Please do visit my other blogs.......

Visit my other blogs in your free time.

http://cccp-sovietpower.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

-Krishna Kumar. S

Chapter#18: Andal

Andal is an 10th century Tamil saint and one of the twelve Azhwars and the only woman Azhwar. She is credited with the great Tamil works of Thirupavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the season of Margazhi. The Sri Villiputhoor Temple is dedicated to her. Andal avoided earthly marriage. She wanted to marry the Lord. In many places in India, particularly in Tamilnadu, Andal is treated more than a saint and as a form of God. She is believed to be an Amsam of Bhoomadevi, consort of Vishnu.

Andal is believed to have been discovered under a Tulsi plant in the temple garden of Sri Villiputtur by Peri Azhwar. The child was named Kodhai meaning a beautiful garland. As Kodhai grew into a beautiful maiden, her love and devotion for the Lord grew to an enormouse extent that she decided to marry the Lord.

Periazhwar had the responsibility of delivering flower garlands to the Lord's temple everyday. Kodhai made these garlands and sent it to her beloved Lord through her father. She started wearing the flower garland which was meant to be offered to the Lord. This is generally considered wrong in any religion. The devotees should not offer anything to the Lord that has already been used by a human being.





However, Kodhai felt that she should test to see how the garland suited her and only if it did, she should offer it to the Lord. One day she was caught red-handed by her father in this strange act and as an orthodox devotee he was extremely upset. That night the Lord appeared to Periazhwvar in his dream and asked him why he had discarded Kodhai’s garland instead of offering it to Him. The Lord is believed to have told Periazhwar that He had whole-heartedly accepted Kodhai’s offering all these days. Kodhai came to be known as "Andal", meaning the girl who "ruled" over the Lord. She is also known by a phrase "Soodi kodutha Sudarkodi" which means "The bright creeper-like woman who gave her garlands after wearing them".

As Andal turned into a fifteen year old young woman, her father started to search for a suitable groom for her. Andal, however, was stubborn and insisted that she would marry only the Lord at Sri Rangam. This perplexed and worried her father. Legends say that Lord appeared in his dream once again and instructed him to send Andal to Srirangam.

Andal who was anxious to reach Srirangam and she was unable to control herself in her urgency to meet her beloved Lord. She ran into the sanctum sanctorum and is believed to have merged with Him completely at that point.

Month: Aadi
Nakshatram: Pooram
Month: Bhoodevi

Server down!

My Internet connection is down. The signal strength to my PC is low. As a result of which, I couldn't post frequently. Please do visit my other blogs.

Regards,
Krishna

Chapter#17: Periazhwar

Periazhwar was born in a brahmin family in Sri Villiputhur, near Madurai. He was also known as Vishnuchittar meaning "one who has Vishnu in his mind". Vishnuchittar composed some pasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham called periazhwar thirumozhi where he explores a devotee's love for God through the metaphor of Yasoda's motherly love for Krishna. He was the adopted father of Kodhai or Andal, the only woman azhwar.

Month: Aani
Nakshatram: Swathi
Sign: Garuda

Chapter#16: Kulasekara Azhwar

Kulasekara was an Indian King from modern day Kerala. From historical estimates it is believed he lived in or around the 8th century. After ruling for a few years, he gave up his throne and became a celibate. He wrote bhakti songs dedicated to God. As an great devotee of Rama, he considered the painful experiences of Lord Rama to be his own experiences. He is therefore also known as ‘Perum-al’, meaning ‘The Great’ – which is usually the epithet for the Lord. His devotion was so intense that he worshipped the devotees of the Lord as the Lord Himself. He lived in Srirangam and was serving the deity Ranganatha in the temple there.

Much of the details of Kulashekhara's personal life have been lost. He was an exceptional poet of devotional hymns and songs (including the famous Mukundamala-stotra). He wrote a set of ten exquisite poems in Tamil, and the work is called "Perumal Tirumoli". His poems are devotional in nature, being dedicated to the most prominent avatar's of Vishnu (Rama and Krishna).

Month: Masi
Nakshatram: Punar Poosam
Sign: Kaustabha

Chapter#15: Madhurakavi Azhwar

Madhurakavi literally means "Poet of sweet words". Madhura Kavi Azhwar was born in Thirukkolur near Azhwar Thirunagari. The Perumal in this Divya Desam is called Vaitha Maanidhi. Madhura Kavi Azhwar learnt the Vedas and was well versed in both Tamil and Sanskrit. He composed poems in praise of Bhagavan Vishnu. At one stage in his life, he decided to abandon all the chains of samsara and strive towards moksham. In this pursuit he undertook a pilgrimage to the Vada naattu divya desams like Ayodhya, Mathura etc.

