Siththan Arul – Gnana Boomi

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

The readers are requested to send their spiritual experiences related to the Siddhas to GnanaBoomi at Gmail dot com. Though the experiences are unique and personal to them, it can shower some light or guidance to those who read them. Thanks!

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[From the 209th episode of the Tamil series]

They say that Veerabadhra seen in temples himself is Angaraka. Veerabadhra’s birthday is on a Tuesday. He is from the Bharadhwaja Gothra, the king of Avanthi. With four hands wielding Vel, Shoola, Gatka and Gadhayudha.

He wears a garment flame-red in color, reddish flower and coral is his gem. He revolves around Mount Meru in a chariot pulled by eight reddish goats. To get his grace, one should pray to Lord Muruga and Booma Devi (Mother Earth) everyday, by doing a circumambulation.

His dwells in the southern side of Surya, in the southern side of the Trikona Mandala as per the puranas.

When Lord Shiva in his yogic state left out drops of sweat from His forehead, it fell on Earth and later transformed to a male child. Goddess Booma Devi raised the child. Being the brother of Lord Muruga, this child Angaraka or Sevvaai is considered an ‘Amsa’ of Lord Muruga himself, says a Purana.

There is another story. Bharadhwaja Maharishi saw a beautiful girl in the banks of a river, fell in love with her where no efforts were strong enough to control his emotions for her. The ‘Rethas’ from his body fell down which got transformed in to a male child, which was raised by Booma Devi by naming him Bhauman. He did severe penance to the Almighty which earned him the status of being one of the Grahas, with the name Angaraka.

The Linga Purana talks differently on his birth. Agni and Vikesi were close to each other where Vikesi gave birth to a male child. As the child had the attributes of Agni, they named him Angaraka.

Daksha performed a yagna. Veerabadhra wanted to show that he can perform even greater and began to do a Maha Yagna, which terrified the world. They begged Veerabadhra not to proceed with this yagna. He changed his appearance from a horrific form to a beautiful one and got the fame that he is ‘Meritorious manifold than Daksha’. This, the Macha Purana says as the history of Angaraka’s birth.

Sevvaai (Angaraka) has 5 faces. Ushna, Asrumuka, Vala, Rudraanna, Nisthrimsam. Some scriptures say that he is seated in a Mesha vahana and some say he is seated in Simma vahana (lion). His flag is reddish with a Goat’s emblem on it. He has a neatly formed hair. He does not do anything without his wife. The athi-devata for Angaraka is Pruthvi. Prathyathi Devata is the Kshetra Palaka. They both occupy the right and left side of Angaraka.

Lokithangan, Rakthaya DeshaNan, Raktha Varnan are some of the names by which he is called. As the wielder of Vel, he is Shakthi Dharan, as he is handsome, Kumaran, as he does auspiciousness, Mangalan, as the bestower of wealth, Dhanapradhan, as the wearer of golden ear rings, Hemakundali.

Gunahartha, Rogakruth, Roganashana, Vidhyuthparapani, VraNakaran, Kamathan, Dhanahruthi, Samagana priya, Raktha vasthra, Graha Nayaka, Sarva Dharmava Bodhaka are some of the subtle names by which Angaraka / Sevvaai is called with. Even the Romans worshiped Angaraka as their war-god. There are temples for Angaraka in Rome even today.

In TamilNadu, there are three famous temples for Angaraka.

Thiruchirukudi – near Mayavaram, 7 kilometers from the Peralam railway station.

Vaideeshwaran Kovil – From Mayavaram en route to Chidambaram.

Thiru Avinan Kudi – the temple which is near Pazhani, one of the six battle-houses of Lord Muruga is another best Angaraka Parihara Sthala.

The same place which is a parihara sthala for Sevvaai and Budha and the one which destroys any Rahu Kethu dosha is “Kotakanallur”. Jyotish Shashtra gives the number 9 for Angaraka, which is a complete number by itself. It denotes a state of attaining a Maha Shakthi.

The Vedas mention about Angaraka as the one who is born from the womb of Booma Devi, the one with a radiance of a lightning, handsome, the wielder of Shakthi weapon. He is the embodiment of mental and physical strength. Those who are politicians, police officers, lieutenants, judges, engineers and the likewise will have the grace of Angaraka for sure. Those who involve in revolutions will have his grace as well. Being strict, leadership, vairagya, the power to thrash the enemies are bestowed by Angaraka.

He is the source of blood. He is the ‘Karaka’ of blood-related brothers. He is the mesh inside our bones. He is the ‘Karaka’ of the Earth. Anger, Political science, Fuel, Copper, Naga, Nagasubramanian are Angaraka himself. The wielder of weapon, the royal one, reddish one, the one with a fierce glance, the one who gets pleased with bragging, the one without patience, the one who likes hunting, the one with audacity is Angaraka himself. His gem is coral. He is the owner of fire. Male. The lord of Southern direction.

Guru (Vyazhan, Surya, Chandra are his friends). Budha is his enemy. Mesha and Vrishchika are his own house as per Jyotish Shashtra. Kataka is a Neecha house, Makara is Uchcha house. The enemy houses are Makara and Kanni. Simmam, Dhanush and Meenam are friendly houses. He is the lord Mrugaseerisha, Chithirai and Avitta stars.

When one prays to Veerabadhra Swami on the first Tuesdays of Chitra month, they get the grace of Angaraka as well. To get cured of diseases, to buy land or a property, one needs the grace of Angaraka. When one starts consuming medicines on a Tuesday for any disease, they get cured faster.

Veera Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Vigna Hasthaya Dheemahi
Thanno Bhauma Prachothayaath

When one chants the above Gayatri of Angaraka for 27 times in the morning and evening, it is true that they won’t be affected by any disease.

Featured image courtesy: Bhargavasarma

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 211th episode of the Tamil series]

This post comes on a Thursday which is usual to this series. The date however is 12th of January, which is the birth anniversary of Guru Swami Vivekananda. Coincidence?

Vyazhan or Guru is also called with a special name of Bruhaspathi, which means highest of intellect. Guru is considered to be the foremost among the 9 grahas. Bruhaspathi is the head and guru of the Devas and is a charm of Lord Brahma. He was born to Angirasa Muni who is a great tapasvi and Shraddha Devi. His swaroopa lakshana (appearance) is that of a beautiful one.

Guru has an ashram on top of Vindhya mountain. He is the king of Sindhu Desh. He belongs to the Angirasa Gothra (a gothra is a lineage starting from the originator who is a rishi and everyone in that lineage calls themselves by the name of that Gothra. There are a number of gothras such as Kountinya, Vishwamithra, Bharadhwaja, Angirasa etc., which traces back to the rishi who is the foremost of that gothra, an amazingly organized structure).

He is the lord of North and North-Eastern directions (Esanya direction). He wears the Pushparaga garland and holds Dhanda, Kamandalu, Garland and Varadha Hastha (the hand gesture which denotes of giving boon. There are many different types of hastha such as Abhaya hastha, Varadha hastha etc).

He circumumbulates Mount Meru in a chariot pulled by eight horses. To get his grace, one should pray to Lord Indra and Lord Brahma. He resides in the northern side of Surya in a long square shaped Mandala, facing North. In languages, he owns the Sanskrit.

He likes things that are cold in nature.

The term Guru means the one who destroys ignorance. Jyotish shashtra denotes Guru as Vyazha Bhagwan or Bruhaspathi. The shashtra gives the number 3 to Guru. He becomes pleased if one gets the initiation of a mantra from a guru and chants it daily and blesses them with abundance of happiness and wealth.

The place where the cows are sheltered and protected, Guru remains there (pratyaksha).

‘Prathideva Jwalagraham’ – is said on Guru. It means, the one graha which reflects the Tejomaya Swaroopa (enlightened appearance) in our mind, it is indeed Guru’s mandala. Guru has 5 brothers. They are Bruhath Jyotis, Bruhath Brahma, Bruhan Manas, Bruhan Mantra, and Bruhath Pasa.

Bruhaspathi married Tara and got Samyu, Nisyavan, Viswajit, Vishwapuk, Vadabaagni, Svida Kruthi as sons and Swaha as the daughter. Maharaja Pareekshith’s son (the grandson of Arjuna, the Pandava) Janamejaya wanted to perform a yagna known as Sarpa Yagna. Guru bhagwan knew that if that yagna is performed, all the snakes in the world will be destroyed. He stopped that Sarpa Yagna through his intellect.

Lord Indra did severe tapasya once where the devas were struggling without their leader thereby the asuras gaining advantage over them. The devas sought the help of Guru, Bruhaspathi who brought back Indra from his penance with the help of his intellect, saving the Devas.

The gurus Shukracharya (the guru of Asuras) and Bruhaspathi (guru of Devas) have difference of opinion in many things. Still, as per their dharma, Shukracharya accepted Bruhaspathi’s son Vishwajit aka Asan and learnt the art of ‘Sanjeevani’.

Guru has installed a Shiva Linga in Kashi Kshetra and remained near the linga and did tapasya, pooja for 10000 deva-years. Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance, appeared before him and said, “You have done a very big tapasya, focused your mind on Shiva-Linga-Dhyana whereby you will be a Nithya Jeeva (the one who remains forever). Also, because of your intellect and skillfulness, you will get to be the guru of Indra himself.”

Guru is of a golden radiance with four hands wielding Yoga Dhanda, Atcha Mala, Kamandalu and Abaya Hastha. However, the book Vishnu Dharmotharam says that Bruhaspathi has two hands which holds Atcha Malai and a book. Guru is a shantha moorthy (peaceful looking), golden in radiance, smears sandalwood paste that looks like gold, appears with golden colored flower, a golden umbrella etc.,

The Athi Devata of Guru is Lord Brahma, prathyathi devata is Lord Indra. He is denoted by the names Neethikaraka, Tarapathi, Karkapeetapahara, Soumya Murthy, Thrilokesha, Lokapujya, Grahatheesha as well. He bestows mercy easily to the poor. He is the one who explained the four different types of Vaak such as Parai, Paisanthi, Maththimai and Vigari. He is praised as ever merciful, pure, the teacher of justice, the one without impurity.

The demon Nakusha wanted to kidnap Indrani, the wife of Indra. Guru knew this and asked Nakusha to ride in a palaquin which is carried by none other than the Saptha Rishis (the 7 famous rishis who are as powerful as anyone – Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Vishvamitra, Gautama Maharishi, Jamadagni and Bharadvaja. The Saptarishis keep changing for every yuga – see wikipedia) to come and meet him. Nakusha thought of himself as incomparable to anyone because of this invitation. He rode on the palaquin with so much of pride only to get cursed by Guru to become a snake. Another version of the same incident says that Guru planned this event in such a way that the Saptarishis carried the palaquin rather slowly, where Nakusha lost his patience and urged the rishis to go faster by saying ‘Sarpa…sarpa’ (faster, faster). The rishis got furious and cursed him to become Sarpa, just what he said (Serpant, a closer one which routes its origin to the sanskrit word for snake, Sarpa).

The one who gets the merciful look of Guru, even if he is a fool, he will become the most intelligent. There is a sloka in Vishnu Dharmothram for Guru. If one chants this sloka everyday with devotion, they are sure to get Guru’s grace.

Bruhaspathi Suracharyo Thaivaan Subha Lakshana:
Lokathraya Guru Shreemaan Sarvagnaa: Sarvagovitha:
Sarvesha: Sarvaa thipeeshta sarvajit sarva poojitha:
Akrodhano muni shreshta neethi karthaa guru: pithaa
Vishwaathmaa Vichcha Aariththaa Cha viswayoni rayonija:
Poorva Vassuva prabhuch chaiva paarthaa sivamagaa bala:

It is said that this wonderful sloka was recited by Lord Krishna in Nanda Gopa’s house.

There are three important places in the Earth where Guru Bhagwan came and did puja.

1. Thenkudithittai – it is in the 9th kilometer on the route which goes to Mayavaram via Thanjavur. (one may search aalayam kanden or Raju’s temple visit blogs for the names)

2. Thiruvalithaayam (Paadi) – It is near Chennai, around 12 kilometers distance

3. Thiruchendur – This is one of the six battle-houses of Lord Muruga where Guru Bhagwan did pooja whole heartedly. This is in Thirunelveli district.

The Guru-Gayatri is:

Vrushaba Dhwajaaya Vidhmahe Kruni Hasthaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Guru Prachothayaath

…those who chant this mantra everyday will have no shortage of good abundance, the existing shortage will disappear as well. He is the embodiment of the spiritual knowledge, Vedanta, the purity of Mukkarana (there are three karanas in a human namely Mano, Vaak, Kaayam aka Mind, Speech and Body). He is the source of Geniuses, Gnani’s and Bhakthaas.

He is the source of Brahmins and Cows. He bestows physical and mental strength. He gives the status which does not bow down to anyone. He is the one who does big tasks just like that. He makes one rule a kingdom, makes one give out modern ideas. He is the owner of subtle and gentle Gunas (attributes). He offers discrimination, His face is always with a gentle smile. He likes sweets. Yellowish in color, he owns the flesh part in human body. Out of the three bodily types (Vatha, Pithaa and Kapa), he owns Kapa.

His gemstone is Pushparaka (Pukhraj or Yellow Sapphire). He helps the wealth being meaningful. He is a male graha. He is the sky in five elements. His direction is North-East. He is the owner of Dhanusu and Meena rashis. Kataka is uchcha house and Makara is Neecha house.

He is the athipathi of the stars Punarvasu, Visaka and Poorattaadhi. When His dasha happens, all good will follow. He is very powerful during the day. When His glance falls, everything will become beneficial.

Devanaancha Rishinaancha Gurum Kanchana Sannipam
Bhakthibootham Thrilokesham Tham Namaami Bruhaspathim!

…is his Thuthi.

If one wants every type of wealth, one can chant the following verse from Soundarya Lahari everyday:

Avidhyaana Mandhasthimira Mihira Dhweepanagari
Jataanaam Chaithanya Sthapaka Makarantha Shruthi Jari
Dharidhraanaam Chinthaamani Guna Nigaa Janma Jalathou
Nimakthaa naam dhamshtraa muraripu varaahasya bavathee!

The featured image is the first verse of Adi Shankaracharya’s Dakshinamurthy Stotram. It can be read here.

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 212th episode of the Siththan Arul Tamil series]

Shukra was born to Bhrigu Maharishi and Puloma. There is no art and skill that he hasn’t seen the depth. He authored the ‘Shukra Neethi’ book. He is said to be very handsome and is the head of Asuras. When he was young, he possessed the body of Kubera and seized all his wealth. When Kubera complained this to Lord Shiva, the Almighty used His Trident against Shukra to warn him. Shukra stayed in the top of the Shoola (trident) and saved his life.

