gods have existed from time without beginning,

 Jai Sri Ram,

At the direction of the sages Sambhu and Bhavani paid divine honors to Lord Ganesha, let no one puzzled to hear this, for one should bear in mind that gods have existed from time without beginning,

The great sages have the nuptial ceremony performed in all its details as laid down in the Vedas, Taking Kusha grass in the hand and holding the bride by her hand, Himachal made over over to shiva, knowing her to be his eternal consort, 

When the Great Lord Shiva took the hand of Bhavani, all the gods were glad at heart, principle sages chant the Vedic formula, while the gods exclaimed, Victory to Shankara, Musical instruments were sounded and flowers were rained down by heavens, 

The Wedding of Hara and Giriza was concluded. A spirit of rejoicing pervaded the whole universe, dowry given was more than one could describe, then, Himachal joining his palms, said, I have nothing to give you, he could say no more and remained clasping the latter's feet, 

Jai Siya Ram

out of shy she could not gauge her lord's lotus feet

 Jai Sri Ram,

When they heard Narada's explanation, the sadness of all was dispersed, in a trice the new spread from house to house, Himachal and Mena rejoiced and bowed at Parvati's feet again and again, all citizens were immensely delighted, 

Festive songs began to be sung in the city, Himachal respectfully summoned all the members of bridegroom party, the dinner guest sat in many rows, expert cook began to serve, finding the gods dining, women began to banter and rail at them in pleasant strain, gods feel much amused to hear them, 

Seven sages called once more Himachal and read out to Himalaya note recording the time fixed foe the wedding, perceived that hour has arrived, the latter sent for gods, Himachal politely sent for all the gods and assigned an appropriate seat to each of them, Vedic rituals being performed midst of charming festal strains from women, 

Bowing his head to Brahmans, Shiva took his seat on the throne that embodiment of divinity, great sages then sent for Uma, who was brought in by her girl companions richly adorned, Divinities mentally bows to her, the perfection of the beauty of Bhavani that mother of the universe is beyond description, Mother Bhavani the mind of beauty, walked to the middle of pavilion, where Shiva was, out of shy she could not gauge her lord's lotus feet, although her heart was fixed there like a bee,

Jai Siya Ram 

incarnated as Parvati now in your home

 Jai Sri Ram,

How strange that the creator who has made you so lovely, should have given you a crazy bridegroom, Taking you in my arm, I would sooner fall from a mountain top, cast myself into the flames or drown into the sea, let my home be ruined and let me earn a bad reputation but in case would I marry you with this manix so long there is life in me,

All the ladies assembled there were distressed when saw Maina distressed, Maina said what harm I have done to Narada that he should ruined my happy house, Why he destroy other's home, has neither shame nor fear, what a barren woman known the pain of childbirth,

Bhavani addressed Mother with prudent words, whatever is ordained by the providence cannot be altered, if I am destined to have a crazy husband, why should anyone be blamed for it, can you alter the decree of providence, cease lamenting, not an occasion for, on hearing the news Himachal came to the house along with Narada, 

Then Narada reassured them all, narrating the past history of Uma, He said, Mena hear my true words, your daughter is none other than Bhavani, the eternal consort of Shiva, mother of the universe, she is unborn and imperishable divine energy, which has no beginning, is Shiva's inseparable half, First she wsa born in the house of Daksha in the name of Sati, there she had married to Shiva,, beheld Rama in way while returning home, did not listen to Shiva's advice and was beguiled into assuming the disguise of Sita, Shiva repudiated her, she visited sacrifice undertaken by her father and burnt herself in Yoga Agni, incarnated as Parvati now in your home,

Jai Siya Ram

raving madman for bridegroom

 Jai Sri Ram,

Adoring themselves and decorating their vehicles, a party proceeded in advance to receive the procession with due favor,gladdened to heart the gathering of immortals, Happy to behold Vishnu, but when they started looking at shiva's retinue, it was alike a scene of horror, they flied in panic,

Adults recovered themselves and reamined where they were, while every child that ran for its life, reaching home, their parents questioned them, still shaking with fear, said, what shall we say, the sight was such as could not be described, they wanders as if it is bridegroom procession of procession of death,

Bridegroom is a maniac, riding on a bull, serpents, skulls and ashes are his ornaments, smeared with ashes, naked, has matted hair, dreadful at look with frightful countenance, He who survive on seeing such procession and bridegroom, is a man of great luck, parents smiles, for they knew that the children were talking about Shiva's retinue,

The party which had gone ahead to receive returned with procession and assigned beautiful  lodgings to all the guests, Mena kindled auspicious lights wavering round the bridegroom, women accompanying her sang melodies songs, proceeded to welcome Shiva with great delight, all were seized with excessive fear when saw Shiva in frightful accoutrements, great panic captured them all, mena was sore at heart, sent for Parvati, with great affection seated her in her laps, tears rushed to her eyes, when resembled the pair of blue lotus, who made you so beautiful, should have been stupid enough to give you such a raving madman for bridegroom, 

Jai Siya Ram, 

commotion in the city

 Jai Sri Ram,

The procession is now quite worthy of bridegroom, the processionist indulged in gaieties of various kinds as they went along, on otherside Himachal erected a most wonderful Pavilion which is beggared description, 

The whole host of woods, seas, rivers and ponds were invited, capable of taking any form they like it, assumed handsome figures and repaired to the house of Himalaya along with their retinue and fair consorts, sang festive songs out of affection, 

Mountain king already caused a number of houses to be tastefully decorated, the guest were lodged therein, each occupying a house befitting one's status, the splendour of the city was captivating, A glance at the beautiful city made the creative art of Brahma himself pale into insignificance, 

The City in which mother of the universe had embodied herself forth baffled all description, prosperity and success, wealth and happiness were always on the increase there and presented a new aspect,  when it was that the procession of the bridegroom close at hand, there was commotion in the city, which added to its charm, 

