Glimpses of Bhagavan Paramacharya Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Glimpses of Bhagavan Paramacharya Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara

pdfMachine by Broadgun Software - a great PDF writer! - a great PDF creator! - http://www.pdfmachine.com http://www.broadgun.com Glimpses of Bhagavan Paramacharya Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara Kanchi Sankara kamakshi Sankara Mahaswami Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi was born on 20 May 1894, under Anuradha star according to the Hindu calendar, into a Smartha Brahmin family in Villipuram, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu as Swaminathan. He was the second son of Subramanya Sastri, a District Education Officer. The child was named Swaminathan, after the family deity, Lord Swaminathan of Swamimalai, near Kumbakonam. Swaminathan began his early education at the Arcot American Mission High School at Tindivanam, where his father was working. When he was studying at Tindivanam, he was taken in his 13th year, to be initiated into ascetic order and ordained as the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Math. He was given Sanyasa Asramam and named Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. He adorned the Peetham on February 13, 1907 the second day of the Tamil month of Masi, Prabhava year. On May 9, 1907 his "Pattabishekham" as the 68th Peetadhipathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham was performed at the Kumbakonam Math. Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swami spent several years in the study of the scriptures and dharma shastras and acquainted himself with his role as the Head of the Math. He soon gained the reverence and respect of the devotees and people around him. To millions of devotees he was simply "Periyava", the revered one or “MahaPeriyava”. "Periyava" in Tamil means a great person, and conveys endearment, reverence, and devotion. "Mahaswami” and “Paramacharya” are his other well-known appellations He was affectionately called "Mahaswamigal" and “Nadichedevudu” (Walking God). True to the tradition of the Peetham set by Adi Sankara, Paramacharya travelled throughout the country by foot or by the traditional palanquin. Providing support through Veda Patashalas (schools teaching Vedic lore) through the Veda Rakshana Nidhi which he founded and honouring Vedic scholars, he reinvigorated Vedic studies in India. He organised regular sadhas (conferences) which included discussions on arts and culture. These led to a renewed interest in Vedic religion, Dharma sasthras, and the Sanskrit language. His exposition of Vedanta, Sasthras and the Dharmic duties attracted scholars and laymen alike, from far and wide, for it has always been rich in values and simple in understanding. Great humorist he had the keen acumen to relate root words of all the languages to Sanskrit highlighting its greatness. His foremost concern was preservation of the Vedas, tradition and dharma. He advocated simplicity, shunned pomp, ostentation and extravagance. Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati was the head of the Mutt for eighty-seven years. He set the trend to create Trusts for achieving the objectives of the Peetham. His long tenure as Peethadhipathi is considered by many to have been the Golden Era of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He attained moksha at Kancheepuram on 8th January 1994 (Dhanurmasa, Krishna Dwadasi) in his Centenary year and was succeeded by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swami. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Sri Kanchi Mahaswami V.V.S.Manian
Sri Kanchi Mahaswami V.V.S.Manian A rare gem among saints What makes the Sufi? Purity of heart; Not the patched mantle and the lust perverse Of those vile earth-bound men who steal his name. He in all dregs discerns the essence pure: In hardship ease, in tribulation joy. The phantom sentries, who with batons drawn Guard Beauty's palace-gate and curtained bower, Give way before him, unafraid he passes,.. Rumi In ancient days there were not many saints. Today you have dime a dozen persons who call themselves saints, Jagadh gurus, sadhus, spiritual leaders, soothsayers, etc. A “new breed of sanyasis”, who indulge in everything from rape, murder squandering devotees’ money to satisfying their sex urges and five star living have sprung up. Among this criminal crowd of saffron scoundrels, it is very difficult to cull out a true sanyasi who can guide the troubled world to walk in the path of divinity, devotion and prayer. In the present day, pursuing a saint’s life is a highly lucrative profession; easy to wear ochre robes and proclaim oneself as path finder of prosperity and heaven. There are enough superstitious suckers who fall into this trap. Women devotees unwittingly lose their chastity and hard earned money to some flamboyant sanyasis. Profile of a true saint The rishis, seers, sadhus, sanyasis, gurus and acharyas, were the storehouse of spiritual knowledge. They scrupulously followed Hindu dharma and were considered as Gods on earth. Swami Sivananda while narrating the glory of saints observes “To him (saint) the whole world is mere straw.
