Arudra Darshanam Significance

Arudhra Darshan or Arudara Darshan is observed in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). It is essentially a Shaivite festival and celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, which is represented by the Nataraja form. Arudhra signifies the golden red flame and Shiva performs in the form this red-flamed light.


The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy. Arudra Darshan celebrates this ecstatic dance of Lord Shiva.


It takes place on the full moon night in the month of Margazhi and this is also the longest night in a year. The festival is mainly observed in the Tamil speaking world.


The most important Arudhra Darshan festival takes place at the Chidambaram Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted on the day. Most of the temples around the world with Lord Nataraja as deity perform the Arudhra Darshan.

Significance Of Christmas

Significance Of Christmas


The Significance of Christmas is known to men, all over the world. Though it is true that Christmas is celebrated as the day of the Birth of Christ into this world, yet it also symbolizes a very deeply significant truth of the spiritual life. Jesus Christ is the very personification of Divinity. He was born at a time when ignorance, superstition, greed, hatred and hypocrisy prevailed upon the land. Purity was forgotten and morality was neglected.

In the midst of these conditions, Christ was born and He worked a transformation in the lives of people. He gave a new and a spiritual turn to the lives of man. There came a change upon the land. People started upon a new way of life. Thus a new era dawned for the world.

In that period the seeker has no thought of God or higher spiritual life. He lives a life of lust, anger, greed, deluded attachment, pride and jealousy. If the seeker must enter into a new life of spiritual aspiration, purity and devotion, then the Christ-spirit must take its birth within his heart. That is the real Christmas when the Divine element begins to express itself in the heart of the man. From then onward, light begins to shine where darkness was before.

A very small, but very beautiful, point of deep significance is attached to Christmas. It is the time and the manner of the birth of the Lord upon the holy Christmas day. Jesus Christ was not born in a grand palace. He was not born to very wealthy or learned parents. Jesus Christ was born in a simple lowly place, a corner of a stable. He was born to humble and poor parents, who had nothing to boast about, except their own spotless character and holiness.

The above point of deep significance tells that the spiritual awakening comes to the seeker, who is perfectly humble and "meek" and "poor in spirit." The quality of true humility is one of the indispensable fundamentals. Then we find simplicity, holiness and the renunciation of all desire for worldly wealth and pride of learning. Thirdly, even as Christ was born unknown to the world and in the obscurity of darkness, even so, the advent of the Christ-spirit takes place in the inwardness of man when there is total self-effacement self-abnegation.

Hanuman Jayanthi 2009

Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam Meaning : “We bow to Maruti, Sri Hanuman, who stands with his palms folded above his forehead, with a torrent of tears flowing down his eyes wherever the Names of Lord Rama are sung“.

Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India-either alone or together with Sri Rama.

Pancha Mukha Anjaneyar at Gowrivakkam, Chennai

Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman is the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. His other names are Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Pavankumar, Bajrangabali and Mahavira.

Hanuman Jayanthi, marks a symbolic acceptance of the human race’s peaceful co-existence with nature and the worship of an animal as a divine creature. It is celebrated during Chaitra (April) to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the monkey god widely venerated throughout India. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed in the Tamil month Margazhi, which is one of the most auspicious months in Tamil In 2009, Hanuman Jayanthi, in Tamil Month Margazhi is on December 16.

Hanuman or Anjaneya was born on Moola Nakshatra, on the new moon day (amavasya) in the month of Margazhi.

Hanuman possessed devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence. The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During his life he worked wonders and exhibited superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left behind him a name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people.

It is believed that he who meditates on him and repeats his name attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra.

The Margazhi month also has another importance which is also marked as a “Classical kutcheri’s season”. It is well known in tamilnadu. All the sabhas would be full fledged with people who has interest in music. This would be held as a great event. Indians from abroad throng the sabhas especially during this season.

