KERALA DHANURMASA THIRUVADHIRA ON 28th DECEMBER 2012.

DHANURMASA THIRUVADHIRA ON 28th DECEMBER 2012."Thiruvathira" a very important festival for the malayalee woman especially for nairs and namboodris.In Tamilnadu it is Known as "Arudhra darshan".

The Thiruvathira Festival falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December, January).In 2012 Thiruvathira is on December 28. The festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The people of Kerala celebrate this festival with great Joy and respect. Thiruvathira is essentially women's festival and it is considered very auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on this day and pray for conjugal harmony and marital bliss. The other very interesting facet of the festival is the enchanting “Thiruvathirakkali” dance performed by women on this day. Oonjalattom, swinging on an oonjal (swing) is an item of amusement on this occasion. At night the women keep vigil for Siva and perform Thiruvathira kali or Kaikottikali.

History&Significance:-

Thiruvathira is being celebrated for ages now but there is no clear theory about the origin of the festival. There are numerous myths associated with this thiruvadhira fast. But the origin of this festival is obscure.

Some legends says that it is the birthday of Lord Shiva. 

Some legends says that Lord Shiva merged all nine powers into him before initiation of creation, on this day. 

Some legends says that Lord Shiva’s return to the world after ending the harsh austerities and tapas that he was performing after the death of Goddess Sati.

Some legends says that Parvathi performed rigorous penance to win the Lord Siva’s heart and after a long penance on the Thiruvathira day Lord Siva accepted her as his wife. Therefore, it is the holy day of marriage of God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. 

Some legends say that it is the day when Kamadeva, the mythological God of love was reborn.  He burnt to ashes in the fatal flames of fire from the third eye of Lord Siva. The Lord pardoned him, on request of Sree Parvati and Rathidevi, later.  

Another legend associated with this festival is that in tune with Narada Maharshi’s advice, Rukmini followed the fast following Sree Parvati, to become Lord Krishna’s bride. 

Another legend associated with this festival is In accordance with Narada’s advice, Gopikas in Vrindavanam also opted for Karthiyayani fast during this dhanurmasa season. They longed to have Lord Krishna as their husband, made an idol of Goddess Karthiyayani and prayed for a mandala season. For this, Gopikas took early baths in river Kalindhi, singing hymns and tapping on the water, splashing rhythmically; praising the Lord. They conducted worship with flowers, submitted “naivedhyam” swinging and fasting, which yielded result in merging of their spirits and souls into the Lord on the moon lit night of Thiruvathira. Lord joined them and with Lord as the centre; they danced on the banks of river Yamuna. Gopikas attained eternal bliss on this thiruvadhira day. All these rituals have later become the customs of Thiruvathira. 

Another legend associated with this festival is Long ago during the Mahakalakalpa, there was a severe war between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva took an immobile form and from that emerged a Shiva Linga.  As per advice of Lord Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu paid homage to this Linga with Omkaram and Panchakshari (OM NAMASHIVAYA). The Lord Mahadeva emerged and blessed them both. From then, devotees who worship the Lord on this Thiruvathira day receive immense blessings that are most precious. As per shivapurana this thiruvadhira day is remarkable than what is received by worshipping for over a year. 

Whatever might be the true legend; Thiruvathira is holy day and devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, submitting them to seek their blessings. 

 The festival of Thiruvathira is extremely popular among the women of Kerala and the Customs are based on age-old traditions. This festival begin a week before, commencing from Aswathi. The second last day is Rohini. On this day, fasting is done for overall welfare of the family and wellbeing of all members. The previous day is Makayiram. On this day, mothers observe fast for the well-being of their children. Married women who have difficulties in conceiving fast and spent this day praying Lord. They long for blessings in the form of a kid of their own.  

In some places the previous day of thiruvadhira i.e. on the day of Makayiram, women/girls put mehandi on the palms which is considered as highly auspicious. The fact behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the darker the color of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her, and this darker colour indicates more love from her husband and inlaws.

On Arudra day, last day of the festive week, wife fast for the welfare of her husband. This encompasses prayers for his life longevity, togetherness, quick reunions or fame of their beloved husband; as the case may be, which would ensure simultaneously long and happy married life.

 

Celebration:-

Whatever might be the true legend; Thiruvathira is holy day and devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, submitting them to seek their blessings. 

 

The festival of Thiruvathira is extremely popular among the women of Kerala and the Customs are based on age-old traditions. This festival begin a week before, commencing from Aswathi. The second last day is Rohini. On this day, fasting is done for overall welfare of the family and wellbeing of all members. The previous day is Makayiram. On this day, mothers observe fast for the well-being of their children. Married women who have difficulties in conceiving, have to fast and spent this day praying Lord. They long for blessings in the form of a kid of their own.  

