bhattathiri

Kowsalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya

pravarthathe Uthishta narasardoola

karthavyam daivamahnikam (Twice)

 

1. Sri Rama! Kausalya's endearing son! Wake up, dear;

You have to do Your day-to-day duties; Do wake up please.

 

 

2. Uthishtothishta Govinda uthishta

garudadhwaja Uthishta

kamalakantha thrilokyam mangalam kuru (Twice)

 

2. Sri Govinda! All the three worlds are under Your rule;

they have to prosper. Wake up, my child.

 

 

 

Holy Ramayana is one of the the most widely read epics in India. In Kerala

Ramayana month begins on 1st karkadakam (17th July 2007). In almost all Hindu

families one will read the holy Ramayana and other members will listen. The

climate during the period is almost rainy and many people will not have any work

and it is also considered as a month for preventive treatment. Elaborate

arrangements will be made in the temples to read Ramayana and preach the divine

message to lead an ideal life.

Paramacharyal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in his characteristic simple language

has said "There are two powerful 'Taraka Namas'. One is Aum and another is Ramá.

All mantras have to be prefixed with Aum for obtaining the benefits of those

mantras, whereas there is no need to prefix Aum when the name 'Ramá' is recited

because the name itself is 'Tarka Namam' ".

We do not seek a preceptor when we are not in trouble or when we feel that there

is nothing lacking in us. The more we are besieged by troubles the more often we

go to worship in temples or seek the darshan and advice of great men.

"Just as the Veda Purusha (Virat Purusha) was born as Dasaratha's earthly son,

the Vedas are born from Prachetasa (Valmiki) in the form of The Ramayana."

The Ramayana is the very form of the Vedas that have come down to us from the

heavens to the earth. The Vedas are divided into four parts, viz., Rig Veda,

Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. Lord Rama is the embodiment of Rig

Veda, Lakshmana, the Yajur Veda, Bharata, the Sama Veda and Satrughna, the

Atharvana Veda. The four Vedas became the four sons of Dasaratha and played at

his palace. The Rig Veda and the Yajur Veda consist of Mantras which are related

to Yajnas and Yagas. That is the reason why Sage Viswamitra took Rama and

Lakshmana along with him to safeguard his Yajna. While Rama was in exile,

Bharata left Ayodhya and stayed in a village called Nandigrama, all the time

singing the Divine Name of Rama for 14 long years. It is for this reason that

Bharata is described as the personification of Sama Veda. It was Satrughna who

safeguarded the places of sacred rituals like Yajnas and Yagas from the invasion

of evil spirits and demons. Do not think that the Ramayana is different from the

Vedas. In fact, it is the very essence of the Vedas.

Rama exemplified three kinds of righteous behaviour (Dharma), namely, the

Dharmas relating to 1) the individual 2) the family and 3) society. To uphold

these three-fold Dharma, Divinity manifested in a triangular flow, in the form

of the Trimurtis (the Triune form). The Ramayana manifested to elaborate the

human values. The period of the Mahabharata was well over 5000 years ago and the

Ramayana was enacted aeons earlier. Even after the passage of countless ages, if

it is still occupying the hearts of the people at large, you can well imagine

its importance. There are two kinds of messages dominating Ramayana: One

pertains to Rama and the other to Ravana.

 

It is said "aakarah vishnu vasaha " that is to say in aakara resides Vishnu. In

Aum, aakara leads and in Ramá he resides. Lord Parameshwara says that by

chanting Ramá nama thrice one can obtain the benefit of having chanted the

thousand names of Lord Vishnu i.e., Vishnu Sahasranamam. Such is the greatness

of this Ramá nama.

It is believed that breathing one's last in the banks of holy Ganges in Kasi

puri the mokshapuri one gets mukthi, moksha, for Lord Parameshwara is ever

chanting the Ramá nama here as Kathyayini Kamukan in the ears of all people in

Kasipuri. Listening to or uttering the name Ramá at the time of death relieves

everyone from sins and the jevathma obtains the mukthi. Hence the Kasipuri has

come to be known as mokshapuri.

 

Since the jevan transcends samsara to moksha , mukthi by the Ramá nama, the Ramá

nama is Tharaka nama , Tharaka mantra.

 

 

The Ramayana (The Journey of Rama) belongs among the world's oldest literature.

Cherished throughout India and Asia for millennia, it has been faithfully

preserved and passed on in varied forms of popular expression - epic poems, folk

tales, music, dance, drama, puppet shows, sculpture, painting and even films and

comic books. Its story and characters have captured the hearts and minds of

countless generations.

 

Despite its huge popularity in Eastern cultures and even though it is recognized

by many Western scholars as a literary masterpiece, most people in the West have

never heard of Ramayana.

 

The story of Lord Rama is both a spellbinding adventure and a work of profound

philosophy, offering answers to life's deepest questions. It tells of another

time when gods and heroes walked among us, facing supernatural forces of evil

and guided by powerful mystics and sages.

 

Revered throughout the ages for it's moral and spiritual wisdom, it is a

beautiful and uplifting tale of romance and high adventure, recounting the

odyssey of Rama, a great king of ancient India. Rama, along with his beautiful

wife, Sita, and faithful brother Laksmana, is exiled to the forest for fourteen

years, where Sita is kidnapped by the powerful demon Ravana. Along with his

brother Laksmana and a fantastic army of supernatural creatures, Rama embarks on

a perilous quest to find his beloved Sita.

 

The Lord Himself says in Ramayana, "If one surrenders unto Me sincerely, saying,

`My Lord, from this day I am fully surrendered unto You,' I always give him

protection. That is My vow." Since the ultimate benefit of hearing the Ramayana

is increased faith in Lord Rama, everyone will want to read this important book.

 

Ayodhya

 

Lord Rama was born and had many of His pastimes here. It is a very holy city and

is an important pilgrimage site. It is said to have once had the perimeter of 96

miles and was the capital of Kosala. It is on the banks of the Gogra (Sarayu)

River, bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the sin of killing a

brahmana.

 

Rama Janmabhumi

 

At Rama Janmabhumi Lord Rama have taken birth. There is a small Lord Rama temple

here. At this location there used to be the Babri Mosque, constructed in the

15th century by the Moghuls. The mosque was destroyed in 1992 and at the present

time there are plans to build a grand Rama temple here.

 

Guptar Ghat

 

At Guptar Ghat there are some nice temples and nearby there is a nice park.

Gupta means disappearance. It is said that Lord Rama disappeared at this spot.

The three temples in the area are called Gupta Harji, Chakra Harji Visnu and the

Raja Mandir. In the Cakra Harji Visnu temple there is an imprint of Lord Rama's

feet.

 

There are over 100 temples in Ayodhya. At Janma Sthana Lord Rama have been

brought up.

 

There is a popular temple dedicated to Hanuman called Hanuman-gadhi. It is

located right by the main road where the tempos from Faizabad stop. Kanak

Bhavan, which is an interesting temple, and Kala Rama temple, by the river, have

both Deities of Sita-Rama.

 

There is a nice area by the river surrounding Laksmana Ghat. Laksmana, the

younger brother of Rama, is said to have bathed at Laksmana Ghat.

 

Vasistha Kund is a temple with a small round kund (pond) like a well.

 

Rama is said to have performed a yajna (sacrifice) at Treta Ka Mandir. There are

Sita-Rama Deities in this temple.

 

Kausalya, the mother of Rama, is said to have established the Ksiresvara Natha

temple for Sita.

 

Bharata Kund, at Nandigram, 20 km from Ayodhya, is the place where Bharata ruled

while Rama was in exile for 14 years.

 

One half km north of Janmabhumi is Svarga Dvara or Rama Ghat, which is an

important bathing ghat.

 

Ramesvaram

 

There are four dhamas - Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Ramesvaram and Dvaraka.

Ramesvaram is located at the southeastern end of the Indian Peninsula.

Ramesvaram is on an island, which is the shape of a conch shell, in the Gulf of

Mannar. The island is sanctified by the footprints of Lord Rama. It is said that

Lord Rama bathed at Dhanushkodi, where the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean

meet.

 

There is a major Lord Siva temple here called the Ramanathasvami temple. This

name indicates that Lord Siva is a great personality, whose worshipable Deity is

Lord Rama. This temple is very popular.

 

Temple Story

 

It is said that the Siva-linga in the the Ramanathasvami temple was installed by

Sri Rama on His return to the mainland from the island of Lanka, after killing

Ravana. Rama wanted to install a Siva-linga in Ramesvaram to absolve Himself of

the sin of killing Ravana, who was a brahmana. Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailas

to get the linga. Since Hanuman was late when the auspicious time for

installation neared, Sita made a Siva-linga out of sand. This linga was then

installed by Rama and is known as the Rama-linga, because it was installed by

Lord Rama.

 

At the time Hanuman came with the Siva-linga from Mount Kailas, he was

disappointed to find a linga already installed. Rama told Hanuman that he could

remove the linga made by Sita and install the one He brought in its place.

Hanuman took hold of the linga with his hands but could not move it. He then

wrapped his tail around it and tried to pull the linga out, but it did not move.

The linga is said to still have the marks of Hanuman's tail on it. To pacify

Hanuman, Rama had the linga he brought, the Visva-linga, installed alongside the

Rama-linga. He ordered that puja (worship) be performed first to the

Visva-linga, which is still being done today.

 

Gandhamadhana Parvata

 

This two-story temple is on a small hilltop, about 2.5 km northwest of the

Ramanathasvami Temple. There is a set of Lord Rama's footprints on a cakra here

and the small Ramjharoka temple. There is a good view of the island from here.

The place is called Vedaranyam. It is said that Hanuman made his great leap to

Lanka from here.

 

Kothandaramsvami Temple

 

There are Deities of Sri Rama, Sita, Laksmana, Hanuman and Vibhisana here. It is

said that Vibhisana, Ravana's brother, surrendered to Lord Rama at this place. A

series of paintings inside the temple tells the story. In 1964 a cyclone wiped

out everything in the surrounding area. The only thing left was the temple. It

is located about 8 km from the southernmost tip of the island going toward

Dhanushkodi.

 

Dhanushkodi

 

This is the place where the bay meets the ocean. Pilgrims are supposed to bathe

in the small lagoon here called Ratnakara. This is a place to offer sraddha to

the ancestors. It is especially auspicious to bathe here in May.

 

Dhanushkodi is about 20 km southeast of Ramesvaram. It is said that Lord

Ramacandra destroyed a small bridge with His bow here due to the request of

Vibhisana.

 

Darbha Sayanam and Adi Jagannatha Temple

 

At Darbha Sayanam (Tirupallani, Pullanranyam) Sri Rama observed penance, lying

on darbha grass here for three days. It is said that Adi Jagannatha appeared

before Him, gave him the weapon called Divya Chapa, and blessed Him with

success.

 

5 km south of Darbha Sayanam at Adi Setu is the Adi Jagannatha Temple. The Deity

of Sri Visnu here is in a reclining posture on Sesa Naga. It is said that King

Dasaratha, the father of Rama, came here to pray for a child, when all his wives

were childless. Hindu couples still visit this temple to pray for children. The

place where Lord Rama built His bridge is not far from here.

 

It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam (Navapasanam) Lord Rama put

nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay. They are supposed to represent

the nine planets that He worshiped for success.

 

Other Places

 

There are many pastime places connected with the Ramayana in the area. There is

a temple near the bridge that you cross to enter Ramesvaram with a floating rock

inside. When Lord Rama went to Lanka with the monkey army, they crossed the

ocean on a bridge of floating rocks. Near this temple, close to the bridge, is

Laksmana Tirtha and Rama Tirtha. Lord Rama is said to have bathed in these two

tanks. Kodi Tirtha is supposed to be a spring that Lord Rama created by shooting

an arrow into the ground. It is said that at Jata Tirtha, Sri Rama washed His

hair to get rid of any sins that He might have incurred in the battle at Lanka.

 

Hampi (Vijayanagara)

 

Hampi was once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagar empire, which for two

centuries was one of the most powerful empires in Indian history. Vijayanagara

means "the city of victory". It was considered at one time greater than Rome and

"the best provided city in the world". At its height half a million people lived

in the city, and the Vijayanagara empire had an army of over one million.

 

At this place Lord Rama first met Hanuman. It is also said to be the spot where

Parvati (known as Hampi) met and married Lord Siva.

 

Kiskindha

 

The town of Anegundi, about 5 km from Hampi, is situated on the north bank of

the Tungabhadra River. Local people believe this to be the ancient place known

as Kiskindha where Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva. By Hampi is also the Rsimukha

Mountain mentioned in the Ramayana.

 

The ancient place, Kiskindha, was ruled by two monkey-chiefs, brothers Sugriva

and Vali. After a quarrel with Vali, Sugriva along with Hanuman were driven out.

