‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

AArsha Vani ( V o i c e o f S a n a t a n a D h a r m a )

October 2016 Volume: 2 Issue: 09

“Śrī Durgā Tattvam” ‘Durgā’ nāma is very efficacious and powerful. This connotes multiple meanings

and each has great significance. 1. Śrī

durgā sūktam mentions ‘Nāvēva Sindhum

Duritātyagni:’ Just like a boat ferries across

the ocean, the very name (nāma) of

‘Durgā’ transports us across this ocean of

mundane existence. 2. It is only the ‘Divine

Mother’ in whom we can take refuge

anytime for anything, especially in times of

turbulence. Durgā Saptaśati elaborates on

the same mentioning ‘Tvām āsritānām Na

Vipannarānām Tvāmāsritāhi Āsrayatām

Prayāti’. This means that those who take

refuge in Her, took refuge in the most

appropriate. They need not again even

think of something else, because they shall be soon relieved of all their

difficulties. Hence, another meaning of ‘Durgā’ is ‘One who provides shelter’. 3.

‘Durgamu’ means fort. Just as the safety and protection of a king staying in his

own impregnable fort is definite and assured, protection of those who recite the

‘Durgā’ nāma is definite as they live in the unassailable fortification of the Divine

Mother. 4. Just like Vishnu, ‘Durgāmba’ is the powerhouse that destroys bad

tendencies, wicked influences and evil thoughts completely. Hence, She is also

known as ‘Vaiṣṇavi’. ‘Aṣṭami’ i.e. eighth day in the lunar calendar is dear to

Mother. Mother has been described as an embodiment with eight or ten or

eighteen hands. Even in the incarnation of Krishna, She incarnated as a child to

Yaśōda on ‘Aṣṭami’ day. Worship of Durgā on Aṣṭami day is very propitious. When

Aniruddha the grandson of Sri Krishna was imprisoned by Bāṇāsura with virulent

serpents, Sage Nārada told Aniruddha to worship Durgā with the following eight

names – Āryāyai Namaha, Durgāyai Namaha, Vedagarbhāyai Namaha,

Ambikāyai Namaha, Bhadrāyai Namaha, Bhadrakālyai Namaha, Kshemyai

Namaha, Kshemamkaryai Namo Namaha. (Contd.. Page2)

Upcoming Pravachanams

Date: Oct 15 - 21, 2016 6:30PM Topic: Mahabharatam Lo Sivudu Venue: Srisailam

Date: Oct 23 - 29, 2016 6:30PM Topic: Sri Subrahmanya Bhujanga

Stotram Venue: Sringeri Matt, Nallakunta, Hyderabad Contact: 9985689675; 040 27667783

Date: Oct 31 -Nov 6, 2016 6:30PM Topic: Sri Ganapati Mahimaa Vaibhavam Venue: Ashtalakshmi Temple, Kommadi, Visakhapatnam Contact: Smt. Ramadevi & Satyanarayana - 9885245678, 7095927158

(For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar)

Traditions-Fulfilments

While feeding cows, recitation of this sloka is auspicious –

pan̄cabhūta śivē puṇyē

pavitrē sūrya sambhavē

pratīccēmaṁ mayā dattaṁ

saurabhēyi namōstutē॥

Reciting the twenty-five names of

Goddess Lalita given by Lord Hayagrīva

to Sage Agastya grants prosperity.

-:: Śrī Lalitā Pan̄cavinśati Nāma ::-

simhāsanēśi, śrī lalitā, mahārājñī,

parāṅkuśa। cāpini, tripurā, caiva mahā

tripura sundari॥ Sundari, cakra nāthā,

ca sāmrājñi, cakriṇī tathā। cakrēśvari,

mahādēvi, kāmēśi, paramēśvari॥

kāmarājapriyā, kāmakōṭikā,

cakravartinī। mahāvidyā,

śivānaṅgavallabhā, sarvapāṭalā॥

kulanāthā, āmnāyanāthā,

sarvāmnāyanivāsinī। śr̥ṅgāranāyikā,

cēti pan̄ca vinśati nāmabhi:॥

- Brahmāṇḍa purāṇa.

Sadhu Vachanam “My Mother - who manifested from the Shakti that emanated from the Devas while entrusting Her the protection of the entire world, who is armed with several weapons given by many Devas, and who is the killer of Mahishasura - I request Her to come before my vision". — Appayya Deekshithar (Devī Chandra Kaḷā Stuti).

