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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Garuda’s wife though shocked initially, her intuition said that it may not be true. But Garuda himself had mentioned to her sometime back thus:

“The Kali Yuga has started. Who know what all will happen?”

Her mind was clouded: has the Garuda who said the above words himself went wrong? The person who has come here as a guest does not seem like an ordinary one. He is able to tell what is happening right in Indra Loka. Either he must be a dweller of Indra Loka itself or he must be a Siddha disguised himself as an old man. Had he mentioned a lie, it is sure that Garuda’s sharp nails will tear him in to pieces but what if he says the truth?

“O Mother!” – called the old guest.

“Yes?”

“I am not the person who will think evil of the place where I have taken food. If what I said is a lie, then let my life be crushed under your foot’s nail.”

“O Sire, I do not know you before. But my intuition told me that something is going to happen the moment you stepped in my house.”

“It is true indeed right?”

“You did not behave like a guest. Your actions and words were different. You mentioned something about Lord Venkatava who protects and sustains us all.”

“What did I say?”

“The Lord who protects the entire universe has taken the form of Venkatava. He is served by my husband. He loves the Lord immensely. Such a Lord, can’t He protect himself. You said it is my husband who protects Lord Narayana. How can that be fair?” – Garuda’s wife spoke all these in a single breath. That unshakable belief and devotion shook Kali for a second but he said, “You have misunderstood me. I just said what I heard. It is up to you to accept or not.”

“You came here as a guest. How do you know what is happening in Indra Loka? Such things are possible only to the Munivars who have renounced everything, the Lord Almighty himself and the dwellers of Deva Loka. Who are you in that case?” – Garuda’s wife stressed on this question a bit harshly.

“O Mother! I cannot argue with you, neither do I want to. I wouldn’t think evil of the place where I consumed food.”

“Then why did you speak ill of my husband?”

“One, to ensure that your marital life is healthy. Second, to not to let Garuda get insulted in Indra Loka. That’s all.”

“Many thanks for your well wishing.” – Garuda’s wife bid farewell to the ‘guest’.

“O Mother! Let every auspiciousness be yours. Just a thing. What this guest said is not a lie. When Garuda comes back, his forehead will have Sendhuram. Ask him how it came and watch him struggle to answer. Then you shall know that I said the truth.” – Kali left the place in a hurry. Garuda’s wife was wondering who that person was and why didn’t he reveal himself. Kali was waiting to see what is going to happen next while Garuda was coming back home.

Kali was imagining that the couple would argue much and take this problem to Venkatava who will dismiss Garuda from serving him. No one will ‘apply’ to that post which Garuda had. Lord Venkatava would suffer without Garuda as well. – Kali’s imagination soared. The poison he had injected in Garuda’s wife started affecting Garuda as well. She stood right in the entrance which she never did, puzzling Garuda big time. She asked him angrily: “Tell me the truth. Where are you coming from?”

“Why? From Indra Loka” – calmly replied the mighty bird.

“No. Say that you are coming from the private chambers of Indra Loka properly.”

“Yes”

“What business do you have there?”

“What question is this? I had the darshan of the Lord, did all the service to him and sent him to the private chambers. Today is the day of one of His Avatara day. It took a while to decorate Him. That’s all.”

“The fragrance of ‘javvadhu’ is a little high in your body. Why?”

“What happened to you today? Why are you questioning me like this? We all applied the javvadhu to the Lord and it must have sprinkled on me as well. What is there to get surprised in this?” – Garuda replied casually.

“Is it fair to tell a lie to myself? You have been having fun with the Yuvarani in the private chambers of Indra Loka all the while, haven’t you enjoyed the ‘javvadhu’ that she applied?”

Garuda was shocked at this accusaion right from her lady who is considered to be an example of a perfect woman. But he being intelligent, he began to think the cause of her behavior. Who spoiled her mind? If I answer all her questions, she might grow even suspicious.

“Why silence? Is the truth burning? You should never go to Indra Loka hereafter.” – said Garuda’s wife.

“Are you talking with your senses?”

“Yes, very clearly. You should not go there.”

“Then Lord Venkatava’s service?”

“I don’t care! He can take care of himself. If you are not there, someone else will come. But you should never leave this place.”

Something strange has happened indeed. She would not speak thus otherwise, who has immense devotion and faith in the Lord. Who has confused her? Let us mention this to the Lord himself. He will sought a way out of this problem. As he was stopped in the entrance itself, he turned back to go to the Lord. She came forward and blocked his way, “Where are you going?”

“You were sane but have changed now. I don’t feel quite well. I want to meet Lord Venkatava in Tirumala. Let me go.” – Garuda replied angrily.

“You should not go there either, you shouldn’t leave this place.”

“What? I shouldn’t have darshan of the Lord? There is nothing left for me other than His service. You do not have the rights to stop me from doing so either. More so, I don’t need you hereafter in the first place.” – Garuda went his way.

Kali was witnessing this happily awaiting the next turn of events.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Rudrasena Foundation

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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To know if someone is good or bad, we just need to see his activities and how he speaks. Likewise, to know if someone has a good time or bad, their activities will show up. Kali Purusha wanted to separate Garuda from his beloved Lord Narayana whom he was serving all along. He used Garuda’s wife for his plan. She believed in what Kali said and went above her own thoughts and insulted Garuda. She was merely expecting that such a behavior will make Garuda accept his mistake. But how can he when he hasnt committed any? When he did not accept, she even tried to block his way to meet Lord Ventaka.

Garuda could accept anything but he cannot stop visiting his Lord. Anything could be stopped for that and he did not even hesitate to forsake his beloved wife. Garuda’s wife was shocked so much. Kali was happy that the first part of his plan was a success. Now he has to create a dispute between Venkatava and Garuda. But how?

They cannot fight with each other. But there could be an argument where Garuda could use really harsh words which will make Venkatava lose his cool and drive him away. As a person of high self dignity, Garuda will leave him at once. Then Venkatava will have to venture out without Garuda’s assistance. When he does so, Kali could overpower Narayana or so he was thinking. While he was thinking all these, something flashed his mind.

There is no way he could get both Garuda and Narayana in to an argument without the help of Sanishwara. He knew that when Shani sits on someone’s tongue, they could easily be driven, whoever they may be. He did not waste time in meeting Shani at once.

Lord Shani was seated with Neela Devi, blessing people. He smelled something negative as if an evil omen is entering a place. He remained silent for a while and saw it through his Gnana Drishti, realizing that it is Kali Purusha who has come. Though not met his before, Shanishwara has heard of Kali’s evil plans in Tirumala and wanted to meet him.

He thought, how can Kali win without his help? Whatever Kali did, he could not stand before Venkatava. But had he approached my help right then, I would have helped him. Venkatava would have run away from Tirumala. Let’s see why he has come here. May be he realized that he cannot win without my help. Shani deva thought all this and opened his eyes wide to see Kali.

Kali felt goose bumps in him when Shani deva looked at him. Kali fell at his feet, “I am Kali. I came here to have the darshan of Eshwara’s Eshwara, Shanishwara. Please bless me.”

“Blessings. Why have you come here?”

“Eshwara!”

“Wrong. Call me Shanishwara.”

“So be it Prabhu. Brahmadeva created me and sent me to Earth to begin the Kali yuga. But the Venkatava who has appeared in Tirumala is all focussed to stop it.”

“Is it so?”

“Yes, my lord! If Brahma hasn’t created me, why should I go to Boo Loka? Why should he create me and send Narayana to Tirumala as well?”

“Let it all be. Why have you came here looking for me?”

“I just realized that I cannot set the Kali Yuga without your help. I cannot progress even a single step without your grace. You only can help me by guiding me as a father.” – Kali fell at Shanishwara’s feet again.

“I am glad that you realized it at last. What help do you want?”

“Garuda is on his way to meet Venkatava. They both should have a fierce argument. Garuda should get separated from Lord Narayana forever.”

“What will you gain out of this?”

“My business is to separate friendship, couples, parents & children etc. and to ensure that they don’t get re-united. It is how I establish my rule.”

“Sounds like a fair plan, Kali”

“Then please sit on Garuda’s tongue as if you do so, Garuda will not have control over his tongue.”

“Hmm..”

“Then Venkatava will get angry and will drive Garuda out of the way.”

“If Garuda is gone, Venkata would keep another one as his vehicle. What else will you do?”

“You know everything. But you do not know one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Only because of Garuda, Adi Sesha is under control. When Garuda leaves Vishnu, Adi Sesha would want to get freedom from his bondage too.”

“Yes, fantastic. Then?”

“Adi Sesha will start showing his frustration of being under a bondage, spreading his deadly venom across the Earth. This will affect them.”

“How will this harm? Can you explain in detail?”

“I sure will Shanishwara. I am so grateful that you are listening to me with such a love.” – Kali wiped his tears, folded his hands and continued.

“Adi Sesha’s venom will spoil the love between people. It will separate families. It will make the brothers feel as if they are poisonous. It will affect people being devoted. It will destroy temples. It will make people kill their own parents for wealth. It will in effect bring adharma in every possible way. Then I will win.”

Shanishwara himself was shaken by this plan. Even himself will do things as per one’s karmic effects. But this Kali is inclined to cause severe damage. So he thought he must be careful with this fellow or else he will swallow Shani himself.

“O Shanishwara, why silence? If you delay this any further, Garuda will meet Venkata as usual and they would become friendly as always. Can you please sit in Garuda’s tongue?”

Neela Devi was listening to all these. She called Shani for a quick private discussion. Shani followed her limping. Kali was furious at Shani going behind Neela Devi.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Mana Temples

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!

Shani began to think, “I am Shanishwara, have never went in the path of Adharma. I have only given the effects to everyone based on one’s Karmic effects. But this Kali is set to outcome myself. Looks like this is a time Shani himself will be possessed with 7.5 years of Shani or Ashtama Shani or so.” Right at this moment, Neela Devi called him for a private discussion.

Kali who is planning to drive away Venkatava himself, why won’t he create a problem in our marital life itself? He has to be separated from my husband or else it wil become a big problem, she thought.

“Do not create any issues between Garuda and Narayana. Who is this Kali? Don’t get him to drive you the way he wants.” – she said.

“Slowly..let him not hear what we discuss.” – cautioned Shani.

“Why are you scared? Is he powerful than you?”

“Yes!”

“Is it?! Are you going to listen to him and create a problem between Garuda and Narayana?”

“I cannot say. But if such a situation would arise, I cannot stop it.”

“O Lord. All the three worlds praise your righteousness. Should you even think of creating trouble to the Lord who protects everything in the universe? What harm did Garuda do to you?”

“Even I thought of these at first. But Brahma has given me an order. Based on that, I may have to comply with Kali Purusha even if I don’t like it seems.” – Shani was genuinely sad.

“What is that order?”

“It is a devya rahasya. I cannot share it.”

“Fair enough. I shall ask this to Lord Brahma itself.”

“What’s the use? His orders are orders. I am going to comply to it.”

“Means?”

“Kali is going to rule the Earth. Adharma will rise. Even the Gods will be affected.”

“If even the Gods will be affected, Brahma Deva will be no exception. Why then did he create Kali?”

“That is Brahma. Not just him, the holy trinity themselves have approved of it.”

“Let it be then. But I would suggest you stay away from all these. Let Brahma and Kali deal with it.”

“O Devi. Please do not worry or interfere. Watch if Kali or Narayana wins in this.”

“Let me watch all that. But shouldn’t we watch something else which is about to happen?” – said Neela Devi.

“What drama?”

“Once you have decided to help Kali, there is no point in living with you.”

“What?”

“You are going to create dispute between Narayana Deva and Garuda. You say that this must be done. Then I am going to be separated from you. Try stopping this.”

Shani was shocked at this. Kali on this side was worried so much that Shani hasn’t returned yet. All his plans to defeat Venatava is going futile. He thought if he can defeat Venkatava, no one would dare to oppose his plans in the Earth. He remembered what Brahma Deva told him. He suggested to take the help of Shani when required as Kali would not be able to do anything without Shani.

At last, Shanishwara came out. Kali was eager to know if this is a yes or no. Shani’s face wasn’t that bright. Neela Devi began to go away from Shani along with her friends. While she never uttered a word to Shani, she murmured out of anger against Kali. After a brief silence, Shani began to speak.

“Kali, I am in a big dilemma. Pray on my behalf. I will sit on Garuda’s tongue. Is this enough?”

Kali was happy. But he pretended to be concerned about Shani’s welfare. “It seems your beloved wife is not pleased with you?” – he asked.

“That’s none of your business. I gave my word for which you came for. Why bother about anything else?” – Shani vented his frustration.

“Thanks a lot for your help. I shall pray to Brahma. Please do not forsake me.” – Kali fell at Shani’s feet.

“Go at once to Tirumala before the situation there change” – said Shani. He had decided to go along with Kali thinking of the fate. What is he going to do when even the holy trinity has approved of Kali’s existence? He was however thinking about Neela Devi’s separation. Even before a split between Garuda and Venkatava happen, I am separated from my wife. Looks like I am possessed by Kali’s effect myself, he thought.

Garuda in the meantime hastily arrived at Tirumala trying to meet the Lord. But the Dwara Palaka (Jaya and Vijaya), who guard the gates of Lord Vishnu stopped Garuda himself, greatly frustrating him.

“Who gave the authority to stop me?” – Garuda was furious.

“O Garuda! Please calm down. Who else can command us? It is Lord Vishnu himself.”

