the lectures by various scholars are above the ground. Now I Sparkling Waves and eminent visitors. have to bring them down to Reminiscences about Sometime, these stocktaking their former ground”. Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade-4 sessions ran to 3-4 hours.

A.BALAKRISHNAN An interaction with Eknathji in one such session was memorable. It was some time in the month of September or October 1973. Swami uring the training of 1st training centre and had Chidanandaji had come and batch of Life-workers of extensive interaction with the stayed for a week and delivered DVivekananda Kendra, in trainees, during the question - a number of lectures and 1973, Eknathji had made answer sessions, after their conducted Bhajan session, necessary arrangements for lectures on various topics as Antaryoga, etc. Eknathji the classes of the trainees on decided by Eknathji in returned to Kanyakumari a day various topics during his consultation with the speakers. prior to Swamiji’s departure. As absence on tour by eminent usual, he had a long sitting with persons. He had done this after There were also prominent the trainees in the presence of thorough planning, so that the visitors to Vivekanandapuram Swami Chidanandaji. Swamiji trainees did not feel his during the period of our briefed Eknathji how he absence and at the same time training. Some of them were conducted his classes, Bhajan Next morning, Swami eminent scholars who were Swami Chinmayanadaji, Sri session, meditation, Antaryoga Chidanandaji left invited to Kanyakumari were Moropant Pingleji, Shri Dada etc. to the trainees and how Kanyakumari. That day able to utilize their time fully Saheb Apte, Prof. Sisir Kumar they felt the spiritual vibration afternoon, Eknathji took a class for the benefit of the trainees. Mitra, Shri Kedar Nath Sahniji throughout the day. He said for all the trainees. Normally Those whom Eknathji had and Shri K.A.A. Raja. that the trainees were showing he used to take classes in the invited were Swami Janardhan keen interest in meditation and forenoon, but from that day he Maharaj, Dr. S.B. Varnekar, Soon after his return from japa and they should be further changed over to afternoon. He Prof. Athavle, Pandit the tour, Eknathji always made groomed in that line for the started his talk about the Ramnarayan Shastri, Dr. it a point to review the inner unfoldment. experiences during his recent Mukul Batra, Swami programmes and activities visit to Calcutta. He said he Chidanandaji, Swami undertaken by the trainees I observed Eknathji spoke to many of his friends Chidbhavanandaji, Swami during his absence. In those carefully listening to Swamiji’s and well-wishers about the Ranganathanandaji, Shri interactions (with Eknathji), narration. At the end, he made training that was being given to Devendraswaroopji, Shri each trainee had to narrate his a very clear and significant Life-workers and how Suresh Ketkarji, Shri Ram experience and read out the remark: “Swamiji, I am very henceforth such workers would Sathe and Smt. Toyajakshi notes he had made in his diary. thankful to you for giving the come out, batch after batch, Devendra. All these He was also very keen to know trainees glimpses of Spiritual after their 6 months training, personalities stayed at the what the trainees gained from life. I could see them all floating and these workers would flood in the spiritual world. Their feet with Swami Vivekananda’s YUVA BHARATI21 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI22 APRIL 2003 message every nook and corner physical work and move to any of the country, nay, even the part of the country at short Organization and Yourself distant areas of the globe. Then notice. One cannot be called he quoted Swamiji- spiritual if he merely engaged himself in meditation and Some members keep their organization strong, “Shall India die? Then from spiritual practices, totally while others join and just belong. the world all spirituality will be oblivious of the condition of the Some dig right in, some serve with pride. extinct, all moral perfection will suffering millions all over the But some go along just for a ride. be extinct, all sweet-souled country. For us, spirituality Some volunteer to do their share, sympathy for religion will be means, wiping out the tears of while some sit back and just don’t care. extinct, all ideality will be the fallen and the downtrodden, On meeting days some always show. extinct and in its place will providing succour to the sick But then there those are who never go. reign the duality of lust and and feeble. We are therefore Some always pay their dues ahead. luxury as the male and female here to keep our eyes and ears Some get behind for months instead. deities, with money as its wide open and not to keep them Some do their best, some build, some make. priest, fraud, force, Some never give but always take. and competition its Some lag behind, some let things go. ceremonies, and Some never help their organization grow the human soul its Some drag, some pull, some don’t, some do. sacrifice. Such a Now decide, which of these are you ? thing can never be.” - Swami Samachittananda He, therefore said, “Bharat closed and sit in meditation. is the only Spiritual Light Our hands and legs are always House to give direction to all the put to action and not to sit countries of the world, which cross-legged for hours. A true are moving in the vast ocean worker would and should like like rudderless ships. Only to die while engaged in work. those young men and women, Such a worker is a missionary. Put yourself to work, and you will find such who have strong body, stable I have brought all of you here tremendous power coming to you that you will mind and sharp intellect can to become missionaries. achieve this. We need vibrant, Therefore this is not the place feel it hard to bear. Even the least work done dynamic and committed for engaging oneself in too for others awakens the power within; even workers whose feet are firmly much spiritual practice. If you thinking the least good of others gradually held on the ground. The trainee want to do that, you have Life-workers should not get chosen the wrong place. It is instills into the heart the strength of a lion. engaged too much in not too late for you to leave this - Swami Vivekananda meditation and spiritual place. I hope you understand practices. They should be the seriousness of my frank prepared to take up any type of talk.” [To be continued] YUVA BHARATI23 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI24 APRIL 2003 agricultural labourers different, if not quite contrary, compared to such wages in for at least amongst the The Beautiful Tree England) belonged to the late Hindoos, in the districts of the eighteenth and early Madras presidency (and EXCERPTS FROM SHRI DHARAMPAL’S BOOK, ‘THE nineteenth century society of dramatically so in the Tamil BEAUTIFUL TREE’. THIS BOOK EXPLAINS ABOUT LEVEL Great Britain. Naturally when speaking areas) as well as the OF EDUCATION DURING PRE-BRITISH INDIA AND THE they wrote about a school in two districts of Bihar. It was EFFORTS TAKEN BY THE BRITISH TO DESTROY THE SAME every village in India – whether the groups termed soodras, and that may or may not have been the castes considered below literally true – in contrast to the them who predominated in the he number of those communities.Therefore, the British situation, it must have thousands of the then still attending school was term ‘school’ is a weak appeared to them so…. existing schools in practically estimated at around translation of the roles these each of these areas. . T …School 40,000 in 1792 at 674,883 in institutions really played in 1818, and 21,44,377 in 1851. Indian society. attendance, …In most other The total number of schools especially in districts where the districts of Education is the no such public as well as private in 1801 …William Adam in his first manifestation of was stated to be 3,363. By report, observed that there exit the Madras institutions stages it reached a total of about 100,000 village schools presidency, perfection already were known the 46,114 in 1851. in Bengal and Bihar around the even in the in man. collectors 1830s. decayed state reported that …The universities of oxford of the period such learning – Cambridge and Edinburgh were ….Thomas Munro had observed 1822-25 was in the Vedas, perhaps as important for that every village had a school. proportionately far higher than Sastras, Law, Astronomy, Britain as Taxila and Nalanda For areas of the newly the numbers in all variety of Ganita sastram, Ethics, etc.- were in ancient India; or places extended presidency of schools in England in 1800. was imparted in Agraharams, like Navadweep were as late as Bombay around 1820, senior or usually at home. the later part of the 18th officials like G.L. Prendergast ….it presents a picture which century. noted that there is hardly a is in sharp contrast to the …According to other Madras village, great or small, various scholarly Presidency surveys of those ....Since many of those who throughout our territories, in pronouncements of the past practicing medicine and began to come to India from which there is not at least one 100 years or more, in which it surgery it was found that such Britain especially after 1773 as school, and in larger villages had been assumed that persons belonged to a variety travellers, scholars, or judges more… education of any sort in India, of castes. Amongest them, the had their education in one of till very recent decades, was barbers, according to British these three universities; ….The men who wrote about mostly limited to the twice born medical men, were the best in India (whether concerning its amongst the Hindoos and surgery… …These institutions were education or its industry and amongst the Muslims to those infact the watering holes of the crafts or the somewhat higher from the ruling elite. The actual ….Inspite of the controversies culture of traditional real wages of Indian situation which is revealed was which Adam’s reports have

