Raja thatha's blogs

Translation s of Sahasranamams , Suprabathams , Sthavarajas and also books

2012-01-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the references to the translations of Sahasranamams, Suprabathams , Sthavarajas and books that were done by me.

1.Sahasra namam
Prayers which recite 1000 names of various Gods is a very popular form in stotra literature. There are Sahasra Namam( thousand names) for almost all important Gods. Most of the Sahasra Namams are from the different Puranas. But nowadays [eople do compose Sahasranama . I have translated four Sahasra Namams. They are:-
1.Vishnu Sahasranamam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v1.htm
2.Lalitha Saharanamam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g7.htm
2.a. Phala Sruthi of Lalitha Sahasranamam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g8.htm
3.Lakshmi Sahasranamam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g120.htm
4.Shiva Sahasranam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s1.htm

2.Suprabatham

Though there is a sloka in Valmiki Ramayana requesting Rama to wake up from sleep and do his duties, there are no references to any Suprabatha Stotras in Puranas. The oldest such works are found in Tamil and are called Thirupalliyezhuchi. The first famous Suprabatham is that of Lord Venkateswara. I have translated 7 such Suprabathams including two Thirupalliyezhuchi s from Tamil. They are

1.Venkateswara Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v26.htm
2.Ayyappa Suprabatham(Malayalam) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/a1.htm
3.Sathya Sai Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o27.htm
4.Ganesa Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/p21.htm
5.Kamakshi Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g49.htm
6.Viswanadha Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s38.htm
7.Guruvayupuresaya Suprabatham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k17.htm
8.Thiruppalliyezhchi of Manikkavasagar http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s42.htm
9.Thirupalliyezhuchi of THondaradipodi Azhvar http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Thirupalliyezhuchi_of_Thondar_adi_podi_Azhwar

3.Sthavaraja

These are the king of stotras and are very rarely available . I have translated sthavarajas of various Gods. They are :-

1.Vishnu Sthavaraja http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v58.htm
2.Krishna Sthava raja http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k30.htm
3. Rama Sthavaraja http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra21.htm
4.Lalitha Sthavaraja http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g140.htm
5.Shanaischara Sthavaraja http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n30.htm

3. Books
I have translated several books of prayers in to English verse. They are :-

1.Bhagwad Gita in verse http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm2.htm
2.Devi Mahatmyam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm1.htm
3. Soundarya Lahari http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g13.htm
4.Shivananda Lahari http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s5.htm
5.Narayaneeyam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/in25.htm
6.Jnana pana http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o3.htm
7. Sri Ramo Dantham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm3.htm
8.Sri Narada Bhakthi Suthram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o5.htm
9. Sundara Kandam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/in24.htm
10.Krishna Karnamritham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k31.htm
11.Abhirami Andathi(Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g2.htm
12. Sri Pada Sapthathi http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g81.htm
13.Kandhar Anubhoothi http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m8.htm
14.Kandhar Alankaram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m15.htm
15.Pasurappadi Ramayanam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm5.htm
16.Rudram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ve2.htm
17.Chamakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ve3.htm
18.Yaksha Prasnam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm4.htm
19.Gayathri Ramayanam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/pm32.htm

Translations of Panchakam, Sashtam, Sapthakam, Navakam, Dasakam and Bhujangam

2012-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Stotras also exist in some rare forms , the most popular form being ashtakam. Some Stotras , call themselves as stotras, others sthuthis and yet others sthavams. In these the number of stanza rules are not followed. Here are the particulars of stotras in these rare forms, which have been translated by me:-
1.Panchakam
Panchakams are prayers with five stanzas. These are rarely used in praising a deity but often used to tell us some important message. I have translated few Panchakams to English . They are:-
1.Guha Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m1.htm
2.Maya Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/b11.htm
3.Janaki Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g31.htm
4.Athma panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/b2.htm
5.Guru Paduka Panchakamhttp://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o8.htm
6.Kasi Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o16.htm
7.Kaupeena Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/b4.htm
8.Mathru Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o4.htm
9.Sadhana Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/b3.htm
10.Vairagya Panchakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v39.htm

2.Shatkam

Shatkams are prayers with six stanzas. This prayer form is also very unpopular with great writers for praying to God. I have translated three shatkams. They are:-

1.Nirvana Shatkam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/b1.htm
2.Skanda Shatkam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m17.htm
3.Shriya Shatkam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g30.htm

3.Sapthakam

SApthakams are prayers with seven stanzas. These are also stotra forms which are very rarely used. I have translated two sapthakams . They are

1.Hari sarana Sapthakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v17.htm
2.Subrahmanya Sapthakam (Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m19.htm

4.Navakam

Navakams are prayers with nine stanzas . These are also rarely used. I have translated two navakams. They are:-

1.Sashakthi Shiva Navakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s24.htm
2.Aarya Navakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g27.htm

5.Dasakam

Daskams are prayers with ten stanzas . This form of stotra also is rare. I have translated six such stotras written in the dasaka form. They are :-

1.Nyasa Dasakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v37.htm
2,Gauri Dasakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g48.htm
3.Sastha Dasakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/a4.htm
4. Dharma Sathru asraya Dasakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ay9.htm
5.Bhoothanatha Dasakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/a6.htm

6.Dwadasam

Though there are several stotras where 12 nmes are mentioned , there are very few with twelve stanzas. The most famous (I have yet to translate it) is the Dwadasa stotram written by sage Madhwachaya. I have translated only stotra with this speciality. They are:-

1.Dharma Sasthru Asraya Dwadasam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ay8.htm

7.Bhujanga stotras /Bhujanga Prayata stotras and Dandakams
Bhujanga means snake . The Bhujanga and Bhujanga prayata stotras are written in a meter resembling the movement of a snake . Adhi Sankara Bhagawat pada has written many stotras praising various deities using this style, the most famous of these being Subramanya Bhujanam.Dandakams are Poems which have more than 26 letters per line .. Since it is extremely difficult to write , very few poets have attempted it. The most famous prayer written using this meter is Shyamala Dandakam. Here are a list of these type of prayers that I have translated:-
1.Vishnu BHujanga Prayata Stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v42.htm
2.Dasa avathara Bhujanga stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v56.htm
3.Sri Rama Bhujangam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra7.htm
4.Shiva Bhujanga prayatha stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s29.htm
5.Bhavani Bhujangam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g15.htm
6.Devi Bhujanga stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g119.htm
7.Saraswathi Bhujanga Prayatha Stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g91.htm
8.Saraswathi Bhujanga prayata ashtakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g83.htm
9.Subramanya Bhujanagam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m3.htm
10.Sri Sastha Bhujangam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ay15.htm
11.Hanumath BHujanga prayatha Stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h4.htm
12.Shyamala Dandakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g16.htm
13.Garuda Dandakam http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o15.htm

Kavachams (armours ) addressed to various Gods

2012-01-11T21:02:00.001-08:00

Kavachams (armours ) addressed to various Gods.

