Guru Paaduka Stotram

Today is being celebrated as Guru Purnima. The Full Moon day in the month of Aashadha is celebrated as Guru Purnima.

Guru in Sanskrit and many other Indian languages means a teacher. The Sanskrit word Gu (darkness or ignorance) + RU (remover of ignorance or darkness). A Guru is one who removes our ignorance or darkness. 

A Teacher teaches us right from reading and writing to any other skill or helps us in improving our knowledge which not only helps in our day to day activities or earn a lively hood but also helps us in the path of spirituality. In fact traditionally Indian Gurus emphasized more on teaching of morals, ethics and spiritual knowledge for the betterment of society, nation and environment or rather the whole universe along with individual development and enlightenment. 

In Indian culture a teacher or Guru has got an important place and is worshiped or respected and revered. Mother and father are our first gurus at home. Then our teachers in educational institutions and then the Guru who guides us on our spiritual path. That is why we pray to our gurus each day by reciting:

"Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, 

Guru Sakshat Parambrahmah Tasmai Shree Guru Veh Namah"

Guru Purnima is celebrated as Vyasa Purnima-the birth day of Veda Vyasa or Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. He was born to Parashara and Satyavati. Vyasa is the author of the great epic-Mahabharata. He also gathered all the vedic hymns and organised and edited them into four parts : Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas. Because of this he earned the title of Vyasa (meaning editing or dividing). 

The sanyasis, or monks, or disciples, celebrate this day by remembering and praying to Veda Vyasa, Adi Sankaracharya, or other Gurus like Shirdi Sai Baba, Dattatreya, Yogis like Lahari  Mahasaya, Ramana Maharishi, Rama Krishna Paramhamsa  or the ones who helped them on their spiritual path with their teachings etc. They also do Paada Puja by washing the feet of their Gurus and offering them flowers, fruits, shawls, or other gifts and seek their blessings. 

So on the occasion of Guru Purnima, here is the Guru Paduka Stotram written by Sri Adi Sankaraacharya:

अनंत संसार समुद्र तार नौकायिताभ्यां गुरुभक्तिदाभ्यां।

वैराग्य साम्राज्यद पूजनाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥१॥

कवित्व वाराशि निशाकराभ्यां दौर्भाग्यदावांबुदमालिक्याभ्यां।

दूरीकृतानम्र विपत्तिताभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥२॥

नता ययोः श्रीपतितां समीयुः कदाचिदप्याशु दरिद्रवर्याः।

मूकाश्च वाचसपतितां हि ताभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥३॥

नाली कनी काशपदाहृताभ्यां नानाविमोहादिनिवारिकाभ्यां।

नमज्जनाभीष्टततिब्रदाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥४॥

नृपालिमौलि ब्रज रत्न कांति सरिद्विराज्झषकन्यकाभ्यां।

नृपत्वदाभ्यां नतलोकपंक्ते: नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥५॥

पापांधकारार्क परंपराभ्यां पापत्रयाहीन्द्र खगेश्वराभ्यां।

जाड्याब्धि संशोषण वाड्वाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥६॥

शमादिषट्क प्रदवैभवाभ्यां समाधि दान व्रत दीक्षिताभ्यां।

रमाधवांघ्रि स्थिरभक्तिदाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥७॥

स्वार्चा पराणामखिलेष्टदाभ्यां स्वाहासहायाक्ष धुरंधराभ्यां।

स्वान्ताच्छ भावप्रदपूजनाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥८॥

कामादिसर्प व्रजगारुडाभ्यां विवेक वैराग्य निधि प्रदाभ्यां।

बोध प्रदाभ्यां दृत मोक्ष दाभ्यां नमो नमः श्री गुरु पादुकाभ्यां॥९॥

In English:

Anantha samsaara samudra taara, naukayithabhyam guru bhakthithabhyam,

Vairagya samrajyadha poojanabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam. ॥1॥

Kavithva varasi nisagarabhyam, dourbhagya davam budhamalikabhyam,

Dhoorikrutha namra vipathithabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥2॥

