Friday, July 15, 2022

Lalita

 Meera Bai

The story of Meera Bai, the great Bhakta of Giridhara Gopala is well known. Right from childhood she used to always do Krishnaaraadhana. Every jeevi is influenced greatly by his previous janma's karma. Same is the case with the great Meera Bai:

 

Meera Bai, in her previous janma, was born in Mathura. She was named lalita married at an young age to a boy from Nandavrajam. "In the Nandavrajam there is Baala Krishna. It seems none can escape His maaya. All the vanitas forget everything and completely come under His control it seems. They leave their families too. Please be careful my dear" — this is what everybody kept on warning Lalita before she left for Nandavrajam .

Her inlaws had a strict instruction that she would not see nor show her face to Krishna. Which she diligently followed. Even when Krishna came to their house she said I have taken a wow not to see you or show you my face. So be it said the bala Krishna. 

Finaly the moment when she had to leave for Nandavrajam came. She was taken to Nandavrajam in a beautiful pallaqi. Once there was a great storm in  Vrajam there was severe very heavy rain with thunders. The severity increased and there were huge boulders falling. .bala Krishna was giving refuge to all the towns folk under the Giridhari mountain people were gathering under it with their flock too and every one was talking how radiant and beautiful bala Krishna looked. This tempted lalita too to look at Krishna but when she saw he had turned in the other direction.  Every time she came before him he turned his face. Her yearning for him became great and it was carried to her next birth too.


It was the day when Indra showed His anger on the Vraja-vaasis. She saw a small Baalaka balancing the Govardhana giri on His little finger (left hand) and saving the lifes of Gopalas. Lalita was awe-struck. The image of Govardhana Giridhaari just got fixed in her mind. In no time a boulder fell on her too and she lost her life. The bhaavam which lalita experienced when she saw Shri Krishna is avyakta-madhuram . Carried forth to her next birth too. She promised Krishna that unmindful of  the community or the people she would be his baktha. Her only aim would be to serve him.  Which she did as meera Bai.


All the Meera Bhajans end with Giridhara Gopala (Makutam).


 

 

Prayag

 https://storibuzz.in/mama-prayag-das-ji-maharaj-part-i/


https://storibuzz.in/mama-prayag-das-ji-maharaj-part-ii/

An interesting and nice story. Well written 

Utterance.

 The name RAMA composed of seed letters representing the fire God the sun God and the moon god Ra A MA respectively. It is same as Brahama the creative aspect of God visnu his preservative aspect and Siva his disintegrating aspect and the vital breath of the vedas, it is unqualified peerless and a mine of virtues. It is the great spell which Lord Maheswara mutters and which when imparted by him at Kasi leads to emancipation. ( the scriptures maintain that Lord Siva the deity presiding over the holy city of Kasi whispers into the right ear of every creature dying within its boundaries, the name RAMA and thereby brings emancipation to the dying soul.) Itsglory is known to Lord Ganesa who is worshipped before all others as a concession to the name. We read in the puraas how there was a scramble for presedance among the gods, each of whom claimed the first position for himself. They approached Brahma for a ruling. He told them that they should race round the world and that whoever finished the round quicker of all would be accounted the highest. Ganesa who rode on no better animal than a rat  naturally lagged behind. He met on the way the celestial sage Narada, who advised him to scratch the word RAMA on the ground and pace round it. As the word comprised in itself the entire creation. Ganesa did accordingly and was naturally the first to finish the round of the universe. Brahma appreciated this act of Ganesa an conceded his title to precedence over al the other Gods. Since then Ganesa has uninterrupted ly enjoying the right of being worshipped first of all.) Poet Vamiki is acquainted with the glory of the name in as much as he attained to purity by repeating it in the reverse order. (Valmiki was a highway robber and was known by the name Ratakara. Seven seers who fel a victim to his depredation awakened himto the reprehensible ature of his conduct and instructed him to utter the holy name Rama. Completely immersed in sin he was unable to even utter the word. The seers therefore ordered him to repeat the name in reverse order. In course of time he became so fond of repeating the name he ultimately became a pious sage and related the story of Sri RAMA in fine verse.) Hearing from Lord Siva that the verdict that the name is as God as a thousand other names of God. Goddess parvathy dined with her consort after uttering it only once. There is mention in the padmapurana how bhagwan Shankara once invited his consort to join him for dinner. Goddess parvathy however denied on the ground that she had not yet recited the Vishnu sahasranama which she must before breaking fast. Lord Shankara asked her to repeat the name of RAMA instead, as a single utterance of the name was as good as reciting a thousand other names of the Lord. Parvati did accordingly and forthwith joined her Lord for dinner.

The two letters Ra and Ma crown all the letters of the alphabet one spreading like an umbrella and the other resting like a crest jewel. Eg.the letter R of the sanskrit alphabet when immediately preceded by another consonant or the vowel is placed above that letter in the shape of a curved line like a hook turning right and the nasal consonant m when preceded by any other letter is changed into a dot. The curved line standing for the letter r has been poetically compared to an umbrella and the dot substituted for m likened to the crest jewel. Both of which enjoy an exalted position and are superior to all other letters of the alphabet.

