Pakirareddy

VASANTHA PANCHAMI

2011-02-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

Dear SELF,

We do not own anything in this world and dependent upon so many things
and people for our basic survival. In spite of this fact we tend to
feel that we are doing everything not only for ourselves but also for
others! How innocent we are to feel like that. We tend to forget that
we are only a speck in this Universe.
The moment we were born we come to this world after having a miserable
state in our Mother's womb for almost 9 full moths with all the filth
we can think off with a cry which helps to breath in and out, off
course with empty hands, when everybody around us start to feel happy
of our presence in this world and until we depart from this world
after a short stay to act in the drama of life again with empty hands
in the presence of sorrow expressed by all around us to a place from
where we came (home)
So even before we were born, during the acting life and also even
after leaving this mortal coil, we all depend upon so many things and
so many people around us. I am sure it is very clear now that we do
not have anything to claim as our own and that is the reality. We need
to be aware of this fact in every moment of our existence.
So far what we have talked about is ourselves (what we think and
believe are i.e.. the physical bodies) under the influence of
ignorance (lack of knowledge) which is ajnana. which can only be
removed by knowledge (Jnana) which is nothing but what we really are.
To know what we really are is the mission of this temporary life which
we got due to various good deeds we have done in our previous lives.
We need to utilise this precious life of ours to know who we really
are Not what we think and believe we are, we can talk about it next
time.

VASANT PANCHAMI:
The 5th day of Magha masam is very significant, the day on which
Vasanta Panchami falls, the first day of long waited spring after the
cold spell of winter, which happens to be the Birthday of Maha
Saraswathi.

As 'Diwali-the festival of lights is to Maha Lakshmi, goddess of
wealth and prosperity, and Navaratri is to Maha Durga, goddess of
power and valour, V(B)asant Panchami is to Maha Saraswathi, the
goddess of knowledge and arts. This festival is celebrated every year
on the 5th day or Panchami of the bright fortnight of lunar month of
Magha. Vasant comes from the word 'spring' as this festival heralds
the beginning of the lovely spring season.
Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami with great fervour in temples, homes
and even in schools and colleges. Saraswathi's favourite colour yellow
assumes special significance on this day. The statue of the goddess is
dressed in yellow cloths and is worshipped by devotees wearing yellow
garments. Saraswathi being offered with yellow colour sweets for
example yellow lemon rice or yellow kesari sweet!
\the most significant aspect of Vasant Panchami is that it is the most
auspicious day to begin laying one's foundation of reading and writing
especially to pre-school children. It is also a great day to
inaugurate training institutes and educational establishments like
schools and colleges, a trend made famous by the renowned Indian
educationist Pandit Sri Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861-1946), who was the
founder of the sacred Benaras Hindu University on the Vasant Panchami
day in 1916. I was very fortunate to be a pupil of this great
institution for a tear in 1961!
This is the time of the year when life spurts in the nature by way of
new leaves, blossoms appear on the tress with the promise of new life
and hope which makes Nature at it's Best!

Now let us watch Her divine form with her Beeja Mantra by clicking the
link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9gNfn2vzuA&feature=related

There are only two main popular Saraswathi temples in Bharat one is in
Kashmir and the other one is which is more popular is Gnana Saraswathi
temple in Basara about 30 kilometres from Nizambad, in the north
Telangana in Andhra Pradesh and I wish I was there!. We were there a
couple of years ago and it is the temple one should visit in life time
which is on the banks of Godavari river.
If anybody wants to watch the magic of Basara, please click the link
below which lasts about just over 33 minutes and can be watched in the
evening with all the family.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4556081878853153384

Anybody who like to read about the temple and wish to visit in the
future, please click the following two links

http://www.nirmalcity.com/basar_saraswathi.htm

http://www.basaratemple.org/

If you want to listen Saraswathi songs with Sankalpam, please click
the link below for those who have little time to spare

http://www.raaga.com/channels/sanskrit/moviedetail.asp?mid=S0000196

Those who want to listen some Hindi tunes on Saraswathi, please click
the link below

http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/moviedetail.asp?mid=HD000261

Does anybody wants to listen the beautiful Bhajan on Saraswathi by
Anup Jalota! If so please click the link below

http://www.video4viet.com/music.html?act=play&id=a1734f842ad5b9f5c0ec99dd2c63b129

I am sure at least some of you want to listen or watch Saraswathi
Gayatri by clicking the link below

http://msabhiblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/saraswathi-gayatri-mantra-lyrics.html

If anybody has not satisfied with the information on Vasant Panchami
yet, please click the link below to read more

http://www.indiancultureonline.com/details/VASANTA-PANCHAMI.html
and
http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/p/saraswati.htm?nl=1

With Love, Light & Peace to all,

SivaRamaKrishna

SANDHYAVANDANAM

2011-02-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Dear SELF, About almost 85% world population regularly think of some super power unknown controls every thing in this wonderful creation which we all enjoy. It is everybody's right and the property of selected few. But it is generally labelled to certain individual groups historically which is wrong according to Sanatana Dharma.
Sandhyavandanam means a ritual carried out just before Sunrise and just after sunset and these two periods are considered more auspicious and some people insists that it should be done on midday (12.00 noon) and even some others go to the extent of doing at 12.00 midnight when the day ends and the next day begins.

It is a common belief among many only Brahmins should perform Sandhyavandanam especially after Upanayanam just before start learning life principles under a learned Guru. Some others believe even this is wrong. We are all Human and we are dividedd according the way, we think, speak and act and only these three aspects of life dictates who is who?

If we could understand various aspects of the rituals of SANDHYAVANDANAM, THEN WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHO SHOULD PERFORM REGULARLY THIS RITUAL by clicking the link below

http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100302100909AAo0lDB

This is just a thought came to my mind early this morning and sharing with you all and let us hope that this message may add some value the way we live as humans

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna
Reply Forward

FRAUD-HUNGER

2011-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, We all living creatures need three basic requirements which we all aware already, namely 'khana (food), kapada (cloths to cover our body) & makhan (some shelter to live in and sleep). How many of humans have all these three basic needs around the world. The estimation is at least one in ten but the reality is much more without the fault of their own, No place on earth has an exception to this fact including the so called most advanced country in the world namely A me ri Ka.

Now the second universal phenomenon is of course FRAUD in all levels in various proportions which we examine just by watching/reading a ten minute video by clicking the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMSatkxO_r0

Please watch this video clip with attention and then only read the forward message which explains the fate of the humanity for the basic requirements just to sustain life.
How many unfortunate people including our daughters, sons, grand children, sisters & brothers can have at least one square meal a day with the money wasted on the name of fraud around the world?

Let us hope we will arise, awake and do some thing as individuals now but not later on as so many lives are at danger every second!

We hope and pray that so many AMMAS WILL ARISE IN EVERY FAMILY, VILLAGE, TOWN CITY, NATION AND THE WORLD TO ALLEVIATE HUMAN hunger.
IF THIS DOES NOT ALTER OUR LIFE STYLE AND ADD SOME VALUE TO THIS HUMAN LIFE WHAT DOES I DO NOT KNOW!

With love, light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

-----Original Message-----
From: enewslist@ammachi.org
To: pakirareddy@aol.com
Sent: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:32
Subject: Amrita eNews - Jan 2011

News
Fighting Hunger - Our Goal
January, 2011
The fight against hunger is far from over. Today, we produce more food than ever, yet more than one in 10 people on earth suffers from hunger. In the United States, one in eight Americans do not have dependable access to food. Our Auction proceeds will directly support Fighting Hunger.
Join us in Action Now!

Embracing The World's Fighting Hunger Projects
January, 2011
In today's world, people experience two types of poverty: The poverty caused by lack of food, clothing and shelter, and the poverty caused by lack of love and compassion. Of these two, the second type needs to be considered firstbecause, if we have love and compassion in our hearts, then we will wholeheartedly serve those who suffer from lack of food, clothing and shelter.- Amma

In the United States, one in eight Americans (more than 35 million) don't have dependable, consistent access to food due to limited money and resources, and nearly 60 percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 75 fall below the poverty line for at least one year.

At present, ETW volunteers in 40 cities throughout North America prepare and serve 73,000 meals a year for the homeless and hungry.

When the majority of India's people earn less than Rs. 80 ($1.66) a day, and the price of a kilo of rice ranges between Rs. 20 and Rs. 80, it is no wonder that nearly 50 percent of India's population suffer from malnourishment. The fight against hunger is far from over. Today, we produce more food than ever, yet more than one in 10 people on earth suffers from hunger. But this war can be won - the United Nations Development Program puts the annual cost of ending hunger at just an additional $13 billion more than what is already being spent by governments and organizations around the world.

At present, Embracing the World feeds more than two million people annually throughout India. ETW also distributes uncooked rice, milk and other staples to deeply impoverished communities. In the first six months after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, ETW provided more than six million free meals to disaster victims, as well as more than 185 tons of uncooked rice to help the victims make ends meet.
Brief History of our Auction for Action project
January, 2011
Online auctions, initially launched in 2003, have a new name, 'Auction for Action,' as Amma inspires true action, an action with a purpose. Auction for Action is a not-for-profit, which serves and contributes all proceeds directly to Embracing the World (ETW), an international collective of charities. We believe that having the basic needs met is the fundamental right of any human being, and that it is the responsibility of each of us to strive hard to ensure that one day, every human being can live in dignity, safety, security and peace. This year, Auction for Action will directly support 'Help Fight Hunger,' one of ETW's worldwide humanitarian projects. You can find more information on 'Help Fight Hunger' and bid for a cause by visiting: auctionforaction.org

Amma in South India
January, 2011
Amma is now in Chennai, as a part of her South Indian tour. To give a glimpse of what Amma's tours are like, here is a small example.
Amma was in Kozhikode on Jan 10, 2011 as a part of the South Indian tour:

When many see Amma giving darshan in Kozhikode, they cannot believe their eyes. It seems like total chaos—devotees being pushed into and pulled out of Amma's arms at such a rate. It was estimated that 1800 people were seen in an hour and Amma gave darshan for about 15-18 hours continuously. Jan Kounen, the director of Darshan: The Embrace, the recently released documentary about Amma, once filmed Amma when she was going at such a speed. He said, "She is going so fast, so at first the eye doesn't catch it; it just kind of looks disorganized, like a blur. It was too fast. So I decided to shoot her in slow motion. Only then I started to see: 'No, it's not like that; there is such grace and beauty there. Everything is so deliberate; it is like a ballet.'"

Telemedicine camp by AIMS
January, 2011
A free medical camp was conducted by AIMS in Idukki district at Kannampadi Government High School on January 16, 2011. The camp was organized by Idukki Wild Life Division. More than 300 patients received the benefit of medical attention and treatment. Fourteen patients were selected for further investigation and management.

AIMS conducts these medical camps frequently throughout the year.
Amrita Center for NanoSciences (ACNS)
Did you know?
ACNS conducts research in cancer nanotechnology and was the first such center established by the Government of India. Research is aimed at developing affordable nano-implants.
ACNS is developing techniques for the early detection and treatment of cancer using quantum dots, gene slicing, and nano-particles. Nanotechnology is also being developed to treat malaria, inflammations and osteoporosis. ACNS also conducts research in the development of thin-film devices for sensor applications and solar cells.
Mother's Kitchen feeds more than 73,000 meals every year in the U.S.
The Mother's Kitchen project has been providing a full-course healthy meal to the needy on a regular basis in various centers all over the United States.

If you would like to support the various humanitarian activities please click here

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Gems to treasure
Compassion
Compassion to the poor is our duty towards God.
-- Amma

If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.
-- William Penn

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
-- Buddist saying

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Featured Center
Amma Center in San Ramon
For more details

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The Amma Shop
Net proceeds from your purchases will benefit Amma's various humanitarian projects.
Visit The Amma Shop today and gift your dear ones with something they will surely love!

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Immortal Bliss subscriptions
Immortal Bliss, a quarterly magazine, contains Mother's message, reminiscences by her senior monastic disciples, experiences of devotees from all over the world, poems dedicated to Amma, stories for children, and reports on the humanitarian activities that Amma's mission spearheads worldwide, among other features. The magazine enshrines Amma's teachings, and for this reason, many have found it to be a link to Amma, especially in her physical absence, offering solace and providing guidance. Please visit our online shop to subscribe to this magazine.

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A HAPPY,HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR-2011

2010-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, The day came for all humans to celebrate New year 2011 which was going on all our life. What is the most important thing which we are able to enjoy life with what we have? Let us think about it today.
To my simple mind, the only thing we all need is good health for this human body to enjoy and this is possible to only humans to appreciate fully. The next question is how to get Good Health (GH)? as easy as possible for which we all spend lot of time and money all our life.

There is simple way we all can do, any where at any time , in any day with little effort and cost which at least we can try to prove ourselves! What is it? What is the proof that it will work?
The other thing is we all take New year resolutions on the New year eve to make our lives as pleasant as possible.

May I request that can we try to 'EAT A BANANA EVERY DAY THAT KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY' !
Any body, any age group especially who are PREGNANT, and any other common problems like hypertension & other ailments can eat at least one banana two or three times day is preferable. To read the evidence for this and other uses of this King of fruits, please click the link and read and if you are convinced only you can try.

http://indianknowledgesystemacademy.blogspot.com/2010/12/banana-day-keeps-doctor-away.html

Let us hope and pray that we all have a good health to all of us , our family and friends. Please feel free to send the link to anybody who will be grateful for doing this.

With Love, Light & Peace to all,

SivaRamaKrishna

IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP

2010-12-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Hope we all ready to celebrate CHRISTMAS-2010.
We just touched the subject of the oldest culture on earth recently which I am sure we all read. What is the greatness about India> Please have a look at the forward message and see if we agree. Please do not think, that India is the only country in the world and every country has good and bad about every thing and we need to take only good and leave the not so good for the Time.

We all spend almost half of our life in sleep. I am now 65 years of human life with the body which means about half of that about 33 years of sleep. During the remaining 32 years of wakeful life, it took me about 30 years (15 years really) to support my self and another 25 years (13 years really) to get married, to have children and educate and support them, to get them married and to let them live on their own. So about 28 years of my wakeful life out of 32 years of this body and leaving only about 8 years (really 4 years) to do what I wanted to do as all the time is mine and nobody else's!

I can do what I want, when I want and where I want and how long I want, That is the beauty of the so called retirement which I am in. How long more? Nobody knows! Is it not the real mistry? If it is not mistry, what is it. See how life goes. It does not matter what we did was right or wrong as there is only very thin line in between right and wrong depending upon so many factors like time, the society we live in, and of course our frinds we are associated which can turn our life in any direction.
We should be grateful for our Mother Land, Mother, Father without whom this body of ours does not exist, Guru who gave us education, knowledge etc and of course other humans, plants, animals and all the non-living objects and Pancha Bhutas from where we all came and where this human body goes and joins the same 5 elements. What remains is our real self which is pure consciousness namely 'ATMA' which has no birth or death and it is eternal as PARAMATMA OR BRAHMAN not Brahmin!

We started with sleep in the first place. Let us see what is sleep and why should we spend 50% of our time in this human life. Please click the link below to read and see what we feel

http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2011/01/10/the-power-of-sleep/?a_dgi=aolshare_email

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

THE HINDU FESTIVALS

2010-11-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

It has been said often enough that Hindus celebrates everything. So they do. The birth of Gods, death of asuras, victory of Gods, marriage of Gods, the new year, new months, full moon, new moons, harvests, birthdays, initiations marriages, deaths, anniversaries- you name the event, and it is reason for music, dance, processions and what have you.
There is the religious flavour lurking behind it all. The reasons for this lie deep, in the origin of Hinduism as an organic religion. Its followers have over time considered anything, animate or inanimate, to be sacred and aspects of divinity.
That is also why even secular events like harvests take on religious overtones, with the patron deity presiding over the festivities. As soon as something happens, there is a kind of thanksgiving to the divine that follows it.
Apart from the universally celebrated festivals like Ganesh chturthi, Diwali and Dasara, there are others that are observed in specific communities or geographical area. The worship of Murugan (as during the festival of Skanda Shasti) is predominant in Tamil Nadu, where God is considered as a patron of the region. The festival of Onam is a good example that is celebrated solely by Keralites. Another interesting aspect of Onam is that it is perhaps the only major Hindu festival that celebrates the reign of an asura king, although a benevolent one. If you travel around the country, especially in villages, you will hear people tell you a variety of legends involving different Gods behind a single festival. You will also find versions of the same festival being celebrated under different names in different regions.
The following is the summary of some of the main festivals and occasions that I e. mailed throughout out the year to remind friends all over the world, as they are busy with their routine work and jobs.

* We are starting with Ganesh Chaturdhi as it is customary

GANESH CHATURTHI: Let us offer our humble prayers to Lord Ganesha, who represents wisdom, and to His consorts Siddhi and Buddhi who grant wealth and knowledge, to bless us all with true knowledge, discrimination, dispassion, good health and prosperity. “May you remove our difficulties with lustrous axe in your hand and bring success to all our noble efforts”.
Ganesh Mantra: Aum Sri Ganeshaya Namah.
His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung (pronounced as the English word ‘sung’)
His two feet represents the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that, it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol Om.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which is most sacred to Him. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (Aug-Sept). Lord Ganesha, the eldest son Parvathi and Lord Shiva is the remover of all obstacles. Clay figures of the deity are made and after being worshiped on the day or in some areas like Mumbai for ten days, they are immersed into water. If one wants to see the real hangama of Ganesh Chaturthi, one should be in Mumbai during the festival. The Siddhi Vinayaka temple in the heart of Mumbai is a famous landmark.
Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh recommends: On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period (4.00- 6.00 a. m). Then after taking a bath, go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship Him at home too. You can get the assistance of a pundit. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your home. Feel His presence in it.
WHAT EVER YOU DO ON THAT DAY, NO ONE SHOULD LOOK AT THE MOON ON GANESH CHATURTHI DAY. If at all any body sees the moon, the only way he or she can be freed from the curse by listening the story of how Lord Krishna cleared his character regarding the Syamantaka Jewel.

DASARA OR NAVARATRI: These festivals are celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (Septem-Octo) from the shukla paksha, pratipada to dashami or 10th day of Aswin. Dasara is celebrated all over India with a lot of fanfare and religious fervour. It is an occasion for pujas and festivities like music, dance and cultural programmes. In South India specially in Tamilnadu Dasara is called Navaratri (9 nights)
According to Hindu mythology, a very powerful Asura Demon king Mahishasura prayed the Almighty and asked for a boon that his death should be at the hands of a woman and by no other human being or any form of living being.
When his cruelty became unbearable, people prayed to Sakthi, the concert of Shiva to save them from the Demon and provide them with salvation. Sakthi then took the form of Durga and killed the Demon Mahishasura. The fight took place for 9 days and nights, hence the name Navaratri.
PURPOSE OF DASARA: Festivals like Dasara are designed to make man aware of his divinity, to endow him with purity to become aware of its holiness to imprint on his heart the wisdom won by sages after years of yearning. The Dasara festival honours the victory of Devas (Gods) over the Asuras (demons), the force of righteousness over the force of evil. The Gods were able to win, because of para-shakti, the dynamic aspect of Divinty.
IMPORTANCE OF DASARA: During the festival of Dasara, the three Goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped according to certain practices. The tenth day is celebrated as the victory day.
In Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas had to spend a year incognito, they hid their weapons on the advice of Krishna, in a Jammi tree which is thick in foliage and whose branches are filled with latent fire. Vijayadasami was the day on which Pandavas retrieved their weapons from the tree and used them to win victory over the Kauravas.
In the Tetra Yuga, Sri Rama’s coronation after His victorious return to Ayodhya from Lanka was prepared on Vijayadasami day.
This is the day on which Shiridi Saibaba left His mortal coil and went to Mahasamadhi.
NAVA DURGA: There are nine forms of Durga. 1. Durga, 2. Brahmacharini, 3.Chandraghanta, 4. Kushmanda, created the Universe with a smile. 5. Skandamata, as Kumar Kartik’s other name is Skanda. 6. Kattayani, 7. Kalratri, 8. Mahagouri, whose complexion are totally white, 9. Siddhidatri as she delivers success.
During the nine days (Navaratri), the first 3 days are dedicated to Goddess Durga, dressed in Red and mounted on a lion. The next 3 days dedicated to Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) dressed in Gold and mounted on an owl. The last 3 days of Navaratri are dedicated to Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on pure white swan. Dandidya and Garba Rass are the highlights of Dasara in Gujarat. In Bengal Durga puja is done in the grandest form.

DIWALI OR DEEPAVALI, FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Diwali or Deepavali means ‘a row of lights’ which is celebrated on Amavasya day, the 15th day of dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashwin which usually comes in October-November every year. It is most popular and eagerly waited festival in India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs regard this festival as a celebration of life. It usually comes after 18 days of Dasara. The common practice is to light small oil amps (diyas) and places them around the home.
TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE DIWALI:
Goddess Lakshmi’s Birthday: The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (amavasya) during the churning of the ocean, hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi.
Vishnu rescued Lakshmi on Diwali day. Lord Vishnu in His fifth incarnation as Vaman-avatara rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason of worshipping Ma Lakshmi on Diwali.
Krishna killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.
The return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’ it was Diwali day, when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banmishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.
The victory of Rama: According to the epic ‘Ramayana’, it was the Diwali day, when Lord Sri Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.
Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu king, Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.
Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was on the Diwali day, when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.
Special day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar considered being the founder of modern Jainism also attained nirvana on Diwali day.
Special day for Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalised Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Guru’s blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings.
The Pope’s Diwali Speech: In 1999, Pope John Paul II performed a special Eucharist in an Indian church where the alter was decorated with Diwali lamps, the Pope had a ‘tilak’ marked on his forehead and his speech was bristled with references to the festival of lights.
Diwali is a festival of 5 days. The 1st day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, which falls on the 13th day of the month of Ashwin. Dhan means wealth and this day has a great significance for the rich mercantile community of Western India.
The 2nd day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwal, which falls on the 14th day of the Ashwin. This is the day on which Lord Krishna killed Narakaasura.
The 3rd day of Diwali is the day of Lakshmi Puja. This day is known as Chopoda Puja- balancing the accounts and their closing. In spite of Amavasya, this day is regarded as most auspicious.
The 4th day of Diwali is called Padwa or Varshapratipada marks the coronation of king Vikramaditya. Govardhan Puja is also performed in North India on this day.
The 5th and last day of Diwali is known as’Bhayya Duj’ in Hindi speaking belt and as Bhav-Bij in Marathi speaking belt and in Nepal it is called Bhai-Tika. This is the day of showing love between sisters and brothers and also a day of food sharing and sharing gifts as well.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has so aptly put forth the true significance of Diwali in the following beautiful lines.
“ THE NIGHT IS BLACK
KINDLE THE LAMP OF LOVE
WITH THY LIFE AND DEVOTION”

GAYATRI JAPA DAY: The Gayatri Japa Day falls the day after Raksha Bhandan day (sisters tie Rakhi-a coloured thread of love on the wrist of their brothers to protect them against evil influences) Gayatri Japa Day is a holy and most glorious day intended to remind us all of the greatest and most glorious of all Mantras, the sacred Gayatri Mantra. The very meaning of the word Gayatri is ‘that which protects one who sings it’. The celibate, the Grihastha or householder and the Vanaprastha or one who is retired, must repeat this Mantra every day. The sanyasin or renunciate is asked to repeat AUM instead of this Mantra.
‘NA GAYATRYAH PARO MANTRAH’ meaning ‘there is no Mantra greater than the Gayatri’
Let us all start repeating this holy Mantra every day starting on Gayatri Japa Day until the appointed final call comes.
The Gayatri is as follows:

Om bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat.

Om: symbol of para Brahma
Bhur: Bhu Loka or the physical plane.
Bhuvah: the astral plane
Svah: the celestial plane

Tat: That; the transcendental paramatma; God
Savitur: the creator
Varanyam: fit to be worshipped.

Bhargo: remover of sins and ignorance; glory, effulgence
Devasya: resplendent, shining
Dheemahi: we meditate

Dhiyo: the intellect, understanding
To: who
Nah: our
Prachodayaat: enlighten, guide, impel.