Natha yayo sripatitam samiyu kadachidabhyasu daridra varya,

Mookascha vachas pathitham hi thabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥3॥

Naleeka neekasa pada hrithabhyam, nana vimohadhi nivarikabyam,

Nama janabheesh tathi pradhabhyam namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥4॥

Nrupaali moulee braja rathna kanthi sariddha raja jjashakanyakabhyam,

Nrupad vadabhyam nathaloka pankhthe, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥5॥

Papaandha karaarka paramparabhyam, thapat hryaheendra khageswarabhyam,

Jad yadhi samso shanavad vabhyam namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥6॥

Shamadhi shatka pradha vaibhava bhyam, Samadhi dhana vratha deeksithabhyam,

Ramadhavadeegris sthirha bhakthidabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam. ॥7॥

Swarchaparana makhilesh tathabhyam, swaha sahayaksha durndarabhyam,

Swanthachad bhava pradha poojanabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam.॥8॥

Kaamadhi sarpa vraja garudabhyam, viveka vairagya nidhi pradhabhyam,

Bhodha pradhabhyam drutha mokshathabhyam, namo namaha sri guru paadukhabyam॥9॥

Meaning:

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which is a boat, which helps me, to cross the endless ocean of life,

Which endows me, with the sense of devotion to my Guru,

And by worship of which, I attain the dominion of renunciation

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which is the ocean of knowledge, resembling the full moon,

Which is the water, which puts out the fire of misfortunes,

And which removes distresses of those who prostrate before it.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which make those who prostrate before it,

Possessors of great wealth, even if they are very poor,,

And which makes even dumb people in to great orators.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which attracts us, to lotus like feet of our Guru,

Which cures us, of the unwanted desires,

And which helps fulfill the desires of those who salute.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which shine like gems on the crown of a king,

Which shine like a maid in the crocodile infested stream,

And which make the devotees attain the status of a king.

Salutations to the Padukas* of my Guru,

Which is like a series of Suns, driving away the dark sins,

Which is like the king of eagles, driving away the cobra of miseries,

And which is like a terrific fire drying away the ocean of ignorance.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which endows us, with the glorious six qualities like sham,

Which gives the students ,the ability to go in to eternal trance,

And which helps to get perennial devotion to the feet of Vishnu.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which bestows all desires of the serving disciples,

Who are ever involved in carrying the burden of service

And which helps the aspirants to the state of realization.

Salutations to the Paadukas* of my Guru,

Which is the Garuda,which drives away the serpent of passion,

Which provides one, with the treasure of wisdom and renunciation,

Which blesses one,with enlightened knowledge,

And blesses the aspirant with speedy salvation.

*Paadukas means the traditional or ancient footwear worn by the sanyasi, mendicants or saints. They are made of wood or  metals  etc. Read more about them here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paduka

For more detailed  word to word explanation and meaning of the stotram you can visit this link:

http://www.vmission.org.in/files/pdf/gurupadukastotram.pdf 

So let us remember all our teachers, including our mother and father, respect them and try to follow their teachings to become a more better human being. 

Pearls Of wisdom-2

I love this quote. How truly said. 

One has to be really brave to stand up and accept one's mistake. Many don't like to own their mistakes let alone apologise for them. But the moment we stand up and accept that we have made a mistake, others will like us and trust us. If we apologise then there is nothing like that.

The first to forgive is strongest. Yes. Only a strong person can forgive easily. Forgiveness shows our inner strength. 

The last part-the first to forget is the happiest is so true. If we don't forget certain things like wrong done to us by others, we will carry it on our minds and this creates stress. It is we who are affected more then the wrong doers. We will not have mental peace and this affects our mental and physical health. That is why "Forgiveness" or Kshama Guna is treated as one of the most highest qualities in humans by all religions alike. 

These three principles if followed will make our lives, easy and happy and peaceful too. 