When Madhura Kavi Azhwar finished his prayers at Ayodhya, he noticed a glowing ball of fire in the sky. He could not understand the reason for this phenomenon. He also noticed that the ball of fire started to move southwards. He decided to follow the light, which ultimately led him to Azhwar Thirunagari and finally disappeared. Madhura Kavigal had already heard about a sixteen year old youth Nammalvar who had spent his life since birth under a tree without eating anything and emitting a divine glow. Madhura kavi azhwar proceeded straight to the and found Swami in a trance.

In order to test Nammazhwar, Madhura kavigal dropped a stone on hearing which Swami opened his eyes and smiled at Madhura Kavi aazhwar. Now Madhura Kavi aazhwar wanted to test Swami.

Seththathin vayitril siriyadu pirandaal Eththai thindru enge kidakkum?
(literal translation - If the small one is born inside the dead one, what will it eat and where will it lie?)

Swami Nammzhwar's reply was: Aththai thindru ange kidakkum
(literal translation - It will eat that and lie there)

Madhura kavi aazhwar instantly recognized the greatness of Swami Nammazhwar and fell at his feet and resolved to become Swami Nammazhwar's disciple. Madhura Kavi aazhwar remained with Swami Nammazhwar for the rest of Swami Nammazhwar's life.

Month: Chithirai
Nakshatram: Chithra
Sign: Garuda

Rameswaram Trip

Dear readers,

I had an opportunity of visiting Rameswaram on December 22nd, 2008. It was an refreshing trip. I had the blessings of the Divine to give me an easy trouble free opportunity of taking bath in 22 wells to cleanse my sins in this materialistic world. As a result of my trip, my posting for the previous week was delayed by a week.

-Krishna

Chapter#14: Nammazhwar

Nammazhwar was one of the Azhwars who was a staunch devotee of Vishnu. As a child he responded to no external stimuli. His parents were worried and prayed to all gods for their son. Sadly, there was no change. His parents left him at the feet of the statue of Vishnu. Then the child then got up and sat in lotus position and began to meditate. It appears he was in this state for as long as sixteen years when a Tamil poet and scholar in North India named Madurakavi(also an Azhwar) saw a bright light shining to the south and followed it until he reached Nammazhwar tree's.

He was stunned on seeing this sight. He asked him a riddle: "If the small is born in a dead's body, what will it eat and where will it stay?" meaning, if the subtle soul is embodied in the gross body, what are its actions and thoughts? Nammazhwar broke his lifelong silence and responded, "It will eat and it will rest there itself!" meaning that if the soul identifies with the body, it will be with the body but if it merges with the divine, it will stay in Vaikuntam and serve God. Madhurakavi was himself in a state of high spiritual evolution as he had made him speak at last. Madhurakavi accepted Nammazhwar has his guru. Azhwar means a person who is immersed with God. As per the meaning, they both served Lord Vishnu and spread Vishnu's fame in earth.

Month: Vaikasi
Nakshatram: Visakam
Sign: Vishwasenan

Chapter#13: Boothath Azhwar

Bhoothathazhwar was one of the twelve Azhwars. Bhoothath Azhwar appeared in a flower called kurukkaththi in a garden at Kadalmallai port of Pallava Rajyam in Mahabalipuram in the seventh century. Bhoothathalvar's 100 hymns form the second part of the Naalayira Divyap Prabhandham.

"Anbe Thagliyaa Aarvame NeyyaagaInburugu Chintai Idu ThiriyaaNanpurugi Gnaana Chudar Vilakku EtrinenNaaranarku Gnaana Thamizh Purindha Naan".

Here, it is the love as the lamp and involvement as the oil and Azhwar says "I dedicate myself to the service of the lord, by singing this song that blesses wisdom, with love as the lamp, endearing involvement as the oil (Ghee), and knowledge as the wick of the torch".


Month: Aiypassee
Nakshatram: Avittam
Sign: Kaudomuki, mace of Vishnu.

Chapter#12: Thirumezhisai Azhwar

The legend of this saint devotee say that he was the incarnation of Vishnu's disc, Sudarshana. There are only 216 of his paasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham.
A munivar by the name Bargava muni didn't have a child. He prayed to Perumal and did a Yaagam. As a result of the Yaagam, his wife gave birth to a baby, which is said to be an Hamsam of Sudharsana Chakkaram of Sriman Narayanan.

The baby was found in an incomplete manner (i.e.) it did not have hands, legs etc. On seeing the baby, both of his parents, Bargava muni and his wife were worried and felt bad for the baby and left it under a tree. After they left, Perumal along with Lakshmi Devi came and blessed the baby. As a result, the baby got hands and legs. After this, Perumal and Lakshmi Devi disappeared from that place.

A person by the name of Thiruvaalan was coming along that side and heard the baby crying. He was also childless, so he thought that God has gifted him. He took the baby and went to his house. On seeing the child, Thiruvaalan’s wife tried to feed the baby with milk. But the baby didn't drink it and it didn't even sleep. But the baby's health didn't seem to be losing. This miracle news spread all over the place. An old man came to see this child. When he saw the child, he noted the shine on his face and thought that Perumal blessed the child. Since, the Emperumaan blessed the child, it was named as "Thirumazhisai piraan".

