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March 2019 Volume: 5 Issue: 02

GURUVĀṆI ‘Bharatiya Dharma did not teach philosophy only. It has propounded valor to vanquish evil forces surrounding oneself. The Rudradhyaya of Yajurveda spelled this quite distinctly. Siva shall perform chivalrous dance in every soldier driving enemies out. Else, we can't stay safe. Many forces attempting to destabilize the country are again coming to the forefront. We all should standby the brave soldiers and pronounce our moral support at this hour of need.

– Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Dear Readers, Namaste. With your patronage, Title Page# 1 Bhava! Harā! Mṛḍā! Śivā! 1 ‘Aarshavani’ is in its fifth year. We take 2 Siva Padam - Hē Viśvanātha! Kāśī patē! 2 this opportunity to express our 3 nīlakaṇṭhēśvara - kāntārthāmala mūrti! 2 gratitude for your continuous support. 4 Traditions – Fulfilments – March 2019 – Maha 3 Maha Sivaratri is one of the major Sivaratri Special festivals celebrated across the Hindu 5 Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa 5 diaspora all over the world. This issue 6 Major Festivals in This Month 6 features interesting articles about Siva 7 Śiva Himself is ‘Pan̄cāyatanaṁ’ 7 Tattva and Kalyana. Along with regular 8 The Eternal - Ālayas – Attacks by Invaders 8 series such as 'Garuda Mahapurana' and 9 Śrī Sūktam 9 'Sri Adi Sankara Jnana Yagnam', this 10 Śiva jñānaṁ - Bāla Śiva 10 year's 'Rushipeetham Puraskaram' is 11 Spectacular Moments In Śiva Pārvatī Kaḷyāṇaṁ 12 announced. We request our readers to 12 Śrī Ādi Śaṅkara Jñāna Yajñaṁ - Bhaja Gōvindam 13 13 Hindu Dharma – Form, Nature and Effect 14 encourage children to read/participate 14 Sanatana Dharma Around the World 14 in 'Children's Corner', as this has been 15 Children’s Corner – Bala Siksha 15 started for them to inculcate spirituality, Vedic Mathematics - Sūtrās 16 arouse passion about the vast treasure 16 The Mahabharata True Story from Sage 17 of knowledge present in Sanatana Veda Vyasa - Siva Leelas in Mahabharata Dharma and Bharatadesa, and instill 17 Readers Question(s) 17 pride in their roots of Sanatana 18 Announcements 18 Dharma. 19 Photo Gallery 20 To express your views about this e- magazine, please write to [email protected] with the subject line ‘VIEW’. Thanks & Namaste, Aarshavani Team. Aarshavani FaceBook

Bhava! Harā! Mṛḍā! Śivā! SĀMAVĒDĪYAṀ Pushpadanta’s (also known as Vararuchi or (QUINTESSENCE OF SANATANA DHARMA) Maharshi Katyayana) Siva Mahimna Stuti is “Practice DHARMA. Take refuge in one of the very efficacious stotras on Lord ESWARA. This is the gist of all Sastras. Siva. It is pregnant with many intricacies of Practice while taking refuge. Take refuge mantra, yoga, and tattva of Siva. Following while practicing. Practice of apt Dharma sloka illustrates the four very venerable names of Siva, who orchestrates the entire without any confusion is possible only universe with the three dominant qualities with the grace of Eswara” of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas and also - Brahmasri Dr.Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. propounds His true nature of ‘Supreme Upcoming Pravachanams Bliss’, which is beyond the three qualities Date: Mar 4, 2019 6:30 PM that is devoid of any quality. Topic: “Sivāradhana” Venue: Kshipra Ganapati Devalaya, bahula rajase viśvotpattau bhavāya namo namaḥ । Saket Hindu Dharmika Samajam prabala-tamase tat saṃhāre harāya namo namaḥ । Saket, Hyderabad jana sukhakṛte sattvodriktau mṛḍāya namo namaḥ । Contact: C.A.R Gopalrao 9849612957 KVL Ramesh 8247884291 pramahasi pade nistraiguṇye śivāya namo namaḥ ।। Devi Prasad 9347565075

‘Salutations to You in the name of ' bhavā' in as much as You create the world Date: Mar 7 - 29, 2019 by taking the `rajas' as the dominant quality; salutations to You in the name Venue: New Zealand of `harā' in as much as You destroy the world by taking the `tamas' as the Contact: Govardhan Mallela 0064-96245922 Email: [email protected] 0064-211455708 dominant quality; salutations to You in the name of `mṛḍā', in as much as You maintain, protect and grant joy to the world by taking `sattva' as the Date: Mar 30 – Apr 3, 2019 dominant quality. Again, salutations to You in the name of śivā in as much Venue: Singapore Contact: Ratna Kumar 0065-91735360 as You are beyond the above-mentioned three qualities and are the seat of the Email: [email protected] supreme bliss.’ Date: Apr 8 - 12, 2019 6:30 PM This sloka depicts the Lord as the Creator, One who gives happiness, and Topic: “Srimad Bhagavatam” Vanquisher of the universe along with His true nature of Ever Venue: Zilla Parishad High School, Kalindi Auspiciousness. Contact: NV Narasimha Raju 9490642168

bhavā – Creator; śivā in the form of Brahma is known as ‘bhavā’. When the Date: Apr 14 - 22, 2019 6:30 PM quality rajas is abundantly overriding within, creation of universe and the Topic: “Sundara Kanda Visesha Arthaalato” creatures within happens at the behest of śiva. Venue: Smt. Velagapudi Durgamba Prabhutva Mahila Degree Kalasala, mṛḍā – One who gives delight; śivā in the form of Vishnu is known as Nidadavolu . ‘mṛḍā’. When the quality of Sattva is presiding, all the creatures in the Contact: Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsava universe are overjoyed at the behest of śiva. Committee 9440879685; 9908425940

harā –Destroyer; śivā in the form of Rudra is known as ‘harā’. When the (For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar) quality of tamas is exceedingly exposing, entire universe is destroyed and Traditions-Fulfilments

merged at the behest of śiva. Chanting of following sloka ensures These three denote the three syllables of Aumkara ‘A’, ‘U’, and ‘M’. The last the availability of food and water state ‘Turiya’ represented by an effulgent halo of blissful light, which is without any suffering beyond the three states and three qualities, is denoted by ‘śivā’. Hence, śivā ādityaścha upēndraśca is that supreme consciousness which is serene, exa lted, aberrationless, cakrapāṇirmahēśvaraḥ | emotionless, and devoid of guna. Everyone willing to reach that supreme daṇḍapāṇiḥ pratāpīsyāt state should inevitably worship śivā. –Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. kṣuttrḍ̥ bādhā na jāyatē || (Adapted from ‘Siva Mahimna Stotram’ Pravachanam)

vasurvaruṇa sōmau ca Sadhu Vachanam sarasvatī ca sāgaraḥ | "Be like a tree. The tree gives shade even to him who cuts off its boughs.” pa n caī t ā n sansmar ē dyastu - Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. trṣ̥ ātasya na bādhatē || Those who reminisce Aditya, Upendra, Bharateeyam Chakrapani, Maheswara, and "The apparent multiplication of gods is bewildering at the first glance, chivalrous Dandapani shall not suffer but you soon discover that they are the same GOD. There is always one from hunger. Those who reminisce uttermost God who defies personification. This makes Hinduism the Vasu, Varuna, Soma, Saraswati, and most tolerant religion in the world, because its one transcendent God Sagara shall not suffer from thirst. includes all possible gods." - George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright.

Spiritual Quest

(Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma) I don’t know how to chant Rudra Namakam. I worship a silver Śiva Linga daily. Off late, some are saying that Śiva should be worshipped only with Rudram and Śiva Linga should not be kept at home. Are these statements true? What you heard is not true. Having a Śiva Linga at home and performing worship grants holistic affluence. Abhishek need not be performed with only Rudram. Abhishek can be performed reciting the names of Śiva or Astotra namas. If nothing is possible, Abhishek can be performed just chanting ‘Śivāya Nama:’ Regular worship of Śiva at home is very auspicious. Everyone can perform worship of Śivā, though more stipulations are prescribed for Bana Linga, Sphatika Linga, Salagrama etc. Those should only be taken under guidance of proper Gurus. Still, worship of silver Śivā Linga is good. Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 1

Siva Padam

Hē Viśvanātha! Kāśī patē! Śrī viśālākṣī patē! Namōstutē!

Gaṅgātīra nitya vihāra! Śr̥ṅgārita himakiraṇa kiśōra! Aṅgajabhaṅga! Yamāntaka! Dhīra! Bhr̥ṅgi nandi parivēṣṭita! Bhavahara!

Maṇikarṇikādi tīrtha niṣēvita! Ghr̥ṇilōlārkādi divija vandita! Ghr̥ṇākara! Bindumādhavārcita! Gaṇanāyaka ḍhuṇḍhidēva mōdita!

Dhanurākārānanda vanē ghanē Click to listen Vinatāmaranuta mōkṣanagarē Anupamāvimuktē umayā saha kāntārthāmala mūrti! nī yeḍala Aniśam khēlasi ṣaṇmukha janaka! śrṅ̥ gāram'mu paṇḍen, sudhā

