rAjAjinagara brAhmaNa sabha.[ri]
kRutajyate.

skiyer the somebandi

SkIyer the ‘some Bandhi’
to commemorate the 80th birthday



















By Shanmukhapriya

with the grace of Lord Subrahmanya
and benedictions by Shri Shri Shri Avani Swamigal


Dedicated to
Smt and Sri.S. K. Iyer.


Foreword

Hari Om,

Celebrating eightieth birthday is a mark of achievement in life. It means, the person has taken good care of the faculties bestowed upon God putting the faculties to good use. I humbly bow to Sri K.S. Iyer on this occasion. Shri. Satyanarayana nee Shanmukhapriya writes honestly. Due to this fact, these emotional outpourings will really endear this to the reader.

Shri. Satyanarayana is brilliant at playing with the words. His explaination of Life, Man, Hurry, Curry, Worry, Hai, etc. are sure to make you sit and take notice.

I wish him all the best.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,Sarve Santu NiramayaSarve Bhadrani Pashyantu,Maa Kaschid Dukhbhag Bhavet


Sudhindra Gargesa

Skier the ‘some Bandhi’
to commemorate the 80th birthday



















By Shanmukhapriya

with the grace of Lord Subrahmanya
and benedictions by Shri Shri Shri Avani Swamigal


Dedicated to
Smt and Sri.S. K. Iyer.


Foreword

Hari Om,

Celebrating eightieth birthday is a mark of achievement in life. It means, the person has taken good care of the faculties bestowed upon God putting the faculties to good use. I humbly bow to Sri K.S. Iyer on this occasion. Shri. Satyanarayana nee Shanmukhapriya writes honestly. Due to this fact, these emotional outpourings will really endear this to the reader.

Shri. Satyanarayana is brilliant at playing with the words. His explaination of Life, Man, Hurry, Curry, Worry, Hai, etc. are sure to make you sit and take notice.

I wish him all the best.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,Sarve Santu NiramayaSarve Bhadrani Pashyantu,Maa Kaschid Dukhbhag Bhavet


Sudhindra Gargesa

Chapters

1. Why this title ?
2. Kamala Kannan
3. Ramaniya kannan
4. Rajadhi Rajan
5. Kanna manivanna
6. Geetha Krishnan
7. Ashoka Krishnan
8. Jaya Krishnan
9. Giri Krishnan
10. Siddhartha Krishnan
11. Aditya Krishnan
12. Aruna Krishnan
13. Ajaya Krishnan
14. Lavanya Krishnan
15. Raja Krishnan
16. Shuba Krishnan
17. Lakshmana Krishnan
18. Nisha Krishnan
19. Rishi Krishnan
20. Amita Krishnan
21. Anika Krishnan
22. Conclusion





Chapter I

Why this title?

Out of five elements of the earth, sky plays an important role. While it offers shelter to the ever shining world-friendly Sun offering light, to the worldly creatures, religious fervour and door to salvation through Gayatri-manthram,the Prathyaksha Devata of the devotees…..

The moon, the star of the mind, who keeps every one always happy, helping people to be always cool, a nectar for lovers, a piece of joy for children, who have fed by showing him, solace for the crying children…

The stars, whose galaxy is a glittering kingdom by itself, give shelter to maharshis like Vashishta, and his better-half Arundhati, the star Dhruva, an epitome of Devotion, who on mother’s instance, performed penance, got boon from the lord Narayana and an immortal place….

Then the clouds, who march like the army, in Different shapes, and when enraged, strike thunder and lightning and offer succour in the form of cool showers to her off-springs.

The other elements are fire which helps in religious sacrifice, heat food and offer solace and offers solace to people’s life in the end….


The earth which is the karma-bhoomi for all men to attain salvation to get rid of past karmas and attain glory symbolizing patience…..

The water which represents broadmindedness. Emerging from the jata of Lord Shiva, gushing through the mountains in the form of falls, flowing on the earth, taking the shape of tanks and rivers and finally merging with the ocean after blessing people…….

Reflecting the message, man is born from the part of Lord himself, entering the earth, growing in different phases, ultimately merging with the lord. Finally, it is air. We can have a beautiful doll, and if no breath is instilled into it how will it be lively? So one of the fundamental principles of the existence of we humans is air.

Thus the five elements constitute the foundation of man’s existence, each having its own significance…

The hero of this humble work represents five elements in his own way.

It is said ‘runAnubandha rupena pashu patni sutalayayaha.’

Wealth, wife, children and home are the result of previous births. We can add a good paternal and maternal relationship also to this category.

Born in Kerala, where the land is endowed with breath taking natural beauty. A land where Adi Sankara, Acharya, who propagated advaitha philosophy through every nook and corner of the country was born. Acharya Sankara, though a perfectionist and a performer to the core, was humble and humane in his own words. He gave us the method to worship mother Sharadamba, and enabled us to attain bliss as a step towards becoming divine from this human form.

Kerala, the land where swamy Aiyappa stands atop sabarimalai. Who renounced the world, reflecting simplicity, sanctity

With Lord Vighneswara to ward off the difficulties on one side, and Lord Subrahmanya to offer knowledge, on the other side, and Devi MALIKAIPURATTU AMMAN, offering courage and strength enabling us to attain our goals in life, and Devi Bhagavati Amman, who stands like a kind mother, stretching her arms to protect and bless us, her children, offering succour, solace and sympathy.

There is Lord Krishna in Guruvayoor, who is a legend by himself,who took birth in prison, created affection through his childhood pranks, grew and became a hero by vanquishing the evil forces, emerged as a champion of dharma by annihilating the wicked and saving the righteous. He got his getting the mission achieved through his close friends & bhaktas, offering love to those who loved him, cutting the cunning to size through his shrewd statesmanship.

It is no wonder that Krishna avatar is ‘Purna Avatar’.

The hero of this book, our hero, took birth in this holy land in Kottayam, imbibing love and affection as a member of the joint family, reaching the ladder of learning, and holding the hand of lotus, and entering the arena of textiles, reaching the zenith scoring glory nationally and internationally, emerging as a leader not only in profession,, but also in his personal life.

Commander to the core, leading the family with love and affection as the basis, though stands in summit, comes down with a child like heart, to score a place in the heart of his ardent kin.

Hence, it is our ‘Purva Punya’ that he became our sambandhi.

He binds us with his love…. Makes us bandhi - the bound

It is a matter of pride to take part in the ‘sahasra chandra darshana’ celebrations of this noble man praying the lord to bless him to score the century… keep us bound in his all encompassing love….

Hence this title for this book.

O noblest of men, the wise man to whom pain and pleasure are alike, and who can not be disturbed by these, is certainly eligible for immortality.
Bhagavadgita 2/15* * * * *
















Chapter II

Kamala Kannan

The previous chapter was a discussion about the five elements which form every existing thing, now we will have a detailed account of one of the five sense organs viz., eyes.

Eyes and sight are synonymous. Eye is the organ and the end result is sight.

Lord sun represents the eye of the world. If he is not seen a day one can understand the chaos and confusion that could prevail upon the world. Let alone chaos, would we exist. Life would become difficult. All animate and inanimate objects become dormant. Plants would become inactive. A totally ‘a black day’ wouldn’t it be?. We would know only if we exist!

The moon spreads light in the night, cool and calm in nature bringing solace to the all forms of life.

Stars, the necklace of gems and precious stones adorned by the lady night also called sky, glittering gaining the appreciation of the women folk at the same time creating grudge as they are not able to don such beautiful jewellery.

Eye and expression are having a common relationship. Let’s remember Soundaryalahari where our Acharya Shankarachrya describes the vivid expressions of the Jagadamba through her eyes.

Vishala; internal satisfaction.
kalyani’; creation of miracle of sight and its magical influence.
Ayodhya; Expression of enchanting smile.
The expression of the magnetic expression of the sight.[Dhara].
Bhogavathi; Expression of friendly gesture.
Avanthi; Expression of innocence.
Vijaya;’Expression through eye lids or corner of the eyes..

Anyone who contemplates on the beautiful sight of the mother will get the bliss of the Holy mother. We can also quote here the incident, ‘where Shri. Abhirami Bhattar, a great devotee of Ambal and always experienced Mother’s radiance, said ‘there is light’ on a new - moon day!!!! compassionate holy Mother, if to justify it, the flashed light through her ‘taatanka’ ear-rings. We have also seen, how, Kushelar, Krishna’s friend was blessed with wealth, to the extent, his better-half Rukmini wondered.

In our daily rituals, we perform Sandhyavandanam. In the morning we welcome Lord Sun, through the offering of Arghyam, in the noon to reduce the extent of the heat, and in the evening to offer thanks for the glorious day.It is like hunger, meals and satisfaction. In relevance to this chapter, Lord Krishna is known for his attractive personality. He is called ‘Purusha’, a cent-percent personality. His eyes are indeed the sun and moon.

While each part of the body is beyond any description in words, his eyes are enchanting, expression serene, sight scintillating, the glance, getting the devotee mesmerized. Like it made Radha to offer herself, Rukmini to surrender, the vanity of Satyabhama crushed, the joy of jambavati multiplied, the looks that assured Subhadra of her wedding to Arjuna, the looks that brought akshayambara to Draupadi. Is it any wonder that numerous devotees sing and dance, mesmerized and longing to mingle with Madhava.

So, what is there to get astonished ? when the same Krishna, our hero, took the hands of the lotus to lead a laudable life. We see all the deities expressing the message ‘Throw your burden on me - happiness and suffering are my products. Surrender to me. I will relieve you of all your worries- ‘Sarva-dharman parityajya, mam ekam saranam vraja, aham tvam sarva-papebhyo, moksayisyami ma sucah’
Krishna & Lakshmi stand on the lotus. Because if their feet touches the land they have to become karma-bound!!!!! Just like lotus stands above water as Geethacharya puts it, Padmapatramimambhasa , like the lotus is in water it does not get wet. Like wise one must have the mindset, to have ‘Equanimity’ to receive both happiness and grief as guests, like the receptionist in the office deals with the guests.

