Irumudi kattu sabarimala neyyabhishekam manikanttunike
Sundaramaiah Nee Rupam Ayyappa Telugu Devotional Songs
Mahabalipuram
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a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators.Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.
Mamallapuram Bathers-
Yet, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Dec-Jan. It is a month long festival and dances take place during the weekends. Classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak etc., are performed by well-known exponents of the art.
Thiruketheeswaram Temple
As the legend unfolds Kethu Bhagavan worshipped Lord Siva at this temple, and that is how the temple got its name Thiruketheeswaram.
This Kovil is one of the main places of worship sights in Mannar. Many Hindus and non-Hindus from all over the country visit this place nearly every day. “We never had to do the evening pooja without devotees. All around the year people visit this Kovil,” said Swami Nithyanandan. “The place is blessed with people,” he added.
The history of the temple goes back to the era of Chola. It is believed to be built in 600 B.C. Another story related to the Kovil says that the father-in-law of Ravana, the king of Lanka, built Thiruketheeswaram. Ravana himself had been a devotee of Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee. Rama, who built the Sivan Temple at Rameshwaram, on his way back to Ayodhya from Lanka, is reputed to have worshipped Lord Siva at the Thiruketheeswaram as well.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Thiruvananthapuram
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The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree
Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Balarama visited this Temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and made several offerings. Nammalwar, 9th century poet and one among the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some well known scholars, writers and historians, like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the view that this Temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago). The legends of the Temple are handed down through the centuries. One such legend which finds a place in the old palm leaf records of the Temple, as also in the famous grantha entitled “Ananthasayana Mahatmya”, mentions that it was consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit named Divakara Muni.
On the 950th year of Kali Yuga a reinstallation of the idol was done. In the 960th Kali year King Kotha Marthandan built the Abhisravana Mandapam.
Darshan Timing
Morning
Darshan Timing
Morning
03.30 am to 04.45 am (Nirmalya Darshanam)
06.30 am to 07.00 am
08.30 am to 10.00 am
10.30 am to 11.10 am
11.45 am to 12.00 Noon
Evening
05.00 pm to 06.15 pm
06.45 pm to 07.20 pm
The above-indicated time schedule is subject to changes during festivals and other special occasions. During the festival occasions the darshan time is reduced in order to performing the special poojas
Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) Amritsar
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Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari (God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.
Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars
(landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.Murukan Temple Kataragama
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Kataragama, the domain of God Skanda (Lord Murugan Katirkaman, Kadirkamam, Subrahmanya, Kandasamy, Kadiradeva, Katiradeva, Katiravel, Kartikeya, and Tarakajith) located in the Deep South of Sri Lanka, adjoining the popular Ruhuna Yala National Park and ancient Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery, is a multi-religious sacred city that contains a Buddhist temple, Hindu shrine and Islamic Mosque. Kataragama, one of the Solosmasthana
(Sinhala: 16 principal sites of Buddhist pilgrimage), features in the history since the era of King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), the Hero of the Nation. Mahawamsa, the great historical chronicle of Sri Lanka reveals the participation of warriors of Kshatriyas clan from Kataragama on the occasion of the arrival of the Bo sapling of Bodhi Tree, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya (Gaya district of the modern Bihar state of India) was brought to the city of Anuradhapura 2,300 years ago. Sri Lankans are convinced of the existence of God Skanda, the deity of Kataragama and his benevolent nature. Many Sinhala Buddhists of Sri Lanka believe that Kataragama deviyo is one of the four guardian deities of the island nation and Buddhism. Among the virtuous personages who had witnessed the god Skanda, is Buddhist monk Balanagoda Ananda Maitreya. (August 23, 1896 – July 18, 1998) who is believed to have achieved a certain lower plain in enlightenment in line with Buddhism by means of two forms of Buddhist meditation called Samatha meditation and Vipassana meditation.
Distance from Colombo: Kataragama is located 283km from Colombo.
