‘Bharat bhaai kapi se urin ham naahin.’ Indian greatest epic Ramayan will be of little importance if I take out the character of Hanuman from it. The entire Sunderkand describes his bravery. Hanuman is among seven immortals and always ready to solve our problems. Ghosts, diseases and all sorrows fly away hearing his name. He is Mahaveer (great brave). He was only person to jump the sea. He is the sea of understanding and intelligence. Bravery is useful and world’s welfare when it is full of knowledge and brainpower. In the very childhood, he swallowed the sun, which shows his strength. He is one among the Lord Shiva’s eleven form (Ekaadash Rudra). He can do everything but he never shows his power himself. When someone makes recall his memory, he shows his strength publicly. Even being the universe’s greatest powerful person, he has taken the role of servant on the world’s stage. This shows his complete egoless state. We ordinary people feel ashamed in taking role of inferior persons for a few hours on a stage. I remember my school period when I with my village friends performed dramas on the village stage. One of my friends belonged to a rich family but he was performing the role of a beggar. Another friend who belonged to a poor family was acting as a king. The beggar had spread his hands before the king. The beggar’s father (actual father) was in the viewers. The scene seemed unbearable to him. He silently stood from the audience and went in the backside of the curtain. No one noticed him. He at once came on the stage shouting, “Was this only role for you? The poor Balchanmaa’s son is king and you are beggar.” Moreover, he started beating his son by a cane stick.
Hanumaan’s actions are imitable. Although he has all power, he never proclaims his own strength. He always gives credit to the grace of Lord Rama. He utters himself a simple servant. When he departs from Lanka after burning it completely, he tells Sita, “Although I have capacity to kill all the giants of Lanka and take you to Rama but I have no order of my lord.” This is teaching to all servants that they should only follow the orders of lord. They should never take decision of their own. Without proper order of the lord, the servant should follow the prevailing rules only.
Hanuman moves fastest in the universe. He is easily approachable and becomes pleased easily. Servant is always easier than his owner. That is why his statues are everywhere. If we count, his number will be the greatest of all gods. His japas (recitations his mantras) “ Ohm Shree Pawan nandanaayasswaahaa” cures from every disturbances and provides success, the quickest. He is the most favorite god of students. I am recalling my student life. Whenever examination started, we gathered in hanuman temple regularly. Before exam and after that, that was our regular duty. The crowd of railway station Hanuman temple (the old temple was very small compared to present grand temple) at Patna, is unforgettable.
The Shankatmochan temple of Benares is worldwide famous. Once Sharma R. B. visited the temple with family. His daughter with her newborn baby was also with him. A hanuman (monkey) jumped on his daughter and took her child. It went to the top of a tree with the baby. Sharma’s wife and daughter started to weep loudly. People gathered. Someone told a clue. Some fruits and sweets were kept on a leaf under the tree. All went away a little distance and began to recite Hanumaan Chaalishaa. To their great surprise, the monkey came down slowly, put the child on the ground, took the fruits and sweets and fled away. Sharma’s wife took the child. Happiness came on everyone’s face.
Once I went to Kathmandu. Amarnath, Jitendra and Bhogee babu were also with me. We went to visit the famous Pashupatinath temple. Everyone took some sweets in the hand as offerings and started to move towards the temple. A big monkey jumped on Jitendra who was rearmost in the row and took his offerings. After worshipping, we went across the river Baagmati towards Guhyeshwari temple. We were passing through a dense forest on a hummock. Suddenly we found that we were surrounded by thousands monkeys. We became afraid. The mistake and reason were detected. Amarnath had thrown some small balls of sweets before one monkey. Seeing this, so many had gathered to have the same. They were closing the circuit and we were becoming more afraid. A giant monkey jumped over Amaranth. He threw the bag. The monkeys themselves became afraid and fled away a few distance. I at once jumped and took the bag. To my surprise, all the money was in the bag. Amarnath was our cashier. Had the monkeys taken away the bag, what would have been to us? I opened the bag and showed it to the monkeys. Took out money and put it in the pocket. Then showing to the monkeys, threw all small sweet balls towards them. Then again showed the empty bag. They understood and became busy in collecting sweet balls and stopped chasing us. We easily proceeded ahead.
Tulsidas got the vision of Ram and Lakshaman by the help of Hanuman at Chitrakoot. Once he saw two handsome princes walking on horses. He did not identify them. Hanumanjee told him about them. He started repenting. Hanuman consoled and told that he could see them the next morning. On Vikram Era 1607, Mauni Amavashya, Wednessday, Ram appeared as a child. He begged sandal from Tulsi. Hanuman thinking that he might not recognize that time also, took the form of a parrot and orated this poem, “ Chitrakoot ke ghaat par, bhai santan kee bheer; Tulsidaas chandan ghise, tilak det Raghuveer.” Tusidaas, seeing the amazing face, became senseless. Ram took the sandal by his own hand, put it on his and tulsi’s foreheads and disappeared.
We can win all problems, become fearless from diseases and ghosts by reciting his name. ----------Ohm Shree Pawan Nandanaayasswaahaa.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SARASWATI POOJA
“Roop youvan sampanna, vishaal kul sambhavah; vidyaaheenaa na shobhante, nirgandhaa iv kinshukah.” Today is Saraswati Pooja. Everyone wants the grace of Maa Shaarada. When Wagdevee is pleased, ordinary person tops. When she is angry, all efforts become fruitless and the person becomes unsuccessful. Sometimes she fulfills the wishes by her negative action.