Half century has elapsed since their wedding day. The day on which they started and their life is one of mutual understanding, unanimity, uninterrupted affection, respective with retrospective effect, cohesion, cordiality, companionship, co-operation, calm and serene, soft and smiling, peace prevailing, calm even in the height of glory, simplicity personified, a beacon of friendship, faith, a gospel of guidance and generosity. A life full of admiration, accommodation, appreciation, adoration, assisted by the almighty through uninterrupted bliss.
* * * * *






























Chapter III

Ramaneeya Krishnan

Please glance the word ‘Ramaneeya’ from right to left.
A=one
Ya=Yes offering consent.
Iya Reverred way of addressing a person.
Niya; Are you?
Aniya; Have you become ? in Tamil.
Maniya; Is it the time, or given as the gift.
Amaniya; Not given as the gift.
Ramaniyam; One which is beautiful.
Ramana; is Bhartha.
Venkata Ramana; The swami of Maharshi Ramanar- the great sage.propounder of Atman theory.
A-Ekam devaha; Bahuda vipraha vadanthi. There is only one god in the world. Just like the food every man takes has a taste, Adi Sankara established Shanmatha system of aradhana:

Ganesha
Subrahmanya
Shankara
Ambal
Surya
Vishnu

All of them stand beautiful in their own way. While Vighneswara removes the hurdles Subrahmanya offers knowledge, Shankara offers spiritual siddhi, Ambal offers wealth, wisdom and valour, Surya offers light of knowledge and Vishnu stands for protection. So, ‘Alankara Priyo Vishnuhu, Jaladhara Priya Shivaha, Namaskara Priyo Bhanuhu,

Brahmanam Bahujana priyaha.

In English, Ya is offering consent. In Sanskrit, ‘Ya’ MEANS ‘who is that i.e., Shivaya ,Maheswaraya, etc.

During the wedding of Rama, when he was about to shoot the arrow, Mother Seetha cast her glance through her eyes, another bow with the arrow of love. The ‘bill’ was broken and the Lord won the daughter of Mithila!!

In Lord Krishna’s wedding, Rukmini says, ‘Shrutvamimam bhuvana sundara sangamamste’ ‘I have heard your great achievements, Oh beautiful one.’

He proceeds on the chariot with a giant speed, holds her hand, takes her hand and casts a Glance, of consent.

Lord Srinivasa, when he meets Padmavathi in the forest, she is mesmerized by his charm, and hooked and the marriage is confirmed.

Aiya-Person who is in distress will address the Lord in this way, for his bliss. The Lord Blesses them through his kindness.

Niya; When a Doctor cures a patient, of a disease, the surprised person asks ‘Niya guna Paduttinai’ Making the impossible possible is the quality of the lord ‘Anoraniyam……Mahatomahiyan.’
Aniya; Have you become

Sankaracharya propounded the theory of Advaita and upheld ‘Tatvamasi’ means ‘YOU ARE THAT’ Man when he gets rid of vanity, desires, and though constant sadhana realizes that he is the product of the Lord, he becomes divine. How can I know, what I have become ? Hence, the Lord asks his devotee,

‘Ni Rakshasan Aniya? Ni Manidan Aniya ? Ni Deivam Aniya ?’

The answer lies with the Sadhaka.

Manya - In previous days, kings used to give as gift lands for the maintenance of the temples. Today, kings have disappeared and saints and temples remain as they are permanent modes to bless the community,.

Maniya- Is it the time?

Time plays an important role in man’s life. So,when you meditate, say, ‘oru maniya, rendu maniya’ attaining the objective is important. So time is the gift offered by the lord for man’s emancipation.

Amaniya- The previous word was gift by kings for the maintenance of temples and God gave the list of love, affection, compassion, skill, to live in the world of temple to become a divine personality. Some people will get property by dubious means, but it will not remain with them in the long run.
Hatred, jealousy, vanity, anger, these are all unauthorized possessions. God has not created it. It is developed. Hence, when from wild he becomes mild winning the mind, he can rewind the gate towards solution and find solace in the lotus feet of the Lord.

Ramaneeyam- ‘Kim vachaneeyam, kim Ramaneeyam,’ goes a song. How can you Explain? How enchanting it is? What is it? It is the moon like face of Lord Krishna which endeared the woman-folk

The melody of music which mesmerized the cows, the child like clear love emanated, which opened the doors of companionship, the valour that shook the nerves of the wicked, the heroism that heralded the victory of righteousness,

These are maniam’s negative attitude, are amaniyam.

Ramana- Venkataramana, husband of Mother Padmavathi, and the offerer of wealth and welfare and Seetharama, SRIRAMA, a symbol of valour, Rukmini Krishna is the symbol of heroic deeds.

Ramana is king. He is the king of the world offering succour to the citizens administering welfare. The king of kings, is of course, the Lord.

Ramana Maharshi - The boy left his home at the age of eight to realize Atman and meditating on Lord Shiva, in Thiruvannamalai, attained self realization and came with the message

‘Knowledge of the self is supreme. And the karthigai deep am that is lighted on the day of karthigai reflects the mythoi or the light Of knowledge, and circumnutating the hill is the saluting of the supreme soul to offer salvation.

Thus Romania Krishnan has been described in different stages of beauty, knowledge,

Bhatia, bestowed of knowledge., a legendary hero, reflecting energy, excellence valour, love, affection, universality. We are all ‘Naikas or heroines, as the Lord is the real hero and merging with him is our life’s objective. The animal in man extinguished, the duality destroyed, and divinity uplifted.


* * * * *
O Arjuna, But anyone who controls the sense organs and the resulting actions with his mind (will power), and remains unattached.. he is the superior one and undertakes the Yoga of action (of uniting the individual consciousness and the ultimate consciousness.)
Bhagavadgita 3/07






CHAPTER IV

Rajah Raja

Here is a Vedic verse we use during our daily Pooja:

Rajadhi rajaya prasahya sayine
Namo vayam vyshravanaya Kurmahe
Same kaman kamakamaya mahyam
Kameshwarovai shravano dadhatu
Kuberaya vaishravanaya
Maha raajaaya Namaha.

This is a recital offered to the Lord as a salutation to the one who offers everything that Is prayed for. He is the real emperor of the kingdom of world and his devotees are his Subjects.

The natural resources that he has created is for all and without discrimination.

Along with world resources, he has also given internal resources like, intelligence, organs, mind, will to put in effort. One should strive to become a sincere citizen of this welfare state, should pay the tax of devotion and gratitude as the trust is enjoyed by all without any distinction.

In Ramayana also, when Bharatha comes to meet Sri.Rama, he asks the following questions.

1.Are people happy?
2.Are taxes being properly collected?
3.Are people doing their jobs sincerely?
4.Are citizens not being troubled by threats and thefts?
5.Are you getting the offering by the Samantha rajas properly?
6.Is there rainfall in time? and in plenty ?
7,Are Brahmins protected against upsurage by wicked elements?

Thus these are the check-lists for a welfare state or Rama Rajya. Even in Mahabharatha, Lord Krishna wants to establish a Dharma Rajya and hence, with the co-operation of Pandavas he annihilates all the evil forces, using diplomacy, tactics, and shrewdness and sometimes even by alliance.

Among the list of kings who are evergreen heroes, we can enlist King Ashoka, who fought Kalinga war, realized peace and embraced Buddhism. We can also mention King Akbar, who struggled for integrating Hinduism & Islam. Krishnadeva Raya, expanded his kingdom by kinship, and encouraged literary activities, and playwrights besides himself being an excellent poet.

But all these were kings of material world.

But Sankaracharya, Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, Aurobindo, Lord Buddha, were all spiritual giants, emperors who established the kingdom of universality, with love, affection and peace as the basis.

To show the real happiness called the kingdom of god, where, commitment, common good, cordiality, cohesion and cosmopolitan attitude, were the Basis of administration.

Imbibing all these qualities in himself, our hero applied all these qualities in his personal life, and attained accolades, and opened an arena of achievement, to be appreciated by all, in the years to come, as an apostle of achievement, an absolute advocate of affinity, an emperor embedded with energy, enthusiasm, efficiency, excellence, all engulfed in one, to be christened – ‘Rajadhi Rajan’

























Chapter V

Kanna Manivanna

It is said that Lord Narayana assumed many avatars, to bring the people from wicked path to the righteous one. While, Ramayana was purely a one man show taking all the responsibilities of dharmic renaissance, upon himself, it was left to Krishna to conduct the
said job which by delegating to others.

Even sages like Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Madhwacharya offered their contribution towards spiritual renaissance. Their scholastic works were of high standards and people could not digest the same. Hence, Lord Narayana decided to send his messengers. Accordingly, through Periyalwar of Sri Rangam, a baby was found in their flower Garden. Alwar used to prepare a beautiful garland out of flowers. Once, the girl took away the garland offered to Shri.Ranganatha, and put it on herself, for which her father chided her. Ranganatha wanted the same garland again. Alwar was stunned by this revelation. He later got the girl married to the Lord himself. This would be saint composed poems on the Lord which is called ‘Tiruppavai’ the ‘Sacred Girl’

This Sacred girl, asks her friends who are in slumber, to rise above mundane material life, pray the Lord and attain salvation.

This is sung not only by vaishnavites but all the devotees during the month of margazhi, a month considered very auspicious for Lord Krishna, and people get up early in the morning, take bath, perform worship, offer Bhajans, and visit temples.

As Lord Narayana says, ‘I am margashira in months’ and hence is considered very dear to the Lord. The calm atmosphere created by mother nature, must be made best used of by the devotees, to attain salvation.

We can also mention here about Lord Aiyyappa, the Lord of Sabarimalai. On the one side, there is Shri.Vighneswara, and another side is Lord Subrahmanya,. There is also the mother Maligaipurattu Amman.

The Lord to annihilate demon Mahisha, had to take this form of Lord Aiyyappa. After the nectar was churned, and for distribution of the Amrita, Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel. Lord Shiva, who saw Mohini was overcome by Manmatha. As the result of the tejas emanating from both the powers of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, brought the emergence of Lord Aiyyappa.

Lord Aiyappa is accessible to all, provided one is honest and sincere, highly devoted, principled, and following strict vratham of devotion and celibacy for a mandalam, carrying ‘Irumudi’ to be offered at Lords lotus feet. Lord blesses his devotees with all grace, wealth, welfare, wisdom and ultimate salvation. He is called Lord Manikantan. Manivanna is also reminding of the time. Everyone must have a watch over time, as the time once gone, cannot be got back.

As a child develops observation, as a boy develop learning, as a youth develops profession, as a youth, develop responsibility, as a parent develop affection, as an aged man, develop patience, as the senior develops experience, as the immortal, develop glory.

Thus, we are offering the garland of good wishes to the great man, who has reached the zenith of glory, and like Lord Ranganatha, always calm and serene, rising the people from the slumber of Laziness towards hard work, honesty and heroic deeds, and like Lord Manikantan, though at the top, accessible to all, extending the hand of friendship, expecting efficiency in all actions, ensuring excellence as the goal of life, endearing himself through abject sincerity, simplicity, and sagacity.
























