On Chaitra Sukla Navami (the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra) 'Sree Ramanavami' is celebrated. Sree Rama was born on this day and years later on the same day Rama married Sita. 'Sree Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsav' (wedding) is performed in the abode Sitarama Temple, Bhadrachalam, Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh with great tradition and Bhakti. On behalf of Andhra Pradesh Government, Chief Minister with his wife visits the Kalyana Mahotsav and offers Silk Clothes and Pearls as Talambralu (auspicious) to the God and Goddess. The whole of this celebration is telecasted live in Doordarshan.
"Wherever four Hindus live, Rama and Sita will be there" so said Swami Vivekananda, one of the foremost harbingers of modern national renaissance of Bharat. The reverse also is equally true - wherever Rama and Sita live, the people there will remain and live as Hindus.
Every hill and rivulet of Bharat bears the imprint of the holy feet of Rama and Sita. Sri Rama reigns supreme to this day in the hearts of our people, cutting across all barriers of province, language, caste or sect. Even the tribes living in isolated valleys and jungles have names like Mitti-Ram and Patthar-Ram. In some other tribes, every name carries the proud suffix of Ram, such as Lutthu Ram, Jagadev Ram, etc. In many northern parts of Bharat mutual greetings take the form of Jay Ramjee Ki.
Sri Rama has become so much identified with all the good and great and virile qualities of heroic manhood that expressions such as 'Us me Ram nahi hai' (there is no Rama in him) - meaning that a person has lost all manliness and worth - have become common usage. And when a Hindu quits the world stage, he is bid God- speed in his onward journey with Ramanama satya hai or Raghupati Raghava raja Ram, patita paavana Sita Ram. In fact, the latter couplet has become the nation's bhajan par excellence.
Sri Rama's story, Ramayana, has been sung and resung in all the languages and dialects of Bharat. The tradition of writing epics centering round the saga of Rama's achievements started by Valmiki in Sanskrit and was continued by Tulsidas in Hindi, by Kamban in Tamil, by Ramanujan in Malayalam, by Krittivasa in Bengali and Madhav Kambali in Assamia and in fact, in almost every Bharatiya language. The tradition is being continued up to the present day. The Ramayana Darshanam of K.V. Puttappa, the national literary award of Bharat by the Jnana Peeth. The enchanting Geet Ramayana composed in Marathi by G.D. Madgulkar and set to tune by Sudhir Phadke is now thrilling the hearts of millions in Maharashtra.
The various tribal groups too have sung the story of Ramayana in their dialects. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Janaki mirror the ideals for millions of tribal boys and girls. The Khamati tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, which is Buddhist, depicts Ramayana as the story narrated by Buddha to his first disciple, Ananda, and carries the universal
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ message of Buddha. How deeply significant that every group and sect even in distant and far-flung parts of Bharatavarsha should have found a radiant reflection of its own ideals in the form of Sri Rama!
The comparison of Sri Rama's fortitude to Himalayas and the grace and grandeur of his personality to the ocean - 'Samudra iva gaambheerye, dhairye cha Himavaan iva' - portrays how inseparably his personality has been blended into the entire national entity of Bharat.
Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Rama's personality? He is called Maryaada-Purushottama - the great one who never deviated from the norms set by Dharma. In the eyes of the Hindu, the touchstone of human excellence is Dharma. Devotion to Dharma came first in Rama's life and considerations of his personal joys and sorrows came last. It was his supreme commitment to putra-dharma (duty of a son) that made Rama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years at the bidding of his father. And this he did on the very day he was to be anointed as the future emperor of Bharat. He would not budge from the path of Dharma - righteousness - even when his own preceptor, his parents, his brothers and the whole body of his subjects tried to dissuade him. He upheld the supremacy of Dharma in every one of his human relationships and hence became an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal disciple, an ideal friend, an ideal kind and even an ideal foe.
The one and supreme concern of Sri Rama's life was the welfare of his subjects. He would forsake everything else to uphold his kingly duties - the Rajadharma. The night previous to his scheduled coronation, when Rama and Sita were alone in a happy mood in view of the next day's joyous occasion, Sita asked Rama, "What is that thing which hold dearest to your heart?" Rama fell serious for a moment and said, "Dear Sita, you know I love you most dearly, but I love the subjects of Ayodhya more and if their welfare demands, I would not hesitate to sacrifice even you!" The following couplet conveying this idea is cited often:
Sneham dayaam cha soukhyam cha yadi vaa Jaanakimapi| Aaraadhanaaya lokasya munchate naasti me vyathaa||
And Sri Rama did live up to his words. When he felt that the call of his royal duties - Rajadharma - demanded the forsaking of Sita, he wavered not in carrying it out. The most crucial test came when Lakshmana violated the orders of Rama and admitted Durvasa to Rama's presence with a view to averting the destruction of Ayodhya by Durvasa's curse. Rama stuck to the law of the land and awarded death penalty to Lakshmana - one whom he loved dearer than his own life. It was with such a fiery faith that Rama followed the dictates of Dharma.
To such a one, how could power and pelf hold any fascination? When Bharata came to him in the forest and implored him to return to Ayodhya and become the emperor, Sri Rama firmly refused. Here was enacted a scene unparalleled in the annals of world history - each of the two brothers trying to out-argue the other to make him accept the emperorship of a great and mighty kingdom.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Sri Rama's role as one of the first and foremost national unifiers of Bharat is also unique and extraordinary. He embraced Guha, the forest King and ate in his house without the least hesitation. No sense of high or low ever touched his all-embracing love of his people. He even enjoyed a fruit tasted and offered with devotion by Shabari, a tribal lady in the far south.
The Vanaras or the forest-dwellers too felt that Rama was their own. He endeared himself to them so intimately that they became, in fact, his chief allies against Ravana. All over Bharatavarsha, the dear, little squirrel with its three brown stripes bespeaks the devotion to Sri Rama even among the animal world. Along with the Vanaras, a solitary squirrel had played his humble part in carrying sand for the construction of bridge to Lanka and Sri Rama's caressing of the little one on the back had left those indelible stripes for all future generations.
Sri Rama's intense adoration for the motherland has been immortalised by a legendary couplet which is playing on the lips of millions even to this day: Janani janmabhoomischa swargaadapi garreyasi (the mother and the motherland are to me greater than the heavens themselves).
The story of Rama is not that of a single towering personality dwarfing all others. The other characters like Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata and Hanuman too shine in their own greatness. All of them are so closely interwoven with Sri Rama's life and achievements that it is well-nigh impossible to think of any one without the other. In fact, the most popular picture of Sri Rama, i.e., of Sri Rama Pattabhisheka includes Sita, Hanuman and all his brothers. And in the bringing out of the greatness of all these partners of his life-drama, Rama's instinctive recognition of their merit and virtues played no mean part. He would always be the first to openly appreciate the unique and noble traits in others' character. Even for Kaikeyi, who was responsible for his banishment to forest, Rama had only words of kindness. And as for Ravana, the abductor of his wife, Rama's unstinted praise of his erudition and prowess at once lifts the story of Ramayana to heights unsurpassed in the annals of human history.
No wonder, the story of Sri Rama has crossed the boundaries of Bharat and inspired by many a distant people, their culture and literature. Indonesia - with Muslims forming 80% of her population - continues to adore Rama and Sita as her great cultural standard-bearers, and Ramayana as her national epic par excellence. Indonesia also prides herself in having the biggest drama stage in the world - with Ramayana as its chief attraction. And the credit goes to that country for celebrating the very first grand World Ramayana Festival some years ago.
The birthday of Sri Rama, indeed, signifies an event worth of remembrance by every one, whatever his country or race or religion, who cherishes the time honoured sublime values of human culture and civilisation.
"Raama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame. Sahasranaama Tattulyam Raamanaama Varaanane."
|| Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram ||
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Listen Rama Jap and Rama Raksha Online 'The subjects were happy in Ram Rajya; but in the rule of Ravana called democracy the subjects are very miserable. To make the subjects happy let us destroy the present demoniacal rule of anti-national elements and establish Ram Rajya. To achieve this, spiritual practice and devotion are the need of the hour.'
