హరిదాసు అంటె పరమాత్మతో సమానం

శ్రీ మహవిష్ణువుకు ప్రతినిధులు హరిదాసులు  హరిదాసుల అక్షయ పాత్రలో బియ్యం పోస్తే మన తెలిసి తెలియక చేసిన ఎన్నో పాపలు తోలగిపోతాయి 

హరిదాసు అనగా పరమాత్మతో సమానం మనుషులు ఇచ్చే ధానధార్మలు అందుకోని వారికి ఆయురారోగ్యాలు భోగభాగ్యలు కలగలని దివించెవారు హరిదాసులు 

నెలరోజులు పాటు హరినామన్ని గానం చేసినందుకు చివరి రోజున స్వయంపాకానికి అందరు ఇచ్చే ధన,ధాన్య , వస్తు దానాలను స్వికరిస్తారు 

సూర్యభగవానుడు ప్రసాదించిన అక్షయ పాత్ర వారి శిరస్సుపై ధరించి పంచలోహ పాత్రగా బావిస్తారు 

ధనుర్మాసం నెలరోజులు సూర్యోదయానికి ముందే శ్రీకృష్ణ గోదాదేవిని స్మరించి, తిరుప్పావై పఠించి, అక్షయ పాత్రను ధరించి హరిదాసులు గ్రామ సంచారం ప్రారంభిస్తారు. 

ఇంటికి తిరిగి వెళ్లే వరకు హరినామ సంకీర్తన తప్ప మరేమి మాట్లాడరు. అక్షయపాత్రను దించరు. ఇంటికి వెళ్ళాక ఇల్లాలు ఆ హరిదాసు పాదాలు కడిగి, అక్షయపాత్రను దించుతుంది.  

శ్రీకృష్ణునికి మరోరూపం హరిదాసులని అంటారు పెద్దలు. గొబ్బెమ్మలను ఇంటి ముందు చక్కగా అలంకరించి, హరినామ స్మరణ చేసే వారిని అనుగ్రహించడానికి హరిదాసు రూపం వైకుంఠపురం నుండి శ్రీమహావిష్ణువు వస్తాడన్నది ఒక నమ్మకం. 

హరిదాసు పేద, ధనిక భేదం లేకుండా అందరి ఇంటికి వెళ్తాడు. ఎవరి ఇంటి ముందు ఆగడు. 

శ్రీమద్రమారమణ గోవిందో హరీ అంటూ.. ఇంటి ముందు ముగ్గు చుట్టూ ఒకసారి తిరుగుతాడు. గుమ్మంలో ఎవరూ లేకపోతే మరో ఇంటికి వెళ్తాడు. హరిదాసు ఉట్టి చేతులతో వెళ్ళిపోతే ఐ ఇంటికి అరిష్టమంటారు పెద్దలు. 

అందుకే గ్రామాలో హరిదాసుడు వస్తున్నాడంటే ఇంటి యజమానులు గుమ్మలలో ధాన్యంతో సిద్ధంగా ఉంటారు. అక్షయపాత్రలో బియ్యం పోయడాన్ని శ్రీమహా విష్ణువుకు కానుకగా బహుకరించినట్లుగా భక్తులు భావిస్తారు.

హరిదాసు తల మీద గుండ్రటి రాగి పాత్రను భూమికి సంకేతంగా శ్రీమహావిష్ణువు పెట్టాడనే కథ కూడా ప్రచారంలో ఉంది.

హరిదాసు వస్తే ఎన్ని పనులు ఉన్న ఇంటి ముందుకు వచ్చి అక్షయ పాత్రలో బియ్యం పోయండి. 

The Masters of Wisdom - God beyond creation

People call the eternal One with different names. 

For want of terms the Absolute is called “the God beyond creation” who functions as God in creation. In the Indian mythology the all-permeating God in creation is called Vishnu. 

In the West he is called the Cosmic Christ or Adam Kadmon, Amadeus or also the Second Logos, the One who pervades and fills all the 7 planes. 

Whatever is the term it refers to the same, although the followers of different creeds think they are different and that their own concept of God is the right one. 

No matter which names and forms of worship are used, we should have no objections. It is important to understand the basic idea instead of getting confused by names.

The Vedic seers worshipped all forms, colours etc. as a manifestation of the one Lord. 

For them Vishnu is the light of awareness which fulfils all. It is like the electric current; we cannot see it, but when we operate the light switch, it is immediately apparent within the lamp. 

We realise its presence through the illumined lamp; the light is its manifestation. 

Thus in olden times people worshipped the presence of the Lord as the Light beyond the Sun, as the all-pervading principle.

The sages visualised the creation sprouting from the subtlest to the grossest in layers. 

They divided the three-fold existence into matter, force and consciousness and symbolically called the planes “Vishnu”, “Vasudeva” and “Narayana”. Here Vishnu is all that appears in shape, colour, number etc. 

All that exists as the centre, or as the indweller of a consciousness unit from atom to man, is Vasudeva, and the universal consciousness, which is the one background of the units of consciousness, is Narayana.

With this division Vishnu is the Lord who pervades the name, form and the other objects of the senses and mind with his presence.

Vasudeva is the Lord who lives in everyone and presides over our behaviour. He helps us release the baser emotions of the astral plane, such as lust and anger, that are ever stimulated as we experience the behaviour of others.

In Narayana the devotee finds the ultimate liberation of his individual consciousness. 

