INTERESTING INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

STORY OF LORD AYYAPPAN

2009-04-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

The descendants of Pandya dynasty discarded by Thirumala Naicker Diwan of Raja Vijayanagar, who was then ruling the Pandya Kingdom, comprising of Madurai,Tirunelveli, Ramananthapuram, were living scattered in places like Valliyur, Tenkasi, Shengottah, Achankovil and Sivagiri. At that time, Pandyas were ruling in many parts of Travancore. The descendants of Pandya dynasty belonging to Chempazhanattu Kovil, living in Sivagiri were given the right to rule the country of Pandalam, by the King of Travancore eight hundreds years ago. King Rajasekara was the direct descendant of this dynasty.

King Rajasekara was very talented, courageous and just in his deeds. People were living happily and prosperously during his regime. However, the king was very unhappy that he had no children and his subjects were also worried that he had no heir to inherit his kingdom. As per the wish of the queen, both of them prayed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.
Mahishasuran, Son of Ramban, undertook a severe penance (Dhavam). Lord Brahma tried to distract his concentration, but having failed in his attempts, he appeared before the Asura and blessed him with a boon. Mahishasuran asked Lord Brahma
to give him a boon by which no man in the earth would be able to kill him, and Lord Brahma conferred the boon on him. Mahishasuran, armed with his boon, began to commit atrocities and murders on the earth and terrorised people. Fearing his wrath, people ran away to far away places.
The Devas seeing the atrocities committed by Mahishasuran came to the conclusion that only a divine power could kill him and approached Chandikadevi (Mahishasuramardhini) pleading to put an end to Mahishasura who was misusing the boon given by Lord Brahma. Chandikadevi set out on her mission and killed Mahishasura in a duel, on earth.
Mahishi daughter of Karamba, brother of Ramban undertook a severe penance in order to take revenge on the Devas, who were responsible for the death of her husband. Lord Brahma appeared and offered to confer on Mahishi any boon except that of immortality. Mahishi asked Lord Brahma to bless her with a boon
by which nobody , except the son created out of the union of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Haran), would be able to kill her. Lord Brahma gave the boon and Mahishi went to Devaloka and started harassing the Devas.
The Devas incurred the wrath of Durvasa Muni who cursed them. On the advice of Lord Mahavishnu that this curse could be removed only by administering Amrutham taken from Palazhi, the devas took it from the Palazhi, but the Asuras snatched it from them.Lord Mahavishnu in the disguise of Mohini, went to theAsuras and got back the Amrutham and restored it to the Devas. When Lord Shiva, went to see Lord Mahavishnu who was in the guise of a Mohini succumbed to her beauty and out of their union, was born a child, who was name Dharmasastha. Dharmasastha grew at Kailasham. Lord Shiva, answered Rajasekara's prayer and ordered Dharmasastha to take the avathar of Ayyappan . On the day King Rajasekara went for hunting in the forest, Ayyappan took the form of a baby with a golden chain and bell around his neck and placed himself near the Pamba river.
King Rajasekara went for hunting in the forest adjoining the banks of River Pampa, along with his men. He started hunting courageously in the dense forest which was a sanctuary for many wild animals. After that hunting was over, King Rajasekara advised his men to take rest and sat there entertaining himself with the sight of the natural greenish beauty and the waterfalls, of the forest.

At that time, he heard a child crying from somewhere in the forest. Surprised, he went round and reached the banks of River Pampa. There he saw a beautiful and divine child (i.e. Ayyappa) kicking its legs and crying out, and was in a dilemma whether to take the child to the Palace or leave it there itself.
While the King was engrossed in his thoughts, a Sanyasi appeared before him and told the King that he need not be afraid of the child and take him to the Palace and that the child belonged to Kshatriya dynasty capable of mitigating all sufferings. The
Sanyasi further stated that since the Child had a gold bell around his neck, his name be called "MANIKANDAN" and when the child completed twelve years, the King would know his divine history. After uttering these words, the Sanyasi disappeared.

The King of Pandalam was very joyous, he took the child to his Palace and briefed the Queen about the incident. The King and the Queen, having prayed to Lord Shiva, for a child, were very happy that they had been blessed with a child. The people also felt happy that a heir to inherit the Kingdom after the King, has been found.
However, the Diwan of the Kingdom who was thinking that he would be the next crown after Rajasekara was worried.

When the child, named Manikandan, began to grow in the Palace, everything began to prosper in kingdom. He was taught all martial arts and sastras and the Guru was surprised at his brilliance and agility and the extraordinary talents. The Guru came to the conclusion that he was not an ordinary child, but a divine power. After completing his education under the Guru, Manikandan approached the Guru to offer his Guru Dakshina.

When Manikandan went to his Guru for his blessings, the Guru told him that he already knew that he was a divine power and he was blessed for having been given an opportunity to have Manikandan as a student. The Guru further told Manikandan that he had one request to make and that was that his only son who was dumb should be given speech. Manikandan called the Guru's son and put his hands on his head and immediately Guru's son had his speech. Manikandan requested the Guru not to reveal this to anyone and went to the Palace.
In the meanwhile, the Queen gave birth to a male child and the child was named RajaRajan. King Rajasekara, impressed with the talents of Manikandan, decided to crown him, treating him as his eldest son. He ordered the Diwan to make arrangements for the same. The Diwan hated this and started devising plans to prevent Manikandan from being crowned to the throne and to annihilate him. He tried various methods including poisoning of food, but failed in all these. However, Manikandan's body bore an injury due to these and ordinary physicians could not cure it. Lastly, Lord Shiva disguising himself as a physician, treated Manikandan's injury and cured him.

Having failed in all his attempts to kill Manikandan, the Diwan approached the Queen and told her that she had her own son, it was not correct to crown a person who came from the forest. He further told the Queen since Arthasastra itself has justified any misdeed if it was done to extract a good thing, he would suggest that the Queen should pretend as if suffering from severe headache and stomach pain and he would make the physician tell that only a tigress' milk should be brought to cure the Queen and since Manikandan would only go to the forest to bring the milk, he would be in danger from the wild animals and even if Manikandan returned without bringing the tigress' milk, the King's love for him would not be as before. The Queen, became a prey to the Diwan's plot and agreed to do what he told, so that her son could succeed the King to the throne.
The Queen, as told by the Diwan, cried out loudly that she was suffering from severe headache and stomach pain and the King, believing this, called the Diwan to bring in the best physicians to treat her. The Physician, brought by the Diwan examined the Queen and told the King that the Queen had been suffering from a dangerous disease and it could be cured only by applying Tigress' milk .The King sent several of his men to the forest for bringing this milk. The King understood that it was an impossible task and wanted his dear Queen to be cured at any cost and offered half of his Kingdom to anybody who brought the Milk.
When the King was thinking about this, Manikandan asked him to let him go to the forest promising to bring the milk. However, the King told him that he was awaiting to be crowned to the throne that he was also not of age and hence refused to let him go. Manikandan told the King, in spite of his refusal, he had to go lest he would be cursed for not curing the Queen. Since the King persisted in his refusal Manikandan wanted the King to promise to do something he wanted. The King gave the promise and asked him what he wanted and immediately Manikandan asked the King to permit to go to the Forest. The King felt disappointed that he had been tricked and with no other alternative permitted Manikandan to go to the forest.
King Rajasekara made arrangements to send a group of his loyal men along with Manikandan, which however was refused by Manikandan on the ground that the tigress might run away seeing the crowd of soldiers. King Rajasekara sent along with Manikandan necessary foodstuffs and coconuts with three-eyes, in remembrance of Lord Shiva. The Panchabuthas, sent by Lord Shiva, accompanied Manikandan to Forest. However, on his way Manikandan, came to know the atrocities of Mahishi in the Devaloka, he went there and fought a battle with Mahishi. During the conflict, Manikandan threw Mahishi down to earth from devaloka and she fell on the banks of Azhutha River. Manikandan clashed with her at Azhutha river again.
At the end, of the battle between Mahishi and Manikandan at Azhutha River banks, Manikandan climbed up on her chest and danced violently. The impact of his dance was felt on the Earth and Devloka and the Devas were afraid.

After killing Mahishi, Manikandan went to the forest for the tigress milk, when Lord Shiva appeared before him and told him that though he had done good for the Devas, still there was one main task and that was to give comfort to the King Rajasekara who was very concerned about him. Lord Shiva further told him that he could
go to the Palace with Lord Devendran in the form of a tiger. With Manikandan on the tiger, all female devas in the disguise of a tigress and male Devas, as tigers started their journey to the Palace.
When Manikandan, with the tigers, approached the Palace, the people who ridiculed him when the started his journey to forest whether he wanted a toy tigresses, really got panicky seeing the violent bunch of animals and started running helter skelter.
Just then, the same Sanyasi who appeared before King Rajasekara when he picked up Manikandan at the forest as a baby, appeared again at the palace and told King Rajasekara the real identity of Manikandan. Hearing this, the King stood in great surprise and silence. He saw Manikandan riding a tiger and people running away. Seeing the King, Manikandan descended from the Tige and told him that since the tigresses were there, he could get the Queen cured with their milk. King Rajasekara, fell at his feet and asked to forgive him for whatever happened without his knowledge, and asked him to send back the tigers as the Queens ailment had been cured the moment Manikandan went to the forest. On that day Manikandan reached the age of twelve.

King Rajasekara told Manikandan that the Diwan was responsible for all these things and hence he should be punished. However, Manikandan told the king that he need not punish the Diwan and all had happened only through the will of God, and he told further that time had come for him to go to Devaloka since the task for
which he took avatar himself on the Earth is completed and asked the King what boon he wanted from him and he was ready to give it as he was much pleased by his devotion. Immediately, King Rajasekara told him that they wanted to raise a temple in his memory and suggest a suitable place for the temple. Manikandan aimed an arrow which fell at a place called Sabari, where in Sri Rama's era a Sanyasini called Sabari observed Dhavam. Lord Manikandan told the King to build the temple in that place and then he disappeared.

As per Saint Agasthya's advise, King Rajasekara laid the foundation stone for the building the Sabarimala Shrine. Bhagwan Manikandan, had made it clear that he would grace only those devotees who offer Dharshan after performing Vritha for fortyone days keeping themselves isolated from family desires and tastes and leading a life like Brahmacharya, thinking of good things always, and that while coming for his darshan, they shall carry the holy irumudi on their heads, as the Bhagwan did when he went to the forest to fetch tigress milk, and bathed in River Pampa raising slogans of Saranam and climb the eighteen stairs.
As graced by the Bhagwan King Rajasekara completed building of the temple with eighteen steps to reach it. When the King was thinking how to put Dharmasastha's figure in the temple for darshan to devotees, he recalled the words of the Bhagwan, the River Pampa was a holy river as River Ganga, Sabarimala was a holy place as Kasi. Dharmasastha sent Parasuraman to Sabarimala who carved the figure of Lord Ayyappa and installed it on the day of Makarasankranthi, the day on which the Makara Jothi appears. Every year lakhs and lakhs of people throng to Sabarimala irrespective of caste or creed and adorn themselves with garlands and irumudis, chants slogans on Lord Ayyappa, bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen steps and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa, the Dharmasastha.

TALES OF MURUGA-part 3

2009-04-26T02:31:00.000-07:00

IDUMBAN-THE LEGEND OF KAAVADI

Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills -- Sivagiri and Saktigiri -- to his abode in the South and commissioned his asuran disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban was one of the very few asuran survivors of the suraasuran war between Murugan's forces and those of Surapadman. After surviving the war he had repented and became a devotee of Lord Murugan.

At this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had just been outwitted by His brother Ganesa in a contest for going around the world and He was still smarting over the matter. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (the Jnana-pazham) by simply going around His parents. Long after this, Subrahmanya came seating on His peacock to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, He vowed to leave His home and family and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaaram (meaning 'foot of the Sivagiri Hill'). Siva pacified Him by saying that Subrahmanya Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the place was called Pazham-nee ('You are the fruit') or Palani. Later He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.

Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders in the form of a kavadi, one on each side. When he reached Palani and felt fatigued, he placed the kavadi down to take rest.

When Idumban resumed his journey, he found that he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made it impossible for Idumban to carry it. Upon the hilltop the great asuran spotted a little boy wearing only kaupeenam and demanded that he vacate at once so Idumban could proceed with his task. The boy, who was yet in a fighting mood, refused. In the fierce battle which ensued, Idumban was slain but was later restored to life.

Idumban belatedly recognised the boy as none other than his ishta devata Murugan and prayed to Him that: 1) whosoever carried on his shoulders the kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow should be blessed; and 2) he should be given the priviledge of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill. Hence we have the Idumban shrine half-way up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani Swami. Since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi. The custom has spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines.

TALES OF MURUGA-part 2

2009-04-26T02:13:00.000-07:00

"PAZHAM NEE APPA!"-THE LEGEND OF PALANI MURUGAN
The illustrated story of Lord Muruga, why He left Kailasa and came to Palani, and how Palani got its name.
The devas (gods) and saints used to go to Mount Kailasa to worship Lord Shiva. At Mount Kailasa Shiva and Parvati were greatly pleased to see saints meditating, Nandi Deva praying for God's blessing, Lord Muruga playing at the feet of Lord Shiva, and Ganapati dancing with his trunk.

At that time Narada arrived there. Playing his veena and chanting a “Hara-Hara! Shambo Maha Deva!” Lord Shiva welcomed him gracefully. After worshipping the God and Goddess, Narada offered them a very special mango fruit.

Upon seeing this, Muruga and Vinayaga anxiously waited to receive the fruit. This fruit (Gñâna Pazham) had unparalleled taste. So the Lord decided to conduct a contest to choose the right person for the fruit. The winner should circle the world first.

Muruga and Vinayaga were astonished by this order for a while but soon got to work. Goddess Uma watched them with a smile.

The brave young Kandavel (Murugan) started his journey around the world at once.

"Within a second I will go around the world upon my blue peacock," he said.

The blue peacock fluttered its wings like a golden chariot an flew around the world in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Vinayaga realised his disadvantage and thought of a solution. He went around his father and mother and worshipped them.

Then Lord Shiva asked his son Lord Ganapati, “Vinayaga! What did you do?”

Saying to his father and mother, “Because of you only, this world arises and falls. Father and mother are the world,” he claimed the prize fruit.

Shiva and Uma were pleased by this act of Vinayaga and presented the fruit to him.

Lord Muruga reached his father Lord Shiva within a second to claim the fruit. But it had already been won by his brother Ganapati!

Muruga was very surprised and angry. At that time Shiva told Lord Muruga that Ganapati had completed the contest faster by circling his parents.

Lord Muruga could not accept this reason. Hence he became hard-hearted and his lips became reddish.

Lord Muruga went and sat upon his peacock in anger.

Goddess Parvati's heart was beating rapidly. She came to Muruga, said, “Darling! Kathirvela! Stop!” and took her son Muruga in her lap.

At that time Vinayaga did not know what to do. But Muruga flew away on the peacock.

This happened for the welfare of the people in the world. This is known as “Grace Play” and “Grace Anger”.

From mount Kailasa Lord Muruga traveled to the extreme South and landed at Tiru Avinankudi Hill and settled there. To cool the heat of Lord Muruga's anger, the God and Goddess followed him.

They consoled him by saying you need not worry about this fruit. “You are the fruit (Pazham nee),” said Lord Shiva to Palani Muruga.

From that day onwards, Lord Palani Muruga sheds His grace upon devotees.

Lord Muruga showed his grace just like a saint (ândi) in Tiru Avinankudi.

His bright face in equal to the rising sun; His very sight pours grace upon the devotee. His forehead displays tilakam, sandal and tiruneeru (vibhuti).

His broad chest having a cord with danda (staff) gives safety for others; His left hand on thigh shows abundant grace; His jeweled ankles shine with beauty; He shows grace to all wearing only a kaupîna (loincloth) along with the blue peacock.