Lord Rama
Rama is regarded as one of the major Avatars of Vishnu, second in importance only to the Krishna Avatar. Originally however, he was a great Culture-Hero of the Aryan people. He is considered as an ideal of human perfection, a hero who is fearless, invincible, intelligent and compassionate, quick to forgive and slow to anger, but never compromising on what is right. He believed in Ekam patni vrata, Purushottama . In the polygamous royal society of the time this was unthinkable heroism and formidable self-control. He showed example as a model king and Hindus expect Rama rajya to come for the welfare of everyone. Rama is the hero of the epic named after his exploits, the Ramayana. It is one of the most popular stories ever told in the world. The story of Rama is complete only with that of Sita and Hanuman. Story of Rama Rama was the son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. He belonged to solar dynasty and born after many years of childlessness. Since his mother Kaushalya was the chief queen, he automatically became crown prince. That did not prevent him from deeply loving his half brothers, the twins Laxmana and Shatrughana, born to queen Sumitra, and Bharatha, born to his father's favorite queen, Kaikeyi. The family guru, Vashistha, one of the most important rishis in mythical India, taught them the science of arms.
When he was sixteen, the great Vishwamitra came calling. The sage had been trying to perform some fire sacrifices for a long time, but vicious demons were perpetually putting out the fires with aerial attacks. Not willing to waste the power of his austerities on cursing such scum, he comes to ask for Rama and Laxmana to defend his sacrifice. The two boys were eager to go, as Vishwamitra was an unusually inspiring sort of personality. He teaches them the celestial weapons and makes them invincible. They massacred the demon hordes and killed their chief female demon Tadaka and her son Subahu. The other son Maricha was send flying a few leagues away with the impact of a blunt arrow. So great was the shock that he was defeated, and Maricha turned over a new leaf and begins a life of meditation!
Rama became a genuine hero under Rishi Vishwamitra. The wily Vishwamitra took the young men to Mithila to attend the swayamvara of Sita, daughter of Janaka. Rama and Sita fall in love at first sight, but there was a contest - old heroic chestnut - to be won first to marry her. This was a bow of Shiva, which was proving to be unliftable. Rama not only raised it, he also broke the divine bow while stringing it. The aging King Dasaradha decided to crown Rama as king. It was a very popular decision, even amongst the queens. Kaikeyi's initial jubilation at the news was soon poisoned by a spiteful servant, and she resurrected old promises made by World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Dasharatha and demanded the throne for her son and banishment into forest exile for Rama. Rama abandoned the throne and set out to the forest for the larger social good.Both Sita and Laxmana accompanied Rama to the forest. The people of Ayodhya saw them off with tears in their eyes. Dasharatha could not stand to the shock and he passed away after Rama left Ayodhya. Rama, Laxmana and Sita had already entered the deep forest when Dasharatha breathed his last.
They stayed at different places in the forest and finally made a small hut in Panchavati in the Dandakavana. In the meantime Shurpanakha came there to create troubles for them but Laxmana clipped off her ears and the nose. She complained to her brother Ravana. Ravana of Lanka came in disguise to the forest where Rama and Sita lived and kidnapped her to Lanka. Rama and Laxmana started the search for Sita in the deep forest. On their way they encountered with Jatayu, the vulture king, who said, "Yes, I've seen her being kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. I tried to stop him but he cut off my wings and escaped in the south." Moving towards the south, they arrived at Mount Rushyamuka. Here they met the monkey-king Sugriva.
Sugriva offered them his help and Hanuman soon became a devotee of Rama. Sugriva's elder brother Vali was the king of Kishkindha. He had abducted Sugriva's wife and deported him. Rama-Laxmana helped Sugriva to defeat Vali and when Vali was killed, they made Sugriva the King of Kishkindha. Vali's son Angada was made Sugriva's chief counselor to bring a reconciliation in the family. Sugriva joined Rama in the search of Sita with Hanuman and Angada as his lieutenants. Hanuman crossed the ocean and visited Lanka. Giving Rama's ring to Sita he informed her, 'Rama will arrive here soon and set you free after defeating Ravana.' Knowing that Sita was in Lanka all preparations were quickly made for the war with Lanka.
A bridge was required to be constructed over the ocean to invade Lanka. The monkeys of Sugriva began the work quickly. The bridge was ready and the troops of Rama arrived on the outskirts of Lanka. All the efforts for reconciliation failed. Ravana chose to fight out.
First he sent his generals to fight. When they were all killed he sent his own sons in the battlefield. Indrajit exhibited great valour in the battlefield by attacking Laxmana bravely and making him swoon. Indrajit also was killed at last. Ravana, then, sent his mighty brother Kumbhakarna to fight against Rama. But he was also killed in the battle. Now Ravana himself came to battlefield in his chariot. He used deadly weapons against Rama and Laxmana but none of them could hurt them because they had truth and justice on their side. At last he was killed and Rama and Sita were reunited.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Rama along with Sita and Laxman returned to Ayodhya in the Pushpak Viman of Ravana. The whol e of Ayodhya welcomed Rama by lighting lamps all over. Diwali is celebrated, according to one legend, on the day Rama was crowned after his return to Ayodhya with Sita. Diwali is the most important festival of Vaishnavites.
The coronation of Rama is referred as Sri Rama Pattabhishekam .
Rama's unquestioning obedience to his father's wishes, his moral uprightness in war, his deference to the wishes of his people, his generosity in the face of personal loss and his marital fidelity has made him Vishnu's mo st august and venerable incarnation. Introduction Sriram Navami is celebrated to proclaim the birth of Lord Sriram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ninth day (Navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Ram Navami. On this day, when the five planets and the sun, etc. were in the first house of cancer at noon along with the lunar asterism Pushya, Ramachandra was born in Ayodhya. Several temples of Lord Rama celebrate this festival for nine days beginning from the first day (pratipada) of Chaitra. It is celebrated by periodic readings (parayans) of the Ramayan, organising spiritual discourses (kirtans) and beautifully embellishing Lord Rama's idol. On the ninth day, in the afternoon, a spiritual discourse on Lord Rama's birth is held. At noon, a coconut draped in a hooded cloak is placed in a cradle and the cradle is rocked. Devotees shower a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and flowers onto it.
Celebrations of Ram Navami start on Gudi padwa, the first day of Chaitra; and continue for 9 days. During this period, devotees do parayans of Ramayan, recite the Ramaraksha stotra, sing bhajans-kirtans in His praise and chant His name.
Attributes of Lord Rama
Name: Lord Rama's Name was prevalent even before His birth. After His victory at Lanka, that is, upon demonstrating His Godhood, everyone started addressing Him as Srirama (Lord Rama).
Ideal in All Respects: Lord Rama is an example of the ideal son, brother, husband, king, friend and enemy.
The Follower of Righteousness (Dharma): Lord Rama observed all decorum prescribed by Dharma; that is why He is referred to as 'Maryadapurushottam'. Also, honouring one's word (Ekvachani) and needing just one arrow or shot to find the mark (Ekbani) and having only one wife (Ekpatni), when the norm was for Kings of that era to have many wives, are His well-known attributes.
Lord Rama's Kingdom (Ramrajya): During Lord Rama's rule, that is, in the Tretayug it was not Lord Rama alone who was wise, His subjects, too, were prudent. Hence, during His reign not a single complaint was brought to His court.
The real kingdom of Lord Rama dwells within oneself. The implied meaning of this is absolute control over the five sense organs, five motor organs, mind, subconscious mind, intellect and ego by the Rama principle (Atmarama - the Soul principle).
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
Worship of Lord Rama Once the stage of worship of the Divine principle or Deity according to one's religion (that of the family Deity for Hindus) is completed, the spiritual practice (worship) of Lord Rama is useful for many seekers to go from many to One. This is because of Lord Rama's attributes of being true to His word, devoted to only one wife and attaining the target with just one arrow.
Ritualistic Worship (Puja): Since Lord Rama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, He too is worshipped like Vishnu in sixteen steps (shodashopachar puja). Tulsi (a sacred and medicinal plant found in India) leaves are essential for His worship. Tulsi has the ability to attract the subtlest pure particles (pavitrakas) of Vishnu. It is even better if one can use Lotuses for the worship. Khir (a sweet delicacy made from milk and rice or vermicelli) or shira (a sweet delicacy made from semolina, pure ghee and sugar) is Lord Vishnu's favourite sacrament (naivedya). Choosing the substances offered in the worship according to the science of Spirituality helps generate Divine consciousness (chaitanya) in the idol, so that it aids one's spiritual progress.