Chapter VI

Geetha Krishnan.

In Narada Bhakthi Sutra, there are nine modes of devotion.They are:

1. shravanam=hearing,
2. Mananam - recapitulating
3. Keerthanam- singing glories of Lord Vishnu,
4. Archanam=offering archanam singing holy Names,
5. Pada Sevanam=serving Lord’s lotus feet, Sakhyam=friendship,
6. Vandanam=salutation,
7. Dasyam=servitude,
8. Mounam=silence.
9. Atma nivedanam=self Surrender.

In the past, sages used to perform yagnas, havans, penance, to appease the Lord. Then temple worship came into vogue. Since the procedural aspects of the scriptures were tough, and as the longevity in Kaliyuga is very short, ‘Gayatri Japam’ the mother of all mantras, was recommended . Then came- ‘Kalau Keshava Chinthanam’. In kaliyuga, praying Lord Vishnu was introduced as the method for attaining moksha. Hence, music assumed prime importance. Many composers, Tyagaraja, Purandara Dasaru, Shyama Sastrigal, Muthuswamy Deekshithar, Tiger Vasudevacharya, Swathi Thirunal Maharaja, in south and Meerabai, Sant Kabir, Tulasidas, Gyaneswar, Gora Kumbara and several others in North praised the glory of the Lord in the form of songs, and attained his lotus feet. We have, Thiruppavai, Thiruvembavai, Thirupugazh, Kanda Shasti Kavacham, in Tamil. Sankaracharya’s compositions, on almost all deities, including Bhaja Govindam, Soundaryalahari, Annappornashtakam, Subrahmanya Bhujanga Stotram, to name a few.

The singers of the yester years, G N BalaSubrahmanyam, Madurai Mani, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, M S Subbalakshmi, M L Vasantha Kumari, and several others made a mark For themselves in making these memorable compositions making them more memorable by giving life through their melodious voice. What else is this other than meditation, towards the supreme self ? A medication to the soul, mediation between Jeevatma and Paramathma, medium for sadhana and a media for spiritual motivation.

Another magnum opus that blends both the jeeva and the Paramatma is the song celestial, the Bhagavadgita, a digest of Hindu philosophy, expounded by none other than Lord Krishna himself to Arjuna.It is said that, What is not said in Geetha does not exist. In the Kurukshetra, the field of action, our life, Arjuna a manifestation of ourselves, a warrior, but, confused, not ready to fight. He refused to take the bow (refused to act), then the Lord showed him three ways, Viz.the Gyana yoga [path of knowledge], karma yoga [path of action], and Bhakthi yoga [path of devotion].

This entire world is Lord’s creation,.He has given all natural resources to man to enjoy. He has to put his effort with the knowledge of the ownership of the lord and offer the fruits of his action, to him, and then, perform his action with Bhakthi or devotion, an extended form of love. Happpiness and grief will always be there, like the two sides of the coin. One must accept them as god’s gift and live with detached attachment!!!

Like the lotus in the water, but not wet, seeking solace and refuge in his lotus feet. Hence, it is no wonder, Lord Krishna is called Geethacharya.

If you see the chariot, you can see G=Gandheevi. A=Achyuta, P=Poblems (solutions). If Gandheevi takes hold of Chute, problems will disappear, solutions appear. If Problems are embraced, Cheetah will disappear. Then we have the man. What’s man?

M=Maruthi. Animal strata, servant(dasya bhava),
A=Arjuna. Human strata, friend
Narayana=Divine strata, the goal

How beautiful, isn’t it?

With devotion of a servant, deserting duality, and material enjoyments, if the man treads the Path of Dharma/righteousness, with devotion, he can become one with Narayana, attain divine strata.

Thus, our hero, overcoming, all dualities, and servitude as the basis, stands in the divine strata like Geethacharya.








Chapter VII

Ashoka Krishnan.

When you see a coin there are two faces. The head as we call has Ashoka chakra with three Lions. The other side has a denomination, the tail as we call. The Ashoka Chakra represents a man who knows how to handle money, can manage happiness. ‘Money is a matter of function of four’ a medium, a measure[value], a standard and a store. We can purchase anything, through this medium. It brings happiness. When it comes in excess it brings in grief. The three lines depict courage, conviction and capacity, which, When utilized in a balanced way, leads to success.

The tail side shows satisfaction. So, satisfaction should not be measured in terms of quantity, but quality. In the note, the difference is, that, it bears the signature of the RBI Governor. God has determined the worth of everyone by offering talent and knowledge in abundance. It is up to the man to utilize this god given gift to the best of his ability and succeed.

King Ashoka fought against Kalingas and won, but at the cost of huge loss of human life, woman & children orphaned, lot of bloodshed and lamentation.

Then he took a vow, not to fight again, embraced Buddhism, and went on to become ‘Devanam priya’ endeared him to Gods.

Thus we note that peace brought happiness, and violence brought grief.

In the second chapter of Bhagavad Geetha, there is a sloka - Dhyayate Vishayan pumsaha;Everyman thinks about matter.
Sangasteshupajayate’; With that develops contact,
Sangat Sanjayate Kamaha; With that develops contact
Kamat Krodhobi Jayate; With desire anger develops.
Krodat Bhavathi Sammoha; Anger leads to infatuation.
Sammohat Smruthi Vibramaha;Infatuation leads to loss of memory.
Smruthi bramshat Buddhi Nashaha;Loss of memory leads to loss of intelligence.
Buddhi Nashat Pranashyathi; Loss of intelligence leads to destruction.

In Bhagavad Geetha there is another sloka; Abhyaasaat Gyanam; Knowledge by practice. Gyanat Dhyanam;By knowledge, Meditation. Dhyanat Karma palah Tyagaha;By meditation, Sacrifice of fruit of action Tyagat Shantianantaram; The result is Absolute Peace.

When a person performs a good act, he will attain knowledge by the very practice of it. When he attains knowledge, he will think or meditate on that thing. The Meditation will make him sacrifice the fruits of action. When there is no wish for the fruits of action, he then will get absolute Peace. Suppose, a person is lying in a pool of blood after an accident. A good samaritan takes him to a hospital. After successful operation, he is cured. The Samaritan is thanked for the timely help. Thus, by experience, he will develop the habit to help. He thinks of expanding his field of activity. Thus awards and rewards will not intoxicate him. Thus, He will develop a personality, other than his usual one. To mention a few, Dr. M.C.Modi, Bala Gangadhara Tilak, Bharathiyar, Sankaracharya, Rabindranath Tagore, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata, Ghanashyam Das Birla, to mention a few, in their fields, the beacon lights of India.

Look at Lord Krishna’s pictures. He is always smiling. How? He had nothing to keep for himself. He had an objective in life of establishing Dharma. He gave himself to those who showed him friendship and annihilated those who had reached the pinnacle of bad conduct. He developed a big army of friendship to help at the time of distress, hearing their grievances, homogeneity, humour even in distress, heartlike gold, holding conclaves, conferences, striving for establishing righteousness, never being tired of serving the society. All these made Krishna a Hero. He never called himself a hero, but a servant of the people. This humility made him a hero, adorable, appreciable, adoptable at all Circumstances. Always smiling, warding off suffering, sympathetic, social, stewardship, shrewdness, a satwik stubbornness. It also made him to be called ‘Ashoka Krishnan.’ That is, Shri. Krishnan without grief.

Sukha dukhe same kruthvaa labha labhau jaya jayau|
Tato yuddhaaya yujyasva naivam paapamavaapyasi||

Thus our hero, remains an Ashoka Krishnan, smiling in suffering, showing concern for all, comfortable with every generation, simplicity in scholarship, shouldering all responsibilities, yet, no sign of stress, ‘standing tall like the statue of liberty.’


Chapter VIII

Jaya Krishnan

Jaya is victory. But what is victory?

It heralds the beginning of an achievement. Normally, when we win a war, we celebrate it. But, how many people have sacrificed their life? How much resources are destroyed ? Is it really a victory?

When a person has won an award, we say, he has won an award. How much he has laboured? How much his determination is? How much he has been supported by his Collegues? All these blended together, symbolises victory.

But these are all material victories. What is real victory? We are born in this world. God Has given all natural recourses, intelligence, physical body. But, there are two ends. One is positive and the other negative. One wants to become a Doctor. From Matriculation, he has to struggle hard and obtain good marks. Amidst severe competition, if he gets a seat. He has to study with single pointed devotion. After graduation, further studies, research. He starts practice. He must specialize in a particular field, like, orthopedics, psychology, ENT, etc. If he starts thinking ‘I have spent lot of money on my studies and it is high time I make money’ then he will be one among the hundreds.

But, if he thinks ‘this is an opportunity offered by god, to serve mankind’ and adopts 24 hours of professional thinking, treating the sick with patience, perfection in the profession brings him unflinching fame, regard, status in the society, a name to be remembered by posterity. He will be one noble soul among the millions, to be revered, saluted, remembered, a role model for the future generations. That is the real victory to be achieved in life.

In Bhagavad Geetha, if we see the figure of Arjuna, sitting in the chariot, with a hand on his jaw, with bow and arrow lying before him, Lord Krishna, in the charioteer’s seat, pointing a finger at him, asking him to fight, with Maruthi, crossing the ocean, over the chariot in the flag, with the army slowly coming from the enemy side to the Pandava camp.

The field is kurukshetra, the field of action, this very world. Arjuna represents a confused ordinary man. Dharmaraya is like a perfect student, who does not need any tuition. Bheema is always emotional. Arjuna has got the capacity to do things, but is tied by Confusion, to fight his kith and kin. Nakula and Sahadeva are youngsters. Kauravas are examples of vanity, jealousy, hatred, avarice, respectively. Then Lord Krishna in the form of intelligence. Through proper thinking, analysis, guidance, man’s Ignorance is removed. Wisdom dawns. He decides. He is only an agent. His duty is to fight. The Boss is there looking at us. He guides our activities. He is our Director. Our duty is only to play the role assigned. Suppose a judge has to give a decision In a murder case .If the convict is guilty, he might be punished. If he is proved innocent, he must be acquitted. He must act as per his conscience, which is the Lord himself. Thus crossing the hurdles of duality, with righteousness as the tool, he must steer the boat of life towards victory. What’s life?

L; An individual starts proceeding in the route.
I ; Stands alone.
F; Has to face duality shall I do or not?
E ;To the above two lines, draw the third line, of almighty.

Victory is on hand. Our hero has achieved victory in life, with the goal as high as mount Everest, with adroit excellence, efficiency all embedded in one, for ensuring the ‘Coveted Jayam.’

