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Learn to Chant Rudram Perfectly in 90 Hrs

5 Aug

Introduction to Rudram 

Among the various Vedic Hymns Sri Rudram occupies a prime place. Lord Rudra, to whom these prayers are addressed is not a sectarian deity, but the Supreme Being who is omnipresent and manifests Himself in myriad forms. Hence this prayer is also called Satarudriyam – Rudra in hundreds of forms. Rudram reveals the great Panchakshari, the five lettered mantra “Nama Shivaya”. Chanting of Rudram daily is said to confer all blessings – material & spiritual. Sri Rudram is also considered to be an Upanishad.

Namakam – The first chapter (Anuvaka) is a set of prayers to the Lord to give up anger roused against those who transgress divine commandments. The 2nd to the 9th chapters contain the prostrations to His omnipotence and indwelling in all beings. The 10thchapter celebrates the munificence of the Lord and prays for prosperity and warding off all evil. In the last – 11th Anuvaka we get the thanksgiving to the lords attendants – The Ganas.

Chamakam is a prayer associated with doing homa at the end of the yagna. These Anuvakas are thus called Vasordhaara. It has the leading statement repeated “Yagnena Kalpantaam” – May everything in this world be offered to God as worship. Chamakam is a compendium of prayers praying for the fulfilment of desires in man. After pacifying the Lord with Namakam when he is in a happier mood you chant Chamakam – which lists 347 benedictions to be bestowed on the chanter.

There is a time honoured tradition that Rudram (Namakam & Chamakam) should be chanted daily with Purusha Suktam. One becomes sinless by chanting them. Sri Rudram occurs in the Karma Kanda of the Yajur Veda

Resources to learn 

I referred 4 resources that helped me learn in less than 45 hrs. (Approximately 2 hrs / Anuvaka – 22 Anuvakams across Namakam & Chamakam). The remaining 45 Hrs is to practise again and again and perfect the chanting. You may take lesser time as I have included the script in English with tips for perfect chanting.

GRD Iyers Gurucool has multiple YouTube Videos where all the Anuvakams are taught in traditional Vedic style. Ramesh Natarajan (Guruji) chants to perfection and his students repeat after him. This is the best way to learn.

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Unfortunately GRD Iyers have made their YouTube links Private. You can write to them at grdiyersgurucool@gmail.com. This is the reply you will get

We wish to share our updated YouTube policy : ONLY GuruCool members will have access to ALL private learning videos If you wish to join GRD Iyers GuruCool, please download Telegram app and click on link below to join Aspirants forum ‼️ Then please follow ALL steps in the pinned message in Aspirants Forum‼️ There is a 6-month advance contribution required for members. Details are in the pinned message https://t.me/+dA1b8eZknx0zMzUx

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I have enclosed the text in English below for accurate chanting . This will help those who don’t know Sanskrit. After you have learnt the Anuvakam from GRD Iyer’s refer to the YouTube chanting videos by Suresh Ghanapathi or Challikere Brothers to perfect the pronunciation, rhythm and swaras while chanting fast. Initially run the video at 0.75 speed and then at regular speed.

I referred the book Sri Rudram & Purushasuktam by Swami Amritananda for meaning and Sanskrit Script (Ramkrishna Math Mylapore Publications)

Reference Videos 

GRDIYERS Gurucool – Chanting Rules 

GRDIYERS Gurucool – Rudram Chanting Practise 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 1 – Rudram Namakama

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 2 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 3 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 4 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 5 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 6 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 7,8,9 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 10,11 Part 1 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 11 Part 2 – Rudram Namakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 1,2 – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 3,4 Part 1 – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 4th – 7th – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 8,9 – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 10 – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Anuvakam 10 – 11, Part 2 – Chamakam 

GRDIYERS Chamakam Practise

K Suresh Ghanapati – Sri Rudram (Namakam) Chanting 

K Suresh Ghanapati – Chamakam Chanting 

Rudram Chanting by Challikere Brothers  

Chamakam meaning of all the 347 benedictions 

Sri Rudram & Purushasuktam by Swami Amritananda for meaning and Sanskrit Script (Ramkrishna Math Mylapore Publications)

Useful tips to Chanting 

The beauty of Rudram is when you chant it perfectly. Focus on correct pronunciation, space gap, where to stress, where to move fast, where to slow down etc . I have tried to provide help in my scripts with simple tips to assist the chanter. If you chant correctly one word flows to the other and the energy you generate is immense. It is indeed very satisfying and you will be addicted to chanting this beautiful & powerful mantra everyday. Do learn the meaning – it is profound and beautiful. If you need a PDF Document that highlights the areas to stress, where to pause etc please send me a mail.

Om
Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Hari Hi Om

Ganapati Prarthna from Yajur Veda

Gananaam Tva Ganapathi Gum
Havamahe Kavim Kavinaam
Upamashravas Tamam
Jyeshtarajam Brahmanaam
Brahmanaspata Aa Nah Shrunvan
Nutibhih Seedha Sadhanam
Om Sri Maha Ganapatiye Namaha
(Om Sri Maha Ganadapitaye Namaha)

1st Anuvaka

We pray to Rudra for His grace. He continues to be angry even after killing Tripurasura. He is angry with the transgression of moral codes. He has two forms – one terrific, the other benign. The devotee is scared of his terrifying form. Hence the prayer to please & propitiate Him invoking His benign form.

Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraaya

Namaste Rudra Manyava Utota Ishave Namahaa
Namaste Astu Dhanvane Bahubhyaa Mutate Namahaa

Yaata Ishush Shivatamaa Shivam Babhuvate Dhanuhuu
Shivaasa RavYaaya TavaTayaanoo Rudra Mridayaa

Ya Te Rudra Shiva TanuuraGhoraa Paapa Kaashini
Taya NasTanuva Santamayaa GirishanTabhiChakaShihii

YaaMishun Girishanta Haste Bibhar Syastavee
Shivaan, Giritra Taan, Kuru MahiGum Si Purushan Jagatah

Shivena Vachasaa, Tva GiriSaccha Vadaamasi
Yatha Nas Sarva MijjaGadaYakshmaGum Sumanaa Asatha

AdhyaVochaDadhiVaktaa Prathamo Daivyo Bhishaka
AhiiGrishcha Sarvaa..Nnn, Jambhayan, Tsavarvaa..Cha Yaatu Dhaanyahaa

Aso YasTaamro , ArunaUta Babhrus Sumangalahaa
Ye Che MaaGum Rudraa, Abhito DikshuShritaas Sahasra So Vai Sa Gum Heda Emahe

AsavYo Vasarpati Nilagrivo Vilohitahaa
Utainan Gopaa AdrashanAdrashan UdaHaaryahaa
Utainam Vishwa Bhutani SaDrishto Mridayaati Nahaa

Namo Astu Neelagrivaya Sahasraakshaaya Meedhusheee..h
Atho Ye Asyaa SatvAaNohan TebhyoKaran Namahaa

Pramuncha DhanvaNastvaaMubhayoRartni YorjyaaMm…
Yaaschate Hasta Ishava ParaaTaa Bhagavo Vapaa

Avatatya DhanusTvaGum Sahasraaksha ShateShudhe
Nisheerya Shalyaanaam Mukha Shivonas Sumanaa Bhavaa

Vijyan Dhanu Kapardino Vishalyoo BanaavaGumUtaa
Aneshan Nasyeshava AaabhuRasya Nishan Gathihii

Ya Te Hetur Midhushtama Haste Babhuuvate Dhanuhuu
TayaasMaaNnn.., Vishwa Tastvama Yakshmaya Yaa Pari Bhuja

Namaste AstvaayudhaYaanaTataaya Drishnaveee..h
Ubhaabhya Mutate Namo Bahubhyaan Tava Dhanvanee

PariTe Dhanvano HetiRasmaan Vrinaktu Vishwatahaa
AthoYa IshudishtaVaare , AsmaNnn Nidhe HiTam

Namaste , Astu Bhagavann Vishwesharaaya Maha Devaaya Triyambakaya Tripurantakaya Trikaagni Kalaaya Kalaagni Rudraaya Neelakanthaaya Mrityunjayaaya Sarveshwaraaya Sada Shivaya Sriman Maha Devaaya Namahaa

2nd Anuvaka

From the 2nd to 9th Anuvaka Lord Shiva is praised in the different forms He takes as a sport for the working of the world.

Namo Hiranyabhaave Senaanye Dishancha Pataye Namo Namo
Vrikshebhyo Harikeshebya Pashunaam Pataye Namo Namas
Saspinjaraya YathVishimathe Pathinaam Pataye Namo Namo
Babhlushaaya VivyaDhinneNaNaam Pataye Namo Namo
Harikeshaayo PaviiTine Pushtanaam Pataye Namo Namo
Bhavasya Hethyay Jagathaam Pataye Namo Namo
Rudraayaa Tathavine Kshetranaam Pataye Namo Namas
SuutaYahanTyayaaVananaam Pataye Namo Namo
Rohitaya SthPataye Vrikshanaam Pataye Namo Namo
Mantrine Vanijaya Kakshanaam Pataye Namo Namo
Bhuvanthaye VaariVaskritha Yaushadhinaam Pataye Namo Nama
UcchairGhoshayaa Kandayate Pattinaam Pataye Namo Nama
KritsnaVeetaya Dhaavate Satvanaam Pataye Namahaaa

3rd Anuvaka

Namah Sahamaanaya NivyaDhinna Aavyadhineenaam Pataye Namo Nama
Kakubhaaya NishangineEeee.. Sthenanaam Pataye Namo Namo
Nishangina Ishudhimathe Taskaranaam Pataye Namo Namo
VanCchate PariVanCchate, Sthayuunaam Pataye Namo Namo
Nicheravee ParicharayaAaranyaNaam Pataye Namo Namas
Srikavibhyo Jigha Gum Sabdhyo Mushnataam Pataye Namo Namo
Simadbhyo NaktanCharadBhya PrakrintaaNaam Pataye Namo Nama
Ushnisheene Giricharaaya Kulunchanaam Pataye Namo Nama
IshuMadbhyo Dhanvaa VibhYascha Vo Namo Nama
AatanVaaNebhya PratidadhaaNebhYasCha Vo Namo Nama
AayaChadadhbhyo Visarjad BhyasCha Vo Namo Namoo….
SyadBhyo Vidhyad BhyasCha Vo Namo Namah
AasiNebhyash Shayaa NebhyashChaVo Namo Namas
SvaPadBhyo Jaagrad BhyasCha Vo Namo Namas
StishTadBhyo Dhaavad BhyascCha Vo Namo Namas
Sabhaabhyas Sabhapati BhyasCha Vo Namo Namoo..
Ashvebhyo Shvapati BhyasCha Vo Namahaa..

4th Anuvaka

Namah AaavyaaDhinii.. Bhyo VividhyanThi BhyasCha Vo Namo Nama
Uganaa Bhyastra Gum Hathe BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Gritseybhyo GritSaPati Bhyasha Vo Namo Namo
Vratee…Bhyo VraataPati BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Ganebhyo Ganapati BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Virupeebhyo Vishwaroope BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
MahadBhyaahak Shullake BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Rathibhyo Rathee BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Ratheee…Bhyo RathaPathi BhyasCha Vo Namo Namas
See…Naa…Bhya Senani Bhyascha Vo Namo Namaha
Shatrubhyas SangraHi TriBhyasCha Vo Namo Namas
Takshabhyo Rathakaare BhyasCha Vo Namo Nama
KulaLeebhya KarmaReee… BhyasCha Vo Namo Nama
PunjishTee…Bhyo Nishade BhyasCha Vo Namo Nama
IshukridBhyo Dhanva Krid BhyasCha Vo Namo Namo
Mriga YubBhyas ShvaniBhyasCha Vo Namo Nama
Shvabhyas Shvapati BhyasCha Vo Namahaaa..

5th Anuvaka

Namo Bhavaaya Ch Rudrayaa Ch
Nama Sharvaaya Ch Pashupatayee Ch
Namo Nilagrivaaya Ch Shithikanthaaya Ch
Nama Kapardine Ch Vyupta Keshaaya Ch
Nama SahasrSaakshaya Ch Shata Dhanvanee Ch
Namo Girishaaya Ch ShipiVishtaaya Ch
Namo Meedhustamaaya CheeshuMathe Ch
Namooo… HrasVaaya Ch Vamanaaya Ch
Namo Brihate Ch Varsheey Se Ch
Namo Vriddh Vaaya Ch SamVriddhVane Ch
Namo, AgriYaay Ch Prathamaaya Ch
Nama Aashave Cha Jiraaya Ch
Nama SheegriYaaya Ch SheebhYaaya Ch
Nama UurmYaaya Cha VasvannYaaya Ch
Nama SrothasYaaya Ch Dveep Yaaya Chaa….

6th Anuvaka

Namooo….. Jyeshtaaya Ch Kanishtaaya Ch
Nama Puurvajaaya Cha Parajaaya Ch
Namo Madhyamaaya Cha Pagalbhaaya Ch
Namo JaghanYaaya Ch BuddhiYaaya Ch
Nama SobhYaaya Ch PrathisarYaaya Ch
Namo YaamYaaya Ch KshemYaaya Ch
Nama UrvarYaaya Ch KhalYaaya Ch
Nama ShlokYaaya Cha VasaanYaaya Ch
Namo VanYaaya Ch KakshYaaya Ch
Nama Shravaaya Ch Prathishravaaya Ch
Nama Aashushenaaya Ch Aashu Rathaaya Ch
Nama Shuraaya Cha VabhiNnnDate Ch
Namo Varminne Ch VaruThinne Ch
Namo Bilminne Ch Kavachi Ne Ch
Nama Shrutaaya Ch Shruta Senaaya Chaa…

7th Anuvaka

Namo DhundhubYaaya Cha HananYaaya Ch
Namo Drishnavee Ch PramRushaaya Ch
Namo Dhutaaya Ch PrahiTaaya Ch
Namo Nishanginee Cheshudhimathe Ch
Nama SteeshNeshaave Cha Yuddhine Ch
Nama Swayudhaaya Ch SudhanVane Ch
Nama ShrutYaaya Ch PathYaaya Ch
Nama KaatYaaya Ch NeepYaaya Ch
Nama SuudhYaaya Ch SarasYaaya Ch
Namo NaadYaaya Ch VaishanTaaya Ch
Nama KuupYaaya Cha VatYaaya Ch
Namo VarshYaaya Cha Varsh Yaaya Ch
Namo MedhYaaya Ch VidyutYaaya Ch
Nama EeghriYaaya Cha Tap Yaaya Ch
Namo VaatYaaya Ch ReshmiYaaya Ch
Namo VaastavYaaya Ch VaastuPaaya Chaaa…

8th Anuvaka

Nama Somaaya Ch Rudraaya Ch
Nama Sthaamraaya Cha Runaaya Ch
Nama Shangaaya Ch Pashupataye Ch
Nama Ugraaya Ch Bhimaaya Ch
Namo, AgreVadhaaya Ch DureeVadhaaya Ch
Namo Hantre ChahaNeeyase Ch
Namo Vrikshebhyo Harikeshebhyo
Nama Sthaaraya Nama Shambhave Ch MayoBhave Ch
Nama Shankarayaa Ch Mayaskaraaya Ch
Nama Shivaaya Ch Shiva Taraaya Ch
Nama SthethYaaya Ch KoolYaaya Ch
Nama PaarYaaya Cha VaarYaaya Ch
Nama PratharaNaaya Cho Taranaaya Ch
Nama AataarYaaya Cha LaadhYaaya Ch
Nama Shushp Yaaya Ch FeinYaaya Ch
Nama SikatYaaya Ch PravaahYaaya Chaaa….