In TretaaYug Ram took birth as king Dashrath’s son. Among four brothers he was the eldest and most capable to be the king. When Dashrath became old, he wanted to make Ram his heir. Every preparation was ready to make Ram the king, the next day. Gods became anxious. After prayers, Lord Vishnu had agreed to come on the earth as Dasrath’s son. The main mission was to send Ram in the forest and kill Ravan, the king of Lanka (now a day Shrilanka). Ravan was great terror of the world. All famous gods were his prisoners. He had snatched the powers of gods. Giants were enjoying gods’ share. Sages were unable to perform recitations of God’s name and penance due to his disturbance. Gods were doing servants’ job in his palace. They went to Lord Vishnu and prayed for long. Lord became pleased and asked them to ask, they wanted. Gods narrated the whole story about the anarchic actions of Ravan. Vishnu assured to come on the earth as a son of king Dasrath. With Ram, his companions Lakshaman, Bharat, Shatrughna became his brothers. So many other friends took birth in Ayodhya and at different other places, to enjoy the company of Lord at different times and places. Gods also took birth as monkeys like Hanumaan, Sugreev, Angad; as bear like Jambbaan and as birds like Jataayu, Sampaatee, Garur, Kakbhushundee etc. Ravan (king of Lanka) kidnapped Sita (Ram’s consort). Ram with the help of monkeys, bears and birds attacked Lanka and killed Ravan with his armies and notorious giants Kumbhakarna, Meghnad, Mareech, subahu etc. He made Vibheeshan (Ravan’s brother) the king of Lanka. He was a pious man and devotee of Ram. He always prohibited his brother from doing illegal acts.
When gods saw the preparation of making Ram the king, they became anxious. They ran to Bhagvati Saraswati for help. Saraswati sat on the tongue of Manthara, the maid servant of queen Kaykeyee. Manthara taught Kaykeyee and reminded the word of king Dasrath. Dasrath had promised to fulfill her two wishes she wanted when she saved his life in the war between gods and giants. Kaykeyee begged to make his son Bharat the king of Ayodhya and send Ram to forest for fourteen years. Thus the mission of gods was fulfilled.
There are several other occasions when gods have utilized Maan Saraswati for their purposes. Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Bibheeshan performed tough penance. Lord Brahma appeared before them and offered them to ask for anything they wanted. Ravan begged not to be killed by any specie except human being and monkeys whom they daily ate and it was beyond dignity to beg such a futile request. At the end of Mahaabhaarat war when all his great warriors were killed, Duryodhan fled and hid himself in a pond. Pandavs started to search and shouted and abused him saying coward's son. This pinched him too much. He came out and told that he was alone while they were many. Yudhisthir offered to fight with anybody he liked and further told that they would be his servants if he won. This made Lord Krishna a bit anxious but he took the help of Bagdevi. Only Bheem was superior in club fighting. Duryodhan could defeat everyone in club fight except Bheem. Had he chosen someone else, he would have won and the scene would havebeen changed. But it was beyond dignity to fight with inferior. Moreover Lord Krishna aroused his ego. He chose to fight with Bheem. Bheem killed him with the help of proxy by Krishna and violating the rules of club fighting. Bibheeshan begged devotion of god. Now, it was the turn of Kumbhkaran. He was very strong with giant body. He wanted to beg six months awakening and one day sleep. Gods were afraid of his intention. They prayed Maan Saraswati. Maan sat on his tongue. His tongue slipped. He begged just reverse of what he wanted. He begged to sleep six months and to awake one day. Gods became pleased.
“Vidwatwan cha nripatwan cha, naivtulyokadaachana; swadeshepoojyateraajaa, vidwaansarvatrapoojyate.” Knowledge is always heavier over wealth and power. The latter two can be achieved by the first, but the first cannot be achieved by the two. Lakshami follows Saraswati. About Lakshami, it is called that she never stays at one place. But she can be made stable if one worships Maan Shaardaa. One should never hanker after money. It will automatically come when one worships Shaardaa and makes her pleased. Always give good education to your children. “Poot kapoot to kaa dhansanchay, poot sapoot to kaa dhansanchay.” If your son has not got education, he will spoil all the wealth you have earned. He will be fraud, drinker, cheat, criminal and prostitute. Perversely, if he has got better education, don’t be anxious about him. He will be capable for his maintenance.------Jay maan Shaarde.
In TretaaYug Ram took birth as king Dashrath’s son. Among four brothers he was the eldest and most capable to be the king. When Dashrath became old, he wanted to make Ram his heir. Every preparation was ready to make Ram the king, the next day. Gods became anxious. After prayers, Lord Vishnu had agreed to come on the earth as Dasrath’s son. The main mission was to send Ram in the forest and kill Ravan, the king of Lanka (now a day Shrilanka). Ravan was great terror of the world. All famous gods were his prisoners. He had snatched the powers of gods. Giants were enjoying gods’ share. Sages were unable to perform recitations of God’s name and penance due to his disturbance. Gods were doing servants’ job in his palace. They went to Lord Vishnu and prayed for long. Lord became pleased and asked them to ask, they wanted. Gods narrated the whole story about the anarchic actions of Ravan. Vishnu assured to come on the earth as a son of king Dasrath. With Ram, his companions Lakshaman, Bharat, Shatrughna became his brothers. So many other friends took birth in Ayodhya and at different other places, to enjoy the company of Lord at different times and places. Gods also took birth as monkeys like Hanumaan, Sugreev, Angad; as bear like Jambbaan and as birds like Jataayu, Sampaatee, Garur, Kakbhushundee etc. Ravan (king of Lanka) kidnapped Sita (Ram’s consort). Ram with the help of monkeys, bears and birds attacked Lanka and killed Ravan with his armies and notorious giants Kumbhakarna, Meghnad, Mareech, subahu etc. He made Vibheeshan (Ravan’s brother) the king of Lanka. He was a pious man and devotee of Ram. He always prohibited his brother from doing illegal acts.
When gods saw the preparation of making Ram the king, they became anxious. They ran to Bhagvati Saraswati for help. Saraswati sat on the tongue of Manthara, the maid servant of queen Kaykeyee. Manthara taught Kaykeyee and reminded the word of king Dasrath. Dasrath had promised to fulfill her two wishes she wanted when she saved his life in the war between gods and giants. Kaykeyee begged to make his son Bharat the king of Ayodhya and send Ram to forest for fourteen years. Thus the mission of gods was fulfilled.