The demons were sad that Lord Vishnu helps the Devas all the time. Shukra took pity on them and assured them that he will obtain the blessing of Lord Shiva and help the Asuras and that they should not wage against the Devas till then. Shukra then reached Kashi, installed a Shiva Linga and did pooja, tapasya for a long time. The Almighty did not appear. Shukra though was upset, he did not lose heart. He continued to increase the intensity of his tapasya for thousand years. Lord Shiva then appeared before Shukra saying, ‘your penance is the most strongest and we are very pleased’. He then initiated him with the ‘Sanjeevani’ mantra, which was never given to anyone before. The Sanjeevani as the readers might have guessed now, will bring back the dead to life.

There was a huge conflict between Devas and Asuras once, and as usual. Both wanted to rule all the three worlds. Devas sought the help of Bruhaspathi and began to do yagna for their victory. Asuras requested Shukra to be their guru. The Devas got angry with Shukra. Eventually a huge battle was ensued. The asuras were killed in many numbers. But Shukra came to their aid, brought back every dead asura to life with the help of Sanjeevani. The devas were shocked at this. As their guru Bruhaspathi did not know the mantra, the side of devas were dwidling.

The tapasya of Bruhaspathi did not help in front of Shukra. The devas had to abandon the battlefield. In the meantime, Andhakasura (a demon) came and fought with the devas alone and was chased away by the devas. He went straight to Shukra and screamed that the devas are coming in large numbers to destroy the entire asuras and pleaded for his protection.

Shukra believed in Andhakasura’s words, got agitated and called upon the asuras to wage war and that he is there for their protection. A fierce battle began where the asuras who were killed were brought back by Shukra. There was one watchful pair of eyes seeing all this, Lord Nandi, who went to Lord Shiva with a request to protect the devas. Lord Shiva summoned Shukra and swallowed him and made him remain in His stomach.

The strength of asuras began to shrink, the devas won. But Shukra who was inside the stomach of Lord Shiva did tapasya for another 1000 years. The all merciful lord brought back Shukra from his stomach and hence Shukra was also called as Shiva Kumara.

The stomach of devas began to trouble on seeing Shukra back from the Lord’s stomach. The intellectual Bruhaspathi wanted to have a long term solution for this problem. He asked his son Kasan and asked him to make Shukra’s daughter Devayani his beloved whereby Shukra will have mercy on Kasan and will do the upadesa of Sanjeevani mantra. Kasan did just as his father said. When they were together, the asuras knew who Kasan was. The asuras killed Kasan without the knowledge of Shukra.

When Shukra came to know about this, he brought back the life of Kasan for his daughter Devayani, not once, but twice as the asuras were determined to route out the problem. So they killed him the third time, burnt him and mixed the ash in the liquor that Shukra consumes as habituated. He drank it as well. Devayani could not find Kasan and she mentioned it to Shukra who realized that he might have been killed, he chanted the mantra which brought back the life of Kasan right inside Shukra’s stomach.

Now Shukra was in a fix. If Kasan has to come out of his stomach, he has to give his life. So he offered to do the upadesa of Sanjeevani mantra to Kasan, who got it and came out of Shukra’s stomach killing him. Then Kasan chanted the same mantra to bring back Shukra to life. Thus, Kasan saved the devas from getting eradicated.

During Vamana Avatar, Lord Vishnu came as a dwarf brahmin to ask three feet land from Bali. Shukra knew the Lord’s intention and so he tried stopping Bali who did not want to get a bad reputation of going against his own words. Shukra even tried closing down the pathhole of the Kamandalu with which Mahabali tried to offer the land to Vamana. Lord Vishnu in the Vamana form pierced the hole of the kamandalu using the Dharba grass knowing well that it was indeed Shukra. Shukra lost his eyes thereby, which he got back after praying to Lord Shiva.

The Jyotish shashtra says that Shukra is the embodiment of all the pleasures, handsome, marriage, women, love, desire everything is him. Luck and the protection of Lord Kama is Shukra.

He is the lord of business. He attracts everyone through his skills. Love, intercourse, status, luxurious life, sowbhagya, all these are given by Shukra. He likes the sour taste and offers bodily vigour. He is rajasic in nature and is the lord of Velli (Friday). He is water among the five elements. His kula is that of brahmin. He owns the diamond. He is feminic in nature.

Rishaba and Thula are his own house
Kanni is neecha house.
Meena is uchcha house.
Barani, Poorattadhi, Poorada are his own stars.

Shani and Budha are his friends.
Guru and Sevvai (Angaraka) are his equal.
The rest are enemies.
He is the bestower of the pleasure out of love making. Whenever one gets the yoga bala of Shukra, it gives them happiness, sowbhagya, dhana, wealth in abundance.

Shukra has four sons and two daughters (Devayani and Karasai). He is the lord of Asuras. He has four hands and rides in a chariot pulled by ten horses.

He has Pancha Kona Peeta, seated in Padmasana facing East. He has white sandalwood paste, white flower, white garland, white garments, white umbrella, white flag etc. The Muni who is of Shukra’s mantra is Bharadhwaja. Chandam and Dhrishtum are the athi devata of Shukra. Indrani is the prathyathi devata.

Shukra is the master of Agni-Dhik (direction of agni) and is the lord of East. He has a Garuda as his vehicle too.

Kalathra Karaka. He helps in rainfall and likes sweet taste too. There are temples in which Shukracharya as he is famously called, in Tamilnadu. They are Thiru Navalur and Sri Rangam.

Thiru Navalur is in 15 stone distance from Banrutti railway station. Everyone knows about where Sri Rangam is. There are 7 walls which are called Bhu-loka, Bhuvar-loka, Suvar-loka, Mahar-loka, Jana-loka, Thapo-loka, Sathya-loka. Another speciality is, there are 9 theerthas here. Chandra Pushkarni, Naaval Theertha, Vilva Theertha, Asura Theertha, Punnai Theertha, Magizha Theertha, Parasu Theertha, Kadamba Theertha and Maa Theertha.

Ashwa Dhwajaaya Vidhmahe Dhanur Hasthaaya Dheemahi
Thanoo Shukra Prachothayaath

is the Gayatri mantra for Shukra. The Jyotish shashtra gives the number 6 to Shukra. Those who want their marriage to happen, those who seek heirs, sowbhagya should recite the following verse from Soundarya Lahari.

Chathurpi Sri Kanttai Shiva Yuvadhipi Panchaprabi:
Prabinthaapi: Shambor Navaprabi: Moolaprakruthipee:
Thrayas Sathvaarim Sath Vasuthala Kaalaasra: Thrivalaya
Thirirekaapi: Saartham Thava Sarana KoNaa ParaNithaa!

Those who chant this sloka on Friday as many times as possible, they can get as much as goodness!

Featured image courtesy: Sidhdhas’ spiritual wisdom

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 213th episode of the Tamil series]

The only graha who is adorned with the title ‘Eshwara’ is Shaneeshwara. Generally, Shani means he literally shakes everyone. But those who worship him, He bestows abundance of mercy.

Surya married Sanchika and begot three children Manu, Yama, Yamuna. At a point, Sanchika could not bear the heat of Surya. She also wanted to do tapasya. She made an arrangement. She created a shadow of herself as a maiden and left with Surya, returned to his father. The maiden was called Chaaya (shadow).

As per the request of Sanchika, Chaaya lived with Surya without revealing who she really was. Through her were born Shani, a Manu named Savarni and a girl named Pathrai. Once they were born, Chaaya devi could not show the same love to Sanchika’s children. Yama got angry. He went on to kick Chaaya devi who was shocked and cursed him that his leg should be broken.

Surya got to know about this and when he investigated as to why Chaaya devi is showing partiality between the children, he came to know who Chaaya was. Later, Surya accepted Chaaya devi as his wife as well. He brought back Sanchika from her father’s house and lived with her. Yama’s leg got cured too.

Shani was born to Surya and Chaaya. He reached Kashi in the Bhu loka and installed a Shiva Linga in his name, did pooja and thereby got the status of being one of the Nava Grahas. He once spoke ill of Sanchika, the other mother. Yama got irked and broke one of Shani’s leg, leaving him limping.

There is a story as to why Shani gives bad. He wanted to do penance and was not interested in living a married man’s life. Unknowingly, Chithratha married one of his daughters to Shani, who was involved more in penance even after marriage. As he did not pay any attention towards his wife, she cursed him out of anger saying, “you could not even understand the feelings of a woman, who could not do the duty of a husband, let you not realize the result of penance!”Shani got very upset. From that day, his looks became evil, they say.

The agamas explain about Shani’s appearance, what he wears etc. He is black in color, wears black garments, lame by one leg, one with two hands with the right hand wielding Dhanda and the left showing Varadha mark. He is seated on the Padma Peetha, with atcha maala, he roams around in an iron chariot driven by eight horses.

There are two mantras that are for Shani. One is the Veda mantra. The rishi for this is Ilimili. The mantra is formed in the Ushnik sandha. The other mantra is of Gayatri Sandhasai. The rishi for this is Mithra Rishi. The navagraha aradhana says that Shani is seated in a bow like seat, he is with a beautiful vehicle, he faces North, bluish in colour, with hair in his head, he wears the Shoola, Bow, Varadha and Abaya. He walks slowly and applies black sandalwood paste. He likes the garland that are black or blue in color. He has a black umbrella and a flag, it says.

The athi devata for Shani is Yama. He has to be anointed in the right side. To Shani’s left will be Prajapathi, who is the pratyadhi devata. There is no one like Shani who gives or doesn’t. Only in Tamilnadu, Shani is considered to have the crow as his vehicle. The northern side of India denotes Shani’s vehicle as the eagle.

Shani has different names such as Mandha, Pinimukha, Mudhumukha, Mudava (lame), Kari etc. He is of tamasic nature. His favourite metal is iron. The grain is sesame, flower is Karumkuvalai, taste is bitterness. He is of the Kashyapa gothra.

Those who worship Shani will live longer. He has three wives named Jeshta, Neela and Mantha. His favourite wife is Neela. The son of Shani is called Kulika. Whatever is done at Kulika time will get multiplied, but one should never take a dead body at this hour, says the Shashtras.

There is a story which says how he got the title Eshwara. There was a time when he had to get hold of Lord Shiva himself (as he possesses certain stars for a specific time period). When Lord Shiva saw Shani approaching, he told Parvathi that He is going immerse himself in Tapasya, went inside a cave, shut its entrance completely. Seven and a half years went by. Shiva woke up from his penance and was surprised to see Shani at the cave’s entrance. He said, “Pranam. My work here is done. Farewell.”

Lord Shiva asked him what does he meant by ‘his work’ that He wasn’t under the holds of Shani who replied that it is due to him that Lord Shiva had to live inside a cave for seven and a half years without Parvathi. Then Lord Shiva blessed him with the title Shaneeshwara.

Kaaka Thwajaya Vidhmahe Kadka Hasthaaya Dheemahi
Thanoo Mandha: Prachothayaath!

…is Shaneeshwara’s Gayatri Mantra. Those who chants it everyday will be blessed by Shaneeshwara abundantly. There are a few places where Shaneeshwara did pooja himself out of which, the most famous is Thirunallaaru. It is towards the Southern side of Kaaraikkaal, in about 5 kilometers. It is also called as Adhi Puri, Dharbaaranyam, Nakavidangapuram, and Naleshwaram. When Maharaja Nala was possessed by Shani, he worshipped Lord Shiva after taking a holy bath in the Nala Theertha here and Shani left him. There are Nala Theertha, Brahma Theertha, Saraswathi Theertha and Agasthiyar Theertha which are very famous.

Those who visit Thirunallaaru should worship the Sri Vinayaka in the Nala Theertha after circumumbulating and worship the family of Nala Maharaja in the middle of the pond with due respect. Then one should step down in the pond, take a little water and do Prokshana. Then with suitable persons, do Sankalpa and then Snana. Then one should enter the temple to pray to Shaneeshwara.

The seven and a half Shani is referred to a place where Shaneeshwara is in the 12th place, Jenma, second place in one’s horoscope. A doubt of whether one’s life itself will end, changing of places, to get separated from the family, to get fired of one’s work, loss of money, loss in business happen.

Jyotish Shashtra says that Shaneeshwara gives place to those at low level. He is an eunuch. He is the air in five elements. He is of the Northern direction.

Thulam is Uchcha house.
Makara and Kumba are own houses.
Poosa, Anusha, Uthirattadhi are his own stars.
Budha and Shukra are his friends.
Sevvai, Chandra and Surya are his enemies.

He is lame and so limps when walking. He is a very powerful one. He will do anything for Lord Shiva’s mercy. He is the reason for one’s long life and death. He is the source of poverty, difficulty, disease, insult etc., When Shaneeshwara is strong, one could become famous leaders in the country or those who sacrifice anything for a welfare. Shaneeshwara makes one master a foreign langugage.

He is the source of iron and gingelly oil. He is the representative of black grains. He gives the talent to learn and operate machinaries. Shaneeshwara should bless for abundance in agriculture. He is the nerve in human body. He is of a cruel and a stone-like heart, they say.

Out of Vadha, Pitha and Kapa, he is Vadha. He is blue in gems, and is of mountains and forests. The Jyotish shashtra gives the number 8 to Shaneeshwara. To get rid of disease, debt and dangers through evil spirits, one could chant the following verses from Soundarya Lahari.

Thwayaa Hruthvaa: Vaamam Vapu Raapari Thrupthena Manasa
Sareeraartham Shambo Raparamapi Sanke Hruthamapooth!
Thathaa Hith Vathroopam Sakala MaruNaapam Thrinayanam
Kusaapyaa Manamram Kutila Sasi Soodaala Mukutam!

Om Samaknirak Nipichakrach Channa Sthapathu Surya:
Samvaatho Vaathavarapa Apachritha: Swaahaa!

When one chants the above sloka and does homa, they will get rid of the difficulties, and will get a lot of merits.

Featured image courtesy: Shanidev.com

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 214th episode of the Tamil series]

Rahu is called as the Chaya Graha. Born in the asura kula to the father Viprasidhi and mother Samhika. He is seated in a Simhasana, four hands wielding varadha mudhra, shoola, sword, and shield. He has the dhyana for Kavacha and Dhyana.

The shilparathna says the following verses about Rahu:

Rahum Chathurbujam Sarma Shoola Gadga VarAngitham

and

KarAla vadhanam Gadga Sarma Shoola VarAnvitham

He wears the garment resembling the colour of smoke, blue coloured flower, sandalwood, garland, flag, umbrella and chariot. He circumambulates the Mount Meru in the anti-clockwise direction. Paishusha is his gothra.

The Puranas say that Rahu and Kethu are of the Revathy star. But in Navagraha ArAdhik Krama, Kethu has a separate star. He was born in the star between Uthrada and Thiruvona stars. It is said that it is the 28th star.

He is the king of Babara Desa. He is seated in the South-Western direction of Surya in the SurpAkAra mandala, facing south. This mandala appears as that of a winnow.
The Samith for Rahu is Arugu
Metal is lead
Vehicle is goat
Durga devi is the Athi Devata
Sarpa Raja is the Pratyathi Devata

As the bestower of wisdom, Rahu is called as Gnana KArakA.