This ‘Siva Padam’ composition extolls Sri Kāśī Viśvanātha. All the kāntul cindu śaśāṅka puṣpamunu principal deities of Kāśī are venerated here. Sri Viśvanātha, decorated siṅgārin̄ci, vairāgyamā with a crescent moon, always enjoys wandering along the banks of river pontan, nippulaboṭṭu, kāṭipoḍi Ganga. He is the chivalrous who fired Manmatha, the God of love, and restrained Yama, the God of death. He is residing in this Kṣētra as one maipūtal, gaḷam'mandu sai who grants liberation vanishing the mundane containing desires and rintal nalladanam'mu kanpaḍe time bound death. Entire retinue of Nandi, Bhrungi and others are smarārī! nīlakaṇṭhēśvarā! living here serving the Lord. O embodiment of beauty! You know the sharpening in decoration. You are ‘Kāntārdhamalamūrtī’ i.e. one who gave half of His body to His wife; You have decorated Yourself with ‘Śaśāṅka puṣpaṁ’ i.e. the moon flower radiating the hues of nectarine; Meanwhile, Your third eye radiating fire, pyre ashes smeared all over the body, poison in the In this city of Varanasi which is the abode of teerthas such as throat, and burning Manmatha, the god Manikarnika and others, Adityas such as Lolarka and others, Vishnus of love are indicating His renunciation. such as Bindu Madhava and others, Ganapati such as Dhundhi and One can clearly see the signs of complete others are living happily bestowing joy to others. Shakti Visalakshi is renunciation in You, without even a trace the Empress here. Thus, this city of Viśvanātha is flourishing as the the of mundane. city of ‘Panchayatana’. Bow shaped city Kāśī is matchless. The Father of This poem in ‘Śri Nīlakaṇṭhēśvara Shanmukha is wandering here in this city of Kāśī, also called Śatakaṁ’ is an excellent and unique ‘Anandavana’ and ‘’Avimuktam’, along with Umadevi and is always combination of diversity in manifestation bestowing His grace. and unity in unmanifested form of Lord This composition is set to tune in ‘Pahad’ raga by Sri Malladi Suribabu Śiva. garu and sung by Sri Malladi brothers. About ‘nīlakaṇṭhēśvara’ in Sri Samavedam garu’s own words (Adapted from ‘Siva Padam’ Album composed by Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu) “‘Umā sahāyaṁ paramēśvara vibhum trilōcanaṁ nīlakaṇṭhaṁ praśāntam…’ – About ‘Siva Padam’ Meditation upon the form of nīlakaṇṭha along with Uma is certain to grant At a very young age, Sri Samavedam garu penned more than 1000 Mōkṣa, says Upanishad. compositions as ‘Siva Padam’ explaining the unfathomable and inscrutable ‘nīlakaṇṭhēśvara’ name demonstrates philosophy of Lord Siva under an intense spell of deep concentration and the infinite compassion and efficacy of meditation. Apart from standing out as a monumental literary and poetical Siva. He held ‘Hālāhalaṁ’, the dreadful work, this aids in the reach out to the common folklore through music, poison terrorizing the three worlds in dance and other forms of arts instilling the faith in eternal values of Indian His throat, to save the worlds dwelling culture and philosophy. inside Him and existing outside. Many noted singers such as Sri SP Bala Subrahmanyam, Sri Garimella Mentioning the same, my father Balakrishna Prasad, Sri Malladi brothers, Smt. SP Sailaja etc. rendered Brahmasri Samavedam Ramamurthy these compositions melodiously released in multiple albums titled Sarma garu ordered me to compose a Sataka with the title line etc. ‘nīlakaṇṭhēśvara’.” Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved.

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 2

Traditions – Fulfilments – March 2019 – Maha Sivaratri Special

1) Śivarātrisama ṁ nāsti vrataṁ pā pakṣayāpahaṁ | yatkrtv̥ ā sarvapāpēbhyō mucyatē nātra sanśayaḥ || upavāsaṁ kariṣyanti jāgarēṇa samanvitaṁ yathōkta| śāstramārgēṇa tēṣāṁ mōkṣō na sanśayaḥ || =>To destroy all evils, there is no vratam equal to Sivaratri vratam. There is not even an iota of doubt that one who performs jagarana i.e. staying awake without sleeping along with fasting as stipulated in scriptures shall certainly obtain liberation. 2) Śivarātrāvahōrātraṁ nirāhārō jitēndriyaḥ, arcayēdvā yathā n'yāyyaṁ yathā balamavan̄cakaḥ, yatphalaṁ mamapūjāyāṁ varṣamēkaṁ nirantaraṁ, tatphalaṁ labhatē sadyaḥ śivarātrau madarcanāt => On Sivaratri day, one should control senses and worship Lord Siva to the best of their ability doing fasting etc. Thus, one can obtain the merits of performing worship of Siva for one full year just by performing the Sivaratri vratam on this day. 3) Those performing Sivaratri vrata should do this sankalpa – Dēva dēva mahādēva nīlakaṇṭha namōఽstutē | kartumicchāmyahaṁ dēva! Śivarātrivrataṁ tava || tava prabhāvāt dēvēśa! Nirvighnēna bhavēditi | kāmadyāḥ śatravō māṁ vai pīḍāṁ kurvantu naiva hi || 4) After the worship, hold flowers in hand, recite the following sloka and offer to Lord Siva - Anēnaivōpavāsēna yajjātaṁ phalamēva ca tēnaiva prīyatāṁ dēvaḥ śaṅkaraḥ sukhadāyakaḥ. | Niyamō yō mahādēva krtḁ ścaiva tvadājñayā visrjyat̥ ē mayā svāmin vrataṁ jātamanuttamaṁ || Vratēnānēna dēvēśa yathāśakti krt̥ ēna ca santuṣṭō bhava śarvādya krp̥ āṁ kuru mamōpari | Puṣpān̄jaliṁ śivē datvā dadyāddāna yathāvidhi namaskrtyḁ śivāyaiva niyamaṁ taṁ visarjayēt || This bestows Lord Siva’s grace completely. 5) Aṣṭamī sōmavārē ca kr̥ṣṇapakṣē caturdaśī caturṣvapi baliṣṭhaṁ hi śivarātrivrataṁ hare => Ashtami, Monday, Fourteenth day of dark fortnight (Krishnapaksha Chaturdasi i.e. Masa Sivaratri), and Maha Sivaratri – These four are preeminent for Siva’s worship.

EFFICACY OF SIVA’S PRASADAM 6) āgataṁ śivanaivēdyaṁ grh̥ ītvā śirasā mudā |bhakṣaṇīyaṁ prayatnēna śivasmaraṇa pūrvakaṁ || => Partake Siva prasadam happily after chanting His name and bowing down with devotion. 7) na yasya śivanaivēdya grahaṇēcchā prajāyatē | sa pāpiṣṭhō gariṣṭhaḥ syāt narakaṁ yātyapi dhrvḁ ṁv|| => Those who does not feel partaking the naivedya offered to Siva are great sinners. There is no doubt that they shall reach hell. 8) caṇḍādhikārō yatrāsti tadbhāktavyaṁ na mānavaiḥ | caṇḍādhikārō nō yatra bhōktavyaṁ tacca bhaktitaḥ || Bāṇaliṅgē calau hē ca siddhēliṅgē svayambhuvi | pratimāsu ca sarvāsu na caṇḍōdhikrt̥ ō bhavēt || => Siva’s naivedya should not be partaken in temples where Caṇḍēśwara has rights. But, because Caṇḍēśwara has no rights in those places where there are Bana Lingas, Siddha Lingas, Swayambhu Lingas, one should devoutly partake prasadam there.

9) sālagrāmōdbhavēlīṅg ē rasaliṅgē tathā dvijāḥ | pāṣāṇē rājatē svarṇē surasid'dha pratiṣṭhitē || kāśmīrē sphāṭikē rātnē jyōtirliṅgēṣu sarvaśaḥ | cāndrāyaṇa samaṁ prōktaṁ śambhurnaivēdya bhakṣaṇāt || =>If one partakes prasadam offered to Salagram (Bana Linga), Padarasa Linga (Mercury Linga), Linga made with stone, gold, crystal, and gems, Linga installed by Dwijas, Siddhas, and gods, and Jyotirlingas, one gets the merit of performing chandrayana vratam with many atonements.

SIN OF ABUSING THE DEVOTEES OF SIVA 10) yē nindanti mahēśvaraṁ trijagatāmādhārabhūtaṁ haraṁ | yē nindanti tripuṇḍradhāraṇakaraṁ dōṣastu taddarśanē || tēvai saṅkara sūkarāsura khara śvakrōṣṭu kīṭōpamaṁ | jātā ēva bhavanti pāpa paramāstē nārakāḥ kēvalaṁ || => Those who abuse Siva, His devotees wearing tripundras take many births as animals, birds, and experience torture in hell. 11) prātardakṣiṇavadanō madhyāhnē śabararūpadhārī ca | sāyaṁ girijāyuktastrēdhā hyēkōఽpi bhāsi paramaśiva || => Though it is the same ONE SIVA, worshipping Him in the form of Dakshinamurti in morning, Adi Kirata in afternoon, and along with His consort Parvati in evening bestows the grace of Lord Siva.

UPACHARAS TO SIVA AND MERITS THEREBY abhiṣēkāt ātmaśuddhiḥ gandhāt puṇyamavāpnuyāt | āyuḥ trpti̥ śca naivēdyāt dhūpāt arthamavāpyatē || dīpāt jñānamavāpnōti tāmbūlāt bhōgamāpnuyāt | tasmāt snānādikaṁ ṣaṭkaṁ prayatnēna prasādayēt ||

Upachara Result abhiṣēka - Bathing ātmaśuddhiḥ - Purification of the Self Gandha – Sandalwood paste puṇyam – goodness Naivēdya – Offering something to eat āyuḥ trpti̥ – Longevity, Contentment Dhūpa – Incense Artham - Prosperity Dīpa – Lamp Jñānam - Knowledge Tāmbūla – Beetel leaves mixed with nut Bhōgam - Pleasures

Hence, one should make effort to perform at least these six upacharas to Lord Siva.

EFFICACY OF BILVA TREE

That house which has Bilva tree is the abode of Mother Lakshmi.

1) puṇyatīrthāni yāvanti lōkēṣu prathitān'yapi tāni sarvāṇi tīrthāni bilvamūlē vasanti hi => All the holy tirthas of three worlds are present at the root of Bilva tree in subtle form.

2) bilvamūlē mahādēvaṁ liṅgarūpiṇamavyayaṁ | yaḥ pūjayati puṇyātmā sa śivaṁ prāpnuyāt dhrvḁ ṁ || => One who places Siva Linga at the root of Bilva tree and worships shall be meritorious and attain oneness with Siva.

3) bilvamūlē jalairyastu mūrthānamabhiṣin̄cati, sa sarvatīrtha snātaḥsyāt sa ēva bhuvi pāvanaḥ. => One who sprinkles water from the root of Bilva tree on head obtains the merit of bathing in many tirthas and becomes holy.

GARUḌA MAHĀ PURĀṆA Part 3

Garuda Purana also narrates the following –

Few chapters list the characteristic features of cows, horses, identification of different breeds of cows and horses, their common problems and remedies etc.

Some chapters explain the rules of grammar – Vyakarana, Chandas (metre) etc. Here, it is important to understand that only a highly civilized society can propound such exalted concepts.

Some chapters expound on Yoga. Almost entire Yoga Sastra of Patanjali has been narrated here.

