December 24, 2011

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जयशिव ओमकारा, प्रभु जय शिव ओमकारा ब्रह्म विष्णु सदाशिव अर्धांगी धारा, हर हर महादेव... एकाना, चतुरानन, पंचना राजे, हंसन गरुदासन वृषवाहन सजे, हर हर महादेव॥ दो भुज, चारु चतुर्भाऊ देशमुख अति सोहे तीनों रूप निरखते त्रिभुवन जन्मोहे, हर हर महादेव॥ अक्श्यमाला बनमाला मुन्द्मल धरी चंदन मृगमद सोहाई, भले शुभकारी, हर हर महादेव॥ श्वेताम्बर पीताम्बर बगाम्बर अंगे, ब्रह्मादिक सनकादिक प्रेतादिक संगे, हर हर महादेव॥ कर मध्ये कमंदालू त्रिशूल भरी, सुखकारी दुखाहरी जग्पलानकारी, हर हर महादेव॥ ब्रह्म विष्णु सदाशिव जानत अविवेका, प्रनावाक्षर में शोभित ये तीनों एक, हर हर महादेव॥ त्रिगुण स्वामी की आरती जो कोई नर गवेकाहत शिवानन्द स्वामी मन वांछित फल पावे।
हर हर महादेव॥ हर हर महादेव॥ हर हर महादेव॥ हर हर महादेव॥ हर हर महादेव..
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The Temple of Somnath Jyotirlinga at Gujarat, India

Somnath Patan, it is situated veraval in Gujarat it is the famous and great reverence in all India. It has 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which is very inserting to know. In Gujarat it is situated on the south coast of Saurashtra.
Skanda Purana was the chapter of Prabhasa Khanda in which full of describe was written about Somanth. About this the legend was it the Lord Shiva has in the old aeon was referred as Mrityunjaya, Kaalagnirudra, Amritesa, Anamaya, Kritivasa and Bhairavanatha at there in Somnath.
Our next comming tipic is Shiva Moon, Shiva Lord and his sitting and going to also put some Shiva MP3The fact of legend is that Kalabhairava Shivalinga was at the Prabhasa was doing the worshipped of the moon, at that time Lord Shiva was in the Somanth. The Skanda Purana was described the most attractive Sparsa Linga of Somnath which is looking like a bright like a sun, his size is egg type and had lodged it in to the underground. Mahabharata was depending on this refer which the Prabhasa Kshetra and there also we can here about the moon worshipping of Lord Shiva.

By the legend it said that moon had married to the 27 daughter of Daksha Prajapati. He is very to Rohini, she was nice and not neglected to any body. Daksha was always get angered to him. And that time Chandra was disturbed and he went down to Prabhasa with Rohini and started the prayer of Sparsa Linga of Somnath she was success in worshipped and the Lord Shiva had given blessed and said she will shine always in the bright half. And at last the moon spread his light here, so that is why this place or town said to be a Prabhasa. The main trinity Bhrama had setup the Bhramasila and had taken the responsibility of temple to developed it with her nice way


 


This fact and all this story about the Somanth was described by a Arab traveller Al Biruni, which has prompted his account by Mahmud of Ghazini was at that time destroyed the temple in 1025 CE. This news was immediately gone to the most famous king of Gujarat her name was King Bhima and King Bhoja of Malwa. In the second time also this temple was not lucky and it destroyed again by Alaf Khan, he was the general of Allauddin Khilij in the year 1300 CE. And also in third time by the king of Mahipala of the Chudasama dynasty. Its bad movement is stand in front of his it was destroyed so many time in the year 1390, 1490, 1530, and finally in 1701 it was destroyed by Aurangazeb. It was build rapidly in every time when it is destroyed.
At last in the year 1783, the most famous queen Ahilyaghai Holkar had given a new face to the temple. And after in 1951 the president of India had setup the Jyotirlingam of Lord Shiva in the same Bhramasila were old temple had been built. Very important point is that the queen Ahilyabhai Holkar installed the Kasi Viswanatha temple in Benares and the second temple which is Vishnu Paada temple at Gaya, which is destroyed by the earlier.
We can see the entrance of the Somnath just like a Junagadh Gate. There also we can see the temple of sun at Somnath. And to the east we can find the town of Bhalka Theertha which is linked with the Legend of Krishna’s Swargaarohanam.






