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AArsha Vani (Voice of Sanatana )

October 2017 Volume: 3 Issue: 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Title Page# Title Page# 1. Rāsalīla – Rāsēśvari 1 4. Three And A Half Shakthi Peethas 3 2. What is the significance of Abhishekam? Why 2 5. Serpent worship 4 lot of , curd, , honey and sugar was 6. Festival of Lights 4 poured on Lord Siva? Is it not good to give them 7. Pitr̥ dēvō bhava - Mādhavāya Nāma 4 in charity instead of wasting them like that? 8. Śiva Jñānaṁ - Paśupati - Pāśupataṁ 5 3. Muthuswami Dikshitar Saint Composer 2 9. Sri Ganapati Celebrations 6 at Sri Ganapati Temple, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry

“सरस्वती श्रुततमहती महीयत 車" "Sarasvatī śrutimahatī mahīyatāṁ"

(The above phrase in Rushipeetham logo is said by King Dushyanta in Sri Kalidasa’s Abhignana Sakuntalam. “Pravartatāṁ prakr̥tihitāya pārthivaḥ; sarasvatī śrutimahatī mahīyatāṁ; mamāpi ca kṣapayatu nīlalōhitaḥ; punarbhavaṁ...... " - ‘Rulers shall strive to save nature. Education derived from shall become venerable paving the path to universal welfare. Vedic education stipulating the directives of Dharma shall thrive. Let there be no rebirth to me by the grace of Svayambhu Sada Siva’. King Dushyantha aspired for the above.)

‘Samanvaya is San tana – S marasya is Bh rat yata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma ā ā ā ī

AArsha Vani (Voice of Sanatana Dharma)

October 2017 Volume: 3 Issue: 9

Rāsalīla – Rāsēśvari Upcoming Pravachanams Just as one knows Sun by the light emitting from Him, one can understand God Date: Oct 5 - 15, 2017 only by the that flows from Him. This stream of compassion is Venue: Birmingham, United Kingdom. ‘’. ‘Radha’ is the energy that conjoins a spiritual aspirant with his ultimate Contact: Chief Coordinator Dr. K. Ramasarma supreme. As Sri Lalita Sahasraama Contact - 0044 - 1214396671 - 0044 - 7767126586

says, ‘Radha’ is an embodiment of love. This love is expressed as friendship Date: Oct 20 - 22, 2017 6:30PM between equals, affection between Topic: Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavam parents and children, liking between Venue: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devastanam, Maitri Nagar, Chanda teachers and disciples, discipline between Nagar, Hyderabad. children and parents, and infatuation Siddha Reddy - 7893989989 between men and women etc. Similarly, C. Chenna Reddy - 9701303132 God’s love on us is called compassion and Ch. Sanjeevayya - 9440841068 our love towards God is called devotion. Radhadevi is an embodiment of sincere, R. - 9392488007 unconditional and true love towards God. All the other aspects of worship – Date: Oct 27 – Nov 6, 2017 10:00AM meditation, , yaga, yagna etc. – are underneath the concept of this true, Topic: Kasi Khandam selfless and non-treacherous love. This love is known as ‘Para ’. One can’t Venue: Kumara Mutt, Kedarghat, realize God without this kind of devotion. Hence, it is said that one can’t realize Lord without the grace of Radhadevi i.e. pure devotion. She flows Organized by Rushipeetham Satsangam, Hyd. downward like a stream i.e. Dhāra from God. Our devotion towards God should For More Program Details flow upwards i.e. Rādha (opposite of Dhāra). Our tendencies are always directed ( visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar) downward towards mundane. If the same tendencies are directed upwards Traditions-Fulfilments towards God, this is known as ‘Rādha’. The serpent energy that rises upwards In the month of Kārtīka, worship Śrī towards the sahasrāra is ‘Rādha’. When the ‘One Supreme’ took different forms Rādhākr̥ṣṇa in the shade of Tulasi plant or such as Hiranyagarbha, , , Siva and Krishna, His conscious energy Indian Gooseberry tree. Offer arghya took the form of Gayatri, , , and Radha respectively. Lord chanting the below. Krishna lives in Goloka along with Radhadevi. She is the ‘Hlādini’ i.e. Those gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ mayādattaṁ radhāyā devotees worthy of ‘Rāsalīla’ with the Supreme are placed in the portals of sahitō harē | nama: Kamala nābhāya Goloka by Radhadevi. She is also known as ‘Rāsēśvari’. ‘Rāsa’ means experience. namastē jalaśāyinē | namastēstu says, ’rasānaṁ rasatama: parānāṁ paratama: rasovaisa:’ hr̥ṣīkēśa gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ namōstutē || i.e. the experience of the Supreme is the ultimate. Such blissful, undivided and On the day of Naraka Chaturdasi, give holistic experience of the supreme is ‘Rāsa’. Lord came to this earthly plane in oil lamp in charity to please Lord . And Brindavana. Brindavana is imbibed with His grace even to this day, where Rāsalīla one should eat items made with sesame happens always. When spiritual aspirant gets drenched with incessant and Urad dal. recitation of the divine name of Krishna, Radhadevi provides the aspirant with Nine Naga Devatas - Ananta, Vasuki, an astral body called ‘Mahābhāva Kōśaṁ’ and blesses with delightful Sesha, Padmanabha, Kambala, experience of Rāsalīla. Rāsalīla happens on every Sarat Pournima day. This Shankhapala, Dhritarashtra, and Pournima is also known as ‘Mahā Rākā’. (Contd.. Page2) Kaliya. Chant these names every day in the