Jai Siya Ram.

bridegroom's procession

 Jai Sri Ram,

They relate the whole episode to him and he was much grieved to hear how Shiva burnt love god, sages then told him of the boon granted to Rati, himvan was much relieved to learn, recalling the glory of Shiva Himachal respectfully summoned great sages, speedily got the exact time of wedding fixed, He handed over the note to seven sages, calling on Brahma they delivered the note, 

All gods began to adorn their vehicles and ariel cars, auspicious omens were visible all around, the attendants of Shiva began to adorn their lord, his matted locks were formed in to crown, decked with crest of serpents, had serpents for his ear rings, bracelets, smeared his person with ashes and wrapped a lion's skin round his lion, bore the crescent on his charming brow, and river Ganga on the crown of his head and had three eyes and a serpent in the sacred thread,

His thought was dark with poison swallowed by him at the beginning of creation and had a wreath of human skulls about his neck, thus clad in a ghastly attire, was nonetheless an embodiment of blessing and merciful to the core, a trident and a Damaru adorned in hands, rode on a bull while musical instruments played, female divinities smiled to see him, the world has no bride worthy of bridegroom, they said to one another,

Vishnu, Brahma, and hosts of other gods joined the bridegroom's procession and rode on their respective vehicles, gathering of immortals was incomparable in every respect, however, was worthy of the bridegroom, God Vishnu then called all guardians of the different quarters and smilingly said, everyone of you should march separately, each with his own retinue, the procession, is no worthy of the bridegroom, hearing the words of Vishnu, gods smiles and parted, each with his won group, Shiva laughed in his sleeves and noticed Sri Hari's humour, 

Jai Siya Ram 

fire possesses this inherent property that frost can never approach it,

 Jai Sri Ram,

The heart of all immortals is seized with a dominating impulse, they long to witness your wedding with their own eyes, my lord, O humbler of the pride of love, devise some means whereby we may be enabled to feast our eyes on this grand event, having burnt the god of love you have done well in granting a boon to Rati, Parvati has practiced great penance which cannot be estimated, kindly accept her now, Shiva gladly said Amen,

The gods thereupon sounded kettledrums, raining down flowers exclamation victory, victory to the lord of celestials, considering this an opportune moment, the seven sages arrived on the scene, Brahma immediately sent them to Himachal, first they reached at Parvati, said, relying on the advice of Narada you would not heed our remonstrances then, your vow failed now, Shiva has burnt the god of love, 

Gearing this, Bhavani said, O great sages, you have spoken aright, according to your belief it is now that Shiva has burnt love god and till now he was smitten with love, to my mind Shiva is eternally in rapport with the infinite, unbegotten, irreprochable, passionless and without enjoyment, knowing him as such if I have served him, the gracious lord will accomplish my vow, your version that Hara has burnet the love god betrays woeful lack of thought in you, fire possesses this inherent property that frost can never approach it,

In case it does it must inveriable perish, similar is the case with love god and the great Lord Shiva, hearing the words of Bhavani and perceiving her devotion and faith, the sages were gladened at heart, bowing their head to her, they went to Himachal,

Jai Siya Ram

gods reached Shiva and rejoiced at once

 JaiSri Ram,

Even now accept our advice, we have thought of an excellent match for you, is free from blemishes, mine of virtues, Lord of Laxmi, his abode in Vaikuntha, such a suitor we shall unite with you, Said Parvati, you have rightly observed that this body of mine is begotten of a rock, I will sooner die than give up my tenacity, gold is another product of rock, which does not abandon its character even of consigned to fire,

I may not ignore Narada's advice, I fear not, he who has not faith in the word's of his preceptor cannot easily attain either happiness or success even in dream, Shiva may be full of faults and Vishnu May be a repository of all virtues, one is ever concerned with him alone who gladden one's heart, had you meet me earlier, i would have listened you, but not now,as for myself I must wed Shambu or remains virgin, no matter, 

Seeing Parvati's devotion, enlightened sages exclaimed, Glory to You, the mother of universe, You are Maya, while Shiva is God himself, bowing their head they departed, Thrill ran to the body of Parvati again and again with the words of sages, Sages went and dispatched Himachal to Girija, Sages called on to Shiva, relate the truth, they experienced and went to their abode, Demon Taraka was flourishing and causing distract to gods, they approached Brahma, Brahma reassured them by saying, demon should die when the son sprong from loins of Shiva, for he alone can subdue that demon in battle,

They manage cupid to disturb the serene cult of Shiva to make him ready for merry with Parvati, god of love failed miserably to invoke Shiva for the cause of gods though he made to seized the mind of all including animate and inanimate, but it yields his end, Shiva mind too get afflicted, soon shiva In rage reduced love god to ashes, then console his wife Rati and relate the truth unto birth of her consort, till then, love gods dominate all even without body, In Krishna age, born as his son and you shall found him, all the gods reached Shiva and rejoiced at once,

Jai Siya Ram, 

I always covet Shiva as my husband,

  Jai Sri Ram,

Now, Shiva, if you have any affection for me, listen to my appeal, go and marry Sailja, the daughter of Himachal, grant this boon to me, Shiva replied, though this is hardly justified, the word of master cannot be sat aside at the same time, The words of one's parents, teacher and master must be unquestionably obeyed as conductive to bliss, you are my supreme benefactor in everyway, therefore, I bow to your commands, the Lord, was pleased to hear the well chosen words of Sankara, which are inspired with devotion, wisdom and piety, 

The Lord Said, your vow has been ket, now bear in mind what I have told you, saying so he went out of sight, Sankara cherished the impression of the vision in his heart, that very moment the seven sages called on shiva, the Lord spoke to them in most charming accents, going to parvati, you put her love to the test, then directing her father, Himachala, to her, send her back home and dispel her doubts, 

