Vrajwani Dham

 Hare Krishna 

Do you know that Krishna took avatar in Kaliyug too???

Yes, that's True...

There is a village name Vrajwani located on the banks of a large desert in Rapar taluka of Kutch  (Gujarat, India). Today there is a grand temple here. If you go inside the temple, you will see a completely different view from all other pilgrimage sites. Different because here you will find 140 statues of women in a circle! Outside, there is another large area in the courtyard. These 140 women are Ahirani of Kutch.

It is said that Krishna had promised his Gopi's he will visit them and give his darshan. So around 600 years ago, In Vrajwani Dham of Kutch, Krishna took avatar in the form of Dholi (the person who plays drum) and he started playing drum. The music from the drum was so magical that 140 woman that is Ahirani of that village came together and started doing Rass (form of dance). Almost 3 days continuously the dholi played the drum and the 140 Ahirani didn't stopped. Seeing this one of the youngster of that village went to meet the dholi but till that time Krishna disappeared and the women who were dancing on the beats of drum stopped.

The 140 Ahirani of that village prayed to Krishna that, "There is no fascination left in this world and requested him to take them to his abode". After saying this 140 Ahirani left their soul together and went to the abode of Krishna. There are still 140 pillars of Ahirani at the same place from where they left and there is also a pillar from where Krishna disappeared. It is said that by listening to that pillar carefully, you can still hear the sound of that drum.

Even today many people come to Vrajwani Dham and bow their heads in front of Ahirani's Palanquins.

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Ashwathama

Hare Krishna

Ashwatthama was the son of Dronacharya, the royal teacher of the Kuru princes, and played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra War, a major conflict in the Mahabharata. He was born with a gem on his forehead which give him power over all living being also it protected him from hunger, thirst, and fatigue. He was on the side of  Kauravas. 

After the war, Ashwatthama was filled with anger and grief over the death of his father and the destruction caused by the war. In a state of extreme distress and rage, he committed a grave act by targeting the sleeping Pandava camp during the night. He entered their camp and ruthlessly slaughtered the sons of the Pandavas, mistaking them for the Pandava brothers themselves.

When this heinous act was discovered, Ashwatthama was pursued and captured by the Pandavas. In response he confessed of killing Pandavas sons and said he will also kill Abhimananyu's unborn child so that Pandavas doesn't have any heir left, he used the most powerful weapon Brahmastra directing it to attack Uttara's womb (Uttara was the wife of Abhimanyu) . Krishna who saw this got very angry with Ashwatthama's act, as a punishment the gem (mani) on Ashwatthama's forehead was taken away, and he was cursed by Krishna that he will roam in the forest till the end of Kaliyuga with blood and puss oozing out of his injuries and cry for his death but death would not meet him.

Later Krishna revived the unborn child and the baby was named as Parikshit (considered as the first person of Kaliyug). Many has claimed of seeing Ashwatthama. It is believed that he visits the very old Shiva Temple to offer pooja early in the morning in Asirgarh Fort (Burhanpur district, Madhya Pradesh).

The Curse of Ashwatthama serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of unchecked anger, revenge, and the misuse of power. It also highlights the concept of dharma (righteousness) and the karmic repercussions of one's actions. Ashwatthama's curse underscores the complexities of human nature and the profound themes explored within the Mahabharata epic.

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Sapta Chiranjivi

 Hare Krishna

   

"Sapta Chiranjivi," which in Hindu mythology are believed to be seven immortal beings or sages. These Chiranjivi are said to still be alive and are often associated with different legends and stories. Here is a list of the seven Sapta Chiranjivi along with brief descriptions:

1. Ashwatthama: 

He was a great warrior and a key character in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He was the son of Dronacharya, the royal teacher of the Kuru princes. Ashwatthama possessed a gem on his forehead that granted him immortality and protection. However, he also carried a curse that made him suffer and roam the Earth forever.     

2. King Mahabali: 

Also known as Bali, he was a generous and righteous king who was blessed with immense power and ruled over the netherworld. Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar to subdue Bali and sent him to rule the netherworld, where he is said to continue his benevolent rule.

3. Vedavyasa: 

Vedavyasa, also known as Vyasa, is a legendary sage who is credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the longest epic poems in the world, as well as other Hindu scriptures. He is also considered one of the seven immortals. 

4. Hanuman: 

Hanuman is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. He played a crucial role in the Ramayana, aiding Rama in his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

5. Kripacharya: 

Kripacharya was a respected teacher and warrior who played a significant role in the Mahabharata. He was the teacher of the Kaurava and Pandava princes and was known for his wisdom and martial skill.

6. Parashurama:

 Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He was a warrior with an axe (parashu) and is known for his devotion to his father and his legendary confrontations with Kshatriya warriors.

7. Vibhishana:

Vibhishana is a character from the Ramayana, the younger brother of the demon king Ravana. He chose to side with Lord Rama during the battle against Ravana due to his righteousness and devotion to dharma.

These seven figures are believed to be immortal and continue to exist in various forms, according to Hindu mythology. Each of them has their own unique stories and significance in Hindu culture and philosophy.

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Sri Gurudev Raghavendra Swami

Hare Krishna

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

Hare Krishna

 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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Narasimha: The Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Hare Krishna

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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Ayyappa

Hare Krishna

Ayyappa, also known as Manikandan or Mani, is a revered tale in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be a combination of various legends from different sources. Ayyappa is largely worshipped in South India. 

Here the story starts...

Goddess Durga Killed the Demon Mahishasur, he had a sister called Mahishi. Mahishi had a boon from Lord Brahma that she can be killed only by the child that is born to Shiva and Vishnu. So Vishnu incarnated himself in Mohini Avatar and with the union of Mohini and Shiva, Ayyappa was born. They left the child at Pamba river, the King of the dynasty Rajashekara who didn't had a child adopted Ayyappa and named him Manikandan.

 Later the couple were blessed with a boy named Raja Rajan. Both boy grew up as prince, but Ayyappa excelled himself in martial arts and had great knowledge in Shastras. Upon Completion of their training King wanted Ayyappa to become his successor, but the Queen wanted her child that is prince Raja Rajan to become the next King.

 The Queen started creating troubles for Ayyappa. The Queen pretended to be sick with mysterious health issues and asked Mani to go to the forest and bring lactating Tigeress milk, that is the cure of her illness. On the way to the forest Ayyappa realised the purpose of his incarnation was to kill Mahishi. In the forest  Ayyappa and Mahishi had a fierce battle and the demoness was killed by Ayyappa and recieved moksha.

Ayyappa came back from the forest sitting on the Tigeress. The King and Queen realised that Ayyappa was not an ordinary child and offered him the throne but Ayyappa refused saying that his birth on earth had different purpose he has to live as Brahmachari. King Wished to construct a temple for and asked to chose a place, Ayyappa shot an arrow saying that he would be in meditation on the place where arrow falls. The place where the arrow fell is called Shabrimala. It was already a holy place where Shabri the great devotee of Rama lived, she wanted to meet Rama once in her life. Rama met her at the same place and accepted her hospitality. 

Manikandan said that he will be called as Ayyappan by his devotees and his devotees have to attain 41 days Brahmacharya Vratham. It is believed that the temple was built under the direct supervision of Lord Parshuram by the great architect, Vishwakarma. Upon the advise of Sage Agastya the king laid foundation stone of the temple. The temple has 18 golden steps indicating 18 hills surrounding the temple.

It is essential to note that the legend of Lord Ayyappa may have regional variations and is often passed down through oral traditions, making it a cherished tale for millions of devotees who revere and worship Lord Ayyappa as a unifying symbol of divinity and love.

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