He gave a cup of cow's pure milk to the child. The child accepted it and drank the milk. On seeing this, both Tiruvaalan and his wife were happy and asked the old man to come daily to feed the milk. Likewise, the old man came daily and gave milk to the child and told the couple that the remaining milk should be taken by his wife, so that she might give birth to a child. As days she gave birth to a male child and they named him as "Kani kannan". Kani Kannan was taught vedic philosophies and spiritual books. He became the close friend of Thirumazhisai piraan and kani kannan started to treat Thirumazhisai piraan as his Guru. He learnt lots of spiritual knowledge from his Guru and followed him.

Once Thirumazhisaipiraan went to the avathara sthalam of Poigai Alwar. He wanted to stay there for sometime and started to meditate. At that time, an old lady was working for Thirumazhisai piran. On seeing the help rendered by her, granted her a boom. She asked him that she is feeling bad about her old age and as a result she asked him to change her into a youth. Thirumezhisaipiraan changed her to a beautiful young woman.

The king passing by the side of the young lady, found her and was stunned to see her beauty. After going to his palace, he sent his soldiers and sent a message that he wanted to marry her. She accepted his wish and they both got married and led life happily. The days passed on and the king became old, but his wife seems to be young and beautiful. He asked her about the secret of her beauty. She told about her story and how she became young and beautiful.

On hearing the secret, the king sent some of soldiers to Thirumizhisai azhwars place to ask his disciple, Kani Kannan to come to his palace. Kani Kannan went to the palace and met the king. The king said that his Guru Thirumazhisai Azhwar should sing a poem on praising him. But Kani Kannan told that his guru is said to be blessed by the Emperumaan and his mouth will praise only the God, but not the king. The king asked if atleast he could praise him through his poem. But Kani Kannan refused to do so and said that he is not an ordinary person who praises for the need of ornaments and food.

The king was angry on hearing the words from Kani Kannan and ordered him to leave his kingdom as he has failed to obey the king. Kani Kannan went straight to meet Thirumazhisai Azhwar and explained all that had happened to him in the palace. As ordered by the king, Kani Kannan started to leave kingdom. Hearing this, Thirumazhisai Azhwar stopped Kani Kannan and said that he is also coming along with him, since they were together since childhood. It is believed that Perumal and Adhi Seshan also left the temple along with Kani Kannan and Thirumezhisaipiraan. The empire became dull and lost its charm.

The king realized his fault. The king felt for his mistake and asked Kani Kannan to return back to his kindom. As requested by the king, they returned to the kingdom. The kingdom also regained it's charm.

Month: Thai
Nakshatram: Magam
Sign: Chakra

-Details were collected from various Internet websites.

Chapter#11: Poigai Alvar

Poigai Azhwar was born in a village near Kanchipuram in the seventh century. From childhood, his thinking was always on the almighty, Lord Vishnu and made up his mind that he should follow him. He wanted to spread His fame to the world. He learnt all the religious speeches and acted according to it and led his life as how a true devotee should lead life. Knowing the greatness of Vishnu, he left all of his general human characters like love, anger. Poigai Azhwar composed the first 100 pasurams "Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi".

Month: Aiypasee
Nakshatram: Thiruvonam
Sign: Conch

Chapter#10: Pei Azhwar

Pei Azhwar was one of the twelve Azhwars. He was born in Tirumayilai, presently known as Mylapore. Vaishnavite traditions states that Pei Azhwar was found on a lily flower in the pond of the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore. He is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu's divine sword "Nandaka". Pei Azhwar sang songs in praise of Lord Vishnu.

Month: Aiypasee
Nakshatram: Sadayam
Sign: Nandaka, sword of Vishnu.

Chapter#9: Image Worship

Utsavar idol carried by devotees


Religion is essentially based on emotion and inspired by faith. The glorious, beautiful, smiling and enchanting form of the charming Lord evokes admiration, reverence and love. Basic human nature is the feeling of love towards some object or some person hence bhakti, devotion is very close to the human heart.

The Supreme manifests Himself in murti forms in the Divya Desams for the purpose of worship. The places where the Azhwars worshipped and sang in praise of Narayana are called Divya Desams. The lovely personality of the Supreme Lord with adornments and all auspicious attributes like beauty, effulgence, valour, etc. is personally experienced by the devotee in the sacred image.


Moolavar

The Moola Vigraha or main deity in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple is fixed and immobile made generally of stone or saligrama. Admission into the sanctum sanctorum is strictly restricted and only the Brahmin in charge of pooja is allowed. The Brahmin takes bath and performs religious rites before entering the sanctum sanctorum. This is mainly to protect the sanctity of the idol. The Supreme Lord is powerful, however the idol placed is man made. The idol’s power depends on how well it is protected from evil. The clothes are changed periodically and abhishekam’s are done regularly. These don’t increase the power of Lord but increase the power of the idol. Any person visiting the temple should feel peace the moment on seeing the deity.