They then went to stay at Matanga-parvata Hill. You can get a good view of the

surrounding area from the top of this hill. While searching for Sita, who had

been kidnapped by Ravana, Rama and Laksmana came south and met Sugriva and

Hanuman. Rama killed Vali and restored the kingdom to Sugriva. While Hanuman

went to search for Sita, it is said that Rama stayed at Malyavanta Hill, which

is on the road to Kampili, about 6 km east of the Virupaksa temple. There is a

Ranganatha temple there with a large Deity of Lord Rama.

 

On the way between Virupaksa temple and Vitthala temple there is a cave on the

bank of the Tungabhadra where Sugriva is said to have hidden Sita's jewels for

safety. There are marks and streaks on the rocks, which are said to have been

made by Sita's garments.

 

There is a huge mound of scorched ash in the nearby village of Nimbapuram that

is said to be the cremated remains of Vali. The birthplace of Hanuman is said to

be a little to the northwest.

 

Other Places to See

 

The Hazara Rama temple ("one thousand Ramas") is believed to have been a private

temple for the royal family and was originally called Hajana Rama, which in

Telegu means the "palace temple". It was originally dedicated to Lord Rama in

the 15th century and contains many interesting sculptures of scenes from the

Ramayana on the walls. It is no longer active.

 

>From the Virupaksa temple of Lord Siva along the path on the river bank toward

the Vitthala temple, there is a natural cavern marked with painted stripes where

Sugriva have hidden the jewels that Sita dropped after Ravana abducted her.

 

At the Kodandaram ("bow-bearing Rama") temple there are large Deities of Sita

Rama and Laksmana. It is opposite the bathing ghat. Here Rama crowned Sugriva as

the monkey king.

 

The very ornate 16th century Vitthala temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala,

after the Deity in Pandharpur. It is on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra. It

has musical pillars, which make different sounds when struck. It is considered

to be the most outstanding temple in Hampi.

 

The Virabhadra temple is at Matanga Hill, where Lord Rama have stayed.

 

Nasik

 

Nasik is a holy city located about 5 hours northeast of Bombay (187 km). Lord

Rama stayed here for some time during His exile and Sita was carried off by

Ravana from this place. Nasik is on the banks of the Godavari river, which flows

to the bay of Bengal. Laksmana cut off the nose of Surpanakha, the younger

sister of Ravana, here. That is why this place got the name Nasik. Kumbha Mela

takes place here every 12 years. Sri Caitanya visited here.

 

The Rama Kunda area is the main pilgrimage place in Nasik. Here Rama and Sita

used to bathe, so the tank is considered especially sacred. It is also called

Asthi Vilaya Tirtha ("bone immersion tank") because bones dropped here dissolve.

In recent years the following people's bones were dropped in the Tirtha after

they died: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many other

famous people. Lord Rama is said to have performed funeral rites in memory of

His father, King Dasaratha.

 

Citrakuta

 

Lord Rama and Sita are said to have stayed in the forest here during Their 14

year exile. Citrakuta is by the border of Uttarpradesh and Madhyapradesh, due

south of Lucknow. It is 132 km south of Allahabad.

 

Lord Rama and Sita lived here for 11 years of Their 14 year exile. Citra

literally means "beautiful" and kuta means "mountain".

 

Bharat, the brother of Rama, came to Citrakuta and begged Rama to return to

Ayodhya, but Rama would not disobey His father's order. Rama stayed on Kamadgiri

("the hill which can fulfill all desires").

 

Lord Rama would daily bathe in the river here. Sita's footprints are on the

rocks at Janaki Kund, where Sita took bath.

How is it that Rama could destroy the Rakshasa hordes singly? Really Rama is not

a single person. He has got many forms.

Sahasra Seersha Purushah Sahasraksha SahasraPat.,

(Myriad headed, myriad eyed and myriad footed is the PURUSHA..)

A mere sight of His presence was enough to reduce the Rakshasa hordeto

un-consciousness.

 

"Sweeter than sugar, tastier than butter, sweeter indeed than the essence of a

beehive, constant repetition of this nectarine sweet name makes you taste the

very divine Amruta itself. Therefore, contemplate on this sweet name

incessantly."

Don't associate with anyone who is afflicted with jealousy even at the cost of

losing your life

Lakshmana said to Sita, "It is even possible to count the waves in the ocean,

but there are no words to describe the manifold powers of Rama. In Rama, there

are transcendental powers which transcend the Trigunas

Let us chant the name of Ramá for obtaining the "moksha" or salvation.

 

RAMA RAMA JAYA RAJARAM

 

 

RAMA RAMA JAYA SITARAM

 

"Ramam Dasaratham vidhhi, maam vidhhi Janakaatmajam

Ayodhya mataveem vidhhi, gaccha thaatha yattha sukham"

(Consider Rama as your father Dasaratha, Sita as your mother and the forest as

Ayodhya; may the journey be a blessed one).

 

 

 

1st karkadakam is 17th july 2007.

Kakadakam is good for the upkeep of health.

Let me bow to Indian Maharishi Patanjali with folded hands who helped in removing the impurities of the mind through his writings on Yoga, impurities of speech through his writings on grammer, and impurities of body through his writings on Ayurveda

Sri Rama! Kausalya's endearing son! Wake up, dear; You have to do Your day-to-day duties; Do wake up please.

Uthishtothishta Govinda uthishta garudadhwaja Uthishta kamalakantha thrilokyam mangalam kuru (Twice)

Sri Govinda! All the three worlds are under Your rule; they have to prosper. Wake up, my child.

Holy Ramayana is one of the the most widely read epics in India. In Kerala Ramayana month begins on 1st karkadakam (16th July 2004). In almost all Hindu families one will read the holy Ramayana and other members will listen. The climate during the period is almost rainy and many people will not have any work and it is also considered as a month for preventive treatment. Elaborate arrangements will be made in the temples to read Ramayana and preach the divine message to lead an ideal life. Paramacharyal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in his characteristic simple language has said "There are two powerful 'Taraka Namas'. One is Aum and another is Ramá. All mantras have to be prefixed with Aum for obtaining the benefits of those mantras, whereas there is no need to prefix Aum when the name 'Ramá' is recited because the name itself is 'Tarka Namam' ". We do not seek a preceptor when we are not in trouble or when we feel that there is nothing lacking in us. The more we are besieged by troubles the more often we go to worship in temples or seek the darshan and advice of great men. "Just as the Veda Purusha (Virat Purusha) was born as Dasaratha's earthly son, the Vedas are born from Prachetasa (Valmiki) in the form of The Ramayana."

The Ramayana is the very form of the Vedas that have come down to us from the heavens to the earth. The Vedas are divided into four parts, viz., Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharvana Veda. Lord Rama is the embodiment of Rig Veda, Lakshmana, the Yajur Veda, Bharata, the Sama Veda and Satrughna, the Atharvana Veda. The four Vedas became the four sons of Dasaratha and played at his palace. The Rig Veda and the Yajur Veda consist of Mantras which are related to Yajnas and Yagas. That is the reason why Sage Viswamitra took Rama and Lakshmana along with him to safeguard his Yajna. While Rama was in exile, Bharata left Ayodhya and stayed in a village called Nandigrama, all the time singing the Divine Name of Rama for 14 long years. It is for this reason that Bharata is described as the personification of Sama Veda. It was Satrughna who safeguarded the places of sacred rituals like Yajnas and Yagas from the invasion of evil spirits and demons. Do not think that the Ramayana is different from the Vedas. In fact, it is the very essence of the Vedas. Rama exemplified three kinds of righteous behaviour (Dharma), namely, the

Dharmas relating to 1) the individual 2) the family and 3) society. To uphold these three-fold Dharma, Divinity manifested in a triangular flow, in the form of the Trimurtis (the Triune form). The Ramayana manifested to elaborate the human values. The period of the Mahabharata was well over 5000 years ago and the Ramayana was enacted aeons earlier. Even after the passage of countless ages, if it is still occupying the hearts of the people at large, you can well imagine its importance. There are two kinds of messages dominating Ramayana: One pertains to Rama and the other to Ravana. It is said "aakarah vishnu vasaha " that is to say in aakara resides Vishnu. In Aum, aakara leads and in Ramá he resides. Lord Parameshwara says that by chanting Ramá nama thrice one can obtain the benefit of having chanted the thousand names of Lord Vishnu i.e., Vishnu Sahasranamam. Such is the

greatness of this Ramá nama. It is believed that breathing one's last in the banks of holy Ganges in Kasi puri the mokshapuri one gets mukthi, moksha, for Lord Parameshwara is ever chanting the Ramá nama here as Kathyayini Kamukan in the ears of all people in Kasipuri. Listening to or uttering the name Ramá at the time of death relieves everyone from sins and the jevathma obtains the mukthi. Hence the Kasipuri has come to be known as mokshapuri.

Since the jevan transcends samsara to moksha , mukthi by the Ramá nama, the Ramá nama is Tharaka nama , Tharaka mantra.

The Ramayana (The Journey of Rama) belongs among the world's oldest literature. Cherished throughout India and Asia for millennia, it has been faithfully preserved and passed on in varied forms of popular _expression - epic poems, folk tales, music, dance, drama, puppet shows, sculpture, painting and even films and comic books. Its story and characters have captured the hearts and minds of countless generations. Despite its huge popularity in Eastern cultures and even though it is recognized by many Western scholars as a literary masterpiece, most people in the West have never heard of Ramayana.

The story of Lord Rama is both a spellbinding adventure and a work of profound philosophy, offering answers to life's deepest questions. It tells of another time when gods and heroes walked among us, facing supernatural forces of evil and guided by powerful mystics and sages.

Revered throughout the ages for it's moral and spiritual wisdom, it is a beautiful and uplifting tale of romance and high adventure, recounting the odyssey of Rama, a great king of ancient India. Rama, along with his beautiful wife, Sita, and faithful brother Laksmana, is exiled to the forest for fourteen years, where Sita is kidnapped by the powerful demon Ravana. Along with his brother Laksmana and a fantastic army of supernatural creatures, Rama embarks on a perilous quest to find his beloved Sita.

The Lord Himself says in Ramayana, "If one surrenders unto Me sincerely, saying, `My Lord, from this day I am fully surrendered unto You,' I always give him protection. That is My vow." Since the ultimate benefit of hearing the Ramayana is increased faith in Lord Rama, everyone will want to read this important book.

Ayodhya

Lord Rama was born and had many of His pastimes here. It is a very holy city and is an important pilgrimage site. It is said to have once had the perimeter of 96 miles and was the capital of Kosala. It is on the banks of the Gogra (Sarayu) River, bathing in which is supposed to destroy even the sin of killing a brahmana.

Rama Janmabhumi

At Rama Janmabhumi Lord Rama have taken birth. There is a small Lord Rama temple here. At this location there used to be the Babri Mosque, constructed in the 15th century by the Moghuls. The mosque was destroyed in 1992 and at the present time there are plans to build a grand Rama temple here.

Guptar Ghat

At Guptar Ghat there are some nice temples and nearby there is a nice park. Gupta means disappearance. It is said that Lord Rama disappeared at this spot. The three temples in the area are called Gupta Harji, Chakra Harji Visnu and the Raja Mandir. In the Cakra Harji Visnu temple there is an imprint of Lord Rama's feet.

There are over 100 temples in Ayodhya. At Janma Sthana Lord Rama have been brought up.

There is a popular temple dedicated to Hanuman called Hanuman-gadhi. It is located right by the main road where the tempos from Faizabad stop. Kanak Bhavan, which is an interesting temple, and Kala Rama temple, by the river, have both Deities of Sita-Rama.

There is a nice area by the river surrounding Laksmana Ghat. Laksmana, the younger brother of Rama, is said to have bathed at Laksmana Ghat.

Vasistha Kund is a temple with a small round kund (pond) like a well.

Rama is said to have performed a yajna (sacrifice) at Treta Ka Mandir. There are Sita-Rama Deities in this temple.

Kausalya, the mother of Rama, is said to have established the Ksiresvara Natha temple for Sita.

Bharata Kund, at Nandigram, 20 km from Ayodhya, is the place where Bharata ruled while Rama was in exile for 14 years.

One half km north of Janmabhumi is Svarga Dvara or Rama Ghat, which is an important bathing ghat.

Ramesvaram

There are four dhamas - Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Ramesvaram and Dvaraka. Ramesvaram is located at the southeastern end of the Indian Peninsula. Ramesvaram is on an island, which is the shape of a conch shell, in the Gulf of Mannar. The island is sanctified by the footprints of Lord Rama. It is said that Lord Rama bathed at Dhanushkodi, where the Bay of Bengal and the

Indian Ocean meet. There is a major Lord Siva temple here called the Ramanathasvami temple. This name indicates that Lord Siva is a great personality, whose worshipable Deity is Lord Rama. This temple is very popular.

Temple Story

It is said that the Siva-linga in the the Ramanathasvami temple was installed by Sri Rama on His return to the mainland from the island of Lanka, after killing Ravana. Rama wanted to install a Siva-linga in Ramesvaram to absolve Himself of the sin of killing Ravana, who was a brahmana. Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailas to get the linga. Since Hanuman was late when the auspicious time for installation neared, Sita made a Siva-linga out of sand. This linga was then installed by Rama and is known

as the Rama-linga, because it was installed by Lord Rama.