There the seers saw Gauri that Parvati, as if she were penance itself personified, the sages said, hear, Parvati, why are you practicing such rigorous penance, whom do you worship and what do you seek, why not confide to us the real secret, I feel very shy in making my submission, you will be amused to hear of my folly, yet my mind has taken a rigid attitude and heeds no advice, it would raise a wall on water relying to the truth of Narada's prophecy, I long to fly even without wings, look at my madness, I always covet Shiva as my husband,

Sages laughed and Replied, tell us who has ever listened to Narada's advice and lived in his home, he astonished sons of Daksha, they never saw their home, he ruined the home of Citraketu and again Hiranyakashipu meet the similar fate, whosoever listen his advice are sure to leave their home and become medicent, guileful at heart in garn of holy, wants to make everyone like himself, relying on his word looking for a consort that with inauspicious look, wear string of skulls, take serpents as an ornaments, is carefree, lives on alms, and enjoy sound sleep, CAN WOMAN STAY IN THE HOUSE OF HABITuaL ReCluSe,

Jai Siya Ram 

Sri Ekadasi today

 

Rama visited Shiva

 Jai Sri Ram,

Listen, O daughter of mountain king, your desire is accomplished, cease all your rigorous penance, Shiva be soon be yours,

There have been many self possessed and illumined sages, but none of them performed such penance as this, now cherish in your heart this supreme utterance from heaven, knowing it to be invariably true, and ever sacred,

There, ever since Sati went, quitted her body, Shiva's mind recoiled from everything, he ever repeated the name of Lord, heard the recitation of Rama's glory here and there,

Shiva, who by nature is embodiment of bliss, free from error, arrogance and desire, roamed about on earth with his heart fixed on Lord, Rama visited Shiva and admonished him in many ways and told him of the birth of Parvati, narrated in length the most pious doings of Girija,

Jai Siya Ram, 

APARNA

 Jai Sri Ram,

The Sage Vedasira then came and consoled them all, they were comforted when they heard of the glory of Parvati,

Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Uma went to the forest and began her penance, her delicate frame was little fit for austerities, yet she renounced all luxuries fixing her mind on the feet of her Lord,

Her devotion presented a new phase everyday, got absorbed in penanance that she lost the conscious of her body, thousand years she lived on roots and fruits, while another hundred years she subsisted on vegetables, for some days her only sustenance was air and water, while few days she observed a rigorous fast, 

Three thousand years she maintained herself on the withered leaves, finally she gave up even dry leaves, then came to be known as APARNA, living without leaves, seeing her body emaciated through self mortification the deep voice of Brahma that creator resounded through heaven,

Jai Siya Ram, 

Again and again

 Jai Sri Ram,

Again and again she hugged the child, her voice was chocked with emotion and found tongue tied,

The mother of the universe, the all knowing Bhavani, then spoke the following soft words, which brought delight to her mother,

Listen, Mother, I relate to you a vision which I saw, A handsome and fair complexion noble Brahman gave me the following exhortation, 

Recognizing the truth of Narada's words go and practice penance, austerity is conductive to joy, and put an end to sorrow, and evils, hearing these words the mother was filled with wonder, she sent for Himachal and communicated her vision, consoling her parents Uma set out for penance joyously, parents felt miserable but could not speak a word,

Jai Mahadev 

tears rushed to her eyes and she affectionately took the girl in her lap

 Jai Sri Ram,

Put away all anxiety, me dear, said Himachal to his consort, fix your mind on the thoughts of Lord, 

He alone who has created the Parvati will bring her happiness, now if you cherish any love for your child, then go, and admonish her that she should practice austerity which will bring about her union with Shiva, there is no other way of overcoming sorrow, 

The words of Narada are pregnant and full of reason, Shiva is handsome and limit of beauty, mine of virtues, recognizing this truth do not entertain any misgiving, Shiva is irreprochable in everyway

Hearing the words from her consort Maina felt delighted at heart, she at once rose and went where Giriza Was, at the sight of Uma tears rushed to her eyes and she affectionately took the girl in her lap, 

Jai Siya Ram

moon amit flames of the fire than the prophecy of Narada prove untrue,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Know is known for being bestower of boons, is dispeller of the agony of the suppliant, an ocean of benevolence and the delight of devotees,

Without propitiating Shiva the object of one's desire cannot ne attained through millions of Yogic practices, and Japa,

So saying and with thought fixed on Sri Hari Narada gave his blessings to Girija, and said, Shed all fear, O lord of Mountains, all will now turn out well,

Having spoken thus, the sage returned to the abode of Brahma, Maina said to Himachal, my lord I could not follow the words of Narada, Uma is dear to me as my life, if we fail to secure a match worthy of Girija, everyone will say Himalaya is dull by nature, Said Himachal, sooner shall the moon amit flames of the fire than the prophecy of Narada prove untrue, 

Jai Siya Ram,

Shiva alone can erase the lines of fate

 Jai Sri Ram,

Holy men never drink wine even if to know that it has been made of water from Ganga, but the same wine becomes pure when it is poured into Ganga,

The difference between the individual soul and the God should be similarly explained, Shiva is all powerful by nature, for he is no other than God, 

Hence matrimony with him will prove to be auspicious in everyway, Shiva is difficult to propitiate but is known for quickly please if earnest prayer is made,

Shiva alone can erase the lines of fate, even though there are many suitors in the world, there is no match for her except Shiva,

Jai Siya Ram

Can embodied soul vie with God

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sage Said to Himalaya, O Himavan, whatever has been decreed by fate no one can change it, no one can undo it, not even gods, human, Nagas or sages, 

Nevertheless I tell you one remedy, this may avail if heaven helps you, Uma will undoubtedly get such husband as I have described you, but whatever demerits I have shown in her bridegroom exist in Shiva,  if her marriage takes place with Shiva, everyone will call the demerits as good as virtues, 

