ratha sapthami.

 Ratha Saptami 2021: Ratha Saptami is a highly auspicious day observed on the seventh day (Saptami Tithi) of Magha, Shukla Paksha (brighter phase of the Lunar cycle). It is believed that Lord Surya Dev started enlightening the whole world on Ratha Saptami day which was considered as the birthday of God Surya. Hence this day is also known as Surya Jayanti or Magha Saptami.

As per the Gregorian calendar, this date falls somewhere between the months of mid-January to February. Normally, Ratha Saptami falls on the second day following the celebrations of Shri Panchami or Vasant Panchami.

It is believed that by worshipping Lord Surya and observing fast on this day one can get rid of all types of sins.

Ratha Saptami 2021: Rituals

On the day of Ratha Saptami, devotees get up before sunrise and take a holy bath. It is believed that taking a sacred bath during this time, will free a person from all illnesses and ailments and bestow good health. Therefore, the festival is also popularly known as 'Arogya Saptami'.

Ratha Saptami is considered as auspicious as Surya Grahan for Dan-Punya activities. It is believed that seven types of sins are done, knowingly, unknowingly, by words, body, mind, in current birth, and in previous births are purged by worshipping Lord Surya on this day.

Rise early (preferably at Brahma Muhurat (two hours before sunrise).

Do Dhyana (meditation) followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you would whole-heartedly observe a fast). Fasting, however, is solely an individual's prerogative.

Maintain celibacy.

Traditionally, those staying close to a riverbank take a bath in the holy waters at Arunodaya (sunrise). 

However, one may add a few drops of Gangajal to a water bucket at home and bathe with it during sunrise.

Taking a bath during sunrise on this day is said to have healing powers.

After taking a bath, wear clean/fresh clothes.

Then offer Arghya (water) to Surya Dev.

Chant the following Mantra as you do the Arghya.

Surya Mantra

Namah Suryaya Shantaya Sarvaroga Nivaarine 

Ayu rarogya maisvairyam dehi devah jagatpate

Meaning:

I bow to you Surya Dev, the one who blesses the world with his energy that helps people get rid of diseases, 

O ruler of the Universe, bless us with long life, good health and wealth.

Subsequently, offer akshat, fruits, flowers, dhoop (incense) and deep (oil lamp) to the deity. Conclude the puja by chanting the following Mantras.

Surya Gayatri Mantra 

1

Om Bhaskaray Vidmahe Mahadutyathikaraya Dheemahi Tanah Surya Prachodayat

Meaning:

The one who showers the Universe with light by removing darkness, let me meditate and take your eternal blessings.

2

Meaning:

Om Sapt Turangay Vidhmahe Sahasra Kirnay Dheemahi Tanno Ravi Prachodyat

The one who rides a chariot driven by seven horses (the seven colours that form the spectrum), and who thousands of rays reach the earth, I bow to you. 

After the ritualistic holy dip, devotees offer Arghya (water) to the Sun God. They hold a kalash (small pot) filled with water and gently tilting it towards him. After Arghya is performed, they offer an oil/ghee lamp, red flowers, incense and an ignited camphor to the Sun God while chanting mantras dedicated to him.

According to a local legend, the twelve wheels of the Sun God's chariot represents Zodiac signs and the seven horses that carry his chariot symbolise the seven hues of the rainbow. Another school of thought also suggests that the seven horses signify the seven days of the week.

The Sun temple in Srikakulam is gearing up for Ratha Saptami festival, to be held on 19 February. According to a report in The Hindu, over one lakh devotees are expected to come and offer their prayers to Lord Sri Suryanarayana Swamy on this day.

Dedicated to Lord Surya, the festival of Ratha Saptami falls on the Saptami tithi of Shukla Paksha in Magha month. The festival is also known as Magha Saptami.

