Sri Rama, the Historical Being
Sri Rama, the incarnation (Avatar) of the Supreme Protector, Sri Vishnu, is widely worshipped all over India and South & South East & East Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Mongolia, Siberia, Malaysia, Burma, Indonesia, Java, Sumatra, Cambodia, China, Japan, Lanka and Vietnam). The article aims to highlight that Sri Rama, the historical being. Further, it deals with the questions such as, Whether Sri Rama Born; When Sri Rama Born. Whether Sri Rama Born: Many people create controversies on the birth of Sri Rama. Bhagwan Sri Rama Chandra was born in human form on the ninth day of the lunar month Chaitra as per Hindu calendar (March–April) in Ayodhya (UP) at the end of the second Age or Treta-yuga. The fact has been proved in Supreme Court in its judgement dated 9th November, 2019 of Ramjanmabhomi case; based on scriptures (including 'Valmiki Ramayana' and 'Skanda Purana') and archeological excavations. There are numerous places that are indicated as the locations where various events happened in the life of Sri Rama detailed in Ramayana. These locations are now historical sites such as Chitrakoot, Bhadrachalam, Ramesvaram, Nasik, Hampi, Pampa, Sabrimala, Janakpur in Nepal, several caves, such as Ravana Ella Falls in Sri Lanka and others. When Sri Rama Born: As per the Institute for Scientific Research on Vedas (I-SERVE), planetarium software has ascertained the birth of Lord Rama as 10th January 5114 BC in Ayodhya based on the details available in Valmiki Ramayana. However, as per Vayu purana (70/48) shloka – “।।त्रैतायुगे चतुर्विर्श रावणस्तपसः क्षयात्।। ।।रामं दाशरथिं प्राप्य सगणः क्षयमीयवानम्।।“ Means:-for the behavior of Ravna & due to his bad deeds he was killed in battle by Dashrath Nandan Rama in battle of sri lanka, in 24th stage of treta yuga. If we go by Vayu purana, Sri Rama was borne in last part 24th stage (Manvantar) of trata yuga. As per Vedic calculations, each Manvantar is further divided into chaturyugis. Each chaturyugis consist of satyuga, traita, dwapar and kaliyuga having 4,800 Deva Vatsaras, 3,600 Deva Vatsaras, 2,400 Deva Vatsaras and 1,200 Deva Vatsaras (summing up to 12000) respectively. Deva Vatsara means one day and one night of God i.e. equal to one human year of 360 days approx. Hence, one chaturyugi is 12,000 * 360 = 4320,000 human years. This is the 28th chaturyugi and first charan(period) of this chaturyugi is in continuation. Hence, the period, since Sri Rama till now comes to around 1.75 to 1.80 million years back. According to astronomy, the positions of zodiac constellations come back to their original place after a cycle of approximately 26,000 years. The scientific interpretation of the photographs of the remains of Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) taken by NASA's Gemini-11 spacecraft in 2002, reveals that this ancient bridge linking India to Sri Lanka was manmade, and it was dated to be at least 1.75 million years old. When Worship of Sri Rama heightened: Since thousands of years Sri Rama’s character has been inspiring millions of people. Ramananda (Born in Prayagraj UP and settled in Varanasi, lived in 1300-1411 century), placed devotional focus upon Rama, whom he considered supreme Lord. He was the spiritual Guru of the twelve great leaders of Vaisnava cult in North India. Among the group's most prominent members were Tulsidas, Kabir (Muslim), Mirabai, Ravidas (cobbler by birth), Sena (barber by caste), Dana (jat), Pipa (Rajput), Dadu and others. It is widely known that Sant Tulsidas has met Bhagwan Rama through Bhakt Hanuman as a reward of composing Sri Ramcharitramanas.
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Sri Rama, the Almighty
Sri Rama is the most popular symbol of magnanimity and virtue. Swami Vivekananda mentioned that Sri Rama is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king." He is seen as an embodiment of perfection. He led by example. It is said, “Name of Rama is bigger than Rama himself”. The fact lies in the word "Rama" which is made up of two spores (bijakshara), "Agni Beej" and "Amrit Beej". These letters provide strength to the mind, body and soul. The article aims to highlight, whether Sri was Purna Avatara (Incarnation); When Worship of Sri Rama heightened; Why Sri Rama called as Maryada Purushottam; Whether Sri Rama was a Man of Modern Management etc. Whether Sri Rama was Purna Avatara (Incarnation): He was incarnation of Sri Vishnu Bhagwan. Narad ji has described sixty four virtues of Sri Rama to Valmiki ji in Bal kand. A few virtues are one who controls his mind, most powerful, most brilliant, most tolerant, with control over senses, intelligent, virtuous, orator, knower of Dharma, protector of living, and one who is truthful in his resolutions. He displayed unequaled qualities labeled as noble, generous, ethical, fearless, simple, respectful to others etc. He never lied. Some people say he was not Purna Avatar but Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Rama. Sri Nimbarkacharya, the exponent of Dvaitadvaita philosophy who lived during 12–13th century, sub-divided the incarnations into two categories viz. Amsarupavataras (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamna etc.), when He manifests them only partially and Purnavataras (Sri Narsimha, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna) when all the qualities & powers of God are manifested. But Sri Madhvaharya, the exponent of Dvaita philosophy who lived during 1238-1317, holds that there is no difference between these incarnations. They are all His Svarupamasas or expression of His entire nature. Why Sri Rama called as Maryada Purushottam: Sri Rama was born in human form and experienced, what an ordinary human being undergo during his lifetime i.e. the pleasures and pains. He is labeled as Maryada Purushottam. Maryada Purushottam is a Sanskrit phrase in which "Maryada" translates to "honor and righteousness", and "Purushottam" translates to "the supreme man". He never transgressed the human and social life. He lived always in Maryada (limitation) such as kept the vow of one wife, stick to what he has said. His life reflects an ideal way of living as a student, a householder, a king, a father, a son, a husband, a disciple. He always followed orders of parents, Guru and saints.