Most read our next comming topic Shiva Moon, Shiva Sitting and Shiva MP3
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Birth of Lord Shiva


According to one legend, shiva initial materialize when Brahma and Vishnu were arguing regarding which of them was more powerful. Their quarrel was interrupted by the unexpected look of a large burning pillar whose roots and branches complete outside sight into the earth and sky. Brahma became a goose and flew up to locate the top of the pillar, even as turned into a boar and dug in to the ground to appear for its roots. Unsuccessful in their search, the two god’s arrival and saw Shiva surface from an opening in the support. Recognize Shiva’s huge power, they established him as the third ruler of the universe.

Lord Shiva-God of formation of universe and he is as well referred has destructor. His huge position is to balance the good and evil events. Though this balance gets disturb he destroys the creation for the formation of next cycle. He is a deity of exercise in the cyclic practice of formation.


Lord Shiva is the lord of mercy. He guards the devotees since evil forces, trouble and suffering of their devotees.

He materialize with unclad body through tiger skin in his body, three matted locks on his head, Goddesses Ganga on his chief and he has a third eye and has a snake on his correct shoulder and he wear Kundalas, Rudraksha necklace.

He materialize with unclad body through tiger hide in his body, present matted locks on his skull, Goddesses Ganga on his skull and he has a third eye and has a snake on his correct accept and he wears kundalas, Rudraksha necklace.



His exterior symbolizes his behavior. The unclad body shows that he is a resource of whole universe. 3 metted locks are the integration of material, mental and spiritual energies. Goddesses Ganga shows destruction of sin, knowledge and bestows with information, peace and cleanliness. The third eye indicates the religious information and power. While he opens the third eye, the rotation of construction starts. The 108 beads represent the elements used in making of the earth. The tiger skin represents his potential power.

Lord Shiva has 1,008 names, including Mahadeva, Mahesh, Rudra, Neelkantha, and Ishwar. He is also called Mahayogi, or the huge ascetic, who represent the main form of serious penance and abstract thought, which results in salvation Shiva is supposed to survive in many variety. His mainly regular illustration is as a dark-skinned severe with a blue throat. Typically seated cross-legged on a tiger skin, Shiva’s hair is matted and coiled on his chief, adorned with a snake and a crescent moon. Ganga is forever depicted smooth out of his topknot.

Shiva has four arms and three eyes. The third eye, in the center of his forehead is forever closed and simply opens to destroy an evil doer. A garland of skulls, rudraksha bead, or a snake hangs from his neck. Lord Shiva also carries snakes as armlets and bracelets. The serpent, contest, despised and fear by all further creatures, establish a place of honour on Shiva’s holy being, just because he was enthused by their plight.



In single offer, Shiva hold his trishul, the Pinaka the trishul regularly has a damaru or wait beat joined to it. In a different hand, he holds a conch defense, and in the third, a rudraksha rosary, a club, or a bow. Individual hands are typically empty, raised in an indication of approval and defense. The added points to his foot, anywhere the devotee is certain of salvation. He carries a tiger or leopard skin around his waist, and his high body is typically bare, but dirty with ashes, as befits an ascetic.


His third eye is supposed to have emerged when Parvati, in a playful mood, covered his eyes with her hands. At once, the universe was plunged into darkness and there was chaos. To restore arrange, Shiva created a different eye on his forehead, from which emerged fire to return light.
The light from this eye is supposed to be extremely influential, and as a result destructive. Shiva opens his third eye only in anger, and the criminal is burnt to cinders.

The name Lord Shiva does not emerge in the Vedas. Though he is recognized with the Vedic god Rudra, lord of songs, sacrifice, and nourishment, the healer of diseases and provider of property. According to the Shiva Purana Shiva is said to contain five faces, related to his five tasks, the panchakriya formation, organization, destruction, awareness, and grace. His five faces are related with the formation of the holy syllable Om.

Shiva is supposed to live o Mount Kailash, a mountain in the Himalayas. His vehicle is Nandi the bull and his weapon, the trishul. Shiva’s wife is Parvati, who is as well thought to be a part of Shiva. One of the mainly well-liked forms of Shiva is that of Ardhanarishvara.


