Aayat-Al-Kursi

The Aayat-Al-Kursi

I first heard about Aayat-Al-Kursi via a blog site of young Muslim girl – where she had written that walking home from classes one day, late evening, she had to walk through a deserted lane which used to be a favorite hang-out for local colony boys. Passing through that lane often involved being subject to leering, jeering et al, and that was the case even if you were in a large group of girls, so being absolutely alone would send some different jitters down your spine.

On entering the lane she realized that a group of boys (about 10 in number) were somewhere in the mid of the deserted lane; unable to turn back and equally fearful of walking ahead, she started on her chant of Aayat-Al-Kursi as she made her way ahead in the lane; while passing by them she realized from the corner of her eye that they had all lowered their heads, frozen in their stance, and absolutely silent; the girl quickly crossed the lane and made her safe way home.

She couldn’t quite understand what stopped these boys from their usual behavior – until few days later. An aunt from the same colony visited her, to ask her mom a question. The question was: who were those 4 burly surly looking wrestlers who accompanied your daughter home from classes the other day, and apparently walked her through the lane till she reached the end of it?

Obviously the girl had no knowledge of any burly surly looking wrestlers who would have escorted her safely home – but she did attribute the vision to her chant of Aayat-Al-Kursi, as she crossed the lane.

It interested me enough to research about it. What I found all the more interesting about it – was its connection, as explained by scholars, to Hinduism’s Maha-Mrutyunjaya-Stotram.

1. Aayat-Al-Kursi means: Aayat (amulet / taveez), Al (The), Kursi (Chair / Throne). The Amulet of The Throne.
2. This is The Throne that belongs to Almighty God or Allah, as fondly refered to by Muslims.
3. Chanting this prayer is equivalent to tying a protective amulet around you. You will now be under the protection of The Throne of God Almighty.
4. A study made by Hindu scholars of the chant of Aayat-Al-Kursi revealed that – the sound vibrations emanating from this chant matched the sound vibrations that emanate when Hindus chant their Maha-Mrutyunjaya-Stotram – indicating that these are 2 chants that are on the same `wavelength’ of `sound notes’ that travel upwards (towards God) when we pray.
5. This created a curiosity in me enough to try the chant. I searched for the internet for its original Arabic version, its English translation (to understand the meaning) and its audio files so that I get the pronunciation and intonations correct. After learning it by rote, I ran it through a Maulviji in Ahmedabad, to know if I had got it right. He gave me the green signal and also the compliment that I chanted it better than his Muslim students.

Then I got started on the chant, to test its effects so a say, as an experiment actually. What effects come into play when you chant the Aayat-Al-Kursi? That was my inner question. The effects that I experienced were as follows:-

1. I chanted with the hope of finding that “Shiva-connect”.
2. Within in about a couple of weeks, I woke up to early morning dreams about Shiva-lingams. Old, dark, hidden, ancient, mysterious, secret-looking, perhaps even eerie Shiva temples with a Shiva-lingam in sanctum sanctorum. Never had I visited such places or even knew that such temples existed. But I always woke up with a peaceful feeling of having “been somewhere”.
3. The 2nd visible effect was – if I slept on a question, I woke up to an answer. The answer could be a sentence / phrase / words that I happened to be thinking about when I woke – or a series of quick images that would flash before my eyes just before I woke up to morning consciousness. But the answer would be there.
4. Then I thought of notching up numbers. I don’t know if I ever mentioned this – but the ritualistic / conformist side of me is slightly missing. One would never see me engaged in any more-than-necessary rituals or poojas or procedures. My style is more of a mind-connect, on lines of Hey dude, Hey there, You bloody rascal, You old bugger… Outrageous yes, but that’s how it is. Has always been.
5. There was a time when I was unusually ill, and night sleep eluded me for many long years; then there would be days I would park my feet on the Shiva-Puranam, just to spite God so to say – and on those nights I would sleep like a baby. When I used to tell my Mom about it – she would hold a Dr. Spock expression and say – it’s ok to sleep with your feet in your father’s lap, even Dad wouldn’t mind it, if you did it.
6. So “notching up numbers” for me means, chanting randomly throughout the day and keeping a tally on Clicker App on my phone (earlier it was a diary). So no japa-malas and stuff like that for me. I notched up sufficient amount of numbers of Aayat-Al-Kursi without really knowing what to do with them. Then when I felt I “needed” something, I would “pay” from my prayer account by subtracting few numbers on my Clicker App. It worked every single time. Something like a Debit Card.
7. Recently, I noticed one of my stray dogs (a trio of 3 who have adopted my building) was limping on 3 paws. Her right front paw seemed twisted into slight bow, and also a bad swelling. Perhaps an injury and a possible fracture. I saw her suffering for days. Persecuted that she already is, it seemed a sad add-on. Now how does one treat a stray dog injury in India? There are options, yes, but mostly it’s a helpless situation.
8. It’s with that helplessness that I asked God for a solution that day. Then I checked my phone App. It still had quite a number of Aayats in it. I subtracted all at one go – just make her ok, I prayed. When there is no other solution, then God is the solution. I asked my Mom too to send some Reiki – which she did. Next morning, I saw the stray bounding around on all 4s.
9. I have tried chanting Aayat-Al-Kursi in the sanctum sanctorum of Mahakaal in Ujjain (albeit in my mind to avoid obvious offence to other orthodox devouts) – and I don’t know how to explain this – but a distinct electrical current ran through me from ground to shoulders.
10. My Mom once asked me (when I narrated a certain experience) that what prevents me from chanting the Maha-Mrutyunjaya mantram instead? I mean, she was curious. But same answer really – the conformist side of me is missing somewhere. I find it difficult to do what it is expected. There’s no other answer really.

So those are my experiences but what is my conclusion, you might ask. Simple really. God is One. Always has been. You have to try it to believe in it.

This is the holy month of Shraavan running. A month dedicated exclusively to Lord Shiva of the Hindu pantheon. And I chant the Aayat every day, along with my other prayers. Can it be mere coincidence that the festival of Eid falls in the month of Shraavan?

No, don’t think so. Eid Mubarak & God bless!

Aayat Al-Kursi (The Amulet of The Throne)
Surah 2:255

Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Allahu la illaha illa hu
Wal Hayyul Qayyum
La te huzuhu sinetun wala nawmun
Lahu ma fissemawati wa ma fil’ardi
Men thallathiy yeshfe’u indehu illa biznih
Ya’lemu ma beyne eydiyhim
wa ma halfehum
wa la yuhiytune
bishey’in min ilmihi
illa bima sha-a wasia kursiyyuhu semavati wal’ard
Wa la yeuduhu hifzuhuma wa hu wal aliy ul aziym!

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
There is no God but He,
The Living, the Self-subsisting, the Eternal.
No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.
All things in heaven and earth are His.
Who could intercede in His presence without His permission?
He knows what appears in front of and behind His creatures.
Nor can they encompass any knowledge of Him except what he wills.
His throne extends over the heavens and the earth,
And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them,
For He is the Highest and Most Exalted.
Allah, the Most High, speaks the truth.

Translated by Kabir Helminski

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Saraswati – The Lost Vedic River & The Triveni Sangam

Saraswati – The Lost Vedic River & The Triveni Sangam

GEOLOGICALLY, satellite imagery charts the underground path of River Saraswati starting from a Himalayan glacier in Uttarakhand, flowing through Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan & Gujarat to finally merge into the Arabian Sea. It is also said that the desert-regions of modern day Rajasthan and Gujarat, were once fertile lands through which River Saraswati flowed.

This same river, in its full glory, flowed over surface level, at an enormous width of 15kms, was probably 1500kms long, and had an average depth of 5mts – making it the most majestic river in the Hindu-Kush region, the Mother-of-all-rivers. I

The Saraswati river is said to have flowed independently in the pre-historic region of present day Allahabad – where at a certain point in its flow, it is said to have briefly met & mingled with the waters of Ganga and Yamuna – which still remains as the confluence point known in present day as Triveni Sangam in Allahabad.

EXCEPT, that today, the waters of Saraswati spurt into the Sangam from an underwater source. The Sangam in Allahabad, is perhaps the only point today, in the course of original Saraswati, where is makes a brief upward, visible appearance.

So GEOLOGICALLY what happened to River Saraswati?

The study of Saraswati river has stumped river geologists for many decades now. It is geologically impossible to fathom the complete disappearance of a river that wide, that long, that deep.

But to give a logical answer, geologists say that tectonic shifts in the Earth, dating back to roughly 4000 years ago, caused gradient shifts & massive subterranean cavities in the Earth, causing the waters of Saraswati to seep below the Earth into its deepest fissures.

River dating has shown that the oldest `element’ of Saraswati is roughly 8000 years old & the youngest `element’ is about 2500 years old.

MYTHOLOGICALLY, we have to rewind back to the point where Gods, Demons & Humans interacted somewhat freely with each other, amongst each other’s terrain.

The evolved human race of Sages & Rishis, who were responsible for establishing a tangible link between Gods & Earth; and who had the powers to travel freely between Heaven & Earth – these Sages & Rishis, were forever in a perennial quest to achieve this for all of mankind.

This link between Heaven & Earth could only be established via KNOWLEDGE. Hence they undertook upon themselves the task of determining & creating a channel through which this knowledge could be transported from Heavens to Earth.

The Element FIRE; The Fire of Knowledge; The BADABHAAGNI from Heavens

This channel could only be FIRE. The element Fire had all the properties through which Knowledge could be acquired & dispersed. Fire needs the Air element (symbolic of a link to Heavens). Fire is rooted in mother Earth (symbolic of the knowledge pulled from Air/Heavens & embedded into Earth). Fire is ever-shifting (symbolic that Knowledge can never be static or stagnant). Fire burns (symbolic of burning ignorance). Fire ignites (symbolic of igniting a spark of knowledge in the mind). Fire cannot be contained (symbolic of Knowledge that will die if contained but blaze when released).

