I Have Learnt

1)I have learnt no matter how much you love guavas,you just cannot add them to fruit salad.

2)I have learnt that people can keep a straight face and ask you"are you alright",when you just slipped on snow and fell thud on the road with loads of shopping in both your hands!!!

3)I have learnt that if you keep a smiling face people start wondering if you are normal.

4)I have learnt that it is difficult for people to accept the truth because "Truth is generally bitter".

5)I have learnt that "Ignorance Is Not Always Bliss!!!

6)I have learnt that most people don't actually mean what they say.

7)I have learnt that you are lucky to have true friends who are there for you when you really do need them.

8)I have learnt that national and international news can be more important to men many times than the happenings at home.

9)I have learnt that no matter how good a cook you are,all men believe that none can cook better than their mother.

10)I have learnt that most men prefer dumb wives.

11)I have learnt that it is very important to value and feel grateful for all that has come my way.

12)I have learnt that no matter how old I am,I can always depend on my mother when in need.

13)I have learnt that none can take the place of your mother.

14)I have learnt that only a mother's love is selfless,and without expecting any returns.

15)I have learnt that you recognise and start valuing your body only when they give you trouble.

16)I have learnt that arguments are so futile and such a criminal waste of precious days.

17)I have learnt that it is very important to enjoy every little thing,be it the chirping of birds,the morning freshness in the air,the beautiful sky .......

18)I have learnt that what you resist persists..so just let go.....

19)I have learnt that it takes less effort to smile and be cheerful.

20)I have learnt "Manav seva is Madhav seva"

21)I have learnt that it is best to ignore and feel compassionate for people who have hurt you.

21)I have learnt that when you include others in your prayers your prayers are answered.("Sarve Janasu Sukhino Bhavantu")

22)I have learnt that you should never ask saints personal questions.

23)I have learnt that "Silence Is Indeed Golden"

24)I have learnt that a sincere prayer is always answered.

25)I have learnt that Life is indeed uncertain and you cannot be sure of the next moment.

26)I have learnt that no matter what I am responsible for my Happiness.

27)I have learnt that I don't enjoy cooking any more.

28)I have learnt that no matter what I know for sure that "I AM"!

29)I have learnt that "Faith Can Move Mountains"!

30)I have learnt that age is not a limitation for learning.

31)I have learnt that there is something to be learnt from every being.

32)I have learnt that when pointing fingers at someone it is important to realise that the other four are pointing towards me.

33)I have learnt that being consciously aware of every thought going across the mind,callms the mind a great deal.

These 33 points are a small bit of what I have learnt in the last 33 years (29th Oct1976-29th Oct 2009).

Jai Gurudev.

Sage Of Arunachala

Ramana ashram at Tiruvannamalai has a lot of animals, like monkeys,peacocks and the like moving about freely.(I managed to find a picture of some animals which loved Maharishi)There is a true story of a cow named Lakshmi who lived during Maharishi's time and was very close to Maharishi.There is a samadhi too for Lakshmi at the ashram.More about Lakshmi later sometime...
Once a group of monkeys were mourning the death of one of their group when Maharishi was on his usual walk.He went and sat with them and explained to them that death is only for the body and not the soul and that they should not weep.The monkeys kept looking at him while he was talking and then walked away.Similar such anecdotes are plenty,and another very beautiful one that comes to my mind right now is again related to monkeys.
It seems there were a lot of monkeys in Tiruvannmalai and news spread that scientists from some foreign land were planning to come and capture a few of them for their research work.News reached Maharishi and that day when he saw one of the monkeys he sat and talked with him and told him that people were coming to catch them all and if he is intelligent he should escape from here with his group right away.It is indeed amazing that when the scientists did arrive and search around for monkey's they could not get even a single monkey all around Tiruvannamalai inspite of searching all day.
I was really touched and what I learnt from this is that language is not an issue when you talk from the heart.When it is heart to heart communion then language is not a barrier isn't it??
I wonder though how a scientist would view all this or probably may just trash it.Well, whatever that be, time and again all the great masters have stressed on the fact that sprituality cannot be understood by the intellect.Guruji says: 'deepening the mystery of creation is science and deepening the mystery of the self is spirituality'.
There is also another wonderful story about Maharishi and the squirrels around there.Mahaarishi used to feed the squirrels nuts everyday at a particular time and it is simply unbelievable to hear that everyday at that particular time they would all come and wait patiently for their turn to get their share of the nuts from Maharishi.
I am simply amazed at hearing such stories and incidents,and firmly believe that there is so much we can learn even from the smallest of creatures.In today's world we rarely get to see even the so called educated and literate people who like to wait patiently for their turn.People are always in a hurry and in the anxiety of may be not getting what they want they break rules, jump queues and forget all codes of conduct.
Let us learn from these small little ones without a sixth sense,many times we don't even give a glance towards the small creatures.Once we start observing all the creation,it is indeed amazing to see so much beauty all around is,we just need to wake up........
Jai Guru dev.