In some places the previous day of thiruvadhira i.e. on the day of Makayiram, women/girls put mehandi on the palms which is considered as highly auspicious. The fact behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the darker the color of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her, and this darker colour indicates more love from her husband and in laws.

On Arudra day, last day of the festive week, wife fast for the welfare of her husband. This encompasses prayers for his life longevity, togetherness, quick reunions or fame of their beloved husband; as the case may be, which would ensure simultaneously long and happy married life.

 

 

However, there is no compulsion on any of these fasting whatsoever. In generally, the procedure is different from place to place.

My Mother's place is Kurrkampara, a small village of kunnamkulam.In this place one most famous ancient shiva temple "KANNESWARAN TEMPLE" is there which has background of more than 500 years. Here thiruvadhira and shivrathri are the major festivals that are celebrated very grandly. My mother use to tell her memories of her childhood, when all her neighbour especially nairs and namboodiris will celebrate it very grandly. Those days womenfolk used to wake up as early as 3 AM and go in groups, singing thiruvadhira songs, to bathe in the near by pond of the temple.After bathing rituals they used to get ready to go to the siva temple with offerings of ripe yellow bananas and tender coconuts. Only after the pooja at the temple would they partake of the tender coconut water and bananas. Once back home the ladies partake of a meal of Puzhukku, koova Paayasam, pappadam, Koorkakootu, and bananas.It is done very religiously after first lighting the Nilavilakku (Traditional kerala oil Lamp). My mother always says that this thiruvadhira is  basically a community get-together, forgetting the daily grind of regular life and was much looked forward to by everyone.

Even in our father's side "SREE PANTHALLUR SHIVA BHAGAVATHY KSHETRAM" Chowannur, kunnamkulam, this thiruvadhira is celebrated grandly.In this temple a grand traditional sadhya with variety of dishes will be arranged by the temple authorities as a celebration of thiruvadhira.

How to do thiruvadhira:-
 

Since childhood I learnt that lord shiva likes Maha pradosh pooja and thiruvadhira pooja very much. My amma especially says that this thiruvadhira is celebrated by nairs and nambhodhiris not for Ezhavas/thiyyas. But as for me worshipping god in any form is a true blessing so I will follow/love to follow the traditional poojas, as my policy is to follow noble thoughts from all directions.  When comming to method of doing this fast on this thiruvadhira day waking up by 4 A.M, after bath, have to visit Shiva temple at early hours, if possible before sunrise. This is Arudra Darshan. Unmarried girls fast on Thiruvathira aspiring for a compatible groom in future. Married woman fast on thiruvathira with a faith that it would bring long life to the husband and thereby prosperity and good life to the family. No food or drink till will be taken till the completion of 24-hours. Generally those who can’t fast fully can take tender coconut. Other items of their food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts, wheat etc. Once again I am reminding that the procedure is different from place to place.

While there are many festivals in India during which women fast for the welfare of her husband, this Thiruvadhira fast is observe for the lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the god, to whom most Hindus turn to for good spouse and for a harmonious family life. Of all the gods of the Hindu pantheon, it is Shiva and Parvati who have the ideal family life. There are many stories of Shiva's passion and devotion for Parvati and their harmonious relationship. It is believed that those people who observe fast on this Thiruvadira day will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with Good family life and wisdom. In some areas, on this Thiruvadira day single girls keep fast for an ideal husband because Hindu mythology tells us that Parvati, Shiva's consort, won him over by meditation and fasting. This vratam is considered quite auspicious to please the God. This fast is called the King of fasts in Hindu Mythology.

Let me add a real incident happened during british rule about worshipping lord shiva which i read in a mythological book;-

In 1879, when there was British Rule in India, Lt. Col. Martin of Agar Malva was leading the army in the war against Afghanistan.

Col. Martin used to regularly send messages of his well-being to his wife. The war continued for long & Lady Martin stopped getting messages. She was very upset.

Once riding on her horse, she passed by the temple of Baijnath Mahadev. She was attracted to the sound of Conch & Mantra. She went inside & came to know that the Brahmans were worshipping Lord Shiva. They saw her sad face & asked her problem. She explained everything to them. They told her that Lord Shiva listens to the prayers of devotees & takes them out of difficult situations in no time.

With the advice of the Brahmans, she started the "Laghu-rudri Anushtthan" of the Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya" for 11 days. She prayed to Lord Shiva that if her husband reaches home safely, then she would get the temple renovated.

