Monday, December 7, 2009

A FEW MERITS OF YUGANDHAR KRISHNA
WHICH ARE WORTH
EMULATING EVEN TODAY

PRAVRUTISHEEL
: Keep on doing something
Creative/constructive every moment of life.
PHILOSOPHER: Narrated Bhagvagita to Arjun.
YOGA EXPONENT
FRIEND in need: Sudama and Arjun.

FIGHTER against Injustice and Oppression.

LOVE & AFFECTION:
(i) Loved eight wives; (including adivasi Jamba).
(ii) Platonic love towards thousands others.
(iii)Affection towards two mothers & sisters
(iv) Soft corner towards Draupadi
(v) Rukmini in turn extended affection to seven others
.
MENIAL WORK: In Rajsooya cleaned floor for leftover food.
Minding horses himself.

STRATEGIST:
GREAT WARRIOR : But not expansionist.
(Source: YUGANDHAR by Shivaji Sawant)

MIRACLES THAN SOME REVERED PERSONS HAVE PERFORMED

Here are listed few miracles performed by some revered persons.
Four assumptions are made:
• These persons lived after tenth century
(Except Lord Dattatreya)
• The miracles have defied some Science rules
• These are available in print
• Only one miracle of that person is listed here
• This is not an exhaustive list

(0) DATTATREYA: He used to take form of a mendicant and begged for alms.

(1)Shree SHANKARACHARYA: Around 10th century
His mother was getting old but still daily used to go to Purna River for bath. When she became old, Shankar realised that now it may not be possible for her to go to the river for bath. He went to the river and prayed to her “oh Gangamai my mother does not get satisfied unless she takes your holy water for bath. I pray to you to come near our house”. Surprisingly within the night the river changed the course and started flowing near his residence. (Das Ganu says ‘The River said you do not put Namaskar to me, you are Shankar yourself etc….)
(2) SRIPAD SHREEVALLABH:
: WHEN he was 14 years old, he expressed to mother that he would now go for PENANCE. The mother broke down; but Shree Shripad convinced mother that he has to go. On mother’s request Shripad blessed his two brothers who had been lame and mute. Instantly both got full legs and voice also.
(3). SHREE GURU NARASIMHA SARASWATI: ( around 14th century.)
One lady was sixty years old; she had no issues and her menses had stopped. She was a committed devotee of Shree sadguru. Shree guru asked her what does she desire that she serves him ardently. She said at least in next birth she be blessed with a child. Shree guru laughed and said why next birth, why not this in this birth?
She was blessed with a daughter in the course of time.
(4). SHREE SANT DNYANESHWAR: 1259--1296
Muktai the sister wanted to make MANDE- a special sweet chapati. There was no fuel available. Dnyaneshwar by yogic power heated his back; Muktai made Mandes by frying on his back.
He also made a buffalo to recite Vedas. That place is known as DHARMA SABHA; it is at Paithan
(5)NAMDEO: 1264—1350
Once there was unprecedented flood at Pandharpur. Namdeo by his penance saved the town. This is narrated by Janabai. (Is it in print?)
(6 ) EKNATH MAHARAJ 1533—1596
Once suddenly his throat started paining. He had a dream that at Alandi, Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Samadhi is there. It is completely engulfed by the roots of AJANVRUKSHA. If you remove the roots and make the Samadhi free, your throat will be ok. Accordingly he did that. His throat became ok and he got spurthi of publishing DNYANESWARI.


