SLOKAS - Subhashitam-DrTPS - Rare SLOKAS

Hindu - RITUALDS SLokas - Important Verses - Subhashitham - DrTPS

https://my.yoga-vidya.org/m/blogpost?id=2740171%3ABlogPost%3A315963

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJfDZwhjIGY&list=PLNK3myEQjZHRNCgQPmzs6z6455_7tFJm-

HINDU - Rituals

by Dr T P Sasikumar

May 4, 2014

HINDU - who / Rituals and Customs - Brief capsule used for talk

drtpsasikumar@gmail.com
www.drtps-shiksha.in
9447437948 / kerala / india

01. **HUMAN-KNOWLEDGE
Aahaara nidra bhaya maithunaani samaani chaithaani nrunaam pasoonaam
Jnaanam naranaamadhiko visesho jnaanebhi heena pasubhi samana

01. **HUMAN (DHEESHANA-SAALI) (YUKTHI) (VISESHA BHUDDHI)
Sru-shtvaa puraaNi vividhaani deva:
Ajaya-maya-sakthya
Vrukshaam sariisrutha mrugaam satha damsya-mathsyaan
Thaihi thaihi athushta hrudayaan
purushaaNi-mupa-maada-devaa
brahmaava-loka dhiishaNam purusham

01. **KNOWLEDGE
[BG] vidhya vinaya sampanne
Brahmane gavi hasthini
Suni chaiva swapaake cha
Panditha sama darsanaha

01. **STUDY
Sukharthi vidanam vidya
Vidyarthi vidanam sukham
Sukhe-chu-vinengu vidya
Vidyarthikkenguvan sukham

01. ****HUMAN
[NARAYANOPANISHAD]
aNoraNiiyan mahatho-maheeyan
aathma guhaayan nihithosya janthoha

01. *USE LOGIC
Yukthiyukthamupaadeyam vachanam baalakaadapi
Anyathranamavathyaajyamapyuktham brahmakaadapi

01. **LEARNING / TEACHING
*ONE-FORTH
Aacharyath paadamaadathe
Paadam sishya swamedhaya
Paadam brahma charibhya
Paadam kaala kramena cha

01. *LEARN SELECTIVE
Anantha saasthram bhahu vedithavyam
Alpascha kalo bhahuvascha vigna
Yal saarabhootham yadupaasidavyam
Hamso yadha ksheera-mivampu misram

02. **INDIA / BHARATH
Himalayam samaaraabhya yavath hindu sarovaram
Tham deva nirmitham desam hindusthanam prachakshathe

02. . **WOMEN
Pithaa rakshathi kaumaare
Bhartha rakshathi yavane
Puthro rakshathi vaardhakye
Na-sthri-swa-thanthra-marhasi

02. **DHARMA : athma / pithru / puthro / puthri / mathru / brathru / raja / purohitha / vyakthi / kala / samooha / raashtra

02. **DHARMA = duty / responsibility / Privilages / Customs / Rituals
Way of Life
Sanathana = chira purathana + nithya noothana

02. **YAKSHA-PRASNAM

Nithyavum jeeva jalangal kaalanoorkku kadakkave

Seshippor sthiramennorkku enthaascharyamithil param

അഹംന്നി  അഹംന്നി ഭൂതാനി 
ahanni ahanni bhoothani
ഗച്ഛന്തി ഇവ യമാലയെ
gaschanthi iva YAMAlaye
തേഷാം  സ്ഥാപരം  ഇശ്ചന്തി
thesham sthaparam ischanthi
കിമാശ്ചര്യം ഇദ പരം
imascharyam idha param ?

03. **PANJAMAHAYAJNAM
Adhyapanam brahma yajnaha (Veda / knowledge by teaching)
Pithru-yajnasthu tharpanam (Ansisters by Tharpanam)
Homo-daivo-balir-bhuutho (Yaga / Yajna for God + Bali for Bhootham/otherliving beings)
Nru-yajno athithi poojanam (People by treating them as guests)

04. **AGNIHOTHRAM
Agnaye swaha agnaye idam namama
Prajapathaye swaaha prajaapathaye idam namama
(non-veg-cow)

04. **ISHTA KARMA
agnihothram thapa sathyam vedaanaam chaanupaalanam
aadithyam vaisyadhevam cha ishta ithyabhitheeyathe

04. **POORTHA KARMA
vaapee koopa thadakaani dhevathanayathanani cha
anna pradhanamudyannam poortha ithyabhitheeyathe

04. **ISHTA POORTHAM
ishtathelabhathe swargam poorthe mokshamavapuyeth

04. **ENVIRONMENTAL / TREE
dasa koopam eka vaapi dasa vaapi eka nadi
dasa nadi eka vruksha dasa vruksha eka puthra

04. **EARTH
*MOTHER / LAKSHMI / BHUVANESWARI
samudravasane devi parvatasthana mandale
vishnupatni namastubhym padasparsam kshamasva me

04. **SUN
…nama prathyaksha devaaya bhaskaraaya namo nama….

04. **TREE
Aswaththamekam pichumantha mekam
Nagrothamekam Dasathinthrineescha
kapithwa-bilwaa malaka-thrayascha
Panjaamra naali narakam nayathi

05. **MANAGEMENT
*ALL ARE USEFUL
Amanthramaksharam naasthi Naasthi moolamanaushadam
Ayogya purusho naasthi Yojagaha thathra durlabhaha

05. **ATOM / UNIVERSE
Viswaakaaram gagana sadrusam mekhavarnam subhaangam

05. **WORLD
*CONCEPT
akhanda mandalaakaaram vyaaptham yena chara charam

chidroopena parivyaaptham
thrailokyam sa chara charam

05. **MILKY-WAY (GALAXY)
PRAPANCHA PURUSHA SANKALPAM

05. **PANJA BHOOTHA
Solid / fluid / atomic / ionic / energy

05. **GEOMETRY
Yajna / yaga Triangular concept in Yanthra
Pooja diagrams Mural paintings
Colors usage Energy cncept

05. **TIME
BC32280719 31671122 31020218
Krishna B mahabharatha Krishna D
(kaarthika Sankramam)
(Bheeshma Waited till Mandalam)
(Krishna 61.5 years old)

06. Hari Om

Thvameva Maatha cha Pitha Thvameva,
Thvameva Bhandhuscha sakhina Thvameva.
Thvameva Vidhya, Dhravinam Thvameva,
Thvameva Sarvam mama Deva Deva

06. **MOTHER
*GHANDAARI
(blind father / kid may go wrong)
(not janma / education / but sathsang matters)

Jaanaami dharmam nachame pravarthi
Jaanaamyadharmam nachame nivruthi
Kenaapi kaamena hrudhisthithena
Yadha niyukthosi thatha karomi

06. **DUTY / KARMA
[BG] dharma-kshethre kuru-kshethre
(kuru kshethra is the dharma kshethra)

Kshethre Kshethre kuru dharmama
(Your domain- do job – is your dharma)

[BG] ananyaschinthayentho mam
Ye jana paryupaasathe
Theshaam nithyabhi yukthaanaam
Yoga kshemam vahaamyaham
(LIC – Learn / Earn / Fame = Happy)

06. **WEALTH
Aarthaanaamaarjathe dhukham
Aarjithaanamthu lakshane
Aaye dhukkham vyaye dhukkham
Artham sarvathra dhukhatham
06. **ACTIVE
Nimisham jwalitham sreyam nathu dhoomayithum chiram