100th Post !!!

Just got back from a wonderful trip to Haridwar&Rishikesh,and actually I am yet to get back to the routine here.It is rather funny that both of us still haven't been able to adjust to the time difference yet, though it is just about an hour and a half.Waking up at 3.30 am until today,and I must say that it is quite unusual because we do go home atleast three times a year and have not faced this situation until now.

A nice topic for my 100th post I think.Our visit to Haridwar will be in my memory for a long time I'm sure for quite a few reasons.

This is my first trip to Haridwar &Rishikesh and also this is the first Baghavatha Sapthaham that I am attending.Many people told us that we are indeed lucky to attend the first Sapthaham on the banks of the Ganges,which has been the home for many many great saints and great people.I think and truly believe it is all God's Grace and blessings of Guru and elders that one gets such opportunities in life.

Right from our flight everything was so good.First,we got upgraded to business class at Dubai and so could catch some sleep inflight.Stayed with a dear friend at Delhi for a few hours and did a lot of catching up on old times.
Had to join the group at Haridwar station and it was indeed so easy and smooth,which I thought was really cool.The compartment was full of people all going to attend the Baghavatha sapthaham,and it was really wonderful to see so many people.

From Haridwar station buses were arranged to take us to Paramarth Ashram which was the venue for the satsangh.We were indeed blessed I must say to get accomodation in the ashram itself because they had only 50 rooms in the ashram and rooms were arranged in other ashrams closeby for the others.Everything actually fell into place so beautifully for us I must say.Thanks to God and Guru for making it all so easy for us.(I say this beacuse there were many people who did have a lot of issues right from the start)These are times when we are reassured that the gurus blanket is on us always.Jai gurudev!!

Next day morning after breakfast we left for Rishikesh,they had arranged buses to take us there.Had heard a lot about the famous Lakshman Julha and was so happy that I will be actually seeing it now,a child like enthusiasm for sure I must admit.A tourist guide was arranged to tell us about all the places around.She(Her name was Krishna I learned later) led us through a short cut to the famous Lakshman Julha and the view from there was indeed so very beautiful.The Ganges flowing so swiftly was a treat indeed.I always love to watch the waters and love the sound that goes along so enjoyed every moment to the full.We walked on Lakshman Julha nad crossed over to the other side where we were shown some important places and the famous Rudraksha trees which I am told are found only in Haridwar,Rishikesh and Nepal.

We then went to Sivananda Ashram which was indeed amazing.It is one of the oldest ashrams there it seems and there is satsangh hall there where 24/7 namasankirtan is going on,from the year 1942.Isn't that unbelievable??We were indeed blessed yet again to meet a swamiji there who has been living there from 1950.He was kind enough to talk with us for quite sometime.

I really admired the monkeys there.It was a treat watching them.The way they enjoyed the food bit by bit was amazing.One of the monkeys caame up and showed us how they drink water from the tap,which was simply great.The skill with which the monkeys act is simply unbelievable I must say.Every creation of God is a true marvel,just that we need to take a little time to admire,observe and enjoy it all.I for one truly enjoyed everybit that I saw.

We also so Ram Julha which is a more recent one,but we crossed the Ganges on boat this time and that was fun too.The day's sight seeing was over and we were back to our respective places by evening.

Next morning was reserved for Haridwar sightseeing and this we did in samll groups and travelled by autos.We had Darshan of the main Ganga at Hari Ki Paidi or Pairi,there was no water there beacuse claening up the Ganges was going on for the Kumbh Mela coming up later this year.This is one busy place with a lot of shops selling lots of stuff.We next went to Manasa Devi mandir and then Chandi Devi mandir which are up hill.We took the cable car which reached us up in 5 minutes and needless to metion it was so pictureque and scenic around.Wish I had a handy cam could have captured it all !!!With a camera there are limitations I guess!!After agood darshan and some shopping we had to return back.

We had to reach ashram back because the first session of Sapthaham was scheduled for 3pm.Once the parayanam and pravachanam started we were simply taken to another world and then only on the last day did I realise that all things do come to a close and so will this one.
Lived a total life of bliss and joy for 7 days.Enjoyed taking a dip every morning at 4.30 am in the ganges. On 17th Diwali day we had a Pratyaksha Ganga snanam and as early as 4am.The water was indeed chill but just initially only until the first dip.

All in all had a lovely time,met up with some genuine people, and I think this coinciding with my 100th post is lovely too.Something that I would wish to remember for a long time and sure something to chersih.