“Why?”

“The planetory position of yours are not right. You will be possessed by Shani and therefore the Lord has advised you to act very thoughtfully.”

“What does it mean?”

“Lord Vishnu is not in a position to meet you now.”

“Oh is it so? Then convey this to your Vishnu that Garuda told this: – “Let him drive in some other vehicle. Garuda is no longer ready to carry him around.” – Garuda left the place frustrated. The guards were shocked at his words.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Fine art America

Though the Jaya Vijaya’s (the guards of Vishnu Loka) were shocked at what Garuda said, Lord Narayana seldom bothered. In fact, He mercifully thought: “Pity on Garuda, he spoke all that under the influence of Shani. He is my vehicle. More so, he is like my mother. I should help him get rid of Shani’s clutches.”

Everyone were shocked at Garuda’s change of behavior, never once has he done anything like this! Adi-Sesha, the serpent where Vishnu lies came to Narayana: “O Lord, a small request.”

“What is it Sesha?”

“If you approve, I shall talk to Garuda and bring him back to you.”

“Sesha! The world thinks that you are in the control of Garuda. But out of magnanimity, you are trying to convince Garuda to be back. Isn’t it strange?”

“O Lord. What is strange is Garuda’s behavior. I have been friendly with Garuda all these days. Being away from him will be strange too.”

“Sesha! I lie down in your body. You provide shade to me as an umbrella. Garuda carries me everywhere. Though the world looks at the Garuda and Snakes as enemies, you both are like my eyes. It is a great loss to me if I lose either of you. But do you know? It is all because of the play of Kali Purusha, accompanied by Shani.”

“Is it so?”

“Yes. The plan is, Garuda should be separated from me. Then you will naturally go away from me. Then the world should come under your control with poisonous things affecting everyone. People will then forget being devoted. All these are Kali’s plan.”

“Unfair! I am your servant Swami! I won’t allow such a thing to happen. Just wink as you approve, I shall swallow that Kali!”

“Looks like Shani has possessed you as well, Sesha. You were quiet all the while, now you are ferocious in front of me. Be patient. If you go and meet Garuda right away, he will doubt.”

“Let him suspect..?”

“No. He is very angry now. If you go now, he will assume that I sent you to hold him captive and he may attack you.”

“I am fine with it O Lord! I think Garuda may not behave that way either.”

“Wait for a while Sesha. Garuda himself will come back.”

Sesha was not convinced. Without the Lord’s approval, he went ahead to meet Garuda in disguise.

On this side on a river bank, Garuda was seated on a rock. He was restless, frustrated and confused. Frustration because the guards did not let him see the Lord, restless because of what he told them and confused as to why his wife behaved strangely. He genuinely felt bad on what he has spoken to the guards, ‘I think I said those words hastily’ he thought. He then saw Adi-Sesha in front of him suddenly. Both of them embraced each other fondly with tears of joy flowing in each other’s eyes.

AdiSesha’s eyes looked in to Garuda’s as if asking, ‘is it right for you to leave the Lord like this?’ – Garuda read Sesha’s mind and he replied: “Am I the one who quit? It is just the fate which made me speak so.”

“That’s alright. Let’s not complicate it further. Let us go and meet the Lord together.” – said Sesha.

“How will I face Him? I spoke ill words. Though He is all merciful to forgive me, I won’t forgive myself.” – Garuda said.

“It happens my friend. It is all due to Shani and Kali. We are dancing to their tunes without knowing. Let us surrender to the Lord, He will take care of the rest.”

“Only if I had thought this before, such a condition would not have happened.” – Garuda felt sorry genuinely.

“You rightly said my friend. It’s fate which none can escape. We are the guides for humans but we ourselves slip sometimes. Let us not worry about it anymore and go straight to Tirumala.”

AdiSesha held Garuda’s hands with love and affection and started proceeding towards Tirumala. At the entrance of Tirumala…Kali and Shani were waiting. They had heard about the incident at the Lord’s gate. Kali was very happy that his plans are going as per his thought. Garuda won’t meet Venkatava, he thought. But just in case if Garuda comes back, he wanted to ensure that he can persuade him.

On meeting Shani and Kali, Garuda and AdiSesha paid their respect by bowing to Shani who blessed them from the bottom of his heart, “Sarva Mangala Prapthirastu”. AdiSesha felt very happy as it is a good omen for Shani seldom blesses in this way. To get his blessing in front of Tirumala itself, they felt very happy. This time, the guards did not stop them from entering in.

“Dear Garuda, is your anger quenched now?” – the Lord asked in a compassionate voice.

“Please forgive me my Lord. I spoke all evil.” – Garuda fell at His feet.

“What’s the need to forgive? You haven’t done anything. You have been the same, you served me then at my feet, you are at my feet now. I only have tested you.”

“You haven’t done any test my Lord. It is all the game of Shani and Kali Purusha right?” – Adisesha was surprised.

“No. I stopped Garuda from entering my gate saying that he is possessed by Shani and I asked him to enter slowly. Had I met him that day, Garuda would not have left. Plus, I haven’t given any gift to Garuda who is serving me all the while. Hence in this Tirumala, one of the hills will be named Garudadhri.”

Garuda did not expect this at all. He fell at the Lord’s feet, held His feet tightly. Tears flowed through his eyes profusely. AdiSesha was witnessing this wonderful sight delightfully. At the entrance, Kali was arguing with Shani on why he blessed both Garuda and Sesha. He accused Shani that he has betrayed Brahma.

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Agastya began to address those who assembled and were eagerly waiting to know about the ‘conversation’ happened between him and the Lord.

“O Maha Muni, the foremost of all Siddhas! Please convey the message to these people here” – said Sriman Narayana. Agastya began:

“Through the grace of Lord Venkatava in Tirumala, a few things are to be carried out immediately as per His orders. In this punya-kshethra, the Lord who has taken the avatar of Srinivasa to subdue Kali’s atrocities and to bless all creations, has decided to honor Garuda who has been serving Him for yugas. He would like to name one of the hills in the name of Garuda, which is the wish of Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Deva Rishi Narada as well. This hill will henceforth be called as Garudathri! This auspicious function will happen in a few seconds from now. The Lord has invited you all to partake in it. In continuance to this naming ceremony, grand festivals will happen for the next ten days. Those who will partake in the naming ceremony and the festival for the next ten days will be blessed by Lord Venkatava. I convey this message as per the orders of the Lord.” – said Agastya Muni.

The moment Agastya paused his speech, the sound of clapping hands reached the sky. Everyone bowed down to Lord Narayana. Agastya continued…

“Do you know? Venkatanath will not hurt anyone. In this life which is full of ups and downs, happiness and sorrow, if one surrenders to the Lord with all their heart, He will make their lives better. Those who are here listening to this, I request you to convey this to all those rishi-munis, thavasis, siddhas, bhaktas, everyone so they all can be benefitted by partaking this naming ceremony and festivals.”

The clapping reverberated again to the skies as soon as He paused. Agastya bowed down to Narayana Swamy: “Thanks for blessing me to have this task completed.”

Lord Narayana came forward and embraced Garuda, made him sit on a suitable seat and looked at the munivars around and smiled. They started chanting the vedas as soon as He smiled while Lord Narayana named the hill as Garudathri. Then He blessed those around by raising both His hands. It was an wonderful sight. Then He looked at Agastya and nodded whereupon the foremost Siddha requested everyone to convey the message of “Garudothsava” happening for ten days at Tirumala.

This message reached Adi Sesha as well.

“There is a ceremony praising Garuda, that too for ten days. Everyone from the earth and skies are going to attend it.” – this shaked Sesha very much. He began to worry if he has committed a mistake or that Shanishwara is taking him in a wrong direction. He could not even speak. Shani was worried too, but he could not afford Sesha leaving him. So he came closer and embraced Sesha and began to speak.

“Sesha! It is expected that such things would happen. It is all Narayana’s plot to have you and me separated. Don’t get distracted with all these. This Garuda has cheated you by playing games both sides. You are not like him. You give priority to dignity. Do not worry.”

“I could not bear this, Vishnu is actually insulting me by praising Garuda. He is ruling this place by sitting on me, and He has named my second head in the name of Garuda. How fair is it? Has he ever respected Garuda before?” – said Sesha.

“Alright. What are you going to do about it?”

“Brother! I came here in complete trust. You have to help me. I cannot think straight.” – said Sesha.

“Sesha! Only now we should not lose hope. We have been giving tests to others but this is our testing time and none other than Venkatava is testing us.”

“I understand it completely and I know it already. What is the use in telling me something which I know already? Tell me what we can do.”

“Why are you gasping like this Sesha? I cannot plot anything at this stage. Let us go to Deva Loka and have a hearty drink.”

“What?! Drink?! I haven’t even dreamt of such a thing before. Should I even do this?” – Sesha was furious.

“What’s wrong in it? Only these drinks will encourage us to do what we are about to do. You probably aren’t aware of it.”

“No Swamy, no please! Please do not get me addicted to such habits. If you want, please feel free.”

“You Sesha! You don’t know how to enjoy yourself. I am not going there without you. But we have to stop this festival somehow.”

Sesha was startled at the ferocious tone Shani said this. Kali entered the place right at that time and he appeared happy.

“You have come at the right time Kali.” – said Shani.

“When have I entered in the wrong time?” – laughed Kali, seated next to them.

“I know everything. I have made arrangements to stop that ceremony. First of all, I mixed poison in all the waters of the earth thereby preventing those from Earth attending this festival.”

“Very well done!”

“Then I blocked the pathway with huge rocks so no one can climb up Tirumala.”

“Very good, very good!”

“Third, I have spread deadly thorns on top of the rocks and around so no one crosses them. But I could not do just one thing which I thought of getting done through Sesha. So I hastily came here.”

“What should Sesha do?”

“He should make a whole lot of serpents slither around. Their hissing should mix in the air causing giddiness to even those away from 100 Kadha distance.” – said Kali.

Sesha was righteous as always, though he was affected by the recent happenings. He said: “How unfair is it? The conflict is between us and Venkatava. Why should innocent Gnani’s, people should get affected? This is not as per Dharma.”

Kali and Shani did not expect this at all. There was a brief silence.

“Sesha, are you talking with your senses? Think well. Even I don’t have any conflicts or peace with Tirumalaivasa. I am doing this for your welfare. Think about it.” – said Kali.

“Sesha, if you do not like these arrangements, go at once to Narayana’s side. But if they insult you there and drive you away, do not return here. That’s all I would say!” – Shani tried scaring Sesha. Sesha felt it is better to remain with them than going to Narayana and potentially getting insulted. He agreed to the plan. The next second…

Thousands of poisonous snakes started slithering around Tirumala. As they could fly, they flew here and there and spat poison. The rishi-muni’s staying at the base of Koneri could see these numerous snakes flying around. The poisonous air they spread started making people feel giddy and fell unconscious. The rishi-muni found the source of these poisonous air and started performing yagnas to prevent them from spreading. The snakes found these and started attacking them. Shani and Kali enjoyed looking at this but Sesha felt an unknown fear surrounding him.

Right then, something wondrous happened in the sky which terrified Kali and Shani!

Featured image courtesy: Temple Purohit

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Anjana and her husband reached Tirumala in the night. Since the horses were tired too, they made them take some rest in a nearby small town, gave them water. Then they let them graze nearby. One of the horses did not go anywhere so they cut some grass and hanged it as a pile in a nearby tree. The soldiers began to watch them for the night whilst a tent was arranged for them to take rest.

When it was midnight, Kali came to the place. He knew Anjana. He also knew that the son from Anjana is going to take over the entire world. He knew that Venkatava will bless them for a child, whose name will be Hanuman. If Hanuman is born, Venkatava’s glory will spread all the worlds, thereby hindering every activity he is planning to do. He therefore decided that they should not have the darshan of Lord Narayana. He thought of various means and then decided that he will appear as Venkatava himself and drive them back. He did not waste any time in taking action. He stood as Him, before Anjana couple.

Anjana’s joy did not know any bounds. They fell at His feet saying, “It is our blessing that you appeared before us yourself.”

“What do you want? Tell me and I shall fix it.” – said Kali, in disguise of the Lord.

“We are yearning for a child as you know Lord.”

“That’s all right? Are you going all the way to Tirumala for this simple request? You don’t have to go there to have my darshan. I have given it to you right here and am blessing you for a child as well. But…” – dragged Kali.

“What Swami?” – Anjana was worried.

“Putra-Kameshti yagna should be done for two years, that too by Narada and Brahma. They won’t accept this that easily. That’s the problem.” – said Kali.

“Venkatava himself says this? The moment you blessed us with your words, we think that we are indeed blessed with a child. Why then a yagna, that too with the help of Narada and Brahma. I don’t quite understand.” – said Anjana’s husband.

“Fair enough. Let it not be Narada or Brahma. Let it be done on a Ashtami day with the help of Badra Kaali.”

“What?!” – screamed the couple at the same time.

“Are we talking to Venkatava himself? We never heard of a Putra Kameshti yagna done by Kaali Devi? How come Tirumaal say such a word?” – Anjana asked, terrified.

Kali did not expect this question.

“Alright alright. There need not be a yagna done with Badra Kaali. You don’t have to go to Tirumala. Just pray from here. The Kali Purusha himself will bestow all the blessings you need. Is it enough?” – asked Kali who was still disguising as the Lord Himself.