Efficacy of Garuda Purana and the benefits accrued by concentrated and devout reading with complete faith are mentioned in many places throughout the Purana. For the sake of authenticity and credibility, some of those slokas as told by Vishnu to Rudra are given below as-is –

vidyā kīrti prabhā lakṣmi jayārōgyādi kārakam | ya: paṭhē ccruṇuyādrdr̥ ā sarvavit śivam vrajēt || ya: paṭhēt śr̥ṇuyādvāpi śrāvayēdvā samāhita: | sallikhē lēkhayēdvāpi dhārayēt pustakantu nanu || dharmārthī prāpnuyāt dharmam arthārthī ca arthamāpnuyāt | putrārthī labhatē putrān kāmārthī kāmamāpnuyāt || vidyārthī labhatē vidyān jayārthī labhatē jayam | brahmahatyādinā pāpi pāpa śuddhamavāpnuyāt || vandhyāpi labhatē putrān kanyā vindati satpatim | kṣēmārthī labhatē kṣēmam bhōgārthī bhōgamāpnuyāt || maṅgaḷārthī maṅgaḷāni guṇārthī guṇamāpnuyāt | kāvyārthī kavitvaṁ ca sārārthī ca sāramāpnuyāt || jñānārthī labhatē jñānaṁ sarva sansāra mardanam | idaṁ svarcayanaṁ dhanyaṁ gāruḍē garuḍēritaṁ || na akālē maraṇaṁ tasya ślōkamēkaṁ ya: Paṭhēt | ślōkārdhaṁ ya: Paṭhēt duṣṭa śatr ̥ vināśayat ||

One will obtain knowledge, fame, luster, wealth, victory, and good health. For those aspiring dharma, wealth, progeny, desire fulfilment, knowledge, and victory, they shall certainly obtain those. Those who committed Brahmahatya i.e. sin of killing the Brahman (Brahman here means Vedas, Cows, Brahmins living following Vedic stipulations etc.) shall be absolved. Even a barren woman conceives child. A girl gets a good husband. Those desirous of welfare, pleasures, auspiciousness, good qualities, and excellent poetry shall certainly achieve them. Finally, this also has the power to completely remove ignorance and grant the Supreme. Even reading of one sloka completely or half sloka avoids untimely death and destroys one’s enemies. This is the ‘Garuda Vidya’ that came from Garuda himself. ‘Garuda Vidya’ removes the malefic effect of toxins. When the great Maharshi Kasyapa was immersed in the ecstasy of listening to this Purana, he happened to see a burning tree which immediately turned green, due to the efficacy of listening Garuda Purana. This indicates that there is power of ambrosia in this Purana correlating with the episode that it is Garuda who brought the ambrosia from heaven. Lord Vishnu told Rudra, “Know that Garuda Purana is My form.”

yathā surāṇāṁ pravarō janārdhanō yadāyudhānāṁ pravaraṁ sudarśanaṁ | tathā purāṇēṣu ca gāruḍan̄ca mukhyaṁ tathārat hari tattva darśanē ||

As Lord Vishnu in gods, Sudarshana in weapons, Garuda Purana is the prime most among Puranas to expound philosophy of Lord Hari. Garuda Purana turns one towards the ultimate goal of life – understand the philosophy of Vishnu and attain liberation. Hence, this should be devoutly studied always, but not just when someone departs. However, it should be noted that reading the above mentioned sixteen chapters in those ten days when someone left their mortal coil enables them to reach an elevated state. One should hold Garuda Purana steadfast, if one truly wants to know, understand and realize the ultimate Self. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (Adapted from ‘Garuda Mahā Purāṇam’ Pravachanam) (To be continued…)

Major Festivals In This Month

Friday 01.03.2019 Magha Bahula Dasami to Sunday 31.03.2019 Phalguna Bahula Ekadasi Phalguna, the second month in the season of autumn, yields bi-fold benefits for any god related activities. The nama ‘"Śiśiraḥ śarvarī kara:" in Sri Vishnu Sahasanama mentioning the name of this season itself denotes the significance of autumn. In this month, Lord Narayana controls with ‘Govinda’ nama. ‘Govinda’ is principal nama even among the three names of Namatraya mantra ‘Achyuta Ananta Govinda’. Srimad Bhagavata Purana also mentions that this month is dear to Lord Vishnu. Phalguni star is related to gods. Before the star Purvaphalguni, scriptures mention that Sun will be in the form of god known as ‘Aryama’ with more lustre and is followed by other gods.

MAGHA MONTH

02.03.2019 – Saturday Vijaya Ekadashi – Performing Ekadashi Vratam on this day grants victory in obtaining all the four purposes of life – chaturvidha purushartha. Hence, this Ekadashi became popular as Vijaya Ekadashi.

04.03.2019 – Monday Maha Sivaratri - Very efficacious day on which Paramasiva manifested as ‘Linga’ without beginning and end at midnight. This day coming on a Monday is alabhya yoga i.e. an uncommon boon. Sivaratri Vrata comprises of Upavasam (fasting), Jagarana (remaining awake thinking of Siva without sleep), and Puja (worship). Performing Siva kalyana during this auspicious time bestows lofty benefits. For those beginning or completing vratas, this day yields infinite merits.

05.03.2019 –Tuesday Krishnamgaraka Chaturdasi – This chaturdasi of dark fortnight occurring on a Tuesday, that too in the month of Magha, is great merit bestowing. Performance of ablutions, charity, japa, worship grant greater merits.

06.03.2019 – Wednesday – Amavasya Pitrutithi Alabhya Yogam, Dwapara Yugadi Per the day of the week, tithi, yoga, karana, and star, this day is mentioned as Pitrutithi Alabhya Yogam. Any tarpanas offered to ancestors shall provide immense satisfaction to them.

PHALGUNA MONTH

07.03.2019 – Thursday – Beginning of Payo Vrata, Avighna Vrata Beginning from Padyami till Dwadasi, mention of this Payo Vratam is made in Dharma scriptures and 8th chapter of Srimad Bhagavata. Taking bath in holy rivers, offering arghya to Sun, worship of Sri Lakshmi Narayana, and offering cow milk as naivedya is prescribed for these twelve days. Aditi, wife of Maharshi Kasyapa, performed this vratam and obtained Vamana as her son. During the vrata, on the Ekadashi day, worship of Amala tree should be done chanting the following sloka –

dhātrīdēvi namastubhyaṁ sarvapāpa kṣayaṅkarī putrān dēhi mahāprājñē yaśō dēhi balan̄ca mē prajñāṁ mēdhāṁ ca saubhāgyaṁ viṣṇubhaktiṁ ca śāśvatīṁ nīrōgaṁ kuru māṁ nityaṁ niṣpāpaṁ kuru sarvadā"

On this day, worship of Ganapati praying for the removal of obstacles is mentioned as ‘Avighna Vrata’ in scriptures.

09.03.2019 – Saturday – Sowbhagya Vratam – Worship Sri Lakshmi Narayana or Parvati Parameswara with sixteen upacharas. Sitting facing north, eat food without salt, hot tinge, and oil. Both men and women can perform this vratam. Varaha Purana mentions that offering charity of honey, ghee, sesame, jaggery, salt, and milk in six different vessels grants sowbhagya for more than seven births.

10.03.2019 – Sunday – Putra Ganapati Vratam – Shanta Chaturthi Vratam On this day, one should worship Vinayaka, offer sesame seeds in homam, fast during day, and eat in the night. Again, worship Vinayaka on Panchami day, offer rice mixed with sesame seeds and eat as prasadam.

17.03.2019 – Sunday – Amalaka Ekadasi, Pushyarka Yogam – This Ekadashi is aso known as ‘Dhatri’ Ekadashi. Union of Sunday and Pushyami star made this famous as ‘Pushyarka Yoga’. Worship of Sri Lakshmi Narayana along with fasting and staying awake without sleeping are prescribed. Worship of Sri Lakshmi Narayana under the shades of Amalaka tree is more meritorious. Even small charity offered on this day grants infinite merits. Puranas mention that observing vrata on this day yields the merits of offering thousands of cows in charity.

18.03.2019 – Monday – Govinda Dwadasi, Narasimha Dwadasi – Worship Narayana with ‘Govinda’ nama, the presiding deity of this month. Perform special worship to Lord Narasimha in the evening. Taking bath in

river Ganga is very efficacious. This is the last day of Payovratam.

20.03.2019 – Wednesday – Holika Purnima, Madana Purnima, Dolotsavam, Lakshmi Jayanti, Beginning of Brahma Savarnika Manvantaram - Pile up dry wood and cow dung cakes, fire up the heap, invoke ‘Holika’, chant “Sri Holikayai nama” three times, and circumambulate around the fire three times chanting

"Vanditāsi surēndrēṇa brahmaṇā śaṅkarēṇa ca, atastvāṁ pāhinō dēvi bhūtē bhūti pradō bhava"

- Scriptures also mention about entire community playing with pitchers spraying colors along with dance and music.

- Worship Krishna’s child form ‘Bala Krishna’ or ‘Radha Krishna’ placing in a cradle. narāḥ ḍōlāgataṁ dr̥ṣṭvā gōvindaṁ puruṣōttamaṁ | phālguṇyāṁ priyatō bhūtvā gōvindasya puraṁ vrajēt ||

- Kalyanam of Sri Minakshi and Sundareswara in Madurai is performed on this day. Kalyanam of Siva-Parvati is done in many temples in Tamilnadu.

- Worship of Mother Lakshmi Devi on this day of Her manifesting from the milky ocean grants Her grace.

21.03.2019 – Thursday – Vasantotsavam, consuming of mango flowering - Dharma scriptures prescribe festivities with spraying of water mixed with powders of multiple colors. This is known as playing ‘Vasantam’.

It is mentioned in Sastras that one should consume mango flowering mixed with chandana sitting facing east on a white cloth after taking oil bath, smearing tilak on forehead and offering nirajana chanting the sloka – cūtamagryaṁ vasantasya mākanda kusumaṁ tava |

sacandanaṁ pibāmyadya sarvakāmārtha siddhayē ||

This day also being the Kumbha Sankramana day, any offerings of charity, performance of japa etc. yield great results.