Location
19km inland from Tissamaharama lies the small & remote town of Kataragama. Kataragama is one of most popular & most sacred pilgrimages sites of Sri Lanka. Like Adam's Peak, it attracts Sinhalese Buddhists as well as Hindu Tamils. The adored site is visited by Muslims & Christians too.
Town
Kataragama is a small town with clean, tree lined roads with rows of stalls selling garlands & platters of fruit-coconut, mango watermelon. The city, town & the wide shady roads are developed by the late president-ever industrious workhorse-indomitable R. A. Premadasa.
The best Time to visit
The town is at is best bold, bright & busiest during the Kataragama festival, held around the Kandy Esala Perahera pageant in Kandy - two weeks in July & August.
The Journey
Kataragama is easily visited as a day-trip from Tissamaharama. A night's stay at Kataragama provide the opportunity of enjoying the sight of the puja (ritual offerings) in a leisurely manner, you may also imbibe some of the town's backwater charm & laid-back rural pace.
The Setting
Kataragama town spreads out over a small grid of tranquil, leafy streets. The town is separated by the River Menik Ganga ("Gem River") with Sacred Precinct to the north, an area of beautiful parkland overrun by a grey langurs.
The popular river at Kataragama, Menik Ganga (River of Gems)
A short walk from the car park takes us to popular river Menik Ganga ("River of Gems"). We cross the bridge & then steps lead us down to the river which is quite shallow in places. It's a nice & easy river for a leisurely bath(village style) anytime during the day. The area around the river is very attractive with large trees on the banks providing plenty of shade. Pilgrims enjoy their ritual bath in the middle of the river. We cross the bridge to enter the main temple complex. The 300m wide avenue lined with trees leads us to the Hindu temple.
The legend & The history
According to the legend, victorious King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) built the original shrine following his series of long battles against the mighty forces of Dravidian invader, Elara, at Anuradhapura. The legend is God Kataragama helped King Dutugamunu's formidable Sinhalese army to cross the River Menik, which would have been an unassailable mighty river a couple of millennium ago. The history is (Mahawamsa) King Dutugamunu's army was commanded by ten mighty warriors, Nandhimitta, Suranimala, Mahasona, Gothaimbara, Theraputtabhaya (formerly a Buddhist monk, he gave up the Buddhist order for the sole purpose of saving the Sinhalese & Buddhism from the marauding Dravidian invaders), Bharana, Velusumana, Khanjadeva, Phussadeva & Labhiyavasaba, all of them of superhuman strength & courage sans Achilles heel. Those ten mighty ambidextrous warriors of great strength & courage were ably assisted by great battle elephants. Foremost in strength, beauty, shape & the qualities of courage & swiftness & of mighty size of body was the royal elephant Kandula, who broke open the mighty door of impregnable Dravidian fortress at Vijithapura (city of victory), Anuradhapura.
The Sacred Pilgrimage Site of The Benevolent God
To Buddhists, this forest sanctuary is where the Buddha planted a sapling of the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura, sanctifying the spot. To Hindus, Kataragama is the domain of the Hindu war god Skanda. Both Hindu & Buddhist communities believe that Hindu war god Kataragama (Skanda) has the power to intervene benevolently in their affairs & thousands, convinced of the deity's benign influence, journey, to Kataragama for a puja (offering) at the time of embarking on a new venture. But then again it is said "the god help those who help themselves" you better have the moral courage & will to realize your dreams. Those who have the will would find a way. May god also go with those who toil in the High Noon for a Few Dollars More without the lady-luck of McCanna's Gold. And may the adored, benevolent god have mercy on all those Good, Bad and Ugly too. And may the god bless the good guy who wrote this. Amen!
The Ritual
The ritual traditionally involves a bath in the Menik Ganga (The River of Gems), the wearing of clean white clothes & then a walk of several hundred meters along the wide avenue to the temple, bearing offerings of flowers & fruit. Each supplicant light a coconut, then holding it aloft while saying a prayer, before smashing it on the stony ground, hoping for it to split into two nice halves-auspiciously open-a good omen. It's considered inauspicious if the coconut fails to split on the stone. Offerings are made to the god inside the shrine.