Anjana felt the conversation to be irrelevant and she infact started suspecting the form which stood before them. She began to pray earnestly to the Lord.

“O Paranthama! I came here seeking your blessings. Please do not test me and my husband now. Please bless me with a son.” – she went deep in to her prayers, sincerely. Won’t the Lord hear it? He did, and understood that Kali is in to something. The next moment…

A circle of fire surrounded the couple with a divine voice…

“O Anjana couple! Fear not! This is the play of Kali. He is distracting you in my form. Do not trust his words. Me and my Sudarshana Chakra will take care of him.”

The moment they heard it, they were prepared for the next set of action. Within then, the circle of fire surrounded the tent, the soldiers and the horses. Kali was exposed. He ran away.

“Thank God! We are saved.” – said Anjana. They became grateful on the mercy shown by the Lord. They both chanted “Venkatanatha Govinda” right from the bottom of their hearts.

“Kali won’t come near you. Your Tirumala pilgrimage will be successful. Due to your past lives’ merits, a beautiful male child will be born to you.” – the divine voice said again.

“If such a child is born, then let it be called as your own child O Lord, though he will be called as the son of Anjana. Let him grow in your holy feet.” – Anaja said pleasingly. Though Anjana’s husband did not like it much, he got angry in fact. He moved from that place at once. Anjana was grateful as to what she said only to find her husband missing. She asked the soldiers to look for them. When they couldn’t find him either, she began to pray to the Lord again who said:

“Do not worry. He won’t leave you. But he is upset about the promise you made for he wanted to raise the boy himself and not as Venkatava’s son. Now Vayu is consoling him near the stream. Go there and bring your husband here.” – the Lord showed her the way. A vision she saw there gave her goose bumps.

Varuna, Vayu, 18 Siddhas, The Holy Trinity all were seated where her husband was giving a male child to Vayu with Agni as the shakshi (agni is considered a witness in any holy practices in Sanatana Dharma. Hence the term ‘agni-shakshi’) as if giving an adoption.

She could not believe this vision whether it is true or not. She touched her belly to see if she feels anything. As this vision continued to appear within her mind again and again, Anjana thought, I haven’t even got pregnant, how is my husband giving a child as adoption, she thought and fell down unconscious.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Pritam

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

When Anjana woke up, she wanted to believe all that she saw was a dream. Hence she did not speak to anyone about it. Her husband thought that she fell down because of tiredness. He comforted her and they set forth to Tirumala. They reached Garudathri, named after Garuda and made a tent to stay. The natural surrounding took their attention completely for they haven’t seen such a beauty before.

A gentle breeze, the flowers that spread fragrance in all directions. Krishna-Thulasi, the plant whose leaves are used for Venkatava. Waterfalls appearing like a silver line, constantly falling down with a steady pace, huge trees as if holding an umbrella against the heat. The murmuring of bees, animals such as deer and rabbits with white peacock, grass that look fresh green on top of which dew appearing like pearls. The clouds up there in the sky coming down to bow down to Tirumala and touch it.

The couple thought that they should just stay here for the rest of their lives, even if they are not blessed with a child. Such a natural, serene environment with Tirumala on top, a small hut to live. What else does one need, they both thought. The Lord blessed the couple who came up thinking of Him, surrendering to Him.

The couple should be doing severe penance for one and a half years. They should consume one fruit given by the Lord for a day. She will become pregnant only after one and a half years. The couple readily accepted these conditions. They even tied a holy thread with a resolve and to pray that the penance should succeed without any obstacles. Then on a Chathurthi day on a growing moon, during Ashwini star on a Shubha Horai, they began their penance after obtaining the blessings of Guru Bhagawan. Lord Venkatava Himself gave them both a pommegranate fruit before they started. The couple’s joy knew no bounds, thinking that the Lord Himself has given them the fruit.

Anjana was completely determined in her penance. But Kesari, her husband wasn’t. It might be said that he did not make use of the multiple opportunities given. One and a half years passed somehow. Anjana completed her penance and looked at her husband. She saw Kesari hunting the rabbits, she felt very sad. She resented that he had not followed the Lord’s instructions.

Kesari replied aloud, “Vigils and penance are for ladies. Not for brave men like me who killed a wild elephant all alone.”

“What happened to you? You were so supportive and were talking so softly till yesterday. Shouldn’t we get our child only for which we came here? Why are you acting different?” – pleaded Anjana.

“You are a crazy woman. You are going to give birth to a child. Why should I suffer?”

Anjana cried within thinking deeply. Is this Kali’s play again? Has he changed my husband’s mind? Is the Lord aware of this? Why is He keeping silent? What sort of a test is this? She kept thinking while a voice was heard only to her:

“Anjana! Do not worry. Your wish will be fulfilled. The son who will born to you is not ordinary. He will be praised by all three worlds. Your husband is not interested in a family life now. He is neither interested in chanting divine names. There is a reason for these, I shall explain to you later.

You felt unconscious on seeing a vision remember? What you saw will happen. The child born to you and Kesari will be given as adoption to Vayu by Kesari himself. This is as per law, fate. None can change it. By being Kesari’s son, this boy cannot do all those miracles. He has to fly and do things which are even hard to imagine. Vayu’s help will be assisting here. This son will be called as ‘Anjana’s Putra’ in all three worlds.

Don’t persuade Kesari. He will give you a son and will do to Himalayas to perform tapasya. He then will be called as Kesari Siddha. The son born to you will protect you, be with you always.” – the voice said.

Anjana could not understand what was happening. Should she feel happy about the son who will born to her or should she go along with Kesari to perform tapasya after their son is adopted to Vayu?”

Venkatava appeared before Anjana while she was thinking these. She fell at His feet.

“What do you want Anjana?”

“O Lord who gives everything that is asked for! I need a son and I also wish my husband stay with me. Please bless me for both.”

“Then?”

“We should chant your divine name by staying here in this holy place till the rest of our lives and reach your holy feet.”

“Then?”

“I wish to bear your holy feet with both my hands all the time. Bless me please with these.”

“Let it all be. Where is your husband?”

“He was right here. But Lord, you are the all knower. Can’t you find him?”

“Anjana, see there! He was hunting rabbits a while back. Now he is in deep meditation.”

“That’s good. Let him continue doing meditation.”

“No Anjana, he spoke rationalism a while back.”

“Yes!”

“He said it is your fate to give birth to a child.”

“Yes.”

“I asked him to do tapasya here. But he didn’t.”

“True.”

“Seeing all these, what do you think?”

“I think he is mentally unstable.”

“Perfectly said. Not just in this birth, your husband Kesari was a bit insane in his previous birth as well.”

“O Lord. He killed a wild elephant all alone with just a spear. Isn’t it bravery? My father was impressed by that act and got me married to him.”

“It is true as well.”

“Then what about my future O Kesava!”

“Do not worry. I will take care of your son and yourself. Kesari will go to Himalayas after giving you a son. You will follow your husband after some time.”

“My son?”

“Vayu will adopt him as his own. I will have an eye on him too. Are you happy?”

“O Lord, but You haven’t answered to my wishes earlier?”

“Time will answer them.” – replied the Lord. Anjana thought she might fall down unconscious again.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Ghumakkar. There is an interesting article in the link about the birth place of Hanuman.

There is a valid question posted by Pruthviraj on the time of birth of Hanuman, which happens during Treta Yuga where Kali’s presence is not yet started. How come then Kali tries to interfere in this? Pretty valid indeed. While we try to get the answer from the original post’s author, we can only say that it is a narration of what is told by Agastya Muni. Stay tuned, as always

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

When testing phase comes again and again, the devotion rises up. The Lord incarnates himself out of mercy. This is a repetitive miracle right from the days of yore. The Lord appeared as Venkatava and blesses people in spite of the hardships given by Kali. He tried Anjana not to visit Tirumala but was not successful this time either. She got conceived after a long time on a Full Moon day of Panguni month.

When Kesari was worried about the delivery, the Lord assured him that His consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi will assist Anjana herself along with Saraswathi and Parvathi assisting her. Kesari was speechless.

“This son of yours will rule the world in his own way. There will be none to quote an example for devotion other than him. Not just that, no one can defeat him either. He is a parakramasali.” – blessed the Lord. When Kesari mentioned this to Anjana, she felt happy but she was worried about something.

“Whatever be it, I cannot imagine giving my child as an adoption to someone else.”

“What are you talking about Anjana?”

“We came here seeking an offfspring, right?”

“Yes.”

“The Lord blessed us with one..”

“Indeed..”

“Then how can one come forward to give such a child as an adoption to the Wind God Vayu?”

“What happened to you Anjana?” – as Kesari wasn’t aware of the vision, he was taken aback. Anjana mentioned about the vision then.

“Ah! You must be mad. Everyone gets similar visions everyday. If we give importance to these, we cannot live peacefully. We have the Lord by our side. He will take care of everything.” – Kesari tried consoling her. She did feel better.

As the days pass by, Anjana wanted to have the ritual of Seemandham, to ensure long and healthy life for the child. Tirumala didn’t have the facilities and her relatives were living far away. She prayed to the Lord expressing this wish. The all merciful Lord said:

“Purattasi month will have a lot of Rishi Muni, Devas visiting here to have my darshan. I shall ensure that the Seemandham and Valai Kaappu happens, ok?”

(Valai Kaappu is a ritual where the pregnant woman is given a long of bangles to wear after a specific time period of her pregnancy which she continues to do so, believed to have beneficial efffect on the child in womb)

Anjana was speechless this time. The Lord asked what she was thinking.

“Nothing my Lord. I have surrendered everything at your holy feet. But an unknown fear casts me as the time of delivery comes closer. I am afraid if Kali will trouble me somehow.”

“The brave Anjana is scared, in spite of all the assurances given is it?”

“O Lord, it is the nature of a woman to think about a lot of things and worry. Please do not mind.” – she fell at His feet.

The Purattasi month came and Tirumala was in festival mood again. As the Lord said, the Valai Kaapu and Seemandham for Anjana happened in full grandeur at Tirumala with many visiting from all three worlds. As this was the first of its kind, Kesari-Anjana couple got the fame of having this ceremony conducted at Tirumala first. Once the festivities got over, Lakshmi Devi took utmost care of Anjana. Lord Dhanwantri gave the herbs and medicines for the delivery himself.

During the month of Margazhi in Moola star, Anjana gave birth to a beautiful male child. The Goddesses of the holy trinity expressed their love by affectionately kissing the child. It was one of its kind where the three great Goddesses kissed and cuddled a baby at the same time. The child bathed in bliss and love. Upon witnessing, they found the attributes of Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara were present in it.

While Anjana was very happy about everything, she kept worrying whether this child will remain with her for a long time. Kesari felt that they should return to their places as its long since they started living here. Anjana wanted to get the consent of the Lord.

“The woman who visited her mother’s house for delivery should stay there at least for three full moon day. Why hurry?” – the Lord said with a meaning. The couple decided so as well and then that miracle happened.

When they were discussing all these, Lord Vayu appeared there, paid his respect to the Lord who blessed him.

“I came with a request to you, Anjana and Kesari. Please have mercy on me.” – said Vayu.

“Vayu had never got any request for me. Ask what you want.”

“You are the Lord who gives without asking. You know precisely what I want. But…”

“But what?”

“This is a matter concerning this couple. Hence I have to think well before I speak.”

Kesari said that he will offer anything that Vayu might ask. Anjana agreed to the same. Vayu said:

“This holy child of Anjana, I want to adopt him in front of the Lord and raise him as my own son.”

Anjana was shocked. She took the child inside the ashram at once as she could not stand there anymore. Kesari could not say or do anything. He stood there speechless. The Lord asked Vayu slowly:

“Why is this desire Vayu?”

“I somehow felt that I should raise this child my Lord. A divine voice said that this child will rule the entire universe and do marvellous things. It also said that Anjana will refuse this request first and then will happily give it over. The voice said that I should raise this child as my own son, for the past three days. Hence I came here. Please show me a way.” – Vayu fell at the Lord’s feet.

“Please do not separate our child from us in the name of divine voice, O Vayu.” – Kesari pleaded.

“I did not come here to separate. This was an order given by Lord Brahma. You might have got a dream three days back right?”

“Even if Lord Brahma appears in front of us, we are not ready to give our child for adoption.” – said Kesari.

“It is not an adoption dear Kesari. I do not intend to do the ritualistic way of changing his Gothra after doing the religious ceremonies. This child will be raised by me for some time. He will grow in your mighty presence for sometime. In the future, he will be called Vayu-Putra.”

“You said adoption first. Now you are saying that we should raise the child at allotted time period. Is this like a trade with the newborn child?” – Kesari expressed his frustration.

Anjana came out after placing the child safely inside and pleaded to the Lord if it was fair in Vayu asking thus. The Lord said:

“Anjana, this son is and will be yours. He will be called as Anjani Putra at all times. But just like how in a big family, someone will not have an offspring where they would want to cuddle and love a child born to another family member. Vayu’s desire is of that kind. What is wrong in it?”

“It is of no issue if he wants to express his love to the child. But why is he asking for adoption?”

“Fair enough..”

“O Lord. I have a slightly different thought. This child of Anjana is a divine one. I want to give all my powers to him. Not just mine, but I want to give all the powers of all five elements and make him the Deva of Devas.” – said Vayu.

“Good thought, I am very pleased to hear it.”

“Please bless me. If this child is raised by Anjana, it wil grow only as a normal child.”

The Lord nodded.

“Hence I came here with all 5 elements. Please bless me.”