Meaning: “We meditate on the glory of the creator who has created the universe, who is fit to be worshipped, who is the embodiment of knowledge and light, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellect”?

In Gayatri Mantra there are five parts:
Om is the first part,
Bhur bhuvah svah is the second part,
Tat savitur varenyam is the third part,
Bhargo devasya dheemahi is the fourth part, and
Dhiyo to nah prachodayaat is the fifth and last part.

WHILE CHANTING THE GAYATRI MANTRA, WE SHOULD PAUSE AFTER EVERY PART.

GURU PURNIMA OR VYASA PURNIMA OR ASHADA PURNIMA

The day of full moon, Hindus traditionally celebrate Purnima, in the month of Ashada as Guru Purnima, which usually comes in the month of July. Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration of to sage Veda Vyasa. He is the Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu Dharma. Vyasa was the son of the sage Parasara and fisherwoman Satyavati and the grand son of the renowned sage Vasistha. He personified the combination of sagely wisdom and the practical approach of the fisherwoman. It is essential to cultivate both to excel in life.
Vyasa was born on the full moon day (Purnima) of Ashada. Purnima which denotes illumination and Vyasa Purnima points to spiritual enlightenment. Yasa is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Apart from codifying the Vedas, Vyasa composed the Puranas and Brahma sutras and also dictated the epic Mahabharata consisting of almost one-lakh verses and it is considered as the fifth Veda.
Guru Purnima day is considered as the most auspicious day on which ones Guru are worshiped. The word Guru stands for the source of light, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. The worship of Guru means a journey from darkness to light. (Tam soma Jyotirgamaya)
Only He who removes our ultimate darkness, known as Maya, and who inspires and guides us on the path of God-realisation is the true Guru. A spiritual aspirant, no matter how brilliant, can never attain knowledge by his or her own endeavour. This is stipulated in the Shrimad Bhagawatam in which Jadbharat reveals to king Rahugan:
“O Rahugan! One cannot attain knowledge of Atma and Paramatma by performing penance, sacrifices, renunciation, Vedic study or worshipping deities of water, fire or the Sun. But when the dust from the feet of God-realised Guru sprinkles on our heads, then we can surely attain this knowledge”.
Adi Shankara echoes a similar injunction: “If a person, despite possessing, a handsome, disease-free body, fame, a mountain of wealth, and even if he has studied the Vedas and all other scriptures, and has himself composed many scriptures, but has not surrendered himself at the feet of a Guru, then he has achieved nothing, nothing, and nothing”.
NO DOUBT, THE guru plays a vital role in boosting the aspirant frequently, when he or she loses track, becomes despondent or simply runs out of steam. The aspirant is thus better able to obey the Guru if he understands and finds a ‘real’ Guru.
A famous verse known by heart by almost all Hindus and their children glorifies the Guru.

Gurubrahma Guruvishnu gururdevo Maheshwara I
Guruhu Sakshaat Parambrahman tasmi Shrigurave namaha II
Meaning: “The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva), veneration to the Guru who is Parabrahman manifest”.
The second line of the couplet does not literally mean that the Guru becomes Parabrahman- God, rather he is venerated as if God is manifesting through him.
Therefore on the day of Guru Purnima, disciples introspect, and resolve to offer puja and reverence to Guru in mind, speech and action; implicitly obey his unvoiced wishes, commands, serving him as one would God and lauding his glory and redemptive attributes.
GURU SWAMI SIVANANDA’S ADVICE:
Swami Sivananda (one of the close disciples of Sri Ramakrishna September 8th, 1887- July 14th, 1963) recommends: to wake up at Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a. m) on this most holy day, to mediate on the lotus feet of ones Guru. Mentally to pray him for his grace, through which alone one can attain self-realisation. To do vigorous japa and meditate in the early morning hours.
After bath, to worship the lotus feet of the Guru, or his image or picture with flowers, fruits, incense and camphor. To fast or take only milk and fruits the whole day.
Alternatively, one may observe the vow of silence and study the books or writings of Guru. The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teaching in ones own life, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message.

HOLI: The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Holi ranks as the most colourful festival of all. Holi provides a refreshing respite from the mundane norms as people from all walks of life enjoy themselves. During Holi, practices which other times could be offensive are allowed.
Now a days Holi festival is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and big fun. Indians all over the world eagerly await and look forward to the festival of colours, as bonfires are lit to banish the cold dark nights of winter and usher in warmer spring. Dhuleti, day after Holi, is the actual festival of colours, when everything in sight is covered in a riot of colours.
The twin towns of Nandagow (where Lord Krishna grew up) and Barsana (where Shri Radha grew up), near Madhura, are the epicentre of celebrations. Here celebrations start a week earlier than rest of India. Men of Nandagow raid Barsana with hopes of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji’s temple. They receive a thunderous welcome as the women of Barsana greet them with long wooden sticks. The men are soundly beaten as they attempt to rush through town to reach the relative safety of Shri Radhikaji’s temple. Men are well padded, as they are not allowed to retaliate. In this mock battle the men try their best not to be captured. Unlucky captives can be forcefully lead away, thrashed and dressed in female attire before being made to dance! Famous poets like Surdas, Nanda-das, Kumbhan-das and others have written beautifully as to how Lord Krishna was similarly received and forced to wear a sari, forced to wear make-up and made to dance before being released by the gopies of Vraj.
The next day, men of Barsana reciprocate by invading Nandagow.
Women in India especially enjoy the freedom of relaxed rules. It is good time to ventilate their latent heat and experience strange physical relaxation without the usual social and caste restrictions.
Myths&Legends: 1. Most of us know the story of the devotee Prahalada, the son of Hiranyakasipu. It was on this day that Holika, the sister of Hiranyakasipu who tried to kill Prahalada by taking him on her lap and sitting on a pyre of wood, which was set ablaze. Holika in spite of her boon was burnt to ashes while Prahalada remained unscathed proving again Devotion and Righteousness wins the day. 2. This is the day to celebrate the memory of immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Holi is one of the oldest festivals even before Christ.3. Holi Purnima is also celebrated on the birthday of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, mostly in Bengal, Puri, Mathura and Brindavan.
Holi is the only Hindu festival during which non-vegetarian food is allowed and I could not find any reason anywhere why it is so!

HURRAY! BURA NA MANO, HOLI HAI (‘Do not mind, it is Holi’!)

SRI KRISHNA JANMASTAMI:

Lord Krishna appeared on the midnight of the dark half a month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 B.C. This year it falls on Wednesday, August 16th at 12.00 midnight. His avatara lasted for a little over 125 years until Feb, 18th 3102 B.C on the new moon light of Phalguna which marks the beginning of this current age of corruption as Kaliyuga.
Sri Krishna Janmastami occurs on the eighth day (Astami) of lunar fortnight, hence the name (Krishna+astami), which is usually in the month of August, is celebrated for two days. The first day is called Krishnastami or Gokulastami and the second day is called Kalastami or more popularly called Janmastami. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar or incarnation of Vishnu. The life of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviours and profounder of Dharma. The stories of how He killed, one after another, all the demonic adversaries- Pootana, Shakata, Agha, Dhenuka, Bakaa, Keshi, Kansa, Shishupala, Jarasandha etc has made Him the peerless saviour of mankind.
KRISHNA’S BIRTH: Mathura was the capital of a kingdom in North India. Ugrasen was the king of Mathura. He had a son, Kansa and a daughter, Devki. During the lavish wedding of Devki to Vasudev, Kansa heard a celestial voice announce, ‘O Kansa, Thy death is written at the hand of the eighth son of born to this union’.
Through the ensuing years, the demon king put to death six children born to Devki in the dungeons of the palace. On the day that Krishna was born, it was raining and dark. At midnight a bright light appeared in the room of Devki. Then the child was born. Vasudev, terrified for the baby’s safety, carried in a basket through the opened gates of the dungeon. On account of the heavy rain, the river Yamuna was swollen. But as he stepped out of the prison, the rain stopped and the dim light of the moon showed the way. A huge snake taking the shape of an umbrella protected the child. As he reached the river, the waters were divided leaving a dry path for Vasudev to cross. Vasudev went to the home of his friend Nanda where he exchanged the baby boy with a baby girl and went back.
The following day, when Kansa tried to kill the baby girl, she slipped from his hands and an image of Devi appeared. She spoke to Kansa,” The one who is destined to kill you as already taken birth elsewhere”. Sri Krishna flourished under Nanda’s and Yashodha’s care and later on slew the wicked Kansa.
Even Sri Krishna could not escape the Karma phala, when He lost his body after a hunter of Bhavalka shot his toe by mistaking it for the beak of a bird., at a sacred place Prabhas near Dwaraka. Arjuna performed the last rights of Sri Krishna’s body.
SRI KRISHNA MANTRA: ‘ AUM KLEEM KRISHNAAYA GOVINDAAYA GOPIJANA-VALLABHAAYA SWAAHA’
Meaning: Kleem means Earth. It is the first element. Krishnaaya signifies Water, Govindaaya signifies Fire, Gopijana-Vallabhaaya signifies Air. And Swaaha signifies Akasha. This Mantra thus represents all five elements in the Cosmos as manifestation of the Divine. The Gopikas through this Mantra taught the world that God should be adored on the Omnipresent Divine everywhere in the Cosmos. Hence in every atom, in every particle, the Divine is present all the time.

MAHA SHIVARATRI:

Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva) is celebrated throughout the country. Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark half Margasira (Deb-March). This is one of the most unique festivals. Unlike other festivals, this festival is celebrated at night. This festival is also very different from others because no special foods are made on this day. People usually eat normal meals during the day, and at sunset, begin a fast along with prayers to Lord Shiva. This ritual ends at sunrise next day, with a feast to break the fast. It is said that whoever fasts all through the night and worships Lord Shiva will attain heavenly Bliss. The reasons to celebrate Maha Shivaratri, 1.The formless Sadashiv appeared in the form of Linga exactly at midnight of Shivaratri. The Shivlinga, symbolically representing the Jyoti-flame of the fire, and NOT AS A PHALLIC SYMBOL, AS HAS BEEN PERSISTENTLY AND IGNOMINIOUSLY MISREPRESENTED BY NON-HINDU WRITERS SINCE COLONIAL TIMES. 2. Lord Shiva married to Parvati on Shivaratri. 3. On Shivaratri, Shiva became Neelakhanta by drinking poison that came from the ocean during the churning of kshira sagar. So Shivaratri pooja is considered a day of thanks giving for protecting us from annihilation. The other significant events occurred on Maha Shivaratri , the onset of Dwapara Yuga and the manifestation of the 12 Swayambhu Jyotirlingas of Bharat.
THE STORY OF KING CHITRABHANU: In the Shanti parva of Mahabharata, Bhishma, whilst resting on the bed of arrows and discoursing on Dharma, refers to the observance of Maha Shivaratri by king Chitrabhanu. The story goes as follows-Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who ruled over the whole of Jumbudvipa, was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king.
The sage asked the king the purpose of his observing the fast. King Chandrabhanu explained that he had the gift of remembering the incidents of his previous birth.
The king said to the sage that in his previous birth, he was a hunter in Varanasi and his name was Suswara. His only livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One day while roaming through forests in search of animals, he was overtaken by the darkness of night. Unable to return home, he climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a Bael tree. He had shot a deer that day but had no time to take it home. So he bundled it up and tied it to a branch on the tree. As hunger and thirst tormented him, he was kept awake throughout the night. He shed profuse tears when he thought of his poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously waiting for his return.. To pass away the time that night, he engaged himself in plucking the Bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground.
The next day he returned home and sold the deer and then bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast, a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to the stranger and then had his own.
At the time of his death, he saw two messengers of Lord Shiva. They were sent down to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. He learnt then for the first time of the great merit he had earned by the unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The messengers told him that there was a Shiva Lingam at the bottom of the tree. The leaves he dropped fell on the Shiva Lingam. His tears, which had shed out of pure sorrow of his family, fell on to the Shiva Lingam and washed it and he had fasted all day and night. Thus he unconsciously worshiped the Lord on Shivaratri day and night.
At the conclusion of the tale, the king said that he lived in the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages and now he has born as Chitrabhanu.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshiped throughout the night by washing it (Abhisheka) every three hours with milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee (panchamruta) while chanting Shiva Maha mantra ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’. Offering of Bael leaves are made to the lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them.
Those who utter the name of Shiva (meaning auspicious) during Shivaratri with perfect devotion and faith are freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims throng on Shivaratri to various temples of Maha Deva, like Srisailam, Kalahasthi and to all Jyotirlingas except Kedarnath as it is closed for public during this time.
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhrapradesh brings out Shiva Lingam from his body on Shivaratri day. Shivaratri is celebrated with great pomp at Puttaparthi.

MAKARA SANKRANTI: (PONGAL) Makara Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th every year in the month of ‘Magh’. On this day the Sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. It is a day of great significance and marks the beginning of auspicious time. The beginning of the period, when the Sun travels northwards, is considered highly favourable for auspicious activities. It is celebrated as Pongal in South especially in Tamilnadu. In the North it is observed as Makara Sankranti or Uttarayana.
It is a very significant day and newly harvested rice is cooked for the first time and offered to Sun and other deities. The poor are fed and given cloths, money etc, in charity. In the morning, after bath, people offer libations to their dead ancestors and visit the temples. Bhishma pitamaha waited in his couch of arrows, for a long period, only for the onset of this auspicious season, before finally making his departure from the mortal world.
In Assam it is called Magha Bighu or Bhogali Bihu, the festival of feasts. In Punjab, it is observed as Lohri, to mark the end of winter and advent of spring. Lohri is celebrated in cities, towns and villages alike, with great fervour and enthusiasm.
Lord Surya on His dazzling chariot that has thousands of spokes and magnificent wheels and driven by seven horses begins His journey northwards into the Makara Rasi, filling our lives with light and getting rid of the darkness. This light not only fills our material life and helps our plants grow at seeding time, but also gets rid of our ‘internal’ darkness, showing the path of self realisation-moksha.
Young girls are seen to put up Gobbemmalu, which are round balls of cow dung that are decorated with vermilion, turmeric and coloured flowers. These are placed in the middle of bright muggus in the front yards of the dwellings and are worshiped with Navadhanyas (nine types of grains) to welcome the Lakshmi, the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. Young girls worship for good husbands, on this occasion. After this, the women folk get gathered to sing and dance to the accompaniment around these gobbis.
Haridasulu (Madhwas) are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking alms from the people in early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata is another festival where the trained oxen dance to the tunes of Nagaswaram played their master is a great attraction. In some areas kites are seen soaring high in the sky on the day of Makara Sankranti. People seem to correlate the soaring kites with their high spirits on the eve of this festival. In some places, they have the focus on the newly married couples that are presented with special gifts and clothes.

ONAM: Onam is an annual festival celebrated mainly by Malayalees all over the world irrespective of cast and faith. It falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Septem) and lasts for 10 days.
Onam is related with King Mahabali who was ruling Kerala in a time. He was an Asura king but was very nice and truthful. During his ruling time it is said that people did not even lock their houses in the night because, there was no thieves, no corruption, no betrayal. All people lived united, without the difference of rich and poor. All had a good time and like wise the king was so good that he will give anything to anyone.
At that time the Hindu Lord Mahavishnu decided to test king Mahabali. He came to earth as Vamana a poor dwarf, and went straight to king Mahabali and told the king that he has nothing and he want three feet of land to live. The king hearing this laughed and told Vamana to take three feet of land from where ever he wishes. Suddenly Vamana began to grow and he covered the whole earth by one foot and covered the sky with other foot. Then he asked Mahabali where is the space for the third foot. By seeing all this, the king understood that Vamana is not an ordinary person, and Vamana has come to test him so the king without hesitating showed his head to keep the third foot. Vamana kept his third foot on the king’s head and the king was pushed down under the earth (pathala). The king after going to Pathala asked Vamana his true identity, Suddenly Vamana vanished and Lord Mahavishnu stood before Mahabali. Seeing this overjoyed Mahabali. The Lord told Mahabali that he wanted to test Mahabali and he was won in that. The Lord also asked Mahabali to ask any boon for himself. Mahabali told the Lord that, he loved his people very much so he wanted permission to visit Kerala once a year, and the Lord gave permission for that. It is the day i.e. the day Mahabali visits Kerala is celebrated as Onam.
During Onam, people put flower mats in front of their homes to welcome the king. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats. Everyone will wear new dresses and will be visiting almost all temples, which they can, and also they perform lot of dances like Thiruvathira Kali Thumbi Tullal etc. Whatever may happen they will not miss the grand family or community lunch served on green shining clean banana leaves arranged in a row.
There is a saying in Malayalam that “KANAM VITTU ONAM UNNANAM” which means, “We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our property”. They give that much importance to the lunch on the Thiruonam day. We were very fortunate to have Thiruonam lunch from Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s divine hands (Amma) in 2004 on Thiruonam day at her Ashram in Kerala.
The fest is traditionally vegetarian and includes banana wafers, crisp papadams, patchadi, aviyal, kootu, payasam, rice and sambar and a variety of pickles and puliinji, a ginger chutney.

RAKSHA BANDHAN OR RAKHI: This is a celebration of sisters and brothers which falls on the full moon day of the month of Sravan (August-September) As per the tradition, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chwal and rachis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brothers and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sister’s side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift.
This festival has been celebrated in the same way with the same traditions for centuries. Only the means have changed with the changing lifestyles. This is the day that still pulls the siblings together. They try to reach out to each other on the Raksha Bandhan day. The joyous meeting, the rare family get-together, the erstwhile feeling of sisterhood and brotherhood calls for a massive celebration.
The sisters tie the Rakhi, thread of love to their brother’s wrist amongst chanting of mantras, put roli and rice on the forehead and pray for his well being. She bestows him with sifts and blessings. The brother also wishes her a good life and pledges to take care of her. He gives her a return of gift. The gift is the physical acceptance of her love, reminder of their togetherness and symbol of his pledge.
Well, that is kind of an end to the rituals but the celebrations actually start after that. For parents, it is a family reunion. Tasty dishes, wonderful sweets, exchange of gifts and sharing past experiences. For those who are not able to visit each other, Rakhi cards and e. rachis and Rakhis through mail perform part of communicating the Rakhi messages. Hand made Rakhis and self made Rakhis are just a representation of personal feelings of the siblings.
The crux is that Raksha Bhandan or Rakhi brings people together in the spirit of all Indian festivals.

SRI RAMA NAVAMI

Sri Rama Navami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama, the 7th Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sri Rama is portrayed as being the ideal man and his wife Sita is the ideal woman. We all know Sri Rama Navami commemorates the divine birth of Sri Rama. This auspicious day is celebrated on Chaitra sukla Navami (9th day of the bright half of the month Chaitra . In the latter years on the same day, Sita Rama Kalyanam (marriage) took place
In the word Rama,’Ra ‘ came from the sacred Mahamantra ‘Aum Namo naRAyana and ‘Ma’ came from the highly sacred Panchakshari mantra of ‘Aum NaMAh Sivaya’ of Mahadeva (Shankara or Shiva). So Rama nama is the Taraka mantra an auspicious and favourite of both Saivites and Vishnanites.’Where ever 4 Hindus live, Rama and Sita will be there’ so said Swami Vivekananda. The reverse is also equally true. Where ever Rama and Sita live, the people there will remain and live as Hindus. In many Northern parts of Bharat, mutual greetings take the form of ‘Jai Ramjee Ki’
The name Ramayana teaches us two lesions; 1.the value of detachment, 2.the need to become aware of the divine in every being. ‘Be in the world but not of it’. When we utter the word Rama, we first open the mouth with the sound ‘Ra’-all our sins go out when our mouth is open. When we utter Ma, by closing our mouth, the entry is barred against the sins that have gone out. We all know the famous sloka,
“ Sree Raama Raama Raamethi
Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Naama Thattulyam
Raama Naama Varanane”
If you utter Rama Nama, it is equavalent to chanting Vishnu Sahasranama. Such is the importance of chanting Rama Nama.
Ramayana teaches us, ‘Renunciation leads to the joy and attachment brings about grief.
It is highly believed that reading, watching or at least listening of the sacred Ramayana around Sri Rama Navami is very beneficial. Fortunately for Telugu people, there is an audio version of Ramayana in 9 parts, which is free on the Internet, which took me 5 hours to listen. We can listen for 9 days approaching Rama Navami. It is really high quality narrating with beautiful language and once you start listening, it is very difficult to stop until it is finished. To access this, please go to www.andhravilas.com on the left side click down loads-devotional songs. Then click Srirama to listen Ushasri Ramayanam. Have a go at it and see what you think!
It is also desirable to read or listen, HANUMAN CHALISA and ADITYA HRIDAYAM, the latter not only on this occasion but also on every Sunday before the Sunrise and the former every Tuesday morning and Saturday morning, these two days being the favourite of Sri Hanuman.
The ‘Ramayana’ literally means ‘the march of Rama’ in search of human values. We all owe a lot to the great sage Valmiki (Ratnakar who was a robber transformed into a great sage) who told the story of Rama to the humanity. As we all know Ramayana is written in so many languages in the world but the one who is responsible for its wide popularity goes Rama charita manus by Goswami Tulasidas. In the modern world, the credit goes to late Sri Ramananda Sagar’s Ramayana serial which was shown on the little box in whole (including Uttar Ramayana) for the first time which enabled to appreciate by all sections and by all ages and by all kinds of people, educated or uneducated with English sub titles, that was watched by millions through out the globe. We are very fortunate to witness the modern marvel in front of our eyes sitting in our own homes, with all the family.
We all know this function is shown in Andhra on television live from Bhadrachalam every year. Bhadrachala Rama is special in that, this is the only place one can see Rama with four hands and only here one can see Sita sitting on Sri Rama’s left lap. Such is the significance of Bhadrachala Sri Rama.
MAY LORD RAMA SHOWERS HIS BLESSINGS ON ALL THE HUMANITY

SHRAVANA MASAM: Shravana Masam (month) which comes this year between July 26th to August 31st. During this time the mood sets in, in terms of religious fervour. It is the most important month, which needs a special mention for women who perform pujas for the welfare of their family.
It is during this month that Goddess Lakshmi along with Chandra (Moon) her brother rose from Ksheerasagara Madhanam i.e. Churning of the ocean of milk. Lakshmi emerged in all her splendour with nine gems, unlike ‘Karthika’ month, Shravana month is a month of festivals.
While Fridays are reserved for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Tuesdays are marked for worship of the Goddess Gowri or Parvati,
This year (2006), in this sacred month of Shravana the following festivals occur:
July 29th-NAGA CHATURTHI:
July 30th NAGA PANCHAMI: these two festivals of snakes fall on the fifth day of bright fortnight of Shravana month. Snake worship no doubt owes its origin to man’s natural fear of these reptiles. Because of cyclical moulting, the serpent is believed to be immortal by the Hindus. Temples also been erected in honour of snakes. There is one famous temple in Karnataka state at a place called Subrammania, which is also the name of great snake on which Lord Vishnu reclines when he sleeps in the sea.
Snake worship is more common in peninsular India than in North India.
On these days women draw figures of snakes on the walls of their houses using black powder, cow dung and milk. These festivals also herald the arrival of Ganesh almost exactly after a month.
In Kerala the snake temples are crowded on these days and worship is offered to a stone or metal icons of cosmic serpent Anantha or Sesha. In Punjab this festival is celebrated in September- October and is called Guga Naumi
In West Bengal and parts of Assam and Orissa, the snake deity worshiped on these days is the Goddess Manasa.
Naga Panchami is observed in different ways in different parts of India. It is one of the most ancient fasts and finds it’s mention in the Puranas and is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the year.

August 1st MANGALA GOWRI VRATAM: This festival is called Shravana Mangalavara Gowri Vratam. In this festival both married and unmarried women take part in equal measure. It is not just an elaborate puja performed in all religiosity in the morning, it also entails a grand ‘perantam (a sacred get together of women folk in every household in the evening)
This festival is celebrated by women folk for the welfare of their whole family.

