A small tribute...

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

Recently, there was some electrical problem in our house and I had called an electrician to get that fixed. This gentle man came and fixed the issue and while leaving he handed over couple of papers. I looked at those and they were photocopies of stories from a magazine of Ramakrishna Mutt. Then he said, "Sir! My father used to distribute these kinds of papers by taking multiple photocopies. He passed away recently. So I have taken up that responsibility now. Please read these whenever you get some free time." I was just amazed with his commitment. As a tribute to his father I thought I will write the story in the paper that he gave me...

A deer with her baby was walking in a forest happily grazing. The baby was jumping around without going too far away. After going some distance, the mother saw a trap in front of them. Immediately the deer cautioned the baby asking it to stay close to her. Then the mother tried to go towards her right and she saw a hunter on a tree aiming at the deer with a bow and a poisoned arrow. The deer was frightened and she wanted to go to her left. She then saw a big bear walking towards her. She got scared more. She wanted to go back and took a U turn and saw two wild dogs walking towards her. The deer realized that she was in deep trouble. Deciding to go in the direction of the trap she took a U turn once more and suddenly saw two wolves behind the trap licking their lips.

The deer realized that she has no way to go and figured that there is no escape from the situation. Then she looked up and started praying God. She said, "If at all I can survive it has to be because of you. There is no way that I can come out of this situation without your help. I am completely surrendering to you and it's up to you as to what you want to do with my life."

A big poisonous snake climbed the tree and bit the hunter. The arrow got released from his bow and missed the deer, but hit the bear. The bear collapsed. The wild dogs saw the wolves and thought they are trying to snatch their food and started chasing them. Both the wolves and the wild dogs ran away deep into the forest. Within no time the deer was completely out of all problems. The deer thanked God and ran away with the baby.

Faith in God and complete surrendering to him is important and the problem resolution looks like simple coincidence. Remembering God is not very easy and consciously we have to keep thinking of God whenever possible, so that we get reminded of him when we are in trouble.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Pilgrimage trip to Sri Lanka

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

Went on a short pilgrimage to Sri Lanka last week. There are quite a number of Hindu pilgrimage places in Sri Lanka and lot of tourist operators have created multiple packages for visiting Sri Lanka. We went on a 5 days, 4 night tour. One of the most important places in Sri Lanka is the Saankari Devi temple, which is one of the Ashtadasa (18) peethams. In fact it is the first Ashta Dasa peetham. There are 16 in India and one in POK. Apart from that there are few other important pilgrim places in SL and I shall list those here in this post.

Manalweri

There is a Siva temple here. This is apparently the first Siva lingam installed by Sri Rama after killing Raavana to get rid off the Brahma Hatya Paatakam (Sin accorded for killing a Brahmin (Raavana)). This is a very small but very nice temple. Importantly, Rama installed a sand lingam. Manal in Tamil apparently means Sand.

Munneswaram

There is a Siva temple here as well. Mun means long time back. So this is a very very old temple. Raavana used to visit this temple and Sri Rama on his return from SL visited this temple as well. This is a pretty big temple.

Trincomalee

This must have been Trikona Malai. Malai in Tamil means mountain/hill. This place has one of the Ashta dasa peethams with the important deities being Trikoneswara (Siva) and Saankari Devi. This temple is on a hillock with the ocean washing the feet of the mountain. In 1624 the Portugese wanting to destroy the Hindu culture shot canons from the Ocean towards this temple. In anticipation of the destruction, the priests with the help of the locals took all the important deities from the temples and buried them in the  mountain. So for a long time this temple ceased to exist. In early 1950s SL military started constructing military regions on and around that hillock. As part of the excavation process they found multiple deities and then the locals reconstructed the temples and installed the deities once more. The Trikoneswara lingam had been installed by Agasthya maharshi. There is a huge Siva statue outside the temple.