YUVA BHARATI25 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI26 APRIL 2003 given rise to, the most notable ....Gandhiji’s observation on ‘parochial’ nature of the scholarship did not even equal one being his mention of there education emphasized two customs and manners of its the contents of a single shelf of being perhaps 100,000 village main points : (i) that today India people and the ignorance a good European library; and schools still existing in Bengal is more illiterate than it was oppressions and poverty which that all the historical and Bihar in some form till the fifty or a hundered years ago; Indians are said to have always information contained in books 1830s. and (ii) that the British suffered from. To them India written in Sanskrit was less adminstrators’, instead of for most of its past had lived at valuable than what may be ....First every village had at least looking after education and what is termed the ‘feudal’ found in the most paltry one school and in all probability other matters which had stage or what in more recent abridgement used at pre- in Bengal and Bihar with existed, ‘began to root them Marxist terminology is called paratory schools in England. 150,748 villages, there will still out. They scratched the soil the ‘system of Asiatic social be 100,000 villages that have and began to look at the root, organisms’. Yet to another ...“In truth the Hindoo, like the these schools. Second on the and left the root like that and school India had always been enunch, excels in the qualities basis of personal observation the beautiful tree perished.’ a glorious land with minor of a slave. Furthermore, similar and what he had ....Gandhiji had blemishes, or accidents of to the Chinese, the Hindoos learnt from other relied on including history here and there all in all were ‘dissembling treacherous evidence, he two articles from remaining a land of ‘Dharmic’ mendacious, to an excess inferred that on young India of and benevolent rules. For yet which surpasses even the an average there December 1920 by other subscribing to the usual measure of uncultivated were around 100 Dault Ram Gupta : observations of the much society.’ Both the Chinese and institutions of (i) The decline of quoted Charles Metcalfe and the Hindoos were ‘disposed to higher learning in Mass Education in Henry Maine it has mostly been excessive exaggeration with each district of India; and (ii) How a happy land of village regard to everything relating to Bengal. Indian Education republics. themselves. ‘Both were Consequently, he was crushed in the cowardly and unfeeling. Both concluded that Punjab. were in the highest degree the 18 districts of conceited of themselves and full Bengal had about 1800 such …In 1822–25 the number of ….T.B.Macaulay expressed of affected contempt for others. institutions. Computing the those in ordinary schools was similar views, merely using And above all both were in number studying in these latter put at over 150,000 in the different imagery. He physical sense, disgustingly at the lowest figure of six Madras presidency. commented that the totality of unclean in their persons and scholars in each, he also Indian knowledge and house…” says Macaulay. computed that some 10800 ….Modern Indians tend to scholars should be studying in quote foreigners in most them. matters reflecting on India’s present, or its past. One school ....Gandhiji addressed a meeting of thought uses all such foreign held in England on 20 October backing to show India’s 1931, on the subject of future of primitiveness the barbaric education in India . uncouth and what is termed

YUVA BHARATI27 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI28 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI Vol. XXX No.9 CHAITRA 5105 VOICE OF YOUTH APRIL 2003 ÁkFkZuk A Vivekananda Kendra Publication CONTENTS INVOCATION Invocation - 08 Editorial - 09 Rama and Ramanuja - Dr. V.V.Ramanujam 11 Happy New Year - 17 Jh jk?koa n’kjFkkReteÁes;e~ A Sparkling Waves - Reminiscences about Mananeeya Eknathji Ranade - A. Balakrishnan 21 lhrkifre~ ] j?kqdqykUo; jRunhie~ AA Organisation & Yourself - Swami Samachittananda 24 vktkuqckgqe~ ] vjfoan nyk;nk{ke~ A The Beautiful Tree - Sri Dharampal 25 Home is Best - Subramani 31 jkea fu’kkpj fouk’kdja uekfe AA Arise Awake - Dr.K.Subrahmanyam 37 History of Ayodhya - 41 Memories of a Massacre - Daya 45 Sree Raaghavam Dasarathaatmajamaprameyam Lessons of Devotion - Ch.Satyanarayana Murthy 51 Sitaapatim, Raghukulaanvaya Ratnadeepam April Fool - 57 Aajaanubaahum Aravinda Dalaayadaaksham V.K.Activities - 59 Raamam Nishachara Vinashakaram Namami. Founder Editor Editor EKNATH RANADE P. PARAMESWARAN Salutations to Sri Rama, the son of Editorial Board : G. VASUDEO, N. KRISHNAMOORTI Dasaratha, the lord of Sita, the Editorial Office : 5, Singarachari Street, brilliant light of King Raghu’s clan, Triplicane, Chennai - 600 005. who is long armed, lotus eyed and Phone : (044) 28440042/28442843 Email : [email protected] who eliminates the demons. www.vivekanandakendra.org Single Copy Rs. 7/- Annual Subscription Rs.75/- Subscription for 3 years : Rs. 200/- Life Subscription (20 years) : Rs. 800/- (Plus Rs. 30/- for outstation Cheques) Truth is purity. Truth is all knowledge. Truth must be strengthening, mut be enlightening, must be invigorating. - Swami Vivekananda YUVA BHARATI8 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI7 APRIL 2003 to keep oneself ever awake. To prostrate at the feet of Vishnu ARISE, AWAKE…… be ever wakeful is to be ever seeking His intervention. Now successful. To succeed is one it is Lord Vishnu’s mission to and to sustain the success is restore the wealth to its rightful DR. K. SUBRAHMANYAM another. It is not enough if we owner. He therefore achieve something, we have to transformed himself into a fish wami Vivekananda to healthy habits implies maintain the achievement. to catch the thief who has run exhorts all not only to physical culture. away with the booty to the S wake up but to keep In Mythology we find bottom of the sea. After a long awake always. We have to be At the intellectual level too, Brahma with four faces always search the Lord in the form of for ever alert to be established we are ever to remain alert lest engaged in reciting the Vedas. fish caught hold of the culprit. in success. Victory and we should forget or lose what He cannot afford to cease the A battle ensued between the wakefulness go together. Sleep has hither been acquired. The recitation. He is expected to deity and the devil and the and slumber, nay even a nap pursuit of knowledge should keep himself ever wakeful demoniac thief was done to for a short while may cause never cease. Nor should we stop reading the Vedas. In other failure and fall. By slipping into intellectual exercises. We strive words he is expected to sleep, we may slip into losses to deserve what we desire to be hold on to what he is in and adversities, defects and successful emotionally also. possession of. As a miser disappointments, distress and clings to his gold, as a destruction. Therefore we At the spiritual level, it is child to the mother, as a cannot rest at the cost of tapas to remain one with the wife to the husband, a wakefulness or cautiousness. self or Atman. Nandi in the scholar to the books and Heart cannot rest. If it rests it temple of Siva looks incessantly as a devotee to the deity is death. So also the pulse or at the deity. The jiva has always ceaselessly should an breath is not to stop, but to to be engaged in tapas to be one aspirant hold on to the function always. The man on with Siva or the Self. Similarly, ideal. To miss the mark is the roller has to be on toes Siva too cannot afford to sleep. to lose the track. Brahma always. He cannot afford to rest He is ever alert to be Himself the studious scholar of lest he should slip and fall, fall always in tapas. the Vedas has one day, into hell or failure, sin or unfortunately, slipped suffering, despair or death. Swami Chidbhavanandaji into a short nap. Asuras asked Sri Ramana “Sir, what is however were waiting for this death. The Vedas were restored At the physical level we the difference between your opportunity. And the moment to Brahma. cannot afford to neglect the present spiritual position and of Brahma’s slip was seized, the The symbolic significance body. To keep it fit we are ever the same when you were at the Vedas were stolen. Brahma of the mythological story is to be alert in the day’s habits. age of sixteen after the death woke up to find the loss of his profound. Not for nothing has Routine requires strict experience?” Sri Ramana is treasure. He suddenly became the Lord chosen the form of a observance. Neither the diet reported to have replied: “What bankrupt. All his wealth of fish. All efforts to achieve the nor the daily exercises can be I caught hold of then, I continue knowledge was lost in a trice for chosen goal lies in the ignored. Methodical adherence to hold even now.” And that is want of his alertness. He fell aspirant’s alertness and