The Utsava Murti or the festival deity is taken on a parade during festival times. The worship of murtis purifies the mind and elevates the soul to a higher plane of consciousness and existence.

Vishnu-The Lord of the Universe-Chapter#8

Lord Vishnu- the most enchanting person of the Universe

FIVE FORMS OF MANIFESTATION OF LORD

The Supreme Lord manifests Himself in five different forms for the benefit of His devotees. These forms are 1) Para, 2) Vyuha, 3) Vibhava, 4) Antaryamin and 5) Archa.

Each one of these five forms is briefly described below:

1. Parama Roopa

Para is the transcendental form of the Supreme Lord in His Highest Abode called the Parama Pada. Those who are residents in the Paramapada called the Nitya Suris or the eternally free celestials, the souls released from bondage. This form of Lord Vishnu is therefore not open to the mortal people of the mundane world.



Vishnu and Lakshmi riding on Garuda-The Eagle

2. Vyuha Roopa

From the Puranas it is learnt that the Devas or demi-gods when in serious trouble approach Brahma the First-born and seek ways to solve their problems. The gods headed by Brahma reach the Milky Ocean where the Supreme Lord Vishnu is resting in His serpent couch in meditative sleep. The main purpose of manifestation in the Vyuha form seems to be to provide an opportunity to the Vedic gods to experience the blissful presence of the Lord so as to render devotional service to Him. This form is not available for ordinary humans who have to be satisfied with the Para and the Vyuha forms portrayed in images and murtis.




Lakshmi Idol

3. Vibhava Avatar

The descent of the Supreme Lord by way of incarnations is called Avatar. The need and purpose of such incarnations in various forms are found in Bhagvad Gita. Lord Krishna says ”Arjuna, whenever there is a decline of righteousness and unrighteousness takes the upper hand I will incarnate to save justice, for the protection of dharma and for the destruction of the wicked, therby re-establishing Dharma".

The two epics namely Ramayana and the Mahabharata describe in great detail the exploits of the Supreme Lord in His various incarnations.

Vibhava or descents of the Lord has its particular time and place and this form is available only to those who are living during the period of these Avatars. Others have to console themselves by hearing or reading about the Lord.




Lord Vishnu is resting on the Divine snake-Moolavar form
The Murti form can be seen in front.

4. Antaryamin Form

The term Antaryamin refers to the indwelling spirit form of the Supreme Lord in all humans. The Lord resides in each human beings, animals, plants. The Lord resides in a very subtle form in the inner recess of the human heart for the purpose of meditation in order to realize Him by His grace.



A portrait of Lord Vishnu

5. Archa Avatara

The words Archa avatara denote the descent of the Supreme Lord in image or murti form for adoration, prayer and worship. Of all the forms of the Lord, the Archa or murti form is visible to everyone and easily accessible for worship. Formless or attribute less Brahman (Creator), besides being incomprehensible, reduces the spiritual practice into a sterile, soul-less and tedious exercise. Name, images, idols add more interest to any subject. Murtis and images are the most favourable items for the concentration of mind for worship and meditation. Image worship serves the very useful purpose of prompting religious fervor, stimulating devotion and creating a spiritually elevating divine atmosphere.

Next Chapter#9: Idol Worship

Lord of the Universe-Vishnu-Chapter#7

One of the essential requirements for a devotee in order to lead a religious life is to have a well qualified Acharya or Guru. Only a teacher can guide a pupil towards knowledge and enlightenment. The inner meaning of the philosophical truths cannot be attained by just self-study. Any devotee has to fully realize that he is absolutely dependent on God and that his intrinsic duty is to serve God at all times. He should realize that he is a mere tool in the hands of God and do all actions not for his selfish purposes but with a spirit of providing pleasure to God and this is the height of renouncement of ego.

Vishnu-The Lord of the Universe-Chapter#6

Shri Vaishnavam

Panentheism

Panentheism belief system is one which states that the one Supreme God interpenetrates every part of nature and timelessly extends beyond imaginations. Vaishnavam is a form of Panentheism in which Lord Vishnu is considered the Ultimate Reality. Lord Narayanan is viewed as a creator behind the universe and the source of universal truth. Panentheism is essentially a unifying combination of theism (God is the supreme being) and pantheism (God is everything). Panentheism holds that God is the “supreme affect and effect” of the universe. During the great battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna's saying to Arjuna: "I continually support the entire universe by a very small fraction of My divine power,".

Etymology

The name Vaishnavam is a formation from the Sanskrit Vaishnava. It means belonging to or derived from Vishnu. I was browsing through websites. I found this interesting quote, which I would like to quote.

"He is a true devotee of Vishnu who knows and feel others calamities as his own, ever ready to serve the society, One who keeps his thoughts, words and deeds pure. Blessed are the parents of such a person. He treats women as he would treat his own mother. He keeps his mind calm and does not stain his lips with falsehood, nor does he touches others wealth. Ever in tune with Rama-nama (name of God), within his body is present all places of pilgrimage. Free from greed and deceit, passion and anger.