Matale

There is a Muthu Mariamma temple in Matale which has the tallest gopuram in SL. This temple is really very good and pretty big as well. The entire temple has tons of small statues all over it and is extremely colorful. There are lots of spice gardens on the way to Matale from Kandy and these are nothing but the plants, creepers and trees that are used in Ayurveda and the guides there provide information about each of these plants and trees and their significance in medical treatment.

There is one 100 ft Buddha statue on the way to Matale which is worth a visit.

Ramboda

When Hanuma crossed the ocean in search of Sita maata, he landed right in this place, which is a mountain region. There is a 30 odd ft Hanuma status installed in a temple on this mountain. This is really awesome.

When you visit this place, you would be wonder stuck as to how Hanuma would have thought of finding Sita from there. Foreign place, no clue of whats where, could be killed if caught, ruled by raakshasa king Raavana. That is some audacity and faith. When you look at that tall Hanuma, it's difficult to take your eyes off. Awesome stature.

This temple definitely is a must see place. This is being maintained well by Chinmaya Mission. "Boda" means Army and this is the place where Rama kept his army. There is apparently a ravanaboda as well in SL. On the way to this place, there are lots and lots of tea gardens and one can visit the tea factories to know the tea processing along with a free serving of tea. There are Ramboda waterfalls close to this and are pretty scenic.

Ashoka Vaatika

This is the place where Raavana kept sita maata after abducting her. There is a temple there with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuma as the presiding deities. This is also a very old temple, though small. There is a small stream flowing behind the temple. On the rocks surrounding that stream there are two large footprints and the temple priests say that these are of that of Hanuma. This Ashoka Vanam is close to a place called Nuwareliya. There is a small park near the temple and thats actually being called as Ashoka Vanam.

Raavana Caves

We could not visit this place, but apparently there are some caves called Raavana caves near Raavana waterfalls. There is some 2 km climb to the caves which apparently is a bit difficult. Some say that there is a 17 ft mummy inside those caves and it is claimed that this is of that of Raavana.

One thing that I have noticed in the temples of SL is that people get different things for naivedya (offerings to god). After the offerings are made to the God, the priest returns the naivedya to them and this naivedya is distributed completely within the temple itself. Nothing or probably very little is carried back to their homes.

Tour Plan

Day 1

Left Hyderabad in the morning around 10 am and landed at Colombo airport in the afternoon. Went to Manalweri via Negombo.

Went to Munneswaram from Manalweri.

Reached Sigriya and stayed there in the night.

Day 2

Went to Trincomalee from Sigriya and returned to Sigriya. There is a forest on both sides of the road (Somavathi forest) on this way and you can see some elephants as well. Stayed in Sigriya in the night.

Day 3

Went to Matale from Sigriya. Visited the Muthi Mariamma temple and visited a spice garden and budha temple on the way. Reached Kandy by evening and watched a show for one hour depicting SriLankan dances. Stayed in Kandy in the night.

Day 4

Went to Ramboda from Kandy. Went to Sita temple from Ramboda. There is a 50 km Ghat road on the way to Nuwareliya from gampola (which is a place after Kandy). This takes more than 1.5 hrs. Stayed in Nuwareliya.

Day 5

Reached Colombo airport from Nuwareliya and boarded the flight in the afternoon and reached Hyderabad by night.

Distances

Colombo to Manalweri is about 70 odd kms via a place called Negombo, which is some 20-30 kms from Colombo.

Manalweri to Munneswaram is about 15-20 kms

Munneswaram to Sigriya (a place close to Trincomalee) is about 150 kms

Sigriya to Trincomalee is 115 kms.

Sigriya to Kandy is about 100 kms.

Kandy to Ramboda is about 60 kms.

Ramboda to Sita temple is about 20 kms.

Sita Temple is few kms from Nuwareliya.

Nuwareliya to Colombo airport is about 180 odd kms, but takes almost 5 hours with few stops.

Pure Veg Restaurants

There are very few pure veg restaurants in SL. We could find some though.

Negombo - Renuka Restaurant and Murug Villas

Trincomalee - Kannas Veg Restaurant and Annopoorina restaurant.

