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DEITIES, PHILOSOPHERS & BHAKTS​

Emergence of various forms Deities in Hinduism

3/15/2019

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Emergence of various forms Deities in Hinduism
Hinduism recognizes the diverse aspects of personalities and personal preferences. Worshipping or prayer of god has its root in human desires.  Various deities in Hinduism address the different aspects of human desires. For instance, Lakshmi ji is worshipped for wealth & prosperity, Sarasvati ji is worshipped for knowledge & various discipline of art, Durga ji is worshipped for power & valor, Ganesha ji is worshipped mainly to overcome obstacles, Hanuman ji is worshipped mainly for strength,   Shiva represents austerity and so on. Hence, the Hinduism offers more than one options for worshipping and creating personal bond. This can be seen in parallel with the growth of general management system to specialized management system in corporate world for better results.
 
Since Vedic times, many forms of this divinity have been idolized such as deities of nature (Indra, Agni, Soma, Surya etc.); 33 koti deities (eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapathi Brahma); Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva), Panchparmeshvar (Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Parvati, Surya and an Ishta Devata) and Vaishnava Avtars (mainly Rama & Krishna).
 
However, Hinduism fundamentally, establishes that there is only Brahman or one all-pervasive God or cosmic consciousness which energizes the entire universe and also deities.
 
Emergence of various forms of deities is discussed as below:
 

Vedic Deities:
  1. During Vedic period (over 5000 years ago), people did not worship images or idols but gods of nature. Vedic people did not build any temples to house their gods.
  2. There was no supreme deity. The gods in the Rig-Veda fall into two categories: the devas – who were gods of nature – such as the weather deity Indra (who is also the King of the gods), Agni ("sacrificial fire"), Usha ("dawn"), Surya ("sun") and Apas ("waters") on the one hand, and on the other hand the asuras – gods of moral concepts – such as Mitra ("contract"), Aryaman (guardian of guest, friendship and marriage), Bhaga ("share") or Varuna, the supreme Asura (or Aditya). Devas are characterised as Younger Gods while Asuras are the Older Gods.
  3. In later Vedic texts, the Asuras become demons. Gradually, dominance of four-fold godhead namely Indra (associated with storm), Agni, Soma (plant of immortality i.e. amurta) and Surya (or aditya) emerged. Extensive hymns were consecrated to these gods in the Rig Veda.
  4. Philosophically, Vedic gods represent symbols of inner self (antahkaran) such as Sun symbolises to intellect, Agni to volition, Soma to feelings etc.

33 Koti Deities

In Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it is mentioned that 33 koti deities as the important ones, namely eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapathi Brahma. These gods belong to different sphere in creation.
Note:
Please also see related article on my website named as “what is God in Hinduism” published on 19.06.2018 under the category “Principles”.
 
Trimurti or Trinity Deities
The triad (trimurti or trinity or Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva) appears in Maitrayaniya Upanishad, for the first time. From the 1st century CE a new type of worship known as Bhakti or devotional Hinduism spread across the Indian sub-continent, and the old Vedic gods were replaced in importance by deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Devi. Their worship required temples where the devoted could offer their thanks which led to construction of elaborate temples.

 
 Supreme Brahman:
  1. Major Upanishads like Brihadaranyaka, Ishavasya, Chandogya, Katha, Kena, Aitareya, do emphasize on the knowledge of Brahman as essential to liberation.
  2. Sri Adi Shankaracharya (788-820) established Advaita (Non-duality of Supreme Brahman) interpretation of Vedanta which has its roots at least to Gaudapada (600 CE). 
 
Panch-Parmeshwar
  1. Five deities being Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Parvati, Surya and an Ishta Devata such as Kartikeya or Ganesha or any personal god of devotee's preference. It became popular in medieval period which has been attributed to Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE.
  2. The Puranas provide insight into the aspects of idol-worship, festivals and devotions. There are 18 Mahapuranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas and many 'sthala' or regional Puranas. Of the 18 major texts,
    1.         six glorify Vishnu; six glorify Brahma; and six glorify Shiva viz. Vaishnava aspects - Vishnu Purana, Naradiya Purana, Bhagavat Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, Varaha Purana;
    2. Brahma as central deity - Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vamana Purana;
    3. Shaivite aspects -  Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana and Agni Purana.
  3. In Markandeya Purana, glorification of goddess is recognized under all major aspects. This led to traditions of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smarthism.
  4. The Vaishnavism tradition is known for the loving devotion to an avatar of Vishnu (often Krishna), and it has been key to the spread of the Bhakti movement.
  5. In the Shaivism traditions, the followers revere the Shiva as Supreme Being.
  6. In the Shaktism tradition, feminine and Adi Parashakti is supreme.
  7. In the Smarthism or Smarta tradition treat all the five deities treated as equal – Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Surya and Devi (Shakti).
Vaishnava Avtars
  1. During medieval period, Philosophers such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, and Vallabhacharya started Various Vaishnava Sampryadaya to worship of Sita-Rama and Radha-Krishna as Sagun Upasna. Even, Adi Shankara who believed to be advocated Jnana marg, also emphasized the importance of devotion and wrote Bhaja Govindam of 33 verses.
  2. Vaishnava-inspired scholars authored 14 Vishnu avatar-focused Upanishads that are called the Vaishnava Upanishads. These Upanishads quote the texts included in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Isha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Taittiriya Upanishad and others.
  3. The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Vaishnavism, and especially in the context of Krishna. The two Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana also present Vaishnava philosophy and culture.
  4. During the 9th-17th centuries, Bhakti poets such as Alwars, Raidas, Narsigh Mehta, Haidas, Meera Bai, Namdev, Ramananda, Surdas, Tulsidas, Eknath, Tyagaraja, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and many others influenced the expansion of Vaishnavism. They wrote a large number of Bhajans (poetries) in the glory of Parmatama and taught the religion of love and kindness to society.
Note:
Please also see related articles on my website named as “Vaishnava Bhakts” published on 02.03.2018 under the category “Deities, Philosophers and Bhakts” and “Bhakti Yoga” published on 07.03.2018 under the category “Philosophy”.
 
