Maha Ganapathi

ॐ केशवाय नमः। 

"Ganesha", means Leader of people।

The legend: Parvati (Consort of Shiva) scraped the scuff off her body, mixed it with oil, transferred it into a figure of small child and gave life to the figure by sprinkling sacred Ganges (River Ganges in India) water on it. Then she asked this child to guard her door while she bathes.

Shiva arrives at the door but is denied entrance by the unknown child, lord Shiva cuts off the head of the child after a battle. 

Seeing  Parvati in sorrow, he orders his followers to find any living thing that is sleeping with its head towards north, Yama's abode is in south, the followers of Shiva find a elephant, they severe the head of the elephant and bring it back to Shiva.

Shiva joins the head with the body of child and awards him the foremost position among all devata's (Gods).

His form represents all those virtues which a leader of men should possess.

His elephant head - strength of an elephant to overcome the challenges of life.

Tiny eyes - sharp vision.
Large ears - lend one's ears to all.

"Paasa" (noose) - Maya ( Illusion) should be controlled.

Goad (Axe) - To restrain ego.

Big head - Broad intellect.

Single tooth - symbol of victory over lust.

Large stomach - To take in all Public secrets.

Snake - Sleeping Kundalini Energy.

Rat (Vehicle) - Ignorant Soul if not guarded can become materialistic and would
run after everything that others possess.

Trunk - Pranava "Aum' which symbolizes Brahman.

Four hands - Four Vedas ( Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda)

Ganesha is represented by Aum ( Mantra) and Swastika (Yantra).

Ganapathi is first among all rulers, he is the God of wisdom, knowledge, champion of worldly achievements, and remover of obstacles. He is invoked at the beginning of all religious events and all important undertakings.

Following are 108 names of Shri Ganesha from his more than 1,000 names:

Akhuratha : One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
Alampata : Ever Eternal Lord
Amit : Incomparable Lord
Anantachidrupamayam : Infinite and Consciousness Personified
Avaneesh : Lord of the whole World
Avighna : Remover of Obstacles
Balaganapati : Beloved and Lovable Child
Bhalchandra : Moon-Crested Lord
Bheema : Huge and Gigantic
Bhupati : Lord of the Gods
Bhuvanpati : God of the Gods
Buddhinath : God of Wisdom
Buddhipriya : Knowledge Bestower
Buddhividhata : God of Knowledge
Chaturbhuj : One who has Four Arms
Devadeva : Lord! of All Lords
Devantakanashakarin : Destroyer of Evils and Asuras
Devavrata : One who accepts all Penances
Devendrashika : Protector of All Gods
Dharmik : One who gives Charity
Dhoomravarna : Smoke-Hued Lord
Durja : Invincible Lord
Dvaimatura : One who has two Mothers
Ekaakshara : He of the Single Syllable
Ekadanta : Single-Tusked Lord
Ekadrishta : Single-Tusked Lord
Eshanputra : Lord Shiva’s Son
Gadadhara : One who has The Mace as His Weapon
Gajakarna : One who has Eyes like an Elephant
Gajanana : Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajananeti : Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajavakra : Trunk of The Elephant
Gajavaktra : One who has Mouth like an Elephant
Ganadhakshya : Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Ganadhyakshina : Leader of All The Celestial Bodies
Ganapati : Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Gaurisuta : The Son of Gauri (Parvati)
Gunina : One who is The Master of All Virtues
Haridra : One who is Golden Coloured
Heramba : Mother’s Beloved Son
Kapila : Yellowish-Brown Coloured
Kaveesha : Master of Poets
Krti : Lord of Music
Kripalu : Merciful Lord
Krishapingaksha : Yellowish-Brown Eyed
Kshamakaram : The Place of Forgiveness
Kshipra : One who is easy to Appease
Lambakarna : Large-Eared Lord
Lambodara : The Huge Bellied Lord
Mahabala : Enormously Strong Lord
Mahaganapati : Omnipotent and Supreme Lord
Maheshwaram : Lord of The Universe
Mangalamurti : All Auspicious Lord
Manomay : Winner of Hearts
Mrityuanjaya : Conqueror of Death
Mundakarama : Abode of Happiness
Muktidaya : Bestower of Eternal Bliss
Musikvahana : One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
Nadapratithishta :One who Appreciates and Loves Music
Namasthetu : Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins
Nandana : Lord Shiva’s Son
Nideeshwaram : Giver of Wealth and Treasures
Omkara : One who has the Form Of OM
Pitambara : One who has Yellow-Coloured Body
Pramoda : Lord of All Abodes
Prathameshwara : First Among All
Purush : The Omnipotent Personality
Rakta : One who has Red-Coloured Body
Rudrapriya : Beloved Of Lord Shiva
Sarvadevatman : Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings
Sarvasiddhanta : Bestower of Skills and Wisdom
Sarvatman : Protector of The Universe
Shambhavi : The Son of Parvati
Shashivarnam : One who has a Moon like Complexion
Shoorpakarna :Large-Eared Lord
Shuban : All Auspicious Lord
Shubhagunakanan : One who is The Master of All Virtues
Shweta : One who is as Pure as the White Colour
Siddhidhata : Bestower of Success and Accomplishments
Siddhipriya : Bestower of Wishes and Boons
Siddhivinayaka : Bestower of Success
Skandapurvaja : Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)
Sumukha : Auspicious Face
Sureshwaram :Lord of All Lords
Swaroop : Lover of BeautyTarun : Ageless
Uddanda : Nemesis of Evils and Vices
Umaputra : The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)
Vakratunda : Curved Trunk Lord
Varaganapati : Bestower of Boons
Varaprada : Granter of Wishes and Boons
Varadavinayaka : Bestower of Success
Veeraganapati : Heroic Lord
Vidyavaridhi : God of Wisdom
Vighnahara : Remover of Obstacles
Vignaharta : Demolisher of Obstacles
Vighnaraja : Lord of All Hindrances
Vighnarajendra : Lord of All Obstacles
Vighnavinashanaya : Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments
Vigneshwara: Lord of All ObstaclesVikat : Huge and Gigantic
Vinayaka : Lord of All
Vishwamukha : Master of The Universe
Vishwaraja : King of The World
Yagnakaya : Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrificial Offerings
Yashaskaram : Bestower of Fame and Fortune
Yashvasin : Beloved and Ever Popular Lord
Yogadhipa : The Lord of Meditation

The birthday of Shri Ganesha is celebrated on the fourth (Chaturthi) day of the shukla paksha (waxing moon, Caution -Do not look at the moon at any cost on this day, if one would want to avoid a curse-- I did to experiment- result was very bad, what follows is humilitation, rebuke, bad rumours, defamation, Insults etc. etc by strangers and even friends, and remedy is to do Ganapathi vrata for minimum 40 days. the best way is to avoid going out after evening hours, now I do not venture out on this day at any cost, very important thing is if you do not invoke the diety there is no problem, but if you do, then follow the rules. Even Shri Krishna was not spared from this curse, he by mistake took a glance at moon's shadow in the bowl of water. 

ॐ श्री गं (ग्लौं) महागणपतये नमः। 

 please forgive us.).

Bright half of the month Bhadrapada indicates knowledge (For year 2007 it is 15th September).

The fourth day symbolizes the power beyond the three Gunas and the three states (awake, dream, deep sleep). 

Prayer to Ganapathi is prayer to none other than parabrahman it grants peace of mind and contentment and is beyond the five elements, it destroys the three sources of disturbances, those caused by nature, animals, and subjective, so pray before initiating any undertakings.