TALES OF MURUGA-part 1

2009-04-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

KANDA PURANAM

Maya is born to Asurendran and Mangala Kesi.
Maya seeks advise from sage Sukrachariyar on expanding her race.
Maya marries sage Kasyapa.
The birth of Surapadman.
Maya and sage Kasyapa take the form of lions and give birth to Singhamukhan , the lion-faced brother of Surapadman.
Maya and sage Kasyapa take the form of elephants and give birth to Tarakasuran , the elephant-faced brother of Surapadman.
Maya and sage Kasyapa take the form of goats and give birth to Ajamukhi, the goat-headed sister of Surapadman.
The birth of another two lakh (200,000) asuras. They pay respects to their parents.
Surapadman seeks the grace of Lord Siva by performing tapas (austerities).
Surapadman receives the boon to rule 1008 worlds and 108 ages (yugas) of the world.
Upon receiving the boons, the arrogant Surapadman imprisons the devas.
The devas tell their grievance to Lord Siva.
Lord Siva promises to produce a son who will end the devas' sufferings.
Six sparks appear from Lord Siva's third eye and land in Saravana Poykai (a marshy lake in Himālaya).
The six sparks transform into six baby boys in six lotus flowers.
The six charming baby boys are brought up by the six Krttika nymphs .
Mother Uma Devi lovingly gathers all six babies and transforms them into the six-faced Arumukhan.
Lord Murugan receives the Vel (divine lance) from His Father Lord Siva.
Lord Murugan sets out for battle with Surapadman to end the suffering of the devas.
Tarakasuran turns himself into the Krauncha Mountain, but is felled by Lord Murugan's Vel.
Lord Murugan sends Veerabahu Devar as envoy to Surapadman.
Surapadman speaks arrogantly with Veerabahu Devar.
Surapadman being advised by his younger brother, Singhamukhan, to avoid war with Lord Murugan.
Surapadman rebukes Singhamukhan.
Singhamukhan dies while fighting Lord Murugan.
The duel between Lord Murugan and Surapadman.
Surapadman transforms into a monstrous upside-down mango tree in the ocean.
Lord Murugan, using His mighty Vel, splits the tree and one half transforms as a peacock and the other as a cock.
Lord Murugan takes the cock as His victory flag and the peacock as His vehicle.
Lord Murugan performs Siva puja (prayers) at Tiruchendur and sheds His Divine Grace upon the people.
Lord Indra presents the hand of His daughter Deyvanai in marriage to Lord Murugan, who ended the sufferings of the devas. The marriage takes place at Tirupparankundram.
Lord Murugan sheds His divine grace upon Sri Lakshmi, Kamadhenu (the fabled cow which supplies every want in the world of Gods), Surya (Lord Sun), Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth), and Agni (Lord of fire), at Tiruvavinankudi.
Lord Murugan explains the meaning of the pranava mantra ('Om'), to His Father, Lord Siva, at Tiruverakam (Swamimalai).
Lord Murugan in His universal form (Visvarupa) at Palamutircolai.
Lord Murugan, assuming the form of a Vedar (hunter), seeks Valli's love.
Lord Murugan returns in the form of an old man to seek Valli's love.

The marriage of Sri Valli and Lord Murugan.
Lord Murugan with Sri Valli and Sri Deyvanai.

GANESHA LEELA-part 8

2009-04-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

GANESHA AND CHANDRA

It was Ganesha's birthday and he had eaten a lot of laddoos in his devotees' houses. With his pot belly, Ganesha sat on Mushaka, his vehicle. A snake came there and as it was Mushaka's natural enemy, it dropped Ganesha and ran away. Chandra, the moon started laughing at this and made fun of Ganesha, who took thew sake and tied it around his stomach to settle it.

Chandra only laughed more. The angry Ganesha cursed the moon that he would always remain dark. When Chandra apologised, he forgave him and as he couldn't take back the curse told him that he would darken half of the time and then brighten zt other times. Chandra went away happily.

GANESHA LEELA-part 7

2009-04-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

GANESHA WRITES MAHABHARATA

Vyasa started singing. Whenever he felt Ganesha was writing too fast for him, he would come with a difficult verse, thus by the time Ganesha could decipher the meaning, he would have composed several more verses in his mind.

In this way, Vyasa completed the Bharatham in 60 lakhs granthams. This comprises the Kandapuranam, Ramayanam, Savithri Puranam, Nala Puranam and so on. Lord Ganesha wrote on Mount Meru using his tusk. Of these 60 lakh granthams, 30 lakhs are supposed to be in the Deva Logam, 15 lakhs in Yatcha Logam and 14 lakhs in Asura Logam. Only the remaining 1 lakh granthams is assumed to be on the earth.

Sage Vyasa is supposed to have sung 8,800 granthams, which were difficult for Ganesha to decipher. He has himself stated that Ganesha, Sage Vyasa himself and his Sugan are probably the only ones who know the meaning of those 8,800 granthams.
The Mahabharatham is considered the fifth Veda.

GANESHA LEELA- part 6

2009-04-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

VAKRATHUNDA VINAYAKA

When Basmasuran was killed by Siva & Vishnu (Vishnu in the form of Mohini), Duraasadan, Basmasuran's son was angry and upset. He did tapas & got boons from Siva that he should never die and that all the devas should be under his control, etc.

As usual Siva gave him the varam & there was total chaos for some time. All the Devas ran into hiding & even Brahma & Vishnu ran out of their Brahma Logam & Vaikundam. All of them rushed to Kasi which was ruled by Viswanathar. On hearing of this Duraasadan came to Kasi. All the Gods and Devas rushed away to Kedaram, because the time was not yet right to kill Duraasadan.

Soon, on the prayers of the Devas, an avataram of Lord Ganesha came out of Uma Devi's face. (with five faces, 10 hands, Jada magudam with moon). Uma Devi named him Vakradhundar and gave him her Simha Vahanam (lion).

There ensued a heavy fight between Vakradhundar & Duraasadan. Finally Ganesha took a huge form (Viswa roopam) & placed his feet on Duraasandan's head. Since Ganesha is the form of Gnanam, all evil thoughts & the effects of his evil deeds rushed out of Duraasadan. Lord Ganesha gave him the job of destroying all evil in Kasi. He remains under Vakradhundar's feet doing his duty.

GANESHA LEELA-part 5

2009-04-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

GANESHA AND RAVANA

Ravana, the king of Lanka was an asura, but he was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva. He reached mount Kailas & prayed to Lord Siva, that his Lanka should never be destroyed. Lord Siva gave him an Aathma Lingam, with the condition that he should go back on foot to Lanka & that he should not put down the Lingam at any point. If he were to put the Lingam down, the Lingam would remain firmly at that spot.

The Devas were worried that the Aathma Lingam would add to the might of Ravana & that he could never be destroyed if he succeeded in taking the Aathma Lingam to Lanka.

They prayed to Lord Ganesha for help. Lord Ganesha caused Ravana's stomach to be filled with water. Ravana grew desperate to answer nature's call. Ganesha appeared before Ravana as a small boy. Ravana handed over the Aathma Lingam to the boy. Ganesha declared that he could not wait for long & when he grew tired, he would call out Ravana's name thrice & if he did not come & take the Lingam, he would place it on the ground & go away. Ravana agreed.

Soon Ganesha called out Ravana's name thrice, and since Ravana could not come and take the Lingam, he placed it on the ground. The enraged Ravana tried to remove the Lingam from the ground.

But, in spite of using his twenty hands, he could not budge the Lingam. Though the Lingam could not be moved, the pressure from Ravana's hands had changed its shape like the ear of a cow & hence the place came to be called Kokarnam (Ko-cow, karnam-ear). The lingam came to be called Mahabaleswarar since it could not even be shifted by the mighty Ravana (maha-great, balam-power, Eswarar-Lord Siva).

Ravana started chasing the boy to hit him on his head. Lord Ganesha showed his true form & blessed him. The Ganesha statue in the temple has a hollow on the head, where Ravana is supposed to have strcuk him (Kuttu - to hit with folded fists). Lord Ganesha can be pleased by doing kuttu (gently tapping both temples with folded fists).

GANESHA LEELA-part 4

2009-04-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

GAJAMUGASURAN- GANESHA'S VEHICLE

There was an asura called Gajamugasuran. He did deep penance and worshipped Lord Siva, who granted him several boons, by which he became extremely powerful. He put the Devas and rishis to great trouble. He forced the Devas to do 1008 Thoeppukaranams in the morning, 1008 in the afternoon and 1008 in the evening. (Thoepukaranam means to sit down and stand up holding one's ears with crossed hands, left ear with right hand & right ear with left hand).

The Devas prayed to Lord Siva to rescue them from this evil asura. Lord Siva sent Lord Vinayaga to overcome Gajamugasuran. Vinayagar went with several weapons such as bow & arrow, sword, axe, etc. However, since Gajamugasuran had been granted the boon that he be destroyed by no weapon, none of these weapons used by Lord Vinayaga were effective. Vinayagar broke off his right tusk and used it to kill Gajamugasuran. Gajamugasuran still rushed at Vinayaga in the form of a mooshikam (small mouse). Vinayagar crushed the ego and vanity of Gajamugasuran and sat on the mooshikam. The humbled Gajamugasuran bowed before Vinayagar, who accepted the mooshikam as his vahana.

Lord Vinayaka is the source of everlasting wisdom. He crushed ego and vanity and reduced it to the size of a mooshikam and used it as his vahana. Lord Vinayagar can be pleased by doing Thoepukaranam.

GANESHA LEELA - part 3

2009-04-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

KAVERI

There was an unusually hot summer prevailing in South India and Sage Agastya went to mount Kailas to ask Lord Shiva for water. Kaveri happened to be worshipping Shiva at that time.

Shiva picked her up and put her in Agastya's kamandalu.

The sage thanked his benefactor and set out for home.

Indra did not approve of what Shiva had done and requested Ganpati to somehow overturn Agastya's kamandalu.
Ganpati took the form of a crow and when Agastya kept the vessel down swooped down, and sat on its rim. The vessel overturned and Kaveri flowed out.

Agastya was very angry but calmed down when Ganpati revealed his true form.

Ganpati refilled Agastya's kamandalu, but Kaveri flowed on and continues to flow to this day.

GANESHA LEELA-part 2

2009-04-23T04:25:00.000-07:00

GANESHA AND KUBERA

Kubera, god of wealth, had become arrogant. One day he decided to host an extravagant feast for the gods, such a feast as never had been hosted before. It would increase his prestige and show all men and gods the extent of his wealth and influence.
Accordingly, he went to Mount Kailash to invite Lord Shiva. Shiva was his patron. Kubera owed all his wealth to Shiva who, pleased with his devotion had given him the boon that his wealth would never diminish, no matter how much he spent.
Shiva declined to come but said he would send his son, Ganesha. Kubera was disappointed. Shiva's presence would have been a feather in his cap. But at least he was sending Ganesha. It would have been a terrible snub if no one from the family were to come. Kubera resolved to make the feast so grand that Shiva's absence would not be felt.
The guests were many, thousands of them, both gods and men. They were accommodated in a huge hall built especially for the purpose. The chief guest, Ganesha, was the last to come. The moment he entered, he began to ask for food. He was shown to a seat of honour and tantalising dishes were set before him. He gulped them down and asked for more. He was given a second helping and then a third but his appetite remained undiminished.
Kubera ordered his army of cooks to produce more food but they could not keep pace with Ganesha's eating frenzy. The elephant-god was eating food meant for thousands. When he had finished all the food set before him, he began to shout, "Give me more, give me more!" and then getting impatiently to his feet, rushed to the enormous kitchen and devoured all the food there.
Kubera was aghast. All the food was gone and the guests had not been fed. Worse, Ganesha was still hungry.
"You call this a feast?" Ganesha admonished Kubera. "There's no food here. I'm going home."
Kubera pleaded with him to stay, promising him more food in a little while but his young guest was in no mood to listen. He got on his mount and sped away. Kubera, fearing Shiva's wrath, followed in his own vehicle.
When he arrived at Kailash, he found Ganesha complaining loudly to his father about the lack of food at his feast.
"What's this I hear, Kubera?" asked Shiva, turning to the god. "No food at your feast?"
"I....I....," mumbled Kubera.
"Go in and ask your mother for some food," said Shiva to his son. "I'm sure Kubera did his best."
"I did, I did, my lord," said Kubera, feeling miserable. His feast had turned into a farce. Instead of adding to his prestige it had made him a laughing stock. But he was relieved to see that Shiva did not appear to be angry.
He fell at his patron's feet and begged forgiveness for his pride.

GANESHA LEELA - part 1

2009-04-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

GANESHA'S BIRTH AND ELEPHANT HEAD

Picture courtesy-www.indian-heritage.org

Once Parvati went to bathe and told a Gana, Nandi to stand guard. After sometime Lord Siva entered the place. Nandi let Shiva in as he was Parvati's husband. At this Parvati was irritated. Taking her friends' suggestions, she made a statue of a Gana with sandalwood paste from her body. She gave him a club and told him to stand guard. Later, when Siva came, the Gana did not let him in. Shiva was angry and sent Nandi and other ganas to fight Ganesha, but he easily defeated them. Knowing of this Parvati created two Sakthis- Durga and Kali, and sent them to help Ganesha. They made the devas and ganas flee. Kali swallowed the weapons and threw them back at the Ganas. Durga broke their weapons in the form of lightning. And so the goddesses did not let a single weapon touch the boy.
The helpless gods and Ganas came back to Siva disappointed. The angry Siva went forth. He made Vishnu battle with the boy and killed him from back by wrong means.
By then, Kali and Durga had given power to Gana and gone from there. When Parvati returned she was shocked to find her son killed. Furiously, she created a billions of Sakthis and sent them to kill the devas. The Sakthis began catching the devas and Ganas and gobbling them up.
Vishnu and Brahma managed to escape and plead with Siava to appease Parvati's anger. Siva's Ganas went to find a creature in the north. They found an elephant's head and attatched it to the boy. Then he was made head of Ganas and was called Ganesha or Ganapati. He was also called Vigneswara the remover of obstacles.

DASHA AVATAR-part 10

2009-03-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

KALKI - THE ANNIHILATOR OF EVIL AND SAVIOUR OF KALIYUGA

Kalki is the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The present age, Kaliyuga is the age where people are corrupt and many persons are evil. There is injustice in many places. Lord Vishnu is expected to come at the time of Pralaya (dissolution) to protect his devotees. This avatar is Kalki avatar. Lord Vishnu is supposed to be seated on a white horse and wear the garb of a warrior, with a powerful sword raised in one hand, he will appear with the other hand riding the horse.

DASHA AVATAR - part 9

2009-03-31T03:52:00.000-07:00

BUDDHA - THE ENLIGHTENED ONE
This is a painting of Buddha blessing a royal lady and his life events around it.
Once queen Maya, the wife of King Shuddhodhana of Kapilavastu had a strange dream. In her dream, a six tusked elephant entered her womb. One day, she went to the royal garden. She felt tired and sat down a tree. This was the time when her baby took birth!
All the gods came there to bless the child and pay their respects. The child was named prince Siddhartha. The king asked the royal sage about Buddha's future. The sage said,'He will become a great king or a great saint. But Shuddhodhana wanted him to be the king. Since his childhood, Siddharta was kind and gentle to all living creatures.
One day, Siddhartha's cousin Devadatta who hated him, shot an arrow at a swan. Siddhartha happened to pass by and saw the hurt swan. He helped it recover and nursed it with care. Devadatta was furious and demanded that the swan be given to him, as it belonged to him as he killed it. But Siddhartha had different thoughts. He wanted the swan to be given to him, as he nursed it. When they went to the king arguing with each other, the king gave the swan to Siddhartha, as he had nursed it.
When he grew older, Buddha was married to princess Yashodhara. His father had kept him away from horrible sights. One day, he wanted to take a ride out to the city to see the outside world. Shuddhodhana agreed and secretly tried to keep all the places clean and no unpleasant sight to be seen. Buddha went out of the particular city. He saw a dead man, an old man, an ailing man and a sage on the way. When Siddhartha questioned about them and the charioteer said,'These sights are an old man, a dead man, an ailing man and a sage. All of us get ill sometimes, all of us become old and all of us have to die one day. The sage gives up his life in finding the eternal truth.' That very moment, Siddhartha made up his mind to become a sage.
That night, Siddhartha left his wife and small baby alone, instructed the charioteer to leave him to the forest and went to dwell there. He went riding a horse.
Siddhartha cut off his long hair and set off. There, a man offered to exchange his saffron robes with the royal dress. Siddhartha readily agreed.
When Buddha ust started his meditation, Mara, the demon king of desires brought with him, beautiful maidens dancing and singing, demons and demonesses of desire. But Siddhartha was unperturbed. The demon and his followers were burnt to ashes.
Siddhartha went to Bodhgaya and attained enlightenment there. He was known as Buddha, the enlightened one. He earned many disciples too.
One day, a woman named Kisagotami came to Buddha and said,'O great one, please bring my child back to life!' The Buddha smiled and said,'Alright. But first go to every house and collect as much grains as you can. But remember, there should be no death in the house where you collect grains.' Kisagotami agreed and left with a vessel. But, in every house there was some death. So Kisagotami returned with an empty vessel. The Buddha said,'Death is a change in nature which cannot be changed. That is the only way there can be life. Otherwise the earth will get overloaded.' Kisagotami fell at the Buddha's feet and became his disciple.
Now Buddha had a cousin named Devadatta, who hated him from childhood. He tried to turn Buddha's disciples against him but that did not work. He sent men to kill the Buddha but because of the Buddha's kind and gentle nature they became his disciples. One day when Buddha was walking under a place where there was a cliff upwards, Devadatta pushed a huge rock boulder at him, but surprisingly the rock missed him and fell somewhere else.
Once again, Devadatta sent a mad elephant named Nalagiri to kill Buddha. But when the Buddha was unperterbed and patted the creature gently, Nalagiri prostrated befor him. Devadatta then found no meaning in trying to kill the Buddha and became his disciple.
Once, Buddha happened to venture to a forest where there lived a ferocious man named Angulimala who killed the people who passed and wore a necklace of their fingers. In sanskrit, Anguli means finger and Mala means gerland or necklace. Hence he was called Angulimala. When the Buddha entered the forest, Angulimala attacked him. But the unperterbed Buddha calmed him down Angulimala with his gentle, and kind nature and soft-spoken voice. Angulimala fell at Buddha's feet and became his disciple.