On the last of the "Laghu-rudri", a messenger came & gave a letter to her. Her husband had written: "I was regularly sending messages to you from the battle grounds, but suddenly the Pathans surrounded us from all sides. We were entrapped in a situation where there was no scope of escaping death. Suddenly, I saw a Yogi of India with long hair, carrying a weapon with three pointers (Trishul). His personality was amazing & he was maneuvering his weapon with a magnificent style. Seeing this great man, the Pathans started running back. With his grace, our bad times turned into moments of victory. This was possible only because of that man of India wearing a lion skin & carrying a three-pointer weapon (Trishul). That great Yogi told me that I should not worry & that he had come to rescue me because he was very pleased with my wife's prayers"

Tears of joy were falling down the eyes of Lady Martin's eyes while reading the letter. Her heart was overwhelmed. She fell into the feet of Lord Shiva's statue & burst in tears.

After a few weeks, Col. Martin returned. Lady Martin narrated the whole incident to him. Now both husband & wife became devotees of Lord Shiva. In 1883, they donated Rs. 15,000/- for renovating the temple. The information engraved slab for the same is still there in the Baijnath Mahadev Temple of Agar Malva. This is the only Hindu temple built by British.

When Lady Martin left for Europe, she said that they would make Shiva Temple at their home & pray to Him till the end of life. One only needs strong faith. Prahlad, Dhruva, Markandeya & several others could attain that which appeared impossible to others. Even today, devotees are getting this kind of help from God & Self-Realized saints. It is strong faith alone that makes it possible.

 

Lord Shiva is the god, to whom most Hindus turn to for good spouse and for a harmonious family life; especially women worship him for the welfare of the family. So on this special day pray him with full heart and definitely he will hear our prayers.

My appeal to all malayalees is please don’t forget our culture and cultural significance. In the name of civilization many people are forgetting their culture. The celebrations which ought to have celebrated in homes are celebrating as a show. These days each and every festival like onam and vishu are celebrating in samithis, hotels etc and very few people are celebrating at home.  These days most of the enjoyment of celebrations is cut off, my amma is highly dissatisfied with the way festivals are celebrated these days. Onam celebrations in hotels and samithis and thiruvaathirakkali is mostly restricted to school and college stages, just for as a part of a competition.

On last year thiruvadhira I received a mail from a keralite asking me a question the mail is (shaija dear... In this busy schedule life who on earth wants to wake up at 3 A.m, doing pooja, going to temple and above all who will have the time to prepare elaborate dishes like koova paayasam and puzhuku when a whole load of work at office is pending).

And for onam 2012 wishes i received a mail from a man expressing his sorrow stating that many of the housewives who are working and non working not celebrating onam in thier locality as per our tradition.Instead of cooking food in house they are ordering food from out side and thier are busy with thier television programmes.If present people are like this means what will happen to future generation?

My achan always tells us that “vanna vazhi markkan Padilla” (Meaning :we should not forget the way we came.It applies to all financial background, cultural background all). Man’s control of external nature is called civilization. His control of internal nature is called culture. Our culture is deep and beautiful. We must learn to admire and respect the same. Instead of mechanically following the customs, if we try to understand their significance we learn there is logic, science, social as well as spiritual significance in many of them. We must make an effort to follow the practical aspects which are suitable for the modern, technological age, at the same time remembering that we must not lose our roots completely. Our culture is highly adaptable and rejuvenates itself. By culture, we also mean a kind of refinement in words, thought and action. This cannot be taught, but has to be imbibed! The rich values in a person always remain unchanged if they are deeply rooted within our hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture. Even though many have accepted modern means of living, improved lifestyle, a person can change his everything viz., way of clothing, way of eating and living and etc. but values and good beliefs should not be changed. The inner beauty of a person cannot be judged by his or her external appearance or educational qualifications. It is best judged by the refinement of character which we can call the person's culture. We need both spiritual culture and materialistic cultures in our life.All festivals and celebrations in those days, was not just a ritual to follow. It was interlinked with a lot of other traditions and held a different sort of charm which has totally disappeared along with time. I am not complaining and neither am i lamenting the fact. Change is a way of life and the sooner we adapt to it, the better. But tomorrow, as another generation comes by; we can't help thinking about those carefree bygone days which our future generation can never experience nor enjoy.So please follow our culture.

I am an average/Seedha saadha malayalee living out side of the kerala, still manage to visit temples, and fasts as per rituals, in my own ways. After all, one should not forget their traditions altogether, isn't it? I always pray god to give me a life as to pray him always in all situations that even in the midst of my daily hectic schedules, untill my last breath.Dedicating this post to My amma, beena chechi, and chitra Aunty.

Karacharana Kritham Vaa; Kayajam
Karmajam Vaa; Shravana Nayanajam Vaa;
Manasam Vaa Aparadham; Vihithama
Vihitham Vaa; Sarva Medha Kshamasvaa;
Jaya Jaya Karunabdhey ; Shree Mahadeva Shambo

Meaning: Oh Lord! Please forgive me for all the wrong actions that I have commited knowingly or unknowingly with my hands, feet, speech, body, ears, eyes and mind. Victory to you, Oh Lord of compassion and Mercy.

courtesy: Pictures from websites.

