Thursday 26 November 2009

GITA JAYANTI-2009

The main difference between Atma (Jeeva) & ParAmatma (Deva) is all the Jeevas (living beings) are endowed with three gunas, Satvic, Rajasic and Thamasic, where as Paramatma is beyond these three gunas and also described as Nirguna (No gunas), Nirakara (no image) and also all the jeevas came from 5 elemets, namely Vayu (Air), jala (water) Agni (fire), Prithvi or Bhumi (Earth) and Akasa (space) where as Deva is beyond five elements.
And all the Jeevas or Atmas came from ParAmatma. This is in nutshell the Creation.

Gita Jayanti, also referred as Bhagawad Geetha Jayanthi, is the day when the Bhagvad Gita was rendered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Kurukshetra on the first day of the famous 18-day battle in the Mahabharata. Gita Jayanthi falls on the Ekadashi day of Shukla Paksha (the bright half) of the Margashirsha month (November-December) in traditional Hindi calendar. In 2009, the date of Gita Jayanti is November 28.
The day is observed all around the world with the reading of Bhagavad Gita, which is referred outside India as the Bible of the Hindus. Discussions and seminars are organised on the day.

The ideal way to celebrate Gita Jayanti is by reading at least a stanza from the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the greatest spiritual books the world has ever known. In a very clear and wonderful way Lord Krishna describes the science of self-realization and the exact process by which a human being can establish their eternal relationship with God.

Those who would like to know more about Bhagavad Gita especially in this sacred month of margashira about which Lord SriKrishna said 'I am margashiram'!, Please click the link below

http://pakirareddy.blogspot.com/ and please go a bit down on the page to read the article 'Bhagavad Gita in Margasiram'

If anybody wants to listen Sri Bhagavad Gita audio in your own time along with family members in the early evening on this Saturday, November 28th, please click the link below to hear in English and other languages

http://www.gitamrta.org/audio/english/bg_english.html

But as always The Telugus have plenty to choose between and those who would like to listen with all the family late Sri Ghantasala vari Bhagavad Giita & so many other devotional songs including Ayyappa during this holy mandala Kalam which is the most auspicious time for the devotees of Sri Ayyappa, please click the link below

http://www.ramaneeya.com/devot.html#suklamnvatapi

Those who would like more information about Gita Jayanti, please click the link below

http://hinduism.about.com/od/thegita/a/gita_jayanti.htm?nl=1

Bhagavad Gita is pertinent at all times including so called modern times and please click the link below

to read especially to young adults

http://hinduism.about.com/b/2009/11/22/bhagavad-gita-for-modern-times-2.htm?nl=1

We hope and pray that we all have a blissful day not only on this Gita jayanti Day and throughout until next Gita jayanti day in 2010!

Thursday 19 November 2009

BHAGAVAD GITA IN MARGASIRA MASAM

It is said that to read, heard or to watch Sri Bhagavad Gita during this holy month of Margasira masam is highly auspicious.
I do not think is there anybody out there who has not known or at least heard about this universally well known and translated in almost all languages of the world. May be I am wrong to assume like this. Just in case, if anybody not known about this universal truth, please, please kindly try to click the link below only to spend about 18 minutes of your precious time to know and appreciate in a nutshell of the whole Bhagavad Gita in a pictorial fashion to be understandable for young children who knows basic English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPWSGiXKDS8&feature=fvw

In the near future all mythological stories are going to br in this cartoon form and is going to be a big business as 30-40 year old adults are very keen to watch! let us hope and pray that all our children should be able to watch and learn about our divine culture wherever they were happened to be all over the globe.
PLEASE LET US ENCOURAGE OUR CHILDREN TO WATCH THE ABOVE LINK TO APPRECIATE TO INDUCE INTEREST.

To watch more of the same not necessarily in cartoon form, please click the link below

http://www.youtube.com/results?search=related&search_query=%20Bhagavad-gita%20Krishna%20Arjuna%20maha-bharata&v=ij9LmDxKbNY&page=2

Those of you who would prefer to listen audio in English can click the link below

http://www.gitamrta.org/audio/english/bg_english.html

PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE OF PREFERENCE IN THE ABOVE LINK!

Those who would like to read in English regularly over these sacred days of margasira, please click the link below

http://www.cdac.in/html/ihportal/gitaread.asp

Those who prefer to read Gita in Hindi, Please click the link below

http://www.scribd.com/doc/21557728/Hindi-Bhagavad-Gita-romanaagarii

I am sure all Telugus might have a copy of tape or CD of Late Sri Ghantasala Venkateswararao's divine talk by now. Just in case you do not have any, you can download free of charge by clicking the link below

http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=382909&song=bhagavadgIta+with+telugu+commentary

There are some like me who want to watch, Listen in Telugu by Sri Ghantasala can click the link below
to enjoy this divine film and we can also sing along with Ghantasala! How fortunate we all are that Ghantasala took birth in Andhra Desa to give us this divine gift through which we can attain the mission of human life

http://www.bharatmovies.com/telugu/video/Bhagavad_Geetha.htm

Hope we all enjoy this Margasira Masam by utilising these links throughout this month.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

MARGASIRA MASAM

We are in one of the auspicious months, Margasira Masam which is the 9th month according to the traditional Hindu calender.
Margasira Masam is mainly particular in South India, in Karnataka, Andhra & Orissa states, but it is being celebrated in almost all over Bharat. It usually comes in the English months of November-December and this year in 2009 it started on Tuesday, November 17th the next after Kartika Somavara Amavasya on monday, November 16th. Margasira masam is particularly important to the devotees of Lord SriKrishna and to the devotees of Sri MahaLakshmi. Lord SriKrishna Himself said that He is Margashiram.
Wednesdays are favourite to Lord SriKrishna and Thursdays are to SriMahalakshmi, hence Thursdays are also called Lakshmivaram.
What do our dear sisters need to do during this holy month of Margasira?
The easiest thing anybody can do is to chant or recite the Maha mantra..

HARE KRISHNA-HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA-KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA-HARE RAMA, RAMA-RAMA HARE HARE

As many times as possible with devotion whatever we do, wherever we are silently in our mind and also read or watch Sri Bhagavad Gita at least one chapter.
Those of us especially our dear sisters can do SriKrishna Puja on Wednesdays in a very simple way without any eloborate hymns. Please click the link below to know what to do

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/08/how-to-do-simple-shri-krishna-puja.html

To listen SriKrishna suprabhatam and other divine songsd on srikrishna, please click the link below

http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/moviedetail.asp?mid=AD000058 or

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/devotional/s/album.6407/ both only in Telugu (sorry!)

Those of you who would prefer to watch and listen devotional songs of Srikrishna, please click the link below

http://www.youtube.com/results?search=related&search_query=Krishna%20Shri%20Jai%20joshiva%20Hinduism%20culture%20india%20indian%20media%20presentation%20hindi%20Kanhaiya%20Shree%20Om%20Aum&v=RhTVrwn7xLo&page=2


On Thursdays we need to do a simple puja to Sri kanakaMahalakshmi starting with suprabhatam by clicking the link below

http://www.raaga.com/play/?id=87852

To observe a simple puja to SriMahaLakshmi, please click the link below

http://www.hindupad.com/2009/11/margasira-lakshmi-puja-vidhanam-%E2%80%93-procedure-of-margasira-guruvara-laxmi-vratham/

Please note how simple it is but do not forget to prepare different Prasadams each Thursday in Margasira masam as indicated

Please click the link below for Hindi songs on Lakshmi

http://www.dishant.com/album/Laxmi-Pujan.html

More devotional songs by clicking the link below

http://www.teluguone.com/bhakti/devotional-songs.jsp

Those of you who prefer videos, please click the link below and choose what you want

http://www.youtube.com/results?search=related&search_query=Lakshmi%20Laxmi%20Gayatri%20for%20spiritual%20wealth%20status%20greatness%20fame%20Om%20Mahalakshmyai%20cha%20vidmahe%20Vishnu%20patnyai%20dhimahi&v=FTdwrs_TzcA&page=2

For lakshmi Gayari, please click below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTdwrs_TzcA

For another melodious video in Hindi, please click below

http://www.youtube.com/user/Enigma1990ad#p/a

Monday 2 November 2009

WHAT IS DHARMA AND KARMA?

Hope we all are enjoying the magic of festivity season in our own way. Some of us might have seen what is happening in Bharat during the sacred month of Kartik in all temples and there is no wonder our Bharat is considered the spiritual capital of the world.
There is a slogan on the way to kedarnath from Gowrikund which is only by walk, horse, donkey or doli which is about 14 km is an experience to have in ones life if at all possible. Of course we had to go by doli carried by four people which is safe!
On this divine path I noticed a slogan in Hindi which is DHARMAHI KARMAHAI-KARMAHI DHARMAHAI
which is in English DHARMA=KARMA

These two words in this creation we all hear, see and do without even knowing and what I call is the law of Life. Sanathana Dharma believes in the concept of reincarnation which is being proved by several studies on young children in the western world as well by westerners is fact of life. What determines the state of an individual in the next life is Karma, which refers to the actions (thoughts, words and deeds) which is described in the divine language as 'TRIKARANASUDDHI' WHICH MOST OF US ARE AWARE ESPECIALLY IN BHARAT, undertaken by our intellect, mind and body we , all humans have by birth without any exception.
In order to achieve good Karma, it is important to live life according to Dharma.This involves doing what is right for the individual, the family, the community and also for the universe itself. Dharma is like a cosmic norm and if one goes against the norm it can result in bad karma. So, dharma affects the future according to the karma accumulated. Therefore, one's dharma path in the next life is determined by their past karma. What we all live in this life is due to our past thoughts, words and deeds.
Some time we tend to blame God especially when we have pain and praise our greatness when we have pleasure and tend to feel egoistic which is the mother of all problems not only for us but also every
thing around us! So the first thing we need to get rid of is EGO at any cost!
ONE FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH WE ALL SHOULD KNOW IS WE ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE THE WAY WE ARE LIVING 100% DUE TO OUR PAST KARMA.
I hope it is not difficult to understand which is in nature since the time of this creation, when and who created this wonderful creation does not make much difference and waste of time to talk about it. Just to give a simple example which explains is 'What we sow we reap' is well known all over the world and we witness day in day out with our own eyes. For example, if we sow an orange seed, an orange tree will grow in time but not a Mango tree! I am sure we all agree in this fact. This is not philosophy or spiritual but JUST COMMON SENSE WE ALL NEVER TEND TO PRACTICE.
If anybody wants to know more about these two divine word, Dharma, please click the link below