L………………………
I………………………..
F………………………..
E………………………..



















Chapter IX

GIRI KRISHNAN

Mountain is Giri in Sanskrit. One such snow clad giri Kailasa is the abode of Sankara, who resides there with his consort, Uma. His father-in-law is ‘HIMAVAN’ the king of snow clad mountains. It is said that, In the South, Vindhya mountain was growing by leaps and bounds, and in order to arrest its growth, Sage Agastya, asked the mountain not to grow, as he was proceeding towards South, until his return.

Even in Ramayana, when Anjaneya, was proceeding towards Lanka crossing the ocean, Myakka, the mountain, asked him to take rest, as he and Maruti’s father were brothers. It is said in Puranas that the mountains also had wings, and were flying and growing and causing hardships to people. In order to arrest their growth, Lord Indra, clipped their wings with his Vajrayudha. Anjaneya replied, as he was going on a holy mission, he could not think of the word called, ‘rest’.

In Tamilnadu, the abode, where Lord Muruga rests, is called ‘KUNRAM’ i.e. hills. When his father offered the fruit as a gift for the contest in which, Vinayaka and Muruga, the sons Shiva of had to prove, ‘who will go round the world first and would return, he would get the fruit. Vigneswara , who is very shrewd and scholary went round his parents and to show the world, ‘In the parents lies the entire world.’ While, Muruga took the peacock And flew over the entire world, and returned, to find his elder brother, Lord Vinayaka getting the fruit. Angered, he went to Palani and sat there. His Parents, Umadevi and Lord Shiva consoled him, saying ‘You are the fruit of knowledge itself. What else do you need?’ Lord Muruga showed the entire world, that, along with parents, the entire world is divine and both should be adored. Lord Muruga, has six faces and so there are six hilly abodes For him.

Who has not heard of Thirumala Tirupathi? Here, in order to protect those who could not reach Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu descended on this earth, married Padmavathi, daughter of Akasharaya. Lakshmi, on hearing this episode Came running. In the ensuing fight between two wives, decided the Lord, embracing silence is the best policy and stood still, becoming a statue.

He had borrowed hefty sum from Lord Kubera for marriage and even today we, Vishnu’s devotees are offering our might in plenty to repay lord Vishnu’s debt!!!

Venkateswara got the land from Lord Varahaswamy for stay, and hence, the first pooja is offered to him. Lord Govindaraja Swamy is having a vessel under his head, which is supposed to be used to measure the amount offered by the devotees. When people throng in numbers to see the Lord, the word, ‘jarugandi’ in Telegu, is very common. It means,’ shelve your material desires aside and proceed quietly to embrace the lotus feet of the Lord, as the time is running short. Do you get a message here?

‘Hurry to have the curry the tasty food, the lotus feet of Lord Hari, giving up your worry to reach that spiritual territory.’

Lord Krishna asked the Gopalakas to offer worship to the mountains who offered them food rather than to Lord Indra who offered rains. Angered, when Lord caused heavy downpour to flow, the Lord with his little finger, lifted the Hill ‘Govardhana’ for seven Days, and gave shelter to gopas, cows, and the entire Gokul village, vanquishing, Indra’s pride.

Out of the five elements of this universe, bhoomi stands top, because, it advises man to stand erect, with a rock-like heart, fight situations, and grow in life to glorious heights.

‘Like the snow in Himalayas, one must always be cool, like Vindhyas, though growth must be subdued, like the Mainaka offers help to the people in distress, lord, like Govardhana, is the protecting mountain, holding in a finger, the protecting umbrella, offering shelter to his devotees.

Likewise, our Hero is always cool in temperament, though reaching the zenith of glory, very subdued. Extending a hand of friendship to all. Always remaining silent like the Lord, of the seven hills. Touring the entire world, yet adhering to Indian principles, as a leader, protecting the entire family instilling courage and confidence.






Chapter X

SIDDARTHA KRISHNAN

Who has not heard about ‘Gautama Buddha? Buddha is one who is enlightened. He was born in Kapilavastu as the son of King Shuddodhana. His astrologers had predicted that he would become a monk in future, declining to enjoy material things. Hence, his father had placed him under four-walls of the palace with all the facilities, far away from external contacts. He also married Yeshodara and had a son. But, fate had other calculations for him.

In life, we get certain flash points or turning points. In Ramayana, when Sri Rama was about to be crowned, Kaikeyi hatches a plan to send the Lord to the forest. It was with a purpose. He had to annihilate the Rakshasas. Hence, the Devas thought of a plan to obstruct the crowning ceremony, paving the way for his forest sojourn. During the sojourn, his queen, Seetha was carried away by ten-headed-Ravana.

Rama and with the assistance of vanaras, attacked Lanka, won the war, by inflicting defeat on the Rakshasas, killing Demon Ravana, thus establishing Dharma.

Similarly, Krishna, born in Mathura, went to Gokul, grew as a wonder boy, shifted to Mathura, killing his uncle Kamsa, started ‘Operation Dharma,’ with the assistance of Pandavas, and like- minded followers, and rejuvenated righteousness. Sankaracharya, after initiation of Brahmacharya, took bath in the Purna river, caught by the crocodile, sought his mother’s permission to become sanyasi. He learnt the spiritual tenets form Govinda Goudapada.

Excelling in all the spiritual & vedantic pursuits, he defeated all the scholars during his time through his astounding arguments, achieving Digvijaya, and established Mutts in all the four corners of the country, the main mutt being in Sringeri, and placing the holy mother, Sharadamba, Godess of knowledge there. Worshipping her with utmost reverence, scripting his works for scholars as well as commoners, attained nirvana at the age of thirty-two, to earn a name as an exponent of advaitha tenet, a healer of worries, a guide to the devotees for salvation, a guiding light to brighten the lamp of Hinduism, a living as a legend for all times.

Ramana left at the age of eight his native place, to Thiruvannamalai by walk, performed meditation on Shri. Arunachaleshwara, and through strict exercise got the knowledge and expounded the Theory of self-knowledge. Personifying the tenet ‘Tatvamasi’, ‘Thou are that.’ He told us ‘You are not the body or soul, but, you are the off-spring of that Universal Soul.’

Hence Meditate, relax and be happy.’

Likewise, Siddhartha, one day went round the city, in the chariot and saw a leper, an old man and a corpse. His talk with the charioteer brought him to the world of reality. That this body is subject to decay, old age followed by death. But, by speaking and adhering to truth, resorting to non-violence, removing false-hood, giving up unwanted desires, and contemplating and meditating on supreme power, he can get peace and satisfaction.

After becoming the sage, he once visited his kingdom, but meeting wife and son, he did not deter in his belief. Once a lady Kisagautami, brought her dead son and asked Buddha, to restore his life. Lord Buddha asked her to fetch some black muster seed from a house which has not witnessed death. When she could not get the mustard from anywhere, he taught her the reality, that, ‘death is inevitable’ ‘Jathasya maranam dhruvam’

Once a lady continuously blamed Lord Buddha, but, he kept quiet. When the disciple asked the cause, Buddha, replied, ‘Just like the post that does not belong to the party is returned to the sender, so also, a blame or praise will not affect the receiver if he is silent and is returned to the blamer’

Like that, though, born in a high family, our hero is quite calm and quiet, from the beginning, and he has no enemies at all, as love is the basis of his life on which the mansion of life is built, and the residents are wealth, wisdom and welfare and the assets gained are affection, affinity, adaptability, assuring permanent peace and poignancy.











Chapter XI

Aditya Krishnan

To speak about the LORD, people want some proof of his existence. Our scriptures Are the authority. Our sages performed penance for years and whatever they experienced in their trance, and transferred it to their progeny. Thus the knowledge was transferred through passing of information called ‘SHRUTHI’ or ‘HEARING. Thus a new generation who devoted themselves for the service of the world through rigorous sacrifice, meditation, adherence to rituals. Hence people have to perform several rituals from cradle to grave like, Naming ceremony, Choodakarmam, upanayanam, Wedding, Shastiabdapoorthi, Bheemeratha shanti, sahasra chandra darshnam, satabhishekam etc.

Hence, Lord Krishna declared, ‘BRAHMANAHA MAMA DEVATHA’. There is Sage Vashishta, who was righteousness incarnate, and Sage Vishwamitra, who, by virtue of constant penance, became Bramharshi. And Valmiki, the hunter, became a great sage to write the big epic - RAMAYANA.

Out of the five elements of the universe, Lord Sun representation of tejus, plays an important role.[OTHERS ARE FIRE, WATER, AIR, EARTH]. Sun represents sky. He is the direct personification of the Lord. He is also called Lord Surya Narayana. He offers light to the world and rejuvenates the life of both animate and inanimate objects. Even the different seasons, summer, which is extremely hot, rainfall, which is very essential for the crops, the cold season or winter, which makes snow and ice to freeze the entire surroundings, are all different actions of Surya Bhagavan. He is also supposed to have taught Lord Hanuman, the entire vedic scriptures. First, as a child, Lord Hanuman, saw this red sun [rising sun], and presuming it to be a fruit, jumped to pick it and Lord Sun gave him a slap, by which, his face swelled . So, his father, Lord Vayu hid himself in a cave, to bring the entire world to stand still. Lord Brahma and Devathas offered him all the boons, and Lord Brahma gave exemption from any attack or its effect of Brahmastra. Lord Sun was also praised by Rama in the form of ‘Aditya Hrudaya Stotram’, the famous hymn told by Sage Agastya to Rama, to rejuvenate him to kill demon Ravana, who was protected by the boons of Shiva.

In Ramayana, the descendents are called ‘Surya Vamshis’, i.e. they belong to the sun’s race. In that dynasty of powerful rulers, each emperor had his own glory. King Bhageeratha, in order to get moksha to his ancestors, offer a good position in heaven, performed penance, appealed to mother Ganga to come down to the earth, through Lord Shiva’s jata.

King Dasaratha saved devas from the onslaught of demons, earned glory, while Sri Rama Established Dharma. In Chandravamsa, the descendents of the moon, the Pandavas, Bhisma, the terrible, Shantanu, Pururava, all of them record their achievements in history and puranas.

Lord Krishna, as their mentor, friend, guide and philosopher, saved Pandavas from all atrocities, stood by them in times of difficulties, annihilated all the enemies step by step and established righteousness. Thus the descendents of both the families, earned laurels through their unparalleled achievements.

Finally, our scriptures speak about the significance of Gayatri Mantra. As the Sun or Savitru rises, shines, sets, three times sandhyavandanam has been prescribed in our shastras as a form of salutation to Surya Bhagavan. In the morning, to pray for a happy day, in the afternoon to reduce the tension, and in the evening, to thank the Lord for making the day happy one.