Sadhu Vachanam morning and evening, keeps you protected “It is extremely difficult to find a parallel to this wonderful personality, Mira, a from all evils and make grants Victory. saint, a philosopher, a poet and same. She was a versatile genius and Anantaṁ vāsukiṁ śēṣaṁ magnanimous soul. Her life has a singular charm, with extraordinary beauty padmanābhṁ ca kambaḷaṁ| and marvel.” — Swami Sivananda. śaṅkhapālaṁ dr̥tarāṣṭranṁ ca

Bharateeyam takṣaṇaṁ kāliyaṁ tadā || ētāni nava namāni nāgānan̄ca “As long as we are not living in harmony with nature and our constitution, we mahātmanāṁ | sayaṁ kālē pātēnityaṁ cannot expect ourselves to be really healed. gives us the means”. prathakālē viśēṣita |tasya viṣabhayaṁ ― David Frawley. nāsṭī sarvatra vijayī bhavēt ||

Spiritual Quest (Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma) Kindly please let know any remedy for remediation of malefic planetary effects. Any simple troubles are relieved with offering of fruits, leafy vegetables, grass etc. to cows on every Sunday. If one is suffering from evil influence of a particular planet, they should offer grains corresponding to that planet along with above mentioned offerings. For example, one suffering from evil influence of Saturn should offer grains to cow on Saturday. Scriptures mention that one attains higher state and enjoys the merits of performing if one offers food to cows. Please note that the food offered should not be leftover, but should be fresh. Strict practice of these scriptural injunctions definitely bestows one with greater merits and grants joy. These practices should be supplemented with japa to corresponding planets and Rudrabhishekam.

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 1

Muthuswami Dikshitar Saint Composer (March 24, 1775 – October 21, 1835) If one offers milk and other items in charity to the needy thinking them as Siva, it is very good. But, scriptures offered an authentic explanation about this – ‘vr̥kṣasya mūla śēkhēna śākhā pūśyanti vai yathā’. Trees offer flowers and fruits on the branches. But, everyone pours water at the root of the tree, but never to the branches. Above question is like an imprudent person asking why one is watering the roots of the tree instead of branches, without understanding that the tree gets nourishment only by pouring water at the roots. Siva can provide to those also, whom we can’t provide. Whatever is offered to Visveswara i.e. the Lord of the universe, He grants back to this world. When ghee was offered into the sacrificial fire, rising flames appear like the matted hairlocks of Siva and the ghee seems like the sacred spirit of . The formula of entire universal Muttuswami Deekshitar needs no creation, “ ṣōmātmakaṁ jagat” is introduction. His devotion to Lord embedded here i.e. entire creation is Subrahmanya is unparalleled. All his the combination of heat and cold. Siva compositions contain the signature is defined as the Agni whereas is defined as the Soma tattva. While ‘Guruguha’. This refers to Lord Guha performing the Abhishek, one reads the dhyana sloka of Siva as reciting in his heart cave or the Lord āpātāḷa nabhaḥsthalānta bhuvana brahmāṇḍa māvisphurat Guha who is his . Either way, this jyotiḥ sphāṭika liṅga mauḷi vilasat pūrṇendu vāntāmṛtaiḥ | signature itself is an ample testimony astokāpluta meka mīśa maniśaṃ rudrānu vākāñjapan to Sri Deekshitar’s egolessness. Each of dhyāye dīpsita siddhaye dhruvapadaṃ viproஉbhiṣiñce ccivam || his compositions are pregnant with This means that the crystal Siva linga has pervaded the entire cosmos right from subtle intricacies and mysterious the nether worlds to the heavenly worlds. This Linga is always wet i.e. syllables of many sacred , compassionate in combination with Shakti. Performing Abhishek bestows the Vedas, agamas, scriptures etc. All his merits of performing Yagna. said, “Siva embodies the eternal compositions reverberate with ”. Sister Nivedita says, “Siva never refuses anyone” referring to his wearing melodious raagas and display beautiful , smearing ashes etc. He put those objects that were not even asked for by harmony. They are replete with the anyone, even very close to Him. – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. oneness of God, His or Her various forms, temples and rituals etc. His Rāsalīla – Rāsēśvari – Contd. from page 1.. compositions range from Ganapati,

