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Home , Adi Parashakti, Annapurna (goddess), Attukal Temple, Chamundeshwari Temple, Diti, Hornadu

Dharma Sandesh kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ a quarterly newsletter of Bharatiya Mandir, Middletown, NY

AÉ lÉÉå pÉSìÉÈ ¢üiÉuÉÉå rÉliÉÑ ÌuɵÉiÉÈ| Let noble thoughts come to us from everywhere. 1.89.1 n

lÉqÉxiÉå xÉÑpÉÉÌwÉiÉÉ Subhaashitaa

Á – . With the blessings and grace of the In this section, we present a quotation and its Supreme Lord (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ), we are pleased to bring you interpretation/meaning. another issue of Sandesh. lÉÉÎxiÉ ÌuɱÉxÉqÉÉå oÉlkÉÑÈ lÉÉÎxiÉ ÌuɱÉxÉqÉÈ xÉ™iÉç | Summer is winding down and autumn (the fall season) lÉÉÎxiÉ ÌuɱÉxÉqÉÇ ÌuɨÉÇ lÉÉÎxiÉ ÌuɱÉxÉqÉÇ xÉÑZÉqÉç || is about to make its advent among us. Many of us are finishing up our vacations and waiting for the school naasti-vidyaa-samo-bandhuh-naasti-vidyaa-samah-sahrut | year to begin. naasti-vidyaa-samam-vittam-naasti-vidyaa-samam-sukham

As the academic year begins for all students, we will There is no relative or friend equivalent to knowledge. be worshipping Lord Ganapati, the remover of There is no kindred equivalent to knowledge. There is obstacles and the grantor of knowledge and wisdom, no wealth equivalent to knowledge. There is no on Sri (´ÉÏ aÉhÉåzÉ cÉiÉÑÍjÉï), coming this happiness equivalent to knowledge. year on September 19. Knowledge reigns supreme. A learned man can Sri (´ÉÏ SåuÉÏ lÉuÉUȨ́É) will be celebrated always depend on his knowledge to survive, surmount in October this year. We will worship the Supreme obstacles, come up in the world, and achieve things in (SÒaÉÉï) in all her nine magnificent life. A knowledgeable man is always highly respected forms. In addition to the devout , devotees can and adored the world over. Knowledge is wealth; also sing, dance, and immerse themselves in the using one’s knowledge one can achieve much in this mesmerizing music and rhythms of Raas . A world and lead a happy and peaceful life. We should few days after Sri Devi Navaratri arrives Deepavali always respect knowledge and learning, and always strive to achieve more of the same. (SÏmÉÉuÉsÉÏ), the festival of lights. The highlight of this

Deepavali will be Sri Puja (´ÉÏ sɤqÉÏ mÉÔeÉÉ). Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara

In this issue, I present, with meanings, Sri Lakshmi xÉÉD mÉëåUhÉÉ Baba’s Teachings Ashtottara Shatanama– the 108 names of Sri Lakshmi. Dr. Padma Sundaram writes about Devi Parvathi, who is Adi (AÉÌSzÉÌ£ü), the primeval energy. In this section, we present a teaching of Sri Sai Baba.

We hope that readers will continue to enjoy reading Sri Sai Baba spoke thus – “Bad thoughts and these articles and gain some insight into our Sanatana habits, bad company, and bad food are hostile grounds Dharma. Let us all pray to the Paramaatma (mÉUqÉÉiqÉÉ) to where disease thrives. “Arogya” and “Ananda” go shower His blessings upon all His children!! hand in hand. A sense of elation and exultation keeps Sincerely, the body free from ill health. Evil habits, in which Your Editorial Board men indulge, are the chief cause of disease in the Web: www.bharatiyamandir.org physical as well as the mental state. Greed affects the Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-1 mind; disappointment makes man depressed. Man can 9. Vacha (uÉÉcÉ) – Goddess of speech justify his existence as man only by the cultivation of 10. Padmalaya (mÉ©ÉsÉrÉÉ) – One who resides on a lotus virtues. Then he becomes a worthy candidate for 11. Padma (mÉ©É) – Lotus Godhood.” 12. Shuchi (zÉÑÍcÉ) – Goddess of purity Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara

¥ÉÉlÉÌuÉWûÉU JnanaVihara

In this section, we present articles on , , , , and related philosophy.

Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram ´ÉÏ sɤqÉÏ A¹Éå¨ÉU zÉiÉlÉÉqÉ xiÉÉå§ÉqÉç

Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram is a very essential component in the worship of Sri Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and fortune. Ashtottara Shatanama means one hundred and eight (108) names. Here I present meanings of each of Devi’s 108 names in simple terms without going into any philosophical interpretations of any 13. Swaha (xuÉÉWûÉ) – Auspicious name. In a few 14. Swadha (xuÉkÉÉ) –Self-power places, I provide a simple explanation of a particular name. 15. Sudha (xÉÑkÉÉ) – Goddess of nectar 16. Dhanya (kÉlrÉÉ) – Nurse; One who takes care of Om MahaLakshmyai Namah others; Personification of gratitude Á qÉWûÉsɤqrÉæ lÉqÉÈ 17. Hiranmayi (ÌWûUhqÉrÉÏ) – Golden in appearance 18. Lakshmi (sɤqÉÏ) – Goddess of grace, wealth, royal 1. Prakruti (mÉëM×üÌiÉ) – Nature power, success, and prosperity 2. Vikruti (ÌuÉM×üÌiÉ) – Multi-faceted and changing 19. Nityapushta (ÌlÉirÉmÉѹÉ) – Well-supplied; Gaining aspect of nature strength day by day 3. Vidya (ÌuɱÉ) – Learning and scholarship 20. Vibhavari (ÌuÉpÉÉuÉUÏ) – One who is radiant-faced 4. Sarvabhootahitaprada (xÉuÉïpÉÔiÉÌWûiÉmÉëSÉ) – One who 21. (AÌSÌiÉ) – Limitless; Cosmic creatrix; Mother grants universal pleasures; One who looks after the of the Suras () welfare of all creatures in the world 22. (ÌSÌiÉ) – Brilliance; Mother of the and 5. Shraddha (´É®É) – One who is devoutly worshipped the 6. Vibhuti (ÌuÉpÉÔÌiÉ) – Goddess of greatness and fortune 23. Deepta (SÏmiÉÉ) – Flame-like; Blazing; Brilliant 7. Surabhi (xÉÑUÍpÉ) – Celestial; Virtuous 24. Vasudha (uÉxÉÑkÉÉ) – Goddess Earth (BhuDevi pÉÔSåuÉÏ) 8. Paramaatmika (mÉUqÉÉÎiqÉMüÉ) – Greatest; Exalted Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-2 25. Vasudharini (uÉxÉÑkÉÉËUhÉÏ) – Protector of the Earth 43. Padmakshi (mɩɤÉÏ) – One who has lotus-like eyes 26. Kamala (MüqÉsÉÉ) – Lotus 44. Padmasundari (mÉ©xÉÑlSUÏ) – One who is beautiful 27. Kantha (MüÉliÉÉ) – Consort of Lord like the lotus 28. Kamakshi (MüÉqÉɤÉÏ) – Goddess with attractive eyes 45. Padmodbhava (mÉ©Éå°uÉÉ) – One who emerges from 29. Kamalasambhava (MüqÉsÉxÉqpÉuÉÉ) – One who the lotus emerges from the lotus 46. Padmamukhi (mÉ©qÉÑZÉÏ) – Lotus-faced Goddess Note: in some versions of the Stotram, Sri Lakshmi is 47. Padmanabhapriya (mÉ©lÉÉpÉÌmÉërÉÉ) – Beloved of Lord referred to as Krodhasambhava (¢üÉåkÉxÉqpÉuÉÉ) – one Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) who emerged from anger – this refers to 48. Ramaa (UqÉÉ) – Pleaser of Lord Vishnu Mardini (qÉÌWûwÉÉxÉÑUqÉÌSïlÉÏ), where Devi manifested from 49. Padmamaladhara (mÉ©qÉÉsÉÉkÉUÉ) – One who wears a the combined anger energies of all the Gods in order garland of lotuses to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. 50. Devi (SåuÉÏ) – Goddess 51. Padmini (mÉÍ©lÉÏ) – Lotus-like 52. Padmagandhini (mÉ©aÉÎlkÉlÉÏ) – One who has a fragrance like the lotus 53. Punyagandha (mÉÑhrÉaÉlkÉÉ) – Divine-perfumed Goddess 54. Suprasanna (xÉÑmÉëxɳÉÉ) – Serene, ever-happy, and compassionate Goddess 55. Prasadabhimukhi (mÉëxÉÉSÉÍpÉqÉÑZÉÏ) – One who grants boons and wishes 56. Prabha (mÉëpÉÉ) – Goddess with radiance like the 57. Chandravadana (cÉlSìuÉSlÉÉ) – Goddess with a -like face 58. (cÉlSìÉ) – One who emerged after the 30. Anugrahaprada (AlÉÑaÉëWûmÉëSÉ) – One who grants Moon good wishes 59. Chandrasahodari 31. Buddhi (oÉÑή) – Goddess of intellect (cÉlSìxÉWûÉåSUÏ) – Sister 32. Anagha (AlÉbÉÉ) – Sinless; Pure of the Moon 33. Harivallabha (WûËUuÉssÉpÉÉ) – Consort of Lord Hari Note: After (Vishnu) SamudraManthana 34. Ashoka (AzÉÉåMüÉ) – One who dispels sorrows (xÉqÉÑSìqÉljÉlÉ) – the churning of the 35. Amrutha (AqÉ×iÉÉ) – Goddess of nectar (of ocean – by the immortality) Devas and Asuras 36. Deepta (SÏmiÉÉ) – Radiant; Flame-like; Blazing seeking Amrutha 37. Lokashokavinashini (sÉÉåMüzÉÉåMüÌuÉlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ) – One who (AqÉ×iÉ nectar of removes the troubles of the world immortality), 38. Dharmanilaya (kÉqÉïÌlÉsÉrÉÉ) – One who establishes Chandra the Moon eternal law (Dharma) arose from the 39. Karuna (MüÂhÉÉ) – Compassionate Goddess ocean first. Then Sri 40. Lokamata (sÉÉåMüqÉÉiÉÉ) – Universal Mother Lakshmi emerged. Therefore She is 41. Padmapriya (mÉ©ÌmÉërÉÉ) – One who loves the lotus referred to as the Sister of Chandra as well as the 42. Padmahasta (mÉ©WûxiÉÉ) – One who has lotus-like Daughter of the Ocean. hands 60. Chaturbhuja (cÉiÉÑpÉÑïeÉÉ) – Four-armed Goddess

Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-3 61. Chandrarupa (cÉlSìÃmÉÉ) – Beautiful like the Moon 85. Dhanadhanyakari (kÉlÉkÉÉlrÉMüUÏ) – One who bestows 62. Indira (CÎlSUÉ) – Beautiful; Radiant wealth and grains 63. Indusheetala 86. Siddhi (ÍxÉή) – Divine energy (ClSÒzÉÏiÉsÉÉ) – Calm 87. Straina-Soumya (x§ÉæhÉxÉÉæqrÉÉ) – One who displays like the Moon feminine composure and serenity 64. Ahladajanani 88. Shubhaprada (zÉÑpÉmÉëSÉ) – One who grants (AÉ¿ûÉSeÉlÉlÉÏ) – auspicious things Mother bestowing 89. Nrupaveshmagathananda (lÉ×mÉuÉåzqÉaÉiÉÉlÉlSÉ) – One happiness who happily goes to live in royal palaces 65. Pushti (mÉÑ̹) – 90. Varalakshmi (uÉUsɤqÉÏ) – One who grants boons (of Goddess of health prosperity) and nourishment 91. Vasuprada (uÉxÉÑmÉëSÉ) – One who bestows boons of 66. Shivaa (ÍzÉuÉÉ) – wealth and property (land) Goddess of 92. Shubha (zÉÑpÉÉ) – Symbol of auspiciousness auspiciousness ÌWûUhrÉmÉëÉMüÉUÉ 67. Shivakari 93. Hiranyaprakara ( ) – One who is (ÍzÉuÉMüUÏ) – surrounded by gold 94. Samudratanaya (xÉqÉÑSìiÉlÉrÉÉ) – Daughter of the Embodiment of auspiciousness; One who confers auspiciousness ocean 68. (xÉiÉÏ) – Devoted wife (of Lord Vishnu) 95. Jaya (eÉrÉÉ) – Goddess of victory 69. Vimala (ÌuÉqÉsÉÉ) – Pure 70. Vishwajanani (ÌuɵÉeÉlÉlÉÏ) – Universal Mother 71. Tushti (iÉÑ̹) – Goddess of contentment 72. Daridryanashini (SÉËUŸlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ) – Remover of poverty 73. Preeti Pushkarini (mÉëÏÌiÉmÉÑwMüËUhÉÏ) – Ocean of love and affection 74. (zÉÉliÉÉ) – Peaceful Goddess 75. Shuklamalyambara (zÉÑYsÉqÉÉsrÉÉqoÉUÉ) – One who wears white (pure) clothes 76. Sri (´ÉÏ) – Goddess of fortune 77. Bhaskari (pÉÉxMüUÏ) – Dazzling like the Sun 78. Bilvanilaya (ÌoÉsuÉÌlÉsÉrÉÉ) – One who resides under the Bilva tree 79. Vararoha (uÉUÉUÉåWûÉ) – Goddess who bestows wishes and boons 80. Yashaswini (rÉzÉÎxuÉlÉÏ) – Goddess of fame and fortune 81. Vasundhara (uÉxÉÑlkÉUÉ) – Mother Earth (Bhudevi) 82. Udaranga (ESÉUÉ…¡ûÉ) – One who has a beautiful body 96. MangalaDevi (qÉ…¡ûsÉÉSåuÉÏ) – Most auspicious 83. Harini (WûËUhÉÏ) – One who is deer-like Goddess 84. Hemamalini (WåûqÉqÉÉÍsÉlÉÏ) – One who wears golden 97. Vishnuvakshasthalasthitaa (ÌuÉwhÉÑuɤÉxjÉsÉÎxjÉiÉÉ) – garlands One who resides in Lord Vishnu's chest 98. Vishnupatni (ÌuÉwhÉÑmɦÉÏ) – Consort of Lord Vishnu Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-4 DEVI PARVATHI (SåuÉÏ mÉÉuÉïiÉÏ)

