Thursday, January 29, 2009

Akshardham Temple









Tranquility is Truth,Truth is Beauty,Beauty is Bliss,Bliss is Divine

After 5 years of non-stop, round-the-clock construction, the massive and awesome Akshardham Temple Monument to World Peace was inaugurated on 10 Nov 2005. The Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, India, constructed by the BAPS foundation -- the builders of the various Swaminaryan Temples across the world, is truely a modern day Wonder of the World. It is one of the biggest and most intricate religious places of worship ever constructed. Combining several completely different and contrasting architectural styles of Hindu temple architecture of northern India -- Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal and Jain -- the Akshardham Monument is entirely constructed of marble and the red-sandstone that Delhi is famous for, and that so many of her monuments are constructed of. It was completed in only 5 years a world record of sorts So after years of waiting, the Temple was opened to the public -- and to photographers. Above is the New Delhi Akshardham Complex as seen through the eyes of a BAPS photographer. The pictures are a great many and will take a long time to load, but totally, totally worth the wait!At its inaguration, it is widely being heralded as one of the greatest monuments India has ever produced. I hope you enjoy viewing this architectual marvel Akshardham monument, built without steel, is entirely composed of sandstone and marble. It consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 murtis and statues of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities. The monument is a fusion of several architectural styles of pink stone and pure white marble. Pink stone symbolizes bhakti (devotion) in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace. The monument was built after over 300 million man hours of services rendered by 11,000 volunteers, sadhus and artisans.
It is the one of the wonders of the modern world, and the wonders of modern India.

Click on the photos to see enlarged images

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Work Of Devotion

Prhalada
Work of devotion
By M.K.Ramanujam
Courtesy The Hindu
The primary prerequisite for a spiritual seeker to undertake a study of the Bhagavata Purana is that he must become a reveller (Rasika) of the devotion which runs through this work. The mystical states expounded here must be experienced for oneself and it is also not to be tasted just once. The devotion that it describes will transport the devotee to such ecstatic states that he will wish to revel in it again and again.
The objective of the Bhagavata Purana was to highlight the nuances of the path of devotion so that a devotee could heighten his experience of God through different perspectives. This is akin to a diver who comes up with a different gem every time he dives into the ocean. Among the devotees that this Purana elaborates Prahlada is certainly the crown prince. He is exceptional in the devotional tradition because his preceptor Narada, who is a sterling devotee himself, has commended his disciple’s peerless devotion. Prahlada’s stature as a devotee can be gauged from the fact that this Purana devotes an entire canto to him, like it does to describing Lord Krishna’s glory, out of its 12 cantos. Suka attests that listening to Prahlada’s life will enable devotion, which is elusive, to sprout in the heart of the listener.
The prelude to the exposition of Prahlada’s outstanding devotion is Narada’s narration to Yudishithira during the Rajasuya sacrifice he performed about how even Sishupala, who abused Lord Krishna repeatedly, attained the beatific state of union with the Lord. This underscores that God is impartial and all are the same for Him. Even though Sishupala hated Krishna, the Lord redeemed him because he was His devotee, and he developed hatred because of a curse. He and Dantavakra were the Lord’s attendants Jaya and Vijaya, and they had prevented the sages Sanaka and his brothers from entering the divine abode when they cursed them to be born in the world. When they sought their pardon, they mitigated it to three births as haters of God and that the Lord would redeem them during His incarnations. Their other two births were Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu, and Ravana and Kumbakarna
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Friday, January 9, 2009

Arudhara Darshan or The Tiruvadarai


Natarja Cosmic Dance
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.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The 99 Club

Emperor Jimmu Of Japan
This is good advice !
The 99 Club
A very apt article depicting the rat race that all of us are involved in our Day to day life. Please read and if you happen to be a member of this 'elite Club, then quit this club today itself and give an opportunity for Happiness and peace of mind to enter your life. It is really worth a try.
Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content.
One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked. This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land, unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant had so much joy. The King asked the servant, 'Why are you so happy?'
The man replied, 'Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies.'
The king was not satisfied with that reply. Later in the day, he sought the advice of his most trusted advisor.
After hearing the King's woes and the servant's' story, the advisor said, 'Your Majesty, I believe that the servant Has not been made part of The 99 Club.'
'The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?' the King inquired.
The advisor replied, 'Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep.'
When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... So many gold coins!
He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins. He wondered, 'What could've happened to that last
gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins!' He looked everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive. Finally, exhausted he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection.
From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that 100th gold coin. He stopped singing while he worked.
Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled. When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, 'Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club.'
He continued, 'The 99 Club is a name given to those people who have enough To be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and Striving for that extra 1 saying to themselves: 'Let me get that one final thing and then I will be happy for life.'
We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the minute we're given something bigger and better, we want even more! We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us; all these as a price for our growing needs and desires.
That's the 99 club.
Stop worrying about the bearish stock market & enjoy your life.