9th Anuvaka

Nama IranYaaya Ch PrapathYaaya Ch
Nama KiGum Shilaaya Ch Shayanaaya Ch
Nama Kapardinee Ch Pulastaye Ch
Namo GhoshtYaaya Ch GrihYaaya Ch
Nama SthalpYaaya Ch GehYaaya Ch
Nama KaathYaaya Ch Gah VareshThaaya Ch
Namooo… HridayYaaya Ch NiveshYaaya Ch
Nama PaaGumSavYaaya Ch RajasYaaya Ch
Nama ShushKyaaya Ch HaritYaaya Ch
Namo LopYaaya CholapYaaya Ch
Nama UurvYaaya Ch SuurmYaaya Ch
Nama ParNyaaya Ch ParnaShadhYaaya Ch
Namo Pagura Manaaya ChabhiGhrate Ch
Nama Aakhidate Ch Prakkhidate Ch
Namo Vakkiri Keybhyo Devaana Gum Hridaye Bhyo
Namo Viksheena Keybhyo Namo VicchinVat Keybhyo
Nama Aanirhat(H)eybhyo Nama Aamivat Kebhyahaa….

10th Anuvaka

This Anuvaka consists of 12 Mantras. In this prayer Rudra is requested not to do certain things but grant certain other things.

Draape, AndhaSaspate Daridra Nilalohitaa
Eshaam, Purushaana Meshaam, Pashunaam Maa Bheir Maaro Mo, Eshaan Kinchanaa Mamattt….
Ya Te Rudra Shiva Tanu Shiva Vishwaaha Bheshaji..
Shiva Rudrasya Bheshaji Taya No Mrida Jivaseee… h
ImaGum Rudraaya Tavasee Kapardineeh KshayaDveeraya Prabahara Mahe Mattimm…
YathaNas KshamaSadDwipade Chatushpade Vishwam Pushtam Graame, Asmin Namaa Turan
Mrida No Rudro Tano MayasKridhi KshayaDveeraya Namasaa Vidhematee…
Yacchan Chayoos Ch Manuraaya JehPitaa TadaShyaama Tava Rudra Praneetoo..
Maano Mahaan Ta Muta Maano, Arbhakam Maana Ukshanta Muta Maana Ukshitam
Maano Vadhi Pitaram Moota Maataram Priyaa MaanaStanuvo Rudra Ri Rishahaa
Maanastoke Tanaye Maana Aayushi Maano GoshMaano Ashveshu Ri Rishahaa….
Veeran, Maano Rudra Bhaamitho Vadheer Havishmanto Namasaa Vidhemathe
AaraaThe Googhna Uta Puurushagne KshayaDveeraya Sumna Masme Te, Astu
Raksha Ch No, Adhi Ch Deva Bruh, Yatha Ch Na Sharma Yaccha Dvibaraa…aa…ha
Stuhi Shrutan GarTasaday Yuvaanam Mrigan Bheema MupaHatnu Mugram
Mridaa Jaritre Rudra Sthuvaano, Anyante AsmaNnn Nivapantu Senaa..aa..haa..

Parino Rudrasya Hetir Vrinaktu Pari Tweshasya Durmatiraghayoo…ho
AvahSthiraa MaghavadBhyast Anushva MeedhVasStokaaya TanaYaaya Mridayaa….
Midhusthama Shivatama Shivona Sumanaa Bhavaa..
Parame Vriksha Aayudhan Nidhaaya Krittim Vasaana Aachara Pinaakam Vibhra Daagahii…
Vikirida Violhita Namaste, Astu BhagavaHaa
Yaaste Sahasra Gum HetaYoonya MasmaNnn Nivapantu Taa… ha
Sahasraani Sahasradhaa Bahuvoos Tava Hetayahaa
Taasa Meshanoo Bhagava Paraa Cheena Mukhaa Kridhi

11th Anuvaka

Sahasraani Sahasrasho Ye Rudraa, Adi BhumYaa..aam
Tesha Gum Sahasra Yojaneva Dhanvaani Tanmasii
Asmin MahaTyarNavee..eeN(An)Tarikshe Bhavaa, Adhii..
Nilagriva Shithikanthaa..aa Sharvaa, Adaha Kshama Charaaha
Nilagriva Shithikantha DivaGum Rudraa, Upashritaaha
Ye Vriksheshu Saspinjaraa Nilagriva Vilohitaa..ha
Ye Bhutaana Madhipatayoo Vishikhaasa Kapardinahaa
Ye, Anneshu Vividhyanti Paatreshu Pibato Janaanee…
Ye Pathaam Pathirakshaya Aila Bridaa YavYudhahaa
YeEtaa Vantascha BhuuyaaGum SaschaDisho Rudraa VitaSthiree..
Tesha Gum Sahasra Yojaneva Dhanvaani Tanmasii
Namo Rudrebhyo Ye Prithivyaam Yee..Antarikshe Ye Divi Ye Shamann NamVaato VarshaMisha Vasteebhyo Dasha Pracheer Dasha Dakshina, Dasha Praticheer Dasho DeCheir Dashoor Dvaastabehyo Namaste No Mridayantu TeYam Dvishmo YasChhanoo Dveshti Tamvo Dadhaami

Triyambakai Yaja Mahe Sugandham Pushti Vardhanam
Urva Ruka Miva Bandhanaan
Mrityoor Mukshiya MaAmritaat

Yo Rudro, Agnau Yo, Apsu Ya Ooshadeeshu Yo Rudro Vishwaa Bhuvana Vivesha Tasmai Rudraaya Namoo, Astu
Tamashtuhi Yah Svishuh Sudhanvaa Yo Vishwasya Kshayaati Bheshajasyaa…
Yakshwaa..aa Mahe Souu.. Manasaaya Rudran Namooo…oo Bhirdeva Masuuram Duvasya
Ayam Me Hasto Bhagaava, Nayam Me Bhagaavat(T)arahaa
Ayam Mee…ee, Vishwa Bhe..ee Shajoyam ShivaBheem Arshanahaa
Ye Te Sahasra Mayutam Paasha Mrityo Martyaaya Hantavee..
Taan, Yagnyasya MaayaYaaSarvaa Nava Yajaamahe
Mrityave Swaaha Mrityavee Swaahaa…aa
Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraaya Vishnave Mrityur Me Pahi
Prananaam Granthirasi Rudro Maa Vishaantakahaa
TeenaanNeeNaa… Pya Yashwaa
Namo Rudraaya Vishnave Mrityur Me Pahi
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Hi , Hari Hi Om

Chamakam
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
Hari Hi Om

Anuvaka – 1

Agnaa Vishnu Sajosha Semaa Vardhantu Vaangirahaa.. ,
Dhum Neir Vaaje Bhiraagatham ,
Vaajas Chame Prasavas Chame Prayatis Chame Prasithis Chame Dheetis Chame Kratush Chame Swaras Chame Slokash Chamee, Shraavas Chame Shrutis Chame Jyotish Chame Suvas Chamee, Praanas Chame Paanas Chamee, Vyaanas Chame Sush Chame Chittan Chama Aadhithan Chame Vaak Chame Manas Chame Chakshush Chamee, Shrotran Chame Dakshash Chame Balan Chama Ojas Chame Sahas Chama Aayush Chame Jaraa Chama Aatmaa Chame Tanuus Chame Sharma Chame Varma Cha Meingaane Chame Sthaani Chame Paruugum Shi Chame Shareerani Chameee….

Anuvaka – 2

JayShThyan Chama Aadhi Pathyan Chame
Manyush Chame Bhaamas Chame MasChameemBhash Chame
Jema Chame Mahima Chame Varima Chame, Prathima Chame
Varshma Chame, DraDhuyaa Chame Vriddhan Chame
Vriddhish Chame Satyan Chame, Shraddha Chame Jagacchh Chame
Dhanan Chame Vashash Chame, Twishish Chamee, Kreeda Chame Modash Chame Jaatan Chame Janishya Mannan Chame Suuktan Chame Sukratan Chame Vittan Chame Vedhyan Chame Bhutan Chame BhavishyaCchh Chame Sugan Chame Supathan Chama Riddhan Chama Riddhish Chame Kliptan Chame Kliptish Chame Matish Chame Sumatish Chameee…

Anuvaka – 3

Shan Chame Mayash Chamee, Priyan Chame Nukaamas Chame Kaamash Chame Saumanasas Chame Bhadran Chamee,
Shreeyas Chame Vasyash Chame Yasash Chame Bhagas Chame, Dravinan Chame Yantaa Chame Dharta Chamee, Kshemas Chame Dhritish Chame Vishvann Chame Mahas Chame SaMmVichh Chame Gnyaatran Chame Suush Chame Prasuush Chamee Seeran Chame Layash Chama Ritan Chame(A)Mritan Chame Yakshman Chamee Naa MayaCch Chame Jeevatush Chame DheergaaYutVaNn Chame Na Mitran Chame Bhayan Chame Sugan Chame Shayanan Chame Suusha Chame Sudinan Chamee….

Anuvaka – 4

Uurk Chame Suunrita Chame Payas Chame Rasas Chamee, Dhritan Chame Madhu Chame SagDhish Chame Sapeetish Chamee, Krishish Chamee, Vrishtish Chame Jaitran Chama AudhBhidhyan Chamee Rayish Chame Raayash Chame Pushtan Chame Pushtish Chame VibhuChame , PrabhuChame Bahu Chame Bhuuyash Chame Puurnan Chame Purnataran Chame Kshitish Chame KuuyaVaash Chamee(A)Nann Chamee Shucch Chame Vreeha Yash Chamee YavaAash Chame MaashaAash Chame TilaAash Chame Muddaash Chame KhalvaAash Chame GodhumaAash Chame MasuraAash Chame PriyangaVash Chame NaVash Chamee.. Shyaama KaAash Chame NeevaaraAash Chame

Anuvaka – 5

Asmaa Chame Mrittika Chame Girayash Chame Parvataas Chame Sikataas Chame Vanaspatayas Chame Hiranyan Chame Yas Chame Sesshan Chame, Trapush Chame Shyaman Chame Lohan Chame Nish Chama Aapas Chame Veerudhas Chame Ooshadhayash Chame Krishta Pachyan Chame Krishta Pachyan Chame, Graamyaas Chame Pashava Aarayash Ch Yagnena Kalpanthaam Vittan Chame Vittish Chame Bhuutan Chame Bhuutis Chame Vasu Chame Vasathis Chame Karma Chame Shaktis Chame Thas Chama Emas Chama Itish Chame Gatish Chameee…

Anuvaka – 6

Agnis Chama Indras Chame Somas Chama Indras Chame
Savita Chama Indras Chame Saraswati Chama Indras Chame
Puusha Chama Indras Chame Varunas Chama Indras Chame
Mitras Chama Indras Chame Dhaata Chama Indras Chame
Vishnush Chama Indras Chame Shvinou Chama Indras Chame
Marutas Chama Indras Chame Vishwe Chame Devaa, Indras Chame
Prithvi Chama Indras ChameeN(An)Tariskshan Chama Indras Chame
Dhaush Chama Indras Chame Dishash Chama Indras Chame
Muurdha Chama Indras Chame, Prajapatish Chama Indras Chamee..

Anuvaka – 7

Agum Sus Chame Rasmish Chame DaaABhyash Chame Dhipatis Chama Upaa Gum Sus Chamee(N)Taryaan Mas Chama AindraVaaya Vas Chame Maitra Varunas Chama Aashvinas Chame Prathiprasthaanas Chame Shukras Chame Manthi Chama Aagrayanas Chame Vaishwa Devas Chame, Druvas Chame Vaishwaa Naras Chama Rutu Grahaas Chame TigraHyaas Chama  Aindraagnas Chame Vaishwa Devas Chame  Marutva Theeyaa.. Aash Chame Mahendras Chama Aadityas Chame Saavitras Chame SaarasVatas Chame Paushnash Chame PaatniVatash Chame Haariyojanas Chame ee..

Anuvaka – 8

Idhmash Chame Barhish Chame Vedish Chame Dhrishniyaas Chame Sruchas Chamee Chamasaas Chame Graavanas Chamee, SwaraVash Chama Uparavaas Chame Ghishavane Chame Dronakalasas Chame VayavvYaane Chame Puuta Bhricch Chama AadhaVaneeyas Chama AagniiDhan Chame Havir Dhaanan Chame Grihaas Chame Sadas Chame PuroodaShaas Chame Pachataash Chame Vabhrutas Chame Swagaa Kaarash Chameee….

Anuvaka – 9

Agnis Chame Dharmas Chameer, Kas Chame Suuryas Chame, Praanas Chamee(A)Shvame Dhash Chame Prithvi Chame Ditish Chame Ditish Chame Dhaush Chame Shakkvari Rangulayoo Dishash Chame Yagnena Kalpantaam Mrikcha Me Saama Chame, Sthomash Chame Yajush Chame Deekshaa Chamee Tapash Chama Rutush Chamee, Vratan Chamee Ho RatraYoo…oor Vrishtyaa Brihad Rathan Tharee Chamee Yagnena Kalpeetam

Anuvaka – 10

GarbhaAas Chame Vatsaash Chame TrayaVish Chame TrayaVee Chame DityaVaat Chame DithYauhi Chame PanchaaVish Chame Panchaavi Chame, Trivatsas Chame, Trivatsaa Chame TuryaVaat Chame TurYauhi Chame PashtaVaach Chame Pashtauhi Chama Ukshaa Chame Vashaa Chama Rishabhas Chame VehaCchh Chame Nadvaan Chame Dhenus Chama Aayur Yagnena Kalpataam, Praano Yagnena Kalpataam Apaano Yagnena Kalpataam Vyaano Yagnena Kalpataan Chakshur KalpathaaGis Shrotrai Yagnena Kalpataam Mano Yagnena Kalpataam Vaag Yagnena Kalpataam Aatmaa Yagnena Kalpataain, Yagnoo Yagnena Kalpataam

Anuvaka – 11

The 11th Anuvaka is beautiful and unique. It consists of numbers. Anuvakas 1 to 10, the devotee prays for almost everything needed for human happiness. In the 11th Anuvaka, the devotee prays for the desired things not specifically but in terms of numbers, first in terms of odd numbers from 1 to 33 and later in multiples of 4 from 4 to 48.