Parvathi is Shakti (zÉÌ£ü), the consort of Lord . Parvathi is considered as the complete incarnation or manifestation of Adi (AÉÌSmÉUÉzÉÌ£ü), and other related are her incarnations or manifestations. Parvathi is generally a benevolent incarnation, but she also has wrathful incarnations such as Durga, , Sheetaladevi, Chamundi, and . Her benevolent incarnations are , Bhuvaneshwari, Kamalaathmika, and Lalitha.

The name Parvathi is derived from the word Parvatha (mÉuÉïiÉ) which means mountain in Sanskrit. Parvathi means “She of the Mountain,” which refers to her being born to Himavan (ÌWûqÉuÉÉlÉç), Lord of the mountain – the personification of the (ÌWûqÉÉsÉrÉ). Her other names associated with the mountains are Girija (ÌaÉËUeÉÉ daughter of the mountain), (zÉæsÉmÉѧÉÏ daughter of the mountain). Parvathi is also 99. Prasannakshi (mÉëxɳÉɤÉÏ) – Lively-eyed sometimes 100. Narayana-Samashrita (lÉÉUÉrÉhÉxÉqÉÉÍ´ÉiÉÉ) – One who considered as a seeks refuge in Lord Narayana (Vishnu) form of Pavitra 101. Daridryadhwamsini (SÉËUŸkuÉÇÍxÉlÉÏ) – One who (mÉÌuɧÉ), which eliminates (destroys) poverty means sinless or holy in Sanskrit. 102. Devi (SåuÉÏ) – Goddess

103. Sarvopadravanivarini (xÉuÉÉåïmÉSìuÉÌlÉuÉÉËUhÉÏ) – One Parvathi is the who dispels all forms of unhappiness and troubles second wife of 104. (lÉuÉSÒaÉÉï) – Manifestation of all nine Lord Shiva. Sati forms of Durga (xÉiÉÏ) was his 105. (qÉWûÉMüÉsÉÏ) – Goddess Kali first wife. Sati was the daughter of King ; so 106. -Vishnu-Shivaatmika (oÉë¼ÌuÉwhÉÑÍzÉuÉÉÎiqÉMüÉ) she is also called Daakshayani (SɤÉÉrÉhÉÏ). In Shiva – Embodying the energies of Lord Brahma, Lord Purana it is stated that Sati married Lord Shiva against Vishnu, and Lord Shiva the wishes of her father. Once when King Daksha 107. Trikalajnanasampanna (̧ÉMüÉsÉ¥ÉÉlÉxÉÇmɳÉÉ) – One performed a great he did not invite Lord Shiva. who possesses knowledge of the past, the present and But still, Sati went to her father’s house to attend the the future yajna. Daksha did not acknowledge Sati and offer her 108. Bhuvaneshwari (pÉÑuÉlÉåµÉUÏ) – Supreme Goddess of the Prasad, nor did he give Prasad for Lord Shiva. Instead he humiliated her and Lord Shiva in front of the Universe all people assembled at the yajna. Sati became very hurt and desolate and she ended her life in the fire of Contributed by Dr. Narasim Banavara the yajna.

Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-5 After the death of Sati, Lord Shiva became very even a leaf!! Thus she came to be called Aparna depressed and he went into deep in the (AmÉhÉï). Even after her severe penance, Lord Shiva snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. was not convinced of her affections. He wanted to test her. So he came in disguise of an old man and started talking ill of Shiva and criticizing him. But Parvathi was steadfast in her feelings for Lord Shiva and still wanted to marry Him. Lord Shiva was pleased and consented to the marriage.

After the wedding, Lord Shiva took Parvathi to Kailas. was reborn again as the Lord and Parvathi become one. The divine couple had two sons, Lord (aÉhÉåzÉ) and Lord Subramanya (xÉÑoÉë¼hrÉ), also known as Karthikeyan (MüÉÌiÉïMåürÉ) or Murugan (qÉÑÂaÉ). Parvathi gave a Shula (zÉÔsÉ spear) to Murugan and taught him to be a warrior. Murugan then killed the Taraka and won the Heavens back for the Devas.

Devi Parvathi is At about the same time, the , led by Taraka, usually represented became very active and drove the Gods (Devas) out of as a fair and Heaven. The Devas pleaded with Lord Brahma to help beautiful woman them. Lord Brahma told them that a warrior that could sitting beside Lord kill Taraka could only be born to Lord Shiva. Shiva, holding a

fully blossomed But Lord Shiva was oblivious to all this and continued blue lotus in one his deep meditation. He had renounced all the worldly hand and showing affairs and had turned a deaf ear to the Devas’ plight the Abhaya Mudra and their request for him to get married again. (ApÉrÉqÉÑSì granting In the Brahma Vaivarata Purana (oÉë¼uÉæuÉiÉï mÉÑUÉhÉ) it is protection to her devotees) in the stated that Sati appeared before Lord Shiva in her other hand. The divine form and assured him that she would incarnate divine couple has as Parvathi. one of the sons on

their lap. Devi has Parvathi is said to have been very keenly interested in a languid appearance to her eyes as if she has just Lord Shiva even as a small child. As she grew up to become a beautiful woman, she tried to please Lord emerged from deep meditation. Her (uÉÉWûlÉ Shiva by serving him constantly. But Lord Shiva was vehicle) is the mountain which is native to the so engrossed in his meditation that he did not notice Himalayas. Parvathi. In desperation Parvathi invoked Riti and Priti (Goddesses of love and longing). They entered Parvathi has many incarnations or manifestations into Lord Shiva’s cave and transformed it into a (AuÉiÉÉU). Generally she is very benign, but she has a pleasure garden. Then Kama (MüÉqÉ of desire) shot violent side as well. When the Gods approached her to his arrows dripping with desire into Lord Shiva. The vanquish the demoness Daruka, she got angry and Lord became very angry and opened his third eye and Kali (MüÉsÉÏ) emerged from her to destroy the burnt Kama to ashes. demoness. This is described in . In Skanda Purana, Parvathi assumes the form of the Parvathi then went into the forest to perform severe warrior Goddess Durga (SÒaÉÉï) to vanquish the penance ( iÉmÉxÉç). She did not eat anything, not demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-6 Parvathi is also called Gauri (Gowri aÉÉæUÏ) – meaning A³ÉmÉÔhÉåï xÉSÉmÉÔhÉåï zɃ¡ûUÈmÉëÉhÉuÉssÉpÉå | fair complexioned. Parvathi is generally described to ¥ÉÉlÉuÉæUÉarÉ ÍxÉSèkrÉjÉïÇ ÍpɤÉÉÇ SåÌWû cÉ mÉÉuÉïiÉÏ || be dark-complexioned. Lord Shiva once made fun of qÉÉiÉÉ cÉ mÉÉuÉïiÉÏ SåuÉÏ ÌmÉiÉÉ SåuÉÉå qÉWåûµÉUÈ | her dark complexion. She became enraged and, with oÉÉlkÉuÉÉÈ ÍzÉuÉpÉ£üÉ¶É xuÉSåzÉÉå pÉÑuÉlɧÉrÉqÉç || her yogic powers, pulled off all her black skin and thus emerged fair- skinned Gauri.

Devi Parvathi is also (A³ÉmÉÔhÉÉï). In Sanskrit annam (A³É) means food and purna (mÉÔhÉÉï) means full. That is, Devi Annapurna is the giver of food. She is Annapurneshwari (A³ÉmÉÔhÉåïµÉUÏ the Goddess of food).

