Thiru Vinnagar - Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

gokulkr · March 19, 2009

<TABLE title="About 108 Divyadesams" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=619 border=0><TBODY><TR height=25><TD vAlign=center>Thiru Vinnagar - Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This temple lies at Thirunageswaram of Tanjore district in TamilNadu. It is about 4 miles away from Kumbakonam and a mile away from Thirunageswaram railway station. Ample bus facilities are provided. Staying facilities are not furnished.

Sthala Puranam:

When the greta sea of Vaikunda, the Thiruparkadal was churned, Lakshmi devi and Thulasi devi emerged out from the sea.

Lord Narayana, placed Mahalakshmi in his heart. Thulasi devi too wanted to marry Lord Narayana. So, he guided her to become a thulasi plant where Maharishi Markandeya performed penance. She came to Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam. After a long period of hard pennance Lord Narayana gave her the wife post. Lord Narayana gave Mahalakshmi a place in his heart but he gave Thulasi devi a very special opportunity (ie) Thilasi devi has perumanently got the place as a garland around his neck.

So internally Mahalakshmi blesses us and externally Thulasi devi blesses us. From then Thulasi is considered as a sacred herb and has lots of medicinal values it it.

Markandeya Maharishi is the son of Mrikantu Maharishi andhe had the wounderful opportunity of having dharsan of both Mahavishnu and Lord Shiva in his life time.

He prayed hard to Lord Vishnu, asking him to granted him Bhoomidevi as his daughter his wish was granted for one day he found Bhoomidevi as a two year old child under the Thulasi plant in the forest in Thirunageswaram.

Days went by and one day, Lord Vishnu came as an old Brahmin. Markandeya Maharishi gave him a very hearty welcome the aged Brahmin wanted to marry Bhoomi devi. But, Markandeya Maharishi tried to explain him that his daughter was too young to get married.

But the Brahmin refused to accept his reasons and blackmailed him that if he did not have Bhoomi devi as his wife he would die on the spot.

Maharishi pleaded him to leave his child. He told him that my daughter is not yet fit for marriage mentally and physically. She doesnt even know to cook food with proper proportion of salt. But the old man unable to be convinced. So, he Maharishi asked his daughter to accept for marriage. She started crying and told her father that she too would die if her father compelled her to marry the old man.

Now, Markandeya Maharishi was caught in fix. He pleaded Mahavishnu to get him out of the problem. Internally he knelt before the Lord and caught his feet and prayed hard to solve his problem.

When Maharishi woke from Dhyanam (Prayer), instead of aged Brahmin he found Lord Mahavishnu clad in most beautiful clothing with one hand in his hip and the other seeking Bhoomi devi's hand for marriage.

Bhoomi devi was very happy and was really to accept Lord Mahavishnu as her husband. Markandeya Maharishi too was very happy.

So on the day of Sravana Natchatram of the Tamil Month Aipasi Lord Mahavishnu married Bhoomidevi. The grand occassion was graced by Lord Brahma and all the celestial persons (ie) devars. Even than Markanteya Maharishi felt sad due to his boundless towards his daughter. He feared that his daughter might not know the correct quantity of salt for dishes. So he asked Lord Mahavishnu three boons:

1. O! Lord you should take dishes without salt in this place. But the dishes should taste wounderful to you and your devotees.

2. You should never leave my daughter alone, you have to stay with her forever.

3. This place should be named after me.

Hence, from the onwards, Lord Vishnu takes food without salt and so he is called Oppiliappan (ie) Uppu - illatha - appan literall Lord without salt.

So, even today Lord Oppiliappan takes food without salt. Many may think that why so importance to salt. Salt is the main item not only in South Indian dish but in multi continental too. Without salt nothing would taste high. To improve the level of Sweetness to, a pinch of salt is being added. But too much of salt will also spoil the dish. Hence salt plays an important place. Lord Mahavishnu has forbidden such an item showing humanity that love is the most wanted thing in one's life rather than anything including hatredness.

As from the heaven (ie) Vinnulagam Lord himself wished to stay on this place, this place is known as Vinnagar (place of heaven), also as a wish of Markandeya Maharishi this is also known as "Markanteya Kshetram". Thulasi devi got her wish satisfied at this place and along with pleasent smelling flowers - Thulasi leaf has got an important role in its part (ie) the role of beautifying Lord Mahavishnu as a garland this place is also called as "Thulasivanam".

Lord Oppiliappan bowed in front of Markandeya Maharishi to seek his daughter for marriage and got her as "Kannikadhanam", (ie) getting a girl for marriage as deed of alms from the bride's father. As Lord himself got alms from his father in law, the following deads are consided very scared at this place.

Each and every Thulasi leaf used to perform Pooja (Archani)to Lord Oppiliappan would fetch the total value of an Ashwametha Yagna (yagam).

Every step placed to reach this kshetram would fetch lots of eternal values (Punniyam).

Devoting cands to Oppiliappan even as small as a cow's shoe, would fetch definite eternity. (or) immortality.

Rendering chandhan, Kumkum and flowers would vanquish the sins like the murder of a Brahmin etc.

By devoting Dhoopakal, Deepakal, vessells needed for pooja and Thirumanjanam (Bathing of Lord god), brass bell and silk clothing one could get themselves out from all sorts of sins.

Those who undertake/perform utsavam to Lord Oppiliappan would definitely have the boon of birth of a child.

Just by chanting "Thulasivanam" all the effect sins fly away.

In the tamil month Panguni on the day of Sravanam doing the following things would remove all the if phabam's due to Panchama Pathyam effects evil sins like murder, roberry etc.

Early in the morning taking bath in the temple pushkarani. Give alms (dhanam) to needy people. Choose any 5 Brahmins and treat them as the 5 forms of Oppiliappan (ie) as Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan, Ennappan, Vinnagarappan. Then give them Thirukannal amudhu (ie) Payasam (ie) Sweet kheer and finally worship Oppiliappan in his Sannathi.

Oppiliappan in his Moolastanam (ie) Karbagraham (ie) Main Sannadhi takes the form of Ponappan, Muthappan and Vinnagarappan. Out side the Moolavar Sannadhi, to the Northern side, of Opposite to pushkarani one can have dharsan of Ennappan and to the south side of the Moolavar sannathi inside the flower garder Manniappan has his sannathi.

Glimpse of Moolavar Sanathi:

Oppiliappan stands upto 8 feet tall in the centre. Below him Bhoomidevi faces north in a kneeling posture while Makandeya Maharishi who has the boon of retaining his age as 16 forever is the position to perform Kannikadhanam (ie) ready to perform marriage to his daughter.

Left hand of Oppiliappa perumal contains the inscription "Maam Ekam Saranam Vrija" a made of diamonds which is a verse form Bhagavatgita instructing the whole mankind to devote their pure souls into his lotus feet to attain Salvation.

Ahorathra Pushkarani:

There is an interesting tale regarding the reason behind the name of this pushkarani.

Once there was a Brahmin named Devasharma belonging to the clan of Bharadwaja Maharishi. One day it happened so, that he took forcefully the daughter of Gymini Maharishi as his wife. The rishi heard his daughters cries and atonce he cursed Devasharma turn in Krunchu Paravai a type of bord. Then only shrama realised his mistake and he pleded the Maharishi to leave him. As his anger suoded, he told devasharma to wait near pushkarani of Oppiliappan perumal temple and one day he would be freed from the curse.

It happened so one day during night time. A huge strom borke out and the branch in which devasharma was sitting as a bird broke and tell pushkarani. As soon as the divine water splashed in the birds body, devasharma was freed fromhis curse. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. But as unusually this pushkarani paved the way to freedom devashrama's curse during the night time, this pushkarani is named as "Ahorathra Pushkarani" which means litrelly "Unusual in night".

Utsavam:

In the tamil months Panguni Bhramotsavam of Eypasi month Kalyana utsavam's are conducted.

On every day of Sravana natchatram (ie) on the sravana day of every month, "Sravana deepam" is taken ie a huge camp is being lit and fortunes are forcasted.

By paying required amount in the Devastanam, we can conduct Kalyana Utsavam, Garuda sevai and Moolavar Thirumanjanam.

Sthala virutcham (Scared Tree): Flower - Herbs, Thulsi etc.

Specials:

Whenever Oppiliappa Perumal's idol is taken for procession, He is always accompanied along with Bhoomidevi only. The Perumal wont step out the Temple without Thaayar inorder to keep his promise.

Oplliappan perumal is treated as Brother of Srinivasaperumal of Thirumala Thirupathi. So all the offerings due to Thirupathi perumal can be offered here and it's taken as equivalent as it were offered at Thirupathi.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Kshetram is Oppiliappan. He is also called with the name "Uppiliappan". The Moolavar is found in Standing posture facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Markandeya Maharishi, Lord Garuda, River Kaveri, lord of Dharma.

Thayaar: The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Bhoomidevi Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:

Peyalwar - 2 Paasurams.
Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams.
Thirumangai - 34 Paasurams.
Total - 47 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Ahorathra pushkarani.
Aarthi pushkarani.

Vimanam:

Vishnu Vimaanam - Sudhanandha Vimaanam.

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gokulkr · March 22, 2009

Thirunarayanapuram - Thiru Narayanan Temple, Melkottai

http://divyadesamonline.com/purana-temples/melkotai-temple.shtml

gokulkr · March 22, 2009

Life History of Swami Desika

Background:

Desika is a Sanskrit word which means “Acharya”. In our srivaishnava sampradayam there are numerous acharyas starting from Nammazhvar to present day acharyas, it is only Swami desika is addressed respectfully as “Desika”. This is like calling srirangam perumal as nam perumal (in English Our Perumal) and addressing shatakopan as nam azhvar.

Sri Desika’s original name was Venkata natha. His parents have choosen this name since Desika was born on a sravanam day, which is the birth star of Thiruppathi perumal, Lord Srinivasa.

Sri Desika was born in the year 1268 CE(Common Era) about 130 years after Bhagavad Ramanuja attained parama padam.His parents were Sri Ananthasuri and Smt Thothaaramba.He was born in a place called Thoopul near Kanchi puram.Swami desika’s parents were childless for long time and one day Lord Srinivasa of Seven Hills,Thiruppathi has ordered them to go for a pilgrimmage to Thiruppathi.

Those days there were no buses or trains to travel so Sri Anatasuri and his wife walked from Kanchipuram to Thiruppathi and climbed the Hills and had the darshan of the Perumal.That night they were resting in a Mandapam near temple. The Lord Srinivasa appeared in their dream as a small vaishanva boy and gave smt Thothaaramba a golden bell and she swallowed the bell in the dream. Next day the archakas did not find the bell in the perumal sannidhi and they were worried and started searching for it. Perumal told in a heavenly voice that the bell has been given to Smt Thothaaramba and she will deliver a son who will be a great scholar like Bhagavad Ramanuja, who will firmly re establish the supremecy of our srivaishnava sampradayam. To remind us this incident, even today there is no bell in the perumal sannidhi.Only the huge bell suspended in the front hall is used while doing thiruvaradanam.

Birth and Younger days:

After some time sri Desika was born. He was named as Venkatanatha by his maternal uncle Sri Appullar. Sri Appullar is his acharya too. When Sri Desika was a small boy of five years old he was taken to Kanchi Varadarajar Temple where one acharya was giving lecture on Ramanuja’s Sri Bhashyam. Sri Appullar and the young boy desika went and prostrated to this scholar and he has stopped the lecture and blessed them. Sri Appullar and desika was about to leave and the acharya wanted to continue his lecture but he forgot where he has stopped. Although desika was mere a boy of 5 years he reminded Sri Nadadhur Ammal the vaishanva scholar who was giving lecture and every one assembled there were astonished at the brilliance of Desika at this tender age. Sri Nadadhur ammal blessed Sri Desika and he told every one that Sri Desika will be a great scholar who will firmly establish the supremecy of our sampradayam following the footstep of Bhagavad Ramanuja. He also instructed Sri Appullar to teach desika all vedas, divya prabandham and other sastras. Even today we can see a painting in the varadaraja temple reminding us this incident.

At the age of 7, after upanayanam Sri Appullar started teaching the Vedas, Sastras,Sri bhashya and divya prabandham. He was surprised at the brilliance of swami desika as he has grasped in no time what ever taught to him.The elders were wondering whether Sri Desika is the combined re incarnation of earlier acharyas like Ramanuja,Natha muni and Alavandar. At the age of 20, Sri Desika has mastered all the sastras and became a scholar.

At the age of 21, Sri Desika was married to a beautiful girl called Thirumangai or Kanaka valli.Sri Appullar taught Desika the sacred Garuda mantra. Sri Desika has started his family life as ordered in the Sastras. He was strictly performing all the duties required by a Srivaishnava and living on uncha vritti.ie their daily supply of rice and vegetables will be given by his disciples.A brahmana was supposed to do Veda adhyayanam and teach every one in the village.They will not go to work as we do these days.Their needs will be taken care by his students who learn from him.This is the system which was in place 500 years back in India.

Desika in Thiruvaheendra puram:

After the death Sri Appullar Swami desika wanted to chant the garuda mantra taught to him for many days without food and sleep to receive the blessings of the divine bird Garuda on which Sri Narayana travels. It is said in Scriptures that the Garuda is Veda swaroopi. Desika went to Thiruvahendra puram and climbed the small hill there and started chanting the mantra. Garuda was pleased with the devotion of Desika and blessed him with Hayagreeva mantra and instructed him to chant the Hayagreeva mantra continously to receive the blessings of Haygreeva. Then Lord Hayagreeva appeared before desika and blessed him with the nector flowing from HIS mouth. Lord Hayagreeva took the seat of Swami Desika’s tip of the tounge as prayed by desika. Also Hayagreeva gave an idol of himself for desika’s daily worship. This idol or vigraha is still being preserved in the Devanatha temple in Thiruvaheendra puram. Swami desika composed famous Haygreeva stotram, Devanayaka panchashat in sanskrit and achchutha shatakam in Prakriut and Mummanikkovai and Nava mani maalai in Tamil.

Swami desika had a special liking to this divya desam and he came once again after touring to Kanchi, Srirangam,Thiruppathi and other shrines in North India. We will see these incidents later.

Desika in Kanchipuram:

Sri Desika came back to Kanchipuram and composed various stotras explaining the concept of prapatti or surrender.The stotras are Nyasa vimshati,Nyasa dashakam and Nyasa tilakam in sanskrit and Adaikkalappaththu and artha panchakam in Tamil.

Swami desika was mesmorised at the beauty of Varadha raja perumal of Kanchi and composed fifty slokas on HIM.He also wrote stotras of various perumals visiting the temples in and around Kanchi puram.

In the Year 1317CE,in the Tamil month of AvaNi, Sri Varadha raja perumal blessed swami desika with a son who was name as Varadhacharya. His birth star was rohiNi which is the same as that of Lord Krishna.His son followed the footsteps of Swami desika and shined as his father.

Swami desika then went to Thiruppathi and here he composed the beautiful stotra called Daya shatakam. Lord Srinivasa has blessed swami desika conferring the title Vedantaacharya.Then swami desika went to Badri,Ayodhdhi, kaasi,Nepal and other places in North India on foot to visit the temples over there.