Even though Sri Hari uses the serpent god as his coach and sleeps thereon, wise not blame, even so the sun and the fire absorbs moisture in all forms, but no one calls them name, again water of every description, pure as well impure, flows into the Ganga yet, no calls the celestial stream impure, 

Even the Sun, fire and Ganga incur no blame, if in pride of wisdom foolish men emulate the great, they are cast into the hell of Kalpa, Can embodied soul vie with God, 

Jai Siya Ram 

shall win unfailing love of her husband

 Jai Sri Ram,

The sage smilingly replied, your daughter is a mine of virtues, pretty, amiable, and intelligent by nature, shall win unfailing love of her husband, bring glory to her parents, 

She shall command the respect of the whole universe, he who waits upon, shall lack nothing, just thought of her name women in the world shall tread the path of fidelity, 

Your Daughter is endowed with auspicious marks, with few drawbacks, Her spouse shall be more a renounced entity, free from pride or so,, without father or mother, 

An ascetic with matted hair and heart devoid of longing, stark half naked with hideous accoutrements, such one shall be her Husband, as I can read the lines on her palm, this made Himalaya and his consort unconsolable but Parvati felt delight eternally, Narada could nor perceive it, Mother of Parvati was in wet eyes, as words of the sage can never be untrue, Uma cherished as love for Lord Shiva sprout in her heart as much as it could be, 

Jai Siya Ram

Sati born as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya king Himachal,

 Jai Sri Ram,

While dying, Sati asked a boon from Sri Hari that she might remain devoted to Shiva in all successive births, That is why she was born as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya king Himachal, 

Ever since Uma was born in the house of Himalaya, the mountain become an abode of blessings and prosperity, sages built their hermitages there to ensure their gracious abode,

Young trees of different verities were endowed with never falling blossoms, and fruits and mines of jewels of various kinds appeared on the beautiful mountain, all the rivers bore holy waters, 

Birds, beasts and bees, all rejoiced, animal gave up their natural antipathies and all dwelt on mountain loved one another, advent of Giriza wore cheerful look, everyday brought a new delight, whose glory sung by the Brahma, Narada eagerly went to the house of Himachal, Himachal received the sage with honor, washing sage's feet with spirit, bowed his head to sage, then requested Sage to relate the destiny of his daughter with mature consideration, 

Jai Siya Ram, 

in his wrath sent Virabhadra, he made havoc to the sacrifice

 Jai Sri Ram,

The insult to Shiva was something unbearable, Sati's heart could not, therefore, be pecified, then, sharply reproaching the whole assembly, She Spoke in Angry Accents,

Hear ye elders of the assembly and all great sages, you have reviled Sankara or heard his reviled must forth reap the fruit of your sin, my father shall repent, 

Shiva is slayer of great demons of time and ages, universal spirit by nature, beneficent to all, to him my father vilified, and this body of mine has sprung from his loins, She installing Shiva in her heart spoke thus, burnt her body with the fire of Yoga, Plaintive cry rose from the whole assembly, 

Hearing the death of Sati, attendants of Shiva began to destroy the sacrifice, great Sage Bhrigu protected it, Sankara got all the news and in his wrath sent Virabhadra, he made havoc to the sacrifice and requited all gods according to their deserts, 

Jai Siya Ram,

insult offered to one's own people is the most painful

 Jai Sri Ram,

When Bhavani reached her Father's house, no one greeted her, except her Mother, sisters meet her with profuse smiles, 

Daksha would not even inquire about her health, burn all over with rage at the sight of Sati, then Sati went to the place of sacrifice, did not find any share of oblations set apart for Shiva,

Here Sati Realize the warning imparted by Shiva, her heart was at hidden fire as if the blaze the universe, her grief was beyond words, now she felt the insult of Shiva by her own family,

Although there are terrible agonies of various kind in this world, the insult offered to one's own people is the most painful of them all, it made Sati furious beyond horizon, her mother tries all to pacify her in many ways,

Jai Siya Ram.

Sri Diwali today

 

Eve of Sri Diwali

 

Sri Dhanteras Today

 

Sri Ekadasi today

 

one should call on one's friend, master, father and Guru without wailing for formal invitation,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sati felt very miserable, her deep agony was beyond words, after eighty seven thousand years Shiva start muttering the name Rama at optimize vocal pitch, made Sati to know that Lord has awakened from its trance,

She went and bowed to Shiva, Shiva respectfully gave her seat to sit beside him, soon Sati came to know unto the Yajna being formed by his father, seek permission to visit her father's Yajna, Said, 

There is great rejoicing at my father's house, O Lord, if you grant me leave, I would fain to go and see it, Shiva replied in mild ascent, your suggestion is good but anomaly is that your father has sent no invitation, ignored us because of a grudge, 

In the court of Brahma he once took offence at my behavior, that is why insults us even uptil now, if you go there uninvited, all decorum, affection and honor will be cast to the wind, there is no doubt that one should call on one's friend, master, father and Guru without wailing for formal invitation, yet where someone nurses a grudge against you, must avoid it, you reap no good by going there, He expostulated with Sati in many ways, but miserable failed to convince her having reasoned her many ways Shiva gave many mighty attendants to escort her and sent her away,

Jai Siya Ram,

I may die and be thus rid of this unbearable calamity without much exertion,

 Jai Sri Ram,

The grief that prayed on Sati's mind was ever new, for she did not know when She would cross the ocean of sorrow, said to herself, providence has repaid for my sins and has done only that which I deserved,

Now, O God, it does not behove you that you should make me survive even after alienating me from Sankara, anguish of her heart was beyond words, She invoked Rama in her heart, and addressed him thus, if they refer to you as compassionate to the poor and it Vedas have glorified, you as the dispeller of sorrow,