Hence FIRE it had to be. So Sages & Rishis of ancient era, requested Lord Vishnu in Heavens above, to send down to mother Earth the Holy Fire of Knowledge from Heavens. Lord Vishnu diverted this request to Lord Brahma, as he is the official holder & keeper of all eternal Knowledge. Brahma agreed to comply. But this Knowledge converted to a physical form created a Fire, the enormity of which would encompass all of Heaven & Earth. This Fire was christened BADABHAAGNI – The Monumental Fire of Destiny.

The Big Question – who would transport this Holy Fire (BADABHAAGNI) to mother Earth? Who would be able to contain it?

Brahma summons His consort Saraswati to help Him in this task. Symbolically also, Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, hence She is the only one whose energies can successfully contain the BADABHAAGNI.

Saraswati agrees. She needs an element that is fluid, fast & can counteract the heat of Fire. Water it is. She then takes the form of a river that extends across Heaven & Earth in its mightiness – receives the Fire of Knowledge from Brahma & deftly falls from the Heavens above to flow onto Earth.

Saraswati begins her evaporation as She falls; holding onto the Fire across the ethers from Heaven to Earth, she has to make it in time to hand over the pot-of-Fire to the waiting Sages & Rishis. Plunging into the mighty Himalayas, she successfully achieves Her mission; hands over the Fire to the waiting Sages & Rishis; and rushes forth madly through the glaciers to cool her burning body. She continues to flow, bend & fall in line with the contours of the Earth till she finally submerges herself into the waters of the Ocean.

Her waters still retain the heat of the fire she has carried. In due course, spanning over thousands of years, the river evaporates from the face of the Earth, but continues its glorious flow beneath the surface. The River Saraswati – as it is imaged today by satellites. It also interesting to note that – geologically, Saraswati is documented as having had “warm waters”.

Brahma-Kapaalam, Gangotri, Yamunotri

When the Holy Rivers descended from Heavens, they needed a container to break their fall – else they risked splitting the Earth into 2 with their force.

Saraswati originates from a Himalayan Glacier in KAPAAL-TIRTH also known as BRAHMA-KAPAALAM (skull-of-Brahma). Mythologically, on Earth, She descends & breaks her fall into skull of Brahma, who awaits her entry on Earth.

Brahma-Kapaalam in Vedic texts is the ALSO place where all souls destined to Heaven converge after death. It is like a waiting-area for the train to Heavens. Only souls who have made the cut to Heaven with their good deeds gain an entry into Brahma-Kapaalam.

Ganga originates from a Himalayan Glacier in GANGOTRI. Mythologically, on Earth, Ganga comes from Heavens, as a boon, to give salvation to the ancestors of SageBhagirath. She descends & breaks her fall, into the matted-hair-locks of Shiva, who awaits her entry on Earth.

Yamuna originates from a Himalayan Glacier in YAMUNOTRI, also known as BANDARPOOCH PEAK. Mythologically, on Earth, at the time of Lord Rama’s exit from his incarnation on Earth, he instructs Hanuman to wait at an appointed peak in Himalayas. He tells Hanuman he will reincarnate on Earth at the onset of Treta Yug, as Shri Krishna. At that time, he will bring down a river from Heavens. That river would need someone to break her fall & that Hanuman should do the needful.

Hanuman dutifully waits near the glacier till the onset of Treta Yug, and the time of Yamuna’s descent. When Yamuna, as ordered by Vishnu, falls into the Himalayas, Hanuman regulates her flow by breaking her fall with his tail. Bandarpooch Peak. (Monkey-Tail Mountain).

It is also documented in Vedic scriptures that Yamuna charts her flow half-heartedly from Himalayas as she is not yet touched by Vishnu. Finally, Baby Krishna fulfills her wish when being transported by Vasudeva across the Yamuna. Yamuna rises in excitement till she reaches a flood; she needs to be touched by Krishna; understanding her agony & excitement, Krishna hangs his baby foot into the waters – tingeing Yamuna with his Energy. It’s from that point onwards that Yamuna takes on a dark (shyam) hue.

The Triveni Sangam – Its Significance

The Holy 3 waters – Saraswati with the Energies of Brahma; Yamuna with the Energies of Vishnu; Ganga with the Energies of Shiva – meet at Triveni Sangam in Prayag.

The Triveni Sangam – a meeting point (Confluence) of the Energies of the Supreme Trio in Hindu Heavens – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. It represents the Unification of Body (Brahma the Creator), Mind (Vishnu the Preserver), Spirit (Shiva the Destroyer).

Taking a dip in the waters at Triveni Sangam, brings our own Body, Mind & Spirit into alignment. And taking this holy dip during Kumbh festival cleanses not only OUR past, present, future but ALSO THAT OF OUR ANCESTORS.

Thanks to you – your ancestors’ souls (those who never made the cut to Heaven) are transported – via River Saraswati – to the spot of Brahma-Kapaalam – where they earn the eligibility to take a train to Heaven. And if your ancestors’ are already in Heavens, then they earn an eligibility to take a train to Higher Heavens.

Scientific & Spiritual Significance Of Holy Waters During Kumbh Mela. Allahabad 2013. After 144 Years. On My Wish List.

Scientific & Spiritual Significance Of Holy Waters During Kumbh Mela. Allahabad 2013. After 144 Years. On My Wish List.

1. Gods & Demons engaged in a tussle for the proverbial pot of Nectar. The mythological Samudra Manthan or The Great Churning. The churning that separated Good from Bad; the Poison from the Nectar.
2. For 12 days in the time of Gods & Demons – and for 12 years in human time – this tussle ensued. In this tussle – 4 precious drops of Nectar spilled onto Mother Earth at the Holy spots of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik. The drops of Nectar merged into the Holy Waters of Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Jamuna, Saraswati) at Allahabad; Holy Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar; River Shipra in Ujjain & River Godavari in Nashik.
3. The ethereal subtle drops merged into these Holy waters at an auspicious astrological time in Heavens, highlighted by planets Sun, Moon & Jupiter. 
4. Once in every 12 years, the same astrological configuration falls into place. It is a planetary conjugation in space – a conjugation similar to the placement of planets during the period of The Great Churning (Samudra Manthan).

What Happens to These Holy Waters During Kumbh Mela?

1. This conjugation triggers the bubbling of all Holy Waters into which drops of Nectar (Amrit) fell.
2. At Allahabad, the invisible Saraswati that flows beneath the surface of Mother Earth, starts spurting Cosmic Energy. This Energy flows & merges into the point of Confluence where it meets Ganga & Yamuna at the point of Triveni Sangam.
3. At Haridwar, this Cosmic Energy starts spurting in the Ganga, deep within the waters, at the point of Har-ki-Pauri. At Ujjain, this Energy flow happens in the centre-point of River Shipra that flows adjoining to the Mighty Mahakaaleshwar temple.
4.  And at Nasik, this Cosmic Energy starts bubbling deep down in the River Godavari, at the point that flows adjoining to the Holy Triyambakeshwar temple.
5. Water being the fastest and quickest element to be energized, this Cosmic Energy spreads in these Holy Waters to a radius of 45kms. Within this orbit of these 45kms of the invisible bubbling source of the highest Cosmic Energy – lies the secret to human redemption, salvation & immortality. That’s the secret of Kumbh Mela.
6. Nectar keeps on spurting into these Holy Waters for the entire period/duration of the Kumbh Mela. When we take a dip in these Holy Waters, during that time, the subtle energy points in our human aura and our physical human body, absorb these Cosmic Energies fully. These Energies effect a change in the mind, body & spirit – and thereby they automatically affect our destinies for the better.
7.  These Energies also create a direct Cosmic Link to Heavens, where you will receive subtle help to absolve you of past misdeeds (sins); cleanse your mind for new, fresh beginnings; and allow you a clean slate to pen a better tomorrow.
8. The auric absorption of these Energies is so high that, that the subtle link it creates into Heavens above extends straight upto our Ancestors in the Ethers. It’s like a Cosmic Ladder.
9. And when the Energies of our aura, tinged with the Energies of this Nectar from the Holy Waters of Kumbh Mela, touch our Ancestors – their destinies too are changed, for the better, in the Akashic Records (Cosmic Past Files).
10. This Cosmic Ladder Link can touch upto the 88^th generation of Ancestors in the past – and purge & absolve them too (your ancestors) of their “earthly” sins during their time on Earth. 88 generations into the past is like going back in time; almost to the point of creation. Can you even begin to imagine the blessings that will rain upon you from your Ancestors, from Heavens above?
11. The Poorna-Kumbh cycle of 12 years corresponds to the approximate 11.1 years of the Sun-Spot cycle. The Sun-Spot cycle is known to enhance the electro-magnetic field of the earth – which in turn effects the environment & the bio system. The electro-magnetic field of the body is similarly enhanced, thereby affecting the nervous, endocrine, circulatory & respiratory system – in a manner that is similar to meditation.

Ardh-Kumbh, Poorna-Kumbh, Maha-Kumbh

• Ardh-Kumbh (Half-cycle): happens once in every 6 years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik.
• Poorna-Kumbh (Full-cycle): happens once in every 12 years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik.
• Maha-Kumbh (The Great-cycle): happens once in every 144 years only at Allahabad (Prayag).