YUVA BHARATI37 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI38 APRIL 2003 wakefulness. The fish never the Lord’s grace. In addition to is Meenakshi, since her eyes demon perhaps, is more alert closes its eyes. It has no lids to the thought and touch of are like those of a fish. Her eyes to seize the opportunity when close its eyes. Fish is symbolic protection is the look, are not only beautiful but there is little or no alertness on of wakefulness, alertness, affectionate looks of Gods, graceful with the abundance of the part of Brahma. We have to agility, smartness and ability to masters and mothers that can affection and compassion remain alert in our interest. swim against the current. surely offer us the required spontaneously and incessantly Against all odds, one may have guidance and welfare. Mother’s flowing towards the devotees. Swami Vivekananda’s to strive to reach the goal, to eyes are always on the crawling exhortation ‘arise and awake’ is realize the ideal, to deserve the baby. God’s eyes are always on In the form of a fish, Lord the very life-spirit of the first fulfillment of desires. the well-being of the cosmos. Vishnu came to propagate the form of all incarnations. The value of grace by gazing, of love fish conveys that it is ever alert. Masters, mothers and God by looks and of success by And its alertness is not for its offer protection and guidance wakefulness. self protection, but to shower by means of look, touch and love on the small ones. Lord thought. Sri Ramakrishna The very first step to any Vishnu is the God of touched Narendranath and pursuit is one’s ability to keep compassion and grace. He thereby offered protection and oneself awake to seize the showers love incessantly and guidance. He had also opportunities and to be alert justly. transferred his energies to the enough so that no disciple by just touching. With opportunities are ever missed. An aspirant’s alertness and the right hand of benediction, Brahma in mythology has not wakefulness are not meant the gods offer and transfer been alert enough to hold his merely for a selfish rise but for fearlessness to the devotees. wealth in the tight grip. The the welfare of all around. The mother by the warmth of her energizing embrace offers security and guidance to the children. By constantly It has been one of the principles of my life not to be ashamed thinking of the disciples, Masters keep their watchful of my own ancestors. I am one of the proudest men ever devotees and the children, eyes always open to guide and born, but let me tell you frankly, it is not for myself, but on masters, god and mothers offer bring up their disciples on right account of my ancestry. The more I have studied the past, their guidance. Holy mother lines. The fish brings up the the more I have looked back, more and more has this pride Sarada Devi’s thought-power small ones by constantly provided Swami Vivekananda looking at them. In its gaze do come to me, and it has given me the strength and courage with the required protection the small ones learn to live and of conviction, raised me up from the dust of the earth, and and guidance while he was in swim in water symbolic of grace set me working out that great plan laid out by those great the west. Mother’s affectionate by looks. ancestors of ours. blessings are the sure source - Swami Vivekananda of security to the children Goddess Meenakshi is wherever they are. The whole called the deity of fish like eyes. cosmos is being looked after by Meena is fish; Aksha is eye. She

YUVA BHARATI39 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI40 APRIL 2003 Fa-Hien who visited India HISTORY OF AYODHYA before Hiuen Tsang also has In the Mogul period, from written about Ayodhya. Babur to Aurangazeb, from 1526 to 1707, a period of 181 The place where years, nearly 45 wars were yodhya was the capital of Raghuvamsh after him. Raghu Ramachandra was born was fought to capture the Kosalas where ruled the had two sons, Aja and called Janmasthana. King Janmasthana and reconstruct kings of the illustrious Dasaratha. A Vikramaditya built a temple the temple. The attempts did Solar race. Manu was the first th here in the 12 century A.D. not become successful. king and the founder of Dasaratha had four sons, This temple was destroyed by Janmasthan is now known Ayodhya. Historians agree Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata Babur who established the asRamJanmabhoomi. generally that Manu ruled in and Satrughna. Rama was the Mogul Dynasty in India in The Ayodya problem is well about 3100 B.C. 65th descendant of Manu. Rama 1526-1530 A.D. He built a known. Now efforts are on to divided his Kingdom among his mosque there. It was called find a solution acceptable to Manu was succeeded by sons and nephews. Kusa Babri Masjid. all. Ikshvaku and he in turn by succeeded Rama in Ayodhya. Vikukshi. Ikshvaku’s son Nimi Lava was given Uttarakosala founded Videha and Danda with Sravasti as the capital. established Dandaka. When the Mahabharata Ayodhya is on the banks of war was fought in 1400 B.C 30th the Sarayu River, which arises generation of Sri Rama, from Kumayun. After twenty Brihadbahu was ruling generations from Manu Ayodhya. He was killed by Two kinds of men do not worship God as man –the human Mandhata ruled Ayodhya. Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. brute who has no religion, and the Paramahamsa who has Famous Harischandra known Siddhartha, who later became risen beyond all the weaknesses of humanity and has for the honesty tests put by Gautama Buddha took birth in transcended all limits of his own human nature. To him all Viswamitra was a successor of the Solar race in the 25th nature has become his own Self. He alone can worship Mandhata. generation from Brihadbahu. God as He is. Here too, as in other cases, the two extremes meet. The extreme of ignorance and the other extreme of Harischandras’s sixth Ayodhya was one of the knowledge –neither of these go through acts of worship. successor was Sagara. Sagara seven sacred cities. Others The human brutes do not worship because of his ignorance, was succeeded by Bhagiratha were Mathura, Haridwar, Kasi, and the Jivanmuktas (free souls) do not worship because who constructed a network of Kanchi, Ujjain and Dwaraka. they have realized God in themselves. Being between these canals and brought the Ganga Hiuen Tsang who visited India two poles of existence, if any one tells you that he is not down from the Himalayas. wrote that there were 20 going to worship God as man, take kindly care of that man; Another famous king of the Buddhist monasteries in he is, not to use any harsher term, an irresponsible talker; Solar Dynasty was Dilip. His Ayodhya and nearly 3000 his religion is for unsound and empty brains. son was Raghu. Rama’s students lived in a monastery. - Dynasty was named It was a holy place for Jains too. SwamiVivekananda