Install the luminous gem in the shape of the Divine name RAMA on the threshold of the tongue at the doorway of your mouth if you have light both inside and outside. All those who aspire. To know the mysterious ways of providence are able to comprehend them. There is no other means of salvation.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Fondness.

 If those pearls are pierced with skill and strung together on a beautiful thread of Sri Rama,s exploits, and if noble souls wear them in their innocent hearts, grace in the form of excessive fondness is the result.

https://youtu.be/GO_4IN_pJ50

Sri Ram Raksha Stotra is most powerful protective shield. Sri Ram Raksha Stotra was originally composed in the Sanskrit language and is one of the most popular Hindu devotional prayer that is addressed to Lord Sri Ram Chandra. Lord shiva ordered sage Budha kausika to create the most powerful protecting shield or kavach for devotees and sage Budha kausika under the advice of lord Shiva wrote Sri Ram Raksha Stotra. There is a reference to this divine hymn in Rig-Veda. 'Ram Raksha' literally means 'Protection from Lord Sri Rama (to us)'. Sri Ram Raksha Stotra is also called Rama-Kavach, a shield of Protection by Lord Sri Ram, It is Sri Ram's armour called Vajrapanjarnamedam (वज्रपंजरनामेदं). Ram raksha stotram along with Sri Hanuman chalisa are considered as most powerful protective shields in the form of mantra. It is said that nothing affects a devotee protected with Sri Rama kavach.

श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रम्‌ ॥

श्रीगणेशायनम: ।

अस्य श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य ।

बुधकौशिक ऋषि: ।

श्रीसीतारामचंद्रोदेवता ।

अनुष्टुप्‌ छन्द: । सीता शक्ति: ।

श्रीमद्‌हनुमान्‌ कीलकम्‌ ।

श्रीसीतारामचंद्रप्रीत्यर्थे जपे विनियोग: ॥

॥Sri Ram Raksha Storam ॥

Sri Ganeshaya Namah

Asya Sri Rama Raksha Stotra Manthrasya

Budha Kousika Rishi, Sri Sita Ramachandra Devatha,

Anushtup Chanda, Sita Shakthi, Srimad Hanumana Keelakam,

Sri Sita Ramachandra Preethyarthe Jape Viniyogaha 

OM, Salutations to Lord Ganesh. The author of this hymn is Budha kaushika .The deity is Sita ramachandra . The metre is anushTubh. The power is Sita, central pivot is Hanumana and usage is to recite.

॥ अथ ध्यानम्‌ ॥

ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्दद्पद्‌मासनस्थं ।

पीतं वासोवसानं नवकमलदलस्पर्धिनेत्रं प्रसन्नम्‌ ॥

वामाङ्‌कारूढसीता मुखकमलमिलल्लोचनं नीरदाभं ।

नानालङ्‌कारदीप्तं दधतमुरुजटामण्डनं रामचंद्रम्‌ ॥

॥ Aththa Dhyanam ॥

Dhyayed Ajanu Bahum Drutha Sara Danusham Badha Padmasanastham,

Peetham Vaso Avasanam, Nava Kamala Dala Spardhi Nethram, Prasannam,

Vamangaruda Sita Mukha Kamala Milalochanam Neeradhabham,

Danalangara Deeptham Datha Muru Jada Mandalam Ramachandram || 

Thus begins the dhyaana of this mantra. One should meditate Rama who has arms reaching his knees, who is holding a bow and arrow, who is seated in a lotus position, who is wearing yellow clothes, whose eyes compete with petals of a fresh lotus, who looks satisfied, whose eyes are fixed on lotus-like (pretty) face of sitaa sitting in his left lap, whose color is like that of rain cloud, who has adorned different jewellery, who is wearing hair reaching upto his thighs.

॥ इति ध्यानम्‌ ॥

चरितं रघुनाथस्य शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम्‌ ।

एकैकमक्षरं पुंसां महापातकनाशनम्‌ ॥१॥ 

॥ Iththi Dhayanam ॥

Charitham Raghu Nadasya Satha Koti Pravistharam,

Ekaikamaksharam Pumsam Maha Pathaka Nasanam ॥1॥

The life story of Shri Rama has a vast expanse and each and every letter of it is capable of destroying even the greatest sins of mankind .

ध्यात्वा नीलोत्पलश्यामं रामं राजीवलोचनम्‌ ।

जानकीलक्ष्मणॊपेतं जटामुकुटमण्डितम्‌ ॥२॥ 

Dhyathwa Neelolpala Shyamam Ramam Rajeevalochanam,

Janaki Lakshmano Petham, Jata Makuta Manditham ॥2॥

Let us meditate on the lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned Rama who is well-adorned with a crown of hair and has Sita and Lakshmana alongside.