Sri Desika in Sri rangam:

All the Srivaishnava acharyas have special love to Srirangam lord Sri Ranganatha. Sri Ramanuja stayed here for long years. Swami desika was asked to come to Sri rangam by other acharyas, for a debate to prove the correctness of Our sampradayam which is strictly in accrodance with the scriptures. Swami desika came to Srirangam and on the way he halted at Sri Perumpudhur the birth place of Bhagavad Ramanuja and composed a stotra on Sri ramanuja to seek his blessings to win in the debate. This slokam is called Yatirja saptati which glorifies all our acharyas and Sri Ramanuja in particular.

In Sri rangam the debate with schloars of other sampradayam went for 7 days and finally Sri Desika demolished every argument of the opponents. The scolars who have debated with Sri Desika have accepted the defeat and become his disciples. This discussion has been compiled as Satha dhudhaNi.

Lord Ranganatha was pleased with their beloved child Sri Desika’s intelligence and conferred him the title of “ Vedanta Desikan” Sri Ranga naayaki thaayaar conferred the title of “ Sarva tantra swatantrar” which means that he is master of all arts, crafts. The other acharyas assembled there were pleased with this and declared that Sri desika is indeed deserved of this honorory titles.

Swami’s visit to Melkote, Karnataka.

In the year 1327, Srirangam city was invaded by Muslims. Malik kafur the General of Allauddin, Sultan of Delhi came to Srirangam to rob the temple and kill the satvic devotees. Fear gripped in the minds of every one and they afraid how to preserve the glory of the temple. It was decided that Swami desika will travel to Karnataka along with the manuscripts of Sri Bhashya commentry along with the sons of Sri Sudarshana bhattar, a great acharya who wrote commentry for Sri Bashya. Other acharyas left to Thiruppathi with the idol of Ranganatha. The temple was closed and many bhagavathas were killed by the brutal invaders and even Swami desika has to hide among the corpses (dead bodies) for one night before travelling to Karnataka.

Swami desika while at Karnataka composed a stotra called “abhithi sthava” praying to Sri Ranganatha to restore the glory of Sri rangam. Swami was crying for the death of many acharyas and bhagavathas by the ruthless invaders.We can even see the place where he stayed in Karnataka and here the vigraham of Swami desika is unique as he is in standing posture as if he was on his toes ever ready to travel back to Srirangam.

After 12 years when the muslims were thrown out of Srirangam Swami desika came back to Srirangam.

Back at Srirangam:

Swami came to srirangam and it was time for yearly utsavams when the entire divya prabandham will be recited in 20 days. The first ten days the utsavam is in the day and the next 10 days in the night. Since this utsavam was stopped for many years due to Muslim invasion, the orthodox people objected to recitation of Divya prabandham since it is in Tamil and only Sanskrit vedas should be recited. They also objected to install vigrahas of Azhvars because they were just human beings and many of them were not even Brahmins. Swami desika argued with them at length proving that the divya prabandham is nothing but the essence of Vedas and Upanishads and the Azhvars are great devotees of Sriman Narayana and they are fit to be worshipped in side the temple. Finally the orthodox devotees agreed with Sri Desika and the utsavam has been celebrated in a grand manner. Swami was pained to see the objections and to make sure no such problems in the future he has got the details of the utsavam written in a stone and installed in the temple. Sri Ranganatha was pleased with this and commended that the Thaniyan glorifying swami desika “Ramanuja daya patram..” should be recited every day in the temple before starting the prabandham recitation.

While at Sri rangam swami has composed the famous Bhagavad dyana sopanam glorifying the beauty of the Sriranganatha from the feet to the head. This stotra is like Amalanaadhi piran of Thiruppaanaazhvar.

Some vidhwans challenged that whether swami desika can compose 1000 hymns in praise of Lord Ranganatha in one day. Swami has accepted the challenge and he prayed to Ranganatha to bless him to compose 1000 stotras and the Lord has commended that sri Desika should compose the stotra on the Divine Sandals (padhukas). Swami did not write anything in the day as he was busy in teaching etc and in the night also he slept till 4 O’clock in the morning. Then he started writting down the stotras and in less than 3 hours he has composed 1008 stotras on the padhukas. Even a fast recital of the entire stotras will take more than 6 hours and swami has composed them in such a short time since he was “Kavitarkika simham” which means lion among the poets.

Swami at Srivilliputtur:

Swami desika went on a pilgrammage to South and visited many divya desams in Kerala and Madurai and while he was at Srivilliputtur he has composed the famous Godha sthuthi. Swami had special bhakthi to Andal and this stotram glorifies Andal.She has commended that this stotra should be recited during her utsavam along with divya prabandham.

Swami’s Vairagyam:

Some of the local people in Kachipuram felt bad that a great master like Sri Desika is doing uncha vrutti ie begging for grains. They thought of mixing gold coins along with rice and offered him since Desika won’t accept money or Gold if given separately. Sri Desika did not notice this trick and came home and gave the rice to his wife for making prasadam. She is also a simple maiden and never seen gold coins in her life.She called Desika and asked what the glittering coins are. Swami desika was suprised at this and told her that they are vermins and separated them by a dharpa grass, as he did not even want to touch the gold coins.

One of Swami desika’s friend (Vidyaranya) during their school days became the minister of Vijayanagara kingdom. He heard about the poverty of Sri Desika and wanted to help him.So he has sent in a message asking desika to come to the Kingdom to receive gifts from the king.Swami desika has refused to this request and sent him the reply in a poem called Vairagya panchakam.

Swami’s bhakthi:

Once a young boy wanted some money for his marriage and approched the wealthy people in Kanchipuram.They were jealous of Sri desika’s simplicity and not seeking any financial help from them. Just to embarraas our swami they have told that only desika can give lots of money because he is rich.The boy did not know the evil intention of the jealous people and went to swami desika for financial help. We all know that desika is not having any money but he took the young boy to the Thayar sannidhi and started reciting Sri Stuthi and lo and behold..

It has started raining and rain of gold coins from the sky. Swami desika thanked the thayar for her mercy and told the boy to take as much he wants and he did not take any coin for himself. The jealous people were shocked at this incident and came running to seek the pardon of swami desika.

Once a snake charmer came and challenged desika that whether he can control his poisonous snakes and sri desika drew a chalk line on the ground and recited some mantra. None of the snake could cross over the line drawn by swami but one ferocious snake crossed over to harm swami.Sri Desika recited the Garuda mantra and instantly Garuda came and took away all the snakes. The Snake Charmer begged to swami desika to give back his snakes since it is the only lively hood of him. Swami desika again prayed to Garuda and it brought the snakes again.

One magician confronted with swami and drank the water from the pond. With his magic he made swami’s stomach to bulge as the magician drank water from the pond. Swami was feeling extreme pain and understood the reason quickly. Desika just scratched the pillar near by with his fingernails and the water flowed out of the pillar. The magician was astonished with the super magic of Desika and begged his pardon.

Swami Desika as Sarva tantra (Master of all arts, crafts):

There are many incidents in Swami desika’s life which prove that he is not just an acharya or poet.He was well versed with many other crafts and the following three incidents prove this point.

Once a mason challenged swami desika whether he can construct a well with the bricks supplied by him. Swami desika accepted the challenge and the mason gave broken and irregular shaped bricks to swami but he nicely arranged them and finished the well construction. This well is still existing in Thiruvahendrapuram.

Once a sculptor challenged swami whether he can make an idol of himself and fitted in the pedastal that was made by the sculptor. Swami made an idol and the sculptor tried to fix it in the pedastal and could not do so.He thought that the idol was wrong and tried to chisel some part of the idol to fix it. Blood flowed out of desika’s corresponding part of the body where he chiseled out. The sculptor accepted that the pedastal is of wrong size and then swami desika corrected the pedastal and installed the idol on it. This image is even today available in Thiruvahendara puram.

Once a shoe maker challenged that whether desika can mend his sandal and swami accepted this challenge and to every one’s surprise he made the sandal quickly as if he was a original shoe maker.People are astonished at swami desika’s knowledge in various crafts.

Swami’s last days:

Swami desika lived 101 years and he felt the time has come for him to go the spritual abode of Narayana. He went to Sriranganatha and took his permission. His disciples and his son were feeling the pain of his separation and cried. Swami desika consoled them and instructed them to continue their divine works and follow the ramanuja dharshanam. In the year 1369 he kept his head in the lap of his son Kumara varadhachariar and left his mortal coil while listening to the chanting of thiruvaymozhi and Upanishads.

Later Sri Ranganayaki thayar ordered that a sannidhi should be made for Swami desika close to her sannidhi inside the temple. Also it is believed that she ordered that no other acharya sannidhi will be made hereafter inside the temple as a mark of respect to this great acharya, which is being followed to this day.One can see the desikan sannidhi in front of the thaayaar sannidhi in Srirangam.

Thaniyans on Swami desika:

A number of 'Thanians ' (laudatory dedication verses) were dedicated to him.

(1) His son Kumara Varadacharya has composed a thaniyan on swami desika. We are reciting this thaniyan before reciting any sanskrit stotra of swami desikan.

"Sriman Venkata Natharyah Kavitarkika Kesari |

Vedantacharya Varyo Mey Sannidhattam Sadaa Hridhi ||"

The meaning of this verse is” "the great lion of poets and the great preceptor of Vedanta (that Swami Venkatanatha was) should reside in his heart always."

(2) Another one was by his disciple Brahma Tantra Swatantra which says:-

"Ramanuja Daya Patram Gnana Vairaghya Bushanam |

Srimad Venkata Natharyam Vande Vedanta Desikam ||"

We recite this taniyan before starting divya prabandham.The meaning of this taniyan is "I salute the great Venkata Natha also called Vedanta Acharya and Lion among poets and logicians and who was well adorned by both Knowledge and discretion and who well deserved the grace of Srimad Ramanuja":

(3) There is another taniyan on Swami Desika which is recited before reciting any of the desika prabandham

"Seeronru Tooppul Thiruvenkata mudaiyan

par onra chonna pazhamozhiyul- OronRu

thane amaiyadhO Dharaniyil Vazhvorkku

Vanerap PomaLavum Vazhvu ||"

The meaning of this taniyan is " For a person who desires to ascend up to the Heavens, even a single statement of the great Acharya, Tooppul Tiuvenkadamudaiyan (Vedanta Desika) uttered by him for the benefit of humanity would be sufficient to lift him up to his desired goal

Conclusion:

Swami desika was a poet, philosopher, logician and he took the task of upholding the concepts preached by Sri.Ramanuja. It is because of him the Ramanuja dharshanam is being recogonised by the world. Even the critics of Swami desika have suprised at his knowledge and logical reasoning and praise him for his masterey in every form of work be it drama, poetry or commentry in either Tamil, Sanskrit and Mani pravala.It is told that he was proficient in 8 languages.

No acharya among the followers of Sri Ramanuja fought for the rightful place for Divya prabandham as did swami desika. It was he who re established the recitation of divya prabanhdam in Srirangam and other temples.

Swami desika has composed more than 100 works and even if one wants to read all of them it will take more than 100 years. His Sanskrit is considered to be most sweet only after to Maha kavi Kalidasa.

His Tamil prabandhams are equally sweet and he has brough the essence of Vedas to his simple Tamil prabandhams and translated the tamil pranbadham Tiruvaymozhi to sanskrit.

Let us pray to this great acharya and seek his blessings to read and understand his works/Storas, which will be the most pleasing kaimkaryam to Perumal and Thayar.

--

Annexure I

Swami Desika’s works:

A: DEVOTIONAL POEMS (STOTRAS)- (in alphabetical order)- 29

1. Abheeti Sthavam

2. Achyuta Sathakam

3. Ashtabuja Ashtakam

4. Bhagavad Dhyaana Sopaanam

5. Bhoo Sthuthi

6. Dasaavataara Stotram

7. Dayaa Sathakam

8. Dehaleesa Sthuthi

9. Devanaayaka Panchaasath

10. Garuda Dhandakam

11. Garuda Panchaasath

12. Godhaa Sthuthi

13. Gopaala Vimsathi

14. Hayagriva Stotram

15. Kaamaasika Ashtakam

16. Nyaasa Dasakam

17. Nyaasa Tilakam

18. Nyaasa Vimsathi

19. Paramaartha Sthuthi

20. Raghu Veera Gadhyam (aka) Mahaveera Vaibhavam

21. Saranaagathi Deepikai

22. Shodasa Aayudha Stotram

23. Sree Sthuthi

24. Sudharsana Ashtakam

25. Vairaaghya Panchakam

26. Varadaraaja Panchaasath

27. Vegaa Sethu Stotram

28. Yathiraaja Sapthadhi

B: KAAVYA GRANTHAS -5

1. SUBHASHITHAANIVI

2. YAADHAVAABHYUDHAYAM

3. PAADUKAA SAHASRAM

4. HAMSA SANDHESAM

5. Samasya Sahasri (Luptham-Lost)

C: DRAMA -1

1. SANKALPA SURYODHAYAM

D: RAHASYA GRANTHAS (ESOTERIC WORKS) -32

1. Sat Sampradaaya Pari Suddhi

2. Tattva Padhavi

3. Rahasya Padhavi

4. Tattva Navaneetham

5. Rahasya Navaneetham

6. Tattva Maatrukai

7. Rahasya Maatrukai

8. Tattva Sandhesam

9. Rahasya Sandhesam

10. Rahasya Sandhesa Vivaranam

11. Tattva Ratnaavali

12. Tattva Ratnaavali Prathipaadhya Sangraham

13. Rahasya Ratnaavali

14. Rahasya Ratnaavali Hridhayam

15. Tattva Thraya Sulakam

16. Rahasya Thraya Sulakam

17. ABHAYA PRADHAANA SAARAM

18. Rahasya Sikhaamani

19. ANJALI VAIBHAVAM

20. PRADHAANA SATHAKAM

21. UPAKAARA SANGRAHAM

22. Saara Sangraham

23. Muni Vaahana Bhogam

24. Madhura Kavi Hridhayam (Luptham- Lost)

25. PARAMA PADA SOPAANAM

26. PARA MATHA BHANGAM

27. HASTHIGIRI MAHAATHMYAM

28. RAHASYA THRAYA SAARAM

29. Saara Saaram

30. Virodha Parihaaram

31. Nigama Parimalam (Lutham-Lost)

32. Thiru Mudi Adaivu (Luptham- Lost)

E: VEDANTHA GRANTHAS -11

Group 1:

1. Tattva Mukthaa Kalaapam

2. Adhikarana Saaraavali

3. SATHA DHUSHANI (aka) Satha Doshaani)

4. Nyaaya Parisuddhi

5. Seswara Mimaamsa

6. Mimaamsa Paaduka

Group 2:

7. Nikshepa Raksha

8. Sat Charitha Raksha- containing-

? (i) Sudharsana Paancha Janya Vidhi

? (ii) Oordhva Pundra Dhaarana Vidhi

? (iii) Bhagavan Nivedhitha Upayoga Vidhi

9. Rahasya Rakshaa

Group 3:

10. DRAMIDOPANISHAD TAATPARYA RATNAAVALI ( A commentary on Nammalwar's Tiruvoimozhi)

11. Dramidopanishad Saara ( A shorter version of above)

F: VYAAKHYAANA GRANTHAS ( Commentaries) -10

1. Sarvaartha Siddhi

2. Tattva Teekha

3. Chatus Slokee Bhashya

4. Stotra Ratna Bashya

5. Gitaartha Sangraha Raksha

6. Taatparya Chandrika

7. Isaavaasyopanishad

8. Vedaartha Sangraha (Luptam-Lost)

9. Rahasya Raksha (aka) Gadhya Thraya Bashya)

10. Adhikarana Darpanam

G: ANUSHTAANA GRANTHAS -4

1. Bhagavad Aaraadhana Vidhi

2. Yagnopaveetha Prathishta

3. Hari Dina Tilakam

4. Vaishnava Dinasari

H: MISCELLANEOUS GRANTHAS -13

1. Bhoogola Nirnayam

2. Silpaartha Saaram

3. Stheya Virodham

4. Chakaara Samarthanam

5. Vaadhi Thraya Khandanam

6. Vaisvadeva Kaarika

7. Guru Paramparaa Saaram

8. Dathi Panchakam

9. Yamaka Ratnaakaram

10. Daasa Deepikaa Nigantu

11. Vedaartha Sangraha Vyaakhyaanam

12. Saara Dheepam

13. Tattva Sikhaamani (Luptham-Lost)

I: TAMIL PRABHANDHAMS -24

1. Amrita Ranjani

2. Adhikaara Sangraham

3. Amritaaswaadhini

4. Parama Padha Sopaanam

5. Para Matha Bhangam

6. Mei Vratha Maanmiyam

7. Adaikkalap Pathu

8. Artha Panchakam

9. Sri Vaishnava Dhinasari

10. Tiruchchinna Maalai

11. Panniru Naamam

12. Tiru Mantira Churukku

13. Dvaya Churukku

14. Charma Sloka Churukku

15. Gitaartha Sangraham

16. MumManik Kovai

17. Navaratna (aka Navamani) Maalai

18. Prabhandha Saaram

19. Aahaara Niyamam

20. Pandhu (Luptham-Lost)

21. Kazhal (Luptham-lost)

22. Ammaanai (Luptam-Lost)

23. Oosal (luptham-Lost)

24. Yesal (Luptham-Lost

gokulkr · March 23, 2009

<table title="Images of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td title="Free Article, Religious Article" valign="middle">Types of Salagramams

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Pictures of vishnu --> Salagramam means one kind of stone, that should not be treated as an ordinary stones like pebble or marbles etc. It is more precious and valued than any other stones, which are said to be Hamsam of Sri Vishnu and has lots of Power in it.

It is said that by doing poojas for the Salagramam in a proper way, we can attain good level in our life but at the same time, not doing poojas can also lead us to bad way. So, if we have Salagramam, we should be clean and poojas should be done for it.

These Salagramams are found in various shapes and structures. Depending upon the holes and the shapes, they are classified as given below:

1. Sri Lakshmi Varaha Murthi Salagramam:

Big and long hole and shining appearance. Two chakkarams will be found inside the hole and lots of lines will be found.

Another kind of this salagramam are also found which will be somewhat black and yellow colour mixed and two sides, Chakkaram will be found and both the holes will be of same sizes.

2. Varaha Murthi:

This Salagramam will be of Indra blue colour and 3 big lines will be found. This Salagramam is rare to be found and has very great power.

Another kind of the same category is found with a long faced which will be covered by flower like structure and chakkaram will be found in the hole.

3. Matsya Murthi::

This kind of Salagramam will be long, looks like a Lotus and on its mouth, lines will be found. The shape will be like a Fish and will be smooth with dots on it. On the mouth, 2 holes and Chakkaram will be found.

4. Koorma Murthi::

This Salagramam will be in Indira Blue with 3 lines and its end will be slightly raised upwards and has "Avartha Regai" (lines).

Likewise, lots of Salagramam are found namely <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td>

Suvetha Varaha Murthi
Poo Varaha Murthi
Sudharsana Murthi
Janarthanar
Maha Koorma Murthi
Koorma Varaha Murthi
Hayagreevar
Achyutha Murthi
Sri Seetha Rama Murthi
Lakshmi Gopala Murthi
Santhana Gopala Murthi
Shatsakra Murthi
Dhuvadha Sathma Madhavar
Puroshothaman
Damodharan.

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Generally, Salagramam represents about a particular Murthi (Perumal) and they have the shapes corresponding to that particular Perumal.

This is referred to as "Vajjra Kreetam". Inside these Salagramam, the Perumal and Lakshmi Piratti are said to be found and by doing proper poojas to these Salagramam will give us lots of credit and the Final Stage, the Mukthi.

Taking care of these precious Salagramams in a proper way may lead us towards the final destiny, the divine feet of Sriman Narayanan and at the same time we should follow the proper method of doing pooja to these Salagramams. So, if you have Salagramam in the house, by doing proper poojas and by dedicating daily food, pure water and expressing the proper Mantra to it can lead us to attain the Paramathma, Sriman Narayanan.

gokulkr · March 24, 2009

<table title="About 108 Divyadesams" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td valign="middle">Thirukkoodal - Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple, Madurai

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This sthalam is situated in Madurai district in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is found close to Madurai main Bus stop. Plenty of bus, train facilities are available. Lots of lodging facilities are also available. The travel to this divyadesam is very easy since lots of transportation facility is available.

Sthlapuranam :

This sthalam is situated in Madurai, which is famous for all the temples found here. And, Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Amman temple. All the Devas of the Lokam and Munivar came all together for the Meenakshi Amman to Sivaperumaan in this sthalam and because of this, the sthalam is called as "Koodal". Koodal means all of the persons (or) group of people coming (or) joining together. Sivaperumaanwho is the entire structure of Gnanam, and Sakthi are married to each other, and the Paramathma, Sri Emperumaan is assisting and helped them in getting married. Gnanam, sakthi, Beauty, Bhakti and wealth are joined together on the same place and they give their Kalyana seva to the entire world. When Konedu Maaran Sri Vallabha devan was ruling the city, Periyalwar on seeing the beauty of Azhagar, he sang the great, "Thiruppallanndu" in praise of Azhagar.

Sownaka Maharishi, when he was doing the Tapas, he was covered by the small mud mountain (Putru). Yayaathi's daughter, while she was playing there, found two bright lights flashed from inside of the putru. But it was actually the eyes of Sownaka Maharishi. She took a small stick and poked his eyes. As a result of this, Sownakar got angry and gave her the sabham that all the childrens that are born to Yayaathi's daughter will be blind. Hearing this, she felt sorry for that and asked for Sabha Vimochana. Cooled by her devotion, Sownaka Maharishi, he himself married Yayaathi's daughter and earned 100 childrens and one among them was Janaka Maharishi.

A Pandiyan king by named Sathyavrathan, devoted this Koodal Azhagar and had a great belief towards him. One day, when he went to worship Koodal Azhagar. But before going into the temple, he washed his hands in the Kirutha maala river, where a fish was found in his hand. He thought that the fish might be the Emperumaan, Since fish was one of the Avathaars of Sri vishnu. Because of this only, the Pandiya Kings in their flags have the fish as the symbol.

Another great thing that has to be said about this temple is the great Raja Gopuram, which is very big with lots of architectural works found in it. In the first pragharam there is a separate sannadhi for Madura valli Naachiyaar. Meenakshi Amman, who is made up by Maragatham and to remember her, this sthala thaayar is named as "Maragadha Valli". On the North side, a separate sannadhi for Aandal Naachiyaar is found.

This sthala perumal is found in 3 thalam (ie) in the bottom thalam, he is found as Koodal Azhagar in Veetriruntha kolam, in the second thalam (middle one) he is found as "Andhara Vaanathu Empiraan in Kidantha kolam and int he Upper thalam, he is found as Sooriya Narayanan in Nindra thirukkolam.

The perumal who is found in the bottom thalam is also called as "Viyooga Soundararajan" and he is the Utsava Moorthy of this sthalam.

Specials:

In all the Vaishnava temple, the Navagraha Sannadhis will not be found and will be found only in Lord Shiva or in Saiva temples. But in this sthalam, a separate sannadhi for Navagrahas are found. This is to imply that both Vaishnavam and Saivam should be considered as the Single God but not as separate Gods.

In this sthalam only, Periyalwar sang his great Thiruppallandu, which is sang in praise of the Emperumaan and as a result of this, he got the Prathyaksham of Sriman Narayanan as "Koodal Azhagar".

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolvar found in this temple is Sri Koodal Azhagar. Moolavar in Veetrirundha thriukkolam facing his thriumugham in East direction. Prathyaksham for Brighu maharishi, Sownaka maharishi and Periyalwar.

Thaayar: The name of the Thaayar is "Madura valli". She is also called as Vagulavalli, Varaguna valli and Maragadha valli. She has her own separate sannadhi.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
Andal - 1 Paasuram.
Total - 2

Pushkarani:

Hema Pushkarani
Chakkara Theertham
Kirutha Maala Nadhi
Vaigai Nadhi.

Vimanam:

Ashtanga Vimaanam.

gokulkr · March 25, 2009

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>108 Names of Lord Satya Narayana

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

<TABLE width="40%" align=center border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>Om Satyadevaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyatmane Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabhuutaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapurushhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyanathaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasaxine Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyayogaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyagyanaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyagyanapriyaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyanidhaye Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasambhavaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaprabhuve Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyeshvaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyakarmane Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapavitraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyama.Ngalaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyagarbhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaprajapataye Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavikramaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasiddhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyachyutaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaviiraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabodhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadharmaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyagrajaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasa.Ntushhtaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavarahaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaparayanaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapuurnaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaushhadhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashashvataya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapravardhanaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavibhave Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyajyeshhthaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashreshhthaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavikramine Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadhanvine Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamedhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadhiishaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyakratave Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyakalaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavatsalaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavasave Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyameghaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyarudraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabrahmane Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om SatyamrItaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om SatyavedanGaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyachaturatmane Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabhoktre Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashuchaye Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyarjitaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satye.Ndraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasa.Ngaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasvargaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaniyamaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamedhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavedyaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapiiyuushhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamayaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamohaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasurana.Ndaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasagaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyatapase Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasi.Nhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om SatyamrIgaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyalokapalakaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasthitaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadikpalakaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadhanurdharaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyambujaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavakyaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyagurave Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyanyayaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasaxine Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasa.NvrItaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyasampradaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavahnaye Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyavayuve Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashikharaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyana.Ndaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadhirajaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashriipadaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaguhyaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyodaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om SatyahrIdayaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyakamalaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyanalaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyahastaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabahave Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamukhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyajihvaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadau.Nshhtraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyanashikaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashrotraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyachakase Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashirase Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyamukutaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyambaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabharanaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyayudhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyashrivallabhaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyaguptaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapushkaraya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyadhridaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyabhamavatarakaya Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om SatyagrIharupine Namaha

</TD></TR><TR><TD>Om Satyapraharanayudhaya Namaha

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

gokulkr · March 26, 2009

Sri Sri Guru Raghavendraswamy - Mantralayam

http://gururaghavendra.org

gokulkr · March 27, 2009

Sri Koorathazhwan, Kooram

http://www.kuresan.com/

gokulkr · March 31, 2009

gokulkr · March 31, 2009

4 yugams and colours

There are 4 yugams and each yugam of Thirumaal is said to have 4 colours.

1. Tretha yugam - White (Swetha varnan)

2. Kretha yugam - Pavazham (Pravesa varnan)

3. Dwapara yugam - Green (Maragatha varnan)

4. Kali yugam - Dark blue (Shyamala varnan)

gokulkr · March 31, 2009

<table title="About 108 Divyadesams" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td valign="middle">Thiruppullam Boothankudi - Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This divyadesam is situated in Tanjore district Tamil Nadu. 3 miles away from Swami Malai (where another famous temple for Lord Muruga is found).

Sthala Puranam:

Sri Ramapiran, who is opularly called as "Chakaravarthy Thirumagan", is doing all the final funeral for "Jadaayu", which the Eagle bird. After finishing his activity, he is taking rest due to the work done for the final ceremony of Jadaayu. This is Kolam the God shows his thirukkolam to the world.

Valvil Raman, who is the Emperumaan of this sthalam, after Sitapirattiyar his wife is lost, he is holding only his Kothandam, the Bow. This is the only support he has inspite of loosing his wife.

But, Bhoomi Pirattiyyar, who helped Rama in the final funeral in Thiruputtkuzhi is giving support here and is sitting along with Valvil Ramar.

Since, the Lord does the final ceremony for Jadaayu, the Eagle belongs to the pull family (One king of bird family) and after finishing the ceremony, he takes rest. So this shetram is called as "Pullam Kudi". Kudi means the place of staying in Tamil.

Kiruthrajan, when doing tapas keeping Emperumaan in his heart and mind, Valvil Raman arised in front of him in Bujangha Sayanam. Since, the Theertham which purified Kiruthrarajan, the theertham here is called "Kiruthra theertham".

Emperumaan Sriman Narayanan showed Prathyaksham for himself. Chakaravarthy Thirumagan, Sri Ramar born as and brought up as an ordinary human being, he met his moola avathaar (Previous avathaar) Parasuramar. He minimised or reduced the Headweight of Parasuramar and made war with him and finally got his friendship and his blessings.

The primary moral of this is if how big and powerful man you may be, we must give respect and should not be trapped inside Maya.

To all of the human beings in the world, our parents are the prime most and the first person to be worshipped. Because of this reason only, Lord ParasuRama, as ordered by his father asked what he wants as "Varam" for killing his mother, he asked for her mother to regain her life. This shows how dedicated to his father and mother. And in next avathaar, he took his avathaar as Sri Ramar and he respect his father and mother as that of the previous avathaar.

Since, he was held in the forest, when King Dasaratha was dead, he could not do the final funeral to his father. But, keeping Jadaayu in his father's place, he did the final funeral to him as what he could have done to his father, King Dasaratha.

When Parasu Raman was against Rama, he showed his actual image (or) face as Parasu Ramar and Sri Ramar are not two different people but they are a single person, the final destiny Sriman Narayanan.

Likewise, after finishing all the final funeral for Jadaayu, when Rama was taking rest, Kiruthra Rajan made Tavam against sriman Narayanan, when Sri Rama along with Sangu and Chakkaram and Bhoomi Pirattiyaar prathyaksham for the king and explained him that he is Sriman Narayanan.

Likewise, he gave prathyaksham for Sri Ramar along with Sangu, Chakkaram and Bhoomi pirattiyaar with 4 (Chathur) bhujam (hand).

The final funeral of Jadaayu was done under Punnai tree, when the paramathma gave his dharshan to Rama and Emperumaan gave his dharshan to Thirumangai Mannan. This is one of the said story of this shetram. The main point to be noticed in this shetram, is only here, Sri Ramar gives his seva as Chakaravarthi (along with Sangu and Chakram).