One Supreme God taking multiple forms in Deities
  1. Shree Krishna (in chapter 7, verse 21 of Bhagavad Gita) has clarified that whatever deity a devotee chooses to worship with reverence (out of craving for some worldly object), I stabilize the faith of that particular deity/form. He explains that ignorant persons do not understand that the powers of the deities are derived from Brahman i.e. supreme God and Brahman himself gives them the desired fulfilment. Further, he (in verses 9.18, 10.21-23 and 11.15) asserts that the triad or trinity is manifestation of one Brahman.
  2. Shree Krishna further, asserts on Vedic Gods (in chapter 10 of Bhagavad Gita), he is Vishnu among the twelve Adityas, Shiva among eleven Rudras, Agni among eight Vasus, the radiant sun among the luminaries, the moon, the lord of the stars, the Indra and essence of so many things.
 
Hence, Nirakar & Nirgun Brahman takes various forms of deities to satiate the needs & desires of human being.
 
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Shree Hanuman – the Sankat Mochan

1/27/2019

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Shree Hanuman – the Sankat Mochan
“अतुलितबलधामं हेमशैलाभदेहं दनुजवनकृशानुं ज्ञानिनामग्रगण्यम्‌। कलगुणनिधानं वानराणामधीशं रघुपतिप्रियभक्तं वातजातं नमामि॥“
(Meaning: Atulit Bal Dhaamam - Repository of incomparable strength, Hemshailaabh Deham - whose body resembles a golden mountain, Danujvan Krushanum - destroyer of forces of demons,         Gyaaninaam graganyam - foremost among knowledgeable beings,      Sakal Gun Nidhaanam - repository of all the virtues and good qualities,         Raghupati Priya Bhaktam - dearest of all devotees to Lord Rama, I salute to the son of the wind).

 
Hanuman ji is known as “Sankat Mochan” (remover of problems & liberator from dangers) and great savior. The roles of Hanuman ji find mention in Ramayana. He helped Sugriva to save him from his brother Bali. Hanuman ji as greatest devotee of Shree Rama, played crucial role to find Mata Sita, brought life-saving herb from Himalayas in limited time to save Lakshman ji, killed Ahiravana & rescued Shree Rama and Lakshman and did many notable tasks mentioned in Ramayana. In Kalyug, he is saving the devotees from troubles and therefore is fondly called as Sankat Mochan.
 
Tulsidas ji has highlighted the great deeds in his writings as under:

Hanuman Chalisa:
  1. Hanuman ji rendered great service to Sugriva, presenting him to Ram, to get him kingship. (तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीह्ना । राम मिलाय राज पद दीह्ना ॥१६॥)
  2. Vibhishana heeded his counsel and became Lord of Lanka. (तुह्मरो मन्त्र बिभीषन माना । लङ्केस्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥१७॥)
  3. Taking refuge in you one finds all delight, those you protect know no fear. (सब सुख लहै तुह्मारी सरना । तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना ॥२२॥)
  4. You are the guardian of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, the darling of Ram (साधु सन्त के तुम रखवारे । असुर निकन्दन राम दुलारे ॥३०॥)
  5. You grant the eight powers (siddhis or supernatural powers named Aṇimā, Garimā, Mahimā, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva) and the nine treasurers (Nidhis or divine treasures named Mahapadma, Padma, Saṅkha, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Kunda, Nila and Kharva) by the boon you received from Mother Janaki (अष्टसिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता । अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥३१॥)
  6. Singing your praise, one finds Ram and escapes the sorrows of countless lives. At death, one goes to Ram's own city or is born on earth as God's devotee. Give no thought to any other deity - worshipping Hanuman, one gains all delight. All affliction ceases, all pain is removed, by remembering the mighty hero, Hanuman. (तुह्मरे भजन राम को पावै । जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥३३॥ अन्त काल रघुबर पुर जाई । जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥३४॥ और देवता चित्त न धरई । हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई ॥३५॥ सङ्कट कटै मिटै सब पीरा । जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥३६॥)
  7. Whoever recites this a hundred times is released from bondage and gains bliss. (जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई । छूटहि बन्दि महा सुख होई ॥३८॥)
 
Sankat Mochan in Hanumanashtak 

In following eight verses in praise of Hanuman were written by Tulsidas wherein he has explained the deeds of Hanuman ji as Sankat Mochan in Hanumanashtak:
 