06. **ACTIVE
Udhyamam saahasam dhairyam bhuddhi sakthi parakramam
Shadethe yathra varthanthe daivam thathra prakaasayeth

06. **AASRAMAS / STAGES IN LIFE
1. brahmacharya (Knowledge & Charactor)
2. garhasthya (Worldly persuit – marriage / family / career)
3. vaana prastha (spiritual – space – NOT FOREST)
4. sanyasa (life of contemplation / austirity / blissness TEACHING)

06. **PARENTING
Raajavath panja-varshani
Dasa varshani daasavath
Prapthe shodasa-varshethu
Puthram mithra-vadaachareth

06. **PURUSHARTHAS
Kama Artha Dharma Moksha

06. **KARMAM
Sathyam lankhichu sathyathipathi,
oru sirasappozhe nashtamayi than
kruthyam paalicha mruthunjayanathumuthale
brahma hanthaavumayi
prathyaksham thante kruthyappizha muramadhanan
maarile peridunnu nithyam
lokaathipathyam vidhi hari haranmaarkalla
karmathinathre

07. **ANTHYESHTI

07. **ANNAPRAASANAM
sam no – bhava- dwipathe
sam chathushpade

07. **ANTHESHTI / LAST RITES (ishti = yaga / yajna)
Vaayuranila-mamrutha-mathetham bhasmaantham-sareeram
Aum kritho-smara-krutham-smaraami
Aum kritho-smara-krutham-smaraami
Aum kritho-smara-krutham-smaraami
Agne – naya – soopadha

07. **PITHRU THARPANAM
Aadi pithruNaam aavaahayaami, sthaapayaami, poojayaami
Etc…….
Maathruvamse mruthaayeescha
Pithruvamse thathaivacha
Guruswasura bhandoonaam
Ye cha nye bhaandavaamruthaa

Thilodakam cha pindam cha
pithruNam parithushtaye
samarpayaami bhakthyaa
praarthayaami praseetha me

namo-naaraayanaaya / siva siva …..

tharpayami---tharpayami---

last jalam –
avasaaniiyaakhyamidam

last
idam pindam gayarpitho asthu
07. **MARRIAGE / VIVAAHAM (NOT kalyaNam ) – KERALA different
Mehanthi / misiri (Sugar) / Music / Drum / Dance /
Graha-Pooja + Poojari Asirvaadam
Salt Exchange (Datar)

07. **SHODASA SAMSKAARAM (16) [grahya soothram]
1. garbhadharana CONCEPTION – Prayer for a good child – SPECIFIC TIME
2. pum-sa-vana (3rd / 4th month of pragnancy)
3. seemantham – 7th month for the healthy mind and body of the child
4. jaatha karma (soon after birth)
5. manthram
6. namakaranam
7. nish-karmaNa (4th month - showing the world arouund)
8. anna-prasanam (7th/8th month
9. choodakaraNa – ornaments
10. vidyarambham
11. upanayanam
12. vedaarambham
13. marriage / vivaaham
14. garbhadharaNam
15. gruharambham
16. Antheshti ishti=yaga/yajna)

09. **GODHOOD (DEMOCRATIC)

09. **GOD SINGLE
Indram-mithram-varunam-agnim-aahur
Athho divyaha sa-sampoorne gurunmaan
Ekam sath vipraa bahudhaavadanthi
Agnim yamam maathariswaana-maahu

09. **GOD
*SINGEL GOD
Ekam sath (eko devaha) – bhahu bhavadanthi
Neha na naasthi kinjanaha

Ekam eva – na dvitheeyathe

Daiva pridvi janaayaan deva eka:

eka eva hi bhoothaathmaa bhoothe bhoothe
vyavasthitha ekathaa bahuthaa chaiva
drusyathe jala chandravath

[BG] – aakaasaath pathitham thoyam
Yadhta gaschathi saagaram
Sarva deva namaskaaram
Kesavam prathi gaschathi

09. **DEVOTION
[BG] chathur vidha bhajanthe mam
Jano sukruthino~rjuna
Aartho jignaasu-rarthaarthi
Jnaaneecha bharatharshabha

09. **SANKALPAM
Aham kaasyam gamishyami
Thathraiva divasaamyaham
Ithi druvaana sathatham
Kaasiivaasa-phalam labheth

09. **GOD / SHAD DEVA SANKALPAS

1. VISHNU 4. SOORYA
2. SIVA 5. GANAPATHYA
3. BRAHMA 6. SAKTHI

09. **BELL
Aagamaartham thu devaanaam
Gamanaarthanthu raakshasaam
Kurve ganTaaravam thathra
Devathaahwaana lakshaNam

09. **GAYATHRI
Saraswathi (Brahma) /lakshmi (Vishnu) /gauri (Siva).
Karagre.....

09. **TRAIVIDYA (Knowledge)
Speach / mind / Breath

09. **SOUNDARYA LAHARI
Siva sakthya yuktho yathi-bhavathi saktha prabhavithum
Nache devam devo nakhalu kusala spanthithumapi
Athasthva-maaraabhyam hari-hara-virinjaa-dibhirapi
praNathum sthothum va kathama-krutha-punya: prabhavathi

09. **BRAHMAN (Chith // Chaithanyam / Jeevan / Athma)
Intrensic / inherent / self-motitating / self-guiding / self-aware / self-conciousness
09. **TRI-CONCEPT
ADI-DAIVIKAM – Unseen devine force / Ex:- Earth-quake / flood / valconic etc.
ADI-BHAUTHIKAM - Accident / Human Contacts / Ex:- Pollution / Crime etc.
ADHYATHMIKAM – Self

09. **MANTHRA
Ekachame, thrissaschame, panjachame…..
OR
Ekamcha, dasamcha…..

09. **MANTHRA
Yojanaanaam sahasre dwe dwe sathe dwe cha yojane
Ekena nimishardhena kramamana namosthuthe

09. **SANKALPA
[UG] agnirdevo dwijaatheenam
Muneenaam hrudi daivatham
Vigraham swalpa bhudheenaam
Sarvathra vidhithathmanaam

09. **DASA(MAHA)VIDYA (SRIVIDYA)
1. kaali (time / vaayu – heart)
2. thara (sound / aum / naval)
3. thripura sundari (1. physical (matter)/ 2. astral (energy)/3. casual (thought) / crown / lalitha / moon)
4. bhuvaneswari space / maya / love / void
5. bhairavi – speach / thapas / rudra / root
6. chinna mastha ego / mind and beyond / distruction / ajna
7. dhoomavathi smoke suffering – heart
8. bagalamukhi – silance / yoga / soft-plate-chakra – nasika
9. mathanki / saraswathi – word / guru / throught
10. kamalathmika – lakshmi / wwealth / beauty / love / devotion / spiritual . material wealth

09. **CHIRANJEEVI
Aswathaama bali vyasa hanuman chaiva
Vibheeshana krupa parasuraamascha
Saptha ithe chiranjeevinaha

Aswathama (HARIYANA)
Bali & Parasuraama (KERALA)
Vyasan (UP)
Hanuman (ANTHAMAN)
Vibheeshanan (SRILANKA)
Krupa (IRAN)

09. **SANKU JALAM
ima aapa siva subha
sudhaascha nirmala paavanaa seethalaaschaiva
poothaa sooryasya rasmihbihi

09. **SUCCESS IS IN YOUR HANDS
karaagrey vasathey laxmi, karamadhey saraswathi !
karamooley sthitha gouri, prabhathey Kara darshanam !!