Vaikunta Ekadashi

Samudra Manthan
It was on this day that during the "Sagara Mathana" (churning of the ocean), 'Amrit' (nectar) emerged out of the ocean and was distributed to the Gods. The Hindus consider this day very auspicious and it is believed that those who die on this day are freed from the rounds of birth and death; they directly reach Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is for this reason that the Great King Bheeshma waited long on his bed of arrows, to leave his last breath. Hence it is also called Bheeshma Ekadasi)
VAIKUNTA Ekadashi falls in the month of Marga-seersha (December-January). This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, twice a month.In this Kali Yuga, even if just one Ekadashi is observed with dispassion, faith and devotion, and if the mind is wholly fixed on Hari, one is freed from the rounds of birth and death. There is no doubt about this. The scriptures give us their assurance on this point.Devotees fast on this day, observe vigil the whole night and do Japa, Hari Kirtan and meditation. Some do not take even a drop of water. Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk.No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days. This is very important. The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.”Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.”For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi. If one observes the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated. All sins are destroyed. The mind is purified. Devotion gradually develops. Love for God becomes intense. Orthodox people in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day.Benefits of FastingNowadays, many educated people do not observe fasting on this sacred day. This is due to the impact of the dark, vicious, materialistic forces. When the intellect develops a little, people begin to enter into arguments and unnecessary discussions. Intellect is a hindrance on the spiritual path. They who have not developed the heart but who have developed their intellect begin to doubt and question at every step. They are led astray. They want a “why” and a “how” for everything. They want “scientific” explanations for all phenomena. God is beyond proofs and presumptions. One has to approach religion and the scriptures with great faith, reverence and purity of heart. Then only are the secrets of religion revealed unto him like the apple in the palm of one’s hand. Does anybody ask his mother to prove who is his father? Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is a great penance. It purifies the mind and the heart. It destroys a multitude of sins. Fasting controls the tongue in particular which is the deadliest enemy of man. Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. It destroys all the impurities of the body and all sorts of poisons. It eliminates uric acid deposits. Just as impure gold is rendered pure by melting it in the crucible again and again, so also this impure mind is rendered purer by repeated fasting.Young and robust Brahmacharis (celibates) should observe fasting whenever passion troubles them. Only then will they have very good meditation, as the mind will be rendered calm. The chief object of fasting is to render the system calm so that one is able to practise meditation rigorously during that period.Withdraw the senses and fix the mind on God. Pray to God to guide you and to throw a flood of light on your spiritual path. Say with feeling: “O God, guide me! Protect me, protect me! I am Thine, I am Thine! Forsake me not!” You will be blessed with purity, light and strength. Follow this Sadhana on the days that you fast, Ekadashi days in particular. Fasting is one of the ten canons of Yoga. However, avoid excessive fasting. It will produce weakness. Use your common sense. If you cannot fast for the full twenty-four hours, at least fast for 10-12 hours and then take some milk and fruit. Gradually increase your fast to 15 hours and then up to 24 hours. Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally.In his code, the Manu Smriti, the great Hindu lawgiver, Manu, prescribes fasting for the removal of the five capital sins. Diseases that are pronounced incurable by doctors are cured by fasting. Occasionally, a complete fast is greatly desirable for all to keep up good health, to give adequate rest to the internal organs and maintain celibacy. All diseases have their origin in overeating and verily fasting is the only method to cure this.Complete fasting helps to control sleep. Taking recourse to tea to control sleep is not desirable. You will not gain any spiritual strength if you depend on an external agent. During fasting avoid all company. Live alone. Utilise your time in Sadhana. When breaking a fast do not take a heavy meal or a heavy food that is hard to digest. Milk or some fruit juice is beneficial.Moderation in eating and withdrawal of the senses in Yogic meditation are the obverse and the reverse of the same coin. Moderation consists in taking a little food or water just to keep the body in good working order.In the Gita you will find: “Verily, Yoga is not for him who eats too much, nor who abstains to excess, nor who sleeps too much, nor to the excessively wakeful”.The Yogi withdraws his senses from the particular sense objects. The senses are made to turn into or get involved into the mind. When one is fully established in these two practices, supreme control of the senses is achieved.Once there was a demon, Mura, who oppressed the gods. The gods approached Lord Hari for protection. Hari sent Yoga Maya to kill the demon. Yoga Maya carried out the behests of the Lord successfully.Then the Lord said to Yoga Maya, “Those who observe Ekadashi will be freed from all sins, and you will be called by the name Ekadashi. ”King Ambarisha was a great votary of Lord Hari. He practised the Ekadashi Vrata for a year. Ambarisha obtained His Grace. On one occasion he fasted for three consecutive days. He was about to break the fast when Rishi Durvasa appeared as his guest. The king received him with due respect and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi agreed and went to bathe in the river. The king waited patiently for a long time, but the Rishi did not return. Time was running out; if the king did not eat anything before the day ended his Vrata would not bear fruit. And if he ate, he would be showing disregard to the Rishi. As a compromise the king took a little water to serve both the conditions.When Durvasa returned from his bath, he knew exactly what had happened, and was angry. He tore a hair from his tuft and charged it to kill Ambarisha. The king was unmoved. The discus of Lord Vishnu destroyed the power of the hair of Durvasa. It now followed the Rishi wherever he went and tried to destroy him.Rishi Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for help, but to no avail. He went to Lord Hari who said to him, “I am dependent on My devotees. My heart is in the possession of My devotees. Go thou, therefore, to Ambarisha; beg his pardon and thou shalt be saved.”Ambarisha thereupon prayed to the charged hair to desist from its course, and saved the Rishi. Durvasa thanked him from the bottom of his heart.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Some Quotes From Chanakyya