Ekaa Chame Tisrash Chame Pancha Chame Sapta Chame Nava Chama Ekaadasha Chamee, Trayodasha Chame Pancha Dasha Chame Sapta Dasha Chame Nava Dasha Chama EkaViGum Shatish Chamee , Trayo ViGum Shatish Chame Pancha ViGum Shatish Chame Sapta ViGum Shatish Chame Nava ViGum Shatish Chama Eka TriGum Shacchh Chame Trayas TriGum Shacchh Chame ChataSrash Chamee Shtau Chamee Dvadasha Chame Shodasha Chamee Vi Gum Shatish Chame
Chatur ViGum Shatish Chame(Me)Shta ViGum Shatish Chame Dwaatri Gum Shacchh Chame Kshatri Gum Shacchh Chame
Chatvaari Gum Shacchh Chame Chatush Chatvaari Gum Shacch Chame Vaajas Ch PrasaVashChaa Pijas Ch Kratush Ch Suvash Ch Muurdha ChavYashni Yash ChaantYaayanas ChaantYascha Bhau Vanascha BuvaNasChaa(A)dhipatis Ch

Shanti Mantra

Idaa DevaHuur Manur YagnaNeir Brihaspati Rukthaa Madaani Sa Gum Shishad Vishwe Devaa, Suukta Vaacha Prithvi Maatar Maa Mahi Gum Sher, Madhu Manishye Madhu Janishye Madhu Vakshyaami Madhu Vadisyaami Madhumateem, Devebhyo Vaachamudyaasa Gum Shushro Sheenyaa..am Manushyee..ee Bhyastam Ma Devaa Avantu ShobhaaYay Pitaronu Madantuu

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi

Anuvaka 11 – Significance of numbers

ODD NUMBERS

1 = Nature or Prakriti
3 = The three gunas, namely sattwa, rajas and tamas
5 = The five mahabhutas, or the five basic elements, that is, prithvi, ap, tejas, vayu and akasha, (earth, water, energy or agni or fire, wind and space).
7 = The five sensory organs and the mind and intellect
9 = The nine openings in the human body, called the navadwaras.
11 = The ten pranas and the Sushumna nadi
13 = Thirteen Devas
15 = The nadis or nerve centres in the human body
17 = The limbs of the human body
19 = Medicinal herbs
21 = Important vulnerable parts of the body
23 = Devas controlling serious diseases
25 = Apsaras in heaven
27 = Gandharvas
29 = Vidyut Devas
31 = Worlds
33 = Devas

MULTIPLES OF FOUR
4 = The four ideals of human life, namely dharma, artha, kama and moksha,
(righteous way of life, wealth, desire, and salvation)
8 = The four Vedas and the four upavedas
12 = Six vedangas and six shastras.
16 = Knowledge to be obtained from God
20 = The Mahabhutas
24 = The number of letters in the Gayatri mantra.
28 = The number of letters in the Ushnik mantra.
32 = The number of letters in the Anushtup mantra.
36 = The number of letters in the Brihati mantra.
40 = The number of letters in the Pankti mantra.
44 = The number of letters in the Trushtup mantra
48 = The number of letters in the Jagati mantra

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Navnath Temple from Shirdi – Trip Planner

20 Jul

Who are the Nath Yogis ?

The Yogis who belong to the Nath Sampradaya, and perform special yogic practices are called the Nath Yogis. Nath or Natha is a Sanskrit word which means “Lord, Master or Protector”.

Nath Sampradaya was supposed to have been founded by Adi Nath, who is none other than Lord Shiva himself. The knowledge of Hatha or Raja Yoga was then passed on to Matsyendranath, Gorakshanath and so on in a succession of a Guru – Shishya (disciple) manner. In this way the knowledge and its essence was preserved in its pure form. Some members of the Nath Sampraday believe Rishi Dattatreya, an incarnation of the Hindu trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva was its first teacher. A notable aspect of Nath tradition practice has been its refinements and use of Yoga, particularly Hatha Yoga.

To know more about Nath Sampradaya click the link below.

More about Nath Sampradaya

Nav Nath 

Navnath are the nine saints on whom the Nath Sampradaya, the lineage of the nine gurus, is based.

  • Machindranath or Matsyendranath
  • Gorakshanath or Gorakhnath
  • Jalindranath
  • Kanifnath or Kanhoba
  • Gahininath or Gehininath
  • Bhartrinath or Bhartarinath or Raja Bhartari or Bhartṛhari
  • Revananath or Revan Siddh or Kada Siddha or Ravalanath
  • Charpatinath or Charpatakshnath
  • Naganath or Nageshnath

Navnath Temple in Maharashtra 

Navnath’s are highly revered in Maharashtra and they have a large following. There are 9 Temples / Samadhis of these saints which are very popular among the locals. Very limited knowledge is available in the public domain about these temples and this Blog should help those interested in visiting these divine places.

If you want to visit these temples contact Sai Aditya Travels Shirdi (Arvind) and ask for driver Rahul or Sachin + 91 99705 75677, +91 96232 60379

Trip Plan 

With Shirdi as base we started at 7.30 AM and headed out on the Ahmednagar Manmad highway. After ~ 35Km we stopped for breakfast at Samadhan Hotel.

By 9.15 AM we reached Gorakhnath Temple at Maanjar Sumba Dongargan, Ahmednagar District. The temple is on the top of a small hill – 1000 Feet and you climb a few steps. As you drive up the hill towards the steps the view is scenic. Green hills and lovely views. You will cross a Goshala with many well fed local breed cows grazing on the natural herbs. The temple is very well maintained – and one of the first things you see is a large Dhuni. This is something you will find in all the Nath Temples. All of them were located atop a hill / surrounded by greenery.

A short 15 min drive from here we reach the Samadhi shrine of Minnath. He was one of Matsyendranath’s two sons. Unfortunately this place is now called Miravali Baba Dargah.

Our 3rd stop was at the beautiful and energised Vriddheswar temple at Ghatshiras. Located in a valley surrounded by thick forests and hills. It is a 1 hr drive from the Minnath Samadhi (50 Km). This temple is very special for the Nath sampraday and is considered the sadhna sthal of the Nath’s. It is believed that Lord Shiva came here disguised as an old man to attend the Yagna being conducted by Matsyendranath & Gorakhnath. The Shiva Linga is not the typical shape – it is large and amorphous and looks eroded because of the effect of water. Locals claim that this Shiv Linga is growing every year. Another unique aspect of the temple – it has 2 Nandi’s.

A short 20 min drive (on a normal day) will take you to the Samadhi temple of Matsyendranath at Mayamba. The last few kms are mud roads. We were visiting on a Monday that happened to be Amavasya – so there were huge crowds. When planning your trip avoid visiting on Amavasya. This is again a large temple and further expansion is under process. Again very scenic location on top of a hill.

7 Km from Mayamba a 15 – 20 min drive is the Samadhi temple of Kanifnath. It’s again on top of a hill. The car goes a long way – but the final ascent is a few hundred steps. There are two Q’s – ensure you are in the Q that goes right next to the Samadhi , the second Q is for distant viewing. As you walk out you will see signs for a small cave where Kanifnath meditated. Do visit this place. From the Kanifnath temple you can get a good view of the Matsyendranath temple further up.

Our last stop for the day was the Mohota Devi temple at Pathardi. A large well maintained temple up a hill. Timing was good it was evening and breezy.

As you drive out of the temple you can spot a few lodges including one managed by the temple trust. You can choose to stay here (rooms are basic). We explored trying to find a better place and settled at Hotel Prashant in the outskirts of Pathardi. Its a new hotel and the rooms were decent with AC & Hot water – at 1500 Rs / night it was perfect.

We had dinner at one of the small family run restaurants on the way back from the Mohota Temple. Homely local food – Bajra Ki Bhakri, Baingan Sabji, Kadi, Petla, Aloo Vadi, Papad & Mirchi Ka thecha. Food was freshly prepared on a chula and served fresh and hot. All the ingredients from the owners farm.

Day 2 we start at 7 AM on the Amalner Beed road. We are headed to Chincholi – 60 Km, 1 1/2 Hrs to visit the Samadhi temple of Gahni Nath. Enroute we stop for a breakfast of Vada Pav & Chai . The drive is scenic – after a few rains everything is lush green. Full of black soil we see fields of Cotton, Sugarcane, Pomegranate, Mosambi and Lime orchards. The last few kilometres are breathtakingly scenic with hills and valleys as long as the eyes can see. Of all the places I liked this the best. This Samadhi  is managed by a Kumbhar family. They had to take permission from the Nizam – after 21 years of waiting they finally got approval once Ambedkar became the home minister. Many of the Samadhi Sthals are contentious and claimed to be those of Islamic Pir’s. Some are even under litigation.

The energy in all the places we had visited was beautiful but this place was divine. The solitude added to the charm. Close to this samadhi site is a larger temple which is the Paduka Temple of Gahni Nath. Many tourists get confused as the Paduka Temple is also called Samadhi Mandir. Gahni Nath was the guru of Nivrutti Maharaj the elder brother of sant Jnyaneshwar.

Our next stop was a 30 min scenic drive to Yavalvadi. We drove up a hillock. Again a wonderful place – perfect for solitude and meditation. This houses the meditation cave of Jalendranath. Barring the priest who manages the temple there was nobody here and it was a nice experience sitting in the meditation cave.

The Samadhi temple of Jalendranath is close by – a 10 min drive.

The next stop was a long 125 Km drive and the last 25 km of the roads were atrocious. We were driving through Beed, one of the poorest tribal regions of Maharashtra. This journey took us well over 4 hrs to the samadhi temple of Bhartari Nath. The temple is a little unkept but the Samadhi cave was highly energised.

We are now 350 Kms from Shirdi and its 4 PM – the drive back is a 5 hr drive. The Amavasya crowds of day 1 and the bad roads on day 2 have taken away 4 – 5 precious hours. We have covered 6 Navnath temples + a lot more. We had planned to cover  Vatsidh Nagnath which was not far from Parli Vaijnath. We are forced to head back and plan the remaining temples another trip. The road back is good and the last 75 Km we are on the Samriddhi super highway. We make it back to Shirdi by 8.45 PM. We have covered 890 Km in 2 days and accomplished a lot. Travelling solo helps in saving time.

Few Travel Tips 

  • You are travelling in Central Maharashtra – Ahmednagar / Beed / bordering Latur district. Summers can be exceedingly hot and dry. I was lucky – in mid July it was pleasant and green. This place receives scanty rainfall.
  • Airtel network is not reliable – this is Jio territory.
  • You cannot do this trip with Google Maps and any driver from Mumbai / Pune. You need a local driver who knows to locate these places. Better still someone who has done this – hence my first point ask for Rahul or Sachin when you make the booking with Arvind at Sai travels.
  • Simple fresh food is available enroute – no fancy restaurants, bathrooms will be Indian style on the highway. Breakfast is normally Poha / Vada Pav / Chai.
  • Holy book of the Nath Sampraday is Navanath Bhaktisar – unfortunately it is in Marathi (maybe Hindi Translation). If anyone can find an English translation please share it with me. There are many more great Hindu texts written by the Nath Rishis that include Gorakṣaśataka, Goraksha Samhita, Goraksha Gita etc.
  • Matsyendranath is revered not just by Hindus but even by Buddhists. In the Tibetan tradition, Matsyendranath is identified with Luipa, one referred to as the first of Buddhist Siddhacharyas. In Nepal, he is a form of Buddhist Avalokiteshvara.
  • Matsyendranath & Gorakhnath are included in the list of 18 Tamil Siddhars
  • The birth of all the Navnath’s have interesting stories. You should google and read on them. Some commentators claim that Lord Krishna talks about the Navnath coming to earth to help people in their journey during Kaliyug.
  • Avoid travelling on Amavasya – these are beautiful places best enjoyed in solitude.
  • My driver was an excellent driver and a wonderful guide cum partner – he went the extra mile to locate these places.

 

About Matsyendranath 

Navnath Sampraday

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Aadheenam & Shaiva Siddhanta – An Introduction

3 Jun

What is Aadheenam

Aadheenam’s are Shaivite monastic institutions. They are the custodians and repository of Shaiva Siddhanta knowledge and help nurture & propagate them. Most of them were set up during 1600’s. The Madurai Adheenam claims its origin to Goddess Meenakshi Herself and believes that the 7th century child saint Thirujnanasambandar revived the Adheenam during his visit to Madurai.

There are many Aadheenams which are involved in maintaining and propagating Shaiva Siddhanta in Tamil Nadu. The most prominent are

1. Dharumai Aadheenam (Dharmapuram)
2. Tiruvaavadudurai Aadheenam (Tiruvaavadudurai)
3. Turupanandal Adheenam (Turupanandal)
4. Madurai Aadheenam (Madurai) and
5. Perur Adheenam (Perur)

The Dharmapuram Aadheenam was founded during the 16th century, along with the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam and the Thiruppanandal Adheenam, to spread the ideology of Shaiva Sidhantam. there are a total of 27 Shiva temples under the control of the Dharmapuram Aadheenam – including the famous Vaitheeswaran Koil, near Sirkazhi.

Aadheenams are custodians of Shaiva culture and run several institutions to teach and train the various officials and lay disciples. Agamas, Shaiva Shastras, Tirumurais (sacred hymns sung by the Shaiva Nayanmars), and other connected scriptures are taught in traditional manner under the auspices of these Adheenams. Aadheenams collaborate and dont compete with each other.

Adheenams are not managed by Brahmins 

Adheenams were set up by rich landowning upper cast Tamils in the middle of the 16th century.  Over the years they have accumulated a lot of wealth and followers. Currently, only members of four groupings of the Velala caste (Pillais, Tondaimandala Mudaliyars, Karkattar Pillais, Desigars) and the Shaiva Chettiyars are eligible to be initiated into the spiritual line of each of the Adheenams.

Unlike the Veerashaiva, Lingayat, Vokkaliga and other Mutts of neighbouring Karnataka – the Tamil Nadu Adheenams are not political and have stayed away from controversies over the years. It has been a constant battle with the Govt over control of temples, but till date the control has stayed with the Adheenams.

What is Shaiva Siddhanta 

Shaiva Siddhanta  is a form of Shaivism popular in South India and Sri Lanka which propounds a devotional philosophy with the ultimate goal of experiencing union with Shiva. It draws primarily on the Tamil devotional hymns written by Shaiva saints from the 5th to the 9th century, known in their collected form as Tirumurai.

Tirumular’s work Tirumanthiram is one of the bedrocks upon which the structure of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy was built. The central doctrine of the Saiva Siddhanta philosophy is that Siva is the Supreme Reality, and that the Jiva or the individual soul is of the same essence as Siva, but not identical. Pati (God), Pasu (soul), and Pasa (the bonds) and the thirty-six Tattvas or principles which constitute the world, are all real.

Shaiva Siddhanta considers Tamil and Sanskrit as Shiva’s two eyes. They say that when Shiva rolled his Damru for the first time, Sanskrit and Tamil languages came from the two sides of it.

Kashmir Shaivism has been influenced by the teachings of Shaiva Siddhanta.