When the Parkadal ocean was churned, the Amruth came out. The asuras knew that the devas will become immortal if they consume the amruth and so they rushed to get their share. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini, enticing the asuras from goind after the amruth. Mohini asked her to sit the asuras in a line. Before they could form a line and sit, Mohini distributed the amruth to the devas quickly.

The asura Rahu realized this and disguised himself as a deva, sat in between Surya and Chandra and started consuming the amruth. Surya and Chandra signalled Mohini about Rahu’s presence, who swiftly beheaded the head of Rahu with the Sudarsana Chakra. As he had consumed the amruth, his head appeared huge and when it got cut down by the Sudarsana, it fell down as if there was a big earthquake. The hands fell down as well with the various parts of the body falling elsewhere.

Someone named Paitinasa was going with Rahu’s mother Simhika, they got hold of Rahu who fell down. Rahu grew further with his face appearing with the tejas of Devas and the body as that of the snake. He wanted to take revenge on Surya and Chandra, he wanted to swallow both of them, which we call as Surya Grahana and Chandra Grahana.

He then did severe penance towards Lord Vishnu, who granted him the status of a Graha. But both Rahu and Kethu are not denote as grahas, though they are part of the grahas, but they are referred to as Chaaya Graha.

Rahu’s mantra begins with the phrase “KayAna Chithra’. The rishi for this mantra is Vama Deva. Chandha is Gayatri. He is the owner of Nruthi direction.

Black sandalwood, black flower, black garland, black garment, black umbrellla and flag belongs to him. The Athi Devata for Rahu is the Cow. Pratyathi Devata is the Snake, they say. He has a son named Amutha Katikan. He is slow in nature. Black rock stone and cinnamon stone are his.
His grain is black Urad bean (vigna mungo), orchid flower, Arugu (Tamil word) are the favourable flowers for Rahu’s archana.

In his dhyana sloka, it is mentioned that he is seated in a black simhasana, snake in appearance, the son of Simhika and the one who protects his devotees.

“NakadhwajAya vidhmahe padhma hasthAya dheemahi
Thanno Rahu PrachothayAth”

…this is Rahu’s Gayatri Mantra. The holy places for Rahu is Thiru Nageshwaram and Srikalahasti.

Thiru Nageshwaram is near Kumbakonam with a separate shrine for Rahu where abisheka are performed during Rahu kala. When milk is poured, it turns bluish.

Srikalahasti is in Andhra Pradesh, in Chithur district, about 20 kilometers distance en-route to Thirupathi. The Gnanambika here is Rahu’s athi devata. One can do archana here, the Rahu dosha will vanish.

Jyotish shashtra gives the number 4 for Rahu. Rahu is the lord of Thiruvadhirai, Swathi, Sathaya stars. The shashtra goes on saying that Rahu has half body, very brave, the one who is born on the womb of a asura woman, position in Government, fame, the positions that are very active are all by Rahu. He causes roam around. He transforms one to intelligent.

He is the bestower of the pleasure from a woman. He checks ones merit and demertis and makes one a millionnaire in shortcut means. He is the enemy of studying. He has most of the qualities of Shani. His qualities are that of an eunuch. He is Tamasic in nature.

He is the lord of the South-Western direction, he is the sky in five elements. He is of ill-spoken words. He has cruel qualities, he consumes sour tasting items. The cinnamon stone belongs to him. Black rock stone is his. Vruchika is the Uchcha house, Rishaba is Neecha house, Kanni is his own house.

He becomes the reason for inter-caste marriages. He makes one speak heavy (not pleasant) words. He likes bad company and likes serpents and widows.

Budha, Shukra and Shani are the friends of Rahu. Guru, Surya and Chandra are his enemies. He makes one suffer due to Vadha and Kapa. He is considered as the bone in human body. He removes diseases and destroys fear. He also grants proficiency in languages, says Jyotish shashtra.

To win in anything that is started, the following sloka from Soundarya Lahari should be recited everyday.

“Virinchi Panchatvam Vrajathi HarirApnothi virathim
Vinasham KeenAso Bajathi Thanano yaathi nithanam

Vithanthari Mahenthri Vithathirapi Sammeelathi ThirusAm
Maha Samhaare Smin Viharathi Sathi Thvathpathi Rasou”

Featured image courtesy: Angel Marthy

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 215th episode of the Tamil series]

From Jyotish Shashtra, whatever is mentioned about Rahu appears similar to Kethu as well. He is reddish as that of a red flower, he is the foremost of the stars and grahas. Angrily temperament. He is the reason for Vedas, Vedanta based minute details and Moksha. He is the reason for the scientific efforts. He likes Shiva Bhakthi. He is simple + stubborn. He relieves one from the materialistic bonds.

He is the lord of hunger. He is aggressive in defeating his enemies. He governs the fever, eye related diseases, wounds etc., He is an eunuch as well. He creates anti-marital and unwanted affairs and thereby problems.

He is at his peak on Vrischika and neecha (lower) in Rishaba. His own house is Meenam. His gem is cats-eye. Though serving as a papa-graha, he gives vimochana (salvation) from the papa (sin) as well. Hence, being the remover of Vigna, he is called as Vinayaka. They call the Friday Vinayaka as his amsa. Budha, Shukra and Shani are his friends where Surya and Chandra with Guru are his enemies.

Kethu is Gnana Karaka. They say that Ganesha is Kethu’s swaroopa. If and when one prays to Ambaal (Goddess Parvathi) or does pooja to her, Kethu gets very pleased. If not Kethu, there won’t be devotion towards God, Gnana in people.

It is advisable to prostrate to Kethu before starting anything for he is Vinayaka swaroopa.

Jyotish gives the number 7 to Kethu.

If and when one chants the Kolaru-pathigam (Kol – graba, Aru – to cut, pathigam – sloka) everyday with devotion and focus, it clears off any obstacles due to grahas, time, if the day is not good etc., just as the fog and snow disappears on Sun’s arrival. It is very good to chant this every day for they get all kinds of auspiciousness.

It is a Tamil sloka which can be searched for (keyword – Kolaru pathigam). Pay some attention to the occasion in which it was sung by Thiru Gnana Sambandha and meaning of those verses which are very beautiful in itself. The meaning of this Pathigam is given below, stanza wise.

1. That Lord, who gave half of His body to Uma, whose shoulders is as that of a bamboo. He swallowed the alahala poison in order to save everyone and keeps it in His neck. He plays the veena which produces divine music, wearing a unpolluted Chandra and Ganga on His holy matted hair, the one who is fully occupied in me (that is, me thinking constantly about Him), none of the 9 grahas will do any harm to me and similar Shiva Bhakthas, whereas, they will do only good!

2. That Lord who subdued the ego of Vishnu’s avatars Vamana, Varaha and Koorma whereby the bone, kombu and the shell of tortoise adoring His chest, with Uma devi, He is seated on the white Bull (Nandi), wearing the garland of Oomatham flowers that glows like gold, wearing Ganga on the head and is occupied in me, the 9th star Ayilya, the 10th Maka, the 16th Vishaka, the 18th Kettai, the 6th Thiruvadhirai, all these stars which are not recommended for commencing travel, they do good to the Shiva Bhakthas even if they start their travel on these days.

3. The Lord whose body is reddish as that of coral in which the radiant holy Bhasm smeared (vibhuthi or sacred ash), that Lord wearing a Konrai flower, Chandra on His head, seated with Uma on a white Bull, is occupied completely in me. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi, Durga, Booma Devi, the lords of all 8 directions, everyone will provide merits similar to a rare wealth. They do good to the Shiva Bhakthas.

4. With Uma, whose forehead itself is like a crescent moon, the Lord who sat on the root of the banyan tree and offered the Vedas, is occupied in me completely with Ganga and Kondrai flower adoring His head. Hence, the time which is prone to cause anger, Agni, Yama, the messengers of Yama, cruel diseases, everything becomes very good hearted, and does very good to the Shiva Bhakthas.

5. The Neela Khanta who stores the deadly poison in His throat (whereby the name Neela Khanta), who is my Father, who rides on the white bull with Uma devi, who is the Supreme God Shiva, wearing the dense-black Vanni flower, Kondrai flower in His head, is occupied completely in me. Hence the asuras with deadly poison, the heart-breaking thunder, lightning, the elements which may cause grief, all these gets scared of us, the Shiva Bhakthas, and does good to us.

6. The Lord who wears the tiger skin which is radiant and with lines as a garment, who wears the Koubeena, who wears the Vanni, Kondrai flowers that appears like they blossomed just now, who wears Ganga on His head, that Lord is occupied completely in me with Uma. Hence, the terrible animals which kills, the tiger, the mighty mad elephant, the wild boar, snake, bear, lion etc., does only good, only good to the Shiva Bhaktas.

7. The Lord who gave Uma, who has breasts like that of a sombu (a copper vessel) half of His body, who rides in the white bull, who wears the Ganga and Chandra who approached Him, is completely occupied in my self. Hence, diseases like fever, jaundice, vaadha, piththa, and grief caused by these will not reach us, will only do good to us.

8. The Lord who opened His third eye to burn Kama (Manmadha), who rides in the bull with Uma, who wears the radiant crescent moon, Ganga, Vanni leaf, Kondrai flower etc., is occupied in my self completely. Therefore, similar to the amount of grief caused to the king of Lanka, which is surrounded by 7 seas, Ravana (by abducting another man’s wife) won’t affect us. Even the deepest of oceans will do only good to us, it will do only good to the Shiva Bhaktas.

9. The Lord who anoints different forms, the Ardhanaareeshwara (Madhorubagan = maadhu (lady), oru (one), baagan (given a side) – the one who has the woman on half of his body), our Lord who rides in the bull, Lord Shiva, who wears the Ganga, Erukku flower on His head, since He is occupied in my completely, the Lord Brahma who is seated on the lotus flower, Lord Vishnu, The Devas, The Vedas, the future, the ocean with mighty tides, the mount Meru, all these will do only good to us, the Shiva Bhakthas

10. The Uma devi who wears beautiful flowers on her hair with whom the Lord in the form of a hunter went to help Arjuna, the Lord who wears Oomatha flower, crescent moon, snake etc on His head, is occupied in me completely. Hence, the Buddhists and the Shamana followers will get defeated by Lord Shiva’s test of holy ash. It’s glory is certain. Everything will do only good, they will do only good to the Shiva Bhakthas.

11. The garden which is full of flowers brimming with honey, the place where sugar cane is grown in abundance, the place where reddish rice grain is grown, the one which is radiant as gold, the place where Lord Brahma worshipped and thereby was known as Brahmapuram, in this place where me, Gnana Sambandha, who realized both Apara Gnana and Para Gnana, who has sung this Pathiga so that the grahas, the days, the stars won’t affect those Bhakthas who recite this sloka with devotion, who in turn will rule the heaven who recites this. This is my pledge.

The Nava Grahas series ends with this episode.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image: Deviantart

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 217th episode of the Tamil series]

Beloved readers,

Whilst we apologize for the delay in publishing the 201st post due to a hardware issue, now an understanding has dawned that it probably is due to some reason that a week’s gap was ordained.

This narration is from another devotee of Lord Agastya. The Maha Muni wanted Shri Karthikean to compose the leela conducted by Agastya Muni with Lord Narayana in a separate series through Siththan Arul blog.

Shri Karthikeyan bestowed this task to me and I thought, “I am not qualified enough to do this mammoth task but composing the amruth from Agastya muni in writing is blessed to Shri Karthikeyan only who was governing the Siththan Arul blog. It was because of the thinking that it is He himself who gave the task to Shri Karthikeyan and therefore, it may not be appropriate for me to do so.

When I met Shri Karthikeyan, I realized that due to the magnificient changes in his life, he is focussed on completing the episodes of The Grace of Siddha, and I decided that all the treasure that Shri Karthikeyan has about the Maha Muni must be broadcasted to the world, just as he did every Thursday. Hence, whatever credit or praise goes completely to the Maha Muni and Shri Karthikeyan. If there is a shortcoming, only I am responsible. Please remember this.

[The above statement holds just true to the team of Gnana Boomi. If you praise or have derived any merits out of this series, the credit goes only to Shri Karthikeyan and Lord Agastya. The shortcomings, mistakes etc is through us.]

At first, I had titled this series as “Agastya & Perumal”, may be due to the affection towards Agastya. When I mentioned this to Shri Karthikeyan, I could see his face turning a bit dim. “I am not sure if our Guru Nath will agree. You have kept the title as per the term Matha, Pitha, Guru and Deivam where Deivam comes after Guru. I shall ask the same Guru himself, let’s see what He says.” – said Shri Karthikeyan. I requested him to ask the Guru if I am allowed to write this series as well, as I worried earlier. It was the fear of doing something wrong, incurring Agastya’s wrath. Two days passed by and nothing was known.

It was a Thursday where Shri Karthikeyan visits Agastya Muni’s temple after publishing the post for the day. He called me that night and said this. As he stood near the shrine, the door opened with the darshan of deepa aradhana to Agastya. As he stood there looking at Agastya’s face, he saw the Abaya Mudra of Agastya’s right hand. He closed his eyes and prayed where he got this order:

“Permission granted. But the title must be “Perumal & Adiyen”!

[Adiyen is a classic Tamil term which denotes Dasa bhava of a devotee. Here, Agastya Muni denotes himself as the Dasa of Lord Narayana]

When I came to know this, I became silent! Hence, the title is “Perumal & Adiyen” which is being composed by Agastya himself, not me! The first post in this series is being published below.

Perumal & Adiyen – 1

While the entire deva loka was waited in the banks of Koneri to have the darshan of Lord Narayana, Agastya Mamuni was not to be seen somehow. No one noticed it either except the all pervading Lord Vishnu. He notified Sage Narada saying, “just let Agastya know, He shall take care of the rest”. Narada was shocked indeed.

“Me, the foremost of rishis, should go to a Kuru Muni to convey the message of Lord Vishnu? Wouldn’t it appear like I am disgracing myself? What sort of a power that Agastya has? He is a Siddha, nay, foremost of the Siddhas. In addition, he is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He is also the first disciples of Lord Shiva’s son, Subramanya. That’s all right?” – Narada sort of felt inferior and tired, bid farewell to the Lord who knew what was going on in Narada’s mind, He smiled within.

Narada began to look for Agastya who is not to be seen. He noticed that due to the presence and continuous arrival of all the rishis, munis, experts of the Vedas, devotees, all from the holy land of Bharath in the banks of Koneri, the Booma Devi was gasping notwithstanding the load of all the punya-atmas at the same place. He thought, if I mention this to Agastya, will He come over and save Booma Devi?

In the meantime, Boo-devi (Mother Earth) called Narada.

“What do you want Boodevi?” – asked Narada

“Really? You feel asking like this on seeing my condition. I am not able to bear this weight. Can you please give a shoulder?”

“O devi, I completely understand. But Lord Narayana has anointed Agastya muni for this task. It won’t be nice for me to intervene.”

“O Narada, I am asking you. Can you help me for a short while, or not?”

“The Devi who is personified as the embodiment of patience has become angry. Am I denying? Had Lord Narayana appointed me to this task, I would have easily withstood the weight easily with my tapasya’s strength. But the Lord did not trust me but Agastya.”