DASHA AVATAR - part 8

2009-03-31T02:38:00.000-07:00

KRISHNA - THE COWHERD

THESE ARE ONLY THE MAIN EVENTS OF LORD KRISHNA'S LIFE AND SO DONT CLAIM TO CARRY ALL THE EPISODES OF HIS STORY. FOR DETAILED STORY OF HIS CHILDHOOD, GO TO POSTS AS PARTSUNDER KRISHNA LEELA AND FOR HIS LATER PASTIMES, GO TO POSTS AS PARTS UNDER BHAGAVATAM.
About five thousand years ago, there lived a king named Ugrasena. He was the king of Mathura, but his son Kansa usurped his kingdom and had imprisoned his own father, Ugrasena, and declared himself the King of Mathura. On his orders his soldiers used to kill innocent peoples. Seeing this the earth went to Brahma in the form of a cow and complained, "Now I cannot bear the burden of tyrant like Kansa.He is a great enemies of justice, morality and nobility."

Brahma went to Vishnu and Vishnu assured that he would take birth on earth and would kill Kansa.

Ugrasena's brother Devaka had a daughter named Devaki. She was a cousin of Kansa and Kansa loved her very much. She was married to Vasudeva,the son of Yadava Surasena. Kansa himself had made all arrangements for the pompous wedding.
When Kansa was sending them off, he heard a voice from the sky, "O, proud king, Kansa, the eighth child of your cousin Devaki shall kill you."

These words of the oracle angered Kansa, who drew his sword and caught Devaki by her hair. Vasudeva promised Kans to give all his children to Kansa, and leave Devaki.

With great difficulty Kansa could be convinced to spare Devaki, on a condition that the couple will be kept in the palace under a close watch. Vasudeva and Devaki, were imprisoned.

The eighth child was yet to be born. He was to be the destroyer of Kansa.This time Kansa made the patrolling very tight and often he himself inspected Devaki's jail-like residence.

Kansa had the fear of Devaki's eighth son because the divine utterance had suggested that he would kill him.

At midnight, on a stormy night, the eight day of the lunar month of Shravana, Devaki gave birth to a child. Unlike other new born babies this child did not cry at the time of his birth.

The child had a dark complexion like a monsoon cloud, but was handsome beyond compare. He looked like the God of love and beauty.On the night of the birth of their eighth child, the prison guards fell into a deep sleep and the doors were unlocked.

Taking advantage of this opportunity,Vasudeva took the baby in a wicker basket and left the dungeon. He crossed the stormy Yamuna river and went to Gokul. He gave his son to Nanda and Yashoda, and exchanged their baby girl and brought her back to the dungeon.

As soon as he reached the doors of the prison was locked again and the watchmen were awake, they realized that a baby girl was born.

Soon Kansa came, and snatched the girl from Devaki and dashed her against the prison wall with all his might putting an end to her existence once and for all.

Instantly the girl flew away in the sky saying, "You evil one! I' m Mahamaya. Your destroyer is already born and is safe and sound!" Kansa was disappointed and he returned terrified. As Kansa knew that his killer was still alive. He ordered all his soldiers to kill each and every new born baby. They did so, but when they went to the house of Nanda and Yashoda, they did not find the young boy. The Nanda's were enjoying the celebration.
Kansa was frightened by the heavenly voice. He immediately sent for Putana, his demoness friend, and asked her to kill all the babies born on the same day when Devaki gave birth to the baby. Putana smeared poison on her breast and went around in the town of Gokul to breast-feed the babies born in the month of Bhado.

In the beginning people, out of their goodness, did not suspect Putana's heinous plans, but as time passed, they found out that all the babies whom Putana fondled were dead. They began to search for Putana. In the mean time Putana reached Nanda's house and lovingly asked Krishna's mother, Yashoda, to give the baby to her to love and fondle. Yashoda gave the baby and, without any suspicion, went on with her daily chore.

Suddenly there was a loud shriek. Everyone came running to the courtyard and found to their surprise the dead body of Putana lying on the floor while Krishna was smiling and kicking. Krishna had scratched her breast to bleed and Putana died with her own poison. People now knew that Krishna was not an ordinary boy. Yashoda happily picked up Krishna and felt safe.
One day Balarama rushed to Yashoda: he said: "Mother! Krishna is eating mud. His body is all covered with mud and his mouth is full of it." Just then the lovely child came up. His face and body were covered with mud. Yashoda began to question the boy, "You naughty fellow! Haven’t you had enough butter at home? Do you eat mud?" With a wry face Krishna lisped: "Oh no, mother! Brother is uttering a lie. I have not touched mud at all." Yashoda said angrily, "Enough! Open your mouth." Krishna opened his mouth. Yashoda looked. She was startled and could only exclaim ‘Ah!’

She did not see mud in Krishna's mouth. But she saw all the worlds! As she looked she was dazed. She was terrified and folded her hands and closed her eyes. When she opened her eyes she saw the laughing little child before her. She forgot all she had seen.

Krishna was a leader among his age group of children in the neighborhood. He was extremely found of curd and butter.
When the "Gopi" (wife of a cowherd), went to the village river to fetch water, Krishna and his friends would go inside the house, find out the earthen pot where the Gopi had put her milk and butter and Krishna would climb his friends to get pot.

They would eat the curd and butter and leave the pots. The Gopi, came to Yashoda and complained about Krishna and his friends deeds. Krishna, always used Yashoda's lap to hide when the Gopi came to complain.

As Krishna grew up the Nand's went to Vrindavan. Vrindavan was a beautiful place on the banks of river Yamuna, with a lot of grass for cows.

Yashoda wanted to teach Krishna a lesson. Wanting to keep Him under check, she tied a rope around His waist and anchored it to a heavy stone mortar. Feeling secure, Yasoda then went about her work. In the beginning, Krishna passed time watching the birds and the monkeys in the courtyard but getting bored, He began to crawl on all fours, dragging effortlessly behind Him the huge mortar intended by Yasoda to be an anchor. In the courtyard there were two tall trees growing close to each other. Krishna went right between them but the mortar got stuck. When Krishna pulled forward, the trees snapped and fell to the ground. Instantly, they both were transformed into two beings. Falling at Krishna 's feet they said: "O Lord, we are Nalakubera and Manigreeva, the sons of Kubera, the deity of wealth. We became trees on account of a curse, but by Your Grace, we have received redemption." So saying, they vanished. All the people of Gokul came running hearing the sound of the two trees falling. They were totally relieved when they came to know that Krishna was safe and sound.

Krishna and his shepherd friends played a hockey-like game on its bank. A Shepherd boy hit the ball. And the ball came to Krishna. Krishna rushed and hit the ball hard with his stick. The ball jumped high and fell the deep waters of Yamuna. "O Krishna, What have you done?" "How shall we play now with out the ball?" "It's thrown away into the river by you. So you must bring it out." "Don't worry friends. I'll soon bring it out." "There's a black cobra in the river? It's poisonous." The friends tried to stop Krishna but in vain.

He climbed the Kadamba tree and jumped into the river. The black cobra was resting at the bottom of the river. The cobra queens were waving fans before him. They were amazed to see Krishna there.How did such a delicate boy come here?" "Ho, Who are you? Why have you came here? What do you want?" "I've lost a bet and in return I've to take away the head of the black Cobra. Wake him up!" "Get away from here soon! If the Cobra king wakes up he'll not let you go alive. Run away if you love life."

"I'm in a hurry. My friends are waiting for me at the bank of the river." "I just pity you.Take this precious necklace of mine, if you want, and run away." But Krishna did not leave. The Cobra King got up and rushed to him. Now Krishna rode on the cobra's hood and strangled him. At last he raised his feast to kill him. The cobra was now horror-struck and exhausted.The defeated cobra peeped out of the river. All the people of Gokul had gathered at the bank. Krishna released him on one condition that he should go far away from the bank near Gokul to stop the water from becoming poisonous. The Cobra submitted to Krishna.
In an argument with Nanda baba, Krishna said, "It was the rain God, who brings monsoon, and not lord Indra. We should be master of our senses and propitiate out Govardhana Hill, which brings us rains."

Indra when heard this got angry and it rained heavily in Vraj. Krishna led everyone into a cave of Govardhana Hill. When the cave was giving way, Krishna lifted the entire roof of the Govardhana to save the People of Vraj.

Kansa, after coming to know the adventures of Krishna, thought of killing him. He arranged his elephant known as Kuvalayapeeda ready to attack Krishna as soon as he entered the arena of wrestlers.
When the elephant rushed to him, Krishna twisted the trunk. After the elephant fell down, he screwed out the tusk of the elephant and crushed the elephant's head.

He also killed all the wrestlers of Kansa. In a wrestling fight arranged by Kansa, the young boys Krishna and Balarama killed almost all Kansa's best wrestlers. Everyone praised these children except Kansa. He ordered his soldiers to kill Krishna and Balarama. Finally when his soldiers could not do it, Kansa himself came rushing to kill Krishna. Krishna jumped with all his might and threw Kansa on the ground. At last he was killed by Krishna.
Krishna liberated the people of Mathura from the tyranny of Kansa, he liberated Ugrasena, father of Kansa and made him once again the King of Mathura. When Krishna, finally killed Kansa he liberated his parents Vasudeva and Devaki from the dungeon. They then hurried to Nanda and Yashoda, who were really Krishna's foster parents and also greeted them. He later took leave of them and had many other adventures which are mentioned in the Bhagavatam. By his grace, the Pandavas won the Mahabharata war.

DASHA AVATAR-part 7

2009-03-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

RAMA - THE KING OF AYODHYA

Ravana was the son of sage Vishrawa. He had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be defeated either by a demon or a man.He was the supreme devotee of Shiva who himself gave him the name, 'Ravana'. The demons made him the king of Lanka. Being in the company of demons he became devilish.

The gods approached Vishnu and requested him, "Kindly save us from the terror of this arrogant demon." Vishnu assured them, "I'll relieve the three worlds from his terror after taking birth as a son of king Dasharatha of Ayodhya." Vishnu took birth as Rama, the eldest son of Dashratha, king of Ayodhya, to teach mankind the importance of duty over desire. His legend is told in the epic Ramayana.

Dashratha had three queens namely Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He performed a Yagna with the desire to have a son for the welfare of the world. By the blessings of Yagnapurusha all his three queens gave birth to sons. Kaushalya gave birth to Rama; Sumitra to Laxmana and Shatrughna; and Kaikeyi to Bharata. All the four had great affection for one another.

The family preceptor Vashitha taught them the science of arms.When Vishwamitra was performing a Yagna the demons began to harass them.

Vishwamitra requested Dasharatha, "'The demons create tremendous tension for us. Kindly send your son Rama to set them right."

Dasharatha sent Rama and Laxmana with Vishwamitra. When they entered the forest they found complete silence there. Rama inquired, "Whose fear terrifies them so much in this region?"

Vishwamitra replied, "A female demon named Tadaka lives here. She assumes various forms and frightens people."
In the meantime Tadaka appeared on the spot with a giant body, terrible face and long sharp nails.Rama said to Vishwamitra, "I would kill her if you allow me."

Suddenly Tadaka attacked Rama by showering stones on him but Rama sent an arrow to her and she was shot dead.

The mighty sons of Tadaka learnt about her death and they attacked Rama and Laxmana but they too were severely beaten. Maricha was sent thousands of miles away by an arrow Subahu was shot dead on the spot.

The fear of the demons was removed. In the meantime Vishwamitra received an invitation to attend the Swayamvara of Sita, the daughter of King Janaka.

Vishwamitra took Rama and Laxmana with him to Mithila.Janaka announced, "I'll marry my daughter to the person who can successfully charge the bow presented to me by Lord Shiva."

Numerous kings tried their hand at it but failed. Asked by Vishwamitra Rama rose from his seat and tried to charge the bow which he could lift up in a jerk, leaving all the persons in amazement.

Rama tried to bend the bow to charge it and the old bow broke into two. Rama and Sita got married.

Parashurama was angry because Rama broke the bow which he had presented to Janaka. But Rama could cope with him. Parashurama could get an idea about his valour during the conflict. Rama returned to Ayodhya. Dashratha proclaimed about his coronation.

All except Manthara, the maid servant of Kaikeyi, welcomed it.Manthara poisoned the ears of Kaikeyi.

"If Rama became the king, Bharata would be his subordinate. Now is the time for you to ask for the two boons which Dasharatha promised you in the battlefield: Bharata be coronated as the king and Rama be sent to the forest for fourteen years."

Kaikeyi was not crooked but she was misguided by Manthara. She took offence and retired in solitude.

Bharata tried to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya but Rama refused. Bharata took Rama's slippers and placed them on the throne. He ruled the city from a place in the borders of Ayodhya, called Nandigram.

One day Rama and Laxmana were sitting a distance apart near their forest dwelling. As it happened Shurpanakha, sister of Ravana, was passing from there and fell in love with Rama. With her powers she changed herself in a very beautiful maiden , Rama and said that she was in love with him.Rama gently refused and told her to approach Laxmana. Even Laxmana refused her.Shurpanakha was furious and pounced on Sita outstretching her claws. Laxmana was infuriated and cut her nose and ears.

She complained to her brother Ravana. He seized this opportunity to punish Rama and set out to Panchavati with his relative Maricha who assumed the form of a golden stag. Sita was enamoured by its beauty. She showed it to Rama and sent him catch it for her. After some time she heard Rama's voice, Hey Sita" and she asked Laxmana to follow Rama. Soon that stag was killed by Rama, & he turned into his natural form, the demon.
Now she was alone and seizing this opportunity Ravana came there in the form of a mendicant and kidnapped her. When Rama and Laxmana returned, they found to their surprise that Sita was missing. They started the search for Sita in the deep forest. Very often Rama was in tears and he asked trees, streams and stones, "Have you seen Sita anywhere here?" On their way they encountered with the Jatayu, the vulture king, who said, "Yes, I've seen her being kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. I tried to stop him but he cut off my wings and escaped in the south."

Moving towards the south, Rama and Laxmana came to a beautiful spot of Pampa Sarovar.

They met there Shabari, an affectionate Bhil woman. She affectionately served them sweet fruits of jujube tree in her hut. Both enjoyed her hospitality and love. When Rama and Laxmana left her next morning Shabari passed away as if her mission in life was now over.Then they arrived at Mount Rushyamuka. Here they met the monkey-king Sugriva and his secretary Hanumana who learnt about their mission.Now Sugriva was reminded, "Oh, I saw a demon carrying away a woman. The woman threw some of her ornaments towards me. Here they are!" Rama watched the ornaments carefully and soon identified them.