Who is credited to the creation of this path and the teachings of Shaiva Siddhanta 

Shaiva Siddhanta owes its origin to no single founder. Four Tamil saints called Nalvar – Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, and Manikkavacakar are considered  the four prominent teachers of this philosophy.They are Shaivite saints from among the 63 Nayanmars. Manikkavacakar is from 4th century, Sambandar & Appar were contemporaries of Adi Shankara in 8th century and Sundarar comes later in the 9th century.

The teachings of Tirumular from 5th century is also part of the Shaiva Siddhanta teachings.

They revived and re-established the religious practices, especially the Temple worship, among the common mass and were influential leaders, at a time when Tamilnadu came to be gripped under the influence of the ascetic missionaries of Jainism and Buddhism. They reclaimed the people and brought them back to the Shaiva fold.

Meykandadevar (13th century) was the first systematic philosopher of the school who compiled the vast knowledge. Credit goes to him to structure the knowledge and summarise the teachings in his book Shivajnanabodham. He was able to establish how this path was distinct from the other Darshana’s.

Many more saints were involved in the evolution of Shaiva Siddhanta.

Shaiva Siddhanta Core Content 

It should be stressed that the Saiva Siddhanta system has for its source material the classic works both in Sanskrit and Tamil. The Vedas, the Upanisads and the Sivagamas in Sanskrit, Sangam literature, Tirukkural and such other works in Tamil bear marks of its influence and contain most of its concepts. But the scope, depth and the essential and distinguishing features of the system are to be defined with reference to two sets of scriptural texts in Tamil. They are the twelve sacred books known as Tirumuraikal (Stotras) and the fourteen canonised philosophical treatises called the Saiva Siddhanta Shastras. For the Temple construction and its worship Sivagamas are followed.

Its literature consists chiefly of: (1) the twenty-eight Saivite Agamas, (2) the collection of Saivite hymns known as Tirumurai compiled by Nambi Andar Nambi, (it contains Tirumanthiram of Tirumular; the Thevaram of Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar, and the Tiruvachagam of Manickavachagar), (3) the collection of the lives of Saivite saints, known as the Periyapuranam, (4) Meykandar’s Siva-jnanabodham, (5) Arulnandi’s Sivajnanasiddhiar, and the works of Umapati.

Source 

  • Sivagnana Mapadiyam by Vajravelu Mudaliar
  • Discussions with my friend Ramamurthy who is passionate about this subject and is in contact with the heads of a few Adheenams
  • Thiru. Arunai Palaravayan – A Tamil language professor and retired as Head of Tamil language department, Loyola College, Chennai. His illustrious father Thiru. Vadivelu Mudaliar served as Tamil Vidwan at Dharmapuram Adheenam.
  • Online Blogs from eSamskriti – Who are Adheenams

Additional Points 

The tantric scriptures of Shaivism are the Agamas. These along with the Vedas are considered the holy scriptures of the religion. Like the word veda indicate knowledge the root gam in the word Agama indicate the dynamism. (Agama is interpreted as the one that “arrived” from God). As the name indicate Agamas are the dynamism of the supreme knowledge. It is the implementation or recipe for attaining the Supreme Truth. If Vedas are the science, Agamas are the engineering. ( Agama texts have 3 branches – Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta)

Saint Tirumular says, ‘ The Vedas and Sivagamas are the true scriptures divinely bestowed upon man ; and they are respectively general and special. Some may attribute difference between their conclusions, but for the great they are identical.’

The history of the 63 Nayanmars which includes the Nalvar were compiled by Shekizhar, a poet under the instruction of later Cholas in 11th Century. Nambi Andar Nambi, another poet organised the 12 Thirumarais (sthothra literature) in 11th century under the instructions of the famous Rajaraja Chola.

The relative merits of the various spiritual authoritative works can be gleaned from the following Tamil verse :

The Veda is cow, cow’s milk is the Sivagamas, Tevaram, and Tiruvacakam – the Tamil works of the four Teachers, are the ghee obtained from the Agamas. If we estimate the nature of Sivajnana Bodham which was produced in Tamil by Meykandar, it should be adjudged the taste of the ghee.

In 12th century a great saint named Aghorasiva resided as the head of the Chidambaram temple. He was successful in creating and establishing an amalgamation of Sanskrit rituals and Tamil Siddhanta traditions.  The methods he gave for worship of Shaiva pantheon is followed even today across all Shiva temples in South India. His celebrated Kriyakramadyotika is the single most important text when it comes to Shaiva Siddhanta rituals for temples.

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Is it the best of both worlds ? Indians settled in the US

20 Apr

After a lovely 2 month trip to the US its not just the jet lag that takes time to wear off – but also the US effect. Since my first visit to US in 1998 the discussion with friends and relatives always comes down to the Pros & Cons of US Vs India. It is true that there is a mad rush for the US Green card and an increasing number of students are heading to US Colleges spending a fortune. So why the debate – isn’t it a clear winner ? Lets look at some perspectives and views that came up while meeting friends and relatives.

Confident – Independent – Busy : That summarises the people I met and observed in the US. From school the education system grooms you to be independent. A building friend had moved to US 6 years back when her twins were in class 4. When they met the principal at school he assured them that the goal in Class 4 was to make the kids independent. And I could see the transformation in posture, communication, clarity of thought. Not just that –  the kids cook their own meals, pack their own food to school, and are clear on where they want to go for college.

Skilled and Productive : The era of a generalist is gone. Everyone is trained to be a specialist and is good at what they do. This is what makes the person confident. People pursue a career they enjoy and stick to what they do. Almost everyone I met had been working at the same place for 20 + years.

The sword is always hanging : That is how my school friend described life in the US. You can never be in a zone of complacency. Life is always like running on the treadmill. This ensures you dont get rusty and musty. Layoffs are common and come unexpectedly. Its part of life. Many of my friends who had spend 15 years in the US followed by 15 years in India were happy to get back to the US in their 50’s. The quality of professional life is much better.

Dual Engine family : Life in the US -There can be no passengers. The whole family pulls the train. This is the land of DIY. The systems and processes are good but there is no help. From fixing the furniture to cooking, washing, cleaning, driving, plumbing, shovelling the snow from your driveway – Unlike India there are no servants at your command. It may sound scary to the average Indian – but its not hard work. US is not dusty and crowded like India so the house barely gets dirty. Life doesn’t rotate around food and most people cook once or twice a week – frozen food is the norm not the exception. The system works – everything is organised, that takes away the stress from day to day life.

Everything is available : The Indian stores in US are now mainstream. You can get everything you want – from vegetables, grocery, instant dosa dough…. you dont miss anything even in the remote corners of small town USA. If you dont have the time to visit an Indian store – Amazon delivers in 24 hrs a Prestige cooker or Masala Chai. Many US retail stores have started stocking Indian/Asian food.

Clean, organised, predictable : The best part of the US is the finishing touch – no cutting corners. The leftover food is packed in such nice containers you dont feel like throwing it away. The retail experience is wonderful, driving and parking cars is a pleasure. Driving 45 Miles in 45 minutes is almost always achievable. UBER is clean and wow. There is choice –  from milk to orange juice to potatoes – you have a diverse variety for every palette.

The system works : Commitments are met and cheating is rare. You get a refund with no questions asked. We moved into a new apartment that was 25+ years old – it looked spanking new, everything worked perfectly. No calls to electrician or plumber. The Broadband gear was ordered online and arrived in 24 hrs and it was a 15 min job to get it connected and working. (In Bangalore its a 1/2 day job to get Broadband set up in our apartment with a Airtel rep and the building electrician struggling to figure out the cabling)

But its lonely … 

Life is busy and you rarely get to meet people. In a beautiful apartment complex of 150+ houses you rarely get to see people. The kid below our house comes out at 4 PM every day with his ball – but he is alone. My morning walk  for nearly 2 months I hardly saw people on the streets. The good thing is its also quiet and serene. The whole place is like an Ashram.

And its expensive … 

The only thing I missed in my morning walk was a cup of chai and the Vada from the local Darshini. That is something you will not get. Coffee is 6 dollars and if you add a muffin + tips you are knocking at 15 dollars. The simplest of meals / person – Burger / Pizza / Chipotle Bowl … will be in the 15 dollar range. Fine dining in a mid range restaurant with starters and drinks can be 75 – 100 Dollars for two.

But not everything is expensive – a high end car in the US is cheaper than its equivalent in India and so is petrol. The system rewards you to plan – an Amtrak ticket to New York ( 110 miles) can vary between 21 USD – 150 USD depending on when you book it.

Most importantly the Zing is missing 

You have everything but the energy is missing – at least in the 50 year olds. There is a sense of ” been there done that” – but the journey is not over as one needs to keep working till 65 to cover medical insurance. The blog below summarises the different stages of life in the US – and 50 + is not the happiest of phases. But then having lived all your adult life and with kids settled there you are not ready to come back.

 “Is Settling In USA Worth It For Indians?”

Parents & Old age homes 

In your old age you are on your own. Nobody has the time / resources to look after their parents like we do in India. Many Indians get their parents a green card and for many years they shuttle back and forth before finally settling down at “nana nani”in Coimbatore.  The annual pilgrimage to India continues to meet your parents – at least for the first generation.

Where does India score …. 

Is India shining a reality – a relative felt that India was making too much noise and not much had changed for the better in the last 25 years. Yes the roads are a mess and we still dont know to make footpaths and manage our garbage. Water / electricity / safety are all concerns but there are a few +ves

Digital economy – we are way ahead globally. Banking transactions on the App, Covid certificates online … very few countries can match India when it comes to the progress we have made on the Digital arena.

Healthcare – Costs are affordable and the facilities are good in the urban centres with the bigger hospitals. US medical costs can make you bankrupt – if your company doesn’t cover your insurance you may end up paying 500 – 750 dollars / month for insurance cover.

Affordable – At the higher end (Luxury cars / Villas) costs in India are comparable or more expensive than the US – but day to day expenses are a lot cheaper. Food, hotels , flight, clothes all cost a fraction of what they cost in USA.

So is there a winner …. 

Well if you open the gates to the US a very large segment of India will rush in, I am not sure if the same can be said the other way round. Independent people, competent with skills, ready to learn and adapt …. these people will love the US way of life. Younger generation, professionals will definitely choose US over India. For the rest its a matter of choice …. or destiny

 

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Breathe Right – Live Healthy

9 Feb

Nutrition, Gym, Walking, Multi Vitamins, Yoga Asanas, running – the world is full of advise on how to be healthy and fit. It is rare to find a specialist who can teach you how to live healthy by breathing right. This Blog helps you get started. We are born with our 1st breath – and we die when we stop breathing, its time to pay more attention to our breath.

Rishis of the past had decoded the connection between breath and a healthy mind & body. Pranayama is the 4th Anga of Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga. Breath is external manifestation of Prana, the vital life energy. Breath is Sthula, gross. Prana is Sukshma, subtle. By exercising control over breathing you can control the subtle Prana inside. Just as a goldsmith removes the impurities of gold by heating it in the hot furnace, by strongly blowing the blow-pipe, so also the yogic student removes the impurities of the body and the Indriyas by blowing his lungs, i.e., by practising Pranayama.

The ancient science has been explained well by James Nestor in his book “Breath – The New Science of a lost art”. He has used extensive research and experiments to prove his point. This Blog will shed light on 3 things.

  • Evolution has shrunk our breathing channels
  • How we have forgotten the art of breathing
  • What are some corrective measures

Content for this is drawn from the talks of Sri M and the above mentioned book.

Evolution has shrunk our breathing channels

Of the 5400 species of Mammals on the planet, humans are the only ones with misaligned jaws, overbites, underbites and crooked teeth. 40% of the world population suffers from chronic nasal obstructions and half the people are habitual mouth breathers. When the mouth doesn’t grow wide enough we have a V shaped or arched palate. This upward growth hinders the development of the nasal cavity. The reduced nasal space leads to obstruction and inhibits airflow. In the last 1000 years the nasal aperture – the two holes in the back of the throat that connect to the nasal passages have shrunk by 50%.

When the nasal cavity is congested airflow decreases and bacteria flourish. This leads to infection, cold and more bacteria. This forces us to breathe from the mouth – which is the root cause of a lot of our health problems.

Evolution has changed our eating habits 

Eating a raw diet took a lot of time and effort. Tenderising food spared us from some effort of chewing and digesting – which saved energy. We started using this extra energy to grow a larger brain. The quickly growing brain needed space – it took it from the front of our face – original home to sinuses, mouth and airways. The face shortened and the mouth shrank. A bony protuberance – the Nose replaced the snout. The smaller vertically positioned nose was less efficient at filtering air. Smaller sinuses and mouth also reduced space in our throat. The more we ate soft cooked calorie rich food – the larger our brains grew and the tighter our airways.

A trend that has been rapidly accelerating. The current generation eats only soft food – from birth food is crushed. Mothers breastfeed their children for days and weeks Vs months and years.  Kids of today can no longer eat a piece of sugarcane or crack an apricot with their teeth. When you dont use muscles they become weak. Mushy, soft, refined processed food is making us sick. Our mouths are shrinking, jaws are becoming weaker, teeth are overcrowding and becoming crooked – all because we are not using them.

The more you chew, the more stem cells we release, the more bone density and growth we will trigger, the younger we will look and the better we will breathe. 

Evolution doesn’t always mean progress. We are adopting and passing down traits that are detrimental to our health. This concept is called Dysevolution.

Shut your mouth – Stop mouth-breathing 

A direct correlation has been observed between mouth breathing and disorders like sleep apnea, snoring, insomnia, crooked teeth. Inhaling air through the mouth decreases pressure which causes the soft tissues at the back of the mouth to become loose and flex inwards creating less space, making breathing more difficult. Inhaling from the nose has the opposite effect – it forces air against these flabby tissues making the airways wider and toned. Whatever happens to the nose affects the mouth, the airways and the lungs. Mouth-breathing also causes the body to lose 40% more water.

Mouth-breathing contributed to periodontal disease and bad breath and was the number one cause of cavities – even more damaging than sugar.

Nasal breathing helps the sinuses release a high amount of Nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a crucial role in increasing circulation and delivering oxygen to cells. Immunity, weight, circulation, mood , sexual functions are all heavily influenced by the amount of nitric oxide in the body. (Eg Viagra releases Nitric Oxide to the bloodstream). Nasal breathing boosts Nitric Oxide sixfold.

In a lifetime a human being will take 670 million breaths ~ 25,000 breaths a day, so if you do it right you can get yourself in shape very quickly.

The magical Nose 

The nose is important because it filters air, heats it, moistens it for easy absorption. The nose also plays a important role in problems like erectile dysfunction, blood pressure & digestion. It responds to the stages of a woman’s menstrual cycle, it regulates heart rate, opens the vessels in our toes. The density of nasal hair helps determine if you will suffer from asthma. The nostrils of every human pulse to their own rhythm.

The science of Pranayama teaches you a variety of breathing techniques. This is serious learning and needs to be taught by a trained professional and the implications if done incorrectly can be serious. The ancient Rishis knew the magical powers of the nose and called it the heavenly door. Healthy nasal breathing starts at birth. Many tribal mothers across the world softly pinched the mouth of the infants if they opened it at night to breathe.