ēkasya tēsrcanāddēva pan̄cāyatana pūjanaṁ | jāyatēsn'ya surē caiva sambhavēnnahi sarvathā|| Svayaṁ śivastvaṁ vāmōrau śaktirgaṇapatistathā | dakṣiṇōrāvakṣṇi sūryō hrday̥ ē bhaktarāṭ hariḥ || annasya brahmarūpatvādrasātmatvāddharērapi | bhōktrtv̥ ācca tavēśāna śrēṣṭhatvē kasya sanśayaḥ || viraktavyaṁ śikṣayiṣyan śmaśānē parvatē sthitiḥ | utāmrtatvasy̥ ēśanō mantraliṅgēna sūktakē || jagatsanhārakaṁ hālāhalaṁ kēna dhrtḁ ṁ gaḷē| mahāpraḷayakālāgniṁ bhālē dhartuṁ ca kaḥ kṣamaḥ || bhavāndhakūpa patanē hētuḥ kēna hataḥ smaraḥ| kiṁ varṇyaṁ bhāgadhēyaṁ tē yadvaktuṁ hīdrśō̥ bhavan||

Deva! Performing Your worship is similar to performing the worship of Panchayatana. Because, You Yourself is 'Siva'; 'Ambika', the embodiment of Shakti, is seated on Your left thigh; On the right side, 'Ganapati' is delightful to see; 'Sun' is present in Your eyes; Radiance of 'Vishnu' is in Your heart. (Sivasya Hrudayam Vishnu:)

Not only You are the embodiment of Brahma in Anna and others, Vishnu in waters, You are the Doer of everything. Because You are the one who consumes (Bhokta), You are Ishana; Not only that, You wander around in hills and burial grounds to let know that You are the sole refuge of those dispassionate who realize the transient nature of this world. Maharshis mention that You are the God propounded by the mantra 'Utaamrutatva Syeshaano' in Purusha Sukta. You held the Halahala, that would destroy the world’s in Your throat. You are the one capable of controlling the 'Great Fire of Destruction' sporting on Your forehead. Prostrations to You who reduced Manmatha, the cause for the cycle of births and deaths, to ashes. "

(Sanatkumara in Skanda Purana venerating Siva)

The Eternal Part 4 Sanatana Dharma in practice – Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma Ālayas – Attacks by Invaders

Attacks on Mandirs in Bhārata by foreign invaders Many temples in Bhārata – Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas, Vishnu mandirs etc. were brutally destroyed by foreign invaders over centuries. Some plundered the immense wealth present in these mandirs. Somanath Mandir in Gujarat is an outstanding example for this kind of attack. Some forcibly took away the colossal treasure of knowledge. Just out of hatred, some put fire to hundreds of manuscripts and other books that were available only in Bhārata. Many scholars were beheaded in Kashmir and loads of books and manuscripts about every possible branch of knowledge were burnt in piles in the street junctions of Kashmir. Without even any trace of humanity, some butchered thousands of Bhāratīyas mercilessly putting an end to their immaculate, rigorous, and austere traditional life, because with the practice of such life they are energizing and protecting the society around them. Reconstructed mandirs were demolished in multiple re- invasions and were grazed to ground cruelly.

Is it not a sin to destroy temples? Certainly, it’s a sin. This sin is of such magnanimity that scriptures did not even prescribe any remedy for this kind of heinous acts. Even from an angle of human rights, it is fundamentally atrocious to attack and destroy someone’s faith and belief practiced in harmony and peace without any incitement or harm to others around them. In fact, it is only in Sanatana Dharma that prayers are performed aspiring wellness for everyone and seeking welfare of not only humans, but also birds and beasts. From an artistic sense also, it is barbarian to destroy a gigantic and beautiful structure, sculptures, decorations etc. that reflect someone’s hardwork, knowledge, skill, and above all dedication towards the chosen cause. Such attacks have to be condemned and those insane attackers are not even worthy to be called humans. Any religion or faith worth its name on this earth never neither should propagate nor prompt these kinds of scandalous acts or excuse those who performed them with great pomp.

What Mother Bhavani told a disturbed Swami Vivekananda who encountered an invaded temple? During his wanderings in Himalayas, Swami Vivekananda (then Naren) encountered a temple of Divine Mother Bhavani. It looked deserted and was in very dilapidated condition. Swamiji was very disturbed and prayed Mother worrying about the situation. Mother gave darshan to Swami Vivekananda and told, ‘Why are you worried? Do you really think My mandir is destroyed? Look at this.” And, then She showed Vivekananda a resplendent and glorious Mandir present in all its gaiety and grandeur. She said, “This is My real Mandir. If someone thinks they destroyed My mandir by breaking the walls, structure, sanctum, and other paraphernalia, they are thoroughly mistaken.”

Does the Mandir gets devoid of its divinity and divine energy when destroyed by foreign attacks? In one word, No. Mandir neither loses its sanctity nor divinity when destroyed by foreign attacks. Divine energy is still intact and very much present in the same place. For example, let’s take an electric holder which is connected to an electric network. Holder obviously has electricity flowing within, and therefore a bulb placed therein glows and spreads light around. Someone broke the bulb. Light is gone, but not the electricity flowing through the holder because of the connected electric network. Destroying temple outwardly i.e. the sanctum, idol, prakaras, attached stalls of chariots, elephants and other

paraphernalia is like breaking the bulb. The divine energy present therein and the sanctity is ever present.

Those who realize this still go there, pray, arouse the divinity internally and externally, and obtain the merits. Later, someone chosen for this cause by the Lord, reconstructs the Mandir and restores all the lost glory. DESTRUCTED MARTAND (SUN) TEMPLE IN KASHMIR Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 8

Are there invasions/attacks in recent times? Off late, recently, these attacks are not direct, but are very subtle and focused. They are focused on specific sections of Hindu society based on their economic situation, educational backwardness, lack of basic needs of life etc. Also, intense efforts are in place to completely eradicate the faith by demeaning culture and traditions, deriving very derogatory and insinuating explanations to practices and observances in Sanatana Dharma. Some forms of God are portrayed fearsome and vulgar. Some customs are dubbed as orthodox beliefs, and yet some customs are termed inequalities among different groups.

What should we do? What is our responsibility? Our Mandirs are constructed according to set principles and thereby are treasure houses of infinite energy of the Supreme. Primarily, it is very essential to comprehend that our Mandirs are not houses of faith. Everyone should realize that Mandirs in Sanatana Dharma are potent centers of great divine energy. This truth is corroborated by the very fact that the innumerable invasions on Bhārata could neither destroy the innate devotion, faith, traditions, culture, nor the worship practices across the country. Bhāratīyas always sprung back to their roots. A Kumbh Mela where millions take a dip even today enduring all the hardships, great annual chariot festival in Puri where millions participate with great fervor and devotion every year, and many other religious events that take place across Bhārata demonstrate this fact. Sanatana Dharma built on the robust foundation of super sensual intellectual knowledge obtained by hordes of Maharshis with their hard, devout, and divine tapas shall never perish from the face of this earth.

➢ It’s the responsibility of every Bhāratīya to pray to the Supreme to rejuvenate the Sanatana Dharma in this country and make it shine in all its pristine glory. ➢ Take pride in being a Bhāratīya and follower of Sanatana Dharma. Know that this Dharma is as old as the creation itself. ➢ Practice all the customs, traditions, and practices that have been in vogue in your home since generations. Don’t just brush them aside dubbing as orthodox beliefs or unscientific acts. Accept the fact that they are not insensible, but your limited intellect is unable to understand them and realize their importance. ➢ Make an attempt to comprehend the intricate significance and meanings of various customs, traditions, practices etc. imbibed into our religion by the great Maharshis for our welfare. ➢ Regularly visit the mandir in your vicinity along with all family members; Make it a habit to visit any holy pilgrimage center at least once a year.

ŚRĪ SŪKTAM

āditya varṇē tapasōdhi jātō vanaspatistava vr̥ kṣō tha bilva: tasya phalāni tapasānudantu māyānta rāyāśca bāhyā alakṣmī:

O Mother emanating colors of Sunlight! ‘Aditi’ means one which can’t be cut i.e. the embodiment of unbroken effulgence. Being the sons of Aditi, all gods together are called ‘Ādityas’. Aditi is the embodiment of that effulgence and is also Mother of Bhagavan Surya, who is the form of all gods. This sloka makes a mention about Mother Gāyatri also. Per Vedic meaning, ‘Ādi’ i.e. this is the one which existed initially i.e. this hue of Āditya is the hue of the form of infinite halo which existed at the beginning of creation. ‘Ōmityēkākṣaram brahmā’ – Āditya is none other than Brahman. ‘Ōmkāra is the varna (syllable) denoting Āditya. It means that Mother is the embodiment of Pranava.

Tava – Yours; Tapasā – By the Tapas; Adhijātā – Born; Vanaspataya: - Those trees that bear fruit without flowering are called Vanaspati. They are divine and came due to Mother’s tapas.

Bilva: - This tree came due to Mother’s tapas. Presiding deity of this mantra has color similar to radiance of rising Sun. The form of ‘Bālā‘, as mentioned by Aruna Kirana Jālai:…’, is told in this mantra. Puranas mention that Mother exists in different forms in different forests like ‘Suseela Ketaki Vane’, ‘Viraja Champaka Vane’, ‘Malathi Malathi Vane’, ‘Kundadanta Kunda Vane’ etc. She is the ‘Lakshmi of Harvest’ in yields. Significance of mentioning Bilva tree here is that Bilva tree is also known as ‘Sri’ tree, and Bilva fruit is known as ‘Sri’ fruit. Observance and parayana of Sri Sooktam is stipulated in Bilva forests for a mandala period. Moreover, worship of Sri Chakra and Siva Linga with Bilva leaves removes any kind of penury. Per Vamana purana, Mother performed Tapas and Bilva came from Her hand. ‘Bilvā lakṣmyā karē Abhavat’ – The radiant power of tapas generated in Mother gave rise to Bilva.

Tapasa – Tadungrahena – By virtue of Tapas.

Tasya Phalāni – The fruits obtained thereby māyānta rāyāśca bāhyā alakṣmī: - With Your grace, let the ‘Alakshmi’ present around me outside and inside be removed with the merits of those Bilva that arose as the result of Your Tapas.

‘antar indriya bahirindriya sambandhinya: yā: tā: alakṣmī: aśriyam nudantu’ – Nudantu – be removed

“O vMother emanating colors of Āditya! With Your grace, the tree Vanaspati Bilva and its fruits which came due to the power of Your Tapas, remove the darkness of my ignorance created by illusion inside and outside.”

Let’s see the description of Mother in various puranas, mantra treatises, and scriptures –

Mantra treatises describe this form of Mother as ‘tanumadhya devi’. “udyadāditya saṅkāśaṁ bilvakānana madhyagām tanumadhyāṁ śriyaṁ dhyāyēt alakṣmī parihāriṇīm” is the sloka for meditating upon Tanumadhya Devi.

Bhargava Purana describes worship of Mahalakshmi - ‘bilvāṭavyām mahālakṣmīm upāsīta bilva nāyikām’.

Scripture Sārasvata Siddhi elucidates Mother – ‘taruṇārkavat aruṇa varṇē aruṇāṁ karuṇātaraṅgitākṣīm bālārūpā mantrasūcitam bhavati’.

Puranas describe - ‘tanumadhyā purā bālā nīvātaṭamupāśritā bilvāraṇyē tapaścakrē lakṣmīrlōka hitārthinī’ i.e. Mahalakshmi Narayani resides as ‘Tanumadhya’ in Kanchi mandala near Chandragiri on the banks of river Neeva.

