Narasimha: The Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

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Lord Narasimha, also spelled as Narasimhadeva, is a significant deity in Hindu mythology and one of the ten primary avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. He is depicted as a half-man, half-lion form, symbolizing his ferociousness and divine power. The story of Lord Narasimha is recounted in the ancient Indian texts, particularly in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. Here's a summary of the tale:

The story of Lord Narasimha revolves around the demon king Hiranyakashipu. He was granted a boon by Lord Brahma that he will be neither killed indoor nor killed outdoor neither killed on sky nor on the ground. The boon made Hiranyakashipu believe that he was immortal and led him to become extremely arrogant and tyrannical. He demanded that everyone in his kingdom worship him as the supreme deity and refused to acknowledge the existence of any other gods. Hiranyakashipu's son, Prahlada, was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu from a very young age. Despite his father's threats and attempts to dissuade him, Prahlada continued to worship Lord Vishnu with unwavering faith. This enraged Hiranyakashipu, who considered Vishnu his mortal enemy.

In his desperation to eliminate Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu devised a plan to get rid of Prahlada. He ordered his soldiers to kill Prahlada, but each time they tried, they failed, as divine protection always shielded the young devotee. Frustrated and furious, Hiranyakashipu turned to his sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. He asked Holika to sit in a blazing fire while holding Prahlada on her lap, thinking that the boy would be burnt to death. However, Lord Vishnu intervened, and it was Holika who perished in the fire, while Prahlada emerged unharmed due to his unshakable devotion.

With his demonic rage growing, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to show him where his beloved Vishnu resided. Prahlada fearlessly replied that Vishnu resides everywhere, even in the smallest atom. Mocking his son, the demon king asked if Vishnu was in the pillar next to them. Prahlada replied with utmost conviction that Vishnu was indeed present in the pillar. Enraged beyond measure, Hiranyakashipu struck the pillar with his mace. To the amazement of everyone present, Lord Narasimha emerged from the shattered pillar at twilight. He was neither fully man nor fully lion, but a fearsome and magnificent form.

Lord Narasimha then proceeded to attack Hiranyakashipu, fighting with him in a fierce battle. The Lord chose the threshold to sit and placed Hiranyakashipu on his lap (neither indoors nor outdoors & neither sky nor ground) as the battleground. It is said that Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu with his sharp claws, thus fulfilling the boon that the demon king had received, which made him immune to death by any living being.

Lord Narasimha's form as the half-man, half-lion is considered a divine amalgamation of rage and compassion. He embodies the essence of protection and the destruction of evil forces. Devotees worship Lord Narasimha to seek his blessings for courage, strength, and protection from adversaries and challenges in life. His story remains a revered tale in Hinduism, inspiring devotion and admiration for his divine presence.

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Previous Life of Ravan and Kumbhakaran

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In Hindu mythology, Ravana and Kumbhakarna are two prominent characters associated with the epic Ramayana. In their previous lives, Ravana and Kumbhakarna were originally two celestial beings who were known as Jaya and Vijaya. They served as the gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikuntha (the divine realm of Vishnu), in their celestial forms. Four Kumaras (four divine sages) also known as Sankadik Muni, visited Vaikuntha but were stopped by Jaya and Vijaya. As they wasted 3 seconds of Sankadik Rishi, the four kumara's cursed Jaya and Vijaya that they will be born on Earth as demon princes for three lifetimes and will be killed by Lord Vishnu. These lifetimes are depicted in three different contexts in Hindu mythology:

In the first incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as the demon brothers Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Hiranyakashipu was the father of the demon king Prahlada, who became a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, leading to the defeat of Hiranyakashipu by the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu, half-lion and half-human.Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha the 3rd Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

In the second incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna, respectively. Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka, abducted Lord Vishnu's consort, Goddess Sita, leading to the epic battle with Lord Rama, Vishnu's seventh avatar.

In the third incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as Shishupala and Dantavakra, respectively. They were enemies of Lord Krishna and were slain by him during the great war at the Rajasuya Yagna.

After these three lifetimes, Jaya and Vijaya were freed from the curse and were allowed to return to their original celestial abode as Lord Vishnu's gatekeepers in Vaikuntha.

The tale of Jaya and Vijaya serves as a significant aspect of Hindu mythology, illustrating the interplay of fate, curses, devotion, and redemption. Their story also emphasizes the supremacy of Lord Vishnu and his avatars in vanquishing evil and restoring dharma (righteousness) in the world.

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12 Jyotirlinga

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The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred sancturies devoted to Lord Shiva, and they hold important significance in Hindu mythology. Each Jyotirlinga represents a unique incarnation of Lord Shiva's divine power. Here's a brief overview of the story behind each of the 12 Jyotirlingas:

1. Somnath (Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat):

The first Jyotirlinga, Somnath, is said to have been established by the Moon God (Chandra) to seek penance for his sins. The temple has been rebuilt several times due to various historical events.