I think that it is the proper time and place to look backward and see the translation work done by me in categories. Kavachams are prayers that ask God to protect us and various parts of us. I have translated Kavacham as Armour . But many of my learned friends, prefer to translate it as shield. I some how feel that armour would be a better translation. There are two types of armours prevalent in stotra literature –one used a prayer and another used by thanthrics to protect themselves from evil spirits. I have translated more than 50 Kavachams in to English. Some of them like that addressed to Lakshmana, Bharatha , SAthrugna and Balarama are very rare. Apamarjana stotram addressed to Vishnu and Maheswara Kavacham addressed to Lord Shiva are believed to cure all diseases. The Vamsa Vrudhi karam Durga Kavacham and Varaha Kavacham are supposed to help in getting children. The Mrita SAnjeevini Kavacham is supposed to help us win over fatal diseases . The Trilokya Mohana Kavacham is believed to help us attract people. The Rudra Kavacham, Maha Vidhya Kavacham, Bhuvaneswari Kavacham and Kalika Kavacham are believed to help us win over our enemies, who have tried to destroy us by black magic. Here is the list of Kavachams that I have translated:-
1.Narayana Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v47.htm
2.Apamarjana Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v86.htm
3.Nrusimha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v75.htm
4.Trilokya Mohana Nrusimha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v76.htm
5.Narasimha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v89.htm
6.Venkatesa Vajra Kavacha stotram http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v49.htm
7.Sri Rama Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra30.htm
8.Lakshmana Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra27.htm
9.Bharatha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra28.htm
10.Shatrugna Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ra29.htm
11.Balarama Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k53.htm
12.Gopala Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k54.htm
13.Gopala Akshaya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/k55.htm
14.Shiva Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s49.htm
15.Rudra Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s65.htm
16.Maha Mruthyunjaya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s67.htm
17.Mrita SAnjeevana Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s69.htm
18.Radha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g71.htm
19.Bhavani Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g112.htm
20.Devi Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g143.htm
21.Maha Vidhya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g153.htm
22.Bhuvaneswari Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g157.htm
23.Durga Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g74.htm
24.Vamsa Vrudhikaram Durga Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g68.htm
25.Kalika Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g158.htm
26.Saraswathi Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g156.htm
27.Maha Lakshmi Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g69.htm
28.Ganesa Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/p11.htm
29.Vinayaka Kavacham (Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/p12.htm
30.Skanda Sashti Kavacham(Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m2.htm
31.Shanmuga Kavacham(Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m9.htm
32.Subramanya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m10.htm
33.Kanda Guru Kavacham(Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/m11.htm
34.Maha Sastru Anugraha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ay14.htm
35. Adhithya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n10.htm
36.Chandra Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n11.htm
37.Mangala Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n12.htm
38. Budha Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n13.htm
39.Brahaspathi Kavachamhttp://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n14.htm
40.Shukra Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n15.htm
41.Sani Vajra Panjarika Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n16.htm
42.Rahu Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n17.htm
43. Kethu Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n18.htm
44.Tri lokya Mangala Surya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/n31.htm
45.Eka Mukha Hanumath Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h11.htm
46.Pancha MUkha Hanumath Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h12.htm
47. SAptha Mukha Hanumath Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h13.htm
48.Ekadasa Mukha Hanumath Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h14.htm
49.Veera Hanuman Kavacham (Tamil) http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/h9.htm
50.Thulasi Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o31.htm
51.Dathathreya Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/o40.htm
52.SArva Roga Haram Maheswara Kavacham http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/s68.htm
53.Varaha Kavacham for getting children http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/v46.htm
54.Maha Lakshmi Kavacham II http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/g154.htm

After retirement hobbies- 3 stotra rathnas in English

2011-11-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

After retirement hobbies- 3 stotra rathnas in English
During the time I was 16 till I reached 60 , I was fond of praying using several stotras. When I was studying in the university I used to get charmed by reading Sri Krishna Karnamrutham, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Devi Mahatmyam , Dakshinamurthy stotram and so on. Though I used to read them with devotion and was happy , I thirsted to knew the meaning of what I was reading. Fortunately I could get books on some of these great stotras. Then I drifted off by getting busy in my job and problems of my little poor family which I was trying my best to raise up. From then on , till I became 60 , I used to chant many stotras but recite only few of them understanding their meaning. So one of the first job that I took up was translation of some of these stotras in to English. I was not sure that I was doing a correct job. So I took a print out and them to the Kanchi and Sringeri Mutts. Swami Jayendra Saraswathi immediately replied. The draft that I had send was over all OK. This made me little more confidant. It was at this time that I went to the second time to USA. By that time I had translated about 40 stotras which included two sahasranamams and Abhirami Andathi. Our new daughter in law helped me by teaching me the first lessons on web design. BHagyam Ramaswamy put my translation of Abhirami Andathi in his web site. Several internet friends like Achalam encouraged me for launching a web site. So my new web site of Stotra rathnas was launched under tripod http://english_stotras.tripod.com/.
I came back to India and started putting lot of efforts for translating more and more stotras. All these were put in my own web site under geocities.com. Slowly and steadily this web site grew up. www.brahmanas.com helped me further by putting some of my translation in their web site. An organization called Rajajinagar Bhaktha Sabha released a CD containing 260 of my translations. A young gentleman in north started a web site called www.stotrarathnas.com for putting my translations . Sri Lakshmanan of www.celextel.org requested me to translate 21 minor Upanishads. They also put all my translations in their web site. It was at this time that the geocities.com closed all free web sites. I was worried that all my translations would be lost. One of my admirers from Hyderabad printed a few of my
Translations. A web site called http://sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ from Holland allowed me to post all my translations in their web site. Giri Traders published my translations of Lalitha Sahasranam and Rudram. The Kanchi Kamakoti mutt made my translation of Devi Mahatmyam , a part of their book. www.hindupeda.com who were trying to build up an encyclopedia of Hinduism, made me as one of their editors. As on today I have translated more than 600 great stotras. In few more blogs I will make a brief review of what I have done so far, Ramachander

After retirement hobbies- 2.Kerala Iyers web site

2011-11-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

After retirement hobbies- 2.Kerala Iyers web site
During the same trip to USA 12 years back , Getting to know about Yahoo search for the first time, I tried searching for information on iyers. I could few references which included a few references on PICO iyer, an Indian American writer. But when I tried searching for Palakkad Iyers/Palghat iyers / kerala iyers there was no information available on the web. Without much reference work, being a member of that community , I had in my memory some information about them. So Icreated a small web site in www.homestead.com about them. This attracted lot of attention. Many people contacted me and among them was Sri Krishnamurthy who was son of a little house of a neighboring Mami in my village Chelakkara. He told me that he would build a better web site if information is supplied to him. So as soon as I came back , I started collecting information about my community. I met many people went to various places and started my enquiry. By another one year I had collected lots of information and this was put in the new web site www.keralaiyers.com which was launched ten years back. The paper Mathrubhumi had a news item about its launch on the day it was launched. It was then that Krishnamurthy suggested that we start a yahoo group. I named it “Pattars group” This group has got the largest membership of iyers among the many iyer groups. Many of the members started groups of their own. Iyer123 and 4 Brahmins are two such groups. It was at this time that my younger brother DR.Kasiviswanathan came up with an idea of starting a trust to help the needy Kerala iyers. After much discussion, this was launched and one of our Young friends Sri.Ramprasad ,who was a class mate of my son took up the job of managing the group with untiring support on receiving the money and channelizing it to deserving people by my younger brother and his Wife. By the tremendous cooperation of the Pattar Group members, several volunteers and executive committee members we have been able to disburse several crores of rupees as an aid to the needy Kerala iyers. Another aspect we got interested was to help the needy to find suitable grooms and brides. We initially started a yahoo group Kalyanam, which has lead to the marriage of many and recently a web site called www.ikalyanam.com , which allows free registration for matrimony to all iyers. Sri Krishnamurthy is now doing the job of revision and restructuring the web site www.keralaiyers.com.
I am having great hope that several newly socially relevant activities would be started in the years to come. Ramachander

After retirement hobbies- I. astrology and matching of horoscopes.