Pearls Of wisdom

I will be posting some beautiful quotes, I come across from time to time

Teekshana Danshtra Kaala BhairavaAstakam

In my previous post I have posted on Kaala Bhairavaashtakam. Now I am posting Teekshana Danshtra Kaala BhairavaAstakam. This is even more powerful. Reciting or hearing to this ashtakam will help in time management, reduce the ill affects of Kali and also protect us from evil or negative forces. I like the rhythmic and powerful way the words have been used in this ashtakam to praise Lord Bhairava:

Teekshana Danshtra Kaala BhairavaAstakam

Teekshnadanshtreti praadhanam bhairavosya devata

Yam Yam Yam Yaksha Roopam Dasha Dishi Viditam Bhoomi Kampaayamaanam

Sam Sam Samhaara Murtim Shira Mukuta Jataa Shekharam Chandra Bimbam

Dam Dam  Dam Deergha Kaayam Vikruta Nakha Mukham Hyurdhva romam Karaalam

Pam Pam Pam Paap Naasham Pranmata Satatam BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!1!!

Ram Ram Ram Raktavarnam, Kata katita tanum Teekshna Danstraa Karaalam

Gham Gham Gham Ghosha Ghosham Gha Gha Gha Gha Ghatitam Ghargharam Ghora naadam

Kam Kam Kam Kaala Paasham Dhruka Dhruka Dhrukitam Jwaalitam Kaamadaaham

Tam Tam Tam divya Deham, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!2!!

Lam Lam Lam Lam Vadantam la la la la Lalitam Dheergha Jivhaa Karaalam

Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhoomra Varnam Sphuta vikata mukham Bhaskaram Bheemaroopam

Rum Rum Rum Roondamalam, ravi tama niyatam taamra netram karaalam

Nam Nam Nam Nagnaroopam, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!3!!

Vam Vam Vam vaayuvegam natajana dayinam Brahma paaram param tam

Kham Kham Kham khadga hastam tribhuvana nilayam bhaskaram bheema roopam

Cham Cham Cham Cham chalitvaa chala chala chalita chchaalitam bhoomi chakram

Mam Mam Mam maayi roopam Pranmata Satatam BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!4!!

Sham Sham Sham Shankha Hastam, Sashi kara dhavalam, Moksha Sampoorna Tejam

Mam Mam Mam Mam Mahaantam, Kula makula kulam Mantra Guptam Sunityam

Yam Yam Yam Bhootanadham, Kili Kili Kilitam Vaalakeli Pradhanam

Am Am Am Aantariksham, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!5!!

Kham Kham Kham Khadga Bhedam, Visha Mamruta Mayam Kaala Kaalam Karalam

Ksham Ksham Ksham Kshipra Vegam, Daha Daha Dahanam, Tapta Sandeepya Maanam

Houm Houm HoumKaara Nadam, Prakatita Gahanam Garjitairbhoomi Kampam

Vam Vam Vam Vaala Leelam, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!6!!

Sam Sam Sam Siddhi Yogam, Sakala guNa Ghanam, Deva Devam Prasannam

Pam Pam Pam Padmanabham, HariHara Mayanam,Chandra SuryaAgni Netram

Aim Aim Aim Aishwarya Naadham, Satata Bhayaharam, PoorvaDeva Swaroopam

Roum Roum Roum Roudra Roopam, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!7!!

Ham Ham Ham Hamsa Haasam, HasitakalaHakam, MuktaYogaattahaasam

Dham Dham Dham(धम् /ధం) Netra roopam, Siramakuta Jataabandha Bandhaagra Hastam

Tam(टम/టం)Tam Tankaara(टंकार/టంకార )  nadham, Trida salata la tam, Kaama Garvaapa Haram

Bhrum Bhrum Bhrum Bhootanadham, Pranmata Satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM !!8!!


Bhairavaashtaka midam shan maasam yah: pateth narah:
Saa yeti paramam staanam yatra deho maheshwarah:

I have tried my best to give the Ashtakam as correct as possible. But I need to refer to the Sanskrit text and make corrections if any. I had a copy but I have misplaced it. I am searching for it.

I appeal to the readers, if they have Telugu or Devanagari version of this Ashtakam can  they scan it and mail it. I am not able to get a copy of this Ashtakam any where else. I would be really grateful to them.