Kandy - Balaji Dosa restaurant.

Ramboda - Annapoorna Veg restaurant by chinmaya mission

Please note that all the restaurants mentioned above are very small and are pure veg restaurants.

Trip Planning Tips

1. SL Visa can be obtained online. Costs about 15 USD. On arrival visa option is also available and costs 20 USD. www.eta.gov.lk is the website.

2. There are umpteen local tour operators who can facilitate transport and hotel bookings. Van (8 seater) costs around 20 INR per km and hotels will be in the range of 1500-2500 INR per night (bed and breakfast basis).

3. Flight costs are around 11.5k INR round trip (Hyd to Colombo). Generaly spicejet and SL airlines are the cheapest carriers.

4. Lunch and dinner would cost around 200-300 INR per person per meal.

It's definitely 20-25% cheaper if you plan separately as against going with a package from a tour operator in India.

SL is very scenic and extremely green. People are extremely nice as well. They talk nicely and are very warm and friendly. But one drawback of SL is it is quite expensive, especially for foreigners. Check out some costs below. Btw, 1 INR is 2 SLR.

·         An Orange or a apple costs 50 SLR minimum.

·         Meal in a normal and small restaurant costs a minimum of 200 SLR. In some hotels (not posh restaurants), it is 600-700 SLR as well.

·         An elephant ride for 10-15 mins costs 2000 SLR.

·         Entry to a buddha temple is 1500 SLR, whereas its free for locals.

·         Entry to Ashoka Vanam park is 1100 SLR, whereas its about 50 SLR for locals.

·         Fresh farm Milk costs 160 SLR per litre

·         Tata Nano costs 14 lakhs SLR. Maruti 800 20 lakhs SLR.

So, expenses have to be planned properly.

Feel free to contact me in case any specific information is required. Must have been boring to many but thought could be useful for some who intend to do a pilgrimage trip to SL.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Convoluted but meaningful sentences

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

ఒక ఊరిలో ఒక ముసలి అతను వయసు అయిపోయి మంచం మీద పడ్డాడు. ఇక అతను ఎక్కువ సమయం బతకనని తెలిసి అతని కుమారులను పిలిచాడు. కాని వారితో మాట్లాడటానికి కూడా ఓపిక లేక ఓక కాగితం మీద ఎదో రాసి వాళ్లకి ఇచ్చి, తను పోయిన తరువాత అది తెరిచి చూడమని చెప్పాడు.

కొన్నాళ్ళకి అతను శరీరం విడిచిన తరువాత ఆ కొడుకులు అది తెరిచి చూసి నివ్వెర పోయారు. అందులో ఈ విధంగా రాసి ఉంది.

1. అమ్మకి అన్నం పెట్టవద్దు

2. విత్తనం వేసి పందిరి వెయ్యవద్దు

3. దరిద్రం వచినప్పుడు ఇల్లు తవ్వండి.

అది పట్టుకొని ఒక పండితుడి దగ్గరికి వెళ్ళారు. అది చదివిన ఆ పండితుడు చాలా ఆనందించి ఈ విధంగా వివరించాడు.

ఎప్పుడూ అమ్మకి అన్నం పెట్టాము అని అనుకోవద్దు. అమ్మ ఉన్నంత కాలం అమ్మ చేతి వంట తినే అదృష్టం కలిగిందని అనుకోవాలి కాని అమ్మకి అన్నం పెట్టి ఉద్దరించామని అనుకోవద్దు.

ఒక లత ఇంట్లో పెంచాలి అంటే మొదట పందిరి వేసి ఆ తరువాత విత్తనం నాటాలి. మొదట విత్తనం వేసి తరువాత పందిరి వేద్దాం అనుకుంటే అది ఎప్పటికి జరగని పని, దానితో లత సమంగా పెరగదు. ఏ క్రమంలో పని చెయ్యాలో అలాగే చెయ్యాలో అలాగే చెయ్యాలి.