[Show full text]
Balabodha Sangraham
बालबोध सङ्ग्रहः - १ BALABODHA SANGRAHA - 1 A Non-detailed Text book for Vedic Students Compiled with blessings and under instructions and guidance of Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Sri Sankaracharya Swamiji 69th Peethadhipathi and Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Sri Sankaracharya Swamiji 70th Peethadhipathi of Moolamnaya Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Offered with devotion and humility by Sri Atma Bodha Tirtha Swamiji (Sri Kumbakonam Swamiji) Disciple of Pujyasri Kuvalayananda Tirtha Swamiji (Sri Tambudu Swamiji) Translation from Tamil by P.R.Kannan, Navi Mumbai Page 1 of 86 Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham ॥ श्रीमहागणपतये नमः ॥ ॥ श्री गु셁भ्यो नमः ॥ INTRODUCTION जगत्कामकलाकारं नािभस्थानं भुवः परम् । पदपस्य कामाक्षयाः महापीठमुपास्महे ॥ सदाििवसमारमभां िंकराचाययमध्यमाम् । ऄस्मदाचाययपययनतां वनदे गु셁परमपराम् ॥ We worship the Mahapitha of Devi Kamakshi‟s lotus feet, the originator of „Kamakala‟ in the world, the supreme navel-spot of the earth. We worship the Guru tradition, starting from Sadasiva, having Sankaracharya in the middle and coming down upto our present Acharya. This book is being published for use of students who join Veda Pathasala for the first year of Vedic studies and specially for those students who are between 7 and 12 years of age. This book is similar to the Non-detailed text books taught in school curriculum. We wish that Veda teachers should teach this book to their Veda students on Anadhyayana days (days on which Vedic teaching is prohibited) or according to their convenience and motivate the students.
[Show full text]
Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji an Offering
ॐ श्रीगु셁भ्यो नमः JAGADGURU SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI AN OFFERING P.R.KANNAN, M.Tech. Navi Mumbai Released during the SAHASRADINA SATHABHISHEKAM CELEBRATIONS of Jagadguru Sri JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI Sankaracharya of Moolamnaya Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Kanchipuram August 2016 Page 1 of 151 भक्तिर्ज्ञानं क्तिनीक्त ः शमदमसक्ति ं मञनसं ुक्तियुिं प्रर्ज्ञ क्तिेक्त सिं शुभगुणक्तिभिञ ऐक्तिकञमुक्तममकञश्च । प्रञप्ञः श्रीकञमकोटीमठ-क्तिमलगुरोयास्य पञदञर्ानञन्मे स्य श्री पञदपे भि ु कृक्त ररयं पुमपमञलञसमञनञ ॥ May this garland of flowers adorn the lotus feet of the ever-pure Guru of Sri Kamakoti Matham, whose worship has bestowed on me devotion, supreme experience, humility, control of sense organs and thought, contented mind, awareness, knowledge and all glorious and auspicious qualities for life here and hereafter. Acknowledgements: This compilation derives information from many sources including, chiefly ‘Kanchi Kosh’ published on 31st March 2004 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust, ‘Sri Jayendra Vijayam’ (in Tamil) – parts 1 and 2 by Sri M.Jaya Senthilnathan, published by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, and ‘Jayendra Vani’ – Vol. I and II published in 2003 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust. The author expresses his gratitude for all the assistance obtained in putting together this compilation. Author: P.R. Kannan, M.Tech., Navi Mumbai. Mob: 9860750020; email: [email protected] Page 2 of 151 P.R.Kannan of Navi Mumbai, our Srimatham’s very dear disciple, has been rendering valuable service by translating many books from Itihasas, Puranas and Smritis into Tamil and English as instructed by Sri Acharya Swamiji and publishing them in Internet and many spiritual magazines.