(7) TUKARAM: 1558—1650.
Once Tukaram was performing Kirtan. Shivaji came there to listen to Tukaram. Enemy was tracking Shivaji and entered the hall. There was utter chaos in the hall. Tukaram earnestly prayed GOD. God disguised as Shivaji and ran away; enemy followed him. Real Shivaji remained safe in the hall.
(8) BAHINABAI 1618—1690.
She had a calf which used to move along with her wherever she moved. Once in a gathering Bahinabai started reciting a shloka; after half the shloka was recited the calf completed the remaining portion of the shloka, in human voice. The calf had a sort life thereafter.
(9 ) MANIK PRABHU born in 1817.
One day some people wanted to do mischief to Shree Prabhu and brought trays full of eatables. They contained cooked meat also; & were covered with a piece of cloth. They were presented to him. Prabhu smilingly asked a disciple to remove the cloth. The atmosphere was tense as to what would happen and what would be Prabhu’s reaction. And what a miracle meat was no where seen instead in that place dry fruits were seen. Prabhu continued to smile.
( 10 ) DEV MAMLETDAR 1870—71 --YASHVANT MAHARAJ
There was severe famine in 1870. The villagers in the village Satana were badly affected for lack food and water. He took pity on them and decided to take a bold decision. He distributed the entire money in the government treasury to the poor people. The treasury became empty. However he started coming in trouble on account of this, as investigation started. One day his boss Deputy Collector came for physical verification. Embarrassed as he was Mr. Dev started praying God. What a surprise the entire cash was intact in the treasury. Now the Deputy Collector was himself embarrassed
( 11 ) SHREE AKKALKOT SWAMI
Parents of a boy performed his Upanayan ceremony with great pomp. Soon after, the boy lost his eyesight. His mother went to Shree Swami and begged him eyesight for her son. Swami said wait for some time. Once five arrogant Brahmins developed extreme ego ( AHAMKAR) and wanted to discuss Vedas with Swami. Swami called that boy; sprinkled vibhuti on him and told him to discuss with the Brahmins. The boy fluently started discussing Vedas and defeated the Brahmins. The Brahmins’ eyes opened and the boy also opened his eyes.
(12 ) SHREE GAJANAN MAHARAJ Prakat FEBRUARY, 2, 1878, SEPT 1910
In Vidarbaha, in summer there used to be acute shortage of water. One day a farmer came to his field with his dry lunch and a pot of water on his shoulder. A beggar came there in meagre clothing and tired. He begged Bhaskar for some water as it will a noble cause. Bhaskar abused him and said no purpose will be served by giving water to a healthy man etc. The beggar smiled and walked to a dry well. Bhaskar shouted ‘for last twelve years the well is dry; you won’t get a drop. The beggar sat there for awhile with close eyes. He prayed god. After a few minutes springs of water gushed out of the well. Bhaskar begged to forgive him and became an ardent devotee of Shree Gajanan maharaj. Mrs Shailaja Raje the famous author has also quoted a miracle like experience of her own.
( 13 ) SHREE SAIBABA ---SAMADHI OCTOBER, 15 .1918.
He used to light earthen receptacles daily in the evening. For that he used ask the shopkeeper for oil. One day shopkeeper refused to oblige and did not give oil. Saibaba said OK. He filled all receptacles with water. Took out a small piece of cloth from his headgear, made wicks out of that cloth and lighted the receptacles. People were wonderstruck seeing the receptacles kindled, and thereafter he became famous.
(14 ) NARAYAN MAHARAJ
One famous singer by name Anjali Malpekar developed some problem in her throat; as a result she found very difficult to sing. She took medicines but the throat did not improve. She went to Narayan Maharaj. He blessed her; and the throat gradually became normal. She started her singing programmes again as earlier. Many people came to know of this episode and the Maharaj started receiving a large number of visitors including Pandit Visnu Digambar Paluskar and many noblemen.
(15). JANAKI AI ( 1st half of 20th century)
One lady by name KUSUM believed in destiny and not in GOD. She had one son and for some problem she got her uterus removed. The son unfortunately died in an accident. She again longed for a child; which should have been impossible. She somehow developed faith in Janaki Ai; who told her to believe in GOD and pray. She not only got uterus but also a conceived a child. Doctor could not believe this and called this as simply miracle.

(16 ) SHREE GONDAVLEKAR MAHARAJ
In his mother’s old age, he took her to Varanasi. They used to bathe in Ganges and worship Shree Vishveshwar. She was finding difficult to walk. Gondavlekar Maharaj put her bed on the ghat itself. And told her to pay alms to the poor. Put your hand underneath the mattress and keep on paying alms. She kept on doing this and was astonished that money being continued to be coming out. He told her ‘Ganges of money is flowing under your mattress; keep paying’.