This third step places the purified consciousness of the soul in its proper abode, the oversoul, the Spirit in all. The Yogis merge in it, nothing else enters their mind. 

They remain in this pervading consciousness, which again, is called Vishnu. Therefore, the Indians say, “All is Vishnu”, and the Bhagavatam says we should visualise and worship him in all. 

After having found the Cosmic Christ in himself and experienced him as working through himself, Jesus said, “For in him we live, move, and have our being”.

శ్రీ శివ మహా పురాణము

🌴. విద్యేశ్వర సంహితా 🌴

అధ్యాయము - 25

🌻. రుద్రాక్ష మహాత్మ్యము - 6 🌻

భైరవో నవవక్త్రశ్చ కపిలశ్చ మునిస్మ్సృతః | దుర్గా వా తదధిష్ఠాత్రీ నవరూపా మహేశ్వరీ || 74

తం ధారయే ద్వామహస్తే రుద్రాక్షం భక్తి తత్పరః | సర్వేష్వరో భవేన్నూనం మమ తుల్యో న సంశయః || 75

దశవక్త్రో మహేశాని స్వయం దేవో జనార్దనః | ధారణాత్తస్య దేవేశి సర్వాన్‌ కామానవాప్నుయాత్‌ || 76

ఏకాదశముఖో యస్తు రుద్రాక్షః పరమేశ్వరి | స రుద్రో ధారణాత్తస్య సర్వత్ర విజయీ భవేత్‌ || 77

తొమ్మిది ముఖముల రుద్రాక్ష భైరవుని స్వరూపమనియు, కపిలమహర్షి యొక్క స్వరూపమనియు చెప్పబడినది. తొమ్మిది రూపములతో విలసిల్లు దుర్గా మహేశ్వరి దానికి అధిష్ఠాన దేవత (74).

అట్టి రుద్రాక్షను భక్తితో ఎడవ చేతియందు ధరించు మానవుడు సర్వ సమర్థుడగుటయే గాక, నాతో సమానుడగుననుటలో సందేహము లేదు (75).

ఓ మహేశ్వరీ! పది ముఖముల రుద్రాక్ష సాక్షాత్తుగా జనార్దనుని స్వరూపము. ఓదేవీ! దానిని ధరించు మానవునకు కోర్కెలన్నియూ ఈడేరును (76).

ఓ పరమేశ్వరీ! పదకొండు ముఖములు గల రుద్రాక్ష రుద్రుని స్వరూపము. దానిని ధరించు వ్యక్తి అంతటా విజయమును పొందును (77).

ద్వాదశాస్యం తు రుద్రాక్షం ధారయేత్కే శదేశకే | ఆదిత్యాశ్చైవ తే సర్వే ద్వాదశైవ స్థితాస్తథా || 78

త్రయోదశముఖో విశ్వే దేవాస్తద్దారణాన్నరః | సర్వాన్‌ కామానవాప్నోతి సౌభాగ్యం మంగలం లభేత్‌ || 79

చతుర్దశముఖో యో హి రుద్రాక్షః పరమశ్శివః |ధారయేన్మూర్ద్నితం భక్త్యా సర్వ పాపం ప్రణశ్యతి || 80

ఇతి రుద్రాక్ష భేదా హి ప్రోక్తా వై ముఖభేదతః | తత్తన్మంత్రాన్‌ శృణు ప్రీత్యా క్రమాచ్ఛైలేశ్వరాత్మజే || 81

పన్నెండు ముఖముల రుద్రాక్షను కేశముల యందు ధరించవలెను. ద్వాదశాదిత్యులు దాని యందు ప్రతిష్ఠితులై ఉందురు (78).

పదమూడు ముఖముల రుద్రాక్షలు విశ్వేదేవతల స్వరూపము. వాటిని ధరించు మానవునకు కోర్కెలన్నియూ, ఈడేరి, సౌభాగ్యము మంగళములు కలుగును (79).

పదునాల్గు ముఖముల రుద్రాక్ష పరమశివుని స్వరూపము. దానిని భక్తితో శిరస్సుపై ధరించినచో, పాపములన్నియూ నశించును (80).

ఓ పార్వతీ! ముఖముల సంఖ్యను బట్టి రుద్రాక్షలలో గల భేదములను నీకు వివరించితిని. ఆయా రుద్రాక్షలకు సంబంధించిన మంత్రములను భక్తితో క్రమముగా వినుము (81).

ఓం హ్రీం నమః (1),
ఓం నమః (2),
ఓం క్లీం నమః (3),
ఓం హ్రీం నమః (4),
ఓం హ్రీం నమః (5),
ఓం హ్రీం హుం నమః (6)
ఓం హుం నమః (7),
ఓం హుం నమః (8),
ఓం హ్రీం హుం నమః (9),
ఓం హ్రీం నమః నమః (10),
ఓం హ్రీం హుం నమః (11),
ఓం క్రోం క్షౌం రౌం నమః (12),
ఓం హ్రీం నమః (13),
ఓం నమః (14).

అనునవి పదునాల్గు మంత్రములు.

