Sri Ramanin Padhayil (2010)
Sri Ramanin Padhayil
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 01 - April 21 2013
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 01 - April 21 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
‘Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame;
Sahasra nama tattulyam Rama nama varanane!’
Slogam from SriVishnuSahasranamam, Shiva's answer to Parvati on Rama Nama mahatvam.
Ram's travel route
Sriram travelled from Ayodhya to various places in India, Nepal and Srilanka like Chitrakut, Nasik, Kishkinthai, Mahendragiri, Rameshwaram and SriLanka.
What does "Sri Ramanin Padayil" mean ?
Meaning 1 : Sri Ramanin Padayil means following the dharma's and discipline followed by Ram. Ram has lived and explained us various dharma's including Ozhukkam(Discipline), truthfullness(Unmaiyin oruvam), Nermayin oruvam(straight forwardness), Thanthai Thai mathipu (respecting/obeying to parents), helping mind, great warrior and king, Nadathai(good conduct) and panbhu. So ramanin padayil means "Sriramanin ozhukka(way to live) pathai, naan nadathai(good conduct) pathai". Ramayanam is Adi kavyam, Venga Kavyam - it is not just a Story (kathai) but also has moral(Karuthu).
We are not just going to listen to the story of ram but from those stories understand the moral and follow the moral in our day to day life. -Kathai ketpom, kathaiyinkaruthai purinthukondu kadaipidipom. We shall learn one ozhukum, learn one uyarntha panbhu and follow.
Meaning 2 - Sriramanin padayil means travelling to all the destinations travelled by Ram. Raman than thiruvadi padarunthu nadantha pathai. Ram has walked from ayodhya till rameshwaram/thirupullani..then in lanka. Raman has walked along this path. Ram walks first, follows Sita and then follows Lakshmana.
Key Takeaway
1. Following Ram's footsteps means living life in the path of dharma as lead by Ram.
2. Following Ram's footsteps also means travelling to destinations/ punya kshetram's visited by Ram.
Why did Raman took those two journey/yatra ?
Yatra 1 - To marry Sita when he was 12 years of age. Then Ram stayed 12 years in the kingdom.
Yatra 1 - Following Kaikeyi's order he started on his next journey which was for 14 years.
Ram's journey path
Ram's first journey - Yatra 1
Started from Uttar Pradesh- Ayodhya.
Then to Bihar - Bukshar - siddhashram on the bank of river Ganga.
Then to Nepal - Mithila/Janakpuri where Sita kalyanam happened.
Then back to Ayodhya
It is interesting to note the route map and image looks like bow/arrow - Valaintha Vil.. nerkotil Naan.
Ram's Second journey - Yatra 2
Started from Ayodhya - UP
Then via Madhya Pradesh to all the three ashram.. Sutheek shashanaa ashram,Sarabhang ashram,Agastyaashram
Then to Maharashtra Nasik /Panchavati
Then to thaketh in maharashtra
Then to tungabadra - near hampi/hospet kishkintai
Then near mysore near coorg - lakshmana thirthanam
Then thirukurungudi in TN - Mahendragiri parvam
Then turning towards kanyakumari.. towards rameshwaram /thirupullani
While in Rameshwaram all the vanara padai built the palam in 5 days and reached lanka after the victory at Srilanka Ram came in Pushpaka vimana from lanka then to baradwaja asharam
then to nandi gramam
then to ayodhya
Ram has travelled through India (6 states), Nepal, Srilanka. ~8500 KM length
Details on "Sri Rama Anu Yathirai "
In 2006, 2010 under the guidance of Swami Vellukudi Krishnan was organised the "Sri Rama Anu Yathirai" and 500 people participated.
Anu Yathirai means "Pin thodarrunthu selluvathu" - to follow
The journey included yathirai, kathai, upanyasam, parayanam, music based on songs from Kambha ramayanam, Valmiki Ramayanam, azhwar's pasuram and from Ram charitha manas, Sita kalyanam, paduka pattabhishekam,bajanai and understand the significance of the places and clarification of all the doubts.
Mahatvam of Ram Namam
When we say Raman - papam tholainthu puniyam kidaikum.
This is also explained in Sabari and Ram's conversation.
Ram namam is equivalent to 1000 names in Vishnusahasranamam.
Papam tholainthu puniyam kidaipathu. Srirama.. rama nu sonnale puniyam. Siranthathu, anaithukum siranthathu..
Sankarar says - Rama namathin perumai Shivan arivar.. This is explained by Shiva's reply to Parvati in "Sri Rama Rama Rameti... " Slogam.
So let us all view and involve the entire family including the next generation. It is our responsibility to pass on to the next generation and this is a great oppurtunity to get them interested.
What does Yatra mean ?
Yatra means "ithan moolam sellugirom", like minded people travelling with a goal towards a goal is Yatra.
Yatra sellum pothu oru goal/elakku irukka vendum, ellakku(goal) adaiya vendum.
Key Takeaway
3. Yatra means "ithan moolam sellugirom", like minded people travelling with a goal towards a goal is Yatra.
Mahatvam of Ramayanam
Ramayanam muzhuka sollum oru slogam..
Yanthin nyaya pravarthasya thriyan chobita sahayatam
apan thanantam Gachchatam soga roopi vimunchathi
(need to correct this Slogam : TBD)
Nalvazhiyil, dharma margathil, ner vazhiyil, nadanthal kurangu kuda udavikku varum. Thavarana margathil, adharma margathil, theeya vazhiyil nadanthal kudapiranthavargal kuda vittu viduvargal. Due to dharma Monkeys helped Ram and due to adharma brother Vibhishanan left Ravanan.
Key Takeaway
4. Everyone(even animals) will help us if we follow path of dharma, if not even our own brother will disown us.
In this series we are going to learn the moral(Karuthu) from ramayanam and also see the places as per Ramayanam.
Ramanyanam has been translated in many languages. Based on these books, research has been done.. As per Ithihasas these incidences must have happened more than 15 lakhs years ago... whatever the timeline be the time period is not important. This yathirai is not newly found by us, our acharyas(guru's) have already given all the details and we just need to follow them. The first and foremost among them is Valmiki.
Brahma told to Valmiki - Till the existence of sun, moon , river,mountain Ramanyanam's pugazh will be there in this world and till that time Valmiki's pugazh irukkum.
What is the basis for this Series or the Yatra ?
Ramayanam has 24000 slogam, 500+ sargam, 6 kaandam.
Ramayanam is the basis for this series. Tamil poet Kambar based on Valmiki Ramanyanam wrote Kamba Ramanyanam. The place where Kambar released(arangetriya mandapam) is in Srirangam opposite to Thayar sannadhi. Mettu Azhagiya singa perumal listened to all the words as told by Kambar and acknowledged it by saying "yes it all happened" and atta gasamaga siritharam (Laugh). This happened 1000 years ago.
Srirangam - Kamba Ramayana Mandapam
All these are true and one can understand when we see this series.
Why should we go on yatrai ?
In Bhagavat Gita, Krishna explains about Karma yogam. Everyone need to follow Karma yogam in this world. But not everyone like to do things in the same way and hence when they follow karma yogam the way they follow is different. "Loko Binna ruchi" - people have varied interest. Various routes to follow karma yogam like - aradhanai of a vigraham, pranayanam,vedam solluvathu, Veda karuthu(meaning) araichi(research) pannuvathu, dhana dharmam, puniya theerthathil neeraduvathu, kshetradanam and many more. Karma yogathin oru vagai than Yathirai.
Whatever the discipline and dharma followed by Ram in Ramaavataram has been told in the Bhagavat Gita during the Krishnaavataram. Krishna did upadesam of all that he followed(way he lived) in Ramavataram.
Key Takeaway
5. Going on a Yatra is a type of Karma yogam
6. Krishna advised us and gave us "Bhagavad Gita" and that is nothing but all the dharma's which was followed by HIM in Ramaavataram.
List of 9 holy rivers covered in this Yatra
Theertha yathirai - Kshetra yathirai - Punniya nathigal(river) neeraduvathu. Papam tholainthu punniyam tharum nadigal punniya nadigal.
All the rivers in Bharatha desam have deep connection to Ithihasam.
During this Yatra 9 holy rivers(punniya theertham) were covered
- Sarayu( runs in ayodhya in UP),
- Gangai,
- Gandaki in nepal , salagrama perumal
- Yamunai place where krishna played,
- Mandagini at Chitrakutam,
- Godavari's starting place near Nasik,
- Tungabhadra at Karnataka near kishkinta,
- Cauvery near kodagu,
- Nambhi aaru near Mahendra giri down south
- Sethu snanam at Sethu karai.
Greatness of the letter "Ga" as in Ganga
gItA gangA ca gAyatrI govindeti hrdi sthite |
catur gagAra samyukte punarjanma na vidyate ||
Meaning: To one in whose heart these four 'ga’kArAs, namely, gItA, gangA, gAyatri and govinda are found, has no rebirth.
Ga letters perumai - Ganga, Gita , Gayathri, Govinda - if one has all these 4 Ga's he will attain mukthi.
Ozhukkam-Way of Living
In "Koodarai vellum seer govinda...." Andal also explains the benefit of being together.
Koodi irunthu kuliruvom... Koodi irunthal kuleeralam, kudi irunthal kodi nanmai,thanith thaniye irukka vendam, ottrumaiyodu iruppom, pagu padu parka vendam. All are bhaktas. Koodi iruthal Yathirai yin payan.
What we get when we go on a Yathra ?
Key Takeaway
1. Koodi iruthal yathirai yin payan.
2. Time away from Mechanical, mundane, materialistic life is what we get from Yathirai.
3. During Yathirai Just say rama namam and live a different life..
4. Tolerance comes in automatically when we live together.
5. We are going to places which are filled with Sanithiyam, filled with positive vibration which has been visited and where many rishi's lived.
6. Kootu prathanai, same goal, kootu muyarchi - positive attitude.
7. More than listening ramaynam when we see it in person - then "He is my Rama" attitude comes in. Bhakthi increased.
Interestingly people of age group between 18 to 92 years participated in this yathirai and older people were more energetic. In spite of health problems diabetic, bp, heart surgery patients also participated. More details on how this yathirai was arranged and conducted.. to be continued ............
Seetha Rama Thiruvadigale Saranam.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 02 - April 28 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Dialogue on SriRamanin Pathayil between Cho and Krishnan Swami.
Cho : Ramayanam is an ithihasam which explains about bharatha desam panbhu, nambhikai, menmaigal. Learning Ramayanam is puniyam.
Why this Yathirai ?
Jeevatma's nature is anadamayi(Bliss). Anything we do for the body/sarira is momentary happiness. Manasu rithiya, bhuthiyala if we do anything for Athma anubhav we can recollect those memory and continue to feel the happiness. Gyanathunala(knowledge) varugira sugam. Kannan says in Bhagavat Gita do anything which gives happiness to Athma and not just for the Sarira. This is the basis of Brahma Dyanam or Yogam. Even after 30 minutes of Brahma Dyanam the effect of it remains even after that. If we go for an Arivu poorvamana yathirai, we can recollect the anubhavam's we had during the yathirai even after many years.
In the Gita's last athiyayam, Sanjayan says to Dhristhirastra - "Yennaku kannan sonna 18 athiyathin karuthu(meaning) niyabagam irunthatho illaiyo..atha vida avan kattina Vishwaroopam innum niyabagam irukku.. nenaichu nenaichu yen kalathai kazhichiduven...". All the troubles we face during the yathirai are only physical for sarira and not for the athma. Also if we do it together as a group, the positive vibrations are more and it is even more when it is done related to Raman. In spite of age, health issue people enjoyed because the athma anuhavam scored high in front of troubles to the body.
Details on the Ground work done before the Yathirai
1. First took notes from all the sargam in Valmiki Ramayanam which had details about directions.Also checked in Kambar and Rama charitha Manas. Though these three Ramayanam differed in the narration of what happened but they did not differ in where it happened. Since the research team's focus was on the place of the incident, other differences didn't matter. We found the places of where Ram travelled and we wanted to go there and do the parayanam.
2. Then checked on the Ancient india's, medieval india's and contemproray india's geography map to check on the course of the various rivers and how it has changed over a period.
3. Took help of the research publications. Sir George Cunnigham's research in a book called "The ancient geography of india". V.D Ramaswamy wrote "Rama patha Yathirai". Prof Daniel Smith from America(velukkudi's father's friend) has stayed in India some 20 years ago and has done research in various places and has written a travel notes. An email from him also helped a lot.
4. To tie loose ends an Indian youth studying law in london helped by getting references from F.E.Forgetter's book manusscript which was in london library.
5. So we were able to confirm theoretically on all the details that were collected from various places.
6. Then pilot team went to the places and confirmed with the local people, rishi's, archagas in the temple. Then when we fine tuned got a beautiful picture.
Mode of transportation
Bus, train, tractors, we built temporary bridge ourselves. Thakheth - place where Jatayu got the moksham was beautiful with serene atmosphere though there were electricity issues when the group went there.
How did those places didn't get changed along these years ?
It is Ram's grace which is taking care of Ram's places. Raman than yedathai pathu kathukirar. We need to maintain the historic and ancient monuments.
What was the order of travel ?
Same order as travelled by Ram
Ayodhya ,Siddhashram,videga raja janakapuri - sita kalyanam, went back to ayodhya stayed for one day. We all felt as if our ponnu mappilai got married when we came back to ayodhya from Janakapuri. Then we started on the next leg. Didn't go to lanka but went till rameshwaram and then came to Srirangam to read the pattabhisheka sargam.
What places in Tamil Nadu ?
Hanuman thavina place is Mahendra Giri southern tip of podhigai malai and rameshwaram. So travel included
From Ayodhya, bihar(Siddhashram), Nepal(Mithila), ayodhya,UP MP border is chitrakut, Nasik panchavati, climbed lonavala to enter kishikintha then to Lakshmana theertham near coorg, Thirukurungudi mahendra giri and rameshwaram. Though new name exists people also understand the old names as per the scripts.
Is Ramanyana true story ?
Katha(Story) does not mean karpanai(Imagination) only. It might have happened long ago. One might not have seen it. But that does not mean
it didn't happen. Unless one can refute and disapprove it is true. Our great grandfathers and their great grand fathers have told these for many years. We are ready to accept if something is told few hundred years ago. likewise this has been told/seen for many many years ago and many yugas ago and we all should be proud of it. Something has come from Thretha Yuga. Sankaracharya, Veda vysar, Ramanujar, Madhvacharya all told same story and same count w.r.t sargam. Sankaracharya went to Chitrakut and bhadrikashram, Ramanujar has gone to chitrakut and Ayodhya. When we went we also saw the same thing as what we heard from our acharyas and we can feel the positive vibration.
How can we agree ravanan had 10 head, monkey's had intelluctual power ?
When we see something beyond what we think as common we think it is abnormal. There were days when what we think as abnormal today were normal those days. I can understand this when i see my grandfather and his physical strength. There are chances of people of those days to be different from what we are today. On seeing bird, vimanas we are inventing many many things. So we have to accept that those days people had all the shakthi's which we think is abnormal and impossible today. We see the missile today and all these can be compared to all the asthra's which were there in Ramanyana's days. Only thing is it is in different form these days. The concept(karuthu) is the same but only the murai(form) is different. So we need to accept the existence of those concepts in those days.
Any kal vettu(Stone monuments) to confirm the Faith ?
Mahabharatha vishyam related Kal vettu is there e.g. Dwaraka. Mahabharatha happened end of dwapara yuga end , close to the beginning of kali yuga. Ramayanam is even one more yuga before that. Kishinkintha has a ramar sannidhi, ramar came there is true and if we follow the route given in the books we are able to locate the place and this cohesiveness is the basis for our trip. More news are sevi vazhi seithigal (what we heard). There are many researches done many hundred years ago in many books. so we need to accept.
How did you manage the group ?
There are many people who want to go. We managed travel, food end to end with god's grace and lots of volunteers. Yathiri Seva Group - Volunteers who went ahead of arrival of the actual yathiri's.
Will people remember though they had great experience ?
They will remember Ram, anjaneya, places visited and the divine experience will be remembered for ever. We had upanyasam and sarga parayanam in the respective places. Had many adventures experience crossing dangerous bridges and also when crossing and reaching Nepal.
Are you planning to do this tour again ?
Need to think that we are not the kartha(Seibhavan) instead we are the karanam(karuvi). Seibhavan Raman, karuvi naan, yendru ninaithal nichayamaga pannalam. When we think, we need to think with gyana,knowledge and athma. when we act we need to think that we are just a tool and it is driven by Ram. AnuBhavavikkum pothu bhakthi yoda anubhavikkanam. If this attitude is there all of us can go again. No need to
bother about age or anything. Average age was 68 of the people who travelled. Anyone who has bhakthi can come and one who does not have bhakthi if they come they will get into bhakthi.
Key Takeaway
1.Whatever we do, need to think that we are not the kartha(Seibhavan) instead we are the karanam(karuvi).
10 headed Ravanan - Explanation
Ram is God, even for people who don't believe in Ram when they follow the panbhu of what is told in Ramayanam they will automatically understand the Godliness of Ram.
Vivega Saram - Vivegam means paguthu arivu - degam and athma is different, sugam/thukkam, think all human's are same. Paguthuarivu is an ambhu(arrow) and if you release that ambhu something will get destroyed. Our manam(mind) is Ravanan. Ravanan had faulty behaviours - pullan(senses) adakam illai, he wished for someone's wife Mandodari says "ravana ram didn't defeat you, only ur pulan adakkam inmai(not controlling your senses) defeated you".
Ozhukkam-Way of Living
Manam(Mind) is Ravanan. Antha Manathuku irukkum 10 pulan(senses) than Ravananin thalaigal(head). 10 pulangal(senses) - eyes, nose ,mouth,nose,? and 5 karmenthiriyangal. Viveka Gyanam yennum ambhu kondu Raman, nam Manam mela ambhu yeithugirar, theeya gunathai azhichividugirar.
This is what our acharya's are writing. Kathai + karuthu and we need to follow the karuthu.
Key Takeaway
2. Not controlling the senses will lead to disaster. Mandodari says this at Ravana's death bed that not controlling his senses killed him and not Ram.
3. Ram uses the arrow called viveka Gyana to remove the 10 bad qualities we Jeevatma possess which includes the 5 karma indriya's and 5 gyana indriya's.
Time duration of the Yathirai
22 days of yathirai. People from Blr, Mumbai,Hyd, calcutta participated and they all came to Bittor near Kanpur. Travelled to all the places till Srirangam and went back to respective home town from srirangam. Tolerance gets built when we go on a yathirai.
Why stop till Pattabhiashekam and not continue on Uttara Gandam ?
Shubhama mudikanum nu Pattabhishekam thoda mudikarom and hence uttara Gandam is not in the parayanam. Irrespective of popularity , it is true and it has many great information. No one can accept sita leaving Ram and it is difficult to accept and hence not in parayanam.
Explanation about instances in Ramayanam where Ram is advicing the Rishi's when they crib
Ram has learnt and he was taught by various rishi's. He has advised Rishi's too like Vashistar, Vishwamithra and even his mother Kausalya.
He listens and at times he advices back to them too. Clouds take the water from the sea and it filters it and gives it back as rain. Sometimes it rains in the same sea where it took the water. From the Sea called vashistrar or vishwamithirar, the cloud Ram took all the advice and then filtered it and poured it back to them as advice back to them.
Upadesam pannum pothu rishigal, azhwargal, nayanmargal usually cry and crib about all their feelings. Rishi's are scared of samsaram, pulan. Samsara kadal izhukkum nu bayam yellarukkum irukkanam. Pulan thappana vazhila izhukkume nu bayam irukkanum. They all had that fear of getting suck into the samsaram and hence they cried and cribbed.
Yellorum Yathirai la kalanthundu koodi irunthu kuleeranam.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 03 - May 5 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Bittoor
Rama bhakthargalukku vanakkam.
Ramannin Avatharam - Valmiki Maharishi karunaiyodu yezhuthiyathu Sriramayanam.
Ramayanam pirantha kathai
Through Guru / Acharyan's we understand GOD. Like how we pray to our guru and acharyan before praying to GOD, Sriramanin pathayil need to start from Valmiki Ashramam. All the tourists reached Kanpur in UttarPradesh.
A book on Rama Anu Yathirai was given to all when they started to journey. On the way all the bhakthas did upanyasam, parayanam and bajanai. From Kanpur railway station, the journey started towards Bittoor the place where valmiki ashram is located. 27 Km from kanpur towards Kanoj there is Kalyanpur and near by is Bittoor.Reached Bittoor and reached Banks of river Ganga.
Key Takeaway
1. Through Guru / Acharyan's we understand GOD.
Information on Ganga
Periazhwar pasuram - "Gangai Gangai yennum vasagathunale..." ***TBD**
Trivikramanin Sri Patha Thirtham is Ganga. Dharma Devathaiye neerga oruga, kamandalathil iruntha neerai brahma devan trivikramanin pathathai alambha(wash) athuve gangaiyaga vizhunthathu. Nammai nokki vantha Gangai, namma pavathai neeka vantha gangai.
After getting ready, people performed Pithru Tarpanam, sandhya vandanam, Nama japam, mantra japam, Surya bhagawan japam on the banks of river ganga. Reached bittor and we have taken holy bath in Ganga. Next is to undertand Bittoor's Mahatiyam.
Greatness of Bittoor
Slogam:
वेद वेद्ये परे पुंसि जाते दशरथात्मजे ।
वेदःप्रचेतसादासीद् साक्षाद् रामायणात्मना ॥
veda vedye pare pumsi jate dasharathatmaje |
vedah prachetasadasid sakshad ramayanatmana ||
Meaning : “When the omni potent omniscient and the Omnipresent Almighty who can be known only through Veda, took birth as a son of Dasharatha, the most precious Veda has been rendered as Ramayana by the sage Prachetasa.(Valmiki).”
Veda's took birth as Ramayanam. Valmikam means putru. He came from putru(valmikam) so he is called Valmiki. Now we have reached Bittor. Starting from Brahma till valmiki and till Vedav Vyasar great Rishi's have been related to bittoor.
Key Takeaway
2. Sriram is Paramapurusha and SriRamayana is veda
Walkthrough of the ancient map of India
(Note : Watch the video on Vijay TV to understand more on the exact locations)
When we see ancient map of India we shall understand more. The map showed all the current places but with different name. Sanatana Dharma was followed and practiced from Iran till cambodia.
# Kamboja Desam - Indo Iranian had lived here and they must have come down and settled in India.
# Ghandara desam - Afganistan, Pakistan included here. 3 important places pushkalavathi, Takshashilam taxila, purushapuram. Ram's brother bharathan's Son were names as Pushkalan and Takshashan. Avargal Statpitha places are Pushkalavathi and Takshashilam called as Taxila.
# Purushapuram is called as Peshavar. This Ghandara desam daughter is Ghandari who is Durypodhana's mother. Many desam in the west and east of ghandaram.
# Then comes Sindhu - Sindhu sama vali and the Sindhu river.
# Then is Kekaya Desam - Daughter of this desam is Kekaya Desam. Bharathan's mother.
# After kekaya Desam is Madra Desam with capital is sakala(today's siyal court) and from here is Madri who married pandu and gave birth to Nakula Sahadev.
# Matsya Desam - this was called virata nagaram where pandavas stayed during agnathavasam.
# Kosala Desam - where ayodhya is. Raman pirantha desam
# Panchala Desam - Panchali is from here. There is Uttara Panchalam and Dakshina Panchala.
# Kuru Jangala Desam - this is in Haryana
# Magadha Desam - This is in today's Bihar, patna
# Videha Desam - Today's north bihar and some parts of Nepal. This is mithila desam Janaka maharaj's desam.
# Kalinga Desam - Today's odissa
# Vidarbha Desam - Middle of Bharatham. Nagpur
# Sindhu Sauvera Desam - Saurashtra Desam - north of gujarat
# In Tamil Nadu - Pandya, Chola, Chera, Pallava's, Thondai Mannavargal yendru palarum vanzhuntha oor.
Our Bharatha Desam has such great people and rich history.
More on Bittoor
Now we are in Bittoor which is north of Kanpur. BIttor is the place where Brahma kept his first foot steps. Let's understand more from Bittoor.
Rishi and muni's lived for people's spiritual upliftment. Rishi's can be classified into Raja Rishi,Maha Rishi, brahma rishi, Deva rishi.
Valmiki is a Maha Rishi. His ashram is in Bittoor. Naradar came here and Valmiki asked 16 questions to Naradar Slogam starting "Kon vasmin..". Valmiki listed 16 great characters and asked Narada "is there anyone with all these 16 characters(uyartha panbhugal) ? ". Naradar said "Valmiki neer ketta anaithu uyarntha panbhu oruthar idathil kana mudiyathu. Slogam - "Ishvaku vamsa prabhavaha ramo nama..." . Ishvagu vamsathil piranthu, anaithu vedangalalum potrappadum ramannidathil than kana mudiyum."
One can understand God only through the Veda's, Ithihasa, puranas. "vedaika samthigamyan bhagawan"
Bittoor's mahitvam
I)- Valmiki ashramam
II) - Place where Ramanyana Kavyam was written
III) - Raman garbini Sitayai Gangai ku appal vittutu va yendru lakshmanan kitta solla, sita vanthu thangi irunthu lav-kush petru yedutha puniya bhoomi. Holy place where Sita gave birth to Lav-Kush.
Lav Kush Mandapam at Bittoor
1. Lav Kush Janma Bhoomi - Temple at Bittoor
Lav-kush's Janma bhoomi has a temple in which there is a chinna vigraha roopam - of lav-kush,
Periya vigraham of sita and Karupu thirumeniyil Raman, Next to him is Lakshmanan, next to him is sugreeva maharaja.
2. Hanuman Temple at Bittoor
Hanuman has come here and his thiruvadi patta idam athunala yella pavam tholaika valla red color Hanuman.
We can see all these in the lav-kush mandapam
Valmiki Ashram at Bittoor
1. Valmiki Bhagawan in Padmansana
Next if we go to Valmiki ashram, we can see Valmiki bhagawan in padmasanam pose writing Ramayanam.
2. Living Muni
Next to valmiki is a living muni who is 110 years old and is been doing rama nama japam.
Like how valmiki is in a sila roopam, this muni is sitting and doing his japam and tapam.
3.Valmiki Bhagawan - while he was a thief
Valmiki was a thief before he became a rishi and there is a black sila roopam of that form of valmiki.
4. Sita with Luv-Kush
We also see small sila(Idol) of Sita and even smaller sila of lav and kush. It's been written Vana Devi Sita Devi. When Sita came to Valmiki Ashram, all the rishi's asked who is she ? Since valmiki didn't want to explain the truth to all he said that a precious Vana devi has come here. So it is written vana devi Sita devi.
5. Tree where Hanuman was tied
Then there is a tree in which lav-kush tied Hanuman. During the Ashwatha yagam of Ram, lav-kush captured the horse of Ram and tied it here. One by one everyone came and lost to Lav-kush. Finally Hanuman came and he didn't feel like fighting with them and he also felt that there had been a deep bhakthi and relation with them. Lav-kush tied Hanuman in this tree and informed Sita about a monkey which they can play with. When sita saw hanuman she was surprised and told "if hanuman wasnt there neither ram, nor me nor you would be here."
Once a while this tree grows from inside and the outer bark gets peeled off automatically.
6. Sita Kund
Next is Sita Kund where sita went into mother earth and started her journey from this bhoomi. That must have happened in Naimisaranyam but here as well there is a representation of that historic event.
Sloka Song - "Kujantam rama rameti madhuram madhuraaksharam
aaruhya kavitaa saakhaam vande valmiki kokilam"
Meaning - "This verse is a salutation to the poet Valmiki, who like a cuckoo bird sitting on the tree of poetry, melodiously repeats the sweet name of Rama. Blessed by Brahma, Valmiki who earlier became a sage, thus became a poet too."
Bittoor's mahitvam continues
IV). Naradar had come to Bittoor and Ramayanam was born here.
Slogam - First slogam of Ramayanam to be added here....
Location of Valmiki Ashram in Bittoor
How do we confirm/know that Bittoor is the place where original Valmiki Ashram was located. Valmiki ashram also in Naimisaranyam, Chitrakut and also in BIttor.
As per Ramayanam, before entering Chitrakut Ram had met Valmiki. If so, then how is Valmiki ashram in BIttor ? is the question we have. Rishi's don't stay in one place and they keep travelling. When rishi's stay in one place they get attached to the place, people and this will impact the dyanam, yogam and brahmam thedum muyarchi. So when raman was about to reach chitrakut, valmiki was staying near chitrakut.
Post that Valmiki relocated to bittoor from chitrakut.
How did we confirm and find the location of Bittoor ?
Uttara Ghandathil oru seithi. While Ram was ruling Ayodhya, a group of people/rishi from today's mathurapuri had come to meet Ram. Mathu yennum arakan, lavanan yennum asuran paduthum padu thanga villai. (Note the first yuga is Kretha yuga and this incidence had happened in thretha yuga. Krishna was in mathura during dwapara yuga). Sathrugnan requested Rama and with his permission he went to help them. Sathrugnan starts from ayodhya and he goes to Bittoor and stays in the ashram for a night and then he travels towards Yamuna to reach Mathura. If we track this route in the map, the location of valmiki's ashram is in today's bittoor. It is also interesting to note tha Sita gave birth to Lav-kush on the day when Satrugnan stayed in valmiki ashram though Satrugnan was not aware that Sita was there.
V) - Satrugnan had also come to Bittoor.
Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma - Sanatana means "anadhiyanadhu" meaning "without date of origin". Dharma - Bhagawan he himself is a dharmam. HE is already there and hence HE is "Siddha dharmam" - the dharmam which already exists. Antha Ramanai poojikum dharmam is "Sadhya Dharmam" which explains pooja vidhi and how to worship him. Ramanai pattriyum avarai thozhum(worship) murai pattriyum sollum dharmam is Sanatana Dharmam.
Sanatana Dharmam explains about the Siddha Dharma ( GOD himself) and Sadhya Dharma ( Means to Worship GOD).
Siddha Dharma is explained in the Vedantam.
Sadhya Dharma is explained in the Vedam.
Vedam's first section is Rig, Yajur,Sama, atharvana.
Vedam's last section is Upanishad also called as vedantam.
There are 12 upanishads like Isha,Keno, .......
So vedantam talk about GOD and Vedam talks about Means of worshiping him. This is like a theory and is not enough for us to understand or follow. We need practical knowledge. So Brahma explain's Veda through the Smriti's and explains Vedantham through the Ithihasa,Puranas.
Vedantham speaks about Bhagawan. This is furhter explained in Ithihasa purana. Ithihasam rendu - Ramayanam and Mahabaratham. Puranas are 18.
One one side we have the Smriti's to explain the veda. So all these put together is called Vedam, Ithihasa puranangal, pramanas and the root for all these is Bittoor also called as Brahmavartham.
Slogam - "Ithihasa puranam....."
To understand GOD, Vedam is the only way. Like how we can see something in front of us, fruit can be tasted , smell a flower, we can easily understand things which can be understood by our senses. But what about athma which cannot be understood by these senses ?
Why am i born in this birth with many differences ? Why am i like this ? - how do we understand all these ? How to understand the creator,caretaker and destroyer of this world - The paramatma ?
So for things which cannot be understood by our senses Vedam is the means to understand. Vedam explains about para brahmam who is going to take the Ramaavataram.
Also Vedam does not talk about the same thing again and again. If i am already aware of something, the vedam will not explain that. Vedam does not explain things which i can learn through my senses (see, hear, taste, touch etc). Vedam talks about new things which i do not know. This is called as "Apoorva artha bhodanam". Though Veda talks/teaches new things, vedam does not talk against truth and it is full of truth. Also vedam does not talk against something which i am already aware of through my senses. For eg. I know that this is stone, mountain etc. Vedam does not talk against them too. Yennaku theriyathathai vedam sollum, anal naan yerkanave therinthu vaithu irukkum ondrai muranpattu(against) vedam sollathu. Puthiyathu sollum anal poi sollathu.
Vedam on one side, vedantham on another side. Vedamtham talks about SriRaman and Vedam talk abouts Raman Pathai i.e means to worship him.
So when we look these together - Vedangalil pathai(way) ullathu, vedanthanthathil Sriraman Ullan. Veda's show the way and Vedantham talk about Sriraman. Vedantham and the vedathai serthal - SRI RAMAMANIN PATHAIYIL.
To understand the meaning of the veda's one needs Ithihasa, puranas. If we don't understand Ithihasa puranas it is difficult to practice. we might understand Ram but to understand all the discipline(ozhukam) followed by Ram we need the Ithihasa Purana. How did the Ithihasa Puranas were born ?
Key Takeaway
3. Sanatana Dharma - Sanatana means "anadhiyanadhu" meaning "without date of origin".
4. Sanatana Dharmam explains about the Siddha Dharma ( GOD himself) and Sadhya Dharma ( Means to Worship GOD).
5.Siddha Dharma is explained in the Vedantam. Sadhya Dharma is explained in the Vedam.
6. Ithihasa purana's help us in understanding the meaning of the Veda's so that it is easy for us to practice them.
Birth of Brahma
Brahma recites the veda's thorugh all his 4 faces. Bhagawan- ksheerhabhi nathan who is in the thiru parkadal. From Bhagawan's nabhi arises a lotus and from that lotus comes Brahma and he recites the 4 veda's through the 4 faces.
Slogam - "Yo brahmanam ...". ***TBD**
Brahma's Santhathi(family tree) parthal bittoorin perumai theriyum.
Brahmavartham and Brahma's Padugai at Bittor
Bittoor is the place where brahma kept his first foot steps when he came down to earth. This place is Brahmavartham.
(VI) - Bittor also called Brahmavartham.)
There is a small temple in bittoor on the bank of Ganga and there is brahma's pathugai including the kumizh in the pathugai.
Yathrika's did the pooja,pradakshinam for the pathugai.
Brahma's Family Tree
Brahma's Santhathi and details are in Bhagavatha puranam.
Brahma's son is Swayambhuva manu.
Swayambhuva Manu's had two son's - Priyamvaradhan and Uttana Padhan.
Uttana padhan's son is Dhruvan.
Dhruvan has done tapas in Bittoor which we shall see soon. (VII - Dhruvan had done tapas at Bittor)
Then the family tree continues like Dhruvan -> Angan -> Venan -> Pruthu Maharaja -> prachina bargi -> Prachethas -> valmiki
Hence why we say "Veda pracha dasadethu..." referring Valmiki's father Prachethas.
Valmiki is 9th generation from Brahma.
From Brahma till Valmiki 9 generations have been in Bittoor and hence the mahamityam for Bittoor.
(VIII - Bittoor had been a place for 9 generations Brahma till Valmiki)
Note : Another reference says that from Brahma's eyes came Athiri maharishi and Valmiki is Athiri's son. Couple - Athiri Anusuya you must have heard.
Brahma - Heirarchy of Rishi from Brahma.
Brahma forms Vashistar the great Rishi. Vashista's son Shakthi, Shakthi son parasarar, Parasarar's son Vedav Vyasar who wrote Mahabaratham. Vedav Vyasar's son is Suka Acharyar who did pracharam of the Bhagavatha Puranam.
With Ithihasas one one side and puranas on the other side we can understand more on Raman.
We can also follow the disciplined path and foot steps of Ram.
Bittoor's importance and greatness
I)- Valmiki ashramam
II) - Place where Ramanyana Kavyam was written
III) - Holy place where Sita gave birth to Lav-Kush
IV) - Naradar had come to Bittoor.
V) - Satrugnan had visited Bittoor and stayed one night
VI) - Bittor also called Brahmavartham
VIII) - Bittoor had been a place for 9 generations of great people from Brahma till Valmiki
Ozhukkam - Way of Living
Key Takeaway
7. Vedam and Ithihasa Puranas are the only way to understand Bhagawan who cannot be understoon through our senses.So lets start appreciating and respecting the Veda's and the Ithihasa Puranas. Veda's and Ithihasa Puranas teach what we don't know and what we don't understand through our senses.Veda's and Ithihasa Puranas are full of truth and they convey the truth in a straight forward manner.
So let us all learn Ramayana and soon we are going to learn on Rama's birth.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 04 - May 12 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
‘Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame;
Sahasra nama tattulyam Rama nama varanane!’
Anaivarukku vanakkam we are at Bittoor - Valmiki Ashram.
About Valmiki
Once a upon a time Valmiki was a thief. We might have been doing wrong deeds and we would have been travelling in a wrong path. Should one die as a wrong person just because he was a bad person earlier ? Is there no way where one can come out of it and get on correct path ? Yes there is a way to make course correction mid way. Valmiki sung Ramayana. From Valmiki story one can understand that a person who has been into wrong deeds can become a great noble person.
Valmiki robing a Sage
Valmiki was a robber(road side robber). Valmiki once saw an old sage and was about to rob him. But the old sage was very tired and hence Valmiki decided to help him since valmiki was very courteous(Karunai). The old sage asked him "what do you do ?" Valmiki replied boldly "I rob". The Sage suggested him to mend his ways. Valmiki replied that since he didn't know any other option to take care of his family other than robbing he has been into this. Sage said "Check with your family if they are ready to share the papam(demerits) from this robbery like the way they are ready to consume/share the items you rob."
Valmiki was bold and thought he would check the same with his family. His family members replied "Taking care of us is your duty and if you acquire any papam during that we are not ready to accept that papam". Valmiki came back to the sage and told the reply he got from his family. The sage said "Did u understand that people are ready to consume your wealth but not your sorrow or papam. You can rob but tell the Rama Nama which i am telling you while you rob". Suggesting this the Sage went away.
Rama Namam transforming Valmiki
Valmiki was saying "Rama" Namam while he continued to rob. Namathin magimai methu methuve avaridam panbhattai valarthathu, samskarathai yerpaduthiyathu. Valmiki was already courteous. Due to rama namam the change happened and thief became a Yogi and then became a Rishi and Valmiki Rishi who wrote the Ramayanam.
Key Takeaway
1. Rama Nama mahimai which can transform a thief to a great Maharishi.
All this has happened in this place called Bittoor.
Song on slogam - "Kujantam rama rameti madhuram madhuraaksharam aaruhya kavitaa saakhaam vande valmiki kokilam "
Meaning - "This verse is a salutation to the poet Valmiki, who like a cuckoo bird sitting on the tree of poetry, melodiously repeats the sweet name of Rama. Blessed by Brahma, Valmiki who earlier became a sage, thus became a poet too."
Qualities of a Yogi - Ozhukkam -Way of Living
We also want to become a good yogi. The basic quality to become a yogi
1.Poi pesamai, satyam pesarthu - don't lie
2.Thirudamai - don't steal
If we follow these two principles automatically one will become polite and he will be lead to good path. - (Ozhukkam-Way of Living)
Key Takeaway
2. Don't lie and Don't steal -> these are basic quality of a yogi
Naradar at Valmiki Ashram
Once Narada came to Valmiki's ashram.
Valmiki had a doubt which he wanted to get clarified from Narada. Valmiki saw the transformation in him and how he acquired many good qualities. Valmiki wanted to know if there is someone who has all the good qualities. Valmiki did namaskaram to Narada and asked this question to Narada.
Slogam - 1(bala kaandam)-1(sargam)-1)slokam) in valmiki Ramayanam
तपः स्वाध्याय निरताम् तपस्वी वाग्विदाम् वरम् |
नारदम् परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिः मुनि पुंगवम् || १-१-१
Tapas means aalochitthal - melum melum visarithal(enquire) and asai to learn - inquistiveness/willingness to learn more and more. Though Valmiki was a wrong person earlier that didn't matter to Narada and all that mattered was he has become a noble rishi now. More than that he has the willingness to learn. Virupame(willingness to learn) thagudhi, aasaiye thagudhi. This is want we need to understand in anmigam. Intelligence is immaterial to reach GOD. It is just wish/willingness to learn.
Key Takeaway
3. Intelligence is immaterial to reach GOD. It is just wish/willingness to learn.
Ramanujar also had the same thought when he climbed the mountain in Thirukottiyur to reveal the secret to all those who are willing and not to people who are intelligent. One need not be intelligent but need to have the willingness.
Inspite of Valmiki's past status, Narada was kind enough to answer him saying slogam "Ishvagu Vamsa prabhava Ramo nama....." meaning "Ishvagu kulathil pirantha Raman".
इक्ष्वाकु वंश प्रभवो रामो नाम जनैः श्रुतः |
नियत आत्मा महावीर्यो द्युतिमान् धृतिमान् वशी || slogam 1-1-8
Saying this Naradar went from that place.
Valmiki, two birds and a hunter near the banks of River Tamasa
Valmiki wanted to go for a bath and then started with Bharadwaja Munivar(Valmiki's Shisyar) to a near by river called Tamasa. He went to a river called Tamasa and he took bath.
(Note : Today when we travel to Bittoor we can see Tamasa river).
On the way back from the river after his bath, he saw a beautiful solai/thottam and went there. In that garden there were two birds.
One hunter killed one of the bird. Valmiki was upset seeing one of the two birds being killed. Immediately he said a beautiful slogam - "Manishaatha".
मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठाम्त्व | मगमः शाश्वतीः समाः |यत् क्रौङ्च मिथुनात् एक | मवधीः काम मोहितम् || १-२-१५ - slogam : 1-2-15
Intha slogam lerunthu than Ramanyanam vitthittathu. This is the slogam which was the seed for Ramanyanam. "Manishaatha..." - First slogam written by Valmiki.
On seeing one of the bird being killed, Valmiki said "Vedane nangu iruntha paravaiyai poi adithaye. Unnaku yella amangalam, theemai yellam undagattum " nu sabhithuvittar. For just a birds sake, a great Rishi had irakkam and karunai.
Sanatana Dharma - Basic is Irakkam - Ozhukkam - Way of Living
As per sanatana dharma what we say "Ahimsa" is one of the dharma - Manathalo, udalalo, sollalo yaraiyum thunbhuruthakkoodathu. If we follow this, slowly yogam valarum. We all wanted to do yogam/dhyanam(Mediate), but we are unable to mediate due to lack of concentration. If we follow the basics automatically yogam and dynam kai koodum. Thirudar became a Rishi. How did this happen ? From the beginning he did not tell lies, then later he stopped stealing/robbing from others. He was full of irakkam to all jeeva rashi's, Daya, manitha neyam, jeeva Karunyam. Don't trouble any living being.. even a bird. A rishi who has left everything. The dharma's basic is IRAKKAM. Kovam padama, bayam padama,thittuvathuillai, adikarthillai,iniya sol than pesanunum,manam nenainthu irukkanam, kadumaiyana sol pesakudathu, Varattu thanama irukka kudathu, Yerangi urangaravan than bhaktan. Iyarkaiyaga vara thunbham parthu oru bhakthan bayapadamatta, rombha uruthiya iruppan. Ana intha mathiri oru paravaikaga karunai yoda urugugirar Valmiki.
Key Takeaway
4. The basic of all dharma is irakkam.
Valmiki back at his Ashram in Bittoor
Valmiki came back to his Ashram from the thottam with baradwajar.
We can visit this Ashram of Valmiki where he came and sat down.
If we climb the tall tower at Valmiki ashram, we can see the entire bittoor from there - ganga river, tamasa river and in the ashram - Valmiki, Sita devi, Lav-kush.
Valmiki upset since he wasn't polite
After coming back Valmiki was little upset because the first slogam he sung was full of amangalam. Instead of saying "Mangalam Undaguga" he had to say "Amangalam Undagattum" in his first slogam. He checked and found that the slogam is perfect with respect to grammar - Yezuthu, Seer, Thalai, adi , thodai. So valmiki was very upset that he ended up writing a slogam scolding someone instead of using good words.
Brahma at Valmiki's Ashram
At that time 4 faced Brahma entered the Valmiki ashram in Bittoor. Earlier when Brahma was forming the earth, Brahma came to earth and kept his first step on earth at bittoor and the place is called "Brahmavartham" which we saw earlier.
Now Brahma came again to meet Valmiki and this time he wanted to give Ramayanam which is nothing but the 4 veda's. Brahma asked - "Valmiki ..why are you upset ? what is the reason for your sadness. You are a great rishi and you sing well. What is the problem ?". Valmiki said - "I sung a slogam and it is perfect as per grammar, but it does not contain polite words"
Ramanin Padayil - what does it mean ? (Ozhukkam - Way of Living)
Mangalamana Iniya varthai solla vendum that is what Ram likes. Ramanin padayil means -
1 - Unmai pesa vendum
2 - Thiruda kudathu
3 - Pirar porulukku asai pada kudathu
4 - Yella jeeva rasigalodeyum irrakathoda irukkanam
5 - Iniya sorkkal than pesa vendum
If we follow these basic principles we shall raise to great heights. Santana Dharmam explains many things like going to temple, rituals etc. But the basics of Sanatana Dharmam is to follow individual man's discipline as explained by the above principles. Then only one shall attain great heights and azukku(wrong intentions) in our hearts will go. Slogam at Thamasa river by Valmiki - "Ramaneeyam.."
अकर्दमम् इदम् तीर्थम् भरद्वाज निशामय |
रमणीयम् प्रसन्न अम्बु सन् मनुष्य मनो यथा || १-२-५ Slogam 1-2-5
Meaning of the above slogam explained as follows. Virtuous people's mind is clear like the river water in Ganga, tamasa. This clarity in mind is because of Irakkam and the intention that everyone needs to be good.
Key Takeaway
5. Following foot steps of Ram means the following
• 1 - Unmai pesa vendum
• 2 - Thiruda kudathu
• 3 - Pirar porulukku asai pada kudathu
• 4 - Yella jeeva rasigalodeyum irrakathoda irukkanam
• 5 - Iniya sorkkal than pesa vendum
Brahma at Valmiki's Ashram contd...
Valmiki was upset since he said "Amangalam Yerpadattum".
Brahma said "Due to my blessings and as per my order Saraswati sat on your tongue and guided you to say those slogam".
Valmiki said "Why did you make her to say the slogam which had impolite words."
Brahma said "You are thinking it has wrong intention and impolite words.. wait i will tell you the meaning of that slogam"
Meaning which Valmiki thought "Vedane, ne yeppa rendu paravaigalil ondrai adithayo 100 100 aandugalukku unnaku nanmaiye undagamal pogatum"
Meaning explained by Brahma "Mahalakshmiyai thiru marbil kondu irukkum Srinivasa Perumalluku vanakkam. Intha slogam Kadavul vanakkam, bhagavad vandanam. Neer yen sapam nu ninaitheer. Ramanum Seethaiyum rendu paravaigal, oru paravaiyai adika vanthan Ravanan yennum vedan, antha Ravananai azhithar Lakshmi yai thiru marbil kondu irukku Srinivasan SriyaPathi Thirumal. Antha thirumalluku vanakam".
Vadamozhi surprises us with such great meanings for those slogam.
Brahma asked Valmiki to treat this slogam as the first slogam and start writing Ramayanam with 24000 slogam with 7 kandam. 600 + sargam.
Brahma says Slogam - "Yaavath..."
यावत् स्थास्यन्ति गिरयः सरितः च महीतले || १-२-३६
तावत् रामायण कथा लोकेषु प्रचरिष्यति | Slogam - 1-2-36
यावत् रामस्य च कथा त्वत् कृता प्रचरिष्यति | १-२-३७
तावत् ऊर्ध्वम् अधः च त्वम् मत् लोकेषु निवत्स्यसि | - 1-2-37
meaning "Suryan Chandran, himachalam, Gangai yevvalavu naal logathil irukkumo, neer padum ramayanamum umathu pugazhum mangamal irukkum. Sing Ramayanam" said Brahma. As per Brahma's order and blessings Valmiki started to sing Ramayanam.
Lav-Kush learning Ramayanam from Valmiki
Later Valmiki taught them to Lav and Kush - Sita's sons. He taught them with 7 swaram with veenai in a manner to sing and talk and meditate. Both the kids went around singing Ramayana. Ramanyanam is famous for the isai, saptha swaram, gana sirappu.
Doubts we have
Now the doubts we have in our mind are below.
1-Did music exist those days ?
2-Is Ramayanam Iyal(prose) or Isai(music) ?
3-What is the greatness of the music in ramayanam ?
Let us try to find answers through from a discussion between Velukkudi Krishnan and Sri Vijaya Shiva.
Question and answer session with Sri Vijay Shiva - Singer Carnatic Music
Q - First doubt is Ramayanam Iyal la or Isai ya ?
Ans - Doubts need to arise and only when doubts are clarified it would give way to great thoughts. Slokam -"Patye Keye sa..."
Paduvatharku migavum yelimaiyaga irukkum Sanatana Dharmathai Valmiki iyattrinar. Sanathana Dharmam's basic is bhakthi and music. So Ramayanam was created in musical form. But we do parayanam in Iyal form for convenience related to time. It was taught to Lav-kush in musical form only. Lav - kush were great musicians. All the sages who heard them singing blessed the kids understanding the meaning of the songs they sung. Ramayanam and music is something which cannot be separated.
Q - What is the relationship between isai and bhakthi Ilakiyam's ?
Ans - As per Veda, Sanatana Dharma's Crux is Mukthi through Bhakthi. Sanatana means Anadhi(no beginning) similarly bhakthi, mukthi, atma are also anadhi. Bhakthi will lead us to mukthi only when it helps one person to concentrate towards bhagwan. Music is a great way to help in concentration. This can be seen for both the musician and the audience. One can feel the positive vibration when listening to a kutchery and the divine feeling. After the kacheri is over that divine feeling drops. But if our way of life is itself inline with music then that drop in the diving feeling woudn't be there. The mind will be in that excited state of thinking bhagawan always because of the music.
Key Takeaway
6. Sanatana Dharma's Crux is Mukthi through Bhakthi
Q - How did Lav-kush sang those 24000 songs ? How much time did it take for them ? How did they learnt it ? Who all sat and heard that ? Did people listen to it with patience ?
Ans - Ram along with all the people in his kingdom, ministers, Rishi, Senapati listened to Lav-kush when they sang in the Raj Darbar.
As Ram was listening, he started to miss Sita(Sita was in Valmiki ashram). Kama Sugam is experienced in privacy. But music, upanyasam, perumal sevikarthu all these are joyful only when experienced in public as a big crowd. Even andal says "koodi irunthu kuleerinthu..." Everyone is listening and Ram is sitting alone on the thrown. Ram is sad that Sita is not around and he could not enjoy this great music with her. Valmiki explains this in a sloga on how Ram listened to Lav-kush "sa sabi ramaha..."
Ram slowly moved from his simhasan in a manner that no one noticed and he went and sat along with the people between them. Ram was playing the thalam on another person's thigh, another person was playing the thalam on Ram's thigh. After the kutchery was over, Ram wasn't there in the simmasanam. With such great joy, happiness they have all listened to that kutchery. Because of the happiness that kutchery brought, the patience comes automatically. One needs patience only when they have to do something which is difficult. But when one is experiencing joy why do they need patience. Everyone forgot about the sarira/body and were filled with athma Sugam while they were listening to lav-kush. Valmiki tells this in Uttara kandam sloka "Divase vimsat i..." oru nalakkaiku 20 sargam, 32 days 645 sargam was sung. Duration of the Kutchery - Everyday after finishing his rajya karyam Ram and everyone used to assemble at 9 AM and listen till lunch
and again the kutchery continued next day morning. This is the way Ramayanam was sung and everyone had experienced that joy. This is possible even today to do ramayana parayanam in 32 days.
Q - All the carnatic composers have sung about Ram. Arunagiri nadar a great murugan devotee has sung about ram in his first thirupugazh, Ramalinga adigalar devotee of Parameshwaran has sung about ram. Why Ram didn't sing ? There are references that he enjoyed music as Ram was referred as "gana lola, sangeetha lola" but why didn't Ram sing or play any instrument ?
Ans - Ram enjoyed the music is something we understood from the above story. Ram did knew Sangeetham. Valmiki says that when Ram talks it is
like singing. For example - when a great singer cries too, it will be suswaram and will not be abaswaram. This is explained here. Gopika's missed Kannan and they were looking for him and they cried but that sound was full of suswaram. Even the crying sound had all the musical elements and was a suswaram not abaswaram. "Pattu therinthava azhutha swarathoda padinapola irukkum. Pattu theriyathavan padinale azharapole irukkum" used to say my father. Ram was a chakravarthy. So he enjoyed the music. Even kannan played pulanguzhal while he was in Gokulam and not when he was king of Dwaraka. One cannot perform two responsibilities successfully at the same time. There are instances of Raja who were great singers but they concentrated in one at any point of time. Hence Raja Raman didn't sing. He appreciates Hanuman singing, lav-kush singing. He is Chakravarthy Thirumagan and "Rajya karyam" taking care of his people is important. So he was concentrating more as a Raja.
Q - Has Raman prescribed anything for musicians like us ? Are there any references in Ramayna on how should a Raja treat his musicians ?
Ans - Raja needs to respect and take care of his great musicians. Kambar and Valmiki in the beginning of Ramayanam explains about ayodhya. They say that Ayodhya was a kingdom which appreciated and took great care of its musicians. Bharathan comes to Chitrakut to request Ram to come back to Ayodhya. Bharathan hasn't yet told about the demise of his father to Ram. Ram assumes that Bharathan's pattabhishekan has happened and in the Ayodhya kandam 100th sargam Ram questions Bharathan on how he is taking care of the kingdom. The questions asked by Ram to Bharatham includes the following ..
1 - Are you continuing with same mantri's or changing them often ?.
2 - Are you refraining talking about the anthapuram details in the RajyaSabha ?
3 - Are you leaving the matters related to RajyaSabha in the RajyaSabha before going to anthapuram ?
4 - Are you talking to ministers first as a group to get collective opinion and then speak to them separately to understand individual opinion ?
5 - Are you continuing with the same servants without changing them often ?
6 - Do you have atleast 4 people who are loyal to you and are ready to even sacrifice their life for you without asking any question ?
So many questions like this are asked by Ram to Bharathan thinking he has been crowned.
7 - Do the artists in your kingdom, sing with devotion and bhakthi for bhagawan, with unselfish attitude ?
8 - Does your kingdom have all artists ?
9 - Is the money in your gajana(treasury) spent for those artists and does those artist without expecting anything in return do they sing/dance with pure mind ?
From those questions asked by Ram it is clear that music means mind need to concentrate, with purity, without expecting anything in return, with happiness, without selfishness. This kind of music will automatically turn into bhakthi and will lead to mukthi.
Q - Natham is an important terminology with musicians. A kutchery is also described "natha maiyamai irunthathu intha kutchery". Natham is usually compared and explained as Shiva or to Sankarar(Natha thanumausham..) , some places to ambal in Lalitha Sahasranamam, To murugan (Natha vinthu kalathi namo namo..) and it is not seen much for Ram. Why is Rama not seen in Nada vadivu or described as Nada vadivu?
Ans - Ram is not described as Nada vadivam, instead Rama Namam is described as Nada vadivam.
Sankaracharyar in the slokam "Janathi..thava
.."says "Parameswarane Rama naamathin magimai umakku than theriyum." this was the reason when Parvathi asked "keko payena .." Shiva said "Sri Rama Rama Ramethi..." Note that Shiva didn't say "Raman thiruvadiyai patru" instead he said "Rama namathai Sollu" . So more than Raman, Rama namam has more magimai. Rama Namam has the capability of even stopping life moving away from a body( Pora Uyirai Rama namam thaduthu niruthumam) Hence they say MrithaSanjeeviniyana rama namam.
The Pramanam for this is in the Dyana Slogam of Ramayanam -
"Kujantam rama rameti madhuram madhuraaksharam aaruhya kavitaa saakhaam vande valmiki kokilam "
which says "Rama Kathai rama namam ithai keta yar than mukthi adaiya mattan". So Rama kathai, Rama Natham , Rama Namam. So Rama Kathai and Rama Namam is Natham.
Key Takeaway
7. More than Raman, Rama namam has more magimai.
Q - Thyagaraja swamy was born and he lived for Ram. What does he talk about Ramayanam and these songs and about Ram ?
Ans - Thyagarajar does ramayanam parayanam every day. We beleive that Thyagarajar is Valmiki's avatharam. Valmiki wasn't satisfied of writing those 24000 slokas and he wanted to spread Ramayanam in the form of Keerthanai so Valmiki took an avatharam as Thyagaraja. The pramanam for this belief is found in his keerthanai itself. In the song "Seethamma.." he talks about all the relatives but does not talk about valmiki because he is none other than valmiki. Each of his Keerthanai is based on an incident. For e.g. Lava kush natha maiyama Ganam panna.. this is explained "Natho pastha.." same words as in Ramayana is used as "Thanthri nila swara raga ...".Sabari moksham "Yentha inne... bhagyamo Sabari" , Raman yeppadi Ravananoda sandai pottar in the song " thatti katti kara..." Ravananai thirutha panna yukthi la
"Sarasa madanam..." the song meaning goes like "Hitama solli parthen ne ketkalai, ayodhya unnaku tharen dhanama, Un sagodharanukku adaikalam kuduthen athu mathiri unakku kodukaren, ithu yethuvum ketkalai athunala dhandanai kuduthen". Each of his keerthanai will be a reference to an incident in Ramayanam. This is Thygarajar's major contribution. That is why in a kutchery if we listen to Thygaraja Kriti's we are happy as if we have listened to Ramayanam.
Q - Ramayanam hindustani isai la pada pattu irukuma ? or carnatic music la pada pattu irukuma ? "Pramanes thribhi ranthitham" are the words in Ramayanam and commentators explain this as "vilambith, dhruth, madyam" which seem to be familiar words in Hindustani. So does this mean that Ramayanam used hindustani music ?
Ans - These words are common to indian music. "Vilamb kal" means slow speed, "madyama kal" means medium speed, Dhrutha kal means high speed. The hindustani and carnatic difference came in only after the Mughal invaded India. Muslims brought in the Persian influence and that got mixed to the music in northern region and got the name Hindustani. Here in south it came to be known as carnatic .. where carnatakam means "Pazhamaiyana Sangeetham". Ramar kalathula india full la ore music and it has to be carnatic music since persian influence wasn't there at that time. The music which was there during Ramar's time have changed over time which is true. But the entire desam had one music type only.
Q - Do people sing Valmiki or kamba ramayana songs/pasuram in kutchery nowadays ? Will that interest people and will they listen ?
Ans - Singing pasuram from ramayana is not yet in practice. We musicians get the satisfaction of singing ramayanam in these krithi's and yet to explore beyond that.
Ramayanam in various avatar's In Brahma's satyaloka, ramayana was 100 crore slogam. That has come down as 24000 slogam in Valmiki Ramayanam and has been 10000+ songs in kamba ramayanam , great music composers have sung them as many Krithi's. Like how Bhagawan takes many avataram's, even ramayanam takes many forms/avatharams.
Q - In an upanyasam, we try to explain the source slogam's based on many commentaries. In a kutchery you sing the original song as is. The listeners get involved and listen to it with passion. How is this possible in a music kutchery ?
Ans - More than musician making it possible, it is the sangeetham which makes it possible. 4 reasons - purity of the note(Swara sutham), rhythmic content(layam ), Tonal power to deliver which is applicable for human voice or an instrument(Sarira balam), Hrudaya bhavam. Even if two of these four is good then it makes the listeners to sit for more than 4 hours. In addition to it, i would like to add that if the singer sings by understanding the meaning then it would become a deva ganam and as told in Ramayanam music is a Moksha sadhanam for both the listener and the singer. This makes us understand that sangeetham is beyond language.
Let us all get ready to celebrate Rama Jananam in the next episode.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 05 - May 19 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Bhagawan's avataram
"Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam.
Dharma sansthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge"
Lines from Bhagvath Gita.. that loosely translate as
“For the up-liftment of the good and virtuous,
For the destruction of evil,
For the re-establishment of the natural law,
I will come, in every age”.....
This slogam from Gita explains the need for bhagwan's avataram - Sadhukalai rakshikka, Dushtargalai mudippatharkaga.
Sri Ramanin Padayil
Ramavatharam has special mention. Ram means satyam, nermai, nithanam, shanthi, Karunai. This is what comes in mind when we think about Ram. Everyone likes a person with these characters and the life becomes very blissful. To find a good role model and follow his foot steps is a great feeling. To follow Ram's foot steps is the greatest happiness. Ramanin Padhayil meaning - the way he lived and the path he travelled. From Ayodhya till Rameshwaram - Ram has walked. Raman Nadantha Padhayil - Culturally, Geographically, Philosophically - We need to follow Ram along all the above lines.
Key Takeaway 1. Raman Nadantha Padhayil - Culturally, Geographically, Philosophically - We need to follow Ram along all the above lines
Guptar Ghat
Ram lived in Ayodhya and in the end he took bath in Sarayu river in the place called Guptar Ghat and started his journey back to Vaikuntam. There was no one in Ayodhya since most of them left to Vaikuntam with Ram. Lav-Kush were there in Ayodhya and they happened to rebuild this city. Sarayu river adds greatness to Ram's ayodhya. We are now seeing the river Sarayu and the gopuram behind us is the Guptar Ghat.
Rahasyamaga Raman maraintha idam. Sarayu nadhiyil irangi Raman Vaikuntam pona idam. If someone close to us depart, usually the place is filled with Olam, azhugai and sadness. But when Ram left from Ayodhya that was not the case. People should have been sad on Ram leaving to Vaikuntam. But that was not the case because Ram took everyone who was living in Ayodhya to Vaikuntam with him. This is surprising.
Nammazhvar confirms this by saying in the pasuram
Tiruvaimozhi - Centum : 7-5, pasuram 7.5.1 , 3497
kaRpaar iraama piraanai allaal* maRRum kaRparO?,*
puRpaa muthalaap* pulleRumpaathi onRinRiyE,
naRpaal ayOththiyil vaazum* charaacharam muRRavum,
naRpaalukku uyththanan* naanmuka Nnaar_peRRa naattuLE
Yenna karunai Ramanidam irunthal Ayodhya vasi anaivaraiyum kootikondu sendrar. Sarayu sirithal, Ayodhya magizhnthathu, Raman ananda pattan, makkal yellarum kalithargal. Namum antha kalipodu iruppom.
Pictures of Guptar Ghat as follows
Ramanin Padayil - @ Ayodhya
Ramanin kadisi athiyayam parthom. Athai partha nam Ramanin pirapai parkavendama. Ram vazhntha idam parka vendum, puniya idam.
From today Ramanin padhayil sendru Ramanyanathil irukkum thiru thalangal ondru ondrillum sendru, angange kathai anubhavithu, Vamikiyin kannottathode, hanumanin vegathode, Sugreevanin anbode , Lakshmanin thondu manapanmaiyode, Bharathanin kathalode, Seethaiyin perumithathode, Ayodhyavasiyin kanivode, Ramanin anugraththode avan padayil selvom. Inba mayamana padayil selvom.
Ayodhya - Day 2 of Sri Rama Anu Yatra
We are at Ayodhya.
Kulasekara Azhwar says in Perumal Thirumozhi 10.1
"angaNedu mathiLpudaisoozh ayOtthi yennum
aNinagaraththu ulaganaitthum viLakkum sOthi
vengathirOn kulatthukkOr viLakkaayth thOnRi
viNmuzhuthum uyakkoNda veeran thannai,
sengaNedunkarumugilai iraaman thannai
thillainagar thirucchithra koodanthannuL
engaLthani mudhalvanai yemperumaan thannai
yenRukolO kaNkuLirak kaaNum naaLE"
Aparajitha, Ayodhya are names for Vaikuntam. Ayodhya managaram is having that name. Ishvagu kula vamsa mangargal itheye thalai nagaramaga kondu aandargal. Ramanin pirapidamam ayodhya, ithai valam varuvathu, pradakshinam varuvathu puniyam tharum.
Ayodhya Parikrama
Indru nam anaivarum serunthu Ayodhya parikrama merkolla pogirom. Parikrama yendral - Ayodhiyil suthi irukkum padayil oru oru idamaga vanangi kondu, ramanai manathal nenaithu kondu , Vayal nama mamathai padik kondu, Nadaanthu konde poga pogirom. Athe pola ayodhiyai sutri odum padai. Ingu rendu vithamana Parikramakal sollugirargal. One 42 KM and other 16 KM. Shakthi irukkum alavukku Parikramam seiyalam. Indru nam veetil than irukirom, anal ullathal , oru nimidamavathu manathal ayodhya pattinathai nenaithukondu Rama namathai sollikundu valam varuvom. Indru Valam varum vegathil anaithu idathaiyum parpeergal. Pinbhu anaithaiyum ulle pugunthu parkalam. Verum kalal mattum nadakamal, namaskarithu namaskarithu kuda parikrama pannugirargal - Dhandava Pranam yendru sollugirom - DhandavaParikramaYendru sollugirargal. Ungalodu serunthu nanum ippothu seivathathil perum bhagyam kondu irukkiren.
Places visited during Ayodhya Parikrama
# Kanaka bhavan :
Ram Seetha's Anthapuram - Golden Simhasanam with Big Idol of Sita Ram
Dasaratha Bhavan :
Simhasanam is there, After wedding Sita ram came to this place first in a pallakku.
Hanuman Gadi :
Siru Kundrin mel Hanuman Gadi , 50 -60 Steps,
Valmiki Bhavan
With Valmiki and lav kush Vigraham and ramayana slogam 24000 on the walls.
Lakshman Ghat :
Lakshmanan ingu irunthu than Sri Vaikuntam purapattu sendrar.
Ammaji Mandir :
Then india paniyil Srivaishnavargal serunthu kattiya ramar kovil
Guptar Ghat :
Gop prathartha theertham, 15 kms from Ayodhya. Raman Vaikuntam purappata idam.
# Sarayu Nadhi - Vashisti, Nethraja yendru peyar pettra punniya nadhi.
Bharatha Bhavan
Bharathan iruntha idam
Vashista kund
VashistaChariyar iruntha Yagna Bhoomi, Vashistar Ram, Lakshmanakku kalvi kattru kudutha idam, Keezhe Vashista Kundam agiyavai ullana.
Ippadi parikramavil neraiya idangal ullana. Neengal yeppo ayodhya sendralum darisika vendi kolgiren.
Ayodhya one of the Mukthi/Moksha Sthalam
Slogam -
Apadam apa hantharam datharam dana sarva sampadam,
Lokabhiramam Sriramam bhooyo bhooyo namamyaham.,
Meaning
I again and again salute that Rama who is ever beautiful,
Who destroys all dangers and gives all sorts of wealth.
As part of Sri Rama Anuyatra in Day 2 we are in Ayodhya. Azhwar padiya Divya Desangalil oru mukiyamana kshetram. Mukthi alikum Kshethrathil Mudal Kshetram. Ayodhya, Madhura, Maya, Kasi, Kanchi, Avanthika, Dwaravathi - Intha 7 Shetrangalum mukthi tharum Kshetram. Ayodhya is the first in the list.
Note : These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan. Avanthi is represented as the divine feet, Thiruvadi of the perumal, Kachipuram, represents the waist, Thirudwaraka represents the Nabhi (the lower stomach), Maya represents the Thiru maarbhu (the chest) Madhura represents the neck, Kasi represents the nose and finally, this Ayodhya Kshetram represents the Head of the perumal.
Ayodhya is one of seven holy places for Hindus in India, with Varanasi the most sacrosanct:
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II—Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14A Kṣetra is a sacred ground where Moksha can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven cities as sources of Moksha: Ayodhya, Mathura, Māyā (Haridwar), Kāsi (Varanasi), Kāñchī, Avantikā (Ujjain), and Dvārāvatī (Dvārakā).
Key Takeaway
2. Ayodhya is one of the 7 mukthi sthalam
Sarayu River
Before going inside Ayodhya, Ramanai yethir parthu nindra Sarayu nadhi karaikku vanthullom.Inda Nadhi Ayodhi pattinathuke perumai serkirathu. I antha nadhiyin south side ayodhi pattinam amainthullathu.
Sarayu nadhiyin peyar karanam :
Sarayu Nadhiki 3 mukiyamana Thirunamangal - vashisti, Nethraja, Sarayu.
Nethraja : Nethram - Eyes - Bhagawanin thiru kangalil irunthu avanodaiya karunai vellamaga purappataval than intha nadhi. Perumalin Kanngalil irunthu purappattu , brahmavin manathu muzhuka ival nirainthal.
Sarayu - Manasarovar - Sarovar means kulam. - This is in HImachal - Another meaning is Oru oru adiyavanin manathilum bhagawanin bakhthi neraigirathu. Athuve Manasarovar. Manase oru kulam athanal athu Manasarovar.
Vashisti - The karunai from Bhagawan is with Brahma, athuve Brahma Manasarowar agi adiyargal nainmaikaga vashistarale intha bhooulagukku
azhaithu vara pattathu. Brahmavin manasarowathil irunthu piranthathal - Sarayu yendru rendavathu peyar. Vashisti - Vashistacharyar Ishvagu vamsathu seermaikaga ayodhyin sirappugkaga, agayathil irundu kuttikondu vanthathal Vashisti.
Sarayu Nadhi - Sirappu
1. Indha nadhiku thani sirappe rama sambhandam. Ramanukku vegu natkal munbhagave Sarayu nadhi undu. Raman Sarayu nadhiyil niradi avanudaiya anushtanangal anaithaiyum seivanam. We are here at that nadhi today.
2. Indha nadhiyin sirappu - intha nadhi karayil yentha dhanam, dharma panninalum athu pan madangu palan kudukkum.
3. Sarayu nadhi karaiyil seiyum Go Dhanathukku Thani vaibhavam.
Oru Pasu, oru Kandrukutti, athan valai pidithu Udagadara poorvagamaga.. athavathu thaneer yeduthu valil serthu nam pithrukalai nenaivil vaithukkondu dhanam maga kodukirom. Ithu nam kudumbathil irukkkum anaivarukkum nanmai seiyum. Bhagawan Dharma Sasthrathil Go Dhanam Seiyavendum yendru Vithikkirar. So dharmathin padi nam seithom yendru perumalin ullathil thiruppthi yerpadum. Bhagawan thiruullam thiruppthi yerpattal pirpadu yethu than nammakku nadakathu. Bhakthi yoda, pitrukalai ninaithu kondu, Sarayu vaibhavathaiyum manathil kondu ingu Go dhanam saivathu siranthathu.
Ippadi sarayu nadhiyin sirappugalai pala vithathilum nam parthom.
Sarayu - Path of the river
Now lets see where does Sarayu start and where does it go. From North she comes down to south, near ayodhya sarayu turns towards east, runs around ayodhya then runs towards east in full speed... When crossing a place called Chapra, in that place Ganga, Sarayu Sangamam.
On the banks of Gautama Ashramam Gangai Sarayu Sangamam happens.
Puniya nadhi Snanam
First day we took bath in Ganga, today in Sarayu. Whichever river joins Ganga, after joining it will be referred as ganga only.
Today we had the Bhagyam of having darshan of Sarayu. From here let us go inside Ayodhya Nagar and Ramachandranai Seivipom, Ramayanathil irukkum idam yevidam ullathu yendru parpom.
Dasaratha Bhavan
After finishing Parikrama and darshan of Sarayu we are inside Ayodhya. Let us first visit Dasaratha Bhavanam. Ram/Lakshmanai petru kuduthavar - Dasarathan. Called as Dasarath Bhavan or Dasaratha Mahal.
Upanyasam at Dasaratha Bhavan
We are at Ayodhya. "Yothum na shakya ithi ayodhya "
No one can fight against ayodhya, ayodhya has not lost.
Surya Vamsam is the kulam of ram
Surya - vivasvan
Kulasegaran pasuram - "Vengathiron kulathikkor ..."
Kannan - Chandra kulam, ayarkulathil thondru ani villaku..
Ram was born to Kausalya - "Kausalya supraja..."
After 60,000 years Dasaratham and Kausalya had Ram.
Vaikuntam's one part ayodhya vaga sthapika patathu.
Very Ancient place.. though the buildings have changed but still Ayodhya is Ayodhya.
We need to sing "pallandu " just for the name Ayodhya itself.
People here chant Rama namam always.
Bhagwan selected dasarathan to be his parents.
Ram-Sita came to this place first when they came from mithila.
Dasarathan means - 10 disaigal leyum than therai seluthakudiya vallamai padaithavan.
Dasarathan moksham ponatha charithram illai.. he has only gone to sorgum.
None of his 4 sons were there when Dasarathan died.
Bhagawanukku thanthaiyaga irunthal kuda avan avan karmathinamaga janmathai yedukiran, pirappum irappum nadakinrana.
Kathavu thiranthathu Ramanaiyum darisithom, dasarathanaiyum Darishithom.
Ramanuja Nootrandhathi.. slogam ..by Thiruvarangathu amudhanar
"sollaar thamizoru moonRum churuthikaL naan_gumellai
illaa aRan^eRi yaavum therinthavan eNNaruncheer
nNallaar paravum iraamaa Nnuchan_thiru naamam
nambik kallaar akalitath thOr,ethu pERenRu kaamipparE." 44
We are celebrating Ramanujar thiruavatharam now. We discussed about Ramayanam and the musical connection earlier.
Let us try to understand Valmiki Ramayanam.
Valmiki Ramayanam Details
Details on the number of slogam, kaandams, sargam's are as follows.
Sundara kaandam - anaivarukkum pidithathu, migavum uyaranthathu. Addition's are also part of the parayanam at times.
Don't get surprised that it is around 24000 slogam.
In brahma's Satya logam - "Satha Koti pravishramana " Ramayanam irukkam. 100 Crore slogam konda ramayanam which Brahma can read for his life time and skill. For us that looks impossible.That is why Brahma he himself, triggered Saraswati and pushed Valmiki to write this Ramayanam which is a short form of that Ramayanam which is in Satya Logam which we all can do the parayanam. Brahma intha Sriramanyanathai koduthullar, yeppothum ithan perumai nilaikkum. Ramayanam irukkum varai Valmiki sirappu irukkum nu parthom.
Gayathri Ramayanam
Athe pola Gayathri Ramayanam.. these are slogam's from Valmiki ramayanam. Gayathri is 24 letters.. and Ramayanam slogam is 24000. First slogam is "Tapsaya..." Valmiki Naradaridathe pesa thodangina slogam. This slogam starts with Tha.. Gayatri starts with Tha.. If we count in 1000 and check the first letter of those slogams it would be in the same order of the 24 letters in the gayatri. So people say that Gayatri mantram has born in the form of Ramayanam. More on Gayatri Ramayanam - http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Gayathri_Ramayanam
Kamba Ramayanam
Tamil - Kamba Ramayanam around 10000 slogam.
Therrezhundur .. aa maruvi appanoda aasthanam.
Mayavaram pakkathil irukkum Therezhundur, angu GoSaka Perumal.
Perumal Kirubaiyal Kambar avatharithar.
Indrum Kambarukku azhagana Mandapam. Avar kalam - 1180 to 1250.
Kambar Valmiki ramayanathai nandraga padithar. Athan adipadayil karuthugalai azhagaga sonnen nu sollugirar.
Slogam - " Deva padaiyin .."
Deva Bhashayil - 3 per Ramayanam padinargal - Valmiki, Vashistar, Bodhayanar. Of those three the first one written by Valmiki and on that basis i have written Kamba Ramayanam.
Kamba Ramayanam - Iniya thamizh, konjum thamizh, theen thamizh, Sen Thamizh. We all should read Kamba ramayanam. We shall see references to Kamba Ramayanam even in this series. Compose music and one can listen to it too.
Kambar Says "Pithar sonnavum, pethaiyar sonnavum, patthar sonnavum, ..."
Meaning - pithar sonnathu, kuzhanthai sonnathu, bhakthar sonnathu yellam perisa yeduthuka vendam. Yen Bhakthinala padinen"
Naan periya pulavan lam illai.. Naan Seithen yendru periya pular kuda sollarthu illai. Bhagawan arulale seithen.. Naan oru karuvi bhagawan aruli yennaku irukkum bhakthi nala padinen. Migavum achariyamana padalgal and antha kamba ramayanam Srirangam mettu azhagiya singar sannadhiku munnal, thayar sannadhiku munnal arangettrapattadhu.
Vadaku vasal vazhiye ulle nuzhainthal kambar arangetru mandapam parkalam.
This happened during Natha muni's time. Kambar came to sing.. but no one listened or accepted it easily. At that time .. last portion -- Vibhishanan ravananukku nallathu yeduthu sollarar.. "ippadithan ravana hiranyakasipu narasinga perumal kitta abhacharam pattar..kadaisila thoonai pilanthu kondu narasinganai piranthar nu hiranyavathai padalam which is there only in Kamba ramayanam and not in Valmiki Ramayanam. During that time - the mettu azhagiya singa perumal ha ha ha nu siricharam. Arugil irunthavargal yellarum ithu pramanam yetrukkola vendum nu ninaitharam. "Yenniya sagaptham 707 mel sadaiyan vazhu... panguni attha naal arangan mune ...." Arangan mune arangetriya Kamba ramayanam.
Rama Charitha Manas
Vadake - Rama charitha manas
Thulasi dasar padinathu - time 1532 - 1623 , Born in UP near Rajpur, mostly in varanasi he has written Rama Charitha Manas. Made of Chaupayi - 4 line padal and Doha - 2 line doha. He started writing on SriRama Navami. Rama Charitha Manas - Manas means periya yeri(tank), kulam(pond). Rama Kathai Niranthu irukkum Kulam.
Idan adipadaiyil than in Ramanin padayil parka porom.
Though Ramayanam looks big when we go to each places we shall understand it better.
Parpom...
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 06 - May 26 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Jai Sita Ram Jai Hanuman
Yatra at Ayodhya. Stay for yatra people at Ayodhya Birla mandir also called as Birla Dharmasala. North india has lot of these public dharmasala with less
rent, common pond, well, common place to stay, annadana sathiram, samuga koodam. These help to stay together. Today we are artificially staying in isolated manner. When we go on a yatra what we have found is everyone makes attempt to stay together.
Vashista Kund
Vashista kundathil vashistachariar Raman, Lakshmanan muthala nalvarukku kalvi karpitha idam. This place is very closer to Ram janma bhoomi. Before the age of 12 the brothers finished their studies. From the first floor if we come down, we see idols of Vashistar and Ram, Lakshman and brothers. Saptha Rishi are here in this places.
Vashistar - Ishit means pulan, vashistar means pulan adaka theerinthavar. One who can controls his senses.
Arundati his wife - meaning yenga dharma nadakarthai thaduka mattal. One who does not stop dharma activities.
If we climb down in that building, we can see the Vashista Kund and the water from Saraya directly comes here. The level of water in Sarayu and Vashista kund is always the same. When we climb up we can see the place where dasarath did the puthira kameshti yagam. There is one Yaga Salai in Vashista kund.
Makauda Ghat
20KM From Ayodhya there is a place called Makauda Ghat. Makam mean yagam. i.e puthira kameshti yagam. This is on the banks of river Sarayu.Yagam nadakarthu - RishyaShringar nadathi vaikirar. Yagathil irunthu oru periya purushar varugirar. Avar kaiyil thanga(gold) kudathil payasam.
Bala Kaandam parayanam
Antha gatta parayanam - Bala kaandam - 16 sargam. Parayanam panni vittu Rama jananathukku karthu iruppom.
Dasarathar distributing the Payasam to his three wives
Dasarathar Payasam vangi than moodru manaiviyarukku kudukirar.
Order and quantity of the payasam given...
The payam was divided into two portions
1/2 - first Kausalya
The remaining was again divided into two portions
1/4 - second Sumithra
The remaining was again divided into two portions
1/4/2 - third Kaikeyi
1/4/2 - again sumithra
But that was not the order they ate. the order was they drank was
Kausalya - She ate first
Kaikeyi - Nammku ilavarasi pattam kattum magan pirakkatum nu undal.