At the time Hanuman came with the Siva-linga from Mount Kailas, he was disappointed to find a linga already installed. Rama told Hanuman that he could remove the linga made by Sita and install the one He brought in its place. Hanuman took hold of the linga with his hands but could not move it. He then wrapped his tail around it and tried to pull the linga out, but it did not move. The linga is said to still have the marks of Hanuman's tail on it. To pacify Hanuman, Rama had the linga he brought, the Visva-linga, installed alongside the Rama-linga. He ordered that puja (worship) be performed first to the Visva-linga, which is still being done today.

Gandhamadhana Parvata

This two-story temple is on a small hilltop, about 2.5 km northwest of the Ramanathasvami Temple. There is a set of Lord Rama's footprints on a cakra here and the small Ramjharoka temple. There is a good view of the island from here. The place is called Vedaranyam. It is said that Hanuman made his great leap to Lanka from here.

Kothandaramsvami Temple

There are Deities of Sri Rama, Sita, Laksmana, Hanuman and Vibhisana here. It is said that Vibhisana, Ravana's brother, surrendered to Lord Rama at this place. A series of paintings inside the temple tells the story. In 1964 a cyclone wiped out everything in the surrounding area. The only thing left was the temple. It is located about 8 km from the southernmost tip of the

island going toward Dhanushkodi.

Dhanushkodi

This is the place where the bay meets the ocean. Pilgrims are supposed to bathe in the small lagoon here called Ratnakara. This is a place to offer sraddha to the ancestors. It is especially auspicious to bathe here in May.

Dhanushkodi is about 20 km southeast of Ramesvaram. It is said that Lord Ramacandra destroyed a small bridge with His bow here due to the request of Vibhisana.

Darbha Sayanam and Adi Jagannatha Temple

At Darbha Sayanam (Tirupallani, Pullanranyam) Sri Rama observed penance, lying on darbha grass here for three days. It is said that Adi Jagannatha appeared before Him, gave him the weapon called Divya Chapa, and blessed Him with success.

5 km south of Darbha Sayanam at Adi Setu is the Adi Jagannatha Temple. The Deity of Sri Visnu here is in a reclining posture on Sesa Naga. It is said that King Dasaratha, the father of Rama, came here to pray for a child, when all his wives were childless. Hindu couples still visit this temple to pray for children. The place where Lord Rama built His bridge is not far from here.

It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam (Navapasanam) Lord Rama put nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay. They are supposed to represent the nine planets that He worshiped for success.

Other Places

There are many pastime places connected with the Ramayana in the area. There is a temple near the bridge that you cross to enter Ramesvaram with a floating rock inside. When Lord Rama went to Lanka with the monkey army, they crossed the ocean on a bridge of floating rocks. Near this temple, close to the bridge, is Laksmana Tirtha and Rama Tirtha. Lord Rama is said to have bathed in these two tanks. Kodi Tirtha is supposed to be a spring that Lord Rama created by shooting an arrow into the ground. It is said that at Jata Tirtha, Sri Rama washed His hair to get rid of any sins that He might have incurred in the battle at Lanka.

Hampi (Vijayanagara)

Hampi was once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagar empire, which for two centuries was one of the most powerful empires in Indian history.Vijayanagara means "the city of victory". It was considered at one time greater than Rome and "the best provided city in the world". At its height half a million people lived in the city, and the Vijayanagara empire had an army of over one million.

At this place Lord Rama first met Hanuman. It is also said to be the spot where Parvati (known as Hampi) met and married Lord Siva.

Kiskindha

The town of Anegundi, about 5 km from Hampi, is situated on the north bank of the Tungabhadra River. Local people believe this to be the ancient place known as Kiskindha where Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva. By Hampi is also the Rsimukha Mountain mentioned in the Ramayana.

The ancient place, Kiskindha, was ruled by two monkey-chiefs, brothers Sugriva and Vali. After a quarrel with Vali, Sugriva along with Hanuman were driven out. They then went to stay at Matanga-parvata Hill. You can get a good view of the surrounding area from the top of this hill. While searching for Sita, who had been kidnapped by Ravana, Rama and Laksmana came south and met Sugriva and Hanuman. Rama killed Vali and restored the kingdom to Sugriva. While Hanuman went to search for Sita, it is said that Rama stayed at Malyavanta Hill, which is on the road to Kampili, about 6 km east of the Virupaksa temple. There is a Ranganatha temple there with a large Deity of Lord Rama.

On the way between Virupaksa temple and Vitthala temple there is a cave on the bank of the Tungabhadra where Sugriva is said to have hidden Sita's jewels for safety. There are marks and streaks on the rocks, which are said to have been made by Sita's garments.

There is a huge mound of scorched ash in the nearby village of Nimbapuram that is said to be the cremated remains of Vali. The birthplace of Hanuman is said to be a little to the northwest.

Other Places to See

The Hazara Rama temple ("one thousand Ramas") is believed to have been a private temple for the royal family and was originally called Hajana Rama, which in Telegu means the "palace temple". It was originally dedicated to Lord Rama in the 15th century and contains many interesting sculptures of scenes from the Ramayana on the walls. It is no longer active. From the Virupaksa temple of Lord Siva along the path on the river bank toward the Vitthala temple, there is a natural cavern marked with painted stripes where Sugriva have hidden the jewels that Sita dropped after Ravana abducted her.

At the Kodandaram ("bow-bearing Rama") temple there are large Deities of Sita Rama and Laksmana. It is opposite the bathing ghat. Here Rama crowned Sugriva as the monkey king.

The very ornate 16th century Vitthala temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, after the Deity in Pandharpur. It is on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra. It has musical pillars, which make different sounds when struck. It is considered to be the most outstanding temple in Hampi.

The Virabhadra temple is at Matanga Hill, where Lord Rama have stayed.

Nasik

Nasik is a holy city located about 5 hours northeast of Bombay (187 km). Lord Rama stayed here for some time during His exile and Sita was carried off by Ravana from this place. Nasik is on the banks of the Godavari river, which flows to the bay of Bengal. Laksmana cut off the nose of Surpanakha, the younger sister of Ravana, here. That is why this place got the name Nasik. Kumbha Mela takes place here every 12 years. Sri Caitanya visited here.

The Rama Kunda area is the main pilgrimage place in Nasik. Here Rama and Sita used to bathe, so the tank is considered especially sacred. It is also called Asthi Vilaya Tirtha ("bone immersion tank") because bones dropped here dissolve. In recent years the following people's bones were dropped in the Tirtha after they died: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many other famous people. Lord Rama is said to have performed funeral rites in memory of His father, King Dasaratha.

Citrakuta

Lord Rama and Sita are said to have stayed in the forest here during Their 14 year exile. Citrakuta is by the border of Uttarpradesh and Madhyapradesh, due south of Lucknow. It is 132 km south of Allahabad.

Lord Rama and Sita lived here for 11 years of Their 14 year exile. Citra literally means "beautiful" and kuta means "mountain".

Bharat, the brother of Rama, came to Citrakuta and begged Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Rama would not disobey His father's order. Rama stayed on Kamadgiri ("the hill which can fulfill all desires").

Lord Rama would daily bathe in the river here. Sita's footprints are on the rocks at Janaki Kund, where Sita took bath. How is it that Rama could destroy the Rakshasa hordes singly? Really Rama is not a single person. He has got many forms. Sahasra Seersha Purushah Sahasraksha SahasraPat., (Myriad headed, myriad eyed and myriad footed is the PURUSHA..) A mere sight of His presence was enough to reduce the Rakshasa hordeto un-consciousness.

"Sweeter than sugar, tastier than butter, sweeter indeed than the essence of a beehive, constant repetition of this nectarine sweet name makes you taste the very divine Amruta itself. Therefore, contemplate on this sweet name incessantly."Don't associate with anyone who is afflicted with jealousy even at the cost of losing your life Lakshmana said to Sita, "It is even possible to count the waves in the ocean, but there are no words to describe the manifold powers of Rama. In Rama, there are transcendental powers which transcend the Trigunas Let us chant the name of Ramá for obtaining the "moksha" or salvation.

RAMA RAMA JAYA SITARAM

"Ramam Dasaratham vidhhi, maam vidhhi Janakaatmajam Ayodhya mataveem vidhhi, gaccha thaatha yattha sukham" (Consider Rama as your father Dasaratha, Sita as your mother and the forest as Ayodhya; may the journey be a blessed one).

Swami Ramdev is doing a great service. Long live Swamiji.

In the storm of life we struggle through myriads of stimuli of pressure, stress, and muti-problems that seek for a solution and answer. We are so suppressed by the routine of this every life style that most of us seem helpless. However, if we look closely to ancient techniques we shall discover the magnificent way to understand and realize the ones around us and mostly ourselves. If only we could stop for a moment and allow this to happen…

Let me bow to Indian Maharishi Patanjali with folded hands who helped in removing the impurities of the mind through his writings on Yoga, impurities of speech through his writings on grammar, and impurities of body through his writings on Ayurveda.

The American justice Dept. have recently approved the power of yoga and meditation vide a recent judgement in the American court." Man Who Slapped Wife Sentenced to Yoga, It's Anger Management, Says Judge." First there was house arrest. Now there's yoga. A judge ordered a man convicted of slapping his wife to take a yoga class as part of his one-year probation. "It's part of anger management," County Criminal Court at Law Judge Larry Standley said of the ancient Hindu philosophy of exercise and well-being. "For people who are into it, it really calms them down. " Standley, a former prosecutor, said the case of James Lee Cross was unique. Cross, a 53-year-old car salesman from Tomball, explained that his wife was struggling with a substance abuse problem and that he struck her on New Year's Eve during an argument about her drinking. "He was trying to get a hold of her because she has a problem," Standley said after the court hearing. "I thought this would help him realize that he only has control over himself." The sentence came as a surprise to Cross, who was told to enroll in a class and report back to Standley on his progress. "I'm not very familiar with it," Cross said of yoga. "From what I understand, it may help in a couple ways, not only as far as mentally settling, but maybe a little weight loss." Darla Magee, an instructor at Yoga Body Houston in River Oaks, said she would recommend that Cross take a basic yoga class emphasizing breathing and including a variety of postures -- forward bends, back bends and twists. "Yoga can help us to get rid of many emotional issues we might have," she said. "It's a spiritual cleanse." Prosecutor Lincoln Goodwin agreed to a sentence of probation without jail time because Cross had no significant criminal history http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA<WBR>/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan<WBR>/2365341.

Yoga which is one of the greatest Indian contribution to the world has got vast potential in all fields. In Tihar jail India Yoga is experimented among the inmates and found successful. Their criminal mentality is changed. This study aimed at investigating the effect of Vipassana Meditation (VM) on Quality of Life (QOL), Subjective Well-Being (SWB), and Criminal Propensity (CP) among inmates of Tihar Jail, Delhi. To this effect the following hypotheses were formulated. 1. There will be a significant positive effect of VM on the QOL of inmates of Tihar jail. 2. VM will have a positive and significant effect on SWB of inmates. 3. Criminal propensity (CP) of inmates will decrease significantly after attending the VM course. 4. There will be significant difference in SWB and CP of experimental (Vipassana) group and control (non-Vipassana) group. 5. Male and female inmates will differ significantly in SWB and CP, as a result of VM. In the famous "Time" magazine the importance meditation and yoga, an ancient Indian system, is high-lighted that the ancient mind- and spirit-enhancing art is becoming increasingly popular and gaining medical legitimacy. It is a multi billion dollar business in US. In many Universities it is accepted as subject and included in the Syllabus. In the latest famous book "Inspire! What Great Leaders Do" written by Mr.Lance Secretan recently published by John Wiley and sons, the benefit of meditation is elaborately described for good corporate governance. By practicing transcendental meditation, or TM, many people have got relief from back pain, neck pain, depression. The mind calms and quiets, . What thoughts you have during meditation become clearer, more focused. Anger, anxiety and worries give way to a peace. In the world exorbitant medical expenses one can definitely make use of meditation. Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Ravi Sankar are popularizing this. The Iyengar Yoga institute in US is famous.

In Bhagavad-Gita Gita Lord Krishna has inspired Arjuna to rise from his depression by preaching Gita in the battlefield and to rise from the depression to do his duties. In Holy Gita we can see, being hidden by the cosmic overview of any institution beset with myriad problems, not the least of which is its lack of moral probity, there is a groundswell of educated people seeking answers to deeply personal but universally asked questions. Chie Executives taking lessons from yoga, meditation and learning how to deal with human resources equations in an enlightened manner. Individuals from every walk of life can get ideas of how to be better human beings, more balanced and less stressed out.