Whether Sri Rama was a Man of Modern Management, Yes: Modern Management has provided “SWOT Analysis” as a tool for strategic planning of organizations or situations. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal over which one has some control and opportunities and threats are external over which one has little or no control. Strengths and opportunities are favorable and weaknesses and threats unfavorable. The life story of Sri Rama is living lesson for one and all, how he turned weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities. Turn Weaknesses into Strength – For a leader, “leading by Example” is best way to set the tone for others. In absence of resources during 14 years exile, he displayed leadership qualities as under:
Turned Threat into Opportunities
Sri Madhvacharya, the dualist
Sri Madhvacharya was born on family of Tulu Brahmin, near Udupi, Karnataka. he lived during 1238-1317. Sri Madhva was also known by three other names – Vasudeva, Purnaprajna and Anandatirtha. He demonstrated that each Vedic Sukta had three meanings, the Mahabharata ten meanings, and each word of the Vishnu-sehsranama, a hundred meanings. He introduced the use of animal forms made of a paste of black gram power and ghee in place of animals in sacrifices. He proclaimed that in most ancient days Vedic rituals did not allow animal sacrifice. He, besides philosophical works, influenced great devotional movement known as Dasa Kuta, in Karnataka. He also made excellent arrangements for worship in the temple by founding eight Maths in Udupi. Madhva, unlike all other vedantic acharyas, built an intellectual structure to stimulate people to sustain their faith in a real God and real spiritual destiny for human beings to be attained through devotional disciplines enlivened and enlightened by love and knowledge, and crowned by the grace of God. Madhva’s philosophy is called Dvaita or the Doctrine of the Two, because it accepts two entirely separate substances, the independent reality (God) and the Dependent reality (the Jivas, Nature and other allied categories). He challenged the philosophy of Advaita (philosophers – Sri Gaudapada & Sri Adishankaracharya) and put forth following reasoning: Theory of Illusions (Khyati-vada): Advaitia Philosophy: According to Advaita philosophy (means Non-dual), Brahman is the one and only reality and everything else is a mere illusion. Maya creates apparent multiplicity in a universe where only Brahman really exists. One of the most common examples used to describe the state is momentarily seeing a snake in a rope when it is lying in the darkness. The Advaita system has three levels of experience as under:
Advaitins maintain that Vyavaharika is sublated (taken away) when consciousness get established in Paramarthika level. The Vyavaharika world is then realized as disappearing. The evidence is of the perfected sage. Dvaita Philosophy: However, Dvaitins dispute both claims of Advaitins. If there is a at all a non-dualistic experience, it is only the temporary disappearance of world consciousness in the blissful absorption of the Jiva in mystic communion with the divine. The Vaisnavite doctrine claims:
Location of Avidya: According to the Advaita Philosophy, Jiva is one with Brahman and this assumes Avidya being in Brahman. Brahman will thus become the center of all corruption. As per Dvaita philosophy, Avidya has its locus only in the Jiva. So their theory of Avidya is called Svabhavajnana-vada, which means the forgetfulness of the Jiva’s true nature and of his dependence on God. It is induced in them by the Independent Being, God. As Jiva is different from Brahman, Avidya is located in the Jiva does not affect Him as in Advaita. Though located in the Jiva, it is not natural to him. For being, an eternal category and a reflection of God, the Jiva’s existentiality and self-consciousness are retained, but his blissful nature is gravely clouded and bodily identification is generated. Reference: Bhakti Schools of Vedanta – by Swami Tapasyananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Shri Krishna, the Almighty
श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे । हे नाथ नारायण वसुदेवा । Shri Krishna appeared on the earth around 5122 years ago to teach the human beings, how to lead balanced life. As in human form, he had to undergo both pleasures and pains. Shri Krishna taught not to crave for power, wealth, kingdom, fame etc. which are mundane desires. He set ideals for different relationships. Various events occurred during his life, displayed these attributes. Bhagwan Sri Krishna displayed sixteen attributes viz. compassion, patience, forgiveness, impartiality, justice, impartiality, detachment, meditation & spiritual powers, invincibility, beneficence, beauty incarnate, best of dancer, best of singer, honesty, truthfulness, Perfect master of all arts, such as poetry, drama, painting etc. and controller of all & controller of self. Moreover, he displayed fearlessness, freedom from anger; renunciation, tranquility, steady determination, vigor, etc. In Human form enjoyed pleasures as well as pain -Shri Krishna suffered more than anybody else. But, smile never left his lips.