If you dont use it – you lose it. Doctors observed that patients who had undergone laryngectomies (a procedure where a breathing hole is cut in the throat) within a few months to a year almost all had complete nasal obstruction. When the nose is denied regular use it will atrophy. Keeping the nose constantly in use trains the tissue inside the nose and throat to flex and stay open.

Our breathing has become shallow 

During covid Sri M repeatedly told Satsangis the power of deep breathing and how that was the best way to prevent infections and strengthen the pulmonary system. Our breathing is shallow. The smaller and less efficient the lungs become the quicker you get sick and die. Our Lungs lose 12% of the capacity between the age of 30 – 50 and continue declining faster as we get older. By 80 you are taking in 30% lesser air than at 20. So you breathe faster and harder. This is the root cause of many health problems.

Successful athletes and swimmers have large lung capacity – Olympic swimmers have lung capacity that is almost twice as large as that of the common man. The good thing is lung capacity can be increased by one and all with practise.

Our diaphragm powers the thoracic pump. When we inhale blood is drawn into the heart as we exhale blood shoots back to the body and lungs. The up and down movement of the diaphragm occurs about 50,000 times a day. The average adult uses only 10% of the range of the diaphragm while breathing. This overburdens the heart and elevates blood pressure.

Shallow breathing limits the range of our diaphragm and lung capacity. 

Yogic breathing is a good practise of deep breathing. Take a deep breath – expand the chest , stomach – hold the breath, then exhale slowly. Once you feel all the sir has been exhaled – count 1,2,3, … 10 a few times so that all the residual air is gone out – then take a deep breath and start over again.

We lose weight through exhaled breath. For every 10 Kgs of weight lost – 8 1/2 Kgs comes out from our lungs. The rest is sweat or urination. The lungs are the weight regulating system of our body. 

We are breathing too fast 

Breathing at a normal rate our lungs will absorb only a quarter of the available oxygen. The majority of the oxygen is exhaled back. By taking longer breaths we allow our lungs to soak in more in a fewer breaths.

The perfect breathing rhythm is when inhale + exhale is ~ 11 seconds. That leads to 5.5 breaths / minute. (Compare that with the normal human 12 – 20  breaths / minute). This was known by our ancient Rishis. I clocked the Gayatri Mantra, Mrityunjaya Mantra, a Paragraph of the Mahishasur Mardini – they are all designed to regulate your breath to 5 – 6 breaths / minute. Pranayama is built into our ancient mantras. Hence the need to chant it at a certain steady speed and not too fast. This practise is observed  across religions. Prayer heals when it is practised at 5.5 breaths / minute.

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References 

  • “Breath – The New Science of a lost art” by James Nestor
  • Talks on Pranayama by Sri M

 

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Among the Vedas – I am Sama Veda

3 Jan

The Samaveda Parayana organised by Pandit Mishra of the Shankara Mutt at Bangalore was an eye opener. The rare knowledge of the ancient Vedas are now incubated in a few centres and a handful of priests have the knowledge to chant them from memory accurately. A few among them know the meaning. This Blog shares some highlights on Vedas and Sama Veda in particular. Towards the last sections I have also included some commentary on best practises and clarifications on common questions about the Vedas.

Why does Lord Krishna state ” Among the Vedas I am Sama Veda ” and “Among hymns I am the Brihat Sama” – I started writing this Blog trying to find answers to this.

Most of the content has come from experts and is not easily available on the Internet. Its a good start for a layman and opens the window to how massive and deep the knowledge in our Vedas are. The structure, the span – even thinking of them is mind boggling. All this existing for thousands of years and being passed by memory across generations.

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The Vedas are Apourusheyam – not authored by man. They are Anaadi – without a beginning in terms of time. The Rishis cognised the mantras already in existence and made them known to the world. The Brihadharanyaka Upanishad says that the Vedas are Ishwara’s breath. Just like we cannot exist without breathing, the Vedas are the life breath of the Supreme. If Parmaatma who has no beginning or end exists forever, then the Vedas as his life breath are naturally Anaadi.

The Vedas believed to be vibrations in space were compiled 5000 years ago at the beginning of Kali Yuga by Veda Vyasa consisted of 1131 sabhas (Recensions). 21 in Rig, 101 in Yajur, 1000 in Sama and 9 in Atharva  – they were preserved in the parampara of Rishis by oral transmission from father to son and guru to shishya. As of date there are only 10 recensions available (3 in Sama Veda) and there are a handful of Vedic Scholars who can chant the Vedas by memory with the perfect tone and pronunciation

Why does Lord Krishna in the Bhagawad Gita state – Among the Vedas I am Sama Veda 

All mantras of the Sama Veda except for 102 are in the Rig Veda. There are at least 214 mantras in the Sama Veda which are common to Rig & Yajur. Of the 6000 mantras in the Atharva Veda – 406 are in the Sama Veda. In total there are only 69 unique verses in the Sama Veda which are not in the other Vedas.

Now we can understand the deeper reason behind the well known quotation of Bhagvad Gita “Among the Vedas I am Sama Veda” – Sama Veda being a compilation makes all the key Vedic Mantras accessible to those who may not have the time to read or recite the huge Rig Veda (Over 10,000 Mantras).

Sama Veda unifies and stresses the commonality of the Veda

The Chandogya Upanishad is from the Sama Veda . It gives the meaning of the word Saman. Anything that is perfect is called Saman anything that is not good is Asaman.
Sama also means something that is appeasing. Sama Gayanah means one who sings pleasant hymns to appease the Lord.

Many mantras in the Sama Veda are repeated verbatim. 257 verses in the first part (Purva Archika) are repeated in the second part (Uttara Archika). Thus the distinctive mantras in the Sama Veda Samhita is only 1610. The Purva Archika or the first part of the Sama Veda Samhita contains 650 mantras , the remaining 1225 mantras constitute the second part or Uttara Archika.

There are 3 types of mantras in the Vedas – Rik, Yajur and Saman. A Rik mantra is metrical expressed in a meter like Gayatri. Yajur mantra is a rhythmic prose. A Saman mantra is meant to be sung. The same Rik which is the underlying basis for a Sama mantra can be sung in different ways.

Saama Gana – The singing of the Sama Veda mantra follows a strict procedure. While the mantras are same as in Rig Veda the Saama has set the mantras to music with lengthened notes which is greatly conducive to spiritual evolution of the self and the grace of God’s. The sound while chanting them correctly activates our nerve centres and also affects the the surrounding resulting in individual and collective well being.  Saama Gana can be said to be the basis and source of the seven Swaram or notes of Indian music.

Bhagwan is called “Sama” because he is embodiment of Sama Veda. He who knows the Sama Veda is the knower of the Brahman. Adi Shankara explains – ” Sama Gayaati  Iti Saamagah” – He sings the Sama Veda hence he is called the Saamagah. Sama Veda is so melodious that Bhagvan himself sings it often. In fact he is the creator of the Sama Veda and he enjoys singing it.

Sama Veda in Vishnu Sahasranamam  – Trisaamaa Samagah Sameti Kavacham

Trisaamaa– He is worshipped using the three parts of Sama Veda collectively known as Devavrataas, hence He is called Trisaamaa. The three parts of Sama Veda are called Brihat, Rathantara and Vaamadevya and are collectively called Devavrataas. He whose glory itself is the manifested Sama Veda (Saama), He is none other than the Supreme.  This great Lord is like an armour (“kavacham”) to wear for self-protection.

Symbolism: While chanting this in the mind the seeker first touches with the tip of his finger, of each arm, the same shoulders, and afterwards crosses the arm, in front of him making fingers of each palm touch the other shoulder-as if he is actually wrapping himself and wearing the divine armour.

There is reference to the greatness of Sama Veda in Lalita Sahasranamam also.One of the names for Archana in Sri Lalita Sahasranamam is Sama Gana Priyaya Namaha. The greatness of Sama Veda is brought out extensively in all Vedas, Itihasas and Puranas and Sangitha Sastras.

Srimad Bhagavatam – Garuda 

In the Bhagavatam it is stated that the two wings of the transcendental bird Garuḍa, who carries the Lord everywhere, are two divisions of the Sāma Veda known as bṛhat and rathāntara. Garuḍa works as the carrier of the Lord; therefore he is considered the transcendental prince of all carriers. With his two wings Garuḍa began to vibrate the Sāma Veda, which is chanted by great sages to please the Lord.

Sama Veda – Rig Veda connection

The close relationship between Sama Veda and Rig Veda is mentioned in several Upanishads including the Chandogya Upanishad. The Brihadranyaka Upanishad compares the relationship between these two Veda Samhita as husband and wife.

Chandogya Upanishad

Earth is Rig, Fire is Saman.
This Saman rests upon the Rig
Therefore the Saman is sung as resting on the Rik.
Earth is “Sa” Agni is “Ama” that creates Sama

Other references

Yagna is based on the two horses of Indra – Rchah and Samani. Rchah is the world we aspire and Sama is the world we live in.

Sri Chandrashekarandra Saraswati in his book the Four Vedas explains – “Saama” means to bring “shanti” or peace to the mind. Of the 4 methods of tackling an enemy – saama, daana, bheda and danda – the first Saama is by conquering the enemy by love and conciliatory words.

Sama Veda is grouped into Dashati, Each Dashati having ten Suktas

Vedic Hyms were revealed to the Rishis in a state of Samadhi. Given below are the name of some Rishis to who the Sama Veda mantras were revealed. In parenthesis is the number of relevant Dashatis.

Vasishta (43), Vamadeva (36), Bharadvaja (29), Medhatithi (29), Kanva (29), Vishwamitra (29), Gotama (20), Saubhari (18), Shunashepa (17), Jamadagni (13), Praskanva (13), Pragatha (8), Kashyapa (7), Vebha (5), Atri (4), Valakhilya (3). There were lady Rishi’s also – Godha & Indamatarah Devajamayah

The great Patanjali refers to a 1000 Shakhas or recensions of Sama Veda that once existed. As of date only 3 survive – Kuthumna, Ramayana and Jaimini. Vedas are called Shruti – That which is heard. The ear is called “Srotra”. Vedas have been passed on from generations in the ancient method of learning by the ear the the Guru Shishya tradition. A few places like the Sringeri Mutt are the centres of excellence working to preserve the knowledge of the Sama Veda.

Brihat Sama 
In the Gita, Lord Krishna also says amongst Hymns I am the “Brihat Sama” . This is a Hymn from the Sama Veda attributed to Rishi Bharadwaja in praise of Indra.

Upanishads in the Sama Veda

Kenopanishad – It is only in the Kenopanishad that the Divine Mother appears in the form of Mother Wisdom, which is one of her attributes mentioned in the “Lalita Sahasranama”. Her glory is especially manifest in this Upanishad from the Sama Veda

Chandogya Upanishad – Chandoga means one who sings the Saama Gaana. The Chandogya Upanishad mantras constitute the chief authority – Pramaana for the Brahma Sutras.

Hayanana is the presiding deity of Sama Veda – Sama Veda Murthi 

सामवेद मूर्तिः

SAMAVEDA MURTHI

नीलोत्पलदलाभासिः सामवेदो हयाननिः । अक्षमालान्ववतो दक्षे वामे कम्बुधरिः स्मृतिः ॥

Samaveda Murthi is said to be horse-faced, shining like blue lotus and holding Akshamala (rosary of beads) in right hand and conch in left hand.

ॐ नमिः सामवेदाय

Om Namah Samavedaya Om, Obeisance to Sama Veda

सामजालजलाकीर्णं छवदिः कल्लोलसङ्कु लम् । तवरग्राहान्ववतं ववदे सामवेदमहार्णणवम् ॥

I prostrate to Samaveda, the great ocean with web of Samas as water, chandas (metric systems) as waves and tantras as crocodiles.

Why were the Vedas not written down so that it could be read and learnt 
Some sounds do not lend themselves to be accurately reproduced phonetically. They fall in between two syllables and there are many such sounds in the Vedas. They can be transmitted only orally. In addition the Vedic mantras have to be recited in a certain cadence or rhythm to produce the necessary vibrations. Trying to write this down with annotations, asterix remarks etc will lead to errors resulting in improper accent, intonation & pronunciation. This will lead to lessening of the intended effect.
The full benefit of the Vedic mantras can result only if no word is changed, no unauthorised upward or downward drift in the note occurs while reciting. The Yoga Shastra says there is a link between ones ear’s and the spatial expanse of the universe. If this is established one obtains divine ears. With the aid of these divine ears the Rishis were able to cognise the sound waves which are diffused in the sky from time immemorial by the grace of God. They thus became the first to know the Vedas.
Story about the limitlessness of the Vedas
The great sage Bhardwaja studied the Vedas through 3 spans of earthly life specially granted to him for the purpose. Lord Shiva appeared before him and said I will give you a fourth span – what will you do with it? Bharadwaj said he would utilise the extra time also to study the Vedas. Since it was not possible to study the Vedas even during countless spans of life the Lord took pity on the Rishi’s futile effort and desired to correct him and give him an idea of the tremendous difficulty that he faced. He made 3 huge mountains to appear and picking up a handful of earth said – What you have studied so far is equal to this earth, what you have yet to learn is the order of the mountains. This episode of Bharadwaj is found in the Kaathaka portion of the Vedas. Thus we see the limitlessness of the Vedas.
It is incorrect to say that the Rig Veda is the oldest 
The codification into 4 Vedas and the thousand odd Shakhas is something that came much later. As mentioned earlier a lot of mantras are common across the Vedas. the knowledge of the Vedas is infinite , they are Anaadi – they came from the breath of the Supreme Being. It is incorrect to say that the Rig Veda is the oldest.
There are 6 methods that are not correct for chanting Vedic Mantras
Geetee is one who chants it in a sing song way. Though Sama Veda is musically related it can be recited only in the approved musical way and not as one pleases. Recitation in the wrong Swara is not just inappropriate – it can be harmful
Seeghree – is one who chants in a quick tempo and ends the recitation quickly. The Vedic words should be intoned by closely adhering to the time limits prescribed for uttering each word sound if full benefits are to be realised.
Shirahkampee – Is one who shakes and nods his head needlessly while chanting. One should sit straight in concentration and allow th pulse vibrations to occur naturally by themselves. Nodding the head like a musician disturbs the vibrations.
Likhitapaathakah – One who learns from a written script. This is not right. It should be learnt by the ear by oral chanting from a teacher and committed to memory.
Anarthajnah – One who does not understand the meaning. It is necessary to know the meaning of the words of the mantra to have full effect.
Alpakantha – is one who recites in a feeble voice. In order for the sound vibrations to have good effect the sound should be properly audible and not mumbled.
Vedas must be chanted with grandeur so that the sound can be properly heard. Vedic mantras not only produce beneficial vibrations in the pulse of one who chants them properly but Las similar vibrations in those who hear them. Since it is spread in the atmosphere it ensures well being therefore it must be chanted audibly so that it can spread far and wide.
References 
  • Sama Veda by R.L.Kashyap
  • The Vedas by Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati
  • Photo of Sama Veda presiding Deity from Pandit Mishra Samaveda Parayana
  • Video of the Sama Veda Parayanahttps://youtu.be/IxAZvXoYiFE
  • Inputs from Dr Vish Ramamaurthy & Mrs Muthulaxmi Rao
  • Brihat Sama Inputs from Srikant Vadyar

 

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Explore Jyotirlinga’s of MP + Maheshwar, Mandu

25 Oct

Thanks to direct flights from Bangalore most destinations across India are now an easy 2 – 3 day trip. The 2 Jyotirlinga’s of MP were on my list for some time and when I got started it was easy to plan and execute. MP is beautiful and waiting to be explored – with direct 90 min flights to Indore & Bhopal it is easy to access. MP is a large state and there is lots to see – what we accomplished in 3 nights was Ujjain / Omkareshwar / Maheshwar / Mandu & Indore

Indigo 7.30 AM flight reaches Indore at 9 AM. Indore to Ujjain is 60 Km and the drive is 75 min including a breakfast stop for Poha / Jalebi / Kachori  (This is the breakfast you will get all across MP)

Ujjain is an ancient city on the banks of the Shipra river. Since 600 BC it was the political centre of central India and the capital of the Avanti kingdom. Ujjain is called the Greenwich of India – this is where the zero meridian and Tropic of Cancer intersect. Before Greenwich (in 1854) Ujjain was considered as the central meridian for time in India. Even today when a Hindu horoscope is drawn up the time is always referenced to Ujjain time. Time is KAAL and Ujjain is home to Mahakaal – the ancient Jyotirlinga. Ujjain is also where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years.