According to Drikpanchang, Ratha Saptami's snan muhurat (auspicious time for taking a dip in the river) falls between 4.56 am and 6.34 am on 19 February. The Saptami tithi begins on 8.17 am on 18 February and goes on till 10.58 am on  19 February.

adhikara saravali. SD

 CHAPTER 1 

========= 
PAdhA 1 : "Srashta" - Shreeman NArAyaNan is the Brahman who is the 
           creator (& sustainer, destroyer) of the universe 
PAdAh 2 : "DEhi" - Shreeman NArAyaNan has  all  the  sentient  and 
          insentients (chit & achits) as his body & HE is the soul 
PAdhA 3 : "Swanishta:" Shreeman NArAyaNan is  the Supreme Self and 
          is the supporter/controller/sEshi of the universe and is 
          unparalled and unsurpassed 
PAdhA 4 : "Niravadhi MahimA" - Shreeman NArAyaNan is infinite with 
          infinite supremacy. 

CHAPTER 2 
========= 
PAdhA 1 : "ApAsta BAdha:" - The  supreme  self thus established in 
          the first chapter cannot be  refuted  or rejected by any 
          system like SAnkya, Yoga, CharuvAka, VaishEsika, Bauddha 
          Jaina, Paasupata and others. 
PAdhA 2 : "SritApta:" - The supreme self Shreeman NArAyaNA  is the 
          only dependable for those who surrender to him as He  is 
          the author of Shree PAncharAtrA  Agama  which  alone  is 
          recognised by Brahma Sutra to be in accordance with  the 
          VEda and equivalent to VEda. 
PAdhA 3 : "KAtmA " -  Shreeman  NArAyaNA is the creator of ether & 
          jIvAtman 
PAdhA 4: "DEhEndriyAdEhE Uchita Jananakrut" - Shreeman NArAyaNA is 
          the creator of the body of JeevAs  and the JeevAs  sense 
          organs according to the individual JeevA's anAdhi karmA. 

CHAPTER 3 
========= 
PAdhA 1 : "Samsrwtow Tantra VAhi"-Sriman NArAyaNA is the controler 
          of the entire universe's actions and inactions. 
PAdhA 2 : "NirdhoshatvAdi RamyO" - Shreeman NArayaNA is identified 
          by  ubhaya-lingam -   the   two  identifications  namely 
          "Infinite with infinite divine qualities/attributes" and 
          "Untouched  by  all  impurities"  though HE  is  present 
          inside and outside of all chit and achit tatvAs always. 
PAdhA 3 : "Bhahu Bhajana Padam" - Shreeman NArAyaNA  is  the  goal 
          of all Bhakthi VidyAs  mentioned in the  upanishads.  He 
          alone is  meditated  upon  by people  who  wish  to  get 
          liberation (mOkshA) 
Paada 4 : "SwArha Karma PrasAdya:" -Shreeman NArAyaNA alone grants 
          the results to all as per their karma. HE  alone  grants 
          all  the four  purushArthas namely Dharma,  Artha,  KAma 
          and MOkshA. 

CHAPTER 4 
========= 
PAdhA 1 : "PApachid" - Shreeman NArAyaNA  destroys  the  obstacles 
          (pApa &  puNyA) of those who practice Bhakti or Prapatti 
          and purifies them and thus makes them  to  be  qualified 
          for getting MOkshA. 
Paada 2 : "Brahma NAdi Gatikrut" -  Shreeman  NArAyaNA  makes  the 
          jIvAtman (who has done Bhakthi or Prapathi) to leave the 
          material body through the "Brahma NAdi" when the JeevA's 
          pApA and puNyA are removed. 
Paada 3 : "Athivahan" -Shreeman NArAyaNA leads the JIvAtman in the 
          ArchirAdhi Gathi to Shree Vaikunta ParamapadA. 
Paada 4 : "SAmyadascha Atra  Vedya:" -  Shreeman  NArAyaNA  grants 
          "SAlOka", "SAroopiya",   "SAmeepyA",  "SAyujya"  to  the 
          Mukta JeevA. "SAlOka" - Jeeva reaches the Shree Vaikunta 
          LOka which is trancendental and imperishable. "SAroopiya" 
         -Jeeva gets divine body of SuddhaSatvam as similar to the 
          body of Sriman NArAyaNA. "SAmeepyA" -  JeevA  goes  near 
          Sriman  NArAyaNA in the ParamapadA.   "SAyujyA" -  Jeeva 
          eternally  does  service  to  the  Lotus  feet of Sriman 
          NArAyaNA along with  Nitya sUrIs  and  other muktAs  and 
          never  returns  to the  material   world.   Thus  Sriman 
          NArAyaNA who is the Para  BrahmA Butha is known from the 
          SAreeraka SAstra which is the Brahma sutra - the purport 
          of entire VEdAs. 
Swami dEsikan delivered an appoorva grantham  known as "Adhikarana
SArAvaLi". In a nutshell, the contents of  the  Brahma  SutrAs are
summarised by Swami Sri Desikan in his famous  and unparalled work,
"AdhikArana SArAvaLi". 

