Temples of India-6

SRI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE-APPANA PALLE-5

Birth Of Garuda

Vinata was serving Kadruva as a slave. After some time the egg that she kept safely broke open and a form emerged which was half human and half bird. He had a massive and strong golden body, a white face, red wings, eagle's beak. He was very handsome and possessed a radiance so powerful that was equivalent to millions of suns. 

GARUDA

Garuda was very obedient and was dutiful to his mother. Kadruva was very jealous of Garuda since he was very strong and handsome and possessed massive strength. She told him that he and his mother were her slaves and should serve her and her sons. So he served them. 

But Kadruva and her sons kept on ill treating Vinata and Garuda. So one day Garuda went and asked his mother why and how they became slaves and how long they have to continue like that. Vinata narrated about the bet and pleaded with Garuda that he alone could relieve them from slavery.

Garuda went to Kadruva and her (serpent) sons and asked them how he and his mother could be relieved from the slavery. Then the serpents replied that they wanted Amrutham or nectar which was in Devaloka under the custody of King Indra. If he could bring it, he and his mother would be relieved from slavery.

He took blessings of his mother and father and told them that he was going to bring the Amrutham from the Devas. He then flew to Devaloka and there was a fierce fighting between Garuda and Devas who were guarding the nectar. Devas could not stand mighty Garuda and fled away. 


Lord Vishnu appeared before him and granted him immortality without drinking nectar and also made Garuda his carrier(Vahana) and flag. Even today in the temples ofVishnu, Garuda is the prime carrier known as Garuda Vahanana and the flag called Garuda Dhwajam adorns the temple flag posts on special and important occassions

Garuda took hold of the pot containing nectar and was about to fly away when Indra appeared. He asked Garuda why and where he was taking the nectar. Then Garuda explained to him that he was going to give it to serpents to relieve his mother from slavery. On hearing this Indra said that the serpents were cruel and if they drink the nectar and become immortal, it would be very difficult to control them. Instead of the nectar he would give what ever Garuda wanted. Then Garuda told him a plan as to how to save the nectar from being drunk by the serpents. Indra was very happy with that and wanted to grant him a boon of Garuda's choice. 


Garuda then said that the serpents were cruel and deceitful and caused a lot of hardships to him and his mother. So they were his enemies and from then onwards they should be allowed to be main food Garudas. Indra agreed for that. To this day, eagles staple food consists of snakes.

Garuda took the pot of nectar to the earth. Indra followed him invisibly to get back the nectar. Garuda placed it on Darbha (kusa grass). He then clled on to the serpents (Kadruvas sons) and told them that as per the agreement he had brought the nectar so he and his mother should be relieved from slavery. The serpents were happy as they were going to become immortal and relieved Garuda and his mother from slavery. Garuda told the serpents to take a bath and purify themselves before drinking nectar. He then flew away with his mother on his back.

The serpents went to take a dip. Waiting for this Indra took away the nectar and returned it to Devaloka. 

On their return the serpents could not find the nectar. They became very sad. They thought that a drop or two might have been fallen on the grass. So if they lick them they will become immortals. So they licked the grass. Kusa grass known as Darbha is very sharp and the tongues of the serpents were cut into two. Till this day serpents have a forked tongue. Darbha grass is very auspicious to Hindus as nectar was placed on it.

So this is how Garuda relieved himself and his mother from slavery. He came to be known as a son who was dutiful to his mother.

From that day onwards the Garuds started killing and eating serpents.

In my next post you will know about how the killing of serpents was stopped and how this story is related to the temple site APPANAPALLE

So watch out for it.......

Temples of India-5

SRI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE-APPANA PALLE-4

Tale of two sisters Vinata and Kadruva: Continued

One evening the two sisters, Vinata and Kadruva were walking along the sea shore enjoying the breeze and admiring the surroundings. They saw a milky white horse at a distance. This was the Uchaisrava -the milky white horse of Indra(king of Devas), which came out of Ksheerasagara madhanam (churning of milky ocean). 

Kadruva wanted to fool her sister Vinata. So she said "look at that horse, it is white as milk. But its tail is black. Vinata looked at the tail carefully and found that it was white. So she disagreed and asked Kadruva to look at it carefully. But Kadruva did not accept that. The sisters argued on this issue. Kadruva in a fit of rage said "Let us bet on it. If I am correct you and your children will  have to be my slaves for life. If you are correct then me and my children will be your slaves for life". Vinata had to agree. She insisted on going nearer to the horse to verify the colour of its tail. But Kadruva stopped her by saying that it was getting dark and that they should get back to  home. Next morning they would examine it in broad day light. They went back to their homes for the night.