You can cover all that there is to see in Ujjain easily in 1/2 a day – we were lucky with no crowds – Oct 10th was a Monday and the 1st day of the holy Karthik month, thankfully Prime Minister Modi was to inaugurate the development work around the Jyotirlinga on 11th so the crowds had stayed away.

What to see in Ujjain 

Harsiddhi Mata Temple a Shaktipeeth where Devi’s elbow is supposed to have fallen. the normal practise is to visit the Devi temple before proceeding to the Mahakaleshwar temple

The ancient Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is a 5 min walk from the Shatipeeth. A friendly priest took us in bypassing the sparse crowds. You can carry your phone and there are no dress restrictions. Compared to the other 9 Jyotirlinga’s I have visited – the Lingam at Mahakaal is large. The temple complex is small – there is a shrine for Omkareshwar and on the 3rd floor a shrine for the snake god – that is open only on Nag Panchami. There is also a shrine dedicated to Navagrahas with 9 Lingams.

Mahakaal is famous for the early morning Bhasm Arti at 4 AM , and you need to book tickets months in advance. Its a sight to see at least once in your lifetime, and I intend to come back. With the new development works being inaugurated – I guess a trip to Mahakaal could be longer in future.

Ujjain was the capital of the great king Vikramaditya and Kalidasa wrote his grand epic Meghaduta here. As you exit the temple you will see a park and statue dedicated to King Vikramaditya and his Navaratnas.

There are hundreds of temple in the ancient city of Ujjain but these are the must visit places

  1. Sandipani Ashram where Lord Krishna, Balram & Sudama studied. It is a beautiful place with high energy vibes. It also has some ancient temples.
  2. Ancient Kalbhairav temple – where you can offer liquor as Prasad.
  3. Ram Ghat is of immense religious significance to Hindus as it is one of the four locations where the Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. It is believed that Lord Vishnu dribbled some drops of Amrit at Ram Ghat.
  4. Mangalnath temple considered the birth place of Mars.

Ujjain also has a Jantar Mantar. This was the city where Varāhamihira (c. 505 – c. 587) an ancient Indian astrologer, astronomer, and polymath lived. Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara I & II, Vateshwara, all are said to have worked at Ujjain.

Most people dont stay at Ujjain – they consider it a Jinx. We stayed at a nice place called Sri Ganga hotel. Its a very famous sweet shop of Ujjain and they have rooms on the higher floors. Rooms are very spacious and clean. Ujjain is a clean city with broad roads and green parks. We had the evening free to roam around the city and visit the market area called Freeganj. 

Day 2 we leave for Omkareshwar at 7.30 AM 

Indore is centrally located between Ujjain & Omkareshwar. The drive to Omkareshwar from Ujjain took us about 4 hrs. Most of it is through villages but the last section is through beautiful hilly landscapes.

Omkareshwar is an island on the banks of the Narmada – the tradition is to visit Omkareshwar & Mamleshwar to complete the Jyotirlinga trip. Omkareshwar is also being developed – a 120 feet statue dedicated to Adi Shankara and an international Advaita Vedanta Sansthan is coming up here.

Omkareshwar is where the young Adi Shankara in search of his Guru met Govinda Bhagvatpada. The cave where Shankara lived is right below the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Omkareshwar Temple and there are steps that lead up to the temple and down to the ghats. Not many people know of this cave – and it was quiet and empty. Visiting this cave was the highlight of this trip.

Many people do a Parikrama around Omkareshwar – that takes about 3 – 4 hrs. The boat ride Parikrama was closed because the Narmada was in full spate after heavy rains.

A friendly priest showed us all the places (Pandit Bhagwat Mishra – 99265 55753) We were able to cover all the sites in Omkareshwar / Mamleshwar between 11.30 – 1.30 and headed out to Maheshwar the capital of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. 

The small town of Maheshwar is located 70 Km from Omkareshwar and we reached by 2.45. Good roads. we stayed at the MPT Narmada Resort at Maheshwar which is located on the banks of the river Narmada. Its a nice property – book the new suite with river facing rooms. The restaurant also serves good fresh food.

Maheshwar was the capital of Rani Ahilyaba Holkar. It’s a small clean town – like a small European fort village. Take a guide to visit the fort. We used the services of Ashwin – 8602877830. A part of the fort has been converted to an heritage hotel.

Budget about 1 1/2 hrs to see the fort and as you walk back to your resort do stop over in one of the factory outlets for the world famous Maheshwari sarees, lightweight – silk / cotton mix in prices range from Rs 2500 – 7500.

We spent the night at MPT Narmada and enjoyed a nice walk by the river the next day morning. The Narmada is wide, beautiful and serene – it’s a rejuvenating experience walking in the ghats here – almost alone.

Post breakfast we left at 9.30 AM to Mandu. 

Day 3 we reach Mandu 

Maheshwar to Mandu is only 46 Kms. Its a beautiful scenic drive. Mandu is on a hilltop and was the capital of the Paramaras in 10th & 11th century before it was taken over by the Delhi Sultanate and then the Afghans, Khiljis & finally the Mughals. The structure is spread over multiple locations so budget two sessions of 2 hrs each to cover all the sights at a relaxed pace. One of the tombs here is was the inspiration for the Taj. Mandu is also famous for the love story of rani Roopmati & Sultan Baz Bahadur

We stayed at MPT Maheshwar – a very nice resort (Note that there are two MPT Resorts in Mandu – ensure that you book the MPT Malwa Resort)

You will need a guide to explore Mandu (Mohammad – 7748072889)

Day 4 we head back to Indore 

Mandu – Indore ~ 100 Km , 2 hrs. After breakfast we left Mandu at 9.30 AM and reached Indore at 11.30. You should book your return flight to Bangalore by the 5 PM Indigo.

Had lunch with my college friend who helped me plan this trip at lovely restaurant called Mitti cafe. https://www.mitti.cafe. Loved the ambience and the food.

Indore is famous for Namkeens – so dont forget to visit Om Namkeens and stock up. There are a few temples and places to visit in Indore if you are interested.

In summary MP is a clean, affordable, easy to access state with lots to see. Excellent food – almost everything is Veg. Good simple people. We have just covered one part of MP – there is lots more as the map on the top of the blog indicates. So it will take a few more trip to discover all the sights of MP. One of the local hotel staff tole me that Nirmala Travels from Bangalore has taken a lead in promoting group trips to MP and most tourists come from Bangalore.

Network is good and 3G worked everywhere – economy is still cash based and UPI payments are not accepted everywhere.

My friend helped organise the cab from Indore Airport and the driver was with us all though the 3 night – 4 days – 580 Km trip – he can be contacted at 9893962781 – Mangilal. 

Thanks to my college mates Rahul & Rashmikant who helped me plan this trip. So 11 Jyotirlinga’s done that leaves the Baidyanath Temple at Deoghar – and it’s good to note that the airport at Deoghar has opened recently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Worshipping Baba’s Holy Paduka @ Home – A Guide

29 Aug

It is a rare privilege for devotees to be able to host Baba’s holy Paduka & Kafni  at their residence. Such is the divine power of Sainath – that to a sincere devotee this is like Baba himself coming home. It is a festive occasion full of divine joy.

This document provides inputs on

  1. Sri Mhalsapati and the Paduka in possession of the family
  2. Suggestions on the process to follow when the Padukas are brought to your residence
  3. Links to Ashtottara Namavali, popular Aarti / Bhajan

About Mhalsapati 

Mhalsapati, who had the benefit of forty to fifty unbroken years with Sai Baba, may be considered among the foremost of his devotees.

He was the first to worship Baba, the first to greet him on his arrival in Shirdi and to address him as “Sai” (Saint). Only Mhalsapati and one other devotee (Tatya Kote Patil) were allowed to stay with Baba in the mosque at night. When Baba went into a state of samadhi for 72 hrs he had told Mhalsapati that he would;d return to his body – against all odds Mhalsapati guarded Baba’s body safely.

Shirdi Sai Baba gifted a pair of Shoes (Paduka) and HIS Robe (Kafani) to him. These rare and holy items are taken care and still in the possession of the 4th generation of the Mhalsapati family. This BLOG highlights the wonderful experience we had at Bangalore when Ashok Ji and his wife came to Bangalore with Babaji’s Padukas in Sep 2022. We visited over 30 houses and 3 temples in a span of 5 days.

Guidelines for Paduka Puja at home as suggested by Mhalsapati family 

These are suggestions and not a rule. Please follow your own method of Guru Paduka Pooja as done by your ancestors. If no such tradition has been followed, you could do the following :

1. Please assemble at your apartment or house gate and bring a Thali (Plate) filled with kumkum water and Diyas (lights) to do the welcome Aarti.

2. Decorate the entrance / passage to your house with flowers.

3. The head of the family can carry the Paduka’s with reverence and devotion on his head into the residence. As the Paduka enter the house shower some petals along the way.

4. Baba’s Paduke should be placed on a decorated stool. Please place a photograph or murti of Baba if you have one at home. The Paduke is usually in the suitcase, but the glass casing can be brought out and placed on the table or stool.

5. The Paduke should be worshipped with Akshata (dry rice coloured with turmeric). No other material will be allowed since these are made of leather.

6. While performing the worship, we could recite the Sai Ashtoththara. After this, the Sai Aarti / Bhajan can be sung. You can also sing songs for your own Guru and this is also accepted by Baba.

6. After the Aarti and Bhajans, Baba’s paduke are offered Naivedya and Dakshina. (Please note, normally during Guru Paduka Puja, it is customary to offer Naivedya and Dakshina. This is NOT an ask for money, and please offer Baba anything you heart desires)

7. After the offering is made, the prasad should be distributed to all gathered on the occasion and everyone can offer Pranams to Baba’s paduke.

8. The head of the family will then carry Baba’s paduke to all corners of his house. The puja room, the kitchen, the bed rooms and all places where he wants Baba to visit.

9. After this, the Paduke will leave the residence. The whole program takes about 30 minutes, entry to exit.

10. Tips for Naivedyam – Anything served with devotion is good. Food liked by Baba include Khichdi, Palak, Puran Poli, Bakri, Halwa, Bharit & Kachrya (Dishes made with Brinjal), Guavas, Raisins etc

Some more Photos 

Ashok Mhalspati (Grandson of Mhalsapati) with his wife Aai. They live in Shirdi near Dwarka Mai in the same house where Mhalsapati used to live. The house is also the samadhi sthal of Mhalsapati.

Baba’s Kafni 

 

 

 

Bhajans & Aarti (Clickable links to YouTube)

Shirdi Sai Baba Ashtotram Namavali – 108 Names 

Aarti Sai Baba 

Aarti Sai Baba – Lata Mangeshkar

Sai Bhajan 

Sai Baba Ashtottara Namavali  (108 Names of Shirdi Sai Baba)

OM Sri Sai Nathaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Lakshmi naarayanaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Krishnaraamashiva maruthyaadhi roopaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Seshasai ne namaha
OM Sri Sai Godhavarithata shirdhivasi ne namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhakta hrudaalayaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarva hrunnilayaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhoota vaasaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhootha bhavishyadbhaava varnithaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Kaalaa thiithaaya namaha || 10 ||

OM Sri Sai Kaalaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Kaala kaalaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Kaaladarpa damanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Mrutyunjayaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Amarthyaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Marthyaa bhayapradhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Jiivadhaaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvadhaaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhaktaavana samarthaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhaktavana prathikjnaaya namaha || 20 ||

OM Sri Sai Anna vastra daaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Aroogya ksheemadaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Dhana maangalyapradaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Buddhi siddhi pradaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Putra mitra kalathra bandhudaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Yogaksheema vahaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Aapadbhaandhavaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Maargabandhavee namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhukti mukti swargaapavargadaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Priyaaya namaha || 30 ||

OM Sri Sai Preeti vardhanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Antharyaminee namaha
OM Sri Sai Sacchitatmanee namaha
OM Sri Sai Nityanandaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Parama sukhadaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Parameeshwaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Parabrahmanee namaha
OM Sri Sai Paramaatmanee namaha
OM Sri Sai Gnaana Swaroopinee namaha
OM Sri Sai Jagath pithre namaha || 40 ||

OM Sri Sai Bhaktaanaam maathru daathru pithaamahaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhaktaabhaya pradhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhakta para dheenaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhaktaanugraha karaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sharaanagatha vatsalaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhakti shakti pradaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Gnana yraaghya prdaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Preema pradaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Samskhaya hrudaya dowurbhalya paapa karma vaasanaa kshayakaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Hrudayagranthi bheedakaaya namaha || 50 ||

OM Sri Sai Karma dhvamsiinee namaha
OM Sri Sai Suddasathva sthithaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Gunaatheetha gunaathmanee namaha
OM Sri Sai Anantha kalyaana gunaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Amitha parakramaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Jayinee namaha
OM Sri Sai Durdhaarshaa kshobyaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Aparaajitaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Trilookeeshu avighaatha gatayee namaha
OM Sri Sai Ashakya rahitaaya namaha || 60 ||

OM Sri Sai Sarva shakti murthayee namaha
OM Sri Sai Suroopa sundaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Suloochanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bahuroopa vishwamuurthayee namaha
OM Sri Sai Aroopaavyaktaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Aachintyaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sookshmaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvaantharyaminee namaha
OM Sri Sai Manoovaaga theethaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Preemamoorthayee namaha || 70 ||