Significance from jyothisya ratnam.

Story from a spiritual book.

KERALA DHANURMASAM FROM 16-12-2012 TO 13-01-2012

Dhanur Maasam of Kerala and Margazhi Month of Tamilnadu starting from 16-12-2012 to 14-01-2013. Dhanur Masa is not an independent month in any Indian calendar except for the Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. In mid December from the time Sun enters the Rashi Dhanus (Sagittarius) till he exits and enters the next Rashi – Capricorn (Makara). The month with the star Mrigashirsha is the Margasira Month, Margasira month is based on the star presence, where as the Dhanurmasam is based on the movement of Sun. The two month long pilgrimage season to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple comes to end in this month of December 26. In temples all over India during this month there is special pre-dawn worship. ‘Maathangalil Naan Margazhi”/ “Masaanaam margasheershoham” which means in all the months, Margasira is the most auspicious”, said by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita. The important days in this month are “Vaikunta Ekadasi” Thiruvadira (Arudhra darshanam). Another unique feature is the reading of the four Vedas. Therefore Dhanur Masam is a Solar Month, when the Sun is in Dhanus (Sagittarius). This rasi (Zodiac Sign) begins with the Moola Nakshatram. The Moola Nakashatram points to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. So if you turn to the east and pray at sunrise in Dhanur Masam you are actually looking at Vaikuntham. This is a very special time of prayer for Vaishnavaites.Especially this pooja will be a boon for the people who born in Sagittarius Rasi.

History of this dhanurmasa vratham:-

There is an importance of doing this ritual in the month of Margasira. Margam means a way and seersham means head and best. The best way for a man is realizing his real self. It is Him that makes us and haves us. This is the concept of Upanishads. Margashirsha ritual is the one which emphasizes on the belief that - He is the way and no other way is a real way. In the Upanishads the word Dhanu means Pranava Naadam – which is the Omkara. Hence it means the way and the result is that of the Lord. Hence it is also called the Dhanurmasam Ritual.

The history of Dhanurmasa Vratam which is also known as pavai nonbu/ Margazhi Nonbu is more than 2000 years old and is mentioned in the early scriptures. During dwapara yug, Narada Maharishi tells the Gopikas to perform the “Katyayani Vratam”, to get the blessings of Lord Krishna, hence have been first followed by the Gopikas of Vrindavan and they were blessed with His presence and all the troubles of the people of Vrindavan have been removed. Women and girls observing pavai nonbu woke before sunrise, bathed in the Kalindi river and made an image of Goddess Katyayani with the clay found on the river bank and offered prayers to the Goddess to get good husbands. It is also believed that Andal, one of the twelve Alwars, on the advice of her father, Perialwar, performed pavai nonbu to merge with Sri Ranganatha [Lord Vishnu]. The story of this was sung by Godadevi in the form of Tiruppavai pasuras (meaning Auspicious Songs).She regarded the presiding deity of the temple Sri Vatapatra Sai (Alilla Kanan) as the Lord Krishna, villiputtoor as Vrindavan, the temple as Nanda Gopa’s home, her friends as Gopikas and she herself as one Gopika. As a result she found her Sri Ranganatha swamy Lord Vishnu]. Today women and girls undertaking pavai nonbu during Margazhi take a bath in the morning, draw big rangolis and keep a pumpkin flower with a little dung as a holder, light oil lamps in front of their houses.

Andal is an incarnation of the Divine Mother Earth, who became the foster daughter of the great Vishnuchitha or Periyalwar of Srivillipuththur in Tamil Nadu. Through Her penance, she became Lord Ranganatha’s Bride. Her beautiful 30 verses called Thiruppavai are recited by devotees every day, and become especially important during the month long Dhanurmasam celebrations that takes place during the months of December and January. Women who wish to get married to the man they love perform this vratam during the Dhanurmasam month.

 

Godha Devi/Andal:-

The picture here posted above tells the entire life of Aandal. The life history of Andal tells us that a person named Vishnucitta found her, as a little baby girl, under a Tulsi plant in the temple garden of Srivilliputtur. He gave her the name of Goda, meaning 'the gift of Earth'. Vishnucitta brought her up in an atmosphere of love and devotion towards the Lord. The intensity of her love and dedication towards the Lord grew so much that she decides to marry Sri Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. As she grew, her determination to marry Lord Ranganatha also increased. She also started making a unique offering to the Lord. She used to wear a flower garland first herself and then offer it to God. As an explanation, she said that first wanted to see whether the garland looked good or not by wearing it herself and looking in the mirror. Only after she was convinced that the garland looked nice, did she offer it to God.

When it is time for Aandal to get married, Perialwar looks for a groom. But Aandal insists that she would marry Lord Ranganatha Himself. Ordered by Ranganatha, Perialwar takes Aandal to Srirangam. Aandal, at the right auspicious moment, goes into and merges with Sri Ranganatha.