YUVA BHARATI41 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI42 APRIL 2003 LESSON-10 SERIAL-44 There Draupadi welcomed Krishna in the “Swayamvara” LESSONS OF DEVOTION the lovely bride in all affection arranged by her elders. and honour and celebrated her CH. SATYANARAYANA MURTHY advent in all pomp and The brothers of Mitravinda, splendour. Kalindi spent a Vinda and Anuvinda by name happy time in the company of were the friends of Draupadi in the palace of the Duryodhana. They had on them Kalindi Bhakti (devotion). One day Lord Pandavas till Krishna became the evil influence of Krishna and Arjuna went to the free to return to Dwaraka. Duryodhana. So they developed alindi was the daughter forest for hunting. After hatred towards Krishna and of Surya. Her heart’s hunting a great deal, they sat Krishna took Kalindi to opposed the choice of their Kdesire was to wed Lord for a respite in a picturesque Dwaraka and there their sister. Hence Mitravinda Krishna. She performed tapas spot on the bank of the river marriage was solemnized with ardently prayed to the Lord to for the fulfillment of her desire. Yamuna. There they espied a Vedic rites. The wonder was it rescue her form the vicious Her resolve was to die, in case lovely girl loitering alone. They was not looked upon as another whirlpool of palace politics. Krishna were to refuse her felt that she was walking instance of Krishna’s routine There was no way out for her hand. Like Rukmini she too gracefully towards them. Sri marriages. It was a superb one from the hell of a palace wished ardently to worship the Krishna sent Arjuna to her to with new grace and governed by her unworthy feet of the Lord and win his know the details about her. unprecedented charm. Routine brothers. could never stale the infinite To Arjuna, the pious and variety of festivities and Lord Krishna heard her faithful girl with no guile or wile ineffable joy the devotees devout prayers and decided to confided her love to Lord derived as they watched the make her his own. Lord Krishna Krishna and said that she was celebrations. went to the “Swayamvara” in his on the look out for him. Arjuna glorious chariot and carried off gently and courteously MITRAVINDA the bride Mitravinda just as he disclosed to her his identity and did with Rukmini earlier. Her that of Krishna and led her to Mitravinda was the brother Vinda and Anuvinda him. Krishna cast amorous daughter of the king of Avanti. and a host of other princes glances at her and caused a Her mother Rajadhidevi was assembled there were simply beautiful blush suffuse her Krishna’s aunt. From her very helpless spectators, as Lord face. She fell at the feet of Lord infancy, Mitravinda had come Krishna drove off with the lovely heart. She was looking forward Krishna and washed his feet to admire the heroic deeds of girl Mitravinda. Every to the day when the Lord would with her tears of joy. Lord her “Bava” Krishna. She was miraculous feat of Krishna left deign to recognise her devotion Krishna lovingly lifted her and lost in the admiration and a golden line of beneficiaries as and take her into his arms. assured her of his love for her. adoration of Lord Krishna. As well as trail of killed or subdued He took her into his chariot and she grew in age, her admiration or reformed or reclaimed Lord Krishna was with the along with Arjuna reached the flowered into love and she erstwhile evil doers. The Pandavas looking after their palace of Dharmaraja. made up her mind to choose beneficiaries were the erstwhile interests, overpowered by their

YUVA BHARATI51 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI52 APRIL 2003 victims of the evil forces and the brothers of Bhadra the foremost viewers of the festivities and of whom was Santardana were celebration of his marriages. not averse to her choice of HOME IS BEST With their hearts throbbing Krishna. They were also with joy and pride, the citizens devotees of Lord Krishna. They SUBRAMANI of Dwaraka participated in the were happy that their sister joyous celebrations of the chose a worthy hero. marriage of Krishna with his he Jasmines in my garden the Gayatri Mantra. So as cousin Mitravinda. Hence they approached have no smell,” expounds Swami Vivekananda said, if Lord Krishna and humbly Tthe common human Manu comes back today and BHADRA prayed to him to accept the nature of trivializing things at takes a walk in Triplicane, he hand of their sister who had hand, or a place one lives at. will not be disappointed. The Shrutakirti was Vasudeva’s dedicated herself to him in all Human mind gets quickly same mantras, the same sister. Bhadra was Shrutakirti’s love and devotion. Lord Krishna accustomed to things and chants and the same toll of daughter. She was the princess who knew the heart of Bhadra people, and fails to find values temple bells will receive him. of Kekeya. Bhadra was accepted the offer. He married in them. The farther a man is attracted by the beauty and Bhadra scrupulously observing from, the wiser he is, or the Holiness is associated with charming traits of Lord Krishna. the Vedic rites. more remote a place, the more the name of the place. ideal it is, seems to be the “Triplicane,” is derived from the Her being’s end and aim To the spectators bubbling measure of worth of things and Tamil word Tiru-alli-keni, was to attain the bliss of union with evergrowing enthusiasm people. which means tank of sacred with Lord Krishna in marriage. and devotional fervour, the lilly plants. The tank referred Moreover Krishna stood in the festivities and celebrations in Perhaps this happens only to is the one in front of the connection with Bhadra’s relationship of “Bava” to her to those who are attracted by Parthasarathy temple, which is marriage with Krishna and hence she could claim him the lifestyle some where and one of the oldest in Chennai. appeared to outdo the previous as her bride-groom. The want to copy it neglecting their The cultural life here is ones in glee. own as obsolete, not to centered around this temple. It Triplicanites. They have made abounds in historical events, Gandhiji’s concept of legends, and association with acceptance that, “I throw my great men. windows and doors open so that air enter from all sides, but I The temple’s history goes refuse to be blown off.” that it was built by the kings of the Pallava Dynasty in the early Dish antenna and Internet 8th century. The kings of the have failed to shake the Pandya and Chola Dynasties foundation of culture laid took renovation and expansion works. Major rebuilding to its centuries back though they present size was done by the handle electronics as easily as Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th the Vishnu Sahasranama and century.

YUVA BHARATI53 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI31 APRIL 2003 Lord Krishna as the in ten meaningful verses. It has Triplicane is associated Ramakrishna Mission, it lodges charioteer of Arjuna in the been the custom to chant 4000 with many world-renowned an exhibition on the life of Mahabharata war is the deity hymns of Alwars in the temple men. Srinivasa Ramanujam, Swamiji and Cultural Heritage of the temple. Here, Krishna is since centuries and the Mathematical scientist, born in of India. The room on the shown as wounded in the tradition is maintained till Kumbakonam, shifted to second floor of the building battle. Curious enough, he today. Triplicane in 1909 and lived at where Swamiji stayed is a sprouts a moustache and has Thoppu Street till March 1914. meditation hall radiating the a conch in one hand. In the The temple figures From here he left for England serenity of his visit. Sanctum, one can also find the prominently in the colonial for research. idols of Rukmini, Balarama, history of India. France In front of the Illam lies the Satyaki, Aniruddha and occupied Santhome, a place Nobel Laureate vast Marina Beach, the second Pradyumna. The extreme near the temple in 1672. Then Chandrasekhar studied in the largest in the world. Surged devotion of the people towards Muslims took shelter in the Hindu High School situated at everyday evening by strollers it the deity has given Triplicane temple. The French drove them Big Street. He was awarded is a haven of electioneers and the name Southern Vrindavan. out and converted it into a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1983 revellers on special occasions. garrison. for the Chandrashekhar Limit, Tilak Ghat, now renamed as The temple has many which determines the Seerani Arangam stands rarities. First it is a twin temple A recital of devotional songs minimum mass of a dying star witness to the speeches of with two Sanctums, one on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, enabling it to survive. Sir C.V. Jawaharlal Nehru, Anna Durai, dedicated to Lord a tradition set by Saint Raman, Nobel Prize winner for Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Parthasarathy facing the east Thyagaraja during his Physics in 1930 married from Vajpayee. and the other dedicated to Lord pilgrimage in 1845 is held every Triplicane. Narasimha facing the west. So year under the title ‘Ekantha Famous nationalist Tamil the annual festival called Sevai.’ The one time famous Poet, Subramania Bharati Brahmostavam which extends University of Madras, which is known as the father of modern for ten days is housed in the palace built by Tamil settled in Triplicane in conducted Pycroft Road 1890 the Nawab of Arcot is situated the later part of his life. He was twice, once in here. It was the only source of born in Ettayapuram in Chitra (April- higher education in South Tirunelveli. “Bharati” was a title May) and again India during the British period. conferred on C. Subramanyam in Ani (June- by the Raja for his literary July). At the Marina Beach is the abilities at a very young age. Vivekananda Illam formerly Later he excelled in Journalism. The temple known as Ice House. The first An extremist in ideas he joined Gopuram is so branch of the Ramakrishna the struggle for freedom. A few exquisite and Mission, Calcutta was started years after he abjured all such intricate in here. Swami Vivekananda, on ideas and gave Indian carving that his return from abroad in 1897, Nationalsim a spiritual turn. th th Tirumangai stayed here from 6 to 15 Alwar praised it February. Now a property of