There are also many famous temples for Hanuman. To name a few,

32 feet Anjaneyar at Nanganallur, Chennai

• 32-feet Anjaneyar temple at Nanganallur, Chennai

• Anjaneyar temple at Namakkal without roof. The temple had recently it’s kumbabishekam also.

• Panchamukha Anjaneyar temple at Panchavati on way toPondy.

Jai Ho Bajrangbali ki….

Mantra Pushpam

Yopam puspam veda  Puspavan prajavan pasuvan bhavati Candramava Apam puspam Puspavan, Prajavan pasuman bhavati Ya Evam Veda  Yopa mayatanam Veda Ayatanam bhavati.  
He who understands the flowers of water,
He becomes the possessor of flowers, children and cattle.
Moon is the flower of the water,
He who understands this fact,
He becomes the possessor of flowers, children and cattle.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Agnirva Apamayatanam  Ayatanavan Bhavati Yo agnerayatanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati Apovagner ayatanam Ayatanavan bhavati Ya Evam Veda  Yopa mayatanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati 
Fire is the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of fire,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Vayurva Apamaya tanam  Ayatanavan bhavati. Yova Yorayatanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati| Apovai va yorayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati. Ya Evam veda  Yopamayatanam Veda Ayatanavan Bhavati  
Air is the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of air,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Asowvai tapanna pamayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati Yo musya tapata Ayatanan Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati  Apova Amusyatapata Ayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati  Ya Evam Veda  Yopa mayatanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati 
Scorching sun is the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of scorching sun,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Candrama Vama pamayatnam  Ayatanavan bhavati. Yascandra masa Ayatanam Veda Ayatanavan bhavati  Apovai Candra masa Ayatanam Ayatanavan bhavati  Ya Evam Veda Yo pamayatanam veda  Ayatanavan bhavati 
Moon is the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of moon,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Nakshtrani va Apamayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati  Yo Nakshtrana mayatanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati  Apovai Nakshtrana mayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati  Ye evam Veda  Yopamaya tanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati  
Stars are the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of stars,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Parjanyova apamayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati  Yah parjanyasya syayatinam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati  Apovai parjanya Syayatanam  Ayatanavan bhavati  Ye Evam veda  Yopa maya tanam Veda  Ayatanavan bhavati  
Clouds are the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of clouds,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows the source of water,
Becomes established in himself,
Samvastaro Va Apamayatanam  Ayatavan bhavati  Yassavatsa rasyaya tanam Veda  Ayatavan bhavati. Apovai samvasara ayatanam Ayatanavan bhavati Ya Evam veda  Yopsu Navam pratistitam veda Pratyeva tistati 
Rainy season is the source of water,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself,
Water is the source of rainy season,
He who knows this,
Becomes established in himself.
He who knows that there is a raft is available,
Becomes established in that raft.

Please visit the following site to see number of prayers with the meanings of slokas and prayers so that you can chant the same with much more reverance and enjoy the same,http://www.hindupedia.com/the site located by Bhuvani's friend Anitha for the benifit of all of us.

Kaisika Natakam

Kaisika Natakam and Araiyar Sevai were witnessed by hundreds of devotees at the Tirukurungudi temple.

S. PRABHUCourtesy The HINDU

Belief is that those who undertake fast, and listen to Kaisika Puranam, on Kaisika Ekadasi will attain Vaikunta Moksham.

On the occasion of Kaisika Ekadasi, the most important festival of the year, the Azhagiya Nambi temple in the Vamana Kshetram of Tirukurungudi (Divya Desam 40 km south-west of Tirunelveli) wore a festive look on Saturday last.

Thousands, many of whom were children, who had gathered at the Kaisika Mandapam waited with excitement to watch Kaisika Natakam.

Just before midnight, to the beating of drums emerged a huge demon like figure. It was the hungry Brahma Rakshasa who had come there to consume Nampaduvan. For the next three hours, the devotees of Lord Nambi were treated to a pleasing and passionate presentation of the Kaisika Puranam.