Medical studies continue to show regular meditation working magic in reducing blood pressure and stress-related illnesses, including heart disease. Brain images show that regular meditation helps calm the most active sensory-assaulted parts of the brain. The ancient Hindu sage Patanjali who had mastered the secrets of the human mind has written a book "Yogasutra".In this book we can see how super powers can be achieved by meditation. It has both cosmic relevance and cosmic resonance. In spite of its universal appeal, for most people total control of mind remains an elusive goal and daunting task. From time immemorial, there have been many attempts throughout the world to unlock the mysteries of the mind and to achieve total control over it through a variety of techniques. One of the most powerful of these techniques is meditation.

Many spiritual leaders, sages, saints, and holy people such asSri. Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, Madam Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda have practiced this. One of the ways to control physiological reactions to psychological stimuli is meditation, Yoga, Zen Buddhism etc. The scientists take Transcendental Meditation as the uniform technique, and base their observations on the study of the subjects engaged in this form of meditation. In summing up the results the scientists have come to conclusion that the effect of meditation is a "wakeful, hypo-metabolic state". They have found that: 1) Yogis could slow both heart rate and rate of respiration, 2) Yogis could slow the rate of metabolism as confirmed by decreased oxygen consumption and carbon-die-oxide output. 3) Electro-Encephala-Gram (EEG - recording of brain activity) in Yogis showed changes of calmness in the form of "alpha rhythm" during both eyes closed and eyes open recordings. 4) Their skin resistance to electric stimulation was increased (indicating increased tolerance to external stimuli). Our usual 'defense-alarm' reaction to emotional and physical stress is in the form of "fright, flight, and fight" mediated through over-secretion of certain neuron-transmitters and neuron-modulators, namely adrenaline and dopamine by way of stimulation of sympathetic nervous system. Under the influence of these chemicals and hormones, we reflexively become panicky or aggressive, our blood pressure rises. Thus stress and anxiety is the end result if we allow our natural age-old sympathetic reactions to act and to come to surface. We try to run away, become fearful, or fight the situation. But today these 'defense-alarm' reactions have no place in our lives. Rather, they should be replaced by more calm and serene reactions of equanimity and fearlessness. The need is to just 'face the brute, and it will go away'. Such desirable reactions of non-aggression and peaceful attitude are generated by Y ga and meditation. EEG Studies on Yogis and The Zen Meditations: Yogis practicing Raja-Yoga claim that during the state of Samadhi they are oblivious to the internal and external stimuli, and they enjoy a calm ecstasy during that state. A study was undertaken to record the electrical activity of their brain during this state by means of a regular and useful test known as electroencephalography EEG. Physiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that the basis of conscious state of brain, among other things, is due to activation of "reticular system" in the brain-stem in response to internal and external stimuli. These stimuli bring about various changes during sleeping and wakeful states of the organism and these can be studied by EEG. The study was carried out on four subjects during the state of concentration and meditation. Effects of external stimuli, like a loud gong, strong light, thermal simulation, and vibrations were studied. The results were compiled and analyzed. It was observed that two Yogis could keep their hands immersed in extremely cold water for about 50 minutes (raised pain threshold). During the state of meditation, all of them showed persistent "alpha activity" in their EEG with increased amplitude wave pattern, both during 'eyes closed' and 'eyes open' recording. It was observed that these alpha activities could not be blocked by various sensory stimuli during meditation. It was also observed that those, who had well-marked "alpha activity" in their resting EEG showed greater aptitude and zeal for maintaining the practice of Yoga. Similar observations and results were obtained when EEGs were recorded in persons adept in Zen Meditative technique. Can we say that only those persons who exhibit such recording of "alpha wave rhythm" in their EEG are fit for Yoga? and be designated as right candidates for meditation and Yoga practices? (Such experiments are indeed very few and the number of yogis examined is also very small. Therefore, scientifically and statistically these observations have only a tentative importance. Further research is definitely called for, albeit it will have its own limitations.) It is said that in the unknown period of Lord Jesus Christ , He was under meditation.

Ref. Yoga magazines

Newsweek.com

New York times

Time magazine

The American justice Dept. have recently approved the power of yoga and meditation vide a recent judgement in the American court."Man Who Slapped Wife Sentenced to Yoga, It's Anger Management, Says Judge." First there was house arrest. Now there's yoga. A judge ordered a man convicted of slapping his wife to take a yoga class as part of his one-year probation. "It's part of anger management," County Criminal Court at Law Judge Larry Standley said of the ancient Hindu philosophy of exercise and well-being. "For people who are into it, it really calms them down. " Standley, a former prosecutor, said the case of James Lee Cross was unique. Cross, a 53-year-old car salesman from Tomball, explained that his wife was struggling with a substance abuse problem and that he struck her on New Year's Eve during an argument about her drinking. "He was trying to get a hold of her because she has a problem," Standley said after the court hearing. "I thought this would help him realize that he only has control over himself." The sentence came as a surprise to Cross, who was told to enroll in a class and report back to Standley on his progress. "I'm not very familiar with it," Cross said of yoga. "From what I understand, it may help in a couple ways, not only as far as mentally settling, but maybe a little weight loss." Darla Magee, an instructor at Yoga Body Houston in River Oaks, said she would recommend that Cross take a basic yoga class emphasizing breathing and including a variety of postures -- forward bends, back bends and twists. "Yoga can help us to get rid of many emotional issues we might have," she said. "It's a spiritual cleanse." Prosecutor Lincoln Goodwin agreed to a sentence of probation without jail time because Cross had no significant criminal history http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2365341.

The American justice Dept. have recently approved the power of yoga and meditation vide a recent judgement in the American court."Man Who Slapped Wife Sentenced to Yoga, It's Anger Management, Says Judge." First there was house arrest. Now there's yoga. A judge ordered a man convicted of slapping his wife to take a yoga class as part of his one-year probation. "It's part of anger management," County Criminal Court at Law Judge Larry Standley said of the ancient Hindu philosophy of exercise and well-being. "For people who are into it, it really calms them down. " Standley, a former prosecutor, said the case of James Lee Cross was unique. Cross, a 53-year-old car salesman from Tomball, explained that his wife was struggling with a substance abuse problem and that he struck her on New Year's Eve during an argument about her drinking. "He was trying to get a hold of her because she has a problem," Standley said after the court hearing. "I thought this would help him realize that he only has control over himself." The sentence came as a surprise to Cross, who was told to enroll in a class and report back to Standley on his progress. "I'm not very familiar with it," Cross said of yoga. "From what I understand, it may help in a couple ways, not only as far as mentally settling, but maybe a little weight loss." Darla Magee, an instructor at Yoga Body Houston in River Oaks, said she would recommend that Cross take a basic yoga class emphasizing breathing and including a variety of postures -- forward bends, back bends and twists. "Yoga can help us to get rid of many emotional issues we might have," she said. "It's a spiritual cleanse." Prosecutor Lincoln Goodwin agreed to a sentence of probation without jail time because Cross had no significant criminal history http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2365341.

<!--StartFragment --> Why Bhagavan Lord Krishna says that among flowers I am the basil (thulasi) flower. US scientists found out after research that

thulasi flower can only produce Ozone which acts as a protective cover in the ionosphere preventing radiation from sun and this plant is also be used for making life saving medicines.

Banyan tree, among the trees I am the Banyan tree which can produce maximum oxygen and are usually seen in almost all temples so the air in 5 Kms radious will be purified around a big banyan tree.

Fetus (fully developed embryo in the womb) from 7th month onwards can understand and study. For this examples are Prahlada and Abhimanue who got knowledge when they were 7 months old in the womb. Gynaecology and Sankhyayoga are preached to mother Devahuti by Lord Kapila an incarnation of Vishnu.

The importance of Homam. One Agnihotra Homaam was going on in a family at Bhopal when the Union Carbide Gas accident took place. The whole members of the family were safe eventhough it was near the to the factory, since smoke emenated from the Homam neutralised the effect of poisonous gas from the factory.Resaerch on this is going on in West Verginia in America where the mother Union Carbide factory is situated. Details follw.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Agnihotra: The tragic incident occurred on the night of December 3, 1984 when the poisonous MIC gas leaked from Union Carbide factory at Bhopal. Hundreds of people died and thousands were hospitalized but there were two families – those of Shri Sohan Lal S Khushwaha and Shri M.L. Rathore, living about one mile away from the plant who came out unscathed. These families were regularly performing agnihotra (havan). In these families nobody died, nobody was even hospitalized despite being present in the area worst affected by the leakage of the toxic gas. This observation implies that agnihotra is a proven antidote to pollution. (English Daily-“The Hindu’ of 4-5-85; news item under the heading ‘Vedic Way to Beat Pollution’.)

Maharshi Kardama’s space journey with his wife Devahuti in his supersonic space vehicle is far advanced than the present one.

In the dakshayga when Daksha’s head was cut he is given life by joining the head of a goat with the trunk of Daksha a form of plastic surgery.

It is mentioned that yogis can live for thousands of years. This is proved that by reducing the metabolic rate (body activities,such as respiration, excretion, reproduction etc.) it may be possible to extend life. Bhagavatham gives many clues for health and happy long life

Yoga which is one of the greatest Indian co tribution to the world has got vast potential in all fields. In Tihar jail India Yoga is experimented among the inamtes and found successful. Their criminal mentality is changed. This study aimed at investigating the effect of Vipassana Meditation (VM) on Quality of Life (QOL), Subjective Well-Being (SWB), and Criminal Propensity (CP) among inmates of Tihar Jail, Delhi. To this effect the following hypotheses were formulated. 1. There will be a significant positive effect of VM on the QOL of inmates of Tihar jail. 2. VM will have a positive and significant effect on SWB of inmates. 3. Criminal propensity (CP) of inmates will decrease significantly after attending the VM course

signs and symptoms for the disease

The symptoms generally appear 4 to 7 days after having been bitten by the mosquito. They are:

- High fever that can go up to 39?C.

- Muscular and joints; pain, mainly affecting the extremities of limbs.

- Swelling.

- Skin manifestations.

- Headache.

<TABLE class=stand cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR><TD class=header style="WIDTH: 100%">Latest Publications on treatment of chicken gunia

http://www.biojournals.com/treatment%20of%20chicken%20gunia.html

</TD></TR><TR><TD>The latest research articles can be viewed below. For those visiting this site looking for Chikungunya treatment options. The USA centres for disease control have produced a Chikungunga fact sheet, which includes the following information: Chikungunga Treatment

Chikungunga Prevention

• Use insect repellent containing an DEET or another
  EPA-registered active ingredient
  on exposed skin. Always follow the directions on the package.
  
  
• Wear long sleeves and pants (ideally treat clothes with permethrin or another repellent).
  
  
• Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  
  
• Get rid of
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  breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
  
  
• Additionally, a person with chikungunya fever or
  dengue
  should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection. The person should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

signs and symptoms for the disease

The symptoms generally appear 4 to 7 days after having been bitten by the mosquito. They are:

- High fever that can go up to 39?C.

- Muscular and joints; pain, mainly affecting the extremities of limbs.

- Swelling.

- Skin manifestations.

- Headache.

The Nadha Brahmam "Ohm" or in Modern terminology Schumman resonance has a

close significance Aum corresponds to the strongest of the schuman resonance

among all other bio magnetic fields. we can relate the seven different

chakras in body to these sounds and also with Schumann Resonances of earth,

ie, 7.83, 14, 20, 26, 33, 39 and 45 Hertz of earth. We all know 7.83 hz

being the strongest of all.

Ohm - 7.83Hz

Gam - 14hz

Hleem - 20Hz

Hreem - 26Hz

Kleem - 33Hz

Krowm - 39Hz

Sreem - 45Hz

Raam- is also a Beejaksharam, who resonance frequency lies between 26 to 33

Remember its all vibration, E = M * C^2 the energy emmited is square of the

vibration of mantra you use. You can raise the Kundalini with constant

practice. May be the initiated Brahmin one day realises that ENERGY is every

thing. Brahman is Everything which has taken different forms of life.

See the possibilities

Ghanesh. P.V.

IMDS Lead Asia Pacific

Visteon Corporation

3rd floor, Ispahani Centre,

123/124, NH Road, Chennai 600034, India.

@ Ex.. 458 Ph +91 44 2833 4300

Mobile # +91 98407 07931

Fax +91 44 2833 4319

email : gvenkat9@visteon.com

<http://www.visteon.com>

Your website is informative and excellant.

Article by M.P. Bhattathiri, Retired Chief Technical Examiner , Govt. of Kerala, it may be published in your website and magazine after editing if necessary.

Scientifically ancient India was developed and our ancient saints discovered many things and lost many things under the foreign rule.Sacred texts like Srimad Bhagavatham , Holy Gita, Vedas, Upanishads contain technical and scientifical advancd informations.