భక్తి శ్రద్ధాయుతశ్చైవ సర్వకామార్థ సిద్దయే | రుద్రాక్షాన్‌ ధారయేన్మంత్రై ర్దేవనాలస్య వర్జితః || 82

వినా మంత్రేణ యో ధత్తే రుద్రాక్షం భువి మానవః | స యాతి నరకం ఘోరం యావదింద్రాశ్చతుర్దశ || 83

రుద్రాక్ష మాలినం దృష్ట్వా భూతప్రేత పిశాచకాః | డాకినీ శాకినీ చైవ యే చాన్యే ద్రాహకారకాః || 84

కృత్రిమం చైవ యత్కించి దభిచారాదికం చ యత్‌ | తత్సర్వం దూరతో యాతి దృష్ట్వా శంకిత విగ్రహమ్‌ || 85

సాధకుడు భక్తి శ్రద్ధలతో గూడినవాడై, సర్వకామనలు సిద్ధించుట కొరకై, జూదము మొదలగు వ్యసనములను, సోమరితనమును వీడి, మంత్ర పూర్వకముగా రుద్రాక్షలను ధరించవలెను (82).

మంత్రము లేకుండా రుద్రాక్షలను ధరించు మానవుడు పదునాలుగు ఇంద్రుల కాలమును నరకములో గడుపును (83).

రుద్రాక్ష మాలను ధరించిన వ్యక్తి ని చూచినచో, భూత ప్రేత పిశాచ డాకినీ శాకినీ మొదలగు, ద్రోహమును చేయు ప్రాణులు తొలగిపోవును (84).

చేతబడి మొదలగునవి కూడా రుద్రాక్షలను ధరించువానికి దూరముగా పోవును (85).

SRI NAGANATH Temple in Darukavanam

Purana of Aunda Nagnath temple

Pandavas came here during their Vanvas (life in forests) build a hermitage for themselves. Their cows used to go to the same river bank to drink water. After drinking wate, milk used to automatically flow into the river as if the cows were offering to the river. One day Bhima saw this miraculous event. He promptly told Dharmaraja about the same. Then Dharmaraja said, “Surely, some great God must be living in this river”. Then the Pandavas started removing the water from te river. The middle part of the river was so hot that the water there was boiling.

Bheema lifted his mace attacked the river thrice. The water gave way instantly. At the very moment , instead, blood started oozing like a spring. Lord Shankara’s Linga could be seen as the JyotirLinga.

On the west coast in an area of 16 Yojanas Daruka and Daruk need to live. The hermits were tired of being harassed by Daruk, and others. So they went and sought refuge with Orvamuni, who in turn cursed the Demons that they would be destroyed. The Devas launched an attack on the Demons.

Now, the Demons began to worry. Daruka, who received some special boons from Parvati, lifted the entire forest, took it away on the path of the sky and put it in the middle of the sea. Only then, did the Demons relax and continue to live there. They used to go by boats and capture the hermits and imprison them the island. Once, there was a Shiva devotee by the name Supriya who was among the prisoners. He never ate food or drank water without worshipping Shiva. He continued to do Puja even while in prison. Aunda Nagnath Jyotiling Temple

When the guards informed their chief about his, he ordered that Supriya be put to death. Then Supriya prayed to Lord Shankara for his life. The Lord appeared before him immediately and destroyed the entire group of demons including their families. The Lord laid open the entire island for all the four classes of people for living. On the other land, Parvati here granted a boon to Daruka. As a result, at the end of that era, only Demons would be created and she would rule Daruka. Lord Shiva accepted this. Then Shiva and Parvati stayed there. Shiva once again assumed the form of JyotirLinga, with the name Nageshwar and Parvati was known as Nageshwari.

Specialities of Aundha Naganath Temple

The architectural beauty of the Nagesh Temple is simply exquisite. This temple built with stones during the Pandava period is strong. The four walls of the temple are very strong and the corridors are large. The court hall is supported by eight pillars. It is oval shaped. Both this and the Nagesha Lingamurthy is located in the small internal Garbhagriha.


Here, there is no Nandi idol in front of Mahadeva. There is separate Nandikeshwara temple back of the main temple. On all the four sides of the main temple, smaller temples for the twelve JyotirLingas are constructed. Apart from these, VedavyasaLinga, bhandareshwar, Nilakanteshwar, Ganapati, Dattatreya, Muralimanohar, Dasavatar temple and idols etc., are there. In all, there are 108 Shiva temples and 68 shrines are located here. Aunda Nagnath Jyotiling Temple

The structure of the Naganath temple is very beautiful. Inside it, there is another shrine called Runamochan teerth. Both these shrines are called “Mother-in-law- Daughter-in-law” shrines. Every 12 years, at the time of Kapila Shashti, kashi Ganga offering as “Padarpan” is performed. During this the water in the teerth kund looks crystal clear. Again at a specific time it becomes ‘Shivala Yukt”.

Close to the Naganath temple, there are several statues of various divines. Besides these there are many more idols of animals, soldiers relating some stories. These stones idols are very beautiful to look at. At a huge corner, there is an idol of Paravti, who is sulking with Shiva trying to pacify her. This statue is amazing to look at with its stunning features. It is unmatched in its expression of emotions.

Aurangazeb was intolerant towards other religions and wanted to destroy this Hindu temple. When he tried, thousands of bees came out of the temple and attacked Aurangazeb and his army. He left the demolition work midway and went away. The devotees rebuild the broken temple.

Sometimes snakes with their hoods open can be seen standing guard on the Naganath Linga idol. When they drink the milk left in cups for them, is never known.