The story goes that Lord Shiva and Parvathi were playing dice and started betting. In the process, Lord Shiva lost everything, including his trident. He anna-poorne-sada-poorne-shankarah-prana-vallabhe became desolate and started roaming in the forest. jnanavairagya-siddhyartham-bhikshan-dehica-parvathi Lord Vishnu came there and asked him why he was mata-ca-parvathi-devi-pita-devo-maheshvarah roaming thus. Lord Shiva told him what had bandhavah-shiva-bhaktascha-svadesho-bhuvana- happened. Then Lord Vishnu urged him to go back trayam and play so that he could win everything back. Lord Shiva did as he was told and won everything back. Parvathi’s other forms are (qÉÏlÉɤÉÏ) in Parvathi did not believe this and said that Lord Shiva , Kamakshi (MüÉqÉɤÉÏ) in , had cheated. She got angry and withheld nourishment Vishalakshi (ÌuÉzÉÉsÉɤÉÏ) in , Vaishnavi Devi to all creatures. Seeing this, Lord (uÉæwhÉuÉÏSåuÉÏ ) in , and Vishnu went to Chamundeshwari (cÉÉqÉÑhQåûµÉUÏ) in . Her most Kailas and told talked about incarnation is Sri Lalitha Maha Parvathi that he was Sundari (´ÉÏ sÉÍsÉiÉÉ qÉWûȨ́ÉmÉÑUxÉÑlSUÏ), which merits a responsible for her separate write-up in a future issue of Dharma defeat. Sandesh.

Then Lord Shiva There are several temples in where forms of brought a bowl Devi Parvathi are predominantly worshipped. Some of and stood in front of them are: Parvathi and begged in Mysore, for food. Parvathi Annapurneshwari temple in Horanadu, Karnataka was so moved that temple in Kollur, Karnataka she filled his bowl so Annapurneshwari temple in Varanasi, that each and every one of God’s creation could be in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh fed. There is a shloka for Devi Annapurna which is temple in Ambaji, recited before eating food. This shloka is easy to learn temple in Khajuraho, and, if recited daily, no one will be without food. Dakshineshwar Kali temple in Kolkata, temple in Bilaspur, Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-7 Devi temple in , Uttarakhand Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu&Kashmir Some Upcoming Special Mandir Events temple in Tiruvananthapuram, Sri Ganesh Chaturthee Wednesday, Sep 19 temple near Cochin, Kerala Akhilandeshwari temple in Tiruvanikkaval, Sri Ganesh Chaturthee Saturday, Sep 22 Celebrations at Mandir Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Mahalaya (Shraadh) Sunday, Sep 30 until Paksh Monday, Oct 15 Sri Devi Navaratri Tuesday, Oct 16 begins Raas Garba Friday, Oct 19

Mata ki Chowki Saturday, Oct 20

Sri Sunday, Oct 21

Nav Chandi Yajna Monday, Oct 22

Vijaya Dashami Wednesday, Oct 24 (Dussehra) Sharad Monday, Oct 29

Karva Chowth Friday, Nov 2

Deepavali (Sri Maha Tuesday, Nov 13 ) Nav Varsh (New Year) Wednesday, Nov 14

Annakut Sunday, Nov 18

Sri Tulasi Vivah Saturday, Nov 24

Dev Deepavali Wednesday, Nov 28 (Purnima)

Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu Mrs. Mallika and Dr. Nambi Salgunan have generously sponsored the printing of copies of this Abhirami temple in Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. issue of Dharma Sandesh. Devotees may note that all the writing of the content and the editing of the In conclusion, it is said that Devi Parvathi represents newsletter are strictly voluntary. parts of ourselves where creativity brings forth nourishment even in the midst of rejection and Our quarterly newsletter is called “Dharma disapproval. She is a wonderful affirmation that there Sandesh” (kÉqÉïxÉlSåzÉ). “Dharma”, in simple are no limits to what a woman can do when she uses terms, refers to righteousness, conduct, a sense of her spiritual energy to attain any goal she chooses. duty, virtue, and the ultimate truth. “Sandesh” means a message or news. So, Dharma Sandesh References: Wikipedia – www.hindugoddess.com refers to a message of Dharma. Hinduwebsite.com, Linga Purana Dharma Sandesh Newsletter Editorial Board: Mr. Om Arora Dr. Narasim Banavara Contributed by Dr. Padma Sundaram. Dr. K.N. Sundaram Dr. Padma Sundaram

Dharma Sandesh Volume 4 Issue 2 Sep2012-Nov2012 Page-8