OM Sri Sai Sulabha durlabhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Asahaaya sahaayaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Anaatha naatha deenabaandhavee namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvabhaara bhrutee namaha
OM Sri Sai Akarmaaneeka karma sukarminee namaha
OM Sri Sai Punyasravana keerthanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Theerthaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Vasudeevaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sataamgathayee namaha
OM Sri Sai Satyanaaraayanaaya namaha || 80 ||

OM Sri Sai Lokanaathaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Paavananaaghaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Amruthamsavee namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhaaskara Prabhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bramhacharya tapascharyaadi suvrathaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Satyadharma paraayanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Siddheshvaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Siddha sankalpaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Yogeshwaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Bhagwatee namaha || 90 ||

OM Sri Sai Bhakta vatsalaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sathpurushaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Purushootthamaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Satyatatva boodhakaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Kaamaadi shadyri dwamsinee namaha
OM Sri Sai Abheedaanandaama bhava pradhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Samasarvamatha sammataaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sri Dakshinaa moorthiyee namaha
OM Sri Sai Sri Venkateesha ramanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Adbhuthaanantha charyaaya namaha || 100 ||

OM Sri Sai Prapannarthi haraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Samsaara sarva dukha kshayakaraaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarva vitsarvato mukhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvaantharbhahi stitaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvamangala karaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Sarvaabhiishta pradhaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai Samaras sanmaarga sthaapanaaya namaha
OM Sri Sai samartha sadguru Sri Sai nathaaya namaha || 108 ||

 108 Names of Shirdi Sai Baba Meaning

The One Who has the Wondrous Form of Lakshmi Narayana
The One Who is the Lord with the Form of Krishna, Rama, Shiva, and Anjaneya
The One Who Sleeps on Adi Shesha
The One Who Lived in Shirdi, Which is on the Shores of the Godavari
The One Who Merges with the Heart of His Devotees
The One Who Merges with all Hearts
The One Who Lives in all Beings
The One Who Removes Thoughts About the Past, Present, and Future
The One Who is Beyond Time || 10 ||

The One Who is Time
The One Who is the Killer of the God of Death
The One Who Removes the Pain Inflicted by the God of Death
The One Who has Conquered/Succeeded Death
The One Who is a Superhuman Being
The One Who Gives Salvation to Human Beings
The One Who is the Support of Life.
The One Who is the Support of Everything
The One Who is Worshipped by a Forest of Devotees
The One Who has Taken the Promise of Protecting His Devotees || 20 ||

The One Who Gives Food and Clothes
The One Who Grants Health and Comfort
The One Who Grants Well-Being and Health
The One Who Grants Wisdom and Power
The One Who Grants Sons, Friends, Wives, and Relatives
The One Who Looks After Our Well-Being
The One Who is the Friend in Times of Troubles and Distress
The One Who is Our Only Guide in Our Life Journey
The One Who Bestows Wealth, Everlasting Bliss and Eternal State (Heaven)
The One Who is Extremely Dear to Devotees || 30 ||

The One Who is Increases Our Devotion to God
The One Who is Indwelling Spirit
The One Who is Who is the Divine Truth
The One Who is Always Drowned in Eternal Bliss
The One Who Gives Immense (Divine) Pleasure
The One Who is the Supreme Lord
The One Who is the Ultimate Brahman
The One Who is the Divine Soul
The One Who is Wisdom Personified
The One Who is the Father of the universe || 40 ||

The One Who is Mother, Father, and Grandfather to all His Devotees
The One Who Gives Refuge to all Devotees
The One Who is in Control of His Devotees
The One Who Blesses His Devotees
The One Who Loves People Surrendering to Him
The One Who Gives Strength to His Devotees
The One Who Gives Wisdom and Renunciation
The One Who Showers Selfless Love on all His Devotees
The One Who Weakens the Weaknesses of the Heart and Propensity for Sins
The One Who Destroys the Attachment of the Heart || 50 ||

The One Who Destroys Our Sins Accumulated as a Result of Our Evil Activities
The One Who is in Pure Truth and Goodness
The One Who Possesses all Superior and Good Virtues
The One Who is the Limitless Good Qualities
The One Who Possesses Immeasurable Valour
The One Who is Always Victorious
The One Who Removes all Calamities of His Devotees
The One Who Can Never be Vanquished
The One Who can Freely Go Around all the Three Worlds Unobstructed
The One Who can Execute Everything Perfectly and Nothing is Impossible for Him || 60 ||

The One Who is the Idol of all Powers
The One Whose Form is Very Pretty
The One Whose Eyes are Attractive, Beautiful and Impressive
The One Who is the Form of the World with Several Forms
The One Who is Formless and Not Clear
The One Who is Beyond Thought
The One Who has a Micro-Form
The One Who is in Everything
The One Who is Beyond Mind and Words
The One Who is the Personification of Love || 70 ||

The One Who is Easy as Well as Difficult to Get
The One Who Helps People, Who Depend on Him
The One Who is the Merciful Lord of Orphans
The One Who Bears the Burden of Protecting His Devotees
The One Who Seems to be Not Doing Anything but Continuously Involved in Actions
The One Whose Sacred Name is Worthy of Being Sung and to be Listened to
The One Who is in the Form of all Sacred Rivers
The One Who is None Other Than Lord Krishna
The One Who is Always the Refuge of all
The One Who Possessed all the Merits of Being Worshipped by Good People || 80 ||

The One Who is the Lord of This Universe
The One Who Possesses the Most Sacred Form
The One Who is Divine Nectar
The One Who Shines Brilliantly Like the Sun
The One Who Observes the Penance of the Brahmachari
The One Who Embodies Truth and Righteousness
The One Who is the Master of all Eight Siddhis or Superhuman Faculties Like anima, legima etc
The One Who Executes His Wishes Perfectly and in no Time
The One Who is the Head of all Yogis or Ascetics
The One Who is the Supreme Lord of the Universe || 90 ||

The One Who is Fond of his Devotees
The One Who is Eternal, Unmanifest, Supreme Purusha
The One Who is the Highest and Supreme Being
The One Who Preaches the True Principles of Truth and Reality
The One Who Destroys the Six Foes, viz. Desire, Anger, Greed, Hatred, Pride, and Lust
The One Who Grants the Bliss of Realisation of the One Absolute
The One Who is Tolerant and Equal Towards all
The One Who is Dakshina Moorty (Lord Shiva)
The One Who is Lord Venkatesha (Lord Vishnu)
The One Who Performs Infinite, Marvellous Deeds (Miracles) || 100 ||

The One Who Removes the Difficulties of His Devotees
The One Who Reduces The Sorrow of the Entire World
The One Who is Omnipresent, With His Face Turning in all Directions, Omniscient
The One Who Exists Everywhere, Inside Everyone, and is all Knowing
The One Who is Always Doing Good and Auspicious for the Welfare of His Devotees
The One Who Fulfills the Genuine Wishes of his Devotees || 108 ||

 

Sai Baba Aarti

 

 Aarti Sai Baba

Saukhyadatara Jeeva Charana Rajatali

Dhyava Daasa Vishava Bhakta Vishava

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Jaaluniya Aananga

SwasvaroopiNahe Danga Mumukshu Jana Daavi

Nija Dola Shriranga, Dola Shriranga

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Jaya Mani Jaisah Bhaavah

Taya Taisa Anubhaava

Daavisi Dayaghaana

Aisi Tujhi Hi Maav , Tujhi Hi Maav

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Tumche Nam (Nav) Dhyata

Hari SansrutiVyatha

Agaadha Tavah Karani

Marga Daavisi Anatha, Daavisi Anatha

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Kaliyugi Avataara

Sagun Brahma Sachaara

Avateerna Jhalaasee

Swami Dutta Digambara, Dutta Digambara

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Atha Divsaa Guruvari

Bhakta Kariiti Vaari

Prabhupada Pahavaya

Bhava Bhaya Nivaari, Bhaya Nivaari

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Majha Nija Drava Theva

Tava Charan Rajaseva

Maagane Henchi Aata

Tumha Deva Di Deva, Deva Di Deva

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Iichit Din Chaatak

Nirmal Toya Nijasukha

Paajaven MadhavaYa

Saambhal Aapuli Bhaak, Aapuli Bhaak

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Aarti Sai Baba

Aarti Sai Baba

 

Meaning

 

आरती साई बाबा | सौख्यदातार जीवा. चरनरजातलि |

द्यावा दासा विसावा | भक्ता विसावा || आरती साई बाबा ||

(हम साई बाबा की आरती करे जो सभी जीवो को सुख देने वाले है |

है बाबा, हम दासो और भक्तो को आप अपनी चरण धूलि का आश्रय दीजिये | हम साई बाबा की आरती)

This Aarti is being done to Sai Baba, who gives happiness to all beings. Dear Sai – please provide your devotees and slaves shelter in the dust of your feet.

 

जाणुनिया अनंग | सस्वरुपी राहे दंग |

मुमुक्षुजन दावी | निज डोळा श्रीरंग || १ || आरती…||

(काम और इच्छाओ को जलाकर आप आत्मरूप मैं लीन हैं | हे साई। मुमुक्षजनों अर्थात मुक्ति की कामना करने वालेअपने नेत्रों से आप को श्रीरंग (विष्णु ) स्वरुप का दर्शन करें अर्थात् आप उन्हें आत्म साख्सात्कार दीजिये | हम साई बाबाकी आरती)

Having vanquished desire & lust You are in a state of divine bliss. People like us desiring Moksha wish to see your divine radiance. Please fulfil our wish.

 

जया मनी जैसा भाव | तयातैसा अनुभव |

दाविसी दयाघना | ऐसी तूझी ही माव तुझी ही माव || २ || आरती…||

(जिसके मन मैं जैसा भाव हो उसे आप वैसा ही अनुभव देते हैं | हे दयाधन (दया बरसानेवाले बादल) साई, आपकी ऐसीही माया है | हम साई बाबा की आरती)

Depending on the level of devotion of a devotee you express yourself accordingly to them. O Sai – You shower your grace on us,  this is your greatness.

 

तुमचे नाम ध्याता | हरे संस्क्रुतिव्यथा |

अगाध तव कारणी। मार्ग दाविसी अनाथा , दाविसी अनाथा ॥ ३ ॥ आरती… ॥

(आपके नाम के स्मरण मात्र से ही सांसारिक व्यथाओं का अंत हो जाता है। आपकी करनी तो अगाध और अपरमपार है।है साई, आप हम अनाथों को राह दिख्लाए। हम साई बाबा की आरती)

A mere chanting of Your name helps overcome the challenges of day to day life. Your divine grace is limitless. Please take orphans like us in Your fold and grant us Your blessings.

 

कलियुगी अवतार। सगुण परब्रह्म साचार।

अवतीर्ण झालासे। स्वामी दत्त दिगंबर दत्त दिगंबर | ४ ॥ आरती… ॥

(आपही परब्रह्म हैं, जिसने सगुण रूप मैं इस कलियुग मैं अवतार लिया। हे स्वामी, आप ही दत्त दिगंबर (ब्रह्मा, विष्णु औरमहेश का एक रूप – Shri दत्तात्रेय ) के रूप मैं अवतरित हुए। हम साई बाबा की आरती)

You are the infinite Brahman who has taken birth in this Kaliyuga. O Lord you are only the incarnation of Dutta Digambar (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva)

 

आठां दिवसा गुरुवारी। भक्त करिती वारी।

प्रभुपद पहावया। भवभय निवारी , भय निवारी॥ ५ ॥ आरती…॥

(हर दिन आंठवे दिन अर्थात् सप्ताह के हर गुरुवार को भक्त शिरडी की यात्रा करते हैं। और इस संसार के भय निवारणहेतु आपके चरणों के दर्शन करते हैं. हम साई बाबा की आरती)

Every 8th day your devotees head to Shirdi on Thursday. The grace you bestow by a mere look at Your divine feet helps the devotee to overcome all the fears and anxieties of this world. 

 

माझा निजद्रव्य ठेवा। तव चरणरजसेवा।

मागणे हेची आता। तुम्हां देवाधिदेवा , देवाधिदेवा॥ ६ ॥ आरती… ॥

(आपके चरणों की धुल की सेवा ही मेरी समस्त निधि हो। हे देवों के देव, आब यही मेरी कामना है। हम साई बाबा कीआरती)

I pray to offer my services to the dust of Your feet. O Lord of Lord – That is my sole goal in life.

 

इच्छित दीन चातक। निर्मल तोय निजसुख।

पाजावें माधव या। सांभाळ आपुली भाक , आपुली भाक॥ ७ ॥ आरती… ॥

(जिस प्रकार चातक को (स्वाति न्क्षत्र के) निर्मल वर्षा-जल के सुख की अभिलाषा होती हैं वैसे ही इस माधव (रचनाकार) को भी निर्मल gyaan (knowledge) की भीख देकर संभालिये और अपनी महिमा से अनुग्रहित कीजिये)

Just like the Chatak bird is in quest of rainwater, please grant knowledge to this humble devotee and take us under Your protection. Grant us Your blessings & bestow Your divine glory on us.

Sai Bhajan

OM Sai Namaya OM Sai Namaya

Hara Hara Bole Sai Namaya

Anantha Koti Brahmanda Nayaka

Rajadhi Raja Yogi Raja

Para Brahma Shri Satchidhanandha

Sadguru Sai Nadha Namaya

Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwara

Gurur Saakshaath Para Brahma Thasmai Shri Gurave Namaya

Shreemad Para Brahma Guru Smaraami

Shreemad Para Brahma Guru Namami

Shreemad Para Brahma Guru Yajami

Shreemad Para Brahma Guru Bhajami

Om Sri Sai Nathaaya Namaha

Lakshmi Narayanaya Namaha

Om Krishna Ram Shiva Maruthya Dhiroopaya

Om Shesha Shaine Namo Namaya

Om Godhavari Thata Shiladhi Vaasine

Bhaktha Hrudhalayaya Namo Namaya

Yogeshwaraya Namo Namaya

Om Bhagavathe Namo Namaya

Om Theerthaya Namo Namaya

Vasudevaya Namo Namaya

Om Kalathethaya Kalaaya Namaya

Kaala Kaalaya Namo Namaya

Om Sai Namaya Om Sai Namaya

Hara Hara Bole Sai Namaya

Om Preethi Vardhanaya Priyaya Namaha

Om Antharyamine Namo Namaya

OM Sathchidhatmane Nithya Nandhaya

Parama Sukha Dhaya Namo Namaya

Om Sai Namaya Om Sai Namaya

Hara Hara Bole Sai Namaya

 

 

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3 Jyotirlinga of Maharashtra with Shirdi as base

8 Aug

This is an easy to execute trip planner to cover the 3 Jyotirlinga temples in Maharashtra with Shirdi as the base. My trip started from Bangalore. I was travelling in 1st week of Aug – midst of monsoon during the auspicious month of Shravan and was very lucky to get excellent Darshan with no rains in the 3 days of travel. Also my Sarthi (Rahul) was a valuable asset – driver cum guide, without him I could not have accomplished so much

  1. Plan your travel on weekdays – weekends can be very crowded
  2. Avoid visiting the Jyotirlinga’s on Monday – gets very crowded
  3. Avoid visiting Shirdi on Thursday – It is the busiest day

Rather than hopping across multiple hotels in different cities, I made Shirdi my base.