2011-11-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

After retirement hobbies- I. astrology and matching of horoscopes.
P.R.Ramachander
I knew some amount astrology from my father and later learnt a bit myself. When I was in service, I used to help a few people to match horoscopes for matrimony. Immediately after retirement I happened to Go to USA to be with my daughter. I used to find a lot of time to waste. It was at this time that I came in to contact with Sri Murugavel through his web site sysindia.com. We used to talk with one another in phone. He was at the time engaged in building a matrimonial web site called tamilmatrimony.com. As he knew that I knew astrology, he suggested to me that I can spend my time helping people settled abroad with matching of horoscopes. After getting my consent he was the one who put an advt in his site about my availability to match horoscopes. This kept me slightly busy. I also contacted cyberkerala.com and they also put an advertisement in their site about my willingness to match horoscopes , free of cost over the internet. When the tamilmatrimony .com grew up and they introduced soft ware to match horoscopes in their web sites , naturally the announcement regarding me was taken out. Meanwhile I returned back to India and continued what I was doing. Me and one of my young friends built a web site called keralaiyers.com and even there we put an announcement. Ten years back , it was a unique service and so many other web sites gave announcements about what I was doing.
As a result of these , I have been matching horoscopes for matrimony for the past eleven years. Thousands of people belonging to all communities have contacted me and I too have made it a point to answer their mails promptly. Hundreds of marriages have taken place . I also give in a small way personal consultation to match horoscopes in my house.
Though not very willing I also do forecasting of future in a minor scale . I have become an astrologer for very many families. Several families have taken my help in matching horoscopes for all their children. I have made hundreds of friends through this hobby.
Looking back , I think I have so far done a great job. I am getting old and I am not sure how long I will be able to continue what I am doing.
Since it was my first post retirement hobby and it was a social service of sorts , I want to thank God for guiding me so far.

RIP Bhima –my cousin and best friend

2011-09-04T21:25:00.001-07:00

RIP Bhima –my cousin and best friend
I met Bhima as a slightly older child in 1947. He was living with his father and aunt in a god forsaken village in the God’s own country. I had just come from a big town and Bhima’s father made me a horn using the Papaya leaf. That day I enjoyed playing with the little, tiny Bhima. When Bhima was 5 year old his mother had died. His father who was son of a rich land lord had become very poor by then. Later I understood that my father was supporting the family. A few years later Bhima’s father died of Tuberculosis. The 11 year Bhīma was taken by my father to help him in the running of his hotel in Secunderabad. A few years later my father took me along with him to study in an English medium school there. The only child companion that I had at that time was Bhima. We grew up together as brothers and friends. I knew of adolescence from him. I learnt how to fly a kite and spin a top from him. I remember him teaching me to ride a cycle. I fell down and sprained my ankle and bid good bye to learn to ride a cycle. We used to eat Gulab Jammoons together in other hotels as it was a sweet not prepared in our hotel. We used to go the Public Garden and eat Chilli (miruppa kai) Bajjis there and drink water from the tap. During all Deepavalis we used to wear our new cloths together. After a few more years my father was forced to sell his hotel. My father gave Bhima’s only sister in marriage to her uncle, borrowed money and reached my native place without a single pie. Bhima worked for his uncle for some time. It was at this time that I started going to the university for my M.A. The town where Bhima was living was on my way to university. So I used to meet him during every vacation. Once when I was worried, I remember how we both consulted the street magician to find out solution to our problems. It was at this stage Bhima realized that his uncle was exploiting him and ran away from there to another town. Days were spent in fasting till he got a small job. It was at this time that a family friend of ours started a hotel in a town in Andhra Pradesh. As per the request of my father Bhima got a job there. My father used to finance my education by taking loans. One source was the annual income from Bhima’s small property in my village. Once he was able to sell that property and this money as well as the loan my father had taken from him helped him to purchase a plot in the town where he was working my father also got him married to a girl from the neighboring house. She was a classmate of my sister as well as my play mate during childhood. Bhima and his wife started their journey towards slight prosperity. Meanwhile I had completed my education and was an employed in a small village in Karnataka. Bhima with his wife used to visit us every year. I distinctly remember his stay with us immediately he got married. Poor Bhima used to take his wife for a walk to talk to his wife and my mother who was not used to such things used to shout at him. It was at this time my sister had two small kids. One of them who is a very famous doctor now started calling him Bhima and in our closed family, he remained as Bhima. Bhima’s family grew. He had first a daughter who died when she was baby. Then another daughter was born and later a son. With Bhima and his wife at my side I got married. I remember how with a new bride I travelled to the city I was staying in a car in torrential rain. To add up to this the car broke down on the way. I and my bride reached home in a small car and it was Bhima who brought all our things on a bus. Later my brother got married and both our families grew. Bhima was at our side as when we needed. We always considered him as our own. Bhima was a part and parcel of our little family. His daughter was given in marriage when she was very young. Bhima’s son got a job in far of city and Bhima migrated there. His son got a job in USA and left. Then the greatest tragedy struck Bhima. His wife suddenly and without any reason died. By this time mine and my brother’s children had grown up , The last function attended by Bhima’s wife was the marriage of my daughter. Bhima was inconsolable but things had to go on. His son got married and took his new wife to USA. The greatest tragedy was still waiting to happen. Bhima did not get VISA to visit his son, daughter in law and granddaughter. It was at this time that he became sick. His sickness increased over few years and a few days back he almost lost his memory. Yesterday he breathed his last.
Bhima when he was alive used to entertain all of us by his witticisms. Whenever he was in some place, loud laughter would surely be heard from there. When it was a question of helping any of us, he used to work ceaselessly and without rest .No job was below his dignity for him when he was helping us, whom he considered as brothers and sisters. Without him we all feel a vacuum in our lives. The only consolation is that we ourselves have become old.
Dearest friend, May your soul rest in peace.

Avani avitta manthras(Upakarma mantras) for 2011

2011-07-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
For the past ten years, I have been compiling the Avani avitta manthras(Upakarma manthras ) every year and putting in the web so that it is available to those who are not able to get them or to those who know only English. I know many other people are doing this job.Last year I came across a reference where even the audio is given. I am still doing it in the hope that at least one person in this wide world would find it useful.

This year the Yajur Vedi and Rig Vedi Avani Avittam falls on 13-8-2011, Gayathri Japam for all Vedas on 14-8-2011 and the Sama Vedi Avani avittam falls on 31-8-2011 according to the Madathu Panjangam which I follow.