Ganapathi is the presiding deity for Muladhara Chakra ( First and the base chakra). He constitutes the five elements and at the same time transcends them, he is the ladder of liberation and so he should be worshipped first, no worship should begin with out the worship of Lord Ganesha, the bestower of auspiciousness. So before anything and everything just say 

ॐ श्री गं (ग्लौं) महागणपतये नमः। 

May Ganapati bless us and direct us towards knowledge from ignorance and please do not be under this impression that obstacles will stop once Shri Ganesha is invoked, the obstacles are the part of the game on this arena called 'Earth', lord Ganesha once invoked will always find a way out. :-))

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

ॐ

ॐ  is sacred sound representing the eternal worlds of Brahman, it is a combination of three sounds 'a', 'u' and 'm'  representing Brahma ( The Creator), Vishnu (The Preserver) and Mahesh ( The destroyer), the first and foremost mono syllable Mantra, which is considered as the most powerful of all Mantras, the sanskrit name for this mono syllable is pranava, it is chanted with a humming sound or drowning sound in to silence.

Every Mantra begins with this mono syllable Mantra, it is signifier of ultimate truth that all is 'one'. As it is very sacred, this mono syllable can be found almost every where in India, on the gates, walls, temples, schools, books etc.

This mono syllable is explained in Mandukya upanishad, 'the three matras'.

The ‘a’ stands for the first stage of wakefulness, The mind and the sense organs experience the totality of the external experiences.

The ‘u’ stands for the dream state of sleep in which only the mind is awake, the experience is limited to Mental only.

The sound 'm' represents the state of deep sleep, when even the mind has gone to sleep but there is a awareness that the body and mind is sleeping and the source of this awareness is, 'the soul' which has the memory of sleep.

The fourth state ( Turiya Avastha) corresponding to the silence after the three sounds of 'a', 'u' and 'm' had been recited and in this stage it is only the conciousness) which is present in silence, and it is Brahman.

Any meditation muct reach this silence through 'Aum'.

ॐ नमः शिवाय !

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

गायत्री मंत्रः

गायत्री मंत्रः 

ॐ भूर्भुव॒स्सुवः॑ ॥ तथ्स॑वि॒तुर्वरे॓ण्यं॒ भर्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि । धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचोदया॓त् ॥

ॐ भूर्भुव: स्सुवः  ।
तथ्संवितुर्वरेण्यं ।
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Sri Sooktam

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Srisooktam in praise of Lakshmi devi is one of the pancha sooktas of the Vedic tradition.

स्री सूक्तं (Sri Sooktam )

हिराण्य वर्णां हरिनिं सुवार्नाराजतास्राजाम
चंद्राम हिरंमयिम लक्ष्मीम जतावेदो माँ अवः (१)


तां माँ अवहा जातावेदो लक्ष्मीमानापगामिनिम
यस्यां हिरान्यम विन्देयम गामास्वम पुरुषानाहम (२)

अशवापुरवाम रथामाध्यम हस्तीनादप्रबाधिनीम
श्रियं देवीं उपह्वाये श्रीरमाँ देवीर जुषताम (३)

कांसोस्मिताम हिराण्य प्रकारमार्द्रम ज्वालान्तीम तृप्तम तर्पयांतीम
पद्मेस्थिताम पद्मावर्णम तामिहोपह्वाये श्रियम (४)

चंद्राम प्रभासाम यशसा ज्वालांतीम श्रियम लाके देवी जुस्तामुदार्म

तां पद्मिनिमीम सरनामाहम प्रपद्ये' अलाक्ष्मीरमे नास्यतामत्वाम वर्णे (५)

आदित्य वर्णे तपसोधिजातो वनास्पतिस्तवा वृक्षोथा बिल्वाह
तस्य फलानी तप्सनुदंटु मायांतर्यास्च बाह्या अलक्ष्मीह (६)

 उपैतु मां देवासकह कीर्तिस्च मनिना सहा
प्रादूर्भूतोसमि राष्ट्रेसमिं कीर्तिमरिद्धिम ददातुमे (७)

 क्षुत्पिपासामलाम ज्येस्थामलक्ष्मीम नाशयाम्यहम
अभुतिमसमृद्धिम चा सर्वान निर्नुदामे गृहत (८)

गंध दवाराम दूराधर्शाम नित्यपुष्टाम करीशिनीम
ईशवरीग्म सर्व भुतानाम तामिहोपह्वाये श्रियम (९)

मनसः काममाकुटीम वाचह सत्यमाशीमाहि
पशुनाग्म रूपं अन्नास्य मयी स्रीह श्रयताम यशः (१०)

कर्दामेना प्रजाभुतामयी सम्भवकर्दामा
स्र्यम वासय मे कुले माँतरम पद्मामाँलीनीम (११)

अपः सृजन्तु स्निग्धानी चिक्लीता वसा मे गृहे
नीचा देवीम माँतरम श्रियम वासय मे कुले (१२)

अर्दाम पुष्करिणीम पुश्तिम पिंगलाम पद्मामाँलीनीम
चन्द्रम हिरनमयीम लक्ष्मीम जातावेदो माँ अवहा (१३)

अर्धम यह कारिणीम यशटीम सुवर्णम हेमामाँलीनीम
सुर्यम हिरनमयीम लक्ष्मीम जातावेदो माँ अवहा (१४)

तां माँ अवहा जातेवेदो लक्ष्मीम अनप गामिनीम
यस्यां हिरान्यम प्रभुतम गावो दास्यो अस्वान विन्देयम पुरुषं अहम (१५)

यः शुचिः प्रयतो भूत्वा जुहुयादाज्यमंवाहम्
सूकतं पंचदर्शचं च श्रीकामः सततं जपेत् (16)

 पद्मानाने पद्माऊरू पद्माक्षी पद्मासमभवे
तन्मेभजसि पद्माक्षी येना सोखायं लअभाम्यहमाह (१७)

अशवदायी गोदयी धनदयी महाधने

धनं मे जुषतां देवी सर्वकामान्शच देही मे (१८)

पद्मानाने पद्मावी पद्मापत्रे पद्माप्रिये पद्मादालायाताकषि

विशवप्रिये विशवमनोनुकूले त्वात्पादाद्पापमं मयी संनिधात्स्व (१९)

पुत्रपौत्रं धनं धान्यं हस्तयाशावादिगवेर्थं

प्रजानाम भावासि माता अयुषमन्तम करोतु मे (२०)

धनमर्ग्नी धनं वयुर्धनं सुर्योधनं वसुः

धनामिन्द्रो ब्रिहस्पतिर्वरुणं धनमस्तुते (२१)

व्येनातेया सोमं पिन सोमं पिबतु वृत्रहा

सोमं धनस्य सोमिनो मह्यं ददातू सोमिनः (२२)

ॐ महादेव्यी चा विद्महे, विष्णुपत्नैया चा धीमहि
तञो लक्ष्मीह प्रचोदयात् (१६)

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः।

Meaning ; SRI-SUKTA

Invoke for me, O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi, who shines like gold, yellow in hue, wearing gold and silver garlands, blooming like the moon, the embodiment of wealth, O Agni! Invoke for me that unfailing Lakshmi, being blessed by whom, I shall win wealth, cattle horses and men.

I Invoke Sri (Lakshmi), who has a line of horses in her front, a series of chariots in the middle, who is being awakened by the trumpeting of elephants, who is divinely resplendent। May that divine Lakshmi grace me.