UPDATE 5-3-2013

I have corrected some mistakes and added the Phala Shruti. But I appeal if some one can send me the scanned text in Sanskrit. I am not able to get a copy of the same anywhere. 

 Please listen to the recital carefully and pronounce accordingly. 

Update 6-3-2013

I have received one mail from one of the visitors, who has sent me the Sanskrit Text. 

Luckily, today, while sorting my old books and papers, I got hold of one of the books (old one used by my late father). It has been damaged in the corners (by termites I think) so one or two words are missing. 

The text in this book and in the one sent to me differs in some places. I will have to go through these differences and then I will again post if there are any corrections. 

Update 19-6-2014
I have made some more corrections based on the text I have in a book I mentioned above.
I have added the first line Teekshnadanshtreti praadhanam bhairavosya devata.

Please check up for further updates as there may be some more corrections.

Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam

Kaala Bhairava is one of the (main) eight forms of Bhairava. 

Bhairava is a Sanskrit word meaning Frightful or Terrible. Bhairava is the manifestation of Lord Shiva and associated with destruction or annihilation. He is also known as Bhairo (n) or Bhairadya, Bheruji or Bhairavar.  His consort is Bhairavi-fierce manifestation of Parvati or Durga. His vehicle is dog. He is worshiped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. He is specially worshiped in Rajasthan, Tamilnadu and other parts of India as well as in Nepal.  He is also the Kshetrapalaka (protector or Lord of that area) in some temples as well as the Graama Devata protector of the village or village deity. 

Kaala Bhairava is the Bhairava who is controls the "Time" or who controls the power (passage)of time. Time is very precious. The past is gone, future is yet to come, only present is ours. So one has to make best use of time. For this, one has to worship Kaala Bhairava. Reciting or listening to Kaala Bhairavaashtakam will help in proper utilisation of time as well as overcoming the ill aspects of Kali kaala. So here is Kaala Bhairavaashtakam:

Kaalabhairavaashtakam

Deva raja sevya maana paavangri pankajam,

Vyaala yagna suthramindu shekaram krupakaram,

Naaradaadi yogi vrunda vandhitham digambaram,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 1

Bhaanu koti bhaaswaram, bhavaabdhi thaarakam param,

Neelakantha meepsidartha dayakam trilochanam,

Kaalakaala mambujaaksha maksha soola maksharam,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 2

Soola tanga paasa danda paani maadhi kaaraNam,

Syaama kaya madhi devamaksharam niramayam,

Bheema vikramam prabhum vichithra thandava priyam,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 3

Bhukthi mukthi daayakam prasashtha chaaru vigraham,

Bhaktha vatsalam sthitam , samastha loka vigraham,

VinikwaNmanoGya hema kinkiNi lasath kateem,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. 4

Dharma sethu paalakam, thwa dharma maarga nasakam,

Karma paasa mochakam , susharma daayakam vibhum,

Swarna varna sesha paasa shobithanga mandalam,

Kasika puraadhi naadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. 5

Rathna padukha prabhabhirama padayugmakam,

Nithyamadwidheeyamishta daivatham niranjanam,

Mrutyu darpa nasanam karaLadamshtra mokshanam,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 6

Attahaasa bhinna padma jaanda kosa santhatheem,

Drushti paada nashta papa jaalamugra saasanam,

Ashtasidhi dayakam kapaala maalikandaram,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 7

Bhootha sanga naayakam, vishaala keerthi dayakam,

Kaasi vaasa loka punya paapa shodhakam vibum,

Neethi marga kovidham purathanam jagatpathim,

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje. 8

Kaalabhairavaashtakam pathanthi yea manoharam,

Gyaana mukthi sadhanam , vichithra punya vardhanam,

Shoka moha dainya lobha kopa thaapa nasanam,

The prayanthi Kaalabhairavangri sannidhim dhruvam. 9

Kaasika puraadhi naadha Kaalabhairavam bhaje

In Sanskrit

ll कालभैरवाष्टकम् ll

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपंकजं । व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिंदुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ॥
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबर । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥१॥

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भावाब्धितारकं परं । नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ॥
कालकालमम्बुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥२॥

