Ramanisblog

Tag: Parvati

  • Shiva’s Daughter Asoka Sundari

    We know of the children of Lord Shiva and Parvati,Subrahmanya born of Shiva, Ganesha of Parvati.

     

    Veeabhadra is also considered as the son of Lord Shiva.

     

    But Lord Shiva and Parvati has a daughter as well, says The Padma Purana.

     

    Lord Shiva being of Yogic disposition, goes off to Kailash often.

     

    Feeling lonely Parvati prayed the Kalpa Vruksha for a companion and thus was born Ashoka Sunadri.

     

    She is considered as the child of Shiva along with Subrahmanya and Ganesha.

     

    ”

    Since Lord Shiva frequently went out of Kailash to get rid of the demons and other negative forces, Parvati used to feel very lonely. So, She asked for a daughter from the wish fulfilling tree to get rid of Her loneliness. Soon Her wish was granted and Ashok Sundari was born. The girl was named Ashok Sundari because Ashok means without sorrow as she got rid of Parvati’s sorrow. Sundari means beautiful. Since the girl was extremely beautiful, hence She was named Ashok Sundari by Parvati. Nothing much is mentioned about her in most scriptures apart from the fact that she was present at the time Ganesha was beheaded. Ashok Sundari got frightened by her father’s act and hid behind a sack of salt. When Parvati came to know about Her son’s fate, She became extremely angry. Out of anger She also cursed Ashok Sundari to become a part of salt. Later when Ganesha’s head was restored by Shiva, Parvati and Shiva revived their daughter and pacified her. Hence, Ashok Sundari is also associated with salt without which food would be tasteless. Apart from a few legends, the existence as Shiva’s daughter is not known by most people. However, in some parts of India few folklore are popular like in Bengal it is believed that Goddess Manasa was a daughter of Shiva who was born accidentally when Lord Shiva’s semen touched a statue which was made by the mother of snakes named Kadru.

    Citation.
    Related articles

  • We Express Better Than We Know Why

    Recently my close friend told me of some of his observations on what they speak about subjects, at time, in detail to the astonishment of others, including the Speaker.

    He added further.

    Kannadasan
    Kannadasan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    “Couple of years back some one asked me a question on Hinduism, especially about Advaita.

    You know that I do not know much about it.

    But I spoke for about twenty minutes in detail and every one was surprised.

    Funny thing is I was astonished myself.

    Even to-day I do not know how I spoke.

    Today I can not speak a ew lines about my self.

    How and why?

    Coming to the present, on some mornings (around 5am), when I do not get sleep , I get a lot of ideas which I am sure are quite novel and I am sure I do not know the subject nor have I read anything on the subject before.

    Can you tell me why?”

    He is not a very pious a man but has religious orientation like most of us.

    I had given a serious thought about this.

    I have seen these instances in many people including me.

    Many times I have spoken on subjects in detail with authentic references  though I had not prepared on the subject.

    I have also noticed , when I lecture on a subject, I normally prepare thoroughly.

    But when I reach the Podium, I deviate from the prepared points(which I keep in mind, never in on paper as this distracts me), I speak fluently better than I had prepared.

    Come to think of it, great compositions happen this way.

    ( I am not comparing myself with any of these)

    Greatest lines in literature (in my view).

    Age can not wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety,

    Other women cloy the appetites they feed,

    She makes most hungry where she most satisfies’ – Shakespeare in Antony and Cleopatra.

    Or Kalidasa in Kumara Sambhavam.

    Vagarthadaiva samprktau vagarthaa pratipattaye
    Jagatah pitarau vande Parvati Parameshwehvarau

    ” In order to achieve the comprehension of word and meaning, I salute
    the parents of the universe, Parvati AND Parameshwara, who are
    inseperable like word and its meaning.

    Or Abhirami Bhattar in Abhirami Andhadi.