Sumithra - She ate both at the same time. Ramanukku thondu puriya oru magan, Ramanukku Bhakthan (Bharathan) avanukku thondu puriya oru magan. iraivanukku thondu puriya oru magan, iraivan adiyarukku adiyarraga thondu puriya mattroru magan. Yenna aval uyarntha yennam.
After 12 month of Garba vasam - Rama Jananam.
Ram Janma Bhoomi
Sriraman avatharikka pogiran. Ram janma bhoomi yendru sonna vudan anaivarin mugathilum santhosam. "Ram Lala" yendru azhaika padugiran. Thretha yugathil avatharithavan Ramapiran. Periya aranmanai. Ayodhi pattinam perithaga irunthathu,indru chinnathu. We cannot take camera, mobile phone inside Ram janma bhoomi. In a way better, since our mind can concentrate on Raman. Lot of items to buy related to Ram when we enter Ram janma bhoomi. Lot of security check is done. Ramanidhathil yenna ketpathu - mukthi, bhakthi. We should not ask for materialistic things related to this world. We should ask for more knowledge about Ram. Probably the checking is done to check,for what are we going inside for. Why this thought arise ? If we see the monkeys, they are free and they roam around ayodhya. These monkeys have better freedom, probably Monkeys have pure Ram bhakthi. Lot of security and soldier, probably due to Ram being - Chakravarthy Thirumagan.
Ram LALA - RAM Janma Bhoomi
First is Ram lala - Ram's koodaram. Chinna chinna thirumeni of Bharathan, Lakshmanan, Satrugnan, Dasarathan which has been there for many ages.
Parayanam of Rama Janana Sarkam
Let us all do the parayanam of the Rama Janana Sarkam thinking we are in Ram Janma Bhoomi. Bala Kaandam - sargam 18 - 10 slogam.
We should all make neer mor, panagam today because of Rama Jananam. Ram is chakravarthy he already had everything so he kept things simple with neer mor and panagam. Krishna was a playful growing boy so we make all those varied batchanams which we make during Krishna jayanthi.
Starting from 8 slogam parayanam..
Ram - Suryan Mesha Rasiyil, angaragan makara rasiyil, Guru Kadaka rasiyil irunthapothu achariyamana lagnathile navami thithi, punarvasu natchathiram, chithirai matham , navami thithiyil Raman avatharithan.
Bharathan - poosa natchatharathil, meena lagnathil piranthan
Lakshmana - satrugnan - rettai kuzhanthaigalaga ayilya natchathirathil piranthargal.
Raman piranthar, rama jananathai ketkum bhagyam petrom. Ram janma bhoomiyil sevithom.
Temples in North India
There us huge difference in the way temples are in south india and north india. South Indian temples have varied architecture(chola,pallava), varied utsavam all through the year (theppotsavam, poochathi utsavam,brahmotsavam, vasanthoutsavam), varied pooja, lots of flower malai ,different types of prasadam and many such things. In North india Dharsanam is same from morning till evening. Sayana arathi, mangala arathi, bhoga arathi, Raj bhog like that various types of arathi during the day. The way of showing bhakthi is different and we don't need to expect all that which is there in south India. Intha bhoomi puniya bhoomi , antha bhoomiyai theenduvathileye nam pavam tholaigirathu. Sarayu - puniya nadhi kulithal puniyam pogum. Intha yennam yathiraiyin pothu rombha mukiyam.
Dhanam during Yatra
Yatirai sellum pothu angange dhanam seiyavendum. Puniya bhoomiyil dhanam seithal, athan palan pala madangu.
Key Takeaway
1. Dhanam need to be done during yatra since Dhanam at punya kshetram has many fold benefits.
Is this ram janma bhoomi ?
Doubts will araise asking is this the place lakshman stayed ( lakshman bhavan), is this exactly the place where ram was born ?
Can you prove this ? Answer is Irukkalam, kala pokil satru mariyum irukkalam. Athanal yenna vanthathu. Ayodhya place is still the same. It is a puniya bhoomi. If there is a sage in a place.. his impact will be felt for miles like how a flower blossoms and fragrance is spread everywhere. Similarly Ram's fragrance is spread everywhere in ayodhya. Ithu puniya bhoomi and yathiraiku vanthu irukkom. This is more important. We can see lot of sadhu/sanyasi who live there do parikrama, they have no money and they live happily with what they get. Bairagi - Ragam means aasai, Viragam - aasai atra thanmai pattratra thanmai, Bairagi - pattratru irukkumavar. Bharathan is a good example for Bairagi.
Rahasyam behind the birth of the 4 brothers - Ram
There is a rahasyam in the birth of these 4 brothers. Not for killing ravan. Ram jananam is to live by example, to show that one has to be obedient and respectful with elders and follow their orders. One has to follow the orders of his brother, kula guru, father, mother. All these rules had changed and were not followed in Thretha yugam. So Raman was upset and he came down to show to people by being a living example. Appa namma kali yugathai patri pesave vendam, vedikkaiyaga pogum. Kali yugam is worse in following those principles. It is more important and relevant for these days and this yuga to know more about Ramayanam.
Raman Avathataram - periyavavar solluvathai illaayar ketkavendum yenbathai nilai nirutha.
Rahasyam behind the birth of the 4 brothers - Bharathan
Bharathan avataram explains parathanthiryam in detail..
"Parathanthriyam" - Bhagawanukku jeevatma adangiyavar. Perumanin thiruvullam padi than jeevatma nadaka vendum. Namathalla sotthu, namai nam kattukollla kudathu(we don't belong to us and we need not take care of us). Peruman yengu irukka sollugiraro angu irukka vendum. Bharathan appadi thane irunthan. Bharathan pirapin ragasiyam athu than, avar appadi than vazhnthar. Bharathan avataram to explain jeevatma to follow orders of paramatma.
Rahasyam behind the birth of the 4 brothers - Lakshmanan
Lakshmananai parthomanal - thondu thondu thondu. Panividai Panividai panividai, Kainkaryame panni kondu irukkavendum - udalal(body), ullathal(mind), mozhiyal(langauge) Rama kainkaryathil idupada vendum. Ithu than lakshmananodaiya avathara karanam - to serve Bhagawan by all means.
Rahasyam behind the birth of the 4 brothers - Satrugnan
Kadaisiyaga kadaikutti - Satrugnan - avanudaiya nokkam Irai adiyavanukku adiyavanaga irukka vendum. Thondarrukku Thondaraga irukka vendum. anaithu thondugalaiyum Bharathanukku satrugnan seithar. Satrugnan - serve the people who serve God. Intha uyarntha achariyamana arthathai purinthu kondom.
Key Takeaway
2. Secret behind Ram’s birth is to lead by example to show us how we should live. He showed us that we should respect elder’s words.
3. Secret behind Bharath’s birth is to show that a jeevatma’s role is to follow the orders of the Paramatma
4. Secret behind Lakshman’s birth is to serve Bhagawan by all means
5. Secret behind Satrugnan’s birth is to serve the people who serve God.
Naming Function of the 4 brothers
Vashistachariyar 4 kuzhanthaigalukku thottil ittu peyar(name) ittar. 4 thottililum kuzhanthaigal irunthargal. O yendru azhuthargalam.
Kausalyaiku azhugaiyai samathana padutha theriyalai.
Vashistar vanthu parthu irukkar. Kausalyai parthu "Kausalyai thotilin varisaiyai thappaga pottu irukkirai". Kausalya pirantha varisaiyil(order) thottil ittal - Ram, Bharathan, Lakshmanan and Satrugnan yendru. Athu thavaru..
Vashistar sollugirar - Ram, Lakshmanan , Bharathan and Satruganan. Pirantha naal muthal Ramanukku Lakshmanan mel ivalavu kadal, Lakshmananukku thondu manapanmai. Thottil mathinal kausalya.
Kausalyai parthal azhugai ninrathu, anal pathi than nindarathu. Vashistar gnana kannal parthu sonnar - "kausalyai rendu thottil yeduthu vidu. Ramanukkum Lakshmananukkum ore thottil, Bharathanukkum,
Satrugnanukkum ore thottil." innum yenna vendum. Azhugai nindrathu and kuzhanthaigal yellarum sirithargalam. Antha thottil pirivu kuda thanga mattargalam Ram and Lakshman, similarly Bharathan and Satrugnan.
Antha lakshmananai darisikkathan vanthullom ayodhiyil -"Lakshman Ghat"
Reason for the Names of the 4 brothers
Ram- Raman yendru yen peyar vaithar ? "Rameyathethi Ramaha" - Thannai parpavargallukku yellam anandam kudupavan. Ram - yendra thum maghizchi yendra porulil varum. Ramananai parthavudan, avan azhage nambalai perinbha pada vaikum.
Lakshmanan - "Lakshmi vardanaha", Lakshmi - kainkaryam lakshmi, thondu lakshmi, athaiye sirappa pannar, athanala antha peyar vaithar.
Bharathan - "Rajya bharanathu " rajiyathai 16 aandu bharathai(load) pola thanginane athanala bharathan.
Satrugnan - Yeppozhuthum pagaivargalai jeyithu irukkum avan. Avanukku pagai vera yarum kidaiyathu Rama bhakthi ye pagai. Yenna ippadi sollugireergal yendral - Ramanai thandi, Ramanin bhakthan Bharathanukke thondan. Thondarruku thondarai kettal, perumanai vida thondan than melanavan yendru solluvan. Ramaninin bhakthiyai vendru avan thondanukku thondanaga irunthavan Satrugnan. He had to conquer the bhakthi towards Ram first so that he can serve Ram's bhakthan Bharathan.
Lakshman Ghat
Place bit far from Ayodhya on the banks of river Sarayu. This is the place from where Lakshman went to vaikuntam. Aachariyamana kathai and athai angeye kettukolvom. Lakshman Ghatil Lakshmana charitham ketpom. Poovirukku(flower) manathal(fragrance) than sirappu. Manikkathuku(diamond) oliyal than sirappu. Manikkam(diamond) pondru oru athamavukku bhagawanukku adimai.. athavathu seshathuvam yendra panbal than sirrappu. Oru jeevathma bhagawanukku thondu seiyamal ponal, avan athma yendru solli kolla thaguthi illamal pogum. oru athma udalai katilum veru pattavan , migavum uyarthavan athma. Udal azhinthathu athma azhiyathathu. Udal 5 boothangalale anathu. athma gyanathal anadhu. athma purinthu kolgiran arivali , ivalavu yetram athmavukku irunthalum athu pothathu..bhagawanukku adimai naan yendra purithal irunthal than athmai gyani yendru kondadugirargal. bhagawanukku yethanaiyo per thondu seitha mahatmakal undu. Avargalai yellam varisai padutha thodanginal yarai muthalil viral vittu yennuvom ? Lakshman.
Raman 14 aandu katil kuda irunthu thondu panninavan, piranthanal muthale Ramanukku adimai, Ramanukku thondu purinthavan Lakshmanan. "Lakuvanan, illaya perumal, ilakuvanan " yendru niraya namangal. Bharathan irunthum..Ivane adutha thambhi yendru sollum alavukku Ramanidathil nerungiya thozhamai, adimaithanam. Avalavu thooram Ramanai vittu piriyamal irunthane.. kadaisiyil Raman poo ulagam vittu, vaikuntam pogum pothu Rakuvanan nodeva sendran ? Alla.. Lakuvanan munne nadakka raman pin thodarunthu sendran.
Aachariyamana seithi..
14 aandugal Raman katil nadanthu sendra pothhu "Nerizhaiyum ..." perumal thirumozhi pasuram 9-2.
As azhwar explains.. "Munal raman, naduve seethai, pinal lakshmanan nadanthanam.. "
Valmiki slogam "Agratha..."
Raman must have thought for how long will Lakshman follow me and my footsteps..For a change let Lakshmanan go first and i will follow him.
Probably that is the reason why Lakshmanan went to Vaikuntam first and then Ram followed him. Raman illa intha poo ulagathil Lakuvanan irunthathu illai. Raman punarvasu natchathirathil pirantha pinnar piranthan Lakshmanan ayilya natchathiram.Purapattu pogum pothu, Ramanai vaikuntathil varaverka vendum yenbadarkaga munne sendran. Lakshman wanted to welcome Ram in Vaikuntam and didn't want to stay in this earth without Ram so he went to Vaikuntam before Ram from Lakshman Ghat and Ram followed Lakshmanan for a change.
Lakshman ayodhi pattinathai neethu, vaikuntam purapatta idam Lakshman Ghat. Sarayu nadhiyil athan karaiyil ippothu naam ullom. intha idathuke sirappu perumanukku thondu puribhavan, adiyavan, adiyavanukku adiyavan yendru yellam sarayu nadhiyin allaigal nam kadthil aabarakinrana. Sarayu nadhiyin ottamo, alaiyin sathamo alla. Perumanukku adimai thanam purivathu yeppadi yeppadi yeppadi yendru namakku solli kudukka kudiya oli than nam kathugalukku yetuginrana. Lakshman ghat til irukkakudiya Raman, Seethai , lakshmanan, hanuman avargalai seivitthu kolluvom.. suvaiyaga kannuku virunthum, kathuku virunthhum kittatum.
Hanuman Gadi
Slogam
"yatra yatra raGhunAtha keerthanam tatra tatra krta mastakAnjalim |
BhAShpavAri paripoorNa lOchanam mAruthim namatha rAkShasAnthakam ||"
Wherever the name and glory of lord Shri Ram is chanted, Shri HanumAn, the
destroyer of evils and demons, appears there with folded hands and tears of joy
Intha slogam Hanuman perumaiyai koora vanthathu. Ayodhya nagarathil ippodhu naam Hanuman Gathi adainthullom. Sumar 50 padikattugal yeri, siru kundrin mel hanuman Gathiyil Hanuman Yethunthu aruli irukkirar. Ivarai pathiya seithi kettale achariyamaga irukkum. Indrum anchaneyar, hanuman, maruthi, vayukumaran, vathahmajan, sachivothaman, navavyakarana pandithan - yendru yethanaiyo peryar pettra anchaneyar ingeye yezhunthu aruli irukkirar. Avar yengum sella villai, ingeye yezhunthu aruli irukkirar. Yevalavu aachariyamana vishayam. Yen Ramanodu avar vaikuntam adaiya villaiya ? kelungal..
Raman than vantha seiyal(work) yellam mudiththukkondu vaikuntathuku anaivaraiyum azhaithu kondu pogirar.
Nammazhwar padal pasuram 3381 , thiruvaimozhi 7.5.1
* kaRpAr irAma pirAnai allAl * matRum kaRparO? *
puRpA mudhalAp * pulleRumbAdhi onRinRiyE **
naRpAl ayOdhdhiyil vAzhum * charAcharam mutRavum *
naRpAlukku uyththanan * nAnmuganAr petRa nAttuLE
Rama Namam Magimai
Ramanudaiya perumai anaivaraikum mukthi adaiya vazhi katiyavar. Yosithu parungal. Slogam "Sri rama rama Ramethi...." is the answer for question by Parvathi. Parvathi asks Paramasivan "kenoo payena lagunam.."
"1000 thirunamangal yeliyavai than , anal nal pada pada intha thirunamangalai solla mudiyavittal yethana oru thirunamam intha 1000
thirunamathuku idaga irukkuma ?" Sivaperuman says "Rama namam. Devi un kuzhanthaigalai athai solla chol". 1000 thirunamangal irukkum pothu athu yenna rama namathuku perumai. Narayana namam irukku, vishnu namam irukku, vasudeva namam irukku athu yellam vittu vittu .. Miga yelithil mokshathuku athavathu vaikuntathuku azhaithu sendra vallal Raman than. "anda sarasarangalai vaikuntam yethi.."
Motha perum vaikuntam purapattargal.
Key Takeaway
6. Saying Rama Namam is equivalent to saying 1000 names of Vishnu
Hanuman refused to go to Vaikuntam with Ram and others
Hanuman mattum oridathil irunthar edupadu katavillai. Ramanukku thonithu "Anchaneya varum.. neer than yennudan vaikuntam muthalil vara vendum ". Anchaneyar maruthu kurugirar.."Yennaku man aasai illai, pon aasai illai, pen aasai illai. Ithai palarum thandi iruppargal. Sanyasi/Yethi ivargalukku man, pon, pen aasai thuranthom yenbargal. Sanyasi kuda vaikunta aasi vendam yendru solla mattar. Vaikuntam kitta vendum yendru thane yellarum ithanai padu padugirom. Anal nasuka yar manasum pun padamal marukkirar. "Yennaku antha vaikuntathukum vara manasu illai. Intha ramanai kanda kangal, ithe tholode sargam yennum villai piditha raman, arugile seva sevatha thirumeniyoda lakshmanan, intha puram Ramanukku yetra perun deviyana seethai, intha moondru per thiruvadigalile yepothum kai koopikondu adiyen, ithu than yen janmam. ithhu than yennaku janma sapalyam. Itharku mel neer koopitalum naan vaikuntam varuvathaga illai. angu ponal neer vera mathiri amarthu iruppeer".
Vaikuntathil perumalukku amarntha thirukolam, valathu kaiyal abhayam, yedathu kaiyai madiyil vaithu iruppar, oru thiruvadi madaki kondu iruppar, oru thiruvadiyai neeti kondu iruppar, mukthargal, nithyargal anaivarum sama vedam paduvargal. Ithil Hanumanukku virupam illai.
Rama namathai sollikondu, yeppothum "jai ram, seetha ram, Jai jai ram , rama rama hare hare rama rama .." rama namathai sollikondu irukka vendum.
Slogam - Snehoma..
"achuvai perinum venden aragama nagarulale.." Thondaradipodi azhwar padal
antha hanuman ingu than ippothhum yezhunthu aruliirukkirar. anal migavum kattu kaval(security). Hanumanin intha gatikule sulabhathil sella mudiyathu.. naam poi bhakthargal seivithu varalam. Agaiyal nam anaivarum manasale ulle selvom. Naduvil Anchaneyar yezhunthu arulivullar, migavum achariyamana thirumeni. Anal mugam mattum than namakku darisanam agum, thalayil kireedam, neraiya pusha malaigal sathikondu iruppar.Hanumanukaga inge dina padiye homam nadakarthu. Yagna salai ullathu. Yethanai perukku annadhanam nadakarthu. Niraiya bhogam(Prasadam). Dina padi anchaneya swami sappitundu irukkar. While Hanuman was serving Ram he starved and served him. Probably today he is taking rest with lots of food. Everyone wants to have darshan again and again. There are lots of sweet stall with so many variety of sweets.Athu yellam vangindu mele poi neiveidhyam panni, nambha kitta prasadhamaga thirupi kudukirargal. The travellers who had daibetics too enjoyed those sweets since the walking in the yatra kept the diabetics under control.
We saw Hanuman gadi and many places in ayodhya today and more places like Kanaka Bhavan, ammaji mandhir to be seen next week...
Raman thiruvadigal Vazhi, seetha ramargal potri, ini kanaka bhavanathukku nadai poduvom.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 07 - June 2 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Song...
Nama: kothanda hasthaya sandhi kruthacharaayacha
kandithakila daithyaya ramaya: pannivaarine
Ramaya rama badraya rama chandraya vedase
ragunathaya nathaya seethaya: pathaye nama:
Aabhathugal anaithaiyum pokubhavan Sriraman, namakku nanmaigalai tharubhavan Emperuman Dasarathi. Antha Emperuman sevikka Raman anu yathiraiyil , first day at Bittoor, Second and third day at Ayodhya. Stayed at Birla Mandir and few other places in Ayodhya.
Key Takeaway
1.Samayal seithu perumalukku kandu arulap panni sapidavendum.
Samayal seithu perumalukku kandu arulap panni sapidavendum. Atharkaga chinna murthiyezhunthu arulap pannikondu sendrom, avarukku neivedhiyam seithu sappitom.
Ram Janma Bhoomi
SriVishnuSahasranama athiyayathule Bheeshmacharya solluvathu pole, Aabhathaiyum koduvapavan BhayaKrit, BhayaNasanaha - antha Bayathai udane pokubhavan. When we went Ayodhya it was the same day the Ram Janma Bhoomi Case results were to be announced. We all were worried if we were able to go inside ayodhya and visit the temples. Luckily by God's grace we were able to go and also have good darshan since the crowd was very less.
Ammaji Mandhir
When visiting places in Ayodhya, we saw a temple in Ayodhya which was in Southern Chola temple architecture called Ammaji Mandir. Beautiful temple and all the tourists from south india do visit this temple. This temple has a wonderful news. Kannaukku ramanukaga kovil yezhupa vendum yendru aadai polum. There lived a Yogi called Parthasarathy Iyengar Swami and his wife Yogi Singammal. They stayed in chennai and printed books on our sampradayam and gave it to adiyar's. 1870 - 1895 this was happening. They wanted to go to north india yatra and went to Salagramam, Badri and they came to Ayodhya in 1898-1899. They had a idea and wished to have a temple in south indian style, perumal appeared in their swapanam and they built this temple staying there for 5 years. 1904 samprokshanam.
After that 5 years Parthasarathy stayed there did kainkaryam and acharyan thiruvadi adainthar. Ayodhi ammal for next 30 yrs stayed in Ayodhya and did upadesam on Ramayanam and Sri Raman pathai. She was called Sri Yogi Singammal and popularly called Ammaji. Beautiful temple in chola style with rajagopuram, Dwjasthambam and inside Raman arputhamana sevai Ram, Lakshman, Seethai, Narthana Krishnan( Since the person was from thiruvellikeni), Ranganathan, azhwar acharyargal ( Parangusa , parakala yathivarathigal) prathikshai has also been done since it is a temple built by Tamilians and we have many many pasuram's on ram as part of the divya prabhandam. So we have the Nammazhwar who sung the thiruvaimozhi 1000 pasuram, Periya Thirumozhi padina Thirumangaiazhwar and then Bhagavad Ramanujar - muthamizh valarthu koduthavar and Ramanujachayavaiye sampradhayathuku katti kodutha alavandar yennum Yamunacharya.
As from AmudhanAr’s IrAmAnusa nUtranthAthi...
sollaar thamizoru moonRum churuthikaL naan_gumellai
illaa aRan^eRi yaavum therinthavan eNNaruncheer
nNallaar paravum iraamaa Nnuchan_thiru naamam
nambik kallaar akalitath thOr,ethu pERenRu kaamipparE. 44
Meaning - Sri
Ramanujacharya studies art, dance and drama in Tamil and also sweetest AzhwAr’s works in Tamil, the four Vedas and all limitless innumerable Vedantha and Dharmas and analyzed them individually as well as in entirety. He stands like a shining light, establishing the greatest truths reflecting the sruthis and Vedic truths in clear categorical terms, and is praised for His KalyANA guNAs by Great scholars with love and devotion. This world (and its people)- oh no! are not listening and paying attention to my words. (Are they not sensible?)
We saw all these in third day of the yatra and before we start from ayodhya tonight we have some more interesting places to see.
Valmiki Bhavanam
Song - "Kujantam rama rameti madhuram madhuraaksharam
aaruhya kavitaa saakhaam vande valmiki kokilam"
Meaning - "This verse is a salutation to the poet Valmiki, who like a cuckoo bird sitting on the tree of poetry, melodiously repeats the sweet name of Rama. Blessed by Brahma, Valmiki who earlier became a sage, thus became a poet too."
Valmiki munivar oru putrilirinthu thondriyavar. Bhooma devi yin mel than naam anaivaram padukirom, thoongugirom. Bhooma devi yin Kaathgal putrugal(ant hill, snake hill). Valmikam means puttru. Valmikathu lerunthu thondriyathale valmikam nu peyar petravar. Avarukku smarpitha bhavanam "Valmiki Bhavanam". Ithhu siru theruvil ullathu. THough in a small street the temple mandapam is pretty tall, wonderfully made in Marbles. We are blessed to see Valmiki Bhavanam. reaching there and seeing the place gives mental happiness to all. We all had to travel in auto's and they carried more people than it can accomodate when asked the driver "naangal Ramarin kodaiyil irukirom ingu veru yentha kodaiyum sayathu" was the bold reply.
Valmiki bhavanam is a construction marvel in marbles either in white marbles or red stones from rajasthan. When we go inside about 5000 people can sit such a huge hall. With 24000 slogams written on the walls in the first and second floor(madam) of the bhavanam. Staying with these slogam for 15 mins it feels like we are sitting on our mother's lap with such nice feeling and positive vibration. So many mahan's had visited this places over ages. Also there is a library - pusthaka bhandar which has Valmiki Ramanyanam in all langauges with many copies. Anyone can take the book and can do the Ramayana Parayanam. We did sarga parayanam and upanyasam there. Also did have the darshan of Valmiki with his grandson's lav and Kush. If Seetha was his son then they are here grandson's. Beautiful scintillating expirence to see these marble vigraham's.
Also we can see loads and loads of Sriramajayam written packets from all parts of India stored here. During Sarayu kumbha mela they drop all these packets into the river. Sarayu has all those Sriramajayam in her.
We also met lots of those Sadhu's. There are 50 lakh Sadhu all around india. They all meet during allahabad kumbha mela. In Ayodhya around 5000 sadhu's live just opposite to valmiki bhavanam in a place called Chavani. They eat chappati, sabji. We also tried to give chappati/sabji to our travellers but we south indian are used to rice only. while here in ayodhya they make chappati for whole day for these Sadhu's. We had the bhagyam of doing annadhanam to those Sadhu's.
Upanyasam at Valmiki Bhavanam
Ram's Various Names
Dasarathanukku magan athunale ramanuku Dasarathi nu oru peyar
Kaupusthan yennum raja vamsathula piranthathale Kaupusthaha tamil kauputhan.
Raghu maharaja pirabhalamanavan athunale Raghu kulathil piranthathanal Raghavan.
They learnt everything in 12 years. Ramanyanathula bala prayathai seekiram mudichutar valmiki not like Krishnavatharam in which it is detail. Ram is Anustanaprabhavamana avatharam, Anubhavaprabhavamana avatharam Krishnavatharam. Anubhavika siriya vayasu , athunala Krishnavatham. Parthu anustika periya vayasu athunala Ramavatharam.
Slogam :
Yuddha Kandam , Chapter 131 Slogam - 102
ramo ramo rama iti prajanam abhavan kathah
ramabhutam jagad abhud rame rajyam prasasati (102)
Raman vazhanthu Ayodhiyil, anaivarum Raman nalanukaga vazhnthargal. Pogatha kovil illai, neeradatha puniya nadhi illai. Yellorum Ramanukaga vazhnthargalam. Raman Yengu vazhnthu iruppar ? Ramanukaga ayodhiyil iruntha idam kanaka Bhavanam.
Kanaka Bhavanam
Upanyasam - SriRamachandranin Janma bhoomi ayodhya, Srivaikuntathin oru paguthiyana migavum uyarntha pradesathai Bhagawane yeduthu - Swayambhu manuvukku, antha manu mer kondu manu chakravarthikkum koduthu, avargal moolam Ishvagu Vamsathuke Thalai nagaramaga vilangiyathu.
Mukthi/Moksha Sthalam (as per Garuda Purana)
Ayodhya divya desam. Moksham allikkum 7 mukhiyamana Sthalangalil ithu muthanmai petrathu. Ayodhya, mathura, maya, Kasi, kanchi, avanthika, Dwaraka are the list of 7 Mukthi sthalam. Of this Ayodhya is the first.
Note : These 7 mukthi sthalam represents different part of the body of Sriman Narayanan. Avanthi is represented as the divine feet, Thiruvadi of the perumal, Kachipuram, represents the waist, Thirudwaraka represents the Nabhi (the lower stomach), Maya represents the Thiru maarbhu (the chest) Madhura represents the neck, Kasi represents the nose and finally, this Ayodhya Kshetram represents the Head of the perumal.
Ayodhya is one of seven holy places for Hindus in India, with Varanasi the most sacrosanct:
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II—Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14A Kṣetra is a sacred ground where Moksha can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven cities as sources of Moksha: Ayodhya, Mathura, Māyā (Haridwar), Kāsi (Varanasi), Kāñchī, Avantikā (Ujjain), and Dvārāvatī (Dvārakā).
Ayodhya Yethirka mudiyathu, thagarka mudiyathu yendrum , yaaraleyum udaithu vida mudiyathu yendru miga uyarntha perumai intha ayodhyavukku undu. Rama Janma bhoomi puniya sthalam. Raman than thiruvadigalai intha bhoo mandalathil Kal pathitha idam.
Slogam - "KOUSALYA SHUSHUBHE THENA PUTHRENA AMITHA THEJASA YATHA VARENA DEVANAM ADITHIR VAJRAPANINA " and Slogam - "dwadeshe mase..."
As per the above two slogam Chitra masam, Navami thithi, punarvasu natchathirathile Raman piranthar, Adi sheshan amsamaga lakshmanan piranthar, Bharathazhwanum piranthar, Satrugnanazhwan piranthar. Antha idam Ram janma bhoomi yendru peyar. Athai thavira intha Ayodhiyil sevika vendiya idangal pala undu. Ipozhuthu nam irukkum idam Kanaka Bhavan. Oru kalathil Raman Sitai iruppidamai, antha puramai iruntha idam. Muzhuka Swarna mayamaga thangathile irunthathu athunale Kanaka Bhavan yendru peyar. Ingu yezhuntharuli irukkum murthigal kanakathile swarnathile irukinrana. Aasanam, mandapam swarnathile irukku.
Kanakam - Thangam, Bhavanam - Maligai. Intha maligai muzhuvathume thangamaga irunthatham. anal kaladaivil padaiyedupu karanaaga thangam yellam pari poi ittru. Nalla vellai Ramachandran, Seethai agiyorin Sri murthigal 3 jodi Raman and Seethai yezhuntharuli vullargal thanga mayamaga. Lots of shopping area near kanaka bhavan like bags, chinna perumal dresses, lassi.
Lassi in north indian given in earthern pot or glass is very nice with cream. Manasu nirainthathu with ram/seetha sevai, vayaru nirainthathu with lassi.
Before entering Kanaka bhavan through security checking is done. Raman checks for bhakthi in our ullam, the soldiers check us for security reasons. As you enter Kanaka bhavan you can see a big anganam. Small story - This is anthapuram. Kuzhanthaigal rendu perukkum kalyanam panni vechar Dasarathan. Seetha was 6 yrs and Ram was 12 yrs. They spent 12 yrs of blissful married life in this place after marriage. Angu dhampathigala porava yellarukkum Seetha Raman anugraham kidaikarthu. Dasarathan rombha vayasanavargalai than Dwarapalakanaga poduvaram. Yenna ilasugal rendu perum vazthundu irukka, athunala ilasugalai vasala potta porunthi varathu oththu varathu. 90 vayasanavargalai than vasalala kavalargalaga veparam. Ava thangalai parthukave matta. Valmiki sollarar - "Thathra kashayano vruthani.." They all were wearing Kashayam.. so does it mean they are sanyasi ? No. all the gaurds were Grihasthas but they all stayed in Ram's thought and spent time in taking care of Ram and the guards totally forgot on taking care of themselves. Hence they were like Sanyasi's since they used to go to sarayu quickly take bath and come back to continue Ram's service. So their dress got coloured like Kashayam. When these gaurds help Ram and lift him Ram's chandan and garlands used to get applied on to these guards. There is a beautiful message here. Whatever item it be - food, flower, garland etc.. it has to be taken as GOD's prasadam after offering it to HIM. Poo vangina perumalluku samarpithutu vechukanam. Chinna chinna vishyam follow pannalam. "Uduthu kalaintha nin pithaga vadai..." says periazhwar. Let us all watch a beautiful arathi at kanaka bhavanam.
Kanaka Bhavan - Ram Padham
Inside Kanaka Bhavanam we can also see Ram's patham. Valam vanthu thalaiyala than thoda mudiyum. Thottu Sevikalam. Raman Seethai katukku pogum pothu intha idathil than theril yeri sendraram. Athunala than padugai ingu yezhuntharuli panniirukirargal. "Aavum azhuga, naan mavum azhuga , poosai azhuga..." aadu madu kannukutti kuthirai ponai yellam azhuthatham raman pirivu thangamal. Rathiri pozhuthil kanaka bhavan parkave rombha azhagaga irukku. Antha idathai iravu pozhuthil seivithomana namake ullam kalangarathu. Ava manasu raman sendra pothu yeppadi kalangi irukkum. Oru pakkam Kanaka bhavan anandama irukku, innoru pakkam kanaka bhavan ullam pisayaramathiri irukku. Irandu yennathodaiyum Kanaka bhavanathai seivipom.
Raj Darbar and boon to Sita by Dasarathan
Ayodhiyil Raj Darbar yendru oru idam. Ingeyam Raman,Seetha, Bharathan, Lakshmanan, Satrugnan yellarum yezhunthu aruli ullargal. Ram Darbar, Dasaratha Darbar, Raj darbar are used to refer this place and this has a importance. This could have been the darbar place. There is an interesting story about this place. The localities are telling this story. Ram and Seetha came from mithila after the marriage to ayodhya. They might have come in rath or pallaku or moodu pallaku .. whatever it may be. They got down from the rath in this place only. The DIL have come first time to their place that too Janakar's daughter Seetha. Everyone gave a warm grand welcome to Ram and Sita with veda manthiram, mangala slogam, punitha neeratuthal and was taken inside. Grand feast was also made ready. There is a custom in north india that the DIL who comes need to give/serve rice to her inlaws. Annamiduthal Sriku migavum uyartha pani. As per Veda's , upanishad - "Annan bahukuru vitha.. annanna nithiyathu". Annathai nanraga perukku, niraiya anna dhanam pannu. Un veetuku oruthar vanthu sooru illai yendru poga koodathu. Annadhanam sirantha dhanam. Oru marumagal vanthavudan athaithan muthal muthalil seigiral. 4 thattu kodukapattana, Sita takes the first place and gives it to Kaikeyi, Kaikeyi need to give something in return and she had given Kanaka Bhavan to the newly married Sita. Next Sita servers to sumithra and kausalya who give her Nethi chutti and malai (with rathnam, vairam, vaidooriyam) respectively. Next Sita gives the 4th plate to Dasarathan, Dasarathan didn't know what to give her since his wives have given many things to his Daughter in law. So dasaratha decides and gives Sita a boon. In the Thretha Yugam and Dwapara yugam everyone will refer to Ram as SriRam. But once Kali yugam starts everyone will refer to Ram as SeethaRam. That is why in north SiyaRam, Jai SiyaRam and in South SeethaRam, Jai SeethaRam. So this great boon was given to Sita by Dasarath when she was in Raj Darbar when she came to ayodhya first time.
VanaMamalai Jeer at Ayodhya Chaturmasyam 2010
When we came in 2010 to this place, we were very fortunate to have the darshan on Nanguneri Srimath pramahamsethyathi Nanguneri vanamamalai kaliyan ramanuja Jeer swami, ayodhiyil yezhuntharuli chaturmasya sankalpam , athavathu jeer swamigal/sanyasigal mazhai kalam 4 matham veliye poga mattargal, sirantha thavam purivargal. Athunala than swamigal nam therku kodi thirunelveli nagarkovil pakkam irukkum vanamamalayil irunthu ayodhiyil yezhunthu aruli irunthar. Intha madathukku vadake niraiya sishyargal. Uttharathigadri, uttara thottatri mutt yendru niraiya sishyargal. Avaridam irunthu ayodhi vaibhavam, avar perumalluku aaradhanam, thirumanjanam, avarodaiya anugraha bhashanam ithanaiyum petrukondom. Ithu sirantha bhakiyam. Niraiya sadukal irukka, avargaludan Vanamamalai jeer swamigalaiyum sevithu kondom.
We saw all the places we saw during the third day of our trip in this episode. Now we need to start from Ayodhya ofcourse with Ram, let's meet next week with more important places.
Song - Mannupugaz Kausalai mani vayiru vaithavane..
11 verses -Sri Raaman Thaalaattuppaattu by Sri Kulasekaraazhvaar
719:
mannupukazh kowsalaithan maNivayiRu vaaytthavanE
thennilangai kOnmudikaL sinthuviththaay semponsEr
kannin^anmaa mathiLpudaisoozh kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
ennudaiya innamuthE iraakavanE thaalElO (2) 8.1
720:
puNtarika malarathanmEl puvaniyellaam pataiththavanE
thiNtiRalaaL thaadakaithan uramuruvas silaivaLaiththay
kaNdavar_tham manamvazhangum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
eNtisaiyu maaLutaiyaay iraakavanE thaalElO 8.2
721:
kongumali karunguzhalaaL kOsalaithan kulamathalaay
thanguperum pugazhssanakan thirumarukaa thaasarathee
kangaiyilum theertthamali kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
engaLkula thinnamuthE iraakavanE thaalElO 8.3
722:
thaamaraimE layanavanaip padaiththavanE thasarathanRan
maamathalaay maithilithan maNavaaLaa vaNtinangaL
kaamaranga Lisaipaadum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
Emaruvum silaivalavaa iraakavanE thaalElO 8.4
723:
paaraaLum padarselvam parathan^ampik kEyaruLi
aaraavan piLaiyavanO tarungaana matainthavanE
seeraaLum varaimaar_paa thirukkaNNa puraththarasE
thaaraaLum neeNmutiyen thaasarathee thaalElO 8.5
724:
suRRamellaam piNnthodarath tholkaana matainthavanE
aRRavar_kat karumarunthE ayOththin^akark kathipathiyE
kaRRavar_kaL thaamvaazhum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
siRRavaithan solkoNda seeraamaa thaalElO 8.6
725:
aalinilaip paalakanaa yanRulaka muNdavanE
vaaliyaikon RarasiLaiya vaanaraththuk kaLitthavanE
kaalinmaNi karaiyalaikkum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
aalin^akark kathipathiyE ayOththimanE thaalElO 8.7
726:
malaiyathanaa laNaikatti mathiLilangai yazhiththavanE
alaikatalaik katainthamarark kamutharuLis seythavanE
kalaivalavar thaamvaazhum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
silaivalavaa sEvakanE seeraama thaalElO 8.8
727:
thaLaiyavizhum naRunguncith thayarathanRan kulamathalaay
vaLaiyavoru silaiyathanaal mathiLilangai yazhiththavanE
kaLaikazhun^eer marungalarum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
iLaiyavar_kat karuLutaiyaay iraakavanE thaalElO 8.9
728:
thEvaraiyu masuraraiyum thisaikaLaiyum padaiththavanE
yaavarumvan^ thativaNanga arangan^agar_th thuyinRavanE
kaavirin^al nathipaayum kaNapuraththen karumaNiyE
EvariveNY silaivalavaa iraakavanE thaalElO (2) 8.10
729:
kannin^anmaa mathiLpudaisoozh kaNapuraththen kaakuththan
thannatimEl thaalElO enRuraiththa thamizhmaalai
koln^avilum vElvalavan kudaikkulasE karansonna
panniyan^ool patthumvallaar paangaaya patthar_kaLE (2) 8.11
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ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 08 - June 9 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Song
"Manju sEr mALigai needu agil pugayum
marayOr senchol vELvi pugayum
kamazhum Ten arangamE"
Article From ramanuja.org archives....
This "akil pugai" is primarily used as "dhoopam" for the Lord, to prevent His catching a cold after bath and is offered to Him lovingly during iruvArAdhanam. Lest offering the smoke directly make His eyes water, discerning archakAs first capture the smoke in an absorbent cloth, thereby imprisoning its essence in the cloth, and gently touch the Lord's tirumEni with it, thus ensuring that only the fragrant and medicinal essence of the smoke reaches Emperuman and not the smoke itself, which may sting His gentle lotus eyes. The simultaneous offering of such dhoopam to the Lord from all the homes of Tiruvarangam, along with that emanating from the temple of Rangaraja, is so thick and pervasive as to make the entire town fragrant, says Sri Kalian.
Guptar Ghat and Ram's last few days on Earth
Kulasekararazhwar's pasuram in Perumal Thirumozhi explains about Ram's last few days on this earth as follows.
seRithavacchampugan thannai chenRu konRu
sezhumaRaiyOn uyirmeettu thavatthOn eentha
niRaimaNi pooN aNiyum koNdu ilavaNan thannai
thambiyaal vaanERRi munivan vENda
thiRal viLangum ilakkumanai pirindhaan thannai
thillainagar thiruchchithrakoodanthannuL
uRaivaanai maRavaadha uLLanthannai
udaiyOm maRRuRu thuyaram adaiyOminRE (2) 10.9
Meaning of the above pasuram from Sadagopan.org ebook
[Sampuka vatham] The Lord who searched and killed Sampukan and got back the son of Vedic Brahmin; who accepted the precious necklace given by Sage Agasthya and blessed the sage; Sent LavaNasura to heaven through killing of him by his youngest brother Satrugnan; due to the curse of Sage Dhurvaasa,Rama had to abandon his younger brother Lakshmana; is now so blissfully residing as Sri Rama in Thillai Chithra kootam Divya Desam, and my mind will never ever forget the Lord of Thillai Thiruchitrakootam. Hence no inauspiciousness will befall me.
[Lakshmana incident, Sampuka vatham appears in Utthara khaaNdam. Regarding Lakshman's abandonment, Sage and Guru Vasishta advised Rama
that he had no choice, since Lakshmana transgressed the promise made to Yama Raja that no one should interrupt his conversation with Rama and those, who did would have to be sacrificed. When Durvasa demanded Lakshmana guarding the gate of the conference chamber and threatened to curse Rama, if he did not see him immediately, Lakshmana broke the rule and interrupted the conversation, fully knowing that he has to be sacrificed. Rama's acute sense of carrying out his Raja Dharma put him under tremendous emotional distress and suffering, But he put his duties as a king first and executed the course of Action without hesitation.]
Uttara kandam has more details on Ram's last few days in this earth. Agasthiyar visits Ram and tells him more stories. Then Ram was ruling the kingdom. We saw the story of Ram doing Ashwamega Yagam and on Lav-Kush capturing and tying the horse. Then later they discussed on whom to declare as the next king and he did pattabhishekam for bharathan's son and lakshman's son so that they can take care of the kingdom. Ram rules for 11,000 years. Valmiki says "Dasha varusha Sahasrani , Dasha varusha sathanicha" 10 - thousand years and 10 - hundered years = 10*1000+10*100 = 11,000 years. It was time for Ram to start on his journey from earth back to vaikuntam. Ram gets into the Sarayu river and start walking towards Vaikuntam. That place where Ram went into Sarayu is called as Guptar Ghat. Guptar Ghat is a beautiful place.
Gupta means rahasyam or maraivu. Raman sarayuvil irangi marainthu pona idam. Emperuman thirumeni pancha bhowdhikamana thirumeni allamal, Pancha upanishad mayam, pancha shakthi mayam yendru sollugirargal. There is no information that Perumal's thirumeni was left in this world. That was why no samskaram was done by anyone to Ram or Krishna after they left this world and went back to Srivaikuntam. So perumal must have gone along with his thirumeni to Srivaikuntam. Above Brahma's Satya Loka and below Srivaikuntam Santhanika Loka. People in this Santhanika Loka reach Vaikuntam in a very short duration.
As per Azhwar Pasuram "Anda sarasaram.." Bhagwan has taken the anda sarasaram along with him to Vaikuntam.
As per Nammazhvar's pasuram Tiruvaimozhi - Centum : 7-5, pasuram 7.5.1 , 3497
kaRpaar iraama piraanai allaal* maRRum kaRparO?,*
puRpaa muthalaap* pulleRumpaathi onRinRiyE,
naRpaal ayOththiyil vaazum* charaacharam muRRavum,
naRpaalukku uyththanan* naanmuka Nnaar_peRRa naattuLE
All the creations of Brahma who were in this kingdom including grass, ant and all living beings have been taken along to Vaikuntam by Sriram. The kingdom was empty/desserted and then people from other places came and settled here. Makkal kudi peyarntha Pinnar than Kosala Janapadam(state ?republic ?) yerpattadhu yendru naam parkirom. Raman is moksha pradhan. He lived for 11,000 years. Ram came to know that Lakshman started on his journey towards Vaikuntam by getting into the river Sarayu. Ram was depressed and could not take Lakshman's absence and he decided to start as well. Also Kala devan had also come and given information on Ram's duration in earth coming to an end and he had to start from Earth. He decided(Sankalpam seithu) and
started from Ayodhya came to this place Guptar Ghat, changed his clothes, wore the holy grass darbai in his hand - all these are explained in the 109 sargam of Uttara Kandam. Then 110the sargam explains how he started from earth. Let us do the parayanam of these two sargam.
We have all reached Guptar Ghat which is 12-15 KM from Ayodhya. Travel along sarayu bank to reach lakshman ghat first and then Guptar Ghat. This is the place where Ram started on his journey to Ayodhya. Ram didn't leave his body Bhootha Udal in this earth. Why is body referred as Bhootha udal ? Because of the body is made of the Pancha Maha Bhootham - Pritvi, Appu, vayu, tejas, akasham. Why Ram or Krishna didn't leave their body in this world ? Reason is their body was not made of the Pancha Maha Bhootham. Ram's body was full of satvam, Tejo mayam, aprakrutham, full of pancha shakthi, form of pancha upanishad - something which cannot be explained easily. Due to the nature of our body, there is no upliftment in the knowledge when we see our body. But if we keep seeing Ram's thirumeni and keep
meditating the knowledge blossoms and results in more satva guna. This is the perumai of perumal's thirumeni. The image below is Ram at Guptar Ghat in a beautiful temple. Brahmandamana temple when watched from Sarayu river. It is wonderful temple.
Let us hear the story in short. Ram completed ruling ayodhya for 11,000 years. Brahma thinks that it is time for Ram to come back to Vaikuntam and it is time to hint Ram about the same. Brahma called for Kala devan and asked him to go to Bhoologam to inform Ram. Kala Devan came to Ayodhya and met
Ram. Lakshman was also around with Ram. Kala Devan said " i have come here to discuss a deva ragsyam. No one else can listen. Ask Lakshman to go outside this room ?" Ram says " He is my right hand. close to me. I have not discussed anything without him." Kala devan says "No rama, i need to talk to you only and hence ask Lakshmana to go away from this place. Also if anyone interrupts us while we are discussing you need to Grant Marana Dhandanai to that person". Ram was surprised on why he was behaving so. Then Ram accepted the request and the rule and made lakshman stand outside while Ram and Kala devan started to discuss. Kala devan said " Ram the purpose of your avataram is fullfilled - destroyed the demons/rakshas, Lived by example to explain all the Dharma, explained "Thanthai Sol mikka manthiram
illai' , you have also finished lots of yagam and yagyam and hence it is time for you to return to Vaikuntam". While this discussion was happening, Dhurvasar came to Ayodhya. Dhurvasar is a sage known for his anger. Dhurvasar told Lakshman that he wanted to meet Ram immediately. Lakshman was stuck because if he sends Dhurvasar inside then the person who is interuppting the secret discussion would be granted death. Ram giving this punishment to Sage dhurvasar is not good for the kingdom. If Lakshman does not send Dhurvasar inside then Dhurvasar is going to get more furious. If lakshman goes inside to inform about Dhurvasar's then Lakshman is in problem and he would be granted death. Lakshman thought about this - "instead of putting entire ayodhya in danger, let me get into trouble myself." Lakshman went inside the discussion between Ram and Kala devan was over and Ram has accepted to come back to Ayodhya. Ram went and met Dhruvasar and welcomed him too. But Ram has been put in a situation to grant death to Lakshman. Ram was shattered and he was sitting in the raj Darbar. Sage Vasishita came there and enquired on why Ram was upset. Ram told about the situation of him where he need to grant death to Lakshman
who has been so close to him. Even during the days when Sita had to part him, lakshman was him with all through his life. Sage Vasishta said " Rombha nerukkama irukkara oruthari pirinchi, innimel ivar kuda thodarbhu vaithukolluvathillai, yendru sollital athu kondrathuku samam."Lakshmana unnai naan thuranthen" yendru sollividu ". Ram said the same to Lakshman. Slogam "nacha seetha Ramaha.." Hearing this Lakshman went to Sarayu near Lakshman Ghat and started his journey to Vaikuntam. Ram could not stay without Lakshman and he consulted Vasishta for a date and got himself ready to start on his journey back to Vaikuntam. Ram removed all his king attire and wore white Dhoti and carried Darbai in his hand. He started from Ayodhya and came till Guptar Ghat on the banks of river sarayu. After offering namaskaram
to all the devatha, Ram along with all the people started on his journey to Vaikuntam.
Song ::
As per Nammazhvar's pasuram Tiruvaimozhi - Centum : 7-5, pasuram 7.5.1 , 3497
kaRpaar iraama piraanai allaal* maRRum kaRparO?,*
puRpaa muthalaap* pulleRumpaathi onRinRiyE,
naRpaal ayOththiyil vaazum* charaacharam muRRavum,
naRpaalukku uyththanan* naanmuka Nnaar_peRRa naattuLE
Antha ramanin arul nam anaivarukkum kitta vendum.
Dasaratha thinking about Ram's marriage & Vishwamitra's visit
Mukthi tharum Kshetramam ayodhyayil pala idangal parthom. Not everyone can go and visit all these places. Imagining and Thinking that we are in those places and watching this is also a great bhagyam. Till now we have seen that Ram's bhagyam is our Bhagyam. Thaniyana Raman avalavu sirapudaiyavan allan. "Shradhaiya Devaha Devathvam hasthuthe .." Perumal is full only when he is with Mahalakshmi.
Ram is 12 years now and Dasarathan wanted to do Ram's marriage. But even before Dasarathan decided, looks like all the deva's discussed and decided. Ramayannam's Bala kandam Sargam 18 - Dasarath discusses with Vashista about Ram's marriage after completion of the education.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 18 - Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna took births.
After the completion of Vedic ritual all the kings and Sage Rishyasringa took leave of Dasharatha and went away to their countries. After some time Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are born. Their virtues in childhood and rituals connected thereto are depicted here. Dasharatha then contemplates the marriages of the princes, since marrying sons after completion of education is customary. At that juncture Sage Vishvamitra arrives at the court of Dasharatha seeking help from the king. Dasharatha receives him adoring in high esteem.
Yes Our Ram is going to get married. But not now, but after 15 days - Ram would be travelling with Vishwamithra and after travelling for 15 days they would be reaching Mithila currently in Nepal to marry Sita. Ram and Lakshman's first travel with Vishwamithra was for 15 days and they are going to stay in various places and hear many stories and many places for us to visit too. Let us all start thinking of Ram and Seetha's Kalyanam from today. When Dasarathan was contemplating the marriage of the sons, sage Vishvamitra arrives at the court of Dasharatha.
***Valmiki Ramayanam - Bala Kandam
तस्य चिंतयमानस्य मंत्रि मध्ये महात्मनः || १-१८-३८
अभ्यागच्छत् महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः |
While the great souled Dasharatha is discussing the marriages of princes among his ministers, the highly powerful sage Vishvamitra arrived. [1-18-38b, 39a]
Dasharatha welcomed Vishwamithra and gave him argyam, padyam etc and gave him a seat to sit. Dasharatha was happy to host Vishwamithra and
told him that he is ready to offer whatever the sage asks for. Vishwamithra explained about the trouble he was facing in the forest and asked Dasharatha to send Ram to help him fight the demon's.
***Valmiki Ramayanam - Bala Kandam
स्व पुत्रम् राज शार्दूल रामम् सत्य पराक्रमम् || १-१९-८
काक पक्ष धरम् शूरम् ज्येष्ठम् मे दातुम् अर्हसि |
"As such, oh, tigerly king, it will be apt of you spare the services of that brave one whose valour itself is his truthfulness, that youngling whose hair locks are all the more jet black like crow wings on either side of his head, spare that eldest son of yours, namely Rama. [1-19-8b, 9a]
Dasarath was not willing and he refused at first. Vishwamithrar said " Dasaratha I need a help from you. I am going to do a yagam at the place called Siddhashram, punyashram where the old Vamanashram is located. Many arakargal(Demons) are hindering and trying to stop the Yagam. To kill the demons and to help me in completing the yagam, I want you to send your elder son Ram with me. I will not be able to fight with them since i am undertaking the viratham(oath/yagam)."
***Valmiki Ramayanam - Bala Kandam
शक्तो हि येष मया गुप्तो दिव्येन स्वेन तेजसा || १-१९-९
राक्षसा ये विकर्तारः तेषाम् अपि विनाशने |
"Indeed, he is capable to eradicate those demons that are thwarting the ritual by his own divine resplendence, and protected by me as well. [1-19-9b, 10a]
***Valmiki Ramayanam - Bala Kandam
श्रेयः च अस्मै प्रदास्यामि बहुरूपम् न संशयः || १-१९-१०
त्रयाणाम् अपि लोकानाम् येन ख्यातिम् गमिष्यति |
"I will also accord many kinds of benefits to him by which he acquires renown in all the three worlds, no doubt about it. [1-19-10b, 11a]
Will dasarathan send Ram ? Ram was born after 60,000 years of great penance and putira kameshti yagam by Dasarathan. Dasarathan did not
want to send Ram and refused. Vishwamithra angrily said " Poi prathignai seithai. Naan ulle nuzhaintha udan yenna vendumo kel yendru sonnaye ? Ne un uravinargaloda inbamaga Vazh. selgiren" yendru solli kovamaga sendrar vishwamithrar. Vashistar "Dayaratha. Un magan nanmaikaga Vishwamithrar sollugirar. Annupi vai. ". This was one occasion when Vashitar and Vishwamithrar agreed on something probably it was because of Ram. Kudave Ramanai Lakshmananoda serthu anupi vaikirar. Vishwamithrar with Ram and Lakshman started from Ayodhya and walked along the southern banks of River Sarayu.
Yatra people leaving from Ayodhya
We all need to start from Ayodhya as well. Let us do a quick recap of the places we saw in ayodhya and then start from Ayodhya.
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let us quickly go around ayodhya before we start from Ayodhya.
1- Sarayu river - on the banks of this river only Ishvagu King built the city of Ayodhya.
2- Ram Janma Bhoomi referred as Ram Lalla - the place where Ram was born many million years ago. Let us all get Ram bhakthi.
3- Dasaratha Bhavanam
4- Vashista Kund - Raman pirapatharku karanamaga iruntha Rushya Singar. Avar puthira Kameshti yagam Seithathanal Raman piranthan. Puthira Kameshti Yagam sietha yagna sthalam and athai yerpadu paduthi kudutha Vasitar.
5 - Makauda Ghat - Payasam vantha idam
6 - Kanaka bhavanam - Ram - sita's place.
7 - Raj Darbar - The place where sita came first when reaching ayodhya and served food to your inlaws and got lots of gift.
8 - Hanuman Gadi - Hanuman and Rama nama parayanam
9 - Valmiki Bhavanam - with all the 24000 slogam on its walls with Valmiki, luv and kush, Rama Namam and loads of SriRamajayam books
10 - Ammaji Mandir - Ram temple in south indian style Built by Yogi Parthasarathy Iyengar and his wife.
11 - Lakshman Ghat - Place where Lakshman started on his journey to vaikuntam.
12 - Guptar Ghat - Place where Ram started on his journey to vaikuntam along with all the living beings of ayodhya. We are finding it so difficult to leave and start from Ayodhya, how much would have Ram felt when he left Ayodhya, how much would have the people of ayodhya would have felt sad, but luckily Ram didn't leave the people of ayodhya instead he had taken everyone with him to Vaikuntam.
Oru naal nichayam ayodhya darisananum,vaikunta prapthiyum, rama anugrahathale yerpada povathu thinnam.
Ayodhya to Kamashram
Ayodhiyil irunthu vidai perugirom 240 KM prayanam, adutha idam Kamashramam. Mukiyamana idam. Vishwamithra took Ram and Lakshman along the southern bank of river Sarayu towards Kamashramam. We all are going in buses. We should also try to go "Pada Yathirai" enjoying rivers, forest, mountains, hills and it has very good benefits. we should probably try short pada yathirai.
This is Ram's first journey. They reached Janakapuri in 15 days.
First day they walked for 25 KM, 1.5 yojanai says Valmiki. (1.5 yojanai= 15 miles= 25 KM) and stayed on the banks of river Sarayu that night. After a yatra one might feel tired due to travel, lots of activities, food and change in routine, most of the routine is different from what we thought it would be when we started but while returning it is rejuvenating for the soul. Udal sorunthu poi irukkum, kangalil mattum oli irukkum, kangalilum ullathilum Rama anubhavam mattume minji irukkum. Inspite of initial hiccups, We also see that people adjust so well during an yatra which is the actual objective of the yatra - to adjust, to develop patience, to stay in groups.
We are going to see a map of the travel to kamashram. From Ayodhya we need to follow the southern bank of river Sarayu. Thanda, ajangar, Ghazipur. From Ghazipur if you take east we can go to Buxar which is in Bihar. Now we are going to UP/bihar border, Baliya district, Ghazipur. Kamasram is between Ghazipur and Buxar. Hence can be reached either from Ghazipur or from Buxar. As per Valmiki Ramayanam Gangai, Sarayu sangamam has happened at baliya maganam near Kamsram but we do not see that today and it happens in a place called Chapra. This is probably due to many changes through all these yugam. We have reached Kamashram, beautiful pond and after a holy bath in the pond we shall proceed further.
Inimel perutha oruthiyai sandhikaporom Thadaka, bala athibala manthira upadesam, kausalya supraja pirantha kathai ketka pogirom inni aduthavaram santhipom.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 09 - June 16 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Vishwamithrar visits Ayodhya
Ram born in Ayodhya and finished his Gurukulam under the guidance of his guru sage Vashistachariar. Dasarathan had a discussion with all his ministers to get opinion on whether he can get Ram married or crown Ram as the king of Ayodhya. Meanwhile Sage Vishwamitra visited Ayodhya.
Dasarathan welcomes Vishwamitra and gave him argyam, pagyam. Vishwamithrar said "Dasaratha I need a help from you. I am going to do a yagam at the place called Siddhashram, Punyashram where the old Vamanashram is located. Many arakargal(Demons) will come and hinder and also try to stop the Yagam. To kill the demons and to help me in completing the yagam, I want you to send your elder son Ram with me"
Will Dasarathan send Ram? Ram was born after 60,000 years of great penance and puthira kameshti yagam by Dasarathan. Dasarathan did not want to send Ram and refused.
Vishwamithra angrily said " Poi(lie) prathignai(promise) seithai. Naan ulle nuzhaintha udan yenna vendumo kel yendru sonnaye? Ne un uravinargaloda inbamaga Vazh. selgiren" yendru solli kovamaga sendrar vishwamithrar. Vashistar "Dayaratha, Un magan nanmaikaga Vishwamithrar sollugirar. Annupi vai".
Vishwamithrar kuda Ramanai Lakshmananoda serthu anupi vaikirar Dasarathar.
Ram on his first Yatra
Vishwamithrar with Ram and Lakshman started from Ayodhya and walked along the southern banks of River Sarayu. Ram and Lakshman being Chakravarthy's son didn't ask for rath, soldiers or anything and they started to walk along with the sage following the order from the father. Ram and Lakshman were just 12 years during this first trip.
Shringi Ashram
During the journey, they came and stayed in a place on the southern banks of river sarayu and called today as "Shringi Ashram". Shringi Ashram is the place where Bala, AtiBala the two mantra's were told(upadesam) by Vishwamithrar to Ram/Lakshman. This place is in dense forest area. The two mantra's were to overcome Pasi(hunger), dagam(thirst), thookam(sleep) and to stay with strength. From Shringi Ashram they started and reached Kamashram.
As part of Sri Rama Anu yatra we are here at Kamashram following Ram's footpath.
Bala - AtiBala - Updadesam
Vishwamithrar did upadesam of the two mantiram's called "Bala and AtiBala"- thukam, pasi, thagam , sorvu, mayakam yellathaiyum vella uthavum manthiram. When we plan to do a vratham, mantras like this, deekshai, pranayamam helps a lot to stay in focus.
Kamashram
Kamashram is called as Punyaashramam. Earlier Mahasrishi's did tapas here. After Ram's visit, this place became more popular. Beautiful pushkarani when we enter this place. After bathing and proksham at pushkarani we enter the sannadhi.
Rudhran and Kamadevan at Kamashram
What is the mahatvam of this place?
Once Rudhran himself did tapas here. All the Devas sent Kamadevan(Manmadhan) to this place to meet Rudhran. They wanted Rudhran to fall in love with Parvathi to have Subramanya who is supposed to be the Devargal senapathi. Kamadevan karumbhu(sugarcane) villai(bow) varaithu malar kanaigala ana ambhu(arrow) eidhinan Rudhran mela. But Rudhran got angry. Rudhran kamadhevanai moondraam kannale(3rd eye) nettri kannale yerithan. Angathodu vanthavan anangathodu ponan. Earlier it was called Punyaashramam. Later it was called Kamashramam after this incident. This is called kameshwar Dham nowadays.
Location of Kamashram
Located in Bihar, 26 KM from Buxar. From Buxar towards right cross the Ganga dam, then at baroni round tana take right to reach a village called chitbaragaon, take left from there and travel 6 KMs to reach a beautiful Arch which is Kameshwar Dham. When we come inside we can see Kamashram. Raman padugai sevithu kollalam. Whereever Ram traveled, all those places we can see the prathistai of Ram padugai.
What we learn at Kamashram ?
Ram is Eka pathini(wife) virathan. This place is where Kamadhevan was burnt by Rudhran. Ramanukku indriyangal, pulangal aandathu, athanaiyum jeiyithavan. ( Ram has conquered his senses). Raman anugrahathale avan namakku kuduka koodiya periya udavi yenbathu, nam kamathai(lust) tholaipathu, pulangalai (senses) anaithaiyum jeipathu. Kamashramathile Bhagawanin thiruvadigalai seivithu, Pulangalai jeithu Ramanidathil bhakthiyodu thigazhvomaga.
Suprabhatam - Kausalya Supraja
Slogam - "Kausalya supraja...........", Meaning - "Moovulagathukum mangalam undaga bhagawane Srirama pozhuthu pulargirathu, devarir yezhunthu irunthal than, kadakshithal than, ulagathuke vazchi" Vishwamithrar Ramanukkum, Lakshmananukkum thirupalli yezhuchi padi kalaiyil yezhupugirar.
Intha slogam Valmiki Ramayanathil ullathhu. We here this slogam everyday in our houses and we can hear this at thirumalai thirupathi in the early mornings everywhere. Kanchipurathil yezhunthuaruliiruntha "Hastigiri nathar anna" yennum "Prathivathi Bayangaram annagarchariar Swami". Avar than achariyamaga Venkatesanukku Suprabhatham padinar. Indrum naan sollikondu irukkirom.
Yezhuntha Raman, started with Vishwamithra. Probably before or after reaching Kamashram Vishwamithra has sung this slogam to wake up Ram who was sleeping while they traveled in the forest.
Bala - AtiBala - Contd..
Vishwamithrar did upadesam of the two mantiram's called "Bala and Atibala "- thukkam, pasi, thagam , sorvu, mayakkam yella thaiyum vella uthavum manthiram. When we plan to do a vratham, mantras like this , Manthirangal, deekshai, pranayamam helps a lot.
Suprabhatam - Kausalya Supraja - Contd..
Suprabhatham - "Kausalya supraja..." Where was this slogam born ? Was this slogam first sung at kamashram ? Let us hear more on that from Kamashram itself. Was this first sung at Kamashram ? They stayed in Kamashram and the next day sequence this slogam is not there. This slogam sequence in valmiki ramayanam is even before they decided to stay in Kamashram. More on this is given in the book given to you. Near Siddharshram also they will show a place where they claim to be the birth place of this slogam. I am not clear on how come it could have been sung at siddhashram since this comes before kamashram. Though there are muranpadu like this, reason could be changes to the path of the river over ages, so we cannot predict it exactly. Between here and buxar somewhere this slogam must have born.
Gangai Sarayu Sangamam
Slogam - "thou prayan..."
Ganga has 3 paths says Valmiki in the above slogam. Antha Gangai and Sarayu serum Kamashram pathathukku vanthargal explains that slogam.
Near kamashram we don't see Gangai and Sarayu sangamam nowadays. The actual gangai, sarayu sangamam is 2 hrs travel from here -Chapra. When we came first time in 2006, we did the discovery by referring to lots of books. We also understood during that exercise that many have explored these things earlier.
Kurathazhwan says in varadaraja sthavam slogam on ganga and meaning from Sadagopan.org ebook
"tavt pAdAbje prajAtA surasarit abhavat prAk caturdhA tata: tAsu
ekAm dhatte dhruva: sA tribhuvanam apunAt trIn patha: bhAvayanti |
tatra ekA kham vrajantI Sivayati tu Sivam sA puna: saptadhA abhUt
tAsu ekA gAm punAnA varada! sakaraja-svarga sargam cakAra ||"
In this slokam, KUresar describes the many paths taken by Deva Gangai, which arose from Lord Varadan's TiruvaDi. Oh VaradarAjA! The Deva Gangai, which arose from Your sacred feet split in to four parts (varada! tvat pAdAbje prajAtA sura sarit caturdhA abhavat). One of them fell on SimsumAram, the assembly of stars at dhruva MaNDalam and is still borne by dhruvan (tata: tAsu ekAm dhruva: dhatte). One of the branches of the deva Gangai from the dhruva MaNDalam split in to three parts and flowed onwards and sanctified the tribhuvanam: earth, AkASam and the nether world of pAtALam (sA trIn patha: bhAvayantI satI tribhuvanam apunAt). Among those triad, the one flowing upwards to AkASam was received by Sivan in His matted locks and that purified Him (tatra kham vrajantI ekA tu Sivam Sivayati). That which entered the JaDai of Sivan divided further into seven parts (sA puna: saptadhA abhUt). One of those seven branches purified this earth and helped the sixty thousand sons of Sagaran to reach the svarga lokam (tAsu gAm punAnA ekA sagaraja svarga sargam cakAra). BhagIratan, the scion of Sagara lineage performed the tarpaNam with the GangA waters, drenched the ashes with the sacred GangA waters and gave sadgati to his ancestors.
Here he refers to "trIn patha:" - 3 path taken by Deva gangai
Kamam(lust) and Krodham(anger)
Naam anaivarum Kamam and kobathal pidikka padugirom. Do we like that? No. Everyone wants to overcome these two. Kama is a natural wish and it is tough to control anger too. Kovam varum pothu - Ram Ram Ram yendru 108 time sollungal. Kovathai jeithuvidalam nu oruthar niyayamaga koorinar.
Another person misunderstood that and he started to say Ram namam when he was angry and he was telling it angrily. when questioned on why he was saying Rama nama like that angrily with tension he replied - "when in anger i have to say 108 times Rama namam and then need to show my angry.. so trying to finish it faster and then show my anger"... Is this right answer ?
Rama namam solluvathu, avan thirumeniyai dhyanipathu namakku kovam, kamam kattupadutha. Meditating on Ram and reciting Rama namam helps in controlling Kamam and Khrodham.
Key Takeaway
1. Meditating on Ram and reciting Rama namam helps in controlling Kamam and Khrodham.
Slogam - "Abhyasena..", Kannan says - marupadiyim marupadiyum bhagawanin thirumeni, gunangalai nenaika nenaika nam kamam kattupatukku varum. Things around us have kutram(fault) in them. What we want to eat, where we want to stay and whom we want to be friends with.. everything has some fault in it. Bhagawan mela oru kutramum irukkathu. The more we get ourselves engaged in those things, we also tend to see the fault in them and our mind gets upset and wants to get rid of all these items which has kutram in them.. When the mind get diverted from those faulty things, at that time we need something to focus our mind and at that time focus on bhagawan's thirumeni. This helps in controlling our kamam and Krodham.
Lets all try to control Kamam and krodham. Kamadevanaiye paramasivanar yeritha intha idam. Raman had controlled both kamam and Krodham. With Ram's blessings let us all control Kamam and Krodham. Our visit to Kamashram should help us in controlling kamam and Krodham.
Kamam is needed and hence it is listed as part of the 4 purusharthams(goal to acheive) - Aram, Porul, Inbam , Veedu ie Dharma, Rrtha, Kama, Moksham. Athil kamam miga seeriya(good) purushartham.
Ramanuja nootrandhathi slogam - "Sema Nal veedum..." says Thiruvarangathu Amudhanar.
Thirumangaiazhwar in Siriya thirumadal - "Ip paror solappatta..."
Azhwar says only 3 purushartham and yet to talk about moksham yennum purushartham. He is talking about aram, porul, inbam. Athil Krishna kamam kidaithal, matha rendum kidaithu vidum yenbathhu azhwar sampradayam.
Sanyasi Ramanujar also explains about the purushartham called kamam and explains how it is the best purushartham.
We have come here to overcome Kamam and how is this explanation possible ? Intha idathil kamam yendru solluvathu Krishna kamam, bhagawan idathu kamam. Matra kamathai ozhuthi vaithu Krishna kamam valarthukkanam. Krishna kamam vanthapuram matra kamam vidanama? or matrathai vittutu krishna kamam patranama ?
Kurathazhwan and Mudaliandan were discussing and a question was raised.
The question was "should one stay away from everything to acquire Krishna kamam or will Krishna kamam help on in staying away from everything ?"
nammAzhvAr in thiruvAymozhi 1-2 - vIdumin , pasuram 4, pasuram 2689 says
"illadhum uLLadhum * alladhu avan uru **
ellaiyil annalam * pulgu patRatRE"
Though he sand pulgu patratRE, in the vyakyanam it is explained as PatratRE pulgu.. "Pulgu patratRE" means - pudichiko, appuram patru thanagave adainthu pogum. Poorvacharyargal explains as "PatratRE pulgu" which means - Patru aruthuko appuram bhagawanai patralam nu solli irukka.
Kurathazhwan explains this to dasarathi "Vidarthu yellathaiyum vittutu than Krishnanai patranam." nu sathithar.We all would then think that only Kurathazhwan can attain moksham, who else can? He had that vairagyam. It is difficult for us to follow that route explained by Kurathazhwan. Even Muthaliandan explains this to Kurathazhwan - "Vasthavam than neer solluvathu. Anaal Kamam sattru kurainthal pol irukkum pothu, nal yennam varum pothu krishnanai pudithundutal.. antha krishna kamathin shakthiyale matrathu yellam thane vittu pogum." i.e. When the effect of Kamam seems less and at that time if we focus on Krishna Kamam then Krishna kamam will lead us further.
Buxar
Sri Rama Anu yatra team starting from Kamashram to Buxar with the able guidance of all the volunteers.
Buxar - in Bihar on the banks of river ganga. We are going to visit three places here -
• Vaikunkanathar kovil,
• Thadaga vanam,
• Siddhashram.
There was no electricity when we entered the village. The route to Siddhashramam was not good. In the beginning though there is fear later
the fear goes off and everyone starts thinking "Whatever happen let it happen.. Ram will take care of it". This is Krishna leela. South indians are filled with lot of tension, north indians are compartively people with less tension and they take things easy. We get all these qualities when we go on a yatra.
Vaikuntanathan kovil
A person from kancheepuram called "Gathi Anthachariya swamy".Sirantha pandithar. Anaivarum perumanai adaiya vendum nu yennam kondavar. He
went to north and did upanyasam, did vadam(debate), built temple and spread our sampradayam. This is one of the temple built by him. Bhajan by the local people was very nice and we all felt like watching it inspite of being late in the night.Vaikunta nathanai darisippom.
Tadaka Vanam
Naam Thadaga vanathai vanthu adainthom.
Kulasegaranudaiya padal in perumal thirumozhi on Chakravarthy thirumagan and how he killed tadaka as follows. As per these lines by Kulasegarar we are going to have our further darshan.
vandhu yedhirndha thaadakaithan uratthaik keeRi
varukurudhi pozhithara venkaNai onREvi
mandhirangoL maRaimunivan vELvi kaatthu
vallarakkar uyiruNda maindhan kaaNmin
senthaLirvaai malarnagaisEr sezhunthaN sOlai
thillainagar thiruchchithrakoodanthannuL
andhaNarkaL oru moovaayiravar yEttha
aNimaNi aasanatthu irundha ammaan thaanE (10-2)"
Meaning from Sadagopan.org
The Lord Sri Ramanachandra who sent the strongest sharp arrow through Thaataka [who had come in front of Him to prevent the yaagams of Sage Viswamitra] with blood pouring out of her chest, killing her, thus saving and protecting the yaagam of the revered vedic sage; the one who also conquered Subhahu and Mareecha who came to stop the same yaagam; He is the same who shows Himself so gracefully and majestically at Thillai Thiruchitrakootam, which is full of charming gardens where fragrant cool flowers are found aplenty; full of red tender leaves with flowers at the centers; which enchants the residents and visitors. Obeisance is paid to this EmperumAn by about
three thousands of Srivaishnavas who do not know and want anything other than the Lord Himself as the Only Goal; ananya prayOjanars. He is the One and Only One- Sarveshwaran who sits on Golden throne impregnated with the most precious gem stones in this Diyya Desam.
Vishwamithrar with Ram and Lakshman started from Kamashram and reached a dense forest area which was beautiful and scary too. Raman asked about the place to Vishwamithrar - "Thadagai yennum araki anaivaraiyum kollum vallamai, 1000 yanaigalukkukana balam. Aval ingu than vazhgiral. avalodaiya kadu ithu. Mun oru naal Maladam , Karuusham yendru intha nattuku peyar. Anal intha kattai yeduthu kondu aval attagasam pannugiral. Rama aval yeppothu vedumanalum varalam.............."
Yendru vishwamithrar koorikondu irukkum pothe perutha oosai yoda thadagai vanthal. 1000 yaanaigalai adithu than thoolil(shoulders) malaiyaga aninthu irunthal. Vishwamithrar parthu bayanthu vittar.
In the slogam 1-26-14 Valmiki says -
"स्वस्ति राघवयोः अस्तु जयम् च एव अभ्यभाषत "
Raghava mangalam, Ramane pallandu, bayathil Ramanukku yella mangalangalum undaguga yendru mangalam padinar Vishwamithrar.
Vishwamithrar Ramanai patthi yennaku theriyum dasaratha, unnaku than theriyathu yendru solli kuttikondu vanthavar. Anal Tadagai parthu bayanthu poi, yella mangalangalum undaguga yendru sonnar. Ithu than oru bhakthanuku undana anbhu, perum kadal(love). Peruman yeppadi pattavar, avar perumai yellam therinthu irunthalum, avarukku oru aabathu yendravudan ullam urugi pogiran, kalangi pogiran athu than bhakthiyin ilakaman.
Ramanai aanai ittar vishwamithrar - "Ivalai kondru vidu. Ivalal yellarukkum abathu". Tadagai perutha uruvathudan theeyaval varugiral and azhagana ilam vayathinavan ana raman avalai kolla pogiran, villai valaithan, yosithan Raman - "Evalai kondral, ithu than muthal por. Muthal muthalil oru pennaiya(women) kolla vendum." Analum thane mudiveduthatar Raman as per following slogam..
Valmiki Ramayanam slogam - 1-26-2 as follows
पितुर् वचन निर्देशात् पितुर् वचन गौरवात् |
वचनम् कौशिकस्य इति कर्तव्यम् अविशङ्कया || १-२६-२
Ram thinks "Yen thagapanar parthu vishwamithrar pinne sella sonnar. Vanthuirukiren, ini Vishwamithrar sonnathai naan ketkavendum. Athu than veda vakku." Ore ambhale Tadagai kondran, aval perutha oosai yoda vizhunthal.
Tadaka Vadam - meaning
We need to tell this story to our children. More like a cartoon, animated film. Periya Tadaka, azhagana chinna Raman, theeyathu ippadi than perisa bayangarama varum. Nallathu salaname illamal, padhatam illamal irukkum, iruthiyil Naalathu theeyathai vettri kollum, azhithu vidum. Oru pakkam kathai, ullura azhagana karuthu.
Tadaka's irandu magan(son) - Marisan, Subhagu. Tadakai is Rajo gunam - kamam, Krotham are like here two sons. Rajo gunathai Raman azhithan yenbathe ithan ut karuthu.
The inner meaning is that kamam and Krodham are becuase of Rajo Guna and one must work towards controlling Rajo Guna and in turn control Kama and Krodham.
Yenga amarunthukondu bhajan, Tadaka vanam, sirpam yellam parthom.
Upanyasam from Tadaka Vanam
Oru Sri(lady) yai vatham pannalama yendru ninaithu iyappatu nirkirar Sriraman. Appo vishwamithrar sollarar - "ivalai pen yendru ninaikathe.. Theemaiyai azhithal than rajiyathuku nanmai purinthathaga aga mudiyum.
Ramanuku Raja yendra porrupu undu.." athanala Tadagai vatham panna sonnar vishwamithrar. Raman ippadi ninaithu vitome. Thagapanar sonnar ivar pinne vanthom, avar varthai padi nadakavendum yendru mudivu pannar.
Valmiki Ramayanam slogam - 1-26-2 as follows
पितुर् वचन निर्देशात् पितुर् वचन गौरवात् |
वचनम् कौशिकस्य इति कर्तव्यम् अविशङ्कया || १-२६-२
Father ordered and I need to follow his order. Ramavatharam's essence is to follow the order's by elders.
Kulasegaranudaiya padal in perumal thirumozhi on Chakravarthy thirumagan as follows
vandhu yedhirndha thaadakaithan uratthaik keeRi
varukurudhi pozhithara venkaNai onREvi
mandhirangoL maRaimunivan vELvi kaatthu...........(10-2)".
Ramanai parthavedan, avan soulambyathai parthu sevipome thavira, avanai yethirthu vanthaval Tadakai oruthi than yendru Vyakathar sollugirar. Aval marbhu kizhinthu vizhum padiyaga ambhu yeithi avalai vizthinan raman.
We are all at Tadaga vanam today. We cannot think this place is Tadaka vanam, instead it is the place where Ram had come. Though we talk good about our places, Ram didnt come there. But here Ram had come and Raman padam patta bhoomi. This is the greatness of Srivaishnava sampradayam. Tadakai kandal Ramanai. Nam innum muyarchi mattum saigirom. Thadagai yeppadi pataval aga irunthalum aval Ramanai kandal. Thadaga had the bhagyam to meet Ram. Itharku appuram siddhashram sendrargal. This entire place is called Siddhashram. On the way somewhere when Ram had taken a nap, the Kausalya Supraja.. slogam must have born.
What we need to remember..
1. Kamakshram - Lowkika kamathai ozhithu, krishna kamathai bhakthiyil idupada vendum yenbathu.
2. Tadaka vanam - Avidhyai yendra Thaiyai(mother) ozhithu vittal, ahankaram, mamakaram yendra pillaigal ozhinthu povargal yendru.
3. Siddhashram - Raman Yaganam samrakshanam panni koduthan. Vishwamitrar thanai thane kathu kolla mudiyum yendralum , kathukollamal ramane ratchagan yendru nambhinar allava athaye ovooru saranagathanum purinthu kolla vendum. Om Namo Narayanaya - Middle word is "Namo" saptham which means - "yennai ratchikum poruppu yennidam illai. Avane than upayam, avane than ratchagan. Namaha - yennaku naan allen, adiyenai ratchikum porupu yennathu alla. Mokshathuku upayam panna vendiya poruppum yennathu alla. Perumane upayam yendru ninaikarome. Vishwamithrar thanai thane ratchithu kollamal, Ramanai nambinar. Prapannargalai Saranagathargalai - Ishwaran ozhinthavar ratchagan alla - yendru PIllai lokacharya poleyuum - prapanna parithranathule sonnom. Vedanta desikan says "thayi... aratchagaike manuyaiye..." meaning "Ne(bhagawan) ratchikanam yendru vanthal veru yarum vara thevai illai, ne thandikanum yendru vanthal vera thonaiku kootikondu vanthal prayojanam illai."