Celebration of Ram Navami
Sriram Navami is called a: • Holy festival (san): when it is celebrated individually, • Religious festival (utsav): when celebrated collectively and • Vowed observance (vrat): when performed individually with a resolve (sankalpa).
Also, unlike most vowed religious observances, which are practiced individually, Sriram Navami is a vowed religious observance undertaken by a group.
Several temples of Lord Rama celebrate this festival for nine days, beginning from Gudhipadva (the first day (pratipada) of the month of Chaitra). It is celebrated by periodic readings (parayans) of the Ramayan, organising and attending spiritual discourses (kirtans) and beautifully embellishing Lord Rama's statue. During these nine days, reciting the Ramaraksha prayer (stotra) eleven times daily with a resolve (sankalpa) brings the prayer to fruition, yielding benefits like reduction of speech impairment and other ailments, and gaining prosperity. On the ninth day, that is, on Sriram Navami a spiritual discourse on Lord Rama's birth is held in the afternoon. At noon, a coconut, draped in a hooded cloak is placed in a cradle and rocked. The coconut signifies the baby Lord Rama. A red, fragrant powder (gulal) and flowers are showered onto it. Many places in North India host fairs in connection with the festival, culminating in spectacular fireworks on Rama Navami.
Traditional Recipes:
Panakam Majjiga - Andhra Spiced Buttermilk (Salted Yogurt Drink) Vadapappu Senaga pappu Payasam Senaga Pappu Vada | Masala Vada World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Pachimirapakaya pappu | Dal with Green Chilis Rice Rasam Curds/ Yogurt
Vadapappu is normally offered as just the dal. It is then seasoned and offered to everybody.
Panakam / Panaka Recipe
Ingredients Needed :
Powdered Jaggary - 1/2 cup / 100 gms Water - 200 ml Lemon - 1/2 of a big one Cardamom - 2 pinches
Method to prepare :
Powder the jaggary well and mix in the water. Dissolve it well. Filter it in a muslin cloth or a filter.
Then add lemon juice and cardamom powder. Mix well and offer as neivedyam.
This is normally served chill, stored in earthen pots which makes it cool naturally. Else refrigerate to serve chill.
With the sun showing up very bright, this drink cools the body.
Vada pappu (Soaked Split yellow moong dal)
Ingredients Needed
Split Yellow Moong dal - 1/2 cup Grated coconut - 2-3 tbsp Finely chopped green chilies - 1 Finely chopped Mango pieces - 2 - 3 tsp Finely chopped Cucumber - 2 -3 tsp Salt to taste. Fresh chopped cilantro to garnish.
Method to prepare :
Wash and soak the dal in water for half an hour. Then drain it.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ After it was offered as prasadam, it is normally prepared as a salad.
To make the Salad, all other ingredients are added to the dal as such and combined well. This dal is eaten raw and uncooked.
Lord Rama: An Ideal The Ideal son: He always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders. The Ideal brother: Rama-Lakshman's love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.
The Ideal husband: He was devoted to His one and only wife. Kings, then, use to have many wives. The Ideal friend: He helped Sugreev, Bibhishan and many others during their difficult times. The Ideal King: He followed all codes of conduct for Kings as laid down in our scriptures.
The Ideal Enemy: Bibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Lord Rama said to him, ''If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!''
Maryadapurushottam: He represents the Supreme extent of Righteousness.
Lord Rama's Human Nature He displays emotions of happiness & unhappiness just like humans do. (His melancholy at Sita's abduction is an example.) Hence, we feel closer to Him than we feel towards other Deities. The implied meaning of the Ramayana in our lives: • Lakshman refers to the focus on the soul, instead of the worldly. • Bharat signifies a seeker engrossed in the worship of radiance. • Shatrughna is the one who destroys the six foes (Shadripus) of the soul. • Rama, Sita and Lakshman together stand for spiritual knowledge, devotion and detachment respectively. • Hanuman is the activated Kundalini and • Ravana embodies the 6 enemies of a human being which are desire, anger, greed, attachment, vanity and envy.
Every Incarnation comes to Earth with a specific purpose: The main task of every Incarnation is to destroy evil and establish the Divine Kingdom; but the percentage and proportion of this varies in different Yugas. And, all activities of the Incarnation are centred around this task.
Killing of Ravana: Ravana was highly learned and possessed the knowledge of Righteousness (Dharma). Lord Rama had to destroy him, so that He could protect the embodied souls doing spiritual practice. Lord Rama acquired a gross body to help the souls pursue their spiritual aspirations appropriately.
Final Liberation: Many embodied souls completed their individual spiritual practice through the path of Knowledge (Dhyanyoga) but since their spiritual practice for the sake of society (Samashti sadhana) was incomplete, their spiritual practice for Final Liberation remained incomplete. In Satya-yuga there was no way to perform spiritual practice for the sake of society and as a result many embodied souls got stuck midway. For their progress and liberation, they were born as monkeys (vanars) during Lord Rama's time. Some of the Gods who had been cursed were also born during this period as monkeys. In order to make all these embodied souls practice spirituality for the sake of society and their progress, Lord Rama acquired a gross body.
To set an ideal for the people: Lord Rama set an example through each and every action of His. He explained how an embodied soul can attain Final Liberation by acting in accordance with the scriptures.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
He set an example of a Divine Kingdom for the people: When Righteousness (Dharma) manifested in the gross, Unrighteousness (Adharma) also manifested in the gross. Many embodied souls started troubling Sages and others who acted in accordance with the scriptures. During that time Lord Rama protected the Sages and set an example through His own deeds for all kings as to how a Divine Kingdom should be. Lord Rama is an ideal of how selfless, free from desire and impartial a King can be! Interesting articles about Lord Ram
What is the real meaning of Ramarajya? During His times, that is in the Tretayug Rama alone was not wise, His subjects too were prudent.
Why did Bharat install padukas of Lord Rama on the throne instead of His idol? With one boon Kaikeyi got Rama banished to the forest for fourteen years and with the other, she asked that Bharat be made the crown prince.
Why should one chant the Name 'Sree Ram' instead of 'Ram'? Chant the Names Rama and Sree Rama each for two minutes and record your spiritual experiences, that is note with which Name you feel pleasant or distressed. Save Ram Setu
Divine Ram Setu
Setu Samudram shipping canal project (SSCP) has been approved by the Government of India and work has been started near Kodand Ram Temple. Setu Samudram [shipping canal project] is based on the notion that it is inevitable to break the Sri Ram Setu for easy navigation. This will amount to damaging a monument of both, historical and religious importance. All Ram bhaktas should protest against the Congress government who is going to break the Sriram Setu.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
Rama (Centre) , Sita (right), Lakshmana (left) & Hanuman (bottom)
Bhagavan Baba holding materialised statue of Hanuman carrying the Sanjivi Hill
Rama is the in-dweller in every body. He is the Source of Bliss (Atma-Rama), the Rama in every individual. His blessings, upsurging from that inner spring, can confer peace and bliss. He is the very embodiment of dharma, of all the codes of morality that hold mankind together in love and unity. The Ramaayana, the Rama story, teaches two lessons: the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Seethaa gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved it, she lost Rama's presence. Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief. Be in the world, but not of it.
Rama's brothers, comrades, companions, and collaborators are all examples of people saturated with dharma. Dasaratha is the representative of the merely physical, with the ten senses. The three qualities (gunas) --serenity, passion, sloth (sathwa, rajas, thamas)-- are the three Queens. The four goals of life (purusharthas) are the four sons. Lakshmana is the intellect; Sugriva is discrimination (viveka). Vali is despair. Hanuman is the embodiment of courage. The bridge is built over the ocean of delusion. The three demon (rakshasa) chiefs Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana are personifications of the passionate, slothful, and serene (raajasic,thaamasic, and sathwic) qualities. Seethaa is the awareness of the Universal Absolute (Brahmajnana), which the individual must acquire and regain while undergoing travails in the crucible of life.