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh):

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is positioned on the Shri Shaila mountain on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh):

Mahakaleshwar is located in Ujjain and is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light (Jyotirlinga) to master the demon Dushana.

4. Omkareshwar (Mandhata Island, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh):

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is positioned on an island in the Narmada River and represents Lord Shiva as the "Om" sound, the early sound of creation.

5. Kedarnath (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand):

Kedarnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The Jyotirlinga here is associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and is believed to have been established by them.

6. Bhimashankar (Pune, Maharashtra):

Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri Range, and its origin is linked to a battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh):

Kashi Vishwanath, positioned in Varanasi, is one of the holiest temples in India. The Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva's incarnation as the sovereign of the universe.

8. Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra):

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Nashik and is associated with the source of the Godavari River. It is believed to have been established by Rishi Gautama.

9. Vaidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand):

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is positioned in Deoghar and is connected to the legend of Goddess Sati's limbs falling here during Lord Shiva's Tandava dance.

10. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat):

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is positioned near Dwarka and is associated with the story of a demon named Daruka and the demoness who sought blessings from Lord Shiva.

11. Rameshwar (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu):

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is located on Rameswaram Island and is connected to the story of Lord Rama installing a Shivalinga here after the Ramayana.

12. Grishneshwar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra):

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Ellora Caves and is linked to the story of a pious woman named Kusuma seeking Lord Shiva's blessings.

Devotees believe that visiting these Jyotirlingas and seeking Lord Shiva's blessings can grant them spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment of their wishes.

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Why we celebrate janmashtami?

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Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered one of the most beloved divinities in Hinduism. The festival falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, which generally falls in August or September.

The festival of Janmashtami holds great significance for several reasons:

1. Birth of Lord Krishna: 

Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth icon of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu holy scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna manifested on Earth to restore dharma (righteousness) and protect his devotees.

2. Divine Leelas (Playful Activities): 

Lord Krishna's life is filled with godly leelas (playful activities) that showcase his beauty, intelligence, and devotion. The stories of his babyhood, such as stealing butter (Makhan Chor) and playing the flute (Murali Manohar), are celebrated during Janmashtami.

3. Midnight Celebration: 

It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Therefore, the most important celebrations takes place during the late evening and into the early hours of the next day, with devotees observing performing pujas (rituals), singing bhajans (devotional songs), and fasting.

4. Krishna Bhakti (Devotion):

Janmashtami is an occasion for devotees to show their love and devotion to Lord Krishna. They take part in various festivities, visit temples, and engage in prayer and meditation to seek his blessings.

5. Temples and Processions: 

Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, especially the famous ones like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, observe grand fest during Janmashtami. Complex decorations, recitals of Krishna's stories, and processions of his shrine are common sights during the festival.

6. Raslila Performances: 

In some regions, people perform Raslila, a traditional dance-drama depicting Krishna's playful interaction with the Gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan. These performances show the godly love between Krishna and his devotees.

Janmashtami is a joyous occasion that brings communities together, fostering a sense of devotion and union among Hindus. It serves as a memorial of Lord Krishna's teachings on love, duty, and the path to spiritual salvation, inspiring people to follow the path of righteousness and devotion in their lives.

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Nav Durga

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Nav Durga, also known as the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga, is a significant aspect of Hindu mythology and worship. Each form represents a unique facet of the goddess and is venerated during the nine-day festival of Navratri. Adi Parashakti (Durga) took 9 forms to kill the demon Mahishasur (to celebrate good over evil), the festival is known as Navratri, The nine forms of Nav Durga are as follows:

1. Shailaputri: 

The first form, Shailaputri, is depicted as the daughter of the Himalayas. She symbolizes the embodiment of nature and purity and is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

2. Brahmacharini: 

The second form, Brahmacharini, represents the unmarried and penance-seeking aspect of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes perseverance and devotion and is worshipped on the second day.

3. Chandraghanta: 

The third form, Chandraghanta, is depicted with a half-moon on her forehead, resembling a bell (ghanta). She is believed to symbolize bravery and is worshipped on the third day.

4. Kushmanda: 

The fourth form, Kushmanda, is said to have created the universe with her divine smile. She represents cosmic energy and is worshipped on the fourth day.

5. Skandamata: 

The fifth form, Skandamata, is depicted as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She is the symbol of motherly love and protection and is worshipped on the fifth day.

6. Katyayani:

 The sixth form, Katyayani, is believed to have manifested to destroy the demon Mahishasura. She symbolizes courage and is worshipped on the sixth day.

7. Kalaratri: 

The seventh form, Kalaratri, is depicted with a dark complexion and a fierce appearance. She represents the destroyer of darkness and is worshipped on the seventh day.