The month of Dhanurmasam is very auspicious to Vishnu devotees. Unlike the other days when the Lord Vishnu starts his day with Suprabhatam, this month he opens his eyes listening to the Tiruppavai – pasuras. Tiruppavai means Shri Vratam – Auspicious Ritual - A giver of all prosperity. This is performed in the month Dhanurmasam. One year is One day for the Gods and Margasira is the Brahma muhurat in this – this is the 96 minutes before sunrise and this is the period which increases the godliness in a person. Hence this is the time to perform Tiruppavai – Shree Vratam. Shree Vratam was performed between the two full moon days of margasira and pushyami. On these two days the moon is full. The between phase has the moon waning and waxing. It symbolizes the life of a man. The godliness in a man wanes away from him till he realizes and gets close t o it. Tiruppavai or Shri Vratam is to keep this godliness in one forever. 

People recite the pasurams from Thiruppavai and visit temples. Some also sing the Tiruvempaavai written by the poet, Saint Manickavasakar to invoke the blessing of the Lord Shiva during these thirty days of Margazhi. The hymns on the Lord Vishnu and Shiva are recited for the prosperity of the universe – the universe to be perfect bliss devoid of famine or any form of unhappiness.Thus both Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai are relevant till date.

                                                   Godha Devi/Andal:-

Andal was a 10th century Tamil poet who is revered as a saint in the southern parts of India. Godha Devi/ Andal composed two poetic works in her lifetime, both in Tamil. Aandal has written totally 143 songs. 30 of them are Thiruppavai and the other 113 are Nachiar Thirumozhi. Even though she compiled the poems in her teenage years, they display a high level of literary and religious maturity.In Aandals verses we see Bakthi in its purest form. It is not the Bakthi as we see today where people trade with God, making God as their instrument to fulfill their desires. The Great Acharyas have written volumes about the meaning of Aandals Thiruppavai. 

That apart Aandal was one of the finest poets I have ever known. She has mastered the technique of using the simplest of words to convey the profoundest of meanings. Aandal's verses are not about religion. They are about love. And her Valentine was the Almighty Himself! Through her poems, she disclosed her passionate yearning for Lord Vishnu.

Goda devi taught to the world:-

1)      Whatever learned at early age remains forever.

2)      God accepts those things which are offered with good 
      intention.

3)      Love and Service.

4)      Devotion to God.

5)      God listens to his devotees.

6)      Always pray for the welfare of the universe.

7)   Collective Prayer / Mass prayer.

 Let us now pray to Aandal to help us understand her great works.

In all vrathams I like dhanurmasa vrata pooja because of its theme and we can learn best values from this vratham.Gone days will never come back.I along with all all my friends did this vratham, enjoyed lot, drawing rangoli,stringing of garlands, decorating the temple premises etc., Early hours going to temple at 4 P.M after completing all rituals and pooja in home all my friends will gather and we use to go to temple on foot. But now all my friends including my sister sheeja are married and settled and spread to different places.From last three years I alone doing this Dhanurmasa vratham, and all other married friends including my sister stopped doing this vratham.This post I am dedicating to My loving friend Aruna, and to my sister sheeja.I sincerely pray lord krishna to give me a boon that to continue this vratham for ever even after my marriage and in my rebirths also.

A TRIBUTE TO GURUVAYUR GAJARAJAN KESAVAN

To whom the tribute is paying? Is he a freedom fighter? Musician? Politician? Other than the keralites, all people will think what was the specialty of this elephant to which keralites are paying tributes? Of course so many people other than keralites who went to guruvayur asking me whats the speciality of this elephant? Well, I narrate the heart touching real incident of this Hero. This real incident has been told as a story by my achan & amma while I was a kid. Heard of an elephant observing Ekadasi vratam? To understand the greatness of this elephant we have to be a true/pure human being. So leaving behind all the animal instincts hidden in ourselves (if any), let us have a close look at the divine qualities of this animal. The name of this famous elephant was Guruvayoor Kesavan.  

Guruvayoorappan Lord Krishna is one of the famous God of God’s own country who has a distinct place in every heart and every household and of course my achan’s favorite deity. Guruvayur temple has very good facilities to maintain elephants at Punnathurkotta. Guruvayur kesavan is regarded as the most prominent devotee elephant of Guruvayoor, the deity at Kerala. It was one of the majestic elephant which served the Lord in all its sincerity and uniqueness.  Valiya Raja of Nilambur once prayed to the Lord to save his family and property from the enemies attack. He promised to offer one of his many elephants if his wish is fulfilled. (It is a common Hindu custom in Kerala and many devotees offer cows, gold, silver, and elephants to Lord Krishna at Guruvayoor, as a demonstration of their devotion). So his wish was fulfilled and he offered an elephant in the year 1916, which later became the famous Guruvayur Kesavan.