Displayed control over senses –Shri Krishna displayed control over senses and took decisions in larger public interest.
War as a last resort –He tried to avoid killing Kansa, Shishupal, Narakasur and war between Kauravas & Pandavas.
No egoism, humbleness –
Spread love – Sri Krishna spread spiritual love throughout his life. He gave spiritual love to gopals & gopis in childhood, Udhav, Sudama, Padavas (friends), to deviki & Yashodha (mothers), etc. He even gave liberation to Putana who tried to kill him & Jara hunter who killed him. Taught respect for different relationships – Throughout his life, Shri Krishna played whatever role; He perfected that role and became role model.
Bhagwan Sri Krishna is called as Purna Avatara as he displayed sixteen “Kalas” viz.
In Hinduism, the Vedanta of the Upanishads mainly preaches the doctrine of the Absolute Being, the non-dual Brahman, about God. “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” (एकम सत विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति), the Sutra quote can be traced to the Rigveda and the Upanishads. It literally means “Truth is one, the wise perceive it differently” or God is one, the enlightened or the wise, call him by different names or perceive him differently. God is self-evident, impersonal, omniscient, the Knower and Master of nature, the God of all. He is behind all worship.
What is Brahman: Brahman is Supreme God and not “one of the four castes i.e. Brahmin which is popular in common parlance”. He is the highest Supreme Being or the God. The word Brahman is derived from the root word "brah" meaning to expand. It is a reference to his infinite power, infinite dimensions, and endless manifestations. The Brahman therefore has been classified into two categories as under:
Other Nomenclature of Brahman: In addition to the term Brahman, God is also addressed and referred to as 'Paramatman', 'Purusha', 'Ishvara', 'Bhagavan', Narayana and the like. As it was found that the popular mind could not grasp the too lofty concept of the Upanishads, The theology of the Puranas mainly revolve around the Trinity - Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva - as also the incarnations of Vishnu and the Shakti’s of the Trinity - Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Durga - and the two sons of Shiva. The Puranas amplified the religious aspect of adoration of God. Attributes of Brahman: Vedas and the Upanishads speak of four aspects (Padas) of the Supreme Being viz. Avidya pada (Ignorance Aspect), Vidya pada (Knowledge Aspect), Ananda Pada (Bliss Aspect) and Turiya pada (Transcendent Aspect). The Brahman is all inclusive and all absorbing, and described as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Knowledge-Bliss) and Satyam, Jnanam, Anantam (Truth, Consciousness and Infinite). Narayana name indicates that He possesses six glorious powers as described in Vishnu Purana. These powers are as under: a) Aishvarya – it is Sovereignty i.e. unchallenged rule over all. b) Jnana – It is the Power to know about all beings of all times simultaneously. c) Bala – It is the strength or capacity to support everything by His will and without any fatigue. d) Virya – It is the power to retain the immateriality as the supreme spirit in spite of being the material cause of mutable creations. e) Shakti – It is the capacity to make the impossible possible. f) Tejas – the splendor which expresses His self-sufficiency and capacity to overpower everything by His spiritual effulgence. Creative Power of Brahman: When Prakriti and the Jivas go into latency during Parlaya (dissolution) in their substratum, the Supreme Being or Brahman is described as causal or Karana-Brahman. When they come into manifest condition Brahman is called Effect Brahman or Karya Brahman. Prakriti and the Jivas always form an organic whole with Him in all states. Creative Process of Brahman: The purpose of creative process is the fructification of karma of Jivas who are countless in number. Their essential nature of consciousness and bliss is covered up by the mist of Avidya (ignorance). They attain to higher and higher evolution through the attainment of better and better body-minds suited for the adoration of the divine until they finally obtain liberation through the grace of God. The creative aids this bestowal of grace in Jivas and their release from Samsara. Manifestations of Brahman: According to the Sri Vaishnava doctrine, The Supreme Being manifests mainly in four forms as under:
Supreme Being has several other forms of His creative manifestation for meditative purpose as under:
These are of three types as under:
But Sri Madhvaharya holds that there is no difference between these incarnations. They are all His Svarupamasas or expression of His entire nature. Reference: Bhakti Schools of Vedanta – by Swami Tapasyananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. 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:
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:
Panch-Parmeshwar
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
Hence, Nirakar & Nirgun Brahman takes various forms of deities to satiate the needs & desires of human being. 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:
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:
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:
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
Ramcharitramanas
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:
Hanuman ji demonstrated his power, intellect and decision making at several places. Details as under: 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)
The legends about the Birth, Birth places, forms of Hanuman ji is mentioned hereunder: 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. 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.
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: |