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.

Guru Bhakti

We have read and heard a great deal about Guru Bhakti and also grace of the guru towards disciple,shishya.I heard an indeed beautiful story about Sant Eknath Maharaj.Santh Eknath was brought by his grandparents since he lost his parents at the very tender age of three.
Santh Eknath as we all know was one of the greatest saints of Maharashtra.His reformist views brought him into conflict not only with orthodox pundits but also with his own family. His son Hari Pundit was annoyed at his father's habit of preaching in Marathi and of eating in low-caste homes. He went away on a pilgrimage to Varanasi and didn't return. When Eknath followed him, Hari Pundit told him the reason for his exile. With a heavy heart, Eknath promised to give up his discourses and unorthodox ways. Hari Pundit returned and gave discourses in Sanskrit, while Eknath remained silent. The audience dwindled to near-zero while the people clamoured for Eknath's discourses and kirtans. One day an old, low-caste widow came to invite Eknath for a meal at her place. She desired to feed a thousand Brahmins, but, being poor, could not do so.
Since she considered Eknath to be worth a thousand Brahmins, she decided to feed him. Eknath turned to Hari Pundit, who was moved by her plight. But Hari Pundit made two conditions: one, that he would accompany Eknath; and two, that he himself would cook the food. On the appointed day, the two of them went to the woman's house and settled down to eat. Hari Pundit noticed that the woman had slipped a dish that she had prepared onto Eknath's leaf plate. He resented this but kept quiet. After finishing the meal, Eknath told Hari Pundit to pick up the leaf plates, so as not to trouble the old woman. Hari Pundit bent down to pick up Eknath's leaf plate. As he picked it up, he found another plate beneath it. Perhaps he had been served on two leaf plates. But below the second was a third. Eventually, Hari Pundit had to pick up a thousand leaf plates! A thunderstruck Hari Pundit realized his stupidity. His father was worth a thousand Brahmins and more. He fell at, but not humility." Needless to say, after this Eknath resumed his preaching and other activities.
Santh Ekanath's commentary on the XI skanda of Sri his feet begging forgiveness. Eknath forgave him saying, "Hari, you have learnt the shastrasmad Baghavath is indeed very popular.
There are many more of santh Eknath's works which are a true reasure.He started writing the Bhavartha Ramayana a Marathi transliteration of the Ramayana,but took Mahasamadhi before completion.There is a very interesting story here associated with the completion of the Bhavartha Ramayan.Here is where we see the grace of Guru descending on the disciple.
Santh Eknath had a boy named "Poli"who was generally considered a good for nothing by all the villagers.One day he was brought to Santh Eknath and remained with him thereafter.After Santh Eknath took samadhi,many of his disciples,including his son tried to complete the Bhavartha Ramayan with no success.One day one of Santh Eknath's disciples had a dream where the Saint told him that Poli would be able to complete the unfinished Bhavartha Ramayan.So next day the day disciple went to meet Poli and told him his dream.Poli was such a sincere and earnest sishya,he immediately said if guruji has said then ok, come and sit and write down what I say,and shlokas just started pouring and Bhavartha Ramayan was thus completed.Such is the grace of the guru.
Jai Gurudev.

The Power Of Habits

All of us have certain habits which we very much do want to get rid of,but find it very difficult to do so.I read an article that says that habits that we born with are called samskaras,if it is an indivudual habit that we picked up in our life it is called vasana,but the collection that we have,that is our nature is our samskara. These are old habits which we devloped from our past lives and they do not change with form.This is very beautifully explained with a story.Read on......

There was a mahatma who was sitting in deep meditation by the side of a river. Just at that time a hawk came flying over with a little mouse in its claws. The mouse was wiggling and wriggling and it fell out of the claws of the hawk and right into the lap of the mahatma who was meditating. The mahatma jumped -- "Oh, my, what is this poor little creature?" He was a Mahatma who had some siddhis, spiritual powers, so he picked up the mouse and said, "You poor little mouse! Oh, I feel so sorry for you! Such a fate should never have to happen to you again. If I let go of you, maybe some other creature will catch you." He just uttered "Abracadabra," and the mouse turned into a little baby girl. He called the baby girl Kanti. He took her to his wife, and said, "Dear, you've wanted a child for so long. Here's a child." Then he explained what had happened. His wife said, "OK, I will raise the child as my own daughter." She did so, and when the girl was 16, she had become a beautiful young lady. "Sixteen," they thought, "we'd better get her married now." Since he was a great siddha, he thought, "I'll get my daughter married to no one less than the sun god." He looked at the sun, concentrating to make the sun god come down. The sun god took on a form and appeared in front of him. "Maharaj Swamiji, what can I do for you? Did you call me?"

The mahatma said, "Yes," and he said to his daughter, "Kanti, come here." Kanti came to him, and he said to the sun god, "I want you to marry my daughter."