Sita's whereabouts were traced thus far. Sugriva offered them his help and Hanuman soon became a devotee of Rama.Sugriva's elder brother Vali was the king of Kishkindha. He had abducted Sugriva's wife and deported him. Rama-Laxmana helped Sugriva to defeat Vali and when Vali was killed, they made Sugriva the King of Kishkindha.

Vali's son Angada was made Sugriva's chief counselor to bring a reconciliation in the family. Sugriva must, now, reciprocate the kindness they had shown to him. So he joined Rama in the search of Sita with Hanumana and Angada as his lieutenants.Hanumana crossed the ocean and visited Lanka.

Giving Rama's ring to Sita he informed her, 'Rama will arrive here soon and set you free after defeating Ravana.' Knowing that Sita was in Lanka all preparations were quickly made for the war with Lanka.

A bridge was required to be constructed over the ocean to invade Lanka. The monkeys and bears of Sugriva began the work quickly. The bridge was ready and the troops of Rama arrived on the outskirts of Lanka. The spies of Ravana informed him of the arrival of Rama's troops.Ravana alerted his large army.
One of his brothers Vibhishana advised him, "You have abducted Sita unlawfully. Now you return Sita to Rama and stop the war." The enraged Ravana drove away Vibheeshana, who seeked refuge in Rama. Even Ravana's wife Mandodari persuaded him to return Sita but all in vain. Truly, one who is destined to be ruined always thinks on the wrong lines! Ravana chose to fight out.First he sent his generals to fight. When they were all killed he sent his own sons in the battlefield.

Indrajita exhibited great valour in the battlefield by attacking Laxmana bravely and making him swoon. Had Hanuman not brought the plant ( jadibooti) that restores the dead to life, Laxmana would not survive. Indrajita also was killed at last.Ravana, then, sent his mighty brother Kumbhakarna to fight against Rama.

He used to sleep for six months and on waking he devoured anything he came across. But he was also killed in the battle.Now Ravana himself came to battlefield in his chariot. He used deadly weapons against Rama and Laxmana but none of them could hurt them because they had truth and justice on their side.At last he was killed and Rama and Sita were be reunited.

Rama's unquestioning obedience to his father's wishes, his moral uprightness in the war against Ravana, his deference to the wishes of his people, his generosity in the face of personal loss and his marital fidelity has made him Vishnu's , most august and venerable incarnation.

DASHA AVATAR-part 6

2009-03-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

PARSURAMA - THE ASCETIC WARRIOR (WITH AN AXE)

There was a Kshatriya King named Arjuna, he had thousand arms. He had propitiated Lord Dattatreya and has secured from his boons which made him invincible. But Arjuna misused his powers and became a merciless Tyrant.

To end his Tyrant and all such evil Kshatriyas, Lord Vishnu came to earth as Parashurama, the youngest son of Sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. He had four brothers. Parashurama was very powerful and was unparallel in austerity as well as in strength. Though a Brahmin son Parashurama had inordinate love for weapons and his favorite weapon was the Axe. Sage Jamadagni had an Ashrama in the forests where he educated his sons and his disciples.

Once when Parashurama & his brothers were away , Arjuna entered Jamadagni's Ashrama . Jamadagni and Renuka were alone in the Ashrama at that time. Jamadagni greeted him and offered him with delicious dishes and with the tasty milk of his cow Kamadhenu and her calf .The king pondered, "How did the sage get such a large quantity of food in this small Ashrama?"

He later on learnt that it was because of Kamadhenu. He than thought to himself that " If Kamadhenu can feed so many people in such a short time then I must possess her."

After the meals he took rest for a while and at the time of departure he ordered his men to seize the cow & her calf & take them to the Capital.
They carried away Kamadhenu and the calf without anyone's permission. Renuka loved Kamadhenu and the calf more than her life .

After few days when Parashurama returned to the Hermitage then Renuka went to him weeping and complained to him, "My son, what a misery! Arjuna has robbed us of Kamadhenu and the calf." "How dare he commit such a sin, do not worry I shall deal with him ?" Parashurama shouted. Parashurama pursued Arjuna all alone as he had faith in his might.

Parashurama stormed into Mahishmati, Arjuna's capital carrying his axe and challenged him, "You have stolen our Kamadhenu. Return it if you love life." Arjuna was alarmed at first but then he took Parashurama as a meek boy.

So he insolently said, "The Kshatriyas have the claim over the best things of the world. You and your father should practice penance only. Kamadhenu will suit well in the palace." Arjuna sent his powerful army to face Parashurama but they were all killed. Enraged at the destruction of the core of his army, Arjuna himself rushed towards him with uprooted trees and rocks but in the air of arrogance Arjuna had forgotten the curse. ***

(***THE CURSE :Arjuna had once burnt to ashes the Ashrama of Muni Vashistha while destroying a forest and Vashistha had cursed him, "You'll one day encounter with a mighty person who will cut off all your thousand arms." )

Parashurama attacked him and cut off his arms as one cuts off the branches of a tree and then brought his axe down on the tyrant's neck and killed him. When the king fell, the frightened soldiers began to run away for life.

Parashurama then returned with Kamadhenu and the calf after killing Arjuna. At the ashrama gate Renuka was eagerly waiting for them. Parashurama touched her feet giving her the beloved Kamadhenu and the calf.

Jamadagni did not appreciate the adventure of his son. He retorted, "You have developed enmity between the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas. You have to go on a pilgrimage to atone this sin." And Parashurama did it.

Once Renuka went to the river to fetch water for offering oblation to gods. At that time a celestial singer named Chitraratha was making sport in the river with his wives.

Out of curiosity Renuka stood there to see it and missed the time of oblation.

Jamadagni was so angry that he ordered his sons, "Cut off her head as she has failed in her duty!" None of the sons came forward. Parashurama obeyed his command first and then asked for a boon, "Kindly bring our innocent mother to life again." By now Jamadagni's anger also was subsided and he fulfilled his son's desire.

But on the other side, Arjuna's sons were hankering for the revenge. Once when Jamadagni and Renuka were alone in the Ashrama they invaded the Ashrama and cut off head of Jamadagni. Renuka swooned on seeing this.

On returning, Parashurama saw this tragedy and asked her mother," Who did this?" But Renuka's agony was so deep that she could not utter a word. Full of grief and anger, Parashurama made a vow, " Mother you have sighed with grief twenty one times, I'll make the earth devoid of the Kshatriyas as many times."

With a terrible axe in hand and the eyes blood red with fury he caught hold of all the thousand sons of Arjuna one after another and cut off their heads. And taking his axe Parashurama set out to accomplish the rest of the task for which he had come to earth.

Parashurama filled five ponds with the blood of the Kshatriyas and the place was later on known as Samantpanchaka. The existence of the Kshatriyas was wiped out from the surface of the globe.

Only king Janaka of Videh city was saved because he was absorbed in the contemplation of the Supreme Spirit. Now Parashurama turned to penance believing that he had made the Brahmins absolutely free from fears of the Kshatriyas.

OTHER DEEDS IN HIS LIFETIME:

Though Parashurama was a part incarnation of lord Vishnu, Lord Rama had to take birth on the earth. As a small boy Rama once went to attend the Yagna performed by Vishwamitra.In the meantime King Janaka of Mithila had arranged a Swayamvara (Choice marriage) for his daughter. Parashurama had presented a Shiva Dhanushya (a bow of Lord Shiva) to Janaka, and Sita was to be married to the person who could lift that bow.

Under the instructions of Vishwamitra Rama lifted it and broke it into two while bending it. Parashurama came to know about the breaking of his bow and he blocked the way of the marriage party challenging Rama, "You insolent guy! Are you not ashamed of having broken my bow?"

On behalf of Rama, Laxmana replied, "It was an old bow and therefore it was broken. What makes you so angry at it?" This remark made Parashurama even more furious and he got ready to fight with Rama. Rama could not tolerate this and he started shooting arrows after arrows forcefully towards Parashurama and curbed his arrogance. Parashurama finally said, "Now you send one arrow towards the North. I'll go to live there forever." Parashurama then settled on mountain Mahendra.

Parashurama had a prolonged life. He was alive even during the incarnation of Krishna

DASHA AVATAR-part 5

2009-03-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

VAMANA - THE DWARF BRAHMIN

After Prahlad, Virechana became the King of demons and Virechana was followed by Bali who aspired to be Indra, the king of heaven.

Guided by his preceptor , Shukracharya, he performed the Vishwajit Sacrifice (a yagna performed to become the king of the three worlds) at Brugukatch (Bharuch) on the bank of river Narmada to please Agni (the fire god).

Agni gave Bali a divine golden chariot, Celestial weapons and a coat of mail. After obtaining blessings of his Guru Shukracharya, Bali took his divine chariot and set out to conquer Indra.

Indra was frightened and he rushed to Brihaspati,his preceptor to seek help and said, " What should I do now? Bali has come with some strange power and we may fail in beating him back." Brihaspati advised him, "You are unable to face Bali at
present. You'll have to abandon the heaven and wait until his Guru curses him for ignoring his counsel and your enemy falls on bad days!"

Bali ascended the throne of heaven and became the lord of the three worlds. Meanwhile in a hermitage, Mother Aditi, the mother of Devtas, could not bear the defeat of Indra and was very sad. Her husband Sage Kashyap was meditating in the forest and was unaware of the Devtas defeat. Just then Kashyap entered the hermitage and found his wife in distress. He asked her, " What is the matter ? Is all well with you and your sons?" " No, my lord. The asuras have usurped our kingdom, our splendor & our Glory. You must go and help my sons to retrieve their lost kingdom.", replied Mother Aditi.

Hearing everything Sage Kashyap said, " It is not me that you should appeal to, but pray to Lord Vishnu. He and only he can help you so Propitiate him." She asked the ways of pleasing Vishnu. Kashyap said, " In the month of Phalgun, observe the
Payovrata vow ( it is the vow of milk, in this only milk should be drunk by those who are observing this vow). This is the vow which pleases him a lot and he will grant you your desired wish.

At the advice of her husband Kashypa she took a vow of Lord Vishnu for twelve long days and on the thirteenth day Lord Vishnu appeared before Mother Aditi and said, "O Divine lady, invincible though the Asuras are your worship shall not prove
fruitless. I shall be born as a son to you and protect your progeny."

Months later, on the twelfth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada (the sixth month of the Hindu calendar), Lord Vishnu took his descent from aditi and thus was born the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. Now as the couple stood amazed, Vishnu changed his
form to that of a short - stautured Brahman - The Vamana.Clad in a loin cloth, he carried a staff and a gourd in the hand. He had the matted hair on his head.

Aditi said to her son Vamana, "Now you should curb Bali for the welfare of gods and the human beings." Following the advice of his mother, Vamana went to meet Bali.

Though Bali had the kingdom of heaven under his control his desires grew limitless. One day when he was performing a sacrifice of a series of Horses ( also known as Ashwamedha Yagna ) with the help of sage Shukracharya, a blinding light filled the sacrificial grounds.

Everyone was shocked, one of the sages said that," It could be Lord Surya ( The Sun God) himself who has come down to witness our sacrifice?"

As their eyes got used to the brilliance, they saw that a dwarf Brahman had entered the sacrificial enclosure. King Bali had taken a vow that he would certainly give anything to a Brahmin if he bagged, even how much difficult it might be for him to give.

Bali rose from his seat to welcome him. Bali's wife then came with a Golden pitcher full of water to wash Vamana's feet.Then he gave the Brahman( Vamana) the special seat and washed his feet. After that he asked, " O holy one, what can I do for you? Take from me whatever you desire."

But Vamana kept quiet. Seeing this Bali again said, " Do not hesitate, ask for what ever you want - Cows, Elephants, horses, Chariots, Villages.. anything?" This time Vamana shooked his head and said, " All I need is a strip of land, Three paces long
as measured by my stride."

Bali was very disappointed with Vamana's humble demand and said, " When I am ready to grant you a whole continent, what all you want is only three paces of land ?

Vamana replied, " He who is not satisfied with three paces of land will not be satisfied with the whole continent. I have asked for three paces of land and that is all I need. " Bali laughed and said, " Then you shall have as much you want."

At that moment Guru Shukracharya, realized the truth that the Brahman was non other than Lord Vishnu.As Bali took the consecrating water in his palm, Shukracharya, stopped him by saying that, " Wait, this midget is Lord
Vishnu. He is here to help our enemies, the devtas." " Nothing can be done now , Guru Shukracharya, I have given my words." replied Bali. Shukracharya tried to stop him in many ways but Bali said, " I have promised once that I shall give this Brahman
whatever he had asked for, how can I , Bali, the grandson of Prahlad, refuse like a common cheat? I will give this Brahman the land he seeks."

Guru Shukracharya became very furious that his disciple had dared to disregard his advice he cursed him, " You have ignored my command and you will soon fall from your high position."

And to everybody's surprise Vamana began to grow and grow. Bali and all others present there were astounded to see the whole creation of the Vamana's body.

Now Vamana began to measure the three paces, with his first stride he covered the earth, and with his second stride he covered the Heavens.

Bali soon realized that he has been cursed by his Guru and that his fall is inevitable."

Vishnu now asked Bali that, " You had promised me three paces of land and I have covered all that was yours in two.where should I place my third stride? You have failed to keep your words and for that you shall suffer."

Bali said, " O lord, I am not afraid of punishment,
place your third step on my head, which is more valuable to me than all my possessions put together."

At that moment Prahlad appeared on the scene and bowed to Lord Vishnu, " Salutations to you , O lord, You have conferred a great favor on my grandson by depriving him of all his wealth.Please forgive him."

Lord Vishnu then said, " Your grandson stood firm by his promise even at the cost of disobeying his guru and inviting his curse.He is serene and has earned entry into my own realms which even the devtas find difficult to access. Bust first he will enjoy for a while the position of Indra as he desired it."

DASHA AVATAR-part 4

2009-03-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

NARASIMHA - HALF-MAN, HALF-LION

Vishnu , in the form of Boar,had killed Hiranyaksha. The devtas were happy & there was a lot of rejoicing in the heaven, but not for long. Hiranyaksha's elder brother Hiranyakashipu was very angry with his death and wanted to take revenge. He turned towards the other Asuras and ordered them, " Go destroy all good people on earth.. Put out their sacrificial fires & kill their cows. While I will practice severe penance's and become the master of all the three worlds - Heaven, earth & Our own regions.

He went to Mount Mandarachala and began penances. He stood there for years & years. Ant Hill and grasses grew on him but he did not move. So intense was his penance that the rivers & oceans trembled, Earth & her mountains quacked, stars & planets darted in panic and the fiery smoke emerging from his head began to burn everything in its wake. The Devtas were so terrified that they went to Brahma and prayed, " O lord! Do something before the three worlds of your creation are consumed by the fire of Asura's penance's."

Moved by their plight Brahma went to Mount Mandarachala and asked Hiranyakashipu to open his eyes.He said, " I am very pleased with your prayers.Ask for a boon." Brahma then sprinkled holy water on Hiranyakashipu and he came back to his normal form.

He asked Brahma for immortality.

Brahma, however, declined, saying "All living beings must face death Hiranyakashipu. You can, however, choose your death wish."

Hiranyakashipu then asked for three conditions, as his death wish, "'O Brahma, let not death come me either by man or beast, nor devil, nor god shall cause my death by day or by night with steel or stone or wood, indoors or outdoors, or earth or in sky. Grant me undisputed lordship over the world. Brahma said," May it be so!"

Brahma agreed and Hiranyakashipu got his death wishes granted. Thus he became practically immortal.

After securing such a born Hiranyakashipu lost no time in conquering and bringing under his sway, both earth & heaven.

The Devtas approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu said, " Devtas have patience, Hiranyakashipu' s son Prahlad is a devotee of me. When Hiranyakashipu seeks to kill my devotee I will slay him."

After becoming the master of the world Hiranyakashipu proclaimed, "None should take the name of Vishnu because no one is greater than me not even Vishnu!"

Hiranyakashipu's wife Kayadhu gave birth to Prahlad in the Ashrama of Narada who told Prahlad about the glory of Lord Vishnu.

Prahlad grew up to be a lovely boy. His father was unaware of the fact that Prahlad was a devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu, however, wanted his son to be the king of the Asuras, strong and ruthless.

One day Hiranyakashipu lovingly asked his son, "Dear Son, what do you think is the best thing in life?"