Vishnu-The Lord of the Universe-Chapter#5

Lord Vishnu resting on Adhi-Sesha and His consort Goddess Lakshmi attending to him.

Adhi Sesha

Sesha is generally depicted with a massive form that floats coiled in space, or on the universal ocean, to form the bed on which Vishnu lies. Sometimes he is shown as five-headed or seven-headed, but more commonly as a many hundred-headed serpent. He is closely associated with Vishnu. Balarama and Lakshmana are considered avataras of Sesha. Sesha represents time. Sesha covers Vishnu’s head depicting that Lord Vishnu has won time. Each head of the giant snake represents innumerable desires, pleasures and maya(illusions). Vishnu rests on this serpernt majestically to signify that He has won all desires and He is beyond human perception.


Garuda-The giant eagle and mount of Vishnu.


Garuda in Hindu mythology is the mount (vahanam) of Vishnu. Garuda is depicted as having a golden body, white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak and wings but a man's body. Garuda is the half brother of Arunan, Lord Surya’s charioteer.
Source: Write-up on Garuda is a wikipedia modified article.

Lord Hanumaan

Hanuman is a vanara who lived during the Treta Yuga. Hanumaan is believed to be an avtar of Lord Shiva. He was a very close friend of Lord Ram. Also known as 'Anjaneya' (son of Anjana), He is one of the most important personalities in the Indian epic, the Ramayana. Hanumaan and Vinayakar are the only two deities who aren’t controlled by the ill-effects of Shani. Anjana was worshipping Lord Shiva, elsewhere, Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya, was performing the Putrakama Yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred pudding, to be shared by his three wives, leading to the births of Lord Rama(Vishnu avtar), Lakshmana(Adhi-Sesha Avtar), Bharata(Vishnu’s conch or sangu) and Shatrughna(Vishnu’s chakra). By divine ordinance, a fragment of the pudding flew in the air. Vayu, the Hindu deity of the wind, delivered the falling pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result. Hence Vayu is considered to be foster father of Hanumaan. When Lakshmana is severely wounded by Indrajit during the war against Ravana, Hanuman is sent to fetch the Sanjivani, a powerful life-restoring herb from the Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas to revive him. When he is unable to find the specific herb before nightfall, Hanuman again displays his might by lifting the entire Dronagiri mountain and brings it to the battlefield in Lanka, thus helping others find the herb to revive Lakshmana. An emotional Rama hugs Hanuman, declaring him as dear to him as his own beloved brother Lakshmana.

Shortly after he is crowned Emperor upon his return to Ayodhya, Rama decides to ceremoniously reward all his well-wishers. At a grand ceremony in his court, all his friends and allies take turns being honored at the throne. Seeing Hanuman come up to him, an emotionally overwhelmed Rama embraces him warmly, declaring that he could never adequately honour or repay Hanuman for the help and services. Sita, however, insists that Hanuman deserved honour more than anyone else and asks him to seek a gift. Upon Hanuman's request, Sita gives him a necklace of precious stones adorning her neck. When he receives it, Hanuman immediately tores it apart and peers into each stone. Taken aback, many of those present didn't know why he was destroying the precious gift. Hanuman answers that he was looking into the stones to make sure that Rama and Sita are in them, because if they were not present, the necklace is of no value to him. At this, a few mock Hanuman, saying his reverence and love for Rama and Sita could not possibly be as deep as he was portraying. In response, Hanuman tears his chest open and everyone is stunned to see Rama and Sita literally in his heart.

Dwara Balakas-Security guards of Vaikuntam

Jayan and Vijayan are the Dwarabalakas of Vaikuntam. They are Vishnu’s security guards. Once a group of sages visited Vaikuntam to meet Lord Vishnu. At the entrance the sages are blocked by Jayan and Vijayan. Angered by this act, the sages curse Jayan and Vijayan. Due to the curse they lose their honour and they are made to take birth in earth. They are given two options. They must take seven births as friends of Almighty or three births as enemies of God. Jayan and Vijayan were devoted to Vishnu and wanted to return back to Vaikuntam as soon as possible. So they agree to take birth as enemies of God so that they can return soon. They take birth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu and they are slain by Varaha and Narasimha avtars of Lord Vishnu. Then in Treta Yuga, they take birth as Ravanan and Kumbakarnan and Vishnu descends as Lord Ram to kill them. In the Dwarpa Yuga, they take birth as evil king’s Kamsa and Sisupala and Lord Krishna who is none other than Vishnu himself kills them to restore Dharma.