    அன்றே தடுத்து என்னை ஆண்டுகொண்டாய், கொண்டது அல்ல என்கை
    நன்றே உனக்கு? இனி நான் என் செயினும் நடுக்கடலுள்
    சென்றே விழினும், கரையேற்றுகை நின் திருவுளமோ.-
    ஒன்றே, பல உருவே, அருவே, என் உமையவளே.

    Gist of this is that, Abhirami,whatever I do and whatever might happen to me, even if I am stranded in the midst of Ocean, It is your job to save me”

    This can be enjoyed only in the original.

    Or some of the lines of Kannadasan in Tamil Films.

    Kannukku Kulam Ethu,

    Kangal Enge,

    Ponal Pogattum Poda,

    Mayakkama Kalakkama.

    I  can go on adding to the list.

    I shall post on the Poems I have enjoyed in Tamil and Sanskrit.

    When I asked Poet Kannadasan  whether  he can produce some of the great lines he had penned again, he  replied

    ‘No’.

    He said he wrote as the mood set in and he can not even remember how he got around to producing these lines .

    True,

    Psychologists  try to explain these things in a lot of ways.

    I am qualified in Psychology and the explanations and theories are labored and unconvincing.

    To me it seems that certain things are expected to be expressed at a certain time by certain people.

    And we happen to be the instruments.

    My friend agrees.

    Do you?

    Image Credit.

     http://manifestedharmony.com

    Related articles

  • Ganesha Son Of Kashyapa 4,8,10 Avatars

    Vinayaka Puarana and Mudgal Purana are Upa Puranas.

    Some interesting information is found the Puranas about Ganesha.

    Vinayaka Purana lists four Avatars of Ganesha.

    Additional Five are found in the Mudgal Purana.

    Some declare there are eight Avatars.

    The List.

    Lord Ganesha.jpg
    Lord Ganesha.
    • Mahotkata Vinayaka (Mahotkaţa Vināyaka), who has ten arms and a red complexion. Different sources list his mount (vāhana) as either an elephant or lion. He was born to Kashyapa (Kaśyapa) and Aditi in the Krita yuga. The name Kāśyapaḥ (descendant of Kaśyapa) for Ganesha refers to this incarnation. This incarnation killed the demon brothers Narantaka (Narāntaka) and Devantaka (Devāntaka), as well as the demon Dhumraksha (Dhūṃrākşa).
    • Mayuresvara (Mayūreśvara), who has six arms and a white complexion. His mount is a peacock. He was born to Shiva and Parvati in the Treta yuga. He incarnates for the purpose of killing the demon Sindhu. At the end of this incarnation he gives his peacock mount to his younger brother Skanda, with whom the peacock mount is generally associated.
    • Gajanana (Gajānana), who has four arms and was born with a red complexion. He has a mouse as his mount. He is born to Shiva and Parvati in the Dvapara yuga. He incarnates for the purpose of killing the demon Sindura (Sindūra), who was so-named due to his reddish-pink complexion (see: Sindoor). It is during this incarnation that Ganesha gives the discourse known as the Ganesha Gita to King Varenya.
    • Dhumraketu (Dhūmraketu) is grey in colour, like ash or smoke (dhūmra). He has either two or four arms.[13] He has a blue horse as his mount. He will come to end the decline of the Kali yuga. During this incarnation he kills numerous demons. Grimes notes that there is a parallel between this incarnation of Ganesha and the tenth and final incarnation of Vishnu, where he will ride upon the white horse Kalki. The other difference is, Lord Vigneshwara tells Varenya that the whole universe and all the deva are created by him and ultimately everything will come back to him.

    Another four are listed in the Mudgal Purana.

    5.Vakratunda (Lord of the Twisted Trunk)

    As Vakratunda, Ganesha embodies the formless spirit of the Universe or Brahman. In this avatar, He defeated the demon, Matsaryasura (Envy), who came into being when Indra, king of the Gods, once lapsed into absent-mindedness.  Performing austere penances to Shiva won Matsaryasura the boon of fearlessness. He soon brought all the gods, including mighty Shiva, to their knees. Dattatreya, the unified form of the Holy Trinity, advised them to invoke Vaktratunda and divulged to them, the powerful seed mantra ‘Gam’. Their penance bore fruit – Vakratunda appeared seated on a lion and defeated Matsaryasura.