सासितूणधनुर्बाणपाणिं नक्तं चरान्तकम्‌ ।

स्वलीलया जगत्त्रातुमाविर्भूतमजं विभुम्‌ ॥३॥

Sasi Thoona Dhanur Bahu Panim Naktham charaantakam,

Swa Leelaya Jagathrathum, Avirbhoottham Ajam Vibhum  ॥3॥

(Let us meditate Rama) who has a sword in a receptacle and bow, and arrows, who destroyed the demons, who is not born but is incarnated to protect the world with his actions .

रामरक्षां पठॆत्प्राज्ञ: पापघ्नीं सर्वकामदाम्‌ ।

शिरो मे राघव: पातु भालं दशरथात्मज: ॥४॥

Rama Raksham Padeth Pragnaha, Papaghneem Sarva Kamadham,

Siro May Raghava Pathu, Phalam Dasarathathmaja ॥4॥

May the learned read the Ramaraksha `stotram', which destroys all sins and grants all desires . May Rama who is raghu's descendant protect my head . May Rama who is Dasharatha's son protect my forehead .

कौसल्येयो दृशौ पातु विश्वामित्रप्रिय: श्रुती ।

घ्राणं पातु मखत्राता मुखं सौमित्रिवत्सल: ॥५॥

Kousalyeyo Drusou Pathu, Viswamithra Priya Sruthi,

Granam Pathu Makhathrath, Mukham Soumithri Vathsalaha  ॥5॥

May the Raama who is Kausalyaa's son, protect my eyes . Rama who is favorite of Vishvamitra protect my ears . Rama who is savior of yagyas protect my nose. Rama who is affectionate to Lakshmana protect my mouth .

जिव्हां विद्दानिधि: पातु कण्ठं भरतवंदित: ।

स्कन्धौ दिव्यायुध: पातु भुजौ भग्नेशकार्मुक: ॥६॥

Jihwam Vidhyanidhi Pathu, Kandam Bharathavanditha,

Skandou Divyayudha Pathu, Bhujowbhagnea Karmukha  ॥6॥

May the Rama who is a sea of knowledge protect my tongue. May Rama who is saluted by Bharata protect my neck. May Rama who holds divine weapons protect my two shoulders. May Rama who broke Shiva's bow protect my two upper arms.

करौ सीतपति: पातु हृदयं जामदग्न्यजित्‌ ।

मध्यं पातु खरध्वंसी नाभिं जाम्बवदाश्रय: ॥७॥

Karou Sithapathi Pathu, Hrudayam Jamadagnyajith,

Madhyam Padu Khara Dwamsi, Nabhim Jambhavadasrya ॥7॥

May the Rama who is the husband of Sita protect my two hands. May Rama who conquered Parashurama protect my heart. May Rama who killed rakshasa named Khara protect my abdomen. May Rama who gave refuge to Jambavadh protect my navel .

सुग्रीवेश: कटी पातु सक्थिनी हनुमत्प्रभु: ।

ऊरू रघुत्तम: पातु रक्ष:कुलविनाशकृत्‌ ॥८॥

Sugreevesa Kateem Pathu, Sakthithini Hanumath Prabhu,

Ooru Raghoothama Pathuraksha Kulavinasa Kruth  ॥8॥

May Rama who is master of Sugriva protect my waist. May Rama who is master of Hanumana protect my two hips. May Rama who is the best of raghus and who destroyed the lineage of raakshasa protect my two thighs .

जानुनी सेतुकृत्पातु जङ्‌घे दशमुखान्तक: ।

पादौ बिभीषणश्रीद: पातु रामोSखिलं वपु: ॥९॥

Januni Sethu Kruth Padu, Janghe Dasamukhandaka,

Padou Vibheeshanasreedha, Pathu Ramokhilam Vapu ॥9॥

May Rama who built the bridge protect my two knees. May Rama who killed ten faced ones protect my two shins. May Rama who gave the wealth to Vibheeshana protect my two feet. Thus may he protect my entire body .

एतां रामबलोपेतां रक्षां य: सुकृती पठॆत्‌ ।

स चिरायु: सुखी पुत्री विजयी विनयी भवेत्‌ ॥१०॥

Etham Rama Balopethaam Rakshaam Ya Sukruthee Padeth.

Sa Chirayu Sukhee Puthree Vijayee Bhaveth ॥10॥

May the good man who read this `stotra', which has all the power of Rama, be blessed with long life, happiness, children, success and humility .

पातालभूतलव्योम चारिणश्छद्‌मचारिण: ।

न द्र्ष्टुमपि शक्तास्ते रक्षितं रामनामभि: ॥११॥

Patala Bhoothala Vyoma Charina Chathmacharina,

Na Drushtumapi Shakthasthe Rakshitham Ramanamabhi ॥11॥

No one, who is wandering below the earth or on the earth or above the earth or those who wander surreptitiously changing their forms, will even be able to see the man protected by name of Rama ,let alone bring any harm to him.

रामेति रामभद्रेति रामचंद्रेति वा स्मरन्‌ ।

नरो न लिप्यते पापै भुक्तिं मुक्तिं च विन्दति ॥१२॥

Ramethi, Ramabhadrethi Ramachandrethi Yaa Smaran,

Naro Na Lipyathe Papair Bukthim Mukthincha Vindathi  ॥12॥

No sin can attach to the man who sing the praise of the lord Rama and he will prosper in this world and get salvation .