According to a legend in the Puranas, Brahma was ineffective of making. He propitiated Shiva who catch this form and separated Parvati from his body. Parvati has numerous incarnations, like Kali, Durga, and Uma. Their sons are Kartikeya and Ganesh.

Bhagwan God Shiva is invented to contain a huge number of attendants, called ganas. These mythological beings have human bodies with animal heads. Bhagwan Shiva’s son Ganesha is the head of the ganas.

Across the state, present are hundreds of holy place and shrines devoted to shiva. He typically worshipped in the structure of a Shivalinga, and also as a deity. He is worshipped by offering flowers, except the Ketaki Brahma Bel trees, milk, and sandalwood attach are also nice to him. Present is a particular arati to shiva and numerous hymns and poems in his praise.

Present there is lot of stories in the Puranas about the origin of Shiva According to the Vishnu Purana, at the establishment of this kalpa Brahma required a child and meditated for one. At present, a child appeared on his lap and started crying. While asked by Brahma why he was crying, the child replied that it was because he did not have a name Brahma then named him Rudra, meaning “howler”.

Though the child cried seven added times and was given seven more names. Shiva as a result has eight forms: Rudra, Sharva, Bhava, Ugra, Bhima, Pashupati, Ishana, and Mahadeva, which, according to the Shiva Purana, write to the earth, water, fire, wind, sky, a yogi called Kshetragya, the sun, and the moon respectively. Throughout the samudra manthan, when poison was churn out of the ocean, Shiva is said to have swallowed it to save the planet from destruction. Since he drank the poison, Parvati clasped his throat securely so that the poison was churned out of the ocean, Because of this, he is known as Neelkantha, the blue-necked one.


Bhagwan Shiva decided an irregular boon to a demon called Bhasmasura who wish that if he situated his hand on anyone’s leader, that person would turn to ashes. No earlier was his need resolute than he menaced Shiva himself, who took to his heels and was saved by Vishnu in the form of Mohini, mutual their energies and formed Hari-hara putra later, recognized with Sasta or Aiyappa, a celibate tribal deity in kerala, whose cult is currently huge in India. He lives on in Mohiniattam, the feminine equal of Kerala’s dance theatre, Kathakali.


Bhagwan Shiva is the maker of dance and of the initial 16 rhythmic syllables still uttered, since which the Sanskrit language was born. His dance of anger is called the Roudra Tandava and his dance, and they begged him to dance over. Lord Shiva promised to do so in the heart of his devotees and in a blessed grove in Tamil Nadu, everywhere the great temple of Chidambaram was build, the merely one in all Indian devoted to Shiva as Nataraja, the lord of dance. It is supposed that on the 13th day of every bright lunar fortnight after 6 o’clock in the evening, falls a blessed hour called Pradosha Worshipping Lord Shiva at this time is akin to worshipping all the powers.
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JYOTIRLINGA OF LORD SHIVA IN MAHARASHTRA INDIA

Bhimashankar is the famous temple of Maharashtra it was an ancient shrine, Bhimashankara was the one of the most 12 Jyotirlingas of lord shiva. It was situated in the village of Bhavagiri which was 50 km in the north west of the khed, near Pune. It is situated in the mountains of Sahyadri which is take a 110 km from pune. It is also called the source of the great river Bhima, which is coming from the south east and get together in the river of Krishna which is located in Raichur. The other famous Jyotirlinga which you all know in Maharashtra are Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar.
Shiva Moon, Shiva Sitting and Shiva MP3 our some of our next topic that will come very soon
It’s the temple of Lord Shiva and there are legend of Shiva which gives us some information about this temple. Lord Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura which can get the invisible flying in citadels Tripuras. Lord Shiva had said that to take the abode on the Bhima, but when the request of the gods, he decided to crest on the Sahyadri mountain, and after that the sweat which is poured forth from the body and also said that to have formed in the river Bhimarathi.

The Temple: Bhimashankara temple was the old but now it get the new face and very attractive looks it is built in Nagara style which makes the temple very beautiful. It was an dates of 18th century but now it looks a modern temple. The temple of Shikhara was built by the idea of Nana Phadnavis. Shivaji which was the great ruler of all Maratha was also said that to make the improvement of this temple which is his worship services. As all other temple this Shiva temple is the low level in all types.