Key Takeaway
2. Kamashram : Stay away from Lowkika kamam and stay focussed on Krishna Kamam
3. Tadaka Vanam : To get rid of ahankaram, mamakaram one need to acquire knowledge.
4. Siddhashram : The responsibility to protect me is HIS responsibility. HE is the protector and HE is the means too.
Parayanam starting from 1-26-11 slogam ---------
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 10 - June 24 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Last week we had seen Kamashramam, Vaikunta nathar kovil, Thadaga Vanam at Buxar. We are going to visit Siddhashram the final place at Buxar.
Siddhashram at Buxar & Ram's stay
"Yesha poorvashramo ramo vamanasya mahatmanava" slogam 1-29-3b, 4a on siddhasram in Valmiki Ramayanam.
एष पूर्व आश्रमो राम वामनस्य महात्मनः || १-२९-३
सिद्ध आश्रम इति ख्यातः सिद्धो हि अत्र महातपाः |
Vishwamithirar did yagam for 6 days at Siddhashram. Ram,Lakshman during the travel stayed at the following places..
Day 1 - Banks of Sarayu river
Day 2 - Kamaashram
Day 3 - thadaga Vanam and Vadam
Day 4 to 9 - yagyam which was done for 6 days.. Ram and lakshman guarded during the yagyam and this is for what vishwamithrar brought them to Siddhashramam.
Siddhashram has the homa kundam. Siddhashram is known as Punyaashramam, Siddhashram. What could be the reason/meaning for this name "Namma aasai siddhi adaiyakoodiya idam.. Punyam kittum idam." This place has link with earlier avataram too.
Vamanan and Siddhashram
Vishwamithrar says to Ram "Rama ithu than vamana murthyku mun aasharam. Pirpadu than Vamanan thiruvikramanaga ulagathai alandar". Vamana vatharam is before Ramavatharam. So we can take this as Ramanukke Poorvashramam. Sanyasaashram - when we refer family members of Sanyasi's we refer as poorvashrama wife, poorvashrama son.Raman is grihasthan. Vamana murthi didn't get married he was brahmachari. So intha illarathuku athu poorvashramam.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 29 - Legend of vAmana narrated - Rama and Lakshmana inquisitively enquired into the Siddha aashrama, Accomplished Hermitage in the earlier chapter for which Sage Vishvamitra informs about the heritage of that hermitage for it once belonged to Vishnu in Vaamna incarnation. Vishvamitra narrates about it and how Vaamna, a dwarfish ascetic boy eradicated evil on earth. It is a suggestion to Rama from Sage Vishvamitra to do likewise in this incarnation of Rama also.
Visiting Siddhashram at Buxar
Siddhashram is sharing the wall with the central jail. Hence we had to take lots of permission and visit in small groups. Samsaram yennum sirai(jail) lerunthu vidu pada vendumanal Siddhashramathil Ramanai darisikka vendum. More restriction to visit Ram like all the security in Ram janma bhoomi at ayodhya. Raman yagam rakshikum idammana Siddhashram - here also lot of security challenges. Interesting to have these experiences/challenges/surprises during a yatra and volunteers will solve them. All we need to say is "Jai Sriram" and move forward. When we traveled it was very hot, this made us to question if it was because it was the place of Yagam.
Siddhashram - Mareecha, Subaahu
It is here in siddhashram, the during the last day of the yagam - two rakshashas Marishan, Subhago had come to fight. Marishan - otti vittar Ram, Subhago - Azhithu vittar Ram. Why didn't he kill Marishan ? Why did he kill Subhago alone ? Why he did so ? Vedantham answers this "thathathi gama uthara poorvagayoho ashlesh vinaso" This is what Vedavvysar says in brahma sutra as part of Vedantham. Naam perumal kitta, kuttram yellam unarundhu saranam yendru poi nirkirome, athuku munnal panna papangal yethanaiyo, innimelum samsarathil irukira padiyal sila papangalai namalai ariyamal seivom. Rendum oondu. Saranam nu poi nindralum, itharku munnal arinthu papam seithu irukirom, itharku pinnal ariyamaiyal seiya pogirom, indha rendaiyum peruman ozzhithu vidugiran. Yeppadi theriyuma ? Oru nerupil, panchai(cotton) yeduthu pottal.. sambhal aagum. Athe pola perumanum nam munn seitha papangalai azhithu vidugirar, athe pinnal seiya pogum papangalai azhipathillai, oru thamarai(lotus) illai thanneer pole, yerikkamal, thattina vudaneye suvadu illamal pogirathu allava athu pole pin seiyum papangalai suvadu illamal thavirthu villaki vidugiran. Onnai azhithu vidugirar, Onna Otti vittu vidugirar. Munne panna pappathai azhithu vidugirar, Innimel(Saranagati ku pinnar) pana pogum pappathai - otti vidugirar. To emphasize this Marisanai Otti vittar, Subhaguvai Azhithu vittar. This is a deep meaning.
Key Takeaway
1. Munne panna pappathai azhithu vidugirar, Innimel(Saranagati ku pinnar) pana pogum pappathai - otti vidugirar. To emphasize this Marisanai Otti vittar, Subhaguvai Azhithu vittar.
One person who traveled the youngest in the trip said "Marisan was not killed in order to come back has maya deer later so that Ram can kill Ravana"
Ramanai darisithom Siddhasramathula, Siddhashramam - Vamanan and Raman has been related to this place.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 30 - Legend of Siddha ashrama - Rama and Lakshmana while safeguarding the ritual of Sage Vishvamitra for six days and nights, on the last night demons named Maareecha and Subaahu come to hinder the ritual. Rama acts deftly and hits out Maareecha to a long distance, but kills the other, namely Subaahu. Rama thus makes the ritual of sage Vishvamitra a success.
Starting from Buxar towards Chapra(RevalGunj)
We are starting from Buxar.. on the banks of sarayu.. Vishwamithrar took Ram and Lakshman towards Siddhashram.. We are also following their path.
Pasuram ..."Mamuni .." Thirupalliyezhuchi pasuram 4 by Tondaradipodi aazhwar..
Ram helped in successfully completing the Yagam. Avavirahta snanam - after Yagam one needs to take bath in a river/pond/lake. Vishwamithrar had that holy bath and then they all walked towards north.. From Siddhasram we are also going to Chapra. Reached a place called Revalgunj, this is the place where Sarayu and gangai Sangamam. Gangai from the starting place till she reaches the oceans near hubli in bay of bengal, many rivers come and join ganga(sangamam). We are going to see one such sangamam. We need to take good care of the environment and not polluting when we take bath in rivers by avoiding plastics, soap,cream etc.
Key Takeaway
2. Do not pollute water bodies.
Gautama Ashram - Ahalya - Sarayu/Ganga Sangamam
Near this sangamam is Gautama Ashram. We know the story of Gautama and his wife Ahalya. Due to Gautama's curse ahalya became a stone and was like that for many thousand years. Why that sapam(curse) for Ahalya ?
Family tree of Gautamar.
Brahma's son angiras, his son uttathyar, his son theergathamas, his son Gautamar. Gautamar married Ahalya. One day Ahalyai idalthil aasai konda indiran.Devindhiran aginum kamathuku vasa pattu kutram purinthan. Indhiran took the form like Gautam and he was with ahalya. Ahalya didn't know it was Indiran. When Gautamar came to know about this and agnrily said to Ahalya "unnaku naan yaar avan yaar yendru theriya yendru kovithu, sabhithu vittar. So she had to be a stone for many years.. Then with Ram's anugraham and
the blessings from his feet she got rid of her curse and turned to a woman and got moksham as per Gutam's curse. She is a pathivirathai but due to Indiran's she had to undergo this curse. We need someone to tell us about the greatness of Rama thiruvadi and we understand that through Ahalya. Let us go to the Sarayu Ganga sangamam which has lots of muddy water.
Sri Ramanin padhayil nadabathu naimai payakum. We can say many story to explain this. We all know the story of a stone turning to a women after the blessings from Ram's thiruvadi. Raman thiruvadi padum idathil kal laga kuda kidakalam. Gautamar ashramathai adainthullom, this is the place where ganga - sarayu sangam. When Ram and lakshman came with Vishwamithrar in a boat they hear some roaring noise even before they crossed siddhasram i.e. buxar.
Ram asks the reason for this noise. Vishwamithrar said that from north to south Sarayu is coming and she is joining Gangai and hence the sound.
Change in course of rivers over years
Due to many years, now the place of Sarayu, gangai sangamam has changed the course in the place called Revalganj.From Buxar we had to travel via Balia and then reach Chapra. Before that we have RevalGanj where the sangamam is happening today. On one side muddy Sarayu from Ayodhya..On the other side Gangai .. like a big elephant..Both the river sangamam can be seen here.Sangamathil kulipatho, nithyaanushtanam pannuvathu, naimai payam, perumanukku aanandam kodukum.
Gautham Ashram Contd...
Gauthamar lived with Ahalya in this Ashram. We can see small murthi's of Ram, Sita, lakshman. In another Garbha graham - Gauthamar, Ahalya, Sathanandar, Hanuman's mother anjana devi,Veera anjaneyar.
This sannidhanam, this environment with river sangamam, ashram is a great experience to improve brahma gynana and experience shanthi without the hussle buzzle of the city which gives more peace and leads us to bhakthi due to this natural place. We have seen such a serene place today and let us move on...
Key Takeaway
3. Yatra basically is to take us to places which will help us in improving our brahma gynana.
We are at the Gautama ashram where Sarayu/Gangai Sangamam.
Now a doubt arises on where is Gautama ashram ? As per Valmiki Ramayanam, just before entering mithila near a place called "Kamthol"
ahalya sapa vimochanam happened. But we are talking about Ahalya sapam here in Chapra. So where is gautama ashram ? Let us try to find the answers from chapra itself.
Upanyasam at Gautamar Ashram.
We saw till 11th day night that they were in Sonar River Bank
12th night - Stayed on the Bank of river Ganga and they heard the story of Ganga from Vishwamithrar.
13th night - Reached visala nagar and stayed. Sompur, Patna, Hajipur that is visala nagar.
14th night - Ahalya sapa vimochanam..
Question is how come gautama ashram is here in chapra and sapa vimochanam happened somewhere else ? did it happen in this ashram or
somewhere else ? This is the place where Gautama ashram is and the place probably Gautam lived here and the stone was somewhere near mithila on the way where Ram travelled.. Probably over time people started to refer this place as Ahalya Sapa Vimosanam.
45th sargam - Talks about the legend of churning milk ocean as told by Vishwamitra to Ram and lakshman when they reach a city named vishala.
46th sargam - Talks about Diti Garbham
47th sarga - Visala nagar entrance
48th sargam - Ahalya sapam
49th & 50th sargam - sapa vimochanam
let us do th parayanam of 48 and 49 sargam of Bala gandam.
We saw Sarayu nadhi, gangai sangamam next towards next sangamam - Gangai, Sona Nadhi Sangamam.
We can check map - near the place called balia that is where ram questioned as why this roaring sound and we saw that Vishwamithrar replied that it was the roaring sound of river sangamam. Now both the rivers are not joining in that place and we need to move east near
Chapra there is place called Revalganj where the Sangamam happens and we also saw the Guatama Ashram which is located there. Now next river.
River Son / Sona
River Son in english, Sona bhadra in hindi, Sonar Nadhi in Valmika Ramayanam. Vishwamithra stayed on the banks of River Sonar when they started from Chapra. How do we go there ?
From Chapra towards patna highway.. dooriganj, jathiyabhajithpur is the place where the sangamam of Ganga and Sonar happens. We could not enjoy since it was night when we visited that place. Planning to go during day next time.
Story telling on the banks of River Son
When staying in this place(Sona river-Ganga river Sangamam) only Vishwamithra explained
1. His story
2. Ganga story
3. Parvati, Shiva and Kumara uthpathi.
Three big stories has been told by Vishwamithra.. Like children listen to story, Ram and Lakshman also listen to these stories. Let us also listen to these stories from the banks of those river.
Upanyasam
Now we have crossed chapra and are at RevalGanj. We shall go to Sonepur later where Gangai and Khandaki sangamam happens. From north when
we travel is SitaMari, from there if we travel North-east is janakpuri. If we Travel west in Nepal then we reach MukthiNath. West is kathmandu. Cross bihar and go to nepal for Sita Kalyanam.
31st Sargam - They started after the yagam.
slogam 1-31-19b, 20a, talks about - 11th day they started and stayed on the banks of river Sona
ते गत्वा दूरम् अध्वानम् लम्बमाने दिवाकरे || १-३१-१९
वासम् चक्रुर् मुनि गणाः शोणा कूले समाहिताः |
32nd sargam - Talks about Kushanaabha kanni charithram and Vishwamithrar starts to talk about his charithram.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 31 - rAma safeguards vishvAmitra's vedic ritual - Sage Vishwamitra travels to Mithila kingdom to attend a ritual of King Janaka and also to see the auspicious bow of Shiva that is being worshipped in the palace of Janaka from ages. The other sages suggest to Rama, that he too may go over there along with them to see that marvellous bow. They all proceed from Siddha Ashram towards River SoNa, a tributary of Ganga, and camp on its bank for a night.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 32 - rAma's travel to mithila city - Sage Vishvamitra starts to narrate Kusha's legend. Vishvamitra is the offspring of Kusha's dynasty. Brahma gives boon to Kusha to beget four sons and one among them is Kushanaabha. Kushanaba begets a hundred daughters of excellent beauty. When Vayu, Air-god cherishes them all, those girls refuse him, as they prefer an arranged marriage by their father. Then Air-god in his indignation disfigures them all.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 33 - Legend of Brahmadatta. Daughters of Kushanaabha report about the Air-god's mischief.
Pleased at their behaviour Kushanaabha thinks and arranges for their marriage with Brahmadatta, a saintly king. After the marriage, by the touch of hand of Brahmadatta the girls are rid of their misshapen bodies and they again become great beauties.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 34 - Legend of vishvamitra's ancestry - Vishvamitra narrates about the birth of Gaadhi, his
own father and the son of Kushanaabha. Incidentally he narrates about the emergence and prominence of River Kaushiki, who is Vishwamitra's
elder sister turned out as a sacred River.
Family tree of Vishwamithrar and Parasurama
Brahma - Kusan - Kusanabhar - Gaadhi. Gaadhi's son is vishwamithrar. Gaadhi had one son - Kaushigan/vishwamithrar and one daughter Kaushiki who became a river. Vishwamithrar's name is Kaushigan. He was a kshatriya by birth but did tapas to get Brahma tejas to become Brahma Rishi. Parasurama though born as a brahmama was more like a kshatriya with more tejas and kovum. There is a story behind this reason and this change.
Oru charu mari poiduthu. Charu means Payasam. Payasam puttrothpathikaga.
Ruchigar, Ruchigar's wife, Her father is Gaadhi. Ruchigar creates two payasam. One for his wife and one for his MIL(Gaadhi's wife). Gadhi's wife(Ruchigar's MIL) changed the payasam, thinking that Ruchigar would have made good payasam for his wife and Gaadhi's wife decided to drink the portion which was meant to her daughter i.e. Ruchigar's wife. Ruchigar had made the payasam thinking that he want a son with Brahma Tejas and Gyanam for his family and a good Kshatriya for Gaadi. But the payasam was changed. Ruchigar came to know about this. Actually he had planned for a son with Brahma Gyana rishi for him and good kshatirya for Gadi. Ruchigar tells his wife - This mistake has happened because of your mother's act and that you are going to get a son who will be very angry. She feels very sorry about the curse of getting a son who will be very angry. Ruchigar says that having a angry son cannot be
changed but it can be post poned for sometime. So Jamathagni is born for Ruchigar. Jamathagni must have been angry but since the curse was
postponed he was normal. Then Jamathagni marries Renuka devi who gives birth to Parusuram who was very angry though he was brahmanan by
birth and we all know that he cut his mother Renuka's head. So vishwamithrar was born to Gaadi as a Kshatriya but wished for Brahma tejas and Vishwamithrar tells this story to Ram and Lakshman. On the banks of river sona vishwamithrar told his story to Ram and lakshman.
Story of Kumara
On the river banks of Sona river, vishwamithrar tells his story first to Ram and Lakshman. Then he talks about Gangai and Ganga's story. Then he remembers Aparna - the sister of Ganga also known as Uma Devi, shiva's wife and he tells the story of how skandan was born to Shiva and Parvathy..Kumara urpathi pathi sollugirar.. aachariyamana kathai. We shall see that in short.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 35 -Legend of River Ganga - Sage Vishvamitra along with others reach the banks of River Ganga and they make their sojourn on that riverbank. There when Rama inquisitively enquires about River Ganga Vishvamitra narrates the legend of Ganga, as to how she is taken to heavens by gods from her father Himalayas.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 36 - Legend of Uma and her curse - Shiva on his marriage with Uma is in the conjugal bliss for a long period due to his yogic powers. Fearing the result of that prolonged activity all gods prey for the cessation of it because none in any world can carry that offspring. Shiva accepting that request asks them where to discharge the sperm that has already stirred up. Gods indicate the earth as the taker. Shiva accordingly inundates the earth with his fluid. Then the Fire-god is dispatched to consolidate that into a reed forest called sharavaNa . Goddess Uma ireful at the prevention of begetting a son, now curses gods and earth to be childless.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 37 - Legend of kaartikeya - Sage Vishvamitra continues his narration about the earthly course of Ganga, her begetting Kaartikeya, Krittika-stars breast-feeding that boy, gods naming that boy as Kaarthikeya, and that boy's anointment as the Chief of Celestial Armies.
We have heard about meru malai. In Gita Krishna says that "Malaigalil naan Meru malai aaga irukiren". Meru's daughter is Menaka. In Gita Krishna says "Sthavarangalukkule Himachalamaga iruiren ". Meru is a great mountain and his son in law is Himachalam a great sthavam(Plant ?).
Himachalam and Menaka get married and they have two daughters - one is ganga, other one is uma also known as Aparna, Himaputhri. Why the name aparna ? She wanted to marry Parasivam and stayed without eating anything even a leaf. Aparna - Paranam means leaf.. even without eating anything even a leaf she did tapas to marry Parasivam. Her mother said "don't do this" "U Ma" Ma means vilakuthal, thaduthal. Then Uma and Paramasivan got married. The child of them is supposed to be the senapathi of the Deva's.
The deva's requested to Shiva.. To save us from the asura, we don't have deva senapathi. we need a son of yours who can be a Sena pathi.
Paramasivan isanthar. Anal avar Shakthiyai yar thanga ? intha bhoomi than thanga vendum. Paramasivanar than shakthiyai bhoomi idathe avaganam panninar. Udane oru perutha uruvam yerpatathu. Oru pani malai pol yer pattu, athu perithu perithaga valaranthathu. Athaithan Nanal putharile oru kadu. Nanal kadu - Saravana poigai. Antha saravanathula, poigaila kuzhanthai uthithathu. Kuzhanthai thane uthika villa. Gangai has helped and Vishwamithrar explains how Ganga helped too. Bhoomi sattendru thanga mudiyuma ? Devargal yellarum Agniyai vendinargal. Fire God Agni and Ganga transformed the place of birth of the child to a golden place. This is waht called as Jatha Roopam. Gold has a name called Jatha Roopam. Antha idam, antha poigai achariyamana idamaga marivittatham. Ganga has helped to safe guard this child. The child was born. The child named as Skandan, because Gargam nazhuvi kizhe vizhunthathu. Skalanamagi piranthapadiyal.
Then the deva's requested 6 karthigai Star, they saved him and gave him milk. So he got the name karthigan, karthikeyan, 6 faces so aarumugan, Nanal poigai i.e. Saravana poigai la piranthathale Saravanan, Rombha azhaga irunthapadiyal murugan, azhagan, Devargalukku senapthi yagaiyale Deva senapathi. With so many names Kumaranoda Utpathi nadanthathu.
In Bhagavad gita krishna says "Senapathiyile naan skandanaga, muruganaga irukiren".
Story of Ganga next week
We heard the story of Vishwamithrar, Kumaran now we need to here about Gangai. In this place Gangai and sona sangamam happens. Then Gangai and kandaki sangamam happens, then only we enter nepal. From where does Ganga starts ? Uttaranchal she starts and joins Bay of Bengal with many Sangamam on her way. Why was Ganga born ? How did Bhageerathan get Ganga to earth ? Vishwamithrar told these to Ram and Lakshman, we shall also hear and also see the course of Ganga from her starting place in Himachal. Ithu thani sirappu. Gangai karaiyil, aadutha varam Gangaiyin aatru sala salappu oosai nambha veetuleye ketkara aalavukku parkanam nambha
manasu uruvaganam. Katthuiruppom
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம் .
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 11 - June 30 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Note : Suggest viewers to see the video on youtube for this episode to get real feeling of watching Ganga and all the prayag's.
"Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame.
Sahasranama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane."
Paramasivinar explained Parvati about the greatness of Rama Namam. from Himalayas till Kanyakumari all along in our Bharatha desam, one can hear Rama Namam. Rama Namam has been uttered and is lingering in all the places travelled by Ram. Listening to Rama Namam is also very blissful and makes ones happy.
As part of SriRamanin Padhayil we are in a very important place - place where Ganga and Shrona river Sangamam is happening. We have already seen the sangamam of ganga and Sarayu and had holy sacred bath and we have heard all the stories.
From Chapra towards Patna on the Patna Highway is a place called Doriganj. Near Doriganj is the next sangamam of ganga and river son(shrona in Sanksrit). The rivers in the north are flowing full due to rains. Ram and Lakshman came with Vishwamithrar and they heard many stories while staying on the bank of this river.
Ganga
Pasuram "Thavam purinthu" from Periya Thirumozhi 1.4.8
Azhwar says that "Bhagirathan who did severe penance, got the ganges from the sky to the earth. Ganga is the life giving (jeeva nadhi uyir nadi) river and great river for our Bharatha desam.
It is from this sangamam place, Vishwamithrar explained about how Ganga came to earth. Let us see in this story in short and we are also going to have darshan of Ganga in this entire episode from the beginning to end. This is
itself a great bhagyam.
Ganga what is the name reason ? "Gaam bhuvam gatha ithi Ganga" - bhoomiyai vanthu adainthal athanal ganga - ganga who was in sky came down to earth so Ganga. As per Bhagirathan's request Ganga came down to earth. Why did she come to earth ? and to which place in t, the earth did Ganga came from the sky ? This is itself a very surprising information. In the Ishvagu kulam there was king called Sakaran (before Ram). He had two wives. One of the wife gave birth to 60,000 children and one wife gave birth to only one child called Asamanjus. Sakara raja did Ashwametha yagam and he sent the yagam horse which is supposed to travel to various countries and if any king is capturing the horse then they need to fight and rescue and get the horse back. This is the rule. But suddenly the horse disappeared. Everyone was clueles son where the horese is. Father Sakara raja looks at his 60,000 children and asks them to go and find the horse. The 60,000 brothers went in search of the horse and all the way along they happen to dug lots of pit. The pit which they had dug is nothing but the big Samudhram/kadal/Sea. Sakara
raja's king's son has dug these pit so they are called as "Sagaram" i.e sea. As they went searching they happen to see the horse standing next to kapila muni who was doing penance in the kiz logam. ON seeing that, all the 60,000 borthers came to a very wrong decision that Kapilar had captured the horse. But the horse was not captured by Kapilar and it had come all by itself.
Then they came to kill Kapilar and Kapilar in angry opened his eyes. THen all the 60,000 brothers were burnt into ashes due to Kapilar's curse. They all didn't get mukthi and the King was very unhappy. The king wanted the horse to be rescued and also his 60,000 sons need to be rescued from the curse. Then he sent his other son but of no use. His Son Amsuman went to rescue the horse and get the 60,000 sons out of the curse. Amsuman was able to rescue the horse, but he could not rescue the 60,000 from the curse i.e could not get vimochanam. His son Dileepa chakravarthy tried his best during his times and could not do anything. Dileepan's son is Bhagiratha. It was he who did severe penance and got Ganga to this earth.
Bhageerathan was a great pandithan and he always knows the righteous path. He did severe penance. The place where he did the penance is the great "Haridwar". There is a place called brahma kundam and from that place he is doing severe penance for Ganga to come down to earth. This was what Kapilar had told. The ganga who has been running in the akasam(sky) as many names like - Thirupathaga,Thrisrothas,Bheesmasuhu and many other names. She was flowing through 3 paths. One path among the three is what Dhruvamaharaja held it on his head. From there she started flowing down. This is the one Paramashivanar is going to hold on his head and Ganga got stuck in Shiva's head. Later after Shiva untied his hair then Ganga flew down till earth and then reaches the oceans in the east. This is what is going to happen in future. But for now Bhagirathan is doing penance and finally Ganga was ready to listen to his request. She said that "I can come down to earth, but who can resist the speed i would flow when i come down to earth. Earth will not be able to resist and manage the force of me coming down. ". Then Bhagirathan started to do penance towards Shiva peruman. Shiva accepted his request. For the sake of the world's goodness Shiva was ready to hold the flowing ganga on his head. Since shiva accepted the request, the bhagirathan again went to Ganga and requested to her to flow down to earth. Ganga started to flow with great force from the sky and shivan held her on his head. Ganga who came down had so much ego that she was flowing with force and since she accepted to come down to earth. So Ganga was full of ego when she came down. On seeing this ego of Ganga, Shivan tied his hairlocks and ganga could not resist that and she could neither come out too - shivanar thalai mudi yeduthu kattinar, thallaiyil iruntha ganga thavithu ponal, veliyil vara mudiyavillai. Later Shiva just released one strand of his hair and then Ganga started to flow down towards earth. That place is called BHINDU SARAS. BHINDU SARAS is near Gangothri. The place is like Spatika stone. Ganga came down to earth at this place and she started to flow heavily with force - adithu purandu odugiral ganga. Then Ganga said "Bhagiratha you ride your chariot and i will follow you and flow through that way. Let all the animals, plants, crops grow well. " As she was coming, on the way there is Jannu Maharishi's ashram. Ganga didn't notice that ashram and she happen to disturb/destroy the ashram and she happen to flow through the ashram. The Maharishi got angry and he drank the entire Ganga. Again ganga was in trouble. Then Bhagirathan requested him and pleaded at the Maharishi's feet and said "I have taken severe effort to get Ganga and if you happen to lock her in your stomach then the purpose will not be solved. Please release Ganga. " The Jannu Maharishi also accepted this and release Ganga from his stomach. Jhanhavi - the name Ganga got due to this. Then Ganga flew till eastern part of the indian ocean and on the way she also helped in the Sapa-vimochanam of the sakararaja;'s 60,000 sons. On the eastern samudhram even today we have GANGA SAGAR which is the place Ganga joins the ocean/sea/samudhram. So ganga who was flowing in the sky came down to earth and made this entire bharatha bhoomi a punya desam.
This Ganga is nothing than Sripada theertham. When Thiruvikraman measured the world, one of his feet went till Brahma's Sathya logam. Brahma welcomed the foot of thiruvikraman and he washed the foot with a water called Dharma Devathai. That SRI PADA Theertham(water) is Ganga who is flowing down to the earth too.
Telling this story to Ram vishwamithrar said "Rama your ancestor Bhagirathan got this Ganga down to earth and hence you be happy".
Now that we have seen Ganga and how she came down to earth. Next let us see all the places she is flowing in this earth.
Himalayas
Bhagavan SriKrishnar in his Bhagavad Gita says " Among the mountains, i am in the form of Himalayas". Himam means pani/snow. Snow mountain- pani malai. Himalayas is the worlds biggest snow mountain and worlds tallest peak is in this mountain. Everyone who is climbing the mountain, staying in that mountain, seeing that mountain or even uttering the name of that mountain is treated as punyam. How did this Himalayan range get formed ? Before 900 million years( 9 crore years), our Nation Bharatha desam - India was not so closer like today with the Asian continent. It was little away from the asian continent. This nation came moving in the oceans/water and about 3.5 crore years ago it came and hit Asian continent. When this happened, the earth between the asian continent and India came up and raised above (naduvil iruntha bhoomi mel knoki pithungi uyarnthathu) and the bhoomi resulted in the formation of himalayan range. It's a lengthy mountain range spreading across india, nepal, tibet. Like this Himachalam is spread across. Many rivers are starting from Himalayas.
Ganga @ BADRI
One of such great river is the important river Ganga who was brought down to earth by Bhageerathan. So ganga is also called as BHAGIRATHI. ALAKAPURI is above Badrikashramam. That is the place ganga is born and she is flowing from alakapuri and hence she is also referred as ALAKANANDA. On the other side is the place called GANGOTHRI which is a Glacier(Pani parai) and Ganga flows from there and that is called as BHAGIRATHI. So we have ALAKANANDA and BHAGIRATHI the two rivers. So many such rivers are flowing here. And the Ganga who is flowing near Badrikashramam is called as ALAKANANDA. This mountain is called as NEELAKANTA malai. At Badrikashramam, Naran , Narayanan are names of two mountains referring to Naran and Narayanan. On the western side is the Narayana Parvatham and on the eastern side is the Nara Parvatham. These mountains were together earlier. When the Ganga was about to flow from the sky through ALAKAPURI and this mountain was not paving way to Ganga to flow. At that time, Indran sent his white elephant called Ayiravath and the elephant used its Tusk to hit the mountain and paved way for the ganga to flow down.
Azhwar explains this in the following pasuram - "Karanan than..."
Bhagawan is on the banks of the river Ganga, because of (the reason(karanam) called) Bhagirathan Ganga is flowing down towards earth, Dark mountain is the Badrikasharama mountain on one side is the NeelaKanta mountain, snow capped mountains like silver with snow. When we are here our hearts are filled with joy. We shall think that the place is currently flooded and huge disaster and people are in trouble. All there are because of nature (iyarkaiyin seetram). We should not do anything against nature. That too Himachalam is mud/clay inside and on the outer it is snow. It is a very fragile mountain. We need to be aware of this. Currently there are different types of projects and buildings on these mountains. Due to all these changes and as told by the environmentalist we should not tamper nature unnecessarily. Need to leave nature as it is. Because of Bhagirathan and the elephant the ganga flows and on that bank is the temple. Due to this act of the elephant is the Nara mountain and the Narayanan mountain. The river flows with great force. At Badri it is very cold and early morning we have
Thirumanjanam for the perumal. One has to take bath at 3.30 AM to see that thirumanjanam. It would be a freezing cold to take bath at 3.30 AM. THe great yogi's there just tie a sack on their hip and they take bath. After that bath they do 108 pradakshinam of the Badri perumal and the body is completely dried up including the sack they are wearing. Again they take bath at Alaknanda and again they do 108 pradakshinam. Like this they do it for 2 hours. This is true yogam. We are all living luxious life. If someone can do this, just imagine the will power they will acquire or have. Just visiting these places makes us realize that there is a supreme power beyond us which is regulating the world. This is the place where the 8 letter manthiram -
Ashtakshara manthiram, Thiru manthiram was told by Narayanan to his sishyam Naran. The great Namo Narayanaya was born here at Badrikashramam. We saw the alaknanda Ganga flowing here at Badri. We are currently closer just below the starting point of Ganga. Now we need to see each of the Sangamam and Prayag of Ganga to cross UP, Bihar and go till the place where Ganga meets Sona river.
Ganga Gita Govinda Gayathri are all starting with the letter GA. All these 4 if it is there with a person then that person becomes purified and becomes a punyashali and he would reach the eternal abode. Now we are on the banks of river Ganga where Shrona river is joining the river Ganga. This is the place where Vishwamithra is explaining the birth story of Ganga in detail to Ram and Lakshman.
PANCHA PRAYAG
Sangam/Prayag means the joining of two rivers. When we travel down from Badrikashram, the first one is VISHNUPRAYAG Here a river called Dauli Ganga is joining with Ganga. From their if we travel down south, NANDAPRAYAG. Nandagini river is joining with Ganga. Next is Pindari river joining Ganga at KARNAPRAYAG. When you travel further down, Mandagini river joins Alaknanda(ganga) at RUDRAPRAYAG. Between these various prayag, river Saraswathi joins Ganga at KESHAVAPRAYAG. So there are 5 prayag's - PANCHA PRAYAG. i.e. after the above 4 prayag also comes DEVAPRAYAG to make it 5 prayag's. We shall know more on DEVAPRAYAG in detail separately. These PANCHA PRAYAG are very scared and popularly celebrated by all.
So from Rishikesh if we travel at 70KM is DEVAPRAYAG, then at 140KM is RUDRAPRAYAG, then at 169KM is KARNAPRAYAG, then at 190KM is NANDAPRAYAG, then at 256KM is VISHNUPRAYAG. If one travels further up then is Badrikashramam.
To travel to these places, one can go till Delhi and then to Rishikesh/Haridwar. From there we need to take small buses/Jeep to travel upwards. The path is narrow and at times we might even think that the back wheel is outside the path too. If we look down the valley we shall see a silver line following us which is the river. During the night the entire place is under control of the military and hence the gate needs to be opened and the gate needs to be opened for us to go up or come down. Yatra to Badri is a wonderful experience. Like this from Badri after seeing all these Prayag we need to go down till DEVAPRAYAG. After some more prayag's and if we travel down south is the place where we are currently which is Ganga/Shrona river Prayag.
Now is the next important Prayag - DEVAPRAYAG.
DEVAPRAYAG
Pasuram: sathumugan kaiyil sathupuyan... Periazhwar thirumozhi 4-7-3
Ganga flows down as told in the above pasuram.
We are looking at the path of Ganga. She flows for around 2500 KM and she is life saviour of many lakhs of people. This Ganga had come down from the sky to the earth. We saw how ganga was coming down from Gangothri on one side as BHAGIRATHI and as Alaknanda from ALAKAPURI above Badrikashramam.
All these are Ganga who was in Paramashivan's head hairlocks.
BHAGIRATHI is fierce fully flowing with force and is in green colour. And on the other side is ALAKNANDA which is red in color. The place where these two girls(rivers) meet is DEVAPRAYAG a wonderful place. Periazhwar calls this kshetram as "Kanda mennum kadi nagar".
What is the relevance w.r.t SriRamaninPadhayil and this place DEVAPRAYAG ? Yes. This is a very close relationship. This place where the rivers are meeting it is very scary since just keeping one leg will drive the person into the river. So need to be careful and have bath in the slot where there are chains that too by holding the chains. We usually have river bath during the yatra and hence all the dresses we take will not be much use except for few since the yatrika's take bath in the river and manage with few dresses. Men will not have time to shave and it might look like people are tired but the atma will be shining. When we are at our houses our body might be shining and glowing but not the atma, mind and the knowledge which will all be lazy. Places like these the bhakthi grows and multiplies. Also when we return from the yatra there will be great memories like "THis is the dhoti which i had worn when i took bath in this prayag." and one will not even feel like washing them back home again since they were washed in those great rivers. Everyone gets back Ganga filled in small vessels referred as GANGA THEERTHAM. Thinking all this and also thinking of all those who could not join the yatra, we think all of them and we have the scared bath.
DEVAPRAYAG
Next is MARIYATHA PURUSHOTHAM RAM. At Devaprayag SriRam is there. What is the history and relevance of Ram and this place ?
Ram and lakshman have come to this place. This mountains name is called Dasaratha Parvath. Exciting informations. Ram has done penance here. We can see Ram's thiruvadi chuvadugal. Next to that there is a "THINNAI" on which Ram had sat on. Ram had used this THINNAI during the Tapas. Though this is not part of the SriRama Anu yatra, this is also a place travelled by Ram. All the places which we had gone in a different yatra is shown part of this SriRamanin Padhayil due to its relevancy with Ram.
Pasuram - "Thangaiyai.." - Periazhwar Thirumozhi 4-7-1
Such is a greatness of this Devaprayag which we had seen now. As we travel down along the river banks from Devaprayag, We get to see the great Rishikesh - the place where many Rishi's have done penance. At Rishikesh is the famous LAKSHMAN JULA. It is a hanging bridge at such a great height and near this place is LAKSHMAN GHAT. Lakshman had sat here and had done penance. This place is closer to DevaPrayag. This is all at Rishikesh.
HARIDWAR
Further, if we travel downwards, This is HARIDWAR. HARIDWAR means Gateway for all the prayag's above this place. It is from here one need to enter to go to Badrikashramam. Here at Haridwar we have BRAHMAKUNDAM and TAPOVANAM. This is the place where Bhargeerathan had sat and did his penance and as per his wish Ganga comes down with the name called Bhagirathi. There is a place called "HARI KI PAIDI". Ganga here runs very broader. There is a tall Paramashivanar idol. When the flow in the river Ganga is very less then the water runs at the foot level of Paramashivanar and when she flows full of water then one can see water till his chest level. PAIDI means steps/staircase. So HARI KI PAIDI means steps to climb to meet HARI at Badri. In the evenings there is Arathi on the river bank for Ganga matha. People light diya's in lotus leaf, lotus flower, AGAL Vilakku(earthern Diya's), and they say "Ganga matha ki Jai" and they leave the diya's to float on ganga. Thinking of all the relations including father, mother, pithru, children and all other relatives let us all do our Pranams to Ganga Matha.
Bharatha Desam get's its greatness due to Ganga, yamuna, Saraaswathi and many such rivers. Perumal has done all these and has given these rivers to us for our benefit. Such great perumal's SRI PADA THEERTHAM is ganga and should we not go and visit her atleast once in our life time ?. That is what we are seeing. The head pujari starts with a huge light/diya in his hand to do the arathi by singing songs, slogam and stotram on Ganga. Every other pujari follow him. Around 20,000 people assemble in the evenings to watch this arathi. Watching ganga in the moonlight along with the arathi is a beautiful scene and must watch scene and one will wish to see it forever. Many might say that this event might look scary. But if we are looking at the event with bhakthi, love, affection then it is great to watch.
Now that we have come till Haridwar, then Ganga flows eastwards and she is going to flow till the next Sangamam. Lets listen more on this.
"Gangai Gangai yenna vasagathale namudaiya Kadu vinaigal, anathi kalathu papathai thulaithu kollalam". Watching Ganga, taking bath in Ganga, drinking Ganga water, Uttering the word Ganga would result in getting rid of our PAPAMs. Thiruvikraman's SRI PADA THEERTHAM - the water using which his feets were washed and hence Ganga's significance is high.
Ramanujar @ PANDU KESHWAR on the way to Badri
When Ramanujar was alive, he had gone all along the banks of Ganga all the way till Badrikashramam. There is a place called PanduKeshwar on the way situated on the of river Ganga. ( Note that it is in the river and not on the middle of the river. Whenever there is flood in the river Ganga, this temple will be submerged. The temple will be seen only when the water level is
less. There is a significance for this PANDU KESHWARAM. On the day of Diwali, the Badrikashramam temple will be closed and the temple will be again opened only during the month of Chittirai-Vaikasi during AKSHAYATHRITHIYAI. The perumal at Badri will come down and he will not stay in those snow. The perumal will be brought in a palanquin(Pallaku) from
badrikashramam and Perumal is staying near PANDU KESHWAR temple. After 6 months Perumal goes back again to Badri. Such a great place. Pandavas had come here to this place. Pandu (father of the Pandavas) himself have come to this place. So when Ramanujar had come here, he wanted to stay in this place and he had stayed here too. Very wonderful path leads to this temple. This is the old route to go to Badrikashramam. Later the roads have been laid and one need to cross many bridges to reach badri in the new route. There might be land slides at times. When we went and visited this Pandu Keshwarar and we also had the darshan of Ramanujar. But that temple was in need to renovation(Thirupani) and we did all those thirupani. But recently, when there had been flood 10 days ago this entire temple does not exist. Now we need to do the renovation again. There is no need to worry. All the murthi's submerged in Ganga are very happy. All we need to be bothered is the disaster's impact to people. Nature will take care of itself, Perumal will take care of himself, Mahan's /Yogi's will also take care of themselves. We only need to take care of common man.
PANDU KESHWARAM - on the banks of river Ganga between two temples one can see PANDUKESHWARAM like a thottil. Ramanujar who had so much interest and liking towards Mahabharatham, had come and stayed here. From this place he had travelled to Badrikashramam. As a proof for that, this place is called as SESHA DHARA. The river which is flowing is like SESHA DHARAI and the forest adjoining to it is called as SESHA VANAM and all the mountains close by are called as SESHA PARVAM. SESHAN means ADI SESHAN. Bhagavad Ramanujar is Adi Shesha's avatharam. There was a big surprise for us when we had come here. Small temple with Ramanujar's vigraham. First is Seshasayi perumal. This perumal was in the river and happen to appear in a mahan's dream and asked that mahan to install the idol(PRATHISTAI) at this place. Beautiful SAYANA THIRUKOLAM. Adi Shesha paryangam, with Lakshmi at his THiruvadi - SESHA SAYI EMPERUMAN. Very old sirpam and we can understand that as soon as we have the darshan. Just opposite to this is Bhagavad Ramanujar in a Sesha Peetam, with Upadesa muthirai, with ollai chuvadi on the left hand is Ramanujar's great thirukolam.
Ramanujar has a name "MARAN ADI PANINTHAVAR". So next to Ramanujar is Azhwar Thirunagari born, Kari mar Sadagopan - NAMMAZHWAR.
NAMMAZHWAR thirunamam is "KRISHNA KRISHNATH THATHUVAM" - Kannanin Kadale oruveduthavar.
Next to them is Sakshi Gopalan i.e Krishna in the form - THAVAZHINTHA KOLAM. Like this Kannan, Kannan thiruvadi pattrina Nammazhwar, Nammazhwar thiruvadi pattrina Ramanujar all of them can be seen here for our darshaan. Wherever Kannan is Cows will be there. There is also a GO SHALA which is maintained here.
Pasuram "Kattu Karavai kanangal pala konarnthu...." is andal's pasuram and also "yetra Kalangal Yethir kondu mel thelipa, Matrathe pal soriyum vallal perum pasukkal, "
All these GO SHALA, temple is very much near ganga. Near this there is a "RAMANUJA KOT" which has been ruined currently. People here say that it was built many years ago. There is an archaga swami who is staying here to do aradhanam for Ramanujar whom we had the darshan. Also there is another yogi always sitting here in Dhyanam. On this side is mountain, river and Ramanujar side by - What else is needed in this world beyond this ? is the attitude of many Sadhu's who live here. Like this, we happen to visit Pandu Keshawaram. I request you all to have darshan of this place either on the way to Badri or while returning.
Now we have had the darshan of PanduKeshwar. So Ganga after Rishikesh, Haridwar runs across Uttar pradesh and she crosses Kanpur i.e Bittor, Lucknow and flows to Allahabad.
Allahadbad is the Sangama of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi. After Allahabad, in the District of Balia is where Ganga and Sarayu Sangamam happens and we have seen this too. After crossing Balia, she runs through Chapra and then here is the place of Ganga and Shrona Sangamam. This is the place we are currently at. After this is Patna and then Ganga from Patna travels to Sonepur. At Sonepur Ganga and Kandagi river sangamam happens. We are yet to go tto Sonepur. How many Sangamam and mixture and Prayag ? After all these, Ganga flows further beyond patna. Whichever river is joining Ganga after the sangamam the resulting river which is flowing towards eastern direction is called as Ganga only. Many rivers join Ganga like Nandagini, pindari, Mangagini later another river called KOSI(KOSI runs from Nepal like Kandagi), then with brahmaputra, Meghna river. IN Bangaladesh, Ganga is called as Padma. With so many names is Ganga. Brahmaputra which is flowing across manyh countries, then Meghna, Padma all these rivers join together to form a delta called GANGES DELTA - the world's biggest delta. NILE river's delta, Missisipi river's delta, similarly river Gange's delta. Very broad place and with lots of clay/mud Ganga goes and joins in the sea.
Today we have seen many Prayag's of Ganga. Many could not travel or make it trips. Some of us are able to go and visit these places. But Periazhwar has sung a song for all of us.
Pasuram _"Pongoli gangai..." - Periazhwar Thirumozhi 4-7-11)
Azhwar says "Naan Padina intha periazhwar thirumozhiyil, nalam(4) patthu(10), yezhavathu(7) patthu(10) padalgal starting from "Thangaiyai mookum....." this pasuram, whoever unable to go and visit Ganga or take holy bath, right from their house if they say these 10 Pasuram's, one can feel the presence(Sala salapu) of Ganga in one's house itself.
Today in our houses, just seeing this we all had felt it. Saying these 10 pasuram is equivalent to having holy bath in Ganga. Saying these slogam gives the bhagwayam of holy ganga Thirumal thiruvadi neeril, kulitha bhagwayam. Periazhwar himself is saying this about Ganga and the 10 pasuram's in the 11th pasuram.
Key Takeaway
1. Saying Pasuram from Periazhwar Thirumozhi 4.7.1 to 4.7.11 is equivalent to having holy bath in Ganga
As per his wish we all had that bhagyam today. Due to blessings of Vishwamithrar we have seen about Ganga. One can say about Ganga for many days and we have covered it in short. We can just talk only about Ganga in all these days too. BUt visiting these places is a great difference experience. Wishing for everyone to gain that Bhagyam of visiting to these places.
Let us all follow raman's foot steps. Ramanin Padhayil thodarunthu nadapom.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 12 - July 7th 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare
Sri Ramanin Padai - Adipadai kaaranam
Hari SriRamanaanga kannaaga avatharam seigirar. Vaikuntathil iruppavar parkadalil sayanikirar. He is in a place which we humans cannot reach easily, hence he comes down to the place where we are due to his karunai. Ganga from the heavens came down for the sake of humans. Perumal also came close to us and he comes to the place where we are. Vaikuntathu perumal, Ayodhyayil Ramanaga avatharithathu mattum allamal, oru oru maanilam(state) maaga sellugirar. Aangaangu iruppavargalukku arul puriya vendum, avargalal vara mudiya villai yendralum perumal thane sellugirar.
Amalanadhipiran - 10 padal by Thondaradipodi Azhwar on Srirangam perumal.
Last pasuram with meaning "Amudhana perumalai kanden, ini kannu mattronrai kaanathu, kaathugal mattronrai ketkaathu, nenju matronril
idupadathu.." Azhwarukku iraivanidathil yen ivallavu idupadu ?
First pasuram talks about the reason for this.. Perumalin thirukamal paatham yennai thedi vanthathu, moodi kondu iruntha yen kannai thiranthu, "Azhware umathu kannai yen patham vaikka kodupira " yendru perumal ketka. Namaga poga muyarchi thevai. Perumal avanaga varuvathu yendral, vazhi viduvom allava ? Avvalavu Karunai yodu perumal varugirar namakaga.
Ayodhiyai vitta purappattu varugirar Raman. Athe pola Kannan from Mathura, travels to gokulam, nanda gramam, dwaraka,indraprastha,kurushetram. If perumal is just in one place, very few will reap the benefits, so perumal he himself attempts to travel and meet people. This is the basis of Ramanin Padai. Instead of we trying to go and meet him, Perumal comes and meets people.
Thirumangaiazhwar in periya thirumozhi - 3-5-1 says " unnathu adiyavanin manathil vanthu pugunthai".
Raman Vishwamithraroda purapadugirar, makkalai, kaattuvasigalai, kaadugalai, rajakalai santhika. Perumal varugirar nam nammai avaridam samarpipom. He is doing his duty on coming to the place where we are, it is our duty to completely surrender on to him when he comes and meets us.
Continuing our journey in Ramanin Pathai....
Vishwamithra brought Ram and Lakshman from Ayodhya..
First day they stayed on the banks of Sarayu river,
Second day at Kamashram,
Third day at thadaka vanam,
4 to 9 day at Siddhashram/Vamanashram helping Vishwamithrar in the yagam,
Next day morning after AvaVirathaSnanam and 10th night they stayed there at Siddhashram only,
11th night stayed on the banks of River Son,
12th day crossed the river Son and reached the south end of Ganga and stayed on the banks of Gangai. 12th day night important stories were told to Ram/Lakshman by Vishwamithrar - Gangai's story, Vishvamithrar's own story and Kaumara(Murugan) Utpatthi story. The kids listen to all stories eagerly, even during yatra travellers like to here these stories.
13th day morning they crossed the river Ganga from south to north.
Next we are going to go through Patna and then reach Hajipur - Vishala Nagar. Note Ram crossed Ganga from east of Patna to reach Hajipur/Vishala Nagar.
‘Nadantha Kaalgal Nonthatho
Nadungu Nyaala Menamaaya Kidantha Mei Kulungavo
Vilangu Maal Varaichuram
Kadantha Kaal Parappik Cauverik Karaik Kudanthaiyul
Kidantha Vaare Ezhunthirunthu Pesu Vazhi Kesavane’
Thirumazhisaivazhwar in the above pasuram asks "Yevalavu thooram nadapai rama ?" Not just in ramaavatharam, Thiruvikraman avatharathuleyum nadakiran ulagathai alaka, yellai nadanthathu. As Ram in human form he walks from north to east, north to south. "Un thiruvadiyai intha karadu muradana padayil vaika vendumo ?" yendru Azhwargal yellarum thavikkirargal.
Vishaala nagar Mannanum(raja) thavikkiran. Sumathi yennum Mannan, Raman vanthathu arinthu varugiran.
Vishala Nagar , Hajipur
Vishala nagar is a beautiful nagaram. From 10 KM from Patna is Hajipur called Vishala Nagar. Ishvagu mannan kulathil, Vishala mannan piranthan and he created Vishala Nagar. so this name. Note that Ram is from Ishvagu vamsam too. In Vishala mannan's family tree, after many generation is King Sumathi who was ruling that place when Ram came to Vishala Nagar. King Sumathi was sad that Vishwamithra brought a prince by walk all the way from Ayodhya.
Why did Ram was taken by walk ? To marry Sita. Even today all the mapillai should walk to the mandapam. :)
Ram's beauty as per King Sumathi
Ramanin azhagai antha raja kondadugiran. Note - Oru valimai mikka mannan Kshatriyan, Ramanin azhagai kondadugiran. Rombha azhagana sargam in
Valmiki Ramayanam which explains Ram's beauty as from the words of the kind Sumathi.Ithu ulaga azhagai pola alla. Nam pulangal yellam kattu paduthum azhagu. Namai nalla vazhiyil azhaithu sellum azhagu. Perumal thirumeni nammai vasam pada vaikum azhagu. Thirumeni soundariyam, laavanyam, azhagu. His beauty is to draw his devotee towards him. 13th day night they stayed in the visala nagar.
****Valmiki Ramayanam : Bala Kaandam : Sargam 47 : The legend of Seven-maruts, wind-gods
The legend of Seven-Maruts, the Seven-Wind gods, and the legend of the kings of Vishaala are narrated to Rama and Lakshmana, while Vishvamitra is narrating the legend of Vishaala. At the request of Diti, Indra blesses the seven segments of her foetus to become sapta marut gaNa-s, Seven Wind gods, and the place where the legend of Indra-Diti has happened, that province later became the City of Vishaala.
Vishala Nagar - Temple Ram Chauda
In visala nagar, we can see one small hill and on top of it a small temple called Ram Chauda. This has Ram thiruvadi suvadugal. Ram has come here and the king of Vishala was sad that Ram came all along walking.. depicting this we can see Ram's thiruvadi. Vishwamithrar says "Though they are princes they need to acquire strength to enable them to fight in later stages of life. Hence I brought them by walk which also given them an opportunity and exposure to see the forest, rivers, cholai etc. Tonight we shall stay here in your kingdom. " Raman thangi nindra idam is the meaning of "Ram Chauda". We can see two padam. One old patham and one new. We can assume that one is ram and one is lakshman. Or assume that one is old and one is new. We should not get into argument of discussing on when was this padam installed(prathistai..). Raman ingu irunthan yenbathu than unmai. Idam mukiyathuvam vainthathu. Mannai(land) thoda pogirom. Thalaiyal vanangigurom. So the place is important. Idathin adayala maga intha paadam irukku.
Ram to Janakapuri
14th day they start from here. 15th day they reach Janakapuri. Ram went directly to Janakapuri. But we are taking diversion to see two more places.
First place is Ganga and river Gandaki sangamam at a place called Sonepur.
Second is Sitai avatharitha Sita Marihi. Are we not interested to go to Sita's pirantha vidu ? Though Ram didn't go to Sita marihi lets us all go on his behalf. We shall visit Sita Marihi and then go to Janakapuri as pen vittar.
Next to Sonepur where Gangai and Gandaki Sangamam.
Sonepur - Gangai Gangaki Sangamam - Gajendra Moksham
Thirumalai - 44 - Penulam pasuram...- Thondaripodi azhwar on Gajendara moksham.
We all must have heard this yaanai story from our childhood. Yaanai Gajendran muthalai kitta agapattuntuthu, perumal garuda vaganathil vanthu yaanaiyai kaappatrinar. We are in the place where this story as happened. This is another mahatmiyam for this place. Though we are in Ramanyanan story, We are in the place Sonpur/Sonepur yendru bihar la sollugirargal. Son Pur means Golden City. We can see all the Gajendra moksham sirpam all over the place. We can see the sangamam - rendu kadal kadakararpola irukku. Let us hear the story from the place where the Gajendra moksham happened. As per Sukachariyar in Bagavatham - Intha kathai kettal - Dur swapanam(bad dreams), bayam varaathu. Importantly all the children should learn the story and more they hear bayame varathu.
Yar Yaro perumal sevikarthukaga thavam irukum pothu, oru yaanai yevalavu sulabhamaga seivithu vittathu. Appadi yenna antha yaanaiku perumai ? Antha yaanai oru naal, oru thamarai malarai parithu perumal thiruvadiku samarpika vendum, seivithu aananda pada vendum yendru aasai pattu, kulathil kaalai vaithathu. Antha kulathil adarnthu iruntha thamarai idazgal, kizha mudalai irunthathu theiryalai yaanaiku. Mudhalai yaanai kaalai pattrikondathu. 1000 aandugal yaanaikum muthalaikum sandai. Yaanai nilathuku izhukka, muthalai jalathuku izhukka , vegu natkal yutham nadanthathu. Yaanai ku oru thembhu, thairiyam, nambhalai thanai thane rakshikka mudiyum nu ninaithathu. appa perumal varalai. Pinnar yaanai izhukkappattu jalatil muzhuga aarambhithathu, verum thuthikkai mattum thannir ulle pogamal mitcham.. appa yaanai "Narayana, Sriman narayanane, Jagathai rakshikkum devarire vanthu rakshikka vendum " yendru prarthikka, Srivaikuntathile katthu kondu irunthar pola
vishwaksenar, piratti margal yaraiyum parkamal .. neraaga vanthar.
Parasara bhattar sollugirar - vishwaksenar Sripathukai samarpikkiraram, athai perumal thallivittutaram, Garudanukku alankaram pannalai, Pirattimargal vanthu aalinganum panna parkirargal, avargalaiyum thalli vittan, yenna nadakarthu yendru yellarum aachaariya padum pothu, perumal garudan mele yeri "neraaga madu karaiku(river bank) po" yendru aanai ittan Garudanai. Pin thiruvaabharanam munne poga, mun thiruvaabharanam pinne poga , arakka parakka vanthan perumal oru yaanaikaga. Yethiri oru chinna muthalai, kappatha povathu sadaarana janthu vana yaanai. Intha yuthathuku simple la mudithu irukalam. Anal perumal intha chinna yuthathukku chakra ayuthathode seerikkondu kovathodu(anger) vanthan. Oru bhakthan koopidum kuralluku yethanai aavaloda yeppadi varugiran perumal. Antha ottathukkum, padatathukkum, adarathukkum pallandu pada vendum" Says Bhattar. Parasara bhattar says "ne odivanthu vegathuku namaha". Yaanaiyoda kaal pidithu izhukamal, yen yendral yerkanave pal(teeth) pattu ranam agi irukku yaanai ku. athunale jakarthai yaga Muthalai thadai(Cheek) la chakaram vidarugirar. Muthalai vaai thirakka, yaanai kaal vidu pattathu. Vishu sahasranamam - thiru namam SapthaSahaha - Ippadi yarenum oru srivaishnavan kooppida mattaana yendru katthukkondu irukkaan perumal srivaikuntathile. Naam koopida vendum athu mattum than naam seiya vendiyathu. Sarva Rakshagan.
Peruman vanthathu aachariyam illai, atharku mela panninathu than aachariyam. Peruman 1000 aandugal(years) kaalam thazhthi, gajendran kooppita vudaneye than vanthan perumal. Yaanai koopidamale naam poi rakchithu irukalame , namma thappu pannitomo ? athunala thane yaanai ku kaale ranam.. yendru perumal nenaithu than uthiriyam yeduthu soodu koduthu yaanai ku ranam aathinar perumal. intha yaanai petra bhagiyathai vera yaru peruva? Sridevi, Bhoo devi , Neela devi kooda intha bhakiyathai pera villai. Yanai sollarthu - Perumale naan unnai koopitathu yen samanya udalai rakshika unnai koopidalai... intha thamarai malar un thiruvadila samarpika than koopiten. Perumal kaigalil irunthu thamarai malar vangi, than thiruvadigalil ittu kondu, itho seivai sathichuten pothuma yendru kettar. pasuram -- yemmam seppum pasuram .. aachariyanama pasuram. Antha gajendra moksham nadanthathu intha madu karaile than.
Salagramam
Periya thirumozhi - 1-5-1 - kalaiyum kariyum parimavum ...-
Thirumangaiazhwar. 10 padal on Salagramam Divyadesam.
Salagramam yendru sonnale kangal viriyum. Salagramam - Srimurthi. Dina padi aradhanam seiya koodiya murthi. Avar siru karuppu karuppu karkalaga iruppar. Avar thane murthi. Lakshmi Narayanan, Santhana Gopalan, Narasimhan, Sudharsana chakram ippadi palathum kelvi pattu irukkom. Ivargal yellam salagrama murthigal. Yelliya muraiyil aaradhanam pannarthukalga perumale intha karkalil yezhunthu aruli ullar. Intha karkal yengu oruvagi odi varugiratho antha idam than Salagramam/Mukthinath yendru peyar, aachariyamana idam. Mukthinath Gandaki Nathi karayil than ullathu. Now we shall see about the Salagrama Kshetram which is among the 108 vaishnava divya desam and about the river Gandaki.
Sonpur Ganga Gandaki Sangamam
In our journey, now We have reached Sonpur and in this place where Gandaki and Ganga Sangamam happens. We have already seen about Ganga and now lets see about Gandaki. Last week we saw many prayag's of Ganga and we didn't discuss about Gandaki/ganga sangamam. lets discuss about that now.
Gandaki Mahatmiyam
Gandaki Nepalathula rombha aachariyamana idamaana "nubain-himal Glacier" angu than oruvaagiral. Glacier is pani parai. She runs for about 630 KM. Black color and some places red. River is also known as Kala Gandaki and Nepalathil Narayanee yendru peru, bharathathil Gandaki nu peru. Earlier Nepal and bharath were together and that was where Mithila desam was located.
Salagrama Aaradhanai
Kangadi nathiku oru varalaru ullathu. Ithan aatru padukaila than salagramam murthi, salagrama karkal kidaikum. We can't just take the stones from the river since we would freeze. We can ask the people there and we can buy it by giving some grams of gold and money. Pattu thunila vaithu oru pathirathula arisi(rice) vecchu salagramathai petrukolla vendum. Namakku yar kodukirargalo avarukku gold koduka vendum - 1/4 gram, 1 gram. Salagrama arathanai arathanai muraiyileye yeliyathu. VIgraha perumal vechunda, atharkku niyamanan jasti, kattupaadugal jasti. Vigraha roopathula iruntha poojai pannum pothu pal, thayir abhishekam seiyum pothu parthu parthu seiyanam. Salagramam thalaila serkum pothu thappu nadanthal kuda perum kutram illai, athukku than perumale thannai yelimai paduthi kondu namakaaga intha roopathule irukkar. Pavum thollaiyanum nu aradhana pannum pothu pavum vara koodathu illa. atharkaga than perumal salagrama roopathule irukkar. Naan intha karkalil yezhunthu aruli irukkiren yendru koorugirar perumal. Yaar virupathin padi perumal ippadi salagrama roopamaga irukkar ?
Gandaki Mahatmiyam
Gandaki nadhi perumal mela thavam purigiral. Neer yen garbhathula(womb), yen vayatrile kuzhanthaiya(child) pirakka vendum yendru. Perumal yosikirar yeppadi oru nadhiyin vayatril piraka mudiyum, aval penna ? aval garbhathil naan yeppadi piraka mudiyum nu yosichar perumal.
Innoru pakam oru Maharishi "Pulagar" at pulakashramam. Avar perumanai kurithu thavam pannugirar. Yenna vendum nu perumal ketkirar atharku
avar " pakkathil maram maramaga irukkira saala virukshangalaga irukkanum, himachala malaiyagavum ne irukkanum". Maramagavum irukkanum, malaiyaga irukkanum athavathu Kalla irukkanam - yendru ketrar rishi. Than garbhathil pirakanum yendru ketal Gandaki, Yellar aasaiyum niraivethi vaika -- Fossils .. Latcha varusham marangal yellam madinthu bhoomiyil puthainthuvidum. Bhoomiyil uyar azhutham(pressure) la irukkum, azhunthi azhunthi antha marame fossil/kallaga marum. Antha karkal than salagrama karkal. Perumal maramaga irunthu kallaga marina fossil yeduthundutar to fullfill Rishi's wish. Athu yengirunthu urpathiagirathu yendral, Gandakiyin aatru padugai. So Gandakiyin Garbhathula irunthathagavum agiduthu. Ithu than Salagramam mukthinathin mahatmiyam. Antha karkalai vangi kondu vanthu than nam illathil vaithu poojai seigirom.
Mukthinath
Mukthinath is important of the 108 Divya Kshetram, himachala thodarileye ullathu. Last week at Badrikashramam we saw two mountains Nara, Narayanan. Here in Mukthinath it is again two mountain Dhaula giri, Annapurna. Though they are all part of Himachal we need to get down
from Badri and then only go to mukthinath. Probably Thirumangaiazhwar in his horse called "adalma" might have gone directly from badri to mukthinath. Mukthinathan - This is a swayam vaktha kshetram among the 8 swayam vaktha kshetram's of divyadesam's.
Swayamvaktha Kshetram
listed as VaanaMaMalai - thotadri nanguneri aasthanam, Srirangam - Ranganathan , Srimushnam - Sri Bhoo Varaga Perumal, Thiruvengadam Thirupathi - Srinivasan, Pushkar la
Theertha(water) roopam, Naimisaranyam la Kadu(trees) roopam, Badrikashramam - Badri Vishala Perumal, Mukthinath - Mukthinathan.
Mukthinath Contd..
Ramane Mukthi alikkum Mukthinathanaga yezhunthu irukkar. Ville(bow) thonaiyaga kattuku sendru,ravannai vatham seitha ramanai salagramathile darisithu konden yenbathu pasuram.
Nadula perumal rendu pakkam Sridevi Bhoodevi.Inga perumala naame thottu seivikalam. Mukthinath parthachu, aduthu Gandaki yeppadi vanthu Gangaiyoda Sangamam nu parkalam.
Gandaki Mahatmiyam
Bhagawanudaiya padaipil than yethanai viyapugal, aachariyangal , like world wonders nu solluvathu pola, aachariyamana idangal. The place we are going to see is such a place which is a marvellous wonder. yethanaiyo idangal panam sellavu seiyamal, puniya kshetramaga aachariyamaga irukkum. This place is a puniya kshetram and a great wonder. On one side is Annapurna malai and another side is Dhaula Giri. Itharku Naduvil Gandaki yennum aaru.
Gandaki yennum intha aaru yengirunthu varugiral ? Narayanee starts in Himachal, runs south then east.. to join Ganga and then further down join bay of bengal near kolkatta. From Himachal Gandaki senguthaga Kizhnoki Varugiral. Nam avalai seivika Poga pogirom. Angu sella rendu vazhigal ullathu.
Route 1 - Gorakpur, Sonali(border of India/Nepal) cross this broder and then , Pokhara - from here travel by Jeep or aeroplane, Jomsom and then to Salagramam.
Route 2 - Kathmandu and from here plan or helicopter to Pokhara and then to Jomsom from Jomsom - travel by koveru kazhutha(3.5 hrs), Jeep(2 hrs) or walk(6 hrs).
Chinna pathai and need to walk along the bank of river Gandagi. Oru pakam Dhaula giri on the west, on the east is annapurna which has mark Peak1 which is 8091 M. Annapurna malai thodar migavum bayangaramana malai thodar. 40% fatal area w.r.t mountaineering. 55 KM malai. Antha malai lethan jeep la poganum, Gandaki aatru padukaileye poganum. Intha rendu malai thodar athuku naduvil odum Gandaki. Yethanaiyo aandugal munar intha malai ucchiile than odinal Gandaki. Anal arithu arithu arithu rombha vegamana nadhi Gandaki, malai arithu arithu azhamana idathil malaigalukku naduve odugiral Gandaki.
Worlds deepest Gorge
Worlds deepest Gorge - Gorge yenbathu rendu uyartha malaigalukku naduvil idaye irukkum azhamana idam. From Annapurna hill which is 8091 M,
today's river is at a place deep by 5571 M which is 2520 M from sea level. Aachariyam yennana Kadal mattathulerunthu 2520 M above sea level , ana ulagathuleye aazhamana paguthi. Ithula Dhaula Giri is Ice cap mountain - Pani sigaram. Kala Gandaki in the place called mustang in Himachalam there is a place called Damodara kundam and from there Gandaki flows.
Salagramam
Salagramam - Sala means kondattum , gramam means kootam, So Kondattangalin Kootam is Salagramam. Yellarum serunthu kondaduvathu Salagramathai.
Gandaki nadiyin karaiyil, Sridevi Bhoo deviyoda perumal naduve Padmasanathil Mukthinathanaga irukikar.
Namum Salagramam sendru Salagrama yezhunthu arulap pani nam illathil vaithukkondu perumalai dina padi poojika vendum. Ippadi vegamaga varum Gandaki Sonpuril Gangaiyoda Sangamikkiral.
SonPur
Perumalin SriPaatha Theertham Gangai, Perumale garbathil iruntha Gandaki , Gajendra moksham nadantha idam yellam intha sangamam - Sonpur.
Inge than achariyamana kovil, Garudan irukirar avargalai sevithu kondu, Sonpurilirunthu vidai petrukondu nere namathu thaiyana Seethai irukkum SitaMarihi ku veera nadai poduvom.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 13 - July 14 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Lakshmi thanthram Slogam
From the above slogam we understand that we all wanted to stay away from trouble and we all wanted to be protected ( rakshikapadanam) and we all wanted to progress and reach greater heights in life. This cannot be done just by our abilities since we are incapable of all the skills(naam sarva vallamail padaithavargal illai). Hence, we go and surrender and take help from the Almighty who is responsible and who has created all this. "Maram vaithavan than thaneer utravendum", Parents responsibility is to take care of the children. Perumal who created this world - Jagat Karanan, and he protects all of us - RAKSHAGAN. While perumal is protecting all of us, does he do it alone ? or does he have a anyone to help him ? He is capable to do all by himself, but he gets angry on seeing all the mistakes which we Jeevatma's do. Why this jeevatma is not following shastram, why is he not doing puja, bhakthi, Why is he refraining in worshipping me who has given everything to him ? Paramatma gets angry on the jeevatma's for all these reasons. During this time, MaHALAKSHMI plays a greater role in calming down Perumal and makes HIM to shower the blessings to the jeevatma's. We say "Lakshmi Kataksham", Mahalakshmi's thiru Kan parvai pattal than yellam sirakkum. Even in our homes, the skill of the lady in the house decides how effectively a family is run. Same here in Rama avataram. Till now we have been travelling with Brahmachari Ram. Now it is time for Ram to get married. This happened in Janakpuri in Nepal. Don't we need to go and see the birth place of the bride Sita which is SitaMarhi. Today is a golden day. We are going to see about Sita.
Key Takeaway:
1. MaHALAKSHMI plays a greater role in calming down Perumal when he is angry with the Jeevatma's because of the mistake. SHE mediates and makes HIM shower the blessings to the jeevatma's.
Veda's say
हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् ।
चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१॥
Hirannya-Varnnaam Harinniim Suvarnna-Rajata-Srajaam |
Candraam Hirannmayiim Lakssmiim Jaatavedo Ma Aavaha ||1||
Meaning of the above Sri Suktam Slogam..
1.1: (Harih Om. O Jatavedo, Invoke for me that Lakshmi) Who is of Golden Colour, Beautiful and Adorned with Gold and Silver Garlands.
(Gold represents Sun or the Fire of Tapas; Silver represents Moon or the Bliss and Beauty of Pure Sattva.)
1.2: Who is like the Moon with a Golden Aura, Who is Lakshmi, the Embodiment of Sri; O Jatavedo, please Invoke for Me that Lakshmi.
(Moon represents the Bliss and Beauty of Pure Sattva and the Golden Aura represents the Fire of Tapas.)
As explained in the above slogam Lakshmi is Golder colour with all attributes as high as Gold. Sita is full of patience(porumai). Next we are going to worship Sita. From Sonepur, we wanted to reach SitaMarhi in 4 hours by starting at noon. The route is very kaccha and we ended up reaching at 10.30 PM and 1 PM in the night. We had bajanai and Q&A session during our trip. Many weddings also got fixed during the trip. We are in mechanical life and this trips help us to stay away from the mechanical life.
We are in bihar, district called "Dharbhanga" - Dhar- dharthi/bhoomi, Bhanga- Split/pilanthathu. That district is called Dharbhanga. In this district is Sita Marhi. Marhi means Bhoomi. Place where Sita came from the Bhoomi. First time when we went there, we reached at 10.30 and a group came and stopped us thinking that we are terrorists. We explained that we are coming from south to see Sita. They were surprised to see us. We stayed there very next to the place where Sita came out from the Bhoomi. Let us all wait for the Dawn to go and see Sita and her birth place.
Pasuram from Thiruvaimozhi - 6-10-10, Agalagillen where Nammazhwar does Saranagathi to perumal.
agala killEn iRaiyum enRu*alarmEl mangai uRaimaar_paa,*
nigaril pugazhaay! ulagamoonRu udaiyaay!* ennai aaLvaanE,*
nigaril amarar munikkaNangaL virumpum* thiruvENGkadaththaanE,*
pugal onRillaa adiyEn* un adikkeezh amarndhu pugundhEnE. 6.10.10
Meaning :
Telling that She, AlarmEl manghai, will NOT be away from You even for a fraction of a second and stays in Your Chest always (Nityaanapaayinee), Oh SrI nivaasaa! The One who is unparalleled and unbounded famous Lord! The One who has all the three worlds to His possession! My Ruler! The peerless dEvAs and rishis worship You, pay obeisance to You, and desire You at TirumalA, always, ThiruvEnkadatthaanE! I,- THE ONE WHO HAS NO OTHER MEANS AND NO ONE ELSE FOR MY REDEMTION EXCEPT YOU AND ONLY YOU- YOUR ETERNAL SEVANT AND ONLY YOURS- HEREBY SURRENDER AT YOUR LOTUS FEET. YOU SHOULD BLESS ME AND TAKE ME TO BE AT YOUR FEET FOR EVER. (AzhwAr in order to fulfill his desire and wish for being with the Lord's Lotus Feet, takes Periya Piraati to his side, as Purushaakaaram and surrenders at Emperumaan's Lotus Feet. In the above nine pAsurams, he talks about Emperumaan's greatness. Here, he expressed his disqualification, limitations, helplessness, and having none else to save and protect him. i.e. Having no qualifications, Having disability to pursue any other means (like jnAnam, karma, Bhakti yOgam), realizing the eternal nature of being His servant always- are the qualities to perform Prapatti at Divya Dampati's Feet. (also taking Periya Piraatti to his side and recommendation, praising her being closeness with Him). this pAsuram is the essence of Dwaya manthram. AlarmEl magahi: SrI. aghalagillEn- math (Sri + math). Nigaril pughazhaay... ThiruvEngadatthaanE... NarayaNa. unnadikkeezh- charaNau. amarndhu pugundhEnE....saraNam PrapadyE.)
Key Takeaway
2. Whenever we visit temples, we first need to go and visit Thayar sannadhi and then perumal sannadhi.
We have come to Sita's birthplace to get her blessings and from here we can go to Janakapuri where the wedding happened.
Now we are at Sita Marhi in the District called Darbhanga. There are two temples here. Also earlier India nepal were together and this section was called Mithila Nagar and was ruled by Janak from Janakapuri as capital. Sita was hence called Mythili. On entering Sita Marhi there is a arch stating "Jagad Janani Mata Sita". This place was a Yagna Salai during Janakar's time. Those days every Raja used to have a Yagna Salai to do puthira kameshti yagam, ashwamedha yagam, Raja suya yagam, Vaja peya Yagam. This bhoomi is a punya bhoomi due to yaga yagyam been done. Whereever we see Yaga salai we should do our Namaskarams and can eat the ashes(aguthi kudutha sambal) and Nithila ittu kollalam. Sudarsana Homam when done properly has great benefits.
Now we are going to see the first temple. Beautiful temple depicting how sita was born.. we can see the kalapai and from that a straight line and a baby. Ramaneeyamana temple. There is the idol of Ram, Sita and Hanuman. The Hanuman in this temple is dressed in different manner everyday and every day his face expression ( muga bhavam ) is different. Tuesdays - Ugra roopam, Monday - Soumya roopam, Thursday - Guru- Acharyan- like a strict of a teacher, Friday - day we get all we wish - Vara prasaddhi. How did Anjaneyar come here ? Anjaneyar is there doing Rama Nama Japam for loka shemam. For the loka Shemam many rishi's are doing Tapas to keep the devatha's(indran, varunan) happy. So this is the temple in the Yagna Bhoomi. Next is the pond where Sita was born. We stayed next to that place and we all felt that night that we are sleeping on our mother's lap. Like how a child likes to sleep with its mother on a simple saree of hers instead of bed, similarly we all had the feeling/bhagyam to sleep in that place. Let us go to that place where we stayed so that all the viewers also get the same bhavanai of staying there.
Slogam - Aprameyam... about Mareechan. Ravanan took help of Mareechan to abduct sita. Mareecha refused to do it first and advised him that Ravana need to control his senses.
Mareechan continues to say that "Ravana you do not know Ram's power(perumai). I have seen him when I went to trouble Vishwamitran's yagam and he had hit him and i happen to fall miles away. Also at that time Ram was young brahmachari but now he is married and with Sita. Ram with Sita is even more powerful. Thannithu irukkum Raman kittave Abhacharam pada kudathu. Sita Ram kitta Abhacharam pada kudathu. Athuvum matha Sita kiita abhacharam padave kudathu. So don't do this". This explains how Ram's perumai is full only when he is with Sita. Ram's Guna's are complete only when he is with Sita. Now we are at the place where Sita was born.
We are all following Ram's path. Sita was the one who married Ram and followed him. Without Sita Ram does not have importanct or greatness. Mareechan says this in "Aprameyam.." saying along with Sita Ram's greatness is complete. Peruman Piratti yoda irunthal perumai. Sita Rammuku Perumai. We are at the place where Sita is born, a place filled with Shanti and we all feel that we are on our mother's lap. Ulagathai petru kuduthaval Sitai and Sitai pettru kudutha bhoomi intha Sita Marhi. Just before Nepal's border in Bihar in the Dharbanga district is Sita Marhi which is Sita's avatara Stalam. Let all the viewers get the shanthi equivalent to sleeping on mother's lap. Why did Sita was born here and the reasons for her name, kshetra magimai and many other details to follow now.
Peruman in all HIS five forms( Vaikuntam, Sheerabdhi, vibhavam, antaryami, archai) does not stay away from Piratti. "Bhagawan narayanabhi..." says Ramanujar in his Gadyatrayam.
In that he says "Peruman nithyam piratti vittu piriyamal irukkirar". Same in Vishnu Puranam as "Nithyai vesa...Raghavathve.." Parasara Bhagawan says "Deva devi perumanai vittu piriyarthe avanudan vanthu pirakiral". All the purusha thanmai jeevatmakal Perumalin amsam, Sri thanmai konda Jeevathmakal Pirattiyin amsam yenbathu periyorgalin nirubanam. Born as Sita with Ram, Born as Rukmini with Krishnan to explain how a women should be and to explain and live as example on what is SahaDharmaSadhini. This bhoomi's greatness is due to Sita being born in this Kshetram. We are here at Sita Kund and near by is the place where Sita was born.
Names of Piratti in this avataram
Sita : Janakan started to plough using Kalappai, the path where the Kalappai moves is called "Sita", "kalappai pora vazhiyil thondrinathale she is called Sita", Iyar peryar karanam ithu.
Vaidehi : There is a small story before this. Raja called Nemi. Nemi wanted to do a Yagyam for puthirabhakyam and requested Vashistar. Vashistar replied " i have already committed to do a yagyam for Indran and let me complete that and come and do your yagyam.". The king didn't wait for Vashistar and he did the yagyam with some other rishi's. Vasistar was angry that Nemi raja didn't wait for him to come and do the yagyam and cursed him saying "Ne degam(body) attravanai po" . Avan videgam(without body) aginan. His rajyam is this place so it was called Videha Rajyam. In that heridity Sita was born so she was called Vaidehi.
Mythili : Then the Rishi's who did the Yagam knowing the greatness of the king Nemi suggested that they can request indran and get his body back. Raja didn't want to take a body and he said "oruthoruthat kan imikul oru chiru kirimiyaga vazgiren". That is why Nemi maharaja is there in our eyes where we blink our eyes even today. The Rishi's wanted a heir to the throne and hence they took the Nemi raja's body and they churned with his body. A baby was born when they churned. Since the baby was formed due to churning, the child was called Janakan. Jananam means pirappu. Churning is called Manthanam. So that Rajyam is called Mithila. So the devi in that rajyam is called Mithili.
Janaki : Sita is Janakar's daughter so called as Janaki.
Like how a mother helps a child, mother of all of us Sita will take care of us. Even Ram can try to test us but Sita always blesses us and takes care of us who are here children.
Slogam - Iyam.
Janakar's kula kuzhunthu is Sita who was married to Ram. We are here in the birth place of Sita. After Bala Bhogam(tiffin) in the morning. Temples in north are opened at 4.30 AM in the morning. Now we need to read sita pirantha Gattam. This is not in Ramayanam but in Bhagavada Puranam. In Bhagavadam, Sukachariar explains how Sita was born. We did the parayanam
of the same. Small temple and the archagas was happy to see a hall filled by all of us. We used to take vastaram to all the perumal's and it was a feast to our eyes to see Ram/Sita/lakshman.bharathan dressed in those vastaram's as they were in Raj Darbar or kanaka bhavanam in Ayodhya. Sita padugai is also there in marble and next to it is Ram's thiruvadi. We all had a great bath in the pond next to the temple. Rama bhajan and Ramayana Parayanam. Two people had come with us and they did the parayanam of all the 24000 slogam. People had no inhibitions and they exhibited all the skills like dance, bhajan, mimicry. Manam pona padi enjoyment.
Now we are going to start from SitaMarhi to go to Janakapuri by crossing Nepal's border. When the bus started, around 10 localities entered our bus and started to serve pori, tender coconut and many such things to all of us. They were very happy since we all had gone to visit the temples in their town and wanted to offer the food. We all had tears rolling from most of our ears. Sitai sevitha aananda kanneer + aananda kanneer on seeing the bhakthi of the localities. The localities requested us to come very ofte. When we asked if they wanted any donation etc.. they replied saying "Mahalakshmi was born here.. we don't need any donation. Not many people know about this place, so tell about this place to many people and they can come. " To go to this place one need to go to Bihar/Patna, from there take a vehicle to reach Sonepur and from Sonepur to SitaMarhi. Minimum 8 hrs travel but depends on the road and weather condition. Let us all try to go to SitaMarhi and do rama nama japam there. There was a GoShala too. The owner invited us to see and there were more then 200 cows who were all well maintained. Our hearts were filled with joy after seeing all these in Sita Marhi.