[Show full text]
Tamil Nadu Patasala List
TAMIL NADU PATASALA LIS T 1 SRI KARPA GA VINA YA GA R VEDHA GAMA VI D YA LA YA M PILLA YARPATTI TAMILNADU MOB-9444866875 2 SRI SWAMINATHA R TRUST VEDA PATASHA LA 13/ 6, BA BU RAO ST REET TIRUPADIRIPULIYUR, CUDDALORE DT TAMILNADU - 607002 PH: 04142-2230662 3 SRI SHANKARA VEDA PATASALA J.S.SUCHETHANA 15,SANNATHI STREET, POLUR, T.V.MALAI, TAMILNADU 4 V.R.N.T RIG VEDA GURUKULA PATASA LA 46/ 1, VEDA GYA NA YA GYA SRI BHA VANAM RANGABHAVANAM KARUNGALPALAYAM, ERODE DT TAMILNADU – 638003 PH: 0424-2223130 MOB: 9442906928 5 TAPAS TRUST 86/131, I FLOOR, LLOYDS ROAD ROYAPETTAH, CHE NNA I 600014 6 KSHETROPASANA VEDA PATHASHA LA GOKUL DHAM, MADUVANKARAI SRIPERUMBUDUR 602 105 KANCHEEPURAM DT PH: 044-27162769 MOB: 9380914999-94430110662 7 KALAVAI GURU PARAMPARA VEDA VIDYA TRUST 13/7 SHANKARLAL JAIN STREET NEHRU NA GA R, CHROM PET-600044 PH-044-22233970 MOB-9444905521 8 KALAVAI GURU PARAMPARA VEDA VIDYA TRUST MADIPAKKAM PH-044-22233970 MOB-9444905521 1 9 SANDEEPANI GURUKULA VEDA PATASHALA MADURAPURI ASHRAM MAHARANYAM VILLAGE, MALAIPATTU PO PADAPPAI, SRIPERUMBUDUR TALUK KANCHEEPURAM DT TAMILNADU-601301 PH: 044-24895875 10 SHRI CHATURVEDA VIDYAGANAPATHI VEDASHRAMAM 28, SRI MAHADEVAM, KRISHNA GARDEN LAYOUT AATHUR VILLA GE, CHENGALPET KANCHIPURAM DIST TAMILNADU – 603101 MOB: 9976234201 11 RAJA VEDA KA VYA PATHASHA LA SRI GOVINDA DIKSHITA GHATIKASTHANAM 29-30, EAST IYEN STREET (4TH STREET) YAGA SALAI STREET ENTRANCE KUM BHAKONAM, THANJA VUR DT TAMILNADU – 612001 PH:0435-2425948 MOB: 9444036057 12 SRI SIVAPEDA SIVARAMA VEDA PATASALA 225,227 TIRIPURASUNDARI
[Show full text]
Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji an Offering
JAGADGURU SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI AN OFFERING ॎश्रीगु셁भ्योनमः P.R.KANNAN,M.Tech. Navi Mumbai Released during the SAHASRADINA SATHABHISHEKAMCELEBRATIONS of Jagadguru Sri JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI Sankaracharya of Moolamnaya Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Kanchipuram August 2016 Page 2 of 152 भक्तिर्ज्ञानंक्तिनीक्ततःशमदमसक्तितंमञनसंतुक्तियुिं प्रर्ज्ञक्तिेक्ततसिंशुभगुणक्तिभिञऐक्तिकञमुक्तममकञश्च। प्रञप्ञःश्रीकञमकोटीमठ-क्तिमलगुरोयास्यपञदञर्ानञन्मे तस्यश्रीपञदपेभितुकृक्ततररयंपुमपमञलञसमञनञ॥ May this garland of flowers adorn the lotus feet of the ever-pure Guru of Sri Kamakoti Matham, whose worship has bestowed on me devotion, supreme experience, humility, control of sense organs and thought, contented mind, awareness, knowledge and all glorious and auspicious qualities for life here and hereafter. Acknowledgements: This compilation derives information from many sources including, chiefly „Kanchi Kosh‟ published on 31st March 2004 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust, „Sri Jayendra Vijayam‟ (in Tamil) – parts 1 and 2 by Sri M.Jaya Senthilnathan, published by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, and „Jayendra Vani‟ – Vol. I and II published in 2003 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust. The author expresses his gratitude for all the assistance obtained in putting together this compilation. Author: P.R. Kannan, M.Tech., Navi Mumbai. Mob: 9860750020; email: [email protected] Page 3 of 152 P.R.Kannan of Navi Mumbai, our Srimatham‟s very dear disciple, has been rendering valuable service by translating many books from Itihasas, Puranas and Smritis into Tamil and English as instructed by Sri Acharya Swamiji and publishing them in Internet and many spiritual magazines.