దరిద్రం వచినప్పుడు ఇల్లు తవ్వండి అంటే, ఇంట్లో ఎదో లంకె బిందెలు దాచి ఉంటాడు, అవి అవసరం ఉన్నప్పుడు తీసుకోవాలి కాని అవసరం లేకుండా తవ్వి తీసి వృధా చెయ్యకూడదు. అవసరం లేకుండా డబ్బుని వృధా చెయ్యకూడదు.

In a small village, there used to be a old man. When this man was on his death bed, he called his sons and wanted to convey something. But he did not have sufficient strength and so he wrote something on a piece of paper and asked them to open it after his death.

After some days he collapsed and his sons took out the paper and were surprised to see the 3 sentences written on it.

1. Donot feed your mother.

2. Never lay the structure for a creeper after planting the seeds.

3. When you suffer extreme poverty, dig up the house.

Surprised with the statements written in the paper, the sons approached a learned person and that person was pleasantly surprised with what was written and explained the meaning of the 3 sentences.

1. Never think that you are feeding your mother. You should be happy that your mother is with you. You should be proud that you are able to have your food with your mother.

2. Before laying a creeper its important to freeze the direction of its growth by laying a proper structure. So without laying that, the seeds for a creeper should not be sown. As that would lead to the deferment and the creeper would grow without any direction. So the order of doing things is very important.

3. When you donot have any money, you dig up in the middle of your house and you would find some wealth out there. But it should be done only when you suffer poverty and not otherwise. Its not wise to dig up the wealth and waste it when not required.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Sri Rama Raavana Vyatyaasam(difference)

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

Handling a situation as a leader and the methodologies adopted are very evident from the way Sri Raama and Raavana conduct the sabhas (Meetings).

When Raavana comes to know that Sri Rama along with Lakshmana, Sugreeva and millions of his army are on the other side of the ocean surrounding Lanka, he panics a bit and conducts a large meeting (Sabha) with all the key people of his kingdom. He informs that all of them need to discuss and arrive at a conclusion as to how the situation has to be handled. He starts off by saying that he wants to know their opinion, but sets the following objectives.

·         Sita will not be returned to Sri Rama.

·         Sri Rama and Lakshmana should be killed.

So any sane person in that Sabha would promptly leave because the conclusion has already been made and what opinion can be expressed except for preparing for war.

Ravana mentions the following as a justification of his conclusion/objectives.

Sita asked me 1 year time before she could accept me.

This was a blatant lie, but tries to show off in front of everyone how Sita was fond of him too, which was the reason why he did not want to let go off sita – Justification for his objective 1.

But that being a Raakshasa Sabha, everyone wants to prove their loyalty towards the king to ensure that they don’t rub on the wrong side of their king. One of his ministers Prahastha says, “Why don’t u force her right away without waiting for 1 year?” Ofcourse his words and sentences and words are not this simple and short.

Raavana gets impressed with that suggestion and then comes forward with a truth that he has a curse from Brahma that is he forces any unintending woman, then he would die immediately. This is because of such act that he had committed in the past. The way he narrates the story, it looks like a mere attempt to show off how he forced himself onto one apsarasa, who complained to Brahma abt Raavanas act and Brahma inturn cursed Raavana.

Like Prahasta, different other people suggested different ways and methods of destroying Sri Rama and his army single handedly. Everyone spoke about his power and strength to assure Raavana on the victory in the war and that Sri Rama would be destroyed. So all statements were made only in support of the objectives set out by Raavana and nothing else.

Kumbha Karna and Vibheeshana (Raavanas brothers) were the only two sane people who expressed their opinions. Ofcourse Vibheeshana said that Sita should be returned, whereas Kumbha Karna said that he would destroy Sri Rama and co single handedly. But he made his point that Raavana was not wise in consulting with his people after perpetrating the crime of abducting Sita. He should have done that before committing that act.

After Raavana abuses Vibheeshana, Vibheeshana leaves Lanka and reaches Sri Rama on the other shore and seeks refuge. Though Sri Rama and his entire army is on the sands without any kingdom or meeting halls, Sri Rama too conducts the sabha to discuss on what to do abt Vibheeshanas request.