Bharateeyam “The concentric levels of the Śri Yantra (circles encircling the triangles, lotuses and lines) are the symbolic descriptions of different stages of this evolution-involution process, starting from the central point bindu (śiva-śakti unity) to the outer square bhūpura (the full manifestation of the Universe)”. – Alexey Pavlovich Kulaichev, Russian Scientist.

Spiritual Quest (Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)

In the picture, Śri Lalita Devi sits on Lord Śiva in a throne. The legs of that throne are Brahma, Viṣṇu and two others.

What is true significance and subtle meaning of this depiction?

“Namās such as 'Pan̄ca Brahmāsanāsīna', 'Pan̄ca Prētamanchādhīsāyinī', 'Pan̄ca Krutya Parāyaṇā' in Sri Lalita Sahasranama

Stotram elucidate the intricate meaning of this picture. Creation, Sustenance, Dissolution, Merger and Grace are the 'Five

Actions'. These are performed by the 'ONE SUPREME' with His power in the forms of 1. Brahma 2. Viṣṇu 3. Rudra 4.

Mahēśwara and 5. Sadāśiva. The power presiding all these actions in also 'ONLY ONE' i.e. Para Śakti Lalitāmbika. Jagadguru

Śri Ādi Śaṅkara says, "Śiva Śaktyāyukto Yati Bhavati Śakta: Prabhavati" meaning Śiva is powerless without Śakti. Both are

inseparable. Supreme power expresses Itself through these five actions. The nāmas that represent the 'Supreme Power'

mounted upon these 'Five Brahmas' is the pictorial representation.”

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

‘Durgā’ is that supreme truth beyond which there is none and nothing. ‘Durgā’ is the embodiment of Para Brahman which is beyond the expression of mind and speech. One should worship Mother Durga to eradicate evil influences and propagate virtuous thoughts in and around us. She is the one who fondles Her children as ‘Gauri Bhavāni’ and destroys wickedness in them as ‘Durga Bhavāni’. Let’s all pray Mother Durgā to grant us protection and welfare!

(Adapted from ‘Devi Rahasyam’ discourse) - Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

The night that removes agonies with

LIGHTS OF KNOWLEDGE

The fourteenth day of the lunar calendar in the second half of Āśvīyuja popularly known as Naraka Chaturdaśi is mentioned as 'The Night of Lamps'. Popular legend goes that Lord Sri Krishna vanquished the demon Narakāsura on this day and festivities are celebrated on the following Amāvāsya. But, this day has special significance in the annals of Sanātana Dharma even before Sri Krishna. It could be that it acquired another new distinction with the killing of Narakāsura. Āśvīyuja month begins with Navaratri festival. Worship during nights is significant

for Divine Mother. This month ending with the night of Dīpāvaḷi is another distinction. Both Pournima and Amāvāsya (Full moon and New moon) are significant in this month. During the celebration of 'Festival of Lights', some scriptures accorded more importance to Naraka Caturdaśi. Even to this day, special worship is done to Mother Kāḷi in some parts of Bengal and Orissa to get rid of the fear of Yama (The God of

Death) and obtain favorable times. Purāṇās mention that there is no fear of hell to those who do oil bath on this day. Reminiscing and worshipping Yama is efficacious. Some even offer ‘Yama’ water as oblation. Starting from Naraka Caturdaśi for three days, it is prescribed to light lamps in houses, temples, entrances, cow, horse and elephant sheds etc. Naraka Caturdaśi, Āśvīyuja Amāvāsya and Kārtīka Pādyami – all three nights are ‘Festival Nights with Lamps’.

tata: pradōṣa samayē dīpān dadyān manōramān! dēvālayē maṭhēvāpi

Prākārōdhyāna vīdhiṣu! gōvāji hastaśālāyāṁ ēvaṁ ghasratrayēpica !