There are several other occasions when gods have utilized Maan Saraswati for their purposes. Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Bibheeshan performed tough penance. Lord Brahma appeared before them and offered them to ask for anything they wanted. Ravan begged not to be killed by any specie except human being and monkeys whom they daily ate and it was beyond dignity to beg such a futile request. At the end of Mahaabhaarat war when all his great warriors were killed, Duryodhan fled and hid himself in a pond. Pandavs started to search and shouted and abused him saying coward's son. This pinched him too much. He came out and told that he was alone while they were many. Yudhisthir offered to fight with anybody he liked and further told that they would be his servants if he won. This made Lord Krishna a bit anxious but he took the help of Bagdevi. Only Bheem was superior in club fighting. Duryodhan could defeat everyone in club fight except Bheem. Had he chosen someone else, he would have won and the scene would havebeen changed. But it was beyond dignity to fight with inferior. Moreover Lord Krishna aroused his ego. He chose to fight with Bheem. Bheem killed him with the help of proxy by Krishna and violating the rules of club fighting. Bibheeshan begged devotion of god. Now, it was the turn of Kumbhkaran. He was very strong with giant body. He wanted to beg six months awakening and one day sleep. Gods were afraid of his intention. They prayed Maan Saraswati. Maan sat on his tongue. His tongue slipped. He begged just reverse of what he wanted. He begged to sleep six months and to awake one day. Gods became pleased.
“Vidwatwan cha nripatwan cha, naivtulyokadaachana; swadeshepoojyateraajaa, vidwaansarvatrapoojyate.” Knowledge is always heavier over wealth and power. The latter two can be achieved by the first, but the first cannot be achieved by the two. Lakshami follows Saraswati. About Lakshami, it is called that she never stays at one place. But she can be made stable if one worships Maan Shaardaa. One should never hanker after money. It will automatically come when one worships Shaardaa and makes her pleased. Always give good education to your children. “Poot kapoot to kaa dhansanchay, poot sapoot to kaa dhansanchay.” If your son has not got education, he will spoil all the wealth you have earned. He will be fraud, drinker, cheat, criminal and prostitute. Perversely, if he has got better education, don’t be anxious about him. He will be capable for his maintenance.------Jay maan Shaarde.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
DURGA POOJA
To-day is Kalash Sthapan, the first day of Durga Pooja festival. We perform the festival in different manners. Some establish earthen statues, someone kalash (a metallic or earthen jar wrapped with new red or yellow cloth filled with water, small sticks of mango having green leaves, coins etc.), some worship permanent statues and some recite Durga-Saptashati before the photo of Mata Durga. Some keep fasting in the day and take pure rice, pulse and vegetables at night. Some spend the ten days on fruits only. In village Bhalni Jaybhadra Baba spends ten days on only one lota (metallic round pot of different volumes) bhang (a kind of village drink made by mixing powder of bhang plant and sugar with water which is narcotic). In most of the places, we perform group pooja. In villages, pooja is celebrated with great devotion. Dance and music are essential. In some places filmy dancers and musicians perform.
The description of Bhagvati Durga is in the book Durga-Saptashatee. Due to seven hundred shlokas it is sapta (seven) shatee (shat-hundred in Sanskrit). There are three characters in Durga Sptashati. They are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshami and Maha Saraswati. The goddess of first character is Maha Kali. In the first character, two giants Madhu and Kaitabh take birth from the ear-dirt of Lord Vishnu. God Brahma (the god of creation) lives on the navel- lotus of Vishnu. Vishnu was in deep sleep on Sheshnag bed. Madhu and Kaitav saw Brahma and became ready to kill him. Brahma saw the giants and became afraid because Vishnu was sleeping. Brahma started to pray goddess of sleep who had captured Lord Vishnu. This very goddess is the root of creation, protection (taming) and destruction of the world. She is the energy of Lord by which He runs the universe. Being pleased with the prayer she appeared before Brahma. Brahma begged to awake The Lord. Bhagvati drew her forces from Bhagvan’s organs. Bhagvan awoke. He saw frightened Brahma and proud two thunderous giants. He understood the situation. Wrestling started between Bhagvan and the two giants. The wrestling continued till five thousand years. Bhagvati hypnotized the giants. They told Bhagvan that they were pleased with him and he could demand what he wanted. Bhagvan asked them to be killed by him. Now they were bound to their words. Finding themselves trapped in their words, they thought a rescue solution. Seeing only water all around, they told Bhagvan to kill on dry land. Bhagvan took them on his thighs and cut their heads by his Sudarshan Chakra.
The second character’s goddess is Maha Lakshami. In ancient time, there became a very big battle between gods and giants. The giant’s leader was Mahishasur and god’s leader was Indra. In the battle, gods were defeated. Mahishasur sat on Indra’s chair. Defeated gods went to Bhagvan Shankar and Vishnu, in the leadership of god Brahma. They told them the whole story of the strength of Mahishasur and their defeat in detail. They said, “Mahishasur has snatched the power of all gods and has turned them out from the heaven. They all are moving on the earth like men. We have come to you to make way to kill him. Bhagvan Vishnu and Shiva became very angry. A light came out of Vishnu’s mouth. In the same way, lights came out of all gods’ bodies and became one. The collected energy seemed like the burning mountain. It took the shape of a woman who lighted the whole universe by her rays.
The different organs of the woman were made by the energies of different gods- [Mouth from Shankar, hairs in the head from Yamraj, hands from Vishnu, breasts from Moon, waist from Indra, thighs from Varun, buttock from Earth, feet from Brahma, fingers of feet from Sun, hands’ fingers from Vasu, nose from kuber, teeth from Prajapati, three eyes from Agni (god of fire), eye brows from Sandhya and ears from the energy of Wayu (god of wind)]. Thus the graceful Devi appeared by the rays of all gods.