09. Omkaaram

Shri Omkaaraaya Vandanam
Omkaaram Bindu samyuktham!
Nityam Dhyaayanti Yoginah
Kaamadan Mokshadam Chaiva
Omkaaraaya Namo Namaha!!

09. Maha Mrityunjayam

Om Triyambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaam
Mrithyor muksheeya Maamrithath.

09. **GANESH
*CHATHURTHI

*VISARJAN
Lokmanya Tilak as a rallying point during freedom movement from the British Raj.

*PANCHA GANAPATHI
(in US Dec 25th – 31st holiday celebrations)

09.. **MAANASA POOJA
AUM yam ambaa-thmana jalam kalpayami
AUM lam prwidwaa-thmana gandham kalpayami
AUM ham aakaasaa-thmana pushpam kalpayami
AUM yam vayoth-thmana dhoopam kalpayami
AUM lam amruthaa-thmana nivedhyam kalpayami
AUM dwam amrutheebhavaha

09. **GOD
*UNDEFINED
Roopam roopa vivarjithasya bhavatho
Dhyayenayath kalpitham
Sthuthya nirvachaneeyathaakhilaguro
Dooreekruthaayanmayaa
Vyaapthithwam cha niraakrutham bhagavatho
Yath theertha yathraa dinaa
Kshanthavyam jagadeesa thadvikalithaam
Doshathrayam math krutham

11. **MAHA VAAKYAM (BRAHMA_JNAANI) / VEDANTHA / ESSENCE OF VEDA

Iisaavaasyamidam sarvam ( Devine Power is Present Everywhere)

Sarvam khalu- idam brahmam (

Aham brahmaasmi (I am part of devine)

Ayamaathmaa brahma (This atman is Brahma)

Prajnaanam brahma (Glorious Knowledge is Brahma)

Thathwam-asi (You are also that Power)

11. **VEDA
Rig – 25
Yajur – 108
Sama – 1000
Adharvam – 50

Brahmanangal – 16
Aaranyakangal – 4
Upanishads – 106
Vedangangal – 6 (Siksha – VEDIC CHANTING / Niruktham – FORMATION OF WORDS / Vyakaranam / Chandas PROSODY = RULES IN WRITING / Kalpam CUSTOMS & RITUALS / Jyothisham MATHS + ASTRONOMY + ASTROLOGY)
Upavedam – 5 (Ayur - SCIENCE OF LIFE - adharva / Sthapathya – AGAMA + VASTHU - adharva / Artha Sasthra – ECONOMICS - Rig / Gandharva – MUSIC & DANCE – sama / Dhanur - ARCHERY - yajur)
Mahapuraanam – 18
Upapuraanam – 18
Darsanam – 6
Smruthi 18
Ithihasam – 2 (Ramayanam / Mahabharatham)
11. **VEDA
*DHARMA
*SATHYA
1. Yajnam (Prakruthi / Purity)
2. Dhaanam (thyaagam valarthuka)
3. Thapass (self-discipline) [akathulkollan]
4. Karmam (Right Action = self-purity)
5. Swadhyayam (self-study = liberation)

11. **VEDA
*YAJUR (KRISHNA)
aum sahana vavathu sahanau bhunakthu
sahaveeryam karavaa vahai
thejaswinaa vadheetha masthu
maa vidwishaa vahai
aum saanthi saanthi saanthi

11. **PRAMAANAM
Saasthram pramaanam
Aaptha-vaakyam pramaanam
Prathyaksham pramaanam
Anumaanam pramaanam

11. **SCIENCE
Gita – Physics Text Theory
Srimad bhagavada – meta-physics / culture / technology)

12. **HAPPINESS / SAD [SU&DHU-(KHAM)]
Katwamla-lavanathushna
Theeshna-rooksha vidaahina
Aahaara raajasa-sreshta
Dhukha-soka-maya-pradaha

12. **FOOD-EAT
Ardha-poorathayethannam – thathardham vaariNam thathha

12. **FOOD-HOW MANY TIMES
Eeka bhuktham maha yogi
Dwibhuktham maha bhogi
Thri bhuktham maha rogi
Chathur bhuktham maha drohi
[hira-rathan-manek / rappayi]

12. **GOOD WORDS
Priya vaakya pradaanena
Sarve thushyanthu janthavaha
Thasmaath thadeka vakthavyam
Vachaneka daridratha

Vacha swargaha – vachaika narakaha

12.. UNDAYITTU VENDATHAVAR
[Vishnu narayanan Namboothiri]
Have & Have Not + Had But Left
12. **HINDU COMPANY
Sathya-matha jnaana-pitha dharma-braatha
Daya-guru saanthi-mithram kshama-brathru
Shadethe mama bhanthavaha

12. **DEVOTION – HALF BUDDHI
Agnir devo dwijaaneenam
Muneenaam hrudi daivatham
Prathima swalpa bhudheenaam
Sarvathra vidhithaathmanaam

12. **COMMUNICATION
Keyooraani-na-bhooshayanthi purusham
Haaraana chanthrojwala
Na snaanam na vilepanam na kusumam
Naa-lam-kruthaa moordhaja
vaNyekaa smalamkarothi purusham
ya samskruthaa dharyathe
kshiiyanthe khalu-bhooshaNaathi sathatham
vaak bhuushaNam bhuushaNam

12. **PUSHPAM
Ahimsaa pradhamam pushpam
Pushpam indriya nigraham
Sarva bhootha daya pushpam
Kshamaa pushpam viseshatha
Saanthi pushpam thapo pushpam
Snaanam pushpam thathaiva cha
Sathyam ashtavitham pushpam
Vishno preethikaram bhaveth

12. Sarve Vandanam - Invocation

Sarveshaam Swastir Bhavathu
Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavathu
Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavathu
Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavathu

12. Sarve Bhavanthu

Sarve Bhavanthu sukhinah
Sarve santhu niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyanthu
Maa Kashchith Dhukha abhay Bhaveth

12. MAKE OTHERS’ HAPPY
**ESWARA POOJA
Yena kena prakaarena
yasya kasyapi dehinaha
Santhosham janayeth praajnaha
Thadaivam eeswara poojanam

12. Om saha Naavavathu

Om Saha Naavarathu Saha Nau Bhunoktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejaswi Navadhaetamatsu
Maa Vidvishaavahai
Om Shaanthi Shaanthi Shaanthi.

May the Lord protect us together. May he nourish us together. May our learning be luminous and purposeful. May we never hate one another. May there be peace, peace and perfect peace.