Very soon we are going to write on some useful information Shiva Moon, Shiva Sitting and Shiva other temples in idiaBut any how now the Lord Shiva temple become new, the Bhimashankaram have been seen all this part and save it in his memory and was dated back in 13th centuary CE. Saint Jnaneshwar was also like this place very much and said to have visit Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar.

Other temple and shrines: Near the temple of Bhimashankara there is a temple which is know a Kamalaja. Kamalaja was an temple of Pravati, who won from Lord Shiva in the battle of against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was thinking to offer a lotus flower by the God Bhrama. The name of Shaakini and Daakini who had helped the Lord Shiva in the battle who was started with the honored and worshipped here.

The Bhimashankara temple there Mokshakund thirtha which was staying behind this temple. And it was developed by the rishi of Kaushika. The Sarvathirtha and Kusharanya thirtha there the great river Bhima was flow on the eastward, and also Jyanakund.

Worship: There are three worship service which are followed in each day. The famous is Mahashivratri it is the great festival of Lord Shiva.

Pleace remember that Rudrasamhita sloka which is given in reference to Bhimashankar told, Daakine Bhimashankaram. In the Assam there is a temple of Bhimashankar which is situated in Bhimapur mountain near Guwahati. There are legends of Lord Shiva which the name is Bhima he was slain by the Lord Shiva its behavior was a crude as it shows that he will kill the king of Lord Shiva worship. Is this the similar of Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to destroyed the yama the lord of death. In the Shiva Purana and Koti Rudra Samhita was developed the Bhimashankar temple in Kamarupa country. The hills of Sahya which is says that Shiva Bhimashankara was appeared on the Shayadris.

December 17, 2011


Shiva Chalisa


Lord Shiva

Shiva Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. Verses are recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Shiva are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.


ll Doha ll
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan l l 
Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhaya Vardan l

ll Chaupai ll

Jai Girijapati Deen Dayala, Sada Karat Santan Pratipala
Bhal Chandrama Sohati Neeke, Kanan Kundal Nag Phani Ke

Ang Gaur Shiv Ganga Bahaye, Mundamal Tan Kshar Lagaye
Vastra Khaal Baghambar Sohe, Chhavi Ko Dekh Nag Muni Mohe

Maina Matu Ki Priya Dulari, Bam Ang Sohat Chhavi Pyari
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari, Karat Sada Shatrun Shaykari

Nandi Ganesh Sohe Tanha Kaise, Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise
Kartik Shyam Aur Gana Raau, Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kaau

Devan Jabhee Jaaye Pukara,Tabahin Dukh Prabhu Ap Nivaara
Keen Upadrava Taarak Bhari, Devan Sab Mili Tumhee Pukari

Turat Shadanan Ap Pathayo, Luv Nimesh Mahi Mar Girayo
Ap Jallandhar Asur Sanhara, Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara

Tripurasur Sang Yuddha Machayi, Sabahin Kripa Kari Leen Bachayi
Keeya Taphin Bhagirath Bhari, Purahi Pratigya Tasu Purari

Darpa Chhod Ganga Tab Ayee, Sewak Astuti Karat Sadahee
Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayaee, Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payee

Pragati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala, Jare Surasur Bhaye Vihaala
Mahadeva Tab Kari Sahayee, Neelkantha Tav Nam Dharayee

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha, Lanka Jeet Vibhishan Deenha
Sahas Kamal me ho rahe dhaari, Keenha Pareeksha Tabahi Purari

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu johee, Kamal Nayan Poojan Chahin Soyee
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar, Bhaye Prasanna Deya Icchhit Var

Jai Jai Jai Ananta Avinasi, Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvasi
Dushta Sakal Mohi Nitya Sataven, Bhramita Rahe Mohe Chain Na Aave

Trahi Trahi Main Nath Pukaro, Yeh Avasar Mohi Ani Ubaro
Lai Trishool Shatrun Ko Maro, Sankat Se Mohi Ani Ubaro

Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi, Sankat Mein Poochat Nahi Koi
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari, Aaye Harahu Mam Sankat Bhaari

Dhan Nirdhan Kon Det Sadaee, Arat Jan Ki Peer Mitaee
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karahu Tumhari, Shamhu Naath Ab Chook Hamari

Shanker Ho Sankat Ke Nashan, Vighna Vinashan Mangal Kaaran
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagave, Sharad Narad Sheesh Navave