He said, “All of you are intelligent and know abt Raaja neethi (law), I would like to take your opinion on the current situation.”

Different people offer their suggestions. I am presenting their opinions in a nutshell without details.

·         Sugreeva said that Vibheesahana should be killed, he being the brother of the opponent.

·         Another minister said that they should spend some time with Vibheeshana by talking to him and understanding his plan, based on which appropriate action could be taken.

·         Another one recommended the deployment of detectives to understand the motive behind Vibheeshanas move and take the action accordingly.

·         Sri Rama asked Hanuma to express his opinion. Hanuma made a very elaborate case as to why all the earlier suggestions were incorrect. He justified that Vibheeshana should be accepted for which he provided valid and solid arguments. (Will probably write another post involving the detailed conversation of other ministers’ opinions and Hanumas justification, which is very interesting.)

Sri Rama then spells out his decision that he would provide refuge to Vibheeshana. His decision was not based on his personal opinion but based on a well learned Rushi’s statement.

He went on to say, “Kandu Maharshi, son of Kanwa maharshi narrated a story.

‘There used to be a dove couple. Once a hunter shot  down the female dove in front of the male dove and fried that in a fire and ate it. The male dove’s sorrow knew no bounds. The same hunter after some days revisited the jungle and tried the whole day to kill something. It started raining in the evening and quickly darkness sets in. The hunter took shelter under the same tree where the male dove resided. The hunter started shivering of cold and became weak because of hunger. Seeing his state the male dove felt that the hunter has sought refuge by taking shelter under its tree and wanted to do justice. It lit a fire so that the hunter can feel the warmth. Then it kills itself by falling in that fire, thus offering itself to the hunter and the hunter ate it and satisfied his hunger.’

So when a bird could do such a sacrifice, how can I not give refuge to Vibheeshana, irrespective of his motives and objectives, after he has sought refuge. I will pardon and give refuge to Raavana also if he seeks that.

Such is the difference between Sri Rama and Raavana.

Even in our lives, we come across people

·         Who force their opinions on to us without understanding our perspective.

·         Who state their opinions without any justifications/reasoning.

·         If you show a problem with them, they would justify how that’s either not a problem or how they have already taken care of it.

·         If you suggest something, they would say that they are already aware of it.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Kaavya Kanta Ganapathi Maha muni - Naayana

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

బొబ్బిలికి దగ్గర్లో కలవరాయి అనే ఊరిలో గణపతి శాస్త్రి అనే కవి ఉండేవారు. అతను నవద్వీపానికి కవి సభలో పాల్గొనడానికి వెళ్లారు. ఆ సభకి అధ్యక్షత వహించిన ఉత్తర భారతంలో ప్రసిద్ధి గాంచిన, అంబికాదత్తుడు అనే పండితుణ్ణి చూసి “ఎవరీ మహాశయుడు?” అని అడిగారు. అది విని సభావారంతా ఆశ్చర్య పోయారు.

“త్వరగా కవిత్వం చెప్పే సూర్యుడను, గౌడ బ్రాహ్మణుడను అంబికాదత్తుడను” అని అధ్యక్షుల వారు సగ శ్లోకాన్ని చెప్పారు.

“నీవు అంబికకు దత్తుడవు. నేను నిజ పుత్రుడను.” అని గణపతి శాస్త్రి శ్లోకాన్ని పూర్తి చేసారు.

దాని తరువాత గణపతి శాస్త్రిని పరీక్షించేదుకు సభ వేదిక మీదకి పిలిచారు అధ్యక్షులవారు. వచ్చిన తరువాత అతనికి సమస్యలు ఇచ్చారు. ఈ సమస్యలు ఎలా ఉంటాయి అంటే ఒక వాక్యాన్ని చెప్తారు. దానిని పూరించాలి.

