‘Under the auspices of Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram, Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna will be conducted during Ashada Navaratri in July 2015 in Toronto, Canada to commemorate the 113th Birth Anniversary of our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal. This is the fifth Sahasra Chandi Yagna conducted by members of the Ashram with the grace of the Goddess and our Guru – twice in New Delhi, India and twice at the Ashram in Chennai. The 2015 Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna is being organized by the Toronto Leadership team of Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram. ..
Nirguna follows the pattern of the Upanishads,’the neti Nyaya’ , that is not his, not this.
Nirguna, Nirahankaara….the list goes on.
And as a mode of worship of Shiva and Shakti it has Eykyaanusanthaanam, where the union of the individual and Universal Soul and of Shiva and Shakti are explained.
…
Lalita Sahasranaama also deals with the description of the Devi, Her Evolution, though not really She Evolves for “She Always Is’ the details of Her Dwelling place, Sri Pura and Sri Chakra,
The Stotra is Yantra Shastra because it deals with the Sri Yantra,
It deals with Tantra Shastra, when it deals with all the Tantra.
Akulaa Samayaanthastha Samayaachhara Thatpara’
It accommodates all the sects of Devi worship,Kulachaara,Samayaachaara,Vaamaachara, you name it , the Lalita Sahasranaama has it.
Lord Shiva divulged is and other stotras and it was later passed on to the others.
It is also on record that Sri Lalita Devi had ordered Her Yoginins to compose this.
The Stotra also has Yoga embedded in it .”
Bhaskara Raya.
‘
The reason for this post is about the The Giant who had written Bhashya, Explanation oh Lalita Sahasranaama, Sri Bhaskararaya.
He was born in 1690 in Bhaga, Maharashtra, India, is Mother Konamba and father Gambiraraya, a Scholar.
Gambirraya was conferred the Title ‘Bharathi by the Vijayanagar Empire.
He was of Viswamitra Gotra,
Gambiraraya administered the Saraswati Mantram and had Bhaskararaya trained under Sri Narasimha Advari in Benares,Varanasi.
Bhaskararaya was highly respected by the learned and won accolades from Kings and Scholars.
He was married to Anandhi and Parvati.
He settled in Benares and wrote over 40 books on Vedanta, Mimamsa,Vyakaran,Nyaya, Smriti,Mantra Shastra.
It is very rare to find Lord Rama with out His Bow and Arrow.
And Lord Rama with Gnana Mudra?
As far as I know, Vishnu or His avatars do not exhibit Gnana Mudra.
Lord Shiva, that too in the form of Dakshina Murthy, one who faces South or one who is in the South exhibits Mudra,
Vishnu’s Reclining form is Yoga Nidra.
But there is a rare Temple of Lord Sri Ram , Nedungunam, near Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, where Lord Rama appears without His Bow and Arrow.
And He is with Gnana Mudra.
Yoga Rama,Nedungunam.
Chin Mudra.
The thumb and forefinger on each of the hands are jointed, forming a zero. The rest of the fingers are extended. The hands are placed palms-up on the thighs or knees while sitting in vajrasana. This mudrā activates the diaphragm, making for deep “stomach-breathing” as the diaphragm pushes out the internal organs when it descends towards the pelvis on inhalation. Slow rhythmic breathing in a 5-2-4-2 rhythm (5 being the exhalation, and 4 is the inhalation) makes prana flow in the pelvis and in the legs.
Located 24kms South of Vandavasi on the Kanchipuram – Chetput-Thiruvannamalai route at the foot of the Dheergajala Mountain is the over 500years old Yoga Rama temple in Nedungunam where Lord Rama is seen in a unique sitting ‘Chin Mudra’ posture without his bow listening to Hanuman’s Vedic recital.
Legend.
Answering the prayers of Rishi Shugar, Rama provided darshan to him and stayed here for a day on his way back to Ayodhya after defeating the Lanka King Ravana.
The temple which was built by various kings 700 years ago is a living legend of several periodical specialties and uniqueness. The temple houses several huge mandapams to facilitate the formation of yaga salas. The uniqueness of this schetra is that the ‘Moolavar’ Sree Rama’s divine posture, cannot be seen at other places. Here Sri Rama sits as ‘Yoga Ramar’ without bow and arrow and with the right hand positioned close to his heart in a ‘Gnana Muthirai’. This is further complimented with lord Seetha in sitting position holding a lotus flower and Lakshmana standing with bow and arrow followed by ‘Sri Anjaneya’ sitting in front of Sri Rama in reading posture referring to ‘Brahma Sutra’ inscribed on palm leaves.