“Kesari, what is your opinion?” – asked the Lord.

“I won’t give my child for adoption.”

“Ok.”

“Vayu can however visit my child whenever he wants. If he wants to bestow his powers and that of the five elements, let him do so in front of my eyes.”

“Ok”

“My child should not get any disgrace in the name of Vayu or because of Vayu.”

“Never. I promise.” – assured Vayu.

“What do you say, Anjana?” – asked the Lord with a smile.

“O Kesava. You never move a single thing without a reason. All I can see is your play. Our role is just to play our part right? I agree to what my husband said but I am worried that something is going to happen.”

“Anjana, do not worry. I shall take care of everything. By the way, what have you named your child?”

“I haven’t. Please choose a name for this child yourself.”

“Can we call him Hanuman?”

“Very happy. Let him be called so.” – said the couple happily.

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Though Kesari was happy that the Lord himself named their son as Hanuman, he did not like the idea of adopting their son to Vayu completely. He lamented about this to Anjana. She said that the Lord will take care of everything and that she was not convinced about the adoption either.

“You could have spoken to Lord Venkatava and got the child back, but somehow you kept silent. We went through a number of ordeals and are in a situation where we lost our child.”

“O Kesari, my beloved! It wasn’t just me who kept quiet. We both were speechless before the Lord. Even you could have tried getting our child back, but we couldn’t.”

“Anjana, can we speak to the Lord once again to get our child back?”

“O Lord. Hanuman is our child. He will be raised by us. Vayu will visit him often to bestow the knowledge and power as agreed. Why are you worrying? It won’t be nice to go back to Lord Narayana again with such a query.”

Kesari could not speak further. It was saddening for Anjana to see Kesari struggling not able to be without the child. Anjana tried consoling him with a thought that the Lord wanted to show them that nothing is permanent in this world. The next day, she went to have the darshan of the Lord alone as Kesari was not willing to join. The Lord asked Anjana affectionately:

“Is there any confusion? Why didn’t Kesari come along?”

“He would. He doesn’t feel well.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s all about our child O Lord.”

“He doesn’t want to give his child for adoption right?”

“Yes. He nodded before you at first but he is not able to bear that thought. He hasn’t slept the whole night.”

“Then let me call Vayu. We shall discuss it straight through.”

“O Lord. Please do not test us any further. Let things happen as per your divine will.”

“O Anjana. Your mind has reached the state of maturity. No one will be ready to give a newborn child as an adoption. You have a divinity within you, hence you were able to accept what I suggested. But Kesari may not have reached that state.”

“I shall manage him. He doesn’t want to stay here in Tirumala any longer. He wants to leave right away. Please allow us.”

“Very well then. But there is going to be a big yagna and Namakarana in this Tirumala. Then you can return to your kingdom with Hanuman.”

“Your wish is my command. But it is difficult to persuade Kesari.”

“Let me take care of him. But you haven’t asked why this Namakarana and Yagna for?” – the Lord smiled.

“You did severe tapasya in this place. Hence this place will be called after you and will remain even if there is Pralaya happening in the Earth.”

“In my name?”

“Yes. This place where you lived will henceforth be called as Anjanadhri.”

“I am pleased my Lord.”

“There is a question though.”

“If I name this place after you, will Kesari have any objection? Can you check with him?”

“What play is this O Kesava. Why wouldn’t he agree when You say so?”

“Nevertheless, you and Kesari are different. You came forward for the adoption but he didn’t. Now if this naming is going to be after yours, how can he accept his name be left out?”

“He hasn’t done anything against my will my Lord.”

“But he feels otherwise in case of Hanuman.”

“Your play is known only to you. Why do you want to separate us?” – Anjana asked amidst tears.

“No, it isn’t me. Your husband wants to do so.”

“No my Lord. It is true that he was concerned about this adoption. But he wouldn’t go against your words or my wish.”

“Anjana. Go back and see if Kesari is there. Bring him if he is around.” – Anjana left the place at once for she knew that the Lord wouldn’t say so if something hadn’t happened. Just as she feared, Kesari was not to be found and Hanuman was missing too! She searched everywhere but no avail. She went back to the Lord with tears.

“Anjana, did Kesari agree to have this hill named after you?”

“Swami, please do not test me any further. Please let me join my husband and child.” – she began to cry.

“While we were talking, Kesari took Hanuman and went downhill. He is now nearing the banks of Koneri. Tell me now, am I the one who separated you both?”

Kesari was not willing to give the child for adoption. So he took Hanuman in the early hours of morning and came down. When he reached the banks of Koneri, he found that the river was flooding. He must cross the river but there is no boat or anything available around. He cannot take the horse in this raging flood plus Hanuman must be protected. He did not want to go back to Tirumala either. He was in a dilemma now for it wasn’t sure when the flood will come down or should he go back to TIrumala.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

“You need to go across the river right? My coracle is on its way. Get on board, I shall take you across safely.” – said an old man.

“When will it come? I don’t see any coracle coming nearby?”

“Just a moment. It will be here, bear with me.” – the old man was humble. A few minutes passed by. Four men came along with a coracle on their head.

“There is a small hole in it. I shall fix it in no minute. Then it will be ready.” – said one of them. Kesari could not say anything. It is better for me and Hanuman to escape from this place. Let us worry about Anjana later, he thought. He could not think of anything else, including what he will feed if the infant Hanuman gets hungry. When the coracle got ready, he asked:

“Should I climb up alone or can the horse get on it too?”

“Both can.”

“Nothing to worry right?”

“Nothing.”

“I am just asking as you said there was a hole in it that needs fixing. The flood is raging too.”

“You are a king with enough army and mental strength. If you get scared of this yourself, how’s that?” – the coracle man was sarcastic. Though Kesari did not like this talk, he kept quiet thinking of the task at hand. In a while, the huge horse somehow got in to the coracle. Kesari sat in it with Hanuman who was wrapped in a silk cloth and was kept inside a carrying box (without a cover of course).

The coracle went on its way in the river. Half way through Kesari felt a chilling feeling in his foot. There was a small hole through which water was getting inside. He got scared so much. He shouted at the old man to turn the coracle to the banks.

“We are half way through. We cannot go that way as its too windy. Just bear with me for a while, we can reach the other side quicker.” – said the old man without even looking at Kesari’s face.

“Oh man! There is a hole in this coracle.”

“Do not worry. I shall take you across safely. Just be seated as the horse is freaking out. Please try to control it.”

Kesari was worried, how is he going to take Hanuman across this raging river? This coracle man is not going to listen. Let whatever happen be the will of the Three Eyed Lord, he thought. As he saw Hanuman feeling hungry, he tried to give him the cow’s milk he had taken along. But Hanuman did not want the milk but his mother Anjana. He began to cry loudly and was not able to be controlled no matter what Kesari tried. Kesari was tired. As it happened, the hole became bigger and the coracle began to drown. The horse freaked out like never before and Hanuman was not to be controlled either. He cried aloud surrendering totally to the Lord saying: “O my Lord Venkatava! Only you can save us!”

That happened then, only after Kesari surrendered completely. Someone lifted Bala Hanuman in their hands. The hole got closed by itself. The water disappeared. Someone was seen consoling the horse as well by tapping it. Miraculously enough, the raging flood disappeared along with the coracle man. The coracle was smoothly floating like a boat. Kesari was shocked seeing all these. He first thought that the old man was washed away in the flood. Then a divine voice was heard from the North-Eastern corner:

“Kesari! Don’t be surprised. Your child is safe in my hands. It was me who came as the coracle man and it was me who fixed the hole in it. I wanted to give a small shock treatment to your wrong decisions. You were not able to console a crying child for a brief period of time. How is it fair to take him away from his mother and Tirumala, did you think you can raise him yourself?” – asked Venkatava.

Kesari was quiet for a while:

“Please forgive me. We both shall return to Tirumala.” – Bala Hanuman was seen laughing and smiling.

“It is a sin to separate the child from its mother. But as this child is of a divine nature, it is not an issue to give him as adoption. This child is an avatar of Lord Mahadeva Himself. That Three Eyed Lord wanted to be at Tirumala Himself. This child is going to give a mighty protection to the king of Ayodhya, Sri Rama. Not just that. He will live as a Brahmachari and will help the people in many ways.

His fame will spread in all eight directions. He will appear in the Krishnavatar which will come after Ramavatar. As the Kali’s atrocities will appear, Venkata avatar had to happen.”

Kesari did not understand anything. He was thinking, this child is given as adoption anyway. There is not going to be another child for me as Anjana wanted to stay in Tirumala to serve the Lord. It is better if I become a Sannyasin, Kesari decided. Anjana questioned his decision for which he said, “You are aware of this already, then why do you question? There isn’t many children for us. The only one we had, we gave it for adoption. You are going to stay in Tirumala for serving the Lord. I cannot stay here as I don’t like this place, Venkatava or Vayu.”

Anjana suggested Kesari that he should marry another woman and through her, he can get another son to succeed his throne. He did not expect this from Anjana. He explained to her that he does not have such a thought but he would love if Anjana comes with him to be his queen. Anjana declined. She said it was enough for her to have this one child who is of divine nature.

Kesari was upset with her decision and he began to leave the place at once. Anjana wasn’t able to bear it. She thought, “O Lord! You gave me this life. Please make my husband understand.”

The Lord smiled and appeared before her. “Anjana, do not worry. He will come back and live with you. You do not have to serve me any longer but be his queen.”

“Thank you my Lord.”

“Please raise Hanuman as your own for some more time. But do not show him too much of love.”

Hanuman’s naughtiness was unbearable for others around but everyone liked him. Kesari was not able to live alone for long. He kept sending messengers to both the wife and son. One day when he was doing his pooja, he saw the sky becoming dark all of a sudden. As it was a summer, he was surprised to see the sky becoming darker. As he looked up, he could see a small boy floating in the sky. Before he could make sense of what was happening, the boy was slapped on his cheek, began to fall down and was caught by Surya Deva. He kept the unconscious boy in Anjana’s ashram.

Surya was telling the devas and other rishis in Tirumala:

“As he came to catch hold of me, I slapped him slightly as the world will become dark if he does so. I was wondering how he got the power to fly. I think it is due to Vayu.”

Kesari realized that it was his son. He could not live in his place any longer and he came back to Tirumala. The Lord was pleased to see the family reunited.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: MrPsMythopedia

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

When Hanuman was playing in Tirumala, the king of Kishkinta, Vali came to Tirumala. He made arrangements for a penance to get the darshan of Lord Venkatava. After a severe penance for several years, Venkatava appeared before Vali and asked him why he was doing such a severe penance.

“I had to ask you for a favor my Lord.”

“What is it?”

“I saw a small child flying towards the sky some years back. I began to collect all information about him and knew that he is under your protection.”

“Oh Hanuman! He is not under my protection. He has parents.”

“You are the mother and father of all beings. Hence I wanted to get your darshan.”

“What else do you want as you have got my darshan?”

“I want to see Hanuman.”

“Then?”

“If you approve, I want to take him and his parents to Kishkintha and have them with me.”

“You should be asking this to his parents. Why are you asking me?”

“My Lord. Hanuman will come with me only if you allow.”

“I don’t have any control over Hanuman. Ask this to the Anjana couple. If they agree to your proposal, I am happy too. But why are you asking about Hanuman in particular?”

“O Sire, aren’t you aware? It is well written in the palm leaves of Siddhas and Maharishis such as Vashishta!”

“Oh you are asking this based on them. Why would I be an hindrance if its ordained? Go and ask the couple yourself.”

When Vali came to the ashram, Anjana was very surprised. But Kesari was doubtful about his intention since there were a huge amount of Vanara army with Vali. He guessed that it was to do with Hanuman that this mighty king of Vanaras has come all the way here. As he was a king himself, he welcomed Vali as he would do for another king. Vali inquired about Hanuman as Kesari rightly guessed.

Kesari called upon Hanuman and introduced him to Vali. He asked to do Namaskara for Vali. Hanuman did not do so for some reasons. He was restless and was running here and there without listening to Kesari, upsetting him. He became angry as well as he felt insulted before an emperor. Vali persuaded him saying he is just a kid and would become alright as he grows.

“May I know why your mighty being has honored this poor man’s hut?” – Kesari asked humbly.

“I saw the prowess of your son in the sky a while back. I really liked him. If you allow, if you wish too, I would like to take Hanuman to Kishkinta. Hence I came here myself.”

Anjana was shocked hearing this.

Kesari did not expect this too. It was because of Hanuman that he left his kingdom and is staying here at Tirumala. If Hanuman is sent to Kishkinta, how can he be peaceful?

“What are you thinking O King! Hanuman is not just your son. He is a close friend of Kishkintapuri. It will be very beneficial for the world if he is taken there. I will raise him as a prince myself.”

“O King of Kishkinta! I know about you very well. Hanuman will be blessed greatly if he grows up in Kishkinta, no doubt. But…” – said Anjana.

“What is the problem then?”

“Tirumala’s Lord should approve of this first. Then Kesari should agree. Then..”

“..then its your approval?”

“It is not mine. But Hanuman should like Kishkintapuri.”

“He is just a boy right? My servants in the palace will take good care of him. I spoke to the Lord already, He doesn’t have any objection. I am not sure what King Kesari would say..” – said Vali.

“O King. I won’t speak what is not in my heart. I do not wish to send Hanuman to Kishkintapuri.” – said the straightforward Kesari.