మొదటి సమస్య

“చీర పైట తీసి మామగారిని కోరింది. కాని ఆమె ఉత్తమురాలు”

“భీముని భార్య హిడింబ ఎండా కాల వేడి తట్టుకోలేక మామగారైన గాలిని కోరింది” అని జవాబు ఇచ్చారు. హిడింబ రాక్షస స్త్రీ అందుకే ఆమెని వాడాను, ద్రౌపదిని  కాకుండా అని చెప్పారు కూడా.

రెండవ సమస్య

“సంవత్సరానికి ఒకసారి పార్వతి పతి ముఖాన్ని చూడదు”

“భాద్రపద శుద్ధ చవితి నాడు చంద్రుని చూడాల్సి వస్తుందని పార్వతి శివుని ముఖాన్ని చూడదు.” వినాయక చవితి నాడు పార్వతి శాపం

మూడవ సమస్య

“చీమ చంద్రుణ్ణి చుంబించెను.”

“దక్ష యజ్ఞంలో సతీదేవిని కోల్పోయిన శివుడు ఖిన్నుడై తలవాల్చి ఉండగా, చంద్రుడు నేలకి సమీపించడం చూసి చీమ చంద్రుడ్ని చుంబించెను.”

ఈ సమాధానాలు ఆశువుగా అప్పటికి అప్పుడు చెప్తారు. ఇంకొక విషయం. ఈ సభలు సంస్కృతంలో అవుతాయి. ఈ సభలో గణపతి శాస్త్రికి “కావ్య కంట” అనే బిరుదు వచ్చింది. శ్రీ రమణ మహర్షి ఇతనిని “నాయన” అని పిలిచేవారు. ఇతనికి ముని అని కూడా బిరుదు ఉండేది.

In a small village called Kalavarai near Bobbili in AP, a young poet was born. His name was Ganapathi Sastry. He travelled to a place called Navadweepam, where lot of poetic conventions used to be held. These used to be the places where young poets were tested on various aspects and were presented with titles.

With great difficulty, he could procure an invitation. It was headed by a great north Indian poet by the name Ambikadatta. Seeing him, Ganapathi asked, “Who is this great man?” Everyone was shell shocked.

“I am a great poet capable of impromptu and quick responses and I am ambikadatta.”

Datta in sanskrit means adopted. Ambika is goddess Paarvathi. But this was not a complete poem and the intention was to inform Ganapathi to complete.

Without any hesitation Ganapathi responded, “You are an adopted son of Ambika, where as I am the real son of Ambika.” Lord Ganesha is son of Paarvathi.

Everyone was surprised.

Ambikadatta invited him onto the stage and gave him some questions. As part of these questions, basically one phrase will be given (looks pretty much contradictory or meaningless) and a poem has to be constructed impromptu justifying the phrase provided as a question.

Question 1: Removed the top of saree (pallu) and sought her father in law. But she is a good woman.

“Not able to bear the heat, Hidimba removed the top of her saree and sought some air.”

Hidimba is the Wife of Bheema and Bheema is son of Vaayu (Lord of Winds and air).

Question 2: Once in a year, Paarvathi does not see her husbands face.

“Fearing that she might have to see the moon on Vinaayaka Chaturdhi, Paarvathi avoids looking at her husband on that day.”

Paarvathi placed a curse on Chandra (moon), that if any one sees his face on Vinaayaka chaturthi day, they will have problems.

Question 3: The ant kissed the moon.

“When Lord Siva lost his wife satee devi in Daksha Yagnam, he was depressed and lied down. The moon, which is present on his head, touched the ground and seeing this, the ants came and touched (kissed) the moon.”

All the above are in sanskrit and as mentioned earlier impromptu. Ganapati Sastry was awarded “Kaavya Kanta” title in that poetic convention.

In his latter part of life Ganapathi Sastry was called Muni. The great Sri Ramana Maharshi used to call him “Naayana” fondly.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Vairaagyam (detachment) - Short Story

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

Here is a short story by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa about vairaagyam (detachment). I would write this in Telugu completely with a english translation in the end.