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa021500a.htm

And to know more about Karma, please click the link before

http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/a/karma.htm

And another simple explanation of these terms, Dharma & Karma can be read by clicking the link for busy Bees!

http://hinduism.about.com/b/2008/04/30/good-dharma-good-karma.htm

Wednesday 28 October 2009

TULASI VIVAH (WEDDING)

This Friday, October 30th is Karika Sudha Dwadasi , the most auspicious day on which Mata Tulasi weds with Sri Hari.
Tulsi is a sacred plant which can be found in almost every Hindu's home. Tulsi Pooja (Worship of Tulsi) is observed almost every day. Following things are required for Tulsi Puja.The sacred plant, Tulsi is regarded as the incarnation of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Tulsi represents duty, dedication, love, virtue and sorrow of all women. That is why this herb is usually worshipped by women of all age groups. To begin Tulsi Puja, one is required to take a bath. Decorate the pot where Tulsi is grown. Offer water to the sacred plant. Apply kumkum on one of its leaf. A length of red cloth can be wrapped along the stem. Offer red flower to the sacred herb, Tulsi. Offer fruits by placing them near the pot. Light the clay lamp and perform aarti to complete the Tulsi Puja. People usually take a leaf of Tulsi after the Puja and put it in their mouth. It is believed by committing such act; they are taking the spirit of goddess inside them.Tulsi VivahIt is considered that the month of Kartik (October-November) is loved by Tulsi. And on a specific day (Kartik Shukla Dwadashi) of this month there is a tradition when Tulsi plants are beautifully decorated with structures made of sugarcane, mango leaves and flowers and then a puja is offered. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities, it is called the 'Tulsi Vivah' or the wedding day of Tulsi and Shaligram.Tulsi represents honor, virtue and steadfast loyalty. This sacred bush of herbal leaves symbolizes Hindu femininity respected by men and women. Tulsi is regarded as the "Mother of the World."Our Sisters who would like to know more about Tulasi, please click the link below to read
http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/vrinda/worshiping-tulasi.php

Siser who would like to do Tulasi Pooja please click the link to watch a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jj2JuOGQRc

For Tulasi Arti, please click the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es7C-qNM8_I&feature=related

For Tulasi song, please click the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJq7n47YVUU

And enjoy other divine songs in the same pages with all the family and friends


Here is a short sloka or invocation to the Goddess Thulsi.
"Namaste Tulasi Devi Sarvaabeeshta Palbradhae, Namaste Three Jagadh Vandhyae Namaste Loga Rashiyae".

Wednesday 21 October 2009

NAGULA CHAVITHI

Nagula Chavithi, also known as Naagula Chaviti, is a highly auspicious day dedicated to Nagas (Cobras) in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas. It is celebrated on the fourth day after Deepavali in Kartik month . In many places, it is a three day festival – Nagula Chavithi is followed by Naga Panchami and Naga Sashti on the following days. The day is of great importance in Naga Temples in the state. In 2009, the date of Nagula Chavithi is October 22. Naga Panchami date is October 23 and Naga Shashti date is October 24. It is widely celebrated only in Andhra Pradesh and is associated with the legend of Samudra Manthan. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala or Kalkuta to save the universe on this day.
The main event on the day includes pujas and prayers in Naga temples across the state.

Worship of Nagas is a constant reminder to humans to live in harmony with Nature. And the ideal way to worship Nagas is by protecting the forests and grooves that are home of snakes and other animals.
Why should we do this ritual? A this time of the year usually early in the morning it is rather cold and snakes in the fields come out of their homes and eat rats which destroy the crops to give us more yield.
Snakes in fresh water kill most of the micro organisms to give safe water for drinking. They are also responsible to make the soil fertile for the crops. We can see how useful these snakes are for humans,and we are very grateful what they do and we need to show gratitude to feed them with milk on Nagula chavithi.
This is our glorious culture recommended by our ancestors.
The way the snakes sit curling downwards and sits straight with a hood which exactly resembles humans sitting cross legs with a straight back (spinal cord) 'Vennu Pusa in Telugu and the hood is our head.
The act of poring pure milk on the hood of snake is in fact the milk which is pure knowledge is being pored on our heads to have good thoughts and to speak good words and act sensibly. This is the spiritual meaning of Nagula chavithi. I hope it makes some sense of the importance of Nagula chavithi.
Nagula Chavithi Puja is celebrated by women for their children. They worship the Serpent God for good health for their children. Women observe fast and perform pooja. Women offer milk as a naivedyam (food offering) at the snake hills or snake pits (Valmeekam / Putta).
In some places, people perform the ritual of Nagula Chavithi Puja at home installing an idol or placing a picture of serpent God. On this day, Seven Hooded Cobra is worshipped.
After breaking the fast, women along with their families gather at snake hills or snake pits. They pour milk and offer eggs on the snake pits and worship the serpent God to bless them with prosperity.
Nagula Chavithi Puja A Ritual For Better Health of Children:While Nagula Panchami (Nag Pachami) is celebrated for brothers good health, Nagula Chavithi puja is observed for children better health. Married women consider the puja as very auspicious occasion of the year for their children.
On the day of Nagula chavithi, our sisters chant Sarpa Mantra or stotra

This mantram or stotram gives an idea of all eight major serpent Gods. Reciting or chanting this mantram everyday makes devotees free from ‘Sarpa bhayam’ (fear from snakes) and ‘Sarpa dosham’
.Sarpapasarpa bhadranthe dooram gachcha mahavishaJanamejaya yaganthe asthika vachanam smaraAnanthaya namasthubhyam sahasra shirasthe namahaNamosthu padmanabhaya nagaanaam pathaye namahaAnantho vasukim sheshah takshakah kaliyasthadah.

Now let us listen a beautiful song about NagAmma by clicking the link below

http://www.raaga.com/play/?id=49155

And I wonder how many of us remember Nagula chavithi Telugu film in 1956? Please click the link below to listen songs from that film


http://www.musicindiaonline.com/p/x/cCK_nZt54zA08DJrGGNRhrIQ1UUvjaWtsGDx.syt3ao3C8J-N.xbRlDEC-AbgJkAOcwbKG4G/?done_detec

And lastly let us less than a minute and to be precise 31 seconds to watch a young Telugu lady praying NagAmma on Nagula chavithi by clicking the link below

http://movies.bollysite.com/videos/cXwpc2cA1kY/Nagula-Chaviti-song-by-Gita-Nov-2nd-2008.html

Really finally the long waited Windows 7 is here for all of us and other good news is our broadband is going to be 10 times faster soon! Yes it is true! Please click the two links before more about these stories

http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/20/tech-microsoft-opens-windows-7-to-re-charged-pc-growth.htm

http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/21/tech-your-broadband-may-soon-become-ten-times-faster.htm