The  BrahmaSutrAs  are aphorisms composed by Veda Vyasa to explain the
Brahma-KAndA.  The  upanishads  which  enlighten  us regarding the
Brahman's swaroopA (reality), roopA (form), gunA (attributes),
vibhuthi-aishwaryam   (lordship).  Shree  Bhagavadh  RAmAnuja  has
delivered commentry on BrahmaSutrAs  and  explained  that only Sri
VisishtAdhvaithA is Shree Vaishnavam's philosophy. The practice is the
purport of the VEda and the philosophy of  VEda  VyAsA.  Swami NigamAntha
MahA DEsikan  who  is  an extraordinary AchAryA in our tradition has
delivered "Adhikarana  SArAvaLi"  wherein,  he  has delivered a hymn for
each Adhikarana explained in Shree BhAshyA in a condensed form. 

Adhikaranam is a sub-section in pAdhA of an AdyAyA in Brahma sutra. Each
Adhikaranam has five components. They are Vishayam (Subject), Samsayam
(Doubt),  Poorva paksham   (Opponent  view),  SidhAntham (Established
truth  with  proof)  and  PrayOjanam  (Benefit   of establishing the truth
with proof). 

Each  chapter  in BrahmaSutrA  has sections called pAdhAs and each pAdhA
has sub-sections called the AdhikaranAs. Each AdhikaranA has one to many
sutrAs. The first chapter  is  sAmanvayA  which  deals with establishing
Shreeman NArayaNA as Brahman  who  is  the  only cause of universe (all
living and non-living things),  having  the universe as his body and he
being the soul of  the  universe.  The second chapter is avirOdha, which
establishes  that  the  Brahman thus established in the  first  chapter,
cannot  be  refuted,  or rejected by any system. The third chapter is
sAdhanA,  which deals with the means to attain the brahman's   lotus
feet.  The  fourth chapter is phala, which deals with  the  goal,  which
is  eternal bliss and service to the lotus feet of Lord Shreeman  NArayaNA
in the Paramapada VaikuntA,  which is  the  transcendental  eternal &
ultimate place. 
  
One sloka (Sanskrit)  from  Swamy  Desikan's  Adhikarana  SAravaLi (almost
in the begining of the work) which explains the meaning of entire Brahma
SutrAs is going  to  be  presented  along  with  its meaning as follows: 

"Srashta Dehi Swanishta: Niravadhi  MahimA ApAsta BAdha: SritApta: KAtmA
DEhEndriyAdEhE Uchita Jananakrut Samsrwtow Tantra VAhi NirdhOshatvAdi
RamyO BhAhu Bhajana Padam SwArha Karma PrasAdya: PApachid Brahma NAdi
Gatikrut AthivAhan SAmyadascha Atra Vedya:" 

todays news paper dt 25.02.2021.

