SIGNIFICANCE OF FORM OF KRISHNA

If we look at the form of Krishna, we are enthralled by His beauty and Grace, but there are many secrets to Lord Krishna's appearance !

He is called as”Neela Megha Shyama”. First off, He is always pictured blue, this doesn’t mean that He was blue in colour.Blue is the colour of the sky and signifies that like the sky which has vastness and infinity, Krishna was also vastness and infinity personified.

Shree Krishna’s holds peacock feather particularly on his crown. The first reason is the belief that, the peacock is the only creature in nature that observes complete chastity in life. When he is happy, he dances with his wings and his eyes are filled with tears, Peahen drink these tears & conceives.Peacock does not have, even a tinge of lust in his heart.

Secondly a king is responsible for the whole society and that responsibility can become a burden, which sits on the head as the crown. Though Krishna is the Master of the entire universe, he takes his immense responsibility with the lightness of a feather!

Krishna, the youthful and delightful flute-player: as Murali-Manohar” the handsome one with a flute" he is often depicted standing beneath a sacred Kadamba tree, with his flute to his lips, his leg crossed in a graceful pose, a garland of flowers round his neck, a milk cow at his side affectionately licks his foot. He is usually depicted standing on one foot, the other a little lifted, as if dancing.One foot on the ground shows complete groundedness, firmly in the material world in which he lived a very full life, yet the other foot off the ground showed his spiritual side, his mysticism, his depth that no one really knew Him or could even know Him.

Through life Radha is his most beloved among all the gopis, but even she is jealous of his flute, because the flute always stays with him. Flute is the symbol of freedom (Pranava).The flute has seven holes and the music can be played from a flute only if it is hollow and empty.Lord Krishna used to call his spiritual companion Radha by playing the Flute.

Interestingly, Krishna is also known as Askalitha (Nitya) brahmachari. This was proved in Mahabharata when he protected King Parikshith in his mother's womb from Ashwatthama's astra.“Many great souls have taken birth on this earth. But Sri Krishna was a master and guide for all times, places and people,”.Krishna is said to be the completeness of beauty itself,” but that beauty is not just the beauty of an individual; it’s the compounded beauty of the entire universe.”

DON'T ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS

A Wise Physician Said, The Best Medicine For Human Is "Care and Love"  Someone Asked, If It Does not  Work? He Smiled and Answered "Increase The Dose"

An engineer in a car manufacturing company designs a world class car. The owner is impressed with the outcome and praised him a lot.

While trying to bring out the car from the manufacturing area to the office they realized that  the car is few inches taller than the entrance.

The engineer felt bad that he didn't notice this one before creating the car.

The owner was amazed on how to take it outside of the manufacturing area.

The painter said that they can bring out the car and there will be few scratches on top of the car that he will do the tinkering later on.

The engineer said that they can break the entrance and after taking the car out, they can cement it.

The owner was not convinced with any ideas and felt like it is a bad sign to break or scratch.

The watchman was watching all these drama and slowly approached the owner. He wanted to give an idea if they have no problem. They thought what this guy would tell them that the experts could not give.

Watchman said that the car is only few inches taller than the entrance so if they release the air in the tyre, the height of the car will be adjusted and can be easily taken out.

Everyone there clapped their hands for him. Don't encounter problems from the expert point of view. There is always a layman point that will attract the masses.

LIFE IN THE WORLD MEERA BHAJAN TRANSLATION

MEERA BHAJAN TRANSLATION

Life in the world is short, 

Why shoulder an unnecessary load
Of worldly relationships?
Thy parents gave thee birth in the world,
But the Lord ordained thy fate.
Life passes in getting and spending,
No merit is earned by virtuous deeds.

I will sing the praises of Hari
In the company of the holy men,
Nothing else concerns me.
Mira's Lord is the courtly Giridhara,
She says: Only by Thy power
Have I crossed to the further shore.

                                                                           

                                                                                                          Mirabai

TODAY SHRAVANA POURNAMI HAYAGRIVA JAYANTHI RAKSHA BANDHAN AND SANSKRIT DAY

Hayagriva Jayanti is believed to be the day when Haygriva incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared on earth. Hayagriva, the horse-faced one, is a very rare avatar of Vishnu. The purpose of this Avatar was to retrieve the stolen Vedas from the demons. Ancient texts says that Hayagriva is the first person to offer Akasharabasyam to Goddess Saraswati. That is the reason why, who performs aksharabhasyam to the child before the deity of Hayagriva will flourish well in education.