Maha-Kumbh 2013 – At Allahabad (Prayag) – After 144 Years

• In 2013, Maha-Kumbh (the Great-cycle) of 144 years surfaces at Allahabad (Prayag) from January 27^th 2013 to 25^th February 2013. These are the main dates. The dates are usually extended 15 days prior & later to this period to allow full participation in this festival – but main dates remain Jan 27 to Feb 25 2013.
• During this period of Kumbh Festival, every date is auspicious; but of special significance are some dates, where the Cosmic Energy spurts highest, like a fountain in full show. These dates are referred to as “Snaan-Tithi” (Bathing-dates).
• In 2013, at Allahabad Prayag, these special days are: Paush Poornima Jan 27^th, Ekadashi Snaan Feb 6^th, Mauni Amavasya Feb 10^th, Basant Panchami Feb 15^th, Rath Saptami Feb 17^th, Bheeshma Ekadashi Feb 18^th, Magh Poornima Feb 25^th.
• Maha-Kumbh Prayag 2013: Estimated 70 million people.
• Maha-Kumbh Prayag 2013: Unbelievable confluence of spiritual energies of all of Sadhus; especially the Invisible Siddhas & Nagas who make a rare appearance.
• Maha-Kumbh Prayag 2013: For Self; for our Ancestors.
• Maha-Kumbh Prayag 2013: Now or never. Once in 144 years is an average that comes once in 2 generations.
• Maha-Kumbh Prayag 2013: On my wish list.

India’s Kumbh-Mela – Its Mythological Story

India’s Kumbh-Mela – Its Mythological Story

1. Gods & Demons. The proverbial pot of Nectar (Amrit) that lies hidden in the unfathomable depths of the Milky Way (Kshirsagar/Ksheersaagar). Gods want it. Demons want it. They have no option but to join hands. Mount Mandarachal agrees to become the churning stick. Vasuki, the snake-king agrees to become the rope that will hold the churning stick. The Milky Way is endless, unfathomable, it is impossible to find a base. Lord Vishnu agrees to help. He incarnates in the form of a Tortoise (Koorma Avatar). Floating in mid-ocean, the Tortoise becomes the base on which Mount Mandarachal is rested. Gods (Devas) hold Vasuki at its tail & Demons (Asuras) hold Vasuki at its head. And begins The Mighty Churning. Samudra Manthan.
2. Gods & Demons churn the Milky Way for an equivalent of a human millennium. Goodies pop out and are distributed amongst themselves by Gods. Demons wait patiently for Nectar (Amrit) to surface. But before Nectar surfaces Poison. Shiva is called to rescue. He drinks the Poison (Haalahal) & holds it in His throat, not allowing it to drop below. He is the only one who can do it. Poison turns His neck blue (Neelkanth, the blue-throated one).
3. And surfaces the Nectar (Amrit). Gods & Demons do a double-take. Each want the pot of Nectar to themselves. Lord Vishnu, his job duly over as the Tortoise, re-surfaces & takes the form of a beautiful woman – Mohini. He cunningly takes the pot of Nectar from the fighting hands of Gods & Demons. He advises them to line up on either side & promises to serve them sequentially. They are hypnotized by His beauty. They agree. Gods & Demons line up on either side. Lord Vishnu as Mohini begins the serving from the Gods’ end. As the Gods gain immortality one by one, Demons get restless. It is as if their turn will never come.
4. 1 Demon senses something amiss. He sneaks His way into the end of the line of Gods. Mohini (Lord Vishnu) serves him Nectar in sequence. Planet Moon notices the switch. He raises a ruckus. Sun-God joins in to further the ruckus. Lord Vishnu realizing His mistake, quicky changes into His original form, signals for His Sudarshan Chakra & aims at the body of the Demon slicing it into 2. But the Nectar has already entered the body & hence death is impossible. Sliced into 2 halves, the Demon acquires the names Rahu & Ketu. Feeling sorry for his dismembered state in which he will have to spend eternity – Lord Vishnu grants him a boon to join the league of the main planets in Astrology, creating the 9 main planets of Destiny or the Nav-grahas.
5. Rahu & Ketu vow to avenge the Moon & Sun for raising a ruckus. Hence in Astrology, whenever Rahu & Ketu are in a certain degree of vicinity to either Moon or Sun – the planets of Moon & Sun stand debilitated (weakened).
6. Coming back to the pot of Nectar – rewind to the point where Moon & Sun raise a ruckus & where Lord Vishnu changes back into His original form – the Demons are alerted that they have been fooled. They make a dash for the pot of Nectar.
7. Gods & Demons once again engage in a tussle for the pot of Nectar. For 12 days in the time of Gods & Demons – and for 12 years in human time – this tussle ensues. In this tussle – 4 precious drops spill onto Mother Earth. At the Holy spots of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik – the drops of Nectar merge into the Holy Waters of Triveni Sangam at Allahabad, Ganga at Haridwar, Shipra in Ujjain & Godavari in Nashik. The ethereal subtle drops merge into these Holy waters at an auspicious astrological time, highlighted by planets Sun, Moon & Jupiter.
8. Once in every 12 years, the same astrological configuration falls into place. It is a planetary conjugation in space – a conjugation similar to the placement of planets during the period of Great Churning (Samudra Manthan).
9. This conjugation triggers the bubbling of all the Holy Waters into which drops of Nectar (Amrit) fell.
10. During this brief period, a dip in these Holy Waters ensures a direct cosmic link to Heaven where your Higher Self will help absolve you of past misdeeds (sins); cleanse your mind for new, fresh beginnings; and allow you a clean slate to pen a better tomorrow.
11. India’s Kumbh Mela.

 

Krishna Rahasyam (Spiritual Secrets): Radha-Krishna, Krishna’s 16’100 Girlfriends, Krishna’s Ashtabhaaryas (8 Wives), Kundalini-Shakti (The Caduceus)

The following is a compilation of tweets from my twitter a/c @onabrokenwing. The original twees have been penned in a series of 140 characters; but here it has been edited into longer sentences to make for more comfortable reading.

The Spiritual Secret of Radha And Krishna; Krishna’s 16’100 Girlfriends; Krishna’s Ashtabhaaryas (8 wives) – Part I

In the story of Radha and Krishna lies the very secret of soul evolution – a soul rising from its base level, and upward journey towards salvation.

Hindu calendar differs from English calendar w.r.t adjustment of months. Hindu calendar is designed acc. to lunar movement. Every 2.5yrs, an extra month surfaces in Hindu calendar. It’s known as “Adhik Maasam”; it’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

I have delved a lot into depths of Hindu religion; but so far, never into understanding the finer nuances of Vishnu, esp. Krishna. It’s quite a coincidence that a stray line of song from a dance class, led me to dig this deep into the essence of Radha & Krishna. Coincidentally too, it happened in the current running month of “Adhik Maasam”. I’ve been into nothing but Vishnu for more than 3wks.

Right now I feel like dog gone half-mad digging for 1 bone; because wherever he’s digging, he’s finding a bone. There’s very interesting piece that I dug out; it’s related to Krishna, but is much beyond religion. I have an urge to share it.

1/Krishna had 1 consort (Radha), 8 wives (Ashta-bhaarya’s) & 16’100 girlfriends.

2/Hidden in Krishna’s: Radha, 8 wives & 16’100 girlfriends is d’ secret of Soul’s evolution towards soul-mates, soul-twin & ultimately God.

3/Hidden in Krishna’s Radha, his 8 wives & his 16’100 girlfriends; lies the secret of India’s Tantra-Yoga, Kundalini-Shakti & Moksha.

This is beyond Hinduism; beyond religion; this is Universal Truth about soul-evolution. Please stay tuned. Beyond Hinduism, beyond religion, this is the Universal Truth about soul-evolution. Please interpret information from that perspective.

1/ (Hindu God) Lord Vishnu is depicted in supine pose; on a serpent; in the vast milky ocean (Kshirsaagar/MilkyWay); that holds our universe.

2/Lord Vishnu decides to incarnate on earth; he takes the form of Lord Krishna. There begins our Kundalini Yoga.

3/Lord Vishnu divides himself into the male & female energies of Krishna & Radha respectively. Lessons will come from Krishna.

4/In deep milky-way of our subtle body (human Aura) lies a serpent (Kundalini); in coiled form; is lifeless; it has to be infused with energy.

5/Energy that will awaken serpent (Kundalini) is Love; whenever we emanate Love; serpent awakens hazily & stretches itself.

6/The stronger the love-force, the more alert our serpent (Kundalini) becomes; lack of love makes it fall asleep again.

7/When the serpent (Kundalini) is awake & alert, it wishes to make a journey through the milky-way of our Auric body.

8/Milky-way of our Auric body will have 7 center-points in ascending order, known as Chakras; milky-way is inter-twined thru these Chakras.

9/Serpent energy (Kundalini) divides into 2 at our Base Chakra (1^st & lowest); divided 2 will journey thru different halves to meet at top.

10/Krishna & Radha – 2 divided energies of serpent (Kundalini Shakti). The energy that activates this serpent is `Love’ (Krishna’s purpose).

11/Radha embodies softer, passive energies; Krishna d’ opposite; Radha journey to top is quicker; Krishna’s journey more arduous.

12/Halves of serpent energy (Kundalini), travel through 16’100 secondary channels; 8 main channels; 2 primary channels; then merge into 1.

13/ 16’100 secondary channels are easy traverse; but 8 primary channels are sticky; their aim is to hold down/block the serpent (Kundalini).

14/Each of the primary 8 channels wants to hold the serpent (Kundalini) in itself; these are places where Kundalini will get “stuck”.

It is important not to be confused by gender. Gender references are necessary to facilitate a story-format. If you are male – gender ref. stands; if you are female – change the gender of your consorts/partners accordingly. `Krishna’ is male half of your soul; `Radha’ is female half of your soul. They both exist `inside’ you. Since life-lessons will be taught by Krishna, not Radha; it is important to stay focused on the Krishna-aspect of serpentine energy.

Krishna had 16’100 girlfriends; 8 wives; and 1 twin consort. Krishna’s twin consort: Radha. Krishna’s 8-wives: Ashta-bhaarya’s. Krishna (Kundalini) dances through 16’100 girlfriends with ease; they don’t hold him back; but his 8 wives – well, that’s the story.

1/Each `wife’ depicts a specific love-energy that we can encounter in this world; often we may even be married/committed to 1 of 8.