Monday 19 October 2009

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY-PAKIRAREDDY


MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY Dr.Kurri PakirareddyIt was 24th June 2002, my daughter, Madhavi’s birthday. On that day, I just finished reading Mahabharat by C.Rajagopalachari, after watching Mahabharat, the epic; I recorded on tape 12 years before that on B B C television.While reading the last pages of Ramayana by the same author, a desire arose in my mind that I should write my autobiography before I tend to forget about my childhood memories. So I started the same night before going to bed.My first memories of myself went back, when I was 5 or 6 years of age. I was born in Mallayapalem village of Guntur taluk and district, about 12 miles from Guntur by road on the bus route from Guntur to Parchur. I vaguely remember that my parents told I that I was born on a Wednesday. The real date of birth, I do not know. It used to be with the village officer whom it happened to be our relative. When he died, it was difficult to trace. This is not uncommon in those days. At least we were fortunate in India we need to have a date of birth in our Secondary School Leaving Certificate ( SSLC). It was also necessary in those days one has to attain certain age before one leaves secondary school. That is why in India many people have an actual date of birth and also an official date of birth like the Queen of England! So my official date of birth is 1st July 1945. I also vaguely remember that I was born actually in 1944. We get what we deserve in this life.I do remember the places, the fellow boys and girls I used to play at the age of 5 or 6 years of age. For example there used to be a neem tree in front of our house on the main road to the village where I used to spend most of time playing there with other boys and girls. I was very fortunate to have that photograph of the tree with my daughter, son and friends in the village some years ago before it was cut down as it was on the way on the main road. I was saddened not to find the tree recently. I do remember the teacher when I was in primary school in the village. I was also very fortunate to see him unexpectedly in Guntur railway station some years ago and have a photograph with him. Unfortunately I do not know his where about. I am trying various sources to trace him to honour him on my sashti purthi day in Guntur on 26th November 2005. He was a very strict teacher and I still remember the beatings that I had from him.My parents had very little formal education. My father used to sign his name in Telugu and can read some Telugu books. He used to act in local dramas in the village. He played a role as Krishna in Kurukshetra and Gayopakyanam. My mother did not know to read and write. My parents had education of life, which is more important than formal education to survive in this world. My parents never objected whatever I wanted to do through out my life. I do remember that I used to stay with my grand parents more than with my parents at that age, their house being just opposite to ours in the same street. My grand parents used to look after me very well with love and affection. He used to be one of the gentlemen in the village in those days and people used to come to him for advice on any matters in the village. We were average family neither rich nor poor. All my primary education was in our village and appeared to join in High school directly into 7th class and my elder sister did even better joining in 8th class and she got married soon after that and that was the end of her education.I joined in the High school in Prathipadu, about 3 miles away from our village on the way to Guntur. We used to walk to school every day up and down in all weathers even without slippers. If I say this to my children, they do not believe me. I was ten years of age at the time of my joining in to High school. There were no proper roads in those days. Some rich pupils used to go on bicycle. After a couple of years, I decided to stay in Prathipadu along with other boys in rented accommodation. We used to cook our food and curries used to come from home every day through local washerwomen. We had a wonderful time away from families and used to feel independent. We rarely went home but our parents used to visit us regularly on their way to Guntur at least once a week. We were very fortunate to have very good teachers in our High school. A noble man from our village donated our High school and it was named after him. We used to be very proud of him and his family. One teacher I used to like very much was our Telugu teacher, Devabhaktuni Rangarao garu. He was an excellent teacher and philosopher but very humble. For me he is equal to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda. He lived for a short time as any other noble people. He left his mortal coil in 1971 and he was 42 at the time. He was my first spiritual guru at that young age. I was very fortunate to locate his wife, Dhanalakshmi a few years ago and got a photograph of my Guru. I am very lucky to be his pupil and devotee. If at all I have any spirituality it is only because of my reverend Guru. I was also very fortunate to have his blessings on our wedding by way of his divine hand writing in 1968. His live image is very clear in my mind. One of my friends who used to live with me at High school passed away in an accident a few years ago. He was very good friend of mine and so many good memories with him are still with me. My High school days passed very quickly and finished in 1959-60.I joined in pre university course (PUC) in Hindu College Guntur. I lived with one of our friend from our village in their house in Guntur. It was a new experience in the college and also from village to a big town with so many activities, many new friends and many distractions as well. One friend I longed with was in my class, son of a doctor. We became very close both in the class and out side and were not able to separate and even the lecturers used to say ‘please sit apart in the class’ because we were sitting so close all the time in the front bench. We both used to buy many books for the same subject and study very hard but I was not able to get good marks in the final examination to get entrance into Medical College. My friend got very high score in all the subjects and joined in Medicine in Guntur Medical College. We both felt very sad for our separation. Good things in life can not last long I learned then. After deliberation I managed to get admission into a pre Medical course in Benaras Hindu University in Kasi. I decided to go and join in the pre Medical course and my parents readily agreed to send me without any problem. So I joined in the course in 1961. It was really an experience to go Benaras and it took a day and half by train at the age of 17. I had a wonderful time for a year going to the Ganges and to visit Lord Viswanatha temple. In those days in Benaras, we had to go physical education classes very early in the morning in biting cold and fog with only shots on the winter mornings but we used to enjoy every minute of it. Sanskrit was compulsory in those days. It was an eye opener for me and turning point in my life. There were quite a few boys and girls in our class from Andhra. No homesickness and in fact very enjoyable 12 months. At the end of the year, I passed all the subjects including Sanskrit but failed narrowly in English, which was very easy. Even if I have passed all the subjects, we have to do another examination, which is very competitive on all India basis to get entrance into 1st year Medicine. Everybody encouraged me to stay on and repeat the pre Medical course but somehow I did not fancy to repeat the course again and decided to go back to Guntur. When I was back at Guntur, my parents asked me to join in Medicine in a private Medical college by paying capitation fee. With the help of my close friend’s, father who was the professor of Medicine at Guntur Medical College, I took an introductory letter to the then Principal at Medical College, Warangal and met him. He kindly agreed to offer me a seat on paying capitation fee of 7 thousand rupees. I was in a dilemma on my way back to Guntur, and after thinking seriously, I decided not to put my parents to sell the land to pay the capitation fee and I told them that after all that I was not keen to join in Medicine and instead I wanted to join in B.Sc in Hindu College, Guntur. As I always believed we get what we deserve in this life rather than what we want, I was very content to join in B.Sc.Those 3 years in my B.Sc in Guntur had a lovely time and met so many friends both boys and girls whom I have contact regularly even now. It never bothered me that I was not able to join in Medicine and I completely forgotten about that.Before I go any further, I should mention one family in Prathipadu during my High school education, where I used to go their house to have food in the evening every day for at least a year if not more. They looked after me very well with affection and love. Even though it was just ordinary food, I still remember the taste of the food and their kindness to me. Unfortunately I lost contact with them, as they were elderly at that time. I still hope to meet some members of the family in my lifetime.While at college in Guntur, I used to have my daily food from a woman who was running a mess. I still do see her in Guntur when I go for vacation. I was so grateful for her affection and love she showed me in those days.During my college days, I met a person through one of my family friends whom I became very close. Even though we talked on the phone and by way of letter writing at times, I have not met that person for at least 35 years. I hope and pray that I will meet that person some time in my lifetime. I did rather well in my B.Sc, may be because of my maturity in life. Life is a mixture of dualities, good and bad, Pain and pleasure, day and night etc. There were times in my life in my college days that I had some financial problems. My parents never said anything against me in their lifetime. If I had any problems, it was my bad planning. There were times fortunately not many when I was not affording to eat my daily food but it never cause me any shame or sorrow. I used to think, whatever happens, it was for my own good in the long term. Everything is God’s will. The poverty never bothered me because it was only my making. Even from young age, I was fortunate to have belief in God and used to think that He is responsible for everything that happens to us. Now I know, I was wrong at that age to think like that. In fact we are responsible for our own fate. It is in our hands to make or break our life, which explains the law of Karma. But God’s grace is essential to reduce or even completely remove the effect of our bad karma. We should not blame God for our fate.After so many years, we were fortunate to meet my close friend of Guntur Hindu College in America in 2003 after I recovered from my brain stem haemorrhage and stroke and stayed in their house for a few days. We revived all our past memories once again and enjoyed very much. We regularly in contact by phone. Here I should mention another important person in my life during my college days in Guntur who was my teacher and friend for the last 40 years. I used to go to their family and knew all of them. We used to go out together in the evenings on our bicycles almost daily and used to discuss our personal problems and used to feel a lot better after our discussions. I had so many good days with him and fortunately see each other every year when I go to India. We were privileged to have him and his wife for a couple of days in our home in Sibsey, England in May 2004. He is very fortunate to serve selfless with devotion to so many people in India. I am very proud of him to be his friend.I passed my B.Sc in first class and applied for M.Sc in Andhra University, Waltair and also I came to know that I could apply for Medicine with my B.Sc qualification directly into 2nd year M.B.B.S. I got M.Sc admission in Botany and joined in Andhra University. Again it is a big city, big institution and with new friends. I had a wonderful time living in the hostel. I also applied for jobs after my B.Sc and I got an interview for the selection of sub inspector of Police, which my parents were not keen, so I did not go for the interview.One day in November 1966 while I was at Andhra University, the postman delivered a brown envelop with the Government stamp on it. When I opened the letter, it was an admission to Medical College either in Guntur or Kurnool directly into 2nd year M.B.B.S but we had to write physics examination and also Biochemistry if I go to Guntur. The Sri Venkareswara University gave exemption for Bio Chemistry as we did it in our B.Sc. I was encouraged by family and friends to go to Medicine for which I was not able to get after my P UC. So I decided to go to Kurnool along with at least 10 other candidates from Andhra University, even though I come from Guntur. So again it is proved everything have its own time and some people have to wait a bit longer than others and also we get what we deserve at the end.I joined in Kurnool Medical College in December 1966. Again it was a new experience, no friends and new challenges. I started to enjoy the course, with the satisfaction of going to become a doctor, which I wanted 5 years ago.It was in 1968, my parents expressed a desire that I should get married foe unknown reasons. I thought about it seriously and agree to get married. The wedding took place on August 10th in 1968 in Guntur with my present wife Dhana Lakshmi. I never forget that day. I should not have got any better life partner than her. It was really a miracle and the wedding went uneventfully. I had the privilege of living with my wife in the last year of my medical student life. I used to study well than before without any distractions! How many people have got this privilege?During my medical student life, I met a man who is somewhat like me and became very friendly and we used to discuss our personal problems and helped each other. In those days we developed an obsession to go abroad after finishing the Medical Course. We tried our best to go any where in the world to survive. At last the time has come and my friend got a posting in United Kingdom with the help of one of our common friend. After about 6 months, I also got a posting in U K with the help of my friend. I am always grateful for his help. We both used to feel that we were brothers, but good times do not last long. That is the way life is. I could not find any reason to be like that. I try my best to be the same way we used, that is all one can do. We get sound only when we clap with both hands. We wish and pray for their welfare.Again in U K, it is a new experience, strange life, strange people, different language and culture. I came to U K towards the end of October 1974 at the age of 30 and my family joined me later. On the whole I would say we had a wonderful time. I never regretted of coming to UK. I found that there are certain things we need to learn from the people of this country. I felt my self as an individual and I can live here the way I want which is somewhat difficult to do back at home. It also helped me to get my full potential of myself. Again met so many people, some are close more than others. We Lived in Belfast most of our life about 22 years and enjoyed every minute of it. We still have so many sweet memories and some close friends. We visit them regularly and spend a week or so with them.A desire came to my mind in 1996 to retire in England as many of our friends are in England and children might settle here eventually. I had regular contacts with my friends in England and used to come regularly to do locum jobs to keep in contact with people. Fortunately I was offered a job where I used to work on locum basis. I always had a desire to retire in the village where we are living at the moment. So we moved to England towards the end of October 1996 and settled very quickly and enjoying my work. My daughter was in London and Srinivas also got a job in England.Children were growing very fast and started to live on their own. They felt a need for their life partners. Srinivas promised to his grand parents he will marry to a girl from India. We all went to India for 6 weeks vacation. One of the families we used to be very close while in Belfast went to India for good in 1994. We always were in touch with them and stay with them when you go to India. They helped a lot to all of our family and we are grateful for their help forever. They also helped a lot for the wedding of Srinivas in December 1998. The wedding went smoothly as planned and they are living on their own. Life is always with full of ups and downs. Otherwise life becomes dull and boring.It was March 5th in 1999, I was at a meeting at Our Trust Head quarters and towards the end of meeting at about just after 12.00 noon, I felt a strange feeling on my left side of the body and I told one of my colleague sitting next to me to call an ambulance and I could not remember what happened after that. Apparently I had brain stem haemorrhage which resulted stroke on my left side. I was admitted in a Neurology unit in Nottingham. My wife told me that on the night I had stroke, the consultant told her that they couldn’t do much and need to be observed for 24 hours and also told her it all depends upon her luck! I am told that I was there for about 10 days and then transferred to Boston where I was working. I vaguely remember being in Nottingham Hospital. I remember a bit clear after coming to Boston and began to recover slowly. I was in Boston hospital almost 3 months. So many people kindly visited me both in Nottingham and Boston and they all were very supportive and kind towards my wife and family. We are really grateful to so many people. While I was in Hospital my wife and family were very attentive and very patient with me. It is not that easy to please a doctor patient! Our daughter Madhavi took off for 3 months unpaid leave to be with me and help her mum. She has done everything for me and being a Nurse herself she has done really a professional job. I never forget her attention and Love towards me when I needed most.After discharge from Hospital, I felt very depressed for almost about 4 months. Being a psychiatrist my self, I knew what a depression could do. I was negative about everything and even I was not able to smile. Fortunately I began to come round gradually and spent most of my time thinking about God, reading the autobiographies of great people and listening devotional music. Slowly I got my confidence back and able to think more positive towards life. I was advised to retire on health grounds from my job, which I was not happy about but I could not do anything. I thought it was God’s will. I had to retire in May 2000 at the age of 55. I was not able to walk properly and I had to use a wheelchair. I also developed double vision and need to wear an eye patch on one eye. I continued my physiotherapy with very slow recovery.I came to know about Arya vaidyasala in Kottakal in Kerala and I wanted to try treatment. In 2001 we went for treatment for 28 days. We enjoyed our stay there and able to stand a bit longer to shave and brush in the morning and also the walking seemed a bit better. I continued that treatment every year so far and I think it is very helpful for me. Now I feel that I am improved more than my expectation and I feel very happy if I continue the way I am. I feel I got more than I deserve and very grateful to my wife and family with God’s grace. My wife put up with me when I needed most and for her it is her salvation to serve her husband when in need. I could not ask for any more than what she has given to me. I pray to God to be my wife as long as I am born again in this world.When we were going to Kerala for treatment in November 2001, both Madhavi and her Boy friend Hari came to our house. It seemed they like each other. I told them that I had a desire that they should get married as soon as possible because of my illness.It was Christmas morning in 2001, when I was about to go to my massage treatment, the phone rang. It was Madhavi and Hari on the phone after midnight on Christmas Eve in England and told me that they both were engaged on Christmas Eve. I blessed them both. By the time we came back to England in January 2002, they fixed the date of their wedding and venue as well. How lucky we were and I thanked God for his grace. The wedding took place on July 21st in 2002 and everything went smoothly as planned. Hari’s father used to say; they were made for each other. How true it is.Another family, which I knew from our village for a long time, came very close in my life. I always felt we are all one family. I feel it is bondage from previous lives and I hope and pray we will be together in the same family in future lives. Even though they live in America, we have contact almost every week and see each other as frequently as possible.I was very fortunate to celebrate my sashti purthi (60th birth day) on 2nd July 2005 in the presence of so many of our friends and well-wishers in the sacred place of Sri Venkateswara Balaji temple near Birmingham, United Kingdom. Our family from America came with our two grand children. We had a wonderful time together for a week in Paris and London.There are so many friends and relatives in India whom I know for a long time. So I had a desire to celebrate my sashti purthi again in Guntur in the presence of all the people and friends I know in India. So God willing we will celebrate on November 26th in 2005.Life is beautiful and it is up to us to make it a successes or a failure. It is our entire making. We decide our fate and nobody else or not even God. God is the director and we the actors in the play obey His commands, we do our role in the play to be appreciated by the audience. What all we see, hear, eat and enjoy is god’s creation. Nothing belongs to us in this world. Even if we feel that we own something, it is only temporary. So whatever we have, be money, knowledge or anything, we need to share with other people. Then only we feel real happiness. We cannot have everything for our selves.We are living in a rented accommodation. The owner of the house may ask us to leave at any time without much notice. We need to prepare to vacate at any moment. We do not know when the final call arrives. We must be prepared all the time to answer the final call.What I learnt in my life is, there are three things important to achieve anything.1. Human effort: without human effort, nothing happens. 2. Everything has its time. Nothing happens until that time. Some people may have to wait longer than others and this depends upon ones previous life and actions (purva janma sukrutam) 3. God’s grace: Nothing happens without God’s grace. Again it depends upon ones own purva janma sukrutam. All the three are equally important.We often wonder why the things happen the way they happen? Why some people always get a raw deal in their life and why the so-called bad people enjoy everything in life? There is nothing in this world explain why it happens except the Law of Karma which is one of the cardinal principle of Hinduism. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Nobody can escape from it including God.According to the Scriptures, the main aim of human life is to attain Moksha i.e. not be born again and merge with the paramathma. I always felt it is selfish because, it is only useful for that individual and nobody else. To be honest, I do not want Moksha yet, I want to born again hopefully as human and that depends upon my previous lives and the present life. I want to be born in a family to learn Sanskrit and able to sing the glories of God and able to serve the needy, disabled and less fortunate people than I am without expecting any reward and not to hurt anybody by thought, word and action. That is my aim of life for the future!I am grateful to God for inculcating this idea of writing my own autobiography before I tend to forget my past life.LOKASAMATHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHUAum Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi Hi
View my complete profile

