Thursday, May 1, 2025

7 songs of bhagvatham.

 The "Seven Songs" in the Bhagavata Purana (also known as "Saptasvara") refer to seven famous hymns or verses that are sung in devotion to Lord Vishnu or Krishna, particularly in the context of bhakti (devotion). These songs are often associated with the worship and adoration of Lord Krishna as described in the Bhagavata Purana. While different interpretations exist, the most commonly recognized are as follows:

1. The Song of the First Skandha (Canto 1) – These hymns are dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s greatness, his transcendental nature, and his role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.

2. The Song of the Prahlada – In the story of Prahlada, the young devotee of Lord Vishnu, his prayers and songs of devotion are seen as a model of unwavering faith.

3. The Song of Dhruva – Dhruva's song represents the expression of devotion and determination in the face of adversity. He praises Lord Vishnu and expresses his desires for salvation and eternal peace.

4. The Song of the Gopis (Gopi Geet) – In the 10th Skandha, the Gopis (cowherd girls) sing a song in devotion to Lord Krishna, expressing their intense love and longing for him during the separation when he leaves Vrindavana.

5. The Song of Uddhava – Uddhava, a great devotee and friend of Lord Krishna, sings a song of praise, expressing deep spiritual wisdom and the significance of Lord Krishna’s teachings.

6. The Song of the Prayers of the Vedic Sages – The Vedic sages sing hymns of praise to Lord Vishnu, recognizing his supreme nature and the importance of devotion and surrender to him.

7. The Song of the Death of Kamsa – In this part of the Bhagavata, the defeat and death of the tyrant Kamsa are celebrated, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), and it involves a song of rejoicing and praise for Lord Krishna’s victory.

These songs are meant to highlight different aspects of devotion, divine intervention, and the philosophy of surrender to the Supreme. They are often sung in temples, during festivals, or in spiritual gatherings to celebrate Lord Vishnu's or Krishna's divine qualities.

Seven Soulful Songs of the Bhagavatam: A Journey Through Devotion, Wisdom, and Divine Love

The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, one of the most sacred and poetic scriptures of Hinduism, is not merely a narration of divine events—it is a symphony of devotion, philosophy, and spiritual longing. Scattered throughout its twelve skandhas (cantos) are exquisite stutis—over 60 of them songs and prayers offered by sages, kings, celestial beings, and simple devotees. These hymns are not just praises; they are windows into the inner world of those who have seen God and felt His presence.

1. The Song of the First Skandha – Hymns of Cosmic Glory

In the opening canto, we hear voices of sages and seers glorifying Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendental. These early hymns establish the theological foundation of the Bhāgavatam—that Vishnu (or Krishna) is the origin of creation, the sustainer of the cosmos, and the final refuge of all souls.

janmādy asya yato 'nvayād itarataś cārtheṣv abhijñaḥ svarāṭ

tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi-kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayaḥ

(Canto 1.1.1)

“From whom this universe was born, by whom it is sustained, and into whom it dissolves—He is the self-sufficient Lord, who imparted knowledge to Brahma. Even the greatest sages are bewildered before Him.”

This is not just a philosophical verse—it is the overture of the Bhāgavatam. It invites the reader into a spiritual world where the Divine is both unknowable and intimately knowable through devotion.

2. The Song of Prahlada – Hymn of Fearless Devotion

The story of Prahlada, a young prince and devotee of Lord Vishnu, shines in the seventh canto. Amidst persecution by his own father, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada never falters in his devotion. After Lord Narasimha slays the tyrant, Prahlada offers humble, profound prayers.

śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam

arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam

(Canto 7.5.23)

“Hearing about Vishnu, chanting His names, remembering Him, serving His feet, worship, prayer, servitude, friendship, and complete surrender—these are the nine forms of devotion.”

Prahlada’s song is a devotional guidebook. It teaches us that even in the darkest moments, one can turn inward and upward—to the Lord who responds not to power, but to purity.