Kaisika Puranam, which is a part of Varaha Puraanam, showcases Lord Narayana as the supreme force. Parasara Bhattar, son of Koorathazhvaan, took up the story of a complex Kaisika Puranam (in Sanskrit) and wrote the vyakyaanam, in Tamil, in a simple, easily understandable language.

The Story

Kaisika Puranam revolves round Nampaduvan, belonging to the Baanar family, his unflinching faith in Lord Nambi and how he was instrumental in liberating a Rakshasa from a curse. The Kaisika Puranam is also a perfect case study on the values of life and how it is important to keep one's promise at any cost, including one's own life.

Caught by the demon, Nampaduvan pleads with him to allow him to go to the temple and observe the Ekadasi ritual, that of singing the Lord's praise.

Unable to convince the Rakshasa, Nampaduvan talks about Sathya Sankalpam: “The world was created through ‘promises' and continues to exist as a result of trust in each other.”

Nampaduvan makes 18 promises that night to the Rakshasa. Through these promises, narrated beautifully in the Kaisika Puranam as part of this lengthy discussion between Nampaduvan and Brahma Rakshasa, one comes to know of the basic values in life.

It is the eighteenth promise that finally moves the demon. It goes thus: “Swarva Swamiyum Moksha Pradhaana Sriman Narayananaiyum Devathai Galaiyum Samamaaga Bhaavikiravan Yaavaroruvan, Avanai Poley Nithya Samsaari Aaven.” (“If I do not return, I would have committed the biggest sin that exists – that of comparing and equating Lord Narayana with others. And I will become a sinner who will never get liberation from this cycle of births.”)

This extraordinary promise moves the Rakshasa and he lets Nampaduvan go. After having spent the entire night (possibly for the last time) in front of the Tirukurungudi Nambi temple, he makes his way back to the Rakshasa, rejecting the offer of a Brahmin (Lord Nambi in disguise) to protect him.

The Rakshasa, now, has changed his mind. He wants the fruits of Nampaduvan's devotion, for his own liberation.

Nambaduvan shares with him the ‘Kaisika' verses, which he had sung that very night in front of Lord Nambi. Just listening to these verses helps the Rakshasa attain Vaikunta Moksham.

Back to its glory days

Over the past decade, the Kaisika Natakam in Tirukurungudi has seen a revival thanks to the efforts of Anita Ratnam (TVS Group), the trustee of Arangam Trust, who brought together the Bavupillai Bharatanatyam troupe (led by B. Herambanathan) all the way from Thanjavur to present this dance drama every year on Kaisika Ekadasi night.

Gopi, an amateur artiste working as a Junior Assistant at Sastra University, Thanjavur, played the powerful role of the Brahma Rakshasa with ease. While the entire portrayal was exemplary, it was the last scene - where he pleads with Nampaduvan to relieve him from the curse of his previous birth and to help attain moksham - that brought tears to the eyes of the devotees and won him an ovation. (Gopi has now specialised in the role of Brahma Rakshasa, this being the tenth year of his performance at the Tirukurungudi temple.

Interestingly, Gopi has also been playing the role of ‘Hiranyakasipu' for the past five years at the annual Bhagavata Mela in Melattur village near Thanjavur).

Equally commendable was the performance of Dr. Sumathi Sundar, who played the role of Nampaduvan. She matched Gopi scene for scene and was especially impressive in the portrayal of Sathya Sankalpam - the 18 promises of Nampaduvan, where she captured the imagination of the audience with a pleasing display. M.A. Arunodhaya too impressed in the role of Lord Nambi disguised as a brahmin.