Sunday 18 October 2009

KARTIKA MASAM

Karthik masa (Kartik month) is the most auspicious month amongst all Hindu months. According to Hindus, worshipping of God during this month fetches the Moksha (salvation). Hence, devotees worship God and perform various rituals and customs very strictly.
Karthika Puranam details the rituals and customs to be performed during the month of Karthik. Various Hindu sacred texts have mentioned the list of basic rituals and customs of Kartika masam.
During this month, we need to observe certain dos and don'ts and please try to observe at least on the sacred days of Kartika Mondays & Kartika Fridays and On Kartika Poornima and Kartika Amavasya.


Devotees should not eat non vegetarian food for whole month of Karthik. Eating non vegetarian food is considered as ‘Brahma Hathya’ (Killing Lord Brahma).
For the whole month, devotees take meal only once a day. They will have breakfast at nights. If devotees are not able to do so, they follow this rituals at least on auspicious days like Karthik Monday, karthika Pournami etc.
Devotees take ceremonial or spiritual bath everyday for the whole month.
Devotees light diya every evening and perform Karthika masa puja.
Devotees recite at least one chapter of Karthika Puranam everyday. Those who would like to read Kartika Purana, please click the link below to read in English


http://www.astrojyoti.com/skandapurana.htm

FOR TELUGU SISTERS: those who prefer to read Kartika Puranam in Telugu, please click the link below to read

http://www.teluguone.com/bhakti/shivastutulu/index.jsp?filename=kartika.htm

And another useful link in English

http://www.astrologyforu.com/puranas/skanda-puranam/kartika-puranam/index.php

Yet another link about Kartika somavara vratam

http://www.ammas.com/ar/home.cfm?r=va&qid=180768&bid=0&topicid=9

Devotees perform rituals very strictly on most auspicious days of Karthika masam such as Karthika Mondays, Kalashtami, Kushmand Navami, Akshay Navami, Hari Bodhini or Prabodhini, Vailunth Chaturdashi, Vyasa Puja, Karthika Poornima or Tripura Purnima, Tulasi Vivah (Marriage of Goddess Tulasi).
As Kartik month, is the eighth month in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Kartika Masam 2009 begins on Monday, October 19 and ends on Monday, November 16 for Telugu and Kannada calendars. The month is considered auspicious by both Lord Shiva and Vishnu devotees.
In Today's world people start talking about the differences between Shiva and Kesava even by learned swamis. Even Shiva & Keshava themselves declared there is no difference of whatsoever and those who differentiates will never feel happy in their lives. At least during this sacred month of Kartik, please do not differentiate between Shiva and kesava.
This year Kartika Masam starts on a Monday and ends on a Monday which is not very common, hence it is extra special this year.

In South India, the month is also dedicated to Lord Muruga (Subrahmanya Swami) who is also known as Kartik and Skanda

Kartika Masam Purnima (full moon day) is on November 2 and Kartika Masam Amavasi is on November 16 (No moon day).
Kartika Masam Shukla Paksham in 2009 begins on October 19 and ends on November 2.
Kartika Masam Krishna Paksham in 2009 begins on November 3 and ends on November 16.