3. The Song of Dhruva – Child’s Praise of the Eternal

Dhruva, a five-year-old boy rejected by his stepmother, goes into the forest to seek the Lord. After months of penance, Lord Vishnu appears before him, and Dhruva, filled with awe, sings his heart out.

yo 'ntar hṛdayeṣv evaśrīṇvānaṁ śrīyamānaya

sandarśayati yaḥ sākṣāt yathā mṛgatṛṣṇikām iva

(Canto 4.9.10)

“The Lord resides in the hearts of all beings, yet appears directly to those who seek Him sincerely—just as a mirage vanishes before real water.”

Dhruva’s hymn shows the innocence of a child transformed by divine encounter. He wanted a kingdom, but on seeing the Lord, he says: “I came for broken glass, but found a diamond.”

4. The Song of the Gopis (Gopī Gīt) – Love Beyond Limits

In the 10th canto, when Krishna leaves Vrindavan, the gopīs are heartbroken. Their song, the Gopī Gīt, is a timeless lament, filled with love, longing, and surrender. It’s not mere emotion—it is the highest form of devotion: mādhurya-bhakti.

jayati te 'dhikaṁ janmanā vrajaḥ

śrayata indira śaśvad atra hi

dayita dṛśyatāṁ dikṣu tāvakās

tvayi dhṛtāsavas tvāṁ vicinvate

(Canto 10.31.1)

“Your birth in Vraja has made it glorious, dear beloved. The goddess Lakshmi ever dwells here for You. We have given our hearts to You; please appear to us, for we live only for You.”

The gopīs' song is love made divine. Their separation is not a sorrow—it is a flame that burns away ego and merges the soul with Krishna.

5. The Song of Uddhava – Wisdom at the Threshold

Uddhava, Krishna’s dearest friend and disciple, receives final instructions before Krishna’s departure from the world. These teachings, known as the Uddhava Gītā (Canto 11), are a spiritual goldmine.

yad-anudhyāsina yuktaḥ karma-granthi-nibandhanam

chindanti ko vidāstasya ko na kurvīta kathā-ratim

(Canto 11.20.8)

“By meditating on the Lord, one cuts the knots of karma. Who, hearing this wisdom from the wise, would not develop love for such teachings?”

The Uddhava Gītā is Krishna’s gentle farewell—a reminder that though the body may go, His words remain to guide us forever.

6. The Song of the Vedic Sages – Praise of the Inconceivable

Throughout the Bhāgavatam, Vedic sages offer songs of praise to Lord Vishnu, especially during cosmic events like creation, the descent of avatars, and great battles. Their hymns affirm that devotion surpasses ritual knowledge.

sattvaṁ viśuddhaṁ vasudeva-śabditaṁ

yad īyate tatra pumān apāvrutaḥ

sattve ca tasmin bhagavān vāsudevo

hy adhokṣajo me namasā vidhīyate

(Canto 4.3.23)

“In the pure state of being, known as Vasudeva, the Supreme Person becomes visible. To Him—who is beyond material perception—I offer my respects.”

These sages see what eyes cannot—Vishnu as the all-pervading light behind every name, form, and sound. Their songs urge us to shift from outer ritual to inner realization.

7. The Song on the Death of Kamsa – Triumph of Dharma

Kamsa, the tyrant king who persecuted Krishna’s family, meets his end at the hands of the Lord. His death is more than a plot twist—it is a cosmic correction. The people sing in relief and joy, praising Krishna as the protector of dharma.

"All the gods, sages, and common folk sang praises: 'Glory to Krishna, the destroyer of fear, the restorer of righteousness, and the delight of the Yādavas.'"

This song is a reminder: no matter how strong adharma seems, it will fall before the Lord’s will. When we align with truth, we invite the music of freedom into our lives.

Each song in the Bhāgavatam is like a gem on a necklace of divine wisdom—different in color, but strung together by love for the Lord. Whether it's a child’s prayer, a lover’s lament, or a philosopher’s praise, they all lead to the same goal: to remember, to surrender, and to rejoice in the presence of the Divine.


Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Akshaya.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJD_TVYTcRW/?igsh=MXM4OGhjbGViNGN1aA==

 As the Rig Veda says:

> “शृण्वन्तु विश्वे अमृतस्य पुत्राः”

"Listen, O children of immortality!"

– reminding us that we are born not for perishable pleasures, but for divine realization.

