old habits and the past Karma

 Jai Sri Ram,

When providence blesses one with such discrimination as possessed by the swan, then alone does the mind abandon evil and get enamoured of goodness, by force of the spirit of the times, old habits and the past Karma even the good deviate from goodness under the influence of Maya, 

But just as servants of Sri Hari rectify that error and, eradicating sorrow and weakness, bring untarnished glory to them, even so the wicked occasionally perform a noble deed due to their good association, although their evil nature, which is unchangeable, cannot be obliterated, 

Even those who are imposters are respected on account of their garb, as the world is taken in by their attractive appearance, but they are eventually exposed, and cannot keep up their false appearance till the end, as was in the case of Kalanemi and Rahu, 

The good are honoured notwithstanding their mean appearance even as Jamavan, endowed with a form of bear, possessed miraculous strength and that Hanuman, the monkey god, won honor in this world, bad association is harmful, while good company is an asset in itself, this is true in the world as well as in the eyes of Vedas,

Jai Siya Rama 

Swans in the form of saints

 Jai Sri Ram,

Of course, a good man has a bias for goodness alone, while a vile person is prone to vileness, while nectar is praised for its immortalizing virtue, poison is extolled for its deadly effects, The tales of sin and vices on one the one hand and of the virtues of the virtuous, on other, are like boundless and unfathomable oceans, 

That is why I have enumerated only a few virtues and vices, for they cannot be acquired or discarded without being duly distinguished, the good and the vile all have been brought into beings by the creator, It is Vedas that have differentiated them by reckoning the merits of the former and demerits of the other,

The Vedas and other ancient scriptures have unanimously declared the creation of Brahma is an intermixture of good and evil, charecterised the pair of opposites, such as pain and pleasure, sin and virtue, day and night, good and the wicked, good birth and the vile birth, demons and gods, high and the low, nectar and the poison, happy life and the death, Maya and Brahma, pauper and the king, matter and spirit, Sacred Kashi and indifferent Magadha that in north Bihar, a cursed land, Holy Ganga and unholy Karmanasa, Rich soil of Brahman Varn and other, Braman that gods on earth and barbarians and much more, heaven and hell, attachments and dispassion,

God has created the universe consisting of animate and inanimate beings as partaking of both good and evil, Swans in the form of  saints imbibe the the milk of goodness rejecting the water in the form of evil, 

Jai Siya Ram

greet with a sincere heart the malevolent class, who are hostile without purpose

  Jai Sri Ram,

Again, I greet with a sincere heart the malevolent class, who are hostile without purpose even to the friendly, to whom others loss is their own gain, and who delight in others desolation, and wail over their prosperity,

They try to eclipse the Glory of Lord Vishnu and Shiva as Rahu intercept the light of Moon in lunar eclipse and same in case of solar eclipse , detect other's faults as if with thousand eyes and their mind mars others interests even as a fly spoils clarified butter,

In splendour they emulate the fire and In anger they vie with the god of death, like the rise of a comet their advancement augurs ill for others interest, like the slumber of Kumbhakarna their decline alone is propitious for the world, they lay down their life in order to harm others, even as hailstone dissolves after destroying the crop, 

I revered the wicked soul as the fiery Thousand tongued serpent god Sesa, in so far as he eagerly expatiates on others faults with thousand tongues as it were, again, I bow to King Prthu who prayed thousand ears to hear the glories of Lord, inasmuch as he hears of others faults, once more do I supplicate to Indra that lord of celestials, in so far as wine appears charming and beneficial to him, harsh language is dear to him even as the thunderbolt is fondly cherished by Indra and he detects other's faults with thousand eyes as it were,

Jai Siya Ram, 

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

 Jai Sri Ram,

Though contact with the virtuous even the wicked get reformed, just as base metal is transmuted by the touch of philosopher's stone, on the other hand, if by mischance good men fall into the evil company, they maintain their noble character like the gem on the hood of serpents,

Even the Speech of the deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, poets and men of wisdom falters in depicting the glory of pious soul, much less can it be described by me, even as a dealer in vegetables finds himself incapable of expatiang on the qualities of gems, 