Some of the important festivals and auspicious days in Kartika Masam in 2009 as per Telugu and Kannada Calendars are -
October 19th – Bali Padyami
October 22nd – Nagula Chavithi
October 22nd – Trilochana Gauri Vratam
October 23rd – Naga Panchami
October 24th – Naga Shasti
October 29th – Utthana Ekadashi
November 1st – Vaikunta Chaturdashi
November 12th – Uttpatti Ekadasi

This Kartika masam 2009 as per Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra calendars is very auspicious because during this month Kartika Pournami and Karthika Amavasya both come on Mondays. The performers of Kartika Somvara vratham are very lucky to observe the vrata on Pournami and Amavasya along with other three auspicious Mondays.

As per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Kannada calendars, the dates of Kartika Somavara vratham in 2009 are – October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9 and November 16.
It is highly desirable to spend our free time listening sacred chants of Lord shiva by clicking the link below
http://www.raaga.com/player4/?id=67549,67550,67551,67552,67553,67554,67555,67556,67557,67558&mode=100&rand=0.46593608257545865
Some more sacred chants by clicking the link below
http://hinduism.about.com/od/shivamp3downloads/Shiva_MP3_Downloads_Devotional_Songs_Shiva_Bhajans.htm
Another divine link for Shiva songs
http://www.devotionalsongs.com/lord_shiva.htm
For some divine videos of Lord Shiva, please click the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBCz59EWemg
And more
http://music.galatta.com/entertainment/music/newgalattamusic.asp?songs=,14922&sing=hai
And finally a link for various aspects of the holy month
http://www.salagram.net/parishad76-k.htm

Kartika Puranam in TELUGU

http://www.mypurohith.com/Telugu/kartika_purana1.asp

Monday 21 September 2009

THE LAST 3 DAYS OF NAVARATRI-SARASWATHI

The last three days of Navaratri, 7th, 8th and 9 th days are the most important which are Saptami, Ashtami and MahaNavami on the day Kanya Pooja is performed during which 9 Kanyas, age 2 to 9 girls of any caste and religion provided they are willing are treated as NavaDurgas and decorate them with turmeric to the divine feet and with Kumkuma as well and give them new cloths if possible the nine colours of Navaratri of 2009 which are decided just before Navaratri every year. Please find below to know the 9 colours of Navaratri-2009

The nine Navratri colours for 2009 published on local newspapers on September 16, 2009. They are:
Pratipada - September 19 (Saturday) - Dark Green
Dwitiya - September 20 (Sunday) - Orange
Tritiya - September 21 (Monday) - WhiteChaturthi - September 22 (Tuesday) - RedPanchami - September 23 (Wednesday) - BlueShasti - September 24 (Thursday) - YellowSaptami - September 25 (Friday) - Peacock Green (please note that peacock green is a mixture of Pure and blue - this colour is just to give an idea.)Ashtami - September 26 (Saturday) - Parrot GreenNavami - September 27 (Sunday) - Purple
Posted by Abhilash on 1.9.09
For those sisters who want to listen a song on this final day, please click the link below to watch & listen
http://www.xomba.com/navratri_colours_2009_%E2%80%93_dress_colors_during_navaratri
Let us hope and pray that we all have a blissful last day of MahaNavami to be ready to celebrate the day of victory over Evil, namely VujayaDasami/Dasara, the holy 10 th day, for the welfare of this wonderful Creation by the Creator.
Those of you from North and East of Bharat, who call this day as VijayaDasami, please click the link below to read all about it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami
Those of us from South call this day as Dasara, the wholly 10th day, please click the link below to read all about Dasara
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasara
Telugu sister may listen songs of vijayadasami film songs, please click the link below
http://www.dishant.com/album/vijayadasami.html or
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/moviedetail.asp?mid=A0001198
AND FINALLY, THE DAYS TO OBSERVE BEFORE OCTOBER 1ST:
Please do not forget for all age groups especially students to do Moola Saraswathi Pooja on Friday, September 25th.
Please click the link which has useful information for all sisters
http://www.hindupad.com/category/rituals-and-customs-vratas-and-pujas/
PLEASE NOTE ALL OF US FROM TODAY UNTIL 29 TH SEPTEMBER, SRI VENKSTESWARA YEARLY BRAHMOSTAYALU AND FROM TODAY ALL LIVE PROGRAMS AT TIRUMALA ARE BEING BROADCASTED IN HINDI, TAMIL KANNADA AND OF COURSE TELUGU AND ALL CAN CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH SRI VENKATESWARA BHAKTHI CHANNEL (SVBC)
www.yupptv.com or www.telugutv.net FREE OF CHARGE! WATCH FOR A DAY OR TWO TO SEE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE IN YOUR FREE TIME.
Please pardon me for giving so much information but do not forget you are going complete break from me for 8 days!
Sai devotees may observe specially on VijayaDasami day, September 28th as Shiridi Sai left his mortal coil on this day in 1918!
Sai Avatar as Sathya Sai of Puttaparthy from AP declared that Sri Shiridi Sai Baba was born on the 27th of September in 1838 outside Pathri village in the past state of Hyderabad by his Mother DevagiriAmma and his father was Gangabhavdya who was a poor brahmin. His childhood name was 'Babu'. He belonged to the Bhardwaja gotra of the Brahmin caste.
So let us celebrate Sri Shiridi Sai's 171 Birthday on September 27th.
You will hear from me on October 1St God willing!
With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy

Friday 18 September 2009

First 3 days of NAVARATRI-DURGA

The first three days of Navaratri are dedicated to Devi Durga. SALUTATIONS to the Divine Mother, Durga, who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe. Shakti is the omnipotent power of the Lord, or the Cosmic Energy. The Divine Mother is represented as having ten different weapons in Her hands. She sits on a lion. She keeps up the play of the Lord through the three attributes of Nature, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. Knowledge, peace, lust, anger, greed, egoism and pride, are all Her forms.

You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all our impurities, our vices, our defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the spiritual aspirant, the lower, diabolical nature in him. Also, She is the power that protects our spiritual practice from its many dangers and pitfalls. Thus the first three days, which mark the first stage or the destruction of impurity and determined effort and struggle to root out the evil tendencies in our mind, are set apart for the worship of the destructive aspect of the Mother. Let us recite or at least listen 'Lalitha Sahasra Namams on all the 9 days if possible during the puja in the mornings. Most of us already have a cd of this divine song in our Homes and some of the dedicated devotees these thousand names by heart! But the most important thing that Durga Ma wants for Her devotees is nothing But devotion to get Her grace. Those of us who do not have a cd, please click the link below to listen Lalitha Sahasra Namams http://www.musicindiaonline.com/p/x/34C9MP50IgIYMdwESIJjWWRM/?done_detect

During these first 3 days, it is highly desirable to recite Durga Stuti which is as follows in English, so that we all can recite without much problem of language! Sarve Mangal Mangalye, Shive Sarvarth Sadhike Sharanye Trambake Gauri, Narayani Namo Stute Shakti Shakti Do Mujhe, Karoon Tumhara Dhyan Path Nirvignya Ho Tera, Mera Ho Kalyan Hridya Sinhasan Par Aa, Betho Meri Maa Suno Vinay Mam Din Ki, Jag Janani Vardan Sundar Deepak Ghee Bhara, Karoon Aaj Tayaar Gyan Ujala Maa Karo, Metto Moh Andhkaar Chandra Surya Ki Roshni, Chamke Chaman Akhand Sab Mein Vyapak Tej Hai, Jwala Ka Prachand Jwala Jag Janani Meri, Raksha Karo Humesh Dur Karo Maa Ambike, Mere Sabhi Kalesh Shradha Aur Vishwas Se, Teri Jyot Jalaoon Tera Hi Hai Aashra, Tere Hi Gun Gaoon Teri Adhabhut Gaat Ko, Padhoon Mein Nischay Dhar Sakshat Darshan Karoon, Tere Jagat Aadhar Man Chanchal Se Baat Ke, Samay Jo Aogun Hoye Dati Apni Daya Se, Dhyan Na Dena Koye Main Anjan Malin Man, Na Jano Koi Rit At Pat Vani Ko Hi Maa, Samjho Meri Prit Chaman Ke Aogun Bahot Hai, Karna Nahi Dhyan Sinhvahini Maa Ambike, Karo Mera Kalyan Dhanya Dhanya Maa Ambike, Shakti Shiva Vishal Angh Angh Mein Rum Rahi, Dati Din Dayal

Let us have a lovely time during these three days, talking, reading the story of Maha Kali by clicking the links below to read in these 10 days! Even if you cannot read in these 10 days, we can read after words. The important thing is to read with devotion and try to practice in our daily life as much as we could.

Devi Mahatmyam longer version

http://sdbbs.tripod.com/devi.html

Shorter version for the busy Bees!

http://www.sivanandaonline.org/graphics/activities/navaratri_04/durga_saptasati.htm

To read the esoteric significance of Devimahatmyam, please click the link below

http://www.celextel.org/stotrasdevi/devimahatmyam.html

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy

Thursday 17 September 2009

NAVARATRI FESTIVAL

Dear Sisters & Brothers, The long awaited most celebrated festival of NavaRatri is upon his to imbibe the Blessings of our Universal MOTHER of all Mothers which are responsible for the creation of all of us. What a wonderful culture to do Puja celebrations to the feminine gender which is nowhere practised in this creation which we all are proud of to be born in the sacred Bharat where so many divine people took birth and even Gods are anxious to have a human form in our Veda Bhumi.
The main purpose of these 10 days is to protect all the creatures in this Universe to have a peaceful living, helping each other in everyday life.
But are we living like this? Not at all! Why not? because of one quality (EGO) which is the mother of all evils including about 46% of our daughters & sons in Bharat in the first three years of life are malnourished and so many thousands of children dying of malnutriob is a shame for all of us in spite of our economic progress in our country. I know we tend to blame the Government for every evil which is easier than feeling responsibility for all these evils. We need to blame ourselves enjoying life with luxeries when millions of children are not having at least one ful meal a day.
Please click the link below to read the facts of those unfortunate kids without any fault of their own!

http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/sep/17/slide-show-1-3000-kids-die-of-malnutrition-everyday.htm

Please read few of those by clicking NEXT at the end of the first.
Please let us take an owe today, the first day of Navaratri we all should do our part to alleviate the evils of our Punya Bhumi.