(17 ) SWAMI MUKTANAND OF GANESHPURI ASHRAM ( NEAR VAJRESHWARI, THANE
He used to move about in jungle also; once he was doing meditation at Tungareshwar hill near Vasai (western railway). One youth by name Ram Bhosale fed up about failures and poverty in life went there to end his life. He suddenly heard a voice stopping him and asking why he is doing this. Then asked what you want; ask for anything. Ram said ‘I am hungry’. What do you want to eat? Ram listed non-vegan dishes. Swami said 'go to that tree and eat'; and lo the hot dishes that he asked were just there in a tray. Swami also told him go abroad and you will flourish. Later on he became Dr. Ram Bhosale a famous TOUCH & HEAL specialist; he treated a large number of VIPs also
(18 ) Dr. P. V. VARTAK
On September 4, 1972, Dr. P. V. Vartak (author of VASTAV RAMAYAN AND SWAYAMBHU) visited Gangapur for SHREE DATTA Darshan. He had presumed that petrol will be available at Gangapur because by then the petrol tank meter showed zero. Nearest petrol pump was at Akkalkot 50 miles away. Still he decided to risk keeping faith in Shree Datta. He prayed Shree Data to take me to Akkalkot; asked family members also to pray from heart and started from Gangapur. Nothing happened and all reached Akkalkot safely. A drive of 50 miles without a drop of petrol. (On the slope he would shut off engine.)
Was the meter faulty? On another day he drove with same reading; he went for 2/3 miles and the car stopped. There was no petrol.
(19 ) SHREE SHIDORE GURUJI—THE PRIEST
Dr Vartak came to know that one priest by name. SHIDORE GURUJI, staying at P.O. Sudhagad, near Pali in (now) Raigad district can kindle fire by reciting a mantra in Saptashati; but only in a NAVA CHANDI YAG. A demonstration was arranged by Dr. Vartak, at Pune. He invited a large number of people including professors from University. Two magicians also attended. All the preparations were handed over to third parties so that there is no doubt about malafide issues.
On Sunday May 19, 1974, at 4 minutes past 5 (in the early morning) after three ahutis were put in the Yadnyakund, while Mr Shidore was reciting certain Shlokas from Saptashati, six feet flame erupted, without matchstick. On request, it was brought to one foot by quenching of one spoon of milk. No smoke came out. Physics prof recorded zero increase in temp of attached wire. Everybody there was wonderstruck.

MIRACLES

Monday, July 27, 2009

DYNAMO WITHIN YOU

1.In his autobiography titled, “ WINGS OF FIRE”, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, has made a reference which can be shared with the readers.

For high school he moved from Rameshwaram to Ramnathpuram.

His teacher there one Solomon told him to succeed in life one has to desire his expectation intensely and be absolutely certain it would happen”. Dr. Kalam wanted and desired intensely to fly like bird; and he did fly one day.


2. Every religion in the world has emphasized the importance of PRAYER. Over decades people have offered prayers. They have expressed that the prayer has been answered. It is the faith that is most important.


3. The half opened Lotus size ( signifying purity and peace), majestic BAHAI temple in Delhi is a masterpiece of architecture. BAHAIS believe that all humanity was created by one God. The purpose of life is to know and to worship God. Temple’s huge but soothingly quiet hall and tranquil surroundings touch the hearts of people from all communities. In this temple, there is no idol inside; instead people are welcome to sit in the huge hall in calm and serene atmosphere and offer their prayers.


4. In his book titled “POWER OF SUB-CONSCIOUS MIND Dr Joseph Murphy says there is a treasure house within everybody. He adds: “your subconscious mind controls all the vital processes of your body and knows the answers to all problems “ In initial pages author has given two examples; a young lady wanted an expensive purse. She got it somehow. Another example is of a widow of age 75; she wanted a nice husband to give her cosy company. After twenty days she met a person who was also looking for company. Author elaborates how to instruct the sub-conscious mind more systematically to achieve a desired result.


5. Upanishads and Bhagvat Gita recognise Bramhan as ultimate Reality. Further, our soul is a part of that Almighty. The Minuscule Ultimate Realty is actually within us and not outside.


6. A programme is conducted by “ BRAMHA VIDYA SADHAK SANGH”. They believe that most religions teach that there is spark of Divine in every human being. Brahmavidya course helps to realize this and to use Supreme Intelligence within in a practical way. This is done through various breathing exercises, positive thinking during those exercises and Meditation. Emphasis being on correct breathing. Many people have benefited by attending this programme.


7. Patanjali emphasises Self Realisation through Yogasanas. He has recommended eight steps to self Realisation : YAM, NIYAM, ASAN, PRANAYAM, PRATYAHAR, DHARANA, DHYAN and SAMADHI.


8. Ancients have expressed that there is COSMIC energy lying in dormant state in our body, called KUNDALINI. Ultimate goal of KUNDALINI YOGA is to awaken this COSMIC energy coiled at the level of navel and make it rise upwards through six chakras and finally unite with Pure Consciousness.


9. PRAJAPATI BRAMHAKUMARI GROUP talks about existence of Soul in our brain. They have proved this by giving references of surgical experiments. They then further talk about Relaxation and Raja Yoga.


So many different faiths seem to have same one core principle .With different names and with different methods. Can we call this principle as DYNAMO within us?








Saturday, June 20, 2009

UPANAYAN OF A MARATHI BOY

UPANAYAN OF A MARATHI BOY

WHAT IS A SANSKAR ?