    6.Ekadanta (Lord of the Single Tusk)

    Madasura, demon of Intoxication, was the creation of Sage Chyavana. Shukracharya, guru to the Asuras, imparted to him the Shakti mantra of ‘Hrim’. Madasura meditated upon this mantra for centuries, until Shakti appeared and granted him the boon of fulfilling all his desires. Madasura ran amok and subjugated the three worlds. All virtue and goodness disappeared. The gods were then advised by Sanatkumara, Lord of Humanity, to invoke Ekadanta.

    Seeing Ekadanta’s blue-skinned, terrifying form, seated upon a mouse, Madasura surrendered to the Lord. Ekadanta spared him but commanded that he never appear in places where the Lord is worshipped with true devotion. Madasura however, was left free to enjoy the fruits of any activity imbued with demonic qualities.

    Avatar in Sanskrit means “descent”; in Hindu mythology, a deity descends from heaven to earth for a specific purpose.  Sacred texts like the Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana state that Ganesha assumed eight avatars, each manifesting in a different epoch and descriptive of a single attribute. All the avatars had one purpose – to slay a demon.

    However, Lobhasur accepted his defeat without any fight.

    7.Lambhodara.

    During Samudramanthan, When Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Mohini, Lord Shiva had got attracted towards her. He had ejaculated that time and a monster called Krodhasur was born. Krodhasur had pleased Lord Sun and received in blessing to rule the world.

    8.Vikata.

    This avatar of Lord Ganesha had defeated Kamasur monster.

    9.Vignaaja.

    This avatar of Lord Ganesha defeated Mam (born from Parvati).

    This had created fear in every God’s mind. When he went out to fight, Lord Ganesha took the avatar of Lambodar and stopped him. Krodhasur then went to Pataal lok.

    http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/JM-ganesha-festival-special-8-avatars-of-lord-ganesha-no-one-knows-4371044-PHO.html?seq=9

    Related articles

    Get new recipes delivered to your inbox.

  • Ganesha Namakarana, Kavacha, First Puja By Vishnu

    Lord Ganesha , the remover of Obstacles is very dear to Lord Vishnu, His Uncle.

    Ganesha with Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.
    Ganesha with Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Image Credit.http://www.energycenter.com/Emperors.folder/PoVisRamShiEmp.html

     

    Vishnu blessed Ganesha that at each Puja, Vrata, or any Sacred Deed, the Prathama Puja must be performed to Ganesha only

     

    He was named by Lord Vishnu and He also gave  Hm the Eight names which  we use in Ganesha Puja today.

     

    The first puja, after Ganesha’s new Rupa emerged, was executed by Vishnu and he blessed Ganesha that at each Puja, Vrata, or any Sacred Deed, the Prathama Puja must be performed to Ganesha only and garlanded him with a Vanamaala.

    Vishnu performed the ‘nama karana’ (name giving) in the presence of Devas, Maharshis and Munis; he gave eight names: Vighnesha, Ganesha, Heramba, Gajaanana, Lambodara, Ekadanta, Shurpa-karna and Vinayaka. Devi Parvati made Ganesha sit on a golden chair, gave ‘Padya’with the holy waters of Ganga, Godavari etc.; offered Akshatas, flowers, chandana, Kasturi, Agaru Dhupa, Deepa, and Naivedya with a variety of Bhakshya, Bhojya, Lehya, Choshya and Paniyas, besides a wide range of fruits.