Akshaya Tritiya: The Eternal Day of Auspicious Beginnings

Among the many sacred days that adorn the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya holds a special and exalted place. Celebrated on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Vaishakha, this day is believed to be one on which divine blessings are bestowed in abundance. The word Akshaya means imperishable, eternal, or never-diminishing—and it is this attribute that gives the day its spiritual weight. Any good deed, act of charity, or auspicious beginning undertaken on this day is said to bring unending spiritual and material prosperity.

A Day Blessed by the Divine

A popular Lakshmi-Kubera mantra chanted on this day is:


> “ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्री सिद्ध लक्ष्म्यै नमः”

(Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shri Siddha Lakshmyai Namah)

“Salutations to the perfect Goddess Lakshmi who grants auspiciousness and prosperity.”


Several great events in Hindu mythology are associated with Akshaya Tritiya. According to the Puranas, this is the day when:

Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born to Renuka and Sage Jamadagni.

The river Ganga descended to Earth from the heavens, sanctifying the land and offering liberation to all who bathe in her.

Sudama, the childhood friend of Krishna, visited the Lord in Dwaraka with a humble gift of beaten rice (aval) and returned to find his life transformed—his poverty replaced by untold riches, all by the grace of Krishna.

“अत्र दत्तं हि यत् किंचित्

तदक्षयफलप्रदम्।”

"Whatever is given in charity on this day yields imperishable fruits."

(Skanda Purana)


The great Sage Vyasa began composing the Mahabharata on this very day, with Lord Ganesha as his scribe.

During the Mahabharata, it is said that Draupadi’s Akshaya Patra, a divine vessel gifted by the Sun God, continued to yield food in infinite supply each day until Draupadi herself finished eating.

These stories are not mere legends but windows into the deeper spiritual truth of the day: what is offered with a pure heart on Akshaya Tritiya becomes inexhaustible, be it knowledge, wealth, devotion, or blessings.

The Spiritual Essence

Akshaya Tritiya is not just a day to begin new ventures—it is a day to reflect on the imperishable nature of the soul. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares:

"Na jayate mriyate va kadachin…" — The soul is never born, nor does it ever die.

Akshaya Tritiya, then, is a reminder of our own eternal nature and the importance of investing in the everlasting wealth of Dharma, knowledge, and devotion.

Devotees fast, offer prayers, and make charitable donations of food, clothing, and money. Giving on this day is believed to generate infinite punya (merit). Many choose to buy gold or property, believing that these investments will grow manifold, but the highest form of wealth to be acquired on this day is spiritual merit.

Celebrations Across India

In Odisha, Akshaya Tritiya marks the ceremonial beginning of chandan yatra and the chariot construction for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, families begin new businesses, sign contracts, or invest in long-term ventures.

In South India, people perform special pujas to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, and many undertake acts of service and charity.

In Rajasthan and other parts of North India, it is considered a highly auspicious day for marriages.

In today’s fast-paced world, Akshaya Tritiya offers a pause—a day to reflect, to purify intentions, and to reset life’s direction in the light of eternal values. While buying gold has become a popular custom, the deeper wealth that the day offers lies in seva (service), sadhana (spiritual practice), and satkarma (righteous actions).

Akshaya Tritiya is more than a date on the calendar. It is a divine opportunity, an open door to limitless grace. Whether one plants a seed of generosity, begins a discipline of self-improvement, or simply sits in quiet prayer, the essence of the day lies in its ability to transform small beginnings into infinite blessings. Let us remember that what truly becomes akshaya is not what we accumulate, but what we offer—with love, with sincerity, and with faith.

“Na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin

Nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ

Ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ’yaṁ purāṇo

Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre”

(Bhagavad Gita 2.20)

"The soul is never born nor dies. It is eternal, timeless, and indestructible."

This imperishable (Akshaya) nature of the soul reflects the very essence of this auspicious day.

Connect.

 Folk lore stories saying he went to various religious temples learnt the local language and composed songs in them .

Purandara Dasa and the Sacred Geography of Bhakti

Purandara Dasa, the saint-poet and Pitamaha of Carnatic music, was more than a composer—he was a spiritual traveler who carried the names of sacred places on his tongue and in his songs. Though he wrote almost exclusively in Kannada, his devotional vision was pan-Indian, reaching across the vast landscape of Bharat, weaving temples and pilgrimage sites into the tapestry of bhakti rasa.