“Let it all be. Please help me for a while, Agastya himself might come any time.”

“O Devi, a small query. If you can clarify me this small doubt, I shall bear this weight for any longer.”

“What is it Narada?”

“As far as I recall, you have been bearing the weight of uncountable things, humans, trees, creepers, mountains, oceans and what not! But today, when Lord Narayana is about to take the Avatara in Tirumala, why is He waiting for Agastya to come and bear the weight of this crowd?!!”

“Fair question. Not just this weight, Agastya can bear the weight of all the three worlds!”

“Hmm..but you know about the power of my tapasya right? There are other munis and rishis here who are great in their tapasya. But why did Lord Vishnu choose Agastya above all?”

“Alright Narada. Let’s have a deal. You are indeed very powerful. Lord Narayana is completely focussed on the new Avatar now. So He may not want to put His focus here.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“You have looked for Agastya all over. Without His presence, you should bear the weight of all this crowd here in Tirumala as you are powerful indeed.”

“Very well. I shall take this responsibility. But what if Agastya comes in between?”

“Let him! We shall manage it then. But he may turn back on seeing your power himself”

“Fair enough!” – said Narada.

Booma Devi transferred the weight to Narada Maharishi. When he first accepted the weight due to his power of tapasya, he did not feel it to be very heavy. He in fact felt that it was partial for Narayana Swamy to have waited for Agastya for such a task, which is simpler to him. Booma Devi rested for a while and asked, “O Narada, how is the weight?”

“O I am fine, you may rest as long as you wish. This does not seem like that heavy.”

“In that case, may I go up and have the darshan of Lord Narayana avatar in Tirupathi?”

“Of course!” said Narada happily. When Booma Devi came up, Narada just could not bear the weight. He began to think if he was quick to make this decision and if he did so only to make Agastya inferior. The weight was becoming unbearable, he cannot call Booma Devi either. At the same time, He cannot have the darshan of Lord Narayana’s new avatar in Tirupathi. I was quick and dumb this time” – Narada felt bad for the first time. He was tired too.

As He became tired, the Earth which was balanced all along, now the place at Tirumala started going down. Everyone was shocked at this but was convinced that it is one of Lord Narayana’s divine plays before an avatar. Narada realized that he just could not bear it any longer, He uttered “Narayana” just as a reflex, and prayed earnestly with folded hands thus…

“O Agastya! Please come wherever you are. Me, Narada is calling you.”

This was heard by Agastya who stood alone in Mount Kailash, doing tapasya. He, through his Gnana Drushti knew what has happened and appeared before Narada the next moment.

Narada felt immensely happy on seeing Agastya and welcomed him heartily. Agastya said, “O let it all be. Why do you get in to such trouble, here, give it to me and take rest.” and got the weight to himself. Narada was relieved.

“O Narada, you are an ardent devotee of Lord Narayana. Please go to Tirumala to witness the glorious site of when He is taking the Kali avatara in Tirumala. I shall bear this weight without any disturbance” – said Agastya.

Narada said, “there is still 3.5 naazhigai for Lord Narayana’s avatar. Can you bear this weight till then? Booma Devi has gone up for darshan as well”

“No problem at all. It is fair that everyone gets to witness the avatar. Please tell Booma Devi not to worry as well. Do not waste time, please proceed.”

As soon as Agastya bore the weight, the portion of Tirumala which was going down began to rise up. Narada was very surprised. He bowed to Agastya saying, “O Ma Muni, I misunderstood your prowess. I was thinking that you are powerless and hence I could not take the sincere effort in looking for you in spite of Lord Narayana asking me to do so. Please forgive me.”

“O Narada, it is normal to have jealousy in humans, but why with Devas? It is only Lord Narayana and Booma Devi’s divine play to change your opinion about me. I was aware of it from the beginning. Please do not delay further, proceed to witness the avatara.” – urged Agastya.

“O Ma Muni, what about you? I feel sad to leave you alone here.” – said Narada for which Agastya calmly said:

“Do not worry O Narada. Lord Narayana will show His glorious avatara right here.” – Narada was taken aback by surprise.

Featured image courtesy: Bhaskar

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 218th episode of the Tamil series]

Sage Narada wasn’t completely convinced still. He thought to himself, “How many times have I returned without having the darshan of Lord Narayana in Sri Vaikunta, for someone like me who always utter the name ‘Narayana’. Is He going to give darshan to this Kumba Muni? Let us wait and see.” He was jealous about the affection that Agastya Muni receives from Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana.

As Lord Narayana was about to incarnate in just about two seconds, Narada bid farewell to Agastya and reached Tirumala. Sage Agastya was wondering why Narada got into the turmoil of jealous, which is a sole proprietary of human beings, how did He get such thoughts?

He also felt that Boomi Devi should have a good darshan of the Lord during the incarnation. Till then he thought, “let us bear the base of Tirumala for Narayana” and began to pray to Lord Narayana.

There at Tirumala, Lord Narayana took the Avatar in Kali Yuga with Adishesha’s head as the centre, with Salagrama (Saligram) garland with various other garlands, radiating with divine fragrance that filled the entire Tirumala, the Devas, Siddhas, Gnanis, Pundits, Vedic scholars, Lord Brahma with His consort and Lord Shiva with His, the holy rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Kaveri, Vaigai, Tamrabarani etc., witnessing the beauty and showering flowers on Him, He took the avatar as a stone while the Tiruvonam star was rising.

The Veda Kosha, the jubiliant voice of the Devas, auspicious instruments, all filled the air. The Lord smiled at everyone and with Abaya Hastha, he blessed those around Him. Everyone was witnessing such a rare sight having forgotten about themselves. Right at that time, the form of Lord Vishnu (Narayana) disappeared. Everyone was shocked and began to worry.

Even the Siddhas thought that the Lord wanted them to worship Him as the stone thereafter. Lord Brahmadeva Himself was taken aback for a quick fraction of time while He was getting ready for the Kumbabisheka after doing Balalaya.

Lord Maheshwara (Shiva) and Parvathi glanced at each other that appeared as if saying, “Here, He has started His divine play right away”. The rishis thought that they should probably continue their penance to get salvation for they had hoped that a longer duration of the Lord’s darshan will help them on their realization / salvation, ‘let us resume our penance in the banks of Koneri’, they thought.

There was one who doubted even this disappearing, yes it was Narada. He whispered to the couple of Brahma and Shiva ‘I shall be right back’ and went straight to Patala Loka.

Agastya Muni was holding the base of Tirumala in one hand and the other hand holding the Kamandalu with the elbow rested on the Vasi Kol, while praying to Lord Narayana. Right before Him stood the all pervading Lord Vishnu, just as He appeared in Tirumala. Agastya opened His eyes suddenly to witness the brightness of a thousand moon’s radiance before Him where He was pleasantly surprised.

In that pleasant state of shock, Agastya Muni folded both His hands to worship Narayana who blessed Him. Only after a few moment did He realize that He had taken His hands out of the base of Tirumala that He was holding all the while. He worried. But the base stood right where it was when Agastya muni held it. Agastya was surprised and He uttered it too.

“Many such things are going to happen in this Earth” – said Lord Vishnu in His divine voice.

“O Lord! I now realized that it is only your play for I was thinking that I was bearing this piece of land, but now I am clear, nothing is in my hands.”

“Agastya Himself knew that only now, is it?” – the Lord was in His usual playful mood.

“Yes, my Lord!”

“At least you understood. But there are quite a few who do not know what is the Absolute. They think that everything happens because of them. They seldom think of the Almighty”. – Lord Narayana

“It is true, indeed. Now that you have taken the avatar in Kali Yuga, even they will realize the truth. You have come right here to show your darshan for Adiyen. This is a very big bhagya.” – Agastya was emotional.

“O Agastya! For this Avatara as the stone, there are crores waiting up there but for my word, you bore the weight here.”

“If you command, I shall do anything O Swami!”

“I see that even Boomi Devi has come up after giving away her responsibility?”

“Yes, I had sent her up for her to get the darshan” – said Agastya.

“I could not see you being here without having the darshan. Hence I showed up myself for a bit and came here” – said the all pervading one.

“What sort of a merit would I have done, for me to get such a darshan?”

“Not like so, for Lord Parameshwara Himself showed His wedding right here in the Southern part of the land from Mount Kailash. Is this any greater than that?” – the Lord asked naughtily.

“O Lord, yourself, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, all three are showering blessings on me. I am very proud to think of my blessings. But it is not fair to make these uncountable beings wait for your darshan, O Lord” – Agastya prayed to Lord Vishnu.

“Look, you do not have to bear this weight, I shall take care of it. Come with me up!” said the Lord and Agastya agreed. Sage Narada was over hearing these conversations and was surprised to see the respect that Lord Vishnu showed to Agastya Muni. He thought:

“Lord Shiva showed His wedding to Agastya exclusively. Today, Lord Narayana shows His darshan exclusively to Agastya. Though I am a great rishi, I am just merely a rishi in front of Agastya I suppose for He is not just the foremost of all Siddhas, He is also foremost of my Guru’s”

No one however knew that it was Lord Vishnu’s play through Agastya to get Narada mature!

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Telangana Info

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 220th & 221st episode of the Tamil series]

Lord Narayana returned to Tirumala, gave darshan to everyone again and explained why He took this avatar.

“In this universe, there is always good and bad. I descend when there is a need to eradicate evil. Nine such avatar is completed. The 10th one is Kalki. But there is still a few thousand years for the Kali Yuga. The Kali Purusha is going to do his demonic dance. Dharma will get destroyed slowly. Those who teach Dharma will themselves breach it. The Achara will be thrashed. The parents will abandon their responsibilities. The children seldom will respect their parents. Everyone’s mind will be dominated with the attributes of asuras. Justice will struggle. Honesty will be put to jail. The people will do anything for survival. The law will be spoiled. The ladies won’t be able to walk freely due to Kali’s tricks.

The devotion will reduce. Everyone will try to build wealth in the shortcut means. The 5 great sins (Pancha Maha Pathaka) will happen. Every family will have Brahma Hathi dosha. Everyone will tell lies. To taste the power, people will be ready to discard anything. Not just this, I shall explain what else the Kali Purusha will do, pay attention.”

Everyone were spell bound hearing what The Lord himself said. While He was explaining the reason for His avatar, Kali began to show his strengths. Though He has taken the avatar to destroy his wickedness, this is just an avatar as a stone! What can a mere stone do, he thought. Reason, he had sought a boon from Lord Brahma that ‘whatever life form that takes birth in the earth should do so with demonic character, with no spirituality, aggressive in nature and without any mercy’. Lord Brahma, as the Lords play a fair game of bestowing one’s wish upon achievement of a selective deed such as tapasya, granted the boon for He thought that the Lord Almighty will devise a plan to destroy evil, so let us see what this Kali will do. The moment Kali Yuga started, those which came out of His creation was straight opposite to Dharma.

In spite of all these, with Kali’s power in dominance, the birth of noble Atma’s with meritorious character kept happening. But since the count of such people were very less, even those Punya Atma were suffering by various means. Kali wanted to establish his rule for thousands of years, to disturb the Lords, to distract people and divert them towards Adharma. He got furious when he knew about Lord Narayana’s avatar in Tirumala.

He wanted to disturb the Lord in Tirumala itself. He sighted a ferocious horse in the Tirumala hills. That horse was none other than Hayagriva, who was roaming freely in the holy hills as He wanted to establish the Hayagriva Avatar strongly, as there is a notion that the Hayagriva Avatar is not got a strong hold like others and that the Devas such as Indra were not paying attention to the Hayagriva aspect of the Lord.

So here was the Lord roaming freely as a ferocious, strong and untamable horse terrifying the forest of Tirumala. Even the wild animals such as lions and tigers did not have the courage to get near this horse and so they bid farewell to the forest, entitling him the supremacy and leaving him happy. While his nature was aggressive, he seldom disturbed the smaller animals or the rishi-munis who were doing penance in the hills.

Lord Brahma wanted to have the world benefitted through Hayagriva, He called upon Saraswathi Devi.

“O Devi, how far is it beneficial to have all the knowledge kept within yourself?”

“O Lord. Aren’t you aware? Those who pray to me earnestly, does archana to me with white lotus flowers and ask for their wishes, I bestow them the knowledge, wisdom. What else should I do? I shall do as you wish.”

“You the queen of all the arts, are you aware of Hayagriva, an Amsa of Lord Narayana, who is in the holy hills in the form of a horse?”

“I have seen him in the Devaloka often but haven’t spoken to directly. Is he in the Earth?”

“Yes devi. But as he isn’t quiet as he was seen in the Devaloka. He is untamed, ferocious here.”

“What happened to him?”

“He wants a purana to be written on him and that everyone should worship him as an avatar. You, Kalaivani, should help this happen.”

“How?”

“You are the embodiment of knowledge. There is no one as you. Even if someone has something or not, but if they have the power of knowledge or skill, they can win anything. You should do upadesha to this Hayagriva on all the knowledge you have.”

“O Brahma, your request is strange. All the devas, even the leads of asuras, those in earth who wants to learn the Vedas, pray to me earnestly for whom I bestowed the knowledge. But I have never taught a four legged animal. They won’t listen either” – Saraswathi Devi was a bit furious when she said this.

“O Devi, have patience. Though he appears as a four legged animal to everyone’s eyes, don’t you know that He is an amsa of Lord Narayana?”

“Let it be. I am ready to impart the knowledge to any living being on Earth. Haven’t I do so for Kala Bairava? But for this Hayagriva…”

“What’s the difference?”

“You are saying he is an amsa of Lord Narayana. You also say that he is roaming untamed and ferocious. There are certain rules and regulations to learn anything. How can he guarantee them?”

“He will surely have the patience and behave like a student to learn what you will teach him.” – assured Brahma Deva.

“He is a ferocious horse, that’s why…” – Saraswathi was still hestitant.

“Even Kala Bairava is a ferocious form. Didn’t you teach him the wisdom?”

Saraswathi Devi could not argue further for Lord Brahma is her consort. She agreed to teach Hayagriva. Right at this time, Kali Purusha came to where Hayagriva was.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Hindu Mythology by Narin

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 222nd & 223rd episodes of the Tamil series]

Hayagriva looked at Kali aggressively, “What’s the matter, who are you?” – he rebuked authoritatively.

“I am your disciple, the name is Kali-purusha. Those who do dharma are doing adharma in this forest as well. I came looking for you so you can find them and punish them” – he said humbly.

Hayagriva thought for a while and said, “That’s alright, how did you come here? What do you know about me?”

“You are the king of this Koneri forest. The world is talking with wonder on your courage, bravery and strength. I came here so you can help me in my query.” – Kali fell at the feet of Hayagriva.

“What do you want?”

“It’s not about what I want. I am just concerned that the influence, power and status you have in this forest should not go away from you. Hence I came to you directly.” – Kali started his wicked talk.

“What do you mean?”