I hereby invoke that Sri (Lakshmi) who is an embodiment of absolute bliss; who is of pleasant smile in her face; whose lustre is like that of burnished gold; who is wet, as it were, (just from the milky ocean) who is blazing with splendour, and is the embodiment of the fulfilment of all wishes; who satisfies the desires of her votaries; who is seated on the lotus and is beautiful like the lotus.

I resort to that Lakshmi for shelter in this world, who is beautiful like the moon, who shines bright, who is blazing with renown, who is adored (even) by the gods, who is highly magnanimous, and grand like the lotus; - may my misfortunes perish; I surrender myself to Thee.

O Lakshmi !, Thou resplendent like the Sun! By Thy power and glory have the plants, (like) the bael tree, have grown up. May the fruits thereof destroy through Thy Grace all inauspiciousness rising from the inner organs and ignorance as well as from the outer senses.

O Lakshmi ! I am born in this country with the heritage of wealth. May the friend of the Lord Siva (Kubera) and Kirti (fame) come to me. May these (having taken their abode with me) bestow on me fame and prosperity. I shall destroy the elder sister to Lakshmi, the embodiment of inauspiciousness and such evil as hunger, thirst, and the like.

O Lakshmi ! Drive out from my abode all misfortune and poverty.
I invoke hereby that Lakshmi (Sri), whose (main) avenue of perception is the odoriferous sense (i.e., who abides mainly in cows); who is incapable of defeat or threat from anyone; who is ever healthy (with such virtuous qualities as truth); whose grace is seen abundantly in the refuse of cows (the cows being sacred); and who is supreme over all created beings. 

O Lakshmi ! May we obtain and enjoy the fulfilment of our desires and our volitions, the veracity of our speech, the wealth of cattle, the abundance of varieties of food to eat! May prosperity and fame reside in me (thy devotee)!

O Lakshmi! You have progeny in Kardama. (Hence) O Kardama, may you reside in me. Make Mother Shri with garlands of lotuses to have Her abode in my (ancestral) line.May the (holy) waters create friendship (they being of an adhesive nature). O Chiklita (Progeny of Shri)! Reside at my home; and arrange to make Divine Mother Shri to stay in my lineage !

Invoke for me, O Agni, Lakshmi who shines like gold, is brilliant like the sun, who is powerfully fragrant, who wields the rod of suzerainity, who is of the form of supreme rulership, who is radiant with ornaments and is the goddess of wealth. Invoke for me, O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi who shines like gold, blooms like the moon, who is fresh with anointment (of fragrant scent), who is adorned with the lotuses (lifted up by celestial elephants in the act of worship), who is the presiding deity of nourishment, who is yellow in colour, and who wears garlands of lotuses.

Invoke for me O Agni, that Goddess Lakshmi, who is ever unfailing, being blessed by whom I shall win wealth in plenty, cattle, servants, horses, and men. 

We Commune ourselves with the Great Goddess, and meditate on the Consort of Vishnu; May that Lakshmi direct us (to the Great Goal).
Aum; Peace! Peace! Peace!

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Shiva Sukta

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

शिवा सूक्तं (Shiva Sooktam )

शंचा मे मयास्चा मे प्रियं चा मे नुकामस्चा मे

कामस्चा मे सौमनासस्चा मे भद्रम चा मे श्रेयास्चा मे

यास्यस्चा मे यशास्चा मे भागस्चा मे द्रविनां चा मे

यांता चा मे धरता चा मे क्षेमस्चा मे ध्रितिस्चा मे

विश्वं चा मे महास्चा मे सम्विच्चा मे

ग्यात्रण चा मे सूस्चा मे प्रसूस्चा मे

सीरण चा मे लयास्चा मे रितन चा मे मृतन चा मे

अयाक्ष्मन चा मे नामयाच्चा मे जीवातुस्चा मे

दीर्घायुत्वन चा मे नामित्रण चा मे भयं चा मे

सुगन चा मे शयनं चा मे सूश्हा चा मे सुदिनन चा मे

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Manglik/ Kuja Dosha/ Bhauma dosha

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Apart from so many beautiful things in the Vedic Astrology, there are few things like Manglik (Mars effect) Kuja DoSha or Bhauma DoSha, which is like a morsel stuck in the throat, which puts people in a very difficult spot, to swallow or to spit.

Manglik or Kuja DoSha in simple definition would mean a condition created by the position of Mars in a natives horoscope, and this condition is mostly highlighted during marriage proposals etc, A person particularly a women is labeled Manglik gets into a difficult socket where no marriage proposals come their way ( A Situation in India or similar cultures).

Are you Manglik? I have heard this many times, the parents try to hide the fact that their daughter or son is Manglik, the main reason for such a act is ignorance and wrong propaganda by few misdirected Astrologers for obvious reasons.

Let us see what exactly this Manglik or Kuja doSha is and how one can avoid this social impediment.

The Graha/Planet responsible for such a condition is Mars, Mars, we have already seen is a natural Malefic and the properties of a positive Mars are Ambition, Action, Desire, Passion, Fire element, Leadership, Army chief, Strength, Summer season, and the properties of a negative Mars are Aggression, Anger, Violence, Tamasic, Bitter taste, Warriors, Over sex drive, Accident, Bleeding, Weapons, Operations and Blood Red color.

Mars as such is a Malefic Graha, and if it is negative Mars meaning afflicted or badly placed or inauspicious, the properties of such a Mars are highlighted in a native in a very negative way, where the Native might express himself/herself in a very negative way, and this attitude or behavior if projected by one partner in a wedlock the boat starts to rock, and this is the only reason why a person with badly placed Mars is not preferred in a marriage with a person whose Mars is weak or moderate.

Let us see which position for Mars is favorable and not favorable, the first house or Sign with lagna describes a persons character and personality, 4th house or sign signifies relations, 7th house/sign signifies marriage or spouse, 8th house/sign signifies health of marriage, then the 12th house, the house of loss, in south India 2nd house/sign is also considered, which effects speech.

The above given places are the first level of consideration, then second level is to see if the so called house/sign is afflicted by bad Dhristi from a malefic Graha, Rahu, Ketu or it is devoid of good effects.

Once it is known if the Mars is auspicious or inauspicious, then the third level is to see the Dasha or its period, particularly the Antara dasha, and if the inauspicious Mars Antara Dasha is in a unfavourable Graha Mahadasha, things could turn very bad, and in a favourable Graha Mahadasha, then things could be moderate to bad :-).

Let us take each position and see their effect:

Mars in the 1st house - Mars is a planet of action and would behave like an Army chief, so such a behaviour in Ascendant would make a person bold, aggressive, or too dominating.

He/she might want to lead his/her own way in his/her family, with little attention to what others are saying and being in First house Mars will also aspect, 4th, 7th and 8th house, effecting all these three houses, which have to do with Relations, Spouse, and health of Marriage, apart from it If this Mars ends up with Upa Pada Lagna or in 7th or 8th from it then it will hurt the longevity of marriage also.

Mars in the 4th house - Same effect in house of Relations, particularly with the family members and youngsters.

Mars in 7th house - The house of Spouse, An afflicted Mars in 7th house is bound to cause some serious problem in terms of compatibility and tempers might flare up causing trouble in relations, separation.

Mars in 8th House - The 8th house tells you about the health of a Marriage, a benefic Graha/Planet in this house would help the relation and a malefic would harm the relation, so if a afflicted Mars is present in this house, the relationship might not survive, but always look for saving grace in terms of 2nd, 5th, 10th, 11th house Graha or influence.