Thus, welcoming the sun, to reduce the tension, and to thank the Lord for making the day A happy one, three times sandhya vandanam is prescribed. Gayathri manthra contains 24 letters with four lines composed in anustup chandas. A person starts his religious rituals with sandhyavandana. A person who performs gayatri manthram as per rules sincerely with devotion will attain pinnacle of perfection in sadhana, zenith of glory. All wealth, wisdom, welfare, tied together will adorn him. That is why it is called mother of all mantras. Leave others but embrace Gayathri Manthra and you are always absolutely free.

Thus, our hero, like Lord Sun, offers light to every one, in the form of knowledge, a guide, friend and philosopher to every one, non attached, yet affectionate, and welcomes all suggestions, cools all tough situations, and in the end there is satisfaction of achievement.

It is very difficult to go near the sun, but we can enjoy the benefits of his light. There is Grahanam when he is eclipsed by Rahu. People chant mantras and offer arghyas to their elders to relieve them from suffering and their well being.

Hence, anybody, caught in the web of misery or grievance, can get light to get rid of the Same by resorting to chanting of Lord’s names and Meditation. This is the significance of Aditya Krishna who brightens powerfully and offers light as Lord Krishna to dispel the darkness of Adharma and rejuvenate righteousness.


























Chapter XII

Aruna Krishnan.

Red is a familiar word used in different terms.Red fort is the place where the Prime Minister will address the nation every year. Red-alert is a precautionary measure asking people to be vigilant against enemy attack. Red-carpet-welcome is a welcome offered by a state to a dignitary.

While the sun rises in the east, it is red in colorist is aruna [orange],When a person becomes angry, his face will become red. In man’s qualities also, Satva guna [good quality], is represented by white, that stands for purity. Red stands for Rajasa [mixture of good and evil qualities,]. Black represents Tamas [the dormant quality].Thus, men are divided as divine, human beings and demons, as per their qualities.

In Soundarya Lahari, Shakaracharya describes that, the Holy mother, who is grace incarnate, if meditated as white adored, offers wonderful vocabulary, and power of speech to the devotee and those devotees, who worship the holy mother in the aruna varna form, grants to the devotees the poetic skill to write beautiful, ngrossing, endearing verses and grants singing ability to become wonderful musicians.

But, the holy mother, when she becomes angry, to annihilate the wicked, she becomes kali Mata, the black one, and thus she killed chanda and munda asuras, sevaks, shumba and nishumba, the terrible, who were annihilated by the holy mother. By killing chanda and munda she became Chamundeswari and by annihilating shumba and nishumba she became Mahakali.

Thus, she is grace incarnate to good, and offers desires, then disposes it to take us to the real kingdom and evil forces are destroyed, which were obstructing such progress. when Lord Sun rises in the east, it is red in the morning. As the time passes, it is White. Again, in the evening, it is red.

In the morning, when the day starts, we are afraid, how the day will pass and what is in store for us, happy, complicated or fateful. But the Lord assures that the day will be smooth. Only, one has to do his work. In the afternoon, there is agitation, confusion, tension, But again a smooth day. But, in the evening, we thank the Lord for his courtesy. White has got seven colours. They are, violet. indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red called in short VIBGYAR. When we visit a garden, we are surprised by the beauty of the nature., containing different flowers of different colours like jasmine and rose. When all these colours are combined, woven as a garland, the satisfaction that is experienced is beyond expression.

When one visits Mysore Palace, during Navarathri, we can see the palace being illuminated by different lights. The king used to press the button by the side of the throne, and the entire palace used to become a heaven on the earth.

the K.R. Sagar dam, which is one of the beautiful dams of Karnataka, is the result of visionary, Sir M. Visweswariah. During week-ends in the evening, the lights are on, the bunch of miseries are packed off and merry moments makes one mesmerised, friends sharing their experience, the lovers passing hand-in-hand slowly, some sitting in the grass, enjoying ice cream, children consuming pop-corn, all different enjoyments packed in one, for the public to experience the bliss.

The Arunodaya in the sun rising early in the morning, like the red sun, let lord create hope. Like Blue sky, let there be broad-mind, like greenery, let there be freshness, like whiteness, let there be purity like gold, which is yellow, glory shine.

Our hero, like the white colour, has absorbed all the colours[good qualities], in the box called heart allowing each quality to come out as and when required to make a colourful event.



















CHAPTER XIII

Ajeya Krishna


The word ‘ajeya’ means ‘unconquerable.’ What is ‘CONQUERING? Here we mean, the achievement. We can choose any field to reach the goal.

Alexander, the great, was shown in a map by his guru, which his father had won certain areas and the rest to be conquered by him. Alexander began to weep because he could not win the world completely. That is the passion and zeal required to conquer. The same Alexander, when he came to India, had to meet some local kings. When he came across a king called Porus, he asked him as to what he wanted? The king replied that ‘He must be treated like a king’. The emperor was amazed and returned the kingdom.

That is the spirit, mental toughness, courage, conviction, to conquer. We also know about King Asoka. Though he won the war of KALINGA, he was upset by the death, bloodshed and injustice inflicted on the innocent citizens and decided to give up the war and embraced non-violence. That is spiritual victory. An ordinary sherpa from Nepal, Tensing Norge, along with the New Zealand climber, Edmund Hillary, was able to climb the Mount Everest and achieve victory. And set a record as first persons to reach the mount hitherto unconquered.



How was this possible?

Normally, when an ordinary man, stands on the earth and watches the hill he wants to climb, he is awed by the mountain standing majestically high, with rocks depicting the firmness, ready to take any situation with firmness, hot, chilly and rainy season representing adjustment and giving shelter to numerous medical herbs, birds, trees.

The person climbing the hill has to undergo severe pain, undertake a thorny route, wade through slippery sides, struggle in the rough path, sometimes severe sights of the land below. Finally, when he reaches the summit, the satisfaction is immense.

Our hero is remarkable for his ability to scale new heights in his personnel and professional life conquering difficulties. This quality has inspired many to undertake new challenges in their life. Isn’t he really Ajeya Krishnan? the unconquerable Krishnan!!















Chapter XIV

Lavanya Krishnan

What is Lavanya ?
It is the ‘Enchanting Beauty.’ Normally, when somebody looks good, he is called handsome. When a girl is cute we call her ‘beautiful’. Let us see the world around us. First, we see the cloud. The white cloud passing in the sky move like an army of soldiers, one behind the other. Sometimes, they resemble some animals like elephant, rabbit, etc. like our eyes imagine.

when sun emerges in the sky, it is aruna varna, the red colour or saffron colour in the beginning, the white colour as he rises and again the red while setting in the evening. This sun creates various images in our heart beyond description. In the night, when we stroll on a beach, the moon emanates cool breeze, bringing joy in the people. ‘Pournami Nilavu’ or Full-moon light, creates a cool and enchanting atmosphere, making the mind cool, peaceful and contented.

Let us look at the mountains’

The tall imposing majestic mountain reminds everyone that he must struggle and aim to reach the top position in life. The slippery steps, every steep route, the thorny bushes reflect the tough road of life ahead, the rigorous effort, one has to put to trek in the mountainous path. The stony rocks teach a man to be firm in his heart in achieving the goal.

The beauty of the River is beyond explanation. The area that is covered by water teaches a man to be broad-minded. Not just that it gives us a lesson in humility. Before this vast world, we are only tiny tots. The waves that dance. This flow sometimes harsh, you gape in awe at the rudra ramaneeya. Go to jog falls and picturise your feelings. It is wonderful. The water flowing smoothly like a coy lady, with laaliltya, sometimes very fast, moving like a girl, eager to meet her parents.

The sound of the waves remind us of the ‘pranava chanting.’

Finally, when we come to fire, the holy fire lit to perform homa and when it rises high, the beauty of the heat passes on the message- to offer light to the needy and the ghee you offer is the energy that gives a boost to your will power.

Whenever we look at the beauty of the architecture, Taj Mahal first comes to our mind. The sacrifice which one can make to prove his love towards his life companion, to be remembered even by posterity.

Then the beauty of the Tanjavur and Tiruchendur temples reflect the effort, excellence, enchanting craftsmanship, the engineering marvel, coupled with devotion, dedication, determination of the designers, architects, craftsmen and everyone connected with the structure, making the on-looker even today salute in reverence all of them while reveling at the beauty, rejoicing at its splendour. The onlooker also regales his friends with its explanation, remember in his mind this visit as an experience which will ever be reverberating in mind for all the times to come.

When we come to the statues of different characters of god, like Lord Shiva, we see, how proportionate each and every organ is made out - eyes are like lotus, smiling lips like Rose petals, fingers and nails in the hands, every organ carved with proportions. All idols with dresses that are colourful, eye-catching, exemplary, exceptional, extraordinary. A vision that can be experienced and not explained like the taste and smell.

When we come to human beings, the skin colours fade away one day. But, the beauty of the people, who serve human community with love, affection and compassion, without expectations, is something always laudable and loveable. The voice of the melody queens, the paintings of Da vinci, the poems of Rabindranath Tagore, the thundering clarion call of Swami Vivekananda, the simplicity of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the melodious music of MS, the breath taking cosmic dance of Nataraja of Chidambaram, the beauty in the smile of holy mother Kamakshi of Kanchi, the affectionate and attractive eyes of mother Madurai Meenakshi, the stone chariots at Mahabalipuram, the victory-tower, the Mahanavami Dibba, the sasuve Ganapathy, the Ugranarasimha of Hampi, the architectural marvel at Harappa and Mohenjadaro, the Khujaraho sculptures, Bahubali standing majestically in Shravanabelagola, the Engineering marvel of KRS, brainchild of Sir MV are only few examples of lavanya, the lord’s memorable gift. Our hero symbolizes and stands for all that is beautiful because of his all round affection, affinity, care & concern applicable to all.



Chapter XV

Shri.Raja Krishnan


Let us find out the definition of ‘Raja.’ Raja is King the one who rules his kingdom through his subjects.

A king of his men, naturally he must have Courtesy, command and control .. He cannot rule the country as he likes. He must be guided through Raja Dharma to help him in this action. The guidelines of dharma are given in the ‘constitution.’ So. he cannot rule the country as per his whims and fancy. Hence, he must abide by the words of intelligence. He is helped by a team of ministers.

Every time a crisis arises through ‘vicious forces, that may try to create chaos in the country and an attempt to unseat him, the situation will have to dealt with deftness for which ‘strength’ is required.