The tortured gods by Mahishasur became very pleased seeing the Devi. All gods gave their weapons to the Devi. Shankar Shool, Vishnu Chakra, Varun Shankh, Agni shakti, Vaayu Dhanush (bow) and two arrow boxes filled with arrows, thousand eyed king of gods Indra Vajra and a Ghantaa (bell) of the elephant Airaavat, Yamraaj Dand, Varun Pash, Prajaapati Sphatik Maalaa (garland), Brahma Kamandal and all other gods gave weapons and ornaments produced by their originals. Bhagvatee thundered loudly repeatedly. The whole universe began to shake. Gods became pleased and wished the goddess’s victory. Great saints prayed Bhagvati politely with great devotion. Mahishasur heard the thunderous sound and asked angrily what that was happening. Surrounded by giants, he ran towards the great sound and saw Bhagvati who was lighting the whole world by her halo. The earth was being pressed by the weight of her feet. A line was being drawn in the sky by her crown. The seven underground lands were amazed from the sound of her bow. After a while, battle was started between her and the giants. The army chief of Mahishasur,Chikshur started fighting with the goddess. His other famous warriors Chaamar, Udagra, Mahaahanu, Asilomaa (one whose furs are sharp like swords), Bashkal, Pariwarit (parito waryati shatroon), Bidaal etc with their infinite armies started fighting. Mahishaasur himself surrounded by crores thousands chariots’, elephants’ and horses’ armies was standing in the battlefield. The goddess cut all the projected weapons on her like children’s play. There was no sign of exhaustion on her face. Gods and sages prayed and the goddess poured weapons on the giants. Goddess’s lion, waving its hairs of the neck, also started to move in the giant’s army like fire in the forest. By the breathing of the goddess, infinite warriors were produced. They started fighting with the giants and destroyed them. The army chief Chikshur started fighting with the goddess with full zeal but he was killed by the spear. The lion killed Chaamar. Udagra was killed by stone and trees and Karaal by teeth-biting, fist and slaps. Uddhat was killed by club. Devi killed Washkal by Vindipaal and Taamra and Andhak by arrows. The three-eyed goddess killed Ugrasya, Ugraveerya and Mahaahanu by trishool. She cut Bidaal’s head by sword. Durdhar and Durmukh were killed by arrows. Seeing the mass destruction of his armies, Mahishaasur changed himself into a buffalo. He started destroying the goddess’s warriors attacking by horns, tale, hooves and muffle. By his breathing, hundreds of mountains flew in the sky and began to fall. He, in a very angry mood, ran towards her. Seeing this, she became angrier and trapped the giant in a net. Being trapped, he took the form of a lion. When she tried to cut his head, he took the appearance of a man having sword in the hand. Goddess rained arrows and clouded the man having sword and shield. He took the shape of a huge elephant. It started to drag the lion by its trunk and began thunderous sound (bawl). The goddess cut its trunk by her sword while it was dragging the lion. It again took the form of a buffalo and began to terrify the world as before. The World’s Mother began to take the best quality of heavenly drink and making her eyes red, laughed. The giant roared and began to throw huge stones on Bhagvati Maan. Maataa powdered the stones by her arrows and spoke to the giant, “O foolish! Roar repeatedly, while I am drinking. When I will kill you, the gods will roar soon”. Saying thus, she jumped on the giant. Pressing him with her feet, she hit his neck with the spear. Though it was pressed, it began to come out from its mouth in another man’s form. Now, when only half body had come out, Maataa stopped its growth by her effect. Only half growth man started to fight with Bhagvati. Maataa cut its head. The giant’s army fled crying. All gods became cheerful. Gods with divine sages prayed the universe mother. Gods prayed in so many shlokas which is mentioned in fourth chapter of Durgaa Saptashati. Being pleased with the gods, Maan appeared and blessed them to ask anything they liked. Gods begged to reappear whenever they prayed her. Goddess agreed. She blessed to reappear when Shumbh and Nishumbh would terrorize the whole universe. After saying this she disappeared.
This may be symbolic. Goodness when collectively fight always wins the giant evils. The third character will be described latter on.----------contd.
The description of Bhagvati Durga is in the book Durga-Saptashatee. Due to seven hundred shlokas it is sapta (seven) shatee (shat-hundred in Sanskrit). There are three characters in Durga Sptashati. They are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshami and Maha Saraswati. The goddess of first character is Maha Kali. In the first character, two giants Madhu and Kaitabh take birth from the ear-dirt of Lord Vishnu. God Brahma (the god of creation) lives on the navel- lotus of Vishnu. Vishnu was in deep sleep on Sheshnag bed. Madhu and Kaitav saw Brahma and became ready to kill him. Brahma saw the giants and became afraid because Vishnu was sleeping. Brahma started to pray goddess of sleep who had captured Lord Vishnu. This very goddess is the root of creation, protection (taming) and destruction of the world. She is the energy of Lord by which He runs the universe. Being pleased with the prayer she appeared before Brahma. Brahma begged to awake The Lord. Bhagvati drew her forces from Bhagvan’s organs. Bhagvan awoke. He saw frightened Brahma and proud two thunderous giants. He understood the situation. Wrestling started between Bhagvan and the two giants. The wrestling continued till five thousand years. Bhagvati hypnotized the giants. They told Bhagvan that they were pleased with him and he could demand what he wanted. Bhagvan asked them to be killed by him. Now they were bound to their words. Finding themselves trapped in their words, they thought a rescue solution. Seeing only water all around, they told Bhagvan to kill on dry land. Bhagvan took them on his thighs and cut their heads by his Sudarshan Chakra.
The second character’s goddess is Maha Lakshami. In ancient time, there became a very big battle between gods and giants. The giant’s leader was Mahishasur and god’s leader was Indra. In the battle, gods were defeated. Mahishasur sat on Indra’s chair. Defeated gods went to Bhagvan Shankar and Vishnu, in the leadership of god Brahma. They told them the whole story of the strength of Mahishasur and their defeat in detail. They said, “Mahishasur has snatched the power of all gods and has turned them out from the heaven. They all are moving on the earth like men. We have come to you to make way to kill him. Bhagvan Vishnu and Shiva became very angry. A light came out of Vishnu’s mouth. In the same way, lights came out of all gods’ bodies and became one. The collected energy seemed like the burning mountain. It took the shape of a woman who lighted the whole universe by her rays.