The Yajur Vedi and Rig Vedi mantras are given in
http://brahminrituals.blogspot.com/2011/07/yajur-rig-vedi-avani-avittam-for-year.html

and the Sama Vedi Upakarma mantras are given in

http://brahminrituals.blogspot.com/2011/07/sama-veda-upakarma-prayoga-for-year.html

Hope you may find them useful, Ramachander

Ramya475 –Punascha Hari Om

2011-06-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ramya475 –Punascha Hari Om

Unlike many old people of today, I am a trained main frame computer programmer from 1970. My knowledge helped me to computerize the Institute that I was working from 1975 to 2000 using the micro computers which came in to the market in 1975. But somehow the wave of the modern day computers did not affect me at all. So when I needed to communicate to my children over the internet, I needed an e-mail Id. Raja and Ramachander were booked even at that time. So playfully my son tried “Ramya” which was the name of the house that I built brick by brick in 1984. Even that was not available. So we had to expand it by adding the number (475) of my house and my e-mail Id became ramya475. For the past 11 years I have been using this e-mail ID in various forums and I am sure that the great web site that I built and successfully launched in geocities bore that name. When geocities closed down, with the help of the Sathya sai bhabha brotherhood, I again my web site but did not use ramya475 in the name.
Yesterday, with heart weeping I sold my Ramya bearing the number 475. She was not only the house but a mother to me. There were several occasions when I have celebrated functions in side Ramya. My son and daughter got married there. My nephew who is more like a son to me got married there. My revered father bid farewell to me at the age of 97 in that house. Being from a lower middle class home, there were days when I had wept in my Ramya. She has without any reservation always consoled me. About two years back, I had to move out of Ramya with a view to be near my child and yesterday I had to sell it. Today Ramya is not my house /my mother any more. Tears gush out of my eyes. But I saw to it that they dried up quickly for I have been successful immensely in giving ramya475 an everlasting life over the internet. Try searching for ramya475 and thousand of references to that house would tumble out.
I am in search of a new ramya475 and I am sure I will get it soon. I am tempted to say “Punascha hari om”

Would this mean the end of terror every where?

2011-05-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

Would this mean the end of terror every where?
By
P.R.Ramachander
The first black one in the white house ,
Thought that enough is enough,
And the time has come to put an end,
To the needless killing of innocent ones.

There was no need to search far and wide ,
For the most important killer of the decade,
Who called himself one of the students of religion,
And was called obama with an “s” instead of “b”.

But there was a need to search for this killer,
For some said he was already dead and is in heaven,
Some said he was hiding in the thick Afghan forests,
And yet others said he can never be found out.

Obama was surprised to know from the spy army of his,
That Osama was indeed alive and living like everyone else ,
In a big town, that too near an army post , in a three storey house,
In a country that called itself the greatest friend of his own country.

Obama dared not request the country that was his friend ,
To hand over the terror who was the student of the religion,
For he thought that the first one to know about his secret request ,
Would be Osama living in a three storey home in that country itself.

One fine morning several mechanical birds of the sky flew.
In stealth so that the radar of the friendly country could not find,
Full of chosen soldiers from the army of the sea(l) of his,
Who were prepared to die , to kill the terror who could kill all.

And they did that and killed that savant of religion of peace,
Who thought killing others for the sake of his religion ,
Was never a sin, for God would decorate him in heaven,
But these seals of the sea buried him in the sea itself.

Obama of the barracks thus put an end to the saga,
Of Osama who was laden with an onus of his own,
And the happy people all over the universe asked,
“Would this mean the end of terror every where?”

A very happy 2011

2010-12-29T21:52:00.001-08:00

Our dear friends,

A grand old Thatha sitting in front of his desk top.

And his great old lady sitting with the thousand great things that she does great ,

Are with happiness looking back at the road they had walked.

No doubt there were thorns , stones , pits and lions,

That made their walk difficult often times,

But having faced all of them with tears and smiles,

And now being able to take their well earned rest ,

Surrounded by their kids , kids in law and the grand kids,

And well realizing that their evening is neither hot nor cold,

They are all smiles and are praying God to give a little of their smiles,

To you , your family and your loved ones in this, Ramachander and Jayalakshmi

Thank you God for your blessings

2010-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you god for making me take birth in a poor family in Kerala. Had I not been born in such a family, I would not be what I am today.

Thank you God for being born to my parents, who though not educated in the modern sense, were intelligent, inquisitive, caring and wise people. I inherited some of these qualities from them and me and my siblings, care for others, because of this.

Thank you God for giving me an opportunity for becoming a post graduate in mathematics and becoming an applied Statistician. Because of this, I was proud to be associated with many of the findings which have indirectly helped the farmers of India.

Thank you god for being born with a younger brother, who is a remarkable genius who cares not only for his fellow beings but to me as his elder brother. Thank you God for giving me a younger sister, who in spite of everything has chosen a life to do service to Cancer patients.

Thank you God for making me marry a girl, who has sacrificed all her wishes and wants to keep me happy. But for her I would not be what I am.

Thank you God for giving me two sterling children, who like me and my siblings care for all those who suffer. I am sure that when they get older and more secure, they will spend all their energy and wealth to wipe the tears of every one in the world. They too are extremely intelligent and inquisitive. Due to all this when the time comes for me to bid farewell to this world, I will do it without any care cheerfully.

Thank you God for giving me a very efficient and a very concerned son in law and a very caring and concerned Daughter in law.

Thank you God for the very naturally intelligent and inquisitive grand daughters and grand son. I am sure you would look after them well

Thank you God for my scientific contributions and the great recognition that I got from my peers. I know with my qualification and my subject of specialization, it is you who have done it.

Thank you God for giving me ability in astrology and made me work for a social cause. When unknown children thank me for leading a happy married life, I thank you.

Thank you God for my ability to write poems in English and my deep sense of humour. Without these, I would have considered me as incomplete.

Thank you God for making me choose astrology as a hobby after retirement. Due to this, I lead a very satisfied life as I am able to help thousands of people all over the world.

Thank you God for making me do research on Kerala Iyers and launching the www.keralaiyers.com web site. This has now grown in to a banyan tree providing knowledge and help to the needy of my community.

Thank you God for making me translate Stotras in to English. As on today, by your blessings and grace I have translated more than 550 stotras and 350 Karnatik music Krithis written in 4 languages. When unknown people from all over the globe phone to me, I always thank you for choosing me as an instrument to do your job.
Thank you God for my innate nature of a story teller to blossom in to a great web site for Indian children.

Thank you God for whatever I am. Because of your grace and blessing I would be 71 within a few days. You have made me healthy and wealthy (without any wants) and a great human being.Once again THANKYOU GOD.

Recipes for a Onam feast from a professional Kerala Iyer

2010-12-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

Recipes for an Onam feast from a Kerala Iyer professional

Recipes by
Sri. M.Anantha Raman of
Vinayaka Caterers of Kadavanthra, Ernakulam
(published in Malayalam Journal Vanitha ,August 15-31 , 2010-12-07

Translated in to English with comments

P.R.,Ramachander

Pachadi

Needed materials

1.Grated coconut ¼ coconut
2.Grated coconut ½ coconut +1 tea spoon mustard+ 10 gm grrn chillies
3.Red Pumpkin( ripe Mathanga)
4.Pineapple 25 gm+ one ripe Nendran Banana +20 gm tomato
5.1 tea spoon turmeric powder+1 tea spoon pepper powder + needed salt + little curry leaves
6.Jaggery 25 gm
7 curd ¼ litre
8.Cashew 10 gm
9.Coconut oil 2 tea spoons
10.1 teaspoon mustard + 2 Dried chillies + Curry leaves

Method
1.Extract milk from Number 1
2.Grind together in a mixie no.2
3.Cut Pumpkin, pineapple , nendran Banana and tomato in to small pieces
4.Boil the cut vegetables along with I litre water, + items mentioned in 5
5.Once vegetables are well cooked add jaggery till water becomes alonst nil,
6.Add coconut milk, Ground materials and curd and bring it to boil
7.After that add cut cashew nuts
8.Season with maerials mentioned in 10