ఒక ఊరిలో ప్రవచానాలు చేసే ఒక మహానుభావుడు ఉండేవాడు. అతను ఆ ఊరిలో ఆ చుట్టూ పక్క ఊర్లలో వివిధ పురాణాల గురించి, కావ్యాల మీద ప్రవచనాలు చేస్తూ ఉండే వారు. అన్నిటి కన్నా మించి వైరాగ్యం మీద బోధిస్తూ ఉండే వారు. అతను గృహస్తు. ఒకనాడు అతని ఇంటికి అతని బావ మరిది వచ్చాడు. అతడు అక్క ఇంటిలో కొన్నాళ్ళు ఉంది వెళదామని వచ్చాడు. అతనికి ఇంకా పెళ్లి కాలేదు. ఇంట్లో ఖాళీగా కూర్చునే బదులు బావగారితోనే ప్రవచనాలకి వెళ్తూ ఉండే వాడు. ఇంటికి వచ్చి వాళ్ళ అక్కతో బావగారిని, అతని ప్రవచనాలని చాలా జ్ఞ్యాపకం చేసుకుంటూ పొగిడే వాడు. వాళ్ళ అక్కకి తమ్ముడి మాటలు వింటూ ఉంటె కొంచెం భయం వేసేది. కొన్నాళ్ళకి బెంగ మొదలయ్యింది. పెళ్లి కావలసిన వాడు ఇలా వైరాగ్యం గురించి మాట్లాడుతూ ఉంటె పెళ్లి చేసుకోడేమోనని. దానితో రోజు తన భర్తతో మొర పెట్టుకునేది.

“మీకేమో పెళ్లి అయిపొయింది. ఎన్ని ప్రవచానాలైన చెప్తారు. పెళ్లి కావాల్సినవాడు మా తమ్ముడు. ఇప్పటి నుంచే వైరాగ్యం గురించి మాట్లాడుతుంటే నాకు భయంగా ఉంది. కొంపతీసి పెళ్లి ఏమయినా చేసుకోడా అని. ఈ విషయం మా అమ్మానాన్నలకి తెలిస్తే వాళ్ళు ఇంకా ఎంత బాధ పడుతారో.”

ఆ మాట వినిన ప్రతీ సారి అతను, “వైరాగ్యం అనేది వరదలాగ వస్తుంది. దాని గురించి తలుచుకున్నంత మాత్రాన అది రాదు. అందుకు నువ్వు ఏమి బెంగ పడకు.”

ఒక నాడు రాత్రి భోజనం తరువాత అతను తువ్వాలు మీద వేసుకొని ఉయ్యాలలో కూర్చున్నారు. భార్య మళ్ళి వచ్చి మొర మొదలు పెట్టింది. దానికి అతను, “వైరాగ్యం వస్తే ఒంటి మీద ఉన్న తువ్వాలు ఇలా పక్కన పడేసి బయటకి నడిచి వెళ్ళిపోతాడు.” ఈ మాట చెప్పి బయటకి వెళ్లి పోయాడు. భార్య అతను తిరిగి వస్తాడు, చూపిస్తున్నాడు అని అనుకుంది. కాని అతను తిరిగి రాలేదు.

మాట్లాడే వాడు చెయ్యడు, చేసే వాడు మాట్లాడడు

Once upon a time there used be a person who used to give discourses on various puraanaas, kaavyaas and other such spiritual things. He used to emphasize on detachment in his discourses and why it is important etc.

His brother in law (BIL) (wifes younger brother) landed up at his house one day. He had come to stay with the family for few months. This BIL did not have any work anyways and so he used accompany his Sisters husband to the discourses. He used to get impressed with all the discourses so much so that he used to come back and discuss those with his sister. He used to praise his brother in law and importantly talk about the content of the discourses especially related to detachment.

His sister used to get worried. “Why at a young age, my brother is getting attracted to this stuff? Importantly, he is still not married and with this would he decide not to marry completely?” She used to go to her husband and bother him about her concern. She used to cry as well. Her husband used to console her, “Don’t worry. Detachment comes like a flood. It doesn’t come in bits and pieces. As long as he keeps talking about it, you don’t have to worry.”