    Tri Murtis and their spouses, Devas and Devis, Menaka and Himalaya had all chanted the Mantra: OM Shreem Hreem Kleem Ganeswaraaya Brahma ruupaaya chaaravey, Sarvasiddhi pradeshaaya Vighneshaaya Namo namah/ Bhagavan Vishnu then recited the Sacred Ganesha Kavacha to Shanaischara as follows:

     

     

    Ganesa Kavacha.
    Samsaara mohanasyasya Kavachasya Prajapatih,
    Rishirscchhandascha Brihati Devo Lambodarah Swyam/
    Dharmaartha kaama moksheshu viniyogah Prakirtitah/
    Sarve -shaam kavachaanaam cha saarabhutamidam Muney,
    Om Gam Hum Shri Ganeshaya swaahaa mey paatu mastakam,
    Dwatrimshadaksharo Mantro mey sadaavatu/
    Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Gamiti cha Satatam paatu lochanam,
    Taalukam paatu Vighneshah Satatam Dharani taley/
    Om Hreem Shreem Kleemiti cha satatam paatu naasikaam/
    Om Gaim Gam Shoorpakarnaaya Swaaha paatwadharam mama,
    Dantaani taalukaam jihwaam paatu mey shodashaaksharah/
    Om Lam Shreem Lambodaraayeti swaahaa gandam sadaavatu,
    Om Kleem Hreem Vighnanaashaaya swaah karnam sadaavatu/
    Om Shreem Gam Gajaananaayeti swaahaa skandham sadaavatu,
    Om Hreem Vinaayaketi swaaha pushtam sadaavatu/
    Om Kleem Hreemiti Kankaalam paatu Vakshahsthalamscha gam,
    Karow Paadow sadaa paatu Sarvaangam Vighna nighnakrit/
    Praachyam Lambodaram paatu Aagneyyaam Vighna naayakah,
    Dakshiney paatu Vighnesho naairrutyaam paatu Gajaananah/
    Paschimey Parvati putro Vaayavyaam Shankaraatmajah,
    Krishnashyaamshaschottarey cha Pari purnatamasya cha/
    Eshaanmekadantascha Herambah paatu chordhvatah,
    Adho Ganaadhipaha paatu Sarva pujacha Sarvatah/
    Swapney Jaagaaney chaiva paatu maam Yoginaam Guruh/
    Iti tey kathitam Vatsa Sarvamantrougha Vigraham,
    Samsaara mohanam naama Kavacham Paramaadhbhutam,
    Shri Krishnena puraa dattham Golokey Raasamandaley,
    Vrindaavaney vinitaaya Mahyam Dinakaratmja/
    Mayaadattam cha tubhyam cha yasmai kasmai na daasyasi,
    Param Varam Sarva Pujyam Sarva sankata taaranam/
    Gurumabhyarchya vidhivat Kavacham Dhaarayetu yah,
    Kanthevaa dakshiney baahow sopi Vishnurnasamshayah/
    Ashwamedha sahasraani Vaajapeya shataanicha,
    Shatalaksha Prajastopi na Mantrah Siddhi daayakah.

     