It is said in that Radhadevi once declared in Brindavana that everyone Subrahmanya, Siva, Shakti to , should recite the name of Krishna, as She loves Krishna immensely. Once, She Venkateswara, Varadaraja etc. He lived found Krishna Himself chanting ‘Radha’ profusely shedding tears of joy. She then in Kanchi for a long time. His declared that it is not Her preference, but the preference of Lord takes priority. composition ‘Kanjadalaayataakshi Hence everyone should chant only ‘Radha’. She manifested as ‘Radha’ in the Kaamaakshi..’ is very popular even house of Vrishabhanu, chief of cowherds, when Lord incarnated as Krishna in the today. He composed ‘Navaavarana house of Nanda, another chief of cowherds in Gokulam. Sage Narada tells Kritis’ in Tiruvaavur describing the nine Vrishabhanu to undertake penance as the divine mother was about to incarnate encirclements of Sri Chakra, one in as his daughter. When Radhadevi was born, She did not open Her eyes till She each composition. These compositions saw Krishna. She is also known as ‘Sriji’ in Brindavan, as Lord told that ‘Sri’ in are very powerful to awaken the ‘Srikrishna’ is Radhadevi. Bhagavata says, ‘Rādnoti Sakalān Kāmān tasmāt consciousness of divine mother in the rādheti kīrtita’ i.e. one who fulfills all our desires is Radhadevi. But, is it possible hearts of devout listeners, as they are to really fulfill all our desires? One who gives the state of desirelessness and composed with sacred syllables and blesses with infinite joy is called ‘Radha’. Devi Bhagavata and Brahma Vaivarata appropriate tunes. Also, his Purana elaborately described about Radha Tatva. According to scriptures, compositions ‘Navagraha Kritis’ on the worshipping Śri Rādhā Dēvi the fifth main form of Parāśakti (Supreme Goddess), nine planets are very efficacious. These bestows everything here and hereafter. To describe the greatness of Radha tatva, compositions are recommended as here are few words my father wrote about Radha tatvam. cure to many ailments. Research was Antānanta surūpammulatō alarunadē rādha done on these compositions and it is svāntasthayunai saiyyamivarulaku sukhada rādha! found that they cured many chronic Kr̥ṣṇa priya śrī kr̥ṣṇa hr̥dantara kr̥ṣṇa kr̥ṣṇa rādha! diseases also. Let’s all reminisce the Kr̥ṣṇā rādhānatatpara satatāt kr̥ṣṇa kr̥ṣṇa rādha! compositions of this great saint and get Niluvani naḍuvani laliśayanimpani nirguṇa niṣkr̥hiṇi the of Lord Almighty! – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. calituniyeṭṭula dōpaga cēyunu svātma śakti vibhuni

– Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (Adapted from ‘Muttuswami Deekshitar Sahityam’ Pravachanam) (Adapted from ‘Devi Bhagavatam’ discourse) Śarat Paurṇima (Adapted is described from Question as the mostand Answers significant Session among on TV9 )all Paurṇimas. According to Śrīvidyā sampradaya this day is said to be Mukhyarākā. Worship of ‘Divine Mother’ on this day grants benevolence. Sage Vālakhilya prescribed Kojagari for Goddess Lakshmi’s grace. One should perform this vrata by offering sweet milk rice to Lakshmi both morning and evening and then complete with on next day morning.