Sri Rama and Sri Seetha are sitting on a peetam inscribed with lionheads. According to history the moolasthana moorthis are Rishiprathista. As per sthala purana Sri Rama has visited Suga Bramarishis ashram and blessed him while returning from SriLanka after Thewar and stayed here for a day.
Moolavar : Yoga Rama East Facing Sitting Posture with Sita and Lakshmana by his side
Thaayar : Shengamala Valli Thaayar
Temple Time: 7am-10am and 6pm-8pm
Contact : Badri Narayana Bhattar @ 94452 15776
Bus Numbers 148, 208 and 422 from Koyambedu bus stand go through Nedungunam
By Car from Chennai, one can drive 90kms to Melmaruvathur and then take a right to drive 30kms to Vandavasi.
The alternate route is to taka right at Padalam (15kms after Chengalpet on the GST Road) to reach Uthira Merur. From Uthira Merur, one has to drive 25kms south to reach Vandavasi.
One would have across the term Brahmotsava being performed n Lord Vishnu Temples.
Brahmotsvams are quite popular in Thirupathi Sri Balaji Temple and Sri Rangam Ranganatha Temple , though the Brahmotsavams are conducted in all the Sri Vaishnava Templs in the South.
What is Brahmotsavam?
Brahmotsavam means a Festival, an offering By Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu.
There are legends that Lord Brahma performs the Brahmotsava ans a special Pooja for Lord Visnhu daily at Suchidram Sthaumalaya Temple, where Brahma , Vishnu and Shiva are found in on Idol.
Brahmotsavam,Tirupati.
While Brahma is believed to perform this every day in the early morning around 4.30 am, Indra, Chief of the Devas, performs in the dead of the night at 12 Midnight.
The performance of the Pooja by Brahma to Lord Vishnu is known as Brahmotsavam.
There is another interpretation.
Brahma in Sanskrit means ,Very big, original cause.
A Big Festival , Pooja in a Temple is called Brahmotsavam.
The dates of Brahmotsavams vary from temple to temple.
‘One of the major Kaalotsavams in Srivaishnava Temples is Brahmotsavam (tiruk-kODi-tirunAL). Brahmotsavam is conducted at different times in different Temples:
Period of the year in which the Brahmotsavam is conducted varies from temple to
temple. Some examples of when it is performed are: 1. Pratishtapana (Kumbhabhishekam) day of the Temple, 2. Pratishtapana day of Sri Shataari, 3. Thirunakshatram- Birthstar/Birthday of the Temple Deity, 4. Conducted as Shraddotsavam or Kaamyotsavam as desired (sponsored) by devotees.
Thus, there can be more than one Brahmotsavam in a given year. In the Thirumala
Temple, it is conducted once in the Tamil month ofPurattasi (Sep. 18- Oct.18). It starts on first day of Navaratri (Oct. 10, for 1999) and concludes on Vijayadashami (Oct.19, for 1999), which also happens to be the Thirunakshatram (Shravanam star) of Sri Venkateshwara, the Deity of the Temple. This is the most prominent Brahmotsavam (also called Manava Brahmotsavam). Brahmotsavams in Tirumala are also conducted at three other times of the year, namely: Kaisika Ekadashi (also known as, Raakshasa Brahmotsavam), Mukkoti Dwadashi (also known as, Daiva Brahmotsavam) and Rathasaptami (also known as, Aarsha Brahmotsavam). Besides, these 4 Brahmotsavams in a year, it is also conducted as a shraddotsavam as desired by devotees. It is stated that in the
year 1551 AD, as many as 11 Brahmotsavamas took place.
Origins: Brahmotsavam means “Grand celebration” or a “celebration performed by Brahma”. We will shortly see how both the meanings are appropriate for this event. Lord Indra once killed a Brahma-raakshasa (a Brahmin with demonic characters). In doing so, he incurred a great sin of killing a Brahmana- “Brahma hatya dosham(BHD)”. To relieve Indra of this burden, Lord Brahma conducted a ceremony. In this ceremony, officiated by Brahma himself, Indra held Sriman Narayana ( Lord Vishnu) on his head during the special ritual bath “Avabritha Snaanam”. This verily was the first Brahmotsavam.