I bow to the Saints that even minded to all and have no friend and foe just a flower of good quality placed in the palm of one which plucked it and that which held and reserved it, realizing thus the noble disposition and loving nature of saints, who are innocent at heart and catholic in spirit, I make this humble submission to them, 

Listening to my child like prayer and taking compassion on me, O Noble souls, bless me with devotion to the lotus feet of Sri Rama,

Jai Siya Ram, 

born of pitcher,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Man who having heard the glory of this moving Prayaga in the form of the assemblage of Holy men appreciate it with an enraptured mind and then take a plunge into it with extreme devotion obtain the four rewards of human existence during their very life time,

The result of immersion into the sacred waters of Prayaga instantly perceived, crows turns into cuckoo's and herons into swans, let no one marvel to hear this, the glory of contact with saints is no secret, 

Valmiki, Narada and Agastya, who born of pitcher, have related the story of their birth and transformation with their own lips, of the various creatures, both animate and inanimate, living in this world, whatever in water or land or air, whoever has attained wisdom, glory, salvation, material prosperity or welfare anywhere and by any means whatsoever, know it to be the result of association with holy men, There is no other mean either in the world or in the Vedas, 

Wisdom dawns not without association with saints and such saints cannot be easily had without the grace of Rama, contact with noble souls is the root of joy and blessings, it constitute the very fruit and fulfilment of all endeavours, 

Jai Siya Rama

moving prayaga

 Jai Sri Ram,

Even by suffering hardships in the form of ginning, spinning and weaving, the cotton plant covers' other's faults and has thereby earned in the world a renown which is worthy of adoration,

The assemblage of saints, which is joy and felicity, is a moving prayaga, the king of all holy places, as it were, Devotion to Sri Rama represents, in this moving Prayaga, the stream of the Holy Ganga, the river of the celestials, while the proceedings of an enquiry into the nature of Brahma that absolute, constitute Saraswati that subterranean stream, which is traditionally believed to join the Ganga and Yamuna at Prayaga, thus accounting for the Name Triveni, which signify the meeting place of the three Rivers,

Discourse of Karma or action, consisting of injunctions and interdictions, have been spoken of as the sacred Yamuna, the daughter of sun god in her angelic form, washing the impurities of the kali age, while the anecdotes at Vishnu and Shiva stands out as the triple stream known as Triveni, the bringing joy, blessings to those who listen to them,

Unwavering faith in their own creed constitute the immortal banyan tree and noble action represents the royal court of that king holy places, easy of access to all on any day and at every place, this moving prayaga assuages the afflictions of those who resort to it with reverence, This King of holy places is beyond description and bestows the reward immediately and its Glory is manifest,

Jai Siya Ram

soft and agreeable, salve

 Jai Sri Ram,

 With its very appearance the bright eyes of the mind get opened, the attendant evils and sufferings of the night of mundane existence disappears, and gems and rubies in the shape of stories of Rama, both patent and hidden, wherever and in whatever mine they may be, come to light,

As for instance, by applying to the eyes the miraculous salve known by the name of Siddhanjana that eye salve of protection, strivers, adepts as well as men of wisdom easily discover a host of mines on hill tops, in the midst of forest and in the bowels of earth, 

The dust of the Guru's feet is a soft and agreeable, salve, which is ambrosia as it were for the eyes and remedies the defects of vision, Having brightened my eyes of discemented thereby I proceed to relate the Story of Rama, which secure freedom from the bondage of mundane existence, 

First I revered the feet of Brahmans, the very gods of the earth, who are able to dispel all doubts born of ignorance, then I make loving obeisance to the whole body of pious souls, the mine of all virtues, the conduct of holy man is noble as the career of the cotton plant, the fruit whereof is tasteless, white and fibrous, even as the doings of saints yields results which are free from attachments, stainless and full of goodness,

Jai Siya Ram

greet the pollen like dust of the lotus feet of my preceptor

 Jai Sri Ram,

May the Merciful Lord Ganesha, whose grace enables the dumb to wax eloquent and a cripple to ascend an inaccessible mountain, and who burns all the impurities of the Kali age, be moved pity, May Lord, who ever sleeps on the ocean of milk and who is swarthy as a blue lotus and has eyes resembling a pair of full blown red lotuses, take up his abode in my bosom, 