Temple Complex
The first building we'll encounter is the Ul-Khizr that houses the tombs of Muslim saints from Kyrgyzstan & India. It is a beautiful small mosque with coloured tile work & wooden lintels. Next to the Muslim Ul- Khizar is Hindu temple of God Shiva. We continue up the main avenue, passing a string of minor shrines, to reach the main shrine, the Maha Devale. The main courtyard is surrounded by an impressive wall decorated with elephant heads, & is entered through an ornate metal gate. The wall as well as the gate is decorated with peacocks, a symbol of the God Katargama.
Sri Lankan Sivan Temple Thirukoneswaram
Thirukoneswaram was one of the temples demolished by the Portuguese. In an effort to conquer and rule a nation, the invaders kill the leaders of the conquered people and destroy their places of worship. Four hundred years ago, no nation in the world opposed this practice. However, history suggests that
the Tamils have preserved their heritage through many
generations and have rebuilt that which was destroyed. Thirukoneswaram, rebuilt in 1963, is an excellent example and illustrates the resilience exhibited by our forefathers.
By 1624, the Portuguese destroyed many ancient temples in Eelam. Berndi Kovil, near Avissavela, in 1552, Muneswaram near Chillaw, in 1575, the Vishnu temple at Dondra, in 1588, Thirukatheeswaram, in 1589, and Nallur Kandasamy Kovin, in 1621, were destroyed. But the Portuguese showed utmost indifference to Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee (Thirukonamalai), until 1622. In 1622, Constantine de Sa de Menzes was alarmed at the possibility of rivals taking possession of the port in Trincomalee. He ruthlessly demolished the ancient temple of Thirukoneswaram, desirous of amassing its wealth as booty, and to use the rubble to fortify the Trincomalee harbor.
It was New Years day of 1624 in Thirukoneswaram. The temple had one thousand pillars and, at that time, esteemed to be one of the richest temples in Southeast Asia. It had in its possession large amounts of gold, pearls, precious stones, and silk, which has been endowed over one thousand years.
Its origins are steeped in antiquity. Thirukonamalai is mentioned in ancient Hindu chronicles of Dekshana Kailasa Puranam, Ramayanam, Kanda Puranam. Accurate timing of these events has not been established. However, these chronicles appear to narrate events that took place approximately four to five thousand years before the birth of Christ.
The local tradition narrates in minute detail, the tragic events that took place on the New Years day of 1624, which led to the destruction of Thirukoneswaram temple. In the morning, the temple was decorated and well lit with eleven oil lamps for the New Year's worship and pooja observances. After the pooja, the customary festival procession proceeded out to the town with a crowd of worshippers.
At this time, Portuguese emissaries and soldiers gained entrance into the temple disguised as Hindu priests. They overpowered the few temple priests and workers who remained in the temple and looted the temple. All the possessions, treasured over a thousand years were carried away.
In the confusion, the few devotees, who escaped, carried away temple belongings they were able to take. These were the articles that were unearthed several years after in 1950 and now form part of the newly built Thirukoneswaram temple. The deities taken in procession were beyond the reach of the vandals and were placed in safety at other temples.
Towards the evening, Portuguese Commander Constantine de Sa delivered an ultimatum to the temple priest. It said that everything valuable in the temple should be surrendered to him at dawn of the following day as he will fire cannons from the ship at the Trincomalee sea and blast the temple down. The priest spent a night in misery. As usual, early in the morning, the temple attendant (pandaram) arrived by boat from Kottiyaram, bringing with him flowers, milk, and ghee for the days puja ceremonies. The priest confided in the Pandaram about the ultimatum. Together, they hatched a plan to save the bronze statues of Konanayakar and Ambal Devi. They left the stone Siva Lingam inside the temple. The Pandaram took these statues and a few remaining pooja utensils (as they were the articles demanded by Portuguese) to Thambalakamam lake for safety.
In the morning, the ultimatum expired and the Thirukoneswaram temple, worshipped by more than five hundred generations was blasted to destruction. The hill on which the temple stood was called Swami Malai. There was no worship at Thirukonamalai for nearly 180 years, until 1803, and no temple for 377 years, until 1963.