  1. When you were a child, you swallowed the sun believing the sun to be a ripe fruit, plunging the three worlds into darkness. The worlds were in terror and no one could remove this distress. The gods came and entreated you and then you released the sun and ended the suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बाल समय रवि भक्षी लियो तब; तीनहुं लोक भयो अंधियारों; ताहि सों त्रास भयो जग को; यह संकट काहु सों जात  न टारो; देवन आनि करी बिनती तब; छाड़ी दियो रवि कष्ट निवारो; को नहीं जानत है जग में कपि; संकटमोचन नाम तिहारो I को – १)
  2. From fear of Bali, king of the monkeys, Sugriva lived on a mountain. Sugriva knew that Bali could not come to that mountain because of the Muni’s curse, yet he still lived in fear. Who else but you could find a solution to this? Seeing Sri Ram coming on the road, you took the form of a Brahmin and brought the Lord to Sugriva, relieving that servant’s suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बालि की त्रास कपीस बसैं गिरि; जात महाप्रभु पंथ निहारो; चौंकि महामुनि साप दियो तब; चाहिए कौन बिचार बिचारो; कैद्विज रूप लिवाय महाप्रभु; सो तुम दास के सोक निवारो I को – २)
  3. You went in search of Sita with on Angada, who said, “We'll forfeit our lives if we leave here without bringing news [of Sita]”. Seeing them [the monkeys] all exhausted by the oceans shore, you then brought news of Sita and saved their lives. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (अंगद के संग लेन गए सिय; खोज कपीस यह बैन उचारो; जीवत ना बचिहौ हम सो  जु; बिना सुधि लाये इहाँ पगु धारो; हेरी थके तट सिन्धु सबे तब; लाए सिया-सुधि प्राण उबारो I को – ३)
  4. Ravana ordered his demonesses to intimidate Sita who said,”Remove my grief!” Just then you, Lord Hanuman, destroyed the mighty demons. When Sita asked the ashoka tree for a spark [to help and her suffering], you dropped the Lord’s ring down to her and removed her suffering. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (रावण त्रास दई सिय को सब; राक्षसी सों कही सोक निवारो; ताहि समय हनुमान महाप्रभु; जाए महा रजनीचर मरो; चाहत सीय असोक सों आगि सु; दै प्रभुमुद्रिका सोक निवारो I  को – ४)
  5. When an arrow struck Lakshman in the heart, heedless of life you attacked Ravana’s son. You brought the physician Sushena along with his house and uprooted the Drona Peak. Delivering the sajivana herb, you saved Lakshman’s life. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बान लाग्यो उर लछिमन के तब; प्राण तजे सूत रावन मारो; लै गृह बैद्य सुषेन समेत; तबै गिरि द्रोण सु बीर उपारो; आनि सजीवन हाथ  दिए तब; लछिमन के तुम प्रान उबारो I को - ५ )
  6. Ravana waged an invisible war and bound Ram and his whole army in nooses of poisonous snakes. Everyone was suffering from this illusion and could not get free. Then you saved them all, O Hanuman, bringing Garuda, the Lord of the birds, who devoured the serpents. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (रावन जुध अजान कियो तब; नाग कि फाँस सबै सिर डारो; श्रीरघुनाथ समेत सबै दल; मोह भयो यह संकट भारो; आनि खगेस तबै हनुमान जु; बंधन काटि सुत्रास निवारो I  को – ६)
  7. Ahiravana took Ram and his brother Lakshman to Patala, the netherworld, to sacrifice them to the goddess during a puja. Only you could help them by following to the netherworld, rescuing them, and killing Ahiravana and the demon army. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (बंधू समेत जबै अहिरावन; लै रघुनाथ पताल सिधारो; देबिन्हीं पूजि भलि विधि सों बलि; देउ सबै मिलि मन्त्र विचारो; जाये सहाए भयो तब ही; अहिरावन सैन्य समेत संहारो I को – ७)
  8. Great hero, you have performed many great deeds for the gods. Just think, what hardship is there that a poor wretch like me could have that you cannot remove? Come quickly, O Hanuman and remove all my troubles. Who in this world doesn't know, O Lord, that your name is Sankat Mochan, the destroyer of suffering? (काज किये बड़ देवन के तुम; बीर महाप्रभु देखि बिचारो; कौन सो संकट मोर गरीब को; जो तुमसे नहिं जात है टारो; बेगि हरो हनुमान महाप्रभु; जो कछु संकट होए हमारो I को – ८)
  9. With a red body and a shining red countenance, your mighty form is like a lightning bolt, destroying the demons. Glory, glory, glory to you, Lord of the Monkeys! (दोहा: लाल देह लाली लसे, अरु धरि लाल लंगूर; वज्र देह दानव दलन , जय जय जय कपि सूर II)
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Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

12/29/2018

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Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion

“मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं, जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ । वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं, श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।“

(Meaning: Manojavam – One who is swift as mind, Maarutatulyavegam  - has speed equal to the wind God, Jitendriyam - has complete control on his senses, Buddhimataamvarishtham - most senior among intellectuals,        Vaataatmajam - son of wind God,        Vaanarayoothamukhyam - chief of vanara army, Shree raamdootam - messenger of Rama, I take Refuge).
       
Shree Hanuman is with phenomenal physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual powers and ardent devotee (bhakt) of Shree Rama. He is known for his erudition, bravery, velour and above all his great self-effacing humility. Tulsidas ji has lucidly elaborated the attributes of Hanuman ji in various verses of Sunderkand, Lankakand, Hanuman Chalisa, Hanumanshtak and Bajrang Ban. He demonstrated eight perfections while crossing Indian Ocean, entering Lanka, presenting before Mata Sita, burning the Lanka, killing demons, bringing life-saving herbs from Himalayas, killing Ahiravana, and at many other places.