“Amardakamidam Kashi Dughdeyamkila Jahnave|
Vishwesho Naganadhoyam, Bhawani Kanakeshwara||”

SRI VAIDYANATH temple in Parali

If one is to draw a line between Kanyakumari and Ujjain, Parali village can be clearly seen on that line. This village is located on the slopes of Meru or Naganarayana Mountain. Parali is an ancient village located near three rivers, Brahma, Venu and Saraswati, because of the presence of one of the twelve JyotirLingas of Shankara, it has become famous. This village is also known as Kantipur, Madhyarekha Vaijayanti or Jayanti. It is 26 kilometers from Ambejogai in the Beed district.

However, there are references to "Baidyanatham chithabhoomau" in Shiva MahaPuran KotiRudra Samhita 1/21-24 in which the location is identified as"chidabhoomi" - which is possibly the ancient name of Deoghar. In the longer version of the "stotram", there is more explicit reference viz. Parli Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga temple

Poorvothare prajwalika nidhane
sada vasantham girija sametham
surasuraradhitha padapadmam
srivaidyanatham thamaham namami

This stotra suggests that Vaidyanath jyotirlinga is located at Prajwalika Nidhanam (meaning funeral place i.e., chithabhoomi) in the North-Eastern part of the country. Deoghar is far located in east compared to Parli which is in west central part of the country. Also Chidabhoomi indicates that, in olden days, this was a funeral place, where corpses are burnt and post-death ceremonies were performed. )

History of Parali Vaidhyanath jyothirlinga temple

Yogeshwari of Ambejogai was married to Lord Vaidyanatha of Parali. But by the time the marriage party reached, the auspicious time of the wedding had passed. As a result the people of the marriage party turned into stone statues. Yogeshwari was waiting away from Parali.

This is one story that is frequently heard there.

When the Gods and Demons made their combined effort in Amrit Manthan (Churning for Nectar), fourteen gems emerged. There were Dhanwantari and Amrit Ratnas in it. When the Demons rushed to grab Amrit, Lord Vishnu hid the Amrit and Dhanwantari in the Shiva Linga of Lord Shankara. Just as the Demons tried to touch the Linga, flames started emanating from the Linga. The scared Demons ran aay. But when devotees of Lord Shankara touched the Linga, there was a free flow of Amrit from the same. Even today, devotees touch the Shiva Linga as a part of taking Darshan. Here, there is no discrimination between caste, creed or color. Anyone can come and visit this place. As the Lingamurthy is supposed to have Amrit and Dhanvantari, it is also known as Amriteshwar and Dhanvantari.

“Vaidyabhyam Poojitam Satyam, Lingametat puratamam
Vaidyanathamiti prakhyatam Sarvakamapradayakam”.

The mountains and jungles and the rivers, are full of useful medicinal herbs. That is why Parali JyotirLinga is also known as Vaidyanatha.

It is here that Lord Vishnu successfully helped the Devas to obtain Amrit. Therefore, this place is also known as ‘Vaijayanti”.

Once the Demon King Ravana went to Kailasa mountain and did a severe penance to please Lord Shankara. Put up with cold, heat, rains and fine and even then when Lord Shiva did not appear before him, he began to cut his head off in order to offer it to the ShivaLinga. Then the Lord appeared after Ravana tried to offer his tenth head. He restored all of Ravana’s heads and granted him boons. Ravana expressed his desire to take Lord Shiva to Lanka as a boon. He said, “I want to take you to Lanka”. Shankara, who is very soft hearted to His devotees, agreed to accompany Ravana to Lanka. He told Ravanan, “You must carry my Linga with care and devotion, but do be careful not to put it down on the earth until you reach your destination, or else, it will stay at whichever place you put it down” Shiva cautioned.

Ravana began the journey homeward carrying the Shivaling. On the way, he wanted to relieve himself by urination. He bid a cowherd boy to hold the

Linga while he relieved himself. The cowherd was not able to bear the weight of the Linga and when he could no longer hold it, he put it down on the earth. And the Shiva Linga put there stayed as Lord Shiva already ordained and came to be known as Vaidyanatheswar.

Here, the gods were sad about Ravana taking away Shiva to his Lanka. They requested saint Narada to do something. Narada met Ravana and said to him by way of praising his penance and Tapas. “You made a mistake in trusting Shiva. Believing Shiva’s word was wrong. Go to him and slander him and get your way. Go to Kailasa and move it entirely. Your success will be gauged by your art of moving Kailasa from there”. Ravana was tricked into believing Narada. Ravana promptly carried out Narada’s bidding. Lord Shiva saw the ego driven mischieves rAvaNa and told him: “A unique power is soon going to born which will destroy your pride in the strength of your arms”. Narada informed the Gods of these tidings and his success in his mission. The gods were relieved and were happy. In the meanwhile, Ravana too was happy with the boon he received from Lord Shiva. He returned and was in a trance and was under the influence of Shiva’s mythical power. He was heady and drunk with power. He decided to conquer the entire universe. To subdue his ego only God had to descend on the earth in the Avatar of Rama. Parali Vaidyanath Jyotirling mandir

Near Parali Village, the temple is built with stones on a high mound. The temple is surrounded on all four sides by strong walls. The insides have corridors and a courtyard. Outside the temple there is huge Deep Stambh or pillar. The main gate or the Mahadwar has a Minaret nearby. It is called a Prachi or Gawaksha, i.e., window. With the help of the location of these special prayers are held for Sun God, based on the sunrays falling through these windows, directly on to the Lingamurthy.

There is a strong, wide staircase to enter the Temple. It is called ‘Ghat’. The old Ghat was built in the year 1108.