जगज्जेत्रैकमन्त्रेण रामनाम्नाभिरक्षितम्‌ ।

य: कण्ठे धारयेत्तस्य करस्था: सर्वसिद्द्दय: ॥१३॥

Jagajaithrakamanthrena Ramanamnabhirakshitham,

Ya Kanthe Dharayethasya Karastha Sarva Sidhaya ॥13॥

One who wears this mantra of Rama name (naama) that has conquered the world around his neck will have all the powers at his beck and call .

वज्रपंजरनामेदं यो रामकवचं स्मरेत्‌ ।

अव्याहताज्ञ: सर्वत्र लभते जयमंगलम्‌ ॥१४॥

Vajra Panjara Namedham Yo Rama Kavacham Smareth,

Aavyahathagna Sarvathra Labhathe Jaya Mangalam ॥14॥

He who wears this armour of Rama gets a shield of Protection by Sri Rama called Vajrapanjarnamedam (वज्रपंजरनामेदं) and will get victory everywhere.

आदिष्टवान्‌ यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हर: ।

तथा लिखितवान्‌ प्रात: प्रबुद्धो बुधकौशिक: ॥१५॥

Aadishtavan yada swapne Ramaraksham imama hara,

Thadha likhithavan pratha prabudho Budhakousika ॥15॥

Budha kaushika was commanded in his dream by Lord Shiva to compose this hymn

and he did so, as soon as he awoke in the morning .

आराम: कल्पवृक्षाणां विराम: सकलापदाम्‌ ।

अभिरामस्त्रिलोकानां राम: श्रीमान्‌ स न: प्रभु: ॥१६॥

Aarama Kalpa Vrukshanam, Virama Sakalapadam,

Abhiramassthrilokanam, Rama Sriman Na Prabhu ॥16॥

Rama, who grants all desires, removes all obstacles and is the praise of all three worlds, is our `Lord' indeed.

तरुणौ रूपसंपन्नौ सुकुमारौ महाबलौ ।

पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षौ चीरकृष्णाजिनाम्बरौ ॥१७॥

Tharunou Roopa Sampannou, Sukumarou Maha Balou,

Pundareeka Visalakshou Cheerakrushna Jinambarou ॥17॥

May the two brothers (Rama and Lakshmana) ever protect us, who are young, handsome, lotus-eyed ,a bark and deer-skin dressed .

फलमूलशिनौ दान्तौ तापसौ ब्रह्मचारिणौ ।

पुत्रौ दशरथस्यैतौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ ॥१८॥

Phala Moolasinou Danthou Thapasou Brahmachrinou,

Puthrou Dasarathasyathou Bratharou Ramalakshmanou  ॥18॥

These two sons of Dasharatha, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, the ones who are subsisting on roots and fruits and practicing penance and celibacy, these two scions of Raghu protect us.

शरण्यौ सर्वसत्वानां श्रेष्ठौ सर्वधनुष्मताम्‌ ।

रक्ष:कुलनिहन्तारौ त्रायेतां नो रघुत्तमौ ॥१९॥

Saranya Sarva Sathwanam Sreshtou Sarva Danushmatham,

Raksha Kula Nihanthou Traayetham No Raghothamou ॥19॥

The foremost among the archers, the destroyers of the demons and the refuge of all beings, (may they) protect us.

आत्तसज्जधनुषा विषुस्पृशा वक्षया शुगनिषङ्‌ग सङि‌गनौ ।

रक्षणाय मम रामलक्ष्मणा वग्रत: पथि सदैव गच्छताम्‌ ॥२०॥

Aatha Sajja Danusha Vishu Sprusa Vakshaya Suga Nishanga Sanginou,

Rakshanaya Mama Ramalakshmanaa Vagratha, Padhi Sadaiva Gachathaam ॥20॥

Rama and Lakshmana (both), their bows pulled and ready, their hands on the arrows (packed) in ever full quivers (carried on their backs), may they always escort me in my path, for my protection

संनद्ध: कवची खड्‌गी चापबाणधरो युवा ।

\गच्छन्‌मनोरथोSस्माकं राम: पातु सलक्ष्मण: ॥२१॥

Sanadha Kavachee Gadgi Chapa Bana Dharo Yuva,

Gachan Manoradhosmakam Rama Pathu Sa Lakshmana ॥21॥

Ever prepared and armed with sword, shield and bows and arrows and followed by Lakshman , Rama is like our cherished thoughts come to life, may he (along with Lakshmana) protect us .

रामो दाशरथि: शूरो लक्ष्मणानुचरो बली ।

काकुत्स्थ: पुरुष: पूर्ण: कौसल्येयो रघुत्तम: ॥२२॥

Ramo Dasaradhi Shooro Lakshmanucharo Balee,

Kakustha Purusha Poorna Kousalyayo Raghothama ॥22॥

Rama, the scion of Raghu and the son of Dasaratha and Kausalya, and ever , accompanied by Lakshmana, is all powerful and is the perfect man (Lord).