August 4thVARALAKSHMI VRATAM: The glory of performing the Varalakshmi Vratam, narrated directly by Lord Shiva Himself, is elaborately discussed in the Skanda Puranam. This is a festival to propitiate Shri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi)- the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is the abode of all mangalam (auspicious), prosperity and wealth. It is to be performed on the Shravana Shukla Shukravaram (Friday), on the Friday immediately following the full moon day in the auspicious month of Shravanam. This Vratam is undertaken by the sumangalis (whose husbands are still alive) for good progeny, good health and wishing long life for the husbands.
Lakshmi is symbolic of eight forces- wealth (Shri), earth (bhu), learning (saraswati), love (priti), fame (kirti), peace (shanty), pleasure (tushti), and strength (pushti). Each of these forces is called called a Lakshmi, and collectively, they are known as Ashta (eight) Lakshmi
The previous evening of the festival, the house is cleaned and a bronze or silver kalasam is filled with rice or water, coins, turmeric, a whole lime, betel leaf and nut. The kalasam is decorated with sandal paste and kumkum, a coconut smeared with turmeric is kept on it and mango leaves placed around. The face of Goddess Lakshmi decorated with jewels is placed against the coconut. Arati is taken at night after the Goddess is offered white pongal for neivedhyam.
The next morning the Goddess is welcomed to the specially erected pandal by singing the song “Varalakshmi Raave ma intiki”. The kalasam is placed on a bed of raw rice spread over a plantain leaf. Pooja is begun with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. During the pooja the Lakshmi sahasranamam and other slokas are chanted.
After doing the pooja that would include the Lakshmi Ashothram and sahasranamam, a yellow thread called ‘saradu’ is tied by the women on their wrists. The women who do the Nonbu fast that day eating only certain foods that have been offered to the Goddess first.
In the evening, women visit one another for exchange of thamboolam. The next day after doing the punar pooja, the holy water is sprinkled through out the house or the rice is added to the storage.

August 9th SHRAVANA PURNIMA OR KAJARI PURNIMA: This fall s on the same day as Raksha Bhandan on Shravana Purnima. This festival is mainly celebrated in Madhya pradesh and some parts of Uttar pradesh. This festival is important to the farmers as it signifies the beginning of sowing season. They worship Goddess Bhagavati and seek blessings for a good crop.

August 16th ARAVIND JAYANTHI:

THAI POOSAM: Thai Poosam is a festival occurring in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) on the day of the star Poosam around Purnima (full moon) celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu. One of the legends to this festival is, there was a demon named Tharakasura who gave lot of trouble to the Rishis and saints. Lord Murugan was called by his parents, Lord Shiva and Parvati and given the job of destroying the Asura. Lord Muragan set of with the blessings his parents to destroy the demon. He took with him twelve weapons, eleven of which were given by his father, Lord Shiva and the ‘vel’ given by his mother Parvati. Lord Murugan destroyed Tharakasura on the Poosam nakshtra day in the Tamil month of Thai, hence the name Thai Poosam.It is celebrated in all Murugan temples, the main temple being in Palani. Thus it is a special day for the worship of Lord Murugan or Subramanya.
Thai Poosam Kavady-The carrying of Kavady symbolizes the carrying of one’s burden and then resting it at the feet of the Lord. Kavu+Adi is a pole slung across the shoulder to evenly distribute the weight of whatever is being carried. This day falls on the full moon day.

UGADI: Ugadi is the most important festival for Hindus, which falls on Chaitra Suddha Padyami or the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Chaitra that falls in the months of March or April.
People of Andhra and Karnataka use the term Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day as Gudi Padwa. The New Year as per the solar calendar followed by people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala around the same time of the year in March or April. The Punjabi New Year ‘Baisakhi’ falls soon after Ugadi.
Ugadi is the beginning of the Telugu New Year. According to the English calendar, this would be described as February 20th, 3102 B. C . In order to bring about this aspect of the commencement of a new yuga , our Ancestors have been calling that day as Ugadi , the day of new era or the day of the a new Yuga.
Ugadi is also the day on which Sri Krishna gave up His mortal body in a sacred place of pilgrimage called Prabahatsa near Dwaraka. This day is also the commencement of Kaliyuga in which we live in the present moment.
On this day, it is the practice of the rural folk to eat what is called ‘UGADI PACCHADI’. This is chutney made from neem flowers, mango juice, honey, jaggary and other ingredients with different tastes. The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate that LIFE IS A MIXTURE OF GOOD AND BAD, JOY AND SORROW AND ALL OF THEM HAVE TO BE TREATED ALIKE. ALL EXPERIENCES HAVE TO BE TREATED WITH EQUANIMITY. We all should make a resolve that we will face calmly whatever happens in this year, accepting it with God’s grace. Welcome everything and consider everything as for our own good. We should rise above sorrow and happiness, success and failure. This is the primary message of Ugadi festival.
Let us always keep the following things in mind. 1. It is not necessary that all situations should be favourable to us. 2.It is not possible that all people be helpful to us. 3. It is not possible that all things work out as per our wishes. 4. We should always tell ourselves “What God does for us in spite of all our efforts, will be only for our betterment.

VAIKUNTA EKADASI: Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Ekadasi of Vaikunta (the abode of Vishnu) falls on the 11th day of the Sukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) of Dhanur (Margazhi in Tamil) month. Hindus consider it a very auspicious day and observe it as a day of prayer and fasting. According to legend, the gods and demons churned the divine ocean for Amrita on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, following which Shiva consumed the poison that resulted. Hence Shaivaites consider this Ekadasi as Nanjunda Ekadasi. It is believed that whoever dies on this day will achieve Moksha.
According to Padma puranam, during Krita Yuga, also termed as the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuse in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help devas and went out to battle with Muran. During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years. Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badrikashrama to sleep. Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti, Vishnu’s female energy emerged out of his body and assumed the form of beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke, he was very pleased and named this maiden as Ekadasi and granted a boon. The maiden said, “O Lord, if you are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver people from the greatest sins, if they fast of this day”. Vishnu granted her the boon and declared that people worshiping her would reach Vaikunta. Thus it is said, was born the first Ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha Ekadasi. Sages and devout people have been since, observing the Ekadasi vrata regularly. Here the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of Ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies in us through fasting. This helps us to reach our ultimate destination, Vaikunta, which is the place or stage of no ‘kunitha’ or dullness, stupidity and misery.
Due to the above two legends, this divine event is interpreted in the following manner. The ocean of milk is the human heart filled with satvic tendencies (kindness, purity and goodness). However in all of us there exist both types of inclinations, good (devas) and bad (asuras). Only sadhana or the churning process will throw out the poison in us and we can procure the sweet nectar, which will liberate us from the cycle of birth and death. Shaivaites call this day as Nanjunda Ekadasi, as it was on this day Shiva consumed nanju, the poison that emanated from the churning of the ocean.
Some schools of thought that Sri Krishna gave the Gitopadesam to Arjuna on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. For the Vaishnavas, it is very holy day and should be ideally spent in fasting, prayer and meditation. While Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in all Vaishnava temples, the day is very special at the Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. We were very fortunate to be at Srirangam on Vaikunta Ekadasi a few years ago without knowing, that day was Vaikunta Ekadasi. As there were thousands of people on that day, we were not able to have the darshan of Sri Ranganatha. We hope to go again to have the darshan, when the time comes. On this auspicious day, Lord Ranganatha in all His glory and resplendence enters the Parama Padha Vassal (the gateway to salvation) at the sacred precincts of the temple at Srirangam and showers His blessings and grace on mankind.

VASANTA PANCHAMI: Vasanta Panchami is a festival full of religious, seasonal and social significance and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. With verve and new sense of optimism. Vasanta means ‘the spring season’. It is a festival dedicated to Saraswati. Bengalis call this festival Saraswati puja. The image of the Goddess is taken in procession and immersed in the holy Ganges.
Magh sud 5 (5th day of the bright fortnight of Hindu lunar month Magh) is the day of Vasanta Panchami (Jan-Feb) every year. It is believed that this day is Saraswati’s birthday and this day is also known as Saraswati day. She is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga and the consort of Lord Brahma. In Maratha country, Goddess Saraswati is sometimes called the wife of Ganesh and sometimes as his attendant. Saraswati is also known by various names such as Vina pani (holding Vina0, Sharada (giver of essence). Vagis vasi (mistress of speech), Brahmi (wife of Brahma), Maha vidya (knowledge supreme) etc.
On Vasanta Panchami day Saraswati is dressed in yellow cloths and garments and worshiped with puja, Havan etc; Men and women wear yellow cloths on that day. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are exchanged with relatives and friends. Saraswati has four hands signifying four aspects of human learning, mind, intellect, alertness and ego.
On this day children are taught their first words, as it is a very auspicious day. Pundit Madan Mohan Malaviya laid the foundation of the great Kashi Hindu Vishwa Vidyalaya on this Vasanta Panchami day, which became a world famous top class academic institution.
The white swan of Saraswati is symbolising sattwa guna (purity and discrimination)
On this memorable day, Lord Shiva burnt the god of Love, cupid. The gods had sent Cupid to tempt the Lord while He was absorbed in samadhi, in order to beget a powerful son who would be able to destroy the wicked demon Tarakasura. Cupid discharged an arrow at Lord Shiva from behind a tree. Shiva became very angry and opened His third eye and reduced Cupid to ashes.

OTHER FESTIVALS

OTHER COMMONLY CELEBRATED FESTIVALS: Apart from the main Hindu Festivals described above, there are other important dates in Hindu calendar worth mentioning and are celebrated by millions of Hindus all over the globe. The following are mentioned here.

January 12th 1863: Swami Vivekananda’s Birthday
February 18th 1836 Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s Birthday
April 14th 1891 Dr. Bhimarao Ramji Ambedkar’s Birthday
...

DIWALI-DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

2010-11-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Diwali is a festival of warmth and love. Diwali is about visiting friends and relatives, sharing food and sweets, exchanging gifts and celebrating the prosperity and plenitude of harvests granted to us through the grace of god.

Traditionally, Diwali is a four-day celebration beginning with Dhantraiyodashi when diyas are lit as an offering to God. The second day is Narak Chaturdashi when demon Naraksura was killed by Lord Krishna.

Laxmi Pujan is celebrated on the third day with prayers for the blessings of the previous year. This is also the special day on which Ram, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhaya.

Puja is conducted to welcome the New Year the following day, a day for new beginnings

Those who would like to know about this universal festival of DIWALI and the origin and background stories which are now forgotten can be read by clicking the link below

http://hinduism.about.com/od/hinduismforkids/ss/Tarak-Forgotten-Tales.htm?nl=1

WHY SHOULD WE CELEBRATE DIWALI?

There is not one reason but 10 reasons to celebrate Diwali all over the globe and please click the link below

http://hinduism.about.com/cs/diwali/a/aa102003a.htm?nl=1

To celebrate this four day festival of DEEPAVALI by all the family to brighten up our life in everyday, please click the link below

http://hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm?nl=1

KALI PUJA (LAKSHMI) is on Friday, November 5 and please click the link below to know more about Kali puja

http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/a/makali.htm?nl=1

LET US Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul. The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the stars, nor do lightnings shine and much less fire. All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali".

Telugus are a bit more fortunate especially for our younger NOT YET MARRIED SISTERS & MARRIED SISTERS AS WELL to listen RUKMINI KALYANAM during the four days of Deepavali in the evening by all the family to get good natured husbands who are yet to get married and to have a happy, blissful married life to those who are married with good natured daughters and sons by clicking the link below in TELUGU AUDIO

http://en.srichaganti.net/RukminiKalyanam.aspx

By listening this we not only hear Rukmini Kalyanam but also the live darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara in your own home!

YOU NEED TO LISTEN WITH ATTENTION AND DEVOTION TO TEST YOURSELF!

Those who cannot have 4 hours to spend also there is a way but you need to spend about 2 hours in a shorter version of the same thing by same divine soul by clicking the link below and listen parts 80 & 81 of Bhagavata pravachanam by SRI CHAGANTI KOTESWARARAO GARU

http://surasa.net/music/purana/

Let us hope and pray that we all get a blissful Diwali with all our family & friends not only during Diwali time but everyday of our remaining time on this sacred earth.

With Love, Light & Peace to all,

SivaRamaKrishna

ATLA TADDI

2010-10-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, I am sure most of us coming from Andhra Pradesh know and at least heard of ATLA TADDI a unique festival for both married and not yet married sisters celebrated mainly in Andhra Pradesh and I have no doubt that other Southern states also have similar festival but with different names including in North of Bharat.

Tomorrow, Sunday, October 24 is Bhogi, which means the previous day of Atla Taddi to make preparations for Atla Taddi. The main ritual our dear Sisters need to observe on Atla Taddi is to worship GOWRI MATHA for the welfare of the whole family and not yet married sisters to get a good understanding life partner whenever they get married. Another ritual observed on this day is swinging (Uyyala oogatam in Telugu) which I used to enjoy during my childhood in our village with all the boys and girls. I am sure my generation of people still remember these events if they care to go back in the memory lane. And of course to taste delicious Atlu made by our Mother.

Those who would like to read more about this most traditional festival, please click the link below

http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/atla-taddi-vratam-atla-thadde-gauri-puja/

Some of our sisters might want to perform GOWRI POOJA and please click the link to follow the guide lines

http://www.sankethi.org/Culture/Festivals/gowri_ganapathi_pooja.pdf

IN FACT ALL SISTERS SHOULD MAKE A HABBIT TO DO GOWRI POOJA ALL THEIR LIFE DAILY BY JUST OBSERVING A FEW STEPS WHICH DOES NOT TAKE MUCH OF YOUR TIME AND YOU CAN DO IT IN THE EVENING FROM 6.00 PM ONWARDS. Please click the link what to do

http://indianfestivals.wikidot.com/niyhya-gowri-pooja

OR THE MINIMUM TO CHANT 'GOWRI' NAME IN YOUR OWN MIND FIRST THING IN AM AND LAST THING AT PM WHICH IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK AND DO IT!

Those who would like to observe properly at least on every Tuesday with all the traditional rituals, by clicking the link below ONLY IN TELUGU

http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/moviedetail.asp?mid=AD000360

Let us watch a few videos of Gowri vratam by clicking the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs995YwpO_0

Another useful information regarding customs & rituals durin Atla Taddi, please click the link below

http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/atla-tadde-main-rituals-and-customs/

ALMOST EXACTLY SIMILAR FESTIVAL IS OBSERVED IN SEVERAL STATES IN NORTH INDIA IS THE FAMOUS 'KARVA CHAUTH' BY OUR NORTH INDIAN SISTERS the next day after Atla Taddi !

North Indian sisters can click the link below to know more about 'KARVA CHAUTH'

http://festivals.tajonline.com/karva-chauth.php

There is nothing in this creation is useless but everything has a purpose for it's presence. Let us see how many of us think of our nose hair which is the first defense before our life principle (Oxygen) passes to our respiratory system.
Please click the link below to read about the importance of 'NOSE HAIR'

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-nose-hair.htm

Let us hope and pray we all have a peaceful weekend with our family.

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT?

2010-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

We all are in the highest order of all living organisms but we all have a duty to perform certain activities to make this height position in the living kingdom and all the faculties are gifted by Nature to perform those rituals.Without any exception all living things are made up of Pancha bhutas or elements of Nature but for the plants and animals Nature has provided the necessary activities as they have no faculties to perform as we all can do. That is the reason we are in the height est order of the living kingdom.The Panchabhutas or 5 elements are responsible for all what happens to us including health and ill-health! which our bodies perform accordingly but we need to assist our bodies to perform those activities, otherwise the opposite effects would result. That is the reason, we are only responsible whatever happens to all of us including, physical welfare, mental welfare and even spiritual welfare. It is amazing how the Nature is involved for the whole survival of this universe.
We are nothing but Panchabhutas or 5 elements.A superficial introduction to the five elements:Earth is the lowest element. Shape is square, colouryellow, sense is smell, function is elimination(anus), deity is Ganesha, chakra is muladhara, bija is"Lam."Water is the second element. Shape is crescent, coloursilver, sense is taste, function is reproduction (sexorgan), deity is Vishnu, chakra is svadishtana, bijais "Vam."Fire is the third element. Shape is triangle, colourred, sense is vision, function is transportation(feet), deity is Surya, chakra is manipura, bija is"Ram."Air is the fourth element. Shape is round, colour blueor black, sense is touch, function is manipulation(hands), deity is Shiva, chakra is anahita, bija is"Yam."Akasha (Space) is the highest element. Shape is likea flame, colour purple, sense is hearing, function iscommunication (throat), deity is Devi, chakra isvishuddha, bija is "Ham." Source: Indiadivine
We know these Pancha bhutas are responsible for our health of all our faculties and if we abuse these five elements, the result is ill health which can make our life miserable and not able to enjoy our lives.If we correctly respect and use these five elements in a right way which we are able to do can protect us from ill health and enjoy life. Let us see how we can utilise these elements for our good health (OGH)We already know we are we what we breath, what we drink and eat which we get from Air, Water, Sun, Earth to give Shakti or Energy which is the basis of our own existence.This sort of living is called Prakruti Jeevana Vidhanam (PJV) or in English The Natural way of Living)The most essential element of our Nature is Oxygen which comes from Air without which we cannot live not more than a few seconds. But our great Rishis in the past who were born only in India can live without breathing for long time with some advanced techniques which made them to live hundreds of years and that is the greatness of our Bharat.To have pure oxygen and use our lungs function efficiently and fully we need to breath deep daily for 10 minutes or so that it becomes as habit. Exercise, swift walk and gym activities all help to have proper breathing which is essential for OGH.The next important element is Water which is about more than 70% of body weight and we need to drink plenty of water up to 4 litres a day depending on where we live and age again to get OGH. Water also helps us by way of Water treatments like feet bath, hands bath, steam bath, spinal bath etc.We all need to have natural food which comes from nature without modifying it for the sake of our small tongue which can spoil OGH. WE NEED TO EAT WHAT OUR BIDIES NEED NOT WHAT WE WANT TO BE TASTY!We all need Sun, Earth to produce natural food with the help of water and seeds.The Sky which is emptiness in our systems for OGH and we can get that by fasting regularly at least once a week (Upavasam devised by our ancestors with fore thought)With all these 5 elements, we can have Shakthi, the energy we need to do all our activities both inside and outside our body.We dealt so far about body. But we have a mad monkey the Mind which is responsible for all our troubles and we need to keep it which can give OGH by way of Meditation etc.Above all, we have another unique boon which differentiates us from other living organisms to give our highest social order is Intellect (Budhi) which we need to use to discriminate from bad to good from unreal to Real.Hope I am sure we all understand these facts of life no science in the world can deny them. Life is wonderful in this creation and we need to protect is at any cost.Before I finish this topic one more thing that determines our personality and our thought, word and actions to make all of us different from each other. They are triGunas, Satvic, Rajasic & Thamasic which are again derived from Prakruthi ie Nature. As we all including monozygotic twins are different WE SHOULD NOT COMPARE WITH ANY BODY WHICH ALWAYS CAN LEAD TO PROBLEMS AND MAKES US UNHAPPY!These triGunas are in different proportions in all of us which is the reason why we all are different. These three Gunas dependent again what we breath, what we drink and eat. We need to cut down the rajasic and thamasic qualities and increase satvic quality which helps us to have the good thoughts, speaking good words and acting in a right way.WE NOW KNOW THE BASIC ACTIVITIES OF OUR BREATHING, OUR DRINKING AND OUR EATING AS SUGGESTED.Let us hope and pray we all at least try at this late stage our life and make our life worth living and to teach our children and youth to develop these qualities from younger age to think right, to speak right, to see right, to listen right and read right books from as early as 8 years of age to become a life habit.Please save this message and keep reading from time to time to remind us our responsibilities to have a worth while living not only serve ourselves but to serve others especially to those less fortunate's in our society.

NAVARATRI FESTIVAL

2010-10-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, We are in the sacred month during which so many divine events happen to make us very busy with devotional singing, prayers, pujas for our own sake and our families and the society in general.

Tomorrow is MAHALAYA on Thursday, October 7 and please click the link below to read about Mahalaya

http://hinduism.about.com/cs/audiomusic/a/aa092003a.htm?nl=1

Please look a couple of audio links towards the end of the above link is a must to listen on Mahalaya early morning.

On Friday, October 8, starts the divine 9 nights (NAVARARATRI) followed by VIJAYADASHAMI on Sunday, October 17 to celebrate the event of victory over evil.

A MUST article to read on the evening of Mahalaya, before the start of Navaratri to know the magic and importance of AMMA which is a poorva janma sukrutam (The gift of our past births) by clicking the link below

http://www.exoticindia.com/article/navaratri/

To know what is Navaratri? and many aspects of these divine 9 nights, please click the link below to read

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri

To read about the nine Avataras of DURGAMMA and the power of various powers, please click the link below to read
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=2&nav=display&webtag=ab-hinduism&tid=2231

Another useful link about Navaratri by clicking the link below

http://www.theholidayspot.com/navratri/

Some of our dear sisters might want to know the latest 9 colours to wear during Navaratri for 2010 by clicking the link below

http://hindupad.com/vratas-pujas/9-colours-of-navratri-2009-nine-colours-of-dresses-to-wear-in-saran-navratri-2009/

At least some of our sisters would like to observe for all the nine days & night, how to prepare, what they need etc, please click the link below and read TODAY to get ready for Friday

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/09/how-to-do-or-perform-navratri-puja.html

THE FIRST 3 DAYS ARE DEDICATED TO 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 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 Maa Ambike, Shakti Shiva Vishal |
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

Those who would like to listen/sing the divine sthotras or songs of AMMA in audio form, please click the link below

http://www.andhravilas.com/moviedetail.asp?fid=%7C54%7C76%7C128%7C90

Two important things to do during Navaratri are GARBA & DANDIYA Please click the link to watch videos of these
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhWu50m03bc&feature=related

http://www.indiaparenting.com/video/display.cgi?v1=577&v2=YjQjrpGBgec

http://www.dandiyazone.com/cms/

You have plenty to read/listen/watch and you have the chance of NO MESSAGES UNTIL MONDAY as we are away to see family, friends and to attend an important celebration on Saturday at the New SHIVA TEMPLE in Birmingham.

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

VIVEKA CHUDAMANI-THE ESSENCE OF VEDAS

2010-09-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Whatever happens in this creation is based on VEDAS the most sacred of all and the basis of everything that happens in the world. Just as an example all that we know about computer knowledge anywhere in the world is embeded in SRI VISHNU SAHASRA NAMAM! If anybody watched the programme 'VEDA VIJNANAM' in SVBC know what I am talking.

Unfortunately not many of us can read Vedas as it is in the divine language of SANSKRIT and no Government in Bharat has any guts to introduce this parental language of all languages in the world because of political interest.

But divine souls born in Bharat who predicted these difficulties hundreds of years ago and provided us to give the essence of Vedas in a simple easily understandable form. One of such a jewel of Sri AdiShankara is VIVEKACHUDAMANI, at least some of us must have heard at least the name and some fortunate ones might have studied already know the value of this small book.

What is Viveka Chudamani? Those of us who would like to know, please click the link below

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivekachudamani

Those of us who are interested and can spare their valuable time to read in English can click the link below to read

http://www.bharatadesam.com/spiritual/vivekachudamani1.php

Those who would like to know the meaning of all 850 verses of Viveka Chudamani by Sri Adi Sankara in English, please click the link below

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

Alternately in the link below also but you can choose which one you like

http://www.realization.org/page/namedoc0/vc/vc_1.htm

As always Telugus are a bit more fortunate which we do not appreciate most of the time, can listen Viveka Chudamani in the sweet language of TELUGU by clicking the link below which is in 7 parts and is very good and informative.

http://www.surasa.net/music/sundara/#viveka

Let us hope today's message will add some value in somebody's life.
With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

MAHALAYA FORTNIGHT

2010-09-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Everything has a particular time alloted in this life. One of such time for everybody without any exception, will start tomorrow, Friday, September 24th for a fortnight until October 7, after which the Divine DEVI NAVARATRI starts from October 8.
Please click a link below to watch/listen a short video clip to know about this important period during which we need to do some rituals for our ancestors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rABL-_SbjcA

Please also read about Mahalaya fortnight by clicking the link below

http://www.mahalayaamavasya.com/

Another useful link about this event

http://www.astroved.com/specials/mahalaya-amavasya/

The detailed information as regards to TARPANAM, please click the links below

http://www.agasthiar.org/a/tharpanam.htm

Please click the link below to watch/listen the procedure of observing TARPANAM in two parts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlFEo7IWeGY&feature=related

WHO IS GODAND AND HOW TO REACH

2010-09-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Almost about 88% world population among all religions of the world pray at least once in their life time. Whom do they pray? They pray some Power/Energy which controls all the creation systematically all the time.
Why should they pray? Well Sanathana Dharma believes when we were born, we come with samskaras of all over previous births and some from our parents which is a combination of desired effect ad undesirable effects. In order to mitigate our undesirable effects for our own benefit, we pray and in Sanathana Dharma We call GOD. Who is this GOD? any way!