Araiyar Sevai

The clock had ticked to 2.30 a.m., but it was not time to leave yet. The devotees stayed back after the Kaisika Natakam to watch an outstanding ‘Araiyar Sevai' performance by Araiyar Bala Mukundan of Srivilliputhur. His abhinayam for the Periya Thiru Mozhi Paasuram (Akkum Puliyin Athalum Udaiyar… Kokkin Pillai Vel Iravu Unnum Kurungudiye) showcasing Tirukurungudi's greatness drew great appreciation from the devotees who watched his sterling performance in absolute silence.

Also, the Araiyar, through this Abhinayam, brought out an important historical information relating to the temple - that of Lord Siva being alongside Lord Nambi. He followed it up with the Abhinayam of the Thiruvoi Mozhi Paasuram (Enganeyo Annaimeergaal, Ennai Munivathu Neer……..Senkani Vaai Onrinodum Selkinrathu En Nenjamey).

Araiyar Sevai was followed by the recital of the Kaisika Puranam.

While Tirukurungudi temple is home to Kaisika Puranam and this traditional Kaisika Natakam has been revived to its past glory, it would be a worthwhile exercise for Anita Ratnam to consider taking it to more Divya Desams in Tamil Nadu.

How to reach Tirukurungudi

Take a train to Valliyur (on the Tirunelveli-Nagercoil route) - Kanyakumari Express, Ananthapur Express - from Chennai. One can reach the Nambi temple in 30 minutes by bus from Valliyur.

Tirupati Balaji's Diamond Crown

Bangalore, Jun 12: Gali Janardhan Reddy, the Karnataka tourism minister and Bellary mine baron on Thursday, Jun 12 offered a diamond-studded crown worth Rs 42 crore to Lord Ventakeswara Temple in Tirupati. With this he became the biggest donor to the Lord Venkateswara since the Vijayanagara kings 400 years ago.

Buzz up!

Minister said that the 20-kg crown was a 'thanksgiving' gesture. Sources said that 32kg of 'aparanji (pure)' gold went into its making, besides 70,000 diamonds weighing 4,000 carats. The 2.5-ft crown has a huge 890-carat emerald from Africa engraved in the centre which alone costs around Rs 10 crore. The crown was placed on the Lord's idol during Abhishekam seva on Friday, Jun 12 morning.

It was earlier kept in the Vaibhavotsava Mandapam in Tirumala and special pujas were performed. After a ritual called Sahasra Deepalankara seva, it was taken around on a procession along with the deity, Lord Malayappa Swamy. Then the crown was taken inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Coimbatore (TN) based Keertilal Jewellers took nine months to fashionthe crown. With this crown, the total number of crowns placed with the Lord has gone up to seven. This precious crown has been added to the jewel treasury of Lord which holds over 11 tonnes of gold ornamentsand vessels.

Visit Priya Anand's following web site for Crystal Jwellery http://www.douechrystal.com/

Pashupati Nath Temple in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh

Pashupatinath Temple is situated at the South shore of sacred Shivna river. Eight - faced Pashupatinath temple is the main attraction of the city. This is only one idol of eight faced Shivlingam. This idol is unique work of an anonymous artist and was found in Shivna river. The size of this idol is 2.5 X 3.2 meter and weight is 46 quintal 65 kilogram and 525 gram. After this idol, in 20th century near about 50 idols have been found in Shivna River, mostly are of Aulikar age (6th and 7th century). The age of the eight-faced idol should be decided on the basis of this.

In premises of this temple, late Shree Pt. Ram Narayan Sharma (22.12.1932 - 7.1.1998) established Shree Ranbir Mahudi Temple. In the right hand side of this temple there is Jankinath temple. This temple was constructed by Pashupatinath Management Committee. In the west of this temple there is a statue of shree Pratyakshnandanji Maharaj in an ancient Chhatri. There is a Singh Vahini Durga Mata temple. In front of this, there is Maratha age’s Shree Tapeshavar Mahadev temple. This temple was constructed in Maratha age by ruins of ancient temples. An inscription of Kumargupta and Bandhuvarman was found in it’s step in 1884. In this inscription there is world’s first advertisement. At present this inscription is in Gujri Museum of Gwalior Near by this there is Shahastra Linga temple. Just ahead of this Ganpati temple of Phoolmali society, Gayatri temple, a big Shree Ram Temple constructed by Sakal Panch Vashistha Dobhi society and Shree Bagulamukhi Mata temple are at the shore of Shivna.