Make your heart pure and strong, contemplating the grandeur of the Ramaayana . Be established in the faith that Rama is the reality of your existence.
Sathya Sai Baba Ramakatha Rasavahini (The Sweet Story of Rama's Glory)
Sri Rama Avatara - about the appearance day (birth) of Sri Ramachandra
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
The Ramayana - the epic story of the life of Lord Ramachandra
NASA Images Find 1,750,000 Year Old Man-
Made Bridge The Hindustan Times; 10-10-2002
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Rama, Laksman and their friends building a bridge to Demon country Lanka where the abducted Sita-devi is being held captive. On every stone the Name of Rama is written.
Evidence of Floating stones found at Rameshwaram (TN), India
WASHINGTON (PTI) -- The NASA Shuttle has imaged a mysterious ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka, as mentioned in the Ramayana. The evidence, say experts matter-of-factly, is in the Digital Image Collection.
The recently discovered bridge, currently named as Adam's Bridge and made of a chain of shoals, 30 km long, in the Palk Straits between India and Sri Lanka, reveals a mystery behind it. The bridge's unique curvature and composition by age reveals that it is man-made. Legend as well as Archeological studies reveal that the first signs of human inhabitants in Sri Lanka date back to the primitive age, about 1,750,000 years ago and the bridge's age is also almost equivalent.
Space images taken by NASA reveal a mysterious ancient bridge in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The recently discovered bridge currently named as Adam & laqno;s Bridge is made of chain of shoals, c.18 mi (30 km) long.
The bridge & laqno;s unique curvature and composition by age reveals that it is man made. The legends as well as Archeological studies reveal that the first signs of human inhabitants in Sri Lanka date back to the a primitive age, about 1,750,000 years ago and the bridge&laqno;s age is also almost equivalent.
This information is a crucial aspect for an insight into the mysterious legend called Ramayana, which was supposed to have taken place in tredha yuga (more than 1,700,000 years ago). In this epic, there is a mentioning about a bridge, which was built between Rameshwaram (India) and Srilankan coast under the supervision of a dynamic and invincible figure called Rama who is supposed to be the incarnation of the supreme.
This information may not be of much importance to the archeologists who are interested in exploring the origins of man, but it is sure to open the spiritual gates of the people of the world to have come to know an ancient history linked to the Indian mythology.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Comment From Hugh Joseph October 12th 2002 - Hi Jeff...
I read the story headlined above with great interest. This is a story of major significance, as understanding its implications will turn the entire world of Science and History on its head. This bridge, according to accounts in the Ramayana and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, was constructed in the age know as Treta, over 2 million years ago.
How did the writers without super space-ranging satellites know about the existence of this bridge? In these ancient accounts, written over 5,000 years ago, we find discussions of, among other things, space travel, inter planetary travel, what we call UFOs and what we mistakenly call ETs. This is not only the History of the planet Earth, but also of this Universe, (a mediocre universe among many millions of universes.)
Here one can also learn the real undisguised and uncontaminated truth about God. Our man-made religions are of little or no value when compared to the stunning and breathtaking revelations found in the pages of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Ramayan, Bhagavad-gita, etc.
I hope you will publish this comment for the benefit of your readers. Thank you for the great work you are doing. Hugh Joseph
For your readers, here is the way the "Srimad Bhagavatam" describes the event: Text 22 nara-devatvam apannah sura-karya-cikirsaya samudra-nigrahadini cakre viryany atah param
Translation: "In the eighteenth incarnation (of Lord Krishna), the Lord appeared as King Rama. In order to perform some pleasing work for the demigods, He exhibited superhuman powers by controlling the Indian Ocean and then killing the atheist King Ravana, who was on the other side of the sea".
Purport (by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) The Personality of Godhead Sri Rama assumed the form of a human being and appeared on the earth for the purpose of doing some pleasing work for the demigods, or the administrative personalities, to maintain the order of the universe. Sometimes great demons and atheists like Ravana and Hiranyakasipu and many others become very famous due to advancing material civilisation by the help of material science and other activities, with a spirit of challenging the established order of the Lord. For example, the attempt to fly to other planets by material means is a challenge to the established order. The conditions of each and every planet are different, and different classes of human beings are accommodated there for particular purposes mentioned in the codes of the Lord. But, puffed up by tiny success in material advancement, sometimes the godless materialists challenge the existence of God. Ravana was one of them, and he wanted to deport ordinary men to the planet of Indra (heaven) by material means without consideration of the necessary qualifications. He wanted a staircase to be built up directly reaching the heavenly planet so that people might not be required to undergo the routine of pious work necessary to enter that planet. He also wanted to perform other acts against the established rule of the Lord. He even challenged the authority of Sri Rama, the Personality of Godhead, and kidnapped His wife, Sita. Of course Lord Rama came to chastise this atheist, answering the prayer and desire of the demigods. He therefore took up the challenge of Ravana, and the complete activity is the subject matter of the "Ramayana". Because Lord Ramachandra was the Personality of Godhead, He exhibited superhuman activities which no human being, including the materially advanced Ravana, could perform. Lord Ramacandra prepared a royal
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ road on the Indian Ocean with stones that floated on the water. The modern scientists have done research in the area of weightlessness, but it is not possible to bring in weightlessness anywhere and everywhere. But because weightlessness is the creation of the Lord by which He can make the gigantic planets fly and float in the air, He made the stones even within this earth to be weightless and prepared a stone bridge on the sea without any supporting pillar. That is the display of the power of God.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, Chapter 3, text 24, 1972) Here's the account from the "Ramayana" of Sage Valmiki: "At Rama's command, those lions among the monkeys entered the mighty forest with alacrity in hundreds and thousands on every side and those leaders on the simian tribes, tearing up the rocks, which in size they resembled, and the trees also dragged them to the sea and they covered the ocean with Sala, Ashvararna, (list of tree names).Those foremost monkeys transported those trees, with or without roots, bearing them like so many standards of Indra (the king of heaven) and they heaped (list of tree names) here and there. With the aid of mechanical devices, those powerful colossi dug up stones as big as elephants and rocks, and the water suddenly spouted into the air only to fall instantly. Thereafter those monkeys churned up the sea by rushing into it on all sides pulling on the chains.
"That immense causeway constructed by Nala in the bosom of the sea was built by the arms of those monkeys of formidable exploits and it extended over a hundred leagues.
"Some brought trunks of trees and others set them up; it was by hundreds and thousands that those monkeys, like unto giants, made use of reeds, logs and blossoming trees to construct that bridge, rushing hither and thither with blocks of stone resembling mountains or the peaks of crags, which, flung into the sea, fell with a resounding crash.
"The first day those monkeys resembling elephants, or immense energy, full of high spirits and exceedingly merry, erected fourteen leagues of masonry. The second day, those highly active monkeys of formidable stature set up twenty leagues. Bestirring themselves, those giants threw twenty-one leagues of structure over the ocean on the third day and on the fourth, working feverishly, they built up twenty-two leagues in extent. The fifth day, those monkeys, industrious workers, reached to twenty-three leagues distance from the further shore.
"That fortunate and valiant son of Vishvakarma (architect of the demigods), leader of the monkeys, constructed a causeway worthy of his sire over the ocean and that bridge erected by Nala over the sea, the haunt of whales, dazzling in its perfection and splendor, was like the constellation of Svati in space.
"Then the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas (living beings superior to humans) and supreme Rishis (great sages) assembled in the sky, eager to see that masterpiece, and the gods and Gandharvas gazed on that causeway, so difficult of construction, that was ten leagues in width and a hundred in length built by Nala.
"Those monkeys thereafter dived, swam and shouted at the sight of that unimaginable marvel that was almost inconceivable and caused one to tremble! And all beings beheld that causeway thrown over the ocean and by hundreds and thousands of kotis (millions), those monkeys, full of valor, having built that bridge over the immense repository of waters, reached the opposite shore.
"Vast, well-constructed, magnificent with its wonderful paved floor, solidly cemented, that great causeway like unto a line traced on the waves, resembled the parting of a woman's hair.