"The Lord said: I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku."(Bhagavad-gita 4.1)

All the Hindu rituals like Ganapathy Homam, Veda Japam,Vishnusahasranamam, Sandhyavandanam, Sraadha Karma Gayatrimantram, Pooja, Dravyas, Suprabhatam Purohits for Performance Mantrapushpam Queries Namakachamakamu Hanuman Pooja Aditya Hrudayam Kanakadhara Stotram First Year Celebrations have got some scientific background. Recently Trivandrum was under a severe drought. Some devotee priests assembled in front of the famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and chanted Varuna Japa and within one week heavy rain started. It is a awonder that monsoon started early this year and still going on.This tradition is an application of the scientific method where the infinite variety of

divine datas are generated by means of a limited number of experiences. These are all to satisfy the mind. The vast majority of men know not the existence of the mind and its operations. Even the so-called educated persons know very little of the mind subjectively or of its nature and operations. They have only heard of a mind which is very difficalt to control.

Mind is one of the Ashta-Prakritis. "Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, reason and egoism-these

constitute the eightfold division of My Nature" (Gita, VII-4).

Mind is nothing but Atma-Sakti. It is brain that wants rest (sleep), but not the mind. A Yogi who has

controlled the mind never sleeps. He gets pure rest from meditation itself.

According to Hinduism an individual has to live in order to observe and protect his dharma or religious laws. If he does not observe his dharma, he is not entitled to moksha or salvation.

An individual must be ever grateful to his gods who always keep a protective eye over him and work for his welfare. If he does not propitiate them or acknowledge their help, he will lose their support and blessings. These gods exists not only outside of him, but also with in him. They are the spiritual energies that reside in him and help him to progress towards Aditi, the Light and attain "Soma", the state of divine bliss.

It does not mean that the gods are selfish or biased. It means that the gods are impartial, as they discharge their respective duties strictly in accordance with the rules of creation and the Eternal Dharma, laid down by the Supreme Self, rewarding righteous actions and punishing the unrighteous ones.

The scriptures are very clear as to what should be ones attitude towards the religious texts. An individual must revere and respect the Vedas which are revealed texts directly coming from God for the general welfare and guidance of the mankind. The attitude that is expected of a devout Hindu should include, respect towards the sacred books, proper study and understanding of them and proper observation of the truths and laws prescribed there in.

An individual must learn to see the omnipresence of God in every thing and everywhere. He who sees Him in all and all in Him would lead a deeply religious and spiritual life, because having realized the presence of God in all, he develops compassion and right attitude towards the whole creation of God.

An individual must lead life in strict accordance with the laws laid down in the scriptures. He must perform daily rituals, various samskaras and live the four ashramas or stages of his life in accordance with the rules prescribed in the scriptures.

It is unfortunate that many modern Hindus have a great contempt for the observation of rituals which according to them are nothing short of superstition. It must be remembered that these rituals are meant to inculcate feelings of reverence and devotion to god or gods.

A ritual is a method or a way. When we speak of the fact that Hinduism is a way of life, we are actually saying that one should live life as if it is a sacred ritual. The whole process of living is a great ritual in which the individual offers himself as a sacrificial offering to the divine spark within him and reaches the highest state of realization. Let us not forget that spiritualism is also a kind of ritualism only in which the spirit follows a certain prescribed path and reaches its original state. The emphasis on rituals in the Vedas is suggestive of the fact that we are expected to lead our lives according to a way or a method that would ensure our salvation.

It is not an exaggeration to say that some degree of ritualism is essential and integral to every religion. Whether it is religion or military activity, management or holding a meeting, rituals add structure and discipline to ones activity.

However superfluous they may appear to be, rituals prepare us mentally for the occasion. They divert the attention of an otherwise busy individual from mundane activities and make him god-centered. It does not mean that one should follow the rituals blindly. One has the freedom to chose the rituals which according to him would ensure proper results.

One can always create or formulate one own rituals as long as they incorporate the original meaning and serve the same purpose for which they are originally meant. One can at the most discard a few of those rituals which offend ones own sense of justice or balance. But it is doubtful if the religion would condone those who would discard all rituals summarily, without proper understanding of what the rituals stand for.

One need not perform a yagna in the elaborate manner prescribed in the Vedas, especially when one is not conversant with Sanskrit or the vedic ritualism. One need not perform even puja if one has the right awareness and correct attitude towards God and oneself.

If one understands the true meaning of a yagna and try to make an offering of something mentally with sincerity and devotion it will lead to the same results. If one can close ones eyes in front of the image of a god and mentally performs a puja with sincerity and devotion, it would lead to the same results as the physical puja performed with the same degree of devotion and sincerity.

What is important is the attitude and feeling behind performing the act, not the mere act itself. The Upanishads at various places cautions the students against insincere and empty ritualism.

Many Hindus of modern day have a poor understanding of the religious scriptures. Some very educated Hindus cannot even recollect with accuracy the names of the four Vedas. Some of them do not have an idea of what the Upanishads teach. But they try to justify their religious fervor under the feeling that such knowledge is neither essential nor useful for ones spiritual progress.

Hinduism may be just a way of life, and not religion. But it does not under any circumstances advocates one to be irreligious or irresponsible towards oneself. It always emphasizes on the need to protect ones Dharma and follow ones natural Dharma. Your dharma is not something that is imposed upon you. It is something that you are born with. It is a part of your previous samskaras. You cannot just wish it away. And no society can impose its code upon you. If you are born with a particular sense of dharma and your society tries to manipulate you with its own codes you have the right and freedom to chose your own code. This is where the religion gives freedom to the individual to select his path. This is where it tries to act as a buffer between the individual and the conditioning and controlling influence of an all powerful society.

This service equips in performing rituals (karmas like Pooja, Homas, Vrathas, etc.) even with or without knowledge in performing them. All the activities are explained and illustrated in detail in text, audio & video form. The service also comprises of customised rituals wherein all the chantings including Name, Gothram, Deity Name, Reason for performing, etc. are exactly slotted and passed on to the user for performing as per the guidelines furnished, without any further difficulties or ambiguity.

Being in the materialistic world, away from Moksha(on the path to reach God) humans are surrounded by Moha & Maya resulting in selfishness and disappointments, irregularities, mental tensions and other ailments.

To heal the ailments and to lead a reasonable sound life with current day amenities several presentations are made in our Puranas & Vedas for peace, health, wealth & prosperity. Some of them are short-listed, refined and made available by Rishis(Saints) to the humans irrespective of the caste and creed, rich or poor, black or white, male or female with suitable actions. They are called Karmas or Karyas or Rituals. These are meant for following and performing. Different rituals are specified for various occasions. Certain daily rituals are also advised to perform for peace, health, wealth & prosperity.

The modern day Hindus, not all but a sizeable number of them, do not read the sacred texts because of lack of proper attitude and faith. They do not see any perceptible use in the exercise of reading. They take comfort in the misguided belief that the texts are ritualistic in nature and therefore it would not make any sense to read them or follow them.

They believe that one need not read these texts, one need not understand them, one need not even believe in God, but still can work for their salvation ! How absurd the belief can be! How difficult it would be to attain Him with such a high degree of insincerity, self-deception and rationalization of knowledge!

The Vedas are not texts of empty eulogy and ritualism, extolling the virtues of gods and goddesses who appear more like human beings with the same number of defects as we find in ourselves. The texts are impregnated with tremendous degree of divine wisdom. They reveal innumerable secrets to those who have the interest like Shri Aurobindo to unravel the hidden key and try to understand their true meaning. Those who have any doubts in this regard should read his book, the Secret of the Vedas to understand what the Vedic texts actually means. Those who do not have the time or opportunity should go through the article on the hidden symbolism of Hinduism available at this site.

Let us remember that in other religions, scriptures do occupy the central part. These religions are more organized because an understanding of the basic scripture is fundamental to the practice of religion. While there are hundreds of Hindus who have never read a Veda or Upanishads, it is difficult to come across a Christian or a Muslim who has never gone through his or her holy book. Many carry them to their places of work or keep it in their houses for regular or occasional study. It is wrong to presume that Hinduism does not prescribe study of religious scriptures. In fact it is an essential and integral part of a person's education and religious life.

The purpose of this article is not to advocate blind faith or blind following, but to make us understand the need for a judicious exercise of choosing what is right and what is wrong for one not in complete and total freedom but in accordance with the scriptures (external dharma) and one own inner nature or internal dharma.

Ref. Various hindu websites

Navratra literally means '9 nights'. These days are astrologically very powerful for spiritual upliftment.

During these 9 days and nights, prayers are offered to 'MAA (MOTHER)' who is

the manifestation of the Absolute Energy that pervades the universe.

As 'DURGA MAA' sitting on a Lion, she is a manifestation of 'Shakti' or the primordial Energy. The power to breath, walk, digest etc, comes from Maa Durga.

As 'LAXMI' She is abundance. Not only material, but of Air, Land, Space etc. The fact that you have understood what is written so far is due to the Grace of 'MAA SARASWATI' the Goddess of Knowledge. She is the 'OM', from where all sound emanates.

'MAA' is the 'Garba (Womb)' from where the Universe manifests. The word 'Garba' stems from 'Garbha' and symbolises the 'Dance of Creation'.

The first 3 days of HOLY NAVRATRA are dedicated to 'MAA KALI' to anihilate

the enemies within.

The next 3 days are dedicated to 'MAA LAXMI' and the last 3 days to 'MAA SARASWATI'.

On the 10th day a bonfire is lit to burn the Self arrogating Ego. Whether we

pray to 'MAA' or not, she thinks of us all the time. She holds us in our

arms when dejected, gives us various gifts from time to time, but admonishes

us when we cross our line.

WAY OF OBSERVING THE HOLY NAVRATRAS

To keep fast during the period, eat one meal a day and on one sitting. The food should be cooked without onions and garlic and should be pure vegetarian meal. First the devotee may offer the prayers and food to MataRani and then eat the meal as prasad. Do chant "JAI MATA DI" nine times before starting and after finishing the meal. It should preferably be taken after sunset. (If the time after sunset is not possible, then any other time is also fine, but should be taken after offering prayers and as prasad.) During the rest of the day, fruits, juices, milk and kheer could be taken. (However, some devotees keep fast for all the days by consuming only fruits or liquids This is purely the devotee's choice and offering to the Great Maa Vaishno Devi.) Please be noted that it is not a compulsion to keep fasts for devotees who have health problems, medical reasons or for any other problems. MataRani is all-knowing and kind and showers her blessings on all her devotees.

All the time during the period of Holy Navratras, the devotee must keep his mind, body and thoughts pure. Try and visit MataRani temples and offer prayers and Aarti daily during this period. You should start the prayers with the name of LORD GANESHA with GANESH VANDANA.

Try and light a JYOT in front of MataRani picture or statue. MataRani is also called JYOTA-WALI and is present in the flame which becomes holy. Visit a MataTemple (if possible), or pray to MataRani at home.

Try and sleep on a sheet on the floor during this period.

Do not shave or cut hair or use sharp objects (like nail cutters etc.) during this period.

Try and avoid wearing black cloths and leather during the period of fasting. (Like leather cloths, belts, handbags etc.)

The devotee observing the fasts should avoid sensual and procreation activities during this period.

Offer prasad of Halwa/Poori/Channa to MataRani.

If possible, feed a little adolescent girl (kanya) daily OR feed 9 Kanyas on the last day of fasting. If this is not possible, distribute dry fruits (specially AKHROD and RAISINS) and fresh fruits to Kanyas.

Eat one vegetarian meal on one sitting. Avoid Garlic, Onion, Eggs. (If you have any health problems etc, do not avoid any food or medicines. MataRani is all knowing and blesses everyone who has sincere devotion).

NAVAGRAHAS

There are innumerable stars and planets that rise and set. Seasons change. Earthquakes occur. Floods bring calamity. Deaths and births happen. Every action is according to time. This is the role of Navagrahas (nine planets), manifested by God, controlling the benefits and penalties. Deviation from the ordained path results in pain and misery. To get relief, the scriptures suggest a propitiation of planets, like Navagraha Shanthi, Pooja, Homam, Japa, etc. There are temples dedicated to each one of the Grahas (planets).

The Soorya - Sun - Sooryanar Koil (Aadudorai Railway Station) near Thanjavoor.

The Chandra - Moon - Thiruvaroor Koil- Tamil Nadu.

The Angaaraka - Mars - Vaitheeswaran Koil - Tamil Nadu.

The Budha - Mercury - Thiruvengadu Koil - Tamil Nadu

The Guru- Brahaspathi - Jupiter - Alangudi

The Sukra - Venus- Kanjanur.

The Saneeshwara - Saturn - Thirunallar- Tamil Nadu.

The Rahu - Thirunageswaram Koil - Tamil Nadu.

The Ketu - Naganathar Koil.

Soorya (Sun) is considered a living God. He is the life-giver, light-giver and time-giver. Sun worship is prevalent in other religions too.

Article by M.P. Bhattathiri, Retired Chief Technical Examiner to the Govt. of Kerala

Power of Yoga and meditation

In the famous "Time" magazine the importance meditation and yoga, an ancient Indian system, is high-lighted that the ancient mind- and spirit-enhancing art is becoming increasingly popular and gaining medical legitimacy.