Mars in 12th House - This is the house, which is responsible for bed pleasures, so the relation might suffer due to lack of it or excess of it.

Remedies for Kuja DoSha:

Look for a partner who is equally Manglik, or whose Mars is stronger.

If Mars is in 2nd house in any of the signs of Mercury, i.e., Gemini or Virgo’s.
If Mars is in 4th house in own sign, i.e., Aries or Scorpio.
If Mars is in 7th house in exaltation or debilitation, i.e., Capricorn or Cancer.
If Mars is in 8th house in any of the signs of Jupiter, i.e., Sagittarius or Pisces.
If Mars is in 12th house in any of the signs of Venus, i.e., Taurus or Libra.
If Mars is in Aquarius or Leo.

Basically no house is left after these statements :-))

Another very important Graha, which can counter Mars, is Jupiter, but it should be strong and well placed, then there is the maturity of Mars, Mars matures at the age of 28 years so wait until 28 years and then marry.

 If the Mars dasha is over then the effects will be different, check the transit chart for the position of Mars and deduce its effect, it can always be avoided.

Inauspicious Mars in 3rd house can cause problems to one's mother.

Inauspicious Mars in 9th house can cause problems in Dharma and to one's father.

Inauspicious Mars in 10th house can also cause similar problems to one's profession, career, and authority.

Inauspicious Mars in 11th house can also cause similar problems to one's financial dealings and relations with elders.

So which house is left without problems, doesn't it mean that more than the position the auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of the Graha Mars is important, so Mars can be a boon and a bane also, it is always a problem for a native to handle the effects of Mars if they are strong, to understand better we have to see the social status of the native.

If the native is a Army official and with a very week Mars, he is bound to have problems with his subordinates, and if his Mars is strong and placed in 10th position, he can be brutal and uncompromising, same situation if arises in a family relation of a spousal relation, imagine the result, so the condition of Mars is always important, which can be mellowed down by enhancing the Graha Jupiter, with a Gemstone like Yellow Sapphire or a red coral, like most married women in India wear a Mangal sutra with one red coral added every year, Meditation, Pranayama, Education, Prayer, Spiritual life, Food, Spices all can reduce the Mars effect.

If your Mars is in one of the 12 houses/signs ;-) take it easy, it does not make you Manglik or not suitable for marriage, try to relax and find out why you love your partner, the key is in your understanding and your mind, how you react and take each and every aspect of your life, there is nothing impossible if you are determined and if God's blessing are available, no Graha can do anything. ;-)

Once Saturn/Sani descends on Shivaloka and informs lord Shiva that it is time he take Lord Shiva in his influence, Lord Shiva is disturbed , How can a Graha effect me, I am the mighty Shiva, so to avoid Saturn, Lord Shiva goes deep into earth and hides himself in a very secluded and dark place with cobwebs and dirt.

The day passes without any incident, Lord shiva returns to his abode and calls Saturn to ask," What happened why didn't you influence me yesterday as it was your duty, did you fail in your duty", he expresses this with a smile.

Saturn: responds, well Deva (God) it was my influence which made you run and hide in such a dirty and secluded place, other wise tell me why would you even care to go there.

Lord Shiva is stunned!

Moral: If Lord Shiva is not free from effect of Graha, how can we be free, it is a part of the game on this arena called Earth, take it easy and live your life, but do not forget to pray lord Hanuman ji or Lord Shiva to reduce the effects, the Prayer works like Pain killer.

Note: Mars in a Aries (Moola trikona-own house), Scorpio (Own House) and Capricorn (House of Exaltation) or as a ruler, or in kendra 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th from Moon or Lagna givens one of the Panch Maha Purush Yoga, That is Ruchaka Maha Purusha Yoga.

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Kal Sarpa Yoga - III

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

List of remedies for Kal Sarpa yoga (Please note there is no data to substantiate that these remedies would work, take the name of your Istadevata and perform them the phala or result will definitely be positive.)

Remedies

1. Wear a Kalsarpa ring, which is snake shaped and made of silver. This ring can be obtained from any renowned astrologer. This should be worn on Wednesday, in the small finger. Donate dry coconut, mustard etc on that day and chant the mantra of Rahu and Ketu.

2. Worship Lord Ganesha and before sunrise offer a pair of snakes made of silver on a Shiva ling. This should be done through a renowned astrologer

3. Offer water daily on a Shiva ling after chanting the mantra "Om Nama.H Shivaya".

4. Give a silver brick of 20 gms to daughter at her marriage. This remedy is for a happy married life.

5. Donate fresh radish.

6. Drop coals equal to your weight in a flowing river on Wednesday.

7. Donate some black dal & some money to a beggar early in the morning.

8. Keep some grains under your pillow at night & feed them to birds early in the morning.

9. Put a silver swastik on the main entrance of the house.

10. Have your food in the kitchen.

11. Drop a coconut in the sea.

12. Donate gold, black grains, blue coloured clothes.

13. Wear gomed.

14. Drop a coconut & a coin in the flowing water daily for 43 days.

15. Observe fast on Nag Panchami and worship Kal Sarpa Yoga.

16. Keep a Kal Sarpa Tantra & worship it daily.

17. Keep peacock feathers in the house.

18. Float a pair of snakes in flowing river on your birthday every year, equal to your age.

19. Take the blessings of your parents daily.

20. Buy a pair of snakes on the 5th day of Shukalpaksh or Nag Panchami, feed them with milk and free them after worship.

21. Keep a pair of snakes made of silver in a bronze vessel full of milk on the 5th day of Shukalpaksh or Nag Panchami & float the vessel in flowing water.

These remedies might look rediculous and very meaningless but the person going through the effects of Kal Sarpa Yoga or Rahu -Ketu effects only knows the pain so no matter how rediculous they sound, it is not that difficult to do most of them, at least none of them ask to climb mount Everest and wait for Lord Shiva, and regarding the benefits of the said remedies only a native going through the difficult phase would know if they worked or not and sometimes the benefit is so small that it is not visible and sometime it is immense and it is visible like a sun rise, but lot has to do with your mind and how you take things.

All the best, May Lord Shiva save us from those difficult times.
ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Kal Sarpa Yoga-I

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Kal Sarpa Yoga, it is considered a dreadful astrological condition, which is sometimes blown out of proportion by many for obvious reasons, people with this yoga suffer from hardship and delays in their life and once they are told by the Astrologer that they have Kal Sarpa Yoga, then the unnecessary stress, all is in the mind, to accept or not to accept.

While interacting on one of the leading Astro based forum, I did some research with this topic and many contributed to this data (For which I am thankful), well there are two sides to this issue, those who think it is a genuine yoga and should be treated like any other yoga, and there are others who think this is mere bulls**t. in the first group there are few who think that it is not a yoga (Status) but it is a dosha (Anomaly), so it should be treated by proper techniques, like Pooja, Yagya, charity etc.

What exactly is Kal Sarpa Yoga/Kal Amrita Yoga are?

View I- When all the planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu (i.e., the moon's north node and the moon's south node), Kal Sarpa Yoga is formed. Complete Kal Sarpa Yoga is formed only when half of the chart is unoccupied by planets.

Even if one planet is outside the Rahu-Ketu Axis, there is no Kal SarpaYoga. Before you do any remedies for the Kal Sarpa Yoga, make sure that all planets are between Rahu and Ketu. 

The Kal Sarpa Yoga is not always bad. It has the power to confer gains too. All planets must be hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. Even if one planet is outside the Rahu Ketu axis there is no Kal Sarpa Yoga. Rahu is the moon's north node. Ketu is the moon's south node.