Vedanta Desika wrote Adhikarana Saravali to expand on the points made by Ramanujacharya 

in his Sri Bhashyam, which is a commentary on sage Vyasa’s Brahma Sutra. In his Yatiraja

 Saptati, Desika shows us the glory of Ramanuja and his philosophy, said Veliyanallur 

 Narayanachariar in a discourse. In a lighter vein, Desika says in Yatiraja Saptati that 

even Gods succumb to the pulls of the world. Brahma has given Sarasvathi a place in his 

tongue; Siva accommodates Parvathi in one half of his body; Krishna danced with the Gopikas.

 But Ramanuja was able to keep worldly charms away and devoted himself to the cause of 

Vedanta, says Desika. When one talks of the Supreme One, one of the descriptions is that 

He is satyam. Split this word as ‘sat,’ ‘yat,’ and ‘am,’ and you can see that it indicates

 tattva traya — cit, acit and Iswara. Satya incorporates in itself the three tattvas. 

This Supreme Truth — satya — remains the same always.

In the Ramayana, Sugriva says Rama always speaks the truth. He does not say one thing 

one moment and something else the next. That kind of adherence to the absolute truth always

 characterised Ramanuja and his writings. Throughout his works, he upheld the Visishtadvaita

 philosophy. What Ramanuja explains briefly through his Sri Bhashyam is explained in greater

 detail by Desika in Adhikarana Saravali. Such an elaborate elucidation is necessary, because

 philosophy is not easily comprehended. Different schools of philosophy interpret scriptural

 texts in different ways. Nathamuni, and later Alavandar, did put forward Visishtadvaitic

 concepts, but it was Ramanuja who strengthened the school of thought. To help us grasp

 the Visishtadvaita philosophy in its entirety, later Acharyas added to the wealth of

 Visishtadvaitic literature.

deva banda bandano.

 dEva banda namma

swaami bandanO
dEvara dEva
shikaamaNi bandanO

uraga shayana banda
garuda gamana banda
nara golidava banda
naaraayaNa banda |1|

mandarodhara banda
garuda gamana banda
brindavana pathi
govinda bandanO |2|

nakraharanu banda
chakradharanu banda
aakruragolida
tivikrama bandanO |3|

pakshivaahana banda
lakshmanagraja banda
akshaya phala da
Sree lakshmiRamana bandaO |4|

nigama gochara banda
nitya truptanu banda
nagemukha purandara
viThala bandanO |5|

Sees and crys

 

new to full M

 In the 18th century, Amritalinga Iyer of Thirukkadaiyur was blessed with a child who was named Subramaniam. Right from childhood, Subramaniam was a devotee of Goddess Abirami of the temple in that town. So steeped in devotion was he that his parents were afraid he might become an ascetic. So they got him married. But marriage did not diminish his bhakthi, said M.A. Manickavelu, in a discourse. One day, King Serfoji of Thanjavur visited the temple and an abhisheka was done for Amritakateswara, the presiding deity of the temple. When the king arrived at the shrine of Abirami, he asked Subramaniam who he was. But there was no reply from Subramaniam. The king was told that Subramaniam was a mad man and that was why he had ignored the king. The king then asked Subramaniam what day of the month it was. Still engaged in the worship of Abirami, Subramaniam said it was a full moon day. But it happened to be a new moon day! And the angry king said that if the moon did not appear that evening then Subramaniam would be punished.

As the day came to a close, a fire was lit, a wooden platform was erected above it, with hundred ropes tied to it. Subramaniam mounted the platform and began singing in praise of Abirami. At the completion of each verse, a rope was cut. Once all hundred ropes were cut, he would fall into the fire. But, when he finished singing the 78th verse, and began the 79th a miracle happened. Abirami appeared in the sky and flung her diamond earring which lit up the sky as a full moon! Subramaniam was saved! He sang more verses and stopped only when he had sung 100 verses. The world was shown what a great bhakta Subramaniam was. The king gave him the title Abirami Bhattar and gifted land to his family to be enjoyed by his descendants too.

purandaradasarayya.

 If there is someone who can be credited with infusing classical Carnatic music into every layman’s life, it has to be the tamboori-wielding saint-poet from Karnataka, Shri Purandara Dasa.