The stones from the temple were used to build Fort Trincomalee for the protection of Portuguese rule. Eelam and this Fort changed hands to Dutch, in 1658, and to the British, in1782.
The British, with religious tolerance, allowed worship at Swami Malai. A new generation of Hindus, who survived foreign domination and oppression began to worship at Swami Malai.
It was Arumuga Navalar's clarion call of October 1872,
"[Ceylon] is lucky to have two Saiva temples of which laudatory hymns have been sung by our Saints. Saint Thirugnana Sambantha Moorthi Nayananar sang in praise of the Lord of Trincomalee, and both he and Sundaramurthi Swamigal has sung in praise of the Lord of Thiruketheeswaram,"
that was instrumental in creating an urge for rebuilding the ancient Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. A society of devotees gathered by Arumuga Navalar completed the mission that he started.
The ancient statues made of gold and copper were found in 1944/1950. The initiation ceremony, Maha Kumbebishekam, of the newly built Thirukoneswaram temple took place on April 3, 1963.
The rebuilding of Thirukoneswaram temple is a good illustration of Tamil resilience. Our forefathers preserved the memory of Thirukoneswaram through many generations and finally rebuilt a temple at the same place and installed the same statues.
Lord - Thirukoneswarar
Goddess - Maathumaiyal
Vriksham - Kallalamaram
Theertham - Paavanaasam
Tēvaram padiyavar - Sampanthar
Valipattor - Iravanan (Ramaayana Kaala Ilankai Venthan)
Sri Dandayuthapani (Palani Murugan)
The history of the temple begins from Mount Kailash with a mango fruit brought by Maharshi Narada. Child Muruga left His parents and came to this place as He could not get the mango for not fulfilling the condition to get the fruit. Lord Shiva followed Him. Lord Muruga halted at this place. Mother Parvathi did Her best
for a compromise. But the Son was unrelenting and expressed His desire to stay here itself. A temple came into being for Kuzhandai Velayuthar as He was a child (kuzhandhai) then. Great woman Tamil poet Avvaiyar, known not only for her poetic excellence but also for wisdom, called Muruga Pazham Nee and the place came to be known as Pazhani. Pazham in Tamil means fruit and also ripe knowledge.
Idumban was carrying two hills, Shivagiri and Shakti Giri to Pothigai as commanded by Sage Agasthya. Shivagiri has Lord Shiva attributes and Shaktigiri has that of Mother Parvathi. Idumban placed these mounts down here as he could not bear the weight. Lord Muruga stood on Shaktigiri and refused to come down despite Idumban’s repated demands. When Idumban decided to fight against the Lord, He showered His grace on him and kept with Him. As Muruga was holding a Danda-staff, the Lord came to be known as Dandayuthapani. Siddha Bogar who was here, made an idol of Navapashana (nine herbals) and installed in the temple. He became the presiding deity of the hill temple and became popular among the devotees.
Dandam also means a cane a tool for punishment. Lord Muruga graces here as a teacher explaining the uncertainties of life. As a teacher, He holds the Danda to correct erring pupils. In His ascetic form, Lord Muruga also teach people to shed the natural evils of greed, lust etc. in their mind and be free from passions leading to misery.
Siddha Bogar, living here than was treating people with herbals. He was assisted by his disciple Pulipani. All devotees are indebted to Bogar for gifting us Lord Himself. His monument is within the temple.
The parrot on the Danda of Lord Muruga has a fascinating religious story. All of us know there is parrot in the hands of Mother Meenakshi. There was a wicket poet Sambandandan jealous of saint poet Arunagiriar and thought of a revenge plan to eliminate him. He used his influence on King Prapuda Deva Raya requesting him to ask the saint poet to get the Parijatha flower from heaven to prove his supremacy. Arunagiriar flew into the sky in a parrot form leaving his human form in the Tiruvannamalai tower. This is an exercise called Koodu Vittu Koodu Paithal – leaving the original body form in a safe place and enter into the body of another – for noble purposes. After completing the mission, the performer leaves the adopted body and re-enter into his own.