His compositions, numbering in the thousands, are filled with references to holy places—some of which he may have visited, others perhaps experienced through scriptures, stories, or inner vision. Through these songs, Purandara Dasa not only worshipped the deities but also sanctified the very soil they were believed to inhabit.

Tirupati – The Hill of Mercy

Song: Tirupati Venkataramana barayya

Purandara Dasa invites Lord Venkatesha of Tirupati with the love of a devotee who has seen the deity in full glory. The Lord, he sings, is the compassionate one who saves even the lowliest of souls.

Pandharpur – The Heart of Simple Devotion

Song: Pandharinatha namma Vittala

Here, Dasa aligns himself with the Marathi Varkari saints. His Vittala is the same deity adored by Tukaram and Namdev. With this, he bridges Kannada and Marathi bhakti traditions in a single breath.

Srirangam – The Reclining Lord of the South

Song: Sriranga pura vihara

In this hymn, the reclining form of Lord Ranganatha is praised as the supreme shelter of the universe. The temple city of Srirangam becomes a metaphor for the inner sanctum of peace and surrender.

Udupi – The Beloved Child Krishna

Song: Krishna nee begane baaro

Though not named explicitly, this iconic composition echoes the essence of Udupi Krishna—playful, beautiful, and ever-ready to respond to a call of love. The song has crossed linguistic borders and found a place in Tamil and Hindi bhajan groups.

Kashi – City of Liberation

Song: Kashi Vishwanatha namma Vittala

Here, Dasa fuses the worship of Vishwanatha (Shiva of Kashi) with his own beloved Vittala, emphasizing the essential unity of divine forms. Kashi becomes not just a city but a state of freedom from bondage.

Dwaraka and Mathura – The Leela Bhoomis

In several compositions, Krishna’s divine play as a child and king shines through. Though Dasa does not always name Dwaraka or Mathura, the songs’ imagery—like Jagadoddharana and Tamboori meetidava—invoke the heartland of Krishna's story.

Ayodhya – The City of Dharma.

Song: Rama baramma baramma

A gentle invocation to Lord Rama, this song brings the spirit of Ayodhya into every home and gathering where it is sung. Rama is not just the prince of Ayodhya but the prince of every devotee’s heart.

While most of his songs remain in Kannada, they have been translated, adapted, and sung in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, and even English. His bhakti was never bound by language—it moved with the wind of love, settling in every heart that called upon the divine.

Through these songs, Purandara Dasa reminds us that temples are not merely structures—they are sacred states of mind. By invoking these holy sites, he brought their divinity into the living rooms and hearts of countless devotees, then and now.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Invention intention.

 She didn’t ask for permission — she made history. The story of Bertha Benz.

Invention intention go hand in hand. Kudos to such courage.


In 1888, without informing her husband and without any official approval, Bertha Benz took his invention — the Benz Patent-Motorwagen — and set off on a daring 100+ km journey from Mannheim to her hometown of Pforzheim. With her two sons by her side, she made a trip that would forever change the course of automotive history.

But this wasn’t just a joyride. Her goal was clear: to prove that the automobile wasn’t just a novelty — it had real, commercial potential. Something her husband, Karl Benz, hadn’t been able to demonstrate yet.

Along the way, Bertha faced countless technical issues — and solved them with incredible resourcefulness:

🔧 She unclogged a fuel valve using a hat pin.

🛠 She used her garter as insulation for a part of the engine.

⛽ She bought fuel at a pharmacy — making it the world’s first gas station.

💡 She stopped at a blacksmith’s to fix a chain and improve the brakes.

Her bold journey didn’t just prove the car worked — it captured the public’s imagination, drew investors, and helped launch what would become Mercedes-Benz.

In 2008, the German government honored her achievement by creating the Bertha Benz Memorial Route — a scenic trail that follows her historic path.

Bertha Benz wasn’t just a passenger in history. She was the driver of change.

Her vision, courage, and ingenuity show us that sometimes, it takes more than an inventor to change the world — it takes someone who believes in the invention enough to take it for a spin.

Worship transforms.