Chanakyya
"A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and Honest people are victimised first." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC 75 BC)
"Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. ! It will destroy you." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
"There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no Friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)
"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC)

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC

"Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)

"A man is great by deeds, not by birth." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years..For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)
"Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC

"Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth." Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)



Saturday, January 3, 2009

Walking On Water

Walking On Water
Our Birth is our Opening Balance! Our Death is our Closing Balance! Our Prejudiced Views are our Liabilities Our Creative Ideas are our Assets Heart is our Current Asset Soul is our Fixed Asset Brain is our Fixed Deposit Thinking is our Current Account Achievements are our Capital Character & Morals, our Stock-in-Trade Friends are our General Reserves Values & Behaviour are our Goodwill Patience is our Interest Earned Love is our Dividend Children are our Bonus Issues Education is Brands / Patents Knowledge is our Investment Experience is our Premium Account The Aim is to Tally the Balance Sheet Accurately. The Goal is to get the Best Presented Accounts Award. Some very Good and Very bad things ...The most destructive habit....... ......... ......Worry The greatest Joy......... ......... ......... ....Giving The greatest loss.......Loss of self-respect The most satisfying work........ .......Helping others The ugliest personality trait....... ......Selfishnes s The most endangered species..... ....Dedicated leaders Our greatest natural resource.... ......... ..Our youth The greatest 'shot in the arm'........ ..Encouragement The greatest problem to overcome.... ......... ....Fear The most effective sleeping pill........ Peace of mind The most crippling failure disease..... .......Excuses The most powerful force in life........ ......... ..Love The most dangerous pariah...... ..A gossipThe world's most incredible computer.... ....The brain The worst thing to be without..... ......... ..... Hope The deadliest weapon...... ......... ........The tongue The two most power-filled words....... ......... 'I Can' The greatest asset....... ......... ......... ......Faith The most worthless emotion..... ......... ....Self- pity The most beautiful attire...... ......... .......SMILE! The most prized possession.. ......... .....Integrity The most powerful channel of communication. ....Prayer The most contagious spirit...... ......... ...Enthusiasm The most important thing in life........ ......... .GODLife ends; when you stop Dreaming, Hope ends; when you stop Believing, Love ends; when you stop Caring, And Friendship ends; when you stop Sharing...!!!
take care.......
Please click on the picture above you will see a lovely story