Jai Gurudev.

I Have Realized

A very nice fwd which I received,made me put it up her right away.

I have Realized that Words had Hurt me more than the Wounds I had suffered in Life.
I have Realized that I am better when I am Silent.
I have Realized that Kids are never at fault, they just mirror our Faults.
I have Realized that Tears convey more than what words can ever say.
I have Realized that when you have nothing to lose you show your true character.
I have Realized that you can't have happiness unless you are already happy.
I have Realized that when I am estatic about something there are never enough people to share it with.
I have Realized that no matter how many times I pray, I only get what I rightfully deserve.

Jai Gurudev.

Diwali is Here!!!!

Diwali is just round the corner,and sure is funfilled time for everyone.I generally knew why Diwlai is celebrated but I got a whole lot of information on why Diwali is celebrated,why we have oil bath and why lamps are lit and son.Just putting down some of the information here.In Kasi Devi Annapoornai is decorated with the gold kavacham on Diwali day,have attached a picture of Annaporani Maa,in gold loooking so absolutely Divine and full of Grace and Karunai.

I came across an article on Yama Deepam which is lit the day before Diwali ie on trayodashi,which I thought was indeed interesting and of course very useful.Paying our respects to Yama Dharma Raja, to eradicate untimely death and bless us with a long and healthy life.is . We should light as many lamps as the number of persons living in the house and keep them outside the house or in a nearby temple. This is supposed to eradicate all our “papams” and “fear of death”. In North India, the lamps are kept burning right through the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the God of death. In North India, ghee is used, but we, here, use gingelly oil. The following shloka can be chanted:

Mruthyunaa paas(h)dandaabhyaam kaalaena s(h)yaamayaa saha

Thrayodas(h)yaam deepadaanaath sooryajah preeyathaam mama

meaning:May my deepa daanam please Yama Dharma Raja, who holds Paas(h)am and dandam in his hands, shines with Shyama daevi and Kaaladaevan and is the son of Suryan.

Diwali is very popularly referred to as the Festival Of Lights and is celebrated all over India,though there are many varied legendary stories attached to the celebration.

In North India Diwli is celebrated for five days and it is celbrated for Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

The other one is Narakhasura vadam which is the belief in south India.Deepavali is associated with many legends.The second legend goes thus. Narakasura, a monster, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. He was a trouble-maker to the gods and the pious sages and would disturb their penance or create havoc during the rituals. To prove his power, Narakasura usurped some territory of Aditi, (the king of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife). Vexed with this harassment, Indra and other gods approached Lord Krishna and pleaded with him to protect them from the demon Narakasura. Satyabhama appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura, as Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted her a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field and killed the demon, Narakasura. The killing of Narakasura was a victory of good over evil. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being observed by people every year with joyous celebrations and lot of fun and frolic, and fire works.

The third one says that on this auspicious day, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune visits the houses of people. In the evening Lakshmi Puja is performed with great devotion.The making of various sweets is the order of the day. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and lamps are lit, giving a magical and radiant touch. There is an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Normally according to dharma shastram, one is not supposed to take an oil bath before sunrise on any day. But on Deepavali, there is an exemption. People get up early in the morning and have an oil bath in hot water specially before sunrise. This is equated to having a bath in the Ganges.

Thailae lakshmeeh jalae gangaa

deepaavaLyaas(h) chathurdas(h)eem

On Diwali day,Mahalakshmi resides in gingelly oil and Ganga maata resides in water until sunrise. So we get the blessings of Mahalakshmi as well by doing this.The traditional exchange of Greetings in South India is “ Ganga snanam acha??"Deepavali is a time for fun and revelry as well as pooja and tradition. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valour and fame. Fireworks are brought out and the children enjoy the fun and frolic. Hundreds of fire crackers can be seen glowing and then bursting as though it was a battle of glows and sparks in the skies. Thus there is universal enjoyment.And all this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness."Thus this great festival of light symbolises man’s urge to move towards light of truth from darkness of ignorance and happiness."

The importance of oil bath on Diwali day is very beautifully explained below.

On this day the famous churning of manthara mountain with vasugi snake by the devas and asuras, came to a stand still, then our famous mahavishnu took a koorma avadaram [tortoise]and went down to help move the mountain, he found Mahalakshmi on a lotus there.When Mahalakshmi went in search of Lord Narayana the til plants wanted to hide away from her, but in her search she stamped them, oil came out and whatever is being touched by the lord of wealth is supposed to bring in wealth. [in the present day during these months if we notice our body heat is extreme due to the weather, pre- winter we tend to cover ourselves with warm clothing, all these rise the body heat and we suffer from innumerable problems like cold, aches and blurring eyes an oil bath cools the system].While Mahalakshmi marries Lord Narayana on this day she blesses the til to be good for human in every way. So to get her blessing we have an oil bath.