There is one Brindhavan which belong to Ahobilam mutt here for 19th Jeeyar, Sri Maha Desikan.

After 1 1/2 Km. from here, is a small village, Mandanggudi which is the birth place of Thondar Adi Podi Alwar.

One of the five sacred things, Earth, Bhomi Pirattiyar give seva along with Sri Rama as Narayanan in Nindra Thirukkolam. Because of this reason this shetram is called "Pullam Bootha Kudi".

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this temple is Sri Valvil Raman. Moolavar in Kidantha kolam in Bujanga Sayanam facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Chakravarthy Thirumangan Ramar and Raja Kruthra. Utsava Moorthy gives seva Valvil Raman has four hands (Chathur Bhujan) along with Sangu and Chakram.

Thayaar:

Potramaraiyaal (Hemambujavalli). She has her own seperate sannadhi.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangai Alwar - 10 Paasurams.
Total - 10 Paasurams.

Vimanam:

Sobhana Vimaanam.

gokulkr · April 1, 2009

<table title="About 108 Divyadesams" width="619" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr height="25"><td valign="middle">Thiruvaheendrapuram (Tiruvayindhai) - Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple

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Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This Divyadesam is one of the main sthalam in Nadu Naattu Divyadesam. The temple is situated about 5 Kms away from Cuddalore in South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu. This temple is located underneath a small mountain (Malai Adivaram). 3 miles away from Tirupathirippuliyoor railway station which is in between Chennai - Trichy railway lane. Bus facility is also available.

Sculptures:

The defeat of Rajendra Chozhan (1210 - 1256 AD) by Sundara Pandiyan.
3rd Raja Raja Chozhan, who went along the North to get the help from Kundala King Veera Narasimhan was arrested by Kopperun Chozhan singan and was kept in jail in Sendha Mangalam.
On hearing this, Veera Narasimhan took the war on Kopperun Chozhan with the help of his generals Appanna Thanda Nayagan and Samuthira Koppaiyathnda Nayan and released Raja Raja Chozhan and finally he got his empire.

Sthlapuranam :

Aadhisheshan worshipped Sriman Narayanan in this sthalam. Aadhiseshan brought both the Viraja Theertham (Garuda Nadhi) and Ganga Nadhi together and dedicated those two rivers towards the divine feet of Sriman Narayanan.

Near to the temple, Aushadhagiri, a medicinal mountain is seen. It is said that during Ramayana time, when Hanuman took Sanjeevi Malai, a small part of it was dropped on the land and that small part is said to be this Aushadhagiri mountain, which is said to be full of medicinal herbs are found.

Once Vedantha Desikar wanted to see Sriman Narayanan and started doing Tapas and the Perumal came in front of him. He did the Tapas in this Aushadhagiri Mountain only. Sriman Narayanan fully satisfied on his Tapas, showed his seva as "Lord Hayagreevar" along with Garudalwar. On the top of the mountain, a separate sannadhi for Sri Yoga Hayagreevar is found.

Sri Vedantha Desikar lived for almost 40 years in this sthalam and we can see the Thirumaaligai he lived. Separate utsavams in September - October for Sri Vedantha Desikar is done in a very grand manner.

Generally, the milk for snakes will be poured into Putru (very small place made of mud where snakes are found), but instead here in this sthalam, the milk is poured into a well inside the Koil Pragharam. The well is called as "Sesha Theertham". With this Sesha Theertham, the neivedhyam (food) or Prasadham is done for the Perumal and with the Garuda Theertham, the Thirumanjanam (divine bath given to the Perumal) is done. In Thai and Aadi month, in this sthalam, the milk is not poured into putru (ant hill) instead it is poured into the Well (Sesha theertham), which is found inside the temple.

Vaanama malai, which is one of the Divyadesam in Pandiya Naadu has all the characters of curing all and any kind of diseases. With the oil, which is found in the well, all the diseases are cured and the Perumal there is Deva Nayaga perumal.

Similarly, Deva Nayaga Perumal is giving his seva in this sthalam in Nindra Seva and curing all sorts of unrecoverable diseases.

Based on the Valarpirai and Theipirai (the moon's starting and diminishing periods), the time is calculated and according to that only, the medicines are given to cure the diseases. With the help of Garudan (Garuda Theertham) and Chandran (the moon), the diseases are cured, so Sriman Narayanan gave his Prathyaksham to Garudan and the Moon.

Lord Hayagreevar, who resides on top of the mountain is said to be very powerful God and is capable of reducing all of our problems.

Once upon the time, Sriman Narayanan teased up Sri Lakshmi on seeing her face. Getting anger on him, she gave him the sabhan as that his face will be get cut during some time. As the same way, one arakkan (demon) named Hayagreevan made tapas on Parashakthi for almost 1000 years and asked for varam that if he needs to be killed, an equivalent person of his category and strength should kill him. As his wish, he got the varam and on getting it, he started to kill and destroy the happiness of Devas, the people and munivars in the world.

His head was same as that of the horse. So, Lord Brahma took Sriman Narayanan's head and replaced it with the horse's head. Finally, Sriman Narayanan killed Hayagreeva demon and he along with Aadhi Lakshmi sat on top of this mountain and giving all the health and wealth to the people of this world.

There was a little bit of religious intolerance in the minds of the people during Chozha Emperor's time. Once, a Chozha King came to this sthalam and thought of demolishing this Hayagreeva temple. At that time, to aliminate the racism out from his heart, Sriman Narayanan changed himself to Lord Shiva with 3 eyes and Jada mudi (long hair in the head) and gave seva to Chozha Emperor and explained him all the Gods are same and there should not be any difference between the God.

The Perumal in this sthalam is Deva Nayaga Perumal with the Lotus in the inner palm of his right hand, and in the fore head, he has the Eye along with Jada mudi and Changu and Chakram on his hands. This is one of the seva which tells us all the Gods are the same because, Lotus which is found with Lord Brahma, and Nettrikkan (ey on the fore head) and Jada Mudi which is found with Lord Shiva and Sangu and Chakram which is found with Shri Vishnu. This shows there should be no fights between Vaishnavam and Saivam and both are similar one. To explain this, he gives sevas as like this in this sthalam.

Both, the Snake and the Garudan are said to opposite (enemies) to one another. But, in this sthalam, they both worshipped the Perumal along with each another as brothers.

Lord Saraswathi, the Goddess of Education was teached by Hayagreevar of this sthalam.

Specials:

Since Aheendiran (Ananda Azhvaan Aadiseshan) worshipped the Perumal here, this place is called as "Aheendirapuram"

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Deyva Nayagan Perumal. Moolavar in standing position facing his thirumugham towards East direction.

Prathyaksham for Chandran and Garudan.

Thayaar

Hemambujavalli Thaayar (Hemambuja Nayaki)

Vaikunda Naayagi for Utsavar.

Utsavar

Moovaragiya Oruvan, Devanathian, Divishannathan vibuthanathan, Daasasathiyan, Adiyavarkku Meyyan.

Sannadhis:

Sri Ramar.
Vedantha Desikan.
Manavala Maamunigal in (Mada Street).

Festivals (Utsavams):

Every year on Chitthirai month, Bramha Utsavam is done for Devanayaka perumal.
In Purattasi, Malai utsavam for Vedantha Desikar and Theertha Vaari Utsavam is done.
In Maargayi, Thirumozhi - Thiruvaai mozhi days (Pagal pathu and Raa pathu) utsavam for 21 days is done.
Maasi Magha Utsavam is also done.

Sri Vedantha Desikar has sung songs and paasurams on Deva Nayaga Perumal and is called as "Devanayaka Panjasath" and Achyutha Sathakam in Sanskrit. Also written Mummanikkovi, Pandhu, Suzhal, Ammanai, Oosal, Eysal, Navamani Maalai are the short poems written by him.

There is 300 acres of Land which is given by some helpful person who gave it for the development of the temple.

Mangalasasanam:

Thirumangai Alwar – 10 Paasurams.
Total 10 Paasurams.

Sri Manavala Mamunigal has also done the mangalasasanam here.

Pushkarani:

Karudanathi
Chandira Theertham
Sesha Theeratham (Poo theertham).

Vimanam:

Chandira Vimanam
Suttha Sathva Vimanam.

gokulkr · April 3, 2009

<table title="About 108 Divyadesams" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td valign="middle">Thiru Ayodhi - Sri Ramar Temple

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Temple Location :

About the Temple : Thiru Ayodhya is said to be the Janmha Bhoomi (Birth place) of Sri Ramar and is situated 6 Kms from Faizabad.

Ayodhya is well connected with other places by road, as it is located on the main highway.

Transportation by means of Tempos, Cycle-rickshaws and Buses are available and frequent.

Specials:

1. In this sthalam only, Emperumaan took the Avathaar as Ramapiran as an ordinary king, who led the life as an ordinary human. And at the end of the Avathaar, along with other 3 brothers, he got mixed (ie) got mukthi in Sarayu river.

2. This Divyadesam is said to be one among the 7 Mukthi Kshetrams. These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of Ayodhya is Sri Ramar. He is also called with the names "Chakravarthy Thirumagan", facing his thirumugham towards North direction. Prathyaksham for Bharadhan, all Devars and Maharishis.

Thaayar:

The Thaayar of this divyadesam is Seetha Piratiiyaar.

Vimaanam

Pushkala Vimaanam.

<center>Sthalapuranam</center> The Great epic, Ramayana is said to start and ended in this sthalam. The avathaar of Sri Ramar explains how an ordinary human should be and it explains the Sathya path which leads him to the final mukthi.

This Divyadesam is said to be one among the 7 Mukthi Kshetrams. These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan. Avanthi is represented as the divine feet, Thiruvadi of the perumal, Kachipuram, represents the waist, Thirudwaraka represents the Nabhi (the lower stomach), Maya represents the Thiru maarbhu (the chest) Madhura represents the neck, Kasi represents the nose and finally, this Ayodhya Kshetram represents the Head of the perumal. Thats the reason it is said to be one of the most important among the 7 Mukthi kshetram.

Sri Ramar by killing Ravanan explains to the world that all the life led and its destiny ends only through ones character. Sri Ramar led his life by thinking of only one life parter, Seetha Piratti, his wife along with his bow (vil). He followed his previous generationed member and followed their words. Thus, the Rama avathaar explains about one word, one bow and one wife and all the characters are found inside Sri Ramar. When Emperumaan took the human avathaar, as Sri Ramar, Periya piratti came as his wife as Seetha piratti, the Aadhiseshan as his brother, Lakshmanan and perumal's sangu and chakkaram took their birth as "Bharadhan and Sathrukkanan. Hanuman born as the hamsam of Sivaperumaan.

This Avathaar of Sriman Narayanan as "Sri Ramar", shows the best and excellent characters of all human and explains how all must be. By giving the entire Raajyam (empire) of Ayodhi to Bharathar as asked by Kaikeyi he gave the entire Raajyam and left out from Ayodhi to a forest. This character shows the obiedience for Kaikeyi, inspite of she doing harm by making him to go to the forest.

By helping Sukreevan and Vibheeshanan, Sri Ramar explains about the great friendship character and finally, the mercy and love showed towards Sri Hanuman is the ultimate character of Sri Ramar.

This Ayodhya sthalam is siad to be the birth place of Sri Ramar and he got Mukthi (Paramapadham) only from this Ayodhya sthalams and it is said to be the final place where the Rama avathaar ended.

Brahmadevan did a strong tapas towards Sriman Narayanan. The perumal gave his prathyaksham for Brahma and both of them hugged together. On seeing the great bhakti of Brahmadevan, Sriman Narayanan is so emotionally attracted towards him and his (perumal) eyes started to swell tears. But Brahma devan doesnt want the tears to let down it into the earth and he collected all of his tears in the Kamandalam (a small vessel which all the Rishis have). Using his power, Brahma devan created a pushkarani and all the drops of tears was mixed into the pushkarani. And that is called the Maanasasaras in the Himalayas. Since, the theertham is created along with the tears drops of perumal and the Manasika power (created from his heart fulfilled) of Brahma devar, this theertham is so called as "Maanasasaras".

When Itsuraku was ruling Ayodhya he said his plea that if a river flows in his empire he would feel happy to Vasishta Maharishi. Vasishta Maharishi went towards Brahma devan in Sathya loka and along with the help of him, he made to flow the Maanasasaras to flow near his city . Since, Maansasaras was made to flow in Ayodhi, it is called as "Sarayu Nadhi". Since, this river flowed as the step taken by Vasistar, this theertham is also called as "Vasistai". This river is said to be the body of a women and said that it talked to Sri Ramar and Dasarathar because of this, the river is also called as "Rama Gangai".

It is said that earlier Ayodhya had 2700 temple of Sri Ramar near the South shore of Sarayu Nadhi.

Swayavambhuvamanu, who was the first son of Brahma devan, met in Sathya lokam and asked him which is the place he need to start the task of creation. Brahma along with his son, went towards Sriman Narayanan in Sri Vaikuntam. Through Brahma devan, Sriman Narayanan hands over the middle portion of Sri Vaikuntam which is said to be the Ayodhi Raajyam. This explains that all the wealth of Grand father belongs to Grand son (ie) since Brahma devan emerged from the Naabhi of Sri Mahavishnu he is considered to be his son and Swayavambhuvamanu is considered as the grandson of Mahavishnu. This is the reason why alwar say:

"Ambuyothon Ayodhi Mannarkku Alitha kovil".

<center>Interesting Places</center> On the shore of Sarayu river, a small temple for Aanjaneya is found which is called as "Hanuman Thekri", where he is found in Vishwaroopa kolam. But only his head is found outwards.

Ammaaji Mandir, where sannadhis for Sri Ranganathar and Sri Ramar are found. This is the place where the old temple was found where all the alwars sung on the perumal.

The sthalam which is raised as the rememberance of Sri Ramar is being destroyed and found in damaged stage. We should not think that his temple was demolished. He has his own temple in all of the hearts of his bhaktas who says the Rama Naamam as "Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram" purely in their heart and thus Ayodhya is found all hearts of the bhaktas. So, bhaktas who say "Sri Ramajayam" is said to be the "Rama janma Bhoomi" and thus explains that there is lots and lots of Ayodhya is found in this entire world.

So let us say "Sri Ramajayam" and let his name spread throughout the world.

<center>Theerthams of Ayodhya</center> There are number of theerthams is said to be flow in and near Ayodhya. Below are listed some of the Pushkaranis in and around Ayodhya:-

1. Paramapadha Pushkarani

2. Sarayu river.

3. Nageswara Theertham:

Sri Ramar had two sons namely Lavan and Kusa. One day, Kusa was having a bath in Sarayu river who was very much attracted by his beauty by Kumudavathi, a princess of Naga Lokam. she wanted to marry him and because of this, she caught hold of Kusa's hands but she could not stop him. After reaching the palace, kusa found his ornaments (bangle) was missing. He thought it might have fallen in Sarayu river and to taken out the bangle from the river he dried up the river using his astram. The Naga princes got frightened of the astram and returned the bangle and falled to the feet of Kusa. Kusa explained the bangle was so important since it was given by Vasistar to Sri Ramar, his father. And finally, Kusa let the river to flow once again. Because of this, the theertham is called as "Nageswara theertham".