I beseech with joined palms, O Lord, that I may be speedily rid of this body of mine, if I have any devotion to the lotus feet of Shiva, if I am true to my vow in thought, word and deed,

Then, O all perceiving Lord, listen to me, and speedily devise some plan whereby I may die and be thus rid of this unbearable calamity without much exertion, 

Jai Siya Ram,

communed with his own self passed into unbroken Samadhi that Trance,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Even water when mixed with milk sells as milk, look at the unifying process of love, however, is separated from the milk, and the taste also disappears the moment a drop of acid is introduced into it in the form of a falsehood,

Sati felt perturbed in her heart at the thought of what she had done, and the extend of her anxiety could neither be gauged nor described, She realized that Lord is supremely unfathomable ocean of mercy, hence he did not openly declare her fault,

From the attitude of Sankara, however, she judged that lord had abandoned her, and felt disturbed in her heart, conscious of her guilt she could not utter a word, but all the while her heart smouldered like a furnace,

Perceiving the sad look of Sati, Shiva narrated beautiful stories in order to divert her mind, relating various legends while on his way, reached Kailasha, then recalling his vow, Sambhu sat down there under a banyan tree in the Yogic posture, communed with his own self passed into unbroken Samadhi that Trance,

Jai Siya Ram

FELT SORRY THAT SHE HAD TRIED TO DECEIVE SHAMBHU

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sati has assumed the disguise of Sita, This Made Shiva Much Disconsolate, If I continue to love Sati as heretofore, the cult of devotion will disappear and wit will be indecorous on my part to do, Sati is Too Chaste to be Abandoned, and it is a great sin to love her any more as a wife,

The Great Lord Shiva uttered not a word aloud, although there was great agony in his heart,He bowed at his Lord, invoked Rama, idea came to his mind that he should have no connection with Sati so long she continued in that body and proceeded towards Kailasa fixed his mind on Rama,

Heavenly voice thundered forth, GLORY TO GREAT SHIVA, who has so staunchly upheld the cause of devotion, WHO ELSE THAN YOU CAN TAKE SUCH A VOW, You are great devotee of Rama, 

Sati addressed Shiva in faltering voice, TELL ME, O MERCIFUL LORD, WHAT VOW YOU HAVE TAKEN, you are embodiment of truth and compassion to poor, even though Sati enquired in ways more than one, Shiva spoke not a word, SATI CONCLUDED THAT SHIVA HAD COME TO KNOW EVERYTHING AND FELT SORRY THAT SHE HAD TRIED TO DECEIVE SHAMBHU, 

Jai Siya Ram 

bowed His head to the delusive power of Sri Rama, that had prompted Sati to tell a lie,

 Jai Sri Ram,

When She opened her eyes and gazed once more, Sati saw nothing there, repeatedly bowing her head at the feet of Sri Rama, she proceeded to the spot where Shiva was,

When She came near, Lord Shiva smilingly enquired if all was well with her and then said, tell me the whole truth, how did you test Rama, 

Having realized the greatness of Rama, Sati in her awe concealed the truth from Shiva, Said, I MADE NO TEST MY LORD, I made obeisance just like you, what you said cannot be untrue, 

I am fully convinced in my heart, Lord Sankara then looked within by contemplation, and come to know all that Sati had done, again he bowed His head to the delusive power of Sri Rama, that had prompted Sati to tell a lie, what has preordained by the will of Hari, must have its way, Shiva though within himself, 

Jai Siya Ram

she sat down on the wayside,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sati further perceived innumerable Satis, Consort of Brahma and Lakshmis, all peerless in beauty, they conformed in their appearance to the garb in which Brahma and other gods,

Each separate vision of Rama was attended by a whole host of gods with their feminine counterparts, as well as by the whole animate and inanimate creation with its multitudinous species, 

But while the gods who adored the lord appeared in diverse garbs, the appearance of Rama was the same in every case, 

Although She Saw many Ramas with many Sitas, their garb did not vary, seeing the same trio, struck with great awe, her heart quivered and she lost her consciousness of her body, closing eyes she sat down on the wayside,

Jai Siya Ram,

painful wound arose

 Jai Sri Ram,

Rama spoke softly in mild ascent, describing his name along with his father's name with Joining his hands, bowed down to her, asked, where is Lord Shiva, why are you going alone in the forest,

Hearing the soft and deep words of Rama, she became very shy, Sati fearfully turn back, thinking deeply in her heart, I commit a grave mistake to disobey Shiva, wandering within herself, where should I go now, and a very painful wound arose,

Knowing Rama, Sati was in pain, revealed his glory to her, Sati saw going ahead Rama and his brother,Then she looked back, she saw the Lord with his brother and Sita in a beautiful attire, 

Wherever she looked, there was glorious trio, who served by Siddhas, sages and the wise men, Saw Shiva, Vishnu, many more, infinite glory, worshipper serves the Lord Rama in various attires, all the gods are seen serving Rama with great reverence,

Jai Siya Ram

Sati took the form of Sita

 Jai Sri Ram,

Thinking again and again in heart, Sati took the form of Sita and walked on the path where the king of men was,

Lakshmana looked at Uma and was surprised and there was a lot of confusion in the heart, could not say anything very seriously, the Lord knows the power of the wise,

The lord knows all about the deceitful act of Devi Sati, knower of all the worlds knows everything,

The one who remembers Lord Rama, ignorance is dispelled at once, this is truth of the lord of all worlds, to such a Lord Sati wants to deceive through her elusive form, 

Jai Siya Ram

why not go and verify the thing

 Jai Sri Ram,

If you have grave doubt in your mind, why not go and verify the thing, I shall be waiting in the shade of Banyan tree till you come back, Using your critical judgement you should resort to some device whereby the stupendous error of your ignorance may be rectified, 