वेदान्तवेद्यो यज्ञेश: पुराणपुरुषोत्तम: ।

जानकीवल्लभ: श्रीमानप्रमेय पराक्रम: ॥२३॥

Vedantha Vedhyo Yagnesa Purana Purushothama,

Janaki Vallabha Sreeman Aprameya Parakrama ॥23॥

Rama, who is perceived through Vedaanta, the lord of all yagya, is ancient and the best man who is beloved of Janaki and whose bravery is unmeasurable .

इत्येतानि जपेन्नित्यं मद्‌भक्त: श्रद्धयान्वित: ।

अश्वमेधायुतं पुण्यं संप्राप्नोति न संशय: ॥२४॥

Ithyethani Japenithyam madbhaktha Shradhayanvitha,

Aswamedhadhikam Punyam Samprapnothi Na Sanshaya ॥24॥

My devotee (says Lord Shiva), who recites these (names of Rama) with faith, will attain more religious merit than one obtainable by horse-sacrifice . There is no doubt about it .

रामं दूर्वादलश्यामं पद्‌माक्षं पीतवाससम्‌ ।

स्तुवन्ति नामभिर्दिव्यैर्न ते संसारिणो नर: ॥२५॥

Ramam Doorvadala Shyamam Padmaksham Peetha Vasasam,

Sthuvanthi Namabhir Divyai Na They Samsarino Nara ॥25॥

Those who sing the praise of Rama (who is lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned and dressed in yellow clothes) through this hymn, are (no longer) ordinary men trapped in the world (they get liberated!)

रामं लक्शमण पूर्वजं रघुवरं सीतापतिं सुंदरम्‌ ।

काकुत्स्थं करुणार्णवं गुणनिधिं विप्रप्रियं धार्मिकम्‌ 

राजेन्द्रं सत्यसंधं दशरथनयं श्यामलं शान्तमूर्तिम्‌ ।

वन्दे लोकभिरामं रघुकुलतिलकं राघवं रावणारिम्‌ ॥२६॥

Ramam Lakshmana Poorvajam Raghuvaram Seethapathim Sundaram,

Kakustham Karunarnavam Guna Nidhim Vipra Priyam Dharmikam

Rajendram Sathya Sandham Dasaratha Thanayamshyamalamsanthamoorthim,

Vande Lokabhiramam, Raghukula thilakamRaghavam Ravanarim  ॥26॥

I salute that Rama who is handsome, the elder brother of Lakshmana, the husband of Sita and the best of the scions of the Raghu race, Him who is the ocean of compassion, the stockpile of virtues, the beloved of the Brahmans and the protector of Dharma, Him who is the practicer of the Truth, the lord emperor of kings, the son of Dasharatha, dark-complexioned and the personification of Peace and tranquillity, Him who is the enemy of

Ravana, the crown jewel of the Raghu dynasty and the cynosure of all eyes .

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचंद्राय वेधसे ।

रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीताया: पतये नम: ॥२७॥ 

Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase,

Raghu Nadhaya Nadhaya Seethaya Pathae Namaha ॥27॥

I salute that Rama who is benevolent and cool as moon, and who is the lord of Sita and the master guardian of all.

श्रीराम राम रघुनन्दन राम राम ।

श्रीराम राम भरताग्रज राम राम ।

श्रीराम राम रणकर्कश राम राम ।

श्रीराम राम शरणं भव राम राम ॥२८॥

Sri Rama Rama Raghu Nandana Rama Rama,

Sri Rama Rama Bharathagraja Rama Rama,

Sri Rama Rama Rana Karkasa Rama Rama Rama,

Sri Ramachandra Saranam Bhava Rama Rama ॥28॥

I surender to that Rama who is the delight of the Raghus, elder brother of Bharata and the tormentor of his enemies in the war .

श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ मनसा स्मरामि ।

श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ वचसा गृणामि ।

श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शिरसा नमामि ।

श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥२९॥

Sri Ramachandra Charanou Manasa Smarami,

Sri Ramachandra Charanou Vachasa Grunami,

Sri Ramachandra Charanou Sirasa Namami,

Sri Ramachandra Charanou Saranam Prapadhye ॥29॥

The two feet of Rama, I remember them in my mind, I praise them by my speech, I bow to them by my head I take resort in them

माता रामो मत्पिता रामचंन्द्र: ।

स्वामी रामो मत्सखा रामचंद्र: ।

सर्वस्वं मे रामचन्द्रो दयालु ।

नान्यं जाने नैव जाने न जाने ॥३०॥

Matha Ramo, Math Pitha Ramachandra,

Swami Ramo, Math Sakha Ramachandra,

Sarvaswam May Ramachandro Dayalu,

Na Anyam Naiva Jane Na Jane ॥30॥

Rama is (like) my mother, father, master and friend, indeed the kind-hearted Rama is all I have . I know no other (like him), (I really) don't.

दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणो यस्य वामे तु जनकात्मजा ।

पुरतो मारुतिर्यस्य तं वन्दे रघुनंदनम्‌ ॥३१॥

Dakshine Lakshmano, Yasye Vame Cha Janakathmaja,

Puratho Maruthir Yasya Tham Vande Raghunandanam ॥31॥

I salute that Rama who has Lakshmana on his right and Sita on the left and who has Hanuman in his front.

लोकाभिरामं रनरङ्‌गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्‌ ।

कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरंतं श्रीरामचंद्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥३२॥

Lokabhiramam Rana Ranga Dheeram Rajheeva Nethram Raghuvamsa Nadham,

Karunya Roopamkarunakaram Tham Sri Ramachandram Saranam Prapadhye ॥32॥

I take refuge in that Rama who is quite pleasing to the sight, the master of the stage of war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race and compassion- personified.

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्‌ ।

वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥३३॥

Mano Javam, Maruda Thulya Vegam,Jithendriyam Buddhi Matham Varishtam,

Vatha Atmajam Vanara Yudha Mukhyam, Sree Rama Dootham Sharnam Prapadhe ॥33॥

I take refuge in the lord Hanuman who is as fast as the mind, equals his father, the wind-God, in speed, is the master of the senses, the foremost amongst the learned, the leader of the Monkey forces and the great messenger of Shri Rama.

कूजन्तं रामरामेति मधुरं मधुराक्षरम्‌ ।

आरुह्य कविताशाखां वन्दे वाल्मीकिकोकिलम्‌ ॥३४॥

Koojantham Rama Ramethi Maduram Madsuraksharam,

Aaroohya Kavitha Shakhaam Vande Valmiki Kikokilam ॥34॥

I salute the great sage Valmiki who sings the glorious name of Rama resorting to his Ramayana as sweetly as a cuckoo will sing sitting atop a tree .

आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसंपदाम्‌ ।

लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम्‌ ॥३५॥

Apadam Apa Hantharam Datharam Dana Sarva Sampadam,

Lokabhiramam Sriramam Bhooyo Bhooyo Namamyaham ॥35॥

I bow again and again to Rama who removes all obstacles and grants all wealth and pleases all.

भर्जनं भवबीजानामर्जनं सुखसंपदाम्‌ ।

तर्जनं यमदूतानां रामरामेति गर्जनम्‌ ॥३६॥

Bharjanam Bhava Bheejanamarjanam Sukhasampadam,

Tharjanam Yama Dhoothanam Rama Ramethi Garjanam ॥36॥

The roar of the Ramanama is the destruction of the cause of rebirth (hence cause of liberation), the earning of all wealth and a scare to Yama's messengers .

रामो राजमणि: सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे ।

रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नम: ।

रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोSस्म्यहम्‌ ।

रामे चित्तलय: सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर ॥३७॥

Ramo Rajamani Sada Vijayathe Ramam Ramesam Bhaje,

Ramenabhihatha Nisachara Chamoo Ramaya Thasmai Namaha,

Ramannasthi Parayanam Paratharam Ramasya Dasosmyaham,

Rame Chitha Laya Sada Bhavthu May Bho Rama Mamudhara ॥37॥

Rama, the jewel among the kings, Him I worship, by Him the hordes demons have been destroyed, to him is said my prayer, beyond Him there is nothing to be worshipped, His servant I am, my mind is totally absorbed in Him, O Ram, please lift me up. This verse gives all the seven declensions of the singular word Rama and gives one way of remembering them!

राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।

सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥३८॥

Sri Rama Rama Ramethi Reme Rame Manorame,

Sahasra Nama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane ॥38॥

O fair-faced Parvati ! I enjoy saying Rama Rama. Uttering but once the name `Rama' is equal to the uttering of any other `name' of God, a thousand times .

इति श्रीबुधकौशिकविरचितं श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रं संपूर्णम्‌ ॥

Ithi Budha Koushika Virachitham Rama Raksha Stotram Sampornam ॥

Sri Budha Koushika composed Sri Rama Raksha Stotram is complete here.

॥ श्री सीतारामचंद्रार्पणमस्तु ॥

॥ Sri Sitaramchandrarpanamasthu ॥









Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Chatur Masam kainkaryam

 Chaturmas Vrat, or Chatur Masam or Chaturmasya or Chatur Maas Vrat, is observed for a period of four months and it begins from the day after Deva Sayana Ekadasi in Ashada month and ends on Utthana Ekadasi in Kartik Month. Chaturmas 2022 dates are from July 10 and ends on November 5. It is of great importance to many Hindu communities. The months are dedicated to prayers, rituals and worships and therefore marriages, griha pravesh and other similar functions are not observed.

Chaturmas is ignored in Kerala and to a certain extent in Tamil Nadu.

Chaturmas begins on the Ekadasi day in Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashada and ends on the Ekadasi in the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.

The four months are:

Shravan BhadrapadaAshwin Karthik It is believed that celestial beings and saints do not move around in the universe. They stay stationed at one place and perform Tapas and intense austerities.