The inner portal of the temple and the court hall are both of the same size. Therefore, the deity’s Darshan has to be done from the courtroom itself. No other place has this type of arrangement. At other places, the inner portal or the Garbhagriha is visually deep.

The Lingamurty at Vaidyanath is made of Shaligram stone. It is beautiful and very smooth and is in a benevolent attitude. On all the four sides of the temple, Nanda Deeps (lights) keep burning.

Vaidyanath temple was renovated in the year 1706 AD, by Shiva devotee Ahalyadevi Holkar. She obtained some special stones from the nearby mountain range of Trishula Devi range, which is close to Parali. This place was Ahalyadevi’s favorite.

Late Nanarao Deshpanda built the wonderful court hall of the temple. The artisans were brought from the village and with the help of the devotees. A Rama Rajeshwar Mahadev Temple too is built in memory of them near to the Vaidyanath temple. With in the premises of the Vaidyanath temple itself, there are eleven more temples for Shiva. The Veerashaiva Lingayats consider Vaidyanath Temple as the best.

Srimant Pershwa donated a large piece of land as an endowment to the temple commission. Today this establishment works through a committee. Several auspicious events are arranged here. Travelers can stay here in comfort.

Just as Parali is a place of pilgrimage for Shiva devotees, it is also a meeting point for Hari Hara. In this mixed holy place, Lord Krishna’s festivals too are celebrated along with Lord Shankara’s festivals, with great festivity. The water from the Harihar Teerth is brought for the daily worship of Vaidyanath. Every Monday devotees gather here in great numbers.

On Chaitra Padva, Vijayadashani, Tripuri Pournima, Maha Shivaratri and Vaikunth Chaturdashi, big celebrations take place. During these celebrations, there is no distinction between Bel and Tulsi. Mahadev is offered Tulsi leaves and Vishnu is offered Bel leaves. This unique practice is seen only in Vaidyanath. During the rainy season (Sravan) worship of Vaidyanath, the entire area of Parali echoes with the chanting of Rudrabhisheka Mantrochchar. The regular Puja is also done with great devotion and dedication.

Markandeya, obtained his boon of life here in Parali from Vaidyanatha. This story is from Shivapuran, Markandeya was not blessed with a long life. Yama wanted to take his life in accordance with the time of Markandeya’s life. But Shiva released him from imminent death and from Yama. A pond is named after him. It is here that this happened.

The story of Satyavan and Savitri too is based in Parali this holy place. On the Narayan mountain, the Vata Vriksh or Banyan tree of Savitri’s story, is still here to be seen. There is a temple of Vateshwara there.

King Sriyal and Queen Changuna’s dear son Chilia, came to life due to the kindness of Lord Shiva in Parali Vaidyanath.

Lord Ganesha’s idol without the usual trunk and in a sitting posture like a body builder can be seen here.

Great saints like Vakrebua, Dhundiraj, Yamaraj, Vishweswar, Guru Lingaswamy lived here. Their holy touch has made Parali even holier. It is a place of pride for Maharashtra.

SRI MAHAKALESHWAR -(mahakal) in Ujjain

On the banks of river Kshipra, the city of Ujjain exists in Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as Indrapuri Amaravati, and Avantika. Because of the number of golden towers of several temples, this town is also known as “Swarna Sringa.”

One of the seven cities of deliverance or salvation, Avantika Nagar has 7 Sagar Teerthas, 28 teerthas, 84 SiddhaLingas, 25-30 SivaLingas, Ashtabhairav, Ekadasa Rudrasthana, temples for hundreds of deities, Jalakund and monuments are there.


Story Behind the TEMPLE : 

Once there lived a Brahman who had four sons, who were all devotees of Siva. The wicked demon king Dushan came to Avantika after attaining a boon from Lord Branhma and started torturing the erudite Brahmanas of Avantika. But the Brahmanas who were very engrossed in their worship of Shiva did not even flinch.

The demon king sent all four of his henchmen with the orders that they have to ensure that no Vedic Dharmanushtan activities are to take place. The harassed people came running to the Brahmans seeking help. The Brahmanas assured the people and pacified them. They immediately started praying to Lord Shiva.

Meanwhile, just as the Demon king tried to attack the Brahmanas, the earth would split open near the Parthiv Murty with a loud noise and huge crater would form there. In this manner, Siva assumed the colossal form of Mahakal and appeared. He ordered the wicked Demon from going anywhere near the Brahmanas. But the wicked Demon king did not pay heed. As a result, Siva burnt him to ashes with just one grunt. Seeing Lord Siva in this Avatar, Brahma, Vishnu and Indra and other Devas came down and prayed to the Lord and pleased Him.


The grandeur of Mahakaleswar is indescribable. Chandrasena, the king of Ujjain was not only a scholar, but also a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. Once his friend Maheswari’s follower Manibahdra gave him a beautiful gemstone called Sundara Chintamani. It shone so bright and beautiful when Chandrasen wore it on his neck, that he looked even more glorious than the celestial gods. It would make even them feel jealous. Once, some kings went and asked Chandrasen to part with the jewel and Chandrasen promptly refused to do so. This angered the kings, who in turn attacked Chandrasena’s kingdom.


When Chandrasena realized that he was surrounded by the enemy he sought the help of Mahakal. Bhagawan Shiva was pleased with his prayers and showed him a solution for his problem. Just then, by chance, a Brahman woman wandered near Mahakal, carrying her child with her, and suddenly became a widow. An illiterate boy once saw the king performing Puja in the stone and installed it in his empty house. He imagined it to be an incarnation of Shiva and started worshipping it. The boy became so engrossed in prayer and chanting, that he even forgot all about food.