Thus attaining leave of Shiva, Sati, proceeded on her mission, She racked her brains to find out what step she should take in order to test the divinity of Rama, 

On this side Shiva came to the conclusion that mischief was in store for Sati, when her doubt did not yield even my assurances, he Said to himself, it seems the stars are unpropitious to her and no good will come out of it, 

After all, whatever Sri Rama has willed must come to pass, why should one add to the complication by indulging in further speculation, so saying Lord Shiva began to mutter the name of Sri Hari, while Sati proceeded the spot where the all blissful Rama was, 

Jai Siya Ram

Look here, Sati

 Jai Sri Ram,

Look here, Sati, the woman is foremost in you, you should never harbour such doubt in your mind, He is no other than Rama, the hero of Raghu Race, my beloved deity, whose story was sung bu jar born sage Agastya, 

Faith in whom was the subject of talk I gave to him and whom illumined sages ever wait upon, he who has embodied himself forth as the jewel of Raghu's Race for the sake of his devotees is no other than supreme eternal,

He is all pervading and ever free, who is ruler of the worlds and Lord of Maya whom illumined sages, Yogis and Siddhas constantly meditate upon with their sinless mind and whose glory is sung was the Vedas as well as the Purushas and other scriptures in negative terms as not that,

Although Shiva repeated this time after time, his exhortation made no impression on the heart of Sati, then Shiva smilingly said, realizing in his heart and potency of Sri Hari,

Jai Siya Ram

Shiva, who is inner controller of all

 Jai Sri Ram,

Even Vishnu who takes a human form for the sake of gods, is omniscient like the slayer of Tripura, 

Can he wander in search of his consort like an ignorant, who is repository of knowledge, Lord of goddess Laxmi, and slayer of demons

The word of Shambhu cannot be false, everyone knows that he is all wise, thus her mind was filled with an interminable series of doubts, her heart could not pacify her by any mean, 

Although goddess Parvati did not open her lips, Shiva, who is inner controller of all, came to know everything,

Jai Siya Ram, 

all truth, conscious and bliss,

 Jai Sri Ram,

On that very occasion Shiva saw Rama and excessive joy of an extraordinary type welled up in his heart, feasted his eyes on that ocean of beauty, but did not disclose his identity as he knew it was no appropriate occasion for the same,

Shiva passed on exclaiming Glory to the redeemer of the universe, whom is all truth, consciousness and bless, As Shiva went on his way with Sati, all merciful lord was repeatedly thrilled with joy, when Sati beheld Shambhu in that state, a grave doubt arose in her mind, Sankara is a lord of the universe himself, and deserve universal adoration, gods, men, and sages all bow their head to him,

Yet he made obeisance to this prince, referring to him as the supreme being who is all truth, conscious and bliss, he was enraptured to behold his beauty and felt an upsurge of emotion in his heart, which, he is unable to control even to this moment,

Supreme eternal, which is all pervading, unbegotten, without parts, free from desire, beyond Maya and beyond all distinction and which is not even the Vedas can comprehend, can it assume the shape of a man, 

Jai Siya Ram,

Ravana carried off Sita by fraud

 Jai Sri Ram,

The lord was thus lost in reverie, meanwhile the vile Ravana took him the demon Marica, who forth assumed the illusory form of a deer,

The Ravana carried off Sita by fraud, the lord's real might wsa not known to him, having killed antelope Rama returned with his younger brother, 

 His eyes was filled with tears when saw the empty hermitage, Rama distressed at the loss like a mortal man, and two brother roamed about the woods in search of her, He who knows neither union nor separation showed unmistakable signs of grief born of separation, 

Exceedingly mysterious are the ways of the Lord, the supremely wise alone can comprehend them, the dull witted in their height of folly imagine something quite different,

Jai Siya Ram 

Sri Ekadasi today

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sri Ekadasi today, a day to make it to the truth of eternity of self, to reach the truth of inherent self that perpetual and most ancient in context with Adi Purusha,

Know the supreme substance is none other than God, is lone destination of all embodied souls, and the soul in garb of man is just at the threshold to attain to it,

It needs mild application of self in truth with respective discipline with celestial cult, Sri Ekadasi support it all the way, 

Not to look back from here, past is now a chapter of karmic baggage, never let it to pollute the present scenario, there is no go back to the past, but future awaits spirit in the name of Sri Ekadasi, enjoin this cult to attain to eternal growth for fair evolution of self to meet the cause of bing man, 

Jai Siya Ram 

Shiva pondering but found no solution to the puzzle,

 Jai Sri Ram,

During those days, with a view to relieving of the earth, Sri Hari had descended in the line of Raghus, renouncing his right to the throne at the world of father, immortal Rama was wondering in the dandaka forest in the garb of an ascetic, 

Shiva kept pondering as he went, How can I obtain a sight of him, the lord embodied himself forth secretly, and if I visit him, everyone will know who he is, 

In Sankara heart there was a great lumult, Sati, however, had no inking of this secret, His mind Says Tulsidas, apprehended lest the secret might disclosed while the temptation of obtaining a sight of lord made his eyes wistful,

Ravana had sought from Brahma the boon of death at the hand of a human, and the lord would have the words of Brahma come true, if I did not go to meet him, I shall ever regret it, Shiva pondering but found no solution to the puzzle,

Jai Siya Ram, 

Sri Dussehra today

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sri Dussehra today, a glorious festival from the laps of Sri Sharad Navratrey which host the dramatic reality unto pastime of Lord Rama in truth with his Dharma and traits, 

It is not just a day of  extermination of Demon king Ravana, but a day with silent message to mankind unto truth of Dharma in truth with its traits, 

This festival is designed for the purpose of achieving the metamorphosis of the human being from mundane to the supramundane level, through visualisation of truth unto Dharma and protect self from Adharma, 