(Comments of P.R.Ramachander: In homes, this Pachadi could be prepared also with red pumpkin, ash gourd and Brinjal added with turmeric or raw mango for the sour taste.
It could also be prepared without Nendran Banana. Several brands of ready made coconut milk , which are of good quality are available and they could be used instead)

Yerisseri (Erisseri)

Needed materials

1.Chena (Elephant food yam)-25 gm
2.Raw Nendran Banana -one
3.One table spoon of pepper powder+ 1 ½ litre water
4.Turmeric powder one teaspoon and necessary salt
5. ½ coconut grated + jerra seds ½ tea spoon
6.One table spoon of coconut oil
7.one tea spoon mustard
8. ½ grated coconut
9. one table spoon ghee
10.Jeera seeds ½ tea spoon

Method

1.Cut yam in to small pieces and put in water
2.Remove skin of banana, split it in to four pieces length wise and cut it in to small pieces
3. Mix pepper powder in water and wash it to remove skin portion .Filter it in a nice cloth
4.Boil yam and items in 4 for some time in the water where pepper powder is added.. When three fourth cooked add cut banana pieces and boil till well cooked
5.Grind items in 5 add it to the boiled vegetables and bring it to boil
6.Take little oil , heat with mustard. When it splutters add grated coconut mentioned (in a low fire) in 8.
7.Add ghee to the frying coconut mixture, When coconut turns brown season it with jeera
8.Add the fried mixture in the boiled vegetables and heat.

(comments by P.R.Ramachander: This preparation could be also done only with yam or carrot or red pumpkin pieces. Though adding ghee would add to the taste , in small scale preparations it is not a must.)

3. Aviyal

Needed materials

1.Yam (Elephant foot yam) 15 gm
2.Snake gourd 5 gm
Cucumber 5 gm
Carrot 10 gm
Drum stick 10 gm
Cow pea (Payar) 5 gm
3.Cooking Banana ½
4.Raw mango little
5.Coconut oil three teaspoons
6.Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon+pepper powder 1 tea spoon, needed salt
7. ½ coconut grated + 1 teaspoon jeera seeds + 10 gm green chillies
8.Curry leaves
9 coconut oil 3 tea spoons

Method

1.Cut yam in to thin 2 inch long pieces.Put them in water
2.Cut vegetables mentioned in s.no 2 and 3 in to long thin pieces and put in water.Put Cucumber separately.
3.Cut raw mango in to thin pieces
4.Heat oil mentioned in a thick bottomed broad vessel and put all cut vegetables one , one and Yam at the top.
5.Over Yam , you can put cucumber
6.Over the vegetablesput powders mentioned in 6
7.Heat them, closing with a heavy lid over a low fire.When it comes to boil stir it.
8.Once every thing is coked well, Make a crator like hole in the centre. Whatever water oozes out from the sides,It has to be poured on vegetables stacked on sides.
9.When all water has died, grind items mentioned in 7 loosely , and mix it with the vegetable along with curry leaf. Switch off the stove
10.Add oil mentioned in9

(Comment:The sourness to Avial can also be got through, raw mango, sour curd or tamarind or a combination of any of them. We have tried Amchoor (dry raw mango powder) instead of mango. Though it is not as good , it does indeed taste like avail. Depending on the availability many other vegetables like Chow chow, Avarakkai , capsicum etc can also be used. In Kerala potato is never used in avial. In our part of Kerala, pepper powder is not used in avial.)

Olan

Materials required
1. Dried cow pea seeds (Rajma)-10 gm
2. Green sweet pumpkin-15 gm
3. Tender ash gourd-15 gm
4. Cow pea 5 gm
5. Green chilies 4
6. ½ grated coconut
7. Coconut oil -1 table spoon

Method

1.Soak cow peas seds for 8 hours
2.Cut pupkin and ash gourd in to thin square slices
3.Cut cow pea in to two inch pieces
4.Add cow pea seeds and green chiles to cut vegetables and cook till everything is properly cooked
5.Extract milk out of the grated coconut
6.After taking out the vesselfrom the stove add the Coconut mil and raw coconut oil (7) and stir well.

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander:Olan is possibly the simplest dish to prepare. It could also be prepared only using ash gourd or only pumpkin. Chow chow olan also can be made. Though Cowpea adds to the taste and makes it superior, Olan can be prepared with out that also. In USA , we have tried preparing olan using Squash. It tasted Ok )

Onam Mezhukku puratti

Materials required

1.Yam (elephant foot yam) 30 gm
2,Green Nendra Banana 2
3.Cow pea 20 gm
4.Turmeric powder 1 tea spoon, salt as per need , Green chilles 6
5,Coconut oil -2 tea spoons

Method

1. Cut Yam in to small sqayre pieces after removing the skin
2. Cut Raw nendran Banana in to small square pieces
3. Cut cow pea oin to one inch long pieces
4. Wash all vegetables and cook them in water along with what is mentioned in S.No.4
5. Try to add less water so that the water is absorbed comnpletly by the vegetables
6. Heat coconut oil , put the cooked vegetables and stir so so that the vegetables get evenly coated by the oil.

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander:Normal Mezhukku peratti is prepared using raw cooking Banana and not using raw nendran Banana. Koorkai adds a lot to the taste of Mezhukku peratti)

Kurukku Kalan

Materials required

1.Sour curd ¾ litre
2.Pepper powder 1 teaspoon
3. Yam (Elephant foot yam) 15 gm
4.Green nendran Banana 1
5,Curry leaves, 3 green chillies, I tea spoon turmeric powder ,salt
6.Ghee –one tea spoon
7. ½ green coconut , one spoon jeera seeds, Green chillies 10 gm
8.Mentha seeds -1 teaspoon
9.Coconut oil –one table spoon
10.Mustard – ½ teaspoon , red dries chillies 2 , curry leaves

Method

1.Churn the curd well and remove impurities
2.Wash and clean the pepper powder
3.With this pepper add water, cut yam, cut nendran Banana , and items mentioned in s.no.5 and boil
4.After the Yam has cooked well and water has almost disappeared add ghee and stir well
5.Add the churned curd in to this
6,When it becomes very thick , add grinded articles mentioned in S.No.7 and boil
7.Switch off the stove
8.Season with articles mentioned in S.No.10

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander:Kalan can be prepared using only yam or only Nendran Banana. During mango dseason, Mambazha Kalan is also prepared.Instead of black pepper powder, if we use white pepper powder, it need not be cleaned.)

Puli inji

Materials required

1.Tamarind 50 gm
2.Turmeric powder 1 tea spoon+pepper powder one table spoon+ L .G. Asofotida powder 20 gms +Powdered Jaggery 75 gms+curry leaves
3. Coconut oil 3 tea spoons
4. Mustard one tea spoon+few pieces of dried red chillies
5.Curry leaves
6.Ginger cut in to very small pieces-75 gms
7.Chillies 10 gms –cut in to small pieces
8.Mentha seeds

Method

1,Soak tamarind in two and half litres of water , take out juice and sieve it
2,Take one litre water add things mentioned in s.no.2 and boil well
3.When starts boiling add one tea spoon of coconut oil
4.Heat two tea spoon of oil in a heavy bottomed vessel and put the mustard seeds . When it splutters add cut dried chillies and curry leaves
5. Add cut Ginger and cut green chillies and keep stirring
6.Continue this till ginger is three fourth cooked
7.Boil the three and half litre of water mentioned earlier till it becomes one and half litres
8.Add the fried chilli +ginger mixture and stir well
9.Dry heat Methi seeds till they turn colour, powder it and add.