2/Of Krishna’s 8 wives, 4 carry more importance than others, as they are stickier, trickier & more difficult to navigate.

3/Krishna & Radha will emerge as 2 twin DNA-like channels; after Krishna completes his successful journey thru 16’100 + 8 channels.

4/Halves of serpent energy Kundalini (Radha & Krishna), travel thru 16’100 secondary & 8 primary channels; 2 twin DNA-like channels; then merge into 1.

This is depicted in Gujarat’s favorite dance – Raas Leela – is Krishna’s journey. `Raas-Leela’ is a dance form, especially dedicated to Krishna. `Raas’ is `Rasa’ or essence. `Leela’ is playful/loving enactment. Radha & Krishna enact the `Raas-Leela’ for us, as a teaching. `Raas Leela’ comprises a formation of concentric circles with women in inner circle & men in outer circle, facing each other. Number of circular rings will depend on number of ppl participating in the dance; men & women move in opposite directions. With every conclusive dance beat, you change partners; so in effect, every man dances with every woman & vice-versa.

Krishna starts his dance (Raas Leela) at periphery of ring of circles; dancing skillfully, he works his way thru 16’100 Gopis (girls ) to reach the innermost circle of 8; here it becomes tricky & sticky; the girls are very watchful & don’t let him out of sight. Krishna can offend no-one; the lesson lies in Krishna’s cleverness; he has to please his inner-8, yet be alert enough to escape. Waiting in the centre is Radha; here they (Radha & Krishna) dance till dawn oblivious to all else; then suddenly they disappear. The sudden disappearance of Radha & Krishna from centre of circle is their `Union/Merger’ into ONE.

In world parlance:-

1/Kundalini Shakti (Soul Energy) is YOU yourself.

2/You (Kundalini Shakti/Soul Energy) have to successfully navigate 16’100 secondary & 8 primary channels before you reach your twin half.

3/Here, 16’100 secondary channels = 16’100 people who will make a significant difference to your life, over many lifetimes.

4/Here, 8 primary channels = 8 significantly strong love-energies that you will have to successfully navigate over lifetimes.

 5/You (Kundalini Shakti/Soul Energy) have to leave every channel `happy & satisfied’ before you can exit that channel (love-energy).

6/Number of lifetimes you take to navigate your 8 primary (depicted as sticky & tricky) channels, depends on your `awareness’.

7/Simply `being aware’ & `being able to recognize’ these 8 (esp. 4/8) means you have crashed through a huge barrier to enlightenment.

8/The real journey begins AFTER you meet your twin; many lifetimes with your twin will have to be dedicated to Earth-causes.

9/Once you have made significant difference to Mother Earth, along with your twin-soul, you can opt for MERGER.

10/Answer to recognizing & understanding your 8 primary channels – lies in understanding Lord Krishna’s 8 wives.

In world parlance:-

1/Krishna’s “Ashta-bhaaryas”, 8 wives, are many times depicted in Indian Classical dance, as “Ashta-naikas” (8 heroines) – 8 forms of love.

2/Amongst these primary 8 wives, energies of 4 are sticky & disruptive; energies of 4 are sticky but non-disruptive.

3/Disruptive energies are advised against by astrologers, as they are not conducive to the typical Indian large family set-up.

4/Disruptive energies are not very sharing; they want their Krishna all to themselves; non-disruptive energies are easier to navigate.

5/In higher stages of soul evolution, most definitely, almost all 8 energies would have come your way, and you would have picked 1.

6/Here, there’s nothing like `right choice’ or `wrong choice’. Every choice presents its challenges & takes you further in evolution.

7/It’s important to stay connected with every `energy’ that you recognize; if not as partner, then as friend, mentor, guide.

8/Sometimes, souls in higher stages of evolution may consciously shy away from a partner, if they sense their inability to navigate well.

9/But `shying away’ is not the answer, the answer lies in `going through’ with it. Sooner or later, it has to be done.

10/This explains India’s concept of `Gurus’/`Guides’. We may not have all information, but someone who has, can make our journey quicker.

11/Here again, it’s improper to advise people, who they should choose as partners; that should be free will.

12/The only advice that shld be given, is to list pros & cons of an `energy’ & allow ppl to make an informed choice. Here astrology helps.

13/Whatever choice a person makes, if they learn the `essence’ of an energy, they can navigate successfully without getting stuck.

Krishna’s twin-soul Radha is an amalgamation of the traits of all of Krishna’s 8 wives – but here, there is knowingness, understanding and awareness. Radha is not defined by the traits of 8-wives; she merely enacts them in Raas-Leela (her dance with Krishna) as a gentle reminder to mortal souls like us.

Objective is to teach the world various aspects of love; the ways in which love can bloom; & (as Krishna) how do you handle it, without killing it. In Krishna’s 8-wives, this experience is more detailed & is narrated from female-perspective; what `she’ (female half) feels about love.

The 8-wives of Krishna depict the 8 forms of love that you will come across in more advances stages of your human evolution. As you edge closer to your own `Radha/Krishna’, you will become `aware’ of the `types’ of love that have crossed/crossing your path. Invariably, they will be from amongst the 8 `types’ described as Krishna’s wives. Perhaps, one of them will be your closest partner.

The quickest form of soul-evolution would be, to `recognize correctly’ all 8 forms of love that may have crossed your path. To understand & accept every `type’ of love; and take them through their ups & downs of life as: mentor, counselor, friend, philosopher, guide.

Allow them to feel your presence in their life. By doing so, you help them deal with their difficult karma. The more skillfully you `dance through this situation’ (will be explained in Kundalini Yoga); closer you will move to your `Radha/Krishna’.

The Spiritual Secret of Radha And Krishna; Krishna’s 16’100 Girlfriends; Krishna’s Ashtabhaaryas (8 wives) – Part II

Krishna’s 8 wives:- Rukmini, Satyabhaama, Jaambavati, Kaalindi, Mitravrinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadraa & Lakshanaa. What are their specific energies?

1/Rukmini: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna by being his friend, philosopher, guide & peacemaker. She is simple, pretty, modest, good listener; respects all of Krishna’s alliances, partnerships & relationships. She enjoys playing role of counselor & peace-maker; Krishna uses her to counsel & maintain peace among his other wives. She is often depicted by Krishna’s side as his talking-companion; worshipped as main-consort in south-India. She is a highly recommended energy for worldly partnerships, as she offers most support to Krishna’s causes.

Affirmation of Rukmini’s love: “Love is Peace”.

2/Satyabhaama: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with her tantrums; if he doesn’t accede, she will leave. She is proud, arrogant, domineering, self-centered, opinionated; with her, Krishna must play a supportive role. She believes she has done Krishna a favor by offering him marriage; wants Krishna at her beck & call at all times. Her energies can be navigated by mollifying her tantrums in playfulness, yet not succumbing to them. Her energies can be navigated with flattery, as her pride succumbs easily to this.

Affirmation of Satyabhaama’s love: “Love is Me”.

3/Jaambavati: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with her beauty; believes beauty can reign in Krishna. She is vain, desires appreciation; confident about the power of her beauty; willing to share Krishna with others. She is exquisitely beautiful, well-groomed, well-adorned at all times; believes Krishna is attracted to her for her looks. She makes special effort to showcase her beauty so she appears cut-above-others at all times. Her energies can be navigated offering her appreciation she rightfully deserves; offer her limelight along with responsibility. Her energies can be navigated by gently highlighting her inner beauty & allowing that to over-shadow her outer beauty.

Affirmation of Jaambavati’s love: “Love is Beauty”.

4/Kaalindi: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with her games, nets, traps, lures; uses forbidden-love & guilt as weapons. She is sister of Yamuna; uses her sibling’s proximity to Krishna, to gain entry into his life; she lays the trap; yet appears the victim. The excitement of `trapping’ Krishna into being with her, is higher than excitement of being with Krishna. She enjoys competition; creates competition; enjoys winning over competition; Krishna’s desirability with other women excites her. She enjoys catching Krishna with his guard down; lures Krishna into secret confessionals; feels empowered by others’ secrets. Her energies in worldly living may mean alienation from loved ones to accommodate her; Krishna may be forced to make a `choice’. Her energies can be navigated by not empowering her negatively; by not succumbing to guilt; by `playfully’ seeing thru her game. Her energies can be navigated by gently/lovingly holding your ground; Kaalindi will always need you more than you need her.

Affirmation of Kaalindi’s love: “Love is a Contest”.

5/Mitravrinda: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with her amiable, amicable, friendly, mischievous nature. She rarely takes offence to anything Krishna says or does; works hard to manage & harmonize Krishna’s relationships. She is Krishna’s closest confidante; her advice is usually selfless; is a perfect hostess to Krishna’s social circle. She is closest confidante to Krishna’s wives also; they find her a safe haven to share their grievances. She is companionable, conversational & mischievous; usually lightens conflict with her naughtiness. Her energies can be navigated by offering her unconditional friendship; by giving her responsibility.

Affirmation of Mitravrinda’s love: “Love is Friendship”.

6/Nagnajiti: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with her openness, her truths; her name itself means “blatant truth”. For her, love has to be an open book; diplomacy doesn’t cut ice with her; her conflicts center around Krishna’s cleverness. For her, whatever is open is truth; whatever is hidden is false; she bares her soul & dares you to do the same. Krishna usually uses her to convey hard truths to his other wives, while he himself stays in the background. She is very blunt in her expression; in worldly sense, it can create conflicts in social & family circles. Her energies can be navigated by not killing her true spirit; by appreciating her honesty; but at same time allowing her to see that truths which hurt people cannot help them much; channelize her truths into softer/gentler expressions. Her energies can be navigated by offering her a straight-forward & honest approach to love.