The different organs of the woman were made by the energies of different gods- [Mouth from Shankar, hairs in the head from Yamraj, hands from Vishnu, breasts from Moon, waist from Indra, thighs from Varun, buttock from Earth, feet from Brahma, fingers of feet from Sun, hands’ fingers from Vasu, nose from kuber, teeth from Prajapati, three eyes from Agni (god of fire), eye brows from Sandhya and ears from the energy of Wayu (god of wind)]. Thus the graceful Devi appeared by the rays of all gods.
The tortured gods by Mahishasur became very pleased seeing the Devi. All gods gave their weapons to the Devi. Shankar Shool, Vishnu Chakra, Varun Shankh, Agni shakti, Vaayu Dhanush (bow) and two arrow boxes filled with arrows, thousand eyed king of gods Indra Vajra and a Ghantaa (bell) of the elephant Airaavat, Yamraaj Dand, Varun Pash, Prajaapati Sphatik Maalaa (garland), Brahma Kamandal and all other gods gave weapons and ornaments produced by their originals. Bhagvatee thundered loudly repeatedly. The whole universe began to shake. Gods became pleased and wished the goddess’s victory. Great saints prayed Bhagvati politely with great devotion. Mahishasur heard the thunderous sound and asked angrily what that was happening. Surrounded by giants, he ran towards the great sound and saw Bhagvati who was lighting the whole world by her halo. The earth was being pressed by the weight of her feet. A line was being drawn in the sky by her crown. The seven underground lands were amazed from the sound of her bow. After a while, battle was started between her and the giants. The army chief of Mahishasur,Chikshur started fighting with the goddess. His other famous warriors Chaamar, Udagra, Mahaahanu, Asilomaa (one whose furs are sharp like swords), Bashkal, Pariwarit (parito waryati shatroon), Bidaal etc with their infinite armies started fighting. Mahishaasur himself surrounded by crores thousands chariots’, elephants’ and horses’ armies was standing in the battlefield. The goddess cut all the projected weapons on her like children’s play. There was no sign of exhaustion on her face. Gods and sages prayed and the goddess poured weapons on the giants. Goddess’s lion, waving its hairs of the neck, also started to move in the giant’s army like fire in the forest. By the breathing of the goddess, infinite warriors were produced. They started fighting with the giants and destroyed them. The army chief Chikshur started fighting with the goddess with full zeal but he was killed by the spear. The lion killed Chaamar. Udagra was killed by stone and trees and Karaal by teeth-biting, fist and slaps. Uddhat was killed by club. Devi killed Washkal by Vindipaal and Taamra and Andhak by arrows. The three-eyed goddess killed Ugrasya, Ugraveerya and Mahaahanu by trishool. She cut Bidaal’s head by sword. Durdhar and Durmukh were killed by arrows. Seeing the mass destruction of his armies, Mahishaasur changed himself into a buffalo. He started destroying the goddess’s warriors attacking by horns, tale, hooves and muffle. By his breathing, hundreds of mountains flew in the sky and began to fall. He, in a very angry mood, ran towards her. Seeing this, she became angrier and trapped the giant in a net. Being trapped, he took the form of a lion. When she tried to cut his head, he took the appearance of a man having sword in the hand. Goddess rained arrows and clouded the man having sword and shield. He took the shape of a huge elephant. It started to drag the lion by its trunk and began thunderous sound (bawl). The goddess cut its trunk by her sword while it was dragging the lion. It again took the form of a buffalo and began to terrify the world as before. The World’s Mother began to take the best quality of heavenly drink and making her eyes red, laughed. The giant roared and began to throw huge stones on Bhagvati Maan. Maataa powdered the stones by her arrows and spoke to the giant, “O foolish! Roar repeatedly, while I am drinking. When I will kill you, the gods will roar soon”. Saying thus, she jumped on the giant. Pressing him with her feet, she hit his neck with the spear. Though it was pressed, it began to come out from its mouth in another man’s form. Now, when only half body had come out, Maataa stopped its growth by her effect. Only half growth man started to fight with Bhagvati. Maataa cut its head. The giant’s army fled crying. All gods became cheerful. Gods with divine sages prayed the universe mother. Gods prayed in so many shlokas which is mentioned in fourth chapter of Durgaa Saptashati. Being pleased with the gods, Maan appeared and blessed them to ask anything they liked. Gods begged to reappear whenever they prayed her. Goddess agreed. She blessed to reappear when Shumbh and Nishumbh would terrorize the whole universe. After saying this she disappeared.
This may be symbolic. Goodness when collectively fight always wins the giant evils. The third character will be described latter on.----------contd.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
KRODH (ANGER)
‘Kamat krodhobhijaayate’. When desire is not fulfilled anger develops and causes distruction.Anger creates moh, moh snatches memory, loss of memory causes destruction of budhi (wisdom) which lastly destroys the human. “Krodhaad bhavati sammohah, sammohaat smriti vibhramah; smriti bhransaad vuddhinaasho, vuddhinaashaat pranashyati.” When wisdom is lost, there remains no difference between human and animal. “Vivek heenaa pashubhih samaanaa.” In angry mood, man totally forgets what is good or bad. After anger action, only repentance remains. When everything is lost, what is the advantage of repenting? “Ab pachhtaaye hot kyaa, jab chidiyaa chug gayee khet.”