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं । श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ॥
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रतांडवप्रियं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥३॥

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तलोकविग्रहं । भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहं ।
विनिक्कणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिंकिणीलसत्कटिं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥४॥

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं । कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुं ॥
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥५॥

रत्न५पादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं । नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ॥
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥६॥

अट्टाहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं । दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनं ॥
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥७॥

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं । काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुं ॥
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं । काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥८॥

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठन्ति ये मनोहरं । ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनं ॥
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनम् । प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधि नरा ध्‍रुवम् ॥९॥

Recite this every day at least once or at least listen to it. I will also be posting the translation of this here. So keep watching....

Under Rennovation

My blog is under renovation...please bear with me....

Ramayana

Ramayana and Mahabharata two great epics are very interesting and we get to learn from them so many things. No matter how many times we read them or listen to them, we have something new to learn. 

The rendering of the story and explaining the spiritual secrets, messages and reasoning in every scene depends upon the person, his in depth knowledge of the epic, Vedic literature  and Hindu culture. It is in this epic it is clearly portrayed as to how an idle man, women, father, mother, husband, wife, brother, friend, king, ministers  etc should be, what are their duties and how they should be. That is why it is still popular today and also more relevant.

For Telugu speaking people Brahma Sri Malladi ChandraShekara Shastriji is a well known person. His rendering of Ramayanam, Mahabharatam, Bhagawatam and Puranas and also explaining the Dharma Sandehaalu (reason behind our, customs, traditions religious practises etc) is quite popular. He renders it so beautifully, interestingly explaining the details, the reason or the Dharma sukshamam(essence of Dharma) involved that even the most illiterate can easily follow it.  His command over the Vedic literature and fluency in rendering the pravachanam makes it very interesting. People are mesmirised and sit for hours listening to his pravachanams.

So those who are interested in his pravachanams have now a golden opportunity. Moserbaer has released a 10 DVD set of  Valmiki Ramayanam rendered by Brahma Sri Malladi ChandraShekara Shastriji. This contains the entire epic of Ramayana. It is priced very economically and also packed beautifully. It is a must have classic collection in our library. Imagine listening to Ramayana at our convenience instead of going to some religious gathering and jostling with the crowd there.

This also makes an excellent gift to  our friends, relatives especially to our elders who would love to listen to this. This also makes a good gift to children and teenagers who need to be educated about our Indian culture and Vedic literature. 

I have bought a copy for my mother and myself and also gifted to some of my friends and relatives.......So what are you waiting for......

Save Environment, Save Earth, Save Ourselves....

Mother Earth-We Indians regard Earth as Mother-because it is the earth from which everything and very one is born. We have highest regard for her since ancient times.

She is called Bhu Maata (Sanskrit). The word Bhu is derived from Bhumi meaning Earth or land and Maata means Mother.

Bhu Maata or Mother Earth is considered as consort of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. She is revered and worshiped like we would our mothers who gave birth to us. In of Lord Vishnu, Mother Earth is worshiped along with Goddess Lakshmi as consort of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.

How much she is revered is evident from this sloka (verse) which we recite every morning when we get up and before placing our feet on the floor.


Samudra vasane Devi,

Parvata Sthana Mandale(Mandithe),

Vihnu patni Namasthubhayam ,

Pada Sprasha Kshamasyame.

Which Means 

Devi(Mother Earth), who is having oceans as garments, 

mountains as her bosom,

who is consort of Lord Vishnu,

please pardon(forgive) us for touching you with our feet.

So we pray every day before placing our feet on floor for the first time in the morning asking for forgiveness from Mother Earth, as She is revered, respected and worshiped as a Mother and touching her with our legs is considered as insulting.

Since ancient times, ordinary, people, farmers and kings respected Mother Earth, for, she is the reason for our existence. When farmers had to dig or plough the land, they would pray to mother earth for forgiveness as she would be hurt by their ploughing. Selling  or parting with agricultural land or land in general was considered as being disrespectful to mother earth. It was passed down to next generation. Similarly kings also respected the land of their country.