YUVA BHARATI32 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI33 APRIL 2003 History of Triplicane is not Bahadur M.A. Singarachariar, complete without the story of one of the founders of the APRIL FOOL! Alasinga Perumal. His full Hindu High School. name was Mandayam Chakravarthi Alasinga Always soothed by the cool PRIL FOOL! This as they do in Europe or say “A Perumal. He was the sea breeze and flanked by busy hilarious cry of your crow has soiled your backside” Headmaster of Pachaiyappa’s streets far away, Triplicane at A closest ones perhaps (when the suit is spanking High School. He met Swami times creates the ambience of has already tricked you on the new). If you have been elaborate st Vivekananda in 1893 when he a village. Butterflies flit and fly 1 of this month and also as setting the clocks wrongly or reached Madras after his here in the morning and if you perhaps you are reminiscing on sprucely putting last year’s st historic meditation at filter away the sounds of the amusing memory of a newspaper of April 1 on the Kanyakumari. He became his vehicles, you can hear the harmless non-holiday frolic. Or, table don’t be late to yell “April disciple. are you repenting your Fool! April Fool!”. It is a “for- In the weakness for your favourite fun-only” observance and to subsequent dish on that day when someone fully enjoy it be among your discussions, badly ensnared you in a hotel intimates because the saying Swamiji and how it told heavily on your “one who does not laugh seeing decided pockets? If so he has broken you fall is not a friend” can be to go to the rule and killed the charm proved only on that day. Chicago, of the game. to attend It is the age of play and the On the other hand, learn. It is likely that someone Parliament knowing the risk of the day, you will trick you asking a question. of Marina beach 1890 were wise enough to be pre- So here is the question with the Religions emtive, then not only that you answer. provided have lost the fun of the day but When was st money be collected from the twitter of many birds. But just also have proved Mark Twain’s the 1 middle class only. He wrote walk a few yards, you are in a famous saying, “The first of April Fool many letters to Alasinga from wonderland of markets. This April is the day we remember Day? abroad. One letter referring to microcosm of the world what we are the other 364 days Perhaps the Parthasarathy temple can provides all necessities, of the year” true. If some one no one be seen inscribed on a slab of luxuries and opportunities at a took the day formally and knows. the temple even today. hand’s stretch. Reminiscences presented a bouquet of roses to Some say st which sneak in on their own his loved one or gracefully 1 April A few yards to the North of will make a Triplicanite taking extended a cutely packed set of 1582. According to the Julian st the temple is situated a stroll in a city anywhere in the gifts, he is sure to walk single calendar April 1 was the New Vivekananda Kendra. The world feel : the whole life and may even get Year Day. When Gregorian street is named after Rao “East or west home is best.” referred to a doctor of a type of calendar was introduced it was patients. Say “your shoes are moved to 1st January. As dirty” (when they are shinning) running errands was the only

YUVA BHARATI34 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI57 APRIL 2003 way of communication, people you feel it is otherwise around in interior parts did not come where you are? HAPPY NEW YEAR! to know the change and continued to celebrate April 1st We hear students teasing appy New Year! On the calendar is based. They are the as the New Year Day. They teachers, policemen humming 14th of April i.e the 1st of calendar based on the Sun’s became fools. Also it used to on duty and see photos of Chaitra or the 1st of movement (Souramana) and happen that some one rushed ministers sleeping in public H Chitirai all over India this that based on the Moon’s digits functions. See the grin of the greeting is given and taken. (Chandramana). The two visiting dignitory at an accident system do not differ much. So sight or when sitting in a Perhaps Indians were the it is New Year festive in April. discussion room to decide first to make the In Tamil it is called whether there should be a war calendar and Varushapirapu, in or not. Also see how full Chandramana Egyptians and Kerala Vishu, in mouthed the smile on the faces The Lunar calendar Romans Karnataka Yugadi, of the dignitories on the stage begins New Year in the adopted it from in Andhra Ugadi is, when a doctorate is third week of March. The us. The reason and in Assam Bihu. conferred on an illiterate crowd- moon takes 28 days to to believe so is Punjab celebrates puller. They are not to blame, complete its waxing and that there was a Baisakhi on this they have to come up to the waning phases. The time when their day. occasion. Plotting, turning the names of the months New Year, as table, leg-pulling, goading and according to this calendar was in India, Days become such games amusing people at are (1) Chaitra, (2) began in April. warmer in April and all levels every day may be the Vaisakha, (3) Jyeshta, (4) Romans under a flurry of activities reason that the April Fool Day Ashada, (5) Sravana, (6) in and pretented as if breaking Julius Caesar begin in nature. A a serious news to a curious goes unnoticed. Bhadrapada, (7) Aswina, went in war (8) Kartika, (9) Margasirsa, lucky shower wets crowd listening frightfully, but against the ground in some If we play a game of (10) Pausha, (11) Magha, callously added “of course, it Egyptians. He regions. Trees counting the days with those (12) Phalguna. happened a year back” at the adopted the looking bald in who need the April Fool Day, end making the whole situation calendar he saw with them in winter sprout leaves and plants they of their serious days and humorous. When it happened 48 BC and made it effective in bloom into flowers. Migratory we of our funny ones, we will often a day was kept for it so Rome. Pope Gregory modified birds return and make nests, either strike an exact balance that they could be serious on this calendar in 17th century ants dig holes and termites or exceed them by one count. other days. and as Christian celebrations build uphills. Warps and If anyone on this side fancied like Easter, Good Friday and honey-bees make hives. to look for a day of the opponets’ So the world has 364 Lent came in March, he shifted Sleeping reptiles wake up and type in his list he can be given serious days in a year. Or,do the New Year to January. begin life process. Supportive of the Wise Man of the Day award. all these goes the commonly In the Hindu tradition there believed legend that Bramha are two systems on which the created the world on the 1st day