Vishnu-Lord of the Universe-Chapter#4

8 forms of Laksmi

Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Maha Vishnu and is the Goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility. She resides in Vishnu’s chest. Often the deity of Vishnu bears a medal in the chest to signify the presence of Maha Lakshmi. When the devas and asuras churned the milk ocean, Lakshmi emerged from the ocean along with Dhanvantri, jewels, precious stones, amurtham. She and Vishnu are inseparables. During Ram incarnation, she takes avatar of Sita. And when Vishnu comes as Krishna she takes birth as Rukmini and Radha and serves the Almighty Lord. Lakshmi is the power and strength of Lord Vishnu. In some places She is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both on either side of Vishnu's idol. Bhudevi is the fertility form in which She is Mother Earth. Sridevi is the wealth.

Different Names of Lakshmi

Padma: lotus dweller.
Kamala: lotus dweller.
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus


Goddess Lakshmi-Goddess of Beauty, wealth and prosperity.

Her other names include:
Bhargavi: One who is the incarnation of the daughter of Sage Bhrigu
Sridevi: Goddess of wealth
Bhumi Devii: Earth goddess
Jalaja: Born from sea.





Lakshmi often accompanied by Goddess Saraswati and Vinayagar.


Iconography:

Physically, goddess Lakshmi is described as a fair lady, with four arms, seated on a lotus, dressed in fine garments and precious jewels. Her expression is always calm and loving. The most striking feature of the iconography of Lakshmi is her persistent association with the lotus. The meaning of the lotus in relation to Shri-Lakshmi refers to purity and spiritual power. Rooted in the mud but blossoming above the water, completely uncontaminated by the mud, the lotus represents spiritual perfection and authority. Goddess Lakshmi's traditionally accepted vehicle, is the owl.





Popular painting of Ravi Verma depicting Goddess Lakshmi.


8 forms of Lakshmi’s:

Veera Lakshmi- Goddess of courage.
Gaja Lakshmi- Portrayed along with elephants symbolizing supremacy.
Santhana Lakshmi- Seen with a child.
Vijaya Lakshmi- Goddess of power.
Dhanya Lakshmi- Goddess of food.
Adhi Lakshmi- Supreme power.
Dhana Lakshmi- Goddess of wealth.
Aishwarya Lakshmi- Goddess of prosperity.




Lord Vishnu with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Lakshmi is often accompanied by Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. This combination is said to overcome any difficulty in life and the devotee will be blessed with wealth, knowledge and will be free of all obstacles in life. Lakshmi resides in the chest of Vishnu. This is often depicted by a dollar near the chest of Lord Vishnu.


Next Chapter#5: True Devotees of Vishnu

Stay tuned...

Vishnu-Lord of the Universe-Chapter#3

Praying to Vishnu
The purpose of doing puja is to thank and remember Maha Vishnu before starting our day. It is due to the Supreme that we have been given a good body, food, etc. It is He who awakens us in the morning and blesses us with sleep at night. It is He who constantly protects us from evil and bad things everyday. It is He who inspires and boosts our atma. Therefore to thank Him for all these valuable gifts, we need to pray to him. We think of Him first, before thinking and doing things for ourselves. Even when Vishnu came as Krishna to the world, He still followed all rituals and vedas as an human being, though he was the God.


Unfortunate People
It is wrong to tease people who are lame or mentally ill. After all they are also creation of God. It is their fate, ill-luck, that they have been born physically challenged. It is the duty of every human to take care of His elders and neighbours. When He incarnates, He has never shown partiality. He has respected everyone equally.








Vishnu as Parashuram with axe.
Parashuram Avtar



In the Parashurama avtar, Vishnu destroys evil king Katavirya Arjuna and restores peace. Parashuram was the son of rishi Jamadagni. Parashuram was well known for penance and strength. Katavirya Arjuna was the king of all Kshatriyas then. Katavirya Arjuna used to be very powerful and full of ego. One day Katavirya Arjuna stormed into the ashram of brahmins and forcibly took away the diive Kamdhenu. When Parashuram returned after completing penance and meditation, he learnt about the incident and vowed to slay Kartavirya Arjuna. Parashuram rescued Kamadhenu and handed the cow over to his parents and returned to his meditation and penance. Meanwhile Katavirya Arjuna's sons beheaded rishi Jamadagni, father of Parashuram. Parashuram was enraged when he learnt about his father’s demise. He hunted down all of Kshatriyas. He vowed to wipe out 21 generations of Kshatriyas. In this manner Bhagwan Parashuram removed evil Earth and re-established dharma. Parashuram proves the power of man. He considered as Rama with axe. The axe was presented by Lord Shiva after Bhagwan Parashuram underwent penance.

Ram with Lakshman, Sita Devi and Hanumaan.

Lord Ram

In Ram avtar, Lord Ram kills demon Ravana and rescues Sita Devi. Lord Ram is the most popular incarnation of all as in that incarnation, Ram lived life the way it should be lived. He didn’t succumb to materialistic pleasures of life and he lived as a proper family man and was loyal to Sita devi. He didn’t even use any of His divine powers as in Krishna avtar. Rama's life and journey is one of perfect adherence to dharma despite harsh tests of life and time. For the sake of his father's honour, Rama abandons his kingdom to Kosala's son to serve an exile of fourteen years in the forest. His wife, Sita and brother, Lakshmana being unable to live without Rama decide to join him, and all three spent the fourteen years in exile together. This leads to the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana. After a long and arduous search that tests his personal strength and virtue, Rama fights a colossal war against Ravana's armies. Rama slays Ravana in battle and liberates his wife.