View II- A lot has been read, said and discussed about the Kal Sarpa Yoga. This yoga, and please notice the choice of words - it is a yoga (Status) and _not_ a dosha (Anomaly), is caused when all the planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. The figure on the side illustrates this point. If a person has Kal Sarpa Yoga in his Horoscope/kundali, Rahu and Ketu are said to limit the potential of the chart and not allow other important yogas to take effect.

In practise, it is observed that this role of Rahu and Ketu diminishes over time and good things are just delayed for such people.

Again, noted Astrologer Dr. B.V. Raman is of the opinion that if the ascendant is on the other axis while all the planets are hemmed on one side of the axis, then the evil arising out of Kal Sarpa Yoga almost gets neutralized.

This is just a commentary on what I have learned about Kal Sarpa Yoga over the years. My advice to the readers is not to take this yoga too seriously and go on with the life.

Research shows that this yoga was not a part of classical texts written by great sages like Parashara, Bhrigu etc. but gained importance later.

View I-Type of Kal Sarpa Yoga, when Rahu is in the first House and Ketu in the seventh house and the rest of the planets are to the left of this axis the Yoga which arises is the Anant Kal Sarpa Yoga. This is also called as Vipareeta Kal Sarpa yoga opposite Kal Sarpa Yoga. Though this yoga has the power to give windfall gains to the native, it is bad for marital life. Generally natives with this yoga get married late in life.

View II - Types of Kal Sarpa Yoga, There are 12 types of Kal Sarpa Yoga. Kal Amrita Yoga is not a seperate yoga.

View I- Anant Kalsarpa Yoga - Rahu in Lagna, Ketu in seventh house: The person is prone to be target of conspiracies hatched by people supposedly close to him. The person is likely to lose out in matters of courts. Married life would be marred by differences between husband and wife.

View I - Kulik Kal Sarpa Yoga, When Rahu occupies the second house and Ketu the eighth house Kulik Kal Sarpa Yoga arises. This combination is bad for health. The probability of losses and accidents is high with natives of this combination. This is bad for financial prosperity too. The native is worried on account of an insecure financial standing.

View II-Kulika Kal Sarpa Yoga- Rahu in second house, Ketu in eighth: This combination is not good for the person's health. Expenses would be more then the income and the financial situation would remain fairly mediocre. He has to struggle a lot in life to achieve something.

View I- Vasuki Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the third house and Ketu the ninth house and the rest of the planets are located to the left of the Rahu Ketu axis, this yoga is born. The native is burdened with problems relating to job and business.

View II - Vasuki Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in third house, Ketu in ninth: The person would have trouble dealing with his brothers and friends. Travel to foreign countries would create problems. The person having this combination in his chart should take precautions in deals by paying extra attention towards legal documentation.

View I -Shankpal Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the 4th house and Ketu the 10th this yoga is formed. The native gets trouble relating to work sphere and has to go through stress and anxiety. Sometimes the native has an illegitimate child, or can be an illegitimate child. However this yoga also has the power of conferring high political success and windfall gains.

View II- Shankapal Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in fourth house, Ketu in tenth: The person with this combination would never be satisfied with his financial situation and would always strive for more. The person is prone to troubles relating to immovable property - e.g. land, houses and modes of conveyance - e.g. cars

View I -Padam Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the fifth house and Ketu the eleventh house this Yoga is formed. The native is worried on account of children. There is difficulty in getting a progeny. If the moon is also afflicted then there is the possibility of being troubled by spirits. In this case if a native falls ill the recovery time is slow. There are also chances of being let down by friends in this case.

View II- Padma Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in fifth house, Ketu in eleventh: The person would have trouble with children. The person should never try his luck in lottery, share markets, and anything where speculation is involved.

View I -Mahapadam Kal Sarpa Yoga- This yoga is formed when Rahu is in the 6th house and Ketu is in the twelfth house. The native has many enemies and has problems on account of diseases. However, if this yoga acts beneficially, it has the power to confer power and political success.

View II-Mahapadma Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in sixth house, Ketu in twelfth: The person would not do well in relationships and would have a very pessimistic view of life.

View I- Takshak Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu is in the seventh house and Ketu in the first house this yoga is formed. The native has speculative tendencies and can lose wealth by way of wine, women and gambling. There is marital discord in the life of the native.

View II - Takshak Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in seventh house, Ketu in first: There is a need for the person to be extra careful in matter relating to married life and business partnerships.

View I- Karkotak Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the eighth house and Ketu the second house this yoga is formed. The native is short tempered and has many enemies. Such a native has friendship with anti-social elements. The native does not get paternal wealth.

View II - Karkotik Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in eighth house, Ketu in second: The person does not benefit from any paternal property. There would be a lot of trust issues between the person and his friends. This combination is not good for health and Rahu being in eighth house is usually not considered good as it indicates a sudden and violent death.

View I- Shankachood Kal SarpaYoga- When Rahu occupies the ninth house and Ketu is in the 3rd house this yoga operates. Natives who have this yoga in the chart have many ups and down in life. They have a habit of speaking lies. They are also short tempered.

View II -Shankhnaad Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in ninth house, Ketu in third: This combination indicates problems from higher authorities, government of the day and local administration in the field of business and commerce.

View I- Ghatak Kal Sarpa Yoga- This yoga arises when Rahu is in tenth house and Ketu in the fourth house. Litigation problems are common is this case. Punishment by law or the Government also possible. However if this yoga operates in a beneficial manner then it has the power to confer the highest form of political power, especially in Virgo and Leo ascendant.

View II- Paatak Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in tenth house, Ketu in fourth: Rahu being in tenth house indicates problem in employment and higher authorities whom the person would report to during his/her job.

View I -Vishdhar Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the eleventh house and Ketu the fifth house the yoga which arises is the Vishdhar Kaalsarp Yoga. The native travels frequently and is never fixed at one place. Problems also arise from children. However these natives get some peace in the latter half of their life.

View II -Vishakt Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in eleventh house, Ketu in fifth: This combination indicates a lot of problems between the person and his elder brother. The person would also remain away from his native place throughout his life. The person would be prone to problems like heart trouble, insomnia etc.

View I- Sheshnag Kal Sarpa Yoga- When Rahu occupies the twelfth house and Ketu the 6th house this yoga arises. The native has problems relating to litigation. There are many enemies and health problems.

View II- Sheshnag Kal Sarpa Yoga - Rahu in twelfth house, Ketu in sixth: The person would be prone to problems from people whom he does not know - mysterious enemies.

Remedies: (There is no data to substantiate these remedies that they will work)

View II

1. Pray to Lord Shiva in His Maharudra avatar on Mondays. Rudrashatakam written by Goswami Tulasidas in Ramacharit Manas should be chanted regularly.

2.Wear a gomed, about two and a half carets in size in the little finger.

3. Wear a special ring, shaped like a serpent with a small Gomed at the head and a Vaidurya (lahsuniya) at the tail. This ring is to be worn in the middle finger.

4. A pooja at Trayambkeshwara Temple about 40 kms from the city of Nasik in Maharashtra is suggested.

ViewIII- This gives descriptions about various planets if outside Rahu- Ketu axis, and there benefits and the important point is native with KSY and one planet outside meets with sudden and unexpected changes in his/her life.

Kal Amrita Yoga- best example is chart of India, taken from August 15, 1947, 12.00 AM, New Delhi, India.