‘bilvanāthā priyāyāstu nārāyaṇyāyā: tapōbalāt, bilvāraṇyaṁ phalatsadyalōkā: alakṣmī nivr̥ ttayē’ – sowbhāgyasanjīvani mahāratnakōsam Srisuktam- ‘tanumadhyāṁ mahālakṣmīm bālātripurasundarīm tribilvapatrai: paramartham sampūjya sahasra prajapēdr̥ caṁ’ – Scriptures mention that worship of Mahalakshmi thousand times with In this book, Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Bilva triplets chanting this sloka gives extraordinary benefits. Shanmukha Sarma garu elucidated the

profound intricacies of SRI SUKTAM in A tale in sanatkumāra samhita of skanda purana – his own inimitable style. A must read ‘Śivaliṅgārcanōdyōgī jagadrakṣaṇa dīkṣita: Mahāviṣṇu: Tapaścakrē’ – for all aspiring mundane affluence as Accompanying Lord Narayana, the protector of universe, in the worship of well as Brahma Vidya. Śiva, devoted Mother Lakshmi Devi wanting to create and offer something, Please contact Rushipeetham created Bilva tree from Her right hand and worshipped Śiva with Bilva leaves Hyderabad office @ 040-27134557 / along with Narayana. Pleased with this worship, Śankara appeared and told 27134557 them that Bilva tree shall become famous as Sree Vruksha, whose three leaves are dear to Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara and are equivalent to three Vedas. mahālakṣmī tapastēpē tadā bilvatarurjāta: lakṣmīrdakṣiṇa hastata: tatpatraiśca arcayāmāsa mahāviṣṇustu śaṅkaram bilvapatrārcanayā tuṣṭō mahādēvō dayānidhi: śrī vr̥ kṣa iti vikhyātō bilvadr̥ rdēva pūjita: triguṇai tridaśai: patrai: trimūrti prītidāyaka: trayīmayōyaṁ

Bilva trees are present in Kailāsa, Vaikuntha, Swēta Dwīpa, heaven and Mani Dwīpa, the abode of Mother. In Bhārata, Bilva tree emanated as a result of Maharshis tapas.

Great poet Kālidāsa had darshan of Mother Syāmala among the cluster of Bilva trees. Hence, in Syāmala Dandakam, he described, “Samrūḍha bilvāṭavī madhya kalpadrumā kalpa kādamba kāntāra vāsapriyē..”

Efficacy and benefits of worshipping with Bilva leaves -

‘śrīpriyaṁ yōrcayēt bilvaṁ sa narō bhāgyavān bhavēt’ – Those worshipping Mother Lakshmi Devi with Bilva triplets or Bilva leaf itself as Mother Lakshmi shall become affluent.

‘śrī yantraṁ bilvapatraistu śivaliṅgamathāpi vā yōrcayēdanvahaṁ bhaktyā puruṣārtha: Samaśnutē’ Those worshipping Siva Linga or Sri Chakra with Bilva triplets shall obtain all the purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

caṇḍī tvaccaraṇāmbujārcana vidhau bilvīdaḷōluṁṭhanāt tr̥ ṭyātkaṇṭaka kōṭibhiḥ paricayaṁ yēṣā na jagmu: Karā | tē daṇḍāṅkuśa cakrapāśa Kuliśaśśrēṇī śatairan̄ citā jāyastē pr̥ thivībhuja: Kārami vām bhōja: Prabhaie: Pāṇibhiḥ || – Kālidāsa.

Though one does not have any lines on his body indicating affluence according to corresponding sastras, any lines that are created by thorns while plucking Bilva leaves are certain to change once destiny.

Jagadguru Śrī Ādi Śankarāchārya venerated this ‘Tanumadhyā Dēvi’ as Mahālakṣmī in Śrī Kanakadhāra Stotram ‘Bilvāṭavī madhya lasatsarōjē sahasrapadmē sukhasanniviṣṭām aṣṭām padāmbhōruha pāṇi padmām suvarṇavarṇāṁ praṇamāmi lakṣmīm’ – One should meditate upon Śrī Mahālakṣmī Dēvi sitting in a lotus in the center of a lake in the middle of Bilva forest. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (Adapted from ‘Śrī Sūktam’ Pravachanam) 20.03.2019 – Holika Purnima, Lakshmi Jayanti

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 10

śiva jñānaṁ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Bāla Śiva Part 36

Generally, we never encounter elucidating Sadāśiva in the form of a child. But, this child form of Śiva is described in Purāṇas and also in vogue in worship practices.

Following is the narration according to one Śakti Purāṇa – When the Mother of the Universe remains ferocious even after vanquishing all the demons thus leading to an untimely destruction of the worlds, all gods pray to Śiva to calm Her down. Immediately, Śiva transforms into a beautiful baby with small serpents, small tiger skin, small matted hairlocks, small crescent moon… and cries akin to a child. Hearing that sound, Mother turned towards Him. An affection of motherly love surged up in Her and She was at peace. In the Kāśī Khaṇḍa of Skānda Purāṇa, there is a mention of ‘Bāla Śiva’.

A great soul Viśvānara prayed to Lord Viśvanātha in Kāśī aspiring virtuous progeny. He was blessed with the vision of ‘Bāla Śiva’ in the Viśvēśvara Liṅga in Kāśī. Laureate poet Srinatha described this form zealously. One of the famous devotees of Śiva, Bejja Mahādēvi, cajoled Śiva as a child and attained salvation. ‘Because Śiva had no mother, He underwent so many tribulations! If He had Mother, will there be so many troubles? ‘Talli galgina nēla tapasi gāniccu? Talli galgina nēla tala jaḍalgaṭṭu? Talli yunna viṣambu trāvanēliccu? Talli yuṇḍina tōḷḷu dālca nēliccu? Talli pāmula nēra dhariyimpaniccu? ... Talli puccunē sutu vallakāṭikini? - Pālkuriki sōmanāthuḍu - Basava purāṇaṁ ‘If there were Mother to Śiva, why would the mother let Him become an ascetic? Why would the mother let His hair ungroomed leaving as matted hairlocks? Why would the mother let drink poison? Why would mother let wear garments of skin? Why would mother let put snakes around? Why would mother send son to burial grounds?’ Thus felt that simple and innocent woman. She considered Śiva as her son, bathed and cajoled Him as a child with great fondness. She pampered Him, ’nā yanna! nā kannā! nā paṭṭi! nā cinna vāḍugā!’ meaning ‘O boy! My child! My love! My small celibate!’ Śiva became very happy at her overgush of affection and granted liberation. Śiva responds with the same emotion with which the devotee worshipped Him and bestows grace accordingly. The form of ‘Bāla Śiva’ which is suitable for worshipping with an emotion of ‘affection’ is widely prevalent in some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Forms of ‘Bāla Śiva’ in sleeping pose are found in prominent pictures in those areas. “Śrī pādamula baiḍi ciru gajjiyala tōḍa kavaṇin̄cu gaṇḍapeṇḍāra mamara Velidāmarala bōlu veḍada krālgannulu maddikāyala tōḍi suddhi vaḍaya Molaka kūkaṭi grālu muktālalāmambu bhasitampu boṭṭutō bādarimpa bālabuggala dīpti pallavambulatōḍa jinni lēnagavulu celimi sēya lajja erugani kaṭi maṇḍalambu mīda valuda vajrāla kamaruṁ garvambu sūpa divya bālakuḍokaruṇḍu tējarille gāśi viśvēśa śambhu liṅgambu naḍuma”

‘Spectacular feet with twinkling bells, resonating Gaṇḍapeṇḍēra, white lotus like broad pure eyes, waving necklace of pearls in curly ringlets, radiant mark on the forehead, little cheeks shining like young shoots, friendly smiles, diamond string showing pride on waist hitherto unknown for shyness – Such divine boy manifested in the Kāśī Viśvēśvara Liṅga.’ Looking at form of ‘Bāla Śiva’, Viśvānara prayed Him – ‘..Yevvani valana sarvambu yevvaḍu sarvambu kanuṅgonu yevvaṇḍu sampannuṁ, Ḍevvaḍu daridru, ḍevvaṇḍu vrd'dhum,̥ ḍevvaṇḍu yuva, yevvaḍu bāluṇḍaṭṭi nīku namaskārambu..’ ‘Who is the cause of everything, who creates everything, who is the richest, who is the poorest, who is the oldest,

who is the youngest, who is the child -To that You, I prostrate’. Śiva incarnated as the son of Viśvānara. He was called ‘Gruhapati’. With the power of His tapas, He became the embodiment of Fire and later became the Lord of ‘The world of Fire’. He became famous as ‘Vaiśvānara’ after His father’s name ‘Viśvānara’. Rudra mantras such as ‘namō pagalabhāya ca – namō jyēṣṭāya ca – namō kaniṣṭhayā ca’ corroborate the same thoughts. (To be continued…) Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 11

WHAT IS THE GOTRAM OF ŚIVA? Amidst many auspicious sounds of conch, drums, and other instruments, Śiva entered into the marriage hall led by Brahma, His preceptor, Vishnu, Indra and gods. Accompanied by Lakshmi Devi, Saraswati Devi, Sachi Devi and others, Mother Parvati Devi entered into the wedding pavilion. Air is filled with fragrant aroma. Its joy all around and atmosphere is festive. Himavan, father of Mother Parvati, asked the details of Śiva’s caste, branch of Veda Śiva belongs to, Śiva’s gotram to chant the pravara i.e. lineage of the groom to begin the rituals. Śiva put on an innoncent face and sat quietly. Suddenly, Maharshi Narada started playing Veena. Himavan was upset and got angry.

Maharshi Narada, who always remains calm, suddenly became furious and said, “Are you people mad? Your wife earlier commented about the physical form and beauty of Śiva. And, now, you are asking about His gotram, family, lineage etc. What are you thinking about Śiva? Because you are an extrovert, you’ll never know about Śiva. Just because of the merits of your daughter, you are able to sit in front of Śiva, see His divine form and feet, and talk.