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander:In some areas, pepper powder is not used. When Naranga is available, we can reduce the tamarind and substitute it by Naranga pieces.)

Sambhar and Rasam

a.Sambhar

Materials required

1.Coconut oil -1 table spoon
2. Asfotida powder 10 gm
\3.Bengal gram dhal-5 gm
Mentha seeds 5 gm
Black gram dal -5 gm
4. Coriander seeds -10 gm
5.Curry leaves
6.Dried red chilies 10 gm
7.Tur dal 200 gm
Turmeric powder ½ tea spon
Curry leaves
8.Tamarind -40 gm
9.Turmeric powder – ½ tea spoon
Pepper powder -1/2 tea spoon
Salt to taste
Asafotida-10 gm
Jaggery –little
Curry leaves –little
10.Coconut oil – I teaspoon
11.Drum stick-10 gm
Bitter gourd- 5 gm
12.Brinjal-15 gm
Okra(Ladies finger)-15 gm
13.Coconut oil -1 table spoon
14. Mustard –one teaspoon
Few pieces of dried red chillies
Little curry leaf
15.Coriander leaf

Method of preparation

1.In a heavy bottom Kadai, heat coconut oil, add asfotida and when it is sufficiently hot , add item in S.No.3
2.When this is properly fried, add Coriander seeds and curry leaves
3.When the leaves are properly fried add pepper.
4.When the pepper splutters, take out from the stove add little water and grind oit and keep separately. This is the fresh sambhar Masala (Keep two table spon of this masala to make Rasam)
5.Boil one litre of water. Add the Well washed Tuar dhal . turmeric powder and curry leaf. Boil it till Dhal is completely cooked. Add One and half litre of well boiled water. Stir and allow it to cool. The sediments of Dhal will be in the bottom and clear yellow colour water will stand at the top. Separate out the water and keep it for making Rasam. The Dhal with little water can be used to make Sambhar.
6.Put the tamarind in hot water and extract the juice completely..Add one litre of water and also add the items mentioned and S.No.( and boil .Add little coconut oil
7.Add Cut drum stick and bitter gourd and this boiling mixture.
8.After bitter gourd is properly cooked add cut pieces of Brinjal and Okra and contine boiling
9.After these vegetables are well cooked add the Dhal for Sambhr and continue boiling
10.Once this comes to boil , add the freshly prepared sambar masala and once this comes to boil , remove the vessel from stove.
11.Season with items mentioned in 14
12. Add cut coriander leaf. Mix it well and serve.

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander:In normal days, Sambhar also can be prepared by any one of the vegetables mentioned.)

Rasam

Materials Needed

1.Dhal water 1 ½ litre saved while preparing Sambhar
2. Tamaring 15 gms
3.Water 15 ml
4.Turmeric powder one tea n+ Pepper powder 1 ½ tea spoon+Asfotida 5 gm +little jaggery +jeera seeds ½ tea spoon + ¼ tea spoon Methi seeds, + cut tomato 50 gm + curry leaves
5.Cut tomato 50 gm
8. Sambar masala (refer SAmbhar recipe)- 2 table spoons
7. cut coriander leaf
8.Coconut oil
9.Mustard ½ tea spoon
Dried red chillies few pieces
Curry leaves

Method of preparation

1. In the turmeric juice add items in S. No.4 and boil for some time, till the water reduces to half
2. Add The dhal water(S.No.1) and tomato in S.No.5 and continue boiling
3. Add SAmbar Masala and again boil.After boiling well add coriander leaf and take it out from the Stove.
4. Season it with items mentioned in S.No.9
5. Dry heat little pepper, Coriander seeds, Jeera seeds and Curry leaf, Powder it and add one tea spoon to the Rasam prepared.

Pazha Prathaman

Materials needed

1. Five well ripened Nendran Banana fruits
2. Jaggery 175 gm
3. water 1 ½ litre
4. Ghee 2 table spoons +2 teaspoons
5. Coconut 2 ½
6. Two spoons of small cut pieces of coconut
7. Cashew nut pieces -2 table spoons
8. Cardamom 15 gm

Method of Preparation

1.Peel the Bana fruits , remove the centre spindle , add little water and boil
2.When it becomes like a pulp , switch off the stove.
3.When the fruit becomes cool, grind it in the mixie adding little water
4.Mix Jaggery in 1 ½ litre water , boil till it reduces to hal ,Strain the jaggery mixture
5.Add the Banana fruit mixture till it becomes almost without water.Add ghee and mix it and remove from the stove
6.Grate the coconut , grind it with ¼ litre water, extract the first milk and keep aside
7.Add 1 ½ litre water , grind further , extract the second milk and keep aside
8.Add two litres of water , grind further and extract the third milk
9.Boil the banana fruit mixture with third milk . When it is attains fluid consistency add Second milk and Boil till it becomes thick (payasam)
10. In the heavy vessel heat the oil. Fry the cut coconut pieces , add cashew nuts , fry further and add it to the payasam
11.Add first milk and powdered cardamom
12. never add cow’s milk or Buffalo’s milk to this Payasam, because it will split.

Palada Prathaman

Materials needed

1.Unakkalari (Short grained raw rice with bran)-300 gm
2.Sugar -50 gm
3.Coconut oil 2 teaspons
4.Milk 4 litres
5.Sugar 800 gm

Method of preparation

1.Wash the rice and grind it in to a paste
2.Add sugar and coconut oil and add water till a consistency less than that of Dosa batter is attained
3.In a banal eat , where the mid stem is removed and sligfhtly heated, spread this dough and roll it
4.Boil water and put the rolled leaf with dough tillit is well cooked
5.Remove from stove , strain the water and after leaves are cooled, remove the dough made dosa like material
6.Make them in to very small pieces. This is Ada
7.Boil milk and sugar and make it till it reaches slightly thick consistency
8.Add the Ada and boil, Remove when you reach the serving consistency.

(Comment by P.R.Ramacander.Ready made Adai is available nowadays. Though the superior quality will be lost, A good Ada prathaman can be prepared using readymade Adai.)

Recipes for some Deepavali/Diwali sweets

2010-10-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

Some Deepavali sweets

These were selected by Mrs Ramachander from the addendum which came with Aval Vikatan and Kumudham Snehithi (tamil Magazines of October month) . I am giving them in English so that people who do not know Tamil can try them out.
P.R.Ramachander

1.Deepavali Halwa

Materials needed
¼ cup sago rice
1 cup corn flour
¼ cup maida
4 ½ cup sugar
1 cup ghee
Juice of one lime
Cardamom powder
Cashew nuts
Food colour

Recipe
Soak separately sago rice, corn flour and MNaida for 8 hours.
Boil sugar in 1½ cups of water
Add Sago rice , Maida and corn flour and keep on stirring keeping stove in medium flame
Add I cup of ghee slowly
Add lime juice, cardamom powder , cashew nut roasted in ghee
Keep stirring till the mixture does not stick to the vessel
Pour in a plate coated with ghee
Cut in to pieces and serve

2.Kala Jamun

Materials needed

1. 2 cups of grated Sugar less Khova
2. Rose syrup
3. 3 table spoons of sugar
4. 4 cups of sugar
5. 3 cups of water
6. little saffron
7. Cardamom powder

Mix grated khova, rose essence, cardamom powder, 3 table spoons of sugar (without adding water) and keep it for 2 hours
Make in to balls without cracks and fry them in ghee till they are brown
Add 3 cups of water in 4 cups of sugar and boil for 15 minutes
Add the fried Jamuns
Once soaked take out the Jamuns and serve

3.Mohan dal Laddu

3 cups of Bengal gram dal powder(Coarsely ground)
¾ cup of ghee
2 ¼ cups of sugar

Mix the the Dal powder and ghee and fry till the mixture becomes golden colour.Add Cardamom poder and take out from the stove
Add sugar to 1 ¼ cups of water and boil (Kambi padam)
Add the Dal powder mixture mix it and pour in a plate.
Cut in to pieces .You can decorate with Badam, Cashewnut and Pista before cutting in to pieces.

