithanam.jpg" alt="tirukkadithanam.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> says that the Lord took Tiruk Kaditthanam as His residence; and also <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span>'s mind! The Lord here is Sri Arpuda Narayanan. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Karpagavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar. Deva</span>s were stealing the flowers in the garden of the King and offering them to the Lord. Once, the King caught them and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva</span>s could not return to their place. When they prayed the Lord, He advised them to get the result of <span style="font-style: italic;">Ekadasi</span> fasting from someone, to return to their place. They did like that and returned to <span style="font-style: italic;">Deva lok</span>.<br />71. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU CHENGANNUR </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருச்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">செங்கண்ணூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> :</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381187" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381187.tiruchchengannur.jpg" alt="tiruchchengannur.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />It is on the banks of <span style="font-style: italic;">Chitraaru</span> [சிற்றாறு]. The Lord is Sri Imayavar <span style="font-style: italic;">Appan </span>[ஸ்ரீ இமையவர் அப்பன்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Senkamalavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>. This temple was established by Bala Bhadra. According to history, <span style="font-style: italic;">Pancha Pandava</span>s had lived here during <span style="font-style: italic;">Agyata vasam</span> [living <span style="font-style: italic;">incognito</span>] or before. This temple was renewed by Yudhishtra.<br />72. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRUPPULIYUR of KUTTANAADU </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">குட்டநாட்டு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருப்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">புலியூர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381191" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381191.tiruppuliyur.jpg" alt="tiruppuliyur.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />Nammalwar has praised this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> in his <span style="font-style: italic;">Nayaki Bhavam </span>or imagining himself as the Sweetheart of the Lord. The Lord is Sri Mayappiraan [ஸ்ரீ மாயப் பிரான்]. This temple was installed by Bhimasena. When Emperor Sibi, tried to donate, sages refused to accept, as he was doing with ego. Sibi's son tried to donate without publicity, but that was also rejected by the sages. Then Sibi tried to kill them by ordering a <span style="font-style: italic;">Devta.</span> The sages prayed the Lord, Who in the form of a Tiger [Tamil <span style="font-style: italic;">Puli</span> புலி] killed the <span style="font-style: italic;">Devta </span>and saved the sages. Thus, the place got the name Tiru Puliyur. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Porkodi <span style="font-style: italic;">Nacchiyar</span> [ஸ்ரீ பொற்கொடி நாச்சியார்].<br />Let us now see <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka </span>62:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">tam eva śaraṇaṃ gaccha sarvabhāvena bhārata</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">tatprasādāt parāṃ śāntiṃ sthānaṃ prāpsyasi śāśvatam 18.62</span></span><br /><br />Sri Krishna advises Arjuna to attain everlasting fame. In the last <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka,</span> the Lord said that as <span style="font-style: italic;">Iswara</span>, He was in every living being commanding and controlling them. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tam eva </span>= that Person [Sriman Narayana or Sri Krishna] alone, <span style="font-style: italic;">saranam gaccha </span>= should be surrendered to, as means. Arjuna should approach Him, with the faith that He was the only One, Who could grant <span style="font-style: italic;">Moksham. Sarvabhavena </span>= in all ways and in all circumstances. Like Nammalwar thought He was <span style="font-style: italic;">Taraka, Poshaka</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Bhogya</span> - lifesaving, nourishment and enjoyment. We can not approach different gods for different purposes. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tatprasadat</span> = with His blessings, <span style="font-style: italic;">param santhim </span>= supreme peaceful, <span style="font-style: italic;">sthanam</span> = place, <span style="font-style: italic;">prapyasi</span> = attain, <span style="font-style: italic;">sasvatam </span>= everlasting. In all other places, the enjoyment of peace would be temporary and for a tenure. But here Sri Krishna assures that by following His advice, Arjuna could get everlasting peace and happiness. <span style="font-style: italic;">Upanishad</span>s say the person reaching <span style="font-style: italic;">Vaikuntam</span>, never returns, and reiterate the statement. Sri Krishna advises Arjuna, therefore, to surrender unto the Lord. The Lord commands everyone. He is controlling everyone by placing <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span> in a body, made up of prakruti, which has the Three qualities, according to their past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span> results. Thus Sri Krishna suggests a way to get freed from <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram. </span>TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8065675376033067166.post-67160095803312390362009-10-16T06:26:00.000-07:002009-10-17T01:01:25.224-07:00BG 18.5261.