Kadruva could not sleep at all. She was the one who insisted on betting. She also knew that she would loose as the horse's tail was white in colour. But she could not think of being slave to her sister. She called her sons, who were serpents and explained them about the bet. She asked them to help her win the bet by some how making the tail of the horse black. But her sons refused to do so as this was not fair. Even though she was their mother, they refused to be a part of the deceit saying that this was not ethical or moral and one should never go out of the way of Dharma or righteousness. 

But Kadruva was desperate to prove herself correct.So she said she would curse them. her sons still did not agree. So she cursed them that they would be burnt alive in the fires (This curse came true later on when the "Sarpa Yaga" was performed by King Janamejeya). 

One of her sons Karkotaka who was frightened by the curse and also loved his mother very much promised to help her. So next morning he went to the sea shore, found the horse, claimed and entwined himself on to its tail.

When Vinata and Kadruva came to inspect the horse, they found its tail black. They were looking at it from a distance may be because if they go near it the horse might get away. So from the distance Vinata could not see that a serpent was entwined on to the tail. All she could see was that the tail was black. She lost the bet and became slave of Kadruva from that day, serving her as a slave would.

Vinata was still looking after the egg to hatch...

Read about the birth of Garuda and how he relieved his mother Vinata from slavery in my next posts.....

Temples Of India-4

SRI BALA BALAJI TEMPLE-APPANA PALLE-3

The Story of Ksheerasagara Madhanam

I am stating this story very briefly for the purpose of identifying the link with this temple site. 

Devas (includes deities, spirits and gods) and Asuras (Raakshasas or demons) -who both were born to Sage Kashayapa but with different mothers, constantly battled for supremacy and controlling of various worlds. Asuras  due to their sheer brutal strength and devious ways and also due to many boons from Gods for their penances,  mostly had the upper hand and used to defeat the Devas.


So Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu for a way out of this. HE advised them to churn the cosmic ocean known as Ksheera Sagara or Milky Ocean for Amrutham-the Nectar/elixir/ambrosia  which would give immortality. But this could not be done by Devas alone. So they roped in Asuras too. They too wanted a share in this. Devas had to agree.


With Vasuki-the thousand headed king of serpents as the rope and the huge Mountain named Mandhara as  churn stick, churning of the ocean started. At the head side of the serpent were the Asuras and the tail was held by Devas. But soon after, the mountain being so huge and heavy started sinking. So they all prayed to Lord Vishnu to save them. Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of huge tortoise bore the mountain on his back as long as the churning went on and saved it from sinking. 


You can see the depiction here:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/satyendra/3791844091/


It went on for thousand years or so.


Many treasures and jewels came out of it. Moon, Goddess Laksmi, Apsaras (beautiful damsels), Dhanvantari (a physician and father of Ayur veda) and many more came out of it. 


Uchaishrawa or snow white horse with seven heads came out of the ocean. This was the most beautiful, powerful and best horse which could fly. This was taken by Indra-king of Devas. Similarly other valuable things came out of it.


Finally, Amrutham or nectar came out. Both the Devas and the Asuras started fighting for it. Lord Vishnu transformed himself into a beautiful damsel- Vishwa Mohini and appeared between the warring factions. He then very cleverly distributed it to Devas but not a single drop to Asuras. 


Later on the pot of Nectar was given to Indra for safe custody. In Amaravathi, the kingdom of Indra this pot is kept under tight security. No one can enter the place nor can touch it.


I will write about this churning of milky ocean in detail some other time. For the purpose of our legend related to the temple, it is enough.Just remember Amrutham and Ucchaisrawa.


Now we have to get back to Vinata and Kadruva, the wives of sage Kashyapa. where we left them in my previous post.


Keep watching my blog for the next part of the story.....

Naga-Garuda Panchami

Today August 4th is Panchami or the fifth day of the Sravana month.

We Hindus  divinity in all, birds, animals, rivers and even mountains and stones. The reason behind this is that the environment or nature would then be respected. As humans we are more intelligent. At the same time, we have the power to destroy other creatures and nature. In order to avoid this, our forefathers-learned and wise sages taught us to see divinity in all.

Naga

Garuda

Today is Naga Panchami and also Garuda Panchami. Nagas means serpents. Garuda means the golden eagle. 