YUVA BHARATI58 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI17 APRIL 2003 of Chaitra, i.e 14th April and At the day break “Meji,” a tower since has been watching the of firewood is burned. Children activities with eyes on all four going round beating drums MEMORIES OF A MASSACRE sides. So the name Yugadi or singing Bihu songs is a Ugadi. charming scene. A supposition of Bhagat Singh’s imagery of Jalianwala Bagh incident The way of celebration also Bengal also celebrates New is common to all states. Houses Year Day on April 14. This day are painted. A “Kani” is celebrated in Punjab as amasthe. My dear young All over the town of (auspicious sight), Baisakhi. Guru friends, wish you a Amristar, (where I was at that an assembly of Souramana Govind Singh happy New Year and time) the hurried pasing of The Solar calendar N things like gold, founded Khalsa Baisakhi. I am Bhagat Singh. I Rowlett Act despite the stiff money, rice, starts the New Year in mid- on this day. The am here to share my memories opposition of Indian leaders in vegetables and April. It is based on the new year in about the horrible massacre at the Central Legislature, was clothes which Sun’s movement through Maharastra Jalianwala Bagh 85 years ago. widely talked about and make life rich, 12 Rashis (divisions of begins on strongly opposed. The act gave offered at the feet Zodiac). Each month starts Chaitra Shudha I was a boy of thirteen or more powers to police and of the family deity in the middle of the English Pratipada which fourteen years at that time. The administration to imprison any is viewed and month. The New Year is also called first world war had come to an person without trial or th blessings are begins on 14 April. The Guhi-Padawa. end. Some of the people whom conviction. invoked. Then names of the months in I know participated in the war. after a bath Tamil are as follows. (1) One or But immediately after the war, The Nationalist leaders Kuthuvillakku Chaitra (2) Vaikasi (3) Ani (4) other festival is there were wide spread requested the people to oppose (Holy Lamp) is lit Adi (5) Avani (6) Purattasi (7) held in every unemployment and poverty all the act through Satyagraha. and kept near Aipasi (8) Kartigai (9) state on 14th over the country. The British Gandhiji was arrested and Niraikundam. April. Most Government promised to do taken to Bombay, when he Children seek striking is the many things for the people’s tried to address a protest blessings of elders Ker Puja of welfare after the war. They got meeting here in Punjab. The and receive tokens as sign of Tripura, a state tucked in the our support for the war, but did local leaders like Dr. Saifuddin prosperity. far away mountains of North- nothing for our welfare. Kitchlu and Dr. Satya Pal were eastern India. Ganga Puja, also Instead they started oppressing also arrested. The whole of the The New Year day of Assam held in April has many things our people. country observed April 6 as a is called Magh Bihu or Bhogali in common with other states. day of hartal against this Bihu. Harvest is over and the The highly talked about draconian Act. days forward are days of no The timing and method of Minto-Morley reforms gave want. The Bihu eve is called the celebrations prove that some concessions, but The British Government “Uruka.” The most significant people of India are of one race repressive acts out weighed was very brutal in oppressing part of Uruka Day is building and are bound by a vast those fringe and useless our peaceful demonstrations all of “Meji” and feasting at night. culture. benefits. over the country. They were

YUVA BHARATI18 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI45 APRIL 2003 infuriated by the total success Hundreds perished in this. The Jalianwala Bagh killings culminated in our of the hartal in Punjab. Women, children and a stood as a solid proof of independence. You all know thousand men wounded were Britian’s unmindful that I, along with Rajaguru and Amidst all this turmoil, left unattended. The General imperialism not only before us, Shuka Dev threw bombs in the spring was in full bloom. stopped the firing only because who visited the Bagh that Central Legislature, where the Amristar was glowing the ammunition dried up. If he afternoon, but to everyone in Rowlett Act, the main reason for beautifully with the gleaming had enough ammunition he the world. the massacre was passed. We Golden Temple and the would have killed every one all tried our best to avenge the adorning bloom of the yellow there. What a horrible thought Our vengeance to avenge massacre at the cost of our flowers. Baisakhi was and deed. the killing grew manifold, when lives. Still, the memory of approaching fast. Lt.Governor O’Dwyer was Jalianwala Bagh makes us to The news of the massacre awarded and hailed for his shudder. Dear friends, we are the started spreading from brutal act by his countrymen. people with an amazing culture. Amristar. I was one of the My friend Udham Singh was Of all the negative things in We can smile even when young boys to hear about it very particular to take revenge the General’s act, his selection adversities are at their peak. almost immediately. It was for the massacre and he of Baisakhi for the gory act has That has been the strength of beyond any civilized person’s accomplished the same by etched the incident our nation. Everywhere comprehension. I with some of killing O’Dwyer, though it took permanently in the minds of the Baisakhi celebration was on my friends rushed to the Bagh 13 years for him to do so and public, which has a very short and Jalianwala Bagh a to rescue the remaining people also his own Life. memory. Nay, the incident was beautiful ground in Amristar and to carry the wounded to a shame on humanity, which saw a congregation of more safer places. Friends, remember can never be forgotten. than 10,000 people for Baisakhi Jalianwala Bagh was one of the celebration from in and around What we saw, I cannot important turning points in our My one and only request to areas. recollect without getting my freedom struggle. Our rush to you friends, is to remember the throat choked and tears rolling the site on April 13, 1919 sacrifice of the innocent men, What thought went into the out of my eyes. The horrible produced more number of women and children amidst minds of Lt.Governor O’Dwyer scene was worse than that of revolutionaries, who threw the your joyous New Year and his General Dyer nobody a battlefield. To see innocent British empire in fix. celebration. Rememberance is knows, but their act on that day people killed for no fault of enough to recognise their has defied all cruelties metted theirs and their sufferings Why revolutionary, even sacrifice. May our hard won out to humanity by the British demanded a very strong mind Gandhiji lost all limits of freedom last long and may our Government. from us. But as young boys, we toleration and launched the people live in perfect happiness. were not able to digest the Civil Disobedience Movement, When the meeting was on, massacre. General Dyer, which gradually grew and Jai Hind. suddenly General Dyer Lt.Governor O’Dwyer appeared marched into the ground as big demons who were to be —Daya through the only exit and eliminated. The last hope or started firing indiscriminately faith in the British Justice’s fair on the unarmed people. play was completely shattered.

YUVA BHARATI46 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI47 APRIL 2003 Editorial Whether a goldsmith, a barber or a noble prize winning scientist, all are equally proud of being called Raman or Ram. Another RAMA-THE ENDEARING DEITY name of his spouse, Janaki, affectionately called as Janu can be heard among the tribal communities. His name is the strongest mantra. Singing the bhajans of his name the Mahathma led the country to freedom. That is the power of Ram Nam. Like the ome April, the warm air, the enthusiastic mood of National Anthem and the National song we have a National people, the verdant foliages which will soon dress up the Bhajan which abounds in Ram Nam. Cvalleys and the work of hardy farmers of readying their cultivable land(of which half country is)to receive the next shower Compared to other incarnations and forms of God Ram has of nature’s bounty give the country a different physical setting. fewer pratishtas or temples. But every Hindu has consecrated him in his mind. Swami Vivekananda was right to say, “Where In the foreground to this setting is more than a hundred crore there are four Hindus, there is Ram”. A Saint has aptly juxtaposed people, ready to brave the scorching heat in the fields yet keep the statement when he said “Where there is Ram Nam, Hindus a humble target of a few hundred rupees as monthly reward, are there”. satisfied with meager lunches, coarse clothes and simple th entertainments, bearing hospitable faces with deep blue placid Tulsidas, a Saint who lived in the 16 century reinterpreted eyes which indicate that their source of happiness is something Valmiki in Hindi. That poetic and musical work became the source subtle far deep in their minds. of devotion, solace and wisdom for the whole of North India. These verses echo from every mouth and if you commit a minor To their midst now and then come some extraordinary men. mistake in chanting, anyone near you will correct you. This Their source of knowledge is unknown, behaviour baffling and incredible influence of Ram on Indian life explains that it is actions intriguing to the theories of Science. One such incident attributes and not appearance what are worshipped in idols. happened in Ayodhya, how many centuries back no one knows. It was the birth of Ramachandra. It happened on the 9th of Chaitra. The lessons of forebearance and of restraint to maintain So that day is called Rama Navami.It comes in April. social amity taught by Ram and inculcated by Ramayana is innate in Hindus was proved recently when an act of sacrelege of the He lived like a common man and did not take supernatural holy book was handled adeptly by them. Similar is the Ayodhya powers in his control to decimate adversities even when pitted issue. It is ironical that a place name of which means “Place of against worst of conditions. His was to show to man how to be no war” (or) “place of peace” is a bone of contention. Let us hope feet-firm-on-ground, to brim the mind with ideals when the head the birth place of Ram will soon become the beacon of peace for reeled with obligations. He was the embodiment of popularity, the whole country and the herald of glory of the future India. bravery, kindness, justice, obedience, intelligence, patience, love, and of being dutiful. His popularity is exemplified in every We wish our readers a happy Rama Navami. walk of Indian life. His is the most widely given name to children. There are Rams in all communities of the Hindu Society. Among labourers, tribals and road side dwellers there are Rams.