When Śiva manifested as a gigantic pillar of fire, none were even able to find neither the beginning nor the end. Śiva is infinite and immeasurable. But, for your sake, I’m now telling His gotram. Śiva is ‘Nādagōtrajā’ i.e. Śiva’s gotra is ‘Nāda’ i.e. sound.” These words are pregnant with intricate meaning. Śiva, one who has no form, can take any form. He takes form based on the mantra. In other words, the sound consciousness that emanates from the mantra is nothing but the form of god. The Supreme first manifested as ‘Omkara’, the form of sound, and later existed as ‘Vedas’ which came from ‘Omkara’.

saguṇasya mahēśasya līlayā rūpa dhāriṇa: śivō nādamayassatyaṁ nādaśyōmayassadā ubhayōrantaraṁ nāsti nādasyaca śivasyaca

Hence, the manifested form (Saguna) of God emanates from ‘Nāda’, whereas the unmanifested form (Nirguna) will not have any form and name. Since ‘gōtra’ is defined as the origin, ‘Nāda’ from which the Saguna form of Lord emanated is His ‘gōtra’. Saint composer Tyagaraja says in one his compositions -

“nāda tanumaniśaṁ śaṅkaraṁ namāmi mē manasā śirasā | mōdakara nigamōttama sāmavēda sāraṁ vāraṁ vāraṁ || Sadyōjātādi pan̄ca vaktraja sa-ri-ga-ma-pa-da-ni vara sapta-svara | vidyā lōlaṁ vidaḷita kālaṁ vimala hrdayḁ tyāgarāja pālaṁ || nāda ||”

‘I bow to Sankara, the embodiment of Nada, with my mind and body. To Him, the essence of blissful Samaveda, the best of the vedas, I bow every time. To Him, who is delighting in the art of the seven svaras, Sa-Ri-Ga-Ma-Pa-Da-Ni, born of His five faces, Sadyojata etc., I bow to Him, the destroyer of time, the protector of pure-hearted Tyagaraja, I bow.’

He says in another composition - ‘Sadāśivamayamagu nāda ōṅkāra svaravidhulu’. Parameswara is the embodiment of ‘Nāda’, as His form emanates from sound.

The very terms ‘Para Śiva, Parameswara’ connote that these are the forms of Nirguna Para Brahman, which took this Saguna form now. Upon hearing this details from Devarshi Narada, entire assembly applauded. Himavan requested for pardon.

TALAMBRALU Talambralu is one of the important rituals of marriage. After tying the mangal sutra on the bride, the bride and groom shower one another with “talambralu”. The pure white pearls in Parvati’s already red colored hands, are reflecting and shining in crimson color. When they are poured over beautifully braided hair of Śiva, they are radiating marvelously like drops of Ganga. They just disappeared after passing Śiva’s hair, and merged into the effulgence of His body hue glowing like autumn moon. Red color signifies love. Holding hands together in the form of heart is to prostrate and offer oneself. Among the gems, pearl is associated with moon (Candramā manasō jāta:).

This indicates that all the emotions that came from mind of Mother have become like pearls merged in Śiva i.e. became Śivōham. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘Siva Parvati Kalyanam’ Pravachanam)

ŚRĪ ĀDI ŚAṄKARA JÑĀNA YAJÑAṀ Śrti̥ smrti̥ purāṇānāṁ ālayaṁ karuṇālayam

namāmi bhagavatpādaṁ śaṅkaraṁ lōka śaṅkaraṁ.

Sri Adi Sankara does not belong to any sect. He is the ‘Samanvaya Karta’ (harmonizer) of the holistic Bharateeyata and Sanatana Dharma in totality.

PART 2 INTRODUCTION Sankaracharya didn’t degrade any school of thought. He noticed that they are correct on their path from their angle, but are unable to comprehend the totality as a whole. Vedanta propounds all three – Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Advaita, because they are not contradictory to one another. Sankaracharya said, “Advaita is true only in the state of realization. At the worldly level, Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita are true”. Hence, He, while accepting every path, directed them to advance still further and grasp the complete picture. Neither did He deny Sankhya nor did He deny Mimasa or others. Meanwhile, some other religions such as Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism etc. emerged taking some truths as basis from Vedas such as theory of rebirth, theory of karma etc., combining with Yoga, but denounced Iswara and rituals mentioned in Vedas. But the very fact that Buddhism and Jainism concur with the above mentioned theories confirm that they are also part of Hinduism. Sankara said, “Karma is the basis of everything. If you want to fulfill mundane desires, do karma with that orientation. If you want to attain liberation, do good actions as stipulated by Vedas without any expectation.

These actions without any expectation purify the mind and ultimately lead to the comprehension of supreme knowledge. Hence, karma should not be stopped till the last breath. Also, performing karmas fulfills one’s responsibility towards family, parents, society etc. Practice self-values such as truth, non-violence, purity, control of senses and anger, free from delusion, pride, lust, jealousy, charity etc. Virtuous deeds done without the practice of these values is futile. Even small proportion of virtuous deeds accompanied with the practice of these values yields high merits. And, never forget Iswara. Offer the fruit of all your actions to Iswara, as He is the foundation of all actions. Never forget His existence. This removes the ego of doership and makes one a good devotee. One can attain the Supreme only after one leaves off ego at the feet of Iswara. Only then one can realize the Iswara existing within – Swa Swaroopa. Choose the form you like and worship Iswara in that form. If you want to worship as Siva, follow Saiva agama. If you want to worship as Vishnu, follow that agama and so on. Never breed hatred towards one form or other, as all these forms are of the same Iswara. Complete dedication and surrender to chosen deity is good, but denouncing other forms is impediment and in fact destroys the spiritual practice. These forms are decreed by Vedas, seen by Maharshis and handed over to us. These forms are not imaginary creations, but are thoroughly real.” He took only those forms of Supreme as propounded by Veda and established their worship as stipulated in the corresponding agamas and other scriptures. He coordinated and harmonized all the six major paths of worship – Saiva, Vaishnava, Ganapatya, Sakteya, Saura, and Skanda. Hence, Sankaracharya is called ‘Shanmata Pratishthapanacharya’. Sankara substantiated all these different paths with references from Vedas. It’s like gathering all the scattered and tortured milk giving nutritious cows (different paths) after releasing from their tormentors (anti-Vedic propagators) with great effort, tying them to one stable post (Vedas) in a beautiful cowshed (Sanatana Dharma). He also directed one to turn inward and question oneself about ‘I’, such as ‘Kastvam? Koham? Kutaa:?’

Kenopanishad says,’Jeevaavat Kenova Vayam? Kuto Jaata:?’. Seeking answers to these kinds of questions is ‘Anveshana’ i.e. search for truth. Everyone should clearly note that Sankara did not propagate any religion or god. He is a philosopher. Once one understands and makes the philosophy of Sankara as the basis, one can comprehend, defend, and follow any path with dharma without any disturbance in mind and confusion in practice. Many great souls such as Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati etc. in recent times lived and demonstrated the philosophy of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Again, in 1893, the attention of entire world turned towards Sanatana Dharma with the roar of Swami Vivekananda is World Parliament of Religions at Chicago. Swami Vivekananda impressed upon the world the broadness of Hinduism and different paths present therein with the strong foundation of Advaita advocated by Sri Adi Sankara. Many opine that Sankara primarily advocated the path of knowledge, not devotion. But, He Himself said that one can’t attain knowledge without devotion. “Sva svarūpa anusandhānaṁ bhakti rityabhidhīyatē” – Bhakti or devotion is nothing but to think, look and inquire, seek refuge and venerate i.e. uninterruptedly connecting with Him. Following are the essential qualities required for a seeker of liberation - Samam (Inner control of senses), Damam (External control of senses), Nitya-Anitya Vastu Vivekam (Discrimination between real and unreal), Iha-Para Sukha Vairagya (Dispassion on pleasures here and hereafter), Antarindriya and Bahyendriya Nigraham (Control of senses outside and inside), Concentration of mind on God, staying peaceful outside and inside. In Viveka Chudamani, Sri Sankara said, “Moksha Saadhana Saamagryaam Bhaktireva Gariyasi” i.e. Bhakti is the container that will contain all the above qualities. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘ŚRĪ ĀDI ŚAṄKARA JÑĀNA YAJÑAṀ’ – ‘BHAJA GŌVINDAṀ’ - Pravachanam) (To be continued...)

Hindu A merican F oundation E xecutive Director Suhag Shukla launched ‘Shakti Initiative’. As the name suggests, in her own wor ds, about the initiative, “When scouring the Inter net for hours t o Hindu Women, Religion and their i mmense contribution, I was frustrated beca use most of the websites are politically or religiously motivated, stereotyped with outright lies, and misrepresent the scriptural quotes with social evils completely juxtaposing the trut h. This initiative aims to bring into bright light the life stories and contributions of some of the most remarkable women human hi story has ever seen si nce Vedi c times. T his should i nspire both women a nd men to get reacquainted with and rea ssert, in ma ny fa cets of life where we have fallen short, the bala nce a nd har mony our traditions advocate for between man and woma n, and ultimately realize their potential to the highest.”

Hindu Dharma – Form, Nature and Effect (Adapted from ‘Hindu Dharma Swaroopamu, Swabhavamu, Prabhavamu’ Pravachanam) - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Outwardly, the various spiritual theories and teachings may seem to be contradicting each other. Within the philosophical domain, you have the Advaita, Dvaita and Visishtadvaita philosophies. In the domain of spiritual practice, you have a choice of methods ranging from ritual oriented worship at the temple to completely silent meditation on formless divine. Each has its own merits, according to the need, nature and temperament of the devotee.

Many great teachers came up throughout India through the ages – many of them lived and taught during the tumultuous period while Bharata varsha was being ruled by other races and religions. They not only taught, but were living examples themselves of the applicability and effectiveness of the various methods or worship we have been discussing. Saint bards like Tyagaraja Swamy, Meera Bai and Annamacharya attained salvation through devotional music. While doing that, they didn’t deny ritualistic worship. Tyagaraja sang, “Tulasī daḷamulacē santōṣamugā pūjintu” (Oh Rama, with tender leaves of Tulasi plant, I worship you with pleasure). Annamacharya sang, “ṣōḍaśa kaḷānidhiki ṣōḍaśōpacāramulu” (To the Lord effulgent in the 16 phases, let me perform the 16 ritual services in worship).

So, in this fashion, the depth and breadth of the diversity and pluralism that is innate nature to Hinduism offers a wealth of opportunities to the spiritual seeker, while not prohibiting or punishing any honest spiritual endeavor. Moreover, it has demonstrated time and again that it is not limited to theory and books, but is a living and vibrant tradition of continuous regeneration even in the midst of great oppression – that is our Sanatana Dharma. As we defined earlier, Sanātanaṁ nitya nūtanaṁ. Eternal is not only ancient, but also constantly new and fresh. Translation: Narayanaswamy Sankagiri (To be continued...)

SANATANA DHARMA Hindu American Foundation launches ‘Shakti Initiative’ Hindu American Foundation Executive Director Suhag Shukla launched ‘Shakti Initiative’. As the name suggests, in her own words, about the initiative, “When scouring the Internet for hours to find about Hindu Women, Religion

and their immense contribution, I was frustrated because most of the websites are politically or religiously motivated, stereotyped with outright lies, and AROUND THE WORLD misrepresent the scriptural quotes with social evils completely juxtaposing the truth. This initiative aims to bring into bright light the life stories and contributions of some of the most remarkable women human history has ever seen since Vedic times. This should inspire both women and men to get reacquainted with and reassert, in many facets of life where we have fallen short, the balance and harmony our traditions advocate for between man and woman, and ultimately realize their potential to the highest.”