When Arunagiriar left with his parrot body in search of the Parijatha flower, wicked Sambandandan found the human body of the saint and cremated it so that Arunagiriar cannot re-enter into his original body and appear in his human form and be his competitor. When Arunagiriar was shocked to see his body burnt, Lord Muruga blessed him by having his parrot form in His staff.
Reverting to the Idumban story:
When Idumban challenged Muruga when He refused to come down from the Shaktigiri hill, Lord Vinayaka, elder brother of Lord Muruga came to the rescue of his younger brother. Yet, He had a doubt. Vinayaka won the Mango race which hurt Muruga and may still harbour that anger against him. So Lord Vinayaka took the form of a serpent and began to fight with Idumban. This Vinayaka is on the hill path near Idumban shrine with His leg on a serpent. He is praised as Pada Vinayaka. Padam means foot. Before proceeding on the hill, the devotee should worship Vinayaka here. The footprints of Lord Muruga also are behind Vinayaka.
Tiru Aavinan Kudi is the third army camp (Padaiveedu) of Lord Muruga where He reached after His misunderstanding with parents. As He was a child then, Valli and Deivanai are not with Him here. As Muruga has all Shiva attributes, there are shrines for Lord Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara and Bhairava on the prakara walls of the sanctum sanctorum.
According to tradition, worship of Lord Dandayuthapani in the hill temple should begin from the Peria Avudayar 4 km from this place, Mother Perianayaki and Kuzhandhai Velayuthar shrines are also here.
The name Tiru Aavinankudi is linked with Mahalakshmi (Tiru), Gomatha the cow (Aa), Inan (Sun), Ku (earth) di (fire the Agni) who worshipped Kuzhandhai Velayuthar here. Their idols are in the inner corridor – prakara of the temple.
Lord Muruga also granted a Japa Mala to saint Arunagiriar when he sang the Lord’s praise. The saint has mentioned this in his songs.
Brahmma Theertha is on the north of Palani. On its bank, Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi, Lord Vishnu on His Garuda vehicle and Lord Brahmma on His Swan vehicle appear and grace the devotees. All three Lords are facing west which has its special significance religiously. Worshipping them together ensures total relief from sins, it is believed.
There is a spring on the hill path called Valli Chunai where Muruga graces devotees with Valli in wedding form. Women devotees pray here with the yellow thread (mangal Sutra). Mother Valli also graces sitting alone under the Vilwa tree nearby. Abishek is performed to Nagar (serpent deity) in the Valli Chunai.
Lord Muruga graces His devotees in three forms. 1) The Lord grants darshan in a wedding form with Valli and Deivanai without the peacock vehicle in Periyanayaki temple, 2) as a child on the peacock in Tiru Aavinan Kudi temple and 3) with His Danda-staff in the hill temple. It is indeed a very rare fortune for the devotees to worship the Lord in three forms in a single place.
While Aipasi Annabishekam is performed to Lord Shiva only in temples, it is performed to Lord Muruga in Palani. This is done on the Jeshta star day in the month of Aani at the midday pujas in the hill temple and on the Moola star day in the same month at the Tiru Aavinankudi Kuzhanthai Velayuthar temple during the evening pujas. The Annabishekam is performed to Lord Shiva on the Uthrada star day in the Periyavudayar temple.
Idumba, belonging to the earlier story of carrying two hills to Pothigai, has his shrine on the hill route. Abishek to Idumban is performed at 3.00 a.m. followed by Puja at 5.00 p.m. Pujas to Muruga follows in the hill temple only afterwards. There is a shrine to Idumba on the hill path, appearing with the two hills on his shoulders. There is also a Nandhi before the shrine with his foot prints and of Kadamban.
As Guru, sage Agasthya is in the shrine with Idumba and Kadamba on his side. As the sage also is in the shrine, water Prasad is offered to the devotees from his kamandala, a bowl with a handle used by the Rishis. It is believed that Agasthya himself is offering the Prasad himself that contains rich medicinal properties.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this. Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur. As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple. Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century.
The Lord has been described as Alavai Iraivan in his songs. The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records.