We are so fortunate in Sanathana Dharma there were Divine souls born to give the answers we cannot find ourselves due to ignorance. One of such divine souls is SRI RAMAKRISHNA Paramahansa. Please click the link below to read Who is God?

http://hinduism.about.com/od/gurussaints/a/godis.htm

As mentioned most of us are ignorant which is the reason we are not able to know who we really are? We need to have the Knowledge to know about our real self. From where do we get that knowledge? The usual answer is GURU which is not possible for all for various reasons. But there is a way to know Knowledge (Jnana) with the gift's God for all of us namely eyes to see and read, ears to listen, mind to concentrate etc.
This is the knowledge we can able to read and retain by clicking the link below

http://www.celextel.org/

This simple link can transform all of us to get the knowledge we all need during this life and PRACTICE to turn this knowledge to WISDOM (Vijnanam) which gives us the mission of our rare human birth, nothing else.
PLEASE SAVE THINGS FOR OUR SAKE AND TRY TO READ REGULARLY AS MUCH AS WE CAN WHICH MAY TAKE ALL OUR LIFE TIME BUT IT IS WELL WORTH.
Please forward this link to all your family and friends who will be grateful to you what you have done all their life.
Well, here we are we have tool to know who we are which leads to knowledge buy practicing the knowledge in our real life can lead to Moksha/Mukthi which is the mission of our precious life.
The Ball is in our hands and it is up to us to PLAY/ NOT!

With Love, Light & Peace to all,
SivaRamaKrishna

LIFE AND DEATH-HOW TO CELEBRATE LIFE

2010-08-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

The only certenity in Life is all living organism including human has to depart but the mystery is when? Nobody knows even though investigations are being carried out for long time and I have no doubt it will never happen because that is the law of Nature which we can not alter!

During this short span of life there are certain procedures devised by our ancestors for the good of individuals, families and society in general and there are no less than 16 of them termed as SACRAMENTS.

Not every body observes all of them but there is only one almost every individual wherever he or she took birth has undergone and that is the naming ceremony which is almost compulsory by the law of the land purely for statistic purpose and for identification.

All the samskars have lost their religious important nowadays and recitation of mantras are either mechanical or half-uttered. Samskars number two, three, four, six, ten, twelve, thirteen and fourteen have disappeared. Seventh or Annaprashan is important in Bengal and Eastern Regions and the eleventh has become optional! Even when performed, they are just ritualistic. Upanayana and marriage have become big socializing events of status where feasting and gifts have taken priority. But it is worthwhile to know the hidden precepts of samskaras to understand how our ancients determined an individual's behavior in society. To be disciplined, faithful and charitable were virtues which made a person good citizen.

Those who want to know a bit more about these Samskaras or Sacraments, please click the link below

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/samskara.asp

We all without any exception have to lodge in our Mother's womb almost 9 to 10 months legs up and head down and we are the product of our Father's sperm meeting with the egg of our Mother at a particular time and the magic starts one after the other before we come out of our Mother's womb with a cry to initiate the vital respiration and people around us rejoice and celebrate in their own way.

ANYBODY DARE TO WATCH HOW WE WERE DEVELOPED WITH THE AID OF OUR MOTHER ALMOST 36 WEEKS? THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Please click the link below to watch

http://www.indiaparenting.com/video/display.cgi?topic=Foetal-development&v1=187&v2=RS1ti23SUSw

Anybody watching this video clip I am sure how grateful we all are to our Mother (Amma) & Father (Nanna garu).

The only certainty in life is of course DEATH!. IT IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT HOW ONE IS BORN BUT IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE VERY IMPORTANT HOW ONE IS DEPARTED LEAVING THE PHYSICAL BODY AS WE DO NOT HAVE A BIRTH OR DEATH AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE UNTIL WE MINGLE FROM WHERE WE ALL CAME.

We pray all our life for various things weather we need or not but simply because somebody else have in spite of knowing we all are different in every way.

The real reason we need to pray is not to born again or at least to have a natural death and not to have an unnatural death by observing Homas and yajnas etc.

Does anybody wants to know about death which is must for all? AGAIN THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Please click the link below if you want to know the reality which we need to celebrate rather than grieve!

As we came with empty hands with a cry when everybody smiles-We need to depart with a smile uttering your own God or Goddess name on your tongue before leaving the mortal body which is not as simple as saying it but LIFE LONG PRACTICE OF CHANTING GOD'S NAME, WE may CHANT GOD'S NAME one in millions!

Now click the link to read

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_death.asp

WHAT A DAY (THE FIRST DAY OF THE MOST SACRED MONTH OF SHRAVAN) TO TALK ABOUT BIRTH AND DEATH WHICH THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE ITSELF!

SRI ADI SANKARA'S JAYANTHI

2010-05-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 18th is the divine day Sri Adi Sankara took birth in Kalady village in God's own country namely Kerala in South India. How fortunate we all are to be born in Bharat and is our fundamental duty just to know a few details especially what he preached to the humanity. The minimum we should do is to read about his brief life history with pictures by clicking the link below

http://www.kamakoti.org/miscl/adi.html

Those who would like to know more about whom I consider THE FATHER OF SANATHANA DHARMA, please click the following links in your free time whenever you want

http://www.nandhi.com/adishankara2.htm

Those who would like to watch the film about Sri Adi Sankara in the divine language of Sanskrit with English subtitles for those who does not know Sanskrit by clicking the following link

http://www.jnanajyoti.com/video.php?id=402&c=17&s=48&Adi_Shankaracharya_Movie_(part_1_of_16

Some of us know that a film of Sri Adi Sankara was made in our sweet TELUGU language some time ago which I happened to watch by chance when I was in Guntur at our Home only 10 minutes or so just before it ended. I cursed my self on that day for not able to watch from the beginning in one of Telugu channels. I was trying my best to try to get that film but in vain. If anybody has any information about this film made by SUBBARAMIREDDI, I will be most grateful.
Those who would like various teachings of Sri Sankara in audio format to listen plenty of them with courtesy of Dr. Goli Anjaneyulu garu from Tenali in Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh whom I would like to meet him once. Please click the following link and save it for future use

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Dr.Anjaneyulu%20Goli%22

Those who would like to listen the famous Sri Adi Sankara's SIVAAPARAADHA STOTRAM AND ITS EXPLANATION, please click the following link

http://www.archive.org/details/Hinduism_spiritualityAdvaitaAdisankaraSivaaparaadhaStotram

Those of you who would like to know the life and teachings of Sri Adi Sankara by way of divine discourse in TELUGU only from the divine voice of Sri Chaganti Koteswararao garu, please click the link below to listen or download by all your family and friends

http://te.srichaganti.net/SankaracharyaJeevitham.aspx

It is impossible to read and understand the Vedas & sastras in one's life but it takes only a few hours to few days which we all can spare and know the essence of all vedas and sastras just by chanting and know the meaning the most popular song of BHAJA GOVINDAM by Sri Adi Sankara which can impart the mission of life which is liberation from this samsara. Please click the links below to know various aspects of Bhaja Govindam we all can imbibe and put into practice.

Bhaja Govindam by MS AMMA with English meaning by clicking the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4FUQxn4CnY

Please click the link below to know more about the meaning of Bhaja Govindam

http://www.sivananda.org/publications/yogalife/fall2003/pdfs/page18-bhaja-govindam.pdf

Still a bit more elaborated meaning of the song with the great RAJAJI by clicking the link below

http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Monthly/Satsang/Bhajagovindam.htm

Still better video of Bhaja Govindam with meaning by clicking the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHoZz0o1_Mg

Another beautiful explanation video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XngCWYuOdd4

Those who would like concise meaning in script, please click the link below

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/02/english-translation-of-bhaja-govindam.html

Those who would like much more in book form, please click the following link to purchase!

http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/IDK896/

And finally those who would like to listen in TELUGU the main essential explanation of Bhaja Govindam via the divine voice of Sri Chaganti, please click the link below

http://te.srichaganti.net/BhajaGovindam.aspx

YOU MUST EXCUSE ME FOR POSTING ONLY A FEW OF THE LINKS ON THIS MOST IMPORTANT DAY FOR OUR FATHER OF SANATHANA DHARMA.

Let us hope and pray that we all get the divine blessings of Sri Adi Sankara not only on his jayanthi but everyday of our rare life.

THE PURPOSE OF THE RARE HUMAN BIRTH

2010-04-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

The spirituality, Philosophy or religion all are about what is this human Life and what is the main purpose of this rare human life? No two individuals including the mono zygotic twins are similar even though they are from one sperm and egg. Why is this? How can we explain? The most probable explanation seems to be that we all are the product of five elements, namely space, air, from air fire, from fire the water, from water the Earth, from Earth, plants, from plants food, from food humans. Different from and lying within humans formed from the essence of food is the self (Atman) which is nothing but Paramathman or Brhman. Some mystical Energy (Some call it God) is identified as the source of the five elements.
Some wise men say it is inherent in Nature while others say it is Time. It is rather the greatness of Energy present in the world by means of which the wheel of Brahman goes around, who always encompasses this whole creation, the knower, the architect of time, the one without qualities and all the known ONE-it is it's command that the work of creation, to be conceived as earth, water, fire, air and space unfolds itself.
Add to the five elements, need three Gunas, from BhagavadGita (the primary qualities of Nature), Sattva, Rajas and Tamas which exist in all beings including humans in various degrees of concentration and combination. Depending upon their relative strengths and combinations, they determine nature of beings, its actions, behaviour and attitude and its attachment to the objective world in which it lives. The primary purpose of these gunas is to create bondage, through desire for sense objects leading to attachment with them and keep the beings under the perpetual control of Nature (Prakriti) from which the three gunas arose. And this the reason no two individuals are similar.

The purpose of human life is Liberation from this Samsara (birth, old age and death) utilising our unique gift of intellect (Buddhi) which can discriminate what is temporary and permanent, what is good and bad. Liberation is also called by different names such as, Mukthi, Moksha etc.
According to the law of Karma, we need to born again and again to bear the fruits of our actions whether good or bad, so how can we get Moksha?
There is a simple and easy way in our Sanathana Dharma which is whatever we do, we need to dedicate to the Lord of our choice 100% by which the fruits our action will not effect us but to the Lord himself or herself hence there is no need for rebirth and no death and we (Athma) can go from where we came to Brahman forever which is our mission of human life.
Hope it is clear and easy to practice which is in our own control.
This is the essence of spirituality/philosophy of life.

GITA JAYANTI-2009

2009-11-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

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!

BHAGAVAD GITA IN MARGASIRA MASAM

2009-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

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.

MARGASIRA MASAM

2009-11-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

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

WHAT IS DHARMA AND KARMA?

2009-11-02T22:23:00.000-08:00

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

TULASI VIVAH (WEDDING)

2009-10-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

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".

NAGULA CHAVITHI

2009-10-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

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

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY-PAKIRAREDDY

2009-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

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
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KARTIKA MASAM

2009-10-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

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

THE LAST 3 DAYS OF NAVARATRI-SARASWATHI

2009-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

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

First 3 days of NAVARATRI-DURGA

2009-09-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

NAVARATRI FESTIVAL

2009-09-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

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

TIRUONAM

2009-08-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

GANESH CHATURTHI-VINAYAKA CHAVITHI

2009-08-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

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,

DO WE KNOW THE REALITY? PLEASE READ!

2009-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

SRAVANA MANGALA +SUKRAVARA VRATAM

2009-07-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

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.

BRAHMAM GARI KALAGNANAM

2009-07-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

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.

VENDANTA-THE TRINITY

2009-04-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

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

SRI RAMANAVAMI

2009-04-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

What I can offer you to please you all at Sri RamaNavami, the sacred festival for all Hindus around the world who are in excess of a billion. What can anybody can offer. Hinduism Today is at our risk and presents a concise essence of Our Hinduism in a video format footage which is unbiased, easily understood with simple English for the first time. It is really a wonderful gift for all of us at this sacred time to watch which is in 5 parts which lasts only 45 minutes of our precious Time, with the help of You Tube facility. Please click the link below and save for future use and DO NOT FORGET TO PASS ON YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS TO WATCH I AM SURE THEY WILL BE MOST GRATEFUL FOR YOUR KIND THOUGHT & PLEASE LET YOUR CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE ON WARDS WATCH & YOU CAN EXPLAIN ANY THING THEY ASK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w9OCPguVGY&feature=related

Before we talk about Sri RamaNavami, do you remember the warning on BOTTLED WATER!
I am glad to inform you it has been proved it is safe to drink bottled water after all. One our clever sisters from America again (one of our group) came to rescue to provide the evidence which I give below and click the link to read more and IT SHOWS WHAT A FEED BACK CAN DO IN OUR GROUP! Please do not hold back if you consider that you have a useful information please try to pass on so that every one benefits which is the main aim of my message regularly

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp

The long waited Sree RamaNavami is upon us to celebrate the divine Birth, as well as SitaRama Kalyanam both divine events happened on the same day!

SriRama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasranaama Tattulyam Raamanama Varanaanane

Lord Shiva told this sloka to Parvati I meditate upon Sri Ram as Sri Rama, three thrice
recital of Rama's name equal to Recitation of the thousand Names of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Sahasra nama)
The chanting of Lord SriRama removes all his devotee's sins and brings prosperity to them. Lord SriRama fulfills the wishes and desires of his devotees, He is the king and the Lord of the whole universe.
SriRama Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of the Hindu Month of Chaitra (Chaitra shudda Navami). The day of SriRama Navami is the final day of the nine day celebrations of Vasanta Navaratri.

Now let us watch a beautiful footage of about 10 minutes Ramayana, fight between Lord Rama & his sons and end with diparture of Sita Maa from this earth by clicking the link below

http://video.yanthram.com/te/devotional/lavakusha.htm

On this auspicious day, devotees observe fasting, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to God. Temples of Rama are decorated, special pujas are performed, and religious discourses (Satsang) are held.
From early in the morning till late at night, the devotional music and chants of Rama are played. Numerous organizations celebrate Ramotsava inviting musicians to perform week-long programmes. It is believed that listening to the story of Rama cleanses the soul.
The special dish prepared for this festival is called Panakam, a mixture of new jaggery, cardamoms, black pepper powder and water. In some areas, panakam is prepared with jaggery, water and butter milk. On this occasion, in temples panakam is served as prasadam.
In Andhra Pradesh of South India, Sri Rama Navami festival is celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion, in the abode of Sitarama Temple at Bhadrachalam of Khammam District, as "Sree Sitarama Kalyana Mahotsav". This celebration at Bhadrachalam attracts as many as three lakhs of devotees every year. It is celebrated as the wedding ceremony between Lord Rama and Sita, as a role play where every aspect of human feelings is covered. This celebration has been in practice around 400 years, started during the reign of Nizams, and still it is continued in all its glory.
Besides the usual fasting and prayers, a most delightful tradition that is practised as a part of the Ram Navami celebrations in south India is the narration of stories from the epic "Ramayana". Rama is considered as the epitome of perfection, fulfilling all his duties towards both family and subjects. Talented storytellers are known to narrate episodes of the Ramayana with the local flavour and humour adding to it. This is essentially a folk tradition and still continues in villages and small towns.
Now Let us watch the Good Old footage of Sita Ramula Kalyanam by clicking the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR_FyIJvAXE
In Andhra Pradesh The Maha Yaga of chanting Hanuman Chalisa 10 crore times has been started to culminate on Sri RamaNavami Day. I have a desire of part of that Maha Yajna and let us listen or recite as many times as possible today and tomorrow which is most auspicious as Sita Maa & Rama will be much more please if we chant about their servant than themselves and that is the beauty of SitaRama.
We all I am sure have a tape or CD or MP3 of Hanuman Chalisa in our Homes and some of our dear sisters chant this sacred song daily in their pujas and how blessed they are. Not to worry! Even if we do not have Google is at help! and please click the link below to listen preferably by Telugus in Telugu by their Hanuman Chalisa Guru Late MS Ramarao in video form by clicking the link below which lasts just more than 10 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtotZ-y4LLM
And all others in Sanskrit with English sub titles by clicking the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx_l6uPOvXk
by clicking the link below
The most popular Sri Rama Temple in India Particularly in South has to be Bhadrachala Rama and you are all invited to this divine Temple by clicking the link below
http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/
Bhadrachala Rama is unique at least in 3 aspects namely, only in Bhadrachalam in Andhra pradesh Sri Rama has four arms and no where else as His Bhakta Bhadra visualised Him as Sri Maha Vishnu hence four arms and Sita Ma sitting very proudly on His left thigh and Sita Maa has 3 MangalaSutras, one from her father Janaka, one from her Dasaratha her Father in law and the third one is from Rama Dasu, the most devoted Bhakta of Sri Rama who constructed SriRama Temple at bhadrachalam. No where else these unique feature are seen even today. We were very fortunate to visit this sacred place a couple of years ago. Those who have not been should visit as soon as possible and it is a MUST for every Telugu Sister and brother.
Those of you who wants to listen the most famous Telugu cinema Ramadasu by clicking the link below
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/moviedetail.asp?mid=A0000542
Those of you who want to listen the ever famous Rama songs, please click the link below
http://www.chimatamusic.com/SreeRamaNavami.php
Those of you who want to watch the famous Telugu film Rama Dasu or who missed to watch before, here is a chance to watch on the evening of Sri RamaNavami with all the family can click the link below to make this sacred day is really Blissful

http://video247.tv/?p=4996
And those of you who prefer the classical old Telugu black & white SITARAMA KALYANAM WITH OUR KALIYUGA KRISHNAVATAR NAMELY N T RAMARAO GARU TO REMEMBER HIM ON THIS RAMANAVAMI DAY by clicking the link below in so many parts with the help of You Tube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqLlY4APbmY&feature=related
I am sure you all have enough material to make this Sri RamaNavami really Blissful. Please excuse me those of you feel it is rather overdose!
See you all the Sisters & Brothers on our traditional Sri Rama navami celebrations in Birmingham on saturday, April 4th on time for divine SitaRama Breakfast of delicious UPMA at 9.30 AM. All the deligates arrived safely including our own cook from Andhra and are already busy in preparations for the Divine SitaRama Kalyanam and the details can be found by clicking the link below with the coutasy of web Editor of course Chandrasekar
www.sriramanavami.co.uk
This year the most famous festival of our Our Andhra Pradesh namely SitaRama Kalyanam at Bhadrachalam is being carried out on Saturday, April 4th! and it seemed they are following our tradition in UK! for some unknown reason. It is being broadcast ed Live in one or two Telugu TV channels and watch either SVBC or Bhakti TV on Saturday for live coverage from Bhadrachalam and those especially who cannot make it to come on Saturday to Birmingham for any reason may have a chance to watch it live from Bhadrachalam same as our function in Birmingham free of charge by clicking www.telugutv.net and no need to register and you see some lines in blue and click either the 3rd line for SVBC or the second blue line for Bhakti TV or if there is no coverage after all at least you can have good programmes and also TV5 news by clicking the 1st blue line, You cannot go wrong!
And really finally let us end this message by listening again you tend to forget to watch, please click now before you close this message and this is the least we can do for ourselves and for our family's welfare
http://video.yanthram.com/te/devotional/lavakusha.htm
Recite 11 times on Sri RamaNavami Day:
'Sri Rama Namamu, Rama Namamamu
Ramyaminadi Rama Namamu'
Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
Aum Shanti Shantihi

MAHA SHIVARATRI FESTIVAL

2009-02-19T00:31:00.000-08:00

Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavalu already started in important popular Shiva temples like Srisailam, Sri Kalahasti, Vemulawada etc. in Andhra Pradesh. This important festival is celebrated in a grand style in all the Dwadasa JyotirLinga temples except 'Kedarnath' which is being closed during winter months and also places Like Tirumala, SriRangam. All the Shiva devotees who are observing Shiva Diksha are attending these temples in large temples especially to Sri Bhramaramba M-Mallikarjuna temple in Srisailam.
What exactly we need to do on MahaShivaratri day and night on Monday, February 23rd? Maha Shivaratri usually comes in the month of Telugu month of phalguna but this year it came on the penaltimate day of Magha Masa that too on a Monday which is rare occurrence and combination. So it has to be extra Special this year.
Those we are doing Shiva Deeksha they end on this day usually by attending Shiva temple and traditionally in Sri Bhramaramba-mallikarjuna temple at Srisailam from all over India and abroad, where we were very fortunate to be, a couple of years ago. The most important thing we need to observe all day and night is full devotion while Shiva Panchakshari Maha mantra dances on our tongue silently and to talk less and concentrate on the rituals we need to perform day and most inportantly on Maha Shivaratri night Abhishekam to Shiva Linga starting at 6.00 A M on Shivaratri day and every three hours with Panchamrutas (Cow milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar) five times each time while chanting the maha Mantra 'Aum namah Sivaya-Sivaya Namah Aum' and also at the stroke of midnight 12.00 A M when exactly Lingodhbavam happened at Tiruvannamali in TamilNadu-India and the Abhishekam ends on 6.00 A M on Tuesday, February, 24th, the last day of the sacred Month of Magha. This is essentail compulsory ritual by every body both Females and males but definitely by our GrihaLakshmies which will have effect to all the family, SO PLEASE LET ALL OUR SISTERS TO READ THIS MESSAGE.
The remaining time during the day and night should be spent by reading, listening and watching all the material we have about Shiva and Shivaratri with the rest of the family including children if possible.