Shree Hanuman (whose jaws are prominent) has many names such as Anjaneya (son of mother Anjana), Maruti (son of wind god), Pawansuta (son of wind god), Kesarinandan (son of kesari), Shankara Suvana (son of Shiva), Bajrangbali (whose limbs are as strong as vajra), Mangalmurti.

Sri Vivekananda says: Shri Rama was the Paramatma. Sita was the Jivatma, and each man’s or woman’s body was the Lanka. Sita, thus imprisoned and trying to unite with her Lord, receives a visit from Hanuman, the Guru or divine teacher, who shows her the Lord’s ring, which is Brahma-Jnana, the supreme wisdom that destroys all illusions; and thus Sita finds the way to be at one with Shri Rama, or in other words, the Jivatma finds itself one with the Paramatma.

Hanuman as Symbol of selfless Devotion & Dedication:
Hanuman ji is symbol of pure devotion, unconditional faith, total surrender to Shree Rama, absence of ego. Hanuman ji is generally seen in temples standing with a mace in the right hand or sitting in a devotional posture before the images of Rama and Sita. Sri Ramakrishna Pramhansa says, ‘Hanuman kept the “servant ego” after realizing God in both His Personal and His Impersonal aspects. He thought of himself as the servant of God.’ This is the ‘ego of Devotion’. He does not nourish any kind of ego but surrenders himself, body and soul to Shree Rama. Under Navdha Bhakti, devotion of Hanuman ji comes under Dasya Bhakti.
 
In Hanuman Chalisa (verses 12 to 15), Tulsidas ji has mentioned that Shree Raghu Ram praised Hanumanji and said:
  • Brother, you're as dear to me as Bharat!
  • May the thousand-mouthed serpent sing your fame! So saying, Shri's Lord draws Hanumanji to Himself.
  • Sanak and the sages, Brahma, gods, and great saints, Narada, Sarasvati, and the king of serpents, Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the quadrants, poets and scholars - none can express your glory.
(रघुपति कीह्नी बहुत बड़ाई । तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥१२॥ सहस बदन तुह्मारो जस गावैं । अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥१३॥ सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा । नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥१४॥ जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते । कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥१५॥)

As great devotee, Hanuman ji is praised by Tulsidasji all over Ramacharitramana and Hanuman Chalisa. A few verses from Hanuman Chalisa and Ramacharitramanas are mentioned hereunder:

Hanuman Chalisa
  1. Supremely wise, virtuous, and clever, you are ever intent on Ram's work. You delight in hearing of the Lord's deeds; Ram, Lakshman, and Sita dwell in your heart. (बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर । राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥७॥ प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया । राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥८॥)
  2. You hold the elixir of Ram's name and remain eternally His servant (राम रसायन तुह्मरे पासा । सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥३२॥)
 
Ramcharitramanas
  1. On the way to Sri Lanka for locating Mata Sita, Hanuman ji encounters a mountain who asks him to rest a while before proceeding. But Hanuman ji thanks him and says that he cannot take rest without completing the task of Raghunath ji   (हनूमान तेहि परसा कर पुनि कीन्ह प्रनाम। राम काजु कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ बिश्राम॥1॥)
  2. Only after meeting Mata Sita and alleviating her sorrow, Hanuman ji recalled his hunger and prayed Mata Sita to grand him permission to eat the fruits. (सुनहु मातु मोहि अतिसय भूखा। लागि देखि सुंदर फल रूखा॥ सुनु सुत करहिं बिपिन रखवारी। परम सुभट रजनीचर भारी॥4॥ तिन्ह कर भय माता मोहि नाहीं। जौं तुम्ह सुख मानहु मन माहीं॥5॥)
 
Hanuman ji as symbol of power, courage & intellect:
Hanumanji is revered as symbol great power and supremely intelligent. Therefore, he is called as “Mahaveer” and “Mahabali”. Hanuman ji is highly intellectual, learned in Vedanta philosophy, the Vedas, a poet, grammarian etc. As per Puranas, Hanuman was taught the Vedas and all other branches of learning by Sun God himself, Surya. He learnt his lessons by trotting alongside the Sun's chariot as it moved across the sky.
Hanuman ji was granted wishes of exemplary powers by several gods viz. Indra, Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Kuber, Yama, Vishwakarma and Brahma. Indra granted the wish that his body would be as strong as Indra's Vajra. Agni granted the wish that fire won't harm him; God Varuna granted a wish that water won't harm him; God Vayu granted a wish that he will be as fast as wind and the wind won't harm him. Lord Brahma granted a wish that he can move at any place where he cannot be stopped at anywhere, Lord Vishnu granted a weapon for Hanuman which is named as "Gada".Hence this wishes makes Hanuman an immortal (Chiranjivi), who has unique powers and strong. From Shiva he obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean. Shiva assured safety of Hanuman with a band that would protect him for life. Surya gave him two siddhis of yoga namely "laghima" and "garima", to be able to attain the smallest or to attain the biggest form . Yama, the God of Death blessed him healthy life and free from his weapon danda, thus death would not come to him. Kubera showered his blessings declaring that Hanuman would always remain happy and contented. Vishwakarma blessed him that Hanuman would be protected from all his creations in the form of objects or weapons.
 