Balram Avathar
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evolutionary angle this avathar marks the
period when human started a settled way of life taking to agriculture- Balarama is pictured as carrying a plough on his shoulders. Being a contemporary of Krishna the spot light is more on Krishna than on Balarama.
Sri Rama Avathar
All arrangements were completed and the cermonies were setin motion strictly as enjoined by the Shastras. Out of the sacrificial fire came a goddess with a vessel of nectar which King dasaratha gave to his queens.
In time Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and satrugun were born. The king was over-joyed and brought them up with great care. They were schooled in all arts, vedas and sasthras. They were so valorous that when the boys were only about 16 years old sage Viswamithra came to the king and complained that 'rakshasas' were obstructing the sage from performing their yagas etc and requested the king to to send Rama with him to kill the demons. Accordingly Rama set forth with the sage and killed all the demons.
King Janakar 0f mathila kingdom was a very pious and righteous ruler. He was long without and issue and prayed to Lord Vishnu for a child. One day when the king was getting his land ploughed he found a female child with a strong bow At the time when Rama with Sage Viswamithra was in forests kill in gall the demons the news came that King Janaka was conducting a'swayam-vara'- ceremony to choose a bride-groom, for sita who was by then grown up as an young maiden. The condition laid down by King Janaka was who-ever broke the 'Shiva-dhanush' that was found along with sita in the field that person would be chosen to marry Sita.
Viswamithra took Rama and Lakshmana to the 'swayamvara' where they were received with the respect due to the princes. A number of princes tried their and in bending the bow but they could not even lift it. However Rama effortlessly lifted the bow and broke into two to the amazement of all present and the delight of sita who was watching the proceedings from a balcony above the hall. Rama married sita with great pomp and pageantry and went back to Ayodhya with his bride and Lakshman and Viswamithra. When it was time king Dasaratha wanted to crown Rama as the king and retire to the forest to devote his time to penance renouncing all pleasures of life. Called 'vana-prastha- asram this is considered the last stage in a man's life. Kaikeyi the third wife of dasaratha and a step-mother to Rama however wanted her son Bharatha to be crowned the king Long time earlier Kaikeyi saved the life of King dasaratha when his chariot over turned. Pleased King Dasaratha Promised kaikeyi two favours she would ask for. She however did not ask for anything at that time but said that she would make her wish known at the appropriate time later.
Now she invoked the promise that King dasaratha had made and asked that Bharatha be crowned the King instead of Rama. Her second wish was that Rama should be banished to the forest and live there for 14 years as an ascetic before returning to the kingdom. King dasaratha was distressed in the extreme as he had a soft corner for Rama as his eldest son. But he was cornered.
When Rama heard about his step mother's wishes he voluntarily steped down in favour of Bharatha and also agreed to go to the forest for 14 years. King dasaratha was saved the unhappy task of telling Rama to do these. But he was very sad at the thought of Rama going to the forest and died broken hearted. Rama was not shown the remains of his father but was hustled into going to the forest. Lakshmana his brother and sita his wife insistedon going with him and reluctantly Rama agreed. So the trio set for thon their 'vana-vasam' (residence in the forest).Bharatha the son of kaikeyi was however not happy to reign over the kingdom as his mother wanted him to but went into the forest in search of Rama to persuade him to return to ayodhya take the crown.When Bharata did meet his brother Rama would not agree to return to the kingdom but insisted that his step-mother's wishes should be fulfilled. So Bharata took the pair of Rama's wooden slippers with him to Ayodhya, kept those on the throne and ruled as the Vice-roy of Rama. Rama set up an 'ashram' in the forest and settled down there with his brother and wife. One day Rama went for a hunt and left Lakshmana behind as a guard for Sita.
The present day Sri lanka was then ruled by the ten-headed demon king Ravana. He was an ardent devotee of lord Shiva and had the distinction of having sung the whole of 'Rig veda' in songs. He attained great prowess doing penance to Lord shiva became power-drunk and mis-ruled over his kingdom leading a life of laxity. Once Ravana's sister Soorpanagai was wandering around in the fore stand ran into Rama and Lakshmana and was struck by the hand some features of the princes. She went up to Rama and spoke to him coylyto entice him but Rama was so much devoted to Sita that he would not countanence any other women in his life. He chasticed her and drove her away.