To listen to Shiva Suprabhatam and namas, please click the link below
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/AD000144.html
Those who want to know all about Shiva and perform Shiva Puja, please click the link below
http://www.mahashivratri.org/shivaratri-pooja.html
Anybody who want to understand about Shiva, please click the link below to read which is facinating
http://www.exoticindia.com/article/shiva_parvati

There are 8 idols of Shiva.
EIGHT IDOLS OF SHIVA After describing about the five chief incarnations of lord Shiva, Sutji explained about the eight famous idols of lord Shiva- Sharva, Bhava, Rudra, Ugra, Bheema, Pashupati, Ishan and Mahadeva. These eight idols of Shiva symbolizes the eight natural elements which help in the process of creation, nurturement and annihilation. These eight natural elements are Land, water, fire, air, sky, supreme soul (Kshetragya), Sun and the moon. Being established in these eight idols, Shiva controls the whole world
SHIVA AS ARDHANARISHWAR Once upon a time Lord Brahma, not seeing an expansion in his creation became very worried. A heavenly voice instructed him to commence creation with the help of copulative activities. But since all the incarnation of Shiva had been males till then, therefore lord Brahma was finding it impossible. Lord Brahma contemplated on the form of Shiva and Shakti. Lord Shiva became very pleased with him and appeared in his form of 'Ardhanarishwar (half male half female). Left side of his body resembled like a woman while the right side appeared like a man. Lord Brahma worshipped this form of Shiva. Lord Shiva then separated the feminine part of his body and thus manifested mother Shakti. Lord Brahma worshipped her and requested to bestow such power by which he could create a woman. Goddess Shakti blessed him by saying – 'So be it' and vanished. This way Lord Brahma became capable of commencing copulative creation

Let all of us be thankful for kind invitation of SadGuru Jaggi Vasudev from Isha foundation by clicking the link below
http://www.ishafoundation.org/eflyers/2009/Mahashivrathri_2009.isa
To know all about 'Shiva mahima Stotram' and it's meaning in English, please click the link below
http://www.gita-society.com/shiva.pdf
Those of you who would like to recite/listen/watching of Shiva mahima stotra, please click the link below and PLEASE WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS ON THIS PAGE WHICH I DID ARE REALLY BLISSFUL. WATCH TO BELEIVE ME!
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-BVkB4hqryX0/shiva_mahimna_stotra_1_of_3/
Those who want to listen to perform Shiva Puja, please click the link below
http://www.astrojyoti.com/shivapoojamp3.htm
Those of you for any reason you cannotcelebrate this year;s Maha Shivaratri, not to worry wherever you are in the world you can request to perform ShivaPuja on Maha Shivaratri not in one temple but in all five temples of Shiva which represents Panchbhutas at a meger charge of $35/ by Hindu pandits on line! by clicking the link below
http://www.eprarthana.com/offers/sivarathri/sivarathri.asp?lkf=mlr_ms_mittl&idq=3844
Those who would like to listen Siva songs, please click the link below
http://www.dhingana.com/play/lord-shiva/NTM3MDQsNTM3MDcsNTM3MDYsNDUyNjcsNDUyNjQsMzI2MjYsMzI2MjcsMzI2MzIsMzI2MzQsMzcwNzQ=/pop/1
Those of you who would like to listen and watch Shiva Tandavam stotra, please click the link below
http://sound-hindu-god-photo.blogspot.com/2008/02/shiva-tandava-stotra.html
Those of you who would like to listen Shiva Mahanyasam, please click the link below
http://www.raaga.com/channels/sanskrit/album/S0000122.html which is a blissful hearing on this sacred day
Those of you who feel the above links are not enough to fill 24 hours, please click the link below to listen more than 100 Shiva songs and a must for Telugu families to get the maximum Bliss on this special Shivaratri this year 2009!
http://www.andhravilas.com/devdetailslisten.asp?cat=devsiva
Those of you who would like to listen Shiva Mahapuran fully or whatever you like, in Telugu. please click the link below
http://srichaganti.net/pravachanams03.html#SVPM

Indian clock

2009-02-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.clocklink.com/taggen.php?agree=1&clkid=0032&fontcolor=&bgcolor=&wlppr=&AcceptBtn=Accept

VAIKUNTA EKADASI-2009

2009-01-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday! How many of us have watched the free SVBC channel this morning. I hope at least Sisters & Brothers in Andhra Pradesh might have watched. The first important programme 'Guru Devo Bhava' starts at 3.30 a. m GMT i.e. 9.00 a. m in India which is a sociable time so that everybody can watch including those of you who live out side of Andhra Pradesh on the net provided if you have broad band connection provided you know and understand Telugu, By the way SVBC channel is only in Telugu in Andhra Pradesh and the other languages I mentioned before like Hindi, Tamil, Kannada are not available yet. It is in the process, even though it was tried during Brahmostavalu recently and they are not available even on the net and they are trying to get the appropriate soft ware. Hope it will happen soon,Guru Devo Bhava lasts for 60 minutes introduced by Sri Bachampalli Santosh Kumar Sastry garu with different experts each Sunday. This is one of the Must watch programmes in SVBC channel.The next programme on Sunday at 4.30 a. m GMT & at 10.00 a. m in India is The children's quiz programme on our Samskruthi, festivals, etc. which is an essential programme for all ages and lasts 30 minutes. Please try to watch these two programmes at least once in UK, USA & Canada going to www,yupptv.com and click new user and register your self with your e. mail id and pass word and then login to watch SVBC, Samskruthi Telugu channels which are free of charge, to appreciate the value of these programmes which are difficult to explain. Now, Today's message is about the most important festival of the year especially for Vaishnavites all over the world is VaiKunta Ekadasi which is an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Tamil Month ofMargazhi (Dhanur Masam) which falls on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009.Vaikunda Ekadasi festival is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the Bhadrachalam Temple. In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).
Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in meditation, Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in South India.
The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs in December or early January every year.There are several calendars on the internet that is indicating December 9 and December 23 as Vaikunta Ekadasi and it is wrong. The confusion was primarily due to the date indicated in some government calendars. If you read the Panchangam, you will get the correct date.Sri RANGANATHASWAMY Temple, Srirangam Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras state) -- foremost of Vaishanvite Shrines, lasts 21 days and is divided into two parts of pagal pathu (morning part) and Ira pathu (night part). Lord Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha is adorned is an armor of diamonds (rathnaangi) and is brought to the Thousand-Pillared Hall from the sanctum sanatorium through the northern gate known as Paramapada Vasal, the gate to the heaven. This gate is opened once in a year, only on the Vaikuntha Ekadasi day. A few years ago when we were in India on vacation went to SriRangam on this holy day without knowing Vaikunta Ekadasi on that day. Do you know what? We were not able to have darshan of Sri Ranganatha on that occasion and went again a couple of years ago and had a wonderful darshan. It is one of the pilgrimages one should visit in life time.TIRUMALA Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh also has a similar concept. Thirumala has a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanatorium. The dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadasi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikunta Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation. The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikunta Ekadasi. There will be a sea of people at Tirumala in the first week of January every year.This year, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanum is celebrating 'Bhaja Govindam Sankirtana Maha Yajnam' on this holy day of Vaikunta Ekadasi during 6.00 p.m-8.00 p. m Indian time in all the temples irrespective of Vaishnava temple or not at the same time to propagate BHAJA GOVINDAM SONG ' the most popular and important song which explains the whole philosophy and Spirituality in a nut shell written by the father of Hinduism without whom our Hindu culture and philosophy would not have been same today namely Sri Adi SankarAcharya of Kalady in God's own country namely Kerala, to ever corner of Andhra Pradesh in a very big way.So I thought that we all wherever we are around the globe should participate along with the Sisters & Brothers in Andhra Pradesh at the same time from 6.00 p. m to 8.00 p. m Indian time & 12.30 p. m to 2.00 p. m GMT from which you calculate the equivalent time where you live and please pass on this message to all your family and friends wherever they are on earth, to make this Samuhika yajnam (group activity) to get the maximum effect of our activity on this holy day. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS HUMBLE REQUEST.Our Sisters & Brothers are more fortunate as TTD is sending Sri Vari Prasadam which includes Passa KarPooram from the feet of Sri Venkateswara & Kunkuma from Sri Padmavathi Amma to all the temples in Andhra Pradesh participating in this great ritual which are available to only a selected few in general is really highly appreciable activity by TTD committee. BHADRACHALA RAMA TEMPLE in Andhra pradesh on the banks of Godavari river which is unique Sri Rama temple where Sri Rama is seen with four arms and Sita Ma sitting on His left lap. Vaikunta Ekadasi is also celebrated here in the grandest fashion.Those of you who would like to know about Bhaja Govindam in detail, please click the link below to read or recite Bhaja Govindham on this sacred day of Vaikunta Ekadasi http://www.stephen-knapp.com/bhaja_govindam.htmThose of you who are busy people can watch about 11 minutes to watch, listen & English meaning of Bhaja Govindham by no other than the Legend, The Queen of Carnataka Music, Late MS SubbaLakshmi (MS Amma) is a delight to our eyes and ears on this holy Vaikunta Ekadasi Day is a MUST. Please click the link below to enjoy during the two hours of the Maha Yajnam on January 7th.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4FUQxn4CnY&feature=relatedIt is also highly desirable to recite or listen Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam on Vaikunta Ekadasi especially during the 2 hours of Maha Yajnam on January 7th by clicking the link belowhttp://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=67841&mode=3&rand=0.9162802770375509&bhcp=1And finally for those devotees who are keen to recite all the 1000 names and their English meaning during Vaikunta Ekadasi, please click the link to recitehttp://www.trsiyengar.com/id71.shtmlPlease save these important links and pass on to your family & friends for future use.And really finally another good news to day is starting form December 29th, there will be Pravachanam on Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavam by no other than Saraswathi Putra, BrahmaSri Chaganti Koteswararao garu from Kakinada in Samskruthi Free channel on the net. I am not sure about the exact time and if I know before 29th, I will let you know. This has to be Good. So please watch at least Sisters & Brothers in Andhra Pradesh should be able to watch this to get Bliss ducting this holy month of Dhanur Masam.With Love, Light & Peace to all,PakirareddyN:B: I could not resist my temptation of giving you this link to watch 5 minutes of wonderful video footage of our beloved MS Amma on this holy day for what she has done to Indian Music.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyDNKW7g2Co&feature=related

SWAMY'S 83 BLISSFUL YEARS

2008-11-22T00:54:00.000-08:00

Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba (Swamy) will be 83 years of age on 23rd November 2008, the day the whole world will celebrate His Divine Birthday in a grandest fashion. Many have prophesied the advent of Swamy. For example: a)" A well known astrology professor Sri Ganjur Narayana Sastry traced a Shuka Nadi Grantha (a volume of palm leaf manuscripts by sage Shuka) on Sri Satya Sai Baba entitled Sai charitamrita Grantham. It describes accurately and at length Sri Satya Sai Baba’s family tree and many facts about Him. Among other things, the palm leaves say: Born in Akshaya year, in the month of Karthika, on Monday, Krishna chaturdasi, in Ardhra star, visuchika lagnam, this person of divine aspects was previously Shiridivasa (a resident of Shiridi). He is a sankalpa siddha (one who can do things through His will), a person of great powers, but with no love for worldly glory and money" ("living Divinity" Shakunthala Balu, p51) b) Nostradamus book of prophesies entitled ‘Centuries’ has documented that a very great leader would be born in a place surrounded by three seas. Three seas surround South India. The book continues to say that His efforts would bring an end to world war and it would spread spirituality far and wide. He would observe Thursday as His holy day. C) In the 25-volume collection of Prophet Mohammed's discourses titled ‘The ocean of Light,’ Satya Sai’s advent has been prophesied. Volume 13 called ‘Mehdi Moud’ which means ‘The great teacher that was promised’ also referred to as ‘The Master of the world’ has very clear descriptions, which fit Satya Sai accurately. A few of them are listed. 1) His hair will be profuse. 2) His fore head will be large and concave. 3) He will have a mole on His cheek. 4) All the treasures of the world are under His feet. 5) He will live 95 years on earth (Swamy often said that He would leave His physical body in the 96th year). 6) All the teachings of all religions of the world will be in His heart from birth. 7) He will make the world full of peace, the list goes on. This extraordinary description of Satya Sai Baba is an astonishing prophecy, which seems impeccable in its accuracy.d) Sri Aurobindo of Pondicherry, a great Indian spiritual leader broke his silence to tell his disciples on 24th November 1926 (the day after Swamy was born) "Krishna Consciousness has now descended into the physical" and then went back into silence. Several others also prophesied which are beyond the scope of this tiny article. As prophesied, Swamy was born on 23rd November 1926 at 5 a. m Tuesday (Monday according to Telugu calendar) in Bharadwaja Gothra after 8 years of passing away of Shiridi Sai Baba on 15th October 1918 on Dasara day through ‘pravesa’ not through ‘prasava’ as other Avatars born in a similar way.As a child, He demonstrated exemplary qualities of compassion, generosity, and wisdom, which clearly distinguished Him from the other children of His village. On 29th October 1940, at the age of 14, He declared to His family and to the people of His village that He would hence forth be known as Sai Baba and that His mission was to bring about the spiritual regeneration of humanity by demonstrating and teaching the highest principles of truth, right conduct, peace and divine love.\Swamy’s Ashram, built by His devotees close to the village where He was born, was inaugurated on 23rd November 1950. It is called Prasanthi Nilayam (the abode of divine peace). It has been the meeting place of millions of spiritual pilgrims of various faiths from all over the world. Every day Swamy graciously walks among them to guide, comfort, console and uplift them twice daily both in the morning and afternoon. He is doing like this for more than 50 years practising and preaching the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non violence. He has often stated, "My life is my message."Swamy places great importance on proper EDUCATION for young pupils. Parents and community leaders are urged to concern themselves with the information as well as the formal experiences to which their children and young adults are exposed. He has established a model education system which includes primary schools, secondary schools and an accredited university in various campuses, offering education from K G to PG including Ph D degrees FREE OF CHARGE to students and admission is open to all, regardless of race, religion or economic condition which is UNHEARD OF ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD. In addition to emphasising the per suit of academic excellence, Satya Sai Baba’s system of "integral education" is designed to foster self-discipline and pro social conduct. Students are required to take courses on morality and spirituality and devote several hours each week to some form of community service. Swamy says, "that the end of education is character".Swamy also places greater importance in HEATH CARE and built ultra modern super speciality hospitals both in Puttaparthi and Banglore. Highly specialised operations including open-heart operations and kidney transplant are performed routinely. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE TO THE PATIENT for professional or hospital expenses including medication and food, which is UNHEARD OF ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD. Motivated by the desire to serve humanity, doctors, nurses and other workers in hospital render extraordinary, loving care to all patients. I was fortunate to go and see these hospitals in person which are comparable to any hospital in the west, both in treatments and equipment and more so in neatness and hygiene. It is a delight to enter these temples of treatment, which are unique in design and style. There are so many other services to the needy in villages by water supply, mobile clinics and cleaning the streets of villages and towns. There are too many to mention. As you may be aware, recently Chennai was supplied with water through Sai Ganga.Swamy’s message: It is very difficult to describe His message in words and it is beyond human comprehension. A few drops of this ocean of Sai Baba’s teachings, an attempt to encapsulate its essence follows: Swamy urges mankind to-Believe in God for there is only one God for all mankind. He may be called by many names.-Follow sincerely their respective religions and live their daily lives in consonance with the teachings of good behaviour and morality.-Respect all religions, for no religion advocates the negative and lower qualities of man.-Perform selfless service to the poor, the sick and the needy elderly without thought of any reward or fame.-Cultivate in their lives, the value of truth, divine love, right conduct, peace and non-violence and promote these values among all.-Be patriotic and respect the law of the country in which they live.Swami has reiterated that service is indeed the best form of worship. "Selfless service is a more exalted means of spiritual progress than such other things as meditation, bhajan and yoga. This is so because when we under take meditation, Japa or yoga, we do so for our own benefit and not for the good of others. These are aimed at subjugating ones individual desires and receiving happiness for one self. What we should aspire for is the attainment of the good of others without any desire for personal gain." Swamy says "Hands that help are holier than the lips that pray"The path is clear and well signposted with Swamy’s messages but the impediments on the way are still there for us to overcome the foes, which are egotism, greed, lust, anger, envy and perhaps more. However Swamy has given us tools or weapons to combat these foes, which are sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa.The sunlight of grace is all around us but we must open the windows of our heart to get the benefit of the sunlight. This is self-effort.I know some of the readers of this article might be thinking, what about that we read in India Today and in other Indian and Western media about Swami and also in the Internet? I also know some people get irritated and get angry when they hear the name Satya Sai Baba. I my self read all the journals and in the internet about the bad comments on Swamy. It is a fascinating reading to get temporary kick, which is transient on the expense of somebody. I was not worried the least about those reports.In this world of limitations, there is always good and bad. There is no 100% good or 100% bad in any thing or in any one. This is the Law of Life. No body can do any thing about it. Actually there is no good or bad in any thing or in any one but our own perception of things and people makes us feel good or bad depending on our own perception at that time. In other words our own qualities are reflected on to others. So we are at fault not any body else. But what one can do if sensible is always to look for good in every thing and in every one even it is 0.001% and NOT to think or talk about bad. Can we try to do this? No, no way! Why not? The reasons for good or bad are many. There is no point to discuss these things, as they would not serve any useful purpose what so ever. It is mere waste of time and energy. We should have guts to see only goodness in every thing and in every one and try to follow it if possible; otherwise we are sure to be doomed. Now let us see what happened to the past Avatars like Rama and Krishna and Jesus.All during His incarnation did not recognise Sri Ram. His own father was deluded by paternal feelings. Kaikeyi, His stepmother wanted her own son, Bharatha to be king and Rama to be sent to the forest. Had she developed the feeling that Rama was God, she would not have felt that way? Similarly Krishna was also not recognised and was not accepted as God. All His uncles were His worst opponents. Cams, Sisupala, Jarasandha were His uncles. The Kauravas were blind and never accepted His divinity. So no Avatar was is recognised by contemporary society. Jesus was left all alone on the cross, deserted by His disciples on the day of crucifixion. All in His time did not accept even Sai Baba of Shiridi. Some thought He was a Moslem Fakir and some others thought He was a mad man. The merchants in Shiridi village refused to give Him oil to light His lamps.Western media have often a deep suspicion of Indian ‘Gurus’ and vary of anything, which has a ‘Hindu’ flavour. It is true that some of the Gurus teaching in the West might have brought a bad name to Hinduism; but is this a reason to clamp them all together under the same ‘fake’ label? Unfortunately the Indian Journalists share often the same resistance to Gurus as their Western counterparts. And one can also understand their misgivings, given the problems there has been in India with certain Gurus having political connections. But these are the exception to the rule. Why then brand all Gurus as ‘Godman’ a negative and slightly cynical term, as many Indian Journalists do? Is not also strange that Indian Journalists do not display the same aggressiveness towards Christian bishops or priests, whom they never call God men but ‘holy father?’It was not only Sai Baba in India Today, for example, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living has also been catalogued a ‘Godman’ by The Deccan Herald. Yet, he too is helping to spread both in India and abroad this wonderful spiritual inheritance, promoting as much the revival of Saskrit and Vedic knowledge, as an ecological concern for plastic disposal, or trying to save the centenary trees which are in danger of being chopped on the Bangalore-Kanakapura road, as it is being widened. As you can see, no one, not even a mahapurusha or Avatar can ever escape criticism and blame. So we should not give any importance to this type of garbage.Let us examine where we are today? Let us examine the background and position of Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba. Right in this very human body, Swamy is an accepted as an incarnation of God by millions of people in all over the world. Name the country; the devotees are at Prasanthi Nilayam. Name the profession; all professions are at Puttaparthi. People of all age groups and professions, educated and uneducated, employed and unemployed, Men and women, Muslims, Christians, all castes, Brahmins, Naidus, Chowdaries, Visyas, Reddies, you name it, all come to the abode of Divine peace year after year to imbibe the spirituality and sanctity of Prasanthi Nilayam. The brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God can be witnessed at any time of the day and night without any doubt. This is an unbelievable fact in the human history only to be believed by witnessing the Divine place even in this Kali Yuga.Is Swamy teaching a separate religion? Has He started a new religion? What does He stand for? If any one asks what religion you belong to? We should say ‘to the religion of Love’; if any body asks us what is your language? We should say ‘the language of heart,’ or if anybody asks what caste? We should say ‘the caste of humanity.’ That is what Swamy wants us to practice. Is there anything wrong in that? As children of one God, we should not divide by our own religion of the past, because the essence of all religions is Love, which is nothing but God!Swamy has given us only one path to reach God, the path of service. He gave us the religion of Love. To convince everybody is very difficult in this world because some of us do not want to agree to anything! Leave them alone to their fate. Let us improve the quality of our life as time is running out at any moment. We are very fortunate to be alive and to be contemporaries of noble souls like Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) of God’s own country, namely Kerala, Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba (Swamy) from Andhra pradesh, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Karnataka, Sri Bangaru Adigalar (amma) from Tamil Nadu who is believed to be Avatar of Adi Parashakti. We can witness the divine work by all these and other noble people in India and abroad and we can talk to them, touch them and even have a Divine Hug with a wonderful smile and a message in our ears! How lucky we are? Our grand children and Great grand children will read about these Great souls in history books as we read about the past Great people like Vemana, Aid Sankaracharya, Rama Krishna, Vivekananda, Mahtma Gandhi, too many to list. Friends, let us try to learn to enjoy life with what we have rather than to worry about what we do not have.Human being has only a short span of life, here on earth. But even in this short life one can, by wisely using the time with care, attain Divine Bliss. Remember Adi Sankara Lived only 32 years, Swami Vivekanada lived 39 years, and Rama Krishna Lived only 50 years and we all know what they achieved in their short life span. Many of us coming soon to the 3rd stage of life and where do we stand when compared to the above?Let us know why this body is given to us? The body is given to us after so many good deeds we did in our past lives to serve the mankind and to know about ourselves (self realisation) to go where we came from, without death and rebirth, that is to get Moksha or Liberation or Nirvana. This can happen only for human beings. Such is the importance of this life. Let us not waste any more time in enjoying reading bad press of our noble people but concentrate to reach the only goal of this life to merge into the ultimate, with complete surrender to our own God without any trace of ego by thought, word and deed. We are bound to succeed.GLORY TO SWAMYGLORY TO GODGLORY TO HUMAN RACE.

To know more about Swamy, please go to the website at http://www.sathyasai.org/

FESTIVALS OF HINDUISM

2008-11-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

A—Z of HINDU FESTIVALS*
Collected& rewritten by Dr.Kurri Pakirareddy,Boston,Lincs
It has been said often enough that Hindus celebrates everything. So they do. The birth of Gods, death of asuras, victory of Gods, marriage of Gods, the new year, new months, full moon, new moons, harvests, birthdays, initiations marriages, deaths, anniversaries- you name the event, and it is reason for music, dance, processions and what have you.
There is the religious flavour lurking behind it all. The reasons for this lie deep, in the origin of Hinduism as an organic religion. Its followers have over time considered anything, animate or inanimate, to be sacred and aspects of divinity.
That is also why even secular events like harvests take on religious overtones, with the patron deity presiding over the festivities. As soon as something happens, there is a kind of thanksgiving to the divine that follows it.
Apart from the universally celebrated festivals like Ganesh chturthi, Diwali and Dasara, there are others that are observed in specific communities or geographical area. The worship of Murugan (as during the festival of Skanda Shasti) is predominant in Tamil Nadu, where God is considered as a patron of the region. The festival of Onam is a good example that is celebrated solely by Keralites. Another interesting aspect of Onam is that it is perhaps the only major Hindu festival that celebrates the reign of an asura king, although a benevolent one. If you travel around the country, especially in villages, you will hear people tell you a variety of legends involving different Gods behind a single festival. You will also find versions of the same festival being celebrated under different names in different regions.
The following is the summary of some of the main festivals and occasions that I e. mailed throughout out the year to remind friends all over the world, as they are busy with their routine work and jobs.

* We are starting with Ganesh Chaturdhi as it is customary

GANESH CHATURTHI: Let us offer our humble prayers to Lord Ganesha, who represents wisdom, and to His consorts Siddhi and Buddhi who grant wealth and knowledge, to bless us all with true knowledge, discrimination, dispassion, good health and prosperity. “May you remove our difficulties with lustrous axe in your hand and bring success to all our noble efforts”.
Ganesh Mantra: Aum Sri Ganeshaya Namah.
His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung (pronounced as the English word ‘sung’)
His two feet represents the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that, it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol Om.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which is most sacred to Him. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (Aug-Sept). Lord Ganesha, the eldest son Parvathi and Lord Shiva is the remover of all obstacles. Clay figures of the deity are made and after being worshiped on the day or in some areas like Mumbai for ten days, they are immersed into water. If one wants to see the real hangama of Ganesh Chaturthi, one should be in Mumbai during the festival. The Siddhi Vinayaka temple in the heart of Mumbai is a famous landmark.
Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh recommends: On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period (4.00- 6.00 a. m). Then after taking a bath, go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship Him at home too. You can get the assistance of a pundit. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your home. Feel His presence in it.
WHAT EVER YOU DO ON THAT DAY, NO ONE SHOULD LOOK AT THE MOON ON GANESH CHATURTHI DAY. If at all any body sees the moon, the only way he or she can be freed from the curse by listening the story of how Lord Krishna cleared his character regarding the Syamantaka Jewel.