On his arrival, Kesavan was 10 years old and elephant Padmanabhan was the undisputed king. Young Kesavan acquired all the kingly gestures and nobleness of Padmanabhan and even excelled him. He had his own rules. He is very choosy in food habits; He will never allow anyone to climb on his top through his front leg. This place was reserved only for the person who holds the Lord's idol. All others need to climb through his behind leg. Kesavan was sometimes referred to as eccentric and wonder. People say’s that the elephant held his head always higher in comparison to his peers and demonstrated a weird perceptivity or sixth sense. There were occasions when Kesavan got annoyed by the action of his mahouts. But he never caused any bodily harm to anyone. He sometimes was called "Lunatic Kesavan", but never spoiled any sanctity.

Once he was hurrying to the temple, disobeying the mahouts.  Everybody in the unity fled for fear of being trembled once by it except a poor, helpless leper. As the people watched with fear, they were astonished when they saw that Kesavan had actually lifted the leper with his trunk, placed him safely in a corner, and proceeded straight to the temple. Even if he became wild outside Guruvayur, he would straightaway come to Guruvayur, go round the temple and stood where he used to be chained. This transformed him into an ideal elephant.

In the year 1973 Kesavan was conferred the unique title "Gajarajan" (Elephant King), by the Guruvayoor Devaswom for his intelligence, good behaviour and his love and devotion towards the Lord Guruvayoorappan. He served the Lord in the temple for all processions, festivals and ceremonies until his death in 1976. Even his death was on the auspicious day of Guruvayoor Ekadasi, the elephant also observed fast that day and turning towards the temple, looking at the temple, with his trunk raised as if saluting the Lord, he left his body and attained his Moksha.The Guruvayoor Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. Its tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure. The anniversary of its death is still celebrated in Guruvauyur. Many elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it.

All of us feel the need to be loved, to be cared for, and be it a human or an animal. Humans express their feelings, not all animals/pets do, but even they have their own ways of expression. Extreme love and devotion towards the God not the specialty of man only and there are numerous examples of animals who were remembered for there deep love emotion and their faith towards the Lord. Gajendra moksham from Bhagavatham and the Guruvayoor Keshavan are the best examples of elephants who were illustrious devotees and their reverence and devotion to the Lord are much higher in plain than that of human beings. The devotion of Kesavan to the lord is no exaggeration. An elephant who served the lord with utmost devotion without ever chanting the slokas for 54 years, without anticipating anything. These legends are the most common in the state of Kerala and told to the young children in order to create a sense of love and respect towards the faith and their religion in their mind, from the young age.

The elephant, Guruvayur Keshavan still lives in the heart and mind of the Keralites through the narratives they get to hear from their older generations. The anniversary of its death is still celebrated in Guruvauyur. My father use to say that who have seen him will never forget Kesavan and we have his photo in my house. Every keralite where ever they are, will have the photos or calendars of this gajaraja kesavan. When ever I visit guruvayur I will bow infront of his statue and ask to give his blessings towards pure path of faith and devotion.

So on this special dwadasi day after my fasting rituals a small tribute in my own way,  posting this article in my blog. Even though I literally have not seen this great soul as I was unborn while he is alive but my heart always pays a great respect towards his dedication true faith and devotion. It does not matter if it is human being or an elephant. All Beings big and small are part of the Lord. Several beings took birth as birds and animals to be close to the Lord, when He existed in His body. Many beings take birth to be close to the Lord even now. This story of a devotee in the body of an elephant is quite an example. Bhakti (Devotion) always is holier than the Knowledge and associated ego. Love conquers all. Eternal love unmistakably flows from the Lord to all beings, who are receptive to it. Last but not least I believe 'Human life is the most precious thing that God has gifted us, with time being the most essential content of it'. So I desire to live each and every moment of life with full happiness and satisfaction.

courtesy: Image from net and

Few real incident narration from Bhaktha priya. 

Especially thanks to my Amma.

A HEART FULL TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL HEROES 26/11/2012

 

In the Blessed memory of those courageous Indians

soldiers, police officers who died in the struggle for

Deadliest terror attack.

For they who at the call of the duty

Left all that was dear to them

Endured hardships, faced dangers and

Finally passed out of sight of men

Thousands of men and women have given their lives

Some one they never knew nor will ever meet

So today we say a little prayer of thanks to those

        Countless persons who paid the price of their life for motherland.