“This wouldn’t be a problem if you both agree to live with Hanuman at Kishkintapuri.” – said Vali.

Kesari became thoughtful. “I am a king of a smaller province. I cannot stay in another palace for more than three days as per the rules. I cannot stay in the palace for long.”

“Let us then ask the Lord Venkatava himself.” – said Anjana.

“Would you agree to whatever the Lord says?” – asked Vali.

Kesari expressed his consent. They all proceeded to the Lord. While on their way, Hanuman was running in front of everyone where he peeped in to the right side of the mountain and fell down in a huge valley next to it. That was a place where survival is next to impossible for those who falls down. But when they saw, Hanuman was hanging in the mid air.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image courtesy: Unknown, found in Quora. Happy to acknowledge the source if the creator is known.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Everyone felt very surprised on seeing Hanuman hanging in mid air. Even his father Kesari was taken aback by surprise. Vali was surprised too, but he wanted to bring back Hanuman at the earliest. Then..

“Why are you all worried? Hanuman has taken birth to do a number of miraculous things. I showed this only to affirm that I have the responsibility to guide him and to protect him.” – Vayu was carrying him in both hands. Vali was angry at seeing this.

“O Vayudeva! We are going to meet Venkatava to decide something very important about Hanuman. It is not fair for you to play with Hanuman at this crucial hour. Still, it would be nice if you give back the property of Kishkinta back to us. Enough of your playtime.” – though Vali was folding his hands, he said that with a ferocious tone.

Vayudeva laughed at this.

“Why are you laughing Vayu?” – Kesari asked humbly. He somehow felt Vayu as his brother and he did not get angry at all.

“Kesari, don’t you think it is fair to consult me before handing over Hanuman to Kishkinta? I am at the stage of his step-father. Why did you all forget me?” – Vayu was very sad when asking this.

“I don’t think it is necessary. Isn’t it enough to get the parents who gave birth to the kid??”

“Vali! You are talking without knowing respect. Kesari-Anjana has already given Hanuman as an adoption. You do not know this. Else, you wouldn’t talk like this immaturely.” – Vayu replied.

“Probably, but better than you and me, the one who creates, sustains the universe, Lord Venkatava is whom we were about to meet for an auspicious thing, how is it fair to interfere in our way? The conversation must happen in the presence of the Lord Almighty.” – said Vali swiftly.

“You should have asked me straight up. I would have welcomed you with both arms. But instead, you play with Hanuman like a ball.” – Kesari opened his mouth for the first time. Vayu realized that it is the presence of the mighty Vali that makes Kesari speaks like this. He handed over Hanuman to them. They all proceeded to meet Venkatava, stood before Him with great respect and devotion and prayed. The Lord looked at everyone, blessed them and asked Anjana what’s the matter.

Anjana explained everything that happened and said, “The decision is yours My Lord.” He listened to it completely as if He comes to know of all these for the first time and smiled beautifully.

“Kesari, where does a river start?”

“In the mountain.”

“Where does it end its journey?”

“In the ocean”

“Isnt’t it fair that the river reaches where it is supposed to reach?”

“Yes indeed.”

“Does the mountain desire to keep the river with itself, just because it is born at the mountain?”

“No it shouldn’t.”

“Perfectly said Kesari. Now you must have got the answer.”

“I understood my Lord. But the river that flows is different than my son Hanuman.”

“Kesari, your eyes are covered with the attachment towards your child. You don’t understand about nature either. Hanuman is your son. He is the foster son of Vayu. But it is destined that he should be in Kishkinta.”

“You too my Lord? Why should Hanuman go to Kishkinta when he can live peacefully and blissfully in Tirumala?”

“Is this what you say Kesari?”

“Yes, even I wanted to make my son Hanuman the future king of my province. I don’t have anybody else other than Hanuman either. But I obeyed your orders.”

“Was that a mistake Kesari?”

“Not at all my Lord. You are the protector of the world who knows everything. Let Hanuman go to Kishkinta, but let it happen after some time. I myself will take him there.”

“What’s the difference between taking him a little later and now? Here stands Vali, you know nothing about him. He is capable of withstanding all three worlds by himself. If Hanuman is with him, it is very beneficial for Hanuman. Do not spoil it.”

“I will take care of him even if he is in Kishkinta. But…” – said Vayu.

“Am I not worthy of getting the respect which is given to a monkey from Kishkinta? Even if Vali himself has asked, isn’t it right Kesari asking me for the sake of it? How is it fair that he thinks that Hanuman is all his?” – asked Vayu.

“Do not get angry Vayu. Such negative talks rise when there is anger and attachment. Forget it. Did you think it was right to push Hanuman and to hold him in mid air yourself. You scared everyone there. Was that fair?”

Vayu remained silent and so did everyone around.

“Let Vali take Hanuman to Kishkinta on an auspicious day. Let Anjana and Kesari accompany Hanuman. Vayu can visit there frequently, train him on various things.” – then the Lord looked at Vali and said:

“Do not hasten. Take Hanuman as you wished. Let his parents come along and do not stop them whenever they wish. They won’t stay in Kishkinta for long. The final phase of their lives will be spent in Kishkinta.” – said the Lord.

Kesari was postponing the Yagna as much as possible as he did not want to send Hanuman to Kishkinta. Vali became furious and rolled his tail, smashing those trees which stood for thousands of years to ground. Kesari was shocked at this. If he can smash such mighty trees with his tail, what sort of a power will he possess? He realized Vali’s prowess and said:

“It was the love for Hanuman that I lost my balance, I dared to postpone this event even after the Lord commanding me to do so. Let me make arrangements for the yagna right away.” – he folded his hands.
Vali was convinced only then. In a few moments, arrangements were made with invitation to Lord Brahma, Narada and so on for sending Hanuman to Kishkinta. Anjana was relieved that she could visit there to see Hanuman whenever she wants to, in spite of feeling the heaviness in separation.

But she was worried about Hanuman’s adamant nature and Vali’s short temper if things would work between them. But she surrendered completely to the holy feet of the Lord and was relieved. When the ritual was proceeding, an old Maharishi came and went straight up to Vali:

“Vali Mahraj”

Vayu who was looking fondly at Hanuman looked around. There stood the Maharishi.

“Do you realize that there is a small error in this ritual. Can the Lord Venkatava allow this?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Who is Hanuman?”

“The son of Anjana-Kesari, my foster-son.”

“Rightly so. Then you and your wife should sit in this yagna and give Hanuman as an adoption to Kishkinta? You and Hanuman are related anyway..” – said the Rishi.

“My and my wife didn’t think of this at all. But it is all the same now. I am not going to make this a big issue.” – Vayu turned around.

“Vayu, do you know? The moment when someone gives an adoption with Agni as the witness, then all the rights for that child is for the person who receives him. When Anjana and Kesari are giving Hanuman as an adoption to Kishkita, your right as a foster father goes away.”

“What are you saying?”

“No one can call Hanuman as Vayu Putra hereafter but he would be known as Kishkintapuri Putra. Think about it.”

“I don’t get it?”

“With Venkatava as the witness, Anjana and Kesari gave Hanuman as adoption to you. Now Kesari is scared of Vali and he is giving away Hanuman to him. This is where you and Venkatava are making a mistake. When they gave Hanuman as an adoption to you, then you have all the rights. Not them.

Vayu thought for a moment and said, “I did mention this to the Lord. But he didn’t say anything.”

“Vayu, don’t mistake me. He is the source of this play. That’s all I can say.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“You and your wife should conduct this yagna and hand over Hanuman to Kishkinta.”

“Then Hanuman will become like my foster-son.” – said Vayu.

“Yes, but give him as an adoption temporarily. Do not give him away forever. Go now and stop this yagna.”

“You seem to know all these in detail. But you never said who you are.”

“Don’t worry about me, just think of me as your well-wisher. Don’t waste time and don’t lose your rights.”

Though Vayu was worried and confused, he took the Maharishi’s words as a divine ordaince. Right at that time, Venkatava walked in. On seeing the Lord, Vayu went back to his seat. Right then the important part of the yagna of giving adoption started. The Lord looked around and asked: “Where is Vayu?”

Vayu stood in front of the Lord.

“You are supposed to be here in the center and blessing Hanuman. Should you hide like this? Take this akshadhai, bless Hanuman.”

Vayu was surprised. He began to speak and the Lord said: “I know. An old Maharishi must have spoken to you right? Did he also say that you should stop the yagna and clarified you of your rights?”

“Yes”

“Well, it was me who tested your state of mind. Just look around, you won’t find the Maharishi. Look closely at me and you’d find him in me.”

Thus, the Lord carried out the play of giving away Hanuman to Kishkinta.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image: MrPsMthopedia

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Right after Hanuman went with Vali to Kishkinta, the Anjana couple could not bear his separation. They wanted to go to Kishkinta immediately. But they kept their patience level intact due to the presence of the all powerful Lord. Kali Purusha was hiding and witnessing all these and went to Varaha Murthy who was seated in the western side and prostrated before him.

He opened his eyes after a long time. Kali stood before him humbly with folded hands. He said:

“I am prostrating to the Lord Varaha.”

“What’s the matter Kali?”

“I request your blessings and grace.”

“Fair enough.”

“There is nothing you do not know. But it woulnd’t be nice if you remain patience.”

“Kali, speak to me directly. Why are you beating around the bush?”

“I am blessed my Lord. Please do not get angry at me. I am sure you are aware of the happenings in Tirumala.”

“Yes.”

“This is but your holy shrine.”

“Yes.”

“Since Venkatava pleaded, You have given a shelter to him.”

“He did not plead. I gave it myself whole heartily.”

“This is where you are cheated.”

“How?”

“In such a huge place as Tirumala, you are seated in a small place as that of a cow’s shelter. If seated, one cannot get up. If one gets up, they can’t be seated. One cannot stretch their legs and hands and lie down.”

“Hmm..proceed.”

“But Venkatava has forsaken you and has encroached all the seven hills, the beautiful waterfalls, the gardens and all around. You never objected.”

“What if I have?”

“Venkatava cannot have the complete authority. You also would have got a big mountain, beautiful garden etc.,”

“Kali! What happened to you, suddenly you have so much of concern for me?”

“O Lord. I think you have mistaken me. I always have tremendous love and respect for you.” – Kali prostrated again.

“Well, are you looking for a space for yourself in Tirumala for which you speak all these?”

“If I had such a desire my Lord, I would have asked You well before Venkatava himself. Now there is no chance for all these.”

“How are you saying so?”

“I advised Garuda but he stares at me as if he would pierce me with his beak. I then tried advising Adisesha who is blowing poisonous air unto me after having listened to all that I explained. Venkatava on top acts like he has taken the avatar only to destroy me.”

“Why do you create such an enmity towards all of these?”

“I think it is my bad time, that’s all I can say. You have given all the seven hills to Venkatava right?”

“Even beyond the Seven Hills.”

“You should get at least two mountains from him now.”

“Why?”

“For you. You have been the sole owner of all these places. This tiny place is not sufficient for you. Hence you should get back at least two of the mountains and enjoy it. I would like to have the darshan of that. That’s all is my wish.”

Varahamithra did think about what Kali said. Right at that time, Booma Devi appeared. Kali folded his hands in showing respect.

“Let there be auspiciousness.” – blessed Boomi Devi.

“O Mother Boomi! I think I did some great merits. Else, how would I get a blessing from you on auspiciousness?”

“Kali, it is the first thing that Varaha Swamy says too. It was the first Upadesha He gave me.”

“It is true Mother. But Varaha Swamy did not say this but you did, and blessed me. I am very happy.”

Varaha Swamy smiled within seeing this.

“Kali, what’s going on within your mind?”

“This mountain was Hayagreeva’s. Then you took over. This mountain should therefore be called as Varaha Murthy Mountain. You gave this to Venkatava. Now everyone calls this as Venkata Mountain or Thiruvenkata Malai. The name of this mountain should be changed to Varaha Murthy mountain. Then you should get back at least two mountains. That is why I came here.”

Boomi Devi listened to Kali’s words with patience. She felt he makes sense.

“Swamy, what Kali says makes sense. Can we call upon Venkatava and have this discussed through?”

“Devi, did you think this through?”

“What’s wrong in this Swamy?”

“..as this comes from Kali.”

“Yes.”

“He has come with this request all of a sudden.”

“What has he to gain here. He is just concerned about you.”

“No one does anything without a gain, including Kali, right?” – Varaha Swamy looked at Kali.

“Swamy, if you are well, I will be too.”

“Then there’s a gain.”

“Let us just call Venkatava and discuss this through instead of futile talks.” – said Booma Devi with frustration, unlike her very polite nature. Varaha Swamy was taken aback. Kali has begun his play, even she fell in his trap, He felt.

When Venkatava got the request to meet Varaha Swamy, He knew that Kali is out to play. Even Varaha Swamy knew Kali’s intention. But he began to play along for teaching a lesson to Booma Devi.

“I hear you called me upon?” – said Venkatava who was welcomed by Varaha Swamy.

“Nothing. You had asked me to stay here in this mountain for some time. I agreed. But I hear you are staying here forever. Is this true?”

“Yes. There is a lot to be done for the people at Earth. Kali is making trouble for all walks of lives. I intend to stay here to take care of him for a little longer.

“This is indeed a great news but this mountain is mine. It is being renamed as Venkata Malai after yours. This should be Varaha Murthy Malai in all fair means.” – said Booma Devi.