Lots of theertham like Vaidaheeya theertham, Soorya theertham, Ratha theertham etc are also fund. It is believed that Indra took bath in Indra theertham to get out of the Paavam (sin) due to Vrithirasura Vadham (Killing of Vrithisuran).

gokulkr · April 3, 2009

<table title="Temples of Sri Vishnu and other Hindu Gods" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr height="25"><td title="Hindu Temples in India" valign="middle">Sri Kothanda Ramar Temple - Ganapathipuram

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Thondai Nadu, which is famous for both Vaishnavam and Saivam temples has a lots of story to say about. In that Thondai Nadu, Kanchipuram is said to be the sthalam where lots of temples are found. There is a slogan, which says the "Nakareshu Kanchi", which praises the Greatness of Kanchipuram.

From this great Kanchipuram, 18 Kms away from it in thet ravel towards Arakkonam, a small village by named "Ganapathipuram" is situated. This Ganapathipuram is previously called with the name "Vishwaksenapuram". This village is surrounded by lots of great lands and the raised paddy fields, coconut and Mango trees, the cool breeze are said to be so pleasant and can easily attract all the peoples.

In this Ganapathipuram village, a beautiful temple for Sri Vaikundanathar is found. The way he is got needs to be explained. Sri Vaikundanathar is kept as the Moolavar in this temple. He is got from the earth and for him a small temple is built and was done daily poojas. All the people are worried since only Moolavar is found. But, its the duty of the perumal to clear the minds of his bhaktas.

One fine day, a Saadhu who lived in Thiru Ayodhya did the daily pooja for Vigrahams of Sri Ramar, Seetha piratti and Lakshmanar. But, he wanted all these Perumals should be kept in a temple so that lots of utsavams will be done for the perumal. Because of this, the Saadhu took those vigrahams and started from Thiru Ayodhya and he came to Singa Perumal temple near Chengalpet.

Before any work is started, the first pooja should be made to "Vigneshwarar" (Vishwaksenar) (ie) the Ganapathi pooja. But, the people of Ganapathipuram is expecting utsava moorthis to be placed in their temples. The news of having the Utsava moorthi on the hands of the Saadhu reached the family members of the Vaishnavites living there. They rushed to Singaperumal temple and got the utsava moorthies from the saadhu and now to those utsavars, along with the moolavar, the daily poojas are done.

Later in 1986, the Maha Samprokshanam is done to the temple. Following it, as a regular way, Ekadhina Laksharshanai for Sri Anjaneyar is also done in a grand manner. And recently on 24th Jan, Jeeranothara - Maha Samprokshana is done in a grand manner.

gokulkr · April 3, 2009

Rama Rahasya Upanishad

[This great Upanishad is in Atharvana Veda and is the authoritative source of Lord Rama's worship methods.]

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

I salute that Lord Rama, who is the personification of salvation, who is a great king, who is a great man and who destroys all his enemies.

First Chapter

1-2. Great sages like Mudgala, Sandilya, Paingala, Bikshu, Sanaka and Prahlada approached Lord Hanuman, who was a great devotee of Vishnu and asked him,

3-4. “Which is the greatest principle among the four Veda-s, 18 purana-s, 18 Smriti-s, Sastra-s, all knowledge and among the great powers ruled by the Sun and moon?”

5-6. He replied, “Hey, great sages and devotees of Lord Vishnu! Please hear my words which cut of all attachments, the greatest principle among these is the principle of Brahma Taraka (OM). Rama is Para-Brahma and supreme austerity, and Rama is the Supreme Essence and Brahma Taraka.”

7. They all again asked, Lord Hanuman,”Please tell us the angas (aspects) of Lord Rama.”

Lord Hanuman told, “Please understand that Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Durga, all the Kshetra Palaka-s, Sun, Moon, Lord Narayana, Lord Narasimha, Lord Vasudeva, Lord Varaha, Lord Lakshmana, Shatrughna, Bharata, Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Angada, Jambavanta and Pranava are the angas of Lord Rama. Without these angas, Lord Rama will not remove all roadblocks. They again asked, “How will Brahmins and householders get the capacity to recite Pranava?” He said, “All People (even if they are not eligible to chant “Om”,) who chant the six letter mantra would get the capacity to meditate on Pranava. Those who chant silently the mantra of Rama would get the same effect as repeating the letter “Om”. After the name of Rishi, Devata and meter, japa of the Rama mantra would give the same effect as repetition of Pranava and further he explained that Rama Himself has said that pranava is a part of Rama mantra.

8. On another occasion answering Vibheeshana’s question “How can your angas be made easy to worship? Please tell me an easy way.”

Rama replied, “The japa of my name “Rama” removes all sins. Suppose some one is meditating on my six lettered mantra or reads my Gita or thinks of me with devotional fervor, he would get the same effect. He would get rid of the five great sins, viz. killing of father, killing of mother, killing of brothers, killing of teachers, killing of husband or even other well-known great sins, if one repeats my six lettered mantra ten million times. He also would get the immortal and ever lasting bliss.

Vibheeshana again asked him, “What would be the way for people who are not capable of doing It.?”

Rama replied “they can either read my Gita, my thousand names or meditate on my Viswa Roopa or my 108 names, or repeat my name 100 times, or read the king of stotras written by sage Narada, or read the great prayer called mantra raja stavam written by Hanuman, or read the prayer to Sita or daily pray to me by reciting my name; they will doubtless attain Me.”

Here ends the First Chapter.

Second Chapter

The great sages led by Sanaka asked Hanuman again, “Please tell us the mantra for meditating (or worshipping) the Taraka Brahma Rama.”

Hanuman replied:

1. That king of mantra-s is the Ekakshara (one-syllabled) which is the store house of fire, which is Lord Vishnu who is lying down and which is Lord Shiva who adorned with the crescent moon.

2. Its sage is Brahma, meter is Gayatri, Deity is Lord Rama, its anga is waxing half-Moon and its mind is the soul of fire,

3. Its root is the Beeja Shakti and it has to be chanted for fulfillment of desires.

[The prayer (dhyana sloka) for the mantra is:-]

He who sits on the lotus flower on the shores of river Sarayu,

4. He who is black, seated on the throne of heroes, who shines in the Jnana-Mudra that he shows, whose left side is adorned by Sita and Lakshmana,

5. He who shines as their soul to those souls, who pray to him, who is like the clear crystal, who is the only source to those who wish for salvation,

6. He who is the Paramatma to those thinkers, who shines like the millions of Suns, who is like Narayana residing in the nadi-s, who is digestive fire.

7. The king of mantras with two syllables (Rama) would lead to fulfillment of all desires, and along with the suffix of one letter, it becomes six different mantras, [they are Om, Hrim, Srim, Klim, Aim and Ram.]

8. These king of mantras consisting of three syllables also will fulfill all desires.

9. The two four lettered mantras are Ramachandra and Ramabhadra.

10. These can be chanted with the rishi and others as told before; Viswamithra is its Rishi, the meter is pankti, Devatha is Ramabhadra, The Bheeja is Shakthi.

11. This mantra should be invoked mentally in the middle of the eye brows, head, navel, thighs and feet.

12. One should go to the middle of the forest and sit under the Kalpa-Vriksha (wish-fulfilling or eternal tree) and assume the posture of “Pushpalata” (flowering creeper plant), do the anga nyasa and chant the mantras,

13. With Lakshmana having arranged properly the arrow and the Lord being fanned by Sita.

14. Dhyana mantra:- I salute that Rama, who has lustrous matted hair, who is bluish in colour, who is surrounded by sages, who is being fanned by Janaki, who is protected by Lakshmana holding an umbrella,

15. The one who killed Ravana, who is extremely peaceful, and before whom stand Sugreeva and Vibeeshana. For achieving victory one should chant this sloka ten million times.

16. The five lettered mantra-s are formed by adding the root letters for Manmatha, Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi at the beginning of the four lettered mantra, [adding OM to make it six-syllabled] and lead to the realization of the four Purushartha-s.

17. When each of the fifty mystic syllables of the Sanskrit alphabet (nasalized), as well as the root letters of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Manmatha and OM are added as the first syllable several varieties of six lettered mantras are formed.

18. Chanting the four letter mantras by adding the root letters of Sri, Maya and Manmatha as prefix and suffix of the four and six letter mantras grants all ones wishes.

19. Adding svaha, or hum phat or namah at the end, in various combinations, make up the 18-lettered mantra-s.

20. In these mantra-s, Brahma as sammohana shakti, Dakshinamurty, Agastya, and Shiva are said to be the ascetics, in that order.

21. The meter (chanda) is Gayatri, and the Deity is Shri Rama. Or, Kama-bija at the beginning and Vishvamitra the Rishi.

22. The meter Gayatri of different deities and Ramabhadra the ‘devata’. The shakti-bija is invoked as before as with the 6-lettered mantra.

23. Touching on the top of the head, in the middle between the eye-brows, heart, thighs, and feet, the mantras are recited with bija-s and anga-nyasa.

24. Dhyana:

I worship Sri Rama,

Whose body shines with various ornaments,

Who is as brilliant as lightning,

Who assumes the Virasana posture,

Who shows jnana Mudra by one hand,

Who keeps the other hand on his thigh,

And who wears the crown.

25. Then one should, with prostrations, recite “Ramachandraya and Ramabhadraya Namah”, and the king of seven lettered mantras and the fulfiller of all wishes.

26. Eight lettered mantra: Adding OM at the beginning to the two seven lettered mantras gives rise to two eight lettered mantras. OM added to the four lettered “Ramaya” and “Hum Phat svaha” is another 8 lettered mantra.

27. The Rishis and other adjuncts for the 8-lettered mantra are the same as for the 6-lettered ones. Again, the 8-lettered mantra also has Rama as the Rishi.

28. The meter is Gayatri, the Deity is Rama, OM, the pair of Shri bija-s, and Shakti bija and others are also (added).

29. Thereafter one recites the mantra-s with the 6-limbed nyasa, and recites Ramaya Namah with OM and a pair of Shri-bija-s.

30. Shiva Rama Mantra: Glaum OM, Maya-bija (heart-abiding) Ramaya Namah is recited again. Shiva, Om, Rama mantra is the giver of all excellence.

31. Sadashiva is spoken of as the Rishi, Gayatri as the meter, and Shiva-OM-Ramachandra as the Deity.

Dhyanam:

I worship that Rama,

Who has three eyes,

Who wears the crescent,

Who holds the trident,

Who is anointed all over by ash,

And who is with matted hair.

32. I worship the three eyed one,

Who is Abhirama, the pinnacle of beauty,

Who wears the crescent as ear ring,

And who holds the noose, the goad, the bow and the arrow,

34. Thus meditating, devoted wholly to recitation and oblations one shall chant mantra-s one-hundred thousand times, offering bilva leaves, fruits, flowers, gingili seeds, and lotuses.

35. Rama Brahma Gayatri: Even the treasures and powers, wished for by the celestials, come by themselves, when the 8-lettered Raghava brahma-gayatri (is chanted).

36. The Rishis knowing Shri-bija as my Shakti, chant the mantra-s with the limbs, as viniyoga for its adoration.

37. Dhyanam:

I worship that blue complexioned Rama,

Who wears the bracelet on upper arm and bangle,

Which are studded with shining gems,

Who has the royal umbrella held over his head,

Who shines like millions of waxing moons,

Who sits in the hall of one thousand sixteen golden pillars,

And who is surrounded by Bharata and others.

38. Rama Sharana Mantra: The chanting of “Ramam sharanam mama” (i.e. Rama is my refuge) achieves much more than many other mantras which lead with difficulty to mere ephemeral gains and productive of the misery of samsara due to the greed for the transient fruits. This mantra gives the fruits of all of them without the taint of greed and other defects. There is also the 8-lettered mantra which is well-known in seven-fold ways. It is Om added to the seven lettered mantra.

39. Other mantras with more letters: The 8-syllabled mantra is (chanted) seven-fold ways. OM is added at the beginning and end of the seven lettered (mantra).

40. Nine lettered mantra: This 9-lettered mantra is offered like the 6-lettered one, to Sita in the beginning and to the consort of Janaki at the end.

41. Ten lettered mantra: The 10-lettered mantra gives all that is desirable wished-for fruits. The great Vasishtha is the Rishi of this 10-lettered mantra; the meter is Virat,

42. The Deity is Rama holding Sita’s hand; The beginning bija Visarga is the shakti. With the anga-nyasa for the wishes,

43. The 10 lettered mantra is offered mentally to the head, forehead, middle of the eye-brows, palate, ears, heart, navel, thighs, knees, and feet.

44. Dhyanam:

I think of that Rama,

Who is in the city of Ayodhya,

Who is decorated by various gems,

Who sits under a golden canopy,

Whose doorways are decorated by mandara flowers,

45. Who is seated on a throne,

Surrounded by celestial vehicles,

46. Who is praised by sages with reverence,

Who is adorned on the left by Sita,

Who is being served by Lakshmana,

47. Who is blue complexioned,

Who has a tranquil face,

And who is adorned by ornaments.

This mantra should be recited a hundred-thousand times with exclusive devotion.

48. The form of Rama holding the bow in his hands and Sita within. Brahma is the Rishi of the 10-lettered mantra. The meter is Virat,

49. The Deity is Rama, the slayer of demons. Rest of the worship is similar to the previous one. One should remember Rama holding the bow and arrow.

50. Eleven lettered mantra: With the six-fold addition of OM-Maya-Rama-Kama-Vac-sva- bija-s, and recite the 10-lettered mantra for Rudra.

51. The remainder (ritual) is the same as for the 6-lettered mantra, as regards nyasa and dhyana, according to the wise. Of the 12-lettered mantra Sri Rama is the Rishi;

52. The meter is jagati and Sri Rama the Deity; the pranava is said to be the bija, kliim is Shakti, and hrim is kilaka.

53. Reciting the mantra-s with the anga-nyasa, the rest is performed as previously. Also to be added are OM, kiim and also Bharatagraja.

54. Twelve lettered mantra: This 12-lettered mantra ends with Rama, kliim and svaha. OM Hrridbhagavate Ramachandrabhadraya;

55. As before, the Rishi and dhyana, and [arna meter (12-feet) or the 12 suryas??]; Jagati meter, and the mantra-s with anga-nyasa.

56. Reciting the name Sri Rama and Jayarama thereafter, the wise one says jaya jaya twice, Rama who sheds joy on the mind.

57. Thirteen lettered mantra: The 13-lettered mantra has the same Rishi and other adjuncts as before, the fulfiller of all wishes. Repeating the phrase twice with the anga-s and dhyana as before.

58. Fourteen lettered mantra: When Om is added, the mantra is 14-lettered. After chanting the 13-lettered, one adds (the name) Rama;

59. Fifteen lettered mantra: This is the 15-lettered wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa - bhuruhah). Add namah to Sitapataye Ramaya hana hana;

60. Sixteen lettered mantra: Thereafter, the 16-lettered ends with the kavacha and asthra. Of this, Agastya is the Rishi, Brihati is the meter, and Rama is the Deity.