Such a situation is put down by the chief of the army, Senadhipati or ‘Commander-in-Chief.’

For a king moral guidance and divine bliss comes from spirituality. Hence, he is guided in this regard by the ‘Rajaguru’.

To maintain his administration and status, he must have a palatial building. In religious matters, he must be guided by a ‘conscience keeper’. This conscience is his Rajguru and Amighty who gives him the strength to handle any kind of turmoil. Every ruling dynasty has a ‘Kuladevata’ who gives the king the wisdom and capability to rule the Kingdom.

Equally important for the King is to have a good Queen to will assist him in every way and be with him for looking after the people.

And of course to maintain the sovereignty of his country, he should have elephants, the horses, along with an Army to protect the state. All these are must for him.

Let us see some of the ‘Raajas.’

‘Gajaraja’ - Vinayaka’- Eldest son of shri.Parameswara and Uma, well-built in size, very kind-hearted, very sharp, intelligent. He was specifically identified to write Mahabharatha, while Sage Veda Vyasa was dictating. Once when the pen he was writing with broke, he broke his tusk to continue writing.

About his intellect, we all know this story nevertheless, let me repeat - When Sage Narada gave a mango fruit to lord Shiva and Umadevi, they wanted to give this mango to their children. Since there was only one mango Siva and Uma set a competition for them viz., Vinayaka and Muruga. The condition was - the fruit will be given to one who goes round the world and comes first. Lord Vigneswara, thought for while and quietly did pradakshinam by going round the parents, saluted them and sat down. Muruga went round the world on his peacock and returned to only find Vinayaka eating the fruit gleefully. Shanmukha, got furious went away from Kailasa and settled in Palani. This is only a story, but has several messages – about the sanctity of parents, intellect of Vinayaka and need to act backed with thinking. This Gajaraja is the healer of all obstacles and accessible by all. May he bless us all.

Nagaraja - also a symbol of Subrahmanya. Besides, he is also Adisesha, the bed when the Narayana sleeps. Nagaraja is also an umberlla when the Narayana rests. This Nagaraja was born as Lakshmana, brother of Rama. He served Rama like a Karmayogi, Lord krishna’s elder Brother in Dwaparayuga was Balarama, an unparalleled hero, fighting continuously against injustice. When Duryodhana was hit on the thigh by Bheema, he became upset, as it was against the code of war. But, Duryodhana was hit on the thigh because Duryodhana in an enthusiasm jumped high and Bhima who was waiting for an opportunity to break his thigh used the chance to hit him there. Duryodhana had committed an offence, when he had insulted sage Durvasa by slapping his thigh and so was cursed of death by being hit on the thigh. So, Lord Krishna made best use of the curse to finish him. Shanmukha is benevolent lord who blesses his devotees.

Mruga Raja - When the rakshasa king Hiranyakashipu harassed his son, Prahlada, bhakta of Narayana, to protect Prahlada, Narayana appeared lord Narasimha, half-man and half-lion to kill the demon king. Narasimha is very kind in his heart. Lion is rightly called Mrugaraja has he is majestic and most dignified among the predators in jungle.

Khaga Raja - The vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Garuda. Because of the injustice inflicted on his mother, he had threatened to eliminate the clan of serpents and created fear. But, even today, before the chariot procession starts in kukke Subrahmanya, the eagle hovers around the chariot and as its salutations to Lord Subrahmanya. in Sabarimalai also, on makara-vilakku day, after lord Aiyyappa is decorated with jewels, before the star appears, the eagle hovers round the temple and does pradakshina.

Hayaraja – Devendra’s horse Ucchraishavas. Ucchraishavas appeared during the Amrita Manthana along with Mahalakshmi, Amrita, Airavata, etc.

Bhalluka Raja- King of Bears; In tretayuga, Bhalluka Raja viz., Jambavan. He is also the senior-most person in Sugreeva’s army which fought Ravana, offering suggestions, advice and guidance. When Lakshmana fell unconscious after the attack by Indrajit with Nagastra, Jambavan advises Hanumantha to fetch sanjeevini, the ayurvedic herb to cure him. During Dwaparayuga he fights with Krishna as a fulfillment of the boon sought by him from Rama and gives his daughter Jambavati and Shyamantaka Mani to Krishna.

Guru Raja - Sage Raghavendra Teertharu in Mantralaya entering brindavan alive and blessing his devotees with love.

Tyagaraja - the king of devotees of lord Rama who bathed Rama in the nectar of devotion and composed songs on lord Rama - mixing the same with the sugar of devotion, adding the cardamom of melodious music and offering as naivedyam, mixing the ghee of compassion, performing the arathi of tears and saluting through humility. He offered this payasam of bliss to the devotees of the world which will be ever shining, everlasting and ever-green fiesta to the listeners.

Jaga Raja -It is the Lord of the Jagat - universe.





All the above Rajas when symbolized in one individual who rules the family court, through the weapons of Love and affection and accommodation with positive attitude.

That is our hero.































Chapter XVI

Shuba Krishnan

‘Shubasya sheeghram.’ They say any good thing should be done immediately. ‘shubashuba palerivam mokshyase karma bandhanai’ – Bhagavadgita. The result of any action is the result of attachment towards that object and good deed is the result of non-attachment.

‘Shubhe shobane muhurte, adya brahmanaha, dviteeya prahararde, sweta varaha kalpe, vaisvata manvntare, kaliyuge, jambudvipe, bharathavarshe………shree parameswara preetyartham…’ during commencement of lord’s worship thus goes the line. I am starting lord’s worship on this sacred day at this sacred place for the satisfaction of the lord. ‘Shri Krishnarpanamastu’ in the end, I am offering this worship to the lord.

When we see the above quotations, we notice that, to do a good thing, we have to do immediately, as the mind which is chanchala in nature, is swinging with bad thoughts which may compel us to postpone the work as ‘procrastination is the greatest enemy’.

We have an instance where the Karna, when he was just about to leave for the war, a Brahmin came and asked for some gift. Karna saw a silver vessel lying before Him and immediately offered the same to the Brahmin through the left hand. When the Brahmin asked for the reason, he replied, that, ‘the mind is very strange. when I want to offer something, the mind may dictate against it. Hence, before such a thought is created wanted to finish the job.

The Great Mahabali, when he knew that ‘it was none other than ‘Lord Narayana’ who came in the form of Vamana the brahmachari seeking gift, even against the advise of Guru Shukracharya who stood in the entrance of the hole of the Kamandalam to prevent the act of dana, Bali never deterred from the act of dana. Though Shukracharya lost one eye Bali completed dana of offering tht three feet of land asked for by Vamana. Bali did indeed become Mahabali, with Narayana guarding his house in patala.

We have seen in ordinary life, that, when we launch a film project, pooja is performed at the time of muhurta, for its successful run. When a shop or business is opened or any auspicious act is undertaken, pooja is performed in expectation of good returns.

When a child is born, Namakaranam is performed, before feeding, Annaprashanam, before schooling Aksharabhyasam, Brahmopadesam, during marriage Janavasam, Kashi Yatrai, saptapadi, Mangalya Dharanam, Laja homam, are performed. During pregnancy, Pumsavanam, after child birth Namakaranam, so on and so forth.

Even when a man departs, several karmas are performed for eleven days, monthly, annually, to see that the person who is dead attains ‘Pitruloka’ bereft of all sins.

Every year, we perform upakarmam. One thousand Gayatri Mantra chanting is performed. Kanda Rishi Tarpanam for holy sages, Brahma yagyam to appease the Devatas, several homas like Ganapati Homa, Chandi Homa, Mrutyunjaya and and Subrahmanya Homa, to appease the different forms of the almighty and obtain their bliss. Previously such yagnas like Rajasuya and Aswamedha were performed to give stability to the empire and welfare to the citizens.

It is not only sacrifice performed in fire is yagyam, any work performed for people’s welfare to seek divine blessing is a yagya.
• deva yagya; to appease the divine, sandhyavandanam, worship, japam etc.
• rishi yagyam;to appease the sages .
• pithru yagyam;to appease the departed souls.
• manushya yagyam’to serve the mankind.
• prani yagyam;to look after cattles, cows, animal community.

Even Ravana before starting war with Lord Rama got for himself the right time to commence the war and achieve victory. Sahadeva helped to fix the correct time to commence the war of Kurukshetra. Thus, Good and bad actions are like two faces of the same coin. But, to achieve good results through good action, good time is necessary. Though planetary status has a say in the affairs, it is the universal lord who decides, determines and dictates everything. What he wishes will take place.What he doesn’t remains static. One who knows this secret of life can be a successful performer. Hence, Krishna always wishes well of his devotees and knows what to do.

Our hero is very meticulous about the time, method, manner, motive, means and the Ultimate end of everything and hence, a successful achiever.





Chapter XVII

Lakshmana Krishnan

Lakshmana is said to be the avatar of Shri.Adishesha,the serpent bed of Lord Mahavishnu.He is the paduka on which the Lord walks. An umbrella when he sits.

It is essential to know the background of every avtar. Let’s see why Subrahmanya took birth? This is beautifully portrayed in Shri.Kumara Sambhavam of poet Kalidasa.

Tarakasura was the demon who got boon from Lord Rudra and began to harass the sages by obstructing their religious rituals and harassed all people. In order to annihilate him They had to find a way. After meditation, the sages realised that a son born to Lord Shiva and umadevi Would annihilate Tarakasura.

But it was a difficult task. Lord Shiva by nature was a rigorous tapasvi and it was well-nigh impossible to get him married. But Parvati was very particular in marrying him. Hence, she performed severe tapas. First amidst ‘Panchagni’, with fire burning around her and she standing amidst the same. Then she stood on the edge of a sharp needle and performed penance.

Why was Parvati so bent on marrying Shiva? Parvati, in her previous birth was daughter of Daksharaja, the son of Lord Brahma and was called Sati or Dakshayini. She married Lord Shiva against her father’s wishes. Once, when Daksharaja was performing Yagya, did not invite Lord Shiva. So naturally Shiva advised Sati not to visit father’s house without being invited. But, when she went, she was insulted by her father. Humiliated She fell in the sacrificial fire. Angered, Shiva attacked Daksha’s palace with his Bhootaganas In which the king was killed.