Prahlad replied, "To renounce the world and seek refuge in Vishnu." Hiranyakashipu was shocked to hear this. He could not tolerate the idea that his son loves the sworn enemy of the Asuras, Lord Vishnu. He felt that someone deliberately trying to brainwash his son.

To find this out, Hiranyakashipu took his son to Shanku and Amarka, the sons of Shukracharya, for schooling.

In the school teacher lovingly asked Prahlad, "Who has taught you about Vishnu?" Prahlad calmly replied, "Vishnu himself." The teacher was furious. He called for his cane and beat Prahlad mercilessly. Prahlad stayed quiet and completed his education. After his graduation, Prahlad returned to his father. Hiranyakashipu expected his son to behave like an Asura prince.

So he loving asked,, "My son, What do you learn there in Guru's Ashrama?" The son replied, "One must take the name of Vishnu." The infuriated Hiranyakashipu shouted. "Beware! Don't utter such words again!" Hiranyakashipu instantly called for Shanku and Amarka who asked, "What made you remember us, O Lord?"

Hiranyakashipu shouted, "Do you really teach Prahlad what I don't like?" Both said, "It's not our fault, Your Majesty!" "We try dissuade him but he tells us: The essence of all learning lies in Vishnu's name!"

Hiranyakashipu rebuked the son. Prahlad stood before his father with his hands folded and said, "O father! You have unnecessarily developed enmity against Vishnu. If you wish well of yourself you too should adore him!"

Hiranyakashipu raged in anger and ordered his subordinates to kill Prahlad.

Two horrible attendants appeared there and he ordered them, "Take this boy away. Carry him to the peak of the mountain and throw him down from there!"

The servants took him out. Then they tied his body with ropes, carried him to the peak of the mountain and threw him down from here.

But prahlad rolled down the mountain softly. The name of Vishnu was on his lips. He was hurt nowhere. He smiled and got up.

The king got angry on hearing the reports about Prahlad. He sentenced him to death by drowning.Prahlad was thrown into the ocean but he was saved as the ocean lifted his body over the waves and landed him safely on the shore.

Again, the demon king pronounced a serve punishment for Prahlad, "Mix deadly poison in his sweet dish and serve him." But even poison did no harm to him. The demon grew even more furious. He set poisonous snakes at him but none could hurt him.

The snakes entwined his body as if they were ornaments. Some of them raised their hoods over his head and Prahlad looked like Lord Shankara himself.

The demon king sent a mad elephant but the elephant lifted Prahlad in his trunk and placed him on its back.As the demon king failed, his fury increased and he thought of even more rigorous punishments for Prahlad.

The king decided to throw his son into fire and burn him alive. His sister Holika had a boon that fire would not hurt her. She was made to sit on a big bonfire on an open ground with Prahlad in her lap. The flames encircled the bodies of both of them.

The onlookers held their breath with anxiety, but when the fire extinguished they were amazed to see that Prahlad came out quite safe while Holika was burnt to ashes.

Now the king thought of various plans to kill Prahlad but none was successful.

The next day the king challenged his son in the open court, "Prahlad! Is my enemy, whom you worship, present anywhere here?" Prahlad replied, "Vishnu is omnipresent. There's not a single place where he's not found. You do not know the power of that omnipresent Vishnu." Hiranyakashipu's fury was at its climax. He got an iron pillar heated and asked Prahlad, "Can you embrace this pillar if your Vishnu is in it also?"

Prahlad did not hesitate even for a moment but rushed towards the pillar and embraced it. The heated iron did not burn him. The king got up from his throne in fury and hit the pillar with his mace.

And to his surprise, the pillar cracked with a thundering sound and Vishnu appeared there in the form of Narasimha-half-man, half-lion!

One half of his body was of a lion and the other half of a man.

He had matted hair on his head, large moustaches on the face and terrible teeth in the mouth.

His paws had terrible nails on them.

Hiranyakashipu remembered his first death wish, "To be killed by some one who is neither human nor beast." It was also the twilight hour, neither day nor night, the second death wish.

The demon king hit Narasimha with his mace but Narasimha brushed it aside swiftly. When it was twilight, Narasimha caught hold of Hiranyakashipu and placed him on his thighs.

He sat on the threshold of the court-room, and pierced his nails into the body of the demon. The demon was killed on the spot in a moment.

The place was neither inside nor outside. This was Hiranyakashipu’s third death wish.

Narasimha then coronated Prahlad as the king in place of Hiranyakashipu.

DASHA AVATAR-part 3

2009-03-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

VARAHA - THE BOAR

Long Long ago there lived a demon named Hiranyaksha. He was such a giant that the earth trembled when he walked and the sky cracked when he shouted. He could not be killed even by Brahma.

He started harassing the gods. He invaded Indra and the gods. They took shelter in the caves of the mountain ranges on the earth. Hiranyaksha invaded the earth also.

At that time Manu and his wife Shatarupa ruled over the earth. Hiranyaksha snatched away the earth from them and drowned it into the ocean. Mother Earth sank to the bottom of the ocean.

Seeing this Manu & his wife came to Lord Brahma, bowed and said, " Father tell us how we may serve you & ensure our happiness in this world & the next." Brahma blessed them and said, "Free your heart from jealousy and rule over the world, for you shall be the ruler of the men."

Hearing this Manu said " Where should I and Shatarupa live as Mother earth is submerged in the ocean?" Brahma became worried and thought that mother earth should be rescued so he prayed to Lord Vishnu for his help.

Manu and Shatarupa requested Brahma to get them the earth back.Brahma said, "Hiranyaksha will not be destroyed by me because I have granted him such a boon. Let's take the help of Vishnu!"

As Brahma meditated to Lord Vishnu a tiny Boar fell from his nostrils. Wondering what that creature was, it grew and grew till it was in size of a large Mountain. It was Lord Vishnu and he said, "I will enter into the ocean to lift the earth out of it."

Emitting a terrifying roar, it ( Lord Vishnu in the form of Boar) took one mighty leap into the air and tore the clouds with its hoofs and dived to the bed of ocean in search of Mother earth.

He reached the other end of the ocean and discovered in its depths the object of its quest - Bhoomidevi ( Mother Earth).

Meanwhile Hiranyaksha rushed to the sea shore where he encountered with Varuna, the lord of the ocean, and challenged him," O supreme Lord! O guardian of the whole sphere! come & have battle with me." Varuna became very angry as he knew that at this moment Hiranyaksha was mightier than him so he curbed his anger & said, " I have given up fighting as I am too old. You must find out Vishnu; none but he alone would be an equal opponent for you. Go seek him out."

Suddenly Narada arrived there. Hiranyaksha asked him, "Do you know the whereabouts of Vishnu?" Narada told him that Lord Vishnu was in the ocean rescuing Mother Earth. Hiranyaksha charged towards the Ocean -bed.

Meanwhile the Boar had just dug his tusk into the ocean -bed and lifted Mother Earth onto it, and began rising towards the surface. Hiranyaksha rushed towards him with a mace in his hand saying, "You fraudulent fellow! Where are you carrying away the earth conquered by me? Stop or I'll crush your head with this mace!"

Hiranyaksha challenged Lord Vishnu in the Boar form to have battle with him but Vishnu ignored all his warnings and continued rising to the surface. Seeing this Hiranyaksha gave a chase, but the boar didn't even looked back.

Hiranyaksha said, "Wait! You imposter! I know you can defeat all with your magic power of Yoga but at present you are near me and without the magic power. So you're sure to be defeated." The boar escaped to put the earth at a safe place.

Hiranyaksha became very angry and shouted, "How can you run away like a coward? Return me my earth, if you love life."

The earth was already frightened but seeing Hiranyaksha it began to tremble more.

The boar brought the earth over the surface of the ocean and placed Bhoomidevi ( Mother Earth) gently on it and blessed her, May you support yourself in keeping with the divine order."

He then turned to face Hiranyaksha.The demon threw his mace at the boar but the boar stepped aside and raised his mace. They fought for a long while with their mace.

Now Brahma warned Vishnu, "You've only an hour before the sunset. Destroy the demon before it's dark so that he gets no opportunity to take resort to the black magic."

Hearing Brahma's word's Hiranyaksha hurled his mace towards Lord Vishnu but later flung it away. Having lost the mace, the demon began hitting out with his fists on the chest of the boar.

The boar hit the demon hard on his face with his fist and tossed him in the air. He fell over his head and died on the spot. Manu got his earth back and the gods their heaven.

DASHA AVATAR-part 2

2009-03-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

KURMA - THE TORTOISE

Though Devtas and Asuras were cousins, then to they were at war with one another very often. In one such war the gods were on the verge of defeat.They were helpless and their forces were dead in large numbers. So they went to Brahma and pleaded for help.

Brahma meditated for a while and then said," Let's take refugee in Lord Vishnu. He always helps those who have faith in him."

Lord Vishnu after listening the whole problem advised them, "You will have to strive hard and obtain the nectar of immortality by churning the ocean and that is the way out for you."

Hearing the advice Indra asked lord Vishnu that how could they churn a Ocean? Vishnu replied, " You must cast all kinds of plants, grasses, herbs & creepers into the ocean of milk.Then churn the ocean using using Mount Mandara as a churn- dasher & Vasuki ( king of serpents) as a rope for turning it."

But one more question arouse that how can the devtas move mount Mandara. Lord Vishnu said, " Take help of Asuras and use them to achieve your end, and REMEMBER you must be careful, however, not to covet any of the things that come out of the ocean and to give vent to anger if any of those things are forcibly taken away by asuras."

"But what about the nectar, if the Asuras took away that also from us then?" asked the devtas. Lord Vishnu assured them that Asuras will not get the nectar. Convinced Brahma returned to his abode while Indra & the devtas went to meet BALI ( King of Asuras).

Seeing Indra unarmed and helpless the Asuras ran towards him but Bali shouted,"No, let's wait.Perhaps the devtas have come with a proposal that might be worth our while." Bali received Indra & the devtas with respect. Indra told Bali about their mission of arrival and requested them ( Asuras) to forget the fight and work altogether to achieve the task.

Bali & His chiefs favored the proposal and peace was declared between them and they ( Asuras) suggested that let's not waste time and begin the task immediately.

Mount Mandara was needed as a churning rod. The strong warriors made efforts with their hordes in uprooting the mountain and carrying it to the ocean. But they barely had covered half the distance and they got tired and the mighty mountain fell, crushing large numbers of Devtas & Asuras under it.Seeing this Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu for his help.

Lord Vishnu came on Garuda ( His mount) to save the Devtas. Lord Vishnu brought the mountain to the ocean with the help of Garuda.When the mountain was placed in the ocean Vasuki came at the scene to play his role. Lord Vishnu addressed him by saying, "Play your role & you shall receive your share of the nectar. The jagged surface of the Mount Mandara will not hurt you at all."

Reassured Vasuki rounded himself around the mountain. The gods held the Vasuki at its mouth's end and the demons at its tail and with full of joyous anticipation Devtas & asuras started churning the ocean.But their joy soon turned into despair, as the heavy Mount Mandara, which had noting to support it, sank into the ocean.

Lifting it out was a great problem. The gods requested Vishnu once again for help and Vishnu said, "Well, I'll take the form of a tortoise and hold the mountain on my back until the ocean is fully churned and nectar is obtained." Vishnu became a tortoise and held the mountain on his back.

As the churning proceeded fourteen magnificent treasures emerged from the ocean- see at the bottom.

The churning began but the Forceful churning first threw up the deadly poison HALAHAL, which was the concentrate of the impurities of the ocean.Its poisonous fumes choked the Devtas & Asuras.

Frightened out their wits few Devtas ran to Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash for help. God assured them that they need not to fear as he will drink the poison. Lord Shiva collected the poison and swallowed it.

Once all the poison was removed from the ocean the devtas & Asuras again began churning the ocean. As they continued churning many precious things rose to the surface, but not the nectar. At last there came out Dhanvantari with a pot of nectar in his hand.

Seeing this the Asuras ran towards Dhanvantari & snatched the pot of nectar from him and their was a great rivalry between the asuras to take possession of the pot of nectar.Devtas watched this in dismay.But remembering Lord Vishnu's command that they should not quarrel over whatever comes out of the ocean, they made no move. Vishnu became very pleased with devtas. He told Devtas," Do not be dejected. The greed of nectar has already divided the Asuras and now I shall charm them with my powers & give you the nectar."

Vishnu took the form of Mohini ( the most beautiful women) and approached the asuras. The asuras forgot about the nectar as they were enamoured by the glances of Mohini. They were prepared to do anything she said. Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, said to them, "You must do as I ask you to do." So infatuated were the Asuras that they entrusted the jar of nectar to her.

Mohini then said to the Asuras that," I will do so if you don't question my actions." Not knowing who she really was they agreed to her proposal. She then instructed ,"Go and take bath & assemble in a row, Asuras in one row & devtas in the other row."

When they had all assembled Mohini began to serve the nectar to the gods first. The demons thought, "Mohini would be displeased unnecessarily if we object to it."
Mohini kept the asuras under her spell and she finished the pot of nectar by giving the whole nectar to the devtas. Then she assumed her original form, The form of Lord Vishnu. Asuras were surprised to see this as they had been deceived and there was no nectar left for the Asuras. After finishing his task Lord Vishnu flew away on his Garuda.

The furious Asuras declared war with the devtas. The Devta- Asura war on the seashore was a terrible one but Devtas who had drank the nectar of immortality fought with the asuras and drove them away.

Fourteen Teasures came out of the ocean during churning . They were:

1 The wish-fulfilling tree Kalpavriksha. The Yakashas began its guardian. Its branch bore every kind of fruit and flowers one wished for.

2 The wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu. The sages decided to take care of it. Its udders produced enough food to feed the whole universe.

3 The wish-fulfilling gem Chintamani. Some say Vishnu placed it on his crown. Others say that the Nagas hid it, fact not exactly known.

4 The seven-headed flying horse Ucchaishrava. Bali, leader of the Asuras, took possession of this horse.

5 The six-tusked elephant Airavata. Indra made this beast his mount.

6 The conch of the conqueror Panchajanya. The demon that took possession of it was killed by Vishnu who turned the conch-shell into his trumpet.

7 The bow of the king Saranga. It was given to the kings of earth.

8 The beautiful nymph Rambha. She knew how to pleasure the senses in 64 different ways. She won Indra's heart so he carried her off to Amravati, radiant city of the Devtas.

9 The handsome moon-god, Chandra. Every woman fell in love with him. He cast the spell of romance across the universe.

10 The goddess of wine Varuni. She became the wife of Varuna, the ocean-god, and came to be loved by all creatures.

11 The physician Dhanvantari. An incarnation of Vishnu, the enemy of disease, he brought with him Ayurveda, the science of healing.

12 The goddess of fortune Sri. Everybody wanted to marry her, but she chose Vishnu. She placed Vaijayanti, the garland of eternal victory, around his neck.

13 The elixir of immortality Amrita. The Asuras stole this much-sought-after drink. Vishnu, in the form of the enchantress Mohini, bewitched the demons so that while they admired her beauty, she poured the drink down the throats of the Devtas.

14 The poison Halahal. Nobody wanted this lethal liquid. So Shiva drank it. The poison turned his neck.

DASHA AVATAR-part 1

2009-03-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

MATSYA - THE FISH INCARNATION
Picture courtesy- www.ruchiskitchen.com,

Everybody is familiar with the term "VEDAS". It is one of the holy Scriptures of Hindus which remains in the mouth of the Supreme Lord - BRAHMA .The Vedas are the scriptures, with the aid of which, Brahma (the creator God), performs his role.
Once when Lord Brahma was relaxing the Vedas happened to slip out of his possession at a moment of his respite. An asura,named HAYAGRIVA, who was watching all this thought that, "This is my chance ! I must concentrate with all my mind and the Vedas falling out of the Creator's mouth ( Brahma's Mouth) will enter mine."

But, Vishnu,(the preserver-God) saw Hayagriva absorbing the Vedas. He thought to himself that, " The PRALAYA (Dissolution) was to follow soon and I should retrieve the VEDAS for the next spell of Creation."

As God was wondering what was to be done, he saw the Royal Sage Satyavrata, the staunch devotee offering water to the Manes. God immediately thought of an idea and said," I will take the form of a Fish and retrieve the Vedas while doing a good turn to my Devotee (Satyavrata). He shall live through the Pralaya." Thinking this Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a Fish.