Hailed as the ‘pitamaha’ of Carnatic music, whom Sri Tyagaraja himself considered his guru, Purandara Dasa was a ‘riches to rag’ story.

His countless keertanes (compositions) have spoken about every rasa, every bhava there is to human existence.

His metaphors make sense to a simpleton yet are profound enough to deliver one to the beyond.

From being a miser trader to a mendicant whose works were to form the greatest wealth of Bhakti tradition, Purandara Dasa’s life comes a full circle and his songs take one through all the nuances there in.

He was born Srinivasa Nayaka in Araga of Shimoga. Following his transformation, he was initiated into the Bhakti’s path and given the name, Purandara Dasa by Vyasa Rayaru, the royal guru of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.

On the day he left his mortal coil, which is celebrated as his Aradhana Mahotsava (although not at a scale that it should be — for a saint of his stature), we can only humbly look at five of his almost 5 lakh compositions that sum up the journey of human life, lessons, lures and liberation.

He taught and transformed all those who he touched with his 'pada’ (song). In the times of ritualistic grandeur, he redefined ‘seeking’ by steering a semantic shift in the cultural perception of society, quashing gently and subtly the demons of patriarchy, casteism, untouchability among others.

 his definition of the seeker in :

Tamboori meetidava, bhavaabdhi datidava (The one who plucks the string of the tamboori, is the one who has crossed the ocean of worldly existence)

One would only sound frivolous to claim to have picked the best of his works or even the most popular ones for it is almost impossible to classify any of them as such. But all of us sure have our favourites.

Karuniso Ranga Karuniso’ is a digest of all forms of devotion and the exalted devotees that have set a benchmark, yet he says “I ain’t none of them, but you shall have to have mercy and grace". 

And these words came from the one who chanted Narayana’s name all his life but until realisation happened was known as ‘Navakoti Narayana’ himself for all the wealth he held.

The one who pawned jewels, sat on wealth as a miserly rich trader transformed into an anklets sporting, cymbal clapping, barefoot mendicant who went around singing praise, abuse, tales of his ‘Vithala’.

When he was once hailed as being ‘bhagyashali’, Purandara Dasa remarked that the real bhagyashali is the one who cajoled and played with the ‘Purushothama’ himself.

This rendition both in verse by Balamuralikrishna as well as the one on saxophone by Kadri Gopalnath, take one on a journey of motherhood and the bond that Yashodha shared with the ‘Jagadodhara’.

From his music initiation lessons in raga mayamalavagaula that every student strikes literally the first chords with, the first geetes in Malahari that conjures up images of tiny tots naively and often not-so musically singing their ‘first’ songs with those tiny palms tapping the thighs, to the densest of emotions and thoughts he wove in his songs, there cannot be a work that matches his.

Not for nothing do we say "Daasarendare Purandara Daasarayya’.

from net.

Saraswathy and basanth panchami.

 

Vasant Panchami significance

As mentioned above, Basant Panchami is a day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. She represents wisdom, enlightenment and serenity. Hence, devotees worship her to eliminate ignorance. In some regions, people initiate learning of their little children by performing a ritual known as Akshar Abhyasam or Vidya Arambham.

In some cultures, Basant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season, consisting of 40 days before Holi. The colour yellow is traditionally associated with this festival. This colour represents energy, knowledge and enlightenment. Hence the significance. Moreover, the mustard fields get covered with yellow mustard blossoms, symbolising the spring season's glory.

1. Bija Mantra of Saraswati

Aum

Aing Saraswathye Namah

Aum

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Saraswati

2. Vidya Mantra for students: This sloka is found to improve memory, power and concentration in studies.

Saraswati Namasthubhyam

Varade Kamarupini

Vidhyarambam Karishyami

Siddhir Bavathume Sadha

 

3. Saraswati Vandana

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa,

Yaa shubhravastraavritha

Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara,

aa shwetha padmaasana

Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara

prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee

Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa

Meaning: May the Goddess Saraswati protect me. She is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops. She is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus. She is surrounded and respected by the Gods. Please remove my weariness, sluggishness and ignorance.