[Show full text]
BALABODHA SANGRAHA - 14 Sweet Memories of Our Ancient Bharatiya Agraharam and Village Streets and Life – Part 1
SANATANA DHARMA & SASTRA PRACHARA PUBLICATIONS & FREE DISTRIBUTION SERIES A Non detailed Text book for Vedic and Samskrit Students बालबोधसङ्ग्रहः – १४ BALABODHA SANGRAHA - 14 Sweet Memories of Our Ancient Bharatiya Agraharam and Village Streets and Life – Part 1 Compiled with blessings and under instructions and guidance of Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Jagadguru Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamiji 70th Sankaracharya of Moolamnaya Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Offered with devotion and humility by Sri Atma Bodha Tirtha Swamiji (Sri Kumbakonam Swamiji) Disciple of Ilandurai Pujyasri Kuvalayananda Tirtha Swamiji (Sri Tambudu Swamiji – Brahma Vidya Diksha Guru) and of Melakkaveri Pujyasri Panchapagesa Brahmendra Saraswathi Swamiji (Brahma Vidya Guru) Translation from Tamil by P.R.Kannan, Navi Mumbai 1 गोििन्ददेििकमुपास्यििरायभक्त्या तिस्मिन्स्थतेिनजमिहििििदेहमुक्त्या। ऄद्वैतभाष्यमुपकल्प्यददिोिििज्य काञ्चीपुरेिस्थितमिापसिङ्ग्कराययः॥ Adoring Guru Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada for long and after he attained Videhamukti through his own power, Sri Sankaracharya wrote commentaries to establish Advaita philosophy, won over opponents in all directions and finally rested in Kanchipuram, where his Avatara period concluded. (From „Patanjali Charitram‟ of Sri Ramabhadra Dikshitar) ऄपारक셁णामूर्ततज्ञानदंिान्त셂िपणम्। श्रीिन्रिेखरगु셁ंप्रणतोऽिस्ममुदान्िहम्॥ I pay obeisance every day with great happiness to Sri Chandrasekhara Guru, who is the embodiment of unlimited compassion, the bestower of Gnana, the very form of peace. (From „Guru Stuti‟ of Jagadguru
[Show full text]
To Download the Book
OM SRI GURUBHYO NAMAH from Tamil book by Pu.Ma.JAYASENTHILNATHAN, M.A. (Asthana Vidvan, Sri Sankara Matham, Kanchipuram) and other sources Released during the SAHASRADINA SATHABHISHEKAM CELEBRATIONS of Jagadguru Sri JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL Sankaracharya of Moolamnaya Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Kanchipuram November 2015 Compiler’s Preface The unbounded Grace of Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham has made me take up the impossible task of compiling his Vijaya Yatras based on Sri Pulavar Ma.Jayasenthilnathan’s book in Tamil ‘Sri Jayendra Vijayam’ – parts 1 and 2. The contents of the two volumes have been assembled and abridged. Information has also been updated, mainly in the Appendices based on other sources. A multifaceted personality, simplicity personified- that is our Swamigal in a nutshell. His one trait, which none, who has had his fleeting darshan even once, will miss is his geniality and the infectious and bewitching smile on his lustrous face. The revered Paramacharya Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal had said that he himself was the “Iccha Sakthi” and his disciple was the “Kriya Sakthi”. This was with reference to how his devoted disciple carried out his every wish. Soon after his becoming Peethadhipati, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal wrote Page 2 of 128 a treatise on Brahma Sutra Bhashya, titled ‘Gurupriya’, as desired by his Guru. Known for clarity, cogency and brevity, Gurupriya is intended to serve as a refresher to the serious student engaged in manana, contemplation. Sri Acharya Swamigal has become the prime mover over the years in projects that have far - reaching impact in manifold areas of Vedic education, maintenance of heritage including temples, social welfare, health, child care, and village crafts and education.