When his mother went to call him, any number of calls had no affect on him. He was silently praying. Angered by this, the mother who was still bound by worldly love, threw away the SivaLinga. She destroyed all the thing of worship. The boy was very sad at what his mother had done. He started to pray to Shiva with his entire concentration. Siva was not long in coming to the rescue of his devotee.

This stone SivaLinga which was brought by the son of a cowherd soon became adorned with gemstones and turned into a JyotirLinga. After singing in praise of Lord Siva, when the boy returned to his house, he was amazed to find a beautiful palatial home instead. Thus, with the Grace and Blessings of Lord Siva, the boy became rich and led a very happy life. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple, Ujjain

In the mean time, the enemy kings who attached ceased Chandrasena’s empire, began to fight among themselves. They began to say king Chandrasena is a Siva devotee and ujjain itself is the city of Mahakal. It is therefore, impossible to anyone to win it. They then decided to extend a hand of friendship to king Chandrasena and together they all worshipped Mahakal.

At that time, the Vanara King Hanuman appeared there. He told the kings that only Siva could grant salvation to mankind and nobody else. Siva can be pleased with worship done even without chanting any mantras. The example of the son of cowherd is for us. Then Hanuman looked at Chandrasena with eyes filled with affection and benevolence and disappeared.

Historic glory of Ujjain

The Adyapeetha i.e., is the foundation of Sanskrit learning, ethics, knowledge or science and art had their initiation at this place. It is indeed the Triveni Sangam or learning of the three great things. The greatness of Ujjain city was enhanced by the Maurya kings as well as other dynasties. The great emperor Vikramaditya who began new era by starting a new way of counting the years, made Ujjain his capital.

It is here that Raja Bhartrihari wrote his great epics (love stories) Virat Katha, neeti Sataka, the love story of Pradyot Princess Vasavadatta and Udayan. The beauty of this city found a pride of place in the descriptions of a great many poets and writers who song its praise. At the auspicious time at dawn, the women of this town sprinkled vermillion water in their courtyards and decorated them with Rangoli designs.

In the Mahakal Shiv temple located in Ujjain on the banks of River Kshipra, at 4 AM puja is performed. After Abhishek, Chitabhasm (Ash of cemetery) is applied all over Mahakal.

According to classics, Chitabhasm (human ash) is considered as unholy and inauspicious. If any one even touches it by mistake, one is required to bathe in order to be purified. But this very ash becomes holy, by merely touching the body of Mahakal, because Siva is Nishkam or lust-less. He is not touched by material desires. That is why Shiva is Mangalmay or auspicious.

Thus Shiva is auspicious and beautiful. Avanti Nagar is Shiva’s favorite town. Those who visit the Mahakal temple and take a darshan, will never be touched by sorrows even in their dreams. Those who pray for whatever they desire to the Mahakal JyotirLinga would be granted all his/her wishes. They would attain salvation.

Srirangam temple

Sri Raganatha swami is blessing in three different islands of the holy river Cauvery. It flows from Karnataka to Tamilnadu. The first island is Sriranga Patinam and it is called Aathirnagam (Origin of Rangam), located in Mysore (125 km distance from Bangalore to Mysore route).



The second island is Sivanasha Samuthiram and it is called Mathiyarnagam (Middle of Rangam), situated 70 km distance from Srirangapatinam.

The third island is Thiru navalantheevu and it is called Srirangam and also called Antharngam (last part of Rangam - meaning of heaven) is situated in Tamilandu, Trichirappalli district, India. Sriranagm temple is 7 km away from the Trichirappalli Junction (in the south 321 km from Chennai and in the north east 200 km from Madurai approximately). Srirangam can be reached by bus and train (International airport is also available in Trichy). This prehistoric architectural temple welcomes all pilgrims and tourists with open arms.

Sriranganatha swami at Srirangam temple, sriranganathar is called Anatha Sayana Perumal (seen in lying position in the five headed snake) and blesses with his three wives namely Sridevi, Boodevi and Renganachiyar in the first enclosure of temple Srirangam.

Srirangam temple is covered by 7 enclosures namely:
Thirunazhi Enclosure
Rajamahendra Enclosure
Kulasegaran Enclosure
Aalinadan Enclosure
Agalangan Enclosure
Thiruvikraman Enclosure (Utra Street, in Tamil uthra veedhi)
Kalugaraman Enclosure (Chitra Street, in Tamil chithirai veedi).

Srirangam Temple constitutes of 24 Acres including the 5th enclosure and a total of 156 Acres including the 6th and 7th enclosures. Towards the South direction of the Srirangam temple stands the Rajagopuram (literal:royal tower) which had been started to get constructed by the Nayakar Kings 400 years ago and it was completed in part. The Agobila abbey (cult of vishnuishm) concerned of Rajagopuram and they built with 236 feet height, 13 tired and 13 Copper buds (kalasam) and carried out the kumbabishekam in year 1987.

Srirangam Temple keeps following Sukla yajure vedha inner division Vagineye Ganva for its daily worshipping practise.