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 2

Ekaveera in Mahura, Tulaja Devi in Tuljapur, Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur and Saptashrungi Devi in Vani are known as Three and a half Shakthi Peethas representing the ‘A’, ‘U’, ‘M’ and the Turiya in Aumkara respectively. In Chandi Sapthasati, Lord Brahma says ‘tvaṃ svāhā tvaṃ svadhā tvaṃhi vaṣaṭkāraḥ svarātmikā|sudhā tvamakṣare nitye tridhā mātrātmikā sthitā ||ardhamātrā sthitā nityā yānuccāryāviśeṣataḥ’ – You are the only Akshara – the ‘Aum’. You are the form of ‘tridhā mātrā’ – ‘A’, ‘U’, ‘M’. You are the ardhamātrā which can’t be chanted i.e. the Turiya. – the serpent power – is present in everyone in three and a half circles. Sri Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada enunciated the same in Soundarya Lahari as ‘svamātmānaṃ kṛtvā svapiṣi kulakuṇḍe kuhariṇi’

‘A‘– kara rūpa - Ekaveera is none other than Renuka Devi. Renuka is the daughter of king Renu of Ikshvaku dynasty. She chose sage as her husband. They are blessed with five sons. Rama, later came to be known as Parasurama, is the youngest obtained by severe penance. Parasurama learnt archery directly from Lord Siva and was blessed with a gem studded bow. He was initiated into Paasupata mantra by Lord Brahma. Ganapati Himself gave him His parasu (axe) by which he became famous as Parasurama. Once Renuka went to the river to fetch water and was infatuated for a while seeing some celestials enjoying water sports with wives. For a moment, she craved for similar enjoyment with her husband and was lost in those thoughts. Hence, she was late returning to the hermitage. The omniscient Jamadagni became furious over the lapse and ordered his sons to kill their mother as punishment. While everyone declined, Parasurama followed his father’s diktat and killed Renuka. Jamadagni was impressed and granted Parasurama a boon. Parasurama wanted his mother to be brought back to life again which his father did. This story is allegorical. Renuka signifies the micro i.e. energy within an atom. Cutting her head is nothing but the fission of atomic energy. This is known as ‘Chinnamasta’ in Dasa Maha Vidyas of the Divine Mother. Later, when his father was killed by the egoistic king Kartaveerya, Parasurama came out of his penance upon the call of his mother. Following the instructions of his mother to carry them in a yoke and perform their final rites at the place he hears an unseen voice, he was blessed with the vision of Lord Dattatreya in Mahura. Dattatreya offered His obeisance to Renuka Devi in all glory. He glorified her as ‘Ēkavīra’ in the hymn saying ‘Ēkaiva anēka rūpa sansthitēṣu’. Renuka Devi is an aspect of Devi, the mother of Gods. Aditi means the one that can’t be divided. Hence, She came back to life even after Her head was cut. Who can come back other than Parashakti? None can challenge or equal Renuka Devi. She is the principal power. ‘Veera’ is made up of two words – ‘Vee’ means many and ‘Eera’ means paths. Veera is one who has many paths. ‘Eka Veera’ – She is the only one with many paths. Though cautioned by Dattatreya not to look back. Parasurama out of anxiety looked back at the pyre of Renuka Devi. Renuka Devi emerged only up to Her face. This face is itself gigantic. Her head was cut and only head came back out of ashes signifying the tattva of ‘Chinnamasta’.

‘U’ – kara rūpa - In Sahayadri Khanda of Skanda purana, the efficacy of Tuljapur is narrated. She has various epithets such as ‘Turaja’, ‘Turīyaja’, ‘Tulaja’. ‘Tulaja’ means one who can be attained with equipoise view beyond duals. This is – ‘samatvaṁ yōgamucchatē’. She is also known as ‘Bhavani’. Lord Rama also worshipped at this place. She also blessed Shivaji with sword.

‘M’ – kara rūpa - ‘Lakshmi’ means the characteristic power. Devi Bhagavatam defines Lakshmi as ‘lakṣyatē dr̥śyatē viśvaṁ snigdha dr̥ṣṭyā yāyaniśaṁ dēvi bhūtāśca mahati mahālakṣmischa sa smr̥tā’ i.e. One who compassionately looks, provides and protects this entire universe without even a blink of eye. She is also known as ‘Aadya Lakshmi’. Sri Kolhapur Mahalakshmi is described as ‘Mātuluṅgaṁ gādāṁ khēṭaṁ pāna pātraṁ ke bibhrati nāgaṁ liṅgaṁ ca yōni‘ i.e. She holds a maadi fruit, mace, Khetam (sword like weapon) and vessel filled with nectar. She has encircled with serpent and i.e. triangle representing the power of desire, knowledge and action that is responsible for the entire creation. Lingam is that into which everything merges or dissolves into. Sri Lalita Sahasranama also mentions the same as ‘yōnimudra trikhaṇḍēśī’. Hence, Her form represents the ‘śiva śaktāikya rūpiṇi’ in Sahasraara, the thousand petal circle. Kolhapur is also known as Karaveerapuram. Puranas mention that Lord Dattatreya visits this Karaveerapura even today. Sage sang the glory of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi ‘mātarnamāmi! kamale! kamalāyatākṣi! śrī viṣṇu hṛt-kamalavāsini! viśvamātaḥ! kṣīrodaje kamala komala garbhagauri! lakṣmī! prasīda satataṃ samatāṃ śaraṇye’. This is also known as Kolapur which later slowly got transformed into Dolapur or Dolasur.