There is popular belief that all the Teerths (sacred rivers and ponds) in the world arrive at Braj Mandal for the four months. People visit Braj (Vrindavan and Mathura) during the period.

The first month in Chaturmas, Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially the Mondays. The next month is Bhadrapada, the month of festivals including the Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Ashtami. Then comes Ashwin month and the important festivals include, Durga Puja, Navratri, Diwali etc. Finally, Kartik, Diwali celebrations end in this month.

Different types of vows and Vratas are observed by Hindus during this period.

Hinduism and Nature is completely entangled and Nature plays a major role in important rituals and festivals associated with Hindu Religion. The Chaturmas occurs during the monsoon season and most of the important festivals in Hinduism take place during this period.

Most of the important festivals associated with Hinduism are closely linked to agriculture and especially the harvest season. The monsoon rains brings joy, greenery and fresh air and the four months is considered highly auspicious and ideal for rituals, pujas and festivals.

Some people observe flexible fasting – eating just one meal or two, or just one meal on particular days in the month.

Certain food items like jaggery or oil is avoided during the period or in any one of the four months. Some people avoid salty and sweet preparations.

Those people who plan to undertake serious vows and fasting avoid garlic and onion as it can stimulate unnecessary excitements.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding the Chaturmas Vrat. It is often left to the devotee to decide how he/she wants to spend the four months.

Most people decided to read the Mahabharata or Ramayana or Gita or Bhagavad Purana during the fourth month period. Some people make it a point to visit temples daily and indulge in spiritual activities.

The four months is of great importance to Lord Vishnu devotees as this period is believed to be the night of Vishnu. Vishnu devotees listen to his stories and spend time in helping the poor and in cleaning and maintaining Vishnu temples.

Importance is given to maintaining a healthy body during the four months, as the first two months are the peak monsoon season. Due to this reason, in some regions people avoid green leafy vegetables in the Shravan month. Curd, or yoghurt, is avoided in Bhadrapad month. Milk is avoided in Ashwin month. Pulses are avoided in Kartik month. Again there are no strict codes regarding food. It all depends on the person how he/she wants to observe the Chaturmas Vrat.

Shaka Vrata – First month of Chaturmas VratThe first month of the four month Chaturmas Vrat is known as Shaka Vrata. Shaka Vrata begins on Shukla Paksha Dwadasi day in Ashada month and ends on Sukla Ekadasi day in Shravan month. Shaka Vrata 2022 begins on July 11 and ends on August 8. During this one month fruits, vegetables, spices and dry fruits are avoided by Hindu communities that observe the Chaturmasya Vrata.

All dals or pulses are consumed during the one month period. Black pepper, jeera, rava, sesame, ghee, milk, curd and butter are consumed.

Vegetables and fruits are not used during Shaka Vrata. Also avoided are mustard, red chillies, turmeric, tamarind, methi, coriander, curry leaves, ginger, green chillies and lemon.

The belief is that the four month Chaturmas Vrat is kept to flush out toxins and regain health. This is the reason why spices and dry fruits are avoided during the first month.

The importance of the Chaturmas Vrat is mentioned in the Varaha Purana.

The next cycle of Vrata is known as Dadhi Vrat – Shravan Shukla Paksha Dwadasi to Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Ekadasi.

Dadhi Vrata during Chatur Masa

Dadhi Vrata is observed during the second month of the Chaturmas and is followed mainly in South India by certain Hindu communities. The month long Vrata is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. Dadhi Vrata begins on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Shravan Month. Dadhi Vrata in 2022 begins on August 9 ends on September 6. During this one month food prepared using curd are avoided by Hindu communities that observe the Chaturmasya Vrata.

The Vrata begins on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi in Shravan month. The day is after the famous Putrada Ekadasi.  Dadhi Vrata is part of the Chaturmasya Vrata.

All food made from yoghurt and curd is avoided in the month.

The Vrata ends on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi in Bhadrapad month. This is the Parivartini Ekadasi.

The next cycle of Vrata is known as Ksheera Vrata – Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Dwadasi to Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ekadasi.

Ksheera Vrata during Chatur MasaKsheera Vrata is observed during the third month of the Chatur Mas and is observed mainly in South India by certain Hindu communities. The month long Vrata is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. Ksheera Vrata in 2022 begins on September 7 ends on October 6. Ksheera Vrata begins on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad Month. During this one month food prepared using milk are avoided by Hindu communities that observe the Chaturmasya Vrata.

The Vrata begins on the Shukla Paksha Dwadashi in Bhadrapad month.

All food made from milk is avoided in the month. Paneer, curd, butter, ghee etc are avoided.

The next cycle of Vrata is known as Dwidala Vrata – Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dwadasi to Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadasi.

Dwidala Vrat  during ChaturmasyaDwidala Vrat is part of the Chaturmasya Vrata and is the last phase of the four-month Chaturmas Vrat. Dwidala Vrata begins on the Dwadashi day in Shukla Paksha (12th day during waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month and ends with Kartik Shukla Ekadasi. In 2022, Dwidala Vrat begins on October 7 and ends on November 4. Dwidala Vrata is also known as Bhaubeej Vrat.