She next went to Lakshmana with similar intentions. But Lakshmana did not like her obsene manners and to spite her he cut off her nose with his sword. Soorpanaga vowed to take revenge on both the brothers She ran to her brother Ravana and mis-represented her encounter with Rama and Lakshmana. She also told him about the rare beauty of Sita and kindled his desire to possess Sita. So he took the form of a deer and went near the ashram. Sita was so struck by the beauty of the animal and wanted to keep it in the ashram. She asked Rama to bring the deer to her. Rama went after the animal which was running fast taking Rama away from the ashram. At one point the deer gave out a cry "hey Lakshmana"mimicrying the voice of Rama. Sita was panic stricken and thought Rama was in deep trouble and asked Lakshmana to immediately go and see what was wrong. Lakshmana protested that his job was to guard Sita and nothing would have happened to valorous Rama. On Sita's insistence Lakshmana left the ashram to look for Rama. All the while Ravana was watching and when Lakshmana was out of sight pounced upon Sita and carried her away in his sky-chariot to Lanka as his kingdom was called.
Rama was disconsolate when he returned and found sita missing. Heup braided Lakshmana for leaving sita unguarded. On regaining composure they both set forth in search of sita. On their way they saw the wounded jatayu the eagle who told them that he saw Ravanathe King of Lanka carrying away Sita south-ward. Jatayu was wounded by Ravana when he tried to rescue sita.
So Rama and Lakshmana went south-ward towards Lanka in search of Sita. On the way they met Hanuman who became most faithful and devoted to Rama. Through Hanuman Rama got the following of Sugriva and his army of monkeys. Sugriva and his brother Vali had some family quarel and rama siding with Sugriva killed vali. This act bound Sugriva to Rama.
Rama sent Hanuman to search for sita in the south-ward region and scourging around Hanuman found sita in the asoka- vana in Lanka disconsolate and sorrounded by evil ladies. Hanuman met sita and took from her a ring to show to rama that he had indeed found sita and returned to Rama who was over-joyed that his sita was still alive. Rama set forth with the army of monkeys to rescue sita. Knowing the powers of Ravana Rama prayed to lord for strength to fight Ravana and his hordes. Shiva granted him the boon. Armed with this Rama invaded Lanka. After an epic battle he vanquished Ravana and his army and rescued Sita.
By this time the prescribed peiod of 'vana-vasa' was over. So Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman the ever-faithful flew back to Ayodhya in a 'pushpaka- wimana' (sky-chariot bedecked in flowers)They were received by the people of Ayodhya with pomp and pageantry. Rama was crowned the king of Kosala and commenced his glorious rule. This in short is the epic story of Rama the perfect. Mahavishnu took this incarnation to show to the world an example in virtuous living. From another angle this marks the period when human solved as a perfect being in the long process of evolution.
Kalki Avathar
(Avathar yet to come)
paritranaya saadunaam vinashayasa dushkrudham
dharma samsthaba narthaya sambavami yuge yuge
dharma samsthaba narthaya sambavami yuge yuge
(meaning)
Whenever evil over-takes the good and the world is sinking with sins at that time I will come to
annihilate the evil and establish righteousness.
quote ;by Lord Sri Krishna
from Bhagavat Geeta :-
Shri Kashi Vishwanath
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha. Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to
seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers
liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India.
seek benediction and spiritual peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers
liberation from the bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga has a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India.
Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand, Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other spiritual personalities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts visitors not only from India but abroad as well and thereby symbolises man's desire to live in peace send harmony with one another.
Vishwanath being a supreme repository of this spiritual truth thus strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood and fellow feeling at the national as well as global levels. On January 28, 1983 the temple was taken over by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and it's management ever since stands entrusted to a Trust with Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. Former Kashi Naresh, as president and an Executive Committee with Divisional Commissioner as Chairman. The Temple in the present shape was built way back in 1780 by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhana was built up in front of the Temple by the then Collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome still remains uncovered, Ministry of culture & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. is taking keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
Important Festivals
1. Mahashivratri
Shivaratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga. At our temple this festival celebrated with great spritualism.