May the crusher of cupid, Bhagwan Shiva, whose form resembles in colors the jasmine flower and the moon, who is consort of Goddess Parvati and an abode of compassion and who is fond of all afflicted, be gracious, 

I Bow to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is an ocean of mercy and is no other than Sri Hari himself in human form, and whose words are sunbeams as it were for dispersing the mass of darkness in the form of gross ignorance, I greet the pollen like dust of the lotus feet of my preceptor, refulgent, fragrant , and flavoured with love,

It is lovely power of life giving herb, which allays the host of all the attendants ills of mundane existence, it adorns the body of lucky person even as white ashes beautify the person of Lord Shiva, and brings forth sweet blessings and joy, it rubs the dirt off the beautiful mirror in the shape of devotee's heart, when applied to the forehead in the form of Tilaka that religious mark, attracts host of virtues, the splendor of gems in the form of nails on the feet of blessed Guru unfolds divine vision in the heart by its very thought,  the luster disperses the shades of infatuation, highly blessed is he in whose bosom it shines,

Jai Siya Ram

Jai Sri Ganesha

  Jai Sri Ram,

I Reverence the lotus feet of Lord Ganesha, and limit of compassion  and intellect Goddess Saraswati, begetter of all blessings, I greet the goddess Gauri along with Lord Shiva that embodiment of reverence and faith respectively, without which the adept cannot perceive God enshrined in their very Heart,

I make obeisance to the eternal preceptor in the Form of Lord Sankara, who is all wisdom and resting on whose brow the crescent moon,  

I Pay homage to the Sage Valmiki, and legend of Ram Bhakti Sri Hanuman, both of whom sport in the holy woods in the shape of glories of Devi Sita and Bhagwan Ram, I bow to the lotus feet of Goddess Sita that responsible for creation, sustenance and dissolution, removes afflictions and begets all blessings, 

I adore Lord Hari, known by the name of Rama, superior to and lies beyond all causes, whose Maya holds sway over the entire universe, whose presence lends positive reality to the world of appearance, even as the false notion of a serpent is entertained with reference to a rope, whose feet are the only bark for those who eager to cross the ocean of mundane existence, May Ganesha, the leader of Shiva's retinue, whose very thought, ensures success, who by nature is repository of wisdom and abode of blessed qualities, shower his grace,

Jai Siya Ram

Sri Ekadadi Today

 

wedding of Uma and Shambhu

 Jai Sri Ram,

Himavan then accompanied Shiva in order to escort him with great affection, Shiva, however, sent him back, consoling him in various ways, The mountain king returned home at once, and summoned all other mountains and lakes, greeted them with due attention, gifts, polite words and great honor and allowed them to depart, No sooner Shambhu reached Mount Kailash then all the gods return to their respective realms,

Divine pair lived on mount kailash along with their attendants,  Hara and Girija enjoyed new delight everyday, in this considerable time elapsed, thereafter was born a boy with six head, who later killed the demon king Taraka in battle, 

The tale of the Birth, glory, and surpassing strength of Sanmuka is known to the world, that is why it is briefly touched here 

Men and women who narrate this story of wedding of Uma and Shambhu shall ever rejoice in their auspicious undertaking as well as during festive occasions such as wedding etc, the exploits of Girija's Lord are immutable like ocean, Even vedas cannot reach their end, how Tulsidasa could succeed in describing them,

Jai Siya Ram 

For a wife

 Jai Sri Ram,

For a wife, her husband is her deity, there is no other God for her, as she spoke these words, her eyes filled with tears and she pressed the girl to her bosom, 

Why has the God created woman in this world, One who is dependant of others can never dream of happiness, the mother was overwhelmed with emotions, but knowing as she did that it was not an opportune moment for betraying one's weakness,

She recovered herself, Mena met Parvati again and again and fell down clasping the girls feet, her supreme love was beyond all words, bidding adieu to all the ladies Bhavani ran and clung her mother's breast once more,

Taking leave of her mother once more, Bhavani departed, everyone uttered appropriate blessings to her, she often turned back to have a look at her mother, her girls companions took her to Shiva, having gratified all beggars, Sankara proceeded to his home Kailasha with Uma, all the divinities rained down flowers and kettledrums produced a charming sound in the heaven,