“That’s all right. I shall have this name changed right away. That’s all right?”

“Venkatava! I know you very well. I don’t have any desire for name of places. Probably Booma Devi has got such thoughts.” – Varaha Swamy winked.

“Those who are born in Earth will have such a desire and it is natural. It is no surprise to see such a desire on the one who is named Boomi Devi herself.” – smiled Venkatava.

Boomi Devi reacted…”Kali explained all these and I felt he makes sense. What is wrong in it?”

“O Boomi Devi, have patience. Do you want this mountain to be named as Varaha Murthy Mountain?”

“I want both”

“Fair enough. You may have it right away. But do not blame me for all the after-effects.”

“No I won’t. You should leave this mountain at once and this place should not be called as Tirumala. This should forever be called as Varaha Malai” – just as she mentioned this, a huge thunder hit and it began to rain profusely as if it will flood Tirumala to its whole. Venkatava saw this and sat down in Tapasya.

“Venkata, can’t you stop this thunderstorm?”

“No Varaha.”

“Why?”

“This is your mountain now. You have to take responsibility and ask Varuna Deva.”

“How can that be possible when this is called Tirumala.”

“You wanted it to be named after you just a while back.”

“It wasn’t me but Boomi Devi who wanted it.”

“Then let Boomi Devi pray to Varuna to have this stopped.”

“But this rain is flowing only this side. Your side is not stagnant with water or even a single drop of rain is yet to touch you.”

“I think you should ask Varuna.” – the Lord said sarcastically.

Varaha called Boomi Devi.

“Let me ask you a question. Who will the grand-father’s property go to?”

“It goes to the grand-children without a doubt.”

“It has happened just so here, right?”

“How?”

“If Venkatava is my grandson, this mountain should go to him only right? Just so I gave this to him. Why do you want to take it back?”

“Please pray to Varuna to have this stopped and hand ovfr the mountain to Varuna.”

“I am very happy.” – said Mahalakshmi. Right after she said so, the rain stopped. Varaha explained to Boomi Devi on how she reacted like any other normal human being, and hence Varuna came to the rescue.

“I realize it. But if those who come here go straight to Venkatava, how will one ever know that it was yours before? What is Venkatava going to do about it?”

“That’s all right? Those who come and have my darshan straight ahead will have only 1/4th of the merits. But if one taks holy dip in the Pushkarini, have yours and Booma Devi’s darshan and then come to me, each of them will get 100% merit.

Those who worship Boomi Devi sametha Varaha Murthy here, they will get every sowbhagya. Their debts will disappear. There won’t be any distraction in education. They will get fame. They will be healthy. This wordly people will get all such merits. This is Venkatava’s promise. Is this enough?” – asked Venkatava. The couple felt very happy. As they walked out, Kali stayed hidden. When the Lord went his way, he stood before Varaha and Boomi Devi.

She looked at him and thought that he was about to spoil her relationship with Varaha. She breathed heavily which turned out as a flame and started chasing Kali. The couple laughed aloud on seeing Kali being chased out thus.

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

When Kali ran away, Varaha and Booma Devi discussed the whole thing with Venkatava where Booma Devi confessed that she pretended as if she was under the spell of Kali only to show that such swaying of mind can happen even to the celestials. Varaha appreciated her for setting the world an example.

As Kali ran away, he decided that his drama won’t tick with the celestials and decided that he has to deal only with the humans. As he proceeded towards the Earth, a voice stopped him. It was Agastya Muni. Kali folded his hands as a reflex on seeing Him. Agastya asked about his motive where he burst out crying:

“Brahma Deva created me for a purpose, but I am not able to do anything towards it. I have been meeting with failures after failures. Can’t you please explain my situation to Venkatava who creates every possible obstacle in my way?” – he cried.

“Kali, the world is going to be under your spell slowly but surely. The people on Earth are going to follow the path of Adharma. Why are you worried?”

“O Maha Muni! If this comes from your mouth, then it will happen for sure. But I am not able to do anything in the presence of Venkatava, you know that very well.”

“Kali, you should know whom to fight with. You are trying to fight with Lord Vishnu himself. It’s natural that your plans are getting defeated.”

“It is true. But I should know what my strengths are. Hence I tried my luck.”

“You are following your purpose of creation. But Venkatava will protect those who surrenders to him. What’s wrong in it?”

“O foremost of Siddhas! I am getting demoralized that I face failures after failures. I even think I should abort this mission.”

“No. Brahma’s purpose of creating you is to divert people towards Adharma, thereby making them realize their purpose of life and search for the Almighty. You should not refrain from your duty.”

“It is easier said than done my Lord. Do you know how much I have to suffer?”

“One cannot decide anything with a temporary situation. The world is going to be in your spell shortly. Then it is up to you and the Lord. What am I going to do in between?” – when Agastya said this, Kali started laughing. When asked for reason, he said that Agastya was encouraging him to do what he was created for, while warning him of the presence of the Lord.

Agastya said: “I will be there where Dharma is. At the same time, you are not my enemy either, if you understand.”

“Thank you O Siddha! I might seek your help in the future. Please do not wash me away in the name of dharma or justice.”

“I think you will not get such a situation. We shall see if it comes.”

Kali bowed down to Agastya and went downhill. As Agastya watched him descend, He spotted the very old Vishnu devotee Narayana. His body showed he had crossed a hundred years but his eyes had an unquenchable fire. He wore the Vaishnava symbols and barely could walk. He would walk a step, then sit down, stand up with the help of the walking stick while constantly chanting ‘Narayana or Govinda’ from the bottom of his heart. Agastya himself felt like folding His hands on seeing such a devotee. Narayana was carrying the pooja items in a small bag on his head. Agastya felt that He had to help him somehow.

He changed himself looking like a 22 year old, held the old man’s hand and walked uphill. Narayana asked:

“Who are you boy? I am surprised you volunteered to help me?”

“I am the devotee of devotees.”

“Oh, so you don’t have a name given by your parents.”

“For sure, they called me “Agathi”

The wise man laughed within.

“You said Agathi, which is an incomplete word. But you are not an ordinary person.”

“O Sire, I am not anything that you think but a very ordinary person. I don’t have the knowledge in Tamil as much as you.”

“Ok, what do you do for living?”

“I just help people who climb up the mountain.”

“Oh I am sad. In that way, I don’t have any gold to give you.”

“I don’t need them.”

“I don’t have silver either.”

“It’s alright.”

“Then how can I return the favour I am receiving from you?”

“Sir. Please do not talk so. I am receiving a great favour myself by helping such great devotees like you. What else do I need?”

“I have a doubt.” – said Narayana, the old man.

“Please..”

“You look very young. But your actions, words seem like that of a wise Maharishi. Who are you truly?”

“I am just an ordinary person.” – said Agathi and caught hold of the old man who seemed like falling down. Right then the Salagrama stone he had kept in the bag fell down. There appeared a stream and the Salagrama was seen inside the water.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Agastya expressed surprise on seeing a stream appearing on the place where the Salagrama fell and it was seen underneath the stream water. He folded His hands in front of the devotee Narayana.

“May I know who you are, O revered Sire?” – Agastya asked.

“If you tell me who you are, you shall know who I am.”

“When I saw you, I felt that you are ready to lose anything for Vaishnavism. You are greatly devoted to Venkatava. You were chanting Govinda Govinda all through. I wanted to help you in any ways I can so I came in disguise. I am Agastya.” – said the Maha Muni.

“I must have been blessed to have the darshan of Maha Siddha like Agastya. Why is He appearing as a young lad? I will be even blessed if He appears in the original form.”

“With pleasure.” – Agastya appeared how He looks normally.

Narayana folded both his hands and did a Sashtanka Namaskara to Agastya. Agastya held him even before that, said, “This is Venkatava’s shrine where He is seated on Adi Sesha’s head. Here, one should worship Venkatava, not me.” and smiled.

“O Agastya! It is very auspicious that I saw you in Tirumala. I have written about Venkatava in many a palm leaves. Let me hand them over to you. Can you please translate them in Tamil so everyone knows?”

“I treat this as a direct order from Lord Venkatava Himself. If His wish is such, I shall translate it in announce it in the coming Purattasi month’s Saturday itself. Is it fair enough?”

“I am blessed indeed.” – said Narayana.

“Sire, the doubt still lingers. Who are you? Why should you struggle so much to climb up, that too carrying Salagrama and the palm leaves?” – he paused.

“Hmm..what else is your question Agastya? Go ahead and ask.”

“Why did the Salagrama fall out? Why did a stream appeared? Why is the Salagrama found inside the stream water? Can you explain?”

“Shall we sit in the shade of this tree and talk?”

They both sat down near a Naval tree.

“My name is Narayanan, Vaishanava family. I learnt Vedas and Grantha when I was young. I went out of my house when I was eight. Now I am eighty eight. I roamed around this holy country, temple after temple. When I was sixty, I was praying in Nepal in my ashram near the Kantaki river bank where this Salagrama fell on my lap. While I was wondering how a Salagrama can fall on my lap all by itself, I heard a divine voice which said:..”

“Narayana! Worship this Salagrama by staying here for 25 years. Then when you turn 85, start to Tirumala by walk. Let this Salagrama be with you. There will be a miracle in Tirumala. Where this Salagrama falls out, a stream will appear and the Salagrama will be seen inside the stream water. Sit there and pray to Lord Venkatava who will appear before you. You shall then realize the purpose of your birth.”

“I took the divine voice as the Lord’s own itself and prayed to Lord Vishnu for 25 years and started from Nepal when I was 85. I travelled for 3 years and now I am climbing up Tirumala.” – said the elderly wise devotee Narayana.

He is indeed a great devotee who prayed to Lord Vishnu right from the age of eight till eighty eight, who has seen many a temples all across Bharat. Venkatava’s grace is there with him completely, thought Agastya. He made him be seated with all comfort and went straight to Venkatava’s shrine to explain about the devotee. Lord Venkatava said:

“O Agastya. I dwell in Salagrama. Not today or when he was eight, this Narayana is worshipping me for the past 7 births. In fact, I have been associating myself with him as a close friend. He has come here seeking a shelter when he is at the end of his life.”

“Such a great devotee!”

“Yes. If you want, let me test him a bit to show you that he will never deviate from me.”

“Lord. When you are explaining his greatness with your own divine words, what else is required?”

“Yes, but his devotion surpasses everything else. Hence I brought him here. Wait and watch…” – the Lord closed His eyes and remained silent.

Right where the devotee Narayana was seated appeared a fire. The birds ran for their lives and the animals ran here and there. The rishi-munis were wondering how a greener forest caught hold of fire.

But…the old devotee did not move at all, chanting ‘Govinda, Govinda’ with his eyes closed. The fire surrounded him but he never moved.

The Lord showed this to Agastya and said, “See, what do you think of his deep devotion?”

“Wonderful. Blissful. It can’t be explained in words.”

“What can we do to his Bhakthi?”

“What is there in my saying my Lord. Please do what you think is fit.”

“Even I am thinking of this. Let Agni leave him alone now.” – the fire disappeared as if it didn’t appear at all with the place turning greener than before. Agastya said, “We can go there before him together and ask him what he wants.”

They both appeared before Narayana with Venkatava calling him lovingly, “Narayana”

The wise devotee opened his eyes to see the all merciful Lord in front of him, whom he has worshipped, thought about, breathed all his life. He fell at the Lord’s feet with his eyes brimming with tears of bliss.

“What do you want my dear, who has worshipped me all along?”

“Venkatava, my Lord! Your darshan is everything. I do not need anything else.”

“I heard you have written about me in the Granthas.”

“Yes my Lord.”

“Agastya will write them in Tamil. What else do you want?”

“I surrendered in your holy feet. I should be able to see your holy feet without even blinking forever.”

“Then?”

“Nothing else is needed my Lord.”

“I give what you asked. Agastya is the witness, here accept what I give.”

Narayana kept looking at the Lord. What is He saying?

“This place henceforth will be called as Narayana Giri. This is a gift for devotees like you who surrender to me completely.”

It is said that Narayana is still roaming around Narayana Giri in Arooba form. What else is an evidence for the mercy of the Lord?

Featured image courtesy: Panoramio

~ to be continued…!

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

We saw about the holy theertha that gets mixed in to the Pushkarani at Tirumala. We could go on writing about the glory of Tirumala. We have only seen the history of five hills out of seven. Venkatadhri, Seshadhri – once we see the glory of these two, we can then witness the rare incidents and greatness of Padmavathi Thayar (Mother Padmavathi).

The term Venkata if split comes as Vem + Kata where Vem means sin or papa and kata means to cross. Everyone ends up committing papa knowingly or unknowingly. When these get accumulated, they have their effects as disease or accidents and take a toll on one’s mind. These papa does not go away after taking holy dip in the sacred rivers. They disappear only when one totally surrenders to the almighty.

Today, if we say that the one place which makes every kind of sin disappear is Tiruvenkata Malai, its not a surprise. People committing hideous sins have surrendered to the Lord totally and transformed themselves. We already saw that it is the grace of Lord Almighty that He took the avatar of Venkatava between the 9th avatar and the 10th – Kalki, only to ward of the sins of people and show them the path to realization.

A question rises here. If Venkatava takes the burden of the sins from all the people, how does He remain unaffected? What does He do? Narada Maharishi asked the Lord about this once directly.

“The people on Earth commit more sins than the asuras themselves. Would you not stop them?”

“Why did Narada get such a thought?”