But  advent of modern science and technology, instead of improving our environment and surroundings, we have made our lives more luxurious and perhaps more artificial. We have been distancing ourselves from nature and natural way of living. No doubt that it is not the fault of science and technology but the humans who have been using it. In the process we have caused great damage to our environment which is irreparable. Polluting, soil, air, water and the whole environment is destroying natural habitat, endangering many species of flora fauna. Some are already extinct. 

Indiscriminate cutting/felling of trees and clearing of forests etc and so many ravages caused to the natural resources do affect our environment. This is also creating problems for the tribal population who live and depend on forests. In the name of development and bringing them into main stream, we are causing great damage to   those beautiful nature loving people. No doubt they can be educated and lives can be improved. But I feel that they should not loose their knowledge of forests or herbal  medicine or about their environment which has been handed down over generations and should be preserved. they should be helped in improving such knowledge which is unique to them.

Farmers and village lives are also affected by the damage caused to the agriculture due to soil erosion, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, introduction of certain hybrid varieties of crops, and foreign crops, trees which are not native to the region. I am very sad to see that house sparrows are now almost extinct.

The plight of city dwellers I need not mention because it is a well known fact. Health issues are on the rise due to increase in pollution, change in life style, eating habits and what not.

India from ancient times had a good knowledge of various sciences including agriculture, medicine, water divining,  veterinary  sciences, astronomy, atmospheric sciences  and people of each region had their own indigenous skills and knowledge of how to do and what to do in every walk of life. They could even predict eclipses.

I think it is time that we encourage, indigenous skills and ancient knowledge, native trees and crops and our flora and fauna instead of introducing something which is alien  to this land. We can no doubt use the advancement of science and technology but properly related to our native environment and not just blindly following others.

Today That is 22nd April of every year is celebrated as International Mother Earth Day. This is celebrated across the world. You can read more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day


The Rivers,

The Sky

The mountains and the earth, the greenery around us all are beautiful and need to be preserved for the ourselves as well as future generations too.

 Still there is hope, there is scope...

Save Environment...Save Earth, Save Ourselves...Save our Future Generations...Give them a safe future....

There is a lot we can do. Very small things but done by masses will definitely mean more. Some of the things what we can do to improve our environment, nature and thus Mother Earth:

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." goes a famous saying.

1. Do without . Most of the times we can manage without many things. 
2. Reduce, Use less. If it is not possible to do without, use less. we waste a lot.
3. Re Use. We can reuse many things if we are a bit careful and store things properly
4. Recycle. there are hundreds of ways of recycling things instead of throwing them out.
5. Plant trees or even small plants in any small containers if you live in a flat. Fill up the spaces in and around your home with these green things and see the beauty. It is healthy too.
6. Place feeders and water trays for birds and if possible for strays.
7. Don't litter. Dispose off the waste intelligently.
8. Use natural resources like sunlight, air and other things. This will save money, is healthy and will reduce pressure on resources like electricity etc. 
9. Start at home. Motivate, family, friends, colleagues and others around you to be environment friendly. Slowly but steadily many  will join.
10. Write about your success in improving environment or if you come across any such cases and how it influenced the lives in a positive way. Talk about it. May be many will be motivated by reading about such cases. We may get a tip or two.

Lot can be done but it is the first step that takes us there. I have started it long back and am slowly progressing towards saving Mother Earth in every way I can. Are You??????

Hello

I have been inactive on this blog lately. watch out for my posts as I am going to share with you many interesting and spiritual thoughts.

Temples of India-8

SRI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE-APPANA PALLE-7

One of the doorways to temple premises

The story of Jimuthavahana and Sankhachuda..Contd.

Just as Sankhachuda leaves, Jimuthavahana's mother-in-law sends him some red clothes as a gift as it is some festive occasion. Jimuthavahan sees it as a diktat from God that he should stand in for Sankhachuda. So he quickly wears those red clothes, covers his face with a veil  and stands on the sacrifice rock. 