"Meanwhile Bibishana (brother of Ravana who joined Rama), mace (club) in hand, held himself ready at his post with his companions in case of an enemy attack. Thereafter Sugriva addressed Rama, who was valiant by nature, saying "Mount on
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ the shoulders of Hanuman and Laxmana (brother of Rama) on those of Angada. O Hero, vast is this ocean, the abode of whales; those two monkeys who freely range the sky will transport you both."
"Then the fortunate Rama and Laxmana advanced thus and that magnanimous archer was accompanied by Surgriva. Some monkeys strode forward in the center, some threw themselves into the waves, some sprang into the sky, others marched on the bridge, some ranged through space like birds, and the terrific tumult of the trampling of that formidable army of monkeys drowned the roar of the ocean.
"When those simian troops had passed over the sea by the grace of Nala's causeway, the king ordered them to camp on the shore which abounded in roots, fruits and water.
At the sight of that masterpiece that had materialised under the command of Raghava (another name of Lord Rama), despite the difficulties, the gods, who had drawn near with the Siddhas and Charanas as also the great Rishis, anointed Rama in secret there, with water form the sea, and said: "Mayest thou be victorious over thy foes, O Thou, who are a God among men! Do Thou rule over the earth and the sea eternally!"
Thus in various auspicious words, did they acclaim Rama in the midst of the homage offered to him by the Brahmins."
(The Ramayana of Valmiki, Yuddha Kanda) Note: Lord Krsna's incarnation Rama, appeared as a human being because only a human being could kill Ravana, due to certain benedictions that he had been given. Note: The monkeys mentioned here as comprising Rama's army, were not ordinary monkeys. They were in fact greatly powerful demigods who appeared on this earth to assist the Lord in his pastime of subduing this atheistic demon, Ravana.
Note: There are 4 ages, or yugas, rotating through time like the 4 seasons: Satya, 1,800,000 yeas long; Dvarapa, 1,200,000 years long, Treta, 800,000 years long and Kali, 432,000 years long. In this most recent yuga cycle, the Dvarapara and Treta yugas were reversed. This event took place about 2 million years ago.
NASA Photos Reveal Bridge to Lanka Source: http://www.indolink.com/Religion/r091702-130924.php
USA, September 24, 2002: Space images taken by NASA reveal a mysterious ancient bridge in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The recently discovered bridge, clearly visible in the NASA photos, is made of a chain of underwater shoals 18 miles long. This article claims the bridge appears "manmade," but does not say how that conclusion was arrived at, nor if NASA agreed. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama built a bridge to Lanka in ancient times, and the new photos greatly intrigue Hindus.
Courtesy of http://www.HinduismToday.com/
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
NASA Images Discover Ancient Bridge between India and SriLanka (Courtesy : NASA Digital Image Collection)
Space images taken by NASA reveal a mysterious ancient bridge in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The recently discovered bridge currently named as Adam´s Bridge is made of chain of shoals, c.18 mi (30 km) long.
The bridge´s unique curvature and composition by age reveals that it is man made. The legends as well as Archeological studies reveal that the first signs of human inhabitants in Sri Lanka date back to the a primitive age, about 17,50,000 years ago and the bridge´s age is also almost equivalent.
This information is a crucial aspect for an insight into the mysterious legend called Ramayana, which was supposed to have taken place in tredha yuga (more than 17,00,000 years ago).
In this epic, there is a mentioning about a bridge, which was built between Rameshwaram (India) and Srilankan coast under the supervision of a dynamic and invincible figure called Rama who is supposed to be the incarnation of the supreme. This information may not be of much importance to the archeologists who are interested in exploring the origins of man, but it is sure to open the spiritual gates of the people of the world to have come to know an ancient history linked to the Indian mythology.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
Today is Ramanavami on this date last year I started reading the Ramayana (full edition). In the Ramayana we learn that Lanka was 100 yojanas from the mainland. Since a yojana is about 8 miles that would mean that it was about 800 miles from the mainland. Much further than current Sri Lanka aka Ceylon. Also the Suryasiddhanta mentions that the meridian which passes through Ujjain also passes through Lanka. (The Suryasiddhanta and all of the Jyotish literature uses the meridian passing through Ujjain as the reference point just as today the meridian of Greenwich is used for astronomical calculations and time keeping.) Ujjain is 75 degrees 47 minutes east of Greenwich if you look south in the Indian Ocean the closest land would be the Maldive Islands in the Lakshadvip Sea (100,000 Islands sea). So I would suggest that is the actual area of the original Lanka not Ceylon which only recently (1972) renamed itself as Sri Lanka. The actual Lanka is submerged and only some of its highest points are above the ocean. In any case the real Lanka was several hundred miles to the South West of current Ceylon-Sri Lanka.
Ceylon has been known by that name for at least 2500 years. It was the name that the Romans, Greeks and Persians knew it by (Greek traders in the Ptolomiac and Roman empires regularly went to South India and even onto China via the well known trade route starting from Alexandria, down the Nile, portage across to the Red Sea, down the Red Sea and then straight across the Arabian Sea to modern Kerala. This is how Saint Thomas, disciple of Christ, got to South India and why Kerela has 20% Christians since that time. The many hordes of Roman dinari (gold coins) that have been excavated in the extreme south of India also attest to this fact.
In ancient times it was also called Taprobane (especially by the Greeks) and Serendip, which was derived from Sanskrit for Sinhala Dvipa, the island of Singhalese. The Singalese were originally from the Kalinga region (Orissa) and invaded the island some time before 500 BC. It morphed into Ceylon from Serendip.
The English word Serendipity--which is finding something unexpected and useful while searching for something else entirely. For instance, the discovery of the antibacterial properties of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is said to have been a serendipitous discovery--is etymologically derived from its possession by the heroes of the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip"
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ In any case by what ever name you call it modern Sri Lanka-Ceylon is not the Lanka of the Ramayana because it is much too far to the North East by several hundreds of miles from the location of Lanka indicated in the Ramayana and the astronomical Siddhantas and other Jyotish literature. yhs Shyamasundara Dasa http://www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com
More links to Lord Rama related pages: The Ramayana - A brilliant picture book of the epic the Ramayana: http://www.lakshmi.com/divali/rama1.htm The Ramayan in RealAudio Story form - by Amala Bhakta dasa: http://radiostories.com/ramayana/ramayana-1a.html The Stories From the Ramayana: http://www.indiadivine.com/hinduism-stories.htm Valmiki Ramayan Amar Chitra-katha Comic on-line: http://www.askasia.org/adult_free_zone/virtual_gallery/exhibitions/ Valmiki Ramayana with Sanskrit verses and English trans: http://www.valmikiramayan.net/ ...the Ramayana - an enduring tradition: http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/maxpages/special/ramayana/ Bala kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana - sanskrit verses and English trans: http://www.geocities.com/~ramayanam/Bala_1_frame.htm Ramayana - A Picture Gallery: http://home.att.net/~s-prasad/ramimage.htm Sri Nama Ramayana Index: http://home.att.net/~s-prasad/namarama_en.htm Valmiki Rishi's Ramayana part 1a - Radio Story Format: http://www.radiostories.com/ramayana/ramayana-1a.html The Valmiki Ramayana Audio Cassettes: http://www.ramayanaudio.com/ Ramayana page - links to Adhyatma Ramayana - Tulasidas Ramayana - Yogavasistha: http://www.hinduism.co.za/ramayana.htm Adhyatma Ramayana overview: http://www.hinduism.co.za/ramayana.htm#Adhyatma Ramayana Valmiki Muni's page: http://www.hknet.org.nz/Valmiki.html View Scientific Proof on the "man made bridge to Lanka" made by Rama and His army The Ramayan in RealAudio Story form - by Amala Bhakta dasa
The Untold Stories From the Ramayana - The Killing of Ravana - by Atma Tattwa dasa. Vijaya Dasami page - the victory of Lord Rama
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
Rama , Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughana were born to Dashratha, King of Ayodhya. As the sons of the King, it was their duty to become soldiers, and thus to educate them, Dashratha chose Sage Vashist. Rama's skills with the bow & arrow became popular.
One day Sage Vishwamitra came to Dashratha and sought Rama's help to fight the demons who made it impossible to worship. Rama & Lakshmana, his favorite brother, set out with him. In the forest Rama killed demon Tarka who was bothering Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra was so pleased that he taught Rama & Lakshmana unique weapons, which Gods themselves used, for instance - The Fire, The water.