“I am witnessing your mercy Lord. You are forgiving anyone who comes to you and take the burden of their sins on to you. I asked only to avoid this burden being taken by you…”

“You have forgotten something Narada. It is the act of Kali. It will be fierce and fast. It is next to impossible to not to commit any sin in the Earth.”

“If Kali is subdued, the people will not end up doing sins right?”

“Good idea, but this is Kali-Yuga. He has to dominate, how then will the Pralaya happen?”

“What?”

“Yes. Once his dominance increases, people will forget dharma. Atrocities will increase, sins will. The women will lose their morality. Murders will happen. Every family will face challenges. Diseases will play havoc. The water in the Earth will get dried up. Nature won’t do its duty.”

“Will you witness all these here?”

“Narada, you are tensed even when I am saying what will happen hereafter. You won’t bear if I continue. But one thing, if one surrenders to me in spite of all these, I will protect them, provide them shelter. Not for everyone.”

“Blessed I am and those Prabhu. But there are lakhs of such people who come to Tirumala everyday. You are bestowing them blessings, punya by taking all the sins in to you right?”

“Yes”

“Then what are you doing to those sins?”

“It is a deva rahasya. This hill is called Venkata Malai.”

“Yes.”

“That is, the hill which dissolves sin.”

“Yes.”

“When people climb up the hill with total devotion and completely surrendering to myself, I look at them from the Kali Gopura. When my glance falls on them, all their sins gets dissolved in the air, under the mountain. Those who cross the Kali Gopura with devotion, Garuda and Sesha will help them dissolve their sins as well.”

“Surprising”

“Sesha and Garuda will continue to do this till the time of Pralaya. It is not a difficult job for them but they’re very happy to do this.”

“I am very pleased and blessed to know that those who come here to Tirumala get the blessings of yours and their sins washed off. Please continue to enlighten me Swami”

“Even if some sin is left over after crossing Sesha and Garuda, they get cleansed when they take a dip in Pushkarani. Even if some sin is left over, they disappear totally when they have the darshan of my Gopura Kalasa. Fair enough?” – the Lord smiled.

Narada prostrated before the Lord.

“Wonderful narration on what happens in Tirumala. But there are some whose sins are still present after your darshan. Why is this?”

“It simply means that their devotion is not up to the mark for this hill Venkatadhri will ward off any sin they may have committed.”

“Then does it mean they don’t have any salvation?”

“For sure there is. But they have to have complete surrender and pure devotion. They should stay uphill for three days, come and do anga-pradakshina in the morning and do pradakshina of Venkata Malai, that is, the temple where I am. They should have deep devotion in their heart and should pray earnestly.

There are Parivara Devatha, Varaha Murthy, Siddhas around. Above all is Agastya Muni who is the foremost of all Siddhas. They roam around here in aruba form. What else is needed?”

“O Swami, may I ask another question if you would not mind?”

“Of course not”

“What about those who cannot come over all the way to Tirumala?”

“The count of people who cannot come to Tirumala is higher than those who come here. How can I forsake them? Never. Whoever they may be, however they may be, whatever difficulties or obstacles they may have, I will provide them salvation based on their level of Bhakthi.”

“You are the source of Mercy! There is no worries for the people here in Earth. But…”

“But what?”

“You have taken many avatars to establish Dharma. Why are you letting this Kali Purusha dominate everything?”

“Have patience. Why are you hastening?” – the Lord smiled. Narada Muni could not understand the meaning. He kept looking at the Lord.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The answer that Venkatava gave Narada does not include all the deva rahasya but the all knowing Lord knows very well about Narada. The way in which he stressed on certain things is because He knows Narada would say something here, something else there and confuse people. If he knows everything, then Kali would know of too. Hence the Lord did not convey everything.

Narada was curious as always. He wanted to convey all that he heard from the Lord to Kali Purusha to know what his next action would be. Narada became restless. He went straight to Kali. He was strolling in a deep jungle, deep in thoughts, far away from Tirumala as he realized that he cannot do anything when the Lord is protecting. There was a small village near the jungle where he was showing his ‘skills’ to the people.

“Do not believe in God. It is a lie. You are God. Do not trust in Vedas or its morals. Vedas are fraudulent. Those who chant them are cheats. Do not believe them! There is vast difference in what they chant and how they live behind the screens. Manu Neethi is a lie. They make their livelihood by praising it. They are full of lust. They don’t have any morality. If you think what I say is a lie, just follow these so called ‘big people’ and see their lives. You shall know.” – this was Kali’s preaching. The people started believing in his words slowly. He was happy that his preachings were spreading in the nearby town too.

He wanted to destroy the devotion in the people’s heart. They should be stopped from going to temples. He should work on separating the families. He should create diseases and make them incurable. (If this sounds like the plan of missionaries executed in India, don’t be baffled as they did exactly the same).

When he was thinking how he should execute his plan, Narada came. Kali felt very pleased on seeing him, but since he could not predict how Narada will change the next second, he planned his move carefully.

“Kali, how are you?”

“If I am well, why would I be roaming in this jungle alone?” – Kali asked Narada with a sad face.

“But what I hear around seems different. I hear everyone praising you?”

“If it is true, I am indeed happy.”

“I went to Tirumala yesterday, met Venkatava.”

“What is he saying?”

“He said that he cannot do anything against you as the sins seems to be in the rise.”

“O Narada Muni! Can I believe in what you are saying?”

“Kali! Aren’t you? I came running to see you only after hearing this.” – Narada bowed his head down and raised his eyes looking at Kali. “The sins are in the rise. I cannot stop anything. Let it happen as Kali wishes. – this is what Venkatava told me many a times.”

“If He had said this, it is indeed my victory after a long time. I am believing this only because you have come here all the way to say so. But I have a doubt.”

“What?”

“Brahmadeva created me. He wanted me to convert the Bhuloka People to Kaliyuga People. I am just following his orders. Venkatava appeared to stop my atrocities. Why isn’t he appearing here to stop me?”

“Fair question. He won’t come here. He will protect only those who visit Tirumala or those who surrender to Him. But he won’t be following you wherever you go, He said.”

“Is this what He said or is this something you are building up?”

“Oh you aren’t believing me…what is my problem. Let you and Venkatava deal this.”

“O no no! I totally believe in Narada Muni. Can you please tell me the reason for your visit here?”

“Venkatava is very tired now. He is not acting like before. Hence you can get on with your preaching against morality, devotion and good conduct among people. He won’t be able to stop you.”

“I am blessed indeed.” – Kali was very pleased.

“But the people are not completely changed. They are still flocking to Venkatava. This must be stopped.”

“How?”

“You should preach that there is no God, that anyone can marry anyone. God cannot do anything. It is natural to rain and shine. There is no relation for God in these natural phenomenon. Spread such things. The people will start believing in you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It is me who always chant Narayana, who say this. Do what I say”

“Can I believe this? Won’t Tirumalavasa interrupt me?”

“Never”

Kali jumped out of joy and promised Narada that he will start acting immediately. Narada was immensely pleased that his mission had succeeded. The preaching of Kali started working. It did not rain, agriculture failed and famine hit the country. In spite of their prayers, nothing happened and hence people started losing faith in divinity.

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Emperor Dileepa visited Tirumala once and asked Maharishi Durvasa about the glory of the holy hill Tirumala.

“Not just one or two, we can go on talking about it. The story of 7 hills is not over with Narayanadhri. There is another story. But before we get there, there are a number of things which not many knows about Tirumala.

There was only one Koneri Theertha before. As Venkatava is gracefully present here, this hill became the holiest. Kali fought and lost to Venkatava. Then there were a number of holy theertha appeared. Simply put, there are 66 koti theertha here. Out of these, 1008 are very special. Even going further, there are 216 out of the 1008 which are very very special. Out of these 216, if one takes a holy dip in any of the 108 theertha, or even sprinkles a drop or two on their head, their sins for 7 births will be washed off. Such holy are they.”

“Can you please show me those 108 theertha?” – humbly asked Dileepa.

Durvasa Maharishi closed his eyes for a while and meditated. Then he began to say: “Towards the south-eastern side of Venkatava’s temple is Chakra Theertha and the one nearby this theertha is Vajra Theertha. They are holiest.

Near Vajra Theertha is Vishwasena Theertha, in the north there is Panchayutha Theertha, close to which is Alaayutha Theertha. There is then Narasimha Theertha. Towards the west after a little distance is Vandalkasipa Theertha, Agni Theertha, Manmatha Theertha, Brahma Theertha, Gowthama Theertha, Vishwamithra Theertha, Bhargava Theertha, Chaipava Theertha, Deva Theertha, Ashta Kona Maharishi Theertha are there.

Such theertha are made by RIshi’s and are awaiting for the Nithya Pooja of Venkatava. Towards the north eastern side is the Bhairava Theertha, Sesha Theertha, Kshethra Palaka theertha which are highly holy. If we cross them and go towards the Western side..

There is Panda Theertha, Marutha Theertha, Asthi Theertha, Markanda Theertha, Valakilliya Theertha, Saavaavi Theertha, Suratha Theertha, Vishukara Theertha are there. When one takes a holy dip in these, all dosha gets vanished.

If we cross these and go towards the North-Eastern side, there is Lakshmi Theertha, towards the northern side is Ishta Theertha, Sukikshana Theertha, Shrunga Theertha, Saba Theertha are there too.
In the north-western side of the temple is Chathurmukha Theertha, Indra Theertha, Barathi Vaja Theertha, Akasha Ganga Theertha, Parasara Theertha, Kumara Tharithai, Vipaandava Theertha, Thumburu Theertha, Jaga Theertha are smaller theerthas.

There are Dashavathara Theertha, Saptharishi Theertha, Senapathi Theertha are there. Crossing these are Dashanena Theertha, Uthamarasu Theertha, Manu Theertha, Nirmala Theertha, Rudra Theertha, Vasu Theertha, Brahma Theertha, Maruthuva Theertha, Sanavi Theertha, Varuna Theertha, KavaNava Theertha, Suka Theertha, Napeya Theertha, Parasi Pathra Theertha, Boumasa Theertha are there.

Go futher to find Soma Theertha, Narada Theertha, Yama Theertha, Agni Theertha, Pashu Theertha, Yaksha Theertha, Ganeshwara Theertha, Jagajatyaha Theertha, Vishawa Kallola Theertha, Bruhaspathi Theertha, Roma Rishi Theertha, Seneshwara Theertha, Ajaranamila Theertha, Karuma Theertha, Ashwa Theertha, Mantharai Theertha, Subramanya Theertha, Varuni Theertha, Vayinatheya Theertha, Rana Vimochana Theertha are the ones with medicinal qualities. If one even smells the frangrance of these Theertha, sins won’t come near for seven births. – said Maharishi Durvasa.

Let me say the rest of the theertha too, “Akamarushana Theertha, Anantha Theertha, Parjanya Theertha, Meka Theertha, Narayana Theertha, Kala Theertha, Gomuka Theertha, Athikutha Theertha, Vasudeva Theertha, Anjaneya Theertha, Angarushana Theertha, Sudhakasarasu Theertha, Pithuri Theertha, Ithihasa Theertha, Angarushana Theertha, Pradhyumna Theertha, Sudhdha Theertha, Kapina Theertha are some which are there for a long time in this Tirumala.

Dileepa folded his hands and was humbly and blissfully listening to all these, asked: “It may not be possible to take a holy dip in all these right away, is there a way to get benefitted by other means?”

“I knew you would ask this. Agastya who is foremost of all Siddhas who is even better than me is meditating here. Once He finishes, ask Him. He will explain.” – Durvasa pointed the direction and where Agastya is and began to meditate on Venkatava.

Dileepa went and sat before Agastya humbly with folded hands. Not one day but full seven days passed by. The emperor was seated right there, even without drinking water and was meditating too. When Agastya opened his eyes after 7 days, he saw Dileepa seated before meditating. He knew the purpose of his visit and knew that he is a righteous king. He got up and tapped on Dileepa himself. When Dileepa saw Agastya in front of him, he prostrated before Agastya and said, “Dhanyosmi” (I am blessed).

“Dileepa, let auspiciousness be yours. Durvasa Maharishi sent you. Let me tell you what you want to know. From all the 108 Theertha, on the Saturdays of the Purattasi month, all these theerthas mix together in the Pushkarini near the Temple. If one takes a holy dip in Pushkarini in these days, they get the benefit of taking a holy dip in all 108 theertha.” – Dileepa was very pleased to hear this.

Even today, the theerthas on Pushkarini mix in the month of Puratasi through the grace of Lord Venkatachala.

~ to be continued…!

Featured image: Go Tirupathi

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

Kali’s atrocities increased and people with some sanity sought the help of wise men and rishis. The Rishis found what happened through their Gnana Drishti and asked, “Is it wise to lose mind after listening to him?”

“It is possible for a change to happen and only Venkatava at Tirumala can do it. Go to Tirumala and meditate upon Him.” The people then called upon the others to go to Tirumala. But many of them did not pay heed. They started mocking these wise men with their pseudo-rationalist view.

“If He is the lord of protection, let him come here and make it rain. Why should we go to Tirumala?” and
“If he is the Lord of Tirumala, then he is the lord only for Tirumala, not for us. This is nature’s state. This will change tomorrow for which why should we go all the way to Tirumala”

These wise men could only shut their ears and say ‘Narayana!’ They decided to proceed to Tirumala with the like minded people, walking. They went on singing praises on the Lord. Kali saw this and thought that Venkatava might take a Vishwaroopa and destroy him if these people go and request Him. He wanted to stop them from going to Tirumala.