61. Ram is the bija, astra is shakti, and hum the kilaka. The 10-15 lettered mantra-a are offered in sequence with the anga-nyasa-s.

62. Seventeen lettered mantra: Adding OM, the mantra is 17-lettered. OM namo bhagavata Ram at the end there-after.

63. Eighteen lettered mantra: Adding purushaya at the end gives the 18-lettered mantra, with Vishvamitra as the Rishi and gayatri meter and the Deity as Rama.

64. Nineteen lettered mantra: With the Kama bija, the mantra is 19-lettered. OM namo bhagavate Ramaya is to be recited.

65. Twenty lettered mantra: After uttering all the mantra-s one asks for all auspiciousness. When svaha is added the mantra is 20-lettered.

66. OM namo bhagavate Ramaya is to be recited. Then svaha for protection from dangers.

67. Twenty one lettered mantra: The 21-lettered mantra fulfills all one’s wishes. OM Rama svabijaa Dasharathaya thereafter.

68. Twenty two lettered mantra: Then one chants the all-auspicious sitavallabhaya (to Sita’s consort). Then this 22-lettered mantra.

69. Twenty three lettered mantra: OM namo bhagavate viraramaya is chanted. Then softly, hana hana svaha is recited.

70. The 23-lettered mantra is the slayer of all enemies. Vishvamitra is the Rishi and Gayatri is the meter.

gokulkr · April 3, 2009

71. The Deity is Vira Rama, bija-s and other (adjuncts) are as before. The wise one after doing the anga-nyasa of the mula-mantra in parts,

72. silently meditates on Rama, who has put the arrow on the bow and facing Ravana, is holding the thunderbolt in his hand and has ascended the chariot.

73. One recites OM namo bhagavate Shri Ramaya and having said OM brahmane adds the words mam taraya (protect me).

74. Twenty four lettered mantra: With nama OM added, the mantra is 24-lettered. The bija-s and other adjuncts are as before.

75. Kliim, OM, and namah and bhagavate Ramachandraya thereafter, one says the word ‘all’.

76. Twenty five lettered mantra: janavashyakaraya (conquering people) svaha and kiim are to be recited mentally. The 25-lettered mantra is to include sarvavashyakara (conquering all).

77. Twenty six and twenty seven lettered mantra: With OM added at the beginning, the mantra has 26 letters. Adding OM at the end makes it 27-lettered.

78. OM namo bhagavate rakshoghnavishadaya (obeisance to Bhagavan, slayer of demons), sarvavighat nivaraya (protect from all obstacle), to be repeated twice;

79. Twenty eight and twenty nine lettered mantra: Adding svaha at the end makes this king of mantra-s 28-lettered. When joined with OM, it becomes 29-lettered.

80. Thirty and Thirty-one lettered mantra: Beginning with sva-bija, is the 30-lettered. With OM at the end, it has 31 letters.

81. O Ramabhadra the great archer! O Raghuvira the best of kings, and slayer of Ravana! Grant me wealth!

82. The Rishi is Rama, meter is anushtubh, Ram bija, yam shakti, are recited for the Ishta deity.

83. Nyasa of the mantra is done in the heart, on the head, with the 5-lettered on the shikha, and of the 3-lettered kavacha.

84. For the eyes with the 5-lettered mantra, called the astra. Holding the bow and arrow, blue-complexioned, accompanied by Sugriva and Vibhishana.

85. After slaying Ravana, coming for the protection of the three worlds; meditating on Rama in the heart, one chants (the mantra) mentally a million times;

86. Then one utters the rama gayatri given by ‘dashrathaya vidmahe’, followed by ‘sita-vallabhaya dhimahi,

87. tanno Ramah prachodayat’. [May we know the son of Dasharatha; we meditate on Sita’s consort; may Rama enlighten our intellect.]

88. For enchanting the earth and attain expertise in love add “madana” (cupid) to the “Sri Rama“ along with the Bhija of Maya.

89. With 15-lettered and 12-lettered (mantra-s) and also for the 16-lettered mantra one has to perform anga-nyasa.

90. While chanting the bija-s, meditation, etc. for these, the same sequence as for the 6-lettered mantra has to be adhered. OM namo bhagavate raghunandanaya.

91. Likewise, thereafter one recites ‘to rakshoghnavishad’, and ‘madhura’ (sweet); ‘prasannavadanam’ (tranquil-faced), ‘amita-tejaseo (to one of immeasurable brightness).

92. Thereafter, say namah (obeisance) to Balarama and Vishnu, and recite mentally the 47 letters.

93. Rishi is Brahma, meter is anushtubh, and deity is Raghava. Seven time 17, with 6 Rudra-s, and the 6 limbs;

94. While Meditating on the 10-lettered mantra , one chants it 100,000 times. It starts with “Shriyam Sita”, followed by the six lettered mantra and ending with “Swaha”.

95. The Rishi of this mantra is Janaka, meter is Gayatri, deity is Sita Bhagavati, shrim is bija, and namah is the shakti.

96. Sita is kilaka, viniyoga is done for the Ishta. Reciting with prolonged accents at the beginning, the 6-limb nyasa is done.

97. One should meditate on Rama at the center of the hexagon (yantra), thinking in the mind him with his body shining like gold, holding a lotus,and then look at Rama as the final refuge.

98. For the Lakshmana mantra utter the sound lam and bow to Lakshmana. For this (mantra) Agastya is the Rishi, meter is Gayatri,

99. Deity is Lakshmana, lam is the bija and shakti is namah; the 4 purushartha-s are the viniyoga.

100. Long ending sound with Ram as the bija is recited with the 6-limbed nyasa. (Rama) with 2 arms, personifying his body as of golden hue, and resembling a lotus,

101. For the Bharata mantra, he holding the bow and arrow, wholly devoted to Rama as the Supreme, one should utter the sound bha and bow to Bharata.

102. Rishi is Agastya, rest is done as before, to Bharata the blue-hued one who is tranquil and serving Rama whole-heartedly.

103. For the mantra of Shatrughna, recite “I worship Kaikeyi’s brave son, holding the bow and arrow”; utter the bija “sham” and ending with ‘shatrughnaya namah’, the Rishi-s and other adjuncts as before and the viniyoga for the control over enemies.

104. Two-armed, golden-bright, devoted to the service of Rama, slayer of Lavanasura, I worship the son of Sumitra.

105. The mantra of Hanuman, “hrum hanumate” is the king of mantra-s, of which Ramachandra is the Rishi, and the other rituals to be done as previously.

106. One should meditate on the two-armed one who is shining like gold, who is devoted to Rama’s service, wearing the girdle of munja-grass and is the servant of Rama.

Thus ends Second Chapter of Rama-rahasya Upanishad.

Third Chapter

Sanaka and other ascetics asked Hanuman:

“O mighty son of Anjana! Tell us about the altar (yantra) for the worship by the aforesaid mantra-s.”

Hanuman replied:

“To begin with, the altar is six-sided (hexagonal) and in the center is written the seed-letter (bijakshara) of Rama (Ram), with shrim.

Below that in the second corner is the Sadhya (food offering).

Above it on the sixth corner is the Sadhakam (Constant devotion).

On the surrounding sides are the seed letters of Jiva-Prana-Shakti.

Encircling all these is OM.

In the South-East, North-East, North-West, & South-West, on the front corners, are kept the cooked rice.

Then sequentially the Heart mantra-s viz Ram, rim, rum, raim, raum, rah bija-akshara-,s the heart ‘astra mantras’ are to be recited.

Behind the corners are the bija-akshara of Rama and Maya, on the corners varaham hum; over this is the Kama-bija (Ram) and surrounding it, is the Vac (kiim).

Thereafter are three circles of eight leaves. On the leaves, garlands of syllables in eight groups of six-lettered mantras are inscribed.

Ending with five-lettered mantra.

On the face of each leaf the eight-lettered (mantras).

Again, the 8-petalled lotus.

On the petals, the 8-lettered Narayana mantra. OM namo Narayanaya

On the face of each petal shri bija.

Then the first round.

Then the 12-petalled.

On them, the 12-lettered Vasudeva mantra. (OM namo bhagavate vasudevaya)

As well as on their fronts, in all directions. In a circular manner.

On the petals hum phat with the 12-lettered Rama mantra – (OM namo bhagavate ramachandraya .)

On the front of the petal, Maya bija (kiiM).

On the front of each in two circles – hram, sram, bhram, bram, bhramam, shrum, jram. Then in a circle.

Thereafter, the 32-petalled.

On them, the king of mantra-s – Nrisimha anushtubh.

On front of these, the 8 vasu-s, 11 rudra-s, 12 aditya mantra-s, along with OM and namo, in sequence, in dative case.

Outside and surrounding is vashat.

Then the Bhupura of three lines.

In 12 directions, adorned with the rashi-s (Zodiac signs).

Abiding there the 8 naga-s (serpents).

In the 4 directions, the Narasimha bija.

In the intermediate directions, the Varaha bija.

This all-encompassing yantra fulfills all wishes and grants liberation.

Beginning with the 1–lettered and ending with the 9-lettered (mantra-s), this is the yantra and the tenth becomes the avarana (covering for it).

One should worship Raghava, with ‘anga-nyasa’, in the center of the hexagon.

In the first round, the anga-nyasa is done at all the corners.

At the root of the 8 petals, the initial cover of oneself.

Then the covering by Vasudeva and others.

At the base of the second 8-petals, the ‘cow covering’.

Then covers of Hanuman and other.

For the 12-petalled, Vasishtha covering.

For the 16-petalled, the blue lotus covering.

For the 32-petalled, Dhruva covering.

In the Bhupura, Indra covering.

Outside this is the vajra covering.

Offering thus, one should silently chant.

Now, the altar is described for the mantras starting with 10 syllables and ending with 32 syllables.

First the hexagon.

In its center the name of the ‘ishta’.

Thus surrounded by Kama bija.

The remaining nine surround this.

At the six corners, the 6-fold anga-nyasa, in the front and back of the intermediate directions (S-E, N-E, N-W, S-W).

On the face, the Shri-Maya (bija)

In the corners, krodha.

Then the first round.

Then the 8-petals; on the petals, garlands of syllables, in multiples of 6. In a circular manner.

Surrounding this, in all directions.

Outside this the Bhupura, with 8 spear-points.

In all directions, Narasimha and Varaha.

This is the Great Yantra.

Adhara-shakti (basic power) is the seat of Vishnu’s worship.

The first round is of anga-nyasa.

In the center, Rama.

On the left, Sita.

In their front, the bow and the arrow.

At the base of the 8 petals, two avarana-s of Hanuman.

The third avarana of cow.

Fourth of Indra.

Fifth of Vajra.

Thus worshipping the yantra with devotion, one should recite the 10-lettered and other mantra-s.

Thus ends the Third Chapter of Rama-Rahasya Upanishad.

Fourth Chapter

Sanaka and other ascetics asked Hanuman: ”Describe the ritual for recitation of Rama mantras.“

Hanuman replied, “The one who intends to recite this mantra should follow the following procedures:

1. He should bathe thrice a day.

2. He should take only sathvic foods like milk, roots, fruits or naivedya (rice pudding offered to the God)

3. He should follow the prescribed Karmas of the stage of his life (Brahmachari, Grahastha, Vanaprastha or Sanyasi)

4. He should give up the six negative emotions like anger, jealousy etc.

5. He should observe purity and practice dispassionate speech.

6. He should also observe dispassionate action and show respect to all women.

7. He should observe celibacy and sleep on the bare ground.

8. He should not have any desires.

9. He should be devoted to his teacher.

10. He should scrupulously observe bath, worship, recitation, meditation and oblation to the fire.

11. He should meditate with utmost concentration on Rama as instructed by his teacher.

12. He should invoke the sun, moon, Teacher, lamp, cow, Brahmin, etc.

13. The ascetic doing this japa should sit on a tiger skin and adopt postures prescribed like the Swasthikasana in rotating sequence.

14. He should seat himself below plants like Thulasi or trees like Parijata, Bilwa etc.

15. He should count using a rosary whose beads are either made of thulasi plant or use rudraksha.

16. The counting should be done mentally using the beads and should be one hundred thousand times at the altar of Maha Vishnu.

17. Tharpana should be offered after every ten total count. After ten counts offer rice pudding, pour over it clarified butter made from cow’s milk and eat what remains after the next tenth portion.

18. After this along with chanting flowers have to be offered along with the chanting of moola mantra,.

The ascetic who does this japa becomes liberated in life and the supernatural powers follow him like a bride follows her groom.

This Rama-mantra is not only a means to liberation, but if you remember me who am Rama’s servant, it will ensure success in these worldly affairs too.

To the one who for ever remembers Rama with total devotion as the final refuge of the mind, I am empowered to fulfill all their chosen wishes.

Towards the task of fulfillment of the wishes of the devotees of Rama, I – as an expert in carrying out Rama’s commands - am always wholly alert.

Thus ends the Fourth Chapter of Rama-rahasya Upanishad.

Fifth Chapter [Conclusion]

Sanaka and other ascetics asked Hanuman: “ Tell us the meaning of Sri Rama mantra”.

Hanuman replied: “Among the Rama mantras the 6-lettered is the king among them all; though as mentioned earlier they exist as one-, or two-, or three, or four, or five syllables or even as six-, or seven-, or eight, or even as many more syllables. Lord Shiva knows in essence the glory of the six-syllables (mantra);

[ shri Ramah sharanam mama! ].

The true meaning of the king among the Rama mantras, as well as of the eight-lettered Narayana and five-lettered Shiva mantras, is spoken of as thus:

Where yogi-s revel in the 2 syllable mantra viz. ‘Ra ma’ where the ra syllable denotes fire wherein abides illumination.

Its nature as Existence-Consciousness-Bliss is regarded as the supreme meaning, the consonant denoting the unchanging Brahman, and the syllable the energy of manifestation.

Know that Consonants joined to Syllables are used in breathing; the sound ‘r’, of the nature of light, is therefore used in action.

The sound ‘ma’, is known as ‘maya’ indicating prosperity; being itself the seed-letter (bijakshara) is also equal to Brahman itself.

With the ‘bindu’ (anusvara), the Purusha takes on the form of Shiva-Sun-Moon, the flame as the crest, and the sound as the Prakriti.

Both Purusha and Prakriti jointly are considered as Brahman; the bindu, sound and the indwelling seed-letter as Fire and digits of the Moon.

Fire and OM by their very nature abide in the seed-syllables of Rama, just as the great tree in the mundane life is contained in its seed.

Similarly, in the seed-syllables Rama, is contained this whole moving and unmoving world. The name Rama is thus regarded as the seed with both these meanings.

When freed of the Maya-seed (kiim), the Supreme Spirit is said to exist (alone). This grants liberation to aspirants, and the ‘ma’ sound is regarded as the liberator.

Formless ‘ma’ in Rama is the grantor of enjoyment and liberation.The first letter ‘ra’ stands for the term ‘tat’ (That), and ‘ma’ stands for the term ‘tvam’ (You).