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 14 - July 21 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Perumal and HIS Avataram's
Slogam from Bhagavad gita.
"paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam
dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge"
Meaning : In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after millennium.
The above slogam talks about the reason behind the various avatar's of perumal. To guard the sadhu's, to kill the evil and to restore dharmam peruman takes many avataram.
Note : Azhwar pasuram Periya Thirumozhi 8.8.10
"Meenodu Aamai kezhal ari, kuralaai, muunum iraamanaai, thaanaai,
pinnum iraamanaai dhaamodharanaai karkiyum aanaan "
Meenodu - (Mathsya), Aamai - (Koorma), Kezhal - (Varaaham), Ari -(Narasimham), Kuralaai (Vaamanam), Munnum Iraamanaai (Parasu Raman),Thaanaai (Rama), Pinnum Iramanaai (Bala Raman), Dhaamodharanaai(Krishnan), Karkiyum Aanaan (Kalki).
Key Takeaway
1. Bhagawan takes avataram to guard the sadhu's, to kill the evil and to restore dharmam peruman takes many avataram
2. MaHALAKSHMI plays a greater role in calming down Perumal when he is angry with the Jeevatma's because of the mistake. SHE mediates and makes HIM shower the blessings to the jeevatma's.
3. Whenever we visit temples, we first need to go and visit Thayar sannadhi and then perumal sannadhi.
Piratti with Perumal in all HIS avataram's
In all the avataram, Lakshmi accompanies Perumal. HE comes down to kill/destroy evil. Why does SHE need to accompany him too ?
Mahalakshmi is the thalaivi of all women and Narayanan is the thalaivan of all men. They both take these avatar's to lead by example and show men and women on how they need to live.
Also, when Ram attempts to save the adiyar's, but we the jeevatma has many faults in us. Even if Ram decides to take care of the jeevatma's the papa of the jeevatma becomes a great hinderance. Peruman gets angry on seeing all the evil acts done by the jeevatma and Piratti comes in between to help the jeevatma. Sita talks on behalf of the Jeevatma's to peruman and helps us in relieving us from our papam and helps the jeevatma's to join the paramatma. If SHE is not around HE punishes the Jeevatmas. If SHE is around HE showers loads of blessings.
Hence in all the temple we visit Thayar sannadhi first and then we visit perumal sannadhi.
Time for Ram to get married
What is the use if Ram is Brahmachari ? Ram need to be along with Sita for our sake. We the children(jeevatma's) need our mother and her love and affection. MOther's afffection is always better than father's. Sita is Jagath Matha, Jaga Janani.
We saw the place Sita Marihi the place where Sita was born. We are starting from this place and continuing on our journey. But before that when was sita born ?
Sita Jayanthi
We know when was Ram was born. When did Sita was born ? Like Rama Jayanthi do we have Sita Jayanthi ? Though it is not celebrated in South india, but in Sitamarihi and Janakapuri.
Sita Jayanthi/Janaki Jayanthi is celebrated. In north, Janaki Jayanthi is celebrated to celebreate the birth of Sita. 1 month after Ram was born, Vaikasi masam, sukla paksham, Navami thithi, pushya Natchathiram. From now on, we can also start to celebrate Sita Jayanthi.
Yatra team at Nepal
Now we are going to enter Nepal border. We need identification like voter card to proove identity of indian citizen and no need for visa/passport. Need to show this indian citizen identification card to the border security force. This is the arrangemen between Nepal and India. They just note the details and allow indians to enter Nepal region.
There are three places to enter Nepal.
1. Sonali border which we saw earlier.
2 . Bhittamod is the border. Sitamarhi to Janakapuri is 50 KM. In the middle we have Bhittamod where the border security is done. After the security check , we entered Nepal. Mentally relieved since there were many doubts on whether there will be problem in crossing the border. The language is Mythil. Janakapuri was earlier called DheeraBhukthi and later over period it changed and came to be known as Thiruhoot.
Mithilanchal Dham
Once we enter the town, they say Mithilanchal Dham, also known as Janakapur Dham. Beautiful town and when Ram entered all the "Mani Kodigal" welcomed Ram and it looked as if the entire kingdom was welcoming Ram and telling "Come Ram.. Sita is waiting for you..".
As per KambaRamayanam, Mithilai Katchi Padalam - 1 "Chezhumani..."
Sita Kalyanam timeline
We are at Janakapuri, Janaki Mandir is a beautiful temple and we all were astonished on looking at that temple.
Golden day. Sita kalyanam. Panguni utthiram is Sita kalyanam. In south it is celebrated as panguni utthiram. In Srirangam, Serthi Utsavam thinking Nam perumal as Ram and Thayar as Sita. Once in the year, on Panguni Utthiram, this Serthi Utsavam happens.
In the north, especially in Janakapuri, Viviha Panchami is celebrated Marghazhi, sukla paksham, Panchami thidhi to mark the marriage between sita and Ram. We can also celebrate both the days.
Let us all watch Sita Kalyanam, we don't have enough knowledge, bhakthi to wish this couple Ram/Sita but we have loads of affection. Due to the affection towards Ram/Sita let us sing "Pallandu Pallandu" for this Dhampathi. Marriage comes with lots of fun and chaos too. We also had lots of chaos during our travel. Plan was to start at 9 and reach by 11, so that we can finish the Sita Kalyanam by 3 PM, so that after the kalyana virundhu, we could start at 5 PM inorder to avoid the night travel which had security issues. But we ended up starting at 10 PM in the night. After Kalyanam thirumangalya dharanam, Sapthapathi, Bajan's and wedding food we started from there.
Janaki Mandir
Here is Janaki mandir is a wonder to watch. A temple of marble stones. The current temple has been built some 500 years ago. Earlier another temple was there and it was renovated to the temple which is there today. A marvel made of marble. As we enter we can see a big mutram and when we go around the temple lots of small small sannadhi's. In one of the Sannadhi's
there is more than 1000 Salagramam and Janakar used to worship these everyday. Watching those Salagramam is a feast to us, even for people without bhakthi it will induce/cultivate bhakthi. The poojari has closed all those salagramam with a cloth. He removed the cloth and showed us those salagramam. We were all dumb stuck on seeing those and it was a feast to our eyes. We recently saw about kandagi and how salagrama is formed and aboout Mukthinath which is also in Nepal. So here in Janakapuri also we can see those salagramam. We did pradakshinam in the temple. Huge halls were there and we decided to have our wedding feast inside the Janaki mandir.
Then we went to see Perumal Thayar. In this sannadhi - Ram, Sita, Dasarathan, Janakar's Srimurthi's are available. After arathi we got theertham from teh pujari. The pujari explained the greatness of that place.
The pujari said "When Ram/lakshman came with Vishwamithrar, Sita saw them from the balcony(uparigai) , annalum nokinar avalum nokinal, "intha uyir antha idathil antha uyir intha udathil , intha kangal antha kangalai kavva, antha kangal intha kangalai kavva, iruvarum orutharukku oruthar kathal vayapattargal, Ram saw Sita everywhere. Antha Kaadal(love) piranthathe yenga oor. All the jeevatma's benefit because of this union between Ram and Sita."
Piratti ku purushakaram nu sollarom - perumanai nammidathil anbhu udayavanaga aakkugiral, kodupavanaga aakugiral, nam pavangalai tholaithu namai munnoki nadaka vaikiral. Sita is like a bridge between us and perumal.
Dhanusha Dham & Swamyamvar
We have seen Janaki Mandir.. Before Sita kalyanam is the Swayamvar. Vishwamithrar comes with Ram and lakshman to Janakapuri. Janakar explains about the Bow - shiva's bow which has been kept for the Swayamvar. We need to go to Dhanusha Dham to see the Dhanush. This place is 20 KM from Janaki mandir.
Ram was 12 years and Sita was 6 years. Sita is a Gunashalini. Janakar was searching for the groom for his daughter. Janakar had a Bow and he told that the person who breaks the bow can marry sita. This is the bow we all say as "Ramar muritha Vil" . What is the history behind this bow ? We reached Dhanusha Dham. Ram when he broke the bow, it broke into 3 pieces.
Vil murinthu vizhuntha idam. In this place called Dhanusha Dham there is a wonderful old tree and the roots of the tree has been growing towards east direction. This tree's root is linked to the broken bow.
Pujari in that temple explains more in detail -
Ram at Sita's Swayamvar
Why did Ram break the bow ? Where did this bow come from ?
Shiva's name is pinakapani. Shiva got a bow to do thirupura samharam. The bow was given to Janakan's ancestor's called devarathan. After 6 vamsam's it was Janakar and all the raja's did pooja for that bow.
Seerathdhuvajan(Janakan's name) and Sunaina - Sita's Father and Mother were taking care of this bow. Sita was also worshippign this bow. This bow was kept in the swayamvar. Many King's had come to lift the bow and they all didn't succeed. Now Ram has come. Vishwamithrar asks Janaka to get the bow. The huge bow was carried by many people and brought to the hall. All the king's saw the bow. Vishwamithrar asks Ram to see the bow. Everyone looks at Ram with anxiousness, including Sita. Ram is full of Gambhiriyam, Viryam, Sowriyam, paraakramam. Kambar says "People didn't even want to wink the eyes, they were keeping the eyes wide open since they didn't want to miss what'z going to happen. " Ram came, saw the bow, he thought on how to lift the bow, lifted it by holding it in the center of the bow and the bow broke. Broke into three parts. First top part flew to the sky and fell at Dhanush Kodi in Rameswaram. Dhanush Koti - meaning - Dhanushin oru munai/corner/koti. Next bottom piece went towards pathalam. This is available in Janakapuri. The center portion fell down at Dhanusha Dam. Near the tree, there is a hole ( bonthu) and in that hole the middle part of the Dhanush is there. We can also see a theertham called pathala gangai. This is a holy water and they sprinkle that water on us , the belief is that this water helps in reducing our sin.
Sita Kalyanam
After the bow broke, Sita comes with the Varmalai(garland), Ram says "My acharyan asked me to see the bow, instead of just seeing I lifted and the bow broke. Regarding the marriage, i need to check with my father Dasarathan. ". On hearing this, Janakar sent the messengers/soldiers (horsewing) to inform Dasarathan, the troups reach Ayodhya at the speed of wind.
While the group come back from Ayodhya, let us all get ready for the marriage. :)
Panguni masam, Uthira natchathiram sita kalyanam with Janakar and Dasarathan. The troups informed Dasarathan about the news, Dasarathan checked with Vasistar. Vashistar was happy and told that it was for this marriage he had suggested to send Ram with Vishwamithrar, let us all start immediately to Mithila. The entire ayodhya started and reached Mithila which with happiness and great celebration full of dhoom dham celebration.
On this side Sathanandar - Janakar's kula guru, on the other side Vashistar - Dasarathar's kula guru. They both talk and decide to get Ram and Sita married. During this occasion they read the names of all the ancestors of both the sides and they talk about the greatness of the Kulam. So both the kula guru's were busy discussing all these. Vishwamithrar was standing there, it
was he who brought them here and arranged the wedding, but vashistar is representing Ram's side. Once Vashistar reached, he took over the responsibilties and he got all the importance.
Vishwamithrar must that thought "Vellai seiya naan, perai avar thatindu porare.." Both of them are Brahma Rishi and they both are equally great.
Which side shall we represent ? Ram or Sita. It is always better to be on Sita's side. if we are on Sita's side it means that we are in the shadow of our mother - "thayin nizhal". Sita matha will forgive all our sins and will guide us towards peruman.
Here is the place where the wedding happened called as Sheesh Mahal - Mirror Hall. This place has so many vigrahams. Dasarathan, Kausalya parents from the groom's side. Janakan,Sunaina parents from the bride's side. 4 Son's of Dasarathan and hence 4 bride's - Ram-Sita, Lakshman-Urmila, Bharath-Mandavi , Satrugnan - Shruthakeerthi. of the 4 bride's two are Janaka's daughters and two are Janaka's brother Kushathvajan's daughter.
Now it is time for the Marriage. Janakan says this Slogam during the wedding. Few important segments in the wedding are as follows. Kanyapreshanam, Varapreshanam - Varikka vendum saying "intha manamaganukku yen pennai kalyanam panni kodukiren".
Thirumangalya Dharanam - Thaliyai kattuvathu. We human's follow this ritual wishing for long life, to follow the dharmam assigned to us, to have children for santhathi vrithi, But Sita Ramar's kalyanam is for Loka Shemartham. In our temples we do the Kalyana utsavam for perumal piratti, they are already married but the concept behind this is for Loka Shemam - when we see the sita kalyanam we get peace of mind/thirupthi, all the places filled with mangalam, followed by many marriages.
The Yatri's who joined us in this anu yatra had many marriages fixed in their family after the Ram anu yatra. Many had taken blessings by bringing jadagam, thirumangalyam, koora pudavai and taken blessings from SitaRam thiruvadi. Few of them lost their gold chain in ayodhya and they had tied the charadu kept at sitaRama thiruvadi during the wedding.
Here is SheeshMahal. Wishing all the viewers of this program all the great blessings and especially who has bride and groom in their family to have the marriaged fixed soon. Wishing the young bride/groom to get married and live as good Dhampathi's and follow the Dharma's.
Janakar says "Iyam Sita - Rama here is Sita" , "Mama Suta - My daughter", who is full of beauty and born in my great kulam(clan), She will follow you in all your Dharma's, If you follow Dharma she will follow you and when you act against Dharma she will get you back on right track hence we call "SahaDharmaCharini", Her hands are like the lotus - senthamarai kai.,
Note - perumal's hands are compared to lotus/Thamarai, while piratti's Senthamarai. "When we go to perumal temple Thayar and Perumal's hands are in a position telling us "Anjel - don't fear", Question is what should we not fear about ?, Perumal's message is - Don't worry about your papam, i am with you to help you come out of it., Piratti's message is
- Perumal must have told you not to worry about your papam since he would help you. But he is full of anger(kovam), so i am telling you don't worry on seeing perumal's anger. ".
Perumal's hand tells us - papathai kandu anjel and piratti's hand tells us - peruman kovathai kandu anjel. So which one do we need first. We need to seek Piratti first and then she will help us to reach Peruman.
"Nangaiyai kana nambhiku ayiram nayanam vendum...." or is it "Nambiyai kana Nangaiku ayiram nayanam vendum...."
Groom's side some one said - "to see our Ram, Seetha needs 1000 eyes". Bride's side replied - "For every second Ram sees sita he would need 1000 eyes.."
Whatsoever it is Ram-Seetha wedding is for mangalam and loka Shemam.
Slogam - "Mangalam kosalendraya ... chakravarthi thanujaya...."
Sita Kalyanam with Bajanai at Janakapuri
Today we are doing Seetha kalyana with Bajanai done by people who travelled from south. Let us watch the same.
With the bhajanai of the bhakta's the Sita Kalyanam concluded graciously. After the wedding, it is time for a feast/virunthu and we had a great wedding feast at 4 PM.
After lunch, no one was ready to start. Everyone visited the temples and places once again in the evening to enjoye/experience all the places where sita kalyanam had happened.
Later at 10 PM we all started from Janakapuri with the new bride/groom and started our journey towards Ayodhya.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Now it is time for us to go to Janakapuri for the wedding. Let us all get beautifully dressed, with all batchanams for the thirumaangalya dharanam of Sita at Janakapuri.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 15 - July 28 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Slogam : Iyam sita...
Janakar married Sita to Ram. We all had the Bhagyam of watching the Sita kalyanam at Janakapuri. As wished earlier, wishing all mangalam, many thiru kalyanam in the families of all the viewers, may everyone get santana prapti, may everyone feel the bhagavad anubhavam, may everyone's be happy(aanandam). Let us all wish this during the occasion of Sita kalyanam.
Yatra team starting from Janakapuri back to Ayodhya
After the wedding and grand feast the entire yatra team took rest and decided to start from Janakapuri at 10 PM in the night. Meanwhile, had the opportunity to discuss with the people at Janakapuri. They all seem to be of the very excited about Ram coming and marrying Sita of mithila. They all consider themselves part of Bharatha Desam.
The team also had the opportunity to visit the temples once again. Unlike South, in the north there are many sevai in a day. In south perumal happens to be in 1 thirukolam the whole day. But in north the Sevai keeps changing ie. Alankaram keeps changing with varied anikalan, vasthram, abharanam. Uthapan - morning sevai, Sayankala Arathi - in the evening, Sayan - in the night. 3 sevai in the morning, 3 sevai in the evening is the minimum count. Also 6 times prasadham/nivedhiyam is also served called as Bhogam. So if we happen to stay for a day in north india temples, we can get to see 6 sevai of the perumal.
The yatra team started around 8.30 PM and with many doubts in mind about terrorists and attacks during the night the team left Nepal. The yatra team had to return to Ayodhya and hence the exit from Nepal was different from the entry point the team came into Nepal. In 2006 the team went to Ayodhya but in 2010 trip the team went straight to Allahabad due to Ram Janma Bhoomi verdict. Came back through Narayana Ghat, crossed Sonali border, entered Uttar pradesh to reach ayodhya. Nepal border crossing is always a big challenge one is due to all the security procedures and second reason is because of leaving Sita's janma bhoomi. Adding to our fear, in one of the buses 10 military men boarded ( we were in doubt on who they are) and they guarded us in crossing 30 KM stretch. Looks like Ram had requested Janakar to escort us and we reached Ayodhya Safely.
Yatra team back at Ayodhya
Ram-Sita's Married life while in Ayodhya
Slogam - "Sama Dvadasa..."
Sita says these above words. After our marriage, we spent 12 years happily while in Ayodhya.
Ram who was 12 years married Sita who was 6 years and they lived in Ayodhya for 12 years after marriage. During these 12 years it was - Kaadal, kaadal , kaadal Raman arintha shastramo. ithai thavira matru ondrum theriyatha yennum alavukku Sitai yode avalavu anniyoniyamaga vazhunthar. Dasarathan had kept very old security gurads in the anthapuram.
The marriage group/kalyana Ghosti from Janakapuri came back to one of the Dasaratha Bhavan and we see the Sita ram temple once again. We happen to hear lots of bajanai when we visited Ayodhya - Pora uyiraiyum kakkum namam Rama Namam. Let us visit all those temples again - kanaka Bhavan.
Periazhwar - Pallandu Pallandu - Mangalasasanam
In this occasion, wanted to share an important note specific to the Vaishnava tradition/sampradhayam.
PeriAzhwar - Azhwargalil periya azhwar who got this name due to singing "Pallandu".
Kannanai parthavudan, kan yecchil pattudum yendru perumalluku pallandu padinar periazhwar. Dasarathar also felt the same when he saw ram and sita together.
Nachiyar Thirumozhi - "Kaithalam pattra kana kanden thozhi naan.." explains about aandal's dream about her marriage and sung during aandal kalyanam.
In this also is mentioned "Kai thalam Pattruvathu" i.e Pannigrahanam - refers to Ram holding sita's hand. On seeing this Janakar he himself thought "Nambha kanne pattudum pola irukke.." and he said "bhadranthe" ungallukku mangalam undaguga.
This is what is Periazhwar famous is all about. Periazhwar was born in Aani masam, swathi thiru natchathiram. In srivilliputhur we can have great darshan of Periazhwar, and all his focus was singing pallandu for perumal. So now the question is how come or why shud human's sing Pallandu/long live to Perumal. The essence behind this is as follows. We can request perumal saying "you are the supreme and ultimate and you need to take care of us". Another way to show the bhakthi is to care for perumal's thirumeni due to bhakthi and wishing that nothing wrong happens to ram/kannan's soft thirumeni. A mother of a great soldier feels for her son when he gets hurt in a battle irrespective of the son being a great warrior and winning the battle. Similarly Periazhwar had this motherly feeling and sang Pallandu for Ram/Kannan. Hence he was referred as Periazhwar. Even today during thiru aadi pooram, in Srivilliputhur, fifth day utsavam, (5)Pancha garuda sevai happens and on that day a utsavam called Mangala Sasanam happens. One by one each perumal comes and Periazhwar with thalam sings "Pallandu.." for each one of them. This happens in Srivilliputhur.
Similarly in thiruvali thirunagari - thirumangai azhwar's aasthanam. There in Thai masam amavasai - Thirumangai azhwar starts and meets 11 divya desam emperuman and he sings Pallandu for all of them. This is called as (11) Pathinoru Garuda sevaiUtsavam.
Similarly Nammazhvar in his avatara sthalam Azhwar Thirunagari during his thiru Natchathiram vaikasi visagam happens Vaikasi Visaga Utsavam. During that Utsavam on the 5th day morning emperuman's from Navathirupathi - 9 divya desam come to meet Nammazhwar, Nammazhwar welcomes them and the araiyar swami sings Nammazhwar pasuram for each of the emperuman's from Navathirupathi. It is a feast for eyes to watch and that night Garuda sevai for all the perumal happens.
The concept in all these is that these azhwar's are worried that Perumal will get Dhristi and they sing for the goodness of Perumal. Like how we keep Dhristi for even perumal the concept is the same caring for HIM on seeing his beauty.
3687:
puLiNGkutikkitandhu varaguNamangaiyirundhu* vaikundhaththuL ninRu*
theLindha_en_chindhai akangaziyaathE* ennaiyaaLvaay enakkaruLi*
naLindhacheerulakam moonRutanviyappa* naangaLkooththaadi nNinRaarppa*
paLingunNeer mukilinpavaLampOl* kanivaaychivappanNee kaaNavaaraayE. 9.2.4
Meaning : 4. BhagawaanE! At ThiruppuLingudi, You are blessing us with your reclining Beauty! At VaraguNamangai Thirupathi, You are sitting so gracefully! and at Sri Vaikuntam, You are showing Yourself in standing posture, so beautifully. You are in my (clear) mind in all these three postures and are blessing me (without any gap and uninterruptedly). You should shower
Your mercy on us and show Yourself just by a mere thought of You by Your bhakthAs and cool our hearts. You should surprise them by showing Your most auspicious qualities and kalyANA guNAs and come straight. We should be excited and highly elated to be blessed to see the most Beautiful Red mouth which is like the most beautiful lightning and the Coral lipped creeper as
seen in the midst of dark, rain laden black clouds on the sky.
In my front, for us to see Your exquisite lovely beauty, You should bless us with Your presence right here, PHYSICALLY.
Similarly, we are in ayodhya and let us all sing "Pallandu Pallandu " on seeing the beauty of our dear Ram and Sita.
We also did a quick recap of the first 4-5 days of our trip that evening in Ayodhya since we planned to start next day. It was great to hear all the opinions from the yatra group and we all stayed like a family.
Ram's Pattabhishekam
We are at ayodhya - "Mukthi tharum kshetram" after Sita-Ram wedding which happened at Janakapuri. Ram and Sita where living happily in Ayodhya for 12 years. Meanwhile, Dasarath wanted to do Pattabhishekam for Ram. Though it was king's rule, Dasarath followed the dharma and checked for people's opinion about Ram getting crowned as the King. Dasarath checked with his ministers, people and Kulu Guru's and decided to proceed with Ram's pattabhishekam. We shall discuss more on this next week.
Now there is one more place to visit in Ayodhya before we start from Ayodhya to follow Ram on his second journey. Ram mara ori tharithu, naadhu thuranthu is going to start on his journey to the forest. But this place is related to Ayodhya but at a later stage in Ramayana. Which place is that ? Didn't we not cover all the places in Ayodhya ? Puzzle.. yes Nandi Gram.
Nandi Gram
The Place from where Bharath had ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya on behalf of Ram while Ram was in exile. After Ram left to the forest and when he had reached Chitrakut, Bharath went to Forest to bring back Ram to Ayodhya. But Ram didn't accept that offer and asked Bharath to go back to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom for 14 years while he finishes the vanavasam and returns. Bharathan accepted Ram's suggestion but he didn't go inside Ayodhya and he lived in Nandi Gram which was ~ 20 KM from Ayodhya. Bharath lived here ruling the kingdom onbehalf of Ram and eagerly waiting Ram's arrival back to Ayodhya. "raman varuvana varuvana yendru yethir parthukondu irunthan Bharathan". Ram came back from exile to Nandi gram in the pushpakavimanam.
Bharathan odi poi Raman thiruvadigalile paninthu, Raman avanai alli anaithu, than madiyile amarthikondar. This is a beautiful Gattam in Ramayanam.
Also, Ram didn't come back straight to Nandi Gram from Lanka. Instead he did stop at Bharadwaj ashram and stayed for a night. 14 years of exile was over and Ravanan was also killed by Ram. On the way back, they stayed in Bharadwaj ashram as per Bharadwaj Rishi's wish. But 14 years was over and Ram was worried on what will Bharath do and he sent Hanuman to provide the message to Bharathan about Ram's return back to ayodhya and the delay of 1 day. Hanuman met Bharathan and they both hugged each other. All these great sections in Ramayanam happened in the place called Nandi Gram. Here we are on the way to Nandi Gram which has beautiful small temple.
The pandit at Nandi Gram is taking care and doing his kainkaryam in that temple for more than 60 years. It was great to hear him talk with full flow (thada thada thadanu) about Ram in Hindi - all great words which we heard from him was a great bhagyam to listen. While we are at our home, we talk about many logic, but once we reach those puniya bhoomi, becuase of the
great nature of that puniya bhoomi we agree to what they say and accept and stand astonished too.
The temple has two floors. Small entrance and need to go in small groups one by one. With a hand lamp the pujari guided us towards the ground floor and it was a great surprise to see three sannadhi's.
1- Bharathan Sannadi
First sannadhi with Bharathan's in a white beautiful marble idol - in padmasanam, sitting posture in marauri, sadai mudi, eyes eagerly waiting for Ram's arrival and mouth uttering Rama namam, beautiful katcham/dhoti in the waist, hands eagerly waiting to do pranams for Ram and eagerly waiting to do kainkaryam for Ram. Pujari asked us to see Bharath's eyes and whichever angle we look the idol it looks as if Bharathan is looking at us. Those eyes are full of Ram Bhakthi - thazhumbarathu Rama BHakthinale. Prathyakshama we can see the Rama Bhakthi of Bharathan... The pujari does his kainkaryam at that temple with full of aacharam. Bharathan used to go to Sarayu at 3AM in the morning to have his bath inorder to avoid seeing the Ayodhya people who are upset on Bharath saying "Ramanai piritha pavi yendru yesuvargal, yerkanave kooni kurugi kidakiren, inimel nammal sol ketka mudiyathu". Bharath was full of sorrow. The pujari here goes to Sarayu and comes back from Sarayu in those wet clothes and he does his kainkaryam for Bharath.
2- Padugai
Next after Bharath it is the Padugai which Bharath did the pooja.
You must have heard about Paduka Prabhavam. At Thoopul near Kanchipuram Villakoli Emperuman Sannadhi is there. Deepa Prakashar Sannadhi at Thiruthanka. The place of Swami Vendantha Desikan's avatharam. (The Moolavar of Thiruthanka (Thoopul) sthalam is Sri Deepa Prakasar. He is also called as "Vilakkoli Perumal, Divya Pirakasar". Moolavar in Standing position facing West Direction.)
Slogam on Swami Desikan:
"Sriman Venkata Natharyah Kavitarkika Kesari !
Vedantacharya Varyo Mey Sannidhattam Sadaa Hridhi"!!
Thaniyan by Swami Desika's son Varadacharya implores "the great lion of poetics and dialectics and the great preceptor of Vedanta (that Swami Venkatanatha was) should reside in his heart always."
Desikan has written 1000 slogam on Paduka vaibhavam Called Paduka Sahasram. He wrote these slogam over night. Avaral pada patta perumai mikka padugai. Bharathan poojitha padugai.
When Ram was in Chitrakudam Bharathan had taken these padugai.. Ram stood on those Padugai as per Vashistar's words and gave it to Bharath. Bharath kept those on his head and brought it to Nandi gram, did pattabhiskekam for the Padugai ( you can check the kreedam on those padugai) and ruled the kingdome on Ram's behalf. We had the bhagayam of seeing those Padugai on that same place.
Slogam from Paduka Sahasram - "Bharathaya.."
In the beginning of Paduka Saharanam, Vedanta Desigan talks about Bharathan's perumai. Bharathan is jesta Rama Bhakthi. Rama Bhakthargalin Thalaivan. Even though it was his kingdom, he refused to accept it since he thought it to be Ram's property. Bharath considered only Ram's thiruvaid has his property(Sotthu). Because of Bharath, world came to know about the Padugai's vaibhavam. Vedanta Desigan says that the Padugai and Nammazhwar are the same. Nammazhwar born in thirukurugur , azhwar thirunagari, thiruchenganni thurai thamarabharani aatrankariyil piranthavar. When we visit any temple, we get the Satari which is none other than Peruman's padugai which is kept on our head. The Padugai is none other than Nammazhwar says Vedanta Desikan.
When we visit Vanamamalai - Deivanayagam Perumal - antha perumal sataryil nammazhwar thiru uruvathodu yezhuntharuli irukirar.
We had the darshan of Padugai here at Nandi Gram.
One more information on Padugai Prabhavam. Bharadhan gives a sacred bath to the padugai with Sarayu water. This water joins the river Sarayu, Sarayu join Bay of Bengal, the bay of bengal continues till Thirupullani - Rameshwaram. When Ram was trying to cross the ocean and decided to dry the Ocean using a bow/arrow so that the group can cross the ocean and reach
lanka. Samudrarajan appears and he does pranam to Ram and requests him to spare him. Then Ram aggrees not to dry up the ocean. Vedanta Desigan says "Raman ambhu veenaga pogumo. Athu veenaga pogatha ambhu, amogamana bhanam. Kuri thappathu. Pinne yen samudhram thapichadu ? beautiful meaning - Ramanaleye Samudhirathai onnum panna mudiya villai, yen yendral Bharathan Rama padugaiku neeratina neer Kezhaku Samudarai karaiyil serunthu ullathu , Rama Padukai patta theertham, punithamana neer kadal la kalanthutathale Ramanaleye onnum panna mudiayavillai". Such is the prabhavam/greatness of Rama padugai.
Thats why whenever we go to temple we take the Sripada theertham of Perumal, padothakam. Such is the mahatvam.
Next is whether Ram's Padugai has great value/prabhavam or Ram himself. It is Ram's Padugai. Usually the item which is kept for mortgage has more value than the money got from keepign it for mortgage. Ram kept his padugai and got himself back to go to exile. So it is Ram's padugai which has more value. We can have the darshan of such great Ram padugai here at Nandi Gram.
Paduka Pattabhishekam vaibhavam Upanyasam
Paduka Pattabhishekam vaibhavam can be understood easily through a story. 1 lion, 1 lioness and 1 lion cub. Lioness is feeding the cub and the lion is sleeping next to them. An elephant came near the entrance of the cave and made huge sound(piliral). The lion could not listen to that sound and wanted to fight with the elephant. When the Lion went, the lioness accompanied the lion till the cave with the cub. The lioness waved to the lion who went to fight the elephant and the lioness came back inside the cave with the cub. Paduka Pattabhishekam agiduthu, charithirathai mudichunduten yendrar Desigan. Here lion is Ram, Lioness is Padugai, Lion cub is Bharath and the elephant is none other than Ravanan, cave entrance is Chitrakut, Padugai came back with Bharathan to Ayodhya/Nandi gram. For 14 years Bharathan was looking towards south expecting Ram's arrival and was here at Nandi Gram.
3 - Hanuman Sannadhi
Now let's go to the top floor in the temple and on the way while we do a pradakshinam we can see a red colour Anjaneyar, shakthi vaintha anjaneyar - vendum varam tharum anjaneyar.
Full of sendura podi. His sendura podi color keeps changing and it appears as if he is smiling, as if he is full of veeram, as if he is saying rama namam.
Anjaneyar is the best of the Brahmachari, Bharathan has discarded all the suka bhogam and he is doing his tapa waiting for Ram to return and other the side is Rama Padugai - all these are making this place with full of shakthi and it is divine. Also the pujari here does everything with full of niyamam, aacharam and thooimai.
4 - Bharathan-Hanuman Sannadhi
4- In the top level we have Bharathan and Hanuman hugging each other. While Ram was in exile, he always used to think and talk about Bharathan. Next Hanuman - he is Ram Dhoothar, Ram Bhakthar. On one side Bharathan at Nandi Gram expecting Ram's return to Ayodhya and on the other side Hanuman. Bharathan got this name due to "Bharathaha Rajyasa Bharanathu" - Bharath was treating the kingdom like Bharam(load). He always thought that Ram was the king and his role was just to follow Ram's order. Each of us need to acquire this mental attitude who are all Sishyas of ram. Bharathan is much greater when compared with Lakshman. Nattai vittu pirinthu vantha Ramanai Piriyamal irunthar Hanuman. Nattil irunthu ramanai poga vittathunale avanai nenaithukonde irunthar Bharathan. Bharathan was always thinking -"Yeppo Raman varuvan yeppo varuvan", Hanuman was always thinking -"Yeppo Ramanai nattuku kootindu povom kootindu povom". These two are meeting at Nandi gram. Ram's stay at Bharadwaj aashram is delayed by a day and hence he sends Hanuman to give the message of his travel back to ayodhya else Bharath had told that he will jump into the fire and he will follow his promise. Hanuman comes to Nandi Gram and he sees Bharath ready with the fire. Hanuman tells Bharath of the message about Ram's return back to ayodhya. Hanuman was so sad and he wept and he said "why are you doing this Bharatha, Ram is on the way back to Ayodhya. If you die, Ram will also die, don't do this". Then both of them hugged each other. We are going to see this great scene in Nandi gramam today. Intha katchi Rama bhakthan
oruorutharaiyum azha vechudum. Request all the viewers to go and see this in Nandi gram all by yourself. Rama bhakthi's one type we can see on the face of BHarathan and the other type on the face of Hanuman. Both their eyes are sparkling. Idols made of marble stone. Bhakthiyin miliruthal antha kangalil parkalam. Bharathan almost in tears( kannir koppalichindu nikkarthu). Will not Ram come back ? . Hanuman though he was with Ram, on seeing Bharathan he was stunned on seeing the Ram Bhakthi Bharathan had and on seeing that Hanuman was all with tears to see a ram bhakthan. On seeing Bharathan's feeling and his Ram bhakthi Hanuman is all with tears. On seeing the Ram Bhakthi of Hanuman and Bharathan all we could think is whether we will get atleast a little bit of the Ram Bhakthi. We did Parayanam and Upanyasam and everyone who listen and saw were all in tears. Not even in Ayodhya but everyone was in tears on seeing the Ram Bhakthi and on hearing about Ram Bhakthi at Nandi Gram. Ram Bhakthi is in those tears only.
Kambha Ramayanam Parayanam from Nandi Gram
Let us all join the Parayanam from Nandi Gram.
Slogam about Bharathan at Nandi Gram - "Thunbhu..."
If we give roopam/uruvam for Thunbam, it will look like Bharathan. If we give roopam/uruvam for Raman's anbhu then it will look like Bharathan. Bharathan is the form of sorrow due to Ram's absence and he is also the form of all the affection which Ram has. Bharathan was just seeing towards south side. Bharathan was going lean due to waiting for Ram and missing Ram. Bharathan thinks that his papam are so much that even ram is not keeping his words. Due to His Mother's act he had to accept all these and he wanted to meet Ram and he is upset that
Ram is yet to return to Ayodhya.
Slogam "Thozhuthu nindra than.."
Bharathan asks Satrugnan to light the fire to sacrifice his life.
Satrugnan answers "i don't know what i have done. Ram had gone to the forest as per father's words, Lakshman followed him to do Kainkaryam for Ram, you (Bharath) is ready to sacrifice your life due to Ram bhakthi, inbetween these troubles/sorrow is lighting fire for your bodies is my work. Am i born as a brother to you for doing this downtrodden work ?
Slogam "Kan aala..."
Satrugnan says "intha arasatchi irunthale ippadi than pola irukku. Intha nila magal vendam yendri othari oru Raman purapattu ponnan, nila magal vendam yennaku kainkaryame magal yendru kainkaryame thai yendru Lakuvanan pin thodarnthu ponan. Intha nila magalai yetru kondal , parathanthiriyam poividum yendru solli neethan bharathan. Anal antha nila magalai naana katti katka vendum. Allathu Vendam vendam yendru nila magalai utharinargale, antha nila magal idathuleya neruppu mooti bharathan kuthika vendum " yendru vimmi azhuthan Satrugnan.
As per bharath's order, the fire was ready. Meanwhile Hanuman comes via Aakash margam.
Slogam "Yen il kodi.." Ram's mother Kausalya stops Bharathan and says " oru kotti ramanai oru thatil tharasil vaithal kuda, Bharatha ne irukkum matrum moru thattu than osanthu irukkume thavira, bharatha Yen magan raman irukkum thattu uyarnthu irukkathu. Innum ondru sollaren, Raman irukkatum illamal pogatum, Ne illai yendral jagathil dharmam puniyam illamal poividum. Athanale ne azhivathai oru naalum yetru kolla matten"
But Bharathan doesn't seem to listen even to Kausalya and he is ready to sacrific his life in the fire. Meanwhile Hanuman reaches and says "Annal vanthanan, Aryan Vanthanan" sollikkonde kuthithar. After a while they understood who is Hanuman and they hugged and understood that Ram is on the way. Then Ram himself came via aakasha Margam, bharathan thandam samarpithan. Everyone where happy and they all went to Ayodhya from nandi Gram. Ram ruled Ayodhya for 11,000 years and Bharathan continued his Kainkaryam for Ram and needoozhi vazhnthan.
Our hearts are filled with joy and we are concluding for this week after seeing two great Ram Bhakthas. We are also going to start from Ayodhya to continue on our second journey following Ram's footsteps.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 16 - August 4th 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
The people of ayodhya just lived for Ram, thinking about Ram, uttering his namam. Ramane ulagam, Makkale Raman.
12 year old Ram married 6 year old sita and they lived happily in Ayodhya for 12 hours. On the way Parasuram had come and Dasarathan got scared and worried on Ram's wellness and he sang "Pallandu" for Ram. Though Ram was a great warrior he was still a kid to Dasarathan. Last few episodes we saw various mangalasasanam done by the azhwars similar to what Dasarathan did.
All the 4 couples lived happily for 12 years. Dasarathan was getting old. How long will he rule and he wished to give charge to his Son. He checked with all his ministers, people representatives, kula guru Vashistar and 8 Mahaacharyas about their opinion. All these come in valmiki ramayanam's second kandam. The Raja aalochanai happens at Dasaratha Bhavan, Raj darbar.
Ayodhya Kandam - Dasartha's Desire
Link to ValmikiRamayan ayodhya kandam on the net : http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/ayodhya/sarga2/ayodhya_2_frame.htm
Ayodhya Kanda - 2 - Dasaratha's Desire
प्राप्य वर्षसहस्राणि बहू न्यायूंषि जीवतः |
जीर्णस्यास्य शरीरस्य विश्रान्ति मभिरोचये || २-२-८
8 : Meaning : "This body has been living for many thousands of years. Hence I desire rest."
तं चन्द्रमिव पुष्येण युक्तं धर्मभृतां वरम् |
यौवराज्ये नियोक्तास्मि प्रीतः पुरुषपुङ्गवम् || २-२-१२
12: Meaning : "Joyfully, I shall appoint Rama, who shines like the moon together with Pushya star, who is the best among the protectors of righteousness and who is an excellent man, to the realm of prince."
यदीदम् मेऽनुरूपार्धं मया साधु सुमन्त्रितम् |
भवन्तो मेऽनुमन्यन्तां कथं वा करवाण्यहम् || २-२-१५
15: Meaning : "I am telling this after lot of thinking. Give consent to me if you feel this to be good and befitting. How else shall I do it?"
इदं शरीरं कृत्स्नस्य लोकस्य चरता हितम् |
पाण्दुरस्यातपत्रस्य च्छायायां जरितं मया || २-२-७
7: Meaning: "In conducting the kingdom for benefit of the entire people, my body became impaired under shade of the white umbrella."
यद्यप्येषा मम प्रीतिर्हितमन्यद्विचिन्त्यताम् |
अन्या मद्यस्थचिन्ता हि विमर्दाभ्यधिकोदया || २-२-१६
16: Meaning: "This is my desire. Yet, let there be thinking on any other beneficial way. Thinking by impartial neutral people will be distinctive and well developed through grinding of opposing views."
Dasarathan was ready to listen and discuss the opinions from his people.
स्निग्धोऽनुनादी सम्जज्ञे तत्र हर्षसमीरितः |
जनौघोद्घुष्टसन्नादो विमानं कम्पयन्निव || २-२-१८
18: Meaning: That building appeared trembling by the sweet and reverberating sound made by the gathering of people there with their fond uproar.
The people assembled there roared due to happiness since Ram is going to take over the kingdom.
अनेकवर्षसाहस्रो वृद्धस्त्त्वमसि पार्थिव |
स रामं युवराजानमभिषिञ्चस्व पार्थिवम् || २-२-२१
Meaning: "Oh king! You are an elderly person with thousands of years of age. Hence, inaugurate Rama as the ruling prince."
The people wanted to get rid of Dasarathan and they said the same. Dasarathan was shocked to hear this from his people since he thought he ruled properly and he asked the people why they feel that way and why are they asking him to go away.
The people responded "Dasaratha the only mistake you did was, you had given birth to Ram who is a gunashali. We are not angry or we do not see fault in you. "
Azhwar says "Dayarathan petra maragatha mani thadam".
कथं नु मयि धर्मेण पृथिवीमनुशासति |
भवन्तो द्रष्टुमिच्छन्ति युवराजं ममात्मजम् || २-२-२५
Meaning: "Why do you desire to see my son as the prince, when I am ruling this earth with righteousness?"
People of Ayodhya talking about Ram
ते तमूचुर्महात्मानं पौरजानपदैः सह |
बहवो नृप कल्याणा गुणाः पुत्रस्य सन्ति ते || २-२-२६
26 : Meaning : Those kings together with urban and rural citizens after hearing those words spoke to the great soul Dasaratha as follows: "Oh king! Your son Rama has many auspicious virtues".
27:"Oh king! We shall tell you now the various virtues of your wise son, listen to them. His qualities are equal to those of celestials. They are liked by all. They
give happiness to all."
28:"Oh king! Rama is equal to Devendra in heavenly qualities. He has true valor. He is greater than all the kings born in Ikshvaaku clan."
29:"Rama is the world renowned gentleman. He is keenly interested in truth and righteousness. Only Rama can make both righteousness and wealth combine without separation."
30:"He is equal to moon in making the people happy; equal to the earth in the quality of forgiveness; equal to Brihaspati in wisdom and verily to Devendra in valour."
31:"Rama knows all righteousness. He is true to his word and has good character. He has no envy. He has patience. He consoles those who are in troubles. He speaks good words. He has gratitude. He keeps senses under control."
32,33:"Rama is soft natured; has stable mind, always an auspicious man, and has no envy. He speaks truthful and loving words to all living beings. He worships aged Brahmans endued with the knowledge of various sciences. By that, his name, glory and splendor are growing in this world."
34:"He is skilled in the use of various weapons known to celestials, demons and men. He has duly concluded his vow of studying the various sciences and has systematically learnt all the
Vedas along with its branches. *"
* Branches of Vedas: - (six in number): 1.Siksha or phonetics 2.Vyakarana or Grammar 3. Chandas or Prosody 4. Nirukta or Etymology 5. Jyautisha or Astronomy 6. Kalpa or the branch of knowledge prescribing the ritual and giving rules for the ceremonial or sacrificial acts.
35:"Rama is best in the world in the art of music. He has best relatives. He is gentle. He is not weak in mind. He has great wisdom."
36:"Rama was trained in all matters from the best of Brahmans skilled in the art of righteousness and in the science of political economy. If it is necessary to go to a battle to protect a village or a city, Rama goes with Lakshmana and returns home only after obtaining victory."
37,38:"After returning from battle, Rama goes to citizens on an elephant or a chariot and inquires about their well being as though they were his own kinsmen, like a father does to his sons. He asks about their wives and children, about the sacred fires, about their servants and students, always completely as per the due order."
39:"Rama the best among men always asks us 'Are your disciples serving you by keenly performing their actions?' "
40:"Rama feels very sad towards afflictions of men; and feels delighted in all functions celebrated by people on the occasions of child birth and the like, just as their own father does."
41: "Rama speaks only truth. He is a great hero. He serves elders. He kept the senses under control. Rama, who talks smilingly, protects righteousness in all ways."
42:"Rama duly procures beneficent deeds. He is not interested in wrangling talks. He is an orator like Brihaspati by his replies and rejoinders."
43:"Rama, who enchants the world, has beautiful eyebrows. He has red and broad eyes. He is absolutely like the God Vishnu himself in strength, heroism and valour."
44;"He knew the ins and outs of public administration. His senses are not afflicted by passion. He is capable of administering not only earth, but also the three worlds."
45:"Rama's anger or mercy is not arbitrary at any time. He kills those who are to be slain as per rules. He is not angered at the innocent."
46,47:"He gladly bestows wealth to those with whom he is satisfied. As the sun shines by his rays, Rama shines by his qualities that are peaceful, which are enchanting and delightful to men."
48:"All people desire Rama, who is endowed with this wealth of qualities, who has true valour, who is equal to presiding deities like Devendra, to be their lord."
49:"Oh king Dasaratha! Rama is born to you as a son, because of your good fortune, for the welfare of this world. He has all the virtues befitting of a son, like Kasyapa, the son of Marichi."
50,51:"All people in the state including those in the capital as well as those in the nearby and in the far off places, pray for long life, health and strength of Rama of reputed nature."
52:"Both young and aged women are praying with a stable mind each morning and evening to all celestials, for the benefit of renowned Rama."
53:"Oh best of kings, Dasaratha ! We shall see Rama adorned with princely kingdom. Your son Rama has the complexion of a black lotus flower and annihilates all his enemies. Let the wish of the people be fulfilled by your grace."
54:"Oh fulfiller of people's desires, Dasaratha! For our benefit, you gladly and immediately inaugurate your son Rama, who is equal to Vishnu, who is interested in the welfare of the entire world and who is possessing the best of virtues."
The people echoed Dasarathan's wish. It was arasatchi(monarchy) but still decision was taken as if it was makkalatchi(democracy).
Let us find answers for the same.........
Dialogue with Sriman Gopalaswamy
Conversation with Sriman Gopalaswamy - retired Election officer on various aspects of Democracy.............
For detailed information on the conversation please check the video on the youtube vijaytv channel.
Let us continue to see whether Pattabhishekam happened.
Preparation for Pattabhishekam
The people of Ayodhya wanted Ram as the king the Ayodhya which was also Dasarathan's wish. But GOD who is none other than Ram wants something else. Ram thinks of the reason for his Avatar. If Pattabhishekam happens then how can Ram kill Ravana and other Demon, how can he save the Rishi's and Devas ?
But on the other side Pattabhisheka preparation was in full swing. Vashistar arranged for holy scared water from 4 sides. People were all happy and the entire kingdom of ayodhya was decorated, music was played, people were dancing with joy.
Mantra and Kaikeyi's boon
During this time, a lady called Mantra/Kuni who came with Kaikeyi from her mother's place during wedding of Kaikeyi and Dasarathan. She saw ayodhya from her balcony.
Ayodhya Kanda - 7 - The Wicked Mantra
ज्ञातिदासी यतो जाता कैकेय्या तु सहोषिता |
प्रासादं चन्द्रसङ्काशमारुरोह यदृच्छया || २-७-१
1-Meaning: Manthara, a housemaid who was residing with Kaikeyi since her birth, accidentally ascended the balcony of Kaikeyi's white palace, which resembled the full moon.
She enquired what is the reason for the joy in ayodhya and everyone told about Ram's pattahishekam. Filled with anger, she went to Kaikeyi's anthapuram and tried to poision Kaikeyi's mind.
Pasuram - Kalakiya...
Here comes a twist in the story, everyone thought that Ram's is going to get crowned. But all good things have some hiccups and troubles.
Slogam:
For eveyone even for great people, there are always trouble when they start on activiity and one should not get bogged down due to that and should try to overcomes those troubles using Bhagawan's blessings and need to continue on the path of Dharma. This incident in Ram's life is an example for the same. Whenever we hit roadblocks in our life, we think why it happens like to this often to me. Ram's pattabhishekam itself had road blocks. As per Dasarathan, Vashistar who is a brahma rishi is fixing the time/date for pattabhishekam but it didn't happen. If something which was planned by Dasarathan and Vashistar had not happen then think of the plan which ordinary people like us do. It is not a wonder that we also face roadblocks at times and we should not worry on those. They will get cleared on their own and we need to continue to stay with Bhakthi. In all our families joy and sorrow keeps coming and going. Sometimes sorry might even happen one after other.. this is all natural.
Ram also faced roadblock. Kuni went and spoked to Kaikeyi who first denied and said "My son Ram's Pattabhishekam".
Such a great heart was Kaikeyi and Kuni changed her too.
We should stay focused on Bhakthi. There will be many hindrances but still we should not loose focus. Kaikeyi didn't had that focus/self control and hence her mind was poisoned by kuni and this made her to wish for her son Bharath's Pattabhishekam instead of Ram's.
Then they thought on the plan on how to execute this wish of Kaikeyi and Kuni. Long ago, Kaikeyi had saved Dasarathan during a war. Dasarathan had offered her two boon which she didn't use it at that time. She decided to ask for those two boons now.
1 - Ram to go to forest for 14 years
2 - Pattabhishekam for Bharathan
Dasarathan who was busy in monitoring all the activities related to Pattabhishekam finished them all and late night went to meet Kaikeyi at her anthapuram. Probably, if Dasarathan didn't go there, kaikeyi would not have come out to ask those two boons.
Ram praying to Srirangam Periya Perumal
Meanwhile, Vashistar asked Ram to do something. We knew that Srirangam perumal - Periya Perumal - Ranganathar(he was referred those days as Jagannathan-Narayanan) was in ayodhya during Ram's time. Vashistar asked Ram to go and pray to perumal praying for all good things during pattabhishekam. But Raman went and prayed for some option so that pattabhishekam does not happen to periya perumal.
Slogam : "saha pathiyam ...Visalakshi.." Valmiki says Sita is Visalakshmi due to her beautiful wide eyes. Ram went with Sita to see the Jagannathan-Narayana Perumal(Ranganathar).
Pattabhishekam Stopped and Ram on his way to the forest..
Ram's prarthanai got fulfilled. Periya Perumal through Kaikeyi and her stubborn boon made dasarathan to accept her wish.
Everyone was stunned , became sad and cried. Kaileyi was not ready to listen to anyone. Ram changed from his new clothes to MARAURI, MAN THOL(dear skin), removed all his jewellery, tied Sadaimudi. Ram along with Sita and Lakshman started from Ayodhya towards forest.
Even today, we can see the place where Sumantra stopped the chariot near kanaka Bhavan and from this place Raman thiruvaadi vaithu Raman, Seethai and ilakuvan got into the chariot. First Ram helped Sita to get into the chariot, then Ram, then Ilakuvan got into the chariot. Everyone in that city, came to the Rajamargam and started to cry. Everyone including animals cried since Ram is on the way to the forest leaving ayodhya.
Ram started on his journey and the first place he reached was Sringaverapuram. We are going to see about Sringaverapuram - Guhan's place on the banks of river Ganga. Guhan is a padakoti and we all during yatra did boat ride at that place. Beautiful place and boat ride. Ram accepts Guhan who is a hunter, as his brother. Let us see more about Guha Sakhkiyam from Sringaverapuram.
Nammakkum Rama Bhakthi kittum.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 17 - August 11th 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Slogam
Nama: kothanda hasthaya sandhi kruthacharaayacha
kandithakila daithyaya ramaya: pannivaarine
Ramanai vananguvom. Seeta and Ram with ilakuvan started from ayodhya towards south. we are starting on the second journey of Ram. First Journey of Ram is completed. Now Ram is starting on his second journey towards south. Kaikeyi asked for two boons to Dasarathan, inspite of Dasarathan's request it was no use. Dasarath had to accept the two boons asked by Kaikeyi. This has caused a big turning point in Ram's life. Ram is going to start on his longest journey. It is for this Ram had come to this world.
Kulasekara azhwar in Perumal Thirumozhi's pasuram talks like Dasarathan and his crib when Ram had to leave ayodhya.
Pasuram - Vevayen...
Ram walking first, then Sita and then ilakuvan they start on the journey. Till yesterday you had all the pleasure like silk bed today you are sleeping under a tree using your hands as pillow and stones as side pillow. How are you doing this ? as expressed by Dasarathan.
Ram climbed the Rath, Sumantran was ridhing the ratham towards south. All the people followed him saying "don't go", "Stop", "Take us too..", the entire kingdom was following Ram. They all slept on the banks of the river the first night. Ram was sad that if this is continuing the people follow him, then entire jungle will be converted to kingdom - "Kaadu naadagividum". Then how will i be able to fullfill the promise. Thought Ram. Then Ram tells sumantra to ride the chariot towards the north, so that everyone will think that Ram has gone back to ayodhya towards north. After some distance come back and we shall go towards south direction. All the people when they wake up next morning they will search for us and they will follow the north path and reach ayodhya. Sumantran followed Ram's order and next day morning, the people thought that Ram had gone towards north and they walked towards ayodhya. But actually Ram walked towards south and he crossed 3 rivers - Veda Shruthi, Gomathi, Syandhika and then finally he reached Sringaverapuram - the place of Gugan, on the banks of river Ganga.
Gugan owns boat and is the head of Vedar kulam(hunters), he is a great bow and arrow warrior and a very rich person since he had the treasure called bhakthi. Now Ram and gugan are going to become friends and that is "Guha Sakhyam". Let us all go and see the same from Sringaverapuram.
Upanyasam from Sringaverapuram
"patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati tad aham bhakty-upahrtam asnami prayatatmanah" - Bhagavad Gita
Krishna gita says in Gita on what we need to give to make him happy. HE is not asking us money. HE is expecting Bhakthi, premam, bhavan, kangalil avanai ninaithu neer vazhi yarthukkum. We can give many examples to explain this. Ram reached Sringaverapuram and become gugan's friend. Gugan is an example for a true bhakthan, who does not belong to a high kulam by birth, who does not have education, who does not have wealth, who was not into aacharam/anushtanam. All Gugan had is Sita-Ram Bhakthi. Hence he is an example for great bhakthi.
1)We are here at Sringaverapuram. We need to first visit Rishya Shringar, Shantha Devi temple. Rishya Shringar and Shantha Devi helped Dasarathan to perform Ashwamedha Yagam and puthira Kameshti yagam to get the payasam which the queens drank to give birth to the 4 sons's.
2) Next we need to see the precious Ganga. It is the bank of river ganga which added praise to Gugan. It is on this river bank that Gugan took Ram/Sita in a boat from this side to the other side of the river. We are stuck in the river called samsaram, Ram is here as OOdam/boat and helps us to cross this samsaram and takes us to Vaikuntam. And that Ram was carried by Gugan in a boat to cross the river ganga. Perumanai thanduvitha bhakthanukku yenna perumai irukkum. The evidence for Gugan's bhakthi is nothing other than Ram's acceptance of whatever Gugan offered.
Pasuram -Thirumangai AzhwAr -
Ezhai Ethalan keezhmagan ennaa
thirangi maRRavaR kinnaruL suranthu
'maazhai maanmada nOkkiyun thOzhi;
umbi embi'en Rozhinthilai, uganthu
'thOzha Nneeyenak kingozhi' enRa
soRkaL vanthadi yEnmanath thirunthida,
aazhi vaNNa!nin adiyiNai yadainthEn
aNipo zhilthiru varangaththam maanE (5.8.1)
A great pAsuram! yEzhai- yEthalan- Keezhmagan- AzhwAr refers to Guhan..Lord Ramachandran- hugged Guhan and said, "ninnudan aivarAnOm- with you, we have become five brothers..What a quality! Sowseelyam! (ability to mix freely with those much below one's status and level) Guhan- illiterate and immersed in sensual pursuits; always kills (being a hunter); born in low caste; Still, You did not look down at him; You showered Your grace on him; and also said to him, further, -This darting, deer eyed Seetha is your friend; this younger brother is your brother too"- Not just that. He added that You are my friend; the fifth brother (in our family).
(Kamban says "Guganodum ivaranOm.)
Pasuram - Periazhwar - Guganoda thozhamai kondathor adayalam
Of all the Kalyana guna's of Ram the key is Sowseelyam - ability to mix freely with those much below one's status and level). We can see this Sowseelyam in three key places - one is Gugan on the banks of river Ganga. Let us watch this now and the rest two we shall see when we reach that place. :)
MONKEY, CAT Explanation
Sringaverapuram is a beautiful place, full of ramaneeyam. We all will feel like coming to this place. What is that we understand from Ram's friendship with Gugan. Should we go and seek HIM or will HE come and embarace us. Need to understand a story of monkey and cat. The baby monkey holds the mother monkey when jump from one tree to another. If the baby does not hold properly it will fall down. The mother cannot do anything. On the other hand, the cat when it walks carries the kitten in its mouth and the responsibility lies on the cat to safeguard the kitten. Kitten is free without any pressure. The cat holds the kitten properly. Ram came to meet Gugan and Gugan got Perumal's friendship and kadaksham. Next we are also going to see how Bharath came to meet Ram during which Bharath had to return back to
Ayodhya without Ram with the Padugai. So the truth is that GOD attempts to reach us and all we need to do is just accept it and not stop it or hinder it. This does not mean that we should not go to temple. Ram the great person - accepts guhan as his brother. We should all understand about manithaneyam. One atma and another atma is equal. This is what Ram is explaining here.
Ram Temples at Sringaverapuram along with Shantha Devi and Rshiya Shingar
There are two temple in Sringaverapuram. Gugan's temple. Where we can see a boat on which Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Guhan are seated along with the kevat - who rides the boat - padagoti. Beautiful scene to watch. Ram is chakravarthi thirumagan, learned person but he sat and accepted everything offered by Gugan. Ram decided to stay at Gugan's place one night and
start next morning. We all travellers too did a boat ride. The next temple - one need to climb few steps to go to the temple of Shantha Devi and Rshiya Shingar. Who is Shantha Devi and Rshiya Shingar ? Once a upon time when Dasarathan was ruling ayodhya there was no rain. The next kingdom is Roma Padan's kingdom and there also no rain. They were thinking what to do. Then the ministers of Roma Padan told about Rshiya Singar who is a young rishi who has not married and no kama thought. If he comes it would rain. But he will not come so easily, since he is away from wordly pleasures. He is the son of vibhandagan. Somehow the king sent people, to bring Rshiya Singar to his kingdom. Then it started to rain once Rshiya Singar came. Then the king married his daughter Shantha devi to Rshiya Singar. It is this Rshiya Singar who had come to Ayodhya to do Puthira kameshti Yagam. This Shantha Devi and Rshiya Singar temple is here. Beautiful temple and from that temple we can see the huge Ganga. Then 600 of us took turns to go on a boat ride on the Ganga. The ganga was 80 feet deep and we left it to Sita/Ram and did the boat ride. There were lot of surprises awaiting.
Upanyasam:
When Ram had come, Gugan had brought all the fruits/vegetables for Ram. Then Ram stayed with Gugan for a night and that place is little far from this place and we can visit the same.
Gugan requested Ram to stay with him. Ram asks what is here for me to stay and gugan replied "Then ula, thinai ma ula, gangai and i am here to help you and serve you." Ram didn't want to stay there and told him that he would meet him on the way back. Thunbham, perivu nallathu. When Ram came back from Lanka he happen to stay in Bharadwaj ashram and could not come to meet Gugan. However, Ram had sent the message through Hanuman that he could not come back. Gugan is so happy that Ram is followed his words and remembered him when he came back. It is till this place Sumanthran came with Ram in the Chariot. Gugan helped to cross the river ganga and from their they went to Bharadadwaj aashram. Ram asks Bharadwaj on what to do, where to stay, and Bharadwajar advised them to stay in chitrakoodam. Now Ram is in Chitrakoodam. It seems Sumantran was waiting for 2 days on this side of the river bank expecting that Ram will call him and Ram will come back. Then Sumantran went back to ayodhya told everything to Dasarathan and then Dasarathan died. Then later Bharathan comes with everyone to get back Ram to Ayodhya. Only Sumantran knew that Ram has come to this place of Guhan. Bharath was on the northern bank of ganga and gugan was on the southern bank. Gugan was worried on why Bharath as come ? Has he come to kill Ram ? Bharathan had come with tears in Jata mudi. Gugan alerted everyone to fight with Bharathan,. Gugan was ready to fight. Then Sumanthran who knew bharathan and gugan came and introduced both of them. Sumantran said "Gugan owns the two banks of the river ganga, he has huge trooups", but bhrathan does not seem to heed to any of these, then Sumantran said "Ungal kulathin Ramanukku Uttra thunaivan". Then Bharathan was eager and then looked at Gugan. Gugan was confused on seeing bharathan who was with tears. Then gugan said "even if i keep 1000 Ram on one side , one Bharathan will have more value". Thirumangai azhwar says in this pasuram..
Ram says "Hye gugan, this Sita is your friend" Ram looks at sita to give kadaksham to Guhan. Sita's kadaksham is important for anyone to acquire Ram's. Guhan's Bhakthi is a great example and this is the place. We all need to get atleast a bit of that bhakthi and we shall get it.
Periazhwar says "gugan nodu thomazhamai kondathor adaiyalam". We can understamd that Ram has the ability to mix freely without looking at one's status and level. We can see this in 3 places - Gugan, Sugrivan, Vibheeshanan.
Kambhar Ramayanam.
guhanodum aivar aanOm munbu; pin, kunRu soozhvaan
maganodum aRuvar aanOm; emmuzhai anbin vandha
agan amar kaadhal aiya! ninnodum ezhuvar aanOm;
pugal arum kaanam thandhu pudhalvaraal polindhaan undhai
The meaning of this verse is as follows:
“We became five (brothers)with Guha earlier and then with Sugreeva we became six. Now due to your sincere love to me we have become seven with you. By sending us to the impenetrable forest your father(meaning Dasaratha whom Rama refers as the father of Vibheeshana to show the height of grace and love) is now shines with many sons. 4 sons were not enough for Dasarathan and hence he had sent Ram to forest to acquire more Sons it seems :)
Rama Shaiya
From the place where we were in Sringaverapuram on the banks of river ganga, we travelled around 1.5 KM through the green forest. It was just a single person walkable path in the fields.
One had to walk minimum 3-4 KM during yatra, climb steps, walk to buses parking area which might be far.. all these are part of the trip. Now we are at a place called "Rama Shaiya" - "Ramanin Padukkai". The place where Ram and Sita stayed for a night. The mat/pai which they had used is here, kept on a medai, ollai. We cannot climb that medai or touch that ollai. we can do namaskaram for the same. The place is small but the feelings and bhakthi is something which everyone shoudl expeirence themselves. Let us go and see and hear from that place.
Upanyasam at Rama Shaiya
Ram and sita were staying in this place for a night and hence this place is called Rama Saiya- Rama Sayanam. Ram was sleeping and Lakshman was safeguarding. Gugan asked Lakshman to sleep, but lakshman refused to sleep till Ram gets back to ayodhya and sleeps on his bed. Gugan followed lakshman's foot steps and whole night he and his trooups also didn't sleep
safeguarding Ram. All of them eagerly stayed awake whole night. Later when Bharathan came Gugan explained all this to Bharathan about how lakshman safeguarded Ram/Sita when they slept in this place. Great Guhan was talking about the Great Lakshmana Charitram/mahatvam to none other than the great Bharathan. Conversations between Ram bhaktha's about another Ram Bhaktha.
Ram stayed Sringaverapuram and we had the darshan of that place. With heavy heart we all started from that place. Then on the way back had lots of prasadhams. Everyone came back to the Ganga Store to do Boat ride. With lot of bhajanai while boat ride. It was raining and with umbrella everyone was eager to do the boat ride. Ram namam sollikondu yellarum seithom.
Allahabad , Prayag, Theertha Raj , Prayag Raj, Thiruveni Sangamam
After that we took leave from Guhan and Sringiverapuram and started to continue our journey. As per Ramayanam, Guhan drops Ram on the other side of river. Then Ram goes to Bharadwaj aashram. Here we are also reaching Allahabad after 20-25 Km travel. Before going inside the Allahabad city or Bharadwaj aashram.. we reached Prayag, theertha raj, Prayag raj, Sangamam,
in english it is called Confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna Saraswati(under the ground)... We had to go in the boat to reach the place where all the three rivers Sangamam happens.
This is the place where Kumbha Mela happens during which 30 lakh people were there everyday and on the final day almost 3 crore people are at Sangamam. On one side is Ganga who is fast but clean 4 foot depth, on the other side Yamuna with 40 foot depth who is slow, with kalakam and light greeen colour referred as Jamuna in north india. Below them is Saraswati who
comes and joins them under the ground. At Badrikashram, Vysar started to write Mahabharatham. At that time, Saraswati was going with roaring sound and this disturbed vysar who asked her to go under the ground. She went under the groudn and came out at Allahabad. This place is called Prayag - nadhigalin serkai and king of Prayag so called as Prayag Raj. Theertha Raj -
Mupathu muk kodi theerthangalukkum thalaiyanathu. Thiruveni sangamam - 3 pinnal mudichiugal, Mahalakshmi thayarin 3 kal of the pinnal. From here Ganga goes near Kolkatta and reaches Bay of Bengal and at Ganga Sagar. We all went to the middle where the sangamam happens in the boat, had bath, did aachamanam, did tharpanam. This is the place where Kumbha mela happens once in 12 years. << do check the video of this episode to see the Prayag at Aallahabad>>
There are many places in Allahabad where Ram travelled like Akshayavadam, veni mathavar kovil,place where Ram did the pinda pradhanam for his dad, Bharadwaj aashram. Let us all visit these places and then move to Chitrakootam and continue our Journey of Ramanin Pathayil.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 18 - Aug 18 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Last episode we had seen Shringaverapuram and Guha Sakhyam.
Kambha Ramayanam by Kambhar is Valamiki's Ramayanam in theninum inniya Tamil. As per that story, we are at Allahabad which is called as Prayag Raj, Theertha Raj, Thiruveni Sangamam. Last week we saw this place briefly. This week we shall visit all the places in Allahabad. Very important Kshetram is Allahabad. In 7th century, Hiuen Tsang messenger came to India from China and travelled to many places and used to write about the greatness of each places/country. He has told many great things about this Prayag.
Prayag, Kumbha Mela
As per our Puranas, muppathu mukodi theerthangal confluence here at this prayag. We have to go in a boat to reach the Sangamam place. At the Sangamam, we all wanted to do pooja and worship. We happen to check with the boy who was riding the boat about the greatness of the place - prayag. He was happy and said " one cannot explain easily the greatness of Prayag and let me try to explain since you had asked. This is Jamuna river. This comes from Delhi, Agra, Mathura, Brindavan and this is Green in colour. THe water is calm for 10 months and wild rest of the 2 months during monsoon. Jamuna is in 4 colour green, blue, Black, red, On the other side is Ganga from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kanpur. It's colour is like Elachi like our colour. Usme Bhav rehta hao Gehrahi Kam hai. Saraswati run between them. 3 river confluence and we can only see two of them here."
More on what we heard from them as follows. "When perumal churned the ocean to get the mrutham/nectar, the place where teh nectar was kept is this Prayag Raj. Thalamai peetam of all the Sangamam. In our Bharatha desam once in 3 months the kumbha mela happens. Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aani- Aadi, avani, puratasi - Iypasi, Karthigai, Marghazhi - Thai, masi panguni - And the Kumbha mela happens in 4 different places. At prayag, the biggest Kumbha Mela. 30 lakhs people came everyday this year and on the final day 3 crore people came for the kumbha mela.
Similarly Godavari Prayag happens at Nasik. Ganga Prayag/KUmbha mela happens at Haridwar, Chipra river's Kumbha mela happens at Ujjain. If the kumbha mela happens once in 6 months it is called Ardha Kumbha Mela. Once a year the Kumbha mela happens at allahabad and it is called Maha kumbha Mela. When we visited we happen to see the Arathi in the evening called Prayag Arathi. Watching that scene is a Mahabhakyam. Thiruveni Sangamam holy bath is punyam. Let us all join the Arathi.
Like this Arathi, this place has many Mahatmiyam. Ram had come here, Ram had stayed here for a night and then went to Bharadwaj Aashram. We can see all these hostorical incidences in the valmiki Ramayanam, Thulasidas Ramayanam, Kambha Ramayanam. But somebody who came from a different country, had written in detail about each and every place in Allahabad, about the Sanatana Dharma. We all had the great bhakyam to visit the thiruveni Sangamam. It was almost evening and from there we visited Bharadwaj aashramam.
Let us continue on Ramanin Padhayil. Guhan brought Ram in the boat and they crossed the River. Guhan was not ready to part Sriram. Who will like to part Sriram? Ram said " Guha, don;t worry, when i come back i will come and meet you at Shringiverapuram and take you to Ayodhya. Even we weren't happy to start from Shringiverapuram, but we had to move on and we reached bharadwaj aashram.
Bharadwaj Aashram
Ram, Lakshman, Sita visited Bharadwaj aashram. Bharadwaj welcomed Ram and enquired about his visit. Bharadwaj aashram is in the center of the city of Allahabad. We need to walk towards the Aashram. Busy area with lots of museum and exhibition. Small temples for Bharadwaj, Bharathan and it is punya bhoomi. When we checked on the details from the local people they say that the aashram must have been on the shore of the prayag and later moved to this place. We can see Bharadwaj in that temple. Now let us see who is
Bharadwajar. Rishi's life guide us to good path. The rishi's are referred as Rishi, Muni. The Rishi's are classified as Rishi, Raja Rishi(janakar), Deva Rishi(naradar), Brahma Rishi(Vashistar and Vishwamithrar wished for Brahma Rishi). Rishi means Mantra Dyaksha means the one who has seen(Prayatyakshamaga parkarthu) the Mantram. He will use the Mantra's for the well being of the world. Who is Bharadwajar ? Bhara means "bharathai dharippavar". Bharadwajar himself tells " do you know why i am called Bharadwajar ? yenyendral naan oruthorutharaiyum dharithu irukiren, katthu irukkiren(save wife, brahmins, vedam) and i am ready to take this load so called so" beautiful slogam "bhare asutan, bhare slokan, .........".
His birth story is very interesting. His family tree as follows Brahma, Angiras, Bruhaspathi(wife mamatha), Bharadwajar.
Bharadwaj was Valmiki's student. When we saw the first episode of Bittoor, where we saw the Valmiki Ashram, where we saw the Tamasa river, Valmiki went with his student including Bharadwajar to have a bath. When they returned from the river, they went to a garden near by and they happen to see one of the two bird being killed by a hunter. Valmiki was sad and this resulted in subsequent events and then the birth of Ramayanam. ( Please see Bittoor episode for more details).
There is one interesting story about Bharadwajar. He happen to marry a apsaras women called Grithachi. Dhronacharyar was the son of Bharadwaj and Grithachi. Dhronar by birth was a brahmin, but he was very good in Shooting bow and arrow. He was the acharya for Kauravas and Pandavas. He happen to stay on the side of Adharma and hence was killed. When the mahabharatha war was going on, Bharadwajar happen to come to Kurukshetra bhoomi. He advises his Son Dhrona, not to fight since fighting is not his Dharmam and suggested him to do dhyanam, tapas. But Dhronacharya didn't listen and then later as per Kannan's plan and Yudhistra's had to stay a lie and Dristadyumnan took off Dhrona's head and he died. When bharadwaj happen to hear the news he said that since dhrona was on the sides of Adharmam he lost his life. THis is the story of Bharadwaj's family.
THere is one more interesting history. Bharadwaj wanted to learn all the sections of the Veda. So when his last moments was reaching, he went to Indhiran and asked for extension of his life since he wanted to learn Veda. Indiran extended for 100 years. After 100 years Bharadwaj came back and asked for 100 more years. Indiran extended again. After 100 years Bharadwaj came back and asked for 100 more years third time too. Indiran gave for 3 times and when asked for the 4th time for 100 more years Indiran took Bharadwaj to a place where there were 3 mountains and lots of small hillocks of sand. Indiran asked Bharadwaj to see the mountain and the sand hillock too.Bharadwaj replied stating that mountain is huge and hillock sand is very little. I gave you 3 hundred years like those 3 mountains and you have learnt Veda's and the amount of it is equivalent to the small hillocks of sand. Bharadwaj was fine and he said that he wanted to work towards learning the rest of the Veda. Then indiran replied saying that the remaining veda's volume is as much as the mountains. Katrathu kai mann alavu, kallathathu ulagalavu. Valmiki bhagawan learnt everything when he was with Ram. We have seen Valmiki ashram, bharadwaj ashram been there in many places. Now we are at the Bharadwaj ashram in Allahabad. After this we shall visit two more important places in Allahabad. Lets go to those places.
"Dharmo rakshati rakshitaha" meaning it is our duty to protect Dharma and the Dharma inturn will protect us. Yatra is a type of Dharmam. For all the papam we have done, we do prayachitam and Yatra is one type of prayachitam. Bhagawan has made many punya Kshetram. Why do we have all these punya Kshetram ? All these places are there for many years.. puradanamaga ullanave. Bhakthas need to visit those places, have holy bath and need to do tharpanam. There is no need to check on the thithi. One can do the tharpanam for the ancestors in those holy waters any day. "yettu(8) yel(thil) yeduthu dhanam koduthal athan mahatmiyam solla yennathu". That too doing this 8 thil dhanam in those important Ghatam's of
holy waters, gives punyam for many following generations. Many of us have heard about Pithru Sabham resulting in delayed marraige or health problems. We will not know which ancestor (pithru) for what reason has cursed us but the existence of Pithru sabham might be visible in the jathakam when checked by an astrologer. So when going on an yatra one can do that common prayachitam. There are common(pothu) prayachitam and specific prayachitam too. It is diffcult to know on those specific prayachitam, even if we understand it is difficult to do those. So common prayachitam is theertha yathirai, pithrukalukku pinga pradhanam seivathu, nama sankeerthanam pannuvathu, dhanam kodupathu, upavasam irupathu, athma gyanathil idupaduvathu. All these are common prayachitam. So when we go on a theertha yathirai, if we do tharpanam one is doing prayachitam for unknown pithru sabham. Seek perumal's feet and do the common prayachitam since specific ones are difficult to do.
Akshayavatam
Allahabad is a punya kshetram. Here Pathal puri sannidhanam is there. Inside that temple there is Akshayavatam, a temple which has been there and didn;t get destroyed in all the 4 yugas. This is the place where Ram came and thought about his Father. First Let me tell you the story as heard from a person who was there which might lead to some doubts.
The people say that Ram had come here and did the tharpanam for his expired father. When did Ram do this tharpanam ? Because as per our Yathirai Ram is yet to receive the news of his father's death. Only after Ram reaches Chitrakut, bharathan has to come and break the news about Dasarathan's death. So Ram could not have done the Tharpanam here on his way to Chitrakut. Probably, he might have done on his way back from Srilanka. After Ram-Ravana war, along with Sita when Ram returned back to Ayodhya, Ram had visited Allahabad. So Ram had come to Allahabad twice. Ram visits this same Bharadwaj aashram which comes twice in Sri Rama Anu yatra. So when Ram returned, he is aware of his father's death and he must have done the pinda pradhanam when he came to Allahabad on the way to Ayodhya. The place where Ram did the pinda dhanam is called as AkshayaVatam. Here is Pathal Puri temple and the tree called Akshaya vatam. Here is the tree and roots of that tree which is under the ground. We can see the roots of that tree under the ground and the tree above the ground. The entire temple is under the ground. All these temple were above the ground once upon a time and later some kings moved it under the ground. It is a wonder to watch. Everyone who visits need to spend time to see what is in those places. We say Prayag - Pra Yagam. Yagam here means Deva puja, here referring to pithru puja. Yagam panna vendum which is for the deva's and puja for pithru's. This place is to do the Pithru puja. For doing this pithru puja is Akshayavatam. Referred as Akshayavatam since this is near the Dasa(10) Ashwamedha Ghat - place where 10 Ashwamedha Yagam was done. Such a great yagya bhoomi. If one done pinda pradhanam in this akshayavatam, it is equivalent to doing 10 ashwamedha yagam and it cleanses our papam.
Akshayavatam - means azhiyatha, one which has not got destroyed. Even after 4 yuga's this Akshayavatam will not get destroyed and will stay. Ram has done the pinda pradhanam in this place. There are two branches for this tree. one is Pitha shakai and the other one is Mathru Shakai. One for mother's side and another one for father's side. Pinda pradhanam is given for parents under this place. Whatever Dhanam is given in this place it gives great benefits - akshayamana palan. First one need to have holy bath, then come and give the dhanam, then do the pithru tharpanam and then place the head on the branches and roots and do pranams on the floor. This helps in cleansing the dirt in our body and also to cleanse the dirt in our mind
like ahankaram, mamakaram, kamam, krodham, veruppu, viruppu. All the papa which are stick to one's atma are cleansed in doing these at this place called akshayavatam. Ram has done the pinda pradanam first in allahabad and then at Varanasi(Kasi) and then third he did at Gaya. Ram himself has done pinda pradanam at three places. There is a Dhoha/slogam which is said related to this.
"Chale mann prayag, akshayavat dharshan, thiruveni pathakarani, matha pitha ke tharpan karke purna kar dho apni karji."
Do the pinda pradhanam at akshayavatam, Gaya(river palguni), varanasi to get rid of all the debts towards deva's, pithru's, manushya's, bhootha's. We have visited such a great place today.
We are at allahabad. When we reached allahabad from Shringiverapuram it was almost evening and there is lots of places to visit here. We had to rush in few places. Why was this tour done for 21 days only ? this was mainly to accomodate less week days to help working people.
Veni Madhava Sannidhi
Next we all started to the Veni madhavan Sannidhi in Allahabad. There are lots of Madhavan Sannidhi in this city. Totally 12 Madhavargal had been here. Currently there is only 7 Madhavargal Sannidhi. Rest 5 probably got destroyed by river floods or some other reason. Out of the sannidhi's today, the most important is the Veni Madhavan Sannidhi. Veni means, thriveni means Nachiyar Mahalakshmi thayar's three pinnalgal(hair locks), Ganga Yamuna Saraswathi are the thriveni. Intha veniyai karthukondu irupavar than veni madhavar. Here is Veni Madhavan sannidhi on the northern side of the Sangamam. On the west of Ganga is located Veni Madhavan Sannidhi. He is the pradhana devata for this city. There is a place called Dhara Ganga. Madhavan means - Ma- Kalvi/vidhya/upsanam, Dhavaha means swami. Kalviku yellam
athipathi, kalvi yellam kodupavan. Ma- Mahalakshmi ku swami, Thirumagal kelvan. Pasuram "Madhavan perai solluvathe othin surukku othin porul mudivum athuve.." whatever the veda says that seek him to serve him. To reach HIM say Madhavan and none of the papam will come to us. Thru Piratti we need to attain HIM who is the Madhavan. Raman had come to this place and he had worshipped the perumal in this place and then he had gone to Chitrakut says the history. There is also a note that Tulasidasar wrote Ramayanam from this sannidhanam. We are going to see about Thulasidasar in detail. Now let me tell you about that in short. Thulasidasar, Ram have worshipped this Madhava perumal. Then imagine how old will be this temple. The prayag associated to this place is explained by Thulasidasar as " Ko kahi sahe..." meaning Who can explain the prabhavam of this prayag, Ram has come here, so all of you come here, Ram's footsteps have been in this place so all of you come says Thulasidasar. Near this madhavar perumal temple, in small sila salagrama vadivam lots of Madhavargal are there as follows
asi madhav - the madhav who smiles,
Anantha Madhav - Madhavan who does not have an end - endless by time, place, form.
