Sravanam

 https://youtu.be/xr_2dWTnJOQ?si=3ViCgRWg5hfBKafR

Sudhev Brahman perform Rukminis pooja. 

This is how stories are to be told.

Healers.

"In feathered flight and forest deep,

Nature teaches, and the wise ones keep."

"The winged ones, in silent lore,

Heal with herbs and Earth’s own store."

Through ant and leaf and river’s clay,

Birds find the ancient healing way."

"A bird knows where the healers grow,

In fields, in ants, where soft winds blow."

Birds often self-medicate — a behavior called "zoopharmacognosy" — using natural substances to protect themselves from parasites.

One common antiparasitic birds use is ants!

The behavior is called "anting".

Birds allow ants (especially those that produce formic acid) to crawl through their feathers or even crush the ants and rub them on their bodies.

The formic acid from ants helps kill or repel parasites like lice, mites, and fungi.

Besides anting, birds also use:

Aromatic plants (like wild herbs: mint, lavender, bay leaves) in their nests, which act as natural insect repellents.

Mud or clay ingestion by some species can bind and flush out intestinal parasites.

Smoke: Some birds even deliberately build nests near smoky areas (like burning wood) to keep parasites away.

So, the natural antiparasitic methods used by birds include formic acid from ants, essential oils from plants, and clay or mud ingestion.

1. Blue Jays and Crows – Anting

These birds pick up ants (especially formicine ants that produce formic acid) and rub them through their feathers.

The formic acid helps kill feather lice, mites, and bacteria.

2. European Starlings – Aromatic Plants in Nests

Starlings line their nests with herbs like wild carrot, yarrow, and mint.

The aromatic oils repel parasites and improve the health of their chicks.

3. Parrots (Macaws in Amazon Rainforest) – Clay Licking

Macaws and other parrots eat clay from riverbanks.

The clay binds to toxic compounds from seeds and also helps remove gut parasites.

4. House Sparrows and Finches – Smoke-seeking Behavior

Some small birds build their nests near smoky areas or use charred wood in their nests. Smoke deters parasites like mites and fleas.

5. Hoatzins (Amazonian bird) – Leaf-eating

Hoatzins eat large amounts of semi-toxic leaves that have natural antiparasitic and antibacterial properties. Helps keep their gut microbiome healthy and controls internal parasites.

Each bird seems to "know" exactly what it needs — an amazing natural wisdom!

Gems.

The Story of Indian Gems

India’s tryst with gems and precious stones is as ancient as her civilization. From the sparkling diamonds of Golconda to the lustrous pearls of the southern seas, the land of Bharat has long been celebrated as a treasury of dazzling riches. Gems in India have never been seen as mere ornaments; they have carried with them the weight of history, spirituality, trade, and royal grandeur.

A Land Blessed by Nature

India’s unique geology gifted her with a variety of precious stones. The Deccan Plateau, especially around Golconda, produced some of the finest diamonds the world has ever seen. Rivers like the Krishna and Godavari often yielded naturally polished stones, while the mines of Rajasthan and Orissa produced sapphires, garnets, and other colored gems. The coastlines, particularly near Tamil Nadu, were famous for harvesting pearls from the ocean’s bosom.

Ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Garuda Purana and Ratnapariksha detail the significance, classification, and mystical properties of various gems. Gems were believed to embody cosmic energies and were associated with planets, health, prosperity, and even the soul's evolution.

Gems in Royalty and Religion

For Indian kings and queens, gems symbolized power and divine right. Thrones were studded with rubies and emeralds; crowns glittered with diamonds. The famous Peacock Throne of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was a masterpiece of gem artistry, embedding hundreds of priceless stones.

Temples too became sanctuaries of gems. Idols were adorned with necklaces of uncut diamonds, nose rings of pearls, and crowns heavy with sapphires. These ornaments were not merely decorative — they were acts of devotion, seen as offerings to the divine.

Trade and the Global Fascination

As early as 3000 BCE, Indian gems were traded across Mesopotamia and Egypt. The fabled Silk Road carried Indian gems to Persia and Rome, where they became highly prized. Roman historians wrote of India as the "land of gold and jewels," and traders risked deserts and seas to reach her shores.

In medieval times, India became the envy of explorers and colonizers alike. Diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, and the Orlov Diamond — all originating from Indian mines — found their way into royal treasuries across Europe.

The Spiritual Significance

In Indian thought, gems were not mere luxury; they had deep metaphysical meanings. Each gemstone was linked to a planet (Navaratna system) and was worn to balance cosmic forces. Astrologers prescribed gems to enhance fortune, health, and wisdom. Ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, emerald for Mercury — each carried symbolic power.

Even today, millions in India wear gemstones not just for their beauty, but as sacred shields against misfortune and as channels for divine blessings.