Because of the immense cleansing power of Brahmotsavam, this utsavam is periodically performed in Temples to wash away all wrong doings that may have been
incurred. It is said that the Lord Brahma himself rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva
(service) to Lord Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalai shrine. Indeed, it is a
common belief that every Brahmotsavam is witnessed by Lord Brahma. In recognition
of this, a well decorated empty chariot is pulled in front of the chariot carrying the
deities at the processions held during the Brahmotsavam Brahma is believed to be
seated in that chariot overseeing the celebration. Thus, Brahmotsavam is also
referred to as “Brahmapratyakshotsavam” (celebration conducted right in front of
Brahma). References to Brahmotsavam can be found in Varaaha Puraanam (ch.18) and
Bhavishyotthara Puraanam (ch. 24).
Events of Brahmotsava.
Brahmotsavam celebration lasts for 9 days. Brahmotsavam is not just a Temple ritual, but is a grand festival for the whole town. It begins with Ankurarpanam and concludes with AvabhrithaSnanam (Ritual bath or Theerthavaari). On each day, the UtsavaMurthis (Mobile Deities) will be decorated and taken in procession, once in the morning and once in the evening on different Vahanams (vehicles). In the night, there will also be Unjalseva (Deities seated on the swing). The intricate step by step details vary from Temple to Temple. Here is a brief summary of main events in the Brahmotsavam celebration at the Balaji temple in Thirumalai.
Day 1
Ankurarpanam (planting 9 grains in soil placed in earthen dishes). Kankanadharanam (wrist band) to Utsava Muthi and priests.Procession of Vishvaksenar (Commander-in-chief of Vishnu’s army).
Mritsangrahanam- Collecting the soil for Brahmotsava Yagna(Hawan, Fire ceremony) Peetam. Vishvaksenar returns from procession and enters the Yaga Shaala (Place where Yagnam is conducted), where he is received with Poorna Kumbham honor(special Pot filled with water). He is believed to be the Pradhana Yajaman (Chief conductor) of this Yagnam. This is followed by Procession of Deity on Pedda Sesha (Big serpent) Vahanam.
Day 2
Morning Utsavam (procession) of Deity on Smaller Shesha (smaller serpent) Vahanam.
Dwajaarohanam in the evening. Garuda Dwajam- a flag bearing the emblem of Garuda
(The Eagle- Vehicle of Vishnu) is hoisted with Veda Mantrams from Taittiriya samhita
dedicated to Garuda. This signals start of Brahmotsavam to the whole town. Once the
flag is hoisted, it is expected that no householder leaves town or plans any auspicious
ceremony in the house until the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Thus the whole town is
able to fully take part in the celebration and not be preoccupied with other personal
activities. Even if someone has to leave town on emergency, they are expected to
return prior to un-hoisting the flag (Dwaja-awarohanam) on day 9.
Day 3
Morning procession on Lion (Simha Vahanam)
Day 4
Morning procession on the “every desire fulfilling giving tree” (Kalpavriksha
vahanam)
Day 5
Deity is dressed as Mohini (temptress, a form of Vishnu) and taken procession in
ivory pallaki (carrier).
Night procession is taken on Eagle (Garuda vahanotsavam – Garuda Sevai).
Day 6
Morning: Procession on Hanuman (Monkey, devotee of Rama/Vishnu) vahanam.
Night procession on Gaja (Elephant) vahanam.
Day 7
Morning procession on Surya Prabha (Sun) vahanam.
Evening procession on Chandra Prabha(Moon) vahanam.
Day 8
Morning: Rathotsavam -Ratha (chariot) Yatra (procession) for the Deities.
Night: Procession on Ashva (horse) vahanam.
Day 9
Morning: Deities carried in pallaki (carrier) to the Pushkarani (sacred pond) in front of
the Varaha Swami (the Boar incarnation of Vishnu) Temple for the special bath
-Abhishekam and Avabritha Snanam (Theerthavaari thirumanjanam). All devotees
also take bath in the pushkarani. The Deities are taken back to the Kalyana Mantapam
of the Temple. The flag is un-hoisted, marking the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Even
watching the video of this majestic celebration in itself deeply touches our heart, mind, eyes and ears.
References::
1. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, The Hill-Shrine of Vengadam: Art, Architecture and Agama
of Tirumala Temple, First Edition, (Ed., Daivajna K.N. Somayaji), Pub., Kalpatharu
Research Academy, Bangalore, 1993.
Hanuman, with the faces Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda and Varaha is the Form of Panchamukha Hanuman.
Panchamukhi Hanuman.