UK cemetery with an outdoor shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva Hindu Council confirmed Great Glen was the first UK cemetery to allow an outdoor shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mr Sailesh Raja, donor of the idol, said installing the statue was a "great achievement for the Hindus of Leicester". He said it meant that mourners no longer had to pray to pictures of Lord Shiva following a funeral service. Instead, for the first time, worshippers can now perform an outdoor Shiva Abhishek, in which offerings are made to the God.

Australian Catholic School bars Hindu girl for nose piercing, shows religious discrimination A Hindu girl studying in Perth's Aranmore Catholic College has been barred from coming to school until she removes her nose-piercing. 15-year-old Sanya Singhal is a Class 10 student and has been studying in Aranmore since Class 3, local news website West Australian reports. According to Singhal's mother, the nose-piercing has religious symbolism. For many in India, especially Hindus, a nose-pin traditionally marks a girl's transition into womanhood. When Singhal tried to rejoin school this year, she was told to take the nose-pin off or go home. Despite producing a letter from her mother explaining the significance of the piercing, she was told to remove the item. The 15-year-old and her mother have decided to stand their ground, accusing the school of religious discrimination. According to Singhal's mother, the school allowed Muslim girls to wear the headscarves and Christian women to wear a crucifix but only had an issue with her daughter's nose pin which is part of her and her family's religious identity.

Virginia brewery apologizes for 'Hanuman' beer after Hindu protest Salem (Virginia), USA based Olde Salem Brewing Company apologized after Hindu protest over its beer carrying the name of Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, calling it “highly inappropriate”. Owner Sean Turk, in a Company statement emailed today to distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, wrote: “…When naming our Spanish milk stout “Hanuman” we were unaware of the Hindu deity referenced by Rajan Zed. This name was purely a musical reference and had no other intent. We are reviewing options to address the situation…We apologize if this inadvertent association has offended anyone in anyway”.

Disclaimer: - The information provided under ‘Sanatana Dharma Around the World’ session is collected from various sources. Readers may check for accuracy.

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 14

Bāla śikṣa CHiLdREN’S CORNER

EDUCATION – PLEASURE DEVOTION TOWARDS GOD – COUNTRY (VIDYA – SUKHAM) - SVSN SARMA Continues.. Those who spend time in It is important that children should know about ‘Devotion’. Many children, nay even such manner shall not elders, think that devotion is nothing but going to temples and prostrate before God. have any spare time for But, devotion is an ‘Emotion of Love’. From the moment of taking birth, we live in this other things. They shall world with the aid of many such as fellow human beings, nature around us etc. In fact, enjoy the later life to the we can’t give anything in return to many of those who are helping us i.e. can never full extent. Therefore, for repay their debt. Humble prostration is partly an expression of our gratitude towards a successful and pleasure the magnanimity of parents and teachers saying ‘Mātr ̥ dēvō bhava, Pitr̥ dēvō bhava’, filled life after, the and ‘Ācārya dēvō bhava’. All these are part of devotion only. Because parents unselfishly student stage of life do many things, children gradually develop an affinity of ‘Mine’ i.e. ‘My mother, my should be strenuous. father’ etc. But, this feeling should not stop there. Look at Sun, Moon, bounty of Those who are harvest, and many. One should develop an emotion of ‘mine’ towards all these industrious in student life including one’s ancestors like grandfather, great grandfather etc. Though the feeling of and work hard in youth ‘I’, ‘My’, ‘Me’, ‘Mine’ is selfish, this quality is good in this context. This should expand shall certainly enjoy their upto the feeling ‘My country’. Just like one gets angry when one’s parents are abused, old age. Students should one should als o have same feeling when their country is abused. always reference more Devotion towards one’s family is love whereas love towards one’s country is devotion. books and discuss any This country has diverse traditions. Traditions and culture together form civilization. hinderances with Our country is far civilized much earlier than many other countries. English people, teachers and bright who made us slaves few centuries ago, tried hard to eliminate patriotism. During the fellow students. For a course of those efforts, they changed our entire system of better and beautiful education. Putting aside our history since Kalpa times terming as future for oneself and mythology, new history is created without any proper research and many others, one should taught. Despite all these, due to some great patriots of those times, organize their student life it was not possible for them to completely eradicate the culture of methodically. this country. Sacrifices and emotions of many that this great Let’s prostrate to the country of ours should remain as is, finally got us freedom. wisdom of our great Foremost goal of freedom is to safeguard the culture of this country. Maharshis who laid out But, many percentages of later people didn’t have veneration upon our culture. what needs to be done in Britishers of those days called our traditional wear uncivilized. But, those devoted student life with such towards this country never altered them. Even a child of today’s generation studying great clarity! “ LKG insults our traditional wear. At least now, children should transform. That transformation can only come, provided they know the greatness of our culture. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (To be continued…)

VIJÑĀNAṀ -2 SLOKA OF THE MONTH 1. Before leaving to forests, to whom did Sri Rama say that He is not namaḥ śivāya śāntāya zealous about wealth? 2. Where did Sri Krishna mention that He is the month of Margaseersha sagaṇāyādihētavē | among all the months? rudrāya viṣṇavē tubhyaṁ 3. What are known as the limbs of Vedas i.e. Vedangas? brahmaṇē sūryamūrtayē ॥ 4. What is the name of the Lord in Kasi? 5. Which God graced devotee Pundarika?

6. What is the color of Saraswati Devi? 7. What does Shanmukha hold as His flag? 8. Which king performed the marriage of Krishna with Satyabhama?

9. Who is venerated with ‘Lambodara-Lakumikara…’? 10. What is the relationship between Vishwamitra and Bharata?

VIJÑĀNAṀ -1 Answers - 1.To lift the bow of Vishnu in his possession. 2. Veda Vyasa and WORDS OF BENEVOLENCE Ghrutaachi. 3. Aspect of Siva. 4. Hanuman 5. Dwaraka Nagara 6. Priest of Janaka 7. bhavanti namrāstaravaḥ phalōdgamaiḥ Gandhara Desa 8. Padmasana 9. Brother and sister relation 10. Stealing the Vedas.

navāmbubhiḥ dūravilambinō ghanāḥ | anurthatāḥ satpuruṣāḥ samrd'dhibhiḥ Pan̄ca Kṣētrāṇi

svabhāva ēvaiṣa parōpakāriṇām || 1. Śrīśailaṁ Trees bend down even more when there are more fruits. Clouds full of rain waters spread very far in the sky. 2. Kāśī Similarly, the virous, though become more affluent, 3. Kēdāramu never become haughty, but remain humble and never 4. Śrīkāḷahasti leave generosity. This is the true nature of those who 5. Paṭṭisamu help others. Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 15

∞ + π

Vedic mathematics 0 AT≜ ∑

Vedic Mathematics is an area, where the knowledge of Sanatana Dharma ranges from simple concepts that are useful to commoners such as householders and traders, to thorough actuarial calculations and distinct metrics applicable to administrators and rulers, to very profound and astounding scientific revelations satisfying the quest of rationale seeking economists. Even modern-day historians concluded that the introduction of the concept of ‘Pi’ and ‘Zero’ is the contribution of Bhārata. Based on Sthāpatya Vēda, a limb of Atharvana Vēda, Sri Bharati Krishna Tīrtha of Sri Adi Sankara lineage authored ‘Vedic Mathematics’ in 1884 in Sanskrit. This work contains many theorems and aphorisms about different branches of Mathematics. Works like King Bhoja’s ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’, ‘Yantrarnavam’, ‘Amshubodhini’ etc. narrate in great detail the concepts of mathematics, machines manufacturing, Sun’s rays, and their applicability respectively. All these works are directly based on the Vedas and extensively quote from Vedas. Similarly, Mihira’s ‘Jalargala Sastra’ and ‘Shilpa Sastra’, the science of sculpture are completely based on Vedic mathematics. It’s pleasure to introduce ‘Vedic Mathematics’ Sutras to solve complex problems. Children and parents are requested to avail this opportunity. Our gratitude and sincere thanks to Sri Dr. R.V.S.S. Avadhanulu garu for his kind consent to publish these ‘Sutras’ from his research publications.

ANTYAYŌRDASAKĒPI MULTIPLICATIONS – 2 SUTRA: ANTYAYŌRDASAKĒPI Meaning: WHEN THE SUM OF THE DIGITS IN UNITS PLACE IS 10 Details: This method is applicable when (i) the sum of the digits in units place is 10 (ii) the digits in the higher places (on LHS) of both the numbers are same

Example 1 : 43 X 47 =? 43 X 47 ______

1. The digits in the units place of both the given numbers are 3 and 7 respectively. Adding them, we get 3 + 7 = 10 2. The digits in the 10’s place (on LHS) of both the numbers are 4 only 3. Initially: 3 X 7 = 21 4. Ekadhika: 4 + 1 = 5 5. Next: 4 X 5 = 20 6. Result: 43 X 47 = 20 | 21 = 2021

Example 2 : 74 X 76 =? 74 X 76

______FILL IN THE BLANKS ______1. The digits in the units place of both the given numbers are 3 and 7 respectively. 22 X 28 = ______

Adding them, we get 4 + 6 = 10 33 X 37 = ______2. The digits in the 10’s place (on LHS) of both the numbers are 7 only 3. Initially: 4 X 6 = 24 56 X 54 = ______

4. Ekadhika: 7 + 1 = 8 65 X 65 = ______5. Next: 7 X 8 = 56 6. Result: 74 X 76 = 56 | 24 = 5624 81 X 89 = ______

(Sutras adapted from ‘Vedic Mathematics – 1’ www.shrivedabharathi.in ) (To be continued...)