It is a multi billion dollar business in US. In many Universities it is accepted as subject and included in the Syllabus. In the latest famous book "Inspire! What Great Leaders Do" written by Mr.Lance Secretan recently published by John Wiley and sons, the benefit of meditation is elaborately described for good corporate governance.

By practising transcendental meditation, or TM, many people have got relief from back pain, neck pain, depression. The mind calms and quiets, . What thoughts you have during meditation become clearer, more focused. Anger, anxiety and worries give way to a peace.

In the world exhorbitant medical expeneses one can definitely make use of meditation. Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and Sri Ravi Sankar are poplarising this. The Iyengar Yoga institute in US is famous.

In Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna has inspired Arjuna to rise from his depression by preaching Gita in the battlefield and to rise from the depression to do his duties.

In Holy Gita we can see, being hidden by the cosmic overview of any institution beset with myriad problems, not the least of which is its lack of moral probity, there is a groundswell of educated people seeking answers to deeply personal but universally asked questions. Chie Executives taking lessons from yoga, meditation and learning how to deal with human resources equations in an enlightened manner. Individuals from every walk of life can get ideas of how to be better human beings, more balanced and less stressed out.

Medical studies continue to show regular meditation working magic in reducing blood pressure and stress-related illnesses, including heart disease. Brain images show that regular meditation helps calm the most active sensory-assaulted parts of the brain.

The ancient Hindu sage Patanjali who had mastered the secrets of the human mind has written a book "Yogasutra".In this book we can see how super powers can be achieved by meditation. It has both cosmic relevance and cosmic resonance. In spite of its universal appeal, for most people total control of mind remains an elusive goal and daunting task. From time immemorial, there have been many attempts throughout the world to unlock the mysteries of the mind and to achieve total control over it through a variety of techniques. One of the most powerful of these techniques is meditation. Many spiritual leaders, sages, saints, and holy people such asSri. Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, Madam Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda have practised this.

It is said that in the unknown period of Lord Jesus Christ , He was under meditation.

M.P.Bhattathiry

hiranmayena pätrena satyasyäpihitam mukham

tat tvam püshann apävrnu satya-dharmäya drshtaye

"O my Lord, sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee." (Mantra Fifteen)

In the Bhagavad-gitä (14.27), the Lord explains His personal rays (brahmajyoti), the dazzling effulgence of His personal form, in this way:

brahmano hi pratishthäham amrtasyävyayasya ca

shäshvatasya ca dharmasya sukhasyaikäntikasya ca

"I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman, which is immortal, imperishable and eternal and is the constitutional position of ultimate happiness."

Brahman, Paramätmä and Bhagavän are three aspects of the same Absolute Truth. Brahman is the aspect most easily perceived by the beginner; Paramätmä, the Supersoul, is realized by those who have further progressed; and Bhagavän realization is the ultimate realization of the Absolute Truth. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gitä (7.7), where Lord Krishna says that He is the ultimate concept of the Absolute Truth: mattah parataram nänyat. Therefore, Krishna is the source of the brahmajyoti as well as the all-pervading Paramätmä. Later in the Bhagavad-gitä (10.42) Krishna further explains:

atha vä bahunaitena kim jïätena tavärjuna

vishtabhyäham idam krtsnam ekämshena sthito jagat

"But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of Myself I pervade and support this entire universe."

Thus by His one plenary expansion, the all-pervading Paramätmä, the Lord maintains the complete material cosmic creation. He also maintains all manifestations in the spiritual world. Therefore in this shruti-mantra of Shri Ishopanishad, the Lord is addressed as püshan, the ultimate maintainer.

The system of God realization is a great science. The materialistic sänkhya-yogis can only analyze and meditate on the twenty-four factors of the material creation, for they have very little information of the purusha, the Lord. And the impersonal transcendentalists are simply bewildered by the glaring effulgence of the brahmajyoti. If one wants to see the Absolute Truth in full, one has to penetrate beyond the twenty-four material elements and the glaring effulgence as well. Sri Ishopanishad points toward this direction, praying for the removal of the hiranmaya-pätra, the dazzling covering of the Lord. Unless this covering is removed so one can perceive the real face of the Personality of Godhead, factual realization of the Absolute Truth can never be achieved.

Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Hémãk#347;aram. For any correspondence, you are invited to write to vedicvisions@.co.in. Do allow a couple of days for a reply. Haribol!

Humbly yours,

Friends of Lord Krishna.

Please Chant:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

And Be Happy.

If you are interested in the subject matter, get in touch with:

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS

Hare Krishna Hill,

Chord Road,

Bangalore-560 010.

Phone: 23578346, 23471956.

(Web: www.iskconbangalore.org)

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[Jay Shree Krishna] Digest Number 267

Objects of desire may take many forms. We may desire physical things, such as food, clothing, or

comfort. We may desire emotional gratification, such as the love of another. We may desire

recognition or fame. We may desire good karma in order to ensure better conditions in future lives.

There is nothing wrong with having desires. The fulfillment of these examples would not automatically

cause one to be reborn in lower realms. But these are not examples of true compassion. If we calculate the benefit we will receive from our actions, it is not compassion. If we practice because we want to transcend samsara and attain Buddhahood, it is not compassion. As long as there are ulterior motives in our minds, no matter how lofty these motives may be, it is not compassion. It is not wrong or bad, but it is self-centered love and desire, not compassion.

We may have passed a wild flower and stopped to admire its beauty and fragrance. The flower may remain in our mind as we walk away. We may even contemplate picking it. In a sense, we have fallen in love with this flower. We may have gone beyond enjoying it. Now we want to possess it so that we can enjoy it continuously. We all have a hunger that makes us want to possess something we don't have, and which drives us to hold on dearly to that which we already have.

Similarly, one may have a good experience while meditating, feeling pure and light. In the future that person will likely desire this experience again, and so will continue to meditate. This is yet another attachment. As long as one is attached to spiritual experiences, self-centered love and desire are still present.

source. Fw: [TDM] Digest Number 745

Venerable Master Sheng-yen, Pure Action

In Kerala ThiruOnam day is celebrated by all as the day when emperor Bali was both humiliated and blessed by God, in the form of Vaamana. Emperor of the three worlds, Bali called himself, so, for, he had Bala (power), more than any one else. He was saturated with egotism. God came to him, while he was busy with a Yaaga (an offering), in the form and guise of a Brahmin boy, and asked for a gift of just three foot-measures of land. Bali told him that he could ask for infinitely more riches and lands; but, the boy insisted on that tiny gift only. The preceptor of Bali warned him about the identity and bonafides of the strange mendicant; he mentioned that he may be God Himself. This made Bali happier, for, if it was true, he was so mighty that even God came to his door as a mendicant. Such was the measure of his conceit.

But, when Vaamana drew Himself up to cosmic proportions and measured the entire earth with one foot and the vast expanse of space with another foot, Bali was humbled; he offered his own head as the third foot-measure, and let himself be trod-down into the nether-world. This day marks the day when the incarnation of Vaamana happened, in order to teach this lesson that pride meets with doom. Once the ego was thus suppressed, Bali became cleansed and God blessed him, with various boons. He assured him that He would ever be his guardian. He permitted him every year, on Onam day, to come up into the world and see for himself his empire and receive therefrom the homage of his people. So, this is the festival of Vaamana's advent as well as Bali's transformation.

This day also extols the merit of gifts, renunciation, charity, however little, to any one, for, all are images of God. Thyaaga (renunciation or sacrifice), is at the very basis of bliss, of grace, of immortality. "Na medhayaa na prajayaa dhanena, thyaagenaike amrithathwam aanasuh" - say the Vedhas. ("Not by intellect, not by progeny, not by riches, but, by renunciation alone can the bliss of immortality be attained"). Onam is the festival which instils this message into those who observe it with an eye on its inner significance.

Every Obstacle is a Step that leads to Aanandha

Kerala has contributed a great deal to the preservation of Vedhic culture, and Sanskrit learning. Keralites have a name for faith and dedication. Witness the age-old privilege the Nambuudhiris of Kerala enjoy, priesthood of the great Vaishnavite shrine thousands of miles away from their land, namely Badhrinath among the Himaalayas.

Of course, wherever faith and dedication to God are evident, forces that tend to ridicule it, diminish its strength also are found. Where Aasthika (believer in God) is, there Naasthika (atheist) too will raise its head. But, disbelief in God or in some supreme will can be only a pose, assumed for the sake of personal aggrandisement or advertisement. It cannot stand the light of reason or of experience; even so-called atheists have love in their hearts, honour truth while dealing with society and live on the basis of some eternal basic principles of justice. So, they are believers in Sath-Chith-Aanandha (being, awareness, bliss supreme).

You have the duty to stand witness in your lives to the courage, the joy, the strength, the generosity, the humility that true spirituality and faith can impart to man, while faced with disappointment, distress, defeat, defamation and other calamities against which the atheist has no such shield. Gold gains in value when it is melted in the crucible. A piece of diamond when it is cut into a many-faceted gem is thereby rendered more brilliant and more costly. The dull stone is not sought after by all. Prahlaadha, the grandfather of emperor Bali was subjected to torture by his irate father; but, that only added to his lustre. Bali himself shone all the brighter for the punishment he received from the compassionate Lord. This is the lesson you have to garner today. Every obstacle is a step that leads you to the Aanandha that can never be destroyed or taken away.

It is natural of Man to raise himself up

There is another duty that you owe to yourselves, which you have to recognise today. The world is the playground of Nara (human) and Naaraayana (God). Nara transforming himself into Naaraayana and Naaraayana transforming Himself into Nara, and playing their roles in unison. You know full well that Naaraayana has come in human form for re-establishing Dharma (morality) in the world, for feeding the roots of faith in God and for interpreting God to man; you have to be assured that it is natural of man too to raise himself up, through spiritual discipline, moral elevation, expansion of love and other means to become Naaraayana. But, man is unaware of this high destiny. He misinterprets his skills and strength and is so absent-minded that he slides down the scale into a monster or a monkey. Of course there are many who struggle with these downward-dragging tendencies and endeavour to elevate themselves; these most often grope in the dark and are badly led.

Devotion must flourish, unaffected by Time

There are two truths that must be accepted by every pilgrim or devotee: (1) Devotion has to be full, free and comprehensive. (2) Divinity must be conceived as full, free and comprehensive. On the other hand, devotion today is almost always only 'part-time.' That is to say, whenever disease, defeat, or disappointment happen to assail you, you turn to God and pray for His grace; but when you are happy, prosperous, healthy and in good shape, you ignore God and claim that they are all due to your own abilities and achievements. God is ignored in sunshine, He is wanted only when there is night. Devotion must persist and flourish, unaffected by time, place or circumstance.

God too has to be experienced in His fullness, and the Aanandha of that experience made one's permanent possession. Kasturi recited that poem, which, was sweet to the ear and full of Sanskrit words. But, words seldom come out of actual experience. It is impossible to experience God and also talk about him. Words like Sarvajnaana, Sarvavyaapi, meaning that "He knows all,He is everywhere" are used by people, since elders and saints have used them from ancient times; it is impossible for any one to have the fullest and the most comprehensive experience of these qualities of the divine, and also speak about that experience.

The Geetha speaks of God as "achalam chalam evacha," - "immoveable as well as moveable," which strikes one as impossible. God appears to move, to act, to bless, to save, to test; but, He is unconcerned basically with these. Look at a tree. The branches, leaves, etc. might be moving with the wind; but the trunk is steady and unmoved. God is, but appears as not-is. The body moves, the intellect moves, the mind moves, but the Aathma is unaffected; it is steady, firm, unchangeable. The lake is unmoved; the surface is tickled into wavelets by every passing breeze. The colourless unmoved curtain or screen is unaffected by the pictures of fire, faction, floods, and glaciers that appear upon it in a realistic manner. When the pictures are seen, the screen is unseen; when the screen is seen, the pictures are unseen. But, without the screen (Brahman), the pictures have no meaning, carry no message, tell no story. They impart no Aanandha.

God is the Stealer of Hearts

You may carry a matchbox in your pocket, with no danger of fire emanating, through the components are there in that box. So too, there are the components of divinity in you; only, it is not patent, it is not expressed. Take a stick and strike its head against the chemical coating given on one side of the box, and suddenly, in a flash, you get the flame of fire. So too, take the Jeeva (the individual) and strike it on the Brahman-principle that is immanent in the universe, make it aware of it, so to say, and the individual too manifests the divinity latent in it. The tree is the individual; the forest is the Brahman. The one, apart from the many is the individual. The many and the manifold is the Brahman; Kasturi standing alone, apart, is Vyashti; when he goes and sits among you, the thousands who have come here for Onam, he merges in the Samashti. Samashti is Brahman; Vyashti is the Jeevaathman.