As Satyavrata scooped up the next handful of water he saw a tiny fish in his palm, seeing this poor creature he thought that it must be very frightened and that I should put it back into the river.

As he was about to do so the fish said,"O noble soul, if you throw me into the water, big creatures might swallow me up. I have come to you for shelter. Will you disown me like that ?" Satyavrata took pity and told the fish not to worry as he will take care of her. He put the fish into his KAMANDALU and went back to his hermitage.

Overnight, the Fish grew too big to be in the Kamandalu. The next morning when the sage looked it up, the Fish requested him to remove him to a larger vessel. Satyavrata did so but soon the fish became too big for the larger vessel also. Addressing the Sage, the Fish said that he should protect him and find a suitable living space for it. Satyavrata then emptied the vessel into a large pond near the hermitage along with the Fish. But, in no time the Fish grew as large as the pond and filled it. Then the Fish exhorted the Sage to take it to a large and deep lake. Although Satyavrata took it to several lakes, one larger than the other, the Fish kept growing and bigger and bigger. It went on asking for larger and larger living space.

Sathyavarata got vexed and decided to put it into the ocean. While he reached the ocean, the Fish addressed him thus: "Oh Sage, do not put me into the ocean, I am sure to be swallowed by the gigantic creature there."

Satyavrata became suspicious now. He was despairing to know how that wonderful fish could grow so big in one day that it has covered the largest lake.In a flash, he realized that it was Lord Vishnu in the form of Fish.

Satyavrata immediately prostrated before the Fish and prayed to be told why God had appeared in the form of Fish. The Lord told his devotee, "Just a week from now, the ocean will rise and inundate the entire Universe for the dissolution of creation. At that time a spacious boat send by me will approach you. Do collect all the seeds, plants and animals required for the next spell of creation and get into the boat and await me. Take VASUKI, the king of Serpents, also with you. The SAPTHA RISHIS (seven Sages) will also be with you".

The Fish left for fulfilling its mission. When Hayagriva saw the gigantic fish approaching him he was overtaken by fear but he knew if he opened his mouth the Vedas will be lost.

He held the VEDAS tightly in his mouth. But soon the Divine Fish slew him and recovered the VEDAS and restored them to BRAHMA for him to resume the function of CREATION at the appropriate time.

As foretold by the DIVINE FISH, PRALAYA (deluge) set in and on the turbulent waters, a boat appeared. Sage Satyavrata, the Saptha Rishis and all the living creatures found haven in the boat.

As the boat was tossed about by the turbulent ocean they suddenly saw the fish approaching, it was in golden color now and had a horn. He said Loudly," Fasten the Boat to my horn, using Vasuki as a rope. Do not worry, none of you will be harmed."

While the boat floated safely on the rising and enveloping waters, VISHNU taught Satyavrata and the Rishis the highest form of Truth, which has come down to earth as a Puranic Lore, called the MATSYA PURANA.

HANUMAN LEELA-part 5

2009-03-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

HANUMAN'S OTHER PASTIMES

One day, during their exile, Draupadi ( the wife of the pandavas) asked Bhima( the strongest Pandava) to get her a flower of lotus. Bhima said, "Oh ! it's nothing. I will bring you in a second." On his way he found Hanuman sleeping on the road. Bhima did not recognize him and said, "O, you old man, move away from the road" Hanuman told him to move his tail off the road first and then he will move away. Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas was not able to lift Hanuman's tail!
Then Hanuman regained his true form and blessed Bhima. After encountering several difficulties, Bhima brought the lotus flower to Draupadi.Hanuman, had a special place in the heart of Lord Rama.Hanuman's devotion to Rama was profound and everything and anything without Him seemed futile. Once, when Sita presented a pearl-necklace to him, he tried to find Rama in each pearl. But when disappointed he tore and threw it away.She was surprised and asked for an explanation. In reply, Hanuman tore off his chest with his nails and showed everyone the image of Rama and Sita engraved in his heart! Everyone was astonished and praised Hanuman.
Even today the idol of Hanuman, god of protection, is found in the temples of Rama.

HANUMAN LEELA-part 4

2009-03-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

IN THE BATTLE OF RAMAYANA

Rama's brother Lakshmana had been mortally wounded in battle by Indrajita, and the only thing that could save him was the Sanjivini ("life-giving") plant, which grew far away on a mountain in the Himalayas. Rama was disconsolate at this news, and lamented his brother's approaching death, but Hanuman assured him that he would get the plant.

Hanuman flew to the Himalayas and found the mountain, but was unable to find the plant . Undaunted, he lifted the entire mountain and brought it back to Lanka, where the physicians quickly located the herb, and brought Lakshmana back to health. Cured, Lakshmana killed Indrajita.

In one of the battles, Hanuman knocked Ravana to the ground, snatched his crown, and escaped unscathed. Since (as in many cultures) the crown was one of the symbols of kingship, losing this foreshadows that Ravana's days in power are numbered.Ahiravana was a demon magician, who was called by Ravana (his friend) for help in the struggle against Rama's army. Ahiravana kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana by making them sleep magically, as he intended to offer them as human sacrifices to the Goddess Kalaratri.
Hanuman hid behind the deity's statue and told her to help him rescue Rama and Lakshmana. The goddess agreed and disappeared as Hanuman changed his form to that of the goddess' idol. When Ahiravana was about to sacrifice Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman stopped him and ed him. Then he carried the princes back to their place.Later, Rama killed Ravana's army and his relatives and at last Ravana.

HANUMAN LEELA-part 3

2009-03-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

CROSSING THE OCEAN, FINDING SITA AND BURNING LANKA

When Hanuman was searching for Sita he met Sampati who was brother of Jatayu. Jatayu was killed while he was trying to stop Sita from being kidnapped by Ravana. Sampati told Hanuman that he could see Sita being kept in Ashokvatika in Lanka.
All of Sugriva's monkey subjects began to search for Sita, and in this quest Hanuman leaped over the ocean to Lanka (again using his prodigious strength). On the way he encountered a snake deity Surasa, who demanded that he go in her mouth before she would let him pass by (she was actually disguised as a demoness to test Hanuman.

Hanuman made himself very large, and Surasa opened her mouth wider and wider to accommodate him. Hanuman then made himself very small, and dashed in and out of her open mouth. Surasa was pleased with his ingenuity and courage, blessed him, and allowed him to continue on his way.

After this a Rakshasi called Simhika caught hold of his shadow and started dragging him to her mouth so that she can eat him. Hanuman increased the size of his body inside her body and killed Simhika.
When Hanuman landed at Lanka and came to the gates of the city, he was met by Lankini, the city's guardian deity. She blocked his path into the city, and demanded to know who he was and what he was doing (fulfilling her role as a guardian).

Hanuman's answer was to strike a blow that knocked her over, after which he strode into the city. His ability to defeat the city's guardian deity foreshadowed that the city's ruler (Ravana) would soon lose power.

Rama searched the whole city for Sita, and finally found her in a grove of Ashoka trees. He reassured her that Rama would come to rescue her, and then set about testing the city defenses by making a ruckus.
When Hanuman Reached Lanka and met Ravana, Ravana did not offer Hanuman a chair to sit.

Hence Hanuman created his own thorn by extending his tail long enough and then sitting in front of Ravana.

Ravana was shocked to see this and called his demons to set Hanuman's tail on fire.When Hanuman went to Lanka Ravana's soldiers tied Hanuman's tail with rags fabrics and Hanuman made the tail longer and longer. The exhausted demons set fire to his tail.
Now it was Hanuman's turn he jumped all over Lanka setting the entire city ablaze with his tail still on fire.

He was eventually captured and brought before Ravana, who decided that Hanuman would be tortured by having his tail wrapped in oil-soaked cloth, and set on fire. Hanuman used his powers to make his tail enormously long (so that a lot of flammable material was tied to it). After the cloth was lit he slipped his bonds and jumped all through the city, setting it on fire, before jumping into the sea to make to the flame disappear. He then gave Rama the deatails about Sita and Lanka.

HANUMAN LEELA-part 2

2009-03-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

MEETING WITH SUGREEVA AND RAMA

Hanuman was a friend and servant of Monkey King Sugriva. On his request he came to get the identity of the two strangers who were wondering in their plains below the mountain, these strangers were Ram and Laxman. They were searching for kidnapped Sita. Hanuman placed them on his shoulders and took them to Sugriva on the mountain top.
Ram and Sugriva promised to help each other to find Sita.

When Rama and his brother Lakshmana were searching for Sita (Rama's kidnapped wife), they were advised to seek out the monkey king Sugriva. Hanuman was one of Sugriva's ministers, and when he first met the duo, he disguised himself as a brahmin.

After talking with them for a little while he could bear the deception no longer, and so he revealed his true form, fell and Rama's feet, and received Rama's blessing. From there, he led them to meet Sugriva.

HANUMAN LEELA-part 1

2009-03-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

HANUMAN'S BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD
Picture courtesy-www.ruchiskitchen.com,
www.personal.carthage.edu

When he was still a child, his mother, Anjani, had assured him that he would never be destroyed and when he feels hungry he can have fruits as red and ripe as the rising sun.Thinking that the glowing sun was a ripe red fruit he mistook it as an apple and tried to grab it, at the speed of wind, in the sky and the severe heat of the SUN had no effect on him.He was very mischievous in his childhood, once on the day of solar eclipse, Hanuman ran towards Rahu, and Rahu had to take help of Lord Indra.

One of his popular mischievous were that one day he saw Airavata ( Indra's white elephant) and tried to attack him. Seeing this attempt of the valorous monkey, Indra used his thunderbolt (vajrayudha) which hit the child's chin (hanu) and hurled him to the earth. (It is from this event that Anjani's monkey son came to be known as Hanuman.)

When Vayu, the Wind god, carried him off to Pataal in such a precarious condition, life on earth came to a standstill in the absence of air. Living beings felt breathless and were dying. All the gods went to Vayu and blessed the child.

Brahma blessed the monkey child with immortality, invulnerability, enduring devotion to God, and prowess (bravery). Agni blessed him, Saying, "Fire will never burn you." Kaal was no less generous, "May not death overcome you." Vayu blessed him with more speed than he himself had. Indra said, "No weapon of any kind shall wound you or hit your body." All the gods,blessed him saying that, "None will ever equal you in strength and speed." Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "laghima" and "garima". With "laghima" he could attain the smallest form and with "garima" he could attain the biggest form of life.

Hanuman got educated by Surya, the sun god.

RAMAYANA-part 7

2009-03-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

THE WAR

A bridge was required to be constructed over the ocean to invade Lanka. Rama had an army of millions of monkeys, but a wide expanse of ocean lay between His army and His objective. The demigod of the ocean promised that stones would float so that a bridge could be constructed. The monkeys labored hard, carrying not only huge boulders but also trees to construct the bridge, and at last it was completed. The entire army of monkeys marched across.The monkeys and bears of Sugriva began the work quickly.The bridge was ready and the troops of Rama arrived on the outskirts of Lanka. The spies of Ravana informed him of the arrival of Rama's troops.Ravana alerted his large army.

Angada, son of Vali was sent as an envoy to tell Ravana to free Sita or be ready for war. Ravana sent 2 demons to attack him and told him that he was ready for war. Angada killed the demons and told Rama about Ravana's decision.

One of his brothers Vibhishana advised him, "You have abducted Sita unlawfully. Now you return Sita to Rama and stop the war." Ravana got angry and threw him out of his court. Vibhishana joined Rama's army. Even Ravana's wife Mandodari persuaded him to return Sita but all in vain. Truly, one who is destined to be ruined always thinks on the wrong lines!

Ravana chose to fight out.First he sent his generals to fight. When they were all killed he sent his own sons in the battlefield. Indrajita, Ravana's son shot snakes disguised as arrows on Rama and Lakshmana, but the Vishnu's mount, the great bird Garuda killed the snakes and revived Rama and Lakshmana.
Indrajita exhibited great valour in the battlefield by attacking Laxmana bravely and making him swoon. Had Hanuman not brought the plant ( jadibooti) that restores the dead to life, Laxmana would not survive.

Indrajita also was killed at last by Lakshmana.Ravana, then, sent his mighty brother Kumbhakarna to fight against Rama.He used to sleep for six months and on waking he devoured anything he came across.
But he was also killed in the battle by Rama.Now Ravana himself came to battlefield in his chariot. He used deadly weapons against Rama and Laxmana. Vibhishna revealed the truth that Ravana could be killed only if an arrow pierces his navel which contained nectar of immortality. Rama sent an arrow which pierced Ravana's navel. At last he was killed and Rama and Sita were to be reunited.
Without wasting any more time, eager to meet Sita, Rama Ashokvana. Rama arrived. Emaciated but cheerful, Sita touched holy feet of her husband. Rama said that he could not accept Sita as she lived in Ravana's place for a long time.

Sita responded by saying, " I am as pure as Fire. Hence I will prove purity of my character by passing through the raging fire flames."Soon a huge fire was lit. Sita approached the Fire and prayed, to the fire god to let her unscathed if she was pure and to burn her if she wasn't.Sita remained in fire unscathed and unharmed. The Fire God could do nothing in the face of purity of Sita. Soon the god of fire came and told Rama that Sita was pure and Rama accepted her.

Then Rama warmly received her. He said to her, “I knew you were faithful to me, but I wanted to prove it to the world so that no one can say anything against you.” Thus they were happily reunited.

The time period of the exile was now over, and it was time to return to Ayodhya. Rama, Lakshman, Sita, Sugriva, Hanuman, and several others boarded Ravana’s Pushpaka wonderful that had been stolen from lord Kubera, and flew back to Ayodhya.

Rama’s brother Bharat, for whom the exile had been plotted, had never accepted the kingship, but had ruled the kingdom as representative of Rama. There was great rejoicing upon the triumphant return of the Rama the rightful king.
Rama's unquestioning obedience to his father's wishes, his moral uprightness in the war against Ravana, his deference to the wishes of his people, his generosity in the face of personal loss and his marital fidelity has made him Vishnu's , most august and venerable incarnation.
SRI RAMAJAYAM

RAMAYANA-part 6

2009-03-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

HANUMAN FINDS SITA

As promised, Sugreeva sent his monkey army to search Sita. The army searched everywhere but could not find Sita. As they sat dejected on a sea shore, behind them, in a cave not far off, a huge vulture, almost famished with hunger, was pleased to see these people as his prey! Sampati was his name. His sense of hearing, vision, and smell were phenomenally acute. His power was such that he could eat a person in one bite! Thus, to satisfy his age-old hunger, he decided to attack one of them.

But, just then he heard Hanuman talking about Jatayu: How he had tried to protect Sita from the hands of Ravana. The sudden surprise of Sampati was attributed to Jatayu being his brother! To know more about Jatayu and his fate Sampati went near the group and inquired, "O noble ones, who are you? From whence do you come to this remote and lonely place? And may I know the details of your reference to my brother Jatayu?"

Thus spoken to, Hanuman narrated the valiant sacrifice Jatayu made in the attempt to rescue Sita. He further told Sampati about Rama, Laxmana, and Sita, and how Ravana had kidnapped Sita. They had come to that remote place in search of Sita. Sampati thought over the matter. When he realized that Sri Rama - the Lord Himself - had liberated the soul his brother, he also decided to help Rama in his mission to eliminate evil from this earth.

He could see for miles ahead across the sea. narrated the scene to others. Angad, Hanuman, Jambuwanta and others were full of joy.

But their joy was short lived. Hanuman said that it was useless to go Rama without positive proof about Sita. Someone must go there to actually talk to Sita, confirm and return after which they should inform Rama. For this purpose said Hanuman, he had already brought the royal and private ring of Rama familiar to Sita on the basis of which someone could give Sita guarantee of early help and safe return back to Rama.
However, the question as to who could/would go to that far off land sprang up as a problem for which the answer was not forthcoming with ease. Sampati said that he could not go as he had become old and the power in his wings had left him. Angad said, if I was asked to go on land I would go any distance; but water! No, it was not possible for him to swim or jump so high and long.

Hanuman said, "Dear brothers, Sri Rama has infused special powers in my life. I am sure I shall be able to cross this ocean in one jump."