‘Turiya’ – rūpa - ‘Saptashrungi’ – As the name indicates, She resides at the pinnacle of mountain with seven peaks. This place is at 2750 feet above sea level. Many tribal people also worship Mother here signifying the role of every caste and creed in the worship system of Hinduism along with many austere living like ascetics. Here, the form of Mother is very distinct with eighteen hands. Also, many sacred bating such as tirtham, Ganga tirtham, Yamuna tirtham, Kalika tirtham, tirtham, and tirtham are present. Mother gives vision in three different forms in each twilight time i.e.morning, afternoon and evening. Very close to this place, there is the Samadhi of Macchedranath belonging to the tradition of Natha. Saint Gyaneswar mentioned about this sacred place. She is venerated as ‘Mahiṣa agni mahā māyē sapta śr̥ṅga nivāsini | dyravyamārōgyaṁ vijayaṁ dēhi dēvi namōstutē ||’. This means, She is the same elucidated as ‘Ashtadasabhuja Durga’ in Devi Saptashati of Brahmanda Purana.

These three and a half peethas represent Tamasa, Rajasa, Sattvic and harmonious nature respectively. If one can perform the pilgrimage of the above sacred places taking deeksha and chanting any mantra of divine mother in the same order starting at Mahura followed by Tuljapur and Kolhapur and ending at Saptashrungi, kundalini power shall awaken in them without their knowledge. One also gets the grace of Divine Mother, the very embodiment of Aumkara. – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘Shakthi Peetha Rahasyalu’ Pravachanam)

Śarat Amāvāsya – Along with , worship of ‘Mother ’ on this day makes times favorable and grants success. ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 3

Serpent worship is widely prevalent across India. Especially on some auspicious days like Naga Chaturthi, Naga etc., many people with ardent devotion walk to anthills and offer milk to serpents there. Modern day logicians question the rationale behind this act under the cover of protecting the snakes mentioning that offering of milk, eatables and other things to snakes indeed causes harm to them. This thought is totally baseless and the comments made are without thorough understanding of the facts narrated in the scriptures. Each group of creatures on the earth exhibit different and distinct divine consciousness. For example, all women are worshipped as embodiments of ‘Divine Mother’. All Vedic scholars are venerated as Vishnu Himself. These acts of worship are not linked to their individual name and form, but the worship is performed to feminine consciousness and the knowledge of Vedas respectively. Likewise, serpent are subtle Gods related to space. Worship of serpents is nothing, but the worship of inner consciousness related to serpent Gods that is present in each . Those Gods are pleased when the offerings are made to these snakes. To summarize, the worship is done to those Serpent Gods when the worship is offered to these snakes. Offerings are made to God and again consumed by us only. The secret behind this is that the Gods are pleased and are satisfied just by looking at the offerings. Apart from these, there are many more intricacies in these acts that are handed over to us by our elders. Recently, a Himalayan narrated an astounding personal experience in his book. While pursuing his spiritual practices under his Guru’s guidance, one night he heard a big sound and woke up from sleep. When he came out the cave, he saw an effulgent sphere landing from the sky in front of his Guru. Shocked and surprised, he saw a serpent that came out and stood on the tail, had a dialogue with Guru and again flew into the sky. When asked, his guru later told him that it is a divine serpent that came from ‘Nagaloka’ i.e. the abode of serpents. Later, after he became a siddha, the serpent came to him also, but in a human form. He also writes that everyone brushes this aside as a fairy tale, but it’s up to everyone to believe and achieve merits accordingly. Let’s all realize the greatness of these divine serpents, worship them with faith and devotion to be bestowed with their grace! - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (Adapted from multiple sources)

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Festival of Lights Major Festivals