    ( This ‘Samsaara Mohana Kavacha’s Prajapati is Rishi, Brihati is the Chhanda, Swayam Lambodara Ganesha is Devata; Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha is the ‘Viniyoga’; this entire Kavacha is of great essence: Let the Mantra Om gam hum Shri Ganeshaaya swaaha safeguard my head; the Dwadashokshara Manta save my forehead; let Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Gam protect my netras / eyes; may Vighnesha protect my ear lobes; let the Mantra Om Hreem Shreem Kleem protect my nose; let the Mantra Goum Gam Shurpaanyaya Swaha guard my lips and tongue; let the Mantra Om Lam Shreem Lambodaraaya Swaaha secure my cheeks; may the Mantra Om Kleem Hreem Vighna naashaaya swaaha keep my ears safe; let Om Shreem Gam Gajaananaaya swaahaa secure my shoulders; may the Mantra Om Hreem Vinaayakaaya swaaha guard my rear part of my body; let Om Kleem Hreem protect my ‘kamkaal’/ skeleton and the Mantra Gam save my chest. Let Vighna-nihanta provide safety to my hands, feet and the entire body! May Lambodara save my Eastern side, Vighnanayaka the Agneya side, Vighnesha the Southern side, Gajaanana the Nirruti side, Parvati putra the West, Shankaraatmaja the Vaayavya side, Shri Krishna the North, Ekadanta the Ishaana kona, Heramba the Urthwa bhaga / skyward, and Ganaadhipa the ‘Adhobhaga’ the underground. May the ‘Yogi Guru’ procect my while asleep or awake. This is how I explained the whole ‘Samsara Mohana naama Kavacha’to you Suryanandana Shaneswara. This Kavacha was bestowed to me when I attended the ‘raasa leela’ convention at Goloka and this should be divulged to one and all. If a person wears the Kavacha after Guru Puja, it shall indeed safeguard him or her and bestows the boons of performing thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas and thousand Vaajapeya Yagnaas. The Siddhi of this Kavacha is attainable after hundred lakh japas of it.)

     

    Brahma vaivartha Purana.

     

    Citation.

    http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/brahma%20vaivartha/bookview.php?chapnum=21&PHPSESSID=ae3536a3dca822480253e8e805e59a9c

     

    Related articles

  • Devi’s Foot Fell During Dance Tripurasundari Temple

    Legend has it that Goddess Uma’s right foot fell during Her Dance competition with Lord Shiva.

    Lalitha Tripura Sundari.jpg
    Lalitha Tripura Sundari.Image credit.Sivanis kitchen

     

    The temple in Tripura, North East of India, dedicated to Tripurasundari is also one of the SakthiPeetas, where Sati‘s right foot fell.

    There are two identical images of the same deity inside the temple.

    They are known as Tripura Sundari (5 feet high) and Chhotima (2 feet high) in Tripura.

    The idol of Maa Kali is worshiped at the temple of Tripura Sundari in the form of ‘Soroshi’.

    One is made of kasti stone which is reddish black in colour.

    It is believed that the idol was Chhotima was carried by king in battlefield.

     

     

    This temple is also known as Kurma Pitha because it the temple premises resembles kurma i.e. tortoise.

     

    Goddess Parvati (also spelt as Partvathi) is worshipped here as Tripurasundari, Tripureshwari and “Soroshi” (a local variation of the name).

    The temple is a small, square edifice, measuring just 24 square feet (7 square metres) at the base with a height of 75 feet (24m approximately). The structure of the shrine resembles that of a tortoise, with a roof shaped like the humped back of a tortoise.

    For this reason, the shrine is also known as “Koorma Peetha” (Koorma meaning Tortoise).

    As in other typical Hindu shrines, stalls along the approach road sell flowers and baskets of offerings that visitors can buy and take up to be offered to Tripura Sundari and returned as Prasadam.

    A specialty here is the sweet, brown, condensed milk Pedas that devotees carry back from the temple, to be distributed among family and friends back home.

    The red hibiscus flower is also prized as an offering.

     

     

    How To Reach.

     

    Airport : The closest airport is at Agartala.

    Railhead :The nearest rail head is Kumarghat on N. E. Railway.

    It is 1475 km from Kolkata via Guwahati and 140 km from Agartala.

    From here you can pick a bus or taxi to reach the temple.

    Road Transport : The Temple is situated close to the capital city of Agartala in Tripura. NH 44 connects the state with many north eastern states by road.

    Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is connected by regular bus services with all sub-divisional towns of Tripura. Besides, bus service is also available from Silchar, Guwahati, Karimganj and Shillong.

    Staying near the Tripura Sundari Temple
    The temple is very close to the state capital, Agartala. So, accommodation is not a problem for the tourists coming to visit the Tripura Sundari Temple in Tripura. Though not of very high class, you may find hotels, which may be convenient and comfortable for you.

     

    Citation.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripura_Sundari_Temple

    Related articles