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaye, Sur Brahmadik Par Na Paaye
Jo Yeh Path Kare Man Layee, Tapar Hot Hain Shambu Sahayee

Riniya Jo Koi Ho Adhikaari, Paath Kare So Paavanhaari
Putra Heen Ichha Kar Koi, Nishchaya Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi

Pandit Triyodashi Ko Lave, Dhyan Poorvak Hom Karave
Triyodashi Vrata Kare Hamesha, Tan Nahi Take Rahe Kalesha

Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhavai, Shanker Sanmukha Path Karavahi
Janam Janam Ki Pap Nasave, Anta Vaas Shivpur Men Paave

Hey Shankar Hai Aas Tumhari, Dukh Peera Ab Harahu Hamari

ll Doha ll 
Nit Nem Kar Praatha Hee ,Paath Karo Chaalis l 
Tum Meri Manokaamna, Puran Karo Jagdeesh ll 
Magsar Chhati Hemant Ritu, Sanvat Chausadh Jaan l 
Astuti Chaalisa Shivhi, Puran Keen Kalyaan ll


Shiva Legends

Legends of Lord Shiva


Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form
This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size. 

With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.
Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form
This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size. 

With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.

Story of Shiva and the Hunter
Here is one more interesting story of Lord Shiva, showing his merciful nature. Once a hunter was wandering in a dense forest, to chase a deer and suddenly he found himself on the banks of river Kolidum, where he heard the roar of a tiger. In order to defend himself from the tiger, he climbed up a tree close by. The Tiger sat on the ground below the tree without the purpose to leave. 

The huntsman stayed at the tree whole night and to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf after another from the tree and threw it down. There was a Shiva Lingam under the tree and gracefully the tree turned out to be a ''bilva'' tree (leaves of this tree are adored by Shiva). Without any knowledge, the huntsman had delighted the deity by pouring Bilva leaves all night. With the arrival of the sun, the hunter looked down and found the tiger gone. In its place, Lord Shiva was standing and he prostate before the lord. With Shiva's blessings, he attained salvation from the bondage of the material world.


OM NAMAH SHIVAYA MANTRA - MEANING AND AUDIO

Om Namah Shivaya Mantra in Sanskrit

The Om Namah Shivaya mantra or chant consists of six syllables - om, na, mah, shi, vaa, ya. When chanted properly, each syllable activates certain energy centers within our bodies as we meditate upon the energy of Lord Shiva. Shiva is often referred to as the part of the Hindu trinity which has dominion over death and destruction. Shiva is also considered the greatest of the yogis, the lord of meditation, and the lord of all that is mystic and mysterious in hindu practices. Legend has it that the holy river Ganges (or Ganga) is in fact a representation of Lord Shiva's long hair.
Some texts refer to the five letters as the forms of Shiva - Na-gendra (one who wears a garland of snakes), Ma-ndakini Salila (one who is bathed by the water of the Ganges),Shi (the supreme Lord), Va-shishta (one who is praised by the sages like Vashishta), and Ya-ksha (one who takes the form of Yaksha).
    नम: शिवाय:

Summary of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra

Om or Aum is the pranava or seed mantra of all mantras. The two syllables na- and mah- can be translated as "I humbly bow to you". The three syllables shi-vaa-ya invoke Lord Shiva and all his energies to bless us and lead us to the highest state of peace and meditation. The mantra should ideally be chanted twice a day (morning and evening) for 108 times each. The two words, namah and shivaya, are also referred to as the panchakshara (five letter) chant. It is said that those who chant these five holy letters while meditating on Lord Shiva will be blessed by visions of Shiva - the Lord of the yogis.
This rendition of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra is from the "MahaMantras" CD by Pandit Jasraj and other artists.
This rendition of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra is from the "Om Namah Shivaya" CD by Yogi Hari. US visitors can purchase the full song (track 6) or Om Namah Shivaya albumhttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ajmanis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001UINFW6 ($).

SHIVA GAYATRI MANTRA

Aum Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Aum Tadpurushaaya Vidvamahe,
Mahadevaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Rudra Prachodayaat.