13. **VARNAM / NOT CASTE / JAATHI
Braahmana kshathriya vaisyam
soodraaNaam cha paranthapa
karmaaNi pravi-bhakthaani
swabhaava prabhavair gunai

13. **VARNAM
Vedaanthago braahmanaha
Syaath kshathriyo vijayee bhaveth
Vaisyo dhana samrudhaha
Soodra sukhamaapnuyath

13. CONVERTED
VYASAN (mukkuvan – fisherman / SOODRA  brahmanan)
VISWAMITHRAN (Kshathriyan  brahmanan)
SRI RAMAN (Kshathriyan  Eeswaran)
SRI KRISHNAN (Yadavan (OBC)  Eeswaran)
Haidareyan (Chandalan  Brahmanan)
Dronar (Brahmanan  kshathriyan)
Aswathama (Brahmanan  kshathriyan)

13. **VRUTHAM / UPAVAASAM /

13. **FOOD
*EATING
brahmarpanam brahma havir brahmagnau brahmana hutam
brahmaiva tena gantavyam brahma karma samadhina

13. **RAHU KAALAM

13. **GOD –ONE-THRID
Saatwic mind
Raajasic indriya
Thamasic mahabhootha (thanmaathra)

13. **OIL BATH

13. **HEALTH
Naorhithaahaara vihaara sevi
Sameekshyakaarii vishayeshwa saktha
Dathaa: sama : sathya parakshamaavaan
Aapthopasevii cha bhavathya roga

13. **AYURVEDA/DISEASE
Janmaanthara krutham paapam
vyaadhiroopeNa jaayathe

aayurasmin (ayusho) vidyathe anena
ithi ayurveda :

13. **PATHYAM
Vinaapi bheshajair vyadhi Pathyaa deva-nivarthathe
Na thu padhya vihiinasya Bheshajaanaam sanairapi

13. **DOCTOR
Vaidhyaraaja namasthubhiyam
Yama raaja sahodara
Yamasthu harathi praaNan
Vaidhya praaNan dhanaani cha

13. *HEALTH
Mitham bhukthwa–satham japthwa
Gatwa pada-satham sanai:
Vaama bhaage sayanasya Bhishagim kim prayojanam

13. **EATING
Eka bhuktham maha yogi Dwibhuktham maha bhogi
Thri bhuktham maha rogi Chathur bhuktham maha drohi

14. **NAMA (STHE) (SKAARAM)
Nama : = NOT MINE / NOT ME

14. **NEED GURU

14... **VIDYARAMBHAM
First ever literary campaign (all are suposed to write / KERALA – traditionaly literate)
Karnataka – Ayudha pooja North – Lakshmi pooja

14. **LIMITATION
Saagarathe cheru kaakkayal koruvaan arivan viddiyam paithal

14. **ACHRYA
achinothi cha saasthraarthaan (Knowing scientifically)
sishyan swadhayathe sudhi (who can teach systematically)
swayam acharathy chaiva (who follows self)
sa acharya ithi smrutha (he is fit to be called as an acharya)

14. **EXPERIENCE
Saakshath anubhavayi drushto
na srutho na guru darsithaha
lokaanaam upakaaraya
ethath sarvam pradarsitham

14. **PRACTICE (NOT THEN – CAN’T CURE BY VEDA)
Aachhara heenam na punanthu veda

14. **DHAKSHINA
Vettila / adakka / roopa

14. **SATH_SANG

14. **KNOWLEDGE
ajaana thimirandasya jnaananjana salakaya
chakshoorunmeelitham ena thasmai sree gurave namaha

14. **TEACHING
annadhaanam param dhaanam, vidyadhaanamathath param
annena kshanikaa thrupti yavath jeevancha vidyaya

14. **ACHARYA
[BG] yadhyathacharathi sreshta:
Thathadevetharo jana:
Sayath pramaanam kuruthe
Lokasthathanuvarthathe

14. **ACHARYA
sudrakoti sahasraanaam, ekam viprathu bhojayel
viprakoti sahasraanaam, ekam Vishnu prathishtitham
vishnu koti sahasraanaam ekaarudra prathishtitham
rudrakoti sahasraanaam ekojnaanihi bhojyathaam

14. **ACHARYAS
Varahamihiran Charakan
Pathanjali Bhaudhyayanan
Saayanan Kautilian
Aryabhatan Sreedharan
Lallacharyan Susruthan
Bhaskaran Nagarjunan
Mayan Maadhavan
Mahaaveeran Sankaran
Vateswaran Kanaadan
Katapayathi Neelakantan

14.. **KNOWLEDGE
*TO PROVIDE HAPPINESS
Aanaantho brahmethi vyajaanaath
Aanaanthaadhyeva khalvimaani bhoothaani jaayanthe
Aanaanthena jaathaani jeevanthi
aanaantham prayanthyabhisamvisantheethi

vethantha vignaana sunischithaaarthaa
sanyasa….

14. **KNOWLEDGE
*WEPEON TOO
Agradaschaduro vedaa Prushtaja sasaram dhanu
Idam brahmam idam kshaathram Saapaadapi saraadapi

14. **YOGA
Schitha vruthi nirodhaha (Pathanjali yoga soothram)

14. **PRANAYAMA
Praanaayamena yukthena sarva roga kshayo bhaveth
Ayukthaabhyaasa yogena sarva roga samud bhavaha

14. **KNOWLEDGE Vs. BHAKTHI
Bhaja govindham bhaja govindham govindham bhaja moodamathe
Sampraapthe sannihihte kaale nahi nahi rakshathi dugrinj karaNe

14. **ARCHANA
Archakasya prabhavena sila bhavathi sankara
Archakasya aprabhavena sivo bhavathi silaha

14. **NAMASKAARAM

14. **GURU

gururbrahma gururvishnu gururdevo mahesvara
guru sakshat param brahma tasmai sri gurave namah

14. **SAASHTAANGA PRANAAMAM / NAMASKAARAM
Urasa-sirasa-vaacha manasa~njalinaa drusaa
Janubhyam chaiva padaabhyaam praaNaamo~ashtaamga iirithaaha

14. **PRANA - MANA
Manaspanthanam praana praanasya spanthanam mana
Ethau vihaarathau nithya manyoniyam radha saarathi

14. **SHAD-VIKARAM
Kaama Krodha Lobha
Moha Mada Maathsariyam

14. **MIND – UPLIFT
[BG.6.5] uddharethaathmanaathmaanam
Naathmaanamava-saadhayeth
Aathmaivahyaathmano bhandu
Raathmaiva ripu raathmanaha

14. **MAHA MANTHRAM
Hare-rama-hare-rama-rama-rama-hare-hare-
Hare-krishna-hare-krishna-hare-hare
14. **ASHTANGA YOGA
Yama (non-violance / truth / non-attachment/ chasity)
Niyama (purity / contentment / austeristies / surrender to god)
Aasana (meditation seating / all posters) pathanjali
Pranayama (ayama = extent)
Prathyahara (abstraction = withdraw 5 senses)
Dharana (concentration (single object)
Dhyana (meditation
Samadhi (liberation / conciousness merging with god / reaching god)

14. **BREATH
Gaschan thishtan sadaakaalam
Vaayu sweekaranam param
Sarva kaala prayogena
Sahasraayur bhaver-nara

14. **YOGA-DIFFICULTIES
puraaNam bharatham veda:
saasthraaNi vividhaani cha
puthra dharaathi samsaaro
yogaabhyaasasya vigna krul

14. **STHITHAPRAJNAN
[BG]Q sthithaprajnasyaka bhaashaa samaadhisthasya kesava!
ANS : dhukheshwanudwigna mana
Sukheshu vigatha spruha
Veetha raga bhaya krodha
Sthithatheer muniruchyathe

14. **ANGRY
[BG] krodhath bhavathi sammohaha
Sammohath smruthi vibramaha
Smruthi brahmsaath bhuddhi naaso
Bhuddhi naasaath pranasyathi