Haya, the horse, can bring miracles. It is not just an animal. It is a symbol of the highest possible wisdom. Worshipping and Seeking the blessings of Hayagriva makes life very easy, especially for students as he is the most important God to worship for knowledge. Sacred texts say that Hayagriva empowers his devotees with Knowledge and wisdom; the scared text says that, He makes life easy for people who worship him, by making them understand the problems much easily and also brings in clarity of thoughts.

"Raksha Bandhan”  in Sanskrit literally means "the tie or knot of protection". The word Raksha means protection, while Bandhan is the verb to tie. Raksha Bandhan is now considered as a day to celebrate the sacred relation of a brother and a sister. Yet there have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother, or by a to the Guru disciple, even a friend can also tie to another friend vowing “I will defence you” And You defense me, we together defence the whole world ”. This bond does not have to be between blood relatives. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life. This helps to broaden one’s vision beyond the borders of ones own family to the entire earth (vasudha) as one family –“Vasudhaiva kutumbam”.

Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. This festival conveys a message that has socio spiritual significance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive qualities, purity in thought, word and deed. The occasion involves a pledge of life-time practice of moral, cultural and spiritual values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence. The festival of Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin.

Sanskrit Diwas is celebrated to mark the importance of Sanskrit language, the mother of all Indian languages and the first among the ancient languages spoken in India. Sanskrit Diwas is annually observed on the Shravana Purnima day as per Hindu lunar calendar. Sanskrit Diwas is also known as Sanskrit Day.

I wish to end this post by quoting a Hayagriva Strotram, that one can chant for good knowledge and true education:

'Jnananadamayam devam

Nirmala spatikakrutim!

Aadaram sarpavidyanam

Hayagriva Mupasmahe!!

INNU CHINGAM 1 Kollavarsham 1192 (17th August, 2016)

INNU CHINGAM 1 Kollavarsham 1192 (17th August, 2016) the day in which Keralites welcome the Ponnona maasam! As per Malayalam Calender the Kolla Varsham begins on August 17 2016. A great significance to the all keralities especially farmers! This is the new year day as per the Malayalam Era ,my favorite month in the Malayalam calender.So many festivals in this month, Krishna Astami, Vinayaka chaturthi, Onam.The first day of Chingam month is welcomed by people of Kerala with special poojas and prayers. Hindus in large numbers visit their near by temples.Today another speciality is "Thiruonam" Naksthram, ideal and auspicious to visit vishnu/Krishna Temples, and for chanting Vishnusahsranamam, and dhruva charitham.

My New Year Wishes to all Keralites! HAPPY NEW YEAR.1192.Let Lord Guruvayur Krishna wishes Health Wealth, Success. and Happiness to all. One more speciality is today 17th Aug 2016, Wednesday is celebrated as Pilleeer Onam or Onam of Children. Pilleronam was usually celebrated 27 days before Thiruvonam in the month of Chingam . This Year Thiru Onam will be coming on 14th September. It was believed that there would be a break of about 10 days from the rains in Karkkidakam month and Pilleronam was celebrated in one of these days. This Onam is celebrated as a mini Onam with a mini-Onasadya.

I am dedicating this post to my parents Especially My Amma.Even though I brought up in, out of Kerala I enjoyed all such traditions and festivals in my child hood days. Thanks a lot, for my wonderful parents who has ignited the value of culture and tradition.

INNU CHINGAM 1

TODAY KARKKADAKA MASAM/RAMAYANA MASAM ENDING.

In the Ramayana, there is no 'preaching of principles' but you are taken through the Avatar's journey as a human being. Lord Rama depicts how a man should uphold virtuous ideals no matter what the conflicts within a family may be. He exercises his choices and decisions in a way that upholds Dharma. Through all the hurdles in His life, he remained as the perfect son, an ideal king, a true husband, It teaches a wife how to love, honor and respect the choices they make together as husband and wife, a real friend, a devoted brother, a perfect student, and above all a noble enemy! Each and every one of His actions is a lesson to us and thus He is the perfect teacher of humankind to this day.