YUVA BHARATI9 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI10 APRIL 2003 RAMA AND RAMANUJA A BIRD’S - EYE VIEW OF Dr. V.V. RAMANUJAN VIVEKANANDA KENDRA ACTIVITIES he great Epic Sri yaga a divine person appeared Ramayana which tells from the sacrificial fire with a the story of Sri Rama, an golden pot containing divine HYDERABAD T On February 16, 1000 students incarnation of Mahavishnu is payasam. The king received it from the city performed “Surya talked of in the Puranas as the eagerly and distributed it Vasantha Panchami Saraswati Namaskar” on the occasion of Veda itself. The Veda is among his three queens. They Pooja was celebrated on Shri Shiv Samarth Gau Seva commonly accepted as the consumed it and became February 6th. Many devotees Math’s centenary year. Jai supreme scriptural authority. pregnant. Queen Kausalya gave attended the Pooja. A get- Bhan Singh Pavaiya. Member of birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to together of students who Parliament and Swami Veda vedye para pumsi Bharata and Sumitra to the attended the Sankalpa Shibir, Swaroopanandji, Ramakrishna jate Dasaratatmaje twins Lakshmana and belonging to two colleges was Vedah prajetasatasit Satrugna. So the Supreme was th rd Ashram blessed the students. conducted on 11 and 23 sakshat Ramayanatmane. born in four forms, Rama and February. The students shared Yoga Satras were organized in his brothers, as sons of their experiences with the Saraswati Nagar, Joha Mandi When the Supreme Person, Dasaratha. Lectures and fellow students in and Chitniski Goot. Around 80 the very subject matter of the the meeting. people participated in these Veda was born as the son of That Rama is an satras. The Saraswati Nagar King Dasaratha the Veda itself incarnation of Mahavishnu is GWALIOR Satra turned into a regular Yoga was born from Sage Valmiki as revealed at the beginning of the Varga. Smt.Gayathri Murthy Sri Ramayana. We accept the epic and more forcefully by A worshop for students to face arranged the training and scriptural authority of the Brahma himself who tells Rama the exams confidently was Girish Pal, Rajat Chakraborty Ramayana of Valmiki as equal after the death of the wicked organized from January 31st to and Ajay Sharmaji took the to the Veda. Brahma the creator king Ravana, “Bhavan February 22nd. Named as training responsibility. appeared in person before Narayano Devah,” “Seeta “Pareeksha Dein Haste-Haste” Valmiki and asked him to write Lakshmi Bhavan Vishnu” –You the workshop was inaugurated Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi was the story in verse form telling are verily the great Deva by Dr.Badriprasad Purohit, marked by the inauguration of him that all in the incidents Narayana; Yes –you are Vishnu Social Worker and Co- Bal Sanskar Varga at Morena. without any exception would and Devi Sita is Mahalakshmi ordinator, Arogyadham. Yoga Shri Mukul Kanitkar appear before his mind. born as humans. exercises to improve inaugurated the varga and it concentration and memory was organized by Shri Emperor Dasaratha was Rama and his brothers power was also taught in the Upamanyu. About 73 students childless for a very long time were brought up as Royal workshop. About 100 students participated in this varga, and he performed a Vedic princes, well learned in the from different schools which was regularized as a sacrifice called Putrakameshti Vedic literature, statecraft and participated in this workshop. weekly activity. so that he may be blessed with the martial arts. Rama tells a son. At the conclusion of the Brahma before being told that YUVA BHARATI59 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI11 APRIL 2003 he was Narayana, “Aatmanam Rama was the very embodiment from defilement by the banishment Lakshmana manusham manye Ramam of Dharma –righteous conduct. rakshasas, he tells the sage: wanted to accompany him out Dasaratatmajam” –I consider “Ramo vigrahavandharamh” “Oh Tiger among sages! Here we of intense love for his brother myself as a human being, the says the poet. These words are your servants; command us and the love-driven service son of King Dasaratha. come out of the mouth of the as you please. We are ready to which he wanted to render. Throughout the epic the four demon Maricha. carry out your bidding.” And he Rama does not readily agree to brothers and Sita do not show kills the demoness Tataka as the proposal. Lakshmana out their divinity but behave as One may wonder why in bid by the sage though killing resorts to saranagati. ordinary human beings. this incarnation the Lord a woman is highly repugnant to appeared in four forms while in him. Sabhratu’s saranam gadham Valmiki states that the others He appeared only in one nepeedya raghunandanah Lord was born “Kritvatmanam form. We see the practice of The king tells Rama his Seethamuvachathiyasa chaturvidam” in four forms. Dharma in different forms by intention to crown him as Raghavancha mahavratam. Why? The purpose for the brothers. Yuvaraja and asks him to incarnations is revealed by Sri perform the preliminary rituals. Tightly holding the feet of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita Rama is the ideal hero, the Rama gladly does these with his brother, Lakshmana thus: perfect man, the ideal son, Sita by his side, but the next addressed Sita and Rama and Paritranaya sadhunam brother, and friend of sadhus. morning he is told that he is prayed that he may be allowed vinasayacha dushkruta The citizens of Ayodhya are all banished from the Kingdom for to accompany them. Bharata Dharma samsthapanarthaya praise for him and they tell no apparent reason. He is to go also resorts to this in the forest sambhavami yuge yuge. Dasaratha their eagerness to and live in the forest for to bring Rama back to the For the protection of the see Rama crowned as the fourteen years. He accepts this Kingdom. We will come to this good and for the destruction of Yuvaraja. He is overjoyed when order with joy and shows later. evil doers, and for the firm there is joyousness in a family. absolutely no resentment. That establishment of Dharma, I am He is extremely distressed to is the respect he gives to the The saranagati of born from age to age. see somebody in distress. He words of his father, though Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger speaks gently and he is the first actually it did not come from brother is well known and is Who are these ‘good’ whom to speak. He is grateful for even the father himself but through often dwelt upon by scholars in He protects? They are those small friendly acts and Kaikeyi. There are more such the Ramayana. Rama’s allies who are devoted to Vedic unmindful of unfriendly acts incidents. Sugreeva and his associates Dharma, more importantly even if many. He is easily object very strongly to devoted to Him. The protection accessible to the subjects and Another Dharma which admitting a bitter enemy’s is by affording them mixes freely with even the very Rama teaches in practice is the brother into their camp. But opportunities to see His most lowly. He is ever ready to carry protection he affords to those Rama is determined in keeping adorable form and talk about out the words of elders. The list who sought it under different the vow of affording protection His loveable and admirable is endless. A few incidents: circumstances. He is rightly to all who seek the same. He auspicious qualities. The called “Saranagatha vatsala.” tells the monkey king, destruction of evil is a must and When the king sends Rama There are quite a number of Sakrudeva prapannaya tavasmiticha yachate He chooses to attend to this and Lakshmana with Sage instances. When Rama Abhayam sarvabhutebyo dadami personally. More important is Viswamitra to protect his yaga accepted the order of the establishment of Dharma. etat vratam mama. YUVA BHARATI12 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI13 APRIL 2003 To any being who say once and sowseelya (mixing easily the master and ‘paratantrya’ – ‘When you sport with Sita (only) “I am yours –protect me,” with those far inferior to him) total submission to the will of for pleasure in the hills and I afford him fearlessness from are all to be dwelt upon for the master to be used as he valleys I will do everything. I will any other being in this world. hours at end. So also is his love pleases. serve you when you are asleep This my unchangeable vow. He for Sita and the deep concern or wakeful.’ The expression also says, “I will accept any he shows for her. In fact, the Lakshmana is a ‘Karishyami’ emphasises that hand of friendship whatever Ramayana is ‘Seethayas personification of devotion and the service is for the sole may the shortcoming of the Charitam mahat’ in the words of service to his brother. When pleasure of the beneficiary. It person.” He convinces his Valmiki himself. Rama asks him to stay in is not the formal “I am glad to friends and sends Sugreeva to Ayodhya and look after the be of service –the pleasure is fetch Vibhishana with the We will briefly dwell upon mothers and the aged king, he mine.” words; the greatness of the other three flatly refuses –an act totally Anayainam harishsreshta of the brothers. Remember that against his very nature. Valmiki On another occasion he dattamasyaabhayam maya the four brothers were born in says this of Lakshmana. declares his true nature: Vibhishano va Sugreeva! Yadiva the course of just two “Lakshmano lakshmisampanno ‘Paravanasmi Kakutsta Ravanaswayam. successive days –the time gap bahihpranaivaparah” ……kriyatamiti mam vada’ O being a matter of hours. But Lakshmana’s immense wealth Rama, I am totally yours. O Sugreeva! Go and fetch they all show the greatest was his service to his elder Command me what is to be Vibhishana to our midst. I have veneration, love and affection to brother. He was Rama’s very done. His devotion and promised protection. Don’t Rama as their elder brother who soul only outside the body. veneration towards Sita was worry even if it is Ravana is to them more than Dasaratha When the order of banishment also total. On an occasion after himself who has come.” Later himself. We find a orientation was conveyed to Rama, her abduction by Ravana, Rama Sugreeva admits among the brothers - Lakshmana disowns his father comes by the abandoned jewels (“mamapyantaratmavai sudham Lakshmana’s deep devotion to and declares that Rama is his worn by her. When asked to vetmi Vibhishanam.”) ‘My inner Rama and Satrugna’s to father and master. Taking hold identify them, Lakshmana says, consciousness also admits the Bharata. Bharata’s devotion of Rama’s feet he asks, “I have no knowledge of the purity of Vibhishana.’ and veneration for Rama is no ‘Rurushva mam anucharam identity of her ear-rings or doubt great. vaidharmyam nehavidyate.’ necklaces, but I can easily The Lord was born in four Make me your follower (into the identify her anklets worn on the forms to protect Dharma in four Though the younger forest), there is no travesty of feet because of daily prostration ways. The role of Rama has brothers were also aspects of Dharma here. He means “I do at the feet. Rama was equally if been dealt with at some length. Vishnu, the Dharma they not have any sin which would not more, devoted to his His extraordinary friendship project is that of a jivatma in separate me from you.” He brother. with the hunter chieftain Guha relation to the Supreme. The declares his life’s sole aim thus; (Ramasya atmanassakha), with jivatma (individual Soul) is Bharatha and Satrugna Sabari, with Jataayu, the solely the possession of the Bhavamsthu saha vaidehya were away in Kekeyarajya when vulture whose body Rama Supreme represented by Rama girisanushu ramsyase Dasaratha planned Rama’s cremates with all honours, with in this epic. The essential Aham sarvam karishyami coronation and then submits to the monkeys show out his jagrataswapadaschate. nature (swaroopa) of the jiva is Rama’s being banished as a soulabhya (easy accessibility) ‘seshatva’ –being of service to result of Kaikeyi’s intrigue. The