Rituals of the day not only support the truth of might of lord Rama but relates the truth of Dharma Rama lived in truth of his pastime,

Jai Siya Ram 

narrated the story of Rama

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sage Yajnavalakya smilingly said, the glory of Rama is already known to you, you are a devotee of Rama in thought, word and deed, I have come to know your ingenuity, you wish to hear an account of the hidden virtues of Rama, 

That is why you have questioned me as if you were quite ignorant, listen, then, with devout attention, my child, while I narrate the beautiful story of Rama, appalling ignorance is the gigantic demon Mahisasura, while the narratives of Rama is the dread Kalika, 

The story of rama is like the moonbeams that are drunk in by Cacora bird in the form of Saints, a similar doubt was expressed by no less a personage than Bhavani, and the great God Shiva then expounded the matter in details, I shall relate to you the best of my lights the dialogue between Uma and Shambhu, hear, O sage, the time occasion of this dialogue, your gloom will be lifted, 

Once upon a time, Shiva called on the Jar Born sage Agastya along with his consort, Sage worshipped him to be the universal lord, and narrated the story of Rama, Shiva listened to it with delight, the sage then enquired about devotion to Hari, Shiva discoursed on it finding in sage a fit recipient, thus narrated the tale of Rama's virtues, spent some time there, asking leave of the sage, Shiva proceeded to his Kailash with Devi Sati, 

Jai Siya Ram 

WHO THAT RAMA IS

 Jai Sri Ram,

I ask you my lord, WHO THAT RAMA IS, pray explain to me, O store house of compassion,

One such Rama is the prince of Ayodhya whose exploits are known throughout the world, 

Infinite was his sorrow due to the lose of his wife, and flying into rage he slew Ravana in Battle, 

Is It This Very Rama,, my lord. or some one else whose name Shiva, ever repeats, you are embodiment of truth and omniscient, so ponder well and give me your considered reply, tell me in detail, my master, my overwhelming perplexity may be overcome, 

Jai Siya Ram

die in the city of Kashi

 Jai Sri Ram,

A great doubt haunts my mind, Holy Sir, the whole mystery of the Vedas stands revealed to you,I am afraid and ashamed to utter the doubt and I lose a great opportunity if I keep it back,

The saint lay down the rule, and Vedas as well as the Puranas and sages too loudly proclaim, that pure wisdom cannot be dawn in the heart, would one keep anything concealed from one's spiritual preceptor,

Remembering this I disclose my folly, dispel it, taking pity on this servant, my Lord, Saints and all ancient scripture declared that potency of the name Rama is unlimited, the immortal lord Shiva, who is the fountain of joy and a storehouse of wisdom and goodness, incessantly repeat it, 

There are four broad divisions of living beings in the world, such of them as die in the city of Kashi attain to highest State, for it is this very name That Shiva mercifully impart to the dying soul in Kashi,

Jai Siya Ram, 

supremely wise sage Yajnavalkya,

 Jai Sri Ram,

At daybreak they all perform their ablutions fervour and then converse together on the virtues of Sri Hari, 

They discuss the nature of Brahma that the supreme eternal, the precepts of religion and the classification of fundamental entities on devotion to the Lord coupled with spiritual enlightenment and dispassion, 

In this way they bathe for the whole month of Magha and then return each to his hermitage, great rejoice every year and having performed their ablutions while sun stays in capricorn the host of sages disperse,

Once Sage Bhardwaj clasped the feet of supremely wise sage Yajnavalkya, reverently washed his lotus feet and installed him on a most sacred seat, extolling his fair renown with religious ceremony, Bhardwaj Spoke in mild and reverential tones, 

Jai Siya Ram

temple of Vindumadhava

 Jai Sri Ram,

Having enumerated the virtues of this excellent water to the best of his intellectual capacity and bathed his mind in it, and remembering goddess Bhavani and Lord Shiva,, poet narrates beautiful story, 

Installing in my heart lotus feet of Rama thus securing his grace, I now proceed to relate the charming story of meeting of the two great sages that Yajnavalkya and Bhardwaja,

Sage Bharadwaj lives in Prayaga, devoted to Rama, ascetic and embodiment of self restraint, composure of mind and compassion, advanced on the path of Spirituality, In the Month Magha when all gods sages, pious souls, aspirants and other celestial Visit the Triveni as the sun enters in Zodiac sign capricorn to pay oblations in truth with self, they all bathe and experienced their inherent reality in context with that truth, 

Visit the ancient temple of Vindumadhava, to feel obliged of the occasion and tough the immortal Banyan tree which thrills the soul, nearby had the hermitage of Sage Bhardwaja, the most sacred from the true of austere penance of the sage, a holiest reality among the holy truth of Triveni, 

Jai Siya Rama 

wanderings in pursuits of sensuous pleasures

 Jai Sri Ram,

The way the four brothers look at one another meet and love one another, their mirth and their ideal brotherliness, my intense longing, supplication and humility represent the not inconsiderable lightness of this pure and holy water,

The marvelous water heals by the mere hearing, quenches the thirst of desire and washes the dirt of the mind, the water nourishes true love for Rama, and drives away the sins of Kali age, relieves the fatigue of transmigration, gratifies gratification itself,

It wipes out lust anger and pride and infatuation, and enhances pure wisdom, and dispassion, by reverently bathing in it, and drinking it sanctify the heart, 

Creature wanderings in pursuits of sensuous pleasures, will come to grief even as a thirsty deer runs after a mirage mistaken it for water, and returned disappointed,

Jai Siya Ram, 

story of Bharata wards off the calamities

 Jai Sri Ram,

The story of Bharata wards off the calamities, River of Rama's glory is delightful during all seasons, charming and holy, 

Wedding of Goddess Parvati and Shiva represent the Hemanta that cold season, while festival connected with represent the chilly season, which abounds the joy and felicity,