Worship of the Divine Mother on Dīpāvaḷi day bestows longevity and prosperity. Sri Krishna is the perfect embodiment of this ‘Time’ (Kāla) form. Śrī viṣṇu Sahasranama contains nāmās such as ‘Kāla:’, ‘Yama:’, ‘Niyama:’. ‘Kālōsmi lōka kṣayakr̥t pravr̥ddhō ’said the Lord Himself in Śrīmad Bhagavad Gīta. His birthday Śrāvaṇa Bahuḷa Aṣṭami is known as ‘Mōha Rātri’ i.e. the night of delusion. He, who manifested on that night with enchanting form, expressed Himself one more time on this ‘Dīpa Rātri’ i.e. the night of lamps. Hell is nothing but the torture and agony arising from ignorance. Divinity is nothing but the light of knowledge that drives away the ignorance. -Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Lakṣyatvāt sarva vidyānāṁ liṅga hīnatayā sthitē | tārakatvāt bhavāmbhōdē: Lalitēti prakīrtyatē ||

Lalita is the ultimate goal for all the Nigamas and Aagamas i.e. the quintessence of all the knowledge. Lalita is the embodiment of the Supreme who is the essence of all the Śāstras. 'Existence' is ‘Being'. There is no difference of gender, either masculine or feminine, and form for the eternal Tattva. That state of 'Power', wherein there are no transformations, is devoid of any gender. That Tattva is Brahman. That grants liberation from this mundane.

That genderless Tattva which is the ultimate goal and can ferry across, is 'Lalitā'. - Śrī Vidyāmārtānda Śrī Anantānandanātha’ (Śrī C. V. Swāmi Śāstri) garu

('Parama Guru of Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu’)

“Śrī Durgā Tattvam” – Contd. From page 1.. Aniruddha devoutly worshipped Mother with the above eight names and got released from the serpents. Hence, Mother is also known as ‘Bandhamōchani’ i.e. one who releases from bondages. Durgā Saptaśati also extolls Mother as

‘Saranāgata Dīnārta Paritrāṇa Parāyaṇi Sarvasyārti Harē Devī Nārayaṇi Namōstute.’ This means Mother has an addiction – the addiction to immediately save those who take refuge in Her. She is invincible and grants victory to those who pray Her. She assured Gods that She will incarnate whenever it is necessary to destroy demonic forces in this world. Mahābhārata explicitly mentions that Lord Krishna advocated the worship of Mother Durgā to both Yudhiṣṭhira and Arjuna before going incognito and the war respectively. Vedas dictate that

Kā Māta?

(Who is ‘The Mother’?)

“Who is the Mother? Cow (Dhēnuhu). Cow is given the highest position after Mother. Hindus worship Cow as ‘Divine Mother’ and call ‘Gōmāta’. It is not just a belief. It is unfathomable knowledge of our sages. What is so special about cows in India that Hindus revere Cow as a Mother? Is Cow divine only for Hindus and not for others? Scientific research and studies demonstrated that there is energy where the cow walks and the environment gets purified because of the sounds of Cow. Just placing the dust of Cows habitat as ‘Bindi’ or ‘Tilak’ makes us pure. Cow milk, dung, and even urine have special value – nutritional and medicinal. Irrespective of religion, caste and creed, everyone who consumes cow milk derives immense benefits. Indian cows look distinct because of their hump and loose neck waving down (Gaṅgaḍōlu). There is a vein near their hump called ‘Swarṇa Nadi’. This vein has the capacity to absorb some special energy that comes from Sun rays. Except Earth, no other creature in this creation can absorb this rare energy from Sun. Coincidentally, Sun rays are also called ‘Gōvulu’, Cows are called ‘Gōvulu’ and Mother Earth is also called ‘Gōvu’. Also, in Ayurvedic medicine, there is something called ‘Anupānam’ i.e. fluid to take the medicine with - water or milk - which makes the drug more effective. It is observed that Ayurvedic drugs are more effective when they are applied with milk from Indian cows. Vedas decreed that the Cow should never be hurt, even if it is barren. But sadly according to recent studies, among all the countries that eat cow meat, India is in the first spot. It’s our bounden duty to protect this rare species of cows. Let’s all worship ‘Gōmāta’ and protect it from extinction.”

-Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘Prasnottara Mālika’ – Detroit 2016)

Govatsa Dvādaśi - Oct 27, 2016

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Brahmōtsava for Brahmāṇḍanāyaka

Brahmōtsavas have special significance among all the 450 Utsavas performed for Lord Vēṅkaṭēśvara in Tirumala, because Brahma first conducted them at the time of Lord’s incarnation. Brahmōtsavas begin with Ankurārpaṇa (sprouting) of the Sādhana and complete with Chakra Snāna symbolizing the immersion of Sahasrāra Chakra in nectar of divine experience. Though Lord comes in procession on different Vāhana each day, one should always remember that Lord is the same and does not change. Likewise, in every Vāhana (Upādhi), He is the ‘ONE’ radiating effulgence.

Spiritual significance of Brahmōtsava Pujas & Sevas –

‘Senādhipati’ utsav is done to signify the surrenderance of all the indriyas (senses) to the perfect commander.

Monday October 3, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Vidiya – Morning Dhwaja ārōhaṇa – Always remain conscious of the fact that Garudalwar monitors all the festivities and safeguards everyone from evil influences.

Evening – Pedda Śēṣa Vāhana – Infinite heads of Ādi Śēṣa symbolize infinite knowledge. Though heads of serpent contain poison, they became nectar with Lord being on them. Hence, Ādi Śēṣa incarnated as ‘Patan̄jali’ the preceptor of Yoga. Meditating upon the holy Feet of Lord (Guru) removes malefic tendencies and grants immortal bliss.

Tuesday October 4, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Tadiya – Morning China Śēṣa Vāhana - One can attain the equipoise state beyond the three normal states while meditating upon Narāyaṇa on Vasuki. Lord mentioning in Srimad Bhagavadgita ‘Sarpānamasmi Vasuki’ declares that Vasuki is reflection of Lord’s radiance. Meditating upon this Vāhana also aids in obtaining immortality. Evening – Hamsa Vāhana – Hamsa is another name for purity. God resides only in those hearts which are pure. It separates virtue and evil just as milk and water.

Wednesday October 5, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Chaviti – Morning Simha Vāhana - Lord riding the Simha Vāhana signifies the control of ‘Himsa’ (violence) for protecting the virtuous and vanquishing the vice. Evening – Mesh of pearls (Mutyāla Pandiri) – Padma Purāṇa and others describe Lord residing under the mesh of pearls. Pearls symbolize both purity and affluence. Meditating upon this form grants immortal bliss. Sri Viṣṇu Sahasranama Dhyāna śloka (Kshīrōdanvat Pradēśe..) means the same.

Thursday October 6, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Pan̄cami – Morning Kalpavrukṣa Vāhana - Upon meditating Him on this Vāhana, the compassionate Lord grants whatever is good for everyone, though none is asked for. Evening Sarvabhūpāla Vāhana – All the five elements, lords of the quarters, gods are called ‘Bhūpala’. Lord mounts upon Sarvabhūpāla Vāhana to signify His orchestration and command over this entire universe.

Friday October 7, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Ṣaṣṭi – Morning Mōhini - ‘Yā Umā Sā Svayam Viṣṇu”- Gods realized Her divinity and got the nectar. Demons saw Her ‘Mōhini’ form only and did not get the nectar. Similarly, those who cultivate divine qualities and see divinity everywhere shall reach the supreme Godhead, whereas those who live with demonic qualities can never attain the supreme. Evening – Garuda Vāhana –Garuda is an antidote for poison and the provider of nectar. During this procession, it is traditional every year to decorate Lord with flowers from the Āndal temple in Śirivilliputtur.

Saturday October 8, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Saptami – Morning Hanumanta Vāhana Hanuma is the holistic embodiment of the nine forms of devotion. Darshan and Dhyana of this Vāhana grants steadfastness in devotion. Evening – Gaja Vāhana on Airāvata (Celestial Elephant of Indra) Looking at the Lord on Airāvata bestows prosperity. One should also reminisce the episode of ‘Gajēndra Mōkṣa’.

Sunday October 9, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Aṣṭami – Morning Sūryaprabha Vāhana; Evening – Chandraprabha Vāhana A devotee can remain fearless if he is conscious that both day and night are His form.

Monday October 10, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Navami – Morning Golden Chariot Scriptures mention ‘Rathastam Vāmanam Druṣtvā Punarjanma na Vidyatē’ meaning those who take the darshan of Lord seated in the chariot will be relieved from the cycle of births and deaths. Upaniṣads describe our body as chariot and senses as its horses. When we turn our attention towards this chariot of Lord Vēṅkaṭēśvara, He will hold our senses from turning towards mundane and grants liberation. Evening – Aswa Vāhana - This horse is the celestial horse ‘Ucchaiśrava’ that emerged during the churning of milky ocean. Evils of Kali will not enter into those who take darshan of this Vāhana.