Prahlaadha's grandson Bali, whom you honour today, extolled the Lord standing before Him, as master of the entire cosmos, as "arch-thief among thieves," (Dongalalo Gajadonga!). For, God steals the most precious possession of man, even when its owner is awake. He steals the Chiththa; He is the Chiththa Apahaari, the stealer of hearts. I disappointed you; I even requested you not to come so far, away from your homes for this festival; but, yet, your hearts have been stolen by Me and so, you could not stay away. Onam is the day when you Keralites feast on the banana; when you eat a banana, you have first to remove the skin. So, too, when we desire to eat a mango or a lime fruit. The sweet substance has to be reached after removal of the bitter skin. For Bali to be received and accepted by God, the bitter cover of egoism and power-mania had to be removed. Ignorance, Maaya (delusion), illusion, pride, all are the components of the skin. Onams come and Onams go; but, people are no nearer the goal. This is because though Onam is given a hearty send-off, generosity, renunciation, love and the spirit of service are not given an equally hearty welcome. You have to take this as the Onam message - strive to manifest, cultivate and express love, and suppress pride and egoism, so that you can win the grace of Srila Prabhupada.

Lord McCauley in his speech of Feb 2,1835, British Parliament

"I have traveled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen

one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this

country, such high moral values, people of such caliber,that I do not think we

would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this

nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose

that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if

the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than

their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native self-culture and

they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation”.

-Lord McCauley in his speech of Feb 2,1835, British Parliament

Lord Srila Prabhupada spread the message of Lord Krishna and saved the youth of America from Hippism during 1968-69 period.After that nosuch Yogis came here and the whole system is contaminated.It became worst on Sept.11, 2001.

This day has changed the history of the world .People have seen cruelty in the original form and some have not even recovered from the great mental depression.

Let us express our feelings towards the sufferers of the tragedy on September 11, 2001, at New York and share with all some of the feelings of millions of educated on "Terrorism" and about the difference it has made in our lives, individual and collective.

The recent terrorist attack in Russia has also crossed all the humane limits and it is to be noted that women and children are the most affected.

The first brutal murder was in Kerala, India, on a sept.11, 1855 nearly 150 years ago in protest against the British Kingdom .The then ruling Britsh Collector of Malabar, East India Company, Mr. Konoly was murdered by escaped 3 prisoners from Kozhikode jail..

Let us also recollect the other great historical event that occurred on the soil of United states Of America a superpower on the same date viz. 11th September. Coincidently the appearance of Swami Vivekananda on the platform of the Parliament of Religions of Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago is also on September 11th in 1893 and preached the importance of love among all religions. Strangely the great Swami, in his very first lecture, spoke mainly on tolerance and Universal Acceptance. He said, `we believe not only in Universal tolerance but we accept all religions as true'. He quoted from a famous hymn to God Siva written by Pushpadanta several centuries ago, which stated, `As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in to the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee'.

He then concluded with the following wonderful words, which appear most appropriate to be quoted before: `Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendent, fanaticism have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair Ö let us sincerely hope that the actions taken during the last one year may be the death knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the weapon or with the pen and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal'

Though we are yet to find out what all ideas worked behind that tragedy of September 11, 2001, we can be sure that an extreme fanatic ideology that considered all other ideologies as worth nothing and itself as the only worth living ideology was behind the dastardly act. The further events have revealed that this fanatic ideology was inculcated into receptive minds of the youth who become the instruments of terror that revealed itself at the W.T.O. and other important places,in America. Fanaticism drives away all reason and thus persons with fanatic ideas act like robots, rather, like animals. Fanaticism is the fuel by which the machine of terrorism works.

Fanaticism has been there in human life whenever people have been deprived of their spiritual food. What is this spiritual food? The disciplines or values of life that lead persons to realize their oneness with the Universe and with God and thus come to love humanity and God resulting into peace evrywhere.

The Vedas, the oldest available scriptures to humanity,The Holy Bible, The Holy Koran and all other religious scriptures say that all this creation is God alone and should love each other -. It implies that this Divinity is in every creature as its fundamental, inalienable nature. That is why Swami Vivekananda proclaimed the `Divinity of man' in his many lectures in America. He thundered, `Ye, the divinities on earth, sinners? It is a libel to call a man so'.

When this idea of the Divinity of man is widely taught, not only in our schools and colleges but also in all churches, mosques, pagodas, Tabenacles and Temples where most innocent minds throng in millions, then only people will get their highest respect and regard, irrespective of their gender, wealth, intelligence, power etc. Then only the very idea of harming anyone, be it for any cause, would appear abhorring. Then alone can violence be radically uprooted from society.

In spite of the utmost technical and science education that people are getting now a days, the love and respect for fellowmen as a brother in God is lacking. This is what has made our scientists and politicians prepare nuclear weapons, biological bombs, ultimately killing all the fellow-feelings in the hearts of people. Is there any wonder if such people indulge in wholesale destruction of their fellow-beings as in the `program of Hitler' or `the tragedy of September 11 of 2001' in New York? This is the mental impact that Terrorism of September 11 has made on the thinking men like us.

The difference it has made in our life is that it has awakened a sense of urgency to educate people against falling a prey to the `brain-washing' ideologies masked under various garbs . In killing innocents, there can be no religion except Demon's dance.

Men who join such fanatic's training camps are generally the poor and the deprived. They are `brainwashed' to think that by killing others not of their fold, will confer on them the gift of `Heaven and its unending joys' as a reward for their religious and pious act!

This is made possible in general where people don't have basic freedoms of democratic rule, but are lead by nose as it were by selfish politicians. We have to stop all help to such non-democracies and pseudo-democracies. We have to push on with meaningful education supplemented with scientific skills and spiritual `values' that will make our men and women not only efficient but also good. Goodness can be summarized as truthfulness, a feeling of brotherhood of whole humanity, a sympathy to serve the needy and a firm conviction that humanity is one Divine family and to hurt anyone would mean bringing unhappiness on ourselves. Let us make a simple prayer thus: `Oh God, please bless us all with the will to spread these ideas of love and brotherhood to all our brothers from wherever irrespective of cast, creed and religion.

We remember the thousands who's lives were taken on September 11, 2001 by servants of darkness and agents of terror, and the families of those victims left behind. May God give them, and all of us, strength to endure the onslaught of evil and malice.

Let this Onam bring prosprity and joy to all of us.On this auspicious day of Onam, let us confer our bounteous grace and love on each of us.

Emperor Maha Bali best among the Asura emperors, based all his entire actions on truth and justice. Looking upon his subjects as his own children, he performed his duties. Bali was a very generous person. He was compassionate and was a shining sun of truth. The very fact of his reign in the land of Kerala is the cause for the prosperity and happiness of the people there. He had conquered all the lesser gods with his great prowess. He performed a sacrifice called Viswajit, in commemoration of his victory, on the banks of the river Narmada. The Lord incarnated as Vamana at that time. He was born as the son of the saintly couple Kashyapa and Aditi. They lived in a hermitage known as Siddhashrama. The young Vamana walked towards the site where Bali was performing the sacred ritual. The boy was brilliant and effulgent, and everyone looked with wonder at his great beauty. Vamana was the very personification of the attractive magnetic field. Ratnamala, the daughter of Bali saw the young boy and developed a desire in her mind to have Him as her own child and fondle Hi in various ways. But, in the meantime, as you know, Vamana had pushed Bali down into the Pathala (netherworld). This event turned her love towards Vamana into hate and she felt that she could kill the child herself. The all-knowing Vamana noticed what was passing through the mind of Ratnamala and pronounced 'Tathaasthu' (may it be so!). God, since He is omnipresent, Sarvatah Paani-paadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvatah Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thishthati (with hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and ears pervading everywhere, He permeates the entire universe), He is constantly pronouncing this blessing on all. Nothing escapes His attention. That is why we should always keep our minds filled with good thoughts. He told Ratnamala, "Mother, you first desired to breast-feed Me. But seeing your father's downfall, your desire turned into hatred. You felt like feeding poison and killing Me. You will be born in Dwapara Yuga as Poothana and feed Me with poisonous milk, and you yourself will die." Therefore, it is essential for all of us to have constantly good thoughts as God is pronouncing blessing of fulfilment incessantly. In view of the ignorance of this reality, mankind fills its mind with many forms of evil thoughts.

See no evil, see what is good;

Hear no evil, hear what is good;

Think no evil, think what is good;

Talk no evil, talk what is good;

Do no evil, do what is good;

This is the way to God.

Though born in a family of demons, he was filled with divine thoughts. It is the consequence of the great merits of Bali that is manifesting as the benefits that people of Kerala enjoy today. Onam does not mean merely the preparation of sweet pudding, various delicious dishes, etc., and eating ourselves to the full. We must re-live the experience of the encounter between Bali and Vamana. Today Vamana is supposed to be physically present in the land of Kerala and hence this day should be celebrated with gaiety and joy. We should lead an ethical, moral and spiritual life. Sathyam Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath, Na Bruyath Sathyamapriyam (speak the truth, speak pleasantly and do not speak unpalatable truth). These three values are the ethical, moral and spiritual, respectively. All the three values ultimately depend upon truth. Following the path of truth and without swerving from a spiritual life, we should work for the welfare of the whole world. Kerala has the political identity of being communist. However, every individual Keralite, irrespective of his political colour, never swerves from the daily duties of a purifying bath, smearing of holy ash on his forehead or wearing a sandalwood paste mark, visiting the temples, etc. Their divine love and devotion is unmatching. Kerala is a beautiful state. People there are replete with spiritual attitudes. But time has had its toll and the tender hearts of people have turned hard. Why is this? It is our own attitude that is responsible. The good and bad habits of the individuals of a region have their effect on the whole land.

If money is lost, nothing is lost;

If health is lost, something is lost;

If character is lost, everything is lost.

Start the day with love;

Spend the day with love;

Fill the day with love;

End the day with love;

This is the way to God.

Emperor Bali was the one who encouraged pure and sacred thoughts and activities. He was called Mahabali as he was truly great in every aspect of his character. Kerala, established by such a great personage is not to be reckoned lightly. In the map of the world, Kerala may look small, but it is a centre of great divinity. It is full of bliss. This land gave birth to Bali, Vamana and it was where Viswamitra performed intense penance and revealed the sacred Gayatri Mantra which is prefixed with the triple syllable Bhur Bhuvah Suvah. Bhur represents materialisation, Bhuvah - vibration and Suvah - radiation. The universe is entirely constituted out of these three components. Radiation is Divinity, vibration is the life principle and materialisation is the body. All these three are in you.

You are not one, but three, viz., the one You think you are (body), the You, others think you are (mental) and the one you really are (the Atma). Only when you recognise these realities, you achieve your humanness. Do not get too much attached to your body. So long as you are alive, you must keep your body in a healthy condition. For Karma Yoga, body is the basis. For meditation and worship, mind is the basis. For realisation, heart is the basis. You must recognise the unity of all these three. There are several three-fold unities which can be recognised, for example,

Trigunam Trigunakaram, Trinetramcha Triyayudham;

Trijanma Papa Samharam Eka Bilvam Sivararpanam

The people of Kerala are really lucky. Staying in their homes, they would perhaps celebrate this occasion each in his own small way. They will not get the opportunity to celebrate it in this fashion with several thousands like this. The people of Kerala are the subjects of Bali and are blessed by Vamana and therefore they are all very lucky and full of merit. Keep in mind your ancient culture. That is your life and your sustenance. These days our culture is declining. If you lose your culture, what are you left with? Everything is lost. The seeds of ancient Indian culture planted in your land are alive and growing. Ensure that they do not ever wilt but ensure that they grow stronger. Believers and non-believers, all are imbued with this culture. Ensure that this is nurtured and developed.

For Western readers who may not be familiar with it, here follows a summary of the tradtional Bhagavad Gita, as set down by the sage Vyasa. That Gita was given by Krishna to Arjuna, just before a great war involving huge armies with millions of combatants, coming from kingdoms scattered all over the Indian subcontinent. In massive encounters that raged daily for 18 days, the forces of good were pitted against the forces of evil. This war proved to be one of the bloodiest of all time. When it was over, only a handful of men survived.

In this war, Krishna, who was God incarnate, took the humble role of a charioteer, to guide Arjuna and the Pandava brothers to victory. But, on the eve of the great war, it looked like the battle was lost before it even started. Arjuna, the foremost warrior on the side of good, had become overwhelmed with doubts; he decided to throw down his bow and not fight. This situation came about after Krishna had driven Arjuna's chariot onto the battlefield between the two armies. There Arjuna saw his beloved grandfather, his teacher and his kinsmen on the opposite side, getting ready to fight and die for their cause. They had allied themselves with the forces of unrighteouseousness.

Filled with a deep despondency, Arjuna said, "O Krishna! I cannot fight! I feel overcome by a sense of helplessness! What good is winning this war when it will lead to the destruction of all these kinsmen, teachers and heroes. I do not know where my duty lies! I beg you to tell me what is right for me! I surrender myself fully to you! I am your disciple! Please teach me!" Then the blessed Lord gave him the great wisdom teachings of the Gita.