4. Mahasaraswati Mantra

Om

Aing Mahasaraswatyai Namah

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Maha Saraswati

5. Saraswati Mantra

Shuklaam Brahmvichaar

Saar Paramaadyaam Jagadvyaapineem Veennaa Pushtak

Dhaarinneebhamay Daam

Jaad Yaapandhkaaraapahaam

Haste Sfatik Maalikaam Vidhateem

Paramaasane Sansthitaam Vande Taam

Parameshwareem Bhagwateem Buddhi Pradaam Shaaradaam.

Meaning: I plead to Goddess Saraswati who is fair in color, the first and foremost divine energy, who is present in the world in the form of knowledge, who wields a Veena, Vedas, Sfatik rosary in her hands and one of whose hands is raised in blessing. She is the one who is capable of eliminating ignorance and bestow intelligence.

6. Maha Saraswati Mantra: This simple mantra is mainly used by students to make learning easy.

Om Aim  Hrim

Kleem Maha Saraswati Devaya

Namaha

 

7. Saraswati Mantra to recite before study

View this beautiful bronze Saraswati with swan statue

Saraswathi Namasthubhyam,

Varadey Kaamarupinee

Vidhyarambham Karishyami,

Sidhir bhavathu mey sada

Meaning: O, Goddess Saraswati, my humble prostrations unto Thee. She is capable of fulfilling all my wishes. I request you to bestow thy blessings on me, before I start my studies.

8. Saraswati Mantra for Success in Education and Career

Om

Vageeshwaryae Vidmahe Vagwadeenyae

Dhimahe Tannah Saraswati Prachodayat

This mantra is also known as Gayathri of Saraswati

 

9. Saraswati Mantra

Saraswati Mahabhage

Vidye Kamalalochane

Vishwaroope Vishaalaakshi

Vidyam dehi namosthuthe

Meaning: Oh great Goddess Saraswati, the lotus-eyed personified knowledge. Oh, I request you to shower me with all the powers and glories of all knowledge that exist. She has large-eyes, taking the form of the whole universe.

10. Saraswati Mantra for Acquiring Knowledge

Vad Vad Vaagwaadinee Swaha

 

11. Saraswati Mantra for Enhancing Intelligence

Om

Aing Hreeng Shreeng

Vaagdevyai Saraswatyai Namah

 

12. Saraswati Mantra for Wealth and Knowledge

Om

Arham Mukha Kamal Vaasinee

Paapaatma Kshayam Kaari

Vad Vad Vaagwaadinee Saraswati

Aing Hreeng Namah Swaaha

 

Click to view all our Saraswati statues

13. Saraswati Ashtakshara Mantra: This mantra comprises of the 12 names of Goddess Saraswati and it is advised that all knowledge seekers should practice it, to gain high and pure knowledge.

Pratham Bharti naam

Dwitaya tu Saraswati

Trutiya Sharda Devi

Chaturth Hansavahini

Pancham Jagatikhayata

Shasth Maheshwari tatha

Saptham tu Kaumari

Astham Bhramacharini

Navam Vidhyadhatrini l Dasham Vardayini

Ekadasham Rudraghanta

Dwadasham Bhuneshwari

Atani Dwadsho Naamami

Y Patcchrnuyaadpi

Nach Vidhna Bhav Taysa Mantra Siddhiker Tatha

14. Mantra for Knowledge: Reciting this mantra will increase the mental capability and will considerably increase the knowledge gain.

Om

Namo Bhagwati Saraswati Parmeshwari

Vaagvaadini Mam Vidhya Dehi Bhagwati

Bhans Vaahini Hans Samarudha Buddhi

Dehi Dehi Pragya Dehi Dehi

Vidhya Parmeshwari Saraswati Swaha

15. Mantra for illumination: This mantra is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati to illuminate the minds of knowledge seekers.

Maho

Arnah Saraswati Pracheyati Ketuna,

Dhiyo Vishwa Virajati