Aadi Madhav - Madhav who created this world and is there since aadi kalam
Chakra Madhav - Madhav who has Sangam, Chakram on his hands
Harita madhavan(Padma Madhavan ?) - Madhav who was in green colour in the third yugam, first yugam white colour, second yugam - red color, third yugam - maa thalir pachai(green) color.
Manohara Madhavan - Madhav who gives happiness/aanandam.
Currently there are 7 Madhavas here. When we went to that place, we happen to talk to an old person to hear about the prabhavam of this place. The old man started to explain and then an young man explained too. Let us hear from them.
Bhagavadam, shruti, smriti explains this prayag as TheerthaRaj, PrayagRaj. This prayag is called TheerthaRaj. The deity of this prayag is Veni madhav Bhagawan. One has to visit this temple after the holy bath to get the complete benefit of this visit to this place. Visiting this temple is believed to be mandatory. Ram during his Vanvasam had come to the Prayag and also has visited this temple.
Ram starting from Allahabad towards Chitrakoot
Now it is time for Ram to start from Allahabad, Bharadwaj Aashram. Ram has to complete the rest of the years in the exile and he asked Bharadwaj for his suggestions on the place to stay.
Bharadwaj explained Ram the route and told "Rama go towards the bank of Yamuna, cross the river of Yamuna and after few distance you will see Chitrakut a beautiful place like kuberan's city on the banks of river Mandagini. There are lots of Rishi's who stay in those mountains and are doing Tapas/Penance. You can stay and learn from them great things and you can live in Satsangam." Note that Bharadwaj advises Ram to stay along with bhakthas - SatSangam. Basically this will help in controlling the mind and not letting the mind to wander. Ram's mind is not going to wander but still this advice is for us. Stay in a Satsangam, live on the banks of river. Chitrakoot is called as Kamadha giri and will fulfill onces wish. Go stay there and after finishing, 14 years come back to this place on the way back to Ayodhya. This was the order by Bharadwaj. Vishwamithrar, Vashistrar, Bharadwaj - Ram listens and obeys the order of these great rishi's.
When ram came back to Bharadwaj aashram on his return journey, Bharadwaj asked him to stay for a night. Ram didn't expect this additional one day stay and hence he sent Hanuman to pass the message of his arrival to Bharathan.
Ram crossing Yamuna to Reach Chitrakoot
So Ram starts from this Bharadwaj Aashram and let us also start from here. we need to reach banks of river Yamuna and we crossed the huge bridge to see the place where Ram crossed the river Yamuna. we reached that place after travellign through a busy market place. Lakshman had created a small boat and then they crossed the river Yamuna to come to the other bank. From here they went to Chitrakoot. Even today, we can have the darshan of the place where Ram had crossed the river Yamuna. We were not able to go to this place first time and we made it to this place next time. This Yamuna only goes and joins Ganga at Allahabad. We are travelling south west direction from Allahabad to reach this place where Ram crossed the river Yamuna.
There is a huge bridge for us to cross the Yamuna river. Ram crossed the Ganga earlier and now they are crossing Yamuna. Sita first does her namaskaram to Yamuna Matha, she does aarathi using a small leaf and diya/deepam. Facing north Sita prays to Yamuna saying " Yamuna please do protect Ayodhya. We are going and request you to take care of our children".
When we all said the same slogam and did the prathanai, tears rolled from all of our eyes and mei silurthu poiduthu. Ganga Yamuna are our nations river - jeeva nadhi, vatradha ootru. More water resulting in flood or dried rivers are problem. We all had darshan of this river Yamuna.
Thulasidas
Before going to Chitrakootam, there is a beautiful aashram of Thulasidasar. Thulasidasar is a great bhaktha, pandithar and Poet/kavi. There is an ashram and a temple for Thulasidasar, where Thulasidasar's hand written ollai chuvadi of his Thulasidasar Ramayanam is there. Thulasidasar used a dialect of hindi called avathi basha, he wrote two two lines can be called as couplets or four four lines called Rama Charitha Manas. Manas means Pushkarani, Pond, kulam - Raman yennum charitham yennum periya kulam. Also the world famous Hanuman chalisa was also written by Thulasidas. Hanuman Chalisa parayanam is done daily in north india. Also he had written 22 works. His original manuscript has been protected and kept safe even today. We saw thulasidasar aashram on the banks of river Yamuna.
Let us start from this aashram towards chitrakut where a huge surprise is awaiting us. Lets go.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 19 - Aug 25 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Rama Nama Mahatvam
Slogam: "Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame; Sahasrenama tattulyam, Rama Nama Varanane"
Rama namam is equivalent to saying the sahasra(1000) names of Vishnu referred as SriVishnu Sahasranamam.
Slogam : "Keno payena laguna Vishnor nama sahasrakam| patyate panditair nityam shrotumicchamyaham prabho:
Parvathi asks Shivan "what is the solution if some one cannot say all the 1000 names? "
Shiva answers that saying Rama namam is equivalent to saying all the 1000 names of vishnu as in the slogam
Slogam: "Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame; Sahasrenama tattulyam, Rama Nama Varanane"
Saying Rama Nama helps in reducing Papam and reducing our karmam. Similarly, another way to reduce the papam is to go and visit places related to Raman and take bath in the holy waters.
Prayachitam and Yatra importance
For many years/ages, we all have been doing lots of papam knowingly or unknowingly. Today admidst busy schedule, can we find what all papam one has done and can one find ways to come out of it. Can we list the papa and find prayachitams for all the papam ? Even if we find the prayachitams, it is not feasible or easy to perform the prayachitams at times. Jyotitar's tells us about the problem by looking at the Jatakam. Also they gives us prayachitam. We are not sure if the prayachitam told is correct because Jyotitar's are not consistent. But Jyothisha is true. It is not easy to do the prayachitam's for various papam in this busy schedule. To solve this in the ancient days, common prayachitam as been clearly explained. Specific prayachitam are also
there and one can find them and do the same. Veda's declare the list of papam and prayachitams for each but we cannot easilyunderstand or follow. So there are common prayachitams whichreduce the impact and will save us from the ill effects of those papam. This is something feasible.
Kannan in Mahabharatham, Shanti Parvam , Raja dharmam explains about the list of common prayachitam.
1. Upavasam
2. Namasankeerthanam
3. Deva Poojai - vigraham pujai at home
4. Theertha yatrai
5. Yaga yagyam
6. Dhanam koduthal
7. Atma Paramatma pattri sindhithal
While we go on a Yatrai most of the above will be taken care automatically. The time is spent in bhagavad gyanam, doing archanai in various temple so deva poojai is taken care, no disturbance due to telephone, people and other disturbances, Upavasam too due to miss in the eating schedule, dhanam, bath in the holy sacred water. So an yatrai takes care of all the common prayachitam. Explaining all this to explain the importance of yatrai. So yatrai is very important for each one of us. Our dear Rama had also gone for yatrai. He walked across the Bharata bhoomi inorder to make all the bhoomi as punya kshetram due to his presence. Keeping this in mind Ram started from Bharadwaj Aashram.
Sri Rama Prabhu Ghat on River Yamuna
From bharadwaj ashram Ram wanted to go to Chitrakoodam. All the disciples of Bharadwaj rishi wanted to join Ram to show him the way to cross Yamuna and reach chitrakoot. Later 4 of his shisyas helped Ram to crosss the Yamuna and show the way. Here is Yamuna and a huge long bridge through which we crossed the river Yamuna. Beautiful Yamuna and on this river bank if you happen to climb the steps one can see Thulasidasar aashram. When Ram came to this side of Yamuna, all of them on this bank of the river were happy to welcome Ram. SriRama Prabhu Ghat - Ram crosssed the river Yamuna and then all the people on this side were happy that prabhu has come. So this steps and Ghat are called as Prabhu Ghat. Let us next visit Thulasidasar.
Ramanyan in many languages
Valmiki Ramayanam "Kavyam Ramayanam..."
Ramanyanam has many names Sri Ramanyanam, Sita charitam, Poulasya Vatham ( Poulasyar is a Rishi and Ravanan was born in this Vamsam and since Ram killed Ravanan it is called so). Many have translated Ramanyanam in many languages. Not just translation, instead all these writters have got the blessings/arul of Ram. Kambhar translated Valmiki's Sriramayanam in Tamil. Tulasidas has written Ram charitha manas in Hindi in a hindi dialect called "Avadhi". Manas means Lake. Raman charitham sollum yeri/lake/manas and hence called as Ram Charitha Manas. We are going to see Tulasidas's house and temple/Ashram and his original manuscript.
Thulasidas and Sri Ram Prabhu Ghat
Here are the Beautiful steps in the Prabhu ghat leading us from the river yamuna to the Temples. Let us hear the story as we visit those places. Tulasidasar's vigraham was found from this Ghat and prathistai is done in the temple we are going to visit.
Tulasidasar lived for aound 120 years. He was born in uttarpradesh. Tulasidasar attained mukthi in 1680 while he was in banaras/kasi/varanasi at Hasi ghat. One of his Shisya called Gana pat Ram collected all the items of Tulasidasar, like the aradhanai - Narasimha Salagrama moorthi, Original manuscript of Ram charitha manas and his Padugai. With all these items Gana Path Ram came back to Tulasidasar's home town which is this place on the banks of River yamuna. On hearing the news of Tulasidasar's death all were very upset. Tulasidas's wife is Bhuthimathi. She understood Tulasidasar's Ram bhakthi and his disinterest in family life. She was very supportive and instrumental in Tulasidasar getting Sanyasam. On seeing Gana Path Ram the family members were worried. Tulasidasar came in the dreams of his family and told about his Vigraham on the banks of yamuna river and he asked them to find it and to do the pradhistai. The family members went and searched for the vigraham but they could not find it in the river Yamuna which is huge like a sea. The family members were unhappy. Again Tulasidasar came in the dream and told them about the vigraham in the prabhu ghat. The family members searched in the prabhu ghat and they found the vigraham and did the pradhistai of that vigraham here in this temple near Prabhu Ghat. This place is before chitrakoot on the banks of river yamuna. Let us visit some important things in this temple.
Thulasidas Ghar/Temple
1. First here is Tulasidas vigraham with thiruman kappu, hands doing namaskaram, wearing long shawl,
2. Sita Ram in white marble. Thulasidasar was worshipping Ram and Sita and hence these idols - Ram, Lakshman and Seetha. Thulasidasar aaradhitha perumal.
Thulasidasar house - two houses one in which he lived where pada rakshagai, saligramam are placed.
4. Also there is RadhaKrishna silai which was added at a later stage.
5. Also we can see Thulasidasar padukai and
6. then the salagrama vigraham which he had done the aradhanai for the perumal.
This place is called as Thulasidas Ghar and we all had the bhagyam of seeing these things in this house.
Pujari there talks about Ram. Let us hear from him.
"Hye prabhu aapke liye sansar ka sara rasta sugam hai. Mein koun sa rasta aapko bhathavun. Ramji ko tho uttar bharadwaj ji ne de diya. Lekin BHaradwajji maharaj ke hrudaya me Santhosh nahi huha. ayodhya me paidha huha Ram, paidhal kutti thak aaya hai. Rasta bhatane ka inke saath jana Bharadwaj maharaj apne shisyon ka aawaj diya. "
Slogam - "yavath.."
Brahma through Naradar blessed valmiki which made Valmiki to write 24000 slogam of Sri Ramayanam. "Till himachalam, surya chandrar, Gangai, exist till that time the greatness of Ramayanam would exist and will not get destroyed or will not reduce. This is a boon/order i am giving" - Says four faced brahma. As per this, the perumai of Ramayanam exists and has been increasing day by day. Ram is in our hearts. Manasarovar is a lake near Kailash. Near that lake the swan used to live. When we think about that our hearts are filled with joy. Similarly when someone thinks of Ram's Guna then the hearts are filled with joy. Probably thats why Thulasidasar named his Ramayanam as Ram Charitha Manas. Ram's story is a treasure. Ram's charitham is a great reference for our life whenever we are in confused situation or when we have to decide on something or when we have lost something or when we are frightened or when are minds are wavering, or when there is no peace/unity in a family, many such situation - all these exist in Ramayanam across various chapters of incidents. For us to learn is one Ramayanam not enough ? There is a precious stone/manikkam, when seen from one side we can see the brigtness. If we polish it and see if from another angle it looks more brighter and precious. This precious stone will be valued as a treasure only by person who understands about the precious stone. Similarly, when Valmiki looked at Ramayanam, some of the great treasures are revealed in the Ramayanam. When Kambhar looked into it some more treasures got revealed from different angle and when Thulasidas looked into it some more treasures got revealed. Even if we can see Ramayanam, through the eyes/vision of these great people since we do not have that shakthi/skill,(time, knowledge) we can understand and discover many treasures.
Such a great Ram bhakthar is Thulasidasar - 1554- 1680 - lived for 126 years. The house he lived is a temple today. We have reached this temple now. Here we happen to see 439 year old olai chuvadi. Thulasidas he himself had written this script. He has written Ram charitha manas when he was 74 years. He wrote hanuman chalisa too. He had written 22 works. His hand written script version of the ayodhya kandam is available here. Scintillating explerience to see the ollai chuvadi. Great Bhagyam to see the same. Here is the ollai chuvadi. The pujari took one by one all the vatsaram(cloth) which was covered over the ollai chuvadi. All the mahan who had come here had given salvai, thagadi, ponnadai as present. Like how we give salvai to great people, the visitors had given the salvai to Thulasidasar by giving it to his works. Here we can see the treasure given to us by thulasidas. After a wonderful cover, the pujari shows the script which is treasured safely today.
Details of Thulasidasar..
All these olai chuvadi has been written in mara yezhuthani(wooden nib) and anjanam(Kan mai). The olai chuvadi has been prepared manually using palm tree leaves. For sticking, they had used the glue from the tree barks. Using all these, he had made this great work in those days. We had the bhagyam of seeing all his great work and things he had used. There is also a huge photo of Thulasidasar with the Slogam near the place where the ramayanam is chanted (parayanam) everyday. Akbar had given this place to Tulasidas's family and we can see the note on the same saying that this place belongs to Thulasidas family and whatever he has written let them be thought/spread from this place. A copy of that original is also available here.
Raman Vana Gamana Margam - Raman's exile route map which has beeen listed by Thulasidasar.
There is also note on the mapping of the alphabets which was in use during Tulasidas time and the one in usage currently. We can also see the place of ramanyana daily parayanam..
Next Ram had gone to valmiki asharamam to find the way to Chitrakoot. Let us all join the Yatra.
Pujari from Tulasidas Temple talking.........
Ram at Chitrakoot
Slogam : "Subhahas chitrakooto.."
This is a very important slogam in Valmiki Ramayanam. Raman reaches Chitrakut. When we look at the place, mountain and how ram live there, it looks as if Kuberan was living in his Garden with joy and happiness. Here is chitrakut mountain. Beautiful place - peryezhil. Place where Ram is going to stay. Ram wanted to spend the rest of the years of exile in this place. Since Bharath came and gave the kingdom to Ram and took the Padugai. Then Ram thought if i stay here, all the people will come here and the forest should not become a kingdom. Kadu nadaga koodathu.... Kaikeyiku kodutha vakku poika koodathu. He want to follow the boon he had given to Kaikeyi that he will live in the exile for 14 years. Ram went to Dhandakaranyam else he would have stayed here. Like how kuberan was playing in his Garden, Ram was staying in this place like that.
Valmiki Aashram at Chitrakoot
Before coming to this place, they crossed Yamuna ghat in a bambhoo boat made by Lakshman. Before entering Chitrakoot, there is Valmiki ashram and Ram went and met him. There is valmiki ashram here and a river called valmiki river infront of the ashram.
We saw Sarayu, gangai, yamanuai, sarawathi, shrona, Kandagi saw those punya river and now valmiki river. We took bath and climbed the mountain. on the mountain there is a beautiful sirpam which explains the valmiki bird story ( which we had seen in detail in Bittoor Episode).
First slogam "Mani....."
Then brahma came to valmiki ashram in bittoor and because of Brahma's belssing Valmiki wrote Ramayanam. We can see idols depicting these incidences here. From this place/mountain through the temple's salara..(window) we can see the entire chitrakut, the parikrama route, Ithihasa mahatvam vaintha sthlangal.
Is the valmiki ashram here or in bittoor.. We had discussed this when we saw the bittoor episode. Rishi's keep moving.. there is one Valmiki ashram in Naimisharanyam too. When Ram had come here Valmiki was here in Chitrakoot. similarly Bharadwaj, agasthya ashram are also there in many places. Rishi's/Muni keep travelling from one place to another.
Ram worshipped Valmiki. Valmiki asked "why did you come here what is the reason ?", Ram explained.. Valmiki advised Ram to stay at Chitragiri - "Chitragiri is here and you can stay here....KamadaGiri - a place which gives what we ask for. Stay here". Ram took leave from Valmiki and started walking towards Chitrakoot. Lots of rich trees on the way. As per bharadwaj guidance Ram reached chitrakoot and following Valmiki's words ram decided to stay here.
Beautiful place with fruits and flowers.. - Maa, pala, kamugu , palai, paku, arasa maram, parasa maram, purasa maram, aala maram, kurukathi poo, padari poo, karumugai poo, kunudha malar, Thamarai, malligai, Jaathi, Shenbhaga pushpam, iruvatchi, maruvu, dhavanam, Kozhunthu. An exhibition of all flowers.
So this is called chitrakoodam - Azhagana koodam - parpatharke ullam uvanthu irukkum koodam. Now we are reaching chitrakootam hill and we have the best experience going forward.
Chitrakoot
SriRamanin Padhayil we are here at chitrakut on the banks of river mandagini. Ram and Sita took bath in the river mandagini. Lots of rishi's have attained mukthi in this place. Chitrakut is a special place in bhologam. Everyone should take a break from mechanical life and stay here for a vacation to get relieved from the mental stress. On the 8th day we reached this place around 8 pm. we decided to stay here for 2 days to visit all the places. Next day morning, we woke to do the Parikrama of the mountain.
Chitrakoot Parikrama
Lots of benefit to go around this mountain and this city. Let us all go for the parikrama. Valam varum pothu what are the places to visit
1 - Mandagini river - boat ride - Ram and Sita had taken bath and lived on the banks of this river. Such a sacred river. Lots of Gatam and boats in that river. Sandhyavandanam, Jala tharpanam, Pithru tharpanam, had holy bath and played too.
2 - kamadha giri - mountain which gives what we wish for... filled with monkey, peacock, deer, cuckoo, Kamam means viruppam/wish. So many types and colour of monkey as sung by thirumangai azhwar. We remember sugreevan, hanuman on seeing those different types of monkeys. On one side of the mountain, ram's face, bharath's face are all there.
3 - Bharatha milap - Bharathan vandhu ramanai sandhitha idam, raman padugai kodutha idam. Even today we can see Ram's thiruvadi chuvadu.
4 - Ram Ghat - Very important ghatam on the bank of river Mandagini. lots of temples on this ghat. Ram/Sita did the pinda pradhanam, jala tharpanam.
5 - Janaki kundam - place where sita used to take bath when she used to come alone. Ekanthamana, aachariyamana place.
6 - Hanuman Dhara - This is little outskirt from the city and on the top of the mountain. Water flows from the top and falls on hanuman's head and flows down. Unable to find the source and where it flows down.
7 - Sita Rasoi - Kitchen , madapalli of Sita. Most of the time they had eaten raw vegetables,fruits and at times cooked food.
8 - Spatiga Shila - A huge rock/parai on the river bank of mandagini river, a crow came and troubled them when ram was sleeping on Sita's lap. Ram took a darbai(grass) and he sent the darbai, the darbai followed the crow and at last the crow seeked Sita's refuge and saved his life.
9 - Gupta Godhavari - It is an adventure to visite this place. under the cave Godhavari runs down under the cave in the pathalam. Godhavari had come here and she had Ram's darshan by hiding under the cave. She wanted to invite Ram to Panchavati and hence she came here in the pathalam.
Beautiful place on the border of UP and MP and a must visit. We shall see Chitrakut in the next two weeks and let us get relieved from all our mental stress.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 20 - Sept 01 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
We are at Chitrakoot as part of Sri Ramanin Padhayil. Ram and Sita wanted to spend happily the rest of the duration of their Exile here at Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot is in MP /UP border. Chitrakoot is in the center of India.
Char dham popularly knowsn for the following temples - Northern side it is Badrikachalam, west Dwaraka, East Puri Jagannthan, South Rameswaram. The center of all these 4 is the PARAMA DHAM is Chitrakoot.
Thillai Chithira Koodam
Northern Chitrakoot is what we are going to say. We are going to have the darshan of the chitrakoodam in north india but Similarly in sourthern part of India, chidambaram is called as Thillai nagar thiru chitthira koodam - where we have in dancing posture Nataraja perumal and in sleeping posture Govindaraja swamy Perumal. Kulasekaraazhwar has sung 10 pasuram's in his Perumal Thirumozhi - the last pathigam is samarpanam for thillai Chitthira koodam. But in those 10 pasuram what has been told is Story of Ramayanam. Though the hero of the story "Ram" was in the northern Chittrakut but Kulasekaraazhwar sings as if he saw Ram in the southern region.
Pasuram : Anganedu... from Perumal Thirumozhi.
PERUMAL THIRUMOZHI- 10.1
Note from Sadagopan.org : After Darasaratha’s lamenting decad, AzhwAr relishes singing the entire Ramayanam in his last set of verses in PerumAL Thirumozhi. The whole Ramayanam is beautifully narrated in just 11 verses and is sung referring to Thirucchithrakootam Diyya Desam perumAL.The same Lord Sri Rama resides here in this divya desam permanently. Thillai Thirucchitrakootam Pasurams of Kulasekhara are nothing but Sampoorna Ramayanam.The same chitra kootam Rama resides with Sita and Lakshmanan. He salutes the Lord as the one, who enjoyed the bliss with Sita Devi at the foot hills of Chitrakootam.Kulasekhara was moved by the beauty of Tillai nagar that he was reminded of the beauty of the Chitrakootam of the north and called Thillai as Thiruchitrakootam.He is a great Rama Bhaktha and hence moved by the beauty of the Archa murthy of that Kshetram. He saw in Govinda Raja Sri Ramachandra and composed his
Sampoorna Ramayanam then and there. These verses have enshrined themselves containing mantrams, Sundara khaandam (or RamAyaNam) meanings and inner meanings that are commonly understood and commented by our AchaaryAs.
angaNedu mathiLpudaisoozh ayOtthi yennum
aNinagaraththu ulaganaitthum viLakkum sOthi
vengathirOn kulatthukkOr viLakkaayth thOnRi
viNmuzhuthum uyakkoNda veeran thannai,
sengaNedunkarumugilai iraaman thannai
thillainagar thirucchithra koodanthannuL
engaLthani mudhalvanai yemperumaan thannai
yenRukolO kaNkuLirak kaaNum naaLE 10.1
meaning from sadagopan.org
Filled with the most beautiful places, tall ramparts of the buildings, in the city named Ayoddhi, where Jagath kaaraNan, the Param jyOthi Sriman Narayanan took avathAram as Sri Ramachandra in Surya vamsa, in an unparalleled avathAram, the most valorous One who removed the sorrows of everyone; who has the most beautiful red lotus eyes; who is like dark hued rainy clouds; who enchants everyone with His divine beauty and most beautiful ruddy lined large eyes; who shows Himself at Thillai Chithra kootam divya desam; who is Primordial Chief; Our Master; - such most wonderful Lord- emperumAn- when will I able to enjoy seeing Him and relish His divine beauty?- longs AzhwAr.
Ram the king of Ayodhya, ulagathaiye vilakum jyothi, surya kulathuku oru vilakku, andru antha chithirakoodathil irunthar, avarai indru sevikka vendum yendram indru thillai chithira koodathil amarunthum, sayanithum sevai sathikirar - Govinda Raja Perumal. Moola murthy sayana thirukolam, Utsava murthy acharyamaga amartha thirukolam, like how Ram must have sat in Chitthirakut. Lets go back to Chitirakut.
Yatra @ Chittirakut
We saw all the places while we did the Parikrama of Chitirakut. We all stayed there for two days during the yatra on the 8th and 9th day and on 10th we saw Sarabhanga ashram, Sutheekshanashramam, agasthiyar ashramam. It was a great adventure visiting these ashram.
Ram Ghat on Mandagini River
First thing to watch at Chitirakut is Mandagini River and Ram Ghat. One can travel in those beautifully decorated boats from one side to another. Ram hears about his father's death while he was in Chitrakut, when Bharath had come here. Ram was shattered saying "Hye Sita you have lost your FIL and Hye Lakshmana you have lost your Father" and Ram brought all of them to Ram Ghat. This is the place where Ram used to take his bath daily and he did the tarpanam and all the Kriyai for his dad in this place. Having a bath at Ram ghat is holy and scared. Around this Ram Ghat there are lots of temples. First among them is Ram Vanavas Mandir.
Ram Vanavas Mandir
Ram in this temple is in the same attire as how he was in exile. Ram and Lakshan dressed in the form of KattuVasi with Sada mudi, maan thol, maravuri. But Sita is decked up with all jewels and she is celebrated as a queen in this place.
Tree for Puthira Bhagyam
Next there is a tree for Puthira Bhagyam. People are Praying to this tree, asking for blessing from Ram who was here during his Vanavasam. Samarpanam of fruits are done to this temple.
Parna kuti and Brahma Theertham
Brahma during kretha yug did tapas and he picked one place in chitrakut and he purified that place. This place is called as Brahma Theertham. This is the place where Brahma made a homa kundam and did 108 homa kundam and did a yagam. All had come here to make that place a puniya bhoomi. Brahma did wish for Ram/sita to come here. So they created a Parna Kutteram near by ie. the parna salai where Ram had stayed and lived. First is ram's kudil and then next to it is Lakshman's small kudil. This place is what is referred as Parna Kuti.
Slogam
Ramaya Rama Bhadraya
Ramachandraya Vedhase
Raghu Nathaya Nathaya
Sitayah Pataye Namaha
Meaning : To Rama, Ramabhadra, Raghunatha(These are different names of Lord Rama),the Lord, the Consort of Seetha, our salutations to him.
Place where the Bharath & Sena stayed
Pranams to Ram. Lakshman followed Ram to Exile while Bharathan was in Ayodhya. Bharathan was not in town when Ram started to exile. He was in his Mama - yudhajith's (Kaikeyi's brother)kingdom. When Bharathan came back, he heard about his father's death and when he went to his mother and asked she said just like that "Bharatha your Father has gone to the place where everyone has to go one day, don't worry, i have the kingdom for you". Bharathan was shattered and surprised to hear this from his mother. All he wanted was to serve Ram and keep Ram's thiruvadi on his head. Bharathan felt that a big mistake has happened and he started to get back Ram.
Slogam :
Meaning : Even if ram does not listen to me just for the sake of all these animals, ministers, goat, cow, hen, kula guru will not Ram return back to ayodhya. So bharathan started from Ayodhya as followed the route as told by Gugan, Bharadwaj and he reached Chitrakut where Ram was staying. Huge troups came to chitrakut and the place they stayed is here and they also stayed at Brahma Theertham.
Bharath Mandir
This Bharath Mandir is on the banks of river Mandagini. We can do our pranam's to bharathan here. The pujari in the temple explains us the great anubhavam. This is Bharath mandir and all of them who had come from Ayodhya with Bharath had stayed here and in the huge ground in front of this temple. Staying in this temple, Bharath had got Vashistar's permission and asked his soldiers to go and find ram. The place where Ram stayed is the parna salai and it is little far from this place. They happen to see the smoke from the parna salai while searching. The the messengers went to check who was there doing some yagam in that parna salai. They went there to See Ram and immediately went to inform Bharath.
Janaki Kund
This is not referred as Janaki theertham or Janaki Ghat. Ram Ghat is the place where Ram and Seetha used to bath. Janaku kund is the place where Seetha used to come alone to take bath. A beautiful and safe place with lots of rock. We can see Seetha's thiruvadi on the rocks on the bank. These are not artificial. This has been natural and is here for many years close to 17,00,000 years. How is it possible. Sita's thiruvadi yendro pattathu ? Deivathin thiruvadi. Idam intha idam thane. The mahatmiyam of this place is that Sita was here and her thiruvadi patta idam. There are lots of places which has been marked stating that the place where sita sat, place where sita kept her clothes, place where she washed the clothes, place where Sita sat with Rishi pattini's, place where she had bath. This is just to signify the place and does not mean that it is exactly those places where it had happened. We are not here to argue or answer questions like "is this the place where Sita was there 17,00,000 years ago". This is chitrakut and it is the place where Sita had stayed. But why these marks - that is just for us to understand and no one is claiming that everything happened exactly in those marked areas. This is wonderful Janaku kund where Jagath Janani had taken bath.
Kamada Giri
Chitrakut's very important mountain is Kamada Giri. Kamam means our desire/viruppam/aasai. da means kodukkum. Namathu viruppam niraiverum. Wishes will be granted here. Ram used to walk around this mountain everyday. We also has part of Ramanin Padhayil wanted to go around this mountain. Wherever you go ayodhya, brindavan, naimisaranyam or in chitrakut in all these places Parikrama is very important. Parikrama means Valam Varathal. Govardhan mountain parikrama is 21 KM, ayodhya is 10 KM and 18 KM. Here at chitrakut is a beautiful small mountain with 5.5 KM parikrama of Kamada Giri. One can walk along with peacock, deer, monkeys during this parikrama. Ram anu yatra so monkeys will be there and one need to be careful with them. We finished the parayanam and upanyasam at Bharatha milap before it gets dark and when parikrama started it was 6.30 PM. Few people also did parikrama in rickshaws. They drive the rickshaw so fast chanting jai sita ram, Siya ram, sita matha ki jai instead of using bell. It took 1 hour to complete one parikrama by walk. On the four sides there are 4 temples. One can start the Parikrama from any corner. 4 beautiful temples. Before starting the parikrama one needs to do the namaskaram first - shastanga namaskaram. First pray to the mountain and then start walking. Lots of shop along the way and in those dvd shops ramayan will be played in those TV. There will be crows in front of all the shops watching those Ramayan in different forms. yatrika's also enjoyed the lassi, lemon juice, milk, butter milk, sugar cane juice from the shops while doing the parikrama. Also we saw a mountain and a temple for Thulasidas on the way. Finally reached Bharatha Milap - place where Ram and Bharath met.
On the kamada Giri mountain itself they have carved the faces of the mountain Kamada giri, ram and bharathan. Very beautiful. The face of the mountain is with mouth open state in which we can see the teeth and in the place of the last two teeth one can see the salagrama thirumeni. It is said that Bharathan had insalled those salagramam there. Ram had done the puja for those salagramam. Everyone did archanai and puja for the mountain wishing all the wishes to get fullfilled especially for the yatra to get over successfully. We did samarpanam of fruits, dhoti, milk, lemon. Kamadagiri - place which was worshipped by Ram himself. There is one temple which is the big face of the mountain and a small face too. The small face is Ram's which was installed by Bharathan and the big face is that of the mountain kamadagiri which was installed by Ram. Wonderful Kamadagiri.
Bharatha Milap
Bharathan came here and met Ram and gave the kingdom. But Ram didn't accept the kingdom from Ram. Ram told that he had to stay in the exile for 14 years as per his promise to Kaikeyi. So ram asked Bharathan to go back to ayodhya. Instead of Ram returning to ayodhya, ram decided to give his Padukai. We have already seen Nandi gram where padukai pattabhishekam was done. This is the place where the padukai was given to bharath. All the yatrikas felt emotional when they visited this place - pullarichu pochu. At Nandigram, We saw bharathan and hanuman meeting at nandi gram raising the question on who has more bhakthi. Now here in Chitra kut there is huge tree and near that the place where Ram sat. Near this is one THITTU in which we can see Ram's kaladi chuvadu and Lakshman's Kaladi chuvadu and Sitadevi Kaladi chuvadu. We cannot walk and one can see the place and the fossil there. very important place to visit. On the other side beautiful temple with ram, bharath vigraham. This place is a sacred place.
Pujari talking about Bharath Milap.
Some adventurous experience with the monkey which took away many things from the yatrika's. Then we also did the Parayanam. Very important ghatam. Bharathan vanthathu, ramania kanda vudan keezhe vizhunthathu, Ram avanai thooki alli anaithathu mogarunthu than madiyil amarthi kondu kelvigalaga thulaithathu, avanukku asirvatham panninathu, yellam intha idathil than nadanthathu. Lets hear the parayanam and the upanyasam. Beautiful place.
Upanyasam : Kamadagiri - Naam aasai pathavaigal yellam kuduka kudiya malai ithu. The reason for this name is very interesting charithram. When Ram was here, the mountain changed itself to a shape of a face and gave darshan to Ram - Malai mugha vadivil Ramanukku Sevai kuduthathu. Ram hence installed that face here which is the big face. In that big face we can see some rose flowers in the picture and inside that face there are 7 Salagramam. Some of the salagramam are moving and some are not moving. Next to that big face of kamadagiri is the small face which is done by Ram as a prana prathistai. Raman started from this mountain towards southern side. During that time, the mountain questioned Ram on why he is leaving. Ram told that mountain that he is naming the mountain as Kamadha Giri and all the wishes of his devotee will be fullfilled here and you stay here to fullfill the devotees wish. Ram did this anugraham to this mountain and he started from Chitrakut. So this mountain is called Kamadha Giri and the perumal here is called as Kamadha Giri Nathan. This mountain grants all the wishes, especially Rama Bhakthi. This place gets all the importance due to Bharath's visit here. So if we all can get a little bit of the Rama bhakthi which Bharath had by praying to this Kamadha giri that would be great.
Three postures of Ram and the Three places
Raman in sitting posture at Chitrakut was very beautiful. Raman nindrathu(standing), Raman amarthathu(sitting), Raman kidanthu(lying down) - three famous places. Utathe Rama masiyum - Ram was sitting at Chitrakut(amaruntha thirukolam), After killing Vali Ram's standing posture at Kishintha(nindra thirukolam) and in thirupullani Rameshwaram Sethu karai on the sea shore, with his hands as pillows Ram was in lying posture, did saranagathi and requested the Samudra rajan to pave way(kidantha thirukolam).
Azhwar says Nindravarum, irunthavarum, kidanthavarum ninaipariyana.
Place we stayed
Next we are going to hear an important story and the place where that happened. We all had stayed at a medical center called AROGYADHAM PANCHAVATI - place where they make medicines of ayurvedam and siddh from the varoious herbs/muligai from those mountain. Lovely serene place. There was a small river also near the place where we stayed.
Spatika Shila
On the other corner of the town we reached Spatika Shila. This is the place where Ram tried to kill the Kakai Asuran and that kakai asuran was saved by Sita. The mandagini there is little deep and on the bank there is a huge rock.
In one of the pasuram Periazhwar says "Chitrakutathu iruppa siru kakai mula theenda athirame avan kannai aruthathumo adayalam".
Ram was sitting here in chitrakut. Let us hear from the pujari who is talkign about the mahatmiyam of that place and we also did parayanam/upanyasam in that place.
The pujari explained about the place where Ram was sitting, Sita was sitting and the explanation in Ram charitha manas. He also showed the place where lakshman was sitting.
One important information which we need to understand is the guna of Ram. Yeperpatta kutram seithalum, raman marakiran, mannikiran, porumaiyaga irukkiran. We as part of Ramanin padhayil need to understand about patience and need to develop tolerance. Whatever the blunders one does, if the person is seeking Ram's feet and if he is doing saranagati and if he is praying and requesting to perumal, then in a second perumal forgets everything and forgives him.
Kurathazhwan says "Brahma kalpa niyutha anubha...janthu ..."
I have accured sins and it would take many janmam to experience the impact of sin which i have collected in just one second. Such is the longlist of my papam. But if i go to perumal and say"i will not repeat those misktakes and i am seeking refugee at your feet ( un thiruvadigale thanjam), Perumal immediately helps us."
That is what has happened in this place too. Raman was sleeping with his head on sita. At that time an asuran in the form of a crow called Jayanthan who is INdiran's son, comes and troubles sita and he injures Sita's chest which resulted in blood oozing from Sita's chest. Sita tried to push the crow but the crow kept coming again and again to trouble her. Then she tried to wake up Ram who was nearby and sleeping. Ram woke up and he saw the crow which was trying to escape. Ram took a dharbhai (vallanukku pullum ayutham) and he utterred the brahmaasthra slogam and sent the grass as a weapon. The crow went to all the loka's and no one helped the crow and finally it came to Ram. Then also it was not the crow's head which touched Ram's feet instead it was Crow's feet resulting in another abacharam. Then sita helped the crow and turned the crow's feet towards Ram's feet. Ram must have killed the crow, instead with all karunai he did the raksha of the crow. Ram is karuna murthy, porumai, yenna kutram seithalum maranthuvidugirar. we are here at that great place.
We have seen places in Chitrakut today like Ram chat, temples around, Bharath milap, Janaki kund, Kamadha giri and spatika shila. We have few more places to visit which are in outskirts from Chitrakut and all the yatrika's are ready in their small vehicles. Let us also visit those places with them next week.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 21 - Sept 08 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Kambha Ramayana Slogam...
உலகம் யாவையும் தாம் உள ஆக்கலும்
நிலை பெறுத்தலும் நீக்கலும் நீங்கலா
அலகு இலா விளையாட்டு உடையார் அவர்
தலைவர் அன்னவர்க்கே சரண் நாங்களே.
ulagam yAvaiyum tAm uLa Akkalum
nilai peRuttalum niikkalum nI"ngalA
alagu ilA viLaiyATTu uDaiyAr avar
talaivar annavarkkE caraN nA"ngaLE.
The above prayer translates into English as: "We only surrender to that One who is the Lord (of all), and whose timeless, unlimited divine play involves the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the entire universe."
Ulagathai padaipavan, kappavan and thannul odunga vaipavan Bhagawan. Emperuman for the sake of his bhaktas has come from Vaikuntam to bhoologam in various avataram and he does lots of leelai. From all his actions, we can understand the Dharma and the way to live, rules to live. Sriramanin padhayil is brought to you all for this reason. There are so many historical stories and incidences from Ramayanam. Ram has showcased lots of Guna's and good behaviour. Ithihasa, puranas are there for us to understand this. Purana stories are also true and we are learning them. Most important in them is the rules(kotpadugal) and moral.
Key Takeaway
1. The Ithihasa and puranas are for us to learn the rules(kotpadugal) and moral's to follow in our lives.
The yatra group is at Chitrakut at MP and UP border. All the yatrikas were very happy during their stay at Chitrakut. We stayed here for two days having darshan of Ram, seetha, Bharathan milap. Now we are going to Gupta Godavari.
Gupt Godavari
Godavari who is hiding and who is staying here in a secret manner. We shall be questioned on why did Godavari come here ? Godavari wanted to meet Ram and invite him to her place and for that she came here secretly in a hidden manner. Godavari starts in Maharastra near Nasik-Panchavati. She wanted Ram to come to her place. She was worried what if Ram goes back to North from Chitrakut. So to invite Ram and also to see Ram who is staying in Chitrakut - Godavari is here and she flows in a hidden manner. Lets go there. The place is inside a cave and there is water almost till waist and need to see Ram and let us hear the mahatmiyam of that place from that place.
Chitrakut is an important thiruthalam/place in Sri Ramanin Padhayil. As the name says "Chitrakut" is a beautiful place with a beautiful mountain, rivers, forest, bhakthas, monkeys who follow us to all the places, blossoming trees with flowers and fruits. Ram took advise from Bharadwajar and they chose this place to stay. Ram met valmiki before entering Chitrakut. Ram was staying for almost a year in chitrakut.Chitrakut is on Mandagini river. This is a place for all those who want to take a break from concrete jungle. Place filled with natural breeze, herbs.
Lots of places to visit in chitrkut and one can stay here for a week to experience nature and Rama Bhakthi and to kindle mental peace. Let us all watch and enjoy chitrakut.
Now we are at Gupta Godavari. Gupta means hidden/maraintha. Godavari starts in Maharastra near Nasik-Panchavati where Ram had gone to Godavari. Ram had stayed and taken bath in Godavari along with Sita at Panchavati. Why did that Godavari come here ? Godavari was worried whether Ram will come to Godavari banks. Chitrakut has Mandagini and hence one more river cannot get in easily to that place. So Godavari decides to calmly come here and stay inside the cave. Godavari had the darshan of Ram when he was in Chitrakut. Since Godavari was hiding in a cave she was called Gupta Godavari. Let us all go inside the cave bravely and by bending our backsso that we can go inside the cave. There are two caves. Wonderful caves. Ramchandran is there inside the cave. Let us go inside and cave and visit all the places and Gupta Godavari.
All our buses were stopped little far from Gupta Godavari. It is a cave mountain. Godavari here runs in a hidden fashion beneath the mountain and forest. Lots of shops on the way towards the temple. All the yatrika's did lot of shopping. Need to climb steps and on the left side of the steps beautiful Ram, lakshman. Next to that we need to get the tickets for archanai. After the steps, we need to get into the cave through a narrow steep path. Though the cave is big, the path towards the cave is narrow. Then once we enter the cave, there is huge space and we can hear water splashing noise. This place is called Sita Kundam where sita used to take bath and wash her clothes. At that time, a rakshashan called Mayank (this charithram is not in valmiki ramayanam, but the people here are referring to Ram charitha Manas and explaning this ) took and ran with the clothes of Sita. At that time, Lakshman came and hit him and cursed him to be a stone in that place itself and he is here as this huge stone. At that time, Mayank asks on when he will be relieved from the curse and till that time what will he eat.
Lakshman replies to him saying that whoever comes and visits Gupta Godavari, they will be relieved from all the papam/sins and since you are a stone you can take those papam as your food. Though it is difficult for the Rakshas Mayank, it is more easy for us since we can go there to get relieved from papam. Inside the cave is wonderful Ram, sita , lakshman.
The godavari river, crosses vidhya mountain and runs across many caves and reaches this place Gupta Godavari and emerges from a place in this cave.
This place as one more name called Dhanush Kund. Dhanush means Bow and there is also a story that Ram shot an arrow and godavari water emerged and came out this place. The place is also in the shape of a bow of Ram. Raman ambhu vittu thanneer piritu kondu vanthathu. So on one side is Sita Kund and on the other side is Dhanush kund. After this if tried to walk in the water for some distance to check on the deeper side of the cave but we could not. Then all the yatrikas managed to come out through the narrow path they went in which was also a great challenge. The water which is coming out of the cave and is collected as a pond outside the cave. The place is beautiful with two ponds. One cannot understand the source and where that water flows from and to. Such a lovely place. It was a great challenge to get back all the yatrikas back into the buses. There were lots of old and young children who told stories about this place. lets all hear from them. ( check the video).
Hanuman Dhara
Ram, sita and Lakshman are at Chitrakut. We are going to an important place in Chitrakut called Hanuman Dhara on top of a small hill and one need to climb around 250-300 steps.
Beautiful place and very powerful place. We advised some of the yatrika's to stay in the choultry since it is difficult to climb but everyone joined us since they wanted to see the place from the bus. But after sometime, we realized that everyone had started to climb to visit this powerful hanuman. The pujari there explained us on the greatness of that place and the shakthi that place gives to its bhakta's ( udvegam, utsahathai kudukum). Let us hear from the pujari who is explaining it with utsaham. Pujari says - This pahad(mountain's) name is Hanuman Dhara.
Here one can see 5 face hanuman and 1 faced hanuman. The famous darshan is Virat roop Darshan. Bajrang bali got this roop in the pathal pur when he killed ravana. The five roop includes - Varaha, Garudan, Mahaveer, Narasimhan , Hayagriv. One does not know where this Dhara water comes from or where does it goes further. When Hanuman set Lanka to fire, the heat due to that act did not lessen for Hanuman. Ram hit bow/arrow and this water had come and had given shanthi to Hanuman. This is hanuman dhara. Starts in the mountain and flows on hanuman and comes down as Hanuman's Sripada theertham and goes till the kund in the bottom. praying to this Hanuman the wishes will be granted in a year. This Hanuman in chitrakoot nava grahathai adaki kondu virat swaroppathil katchi alikirar. The Anjaneyar here is Maha veera anjaneyar with additional faces like Varahan, Garudan, Narasimhan and
hayagriv on both the sides. Pathala Logathil ayi mayi ravananai kondru vittu antha kovathil anjaneyar swami ingu irukkirar. This story is also told in naimisaranyam. Anjaneyar kuliruntha idam, shakthi vaitha anjaneyar, Grahagalai namakku anukulamaga vendum badi vecchu irukkum idam. 5 items are served to this Hanuman - oil( to reduce the heat), sindoora podi, Janda/kodigal ( since he is veer anjaneyar, vijaya anjaneyar.
If we happen to climb further on the mountain there is one more anjaneyar sannadhi. Though the path is rough the anjaneyar gives all the shakthi and removes the laziness. One can hear all these in praises/slogam here like - Jai Sita Rama Anjaneya ki, Mariyadha palan anjaneya ki Jai, Hanuman dhara anjaneya ki Jai. Let us also praise this highly disciplined Hanuman by saying those slogam's.
Ramayanam known as Sita Charithram
Valmiki Muni wrote Ramayanam. This story is known by the name of Ram. One might think that Sita had also done many things, why not her name. especially women might think so. This is also known as Sita Charithram but not popularly known by this name.
"Kavyam ramayanam krishnam sitayam charitham mahathu poulasya vathamithyeva." - is an slogam.
More than Ram, it is for Sita all our Azhwar and acharyas have given importance. Even though we say Ram Ram - he has both kovum and karunai. But for Sita it is just Karunai and no kovum. Seeking Sita, we have many benefits. Mahalakshmi kataksham is important.
Key Takeaway
2. Sita is full of Karunai and she does not get angry on her child i.e we jeevatma's. Though Ram has karunai he has kovum too. Mahalakshmi kataksham is key for us and through her to reach HIM.
3. The food cooked by the women in the house is what perumal likes and he wants us to offer him the food cooked by the women.
4. Athithi satkaram is a key dharmam which needs to be followed by every women/sthri/illathu arasi. Sita showed us all these.
5. Men also need to learn cooking. Learning to cook and offering the food to perumal is a key dharma which need to be followed by men and women.
Sita Rasoi
Have we seen this Sita cooking ? Pengalin kai pakkuvathai virumbhi antha antha veetil pengal samaithu than perumal amudhu seigirar. Similarly penarasi yana Sitai "Narinam uthama vaduhu" aval samaitha idam known as Sita Rasoi. We can see that place in Chitrakut. One needs to climb further up from Hanuman Dhara another 100 steps which are steep too,. ( Note sholoinganallur is 1300 steps) . Once you climb those 100 steps one can see Sita Rasoi - the place where Sita cooked. Here Lakshman used to get fruits, vegetables, leaf, roots to Ram. Once a while many Rishi's used to come to meet Ram. During those time, sita used to cook those raw food and used to serve them. There is a place depicting Sita serving food for 5 rishi's - Athri,
Agasthiyar, Sutheekshanar, Sarabhangar and Valmiki. Athithi Satkaram which is very important dharmam for every Sthri/Women/Illathu arasi. This means giving a great stomach filling feast to the guest who visit us. When the guests are eating stomach full and if the bless saying "nanna iru", then that aasirvatham helps the entire family. There are deeper bhakthi moral and sanathana dharma karuthu. All we need to do is to give food for 4 people who are struggling for food. Sitai has followed this dharmam even while she was in the exile. Everyone has to understand this. Men and women should learn to cook. Sanatana Dharmam does not accept if one is saying that i do not cook even after they are married for 10 years. Veda margam does not accept this. Even Men should learn to cook. But food cooked by women is what perumal likes a lot. If we look at the vigraham here, sita is in sitting posture cooking. Next to her in standing posture is Ram and lakshman. This is sita's place and hence Sita is sitting while Ram is standing. Let us take the blessings from sita and the 5 Rishi's. Yeppadi Sitai andru samaithalo, athu pola yellar samayal araiyum, thaligai pannum idam niranthu neengatha selvathode vayirara unavu makkal anaivarukkum kidaika vendum. Thani oruvanukku unavu illai yenil jagathinai azhithu viduvom yenbathu munor gosham. Athu pola yellarukku unavu kidaikavendum yendru Sita Rasoiyil Sita vidathil vendi konkolvom. Next let us visit Anusuiya in her ashram. Anusuya - Pengalukke matharasi.
Words from the pujari at Sita Rasoi- check video.
Ram starting from Chitrakut
Ram is all set to start from Chitrakut. We have all the places in Chitrakut. Ram wanted to start from Chitrakut since everyone knew that place and his promise to Kaikeyi will not get fullfilled if everyone starts to come to see him. So he wanted to go south towards the forest calledDhandakaranyam. We are now in the final sections of Ayodhya Kandam in Ramayanam.
When Ram starts from Chitrakut towards south on the way to Sharabhanga ashram towards viratha kund, in the outskirts of Chitrakut is Athri-Anusuiya Ashram.
Das Hanuman Temple
Just before that is Das hanuman temple. Hanuman is Ram Dasan and we are Hanuman Dasar's. We can also see the Chitra roopam of Azhwar, Acharyas. We can see Bhagavad Ramanujar.
From there we reach Athri-Anusuiya Ashram.
Athri-Anusuiya Ashram
This Ashram is on the banks of river mandagini in a beautiful place. The buses had to stop 1 KM far and one needs to walk down the bazar selling kundu mani, pasi mani. Anusuiya is Athri Maharishi's dharma pathini. Once Anusuiya and Sita happen to talk for a long time. At that time Anusuiya gives Sita a saree and few jewels which are naturally made and not made of metal
like Gold/silver/Diamond. But those jewels were naturally made from the trees. Anusuiya says "Hye sita keep these. These will be very helpful for you. All these will not get spoiled for how many ever days you wear them. " and she keeps those jewels and clothes to Sita. Sita thought why am i going to wear these for several days. But later when Sita was in Ashoka vanam when
imprisoned by Ravan - she was in same clothes for 10 months even without bathing. At that time all the jewels given by Anusuiya is what she was wearing which didn;t get spoiled at all.
Anusuiya with dheerga darisanam happen to give these clothes and jewels to sita. Here is Athri.Anusuiya Ahsram. Athri is one of the Saptha Rishi. He is one among the famous DasaPrajapathi. Marichi, Athri, Angiras, pulasthiyar, pulahar, krathu, Vashistar are the saptha Rishi. Athri means sappitar - Ganga theertham oru thadavai vai kopalikka kuditharam. So he is called Athri - since he drank the entire Ganges water once. Athri Anusuiya had one thing in common. Anusuiya means Poramai illathaval - one who does not feel jealous. Here we can see lots of Vigraham and dolls.
There was a lady called Silavathi. Her husband is ugrasavas. due to the curse of Mandavya rishi he was about to die. At that time due to her karpu kanal She stopped the Suryan in the sky. At that time, all the three murthi's consoled her and promised her that they will fix the problem. She didn't listen to them and also she didn't allow the suryan to pass by in the sky. At that
time, all the 3 murthi's came to Anusuiya asking her to advise Silavathi so that suryan keeps moving in his way. Anusuiya agreed to advise her but Anusuiya also requested for children since she didn't have children for long time. All the three murthi's gave a boon and promised that they will be born to her as her children. Anusuiya convinced Silavathi and Suryan went ahead in the sky. On the other side, after many days Athri was doing tapas for Puthira peru. All the three Deivam - Brahma, Vishnu, Sivan Wanted to test Anusuiya's Karpu. So all the three told Anusuiya to serve food in a naked manner. Then anusuiya accepted since she was good in virunthombal and she turned all the three murthi's to kids and she fed them as per the rule they had told. Knowing the greatness of Anusuiya all the 3 murthi's took birth as her children. Shiva's amsam is Dhurvasar, Brahma's amsam is Chandran, Vishnu amsam is Dattatreyan.
All these we can have the Darshan in this place. Asuya means jealous/poramai. Anasuiya means the one without jealous. Not only that she does not have jealous, no one can even look at her and feel jealous - such is her greatness. Devi's of all the 3 murthi's came to Anusuiya and asked for forgiving the mistake done by their husband and then all the 3 husband were saved.
Anusuiya is the daughter of Devahuthi and kardhamaPrajapathi. Athri Maharishi's Dharma pathini. We saw this Athri-Anusuiya Ashram. This entire place is a punya sthalam. Lovely serene natural place. Though they have built new buildings it would have been nice if they had old ashram form itself.
With Athri - Anusuiya Ashram the Chitrakut Anubhavam is completed. All the yatrika's were not willing to start from that place and wanted to come back once again. We are going to start from Chitrakut and going to enter the dense forest and request you all to join us too - Varungal.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 22 - Sept 15 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
As part of Sri Ramanin Padhayil, the next part is very important. Today we are going to visit three important asharam - Sudeekshana Ashram, Sarabhanga Ashram, Agastiyar Ashram. When we went on Ram any yatra in 2006 and 2010, the places we are seeing today are the most adventurous and places we visited with lot of effort. The places include Viradha kundam, Sarabhangar ashramam, Sutheekshanar ashramam and finally
Agastiyar ashram.
Yatra group starting from Chitrakut
From Chitrakut we took leave with heavy heart. Whenever we go on a punya yatra, it is advised to go on a parikrama before leaving the place either by walk or by vehicle. Just before we start from any place going to the temple, river or pond in those places is always good. So we also went around the chitrakut Kamadha giri.
We can also do a quick recap of all the places we had seen in chitrakut.
1. Kamadhagiri a wonderful mountain which grants our wishes and the face of kamadhagiri with teeths which are of Salagramam. Ram himself had come and visited this place.
2. Bharatha Milap.
3. Mandagini River
4. Ram Ghat on Mandagini river where Ram did Jalatharpanam and pithru tharpanam
5. Lots of small small temples on the bank of the river mandagini.
6. Spatika Shila
7. Hanuman Dhara
8. Gupt Godavari
9. Sita Rasoi
Ram on his journey towards Sharabhangar Ashram
Like this we have seen many places and now we need to travel towards Sharabhangar ashram. It is not very far, around 14 KM in kachha roads. Ram and Sita when they entered the forest area, they met athri-anusuya at their ashram and then they walk southwards to enterDhandakaranyam.
Viratha Kund
First person to meet is an arakan called virathan. Virathan came with his huge body and he ran away with Sita. Ram and Lakshman fought with that arakan Virathan and rescued Sita. Due to some curse that arakan was in that form. They dug a huge hole(kuzhi) and they pushed him into that pit and did the last rites which resulted in Virathan getting punya gathi. This is the kund where Ram did the last rites for virathan and got him punya gathi. Kambhar and Valmiki explains in detail about how Virathan did stotram on Ram.
Kambhar - "aravagi sumathiyil ayin ....or vayin vizhingithal....ithai arinthal siralo..."
Meaning - Virathan asks Rama - how do you manage bhoomi devi and Mahalakshmi. You have given space for Mahalakshmi in your chest. You saved Bhooma devi during varaha avataram, during Trivikarama avatharam (thavi alanthai)measured her. In the f orm of adi shesan you are holding her by staying in the pathalam, during pralaya trouble you are eating this entire bhoomi and safe guarding it in your stomache. So much love and affection towards Bhoomi devi. Doesn't Mahalakshmi get angry due to this affection of yours towards Bhoomi devi ?
Such beautiful questions were asked by Viratan. We all wanted to go and visit the Virata Kund. It was in deed a dense forest and we all checked with the local guide on the route. They asked us on how many of us have come and we told them 400 people and 600 people. I can take you inside this forest and you all might have to walk for 10 Kms but when we return if are just half i am not responsible. said the guide. So we decided not to go there and we all stood on the banks and finished the Paarayanam and did namaskaram towards that side. We all just hope to meet Ram and Viradan during our next trip and started from that place. Next is the important Shrabhangar ashramam.
Sarabhangar Ashram
After having darshan of Viratha Kund from far away, we all were excited to visit a very important place. A very calm, serene place which is not accessible easily. for 10 KM there is kaccha roads and not much communication facilities. Beautiful place full of nature. Totally away from the moden world and not impacted due to the modern world. With great excitement, fear and lots of expectations we reached that place. Though the place was not with wild animals, but the route was difficult. First we reached Sharabhangar ashramam. We managed to reach this place easily without much difficulty. Narrow muddy path and difficult for vehicles to go. By Saying Rama Namam " jai Sriram " we all managed to go and reach Sharabhangar Ashram.
Shrabhangar river is running near that ashram. Once we reached the ashram, we all had hot breakfast. We should always eat on time, the correct quantity and especially the food which was offered to GOD(kanduarulapanninathu). Since we were all eating the food which was offered to GOD, no difficulty or health problems during the entire 21 days trip. Infact, we all had change of water everyday, took bath in various rivers. Still we all did not face any trouble and GOD does not trouble us. We ourselves invite trouble most of the times. Getting health problems is very common and part of the Samsaram, we need to develop the ability to be patience and face the problem. Then we went inside to meet Sharabhangar.
Key Takeaway
1. Getting health problems is very common and part of the Samsaram, we need to develop the ability to be patience and face the problem.
Ram came to Shrabhangar ashram. He met Shrabhangar and asked him if he can stay and spend his time in Exile in this place. Sharabhangar replied " Rama you can stay here and infact i was waiting here, expecting when you would come here. Once you are here and i have met you now, I want to attain the highest abode of Mukthi. While you are watching me i am going to start on my journey towards Mukthi. So you cannot stay here, instead you should travel little further where you can see Sutheekshanar's ashram. Keep walking on the banks of river mandagini - one of the tribtary of Mandagini is river Sharabhangar which flows near the ashram, then you would reach Sutheekshanar ashram and you can ask him and stay there. Look at the Sharabhangar vigraham - it looks like Narayanan and all the localities refer to this narayanan as Sharabhangar. We wanted to know why they are saying so and we took help from books. We did the parayanam of ram meeting Sharabhangar and Shrabhangar mukthi adainthathu and Ram continuing his journey. Would like you all to hear the same.
Parayanam of Ramayana Sargam.
As per this Sargam, Sharabhangar had taken the form of Narayanan and has attained the highest abode of mukthi. Black coloured form with Sangam Chakram on his hands in the form of Narayanan. Sharabhangar is a Rishi and how come he went in Narayana form ? Whoever it is, all are Bhagawan's amsam and we are all Bhagawan's thirumeni Sariram. That is why, when Ram was watching, he heard the sound of fire(sa da sa da nu neruppu osai), Sharabhangar's atma Jyothi mela purapattu sendrathu, Ram did namaskaram and sent him. We happen to see this place where all these had happened. This place can be reached only after 7 am in the morning. A place with Natural bliss. Lots of Mahant and sanyasi stay in the temple itself. They live by eating roti and sabji , especially with what they get near the ashram. They do not even go to Chitrakut to buy and stock things. they are happy with what is available in that forest and they live with those things. Now in this modern world, we talk about sustainability of not getting raw materials from some other place instead use sand available locally to build houses. This will only results in green building. All these have been part of living in those ancient world. Growing crops in one place and taking it another place need not be done. Whatever grows here and water which flows there and live with nature. We all didn't feel like starting from that place.. such lovely place. The organiser's had to rush the crowd so that other ashrams are not missed.
Key Takeaway
2. Try to live with nature without disturbing nature
But when we started from Sharabhanga ashram, we lost the way to sutheekshana ashram. Lets see what happened.
Sudeekshanar Ashram
Ram who started from Sharabhangar ashram reached Sutheekshashanar ashram. Sutheekshashanar ashram is a very lovely beautiful place. If i have to explain the route to this place, I will surely give a wrong route. It is not easy to remember and find this route irrespective of how many times one has come to this place. This entire place is filled with huge trees and many water bodies. Ad midst, natural beauty this ashram is located. Everyone should visit this place at least once. In the entrance there is a small odai(river) welcoming us and crossing that leads us to the ashram. The Sadhu's here have been worshiping Ram and Sutheekshanar for many years. Let us go inside the temple to have darshan of sutheekshanar. Before that - what did Ram and Sutheekshanar talk ? How did Ram came here from Sharabhanga ashram ? let us find answers to these too.
The route Ram had traveled is all forest area filled with natural scenes and beauty. Now we have reached sutheekshanar ashram. You must have heard about the route to
sutheekshanar ashram Ram came in the route as told by sharabhangar and reached sutheekshanar ashram. But when we went, we lost the way and got stuck. Then a farmer came and helped us and he took us by walk and we reached the place which was just 1/2 Km from where we got stuck. Later we managed to find a route which can be taken by bus and managed to reach the ashram with great difficulty. Ram too met Sutheekshanar and asked him if they can stay here. But sutheekshanar replied saying "you can stay here Rama, but there are more wild animals here. They keep coming and disturbing us too. We are managing due to our Thava valimai(penance). " Then Ram thought that since he is a Kshatriyan, he will be forced to kill the disturbing wild animals which will result in blood near the muni's ashram. Ram didn't want to disturb the serene environment of the ashram. So he decided not to stay there and asked sutheekshanar "Sutheekshanare i want to meet many rishi's, so can i go around to meet them ? " Sutheekshanar said yes and also he told the path to all the rishi's ashram. Ram had been going around from one ashram to another and another for almost 10 to 10.5 years. Travelling to so many places and Ram met many Rishi's in all those places. Sutheekshanar was the one who paved way for this. This place is a lovely place. We took help from our trust for the thirupani of this place by getting place to stay and cook for these people. After the yatra, we wanted to help them and requested them, they also agreed. So after returning to chennai, we managed to help in renovating this place. You all should go and visit both these ashrams which can be covered in 6-7 days including chitrakut. In front of the sutheekshanar ashram, there is a small odai(water) and from that place if you see one gets a doubt on where is that place ? is it on heaven or earth ? lush green with mountain till the eye sight distance. Inside this place, we had the darshan of Ram, lakshman and sutheekshanar. Place surrounded by trees and little buildings. Fertile land everywhere. We took leave from sutheekshanar and he told route to ram to agasthyar ashram.
Agasthyar ashram
Ram managed to reach agasthyar ashram, but we got stuck and we lost the route. In 2006 we almost reached agasthyar ashram but could not have the darshan. In 2010, we did all the necessary arrangements in advance and managed to visit the place. You can also watch it happily with us.
As part of Sri Ramanin Pathayil, we are going to visit Agasthiyar Ashram. Agasthiyar ashram is in MP near Sathna(patna tamouli ?) and also in Maharastra near Manmad and also in nasik panchavati too. Agasthiyar must have kept travelling to all these three ashram. Agasthiyar is a Tamil Muni. Tamil valartha munivar. Sanga kala tamizh. Tholkappiyam written by Agasthiyar's seedar Tholkappiyar. Tamizhagam and Agasthiyar have very close relationship. He is related to sanga Kalam(Sangam Period). He had written a book on Iyal thamizh, isai thamizh , Nadaga thamizh which is not available now. So we were all very eager to visit this Muni's ashram who is very much related to tamizh. The ashram cannot be reached by bus and for about 9 to 10 KM travelling by bus was not possible. There is a river in front of the ashram and based on the water level one can cross it and then only we can reach the ashram. If the water level is high then one cannot cross. Muddy land and one can only go in a jeep. This was what we heard from the local people on how to reach the ashram.
When we went first time in 2006, we managed to get lots of jeep and managed to go. But when we reached it was 3 PM, we should have reached by noon. But we started from chitrakut in the morning and finished the first two ashram and reached at 3 PM. As we reached closer in the jeep, due to rain it was getting very muddy and we could not proceed further. we were all very anxious and sad that we could not see in spite of reaching so closer. The cameraman and few youngsters decided to go in spite of it getting dark and they asked us to proceed towards Ramtek.
The cameraman crew, in spite of it being dark and raining managed to get some glimpses of agastiyar and ramsita sannidhi. They managed to reach after 2.5 hours. We all waited since we didn't want to leave them and go. This is how we managed to go in 2006 and the trip was unsuccessful to agastiyar ashram. We all didn't loose heart and decided to be more prepared and planned when we come next time so that we can have the darshan of agasthiyar. We took help from Panchayat leaders and other elders and contacted them. They were all eager to help us who is visiting from TN to meet their agasthiyar. We replied saying "He is our agasthiyar too and has helped in growth of Tamizh langauage". First instruction they gave us was to have truck too along with Jeep so that we can managed the muddy area. Next instruction is to cross the river infront of the ashram and they told us about erecting a temporary bridge. We were surprised. Then they continued telling that they will erect the bridge too with around 30-40 vounteeers. We just went and were surprised to see the entire villlage assembled to welcome us.
They welcomed us with garland and the entire village happen to come leaving all their work including school kids. They had so much PAROPAKARA CHINTAM - helping mindset. We all got into the tractors and managed since we reached this time around 1 PM. Let us go in the tractor and meet at Agasthyar ashramam.
We are travelling in the tractor and hence the scene you are watching is also shaking. Ram enquired on the route to agasthyar ashram to sutheekshanar. We are on the way to agasthyar's ashram. Agasthiyar is Thamizh Ma Muni and he had lived in pothigai malai(mountain) charal. Agasthyar was here and was doing his penance. When ram had come here, agasthiyar has given a Bow as a gift to Ram. Sathna is an important place in MP. From Sathna, need to come till salega and 5 Km from salega is a place called patna thamouli. From patna tamouli, one need to travel in jeep or tractor for 5 KM to reach a beautiful river. With the grace of Varuna bhagawan, if the water level is less then we can cross the river. The river can be crossed by walk too. After crossing the river, we need to climb a mountain to have the darshan of Agasthiyar.
From Chitrakut, we have reached the Agasthiya ashramam in MP. There is a river in front of the ashram. We managed to reach the river in 3 groups since we had limited tractors and we had to shuttle 3 times. Also not many people can stay there at the same time. So we decided to go in sets/groups and took turns. First group reached the place and went to agasthyar ashram.
Next group also came but the first group didn;t feel like going back from that serene place of river, mountain and scenic beauty and all the ages started to climb the mountain. The MLA and Panchayat leader had also come. The localites kept on telling us that we need to start before dawn since there will be lot of insects and wild animals in that area once it is dark. No one listened to them and we organisers also could not make so many rules. We wanted to enjoy the beauty and be happy ofcourse if there is hurdle in returning we have to face it. Can't get too much of discipline at times too. Once we crossed the river and climbed the mountain, it was a great surpise for us to see Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Beautiful vigrahams. next to them was agasthiyar vigraham. Vigraham's were not like the usual ones and were in the form of stones too. We had the darshan of all the agasthiyar too.
Upanyasam from Agasthiyar ashramam : All the muni's stay along with the nature enjoying nature to meditate about brahmam(brahma dhyanam) and to increase the brahma gyanam and to focus on brahmam. They find such a beautiful place to enable them to do all these. Such a place is Agasthiyar's ashram. Let us see the importance of this place. Agasthiyar had gifted a bow to Ram. There is an idol of Ram with that bow which one cannot see anywhere else. Archealogical survey of india - (thol porul, agazh porul araichi kazhagam) have reported on this vigraham.
The only vigraham of Ram with Kondai on his head is only here. Ram goes to forest and he does not have the time to deck him up like how he used to be in ayodhya. So Ram is with Sada mudi. This form of Ram can be seen in this ashram. Also in this vigraham, ram is in the ready posture with bow and arrow ( ambhu yidithina padi sada mudiyudan Ramar). Ram in this vigraham also has a udai val (knife) on his hip and he is wearing man thol- mara vuri. He is alone in this vigraham without Sita or Lakshman. When we happen to have darshan of this vigraham our hearts are becoming sad and it is haunting since one part of the bow is there and the below part is broken. Very ancient vigraham. Let us all pray that this vigraham need to be restored and all bahktas need to have darshan. Ram in this idol is with one leg in the front and the other behind and slightly bent ready with the bow. Near this is a wonderful sannidhi of Anjaneyar. In the north red coloured anjaneyar are very famous. Wherever Ram is hanuman would be there. As per Ramayan, Ram is yet to reach kishkinta to meet Sugreeva and others.
But the bhakthas desire is to have Hanuman here even before Ram meets Hanuman. Agasthiyar in sitting posture with varna kalabam in yoga posture. Agasthiyar has all the greatness like the saptha rishi's. Why are we so inclined towards agasthiyar ? All the other rishi's worked towards the growth of vada mozhi(sanskrit), but Agasthiyar worked towards the growth of Tamizh. He got all praises for the southern region due to all his efforts to the langauge of south- tamil. It was agasthiyar who helped in getting the river cauvery flowing. Agasthiyar has done many upadesam to Ram and has also gifted bow and ornaments to Ram. Let us pray to seek the blessings of such great Agasthiyar. The localities are safeguarding this temple inspite of the challenges. Let us all say thanks to all the efforts by the local people. We all reached here inspite of great challenges, let us stay here for some more time have the darshan of ram and let us also see the beauty of this place during sunset.
We did parayanam of agasthiyar and Ram's meet.
Kulasekarar's "serivathu ... thathon intha .. thambhiyal van yetri munivarum venda"
Ram was wishing to meet agasthiyar. When sutheekshanar explained the route to ram, he had told Ram to travel 4 yojanai distance to reach agasthiyar's brother's place. Take Agasthiyar's brother along with you and he will take you to agasthiyar's place which is 1 yojanai distance. Now we have also reached this place.
Now a small story about agasthiyar.
Meru Malai(mountain) started to grow inorder to compete with Vindhya malai(Mountain). No one was able to control the same. When the vindhya malai started to grow till suryan and chandran they could not even travel around. All the deva's came and did prathanai to Agasthiyar. Agasthiyar came to vindhya malai. As soon as the mountain saw the rishi, the mountain bowed to do pranams to the rishi. Agasthiyar told the mountain " This pranam posture of yours is very nice, i am going to south and till i come back you have to be in this same posture doing pranam till i come back.". Saying this Agasthiyar travelled towards south and stayed in the podigai malai charal and he helped in growing the tamil language. He never went back and he didn;t cross the vindhya malai. So even today the vindhya malai is like this.
Such is the greatness of agasthiyar and the local people were very excited and happy to hear all this about agasthiyar. They requested us to visit the place very often, we all thought that is it a place which can be visited often ?. :) Now it is almost 6 PM and we have to get back all the 600 speople back from that place. We were all so engorssed in talking to the local people and in enjoying the scenic beauty. We totally forgot about all the trouble, danger and hurdle we had to take to return from that place. To our surprise, when we returned there were only 20 trucks and the other truck drivers had returned since we didn;t turn up as per the plan. The vehicles were not enough for all of us to go. The local people told us to stay there that night. Though it sounded great but not a wise idea due to the wild animals and varied insects. Then we decided to go in 3 trips and it was a great adventure to return back from agasthiyar ashramam. Let us see more on this next week when we meet. Agasthiyar thiruvadigalukku pallandu padi intha varam niraivurugirathu achariyamana kattu vazhkai, thotta vazhkai, iyarkai, avasiyam yellarum darishikka vendum.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 23 - Sept 22 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Agastiyar Ashram
Slogam :
Tath-vidhi Prani-paataena Pari-prashnaena Saevayaa Upadekshyanthi Tae Jnaanam Jnaanina-s-tatva-darshinaha
Kannan in Bhagavad gita, advises us to reach to Gnani's and seek/learn/acquire knowledge from them.
One is not born wise and it all depends on ones environment, growth, situation, mom/dad's bhakthi status and knowledge status. Based on this our knowledge and bhakthi also varies. Bhakthi does not foster for people who does not have the opportunity. At times, people who have the opportunity to foster bhakthi does not make use of the same. If someone wants to foster knowledge and bhakthi then there is an important path for the same. Need to seek/gain knowledge with due respect from learned people who know about atma/paramatma. There is no use in thinking that i know everything.
Key Takeaway
1. To gain knowledge and to foster bhakthi one need to seek/gain knowledge with due respect from learned people(acharya's) who know about atma/paramatma. There is no use in thinking that i know everything.
"Katrathu Kai manalavu , kallathathu ulagalavu ayitre" - This is not just an upadesam told to us and i nfact to make us all understand SriRamachandran himself went from one ashram to ashram to meet Sharabhangar, Sutheekshanar, Agasthiyar and from all these great people Ram was learning many great things. At times it is difficult for us to learn everything by ourselves by learning, so it is advised to learn from other learned men who have not only learnt it but are also following it and living with discipline and they have lots of experience. Learning from them will be helpful for us and for that one and only prerequiste is to listen and learn from others. One should not think that why not i find it myself. Yes one should first listen and then try to analyze the same. Not listening is bad. Not listening will result in us being not aware of some great suggestions. We might even miss an angle to solve that problem. But expeirenced people will probably give that view of the problem too. If this is true for wordly things then think about atma/paramatma which are not visibile for naked eyes. So to learn atma/paramatma we need the help of books, learned scholars and above all one should respect and adhere to elderly people's words. We need to understand this clearly. Nowadays the very key thing that is preached to youngsters is "do not listen to what others say, do your own research and find out, do not listen to the upadesam of people who are trying to attract your mind, so do not heed to them". We need to think before accepting such advises. Are all the scriptures written so many years ago like bhagavad gita, ramayanam, mahabharatham not to be learnt and not to be followed ? If one follows these scriptures the life will only prosper. Then why do people misguide like this... this is generally to caution from people who advocate wrong things and preach wrong this. So these words are to stay away from those wrong preachings and not to stop following the advises of parents,relatives. So one should listen and before acting do the thinking and research and then act.
A request for the viewers - if you want to follow Sri Ramanin padhayil then one need to follow and obey the orders by the elders. Elders have been thinking for our good from our childhood.
Key Takeaway
2. Obeying and listening to elders is the most key aspect when we think of following Ram's foot path. Elders think for our good from our childhood.
So one need to open the ears and mind and listen to the elders. Accepting and acting or arguing is next step. First let us all learn to listen. One can continue to argue, but we cannot just live for arguing. This is the truth which Ram is explaining and teaching all of us by his travel to Agasthiyar's ashram. Why should Ram do this ? Does he not know everything or is there anything which he does not know ? Ram has learned from Vashitar. Ispite of that he had wishes to visit Agasthiyar to learn from him too. Each acharya will have great meanings to teach so he went. We should also learn to see the world in this angle. We understood this truth in SriRamanin Pathayil by travelling to Agasthiyar's ashram.
Starting from Agasthiyar's ashram
The villagers of Agasthiyar's ashram gave a warm welcome to the yatra group of Sri Rama Anu yatra. We were also thankful and greatful for all their efforts and told the same to them. We were planning to start by 4.30 but it was almost 6.30 and it was a question on how we shall all return from that place.
Upanyasam at Agasthiyar Ashram : Agasthiya muni is kuru munivar. Tamizh valartha ma munivar. In MP near PATNA TAMOULI, in panna district is this place. Very ancient place. The more adventurous reaching the place is and the
more is the joy once we reach this place. Sriram with Sita and lakshman had visited this place to meet Agasthiyar.
Agasthiyar had gifted a bow to Ram. Kulasegara azhwar explains in his pasuram that "thamizh maa munivar agasthiyar ramanukku villai kuduthar". Pasuram is "Vali vannuku varai nedun thozh.. van thamizh ma muni kudutha vari vil vangi". One should admire the scenic beauty of the place before entering agasthiyar ashram. Lush green scenic beauty.
Now we are starting from Agasthiyar's ashram in MadhyaPradesh as part of our SriRamanin Pathayil. Agasthiyar is short in height. Aga means Mountain. Stha means "iru yendru niruthiyavar" Agasthiyar means "malai valaruvathai niruthiyavur" .. one who stopped the growth of a mountain. We have already discussed about vindhya malai. Vindhya malai started to grow beyond the heights of Meru mountain to even impact the path of suryan and chandran. As per the request of the Deva's, Agasthiyar crossed Vindhya mountain and the mountain bent to do his pranams. Agasthiyar ordered the mountain to stay in the bent posture till he returns from south. Agasthiyar went south wards and he didn't return from here.
Agasthiyar's names
Agasthiyar was also known as "Samudhra Chulakar" - one who drank the entire sea water in a gulp(madaku). Why ? Indiran destroyed viruthasuran. He did this using the help of KalaKeyar's. Then the KalaKeyar's started to trouble the people and they went and hid themselves under the sea. Indiran requested Agasthiyar and Agasthiyar drank the entire sea water in a gulp so that the kalakeyar's came out of the sea and then they were killed by Indiran.
Agasthiyar was born to Urvasi so he was also called as "AVRASEYAR". He was born to the mithravaruna's from a kumbham. Vashistar is Agasthiyar's sibling and was born along with him. So he was also known as "KUMBHA SAMBHAVAR". Like this agasthiyar is known by many names.
Once Agasthiyar was carrying the palanquin for Indiran. Nakusan is a maharaja who had done great penance and got the indira pathavi. He goes with the wish of sitting next to indirani in the simhasan. He calls the saptha rishi to lift the palanquin. All the rishi's carried him in the palanquin. Agasthiyar was small and hence he could not walk faster. Nakusan poked Agasthiyar saying "Sarpa Sarpa" i.e "Vegama po Vegama po". Agasthiyar got angry and he cursed Nakusan to be born as a Serpant. Then Nakusa Maharaja was born as a serpant later and he asked when will the curse be releived(Sapa vimochanam). During Dwapara yuga, mahabharatha war will happen before that the pancha pandavas will come for Agnatha
vasam(vana vasam) at that time Dharmaputhiran will touch you(serpant) and then you will get releived from the curse. This is Nakusa maharaja's charithram and the greatness of Agasthiyar.
With such greatness is Agasthiyar the short size muni who lived in POdhigai Malai and was born in Brahma's vamsam.
Brahma -> Marichi -> Kashyapar -> Suryan -> Agasthiyar
Agasthiyar's wife is LopaMudhra. She is the one who came out of the Kamandalam in the form of water as cauvery river.
Such a great agasthiyar cannot be seen easily and hence we had all these adventure during the visit to his ashram.
Though it was adventurous all the yatrika's were very happy and heart filled joy.
Now we have to return from that place. When we were about to leave, half the vehicles weren't there and they had left leaving us since we didn't get back on time and went late. So with the remaining vehicles had to do shuttle trip. No electricity, lots of insects came as a swam, somehow we kept doing Rama nama bhajan and was doing saranam to Agasthiyar requesting him to safeguard/protect us like how he took care of Ram. Finally we managed to take all of them safely to the town. The last trip in which we came, the driver was suggesting us to come and go early atleast in our next trip. But one good thing in staying late was that we were able to have the sight of the clouds, stars, moon and night sky.
Nalla yendra rathiriyil suvar kozhi saptham irukkum pola nisaptham, oru saptham illai nothing other than our hare rama saptham along with the sounds of the animals in the forest. Though we were scared we managed and came back safely.
When we were in the bus, the local people came and gave us tender coconut, pori kadalai to all the passengers in the bus. We were wondered and awe stuck seeing the small village trying to feed the 600 of us in the bus. Avargal virunthombhal ninaithu ninaithu ipavum achariyamaga irukku. We got leave from all of them and started our journey towards Ramtek. - virunthombal
Key Takeaway
4. Virunthombal is part of our dharmam
We have to go to Maharastra and need to travel the entire MP and cross MP to reach Maharastra. We need to cross the river Narmada. Then we need to go to Ramtek which is in the north of Nagpur. Let us all go there.