“Yes my Lord. The Koneri river that runs in the southern side of this forest, there is a ‘Seven-Hills’ that has appeared on its bank. They call it Adi-Sesha. All the rishis, munis, devas gathered there and were talking that there happened an Avatar on that hill.”

“O Adi-Sesha, let him come, that’s fine.” – said Hayagriva.

“No no! If we just leave it like that, then one after the other, somebody will come from the heavens and start sharing the Koneri forest. Not just that, you have never been at peace at the heaven, but looks like they won’t let you remain at peace here too.”

Hayagriva began to think, He who is considered to be an Avatar of Vishnu, came to the Earth circumstantially. Why did he chose the forest of Koneri which is around 300 yojana in area leaving all the rest of the Earth? Before knowing this, let us re-visit the place where the Vishnu Avatar of stone happened in the Tirumala.

Kali obtained a boon from Brahma and is more cruel in nature than Kamsa, Ravana etc., in making people suffer. No one can say when and how he will turn events. The Kali-yuga is given to him by the Almighty. His intention is to deviate people from the thoughts of dharma, devoid them of devotion and establish adharma. Lord Vishnu knows it.

On that day, Agastya and Narada came to visit the Lord in Tirumala. Lord Narayana asked smilingly, “What a surprise, what could be the reason for you both coming to see me?”

“As we reached the earth, we had a difference of opinion. But now its all settled” – said Narada.

“A deed of Kali I reckon. But I am glad that you have settled the differences.” – Lord Vishnu.

“O Lord, the all knower, I bow to your holy feet. You gave an explanation about your avatar as the stone here. What will the Kali Purusha do? How long is his rule? Are you taking the Kalki avatar after Kali’s time? We wanted to know this from you, please let us know.” – Agastya said humbly.

“Be seated, let me tell you.” – asked the Lord and opened His divine mouth to speak.

It is not easy to win the Kali Purusha. He has born just to rejuvenate adharma and destroy dharma. He will pervade the thoughts of those beings in the earth and persuade them to deviate from dharma. It requires a good measure to prevent, which the Kali will try to prevent as well. Hear about him more..

The earth will change now. It won’t rain as it used to before. The climatic conditions will change erratic. No one will say when a mountain will submerge in to the water and when an ocean will become dry. The death due to famine will increase and so will the population. The harmony in the families will decrease. People will tend to cheat. Stable wealth will keep changing hands. Justice will hide in a dark room. Killing will increase. The judges who are the embodiment of justice will accept bribe and take sides.

As the male will become crooked, murder and rape will increase. The ladies will deteriorate in the name of fashion and trend, forgetting the legacy of their families, their greatness. The children seldom will listen to the parents. The ladies will however become equal to men in business and work, but the spiritualily will decrease. The time of the ladies depending on gents will change with the male will begin to depend on the ladies. The importance will be given to money, not affection. They would forget as to how to speak to someone, habits will become barbaric.

As they forget dharma, the relationship of brother and sister, father and daughter, father-in-law and daughter-in-law, at times, step-mother and son, uncle and the brother’s daughter, all these will behave like husband and wives!

The temples won’t have 6 times pooja. The priests will be prone to sarcasm, poverty and will suffer. The mantras won’t have their glory. Those who learn the mantras won’t learn them properly. The Vedas will reduce slowly. There won’t be anything as per the Agama rules in the temples. Right in the garba-gruha will happen those hineous sins. As there won’t be purity in physical body and mind, the temples will lose its purity and bats will live in them. The governments will lose the importance of nurturing the spirituality but rather they would steal the wealth of the temples.” – Lord Narayana said these non-stop and looked at both of them quietly.

“Just to hear this from your very divine mouth is giving us the suffering of Naraka (hell). Can’t you, the all pervading lord, stop these and help the Earth?” – Agastya asked the Lord out of His merciful nature.

“You called it a hell already, you haven’t listened completely” – said Vishnu.

“O enough, enough! Isn’t there a salvation to these? Won’t there be someone good in the earth?” – Narada was shaken.

“Sure there will be! But they will suffer. They won’t get justice wherever they go. Then, they will surrender to me for only to those, I descend!”

“O Lord. This is not right. I cannot accept that the Lord will show his mercy to only those who accepts him. The people are to be protected by you O Lord! When they are under the spell of Kali, how would they get a thought about you? You must have mercy on those and protect them against Kali, please.” – Agastya muni pleaded to the Lord of the Universe.

“Fair! But at least a day, one day, if they think of me right from where they are, place a small offering in a yellow cloth and pray to me. It’s not required that they should come here. Let it be whoever, I will take care of them by destroying any sins they might have done knowingly or unknowingly. Is this enough Agastya?” – asked Narayana.

“O Lord, you are the ocean of mercy. There isn’t anything that you do not know. Had I spoken to you thinking so intelligent of myself, please forgive me.” – said Agastya by kneeling down.

“What is this, Agastya, get up! How is it fair to get all shaken up half way through listening about Kali? I know what else he is going to do too!” – said Vishnu.

“How is it fair to let him do whatever he wants, in spite of knowing what he will do?” – interrupted Narada.

“Do not hurry Narada! I am going to give you some work only now..” – Lord Narayana gave a meaningful smile at Narada.

~ to be continued…!

Image courtesy: Hare Krishna Movement

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[from the 224th & 225th episode of the Tamil series]

Narada was pretty happy.

So far he was showing his mischievousness although for doing merits in the Deva Loka, now that Lord Narayana himself is utilizing him, he was naturally excited. He bid farewell that very moment to get started with his mission. While Agastya muni was thinking about what the Lord said, He tapped Agastya’s shoulders asking ‘what were you thinking?’

“Nothing O Lord! You were talking about Kali Purusha’s prowess all the while. Now Narada is all excited about his mission, making me worry about the future of this earth and what should I do to save it, I was thinking.”

“Your responsibility is going to increase. The Kali Purusha should be assisting me in fact. See, he has already started his work in this forest.” – laughed Narayana sending goose pimps to Agastya.

“If you allow, I shall drive him away through my Tapasya’s power to a very long distance.” – said Agastya.

“DP not waste your tapasya’s power. It’s not so easy to drive him away either. Now wait and see what he does.” – saying this, Lord Vishnu disappeared in to the stone. Agastya went behind a tree to witness what was about to happen. In a short while came Hayagriva running which created a storm of dust, sent out fear in the hearts of the animals who ran away helter-skelter. His eyes showed so much of anger and the air he breathed was hot like fire. Those who are very angry do not think and such people won’t do any meritorious deed.

Hayagriva looked around and witnessed how Lord Vishnu is seated blissfully, bestowing peace and happiness to those who seek His refuge in that Holy Hill of Tirumala. He thought what Kali Purusha had said. He was frustrated to see the Tirumala which was formed in the banks of Koneri, with Vishnu installing himself in the stone all alone. He raised his fore-legs up to the sky and gave a crying neigh. It reverberated like thunder all across Koneri and the surroundings. The animals which were already scared now got terrified. They ran here and there. The birds flew like crazy. There were dust all across. As the animals ran, they crushed the flowers and uprooted the plants. The snakes got angry and they bit the rocks. Hayagriva was happy seeing all these, which came as a neighing again.

“Who came here without my permission. Come in front of me.” – He roared. As there wasn’t any response, He got furious.

“If you don’t come in front of me withing a Nazhigai time, this hill will be destroyed.” – warned Hayagriva.

The Adi Sesha heard this and got furious. He even thought of swallowing Hayagriva in one gulp. Lord Narayana looked at Adi Sesha that said ‘be patient’. Agastya seldom liked this arrogance of Hayagriva. He began to think, ‘Hayagriva, who is none other than the amsa of Lord Vishnu, why is he behaving so? Is he not aware that this Venkata Nath is none other than Vishnu himself? Or is this the wickeness of Kali Purusha who plays with Hayagriva?”

As he wasn’t doing anything to stop Hayagriva, he looked at Lord Vishnu who glanced the same way as He did to Adi-Sesha, ‘be patient’. As no one came front, Hayagriva began to doubt Kali Purusha himself on what he said.

“Is he playing with me on purpose? There is nothing but a black stone with Thiru Mann. There is no humans or rakshashas here. The animals are terrified already. How strange is this?” When he thought that he should just remain quiet, Saraswathi Devi appeared before Hayagriva.

Saraswathi’s appearance took Hayagriva by surprise. He gave a Namaskar in due of respect. “How come you came here alone in this forest?” – asked Hayagriva.

“Alone? Why, you are here right? How am I scared?”

“I’ve been here for a long time but I am seeing you here for the first time”

“Why? Lord Vishnu has taken an avatar here, didn’t you see?” – asked Saraswathi.

“No Devi. I just saw a black stone with Thiru Mann which appeared like Him. But I did not see properly as the face was covered with Thiru Namam. From what you are saying, I reckon it is Vishnu himself. Am I correct?”

“When Hayagriva says something, it must be right indeed. Well, you don’t seem to be peaceful but are looking aggressive and in a rush. Are you searching for someone?” – Saraswathi asked as if she didn’t know.

“O yes, you and Brahma Deva know that I have been ruling this Koneri forest for a while now. But looks like someone has encroached this place without my permission. I wanted to know who that is.”

“Who told you this?”

“The Kali”

“Oh very well, so you believed what you said. If so, he should have told you who encroached also?”

“Whether he says it or not, isn’t it a mistake to encroach my line of control?”

“What if it is Lord Vishnu?”

“It IS still a mistake”

“So what do you intend to do?”

“I will ask him to get out”

“What if He refuses?”

“I will fight with him”

“You, who are considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu himself, are going to fight with Lord Vishnu himself?”

“Don’t we see that the brothers who are of the same blood fight among themselves? What is so surprising in this?”

“Nothing. But one has to think about the win and loss. What if we win, what if we lose, we should think and plan accordingly.” – said Saraswathi.

“I have never thought about all these, never will.”

“In that case, you are sure to lose.”

“How can you assume so?”

“Brahma Deva said.”

“As what?”

“Come on here O Hayagriva! If you listen to me patiently, I shall say. You will get ferocious on hearing to Kali Purisha and will engage a fight with Narayana. If you did so, you will be defeated by Him here in Tirumala. Lord Brahma said all these to me and asked me to advice you, to turn you away from fighting. Hence I came here looking for you.” – said Saraswathi slowly.

Hayagriva laughed aloud, “I don’t believe this. It appears as if you are planning to enact a big drama around me.”

“Well, upto you then. I mentioned what Brahma Deva told me. I shall leave O Varahamithra!” – said Saraswathi.

“What, Varaha Mithra? What new name is this?”

“Yes, you are going to be called as Varaha Mithra here and will live here in Tirumala for ages to come. Brahma Deva told me this too.”

“What else did he say? Say it all at once” – hurried Hayagriva.

“You are not going to listen anyway. You are powerful and are capable of ruling everyone. You can scare even the wildest of creatures when you come running like a storm, raising the cloud of dust all the way to the sky. But…..”

“….I just don’t have the brains, you mean?” – Hayagriva was already angry. He asked thus while scratching the earth with his leg.

“See, you don’t have the patience to even listen. That is why they say that one has to have patience to have wisdom.” – Kalaivani (Saraswathi) tested Hayagriva’s pulse.

“You’re talking as if you have all the wisdom and knowledge and that I don’t have anything? I never will accept this.”

“Alright, upto you. I conveyed what was told to me. It is not easy to fight and win Venkatava. You need skill. Brahma Deva gave the responsibility of imparting that skill to you which I accepted and came here. I am lost. But if you need my help, call me by saying, “This is Varaha calling” thrice. I shall come running for help.” said Kalaivani and turned back.

Hayagriva thought for a quick while, “No no! I cannot believe this lady’s talks. It may well be the play of Vishnu himself. Whatever it may be, I will ram the stone which is the Kali-Avatara Vishnu and will move it away. Kali Purusha has indeed said the truth.” – Hayagriva marched fericiously towards Vishnu, who stood there in Tirumala as a Stone!

~ to be continued…!

Images courtesy: Alarie-Tano & Satyotthan

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 226th and 227th episodes of the Tamil series]

Hayagriva stood before Venkatava and roared, “Whom did you ask to come here? Get out of this place this instance!”

Venkatava did not move.

“I shall give you another 5 nazhigai time to move out of this place. Along with you should disappear this hill which appeared for you.” – He was restless, pounding his legs in the ground here and there.

Adi Sesha came forward to breathe out as hot as possible. The rishi munis in the hill kept looking at Hayagriva disrupting their penance. Kali Purusha came there as well. He suggested…

“Hayagriva! No one will hear if you say like this. See those Rishis who are absorbed in their tapasya, kick them out and bite those who come in front of you, thrash them with your feet so they would scream ‘O Narayana!’ by default. He will disappear for his devotees along with Adi Sesha. Then you can rule this place as per your wish.”

Hayagriva thought it was a good idea and he was about to begin where in a thundrous tone stopped him, “Hayagriva! Stop right there!”

The moment Kali Purusha heard that voice, he disappeared. Hayagriva, however he tried, was not able to keep even a single step forward. He just could not move. While he was thinking as to who stopped him thus, Agastya Muni came out of the bushes with the holy Kamandalu in His hands. Hayagriva, in spite of being the avatar of the Lord, was ferocious and was not realizing the divine purpose of his avatar. Where the divinity reduces, the evil forces will dominate themselves. As much as he was ferocious, he lacked sense. Brahma knew this very well. Had Hayagriva acted with a little bit of sense, Kali Purusha would have never approached him.

Brahma wanted to advise Hayagriva and sent Saraswathi. But Hayagriva was not in a position to hear. When he wanted to fight with Venkatava, Agastya could not bear it and stopped him with his tapasya’s strength. Hayagriva knew about Agastya but saw Him just then. He also realised how he is immobile by just a word from Agastya, realized Agastya’s power.

“O Hayagriva! I know who you are. You are an avatar of Lord Narayana himself but as you had enmity towards the rishis, you are roaming in the form of a horse here. The curse of those rishis are going to ward off. Crores of people are going to get enlighten through your wisdom, as I see in my Gnana Drishti. While this is the case, should you get distracted through the words of Kali?” – Agastya asked humbly.

But Hayagriva became angry at Agastya who made him immobile.

“Agastya!!” – he screamed, saying, “I do not need your advise. First, you stopped me. Second, you came to the place I rule and are acting biased towards Vishnu. There is no forgiveness for these two acts of yours.”

“O Hayagriva! “Vinasha kale vibareetha budhdhi” There is no need to feel sorry about me. If you can, take the next step forward. Why, you can even run with all four of your legs, I won’t come in between.”

“O Muni, why are you acting? First let me go!” – roared Hayagriva.

“Where to?”

“I am going to chase the stone avatar of Vishnu who came here without my permission”

“It’s no big deal. Vishnu won’t cause any harm here. Not just that, He will fulfil anyone who prays to him.”

“Oh is that so? In that case, I don’t have to fight him. If I just say, will he go away?”

“Yes, but a small correction. Instead of ‘if I just say’, you should say, “if I pray to him earnestly”. He is the mercy of ocean.”