Everyone was delighted and shouted "Jai Sri Rama". Hanuman made himself big and tall and flew off .
The God of the sea to help Hanuman asked his friend the Mainaka Mountain to rise above the sea and help Hanuman relax and take rest. Hanuman however refused the offer and went ahead. The assembled Devas wanted to test the efficiency of Hanuman and sent, Devi Surasa to test him. She took the form of a Rakshasi and informed him that he should enter her mouth and become her food; Hanuman increased his size to a very mega form. Surasa also made her mouth sufficiently big to swallowm Hanuman. At that time Hanuman reduced his body to a thumb size jumped in and out of Surasas’s mouth. Surasa blessed him and the devas were very sure that Hanuman can do the job assigned to him.
After this a Rakshasi called Simhika hold of his shadow and started dragging him to her mouth so that she can eat him.Hanuman entered her body and again increased the size of the body and killed Simhika. After this Hanuman reached the city of Sri Lanka.
There he took a small midget form before entering the city, to avoid detection. However Lanka's guardian goddes, Lankini stopped him and challenged him. He hit her with his clenched fist and she fell down. She realised that the end of the city of Sri Lanka was nearing and blessed Hanuman in his endeavour.
Rama searched the whole city for Sita, and finally found her in a grove of Ashoka trees. He reassured her that Rama would come to rescue her, and then set about testing the city defenses by making a ruckus.He was eventually captured and brought before Ravana, who decided that Hanuman would be tortured by having his tail wrapped in oil-soaked cloth, and set on fire. Hanuman used his powers to make his tail enormously long (so that a lot of flammable material was tied to it). After the cloth was lit he slipped his bonds and jumped all through the city, setting it on fire, before jumping into the sea to douse the flame. Then Hanuman returned to Rama and gave him the details about Lanka and Sita.

RAMAYANA-part 5

2009-03-23T04:21:00.000-07:00

MEETING WITH SUGREEVA AND HANUMAN

Rama and Laxmana set off through the forest toward the ocean hundreds of miles away. On the way they were suddenly captured by a giant and terrible demon named Kabandha. Kabandha had no head, and had arms eight miles long. Rama and Lakshman fought, severing his great arms, and Kabandha fell to the ground.

He told them his story: He had been a demigod, who liked to assume the form of a demon to scare people. A sage, angered by this behavior, had cursed him to remain a demon. The sage told him he would be released from this curse the day he was killed by Rama and Lakshman. Later, in a fight with Indra, he had been struck by Indra’s thunderbolt which had driven his head into his chest.

Moving towards the south, Rama and Laxmana came to a beautiful spot of Pampa Sarovara. They met there Shabari, an affectionate Bhil woman. She affectionately served them sweet fruits of jujube tree in her hut. Both enjoyed her hospitality and love. When Rama and Laxmana left her next morning Shabari passed away as if her mission in life was now over.Then they arrived at Mount Rishyamuka.
Here they met the monkey-king Sugriva and his secretary Hanumana who learnt about their mission.Now Sugriva was reminded, "Oh, I saw a demon carrying away a woman. The woman threw some of her ornaments towards me. Here they are!" Rama watched the ornaments carefully and soon identified them.

RAMAYANA-part 4

2009-03-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

LIFE AT PANCHAVATI, MUTILATION OF SHURPANAKHA AND ABDUCTION OF SITA

On their way to forest Rama and Laxmana killed many vicious demons. One day, Viradha the powerful demon caught them unawares and started chasing. Viradha had a special power in that he could not be killed with any weapon. Knowing this fact, Rama grounded and stood on him. Laxmana dug a moat, and Viradha was buried live.
One day Rama and Laxmana were sitting a distance apart near their forest dwelling. As it happened Shurpanakha, sister of Ravana, was passing from there and fell in love with Rama.

With her powers she changed herself in a very beautiful maiden , Rama and said that she was in love with him.Rama gently refused and told her to approach Laxmana. Even Laxmana refused her.

Shurpanakha was furious and pounced on Sita outstretching her claws. Laxmana was infuriated and cut her nose and ears. Shurpanakha cried in pain and went to her brother Khara.

Seeing his sister’s disfigurement and feeling his position insulted as the demon lord of the forest, Khara first sent fourteen demon warriors to kill the three humans. However, Rama killed them all, so Khara gathered his army and went forth to attack. Rama killed Khara’s entire army, and now his horses, chariot-driver, chariot, and bow were all destroyed. After a one-on-one battle, Khara himself was killed, and Rama emerged completely victorious. Lakshman did not take part in this fight; he had been guarding Sita.
She complained to her brother Ravana.

He seized this opportunity to punish Rama and set out to Panchavati with his relative Maricha who assumed the form of a golden stag.

Sita was enamoured by its beauty. She showed it to Rama and sent him catch it for her.

After some time she heard Rama's voive, Hey Sita" and she asked Laxmana to follow Rama. Soon that stag was killed by Rama, & he turned into his naturl form, the demon.

Now she was alone and seizing this opportunity Ravana came there in the form of a mendicant and kidnapped her. When Rama and Laxmana returned, they found to their surprise that Sita was missing.

They started the search for Sita in the deep forest. Very often Rama was in tears and he asked trees, streams and stones, "Have you seen Sita anywhere here?"

On their way they encountered with the Jatayu, the vulture king, who said, "Yes, I've seen her being kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. I tried to stop him but he cut off my wings and escaped in the south."

RAMAYANA-part 3

2009-03-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

KAIKEYI'S BOONS

Rama returned to Ayodhya. Dashratha proclaimed about his coronation.

All except Manthara, the maid servant of Kaikeyi, welcomed it.Manthara poisoned the ears of Kaikeyi.

Kaikeyi was not crooked but she was misguided by Manthara. She took offence and retired in solitude.

When Dasharatha tried to please her she got a chance to ask for those two boons.Dasharatha was shocked at this and he swooned. When Rama learnt about it he rushed to the spot and said to Kaikeyi, "Mother, I gladly accept the command of my father. Bharata will be the king and I'll go to live in the forest."
Both Sita and Laxmana accompanied Rama to the forest. The people of Ayodhya saw them off with tears in their eyes.
But promise was a promise, not only for the royal family, but for every citizen of Ayodhya. Everyone knew that although Kaikeyi was harsh in her demands, but she could not be faulted on that account alone. She had every right to demand her two promises which the King Dasharatha must keep, come what may. If it created tragic condition of gloom and helplessness the people were willing to suffer stoically, without violence or revenge. Kaikeyi never was threatened, no, nobody ever thought of harming her. But the crowd made the departure of our heroes very slow. Rama advised all to remain calm and collected; to support the would-be king Bharata, and to look after the ailing king Dasharatha and the helpless queens.

The night fell even as Rama-Laxmana-Sita could barely cross the limits of the city. It was painfully slow process to leave the people. At this juncture, minister Sumanta drove his chariot towards Rama and said, "My Lord, the people are asleep. Let me take you across the border quickly without much ado." Rama agreed and thus leaving all tired people behind, Rama-Laxmana-Sita fled far off under the cover of night sky.

Soon they came to Sringaverpura, the city of nishadas. Their chief Guha welcomed Rama heartily and gave him fruits and milk. Guha also told him to board a boat which was driven by Kevata the boatman. Kevata honoured Rama and took him in his boat. Soon the trio reached Chitrakuta.
Meanwhile, news of these dramatic happenings was sent to Bharata who was far away from Ayodhya. He was told that king Dasharatha sought his urgent meeting. He was not told about the banishment of Rama, role of his mother, and critical condition of his father.

But when he entered the boundaries of the kingdom, he was aware that something was amiss. "Why the birds are not at their usual happy chirping? Why these cattle is dried up and thinned out? Why all people are so silent, instead of their usual fun and play; their eyes swollen as if with constant crying? Why the usual sweet music and singing at the palace not audible to his ears?"

He could guess of impending tragedy, but was not sure as to what exactly might have happened. He straight way went to the chamber of his mother and was pained to see his father lying semiconscious on the floor. He was angry as well as confused. With a firm voice he inquired of her mother,

"O mother, what is all this? Can anyone tell me what has happened to my father, who has brought this disgrace to him, and why is Rama not to be seen?" A series of rapid fire question, but no immediate answer! Who would describe this sudden catastrophe where villain was of his mother Kaikeyi only! Ultimately through the intervention of the ministers gradually Bharata came to know all the details of the happenings. He was flabbergasted that her mother would be so mean to take life of her own husband! How can she not feel the pain of separation from her son Rama! Then with language that was sharper than the razor's edge, Bharata takes her mother to the task.

Says he, "O mother, to call you mother is an insult to motherhood. Indian tradition does not allow to kill one's mother and hence I am desisted from doing so, otherwise any one other you would have not remained alive for more than a minute after doing this to my father and brother Rama. Let the world know that from today you cease to remain my mother, I will not speak to you for fourteen years. From today onwards my mother's place is taken by mother Kausalya and mother Sumitra."
Bending low down, he then lifted the head of his father in his lap and said, "O father, what should I do to pacify you? On one side there is that noble Rama and here I am so unlucky and useless to become the king at the cost of my father and brother. Why have I lived to see this unfortunate day! please tell me father what is your command for me."

Thus full of remorse Bharata did not know exactly as to what he should do. In a weak voice then, Dasharatha said, "O my son, my end is near, I cannot live where Rama is not. The life force here draws its sustenance from Rama alone. But my request to you is to go and fetch Rama-Laxmana-Sita from wherever they may be. After my departure from this earthly bond, I do not want the people of Ayodhya and all of you to suffer the agony of separation from Rama."
All eyes were wet. Bharata vowed to seek the forest-dwelling of Rama and to bring him back and offer him his legitimate right to throne. On hearing these words the heart of Dasharatha was pacified to some extent, and he breathed his last with repetition of 'He Rama, He Rama, He Rama.

Soon the trio reached the holy Ashrama of the sage Bharadwaja. From there they reached Dabdakavana and settled there. Bharata tried to persuade Rama to rule Ayodhya and went to his forest dwelling, but Rama gently refused him. Sad, Bharata returned with Rama's slippers and kept them on the throne and ruled from the gateway to Ayodhya.

RAMAYANA-part 2

2009-03-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

MARRIAGE OF LORD RAMA

Vishwamitra took Rama and Laxmana with him to Mithila.Janaka announced, "I'll marry my daughter to the person who can successfully charge the bow presented to me by Lord Shiva."

Numerous kings tried their hand at it but failed. Asked by Vishwamitra Rama rose from his seat and tried to charge the bow which he could lift up in a jerk, leaving all the persons in amazement.

Rama tried to bend the bow to charge it and the old bow broke into two. Rama and Sita got married.

Parashurama was angry because Rama broke the bow which he had presented to Janaka. But Rama could cope with him. Parashurama could get an idea about his valour during the conflict.

RAMAYANA-part 1

2009-03-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF RAMA

Picture courtesy-www.ruchiskitchen.com
www.boloji.com

Ravana was the son of sage Vishrawa. He had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be defeated either by a demon or a man.He was the supreme devotee of Shiva who himself gave him the name, 'Ravana'. The demons made him the king of Lanka. Being in the company of demons he became devilish.

The gods approached Vishnu and requested him, "Kindly save us from the terror of this arrogant demon." Vishnu assured them, "I'll relieve the three worlds from his terror after taking birth as a son of king Dasharatha of Ayodhya." Vishnu took birth as Rama, the eldest son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya, to teach mankind the importance of duty over desire. His legend is told in the epic Ramayana.

Dasharatha had three queens namely Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He performed a Yagna with the desire to have a son for the welfare of the world. By the blessings of Yagnapurusha all his three queens gave birth to sons. Kaushalya gave birth to Rama; Sumitra to Laxmana and Shatrughna; and Kaikeyi to Bharata.
All the four had great affection for one another. The family preceptor Vashitha taught them the science of arms.When Vishwamitra was performing a Yagna the demons began to harass them.
Vishwamitra requested Dasharatha, "'The demons create tremendous tension for us. Kindly send your son Rama to set them right." Dasharatha sent Rama and Laxmana with Vishwamitra.

When they entered the forest they found complete silence there. Rama inquired, "Whose fear terrifies them so much in this region?"

Vishwamitra replied, "A demoness named Tataka lives here. She troubles and frightens people."In the meantime Tataka appeared on the spot with a giant body, terrible face and long sharp nails.Rama said to Vishwamitra, "I would kill her if you allow me."

Suddenly Tataka attacked Rama by showering stones on him but Rama sent an arrow to her and she was shot dead.

The mighty sons of Tataka learnt about her death and they attacked Rama and Laxmana but they too were severely beaten. Maricha was sent thousands of miles away by an arrow, Subahu was shot dead on the spot.

The fear of the demons was removed. In the meantime Vishwamitra received an invitation to attend the Swayamvara of Sita, the daughter of King Janaka.

Rama and Lakshmana while going to Mithilapuri with Sage Vishwamitra saw this hermitage. They enquired about the hermitage to the Sage who told them about Ahalya.

Once Indra played a dirty trick and tricked Ahalya, sage Gautama's wife into being cursed to be a stone.

Vishwamitra told Rama to keep his leg on Ahalya's stone and she was revived. Just then, sage Gautama came and said,"You have now been purified by Rama's touch. I shall accept you as my wife."

KRISHNA LEELA-part 16

2009-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

KILLING OF KANSA

After so many unsuccessful attempts Kansa arranges one more plot to kill Krishna and Balarama by inviting them to a Yajna at Mathura. Akroora is sent for the invitation at the same time arrangement is made at the entrance itself to kill them by the help of a trained killer elephant. If this fails Chanura and Mushtika, two dangerous and well trained wrestlers take on Balarama and Krishna and finish them off. Kansa gives necessary instructions to the wrestlers.

Akroora was a devotee of Krishna. He is thrilled to go and see Krishna. He prays to all gods for giving him this opportunity to meet his Lord. Balarama and Krishna start off their journey with Akroora. However the Gopikas (cow maidens) are very sad to leave Krishna, since he is leaving on the invitation of his own uncle and foe, whatever happens he is unlikely to return.

On the way they meet a washerman taking expensive clothes to Mathura. Krishna asks for the clothes but he refuses and insults Krishna as a poor cowherd. Krishna takes the clothes by force and kills him. Then they see a hunchbacked woman named Trivakra carrying sandalwood paste. She is also a devotee of Lord Krishna. She offers sandalwood paste to him. Krishna lifts her up by her chin and makes her hunch disappear! The hunchback is delighted and praises Lord Krishna.

The elephant known as Kuvalayapeeda ready to attack Krishna as soon as he entered the arena of wrestlers.
When the elephant rushed to him, Krishna twisted the trunk. After the elephant fell down, he screwed out the tusk of the elephant and crushed the elephant's head.

He also killed all the wrestlers of Kansa.
In a wrestling fight arranged by Kansa, the young boys Krishna and Balarama killed almost all Kansa's best wrestlers.

Everyone praised these children except Kansa. He ordered his soldiers to kill Krishna and Balarama. Finally when his soldiers could not do it, Kans himself came rushing to kill Krishna. Krishna jumped with all his might and threw Kansa on the ground. At last he was killed by Krishna.

Krishna liberated the people of Mathura from the tyranny of Kansa, he liberated Ugrasena, father of Kans and made him once again the King of Mathura.
When Krishna, finally killed Kans he liberated his parents Vasudeva and Devaki from the dungeon.

They then hurried to Nanda and Yashoda, who were really Krishna's foster parents and also greeted them.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 15

2009-03-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

KILLING OF MORE DEMONS-SANKHACHUDA, ARISHTASURA, KESHI AND VYOMASURA

At that time a demon called Sankhachuda, a servant of Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods, appeared on the scene. This demon had a valuable jewel on his forehead in the form of a conch known as Sankha in Sanskrit. The demon kidnapped all the gopikas. Both Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama pursued him. Once the demon realized the supreme power of the brothers, he fled. Lord Krishna pursued him after entrusting the safety of the gopika to lord Balarama and killed the demon. He took the valuable conch and gave it to his bother Balarama, who blew it.

Once a demon named Arishtasura entered the village like a great bull with a gigantic body and horns, digging up the earth with his hooves. When the demon entered Vrindavana, it appeared that the whole land trembled, as if there were an earthquake. He roared fiercely, and after digging up the earth on the riverside, he entered the village proper. The fearful roaring of the bull was so piercing that some of the pregnant cows and women had miscarriages. Its body was so big, stout and strong that a cloud hovered over its body just as clouds hover over mountains. Arishtasura entered Vrindavana with such a fearful appearance that just on seeing this great demon, all the men and women were afflicted with great fear, and the cows and other animals fled the village.