14. **MIND & BODY
sareera manaso yoga parasparamanurvajeth
aadhaara adheya bhaavena thapthajya khadayoriva
14. **DEVI MAHATHMYAM – DHYANA
Maathrumaim madukaita bhakthi mahishaprana maharodhyame
Hela-thumra-thumra lochana vadhaye channa munnardhini
Niseshii krutharaktha beeja dhanuje nithye nissumbaavahe
Sumbhathum sani samharaja durithe durge namasthambike
Sri-rama-rama-haer-rama-hare-rama.....
14. **DEVI
Kavilamma / paradevatha
Lokanaar kavilamma (Thacholi / kurup)
Thirumandam kunnilamma (samoothiri)
Kodungaloramma
Mammiyooramma

14. **AYYAPPAN
(ambalappuzha nadayadachu kannanirangi... ayyane kaanaan !!)
Non-malayalee crowd
Bhakthi system !!
Call ayyappa on all the god !!
Sound and Pattukal / NO BHAJAN
Only vrutham during the days / THEN CELEBRATE (see-Liberate)

14. **SAPTHA SUDHI
pranapana vyanodana samana me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja vipapma bhooyasamha swaha
vak mana chakshu srothra ghrana jihwaretho
bhudhya kruthi sangalpa me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja .......................
sira pani pada parswa prushtorudara jamgha sisnopasthapayavo me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja .......................
thwak charma mamsa rudhira medo majja sthani me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja ......................
sabdha sparsa roopa rasa gandha me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja .....................
pruthvi vyapasthejo vayurakaso me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja .......................
mano bhudhirahankaraschitham me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja ......................
manon-maya prana-maya manon-maya vijnana-maya aanantha-maya kosam me sudhyantham
jyothiraham viraja ......................

14. **ENLIGHTENMENT Gayatri Manthram
om bhor bhuvasuvaha, om tat sa vithurvarenyam,
bhargo devasya dhimahi, dheeyo-yonah pracho dayathu

14. Shri Brahma Stuthi

Nidhayey Sarvavidhyanaam Bhishajey Bhavaroghinaam!
Guravey Sarvalokaanam Dakshinaamoorthayey Namaha!!

14. Om Asatho maa

Om Asatho Maa Sadgamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrithyor Ma Amritham Gamaya Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

O Lord please lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light ie, ignorance to knowledge, Lead me from death to immortality. May there be peace, peace and perfect peace.

14. **SACRIFICE / PRACTICE
Gatham-gatham sarva-mupekshaNeeyam

14. **OVER EXERCISE
Athivyaayaama matha kaaso jwaraschardhischa jaayathe
Swedhaagama swaasa vruddhi gaathraaNaam laaghavam thadha
Bhrudayaadwuparodhascha ithi vyaayaama lakshaNam

14. **MIND
Manohi dwivitham proktham sudham cha asumdhameva cha
Asudham kaama sankalpam sudham kama-vivarjitham

14. **MIND-CONTROL - PRACTICE
[BG]Asamsayam maha-bhaho
Mano durnigraham chalam
Abhyasenathu kauntheya
Vairagyena cha gruhyathe

14. **MANIMATHISHTA SIDDHIKAL
Anima mahima chaiva
Lakhima garima thatha
Eeshithvam cha vasithvam cha
Praapthi praakaasya-meva cha

14. **LOGIC / FATHER’S SALT WATER WELL
Ththasya koopeyam
Ithibhuvanaa kaa purushaa
Kshaaraa-jalam pibanthi

14. **LOGICALLY / AS U WISH
[BG] ithithe jnaana-maakhyaatham
Guhyaath guhyatharam maya
Vivrusai-thada-SeSheNa yade-schasi thada kuru

15. **GANESA
*YETHAMIDAL
Valam kaiyaal vaama sravanavumidam kai-viralinaal
valam kaathum Thottakkazhalina piNachulla nilayil
nilam kai-muttaale palakuri thodunnenadiyani
nnalam karuNyaabdhe! KaLaka mama vignam ganapathe

15. **PRADAKSHINAM / CIRCUMBLATION
Paadaal paadaantharam gathwa
Karau chalana vivarjithau
Vaacha-sthothram hruthi-dhyaana
Mevam kuriyal pradakshinam

15. **PRADAKSHINAM NUMBERS
Yekam vinayake kuryal Dwe soorye thraini sankare
Chathwari devo vishnau cha
Sapthaaswathe pradakshiNam

15. **PRADAKSHINAM – ATMA
Kaani yaani cha paapaani Janmanthara kruthani cha
Thaani thaani vinasyanthi Pradakshina pade pade

15. **POOJA-ROOM (NOT PRAYER HALL)
Kudumba para-devatha + Darsanam + Prasaadam
Offering (flower / fruit / milk etc.)

15. **THIDHI / NAKSHATHRAM / DAY & NIGHT

15. **TIME / NAZHIKA = 24 minutes
24 hours X 60 minutes = 60 nazhika X 24 minutes

15. **TIME / VINAZHIKA ~~ 24 seconds
60 vinazhika = 1 nazhika

15. **BRAHMA MUHURTHAM

15. **PRAYER
Neuro linguistic Effect / Psycholinguistic Effect

15. **SOORYA NAMASKAARAM

15. **RIVER / WHILE TAKING BATH
gangecha yamune chaiva godavari sarasvati
narmade sindhu kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru

15. **LIGHTING LAMP

eka varthyam mahaavyaadhi
dwi varthisthu mahath dhanam
thrivarthyam mohamaalasyam
chathurvarthyam daridratha
panjavarthisthu bhadram syaal
dwivarthyam sushobhanam

subham karoti kalyanam
arogyam dhyanasampada
shatrubuddhirvinasaya
deepajyotirnamostute

kalyana namakaram kalmashaghnam
kamrakaram kandhi dhoothandakaram
sandhyalakshmee kanda sootraikaratnam
deepajyothir mangalam nasthanothu

15. **LIGHT
om asathoma sath gamaya
thamasoma jyothir gamaya
mruthyorma amrutham gamaya
ohm! santhi santhi santhi

15. **PEEPAL TREE
Moolatho brahma roopaya
Madhyatho vishnu roopine
Agratha siva roopaya
Vruksharajayathe nama

15. **SAMARPANAM
Kaayane vaacha manasenthriaiyrva
Bhudhyathmanarva prakruthe swabhaveth
Karothi yath yath sakalam parasmai
Naaraayanayethi samarpayami

15. **KSHAMAPANAM ( ASKING FORGIVENESS)
karacharanakrutham va / kayajam karmajam va
sravana nayanajam va / manasam vaparadham
vihithamavihitham va /sarvamethal kshamasva
sivasiva karunabdhe /srimahadevasambho

15. **POORNA PUSHPANJALI
manthraheenam kriyaheenam
bhakthiheenam janardhana (bhakthiheenam maheswari)
yat poojitham maya deva (yat poojitham maya devi)
paripoornam thadasthute

15.. **MAHANIRVAANA THANTHRAM
Uthamam brahma sad-bhavo
Dhyaanabhaavaasthu madhyama
Adhamam sthothra-poojaathi
Bhahu-poojaa-adhama-adhamam
15. **GOD-POOJA
Pradhamam prathimaa pooja
Japa-sthrothadi-madhyamam
Uthamam maanasi pooja
.......... pooja. uthamothamam

15. **TEMPLE
*BODY
[BG] – idam sareeram kaunthya
kshethra ithyabhi dheeyathe

*SAVING FROM DISTOYING
Kshaayaath thrayathe ithi kshethraha

15. **DIETY
*VIGRAHA
Viseshana grahayithum yath sakyam thath vigrahaha

*PRATHISHTA
Pra=chaithanyavathayi + thishta=nilkkunnath

*LINGAM
Lim (aakaasam) gamayithi ithi lingaha

15. **BHAKTHI
Sakama (with desire)
Nishkama (moksham)
Apara (image / idle)
Para (Knowledge / all places)