My mind raced back to my school days when I learned a Hindi poem by Pt. Makhanlal Chaturvedi called "PUSHP KI ABHILASHA" and of course My most favorite poems of my school because this is an excellent devotion towards the Hindi poetry. In school days I just mugged it up because it was part of our course and felt little bit difficulty in remembering these tough words. But one day when I forget the lines while telling the poem because of blind mugg, my teacher told me to understand the meaning of the poem and study then you will never forget this poem in your life. When it has been translated to me by my loving sister Sheena v bhaskaran I dont know why somehow these lines have got etched in my mind forever. I find these lines very close to my heart since the time I read this poem first time in 8th standard; I will recite this poem daily just like a prayer. Poet has rightly placed the patriots at the highest place.  

                                       

                              Pushp Ki Abhilasha

 Chah Nahin Mai SurBala Ke
Gehnon Mein Guntha Jaaon
Chah Nahin Premi Mala Mein
Bindh, Pyari Ko Lalchaon
Chah Nahin Samraton Ke
Shav Par, He Hari Dala Jaaon
Chah Nahin Devon Ke Sar Par
Chadhon, Bhagya Par Itraoon
Mujhey Tod Lena Banmali,
Us Path Par Tum Dena Phaink
Matra Bhoomi Per Sheesh Chadhaney,
Jis Path Jaayen Veer Anek

When Translated in English:

I do not wish to be a part of the ornaments of the daughter of Gods,I do not wish to lure sweet love being a part of lover's garland for herI do not wish O God, to be offered on the dead-bodies of great kings I do not wish to adorn the foreheads of Gods and be proud of my luck.
O Gardener! Please pluck me and throw me on the street
where the brave men offering their head for the motherland tread!

This is no doubt best piece of poetry from Makhanlal. It accurately represents the pride and passion for the nation. This poem tells us dedication and patriotism towards our country. The poem is really soul stirring. Salute to him who wrote these lines and salute to them who shed their blood for our great motherland. I never heard a poem like pushp ki abhilasha, till now which tells us our dedication and patriotism towards our country. This is one of the best poems I still remember from my schoolbook, not because of its contents but because of its feel. An all time childhood favourite poem, and today I am sharing this with my mail as a tribute to all the soldiers who lost their lives in Taj tragedy.

I pray for the flower's wish to be granted.

*Peace*

Lets bow our head and say a little prayer of thanks to those countless brave soldiers who paid and sacrifice their life for defence of our nation.Perhaps this tribute of mine won't be able to add anything new or glorious to their life but yet my heart rending love & respect and it shall remain till my last breath.

 

ORIGIN OF GURUVAYUR

You must be curious now to know about the origin of the shrine at Guruvayur. The "Narada Purana" in the chapter Gurupavanapura Mahatmya alludes to this story: King Janamejaya, in order to avenge the death of his father Pareekshit, brought about by the Naga chief Takshaka, performed the "Sarpayajna" (snake sacrifice) in which thousands of innocent reptiles perished. As a result of their curse that befell him, he was afflicted with leprosy, which left him in utter despair. Sensing this, sage Dattatreya appeared before him with a remedy - Propitiation of Lord Krishna at Guruvayur.

        The sage recounted, how the holy idol was blessed because Narayana Himself was the first to worship it. At the beginning of the Padma Kalpa, he gave the deity to Brahma (the Lord of Creation) who could execute his task of Creation only by its grace.

        At the beginning of the Varaha Kalpa, the childless couple, Sutepa & Prisna prayed in earnest to Brahma for the gift of a son. Brahma gave them this deity assuring them of their wish if they worshipped the deity with sincere devotion. This they did with excellence, so much so that the Lord Mahavishnu himself appeared before them. As a boon, they prayed Him three times, for a son. He pacified them that he himself would be born to them as their son in three successive births. Moreover, they would also have the good fortune of worshipping the divine image in all the three janmas (births) and so.. as the Lord wished, in the 1st janma, to Sutepa and Prisna was born as their son, Prisigarbha. In their 2nd janma, as Kasyapa & Adita, the couple worshipped the same image and got their son Vamana. In their 3rd and most auspicious janma as Vasudeva and Devaki, Sri Krishna was born to them.

       After slaying Kamsa , Krishna moved to Dwaraka where he built a temple, installed that image the supreme himself and worshipped it after the death of his parents. When the time come of his 'Swargarohana'( ascent to Vaikundha), Lord Krishna entrusted his devoted disciple Uddhava, to take good care of the idol. When the latter intimated him, his fears regarding the fate that would befall mankind in Kaliyuga during His absence. Krishna pacified Udhava that he would manifest Himself in and infuse His glory into the idol; He would also shield His devotees from the ill-effects of Kaliyuga and bless the mankind. He appraised Udhava that a subsequence of Dwaraka was impending and that he should install the image in an equally holy spot in consultation with Brihaspati (Guru), the preceptor of the Gods . Accordingly Guru along with Vayu (the God of Winds) set forth to Dwaraka where they in tensed the image being tossed about in the sea by the surging waves. The God of winds (Vayu) carried the image of his lead and both set part in search of a sacred place for its installation. In their quest, they came upon a lake of lotuses., none other than the Rudratheertha where Lord Siva & Parvathi were waiting to receive them. Siva told them that that spot was etched out for Narayana long ago; hence he and Parvathi would move to Mammiyur, the opposite bank. It is for this reason that a visit to Guruvayur is considered incomplete without visiting mammiyoor temple. Guru and Vayu installed the image in the temple built by Viswakarma, the architect of the God. As Guru and Vayu together founded the temple, the place came to be known as Guruvayurpura in accordance with Shiva's wish. The name was later shortened to Guruvayur.