YUVA BHARATI14 APRIL 2003 YUVA BHARATI15 APRIL 2003 King dies in grief. Bharatha is kingship.” Rama agrees to give summoned back in haste, and his sandals to be installed in when his mother Kaikeyi tells the king’s palace. Bharata feels NEW RE-PRINTS OF him that he is the King of satisfied and to some extent THE PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE Ayodhya, he falls down smitten happy at this arrangement. and reviles his mother in rage. Bharata shines as a model of paratantra. He accepts Rama’s 1. Yogam [Tamil] Rs. 35 . 00 He even rebukes the will as supreme though 2. Yoga [Hindi] Rs. 30 . 00 venerable Vasishta in open unpalatable for himself. He 3. Kalvithurayil Yoga [Tamil] Rs.100 . 00 court for the injustice done to leads an ascetic life for fourteen 4. Yoga - The Science of Rama and also to him. He says years outside the capital city Holistic Living Rs.125 . 00 (“Rajyamcha ahamcha Ramasya and is fully happy only on –Dharmam vaktumiharhasi”) handing over the kingship later 5. Samagra Vikas Rs.200 . 00 Both the Kingdom and I are to the rightful heir. 6. Education in Values Rs. 30 . 00 Rama’s. You should render 7. Krida Yoga Rs. 40 . 00 justice. The idea is that if one Satrugna projects the 8. Man-Making Rs. 15 . 00 possession could rule the other highest Dharma that true 9. Padavali [Hindi] Rs. 15 . 00 why not let the Kingdom rule subservience to the Lord is Bharata? He would never being subservient to His accept the kingship whatever devotees. To him Bharata is may be the justification others dearer than Rama himself. The YUVA BHARATI may offer. He retires to the poet says of him when he leaves Subscription Renewal -An Appeal forest not alone, but for the Kekeya with Bharata: Dear Subscribers/Readers, accompanied by the queens, ‘Satrugno nityasatrugnah neetah Have you renewed YUVA BHARATI’s subscription to continue our tryst the ministers, purohits and preetipuraskritah nitya eveymonth? If not, please check whether your subscription number falls even part of the army. He falls satrugnah’ –everlasting below: at the feet of Rama and begs conqueror of foes; his foe was From 9019,39,99,9176,9347,48,9806,10592,10981,82,84-88,90- him to return to Ayodhya and Rama’s charm and duty by the 92,94-11004,06-09,11,13,15-18,20-25,27-30,35,37,38,40-44,46-49,53- assume kingship. eldest brother which could 55,57-76,78,80-11100,101-118,120. (ends with April 2003 issue) hinder service to Bharata. Here the saranagati Ramanuja in the title From 9177, 9336, 9367, 10655, 11036, 11121 to 28, 11130, 11132 to appears to be in vain. Rama is stands for Rama’s younger 38, 11140, 11142 to 49, 11151 to 61, 11179 (ends with May 2003 issue) unrelenting in his vow to brothers. I like to stop here remain in the forest for full without even a word about Sita, Forget not to renew your subscription before 20/04/2003 fourteen years as ordered by Hanuman and others devoted If renewed already please ignore this appeal. their father. But he makes this to Sri Rama. concession to his devoted brother. He tells him “Rule the (The author is the Editor of the Kingdom as my representative Yathiraja Paduka, published from till I come back and accept the Triplicane)

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