Meanwhile a baby girl was born to King Janaka. In real she was the wife of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi. Now, this king had a bow of Lord Shiva in his palace. It was so heavy that thousands of soldiers could not move it. One day King Janaka saw that Sita moved the bow with her finger, and decided to get Sita married to a person who could lift the bow.
Sita had grown up and her father wanted to marry her and invited Kings and Princes to a Swamvayar, to lift the bow. Many tried, even Ravana the famous and powerful demon king, tried, but no one could move it an inch. When Rama came to try it, he easily lifted it. He was so strong that he broke it into two while trying to string it. Rama won the swamvayar and Sita married Rama.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
At Ayodhya, Dashratha announced that Rama would be throned as a King after him and started preparation for his coronation. Before this could happen, the King's favorite queen, Kaikeyi's maid Manthara warned Kaikeyi and told her to use the wishes which Dashratha had promised her.
Kaikeyi asked Dashratha to coronate her son Bharatha and send Rama to forest for fourteen years. Dashratha was shocked, but had to fulfill it. Thus Rama, followed by his loyal Lakshmana & Sita left for the forest. The old King then remembered that when he was young, he had killed a young man named Sharvan by mistake and his angry parents had cursed him that he too would die in the sorrow of his son.
When Bharatha came to know about all this, he went to forest and asked Rama to come back, but Rama gently refused and said that everyone should live a life of truth.
So Bharatha went back to Ayodhya with Rama's sandals and installed it on the throne. He vowed that he would only rule the kingdom in Rama's name until Rama returned from the forest. Rama travelled south and settled on the Banks of Godavari.
The Demon sister of Ravana saw Rama and in order to tempt Rama, she took a shape of a pretty girl. But Lakshmana saw who she was and punished her by cutting World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ her nose and ears. Ravana was furious and wanted revenge and decided to kidnap their wife Sita, despite knowing that his head would blow up, if he touched or desired any other's wife.
Ravana who was waiting for just this opportunity, disguised as a holy man, approached Sita for Ravana was afraid of Rama and thus send a Demon in shape of a Golden deer. Seeing the deer, Sita was tempted and asked Rama to catch it.
The Deer led Rama a long way and when Rama shot it, it changed into Demon and imitated Rama's voice to cry out " O SITA----- O LAKSHMANA ". Hearing the voice, Sita thought Rama was in danger and asked Lakshmana to go to his help.
alms. When Sita stepped close, she found that it was Demon Ravana, and she fainted at the spot. But Ravana did not touch her as he had a curse on him, so he broke the piece of ground on which Sita was lying and headed towards Lanka.
Now, Rama's father's friend, Jatayu saw Ravana and asked him to free Sita, but ravana killed Jatayu.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Rama went around the forest calling Sita, but could not find her.
Ravana took Sita to Lanka and imprisoned her in a garden named ASHOK VATIKA and gave her a time of 12 months to decide whether to marry Ravana or not.
Hanuman saw Rama in the jungle and showed him the jewelery of Sita and took him to the king of monkeys Sugreeva, who promised to help Rama if He could kill Bali, who had taken away Sugreeva's property and wife.
Since both Sugreeva and Bali were very alike, Rama made Sugreeva wear a Garland around his neck and then shot dead Bali.
Hanuman with some army, reached South and not being bothered by the huge ocean, grew into a giant and leapt over the Ocean to Ravana's Kingdom, Lanka. The city was guarded by a demon Lankini, she didn't prove much headache to Hanuman. Searching the city, he found Ravana threatening Sita.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ At night, Hanuman came to Sita and told her who he was and showed her a ring of Rama. He told her that he could carry her on his shoulders and take her away, but Sita wanted Rama to come and free her.
Hanuman was in tears with the plight of Sita and started destroying the Demons and their gardens. Ravana ordered to set fire to the tail of Hanuman, but as the fire was lighted to the tail, Hanuman leapt in the air and set fire in Lanka and returned to Rama.
Ravana had a wise brother Vibhishana, who asked Ravana to return Sita, but Ravana threw him out of the kingdom. Vibhishana approached Rama for help.
The Sea God made the rocks float on the ocean.
Rama crossed the bridge, built by the strong monkey army.
Then the battle started and Demons lost many soldiers.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
Afraid his army may lose, Ravana woke his giant brother Kumbhakarna, who slept for six months in a year. Rama killed Kumbhakarna.
Ravana's son Indrajit, fought from the clouds, and he let loose the snake arrow which bound Lakshmana. The physician, who looked Lakshmana, asked hanuman to bring Sanjivni from Himalayas before the sunrise. Hanuman reaching the Himalayas, could not detect Sanjivni, and lifted the Himalayas on his shoulders and Lakshmana again became well.
Cured Lakshmana Killed Indrajit.
Then began the great battle between Ravana and Rama.
Rama blew two heads of Ravana, but was surprised when they grew back. Vibhishana revealed to Rama the secret of one vulnerable spot on Ravana's body, but Rama refused to hit below the belt. Hanuman then prayed to the Wind god and asked to bend one of the arrow towards the vulnerable spot on Ravana's body. Ravana was struck and fell on the ground by a man.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/
After making Vibhishana king of Lanka. Rama returned to Ayodhya on flying machine and Rama became King.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
The Rama Stotra in the Vishnu Sahasranama, say this sloka 3 times as mentioned in the sahasranama.
Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasra Nama Tat Tulyam Rama Nama Varanane Sri Rama Nama Varanane Iti
Jai Shri Seetha Ramanjaneyaya Namaha:
"Nanmayum Selvamum Naalum Nalgumae Thinmayum Paavaum Sidhaindhu theyumae Senmamum Maranamumindri tharumae Immayae Ramavendrirendezhuthinaal" Jai Sri Ram
Shri Rama Mantras
Rama Mantra Neelambhuj shyamalkomlang Sita Samaropitvambhagam Pano Mahasaikacharoochapam Namame Ramam Raghuvanshnatham
Rama Gayatri Mantra Om Daserathaya Vidhmahe Sita Vallabhaya Dheemahe Thanno Rama Prachodayath.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ ------
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha! Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!
SRI RAMA NAVAMI Glory & Significance of RAMA NAMA
Majority of people in India knows about the story of Lord Sri Rama, the epic Ramayana, and Lord Hanuman (the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama). But only a few knows the significance of Rama Nama. To talk about Lord Sri Rama and the significance of Rama Nama perhaps Lord Hanuman is the most competent person. In this regard a small but sincere attempt is being made to share the information collected from various sources about the significance of Rama Nama.
Who is this Rama?
! Ramanthe Sarve Janaah Gunaih Asmin Ithi Ramah! ! Ramayatheethi Ramah! (Ramayatha ithi Ramah) ! Ramante yogino-nanthe brahmanande chidatmani!
Rama is one of the names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in Vishnu Sahasra Nama. Sloka No.43 of Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram describes Rama as, Ramo Viraamo Virajo Margo Neyo Nayo-anayaH Veerah Shaktimataam Shresshtah Dharmo Dharmaviduttamah The meaning of the above Sanskrit versions is that Rama is the one who keeps the entire living beings happy, the one in whose memory yogis always revel (take pleasure) in the bliss of Brahman. He is the one who is omniscient and full of bliss. He is the place of final rest for all deserving souls. He is the one before whom, all else becomes pale and insignificant. He is the one who has no desires for enjoyment or any luxuries. He is the lord who creates path to the devotees to reach the zones of liberation and immortality.
He is the one who wishes to do anything for the devotees. He conducts monitors and leads everybody in this world. He is the one who cannot be felled by anybody. He is valiant and is the one who strikes terror into the hearts of the evil doers. He is the greatest, the supreme most and the invincible. He is the foremost among the celestials and is the most valiant among the brave. He is the dharma and his very nature is dharma and his incarnation is for the purpose of dharma.
He is the embodiment of dharma and protector of dharma. He is the foremost and greatest among the knower of dharma. ! Ramo Vigrahavaan Dharmah! It means Rama is an epitome, a personification, a manifestation of Dharma. Rama is the very embodiment of righteousness. It was as if righteousness itself had incarnated on earth. Dharma and Rama are inseparable.