This festival called `Navratri’, meaning ‘Nine Nights’, is an ancient and colourful festival. It is celebrated in honour of the Divine Mother (The Power or The Force), representing The Nature. This also is a festival which combines religion, devotion, culture, and recreation. People worship, offer prayers, visit temples, and celebrate for Nine Nights, but not necessary without compassion, concern to our fellow beings, it is a waste of time, energy and money! Please think about it. If we have these basic qualities, all the rituals, pujas, singing and going temples will add extra grace for our peaceful happy leaving and we will be able to help other unfortunate ones.

It is an occasion for vibrant festivities throughout the country. Nine different manifestations of Durga are worshipped over the nine days ;
Durga :goddess beyond reach
Bhadrakali the auspicious power of time
Amba or Jagdamba: mother of the world
Annapurna: giver of food and plenty
Sarvamangala: auspicious goddess
Bhairavi: terrible, fearful, power of death
Chandika or handi: violent, wrathful, furious
Lalita: playful
Bhavani: giver of existence
Idols of the Goddess Durga are elaborately decorated and worshipped in elaborate pandals for nine days, and on the tenth day immersed in a river or pond. Each day during this festival has religious significance for the devotees. Singing, dancing, sweets & gaiety are an integral part of the Durga Pooja Festival. People send Durga Puja Gifts to dear ones and express good wishes.
Our dear Mothers and Sisters are active these 10 days and some of them tend to wear their saris which tells the world the uniqueness of our Bharat, different colours on each day. Please click the link below to know more about colours of saris to wear to pleas AMMA
http://www.hindupad.com/2009/08/9-colours-of-navratri-2009-%e2%80%93-nine-colours-of-dresses-to-wear-in-saran-navratri-2009/
Those of us who would like to listen Durga songs with all the family, please click the link below to have the bliss and please do not feel the language as there is only one religion, religion of LOVE and enjoy by clicking the link below
http://www.andhravilas.com/devdetailslisten.asp?cat=devdurga
Please be aware that because of heavy traffic during this time, please be patient for buffering.
Those of us who would like to know more about Navratri, please click the link below
http://www.dlshq.org/religions/navaratri.htm and another link of interest
http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/navaratri.htm?nl=1
Those of us who would like to listen Durga Suktham, please click the link below
http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/navaratri.htm?nl=1
Some of our sisters who are really want to enjoy these divine 9 nights, please click the link below to read
http://www.hindupad.com/2009/09/durga-puja-%E2%80%93-durga-navratri-pooja/
And finally please click the link below for useful information and wonderful images of our dear Amma
http://www.netglimse.com/holidays/durga_puja/mythology_about_devi_durga.shtml
DR.KURRI PAKIRAREDDY

Monday 31 August 2009

TIRUONAM

We all have equal opportunities in this wonderful Creation of ours if we want and try.
Nature's dispensation is simple. Each of us has been a field of Life. We all are free to sow whatever we want in this field , which is our Karma Kshetra (Field of Action). In other words we must eat the fruits of our own harvest.
This is identical with the Biblical idea that 'whatever a man (woman) sow that he or she reap'
Islam also declare the same in a different way and so other religions. Not only this there are so many other similarities but they we carry them out may be different which depends upon ones back ground and tradition and there is no need to convert anybody as they are all the same. This is the fundamental truth in all religions of this world. We tend to do for selfish reasons with Ignorance which always hits back in Time!

TIRU ONAM: Declared as a TOURIST FESTIVAL by the Government Onam which is a festival of ten days culminates on the final day is called TiruOnam and surprisingly there is a town by that name (TiruOnam) in the Tanjavour district of Tamilnadu and it shows the popularity of this holy festival.

Those of us who wants to know this historical festival, please click the link below to read all aspects of this festival We were very fortunate a few years ago, we happened to be at AmritaPuri, in Kollam district of God's own country (Kerala) in the presence of thousands of devotees to have a darshan of Amma (Mata AmritAnanda mayi Devi) who was prophesied by Swami Vivekanda just before he left his mortal coil in a discourse to the fortunate few. Amma's Golden Birthday (50) was celebrated about a few years ago which was broadcast ed Live world wide was a feast for both eyes and ears. On TiruOnam day we got TiruOnam lunch (Biksha) from the divine hands of Amma and the joy we felt has no bounds.
Those of you who wants to know this remarkable soul who travels all over the world every year to give a hug of LOVE to millions of souls, please click the link below

www.amritapuri.org

Please click the link below to watch/listen a melodious songs which depicts various aspects of Onam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmiKv4oW_d0&NR=1

Please do not forget to watch other videos in the same page
And for Sisters & Brothers of God's own country to spend TiruOnam evening with bliss to all the family, please click the link below

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Malayalam&search=tag

And finally may we send our greetings on this sacred day and please click the link to view

http://www.dgreetings.com/dg/php-bin/view_card.php?id=6Gxqu-229436

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy

Thursday 20 August 2009

GANESH CHATURTHI-VINAYAKA CHAVITHI

We all know the purpose of this rare human life for which we all try to have good thoughts, speak good words and do good actions by which we gain Punyam and of course knowingly or unknowingly we all do numerous papams as well and we need to born again in various forms to meet the consequences of our behaviour in this life and there is no escape.
Now how we are going to get the mission of our life which is Liberation from this worldly life (samsara) or moksha or Nirvana. Not every body can achieve this only a few fortunate ones like SriRamaKrishna, Sri Ramana Maharshi. For this to achieve all our papas should be cancelled by our punya without leaving either of them, when there is no need for another birth. But we all need to try our best to achieve this end result as some souls got it before. Hope this explanation can make some sense but I could not get any reference about this on the net. IF ANY BODY KNOWS ANY OTHER EXPLANATON, PLEAE KET ME KBOW KINDLY.

GANESH CHTURTHI OR VINAYAKA CHAVITHI: falls on this coming Sunday, August 23rd all over the world except in Fiji which follows on Monday, August 24th.
VAKRATUNDA MAHAKAYA SURYA KOTI SAMAPRABHA
NIRVIGHNAM KURUME DEVA SARVA KARYESHU SARVADA


Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kayaBanjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko mayaSurya shaam sharan aye, safal kije seva.
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva...
English Translation of the Hindi Hymn:
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
O Lord of compassion, you have a single tusk, four arms, A vermilion mark of on your forehead, and ride on a mouse. People offer you betel leaves, blossoms, fruits And sweets, while saints and seers worship you.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
You bestow vision on the blind, chastened body on the leprous, Children on the sterile, and wealth on the destitute. We pray to thee day and night, please bestow success upon us.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
To know more about Ganesh, please click the link below
http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/ganeshchaturthi.htm?nl=1 or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi
To listen and watch Ganesh Pancha Ratna sthotram daily especially on His Birthday is really Blissful by clicking the link below
http://www.mantratube.com/category/lord-ganesha-slokas-mantras-arti/
To perform Ganesh pooja and to listen Ganesh katha (story) both in audio/video form in seven parts by all the family on Sunday, please click the link below but please be patient to download/for buffering
http://www.teluguvideos.in/album.php?id=32&Vinayaka_Chavithi_Pooja_Vidhanam_and_Katha in Telugu
Those of you who want to listen only to perform Pooja & katha, please click the link below and click Vinayaka chavithi on the left to listen in Telugu again
http://www.devotionalsongs.com/Poojas_Vrathams.htm
All others who want to perform pooja in English, please click the link below to read all the procedure in English!
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/8891/vinayaka.htm
Those Telugu sisters who prefer to read in Telugu pooja vidhanam, please click the link below to download
http://downloads.ziddu.com/downloadfile/2069707/end.Vinayaka_vratha_kalpam.pdf.html
There are a number of Telugu audio songs including Ganesh Suprabhatam etc to enjoy by all the family in the afternoon after lunch on Sunday, please click the link below to enjoy
http://www.andhravilas.com/devdetailslisten.asp?cat=devg
I hope all these will fill the whole Sunday for you all,

Monday 3 August 2009

DO WE KNOW THE REALITY? PLEASE READ!

We all take it for granted in everyday life and also complain about so many things, without remembering how lucky we are able to see as soon as we get up in the morning and able to walk, talk and see ourselves and about this wonderful creation as though we own everyrthing.
At the same time there are so many souls in different parts of this world would struggle to provide the basic requirements to themselves and their families at least in thousands if not in millions! Why this situation presents for some not for others. It is very difficult to give any valid reason this sort of situation. We can have our own conclusions.
The three essential things required for the basic survival of the living kingdom is of course, air, water and food in that order of importance. Even before these three essentials, there are even more essential things we require to have our survival. I am sure we all can guess what they are. They are nothing bur the 5 elements for the origin, sustenance and destruction namely Srushti, Sthiti and Laya done by Brahma, Vishnu & Maheswara with the help of their concerts, Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi or Mahakali who are derived from Adi Para Shakthi, who is the ultimate responsibility of everything in this universe to which some people name as BRAHMAN Not Brahmin we all know about.
The Five Elements are Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space which are interdependent in so many ways. These five elements are essential for our survival but we need an intelligent soul to use these to produce food, namely FARMER without whom we all cannot exist for long. Such is the importance of this farmer community from where, most of us come any where in the world from villages.
This year in 2009, there are so many parts of the world are waiting, doing prayers to have rain in time for all of us. The reason for lack of rains in some parts of the world India including is unknown in spite of the modern science!
let us see what TiruKural, revealed by Tiruvalluvar says about rain which is as follows

Kural 11
It is the unfailing fall of rain that sustains the world. Therefore, look upon rain as the nectar of life.
Kural 12
Rain produces man's wholesome food; and rain itself forms part of his food besides.
Kural 13
Though oceanic waters surround it, the world will be deluged by hunger's hardships if the billowing clouds betray us.
Kural 14
When clouds withhold their watery wealth, farmers cease to ply their plows.
Kural 15
It is rain that ruins, and it is rain again that raises up those it has ruined.
Kural 16
Unless raindrops fall from the sky, not a blade of green grass will rise from the earth.
Kural 17
The very nature of oceans, though vast, would diminish if clouds ceased to take up water and replenish rain's gifts.
Kural 18
Should the heavens dry up, worship here of the heavenly ones in festivals and daily rites would wither.
Kural 19
Unless the heavens grant their gifts, neither the giver's generosity nor the ascetic's detachment will grace this wide world.
Kural 20
No life on Earth can exist without water, and water's ceaseless flow cannot exist without rain.