“What are you saying?”

“If you just pray to this Perumal earnestly with all your heart, He will accept your prayers.”

“What if he doesn’t move?”

“There must be a mistake in your prayers then.”

“How do I pray, where do I do it from?”

“I do not know all these, but Saraswathi Devi knows very well. Pray to her earnestly with your hands folded.”

“Will she come?”

“For sure! She will teach you how to pray. Venkatava will listen to your prayers. Then you may attain what you wanted without any fight or injury.” – Agastya was very happy that He had taught Hayagriva a sensible way.

Hayagriva wanted to give these a shot and so he called upon Saraswathi Devi, “O Kalaivani, come here!”. As She didn’t appear in spite of calling her several times, Hayagriva got angry. Kali Purusha who was hiding came to Hayagriva now thinking how strange he has changed, who was ready to crumble the stone avatar and rishi munis is seated now and praying to Kalaivani. Has he changed? In that case, looks like we won’t have any work here in the earth. He must stop Hayagriva now .

“What happened Hayagriva, have you lost to Vishnu?” – he asked Sarcastically.

“What?! Me? Lost? I am just trying to drive him away without a fight.”

“Doesn’t look like so, you seem to be praying..?”

“Yes, I am calling upon Saraswathi Devi who doesn’t appear.”

“All these are your ignorance. Agastya is very clever. He wanted to stop you and Vishnu from meeting and he devised this plan.”

“What are you saying Kali Purusha?”

“The truth. If you listen to Agastya, you will be fooled. Do what I say. Fight this Venkatava and chase him out. He will run away with Adi Sesha. You can rule this place thereafter.”

“I cannot believe anything, I am confused.”

“…which is the plan of Agastya. Or else, Saraswathi would have been here when you called up. She didn’t. Trust me at least now. Jai Vijayee Bhava!” – said Kali.

“What should be done, O Kali?”

“Run as fast as you can and thrash that stone avatar of Vishnu.”

Hayagriva took his ferocious move towards the stone, Venkatava!

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

[From the 228th & 229th post of the Tamil series]

On seeing Hayagriva rushing towards Him, Lord Narayana pulled himself into the Earth. Hayagriva seldom expected this, he fell from the hill top and as he fell, he remembered Saraswathi’s words, “if you need my help, call me by saying, “This is Varaha calling” thrice. I shall come running for help”. He called thus thrice:
“This is Varaha calling, O Saraswathi Devi, please come”. The next second, Saraswathi Devi held him in her arms. He escaped from a great danger.

As he lay down unconsicous, Agastya was fanning with a white fan, Saraswathi looked at Hayagriva with so much of compassion. Kali Purusha was not to be seen there. A few moments passed by. The screech of the birds, the water falls from the nearby Papanasam hill falling in the feet of Boomi Devi whose chillness touched Hayagriva. He opened his eyes slowly.

Saraswathi Devi was seen in the Sthana of Guru, looking compassionately at him, Agastya fanning, Siddhas, Munivars and Raja Rishis chanting in a low voice, Hayagriva saw all these and jumped out. Saraswathi Devi said:

“Hayagriva, do not haste. Sit quiet. You are not in any danger.”

He began to recall everything that happened. Had he listened to Kali Purusha, what could have happened? His respect towards Agastya and Kalaivani grew manifold. He folded his hands towards Saraswathi, thanking her.

“O Mother! Though I have all the strength, I lacked the wisdom. Else, I wouldn’t have listened to Kali Purusha and fell down. I am very thankful to you. Please educate me on the ‘Gnana’, O Mother..” – said Hayagriva.

“O Hayagriva. Everything is happening as per Lord Brahma said. The curse that the munivars had given you has moved. Though you will look like Hayagriva, here in Tirumala, you will be known in the name Varaha Mithra and bless those who visit here to have a darshan of Venkatava.” – said Kalaivani.

“A small query. When will you educate me on the Gnana?”

“Varaha Mithra, right here and right now, in front of Agastya and all the eighteen foremost Siddhas, in the early Brahma Muhurtha time amidst the holy chanting of these birds with the grace of Venkatava Tirumala Vasa, I shall sprinkle the holy Ganga on you and bestow the Gnana. Please accept.” – said Saraswathi. Then she bestowed her wisdom to Hayagriva when all the rishi munis, devas, siddhas and everyone praising.

“Varaha Mithra, from today, all those bhaktas, rishis, siddhas, gnanis, who wants to have the darshan of Venkatava will get your darshan and permission first and then will have the darshan of Venkatava. Those who go directly to Venkatava will not have any merits. This is Lord Srinivasa’s order.”

“Why is this rigidity?” – asked Hayagriva.

“There’s a reason. This place of Koneri is under your rule anyway. Lord Narayana did not ask your permission and took the avatar. Kali Purusha might come here again and confuse you in the future and you may begin your fight to Perumal again right? That’s why this.” – laughed Saraswathi.

“Ha well, with the Gnana I have now, no one can manipulate me.” – said Varaha Mithra aka Hayagriva. While they were discussing these, there heard a thundrous noise. They all turned around only to see those bulls, four of them standing very ferociously. They appeared as if they would crush anyone who may come in front of them. Who sent them? Why are they so angry? It took sometime for those around to realize why. As Saraswathi Devi raised her hands, all four of them stood still as if they were controlled by a spell.

Saraswathi Devi said, “Hayagriva, this is another play of Kali Purusha to kill you. He knew that he cannot come closer to you any longer. These bulls represent four ill characters and he sent them to you. We also know that there are humans with these four characters. Only you can bless them!”

“Moreover, I have bestowed all the wisdom that I have as per the instruction of Brahma. Therefore the humans does not have to depend only on me to have knowledge. All they have to do is to pray to you who will stay here in this banks of Koneri, blessing those who come to have darshan of Venkatava, it’s enough. They would get the strengths of buddhi, vairagya, health, gnana everything. You and me are no longer different now, we’re equal.”

“I was roaming here ferociously without any knowledge. To me, Brahma Deva and yourself have bestowed all the knowledge and have made me equal to Venkatava himself. I thank you all. Will Lord Narayana allow me to see him, I wish to…” – said Hayagriva.

“For sure!”

“Though I desire very much to see him, whatever I did a while back makes me feel very hesitant.”

“O Varaha, you are the one with the Amsa of the Lord Almighty. You were roaming here ferociously because of a curse, which is removed through the grace of Venkatava now. Lord Narayana is the embodiment of mercy. He will definitely bless you. Come, I shall take you to him myself.”

“You should stay close to me and bless those who come to see me with devotion and gnana.” – Lord Venkatava embrased Hayagriva, who was immensely pleased.

“You are an avatar of Lord Vishnu as well. Protecting my devotees is like protecting myself. Not only this place if yours, whoever prays to you, you have the authority to bless them with gnana and have a shrine wherever you may like to bless them so. You do not need to take as much as avatars as me. Our enemy now is just the Kali Purusha now. He is very powerful and no one knows what he may do to confuse and manipulate others. As the humans will get deviated by him easily, there are a great amount of disasters waiting to happen here. They should be blocked by me, you, Kalaivani, the Almighty Siddha Agastya.”

“You have taken many a avatars before for the welfare of the earth. If you only think, you can destroy Kali right this moment right?” – asked Hayagriva.

“Saraswathi Devi knows about Kali Purusha well. It is not easy to win him, right Devi?”

“Why? This is known by Varahamithra himself as he was ready to attack you after he was confused by Kali Purusha. This example is enough to show how powerful he is.” – Saraswathi showed a glimpse of sarcasm in highlighting.

“Alright, let us protect the world from the evil Kali Purusha.”

Agastya asked a question humbly, “O Lord, may I know for how long this avatar is going to be?”

“The Kali yuga just started. There are countless incidents about to happen. It may take several hundred years.”

“Then?”

“Through Kali, the earthly people will deviate from dharma. The devotion to the Lord will reduce and all unwanted things will happen on a daily basis. Those who are intelligent will come seeking the blessings of Hayagriva here. When the people suffer and cry out, I will destroy Kali.”

“Then the earth will become that of heaven I reckon.” – said Agastya.

“No!” – said Venkatava, taking everybody by surprise.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Tirupathi Tour Guide

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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As Lord Narayana continued, everyone listened with great surprise.

“The avatars of Kali Purusha will become an army of evil forces and will fight with me. That’s when I will take the Kalki Avatar.”

“It means it will take many a years right?” – asked Agastya Muni.

“Well, it can’t be said. Whether I will take the Kalki Avatar or not is completely in the hands of Kali Purusha.”

“How come O Lord, that you took Varaha near you than anyone else?” – Agastya asked humbly. “Also, I desire to know from you, where the other heads of Adi Sesha are seated in this hill?”

“Agastya knows everything but He wants to know from me. This answer is for everyone. Where there is Gnana, there will be Bhakthi. Where there is Bhakthi, there will be mercy, good conduct, all these will dwell. Such place will radiate with divinity. Those who come to Tirumala should not only have Bhakthi, but also Gnana.

Such Gnana should be bestowed by Hayagriva. Hence I made him be seated here as Varaha. The horse is an embodiment of speed, though Cheetah is an example too, it is wild but. One can desire to see a Cheetah but cannot befriend it. But the horse is not so. Hence, as an indication that one should get good knowledge with the speed of horse, I made Hayagriva sit here.

To avoid any disturbance from Kali Purusha, one just needs to surrender to me with just a bit of Bhakthi. I will protect them. Those with Bhakthi and Gnana won’t be affected by anything. So this Tirumala Darshan is for both Bhakthi and Gnana.” – explained Lord Narayana.

“You are going to learn more than what you did…” – continued the Lord.

“In this beautiful place, I have made my spot where Adi Sesha’s head portion is. The body of Adi Sesha is huge and cannot be coiled here. It is spread in the place called Sri Sailam. The place Ahobila where I killed Hiranya Kasipu in my previous Avatar is where Adi Sesha’s tail is. Those who visits Ahobila and prays to Narasimha, those who prays to the Lord of Sri Sailam, I will accept them as the prayers to myself and will protect them. Even those who cannot come to Tirumala can pray from wherever they are, we shall protect them, bless them.”

“…in that case, will my prayers get answered too?” – a voice was heard. Who dares to interrupt when the Almighty Lord is speaking, everyone were shocked.

There stood Kali Purusha!

Venkatava gave a meaningful smile.

“If your prayer is for good, then it will bear the fruits.” – said the Lord.

“What is good, what is bad, let the future decide. Now my prayer is just this, Kali Yuga should flourish. The theism should get destroyed and athiesm should grow.”

“Then?”

“This atheism should spread all across the earth. My rule should remain at least for another ten thousand years. There should be no hindrance for which you need to bless.”

The Lord laughed to himself.

“O Kali Purusha, you could have asked this boon to Brahma himself who created you. Why did you come to me?”

“It’s because you said you will protect and bless those who surrenders you.”

“For sure, but it applies to everyone except you, which you know yourself very well.”

“You are the Lord. That too, you have appeared here only to destroy me. Isn’t it fair for me to protect myself?”

“O that way! In that case, you should have done severe tapasya thinking of either me or Lord Mahadev with a good intention. But you are asking this just like that as a boon?”

“I am not talking about fair and unfair deals here. I have put forth my query to you, that’s all.”

“Kali Purusha, if you do your duties, I shall give you the right results. If not, you will get suitable results. Why come to me?”

“O Venkatanatha! You are not answering my questions. What I asked and what you answer is different. I do not have to mention about my strength. You probably are already aware of it.”

“O I do know very well! In all my 9 past avatars, the asura (demon) who ran in all those I killed were you.”

“You have mistaken me. Though all the past 9 avatars were meant to destroy me as an Asura, you haven’t noticed that this Kali Avatar is the combination of all the 9 asura shakthis. I am not sure if you understand that.” – said Kali.

“So what?” – said Narayana.

“I have got all the 9 asura shakthi. But you aren’t the combination of all the 9 avatars. Even to say further…”

“Go ahead…?”

“This is just a stone avatar. Unlike the 9 other avatars, which had a lot of shakthi, this is not a combination of all those 9 avatars.”

“Kali Purusha. Manipulated by you, Hayagriva tried to fight with me but he is standing here as a Varaha Mithra under my feet. All those whom you will manipulate are going to fall under my feet. Even you, will surrender to me. Why go that far, you are standing here at my mercy now. What else do you want?”

Kali Purusha laughed aloud.

“I was just playing with you all the while. Just see my games now on. I am going to win indeed.” – Kali moved away.

Lord Narayana smiled which stated, “what is there to worry for the One who knows, creates everything?”

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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[From the 232nd & 233rd post of the Tamil series]

Narada came rushing to Venkatanath seated in the banks of Koneri river, “I heard that the Kali Purusha came and threatened you?” – he started like he always does.

“Leave it with me and say why you are here.”

“Nothing. Though Adisesha himself has become these seven mountains, I thought it will be appropriate if each of them are named unique. I thought of different names but could not choose any.”

“What did you think, tell me that first.”

“What’s the use in what I thought? What is the guarantee that you are going to fulfilll it?”

“Why? You have only that much of faith in me?”

“Narayana Narayana! Little bit of faith, on you, what is this Swami?” – Narada exclaimed.

“O Narada, do not despair. I just wanted to play with you for some time.”

“I am relieved. I met Bhrigu Muni on my way and he asked if you haven’t started your divine play in the holy hills.”

“Hmm..then?”

“I narrated how Hayagriva was manipulated by Kali Purusha and mentioned that the first divine play is Hayagriva’s transformation of Varaha Mithra through Srinivasa’s grace. He was very pleased. Pray, what is your next play?”

“Why ask me? You should ask this to Kali Purusha.” – said the Lord.

“Who is he? Where is he? What is he doing now? I can’t see him?” – Narada had a lot of questions.

“See here. Beneath this mountain near the banks of the river, a Muni is seated on a round rock doing tapasya to me, near the jasmine plant. Just watch in disguise what Kali Purusha is going to do.”

Narada had a thought in his mind if Lord Srinivasa will name one of the hills with his. But here the Lord has asked him to remain in disguise and watch the Muni. He went there nevertheless and started observing. Suddenly, the rock on which the Muni was seated began to submerge in the water. Though the Muni saw that through his Gnana Drishti, he just uttered the name ‘Govinda, Govinda’ but did not move. He wasn’t worried about the rock getting immersed.

The water rose up to his hip, to his chest, now to his neck and lo! now only the matted locks of the Muni was visible, but he did not stop the chanting. The Kali Purusha was astonished. He thought, “I troubled him so much, immersed him in the water, but he still is chanting Govinda’s name. I wanted him to go against Narayana and thereby driving all the rishi-munis out of this place, but this is one adamant fellow!” – Kali Purusha was frustrated.

He made him rise up the water only to find the Muni glowing with divine radiance. Kali Purusha spotted a huge rock nearby and thought if he rolls it down, all the muni and rishis will run away. He acted on it at once. The rock fell down with trembling force towards the Muni. Narada did not expect this and he screamed ‘Narayana!’. Kali Purusha stood there and laughed aloud, looking at the rock which went downwards with great force.