Tuesday October 11, 2016 – Āśvīyuja Śuddha Daśami – Morning Chakra Snāna Morning 6 AM - ‘Su-Darśana’ also means the form of knowledge. After the holy bath, Sudarśana is placed on a higher pedestal under which devotees walk for receiving the drops of water falling from Sudarśana which will remove evil influences and all sins. Participation or at least contemplation of this nine day Brahmōtsava bestows the complete grace of Lord Narāyaṇa and grants everything here and hereafter. – SVSN Sarma.

((Brahmōtsavam begins Āśvīyuja Śuddha Vidiya October 3, 2016 and ends on Āśvīyuja Śuddha Daśami October 11, 2016)

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Śaratkāla - Śaraccandra Nibhānanā

Śaradr̥tu begins with Āśvīyuja and ends with Kārtīka. The month of Āśvīyuja is known for worship of divine Mother. This month begins with Dēvī navarātri and ends with worship of goddess Lakṣmī on the day of Dīpāvaḷi. Since monsoon ends by this time, the sky looks as pure as the heart of noble man. ‘Śr̥ṇāti paṅkamiti Śarat’ means that which removes the sludge is called ‘Śarat‘. Our body is composed of all the five elements. Since there is a relation between the nature and our body, there is a possibility for us to clean our heart like the sky in Śaradr̥tu. In Tirumala, Brahmōtsavams are celebrated to Lord Vēṅkaṭēśvara in Śaradr̥tu. It is auspicious and bountiful to worship ‘Divine Mother Saradā’ during this Navarātri. This year Navaratri begins on October 1st and ends on October 10th. Those unable to worship during Navarātri should at least perform Puja for seven or five days starting from Tadiya or Panchami respectively. Worshipping Saraswati Devi on Śukla Saptami grants wisdom and intellect. Worship of Durgā on Durgāṣṭami releases the bondage of mundane shackles and grants everything here and hereafter. Maharnavami is the most important day in Navarātri. Ladies perform Suvāsini puja on this day. It is mandatory to worship Divine Mother on this day. Only those who perform Puja on this day are eligible to worship on Vijaya Daśami. Udvasana is done on Vijaya Daśami day. Before, kings used to worship their weaponry in this season. Now, everyone performs worship to their tools i.e. plough, sickle, hammer, pen etc. Sami worship is also done. On the evening people worship śami tree by chanting the sloka. Amaṅgaḷānāṁ śamanīṁ śamanīṁ duṣkr̥tasya ca | dussvapna nāśanīṁ dhanyāṁ prapadyēhaṁ śamīṁ śubhāṁ || śamī śamayatē pāpaṁ śamī lōhitakaṇṭakā | dharityarjuna bāṇānāṁ rāmasya priyavādinī || aśmantaka mahāvr̥kṣa mahādōṣa nivāraṇa | iṣṭānāṁ darśanaṁ dēhi śatrūṇāṁ ca vināśanaṁ || At dusk when stars are seen, it is called ‘Vijaya’ muhurta. Any venture started in this Muhurta shall be successful. Puja place should be cleaned, lotus with eight petals should be drawn and ‘Divine Mother’ should be worshipped chanting ‘Śrī jayā vijaya sahita aparājitāyai namaḥ’.

Śarat Paurṇima is described as ‘Primordial among Pournimas’. Worship of ‘Divine Mother’ on this day grants benevolence. Sage Vālakhilya prescribed Kojagari Vrata for Goddess Lakshmi’s grace. One should perform this vrata by offering sweet milk rice to Lakshmi both morning and evening and then complete with Puja on next day morning.

Take oil bath with sesame oil on Dīpāvaḷi. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi resides in oil and Goddess Ganga resides in water. Fast, if possible, during the day. Perform ‘Dīpa Puja’ and ‘Lakshmi’ Puja at dusk. In some places, ancestors are shown path with burning fire sticks. After the fireworks, cleaning the house at midnight removes ‘Alakshmi’ i.e. deficiency. Worship of ‘Mother Kali’ on this day makes times favorable and grants success.