If their health is spoiled, they would’nt be able to go there. He liked the idea and began working on it. The devotees started feeling feverish and heavy stomach pain. He felt happy on seeing them suffer. But his idea of making them turn back failed. They did not lose their resolve, chanted the Lord’s name in spite of their bodily tortures and proceeded towards the Holy Hill.

Narada saw these and went straight to the Lord explaining everything. Though the Lord was not pleased at Narada’s initial conversation with Kali, He knew that all acts of Narada will end only in merits. So He listened to all that Narada has to say and forgave him.

He had a merciful thought on those people, why should they come all the way here when they are suffering. What if I do what they need without them having come here? He conveyed the message to Narada likewise. Narada thought that if he conveys this message straight to the people, they wouldn’t believe him and Kali will come to know of this as well. So he disguised himself as an old man and conveyed the Lord’s message.

But…

The devotees did not listen to Narada. They explained about the rishi-muni’s advise to visit Tirumala and mentioned that they will visit Tirumala for sure. Narada could not convince them further. He prayed to the Lord explaining the dilemma that they would think it is Kali’s work even if the Lord himself appears before them. The Lord said:

“Let them come here. We have instructed Varuna Deva to have abundant of rainfall at their place in two days of their time. The famine will disappear, the diseases will go away. The temples will have 6 times pooja. They won’t run short of meals. The dead cattle will gain their lives back. Every household will ring the bells of Pooja.

The people who spoke pseudo-rationalism will involve themselves in true spirituality more than before. In a nutshell, whoever surreders to me will be blessed.”

Narada was immensely pleased. He then appeared before the people in his true form. They could not believe their eyes to see Narada Muni, they prostrated at his feet. When Narada explained the conversation he had with Lord Venkatava, they felt very blessed and they returned to their place. When Narada sent them happily and before he could say the usual chanting ‘Narayana’, Kali stood before him with his face shining with anger. Narada himself got scared seeing his anger.

“Narada!” screamed Kali. There cannot be more hideous sin than betrayal” – he shouted. Narada stood silent.

“Do whatever you want, Venkatava won’t come in your way – all that you said and went all the way up to Tirumala and mentioned everything to him causing so much of embarrassment for me.” – Kali smashed the earth and Narada laughed aloud. This made him even angrier. “Why are you laughing after all these?” – he asked.

“They say that the angry man loses his mind. I am just seeing an example. How can I stop laughing?”

“What are you saying?”

“I told you that the future belongs to you. But you haven’t trusted me. I think I cannot convince you.”

“I think I don’t understand a thing!” – Kali was still angry.

“How can you understand for the anger is blindfolding you?”

“O Narada Muni, please forgive me and guide me, please.”

“You won’t understand whatever I tell you now. Just continue what you do and don’t worry about Venkatava. The people on Earth should be transformed. Create riots based on religion. Divide them based on language. Wherever they are united, go there and divide them.”

“But Venkatava comes running to stop all these right?”

“How many times can He come? He can’t, if you run like a forest-fire and spread anamoly all over. You will win.”

“What will I do if He comes following me, like how He asked Varuna to rain in this place?”

“It is true in this case, but as the passage of ants dissolves even the rock, you should keep up with your efforts. Then He may leave you alone.”

“How is that possible?”

“Due to your efforts, the people will lose faith in spirituality. They would stop visiting temples. If they don’t visit temples, it is hard for them to focus on spirituality. If the Garba Gruha of the temple doesn’t get lit, the focussed divine-energy there will reduce. Then you can win.”

“Is this all possible?”

“Your birth is for this very reason right? Do you know, in the future many temples won’t have the 6-kala pooja. Even the priests will carry out their duties with impurities. The wealth of the temples will be stolen. The poison you will spread will affect the temples first. There will be a time where the idols will be stolen and sold.”

“I feel happy indeed. But I often get a doubt about Tirumalaivasa’s acts making me think if this is all possible.”

Narada laughed again. “Kali, I cannot convince you. Do one thing. The ladies are more devoted than the men in general. If you can change their minds, you will win easily. Then you will know if what I say is true or not. I cannot show you how to do all these, you will have to figure it out.”

Kali began to think. There was another soul which laughed within on this conversation. It was none other than Agastya Muni. He wondered, how is Narada able to convince even those who got angry at them, not getting affected by their anger and even manipulating them.

Right at this time, the village saw rain clouds gathering and a heavy rain ensued. The villagers became very happy thanking the Lord’s blessings. Those who spoke ill of devotion were being driven out of the village. Kali felt sad seeing all these. He took them all to a nearby village. He then made them behave like they were possessed with some supreme power and they began to say everything negative. The people there believed that it is indeed the Gods who speaks, resulting in they fighting among themselves. No one listened to anyone.

The women were raped in front of many. Every household lost its happiness. Some of the villagers united to perform a Shanthi-Homa in their village. Kali was very pleased, he said:

“Such things will continue to happen all over the Earth hereafter. No Gods can help you. There won’t be any effects of your Homa. The temples will burn. No idols will be present.”

The people were shocked at this but they wanted to do the Homa in Brahma Muhurtha itself. When they gathered around early in the morning, meat pieces continued to fall in the place of Homa. They were shocked while Kali warning them that those who try to perform the Homa will not be able to speak. Three of them ventured bravely to lit the Homa fire and Kali poured water in to the Homa Kunda quenching the fire. Kali laughed aloud..

~ to be continued…!

Image courtesy: Inner World Revealed

The Grace of Siddha series can be read here.

The sight of Vedic scholars not able to conduct the Shanthi Homa and the laughing of Kali made Agastya Muni angry. He went straight to Venkatava not withstanding the adharma dominating dharma. Agastya asked why Venkatava is quiet on Kali’s atrocities. The Lord smiled. Agastya Muni insisted that Kali should be driven away at once to stop the adharma taking over. Venkatava said:

“O Agastya, why are you getting so angry? You are the embodiment of patience many levels than myself. What happened today?” – this made Agastya cool down and the Lord spoke:

“Agastya, Kali is just doing his duty, for why he was created by Brahma Deva. I wouldn’t interfere in what he does.”

“O Lord! Are You saying this? Why am I having to listen such a word from you?”

“Why so restlessness Agastya?” – when the Lord said this, Garuda came and understood the gist of the conversation just by looking at Agastya. He resolved within to grab hold of Kali if the Lord permits.

“Agastya, you have misunderstood what I said. It is because of Kali that the world is coming to an end. The people are going to get astrayed followed by the Pralaya. There is no point in getting angry at Kali.”

“Then why did he get chased out by you many times?” – Agastya asked humbly.

“I demonstrated the fact, whoever surrenders to me totally, I will protect them.”

“Then what about those villagers desperately trying to do the Shanthi Homa but are not able to. Why aren’t You protecting them?”

“I abide by the rules myself, I have a line of control which I choose not to cross.”

“Line of control? For You? Lord I don’t seem to understand.”

“It is as per the papa-punya of the people who is praying. Those priests, though are devoted to me, are swindling the wealth of others. This is one of the pancha-maha-pathakas (five great sins). Hence their acts of good also gets polluted. Hence I am remaining silent.”

“Is this the line of control?”

“Yes. It is due to their merits and demerits that controls them from getting saved.”

Agastya mentioned the fact of every one of the human doing some or the other kind of sins directly or indirectly. The Lord clarified that those who has done the smallest amount of sins, even they must surrender to the Lord for Him to save them. Agastya then said that it is very advantageous for Kali. Due to His merciful nature, Agastya requested the Lord to let the villagers conduct the Shanthi Homa and said He would proceed to have it conducted if the Lord permits.

The Lord said that he would interfere when Kali’s atrocities goes beyond control. Though Agastya felt sorry for the people, He was convinced that whatever the Lord does will be for good and he returned. While Kali was blocking the Homa in the village, he had a doubt. Why is Venkatava not trying to block him from all the atrocities? If He decides to do so, what actions is he going to take? The more he thought about it, he became clear that he should surrender and seek the help of Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras. If he helps, then he will get the support of all the asuras through which he would carry out what he wanted easily. He then went straight to Shukracharya. He knew Kali would come but did not display it outwardly.

When Kali requested him for help, the asura guru gave him his consent and support. He said that the asuras will join hands with Kali and continue stopping people from performing spiritual practices, daily dharmic rituals etc. He said that the asuras will help in such a way that the temples will be controlled by adharmic people (we are not hinting anything against the TamilNadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department) where the nithya poojas will be blocked. The wealth of temples will be swindled. Temples will be demolished.

Shukra guru also said that the idols of some temples will be stolen and melted. Kali was happy that he will happily carry his life’s mission. The moment Shukra Guru ordered, the asuras thrashed on the earth, stopping yagnas and homas from happening, cows were slaughtered, atrocities spread out like wildfire. Kali was so pleased on Shukra’s promises, but he had the same doubt, what if…? He asked this to the guru. Shukra began to laugh on hearing Kali’s doubts.

He clarified Kali that Venkatava will help only those who surrender to Him, by visiting Tirumala. He cited the example of how Kali was able to stop the Shanthi Homa where Venkatava did not help. Kali was convinced with this answer. But he had another doubt which he began to think. Shukra Guru read his mind and asked him what is bothering him. Kali mentioned about the fact that the women are more devotional when compared to men and if their support is not there, nothing is practically possible.

Shukra Guru agreed that it is difficult to get them in control. Then how is Kali’s rule possible, he worried. He wanted to know the reason for why they cannot get the women in complete control. Shukra said:

“The women are the embodiment of Shakthi. They are being protected by the divine feminine trinity force Parvathi, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. The blood that runs in their body is devotion itself. This devotion is what is protecting the world. Till the Pralaya happens, it is women’s bhakthi which will protect the world.”

“Then is it impossible to reach our goal?”

“There is a plan, not so easy one. But let one Amavasya go. My asuras will stop the growth of spirituality in the Earth. Join hands with them and come back after Amavasya. I shall explain.”

A village called Pooncholai where Lord Shiva and Parvathi were blessing the world by dwelling in one of the temples. There was a Narasimha Swamy temple nearby too. The asuras reached here in disguise of Sanyasins and started talking evil about the holy parents. The Sanyasin appearance of the Asuras made the villagers keep quiet and listen to all they have to say.

Another group of asuras witnessed the women entering the temple to do maa-vilaku (a lamp made out of flour). They made all the lamps go off and scared the ladies around. They ran here and there. The asuras then pretented to have raped the ladies around and disappeared. The other set of asuras who are in disguise ran to the temple with the villagers pretending to help.

The next day, they started spreading falsified information that: “Had there been a God here, such a thing would have never happened. Hence there is no need to do any worship for there is no Shiva or Parvathi or Narasimha. Let people not get deviated. We will show the way of rationalists. Had we not come here yesterday, the villagers would not have been saved.”

While they were trying to convince the people against worship, a lamp from the Narasimha temple floated and came straight towards the asuras in disguise who were preaching ‘rationalism’. They ran away on seeing a lamp coming towards them. While the villagers were wondering what was happening, there was a voice that heard:

“These are asuras who came to stop the spiritual growth. Do not believe them.” – this was heard thrice. While they were wondering at all these, Venkatava’s divine idol appeared right where the lamp was seen. The people were so pleasantly surprised.

[Dear readers, thus far the episodes of Agastya mentioning about the divine activities of Lord Narayana and Himself in The Grace of Siddha comes to an end with this. The author had requested Late Hanumath Dasan, who read these narrations right from Agastya Muni through the Jeeva Nadi to request the Maha Muni for the reasons. Stay tuned for the explanation..]

The GOS 215 – Perumal & Adiyen 15 – Kali’s plan makes progress

The GOS 216 – Perumal & Adiyen 16 – Kali meets Shani!

The GOS 217 – Perumal & Adiyen 17 – Dispute in Shani’s family

The GOS 218 – Perumal & Adiyen 18 – Meeting of Garuda and Sesha!

The GOS 222 – Perumal & Adiyen 22 – The ritual of naming one of the hills with Garuda’s name

The GOS 225 – Perumal & Adiyen 26 – Kali’s plot against Anjana

The GOS 226 – Perumal & Adiyen 27 – The Lord clarifies Anjana

The GOS 227- Perumal & Adiyen 28 – Anjaneya for Anjana

The GOS 228- Perumal & Adiyen 29 – Naming of Anjanadhri!

The GOS 229- Perumal & Adiyen 30 – Bala Hanuman

The GOS 230 – Perumal & Adiyen 31 – Vali’s Proposal

The GOS 231 – Perumal & Adiyen 32 – Hanuman to Kishkinta

The GOS 232 – Perumal & Adiyen 33 – Kali tries to confuse Varaha Murthy

The GOS 233 – Perumal & Adiyen 34 – Agastya appears again!

The GOS 234 – Perumal & Adiyen 35 – Venkatava and Agastya with Narayana

The GOS 236 – Perumal & Adiyen 37 – Venkata (Vem + Kata) – to cross the sins

The GOS 237 – Perumal & Adiyen 38 – Narada & Kali

The GOS 235 – Perumal & Adiyen 36 – Holy Theertha in Tirumala, as said by Durvasa and Agastya

The GOS 238 – Perumal & Adiyen 39 – Kali tries again

The GOS 239 – Perumal & Adiyen 40 – Venkatava clarifies Agastya