15. ** READING HOLI BOOK

15. **BHASMA / CHANDANA DHARANAM

15. **TILAK (Symbol of Marriage)

15. **BHAKTHI BHAVAM
1. saantham (bheeshmar)
2. daasyam ( hanuman)
3. sakhyam (arjunan)
4. vaalsalyam (yasodha)
5. maadhuryam=love=athma-samarpanam(radha/meera/jayadeva)
6. sravanam (pareekshith)
7. keerthanam
8. smaranam
9. archana
10. vanthanam
11. paada seva
12. aathma nivedanam

15. **KERALA POOJA
Latest / modern
Dharbhaa edukkukaa..aa..aa..aa..aaa

15. **LALITHA SAHASRANAAMAM
Sathru-bhuddhir-vinaasaaaya
Ischa-sakthi, praana-sakthi, kriyaasakthi

15. **ACHARAM / FOLLOWING
Swa-gruhe poornam acharam
Anya-gruhe thdardhakam
Pattanethu thad paadam
Yathre-balaad aachharastheth

16. **YUGA
Thpa-param krutha-yuge
Threthaayam-jnaanamuchyathe
Dwaapare yajname yahoo
Daanamekam kalai-yuge

Kali 4,32,000
Dwapara 8,64,000
Thretha 12,96,000
Kritha 17,28,000
------------
Maha Yuga 43,20,000

16. *KALI KALA
Kalau kaartha-yugam karma
Sadaye karthu mi scha di
Swami drohi yidam mathwa
Itharam bhadathe kali

17. **MAHA-SANKALPAM
Samastha maya dware vairaagya sidhyartham
Sree parameswaraartham
Aadi vishnu aadi narayanasya
Achinthaya/aparimithaya
Sakthya priya maanasya
Aneka kodi brahmaandaanaam madhye
Jambhu dwipe bharatha varshe bharatha khande
Meroha dhakshine paarsve
Dhanda kaaranye
Godavari parswe
Sapthame vaivaswatha manwanthare
Ashtaavimsaththame
Varthamaane
Kaliyuge
Pradhama paade
PARASURAMA gothrasya
SASIKUMAR naamasya
--
Sobhane subhamuhurthe
--
VAIRAAGYA SIDHYARTHAM Samarpayami..

17. **DATES VARY / SEASONAL
Ashami rohiNi (KERALA)
Janmaashtami (NORTH INDIA)

SARAD – TIME FOR THE PITHRU RITUALS (SEPT 4TH TO SEPT 19TH )
KARKKITAKAM ( JULY 21st – Karkkitaka Vavu = Moon Dark)

DUSSEHRA – to DIWALI a month long celebration CHINGAM = ONAM and new RISE and festive

17. **MOON BASED MONTH / YEAR
Chaithryam meenam
Vaisaakham medam
Jeshtam idavam
Aashaadam midhunam
Sraavanam karkkitakam
Bhaadrapaadam chingam
Aaswinam kanni
Kaarthikam thulam
Maargaseersham vruschikam
Pawsham dhanu
Maakham makaram
Phaalgunam kumbham

Pradhama, dwithiya, thrithiya, chathurthi, panjami, shashti, sapthami, ashtami, navami, dasami, ekaadasi, dwadasi, thrayodasi, chathurdasi, panjadasi

(March,2009) ~~ 1931 indian (sakha varsham)
(August 2009) ~~ 1185 Kolla Varsham (Kerala)

17. **HINDU
Asintho sindu paryantham yasya bharatha bhoomikaa
Maathrubhoo pithrubhoo-schaiva savai hindu ithi smrutha:

17. **KADAPAYATHI NUMBER SYSTEM
[Rajeevan, Rochester University have patent for Military applications]
Dheera sankara-bharanam : dhee=9, ra = 2 so 29th melakarthaa-raagam

യേഷാം ന വിദ്യ ന തപോ ന ധാനം 

ജഞാനം ന ശീലം ന ഗുണോ ന ധർമ്മ 

തേ മർത്ത്യ ലോകേ ഭൂവി ഭാരഭൂതാ 

മനുഷ്യ രൂപേണ മൃഗശ്ചരന്തി  (ഭർത്തൃഹരി )

ആർക്കാണ് വിധ്യയില്ലാത്തത്, തപസ്സില്ലാത്തത് ധാനമില്ലാത്തത് അറിവും സൽസ്വാഭാവും ഗുണങ്ങളും ധർമ്മവുമില്ലാത്തതു, അവർ മനുഷ്യലോകത്ത് ഭൂമിക്കു ഭാരവുമായി മനുഷ്യ രൂപത്തിൽ സഞ്ചരിക്കുന്ന മൃഗങ്ങളാണ് .

Shri Parshuram

अग्रत: चतुरो वेदा: पृष्‍ठत: सशरं धनु: ।
इदं ब्राह्मं इदं क्षात्रं शापादपि शरादपि ।।

Meaning: Parshuram who is well-versed with the four Vedas and sports the bow and arrow upon His back (that is the one who has the radiance of both the Brahman and the Kshatriya) will destroy evildoers either with a curse or with an arrow.

നാഭിഷേകോ ന സംസ്കാര:സിംഹസ്യ ക്രിയതേ വനേ

വിക്രമാര്‍ജിതസത്വസ്യ സ്വയമേവ മൃഗേന്ദ്രതാ''

drtps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJfDZwhjIGY&list=PLNK3myEQjZHRNCgQPmzs6z6455_7tFJm-

https://padyashakalangal.blogspot.com/2014/03/blog-post_4595.html

200119 - KURUKSHTHRA WAR and DHARMAPUTHRA

KURUKSHTHRA WAR and DHARMAPUTHRA

 There are many passages in the Mahabharata in which you will see Yudhisthira arguing against fighting a bloody war for the sake of a kingdom, but Krishna justifies the war as moral and as the unavoidable duty of all moral warriors.

Yudhisthira and his brothers were favored by the Kuru elders like Bhishma, Vidura, Kripa and Drona over Duryodhana and his brothers, the Kauravas, due to their devotion to their elders, pious habits and great aptitude in religion and military skills, and for having the necessary qualifications for the greatest of the kshatriya order.

In the war, the Kuru commander Drona was killing  thousands of Pandava warriors. Krishna hatched a plan to tell Drona that his son Ashwathama had died, so that the invincible and destructive Kuru commander would give up his arms and thus could be killed. The plan was set in motion when Bhima killed an elephant named Ashwathama, and loudly proclaimed that Ashwathama was dead. Drona, knowing that only Yudhisthira, with his firm adherence to the truth, could tell him for sure if his son had died, approached Yudhisthira for confirmation. Yudhisthira told him: "Ashwathama has died". However Yudhisthira could not make himself tell a lie, despite the fact that if Drona continued to fight, the Pandavas and the cause of dharma itself would have lost and he added: "naro va kunjaro va" which means he is not sure whether elephant or man had died. Krishna knew that Yudhisthira would be unable to lie, and had all the warriors beat war-drums and cymbals to make as much noise as possible. The words "naro va kunjaro va" were lost in the tumult and the ruse worked. Drona was disheartened, and laid down his weapons. He was then killed by Dhristadyumna.