2. Rangbhari ( Aamlaki) Ekadashi
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii Ekadasii arrived, conjoined with Dvadasi. This particular fast would bestow especially great benefit. Amalakii is offspring of Lord BrahmA, who can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions. Amalakii, is actually the form of Brahman, and was once worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself. Whoever circumambulates her is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.
3. Annakoot
Annakoot is celebrated in observance of the episode in Sri Krishna's childhood, in which He gave protection to the cowherd clan of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra and humbled Indra in that process. The cowherds, their wives, children and cattle jubilantly surrounded Sri Krishna. They were awed by His superhuman accomplishment and celebrated Sri Krishna's feat with a sumptuous feast. Thus began the tradition of Annakoot. After the prayers, traditional worship & Aarti, innumerable varieties of delicious sweets/ all cookings / 56 bhogs were ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deity as "Bhog" and after Lord had it full , now it was citizens turn to approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it. It was a Great Feast for residents of Goverdhan & they all enjoyed it thoroughly
4. Makar Shakranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervor & gaiety. Lakhs of people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar & Prayag and pray to Lord Sun. It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of the country as Pongal, and in Punjab is celebrated as Lohri & Maghi. Gujarati's not only look reverentially up to the sun, but also offer thousands of their colorful oblations in the form of beautiful kites all over the skyline. They may be trying to reach upto their glorious God or bring about greater proximity with the one who represents the best. It is a day for which Bhishma Pitamah kept waiting to leave his mortal coil.
Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God of Hindus begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere. Sun for the Hindus stands for Pratyaksha-Brahman - the manifest God, who symbolizes, the one, non-dual, self-effulgent, glorious divinity blessing one & all tirelessly. Sun is the one who transcends time and also the one who rotates the proverbial Wheel of Time. The famous Gayatri Mantra, which is chanted everyday by every faithful Hindu, is directed to Sun God to bless them with intelligence & wisdom. Sun not only represents God but also stands for an embodiment of knowledge & wisdom. Lord Krishna reveals in Gita that this manifested divinity was his first disciple, and we all know it to be indeed a worthy one too. No Sundays for the Sun, may be because one who revels in its very 'being', the very essence of his own Self, is always in the Sunday mood.
The co-relation of cosmic events with individual life and values is one of the most astounding traits of Hindu Masters. Once this co-relation is brought about thereafter these cosmic events become instrumental to remind us the best which we cherish & value. Of all the cosmic bodies Sun is the most glorious & important, thus every sun-centric cosmic event became very important spiritual, religious & cultural events. On Makar Sankranti day the Sun begins its ascendancy and journey into the Northern Hemisphere, and thus it signifies an event wherein the Gods seem to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya'. May you go higher & higher - to more & more Light and never to darkness.
5. Shrawan Maah
Shrawan Maah is highly auspicious month for the lord Shiva devotees. Special decoration is been done on every Monday of the month. On first Monday of the month lord Shiva’s decoration is being performed, on second Monday lord Bhagwa Shankar and mother Parvati’s moveable statues are being decorated. On third and fourth Monday , shri Ardhyanarishwar and Shri Rudrakshay , decoration is being performed respectively.
The whole month of Shrawan Maah is celebrated with great enthusiasm, it is highly auspicious as every member of Lord Shiva’s family are decorated and special 'Jhoola Sringar' is being performed.
6. Akshya Tritiiya
Akshya Tritiiya is considered one of the four most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. It is the third day of the new moon of Vaishakh month (April-May).
After having bath offered Amalakii tree a pot filled with water, as well as garland and aromatic incense. Then worship Lord Parashurama with these prayers: 'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of Renuka, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'
If the Amarlaki tree isn't available then worship the sacred Tulasi tree. Also plant the sacred Tulasi seeds, and offer lamps to her.
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