There was a king. He established a haat (Local market where shops are temporary for the day only. It may be daily, weekly or twice, thrice in a week.), where all types of goods were sold. The king used to purchase the unsold articles. One day, one Sanskrit Pundit sat in the market with a shloka, the price of which he kept one lac. No customer purchased it. At last, in the evening, the king came and unwillingly purchased the shloka. This was the shloka- “Aasanam pagu chaalanam, path kanyaa vivarjitam; pratham raatrau jagarnaam, pratham krodh nivaarjanam.” The king put the poster of the shloka on the gate of his door and memorized it. A few months later, the king handed over the administration to his most faithful minister and went on a long journey alone. He changed his face and started the journey in concealed outfit. He travelled so many countries and places of pilgrimages. After travelling many years, the king came to a neighbor country. The king of that country was his enemy. His spy told him about the king in disguise. He thought to kill him. The king in disguise was invited by the king of that country. Under the dining table and chairs, men with weapons were sitting to kill the king. The dining table and chairs were covered by clothes. The king was always remembering the shloka. The first stanza’s meaning is, ‘Before eating one should shake the dining chairs’. As soon as the chair was shaken, one man came out. The king was brave and always alert. He killed all men one by one. Eating the delicious food, he went to the bed. The meaning of third stanza is,’ one should awake in the first night at new place’. Therefore, he did not sleep. In the mid night, he heard a woman’s weeping voice. At once, he drew his sword from the shield and wanted to chase the voice. Suddenly, he recalled the 2nd stanza, which meant to remain away from the girl in the journey. He stopped and thought to watch the situation. The woman’s voice disappeared and whispering sound of so many persons came in his ears. They were king’s men. They were planning to kill him the next day and capture his country. The king came out silently in the late night and informed his army chief to call all armies. Early in the morning, he attacked at the neighbor country and defeating it arrested the king. The king entered his palace silently in the mid night to give surprise to his beloved queen. To his great annoyance! he saw a youth sleeping beside his queen. In uncontrolled anger, he drew his sword to kill the both. At once, his eyes went on the shloka written on the door. The meaning of the fourth stanza is, ‘One should control the first anger’. The king put his sword in the shield and returned. In the morning, he came to his kingdom in full form with huge army, accepting welcome ceremonies in his honor as winner king. On the palace gate, the queen with her twelve-year-old handsome son came to welcome with garland and worshipping materials. The king asked about the boy and knowing that he was his own son became too much pleased. His son was in the womb when he was departing. The king knew the importance of the shloka. The price he had paid seemed very few for such a valuable substance.
Sometimes, the anger is shown for the benefit of a person. Externally, it seems cruelty but affection is hidden internally. It is for the welfare of the person. Gyanis adopt anger for public welfare. Parent’s anger is for reforming the children. It is totally reverse to the enmity anger. Lord Parasuraam and sage Durbaasaa have adopted anger for the welfare of the universe, though they are realized souls. I have heard about several saints who in the first look seem very angry. When anyone tolerates his anger, he is blessed by his pouring grace.
There was a king. He established a haat (Local market where shops are temporary for the day only. It may be daily, weekly or twice, thrice in a week.), where all types of goods were sold. The king used to purchase the unsold articles. One day, one Sanskrit Pundit sat in the market with a shloka, the price of which he kept one lac. No customer purchased it. At last, in the evening, the king came and unwillingly purchased the shloka. This was the shloka- “Aasanam pagu chaalanam, path kanyaa vivarjitam; pratham raatrau jagarnaam, pratham krodh nivaarjanam.” The king put the poster of the shloka on the gate of his door and memorized it. A few months later, the king handed over the administration to his most faithful minister and went on a long journey alone. He changed his face and started the journey in concealed outfit. He travelled so many countries and places of pilgrimages. After travelling many years, the king came to a neighbor country. The king of that country was his enemy. His spy told him about the king in disguise. He thought to kill him. The king in disguise was invited by the king of that country. Under the dining table and chairs, men with weapons were sitting to kill the king. The dining table and chairs were covered by clothes. The king was always remembering the shloka. The first stanza’s meaning is, ‘Before eating one should shake the dining chairs’. As soon as the chair was shaken, one man came out. The king was brave and always alert. He killed all men one by one. Eating the delicious food, he went to the bed. The meaning of third stanza is,’ one should awake in the first night at new place’. Therefore, he did not sleep. In the mid night, he heard a woman’s weeping voice. At once, he drew his sword from the shield and wanted to chase the voice. Suddenly, he recalled the 2nd stanza, which meant to remain away from the girl in the journey. He stopped and thought to watch the situation. The woman’s voice disappeared and whispering sound of so many persons came in his ears. They were king’s men. They were planning to kill him the next day and capture his country. The king came out silently in the late night and informed his army chief to call all armies. Early in the morning, he attacked at the neighbor country and defeating it arrested the king. The king entered his palace silently in the mid night to give surprise to his beloved queen. To his great annoyance! he saw a youth sleeping beside his queen. In uncontrolled anger, he drew his sword to kill the both. At once, his eyes went on the shloka written on the door. The meaning of the fourth stanza is, ‘One should control the first anger’. The king put his sword in the shield and returned. In the morning, he came to his kingdom in full form with huge army, accepting welcome ceremonies in his honor as winner king. On the palace gate, the queen with her twelve-year-old handsome son came to welcome with garland and worshipping materials. The king asked about the boy and knowing that he was his own son became too much pleased. His son was in the womb when he was departing. The king knew the importance of the shloka. The price he had paid seemed very few for such a valuable substance.
Friday, January 21, 2011
DESIRE (KAAM)
There are three great thieves, which live in the heart to steal the jewel, the knowledge (gyan). They are kaam (desire), krodh (anger) and lobh (greed). Hence, O, man! Awake, awake. ‘Kaamah krodah tathaa lobhah hridi tishthanti taskaraah; Gyaan ratnaaphaaraay, tasmaat jaagrat jaagrat.’ Kaam is the cause of all sorrows. When I fail to achieve a desire, I become angry. ‘Kaamat krodhobhijaayate’. Desire is the root. Keep yourself away from desire. Do the work what is lotted to you. Willful new creation is prohibited. Make yourself expert and skilled in the profession what you have got by birth. Change of profession is not allowed. One can get good knowledge of other profession but cannot be genius. Only exceptionally, one can be able to top in another field. Paternal quality is inherited in the child. Abhimanyue got the knowledge of entering into the chakrabyooh, in the very womb. Desires are endless. When one is fulfilled, another arises. Unfulfilled desire is the root cause of rebirth. Liberation is achieved when desire ends. After death, soul becomes free to choose the place and family. Naturally, it will take birth at the place where the unfulfilled desire can be satisfied. Hence becoming will less should be the ultimate aim.