Due to his piety, Yudhisthira's feet and his chariot do not touch the ground, to symbolize his purity. When he spoke his half-lie, Yudhisthira's feet and chariot descended to the ground.

After the war of Kurukshetra, Yudhisthira performs the funeral rites of all his people including Karna. He was deeply hurt that many of his men were killed. His mother Kunti came and said she tried to inform Karna of his relationship with Yudhisthira and persuade him to give up his enmity. Even the Sun god also spoke to Karna but because of his friendship with Duryodhana, he did not change his position. Kunti revealed that Karna was her son, and one of them. So basically, it was only after Karna (who was pretty impressive in everything he did) was killed, that the mother of Pandavas revealed about him to the other five sons. This revelation by Kunti made the Pandavas angry and depressed Yudhishthira a lot.

Yudhisthira thought that Karna should have had the same right and respect as the other five brothers. He was very upset that his own mother had kept a huge secret from him and the others.  He could not contain his anger and cursed the entire woman race with not being able to hide any secrets.

Yudhisthira performed the tarpana ritual for the souls of the departed. Upon his return to Hastinapura, he was crowned king of both Indraprastha and Hastinapura. Out of his piousness, Yudhisthira retained Dhritarashtra as the king of the city of Hastinapura, and offered him complete respect as an elder, despite the misdeeds of his dead sons. Yudhisthira later performed the Ashwamedha yagna (sacrifice) to re-establish the rule of dharma all over the world. 

Upon the onset of the Kali yuga and the death of Krishna, Yudhisthira and his brothers retired, leaving the throne to their only descendant to survive the war of Kurukshetra, Arjuna's grandson Parikshit. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas made their final journey to pilgrimage in the Himalayas.

While climbing the peaks, one by one Draupadi and each Pandava in reverse order of age fell to their deaths, dragged down by the weight of their guilt of few, but real sins. But Yudhisthira reached the mountain peak, because he was unblemished by sin or untruth. The true character of Yuddhisthira is revealed at the end of the Mahabharata. On the mountain peak, Indra, King of Gods, arrived to take Yudhisthira to heaven in his Golden Chariot. As Yudhisthira was about to step into the Chariot, the Deva told him to leave behind his companion dog, an unholy creature not worthy of heaven. Yudhisthira stepped back, refusing to leave behind the creature who he had taken under his protection. Indra wondered at him - "You can leave your brothers behind, not arranging proper cremations for them...and you refuse to leave behind a stray dog!"

Yudhisthira replied, "Draupadi and my brothers have left me, not me [them]." And he refused to go to heaven without the dog. At that moment the dog changed into the God Dharma, his father, who was testing him and Yudhisthira had passed with distinction.

Yudhisthira was carried away on Indra's chariot. On reaching Heaven he did not find either his virtuous brothers or his wife Draupadi. Instead he saw Duryodhana and his evil allies. The Gods told him that his brothers were in Naraka (hell) atoning their little sins, while Duryodhana was in heaven since he died at the blessed place of Kurukshetra.

Yudhisthira loyally went to Naraka (hell) to meet his brothers, but the sights and sounds of gore and blood horrified him. Tempted to flee, he mastered himself and remained on hearing the voice of his beloved brothers and Draupadi calling out to him, asking him to stay with them in their misery. Yudhisthira decided to remain, ordering the Divine charioteer to return preferring to live in hell with good people than in a heaven of evil ones. At that moment the scene changed. This was yet another illusion to test him on the one hand, and on other hand to enable him to atone for his sin of using deceit to kill Drona. Indra and Krishna appeared before him and told him that his brothers were already in Heaven, along with his enemies, for earthly virtues and vices don't hold true in heavenly realms. Krishna yet again hailed Yudhisthira for his dharma, and bowed to him, in the final defining moment of the epic where divinity bowed down to humanity.

200112 - Yudhishthira (Dharmaraja) – towards Kurukshetra WAR

Yudhishthira (Dharmaraja) – towards Kurukshetra WAR

In Mahabharata, Yudhishthira(Dharmaputhra) was the eldest son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti. He was the king of Hastinapura and Indraprastha was the principal protagonist of the Kurukshetra War.

Pandu, due to a curse, was unable to father children and asked his wife, Queen Kunti to invoke the wish granted to her by Rishi Dhurvasa in order to give birth to children. Urged by Pandu, Kunti gave birth to Yudhishthira by invoking the Lord of Righteousness, Dharma. Yudhishthira's four younger brothers were Bhima, (born by invoking Vayu); Arjuna, (born by invoking Indra); and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, (born by invoking the Ashwini Gods). As Karna, the son of Kunti was born before her marriage by invocation of Surya, Yudhishthira was considered as the eldest. Yudhishthira's dharma was markedly distinct from that of other righteous kings. He married Draupadi along with his four brothers, the dharma that modifies itself to suit the times.

Yudhishthira was trained in religion, science, administration and military arts by the Kuru preceptors Kripa and Drona. He was a master of the spear weapon, and a maharatha, capable of combating 10,000 opponents all together at a time. Yudhishthira's true prowess was shown in his unflinching adherence to satya (truth) and dharma (righteousness), which were more precious to him than any royal ambitions, material pursuits and family relations.

Being Pandu's eldest son, Yudhishthira was the rightful heir to the throne. However, this claim was contested by the Dhritarashtra's son, Duryodhana. Yudhishthira is also known as Bharata (Descendent of the line of Bharata) and Ajatashatru (One without Enemies).

Yudhishthira rescued Bhima from Yama, and all of his four brothers from death by exemplifying not only his immense knowledge of dharma but also his very own way of understanding the finer implications of dharma, as judged by Yama, who was testing him in the guise of a Crane and a Yaksha.

Yudhishthira learned dice play from Narada Muni and assumed the guise of a brahmin courtier and dice player in the Matsya Rajya of king Virata. Yudhishthira was unable to refuse when Duryodhana's maternal uncle Shakuni, challenged him to a game of dice. Thanks to Shakuni's cheating, Yudhishthira lost each throw, eventually gambling away his kingdom, his wealth, his brothers and finally his wife. Owing to the protests of Vidura, Bhishma and Drona, Dhritarashtra returned all these losses. However, Shakuni challenged Yudhishthira one more time, and Yudhishthira once more lost. This time, he, his brothers and his wife were forced to discharge the debt by spending thirteen years in exile, with the condition of anonymity in the last year, in the forest before they could reclaim their kingdom.

When the period of exile was completed, Duryodhana and Shakuni nevertheless refused to return Yudhishthira's kingdom. Yudhishthira made numerous diplomatic efforts to retrieve his kingdom peacefully; all failed. To go to war to reclaim his birthright would mean fighting and killing his own relatives, an idea that appalled Yudhishthira. But Krishna, Yudhishthira's most trusted advisor (whom he recognized as the Avatar of Vishnu, the Supreme God), pointed out that Yudhishthira's claim was righteous, and the deeds of Duryodhana were evil. If all peace efforts failed, war was therefore a most righteous course.

Thus, Yudhishthira agreed for the Kurukshetra war.

200105 - Kunti : The Perfect Devoted Mother

Kunti : The Perfect Devoted Mother

In Mahabharata, Kunti was the daughter of Shurasena, and foster daughter of his cousin Kuntibhoja. She was married to King Pandu of Hastinapur and was the mother of Karna and the three of the Pandavas - Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna. She was the paternal aunt of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra. She was a beautiful and intelligent lady. She is often regarded as one of the protagonists of the Mahabharata.