Affirmation of Nagnajiti’s love: “Love is Truth”

7/Bhadraa: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna by blending into him; she is happy to be what Krishna wants her to be. She chooses not to have a defined personality; she believes individuality = division from Krishna. She is gentle, subservient, unassuming, selfless; she places herself last in priority; she believes this is love. Hers is a motherly, nurturing, nourishing, forgiving; she serves not only Krishna but all of Krishna’s relationships dutifully. In a worldly sense, it is very easy to take advantage of Bhadraa’s goodness; she’s usually the cornerstone that goes unnoticed. Her energies must be navigated with care & sensitivity; as her Krishna, it’s important to ensure she gets her due. Her energies can be navigated by encouraging her to stand-up-for-herself; by encouraging self-development thru interests & hobbies.

Affirmation of Bhadraa’s love: “Love is Submission”.

8/Lakshanaa: She tries to `channelize’ Krishna with a focused approach; with her love is like a game of Chess; move-countermove. She is focused; goal-oriented; plans & rehearses all her moves; will always have “Plan-B” in place. According to her, she has to checkmate Krishna & win her rightful crown; other wives are opposing pawns. She is characterized by a strategic, methodical mind; extremely logical; every action needs to have a purpose. In a worldly sense, Lakshanaa will be less of disruptive & more of uninteresting; her predictability overtakes her creativity. She can be an extremely efficient partner; but her compulsive behavior can kill the charm. Her energies can be navigated by giving her responsibility; by encouraging creativity & spontaneity. Her energies can be navigated by gently showing her fun side of failures, inefficiencies & mistakes; by loosening her up.

Affirmation of Lakshanaa’s love: “Love is a Goal”.

9/Krishna’s Radha: Radha is an amalgamation/a merger of all 8 wives. From that confluence, from that merger, emerges her own unique affirmation of love. In Radha, Krishna can navigate all 8 forms of love with ease & expertise; he knows every high, low, bend, curve, fall & illusion.

Affirmation of Radha’s love: “Love is Krishna”.

The Spiritual Secret of Radha And Krishna; Krishna’s 16’100 Girlfriends; Krishna’s Ashtabhaaryas (8 wives) – Part III – Interpretation of Kundalini Shakti

1/Go to Google Images. Search for “Caduceus” (inter-twined snakes on a sword); this is the symbolic image of Krishna and Radha.

2/In the image you will see 2 serpents (Krishna-Radha), stretching themselves in DNA spiral, rising from bottom to top. These are the Ida-Pingala channels of Kundalini Shakti.

3/Go to Google Images again. Search for “Caduceus Kundalini Awakening”. Now study the “Chakras” of Auric-body super-imposed on Caduceus (inter-twined snakes on a sword).

4/When Kundalini-Shakti splits into 2, both halves have to traverse thru 7 Chakras, while simultaneously navigating 16’108 channels.

6/Krishna-Radha will meet, after long wayward journeys, just before Crown-Chakra; then they drop down in unification back into Base-Chakra.

7/The `drop’ from `pre-Crown-Chakra’ to `Base-Chakra’, happens via the `Sword’ that is pierced thru centre-points of all 7 Chakras.

8/Sword = Sushumna-channel. When energies enter the Sushumna-channel, its cleansing process begins. Progressive Cleansing = Progressive Enlightenment.

9/From the Base Chakra, they rise again in unification (in a DNA spiral), moving slowly upwards. This journey is a representation of “twin-souls-together-journeys” on Earth.

10/Till the Sushumna-channel is totally cleansed & totally enlightened, Ida and Pingala will continue their “rise & drop”.

11/It is during these numerous journeys, that Ida and Pingala will make a significant difference and contribution to the Mother Earth.

12/At some point, they will finally make it to the Crown-Chakra. The time frame is free-will, but whenever they do = Moksh. Oneness with God.

13/That is the story of every soul & every soul-half. This is why Sages/Rishis/Gurus frown upon self-awakening of Kundalini-Shakti.

14/This journey can be done totally inwards (yogic/transcendental meditation) or by simply living in the world, in awareness.

15/Either way, guidance becomes important. God forbid, should energy get stuck in a channel, it can stay there for a really long time.

In world parlance:-

1/Remember you’ll be moving from love-energies in reverse order, as in, channels 8 through 1.

2/Amongst lower 4 channels, Mitravrinda (channel 5) is toughest to navigate. Channels 8,7,6 are relatively easier to navigate.

3/Mitravrinda is so amiable, so companionable, so pleasant, so fits into your social setup; that you won’t wish to leave her.

4/Chances are you will choose to navigate Mitravrinda’s channel over & over again; she has that effect.

5/When you do choose to move beyond Mitravrinda, you’ll enter lowest of upper channels – Kaalindi (channel 4).

6/Amongst upper 4 channels, Kaalindi (channel 4) is toughest to navigate. Channels 3,2,1 are relatively easier.

7/Kaalindi holds you back with her traps; you may find yourself navigating her channel several times over, out of guilt or fear.

8/It’s not easy to leave Kaalindi; she has her own charm; sometimes staying put in her channel makes worldly life lot easier.

9/When you do choose to move beyond Kaalindi (channel 4), you’ll find Jaambavati, Satyabhaama, Rukmini (3,2,1) will be fairly easy to navigate.

10/Once you reach Rukmini, and she emerges as your main consort/partner, you know you’ve reached a comfort zone in evolution.

11/In higher stages of soul evolution, energies 5,6,7,8 may come back as your siblings, friends, loved ones.

12/Energies you have navigated well in past lives will return back to you in purest platonic love.

13/It explains why Indian gurus/astrologers frown on disruptive love-energies / love-partnerships, that disturb existing family relationships.

14/Blocking an already well-navigated channel (eg. family / parents / siblings) will mean coming back in another lifetime and  making another herculean effort to re-navigate it.

15/Journey becomes faster under expert guidance, or if you’re lucky to identify your Radha/Krishna; then purpose becomes evident.

16/Twin souls may not identify each other at same time; the wiser soul with longer, harder Earth journey will realize it first.

17/The 2^nd soul will realize automatically at appropriate time. Patience, faith and perseverance is the key to soul evolution.

That’s it. I’m done with this volcanic eruption of information that I analyzed & interpreted with a compulsive obsession. I’ve spent every waking moment this month (Adhik maasam 2012), on Krishna & more Krishna. Let’s hope He recognizes my patience, efforts, diligence.

Amen.

Secret Of Pandharpur, Panduranga Vitthala And His Consort Rukmini

The Secret Of Pandharpur, Krishna Panduranga Vitthala And His Consort Rukmini

Panduranga Vitthala. Deity at Maharashtra’s spiritual capital Pandharpur. Panduranga (white hued); Vitthala (standing on a brick).

Lord Krishna visits an ardent devotee in Pandharpur in physical form; devotee is pre-occupied with serving his sick parents.

Lord Krishna walks in thru doorway & stands behind devotee, who senses a visitor but doesn’t want to turn attention away from parents.

Devotee pushes a brick behind him & orders visitor to sit on it; in Indian custom, guests are not allowed to sit on bare floor.

Krishna hops onto brick & stands on it to keep devotee’s word, while indulgently looking over devotee’s shoulder with a smile on his lips.

That’s the deity at Pandharpur. Lord Krishna as Vitthala, standing on a brick, hands on hips, with a smile on his lips.

But why & how did he get the name Panduranga/white-hued? (Because Krishna is dark complexioned).

Tenali Rama was an Andhra poet, known for his wit, humor & poesy; he was one of the 9 `gems’ in kingdom of Krishnadevaraaya.

Krishnadevaraaya consolidated the Vijayanagaram empire that spanned across modern day Andhra & Karnataka.

Krishnadevaraaya was a devotee of Lord Krishna & greatly promulgated Vaishnavism in south-India.

King Krishnadevaraaya requested Tenali Rama to come up with a unique ode to Lord Krishna, in his own unique witty way.

Tenali Rama’s Panduranga-Mahatyam is one of is his most celebrated works; originally in Telugu & translated into many languages.

In Panduranga-Mahatyam & many other works dedicated to Lord Krishna, we find references to how the Lord got this name `white-hued’.

Panduranga is revered on Shukla-paksha (bright half) Ekadashi (11^th day of lunar cycle) & Vitthala on Krishna-paksha (dark half) Ekadashi.

Sant Tukaram & Sant Namdev, of Maharashtra, have immortalized Panduranga & Vitthala in their odes, chants & devotion. (Sant=Saint).

Hari Om Vitthala: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaeKVG_SuvI

Padma-Purana & Skanda-Purana briefly, &  Panduranga-Mahatyam in detail, describe why Lord Krishna journeyed to Pandharpur.

Rukmini implores Krishna to invite Radha home; her request is fueled by her own curiosity & those of other wives.

Few days later; Rukmini reminds; Krishna indicates he has conveyed her invite; more silence; Rukmini egged by wives provokes Krishna.

Rukmini speaks of Radha’s disrespect to Krishna; Krishna shrugs it off; Rukmini persists.

Do you really want to meet Radha or is it just curiosity? asks Krishna; because if it is curiosity, it is disrespectful to her.

Rukmini is hurt. She decides to spy on Krishna. Late 1 night, Krishna sets off towards Vrindavan. Rukmini follows.

Rukmini reaches Vrindavan & spots Krishna from a distance; he appears fair-skinned & there is a glow around him.

Krishna? Pandurang? (Krishna? Fair complexioned?) utters Rukmini in surprise.Krishna turns around. Rukmini spots Radha in his embrace.

Krishna in his embrace with Radha, has momentarily taken on her color & complexion. The glow is from their togetherness.

Rukmini is shocked, furious, seething. She storms off in opposite direction. Krishna follows Rukmini.

Trying to get as far away as she can from Krishna, Rukmini reaches Pandharpur; Krishna catches up with her; Rukmini turns her face away.

Krsna: The secret of Radha lies in the form I’ve taken today; you’ve christened me Pandurang; if you look at me, I’ll enlighten you.