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 16

Siva Leelas in Mahabharata During the Shanti and Anusasanika parvaas, Bhishma imparts lot of knowledge to Yudhishthira while lying on the bed of arrows. After Bhishma recites the entire Vishnu Sahasranamas to the Pandavas, Yudhishthira wishes to hear the Siva Sahasram as well. Then Bhishma explains that the best person to recite those was Lord Krishna Himself. Lord Krishna then begins by telling about His teacher who imparted this knowledge to Him. Krishna talks about how once He went to the Himalaya mountain range to pray to Lord Siva. He then reached a divine Rishi’s hermitage. In that hermitage, there were many beautiful gardens within which there were small huts. There were many Divine Rishis who were practicing tapas there. The aura there was so divine that even snakes were playing with mongoose, their natural enemy. This description shows that the divine aura of all the Rishis performing tapas created a peaceful and blissful atmosphere in the entire Ashrama. It should be duly noted that an ‘Ashrama’ is not just a single Rishi who has “run” away from the cities to perform tapas. It is a huge settlement which consists of hundreds of rishis who, with the aid of the main single rishi, perform many yagnas, yagas, and tapas for the well being of the entire world. Lord Krishna went to the home of that main rishi, whose name is Upamanyu Maharshi. He bowed down to Upamanyu Maharshi. Upamanyu Maharshi In one of the necessary became extremely happy to see that Lord Krishna, who was the incarnation duties prescribed to man, of Lord Vishnu had arrived at his ashrama and that He Himself had bowed Bhagavan tells us to pray to down to him due to the dharma of His avatara. The answer to the question the Lord. However, if He is of why Lord Krishna bowed down to Upamanyu Maharshi is revealed in the to lead by example, because Aswametha parva. Arjuna asks Lord Krishna why he prays when he has no necessity to do so. Krishna explains that He prays to the Lord, He bows down He cannot worship Himself to His parents, etc., because He is required to do so by the form of a man to set an ideal, He is which He had taken up and setup an example to all men. Otherwise, why worshipping Lord Siva who would He, the creator of the entire universe need to bow down to Devaki is different form of Himself, and Vasudeva in reverence and call them His creators? It is for this same but not at all different from reason that He also learned the sixty-four forms of education in sixty-four Him in tattva. This is why days. He does all of this so that He can lead by example. In one of the necessary duties prescribed to man, Bhagavan tells us to pray to the Lord. Upamanyu says that the However, if He is to lead by example, because He cannot worship Himself only reason Lord Krishna to set an ideal, He is worshipping Lord Siva who is different form of Himself, came to him was because but not at all different from Him in tattva. This is why Upamanyu says that any puja must be started the only reason Lord Krishna came to him was because any puja must be with the blessings of a guru. started with the blessings of a guru. Upamanyu rishi then told Krishna that this was the perfect place to pray to Lord Siva, as Siva had promised Upamanyu that Siva himself along with Mother Parvati and all His troops shall always be in Upamanyu’s ashrama. Many people such as Indra, Anasuya Devi, Yagnavalkya, Maharshi Veda Vyasa, Rishi Vaalakhilya, Savarna Rishi etc. performed tapas in that location. These people went there to perform tapas not only for obtaining boons, but also to get relief from their curses. Along with all these, the presiding deity of milky ocean ‘Kshira Samudra Adhidevata’ also resides in Maharshi Upamanyu’s ashrama. She provides milk that is equivalent to nectar. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘Mahabharatam lo Siva Leelalu’ Pravachanam) (To be continued...) Readers Question(s) Arjuna once went to Swarga and spent one full year with Indra. But in Swargarohana Parva, only Dharmaraja could reach Swarga and Arjuna fell on the way. Why? – Bhaskararao.

After completing intense tapas with severe austerities and acquiring the ‘Pasupataastra’ with the darshan and blessings of Mahadeva Siva, Arjuna went to Swarga and spent time with Indra for an entire year. In Swargarohana parva, the Pandavas along with Draupadi leave Hastinapura and start walking towards the Himalayas, from where they go into the planes of Yoga. First, as they walk Draupadi falls down, Yuddhistira then tells others the reason for Draupadi’s fall. Because, she was partial towards Arjuna out of all of her husbands, she fell. Next, Sahadeva fell, because he felt that there was no one smarter than him. Nakula fell later, as he believed that there was no one more beautiful than him. Arjuna fell afterwards, because he believed that there was no one better than him at archery i.e. the Dhanurvidya, due to which he insulted others dhanurdharaas. He also vowed that he would destroy the entire Kaurava army in a single day. However, he was incapable of doing that, hence he broke his vow. Bhima fell last, because he could never control his emotion for revenge, eat excessively, and was very haughty. Thus, all of the Pandavas except for Yudhisthira had flaws in them, that caused their fall before reaching Swarga mortally. Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved. - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – March | 2019 17

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For Pravachanam CDs, ‘Rushipeetham’ Magazine subscription, other publications contact – Hyderabad Visakhapatnam Tirupati Plot# 1-19-46, Mr Rajasekhar Madhira Smt. Vanam Sasikala H.I.G. A -40 D.No:49-36-8, 18-12-1710, Dr. A S Rao Nagar Flat No:402, Khadi Colony, Secunderabad Pingali paradise, NGO Tirupati. Ph: 7659927777 Telangana - 500062. Colony, Akkayyapalem, Ph: 040-27134557 Visakhapatnam-530016, 27132550 Ph: 9989991112, 7331115666 Please visit https://rushipeetham.org/subscription/ https://rushipeetham.com/ http://saamavedam.org/

Sri Vallabha Ganapati Mandir, Konthamuru, Rajamahendravaram Sri Vallabha Ganapathi temple, Konthamuru Rajahmundry Devotees interested in sending contributions to the temple – BANK ACCOUNT NAME: MANDIR MAINTENANCE TRUST ACCOUNT Number: 62507680499; BANK NAME: STATE BANK OF INDIA; Name of the BRANCH: KONTHAMURU; IFS CODE NUMBER: SBIN0021806; MICR CODE: 533004108; Nature of Account: CURRENT ACCOUNT For new donations and those who donated, please drop an email Contact details: Address: Sri Vallabha Ganapathi Trust,

with donation details at vallabhaganapathitrust@ gmail.com Near Kalyana Nagar Arch, Jangala Colony Road, Siva For details, contact Sistu Rama Sastry @ 9652815577 Kumar Layout, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh – 533103; Ph# 9949705166 / 9542122189 Darshan timings: Morning 6 am – 11 am; Evening 5 pm – 7 pm For details, please visit www.vallabhaganapathimandir.org

‘SamavEdam SHaNmukHa SaRma’ SamuHAM TELEGRAM group During these turbulent times when Hindu Dharma is being attacked from all sides, Dharma propagation has become altogether more important than ever. Technological advances have been a great propeller to make everyone aware of the greatness of Hindu Dharma. The ‘Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma’ Facebook page and YouTube channel successfully reached many aspirants and received many accolades. With the intention of reaching everyone and also be reachable to everyone, this Telegram group named ‘Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma’ is being started. Using this Telegram group as channel, my will is to get more close to multitudes living in villages. To make this a reality, it is the responsibility of all of you to drive all your contacts to join this group. Those interested in joining this group should click the link join SamavedamTelegram. There is no limit to how many can join this group. I will be sending one or two messages daily on Sanatana Dharma. Looking forward to get even more close to all of you and many others. Truly Yours, Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Scholarships Distribution 2017-18 by Rushipeetham Charitable Trust

Rushipeetham Puraskara Pradanotsavam

‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust’ is a knowledge-based organization dedicated towards the ‘Rushipeetham Puraskaram’ Award Recipient Organized By veneration of Bharatiya Arsha Samskruti. This magazine is the soul of Bharatiya. This organization ‘Sahitya Vidya Pravena, Hanumadjnanavetta, vaidyavidvan’ Rushipeetham Charitable Trust is not only successfully propagating the Dharma and Knowledge of Sanatana Dharma along with Dr. Annadanam Chidambara Sastry the publication of CDs and books, it is also effective in organizing many other service activities.

▪ Propagate the knowledge of Bharata, encourage all kinds of ‘Arsha Vidya’, distributing Sri Annadanam Chidambara Sastry garu is a versatile educational scholarships to worthy poor students, organize camps facilitating the reach of Ayurveda scholar in both Sanskrit and Telugu. A great individual who benefits to commoners dedicated his life towards the endeavor of protecting ▪ Uninterruptedly performing the protection and support of ‘Gosalas’ thereby increasing the Dharma with complete comprehension about Sanatana number of cows, and virtuous activities such as service to medical education etc. Dharma. Born in 1949, he is still relentlessly carrying out Facilitating renowned scholars adept in ‘Arsha Vidyas’ of Bharata every year with distinguished award, virtuous deeds such as lectures, authoring works, upasana, ‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust’ is blessed in the worship of Samskruti Bharati. and social service very effectively. Apart from composing Facilitating Vaidya Vidwan, Sahitya Vidya Praveena poems and hymns, he authored ‘Hindu Dharma Dr. Annadanam Chidambara Sastry garu Sarvaswamu’, ‘Parasara Samhita Parisodhana’, and Renowned for Scholarship, Knowledge of Hanuman, Renaissance of Dharma, and Resoluteness in ‘Hanumacchatakmu’ in illustrative poetic style Tapas with illustrious ‘Rushipeetham Puraskaram’ award in 2019 propagating dharma and jnana. He established All well-wishers are cordially invited to participate in this function ‘Hanumannavatara’ i.e. the depiction of nine rendering service towards Arsha Vidya manifestations of Hanuman in Ongole. As an academician, President he worked in higher capacities. Being austere and resolute in his worship of Hanuman, he earned reputation as being Samanvaya Saraswati, Arshadharmopanyasa Kesari the authoritative repository of knowledge about Brahmasri Dr.Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma Hanuman. Along with literary scholarship, he is recognized President – Rushipeetham Charitable Trust for his knowledge of medicine. As a preceptor, he trained many disciples. With his intellect, he can analyze and elucidate the intricacies of Arsha Dharma. Distinguished Guest Chief Guest Invited by: ‘Rushipeetham’ Executive Committee Nuti Ramamohanarao Brahmasri Kauta Lalitamanohar ‘Rushipeetham Puraskaram’ Award Recipient Chairman and Managing Trustee: Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu ‘Sahitya Vidya Praveena, Hanumadjnanavetta, Vaidyavidvan’ Trustee: Sri Marepalli Suryanarayana garu ‘Rushipeetham Puraskaram’ Award Recipient Sri Annadanam Chidambara Sastry ‘Sahitya Vidya Praveena, Hanumadjnanavetta, aidyavidvan’ Dr. Annadanam Chidambara Sastry

ALL ARE WELCOME ALL ARE WELCOME

PHOTO GALLERY

Panchamukha Anjaneya Pratishtapana and Fourth Anniversary of Sri Vallabha Ganapati Temple pictures

Navama Veturi Kavita Puraskara To Pravachanams at Ongole Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu DISCLAIMER: This is not a SPAM. You have received this e-mail, because you have shown interest in the renaissance of Sanatana Dharma by Brahmasri Dr.Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu through pravachanams, ‘Rushipeetham’ magazine, writings, books, temple renovation and construction, Sri Vallabha Ganapati temple Rajahmundry, ‘Go Seva’, charitable activities, Yagas and Yajñas, ‘Siva Pad am’ concerts and dance dramas etc., Please forward this e-mail only in UN-EDITED format. For more details, please visit http://saamavedam.org or http://rushipeetham.org

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