The wise knower of Truth declare that the confluence of the above two terms end in the meaning ‘asi’ (Are). The word ‘namah’ has the meaning of tvam (you) and tat is denoted by the word Rama.

When used in the dative case (Ramaya), the meaning asi (are) is indicated in the mantra. Wherefore, the sentence ‘tattvamasi’ grants the unitive salvation.

Therefore, this (mantra) giver of enjoyment and liberation surpasses the afore-said sentence (tattvamasi). All embodied human beings are qualified for this mantra.

For those desiring liberation, the dispassionate ones, as well as house-holders and in all stages of life, constant meditation of OM, and especially for ascetics, is enjoined; for the knower of the meaning of Rama-mantra doubtless become liberated while alive.

One who studies this Upanishad becomes sanctified by fire, purified by air, is freed from the sin of consuming intoxicants or of theft of gold or of the slaying of a Brahmin.

One who recites the Rama-mantra repeatedly merges in Ramachandra himself.

Therefore, this sacred hymn: Those whoever say “I am Rama in essence”, will not feel any want in this life, and without a doubt is Rama Himself”.

This is the Truth. This is the Upanishad.

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

Here ends the Rama-Rahasyopanishad, as contained in the Atharva-Veda.

gokulkr · April 10, 2009

Rama Tapaniya Upanishad*

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

I. Rama Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

The Tatva (principle/philosophy) of Rama exists in this world, with his life showing the way to live, with his name showing the way of ethereal knowledge, and also blessing all those who meditate or worship it with wealth and renunciation.

The word ‘Rama’ on which yogis devote themselves is immeasurable and forever joyful and indicates Para Brahman itself.

The body has been ascribed to Para Brahman which is holy, without any second, which does not have any blemishes and which is bodiless, so that the worshippers are shown the path. 1

Similar to the whole banyan tree existing in the seed of the banyan tree, the entire world exists in the seed “Rama”. 2

Rama when incarnated shone along with Sita, who is nature herself, like the moon shining with its moonlight. He who was born to Mother Kousalya, was black in colour, wore yellow silk, had his hair made up, wore ear studs and chains of precious stones, had in his hand the bow, had two hands, had a very pleasant smiling face and was heroic and blessed with victory and ruled with the help of eight ministers lead by Drishti. He was keeping the Parameshwari who was the mother of the world, who was nature, who had two hands, who was well made up and was holding lotus flower in her hand, on his lap and lightly embracing her. 3

He with Sita formed a triangle with Lakshmana who was holding a bow in his hand and was golden in colour. The devas approached him who was sitting below “the wish giving tree” in the form of a triangle and prayed, “Our salutations to you, who is personification of passion and illusion and also a god primeval to Vedas. Our salutations to the Raghu Veera, who killed Ravana, who is drowned in joy by keeping Goddess Lakshmi on his chest, who is the personification of all souls, who is an ornament to the body of Janaki (daughter of Janaka), who killed Rakshasas, who is very handsome and who is personification of all that is good.” 4

The devas further told “Hey, the killer of Ravana, please give us your protection and your grace.” Then they were with him and became very happy. 5

On his left with Satrugna, on his right with Bharata and on his front Hanuman who was listening to his advices, there was another triangle. Below Bharata was Sugreeva and below him was Vibheeshana. Behind him Lakshmana was holding an umbrella and below him Vibheeshana and Sugreeva were holding fans made of palm leaves. This was another inverted triangle. So the long armed Lord Rama who was shining was meditating in between this figure with six vertices. This is the first row surrounding him. The second is surrounded by Vasudeva and others (Santhi, Sankarshana, Sree Pradyumna, Saraswathi, Anirudha and Rathi) as well as fire and others in different directions.

Third is surrounded by Hanuman, Sugreeva, Bharata, Vibheeshana, Lakshmana, Angada, Jambhavan, Satrugna as well as Drushti, Jayantha, Vijaya, Surashtra, Rashtra Vardhana, Ashoka, Darmapala and Sumandra.

Fourth is surrounded by the 10 dig-balakas (protectors of directions) viz., Indra, Agni (fire God), Yama (god of death), Nirruthi, Varuna, Chandra, Isana, Brahma and Anantha.

Fifth is beyond the Dig-balakas and consists of their principal arms viz., Vajra, Shakthi, Danda, Vara, Pasa, Angusa, Gada, Soola, Madma and chakra; these should be worshipped.

Sixth: After the arms, Neela and other monkeys. Vasishta, Vamadeva and other sages worship him. He should be meditated and worshipped. 6

Thus worship Sri Rama who has the form which is the foundation of this world and who is forever joyful. All people who worship him as the one carrying mace, sword, conch and lotus and who is known as the one who removes births and deaths will attain salvation.

Thus ends the Sri Rama Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad.

II. Rama Uttara Tapaniya Upanishad

Om ! May my speech be based on (i.e. accord with) the mind;

May my mind be based on speech.

O Self-effulgent One, reveal Thyself to me.

May you both (speech and mind) be the carriers of the Veda to me.

May not all that I have heard depart from me.

I shall join together (i.e. obliterate the difference of) day

And night through this study.

I shall utter what is verbally true;

I shall utter what is mentally true.

May that (Brahman) protect me;

May That protect the speaker (i.e. the teacher), may That protect me;

May that protect the speaker – may That protect the speaker.

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

In Varanasi Lord Shiva did Japa (chanted) of the Rama Mantra. Pleased because of this, Sri Rama told Lord Sankara as follows:

In this temple (city) whoever worships me with devotion, I would help him get rid of sins like Brahma Hathi (killing of a Brahmin). Those of them who get the six letter mantra (Ram Ramaya NamaH) either from you or Brahma or his disciple line, would live with mastery over the mantra or attain salvation. At the time of death, if you tell this mantra in their ears, they would get salvation. 1

Brahma then thought in his mind about that Maha Vishnu, who is the foundation of this world, who is that Narayana, who does not have any deficiencies and who is that Parameshwara, who is of the form of Para Brahman and who is full of complete joy and then worshipped him as follows: 2

Om! He who is Ramachandra is verily the God. He is the ‘non-dual soul of great happiness’. I salute him again and again in earth, bhuvar loka and Suvar loka. 3.1

This is followed by the repetition of the mantra 47 times with modification of the words with in quotes viz. “non-dual soul of great happiness’.

Only this portion is being translated below. This should be appropriately replaced in the mantra. 3.1

Far-flung and wide soul of the senses; 3.2

Nectar of happiness of Brahma; 3.3

One who makes us cross the birth and death; 3.4

One who is the soul of Gods like Vishnu and Indra; 3.5

One who is all Vedas, all Shakhas (branches), all Sankhyas and all Puranas (epics); 3.6

One who is the soul of all beings; 3.7

One who is the inner soul of all beings; 3.8

One who is the perception of Devas, Asuras and Human beings; 3.9

One who has taken the ten incarnations like fish, tortoise etc; 3.10

One who is the soul; 3.11

One who is soul of the inner consciousness; 3.12

One who is God of death; 3.13

One who is the destroyer; 3.14

One who is the death; 3.15

One who is the nectar; 3.16

One who is the five great elements; 3.17

One who is the soul of moving and unmoving; 3.18

One who is the five fires; 3.19

One who is the seven Vyahruthis; 3.20

One who is learning; 3.21

One who is Goddess Saraswati; 3.22

One who is Goddess Lakshmi; 3.23

One who is Goddess Parvati; 3.24

One who is the daughter of Janaka; 3.25

One who is the three worlds; 3.26

One who is the Sun; 3.27

One who is the moon; 3.28

One who is the stars; 3.29

One who is the nine planets; 3.30

One who is the eight protectors of directions; 3.31

One who is the eight Vasus; 3.32

One who is the eleven Rudras; 3.33

One who is the twelve suns; 3.34

One who is the past and future; 3.35

One who is the Supreme Being beyond the Brahmanda (universe); 3.36

One who is Hiranyagarbha; 3.37

One who is nature; 3.38

One who is the letter Om; 3.39

One who is half portion of Pranava; 3.40

One who is the greatest Purusha (man); 3.41

One who is the great God; 3.42

One who is a great deva; 3.43

One who is Lord Vishnu; 3.44

One who is the Paramatma; 3.45

One who is the scientific soul; 3.46

One who is the soul which is forever in eternal bliss. 3.47

The great God would be pleased with the one who worships the Lord of Lords daily by these 47 mantras .The one who worships the Lord of Lords with this mantra will see him in person. He would attain a deathless state. He will attain the deathless state.

Thus ends the Sri Rama Uttara Tapaniya Upanishad.

Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;

May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !

May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,

Praising them with our body and limbs steady !

May the glorious Indra bless us !

May the all-knowing Sun bless us !

May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !

May Brihaspati grant us well-being !

Om ! Let there be Peace in me !

Let there be Peace in my environment !

Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !

Here ends the Rama-Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the Atharva-Veda.

* This Upanishad is of two parts viz., Poorva Tapaniya and Uttara Tapaniya.

gokulkr · April 10, 2009

Mohini Avathar

Sri Vishnu took the avathar of Mohini and the same is found in Thiru Moghur divya desam. The worship of Sri Sudharsana alwar is also said to be special in this Divya desam.

gokulkr · April 10, 2009

Gayatri Ramayana

The Valmiki Ramayana contains 24,000 verses. Sage Valmiki has hidden the 24 Beejaaksharas (seed letters) of the sacred Gayatri Mantra in these 24000 verses (one Beejaakshara per thousand verses). The above collection of 24 verses which carry the 24 Beejaaksharas is called as Gayatri Ramayana. It is said that by chanting this everyday, one will acquire the same merit as one acquires by chanting the entire Ramayana.

Tapassvaadhyaaya niratam tapasvee vaagvidaam varam

Naaradam paripaprachcha vaalmeekir muni pungavam 1

Sa hatvaa raakshasaan sarvaan yajnaghnaan raghu nandana

Rishibhih poojitah samyak yathendro vijayaa puraa 2

Vishvaamitrah sa dharmaatmaa shrutvaa janaka bhaashitam

Vatsa raama dhanuh pashya iti raaghavamabraveet 3

Tushtaavaasya tadaa vamsham pravishya sa vishaam pateh

Shayaneeyam narendrasya tadaasaadya vyatishthata 4

Vana vaasam hi sanjaaya vaassamsi aabharanaani cha

Bhartaaram anugachchantyai seetayai shwashuro dadou 5

Raajaa satyam cha dharmashcha raajaa kulavataam kulam

Raajaa maataa pitaa chaiva raajaa hitakaro nrinaam 6

Nireekshya sa muhoortam tu dadarsha bharato gurum

Utaje raamam aaseenam jataa valkala dhaarinam 7

Yadi buddhih kritaa drashtum agastyam tam mahaa munim

Adyaiva gamane buddhim rochayasva mahaa yashah 8

Bharatasya aarya putrasya shwashroonaam mama cha prabho

Mriga roopam idam vyaktam vismayam janayishyati 9

Gachcha sheeghram ito rama sugreevam tam mahaa balam

Vayasyam tam kuru kshipramito gatvaadya raaghava 10

Desha kalou prateekshyasya kshama maamanah priyaa priye

Sukha duhkha sahah kaale sugreeva vashago bhava 11

Vandyaaste tu tapassidhaah tapanaa veeta kalmashaah

Prashtavyaah chaapi seetaayaah pravrittim vinayaanvitaih 12

Sa nirjitya pureem shreshthaam lankaam taam kaama roopineem

Vikramena mahaa tejaa hanoomaan maarutaatmajah 13

Dhanyaa devaah sa gandharvaah siddhaashcha paramarshayah

Mama pashyanti naatham raamam raajeeva lochanam 14

Mangaalaabhi mukhee tasya saa tadaaseen mahaa kapeh

Upatasthe vishaalaakshee prayataa havya vaahanam 15

Hitam mahaartham mritu poorva samhitam

Vyateeta kaalaayati sampratikshamama

Vishamya tadvaakyam upasthita jvarah

Prasangavaan uttaram etadabraveet 16

Dharmaatmaa rakshasaam shreshthah sampraaptoyam vibheeshanah

Lankaishvaryam dhruvam shreemaan ayam praapnotyakantakam 17

Yo vajrapaataashani sannipaataa-

Nna chukshubhe naapi chachaala raajaa

Sa raama baanaabhihato bhrishaartha-

Shchachaala chaapam muhocha veerah 18

Yasya vikramamaasaadya raakshasaa nidhanam gataah

Tam manye raaghavam veeram naaraayanam anaamayam 19

Na te dadrishire raamam dahantam ari vaahineem

Mohitaah paramaastrena gaandharvena mahaatmanaa 20

Pranamya devataabhyashcha braahmanebhyashcha maithilee

Baddhaanjali putaa chedam uvaachaagni sameepatah 21

Chalannat parvatendrasya ganaa devaashcha kampitaah

Chachaala paarvatee chaapi tadaashlishtaa maheshvaram 22

Daaraah putraah puram raashtram bhogaachchaadana bhojanam

Sarvamevaa vibhaktam no bhavishyati hareeshvara 23

Yaameva raatrim shatrughnah parnashaalaam samaavishat

Taameva raatreem seetaapi prasootaa daaraka dvayam 24

Idam raamaayanam kritsnam gaayatree beeja samyutam

Trishandhyam yah pathennityam sarva paapaih pramuchyate.

Amlesh · April 10, 2009

Would you like to elaborate please.

gokulkr · April 11, 2009

Ahalya Krutha Rama Stotram

[The prayer to Lord Rama by Ahalya]

[This prayer is taken from Adhyathma Ramayana. Ahalya was cursed by her husband Sage Gouthama to become a stone. She got back her form when Lord Rama's feet touched her.]

Aho krutharthosmi Jagan nivasa,

They padabhja samlagna raja ganath aham,

Sprusami yath padma sankaradhibhir,

Vimrusyathe randhitha manasai sada.

1

Oh God of the universe,

I am grateful to you,

For touching me with,

The dust. Of your feet,

For it is being longed for,

By Lord Brahma and Shiva,

With sadness in not getting it and with longing.

Aho vichithram, thava rama cheshtitham,

Manushyabhavena, vimohitham Jagath,

Chalasya jasram charanadhi varjitha,

Sampoorna ananada mayothi mayika.

2

Your actions are strange Rama,

For you attract the world in a human form,

And the world is made to believe in it,

You keep about moving everywhere,

When you do not have any legs,

And with your complete happiness,

You are everywhere, which is strange!

Yath pada pankaja paraga vichithra gathra,

Bhageeradhi bhava virinchi mukhan punathi,

Sakshath sa eva mama drug vishayo yadasthe,

Kim varnyatha mama pura krutha bhaga deyam.

3

How can I describe the holy deeds,

Committed in my previous births,

For I am able to see in human form,

You ,whose dust of feet makes the river Ganga,

Purify Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva.

Marthya vathare manuja kruthim harim,

Ramaabhidheyam ramaneeya dehinam,

Dhanurdharam padma lola lochanam,

Bhajami nithyam, na paran bhajishye.