A few verses from Hanuman Chalisa and Ramacharitramanas are being quoted hereunder:
 
Hanuman Chalisa:
  1. Assuming tiny form you appeared to Sita, and in awesome guise you burned Lanka. Taking dreadful form you slaughtered demons and completed Lord Ram's mission. . Bringing the magic herb, you revived Lakshman, and Ram embraced you with delight. (सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा । बिकट रूप धरि लङ्क जरावा ॥९॥ भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे । रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥१०॥ लाय सञ्जीवन लखन जियाये । श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥११॥)
  2. Though the sun is thousands of miles away, you swallowed it, thinking it a sweet fruit. (जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु । लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥१८॥)
  3. Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth, it's no surprise you leapt the ocean. (प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं । जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥१९॥)
  4. You alone can withstand your own splendor, the three worlds tremble at your roar. Ghosts and goblins cannot come near, Great Hero, when your name is uttered. All disease and pain is eradicated, brave Hanuman, by constant repetition of your name. Hanuman releases from affliction those who remember him in thought, word, and deed. (आपन तेज सह्मारो आपै । तीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै ॥२३॥ भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै । महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥२४॥ नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा । जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥२५॥ सङ्कट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै । मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥२६॥)
 
Hanuman ji demonstrated his power, intellect and decision making at several places. Details as under:




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Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi

12/21/2018

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Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi
“ॐ हनुमते नमः”


Shree Hanuman is one of the most revered deities across India. The worship of Hanuman cuts across sects and communities of Hindus. Vaishnavas worship Garuda and Hanumān alike as the mounts of Vishnu. Shaivas worship Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva or the eleventh Rudra. Hanumān is also a manifestation of Shakti. The tantrikas worship one-headed, five-headed and eleven-headed Hanuman for spiritual attainment. Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of Vaishnava philosophy, called himself the incarnation of Hanuman. Hanuman ji is one of the Chiranjeevis (immortals) who lives in all four ages.
 
Besides being a popular deity in Hinduism, Hanuman is also found in Jainism and Buddhism. Outside of India, Hanuman is known in countries which were influenced by the Hindu culture such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.
 
Hanuman as Chiranjeevi:
Tulsidas ji has mentioned that splendor of Hanuman ji fills all the four ages and his glory is famed throughout the world (चारों जुग परताप तुह्मारा । है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥२९॥ Hanuman Chalisa)


  1. Vedic Roots: Hanuman finds mention in ancient scriptures such as in Vedas (hymn 10.86 of the Rigveda), in Purans (Mahabhagvata Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Brhaddharma Purana and the Mahanataka etc.).
  2. Hanuman ji is worshipped with Vaishno Devi. As per scriptures, Hanuman ji guarded at the cave entrance, where Vaishno Devi was meditating for nine months, before she came out of cave. There is a stream called Ban Ganga (Ban literally means an arrow), where Devi used her arrow to take out a stream of water from the hill, to quench the thirst of Hanuman when he became thirsty. Hanuman also fought with Bhairavnath before Vaishno Devi asked him to leave Bhairavnath to her. 
  3. Treta Yug: Hanuman is central character in Ramayana.  
  4. Dwaper Yug: Hanuman finds mention in Mahabharata.
  5. First mention of Shri Hanuman was during the exile of Pandava. Bhima meets shri Hanuman in the forest while Shri Hanuman took a form of an old monkey. Basically the whole incident happened to remove the pride of Mighty Bhima. Bhima enters a field where Hanuman is lying with his tail blocking the way. Bhima, unaware of the monkey's identity, told him to remove it; in response, Hanuman tells him to remove it himself. Bhima tries with all his might but is unable to separate the tail from its owner. Being the mighty warrior that he was, Bhima quickly comes to the conclusion that this monkey must be much more powerful than him. Hanuman reveals his identity, and the two brothers embrace one another.
  6. Second time the Shri Hanuman meets Arjuna when the later questions the strategy of Shri Ram to use monkey for constructing bridge to cross the sea. It is during this encounter that Shri Hanuman promised to protect Arjuna in the war. This incident was precipitated by an earlier encounter between Hanuman and Arjuna wherein Hanuman appeared as a small talking monkey before Arjuna at Rameshwaram, where Sri Rama had built the great bridge to cross over to Lanka and rescue Sita. When Arjuna wondered out aloud as to why Sri Rama's accepted the help of monkeys rather than building a bridge of arrows by himself, Hanuman (in the form of the little monkey) challenged him to build one capable of beating him alone, and Arjuna, unaware of the monkey's true identity, accepted. Hanuman then proceeded to destroy the bridges Arjuna created one after another, and as a result Arjuna became depressed, deciding to take his own life. Vishnu then appeared before them both, chiding Arjuna for his vanity and Hanuman for making the accomplished warrior Arjuna feel incompetent. In another version, when Arjuna becomes suicidal, Lord Krishna places his Sudarshana Chakra (Discus) below Arjuna's final bridge of arrows, preventing Hanuman from breaking the bridge. As an act of penitence for his behavior, Hanuman decides to help Arjuna by fortifying his chariot before the imminent battle. Accordingly, legend suggests that Hanuman is one of only three people who heard the Gita from Lord Sri Krishna himself, the other two being Arjuna and the poet Sanjaya.
  7. Third mention of Shri Hanuman in Mahabharata was during the War. Shri Hanuman was present in the flag of the chariot of Arjuna. Shri Hanuman presence on the chariot protected the chariot from turning into ashes.
 