There are other remedies, read them in Kal Sarpa Yoga-III

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal , July 2007

Kal Sarpa Yoga - II

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Now that we know the types and forms of Kal Sarpa Yoga, let us see few examples of this yoga and a general understanding, how to deal with it.

Kala Sarpa Yoga/Kala Amrita Yoga(KSY/KAY) When all planets are enclosed between Rahu and Ketu, or Ketu and Rahu respectively.

e.g. of KSY

Nelson Mandela, Carl Sagan, Pope Jules II, Pope Gregory XIII, Benito Mussolini (Dictator of Italy from 1922-1943) etc,

e.g. of KAY

Singer Yesudas, Margaret Thatcher, G.W.Bush,

People with KSY or KAY like status but one or more planet outside.

Mahatma Gandhi, Tony Blair, Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Adolph hitler, Ronald reagan, Bill Clinton, Deepak Chopra, Bill gates, and the list is endless.

Quote: B V Raman:
Rahu must occupy one of the first six houses from the lagna, i.e., bhava 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
Kala-Sarpa yoga does not apply even if one planet is outside the Rahu -Ketu Axis.
If one planet is outside the axis results are good in the form of leadership or activism for social change.

Though the person himself is in the trap of excessive desire, he is able to cut loose and help those who are helpless or not in a position to cut loose.

e.g. Mahatma Gandhi, Jupiter is outside, which made him world class compassionate leader. (This is true for Jupiter or Venus)

All The above leaders have KSY/KAY with one planet outside or planets occupying same rasi as Rahu or Ketu.

Literary Meaning: "Kal" means "earth-time" and "sarpa" means "serpent".

One view is, it is actually Sarpa energy which is again psychic energies of gods and goddesses of underworld, and it is believed that these sarpa are immense, ancient serpent-like deities who control the psychic shield around our planet Earth.

Sarpa are entities, of a much higher vibration than human beings, and definitely not to be confused with the common reptile snakes! This energy can be controlled by psychic skill, that means one has to condition his or her mind in such a way that the negative thoughts emanating from deep within are neutralized and do not effect the psyche of the person, to pull yourself above mundane happenings.

History: Rahu and Ketu gained importance in the Jyotisha around 600-800 AD i.e. long after the classics. like BPHS, Saravali, etc.

Beliefs: Kala-Sarpa yoga is associated with dreadful experiences like suffering from delays, hardships, obsessive habits, excessive desires, poisons, catastrophes, sudden and disastrous changes in every aspect of life, homelessness, not suitable for marriage, employment etc.

(Cause for manipulation by few astrologers. )

Cancellation:

Even if one planet is outside the Rahu -Ketu axis.
If other Raja yoga’s exist.
If other planets are strong and corresponding dasa is in effect.
If planets present in the same house with higher degrees than Rahu or Ketu.
If Lagna is outside.

Actual effect: During Rahu-Ketu dasa, and transits particularly if Rahu is in lagna. Roller coaster kind of life with great falls after great achievements.

People with KSY/KAY are very sensitive and to defend themselves they use means which are Anti to normal society. If they channel this energy in a proper way they can follow people like Deepak Chopra.

During Rahu/Ketu periods, People with KSY/KAY can have severe identity crisis and should take precautions by monitoring their negative feelings particularly in case of criticism from others.

Strong planets: If other planets are strong, people with KSY/KAY live a normal life with normal career and families etc.

Worst effects: when Rahu in the lagna so Ketu is in 7, if married both spouses are affected and might take to anti-social life due to acute negativity.

Raman: "evil gets intensified if lagna is between Ketu and Rahu" whereas "evil is almost neutralized if lagna is between Rahu and Ketu".

If houses involved are - 1/7, 2/8, 4/10, 5/11, or 6/12 - have a significant KSY effects.
If it is 1/7 axis: inauspicious for marital happiness. As per Raman the Marital life becomes oppressive and marred by frequent classes and want of understanding. " and can be avoided through conscious understanding.
If it is 2/8: The native will go through many ups and downs financially - often great wealth, wiped out, and rebuilt several times.
If it is 4/10: Setbacks in career (If10th-rashi or 10-lord is not strong).
If it is 5/11: Difficulties with children. birth defects or accidental deaths for children.
If it is 6/12: betrayal by colleagues or family members. According to Raman in Three

Hundred Important Combinations, (p. 327) the 6/12 position "could indicate incarceration, or spiritual elevation, depending on the presence or absence of powerful Bandhana Yoga’s.

B V Raman: "Kala Sarpa Yoga has its bright shades. It makes one industrious, hardworking, and aware of one’s own ability- despite mental restlessness. It raises the natives to top positions in their respective fields provided of course other Raja Yoga’s are present.

Rahu-Ketu axis favors rise in mundane life while Ketu-Rahu axis indicates elevation in spiritual matters.

Suffering due to developments in life strengthens the mind and mellows down one’s outlook.

This is a blessing of Kala Sarpa Yoga.

No single yoga, including Kala Sarpa Yoga, is capable of marring or making a horoscope.
No single yoga could ever control an entire chart

KSY is a yoga and not a dosha or curse: Rahu's lord directs the life of the native and Rahu is known for breaking normal set rules in a normal society, so a person with this yoga might go through a period particularly during Rahu-Ketu transits and dasas, causing acute negativity causing frustrations even in mundane events of life, Rahu is know to give a person a fearless attitude to cut loose all those borders of social decency. so basically it is a negative thought process circulating in the mind, native should try to let this negativity move out of his head, in way it is management of psychic energies and sensitivities.

As Rahu enhances the phala of the lord of the house it is posited in.

Venus - All desires for beautiful things enhanced to extreme.
Mars- Too much focus.
Mercury- Communication- Too much talking for perfection
Moon- Too sensitive, too fickle minded
Sun- Too much concern about self image and leadership.
Jupiter- Obsession in learning or imparting knowledge to others.
Sani- Claim too much credit or try for impossible achievements.

In a way Rahu enhances the planetary lords traits and Ketu subdues them, so during Rahu periods the native is too focused and during Ketu periods native will have foggy focus.

Planets if outside Rahu-Ketu axis: If one of the following planets is outside the axis.

Sun: strong leadership dharma and moral philosophy
Moon: compassion for the masses, upliftment of suffering people.
Mars: gifted social leader, fight injustice upliftment for the downtrodden.
Mercury: calculating mind, detailed planning and upliftment of masses from ignorance.
Jupiter: extraordinary wisdom, criminal psychologist.
Venus: upliftment through arts and music.
Saturn: Risk taking to averse social injustice but in case no good planets are available, native might resort to injustice himself.

Remedies: Since it has to do with state of mind, take care of it by meditation, spirituality, positive thinking, developing positive habits, and avoiding negative thoughts.

But if you want to still get some puja done and do not mind paying, Then go to following websites.

http://www.rudraksh a-ratna.com/ articledt. php?art_id= 145
Astrological Research Centre: 1, 25,000 times chanting of Kalsarpa Yoga Mantra anushthana (japa) and “lapis” stone is also recommended.After performing these two solutions the negative effects of Kalsarpa Yoga are believed to be reducedhttp://www.astrocen t.com/

Websites for puja and homas:http://www.eastrove dica.com/ html/yajnas. htm
http://www.astrodai ly.com/kaal_ sarpa_yoga. asp
http://www.guruetec h.com/astrology/ puja-homa/ kaalsarp_ puja.asp

Conclusion: If you see this yoga in your chart: Do not give much importance to it, instead look for other positive traits of your chart, like raja yoga’s, strong planets, favorable dasa, if Rahu dasa has already passed etc, any way Rahu after 42 years and Ketu after 48 years looses their significance, which is true for any chart with misplaced Rahu or Ketu., particularly in those charts where Rahu is posited in the 12th house and Ketu in 6th house or sign, all planets (No matter how powerful they are) on the left side of the Rahu ( In South Indian Chart) and All planets in the right side of Ketu ( In a south Indian Chart) will remain in a eclipsed condition for almost 42 years and 48 years respectively, and this condition has nothing to do with Kal Sarpa Yoga, if does than no chart is free from Kal Sarpa Yaga, because in every chart there will always be some planet between Rahu- Ketu or Ketu -Rahu.