Kunti's story is also told within Srimad Bhagavatam, wherein she speaks on the philosophy of devotion of Krishna, known as Bhakti yoga. Kunti is thus held as a figure of great importance within many Hindu traditions and especially with worshippers of Krishna (Vaishnavas).

Her father was Surasena of the Yadu clan, and she was named Pritha (Pŗtha). She was thus the sister of Vasudeva, father of Krishna. She was given in adoption to the childless King Kuntibhoja, after which she came to be known as Kunti. After her arrival, King Kuntibhoja was blessed with children. He considered her his lucky charm and took care of her until her marriage.

When she was young, rishi Durvasa told her a mantra with which Kunti could summon any deva and have a child by him without a pregnancy. When Kunti asked why he gave her this mantra, he told her that it would be useful to her later in life.

Kunti could not believe the mantra, so she tried to use it. The God Surya, appeared. She asked him to go back, but Surya said he was compelled to fulfill the mantra before returning. Kunti then abandoned the child in a basket on a river. This child was later found and adopted by a chariot driver and his wife, and was named Karna. He went on to become an important character in the Mahabharata. The ambiguous emotions Karna felt about his birth mother play an important role in the Mahabharata.

Kuntibhoja organized Kunti's swayamvara. Kunti chose King Pandu of Hastinapur, and this made her the Queen of Hastinapur.

Soon after, during his mission to expand his empire, Pandu married Madri, a princess of Madra in order to secure the vassalage of Madra. Madri was of the view that Kunti was inferior by birth to her because Yadavas were cattle herders while Madri was a princess. Kunti was disturbed by her husband's act, but eventually reconciled with him.

Pandu, while hunting in a forest, mistakenly shot and killed Rishi Kindama and his wife as they had taken the form of deer to mate. The dying sage placed a curse on Pandu since he had not only killed them in the midst of lovemaking but was not remorseful for his action. King Pandu argued with sage Kindama by misquoting sage Agastya's ruling on the right of Kshatriyas on hunting. Sage Kindama then decided to curse him to die if he ever should become intimate with his wife. Pandu renounced the kingdom and went into exile with Kunti and Madri. He met some sages and asked them a way for the heaven and salvation. They said, without children, one can never aspire for heaven. When Pandu expressed to Kunti his despair at the prospect of dying childless, she mentioned the boon granted to her. He advised her to beget children by suitable, illustrious men.

She used it three times, first receiving a son, Yudishtira, from the god Yama, then Bhima from the god Vayu, and thirdly Arjuna, from the god Indra.

Kunti's character within the Mahabharata is accorded much respect within the Hindu tradition. Her activities were that of a very pious and loyal wife and of a person with a great deal of self-control. Kunti was given a special boon which enabled her to bear the sons of great celestial devas as many times as she wished. However Kunti did not misuse her boon, limiting herself to three sons only.

And when requested by Pandu, she shared this special mantra with Madri, Pandu's other wife. Madri bore twin sons, Nakula and Sahadeva, from the twin Gods the Asvins. The five together are known as the Pandavas.

One day, Pandu, forgetting his curse, attempted to make love with his wife Madri. But, as a result of Kindama's curse, he died. Madri committed sati as she was the cause of his death. Kunti was left helpless in the forest with her children.

After the death of Pandu and Madri, Kunti took care of all five Pandava children taking them back to Hastinapur. As the rivalry culminated between Pandavas and Kauravas, she decided to go back to Kuntibhoja. But her attempt was stopped by Bhishma.

After the great battle and in her old age, she goes into exile to the forest, with her brothers-in-law Dhritarashtra and Vidura, and Dhritarashtra's wife Gandhari, where they die together in a forest fire.

191229 - Gandhari – Saddest and Most Powerful Woman

Gandhari – Saddest and Most Powerful Woman

Gandhari is a less sung heroine of Mahabharata. She was brave and powerful with deep traits of dharma and adharma (for the better). She tried guiding Duryodhana through righteousness and was sad on failing in it.

Gandhari was a beautiful princess of Gandhar (Qandahar - a small kingdom with region spanning northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan) ruled by King Subala who was the contemporary of Bhishma half-brothers, Chaitrangad and Vichitravirya. Gandhari had obtained a boon of 100 sons from Lord Shiva and Bhishma knew this.

Bhishma was looking for suitable wives for his nephews - Dhritarashtra and Pandu (and Vidura too). Bhishma felt that Gandhari would be an ideal wife for Dhritarashtra, the eldest (blind by birth) prince. As he was blind, Pandu became the ruler and hence Gandhari couldn't become the queen. 

Gandhari faced a difficult life. When she heard that she was to be married off to a blind prince, she chose to blindfold herself for the rest of her life. There are many opinions on this. Some (majority) say that this was the epitome of her sacrifice and she thus qualified herself to be an ultimate pati-vrata (a devout wife) and then sat in the ranks of Savitri, Sita, Damayanti, etc. Modern thinkers say that this was her snub to the society for not having given her the choice - a swayamvaram style.

Folklore says that this marriage was brought out of force by a show of strength. This "bulldozing" caused Shakuni, the brother of Gandhari, to flare up in anger, but could do nothing. Folklore also says that he swore eternal vengeance on the Kurus and made it his lifelong purpose. Movies and films (as well as many books) liked this drama angle and happily adopted the myth.

Gandhari bore a hundred sons, (collectively known as the Kauravas), and one daughter Dhushala who married Jayadratha.

After Pandu’s death, Dhritharashtra was ruling and hence Gandhari became the queen. She was always considerate to Pandavas and was always upholding Dharma.

That is why though Gandhari's sons were portrayed as villains, the Mahabharata attributes high moral standards to Gandhari. She repeatedly exhorted her sons to follow dharma and make peace with the Pandavas. Gandhari was especially close to Kunti who respected her like an elder sister.

Gandhari made a single exception to her blindfolded state, when she removed her blindfold to see Duryodhana rendering his entire body except his loins invulnerable to any foe. This was however to prove fruitless as Bhima smashed Duryodhana's thighs in their decisive encounter on the eighteenth day of the Kurukshetra battle, a move both literally and figuratively below the belt.

The Kauravas, principally Duryodhana and Dhushasana, were the villains of the Mahabharata, and were all killed in their war against their cousins, the Pandavas, at Kurukshetra.

Gandhari was also devout; an ardent worshipper of Lord Shiva. Gandhari's sacrifice of her eyesight and her austere life was to grant her great spiritual power. Gandhari's anguish in the loss of her hundred sons resulted in her cursing Krishna in effect ensuring the destruction of the Yadavas. It is also said that through a small gap in the napkin in which her eyes were blindfolded, her gaze fell on Yudhisthira's toe. The toe was charred black due to her wrath and power.

Krishna came and hugged her. She wept. And she felt Draupadi weeping next to her. Both were being hugged by Krishna, the mother of villains and the mother of heroes, both being comforted by him who they say is God. He said nothing. He allowed Gandhari to vent out her venom and he accepted the curse quietly – no retaliatory curse. Yes, his children would die as Gandhari had deemed fit and so would he. Let his clan suffer so that the spiral of vendetta does not continue. It must end sometime. And if this demands the sacrifice of his clan, then let it be so.

Gandhari ended her life with her husband and her sister-in-law Kunti in the Himalayas, where they died in a forest fire.