Lord Balaram

Balaram is the elder brother of Lord Krishna. He is considered as an avtar of Adhi-Sesha, the giant snake on which Lord Vishnu rests. Balarama is always depicted as being fair skinned, especially in comparison to his brother, Krishna, who is shown as dark blue or black in color. His weapons are the plough and the mace. The only theological difference between Krishna and Balarama is that the body color of Krishna is dark and that of Balarama is fair. During Ram avtar, Goddess Maha Lakshmi incarnated as Sita along with Ram. The giant serpent Adhi-Sesha couldn't stay away from His Lord. So Adhi-Seshan incarnated as Lakshman, Ram's brother so that he could serve him in earth. The Lord was moved by Adhi-Seshan's devotion and spirit. So in next avtar, Adhi-Seshan incarnated as Balaram with an hamsam of Vishnu. Then Vishnu incarnated as Krishna and served Balarama in return of gratitude.

Lord Krishna

Krishna is the ninth avtar and perhaps the most popular avtar of Vishnu. Few consider Krishna has the Supreme Personality of God head from whom all avtars originate including Vishnu. According to Hinduism, Krishna is the avtar of Vishnu. His lifestyle was very different from that of other avtars. His favourite food item was butter. He was a naughty kid during His earlier days and He was a great hero amongst women (Gopis). During his lifetime, he killed many demons, evil kings and bad elements. Everyone knew by looking at Him that He was no ordinary human. However, Krishna is widely criticised for His one-sided partial nature towards Pandavas during the Great War Mahabharata. Krishna played a lot of pranks using His Supreme Powers indirectly to reestablish justice. It was in this avtar that Vishnu in the form of Krishna shows his awesome cosmic form to Arjuna. All living forms, land, ocean, all gods are seen in His radiance. Krishna himself is killed by an archer after the Great War.

Kalki Avtar

As the world was neared the end of Dwarpa Yuga, Vishnu took the form of Balarama and Krishna and destroyed evil demons, kings in the world. Thus the world was devoid of bad people once again. In the last incarnation Kalki, Vishnu will come as a white horse with a sword to remove evil and He will reestablish peace and truth. We can see that every time there is imbalance between good and bad, God descends down to earth to remove bad elements from the society. Every Religion has got truth. God has taken many forms to give us joy and protection whether it’s Jesus or Allah. There is a path to reach God. Different paths may lead to the same destination. Likewise, there are different religions all leading to the same God.

Next Edition:- Goddess Lakshmi-Consort of Vishnu.

Vishnu-The Lord of the Universe-Chapter#2

Vishnu in the form of fish. Matsya Avtar.


In Kaliyuga, people are far away from God. The world is full of injustice. The human civilization has degraded spiritually through the years. All humans have become sinners. It's the age for wrong doers. There is ignorance of Dharma everywhere. People are killing each other in the name of Religion and castes. No one is really concerned about other’s welfares. Humans will be inclined to follow false sciences rather than accepting the Vedas as the Ultimate Truth to reality. People will see those who are helpless as easy targets and remove everything from them. Other’s property will be coveted. There will be a mad craze for money, lust and other cheap materialistic pleasures of life. Students won't be obedient to the Guru's. In the age of Kali Yug, even pre-teenage girls will get pregnant. The primary cause will be the social acceptance of sexual intercourse as being the central requirement of life. Human life’s moral values will be lost.




Vishnu in the form of tortoise-Kurma Avtar

It is believed that sin will increase exponentially, whilst virtue will fade and cease to flourish. People will take vows only to break them soon. People will destroy trees and gardens in the view of urbanization. People will become addicted to intoxicating drinks.

The good and the bad are balanced. However, sometimes the amount of evilness increases. God descends down into earthly form to remove injustice. Wrong doers will be punished. This is evident from the incarnation of nine avatars.

In the Matsya avatar, Vishnu-The Supreme takes the form of a fish and saves the world from destruction and reestablishes growth of life in the world by defeating a demon which stole the vedas from Brahma. Earlier, a evil demon stole the vedas from Brahma and kept it under an ocean. Vishnu took the form of a fish and fights the demon under water and restores vedas and gives it back to Brahma.