Fundamental vibration is sound; while a combination of sounds is word. Consider a combination of pious group of words. Its recitation at different planes with full concentration and with divine faith is called a Mantra. Recitation of Mantra in a serene and appropriate atmosphere, with specific intention, can achieve explicit manifestation to the words in the Mantra. For example during one of the Upanayan processes, the priest recites appropriate Mantra and puts Yagnopavit around the Batu. This is a Sanskar. The words really empower the Yagnopavit. Mantra can be very powerful.

It is known that in the ancient time sages were able to get highly powerful ASTRAS by reciting appropriate Mantras. For example the one Karna used on Ghatotkach.

In Hindu religion sixteen Sanskars have been recommended on humans. Upanayan is eleventh one included therein

(Apart from this presently we also inculcate good manners and etiquettes on children. Do we not tell them not to waste food in the plate, not to spill food etc?. These are also Sanskars).

GAYATRI MANTRA—An eternal source of energy

Power of Gayatrimantra is tremendous; it is almost impossible to explain the power of this mantra with words. In built in it are words, sound, divinity, faith and strength. Regular recitation of this mantra activates cells in the brain. The Gayatri mantra is powerfull than mantra of any language in the world and has been recognised by western philosophers. In this context reference can be made to Justice Woodruff and Ledbeater. The latter philosopher has published his research in this respect; which says that pronouncement of seven Vyahrutis with appropriate emphasis, create calmness and pleasantness in the air. He has given a photograph of how a ray of glow of Sun reaches a devotee who does repetitive recitation of Gayatri Mantra in standing posture.

Vedas have recommended Gayatri upasana. Bhagavan Shrikrishna used to do it as given in Shrimat Bhagavat. On the foundation of Tapascharya of innumerable Rishis Gayatri upasana bears fruits early.

UPANAYANA CELEBRATIONS

UPA means near; NAYAN means to take one close to. Upanayan means to take Batu to Guru’s house for broader studies. In ancient times Batu used to stay there for twelve years and study Vedas. Upanayan means second birth; hence Batu then onwards is known DVIJ. Over a period of several decades, the lifestyles have undergone sea change . All the same the value of the Sanskar has not reduced a bit. This Sanskar emphasizes

1. GAYATRI UPADESH

2. BRAIN ENRICHMENT

3. MEMORY EFFICIENCY.

MUHURT : To mark the beginning of the ceremonies, on an earlier day, it is customary to invite five ladies and to prepare Turmeric powder with their help.(Turmeric has medicinal value; this paste is applied to Batu on the day prior to Upanayan). Also Papad and Sandage are prepared; which are used for ceremonial lunch (these eatables have long shelf life)

The entire Upanayan programme was spread over a span of two days.

On first day processes that were carried out, are briefly given below

1. Invocation of GOD. The family deity and other deities are invited to witness and bless the entire Upanayan ceremony. Popularly called founding DEV DEVAK.

2. HALAD: Turmeric paste (prepared on the earlier day ) is applied over Batu’s body before his bath. This is to prevent evil forces acting on him.

3. GRIHASHANTI: The various planets are worshipped as also sub-planets. Oh all of you bless us and our guests. Ancestors are remembered. Let our ceremony be peacefully carried out.

4. SUVASINI PUJAN: Five married ladies from maternal side are honoured by offering coconut, ornament and sweets.

5. GADEGNAR or KELVAN: The Batu is honoured with coconut and sweets. Indicating start of the ceremonies.

6. Visiting Ganapati temple to invite Lord Ganesha to the ceremonies.

The second day’s programme lasts for about three hours. The various processes that form part this programme are given below in brief.

ABHYANGSNAN.

Everybody including Batu take proper bath at residence. (assumed that other ceremonies are held in a different place called hall). Thereafter all move to the hall.

CHOUL KARMA.

With proper mantra the barber carries out chuda karma or choul karma. (Jayawal is done much earlier in life; but as a Sanskar it is done now.) Arnav preferred to do haircut and not opt for a bald; which is recommended. The shika or shendi recommended has religious significance also. This is followed by another Abhyangsnan.

MATRUBHOJAN

As the name suggests the Batu takes meal from mother. It is supposed to signify that now for the last time the mother feeds the son. Thereafter he is on his own.

The Batu sits on the mother’s lap and the loving mother virtually feeds the sweets etc. with her own hands. There were eight other boys/girls accompanying the Batu taking meals surrounded by a host of ladies. They also would like to feed the Batu or rather would consider it as an honour. So they did turn by turn. Arnav enjoyed all this rather than getting bored. An enthusiastic group of ladies sang in chorus a Matrubhojan song. The traditional song is given in appendix.

It was a feast to eyes to see an elite group of ladies draped in colourful saris singing in a unified voice as also to witness the entire Matrubhojan.