When You Turn Your Worries into Worship, God Will Turn Your Battles into Blessings

Life is filled with challenges that often leave us overwhelmed with worry. Health crises, financial troubles, broken relationships, uncertain futures — all weigh heavily on our minds and hearts. In these moments, it is easy to be consumed by anxiety, fear, and despair. But there is a deeper, transformative truth that has echoed through the lives of saints and spiritual seekers across centuries: When you turn your worries into worship, God will turn your battles into blessings.

Worry is a natural human response to uncertainty. It stems from our deep-seated desire to control outcomes and ensure our own security. However, worry also reveals the limits of human strength. No matter how much we strategize, there are forces beyond our control. Worship, on the other hand, is an act of surrender. It is the conscious choice to lift our gaze from our problems to the presence and power of God. When we worship, we acknowledge that we are not alone in our struggles — that a higher, loving power is working behind the scenes.

The transition from worry to worship is not about ignoring problems or pretending that pain does not exist. It is about shifting the center of our focus. Instead of being consumed by fear, we anchor ourselves in faith. Worship aligns our hearts with divine wisdom. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story in which God's goodness ultimately prevails.

When we choose worship over worry, our perspective changes. The battle we once feared begins to look different. Instead of seeing an insurmountable obstacle, we begin to see an opportunity for God's grace to be revealed. Our prayers become less about demanding specific outcomes and more about seeking God's will and trusting His timing.

Worship brings peace that surpasses understanding. It doesn't necessarily change the situation immediately, but it changes us. It gives us strength to endure, clarity to act wisely, and hope to keep moving forward. It allows us to find joy even amid suffering because we trust that every trial holds the seed of a greater blessing.

The Scriptures are rich with examples of God transforming battles into blessings when His people turned to Him in worship.  When we respond to life's battles with worship rather than worry, we invite divine intervention. What seems like defeat is transformed into victory. What appears as loss becomes the seed of a greater gain. God uses our battles to build our faith, to deepen our character, and to prepare us for greater good.

Every human heart will encounter worry, but we are not powerless against it. We are invited to a higher path — the path of worship. As we turn our worries into prayers of praise, our hearts are lifted into the presence of the One who holds all things together. Our battles, no matter how fierce, become the ground for new blessings. In God's hands, no struggle is wasted, and no tear is forgotten.pp

Trust Him. Worship Him. And watch your battles turn into blessings beyond your imagining.


Nimai.


The Story of Nimai Pandit and Lakshmi Devi

In the sacred town of Navadvipa, there was born an extraordinary boy — Nimai, later known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Even as a child, he was brilliant, mischievous, and divinely charming. His fame as a scholar grew so much that he was lovingly called Nimai Pandit.

At a young age, following the customs of the time, Nimai married Lakshmi Devi, the gentle and virtuous daughter of Vallabhacharya. Lakshmi Devi was a perfect match for him — devoted, graceful, and full of spiritual strength. Their home life was a picture of serenity. Lakshmi Devi served Nimai with deep affection and reverence, and Nimai loved her dearly, respecting her purity and devotion.

But Nimai’s mind was always restless — he was thirsty, not for worldly fame, but for the love of God. He would often be seen debating scholars and yet, inwardly, longing for the divine.

One day, while Nimai had traveled to East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) to teach and collect donations for his family, a great sorrow struck Navadvipa. In his absence, Lakshmi Devi passed away. It is said that unable to bear separation from her Lord, and feeling that her earthly purpose was complete, she left her body.

When Nimai Pandit returned and heard the news, he was heartbroken. Though he was a master of knowledge and debate, he wept like an ordinary human being — showing that even the most exalted souls are not beyond the purest form of love and grief.

https://youtu.be/CVIYg1iOnN0?si=QzwWmVjQzGK3zT1E

Yet, Nimai also understood a higher truth — that Lakshmi Devi was none other than a divine soul, sent into his life to support him during his early worldly journey. Her departure symbolized that now, he must walk more firmly on the path toward his true mission: spreading divine love across the world.

Later, Nimai would marry Vishnupriya Devi, but the memory of Lakshmi Devi, her sweetness, and her devotion remained in the hearts of those who knew their story.

Sunday, April 27, 2025