Rama's departure to forest constitute hot weather that blazing sun with hot wind, terrible conflict with demons represents the rainy season, which constitute blessings for peddy crops, 

His polite truth represents the cloudless charming autumn, Bharata amiability represents coolness, which is uniform at all times, and beyond description, 

Jai Siya Rama

bees and water birds

 Jai Sri Ram,

The bridegroom party in the wedding of goddess Uma and Shiva are numberless aquatic creatures, the rejoicing and felicitations that attended the advent of Rama, represent the charm of the eddies and waves,

The childlike sports of the four divine brothers are the, numerous lotus flowers, while the stock of merits of Dasaratha and his consort represents the bees and water birds,

The fascinating story of Sita's choice, marriage is the delightful charm surrounding the river, pertinent questions are the boats, judicious replies are boatmen, 

The story of the crowd of travellers moving along the banks of river, Rama's soft ascent is unique to relate, auspicious preparation foe coronation of Rama as prince in shadow of Kaikeyi' evil, a serious calmity in the wake,

Jai Siya Ram

adjoining the river Bank

 Jai Sri Ram,

The three kind of audience are the towns, villages and cities on both the banks, and the congregation of saints is the incomparable Ayodhya, which is the fountain of all auspicious blessings,

The beautiful Sayaru in the form of Sri Rama's fair renown joined the heavenly stream Ganga of devotion to Rama, the latter was joined again by the charming stream of the mighty Sona in the form of the mortal glory of Rama with his younger brother Lakshmana,

Intervening the two streams of Sarayu and Sona shines the celestial stream of devotion blended with noble dispassion and session, this triple stream, which scares away the threefold agony referred to above, headed towards the ocean of Rama's divine personality,

With its source in the Manasa Lake and united with celestial river Ganga, the Sarayu of Rama's fame will purify the mind of the pious souls who listen to it, while the strange episodes interspersed here and there are the groves and gardens as it were adjoining the river Bank 

Jai Siya Ram 

tiny blades of grass or of the mighty trees

 Jai Sri Ram,

Those men who cherish ideal devotion to the feet of Rama never quite this lake, let him who would bathe in this lake, brother, diligently practise Satsanga,

Having seen this Manasa lake with the mind's eye and taken a dip into it, the poet's intellect got purged of all its dross, The heart was flooded a stream of beautiful poetry, carrying the water if Rama's fair renown, 

Sarayu is the name of this river, which is the very fountain of pure bliss, The secular view point and the viewpoint of the Vedas, there represents the two charming banks, 

This holy stream, issuing as it does from the beautiful Manasa lake, uproots in its course all the impurities of the Kali age, whether in the form of tiny blades of grass or of the mighty trees,

Jai Siya Ram, 

threefold agony of the fiercest kind

 Jai Sri Ram,

The Manasa is most inaccessible to those who lack provisions for the journey in the shape of piety, who do not enjoy the company of saints and who have no love for Rama, even if anyone makes his way to it undergoing so much hardship, is forthwith attacked by ague in the shape of drowsiness,

Benumbing cold in the shape of stupor overtakes his heart, so that the unhappy soul is deprived of a dip even after reaching there,

Finding himself unable to take a plunge into the lake or to drink from it, he returns with a feeling of pride, and if anyone comes to inquire about the lake, he tries to satisfy him by verifying him, 

All these obstacle do not, however, deter him whom Sri Rama regards with overwhelming kindness, he alone reverently bathes in the lake and thus escapes the threefold agony of the fiercest kind, 

Jai Siya Ram

Bad company is so obdurate

 Jai Sri Ram,

Those who carefully recite it, they alone are vigilant guardian of this lake, and those men and women waho reverently hear it everyday are great gods exercising jurisdiction over this mansarovar Lake,

Sensual wretches are the accused herons and crows who never approach the lake, for hare there are no varied talks of the pleasure of senses, corresponding to snails, frogs and moss,

That is why poor crows and herons in the form of lustful men lack heart to visit this place, for there is much difficulty in getting to this place and it is not possible to reach it without the grace of Sri Rama,

Bad company is so obdurate, contributes a terribly rough road, and the words of such companion are so many tigers, lions and serpents, the various occupations and entanglements of domestic life are huge mountain which are so difficult to approach, infatuation and pride are so many inaccessible woods, and sophisms of various kinds are frightful streams, 

Jai Siya Ram 

Yamas and Niyama

 Jai Sri Ram,

Even so the mind control, the five Yamas, or the form of self restraint, viz,. non violence, truthfulness, non thieving, continence and non acquisition of property, 

The five Niyamas or religious vows, viz,. those external and internal purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred books or repetition of the divine name and self surrender to God, are blossoms of these creepers, spiritual enlightenment is their fruit and loving devotion to the feet of Sri Hari constitutes the sap of this fruit of spiritual enlightenment, so declare the Vedas, 

The various other episodes forming part of this narrative are the birds of different colors such as the parrot and the cuckoo, 

The thrill of joy that one experience while to this narrative represents the flower gardens, orchards and groves, and the delight one feels is the sporting of birds, while a noble mind is gardner, who waters the garden, with moisture of love through the charming jars of eyes, 

Jai Siya Ram 

Sri Ekadasi today

 Jai Sri Rama,

Sri Ekadasi today, a most viable resort to soul in its wild journey of mystic planet which is full of mysticism, 

Life has noticed time and again and at all junctions of life, many irrelevant subjects which create extra friction for Atman, who is already in embodied form with its extreme limitations, 

In Due course of time reached at an opportunity to sooth self for the referral as well as ultimate cause of being on planet, 

That is excessively decorated with beauty divine to charm the spirit, as the blooming rose with its leaves, thrones, roots and all entangles, so is the truth of Sri Ekadasi, a milestone in the fortnight quarter before the new and full moon, 

Jai Siya Rama,