       Moved by this story, Janamejaya proceeded to Guruvayur temple where he observed austere devotion for four months. In the night he would go to Mammiyur and bow before Shiva. One night while asleep he felt the lord's healing touch over his body and his pain was no more! He returned to his kingdom elated singing praises for the Lord. Yes, you too could prouder up on the story and arrive at your conclusions.

COURTESY:GURUVAYUR DEVASWOM BOARD.

POWER OF CHANTING SAHASRA NAMAM

The chanting of the Divine Name or nama japa has an important place in bhakti tradition. Nama japa can be in the form of japa or stotra. Japa is silent repetition of a mantra while stotra is uttered out loud.

The sahasranama stotra is perhaps the most popular of all stotras. There are sahasranamas of most of the deities of the Hindu pantheon of which two have attained great popularity. These are the Lalita Sahasranama in praise of the Divine Mother and Vishnu Sahasranama in praise of the Lord conceived as Vishnu.

Vishnu Sahasranama is a part of the Santhi Parva of the Mahabharata. Towards the end of the Great War, Bhisma lies on a bed of arrows, waiting for uttarayana to dawn so that he can give up his mortal coils.

He is questioned by Yudhistira who wonders who the Supreme Lord of all is, by praising and worshipping whom one can gain good and attain salvation. Bhisma answers Yudhistira’s query by reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama in Sri Krishna’s presence. Reciting the thousand names of Vishnu, Bhisma tells Yudhistira that Vishnu is the Jagat Prabhu or Lord of the Universe, Bhuta-Bhavya-Bhavan-Natha - Lord of past, present and future. The Almighty is depicted in terms of space and time as being immanent. He is one in many things to many.

The body of Lord Vishnu consists of the three worlds. His feet being the earth, His naval the sky and His head the Heavens. The life breath is air, His eyes are the sun and the moon. His ears are the directions, His face the flames of fire, His abode the milky ocean, He is Himself the universe. He is the origin of all that originated. He is Adhoksajah, the one who doesn’t degenerate. There is no change in His original nature.

Vishnu is also Pavanah Pavano Nala or one who is air among all purifying agents. He is Saptajihvah, the Lord in His manifestation as fire having seven tongues of flame, that which cannot be adulterated. He is Vasavanujah or the one who is born as the younger brother of Indra (Vasava) in His incarnation as Vamana, the dwarf. Even the Lord had to resort to the dwarf’s form while begging for a gift of land from King Bali. He is also Suparno vayu vahana.

Here Suparna is Garuda who carries the Lord. Vishnu in this nama is described as one who has Garuda as His vehicle, but who instead rides on Vayu the wind.

The many weapons of Vishnu are described by the various names that occur towards the end of Sahasranama. Samkha - the panchajanya, Nandaki - the sword, Chakri - the sudharsana chakra, Sarnga dhanva - the divine bow, Gadadhara - the mace and Rathangapaani - the one who has the wheel of ratha in His hand. It is said that during the great Mahabharata war Krishna gave his word to the Kauravas that He would not use any weapon in the battle. But on the ninth day He wanted to control the fierce onslaught of Bhisma. He forgot the word given to the Kauravas. He jumped down the chariot and dropped the whip he was holding. Realizing that He had no weapon in His hand, He is stated to have grabbed a wheel from one of the chariots and rushed towards Bhisma.

Bhisma seeing Krishna running toward him in this fashion reminds Him of His promise. That sight of Krishna running with the wheel of a ratha in His hand was fresh in Bhisma’s memory even when Bhisma was lying on the bed of arrows. And the one-thousandth Nama depicts Vishnu as Sarva Praharnayudha.

There is no rule that the Lord has got only the above-mentioned weapons to fight the unlawful and protect Dharma. In His manifestation as Varaha, He used His mighty tusks to kill Hiranyaksha and as Narasimha, He used His fingernails to rip open the belly of Hiranyakashipu to save Prahalada. He also used His foot to crush the ego of King Bali in His incarnation as Vamana the dwarf.

The Vishnu Sahasranama is open to all; anyone can chant it without any distinction of caste, creed or sex. It can be chanted at any time and no special rituals are obligatory to do so. There are no hurdles in chanting the praise of the Lord. 

courtesy:Manoj kumar Times of India