Shiva Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit



December 08, 2011

Shiva shiva"Vidyaa dadaati vinayam vinayaadyaati paatrataam
 paatratvaaddhanamaapnoti dhanaaddharmam tatah sukham
"Meaning:
 "Knowledge generates humility, 
by humility one becomes worthy,being worthy one earns wealth, with wealth one gains
 religiosity, and by religiosity one becomes happy".-Subhashita 
"The soul who meditates on the Self is content to serve the Self and rests satisfied within the Self; there remains nothing more for him to accomplish”- Srimath Bhagavadh Gita

November 25, 2011

Vrinda Kunda 8th Anniversary
Festival



Next month marks the auspicious 8th Anniversary of Vrinda Kunda Temple opening! To celebrate we are organizing special parikramas to the Holy Places of Braja, culminating with our famous Kalash Yatra, an ecstatic Sankirtan procession with the ladies carrying water pots with coconuts on their heads. Programs will be going on from 15-27 Feb with the main parikrama days between 19 and 26.

Last year there was Purusottama Month, so all the festival dates are late this year and the Vrindavan Festival after Gaura Purnima will be late and very hot! Better to come to Vrindavan first, and then go on to Mayapur Festival and leave after Gaura Purnima when it starts to get hot! And our festival ends with plenty of time to reach for Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama which starts on 6th March!

We will be leaving almost every morning from Krishna Balaram Mandir by bus to go on parikrama to different pastime places of Braja. There will be lively narrations of the different pastimes that happened in each place. Then we will return in time for lunch prasadam in the temple. And on all bus parikramas, Sannyasis and Prabhupada Disciples and their families will go free of charge.

Then on Sunday 27th Feb., we will be having the super ecstatic Kalash Yatra and sankirtan procession around Nandagrama. Kalash means water pot. All the ladies will carry water pots of water from the sacred Pavana Sarovara with colorful cloth and coconuts on top. We'll have 108 pots and the Brijbasi ladies will train our foreign lady devotees how to carry them. Even some of our own ladies who go every year will train them! The Brijbasinis even dance with no hands with their pots on their heads! All the ladies who have participated told me it was the highlight of their Vrindavan experience.

After reaching at Vrinda Kunda, there will be Krishna Katha, butter churning festival, artika and then feast for one and all. Then everyone can help feed all the Nandagram Brijbasis. That day all transportation and prasad will be free for all who come.

So start planning now to come relish wonderful Vaisnava association in the Holy Dhama. Especially for those who are going to the Anniversary Festivals at Tirupati, Ujjain, and Aravade on Nityananda Trayodasi and are wondering what to do till Mayapur Festival starts, most of our parikramas will take place after Nityananda Trayodasi. We'll publish the schedule soon, so watch for it.


KRISHNA



Now here's a story from the Marathon in Czech Republic:

Srila Prabhupada's marathon has just ended. As usual, it was full of mercy, both in terms of realizations and in the number of books distributed. When the marathon started, the first winter frosts came, yet we headed to the mountainous part of the Czech Republic. On the first day we were scheduled to go out on the street I was ill with a fever, but I felt I had to go out because I had been asked to teach a devotee doing traveling sankirtan for the first time that week. The day was hard -- people refused me -- but I prayed for mercy. All of a sudden a very interesting fellow appeared, and I approached him. At that moment I strongly felt that Krishna had taken charge of the situation, and my consciousness changed. The whole atmosphere seemed pervaded with a strong mystical quality. The boy said he had read "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" and began to challenge me, saying "How can the Bhagavad-gita be better than 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead?'" I replied by pointing
out the rarity and comprehensive depth of Bhagavad-gita. He finally came to the point of saying "I'm surely God." I reacted by taking a Krishna book out of the pushcart, putting the book in front of his face, saying, "He is God and he is guru (pointing to "Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita") who teaches us about Him!" Our strong discussion gradually ended. Finally, the guy carried off five books and some japa beads. I left him my contact numbers, asking him to write me after he'd read the books.

A few months later I received a text message: "With humility I must admit I am not God." A few text conversations ensued. Then I decided to visit him near the place where we'd met. After all, along with the books he'd purchased some japa-mala, and for some time he'd been writing me to show him how to chant on them. At present he chants about ten rounds a day, follows the regulative principles, and regularly visits devotees. He is very inspired; his inspiration is obviously not a superficial sentiment but springs from a good understanding of the philosophy.