A Legacy That Endures

Though modern India has seen many changes, her fascination with gems endures. Jaipur is today a bustling hub of gem-cutting and jewelry-making. Indian craftsmanship in stone-setting continues to win international admiration, blending ancient techniques with contemporary designs.

The story of Indian gems is not just about wealth — it is about a civilization's deep relationship with nature, beauty, and the mysteries of the cosmos. Each glittering stone carries within it a piece of India’s soul: timeless, radiant, and filled with wonder.

The journey.

Ganjifa: India's Traditional Art of Divine Playing Cards

The word Ganjifa comes from the Persian word ganjifeh, meaning "playing cards." The earliest reference to Ganjifa appears in the biography of Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, in the early 16th century. Originally a game for royalty, Ganjifa quickly found its way into the hands of the common people, evolving into a vibrant tradition of art, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

At first, Ganjifa sets were luxurious objects of courtly entertainment. Crafted from ivory or tortoise shell and inlaid with precious stones, these royal cards were known as darbar kalam. As the game spread across India, artisans began to create more affordable versions for the general public, called bazar kalam, using materials like wood, palm leaves, and thick cardboard.

Ganjifa cards are most famous for their circular shape, although some regions also made square versions. Each set was traditionally handmade and hand-painted, turning each card into a miniature work of art. A standard deck often included eight, ten, or even twelve suits — far more than the four suits we find in modern playing cards. Every suit had ten numbered cards plus a King and a Minister card.

Regional Variations of Ganjifa

As Ganjifa spread across India, different regions developed their own unique styles:

Mysore (Karnataka): Under the patronage of rulers like Krishna Raja Wadiyar III, Mysore produced rich and colorful Dashavatara Ganjifa sets, often embellished with gold.

Sawantwadi (Maharashtra): Even today, Sawantwadi remains famous for its finely painted Ganjifa cards featuring scenes from the Mahabharata and other epics.

Puri (Odisha): Strongly associated with the Jagannath Temple, Puri's Ganjifa cards focused on Vishnu's avatars and temple rituals, painted with natural dyes on palm leaf or thick paper.

Rajasthan and Gujarat: In these regions, Ganjifa incorporated Persian and local folk art styles, featuring geometric and floral motifs alongside epic narratives.

Each region’s Ganjifa sets reflected its cultural soul — whether sacred, mythological, or royal.

Famous Themes in Ganjifa Designs

Several legendary themes became common in Ganjifa decks:

1. Dashavatara Ganjifa:

The ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, such as Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Tortoise), Rama, Krishna, and Kalki, each formed a suit.

2. Ramayana Ganjifa:

Scenes from the epic Ramayana — Rama’s exile, Hanuman’s leap to Lanka, and the battle against Ravana — filled the cards.

3. Mahabharata Ganjifa:

Stories of the Pandavas, Kauravas, Krishna, and the great battles were painted in detail.

4. Mughal Ganjifa:

Early Ganjifa decks under Mughal influence displayed crowns, swords, coins, and scimitars, with more geometric and floral designs.

5. Rashi Ganjifa:

Rare decks based on the 12 zodiac signs (Rashi) also existed, especially in Bengal and Odisha.

In spiritual Ganjifa sets, playing the game became more than entertainment; it was a way to tell sacred stories, teach values, and preserve culture.

Why the Cards Are Circular

The circular shape of Ganjifa cards holds deep meaning:

The circle represents wholeness, eternity, and the divine — perfectly matching the sacred and mythological subjects painted on the cards.

It resonates with the Indian symbol of the Chakra (wheel), notably Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.

Practically, the circular form allowed players to shuffle and fan the cards without damaging their delicate edges.

Philosophically, the motion of circular cards echoed the cyclical nature of time and the cosmic dance of creation and destruction.

Thus, the very shape of the Ganjifa card made it not just a game piece, but a symbol of the universe itself.

Example: The Dashavatara Ganjifa Set

A traditional Dashavatara Ganjifa set looked like this:

Each suit had:

10 numbered cards (1 to 10)

1 King card (depicting the avatar)

1 Minister card (showing a close companion or important figure)

For instance, in the Matsya suit (Fish avatar), the King card would show Matsya emerging from the ocean, saving the Vedas; while the Minister card might depict Satyavrata, the devoted king who helped.

Ganjifa is not just a card game — it is an exquisite blend of art, spirituality, and culture. Each set carries the soul of the region that crafted it, the devotion of the artist who painted it, and the stories of a civilization that saw play and prayer as parts of one sacred whole.

Today, efforts are being made to revive this beautiful tradition, reminding us that even simple objects — like a deck of cards — can carry deep wisdom and joy across centuries.

M C vyuh.

Cakravyuh (Chakravyuha):

Cakra means "wheel" and vyuha means "battle formation."

Cakravyuh is a circular, spiral-shaped military formation used in ancient Indian warfare, especially mentioned in the Mahabharata.