The bottom line solution for a serious case of Kal Sarpa Yoga is break loose from your general routine and take initiative in positive direction, and then see you are bound to excel, all those great people with this yoga did exactly this.

References: B V Raman, Three hundred important combinations, Websites of BP Lama, Chakrapani Ullal, Aryabhatta.com, and above given websites.

To follow...Kal Sarpa Yoga-III-.....................

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007

Vedanta and Shastras

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

The original name of Vyas Munni was Krishan Dwipayan son of Rishi Prashar and mother Satyawati. He did tapsya and learnt four Vedas traditionally from Rishi and enlighted. At that time no other modern religions were raised and there was only four Vedas the knowledge direct from God originated in the heart of Agni, Vaayu, Aditya and Angira originated at the time of creation. Vedas knowledge from mouth to mouth and heart to heart.

That is why Patanjali Rishi in his Yoga shashtra says in Sutra 1/26 that Almighty God is the first Guru of our ancient Rishis named above. Vedas are not books this knowledge was mouth to mouth by heart. First time in Dwapur approximately 5300 years back Vyas Muni wrote the Vedas on Bhoj patra and when press came then Vedas were published.

It is a fundamental law that until knowledge is given it cannot be attained by others. When first time universe is created then there become no Guru who could give knowledge to the whole illiterate personal of the universe. So God is our first Guru who gives Vedas knowledge to four Rishis and up till now the Rishis, Munis who knew and knows (at present) Vedas becomes our Gurus. This is fundamental and can not be changed at our own accord.


Kapil Muni in Samkhya shastra sutra 2/25 clearly says that the truth based on eternal proof from Vedas can not be denied merely based on our own baseless thinking.Still if we nurse new born baby in a dense cave of a jungle and do not give him any knowledge then even in the age of 25 or thirty he will not be able to speak and to tell any name of materialistic articles mother or father. Because he was not taught.


At the time of creation the whole man or woman in the nonsexual world become totally illiterate because the learned Rishi Muni of previous universe which is destroyed are not available in the new creation. So only Almighty God gives knowledge of Vedas to the four Rishis named above. This is fundamental and but natural under law of God at the time of each creation. Thus the Rishis studied the Vedas traditionally and got knowledge about Prakriti from whom world is created, jivatma(soul) and God. And endless knowledge of every matter in the universe mentioned in Vedas so our previous Rishis were real scientist too.


After getting knowledge from Vedas the six shashtras, upnishads, Bhagwat Geeta and other holy books were written.


1. Nyay shashtra is written by Mahrishi Gautam. This shashtra has five chapters (538 sutras) in which he has explained 16 matter for obtaining final liberation by which we reach to our motto that is called Nyay.


Nyay shashtra mostly explains general knowledge and solutions of problems.Details about soul and salvation and the knowledge of the Almighty God. But mainly this shashtra says about 16 matters as a proof cited above. Now a days mostly the saints do not give proof of Vedas, mantras whatever they say based on their study and listening which is sin.


Manu Smriti shalok 255 chapter 4 says


----YEHA ANYATHA SANTMATMANAMANYATHA------


that he who says baseless (without proof of Vedas) he is thief of his own soul. So based on the knowledge of the four Vedas Rishis wrote shashtras etc., otherwise they could not.


2. Vaishashik shashtra is written by Maharishi Kannad. Rishi means he who has got full knowledge of four Vedas and ashtang yoga but it is astonished that most of the modern saints do not know abc about yoga and Vedas but they write themselves Braham Rishi.


Vaishashik Shashtra has 10 chapters (370 sutras). In this shashtra details of six matters, nine dravya, 14 qualities five type of karmas etc., are given and it says that dharms that by which param sukh (pleasure) of this birth and after leaving this body (lok and parlok) is attained.


3. Samkhya shashtra is written by Kapil Muni (6 chapters and 451 sutras) which says about Prakriti, Raj ,tam, sat guna describing 25 main matters. And the main purpose of our birth is to kill sorrows, problems tensions,etc., ( three types of taap i.e., sorrows) to attain salvation.


4. Yoga shashtra is written by Patanjali Rishi (4 paad and 194 sutras) which explains about ashtang yoga i.e., yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dharna, dhayan and samadhi, the real way to attain the salvation.


5. Mimansa shashtra is written by Maharishi Gaimini (12 chapters 60 paad, 2731 sutras). This shashtra says that religion is only known by studying the Vedas because Vedas are the self proof being eternal knowledge of Almighty God.


6. Vedanta shashtra is written by Maharishi Vyas (4 chapters, 555 sutras) this shastra says about God. Vedanta means the last chapter of Vedas. It says that we all human beings must follow the right path of Vedas to do worship of Almighty God to get final liberation.


So main object of all the six shashtras is to realize God while discharging moral duties and the knowledge in these shashtras is 100% from four Vedas which every Rishi has told in his respective shashtras. The subjects are different but the motto and views of all the shashras are one i.e., to realize God which is main motto of four Vedas.


Vedas have so many subjects but Rishis has taken one subject from Vedas in their respective shashtra. So shashtras are not contradictory as usually most of the modern saints say. Full knowledge of the Vedas can not be written in one life being so vast and deep so every Rishi has chosen one small subject from Veda's vast knowledge. There is no any modern shashtra written by anybody else who is a philosopher of Vedas like Vyas or Kapil Muni etc.   Swami Ramswarup Ji.

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal

Ramdas- A Mystic

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Ramdas was one of the greatest saints of the world. He was the inspirer of Shivaji. He was born of Suryaji Panth and Renuka Bai in Jamb, Maharashtra, in 1608 A.D. His original name was Narain. Ramdas was a contemporary of Sant Tukaram. He was a great devotee of Hanuman and Lord Rama. He had Darshan of Lord Rama even when he was a boy. Lord Rama Himself initiated him.

As a boy, Ramdas acquired some knowledge of the Hindu scriptures and developed a liking for meditation and religious study. One day he shut himself in a room and began to meditate on God. When his mother asked him what he was doing, Ramdas replied that he was meditating and praying for the good of the world. His mother was surprised at the precocious religious inclination of the boy and felt happy.

When Ramdas was twelve years of age, all arrangements were made for his marriage. He sat in front of the bride. There was a screen between the bridegroom and the bride. When the priests chanted "Sawadhan!' (be alert), Ramdas bolted away from the place and disappeared within the twinkling of an eye.

For twelve years Ramdas stayed at Nasik on the banks of the Godavari. He used to get up very early in the morning, go into the Godavari river, and with his body half-immersed in water, recite the sacred Gayatri Mantra till about noon. Then he would go round for alms. He first offered the collected food to his Deity Sri Rama and then took it as Prasad. After resting a while, he used to attend religious discourses in the various temples of Nasik and Panchavati. Ramdas also studied Sanskrit and copied in his own hand the Ramayana of Valmiki. This manuscript is still preserved in the collection of Sri S.S. Dev of Dhubliah.