The most intersting part of Diwali celebrations are the new clothes,fire crackers and the sweetmeats and all the goodies.The most important is the Diwali Legiyam,which is the first thing given to all to eat on Diwali morning after the oil bath.There is food,food and lots more food all day.People greet each other,take the blessings of elders and also exchange sweets. Houses are beautifully and artistically decorated to welcome Lakshmi Devi.Colourful rangolis decorate the entrance of many houses.Lakshmi poojai is done in may houses and these days it is very popular to do Lakshmi Kubera pooja in the evening on Diwali day.It is believed that lighting sixteen lamps with ghee and doing the Lakshmi Kubera pooja will bring prosperity and peace.

Wishing everyone a very 'Happy Diwali'.

Jai Gurudev.

Harivarsanam Lullaby for Lord Ayyappa!!

A very intersting article I received from very senior friend which I thought I should post here right away.Beautiful verses.....

Harivarasanam was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer in 1950. Swami Vimochanananda recited this song for the first time at Sabarimala in 1955. This beautiful song originally has 16 padas of which only the first 7 are sung at Sabarimala. This song is in Sanskrit and is sung in Madhyamaavati raagam.
It is said that the then Mel Santhi of Sannidhanam, Thirumeni Easwaran Nampoothiri had a companion called VR Gopala Menon of Alappuzha. Mr. Menon used to stay on in a shack at the Sannidhanam even when the temple is closed. Wild animals never used to trouble him and he used to feed them. Revered Menon used to recite Harivarasanam with great devotion. Later when Devaswom Board was formed, he was asked to move out. He died as an orphan in a tea estate at Vandiperiyar. It was with immense grief that the Mel Santhi heard about the demise of Revered Menon. At that end of the pooja that day, when he was about to close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he remembered Revered Menon and recited 'Harivarasanam' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.
But according to some other sources, the tradition was started for the first time after the Punah Prathishta ceremony in the Sabarimala temple. The ceremony had to be conducted after a major fire that consumed the temple in the year of 1955. It was Swami Vimochananda's (Krishnan Nair) efforts to popularize Ayyappa bhakti by travelling the whole of South India that made the chief priest accept the song as a lullaby to Lord Ayyappa.
Harivarasanam is recited just prior to closing of the temple doors at night. As the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis leave the Sanctum Sanctorum one by one. As the song ends, only the Mel Santhi is inside the Sreekoil. He extinguishes the lamps one by one and closes the doors for the night after the last lamp is extinguished.


Harivarasanam Viswamohanam

HaridadhiswaramAaradhyapadhukam

Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

Repository of Hari’s boons,Enchanter of universe,Essence of Hari’s grace,He whose holy feet is worshipped,He who kills enemies of good thought,He who daily dances the cosmic dance,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.
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Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam

Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam

Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam

Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who likes song of refuge,He who is in the mind of devotees,He who is the great ruler,He who loves to dance,He who shines like the rising sun,He who is king of all beings,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam

Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham

Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He whose soul is truth,He who is the darling of all souls,He who created universe,He who shines with a glittering Halo,He who is the temple of “OM”,He who loves songs,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam

Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham

Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who rides a horse,He who has a pretty face,He who has the blessed mace as weapon,He who bestows grace like a teacher,He who loves songs,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam

Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam

Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who is worshiped by the three worlds,He who is the soul of all gods,He who is the lord of Shiva,He who is worshipped by devas,He who is who is worshipped three times a day,He whose thought is fulfilling,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham

Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam

Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who destroys fear,He who brings prosperity,He who is enchanter of universe,He who wears holy ash as ornament,He who rides a white elephant,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam

Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam

Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who blesses with enchanting smile,He who has is very pretty,He who is adorned by sandal paste,He who has a pretty mien,He who is a like a lion to the elephants,He who rides on a tiger,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa.

Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam

Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam

Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam

Hariharathmajam Devamashraye

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa.

He who is dear to his devotees,He who fulfills wishes,He who is praised by Vedas,He who blesses life of ascetics,He who is the essence of Vedas,He who enjoys divine music,Son of Hari and Hara,I take refuge in thee God.My refuge is in you Ayyappa,My refuge is in you Ayyappa

Panchaadreeswari mangalam, Hari Hara premakrithe mangalam

Pinchalankritha mangalam, Pranamathaam chinthamane mangalam

Panchaasyadhwaja mangalam, Thrithagatha-madhya prabho mangalam

Panchasthropama mangalam, Sruthi shirolankara sanmangalam.

Jai Gurudev.