Trip from Agasthiyar Ashram to Ramtek and Narmadha river
As part of Sri Ramanin Padhayil, we have started from Agasthiyar ashram in MP. As on today, we have completed 10 days of our Yatra. Many of us were happy that a major part of the trip was completed. The difficult section of the yatra is over. But there is one more important place. In MP, we started from Sathna and we need to cross Jabalpur and travel south. Need to cross the entire MP. It was 9 PM when we started. In the morning, we had to be in the place called Ramtek. Need to cross the MP border and get into Maharastra. Crossing state border needs permit and it takes time too. We had to cross the huge line in the check post where permit check will be done. All were asleep. Around 2.30 PM the vehicles stopped for the border checking. In 2006, we didn't understand the route so we didn't go to Narmada. Valmiki Ramayanam does not talk about Ram crossing Narmada river. Ram might have come in the eastern side of narmada and it was not clear. So in 2006 we did not go to Narmada river. But in 2010, when we were waiting for the clearance at 2.30 PM , we enquired whether Narmada flows near by. He told us that 70 KM from here on the western side you can see Narmada. It was not part of our plan. If we have to change the plan, we need to communicate to all the 15 drivers. Language was also a problem to communicate to all the drivers. But we managed to communicate since we didn't want to miss Narmadha when we have had bath in Yamuna, ganga, Sarayu, Gandagi and many rivers. Morning 4.15 am we had a lovely river bath. When the bus stopped everyone
asked if they have arrived at Ramtek. They were all clueless on where they were. Then we explained that it is not yet Ramtek, but we have reached Narmadha. Everyone were surprised and happy to have a bath in the river Narmadha who was flowing pure. All of us had a bath and got ready and started from that place at 5.30 am. Then we started from there to get into Maharastra. In 2006, we had to change the buses when we crossed the border. It was a great challenge. Next time in 2010, we covered the entire 8000 KM in a single bus till srirangam. We managed to cook when the buses were trying to get the permit. We started from that place to reach a beautiful place called Ramtek.
Ramtek
Has ram come here to ramtek ? Also there is one Agasthiyar ashram in Ramtek too. Why have we come to Ramtek ? When we look into valmiki ramayanam this place is not told. Also from Agasthiyar ashram if Ram travels west he can reach nasik, Panchavati. Then why ramtek which is in southwest direction. Valmiki ramayan does not explain about Ram coming here to this place during this sargam. However, in the UtthraKandam, When Ram was ruling the kingdom, there was some crime in his Kingdom and a brahmin's boy died at a very young age. The Brahmin brought the boy to Ram and told " Rama you have not ruled the kingdom properly (Look what question has been asked and that to Ram). You have ruled the kingdom in unrighteous manner (Adharma), because of which my son had to face this kind of death(akala maranam)". The king was answerable in those days to his people for the death happening in his kingdom. This is great goverance. Then Ram starts to
enquire and he figures out that somewhere in his kingdom some mistake has happened and hence they boy had died in such young age. Ram comes to Ramtek to find the mistake which has happened. It was in Ramtek that mistake was happening due to which there was such a death in Ram's kingdom. Ram found the person who did the crime and punished him by curbing his head. The boy who died got life and came back to life. This great incident has happened in Ramtek. We all reached Ramtek. At Ramtek, there is a pond called "Ram Talab" and we all had a bath in that in 2006. Ram had taken bath in this pond. Then we went to the ancient temple at Ramtek. Temple with great sculptures and work. Let us all go and have the darshan.
Pasuram :
seRithavach sampugan thannaich senRu konRu *
sezhumaRaiyOn uyir mIttuth thavaththOn Indha *
niRaimaNip pUN aNiyum koNdu ilavaNan thannaith *
thambiyAl vAn ERRi munivan vENda **
thiRal viLangkum ilakkumanaip pirindhAn thannaith *
thillainagarth thiruchchithrakUdam thannuL *
uRaivAnai maRavAdha uLLam thannai
udaiyOm * maRRuRu thuyaram adaiyOm anRE27 10.9
This is kulasekarar azhwar's pasuram from Perumal Thirumozhi. Sambhukan's story comes in valmiki ramayan's uttarakandam. To see this story we have reached Ramtek. This is in Maharastra in the Vidarbha desam, it is situated 50 KM north of Nagpur. We managed to reach this place inspite of many delays due to border checks. We had booked a hall. All the yatrika's co-operated in getting ready as early as possible and adjusted with the co-ordinator to adhere to the schedule especially when there were delay.
The yatrika's develop adjusting and patience and tolerance during the trip. This is what we need to conquer the world. We are all suffering because we are unable to tolerate anger. When we develop tolerance, friends, relatives will all adjust and will get along very well. Shouting, yelling, screaming will only result in gap between people. Only time when yatrika's get angry is when they are hungry and ofcourse we organisers have to take care of that.
When we all got ready, we got into the bus and need to climb a mountain. The path to the temple on the mountain is very beautiful and scenic. One can see the Ram talab and it is belived that Ram has taken a bath here. The localities even believe and tell that Ram took this path when he went from Agasthiyar ashram towards Nasik Panchavati. One more belief is that the agasthiyar's ashram is itslef only here. Whichever belief might be true but this place is sacred and we are here to have the darshan. Once we climbed the mountain, from the bus stop till the temple lots of shop selling pasi mani, kunthu mani, karuga mani. We managed to hurry up the yatrika's since it was getting late. Once we climbed and reached a temple we were astonished to see such a beautiful temple with great sculptures. Very ancient temple.
In our Bharathadesam, from Sethu till Himachalam, all the places have greatness in them w.r.t sculptures, bhakthi and how ancient they are, scientific reasons, Nature or forest .. our country has everything and it is one of the very good country which is good in aanmigam. Though there are some minor areas to improve.. still our country is the best.
The temple in Ramtek had those pakoda's the long gopuram. We went inside the temple and we are going to have the darshan. Let us hear what happened there first.
Upanyasam: We are now at a place called as RamaGiri and also known popularly as Ramtek which is a temple on a beautiful mountain. This place has two greatness. One that Ram had come to this place from Chitrakut to meet agasthiyar in his ashram here on his way to Nasik Panchavati. From here he went to meet Sutheekshanar and then to Panchavati. Again after Ram-Ravana war, pattabhishekam and when Ram was ruling the kingdom he had come here to kill a person called Sambhukan to safeguard the kingdom. So people here say that Ram had come here twice before and after pattabhishekam. Valmiki had also explained this in detail in Uttara kandam. The Sannidhi;s here are eye catching and beautiful one for lakshman, one for Ram, One for Mahalakshmi, one for agasthiyar since his ashram was here. On the top there is a airy kuda gopuram we can see the thiruvadi thamarai of Sriram. All these are very wonderful to watch. Valmiki says that Ram is the one who will be liked by all due to his beauty. Ram's each and every temple is like that it seems. All the places Ram lived and all the places Ram's thiruvadi was blessed, all the temples in which he is in the archaavataram all are capturing/captivating the eyes and mind of the people who visit these places. If we come to these places, Ramanin thiruvadi sambhandam yerpattu, athan sparisam nam thalaiyil padugirapadiyal, adi sudam arakaga namabhu swathanthriyam, serukku, arivinmai, yellam ozhinthu perumanukke nam adimai yendru Rama bhakthi migunthavargal aga naam avom yenbathu nichayam. -
Key Takeaway
3. Visiting places related to Ram i.e traveled by Ram while make us realize that we dependendent on HIM, we shall get rid of ego, we shall get rid of our ignorance and we shall all gain Rama bhakthi. The greatness of the place and the vibrations in those places will bring this change in us.
So in this temple at Ramgiri, we have Ram lakshman sannidhi and Agasthiyar's sannidhi. Agasthiyar here is Red in color. Ram's sannidhi and there is lakshman's sannidhi. It was a challenge for all of us to go have darshan since the place was small. so one group did pradakshinam and another had the darshan. We did bhajanai and parayanam of that sargam too.
Ramtek to Nasik Via Nagpur Via Koundinyapur
From there in 2006, we went to Nagpur and by train from Nagpur to Nasik. In 2010, the entire trip was in bus only. Though both as its own advantages and disadvantages. NO one knew about the next tiresome journey and everyones mind was filled with happiness since they had a great darshan of Ram at Ramtek. On the way there is a huge bull, varagam liek nandi keshwar which is also kept near by. We had the darshan of that too.
On the way to Nasik there is a town called as Koundinyapur which is the town of Kannan's Rukmini Devi. Now we have to start towards Nasik. Let's go.
When we started from Ramtek in 2010, we wanted to visit Koundinyapuram which is Rukmini's home town. It is part of Vidharbha desam and is referred as Kundinapuram. This is the place where rukmini kalyanam happened. That is Kannan came and took rukmini from this place. Since it was night time we could not go to this place. The route was also very bad. After a long journey we all reached Nasik.
But in 2006, we got down from the bus we travelled for 10 days at Nagpur and took train till nasik. In 2006 we had lot of train travel. From Chennai to Kanpur, Nagpur to Nasik, Nasik to Kishkintha we got down in guntakal and took bus to Kishkintha/hospet, From Kishkintha/hospet to Dharwad, and then to Mysore to go to Lakshmana theertham. From Mysore again took train to reach Maniyatchi to go to Thirukurungudi. We took so many trains when we went in 2006. Train travel is good for elderly person but the disadvantage is to co-ordinate buses and luggage when going to and from railway station. It
was also a challenging to catch the train at Nagpur since we got stuck due to traffic jam and rain. By the help of volunteers we managed to bring the luggage safely and somehow we managed to catch the train at 8 PM and by Ram's grace we did not miss the train and also got all the luggage safely. Then we reached Nasik station at 6 AM next morning. Thanks to the great work by all the volunteers and all the yatrika's appreciated the great work by the volunteers. After getting down at Nasik, we took another set of buses and managed to get the entire yatrika's seated/allocated in new set of buses which didn't had the same number of seats as the earlier buses we travelled for 10 days. Similarly, the challenge is also when we allocate rooms in the boarding places. At times there might be shortage of rooms inspite of advance booking. All these are sweet challenges we keep facing through the entire yatra.
Yatrika's at Nasik Panchavati Godavari
Now that we have reached Nasik, we have to take a bath in Godavari and on the other side is the Panchavati where parnasalai, kuteeram are located. Wonderful place but today due to population hygene is a concern. Still a wonderful place.
Starting from Godavari the experience is wonderful. Near Nasik is Jatayu moksha sthalam, Janasthanam is there. All these places are ramaneeyamana places. To go around the town of Nasik will itself take time. Nasika means Nose in Sanskrit. Nasik means "Lakshman had cut Soorpanaka's nose and ear and thrown it away. He had thrown it from one side of the river Godavari ie from the Parnasalai/panchavati side he threw it and it fell on the other side of the Godavari river which is called as Nasik. Place where soorpanaka's ears and nose were cut, place where Ravanan came to abduct Sita, place where Ram started his search for sita, Place where Ram gave moksham to Jatayu all these had happened in Nasik, Panchavati. A great feast is awaiting for us at Nasik/Panchavati. Let us continue to watch Nasik/Panchavati as part of Sriramanin Padhayil.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 24 - Oct 20 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Slogam :
Koojantham Rama Ramethi maduram madsuraksharam,
Aaroohya kavitha shakhaam vande Valmiki kokilam.
Salutations to The nightingale Valmiki,
Who sits on the poem like branch,
And who goes on singing sweetly,
“Rama”, “Rama” and “Rama”.
Slogam:
Valmike muni simhasya kavitha vana charina,
Srunvan Rama kadha naadam ko na yathi paraam gathim.
Who in this world will not attain salvation,
Who happen to hear the story of Rama,
Composed by the lion among poets Valmiki,
Who always lived in the forest.
The above slogams are in the starting of Valmiki Ramayanam. Valmiki Bhagawan keeps uttering Ram Ram Ram.. Valmiki is like a cuckoo bird who sings beautifully. Cuckoo birds sings while sitting on the bird. Similarly Valmiki Sat on a tree called Vedam and sang us the inisai called Ramayanam and introduced all of us towards Bhakthi Margam.
We can experience Ram through the Ramayana story, uttering Rama namam and doing bajanai is one more way, visiting Ramar temples and praying leads us closer to HIM. So like this there are many kinds in Rama Bhakthi. One such small effort is SriRamanin Padhayil to visit all the places where Raman travelled. Ram started from Chitrakoot and he met 3 munivar's/Rishi's - Sarabhangar, Sutheekshanar and then Agasthiyar, then we went to Ramtek which is north of Nagpur.
After visiting the temple at Ramtek we have now reached Nasik on the banks of river Godavari. Nashik - Though a populated town it is a punya kshetram and also there is this Shanthi(peace) filled place called Tapovan on the either banks of the river Godavari. With Godavari in the middle Nashik town on one side and Tapovanam on the other side.
Nashik, Godavari and Tapovan Parikrama
Let us first do the parikrama(pradakshinam) of the town like how we have done starting from ayodhya. Then lets go inside the town to visit the temples one by one.
Lakshman cut Soorpanaka's ear and nose. The place where lakshman was standing while cutting the ear and nose is called as Tapovan. Lakshman threw from the tapovan side of the river and it fell on the other side which is Nashik. Nasika means - Nose in sanksrit. Nasika has become Nasik as known today. Let us watch all the places in Nasik, Panchavati and Tapovan.
Nasik Parikrama
1) Rama Kundam - place where Ram and Sita had taken bath. This sannidhi is on the banks of the free flowing Godavari. After a bath at this place one can visit series of temples one by one.
2) KALE Ram Mandir - between 1782 - 1792 this temple was built. Ram in this temple is black in color
3) GORE Ram Mandir - Ram in this temple is in white color
4) Sita Gufa/Gumpha - There is a Ram,Lakshman,Sita mandir on the top and then one needs to crawl to go further down the cave to see another set of idols and temple inside the cave. Let us learn the story of all these places later and let us first go around these places first.
5) Panchavati - After Sita Gufa is Panchavati. There are 5 Banyan trees here. Many dolls and representation of Ramayanam story can be seen here. There is also a temple/sannidhanam on the other side. All these above places need to be worshipped in and around Ram Ghat on the Godavari bank. If we travel few KM's from there and if we cross the bridge across Godavari on the other side is Tapovan.
6) Tapovan - This place is truly a Tapovan. To control our minds concentrate and meditate on Sita/Ram this is the best place. When we wanted to give a image for our program SRI RAMANIN PADHAYIL you have been seeing this image from the first day. In English they called it silhouette. This is there at Taapovan. Since we saw this scene at Tapovan, we wanted to use this as a leading thread and show Ram to everyone. Hence this scene is used as a logo or emblem for this program.
7) Kapila Theertham - At tapovan is Kapila theertham on one side and Godavari on the other side. The sangamam of Godavari and Kapila Theertham Sangamam is here. Very scared land - punya bhoomi. Even today many yogi's siddhar's do penance from here. Kapilar has done the penance here and hence this place is called as Kapila Theertham.
8) Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva Kundam
9) Agni Kundam
10) Sita Kundam
11) Moksha Kundam - This is between the other two kundam's.
So at tapovan - we have Sangamam of rivers, Kundam's and story of sita. Let us visit all these places one by one and listen to the stories. Before that 35 KM from this place, if we go towards TRIYAMBHAKESHWAR is the place of Godavari Utpathi/Starting. Let us first go there and visit the place and then come back to Nasik.
BHARATHA BHOOMI, KARMA BHOOMI and RIVER BANKS
Our Bharatha Desam is a punya Bhoomi, karma bhoomi. IF we do the Karma's in this desam and that too at particular places, because of the Mahatmiyam of the place the benefits are multi folded. Among such significant places are the
starting point of the rivers. Ganga, Yamuna, Narmadha, Krishna, Tamirabharani, Vagai, cauvery so many such holy rivers.
RIVER GODAVARI
One among those rivers which starts to flow in Maharastra is Godavari.
From Nasik, if we travel 35 KM is the place where river Godavari starts to flow. This place is called as BRAHMA GIRI or TRIYAMBAKSTHAN.
The shiva who is residing here is called as TRIYAMBHAKESHWAR/ Trimbakeshwar . Because of this Shiva's grace, river Godavari started to flow from here. The Ganga river who was flowing in the sky/agayam was brought down to earth as Godavari. We wanted to see this place. But we didn't visit this during Rama Anu yatra and later a team of 4 went recently to visit these places and capture the videos for you all. Need to climb a mountain. Though we thought that we shall climb faster but it took 4 hours. It is difficult for old people.
Though the passage is broad in the beginning, later it turns Steep and narrow. Let us see the story of this place along with the story of how Godavari started to flow from here. The path is little difficult it is Sriramanin Padhayil ayitre. We had our tough times last two weeks too in this program, while i was thinking later understood it is Sriramanin Padhayil and hence it is going to be diffcult as like the path travelled by Ram himself. (Keep trying difficulties will be there and stay focussed)
Key Takeaway
1. Following Ram's footpath is challenging and one need to keep trying and need to stay focussed to reach the end goal.
There are three mountains here. Brahma Giri, Anjana Giri and Ganga Dwara Giri. Godavari appears and disappears in each of these mountain. Usually a river when it starts from a place it will keep free flowing from that place. But Godavari's speciality is that she first appeared at Brahma Giri and then she disappeared. Then she appeared at GOMUKHAM, She appeared and disappered in various such places and finally at KUSHAVARTHAM she started to settle and started to flow from there. Why is it so ? Let us listen more on this.
Godavari's name and its reason :
Slogam : GAM SUKHAM DADATHI ITHE GO DA
GO DA - Sugathai Kodupaval. The river gives joy to all who baths in this river. She helps in getting rid of the papam and in acquiring punyam. VARI - VARISTA. There are many such rivers which help in getting us punyam and she is significant among them. She starts from the west and flows towards the east through Brahma Giri, Nasik, Panchavati, Nanded Parbhani, Badrachalam, Rajamundry - east godavari, west godavari in Andhra pradesh and then she joins the sea. So Godavari gives happiness for all of us. Why did she start from this place ? Let us see about that now.
Story of Godavari Utpathi:
Gautam and ahalya used to live here. Entire nation was facing severe drought everywhere, except the place where Gautam muni was staying due to his penance and its power. Gautam had fertile land and it used to rain everyday. Varuna Bhagawan came to do his service to this Gautam Muni. Morning Gautam used sow the seeds and he used to harvest on the same day in the afternoon once the crops are grown and used to feed all the muni's in his ashrams. This was happening for a long time. Once a cow came and ate the cultivated land. Gautama muni sent a darbai to destroy the cow and the cow was too weak that it died immediately. Gautam got into Go-hathi dosam because of killing the cow. Inorder to get rid of this Go-hathi dosam, he did penance towards lord shiva by staying in this BrahmaGiri mountain for 12 years. Hene once in 12 years kumbha mela happens here at brahma giri. Note that we have seen about the Kumbha mela which happens at Allahabad. We have told about the Nasik-Godavari Kumbha mela during that time. It is here in Nashik that kumbha mela happens.
One more story is that Ganga matha got stuck in Shiva's head inbetween the hair and could not come out. Ganga wanted to live with Shiva forever. Parvathi Devi didn't like that and she was angry since Ganga wasn't going down from her husband's head and she somehow wanted to send Ganga from Shiva's head. So Parvati and her friend Jaya came down and stayed in this mountain. They had stayed in Gautam muni's ashram too. Jaya took the form of the cow and went to eat the crops which was cultivated by Gautam muni. Shiva told Gautam muni that Ganga need to come to earth so that Gautam muni can get rid of the the Go-hathi dosam.So to help Gautam muni, Shiva wanted Ganga to flow from his head and he unlocked his hai. But Ganga did not come out of
Shiva's head since she wanted to live there forever. Shivan did rudhra thandavam dance and Shiva's sada mudi hit on this brahma giri. Ganga could not manage the force of hitting and she got scared and Ganga in the form of Godavari started to come out in this place which is the Utpathi(starting) place of river godavari.
Sita Praying to River Godavari
Slogam from Valmiki Ramayanam.
hamsakAraNDavAkIRNAm vande godAvarIm nadIm |
kshipram rAmAya Samsa tvam sItAm harati rAvaNah ||
In rAmAyaNam AraNya kANDam 49-32, sIta prays to godAvari river to please tell rAma that rAvaNa is taking her. When
Ravana was taking Sita, Sita didn't know how to leave the message to Ram and hence she folds her hand to the godavari who is running below and tells the information to Godavari. But Godavari was scared to Ravanan and didn't speak anything to Ram. Godavari didn't do this service to Ram/Sita, so can we all pray to Godavari ? Vedanta Desikan explains this with a different opinion. He says that "Yes Godavari was wrong. Inspite of being a scared river, she missed to do the kainkaryam for Sita Ramar. How can we worship her ? Yes we can worship her. Godavari has the name Goda which is the original name of Andal who was born at Srivilliputhur. Goda is the name of Andal. Godavari has the name of Andal. So the mistake she did can be excused and forgetten and we can worship Godavari". Such is the explanation by Vedanta Desikan. This is the place where Godavari starts which we have reached today. Such wonderful explanation has been given to us by Sri Vedanta Desikan.
GODAVARI UDGAM
This is the place where starts to flow and is known as GODAVARI UDGAM. Everyone does puja to Godavari in this place.
Gautam muni - story continuation..
We saw how Gautam muni got into GO-HATHI dosa and his penance towards Shiva to get Godavari here to brahma giri. This is the place where rudra thandavam was born since Ganga didn't agree to come down easily. Hence in this place we have Triyambakeshwar which is one of the 12 Jyothirlingam. This kshetram was called Triyambakeshwar because of this. Then later Ganga came down when Shiva hit his hair locks in this brahma giri. It looks like a small well and from here Godavari starts to flow. One can see Gautam muni and ahalya's vigraham here. Everyone visiting this place does pooja for Godavari, dhanam and Dakshinai are given here. Though not a big temple there is Udgam sthanam here.
HIDE & SEEK BY GODAVARI
1. When Gautam muni was trying to take a bath when Godavari appeared in the brahma giri first, she disapperated again since she was not willing to come out of Shiva's head.
2. Then she appeared again in a place called "Go mukam" and gautam muni tried to take a bath and he could not since she hid herself again.
3. Then she appeared again at "Triyambakeshwar" in the TRIYAMBAK THEERTHAM and hid herself again and Gautam muni could not take bath.
4. Then at "Rama kundam", "Lakshamana kundam","Sita Kundam" and also at "Ganga Dwaram" and like this she was hiding herself after appearing in each of the above places and Gautam muni could not take bath. One can see all these place if you travel 3 KM in the Brahma giri mountain. It has been told that Ram had come to all these places.
5. Then she went into the next mountain and she came down and gautam muni still could not have his bath in Godavari.
6. Gautam got angry and he instead of waiting for the river to appear, he ordered the river to stop flowing and to stay inside a circle. He took his (Kusam)darbai grass and drew a circle and asked her to stay inside the circle - Darbhathal suzhika patta idam so called as KUSHAVARTHAM. Then gautam muni took bath in the water from that circle. We saw the story of Sakaran's 60,000 son getting rid of the curse due to having bath in Ganga and similarly Gautam muni got rid of his dhosam by having bath in Godavari. Very wonderful place.
Such is the story and greatness of this place called "Godavari Udgam" - the starting place of river Godavari. One just need to wish to come here and no need to spend huge amount of money. This place is full of lush green scene and also lot of punyam. Praying all of us to go and visit this place. Now let us go inside Nasik Panchavati to see other interesting places.
NASIK - PANCHAVATI/TAPOVAN
On the two banks of river Godavari's we can see Panchavati/Tapovan on one side and Nasik on the other side. Lakshman did penance here and hence this place is called Tapovanam. Ram, Lakshman and Sita were in the forest. Here is the beautiful nizhal padam which we have been seeing in the beginning of every episode of SriRamaninPadhayil. Ram, Lakshman, Sita walking in the Tapovan. Lakshman did penance to protect Ram.
Story of Lakshman punishing Soorpanaka
LAKSHMAN TEMPLE AT TAPOVAN - Lakshman can be seen here below adi seshan.
Lakshman cut soorpanaka's nose and eyes in this place when she came here wishing for Ram and Lakshman. Actually Ram was planning to spend rest of his exile duration here before returning to Ayodhya.
Valmiki says in this Slogam - "tham desam Raksachi kachithu ..."
तदा आसीनस्य रामस्य कथा संसक्त चेतसः |
तम् देशम् राक्षसी काचिद् आजगाम यदृच्छ्हया || ३-१७-५
Meaning : At one time when Rama is sitting in hermitage and heartily absorbed in telling narratives some demoness arrived at that place, fortuitously. [3-17-5]
This seems to be Bhagawan's sankalpam. Hence Soorpanaka had come to this place. Ramayanam has Nava rasam - bayam, kovam, viyappu, veruppu, thunbham, hasyam. Valmiki gives all these rasam in his Ramayanam.
Hasya(humour) rasam is here in this Gatam. Valmiki explains this in a very comic manner. Soorpanaka likes Ram and she gets attracted towards Ram and she comes to Ram by changing from her scary demon form to a beautiful women. Then she comes requesting Ram to marry her. Soorpam means "muram" in Tamizh. Soorpanaka means muram pola Nagam(Nails). If her nails are so huge , then imagine how huge her entire body might have been.
Valmiki explains the beauty of Ram and how huge is Soorpankai was before Soorpankai turned to a beautiful lady.
In a comic sense Valmiki compares soorpanaka with such a huge gigantic ugly form and Ram who is bundle of beauty.
Slogam :
सुमुखम् दुर्मुखी रामम् वृत्त मध्यम् महोदरी || ३-१७-९
विशालाक्षम् विरूपाक्षी सुकेशम् ताम्र मूर्धजा |
प्रियरूपम् विरूपा सा सुस्वरम् भैरव स्वना || ३-१७-१०
तरुणम् दारुणा वृद्धा दक्षिणम् वाम भाषिणी |
न्याय वृत्तम् सुदुर्वृत्ता प्रियम् अप्रिय दर्शना || ३-१७-११
शरीरज समाविष्टा राक्षसी रामम् अब्रवीत् |
Meaning :
She that demoness who is facially unpleasant one with that pleasant faced one, pot bellied one with the slim-waisted one, wry-eyed one with the broad-eyed one, coppery-haired one with the neatly tressed one, ugly featured one with the charming featured one, brassy voiced one with the gentle voiced one, deplorably oldish one with the youngish one, crooked talker with the pleasant talker, ill-mannered one with the well-mannered one, uncouth one with couth, abominable one with amiable Rama spoke, besieged by Love-god. [3-17-9b, 11, 12a]
Ram's waist is so small that one cannot even notice it. While soorpanaka's waist is visibile all over the body. Ram's eyes are pleasant like lotus flower. Soorpanka's eyes were scary. When Ram speaks it is like music lingering from Veena. When Soorpanaka's speak's her sound is like hitting a nail on a metal surface(thagaram). Such contrast were the features of Ram and Soorpanaka. Inspite of this, soorpanaka wished to marry Ram. Valmiki explain this with Humour in Ramayanam.
Soorpanaka came and expressed her wish to Ram about marrying him. Raman replied to her saying that he is married and hence she cannot marry him. Then Ram points lakshmana to Soorpanaka dn says "Here is Lakshmana who is unmarried."
Slogam: कृत दारो अस्मि भवति भार्या इयम् दयिता मम |
त्वत् विधानाम् तु नारीणाम् सुदुःखा ससपत्नता || ३-१८-२
Meaning: "Oh, honourable one, I am married and this is my dear wife, thus it will be distressing for your sort of females to live with a co-wife. [3-18-2]
Slogam : अनुजः तु एष मे भ्राता शीलवान् प्रिय दर्शनः |
श्रीमान् अकृत दारः च लक्ष्मणो नाम वीर्यवान् || ३-१८-३
Meaning: "He is my younger brother named Lakshmana, he is with a good conduct, good looking, a promising and valiant one, and he is without a wife. [3-18-3]Rama is known to be a jovial talker, na vitathaa parihaasa kathhasvapi Here for the word a kR^ita daaraH apparently means 'not, made, wife= wife not available.' But Lakshmana is married and Rama says here he is unmarried. Then Rama must have bluffed! Not so, that compound is in its subtext means: 'one who did not make his wife to come along, hence there is no wife.' Govindaraja.
Ram has wife with him while he was in the exile. Ram says "Manaivi kooda illai" and he sents her to Lakshman. Meaning of that is not that Lakshman is unmarried, meaning is that Lakshman is now staying without his wife which Ram is referring being unmarried. Then Soorpanaka went to Lakshma and requested him to marry her. But Lakshman is not ready to marry her and he says "I am myself Dasan(servant) so i don't need one more servant for me and hence cannot marry you. So go and ask the master who is Ram to marry you".
Slogam :कथम् दासस्य मे दासी भार्या भवितुम् इच्छ्हसि |
सो अहम् आर्येण परवान् भ्रात्रा कमल वर्णिनी || ३-१८-९
Meaning: "How you wish to become a female servant, oh, [black] lotus-coloured one, by becoming the wife of a servant like me? I am just a vassal of my adorable brother. [3-18-9]
This discussion continues and then Soorpanaka is upset that none of that brother is ready to marry her. She thinks that Ram is not agreeing because Sita is there. This is all because of Sita being here with Ram and she decides to kill Sita and Soorpanka approaches Sita. As per Ram's wish(kan jadai) Lakshman took the knife and cut soorpanaka's ear and nose. Soorpanaka started to scream and she went to go and complain it to her brothers karan,dushanan, trisira.
Slogam : इति उक्त्वा मृगशावाक्षीम् अलात सदृश ईक्षणा |
अभ्यधावत् सुसंक्रुद्धा महा उल्का रोहिणीम् इव || ३-१८-१७
Meaning : Speaking that way she that torch-eyed Shuurpanakha dashed towards the deer-eyed Seetha in high exasperation as a great meteor would dash towards Rohini, the brightest star in the sky. [3-18-17]
Slogam : इमाम् विरूपाम् असतीम् अतिमत्ताम् महोदरीम् |
राक्षसीम् पुरुषव्याघ्र विरूपयितुम् अर्हसि || ३-१८-२०
Meaning : "She is freakish, knavish and overtly ruttish, oh, tigerly man, it will be apt of you to deface this paunchy demoness " Thus Rama said to Lakshmana. [3-18-20]
Slogam: इति उक्तो लक्ष्मणः तस्याः क्रुद्धो रामस्य पश्यतः |
उद्धृत्य खड्गम् चिच्छ्हेद कर्ण नासम् महाबलः || ३-१८-२१
Meaning : Thus said to that mighty Lakshmana he infuriately drew sword and chopped off her ears and nose before the very eyes of Rama. [3-18-21]
Slogam : ततः सभार्यम् भय मोह मूर्चिता
सलक्ष्मणम् राघवम् आगतम् वनम् |
विरूपणम् च आत्मनि शोणित उक्षिता
शशंस सर्वम् भगिनी खरस्य सा || ३-१८-२६
meaning : Then that sister of Khara who is convulsed in the fluster of fear and her body wetted with blood reported to her brother Khara, all about Rama's arrival in forest with his wife and Lakshmana, and even about his misshaping her. [3-18-26]
Andal says "Kollai arakkiyai mukku arupatta kumaranar sollum poiyanal yanum piranthamai poi anne". As per Raman's wish Lakshman did this act of cutting her ear and nose. The cut piece went and fell at Nasik. The place we
are at currently is called Tapovan. There is a depiction of Lakshman cutting soorpanaka's ear and nose.
Lakshman temple at Tapovan
First is Lakman's temple at tapovan with Lakshman under Adi Shesan.
There is a sannidhi for Hanuman. Even in the places where Hanuman has not traveled one can see Hanuman sannidhi.
Agasthiyar Sannidhi at Panchavati
There is one sannidhi for agasthiyar too. There is a Agasthiyar ashram in Nasik too.
We have already seen Agasthiyar Ashram earlier in two places.
1. First we saw Agasthiyar ashram near Sathna at patna tamouli which we went in a tractor.
2. Second we saw one Agasthiyar Ashram at Ramtek.
3. There is one more agasthiyar ashram in Manmad.
4. There is also agasthiyar ashram in Podigai malai in Tamil Nadu where he had stayed for a long time.
We can also have the darshan of Lakshman cutting ear and nose of soorpanaka is this place. Who cut her eyes and nose ? is it Ram or Lakshman ? Andal says "Kollai arakkiyai mukku arupatta kumaranar sollum poiyanal yanum piranthamai poi anne".
It was not Ram who cut but Ram's right hand Lakshman did cut the ears and nose of Soorpanaka. Lakshman did penance here. Lots of rishi and muni have done penance here and attained mukthi. Even today when we go to Tapovan, one can see the wonderful difference and positive impact in us when we travel to this place.
Next we need to visit the other places like - Brahma,Vishnu, Shiva kundam, Moksha kundam, Sita Kundam, Agni Kundam and the place where Godavari and kapila theertham sangamam happens. Lets wait and see all those places in detail.
Shoorpanaka complaining to her brothers
Slogam : Tarunow..
तरुणौ रूप संपन्नौ सुकूमारौ महाबलौ |
पुण्डरीक विशालाक्षौ चीर कृष्ण अजिन अंबरौ || ३-१९-१४
फल मूल अशिनौ दान्तौ तापसौ ब्रह्मचारिणौ |
पुत्रौ दशरथस्य आस्ताम् भ्रातरौ राम लक्ष्मनौ || ३-१९-१५
Meaning: "Those two are in adulthood, good-looking, gentle yet greatly mighty, eyes broad like lotuses, dressed in jute-cloths and deerskin, subsistent on fruits and tubers, composed, sagacious and celibate, and they are the sons of Dasharatha, namely Rama and Lakshmana. [3-19-14,15]
Here, when asked by Khara 'who mutilated you?' Shuurpanakha should have normally reported that, 'sons of some king Dasharatha namely Rama and Lakshmana did this' But not telling so she starts her narration with an odd appreciation of Rama's aspects.
Wonderful slogam and this slogam was not by people close to Ram like vashistar or dasaratha or sita instead Soorpanaka. Soorpanka went to his brothers with blood oozing since lakshman had cut her ears and nose. Instead of scolding Ram she praises Ram in this gattam/stage. She says the above slogam meaning - "Two youngsters, very beautiful, with soft skin, but
with great strength, with eyes like lotus , wearing deer skin - people with those attributes had cut my knife." Ram's beauty is the ultimate truth, there is no need to praise, by nature Ram is beautiful so even if someone does not like Ram and even when some one is trying to describe Ram in angry state and when the angry person tries to tell about Ram the beauty had to be explained even when the person is trying to scold or is in anger.
GODAVARI - KAPILA THEERTHAM Sangamam
Next place in Tapovan is the Sangamam of Godavri and Kapila theertham. Kapilar vigraham is here near the Kapila Theertham. Kapilar is the person who spread Sankhya philosophy and good in Bhakthi Shastram. Kapilar has stayed here and did penance.
Lakshman cutting Soorpanaka's nose and ears
There is also an ancient shila of Lakshman and Soorpanaka depicting the cutting of nose and ears. Soorpanaka is a women. Is it an apt act to have cut her nose and ears ? It was Soorpanaka who came to kill first in her gigantic form and at that time Ram/Lakshman did this act. They didn't do this when she aproached asking them to marry her.
LET"S SEEK RAM'S FEET THROUGH SITA
We need to understand one thing from this story.
Ravanan wished for Sita. His end was also a tragedy. Soorpana wished for Ram. Her end was also tragedy. Sita moolam Ramanai pattrinal perinbhamana vaikunta kainkaryam yendra pathavi kittum i.e Moksham. So one should not just worship/like Ram alone or Sita alone. Even when we go to temple we should first go to Thayar sannidhi and then to Perumal Sannidhi. Through Thayar if we try to seek perumal, she will forgive us and help us in seeking Perumal. This is a very important truth which is reaveled in Ramayanam.
Key takeaway
2. Seek Ram through Sita and getting the ultimate goal of vaikunta kainkaryam is sure.
Brahma Shiva Vishnu Kundam
There are 3 kundam - one for each of them - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Very ancient kundams. There is also belief that Ram might have come here and used these kundams for tharpanam or bathing. Yatrika's can get into one of the kundam and can get out of the another kundam. Papam gets cured in having holy scared bath in the water below these kundam. One need to be careful ofcourse while having bath in these kundam.
SITA Kundam
Next there is Sita Kundam which was used by Sita. People believe that Sita had taken bath in this kundam.
AGNI Kundam
Then there is Agni Kundam, from which Sita had used water for cooking. One can see Sita Rasoi also here in Nasik and we shall see the same.
MOKSHA Kundam
Mukthi allikum kundam. Inside this kundam one can see Sita padugai. (Key Takeaway). This also depicts that one need to seek Sita and then through her seek Ram which will give Mukthi/moksham. "Sita devi patri ramanai patra vendum". If one further goes inside this kundam, Sita vigraham is also here inside this kundam and some of the yogi's have seen it. One need to travel deep inside the moksha kundam's water to see this vigraham.
Lav-Kush with Sita Vigraham
Next to it is Lav-kush Vigraham. Why lav-kush here at Nasik when they were born in bittoor. Probably at a later state they have installed these vigrahams of Sita-Luv-Kush.
Next when we go to Panchavati side to see KALE Ram, GORE Ram, Sita Gufa, Panchavati. Let us all go and see those places. Lets take leave for now in SriRamanin Padhayil and meet at Sita Gufa next week.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 25 - Oct 27 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Ram our best Role Model:
Slogam: "tapaswadyaya niratham tapasvi...."
तपः स्वाध्याय निरताम् तपस्वी वाग्विदाम् वरम् |
नारदम् परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिः मुनि पुंगवम् || १-१-१
A thoughtful-meditator, an eternally studious sage in scriptures about the Truth and Untruth, a sagacious thinker, and a sublime enunciator among all expert enunciators is Narada, and with such a Divine Sage Narada, the Sage-Poet Valmiki is inquisitively enquiring about a man who is a composite for all merited endowments in his form and calibre. [1-1-1]
The above slogam is the first starting slogam of SriRamayanam by Valmiki. When Narada had come to Valmiki Ashram, Valmiki had asked many questions to Naradar in order to know about Ram's guna. In our life's all of us need a role model whom we can look up to and follow the foot path. The person need to be a Sandron, person who has learnt the sashthram, person who is interested in this world's good. When GOD himself had come down as Ram who else can be a role model for all of us. All the great acharya's have also followed the foot path of Emperuman. Ramayanam is nothing but Ram showing us all the great guna's for us to follow.
Key Takeaway
1. Ramayanam is nothing but Ram showing us all the great guna's for us to follow.
We are following SriRam both w.r.t the path he travelled i.e places he visited, and also w.r.t the way he lived by exhibiting all the good characteristics being our role model. As we are discussing from our first week - SriRamanin Padhay refers to both the above meaning. As part of SriRamaninPadhayil we need to follow his foot steps based on how he lived. If one tries to understand how Ram lived and if one follows all the values and discipline and darma followed by Ram life will be very good. Following Ram's path of travel and visiting all the places which Ram travelled helps in reducing our Papam. Due to these two reasons we are doing this program.
Key Takeaway
2. Visiting the places related to Ram and thinking about him and acting/following his foot path reduces our papam/sins.
We are at Nasik Panchavati and we also saw godavari utpathi(starting) place last week. Now we are at nasik. With nasik on one side and tapovan/panchavati/parnasala on the other side GOdavari is running in the middle in this town.
Rama Kundam:
The first place to visit is Rama Kundam. Raman and Sita had taken bath in this Rama kundam. They had taken bath and had swimming competitions too. Both have spent lots of time in Ekantham in this place. Each of these rocks/sands on the river bank is all telling us about Ram and Sita - avagargal anandam and aniyonyam. We all should also follow the dharma in our married lives and should try to live.
Key takeway
3. A couple need to learn from how they should live looking at Ram and Sita who were examples of aniyonyam and lived by example all the dharma to be followed in a married life.
If we visit this place, it is sure that one's married life will prosper and one will walk in the Dharma path and live in the path of Dharma Path. The water level here depends on the season but still the tourists are here all through the year. Avar thirumeni patta idam. Oru attrukke perumai pirabhavam. The water has been flowing continuously for many years and also this place and river has significance due to its relationship with Ram since it has been continously flowing since Ram's day. After finishing the Jala tharpanam and bath at Rama Kundam, next we are going to see many temples all in one street.
KALA RAM Mandir
First is Kala Ram Mandir. This temple is under the maintenance of archealogical and survey deparment. Hence we need to take permission before visiting this temple. Sardar Odeshwar Peshawar has built this temple. 1784-1792 temple has been built with great difficulty. Built with black stones and the idol is also black. 32 ton weighing stone and silver, Gold etc were used to build this temple. The vimanam is very beautiful and is in north indian style. There are 96 pillars. 2000 people had built this temple. 23 lakh rupees has been spent to build this temple.
There is also a Black anjaneya swamy in the dwaram of this temple. The vigraham is not made of metal and instead the vigraham has been found in the Godavari padugai(river bed) and it has been made out of black sand of the godavari river bed. Since the idol is made of sand, there is no thirumanjanam(holy bath) done for the idol of this temple.
Upanyasam from Kala Ram Mandir
Now we are at Panchavati at the Kala Ram Mandir. Ram's natural color is black. Here emperuman shows us sevai in black color. Ram, Sita and Lakshman's wonderful darshan can be had here. Raja has spent many lakhs to built this temple some 1000 years ago. The idol is made from the Black sand from the Godavari river bed and not made of metal. Since the idol is made of
sand, there is no thirumanjanam(holy bath) done for the idol of this temple. Purathanamana kovil, Sirapakkalai , nun kalai is very wonderful in this temple. All of us should go and visit this temple and need to gain punyam.
Slogam
Ramaya Rama Bhadraya
Ramachandraya Vedhase
Raghu Nathaya Nathaya
Sitayah Pataye Namaha
Meaning : To Rama, Ramabhadra, Raghunatha(These are different names of Lord Rama),the Lord, the Consort of Seetha, our salutations to him.
Raman is Sita pathi. Sita is (Sivantha niram)red in color. Ram is black and hence he is known as "nila mega shyamalan","Mugil vannan", "Kadal vannan","Karu neela vannan", "Mega Vannan", "Neela vannan"
GORE RAM Mandir
Next is white Ram temple. GORE means white. White Ram made out of White Marble. The idols in north india are made of White Marble stone. Hence this Ram is called as GORE Ram Mandir. The temple is in a small street. There is one beautiful dhyanam mandapam. We can see the idols of Ram, Lakshman, Sita. We need to understand about Ram and his Guna's when we visit these temples. Though Ram's external color is black he is full of satva gunam. Ram is reachable, Ram is full of Sattva Guna, ram's nature is to help and protect everyone. This is what Ram has left for us to follow and practice and it is a great treasure he has given us.
Key Takeaway
4. Ram is reachable, Ram is full of Sattva Guna, ram's nature is to help and protect everyone. This is what Ram has left for us to follow and practice and it is a great treasure he has given us.
In today's world the important focus is on environment. We should safe guard our environment and for the growth of human, other species should not get impacted or destroyed. Human's should stay in harmony with nature. This Satva gunam is what is needed in this hour. One should not disturb and should protect all the trees, planta, insects since they are all Jeevatma too.Ram had this pure mind. He only destroyed people who troubled or disturbed the world. He was protecting all the other creatures from the troublesome. He destroyed only the body and we need to note that the atma is not destroyed.
Next we are going to Panchavati. After visiting Ram Ghat/kundam the yatra group formed a queue to visit the next set of places like Kala Ram, Gore Ram, Parna Salai. Next is Parna Salai, Panchavati and Sita gufa. Parna Salai - Ram has stayed in a Kutiya/Kudil/straw cottage, Panchavati is the place with 5 Banyan trees and Sita Gufa which is a small cave and we need to crawl and go inside to see the idols.
PANCHAVATI, PARNASALAI, PARNAKUTI
Panchavati refers to the 5 banyan trees. Banyan tree gives shadow to all who come and sit under it. Not like a palm tree or other trees which gives shade only for few. Banyan tree can provide shade to a big battlion of soldiers and give them shadow.
Key Takeaway
5. From a small seed a big banyan tree grows. Similarly, if we follow small small good habits it will lead us to good path. Small habits like truth, patience, porumai, speak softly, reachable - these five things are like 5 vatam. We will all benefit and we will be beneficial to others too like a banyan tree.
The importance is not just the place, it is also because of the message these places tells us.
We are getting into the Parnakuti. A mahant has been serving in this temple for the past 40-50 years. So many Salagramam's are here. Let us listen to Panchavati and Parnasalai's significance from that place. Followed by a small Speech by the person in the temple at Parnakuti.
Upanyasam from Parna Salai :
On the 11th day we are at Panchavati. From Agasthyar's ashram, ram walked till here through the forest and reached Panchavati,Nasik. There are 5 banyan trees here and so called as panchavati. Now we are at Parna salai -Lakshman Ramanukaga amaitha parna salai. Ram was happy to see the parna salai built by lakshman. Ram said to lakshmana the following slogam on seeing the beautiful hermitage lakshmana had built.
Slogam:
भावज्ञेन कृतज्ञेन धर्मज्ञेन च लक्ष्मण |
त्वया पुत्रेण धर्मात्मा न संवृत्तः पिता मम || ३-१५-२९
Meaning:
"You are the knower of others feelings, knower of many skills, and the knower of what is right and honest, oh, Lakshmana, such as you are, being with you I deem that my virtue-souled father is not gone and forgotten. [3-15-29]
Ram said "with the intention of serving me Lakshmana you are doing all this as per the dharmam like how our father Dasarathan would have done to me if he was alive. Till you are with me, my father is not yet dead. " Ram, Lakshman and Sita had stayed in this parna salai happily. If we meditate from this place about Ram/Sita, our papam will get reduced and we shall be rescued from this samsaram. Everyone should visit this Parnasalai.
Sita getting imprisoned herself
Slogam : Sundari Naguthasya..
This is a Valmiki Ramayanam slogam. When we say Sita, she is our mother, Jagan matha, loga nayaki, jagath Janani. Such great Sita was imprisoned in Ashoka vanam for 10 months by ravana. As per the words of learned she got herself into this place. Though Ravanan tried to imprison her, it was our Jaganmatha who for the sake of the Deva's got herself into the prison.
Why did she get prisoned herself for 10 months at ravan's place ? It is for the sake of Deva's to kill Ravanna and save the Deva loga ladies who were at Ravana's place. Sita's story tells about "Sirai irunthaval yetram" as per PIllai ullagasiriyan. Ramayan's significance is due to the great episode of Sita being imprisoned for 10 months. There is a saying that Ravanan had 10 heads
and hence Sita was in ashoka van for 10 months. Deva srigal(ladies) were prisoned at Ravana's place and hence Sita took this attempt to rescue them.
Sita Gumpha and the story of Vedavati
There is a famous story as part of Ramayanam told in north India. Looks like a true story though no references in Valmiki or Kambhar Ramayanam. Now we are going to see the place which is told in that story. Here is Sita Gufa. at Nasik/Panchavati. Gufa means Cave. This can also be told as tunnel / Surangapathai. From this place till Godavari Rama Kundam, looks like there was a underground tunnel earlier and it is currently closed. When Ravanan came and took away sita, the actual Sita was staying in this cave and it was Vedavati who was replaced as Sita and it was Vedavati who went with Ravanan to Ashoka Vanam. The sita was kept her secretly and safely in this cave.
Who is this Vedavati ?
It was vedavati who was taken by Ravanan to Lanka.
If you heard about THirumala Thirupathi Mahatmiyam, Venkatesa Mahatmiyam, Srinivasa Kalyanam you must have heard about Vedavati. Let us see Vedavati's story in short.
Kushadwajan's daughter is Vedavati. Vedavati wanted to marry Bhagwan only and she happen to do penance for the same. But Ravanan happen to see her one day and ravanan wanted to marry her. Ravanan also tried to misbehave with Vedavati. Then Vedavati said "I will be the reason for your death. You cannot reach me without my permission". Then Vedavati took another birth. In this janma when Ravana was trying to capture Sita, Sita was hidden magically in this cave by the Deva's and it was vedavati who went with Ravanan in the form of Sita in the pushpaka vimanam. Sita was kept here at this place Sita Gufa safely. Later Ram went and got back Sita. Sita did Agnipravesam and at that time bhooma devi and Agni bhagawan came with the actual Sita and explained about Vedavalli who was in the place of Sita. Vedavalli wanted to marry Ram. Sita herself told Ram "She saved us and she wanted to marry you". Ram declined due to the "EKA PATNI VIRATHAM" while he is as Ram and agreed to marry her in the avataram as Srinivasan. So in the next janma Vedavalli was born as PADMAVATHI daughter to AkasaRajan. We can visit Padmavathi thayar at Thirupathi Thiruchanoor. Ram himself was born as Srinivasar and he married Padmavathi. During Srinivasa kalyanam, Srinivasar called Padmavathi as "Vedavathi" which made Padmavathi realize all the earlier truth that she was none other than Vedavathi who saved Sita in her earlier Janma.
Sita was kept in this Gufa(cave)... Inside the Guha beautiful temple. One need to crawl and go inside. In the top floor we have Ram,Sita, Lakshman. After going inside the cave also, inside the cave very beautiful Ram,Lakshman and sita. Small place and only 4 or 5 can stand. There is a pujari. We had darshan of this beautiful temple.
Opposite to this is the beautiful depiction in modern dolls/art on how sita was when she was staying here.. all these are in modern doll representation..
Actually after watching all this and when we cross sita gufa then we could go to panchavati. Close to this, is a temple called Sundara Narayanan Temple built by Chandra Chudan which we shall see next.
Sundara Naraynan Temple at Nasik with Thulasi devi
Temple called Sundara Narayanan Temple built by Chandra Chudan which we shall see next.
Slogam - "Ponnivar Meni Maragathin Pongilam.."
On Nagapattinam Soundararajan permal, Thirumangai azhwar has sung 10 pasuram and this is the first pasuram.
This above one is the first song. Very beautiful song describing all the features of Bhagawan. Like this bhagwan is there in many thiruthalams. Thirumangai azhwar yennum PARAKALA NAYAGI sings this song with this bhavam on looking at this beautiful grace and beauty of Perumal. The pasuram " Is the thirumeni made out of gold, maragadam ? i do not know what it is made of..." We have had the darshan of this Soundararajan perumal.
Now we are at Nasik Panchavati and we have the darshan of Sundara Nayaryan Perumal in this beautiful form(sundara murthy). The vigraham is beautiful and black in color and very attractive. It is a separate temple and Narayanan is in this Temple. When Ram had come here all the Rishi's had darshan of Ram. All the rishi's didn't want this sundara ram to go away from this temple. As per the request of the Rishi's,Ram agreed to stay here as Sundara Narayanan in this Temple. Ram who is Narayanan himself stayed here as Sundara Narayanan. The ever beautiful Ram, the ever beautiful Sita as Narayanan and Mahalakshmi are here at Sundara Narayanan temple. This temple is very ancient and the idol is very old. The temple alone was renovated some years ago by Gangadhar Yashwanth Chandra Choodar. Perumal as Sundara Narayanan with Sangam and Chakram. On looking at this perumal's face "Kondal vannanai " pasuram of Thirupanazhwar is what one is reminded of.
Pasuram: "Allama maram.."
Perumal in this temple is black in color, neela meni vannan in a very attractive form. Next to Perumal is Mahalakshmi Thayar. On the other side is Thulasi Devi. Only this temple in the entire bharatha desam, we can see the temple for Thulasi. Perumal, lakshmi and thulasi devi are in this temple.
Let us hear from the Mahant of this temple. - The temple you are watching now is Sundara Narayanan Temple. One of the ancient temple in Nasik. You can see Three murthi - Lakshmi, Narayanan, Thulasi(vrinda devi) and then Garuda bhagawan below. This temple was renovated by Sardar Chandra Chood by spending 10 lakhs ruppes. Earlier it was a wooden temple but was
devasted during mughal period. When renovated, this temple was made using black stones. Some of the significance of this temple are as follows.
1. The significance of Thulasi being along with perumal and hence it is a very rare temple.
2. On 20 and 21st march, the first rays of the sun falls on the murthy of this temple first before falling on the earth. This is a very significant aspects of this temple.
3. Kade Ganesh and baite hanuman and it is very rare to see this combination.
4. Utsav Prathimahotsav during Karthik month during thirupuri Poornima.
5. Here Bhagawan kapaleshwar and Bhagawan Sundara Narayanan -- HARI HARE BET <>> Some ritual on Vaikunta Chaturdasi something is exchanged between Shiv and Vishnu in this temple.
We heard about the greatness of this temple. We do not need huge money to offer things to GOD. Instead we can offer 4 dhalam thulasi to perumal. Perumal is flattered because of this thulasi offering. 4 dhalam konda thulasi samarpikka vendum during daily Thiruvaradhanam.
Azhwar says "Poosum santhu yen nenjame...." referring to "I do not have sandanam, flowers or silk clothes. But i have my mind and song for you".
Similarly when we offer thulasi we need to say "Hey Kesava piriye unnai perumalluku Samarpikaren" yendru solli thulasiyai perumalluku samarpika vendum. This will help us to get rid of all our trouble. Perumal becomes happy due to this act of us since we offered Thulasi to him. Antha thulasi Devi is here in this temple along with sundara narayanan temple.
Key Takeaway
6. Offer what you have with full heart and mind.
7. when we offer thulasi we need to say "Hey Kesava piriye unnai perumalluku Samarpikaren" yendru solli thulasiyai perumalluku samarpika vendum. This will help us to get rid of all our trouble. Perumal becomes happy due to this act of us since we offered Thulasi to him.
Though this temple can be missed by people visiting Nasik since it is not in the main place. Each of you should go to this temple when you go to Nasik. Next is a important place 60 KM from this place following a deer.
MARICHAN THE MAGIC DEER GETTING KILLED BY RAM
Pasuram by Kulasekarar azhwar " Silai vanaku man mariyai yeithan thannai thilla nagar chithirakodam thanul"
At Thillai chittrakooda is perumal Govindarajan. Govindarajan empuremanai azhwar saw as Ram himself. That Ram bent his bow and sent an arrow to kill the Deer. That story has happened here in this place.
Marichan came in the form of a deer to take Ram away to a very long distance away from Sita. Marichan was asked to do this by Ravanan. Marichan who came was loitering her and there.
This happened when Sita/Ram were staying in the ParnaSalai ParnaKutty. This can be seen here at Nasik. The other places like the following we need to go and watch.
1. The place where Ram sent the Bow
2. The place the bow hit the deer
3. The place marichan died and fell down
Just in this place alone Ram was alone. Usually Ram, Lakshman and Sita used to walk together. But here in this place Ram was all alone. Pogathavar ponal aabhathu, villayatu vinaiyaga mudinthathu. Raman thanithu ponathe illai. Always he was either with lakshman or Lakshman and Sita. During this incident Ram was alone. Sita asked for the Maya Man - golden deer.
Ram went to capture the deer. Lakshman told there is nothing called golden deer and tolf that it is a maya man. But Ram didn't agree or listen. Ram wanted to capture the deer to fulfill the reason of his avatar i.e killing Ravanan.
There are many temples from Nasik on the way to the place where Marichan was killed. There is one at 32 KM, one at 39 KM and one at 42 KM and one at 60 KM. Each of these temples explain various states of Ram when he was trying to follow the deer till he killed Marichan.
The three important temples are Baneshwar, Madhyeshwar,MrigaVyadeshwar
In between these is another ram Mandir with Ram, Vittal and Krishnar.
RAM Temple
When Ram was chasing the deer, Ram was thirsty and he sent a bow and water came out and there is a temple in this place even today.
BANESHWAR, MADHYESHWAR, Mrigavyadeshwar
The place where Ram sent the bow is BANESHWAR.
The place where Marichan saw the arrow coming towards him and marcihan started to run is MADHYESHWAR
The place where Marichan got hit by the arrow and where he is about to fall is Mrigavyadeshwar. Vyadha means hunter, Mriga means animal. Place where Ram hunted the deer.
Should have Ram killed the deer ? No he must not have. But Ram's wish is not to kill the deer. Instead his wish was to capture the deer and keep it as a pet. But since the deer was trying to run away, Ram had to kill the deer. But the magic deer didn't fall here in Nasik once it was stuck by the arrow of Ram. Then Marichan took a huge form and he fell down very far near Aurangadabad and there is a temple too. We could not go there.
We saw Baneshwar, Madhyeshwar and Mrigavyadeshwar the places related to Ram bending the bow and killing the magic deer. Then Ram comes back from that place back to parna kuti.
Before that whatever, that should not have happened, had happened at Parnakuti and sita was captured by Ravanan. Before that Lakshman came away from Sita. Ram and Lakshman met on the way and returned back to the parnakuti in that hot son is the history.
Today we have seen Nasik and all the near by places in Nasik.
From Nasik if we travel for 25KM there is an important place called Taket - Jatayu moksha sthalam - Place where Ram gave Mukthi to Jatayu. Let us see that place next week. For now, we are starting from Nasik/Panchavati. Let go towards Taket. Raman Paradeivam, avane thirumal, muzhumuthar kadavul yendru nirubitha Jatayu moksha sthalam selvom.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 26 - Nov 3 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
We are going to visit an important place as part of SriRamaninPadhayil. Veda's and upanishad talk very high about doing saranagathi to Bhagawan. Truth is that we do not have the shakthi and knowledge which can lead us to mukthi. Then the option is to seek bhagawan's help and seek refuge at HIS feet "Bhagawane unnidathil thanjam, Neye pugal" yendru bhakthi bhavanai undha avanai pattrugirom. Sriman Narayanan gives mukthi to all those who seek him and who take refuge at HIS feet. Mukthi here is nothing but Vaikunta Padhavi. This is a great note.
Saranagati as in Ramayanam
Sriramayanam is for teaching us and telling us about Saranagati and moksham. Though there are many stories in Ramayanam, there are two important sections in particular.
Key Takeaway
1. Saranagati is the key message in Ramayanam. Vibhishana saranagati at Thirupullani and Vibhishana got kainkaryam. Jataya saranagati resulted in moksham for Jataya.
1. On the shore at Rameshwaram Thirupullani, Vibhishana seeks refuge at Rama's feet and doing saranagati. Ram got the kngdom of Lanka and gave it to Vibhishanan. Ram gave the
oppurtunity of doing Kainkaryam(service) to Vibhishana.
2. But for Jatayu, who didn't even say saranam to Ram, Ram gave him moksham.
Jatayu was born as an eagle. Jatayu helped Sita. Jatayu got hurt because of Ravanan and he died. Ram gives mukthi to Jatayu. Jatayu is not a Rishi, not a tapasvi who did tapas for many thousand years. Jatayu is not a human like us who can do Saranagati. Jatayu didn't follow bhakthi margam like prahalad, vithuran, Sanjayan, Uddhavan. Jatayu is representative of common person like us. Jatayu explains us that anyone can attain mukthi. Ram's greatness is that he helps anyone even a person of lower category - migavum thazhthavanaiyum uyarthugiran Raman. One need not bother or worry on following things like where and how I was born ? How is my behaviour till now ? if it is bad behaviour can i become a bhakthan, did i loose my life ?
All those questions just don't matter, if one becomes a bhakthan today and if he is ready to take refuge at Ram's feet. Ram gives mukthi to all those who do saranagati at his feet. This is what Jatayu moksham explains us. We are going to a place where Jatayu attained mukthi and the place where Ram did the final rites for Jatayu.
Travel from Nasik to Taket via Igatapuri
We were at Nasik and after seeing all the places at Nasik, Panchavati we started from there. From Nasik need to cross Guthi towards Igatapuri in Maharastra. From Nasik go towards Igatapuri for 35 Km and take diversion to Taked. The route from Igatapuri to Taked is a scenic beauty with lots of small free flowing rivers, tall mountains, flower filled gardens, mild snow/dews and one can see the clouds filled with dews. This is not a place where one need to spend 25K to visit, instead it is Jatayu mukthi sthalam. From Igatapuri we need to reach the Maharastra tourism development center and need to take a turn. The entire place is deserted forest and hence it is difficult to find the way due to no sign boards. We had gone multiple times in the beginning to confirm the route. But still we got confused during the yatra. In 2006, we started at 3.30 PM and expected to reach the place in 1.5 hours. So the plan was to go and visit and return back to Nasik that night. Unfortunately we lost the way since the first bus driver didn;t take a turn and all the drivers followed that vehicle. I(Swamin) happen to reach the place in a car with his wife and perumal. We also managed to reach with some difficulties. It was also getting dark and one of the vehicle had a narrow escape else it would have fallen in a river. It was indeed with great difficulty we all managed to reach. We all had a doubt if are reaching Jatayu moksha sthalam or are we going to moksham. Though the first group reached, it
was bit scary since it was deserted and it was dark too. There was a north indian pujari who was there for evening puja. He had a big sword and also a dog with him. It was scary to see all the actions which the north indian pujari was doing especially with the sword. It was doubtful if we shall return safely. Inspite of all these odds, one good thing was that we were at jatayu moksha sthalam and hence we are sure of Ram taking care of us. Then somehow managed to find all the buses around 7.30 PM and it was too dark too. Let's see what happen next in that place.
From Nasik panchavati, one need to come in the mumbai highway, after 35 KM, turn left to reach GOTHI. Beautiful scenic beauty on the way to Taked. Taked is the place where Jatayu got its mukthi. If someone dies, we human's think so much and then do the final rites for that person. But Ram didn't mind that jatayu is a bird, Ram took Jatayu on his lap, Ram did the final rites(IMACH CHADANGU) for Jatayu. Ram showed the highest mukthi margam(path) to Jatayu and guided him towards Vaikuntam. Thinking about all this itself gives gooseberry bumps to us. Let's watch on what are the various things at this place.
Jatayu mukthi sthalam is called as Taked. We saw the map and route towards Taked. It is difficult to reach that place since the route is not good and lots of villages. The place had electricity.
There are mahant and pujari's who are living there and they speak hindi. They all helped us a lot. We were also scared and careful during our travel to that place. After seeing all the buses we got our lives back. Taked is the place where Jatayu's life went away and went to moksham. We got life only after seeing all the buses safely. Ram is like pranavayu and we were sitting thinking and meditating on him while the entire group was trying to reach that place. After everyone came, we had a small upanyasam at that place. It was dark, fear and hungry too. All were curious and scared whether they would reach back safely from that place since it was late evening.
Slogam:: Yaa kathir
Achariyamana slogam. We did the parayanam of this slogam and the sargam.
When we travelled in 2010, we happen to travel during day and happen to visit all the places at Taked leisurely. It is a beautiful place.
Places at Taked
1) Sarvatheertham :: This is the place Ram shot an arrow to get water for the ima chadangu. We can either take bath or do prokshanam of that water. Water is always coming from the bottom - UTTRU. There is a link between jatayu's leg and this water.
2) Ram, Sita , Lakshman Idol in a separate temple called Sri Ram Mandir.
3) Jatayu with Ram and Lakshman : During the actual incident sita is not there but Sita is here in the form of Vigraham. Jatayu is also there on the top of the vimanam in the form of eagle.
We all enjoyed visiting this place. Ramapiran muzhu muthar kadavul. Even in the human form he showed that he is Paramatma/Parathparan. In spite of Narayanan taking such a simple avatharam as Ram, this is the place where he explained all of us that Ram is the Paramatman.
Parayanam at Taked
Let us hear the parayanam and upanyasam which happened at Taked. Jatayu did mangalasasanam to Ram as soon as he saw him. Ram replied "Mangalasasanam irukkatum. How did you get hurt ? Who did this to you ?" Jatayu said " Rama checking about me let me be on one side. I saw Ravanan abducting sita from you and lakshman. Ravanan took away my life and he took Sita who is your life. So he took away two lives. Your life(sita) was taken by him and my life is also gone and i feel on this earth. Go immedaitely to protect Sita. " Ram got badly upset. On seeing Jatayu, Ram remembered all the love and affection which his father dasarathan has shown to him. Ram touched Jatayu with all the love and affection he showed to his father dasarathan. Ram took Jatayu and placed him on his lap and cried. Jatayu left his prana after telling all the things about sita to Ram and then Ram did the anthima samskaras for Jatayu.
Moksham is possible only due to Perumal's Karunai
Slogam : Akshunna
The above lines are from Kurathazhwan's athimanusa sthavam and he asks the above lines to Ram. Jatayu is a bird which didn't had knowledge to do Jnana yogam, bhakthi yogam or Karma yogam. Jatayu didn't follow any of the rules to take one to mukthi. If a person is dying in the hands of a brahmanan(Andanan), then it is told in dharmashastram that he does not get mukthi in that birth. Ravanan though is a Rakshashan, as per his varnam he is a Brahmanan. Ravanan is from the Pulasthiyar's vamsam. Pulasthiyar is a rishi. So Jatayu is not capable to attain mukthi because of these two reasons. But how did Jatayu attain mukthi ? Rama it is all because of your blessings. Ram you can give mukthi to anyone.
All the viewers close your eyes and do think about this. What is the goodness we have with us ? We do not have karma , jnana , bhakthi yogam. But unfortunately we have all the bad qualities with us.
As from thirumalai pasuram :: Pothellam..
Thondaradipodi azhwar says "what have i done ? no karma, jnana, bhakthi yogam, i am not even able to offer a flower to you. I have not done anything to you. But just because of your karunai i can attain mukthi. I do not have answers for any questions. Only if you shower karunai on me then i can attain moksham. "
Key Takeaway
2. We all jeevatma's are in helpless state where we cannot find way by ourselves to attain moksham. It is only through Ram's Karunai we can attain moksham. So we pary to ram and he will rescue us and will give us the highest abode.
This is the state each of us are in. We need not worry about this state of ours. We need not feel sad. Yevalavukku yevallavu thazhuntha idathil pallathil irukomo, athanaiku athanai uyartha gunagalode Raman ullar. Yenna kuraivu sollungo ? Naam ARIVU ONDRUM ILLATHAVARGAL. Ram KURAI ONDRUM ILLATHAVAN. Raman thannidam irukkum niraiyai namidam pottutar yendral, naamum uyarunthu vida mattoma ? Atharku sakshi than than Jatayu moksham. Let us all understand our state is same as the state of Jatayu and let us all see this place while we are at home and do the dhyanam on this sargam. If we all pray to Ram, he will rescue us and will give us the highest abode. Let us all pray to Jatayu that we all need to get the bhagyam to do the atleast a small kainkaryam similar to what jatayu did for Ram. Let us sing pallandu and start from here.
During the return journeyfrom taked back to Nasik, the trip was more adventurous since one of the bus got stuck in the muddy terrain. We managed to reach at 10.30 PM and then ate our dinner which was ready. Next day morning, we saw all the other places in Nasik and was planning to take a train to pune( in 2006). From pune, we took two trains via lonawala reached Guntakal. We need to go to Kishkinda.
Kishkinda
Ram searching sita, reached Kishkinda where pampa saras, chintamani, aanegundi, vali quila, sugreeva gufa with many such places. There is no direct train to kishkinda, which is near Hampi part of Vijayanagar kingdom. Kings of Vijayanaga kingdom has built a huge temple at Hampi and kishkinta is near that place. This is the Vanara rajyam.
One has to go till Guntakkal and from their take local buses to reach Hampi and Hospet where we had stayed. From the place where we stayed we need to travel 16 KMs to see the places which we wanted to see. As usual there were adventure here too and we managed to reach as per the plan.
Here we are entering Kishkinta and first lets see the parikrama and we need to go aroung the entire town once. This town is with 60KM circumference with tungabhadra flowing in the middle. On one side of the river is the fort and the kingdom and on the other side is all the caves. There is no bridge on the river and one need to go around to reach from this side to other side.
Kishkinda - Parikrama
Let us do the pradakshinam of Kishkinda.
1. Tungabadra river - Valmiki Ramayanam does not talk about this river. But an ancient and important river.
2. Vali Quila - This is the place where Vali's fort was there. The place from where Vali was ruling the kingdom and later Sugreeva pattabhishekam happened here.
3. Spatika Shila - Rocky mountains like spatikam. Brahma has created this place with these rocky mountains.
4. Pampa Saras - Like golden water, a pond filled with lotus leaves.
5. Sugreeva Gufa - Sugreevan was hiding here too. He was hiding at Rishyamuka parvatham. There is one sugreeva cave here too.
6. Aanegunti - Chintamani - This is the place where Vali and sugreevan fought and Ram shot an arrow from the place where he was standing.
7. Madhuvan - Hanuman and the monkeys when they returned after seeing sita where so happy that they came to this madhuvan of Sugreevan to drink honey. The didn't go directly to Sugreeva instead came to this madhuvan and destroyed the madhuvan in happiness and drank t he honey.
8. Anjana Parvatham - This is the place where Anjana did tapas for 7000 years to get Hanuman.
9. Raghunath Mandir at Malyavan Parvatham - This malyavan parvatham is called as prasavana giri. Ram had stayed in this mountain for 4 months for the rainy season to get over so that they can go in search of sita.
10. Mathanga parvatham - Place where Mathanga maharishi's ashram was there.
11. Sabhari Parvatham - Place where sabhari's ashram was there. Mathangar's seedai is Sabhari. She is the one who gave the fruits to Ram when Ram had come here.
12. Sita Kundam - It is told that while coming back from Lanka, the place where sita had taken bath. Pushapa vimanam had stopped for a moment to take all the women from this place on the way back from lanka to ayodhya, so this might be true.
13. Ranganatha Perumal temple - Temple in southern style.
14. Vittala Krishnan temple - There is a belief that vittala bhagawan went to pandaripuram from the place.
Like this many places to visit and see let us see them all.
Slogam ::
Anjana nandanam Veeram janaki soka nasanam,
Kapeesa Maksha hantharam, Vande lanka bhayangaram.
Salutations to the terror of Lanka,Who is the heroic son of Anjana,Who brought to an end , all sorrows of Sitha,Who is the king of monkeys ,Who killed Aksha[1] the son of Ravana.
Slogam :
"yatra yatra raGhunAtha keerthanam tatra tatra krta mastakAnjalim |
BhAShpavAri paripoorNa lOchanam mAruthim namatha rAkShasAnthakam ||"
I pray and salute the son of wind god,Who brought to end the rakshasas,Who is always present with eye full of tears,With head bowed in veneration,Wherever the praise of Lord Rama is sung.
Wherever the name and glory of lord Shri Ram is chanted, Shri HanumAn, the destroyer of evils and demons, appears there with folded hands and tears of joy.
Names of Hanuman
Maruthi, Anjaneyar, Hanuman, Bajarangabali, vayu putran, Vayukumaran, Rama Dhoothan so many great names for Anjaneya swami.
Ram's journey to Kishkinda.
When we say kishkinda, first we are reminded of Anjaneyar. Ram when he came in search of Sita, was asking for the route as he travels all the way. After jatayu's mukthi, Ram starts to walk towards south. In Valimiki Ramayanam, route is explained as follows. First towards west, then turn towards south, crossed the mountain range and the forest. During that time AYOMUKHI tried to stop them. Avalai banga paduthi vittar. Then they met KABHANDAN . They killed kabhandan too. It was kabhandan who told them the route. There is a lady called Sabhari of vettuva jathi, she is waiting there for you. Go and check with her for the route. THere is a king of vanaras called SUGREEVAN, go and develop friendship with him. This will help you to find and go in search of Sita. Ram followed the route and continued his search. This is one route which is explained.
The other one which is also told is from abhobilam in AP. Ram went till ahobilam and from Ahobilam he came west to reach kishkinda. It is also said that he came through Badrachalam. The important route is the first one which we saw. As soon as Ram reached Kishkinda, he first saw PAMPA SARAS as per the direction given by kabhandan. We shall see this in detail later.
ANJANAGIRI , ANJANADRI, ANJANA PARVATHAM
Before that let us see why Kishkinta was first formed. Why was anjana giri here ? Hanuman was born before Sugreevan, Vali. Anjaneyar was born here almost 17 lakhs years ago. Entire bharatha desam prays to Hanuman. Not just hindu's ie Sanatana Dharma people, instead people from all other religion, other nation, many language also visit Hanuman temple. Visting anjaneyar temple gives energy to the person. This mountain is around 250 feet tall. One has to climb 550 steps. Not so difficult if we climb by saying "Jai hanuman", "Jai sriram". This kishkinta was made(Nirmanam) by Brahma himslef. Around 40 lakh years ago, Brahma made this place called Kishkinta specially for the monkeys to live. 33 crore monkey's used to live in this place. Other than this so many monkey's across bharatham. Vali was the king of all these monkey's. During Thretha Yugam(Raman's time), many years ago Anjana Devi did penance for 7000 years. Kesari is Hanuman's dad's name. Even today, this mountain is so beautiful. Hanuman thought the suryan to be a fruit and tried to catch it and we know what happened after that. At that time brahma gave a boon that brahmasthiram will not harm you, You will get to see the parabrahmam nayaranan.
This is the mountain where all the rishi's came to bless Hanuman and all the deva's gave all the boon to hanuman. Parashivan was born as Hanuman and this is told clearly in the puranas.
Such is the greatness of Hanuman and we get gooseberry bumps when we go and stand in that place. Beautiful creation and he is the example for bhakthi, humbe nature, does not lift his head when we say Ram and tears rolling from them. This is the birth place of such great anjaneyar. Beautiful temple with Ram, lakshman, Sita and Anjaneyar.
On the other side, Sindur Hanuman who is 7 feet tall.
Next we can see anjana devi with little Hanuman.
When Hanuman tried to catch Suryan, Suryan taught all the ilakkanam, ilakkiyam , vedanta to Hanuman. Suryan asked Hanuman to help Sugreevan who will be born later and who is
Suryan's son. Suryan requested Hanuman, to help and protect Sugreevan who might be in danger. Kishkinta is the place where they lived. Anjanadri, Anjanagiri is the name of this
mountain. If we follow this mountain range down south we shall hit NALLAMALA mountain range, which is the place where THIRUMALA, SAPTHAGIRI is located. This Anjanadri is linked till there and one of the the 7 hills is named so. She had done penance there too. Let us pray for rama bhakthi here at anjanadri to hanuman. Let us move towards PAMPA SARAS.
We saw the anjana Parvatham and there is a golden place there. Very bright and shiny and they say that it is the place where Anjaneyar was born.
Slogam :: Kon vasmin
This is the questions asked by Valmiki to Narada during the starting of Ramayanam.
Valmiki listed 16 great characters and asked Narada "is there anyone with all these 16 characters(uyartha panbhugal) ? ". Naradar said "Valmiki neer ketta anaithu uyarntha panbhu oruthar idathil kana mudiyathu. Slogam - "Ishvaku vamsa prabhavaha ramo nama..." . Ishvagu vamsathil piranthu, anaithu vedangalalum potrappadum ramannidathil than kana
mudiyum."
Brahma & Kishkinda
Like how valmiki listed the guna's, here in kishkinta one can see lots of rocks pilled one on the other. These are not just rocks and each of these parangal sings about the greatness of hanuman, tells about the love and affection of hanuman, talks about maruthi's greatness - the one who will not die. Oovuru kallum kavi padum, kavyam vadikkum. Looks like Brahma had pilled all these rocks for the monkeys to jump and go around. It was diffcult for us to climb those mountain. All those including the elderly people enjoyed the stay at Kishkinta by climbing on those mountains, river bath at tungabhadra and going arond kishkinta.
Pampa Saras or Pampa Sarovar
Ram came to this place when he reached Kishkinta. This is not the pambha river of kerala. This is a small pond/poigai. This pampa saras is filled with lotus at times and on the bank one can see Ram's thiruvadi and lakshman's thiruvadi. Kabhandan told the way to ram to reach this place. When Kabhandan was killed by Ram, he got papa vimochanam and kabhandan gave the details of Pampa Sarovar to Ram. We took bath there and people from many places come and visit here.
Sarovar created by Brahma during Shristi
Brahma when he started to create the universe i.e during shristi he created 4 important Sarovar's.
1. MANASAROVAR at Himachalam
2 & 3 NARAYANASAROVAR & BINDU SAROVAR at Gujarat
4. PAMPA SAROVAR at Karnataka
With Pampa Sarovar and Tungabhadra river kishkinta is a wonderful place with natural scenic beauty.
Sri Ramanin Padhayil Calendar 2014 by Kinchitkaram trust
Far away from all the mechnical life and hurry, all the places in Sri Ramanin Anu yatra are places like this. This program is telecasted for all of us to watch from home since all cannot travel to these places for varied reasons. Do book the Kinchitkaram trust Calendar titled "Sri Ramanin Padhayail" for the year 2014 which explains Ram's various guna's like Sathiyam, Ozhukkam, Karunai, Porumai, veeram, Shanthi, mukthi alithal with pictures and storied from Ramayanam. Also one can get 4 DVD of all the places we have seen in this series. This is a great treasure/ pokkisham. Great oppurtunity to understand the guna's which ram followed and also to see all the punya kshetram's which Ram walked all through india.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 27 - Nov 10 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame
Sahasranama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane.
We are continuing in Sri Ramanin Padhayil. Currently we are at kishkinta. Going to visit Pampa saras, Lakshmi kovil and Sabhari asharam.
Lakshmi Kovil
Lakshmi is there everywhere. But there is a speciality in this place. When Ram had come here, Sita was not there. Ram had lost sita and he came alone to kishkinta.
So here sita is there in a separate kovil. The people here wanted to have darshan of sita too. Ram made a way for that too. After the war completion, when Ram was travelling back to ayodhya he came here. When Ram came back in the pushpaka vimanam, all the women monkeys also boarded in the vimanam and went to ayodhya. All the women in this town saw sita first time when the pushpaka vimanam landed. This lakshmi kovil is here for the people of kishkinta, to get the same happiness of what the women got when they saw sita in the pushpaka vimanam. Very wonderful sannidhi. With Pampa saras full of lotus on one side. Lakshmi who is of colour of lotus, with lotus garland, with lotus in her hands to play with and Eyes like Lotus.
Slogam :
Padhma priyE Padmini Padma hasthE
PadmAlayE Padma daLAyadhAkshi
visva priyE VishNu manOnukulE
tvath paada padmam mayi sannidhathsva
(Extended Meaning): Oh MahA Lakshmi , who is very fond of the lotus flower! Oh supreme One holding that lotus flower in Your hands ! Oh Mother seated on a golden lotus ! Oh the most beautiful One with the eyes resembling that of the enchanting petals of a tender lotus ! Oh parama KaaruNya mUrthy filled with dayA for one and all ! Oh auspicious Lady , who is tuned closely to the wishes of Your Lord ! Please place Your auspicious lotus feet on my siras !
We worship lakshmi everyday with this slogam and we happen to see that Lakshmi kovil.
Key Takeaway
1. Worship our mother Lakshmi everyday saying 'Padhma priyE Padmini Padma hasthE
PadmAlayE Padma daLAyadhAkshi visva priyE VishNu manOnukulE tvath paada padmam mayi sannidhathsva"
Sabari ashram
Ram had so much love and affection towards Sita. Looks like Sabari was aware of this Ram's love towards Sita. If Sita had been with Ram she would have done all the service to Ram in a humble manner. Sabhari did service to Ram in a similar fashion.