DASARA OR NAVARATRI: These festivals are celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (Septem-Octo) from the shukla paksha, pratipada to dashami or 10th day of Aswin. Dasara is celebrated all over India with a lot of fanfare and religious fervour. It is an occasion for pujas and festivities like music, dance and cultural programmes. In South India specially in Tamilnadu Dasara is called Navaratri (9 nights)
According to Hindu mythology, a very powerful Asura Demon king Mahishasura prayed the Almighty and asked for a boon that his death should be at the hands of a woman and by no other human being or any form of living being.
When his cruelty became unbearable, people prayed to Sakthi, the concert of Shiva to save them from the Demon and provide them with salvation. Sakthi then took the form of Durga and killed the Demon Mahishasura. The fight took place for 9 days and nights, hence the name Navaratri.
PURPOSE OF DASARA: Festivals like Dasara are designed to make man aware of his divinity, to endow him with purity to become aware of its holiness to imprint on his heart the wisdom won by sages after years of yearning. The Dasara festival honours the victory of Devas (Gods) over the Asuras (demons), the force of righteousness over the force of evil. The Gods were able to win, because of para-shakti, the dynamic aspect of Divinty.
IMPORTANCE OF DASARA: During the festival of Dasara, the three Goddesses- Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped according to certain practices. The tenth day is celebrated as the victory day.
In Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas had to spend a year incognito, they hid their weapons on the advice of Krishna, in a Jammi tree which is thick in foliage and whose branches are filled with latent fire. Vijayadasami was the day on which Pandavas retrieved their weapons from the tree and used them to win victory over the Kauravas.
In the Tetra Yuga, Sri Rama’s coronation after His victorious return to Ayodhya from Lanka was prepared on Vijayadasami day.
This is the day on which Shiridi Saibaba left His mortal coil and went to Mahasamadhi.
NAVA DURGA: There are nine forms of Durga. 1. Durga, 2. Brahmacharini, 3.Chandraghanta, 4. Kushmanda, created the Universe with a smile. 5. Skandamata, as Kumar Kartik’s other name is Skanda. 6. Kattayani, 7. Kalratri, 8. Mahagouri, whose complexion are totally white, 9. Siddhidatri as she delivers success.
During the nine days (Navaratri), the first 3 days are dedicated to Goddess Durga, dressed in Red and mounted on a lion. The next 3 days dedicated to Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) dressed in Gold and mounted on an owl. The last 3 days of Navaratri are dedicated to Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on pure white swan. Dandidya and Garba Rass are the highlights of Dasara in Gujarat. In Bengal Durga puja is done in the grandest form.

DIWALI OR DEEPAVALI, FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Diwali or Deepavali means ‘a row of lights’ which is celebrated on Amavasya day, the 15th day of dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashwin which usually comes in October-November every year. It is most popular and eagerly waited festival in India. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs regard this festival as a celebration of life. It usually comes after 18 days of Dasara. The common practice is to light small oil amps (diyas) and places them around the home.
TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE DIWALI:
Goddess Lakshmi’s Birthday: The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (amavasya) during the churning of the ocean, hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi.
Vishnu rescued Lakshmi on Diwali day. Lord Vishnu in His fifth incarnation as Vaman-avatara rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason of worshipping Ma Lakshmi on Diwali.
Krishna killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.
The return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic ‘Mahabharata’ it was Diwali day, when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banmishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.
The victory of Rama: According to the epic ‘Ramayana’, it was the Diwali day, when Lord Sri Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.
Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu king, Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.
Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was on the Diwali day, when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.
Special day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar considered being the founder of modern Jainism also attained nirvana on Diwali day.
Special day for Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalised Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Guru’s blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings.
The Pope’s Diwali Speech: In 1999, Pope John Paul II performed a special Eucharist in an Indian church where the alter was decorated with Diwali lamps, the Pope had a ‘tilak’ marked on his forehead and his speech was bristled with references to the festival of lights.
Diwali is a festival of 5 days. The 1st day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, which falls on the 13th day of the month of Ashwin. Dhan means wealth and this day has a great significance for the rich mercantile community of Western India.
The 2nd day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwal, which falls on the 14th day of the Ashwin. This is the day on which Lord Krishna killed Narakaasura.
The 3rd day of Diwali is the day of Lakshmi Puja. This day is known as Chopoda Puja- balancing the accounts and their closing. In spite of Amavasya, this day is regarded as most auspicious.
The 4th day of Diwali is called Padwa or Varshapratipada marks the coronation of king Vikramaditya. Govardhan Puja is also performed in North India on this day.
The 5th and last day of Diwali is known as’Bhayya Duj’ in Hindi speaking belt and as Bhav-Bij in Marathi speaking belt and in Nepal it is called Bhai-Tika. This is the day of showing love between sisters and brothers and also a day of food sharing and sharing gifts as well.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has so aptly put forth the true significance of Diwali in the following beautiful lines.
“ THE NIGHT IS BLACK
KINDLE THE LAMP OF LOVE
WITH THY LIFE AND DEVOTION”

GAYATRI JAPA DAY: The Gayatri Japa Day falls the day after Raksha Bhandan day (sisters tie Rakhi-a coloured thread of love on the wrist of their brothers to protect them against evil influences) Gayatri Japa Day is a holy and most glorious day intended to remind us all of the greatest and most glorious of all Mantras, the sacred Gayatri Mantra. The very meaning of the word Gayatri is ‘that which protects one who sings it’. The celibate, the Grihastha or householder and the Vanaprastha or one who is retired, must repeat this Mantra every day. The sanyasin or renunciate is asked to repeat AUM instead of this Mantra.
‘NA GAYATRYAH PARO MANTRAH’ meaning ‘there is no Mantra greater than the Gayatri’
Let us all start repeating this holy Mantra every day starting on Gayatri Japa Day until the appointed final call comes.
The Gayatri is as follows:

Om bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat.

Om: symbol of para Brahma
Bhur: Bhu Loka or the physical plane.
Bhuvah: the astral plane
Svah: the celestial plane

Tat: That; the transcendental paramatma; God
Savitur: the creator
Varanyam: fit to be worshipped.

Bhargo: remover of sins and ignorance; glory, effulgence
Devasya: resplendent, shining
Dheemahi: we meditate

Dhiyo: the intellect, understanding
To: who
Nah: our
Prachodayaat: enlighten, guide, impel.

Meaning: “We meditate on the glory of the creator who has created the universe, who is fit to be worshipped, who is the embodiment of knowledge and light, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellect”?

In Gayatri Mantra there are five parts:
Om is the first part,
Bhur bhuvah svah is the second part,
Tat savitur varenyam is the third part,
Bhargo devasya dheemahi is the fourth part, and
Dhiyo to nah prachodayaat is the fifth and last part.

WHILE CHANTING THE GAYATRI MANTRA, WE SHOULD PAUSE AFTER EVERY PART.

GURU PURNIMA OR VYASA PURNIMA OR ASHADA PURNIMA

The day of full moon, Hindus traditionally celebrate Purnima, in the month of Ashada as Guru Purnima, which usually comes in the month of July. Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration of to sage Veda Vyasa. He is the Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu Dharma. Vyasa was the son of the sage Parasara and fisherwoman Satyavati and the grand son of the renowned sage Vasistha. He personified the combination of sagely wisdom and the practical approach of the fisherwoman. It is essential to cultivate both to excel in life.
Vyasa was born on the full moon day (Purnima) of Ashada. Purnima which denotes illumination and Vyasa Purnima points to spiritual enlightenment. Yasa is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Apart from codifying the Vedas, Vyasa composed the Puranas and Brahma sutras and also dictated the epic Mahabharata consisting of almost one-lakh verses and it is considered as the fifth Veda.
Guru Purnima day is considered as the most auspicious day on which ones Guru are worshiped. The word Guru stands for the source of light, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. The worship of Guru means a journey from darkness to light. (Tam soma Jyotirgamaya)
Only He who removes our ultimate darkness, known as Maya, and who inspires and guides us on the path of God-realisation is the true Guru. A spiritual aspirant, no matter how brilliant, can never attain knowledge by his or her own endeavour. This is stipulated in the Shrimad Bhagawatam in which Jadbharat reveals to king Rahugan:
“O Rahugan! One cannot attain knowledge of Atma and Paramatma by performing penance, sacrifices, renunciation, Vedic study or worshipping deities of water, fire or the Sun. But when the dust from the feet of God-realised Guru sprinkles on our heads, then we can surely attain this knowledge”.
Adi Shankara echoes a similar injunction: “If a person, despite possessing, a handsome, disease-free body, fame, a mountain of wealth, and even if he has studied the Vedas and all other scriptures, and has himself composed many scriptures, but has not surrendered himself at the feet of a Guru, then he has achieved nothing, nothing, and nothing”.
NO DOUBT, THE guru plays a vital role in boosting the aspirant frequently, when he or she loses track, becomes despondent or simply runs out of steam. The aspirant is thus better able to obey the Guru if he understands and finds a ‘real’ Guru.
A famous verse known by heart by almost all Hindus and their children glorifies the Guru.

Gurubrahma Guruvishnu gururdevo Maheshwara I
Guruhu Sakshaat Parambrahman tasmi Shrigurave namaha II
Meaning: “The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva), veneration to the Guru who is Parabrahman manifest”.
The second line of the couplet does not literally mean that the Guru becomes Parabrahman- God, rather he is venerated as if God is manifesting through him.
Therefore on the day of Guru Purnima, disciples introspect, and resolve to offer puja and reverence to Guru in mind, speech and action; implicitly obey his unvoiced wishes, commands, serving him as one would God and lauding his glory and redemptive attributes.
GURU SWAMI SIVANANDA’S ADVICE:
Swami Sivananda (one of the close disciples of Sri Ramakrishna September 8th, 1887- July 14th, 1963) recommends: to wake up at Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a. m) on this most holy day, to mediate on the lotus feet of ones Guru. Mentally to pray him for his grace, through which alone one can attain self-realisation. To do vigorous japa and meditate in the early morning hours.
After bath, to worship the lotus feet of the Guru, or his image or picture with flowers, fruits, incense and camphor. To fast or take only milk and fruits the whole day.
Alternatively, one may observe the vow of silence and study the books or writings of Guru. The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teaching in ones own life, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message.

HOLI: The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Holi ranks as the most colourful festival of all. Holi provides a refreshing respite from the mundane norms as people from all walks of life enjoy themselves. During Holi, practices which other times could be offensive are allowed.
Now a days Holi festival is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and big fun. Indians all over the world eagerly await and look forward to the festival of colours, as bonfires are lit to banish the cold dark nights of winter and usher in warmer spring. Dhuleti, day after Holi, is the actual festival of colours, when everything in sight is covered in a riot of colours.
The twin towns of Nandagow (where Lord Krishna grew up) and Barsana (where Shri Radha grew up), near Madhura, are the epicentre of celebrations. Here celebrations start a week earlier than rest of India. Men of Nandagow raid Barsana with hopes of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji’s temple. They receive a thunderous welcome as the women of Barsana greet them with long wooden sticks. The men are soundly beaten as they attempt to rush through town to reach the relative safety of Shri Radhikaji’s temple. Men are well padded, as they are not allowed to retaliate. In this mock battle the men try their best not to be captured. Unlucky captives can be forcefully lead away, thrashed and dressed in female attire before being made to dance! Famous poets like Surdas, Nanda-das, Kumbhan-das and others have written beautifully as to how Lord Krishna was similarly received and forced to wear a sari, forced to wear make-up and made to dance before being released by the gopies of Vraj.
The next day, men of Barsana reciprocate by invading Nandagow.
Women in India especially enjoy the freedom of relaxed rules. It is good time to ventilate their latent heat and experience strange physical relaxation without the usual social and caste restrictions.
Myths&Legends: 1. Most of us know the story of the devotee Prahalada, the son of Hiranyakasipu. It was on this day that Holika, the sister of Hiranyakasipu who tried to kill Prahalada by taking him on her lap and sitting on a pyre of wood, which was set ablaze. Holika in spite of her boon was burnt to ashes while Prahalada remained unscathed proving again Devotion and Righteousness wins the day. 2. This is the day to celebrate the memory of immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Holi is one of the oldest festivals even before Christ.3. Holi Purnima is also celebrated on the birthday of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, mostly in Bengal, Puri, Mathura and Brindavan.
Holi is the only Hindu festival during which non-vegetarian food is allowed and I could not find any reason anywhere why it is so!

HURRAY! BURA NA MANO, HOLI HAI (‘Do not mind, it is Holi’!)

SRI KRISHNA JANMASTAMI:

Lord Krishna appeared on the midnight of the dark half a month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 B.C. This year it falls on Wednesday, August 16th at 12.00 midnight. His avatara lasted for a little over 125 years until Feb, 18th 3102 B.C on the new moon light of Phalguna which marks the beginning of this current age of corruption as Kaliyuga.
Sri Krishna Janmastami occurs on the eighth day (Astami) of lunar fortnight, hence the name (Krishna+astami), which is usually in the month of August, is celebrated for two days. The first day is called Krishnastami or Gokulastami and the second day is called Kalastami or more popularly called Janmastami. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar or incarnation of Vishnu. The life of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviours and profounder of Dharma. The stories of how He killed, one after another, all the demonic adversaries- Pootana, Shakata, Agha, Dhenuka, Bakaa, Keshi, Kansa, Shishupala, Jarasandha etc has made Him the peerless saviour of mankind.
KRISHNA’S BIRTH: Mathura was the capital of a kingdom in North India. Ugrasen was the king of Mathura. He had a son, Kansa and a daughter, Devki. During the lavish wedding of Devki to Vasudev, Kansa heard a celestial voice announce, ‘O Kansa, Thy death is written at the hand of the eighth son of born to this union’.
Through the ensuing years, the demon king put to death six children born to Devki in the dungeons of the palace. On the day that Krishna was born, it was raining and dark. At midnight a bright light appeared in the room of Devki. Then the child was born. Vasudev, terrified for the baby’s safety, carried in a basket through the opened gates of the dungeon. On account of the heavy rain, the river Yamuna was swollen. But as he stepped out of the prison, the rain stopped and the dim light of the moon showed the way. A huge snake taking the shape of an umbrella protected the child. As he reached the river, the waters were divided leaving a dry path for Vasudev to cross. Vasudev went to the home of his friend Nanda where he exchanged the baby boy with a baby girl and went back.
The following day, when Kansa tried to kill the baby girl, she slipped from his hands and an image of Devi appeared. She spoke to Kansa,” The one who is destined to kill you as already taken birth elsewhere”. Sri Krishna flourished under Nanda’s and Yashodha’s care and later on slew the wicked Kansa.
Even Sri Krishna could not escape the Karma phala, when He lost his body after a hunter of Bhavalka shot his toe by mistaking it for the beak of a bird., at a sacred place Prabhas near Dwaraka. Arjuna performed the last rights of Sri Krishna’s body.
SRI KRISHNA MANTRA: ‘ AUM KLEEM KRISHNAAYA GOVINDAAYA GOPIJANA-VALLABHAAYA SWAAHA’
Meaning: Kleem means Earth. It is the first element. Krishnaaya signifies Water, Govindaaya signifies Fire, Gopijana-Vallabhaaya signifies Air. And Swaaha signifies Akasha. This Mantra thus represents all five elements in the Cosmos as manifestation of the Divine. The Gopikas through this Mantra taught the world that God should be adored on the Omnipresent Divine everywhere in the Cosmos. Hence in every atom, in every particle, the Divine is present all the time.

MAHA SHIVARATRI:

Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Shiva) is celebrated throughout the country. Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark half Margasira (Deb-March). This is one of the most unique festivals. Unlike other festivals, this festival is celebrated at night. This festival is also very different from others because no special foods are made on this day. People usually eat normal meals during the day, and at sunset, begin a fast along with prayers to Lord Shiva. This ritual ends at sunrise next day, with a feast to break the fast. It is said that whoever fasts all through the night and worships Lord Shiva will attain heavenly Bliss. The reasons to celebrate Maha Shivaratri, 1.The formless Sadashiv appeared in the form of Linga exactly at midnight of Shivaratri. The Shivlinga, symbolically representing the Jyoti-flame of the fire, and NOT AS A PHALLIC SYMBOL, AS HAS BEEN PERSISTENTLY AND IGNOMINIOUSLY MISREPRESENTED BY NON-HINDU WRITERS SINCE COLONIAL TIMES. 2. Lord Shiva married to Parvati on Shivaratri. 3. On Shivaratri, Shiva became Neelakhanta by drinking poison that came from the ocean during the churning of kshira sagar. So Shivaratri pooja is considered a day of thanks giving for protecting us from annihilation. The other significant events occurred on Maha Shivaratri , the onset of Dwapara Yuga and the manifestation of the 12 Swayambhu Jyotirlingas of Bharat.
THE STORY OF KING CHITRABHANU: In the Shanti parva of Mahabharata, Bhishma, whilst resting on the bed of arrows and discoursing on Dharma, refers to the observance of Maha Shivaratri by king Chitrabhanu. The story goes as follows-Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who ruled over the whole of Jumbudvipa, was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king.
The sage asked the king the purpose of his observing the fast. King Chandrabhanu explained that he had the gift of remembering the incidents of his previous birth.
The king said to the sage that in his previous birth, he was a hunter in Varanasi and his name was Suswara. His only livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One day while roaming through forests in search of animals, he was overtaken by the darkness of night. Unable to return home, he climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a Bael tree. He had shot a deer that day but had no time to take it home. So he bundled it up and tied it to a branch on the tree. As hunger and thirst tormented him, he was kept awake throughout the night. He shed profuse tears when he thought of his poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously waiting for his return.. To pass away the time that night, he engaged himself in plucking the Bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground.
The next day he returned home and sold the deer and then bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast, a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to the stranger and then had his own.
At the time of his death, he saw two messengers of Lord Shiva. They were sent down to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. He learnt then for the first time of the great merit he had earned by the unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The messengers told him that there was a Shiva Lingam at the bottom of the tree. The leaves he dropped fell on the Shiva Lingam. His tears, which had shed out of pure sorrow of his family, fell on to the Shiva Lingam and washed it and he had fasted all day and night. Thus he unconsciously worshiped the Lord on Shivaratri day and night.
At the conclusion of the tale, the king said that he lived in the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages and now he has born as Chitrabhanu.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshiped throughout the night by washing it (Abhisheka) every three hours with milk, curd, honey, sugar and ghee (panchamruta) while chanting Shiva Maha mantra ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’. Offering of Bael leaves are made to the lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them.
Those who utter the name of Shiva (meaning auspicious) during Shivaratri with perfect devotion and faith are freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims throng on Shivaratri to various temples of Maha Deva, like Srisailam, Kalahasthi and to all Jyotirlingas except Kedarnath as it is closed for public during this time.
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhrapradesh brings out Shiva Lingam from his body on Shivaratri day. Shivaratri is celebrated with great pomp at Puttaparthi.

MAKARA SANKRANTI: (PONGAL) Makara Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th every year in the month of ‘Magh’. On this day the Sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. It is a day of great significance and marks the beginning of auspicious time. The beginning of the period, when the Sun travels northwards, is considered highly favourable for auspicious activities. It is celebrated as Pongal in South especially in Tamilnadu. In the North it is observed as Makara Sankranti or Uttarayana.
It is a very significant day and newly harvested rice is cooked for the first time and offered to Sun and other deities. The poor are fed and given cloths, money etc, in charity. In the morning, after bath, people offer libations to their dead ancestors and visit the temples. Bhishma pitamaha waited in his couch of arrows, for a long period, only for the onset of this auspicious season, before finally making his departure from the mortal world.
In Assam it is called Magha Bighu or Bhogali Bihu, the festival of feasts. In Punjab, it is observed as Lohri, to mark the end of winter and advent of spring. Lohri is celebrated in cities, towns and villages alike, with great fervour and enthusiasm.
Lord Surya on His dazzling chariot that has thousands of spokes and magnificent wheels and driven by seven horses begins His journey northwards into the Makara Rasi, filling our lives with light and getting rid of the darkness. This light not only fills our material life and helps our plants grow at seeding time, but also gets rid of our ‘internal’ darkness, showing the path of self realisation-moksha.
Young girls are seen to put up Gobbemmalu, which are round balls of cow dung that are decorated with vermilion, turmeric and coloured flowers. These are placed in the middle of bright muggus in the front yards of the dwellings and are worshiped with Navadhanyas (nine types of grains) to welcome the Lakshmi, the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. Young girls worship for good husbands, on this occasion. After this, the women folk get gathered to sing and dance to the accompaniment around these gobbis.
Haridasulu (Madhwas) are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking alms from the people in early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata is another festival where the trained oxen dance to the tunes of Nagaswaram played their master is a great attraction. In some areas kites are seen soaring high in the sky on the day of Makara Sankranti. People seem to correlate the soaring kites with their high spirits on the eve of this festival. In some places, they have the focus on the newly married couples that are presented with special gifts and clothes.

ONAM: Onam is an annual festival celebrated mainly by Malayalees all over the world irrespective of cast and faith. It falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Septem) and lasts for 10 days.
Onam is related with King Mahabali who was ruling Kerala in a time. He was an Asura king but was very nice and truthful. During his ruling time it is said that people did not even lock their houses in the night because, there was no thieves, no corruption, no betrayal. All people lived united, without the difference of rich and poor. All had a good time and like wise the king was so good that he will give anything to anyone.
At that time the Hindu Lord Mahavishnu decided to test king Mahabali. He came to earth as Vamana a poor dwarf, and went straight to king Mahabali and told the king that he has nothing and he want three feet of land to live. The king hearing this laughed and told Vamana to take three feet of land from where ever he wishes. Suddenly Vamana began to grow and he covered the whole earth by one foot and covered the sky with other foot. Then he asked Mahabali where is the space for the third foot. By seeing all this, the king understood that Vamana is not an ordinary person, and Vamana has come to test him so the king without hesitating showed his head to keep the third foot. Vamana kept his third foot on the king’s head and the king was pushed down under the earth (pathala). The king after going to Pathala asked Vamana his true identity, Suddenly Vamana vanished and Lord Mahavishnu stood before Mahabali. Seeing this overjoyed Mahabali. The Lord told Mahabali that he wanted to test Mahabali and he was won in that. The Lord also asked Mahabali to ask any boon for himself. Mahabali told the Lord that, he loved his people very much so he wanted permission to visit Kerala once a year, and the Lord gave permission for that. It is the day i.e. the day Mahabali visits Kerala is celebrated as Onam.
During Onam, people put flower mats in front of their homes to welcome the king. There will be competition for the laying of flower mats. Everyone will wear new dresses and will be visiting almost all temples, which they can, and also they perform lot of dances like Thiruvathira Kali Thumbi Tullal etc. Whatever may happen they will not miss the grand family or community lunch served on green shining clean banana leaves arranged in a row.
There is a saying in Malayalam that “KANAM VITTU ONAM UNNANAM” which means, “We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our property”. They give that much importance to the lunch on the Thiruonam day. We were very fortunate to have Thiruonam lunch from Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s divine hands (Amma) in 2004 on Thiruonam day at her Ashram in Kerala.
The fest is traditionally vegetarian and includes banana wafers, crisp papadams, patchadi, aviyal, kootu, payasam, rice and sambar and a variety of pickles and puliinji, a ginger chutney.

RAKSHA BANDHAN OR RAKHI: This is a celebration of sisters and brothers which falls on the full moon day of the month of Sravan (August-September) As per the tradition, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chwal and rachis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brothers and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sister’s side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift.
This festival has been celebrated in the same way with the same traditions for centuries. Only the means have changed with the changing lifestyles. This is the day that still pulls the siblings together. They try to reach out to each other on the Raksha Bandhan day. The joyous meeting, the rare family get-together, the erstwhile feeling of sisterhood and brotherhood calls for a massive celebration.
The sisters tie the Rakhi, thread of love to their brother’s wrist amongst chanting of mantras, put roli and rice on the forehead and pray for his well being. She bestows him with sifts and blessings. The brother also wishes her a good life and pledges to take care of her. He gives her a return of gift. The gift is the physical acceptance of her love, reminder of their togetherness and symbol of his pledge.
Well, that is kind of an end to the rituals but the celebrations actually start after that. For parents, it is a family reunion. Tasty dishes, wonderful sweets, exchange of gifts and sharing past experiences. For those who are not able to visit each other, Rakhi cards and e. rachis and Rakhis through mail perform part of communicating the Rakhi messages. Hand made Rakhis and self made Rakhis are just a representation of personal feelings of the siblings.
The crux is that Raksha Bhandan or Rakhi brings people together in the spirit of all Indian festivals.