During the celebration of 'Festival of Lights', some scriptures accorded more Āśvīyuja importance to Naraka Caturdaśi. Purāṇās mention that there is no fear of hell to Pāśāṅkuśaēkādaśi, Parāṅkuśaēkādaśi, those who do oil bath on this day. Reminiscing and worshipping Yama is Ramyaikādaśi – Oct 1, 2017 efficacious. Some even offer ‘Yama’ water as oblation. Starting from Naraka • Performing Ekadasi Vrata on this day releases the bondage of God of Death for Caturdaśi for three days, it is prescribed to light lamps in houses, temples, oneself. Performing even on the name of entrances, cow, horse and elephant sheds etc. Naraka Caturdaśi, Āśvīyuja departed grants the same merit. Amāvāsya and Kārtīka Pādyami – all three nights are ‘Festival Nights with Padmanābha Dvādaśi – Oct 2, 2017 Lamps’. Take oil bath with sesame oil on Dīpāvaḷi. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi Pūrṇima, Kojagari, Vālmīki jayanti – Oct resides in oil and Goddess Ganga resides in water. Fast, if possible, during the 5, 2017 day. Perform ‘Dīpa Puja’ and ‘Lakshmi’ Puja at dusk. In some places, ancestors Govatsa Dvādaśi - Oct 16, 2017 are shown path with burning fire sticks. After the fireworks, cleaning the house • Worship cow along with calf. Offer at midnight removes ‘Alakshmi’ i.e. deficiency. water, flowers and Akshata at the feet of Cow reciting "Kṣīrōdārṇava sambhūtē surāsura namaskr̥tē; sarvadēvamayē mātaḥ gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ namōstutē" • Offer Vada (deep fried Urad dal cakes) Dhana Trayodaśi – Oct 17, 2017 • Worship Dhanvantri for good health and Brahmasri Samavedam Ramamurty Sarmagaru Kubhera & Dhana Lakshmi for prosperity. (1931 – 2013) Naraka Caturdaśī – Oct 18, 2017 Amāvāsya , Dhana Lakshmi Puja, Lakshmi Vrata – Oct 19, 2017

Kārtīka

Śukla Pāḍyami – October 20, 2017 Śrī Mādhavāya Nāma • Gōvardhana pūja, ākāśadīpa vratā

ārambhaṁ. 1. Māyā: = Śrīya: Lakṣmyā: Dhana: Pati: = Mādhava: Lakṣmīpati: Śukla Vidiya – Oct 21, 2017

2. Madhu Vidyāvabodhyatvāt Mādhava: - He is understood by the ‘Madhu’ Vidya • Worship Yama (God of death) to get propounded in Brihadāraṇyaka Upanishad. grace, remain resolute in Dharma, remove

evil thoughts. 3. Mounā Dhyānācca Yōgācca Viddhi Bhārata Mādhavaṁ (Udyogaparvam in • bhaginīhasta bhōjanaṁ - Dine at sister’s

Mahabharatam) – “As I am known by silence, meditation and Yoga (Mouna, Dhyāna house and give clothes & gifts to sister. and Yoga), know me as Mādhava” – As told by Lord Krishna to Arjuna Śuklachaviti, Nāgula Chaviti -Oct 23, 2017

4. Mā Vidyā ca Harē: Prōktā, Tasya ēshoyato Bhavān Tasmān Mādhava Nāmāsi Śukla Pan̄cami, Nāga Pan̄cami - Oct 24, 2017 Dhana: Swamēti Śabdita: Śukla Ṣaṣṭhi – Agnipūja, Mahā Saṣṭhi O the Lord of wealth (Lakshmipati)! O the one to be known by Madhu Vidya (Subrahmaṇya ārādhana) - Oct 25, 2017 (Madhuvidya Vedyā)! O Mādhavā! I prostrate to you! (To be continued…) ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 4

śiva jñānaṁ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Paśupati - Pāśupataṁ Part 22