Shivna River

In old maps the name of this river is written as SAU and SEU. Its starting source is in Raipuri Hills , four km away from Salamgarh of Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan. At the bottom of hills there is a small village named Shavna. This is copper age habitate and eight ancient temples - Mahakaal, Chaubis khamba temple etc. are here. The source of this river is near by Shavna village that’s why this river is famous as Shivna.
At a place named Borkhedi Ghat, Shivna meets Chambhal River after 63 km journey.

The Shiva Linga is a eight faced shiva, which is only one of its kind in the world.

Nature Is The Guru

Shree Maa gives us the message that we can learn from everybody.

When Maa was a little four-year old child, She was cleaning a room and upon finishing, she threw the broom to a corner. Then She heard the voice of Sri Ramakrishna say, "Hega, you threw that broom? See how beautifully you cleaned the room with that very broom and now you threw it? You must respect your tools as well as your actions. Cleanliness is next to Godliness?" The four-year-old Little Mother bowed down to the broom. From then on She would bow down to it everyday. Maa said that Thakur Ramakrishna told Her, "If you respect each and every one of your actions, you will get me."

Respect is an important part of learning. To illustrate this, Maa is sharing these stories with us. These stories teach us how to learn and how to become divine. We can learn every moment from every thing because Mother Nature is teaching us all the time. Please listen and enjoy the stories!

Now, Mother will tell us the story of Avadhut Dattatreya. Dattatreya was born divine and considered every moment as an opportunity to learn. He learned from everybody and everything. He considered all of Nature to be his Guru. How did He learn this way and what did He learn? Read on!

First Story

One day Avadhut was crossing a big field. He saw a huge wedding procession walking across the field with much fanfare accompanied by many musical instruments. There were pipes and drums and lots of singing. The marriage party was accompanying the groom. At the same time in that field, Avadhut saw a hunter. The hunter was looking with one-pointed mind at his prey. His eyes were completely focused on the target and he was oblivious to the marriage party and the sounds of their merry making. Avadhut went to the hunter and bowed down to him. He said, "You are my Guru. When I meditate on God, my goal will be to have the same focus as you have just demonstrated."

Second Story

One time Avadhut was walking by a river when he saw a fisherman. He went near the fisherman and asked politely, "Oh Brother, what path should I take to go to the city”? The fisherman was looking inside the water and did not pay any attention to the question. The sounds did not even enter in to his ears. At that moment, the fish was just touching the bait. When the fish was caught, the fisherman called Avadhut, "Hey, what were you saying to me?"

Avadhut came back to him and bowed down. He said, "You are my Guru. When I meditate on my Ishta Deva (beloved form of God), until the meditation is not complete, until I reach the goal, my mind will not wander. Please give me blessings to be like you in this way."

Third Story

One day a hawk caught a fish and was flying with the fish in his mouth. Behind came hundreds and hundreds of crows. They all flew behind him and chased the hawk wherever he flew. They wanted the fish and went wherever the hawk went. They were disturbing the hawk greatly.

The hawk got mad. He threw the fish. At that time, another hawk was flying and caught that fish. The crows left the first hawk and started flying behind the other hawk.

The first hawk was so relieved and relaxed! Without a care, he sat on the branch of a tree and watched the plight of the other hawk.

The Avadhut bowed down to the hawk and said, "If you can leave all desires and attachments, then alone you can get peace. When I sit to meditate I want to leave all my desires and attachments, just as you have shown. " He prayed to the hawk and said, "You are my Guru. Thank you for your teaching."