Ramdas did Purascharana of the Rama Mantra of thirteen letters Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram, thirteen hundred thousand of times at Tafali, near Nasik, on the banks of the Godavari. After the Purascharana was over, once again Ramdas had Darshan of Lord Rama. It is said that Ramachandra ordered Ramdas to visit holy places such as Nasik, Haridwar, Kasi, etc.
Ramdas sprinkled over a dead body holy water uttering the name of Rama and the dead body was restored to life. Ramdas had to do this, because he had blessed a woman who had just lost her husband.

Ramdas was an Advaitin (Non Dualist)and a Bhakta (Devotee) in one. He had this very noble quality that he never hated any religion or nation. His main object was to spread the Hindu religion throughout India.

Ramdas had not visited Pandharpur, as he had not known the existence of this holy place. One day, the tradition says, Lord Panduranga Vittal, in the form of a Brahmin, with a batch of three hundred pilgrims, appeared before Ramdas and asked him whether he had any objection to see Lord Krishna. Ramdas replied in the negative. Panduranga then took Ramdas to Pandharpur, and when the Bhaktas approached the temple, the Brahmin disappeared. Ramdas then knew that it was none other than the Lord that had brought him to that holy place. He entered the temple, and to his great surprise, found Sri Rama standing alone on a brick.
Ramdas addressed the Deity thus: "O Lord, what are You doing here alone? Where is Your brother Lakshmana and Your consort Sita Mata? Where is Maruti and where are the monkey hordes?". On hearing these words, the image at once transformed itself into Sri Pandarinath. Ramdas then praised Panduranga for His kindness, prostrated before Him and sang songs of joy for getting His rare Darshan. Ramdas now felt doubly convinced that the several incarnations of the Lord were but His several forms and preached that everyone should respect and worship the One who took care of one and all in the world. Ramdas then worshipped Panduranga to his heart's content and became a frequent visitor and Bhakta of Panduranga Vittal also. In Pandharpur, Ramdas came in contact with Tukaram and other saints of Pandharpur. In his pilgrimages, Ramdas observed and studied the social, political and economic conditions of Indians and their utter helplessness in life.

It is said that Sri Rama ordered Ramdas to go to the banks of the Krishna and help the cause of Shivaji, the incarnation of Siva and founder of the Kingdom of Maharashtra. Ramdas came to the Krishna and went about preaching from Mahabaleshwar to Kolhapur. He established eleven principal seats of Maruti which emphasized the importance of physical development. He installed the shrines of Sri Ramachandra at Champavati and introduced Sri Rama Navami Mahotsava and the procession of Sri Rama's chariot. It was at the place called Singanvadi that Shivaji became the disciple of Ramdas.

Shivaji placed the sandals of his Guru on the throne and acted as regent of the kingdom under the orders and guidance of his Guru and adopted as ensign the flag of orange colour. There is a beautiful and romantic incident current in the Maharashtra country about Shivaji's adoption of the Gerua flag and his ruling the kingdom in the name of Saint Ramdas.

One day Shivaji saw, from the terrace of his palace, his Gurudev Ramdas going about the streets with his begging bowl. Shivaji was surprised and could not understand why his Guru should beg when he himself had already placed all his resources at the disposal of his Gurudev. However, Sadhus are difficult to understand. Shivaji therefore called for his companion Balaji, wrote a small chit and asked him to give it to Guruji when he came to the palace. About noon, Ramdas came to the palace with his bowl and Balaji prostrated before Gurudev and placed the chit at his feet. Briefly, the chit conveyed that Shivaji had made a gift of his whole kingdom to Gurudev and he humbly solicited his Gurudev's blessing. The Guru smiled and told Balaji that it was alright. Next morning Ramdas called on Shivaji and asked him what he proposed to do with himself as he had disposed of his kingdom.

Shivaji prostrated himself before Ramdas and said that he would be very happy and consider himself blessed if he should spend his life in his Gurudev's service. Then Ramdas said, "Take this bowl and let us go on our rounds". So Ramdas and King Shivaji went round Satara begging. The people reverently bowed before the pair and gave them alms. The pair returned to the river. Ramdas prepared his simple meals and Shivaji partook of what was left after his Gurudev had finished his meals. Then Shivaji, with a smile, asked his Gurudev what he was going to do with him after reducing him to a beggar. Ramdas knew that the opportunity had come to set up a lofty ideal for the king.

Ramdas asked Shivaji to rule the kingdom in his (Ramdas's) name, to take the Gerua Chaddar for his banner and defend its honour with his life, and to think that the kingdom did not belong to himself but treat it as a trust to be ruled justly and well before God. And thus had come the Gerua banner to Shivaji.

Ramdas spent several years in visiting holy places of pilgrimage. He erected several Hanuman temples in Maharashtra. When he returned from his pilgrimage, somebody told Ramdas that his mother was pining for him, and that she had lost her eyesight on account of extreme sorrow arising out of his separation. Ramdas immediately went to see his mother. He made prostrations to his mother. His mother was exceedingly pleased to meet her son after an absence of many years. Ramdas touched the eyes of his mother. She got back her lost eyesight through the Yogic power of her son.

Ramdas's ways were very peculiar. He appeared to the outside world as a mad man. He had a small bow. He used to have, by his side, a large number of stones with which he pelted every object he saw. To men really interested in his teachings, he gave the Mantra Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram.

Ramdas had eleven hundred disciples, of whom three hundred were women. The women disciples were also expert preachers and were virtuous. Ramdas sent his disciples to all parts of India to spread the Hindu religion. His disciples and Mutts in the North directly or indirectly helped Shivaji and his work. Ramdas's organisation in the South, round about Thanjavur, helped Shivaji's son Rajaram to go to Jinji and carry on the Twenty Years' War with Aurangazeb. When Ramdas visited Thanjavur, Venkoji, who was the step-brother of Shivaji, became his disciple. Ramdas appointed Bhimaswami, his direct disciple, as the Mahant of the Thanjavur Mutt.

Ramdas generally preferred to live in the forest, where he would say, he had better meditation. In his last days, Ramdas devoted his time partly to literary activities and partly to the systematic building up of his disciples and Mutts, both in the North and in the South. The literary works of Ramdas such as Dasabodh, Manache Shlok (verse addressed to the mind), Karunashtakas (hymns to God) and Ramayana (describing only the conquest of Lanka by Sri Rama and the vanquishing of Ravana) are very popular. It was as a tribute to Ramdas's extraordinary patience and determination in rehabilitating the Hindu religion in India that people named him Samartha (all-powerful, or King of Kings) Ramdas, a name which he richly deserved. This great Guru of Maharashtra breathed his last in 1682 at Sajjangad, near Satara, a fortress which was given to him by Shivaji for his residence.

Ramdas repeated the Rama Mantra with his last breath. At the time of his departure from the world, a dazzling light emanated from his body and Ramdas was absorbed in the image of Lord Rama.

The last instructions of Ramdas to his disciples were: "Do not think much of your bodily wants. Have Satsang with devotees. Keep the image of Lord Rama in your heart. Repeat the name of Lord Rama always. Annihilate lust, greed, anger, hatred and egoism. See Lord Rama in all creatures. Love all. Feel His presence everywhere. Live for Him alone. Serve Him in all beings. Make total and unreserved surrender unto Him. You will always live in Him alone. You will attain immortality and eternal bliss".

..........................................................................................................................Swami Sivananda

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Sianala, Montreal, July 2007