[Show full text]
Hindu Diaspora and Religious Philanthropy in the United States
Hindu Diaspora and Religious Philanthropy in the United States Conducted as part of the 2003 International Fellowship program with Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, New York Priya Anand Presented at the 6th International Society for Third Sector Research Toronto, July 2004 Acknowledgements This paper would not be possible without the support of Professor Kathleen McCarthy, Barbara Leopold, Eugene Miller, Amal Muhammed, and Kristin Weis of the Center for the Study of Philanthropy who provided valuable guidance and feedback at every stage of the research. Leah Obias who ensured that it was not 'all work and no play.' Pradeep Kashyap, Jay Philip and Raj Ann Rekhi of American India Foundation who provided inputs on organizations to contact and valuable feedback on the study. Representatives of various Hindu temples and religious movements, some of whom patiently answered my questions at unearthly hours after a hard day's work, drove me to and fro from various stations and fed me Indian food. Friends and relatives who helped in my study by providing me contact details and sometimes drove me to and fro from temples and ashrams. Murray Culshaw, Director of Murray Culshaw Consulting who introduced me to the Nonprofit Sector and the area of Philanthropy, without whose support I would have never made it here. My dear friends and colleagues Suzy, Snow, Beke, Sara, Tiziana, Majda, Marlene, Alejandra and Sujeevan who were always there with me, with whom I shared some wonderful moments and who will remain my friends forever. A Special thanks to... Prof Joanne Waghorne of Syracuse University who provided inputs on literature and Uma Satyendra of Hindu Samaj Temple for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Holi Cultural Festival and interact with several trustees and devotees.
[Show full text]
Adi Shankara at Mndht and Mhishmat Om Holy Book #8 
Adi Shankara at Mndht and Mhishmat Om Holy Book #8 Govindeshvara Mandira Research Operation By Linda M. Canestraight “Om Loves Me” In Association With Murarilal Nagar OM Shanti Mandiram Columbia, MO 2012 INTRODUCTION di Shankara at Mndht and Mhishmat. It is a collection of select email messages exchanged among some OM devotees on the subject for more than a decade. These have been presented here in their natural order and sequence as they occurred just to show the natural development of thought. No attempt has been made to bring any order or system. A child may take even a moving rope as a snake. Even an adult has sometime a dilemma whether it is a man or just a stump. India‘s great poet Shri Ba Bhaa said: Even the great divinities are made subject of wrong identification and degradation if not understood well. The identification of a highly significant mrti done earlier by us was wrong – dead wrong! Absurd!! Disgusting!!! Later on it turned out to be simply ridiculous. But we left the matter as it had developed. It was a case of Tamaso m jyotir gamaya = O God, lead me from darkness to light. The subject and object treated in this publication is the first attempt ever made in the history of Vedic Civilization as far as the divine life of Jagadguru Adi Shankara Bhagvatpda is concerned. We thought of giving the title to this publication as Adi Shankara Goes to School, but the subject covered here is much more intensive as well as extensive. Shankaracharya acquired his basic knowledge at the feet of his Gurudeva Shri Govinda-Bhagavatpda.