Now, somehow, Lord Shiva had to be got married $to kill Tarakasura. So, Devatas, utilized the services of Manmatha for this purpose. He waited for an opportune time and while Parvati was serving him, shot an arrow of flowers with a sugarcane bow. Shiva opened his eyes and saw Parvati. At the same time he was also enraged. Lord Shiva stared at Manmatha with his third eye and reduced him to ashes. On hearing the agony of Lord Manmatha’s wife, Rathidevi, he gave the boon that her husband will be visible only to her eyes and she can play with him. Though without form, Ananga as he is called, still plays havoc on the lifes of the human beings. Then Lord Shiva was married to Parvathidevi. Sanakamuni, who was a strict yati, in the fullest sense, was requested to be born as Lord Muruga. First he was only adoring Lord Shiva and when Umadevi was also prayed, then, emerged Subrahmanya.

The Lord came out of the fury of Lord Shiva in the form of fire, which was dropped in the river ‘sharavanapoigai’ the six babies were fed by ‘karthika kanyas’ and assembled into one by Parvathi. He is ‘Gyana Pandita’ king of knowledge. He taught pranava mantra to his father lord Shiva and asked Brahma the meaning of ‘Omkara’ not getting any answer, he bound him for a few minutes. The entire universal activities were held up. Then, at the request of the devas he was released.

Later, enraged, that his brother, lord Ganesha was offered the fruit, sage Narada gave by his parents, he sat in the mountain of Palani. He is standing in six hill tops known as ‘arupadaiveedu.’ He also married Valli, the daughter of a tribesman and Devayani, the daughter of Devendra.

He not only offers what the devotee wants but also offers what he wishes. Then, Deva Senani as he is called, he engineered an attack on Tarakasura. He peacock as his vehicle and Cock as the symbol of his flag. He stands as Subrahmanya in Kukkepura, blessing his devotees and curing their ills and offering the boons asked for.

Hence, born as Lakshmana in Tretayuga, a karmayogi, par excellence, a shade of Shri Rama, it is said that, in their childhood, two cradles were kept. If shri.Lakshmana Was not there, Shri Rama never used to sleep.

In Dwaparayuga, frustrated to do some unpleasant things, as a younger brother in Tretayuga, he became elder brother to Krishna, Balarama, a master of mace fighting, and holding Halayudha, the sickle, in his hands. Silently supporting the actions of his younger brother Krishna for the good of humanity.

There is a short story. Once a snake was harassing everyone. A sage who came on the way, advised the snake that he should not harass anyone. The snake changed its habit and became very mild. When people realized that it was harmless, they began to pelt stones. The snake was injured. On his return, the sage saw the wounded snake and learnt of the incident. The sage advised the snake to hiss and not to bite, so that people would get scared and run away.

Thus, to face the society, one should not be meek. But that does not mean that he should tolerate injustice. Ram and Lakshman have been inseparable twins. Thus, with love, affection, magnanimity, servitude, being the basis of their life, and not losing their homeland smell they are the twilights holding high the glory of the family offering [India] offering their heart in an alien land, living in USA for us. Our hero is really proud of this precious possession!!!





























CHAPTER XVIII

NISHA KRISHNAN.

In Sanskrit, ‘Nisha’ means night, darkness, which is the opposite of light. Everything has two faces. While light gives man inspiration to get up and activate the body to perform his activities, darkness helps him to embrace the mother sleep, after hectic activity during The day. Isn’t Nisha necessary to us?

After all, they are only two faces of the same coin or any aspect. If the sun rises in the morning in India, it is time to sleep in the US. This is vice-versa there. It does not mean Sun is not there. After all the rotation of the earth will cause day and night.

If some people say ‘God is no where,’ intelligent people will just change the content to say ‘God is now here’. It is only a question of pushing the letter ‘W’. Only when there is a thing we can argue about its positive and negative aspects. Only If there is a human being, we can say, whether he/she is good or bad.

We see men who are talkative and who are silent. If a person is silent, it does not mean they do not have knowledge ‘Speech is a rare gift of God given to human beings, which should be used judiciously. If it is used as a fixed deposit, drawn only when there is necessity, it will earn laurels like interest.

If a person is talkative, it will be like a Savings Bank Account. It will not fetch little interest. Only withdrawals means losing the deposit made. Like R.D Account, we can hear what others speak and earn knowledge. It is like recurring money. Finally, when we lend our suggestion and ideas like consultants only when solicited, we earn money. It is again ‘loans against deposits.’ thus the ‘Balance Sheet of speech must show or gain.’

We drive in the morning with tension. But it is always pleasurable driving in the night, when the road is free of hassles, the weather clam and cool. Even in a beach, when we go in the evening, there is mad rush. But, when we view the sea in the night, ‘What a pleasant serene scene and silence’. In our day to day life also we have four stages of consciousness:

Jagruta Avastha - When we are awake
Swapna Avastha - Dream state in the sleep.
Sushupti Avastha - When we have absolute sleep.
Turya Observer - While he is awake, he is observing everything without getting involved.

Our scholars say, ‘one must be aware of the impending end, which is inevitable and does not serve any notice. This is jagruthi, awareness. Swapna-we can imagine numerous things. Understand the reality to enjoy the fact that everything is god’s gift. Wealth, family are all temporary. The real pleasure is in understanding oneself that he is the representative of god and behave accordingly.

Sushupti state ‘sleep state’ a contented, calm and clean man without malice or hatred will get good sleep, as his mind is quiet, calm and serene like pure water.

Turya – composed - he is awake but only an observer not getting involved in anything. nature has provided light that is knowledge to lead a happy life and ignorance is darkness, which a man should get rid of then only his life will be sweet and secure, sublime.

Our hero is offering knowledge like a sun and dispelling darkness making everyone’s life a pleasant one.

























Chapter XIX

Rishi Krishnan

There is an interesting episode for the world we live in. In the beginning, the entire world was contained in the ‘Hiranyagarbha’

There was ‘Nirguna Brahma’ who had no attributes. Then he wanted to become active and create the world. So, he came ‘Saguna Brahman’ with attributes. His iccha shakti in the form of ‘Shri Shakti’ which we call his spouse to inject Kriya Shakti in this act. Then three divisions emanated.

One was Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the protector, and Lord Rudra,the annihilator.

Eve between them there were two divisions. One was Shankara, who had created maya and Lord Sadashiva who dispelled ignorance and gave salvation. Hence, the lord set up a system in this world for creation of both animate and inanimate products, gave all the resources to enjoy.

In heaven, the liberated souls do not have any happiness or misery, as they do not attach themselves to the action. Also after all, they have consumed nectar and are immortals !!!

But man comes to this earth in order to enjoy or suffer in this life as per his previous acts (poorva karma) and correct himself at least in this birth, by performing good deeds.

There are five sense Organs, five organs of action, intelligence, and above all, the heart. It is the place where the God dwells and hence it is ‘God’s abode’ If we want to witness him, there are several ways, which are called Yogas, which we need to practice. The realization that ‘he is in everything, he is every thing and I am but a part of him is the ‘Gyana Yoga’ Some people may not be so scholarly to understand the things. Hence, they have to perform their duty, leaving the fruits of action to the Almighty. This is ‘Karma Yoga’ with a feeling called ‘LOVE’

If we love things which are temporary, we may get attached and disappointed. By directing the same energy towards God, with devotion, the sanctity of the same can be increased. The person gets closer to God. This is ‘Bhakti yoga’

Then there is another yoga called ‘Raja Yoga or Hata Yoga’ which is not recommended for common people as it is very complicated and cumbersome. The formation of various Varnas (community) in India was dictated as per the individual’s character and action.

If I want to perform the wedding of my son, it is a good intention. That is ‘Brahman [a right thinking]. Then we have to put forth some effort by performance of some job[kshathriya]. Then money thus earned should be saved[vysya]. Then we Have to engage the services of the priest, cook, choultry, Nadaswaram, invitation, provisions, etc.,[shudra].

In order to describe the nature of duty assigned to us, some people exclusively devoted themselves for this task. They performed rigorous penance and through communication with God got some experience, which, they then transmitted to their successors .They transmitted these experiences orally. This was through shruti[hearing], They were Called ‘Sages or Rishis. In the four ages called kruta, treta, dwapara and kali - in kruta yuga, people performed rigorous penance. In treta yuga, people performed yagya and yagas. In dwapra, it was worship and prayer. In kaliyuga, it is mere ‘Keshava Chintanam.’ ‘Think of Lord Hari even if you are in a hurry so that you can enjoy the curry called lord’s bliss’

Several giants in this land like Valmiki and Vedavyasa wrote epics like Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The three Acharyas, Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhwacharya brought three systems of self realization called Advaita, Dvaita and Vishshtadvaita. Some major Rishis like Srivatsa, Kaundinya, Kaushik, Gargya, Vishwamitra, Bharadwaja etc. who are called Gotra pravartakas and their descendents have been identified with their lineage, which we call as Gothra. Then we had Upanishads, Bhagavad Geetha, Bhagavatha, which through story-telling imbibed the spirit of devotion in the common people.

Then Musicians, like saint Thyagarajar, Purandaradasaru, Swathi Thirunal, Muthuswamy Dikshithar, Appaiya Dikshitar, Arunagirinathar, brought the glory of devotion through their compositions which were given life by musicians like, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, G.N.B, Madurai Mani, Ariyakudi, M.S. etc. In North, Bhakthi Panth was glorified by Tukaram, Meera, Ekanath, Kabir, Tulasidas, Rahim to name a few. Though God is omnipresent, we have temples every where to remind people of him omnipresence. Every family has a Kuladevatha, Ista Devata and each one has a unique way of prayer, the result being establishing of a communication with god.

The Rishi or sage is one devoting himself to think, pray and translate his thoughts into action. Our hero bearing the name of Lord Krishna, is spreading the message of Bhagavad Geetha through his disciples called Rishis. The grand son of our hero bears this novel name which is holy and sacred.






























Chapter XX

Amith Krishnan

AMITA in Sanskrit is immense. We say, ‘Amita Parakrama,’ which means ‘Immense Strength.’ In Mahabharatha, among the Pandavas, Yudhishtira had spiritual strength. Bhima had physical strength. Arjuna had strength in the art of archery. Nakula had strength in handling the horses. Sahadeva had strength in gazing at the stars and astrological prediction. Balarama had unparalleled strength in handling the mace in fight. Krishna had Strength in tackling things in what we politically call ‘shrewdness’

In Ramayana, Rama had the strength of morality, integrity and honesty. Lakshmana had the Strength of obedience. Bharatha had the strength of sacrifice. Shatrughna had the Strength of sticking to his brother, Bharatha, and hence called ‘Non-controversial.’

Vedavyasa, who wrote Mahabharatha and Bhagavatha had intellectual strength. Gautama Buddha had the strength of normalcy. Bahubali had the strength of renunciation.