8. Mahagauri: 

The eighth form, Mahagauri, is portrayed as radiant and compassionate. She symbolizes purity and is worshipped on the eighth day.

9. Siddhidatri:

 The ninth form, Siddhidatri, is the bestower of divine blessings and supernatural powers. She is worshipped on the ninth and final day of Navratri.

During Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform various rituals to seek the blessings and protection of each form of Nav Durga. It is a time of great devotion and celebration in honor of the goddess's power and grace.

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Shabrimala Temple

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Sabarimala Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a revered deity in Hinduism. The temple is known for its unique traditions and attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be a union of Lord Vishnu (In his Mohini Avatar) and Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity and embark on a spiritual journey to seek his blessings. The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala begins in November and ends in January. The most significant days are during the Makar Sankranti festival, when the Makaravilakku is observed. Devotees follow strict austerities during the pilgrimage, and there are specific dress codes and rituals to be followed.

Devotees who plan to visit Sabarimala undertake a 41-day vow of self-discipline and abstinence known as "Vratham." During this period, they observe strict rules, including celibacy, vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, and refrain from cutting hair or nails. The devotees carry Irumidi (cotton cloth bag) on their head which has Pooja items in it. The pathway leading to the main sanctum sanctorum has 18 sacred steps, which are believed to represent the 18 hills surrounding the temple. Only male devotees between the ages of 12 and 70 who have completed the Vratham are allowed to climb these steps and have the darshan (sacred view) of the deity.

Sabarimala has been historically known for its tradition of prohibiting women of menstruating age (typically between 10 and 50 years) from entering the temple. This tradition has been the subject of much controversy and legal challenges in recent years. Devotees can reach the temple via different trekking routes through the dense forests. The main pathways are the Pamba route and the Erumeli route, and both provide a spiritual and challenging journey for the devotees. The temple hosts several festivals, with the most prominent being the Makaravilakku festival during the Makar Sankranti. The event involves the ceremonial lighting of a lamp atop Ponnambalamedu, a nearby hill, which is believed to be Lord Ayyappa's abode during this time.

Sabarimala Temple holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus, and the pilgrimage is considered a transformative and purifying experience for devotees who undertake it. The temple's unique traditions and rituals make it one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in India.

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Padmanabhaswamy Temple

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Padmanabhaswamy Temple, also known as Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the Anantha Shayana posture (reclining on the serpent Ananta). The temple is renowned for its rich history, architectural beauty, and immense wealth. 

The exact age of the temple is uncertain, but it is believed to be several centuries old, with its history dating back to the 8th century. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu mentioned in Hindu scriptures. The temple exhibits a unique blend of Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles. The main entrance features a magnificent Gopuram (tower) with intricate carvings and sculptures. On the day of the equinox (when day and night have the same duration), sunlight passes through all five windows of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple tower, during sunset.

 The principal deity, Lord Padmanabha, is represented in a reclining posture on the serpent Ananta (Sesha) with one hand resting on Shiva Linga. The temple is also known for its rare representation of Lord Vishnu with a lotus flower emerging from his navel, on which Lord Brahma is seated.

The temple gained global attention in recent times due to the discovery of hidden vaults (Kallaras) containing immense wealth. Several underground chambers were opened in 2011, revealing an unprecedented amount of gold, silver, precious stones, and historical artifacts. The wealth found in the temple's vaults is estimated to be one of the richest in the world. However, the exact value of the treasure remains uncertain, as access to some vaults has been restricted by the Supreme Court of India, citing security and religious reasons.

The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Navaratri festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The Alpashy festival is another significant event when the deity is adorned with pure gold ornaments.The temple follows a strict dress code, and visitors are required to wear traditional attire. Men are expected to wear mundu (a traditional dhoti) while women should wear sarees or skirts and blouses. The temple is managed by a trust headed by the royal family of Travancore, with the titular Maharaja of Travancore serving as the trustee. The administration of the temple follows a hereditary system.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple's historical significance, architectural grandeur, and the mystery surrounding its hidden treasure make it a prominent cultural and spiritual landmark in India. It continues to attract devotees, historians, and tourists from around the world.

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Sri Gurudev Raghavendra Swami

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Raghavendra Swamy also known as Raghavendra Tirtha or Parimalacharya, is a highly revered saint in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. He lived during the 17th century and is considered to be an incarnation Bhakta Prahlada. Raghavendra Swamy was not only a spiritual leader but also an accomplished scholar, philosopher, and a renowned proponent of the Dvaita school of philosophy, founded by Sri Madhvacharya.