1 ‘sāṅkhya yōgādi gamyaṁ yatkāraṇaṁ jagata: pāṭiṁ’ – ‘Pasu (Jīva) which realizes the self-effulgent Lord – One who can be obtained by , one who is the cause of this universe, and one who is the Lord of this universe – shall be liberated from all kinds of bondages.’ Three forms of bondages in nature are – Kāla (time), Guṇa (attribute) and (action). is the release from these three kinds of shackles. Like a cattle herdsman, Pati (Master) binds and destines Jivas with Pāsas(shackles) corresponding to their actions. With discrimination, if Jiva can understand about Prakriti, self, and Ishwara, Jiva will no more be different from Siva. Agamas describe eight kinds of Pāsas. In reality, these are variations of Prakriti. One who immerses himself in these is Jiva whereas one who releases himself from these bonds is Siva. Agamas proclaim ‘pāsa mukta: swayam śiva:’ Those eight Pāsas (fetters) are – 1. Ghr̥ṇa – Inability to bear sorrow 2. Lajja – Stepping back due to inferiority complex 3. Bhaya – Fear 4. Śaṅka – Doubt 5. Jugupsa – Abhorrence 6. Kula – Caste 7. Śīla – Character 8. Jāti – Race Dutiful worship and meditation of Parameswara - the orchestrator of Pasus and Pāsas – ferries across, for which Siva Purana prescribes the method of ‘Nāmāṣṭaka Yōgaṁ’. “śivō mahēśvaraścaiva rudrō viṣṇu: pitāmaha: sansāra vaidyassarvajñā: paramātmēti pratipādakaṁ” 1.Śiva 2. Mahēśvarā 2. Rudrā 4. Viṣṇu 5. Pitāmaha 6. Sansāra vaidya 7. Sarvajña 8. Paramātma. Above eight names describe Śiva’s true nature (philosophy). Spiritual practice is nothing but to chant, reminisce, and contemplate these eight names. 1.Śiva: - Absolute pristine reality is Śiva. He is the embodiment of everything auspicious. Among the five actions, this name signifies ‘Anugraha’ - granting liberation - to those souls proven worthy. ‘Śivāya Nama:’ 2.Mahēśvara: - Mahēśvara is one who has māya (illusion) under His control. He bonds souls with mundane according to their actions. Among the five actions, this name signifies ‘Tirōdhāna’ – tie souls to the world and veil His true nature. ‘Mahēśvarāya Nama:’ 3.: - Rudra eliminates the sin which is the root cause of sorrow. Among the five actions, this name signifies ‘Samhāra’ – destroy sins. ‘Rudrāya Nama:’ 4. Viṣṇu: - Since He is the one pervading and controlling everyone, Śiva is Viṣṇu. ‘Viṣṇu’ literally means one who permeates everywhere. Among the five actions, this name signifies ‘Sthiti’ – existence. ‘Viṣṇavē Nāma:’ 5.Pitāmaha: - Because He is the cause for the causes (root cause) and the primordial one for everyone, He is Pitāmaha. This name signifies the Brahma form of Śiva. Among the five actions, this name signifies ‘Sr̥ṣṭi’ – creation. ‘Pitāmahāya Nāma:’ Above five names – Pitāmaha, Viṣṇu, Rudra, Mahēśvara and Śiva - are epithets of the same Lord Paśupati who does creation, sustenance, dissolution, delusion and grace respectively. 6.Samsāra Vaidya – He is the one who removes the evil of mundane arising out of māya and grants the cure of knowledge for those worthful souls. Root cause of samsāra is nescience. Īśvara is the effulgence of knowledge. Hence, Śiva is also known as ‘Bhavarōga Hara’ and ‘Vaidyanātha’. ‘Samsāra Vaidyāya Nama:’ 7.Sarvajña: - Since God possesses the knowledge of everything, everywhere and everytime without the necessity of any senses, He is sarvajna – the omniscient. He is the bestower of the fruits of all the actions – whom to fetter, whom to release etc. ‘Sarvajñāya Nama:’ 8.Paramātma: - He is the indweller – the inner soul within everyone. There is no soul other than Him. Since He is living in everyone but remaining beyond everyone, He is Parama i.e. Supreme or the most exalted one. ‘Paramātmanē Nama:’

Five actions of Īśvara are described in the first five epithets. Sixth one emphasizes that His grace is absolute to attain liberation. Seventh name describes His omniscience. The eight and the last name elucidates His true nature – absolute reality. These prescribed eight names are arranged delightfully in a nice order. Śiva purāṇa mentions that those who reminisce them with complete feeling, meditate on Śiva’s ‘Arthanārīśvara’ form (Half Man – Half Woman) and worship Him with flowers of emotion shall surely attain liberation. Scriptures proclaim that this is ‘Pāśupata yōga’ with bhāvana (feeling).

Ardhanārīśvaraṁ dēvaṁ nirmalaṁ madhurākrtim ̥

Śuddha sphaṭika saṅkāśaṁ prasannaṁ śītala dyutim

Dhyātvā hi mānasē dēvaṁ svastha cittōtta mānava: Śiva nāmāṣṭakēnainā bhāva puṣpissamarpayēt - Śiva purāṇa (To be continued…) ‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 5

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Sri Ganapati Navaratri Celebrations at Sri Vallabha Ganapati Temple, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry

For the welfare of the universe, Sri Ganapati Navaratri celebrations at Sri Vallabha Ganapati temple established by Dr. Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu in Konthamuru, Rajahmundry were performed with festive gaiety and grandeur for the third year successively from August 25th to September 3rd, 2017. Friday August 25 – Morning program began with Punyahavaachanam, Parishattu and Krucchatrayam i.e. gold, ghee and grains. This is followed by initiation of deeskha to Brahmasri Samavedam couple along with Panchagavyaprasana (cow milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung) along with worship of Sarvatobhadra Mandala and establishing the principal Kalasa. After this, the installation of Maha Ganapati, who would be worshipped for these nine days, is done. Daily rituals from Aug’ 25 to Sep’ 2 included recitation of Maha Ganapati moola mantra and havan with eight kinds of items with moola mantra, chanting of Ganapati Atharvana Seersham 121 times, Pancha Avarana worship of Ganapati,

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 6

with four rounds, and panchamruta Abhishek to main idol in the temple followed by Veda parayana, palanquin

, vesper service and darbar in the evenings.