Narada could not know the reasons for a number of things. Why is this Kali troubling such an innocent Muni? Why is Narayana quiet on seeing such a hideous act? But he could not stop himself from seeing such a thing. He stopped the rock with his strength obtained from tapasya. The rock which looked like a small mountain by itself stood in the thin air, immobile. The Kali Purusha was shocked now. He began to search for the one who did such a thing with a great anger.

Narada came out and Kali Purusha thought that it is probably Venkatava’s act to send him to enact this play. Narada thought that this Kali Purusha is ten times more than how he had imagined him.

Kali asked Narada, “Why is this all required for Narada?”

“Why? This is dharma right?”

“I know pretty well what is dharma and adharma. Why are you interfering in my matter?”

“What is your matter? Trying to submerge an innocent Muni? To roll a huge rock on top of him, is that your matter? Then it is my matter to protect the devotees of Venkatava.”

“I am surprised by this act of Narada.”

“Why?”

“Generally, Narada creates confusion and he is pretty good at it. But for the first time, he saves a life. That, is surprising.”

“Agreed. Though I create confusion, have you forgotten that it always ends in something good?”

“What all is going to happen, who knows?”

“O yes, yes! This is your time, Kali-Kala. Whatever hideous things you plan to do, Venkatava is ready to counter attack every move of yours, do not forget.”

“Let it all be. Now I am going to crash that rock on the Muni’s head with my Asura-Shakthi. Try stopping it.”

“No Kali! What did that Munivar do to you?”

“He is always thinking of that Narayana.”

“And what’s wrong in that?”

“No. Because of him, thousands of other Munivars consider him as their lead and are coming here and chanting his name.”

“It is for good then that this place on earth is becoming a Punya-Boomi.”

“No I do not agree. All the chanting is enough. I am the ruler hereafter. Whoever has devotion, I will interrupt them, I will kill them.”

“Is it not a sin?”

“O Narada, whatever I am going to do hereafter will be looked upon by you as a sin. The other munivars should tremble in fear on seeing how I kill this one with the rock. They should forget devotion and should change as rationalists.”

“How rational?”

“Don’t you know? What I meant by rationalists is, they should not worship, they should not go to temples, they should completely forsake what is referred as ‘Dharma, Sashtra, Nyaya, Sathya, and being righteous’ and should behave however they please.”

“This you call being rational?”

“Not just this, I have more plans but I won’t say them all.”

“Why not?”

“You will start spreading my plan to everyone and spoil it.”

“Narayana Narayana. Why should I take all these blame? You can very well tell them to me.”

“O Narada, do you think I would believe you that easy? You are the foremost of Narayana’s devotees. Also, you are acting against me as well. How do I believe you?”

“Kali Purusha, this earth is going to be under your grip for thousands of years to come by, forgetting bhakthi and becoming the embodiment of adharma. I am beginning to realize that it is very difficult for anyone to go against you. I do not know your plans. But the one who knows them and everything else, the Lord Narayana, will he spare you, that is my doubt.” – said Narada.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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When Narada asked Kali if Lord Narayana will spare him, he said, “O Narada, you have started your mischievousness. I am not going to listen to whatever you say. No one can win me either. I am going to push this rock down. If you can, save this Muni.”

Narada screamed, “O Munivar! Please come closer to me..” but he was chanting “Govinda Govinda!” and did not hear anything, he did not even open his eyes. Kali Purusha laughed aloud. With a great struggle, he was able to roll the rock which was hanging in the air because of Narada Muni. The huge rock fell with a great thud in the banks of Koneri whose dust covered the banks for a while. It destroyed all the garden, hermitages, ashrams etc in to pieces.

The rishi munis who were doing tapasya ran here and there out of fear. When they gathered after a while, trying to understand what has happened, Kali Purusha said this in a horrendous voice:

“O Rishi Muni’s! Terrified huh? This is just the beginning of my play, which will continue for another thousands of years from now. Run away from here! I won’t allow anyone to do tapasya here. If you still would like, you must chant, “Kali Purushaya Namaha!” and nothing else. If you chant any other name, what happened to this Rishi who was seated in that rounded rock for hundreds of years in Tirumala will happen to you. This is my first warning.”

The rishi seated in the rock was not to be seen and the rock was broken. This terrified Narada and the rest of the rishi munis around. Narada prayed to Lord Narayana and opened his eyes, only to see Kali Purusha standing before him asking, “Narada, where is your Rishi?”

Narada did not reply as he was frustrated that Kali has killed an innocent hermit.

“Why aren’t you saying anything about my strength? Pity, you might have saved his life. Maybe you don’t have the power to do so. Nevertheless, whoever you call as Almighty, that Venkatava could have at least protected this Rishi, but he is just a stone here. How can he?” – Kali laughed.

“Kali! Do you know that you have committed a Brahma Hathi Dosha?” – asked Narada.

“How, how how?”

“You killed an innocent tapasvi. Whatever curse he might have said when he died will crush you, don’t you know?”

“Is it?! It is very interesting to know, can you say it again? That is this tapasvi, when the rock falls on him, crushing him to death will curse me and that curse will crush me? Very well. Ha ha ha! But he is just been made a paste and got dissolved in to the water. What is your take on it?

“It is fair to kill someone who does injustice. The almighty has punished those who destroyed dharma. Should you show your bravery and strength to such an innocent tapasvi? Aren’t you ashamed?” – asked Narada fuming at what happened.

“This is going to be my full time work now on. I will kill only the innocents, especially those who chant the name of Venkatava, their family, their clan, I will destroy. Let Narayana come and save them. I am not stopping him, am I?”

After a while, he said “I thought at least we shall get to see his body but nothing is left. Do you understand my strength now?”

“This is not strength. This is just a portion of Brahma Hathi Dosha. You have killed an innocent Tapasvi. This sin won’t leave you at peace!” – said Narada.

“Cursing me? Why didn’t you save that Rishi yourself with your divine powers then?”

“Even if my powers didn’t save him, his own powers of tapasya would have saved him. Had he really got killed, his body must have remained here. What it means that he must be alive. Moreover, there is no use in talking to you. I will go directly to Venkatava to tell what happened, not that he is not aware of it already. Then it is His will.”

While Kali Purusha was looking at Narada going towards Tirumala, the rest of the rishi-munis approached him with folded hands, fear filled. He looked at them fiercefully as if he asked what they want.

“We shall go away from this play right after the Chadhurmasya Vratha. Please do not harm us till then.” – they pleaded.

“How long is that for?”

“At least for three months.”

“What is this Vratha (vigil) for?”

“To pray to Bhagawan.”

“Which Bhagawan?” – Kali asked sarcastically.

The rishi-munis looked at each other.

“Not just Chathurmasya Vratha. You may keep any vigil as you please. But they all should be done in my name, towards me. Else, I will set fire to all these ashrams and will have this Koneri river flood all the places here.”

The tapasvis cried within themselves thinking of Venkatava, “O Lord! Why aren’t you keeping this fellow in his limits? Aren’t you protecting us? Why do we deserve these?” etc. Such a truthful prayer was indeed heard by the all pervading lord. The next moment, he took the form of wind and reached there with a speed that could not be measured. Kali Purusha was shaken to his base at the wind. He feared his life and disappeared from there. The tapasvis were jubilant. The Lord spoke to them in Asareeri (where the divine voice is heard loud and clear without one being able to see who speaks, sort of a close translation of what asareeri means).

“This is Kali Purusha’s rule. No one knows how he will manipulate others, what harm he will do. But those whe pray to me earnestly like you did, I will protect them for sure. His birth is just happened. I will let him grow as the total embodiment of sin and then only I will destroy him. This will take thousands of years. It is the need of the time where I will do just the right thing at the right time”

One of the rishis explained how an innocent tapasvi was killed mercilessly. The Lord laughed.

“I never abandon those who surrender to me! I just created an illusion of that Maha Purusha being killed by Kali. He just felt happy. That Maha Purusha was saved by Boomi Devi and he is safe. But one may think, why should he suffer so? There is a reason for everything. While he was praying to me, he prayed that one of these 7 hills should be named under him and that he is ready to bear any sort of difficulty for the same. I know about his devotion very well. But if I fulfill his request then and there, no one will have true devotion.

It is only after one gains the strength to bear difficulty, one gets real devotion.

I wanted to have him tested through Kali Purusha. He tested him through my spell (maya). The rishi overcame it through his real devotion. I had asked Booma Devi to protect him.

Fear not! I have come here to Tirumala as Venkatava only to protect those who surrender to me. I will come running for them.” – said Narayana!

The tapasvi’s joys knew no bounds. They wished to see that tapasvi and wanted all those gardens, hermitages to be restored as it were. The Lord knew it very well and he showed them the tapasvi through Booma Devi. The tapasvi was seen, still chanting “Govinda Govinda!”

Narada asked the Lord. “Thank you for protecting him. Will the lord fulfill the desire of this tapasvi, to name the hill after him?”

“Narada, I know your mischievousness. This hill will be named after this tapasvi after a while with a Mangalasasanam. As this is the first head of Adi Sesha, those who climb this hill to have my darshan, I will nullify all their sins and will have them attain moksha.”

Thus, the reason for why Narada came looking for Venkatava was fulfilled.

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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A number of unexplainable miracles are still happening in the Tirumala till date. The Kali Purusha was working full swing in spoiling the minds of people. They do everything without the realization that they are under his spell. If they only stop and contemplate for a second, think of Lord Venkatava, they will come out of his spell. But is Kali that easy to give up? Before Tirumala was formed, there was a small town nearby with opulence of greenery. A king ruled it and its surroundings. His name was Virushachalam.

Though he was not a literate, he was naturally intelligent and devoted. But what surpassed all these was his mercy. His parents was worried about this very quality which doesn’t match quite well in being a king. How is he going to win his enemies and protect his kingdom, they worried. They called upon an astrologer to ask about Virushachalam who was an ardent devotee of Lord Narayana. He examined the horoscope of Virushachalam and said this:

“He would prefer ruling the jungle than the kingdom. It is not a good idea to have him rule this kingdom.”

The parents were shocked and asked if there is a way to have his mind changed towards being a king. The astrologer said that no remedial measure would help and its good to leave him as he pleases. The parents were reluctant, how can we leave all these wealth and these innocent people of our kingdom who believe in Virushachalam. Then the minister said:

“O King. Do not worry. Let the prince live the way he wants by doing service to the lord. If you wish, I shall rule this place as his representative.”

The king got angry, “How can a minister rule when Virushachalam is here?”

The minister gave a thoughtful look at the astrologer and asked, “Isn’t how it is mentioned in the horoscope?” The astrologer got scared and he nodded his head, never opened his mouth. The king said that he will counsel with other ministers, well wishers and in front of the Rajya Sabha and decide thereafter.

“O King. I am not after the post of the king. I am just concerned that your clan should not end with Virushachalam. Not only that, there is not going to be a brother or sister born to Virushachalam hereafter. Above all, I do have some rights over this kingdom.”

“How dare you, on what basis are you saying this?” – roared the queen.

“O Sister! You gave me this important role of minister in this kingdom. I am reminding you just that. Not just that, when the enemies came here, I saved your husband the King by taking him in to the jungle. You had then promised that you will give whatever I want. Plus, your son is chanting Narayana Narayana all the time. How can he be the king?”

“So you should be crowned as the king and Virushachalam is to be sent to the jungle?”

“That is up to you.” – said the minister.

“The first mistake is to appoint you as the minister. The second is to call this astrologer for a discussion.”

“Meaning?”

“From this second, I deprive you of this minister post. In two days, you should quit this kingdom.” – said the King.

The minister was not swayed by this statement. He took the astrologer whom he brought away, angrily. The next day, without no one’s expectation happened was the ceremony of Virushachalam anointed as the king amidst the Vedic chants by the priests.

“O Father. Why don’t you continue to rule this place while I go to places like Badrinath, Kailash, Rishikesh and pray to the almighty. Please allow me.”

The king did not consent. The news of the new king reached the public. Though they were very happy, they couldn’t understand why the king took this decision so soon. They thought that the king might have witnessed ‘Dhoomakethu’, a comet by which he must have hastened the decision to action. The ceremony which was supposed to happen in front of every public, why it happened secretly in the palace was not clear to the public though they didn’t express anything.

The King and Queen were relieved that their son has become the king. While they were lying down peaceful at night, the minister killed both with his men. The news spread like a wildfire the next morning. The King and Queen are killed by the minister! The public went rampage in front of the minster’s house. He knew that he cannot escape the public and so he ran away to a nearby hill. When he turned back, he saw a whole mass of public behind him and so he ran without control only to fall down from the hill. He never woke up again alive.

Virushachalam was frustrated with the happenings. He decided that he is not going to be a king in this material world. He called upon five of the loyal ministers and wrote a power of attorney for them to rule the place and made several welfare plans to the public, making them official. He went out on pilgrimage, visited many parts of India by foot, took holy dip in many a holy rivers. He naturally became a lovely devotee in Lord Narayana’s heart. Virushachalam reached Koneri river and lived as one among the other Munivars and became an ardent Tapasvi. This is when Kali Purusha spotted him.

We read what happened thereafter. After this incident, Lord Narayana named the first holy hills of Tirumala after Virushachalam, the king who is an ardent devotee of the Lord.

PS: This is different from the present day names of the Seven Hills. But the above is narrated by Agastya Muni in the Jeeva Nadi.

Featured image courtesy: Go Tirupathi!

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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Though the Lord had taken avatar in Tirumala like that of Kalki avatar, it was indeed Kali Purusha who gave a lot of tests to the Lord himself. He desperately wanted people to forget devotion and to have the dominance of demonic qualities. But all his efforts towards this mission was scattered in to pieces. He tortured an innocent yet best of the rishis as much as possible. But it became beneficial for the rishi himself where he was highly recognised when the Lord named one of the seven holy hills after the rishi’s name Virushachala.

Narada had a desire!

He wanted to know how the lord is going to name the rest of the hills. It will anyway take some time, so Narada wanted to roam around the earth and he wanted a company. Who will be the rightly qualified one for this he thought and Agastya Muni flashed in his mind. He approached Agastya.

“You are a Triloka Sanchari (the one who roams around all the three worlds – tri – three, loka – world, sanchari – the one who roams). Wherever you go, you have the skill to escape out of any situation. I don’t think I can do so. I am thinking of going to Podhigai hills and do tapasya for some time.” – said Agastya.

“Oh you didn’t know? There is a place called Sri Sailam near Tirumala. I heard that Lord Shiva is going to stay here with Parvati Devi for some time.” – said Narada.

“Is it?! This is a great news!” – said Agastya.

“Instead of going to Kailash, we could get a beautiful darshan of Lord Shiva right here in Sri Sailam. I am thinking of going there. I would be very happy if you come along.”

“One must be blessed indeed to have His darshan.”

“Then why wait? Let’s have the Shiva Darshan and go in proceed with our paths thereafter.”