One day, after having his dinner, he lied down with his towel on his body and was relaxing. His wife started off with his brothers story once more. He said, “When the detachment comes, a person would throw his towel and walk off like this.” Saying this he threw his towel on the floor and walked off. His wife thought he was demonstrating, but it so happened that the man never returned.

The one who talks doesn’t implement and the one who implements does not talk about it.

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.

Gokarna and Pachakshetras

గురు బ్రహ్మ గురుర్ విష్ణుః గురుర్ దేవో మహేశ్వరః

గురు స్సాక్షాత్ పరబ్రహ్మ తస్మై శ్రీ గురవే నమః

శుక్లాం బరధరం విష్ణుం శశివర్ణం చతుర్భుజం

ప్రసన్న వదనం ధ్యాయేత్ సర్వ విఘ్నోప శాంతయే

శ్రుతి స్మృతి పురాణానాం ఆలయం కరుణాలయం

నమామి భగవత్ పాదం శంకరం లోక శంకరం

ఓం నమః శివాయ

Recently I had been on a small pilgrimage tour to Karnakata. Visited few holy places there like Kukke Subrahmanyam, Dharmasthala, Kolluru Mookaambika, Sringeri, Dhaareshwar, Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar, Udipi.

Amongst these, Gokarna, Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar (Gunwante), Murudeshwar, Dhareshwar are called Panchakshetras.

Once upon a time, mother of Raavana (ya the asura from Raamaayanam) asked him to get her Lord Shiva’s aatma lingam. There is also another version, where it is said that Raavana wanted to become extremely powerful and hence wanted to get Aatma lingam for himself.

So he did great penace and pleased Shiva. Shiva gave Raavana aatma lingam. But warned him that he should not place it on the ground till he reaches his home. Devathas, as ever, wanted to ensure that Raavana doesn’t become so powerful. Took the help of Lord Vishnu and Lord Vishnu covered the Sun with his Sudarshana Chakram. Thinking that its evening, Raavana wanted to perform his Sandhya Vandanam. This place is the current Gokarna. Since he could place the lingam on the ground, he started looking around and found a Brahmin boy. This was Lord Ganesha.

Raavana asked him to take care of the lingam and not to place on the ground at any cost. The boy agreed but mentioned that he would call Raavana thrice and in case he doesn’t turn up, he would place the lingam on the ground. It’s a no brainer that Ganesha called Raavana thrice and Raavana could not come back and the aatma lingam was placed on the ground.

Raavana came back hurriedly after finishing his Sandhya vandanam and was upset with the boys act. He hit him hard on his head. The next moment Lord Vishnu removed the Sudarshana Chakram and the sun started shining bright. Raavana realized that he was tricked and tried to move the Aatma lingam and he could not move it. He used all his might but could not move it a milli meter. That lingam had Kavacham (Covering), Lid (on top), Cloth (around it) and a Thread. He became so angry that he started throwing those things out. There are temples in all these 4 places as well.

The Kavacham fell in a place called Sajjeshwar, which is about 35-40 kms from Gokarna. This is in the direction of Goa from Gokarna.

The Lid fell in a place called Guneshwar (also known as Gunavante), which is about 40-45 kms from Gokarna. This is near a place Edugunji (not sure of the spelling) and there is a very popular Vinayaka temple there.

The cloth fell in a place called Murudeshwar, which is about 50-55 kms before Gokarna. This is a very nice place right on the shore of the sea.

The thread fell in a place called Dhareshwara, which is about 20 odd kms before Murudeshwar on the way to Gokarna.

One speciality of this Gokarna Kshetram is that God faces West. Generally in all temples, God faces east and in our homes God faces west. 

Ya, this post has been like a tourist guide to Gokarna J

సర్వే జనాః సుఖినో భవంతు

PS: There could be typos and other mistakes in telugu and english, kindly pardon me with big hearts.