Those of us who are not familiar, please click the link below
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruvalluvar

Some of us are fortunate to visit kanyakumari in Tamilnadu the farthest part of south India where we can witness Swami Vivekanada's Rock where Swami meditated.
Those who are not familiar this sacred place, please click the link below where you can find about Kanyakumari and other holy places if you want in India in the left side of the same page

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/kumari.html

Even when the five elements are kind and the farmers produce food for all, still thousands of unfortunate children are dying from starvation daily in front of our eyes without any faults of their own and we can appreciate how lucky we all are which we never bather even to think because of our busy schedules to become rich, richer and richest which has no measurement, by spending a few minutes to watch the reality in front of our own eyes which can shed a tear or two I guess!
http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a-la-Carte
With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy

Sunday 26 July 2009

SRAVANA MANGALA +SUKRAVARA VRATAM

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Yesterday was naga Panchami which I verlooked being away from Home. Home some of our sisters must have observed on behalf of all of us i am sure.
Today is Surya Sashti which is mostly observed by our Northern sisters.
Surya Sasthi - festival dedicated to Surya - is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh on the sixth day (sasthi) of the new moon of Kartik (a month in the North Indian Hindu Calendar). It is also known as Dala Chhat. It is observed on the banks of a river. Mothers observe fast on this day for the well being of their children, pray to the Sun God in the morning and evening and at night float burning lamps on rivers.
As we can see how is our culture protects all living creatures in this Universe!
Sravana Masam started on July 23rd and will end on August 20th. It is important all our sisters both married & unmarrid should observe Sravana Mangala Gowri vratam on every Tuesday and VaraLakshmi vratam on Sravana Sukravaram in this sacred month of Sravana.
Sravana Mangala Vratam on 23rd July, 3o th July, 4 th August, 11th August, 18th August
And
Sravana Sukravara (Friday) Vratam on 24th July, 31 st July, 7 th August, & 14 th August.
Please do note down in your diaries/ computers to remind you about these dates.
Please click the link below to listen/do Shravana Mangala Gowri vratam & Katha on Tuesdays for TELUGU sisters

http://www.ragalahari.com/devotionaldetail.asp?mvname=Sravana+mangala+Gowri+Vratha+Vidhanam+%26+Katha
Or
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/devotional/s/album.6652/language.4/ any of these two will do

Sravana Sukravara vratam, Please click the link below to read the procedure & katha in Telugu by Telugu sisters,

http://www.teluguone.com/bhakti/nomu/nomulu/varalaxmi.swf

As we can see we, Telugus are most fortunate to have these in Telugu on the net!
All the others can click to read in English as well, please click the link below
http://www.carnatica.net/nvr/vara_article.htm
Please click what to do to have Prasad (Nivedyam) during this important festivals, please click the link below to prepare in English in your own kitchen!

http://kitchen-kollections.com/2008/08/15/happy-varalakshmi-vratam

To do proper VaraLakshmi vratam during Sravana Masam with traditional Mantras please click the link below again in Telugu in audio form!

http://www.ragalahari.com/devotionaldetail.asp?mvname=Sri+Varalakshmi+Vratam

Those who are interested to listen Sravanamasam film songs in Telugu, please click the link below

http://cinefolks.com/MAPlayer/Default.php?id=3990,3991,3992,3993,3994,3995,3996
Another important link for pujas & vratas, please click the link below

http://www.slokas.com/slokas/vedicrituals/tamil/poojas/varalakshmi.html

And also

http://www.ammas.com/ar/home.cfm?r=va&qid=153569&bid=0&topicid=9

Let us all have a wonderful, blissful Sravanamasam for the benefit of the whole creation.

Wednesday 15 July 2009

BRAHMAM GARI KALAGNANAM

We Telugus are very fortunate in so many respects. But there are some among us who are evidence based only which means that they believe only evidence based facts only and a few among them do not believe anything and always doubters. We always get what we deserve but not what we desire. This is the fact of Life which we tend to ignore.
I do not know how many of us are actually watching Brahmamgari Kalagnanam either on Tuesday at 4.00 PM UK time or on Friday at 6.30 AM again UK time (BST)
As we can appreciate sisters & brothers in USA and other places are not able to watch on regular basis because of time difference.
We in UK rather fortunate to be 5 hours ahead of USA and about 4 to 5 hours behind of India, so that we can enjoy the best of both worlds.
But there are always ways & means if we really are interested. Those of us who are keen to know Kalagnanam, here is an opportunity not only just listening Brahmamgari Kalagnanam but with evidence & proof of those things which are already happened and yet more to come. I hope and pray that this will help the doubters to appreciate our beliefs and culture.
Those who are keen to know about this Kalagnanam of Sri Sri Potuluri VeeraBrahmam garu can now listen where you are, whenever you want in your own Home by just one click!
Please click the link below to listen in 4 parts MP3 files which are altogether amounts to 113.42 minutes of your valuable precious time of yours to know the facts of this creation.

http://sandeepnadendla.com/hanuman.aspx

Any feed back negative or positive is highly appreciated.

Tuesday 28 April 2009

VENDANTA-THE TRINITY

VEDANTA -THE TRINITY

SAI SUDHA

Vedanta is a combination of two words.' Veda' which means 'knowledge' and 'anta' which means 'the end of' or 'the goal of'. Knowledge here means the knowledge of God as well as the knowledge of our own divine nature. Then Vedanta is the search for self-knowledge as well as the search for God. Vedanta is a philosophy taught by the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of Santana Dharma or Veda Dharma. Its basic teaching is that our real nature is divine. God or Brahman as it is called exists in every being.

The following are some of the main tenets of Vedanta. God is one without a second, absolute and indivisible. We are primarily consciousness, part of the cosmic consciousness. All manifestations of God on earth are actual embodiments of divinity. There is no accident in the cosmic universe. Human destiny is governed by the law of karma (cause and effect). There is a higher state of consciousness, which can be achieved, in this human birth. Not only this is possible, it is inevitable. God realization is our birthright. Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared "Truth is one, sages called it by various names " Even though Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Santana Dharma (Hinduism), it is universal in its application and equally relevant to all countries, all cultures and all religious backgrounds.

All ethics are merely a means to the end of finding God within us. 'Right' action is one, which brings us nearer to the knowledge of God. 'Wrong' action leads us away from that knowledge. Our idea of 'good or 'evil' are therefore only relative values and must not be used as an absolute standard by which we judge others. Each of us has an individual problem and individual path of development. But the goal is the same for all.

There are three major schools of thought in Hindu philosophy about the relationship between humans and the truth- Dvaita, Advaita and Visistadvaita, which means in English, Dualism, Non-Dualism and Conditional non-Dualism respectively. The three great Hindu sages who contributed to these three concepts were Madhwa Acharya, Sankara Acharya and Ramanuja Acharya in the same order.

DVAITA: (Dualism) Madhwacharya said, "Man is a servant of God" and established his Dvaita philosophy. He was born in 1199 A.D at Velali, a few miles from Udipi in the district of south Karnataka in south India, in a Tulu Brahmin family to Madhya Geha and Vedavati. Madhwa is regarded as an incarnation of Vayu, the wind God. He took to the study of Vedas and Vedangas and became well versed in them. He took sannyasa in his twenty fifth year and initiated by Achyuta Prakashacharya. Madhwacharya is the great exponent of Dvaita School of philosophy. His Vaishnavism is called Sad-vaishnavism in order to distinguish it from Sri-Vaishnavism of Ramanujacharya. According to Dvaita, the Supreme Being is Vishnu or Narayana. The worship of Vishnu consists of Ankana, marking the body with His symbols; Namakarana, giving the names of the Lord to children and Bhajana, singing His glories. Madhwa stressed on constant practice of the remembrance of God (smarana). He says then only it will be easy for us to remember Him at the moment of death. The aspirant should equip himself with the study of Vedas, control of senses, dispassion and perfect self-surrender, if he wants to have the vision of the Lord.

VISISTADVAITA:(conditional non-dualism) Ramanujacharya said, " Man is ray or spark of God " and established his Visistadvaita philosophy. Ramanuja was born in 1017 A.D in the village of Perumbudur, about 20 miles west of Chennai (Madras). His father was Kesava Somayaji and his mother was Kantimathi. After his father's death, Ramanuja went to Kancheepuram to study the Vedas under Yadavaprakasha, a teacher of Advaita philosophy. About the end of the tenth century, his Visistadvaita philosophy was well established in south India and the followers of this creed were in charge of important temples of Kancheepuram, Srirangam, Tirupathi and other important places.