4.Mothi choor Laddu

2 cups of Besan
2 table spoons of white Rava
1½ cups of sugar
1 few drops of orange colour
Sufficient quantity of ghee to fry
Saffron, Almonds, cashew

Prepare
Mix Besan and Rava in one cup of water
Add sugar to 1¼ cups of water and prepare syrup (Kambi Pagu)
Rub the besan mixture over hot ghee in the H+Jarani with small holes
Fry till the drops become golden colour
Put it in sugar syrup
Add little saffron, cashew not almonds etcand mix
Make small laddus

5.Milk Cake

1 tin Milk maid(condensed milk)
1½ cups Maida
2 cups sugar
1½ cups butter
Cut cashew nuts ¾ cup

Mix all the above put in a heavy bottom vessel .Keep on stirring while heating in a mild flame
When the mixture does not stick to the vessel , remove put it in plate and cut in to pieces.

6.Gulabhi Burfi

1¼ cup Maida
2 ½ cup sugar
One cup butter
Rose essence few drops
½ cup cut cashew pieces
½ cup cut Tutty fruity pieces
¼ cup milk powder
Add all these things and heat them over mild flame in a heavy bottomed vessel and stir
Add few drops of essence when the mixture does not stick to the vessel
Pour it in a plate and cut in to pieces

7.Triveni

Grated carrot 1 cup
Grated Beet root 1 cup
Grated Chow chow 1 cup
Slightly heated Besan flour 3 cups
Suger 9 cups
Milk 3 cups
Ghee 3 cups
One pinch of edible Camphor(Pachai karpooram)
One spoon of Cardamom powder
Milk Khoa 1 cup
Cut cashew pieces one cup

Mix all the above and heat them over mild flame in a heavy bottomed vessel and stir
Remove from stove when the mixture does not stick to the vessel

Pour in a ghee coated plate , cut in to pieces

8.Cashew Coconut Pal khoa

Milk 8 cups
Saffron one pinch
Sugar 2 cups
Soaked cashew not 10
Grated coconut one cup
Ghee 4 tea spoons
Little cardamom powder

In a thick bottomed vessel heat milk in a low flame and keep on stirring till it becomes half. Add groud cashew nut and coconut and continue boiling till is becomes further half . Add sugar and keep on stirring Add cardamom powder and cashew and remove. Make small balls for serving

9.Dry Fruit Boli

Soaked skinned Almond, cashew and Pista 10 each
Raisins , dates 4 each
Ground jaggety , grated coconut 1 cup each
Maida one cup
Kesari powder a pinch
Cardamom powder a pinch
Ghee one cup
Gingelly oil 4 tea spoons

Grind all nuts as well as coconut without adding much water
Add jaggery to this mixture and heat till it is well cooked. Add cardamom powder and make small balls of this mixture
Mx Maida , kesari powder , Gingelly oil , knead and spread them like chapathis. Keep them on banana leaf ., keep the balls prepared earlier, close with another chapathi and spread a little.
Head them in thava over mild flame .Coat both sides with ghee and take out.

10.Khoa –Kesari Sukhiyan

One cup of Milk khoa
One cup of Maida
Rava 2 cups
Pinch of Kesari powder
Sugar one and half cups
Cardamom powder little
Ghee one cup
Oil as much as needed

Roast Rava in ghee till it turns red . Boil five cups of water. Put Rava in boiling water .Once cooked put Sugar and Kesari powder Also add khoa as well as cardamom powder.Remove from flame and make it in to small balls.
Add little water to Maida and Kesari powder till it gets in to the consistency of Bhajji dough. Heat oil. Dip the Rava-Khoa rolls in to the maida dough and fry till it becomes to a golden colour.

11.Gujarathi Ladu

Besan I cup
Atta ¼ cup
Ghee ¼ cup
Vanaspathi five table spoons
Cashew nut , raisins little
Sugar 1 ½ cup

Roast Besan and Atta in a Kadai till good scent comes
Take out , add sugar and powder the mixture. Roast cashew and raisins in ghee and evenly add to this powder.
Take ghee and Vanaspathi in a Kadai , heat , put the above powder, mix well and make them in to dense balls.

12. Diamond biscuit

Maida 2 cups
Sugar ½ cup Baking soda one pinch
Salt ¼ tea spoon
Oil as per need.

Add sugar , salt , soda in to maida and spread like puri. Cut the puri into diamond shape and fry the pieces in oil.

About me in a city news paper

2010-08-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

Dhainik Jagaran has a weekly called city plus circulated free in different cities of India. It carries a write about me.Ramachander

http://www.jagrancityplus.com/storydetail.aspx?cityid=9&articleid=28597&editionid=152&catgid=21