  • 12627 Karnataka express leaves Bangalore at 7.20 PM and reaches Kopargaon  (KPG)  at 1.45 PM. 1st AC is very convenient. Fare is ~ 3000 Rs.
  • I had booked a cab for the entire trip. The drive from Kopargaon to Shirdi is 15 Km – less than 30 min.
  • The Bhagyalaxmi hotel which is a 2 min walk from the Shirdi temple was my base for the next 3 nights. It is a very comfortable hotel priced ~ 2200 / night.

Day – 1 : I had booked an evening Dhoop Aarti at 7 PM. the Aarti is from 7 – 7.30 PM – entry is from Gate 1 at 6 PM. Leave phones in your room. Only wallets are allowed inside. There are 4 Aartis every day starting with the Kakad Aarti early morning , followed by one at noon , the evening Dhoop Aarti and the last one at 9.30 PM. All Aartis need to be booked online on the Saibaba Sansthan Trust Website. This link provides full detail to plan your Shirdi temple visit. Shirdi Temple Details 

Imp Point – As you exit the Samadhi Mandir look for the small Dattatreya Temple – most people miss this. Also at Sri Chawadi as you come out do not  miss the granite slab on which Sainath used to sit.

Day -2 : I started for Nasik at 6.30 AM and was able to complete all the sights and was back by 6.30 PM. Shirdi to Nasik is about 110 Km – 3 Hr drive. Roads were not great

    • You can stop at Gondeshwar temple in Sinnar – its 26 Km ahead of Nasik. Its one of the oldest temples of Maharastra – the cluster of temples is called Shiva Panchayatan. Built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture by Hemadri Pandit a minister of the Yadav dynasty. This temple dates back to 12th century.
    • Trimbakeshwar is about 28 Km from Nasik – I was lucky that there were no rains and the crowd was sparse – had an excellent darshan in less than 1 hr. Phones are allowed inside – photography is not. The temple has a unique Jyotirlinga that is embedded inside the Yoni and unlike most Lingas here there are 3 dedicated to the Trinity – hence the name Trimbakeshwar. Locals claim that the Godavari flows below the Shiva Linga and then emerges in the Kushvart Teertha / Pond near the temple. The history of this ancient temple is associated with sage Gautama and how his prayers to resurrect a cow he killed led to Lord Shiva bringing Ganga here in the form of Godavari
    • Trimbakeshwar temple is surrounded by the Bhramagiri hills. This is the source of the Godavari – a 3 Hr trek (Down 2 hrs) can take you up the hill to the source. There are steps well laid out.
    • Just opposite the Trimbakeshwar temple is the Gorakhnath Ashram – a nice place to spend 15 minutes.
    • Saint Nivruttinath Samadhi is also in Trimbakeshwar – he was the elder brother and Guru of Sant Jnaneshwar.
    • Locals claim that the birth place of Lord Hanuman is also in Trimbakeshwar.
    • Overall on a good day you can budget 3 hrs for Trimbakeshwar if you are not doing the trek.
    • On the way to Panchavati we stopped at another ancient Shiva temple on the banks of the Godavari – The Someshwara temple and then headed for lunch at Shagun. 
    • At Panchavati the driver drops you in front of Kala Ram temple and then an Auto takes you for a spin around the 10 most important spots associated with Ramayana. This was the place where Sita was abducted by Ravana and Lakshmana chopped off the nose of Shupankaha (Thats the origin of the name Nasik). This section can be covered in less than 1 hr – the most interesting part was Sita’s Gufa.
    • There are a few more areas around Nasik like the Pandavleni Caves, Saptashrungi temple etc – which are 30 – 40 km away and you need more than a day to visit these places. Igatpuri the HQ of Goenka Ji’s Vipassna Centre is also 30 Km away.
    • On the way back to Shirdi we made two more stops – The Samadhi of Upasini Maharaj (a disciple of Sainath) at Sakori . And the Kalpa Vriksha Tree in Rahata – where Baba used to spend time to meet friends. The tree is unique and rare – dont miss it. Both these places are 10 Km from Shirdi and set in a rural environment.
  • Last stop for the day was Popat Vada Pav centre – a roadside eatery that serves the best Vada Pav in town.
    • All of the above was achieved in 12 hrs from 6.30 AM – 6.30 PM
    • Some rest, a quick shower and I headed out for a late evening darshan at Shirdi temple. It was a Thursday and thats the day when you can see the Palki that travels from Dwarka Mai to Samadhi Mandir.

Day – 3 : We head to Aurangabad.

  • Roads are not good and it takes us over 3 hrs to reach Aurangabad.  We started the day at 7.30 AM and were back at 6.30 PM.
  • 1st Stop was just outside Shirdi at Sant Janardhan Swami Maharaj Samadhi. The samadhi site also has a beautiful and ancient Shiva temple.

  • After a nice breakfast of Misal Pav and Poha we reached the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga by 10.30 AM. This is the 12th Jyotirlinga and one of the smallest. Like in Kerala men have to remove their shirts and enter the temple bare bodied. You are allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum and can touch the Jyotirlinga

  • Right next to the Jyotirlinga is a Teertha / Pond that is not well maintained. The famous Ellora Caves is right next to the Temple and is definitely worth a visit – it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Ajanta Caves is 110 Km from here and that is a full day trip. Aurangabad also has Aurangzeb’s tomb.
  • From Aurangabad we headed to the village of Nevasa – 80 Km from Aurangabad. This is where the great Saint Jnaneshwar wrote the Jnaneshwari the Marathi Translation of the Gita. Its a beautiful temple very serene and calm – no crowd.

  • On the way to Nevasa do stop by at the ancient Siddheswar temple at Toka and the Rameshwaram Temple at Kai Gaon Toka. There is also a beautiful Dattatreya temple in an Ashram / Samadhi at Devgarh (Guru Dev Dutt / Kisan Giri Baba)

  • Aurangabad – Nevasa – Shirdi is like a triangle, we were back at Shirdi by 6.30 PM – and on the way we stopped for some delicious street food Pav Bhaji at Sai Prerna (It is right next next to the Vada Pav Stall)

Day – 4 : We head to Bhimashankar.

  • There are two routes – one Via Shani Shingnapur – Ahmednagar highway and the other by the Nasik Pune Road. We took the Nasik Pune highway and zipped by at 100 + km. Its a 4 1/2  hr drive to cover the 250 + km from Pune to Bhimashankar that included a stop for authentic Marathi breakfast at Rajkamal Kolhapuri Misal. This route is very scenic

  • The last section of the drive to Bhimashankar is thru the verdant W Ghats. There are no Hair pin bends – but the entire stretch is full of water bodies, misty hills – I was travelling in Aug the middle of Monsoon and it was beautiful. Very lucky that it was not raining.

  • Given its proximity to Pune & Mumbai – Bhimashankar can be very crowded on weekends. This was the only mistake in my travel planning – I reached Bhimashankar on Saturday morning at 10.30 and was faced with huge crowds and a potential wait time of 3 hrs. Our Innova was stopped a few kms ahead and we had to take the bus to the main shrine. By the grace of Lord Shiva I got lucky and a local lad helped me with an excellent darshan in 10 min. Here also you are allowed to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum and touch the Shiva Lingam.
  • The drive from Bhimashankar to Pune is 125 Km – once you reach the city outskirts you slow down. It took us nearly 4 hrs to reach Pune. A quick stop at my friends place where he treated me to some lovely local homemade snacks and then I headed out to the Airport for my 7 PM flight.

Other Points to plan your travel 

  • Arvind the proprietor of Sai Aditya Tours & travels helped me plan the trip. Making Shirdi the base was a great tip. My driver Rahul was amazing. If you book with Arvind insist on Rahul to be your driver. Arvind Ji – 99705 75677.
  • When in Maharashtra eat local food. Dont try Idli / Dosa here – feast on Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Poha etc

  • Network was excellent almost all through the trip – barring a few hrs from Bhimashankar to Pune.
  • Thanks to my driver Rahul a few more future trip ideas opened up in Maharashtra
    • Nav Nath temple tour – can be done in 1 day from Shirdi.
    • Most Marathis claim that there are 5 Jyotirlinga’s in Maharastra – the other two being Nagnath in Aundh & Parli Baijnath. These are farther off from the 3 that I covered.
    • The train to Kopargaon from Bangalore stops at Sholapur in the morning at 6.30 AM – this is the base for the Samadhi and Ashram of the great Saint Akallkot Maharaj – Swami Samarth
    • Kolhapur Lakshmi temple is also a must visit – its about 220 Km from Pune.
    • The Vittala temple at Pandharpur and the Dattatreya Temple in Gangapur can be covered together

 

Sacred Grove – A bit of the Himalayas near Bangalore

21 Jul

Tucked away amidst lush green paddy fields and surrounded by hillocks in what looks like no mans land is this beautiful place called Sacred Grove. Managed by The Satsang Foundation, it is powered by the vision of Sri M.

What is Sacred Grove 

It is neither an Ashram nor a Resort. It is a centre for Exploring Consciousness. 

Spread across 17 acres of pristine greenery this is an oasis of peace & tranquility. What you get here is solitude, fresh air, long walks along grassy pathways, the opportunity to pet a baby calf in the Goshala, research a subject in a well stocked library or enjoy the services of a professional wellness centre.

There are over 200 varieties of rare plants, herbs and trees with exotic flowers and medicinal properties that attract many a rare bird and butterfly. So when you get up in the morning and sit down for your meditation be prepared to be disturbed by a variety of tweets.

Where is Sacred Grove located 

About 150 Km from Bangalore – Its a 3 hr drive from Koramangla if you leave at 7 AM. Located  in a village called Pedda Kondamari, in Chowdapalli – Chittoor District. Take the Tirupathi NH upto Mulbagal and then a left towards Punganur. On the way dont miss the special Mulbagal Dosa at VVR Anand Bhavan. (Located on the other side of the road a km before you take your left turn)

Madanapalli is 1 Hr away but while coming from Bangalore if you drive Via Madanapalli the drive time will be almost 5 Hrs.

Which is the best time to visit 

Summers can be hot – but the rest of the year its beautifully. Especially during & after the rains. Given the greenery all around there is a pleasant breeze all day through and evenings are very pleasant. The night sky is brilliant.

What about the accommodation (Sadhak Nivas)

You need to book in advance. There are 5 operational cottages that can accommodate 20 people. The rooms are very well designed and spacious. They are simple but classy. From the curtains to the mats there is an eye for detail in every single thing. All the cottages have a sit out in the front & rear.  They are named after the plants that grow in front of them – Rudraksha, Kanuga, Parijata etc. Rooms are well equipped and all you need to carry are your toiletries & soap.

So what do I do at Sacred Grove 

I keep myself busy from 5 AM to 10 PM.

You can start the day with meditation / Yoga / Chanting – find a nice green corner or sit in the portico near the library or by the Madan Gopal shrine. Enjoy the rising sun. Then have a cup of tea and go for a long walk – take your slippers off and enjoy the dew laden moist grass on your feet. Visit the Goshala and say Hi to the 14 Traditional Gir cows that came all the way from Melkote. Morning 7 AM is when they get milked listening to some lovely instrumental music. (Dont forget to get them some Gud & Bananas)

After breakfast you can spend time at the well stocked library. Post lunch – take a nap or get back to the library. In the evening you could go watch a talk by Sri M at the library, explore the campus, just sit by the water conservation pond or the old well and do nothing. You could visit one of the shrines and do some chanting or meditation.  Volunteer for some work in the kitchen or garden. Dinner starts by 7.30.

And dont forget to book a session at ArogyaM the ayurvedic wellness centre that offers traditional therapies.

If you are friendly with the library in-charge Anand, he may take you for a trek up one of the hillocks close by. Budget 2 – 3 hrs for that. Treks are normally done in the morning.

There is no TV at Sacred Grove – but the 4G network is good. There is also Wi Fi at the Library. But this is a place where you should stay away from your gadgets.

What about the food 

Food is simple, fresh, healthy, vegetarian fare served at the well equipped Kitchen – Santrupti. Some items are home grown – Millets, groundnuts , few veggies etc. Milk comes from the Goshala. Menu is mostly S Indian. There is no concept of room service or customised food. You get 3 nutritious meals a day – and if you want to snack or have a sweet tooth carry some stuff with you. There are no shops close by. You have a kettle in your room so you can make your morning tea.

Is there a fixed routine

Nope – this is not an Ashram. Yes there are fixed timings for meals at the dining room – but other than that you decide how you want to spend your time.

If you happen to join a retreat or a wellness centre program then there will be a routine to be followed.

About the Wellness Centre (ArogyaM) 

The wellness centre is run by a professional company. There are doctors, therapists and well equipped treatment rooms. They have 9 rooms for stay & 4 treatment rooms.  It is a self sufficient centre and is centred around the Dhanvanthri shrine. The centre regularly organises multi day wellness camps targeted at specific areas of health.

The well stocked Library 

The Library has over 1200 books covering diverse topics. From Sufi literature to Nath Sampraday, Ramkrishna to Ramana, Lakshman Joo to Aurobindo, Yoga, Tantrashastra, Vedas & Vedanta…. – its a paradise for a spiritual seeker. The Library also has a well equipped AV system.

Is it safe – so far away in the midst of nowhere

It is perfectly safe – Yes Nagraj and many of his disciples live here but they have not troubled anyone. This is their house – we are the guest. Be careful while walking at night and keep the doors and window nets closed at all times. I haven’t seen monkeys but the locals say that they exist.

The closest shop is 5 Km away. Carry your medicines / torch / snacks / umbrella / floppy hat / a trekking stick if you plan to go trekking. Dont carry plastic bottles – the place is clean and pure lets not mess it up.

A few more points 

Dont plan a rushed day trip. Enjoy this place by spending at least a few days. I try to come for 3 nights every month. This place is best enjoyed in solitude so come alone. This is NOT a family get away – most kids will get bored. If you have food allergies and need customised food or you cannot survive without your 6 AM Filter Coffee then you may find it a little difficult here. Rooms are great for two people with two single beds.

Background 

Sacred Grove is managed by The Satsang Foundation. The centre was launched on 4th June 2018 with a ground breaking ceremony by Sri M.

Later the Goshala was launched followed by the consecration of the Madana Gopal Shrine on 26th Aug 2021.

The Library, Wellness Centre, Dining Hall & Sadhak Nivas were inaugurated by Sri M on 3rd July, 2022.

Sri M with the team that came up with this divine place in a short span of 4 years. Building & maintaining a place so far away from a commercial hub is not easy – so full credit to the team for having done an outstanding job.

Sacred Grove is already attracting great reviews with repeat visitors. Give it a few more years as the trees grow and the energy of the place blooms – the paradise will get better.

How do I book a cottage at Sacred Grove 

Drop a mail to book a room at sacredgrove.sadhaknivas@gmail.com. The place is open to all.

You can also sponsor a cottage and get 50 days of free stay/ year for 15 years.

 

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