It is designed like a moving wheel or labyrinth, with multiple rotating layers of warriors.

The soldiers and chariots form successive circular tiers, making it extremely difficult for enemies to penetrate or escape once inside.

Only a few trained warriors knew how to enter and exit it safely — it required knowledge of precise battle strategies and timing.

In the Mahabharata, Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, famously entered the Cakravyuh but did not know how to exit, leading to his heroic death.

Makaravyuh (Makaravyuha):

Makara refers to a mythical sea creature (often seen as a crocodile or a composite aquatic animal) and vyuha again means formation.

Makaravyuh is a battle formation resembling the shape of a Makara — with a broad front, narrow middle, and a powerful rear, mimicking a sea creature's movement and strength.

This formation is used to confuse and trap the enemy — initially allowing them to advance, then surrounding and crushing them as they get deeper into the formation.

It combined deceptive openness with deadly force, much like a Makara would first appear slow or passive but strike with deadly precision.

It was a more fluid, adaptive strategy compared to the rigid circular motion of chakravyuh.

Vrishabhanu.

 Vrishabhanu , the father of Srimati Radharani, one of the most revered and beloved characters in the Vaishnavite tradition, especially among followers of Krishna-bhakti:

Vrishabhanu: The Blessed Father of Srimati Radharani

In the divine tapestry of the Krishna Leela, where each thread is soaked in love, devotion, and celestial mystery, the name Vrishabhanu stands as a radiant figure of virtue and devotion. Though often mentioned in the background, his story carries the fragrance of divine grace and the privilege of parenting none other than Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.

Who Was Vrishabhanu?

Vrishabhanu was a highly respected and virtuous Vraja-vasi, a cowherd chieftain who resided in Barsana (also known as Varsana), a village near Vrindavan in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. He belonged to the Yadava community of gopas and was known for his deep devotion to Lord Narayana and his noble, dharmic conduct.

He was married to Kirti Devi (or Kirtida Devi), an equally pious and gentle soul. Together, they became the earthly parents of Radharani, the very embodiment of prema-bhakti (divine love).

The Divine Birth of Radharani

According to the Padma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, and the Garga Samhita, the story of Radharani’s birth is no ordinary tale. It is a mystical descent rather than a biological birth.

One day, Vrishabhanu found a beautiful golden-hued baby girl floating on a lotus in a pond known as Ravala Kund, near Barsana. The divine child radiated celestial brilliance, but strangely, her eyes were closed. Despite the love and care showered on her, the child never opened her eyes.

It was only when Lord Krishna visited Vrishabhanu’s house, carried in the arms of His foster mother Yashoda, that a miracle occurred. As baby Krishna came near Radharani, she opened her eyes for the very first time—and her first sight was that of Krishna Himself. This moment is celebrated as the first divine union of Radha and Krishna, witnessed by their respective parents and the blessed residents of Vraja.

Vrishabhanu's Devotion and Dharma

Despite knowing the divine nature of his daughter, Vrishabhanu remained humble and fully immersed in his dharma. He raised Radharani with deep love and care, training her in the arts, scriptures, and householder duties, although she was naturally perfect in everything.

As a father, he supported her deep connection with Krishna, recognizing that their bond was not merely of this world. The love between Radha and Krishna is not born of worldly affection but is the soul's eternal yearning for the Divine. Vrishabhanu, in his wisdom, honored and safeguarded this sacred connection.

The Legacy of Vrishabhanu

Vrishabhanu is revered in Vaishnavite traditions, especially in the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage, where Srimati Radharani is worshipped as the Supreme Goddess of devotion. On Radhastami, the appearance day of Radharani, devotees celebrate the glory of Vrishabhanu Maharaj with gratitude, acknowledging that through his devotion and purity, the world received the shelter of Radharani’s love.

Barsana, his town, is now a major pilgrimage site, home to beautiful temples like Radha Rani Temple (Shri Ladli Ji Temple), which stands atop the Brahmagiri hills, symbolizing the eternal majesty of Radharani and the blessedness of her parents.

A Silent Pillar of Divine Leela

Vrishabhanu’s story teaches us that greatness often lies in quiet devotion and surrender. Though he did not seek glory, he became the custodian of the highest form of divine love. His legacy is not only in being Radharani’s father but in his example of humble service, unwavering faith, and sacred parenting.

To remember Vrishabhanu is to remember the hidden saints who become instruments of divine purpose—not through grand deeds but through purity of heart and deep love for God.

Actually in his previous birth he was a celestial who was one among the gods wtho was mesmerized by mohini. He prayed to God that he would like a child asbeautiful as mohini for a daughter. The lord said that he himself will deck mohini to before as his daughter. No wonder then tthat Radha Rani is the the most beautiful child of the universe. 