Knowledge(Hayagriva),Narasimha(Destructive Power)Garuda(Swift Flight and Destroyer of Evil Forces) and Varaha (Uncontrollable anger)Wisdom) as one of the faces.
After Indrajit was killed by Lakshmana, Ravana sought the help of Ahiravana,Brother of Ravana).
Ahiravana lived in the Patala Loka.
Ahiravana took the form of Vibhishana entered the room where Rama and Lakshmana were conferring,hoodwinked Hanuman and kidnapped Rama and lakshmana.
On being informed by Vibhishana that Ahiravana was planning to kill Rama and Lakshmana,who were unconscious in the Patala Loka, and offer them to Chandi, Hanuman took to the Patala through one of the entrances to the Nether World,Patala, from Patalkot, Chhindwara District ,Madhya Pradesh, India.
The route is a Wormhole.
In the process Hanuman defeated His son Makardhwaja and killed Ahiravana after assuming Panchamukha Hanuman Form.
The Patala Loka is the present Brazil, Mexico and Central America.
Please read my posts on this.
Panchamukha Hanuman Mantra for removing the effects of Scorpion, Rat Bites.
Recite the Mantra provided below for ten times, keeping the right palm on the head of the affected.
As a child Anjaneya, another name of Hanuman,son of Anjana Devi, flew near the Sun to gobble it up.
Lord Rama and Hanuman.
Indra,Chief of the Devas hit Hanuman with his Vajrayudha.
He fell back down to the earth and became unconscious. Upset, Vayu went into seclusion, taking the atmosphere with him. As living beings began to get asphyxiated, to pacify Vayu, Indra withdrew the effect of his thunderbolt, and the devas revived Hanuman and blessed him with multiple boons. However, a permanent mark was left on his chin (hanuhH in Sanskrit).
There are various versions of Hanuman’s Birth.
He is believed to be son of Vayu, the God of Wind and called as Maaruthi and Pavankumar.
He is said to be son of Kesari and Anjana Devi , hence called Anjaneya.
He is also considered as an amsa of Lord Rudra, who is an amsa of Lord Shiva.
Some texts mention that He is the son of Shiva, some others Shiva Himself.
The Vedas talk of Rudra.
Hanuman is considered to be the eleventh Rudra amsa.
Hanuman is worshiped as Shiva’s amsa in many households.
Hanuman was born to the vanaras. His mother Anjana was an apsara who was born on earth due to a curse. She was redeemed from this curse on her giving birth to a son. The Valmiki Ramayana states that his father Kesari was the son of Brihaspati and that Kesari also fought on Rama’s side in the war against Ravana. Anjana and Kesari performed intense prayers to Shiva to get a child. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought.Hanuman, in another interpretation, is the incarnation or reflection of Shiva himself.
Hanuman is often called the son of the deity Vayu; several different traditions account for the Vayu’s role in Hanuman’s birth. One story mentioned in Eknath’s Bhavartha Ramayana (16th century CE) states that when Anjana was worshiping Shiva, the King Dasharatha ofAyodhya was also performing the ritual of Putrakama yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred pudding (payasam) to be shared by his three wives, leading to the births of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. By divine ordinance, a kitesnatched a fragment of that pudding and dropped it while flying over the forest where Anjana was engaged in worship. Vayu, the Hindu deity of the wind, delivered the falling pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result.Another tradition says that Anjana and her husband Kesari prayed Shiva for a child. By Shiva’s direction, Vayu transferred his male energy to Anjana’s womb. Accordingly, Hanuman is identified as the son of the Vayu.
Another story of Hanuman’s origins is derived from the Vishnu Purana and Naradeya Purana. Narada, infatuated with a princess, went to his lord Vishnu, to make him look like Vishnu, so that the princess would garland him at swayamvara (husband-choosing ceremony). He asked for hari mukh (Hari is another name of Vishnu, and mukh means face). Vishnu instead bestowed him with the face of a vanara. Unaware of this, Narada went to the princess, who burst into laughter at the sight of his ape-like face before all the king’s court. Narada, unable to bear the humiliation, cursed Vishnu, that Vishnu would one day be dependent upon a vanara. Vishnu replied that what he had done was for Narada’s own good, as he would have undermined his own powers if he were to enter matrimony. Vishnu also noted that Hari has the dual Sanskrit meaning of vanara. Upon hearing this, Narada repented for cursing his idol. But Vishnu told him not repent as the curse would act as a boon, for it would lead to the birth of Hanuman, an avatar of Shiva, without whose help Rama (Vishnu’s avatar) could not kill Ravana.