There was an old man. He had no issue. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had only one will to have a son. We have belief in lord Shiva. When we desire something, which seems impossible in normal life, we go to lord Shiva. We go to Deoghar (Babadham). Lord Shiva’s ling there is called kamna ling. There we start worshipping lord Shiva. People stay there, until Shiva does not come in the dream. This is called ‘dharna’. The old man performed dharna. Shiva came in the dream and blessed. He came home. He got two sons. The eldest became spoiled. He was so cruel that he thrashed his parents daily. Now, he cursed himself to have the son. He prayed, repented and wept too much. At last, he got another son. This became similar to his father, a great devotee of lord Shiva. People say that lord angrily gave the first. However seeing his pitiable condition, showed mercy and gave the second, his devotee.
There was an old man. He had no issue. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had only one will to have a son. We have belief in lord Shiva. When we desire something, which seems impossible in normal life, we go to lord Shiva. We go to Deoghar (Babadham). Lord Shiva’s ling there is called kamna ling. There we start worshipping lord Shiva. People stay there, until Shiva does not come in the dream. This is called ‘dharna’. The old man performed dharna. Shiva came in the dream and blessed. He came home. He got two sons. The eldest became spoiled. He was so cruel that he thrashed his parents daily. Now, he cursed himself to have the son. He prayed, repented and wept too much. At last, he got another son. This became similar to his father, a great devotee of lord Shiva. People say that lord angrily gave the first. However seeing his pitiable condition, showed mercy and gave the second, his devotee.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
EMOTION
Emotion has come directly from God. It is the feeling originated from heart. The place of God in the body is heart. The spiritual heart is in the right side where as the biological in the left. We always hear the word emotional blackmailing. Emotional person is always loser regarding worldly affairs. However, he is gainer in spiritual matter. People, who use mind more, become clever and matured in the worldly matters. Nevertheless, they are far away from heaven. It is not meant to prohibit anybody to use mind. It is higher spiritual matter pertaining to heart and mind. You can easily cheat sentimental person. When emotion is evoked, he can sacrifice everything. In the history, emotional blackmailing events are in abundance when impassive (cruel) persons have snatched the genuine right of sentimental persons. Shahjahan had four sons- Dara, Suja, Aurangjeb and Murad. Dara was the eldest. He was a great scholar. He had all heavenly qualities. He could not think to harm his brothers even in dreams. When Shahjahan became old, he thought to make Dara his successor. Aurangjeb was very ambitious, opportunist, selfish and heartless. He imprisoned his father. Defeating his brothers, he captured the throne. Latter he imprisoned and killed them. Kunti had a son by sun while she was unmarried. He was Karna. He was in the opposite side in the great Mahabharata battle. Lord Krishna was all rounder and genius in every field. He knew the modus operandi to manage things. He knew the strength of Karna. Karna had energy and emotions both. He was the greatest donator of that time. By birth, he had kabach (bulletproof jacket) and kundal (earring) to protect him always. These were cleverly begged by Lord Indra to save his son Arjun. Latter, inspired by Lord Krishna, Kunti went to Karna in the mid night. She disclosed his birth mystry. Karna became aware with the fact that Pandavas were his own brothers and Kunti was his mother. He promised not to kill them except Arjun. Thus, Karna was emotionally blackmailed. His sharpness of enmity was retarded. However, Pandavas were ignorant of these things. In their minds, Karna was their grave enemy and they tried their best to kill him. They fought against him with full zeal and won. In the trap of emotion, Karna was defeated and killed.
I am recalling an event of my childhood. There was a very clever man. Those days, my father was normally in angry mood due to age. The clever man frequently came to my father, whenever required anything. First, he used to oil his head. Then he rubbed the whole body with oil with full strength sincerely, talked sweetly and abused his enemies. Occasionally, he offered some lemons, pickle, papayas, guavas, bananas and betel nuts. Sometimes he offered live fishes of the nearby pond, of which my father was very fond. After doing all these services, he asked for some rupees and my father gave him gladly. On occasions, we were angry but my father was hypnotized and bound to help him.
‘Guru sushrukhaya vidyaa.’ Arjun was not the son but the most obedient disciple of guru Dronacharge. His son Ashwatthama got less knowledge compared to Arjun. Guru was always eager for Arjun to be the world’s best archer, not for his own son. Contrary to this, we are very selfish. On such occasions, I always wanted my sons’ presence. When my sons were living at Hanumannagar, I also visited and stayed occasionally and after sometime started to live with them. While teaching some new things, I always sought my sons’ presence. When Dipu went bathroom, I stopped teaching. This is my selfishness but in the absence of Arjun.
I am recalling an event of my childhood. There was a very clever man. Those days, my father was normally in angry mood due to age. The clever man frequently came to my father, whenever required anything. First, he used to oil his head. Then he rubbed the whole body with oil with full strength sincerely, talked sweetly and abused his enemies. Occasionally, he offered some lemons, pickle, papayas, guavas, bananas and betel nuts. Sometimes he offered live fishes of the nearby pond, of which my father was very fond. After doing all these services, he asked for some rupees and my father gave him gladly. On occasions, we were angry but my father was hypnotized and bound to help him.
‘Guru sushrukhaya vidyaa.’ Arjun was not the son but the most obedient disciple of guru Dronacharge. His son Ashwatthama got less knowledge compared to Arjun. Guru was always eager for Arjun to be the world’s best archer, not for his own son. Contrary to this, we are very selfish. On such occasions, I always wanted my sons’ presence. When my sons were living at Hanumannagar, I also visited and stayed occasionally and after sometime started to live with them. While teaching some new things, I always sought my sons’ presence. When Dipu went bathroom, I stopped teaching. This is my selfishness but in the absence of Arjun.