Motcha (attaining the status of no re-birth by residing at the feet of Lord) Ramanujar lived and worshipped Srirangam Perumal at Srirangam temple very long time. After the end of his life he got Motcham. Then his student did mummification of his body in the position of Badmasanam using ayurvedaha Muligai (herbal plants). But mythology explains that his corpus arose out of the earth with no human intervention. Aacharya Ramanuja is blessing in a separate sannadhi (temple) in the srirangam temple of 3rd enclosure. No abishekam is conducted for his body. The holy ceremony of applying saffron with Cinnamomum camphora on the divine corpus of Aacharya Ramanuja is celebrated twice in a year at an appropriate interval, in order to preserve the holy body of Sriramanuja, which is fully immersed in the thoughts of Sri Narayana than nothing else.

Cauvery water Abishegam

In the Tamil month of Aani (month of July) on the day of the star "Keytayam" Srirangam temple Swami Ranganathar will be coated with "herbal fragrance oil"(Thailabisegam), and on the same day 22pots of Holy Cauvery water (Abisegam) will be spilled out on Him. On this day only His golden costumes will be unrobed.

Sriranganathar at Srirangam temple swami will be getting Jostabisegam from the 48th day of Adiperukku urchavam. People celebrate the festival on Aadi 28th or Aadi 18th (in the end of July) at Srirangam Amma mandpam. On that day Swami Ranganathar will give blessing to his devotees and people give saris, kungumam (vermillion powder - a holy thing of Hinduism), Katholai, Karugamani (Pam tree leaf ring for years and black coloured artificial Pearl) as a present to mother Cauvery. These gifts are taken from the temple by the temple elephant called Aandal and then let float on the river Cauvery.


Kambar (a prehistoric Tamil poet) was revealing (arangetram in Tamil) Ramayana in Srirangam temple at Kambar Arangetra mandbam (literal: hall) for the first time. On his Ramayana he wrote about Lord Narasimmar. But others did not accept his opinion and criticised that he was blabbing. Kambar was frustrated and came under stress. He prayed to Narasimmar. At the same moment Lord Narasimmar appeared on the pillar and roared.  Everyone regretted that, they had put baseless blame on Kambar. Since Lord Narasimma appeared there for his devotee, he is called Metalagiya Narasimmar.


Amudha kalasa Garudalvar (meaning: King of birds) has a separate Sannathi (temple). Swami Srirnganatha demolished Asuras (demons) and rescued back the Vedas from them. He asked Garudalvar to keep the Vedas preserved. In order to execute the order of Lord Vishnu, Garudalvaar preserves Vedas in Kalasam (small pot) on his hand. His statue is made up of Salak wood. Here special pooja is made for Garudalvar with jasmine and turmeric. Garudalvaar relieves those who are suffering from nightmares and hallucinations. Those who are affected by the radiations and the transitions of the planets Uranus and Neptune will be safeguarded by Garudalvaar. Garudalvaar open His wings (whose width and height are immeasurable), covers His devotees and preserves them from all sorts of harmful causes.

Thaniya laksmi (Goddess) anna perumal sannidhanam (sub temple) is in the 2nd enclosure, by blessing us with Sri Krishna on Her right hand side and with Narasimar on Her left hand side. It's an amazing and unique position among the Hindu vaisnava temples.  Thaniya lakshmi shelters those who are affected by the planet Venus (Sukran). Those who trust Her, will not feel the pinch of hunger. In Srirangam temple at special poojas silks and white been seed are used. Thaniya laksmi is the direct Avataram of Sri Ranganathar and she looks with thanyam (literal: spices and maize) and kalasam (a small pot). On every bramochavam Sriranganathar gives Thaniyam (spices and maizes) to Annalaxmi with his wife Ranganachiyar, in order to allay hunger of all the organisms of the universe.

Every year three Bramorchavams are celebrated in the months of Thai (January), Panguni (March) and Chithirai (April). First Bramorchavam is in the month of Panguni. This festival is celebrated by Bramma (God of creation) and it is called Aadhi Bramorchavam. During this festival Sri Ranganatha swami will be giving blessings to his devotees along with his wife Sri Ranganachyar on the star utra Natchahiram. The second Bramochavam is during the “car festival” (to lead the life peacefully) is celebrated every year in the month of April/May (Tamil month: Chithirai). This is called Chithirai festival. The third Bramochavam is in the month of Thai. Ramar had celebrated a festival in Ayodhi for remembering Sriranganathar. This festival is called Boopathi festival. The wife of Srirenganathar is also called Boomadevi.
In Tamil ‘Pathi ‘means "Husband" Booma + pathi becomes Boopathi festival.

More than being just an extraordinary expression of art, these sculptures function as three-dimensional story-books of Hindu mythology. Similar in purpose to the stained glass windows of Europe's medieval cathedrals, these beautiful sculptures were intended to visually communicate religious myths to a largely illiterate population.

For 2000 years the temples of Srirangam have been a center of Bhakti Yoga, which may be defined as the practice of devotional love of god as a spiritual path leading to enlightenment. Because of the generous financial support of the temple by numerous dynasties of ancient India, Srirangam has always been a haven for persons wishing to dedicate their lives to the practice of meditation and devotion. Many of India's most loved saints and sages have spent time at Srirangam including the 11th century sage Ramanuja who lived and was buried in the temple grounds.