SRI RAMA NAVAMI

Sri Rama Navami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama, the 7th Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sri Rama is portrayed as being the ideal man and his wife Sita is the ideal woman. We all know Sri Rama Navami commemorates the divine birth of Sri Rama. This auspicious day is celebrated on Chaitra sukla Navami (9th day of the bright half of the month Chaitra . In the latter years on the same day, Sita Rama Kalyanam (marriage) took place
In the word Rama,’Ra ‘ came from the sacred Mahamantra ‘Aum Namo naRAyana and ‘Ma’ came from the highly sacred Panchakshari mantra of ‘Aum NaMAh Sivaya’ of Mahadeva (Shankara or Shiva). So Rama nama is the Taraka mantra an auspicious and favourite of both Saivites and Vishnanites.’Where ever 4 Hindus live, Rama and Sita will be there’ so said Swami Vivekananda. The reverse is also equally true. Where ever Rama and Sita live, the people there will remain and live as Hindus. In many Northern parts of Bharat, mutual greetings take the form of ‘Jai Ramjee Ki’
The name Ramayana teaches us two lesions; 1.the value of detachment, 2.the need to become aware of the divine in every being. ‘Be in the world but not of it’. When we utter the word Rama, we first open the mouth with the sound ‘Ra’-all our sins go out when our mouth is open. When we utter Ma, by closing our mouth, the entry is barred against the sins that have gone out. We all know the famous sloka,
“ Sree Raama Raama Raamethi
Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Naama Thattulyam
Raama Naama Varanane”
If you utter Rama Nama, it is equavalent to chanting Vishnu Sahasranama. Such is the importance of chanting Rama Nama.
Ramayana teaches us, ‘Renunciation leads to the joy and attachment brings about grief.
It is highly believed that reading, watching or at least listening of the sacred Ramayana around Sri Rama Navami is very beneficial. Fortunately for Telugu people, there is an audio version of Ramayana in 9 parts, which is free on the Internet, which took me 5 hours to listen. We can listen for 9 days approaching Rama Navami. It is really high quality narrating with beautiful language and once you start listening, it is very difficult to stop until it is finished. To access this, please go to www.andhravilas.com on the left side click down loads-devotional songs. Then click Srirama to listen Ushasri Ramayanam. Have a go at it and see what you think!
It is also desirable to read or listen, HANUMAN CHALISA and ADITYA HRIDAYAM, the latter not only on this occasion but also on every Sunday before the Sunrise and the former every Tuesday morning and Saturday morning, these two days being the favourite of Sri Hanuman.
The ‘Ramayana’ literally means ‘the march of Rama’ in search of human values. We all owe a lot to the great sage Valmiki (Ratnakar who was a robber transformed into a great sage) who told the story of Rama to the humanity. As we all know Ramayana is written in so many languages in the world but the one who is responsible for its wide popularity goes Rama charita manus by Goswami Tulasidas. In the modern world, the credit goes to late Sri Ramananda Sagar’s Ramayana serial which was shown on the little box in whole (including Uttar Ramayana) for the first time which enabled to appreciate by all sections and by all ages and by all kinds of people, educated or uneducated with English sub titles, that was watched by millions through out the globe. We are very fortunate to witness the modern marvel in front of our eyes sitting in our own homes, with all the family.
We all know this function is shown in Andhra on television live from Bhadrachalam every year. Bhadrachala Rama is special in that, this is the only place one can see Rama with four hands and only here one can see Sita sitting on Sri Rama’s left lap. Such is the significance of Bhadrachala Sri Rama.
MAY LORD RAMA SHOWERS HIS BLESSINGS ON ALL THE HUMANITY

SHRAVANA MASAM: Shravana Masam (month) which comes this year between July 26th to August 31st. During this time the mood sets in, in terms of religious fervour. It is the most important month, which needs a special mention for women who perform pujas for the welfare of their family.
It is during this month that Goddess Lakshmi along with Chandra (Moon) her brother rose from Ksheerasagara Madhanam i.e. Churning of the ocean of milk. Lakshmi emerged in all her splendour with nine gems, unlike ‘Karthika’ month, Shravana month is a month of festivals.
While Fridays are reserved for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Tuesdays are marked for worship of the Goddess Gowri or Parvati,
This year (2006), in this sacred month of Shravana the following festivals occur:
July 29th-NAGA CHATURTHI:
July 30th NAGA PANCHAMI: these two festivals of snakes fall on the fifth day of bright fortnight of Shravana month. Snake worship no doubt owes its origin to man’s natural fear of these reptiles. Because of cyclical moulting, the serpent is believed to be immortal by the Hindus. Temples also been erected in honour of snakes. There is one famous temple in Karnataka state at a place called Subrammania, which is also the name of great snake on which Lord Vishnu reclines when he sleeps in the sea.
Snake worship is more common in peninsular India than in North India.
On these days women draw figures of snakes on the walls of their houses using black powder, cow dung and milk. These festivals also herald the arrival of Ganesh almost exactly after a month.
In Kerala the snake temples are crowded on these days and worship is offered to a stone or metal icons of cosmic serpent Anantha or Sesha. In Punjab this festival is celebrated in September- October and is called Guga Naumi
In West Bengal and parts of Assam and Orissa, the snake deity worshiped on these days is the Goddess Manasa.
Naga Panchami is observed in different ways in different parts of India. It is one of the most ancient fasts and finds it’s mention in the Puranas and is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the year.

August 1st MANGALA GOWRI VRATAM: This festival is called Shravana Mangalavara Gowri Vratam. In this festival both married and unmarried women take part in equal measure. It is not just an elaborate puja performed in all religiosity in the morning, it also entails a grand ‘perantam (a sacred get together of women folk in every household in the evening)
This festival is celebrated by women folk for the welfare of their whole family.

August 4th VARALAKSHMI VRATAM: The glory of performing the Varalakshmi Vratam, narrated directly by Lord Shiva Himself, is elaborately discussed in the Skanda Puranam. This is a festival to propitiate Shri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi)- the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is the abode of all mangalam (auspicious), prosperity and wealth. It is to be performed on the Shravana Shukla Shukravaram (Friday), on the Friday immediately following the full moon day in the auspicious month of Shravanam. This Vratam is undertaken by the sumangalis (whose husbands are still alive) for good progeny, good health and wishing long life for the husbands.
Lakshmi is symbolic of eight forces- wealth (Shri), earth (bhu), learning (saraswati), love (priti), fame (kirti), peace (shanty), pleasure (tushti), and strength (pushti). Each of these forces is called called a Lakshmi, and collectively, they are known as Ashta (eight) Lakshmi
The previous evening of the festival, the house is cleaned and a bronze or silver kalasam is filled with rice or water, coins, turmeric, a whole lime, betel leaf and nut. The kalasam is decorated with sandal paste and kumkum, a coconut smeared with turmeric is kept on it and mango leaves placed around. The face of Goddess Lakshmi decorated with jewels is placed against the coconut. Arati is taken at night after the Goddess is offered white pongal for neivedhyam.
The next morning the Goddess is welcomed to the specially erected pandal by singing the song “Varalakshmi Raave ma intiki”. The kalasam is placed on a bed of raw rice spread over a plantain leaf. Pooja is begun with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. During the pooja the Lakshmi sahasranamam and other slokas are chanted.
After doing the pooja that would include the Lakshmi Ashothram and sahasranamam, a yellow thread called ‘saradu’ is tied by the women on their wrists. The women who do the Nonbu fast that day eating only certain foods that have been offered to the Goddess first.
In the evening, women visit one another for exchange of thamboolam. The next day after doing the punar pooja, the holy water is sprinkled through out the house or the rice is added to the storage.

August 9th SHRAVANA PURNIMA OR KAJARI PURNIMA: This fall s on the same day as Raksha Bhandan on Shravana Purnima. This festival is mainly celebrated in Madhya pradesh and some parts of Uttar pradesh. This festival is important to the farmers as it signifies the beginning of sowing season. They worship Goddess Bhagavati and seek blessings for a good crop.

August 16th ARAVIND JAYANTHI:

THAI POOSAM: Thai Poosam is a festival occurring in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) on the day of the star Poosam around Purnima (full moon) celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu. One of the legends to this festival is, there was a demon named Tharakasura who gave lot of trouble to the Rishis and saints. Lord Murugan was called by his parents, Lord Shiva and Parvati and given the job of destroying the Asura. Lord Muragan set of with the blessings his parents to destroy the demon. He took with him twelve weapons, eleven of which were given by his father, Lord Shiva and the ‘vel’ given by his mother Parvati. Lord Murugan destroyed Tharakasura on the Poosam nakshtra day in the Tamil month of Thai, hence the name Thai Poosam.It is celebrated in all Murugan temples, the main temple being in Palani. Thus it is a special day for the worship of Lord Murugan or Subramanya.
Thai Poosam Kavady-The carrying of Kavady symbolizes the carrying of one’s burden and then resting it at the feet of the Lord. Kavu+Adi is a pole slung across the shoulder to evenly distribute the weight of whatever is being carried. This day falls on the full moon day.

UGADI: Ugadi is the most important festival for Hindus, which falls on Chaitra Suddha Padyami or the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Chaitra that falls in the months of March or April.
People of Andhra and Karnataka use the term Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day as Gudi Padwa. The New Year as per the solar calendar followed by people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala around the same time of the year in March or April. The Punjabi New Year ‘Baisakhi’ falls soon after Ugadi.
Ugadi is the beginning of the Telugu New Year. According to the English calendar, this would be described as February 20th, 3102 B. C . In order to bring about this aspect of the commencement of a new yuga , our Ancestors have been calling that day as Ugadi , the day of new era or the day of the a new Yuga.
Ugadi is also the day on which Sri Krishna gave up His mortal body in a sacred place of pilgrimage called Prabahatsa near Dwaraka. This day is also the commencement of Kaliyuga in which we live in the present moment.
On this day, it is the practice of the rural folk to eat what is called ‘UGADI PACCHADI’. This is chutney made from neem flowers, mango juice, honey, jaggary and other ingredients with different tastes. The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate that LIFE IS A MIXTURE OF GOOD AND BAD, JOY AND SORROW AND ALL OF THEM HAVE TO BE TREATED ALIKE. ALL EXPERIENCES HAVE TO BE TREATED WITH EQUANIMITY. We all should make a resolve that we will face calmly whatever happens in this year, accepting it with God’s grace. Welcome everything and consider everything as for our own good. We should rise above sorrow and happiness, success and failure. This is the primary message of Ugadi festival.
Let us always keep the following things in mind. 1. It is not necessary that all situations should be favourable to us. 2.It is not possible that all people be helpful to us. 3. It is not possible that all things work out as per our wishes. 4. We should always tell ourselves “What God does for us in spite of all our efforts, will be only for our betterment.

VAIKUNTA EKADASI: Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Ekadasi of Vaikunta (the abode of Vishnu) falls on the 11th day of the Sukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) of Dhanur (Margazhi in Tamil) month. Hindus consider it a very auspicious day and observe it as a day of prayer and fasting. According to legend, the gods and demons churned the divine ocean for Amrita on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, following which Shiva consumed the poison that resulted. Hence Shaivaites consider this Ekadasi as Nanjunda Ekadasi. It is believed that whoever dies on this day will achieve Moksha.
According to Padma puranam, during Krita Yuga, also termed as the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuse in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help devas and went out to battle with Muran. During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years. Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badrikashrama to sleep. Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti, Vishnu’s female energy emerged out of his body and assumed the form of beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke, he was very pleased and named this maiden as Ekadasi and granted a boon. The maiden said, “O Lord, if you are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver people from the greatest sins, if they fast of this day”. Vishnu granted her the boon and declared that people worshiping her would reach Vaikunta. Thus it is said, was born the first Ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha Ekadasi. Sages and devout people have been since, observing the Ekadasi vrata regularly. Here the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of Ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies in us through fasting. This helps us to reach our ultimate destination, Vaikunta, which is the place or stage of no ‘kunitha’ or dullness, stupidity and misery.
Due to the above two legends, this divine event is interpreted in the following manner. The ocean of milk is the human heart filled with satvic tendencies (kindness, purity and goodness). However in all of us there exist both types of inclinations, good (devas) and bad (asuras). Only sadhana or the churning process will throw out the poison in us and we can procure the sweet nectar, which will liberate us from the cycle of birth and death. Shaivaites call this day as Nanjunda Ekadasi, as it was on this day Shiva consumed nanju, the poison that emanated from the churning of the ocean.
Some schools of thought that Sri Krishna gave the Gitopadesam to Arjuna on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. For the Vaishnavas, it is very holy day and should be ideally spent in fasting, prayer and meditation. While Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in all Vaishnava temples, the day is very special at the Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. We were very fortunate to be at Srirangam on Vaikunta Ekadasi a few years ago without knowing, that day was Vaikunta Ekadasi. As there were thousands of people on that day, we were not able to have the darshan of Sri Ranganatha. We hope to go again to have the darshan, when the time comes. On this auspicious day, Lord Ranganatha in all His glory and resplendence enters the Parama Padha Vassal (the gateway to salvation) at the sacred precincts of the temple at Srirangam and showers His blessings and grace on mankind.

VASANTA PANCHAMI: Vasanta Panchami is a festival full of religious, seasonal and social significance and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. With verve and new sense of optimism. Vasanta means ‘the spring season’. It is a festival dedicated to Saraswati. Bengalis call this festival Saraswati puja. The image of the Goddess is taken in procession and immersed in the holy Ganges.
Magh sud 5 (5th day of the bright fortnight of Hindu lunar month Magh) is the day of Vasanta Panchami (Jan-Feb) every year. It is believed that this day is Saraswati’s birthday and this day is also known as Saraswati day. She is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga and the consort of Lord Brahma. In Maratha country, Goddess Saraswati is sometimes called the wife of Ganesh and sometimes as his attendant. Saraswati is also known by various names such as Vina pani (holding Vina0, Sharada (giver of essence). Vagis vasi (mistress of speech), Brahmi (wife of Brahma), Maha vidya (knowledge supreme) etc.
On Vasanta Panchami day Saraswati is dressed in yellow cloths and garments and worshiped with puja, Havan etc; Men and women wear yellow cloths on that day. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are exchanged with relatives and friends. Saraswati has four hands signifying four aspects of human learning, mind, intellect, alertness and ego.
On this day children are taught their first words, as it is a very auspicious day. Pundit Madan Mohan Malaviya laid the foundation of the great Kashi Hindu Vishwa Vidyalaya on this Vasanta Panchami day, which became a world famous top class academic institution.
The white swan of Saraswati is symbolising sattwa guna (purity and discrimination)
On this memorable day, Lord Shiva burnt the god of Love, cupid. The gods had sent Cupid to tempt the Lord while He was absorbed in samadhi, in order to beget a powerful son who would be able to destroy the wicked demon Tarakasura. Cupid discharged an arrow at Lord Shiva from behind a tree. Shiva became very angry and opened His third eye and reduced Cupid to ashes.

OTHER FESTIVALS

OTHER COMMONLY CELEBRATED FESTIVALS: Apart from the main Hindu Festivals described above, there are other important dates in Hindu calendar worth mentioning and are celebrated by millions of Hindus all over the globe. The following are mentioned here.

January 12th 1863: Swami Vivekananda’s Birthday
February 18th 1836 Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s Birthday
April 14th 1891 Dr. Bhimarao Ramji Ambedkar’s Birthday
April 14th 1950 at 8.27 a. m Ramana Maharshi left His mortal coil
May ? SRI ADI SANKARA’S JAYANTHI: As regards to Sri Adi Sankara’s Birthday, there is an unending debate and controversy even today! According to Bhagavan Sri Satyasaibaba, 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 near Cochin in Kerala. In the recent past, according to The Telegraph, Culcutta (Kolkata), and Jan 21st, 2003. It was claimed that the unending dispute about Sri Adi Sankara’s Birth date is settled and recognised as April 3rd, 509 BC.
It was also claimed that all Sankaracharyas across the country unanimously accepted April 3rd 509 BC as Adi Sankara’s exact date of birth and announced that there was no need for debate on the subject.
At a seminar organised by the Ved Shastra Pandit Raksh Sabha, scholar Srikant Jich Kar said the date was arrived at by scientists and historians, coincides with parampara of the mutts across the country. The seers urged the Indian Government to arrange Adi Sankara’s birth centenary celebrations at His birthplace at Kaladi in Kerala 2010.
I am not sure how far is this story is true and needs further clarification.
Whatever the Birth date may be, it is generally believed every year it comes in May. This year it is on May 2nd. PLEASE CHECK THE HINDU CALENDAR EVERY YEAR IN MAY.
ONLY BECAUSE OF HIM, THE HINDUISM OF TODAY IS BASED. HE IS CERTAINLY DESERVES THE TITLE THE FATHER OF HINDUISM.

May 6th ESWARAMMA DAY: Eswaramma is the Divine Mother, Bhagavan Sri Satasaibaba chose. Eswaramma left her mortal coil in the Divine hands of Swami on May 6th, which is celebrated around the world.
May 13th 2006. BUDDHA JAYANTHI OR BUDDHA PURNIMA: prince Siddhartha was born in the month of Vaishakh in 563 BC to king Sddhodana and queen Mayadevi, rulers of Lumbini in Nepal.
The three most significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha took place on the same day. His birth, enlightenment and death (Nirvana) all happened in the month of Vashakh on a full moon day.
According to legend, Siddhartha’s wife Yasodhara, his charioteer Channa, his disciple Ananda and his horse, Kantaka, all these were born on Buddha Purnima day. WHAT A DIVINE COINCIDENCE.
Please check the exact day of Buddha Purnima in Hindu calendar every year.

April 29th BASAVESHWARA JAYANTHI: Not many of us know who is Basaveshwara. There lived a couple by name Madarasa and Madalambike in the early 12th century in a village called Bagewadi of Birjapur district in Karnataka, South India. They were pious devotees of Nandeeshwara, the consort of Mahadeva (Shiva). They have no children and Madalambike was longing to have a son. One night Madalambike had a dream. Shiva set Nandi who came to the house of Madarasa and Madalambike. There was a brilliant light everywhere.
The next day morning, Madalambike told to her husband about the dream she had. Madarasa in turn repeated the dream to the Guru, a spiritual guide of the village. The Guru told him that it was a good sign and the couple would have a worthy son and he would exalt the entire family. He would also uplift and enlighten the whole world.
In the course of time, Madalambike gave birth to a son and he was named as Basava. People used to call him affectionately Basavanna who was born in 1131 AD about 875 years ago.
Please check the exact day in Hindu calendar every year.

HUNUMAN JAYANTHI: Once every year on the full moon day of chaitra, usually between March 15th – April 15th at sunrise Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman. When Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Rama to kill Ravana, Lord Mahadeva (Shiva) was incarnated as Hunuman to serve Rama.
It is believed that those who meditate on Hanuman and repeats His name attain power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India particularly in the state of Maharashtra.
Please check the exact date and day in Hindu calendar every year.

June 27th RATHAYATRA: Ratha Yatra festival comes in the rainy season every year in June-July. This is a special event in the eastern part of India particularly in Puri, Orissa. It is held in the honour o the Lord Jagannath, which means the Lord of the Universe. Jagannath is a form Of Lord Krishna.
The Ratha Yatra festival is world famous for the crowds it attracts and is a great festival, which unites all sections of people, rich and poor alike.

July 4th SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S ANNIVERSARY: This festival comes on June 4th every year. Swami Vivekanada left his mortal coil on July 4th 1902. He had only 39 years of His physical presence and yet left an unforgettable mark in all our lives and in the future generations to come.
Just before His leaving of this world, Swami Vivekananda made a prophesy about a remarkable person who became the light of the modern world.
Just before leaving His mortal coil on July 4th 1902, Swami Vivekananda gave a short discourse to an Indian audience in which he said, I quote “You all rejoice that you belong to a race of the great sages. But until those who belong to the upper classes help to uplift the downtrodden and until exploitation ends, India will only be a grave. May Mother India step forth anew from the humble dwelling of the peasant! May she appear in the HOUSE OF THE FISHERMAN! May the song of New India echo and reverberate amidst mountains and in forests and valleys”.
How strange is it, that is what exactly happened on September 27th, 1953, a STAR was born in a HUT in a FISHERMAN’S FAMILY in a remote fishing village, Vallikavu, near Kollam, north of Trivandrum in God’s own country namely Kerala in South India. Her childhood name was ‘Sudhamani’, who became MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI DEVI, who is affectionately called by Her children as AMMA OR AMMACHI and Vallikayu became Amritapuri, which is a world spiritual centre of our beloved Amma.
How fortunate, the world has celebrated Amma’s Golden 50th Birthday on September 27th, 2003. How fortunate we, the children of Amma were able to watch live the whole proceedings for 4 days, which was held in Cochin all around the globe. How lucky we all are to be Her contemporaries to witness Her Divine selfless Love and service, to touch Her, feel Her, to speak to Her and even to have Her blessed Hug with Divine smile throughout the world, so far more than 25 million of Her children.
If anybody wants to know more about her, please go to www.amma.org

August 16th SRI RAMAKRISHNA’S MAHASAMADHI: Sri Ramakrishna was born in 1836 and passed away in 1886 represents the very core of the spiritual realisation of seers and sages of India. Sri Ramakrishna, as a silent force influences the spiritual thought currents of our time. He is a figure of recent history, as loving friends and doubtful myths have not obscured his life and teachings.
Through his God-intoxicated life, Sri Ramakrishna proved that the revelation of God takes place at all times and that God-realisation is not the monopoly of any particular age, country or people. The God man of 19th century India did not find any cult, nor did he show any path to salvation. His message was his God-consciousness. By coming near him, the impure became pure, the pure became purer and the sinners were transformed into saints.
The greatest contribution of Sri Ramakrishna to the modern time is his message of the harmony of religions. To Him, all religions are the realisation of God in His diverse aspects to satisfy the manifold demands of human minds. Sri Ramakrishna faithfully practiced the spiritual disciplines of different religions and came to realise that all of them lead to the same goal. Thus Sri Ramakrishna declared “AS MANY FAITHS, SO MANY PATHS”. The paths vary but the goal IS THE SAME.
In the present day world, threatened by nuclear war and torn by religious intolerance, Sri Ramakrishna’s message of harmony gives us hope and shows the way ahead.
Sri Ramakrishna breathed his last in the early hours of Monday, August 16th at Casper Garden House in the presence his close beloved disciples.

September 20th SRI NARAYANA GURU’S MAHASAMADHI: Sri Mahayana Guru (1856-1928) was a great sage and social reformer of India who comes from Karalla in South India. He is revered for his Vedic knowledge, poetic proficiency, openness to views of others, non-violent philosophy and most importantly his unrelenting resolve to set aright social wrongs.
Mahayana Guru was instrumental in setting the spiritual foundation for social reforms in Karalla, was one of the most successful social reformers who tackled caste in India in those difficult times. He instructed to place a plaque contain a motto on the temple walls which read as

DEVOID OF DIVIDING WALLS
OF CASTE OR RACE
OR HATRED OF RIVAL FAITH,
WE ALL LIVE HERE
IN BROTHERHOOD,
SUCH, KNOW THIS PLACE TO BE!
THIS MODEL FOUNDATION!