MANGALASHTAK

Batu with Mundavali stands on one side and father stands on the other side . Antarpath as the name suggests is held in between. The priest started the usual preliminary mangalastak; but then our ladies wanted also show their talent. In their melodious voice they sang; how Batu is brought up by his beloved mother and father; and is now ready to take broader studies.

All of us hear those musical notes time and again, in Upanayan & in wedding, but every time one listens to them his innermost self stirs within. There is pin drop silence and atmosphere is serene. The rhythm in the last stanzas is just superb, it takes one to the crescendo. Everybody anxiously awaits the moment of reckoning, the start of second life; Batu becomes “DVI-JA”; (the bride and bridegroom start their married life.) The Batu and father exchange the garlands. Half the ceremony is over; up to here everybody participates with interest.

MINIATURE YAGNA – HOM

Yagna means purification, Yagna means a river of alms, Yagna means a flame of valour destroying evil forces. The reverberations rising from the recitation of Mantras during the Yagna electrify living as well as non living matters. Such is the power of the Yagna. A miniature of Yagna is kindled in the Upanayan ; it is called HOM. Small size firewood and ghee are the main offerings. Cooked rice is also offered.

A number of processes are now carried out by giving offerings in the Hom involving Batu, priest and father.

YAGNOPAVITAM DHARANAM.

According to Hindu Sanskar of purifying, rubbing, cleansing or removing impurities before inculcating noble qualities in the Batu, a yadnopavit is wound around the shoulder. This is to signify that he would now commit to discipline, austerity and sincere studies. Yagnopavit is three strand thread with three knots. The three strands are to signify three Vedas. The Yagnopavit is purified by Gayatri recitation ten times.

AJINA ( LEATHER MADE FROM SKIN OF DEER ) DHARANAM

A leather is given to Batu, for strength & stamina building, success, etc.

SAVITA (SUN) WORSHIP. This is prayer to please GOD Sun.

HRUDAYALAMBHAN. This Batu clad in appropriate clothes & covered by the leather sheet having entered second life is proceeding to higher studies. Let him be honoured with higher education. Let the Rishis and Yogis assist him to transcend.

GAYATRI DIKSHA

In a certain posture under a cover the priest gives the Diksha. First Batu requests , then priest narrates one by one, PRANAV, VYAHRUTIS, FIRST PART & SECOND PART Thus the complete Mantra is narrated to the Batu.

Now Batu has to recite this Mantra every day, at least for eleven times, in clear and loud pronunciation. (No one hears of anybody doing Sandhya as a daily ritual, recommended in the scriptures for the Batu.)

DANDAPRADANA

Stick of Palash is given to Batu with appropriate Mantra. He says let my ugly qualities be killed by the stick. Also I be protected if offended from any direction.

MEDHAJANAN

Medha means memory. It is considered right time (the Upanayan) to do this Sanskar on the Batu. A small branch of Palash tree is worshipped in this ceremony. Batu now prays : Oh great Palash tree, you are strong, make me strong like you; you keep hearing & remembering all the happenings in this world. Make my memory also similar to yours. Rishi Angiras, the seven Rishis, Indra, Agni and Brahmadeo you all give me superior memory so that it will help me remember my studies. Saraswati Devi give me a sharp memory.

BHIKSHAWAL--- COLLECTING ALMS AND FOOD

In the ancient time the Batu would now on live on alms collected called MADHUKARI and carry out his studies. In the present times this process is more of pomp. Batu takes a small bag made from a cloth, rod in one hand, asks mother, OM BHAVATI BHIKSHAN DEHI; Oh mom give me food to carry during my journey to Kashi (Varanasi). Specially made ladus are given by the mother along with Dakshina. Then he goes round and various people gathered also give him. In fact in Arnav’s case there appeared rush mainly of ladies to offer Bhiksha and presents.

KASHI YATRA

Voyage to Kashi. These days with plenty of opportunities close by Batu does not have to go to Kashi. So one maternal uncle stops him and tells him, oh, Arnav pl. do not go I shall give my daughter to you after your studies. ( This does not happen )

As happens in most ceremonies these days visitors meet and greet each other and it is a get to gather also. The host has already made arrangement for a sumptuous lunch, which the invitees enjoy. At the end everybody bids good bye to Arnav.

REFERENCES:

1 GAYATRI—VIGNYAN ANI UPASANA by Shripadshastri Kinjavdekar

2. Kumaransathi DHARMIC SANSKAR & NITYAKARMA by Sidheswarshastri Chitrav

3 GAYANACHA SANGRAHA by Smt. Usha Patwardhan









Followers

Contributors