Viashwamitra was a formerly a great king with amita parakrama. Once he came to meet Sage Vashishta. In order to serve the king in line with his status, Sage Vashishta got a grand feast prepared, with the assistance of ‘Nandini, the Divine Cow. Stunned at the hospitality, the king wanted to have the cow, stating that it is the state property. When the sage refused, the king attacked Vasishta’s hermitage with his army. Then the holy cow, shaking its head, created a battalion of soldiers, which drove Vishvamitra’s army back. Perturbed, the king realized and declared ‘Shame on the physical strength, divine grace is real strength’

He went to perform severe penance. But naturally Devas could never tolerate an ordinary man attaining supremacy, lest their power is robbed !!!!

So, when a king called Thrishanku, wanted to go to heaven physically, the Devas declared that it is against the laws of nature and pushed him down to earth. Then Vishvamitra created an intermediate heaven for the king called ‘Trishanku Swarga’. He became a ‘Rajarshi.’ Then, he harassed Raja Harishchandra, to the tilt, to prove his honesty. Again during his tapas, the devas sent a divine danseuse Called ‘Menaka’ to divert him from his severe tapas. The result was the birth of ‘Shakuntala’ who was married to King Dushyanta. Due to various turn of events, when she was abandoned by King Dushyantha, due to paternal attachment, he knew what is ‘love and affection’.

Then he started meditating on ‘Mother Gayatri, praying for bliss for the mankind and realized the holy Gayatri Mantra.

Thus, surrender to the holy mother and thought about universal welfare gave him the title ‘Vishwamitra’ or friend of the world.’ During Treta yuga, he took Rama and Lakshmana, to the forest to annihilate the demons, obstructing the rituals of the sages and ultimately got them and their other brothers married to the daughters of King Janaka, Janaki, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakeerthi.

In Mahabharata, Krishna taught Arjuna to know the real meaning of life. Lord is the supreme being and the entire universe is his creation and we are all his off-springs. So, thinking of him and working for him, surrendering our ego and the fruits of action coupled with absolute love, devotion, faith in him, one gets mukti.

Before the war, both Arjuna And Duryodhana went to Lord Krishna, to seek his help. Duryodhana sat by the head of the Lord, who was in sleep, to get his attention, Partha sat near the lotus feet of the Lord. But the Lord wished Arjuna after he got up as he was simple in nature, and Duryodhana got the next attention. On the one side he will be there without arms the entire yadava army and balarama on the other. Partha chose the lord and Duryodhana chose the army and Balarama.

Ultimately, it was the Pandavas who won because of the presence of the Lord, who relieved them of all the obstacles from the beginning. If you have NO.1 which is constant and add numerous zeroes to it. It will be ten, hundred, thousand, lakhs, crores etc.’ Without one, zero has no value. So man is zero without god’s blessing. He is hero with God’s blessing.

This is called ‘Amitha Shakthi or Immense Strength. Our hero, blessed with The grace of Lord Krishna of Guruvayoor, Lord Aiyyappa of Sabari Malai, Mother Bhagavathy Ammal of Chotanikara, is the devotee having immaculate strength of physical, mental spiritual benediction, beyond description. Thousand… lakhs…






Chapter XXI

Anika Krishnan.

Anika has several prefixes to it. In Kannada, ‘prayaanika’ is used to describe a traveler. In Sanskrit, there is the word ‘Yavanika’ to describe youth strength. There is ‘Vainika’ Who is playing the instrument of veena.There is ‘puranika’ who narrates the stories relating to the Lord.

Prayaanika; In this journey called life there are two stations called Birth and Death. We Have to get in, alight, again get in and alight at so many stations. The train is moving. The ticket you are having is Lord’s Grace. The TT of course is the lord. The driver is the fate. All are fellow-travelers. Enjoy the journey, share the happy moments. But be aware. Finally you have to get down and say -good-bye and get down at your station. The great value of philosophy is highlighted in this single word. You are only a traveler, not the owner of the train.

‘Know this fact and deal with tact.’

Yavanika; It is the struggle of the youth. We have seen old people boasting about their days. But today, youth are much learned and the world has developed in science and technology with fast paced progress in communication. In the olden days mothers used to show moon to their children and fed them. Today people are going to space and returning. Machines have made life easy. One can travel through the entire world and return. But, basically, fundamental factors have not changed. The synthesis of Metaphysics is essential to make the honeymoon of science and spirituality successful. Of course, youngsters question the value of traditions and systems. Explain them, convince them and they will accept and follow it with humility. The law of the nature demands that the Olympic torch be handed over to the future generation. Past, present and future are the three wheels on which the auto rickshaw of life proceeds.

Vainika; There is a fight. The mind is agitated. Just tune your radio. Listen to the mesmerizing music. See the change. You are back to normal with peace and happiness assured. There is vocal singing. That takes you directly to the Lord. The violin, Mrudangam, ghatam, khanjira, all will accompany in tune with the musician to give mental peace. The special feature of veena is, it is the instrument held by the Goddess of music knowledge, mother Saraswathi. She plays with her fingers on the instrument on the one hand and creates melody on the other. Thus, when any mood of happiness is to be reflected, veena is used. So goes the story…. once Mother Lalita Parameswari, who was listening to Saraswati playing veena, in appreciation of the deft playing of veena by Sarawati exclaimed ‘aha’, Saraswati immediately stopped playing veena and even hastily covered the vibrating strings with the pallu of her saree, to arrest even the vibration of the strings, as mother Lalita’s voice so enchanting, melodious, mesmerizing.

Thus music makes one to mitigate all evil thoughts and maintains a cohesion of noble thoughts and action in life to lead a meaningful life.

Puranika; There is a class of people who are experts in rendering the episodes of epics With interesting flavor, which is not only entertaining, but educative, exhaustive, enthralling and enchanting. They will take the audience to raptures and instill a sense of fear Not to commit sins and faith in the lotus feet of the lord, with the message that, ultimately ‘Truth will triumph’

In olden days, we had Dramas with music. As days passed by, audio & Video cassettes have taken their place. But, basically, whether we see or hear, change of heart is necessary to annihilate the Demon and to get rid of the duality in us, unearthing and bringing out noble qualities to make a man ‘Divine’

Sainika; Man is a ‘sainika’ a warrior, fight the enemy of hatred, jealousy, avarice, greed with the sword of intelligence to win a victory and hoist the flag of welfare.

Thus our hero is donning the roles of Prekshaka [observer] and Rakshaka [protector] of Values, as chintaka [A great thinker] and Hantaka[killer] of all evil qualities, to emerge as ‘Hitharakshaka’, a well-wisher, a ‘priya nayaka’ of all the family members.’

* * * * *










Chapter XXII.

Pranamam

In our vedic exposition, there is a saying that, let every man live for hundred years hale and healthy, with plenty and prosperity. It is possible to live for one hundred years if he is a disciplinarian, a devotee of the lord a dedicated person known for service, following a strict diet, depending on his own self. Treating digestion a boon, diversion a nuisance, detachment a bliss, duality a curse, determination an asset, doggedness a quality, doubting a weakness, divine bliss a fortune.

We have the spiritual giant ‘nadamadum deivam’ the moving god, the healer of ills, a symbol of mercy, concern for the common man, strict disciplinarian, never deviating from dharma, the pontiff who toured the entire country on foot, to spread the message of advaita, like the great sage Adi Shankara, revered, respected, adored, saluted as a sage, scholar… the divine Kanchi Paramachariar.

We had Sir. M. Visweswariah, who was very practical, punctual, patriot par excellence, a statesman-cum-engineer, who served as divan of Mysore and was instrumental in building the state economy, by establishing Mysore Bank, Mysore Iron and Steel Works, Mysore Soap Factory, Mysore Paper Mills. Who can forget the heaven on earth, Brindavan Gardens at KRS, the dam par excellence, across the river Cauvery?. When there grew a small difference of opinion between himself and the Maharaja of Mysore, he resigned his divan’s post and came back home in his private car. On his 100th birthday he was honoured with Bharat Ratna, when Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, who commented ‘in honouring you we are honouring ourselves.’

He went abroad to offer consultations to many governments in the structural engineering, know the progress there and brought the knowledge there for implementing here. It is said that once a visitor came a bit earlier than the appointed time, who was sent back, stating that he was too early.

Then we have Nittoor Srinivasa Rao, retired Chief Justice of Karnataka and also acting Governor of Mysore. He Was a dedicated social worker, a founder member of the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs, established by Dr.D.V.Gundappa, the great freedom fighter of Karnataka and the writer of Mankuthimmana Kagga, the Bhagavad Geeta in kannada - ORDINARY MAN’S MUSINGS.’

Then A.N.Murthy Rao, the great writer of the state, who was prolific, perfect and pious, in his own way, in his living. It is a matter of pride to note that all the above’ shathayushis’ hail from Karnataka, who was a legend in his own way.

Then His Holiness Shiva Kumara Swamigalu of Siddaganga Matha, a great social worker and personification of the kindness.

Tyagaraja rightly said ‘Enduro mahanubhavulu.. Andariki Vandanam’ In our lives, first sixtieth birthday is celebrated. It is called ‘retirement’ from public life. But in private, it is time to start thinking about the lord, renounce desires, be a guide, a friend and a philosopher to the inmates of the family. The seventieth year is celebrated as ‘Bheemarathaa Shanthi.’ He must be strong in his will and pull the family chariot through god’s bliss.

The eightieth year is celebrated as ‘Sahasrachandra Darshana’, where his mind radiates cool temperament, kindness, spreading love and affection. At the hundredth year, full of divinity, oozing love and affection not only on all the family members, but also on the entire humanity. A lovable Grand dad of the entire society. Our hero is celebrating his eightieth birthday. I regard my companionship with our hero of the day is the result of my ‘purva janma punya.’ With the qualities elaborated in the previous chapters which I have ventured to bring out in my own way, my reverence to my octogenarian friend, in the form of this small booklet, which is the byproduct of my lov e and affection to my friend with the divine grace of lord Subrahmanya and blessings of my revered guru Shri Avani Swamigal.

I am sure the entire family can share my feelings and experience which, I confess is nothing but true. Nevertheless, I do not dare concluding that my small piece of writing is any where near perfection. I request that if lapses are noticed, which I am sure are in plenty, they may be condoned. But, this small offering has been prepared with utmost care. So, spare the error, and bear with it and treat it as a garland for the Almighty’s lotus feet, who is omnipresent. Study, know, introspect. I am sure you will enjoy reading. Once again my Pranamams to our hero on his eightieth birthday.

Kartikeyaya Vidmahe Vallinathaaya Dheemahi Tanno Naga Prachodayat||