Raghavendra Swamy was born as Venkatanatha in 1595 in the town of Bhuvanagiri (present-day Karnataka, India). From a young age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and a deep devotion to Lord Krishna. He was married to a woman name Saraswati and had a child name Laxmi Narayana. He began teaching for free to his students on vedic literature as the time passed they didn't even had a single grain to eat. His wife advised him that they should shift from Bhuvangiri to Kumbakonam (present day Tamil Nadu, City of Temples)and take shelter under great saint Sudheendra Tirtha. By seeing Venkatanatha's knowlegde his guru advised him to take sanyasa. At first he refused but later had a divine vision of a diety and agreed to take sanyas. As Saraswati got the news that his husband took sanyas she took a harsh decision by comitting suicide. The Ghost of Sarawasti cried in front of Raghavendra Swamy, he felt pity on her and sprinkled holy water on her and she attained salvation.

In 1614, Venkatanatha was initiated into sanyasa by his guru Sudheendra Tirtha. He was the successor of his guru, and in 1621  became the pontiff of the Sri Uttaradi Matha. Raghavendra Swamy was a prolific writer and composed numerous works on philosophy, theology, and commentaries on sacred texts. His writings covered various aspects of the Dvaita philosophy, which emphasizes the dualistic relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Divine. He was named as "Parimalacharya" after he wrote the book "Sudha Parimala". He was skilled Musician and was great expert in playing Veena.

 Raghavendra Swamy was believed to possess miraculous powers, and many stories of his divine interventions and blessings for devotees are passed down through generations. His compassion and dedication to serving people earned him widespread devotion and reverence. According to legend, when Raghavendra Swamy felt that his earthly mission was complete, he entered his Brindavana (sacred tomb) alive in 1671 and got the name as "Raghavendra Tirtha". It is believed that he merged with the deity he worshiped, and continues to bless and protect his devotees from there.

According to some legends, Once Raghavendra Swamy called 3 astrologer and gave them horoscope and asked them to tell him the exact age when the person in the horoscope dies. So the first astrologer said 76 years, the second said 300 years and the third said 700 years. As they looked at each other in confused state and knew that they failed, Raghavendra Swamy calmed them saying the horoscope belongs to him and he will physically live on the earth till the age of 76, the books written by him will has the age of 300 years and he himself will reside in brindavan for 700 years to protect and bless his devotees.

The Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, is the site of Raghavendra Swamy's Brindavana and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for his followers. The temple attracts devotees from all over the world, seeking his blessings for spiritual upliftment, health, prosperity, and overall well-being.

Raghavendra Swamy's teachings and legacy continue to inspire millions of devotees to this day. His devotion to God, compassion for all beings, and profound knowledge of Hindu scriptures have left an indelible impact on the spiritual and cultural landscape of India. He is remembered as a divine saint and a guiding light for those seeking spiritual wisdom and liberation.

 

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Adishankaracharya

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 Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara or Shankara Bhagavadpada, was a renowned Indian philosopher, theologian, and spiritual leader who lived in the early 8th century CE. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism and is credited with reviving and consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.

Shankaracharya was born in Kaladi, Kerala, India, around 788 CE. His parents were devout Brahmins, and at a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a deep interest in spirituality. Shankara lost his father early in life, and it is said that he took sannyasa (renunciation) at the age of eight, seeking a spiritual life. Adi Shankara studied under Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada, who initiated him into the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical system that teaches the non-dual nature of reality, considering the ultimate reality (Brahman) as the sole existence beyond the apparent multiplicity of the world.

Shankaracharya's most significant contribution was in the field of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He wrote numerous commentaries on ancient scriptures, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras. These commentaries explained the true essence of these texts, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Adi Shankara embarked on extensive journeys across India to engage in philosophical debates with scholars of different schools of thought, including Buddhists, Jains, and other Hindu sects. He is said to have established monastic centers (mathas) in various parts of the country to preserve and spread the teachings of Advaita Vedanta.

 Adi Shankaracharya established four prominent monastic centers in the corners of India: Sringeri (in Karnataka), Puri (in Odisha), Dwaraka (in Gujarat), and Jyotirmath (in Uttarakhand). He travelled length and breadth of India 3 times and died at the early age of 32 years. Each of these centers became the seat of a spiritual leader known as a Shankaracharya, who continued to uphold and propagate Shankara's teachings. Shankaracharya's literary works are extensive and include commentaries, philosophical treatises, and devotional hymns. Some of his notable works include "Vivekachudamani" (Crest Jewel of Discrimination), "Atma Bodha" (Self-Knowledge), and "Bhaja Govindam" (Seek Govinda).

Adi Shankaracharya's efforts helped unify various sects and schools of Hinduism under the umbrella of Advaita Vedanta. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-realization and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Today, Adi Shankaracharya's teachings continue to be widely studied and revered in Hindu philosophy. He is considered a spiritual giant whose profound impact on Indian thought and culture endures to this day. The four monastic centers established by him are still revered as prominent seats of spiritual learning and leadership within the Advaita Vedanta tradition.

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