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ It is said that when sage Valmiki was asked to write Ramayana he asks sage Narada “is there any person among the human beings who has all the sixteen virtues” and that person was none other than Lord Sri Rama.
Mythologically Rama was the seventh Avathara of Sri Maha Vishnu in the list of Dasa Avatharas. In Venkatesa Suprabhatham the very first sloka refers to Lord Sri Rama “Kausalya Supraja Rama”
As per the words of two great sages Vasishta and Viswamithra it is said that the four epic brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Sathrughna are the four forms of Vedas that have incarnated in the Treta Yuga to impart the most precious message to the mankind and to set an ideal world. Lord Sri Rama has been symbolized as the wisdom of Vedas. In fact the four brothers have established an ideal world called Rama Rajya and have preached and practiced many principles which have relevance even today.
What is the significance of the word Rama?
It is said that Rama Nama has come into existence much before the birth of Lord Sri Rama. It is said that the word Rama is divided into syllables Ra + Aa + Ma; Ra means Rudra; Aa means Brahma; Ma means Vishnu and the confluence of the three trinal lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara is Rama.
The word Rama is a confluence of two letters Ra + Ma. It is believed and said that these two letters are Jivaakshara (life giving letters) carved out of the most significant Mantras the Narayana Astakshari and Shiva Panchakshari. The letter Ra is carved out of Narayana Astakshari (Om! Namo! Narayanaya!) and the letter Ma is carved out of Shiva Panchakshari (Om! Namah Shivaya!).
These two letters called life giving letters, the soul of these two powerful Mantras are put together to form the taraka Mantra Rama. Without these two letters, these manthras become ineffective. Any one chanting this taraka manthra is equivalent to worshipping both Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
What is significance of Rama Nama?
Rama Nama is given the same importance as that of a pranava manthra OM that has links to all the other Manthras that ever exist. Rama Nama is an essence of all the Vedas, Shastras, Ithihasas and Puranas. One of the Saptha Rishis, Sage Vasista meditated on Rama Nama for quite a long time that motivated him to suggest King Dasaratha to christen the Almighty with the manthra (Rama) that he had chanted.
The word Rama has the triple power of destroying sins, conferring peace, and dispelling ignorance. When you utter the word "RAM", you first open the mouth with the sound "Ra". All your sins go out when your mouth is open. When you utter "M" by closing the mouth, the entry is barred against the sins that have gone out.
Rama is not just a name. It is a Mantra, the only Mantra that is called Taraka Mantra. Taraka Mantra means the one that helps us to cross the ocean of Samsara and free us from the bondage cycle of birth and death. If it is chanted as Rama it is a name, if it is chanted as Ram it is a Mantra, if it is chanted with addition of the word Sri (Sri Rama, Sri Ram) power of Goddess Sita is added to it.
It is called as the family Manthra of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva himself tells Goddess Parvathi about the significance of Rama Nama and suggests her also to recite the same all the time. Lord Shankara, knowing the sweetness of it, initiated his beloved Parvathi to it. He tells her,
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane (Phala Stuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram )
It is only Rama Nama which is equal to a thousand names of Vishnu. Perhaps the above sloka indicates that chanting of Rama once is equal to 10 times chanting of Vishnu, chanting of Rama twice is equal to 100 times (10 x10) chanting of Vishnu and chanting of Rama thrice is equal to 1000 times (10 x 10 x10) chanting of Vishnu. Thus the effect of chanting Rama Nama gets multiplied in geometrical progression. It is believed and said that Lord Shiva always keeps meditating on this Taraka Manthra.
It is the most favourite manthra of all the deities and by chanting, one gets the benefit of invoking all the 33 crores of devathas. There are many instances in history where mere chanting of Rama Nama has resolved many miseries.
Lord Hanuman is hailed as the personification of selfless service to Lord Rama and Sita. Legends say that when Lord Rama was about to leave for His heavenly abode when the purpose of His incarnation was fulfilled, He asked Hanuman to accompany Him, but the latter politely declined the offer saying that he wanted to be present in the holy land where Lord Rama walked in human form and where Sri Rama Nama Japam was regularly conducted.
The prayer sloka of Hanuman says that wherever Rama Nama is sung, he is present though not visible, with his eyes full of tears and with his hands folded in prayer to His Lord.
Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam
Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim
Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam
Lord Hanuman undoubtedly the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama continuously chanted this taraka mantra that helped him to achieve many feats during the epic Ramayana that also attained him the status of Bhavishya Brahma.
By chanting the Rama Nama, a notorious bandit Ratnakara got liberated of all his past sins and as Valmiki, went on to author the epic Ramayana containing 24000 slokas. Valmiki describes Rama as having 16 great attributes. Rama stood for the truth, he was a believer of truth, and was a symbol of moral excellence.
The Ramayana is not just a great epic; it is a culmination of philosophy, history, mythology and spirituality. While the epic Ramayana contains several thousands of slokas it is not possible to remember and recite all of them. Just by chanting the Rama Nama one gets the effect of chanting all the slokas of Ramayana.
Rama Nama Smarana a tool for Man’s liberation:
Different means of liberation have been spelled out applicable for each Yuga. For example, meditation (Penance) has been prescribed as the means of liberation in Krita Yuga, performing Yagnas and chanting of Mantras in Treta Yuga, Archana (worship) in Dwapara Yuga. But in Kali Yuga only Nama Smarana
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ (repetition of God’s name) has been prescribed as the main means of liberation for the mankind.
Since in Kali Yuga the people will not have the required spiritual strength and capability to perform and carry out the rigorous sadhana, Nama Smarana has been prescribed and advised to achieve the required results of liberation. The name of Rama will make one free from Raga (attachment) and also roga (disease)
This mantra can be chanted anywhere, anytime and by anyone. Rama Nama has the power of intercession for the dead. Sthala Purana of Kasi mentions that the deity Kasi Viswanatha (Lord Shiva) initiates this Taraka Manthra in the right ear of the people who die in Kasi. Kasyanthu MaranaanMukhthi means one who dies in Kasi will attain Mukthi. Even the Pall bearers repeat; Ram naam satya hai (the name of Rama is the absolute truth).
Rama Nama a reference to the present day world
In the present day context we would have heard many great personalities utilizing this powerful taraka manthra for achieving success in their respective fields. Nearest examples are Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Thulasi Das, Kabir Das, Bhakta Ramadas (Bhadrachalam), Saint Sri Raghavendra (Mantralayam), Saint Purandaradas, Saint Thyagaraju, and many others.
Reciting of Rama Nama also called Rama Nama Japa, is a very popular and common practice in India. It became even more popularized by Mahatma Gandhi for whom Rama Nama was a constant practice.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi it is said I have suggested Rama Nama as I have been familiar with it since my childhood, and as it is my constant support in my struggles. Rama Nama gives one detachment and stability, and never throws one off the balance at critical moments. The incantation of Rama Nama will free one from addictions and make one clean and get adored by others. It is said that when he was assassinated his last words were'Rama, Rama.' None of his prayers have passed without Rama Nama Keertana.
Tulsidas said that if one repeats the mantra unconsciously, he is taken from hell to paradise. He said that he is as eager to repeat the mantra as a Chataka bird is to drink rain drops, the only source of its survival. Kabirdas believed that the benefits of Rama Nama cannot be destroyed or robbed. Purandaradas, Thyagaraju and Ramadas have immortalized the Rama Nama in their beautiful compositions. Thyagaraju, the saint-poet, is said to have obtained the darshan of Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman after having recited the Rama Nama 950 million times in 38 years on the advice of his guru.
The Ramayana, the story of Lord Sri Rama, teaches us two lessons; the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved it, she lost Rama's presence. Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief.
Sri Rama incarnated as a human being to promote peace and happiness in the world. Also called as Maryada Purushothama He was an embodiment and personification of all virtues, role model as a son, as a husband, as a brother, as an able administrator, as a friend, as a King, as a human being, and a role model for devathas. He was the best example of perfect character and human conduct, World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ inspiring human beings for countless succeeding ages. Everyone should recognize the sweetness, sacredness, and divinity enshrined in the name Rama.