A Father Beyond Time: A Reflection on Vrishabhanu

In the quiet hills of Barsana,

Where peacocks dance and Yamuna sings,

There lived a soul of simple grace—

A cowherd king, unknown to kings.

His name—Vrishabhanu, pure and still,

Unshaken by the world’s acclaim.

A father not by mortal chance,

But chosen by the Lord’s own name.

He sought no throne, no blazing crown,

No echoing praise from sages' lyre—

Yet in his arms, the lotus bloomed,

The source of bhakti's sacred fire.

She came to him on petals bright,

A golden child of silent gaze.

The world beheld a mystery,

He only saw his heart ablaze.

He did not ask, "From where or why?"

Nor questioned fate, nor destiny.

He simply gave his all to her—

A gift returned eternally.

And when her eyes first met her Lord,

The world stood still in holy awe.

A father watched with knowing smile,

What only rishis rarely saw.

He taught no war, no worldly ways,

But how to serve, to love, to give.

He held the lamp so Radha's light

Might teach the world how souls should live.

Not every tree bears sacred fruit,

Not every pond holds moonlit grace.

But Barsana, through him, became

The heart of Krishna's resting place.

O Vrishabhanu, silent sage,

Your tale is not in battles told—

But in the love that raised a Queen,

Whose glance turns iron hearts to gold.

"जय कृष्ण मनोहारिणी" एक प्रसिद्ध मंत्र है जो भगवान कृष्ण की सुंदरता, प्रेम और आकर्षण का सम्मान करता है। यह मंत्र अक्सर कृष्ण की पूजा और भक्ति के दौरान बोला जाता है।

मंत्र का अर्थ:

• जय कृष्ण:

  "जय" का अर्थ है विजय, और "कृष्ण" भगवान कृष्ण का नाम है। इसलिए, "जय कृष्ण" का अर्थ है "कृष्ण की विजय हो" या "कृष्ण की जय हो"।
• • मनोहारिणी:

    "मनोहारिणी" का अर्थ है "मन को मोहित करने वाली", "सुंदर", या "आकर्षण वाली"। यह कृष्ण की सुंदरता और आकर्षण का वर्णन करता है।

मंत्र का उपयोग:

• • यह मंत्र कृष्ण की पूजा और भक्ति के दौरान, विशेष रूप से जन्माष्टमी के अवसर पर, बोला जाता है।
  • यह मंत्र कृष्ण के प्रति प्रेम और भक्ति व्यक्त करने के लिए भी उपयोग किया जाता है।
  • यह मंत्र व्यक्ति को कृष्ण के प्रति समर्पित और आकर्षित करने में मदद करता है।

अन्य कृष्ण मंत्र:

"हरे कृष्ण, हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण, हरे हरे, हरे राम, हरे राम, राम राम, हरे  हरे""ॐ देविकानन्दनाय विधमहे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो कृष्णः प्रचोदयात" "कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नम:" 

Pranay

 Pranay Geeth (प्रणय गीत) literally means "Song of Love" in Sanskrit and many Indian languages. It is a term often used in devotional, literary, and poetic contexts to denote a song expressing deep affection, love, or devotion.

Pranay Geeth can refer to:

1. Devotional Love Songs: In Bhakti literature, especially in traditions like Vaishnavism, "pranay geeths" are songs of divine love — expressing the soul's yearning and intimate connection with the divine. For instance, the Gopis' love for Lord Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana is often described in such terms.

2. Romantic Poetry or Songs: In classical and modern Indian literature or film, it can mean romantic songs that express a lover's emotions — longing, union, separation, or joy in love.

3. Literary/Spiritual Expression: In a more philosophical sense, pranaya (love) is seen as a divine emotion, and a pranay geeth could be an allegory for the union of the individual soul (jiva) with the Supreme (paramatma).

Here is a simple Gujarati Pranay Geet (પ્રણય ગીત) with English translation. This is in a devotional style, expressing love for the Divine.

Gujarati (ગુજરાતી):

પ્રેમ રે પ્રભુ સાથેનું, અનંત સાગર જેવું,

હૈયાનું ગીત બની ઊઠે, શાંત મધુર સવાર જેવું.

સાંજ સુઘરી તારા વીણા, જીવન અધૂરો લાગે,

તારી સ્મૃતિમાં જ શ્વાસ લેશે, એવું મન એ માંગે.

તું હસમુખી છે વાતોમાં, તું શાંત છે સંગીતમાં,

તું જ રહેશો હમસફર, આ જીવનની દરેક રીતમાં.

Love for the Lord is like an endless ocean,

It rises as a song of the heart, like a calm and sweet morning.

Evening feels empty without your stars, life feels incomplete,

The mind longs only to breathe in your memory, that is its only plea.

You smile through words, and rest in music's calm,

You alone shall be my companion, in every rhythm of life’s charm.