Lord Rama's worship of Lord Shiva



Giriraja: At one of the programs, somebody raised the question that we cited that Lord Siva is worshiping Krsna, that he is a Vaisnava. So that person replied that Lord Rama also worshiped Siva. So he wanted to know the explanation.
Lokanatha: You explained yesterday.
Prabhupada: Sometimes Krsna is chastised by mother Yasoda. So how is that? The Supreme Personality of Godhead is being chastised by mother Yasoda?
Giriraja: He likes to be chastised. It's part of the relationship.
Prabhupada: Similarly, He likes to worship His devotee. Sometimes the father takes the child on his shoulder. Does it mean the child is more important than the father? They say the Valmiki Ramayana, there is no such incidence as Ramacandra worships Siva. It is later on, interpretation. But even if He does so, what is the wrong here?
Harikesa: That later-on Ramayana has caused some havoc.
Prabhupada: Hm?
Harikesa: That later-on interpretation?
Prabhupada: Yes, the Saivaites, they want to make Lord Siva the exalted Supreme Person. In South India there is good propaganda. That is always going on.
Lokanatha: When Lord Siva says in Puranas that mukti-pradapah sarvesam visnu... (sic)
Prabhupada: Hm?
Lokanatha: Purana, the same Lord Siva says there is no other liberated besides Visnu.
Devotee: ...engagement, one devotee commented that the reason that Lord Rama worshiped Lord Siva was because He wanted to kill Ravana and Ravana was a
devotee of Siva, so Lord Rama worshiped Siva in that respect.
Prabhupada: Hm? What is that?
Harikesa: He said that because Lord Siva was, ah, excuse me, Ravana was a devotee of Lord Siva, that in order that Lord Ramacandra could kill Ravana, He worshiped Siva.
Kirtanananda: He wanted to take permission of him, so they say. Rama wanted to take permission from Siva...
Prabhupada: So Siva is so rascal that he gave permission? That means they are trying to prove Siva is a rascal. (devotees laugh) Because he gave permission to kill his devotee. Then what is the use of his, of one becoming Siva's devotee? If such a rascal that one can take his permission to kill his devotee, so what is the use of becoming a devotee of such a rascal? Huh?
Harikesa: He protected Banasura.
Prabhupada: Huh? What is that? That means that proving that Siva is a rascal. He gave permission to kill his devotee. Then what is the use? Then nobody should become Siva's devotee. That is the conclusion. Because he gives permission to somebody else to kill his devotee. They are trying to prove Lord Siva is a rascal. What do you think? Huh? If I want your permission, please give me your permission, I shall kill your son, and if you say, "Yes, I give my permission," then are you not a rascal? By this example they are making Lord Siva a rascal, that he has no common sense even.
Indian man: (Hindi)
Prabhupada: No, if this proposition is there, that Lord Siva gives permission for killing his devotee, then who will become his devotee? Huh? Is it not?
Indian man: Yes.
Prabhupada: No sane man will become his devotee. All the manufactured foolish statements, just see. Any commonsense man will immediately say, "Then Siva is a rascal; he cannot give protection to his devotee." What do you think? Huh?
Kirtanananda: Of course, Srila Prabhupada, does one have to give protection to their devotee if they break the law? Just like if you have a child, and he murders someone, isn't he supposed to be punished? So if someone goes against the Supreme Personality of Godhead, even if you are a devotee, shouldn't Siva concur?
Prabhupada: No, no. That is another thing. This proposal, that because Lord Ramacandra approached Lord Siva to kill Ravana, and he gave permission, although Ravana was his great devotee. Then what is the use of becoming devotee of Lord Siva? He gives permission. Huh? Is that very reasonable proposal? If I ask your permission that I shall kill your son, will you give permission? No. Then? So Lord Siva gives permission to Lord Ramacandra, "Yes, You can kill Ravana," then what is the use of becoming his devotee?
Harikesa: I think Dr. Patel would say that it's not fair, you have fired the opposition.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Harikesa: It's not fair. You have completely destroyed the opposition. (Prabhupada laughs) There is no question of fight.
Prabhupada: The actual fact is that Lord Siva did not give permission, but he did not go to protect Ravana, because he knew that it was impossible to give him protection. That is summarized in Bengali, rakhe krsna mare ke, mare krsna rakhe ke. If Krsna kills somebody, wants to kill somebody, nobody can give him protection. That is the conclusion.