  1. Kali Yug: A few learned and wise people have reported seeing him. Sage Madhavarcharya was said to have been graced with Lord Hanuman’s visit in 13th Century AD. In early 1600s, Lord Hanuman apparently visited Tulsidas and inspired him to write the Hindi Ramayana entitled Ram Charit Mans. Samarth Ramadas Swami (17th Century), Raghavendra Swami and Swami Ramdas were all have been said to have got the darshan of Lord Hanuman as well.

The legends about the Birth, Birth places, forms  of Hanuman ji is mentioned hereunder:
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Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

12/14/2018

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Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint

Sri Ashtavakra is a revered Vedic sage in Hinduism. His name literally means "eight bends", reflecting the eight physical handicaps he was born with. As per historians, the period of Sri Astavakra lived over 7000 years ago. However, as per Vedic calculations, it may be over one to two lakhs years ago.

Guru Ashtavakra, a self-realized saint of Advaita philosophy, held dialogue with the disciple King Janaka of Mithila Kingdom on self-realization or enlightenment. Ashtavakra Gita (298 Sutras, 20 chapters) or song of Sri Ashtavakra is the detailed account of this dialogue.

Three legends are popular relating to Ashtavakra as under:
  1. Sage Aruni, mentioned in the Chandogya Upanisad, ran a school (Asrama) teaching the Vedas. Kahoda was one of his students, along with Aruni's daughter Sujata. Aruni's daughter married Kahoda. She got pregnant, and during her pregnancy, the developing baby heard the chanting of the Vedas and learnt the correct recitation. According to one version of the legends surrounding Ashtavakra, his father was once reciting the Vedas, but erred in correct intonation. The fetus corrected his father.  As per other version, Ashtavakra said to his father that scriptures are only collection of words. Wisdom is inside everybody. The father got angry and cursed him. The curse caused him to be born crooked, with eight bends, which is what his name "Ashtavakra" means. 
  2. When Ashtavakra was of twelve years old, king Janak organized a competition on philosophy among learnt scholars. He kept a price of hundred cows with gold mounted on their horns. Ashtavakra came to know that his father has been winning except with one scholar. Ashtavakra reached in the conference room to contest. Ashtavakra being deformed, all scholars laughed at him. Later, Ashtavakra also burst into laughter. King Janak asked Ashtavakra that he understood the reason of laughing of scholars but could not understand the reason for his laughing. Ashtavakra said that he laughed to see the debate is being conducted among cobblers. After hearing the reply of Ashtavakra, silence spread in the conference. Before scholars could react, Raja Janak asked him the reason for his comment. Ashtavakra said that cobblers are assayer of skin not knowledge as they made judgement on that basis. They have no realization of the soul. Wise persons have vision of self not skin. Raja Janak bowed down to Astavakra and touched his lotus feet. Raja Janaka then escorted him to his own throne and washed his feet and begged his apologies. Ashtavakra then challenged the winning scholar to have debate with him and defeated him. After seeing his son Astavakra kohada muni was very pleased but at the same moment he felt very sad for cursing the baby in anger .Muni Kohada blessed his son with all the spiritual powers which he gained through his virtues all life. As soon Ashtavakra take the dip in the holy river, Ashtavakra’s body regained his original pure form.
  3. King Janak studied several scriptures. In one scripture, it was mentioned that attainment of spiritual wisdom or enlightenment is very easy which can be attained in no time. The time taken may be equivalent to the time taken in placing the foot on another stirrup (रकाब) of horse after putting one foot on the stirrup. King Janak challenged many scholars to prove the statement or delete the sentence from the scripture. Nobody could prove it. Ashtavakra accepted the challenge. He took Raja Janak in secluded place along with horse and asked him the statement mentioned in the scripture. King Janak mentioned that for spiritual wisdom can be attained by those who have competence or eligibility for it. But for its eligibility, freedom from ego, emotions, gathered knowledge from scriptures & external objects and complete surrender are required. King Janak said that he surrenders him his body, mind, buddhi, ego and everything. On surrendering the ego and emptying the entire vessel, Raja Janak realized the spiritual wisdom before he could place another foot on stirrup. Three days passed. Ministers of searched the king and found them sitting in silence. The ministers asked Raja Janak to return the kingdom to manage it. Raja Janak said that he has surrendered everything to the Guru and he will now follow his dictates only. Then Astavakra understood that Raja Janak has attained enlightenment and advised him to manage the affairs of the kingdom.
 Advait Philosophy:
1.    Astavakra preach about spiritual experience or enlightenment as under:
a.   People reside in body, mind, buddhi and ego where he feels about pleasure-pain. Anger, greed, attachment, lust etc. arise from them.
b.   Away from body, mind, buddhi and ego, is pure consciousness (Jivatma, soul). Jivatma is non-doer, non-enjoyer, not bound but only witness. Experience of Jivatma is moksha. All individual jivatma combined together are Brahman.   
c.   Sri Ashtavakra claims that spiritual experience or enlightenment or wisdom (आत्मज्ञान) can be instantaneous. However, it has three requisites viz. one should be seeker, one should be is worthy for it and presence of enlightened teacher (सद्गुरु).
d.   To be worthy, one should be free from ego, absolute surrender, free from sentiments (feelings, attitudes) of body & mind, emptiness from knowledge of scriptures and make himself free from external benefits.
  1. Shankaracharya (788 – 820 AD) made commentaries on various scriptures of Hinduism including several Upanishads. He wrote on philosophy of Advait Vedant i.e. non dualism. As per the philosophy, this world is an illusion (maya); only Brahman (Parabrahman) is ultimate reality and jiva is not different from Brahman.
  2. In 15th century, saint Kabir explained the advait philosophy in his poetry of “Moko Kahaan Dhunde Re Bande”. The lyrics & Translation are as under:

मोको कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे | मै तो तेरे पास में | ना तीरथ में ना मूरत में |ना एकांत निवास में | ना मंदिर में ना मस्जिद में | ना काबे कैलास में | ना में जप में ना में तप में | ना में बरत उपास में | ना में क्रिया करम में रहता |नहिं जोग संन्यास में | ना ब्रह्माण्ड आकाश में | ना में प्रकृति प्रवार गुफा में | नहिं स्वांसो की स्वांस में | खोजि होए तुरत मिल जाऊं | इक पल की तालास में |कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो |मै तो हूँ विश्वास में |

Where do you search me? I am with you, Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons; Neither in solitary living; Not in temples, nor in mosques; Neither in Kaba nor in Kailas; Not in prayers, nor in meditation; Neither in fasting or prohibition; Not in vedic procedure; Nor in yogic postures; Not even in sky or universe; Neither in womb of nature; Not in the breath of the breaths; If you are a true seeker; In a moment than you discover; Says Kabir, listen with care, where your faith is, I am there.

List of the chapters and topics are as under:  
 
 

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Vaishnava Bhakts

3/1/2018

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During medieval period, the entire India was swept by Bhakti movement of Vaishnava tradition. This movement represented spiritual empowerment of the masses. The corresponding spiritual movement of the masses first happened in South India in the seventh century, and spread in various parts of India (UP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengal, Orissa, Delhi etc.) in the 14th-17th centuries.
Bhakti poets such as Alwars, Raidas, Narsigh Mehta, Haidas, Meera Bai, Namdev, Ramananda, Surdas, Tulsidas, Eknath, Tyagaraja, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and many others influenced the expansion of Vaishnavism. They wrote a large number of Bhajans (poetries) in the glory of Parmatama and taught the religion of love and kindness to society.

Bhakts (devotees) borne in different parts of nation during this period gave message of:
  • Enlightenment and liberation from re-birth are fulfilled by Bhakti of of Vishnu or his avatars viz. Krishna, Rama.
  • Parmatama can be realised bhakti which can be done by total surrender to him.

The details of such bhakts are as under:

The Alwars (6th to 9th Century), Tamil Nadu:
    1. Alwars in Tamil is ‘Azhwar’ means immersed in Parmatama love. Alwars are collective name of tamil vaishnavs tradition. They are known for Vatsakayabhav,  Madhurbhav Bhakti.
    2. Parmatama is omniscient and beyond comprehension of mind and senses. He can be realised only through consciousness. Bhakti fulfilled through surrender.
    3. The Alwars prescribe conquering the senses, not by starving them, but by changing their direction towards Paramatma. The senses and the mind rather than being uprooted, are nurtured towards Parmatama. Therefore, instead of being obstacles, they become instruments of spiritual progress.
    4. They wrote poems called Narlayira Divya Prabandhan – The divine four thousand. All their poems are chanted once in a year during the Adhyayan festival in vashnav temples of south. 
 

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    Philosophers of Vaishnavism Movement

    2/9/2018

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    During medieval period, philosophers such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, and Vallabhacharya started Various Vaishnava Sampryadaya. Vaishnava-inspired scholars authored 14 Vishnu avatar-focussed Upanishads that are called the Vaishnava Upanishads. These Upanishads quote the texts included in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Isha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Taittiriya Upanishad and others.
    The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Vaishnavism, and especially in the context of Krishna. The two Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana also present Vaishnava philosophy and culture.
    These philosophers established different schools of vedant which are as under:

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    SN    Philosopher       Vedant School    Paramatma              Jivatma (Chit)                     Maya (Jagat)
                                                                      Iswar (Supreme)

    1   Shankar Acharya  Advait                   Real, Nirgun             Same as Paramatma           Illusion
           (788-820 AD)
    2 Ramanuj Acharya Vishishtadvait      Real, Sagun                   Real                                    Real            
     (1017-1137 AD)                                      (Vishnu or Krishna)        (Both are controlled by Parmatma)                                              
    3.Nimbark Acharya  Dvaita-advait          Real                            Real, exist                          Real, exist        
         (1028-1125 AD)                                (Krishna & Radha)         (Both are dependent on Parmatma)                                                                                                  
    4.Madhv Acharya    Dvaita                       Real                             Real                                     Real             
         (1294-1317 AD)                                 (Lakshmi Narayan)      (Both are fundamentally different from Ishwar)
    5.Vallabh Acharya  Shuddha Dvait          Real                             Real                                      Real               
         (1479-1532 AD)                                (Krishna)         (Different from Ishwar & Clouded by avidya) Power of Ishwar

     Adi Shankaraacharya, Sri Ramanujacharaya, Sri Nimbarkacharaya and Sri Madhvacharaya were conferred title of Jagat guru.
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    January 21st, 2018

    1/21/2018

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    AVATARS OF BHAGWAN VISHNU

    1/21/2018

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    (Part – II)
     
    The Bhagavata Puran describes Vishnu's avatars as innumerable, though ten of his incarnations (Dashavatara), are celebrated therein as his major appearances. The commonly accepted number of ten avatars for Vishnu are Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narsimha; Vamana; Parsurama; Rama; Krishna; Buddha and Kalki.