There is also a faith among Hindu families to write Rama Nama repeatedly several times called as Rama Koti. For writing this they use the words Sri Rama or Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama . It is believed that by writing Rama Koti, one will be benefited with progeny, progress and success in education, harmony among the couple, helps in poverty conditions, as a remedy for Saturn related obstacles, gain in employment, and fulfillment of desires. Whatever may be the myth or belief, it is always good to utter the name Rama with full understanding of all that it signifies.
It is said that Rama Nama is mightier than Rama himself.
Lord Sri Rama was the seventh Avathara of Sri Maha Vishnu in the list of Dasa Avatharas. It is said that Rama Avathara had occurred during Thretha Yuga in the 24th Maha Yuga of Vaivasvatha Manvanthara. He was born in Surya Vamsa, in the lineage of Ikshvaku, Harischandra, Bhagiratha, Raghu and Ajha. Sun God is said to be the Paramatma amsa of Lord Sri Rama. He is said to be a Paripoorna Manushya Avathara of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.
He was the eldest son of King Dasaratha and his first wife Kausalya. He had two step mothers Kaikeyi, and Sumithra. Sri Rama had three brothers Bharatha, Lakshmana and Sathrughna. Goddess Sita Devi was his consort. He had two sons Lava and Kusa who were bought up in Valmiki Ashram. It is said that Lord Sri Rama ruled this world for 11000 years.
As per Hindu lunar calendar Rama was born on the ninth day (Navami), of sukla paksha in Chaitra Masa. Astrologically he was born under the star constellation of Punarvasu, 4th charana in Karkataka Raasi (Cancer Sign) and Karkataka Lagna. At the time of his birth five planets Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn were in exalted position.
WHAT IS SRI RAMA NAVAMI?
Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Sri Rama that is celebrated across the country irrespective of the caste and creed. It is generally celebrated as the birth day of Lord Sri Rama coinciding with the ninth day (Navami thithi) of Chaitra Masa Sukla Paksha as per Hindu calendar.
What is to be done on this day?
Lord Sri Rama is worshipped on this day along with his consort Goddess Seetha Devi, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman, and His parents Dasaratha and Kausalya. Arghya to be given to Lord Sri Rama with the following slokas,
Kausalyagharbhasambhootha sadhaa Soumithri Vatsala Jaanakisahitho Rama Gruhanarghyam Namosthuthe!! Kousalyaanandano Veera Ravanasuramardhana Seethapathe Namasthubhyam Gruhanarghyam Namosthuthe
Recite slokas, sthothras related to Lord Sri Rama, like Rama Raksha Sthothram, and bhajans are conducted praising Lord Sri Rama. Sun is also worshipped on this day as He is the Paramatma Amsa of Sri Rama Avathara and Lord Rama was born in Surya Vamsa. People visit Sri Rama temple in the evening and offer prayers.
At some places they also perform Sita Rama Kalyanam (marriage of Lord Sri Rama and Goddess Sita). One such place where Sita Rama Kalyanam is performed on a grand scale on this day is at Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh on the banks of river
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Godavari. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh makes elaborate arrangements on this occasion and lakhs of people participate in this function.
It is also a tradition in some areas where people offer sweet drink (water mixed with jaggery, cloves, pepper and lemon juice) called Panakam and Moong Dal (soaked) called Kosambari as Naivedya to Lord Sri Rama and distribute the same to the devotees at temples.
The festival is celebrated in a grand scale in places like Ayodhya (birth place of Lord Sri Rama), Bhadrachalam (A.P) and in all the Rama Temples across the country. Vasantha Navarathri festival ends with Sri Rama Navami.
Some of the places in India connected to Lord Sri Rama are Ayodhya, Kasi, Gaya, Prayaga, Naimisharanya, Nasik, Bhadrachalam, Hampi, Srisailam, and Rameswaram. Perhaps in India you do not find a place without a temple for Lord Sri Rama or Hanuman where Rama is also worshipped.
Brief about Bhadrachalam (Andhra Pradesh)
As per the legend Sri Maha Vishnu in order to fulfill the promise given to his devotee Bhadra (son of Meru Parvatha) in his avatara as Sri Rama (which he forgot to fulfill during his avatara) came from Vaikunta and gave darshan in the form of Lord Sri Rama along with his consort Goddess Sita Devi and his brother Lakshmana at this place on the Bhadradri hills and got manifested there at the request of his devotee Bhadra. Thenceforth the place came to be known in the name of Bhadra as Bhadrachalam.
Rarity of the temple is that the Lord in his hurry to fulfill the promise given to his devotee came to give darshan carrying his disc Sudarshana Chakra and his Kounch in apasavya position. Usually we find Lord Maha Vishnu carrying his Sudarshana Chakra in the right hand and his Kounch in the left hand. But here he is seen holding them in a reverse way.
Usually we find Lord Sri Rama depicted with only two hands like any other human being with bow and arrow. But here he is seen with Chaturbhuja (four hands) holding disc and kounch in his upper arms and bow and arrow in his lower arms with his lower right hand in abhaya mudra. That is why he is called as Vaikunta Rama where the Lord Sri Rama is in his original form (Lord Vishnu)
There is also another popular legend attached to this temple. During 17th century Bhakta Rama Das (Kancharla Gopanna) a great devotee of Lord Sri Rama constructed the temple at Bhadrachalam and arranged for ornaments to the Lord. He was working as a Tahsildar under the rulership of Abdul Hassan Taneesha the
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Nawab of Golkonda under Nizam dynasty. In the process he had arranged funds from the coffers of Taneesha due to which he had to undergo imprisonment and was kept in Golkonda jail by the Nawab. One can see even today the evidences of his imprisonment in Golkonda fort at Hyderabad and the life spent by Bhakta Ramadas in jail.
Being a staunch devotee of Lord Sri Rama, the money spent by Rama Das was returned to the Nawab by the Lord Sri Rama along with his brother Lakshmana in disguise amounting to six lakh golden mohars having the symbol of Rama Pattabhishekam and took a receipt for it from Taneesha. The legend goes on to say that the Lord always came to the rescue of his sincere devotees though initially they might suffer due to their Prarabdha.
The temple is located in Bhadrachalam in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh about 300 km from Hyderabad on the banks of sacred river Godavari called as Goutami Ganga (Deccan Ganges). The temple is one of the main pilgrim centers in Andhra Pradesh well connected by Road from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Warangal, Karimnagar and other main cities of Andhra Pradesh. By rail it is on the Madras– Delhi main line, one has to get down at Khammam or Kothagudem and catch a bus to Bhadrachalam.
Sri Rama Navami festival is conducted at this temple in a grand manner where Sita Rama Kalyanam is performed on this day attended by lakhs of people from all over the country especially from Andhra Pradesh.
Prayer slokas related to Lord Sri Rama Dhyana slokas : Rama, Ram, Sri Rama, Sri Ram, Sri Rama Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama
Vaidehi Sahitham Suradhrumathale Haime Mahamantape Madhye Pushpakamaasane, Manimaye Veerasane Susthitham Agre Vachayatiprabhanjanasuthe Tatvam Munibhyah Param Vyakhyam Bharathadhibhih Parivrutham Ramambhajesyamalam
Dhyayeh Aajaanubhahum Dhruthasaradhanusham baddha padmasanastham Peetham vaaso vasaanam navakamala dala sparthinethram prasannam Vaamaankaaruda Seethamukha kamala milallochanam Neeradabham Naanaalankara deeptham dhadhatha murujataa mandalam Ramachandram
Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame Sahasra Naama Thatthulyam Raama Naama Varaanane Aapadaamapa Harthaaram Daatharam Sarva Sampadaam Lokaabhiraamam Sree Raamam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham Raamaaya raamabadraaya raamachandraaya vedhasae Ragunaathaaya naathaaya seethaayaah pathayae namah
Sree Raghavam DasarathmajaMaprameyam Seethapathim Raghukulanvaya Ratnadeepam AajaanubhahumMaravinda Dalayataksham Ramam Nisachara Vinasakaram Namami
Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam, Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/ Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama, Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama Sree Krishnaarpanamasthu bhargavasarma
World Informative & Entertaining http://phanikiran2informative.wordpress.com/