Krsna: You wished to meet Radha; I’m standing here in her form; if you look at me now, you’ll understand everything about Radha.

Rkmni: My Lord, please leave before I say or do something that I will deeply regret; I do not wish to look at you; this is not my Krishna.

Krsna: Very well then; there’s a devotee of mine in Pandharpur; I shall go & see him instead. (Krishna leaves).

After a while Rukmini turns around; disappointed to see Krishna has really left; she’s afraid to lose him; she searches for him.

Rukmini reaches devotee Pundalik’s house; spots Krishna from far; Krishna senses Rukmini; but she has missed her moment of enlightenment.

Krishna has frozen into the form of Vitthal, (black stone, standing on a brick, hands on hips, smile on lips). Rukmini dare not face him.

Standing many paces behind him, she wills herself to turn into stone as well. Pandharpur. Vitthoba & Rukhmai Devi.

Universal Pitru-Paksh Mantras & Rituals That Can Be Chanted/Performed By Anybody/Everybody – Part I & II

GIST OF SAGE AGASTYA’S TREATISE ON PITRU-PAKSH RITUALS (MAHALAAYA SHRAADH) – Part I

10/5/2012 2:41:55 PM

Sage Agastya’s Treatise on rituals during 15 days of Pitru-Paksh (Mahaalaya Shraadh):-

Contrary to popular belief, Sage Agastya opined that salutations to ancestors during Pitru-Paksh is not the sole prerogative of sons.

Agastya’s Treatise is endorsed by all Buddhist texts esp. Lotus Sutra, which opines that everyone must pay respects to ancestors.

In Hindusim it is said, 15 days in a year, our ancestors visit us every day from sunrise to sunset in hope of receiving offerings from us.

Offerings of water & black sesame seeds, quenches their hunger & thirst; in return for this, they shower multitude blessings on us.

Also, doors of Vishnu-Lok remain open for all Pitrus (dead souls) for 15 days in a year during Pitru-Paksh, BUT there is a catch.

The catch is – Pitrus (dead souls) can enter Vishnu-Lok either based on their individual good karma or from a request by descendants.

When descendants send a request to Ethers to allow their ancestors to enter Vishnu-Lok, the fee for same is deducted from our karma.

It is as if we are paying for our ancestors’ ticket into Vishnu-Lok, from our own karmic brownie points. That’s the understanding.

This ticket to Vishnu-Lok is valid for a year until next Pitru-Paksh, when we have to renew same for our ancestors; hence its importance.

Those of our ancestors who have already attained Vishu-Lok owing to their own good karma; our ticket will take them to higher heavens.

It is precisely for this ticket that our ancestors line up in hope & expectation during the 15 day phase of Pitru-Paksh.

So if you deem ancestors to be unimportant & go about your daily jobs unconcerned, they leave in disappointment & dejection.

This dejection & disappointment of ancestors translates into “curses” which are nothing but material obstacles & hurdles in daily life.

But if you choose to welcome them, honor them & bid them farewell with offerings; then it translates into “blessings”.

“Ancestors’ blessings” are nothing but help & luck that you receive in material life in a tangible, material way.

Here again – `free will’ plays its own role. Ancestors do not/cannot accept offerings that forced or half-hearted.

So whatever comes `from heart’ is accepted by ancestors, rest stands rejected; so it is important to honor ancestors from both love & duty.

Sage Agastya’s basic rule1: Every living descendant, related by blood or bond, must honor every dead ancestor.

Sage Agastya’s basic rule2: If you are entitled to receive, you are entitled to give. If there are no barriers as who can receive…

… name, fame, wealth & blessings from ancestors, then there can be no barriers as to who can/should perform Pitru-Paksh offerings.

Restrictions entered into Hindusim regarding Pitru-Paksh rituals because men believed, they had ownership over wives’ & daughters’ karma.

Elaborate rituals apart, following 3 simple mantras from Agastya’s treatise will suffice for anyone (men, women, children, related, unrelated)…

…desirous of parting with a bit of their good karma so they can buy a ticket for their ancestors into Vishnu-Lok.

Continued…

GIST OF SAGE AGASTYA’S TREATISE ON PITRU-PAKSH RITUALS (MAHAALAYA SHRAADH) – Part II

10/5/2012 5:24:58 PM

You will need to make the following simple preparations. Find a quiet corner of a room or balcony where you can sit down facing East.

You will need: 1 mat to sit on; 1 glass of water, a small bowl of BLACK sesame seeds (til); a plate into which you can release water & your list of mantras from Agastya’s Treatise.

Mantras required: Pitru-Gayatri ; Avaahanam Mantra; Pitru-Mantra; Gayatri-Mantra to close the show.

PITRU-GAYATRI MANTRA is chanted 11 times to activate all your Pitrus from Ethers above, so that their attention turns towards you.

You may not know who your Pitrus (ancestors) are; but when you begin to chant Pitru-Gayatri, you will start radiating unique vibrations.

These vibrations will be unique to you, and will resonate through Ethers via your body, your mind, your sound & your intentions.

Vibration emitted by you will be like no one else; so Pitrus whom you are intentionally reaching out to, will immediately turn their attention to you.

Either in the balconey of your house, or in a quiet corner of any room, sit down facing East on a mat.

Place b

Before you begin Pitru-Gayatri, it’s important to put forward the following intention (mentally & in your own thoughts & words) towards Ethers:-

“All ancestors from my father’s side; all ancestors from my mother’s side; all ancestors from my better-half’s side…

…all ancestors known to me; all ancestors unknown to me; all Pitrus in Ethers who may have no descendants…;

…all Pitrus in Ethers whose descendants may have forgotten them; all friends who have passed into Ethers…;

…and souls of all animals who dies feeding me & my family, directly or indirectly. Please turn your attention towards me:-

Now chant the PITRU-GAYATRI MANTRA (11 times in succession):-

PITRU-GAYATRI:- “OM PITRU GANAAYA VIDMAHE… JAGAT DHAARINEY DHEEMAHI… TANNO PITRO PRACHODAYAAT”

If you’re good at visualization, you will see your Pitrus few feet above you, surrounding you in a semi-circle, facing you.

You have now caught your Pitrus’ attention; next step is to invite them to accept your meager offering of black sesame seeds & water.

Invitation is extended by chanting the AVAAHANAM-MANTRA (3 times in succession):-

AVAAHANAM-MANTRA:- “OM AAGACHH-ANNTU ME PITRU EMAM GRIHANTI JALAANJALIM”

I invite you into my home to accept my offering of sesame seeds & water to quench your hunger & thirst.

Then you chant the PITRU-MANTRA (3 times in succession):-

1. Take black sesame seeds in right hand.
2. While chanting PITRU-MANTRA, pour water over sesame seeds into plate.
3. Water has to flow from between thumb & index finger AND NOT from front of palms flowing over fingers, as we normally do.
4. The water that will flow between thumb & index finger will automatically flow towards South direction as you are facing East.
5. The direction of Pitrus is South.

PITRU-MANTRA:- “OM SARVA PITRU DEVAAYA NAMAHA… TRIPTAYAAMIDAM TILODAHAM –VA – JALAANJALIM… TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA… TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA… TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA…” 

Now request them to proceed to Vishnu-Lok, the gates of which you have desired open, by parting with a bit of your good karma.

As a closure & thank-you, chant the GAYATRI-MANTRA (11 times in succession), during which time your Pitrus will depart.

GAYATRI-MANTRA:- “OM BHUR BHUVAHA SWAAHAA TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHEEYO YONAHA PRACHODAYAAT”

If you’re someone like me who enjoys having a verbal dialogue with those gathered; then do so before you chant the GAYATRI-MANTRA.

Personally, I have experienced an amazing peace over last 5 days. In fact, my dialogue sessions are incredibly soothing.

Pitru-dialogues are something I’ve wanting to have for a long time now; but strangely this mention of “departed souls” & “Pitrus” is unnerving for a common man.

But thanks to our family Pandit who dropped in at an opportune time (bang on early morning of 1^st day of Shraadh)…

…thanks to Agastya’s Treatise; and thanks to all Buddhist texts, esp. Lotus Sutra which support this Treatise, albeit in different words & with different mantras…

…thanks to all of these, and esp. to all Pitrus above who desired to connect with me; this year I managed to honor my ancestors on their sp. days.

What I find amazingly coincidental is that BHARANI SHRAADH, which falls roughly on 4^th/5^th day of Pitru-Paksh has special significance.

Coincidental because, my monthly dates arrived day after Bharani Shraadh, at which time I had not even read the importance of Bharani Shraadh.

Call it a series of coincidences, or call it a series of pre-destined events that just kept falling into place; call it what you will, but this year has been different.

This year, more than ever, I have felt that God does connect with you in tangible ways; God does steer your wagon – if you will him to.

I’m still waiting to understand my Krishna-connection; a chord that connected, roughly from the month of Adik-maasam this year.

I’m in no hurry. It’ll come to me in its own time. Like everything else. But for now, IMPORTANCE OF BHARANI-SHRAADH. Next.

Continued…

Story Of Rishi Chyawan And Ayurveda’s Most Important Concoctions

The Story of Chyawan Rishi and Ayurveda’s Most Important Concoctions (quoted from Padma Purana & Bhavishya Purana)

Chyawan Rishi was the son of Rishi Bhrigu and his wife Puloma. After imbibing the necessary teachings from his father Bhrigu, Chyawan ventures into the forest to embark upon a penance (tap) for further enlightenment. Many decades pass in this penance; the Rishi remains rooted to his spot, unmoving, in a state of super-consciousness. A tall, conical anthill forms around the Rishi enveloping him completely; all that is visible is an anthill with 2 holes in the exact spots of the Rishi’s 2 eyes. The energy and glow of penance radiate through his closed eyes thus preventing any obstruction forming before his eyes.