But peace was short lived. The world was again facing miseries. The Devas and Asuras were always at war. In one such war, the demi-gods were on the verge of defeat. A truce was made and the Devas and Asuras agreed to churn the milk ocean to get the divine nectar, which will make anyone immortal. At that time, Vishnu takes the form of a tortoise i.e. Kurma Avatar to support the mountain. Mandara was used as Churn Dasher and Vasuki, The King of Serpents was used as a rope to churn it. Then Maha Vishnu takes the form of Mohini a charming damsel and distracts the evil minded asuras. Thus they are devoid of nectar. The Devas consumed the nectar become and immortal. Rightness is again restored. It is believed that Rahu and Ketu actually drank some of the nectar. This was seen by the Sun and Moon God. Lord Surya and Moon god told this to Vishnu. With the help of his discus, Lord Vishnu cuts the head of Rahu and the body of Ketu. But since they had consumed the nectar, the remaining pieces remained alive. Later, Rahu and Ketu got an head and body of a snake respectively. It is believed that during eclipse, Rahu and Ketu eat up a portin of Sun and Moon as a sign of revenge.


Varaha Avtar. Vishnu saves the earth when it sunk deep into the ocean.

After many years, a demon named Hirayaksha sinks the world deep into the ocean. Lord Narayana comes in the form of a Boer i.e. Varaha Avatar and rescues the earth and lifts it from the ocean. Hiranyakasipu was the brother of Hiranyaksha. He was no different from his evil-minded brother. He hated Lord Narayana and didn’t allow anyone to worship Narayana. However, his son Prahlad was a Vishnu devotee. Hiranyakasipu warned his own son not to worship Vishnu. But Prahlad didn't listen to his father. Enraged by his son’s disobedience, he decides to kill his own son. Sarcastically, he asks his son where his Lord is present? Prahlad replies calmly, “That He is present everywhere and He is omnipresent”. Frustrated and enraged Hiranyakasipu inquires whether his Lord is present inside the stone pillar near his throne. Prahlad says, “Yes”. Hiranyakasipu breaks the pillar and Vishnu appears in the form of half man-half lion form i.e. Narasimha avatar. Thus it is evident that God always comes to the rescue of His devotees in times of danger and no one cares for us as the Divine Lord Perumal.



Lord Narasimha killing Hiranyakasipu. Prahlad can be seen at the right.


Hiranyakasipu was the brother of Hiranyaksha. He was no different from his evil-minded brother. He hated Lord Narayana and didn’t allow anyone to worship Narayana. However, his son Prahlad was a Vishnu devotee. Hiranyakasipu warned his own son not to worship Vishnu. Enraged by his son’s disobedience, he decides to kill his own son. Sarcastically, he asks his son where his Lord is present? Prahlad replies calmly, “That He is present everywhere and He is omnipresent”. Frustrated and enraged Hiranyakasipu inquires whether his Lord is present inside the stone pillar. Prahlad says, “Yes”. Hiranyakasipu breaks the pillar and Vishnu appears in the form of half man-half lion form i.e. Narasimha avatar. Thus it is evident that God always comes to the rescue of His devotees in times of danger and no one cares for us as the Divine Lord Perumal.



Vamana humbles Maha Bali.


In the next avatar, Vishnu takes the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. King Maha Bali was a good person. However, he was an Asuran and he wanted to win the devas. Though he was good at heart, he had a very bad attitude towards the Devas. In order to attain a heavenly position he performs Ashwamedha Yagam. Maha Bali conducts Ashwamedha Yagam and donates wealth to brahmins and the poor needy. Vishnu disguised as a brahmin named Vamana approaches Bali and asks for three feet of land. Underestimating, the size of the person he agrees to give it as an offering not minding his Guru Sukracharaya’s words. Sukracharaya warned him earlier that Vamana was none other than Vishnu himself who has come to humble him. Sukracharya then becomes an insect and enters into the water pot as it was customary to pour water before donating anything. Maha Bali was confused when water didn't pour out of the pot. Actually Guru Sukracharya was inside in the form of a bee to prevent water from flowing out. Vamana uses "dharbai" and inserts it into the pot's nozzle to allow the water to pour out. It hurts Sukracharya's eye. Once Maha Bali whole heartedly agrees for the donation, Vamana exposes his true form. He expands Himself and keeps one foot on the earth and the other on the heaven. Bali knew that he had been outwitted by the Supreme. He offered his head for the third step. In this incarnation Vishnu shows that He is the Supreme and the most powerful person. He keeps one foot on earth and shows to humans that he is superior to them. He keeps another step on the heaven to show Indra that He is stronger than him too.


Important lessons to be learnt:

* God is Supreme be it Allah, Jesus or Shiva. Fighting and killing each other in the name of religion is doing sin in the name of God. Religion is only a path to salvation. It is a route to attain peace.

* Proof of evolution is observed. Vishnu comes in the form of Fish, Tortoise, then a four legged boar, half man-half lion Narasimha and a dwarf brahmin, then as a perfect man in Parasuram Avtar. In Ram avtar, he shows how a family man should live. In Balaram avtar, he shows his friendly nature. In Krishna avtar, he proves his kiddish playful nature, Supreme power and divine knowledge as he recites Bhagvad Gita.

* His omnipresent nature is seen in Narasimha avtar.

* His power is felt in all his avtars.


Next Edition(22/11/2007):-Chapter#3 Avatar's-Part-II



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