Sunday August 27 – Ganapati, the lord of the entire solar system, resplendent with the radiance of millions of suns, was worshipped with thousands of lotuses chanting Sri Ganapati Sahasranama. Devotees present were filled with joy with that darshan. Tuesday August 29 – This day, being Doorvashtami, Ganapati was worshipped with one lakh doorvas (blades of grass) chanting Sri Ganapati Sahasranama and havan was also done. The day being Radhashtami also, special decoration and worship service was done to Radha and Krishna installed in

‘Svaananda Ganesha’ grove in the temple premises.

Wednesday August 30 – Havan with thousand modakas (balls of rice) was done to Ganapati. Friday September 1 – Ganapati, known with ‘Ga’ syllable and to whom this syllable is dear, is worshipped with ‘Ga’kara thousand names composed by sage Doorvasa. Saturday September 2 – Sri Vallabha Ganapati was brought in a palanquin procession to the specially decorated pavilion and Kalyanotsava was performed with decorum and grandeur. Later explaining the manifestation of Sri Vallabha Devi, Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu elaborated how the primordial energy (Maha Shakti) incarnated to such as Dakshayani to Daksha , Bhargavi to Bhrugu Prajapati and Vallabha Devi to Kasyapa Prajapati who later married Siva, Narayana and

Ganapati respectively. He also explained that this Kalyanotsavam is the Kalyanam

of five couples – Uma & Maheswara, Lakshmi & Narayana, & Manmatha, Bhoodevi & Varahaswami, Pushti & Pushti Pati – as Vallabha Ganapati is the combined embodiment of all these deities. He stated that this celebration would appease the five principal elements and definitely bring peace and harmony in the world. Thousands of devotees participated in this event and experienced the bliss. Sunday September 3 – Amidst the presence of many devotees who arrived from distant places, the concluding ceremony Poornahuti was performed on this day. The main idol and the fifteen forms of Ganapati present around were consecrated with the sacred water in the Kalasa that was worshipped for nine days. Later, ablutions followed by Vedic blessings were conferred upon the couple of Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Sarma garu. In the evening, the celebrations came to a conclusion with the immersion of Ganesha’s idol in river Godavari. Everyone who participated had the immense satisfaction of obtaining Ganapati’s grace. Vagdevi Varaputra, Pravachana Virinchi, and Samanvaya Saraswati Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu gave discourses from Aug’25 to Sep’3 on ‘Sri Ganapati Sahasranama’ during these nine days. While elucidating many forms of Ganapati, he elaborated upon various methods of devotion along with intricacies of many mantras and inaugurated Ganapati as the embodiment of this entire universe. He stated that Ganapati is the Supreme Lord of this cosmos amalgamating the form and formless philosophies to orchestrate the creation, sustenance and dissolution, with substantiation from various , Agamas, and scriptures. * * * * * * * * Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu inaugurated the book ‘Sri Vallabhesa Satakam’ written by Sri Dinavahi Venkata Hanumantha Rao garu on August 31, 2017. Initial pamphlet containing the information about Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu’s forty-two-day discourse on ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ from February 1, 2018 at Rajahmundry was released on Sep’1. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. T.V. Narayana Rao garu declared that though this event is happening in Rajahmundry, it belongs to all the people of this world and invited all to come and participate in this event. On the same day, Sri V.V. Ramam and group performed musical recital in which Sri D.Panduranga Swami garu melodiously sang Sri Annamacharya compositions. Sri Ayyangari Satyaprasad and his group of disciples enthralled the audience with their instrumental performance on Veena along with vocal singing. All the performers received mementos from Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu. Member of Parliament Sri Muralimohan garu, Mayor of Rajahmundry Smt. Rajani Seshasai garu also participated in these festivities and had darshan of Sri Vallabha Ganapati. Delicious prasadam with a touch of local flavor was served to everyone who came not only from far off places in India, but from other countries also. ‘ Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma 7

PICTURE GALLERY

Pravachanams & ‘Siva Padam’ musical concert at Karimnagar

Pravachanams at Srisailam

‘Siva Padam’ Dance and Musical program organized by ‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust Hyderabad’ at Hyderabad

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