Into this same forest comes Princess Sukanya with her entourage. Sukanya is 16 years old, and is the daughter of King Sharyaati and has come for a ride through this ancient forest with her group of friends. Walking along the forest tracks, Sukanya chances upon the anthill that has formed over Chyawan Rishi; she is fascinated by the size of the anthill, and the glowing rays that are emitting from 2 holes towards the top. After scrutinizing the anthill from all angles, curiosity gets the better of her, and she picks up a stick and probes it into the 2 holes to try and gauge the source of the light rays. Little does she know that she has probed the stick into the Rishi’s eyes; blood starts oozing from the eye holes, the penance of Rishi Chyawan is broken, and he emerges from the anhill with a blood curdling shriek.

The Rishi breaks the anthill and rises to stand to his full height; blood is oozing from his eyes, and he realizes he has been blinded. Sukanya realizes what she has done and faints in fear. Her father, King Sharyaati is hurried to the forest to take control of the situation. When Sharyaati arrives in the forest, and is face to face with Chyawan Rishi, he realizes that this is no mean situation; the Rishi has just awakened with the full power of his decades-long penance and is just about to unleash the wrath of his curses on the King, his daughter and his kingdom. Sharyaati goes down on his knees, confesses his daughter’s crime, begs forgiveness and in a final bid to appease the angry sage, he offers his erring daughter, Sukanya’s hand in marriage to Chyawan Rishi. The sage accepts and forgives.

Sukanya begins her married life with Chyawan, and serves him with acceptance and dedication. Chyawan is pleased with her commitment to him, and requests a son from her. Sukanya agrees, but voices her reluctance to make love to an aged Rishi with all bodily signs of old age from graying hair to wrinkled skin to creaking joints, while she herself is only in the youth of 16 years. The blind sage understands and asks her for a year’s time.

Chyawan takes to penance again and propitiates the celestial physicians/doctors, the Ashwini Kumar(s) – [always in plural, as they are the twin sons of Surya***]. The Ashwini Kumar(s) descend to earth and urge the sage to ask for a boon. Rishi Chyawan asks for a prescription to restore youth to the human body. The Ashwini Kumar(s) relent, grant the sage his youth and his eyesight, and also leave behind the requested prescription along with a seed, for the benefit of all humanity in the ages to come.

Rishi Chyawan, in all his youthful splendor, returns to wife Sukanya. Then, he plants the seed received from the Ashwini Kumar(s) and vows to spend the rest of his life in research of Ayurveda so that he can restore health and youth to humanity.

The seed takes root, blossoms into a tree, flowers and delivers its divine fruits. This divine fruit documented in the Ayurveda is the Indian Gooseberry or Amla. Working on the various permutations and combinations of the usage of the Amla fruit, Chyawan Rishi pens the most intricate and sought after chapters in Ayurveda – the chapters dedicated to youth and health. Chyawan’s most famous invention the `Chyawanprash’, in its undistorted prescription is said to comprise 80% of the extract, juices and pulp of the Amla fruit in addition to other additives.

Chyawan Rishi also formulated and documented the benefits of Ayurveda’s most favored prescriptions – Amla choorna (dried amla in powdered form) and Triphala choorna (an equal proportion of the 3 fruits of Amla, Haritaki (Harad), Bibhitaki/Vibhitaka (Baheda) in powdered form.

In the Yauvan (youth) Samhita chapters of Ayurveda, Chyawan Rishi mentions in his treatise that youth is recognized from the “backward arch of its back, and the inward arch of its abdomen…”; he also states that when both these arches begin to lose their defined shape, then one can presume that aging has set in. When bones become porous and lose their density, the shape of spine and joints change; and when vata, pitha and kapha are disturbed from their natural balance, gastric imbalances set in, and increase the girth of the abdomen. These disturbances then lead to sagging skin and graying hair, thus completing the onset of the aging process.

Chyawan Muni’s prescription for youth and health/Triphala:-

Chyawan Rishi’s prescription of Triphala choorna entails taking Triphala in its powdered form, whipped in a little bit of water, and swallowed. Triphala by no means has an acceptable taste, but that is the least of all mentions. In Ayurvedic texts, it is a divine concoction, and taste is not an important parameter.

1. Triphala is recommended for:- toning of the gastro-intestinal tract, toning of the colon, curing constipation, and systematic removal of residual waste matter and toxins, intestinal cleansing, digestive balance, better food assimilation, serum cholesterol balance, better blood circulation, bile duct opening, sluggish peristalsis reduction, headaches reduction, uterine health, respiratory health, kidney health, liver health, cardio vascular health and hemorrhoids.
2. Triphala starts its regeneration process by purging the system of toxins, beginning with intestinal toxins. Triphala’s most immediate effect will be to induce evacuation of toxins from the system. The accumulation of toxins in the body will determine the number of evacuations the body makes, after every dosage of Triphala.
3. Sometimes, when the intestinal tract is clogged with toxins, and Triphala cannot push the toxins further down the tract, then it induces vomiting. Vomiting purges the body of excess phlegm and acids, and this will automatically loosen the intestinal tract muscles (phlegm/acids constrict muscles) for evacuation with the next round of Triphala powder.
4. The after-effects of Triphala are an indicator of the level of body toxins. The higher the after-effects, the higher the toxins. As the body cleanses itself of accumulated toxins, the after-effects of Triphala will periodically reduce to the point that finally the body will absorb all the components in Triphala with no side-effects. That is the physician’s benchmark that your body is relatively toxins-free.
5. A continued dosage of Triphala after you have reached the point of no side-effects, then Triphala will divert its components to work on excess body fat starting with the intestines; the visible effect will be on the abdomen and stomach region. Burning excess body fat with Triphala is not an instant process, but it is as sure as the process of Triphala’s detoxification. Triphala will have to enter the body’s fat cells, agitate and aggravate the layers of accumulated fat to open up, break the fat into smaller portions, and then burn them systematically. Slow but sure. The Amla component of Triphala nourishes bones, hair and skin. This will systematically restore strength to bones and joints; luster and glow to skin and hair; and the texts promise that the Amla component can actually reverse grey to black in hair cells. Maybe the Vedic texts did not account for modern day pollution, pollutants and free radical cell damage, but rest assured, that if started at an early age, the graying process will not occur or at least greatly delayed to a ripe old age.

Chyawan Muni’s prescription for youth and health/Amla:- 

1. Triphala is known for its agitating, aggravating and purgative effect on body cells and tissues. Till the body gets used to and accepts the inputs, Triphala can have a disturbing effect on both the taste buds and the body, with its detoxification properties. So, for those who would like to start off on a milder prescription, with more or less same effects and minus the drastic after-effects of Triphala, it is recommended to start with pure powdered Amla. Amla is tastier, milder, with same effects but shows its effect over a slightly longer duration period than Triphala.
2. To emphasize the regenerative effect of Amla, I will need to quote my personal usage experience and results following the use.
3. Roughly between 2000 to 2006, which can be described as the most intense phase of my infertility treatment, I suffered from multiple ailments: Multiple allergic conditions like asthma, rhinitis, sensitive skin; ENT and lung conditions like recurring inflammations of the ear passage, complete blockage of the nasal passage, inflammation of the throat and upper respiratory tract, reduced lung function; stomach conditions like inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract, erosion of stomach tissues. Added to this, constant pressure on abdominal muscles on account of recurring asthmatic and gastric attacks led to weakening of bladder muscles leading to attacks of incontinence and severe backaches in the lower-middle back region. Add to this an ongoing process of fertility treatment, procedures and medications (as doctors were not willing to compromise on time) – and I think the system headed for a complete breakdown. The permutations and combinations of medications (for every detailed ailment + infertility) to be taken, so that one prescription did not hamper the effects of another lead to a monstrosity of research that turned me into part-medical practitioner in my own right.
4. Every research, every experiment, more or less led to a similar conclusion – that almost every possible drug for any possible ailment will hamper the effectiveness of specialized fertility medications. That pushed me to a wall every time. If I gave up on other medications, the system would collapse and fertility treatment would automatically be rendered impossible. If I continued with other medications, the doctors would take no guarantee for success of fertility treatment. And doctors and medical science pretty much failed to come up with alternatives in my case; try and balance both was all they had to say.
5. Somewhere in the midst, or perhaps towards the end of this trying period, I started my self-prescribed experiments with alternate therapies. I got to the root of Homeopathy and Ayurveda. Going to practitioners was not an option with me, I tried all of that, but their miniscule non-existent drug dosages and the long time frame that went with it pushed me back by several months after each visit. So I got the texts and studied them. I managed to get hold of old volumes of homeopathic texts from an equally old, customer-friendly shop of Dr.Reckeweg’s German formulations in Bangalore. I would study, make notes, go back and ask for formulations and tinctures; combine them according to my ailments and consume them. I confirmed beyond doubt that unless taken in disastrous quantities, homeopathic prescriptions are incapable of causing serious side-effects.
6. There was one thing I discovered about my body during allopathic treatment, that my body needs and only responds to much higher doses than the prescribed normal. I observed doctors upping the doses of my inhalers, my antibiotics, my antacids, and practically every other drug (including specialized fertility drugs) that I was taking; then the results would show. I used that information and sometimes doubled, tripled and even quadrupled the doses of my homeopathic drugs than what was suggested in volumes. It worked. I saw visible reductions in the symptoms of my various ailments, and noticeable reduction in the use of allopathic drugs; body was also responding better to fertility drugs. Then I encountered a new roadblock – the cost of homeopathic formulations, and especially those imported from Germany which I preferred for their potency and efficacy, was monumental. On a household that runs on 1 salary, the monthly cost of medical experiments was almost equal to the monthly cost of specialized fertility treatment. That was neither practical nor acceptable.
7. That was when I shifted gears to Ayurveda. Ayurveda was definitely more affordable but infinitely more cumbersome. Compared to the small vials of Homeopathic formulations that I could pop into my handbag, carrying sachets of different powders and tablets of Ayurveda to be taken at different intervals was depressing and more so, impractical. Ayurveda was also a series of self-induced experiments as practitioners now bored me. I saw results, good results, but working on a body that is high on internal toxins meant that very often the body would reject the taste and texture of the medicine and throw up. It wore my patience out. Then somewhere towards the fag end of my patience, and just before I gave, I chanced upon an old volume dedicated exclusively to Amla, given to me by a benevolent shopkeeper. The text was in Hindi; if reading the fine printed text was tiresome then translating the language’s nuances, description of anatomy and its varied explanations was utterly draining. Google bailed me out. Finally, I decided to give Amla a try.
8. I formulated my dosage and consumed a tablespoon of Amla powder whipped into a glass of hot water every 1 hours. Ridiculously high dosage people warned me but I persisted. After 3 months and 3 kilograms of consumed Amla powder, my ailments were down to half their intensity; another 2 months and 2 kilograms of Amla, doctors were amazed with my new test reports. Stomach ulcers healed, stomach lining regenerated with fresh tissue, no inflammation anywhere in the gastro-intestinal tract, no backaches, reductions in inches around the stomach that made my gynos very happy, I came down to 2 inhalers from 4, and no inflammations in the ear-nose-throat region. What remained were asthma, rhinitis and infertility. It made the perusal of the remainder of my fertility treatment fairly manageable. I made a slight mistake though; had I persisted with my obsession for Amla for a while longer, I may have succeeded in naturally regenerating my uterine tissues also, who knows. But my urge to make up for lost time made me choose specialized fertility treatment and there I was strictly advised to do away with every other alternate therapy till the complete duration of the treatment; which I did. Well, I gave it my best shot, but as they say, God always holds the final results.
9. But to close the point I set out to make – Chyawan Rishi’s Amla therapy works. And how!