His philosophy was ‘ONE MAN ONE RELIGION AND ONE WORLD’

Sri Narayana Guru left his mortal coil on September 20th 1928 at 3.0 p. m

GLORY TO NARAYANA’S PHILOSOPHY

September 27th 1953 MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI DEVI’S BIRTHDAY: Please refer back to Swami Vivekananda’s Mahasamadhi.
September 28th 1838 SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA’S BIRTHDAY: “Where are you searching for me? I am in one place and you search for me elsewhere. I am in all your pure hearts. You are searching for me in all polluted places. How can you find me”?
These are the last words of Sri Shirdi Saibaba before He left his mortal coil for the last time on October 15th, 1918 (Dasara day)
For full details of Saibaba go to the wonderful site www.saibaba.org

November 23rd 1926 BHAGAVAN SRI SATYASAIBABA’S BIRTHDAY: Sri Shirdi Saibaba told his close devotee Kakaji in the year 1916 that he would be shedding his mortal coil in 1918. Before taking leave of Krishna Priya, another of his close devotees, Baba whispered in her ears “see me in 1926”
Eight years after Shirdi Baba left his mortal coil, exactly as prophesied, His next incarnation took place on November 23rd, 1926. Swami has declared long time ago, that he will live up to the ripe age of 96 rears ie.until 2022.
On July 6th, 1963, Swami made his full pledge declaration about the advent of his next incarnation as Prema Sai Baba who would be Shakti born in that body, in the same Bhardwaj Gotra in Karnataka state. He also predicted that Prema Sai would be born in a village called Gunaparthy on the bank of the river Cauvery in the Mandya district. This will happen about 8 years after passing away of Sri Satya, in the year 2030 or so.
If you want more details, please go to www.srisathyasai.org.in

December 4th DATTATREYA JAYANTHI: Dattatreya Jayanthi falls during December-January on the full moon day of the month Margasheersha. Dattatreya is regarded as an incarnation of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara-Shiva).
For more details, please go to www.hinduism.8k.com/dattatreya.html
December 22nd 1853. SARADA DEVI’S BIRTHDAY: When Holy Mother came to Dakshineswar at the age of sixteen, Sri Ramakrishna asked her whether she had come to pull him down to a worldly life. Without any hesitation, she said “NO! I am here to help you to realise your chosen ideal”. From then on, Holy Mother lived with Sri Ramakrishna as his spiritual companion, devoted wife, disciple and always nun. She was the embodiment of purity. She never missed communion with God whom she described as lying in the palm of her hand, though she was engaged day and night in various activities.
“ The outstanding virtues of an Indian womanhood are courage, serenity, self-control, sweetness, compassion, wisdom and an intuitive relationship with God. Holy Mother had all these virtues. Since the acquisition of such gifts is the dream of all women. Holy Mother may aptly seen as the symbol of aspiration of women every where”.
-Swami Nikhilananda
If you need more details go to www.ramakrishna.org

GLORY TO SARADA MA

FESTIVALS AT TIRUMALA DEVASTHANUM: It is believed that Lord Sri Venkateswara enjoys festivals (Utsavams) and therefore every moment in Tirumala is considered a festive occasion.
The most important and popular festival at Tirumala has to be BRAHMOTSAVAM, which lasts for 9 days, both in the morning and evening when hundreds of thousands of people gather to witness the Divine Leelas.
Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam are celebrated on the preceding the first day of Brahmotsavam.
First Day: On the first day, Dhwajarohana is conducted by hoisting the Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black Garuda), near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham.
A spectacular procession of Lord Sri Venkateswara on the pedda Seshavahanam is taken around the four streets of the main temple from 22:00 hrs till midnight.
Second Day: On the second day, the Lord is taken around the streets of the temple on the Chinna Seshavahana in the morning. In the night, the deities are taken to the Uyala Mandapam for the Unjal seva. They are then taken around the streets of Tirumala on the Hamsavahana (Swan)
Third Day: On the morning of the third day, the deities are carried on the Simhavahana (Lion). It is believed that the Lord assumed the form of Narasimha (half man and half Lion) to kill the demon Hiranyakasipu. Therefore, Lord Venkateswara uses the Simha as his vehicle on the third day of Brahmotsavam.
In the night, Unjal Seva is conducted. The deities then ride in the Mutyala pandiri Vahanam that is decorated with a pearl canopy. Mutyam (pearl) is a symbol of purity and royalty.
Fourth Day: On the fourth day, the deities are carried in a Kalpavriksha Vahana in the morning. Kapavriksham is a tree that is believed to grant boons and fulfil devotees’ wishes. The vehicle is shaped like the Kalpavriksham signifies that the Lord grants boons and fulfils the wishes of his devotees.
In the night, after the Unjal seva, the deities are carried in a Sarvabhoopala Vahana. To thank Lord Vishnu for his ideals and pray to him, the kings take the form of the Sarvabhoopala Vahana on the fourth day.
Fifth Day: On the fifth day, Mohini Avatarotsavam is celebrated to commemorate the Lord’s incarnation as Mohini, in the morning. (Remember Lord Vishnu in Mohini form during Ksheerasagaramadhanam to procure Amrita for the Devatas from Asuras)
The Lord is dressed like Mohini and he is taken in a procession in a Pallaki (planquin). Lord Krishna is also taken in the same procession. This is to celebrate the assistance rendered by Lord Vishnu to the Devatas during Ksheerasagaramadhanam.
After the Unjal seva in the night, the Lord and his consorts are seated on Garuda Vahanaa. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranamamala that day.
According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king of birds, is a replica of the Vedas, while Lord Vishnu is the God of Vedas. Therefore, the Lord sees Himself in Garuda. Therefore Lord Venkateswara selected Garuda as the vehicle for the most important day of the Brahmotsavam.
Sixth Day: On the morning of sixth day, the deities are carried on a beautifully decorated Hanuman Vahana.
Unjal seva is NOT performed on the sixth day. Instead Vasantotsavam (spring festval) is celebrated.
In the night, the Lord is mounted on the Gaja Vahana (Elephant).
Seventh Day: On the morning of the seventh day, the Lord rides on Suryaprabha Vahana (Sun chariot). Surya (Sun), the son of Aditi, is another form of Lord Vishnu (Surya Narayana)
After Unjal seva in the night, the Lord is taken in the Chandraprabha Vahana (Moon shaped vehicle) around the brightly lit streets of Tirumala.
Eighth Day: On the penultimate day, Rathotsavam is celebrated, in which the Lord is seated in a ratham (chariot) and taken in a procession in the morning.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THOSE WHO WITNESS RATHOTSAVAM WILL NOT REBORN,
Devotees chanting GOVINDA, GOVINDA, pull the chariot along! This is the only opportunity that devotees get to be service to the Lord during Brahmotsavam.
After the Unjal seva in the night, the deities are taken in the Aswa (horse) Vahana.
Ninth Day: On the last day, pallaki seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam in the morning and Dhwajavarohanam are performed in the evening.
The processional images are anointed with oil, turmeric powder and other auspicious ingredients and Abhishekam is performed. Sudarsan Chakram is given a bath in the Swami pushkarini. The Garuda flag is then lowered.
That finishes the splendid festival of nine days of Balaji

GOVINDA GOVINDA GOVINDA GOVINDA GOVINDA GOVINDA
GOVINDA

N: B: this article is mainly based on the www.tirumala.org site of Titumala-Tirupati Devasthanam’s web site. Gratitude’s to the management.

THE END

NOVEMBER 1ST-FORMATION OF ANDHRA PRADESH

2008-10-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

It is understood, according to the records and history manuals available, that the Telugu-speaking people known as Andhras were struggling for the formation of a separate independent Andhra province since the period of British, but could not succeed. When India attained Independence on the 15th August 1947, Andhras hoped that their long-cherished desire would be realised soon. Inspite of several renewed efforts put forth by the Andhra leaders before the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the Deputy Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the desire for a separate Andhra state remained as a dream itself. A delightful declaration came from the then Prime Minister Nehru on November 27th, 1947 that the government was considering formation of states on linguistic basis. Later, Nehru during his visit to Visakhapatnam stated that a commission was in the offering to examine the possibilities of linguistic states.
DHAR COMMISSION
A COMMISSION HEADED BY THE PRESIDENT OF constitutional Council S K Dhar was formed by the national government on June 17th, 1948. The Dhar Commission submitted its recommendations on December 10th, 1948 furnishing its findings to be in favour of no new state formations, on the basis of language, keeping the country’s integrity and general long-term development.
J V P COMMITTEE
The recommendations of the Dahr commission against the formation of linguistic states created heavy tremors in the country including in the Telugu speaking regions. The Congress party’s national committee received all the feed back from the regional units and felt that there was an emergency need to institute another committee on the issue with Javaharlal Nehru, VallaBhai Patel and Pattabhi Seetha Ramaiah. This committee was called J V P committee with the first letters of the members. The committee in its report submitted to the working committee of the Indian National Congress in April 1949 recommended that the creation of linguistic provinces be postponed by few years. However, it suggested that Andhra province could be formed provide the Andhras gave up their claim to the city of Madras (now Chennai). This report provoked violent reaction in Andhra, as the Telugus were not prepared to forgo their claims to the city of Madras.
Under the prevailing situation, a partition committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Kumara swami Raja, the then Chief Minister of Madras. Tanguturi Prakasam, Bezavada Gopala Reddi, Kala Venkata Rao and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy represented Andhra. The partition committee could not arrive at an agreed settlement. Prakasam disagreed with the views of other members and gave a dissenting note. The Government of India took advantage of the dissenting note of Prakasam and shelved the issue. To express the resentment of the Andhras, Swami Sitaram (Gollapudi Sitarama Sastry), felt that Gandhian policy was the right policy to achieve the state and resorted to indefinite fasting from August 15th, 1951. However, Swami gave up his 35-day fast on the 20th of September 1951 on the appeal made by Vinoba Bhave. Nothing came out of this fast except the increasing distrust of people of Andhra towards their own leaders and the Government of India.
POTTI SRI RAMULU’S FAST UNTO DEATH
Sri Potti Sri Ramulu was born in Madras in 1890. His parents were from Nellore district. Sri Ramulu had his early education in Madras and then higher studies in engineering in Bombay. He worked as an engineer in the Indian Railway. After his wife died in his 25th year, he joined Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhiji admired him for his dedicated and sincere work. In 1946, he went to Nellore and devoted his time to Harijan welfare work and propagation of Khadi and village industries. He undertook three fasts during 1946-48 for the temple entry of Harijans in Nellore.
Sri ramulu began his last fast on 19th October 1952 at Madras for a separate Andhra state and continued his fast until he died on the night of 15th December 1952. This resulted in wide spread disturbance and opened the eyes of Nehru’s Government. Thus Andhra state was formed in October 1953, which catalysed the formation of other linguistic states. On November 1, 1956 Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka states were formed, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960. The formation of linguistic states is the single most important event in the history of South Indian languages, as it provided an opportunity for these languages to develop independently, each of them having a state to support.
Sri Potti Sriramulu has become Amarajeevi (immortal) for Telugus. TODAY, WE ARE CELEBRATING THE ANDHRA PRADESH FORMATION DAY, ONLY BECAUSE OF AMARAJEEVI SRI POTTI SRIRAMULU.

GLORY TO AMARAJEEVI SRI POTTI SRIRAMULU!
GLORY TO TELUGU TALLI!

KARTIKA MASAM

2008-10-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Kartika Masam, which is the most sacred month of the year starts 0n Wednesday, October 29th, on the day which the holy bath of Kartika Snanam starts in all the sacred rivers in Bharat. It is privilege to be in India at this most auspicious time of the year. Kartika Masam ends on Thursday, November 27th.

As you all know Kartika Masam is very auspicious for both the devotees of Siva & Sri Krishna. All the temples in Andhra pradesh are already busy and lacks of people are expected nearer the start of Kartika Masam, especially places like Srisailam and TirumalaFive activities are glorified: staying awake, early morning bath, worship of Tulasi, offering lamps and performing austerities. One should practice brahmacharya, give charity, and perform homa and japa. One is advised to give up eating beans, kalami saka, patola, eggplant, meat, fish, liquor, oil massage, illicit sex, grains cooked by others. One should eat once a day havisana. One should increase ones devotional service by performing more deity worship, hearing and speaking about the Lord, by extra japa of the Lord's name, worshipping Tulasi, staying awake at night chanting, visiting holy tirthas and offering lamps to the Lord. One should worship Radha Damodara and recite the Damodarastaka daily. We need to worship both Siva especially on all Mondays and Sri Krishna especially on all Wednesdays during Kartika Masam.
It is most beneficial to do Abhisheka to Siva on Mondays and to Lord Hari on Wednesdays at least.According to Puranas, the following results are expected for items offered during Abhishekams. Cow milk-HappinessYogurt-wealthsoft sugar-destruction of sorrowHoney-RadianceSugarcane juice-MoneyVibhuti-Prosperity and removal of sinssandal water-Birth of Male childFlower water-Real estate wealthSesame oil-Avoiding accidentsRudraksha water-Supreme wealthGrape juice-Success in daily activitiesDates juice-Destruction of enemiesMango juice-Reduction of terminal diseaseAnnadanam-Increased longevity and comfortable life
If you want to read about Sri Krishna during this time, please click the link belowhttp://www.quatre-bornes.com/krishna.phpTo read about Tulasi during this time is most auspicious. Please click the link below to read.http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/vrinda/vrinda-devi.phpWe all need to recite Damodarastakam daily. Please click the link below to read Damodarastakam and its meaning in English, please click the link belowhttp://radha-madhava.blogspot.com/2007/10/sri-damodarastakam.htmlIf anybody is keen to listen instead of reading daily, please click belowhttp://pod-serve.com/audiofile/filename/4015/Kirtan_Damodar_221006.mp3

There are 4 Kartika Somavarams (Mondays) the first Monday is on November 3rd, then on November 10th, November 17th and 24th.
The first Monday of the month of Kartikam is considered very powerful. Read on to know more from the story of the Karkasa, a beautiful girl who turns to a dog and how she returns back to her beautiful body by clicking the link below

http://www.astrologyforu.com/puranas/skanda-puranam/kartika-puranam/1-power-of-kartika-somavaram.php

Those of us who want to imbibe the most during Kartika Masam should read the Kartika Puranam in English before the last day of Kartika Masam during these 4 four holy weeks by clicking the link below. It is very easy reading!

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

Kartika Purnima: Kartika Purnima falls on Thursday, November 13th and celebrated in the month of November-December is the sacred day, when the ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of brightly-lit earthern lamps. Visitors throng in large numbers to watch this spectacular event, famous as 'Dev Deepawali.'
To know more about this important day, please click the clink below

http://www.komilla.com/pages/KartikPurnima.html

The sacred plant, Tulasi 's marriage with Krishna took place and is being celebrated as a festival of Tulasi's wedding during Kartika Masam and this year it falls on Wednesday, November 12th. Those of you want to know more about this, please click the link below

http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/vedic-culture/185724-tulsi-vivah-wedding-between-krsna-tulsi.html

Those who like to listen Siva songs during Kartika Masam, please click the link below

http://www.andhravilas.com/devdetailslisten.asp?cat=devsiva
Those of you who want to listen Sri Krishna devotional songs especially on Wednesdays during Kartika Masam, please click the link below

http://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=67790,67791,67792,67793,67794,67795,67796&mode=3&rand=0.39311256640225295&bhcp=1

More Hindi songs on Krishna to listen during Kartika Masam, please click the link below

http://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=71248,71249,71250,71251,71252,71253,71254,71255,71256,71257,71258,71259&mode=3&rand=0.9577306508408827&bhcp=1

More video clips on Sri Krishna songs by clicking the link below

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=StzOhjsKluI

Those who want Tulasi Ramayan-Rama charita Manas in Hindi, Please click the link below

http://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=26452,26453,26454,26455,26456,26457,26458,26459,26460,26461,26462,26463,26464&mode=3&rand=0.8961160369731982&bhcp=1

Katika Deepam: One would wish to be in Arunachalam in Tamilnadu on Kartika Poornima to witness the glory of Kartika Deepam on Arunachala Hill, the sacred hill Swami Ramana Maharshi used to live. To know more about this important event, please click the link below

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

DEEPAVALI (DIWALI)-2008

2008-10-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, Hope you all had a pleasant Naraka Chaturdasi especially in South india where it is considered as the main festival of Diwali. Deepavali means Row of Lights.

Om asato ma sadgamaya,Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor ma amritam gamaya.
Lead us from falsehood to truth; from Darkness to light; from Death to immortality and from Lethargy to Activity.

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Sri Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Sri Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
On this Deepavali Amavasya day, apart from Lakshmi Puja, it is also the day on which Kedareswara Vratam is celebrated (Lord Siva)
Kedareshwara Vrata is an auspicious observance to be performed on Diwali Amavasya. Usually, on the day of Kedara Vratam, married women or married couple worship Lord Shiva. Kedareshwara is one of the other names of Lord Shiva.

Kedareshwara Vrata observence starts from Aswayuja Bahula Ashtami (8th day in 2nd half of the month – Aswayuja) and culmintes on Aswayuja Bahula Amavasya (the last day of the month – Aswayuja). In 2008, Kedara Vratam starts on 22nd October, Wednesday and culminates on 28th October, Tuesday.

Kedereswara Puja vidhanam

http://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=39257&mode=3&rand=0.7011864777111917&bhcp=1

Please click the link above to perform Kedareswara Vratam properly with the usual rituals and Mantras which lasts for 45 minutes which may be appropriate in the evenings as it takes longer time but it is preferable to do in the morning for those it is possible. Whenever you do is not that much importance but devotion is must.
For those who would like Lakshmi Puja, please click the link and follow the procedure

http://www.diwalifestival.org/lakshmi-puja-on-diwali.html

To recite or listen Sri Lakshmi Sthotras, please clink the link below

http://www.astrojyoti.com/lakshmimp3list.htm
For more Lakshmi slokas, please click the link below
http://www.raaga.com/playerV31/index.asp?pick=67802,67803&mode=3&rand=0.9570289936388618&bhcp=1

Let us hope, we all will have a very Blissful day on this Diwali 2008 with family and friends wherever we are with the Grace of Kedareswara & Sri Maha Lakshmi.
With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

2008-10-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY Dr.Kurri Pakirareddy

It 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 BHAVANTHU
Aum Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi Hi

THE STORY OF MAHA SARASWATI

2008-10-05T01:21:00.000-07:00

After Maha Kali and Maha Lakshmi in the first two charitas, now comes the last uttama charita, the best story, of our Mother.KILLING OF SUMBHA: Two brothers, Sumbha and Nisumbha, sons of Sunda and Upasunda, the well known asuras of the house of the demon, Hiranyakasipu, were engaged in severe austerities from their very boyhood and by the sheer force of their tapas, succeeded in getting an audience with Brahma, who granted them all their desires in addition to the boon (at their own request) that they would not meet death at the hands of gods or men except at the instance of a kanya, a virgin who was not born of a mother's womb, ayonija.Then, puffed up with pride and power, the brothers challenged Indra, took away his rights and privileges enjoyed in yajnas (sacrifices), displaced him from his position as king of gods, established their rule everywhere, enjoying the rights and positions of the devas. The gods assembled and, remembering the promise of the Devi to come to their help when needed, went to himalayas and offered their prayers to Her in their distress, invoking her presence and help.The Mother was moved. She made her appearance before them in a very attractive form, at once luminous, charming and graceful. The asuras were there, the leaders, messangers and the party of the demon king, Sumbha. They were infatuated by the melting beauty of her form and made overtures to her to become the spouse of their king.Many generals were sent for the purpose including Dhoomralochana, Chanda and Munda who met their fate at the hands of laughing Mother, who is therefore called Chamunda. Then came the turn of Raktabija who was so called because every drop of his blood touching the ground would produce an asura, a fighter equal to him. But without allowing a drop of blood to fall on the ground, the Mother finished with him. Then came in person Sumbha and Nisumbha, who attacked the Devi but in vain and were struck down by the Mother. Virile and vehement in her attacks single handed against Sumbha, she is referred to as Chandi or Chandika.When the work of the Devi was finishes, the gods adored her and chanted many hymns in praise of her. The Mother was pleased and once again gave her word of assurance to stand by the side of the gods in times of need and stress and also declared that she would ever be present in places where these hymns are read and used in prayers. Finally, the Devi spoke of her future incarnations.This is the divine story of Maha Sarasvati (called Sumbha damani), the goddess who presides over SATTVA, the balancing quality of universal calm amidst all activity and tribulations of external nature or in the inner existence.

THE STORY OF MAHA LAKSHMI

2008-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

STORY OF MAHA LAKSHMI: In the second Charita of the Devi, Medhas narrates the story of Maha Lakshmi. Mahishasura, the buffalo faced demon, as a result of his mother Diti's austerities and penance, was born powerful, growing impetuous and endowed with a world-shaking passion for power over the Gods. Conquering the gods, he established his power in heaven. The vanquished gods, headed by Brahma, approached Siva and Vishnu for consultation.When the latter learnt the plight of gods, they got so much enraged that their wrath emitted fire; powerful lights of splendour emanated from the bodies of Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra and other gods, forming a vast mass of light that took the shape of a woman, whose radiant effulgence filled the three worlds.The forceful light of each of the gods formed into a particular limb of the woman-her face was shaped by Siva, hair by Yama, her rounded breasts by Soma, waist by Indra, shoulders by Vishnu and other limbs similarly by other gods. She was also provided with the respective weapons of the gods, This is the Devi, the Goddess Maha Lakshmi, who appeared and challenged the asura with a thundering roar that shook the three worlds.A GUARANTEE TO GODS: The Gods rejoiced when she slew the asuras with her weapons and got close to Mahishasura and pressing him under her feet, thrust the trident, sula into his body. The gods regained their lost kingdom, adored the Devi and sang her glory. Highly pleased, the goddess promised to come to the rescue of the gods whenever there was a need and they were put to trouble by the asuric forces, the demons. Thus ends the second Charta, the story of Mahishasuramardhini with the title of Maha Lakshmi, the goddess who presides over RaJAS, the cosmic quality and power of all action.

Sri Devi video clips-NAVARATRI

2008-09-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

Sri Chamunda MahaKavya
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yvjFL1k7g7w&feature=related

Mata Chamundaye Mantram
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3IoH0Iol3qU&feature=related

Sri Nava Durga Raksha Mantra
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0-0AyWdLNRg&feature=related

Goddess Saraswati
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=341-dH_M5vo&feature=related

The Prayer of Goddess Saraswati
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UCVe7D7kkq0&feature=related

Durga Devi Stuti
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4UlC7c7VUxA&feature=related

Lalitha Sahasranama in 3 parts
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BlOLA402aTc&feature=related

Sri Devi suktams/Stotras for NAVARATRI

2008-09-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

The First 3 days of NAVARATRI-DURGA DEVI

2008-09-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters & Brothers, On the same day Navaratri starts, Tirumala, Sri Venkateswara Brahmostavalu also starts ie on Tuesday, September 30th. I am sure you all watching Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) On www.yupptv.com please click this link and on the left side you can see login & new user. If you are new, you need to click new user and supply your e. mail id and pass word and start watching. You might be watching Live Brahmostavalu!

During Navaratri period from Tuesday 30th September to 8th October, all Telugu people all overthe world will have the oppurtunity to watch and listen 'Sri Devi Bhagavatam Pravachanams' in the morning 6.30 British summer time on Sky channel 812. For those who do not have sky can watch on the net by clicking

http://www.manatelugu.co.uk/ip_tv.php from 6.30 a. m. Those who are out side UK and Ireland must adjust to their local time. For those in India, it will be 4 hours and 30 minutes a head ie. 10.30 a. m and in USA 5 hours behind Eastern time and you can caliculate your own time accordingly.

NAVARATRI: The nine-night festival, honours Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi in South India. It is known as Bommla Koluvu in Andhra Pradesh and Navarathri in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Navratri is observed as Dusshera in Karnataka, where it is observed for ten days. The main event during Navrathri in South India is the display of dolls and idols – Kolu and the placing of Kalash, which represents Goddess.

Tuesday, 30th September, Wednesday, 1st of October and Thursday, 2nd of October are 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://musicmazaa.com/MMaPlayer/player.php or another link just in case..

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BlOLA402aTc&feature=related This is in video form in 3 parts 10 minutes each. Please click the link for part one and you can see part-2 & 3 on the right hand side in the same page and other songs to watch and listen.

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
Those who would prefer, watching and listening the Durga Devi stuti, please click the link below

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4UlC7c7VUxA&feature=related you can also watch and listen more of these on the same page!

Let us have a lovely time during these three days, talking, reading the story of Maha Kali (please read Sri Devi Mahatmyam-part-2 of my message on 24th September) & listening Durga songs from the link I gave before in the evenings with all the family.
With Love, Light & Peace to all,
Pakirareddy