          Sage Kashyapa


Both are the children of the great Rishi Kashyapa. He had many wives.  Nagas  meaning snakes or serpents were born to his wife Kadruva. Garuda was born to his wive Vinata. you can read more about this in one of my previous posts:

http://secretsofancientwisdom.blogspot.com/2011/03/temples-of-india-2.html

Nagas or serpents are worshipped today. They represent so many mystical qualities and symbolise many things. I will write about them separately as there is lot to write about. Shiva wears snakes as ornament- primarily round his neck. Vishnu reclines on Shesha Sarpa. So many mythological stories are connected with them. They are worshipped in the form of Manasa devi-queen of serpents, Rahu-Ketu (shadow planets) as well as Kuja or Mars. Lord Subrahmanyam- son of Shiva is also worshipped in the form of snake.

Garuda or the mighty eagle, gold in colour is also known as Pakshi Raja -the king of birds and and many other names, is associated with strength. He is known for his love for his mother.

What to do today:

Lord Subrahmanyam and Nagendra is to be worshipped. Mansa Devi is also worshipped.

One can recite stotras, ashtotra, sahasranamas. A silver snake form is placed in a vessel and worshipped with cow milk (unheated), turmeric, vermilion and flowers  either by chanting the mantras or stotras of Subrahmanyam or separate for Nagendra. Sesame seeds and jaggery are powdered together and made into laddus (round balls), rice flour(raw rice washed and powdered) mixed with jaggery and made into laddus, cow milk is offered as Prasaadam and eaten. Many keep complete fast on this day except for eating the Prasaadam, some fruits and drinking milk. 

Many people don't use combs or cut vegetables with knives or cutters on this day. That is why they eat only those vegetables which need not be cut. Even cooked food is not eaten by some.

People also visit temples or other places to worship ant hills( where serpents reside) or snake pits. A little bit of earth from the same is taken and applied to ear lobes and eyes as it is believed that it keeps our sense organs healthy.  

Naga Puja or worshipping snakes is done for snakes are associated with fertility. By worshipping them many childless couples seek children. Good health of children, family members, safety from snake bites, prosperity-as snakes are believed to be safe guard wealth and possess presicious gems. They also represent spiritual knowledge and Kundalini shakthi.

Garuda is worshipped for health, for be-getting  strong children, as a protection against snakes, or snake bites and poison as well as the one who carries lord Vishnu.

Those who cannot do all this can at least recite stotras.

A Date With Moon Tonight....

Chandra Grahanam-Lunar Eclipse

Free Photos Shiva Pictures Shivaratri Lord Shiva Happy Maha Shivaratri Hindu Gods Shiva Shakti  http://www.occult-paranormal-psychic-yoga.blogspot.com

Today -15th June 2011- in an hours time, we will be witnessing one of the longest Lunar Eclipse of the century. It will start(Sparsa or Pattu in Telugu) from 11.53 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will end (Moksha or Vidupu in Telugu) at 3.32AM on 16th June 2011. Total Eclipse will be from 12.52 AM to 2.33 AM. This will be visible to most of the residents of India.

As per Vedic astrology, this eclipse will occur when the Moon is in Jyesta Nakshatra-4th Pada of Scorpio (Vrischika Rasi)and also in Moola Nakshatra 1st Pada of Sagittarius (Dhanur Rasi). So people born in these two Zodiac signs (moon Signs not the Sun Signs) must not see it. They should get Sapasukta Sahita Mahanyasapoorvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam performed to Lord Shiva in any of the temples.

DOs and Donts during the eclipse:

• Eat at least 9-6 hours before the eclipse.
• Don't drink or eat or attend to natures call during this period.
• Don't keep any cooked food for use after the eclipse.
• Put a blade of Kusa Grass (Darbha) on water, milk, curds, ghee or pickles so that we can use it even after the eclipse.
• It is better to sit comfortably on a mat in your prayer room or where it is peaceful and chant the name of GOD or any Mantra given to you by your Guru.
• This is a very auspicious time for practising all your Mantras and gain power. It is also the best time for being initiated or taught a new Mantra.
• Those who know the mantras for curing, sprains, snake poison or scorpion poison or any other mantra including the Drushti Mantra( Nazar utaar ne ki mantr) should practise it this time to gain power.
• Chant the Mantras at least 11, 21, 40 or 108 times. The more the better.
• Usually, one is advised to take head bath at the beginning of the eclipse and then at the end before chanting the mantra. If this is not possible at least, wash your hands, feet and face, wear freshly washed clothes and then sit for chanting.
• Even meditation at this time if practised is powerful.
• Sadhana or meditation during this time gives powerful result.
• Any Daan (charity) at this time is believed to give more positive results than at ordinary time.
• After the eclipse is over, we wash our homes, and take a head bath. Then only we offer prayers at home. If possible go to temple.
• One should get Sapasukta Sahita Mahanyasapoorvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam performed to Lord Shiva in any of the temples whether born in affected Moon signs or not.