*** The story of Ashwini Kumar(s), twin sons of Surya – maybe next time.

5/1/2012 11:12:14 PM

Story Of Surya (Sun God), Sanjana, Sandhya, Chhaya, Shani, Yama, Yamuna & Ashwini Kumars(s) – (Twin Sons Of Surya)

The Story of Ashwini Kumar(s) – twin sons of Surya – Part I

Sanjana was the daughter of Vishwakarma (the celestial engineer and architect). As Sanjana grew to a marriageable age, Vishwakarma sought out for a suitable groom, and approached Surya, the Sun God to accept his daughter’s hand in marriage. Surya accepts and the marriage is solemnized.

A little while into the marriage and Sanjana is troubled, she can take it no more, the glare and heat emitted from Surya’s golden aura have darkened her complexion and sapped her energy; she no longer feels any love for her husband. Her color now resembles the energies of evening/dusk and the Gods bestow her with a new name – Sandhya.

Sanjana plots a plan for her escape. She creates a clone (perhaps one of the first documented instances of cloning). She calls her clone “Chhaya” (shadow). She installs Chhaya in her place and instructs her not to leave Surya’s presence under any circumstances, and to dutifully remain there till her return. Sanjana then returns to her father’s house for some respite. Surya does not notice the difference. He takes Chhaya to be his wife; he initiates marital relations; Chhaya conceives and delivers a son – Shani (Saturn). Shani is born of dark complexion like his mother, and also inherits Chhaya’s serious and somber countenance.

Vishwakarma hears news of Shani’s birth and he is deeply troubled. He confronts Sanjana and ask for the truth. Sanjana confesses having left behind a clone. Vishwakarma immediately orders his daughter to return to her rightful position in Surya’s house. Sanjana returns to Surya’s house but is livid with Chhaya for having violated the scope of her orders. Sanjana destroys Chhaya’s tangible body and reduces her to a mere illusion in Surya’s light and glare.

Surya once again does not notice the exchange of wives. Sanjana gives birth to 2 children from Surya – son Yama and daughter Yamuna. As the children grow older, Sanjana’s animosity towards Shani grows stronger and she does everything in her power to distance him from Surya. Devoid of motherly love and fatherly attention, Shani is distraught, depressed, lazy and utterly directionless.

The 3 children come of age, and time comes to bestow them with responsibilities. Surya announces the same to his children; hearing this, Sanjana quickly poisons Surya’s mind against the capabilities of Shani and requests him to divide his responsibilities between Yama and Yamuna. Surya relents.

So on the appointed day, Shani (the elder son) is ignored and Yama (the younger son) is given the title of “Dharmaraj” or “king of dharma” and is given the responsibility of upholding truth in humanity. Yama though popularly known as “God of death” is not literally so; he merely appears at the appointed time of death so that he can cart away the soul and present the updated karmic balance sheet of the life just gone by, to the soul; and explain with compassion, righteousness and an unwavering approach – the good and bad deeds of the soul and the likely implications of same in this after-life.

Yamuna is given the status of a holy river, and is given the responsibility of washing away the sins of those who bathe in her or partake of her waters. She is also given the responsibility of generating a spark of good thought in all those who touch her waters.

Yama and Yamuna accept their responsibilities and leave. Shani is left standing all alone. As a son and older brother, he feels humiliated and insulted. Unable to break the barriers of communication with his father; unable to invoke love from his mother; unable to express authority over his younger brother and sister, and unable to prove the capability that he believes he has – a rage builds up in Shani.

To vent his anger, he seeks out mother Sanjana and delivers a well aimed kick in her womb believing that she is an insult to the womb that she birthed him from. Shocked at this act, Sanjana retaliates by cursing Shani to lose the leg that he kicked her with. Maimed and helpless, Shani lies on the ground. The scene is witnessed by Surya. Though he can forgive Shani’s behavior as he act of an unruly son, he is unable to understand the curse of mother Sanjana. Surya then confronts Sanjana for the truth.

Sanjana confesses to her folly, apologises, and narrates about her clone Chhaya and the birth of Shani before her return to Surya’s home. Surya is livid with rage and glows brighter and hotter than before. He accepts Shani as his legitimate older son, restores his lost leg though a limp still remains to honor the word of his mother’s curse, and then makes amends by bestowing upon him the honor of a place in the solar system. Shani is installed as the planet that will govern “karma” and “dharma” in a horoscope. He will enter your horoscope as your karmic guru, your harshest teacher, and will ensure that you learn your lessons and pass your tests, so that you can rise higher up the karmic ladder.  Like his brother Yama, Shani will brook no concessions in the house that he will appear in, and will force you like a hard taskmaster to confront and deal with your toughest karmic issues – and bestow you with his own traits of patience, seriousness and diligence to help you learn your lessons in the appointed house.

True to his own life experiences, the house that Shani appears in, will first experience – insults, depression, prejudice, laziness and a sense of being directionless before you can invoke his powers of patience, perseverance and hard-work to deal with your tests.

Astrologically also, the placement of Shani and Surya in the same house is not considered good. The old Vedic animosity will resurface and the native will always feel the pressure of “wanting to glow with the pride of Surya” but being “subdued with the restrictions of Shani”. It is a balance that the native will seek to find in his life. (Incidentally, my own horoscope has this conjunction, but more when I write about the significance of Saturn in a Vedic horoscope chart.)

After Shani’s installation into the solar system as a planet, the Gods gathered around him and chanted an invocation to restore his lost honor; that chant is used even today used as a prayer to propitiate Shani:-

Neelaanjana samaabhaasam (To the color of brilliant dark blue)

Ravi-putram Yama-agrajam (Son of Surya, elder brother, agraj, of Yama)

Chhaya-Maartanda sambhootam (Son of Chhaya and Surya)

Tam namaami Shanaishcharam (We offer our obeisance)

The Story of Ashwini Kumar(s) – twin sons of Surya – Part II

Sanjana, after being admonished by Surya in the presence of Shani, and being further unable to bear the glow and heat of an angered Surya, leaves his abode once again. She now cannot return to her father’s house, so she disappears into a Himalayan forest to cool herself; there she takes on the disguise of a mare to prevent herself from being discovered and sent back home. She spends many long years in the forest, as a mare.

When Surya’s anger cools down, he begins to miss his wife and he goes in search of her to Vishwakarma’s house. Vishwakarma informs him of Sanjana’s whereabouts but also has as humble request – he asks Surya to reduce his glare so that daughter Sanjana is not discomfited. Surya says he is helpless as it is part of his nature; Vishwakarma then offers to help. Vishwakarma, the celestial engineer and architect, puts his skills to use and scrapes the glow away from Surya’s face and body, thus giving him, what they would say in modern day parlance – a matt-finish. Surya in his new look ventures into the Himalayan forest in search of Sanjana. He spots her grazing the grass in the form of a mare. To entice her, he takes the form of a young stallion and approaches her. Sanjana recognizes her husband and is pleasantly surprised at his efforts to woo her. She concedes, they mate, and out of this mating are born the Ashwini Kumar(s) – the twin sons of Surya. The name “Ashwini” is derived from the root “ashwa” meaning “horse”.

The Ashwini Kumar(s) are given the responsibility of healing; keeping with this order, they pursue the field of medicine and emerge as the celestial physicians/doctors of Gods. The Ashwini Kumar(s) true to the horse form in which they were conceived, also hold the prime reigns amongst the 7 horses that drive Surya’s chariot. Every sunrise, they come forth as the first rising rays of Sun, and are also known as “Surya-kiran”.

Being the celestial physicians/healers of Gods and humanity, facing their rays during sunrise bestows good health. This is done, as per prescribed Vedic customs, by honoring their mother Sanjana or Sandhya as the Gods called her – hence we welcome the first rays of morning Sun with “Sandhya-vandanam” or “Sandhya-vandan” by offering “arghyam” or water from our palms to the rising Sun. The Sandhya-vandan is often accompanied by a chant of Gayatri mantam.

There is another analogy which I read about the Gayatri mantram – that the original Gayatri has been hidden by Gods because of its potency. But more on that – maybe next time.

5/3/2012 4:28:41 PM