Jai Siya Ram, 

sum up the duty of a wife,

 Jai Sri Ram,

The ocean of mercy that Shiva reassured his Father In Law in every possible way, then mena with her heart overflowing with, clasped the lotus feet and Said,

Lord, Uma is dear to me as my life, take her as a made servant of your house and forgive all her faults, be pleased to grant this boon to me, 

Shiva comforted His Mother In Law in ways more than one and She returned home bowing her head at his lotus feet,

The mother then sent for Uma, and taking her into her lap gave her the following excellent advice, ever adore the feet of Sankara, this sum up the duty of a wife, 

Jai Siya Ram

Sambhu and Bhavani paid divine honors to Lord Ganesha,

 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

20Seven sages

 Jai Sri Ram,

Seven sages called once more Himachal and read out to Himalaya note recording the time fixed for 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,

in a trice the new spread

 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, 

Jai Siya Ram 

Can you alter the decree of providence

Jai Sri Ram,

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 was 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 Mahadev 

How strange

 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, 

Jai Siya Ram

Bridegroom is a maniac

 Jai Sri Ram,

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.

procession of death

 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,

Jai Siya Ram, 

Wishing a Very Happy Holi

 

Sri Satya Vrat Purnima

 

host of woods, seas, rivers and ponds were invited, capable of taking any form they like it

 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.

handed over the note to seven sages,

 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 throat 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 

Sri Ekadasi today

 Jai Sri Ram,

Sri Ekadasi today, it is  a day to enjoin eternal celebration to reach empirical consciousness to make it the truth of supreme cause of being man in the planet,

It is a universal truth that every finite object lies the infinite reality, and man with light of consciousness may make it to reach,

It is sure that finite manifest from the infinite and has to merge with in cult and cause of time and circumstances,

Man alone is most competent entity to make it reach and realize that to untie the unwanted knots of Maya in journey of life, Truth of Sri Ekadasi may help suitable to make it,

Jai Siya Rama,

love god and the great Lord Shiva

 Jai Sri Ram,

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

Shiva gladly said Amen,

 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, 

Jai Siya Ram

In Krishna age,

 Jai Sri Ram,

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

one is ever concerned with him alone who gladden one's heart,

 Jai Sri 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, 

Jai Siya Ram, 

5 maramused to hear of my folly

 Jai Sri Ram, 

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 garb 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,

listen to my appeal

   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 set, 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, 

Jai Siya Ram 

your desire is accomplished,

 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, 

deep voice of Brahma that creator resounded through heaven,

  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, 

Sri RamaKrishna Jayanti

 

felt miserable but could not speak a word,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Again and again she hugged the child, her voice was choked 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 

Put away all anxiety

 Jai Sri Ram,

Put away all anxiety, my 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

Sri Mahashivratri Today

 

threshold of Mahashivratri,

 Jai Sri Ram,

The most auspicious chapter of Shiv cult in the name of Mahashivratri is just at threshold of life,

Designated day for devotees and aspirants in quest of truth and the cause, 

Know Shiva to be an ultimate truth that embodiment of cause, the ultimate destination of Atman in embodied reality,

Circumstances and objects appear to be relative, could be referral or perennial, but the Truth of Mahashivratri is different that above the horizon of cause and effect, circumstances and  the objects, is purely meant to relate the Atman in truth with Parmatama, in serene cult of self through mild application of self in truth with discipline of the day, 

Jai Siya Ram

Sri Ekadasi Today

 

all will now turn out well,

 Jai Sri Ram,

Shiva 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,

Holy men never drink wine

 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 

can read the lines on her palm

 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

advent of Giriza

  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, 

burnt her body with the fire of Yoga

 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.

there is no doubt that one should

 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,

grief that prayed on Sati's mind was ever new,

 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,

unbroken Samadhi

 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

Sati is Too Chaste to be Abandoned

 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 

how did you test Rama,

  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

Sri Maghi Purnima

 

peerless in beauty

 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,

I commit a grave mistake to disobey Shiva,

 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 wants to deceive through her elusive form,

 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