The situation became very terrible, and all the inhabitants of Vrndavana began to cry, "Krishna! Krishna, please save us!" Krsna also saw that the cows were running away, and He immediately replied, "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid." He then appeared before Arishtasura and said, "You are the lowest of living entities! Why are you frightening the inhabitants of Gokula? What will you gain by this action? If you have come to challenge My authority, then I am prepared to fight you." In this way, Krishna challenged the demon, and the demon became very angry by the words of Krishna. Krishna stood before the bull, resting His hand on the shoulder of a friend. The bull began to proceeded towards Krishna in anger. Digging the earth with his hooves, Arishtasura lifted his tail, and it appeared that clouds were hovering about the tail. His eyes were reddish and moving in anger. Pointing his horns at Krishna, he began to charge Him, just like the thunderbolt of Indra. But Krishna immediately caught his horns and tossed him away, just as a gigantic elephant repels a small inimical elephant. Although the demon appeared to be very tired and although he was perspiring, he took courage and got up. Again he charged Krishna with great force and anger. While rushing towards Krishna, he breathed very heavily. Krishna again caught his horns and immediately threw him on the ground, breaking his horns. Krishna then began to kick his body, just as one squeezes a wet cloth on the ground. Being thus kicked by Krishna, Arishtasura rolled over and began to move his legs violently. After some seconds, he died.

Kansa again managed to depute Keshi, a monster with a horse's head to kill Krishna. Keshi came up galloping all of a sudden with his mouth wide open, displaying his dirty teeth with which he wanted to bite Krishna. The young cowherds were afraid of this monster. But, Krishna in his playful mood, just opened the mouth of this monster's head with his fingers and killed him there and then.
Krishna went to play with His cowherd boyfriends on the top of the Govardhana Hill. They were imitating the play of thieves and police. Some of the boys became police constables, and some became thieves, and some took the role of lambs. While they were thus enjoying their childhood pastimes, a demon known by the name of Vyomasura, "the demon who flies in the sky," appeared on the scene. He was the son of another great demon named Maya. These demons can perform wonderful magic. Vyomasura took the part of a cowherd boy playing as a thief and stole many boys who were playing the parts of lambs. One after another he took away almost all the boys and put them in the caves of the mountain and sealed the mouths of the caves with stones. Krishna could understand the trick the demon was playing; therefore He caught hold of him exactly as a lion catches hold of a lamb. The demon tried to expand himself like a hill to escape arrest, but Krishna did not allow him to get out of His clutches. He was immediately thrown on the ground with great force and killed, just as an animal is killed in the slaughterhouse. After killing the Vyomasura demon, Lord Krishna released all His friends from the caves of the mountain. He was then praised by His friends and the demigods for these wonderful acts. He again returned to Vrindavana with His cows and friends.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 14

2009-03-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

LIFTING OF GOVARDHANA

During the rainy season the people of Vraj prepared to set for a festival.
In an argument with Nanda baba, Krishna said, "It was the rain God, who brings monsoon, and not lord Indra. We should be master of our senses and propitiate out Govardhana Hill, which brings us rains."

KRISHNA LEELA-part 13

2009-03-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF PRALAMBASURA

One day a giant devil named, Pralambasura, dressed as a young cowherd, mixed with the children to kill Krishna. He was send by Kansa.

While playing a game in teams, Krishna's team lost and Balarama's won. Pralambasura was in Krishna's team and had to carry Balarama on his shoulders to Yamuna river.

While Pralmbsura was carrying Balarama on his shoulders, he had evil intentions of killing Balarama. Balarama soon found out the intentions of Pralambasura and hit hard on the head and killed the devil there and then.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 12

2009-03-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

DEFEATING KALIYA

The deep dark river Yamuna! Krishna and his shepherd friends played a hockey-like game on its bank. A Shepherd boy hit the ball.

And the ball came to Krishna. Krishna rushed and hit the ball hard with his stick.

The ball jumped high and fell the deep waters of Jamuna.

"O Krishna, What have you done?"

"How shall we play now with out the ball?"
"It's thrown away into the river by you. So you must bring it out."

"Don't worry friends. I'll soon bring it out."

"There's a black cobra in the river? It's poisonous."

The friends tried to stop Krishna but in vain. He climbed the Kadamba tree and jumped into the river.

The black cobra was resting at the bottom of the river. The cobra queens were waving fans before him. They were amazed to see Krishna there.

How did such a delicate boy come here?"
"Ho, Who are you? Why have you came here? What do you want?"

"I've lost a bet and in return I've to take away the head of the black Cobra. Wake him up!"

"Get away from here soon! If the Cobra king wakes up he'll not let you go alive. Run away if you love life."
"I'm in a hurry. My friends are waiting for me at the bank of the river."
"I just pity you.Take this precious necklace of mine, if you want, and run away."

But Krishna did not leave. The Cobra King got up and rushed to him.
Now Krishna rode on the cobra's hood and strangled him. At last he raised his feast to kill him. The cobra was now horror-struck and exhausted.

The defeated cobra peeped out of the river. All the people of Gokul had gathered at the bank. Krishna released him on one condition that he should go far away from the bank near Gokul to stop the water from becoming poisonous.

The Cobra submitted to Krishna.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 11

2009-03-01T04:43:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF DHENUKASURA

Dhenukasura was a powerful demon who had assumed the form of an ass. With his demon friends he was occupying Talavana, one of the twelve forests of Vrindavana. Out of fear of these demons no one could approach Talavana and enjoy the numerous flowers and fruits in the forest. Balarama, induced by His cowherd friends, entered the forest desiring to kill the demons. He began shaking the fruit trees, making a big noise. Dhenuka, furious at the intrusion, attacked Balarama with his rear legs, but Balarama easily picked him up by his legs and whirled him around until he died. As the other demon friends of Dhenuka rushed to attack, Krishna and Balarama picked them up and threw them on trees, killing them. Soon the forest was free of all demons, and it appeared that the bent trees were being directed by Balarama to pay obeisances to Krishna.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 10

2009-03-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF AGHASURA

One day when Krishna and his friends were grazing the cows, Kansa's devil, Aghasura assumed the form of a large python and posted himself among the plants with his mouth wide open. The young cowherds thought it was a cave and entered.
Krishna also entered the cave.Seeing that everyone has entered the mouth Aghasura closed his mouth. The young cowherds got very scared and started crying, Krishna then made a hole in the eyes of the python and all cowherds came out. Such were the adventures of Krishna in his childhood.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 9

2009-03-01T04:04:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF VATSASURA AND BAKASURA

Once, when Krsna and Balarama were playing on the bank of the Yamuna, a demon of the name Vatsasura assumed the shape of a calf and came there intending to kill the brothers. By taking the shape of a calf, the demon could mingle with other calves. Krsna, however, specifically noticed this, and He immediately told Balarama about the entrance of the demon. Both brothers then followed him and sneaked up upon him. Krsna caught hold of the demon-calf by the two hind legs and tail, whipped him around very forcibly and threw him up into a tree. The demon lost his life and fell down from the top of the tree to the ground. When the demon lay dead on the ground, all the playmates of Krsna congratulated Him, "Well done, well done," and the demigods in the sky began to shower flowers with great satisfaction. In this way, the maintainers of the complete creation, Krsna and Balarama, used to take care of the calves in the morning every day, and thus They enjoyed Their childhood pastimes as cowherd boys in Vrindavan.

The news that Vatsasura had died reached Kansa and unnerved him. Then he asked Putna’s brother who has ten times more dangerous than his sister. He had also taken a vow that he will kill the boy who had killed his sister. Kansa called him and told him about Krishna. He told him that Krishna was his enemy as he had killed Putna. Kansa told him that Krishna was helped by magical powers.

Putna’s brother thanked Kansa for telling him about Putna’s killer. He promised Kansa to bring back the boy’s dead body. He then transformed himself into a giant crane hence he was called Bakasura. He then flew towards Vrindavana and kept waiting on the banks of Yamuna.

Krishna was playing with his friends as usual under the trees. Some of them felt thirsty and went to the river to drink water. They saw the huge bird sitting there and told Krishna about it. Krishna at once became suspicious. He knew that an ordinary bird cannot be that big. They all then went to see the giant bird. It was really a huge bird they had ever seen. It was as tall as a tree and its long and sharp beak was a few meters long. It looked that it was sleeping on its one leg.

Krishna asked his friends to hide behind the trees and then before the others could stop him, then ran towards the bird. The bird did not moved towards it. Suddenly it opened its one eye and grabbed Krishna on its beak. But Krishna made his body so hot that the bird was forced to drop him. The bird then attacked Krishna with its razor like beak. All the cowherds were shouting "Krishna, Krishna!". Some of them even fainted out of fear.

Krishna then caught hold of the giant bird by its beak. The bird tried to flap its wings and break free. But Krishna held him like an iron grip. Bakasura had met his match. Krishna then forcibly opened and pulled apart Bakasura’s beak. He placed his one foot on the lower beak and then tore him apart by the other beak. The atmosphere filled with the scream as Bakasura fell on earth. All the gods who were watching this fight from the heavens were very happy at Bakasura’s death and they showered flowers on Krishna.

In the meanwhile, BalaRam had received the cowherds and they all surrounded Krishna. By now others too rushed to see what had happened. They were too surprised by the loud scream. They could not believe to what they saw and were all praises for Krishna. They talked about his courage and strength. Repeatedly all of them described Krishna’s feat to the others in the village.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 8

2009-02-26T02:41:00.000-08:00

GIFT TO THE FRUIT SELLER

One day a fruit-selling lady passed hawking before Nand Baba's house. Krishna heard her voice and went to her with a handful of rice for buying fruit. A child as he was, all the rice got scattered on the ground through his fingers. The fruit-seller was fascinated by Krishna's innocence and gave him a lot of fruit. She went away without taking anything in exchange for the fruit. When the fruit-seller reached home, she was highly astonished to see her basket filled with valuable jewels.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 7

2009-02-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

THE PEOPLE OF GOKUL GO TO VRINDAVAN

As Krishna grew up the Nand's went to Vrindavan. Vrindavan was a beautiful place on the banks of river Yamuna, with a lot of grass for cows.

Krishna and his cowherd friends went to these pastures for the cows to graze. Krishna played his flute, the music was so majestic and captivate to the heart of gopis who would come and listen to Krishna play.

A beautiful gopi, Radha, was found of Krishna's music. She danced to the tunes of his flute.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 6

2009-02-22T04:39:00.000-08:00

KRISHNA'S PRANKS AND RELEASING OF NALAKUBERA AND MANIGREEVA

Krishna was a leader among his age group of children in the neighborhood. He was extremely found of curd and butter.
When the "Gopi" (wife of a cowherd), went to the village river to fetch water, Krishna and his friends would go inside the house, find out the earthen pot where the Gopi had put her milk and butter and Krishna would climb his friends to get pot.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 5

2009-02-22T04:29:00.000-08:00

KRISHNA SHOWS THE UNIVERSE IN HIS MOUTH

One day Balarama rushed to Yashoda: he said: "Mother! Krishna is eating mud. His body is all covered with mud and his mouth is full of it." Just then the lovely child came up. His face and body were covered with mud. Yashoda began to question the boy, "You naughty fellow! Haven’t you had enough butter at home? Do you eat mud?"

With a wry face Krishna lisped: "Oh no, mother! Brother is uttering a lie. I have not touched mud at all." Yashoda said angrily, "Enough! Open your mouth." Krishna opened his mouth.

Yashoda looked. She was startled and could only exclaim ‘Ah!’

She did not see mud in Krishna's mouth. But she saw all the worlds! As she looked she was dazed. She was terrified and folded her hands and closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes she saw the laughing little child before her. She forgot all she had seen.

KRISHNA LEELA-part 4

2009-02-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF TRINAVARTA

Kamsa was very angry. He sent a whirlwind-demon named Trinavarta. Taking the shape of a powerful tornado, he kidnapped baby Krishna, and spun him high into the sky. Trinavarta began to laugh at how easily he would be able to kill Krishna and, just to show off, flew higher and higher up into the sky.
Krishna enjoyed the ride for some time, but understanding the demon's true intent, made himself unbearably heavy. Trinivarta's massive body came crashing down, and with it his hopes of killing Krishna. The demon's limbs and pride were both smashed to pieces by the transcendent baby Krishna, who emerged without a scratch.

Krishna Leela-3

2009-02-19T05:01:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF SAKATASURA

Kamsa was shocked when he heard of Putana's death. So he sent another demon named Sakatsura. Sakatasura assumed the form of a cart and went to Gokul. Meanwhile in Gokul, Krishna's first birthday was being celebrated. When the rituals and rights were being performed, baby Krishna fell asleep. Yashoda lifted him and placed him under a cart, which was actually Sakatasura. After sometime Krishna woke up and he was hungry. He kicked his legs up and down and suddenly, with one blow, he overturned Sakatasura! All the people heard the noise and rushed to the spot where this had happened. They were mesmerised. Once again, Krishna proved himself to be a divine child. Yashoda picked Krishna up quickly and placed him on her lap, fondly kissing him.

Krishna Leela-part 2

2009-02-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

KILLING OF PUTANA

Kansa was frightened by the heavenly voice. He immediately sent for Putana, his demoness friend, and asked her to kill all the babies born on the same day when Devaki gave birth to the baby. Putana smeared poison on her breast and went around in the town of Gokul to breast-feed the babies born in the month of Bhado.
In the beginning people, out of their goodness, did not suspect Putana's heinous plans, but as time passed, they found out that all the babies whom Putana fondled were dead. They began to search for Putana. In the mean time Putana reached Nanda's house and lovingly asked Krishna's mother, Yashoda, to give the baby to her to love and fondle. Yashoda gave the baby and, without any suspicion, went on with her daily chore.
Suddenly there was a loud shriek. Everyone came running to the courtyard and found to their surprise the dead body of Putana lying on the floor while Krishna was smiling and kicking. Krishna had scratched her breast to bleed and Putana died with her own poison. People now knew that Krishna was not an ordinary boy. Yashoda happily picked up Krishna and felt safe.

Krishna Leela - part 1

2009-02-15T02:57:00.000-08:00

BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA

Picture courtesy-www.ruchiskitchen.com,
www.media.radiosai.org

About five thousand years ago, there lived a king named Ugrasena. He was the king of Mathura, but his son Kansa usurped his kingdom and had imprisoned his own father, Ugrasena, and declared himself the King of Mathura. On his orders his soldiers used to kill innocent peoples. Seeing this the earth went to Brahma in the form of a cow and complained, "Now I cannot bear the burden of tyrant like Kansa. He is a great enemies of justice, morality and nobility."

Brahma went to Vishnu and Vishnu assured that he would take birth on earth and would kill Kansa.

Ugrasena's brother Devaka had a daughter named Devaki. She was a cousin of Kansa and Kansa loved her very much. She was married to Vasudeva,the son of Yadava Surasena. Kansa himself had made all arrangements for the pompous wedding.

When Kansa was sending them off, he heard a voice from the sky, "O, proud king, Kansa, the eighth child of your cousin Devaki shall kill you."
These words of the oracle angered Kansa, who drew his sword and caught Devaki by her hair. Vasudeva promised Kansa to give all his children to Kansa, and leave Devaki.

In the prison Devaki gave birth to six sons and all of them were killed by Kansa. Devaki had no alternative except to close her eyes at such a horrible sight. Vasudeva too helplessly watched the cruelty of Kansa.

The seventh child was of premature birth and he was brought up by Vasudeva's another wife Rohini. He was Balarama.

The eighth child was yet to be born. He was to be the destroyer of Kansa.This time Kansa made the patrolling very tight and often he himself inspected Devaki's jail-like residence.

Kansa had the fear of Devaki's eighth son because the divine utterance had suggested that he would kill him.At midnight, on a stormy night, the eight day of the lunar month of Shravana, Devaki gave birth to a child. Unlike other new born babies this child did not cry at the time of his birth.
The child had a dark complexion like a monsoon cloud, but was handsome beyond compare. He looked like the God of love and beauty.On the night of the birth of their eighth child, the prison guards fell into a deep sleep and the doors were unlocked.

As soon as he reached the doors of the prison was locked again and the watchmen were awake, they realized that a baby girl was born.

Soon Kansa came, and snatched the girl from Devaki and dashed her against the prison wall with all his might putting an end to her existence once and for all.