Yamunacharya, a great sage and profound scholar and was also the head of the Mutt at Srirangam. Yamunacharya before his death, he left instructions that he had three wishes, which Ramanuja was to be requested to fulfill, viz; that a Visistadvata Bhashya should be written for the Brahma sutras of Vyasa, and the names of Para Sara, the author of Vishnupurana and saint Sadagopa should be perpetuated. Ramanuja was deeply touched, and in the cremation ground itself, before the dead body of Yamunacharya, he made a solemn promise that God willing, and he would fulfill all the three wishes of Yamunacharya. Ramanuja lived 120 years, and in the course of his long life, he fully redeemed his promise by fulfilling all the three wishes of Yamunacharya.

Ramanuja proceeded to Thirukottiyur to take initiation from Nambi for japa of the sacred Mantra " Om Namo Narayana. After a long struggle and difficulties he was initiated by Nambi and was told by Nambi " Ramunuja keep this Mantra secret. This Mantra is a powerful one. Those who repeat this Mantra will attain salvation. Give it only a worthy disciple previously tried ". But Ramanuja has a very large heart. He called all the people irrespective of caste and creed to assemble before the temple. He stood on the top of the tower above the front gate of the temple of Srirangam and shouted on the top of his voice, the sacred Mantra to all of them. Nambi after he came to know of this became furious. Ramanuja said " O my beloved guru! Please prescribe a suitable punishment for my wrong action, I will gladly suffer the torture of hell myself, if millions of people could get salvation by hearing the sacred Mantra through me ". Nambi was very pleased with Ramanuja and blessed him.

After traveled through the length and breadth of India to dissipate the path of devotion, Ramanuja finally reached Srirangam and settled there. Ramanuja refers to three realities, viz; God, Soul and Matter. The first alone is independent and the other two being dependent on Him. He pointed out that we experience temporary separation from the Lord, which can be overcome through the method of devotion. Devotion is also a severe discipline and hence’ Yoga’ the starting point as well as the final movement in Ramanuja's 'Bhakti Yoga' is faith in a loving God. At the same time Ramanuja cautioned that the personal God must not become a fetish leading to intolerance.

ADVAITA:(Non-Dualistic theory) Sri Adi Sankara said, " Man is identical with Brahman or eternal Soul " and established his Kevala Advaita philosophy. According to Sankara, there is a screen of illusion (Maya), which separates man from God. As soon as man realizes his folly and comes out of his illusion. He is one with the infinite.

Sri Sankara was born in a very poor Brahmin family in 788 A.D in Kaladi village near Cochin in Kerala. His parents were Sivaguru and Aryamba. There is an un-ending controversy about Ankara’s birth date even today. According to one great man, it was Panchami; a Sunday in the month of Vaishaki of the year Nandana in the early hours of the morning during 'Brahmamuhurtha' Sankara was born in Kaladi village in God's own country, Kerala. We were very fortunate to visit Sankara's birthplace on the closing days of 2003, where his mother's samadhi is also present. There was Telugu speaking priest at the Ashram and he explained all the important events and showed the places of Sankara's early life. It is a place worth visiting in one's life if possible.

The period of Sankara's birth was witness to the spiritual degradation of India and a mass adaptation of atheistic philosophies by Indians. Atheistic forms of Buddhism were rampant and denying the existence of God. His father died when Sankara was seven years old. One day Sankara and his mother went to bathe in a river. Sankara plunged into the water and felt that a crocodile was dragging him by the foot. He shouted out to his mother " O dear mother! a crocodile is dragging me down. I am lost; let me die peacefully as a sannyasin. Let me have the satisfaction of dying as a sannyasin. Give your permission now ". His mother allowed him to take sannyasa. Sankara took Apath-sannyasa (the adoption of sannyasa when death is near) at once. The crocodile let him go un-harmed. He left his mother under the care of his relatives and gave away his little property to them. Before he left told his mother to think of him at the time of her death, so that he will come and perform her funeral rites.
Sankara met Swami Govindapada in Badrinath in the Himalayas. Govinda was very much pleased with Sankara and initiated him. Swami Govinda taught him the philosophy of Advaita. After teaching all the philosophy Govinda asked Sankara to go to Kashi. He has written the commentaries on the Gita, the Upanishads and the Brahma sutras in Kashi when he was sixteen years of age. Then he became a master of all the philosophies and theologies. Sankara’s philosophical conquests are unique in the world. He had his triumphant tour all over India. He convinced and won over the leaders of different schools of thought. He went to all celebrated seats of learning. His arguments with Madana Misra were noteworthy. It lasted several days and Sankara won the contest and Madana Misra became his follower and sannyasin. Sankara ascended the seat of omniscience after inviting Vedic scholars from all parts of India and answering their numerous questions. Sankara by vanquishing all the religious opponents of his day and they belonged to no less than seventy two different schools and establishing his superiority of the Vedic Dharma, has become the Jagadguru of all. Because of his glorious achievements, he is acclaimed as the very incarnation of Lord Shiva. In Kashi, while having 'darshan' of the presiding deity, Viswanath, Sankara offered the following prayer, " O Lord! I have come to you for the expiation of my sins ". What? sins for Sankara! Yes Sankara himself gave the answer as follows: " O Lord Shankara! My first sin is that in spite of my knowing and teaching others that God is beyond mind and speech, I have tried to describe you through several hymns composed by me. This betrays lack of conformity between my thought and word. Next, having been convinced that God pervades and permeates everything in the manifested universe, I have been preaching this truth to one and all. Nevertheless, I have come to Kashi to have your Darshan. This shows that my thoughts, words and deeds are at variance with one another. This is my second offence. Thirdly, I have firm belief that one and the same Atma (self) is immanent in all beings and there is no difference between Jivatma (individual soul) and the Paramatma (God) While I have been proclaiming this truth in all my discourses, I have now come here to stand before you as if we two are separate and different from each other. This is my third sin. Hence I pray that I may be absolved of all these three sins, of which I am guilty ". So even Adi Sankara had sins!

When Sankara was giving a spiritual discourse, one young man asked him why all human beings in this world should not be regarded as equal, since the same kind of blood flows in them? Sankara told that it is not possible for man to distinguish between permanent and impermanent things. One can adopt the notion of non-duality (Advaita) in one's thoughts and attitudes, but it is not possible to put everything in the world into practice. The young man protested that it does not seem right. To explain clearly, Sankara asked the young man whether he had mother, wife, sister and mother-in-law. He asked whether he was treating them equally and if in particular, he was treating his mother as his wife and his wife as mother. Vedanta philosophy is really that intricate.

Sankara returned to Kaladi as he promised, before he left that he would be with her in the last minutes of her death. He encountered serious difficulties in performing the funeral rites to his mother and he him self carried the body on his shoulders to the back yard of their house and cremated. Then Sankara returned to Sringeri where he established a Mutt before. After words he went to Ujjain to put down the atrocities of the Bhairavas who were shedding human blood. He then proceeded to Dwaraka and established a Mutt there. He then went to the Himalayas, and built a Mutt at Joshi and a temple at Badri. He then proceeded to Kedarnath higher up in the Himalayas. He became one with the Linga in 820A.D in his thirty second year.

Sringeri peetha in Karnataka is one of the oldest monasteries of the world flourishing for over twelve centuries now. It is the first of the four seats of learning established by Sri Sankara, the other three being, Puri, Dwaraka, and Joshi Mutt, each of them representing the four Vedas of Veda Dharma ( Sanatana Dharma) i.e.-Hinduism Sankara's Kevala Advaita philosophy can be summed up in the following words-
BRAHMA SATYAM, jAGAT MITHYA, JEEVO BRAHMAIVA NA APARAH- Meaning Brahma is real, the world is unreal, Jeeva is identical with Brahman. Sankara is the foremost among the masterminds and great souls, which Mother India has produced. Of all the ancient systems of philosophy, that of Sri Sankara will be found to the most congenial and most easy of acceptance to the modern mind.

Apart from the Trinity of Vedanta, namely, Madhwa, Ramanuja and Sri Sankara described above, there are a couple more worth mentioning. Vallabhacharya, the founder of Vaishnavite cult of Rajasthan, and Gujarat was born in 1479 A.D at Champaranya, Raipur in Madhya Pradesh. He was a Telugu Brahmin and a contemporary of Sri Chaitanya Maha Prabhu. He is regarded as an Avatar of Agni (Fire God) According to his Pure Monism or the Shuddadvaita school of philosophy; Sri Krishna is the highest Brahman. Last but no means least is Nimbarka, son of Aruna Muni and his wife Jayanti Devi who lived in Vaiduryapattnam, on the banks of Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. He flourished in eleventh century A.D Sri Nimbarkacharya is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Hari's Sudarshana chakra or Discus. The Nimbarka sect is found mostly in Brij Bhumi, viz; Brindavan, Nandigram, Barsara and Govardhan etc.

All the above Acharyas were Great Souls. We cannot say Sankara was greater than Ramanuja or Vallabha was greater than Nimbarka. All were Avatar Purushas. Each one incarnated on this earth to complete a definite mission, to preach and propagate a certain doctrine, which was necessary to help the growth of certain type of people who flourished at a certain period, who were in a certain stage of destination. All schools of philosophy are necessary. We, the Human Race are very fortunate to have these divine personalities in Sanatana Dharma of our Golden Heritage

Modern Vedanta is exemplified in the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna a great prophet of nineteenth century India (1836-1886) and Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), his foremost monostic disciple Swami Vivekananda was the first teacher of Vedanta in the west and taught Vedanta in USA and Europe between 1893-1897 and between 1899-1900. If one describes Sri Sankara arguably as father of Sanatana Dharma, then Swami Vivekananda must be the beloved son of Hinduism.


GLORY TO THE ACHARYAS, GLORY TO VEDA DHARMA, MAY THEIR BLESSINGS S SHOWER UPON ALL OF US.

.





AUM LOKAH SAMASTHAH SUKHINO BHAVANTHU