Dwidala here implies those grams, lentils and seeds that break into two equal parts. Such lentils and grams are avoided during the period. Those lentils that are avoided are black gram, green gram, bengal gram, masoor al, horse gram, red gram, etc,.

Some people also avoid green leaves during the period and those plants that produce vegetables with numerous seeds.

Dwidala Vrat is only observed by some Hindu communities.

Bahubeeja Vrata in Kannada CultureBahubeej Vrat starts from Ashwayuja Dwadashi (12th day during the waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month) and ends on Karthika Shuddha Dashami (12th day during the waxing phase of moon in Kartik month). Bahu Beeja ends on the Vijayadasara Aradhana Day, and is the last phase of the Chaturmasya Vrata. Bahubeeja Vrata in 2022 is from October 6 and ends on November 5.

During this period items made of Dwidala or Bahubeeja are to be avoided. Dvidala refers to any seed or vegetable which when broken or fried splits into two halves. Examples of such items are dals (pulses) and green peas.

Bahu Beeja refers to any fruit or vegetable that contains multiple seeds and is covered by an external skin. Examples of such items are apples, grapes, pomegranate, and cucumber.

People observing Bahubeeja Vrata usually consume banana and all banana products like Banana Kai (balekai - plantain), Baledindu, Bale Flower, etc. People also consume during the period Dantu soppu, Doddapatre Soppu, Agase Soppu, Karimevu, Genasu, Suvarna Gadde, Shame Gadde, Coconut and Hasi shunti.

Bahubeeja Vrata is also referred as Dwidala Vrat.






4 llll

 Most appealing 4 lines children's poem.

https://youtu.be/zP3pNWXw86g

Poor little bug on the wall

No one to love him at all

no one to wash his clothes 

no one to blow his nose

no one to tickle his toes

Small helpless things.

https://youtu.be/bjZqZWbmXK4

https://youtu.be/QjGPmnuAalY

Lessons to learn from the smallest beings. 

A bug a spider and a turtle.

Patience, repeat effort practice, you can still be useful give others the free ride.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Life lessons from the little in four lines.


Tuesday, July 12, 2022

V poornima.

 


The Significance of Vyasa Purnima

In ancient times, our forefathers in India, went to the forest to meditate during the four months or ‘Chaturmasa’ following Vyasa Purnima—a particular and important day in the Hindu calendar. On this auspicious day, Vyasa began to write his Brahma Sutras. This day is also known as Guru Purnima when, according to the scriptures, Hindus should worship Vyasa and the Brahmavidya Gurus and begin the study of the Brahma Sutras and other ancient books on ‘wisdom’.

The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras is believed to have been written by Vyasa along with Badarayana. They are divided into four chapters, each chapter being subdivided again into four sections. It is interesting to note that they begin and end with Sutras which read together mean "the inquiry into the real nature of Brahman has no return", pointing to "the way one reaches Immortality and no more returns to the world." About the authorship of these Sutras, tradition attributes it to Vyasa.

Sankaracharya refers to Vyasa as the author of the Gita and the Mahabharata, and to Badarayana as the author of the Brahma Sutras. His followers—Vachaspathi, Anandagiri, and others—identify the two as one and the same person, while Ramanuja and others attribute the authorship of all three to Vyasa himself.

Vyasa is considered by Hindus as Chiranjivi or immortal, one who is still living and walking the earth for the well-being of his devotees. It is said that he appears to the true and the faithful and that Adi Sankaracharya had his darshan as did many others as well. Vyasa’s life is a unique example of one born for the dissemination of spiritual knowledge. His writings inspire us and the whole world even to this day in innumerable ways.

The Life and Works of Vyasa


At a very tender age, Vyasa revealed to his parents the purpose of his life — that he should go to the forest and practice ‘Akhanda Tapas’ or continuous penance. At first, his mother did not agree but later approved on one important condition that he should appear before her whenever she wished for his presence. According to the Puranas, Vyasa took initiation from his guru sage Vasudeva. He studied the Shastras or scriptures under the sages Sanaka and Sanandana and others. He arranged the Vedas for the good of mankind and wrote the Brahma Sutras for the quick and easy understanding of the Shrutis; he also wrote the Mahabharata to enable common people to understand the highest knowledge in the easiest way.


Vyasa is perhaps the greatest sage in the history of Hindu religion. He edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the epic Mahabharata, and the Srimad Bhagavatam and even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the ‘Guru of Gurus.’

JHindu mythology mentions as many as 28 Vyasas before Maharshi Veda Vyasa was born at the end of Dvapara Yuga. Also known as Krishna Dvaipayana, Vyasa was born of Sage Parashara and mother Satyavati Devi under wonderful circumstances. Parashara was one of the supreme authorities on astrology and his book Parashara Hora is a textbook on astrology even in the modern age. He has also written a scripture known as Parashara Smriti which is held in such high esteem that it is quoted even by modern scholars on sociology and ethics.