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> TIRU NEERMALAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">நீர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மலை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/thiruneermalai.jpg" width="453" border="0" height="624" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/39850087" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u45/svami/small/39850087.S2010047.jpg" alt="Garuda sEvai" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/39879726" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u46/svami/small/39879726.S2010018.jpg" alt="Hanumantha vAhanam-2" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/100333846" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t5/95/360595/4/100333846.NYdftJzX.jpg" alt="Tirumangai AzvAr is said to have stayed in the hill for 6monhts opposite to Tirunermalai.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/110411129" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/110411129.yvsGkh0W.jpg" alt="eankku ArAdhu ana ninRa EmperumAn.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/110411148" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/110411148.3YebQypT.jpg" alt="ThiurthEAR ready for 6th day morning utsvam.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/110411133" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/95/360595/4/110411133.batm0oc8.jpg" alt="note the wonderful HIranya vadham, nArasimhar , haygarivar and kaNnan in ThiruthEAr.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/110411149" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/110411149.eFl49HB2.jpg" alt="Thw wonderful works in TiruthEAr.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is in standing pose at the foot of the hill. When we go up the hill, we can see the remaining Three poses of the Lord. At the bottom of the hill is Sri Neervannan. He shows simplicity. He is very simple to reach. He is also of dark blue color, like water. Here, Valmiki, who wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">Srimad Ramayanam,</span> is gracing. Valmiki climbed up the hill and worshiped the Lord in all Three<span style="font-style: italic;"> sannidhi</span>s. He worshiped Sri Narasimha in sitting pose, Sri Ranganatha in reclining pose and Sri Trivikrama in walking pose. With all that, he did not get the satisfaction of worshiping Sri Rama. Therefore, Sri Rama Himself is gracing to satisfy Valmiki.<br />62<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">.TIRUVIDANDAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருவிடந்தை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/thiruvidandai.jpg" width="300" border="0" height="410" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59847270" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59847270.ThiruvidanthaiNityaKalyanapperumalgopuram.jpg" alt="Thiruvidanthai-Nitya Kalyanapperumal gopuram.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/73219031" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/73219031.Zabn2jio.jpg" alt="Dwajasthambam - Thiruvidanthai.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img class="size-full wp-image-413" title="Aadhi Varaaha" src="http://kshetrapuranas.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/aadhi-varaaha2.jpg?w=331&h=400" alt="Sri Lakshmi Varahar" width="331" height="400" /><img class="size-full wp-image-414" title="Utsavar" src="http://kshetrapuranas.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/thiruvidnthai-b.jpg?w=497&h=496" alt="Nithya Kalyana Perumal" width="497" height="496" /><br /><br />The Lord appeared as Sri Varaha for a sage. Here,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sri Thayar</span> is seated on His left lap and the Lord is gracing as Sri Lakshmi Varaha. A <span style="font-style: italic;">rishi</span> had a daughter, for whom he was searching suitable bridegroom. She was married to sage Kalava and they had 360 daughters! When the parents were worried as to how to get all of them married, the Lord Himself offered to marry all, each one day, through out the year! On the last day, He appeared as Sri Varaha. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Utsavar</span> is Sri Nitya Kalyana <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal. </span>It is believed that those desiring to get married, offer garlands to the Lord and later, wearing those garlands, they go round the temple and their marriages are settled.<br />63. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU KADALMALLAI [MAHABALIPURAM] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கடல்மல்லை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">மகாபலிபுரம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">] </span></span>:<br /><img src="http://www16.brinkster.com/manimangalam/images/thirukadalmalli.jpg" width="635" border="0" height="452" /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59847117" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59847117.ThirukkadalmallaiStalasyanapperumalkovilgopuram.jpg" alt="Thirukkadalmallai-Stalasyanapperumal kovil gopuram.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/73218917" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/73218917.i6Bfoyna.jpg" alt="Mahabalipuram - Gopuram.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/59847116" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59847116.ThirukkadalmallaiBhoodhathAzhwaravatarastalam2.jpg" alt="Thirukkadalmallai-Bhoodhath Azhwar avatarastalam2.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/73218914" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/73218914.1XHOJLpR.jpg" alt="Mahabalipuram - Andal.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><br /><br />Place is popular as Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Sanga </span>age, it was known as Tiru Kadalmallai. The Lord instead of reclining on the Snake bed in the ocean, preferred to lie down on ground and so is called Sri Sthala Sayana <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar</span> is Sri Nilamangai <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar.</span> There was a sage Pundareeka, desiring to offer plenty of flowers and worship the Lord. He had heard that the Lord was reclining in the middle of ocean. With deep devotion blanking any practical thought, he thought he would throw out the water in the ocean, so that he could go and approach the Lord, to perform <span style="font-style: italic;">pooja. </span>He started collecting ocean water and throwing at another place. Unmindful of the impossible, he was dedicated in his work and the flowers kept in basket nearby, were remaining afresh! When another sage approached him for food, this sage asked the guest to look after and rushed to bring food. Appreciating the intense devotion, the Lord came out of the ocean and laid Himself on ground to accept all the flowers. The Second <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> among <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwa</span>rs, Boothathalwar, was born here. Behind this temple, the Lord appears as Sri Valavendai <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal</span> [ஸ்ரீ வலவெந்தை பெருமாள்]. We saw Sri Idavendai <span style="font-style: italic;">Perumal </span>earlier ;and, here,<span style="font-style: italic;"> Sri Thayar</span> is on His right lap!<br />64. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU KADIGAI [CHOLA SIMHA PURAM, SHOLINGAR] </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திருக்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">கடிகை</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> [</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சோழ</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சிம்தபுரம்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">சோளிங்கர்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">]:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/77607092" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/77607092.sMfXqHl6.jpg" alt="17.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40658683" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u42/svami/small/40658683.chinnamalai.jpg" alt="chinna-malai" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/77607093" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/77607093.WmXBYpz1.jpg" alt="18.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/77607126" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/77607126.3QQ2xIN0.jpg" alt="25.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/77607246" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/77607246.5S7ympm2.jpg" alt="35.JPG" width="120" border="0" height="160" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/77607282" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t6/95/360595/4/77607282.tcV7Jmfp.jpg" alt="37.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/56240465" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/56240465.Akkarakkani.jpg" alt="Akkarakkani" width="160" border="0" height="156" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/40603068" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/u40/svami/small/40603068.ThakkAn.jpg" alt="ThakkAn" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord is Sri Bhaktochita, Sri Akkarakkani and Sri Thakkan. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Moolavar</span> is Sri Yoga Narasimha <span style="font-style: italic;">Swamy</span>. There are Two hills - Big and Small. Seven sages wanted to see the Lord and meditated. '<span style="font-style: italic;">Ghatika</span>' is a small time measure. If we meditate on the Lord even for a <span style="font-style: italic;">ghatika</span>, the Lord would bless us. The Lord is gracing with Sri Amrutavalli <span style="font-style: italic;">Thayar</span>. The Lord deputed Hanuman to protect the meditating sages. Hanuman is gracing in <span style="font-style: italic;">Chinna</span> [small] <span style="font-style: italic;">malai</span> [hill]. To protect the sages, the Lord had given him, His conch and discus. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pushkarini</span> is large and is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Thakkan Kulam</span> [தக்கான் குளம்]. <span style="font-style: italic;">Swami </span>Doddayacharya lived here. With this, we conclude visit to <span style="font-style: italic;">Tondai Naadu Kshetram</span>s. We will now proceed to visit <span style="font-style: italic;">Malayala Divya desam</span>s.<br />65. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU NAAVAI </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">நாவாய்</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/37358133" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u48/svami/small/37358133.ThirunAvaiinthebanksofBarathaPuzhariver.jpg" alt="ThirunAvai in the banks of Baratha Puzha river" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/37089382" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://ic2.pbase.com/u48/svami/small/37089382.BarathaPuzhariveradjacenttoThirunavai1.jpg" alt="Baratha Puzha river adjacent to Thirunavai1.JPG" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br />The Lord here is Sri Mukundan. This place is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Navayogi sthalam</span>, and Nine <span style="font-style: italic;">yogi</span>s had meditated here. <span style="font-style: italic;">Navayogi</span> has got mutilated to <span style="font-style: italic;">Naavai</span>. Also <span style="font-style: italic;">Naavai </span>means boat and the Lord acts as boat, for us to cross <span style="font-style: italic;">samsaram.</span> Only in this <span style="font-style: italic;">Kshetram</span> [in <span style="font-style: italic;">Malai Naadu]</span>, there is separate <span style="font-style: italic;">sannidhi</span> for <span style="font-style: italic;">Sri Thayar. Kshetram </span>is on the banks of Bharata puzha river.<br />66. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TIRU VITHUVAKODU </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">திரு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">வித்துவக்கோடு</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pbase.com/svami/image/58381197" class="thumbnail"><img class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58381197.tiruviththuvakkodu.jpg" alt="tiruviththuvakkodu.jpg" width="160" border="0" height="120" /></a><br /><br />The Lord presented Himself here to Sri Lakshmi and Gajendra. The Lord here was established by <span style="font-style: italic;">Pandava</span>s. Four idols of the Lord are in one temple. Kulasekara <span style="font-style: italic;">Alwar</span> has praised the Lord.<br />Now we will see <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> 61:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">īśvaraḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ hṛddeśerjuna tiṣṭhati</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bhrāmayan sarvabhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni māyayā 18.61</span></span><br /><br />This <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka</span> is a reply to Arjuna's doubt that what if he neglected the Lord's advice and did not fight. But it was Arjuna's nature to fight, the Lord had replied, in the last <span style="font-style: italic;">sloka. </span>Arjuna wanted to know whether he was acting dictated by the Lord, or on his own. If Arjuna was acting on his own, then the Lord had no control over Arjuna; on the contrary, if Arjuna was doing at the behest of the Lord, then it was better that the Lord Himself did whatever He wanted. Or, under His control was Arjuna doing? This is being clarified by the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sarvabhutanam</span> = for every living beings, <span style="font-style: italic;">isvara</span> = Leader with commanding powers, <span style="font-style: italic;">hrddes</span> = in their heart [from where <span style="font-style: italic;">Gyana </span>originates], <span style="font-style: italic;">tishtati</span> = is present. The Lord is present at the very root of the place, from where knowledge originates. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yantra</span> = on prakruti or body, <span style="font-style: italic;">arudhani</span> = placed, <span style="font-style: italic;">bhramayam</span> = well entangled. Body is commanded by <span style="font-style: italic;">atman</span>, which is controlled by the Lord. <span style="font-style: italic;">Maya = prakruti </span>with the three qualities. The body has the three qualities and <span style="font-style: italic;">atman </span>is in the body according to past <span style="font-style: italic;">karma</span>, and the Lord is controlling the <span style="font-style: italic;">atman.</span> He is not controlling indiscriminately but according to <span style="font-style: italic;">papa/punya</span>. Thus what we do accumulates as <span style="font-style: italic;">papa/punya</span>, and the Lord controls each of us according to our nature.TG Saranathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17872280975040656824noreply@blogger.com0