    Significance:

    Modern interpreters state that Vishnu's ten main avatars are from simple life-forms to more complexes, and compare the Dashavatara concept to the modern theory of evolution.

    1. Matsya - fish (Paleozoic era)
    2. Kurma - amphibious tortoise (Mesozoic era)
    3. Varaha - boar (Cenozoic era)
    4. Narasimha - man-lion, the last animal and semi-human avatar (Cenozoic era)
    5. Vamana - dwarf and first step towards the human form
    6. Parasurama - a hero, but imperfect human form
    7. Rama - Hero, physically perfect, befriends a speaking monkey deity Hanuman
    8. Krishna) - son of Devaki), one formed by God and not an incarnation
    9. Buddha - the Buddhism founder.
    10. Kalki - yet to happen.

    Details:
    1. Matsya: Half fish-half man avatar. He saves the world from a cosmic flood, with the help of a boat made of the Vedas (knowledge. A demon steals and tries to destroy the Vedas, but Matsya finds the demon, kills him, and returns the Vedas.
    2. Kurma: Tortoise avatar. He supports the cosmos, while the gods and demons churn the cosmic ocean with the help of serpent Vasuki to produce the nectar of immortality (just like churning milk to produce butter). The churning produces both the good and the bad, including poison and immortality nectar. Nobody wants the poison, everyone wants the immortality nectar. The demons attempt to steal the nectar, wherein Vishnu appears as enchantress Mohini avatar, for whom they all fall, and give her the nectar.
    3. Varaha: Boar avatar. He rescues goddess earth when the demon Hiranyaksha kidnaps her and hides her into the depths of the cosmic ocean. The boar finds her and kills the demon, and the goddess holds onto the tusk of the boar as he lifts her back to the surface
    4. Narasimha: Half lion-half man avatar. Demon king Hiranyakashipu becomes enormously powerful, gains special powers by which no man or animal could kill him, then bullies and persecutes people who disagree with him, including his own son. The Man-Lion avatar creatively defeats those special powers, kills Hiranyakashipu, and rescues demon's son Prahlada who opposes his own father. The legend is a part of the Hindu festival Holi folklore.
    5. Vamana: Dwarf avatar. Demon king Bali gains disproportionately enormous powers, ruling the entire universe and abusing it. The dwarf avatar approaches Bali in the form of a monk when Bali is trying to show off by giving alms at a sacrifice. Bali offers the dwarf any riches he wants; the monk refuses and asks for three steps of land. Bali grants it to him. The dwarf grows, in his first step takes the earth, the second all of the heavens, and for the third the netherworld where Bali returns to.
    6. Parashurama: Sage with an axe avatar. The warrior class gets too powerful and seizes other people's property for their own pleasure. The avatar appears as a sage with an axe, kills the king and all his warrior companions.
    7. Sri Rama: Sri Rama is called “Maryada Purushottom” as he upheld the human values and exemplified value system in family relationship.
     
     

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    January 21st, 2018

    1/21/2018

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    (Part – I)

                                                           ॐ नमोः नारायणाय.ॐ नमोः भगवते वासुदेवाय ।:।||
                                            (Aum Namoh Narayana:! Aum Namoh Bhagwate Vasudevaya)

    Bhagwan Vishnu is one of three sakar forms (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and his cosmic function is preservation and maintenance of life. The tradition of reverence of Vishnu and its avatars is called Vaishnavism or Vishnuism.
     
    Signs & Significance

    Vishnu is usually depicted as having a dark, or pale blue complexion and having four arms. A traditional depiction is Vishnu reclining on the coils of the serpent Shesha, accompanied by his consort Lakshmi. The significance is as under:

    1.    The upper left hand represents liberation. It holds Padma (lotus flower) which is symbol of purity and represents the unfolding of creation from which the universe emerges. It represents truth or Satya and the originator of the rules of conduct or Dharma; and knowledge or Gyana.

    2.   The upper right hand represents cohesiveness and holds the discus or chakra which symbolizes the mind and shines like a tiny sun. The Chakra is named Sudarshan. This name is derived from two words - Su, which means "good", and Darshan, which means "vision". The discus as a weapon thus indicates the necessity of destroying one's ego and illusory self-existence and developing the vision to identify the eternal truth. The discus has six spokes and symbolizes a lotus with six petals, thus representing the power that controls all six seasons.

    3.   The lower right hand is said to represent creativity and holds the conch, which is the symbol of the five elements. The Conch or Shankha is named Panchajanya, or the originator of the five basic elements - water, fire, air, earth and sky or space. It is said that the sound that evolves from blowing this conch is the primeval sound of creation. The blowing of the Conch by Vishnu is said to remind his devotees to practice kindness and compassion towards all of existence, kindness and compassion being the language the Lord uses to address his devotees.

    4.   The lower left hand represents individual existence and holds the mace, which symbolizes the primeval force from which all mental and physical strength is derived. The Mace, or Gada is named Kaumodaki.



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