[Show full text]
Introduction to Vaidika Mantra Kalpalata (From the CD of Vaidika Mantra Kalpalata Published by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham)
Introduction to Vaidika Mantra Kalpalata (From the CD of Vaidika Mantra Kalpalata published by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham) India has been the fountainhead of a great civilization. It is a great fortune of the people of this country that they have inherited a great culture, rich moral values and very many diverse languages and literature. In spite of adverse challenges it has faced, our ancient cultural tradition nurtured by selfless seers and protected by great sacrifice of very many men and women of this land has survived. In this Punya Bhoomi of ours, where innumerous rishis (sages), sannyasis (saints) and jnanis (enlightened souls) traversed the length and breadth of this land on foot, each handful of dust is as worthy as sandal powder, each village a ground of penance and meditation. In almost every village there is a temple with some hoary history behind it. These temples were the pivot of life. They reflect our tradition in which philosophy, religion and ethics are not merely abstract principles detracted from real life, but they are its very core, shaping all aspects of life both mundane and spiritual. This is the uniqueness of our Bharatiya tradition. Definition of Bharat What is the definition of Bharat? The Vishnu Purana says “uttaraṃ yat samudrasya himādreścaiva dākṣiṇam, varṣaṃ tad bhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ” i.e. “that which is towards north of the great ocean, and to the south of the Himalaya, that is the Bharata Varsha where the Bharatiya-s live”. The southernmost area of this country is then Kanyakumari, and the northernmost area Kashmir.
[Show full text]
An Introduction to Smarta – Smartism – Smartha Traditions
An Introduction to Smarta – Smartism – Smartha Traditions. A. Background History About. Smartism is a sect of Hinduism that allows its followers to worship more than one god, unlike in sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism, in which only Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped, respectively. Smartas, followers of Smartism, may actually worship one or more of the five main Hindu gods - Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Surya and Shakti - as they are all considered equal. This practice is called panchayatana puja in Sanskrit. Smartism was founded by the Hindu spiritual guru, Adi Shankaracharya. The idea behind the founding of Smartism was to do away with certain practices in Hinduism, such as animal sacrifice; and also because Adi Shankaracharya believed in the concept of Advaita Vedanta, in which Brahman is the fundamental and highest reality above all gods. Smartism follows the Vedas, the sacred Hindu texts, and abides by orthodox Hindu philosophy. The sect recognizes God as both Saguna and Nirguna. God as Saguna is a representation of infinite nature and traits such as love, compassion and justice. God as Nirguna symbolizes pure consciousness, or Brahman, the creative principle and key concept of the Vedas. Smartas worship the Supreme in one of five forms: Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya. Because they accept all the major Hindu Gods, they are known as liberal or nonsectarian. They follow a philosophical, meditative path, emphasizing man's oneness with God through understanding. *** most Hindus follow the Smarta/Smartha traditions, philosophies and practices. More Detail. Smartism is an ancient brahminical tradition reformed by Shankara in the ninth century. Worshiping fivex forms of God (Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Surya), this liberal Hindu path is monistic, nonsectarian, meditative and philosophical.
[Show full text]
Ancient Indian Texts of Knowledge and Wisdom
Newsletter Archives www.dollsofindia.com Terracotta Art - From the Earth to the Soul Copyright © 2015, DollsofIndia Indian mythology abounds with several stories of Gods and Goddesses and their avatars or manifestations; each for a particular purpose; in order to teach devotees a lesson in story form. While most of the Devi/Devata stories seem merely entertaining and regale us with various anecdotes, there are those who are fierce, passionate and self- determined beyond imagination. One such story is that of Devi Sati. This month, we bring you the tale of Goddess Sati and how she came to be. Sati, also known as Dakshayani, is a Hindu Goddess of longevity and marital felicity. An aspect of Parvati or Goddess Adi Shakti, Dakshayani is the first consort of Lord Shiva. Sati is known to be extremely fiery, with a frightening temper. However, she is also loving and extremely benevolent by nature. According to Hindu legend, both Sati and Parvati are aspects of the Devi, who helped Shiva come away from his ascetic isolation and involve himself in Samsara (the material world). Sati is famous (and sometimes, rather infamous) for the fact that she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire, when she saw that her husband was being humiliated. So intense was her love, loyalty and passion for her husband, that she could not tolerate to live on when he was being belittled by her own father. Shiva and Sati - Stories from Indian Mythology Even today, the controversial practice of Sati is followed in several parts of rural India – herein, a Hindu widow jumps into her husband's funeral pyre, as a final act of commitment and loyalty towards her husband.
[Show full text]