(One of the first invocation slokas written by Brahmasri Samavedam

Ramamurthy Sarma garu in 'Tohara' metre in Telugu 'Sri Devi

Bhagavatam' venerating the 'Divine Mother')

sī. ē dēvi būjin̄ci ī jagammulanella sr̥ṣṭi gāvin̄cenā sraṣṭa pērmi;

nē dēvi dayacēta nī jagammula hari pālin̄cucundunō prabhuta danari

yē dēvi śakticē nīśuḍai rudruṇḍu jagamula samayin̄cu samayamerigi

yē dēvi yōgīśahr̥dvīdhi viharin̄cu nēdēvi yādyayu niccayunagu॥

tē.gī. naṭṭi yādyantarahita nayyādiśakti nakhila lōkaika māta dayāsamēta

nādirūpiṇi nakhilēśi namarasaukhyadāyi napavarga phaladanu davili golutu

With whose worship Brahma orchestrated this creation with authority,

with whose compassion Hari is sustaining this worlds, with whose power

Rudra became the Lord to perform timely dissolution of this universe,

who roams in the streets of Yogis hearts, who is the primordial and the

power of will, who does not have neither beginning nor end, who is the

principal power, who is the only Mother of this entire universe, who is

filled with compassion, who grants bliss to Gods and salvation - To that

Mother I offer my worship.

Brahmasri Samavedam Ramamurty Sarmagaru (1931 – 2013)

Major Festivals in Āśvīyuja Śukla Vidiya – Prīti Vidiya: Oct 2, 2016

It is sacred to have vision of ‘Moon’ on this day. Śukla Tadiya- Gauri Vrata: Oct 4, 2016 Gauri Vrata aspiring prosperity of children. Combination of Tuesday and Tadiya tithi bestows even more favors upon those who perform Gauri Vrata on this day. Śukla Saptami - Saraswati Puja (Triratra Vrata): Oct 8, 2016

Śukla Aṣṭami – Durgāṣṭami: Oct 9, 2016

Śukla Navami – Maharnavami: Oct 10, 2016

Śukla Daśami – Vijaya Daśami: Oct 11, 2016

Śukla Ēkādaśi – Oct 12, 2016

Performing Ekadasi Vrata on this day releases the bondage of God of Death for oneself. Performing even on the name of departed grants the same merit.

Pūrṇima - Kojagari Vrata – Oct 15, 2016 Chandrodaya Gauri Vrata – Oct 18, 2016

Girls perform this Vrata aspiring for suitable husbands. Govatsa Dvādaśi - Oct 27, 2016

Offer tarpaṇa and worship Pitr̥ dēvata.

Worship cow along with calf. Offer water, flowers and Akshata at the feet of Cow reciting "Kṣīrōdārṇava sambhūtē surāsura namaskr̥tē; sarvadēvamayē mātaḥ gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ namōstutē"

Offer Vada (deep fried Urad dal cakes) Dhana Trayodaśi – Oct 28, 2016 Naraka Caturdaśī – Oct 29, 2016 Amāvāsya Diwali, Dhana Lakshmi Puja, Kubera Vrata – Oct 30, 2016

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Announcements

Sri Vallabha Ganapathi Temple, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry.

For information, contact Sri Sitarama Sastry @ +91 9542122189

‘Go Seva’ Rushipeetham encourages everyone to constantly strive towards

protecting our cow heritage. Please contact any of the Rushipeetham branches or

send an email to donations@rushipeetham.org for details regarding donations.

Rushipeetham is also doing many charitable activities such as distribution of merit scholarships to poor students, medical

camps and aid to the needy, renovating old temples, honoring and contemporary Sanatana dharma acharyas with

‘Rushipeetham Puraskharam’.

śiva jñānaṁ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

This world is Liṅgatmakam

Part 12 (This world is the form of Liṅga) 1

A process of meditating upon the conscious knowledge present within, that which orchestrates the faculties of the body

in the position of ‘ājña cakra’ i.e. the center spot in between the eyebrows in the form of ‘Light’ is in vogue. That ‘Light’ is

the Jyotirliṅga and the center spot in between the eyebrows is ‘Kāśi’ within us. These details are found lucidly in some

Upaniṣads, Dhyāna Śāstrās and Kasi Mahatmyam portions of Purāṇās.