Now we have reached a very sacred place. This is sabhari ashram. Gugan was a hunter. Sabari was also born in hunter's kulam - veduvachi. Ram accepted gugan as his brother. Similarly, Ram accepted the kainkaryam done by Sabhari. Our papam get purified when we are here in this ashram. Our mind,body and atma need to get purified. All that happens while we are here. Sabari told that to Ram. Mathangar is Sabari's aasan/teacher. Mathangar is going to moksham, his sishya sabari also wanted to go with him. Mathangar replied to Sabari that you stay here, Ram and lakshman will come here. You do the thondu/service for them by giving fruits to them. Ram and Lakshman came here. Sabari was a very old lady. Thazhuthazhutha kural. She told to Ram "I am waiting here with these fruits. Look at me with your beautiful eyes.".
Slogam :: "cakshuSaathava saumyena putasmi Raghunandhana.." ( 3-74-13 ?)
Perumal kataksham kidaithal nambhaludaiya sabham yellam tholaiyum. This is the place where that had happened - sabhari ashram. If we are at this place, then we get the kataksham of Ram directly.
Greatness of Acharya Bhakthi and Bhagawan is Paramatma
Ram had so much love and affection towards sabhari that he ate all the fruits given by her with so much love. In fact Ram didn't eat the fruits from Guhan but he had eaten from Sabari. Because Ram had promised to kaikeyi that he will not live a luxuroius life(suga bhogam anubhavikka matten). So he didn't eat the fruits served by Guhan. But he ate from Sabhari. Do you know what is the difference ? Sabhari didn't give it on her own. It was Sabari's acharyan who has ordered her to wait with the fruits for Ram. Because it was Sabari's acharyan's order Ram had to follow so that the acharyan's words doesn't get false. Even bhagawan wants the words of an acharyan to come true and he followed this. Hence Ram ate the fruits served by Sabhari. Requesting Ram Sabari said "Rama naan purapadugiren. The moment you saw me, i got rid of all the punya papam. All my karma's are gone. Now i have to directly go to vaikuntam. " Ram also accepted the request of Sabhari told "Poituva Sabari.". This incident explains that Ram is a paramatma. Ram gave mukthi to Jatayu. Sabhari kitta moksham poitu va nu sollarar Ram.
Vedanta Desikan says : " Bhagavathi bharadwaje bukthi thi thatha sabhari grihe.."
Ram ate at Bharadwaja ashram what the great Rishi Bharadwaj offered him. Ram also ate at sabari ashram. Ram does not differentiate between his bhakthas. This is the great information we have understood at Sabhari ashram.
Key takeaway
2. Ram didn't eat the fruits given by Guhan but he ate what Sabhari gave. Sabhari was waiting as per the orders of her acharyan. Ram had to accept the fruits from sabhari else the acharyan's words would not come true. Even Ram acts so that the words of an acharyan comes true.
3. The incident of Ram giving moksham to Sabari explains us that Ram is paramatma.
4. Bhagawan does not differentiate between his bhakthas. Ram ate what Bharadwajar gave and also what sabhari gave. The attitude and bhakthis is what is important.
Let us all pray to get a small bit of the bhakthi which sabhari had for Ram. Lets move forward to the next place.
Madhuvan
Now we are at the place called Madhuvan. Please do call all the children in your house to listen to this story. They will like this story a lot. When you visit Kiskinta don't miss to visit this place. There are very serious people and very jovial people too. We need both this in our life. One cannot be just jovial or just serious always which will result in pressure. Need to be happy.
Hanuman is a great scholar, great speaker and a knowledgeable minister. If you listen to what that hanuman did in the madhuvan, all the kids will start to jump up and down.
Sugreevan had ordered the monkeys that they need to find sita in a month's time. Sugreevan used to be very strict with respect to his orders and if someone does not follow the orders e used to cut the head of that person first and then only he will start to check on what happen. what is the use in enquiring after the head is cut ? But Hanuman, Jambhavan, angadan took beyond the 1 month time set by sugreevan. This itself must have put them in fear since they didn't meet the orders of sugreevan. But they didn't get frightened because they have seen Sita.
Because of the reason that they have seen sita they were not frightened. Also, once they have reached Kishkinda all the monkey should have directly gone to meet Ram and Sugreeva to say
"Kanden Sita". Instead they came to this madhuvan first. Kurangu Kaila poomalai kidaithal yenna aagum ? The entire range of fruits and trees - mango, jackfuit, banana, coconut and many such trees blossmed with fruits and flowers. Also the madhuvan was filled with singing cuckoos, dancing peacock's, croaking cocks and many types of flowers. Nectar flowing from all those different types of flowers. On seeing all these Hanuman says " We have completed the task assgined to us. There is this thottam on the way. Let us all go inside this grove. Dhomsam pannalam. Let us eat all the fruits, vegetables, drink the nectar, Let us uproot all the trees, plants. " On hearing this all the monkeys were very happy and they started to jump here and there and they started to enjoy and destroy the trees in the madhuvan. Valmiki bhagawan such a great rishi had explained this in two full sargam about how the monkeys behaved in the madhuvan. Chinna pasangal yellam ambhula yeri thumbhu la payum nu solluvome. Can valmiki explain the activities of monkey ? Yes he has done it beautifully. One monkey cried becuase it ate stomach full, one monkey was giggling Ga ga ga because it didn't knew what it ate, one monkey was rolling , one moneky said that it was not hanuman but him who saw sita.
Valmiki explains this as follows in slogam 14 of sargam 61 of sundara kandam " gaayanti = were singing, praNamanti = were offering salutations, nR^ityanti = were dancing, prahasanti = were laughing loudly, patanti = were falling down, vicharanti = were moving in different directions, plavanti = were jumping up, pralapanti = were talking incoherently. "
** From Valmikiramayanam.net*****
Sundara kanda : Sargam 61 :
Leaving Mount Mahendra and leaping ahead towards Kishkindha, the monkeys on their way halt at Madhuvana, a protected grove abounded in honey which was dear to Sugreeva and
guarded by the monkey, Dahimukha. When the monkeys started to enjoy drinking of honey in the grove with the permission of Prince Angada, Dahimukha hinders in their way. The monkeys bruise Dadhimukha with their nails and teeth.
Slogam 14 to 18
Some were singing. Some were offering salutations. Some were dancing. Some were laughing loudly. Some were falling down. Some were moving in different directions. Some were jumping up. Some were talking incoherently. Some were leaning against one another. Some were falling upon one another. Some were disputing with one another. Some were playing with one another. Some were running from one tree to another. Some were falling down to the ground from the tree-tops. Some, with a missile-like speed, were flying towards the tops of gigantic trees from the ground.While one was singing, another approached him laughing. While one was laughing, another approached him weeping. While one was weeping, another approached him pushing. While one was pushing, another approached him roaring.That army of monkeys, moving in excessively honey-drunken state, became highly excited. None in that army was not drunk. None in that army was not satiated.
**********
That grove was so dear to Sugreevan and he had taken care of it like his life. Sugreevan had kept Dahimukhan as the guard for that madhuvan. Dadhimukhan tried to stop the monkeys. He went to Hanuman and asked how he could do this. But Hanuman hit Dadhimukhan nicely. We are having darshan of that Hanuman in Sindhura roopam here at Madhuvan.
Dadhimukhan got scared and he went to complain this to Sugreevan. He went to Sugreevan and said " Your life is lost sugreeva". Sugreevan was confused and then Dadhimukhan continued to say that the Madhuvan which was more dear than sugreeva's life has been destroyed and Hanuman himself is part of the crime. Sugreevan on hearing this from Dadhimukhan, took his tail and hit on the rock next to him showing his happiness. Sugreevan was happy to hear that since he was confident that they must have seen Sita. Lakshman was next to him. Monkey's when they are happy they will hit using the tail. Lakshman was confused on seeing Sugreevan being happy on hearing his grove been destroyed. They must have seen Sita, lakshmana else they will not enter my Madhuvanam that too after skipping the deadline of 30 days. They must have entered the Madhu vanam due to the fact that they have found sita.
Sundara kandam : Sargam 63 : Slogam 15 - 17
"By seeing the manner in which these returned monkeys overpowered, destroyed and behaved towards Madhuvana, we can deduce that the monkeys would not have indulged in such an exploit, had they not accomplished my purpose." "When those monkeys have overpowered Madhuvana, then it means that our task has been accomplished by the monkeys. Seetha was found. There is no doubt. None other than Hanuma must have seen Seetha."
Our elders have written "Good that madhuvan was on the way back to kishkinda because of which Ram's back got spared". "Madhuvanam irunthatho yengal Raman mudugu pizhaithathu." That is if the Madhuvan wasn't there, the entire monkey group would have come directly to meet Ram and they would have shown the happiness by hitting Ram on his back by saying "Kanden Sitayai", then next monkey would come and will say "Kanden Sitayai". Because of the Madhuvan their excitement got reduced before they reached Ram. Even after this all the monkey exhibited weird behaviour and they all came one by one in queue to say "Kanden Sitayai".
Finally anjaneyar came and told ram which kambhan explains as follows in TiruvaDi tozhuda PaDalam : 1271)
"kaNDanen karppinukku aNIyaik kaNgaLaal /
teNN tirai alai kaDal ilangai tenn nagar/
aNdar naayaka! Ini turathi aiyamum
paNDu uLa tuyarum enru anuman pannuvaan//
"drishTaa seetaa iti vikraanta: sam kshEpENa nyavEdayat" (Valmiki Ramayanam Sundarakandam 57-36)
Ram had listen to this eagerly with tear's rolling from his eyes. Thazhuthazhutha kuralil kannum kaneerumaga raman kettundu irunthu irukkar. Yevalavu anandamana, bhava poorvamana gattam. We have seen this beautiful madhuvan today. When you all visit this place do spend 2 hours at Madhuvan with your kids. Then only the kids can have fun and experience and learn what the monkeys did to madhuvan.
Let us see the arathi by the pujari and hear from the pujari of the hanuman temple at madhuvan. Please see the video.
MALYAVAN , SESHNAG, SPATIKA SHILA , RAGHUNATH MANDIR
As part of SriRamaninPadhayil we are at kiskinta. We are going to have the darshan of an important place. Malyavan, Malyavanth - is the mountain name. There is a Raghunath mandir here. Ram had styed here for 4 months after Vali vatham and sugreeva pattabhishekam. It was rainy season and hence they could not go in search of Sita. Since Ram had stayed here for 4 months this place is supposed to be very sacred. Need to climb up the mountain by walk saying Rama Namam or can use auto's. We can reach the temple in 15 minutes. Big and beautiful temple. We can see the sannidhi of Ram, Lakshman and Sita and Hanuman.
There is also one sannidi for Lakshmi devi.
The important significance in this temple is adi sheshan referred as SESHNAG which is peruman's padukkai/bed. That Adi sheshan is in the form of one huge big rock as a mountain. Ram has been carved on this stone itself. When we go for darshan and check from behind the idol of ram, one can understand that Ram malaiyil irunthe yezhunthu arullivullar. They also call this place as Spatika Shila. Spatikam refers to the purest stone called spatikam. Spatikam is more transparent, pure without any dhosham. This mountain has been made of rocks of such type. Saptha giri - yezhumalai is considered to be bhagawan Srinivasar's thiruvudambhu. It is said that he is Adisheshan.
Here at Spatika Shila,
Ram has japa malai and does not have bow in his hands. Ram is in mediatation state here. One cannot fight during rainy season. Sitayai vittu pirindha raman, viraga thapathil thudithu kondu irukkirar Ram. He was having japa mala and meditating. Days passed by. Then Hanuman went to Lanka. Hanuman met sita and gave her the ring which has ram's name in it. Then Hanuman got back choodamani from Sita and came back to kishkinta. Ram was here in this mountain when Hanuman returned. Anjaneyar said " kaNDanen karppinukku aNIyaik kaNgaLaal", "Rama i met Sita. But i just didn't see a human lady called Sita. Uyarntha kudi pirappu, sirantha porumai, niruppai pondra karpu. Indha moondrum sertunthu nattiyam aduvathai than naan kanden.". Saying this Hanuman gives choodamani to Ram. Even today Anjaneyar swami is in that thirukolam. Next to them is lakshman who is watching this scene - thazhuthazhuthu kondu parthu kondu irukkirar lakshman. Wonderful sannivesham. Raman who is none other than GOD himself and he was expecting help from Hanuman. Ram is faithul to Hanuman. Is there any work which cannot be done by GOD ? So much importance/respect is given by Bhagawan to his bhakthan. This is shown in this incident. What happened after this is more important.
Yuddha Kandam : Sargam 1 : 11th Slogam
Meaning : "By finding out Sita, the Raghu dynasty as well as myself and the valiant Lakshmana too, have been rightly saved today."
Yuddha Kandam : Sargam 1 : 13th Slogam "eshhaH sarvasya bhuutaH .... hanuumataH "
Meaning : "Let me at least embrace this magnanimous Hanuman since in the present circumstances, this is all that is easily obtained from me."
Ram said " You have saved me and Sita today two lives. I do not have either of the lives with me here to give you. What can i give back to you in return ? All i can do it hug you."
Ram then hugged Hanuman - Raman than thirumeniyodu thazhuvikkondar. Is there any better prize which one can get ? Sarveshwaran Ramachandran who is told is the veda's. Ram himself praised a bhakthan and thanked HAnuman for the help he did. Ram was with all tears since he didn't know how to repay for the help done by Hanuman. Such is the greatness of Anjaneyar.
Hanuman Mandir opposite to Malyavan
Just straight opposite to this malyavan mountain, is anjaneyar in a cave temple. Wonderful thirukolam of Anjaneyar. Hanuman had stayed here in the caves for long time.
When Ram had stayed for 4 months, hanuman used to come to this cave which is opposite to malyavan to have darshan of Ram.
Sita with 4 hands
Sita didn't come to this place. However, We can see Sita here with 4 hands. Piratti is here to protect all the people here.
Rama Bhanam
Rama Bhanam is a pond in the front. To serve water for Ram, using an arrow this water came out.
Lakshmana Bhanam
Lakshmana bhanam is a pond in the back which is the water which came out after Lakshman shot an arrow.
From the back side of the temple one can see for about 4 acres land is full of stones and we can also see rishyamukha parvath. Very beautiful place. So we had the darshan of Raghunathan at the place called Malyavan in Kishkinda. Lets go to other places.
Upanyasam at Malyavan
We are at Malyavan mountain as part of Sri Rama Anu yatra. Malyavan was part of Kishkinta samrajyam. After sugreeva pattabhishekam, all the vanaras wanted to go in search of Sita. Due to rainy season they could not go in search of sita. They had to wait for 4 months. As per the words given to Kaikeyi, Ram didn't go inside the city of kishkinta and instead stayed here in this mountain called malyavan which was in the out skirts for 4 months with Lakshman. Kar kalam, azhagiya vanam, manda marudha kattru, pampa saras lirunthu thamarai dhathukal loda koodina marutham, intha kattru yellam Ramanai nayagiyai vittu pirinthu pirivattramaiyinale, viragathabhathale thunbhuruthina. Ram saw all these and spent 4 months. After that as per lakshman's words, sugreevan sent his monkey clan to all sides to go in search of sita.
We had a great upanyasam in that place. The upanyasam was great because of the place where it was done and everyone liked that place. Many were talking about the upanyasam and about that place. Hence it is a good upanyasam. Let us hear from that.
He called all the vanarottama's to start the search. All the monkey's from various places came to kishkinta. Sugreevan split they into groups and sent them to search and assigned them different directions like north, east, west. To south, he called upon Jambhavan, angadan, Hanuman. Everyone came and were eagerly waiting for the next order from Ram/Sugreevan. But Hanuman didn't come and he was wondering why Ram who is a purushottam, chakravarthy thirumagan is focussed in searching his wife and not on the kingdom. He was a brahmachari and hence he could not understand. So ram calls Hanuman and gives his ring to Hanuman. Whichever monkey got that ring would have crossed the ocean. It is not just because he was Hanuman. Also none of the jeevatma's can protect themselves or take care of their things on their own. It is all possible because of the ring which Ram gave. If Ram had given it to some other monkey, probably that monkey would have cross the ocean. Why did Ram selected Hanuman and he gave the ring ? Ram thought that Hanuman is thinking weird so let him go, see and come. The search started. A group went southwards towards mahendra giri parvatham. Fom Mahendra giri parvatham, Hanuman jumped and crossed the ocean. He searched the entire lanka and saw sita. On seeing Sita Hanuman felt that Sita and Ram are made for each other and how are they staying away from each other. Hanuman started to wonder how come Ram was able to live and how he is still alive all these days after losing Sita. Till seeing Sita hanuman's perspective and thoughts were different and after seeing her his perspective changed and started thinking how come Ram is still alive without sita. Meanwhile, Ravana came there to meet Sita with his entire group and started to trouble sita. Then Ravana gave 60 days time to sita to change her mind. On hearing that Sita started to do updadesam to Ravana " if you want go and seek refuge at Ram's feet. You do not have the eligibility for that too. Go and atleast make friends with Ram. " Koodi irukkum pothum upadesippal, Pirinthu irukkum pothu upadesippal, upadesathale thirunthatha pothu azhagaleyum arulaleyum piratti thiruthi parkiral.
Sita tried to advice ravana but all in vain. Ravana went away after giving 60 days time to sita. Sita was upset and she decided to commit suicide by tying her hair on the tree. She lifted her head to see the tree. Meanwhile, Hanuman, who was sitting on the branches up high came down to the lower branches of that tree. He started to say SriRamayanam once completely. Sita started to listen to Rama namam and story which hanuman was telling. Ram Namam is capable of safeguarding the life ( rama nanam pogira uyirai thadukum). Sita was saved from committng suicide and then Hanuman came in front of Sita and told her who he is and who sent him. Rama Namam sitayai asvasa paduthiyathu. Then Sita asked Hanuman to tell the identification and anga adayalam of Ram. Then Hanuman told everything about Ram and gave the ring to Sita. Vanginal, mulai kuvalaiyul vaithanal, than thirumarbhil thazhuvikk kondu azhuthu azhuthu ummi virugi pirintha uyir than petraval pol aanal. Mothirathai kandaval viral niyabagam vara, viral kandaval thol niyabagam vara, tholai kandaval ramane niyabhagam vara, ramani aalinganam pannikondar pole sitai vimmi irunthal. Hanuman was sad on one side. Ithu mothiram raman illai yendru therinthal intha pen yevalavu varutha paduvalo theriyalai. Sirithu neral sirikiral, sirithu neram azhugiral janaki. Ramanoda serunthu irunthathai ninaithu sirikiral, pirinthathai ninaithu azhugiral. Mothirathai kaiyil vanginal janaki antha mothiram iruvaraiyun oru vatti intha mothiram serthu vaithu irukku. Oru vatti ramanukku sitaikum pranayarosham- udal. Udal nala rendu perum pesalai. Vilaiyatta sitayin nettri thilagathai azhithu vittan raman. Sitaiku kovum, pathivirathai naan irukken, sumangali nettri kumkum yeppadi azhikalam yendru kovum 3 naal pesalai. Ramaanum purinchindutan, thappu pannitom yendru thonitthu anal vittu koduthu pesa manasu varalai. Naan purushotaman aache yendru ivar ninaika, naan deva devamahishi aache yendru aval ninaika, Raman than mothirathai kazhati pottutu, yen mothirathai kannum yendru sonnan. Sitai foudn the ring and gave it to ram and the fight got over. Sita remembered all this. Andru serthu vaitha mothiram indru verumane perivil vanthu nirkirathe. Sita than thirumarbhil haram kuda sathikkamal irunthalam. Rama aalinganam pothu ramanukku uruthum yendru. Anal ippozhuthu avanukkum ivallukkum idaiyil 100 yojanai visithiramaga ulla samudhrame kidaikirathu. Then hanuman got her Choodamani. This choodamani was given by Dasarathan to Sita. This was the only jewellery left with sita and the rest she had dropped on thw way at kishkinta. Hanuman comes back as Sita Dhootan. He went as Rama Dhootan and came back as Sita Dhootan. hen he went he said "Dhooto ham Ramasya " and when he came back he said "Dasoham Kosalendrasya" Dasan attitude /serving attitude comes in not just seeing Ram but seeing sita and Ram. Then Hanuman came to Ram and said "Drishta Sita" "Parthen sitaiyai".. he didn't even say Sita Drishta/ Sitai kanapatal but he said "Kanappatal sita". Why he said "Kanden Sitayai" instead of "Sitayai Kanden" ? He said so, because ram will not be able to tolerate on what has happned to sita if Hanuman had started with Sita. Antha thudippu Swamiku koodathu yendra yennam Dasan/Hanumanukku irunthathu. Then Ram enquired about what all Sita told and what all she spoke. Come sit next to me and say what Sita told. Kambhar has written here that Hanuman said " I didn't see Sita, i saw nalla kudu pirappu, karpu, porumai intha moondrum narthanam adindu irukkartha parthene thavira sitai parkavillai". Then Hanuman told that Sita has given time of 1 month beyond which she will not live. The Ram replied "if Sita can stay live for 1 month then let her be chiranjeevi". What does this mean ? Ram meant "I am not able to stay without sita for a minute but look Hanuman sita is going to stay for a month. " Does this mean that ram has more affection than sita ? It might look so from the statement, but as per our poorvacharya's, "Such is the greatness of Sita that Ram is unable to stay away from her even for a minute when compared with the greatness of Ram where Sita is able to stay for a month". So Sita's greatness if explained here. This is not competition between the love and affection of Ram and sita. They both compete each other to protect people like us is the inner meaning. "
(Ozhukkam-Way of Living)
VALI VATHAM
When we hear the name kishkinta, all we remember is the fight between Vali and Sugreeva in which Ram killed Vali by hiding. There are discussion on whether it was correct for Ram to kill Vali from a hide out. But Vali himself have explained us on whether it is correct or not( Izhukka Izhukku illaiya). Similarly, Vali's wife Tharai also explains that there is no fault in this action taken by Ram and Ram has only punished an animal for the mistake committed, the king has punished the person who has committed mistake, when giving punishment no one will come in the front to fight, if a tiger has entered a village and if it is killing the villagers then the villagers will try to attach the tiger from a hide out. This is exactly what Ram has done and hence it is not a crime. This argument has been clearly explained and closed long time ago. (Ozhukkam-Way of Living)
Now we are going to the place where Ram was hiding and from where he shot an arrow. The route to that place is little adventurous and difficult to climb. On the left side is tungabhadra river. Nice route to walk especially in the evening when the sun is setting giving a golden look to the river. There is one Sannidhi for Narasimha swami before climbing the mountain. After having darshan there if we climb the rocky mountain, then there is one more temple on the top. In front of that temple, we can see Ram's Patham(feet) from where Ram had stood and shot the arrow. We can see the Ramar patham and mark of the bow/arrow. Ram has shot the arrow from here and Vali was fighting with Sugreeva at a distance far away.
Next to this place, there is a cave where sugreevan had stayed. Ram and Sugreevan had many discussions here. Sugreevan had explained why he was hiding in rishyamugha parvatham, about vali, about their friendship etc. Very cold place. One need to be careful to go inside since the height is very less. This is the cave sugreevan had stayed.
So on one side is the Sugreevan cave and the place from where Ram shot the arrow.
Next week we shall see the place where the arrow went.
Upanyasam from that place
SriRamachandran had come in south-west direction searching Sita. On the way he killed Kabhandan and understood the route to Kishkinta from Kabhandan. Ram reached till Sabhari Ashram. Sabhari gave fruits and did aradhana to perumal. Due to Ram's anugraham and Sabhari's acharya anugraham, Ram sent Sabhari to moksham. As per the route told by Sabhari, Ram reached the Rishyamukha parvatham. At Rishyamukha parvatham, Sugreevan of the monkey clan was hiding from his brother Vali. Ram became friend with Sugreevan. Sugreevan also promised that he would help in searching sita. Ram promised that he will help Sugreevan to fight Vali who abducted his wife too. Sugreevan wanted to test if Ram was capable to fight with Vali. A test was conducted here. We can also see the Ram's padu kamalam here. Close by river tungabhadra is flowing. On the other side of the river 7 sala viruksham(trees) were there.
Vali had the power to shatter each of those trees with one arrow for each tree. Sugreevan told Ram that if Ram had the shakthi to uproot(thulaikum) those trees then he will accept that Ram had the shakthi to kill Vali. Ram took his bow and arrow. With one arrow ram shattered all the 7 trees at one shot. Ram is known as "Sinaiyai mara maram yezhu yeithiyavan". Many azhwar's have sung on this incident of Ram hitting those trees. "Punarai ninna maram .." In Krishnavataram, HE went between two trees and in Ramavatharam he shot down 7 trees. After this act by Ram, Sugreevan understood about Ram's power and got confidence that Ram can kill Vali. This is told as a story.
One more story told here is as follows.
Opposite to this place, on the other side of the river tungabhadra, we can see a rocky mountain and on top it there is a mandapam. On the top of this mountain sugreevan and vali had fought. Ram had shot the arrow standing on the other side of the mountain and shot arrow to kill Vali.
The place where we are standing is the place where Ram's shakthi was shown to us - Raman shakthi, veeram velipatta idam. Every jeevatma is dependent on this shakthi and veeram of Perumal. We are not living depending on our shakthi but we all are depended on HIS shakthi. To show all this, perumal in his various avataram explains this by doing all these acts. Killing Vali or shooting 7 trees are not activities which bring keerthi/fame to perumal. But still he is doing all this and he is showing all this to us because for us these acts are extraordinary. If Perumal can do these extraordinary acts easily, then perumal can also do the most extraordinary important task of helping us cross this samsaram to lead us to moksham. This confidence gets built on seeing these extraordinary acts by perumal and we all start understanding his Shakthi. If peruman can do all these tasks(though it is easy for him, it is difficult for us) easily so the confidence builds up.
How to reach Kishkinta ?
This place is easily reachable. Kishkinta is near Hampi which is near Hospet.
So at kishkinta we saw the place where Ram stood and shot the arrow. We can also see the mountain where Vali & Sugreeva fought. The place of 7 sala viruksham/trees can also be seen. The cave in which Ram and Sugreevan had discussion can also be seen. Ivai yavum kana kan kodi(1000) irukka vendiya thalangal.
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Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 28 - Nov 17 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
As part of Sri Ramanin Padhayil, following Ram's footsteps we are at Kishkinda.
Tungabhadra River
Kishkinda is on the banks of river Tungabhadra and it was the capital for the monkey clan. We reached Kishkinda and on the first day, we saw many places in kishkinda. We stayed there that night. But many hundreds of people cannot stay in Kishkinda due to the lack of facilities. So some of them can stay at a place called as AANEGUNTI or need to stay at Hospet. So we all stayed at Hospet. Next day morning, we all came to river Tungabhadra for the bath. So we just carried our clothes and came to the banks of river Tungabhadra. Very wonderful expierence. The river's padi thurai was very comfortable even for the aged to take a bath. We changed our clothes,finished the anushtanams, prayed to the surya bhagawan, Whoever wanted to do tharpanam they did it, whoever wanted to do sandhyavandhanam, meditation, pranayanam - all these are very good for our mind - manasukku ramyamaga irukkum. Good change from our mechanical life to experience all these pleasant experiences. After Tungabhadra, we went to other places.
Cave where Ram and Sugreevan had the discussion
Last week, we saw the place from where Ram shot the arrow to kill Vali. We saw the place which had the Ramar padham and a stone with arrow sign in red. Next, little away from this place, when we come down there is a small cave. This is the cave in which Ram and Sugreevan stayed and discussed. What was the discussion on ? When Vali and Sugreevan fought for the first
time, Ram should have shot the arrow on Vali. But Ram didn't do so, since he could not recognize who is vali and who is sugreevan. Sugreevan got badly hurt by Vali and came running to Ram and asked Rama "Rama why did you do so ? I was scared of Vali and hiding in rishyyamukha parvatham. But now Vali is aware of me. Why didn't you protect me ?". All these discussions happened here and Sugreevan got treated here in this cave. Then Ram explained the reason of why didn't shot arrow since he could not differentiate vali and sugreeva. Then Ram asked Sugreevan to wear a garland of flower called GAJAPUSHPIKA and then asked Sugreeva to go for the fight. All these discussion and Ram/Sugreeva friendship happened here in this Cave. If
we go and sit inside this cave, one can see a mild stream of water falling. It is a great exprience to sit here. It is like sitting in a AC when we sit inside that rocky caves. In bhagavadam, Sukacharyar says "Whenever we need water rivers are there, whenever we need food we don't need a vessel instead we have hands, we don't need tools like spoon instead we have teeth, if we want to stay somewhere during rainy season, then the caves are there.Nature as given everything and why human need to suffer ?" This place makes us understand that it is all true. We all wanted to talk about the sargam/charitham here in this cave/hill. We had that oppurtunity and you all can also hear the same.
Upanyasam in the cave
"This is the place where Ram and Sugreeva discussed. Lots of rock's surrounding this cave. Ram belong to human clan and Sugreevan monkey clan. It is a wonder to know that how this friendship happened between human and monkey. When Hanuman meets Sita in the ashoka vanam, Sita asks Hanuman about this on how the friendship happened between the monkey's and the human's. What we need to understand is that bhagawan does not discriminate on whom he is becoming friend with. It is Ram's greatness that he accepted Sugreevan's friendship and accepted him as his brother. This is called as Sowsiliyam one of the guna's of perumal. When Ram and Sugreeva met first time, they spoke for sometime and then they were staring continously at each other. We all shall stare at someone who is very beautiful. Similarly, Ram was seeing sugreevan with great anniyonyam. Anniyonyamaga thirupthiye yerpadatha mathiri Raman Sugreevanai parthu ondu irunthar. If Ram has to see a monkey like this it is nothing other than Mother's vathsalyam. Like how a mother is not satisfied even if she is watching her child for a long time and she still longs to watch the child. Similarly, Bhagawan like to see his bhaktha's.
Nammazhwar explains this in the pasuram "Iruthum.."
Perumalin thiruvadi thamaraiyin kezhe Nammazhwarai vaithu vittu, kan kottamal perumal Azhwaraiye nokki kondu iruntharam. Antha nokkam, kan parvai kidaika bhakthargal yevvvalavu bhagyam panni irukka vendum. It is because of this "Perumal's Kan Parvai Kataksham" all are sins will go and we can reach high abodes. So it is in this place perumal did the kataksham of someone whom he met just a day ago. Each of these rocks have imprints of Ram's SOWSILYAM and one who visits here can only understand the same. "
Rock on which Vali and Sugreeva Fought
At Kishkinta, there is a place where Vali and Sugreeva fought. It is a big Parangal. The size of that parangal was like that of a big ground. One cannot even imagine such a huge parangal. We can see that parangal from the place from where Ram shot the arrow on Vali. Everyone, wanted to go and visit that place and it was difficult to walk and reach there. Elderly people also wanted to go. It was almost evening time and to reach that place by walk would talk minimum 45 minutes. Managed to climb those huge rocks. It was scary too. On the way to that place, we happen to see a beautiful Ramar sannidhi. This had a huge single rock on which were carved Ram, Sita, lakshman and Anjaneyar. It was great to have darshan at this temple and we got enthusiasm to travel further. Manasuke ithamaga irunthathu uthsagam oru vegam vanthathu. Then we managed to reach that huge rock - parangal, the place vali-sugreev fight happened. It was a wonder to notice that -"We were able to see the place of Vali and sugreevan fight from the place where Ram stood.But we were not able to see the place where Ram stood from the place where Vali and Sugreeva fought." So Vali and sugreeva would not have been able to notice Ram standing, but Ram was able to see them fighting from the place where he was hiding. Next to that huge rock one can see Tungadhadra.
There is also Raman thiruvadi for which there is a lamp lite and worshipped. Huge rock underwhich ram's thiruvadi is there. First Vali was shot and Vali notices the name RAMA on the arrow. Then Ram comes there. Ram came to this huge rock and then Ram gave mukthi to Vali. That place is filled with huge rocks on which only monkey's can live. We drank that river water and we also had a upanyasam on that huge rock. After the upanyasam no one was willing to go from that place. Just in one place we can see stone with red stain. The rock is red only in that place since Vali's blood was there. In the entire kishkinta we can only see red stains on the rocks only in this place. It was a wonder to listen to all these.
You are hearing the upanyasam which we had at that place since that is itself a great feeling and great to hear. Then later we have enquired and collected many information from the localities which you are listening in the upanyasams added later in detail to explian the TV viewers. It was almost 6 PM in the evening and great to see the sun set with monkeys, deers,
peacock and a setting sun like an orange fruits, golden sun. We all just forgot all the pain we took to reach that place after seeing that place and the beautiful sun set. All the pain we felt only after retrurning back. We saw the place from where Ram hit the arrow and the place where the vali-sugreevan fight happened. Let's go and visit all the great sannidhi's in Kishkinda and listen to the parayanam and the upanyasam.
Parayanam :: See the video
Upanyasam:
Ravanan abducted sita. On the way to lanka, somewhere closer to Kishkinta, rishyamuga parvatham, Sugreevan, Jambhavan, Hanuman were all hiding. Ravanan had abducted sita and took the sky route to reach lanka. Sita had removed all her thiruvabharanam and packed them in a cloth and she dropped it in the place where these monkey clan lived. Sita dropped it to help Ram if he is coming in search of her to identify her. As per Valmiki, Ravanan was busy driving the pushpaa vimanam and hence he didn't notice Sita dropping all here jewels. Sugreeva was one among the monkeys. This entire kingdom at kishkinta used to be filled with monkey and ruled by king Vali. Vali's brother is Sugreevan. Once, an asuran came to fight with Vali. The fight went on for many days. Sugreevan was waiting outside the cave where the fight was happening between the asura and vali. After many days, sugreevan saw river of blood flowing from the cave. Sugreevan thought that vali died and he got scared and closed the cave with a huge rock so that the asuran will not be able to come out. Sugreevan's goal was to safeguard the people from that asuran and sugreevan didn't wish to rule the kingdom. Then the ministers for the sake of the kingdom did pattabhishekam for sugreevan. But Vali did not die, it was the asuran who died. Then vali was trying to come out and happen to see the cave closed by the rock. Then vali managed to come out of the cave because of his strength. Vali could not find sugreevan and also came to know that he started to rule the kingdom. Vali misunderstood that sugreevan planned to kill him to rule the kingdom. Vali chased sugreevan. Sugreevan
tried to explain the truth and did saranagathi at his brother's feet. It is the responsibility of the king to protect his people. But vali failed to do so. Vali started to chase Sugreevan. Sugreevan tried to escape from vali and managed to reach Rishyamukha parvatham. Due to the curse by Mathanga munivar, Vali cannot get into Rishyamukha parvatham and if vali comes then he might have to loose his life. So Sugreevan decided to stay in Rishyamukha parvatham whcih is closer to kishkinta. Valimiki writes that Sugreevan tried to escape and ran across the world and finally managed to reach rishyamukha parvatham. Probably, sugreevan might not have been aware of the curse by Mathangar and hence he might have reached Rishyamukha parvatham after going across the world.
We heard the upanyasam which happened at Kishkinta and also came to know the reason behind why Sugreevan and vali had the misunderstanding and why sugreevan was hiding at rishyamukha parvatham. We found answers to many such questions. You all might have a question in your mind. Vali raised many questions on why Ram should hide and kill him. Is hiding and killing not a bad thing for Ram ? Vali asked so many such questions to Ram.
Vali questioning Ram
The Vali asked many questions to Ram as follows...
1. We have not known each other why did you kill me ?
2. I am living in the forest and you live in the kingdom
3. why do you need to kill me without any reason ?
4. Even if i have done a mistake ..why ? what mistake did i do ? did i kill women ? did i kill cow ?
5. Even if you were hunting you will do it for the flesh, skin, hair or nail of that animal ? e.g Rabbit flesh, tiger nail, elephant hair.. but why to hunt a monkey ?
Ram answered to Vali..
1. Do not say we are not related. This kingdom belong to Ishvagu kulam. you are living in this forest belonging to our kingdom and you are making a mistake. As a king i do have the rights to punish you. A king need not know all the people in the kingdom by name.
2 and 3 I am human/king so living in the kingdom and you being a monkey is living in the forest.
4. Yes you have made a mistake. You have abducted your brother's wife and made her your wife. You didn't protect your brother inspite of him asking for protection at your feet.
5. An animal can be hunted if that animal is troublesome. There is no need for a reason to kill an animal if that is troublesome for the sake of safety of the people.
If we think /meditate about all these while in Kishkinta we can easily understand all these. Beautiful place. Even when you visit these places in an yatra, do take a ramayanam book and do the parayanam of each of the sargam in those places and sure you will understand the mahatmiyam of those places. Next there is a ranganathar temple, vittala krishnan temple and after that we shall start from kishkinta.
Ranganathar Temple at Kishkinta
There are some devasthanams at Kishkinta. One of that is the Ranganathar temple. There is a vittala krishnar temple and a pattabhiramar temple and a kothandaramar temple. Many of these temples have been destroyed. So we cannot find the vigraham in those temples. These temples are by the vijayanagara kingdom rulers. From 1422 these sculptures started to exist. They have built many temples even in tamil nadu. Krishnadevarayar a great king did help in growth of great sculptures, poets and a great bhakthan. Let us pay our thanks to those kings.
First is Ranganathar temple. Ranganathar is the perumal whom Ram himself did aradhanam and is currently at Srirangam. Like how Arangan is in the sleepign posture on the banks of cauvery, similarly on the bank of tungabadra this ranganathar is there with his right hand holding his head(thalaiku anai) , left hand stretched perumal is here in a chinna sayana thirukolam.
Pasuram : Payum neer.. Thirumalai Thondaradipodi azhwar
In 2006, we did go before evening and had great darshan. In 2010, it was dark and no electricity and hence managed. Also from there went to the place from Ram hit the arrow through the sannidhi street of this temple. Tungabhadra was beautiful during sunset like a velli keetru.
Vittala Krishnan temple at Kishkinda
Next is vittala krishnan temple. You all might have seen this rath in many videos. This is inside the Vitta krishnan temple. Similarly, when you come out of that temple, one can also see a Narasimha vigraham which also you might have seen is also close by. HUge narasimhar and everyone was excited to see this vigraham. Prathistai panna narasimhar illai, padai(invading) yeduppin pothu sithaikappatta narasimhar. Beautiful art work by great artists which has been done over many years/days. But due to political or religious trouble the work by great artists are spoiled and we need to protect them. It is always easy to destroy and only difficult to built. One will be stunned to see how beautiful this Narasimhar would have been and unfortunately we have lost it while in this bharatha desam. In the vittala Krishnan kovil right from the Gopuram everything has been destroyed. We go inside with heavy heart and were astonished to see beautiful sculptures. We can also see Nammazhwar in this temple. Azhwar thirunagari Namazhwar is here in silasasanam. Bhakthi is beyond region, language. As per madurakaviazhwar "
Yedisaiyum ariya iyanbhuven...". This place is so beautiful and wish Vittal Krishnan was also there inside this temple. There are those stone pillars which have beautiful music/sapthaswaram coming out from them. Huge mandapams in which those days veda parayanam, uthsavam must all have happened.
Further down is Pattabhiramar sannidhi in which there is no vigraham too. Huge 100 pillar mandapam, one stone vigraham. So we have seen three temples and in which ranganathar temple aradhanai is done today though the temple is not very ancient(600 years?) like the other two. The archealogical survey of india is beautifully maintaining. If you visit this place do visit these temples and all these great treasures and let us thank them for leaving all this to us.
What does Kishkinda teaches us ?
As part of SriRamanin Padhyail, we have been seeing things from two perspective - one is following Ram by following all his Guna's and one is following the footstep of Ram by travelling to all the punyakshetram Ram travelled. Now we are at Kishkinda. We have seen all the places related to Ram here. Now before starting from Kishkinda, we need to understand the Ozhukkam and what Ram teaches us through all these incidences at Kishkinda.
1. When Sita is with Ram then Ram does not punish anyone. Sita was not here with Ram while in Kishkinda and hence Vali got punished by Ram. This is a great truth and hence we need to seek refuge at Mahalakshmi's feet and then through her need to seek Ram's feet. We need Mahalakshmi's anugraham for getting Perumal's anugraham.
2. Ram accepted sugreevan as his friend. Sugreevan was a monkey, without kingdom , without wife and Ram accepted him as his friend and also accepted him as his brother. Which human will do this ? Ozhukkam is we should not look bad on others or illtreat others because of their status or how they are.
"Anniyonyam abhivikshantam na thruthi.."
When they became friends, Ram was continously looking at Sugreevan without even blinking is eyes. How and why should Ram do this to a monkey ? This is because of the greatness of the friendship - natpin vieeryam. Vittula solla mudiyatha rahasyathai, we generally talk to friends. Ram and sugreevan had that great frienship among them. We need understand this as well that "Uyarvu thazhvu parka koodathu"
3. Greatness of Bhakthi which hanuman had on Ram. This is the place where Hanuman was born. So key take away is to understand the bhakthi which hanuman had and all the service Hanuman did due to the love and affection he had towards Ram. We also need to seek for getting the same type of bhakthi which Hanuman had on Ram. Kishkinda teaches us this bhakthi.
Key Takeaway
1. When Ram was with Sita he forgives but when Ram was alone he punishes. Vali got punished.
2. Ram accepted Sugreevan as his friend and as brother too. We should not decide anything based on the outward apperance, status. We should not look bad on others or illtreat others because of their status or how they are.
3. We need to learn from Hanuman about Rama bhakthi.
4. Who we are does not matter and how we are w.r.t Bhakthi without ahankaram is all that matters.
Inspite of who we are , we need to be simple with lots of bhakthi in us without thimir, ahankaram. We need to learn this from Kishkinta. One can understand all this from home too, but to really feel this visiting this place gives us this great impact and makes us understand all these great guna's due to the vibrations of this place.
So we are going to start from Kishinda and on the way we are going to visit another peruman too. Gadak is the place where Narayanan is there. Did Ram go there ? Let us see. Ramanin padhai continues...
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 29 - Nov 24 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Yatra group starting from Kishkinda to Nagarhole
As part of Sri Rama Anu yatra, we are starting from Kishkinda with a heavy heart. In 2006, we stayed for two days, in 2010 we reached in the evening and so we were able to stay only for a day and quarter. It was too less and everyone wanted to stay for a long time. The fields, river were all so beautiful and to continue in our yatra we had to start from that place. We took different routes in both the trip. First time, when we travelled by Train came till Guntakal and then to Hospet( near hampi) to see Kishkinta. Next from Hospet, we need to go to Nagarhole a place near Mysore. That is where lakshmana theertham is there. The entire monkey clan crossed this area at lakshmana theertham.
To reach mysore from Hospet/Hampi we went from Hampi to Hubli-dharward and then from there came to Mysore. We got down few stations before mysore. Infact since the coaches were not enough we got few boggies added to the train too. We can even hire a train too if we need to travel in a big group. A train with 22 coach for 1500 people can be hired. Only challenge when hiring a train is the regular trains will be given important and not the special trains. The cost will also be 2.5 times more than the regular cost of the ticket. But it is comfortable. In 2011 we travelled to Brindavan with 8000 people and we had hired a train called "Krishna Trishna". Hopefully we should all see that yatra too. The reason we are talking about this is that we can
either hire train or add coaches and the government is supportive for all these. We reached Mysore by train in 2006 and in 2011 we travelled in the bus and reached the place directly.
In 2006, when we went in bus to Hubli-dharward to catch the train, on the way we happen to go through Gadag a divya kshetram. Ramanujar, when he was in Karnataka had done pradhistai of 5 Narayana - Veera Narayanan, Keerthi Narayanan, Nambhi Narayanan. Gadag is one of the Pancha Narayana sthalam. Thalakadhu, Thondanur are also among them. We had the bhagyam and oppurtunity to visit this place too. Have discussed about the Pancha narayanar too. let us see more on that.
Then from there reached Hubli on time to catch the train. No trouble like we had in Nagpur while boarding the train. We boarded the train and were talking whole night about kishkinda. We were expecting that the station we need to get down will come at morning 3.30. It is a challenge to get down when it is early morning or when teh station is too small and coaches end up outside the station. We managed all the challenges and in that station had to climb steps to come out of the station. Then from there we went to Nagarhole and Lakshmana theertham. We all were eagerly waiting to have the bath in the falls. As part of Ramanin padhayil, Kishkinda is completed and we are going to see Lakshmana theertham.
Mysore - Melkote - Thirunarayanapuram
Following Ram's foot, we are at Mysore as part of the yatra. Why have we come here ? Did ram here ? Yes. Hanuman came back froom Lanka after succeeding searching sita. Hanuman explained everything to Ram who was at Kishkinda. Then Sugreevan decided to travel south with all his trooups. This Lakshmana theertham is on the way which was chosen and travelled by the monkey trooups. One can reach Lakshmana theertham by bus from Mysore too. Ram has a close connection with Mysore. Near mysore is Melkote, Thirunarayanapuram. Thirunarayanapuram is called as Jnana Mandapam. Srirangam, Thirumalai thirupathi, Kanchipuram, Thirunarayanapuram - are the 4 Vaishnava thiruthalam. The utsava murthy of Thirunarayanapuram is called as Ramapriyan. Let us see the story and how this place is related to Ram in short.
Story about RamaPriyan of Melkote
Raman while he was in Ayodhya, used to do pooja for perumal in a vigraham roopam named Jagannathan Narayanan. This perumal was given as a gift to Vibhishanan by Ram. This perumal is currently at Srirangam. We have seen this earlier. Later Ram had lived for many years. Which perumal did Ram had when he did the puja ? Raman mattroru perumalai yezhunthu arullapannikkondar. He is RamaPriyan - Ramanale anbodu poosika patta perumal. After Ram, the son's of Bharath,satrugnan, lakshmanan did rule the kingdom. At that time, when someone in the family got married, this perumal was given as "Sthri Dhanam" during wedding ie. seedhanam. This perumal was given as seedhanam to a Yadhava King. That yadhava king
had this perumal and he was doing all the puja by keepign this perumal at Mathura. Note that Ram's time is thretha yugam, during that time this Ramapriyan was with Ram. Then in dwapara yugam, this perumal was in Mathura. Balaram and Kannan had done puja for this perumal while in Mathura. Later point of time, Balaraman, came to south for a yatra. The moola murthy of this temple at Melkote is Thirunarayana perumal. Balaraman had the panchalogam/swarna utsava murthy. Both these murthy were looking the same and resembled each other.
Balaram told to krishna that there is a perumal down south resembling the perumal at their house. Then kannan immediately decided to bring the RamaPriyan and he came and did the prathistai of Ramapriyan as utsava murthy at Melkote. So much relationship. This Ramapriyan was with Ram and then was worshipped by Krishna and later came to this place called Yadhavadiri i.e thirunarayanapuram. Let us all have the darshan of this ramapriyan and start from this place. Though we didn't go this place during yatra, you all have the bhagyam to see this place - melkote. You all must have heard melkote, thirunarayanapuram, pandavapura. During Panguni masam utsavam, the famous Vairamudi Sevai happens at Melkote for RamaPriyan and all those who have the bhagyam should visit for sure.
From mysore we wanted to go to Nagarhole park to see Lakshmana theertham and we all have started. We did a small mistake in our calculations. What happened ? let's see.
Upanyasam at Gadag about Pancha Narayanar installed by Bhagavad Ramanujar.
As part of Srivaishnava Sampradhayam, Ramanujar is a key acharya - Jagadacharya - Bhagavad Ramanujar. He started from Thiruvarangam and came to mela nadu. He stayed around melkote for 12 years. At that time, he brought back many raja's on track by making this understand all the great aspects of our sampradhayam. One of the raja was vishnuvardhanan. Vishnuvardhananaiyum thiruthi, avanukkum vaishnava kot padugalai puriya vaithar Ramanujar. Similarly a king called Bittadevarayan was also corrected by Ramanujar. Through these kings, Ramanujar did the prathistai of pancha Narayanar. Ramanujar did prathistai of 5 Narayanar at 5 thiruthalam. He also named each of these Narayanar with a name. We are currently at one of the thiruthalam among the pancha Narayanar. The perumal here at Gadag is called as Veera Narayanan. This place is called as Gadag today. Bhavisyad puranam refers to this place as KrathuPuram. Here a rakshas was trying to trouble all the people. As per the request of the Rishi's emperuman came to this place and killed the rakshas with veeram and hence this perumal is here as Veera Narayanar. Rishi had actually prayed to Badri Narayanar at Badri. That Nara Narayana Perumal himself had come down as Veera Narayanar to kill the
rakshas. Veerathai kattiya Narayanan is called as Veera Narayanan. The other 4 thiruthalam's which were installed by Ramanujar are VijayaNarayana perumal at Gundulpet,Keerthi Narayanar at Thalakadu, famous scultures of belur as SowmyaKesavaNarayana Perumal, Nambhi Narayanar at Thondanur, at Gadag as Veera Narayana Perumal.
If we visit and have darshan of the Pancha Narayanar - Pancha Bhoothangal, Pancha thanmathrangal, Pancha jnanendriyangal, Pancha karmendriyangal, ippadi 5 iyunthaga nammalai vasapaduthum yevai yellam irukkumo athu athanaiyum namai naliyamal, perumal thiruvadigalile bhakthi yerpadutthuvatharke akkum yennbhathu thinnam. Oru Oru idamaga, than
thiruvadi nogum padi nadanthu, angange irupavargalai thiruthi, avargal thozhuvatharku perumalai stathapithu kodutha Bhagavad Ramanujarin Karunaiyai yennavendru naam varnikka mudiyum.
Additional Reference :: http://kmkvaradhan.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/pancha-narayana-kshetram-travelogue/
Nagarhole
Near Mysore within a travel time of 2 hours is Nagarhole park. This park is protected without impacting its natural beauty. Inside this park is Lakshmana Theertham. We shall see the story. The park starts 20 KM's before the actual place of the park. The area is guarded and needs permission. The plan was to cook the food at mysore and decided to bring it in a van, while all the people reach early to have great time in the falls, finish parayanam, upanyasam. So by the time we are finished, the fresh Karanataka food would arrive. Karnataka Kadhabham, vadai, OM BUD are all special dishes. As part of Rama anu yatra, the cook served different types of prasadham which is local to that area. We all had great bath in the falls and we finished the parayanam and were waiting for the prasadham. To our surprise, we came to know that the food items cannot be brough inside the Nagarhole park. To manage the situation, we were trying to do paraynam so that the food vehicle would come. Later we all had to travel 20 KM's back to the entrance and then we all had the food. Now let us get into the park and see more on how did Ram come here and the other stories in detail.
Upanyasam at Lakshmana Theertham
As part of Sri Rama Anu yatra today is 15 day. We are at a beautiful thiruthalam. After seeing Sita, Hanuman went back to Kishkinda and told to Ram/Lakshman/Sugreegan "Kanden Seethaiyai". Then Sugreevan collected all his monkey troooups and started to travel towards south. The route they came was kept a very big secret. Ram gave few orders to the head of the monkey clan. Ram ordered not to travel through the kingdom. All the monkeys are used to travel through mountain, forest, trees. Let us travel through the forest. Ram told that to the head of the monkey clan and started along with them. Hanuman and Angadhan carried Ram/Lakshman on their shoulders. Crores of monkeys travelled just along the mountain range. They were
all eager that they are going to see Matha Sita and they are going to go and help her and they were happy that they are going to get back Sita to Ram. All the monkeys irrespective of age were happy on this great act they are going to do and they are part of. When valmiki explains the route the monkey travelled he explains it as "The monkey's crossed Sakhya malai, Malaya Malai,
Mahendra giri to reach the ocean". Sakhya malai is the mountain range starting from Pune and runs along with the western ghats. We are at lakshmana theertham which is part of the western ghats. Cauvery starts at Thalai Kaveri which is also part of Sakhya Malai. Raman's monkey troup must have crossed between the Thalai Kaveri and Srirangapatna/Mysore is what
is published by researchers and scientists. This place is called as Nagarhole park and we are in the mountain called brahma giri. The waterfalls is called as Lakshmana theertham also known as IRUPPU falls. How this has become Lakshmana theertham is a beautiful story. This story is also published in the mysore official Gazatte and a charithram linked with Ramayanam. When the monkeys were travelling through this forest they were all thirsty. They told lakshmana about their thirst. Why they didn't find the water themselves ? Because ram had ordered that they should not eat or drink anything on the way since the Rakshas might give poison to the monkeys through the food. So Ram asked them to check with him before eating or drinking. Such is the love and affection of the Parameshwaran towards the monkeys. Though they were monkey's, the bhakthi which they had was great and the Paramatma took care of all these Jeevatma's. There was no water and then they requested Lakshmanan. Lakshmana took an arrow from the ambhura thuni and hit the arrow on the ground and water came out from that place which the monkey's drank and quenched their thirst. This theertham is what is known as Lakshmana theertham. All the adiyar's had bath in this lakshmana theertham,
lakshman karasparaisam pettra theertham. Intha theerthathai prachanam pannalo, kandalo, theerthamadinalo, lakshmananukku iruntha bhakthiyile oru alavavathu namum peruvom yenbhathu thinnam. This place is a great picnic spot with beautiful natural beauty and also related to Ramayanam. Want all the adiyar's to visit this place to seek Lakshmana anugraham. Next we need to travel towards Malaya Parvatham.
We are at Lakshmana theertham where Ram asked lakshman to shoot an arrow for getting water to the monkey. Lovely medicinal water. We all had great bath at the lovely waterfall which is admidst natural beauty. There is a bridge to cross which leads to the iruppu falls. It was adventuorus to cross this bridge and we managed to cross and have bath in the falls. This is the
only place in Sri Rama anu yatra which is a park, sanctuary of national importance while all other places were only religious places. This is a tourist attraction. Beautiful falls. After the bath and finishing all the anushtanams we started from that place. It was not easy to get back all of them especially men and youngsters out of the falls. Then was the challenge in getting the food and meanwhile the parayanam also happened.
Parayanam at Lakshmana Theertham
We saw many mountains at Kishkinda and the of the same mountain range continues till here. When we move south we get the bandipur mountain range and then south we get the Nilgiri mountain range and then south we get the thiruvithangur mountain range and then moving south we get the Thiruurungudi mountain range. These are all one side of the podhigai malai.
The monkeys have travelled through this mountain range. Monkey's can go but how did Ram travel. He was also running out of time since he had only 30 days. If we back calculate,
1 day for Ram to travel from Lanka to Ayodhya
1 day at bharadwajar ashram since he had asked them to stay for a night
7 days the war had happened
5 days they have taken to build the bridge to cross the ocean to reach lanka
1 day - they had spent in fiinding out how to build the bridge and they had waited on the kadarkarai. Vibhishana saranagati had happened on this day.
so totally 15 days had gone and Ram had only 15 days before that. They could not start on the travel on the day when Hanuman came and gave the news. They had waited for uttara panguni.
So there also from the day hanuman came and they started to travel south might be some 4-5 days.. not sure how many days. all we know is that they waited fro Uttara panguni. As per Ramayanam, Vanara padai/monkey trooups had taken 5 to 7 days to reach the place from kishkinda.
This place is also part of the western ghats. This is called as Nagarhole park. 14km x 14Km reserved forest area. The Agasthya ashram we went is at the Panna tiger reserved forest. This nagarhole has the lakshmana theertham or the iruppu falls. Huge place free from pollution.
Key Takeaway
1. Ram was so caring about monkeys. He gave them rules so that they are safe when they travel towards lanka. 1. Travel through the jungle i.e western side of western ghats without disturbing the people, 2. do not eat anything given by others instead take fruits from trees and eat, 3. There might be challenges while travelling so stay together and adjust so that they can overcome the challenges. All these are applicable for us too - do not distrub others, nature, think about the source before eating anything, stay together to overcome challenges.
Rules laid by Ram to the monkey's
When we are following Ram's footsteps, we get confidence. Ram is a great person with veeram and vivegam. If there is one person in our family like Ram, then we shall look up to him and we shall act on advice. When we have a doubt in our workplace, we shall go and take help from the most experienced person. We should take help and should not hesitate in taking help. We should take advice from great people and on top of it add our thoughts and then we need to act.
Monkey's are very good in this. When Ram started from Kishkinda, he advised the monkey's on how they should behave, do's and dont's and rules to follow when they travel.
1. One of the important advice Ram told was that they all need to travel only on the western side of the western ghat and they should not travel on the eastern side since human's are living on that side. It is very clear that the animals act in such a way that they do not want to disturb the other species especially humans. But we human's are not thinking so and we are disturbing the animals, impacting nature, hunting animals. Jeevarasikku jeevarasi vittu koduthe naam vazhalaiye. This is one important fact.
2. Next advice from Ram to the monkey's was that they should not eat anything given by others. The rakshashas are capable to do maya-yutham and they might take any form and can give poisonous food to the monkeys. So you should not eat anything given by others instead need to eat directly from the trees. This is the second advice. We can see this advice clearly when we do the train journey that we are not supposed to eat food given by strangers. This instruction is yet not known to human's but Ram had made the monkey's understand the same. One should not eat food just like that given by others. This is not a question of who that person is. Instead it is a question of whether they had offered that food to God. Atleast for this reason we need to
avoid eating food outside.
3. The third advice from Ram was that they are going to travel along the western ghat and not sure how the places would be and might have to stay in different places and special arrangements cannot be made. This is very clear when we go on a yatra. We cannot make great arrangements and one need to adjust with whatever facilties available. One should not demand for exclusive bathroom or rooms. "Koodi irunthu Kulirunthu" is the pasuram by Andal and so we need to stay together during yatra. The third advice is to come in groups and adjust with what is available during the travel.
Advice was to eat only satvic food and not food served by strangers. Need to avoid food which induce Rajo, thamo Gunam. We should cook and eat ourselves. We should not trouble others for eating. Need to eat natural food and that is good for health. We need to be aware of which water we are drinking and what food we are eating and this will result in good health, long life with lots of sathva guna. Ram has thought all these easily to the monkeys. We should also try to understand all this and should follow the same. These are told by Ram who is a aware of everything and we need to learn from him. It is for our goodness. So we have seen the lakshmana theertham at nagarhole. We came out of the park and we had the food that was ready happily and then we started our trip back to mysore. Next we are going to travel towards thirukurungudi Mahendra giri. We are almost reaching towards the end of Sri Ramanin Padhayil. Request all of you to watch it eagerly.
Do book your copy of SriRamanin Padhayil Calendar for 2014 and it is a treasure for your family.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 30 - Dec 1 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame
Sahasranama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane.
This is paramasivanar's answer to parvati's question. "One Rama namam is equivalent to 1000 names of the Bhagawan". If we utter this Rama Namam many times it brings us lots of goodness.
Key Takeaway
1. Greatness of Rama Namam - equivalent to the 1000 names of Vishnu
2. Follow rams foot path to remove our sins and to enrich our lives
On top of it if we follow the footsteps of Ram then our life will get enriched. If we travel and visit all the places Ram had traveled it is a great sight for our eyes, great to listen for our ears and it results in removing our sins. This is the reason behind watching this program called Sri Ramanin Padhayil.
Travel from Lakshmana theertham to Thirukurungudi
We all started from lakshmana theertham. The monkey group came towards south. They crossed the Nilgiri mountain and traveled southwards to reach Mahendragiri at Thirukurungudi. All these are parts of the western ghats known as podhigai malai where agasthiyar lived. We took a train. After lakshmana theertham, from mysore took a train towards tuticorin to get down at Maniyachi. From Maniyachi we took bus to reach thirukurungudi. In 2006 we traveled in train and 2010 traveled by bus.
Swamyamprabha cave at Riskhabhilam
In 2010, we traveled by bus and we came to know about one more place - Cave of Swayamprabha called as Rikshabhilam. This is in the route when hanuman went in search of sita towards Lanka. Note that this is not part of the route taken by Ram and the monkey clan. This is part of the route taken by hanuman and others when they went first time in search of sita. Ram was at kishkinda and hanuman comes with the other monkey's in search of sita. He jumps from Mahendragiri to start on his journey to lanka. Before that near Vindhya parvatham, they saw a cave. They thought that there must be some food and they were hungry and thirsty. So they went inside the cave in search of food and fruits. When we heard about this place, we decided to visit the swayamprabha cave on the way.
Let's first see how we reached this place. We went in bus . There is Rajapalayam( near madurai, srivilliputhur). Near Rajapalayam there is a place called Kadayanallur. Near Kadayanallur is Krishnapuram. At krishnapuram, swayamprabha's cave is located.
The cave starts at the south of Vindhya Parvatham and the other end of the cave is
here at Krishnapuram. Swayamprabha helped the monkey's to come out through this cave. Now we are at this cave. We stayed at Rajapalayam. The Ramco systems people helped us and welcomes us and made us stay in a school. They made all arrangements of water, food and stay. We reached Rajapalayam in the morning and after getting ready and thanking them we reached Krishnapuram. There is a beautiful wonderful anjaneyar. There is a cave and also a pond. Inside that pond is the path to the cave. Next to these is the statue of Swayamprabha. We had the darshan of Anjaneyar, pond, the perumal in the cave temple. Then we sat there and we read the sargam's in Kishkinda kandam. 50, 51, 52 sargam's in kishkinda kandam are on Swayamprabha and on rikshabhilam. We did parayanam and upanyasam at that place. Let us see that. Later we started from there and went to Mahendragiri.
Merusawarini's daughter is Swayamprabha. All the monkey's along with Hanuman went inside her cave. Then Swayamprabha told her story to the monkey's. Swayamprabha is the friend of an apsara women called Hema. Mayan was the vishwakarma/carpenter of the asura's. Mayan fell in love with Hema. Indra was angry on knowing this and he fought with Mayan.
There was no one to live in this cave. So Hema gave this cave to her friend Swayamprabha and asked her to take good care of this cave. So swayamprabha was staying and taking care of this cave. Swayamprabha gave lot of fruits to all the monkey and asked them to close the eyes. When they opened the eyes, all the monkeys were almost near the shore down south. So swayamprabha was also part of Rama kainkaryam. Sugreevan gave only 1 month to search Sita and they were almost loosing time. Monkey's were afraid of loosing time. They all had now come to the southern end. All these happened when Hanuman and monkey's came in search of sita first time with Jambhavan and Angadhan.
On the way to Thirukurungudi
Let's look at the map. Cauvery started in the mountain range part of Sakhyadiri. If one comes down south it is western ghats. Between coimbatore and palakkad there is a pass(Kanavai). They crossed the pass and managed to travel south. As they traveled south, the mountain is nothing but the podhigai malai, Mahendragiri, thirukurungudi sthalam. We reached Thirukurungudi from Rajapalayam(swayamprabha cave at Krishnapuram). We wanted to go to before noon so that we can climb the mahendragiri parvatham and have darshan of thirukurungudi nambhi. Unfortunately, both during both the trip we went only at 4 PM and managed to climb the mountain which takes around 45 min. The route is very katcha/karadu muradu. One can also travel by jeep. A 90 year old person and a person with pacemaker managed to walk and climb.
Pasuram :: yenganaiyo... by Nammazhwar On thirukurungudi Nambhi. There are 10 pasuram's by Nammazhwar in Thiruvaimozhi.
Nambhi, Ninna Nambhi, Iruntha nambhi, kidantha Nambhi. Naam sevikka porathu Malai mel Nambhi. We were all very enthusiastic as we climbed this mountain. We kept saying Nambhi Nambhi, Rama Rama as we climbed the mountain. Many monkeys. Beautiful river called Nambhi aaru - sala salathundu odarthu. We managed to climb and it was getting dark and we were also worried if it would rain. We saw mahendragiri with the 7 peaks. Anjaneyar from this mountain jumped high and he started to fly towards lanka. He crossed the ocean and also met Sita. That Mahendra giri is this mountain where we are currently. One can see the 7 peaks and from one of these is what Anjaneyar jumped and flew to lanka. Serene Natural place with Nambhi aaru, mountains. We took bath at Nambhi aaru and had the prasadham which was made ready for us. We had the darshan of the Nambhi too on the mountain. We all felt like staying there. But Anjaneyar had jumped from here and hence we all need to jump/start from here. We had many discussion on how hanuman would have jumped from there. We had to cilimb down too before it gets dark. After climbing down around 7 PM, we went down to have the darshan of perumal here Thirukurungudi Nambi inside the town. When we went to have the darshan of this temple there was a great wonder which happened. Wait and hear the same.
Upanyasam
Today is the 14th day of the SriRama Anu yatra. We are at Mahendra giri. On this mahendragiri mountain, Thirukurugudi mountain and Vadivazhagiya Nambhiyum ana, Sundara paripoorananana emperuman sevai sathikkiran. On the mountain, we can see the Malai mel Nambhi in standing posture. In the town we have the thirukurungudi Nambhi.
This Nambhi is a sundara paripoornan and has been sung by the azhwars.
Pasuram :: yenganaiyo... by Nammazhwar
Pasuram :: Akkum puli aga... by Thirumangaiazhwar
What is the link between the Mahendragiri and Sriramayanam ? As part of Ramayanam, valmiki mentions about the route traveled by the monkey clan. He mentions that they crossed the Sakhya malai( is the mountain range at maharastra and karnataka) then the Malaya malai(nilagiri range of mountain, cardamom hills known as thiruvithangur range of mountains, cross palaghat pass to go towards south) and then the Mahendra malai and also they climbed to the top of the mahendra giri and they saw the sagaram/ocean and then they went crossing vela vanam. Mahendragiri has 7 mountain and we are on the top of the second mountain. From this mountain if we walk towards south for 28 KM we can reach the peak of Mahendra giri. From the peak if one climbs down they can see the ocean. The monkey trouups got down from Mahendra giri and then they decided on where to build the bridge. They decided to build near Kanyakumari. They crossed Vela Vanam(forest) to reach Thirupullani near Rameshwaram (Darba sayana perumal asthanam) and their they built the bridge. It is from this Mahendra giri Hanuman flew towards lanka when he came first time in search of sita. Crossed the ocean, saw piratti. Thirukurungudi Nambhiyinale yetram petra malai immmalai, Nambhi aaru salasalathhu oodi varuvathale vaibhavam petra malai immalai. If we stay on this mountain for some time or if we have a bath in the Nambhi river or if we meditate the chapters of Ramayanam in which the money clan crossed this mountain it is sure that we will get rid of our papam and we shall gain Rama bhakthi. There is no doubt in the same. All should have the darshan of the Malai mel Nambhi, see all these mountain and should learn and recollect the link between Ramayanam and this mountain.
Thirukurungudi mahendra giri parvathathil irukkirom. Nambhi aaru salasalathu odugirathu. Where does this river come from ? There is a huge mountain rock and one can climb the same to reach the other side. It is adventurous indeed. Once we climb that rock we can see a beautiful Ramar vigraham. Why is this Ramar vigraham there here at Thirukurungudi Nambhi's asthanam ? It is there because it is from this mountain, the rama dhoothan Hanuman had jumped from this mountain. So they have done the prathistai of Ramar here. On the other side of this mountain is Kerala border. Beautiful scenic beauty. Agasthiyar stayed here and worked towards the growth of the Tamil language.
Why are we saying Thirukurungudi ? Kuriyavanudaiya Kudi - Kurungudi. Kuriyavan is Kullamana vadivathil thondriya vamana murthy. THis is known as Vamana Kshetram. On a contrary it is here at Kurungudi Hanuman took the huge tall form to cross the ocean. Can we start calling this place as ThiruNedungudi since we know the anjaneya prabhavam.
Let us listen more about this place from there, anjaneya prabhavam, what are the 7 peaks all about, how did Hanuman jumped from here , how beautiful it was, when he junmped some parts of the mountain also broke and went along with Hanuman it seems, like send off we do in a train station like that mountain , trees and rocks also went up in the air along with Hanuman and then later they all dropped down. Like how when a rocket starts it spits out fire and also tries to carry dust along with it for some time and then later rocket goes up and the dust settles back on earth. Similarly, it happened when Hanuman went. It is so much happiness when we think about all these. Let each of us get the anugraham of anjneyar at Thirukurungudi. Let us
hear on the parayanaParam and the upanyasam.
Paarayanam and Upanyasam:
Yudhha kandam - 4th sargam - 91- 95
In SriRamayanam, Hanuman has a special place. Anjaneyar nam anaivaralum pottri vanagap padugiravar. katrin mainthan. Seethaiyai kanbhatharkaga, malai mugattil irunthu periya vegathode thavinar anjaneyar. Sriramanin padhayai naam pin thodarunthu varugirom. Ippothu Hanumanin padhayil pin thodarunthu, Seethaiyai theduvatharkaga hanuman sendrapothu, therukku kadar aruge vanthu mahendra giri yennum malaiyil irunthu than thavinar. Kishkinda kandathin kadaisi sargathilum, sundara kandathin muthal sargathilum, Hanuman kilambhiya azhaghu, kuthitha vegam, thaviya azhaghu, kilambhiya shakthi anaithum villaka pattu ullathu. Tharpothu naam mahendra giri malai thodaril than irukirom. Ithu nam thamizhagathe, thirunelvelikkum therke(south), thirukurungudi yennum divyadesathai than agathe kondathaga amainthullathu. Tamizhagathil ivalavu iyarkai yezhilode matroru idam irukuma yendru nammai viyakka vaikirathu. Malai mel karadu muradana pathai. Pathai yeri kadanthu than varavendum. Nambhi aaru salasalaththu odi varugirathu. Aarile odum thaneerai kangirom, aasaiyum marangalai dariskikkirom. Malai mel megha kootam, intha iyarkai than yentha vilayatu vilaiyadugirathu. iym perum bhoodhangal - Panchamahabhoothangal yendru kondadapadum - agayam, katru, neruppu, thaneer, nilam. Ivai iyinthum intha divya desathe kali nadanam puriginrana. Intha 5kum Hanuman seitha sayalukkum yenna thodarbhu. Athai Kambhanadar miga azhaghaga vilakkugirar.
Slogam: iyinthile..
Iyinthile ondru pertravar, katru petra mainthanana anjaneyar swamy
Iyinthile ondrai thavinar , anjaneyar periya kadal thanneerai thavinar
Yentha vazhiyaga thavinar ? Agayamargamaga thavinar.
Iyinthile ondru aaraga ? yarukkaga ? ariyarkaga. Uyarnthavanai anaivaralum poosika thagunthavanana raman. Avanukkaga than sendran
Iyinthile ondru petra ananangai kandu - bhooma devi petra selva seemati yana seetha deviyai , ayalan ooril, vetran ravanan ooril kandan.
Iyinthile ondrai vaithan - iyinthile ondrana neruppai vaithu lankaike thee mootinan.
Aga Hanuman katru petra mainthan, kadalana thaneerai thavinar, agayathai margamaga kondar, bhoomi petra seethaikaga sendrar, neruppinal lankaiyai suduvithar.
5 bhoothangal intha divya desathil nirainthu irukiratharkum, hanuman intha 5 yum oru serthu seithatharkum than yethanai thodarbhu.
Apart from this link with the panchamahabhootham there are many such wonders here. Come Let's see.
There are totally 7 peaks here and are referred as MahendraGiri. From one of these seven peaks Hanuman flew towards Ashoka Vanam , by chanting Rama Namam and due to the great power of the ring of Rama which Hanuman was carrying, Hanuman grew tall and he shattered/moved all the clouds with his hand, roared like lion(simhanatham), Garjanai seithu than tholagalai kaigalale katti kondu agaya margamaga purapattar. The sea is 100 yojanai in length. Today the sea is not closer to the mahendragiri mountain and one need to travel down south to reach the ocean from Mahendragiri. Those days the sea might have been closer to the mountain too. Inorder to jump it is easier to jump from a distance. Nambhi is a wonderful perumal.
Nindra nambhi, Kidantha Nambhi, iruntha Nambhi, thiruparkadal Nambhi. Many must have had darshan of these places and we need to understand that this is linked to Ramayanam.
Mahendragiri has two importance -
1. Malai Mel Nambhi is on the Mahendragiri ,
2. Hanuman started to fly from this mountain.
Also there is this beautiful Nambhi aaru. Thirukurungudi is the south most place where Azhwargal has done the Mangalasasanam. In the north it is Badrinath and mukthinath and in the south it is Thirukurungudi. Thirumangaiazhwar has sung on this perumal down south. We have seen the places in the north and also in the south. We have seen the malai mel nambhi and then if we go down we can see the Nambhi down hill too. Though there is no separate pasuram but there is one pasuram in which all the Nambhi';s are referred as "nindra nambhi, iruntha nambhi, kidantha Nambhi" which is a wonder.
For Further reading....
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ramanuja/archives/nov04/msg00109.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/oppiliappan/archives/dec06/msg00026.html
Five States of Existence :
Here is the representation of Perumal for each of His 5 states:
Nindra Nambi - Vibhavam
Irutha Nambi - Param
Kidantha Nambi - Archai
ThiruppArkadal Nambi - vyUham
Malai Nambi - AntaryAmin
Thirukurungudi Sundara Paripooranan vadivu azhagiya Nambhi. We started from the hill at 7PM after having darshan of the malai mel Nambhi. We were all tired and we also wanted to go to Rameshwaram, Thiruppullani. We were not sure when we would reach and the travel plan. We were hungry too. We got down from the Mountain and reached the town of Thirukurungudi. Beautiful town and there is a big temple. We were all wondering, if we shall be able to reach the temple and have darshan before they close and which entrance to get in. While we were thinking all these, we heard the sounds of the kovil melam. When we looked, to our surprise - "Nambalai thedi ithanai per vanthu irukeengala ? Naame vanthom yendru perumal sollarapole tholukku iniyan pallakode, thirukurungudi Nambhi utsava moorthy kovil lilirunthu purapadu kandu aaruli vanthar. Andru utsavam nadanthu vanthathu and atharkaga perumal purappadu kandu aruli veliye vanthar. Yengalukku ithu theriyathu.
Thedeer yendru perumalai sevithaudaneye raman vanthara, kanna vanthara yendru thonnithu. Nambhi means Gunathale pooranar, nalla gunagalale niranthavar. Nambhi's female gender is Nangai. Tamil is a beautiful word, senchol, theenthamizh, everyone should learn tamil. We are watching this series and on one side we are seeing Ram's pathai and on the other side we need to undersand the cultural aspects too - kalachara kotpadu. This is more important. Truthfullness, follow dharma, follow the words of the elders and adding to this list learn Tamizh also. Along with other subjects one should also learn Tamizh. Basics and are routes is Tamizh. When we reach 40 or 45 when our children are busy with their own lives, we will feel a vaccum in our life. At that time, we shall feel lonely. All our duties would have been done like taking care of children, relatives and the mechanical life will start to bore. Gents will also think of VRS. Ladies will also go through the menopause stage at this age. This age there will be challenges both from physical health and also from mental health due to the loneliness. Soonyam soozharapola irukkum. We need to cross this phase of life and at that time language, bhakthi, perumal, azhwar, acharyas, truthfullness, divya desam, service , reading about bhagwan , talking about bhagawan will all help a out. All i can say is Kal kandu(sugar candy) inikkum but to realize it one has to taste it.
Key Takeaway
3. It is a challenge to cross some troublesome phases of life. During such times bhakthi, perumal, azhwar, azcharyas, divya desam, kainkaryam will all help us to overcome and cross the challenge.
Nammazhwar has sung 10 pasuram for thirukurungudi Nambhi. He says in that "Intha azhaganai seivithutu, yennala avanai vittu perinchu irukka mudiyalai. Yen nenchu avan idathil than irukku" yendru than thayar idathil kurugirar. We were all so dumb stuck on seeing that beautiful perumal in front of our eyes during his purappadu. Then we had the darshan inside the temple too. Even today, thirukurungudi Jeer swamy - paramahamsethyadi perarullala ramanujar jeer swamy. This temple is running as per the aadhinam of this Jeer swamy. Nambhi in the temple is very tall, sundara paripooranar. Antha uyarathula varna thirukolam, perumal here is not black and his lips are red, face in blackish green, hands are pinkish red, body in blackish blue. We can keep seeing this perumal forever.. parkalam parkalam parthunde irukkalam.
Then we started from their and the plan was to go to Rameshwaram Thirupullani that night. On the way, we had a thought. We have seen Ram all the while and there is a person who has sung that "Ram is everything", should we not go and have the darshar of that person ? Let's see who we went and had the darshan.
Nammzhwar of Azhwar Thirunagari known as Thirukurugoor Nambhi is none other than Thirukurungudi Nambhi . After having the darshan of the Thirukurungudi Nambhi, we started from their.
Pasuram :: yenganaiyo..
Nammazhwar says after i had the darshan of the Nambhi at Thirukurungudi, O mother my heart has gone with him, so don't search for me.
We also felt the same after having the darshan of thirukurungudi nambhi. But we had to take our hearts back(nenjai peryarthu yeduthu kondu) and start from that place. But one good thing, though we started from the thiruurungudi Nambhi, we had the oppurtunity of having the darshan of another Nambhi.
As i told earlier, though it was not part of our schedule we did it. We had to start from thirukurungudi then to Thirunelveli and then to Ramanathapuram Rameshwaram. With 20 KM deivation is Nammazhwar Avatharastathalam.
Pasuram: Karpar iramapiranai allal matrum karparo..
Raman Raman Raman, kalviku vishayam yendral Raman. One has to learn something, he need to learn about Ram. This is what Nammazhwar says in that pasuram clearly.
Kambhar sang Ramayanam and then later at Srirangam, near thayar sannidhi in the 4 kal mandapam arangetram was done. Kambhar came to Srirangam for arangetram of the Ramayanam. He went had the darshan of perumal, then they gave theertham, sadari. At that time, through archagar (avaseam vanthu) perumal asks "Raman Ramanu nu padineere, antha ramanai thavira deivam kidaiyathu yendru Nammazhwar padi irukkare, avarai patthi 100 pattavathu padineero ? " Then Kambhar sang the Sadagopar Andadhi. So if one sings about Ram then the person had to sing about Nammazhwar too. This is perumal's thiruvullam(wish). So as part of Sri Rama Anu yathirai, we also had the bhagyam of having the darshan and visiting the place of Nammazhwar. Nammazhwar is also a Nambhi. We already saw the perumal thirukurungudi Nambhi. Nammazhwar, Thirukurugoor yennum Azhwar ThiruNagariyil, Vaikasi
Visagathil Avatharithar famously known as thirukurugur Nambhi. Perumal ie. Thirukurungudi Nambhi himself was born as THirukurugur Nambhi i.e Nammazhwar. Nammazhwar's parents went and prayed to Tirukurungudi Nambhi since they didn't have a child. Perumal granted their wish and told them that he himself will be born as an Azhwar.
Now we have reached Azhwar Thirunagari that night. We had to go to Rameshwaram later. The sannadhi people at Azhwar Thirunagari were excited to see 600 of us since we had traveled all across Bharatha desam. We were very happy since we had the darshan of Azhwar too. Then Sannidhi door was also closed but still we had a great upanyasam and parayanam, let us see
the same.