Typically, many people raised a question that how come Rama can be an Ideal husband as he sent sita to exile. Rama is an Ideal husband and an Incident in Ramayana is an example to this.After killing Ravana, Lord Rama is resting on a rock. He notices a shadow approaching him. He realises that the shadow is that of a woman. He does not lift His eyes to see who it is, for, Lord Rama never looks at any woman other than Sita. As the shadow nears Him, Lord Rama pulls His feet up, and sits with His legs folded. This is to avoid even the shadow of the unknown woman touching His feet. So careful is He that none other than His wife should touch Him. Lord Rama is particular that even the shadow of another woman should not touch Him. The shadow is then seen to recede. Lord Rama wonders who it is; who had come so close to Him and had yet retreated. So He enquires who the person is. The shadow is that of Mandodari, and she discloses who she is. Lord Rama asks her why she is there. She says she heard that Ravana was killed in battle. Ravana had been a king who had struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. Everyone believed him to be invincible. And yet, he had been killed by someone. She had come to the battlefield to look at the man who killed her husband. She wanted to know what quality He had that her husband did not have. Lord Rama then asks her whether she found what that quality was. Mandodari says she has found that quality. Lord Rama is particular that even the shadow of a woman other than his wife should not touch Him. Ravana, on the other hand, was willing to sacrifice so many lives in his attempt at making another man's wife his. Therein lies the difference. That one quality of Lord Rama has led to His victory. Lord Rama was the one whose thoughts and words never went astray.

Many have a problem with the way Rama treated his wife, Sita. I don't want to approach the Ramayana as a cynic. I want to approach the story of God as the glory of the Lord, the choices He made and interpret it in the context of its divine sankalpa. The logical men and women can scoff for their loss is theirs and mine is a spiritual gain. My purpose in undertaking sadhana is and has never been material. I take pride in remaining steadfastly anchored in being spiritual.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

In the Blessed memory of those courageous Indians

Who died in the struggle for freedom,

Thousands of men and women have given their lives

Some one they never knew nor will ever meet

So today we say a little prayer of thanks to those

Countless unsung Patriots who paid the price of their life

For the supreme cause of the independence

In memory of our soldiers, who laid down their

Lives in defence of our nation

For they who at the call of the duty

Left all that was dear to them

Endured hardships, faced dangers and

Finally passed out of sight of men

In the path of the duty and self sacrifice, giving their lives

So we might live in freedom

So on this 70^th INDEPENDENCE DAY

Remember those unsung heroes

And the pledge allegiance to the flag of our mother Land

Before 1947 August 15, World Never Know The Meaning Of Freedom,
Its Indian Who Taught The World The True Meaning Of Freedom,It’s great feeling to be an Indian. Be Proud To Be An Indian, 

So Let’s celebrate holding our heads high…

Let’s bask in the glory of our free country……….

Celebrating with you the True spirit of India Today… “JAI HIND”.

“HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY”.

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER

He was getting  old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today .

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that some people start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning,for a soldier died today.

(A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

I DON'T NEED ANY REASON TO LOVE MY COUNTRY

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days,it is India! Other might have forgotten,But never can I.The flag of my country,Furls very high!!

The difference between the poor and rich nations is not the age of the Nation. The difference is the attitude of the people, moulded for many years by education and culture. When we analyse the conduct of the people from the rich and developed countries, it is observed that a majority abide by the following ethics and good principles.We the Indians have been able to safeguard our culture for five thousand years despite innumerable invasions, because we held on firm to some values. Those values are just as relevant today as they were in past. There are some people who have nothing good to say about India. They always blame their society and country for atrocities and vulgarities happening in our country. Moreover, they see India not as an Indian but like an American or European. when we don’t know ourselves, our own abilities, we always get blind with others brightness and start feeling ourselves inferior.

There is no place on earth as the face of my country.Her corruptions and vulgarities touch her surface but deep within she is pure, sincere, clean and noble.India is a Great country and always great. I strongly oppose vulgar comments on India.All developments leads in the hands of our leaders and each and every individuals. Our vision can change the nation.Don't blame the country. India is great and I am proud to be an Indian.If you dare to comment, then comment specifically on individuals, not in entire nation.We are Indians and we are Proud of India.

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

A friend in need is a friend indeed. True friends are hard to find. A single rose can be my garden, a single friend, my world! All these statements are nice to quote and very true as well. But they can only go so far, if it is applied in real life practically. It is very easy to make friends but very hard to nurture and nourish the friendship. It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must maintain it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless, if we do not maintain life in friendship.