It is the ONE ‘Supreme Consciousness’ (Īśwara Chaitanya) that is pervading within our five senses of action, five senes

of knowledge, mind and self. i.e. twelve in total. With the awareness that ‘IT’ is the SAME Self-Conscious all around, one

has to experience those twelve Jyotirliṅgas within us. That’s when we can solidify the truth that it is Śiva within us in

every atom leading to ‘Śivōham’.

Per Yoga, envisioning the energy stream within Suṣumna from Mūlādhāra to Sahasrāra (Cidēkarasarūpiṇi) as pillar of

brilliant radiance is nothing but the effulgent Śiva liṅga of Fire.

The ‘Supreme Philosophy’ is the embodiment of the most subtle (micro) form that appears as the epicenter in the wheel

of this expansive universe. When this epicenter is pulled upwards, this straight line extends in the form of a pillar. That is

‘Śiva’. It is visualized in Purāṇās that primordially, He manifested in the form of ‘Fire-Pillar’ liṅga.

A lamp lit resembles the form of ‘Śiva liṅga’ and emits light in all directions. This is the ‘Formless Chaitanya (dynamic)

Jyotirliṅga’.

Vedas envisioned the form of Śiva as the manifestation of supreme universal truth. Though diversity is seen across this

entire universe, they all are nothing but parts of one gigantic conscious. Diversity is present in that conscious. That same

conscious is present within this entire multiplicity. That ‘presence’ (existence) is ‘Dissolution or Merger’ – Liṅgam.

Though there are many waves, sea is one. But, sea is the source and basis for all the waves. Śiva is like that sea. This

entire universe is in Him. Āgamas mention the same as ’Lōkam Liṅgātmakam Jnātvā Archayet Śiva Liṅgakam.’ One should

worship Śiva Liṅga with the complete awareness that entire universe is Liṅga.

‘Liṅga Garbham Jagat Sarvam’ – Entire cosmos is within Liṅga. It is astonishing to note that recent pictures released by some

international space research organizations corroborate the fact enunciated by our Vēdas that the entire universe of planets,

galaxies, stars etc. is embedded within spherical halo of light. Our prostrations at the feet of those great sages who realized

this supreme truth ages ago with the power of their penance, envisioned the form of ‘Liṅga’ and structured the process of

conjuncting individual conscious with the universal conscious through worship and meditation of Śiva Liṅga.

‘Yo Agnau Apsu Ya Oṣadhīṣu Yo Rudrō Viśwā Bhuvanā Vivesa Tasmai Rudrāya Namo Astu’ – (Veda Mantra)

‘Our salutions to that gargantuan resplendent Rudra who is not just in Fire, Water, plants and trees, but in everything in

this world.’ (To be continued…)

Vinayaka Chaviti Festivities at Sri Vallabha Ganapati Temple

Many devotees participated with great devotion and enthusiasm in the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities that were celebrated from

September 5 – 14, 2016 at Panchadasa Ganapati Sahita Sri Vallabha Ganapati temple, Kontamuru, Rajahmundry. Brahmasri

Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu undertook Deeksha and led the rituals and worship services, while elaborating the

significance of Sri Vallabha Ganapati during the spiritual discourses in the evening. Many Pujas such as special Homams with

Ashta Dravyams (Sugarcane, Modaka, Rice balls, Grass blades, Coconut, Puffed rice, Puffed whole rice and Bananas), Parayanas

of Sri Ganapati Atharvana Seesham, Namakam, Chamakam, Sooktas, Abhishekams with Panchamrutas (Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey

and Sugar), Tarpanas with Cow milk, ghee, curd, sugar cane juice, castor oil, red sandalwood, jaggery were performed. Special

rituals such as ‘Gakara’ Ganapati Sahasranama archana, Pallaki procession, Radhadevi puja on Radhastami marked the

celebrations. Fine arts performances of children and other artists on Rama, Siva Padam etc. enthralled everyone. The

celebrations concluded with the Shanti Kalyana performed by Smt. & Sri Guruvu garu.

‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Ganapati Homa and other rituals

Radhashtami celebrations Gomaata Puja

Musical Concerts

Doorva Puja Sahasranama Puja Purnahuti Ganapati Nimajjana

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Ganapati Navaratri Celebrations at Kontamuru

Sri Vallabha Ganapati Kalyana Mahotsavam