Upanyasam at Azhwar Thirunagari
Now we are at Azhwar thirunagari. The place where we are sitting currently, as per "Na bhootho na bhavishyathi" is a place which is referred as a deviya desam and before this and after this there is no divya desam like this. As part of SriRamaAnuyatra on 16th day, we are at the avatharam sthalam of Nammazhwar ie. Thirukurugoor Azhwar thiruNagari. All the darshan we had in the last 15 days or what we are going to have in next 2 days or darshan of any divya desam in our lifetime, if we keep all that on one side of the balance and if we keep this divya desam which is Nammazhwar's avatharasthalam alone on the other side, This side will have more weigtage than the other..(intha thattu ongi irukkume thavira thazhunthu pogathu). We are currently sitting at such a great place. This was not part of our plan and it is as if Nammazhwar invited us when were were travelling. Azhwar nammai azhaithu, rathiru nerathil than thirukathavugalai thiranthu vaithu, nam avarukkaga kathu kondu irupathu poga, azhwar nammakaga kathu kondu irunthu sevai sathithar yenbathu solla onnatha bhagya vasam yendru than kolla vendum. Nammazhwar sampradayathule "prapanna jana koodasthar" yendru kondadappadugirar. Athavathu Saranagathi yendru nam oru varthai indru pesugirom yendral, athu azhwar nammukku itta bhikshai yendru than kolla vendum. Yellorum vedanthathai kondu perumal kaztappattu adaiya vendiyavan yendru therinthu kondu irukaileye, antha emperuman miga yeliyavan yendru katti koduthathuleye thalaivan swamy Nammazhwar. There might be 11 other azhwar but the topmost and head of them is Nammazhwar. Rest of the azhwars are Nammazhwar avayavaya bhoothargalaga angangalaga iruppargal. He is given the name as "our azhwar" - "Nam azhwar" by Nam perumal.
"PoigaiyAr BhoothathAr pEyAr...................arul maran seralan koz............thuya bhata nathan "
Upadesa rathinamalai..
There might be many perumal but NamPerumal is only one among them,
There might be many azhwar but Nammazhwar is only one among them,
There might be many pillaigal but Nampillai is only one among them,
There might be many jeeyar but Nanjeeyar is only one among them,
In this divyadesam, more than 5100 years ago( to be exact 5108 years... though there are minor debates..) Nammazhwar took birth in the beginning of the age of kali yuga by the grace of bhagawan. There is no divyadesam on par with thirukurugur. Vaikasai visakam is also auspicious and there is none equivalent to it. Thiruvaimozhi which is sama vedham has nothing equivalent to it. Similarly if we say azhwar, we will not have another equivalent person to him. Can we say azhwar is bhagawan ? Can we say azhwar is nithyasoori ? Can we say he is a mukthaathma ? Can we say that he is a baddathma like us ? In which ghosti should azhwar be considered ? if we think we shall understand that he is not a baddathma since he was not interested in the materialistic worldly pleasures. Azhwar avatharithu vazhu iruntha desaiyile, yeppothu mukthi adaivom adaivom yendru koovi kollum kalam yendru kurugatho yendru irunthathale mukthargal ghostiyil serka mudiyathu. He is not part of the nithya ghosti too since he didn't get the kainkaryam and he was very much here in this world. Azhwar is a jeevatma so he cannot be a paramatma too. Then which category does azhwar fall into ? Bhagawanin shristiyile oru thani prakiruthi yaga azhwar irunthar yendru than nam kolla vendum.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 31 - Dec 8 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Ramayana dhyana sloka said during the parayanam of Ramayanam which explains -"Sri Rama as Paramapurusha and Sri Ramayana as Veda".
वेद वेद्ये परे पुंसि जाते दशरथात्मजे ।
वेदःप्रचेतसादासीद् साक्षाद् रामायणात्मना ॥
veda vedye pare pumsi jate dasharathatmaje |
vedah prachetasadasid sakshad ramayanatmana ||
Meaning : “When the omni potent omniscient and the Omnipresent Almighty who can be known only through Veda, took birth as a son of Dasharatha, the most precious Veda has been rendered as Ramayana by the sage Prachetasa.(Valmiki).”
Key Takeaway
1. Sriram is Paramapurusha and SriRamayana is veda
Vedangalale pughazhapadum Sriman Narayanan ramanaga avatharam seitha pothu, vedangal Ramayana maga piranthana. Vedangalukku yevalavu pazhamai undoo, thonmai undoo,perumai undoo athai polathan SriRamayanathukkum. Nam Vazhkai yeduthu uraikum nool, dharmam sollum nool. ie. SriRamayanam is as ancient and famous like our vedas and it tells us the righteous path to live. Dharmam for us is speaking truth, don't steal, good ethics, don't wish for other's items, helping mindset. But Ram is not an ordinary person. Ram is our lord, born as a human. Ram is our role model and he shows us the path to live. So Ram not only follows the dharma which we follow but also goes beyond that. As part of SriRamanin Padhayil, we are about to travel to the place where Ram exhibited this to all of us.
After visiting Nammazhwar's avathara sthalam of Azhwar Thirunagari we started from there. We went towards Rameshwaram. Rameshwaram, Danushkoti, Thirupullani Divya Desam. Kadarkarai from where Ram built the bridge. Above all these things, this place is significant because of Vibhishana Saranagati. Crux/Saram of Ramayanam is Vibhishana Saranagathi.
Greatness of this place due to Vibhishana Saranagati
So the question is.. what about all the sargam and kandam all this while ? are they not important ? Finally is the sargam of vibhishana saranagati which is in the beginning of Yuddha Kandam is that important ? Yes. All these are just introductory section ( munnurai) and we are reaching the main story just now. The key part(karu) of the story is nothing but Vibhishana Saranagati. Raman Saranagathargalai yerkiran, avargalidathil karunaiyai pozhigiran. Yethana kutram purinthavaraga irunthalum, iraivan nammai yetru kolgiran. Ithu than Ramayanam's saaram. If one filters and searches the 24000 slokas of Ramayanam, we shall get Vibhishana saranagati which is the core part of the story of Rama. Like getting just 1/4 litre of therattipal from 10 litres of milk, 6 kandam, 500+ sargam, 24000 Slokas, anaithaiyum salithal kidaipathu Vibhishana Saranagati.So what do we understand ? We need to understand that each of us need to do Saranagati.
Key Takeaway
2. We all jeevatma's need to do Saranagati at HIS feet
3. Ram protects all the Saranagatha's(Jeevatma's who do Saranagathi) irrespective of defects and mistakes.
Pasuram :
"silaiyinAl ilangkai thIyezhach setRa" - 9.1.10 - Periya Thirumozhi where Thirumangai azhwar says Silaiyinal ilankai settha devane devan avan.
Pasuram:
"kallAdhavar ilangkai kattazhiththa kAguththan" - 53 - nAnmugan thiruvandhAdhi as told by Thirumazhisai Azhwar.
Vibhishanan accepted Ram as the supreme lord and he did Saranagati to GOD and hence he got all the good things in his life. Without looking at the fault/ kutram / dhosham perumal accepts each of us. This great gunam/panbhu was exhibited at this place by Ram. So next two weeks we are going to see thirupullani, Danushkoti and Rameshwaram and east coast is Ram's sethu. Lots of places to visit. First lets go to Rameshwaram. We stayed at Ramanathapuram and we also wanted to visit temples on the way. From Ramanathapuram from the place where we stayed, we went for Sethu Snanam. All these 21 days of our yatra we had taken bath on all those holy rivers and waters except for few days. Today it is a very great snanam - Sethu Snanam, Ram's bridge which will help us to get rid of our sins and the place is called asSethukarai.
Parikrama of Thirupullani & Sethu Karai
Lets do the parikrama before entering the town.This Kshetram is a punya bhoomi.
1. First is Thirupullani Perumal Sannidhi. This is where Darbha Sayana Perumal. Perumal for three days did saranagati to samudhrarajan/kadarkarai arasan at this place. This perumal is on (Sayanam) darbham.
2. Sethu - From where the bridge was built. Having a bath at this place, especially on Thai Amavasai. Will be crowses on amavasai.
3. Dhanush Koti - Ram's Dhanush, Saarangam, Kothandam. Koti yendral munai, antha munaiyal raman vetti vittu odaithu vitta idam. All the temples which were here were runied during the cyclone in 1964.
4. KothandaRamar Sannidhi - There are some interesting things which had happened at this temple and we shall see that in detail later.
5. Gandha Madhana parvam - Where there is Ramar padham. It was from this place Ram saw the complete view and how to direct the monkey clan and how to reach lanka.
6. Ramar Kovil - Built by a king of Nepal some 2000 years ago. Wonderful temple.
7. Rama Theertham - Raman shot an arrow and this water came out
8. Lakshmana Theertham - Lakshman shot an arrow and this water came out
9. Sita Theertham
10. Villundi - well which is inside the salty sea with good water
Now let us go and see each of these places in detail and understand the stories which happened their and the details on how did vibhishana saranagati happened.
Ram @ Sethu Karai
In Valmiki Ramayana, Bhagavan Rama says (6-18-33):
"Sakrudeva prapannaya tavasmeeticha yachatay
abhaym sarva bhootheybio dadaam yetad vratam mama"
This means, '"If any one surrenders his self to me and seeks protection, I protect him from all dangers and creatures. This is my vow"
Ram follows and completes the vratham he has taken. Ram always completes any act he has started on or decided to do. But this gunam is dangerous if it is with the evil people. Because they will be focussed in completing the evil act they have started. Ram is a good person and a person like Ram if he is focussed in completing the tasks he has taken then it is victory for the world. Vibhishanan came to do Saranagati. Ram decided that he will accept his Saranagati for sure. Sugreevan and Jambhavan were against this decision of Ram and gave all reasons why Ram should not do that. But Ram was focussed and he did the same. What we need to understand is that we have done many such mistakes(kutram) in our lives, Vibhishanan is the brother of Ravanan who took away piratti from Ram and also Vibhishanan is by birth a arakkan, inspite of all these Ram accepted Vibhishana Saranagati. This great act had happened very much at this place - Sethu karai. This is a wonderful place.
One can see the fishermen busy in the sea, lots of boats, lakhs of people meet here to have the sethu snanam. This is one of the char dham - 4 Karai - 4 boundary.
Char Dham
Char Dham - Badri in the north, Puri jagannatha in the east, Rameshwaram-Thirupullani in the south, Dwaraka in the west. These are the 4 corners of india.
Periazhwar says in Periazhwar Thirumozhi 4.7.9 "vadadisai madurai sAlagrAmam vaikundam tuvarai ayodhdhi "
Route taken by Ram
That great punya sthalam is here. First let us look at why we are here.
Ram came via the western ghats and reached till Mahendra giri. Near that there is a place called Kolachal where there was a harbour even sometime back. That place is not a suitable location to build a bridge and not deep enough as per Ram. So they started to walk towards kanyakumari and then at Kanyakumari they turned east on the coast to reach a place called Vela Vanam. They crossed vela vanam and on the other side is Ramanathapuram, Rameshwaram and reached this place. Let us hear more on this from the upanyasam which happened at sethu karai.
Kothandaramar Temple
When they reached this place, they were waiting to see how to proceed further. Antha kathundu iruntha thirukolathileye Kothanda Ramar sannidhi. We are having the darshan of this temple from outside. Whenever you happen to come here, ask for kothanda ramar sannidhi, Which is little far from the core places and need to visit all these places. Now let's get back to the sethu karai.
Sethu Karai
This sea is important for two reasons. 1- Vibhishana Saranagati 2. Place from where Ram built the bridge. So known as Ramar Palam, Ramar Sethu and very famous.
Rules to take bath in the sea
The sea is salty. When should we have bath in the sea ? There is a rule for the same.
They say "Aparvani kadal theendakudathu". One should have a bath in the sea only during the parva kalam. Parva kalam means pournami, amavasai days. That is why masi magam, pournami there is theertha vari in all the temples. Perumal will come to the sea during that pournami. Here on Amavasya especially thai is very crowded.
So only on those parva kalam we should take bath in the sea. There are some exception to this too. At sethu, Puri one can have a bath any time of the year since it is punya theertham.
We also spoke to the local people to find more information from their experience lets hear from them and then we can also hear the vibhishana saranagati parayanam. Then we had the upanyasam at the near by anjaneyar temple and let us listen to all these.
Parayanam at Sethu Karai
Check the video
On this side of the Pambhan palam is thirupullani darbhasayana perumal kovil. When we cross the pambhan palam and go on the other side one can see the kothandaramar sannidhi, Dhanush kodi, Gandha Madhana parvam are all their.
Kothandaramar Sannidhi
Let us hear from the person at Kothandaramar sannidhi on the Maahaatmiyam of that place.
Jai Sriram. This is the place where Ram did the pattabhishekam for Vibhishanar as king of lanka. At lanka, Vibhishana tries to explain Ravana and why he should send sita back since Ram is not a normal human and he is Paramatma's avatharam and explains all the vishesham. But Ravanan doesn't listens to him and also tries to insult Vibhishana. Then Vibhishana with his 4 ministers travels through akasa margam from lanka to sethu. Here at Sethu, Ram is trying to discuss and find options to build bridge to lanka. When vibhishana arrived everyone doubted vibhishana and didn't want to accept vibhishana. Anjaneyar interrupts and tells that vibhishana is a Dharma athma and he is a vishnu Bhakthar. He also cited that when he was in Lanka he had seen the various aspects which explain that vibhishanan is a dharma athma. Then Ram says that "not only Vibhishanan, ravanan whoever does saranagati(saranam yendru vanthal) with pure/complete mind(athmaartham) I am responsible to protect him. ( avanai rakshika vendiyathu yen kadamai). Hence I am accepting vibhishana as my brother. Not just protect vibhishana but also accept him as my brother". Even when Ravana was alive, Ram did the pattabhishekam for Vibhishana as the king of Lanka. It is confirmed that Ravanan is going to get defeated and after that lanka needs a king and hence he did so soon after vibhishanan came and seeked refuge at Ram's feet. The important thathparyam to be noted here is that Ram's goal was not to capture lanka instead was to rescue Sita who was abducted by Ravana. His responsibility was Ravana samharam to rescue Sita and not capturing Lanka. Hence he did the pattabhishekam for Vibhishanam. Every year on Aani masam sukla pasham dasami thidhi vibhis hana pattabhishekam utsavam is conducted in this temple. Perumal inge yezhunthu aruli, Vibshanar also comes here and Ram does the lanka pattabhishekam. Many bhaktas come here to have the darshan of the same. The ancient temple got runied in 1964 when the danushkodi cyclone happened and later by the contribution by a north indian this new temple as been built. This is a ubhaya kovil of arul migu ramanathaswamy. The two pillars which you see are ancient. We once tried to dig and see this pillar and it was going deeper and deeper. Then we didn't want to disturb further and left it as is. This is believed to have been vasal in those days. After the cyclone this temple has been rebuilt. One can also see the ancient madappalli. Those days train was the only option and people used to come by walk all along the shore including Ram. Earlier there had been annadhanam done in this madappali for all those Dhanushkoti padha yatrikas. The pillar and the kitchen(madappali) are the only two ancient evidence which one can see here at this point of time. Punarudhanam has been done for rest of the temples. Kothandaramar, lakshmanar, sita devi, anjaneyar, vibhishanar are here and is same as what you see in the gopuram same perumal is there inside the garbhagraham too in the same order. Vibhishanar being here is more vishesham.
Upanyasam
The bridge built by Ram is called as Ramar Sethu. Sethu means bridge/paalam. Bhaghawan himself is a paalam/bridge. We are on one side of the Paalam which is samsaram in this bhoomi and bhagawan is on the other side at Vaikuntam. We need to cross and for us to cross only Ram himself is the means. Vedavyasar explains in Brahmasutram that Brahmam Bhagawan himself is the bridge to reach Bhagawan. A bridge does two things. first it stops the water from this side and other side from mixing. Next it takes one from this side to the other side. Bhagawan does these two. From this nithya samsara mandalam he leads us the path and guides us and makes us reach the nithya vaikuntam. He protects so that samsaram and vaikuntam does not get mixed up. So when we say paalam we need to remember these things and need to pray him.
Key Takeaway
4. Bhagawan himself is a bridge for us to take us from this side - samsaram to the other side - Vaikuntam. Reach HIM through HIM.
5. Sethu snanam - Sankalpam, tharpanam. After bath in a punya kshetram do not go back and have a bath at home on the same day. Think of our ancestors, rishi's and Vibhishana Saranagathi while taking bath at sethu.
In puranam and in Upanishad they try to explain things using things which we understand. Like bridge, sun, fire are used to explain deep meanings. One more thing, we need to understand is that Sethu Snanam is important. Ram had made this place a punya place. Ram crossed this place when he went to Lanka. But when Ram travelled back from Lanka he took the sky route and didn't come here since he went in the pushpaka vimanam. This is what valmiki ramayanam and kambha ramayanam tells.
But Ram when he travelled in the pushpakavimanam he has blessed this place - melirunthu kizhe kadakshithu irukkirar. Ram also asks seetha to give her blessings (kadaksham) to this place. At that time Ram says that "Sethu is a punya bhoomi and if one comes here to have a bath and do tharpanam, they reap good benefits(nargathi). This place will be treated as a punya bhoomi from now on. This will not be a place which will be used for transportation where people can travel." Ram has decided so that day itself. Wonderful place. There are certain rules to be followed when we go for a bath at sethu. There are people who does sankalpam and then do snanam. After bathing people do tharpanam. But at no cause, one should not go back to room/house and have a bath. After a bath in a punya sthalam or punya river one should not go home and have a bath the same day. We need to think of our pithru when we take bath at sethu, need to think of Ram, Valmiki, vibhishana saranagati too. Wonderful place and let us hear on the upanyasam.
Upanyasam at Sethu
Samudhararajan says "you have nalan with you. Nalan's father is vishwakarma. Because of the blessings/anugraham of Vishwakarma, if Nalan touches a rock/parankal and drops it into the ocean it would float and i will hold the same. Use the same rocks to make a bridge to cross from this side to the other side." Nalan touched the rocks one by one and gave it to the monkeys who built the bridge.
Thirumangai azhwar in his pasuram says "Mallai muneer atharpada vari vanchalagal valavittu... kodiyon ilangai pugal utru" ( TBD)
Muneer because it consists of 3 waters - aatru neer, utru neer, vetru neer(rain water).
Azhwar says "muneer gnalam padathai yen mugilvannan..." ( TBD)
The sea which consists of all the three sources of water "kalanginathu" because the monkey's started to put the stones into the sea.Kadale Kalangittru.
What did Raman do for all this to happen ? Azhwar says "Raman than ida kaiyil piditha saranga mennum villai valaithan ithu athanaiyum nadanthathu." Ram once said "before evening if the rakshasas who abducted sita is not getting her back, I will turn the entire world upside down." This sethu was built just because they were frightened of the effects of the bow of Ram.
Thondaradipodi azhwar Pasuram :: "oru villal..." ( TBD)
Kulasekararazhwar says : "pura kadalai ..." ( TBD)
Sabhala sittham ulla kurangugal.. Monkeys who cannot be controlled easily. If our minds are not easy to control then imagine the monkeys. So with such monkeys building a bridge to cross this sea is not a task which a human can do it easily. So perumal's parathvathuvam is exhibited here.
Thirupullani
SriRamanin padhayil, Ramane darbhai parappi samudhrarajanidam 3 natkal(days) Saranagati seitha puniyamana bhoomi Thirupullani. Azhwargal mangalasasanam pannina idam. Thirumangaiazhwar has sung 20 songs. Adi Jagannatha perumal sthalathukku emperuman. Apart from him in Sayana thirukolam Thirupullani emperuman darbha sayana peruman darisanam kodukirar. Why this town called as pullani ? Pul means darbham( a type of holy grass), anai means sayanam/sleeping posture. Pulanai yenbhathu maruvi kalappokil pullani yendru vazhaingugirathu. Thiru is added for respect and for mangalam. So thirupullani. This place is 3 KM from the sea shore. Big pushkarani in front of the temple and one need to be careful when getting into water since it might be slippery. We also had the incident of someone falling and we managed to rescue them as if thirupullani perumal himself came to rescue the person. We went inside the wonderful temple which belongs to the samasthanam and follows Vaikhanasa agama for the puja's. This temple should have existed even before Ram's time. When we look into the sthalapuranam of this temple, dasarathan had prayed to the Adi Jagannatha perumal of this place when he did the puthra kameshti Yagam and then got the payasam and later the 4 boys were born. So this perumal was worshipped by Dasarathan himself. Hence instead of saying Jagannathan this perumal is called as Adi Jagannathan. Very ancient perumal. Huge temple.
First let's have the darshan of Thayar - Padmasini Thayar.
we say the daily prayer - "Padhma priyE Padmini Padma hasthE PadmAlayE Padma daLAyadhAkshi "
(Additional Info ::
Padhma priyE Padmini Padma hasthE
PadmAlayE Padma daLAyadhAkshi
visva priyE VishNu manOnukulE
tvath paada padmam mayi sannidhathsva
Above is Kaliyan"s SaraNAgathi to MahA Lakshmi, Thirumangai AzhwAr visualized the consort of the Lord at ThiruveLLakkuLam on the Lord's chest and saluted Her in the spirit of Sri Sooktha r*k and performed saraNAgathi to the Lord through Her.
Meaning : Oh MahA Lakshmi , who is very fond of the lotus flower! Oh supreme One holding that lotus flower in Your hands ! Oh Mother seated on a golden lotus ! Oh the most beautiful One with the eyes resembling that of the enchanting petals of a tender lotus ! Oh parama KaaruNya mUrthy filled with dayA for one and all ! Oh auspicious Lady , who is tuned closely to the wishes of Your Lord ! Please place Your auspicious lotus feet on my siras !
After performing SaraNAgathi to Her , Thirumangai received Her anugraham and then approached the Lord of this divya dEsam and addressed Him movingly as "ANNA " and begged Him to remove all the obstacles that obstructed him unitl then to seek and gain the parama purushArtham of Moksham )
Hirannya-Varnnaam Harinniim Suvarnna-Rajata-Srajaam |
Candraam Hirannmayiim Lakssmiim Jaatavedo Ma Aavaha ||1||
let us remove all our amangalam i.e alakshmi and give us mangalam and the lakshmi Kataksham.
(Additional Info ::
This is from Srisuktam with the following meaning...
(Harih Om. O Jatavedo, Invoke for me that Lakshmi) Who is of Golden Colour, Beautiful and Adorned with Gold and Silver Garlands. (Gold represents Sun or the Fire of Tapas; Silver represents Moon or the Bliss and Beauty of Pure Sattva.) Who is like the Moon with a Golden Aura, Who is Lakshmi, the Embodiment of Sri; O Jatavedo, please Invoke for Me that Lakshmi.
(Moon represents the Bliss and Beauty of Pure Sattva and the Golden Aura represents the Fire of Tapas.)
The presence of this Thayar is significant because when Ram came here Sita was not there with Ram. To fullfill that kurai this Thayar is here. After having darshan of Thayar we did the pradakshinam.
Lots of huge tall trees too. People have prayed and have given many nagar as part of the prarthanai. We had the darshan of the same too.
Next is the sannidhi of Dharbha Sayana perumal. Garbhagrahathil, Neenda sayanamaga, darbhathai parappi, thannudaiya kaiyaye thalaiku anaiyaga koduthu ondu kadal arasanidathe saranagati seithan Raman. Even after 3 days Samudhrarajan didn't turn up. Raman though naam adiyen adiyen yendru paninthu ponal yaarum thirumbha parka marukkirargal. Ambhu yeduthu Villai yeduthal than oor adangum yendru Lakshmananidathil kovamaga pesinar.
Yuddha Kandam , Sargam 21 , slogam: 22
चापम् आनय सौमित्रे शरामः च आशी विष उपमान् |
समुद्रम् शोषयिष्यामि पद्भ्याम् यान्तु प्लवङ्गमाः || ६-२१-२२
"The Ocean is not appearing himself before me on kind words. O, Lakshmana! Bring the bow and the serpentine arrows. I shall dry up this ocean, so that our monkeys can cross it by feet."
Then the Samudhrarajan got scared and he came out and said "being an ocean is my nature and you are the creator of this. How can a ocean pave way ?". saying those words the ocean god took refuge at Ram's feet. Even today near the Garbhagragam, near ardha mandapam, we can see Vibhishanan on one side and Samudhrarajan and his wife on the other side.
We have had the darshan of Adi Jagannatha perumal, Thayar, Darbha Sayana Perumal. Now let us hear from the nithya kainkarya archaka swamy on the kshetra mahatmiyam and the charithram which happened here. Let us hear.
Also Refer :: http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/ahobilavalli/tpullani_p1.pdf
Pullaranya kshetram yendru azhakakoodiya Thirupullani divyaDesam is the 44th Divya Desam of the PandyaNadu. Thirumangaiazhwar has done mangalasasanam and is a visheshmana divya desam. Moorthy sthalam theertham - Sethu is the theertham. Sethu Nadu yendru sollakudiya sethu samasthanathin keezh intha Thirupullani alayam nirvagika pattu varugirathu. Moolavar Adi Jagannatha perumal, pullavar, kanvar, kalavar yennum rishigalukku prathyaksham agi, avargalukkukaga muthalil asvath roppiyaga sevai sathithathaga sthala puranam. Athanpin antha asvath swarna mayamaga irunthathu. Athan pin asvath roopiyaga iruntha perumal, rishigalin vendukolukku inanga, Sridevi bhoodevi Sametharaga amaruntha kolathil, sevai sathiththu arulugirar. Intha pullaranya kshetram visheshamaga yella rishigalalum solla pattu irukirathu. Pullarisi poojai seithathal pullaranya ksehtram yendru. Pul Aaranyam - thirupullani sethu pooraga pul/darbhai irunthathunala pullaranyam yendra sollappadugira divya desathil emperumal yezhuthu aruli sevai sathikirar. Intha emperumanin thani kovil nachiyaraga padmavathi thayarum, andal nachiyarum sevai sathithu arul palikirar. Intha perumalai thirumangai azhwar 20 pasurangalale mangalasasanam seithu irukkirar. In tha adi Jagannatha perumalai, puthira kameshti yagam seivatharku munnal intha kshetrathukku vijayam seitha pothu, avarukku thane Ramanaga avatharam seivathaga anugrahithu, moola manthiram anugrahithathaga sthalapuranam. Intha kshetrathuku varum bhakthargalukku, avargal vendum padi, kuzhanthai peru santhana bhagyam aruluginrar. Intha adi Jagannatha perumal kovil 4 sannidhigal kondu ullathu - Adi jagannathar, padmavathi thayar & andal, darbha sayana ramar, pattabhiramar. Santhana gopalan Sannidhi irukkirathu. Azhwar, acharyargal Sannidhi, Udayavar emperuman, Manavala mamunigal sannidhi yendru yella sannidhigalum irukkirarthu.
Saranagati
SriRamayanathil thiranda karuthu Vibhishana Saranagathi yendru munnameye koorinom. I will explain that more in detail. We had the darshan of thirupullani, and later we shall go to rameshwaram to see raghunathan kovil, Gandha madhana parvatham, danushkoti. Most important is we need to understand the core inner meaning. In this entire series we have been having darshan of the places on one side and on the other side we have also been learning the core moral aspects and things we need to understand/follow in each of them. We have been trying to understand the thaththuvam. Sriramaynathil from the beginning till the end there are many Saranagathi. Some of the Saranagathi are fruitful(pallikinrana payan kodukinrana). Other Saranagathi are not fruitful.
1. First all the devar's are performing saranagathi to Thirumal asking him to take the avatharam of Ram to rescue them from rakhashas. "Arthitho Manushe loge jagne. Vishnu sanathana"
Perumal also took the Ramavatharam and destroyed the rakshas and dharma came back to existence So this saranagathi was fruitful.
2. Next it was dasarathan who did the saranagathi to Parasuram. When Parasuram was angry. Dasarathan requested that ram and sita are newly married and they were on the way to ayodhya. Dasarathan got scared on seeing the angry Parasuram and the impact it will have on Ram/Sita. This tells that Dasarathan was not aware of Ram's greatness. Without knowing Ram's true nature Dasarathan did the Saranagathi to Parasuram. Parasuram was full of anger and he had no karunai. When we do saranagati to a person who is with anger then that saranagathi does not become fruitful.
3. Third one lakshman did Saranagathi at Ram's feet asking Ram to take him along with him to the forest. Sita was also there with Ram, through Sita(Sitayai munnitu kondu) Lakshmana does saranagathi at Ram's feet. "Bhavam .." Lakshmana requested Ram to take him along with him so that he can continue to do kainkaryam to Ram and sita. This Saranagati did become fruitful.
ayodhya kandam : sargam 31 : Slokam 25
भवांस् तु सह वैदेह्या गिरि सानुषु रंस्यते |
अहम् सर्वम् करिष्यामि जाग्रतः स्वपतः च ते || २-३१-२५
Meaning : "You along with Seetha enjoy yourself on mountain-ridges. I shall do everything while you are waking or sleeping."
4. Fourth is the saranagathi done by Bharathan at chitrakoot. Bharath asked ram to come back to ayodhya. But this saranagathi wasn't fruitful since Ram gave the padukai to Bharath and he proceeded to the forest.
5. Fifth saranagathi is the one we are seeing currently which is Vibhishana Saranagathi. Inspite of the words of sugreeva Ram accepted the saranagathi done by Vibhishana inspite of his evil background. So this saranagathi was fruitful.
6. Sixth Saranagathi is the Saranagathi done by Ram to Samudhrarajan. This was not fruitful and Ram got angry. This is what we saw in the darbha sayanam temple too. After Ram took his bow and was ready to shot the arrow, scared samudhrarajan came out and then the rest of the action happened.
Just a math, 1st, 3rd and 5th Saranagathi were fruitful. The 2nd, 4th, 6th didn't become fruitful. Did Valmiki did any math of odd or even ?
Apart from these 6 Saranagathi there are many other Saranagathi in Ramayanam. The crux behind all these Saranagathi is Vibhishana Saranagathi.
Yaru oruthan karmangalale pidika pattu irukirano, athanal mari mari piravi yedukirano, intha karmangalai nammale tholaika mudiyathu. Pava punniyangal kannaku illathavai. Anadhi kalamaga serthu irukirom. We are weak person inspite of our other background. We do not have strength to get rid of our karmas. We do not know how to get rid of our karmas and we are so weak from this perspective. So to get rid of our karmas and to get rid of this birth cycle and this is not possible by us. Intha bhuthi yarruku vanthudutho avan "Iraiva nee tharai parai" yendru bhagawanin thiruvadigalile Saranagathi pannugiran.
Samhita Vakyam is 'tvamEva upAya bhootOmE bhava ithi prArthanA mathi: saraNAgathi'.
Bhagawannu neeye yenakku upayama irukkanum, yennaku vera vazhi thanjam theriyalai, vera pugal illai, yen endral naan poga ninaikum idam rombha uyarntha idam Vaikuntam, naan thandanam yendru ninaikum karmangalo, ninaithu parka mudiyatha valiya alai pondra karmam, nano chinnavan, kandippaga yennal sathika mudiyathu, neera sathichi kuduka vendum, intha yennam niththam nam ullathil irukka vendum. Yeppa naam sannadhiki poi perumalukku pujai pannarom nalum kettukkonde irukkanam. Matra yethai prarthikaromo illayo, Jnanathai vendalam, Bhakthiyai vendalam, ne than mukthi kodukanam yendru vendalam, Oru naal kandippaga namakku kidaikum yendra oruthiyodu venda vendum. Dinanum saranagathi panna thevai illai, oru naal seithale pothum. Antha bhuthi vanthu vittathu yendral, atharke perumal rombha anandam padugirar. Athanale Vibhishana saranagathi vibhishanin thazhtha nilaiyai vilakki, Ramanin uyarntha nilaiyai vilakki(explain), intha renduthukkum korthu kuduthu, Ramanin karunaiyai ulagathuke prakasam paduthina prakaranam than vibhishana Saranagathi. Athu nadantha idam intha idam. Intha idathuku appo yevalavu yetram irukkum. Naamum inge irukkum, Darbha sayana perumal, adi jagannatha perumal ivargal thiruvadigalai pattri, padamasini thayarai munnitu, vibhishananukku yepper patta kainkarya vazhkai kittitho nammakum kittatumaindru vendikkolvom.
Ramanin padhayil sethu karai and thirupullani darisithhom. Next we need to cross the bridge to go to the other side to see the other great things happened in that punya bhoomi. Please wait to watch them in Ramanin Padhayil.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 32 - Dec 15 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Slogam explaining Core of Ramayana - Ram's words to Sugreeva
मित्र भावेन सम्प्राप्तम् न त्यजेयम् कथंचन |
दोषो यदि अपि तस्य स्यात् सताम् एतद् अगर्हितम् ||६-१८-३
mithra bhavena samprAptam na tyajeyam kathancana
dosho yadyapi tasya syAt satAm etat agarhitam - yuddha kandam 18.3
Meaning : "By any means, I do not desert anyone who arrives with a friendly appearance, even if he has a defect. His acceptance is irreproachable in the eyes of good men"
Note : In spite of all the objections raised by SugrIvan and others about granting protection to VibhIshaNan , the brother of Raavanan , Lord Raamachandran granted abhaya PradhAnam ( granting protection)to VibhIshanan with those words.
Key Takeaway
1. Ram accepts his bhakthas in spite of mistakes and defects.
2. Forgive a person even if there is some good things and desert only after giving many chances
Forgive even if there is some good things, desert only after giving many chances
The above slokam was told by Ram during Vibhishana Saranagati. As part of Sri Ramanin Padhayil, we have been watching all the places starting from ayodhya. The core section/core meaning which ramayanam tells is what is told in the above slogam(Ramayanathin thiranda porul - Karu). If someone takes refuge at Ram's feet saying "Saranam", Ram does not look into things like - " is he a bhakthiman ? how much does he give ? what good acts have the person done ? ", instead what Ram looks into is -"Whether the person was willing to seek Ram ? Is there some trace of bhakthi ?(Bhakthi thulirthu
irukiratha ?) ".
Let's see how we behave. In spite of many good action from a close friend we shall end up moving away from that friendship if the friend commits some mistake. But Ram is so different in his behavior/action. Even if the person has done some good deed Ram accepts that person without looking into the bad acts. But if Ram does not want to protect one then he does so only when the person commits many mistakes.
How do we behave ? Let's think.
Orutharai nam yetrukka vendum yendral avar rombha naal nallavaraga irunthu proove pannanum. Anal orutharai naam uttudavendum yendral avar konjum thappu pannum pothe kovam vanthu vittuduvom. Intha thanmai maravendum.
So what do we need to learn from Ram ?
Orutharai yetrukkolla sila nanmai irunthalum yetrukkola vendum. Orutharai kai vida vendum yendral niraiya theemai purinthu irunthal than kai vida vendum.
This great moral is what we understand from following ram's padhai(foot path).
Yatra Group at Thirupullani Dhanushkoti Rameshwaram
Ramanin Padhai is at Thirupullani, Dhanushkoti, Rameshwaram. We are almost to the end of this program series.
Ram's Saranagathi to The King of Ocean
Vibhishanan came and did Saranagathi, Ram accepted the same. Then Vibhishanan asked Ram to do Saranagathi to the Kadal aarasan. For three days Ram slept on the shore and did Saranagathi. Facing towards East, Ram sat and requested the king of ocean to pave way for them to cross the ocean. But the Samudrarajan didn't understand and hence Ram had to frighten the ocean with his bow and arrow saying "If you are not paving way to me, hye ocean i will just dry you with a shot of an arrow and then the monkeys can walk and go to lanka".
Slogam - Sagaram sosaishyamki ..
Yuddha kandam : Sargam 21 : Sloka 22
चापम् आनय सौमित्रे शरामः च आशी विष उपमान् |
समुद्रम् शोषयिष्यामि पद्भ्याम् यान्तु प्लवङ्गमाः || ६-२१-२२
Meaning : Ram says "The Ocean is not appearing himself before me on kind words. O, Lakshmana! Bring the bow and the serpentine arrows. I shall dry up this ocean, so that our monkeys can cross it by feet."
As soon as the king of the ocean heard these words of Ram, he got frightened and came out with his wife. Immediately Ram cooled out and asked him to pave way for them to go.
Why Ram had to build a bridge ?
Kurathazhwan when explaining this says in Athimanusha sthavam -
Slokam 26 :
tvam dakshiNasya nivasan udadhE: taTEapi
dUrAnthara uttara payOdhi mahAntareepE |
daityAn nijaika Sara-pAraNayan, kimEtAm
lankAm sthitO atra kurushE na kila sma bhasma ||
Meaning from sadagopan.org : Here, KurEsar salutes the GuNam of the Lord known as Dhairyam (Courage). He says: "Oh Lord without birth! You engaged in Prathisayanam at ThiruppullANi and waited for permission from Samudra Raajan to build a dam over him to reach the island of Lanka to engage RaavaNan in battle and destroy him. Samudra Raajan ignored You thinking that You are just a human being. You got enraged at the insult of the King of oceans and got ready to send Your fiery arrow to dry up the waters of the oceans. Samudra Raajan was now afraid for his life and appeared with his wives before You and performed araNAgathy and begged to be spared. You informed the king of Oceans that Your arrow was set and can not be withdrawn; You asked him to suggest another target. Samudra Raajan begged You to send Your unfailing arrow at the inhabitants of a remote island in the north, who were abusing him. You obliged and Your arrow destroyed them from an immense distance. If that (Your power) is so profound and far reaching, how can adiyEn understand your inaction in not destroying RaavaNaa and his army, which were not far away from your position in ThiruppullANi. Sethu Bhandam and the invasion of LankA look in this context appear like window dressing. You could have reduced to ashes RaavaNAdhis from the banks of Sethu itself but you chose not to. Why is that?
Rama unnai patthi yennamo ninaithundu irunthen. Raman villai yetrinar kadal mela yeiya pogirar. Raman bhanam veenaga poga koodathu. Amoga bhanam. Raman chattunu marittar. Yarai yethiri nu ninaitheno avare kai koopi kondu vanthapirpadu nanban agi vittan. Hye Kadale unnaku yaaravathu virodhi irunthal sollu intha ambha avargal peril yeigiren. Kadal sollitru - "Bharatha desathinudaiya vada merku disaiyil, palai vanam thandi oru idal irukirathu. Angu thirudargal vasikkirargal. Avargal amrutha mayamana thaneerai kudithu attakasam seigirargal. Rama un ambhai avargal mel vittudu. Raman disai mari nindru vada-merkku disai noki yeithan, motha bharadathai thandi poi vizhuntha ambhu avargalai azhithathu. Kurathazhwan ketkirar ivalavu thooram ambhu yeitha mudinthathe, athe pola kizhakku noki nindru kondu angirunthe ravananai nokki ambhu vittu irunthal oru nimishathil kathai mudinthu irukkume. Yen seiyavillai ? Ivvalavu periya anai katta venduma ? yendru kettar. Raman padhil kooravillai anal nammkku bhathil theriyum. Antha aanai kattinal than oru punniya kshetram oruvagum. Angu poi niradi makkal papam kazhithu kollatum. Intha yennathodu Raman palam katti irukirar. Namum antha yennathai purinthu kolla vendum.
So ram wanted a punya kshetram to be here at Sethu where he has travelled and where he himself had built the bridge. (Thiruvadi patta idam, kaiyal kattina idam). Inda bhakthiyin mudirchi pothum, bharatha desathil anaithu Rama bhakthargal athuku than yengi irukirargal. Raman Thiruvadi patta idam Sethu. Antha sethu vai than naam darisikka pogirom.
Key Takeaway
3. Ram walked all throughout India so that we all can go and visit those punya sthalam to get rid of our sins.
Dhanushkoti & Pambhan Bridge
Danushkoti yendra mukhiyamana idam. Angu poga vendumanal, Pambhan palathai thanda vendum. This bridge is made up of two bridges. There is one bridge to travel by rail and one to travel by road. In 1914 the railway bridge was built during the British period. Till 1964 the bridge in the middle had two diversion one towards Rameshwaram and one towards Danushkoti.
During the 1964 cyclone there was a huge accident and one of the train got stuck in the cyclone. The tracks were also totally destroyed during that accident. So one cannot go towards Danushkoti using that track now but we can go towards Rameshwaram. Wonderful Cantilever bridge which opens up when the ships need to travel. People of all ages love to watch this bridge.
The current road bridge is recent and earlier even before the train track everyone need to come to a place called Mandapam. Going to kasi rameshwaram was a practice followed for a long time. From Mandapam one need to go by parisal or thoni/boat to the Rameshwaram island which is away from the main land. These bridges are to travel from the mainland to the island.
Now we are having the darshan of Danushkoti. There was a temple here long ago which is not there now. Dhanush Koti (corner) - Ram destroyed the bridge using the edge of his arrow. Why did Ram destroy the bridge ? Why this place is known as Dhanush koti ? let us hear more on this.
Dhanushkoti - Name reason
As part of Sriramnin Padhayil, we started from Danushkoti and we went to the Gandha Madhana Parvatham. The route is wonderful travelling through the kadal. Raman himself is a Guna Kadal. We are just trying to cross this ocean of waters. We discussed that Ram destroyed the bridge which he had built using the edge of his arrow. Why ? When he went back to ayodhya he didn't even get down and he traveled in the pushpaka vimanam. If so when did he get down and come here ? We can answer this question in two ways.
1. Raman palam kattuvatharku munbhaga, than villin oru nuniyai ikaraiyil thattiyum, mattrum oru nuniyai akaraiyilum thatti irukkalam. Rendu pakkamum Dhanush koti ya irukkalam. Just 30 KM from Dhanushkoti we can reach the Thalai Mannar area of Lanka. Ikkaraikum akkaraikum, than neenda deiva thanmai porunthiya villal raman thatti irukkalam.
2. Allathu palam katti ikkaraiyil irunthu akkaraiku pona piragu, lankaiyil sandai mudintha pirpadu Raman angirunthe ikkarayil irukkum palanthin nuniyai thatti matri irukklam. yetharkaga ippadi seiya vendum. Dhanush Koti is villin nuni yendrum parthom.
3. Moondravathu karuthu, mithila purikku sendru Raman seethaiyai kalyanam pannikkolla villai murithar. Appave Dhanusha Dham yendra idathil Villin oru munai vizhunthathu yendru parthom. Appa anga irukkkum mahanth yenna sonnar, intha vill moondru paguthiyaga vedithathu athil ondru Dhanusha dham, mattrondru Dhanush koti allavukku poi vizhuunthathu. Anga moorika patta villin oru paguthi ingu vishuntha padiyal ithu dhanush koti yendru vadake iruppavargal ninaikirargal.
Yeppadiyum irukkattum, Azhwar than pasurathil koorugirar,
(TBD)
Periya neer padaithu athil angu vurainthu kadaithu adaithu udaithu
Periya neer - kadalai padaikirar,
angu urainthu - Kadal ulla idathil perumal sayanam pannugirar adi shesha padukaiyil, athai kadaithu - thiruparkadalai kadainthan amudham, mahalakshmi yedupatharkaga,
adaithu- athe lakshmi/Seetha deviyai Ravanan sirai vaikka atharkaga kadalai adaithan palam kattinan.
Udaithan - Palam katti ikkaraiyil irunthu akkarai varai sendru, rama-ravana yutham mudinthu pushpaka vimanathil sellum mun Raman intha palathin pathaiyai Udaithan yendru azhwar koorugirar.
Periyavachan pillai yennum urai asiriyar who lived some 700-800 years ago, avar solluvathu - intha palam inimel puniya bhoomiyaga irukka vendum, ithu pokkuvarathuku udaiyathana idamaga irukkakudathu, makkal ithai vananganum, raman thiruvadi pattathu yendru irukka vendum yenbhatharkaga, vera yentha payanukkum ithai payan paduthal koodathu(e.g Raman padukai cannot be used by us and we need to worship), Raman thiruvadi patta idam punya kshetramaga irukkattum yendru ramane udaithan yendru sollugirar. Now we have answers to all the questions we had in this pasuram. Unmaiyai unmayaga ramabhakthargal therinthu kondal kavalai illai. Ramane arbhuthamaga kattinar antha palam idam thodangina ithu than yendru Dhanushkoti yai sollugirargal.
TBD : Azhwar pasuram - "Manathullan maa kadal neerulllan malaral thannathullan "
Gandha Madhana Parvatham - Viewpoint
From there we came to Gandha Madhana Parvatham. Oru kundru(hill) and on the top is a temple with ram's Thiruvadi. THe mahatmiyam of this place is that Ram had stood on this hillock to have a view of the entire surrounding before he decided how to proceed to lanka, how far is the sea, how far are the monkey group, from where should the bridge be built, after building the bridge where to reach, All these Survey was done from this hill top. Then the entire monkey trooups assembled here in front on this place. It was a huge group and had assembled in a large area - crores of monkeys had come. Kambhar says that there were 52 crores of monkey when they returned to monkey which included female monkeys who joined them on the way at Kishkinda. Even if we consider half of it still it is a huge crowd. Must have been huge crowd which one cannot think - amanushyamana karanam.
Next is Ramar Sannidhi built by a Nepal king. Let us see about that and then how many days did they take to built the bridge and how Ram spent the entire time given by Seeta. Let us see.
Rameshwaram - Ramanathan
Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame;
Sahasrenama tattulyam, Rama Nama Varanane
Parvathi Paramasivanidam Ketka. Ramanathan, Rameshwaran are the names of Shivan. Vada mozhiyil rendu vithamana samasangal kooruvargal. Antha rendu vithathilum porul kooralam.
1. Ramasya Nathaha yaha saha Ramanathaha
2. Ramaha Nathaha Yasya saha ramanathaha
Ramnukku thane anaivaraiyum kakkum yennam athunale thane ivvidathil palam katti, ikkaraiyilirunthu akkaraiku ponar, seethaiyaiyum katthar, arakargalin rajyathaiyum meetukkoduthar. Appadi patta Rama namathin perumai parasivanarukke theriyum yendru adi sankara bhagavath padar koorugirar. There is a Rameshwaram kovil, one of theJyothirlinga temple which is also among the 275 temples which were sung and is a significant Siva kshetram.
Nepal - Ramar Temple
On the way, there is a wonderful temple - Ramar Sannidhi. This is a nepal temple. Before 2000 years ago, A king from Nepal had come with with lots of Saligramam and has built this temple. Beautiful temple. A local pandit is talking about the mahatmiyam of the Rameshwara Kshetram, let us hear from that.
As from the words of Pandit..
In ramanyanam, Hanuman Ramayanam, it is said that Hanuman who was calling Rama Rama changed to calling SitaRama Sita Rama at this place by accepting Ram-Sita as his Father- Mother. This is the place where he started the SitaRama Japam. Rameshwaram is a place where one can do parikaram for problems like Vamsa vruthi, Kula Vruthi, Vivaham agathavanga, Vivaham agi pirinthavangal, graha dosham. Belief is that 150% the problem will get solved. Important thing which is told here is that Dasarath came with kula guru Vashistar and his wives during Adi Sethu Madhava kalam. Dasarathar did the puthra kameshti yagam and Chaturvedi Lankeshwaran Ravanan's father had helped in this yagam. One part of that prasadham obtained during the yagam was given to Anjana devi through Jatayu pakshi. Hanuman was born because of this. First this kshetram was known as "lankapuri". THen it was known as "Sethu madhava puram" when Lankeshwaran did pooja with Brahma guru for shivan's shapa nivarthi, requesting him to accept Ganga and they did arpanam of Ganga to Shivan. Agasthiyar had come to Dakshina Bharatham, at that time it was known as "AgasthiyaPuram". This was a small temple at that time. Around 2000 years ago, a king from Nepal had come here when the mughal's invaded. He came with Saligramam from Kandagi and wished to have a temple of Ayodhyapathi in a grand manner. He did the prathistai of the moorthy with the rocks(kandagi Sagar) from the Gandaki river. We are doing kainkaryam for 14 generations and we are following the sevai as told by our elders. There is one Saligrama Murthy too at this place. Murthy is made out from the kandagi Sagar rocks. Here we have Sita, Ramar, Lakshmana, Sugreevan and Anjaneyar known as Sita Ramar Panchayutam.
Pambhan Bridge
We heard the kshetra Mahatmiyam of Rameshwaram. If we look at the map of Rameshwaram, one one side is the main land of India and on the other side is the island Rameshwaram. The Pambham bridge connects these two places. One of the rasigar said, if we keep a bow at the center of the pambhan bridge the bow will run to reach the two corners i.e main land and the island Rameshwaram. The brdige is in the shape of a bow which is interesting and great thing praise worthy too. This is a great example to teach the kids. Not just for kids but great scientist and researchers including NASA of USA has been tryign to find about this place. NASA has released a satellite picture which is very famous and they say that "There is a bridge in this place. If one travels further into the sea, there is a formation in the sea bed. The formation of rocks are little different and unusal.
We know about Nalan-Neelan who held and trouched each rock and gave it to the monkey who built the bridge. The king of ocean had told and ordered that the rocks will float if they are touched by Nalan-Neelan. Hence these rocks did float at this place. Using that as a bridge Ram went from this side to the other side. The bridge was around 100 miles in breadth i.e 10 Yojanai agalam and 100 Yojanai neelam i.e 1000 miles in length. The immediate question which will be asked is that the length and breadth are wrong since srilanka is so close by. The story we are talking is 17 lakhs years old. At that time the land of srilanka might have been huge and could have been farther south too. This is the measurement given as per those days physical land. Ram has built the bridge in 5 days. What is the nature of the bridge ? we have not gone inside the sea to see that but there are locals who had seen the bridge by diving into the sea. Let's hear from that person.
Local person on Ramar Bridge
From here to Lanka is 22 KM from here . The sea bed(manal parappu) is at 12 KM. Beyond that it is full of sea water for 10 KM and we reach lanka border. Ramar bridge is 3 KM from a place called Kunthukkal i.e from the shore it is 3 KM in the sea. This is known as Ramar palam as per iydigam. Ramar palam can be seen for 1/2 KM. We cannot see from the shore. One needs to
dive into the sea, with glasses one can see the Ramar bridge. Kunthukal is called so because "Ramar Mithitha idam" - place Ram's footsteps are there. From that place called Kunthukal the Ramar bridge starts and it leads us to Srilanka. There are no other path way in between.
Kainkaryam by Monkey's and Squirrel's
Thondaradipodi Azhwar's Thirumalai Pasuram :
“Kurangugal malaiyai noka kulithadam purandit odi”
“Tharanga neer adaikal utra salamila anilum pole”“marangal poye valiya nanje vanjanen nenju thannal”“Aranganarku aat seyadhae aliyathen ayarkindrenae” [Thirumalai Pasuram: 898]
All the monkeys have done so much bhagyam and they all helped Ram and built the bridge in 5 days. The monkeys took the rocks one by one and made them float on the sea. But we need someone to do poochu vellai(Cementing work). When the Sitthal gets the bricks ready, need a kothanar to do the cement work. All the squirrels saw the monkey's dropping the rocks in the
sea and thought that the monkeys were not good in architecture work since just piling rocks will not result in a bridge. For that all the squirrels used to wet themselves in the sea water and then they came to the shore and rolled on the sand and they used to go back to the rocks in the sea and used to take off the sand so that the rocks along with the sand resulted in bridge as if it was cemented. Udirtha manal kalavai mathiri irunthathu.
The bridge was neither built because of the rocks laid by the monkey nor was it built because of the sand brought by the squirrels. The bridge was built because of Ramaanugraham. But the monkey's were so focussed and happy in doing kainkaryam/service to Ram. At that time, one small squirrel asked Hanuman "You guys do not know about building bridge. Should we not
reach lanka before noon so that it is not late for Ram's lunch. Ram is not like us and he is a raja kumaran. So he cannot stay hungry and hence we need to cross fast and need to search Sita faster. So do the work faster. " Hanuman replied "Who are you ? small creature and you are ordering me. I am anjaneyar". Then the squirrel replied "Sitthal kal adukkanam, Masthiri
poosanam, Masthiri sollarathai thane sitthal kal adukkanam. Kothanar sollara padi than kal adikarava adukkanam. Nanga than kothanar, yenna nanga than poochu vellai pannarom. Kurangual kal podareenga. Kothanar sollara padi thane sitthal ketkavendum. Athunala naan sollarapadi ne kelu." Hanumar was stunned on listening those from that squirrel. With such interesting converstations this bridge was built with joy and happiness. On one side it is the monkeys and squirrels and on the other side Ramanin athimanista shestitham - to show that he is Thirumal. Similarly the ocean king also wanted to do service to Ram and he had his share in getting this bridge completed. Such great effort by many resulted in building this bridge in 5 days. All these while we were talking about the bridge which leads to Lanka.
Next is the pambhan bridge is also a significant one. This is the second biggest national bridge. Railway track is almost 2 KM in length, 2.3 KM length road bridge. All these built with great care and it is very helpful for all of us to go and have darshan.
Ram went from this side to the other side, Hanuman carried Ram, Angadhan carried Lakshman. THey travelled as they built the bridge and reached the shore. They spent 1 day in discussion and next 7 days the war happened.
How did Ram did it in 1 month the time given by Sita ?
We had discussed that Sita had given 1 month time for Hanuman,
"uurdhvam maasaat jiivitam "
Sundara Kandam : Sargam 38 : slogam 67
जीवितम् धारयिष्यामि मासम् दशरथ आत्मज |
ऊर्ध्वम् मासान् न जीवेयम् सत्येन अहम् ब्रवीमि ते || ५-३८-६७
Meaning : "O Rama! I shall hold my life for a month. I cannot survive after a month I am telling you the truth."
When Hanuman went to meet Sita, Hanuman gave the ring of Ram to Sita and Sita in return gave her Choodamani to Hanuman to proove that Hanuman met Sita. We did dscuss about all this and Hanuman giving the Choodamani to Ram while we were at Malyavan Parvatham at kishinda. When Hanuman was about to start, Sita says that she will live only for 30 days and ram had to come within 30 days. Did Ram come in 30 days ? lets calculate.
After Hanuman came back from Lanka
1 day - discussion at Mahendra giri on how to proceed with Angadhan on whether they shud go and inform Ram or fight themselves.
3 day - Entire monkey clan ran and reached kishkinda.
3 day - Then they had to inform Ram and fix a date and start with the trooups.
5 days - For the entire trooups to reach the shore at Rameshwaram it took 5 days.
1 day - vibhishana saranagathi
3 days - Ram did Saranagathi to King of the oceans
5 days - Bridge was built in 5 days
1 day - discussion at lanka on how to proceed and fight. Angadhan was sent as a messenger to Ram.
7 day - Fight between Ram and Ravana
Till now totally 29 days got over. On 30th day Ram rescued Sita and within a day they reached Bharadwaja Ashram in the pushpaka vimanam on the way back to ayodhya.
On one side we have seen the temples in the island of Rameshwaram like Danushkoti, Nepali Ramar temple, Kothandaramar temple, Sethu, Gandha madhana parvatham. Now we need to start from this place and before that there is some important information's, please listen.
Saranagathi
1. Verse stated to be of Bharatamuni, defining prapatti.
ananyasAdhye svAbhIshTe mahAviSvAsa pUrvakam |
tadekopAyatAyAncA prapatti: SaraNAgati: ||
meaning: http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/srihayagrivan/ebooks/088_SSv2_p2.pdf
Prapatti is a prayer for help to another capable person with faith, by one who is unable tofulfill his desire on his own.
2. Next is "tvamvopAyabhUto me" from (ahirbhudnya samhita, 37-31)
tvamevopAyabhUto me bhavati prArthanAmati: |
SaraNAgatirityuktA sAdeve asmin prayujyatAm ||
Meaning : “Be my upAyam.” This prayer is called SaraNAgati. Let it be performed to the Lord.
The above two explains about Saranagathi - saranam ithi agathi hi Saranagathi. Rama unnudaiya thiruvadigalai thavira naan nargathi pera veru vazhi theriyavillai. Ullagathil yethanaiyo margangal irukkalam, anal athu yellam yen muyarchiyil sathika vendiya vazhigal. Un thiruvadi irukkum pothu naam yen veru muyarchiyil iranga vendum. Bhagawan nammai padaithavar, avar yeppothum nammai kapatharku kathu irukirar. Naam than avarai maranthu, yengo suttrik kondu irukkirom. Intha unmai purinthu, Rama un thiruvadigale saranam, yendru pattri vittal namakku bayamum thevai illai, bharamum irukkathu.
Sri Vedantha Desigan says "Nir bhayo Nir bhayosmi ". TBD
Intha uyaruntha karutthu, athu nadantheriyathu Vibhishana Saranagathiyin pothu.
Upanyasam
Yuddha Kandam : Sargam 18 : Sloka 24
श्रूयते हि कपोतेन शत्रुः शरणम् आगतः ||६-१८-२४
अर्चितः च यथा न्यायम् स्वैः च मांसैर् निमन्त्रितः |
Meaning : "It is narrated how by a dove, its enemy ( a fowler) when it came for a refuge, was received according to rules of hospitality and was invited for a feast with its own flesh."
It is known as Kapothopaakyanam. There were two birds(dove) - one female and one male. Oru vedan oru paravaiyai adithu vizhthivittan. Pranan poi vittathu. Only the male bird is alive. It was rainy season and the hunter was tired searching for food. The hunter came and sat under a tree on which the male bird was sitting. The male bird should have thrown the stones or something on the hunter since he killed the female bird. The bird didn't do that instead it thought that because of the rainy season, this hunter could not find any food. To manage the cold the hunter had also lit fire under the tree. The male dove which was sitting on the tree felt sorry for the hunter that he could not find food and the dove went and fell down into the fire and made itself food for the hunter.
Ram explains this to sugreevan. Ram and Sita are the male and female dove. HUnter is Ravanan. Ravanan just took sita but here in the story the hunter killed the bird. Also in the story, the hunter who killed the bird came back, but here Ravanan didn't come back and it is Vibhishana who has come seeking refuge. Also the hunter would not have said "Saranam" but here Vibhishanan had seeked refuge saying "Saranam". Also I need not give my life like that male bird did and all i need to do is just to accept Vibhishana and need not give my life like the bird.
Even if the situation was different ie. if Ravana had killed Sita and if Ravana had come here and if Ravana didn't say Saranam still Ram should have given his life. In spite of doing all that the world will only say that all Ram did a bird had also done and there will be no greatness in me doing this Sugreeva. Can i not get the praise a Dove got ?
After saying so Ram continued "After i win the war and when i get back to Ayodhya, Vashistar will ask me what all happened. I will have to explain everything to Vashistar. While narrating i will say that a person called vibhishana seeked refuge and said "saranam" and i didn't accept him. Vashistar will reply "Being born in Ishvagu kulam, if you do not have the attitude of protecting someone who said "Saranam", now i order you to go back to exile for 14 years". Vashistar might send me again to exile saying so. I cannot come back to exile again and at least for this i need to accept Vibhishanan. "
Ram explained so to Sugreevan and proceeded to accept Vibhishanan. Raman called sugreevan to proceed to accept Vibhishanan.
"Bhagawan yentha bhagavanidathil yevan abhacharam padugirano avanai konde than anda bhagawadhanai angeegaram pannuvan."
Hence Ram asked Sugreevan to bring Vibhishana. Vibhishanan also came and did saranagati.
Key Takeaway
4. Help a person even if he is your enemy, without any hatred like the male bird which gave itself as a feast to the hunter who killed the female bird.
5. Bhagawan yentha bhagavanidathil yevan abhacharam padugirano avanai konde than anda bhagawadhanai angeegaram pannuvan.
Vibhishana Saranagati
Yuddha Kandam : Sargam 18 : Slogam : 33
सकृद् एव प्रपन्नाय तव अस्मि इति च याचते ||६-१८-३३
अभयम् सर्व भूतेभ्यो ददामि एतद् व्रतम् मम |
Sakrudeva prapannaya tavasmeeti cha yachate;
Abhayam sarvabhutebhyo dadamyetad vratam mama.
Meaning : "He who seeks refuge in me just once, telling me that I am yours', I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is my solemn pledge".
"I remove all fears of all beings even if they come to Me only once and seek My refuge; calling themselves as Mine-This is My vow. " -Sri Ramachandra's vow
"Sakrudeva prapannaya" - Oru thadavai saranagathi pannavanai kurithu.
"Cha yachate" - Sugreevan again expressed his disagreement of Ram accepting Vibhishana since this Saranagathi is happening without Piratti in place.
"Lakshmihi purushakaarathve nirdhista parama rishibhi" - Piraittiyai munnitu thane perumanidam saranagathi. Here Piratti is not there with Ram when Vibhishana did Saranagathi so it cannot come true said Sugreevan. Vyakyathar explains "Chavuk kule piratti adakkam". Ram actually said "Cha yachate"..Cha karathukule pirattiyai adaki avalai munnitu than unnai pattrinen yendru Raman sonnan. Vibhishanan did have Piratti Sambhandam. Piratti(Sita) actually went to Lanka to do anugraham to vibhishanan and to bless him and to send him to Ram.
Without her anugraham saranagati cannot come true or cannot happen. Ram explained so to tell that Vibhishana did have Sita's anugraham too. Such wonderful thoughts. Raman thiruvadigale pugal, athuve namakku thanjam, Rama Namame namakku yepoththum thondaiyil irukka vendum.
Key Takeaway
6. Piratti's role and the need of Piratti sambhandam before Saranagati at Perumal's feet. Seek HIM through HER.
Yatra group starting from Sethu to Srirangam
After knowing all these great meaning, we took leave from this place from Adi Jagannatha perumal, Darbha Saya Ramar( Who is showing the same thirukolam for us like how he slept on the darbai for 3 days on the shore). Now we need to travel towards Srirangam where we had darshan of perumal, Rama nama bhajan, Parayanam of pattabhisheka sargam. On one side we were all happy that we are going to go to Srirangam and on the other side we all had heavy heart that the yatra is going to get over in a day. Varutham kalandha anandam. Anandam mudinthu poida porathe nu varutham. We started late night from Thirupullani and reached Srirangam. The buses can't come inside srirangam and hence to stop outside the 8 veedhi's. The yatrikas some of them went to relatives place and others went to the place we had arranged. Then we all assembled at 8 AM for the bhajan. You all must be thinking that pushpaka vimanam went to Ayodhya and why did we all went to Srirangam ?. We wish we could have gone to Ayodhya to do the pattabhishekam but that is not possible. Even in our yatra, ram had gone to Lanka which we could not go due to logistic issues. I wish you all should travel to Srilanka and see all the places related to Ramayanam. So we took leave and reached Srirangam. Why Srirangam ? Because the perumal for whom Ram had done aradhanai was given to Vibhishana by Ram himself. Vibhishana came with the perumal along with the vimanam to Srirangam on the way to Lanka. Then between the two cauvery at Srirangam along with the pranavakara vimanam SriRanganatha perumal was installed( yezhunthu arulapattar). We have seen this many times.
History of Srirangam Perumal
1. Perumal came out from the Thirupaarkadal
2. Then he was at Satya Logam with Brahma
3. Then he was at Ayodhya
4. Now through Vibhishana he is at Srirangam.
Ram gifting vibhishana after Pattabhishekam
Yuddha Kandam: Sargam 128 : slogam 90
विभीषणोऽपि ध्र्मात्मा सह रैर्नैरृतर्षभैः || ६-१२८-९०
लब्ध्वा कुलधनं राजा लङ्कां प्रायान् महायशाः |
vibhiiShaNo.api dhrmaatmaa saha rairnairR^itarShabhaiH || 6-128-90
labdhvaa kuladhanaM raajaa laN^kaaM praayaan mahaayashaaH |
Meaning :The righteous and the renowned king Vibhishana too, after obtaining the treasure of his race (kingdom of demons), followed by those foremost of demons, returned to Lanka.
ikshvAku-kula-dhanam labdhvA lankAm prAyAt vibhIshaNah. labdhava kula dhanam lanka praya... aradhaya jagannatham ish.
Yendru Ramane indha vimanathode vibhishananidam koduka innikivaraikum naam anaivarum sevithu irukirom.
Key Takeaway
7. Srirangathar's link with Ram and history
Now that we have reached Srirangam next is we need to do Pattabhishekam. Before that we have seen this yatra in 32 episodes and we have two more episodes to go. One of them is going to be a recap of all the places we have seen from Ayodhya since some of you might have missed some of the episodes.
Let us see that recap episode next week. Aavalodu katthu irungal.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 33 - Dec 22 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
This episode was a recap of all the places we have seen from Bittoor till Srirangam.. Do check the video for sure.
Slogam
Ramaya Rama Bhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase
Raghu Nathaya Nathaya Sitayah Pataye Namaha
Meaning : To Rama, Ramabhadra, Raghunatha(These are different names of Lord Rama),the Lord, the Consort of Seetha, our salutations to him.
To all the viewers of this program "Sri Ramanin Padhayil", today is an important day. The yatra group has reached Srirangam for Rama Pattabhishekam. Srirangam perumal prathistai was done by Vibhishanan between the two banks of the river cauvery when he was trying to carry the perumal gifted to him by Ram while he was on his way back to Srilanka. Ranganathar is here in this temple at Srirangam from that day. We can have darshan of that perumal and all of us can relate us to the days of Ram and Ram avatharam. HE is the perumal who was reclining at Ayodhya and he is the suthradhari behind this entire kavyam of Ramayanam.
Aranganai sevikum pothu, avar kangalum vayum ithu varai naam sevithathai oliyum oliyum maga nammakku therigirathu. Arangan koora koora avar vazhi katta naam BIttoorilirunthu thodangi naam Srirangam vantha varai anaithu idangalaiyum ninnaithu parpom, kangalal parpom, kathugalal ketpom.
This recap is for all those who might have missed some of the episodes. Wish everyone watches all these places and lock them in your thoughts.
Link to the Episode - Recap of all places of Sri Ramanin Padhayil
Today we had the bhagyam to see all the places of Sri Ramanin Padhayil yatra. It is a great bhagyam for me too. If in case you have not seen these places in person because of reasons like age do not worry since you have seen it here and one can keep meditating on this.
Next week is the concluding episode of this series with jeeyar swami, pattabhishekam, arangan.
If you have still missed all these, there is one more way where you can buy the Sri Ramanin Padhayil Calendar for 2014 released by Kinchitkaram Trust.
Lets meet in the concluding episode.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Episode 34 - Dec 29 2013
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
Srirangam
KAvEri viraja SEyam vaikuNTham rangamandiram
Sa VAsudEvO rangEsah pratyaksham paramam padam
VimAnam praNavakaram vEda srungam mahatbhUtam
SrirangasAyI bhagvAn praNavartha prakasakah
Meaning: The river KAvEri is the very same Viraja River flowing in VaikuNTham and the temple in Srirangam is VaikuNTham itself, the abode of VishNu. The lord of Srirangam is none other than VAsudEva Himself. The VimAnam is in the form of PraNava—the life-sustaining mantra. The towers are like the vEdAs and t he Lord RangasAyi is enunciating the import of the PraNavam.
Vibhishanan bringing perumal from Ayodhya to Srirangam
Sriranganathan who is the meaning of the PRANAVAM(OM) is there between the two cauvery rivers at Thiruvarangam. All the azhwars have sung Pallandu(pasuram) on this perumal. First among the 108 vaishnava thiruthalams. All our acharyas have come and lived at Srirangam. This is famously referred as BHOO LOKA VAIKUNTAM. The perumal who is at srirangam today, has been worshipped by Ram and was in Ayodhya. After Rama pattabhishekam, everyone takes leave from Ram. Ram wanted to give something to Vibhishanan. At that time, Ram gave the perumal he was worshiping and the vimanam as a gift to Vibhishanan. Along with the perumal( yezhuntharula pannikkondu) vibhishanan started from Ayodhya on his journey to Lanka. While he was travelling , it was the month of Panguni and Panguni Brahmotsavam was supposed to be done. He didn't had time to reach lanka and do the brahmotsavam. So Srirangathil yezhunthuarula panninan vibhishanan. After the 9 days festival, perumal had to start from the place towards lanka. Perumal was not willing to start and expressed his wish to stay. Vibhishanan agreed for perumal's wish and he went alone to Lanka. Perumal was happy that Vibhishanan agreed. Avanai katadshithukondu then(south) disai lankai noki pallikondu irukiran. Arangan avanai katadshikirar azhagiya manavalan. Ranganathar is reclining facing south blessing Vibhishanan at Srirangam.
Yatra group at Srirangam
We reached that Srirangam on the last day morning. We did vidhivalam in the morning by doing bhajan and singing songs on Ram, Ramanujar, Azhwar's pasuram. All the people who came for the yatirai did the veedhivalam. In 2006 veedhivalam happened with kollatam, Gummi, song, dance. But in 2010, the ayodhya verdict was supposed come in Allahabad. We saw that we had doubts on whether we would be able to worship ayodhya temple. That got postponed and the verdict was on the day we reached srirangam. So we could not go around the town like we did in 2006. We were not allowed to use loud speaker, or gather. But we all went to Ramanujar's Sannidhi at Srirangam. We had come on a trip after visiting Ram and we had the darshan of Ramanujar too. We did Parayanam at Ramanujar's sannidhi in a great manner along with Upanyasam and we were all very much happy and satisfied. We also had the bhagyam of having darshan of Ramanujar. So in 2010 SriRamaninPadhayil got over at Ramanujar sannidhi at Srirangam. But in 2006, we were at Ranga vilas mandapam at south entrance in srirangam and Srimath Paramahamsyethyathi Sri Ranga Narayanar Jeeyar came and gave blessings to all and also spoke few words(anugraha bhashan). Everyone in Srirangam temple and town came and made this event a great success. Let's watch what happened at Sri Ranga Vilas Mandapam. Then we had arranged for Sri Rama Pattabhisheka Bhajanai. Wonderful bhajanai and you all have to watch this important thing. Lets watch the same. After the bhajan there was an important message which was shared and then Sri Ramanin Padhayil yatra got over. Let us wait and watch the same.
Core CRUX of Ramayana
One important slogam, Ram followed (nal Vazhi)disciplined path and even monkey helped Ram. Ravanan followed (theeyavazhi) indisciplined path and even his brother left and went away. This is all Ramayanam is about. All that is told in 24000 slokas is the above meaning.
Sloka :
Yanthin nyaya pravarthasya thriyan chobita sahayatam
apan thanantam Gachchatam soga roopi vimunchathi
(need to correct this Slogam : TBD)
We should not do anything against shastram and need to follow the righteous path. Mandodari cried in front of Ravana's dead body that it was not Ram who killed Ravana instead Ravana didn't control his senses and that killed Ravana.
Key Takeaway
1. Everyone(even animals) will help us if we follow path of dharma, if not even our own brother will disown us.
Then the last rites were performed for Ravana. Then Ram sent his men to inform Sita and get her back. Vibhishanan and Hanuman went to meet sita.
Greatness of Sita
Vibhishanan and Hanuman went to meet sita. It was Hanuman who went first to meet Sita since he had seen her earlier. It is only Hanuman who had the Bhagyam to meet Sita when she was in Ashoka van and later to inform the news of victory. Hanuman is seeking a place in the hearts of our mother Sita. Sita will always remember Hanuman since it was Hanuman who helped Sita to meet Ram again.
Hanuman vanthar, vizhunthu sevithar, Raman vijayaraghavan, Vibhishanan Pattabhishiktan, Ravanan maanduponan seithi sonnar. Aanandathale thondai adaithuk kolla seethaiyale pesa mudiyalai kannilirunthu jalam kottarthu.
Hanuman just asked for Sita's permission to kill all the 700 rakshashi's who troubled Sita. Hanuman continued to say that he will grow big to thrash all the rakshashi's and kill them at one short. Then Sita replied "Hanuman being born in the monkey clan will not understand the forgiving attitude like people who are born in Ishvagu kula. All these rakshashi's have seeked refuge at our feet and it is our duty to safeguard them." Then hanuman started to think that he is also associated with Ram of Ishvagu kulam and he must be knowing some of it. Seetha understood what Hanuman was thinking and said "All these while you have been Rama dasan and you have not yet see Ram-Sita." One can understood about how to protect(rakshikardu) only from Sita-Ram and not just Ram alone. She said "Naan serunthal annno Raman Ramaththuvathai perugiran". Hanuman was stunned on hearing this from Sita who was so bold and Hanuman understood that she is DevaDevaMahishi.
Sita questions Hanuman "Have you not committed sin or have i not committed sin or has not Ram committed mistake?". Again Hanuman started to wonder what Sita was saying. Then Sita started to explain "Your mistake is that you don't know to protect the person who take refuge at your feet. This is a big blunder as per our ishvagu kulam. You do not know about Saranagatha rakshathvam, you are just a monkey. " ( Pranan parithyaji -- meaning Virodhiyai rakshikanum na pranananai vittudanam.). One should even sacrifice life to protect an enemy once the person had asked for protection.
Then Hanuman asked what mistake did Ram did. Sita replied "When Ram married me he did take oath that he will not leave me(my hands) and will protect me forever. (This is the procedure done during Sapthapadi - in the end the bride and the groom takes oath(Sathya pradignai) infront of the Agni bhagawan that they will not leave each other). How could Ram leave me alone like this. This is what the mistake on Ram".
The more curious Hanuman asked "Devi what is the mistake you have committed ?".
Sita replied " I am complaining bad about my husband to you, a third person this is my mistake since it impacts my pathiviratha thanmai and wrong to complain about my Bhartha to a third person".
Thus Sita explains Hanuman that all rakshashi's need to be protected since they have taken refuge at her feet.
Parasara Bhattar in Sri Guna Rathna kosam says
Raman than kalil vizhunthu saranam saranam yendravargalai rakshitthan - kakasuran, vibhishanan. The rakshashi's didn't do saranagathi like them but still Sita did protect all of them. So Sita scores more than ram. ( Sita ghosti scores more than Ram Ghosti)
TBD:: Sloka to be added
Sita ippadi rakshanam yenbhathai katti koduthal, purushakara bhoothaiyaga irunthu nadathi koduthathu intha rakshashigalai rakshiththu koduthathu.
Key Takeaway
2. A wife should not complain about your husband to a third person
3. Protect the person who had come to you seeking help
4. A couple need to stay together all through the life as per the oath done during Sapthapathi in front of Agni during the wedding ceremony.
5. Sita scores more than Ram in protecting us (jeevatma's) since she does not even wait for us to seek refuge.
SriRamanin Padhyayail - Song
Do check the video for the song
SriRamanin Padhyayil - Bhajan of RamaPattabhishekam
1. Hari Narayana
2. Karpar rama piranai allal matrum karparo
3. Rama ra ra Seetha
4. Dasaratha nandana rama ram dasamukha mardhana Rama Ram
5. Jyachi Vamsa kula dharma rama deva
6. Dasaratha Nandana
7. bhImahA mAruti bala bhImahA mAruti
8. Jai Hanuman Jai Hanuman
9. Saketh
10. Mangalam
Mangalam
Slogam:
aapadaam apahartaaram daataaram sarvasaMpadaam.h |
lokaabhiraamam shriiraamam bhuuyo bhuuyo namaamyaham.h ||
Meaning
I again and again salute that Rama who is ever beautiful, Who destroys all dangers and gives all sorts of wealth.
Aabhathugal vilaga, nanmaigal athanaiyum pera, Sriramanin thiruvadigale thanjam. Ram is the nayak of this desam. Dharma murthi, porumaiyin adaiyalam, sathiyathin chinnam. avanai vinchinal avanai kai piditha seetha devi. Ivargalai deivangal yendru koorava allathu manithargalukkul deivam yendru koorava. Yarukkum Ramanai ninaithal naa(tongue) thazhu
thazhukatha irukkathu, kangal aanandakaneer vadikathu irukkathu. We have read about that Ram in many stories and we have read Ramayanam too, we have heard Kathakalakshebham and we have seen in films and dramas. There was a long time wish. SriRamanin Padhai avar vazhunthu kattiya uyarntha panbhugal. Avar panbhugalai padikirom, avar yengu vazhuthar yendru ketkirom, athan padi nadaka virunbhugirom. Anal avar vazhuntha idathukku sella vendama ? athai kandu angu irunthu santhosa pada vendama ? yenbhathu rombha nalaya aasai. Avar vazhunthu kattiya padhayil panbhugalai kadai pidikka vendum, avar nadanthu kattiya padhaiyil oorugalukku sellla vendum, Rendu pathaiyum vendum. Vazhunthu kattiya pathai and nadanthu kattiya pathai. Intha rendu pathaiyum serthu parka yerpadu panna pattathu than "Sri Rama Anu Yatra" yennum Yatirai. Old people, ladies, people with health problems everyone joined this yatra. Everyone was happy without any problem. This yatra happened some 4 and 10 years ago. Can this just get over like that ? There are many lakhs of Rama Bhakthas and wanted all those bhakthas to have the bhagyam of watching those places related to Ram this program was telecasted.
First for all those people who watched this wish that you understand the ideologies which Ram followed and showed us. May i also understand the same. May you all have the bhagyam of visiting those places which Ram walked and lived. FIrst let us sing Pallandu for the Seetha-Ramar and pay our thanks. From Ayodhya to all the places where Ram had been, we sing pallandu for all the Ram's in all those places on behalf of all of you.
Pallandu,pallandu pallayirath aandu*
Pala koti noor ayiram*Mallanda thin tholl manivanna*
Un sevadi seviithirukappu*Adiyom odum ninodum*
Piru indri ayiram pallandu*Vadivay nin vala marpinil *
vaghkindra mangayum Pallandu*Vadivar sothi valtath urayum
sudar azhiyum Pallandu*Padai por pukku muzhangum ap panchasanniyamum Pallande.
Let us all sing the Pallandu.
People of all ages would have watched this program - old, children, youth. All the places we saw are true - Katchi ondru ondrum mei. Athai nera poi seivithal thane kidaikum.
Next thanks to Star Vijay TV who made arrangement to watch this program from our houses, May we wish Sita-Rama anugraham to all those thondargal and kainkaryaparargal in Star Vijay TV.
In the last 34 weeks, we have been through a sweet yatra in Sri Ramanin Padhayil. Sacred Yatra. We had done this yatra with all our family members from our house itself. May all those who were part of this yatra get the arul of Seetha-Ramar and in particular get the arul of Anjaneya swamy.
Ramaya Rama Bhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase
Raghu Nathaya Nathaya Sitayah Pataye Namaha
Meaning : I bow down to him whom I know as Rama, RamaBhadran, Ramachandran, Raghunaathan, Naatha(my overlord) and husband of seetha.
mangalam ko:sale:ndra:ya mahani:ya guna:thmane:
chakravarthi thanu:ja:ya sa:rva bhauma:ya mangalam
Anaivarukkum nanmai yerpadattum, neengatha selvam niraiyattum.
Samasta sanmangalani santu
Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
Samasta sanmangalani santu
srimathE ramya jAmAthru munInthrAya mahAthmanE |
srirangavAsinE bhUyAth nithyasrIr nithyamangaLam
Note : This episode was the concluding episode and it has lots of bhajan. Do check the video for sure.
ஸர்வம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
Sri Ramanin Padhayil - Blog on the episodes telecasted in Vijay TV
ஸ்ரீராமஜெயம்
By the grace of my acharyan, SitaRam and Velukkudi Swamin we have come to the concluding post of this blog series.
This blog is on the series telecasted on Vijay TV called "ஸ்ரீ ராமனின் பாதையில்! " Famed Spiritualist Swami Velukudi Krishnan re-visits all the places visited by Sri Rama. A travel show, Sriramanin Padhaiyil would feature all of His Holiness & the real importance of Sri Ramar.
Do check the BLOG ARCHIVE link on the right side for the links to all the episodes.
Check Key Takeaways blog post in my other blog which summarizes the key takeaways from this series.
I consider this a great bhagyam to have blogged great articles about SitaRam. We have read, heard and seen Ramayana in various manner. But trying to understand Ramayana by following Sri Ram's footsteps culturally, geographically sounded divine to me and that urged me to blog.
There might be mistakes please forgive me for the same. Let me know so that I can correct the same. The translation is very simple and at places not translated so that the essence as told by Swamin is not lost. The power of the language and words used makes it more interesting and powerful and divine.
Detailed blogging of each and every episode was possible only because of the wish and blessings of Sita-Ram. Praying to Lord Ram and Jagath Matha Sita for all the blessings to all the readers of this blog. - JAI SEETHA RAM
Happy New Year 2014.
ஸர்வம்ஸ்ரீகிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்