Srirangam temple Garudalvar Sanathi is situated opposite to the Ranganathar Sannathi and it is in the second enclosure of the temple. This Garudalvar is 25 feet in height and he is wearing Asta Nagabaranam (literal: Snakes as cloth). He looks like in the position of worshiping Lord Renganathar, and wearing 30 meters dhoti. Here no abishegam (holy bath) is made to Him. Garudalvar is worshipped by the devotees with Kolukattai (rice based food famous in south india) on every Thursday. Here Sukrivan and Angathan stand on the left and right sides of Garudalvaar like Thuvarabalaga (guards) respectively. Every year Margazhi (December) the days belong to star Thiruvadarai are famous for Garudalvar festivals.

Every year on the day of Karthigai visaga yegathesi at the time of valarpirai (growing moon period) in the night Lord Srirnaganathar keeps wearing 365 different types of blankets until the day dawn.


God of Medicine looks after the health of all the organisms. He has separate sannidhanam (temple) at srirangam temple near Thayar sannadhi. He has Amirtha (the holy liquid for immortal life) kalasam. On his hand millipede is there (the scientific reason beyond this is, Millipede can suck blood. So the God of Medicine has millipede, in order to suck the infected blood of patient) Mahalaxmi devi dwells at his heart. Those who are sick, who cannot be cured even after they have undergone treatment, should trust Him. Castor oil lamp pooja is the famous festival in this Sannithanam at Srirangam temple.


In the Srirangam temple Boomadevi, Sridevei and Utchava Ranga nachyar dwell in the same sanithanam and it becomes the holiest vaishnava temple in India.

The Religious form of Caste System

In Hinduism there exists four castes arranged in a hierarchy. Anyone who does not belong to one of these castes is an outcast. The religious word for caste is 'Varna'. Each Varna has certain duties and rights. Each Varna members have to work in certain occupation which only that Varna members are allowed. Each Varna has certain type of diet.

The highest Varna is of the Brahman. Members of this class are priests and the educated people of the society. The Varna after them in hierarchy is Kshatria.

The members of this class are the rulers and aristocrats of the society. After them are the Vaisia. Members of this class are the landlords and businessmen of the society. After them in hierarchy are the Sudra. Members of this class are the peasants and working class of the society who work in non-polluting jobs. The caste hierarchy ends here. Below these castes are the outcasts who are untouchable to the four castes. These untouchables worked in degrading jobs like cleaning, sewage etc.

The first three castes had social and economical rights which the Sudra and the untouchables did not have. The first three castes are also seen as 'twice born'. The intention in these two births is to the natural birth and to the ceremonial entrance to the society at a much later age.

Each Varna and also the untouchables are divided into many communities. These communities are called Jat or Jati (The caste is also used instead of Jat). For example the Brahmans have Jats called Gaur, Kokanastha, Sarasvat, Iyer and others. The outcasts have Jats like Mahar, Dhed, Mala, Madiga and others. The Sudra is the largest Varna and it has the largest number of communities. Each Jat is limited to professions worthy of their Varna. Each Jat is limited to the Varna diet. Each Jat members are allowed to marry only with their Jat members. People are born into their Jat and it cannot be changed.

This is the how the caste system is supposed to be in its religious form. But in reality it is much more complicated and different from its religious form.

The incarnations of Lord Vishnu

According to Hindu theology, three Gods rule the world. Brahma: the creator; Vishnu: the preserver and Shiva: the destroyer. Lord Vishnu does his job of preserving the world by incarnating himself in different forms at times of crisis.

In his first incarnation he appeared as a fish, Matsya, to convinced a human being, Manu, to collect all kinds of seeds and pairs of all birds and animals and to get with them on a boat. After this a flood drowned the earth and destroyed everything and the good hearted Manu started a new human race.

In his second incarnation as Kurma, the turtle, he helped the Gods and non-Gods to churn the ocean of milk, which held in its divine treasures.

In his third incarnation as Varaha, the boar, he used his tusks to raise the earth, which had sunk in the sea.

In his fourth incarnation he appeared as Narsimha, which was neither a man nor animal but a strange being, half-man and half-animal. He appeared in this form to kill a demon who was blessed that no animal or human could kill him.

In his fifth incarnation he was a dwarf, Vamana. As a little person he asked the demon, who ruled the three worlds, to give him land three times his foot. The demon agreed and Vamana turned into a huge giant and his feet covered the three worlds.

In his sixth incarnation he was a priest, Parsuram. Parsuram as a non-violent priest took an axe to kill warriors who threatened the human race.

In his seventh incarnation, he was Rama, the main character in the Ramayana, who killed the demon Ravan.

In his eighth incarnation he was Krishna who helped the right-minded Pandavas to defeat the villain Kauravas. Krishna is also the philosopher of the Bhagwad Gita, one of the holiest Hindu texts.

About the ninth incarnation. Two different personalities are identified as the ninth incarnation of Vishnu. One is Balaram, the elder brother of Krishna, who like Krishna helped the right-minded persons to defeat the villians.

The other personality identified as his ninth incarnation is Buddha, the establisher of Buddhism. Here too, there are two different beliefs for the purpose of this incarnation. According to one belief Vishnu incarnated as Buddha to preach non-violence and against animal sacrificing in religious ceremony. According to other belief, Vishnu incarnated as Buddha to start a new religion with a specific intention to convince some demons to give up worshipping Lord Shiva. For, Lord Shiva protected his worshippers and these demons used this protection to do whatever they wanted. Buddha convinced them with his new religion and they stopped worshipping Lord Shiva, which in turn allowed Shiva to punish them.

The tenth incarnation of Vishnu, Kalki, is suppose to arrive when the world will be at a brink of complete chaos. He will rise from the sea on a white horse and destroy all evil.