“Hanuman was born as the son of Anjana a female vanara. Anjana was actually an Apsaras (a celestial being), named Punjikasthala, who, due to a curse, was born on the earth as a female vanara. The curse was to be removed on her giving birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Anjana was the wife of Kesari, a strong vanara who once killed a mighty elephant that was troubling sages and hermits. He therefore got the name ‘Kesari’, meaning lion, and is also called Kunjara Südana, the elephant killer.”
”
Hanuman is originally the son of Vayu, the air god. And he is also an expansion of Lord Siva. All the demigods were helping Lord Ramacandra in his battle. Lord Siva was thinking, “I must also help him.” So long before Lord Ramacandra incarnated, Lord Siva had a pastime.
Once Siva and Parvati were playing in Kailash, and they saw a monkey. Lord Siva, by looking at this monkey, he also took the form of a monkey. Parvati also took the form of a monkey, and they played. During that time, Lord Siva gave Parvati a conception. Then immediately she became Parvati again and said, “I’m not going to give birth to a monkey.”
So Siva said, “Well you have a conception so now you have to give birth to it.” Parvati said, “No no, when you gave the conception you were a monkey, so my son will become a monkey. Already I have an elephant, that is enough. I can’t have this.” So Siva said, “All right then, I will make some arrangement.”
Siva then called Vayu, and Vayu came there. Once before Siva had given a conception and Agni had carried it, and Agni had said that he would never do it again. So Vayu came, and Siva said, “Vayu, you have not done anything to me up till now, so please do this for me. Take this conception and look after it.” Vayu said, “But you are the most hot person, and I am going to be carrying this around when I am supposed to be cooling everything. The wind will be hot.” Siva said, “You make some arrangement.”
So Vayu was carrying this conception wondering what to do, and then he saw the sapta-rishis going somewhere. He went before them and asked, “This is a conception from Lord Siva. This has to be preserved until the Supreme Lord incarnates as Ramacandra. That is a long time away, but it has to be kept. Please make some arrangement.”
The sapta-rishis said, “Oh we will make some arrangement.” So they went to origin of the Mandakini river and they took a leaf which was made of metal, and put the conception there. In this way it was preserved, and Vayu was supposed to come and see that nothing happened to it.
And then Brhaspati, the spiritual master of the devas, he had a maidservant in his house, and she was supposed to bring flowers for worshipping Salagram. One day when she went to get flowers, she saw some gandharvas having conjugal pastimes, and she was very attracted. So instead of collecting flowers, she came back early and Brhaspati was sitting on a deerskin in his ashrama.
Suddenly this lady jumped on him and began covering him with kisses. Brhaspati had not expected this, because he was doing puja, and he said, “What is this? You are behaving like a monkey! Therefore become a monkey!”
When she became a monkey she cried, “I’m very sorry. Some ignorance came in my mind, and I have insulted you. But you have made me a monkey, so when will I again become normal?” Brhaspati said, “Why have I cursed you like this? I did not lose my temper.” Then he thought for a while, and said, “Oh, I know. There is some arrangement. So now you must go to Kishkinda, and you get married to a great monkey warrior king. His name is Ketari, and you become his wife. There is a big plan for you.”
She came down, and she met Ketari who was jumping for some fruits, and she appeared on top of the tree. Then they had some talk, and they got married. When she was in the body of a monkey she was known as Anjana. They were living for a long time, but they were having no children. Ketari went on performing austerities to please Lord Indra so that he could get a son. He wanted a very powerful son, so he was doing meditation.
While he was doing meditation, Vayu came, and somehow or other, in his invisible form, he managed to give the conception to Anjana. Anjana felt someone holding her, and she said, “Who is this person? You must come before me otherwise I will curse you.”
So then Vayu came before her and said, “Your curse will be gone only when you deliver a strong person, and I am giving you that person. So close your eyes and take this conception. Then deliver your baby and you can return to the heavenly planets. You do not want this?” And then she remembered all her previous activities. She took that conception, and what was this conception? It was originally conceived by Lord Siva, carried by Vayu for so long, and Vayu gave it to her, so it was Vayu’s son and it was Siva’s angsha, or expansion.
And then Anjaneya was born. As soon as he was born he grew into a sixteen year old boy. That was the potency of Lord Siva. So then Anjana immediately rose up to go to the heavens, and Anjaneya caught hold of her cloth and said, “Wait a minute, where are you going? You gave birth to me, and now you are leaving? What will I eat?”
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