Krishna started the Gita teachings with an admonishment, "Arjuna! Shake off this faint heartedness. It is not worthy of you. Do not yield to weakness. You have been preparing so long for this battle to preserve righteousness.

"Even as a man casts off worn-out clothes and puts on others which are fresh, so the atma casts off bodies and enters into others which are new. Bodies are born, and what is born must die. But the eternal atma is never born. It never dies. Weapons cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it and wind cannot dry it.

"This atma is not your perishable body. it is your immortal self, the imperishable self of everyone, once that is known, then what is there to grieve for? the wise never grieve... neither for the dead nor for the living.

"I am that atma, Arjuna. I am the supreme Lord of all, residing in the heart of every being. I am the father of this world and also its mother and sustainer. I am the beginning, the middle and the end. Everything is produced out of me. Everything is pervaded by me. No creature can exist without me. Whatever path men travel, it is my path. Whichever way they go they reach me.

"Though I am eternally birthless and unchanging, yet, I incarnate myself from age to age. Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, I take on a form, to protect the good and to destroy evil.

"Veiled as I am by my inscrutable power of illusion, my maya, the world does not recognize me. Although they do not know me, Arjuna, I know them all. I know their past, present and future. In truth, I am ever unmanifest and imperishable; but not understanding this transcendental nature of mine, the ignorant regard me as a mere mortal.

"Knowing nothing of my reality, they ignore me and become occupied in the world with vain hopes, vain works and vain knowledge. Lost in the maze of maya, they are spun around like puppet-dolls on a merry-go-round.

"This divine illusion of mine is most difficult to overcome. Among thousands of human beings, only a few struggle to know my truth; even amongst these that struggle, only one, perchance, comes to know me in reality. Such a one is a yogi, one steeped in the highest wisdom. Therefore, Arjuna, you should be a yogi! With all your being take refuge in me alone, and by my grace you will attain supreme peace.

"From this moment on, fix your mind steadily on me dwelling in your heart. Be devoted to me, bow down to me, worship me. Know that I am always within you and soon you will become one with me. Yes, truly do I promise this to you, Arjuna, for you are very dear to me.

He who knows my divine birth and work, will not be born again after death. He will not lose sight of me, nor I of him.

"Arjuna, whoever works for me and has me as his supreme goal, whoever is devoted to me and is unattached, bearing no malice towards any creature, will quickly come to me. Such a one sees me everywhere, residing in all beings, as the imperishable amidst the perishable.

"For these, who have me ever present in their mind's eye and serve me steadfastly with affection, I will carry their burdens and I will give them what they need. Talking about me to each other, they are forever satisfied and delighted. Out of my compassion for them, I strengthen their power of discrimination and destroy the darkness of ignorance that beclouds their vision. Bringing their senses under control they transcend the world of death and decay, and attain immortality.

"Arjuna, whoever offers me with love, either a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even some water... such devout offerings coming from a pure heart, I will surely accept. Whatever you do, whatever you eat or sacrifice or give away, whatever austerity you perform, offer that first to me. Then you will be free of the consequences of your actions, and soon your mind will become calm and wise, steeped in renunciation. Endowed with evenness of mind and having abandoned the fruits of your actions, you will be freed forever from the fetters of birth.

"Arjuna, resign every action to me. Fix your mind firmly on me. I will perform all your actions through you and liberate you from all sins. Fear not. By my grace you will overcome all obstacles.

"But if from self-conceit you do not listen to me, you will surely perish. You may think, 'I will not fight!' But impelled by your sense of duty, your own nature will compel you to fight. What out of delusion you do not wish to do, you shall do in spite of yourself. Arise, Arjuna! With the sword of wisdom that I have given to you, cut to pieces this ignorance which doubts the truth that the divinity is everpresent in your heart. Arjuna, stand up and achieve glory! You are pledged to uphold righteousness! The forces of unrighteousness have become rampant. You must encounter them and destroy them!

"Take refuge in me, Arjuna. Think of me at all times and fight! It is not you who will kill these heroes, but I. I am the world's creator and sustainer, but I am also the mighty world-destroying time that devours all. Truly, these warriors in hostile armies have already been slain by me. You are merely the instrument through which I act.

"Here, I give you a vision of my universal form in which you can see the oneness of all existence! Behold my divine power! Behold the whole universe, moving and unmoving, all unified in me!"

Overwhelmed with wonder and amazement, Arjuna bowed his head in adoration and spoke with palms joined, "O supreme Lord! Hail to you! Hail, again and again! If the effulgence of a thousand suns were to blaze forth together in the skies, their glory could compare only a little with your infinite splendor! You are the imperishable Lord, the undying guardian of the eternal dharma. You are everything that can ever be known. Seeing your awesome form, all the worlds are trembling with fear. And so am I. Just as the many rivers flow towards the sea, so do all these heroes in the world of men enter your flaming mouths."

Then the blessed Lord again assumed his usual gentle form as Krishna, and said, "Graciously have I shown to you this infinite, primeval form of mine. It is very rare, indeed, to see what you have just seen. Neither by study of the scriptures, nor by austerities, nor by charity, nor by rituals, but only by single-minded devotion can I be seen thus. This experience of my cosmic form and this sacred knowledge that I have taught you are the most precious of all treasures.

"Arjuna, have you listened to me with full concentration? Has the delusion caused by your ignorance been dispelled? Think over everything that I have said to you, reflect on it fully, and then do what pleases you."

Arjuna answered, "O Lord of the universe! Your powerful and wonderful words contain the highest wisdom, and you have spoken them with so much compassion. Through your grace, my delusion is now destroyed. I stand free of all doubts. Please direct me! I will do as you command!"

atma.com

guruvayur.com

Happy Malayalam New Year Chingam. 1st

Let us celeberate Ganesh Chaturthi on 19-8-2004

The inspiring and illuminating story of Lord Rama in several recensions is known the world over and is a part of life in every Hindu home in India. It is a vast ocean, very deep, and it is not possible for this humble sevak to discuss the sacred story in a little book like this. I have, therefore, touched upon some of the points and spots of the huge volume. My heart flows out to the modern man, whose scepticism about Ramayana is understandable due to the impact of science and distance of centuries between Lord Rama and us. No wonder, Einstien the greatest scientist of our times had recorded the life of Gandhiji in these words: “Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one in flesh and blood ever walked on the earth.”

Before wisdom is able to achieve its goal of self-realisation it has to pass through tedious tests posed by Satanic forces. Remember the evil dose of Mara when the Buddha was bent upon achieving self-realisation under the Bodhi tree. So was the case with Jesus on the mount. Hence it is necessary to look into the Ramayana as to what it teaches. Apart from the lessons which we can derive from the instances and characters of the persons, there is much more in the Ramayana which we can call as direct teaching, constituting the most impressive portion of the Ramayana, well-known as the Rama Gita—the upadesa given at different places to different people, at different times. Revered Gurudev Shri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj has referred specifically about this illuminating portion of Rama Gita in his book titled Essence of Ramayana. The following extracts are reproduced from the same book like a few dew drops from the sky for the benefit of the readers:

“Thereupon Rama imparted to Lakshmana that knowledge which is declared by the Vedas for the eradication of ignorance. The aspirant should first perform in a disinterested manner without caring for fruits all those duties which are enjoined upon by one’s own caste and order, and purify his mind. He should acquire the necessary qualifications or the four means of Salvation viz. Viveka (discrimination between the real and the unreal), Vairagya (dispassion), Shad sampat or the sixfold virtues viz., Shama (control of the mind) Dama (control of the senses), Uparati (cessation from worldly work), Titiksha (power of endurance), Sraddha (faith), Samadhana (one-pointedness of mind) and Mumukshutwa (burning desire for liberation).

All actions lead to rebirths. Man does good and bad actions (dharma and adharma) and reaps the fruits of his actions viz., pleasure and pain. Karma produces body and from body arises work. In this way the course of worldly life (samsara) revolves like a wheel without an end.

The root-cause of it is ignorance (avidya or ajnana). Removal of ignorance is the only means for destroying this course of worldly life. Knowledge alone is capable of annihilating this ignorance. Action (Karma) cannot destroy it, because it is born of ignorance and is not its contrary or opposite.

Let the wise man, therefore abandon all work. There can be no combination of Knowledge and Work because knowledge is opposed to work.

As long as there is the notion of ‘I’, in the body and the like, due to the influence of Maya, so long one is bound by the injunction of the Vedas for work. Let the wise man sublimate or eliminate the whole of it through the doctrine of ‘neti, neti’ (nor this, nor this) and abandon all works, knowing the Highest Brahman or the Eternal.

When ignorance is destroyed by knowledge it cannot produce actions which lead to further births. When ignorance has been annihilated by knowledge which is pure and non-dual, how shall it again arise?

It is only the intellect of one who superimposes the Self (Atman) upon the non-self (Anatma) that entertains the idea of sin in the non-performance of action. The intellect of the sage has no such idea. Therefore, the wise should renounce action which is enjoined as obligatory. It is meant only for those, whose minds are attached to the fruit of action.

When the limiting adjuncts, viz., the pot and walls of the room are broken, the ether in the pot and in the room becomes identical with the universal ether. When the body-pot is broken by the dawn of knowledge, the individual soul becomes one with Supreme Self.

The crystal appears to be red when it is placed near a red flower. Even so this Atman appears to be of the form of the five sheaths because of its proximity to them. When one meditates on the saying of the Upanishads, “Asangoyam Purusha—this Purusha is unattached”—then he realises that the Atman is unattached, unborn and without a second.

This Atman is neither an actor nor a thinker. All these are due to the action of the mind and the Prana. Verily He is unattached. Dhyativa Lolayativa—He appears as if meditating, as if moving.

The conditions of the intellect (Buddhi) are threefold viz., waking, dream and deep sleep. They are due to its associations with the Gunas of satva (goodness), rajas (activity) and tamas (inertia). They are not the true conditions of the Supreme Self, because one of them is absent when the other is present. Therefore, they are all unreal. They cannot certainly be of the nature of the Supreme Self which is unity and bliss itself.

The Atman never dies nor is born. It is not subject to increase or decrease. It is never new, never old. It is beyond all additions to its greatness. It is of the nature of bliss, self-luminous, all-pervading and one without a second. It is illimitable and undecaying.

To the Yogi who has practised samadhi, who has completely withdrawn all his senses from their objects, who has conquered all enemies such as desire, anger, greed, delusion, fear and inertia, who has vanquished the lower self, who has subdued by his Bhakti, the Lord of six attributes says to such a yogi I reveal Myself.

Thus contemplating on his own Self day and night, let the sage abide free from all bonds till his Prarabdha Karma which gave him this present body is exhausted. He is absorbed in Me on the dissolution of his body.

Even though the sage lives in the world for the exhaustion of his karma he fully realises that the world is false like the appearance of snake in the rope, of silver in the mother-of-pearl, of water in the mirage or the appearance of two moons in the sky or the turning of the quarters through the defect of sight.

So long as one does not behold all as My own Self, let him practise devotion, let him be ever devoted to My worship. I do abide forever in the heart of him who has intense faith and devotion to me.

My dear Lakshmana! This essence of all the Vedas, this great mystery has been declared by me unto thee. The sage who contemplates upon it, is freed from his load of impurities that very moment.

My beloved brother, all this visible world is nothing but Maya. Withdraw the mind from it. Purify it through meditation on Me alone. Do thou be happy, free from all sorrow and full of bliss.

He who meditates on Me with pure mind, thinking of Me as above all attributes or thinks of Me as possessed of the attributes of Omniscience, becomes my own Self. He purifies all the three worlds by the dust of my feet, just as the Sun purifies the world by his light.

This wisdom which is the essence of all the Vedas, has been thus sung by Me whose glory all the Vedantins proclaim. He who reads it with devotion and faith in his preceptor and practises it attains the final emancipation. He attains to my own form if he has faith in My teachings.”

The above Immortal Teachings of Lord Rama, itself show that he was an incarnation of the Supreme Being, and not an ordinary man or a king alone. His holy Epic, the Gospel Divine, is narrated by so many sacred souls. This is the story of a struggle between right and wrong, good and evil, sura and asura hidden within us. The Epic struggle consists of controlling the senses and rising above tendencies like desires, indulgence, and evils like anger, jealousy, hatred etc., so that with the help of discrimination, knowledge may be converted into wisdom and human life may become worth living.

May the blessings of Sri Rama be upon all.

Wisha a Happy Malayalam New Year Chingam 1st.

Hari Om Tat Sat!

OM SANTI, SANTI SANTI!

C:\My Documents\Ramayana condesed 7-8-2004.htm

Lord McCauley in his speech of Feb 2,1835, British Parliament

"I have traveled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen

one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this

country, such high moral values, people of such caliber,that I do not think we

would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this

nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose

that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if

the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than

their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native self-culture and

they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation”.

-Lord McCauley in his speech of Feb 2,1835, British Parliament