Kanti looked at the sun god and said, "Daddy, this man is so hot, even stones will melt near him. He'll burn me to ashes. I don't want to marry Him, Daddy."

What could he say? He addressed the sun god: "I'm sorry, but can you suggest somebody else? Somebody even more powerful and greater than you?"


The sun said, "Yes, there is somebody."

"Really, how is that?"

"The cloud. The cloud is greater than I. He can cover my rays. He can prevent me from shining."

So the mahatma prayed to the cloud to come down. The cloud came rushing down. The mahatma said, "Sir, I'd like you to marry my daughter, Kanti."

But Kanti looked at him and said, "Father, he's so loud when he talks! He roars. He's like thunder. My eardrums will split every time I talk to him. I don't want a husband like that. I want a soft-spoken husband."

"Ah, what to do? All right. Do you have any suggestions?" the mahatma asked the cloud. "Yes, yes, the wind -- the wind is much more powerful than I. He blows me all over the place."

"All right." The mahatma prayed, calling the wind god down. The wind god came: "Yes, can I help you?"

"Yes, please marry my daughter, Kanti."

"Father, this man wanders all over the place: he has no steadiness at all. He'll be with me for a moment, and he'll be off to the other side of the world the next minute. What kind of husband is that? Can't you find somebody more suitable? Please?"

"All right. Wind god, can you suggest somebody else?"

"Yes, there is somebody that I'm unable to move."

"Ah, yes, who is that?"

"The mountain."

The mahatma invited the mountain god Himavan to come. Himavan came before him.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like you to marry my daughter Kanti."

But Kanti said, "Daddy, he's so hard-hearted. His heart is like a stone. I don't want a stone for a husband."

The mahatma said, "I don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions, sir?"

"Well there is someone more powerful than I."

"Really, who is that?"

"There is a mouse. He's able to make holes inside me. He can hollow me out completely."

The mahatma invited the mouse.

"Oh, Daddy he's just what I've always wanted! I've always been looking for such a person to marry. He's so tiny but he's nice, perfectly suitable. He's everything I ever wanted in a husband."

"All right," the mahatma said. "It's true I changed your form, but I couldn't change your samskara. I couldn't change your nature. I forgot about that."

So he changed Kanti into a little mouse and she and her husband lived happily ever after in a hole under the mahatma's hut.

This is the power of samskara: that even though we change our form we take the same samskara with us into this form. So what to do? What's the way to get rid of these deep-rooted habits?


Jai Gurudev.

TODAY IS ONAM!!

                               "Ellavarkum enthe sneham niranja Onashamsakal"!!!

                  May this Onam bring peace, prosperity, health and happiness to everybody.
                                         
                                         " Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam
                                            Manusharellarum onnu pole…"

Onam has been part of the Malayali psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. The earliest record of the festival is found during the reign of Kulasekhara Perumals circa AD 800.

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is celebrated as a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. The best part of the festival is that it is a secular festival so people from different communities and religion can take part in it. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian calendar. It is a ten day festival. The first day is called Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

The festival portrays the rich cultural heritage therefore it signifies the rich heritage of India. Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner. The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal. It showcase the unity among people.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallam kali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations. If we try to find out the meaning and significance behind its celebration we will see that according to legends it is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.Onam has two specific significances. First, it is the memory of community at large and celebration of past history as enunciated in the Mahabali legend – a story of how paradise was lost. Second, it is the celebration of the harvest, tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity.

The festival is the harbinger of spring — signalling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomises the new-found vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated traditionally with folk games, family get-togethers, gifting of clothes called Onakkodi and lots of merrymaking. Thiruvathira kali is a dance form usually performed at the time of ONAM. Onam is celebrated with flowers and sadyas (Kerala's traditional vegetarian feast). The flowers are decoratively arranged on the floor and clay models of the family of Mahabali are placed in the middle to welcome Mahabali.

Cultural festivities are held throughout the state at different venues with displays of the famed Kathakali , kaikottikali, Mohiniyattom dances etc.

The chief decoration, 'onapookalam', consists of a carpet made out of the gathered native blossoms like Thumba (common leucas), Kakka poovu, Thechipoovu, mukkutti (little tree plant), chemparathy (shoe flower), aripoo or Konginipoo (lantana), hanuman kireedom (red pagoda plant), chethi (ixora) etc.
The large flowers, and one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints are pinched up into little pieces
to serve the decorator's purpose. There were specifications of the type of flowers to be used on each
of the ten days from 'Atham' to 'Thiruvonam'. This flower carpet is invariably made in the centre of
the clean strip of the yard in front of the house. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a
delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending.
 Now the traditional 'pookkalams' with flowers collected from the vicinities are becoming a thing of the past and today in the cities several Pookkalam competitions are being floated during Onam.
Happy Onam Greetings!!

Jai Gurudev.