Friday, December 31, 2010
GENTLENESS
There was an old black cobra in a forest. It had made its permanent abode in a deep big hole just beside the footpath passing through the mid of the forest. Hearing foot sound of the passersby, it bit them. Its poison was so sharp that its bitten creature hardly lasted few minutes. In its lifetime, it bit thousands of creatures. Now it was about hundred year old. The older the snake faster the poison. Once the great sage, Narad passed through the forest. His disciples told him about the cobra. He thought to preach the snake.
Here, you can ask some questions like how a man can talk with the snake. How a snake can hear the preaching. Why it should obey and why the sage was not afraid of the furious snake. The answer is very simple but not everyone can understand & believe things. It is a highly spiritual matter. Only the person who believes can understand and who understands can believe. I have seen people talking with their pets. Mother talks with her newborn baby and even with her baby in the womb. Abhimanyu got the knowledge of Chakrabyuh in the very womb. On discovery and so many other channels, we see person loving furious animals, which one cannot imagine in his normal life. We have heard the name of Kakbhusundi who was preaching people. Parrots were talking in Sanskrit scholarly in Mandan Mishra’s home. What is this? This is intuition. Maharshi Raman experienced the feelings of animals like cows, dogs, peacocks. In his ashram, all animals are worshiped. We have heard saints knowing animals voice. When I love and wish welfare of anybody, the wave reaches to him whether it is two footed, four footed or plants. Indian scientist Dr J C Bose proved the theory that plants also laugh and weep seeing friends and foe respectively like us. Wicked persons gave a house to lord Buddha. It was full of snakes. Lord Buddha spent the whole night among these poisonous creatures. He was not harmed at all.
Maharshi Narad sat there with his disciples. The snake came near him and bowed down. Narad gave guru-mantra- not to bite anybody and departed. After a good time he returned by the same rout. Disciples reminded about the cobra. Narad stopped there. They searched and found the snake with so many wounds on the body. When asked about the wound it told the story. It had stopped biting. Passersby threw stones on it. That was the reason of being wounded. Narad knew the reason. He again preached to the snake. Everyone should be gentle by heart. We should always follow ahinsa (non violence). It should be by mind, speech and work. But the message should not be mild. When the message is mild, people under estimate you. Your working is disturbed. You face too much difficulties in performing your duty according to rule. Whereas fifty percent problems fly away without effort, by rough and tough message. Internally we should have love for the whole world but externally behavior should be like tough person. Father’s tough behavior is for the benefit of the child. Mother’s cruelty is only to reform her dearest son. The little baby does not know the harm effect of fire. It is attracted by the red charming colour. Mother forbids touching it. The child feels mother’s cruelty. When it grows and become matured, feels the internal unselfish love of the parent. The feeling reaches climax when the baby becomes youth and father. I am recalling one event. There was an old man of the age of fifty-five. His son was twenty-seven year old. His grandson was one year old. Once the youth was on the roof. Suddenly it began to pour. The old man called his son repeatedly but he didn’t come down. The old man felt very sad but thought a solution. He went in the room and took his grandson. He came out with the little baby and stood in the rain. The youth shouted and in angry mood came down. He took the baby and ran into the room.
Here, you can ask some questions like how a man can talk with the snake. How a snake can hear the preaching. Why it should obey and why the sage was not afraid of the furious snake. The answer is very simple but not everyone can understand & believe things. It is a highly spiritual matter. Only the person who believes can understand and who understands can believe. I have seen people talking with their pets. Mother talks with her newborn baby and even with her baby in the womb. Abhimanyu got the knowledge of Chakrabyuh in the very womb. On discovery and so many other channels, we see person loving furious animals, which one cannot imagine in his normal life. We have heard the name of Kakbhusundi who was preaching people. Parrots were talking in Sanskrit scholarly in Mandan Mishra’s home. What is this? This is intuition. Maharshi Raman experienced the feelings of animals like cows, dogs, peacocks. In his ashram, all animals are worshiped. We have heard saints knowing animals voice. When I love and wish welfare of anybody, the wave reaches to him whether it is two footed, four footed or plants. Indian scientist Dr J C Bose proved the theory that plants also laugh and weep seeing friends and foe respectively like us. Wicked persons gave a house to lord Buddha. It was full of snakes. Lord Buddha spent the whole night among these poisonous creatures. He was not harmed at all.
Maharshi Narad sat there with his disciples. The snake came near him and bowed down. Narad gave guru-mantra- not to bite anybody and departed. After a good time he returned by the same rout. Disciples reminded about the cobra. Narad stopped there. They searched and found the snake with so many wounds on the body. When asked about the wound it told the story. It had stopped biting. Passersby threw stones on it. That was the reason of being wounded. Narad knew the reason. He again preached to the snake. Everyone should be gentle by heart. We should always follow ahinsa (non violence). It should be by mind, speech and work. But the message should not be mild. When the message is mild, people under estimate you. Your working is disturbed. You face too much difficulties in performing your duty according to rule. Whereas fifty percent problems fly away without effort, by rough and tough message. Internally we should have love for the whole world but externally behavior should be like tough person. Father’s tough behavior is for the benefit of the child. Mother’s cruelty is only to reform her dearest son. The little baby does not know the harm effect of fire. It is attracted by the red charming colour. Mother forbids touching it. The child feels mother’s cruelty. When it grows and become matured, feels the internal unselfish love of the parent. The feeling reaches climax when the baby becomes youth and father. I am recalling one event. There was an old man of the age of fifty-five. His son was twenty-seven year old. His grandson was one year old. Once the youth was on the roof. Suddenly it began to pour. The old man called his son repeatedly but he didn’t come down. The old man felt very sad but thought a solution. He went in the room and took his grandson. He came out with the little baby and stood in the rain. The youth shouted and in angry mood came down. He took the baby and ran into the room.
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