Fourth Story

There was a little pond in which a crane was walking with concentration and moving slowly to catch a fish. Behind the crane was a hunter who was focusing on the crane with the intent of killing it. The crane had no idea as to who was behind. The crane was completely focused on catching the fish.

The Avadhut bowed down to the crane and told him, "You are my Guru. When I will do meditation, I will never look behind, I will always be focused on the present and not on the past or the future. Please give me this blessing. Thank you for your teaching."

From these Avadhut stories we see a beautiful example of how we can learn from all of Nature -- every moment, every aspect of creation can be our Guru and we can learn. Avadhut gave respect with each action. From this we learn that if we, too, are respectful in each and every one of our actions, the entire Universe will become our family, and we can learn and share with all of creation.

Ganapati Sachinand Swamigal

As one of the rare living Avataras...His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji is the Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham at Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama in Mysore, India. Sri Swamiji is renowned for His Healing and Meditation music and He is considered a divine guide who cultivates the ancient Vedic traditions. He was born fully realised in command of the eight Mahasiddhis and is a Guru in the
Dattatreya Avadhoota lineage.

Sri Swamiji honours all religions and teaches that it's possible to reach God by many paths. "It is of primary importance to attune with God through prayer, worship and the chanting of God's holy names". "Then God Himself will give you good guidance" says Sri Swamiji.

The path of Dattatreya embraces all spiritual paths and is the source of all other traditions. He who treads the path of Truth, regardless of what religion he belongs to, is treading the path of Dattatreya. As an incarnation of God, Datta came down to spread the universality of true religion. Anyone can be his follower, regardless of cast, creed, status, be they student, householder, recluse or renunciate. No matter what sect or religion the true seeker follows, eventually he comes under the guidance of Lord Dattatreya, the Eternal Spiritual Guide of all mankind.

Datta's presence is not limited to any one country or sphere, as He is the Guru of all Gurus, the all-seeing, all-powerful, ever-present link between God and Man. However, special places of worship (Datta Peethas) have grown up around sacred areas, where His presence is most strongly felt by the sincere seeker of Datta. These places include Suchindram, Senthamangalam, Mount Girnar, Nagalapuram in Andhra, Prayag, Datta Guha in the Himalayas, Gulbarga -Ganagapura, Narasimhavadi in Maharastra, Quthambara near Poona, Avadumbara, Somapuram, Chandradronagiri and Datta Peetha at Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashrama, Mysore.

One notable aspect of these Datta Peethas is their indefinable but inseparable relationship with worship of God as Mother, the Supreme Energy -Shakti. (Hence, Sri Swamiji's fierce aspect as Mother Chamunda.) Parasurama (eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), approached Lord Dattatreya and was initiated into the intricacies of how to worship the Mother (Shreevidya Upaasana), before undertaking intense penance to obtain the grace of the Divine Mother.

The Saandilya Upanishad declares very clearly that Lord Dattatreya is the Supreme Reality and is the cause of everything that is created. It states, "The Supreme Brahman performed penance which was of the nature of knowledge (jnyana), and desiring to become many, assumed the form of Dattatreya. From that form came out the three letters A, U, M; the three mystical names Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah; the three-lined Gayatri; the three Vedas Rig, Yajur and Sama; the three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara; the three castes Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vysya; and the three fires Gaarhapatya, Ashavaneeya and Dakshina."

"The lord is endowed with all wealth. He is all pervading and resides in the hearts of all beings. He is the great Maayavi, sporting with His own Maaya. He is Brahma. His Vishnu, He is Rudra. He is Indra and He is also all the gods of heaven and all other beings. He is East, He is West, He is North, He is South, He is below and He is above. He is everything. This is the glory of the form of Dattatreya."