Mantras to be chanted during the Eclipse:

Chandra, Rahu, Ketu Mantras or Kavachas, even all the Navagraha Mantras, Maha Mruthunjaya Mantra, Shiva Panchakshari or any other Mantra given to you by your Guruji or elders.

Even if you don't know any mantras, chant "OM NAMAH SHIVAYA" or "OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEVAYA". For HE is the Saviour.

This year my Guruji had asked us to recite "BHU SUKTAM" to save our earth from earth quakes. Since it is believed that eclipses do cause earth quakes, those who can recite this may please do.

Those who are Ill or suffering from long standing illness chant :

         "KREEM ACHYUTANANTHA GOVINDA

Those who want success in competitive exams, legal matters or other ventures:

        "SRI RAMA JAYA RAMA JAYA JAYA RAMA"

For good education:

        " Sri HayaGreevaya Namaha"

So keep chanting.......Don't have much time now.....Will post more about eclipses according to our Hindu texts later.......

Bhajans of Satya Sai Baba

Baba Satya Sai's Bahajans are very popular as they are very simple, easy to sing and understand. Baba used to stress on singing those Bhajans which contain more names of the Lord rather than any other type, since Nama Japa is advised during Kaliyuga.

Baba sung many Bhajans  himself. One of the those which I like most is "Govinda Krishna Jai"

Courtesy: You Tube


Lyrics:

Govinda Krishna Jai
Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai
Gopala Bala Bala Radha Krishna Jai
Krishna Jai, Krishna Jai, Krishna Jai
Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Jai
Gopika Mala Hari Pyari, Mayi Mira Mana Vihari
Madana Mohana Murali Dhari Krishna Jai
Krishna Jai Krishna Jai Krishna Jai
Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Jai
Krishna Jai Rama Krishna Jai Radha Krishna Jai
Bala Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Jai

Meaning:
Victory to Lord Krishna. 
Victory to Gopala-the Lord of the cowherders and Lord of Radha. 
Victory to Lord Krishna, who wears garlands offered by the Gopis  and who is in the heart of Meera . 
Victory to the enchanting Flute-Player, Lord Krishna. Victory to Thee, O Lord Krishna.
 

Bhajans

Introduction

India is the Land of Vedas and Vedic literature and culture and the land where Hinduism is practised. Hinduism is not a religion. It is a way of life where people are free to follow any of the numerous path, practise or philosophy to reach God.

Following Vedic Rituals, Prayers, chanting of Mantras, reciting Slokas and Stotras, observing fast or performing Yagyas-there are many methods of worshipping the God. Out of all these for Kaliyuga the most beneficial method that was advised by our  Rishis or Munis or Gurus was chanting of the name of God known as Nama Japa. When this chanting is musically done then it becomes more interesting and attractive.

Music as it is spellbinding. A Sanskrit Sloka says:

Sisur vethi, Pasur vethi

Vethi gana rasam Phanihi

Meaning; children, animals and even a serpent is spell bound by music. And when the music is used for singing the praise of Lord/God then it is more divine.

The science and art of Music in India originated with the sound OM. Sama Veda one of the four Vedas deals with the subject of music. The hymns of this Veda are sung rather than chanted or recited. Bhajans are a part of our Indian Music system or tradition.

Bhajans are a form of devotional songs sung in the praise of God. They can be classical, semi classical, traditional and even folk in origin. There are many traditions or schools of singing bhajans-Nirguni, Gorakhanathi, Vallabhapanthi, Ashtachhap, Madhura-bhakti or the traditional Sampradya Keertans from South India. 

Similarly different styles of singing like keertans, dhrupad, haridasa, sufi etc are most popular.

Some of the most popular authors since anceint times are, Kabir, Tulasidas, surdas, Meera, Namdev, Thyagaraja.

Bhajans can be singing out various names of the God/Goddess or singing in praise, singing about the great virtues, or from Ramayana or Bhagawata. 

Bhajans are the most popular form of devotional singing whether by class or by mass and till today being much in Vogue. They not only help us in expressing our devotion, but help us in concentrating our thoughts on God and are also great stress busters. Though Bhajans are sung at home daily or for special occasions, people form Bhajan Mandals or groups and sing together as this form of group singing is supposed to be more powerful.

I will be posting the lyrics as well as bhajans of various saints and poets from time to time.

Hope you like them.