Suddenly he hears a thunderous noise (due to flapping of the wings of Garuda), the sun is blocked by a huge body, which shines like a dozen suns and blinding to the eyes of onlookers. The eyes of Garuda gleam red like rubies. Every time he flaps his wings a gush of strong violent wind uproots trees as if it is a forceful hurricane, huge rocks roll down the slopes of the mountain, wild animals frightened by all this run helter skelter. 

In spite of all this Jimuthavahan is calm, composed and in ecstasy, as he is going to save Sankhachuda from Garuda's clutches. 

Garuda approcahes Jimuthavahana. His eyes gleaming with hatred for the Nagas, He  pierces Jimuthavahana's heart and tears it open.  He then clutches his body with His claws and goes to the top on the mountain to eat. 


Meanwhile, Sankhachuda returns to the sacrifice rock. He is horrified to see the blood there. He realises that Jimuthavahana was taken by Garuda. He quickly follows the trail of the blood, weeping and crying that he has to save the person who has stood in his place. Meanwhile, parents of Jimuthavahana, his wife and other relatives come searching for him. They meet Sankhachuda and learn about the horrifying tale. They follow Sankhachuda to the place where Garuda has taken Jimuthavahana.


Meanwhile Garuda is surprised to see that the person he is eating is neither crying nor terrified. So He stops eating and stares at him. Jimuthavahana asks Garuda why He has stopped eating him, is his flesh not enough to satisfy His hunger? Garuda now feels respect for Jimuthavahana and asks him who he is, as he is human and not a Naga and why is he so happy and ecstatic even when being eaten alive?

Before Jimuthavahana can reply, Sankhachuda comes running to the spot and cries out that Garuda has killed Jimuthavahana the Vidhyadhara king who is kind hearted and righteous. Garuda is aghast. He cries out that he had indeed committed a grievous sin as He has heard far wide the fame of Jimuthavahana, as kind, considerate, righteous and dutiful king of Vidhyadharas. 

Sankhachuda informs Jimuthavahan that his parents are coming. Jimuthavahana asks him to cover his body with the upper cloth as his parents cannot see him in that state. Sankhachuda obeys. Parents and wife of Jimuthavahana arrive upon the scene and cry. Garuda is more ashamed now and begs Jimuthavahana to tell Him what He should do to absolve Himself of the sin. 

Jimuthavahana requests Garuda to repent for His previous deeds, not to harm any living being leave alone Nagas and do so much good deeds that the merits should override his sins. Garuda assures him saying that He is ashamed of his previous deeds and will not harm anyone. 

Jimuthavahana is very happy to have saved the Nagas. He pays his respects to his parents and tells them that he is dying. He consoles his mother and father saying that what good his body, flesh or blood is if not for helping out others. He prays to the God saying that if he has to take birth many times again, every time he should be able to sacrifice himself for others.

Saying that Jimuthavahana falls down unconscious. His parents weep and pray to Gods for saving their only son. His wife prays to Goddess Gauri and asks for her kindness in rescuing her husband. Garuda vows that he will stop Yama (God of Death) and his servants from taking away life of Jimuthavahana, if need be tear them to pieces and go beg Indra (King of Devas) for Amrutham (ambrosia or nectar) so that he can get back Jimuthavahana to life.

Goddess Gauri appears before them and sprinkles holy water and Jimuthavahana is revived. She blesses them all and praises Jimuthavahan for his scarifies. She blesses them all with happiness and all good things. Every one bows to the mother Goddess and are happy.

Now since Jimuthavahan has sacrificed himself at this place -Sacrifice means "Arpana" (to give oneself) "Phali" means the Result or the place where Jimuthavahana's sacrifice has brought in good result (saving of Nagas). ArpanaPhali has with the time became Appanpalli.

As per Jimuthavahana's request and sage Kashyapa's advice, Garuda also known as Vainatheya (son of Vinata) made a creek of the river Vasitha (tributary to River Godavari) to pass through the place so that the Nagas who were killed by Him (whose remainings were scattered around the place) could obtain salvation. That is why this river is called as Vianatheya river. It flows towards south. Hence the temple on its bank is considered as a pilgrimage center.

This is the Vianetheya river on the banks of which the temple of Bala Balaji stands today.

You can see how wide it is. 