Lord Dattatreya came as the Supreme Philosopher (Avadhoota) so that the true meaning and purpose of Sacrifice (Tyaaga) may be revealed to mankind. Atri, His father, symbolizes penance (tapas) as described in the scriptures, and Anasooya represents freedom from jealousy. When penance and non-jealous nature unite in a single person, the highest truth emerges as Lord Dattatreya. As ultimate self-sacrifice, the Supreme God gave Himself as Datta to Atri and Anasooya. Hence, "Datta" means not only "that which is given", but also as the ideal of "giving" without desire for reward, i.e. selfless giving. The whole life of Dattatreya shows us that this "giving" selflessly is the true renunciation/sacrifice. The significance of this sacrifice is stated in the Dattatreya Upanishad where the Lord says, "Not by action, not by progeny, nor even by self, but by renunciation (tyaaga) alone is immortality attained. "Real renunciation is the giving up of "I" and mine, not the mere abandoning of duties. Living a selfless life require giving up one's ego. That is what Lord Dattatreya describes as true sacrifice.

As a Yoga-Avatar, Lord Dattatreya teaches us to perform all our duties skillfully and diligently. Yoga does not require outside aids, nor does it demand great physical effort. All we have to do is change our outlook and transform our attitude to life. This "change" consist of giving up the idea or feeling of "doership", "enjoyership" and the resultant anxiety (and attachment ) for the fruits of our actions. By performing all our duties with this changed outlook, our mind will be freed from agitation and attain the restful state called "equanimity", or the state where there is no "mind". This is the state of Bliss that every soul ultimately aspires to. This is the state of Datta - the ultimate Gift of God.

The Hanuman temple at Chennai Vijayanagar is the ashram of the swamiji where we pray and tie the coconut for geting the blessings of the Anjneya in geting our desires fullfilled.

Please visit the following You Tube site to listen about the Dattatreya Ashram @ Mysore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7cPjdbJnds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrD9DJSt0RE&feature=related

Myths Of India & West

Devdutt Pattanaik takes an eye-opening look at the myths of India and of the West -- and shows how these two fundamentally different sets of beliefs about God, death and heaven help us consistently misunderstand one another.

Visit the following site and listen to the lovely Talk of Devdutt Pattanaik.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tv/Devdutt-Pattanaik-East-vs-west--the-myths-that-mystify/videoshow_ted/5247330.cms

Significance Of Number 108

What is the significance of

Number 108

In Hindu Philosophy!!

As per Indian mythology,

Indian culture has a

Very special significance of
Number 108.

What is this number represent,

And why is it so important?

1) In one minute, we breathe in approximately 15 times,

In 1 hour 900 times,
And in 12 hours 10800 times,

And in a day 10800 * 2 times.

A day consists
Of 24 hours, and if we set aside half the day

For our day to day routines,
Then one can spend 12 hours

For recitation of ones idol.

Therefore, the
Maximum number of times

That one can recite

"mantra", or perform "Jap" are 10800.

If one wants to obtain 100% benefit of its jap,

Then performing
Jap 108 times will give you the benefit of 100%.

That's why in a "Mala",
There are 108 beads.

It is written in Vedas,

That 1 Jap corresponds to
1 mala (which has 108 beads),

Therefore performing jap of 108 malas will
Result in 100% benefit.

2) Astronomically, there are 27 constellations

In our galaxy, and each one them
Has 4 directions, and 27 * 4 = 108,

In other words the number 108 covers
The whole galaxy.

3) According to Indian scriptures,

Letter 9 corresponds to

Lord Brahma

(the creator of universe).

Mathematically,

The interesting property of 9 is
9x1 = 9
9 x 2 = 18 (8+1 = 9)
9 * 3 = 27 (7+2 = 9)
......................
9 * 12 = 108 (1+0+8 = 9)

Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number,

Which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")

Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.

Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.

Delusions: There are said to be 108

Human delusions or forms of ignorance.

Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra.

One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in

The Sanskrit alphabet.

Each has masculine and feminine,

Shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm

In meditation as to have only 108 breaths

In a day, enlightenment will come.