Searching for the meaning of friendship has always been a bumming question. Friendship is sharing unconditional love for each other. Friendship is not just a word,It is not at all about spending time,It is not an expectation, Unfortunately it cannot be defined. The answer to, what is the meaning of friendship lies within our hearts, because true friendship can only be felt , and not expressed. Something so pure and essential, is not always visible the heart, to the eye, but is felt by.

Last but not least My definition of friendship is built on two things.Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there.And it has to be mutual.You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust the friendship will crumble. If any friend cheats you or broken your trust means never say that you can’t trust any one.Because you can't define trust or friendship up on to particular single person.Your friend may be bad but not your friend ship. Whether its a friendship or relationship, all bonds are built on trust.with out it you have nothing. To be trusted, is a much greater compliment than to be loved! Be trust worthy friend! Maintain life in your friendship.Make sure that all your friends are feeling fine all the time or not.Always take care of your friends and friendship. Never think that they are not in touch why should I? Remember one thing If you want a good friend be the one.

DEDICATING THIS POST TO MY ONE AND ONLY BEST FRIEND BEENA V BHASKARAN.

TODAY IS AADI POORAM/ANDAL JAYANTHI/GODA DEVI'S BIRTHDAY

O5-08-2016, is the great festival of Aadi Pooram - also known as Aandal Jayanti /Goda Devi’s birthday, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology and Karkataka masam pooram nakasthram is the star of Andal/Goda devi. This festival is Celebrates in all Over TamilNadu (Especially in srirangam), Kerala (Especially in Palakkad), Karnataka, and Andhra pradesh. Aadi Pooram is also dedicated to Goddess Shakti and it is believed that the Goddess comes down to bless the people on this day.

HISTORY:-

Andal a young girl who attained sainthood by choosing the lord himself as her beloved.Andal was known better as “chudikodutha” Nachiyar, meaning the lady who presented flowers to her beloved after having worn them.She was the adopted daughter of Periyalvar, he found Andal in a casket from the earth and named her kodai.Her dedication and service towards the lord knew no bounds from her childhood.

Periyalwar used to offer flowers to the deity.One day he found his daughter wearing the garland, which was meant for the deity.He was outraged and reprimanded her.But Lord Vatapatrasayi conveyed to Periyalwar in his dream that he wishes to wear only the garland worn by Andal.Though taken by surprise, Periyalwar’s joy knew no bounds.Andal told her father that she would marry only the Lord SriRanganatha and no one else.When taken to Srirangakshetra by the king himself, the wedding took place with pomp and galore!As a surprise to all the people around Andal merged in the lord.

She has a temple in Srivilliputtur where the garland worn by her is worn by lord Vatapatrasayi the next day.

GODHA DEVI/ANDAL is the youngest and dearest of all the Alwars,  the most extraordinary personalities in religious history and she is the only woman in the 12 Alwars of srivaishnava sect. In  native tongue of Tamil an Alvar, means one who is "immersed" in the depths of enjoyment of God. Her writens Tiruppavai and Nachiar Thirumozhi, are known to all vaishnavites. In her hymns, Andal has incorporated all the essence of four Vedas, Puranas and all spiritual knowledge about God. Even though the hymns in Tiruppavai are only 30 in number, they contain the full knowledge of God's essence and means of attaining Him.

She was one of the finest poets I have ever known, who  has mastered the technique of using the simplest of words to convey the profoundest of meanings. Her verses are not about religion, but they are about love and her Valentine was the Almighty Himself! Through her poems, she disclosed her passionate yearning for Lord Vishnu. Even though she compiled the poems in her teenage years, they display a high level of literary and religious maturity.In Aandals verses we see Bakthi in its purest form. It is not the Bakthi as we see today where people trade with God, making God as their instrument to fulfill their desires.

Goda devi taught to the world that Whatever learned at early age remains forever.Through her own way of life, she showed the people how to possess God's grace with a true longing desire, pure love, and devotion for Him.Her message to the world is God accepts those things which are offered with Good intention. one should surrender themselves to God and think and believe that God is the only way of their life. He is there to save them from all problems of their life. 

She is a shining example to show the world the power of True love.

Let us now pray to Aandal to help us understand her great works. 

"KarkatE pUrva phalguNyAm thulasi kAnanOdhvhavAm
pANdyE visvambharAm gOdAm, vandE srI ranganAyakIm".

I worship Sri Ranganatha's consort (Andal), born in a Tulasi grove in the month of Karkatka Masam, in Pooram Naksthram, in the Pandya desam. This Andal is the  manifestation of BhudEvi (Supporter of the universe).