People take bath before entering the temple.

Whether these legends can be actually proved or not I don't know. Because the present place is not on a mountain. But there must be a reason for these legends which may have disappeared or gone obscure with time. 

In my next posts read how Lord Balaji came as a child and stayed back as an idol in the temple......

Ganesha-The Elephant God

GANESHA

Part-1

Ganesha - popularly known in the west as Elephant God, is the remover of all obstacles. He is the God who is worshipped first-whether we are just saying our daily prayers, or performing some special rituals or ceremonies, celebrating marriages or other auspicious occasions -one has to pray to him first.

Even when one wants to worship or pray to other Gods and Goddesses, one has to first pray to Lord Ganesha and obtain his blessings so that no obstacles bother us . 

Farmers pray to him before tilling their lands for a good crop. Also since his vahan or carrier is a mouse, they pray for safety of crops from mice and pests. Students pray to him before sitting for their studies for success. Business men pray to him for "Subh" meaning good or auspiscious and "Labh" meaning profits.

I am going to post about, Ganesha, his birth, his story, various slokas and strotras and mantras associated with Him and how to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi...

He has many forms and many names..what they are...follow me in my posts......

Temples of India-7

SRI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE-APPANA PALLE-6

The story of Jimuthavahana and Sankhachuda

We need to learn about this story, for this is how the place AppanaPalle got its name. 

Jimuthavahana was the son of Vidyadhara King Jimuthakethu. Vidhyadhara means those who have wisdom. Females are known as Vidyadharis. In Hindu mythology they are described as spirits of air, possessing great beauty, great magical powers. 

Jimuthavahana though very young, was a good king, kind, righteous and dutiful towards his subjects. He was caring and dutiful to his mother and father.

His parents who were old wanted to stay on the mountain named Malaya for sometime. Malaya mountain described in various Hindu mythologies, is said to be covered by thick virgin forests, surrounded by beautiful nature, a variety of colourful wild flowers, rivulets, waterfalls, ponds full of lotuses, many animals and birds living with peace and harmony. The air coming from the mountain (in the early morning hours) laden with the fragrance of sandal wood and flowers is said to be very beneficial to the living beings. 

He leaves his kingdom in the hands of his relatives and accompanies his parents to serve them. There he meets Malayavathi daughter of King Vishvavasu and marries her. 

One day while roaming around the slopes of Malaya along with Mitravasu, son of King Visvavasu and brother of Malayavathi, he comes across heaps and heaps of bones. he learns that they are the bones of Nagas(serpents). Mitravasu explains that Garuda the golden eagle, king of the birds and son of Vinata used to kill and eat the snakes. During this process,  many were killed, many eggs were broken and serpents died even before their birth. Young ones perished. 

So Vasuki, the King of serpents made a pact with Garuda saying that every day he will send one serpent for feeding him. Each day one serpent from one of the houses in his kingdom is to be supplied. That was how so many Nagas were killed and their bones and remainings were dumped in heaps.

Jimuthavahan feels sad at this destruction. He slowly wanders around on the mountain slopes looking at the ocean below thinking that it is the duty of a King to save his subjects. But Vasuki, the Naga King did not do that.


Suddenly he hears a woman crying. He walks towards the place and comes across a young man and an old woman crying inconsolably. The young man's name is Sankhchuda- a prince of Nagas. He was chosen for the day to be food for Garuda. The Messenger(sertvant) of the King Vasuki hands him red clothes to be worn and then stand on the sacrificing rock so that Garuda can see that he is the one that is food for him. 

The woman cries saying that my only son whom I begot after so many prayers and hundreds of vows is going to be killed. How can I live with out him? 


Jimuthavahan moved by the pleas and crying of the old woman offers himself to be food for Garuda in place of Sankhachuda. Sankhachuda does not agree to this. He says that it is his duty to obey his kings orders. 


Jimuthavahana argues and argues but Sankhachuda does not agree. He bids adieu to his mother and goes off to visit the shrine near by for one last time before Garuda eats him. 


So what happened next.....was Sankhachuda was killed? 


Just read it in my next post.......