4

I am going to pray him daily,

Who is named Rama,

Who is but the human incarnation,

Of the great Lord Vishnu,,

Who has a pretty body,

Who is armed with a bow,

And who has broad lotus like eyes,

And I will not pray any body else.

Yath pada pankaja raja sruthibhivimrugyam,

Yannabhi pankajabhava kamalasanascha,

Yannama sara rasiko Bhagawan purari,

Tham ramachandramanisam hrudhi bhavayami.

5

I always pray that Ramachandra,

The dust of whose feet is being searched by Vedas,

Whose belly gave rise to Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus,

And whose name is being constantly meditated by Shiva.

Yasyavathara charithani virincha loke,

Gayanthi Naradamukha bhava padma jadhya,

Aanandaja sruparishiktha kuchagra seema,

Vagheeswari cha thamaham saranam prapadhye.

6

I seek the protection of Him,

Whose story of incarnation,

Is being sung in the land Of Brahma,

By Brahma, Shiva, Narada and others,

And also sung by goddess Saraswathi,

Whose busts are made wet by her tears of joy.

Soyam paramathma purusha purana,

Esha swayamjyothir anantha aadhya,

Mayathanum loka vimohaneeyam,

Dathe paranugraha esha rama.

7

This Rama is the greatest God ,

And the God who is very ancient,

He is shining with his own light,

And he is the first man and without end,

He has a body which by its powers,

Bewitches the entire world,

He is also the one who,

Blesses others forever.

Ayam hi viswothbhava samyamana,

Meka swa maya guna bhibhitho ya,

Virinchi vishnweeswara nama bhedhan,

Dathe swathanthra paripoorna athma.

8

Is he not the prime reason for,

Creation , upkeep and destruction of the world?

And is he not same as Brahma, Shiva,

And as Vishnu but looks different by illusion?

He is independent, complete and is the soul.

Namosthuthe Rama thavangri pankajam,

Sriya drutham vakshasi lalitham priyath,

Aakranthamekena jagath thrayam pura,

Dhyeyam muneendryai mana varjithai.

9

My salutations to your lotus like feet Rama,

For these feet are being kept on her heart by Lakshmi,

And this is the feet which conquered three worlds,

And is being meditated by sages ,

Who do not have any pride of I.

Jagathamadhi bhoothasthvam jagathwam jagadasraya,

Sarva bhootheshwa sambanda eko bhathi bhavaan para.

10

You are the first in the universe,

You are the basis of the universe,

Alone and as the primeval God,

You shine in all beings.

Omkara vachyasthvam, Rama, vachama vishaya pumaan,

Vachya vachaka bhedhena bhavaneva jagan maya.

11

Oh Rama, you are the meaning of Om,

You are the true Purusha who is beyond words,

You are words, you are their meaning,

And you have spread all over the world.

Karya karana karthruthwa phala sadhana bhedatha,

Eko vibhasi rama thwam mayaya bahu roopaya.

12

Oh Rama You are the act, the cause and the doer,

By the differing results obtained,

Though you are only one,

You shine in different forms.

Thwan maya mohitha dhiya sthwam najananthi thathwatha,

Manusham thwabhimannyanthe mayinam parameshwaram.

13

Due to the veil thrown by your illusion,

Even wise people are no able to know you,

They think that you who are the great God,

Who has suppressed his form using illusion,

As a very ordinary human being.

Akasavathwam sarvathra bahiranthargatho ramala,

Asam gohyachalo nithya shudho budha sadavyaya.

14

Like the sky you are outside and inside,

You are clear, you are stable, you are perennial,

You are clean, you are wise and without change.

Yoshin moodahamagnathey thathwam jane kadam vibho,

Thasmathe sathaso Rama namaskuryamananyadhi.

15

Hey Rama, I am a fool who is ignorant,

And how do I know your real self,

So keeping my mind permanently in you,

I salute you again and again.

Deva mey yathra kuthrapi sthithaya api sarvadha,

Thwat pada kamala saktha bhakthireva sadasthu mey,

16

Hey God, Wherever I stay, May I always,

Have devotion to your lotus like feet.

Namasthe purushadhyaksha, Namasthe bhaktha vathsala,

Namosthesthu hrishikesa, Narayana namosthuthe.

17

Salutations to the leader of men,

Salutations to him who is dear to his devotees,

Salutations to him who controls his senses,

Salutations to Lord Narayana.

Bhava bhyaharamekam bhanu koti prakasam,

Kara drutha sara chapam, Kalameghavabhasam,

Kanaka ruchira vasthram, rathnavath kundaladyam,

Kamala visadha nethram, sanujam rama meede.

18

I salute that Lord Rama,

Who destroys sorrows of birth and death,

Who is only one,

Who shines like crores of Suns,

Who wears arrows and bow in his hand,

Who shines like the black rain bearing cloud,

Who wears silk of golden colour,

Who wears ear studs made of gems,

Who has eyes like lotus,

And who appears with his brother.

Sthuthaivam purusham sakshad raghavam puratha sthitham,

Parikramya pranmyasu sanugnatha yayaou patheem.

19

After praying thus That Purusha,

Who is the real Lord Rama,

She went round him,

Saluted him, and went,

To her Husband.

Ahalya krutham, sthothram, ya padeth bhakthi samyutha,

Samuchyathe akhilai papai para brahmadhi gachathi,

20

He who reads with devotion,

This prayer composed by Ahalya,

Would get rid of all his sins,

And reach the position of ultimate Brahmam.

Puthrathyarthe padeth bhakthya, rama hrudhi vidhayacha,

Samvathsarena labhathe vandhya api suputhrakam.

Sarvan kamanavapnothi, Ramachandra prasadatha.

21

She who keeps Rama in her mind,

And reads this with devotion,

With a view to get a child,

Will get a child within a year,

Even if she is barren.

And would get all her wishes fulfilled,

By the blessings of Lord Ramachandra.

Brahmagno guru thalpa gopipurusha stheyisuraapopivaa,

Mathru brathru vihimsakopi sathatham bhogaikabadhadhara,

Nithyam sthothramidhamjapanraghupathim bhakthya hrudistham smaran,

Dhyayan mukthimupaithi kim punarasou swachara yuktha nara.

22

Even he who has killed a Brahmin,

Who had sex relations with teacher's wife,

Who steals others property,

Who drinks alcoholic drinks,

Who has killed his mother or brother,

And who is always engaged in passionate acts,

Will surely get salvation,

If he thinks of Lord Rama in his mind,

And recite and meditate on this prayer daily,

So what shall we say of one who is good natured?

Ahalya krutha Rama Stotram Sampoornam

Thus ends the prayer on Rama composed by Ahalya.

gokulkr · April 11, 2009

Long ago, the Indiran and all the other devars were given the sabham to loose all of their wealth and their power. They got frightened on the Asurars and seeked the help of Sriman Narayanan. To regain their lost power, Sri Emperumaan said that he will help them out in gaining their lost power and advised them to get out the Amirdham (nector) from the paarkadal.

At the same time, the Asuras also wanted their existing power to increase, thereby came to extract the Amirdham from paarkadal. At that time, Sri Vishnu to the Avathaar of Kurma, thereby helping to extract the nector.

The devars are found on one side and the Asuras are found on the other side, thereby trying to extract the Nector. The first thing to come of it is the "Kaala Khoota Visham" (the poison). Since, this being a dreadful poison, Lord Shiva came and swallowed it and thereby got the name as "Neela Kandan". Since the person's body turns blue after the poison taken, and since the poison stayed on the neck of Lord Shiva, he is given the name as "Neela Kandan" Neela - means blue and Kandan - means the neck.

And after the poison came out, lots of good things came out of it to enrich the world. Dhanvanthri, the doctor of perumal, 60 crores dancing Rambhais, their friends, a horse by named "Ucchai Siravaran", the spritual and the wealth giving cow, the Kaama dhenu, Iyaravadha elephant,which was given as the Vaahanam (Vehicle) of Indiran, Kousthuvamani, Sri Lakshmi, Moodevi the tree Karpaga Virutsham, the tree that gives lots of wealth. Varuna Kumari Vaaruni came out. These are the things that emerged out of the Paarkadal, while the Asuraas and the Devars where trying to extract the Amirdham.

And finally, the Amirdham, for which they we trying to get came from Paarkadal. Sriman Narayanan doesnt want it to go to the Asuras since that might even increase the strength of them, more. So to help out the Devars in regaining their power, he took an another form (or) avathaar of Mohini, a beautiful women. The beauty of the Mohini could be explained, since it was so beautiful and the people who see her gets disturbed. The Emperumaan, who took the form of Mohini and decided that he will distribute the Amirdham for both Devas and Asuraas. They both agreed for this. On seeing the beauty of Mohini, the Asuraas didn't care much about the Amirtham and all were attracted by the beauty of Mohini. At that time, Sriman Narayanan gave all the Amirdham to the Devars and helped them in getting back their lost power.

There is another sweet story of why the perumal took the Mohini avathaar. Sri Lakshmi, who came out of the Paarkadal was so beautiful women in the world. But, by taking Mohini Avathaar the perumal has reduced her thought that she is not only the beautiful women, but some more are there.

On seeing the beauty of Mohini avathaar, Lord Shiva was too got attracted towards the beauty and as a result of this only from the Gnana eye of Lord Shiva, Lord Iyyappan was born. The name "Moghur" was given to this sthalam, only because of the beauty of Mohini avathaar taken by Sriman Narayanan.

Moghur Emperumaan, who is also called as "Kaalameghap perumal" is found as the same way like Sri Varadharajar is found in Kanchi, having the Gadha in his left hand and the right hand is positioned in such way that it gives the varam for hsi bhaktas in Nindra kolam facing east direction.

The temple is surrounded by huge walls and outside the temple we found the "Ksheeraapthi Pushkarani". First is found the entrance of the temple which is facing to the east direction on entering in to the Vaasal, we can find the "Kambatthadi Mandapam". In this mandapam, the stone carved beautiful statues of chinna Marudhu and Periya Marudhu statues are found, who helped for the welfare of this temple. Next to it is found the Garuda Mandapam. In this mandapam, we can see the sculptures of Kothanda Ramar, Sita piratti, Lakshmanan, Kama devan, Rathi devi are found and also a small sannadhi for Garudan is found after this mandapam.

As we enter the temple, on the southern side, a separate sannadhi for the perumal is found where he gives his seva in Sayana thirukkolam (Sleeping kolam) along with Sridevi and Bhoomi pirattiyaar. He is found underneath the Aadhiseshan, the bed of the perumal. There are also 7 sayana thirukkolam of this perumal is found and they are :

Bogha Sayanam.
Veera Sayanam.
Sthala Sayanam.
Aanandha Sayanam.
Bala Sayanam.
Uthana Sayanam and
Prathana Sayanam.

Prathana sayanam is the peculiar type of sayanam of the perumal and it is one of the rare position of to be found. The thaayars are found along the feet of the perumal in sitting position and praying towards him to give his darshan for their devotees.

And after finally seeing these, we can find the Moolavar sannadhi, where the Kaalamegapperumal is giving his seva with his erect body well stretched and on the right hand is positioned in such a way, it gives varam for the devotees and on the left hand is found the Gadha and found along with Periya Pirattiyaar and Bhoomi Pirattiyaar in Nindra thirukkolam facing along the east direction.

Kaala megham means dark clouds that bears the rain in it and since the rain drops on to the earth to the perumal is named "Kaalamegapperumal" giving all the necessary varams that people needs.

The special things that has to be explained about this sthalam is the sudharsana Alwar who is found in this sthalam. He is one of the Panja Aayutham of Sri Vishnu. The Sudharsana Alwar is found with sixteen hands with 16 different weapons in his hands. He is found in "Prathyaaleetha" position which means a person in running to help the bhaktas, who worship him.

To the back side of Sudharsana alwar, is found Narasimhar in yoga position. He is found along with Chakra and Sangu in his hands. Both the Moolavar and the Utsavar Vigraham are so identical and it is very rare to see both in the same way. Both, the Sudharsana Alwar and Narasimhar are surrounded by the rays of flame of the fire.

gokulkr · April 12, 2009

http://www.ramanuja.org

To know more about Sri Sri Ramanujacharya please visit above link

gokulkr · April 14, 2009

Ekapathni Sevai

Sri Vishnu gives as the "Ekapathini" (giving His seva along with one Naachiyar) Sevai in Sri Villiputhoor, Thiru Maalirunsolai, Thiru meyyam, Thirukkurungudi and Thirukkotiyoor divyadesam and in Nava tirupathi Divyadesam.

gokulkr · April 15, 2009

<table title="Know anout our Hindu Religion" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="619"><tbody><tr align="center" height="25"><td title="Hindu Gods" valign="middle">Chakkrathalwar

</td></tr> </tbody></table> Sriman Narayanan who is considered to be the protecting god and one among the Trimurthies (Brahma – Vishnu – Shivan) has given his seva and dharshan in various forms in various places. This various forms are given to protect the bhaktas from evil, sorrow etc. Chakkrathalwar, who is said to be the Hamsam of Sriman Narayanan and one among his Panja Aayudhams, is giving his seva in each and every Sri Vaishnavite temples to ride away the evil and our sorrows. Now let us know about this Chakkrathalwar in details:

Other names of Chakkrathalwar and his appearance:

Chakkrathalwar is said to be the Hamsam of Sri Vishnu. He is also called with the other names like:

Chakkaram
Sudharsanam
Nemi
Thigiri
Radhaangam
Sudharsanazhwan
ThiruVaazhiazhvan

We can find Chakkrathalwar the hands of the protecting god, Sriman Narayanan, which explains that he has the power to protect the world.

We worship Chakkrathalwar as Sriman Narayanan and there are various forms of Sudharsanan found and they are:

Sudharsanar with 8 hands
Sudharsanar with 16 hands
Sudharsanar with 32 hands

But, in most of the temples, we can find him having 8 or 16 hands, where he is positioned inside the Chakkaram. But, in some temples, we can find Chakkrathalwar in one side and Sri Narasimhar on the other side of the Chakkaram. There is one great message explained in this (i.e.) Sri Chakkrathalwar has the same power of Sri Varahar and Sri Narasimhar, who destroyed Hiranyatshakan and protected Bhooma Devi from him and Sri Narasimhar, who destroyed Hiranyan and protected Parahaladhan are said to be the incarnations (Avathaars) and Sri Vishnu. This Sudharsanar is said to be the found with the power of both these Avathaars. Sri Varahar is Gnana murthy, who gives Gnanam and intelligence. Sri Narasimhar destroys the fear and gives will – power and strength. So, by worshipping Chakkrathalwar, we get both the blessings of Sri Varahar and Sri Narasimhar and will be blessed with Gnana, strength, intelligence, will – power etc.

One among the five:

Thirumaal, Sriman Narayanan is giving his seva along with him Panja Aayudhams (weapons) and they are:

Chakkaram
Sangu
Gadhai (also found along with Anjaneyar and Bheeman)
Sword
Bow.

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Thiru Vinnagar - Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam

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