“Fair indeed. My mind wants to stay in Tirumala for some more time and witness the divine play of Lord Narayana. As the spring has come, I also want to witness the beauty of Podhigai hills.” – said Agastya.

“I am calling you to Sri Sailam. Now your condition is like the ant which is in the middle of a fire burning in three sides.” – said Narada sarcastically.

“I have heard this proverb usually as ‘ant with fire on both sides of the stick’. What is this three sides? Can you explain?”

“Sure! You came to Tirumala to have darshan. You want to go to Podhigai hills to witness its beauty. You are restless without Shiva Darshan also. When such a Maha Purusha like you can have this swaying of mind, what can others do?”

Agastya thought for a while.

“What is there to think? Let us first go and have the darshan of Shiva-Parvathi, the rarest of all darshans. Then you may stay in Tirumala or go to Podhigai, up to you.” – Narada was determined. Agastya agreed thinking that whatever Narada says might be correct indeed. As they proceeded, a thundrous voice was heard:

“Who is it? Stop right there!”

“Who are you? Where are you talking from?” – they responded back. But that Mayavi (one who is well versed in magical tricks) put his iron hands on both of them. Though they were able to release themselves from that iron hold through the power of their tapasya, they were shocked to see that Rakshasa who stopped them in the Sri Sailam jungle. They figured out that fighting this demon is next to impossible.

That demon ‘Vrushabachalam’ laughed aloud which echoed across the jungle, causing terror to those who heard it. Agastya got very frustrated at Narada. He had pulled myself to have Shiva Darshan but what I am having is the darshan of a demon! Narada looked at Agastya with a meaningful look which said, “I am not the reason for this mess.”

Agastya could have sprinkled a few drops of holy water from his Kamandalu and burned that asura. But he could not do so!

“Who is this kulla (dwarf) muni?” – asked the demon.

“Not Kulla Muni, but refer to him respectfully as Kumba Muni (read the story of the origin of river Kaveri) O Asura!” – warned Narada.

“What’s the need? Why should I?”

“He is the son of Lord Shiva. He is the foremost of all Siddhas. You may have heard about the holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva). Consider him the fourth. Be careful and be respectful.” – said Narada.

“O Narada, do you know to whom you are talking to?” – asked the demon.

“I do, very well. You are the embodiment of all the evil in the world.”

“That is enough for me. You are saved because you are Narada. Not a single insect comes in to this place without my permission. You have but come here with this dwarf.”

“Why can’t we enter this place? Did Maheshwara give you the power of attorney to this place? This is Earth. We will go where we please to. You cannot stop us.” – Agastya muni said angrily.

“O dwarf muni! You are talking way too above your limits. Just see there on what happened to such munis who spoke beyond their limits.” – the asura laughed alound and pointed a place where many a Rishis were tied to trees, deeply wounded. The huts made by them were burnt down. Some of the rishis were being bitten by wild animals such as fox, tiger and cheetah, even dogs, all these were supervised by a few demons.

Some of the rishis were hanged upside down with fire burning right beneath them. The humans who walked there by mistake were thrown in to huge vessels with boiling water inside them. The demons were enjoying all these.

Agastya could not control himself!

He took some water from his kamandalu thinking that this asura should not be spared even for a second, and he began to do his mantra japa with the water in his palm. Narada got scared on seeing this for Agastya can do anything! But this demon had to be destroyed by Venkatava. So he began to speak.

“Vrushabasura!”

“What?!”

“It is indeed our mistake to have walked in without your permission. Please forgive us, we shall go our way.”

“Very well! Now you understood me right. But what is this dwarf doing with water in his hand, murmering something?”

“He is praying to Lord Shiva.”

“Why?”

“To give you the right mind. To show you that the rishi munis who came to this holy land to pray can be saved through prayers.”

“Narada. I shall spare you for you openly asked for an apology. But I won’t spare this dwarf. He has to undergo the tortures.”

“It is not possible Vrushabasura!”

“Why not?”

“You are underestimating Agastya who is the son of Lord Shiva himself, who is the right hand of Venkatava. It is safe for you if you do not go near him.”

Vrushabasura laughed aloud on hearing this.

“I was thus sparing him all the while because of you. Now I am going to swallow him.”

The asura grew enormously. He looked dangerous with his teeth growing sharp and shining. He picked up Agastya with his little finger and took Him near his mouth. Right then…

“Vrushabasura!” – a thundrous tone was heard which even scared the asura himself!

Lord Shiva Himself stood there with flashing eyes and His trident. Narada’s joy and devotion knew no bounds. Agastya’s eyes were filled with tears on Lord Shiva’s darshan. He folded his hands in devotion.

“We came to have your darshan, but got stuck in between.” – said Narada.

“O Three Eyed Lord! Many many thanks for giving us your darshan. I can simply destroy this asura. Why do you have to trouble yourself? To tear a grass, there is no need of a tiger’s claws!” – said Agastya.

But surprisingly, the asura was not moved or shaken by these conversations. He asked Shiva, “What, the Three Eyed One! Have you forgotten the promise you made?”

The Lord Almighty rested His trident on His broad chest and breathed, “Yes, I forgot. I had granted some rights as a result of your tapasya. I am now under the spell of my son’s love.”

“You spoke right. You yourself cannot enter this place without my permission. How can I then allow this dwarf?”

“Vrushabasura! I came to remind you this – Vinasa Kale Vibareedha Buddhi. I will stay here. Not just these two, who ever comes here should not be blocked or disturbed by you. Else, my trident will separate your head from your body.” – said Shiva.

“O Lord! You had but promised me that you won’t kill me when you gave me the boons, remember?” – the asura laughed.

As Shiva stood silent, Agastya sprinkled the holy water from his kamandalu by chanting a mantra.

Featured image courtesy: Go Tirupati

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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As Agastya sprinkled the holy water on Vrushabasura, he was surrounded and consumed by Agni, he struggled so much in the fire and what remained there was his ashes. Lord Shiva was looking at it quietly as Agastya Muni was weaving his beard with a smile. Right then, ten Vrushabasuras came out of the ashes! Agastya did not expect this but the Lord knew it, He also knew that the demons might jump at Agastya anytime. Hence He pulled Agastya to His side and thought of Lord Venkatava for a moment.

The Lord Venkatava stopped all the ten demons with His Sudarshana Chakra to prevent any disaster caused by him. Lord Shiva thought that the demon’s end has come and the earth will be saved. The demons jumped from earth to sky with the only intention of crushing Agastya Muni. The demons were happy that they were not harmed by Lord Shiva and that Lord Venkatava came in front of them Himself, they roared out of happiness. They threw the rocks and mountains, uprooted the trees and made the place like a battlefield.

The wild animals ran for their lives. Agastya has never seen such a site, but Lord Mahadeva was quietly witnessing all these. Lord Venkatava stopped their every wild actions. Now the anger of all the ten demons fell on Venkatava and so they began to attack him. There ensued a fierce battle and just as a snake shows it ferociousness many times before it bows its head down, the demons became very tired at the end where Lord Venkatava used His Sudarsana Chakra. All ten fell down and within seconds, the nine others disappeared. The one Vrushabasura in his last breath, bowed to Lord Vishnu.

“What do you want?” – asked Madhava.

“I pray to hold on to your holy feet at all times.”

“I shall give you Moksha right here.”

“No need Prabo! I would like your darshan every single time…for that…”

“Yes, say it”

“The Tirumala Venkata Hills that is becoming very famous now, I need a separate place. The devotees who come to have your darshan should step on my back and proceed. Please grant me this boon.”

“You are very different in all aspects. You prayed to Lord Shiva to get more powers, troubled the earth and deva loka for a long time. Now you are asking for Moksha to me.”

“You have granted Moksha to many a demons O Lord! I am desperate to join in that list.”

“You could have obtained the Moksha through devotion as well? Why didn’t you take that path? You were about to attack the son of Lord Shiva, Agastya the dearest!”

“It was the order of Kali Purusha, my Lord!”

“Where is he? If only I can subdue him, that should be enough!” – roared Agastya Muni.

“Have patience O Agastya! Kali has only began his actions. I know what all he is about to do. I pity the humans in Earth.” – said Lord Narayana and looked mercifully at the demon Vrushabasura who was struggling for life.

“I shall grant you Moksha to you who danced to the tunes of Kali Purusha.”

“No Lord! I would still like to have your darshan and to fight with you all the time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Please name one of the seven hills of Tirumala with my name. Till the end of Kali Yuga, every devotee who comes to have your darshan should say my name and come.”

“That’s all right? The second head of Adi Sesha hereafter will be called as Vrushaba. Enough?”

“What else do I want Swami? I will help those who come to have your darshan by having them step on my back. This is enough for me.” – Vrushabasura touched the holy feet of Lord Narayana and breathed his last.

Lord Shiva was pleased at the mercy of Lord Vishnu. Agastya Muni bowed to Lord Vishnu who looked at Lord Shiva and said with a laugh…

“O Three Eyed One! You have been so merciful as always and granted him the boon and thereby pulled me here. Now I ended up doing your aspect of work (destruction). Please grant me a boon that no one should think that ‘Vishnu will also do Samhara (the destruction)”

Lord Shiva replied, “How could I? Who knows what else will Kali do?” – smiled the Lord meaningfully.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Ribhuv

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answers of Agastya Muni to the generic questions posted by devotees can be found here.

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Kali was disappointed with the way his plans were devastated. He began to think deeply about a strategy through which he can establish himself strongly. He chose a mountain in the southern side of Tirumala, went deep in a jungle and began to think. The incidents of Varahamithra, how his plan was defeated in killing that Munivar, in case of Vrushabasura – all came to his mind.

His objective was to create chaos, make people deviate from the dharmic way of life, to make them fight with each other and finally, the total destruction of dharma and establishing adharma. He realized that as long as the women’s thought process of freedom can be disturbed, he could turn around the situation to his favor. If the women start thinking that freedom is ‘doing whatever and whenever they please, to think of chastity and being truthful to their spouses is an act of suppression, and doing the very things that the shastras calls derogatory in an expression of they being free, Kali’s job will be easily done as the women are the powerful species who can make or break the humans.

Though it is not a big task to uproot a tree, making a hole or infect it with deadly insects is a simpler route as the tree will fall by iteslf then. Kali knew that he cannot go to direct combat with the Lord Almighty, but the humans are mere mortals and it made more sense to infect them to achieve his objectives. He thought he should get closer to them and know their weaknesses and manipulate it.

If their thought process is disturbed, they naturally will deviate from being devoted. He liked the concept of the jungle bees who put a hole in such a big tree. While he was thinking all these, there flew a number of ‘Garuda’s, united yet independent, majestic. He was frustrated at that sight for some reasons. Then he devised a plan to meet Garuda, the personal vehicle of Lord Vishnu and to corrupt him. If this is done successfully, thought Kali – his work is half done in winning Vishnu.

He went directly to Garuda’s house in disguise. Garuda’s wife enquired who he was and where he is from. He said he was a guest and that he does not have a shelter of his own or a family.

Garuda’s wife said, “While your appearance is of an old man, the way you talk has some evil motives!”

“O! If my words have hurt you, I apologize..”

“You haven’t done any crime or anything. But I felt within that your speech does not reflect the wisdom of a Gnani or the humbleness of a guest. May I know the reason why you came here?”

“You are the wife of Garuda himself, who is the personal vehicle of Lord Vishnu.”

“Yes”

“Lord Narayana protects everybody. But your husband protects Lord Narayana himself.”

“What are you bloughing?”

“It will indeed sound like bloughing now. You will know the truth in it eventually.”

“Old man, you are a guest.”

“Yes.”

“My task here is done after I gave you food, some clothes and a few grains.”

“It is true”

“But you are interfering in unnecessary things. You are talking ill of my husband and the Lord who protects everybody. These are not good qualities of an Athithi (guest)”

“O Lady. I pledge in the name of my creator Brahma, I did not come with any evil intentions you mentioned. You know everything. But in spite of it…” – paused Kali.

“What are you saying?”

“It is a practise to welcome an Athithi, wash his feet, offer him fruits and vegetables and show hospitality right?”

“Who said no?”

“You said everything about Athithi in your words, but you haven’t shown any of those in action.”

Garuda’s wife began to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?” – asked Kali.

“I somehow felt in my mind that you are not an Athithi. Your actions were confirming it too. Hence I did not give you the respect and hospitality that is normally given to guests. But since you have mentioned yourself, I have to show you some hospitality. Please come in.”

Kali went inside the house of Garuda, the mightiest bird who is considered to be equal to Indra in the bird kingdom. Garuda’s wife did not notice that along with Kali, Shaneeshwara entered her house by residing in Kali’s feet. Her mind however felt that a large dark form entered her house majestically. She also felt that Dhairya Lakshmi telling her ‘We have surrendered to Lord Narayana himself. The Lord of Tirumala will be with me and I do not have to fear anything.”

Kali ate food at Garuda’s house. To show the respect and hospitality, Garuda’s wife fell at his feet for Ashirwad. Kali said:

“O noble one! Let all the auspiciousness happen to you. I however would feel guilty if I don’t say what I felt. If you permit, I shall say.”

“You are an aged guest. You are like my father in age. You aren’t going to say anything ill minded, are you? You can say what you want to say without fear”

“Where is Garuda? He is not to be seen?”

“Why, will you say it only when he is here?”

“No no! I have to tell this only to you. Do you know where your husband is now? He is enjoying himself in the private chambers of Indra Loka with the Yuvarani (princess) there. How will you know it?”

Garuda’s wife felt the last few words like a cut from a sharp sword.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Srikanth Photography

The GOS 194 – Nava Grahas – Angarak (Sevvai)

The GOS 196 – Nava Grahas – Guru (Vyazhan)

The GOS 197 – Nava Grahas – Shukra

The GOS 198 – Nava Grahas – Shanishwara!

The GOS 199 – Nava Grahas – Rahu

The GOS 200 – Nava Grahas – Kethu

The GOS 201 – Perumal & Adiyen, an intro – 1

The GOS 202 – Perumal & Adiyen 2

The GOS 202 – Perumal & Adiyen 3, Hayagriva!

The GOS 203 – Perumal & Adiyen 3, Hayagriva!

The GOS 204 – Perumal & Adiyen 4, Hayagriva!

The GOS 205 – Perumal & Adiyen 5 – Hayagriva!

The GOS 207 – Perumal & Adiyen 7 – Hayagriva gets demystified!

The GOS 208 – Perumal & Adiyen 8 – Kali’s Challenge

The GOS 209 – Perumal & Adiyen 9 – Kali Purusha and Narada

The GOS 210 – Perumal & Adiyen 10 – Kali Purusha’s Thandava!

The GOS 211 – Perumal & Adiyen 11 – Virushachalam

The GOS 212 – Perumal & Adiyen 12 – Testing time for Agastya Himself!

The GOS 213 – Perumal & Adiyen 13 – the second hill, Vrushabadri!

The GOS 214 – Perumal & Adiyen 14 – The plan of Kali