Steeped in astrology & religion

P R Ramachander

"Astrology plays a very important role in all aspects of one's life, especially in matrimony. Even with modern day changes in perception of what is right and what is wrong, a person (mostly Hindus) regardless of caste and religion casts horoscope of the child, approaches the astrologer when he or his family faces problems, uses the medium of astrology to invoke God's blessings and verifies matching of horoscopes of the bride and the bridegroom before they marry," says P R Ramachander, a retired Principal Scientist and Head of the Division of Statistics of the ICAR research institutes.
Ramachander has been offering free service in matching horoscopes for the last ten years to a large number of people who contact him through e-mail or in person at his residence in Koramangala. Till date, thousands of people from all over the world have availed of his service. Those interested can send their horoscopes to ramya475@hotmail.com and he will reply in a day or two. Even those who like to see him also can fix up an appointment through the same e-mail.
Learning astrology from his father at the suggestion of Murugavel, the owner of Bharath Matrimony, Ramachander started offering services for matching of horoscopes for matrimony as a free service over the internet. His customers are mainly NRIs who find it difficult to find an astrologer and even if they find one, it is also expensive to consult him. Ramachander himself has seen many people struggling and that is why he started this free service.
A Post Graduate in Mathematics, Ramachander hails from Chelakkara, Kerala. He specialised as a biometrical statistician as well as an applied geneticist and served as Head of the Division of four different ICAR research institutes in India as Head of division of Statistics. During his 36 years of service he has written about 150 research papers and three books till he retired in the year 2000.
Besides that, he has played a pivotal role in developing various softwares for the use of horticultural scientists and farmers as well. He was recognised by an institution in England as one of the top scientists of the millennium.
After retirement, he was deeply interested in bringing out the majesty of his religion to the young. As a result, he took up translation of Hindu prayers into English. The result of the work of God, got done through him is this website. So far, he has translated 500 famous "stotras" in Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi into English. Almost all the well-known "stotras" have already been translated.
Besides he has brought to light very many obscure "stotras". You can find them at http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/ Among his translations are also the Bhagawad Gita in English. Many of his translations have been published in book form and many spiritual websites have reproduced his translations. Also he has translated 21 minor Upanishads into English. You can find them athttp://www.celextel.org/ As if that was not enough, he has translated 300 Carnatic music "Krithis" from Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada and Malayalam into English. You can find them athttp://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/gi.htm Yet another hobby of his is writing stories for children with Indian background.
He has rewritten several English rhymes to suit the Indian condition and published two books, one on Rudram and another on Lalitha Sahasranamam. If you want to know all about the 65 village deities of Tamil Nadu, then see http://villagegods.blogspot.com/
He has also written about the temples of Kerala. You can find them athttp://rajathathaskeralatemples.blogspot.com/ You can find many more information in several of his websites and blogs given below:For reading Raja Thatha's 77 Blogs : http://rajathathablog.blogspot.com/
For reading about rules and rituals of Brahmins:
http://brahminrituals.blogspot.com/
For reading stories and rhymes for children:
http://rajathathacorner.awardspace.com/
For reading poems by Ramachander:http://poetrypoem.com/cgibin/index.pl?sitename=ramya475&;item=all
For stories illustrating Malayalam Proverbs: http://keralam.kairaly.net/
Ramachander is not only an astrologer, but he is also a poet. Realising how important proverbs are in our cultural life, he has illustrated 100 Malayalam proverbs with stories and pointed out how these can be used in conversations. Ramachander is now 71 and lives with his partner in life Jayalakshmi who is his inspiration in life.
—Akshaya Deva

A young girl questions the colour phobia of men?

2010-08-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

From Gori chitti to sportscaster

Meera Venkatesan
(She is my daughter. I hope some of you may remember what I wrote long back about the cursed colour differences in India, which is possibly the largest country with people of the largest colour differences. Every male wants a Ghori as a bride ? Is it all right? A female point of view)
A young girl, with evidently little sophistication is quite worried. Her parents are discussing about the boy who is coming to see her next week with a marriage proposal. Her mother’s hopes are low it appears, because of her dusky skinned daughter. Cut to a friend offering her a miracle, “Make yourself fairer ( gori chitti) within a week “( or something like that she says). All you need is this cream applied everyday. The girl and the mother cannot believe their good luck and go on to use the same cream as directed. Hey presto, the dark skinned one is magically fair much to the satisfaction of the boy who comes to see her and much to her mother’s relief.
Anyone who has watched Indian television in the 1980s could not have missed this commercial for a famous fairness cream. As a young girl who believed that she was a feminist and a dusky skinned one at that, this advertisement never failed to irritate me.
Why does someone need to be fair skinned to be liked? And how could a girl offer to white wash herself simply to win the approval of the groom’s family? Many of the advertisements in that era were sadly on those lines. Another classic ad I can remember is that of a worried daughter in law cleaning up her bathroom pending her mother in law’s visit. Interestingly, the people they were projecting( my generation of the young women of India) was surging ahead at that time to unchartered fields and successes. The advertisers seemed to have been clueless of that.
Cut to the present. I happened to see the commercial for the same cream- which it appears has survived the long time. The girl, this time is a wannabe sports caster, a la Mandira Bedi. She is all set to blaze the screen, but the only issue, sigh , again her dusky and lacklustre skin. She is worried, but mama dear is prepared. (Was this the same mama who got married with the help of the cream?). She produces the same with a flourish and viola, beti dear is all fair complexioned and ready to win the world on screen.
A small improvement some may say, but I am truly glad that the era of the submissive females is getting extinguished in the advertisement world at least! A host of feminine products are now sold targeting individual success, growth and confidence. The young girl in Indian commercials need no longer make herself presentable only to impress the man in a bride seeing ceremony. She instead will do this only to achieve her goals. We also see a host of women in different professions in ads, be it a journalist, a model, a sports coach. Of course there is that element of the Barbie syndrome in the ad world where all these ladies in the different walks of life are perfectly turned out without a hair of their head out of place!
Why the fairness factor is still required is beyond my understanding. Perhaps it is soo ingrained in the Indian psyche ( the superiority of the gore log) to be changed. Perhaps, it requires another 20 years to change this perception in Indian advertising!

The Burnt shackles -A short story

2010-08-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Burnt Shackles
A short story by Meera Venkatesan*
Sumi felt the unpleasantly familiar heave of bile from inside. She quickly got up for the fifth time in so many hours and rushed to the restroom. It was as if, something in her interiors was waiting to gush out of her being and expel itself from her. She wished it would happen and provide her relief. But just like the other characters in her life, who controlled her from outside, this inner enemy held her captive from within and refused her freedom.
Sumi quickly locked the toilet door. As she leaned over, she closed her eyes to suppress the images that always rose up with her upheaving. But she could not. As a student of psychology, she should have been quite curious at this inseparable bond between her physiological distress and the images that rose in her mind. They both seemed to draw from one another, exist because of the other. Maybe even this curiosity would have helped to lessen the impact of the torturous frames. But nothing came to her aid. She helplessly watched the rerun for the millionth time, as she retched into the antiseptic office toilet.
“Then why this,” her anguished voice was asking pointing to the growth inside her. “Why this, when you don’t care about me?” She could not bear his silence. But that was because, she had not realised that the response would be beyond her endurance. Now, she knew. Now, she longed for the bliss of ignorance.
A couple of knocks on the door and her friend, Radha’s voice from the other side brought her back. Radha was asking her if she was ok. Sumi nodded her head, as tears choked her throat. As the knock came again, she managed a choked, “Yes”. The interruption helped to stem the torrent in her mind momentarily.
“I think you should go home. You seem worse off today Sumi, “the concerned voice called. Sumi flushed the toilet and stepped out. Radha held her and propelled her to the wash basin in the women’s room.
“You look so pathetic. You should talk to the doctor about this. The nausea should not continue like this into the eighth month. I don’t know why you are being so stubborn,” Radha said bringing her some water.
“Will you Sumi?” her friend was asking. Sumi shut her eyes. She nodded her head in the negative automatically, only half realising that she was responding to something. She was imploding within herself, oblivious to the world beyond her.
“I should talk to your mother. You cannot ignore this you know,” Radha admonished, as if implying that she knew her mother closely. Actually she didn’t and had just met her on one occasion. Radha was just a habitual helper, always willing to share another’s distress and help. But Sumi had always been incapable of sharing her pain.
Sumi managed a wry smile,” You think she doesn’t know?” she whispered. Radha was jolted. She caught Sumi’s hand again and asked in a concerned whisper,” Sumi, Is everything else ok?”
Radha’s mobile intervened to block any explanation that could have managed to slip out. Radha looked at Sumi’s face and then at the number calling on her mobile.” Sorry yaar, I need to take this call. Stay here. I will be back,” she half ordered apologetically moving out of the restroom.
Sumi’s mother, wife of a decorated army officer, was a kind of person that the world thirsted to celebrate as the epitome of patience, dedication and loyalty. She had stood by her husband steadfastly, through the last two years of his comatose existence, on complete life support. She refused to give up even after the doctors did. She believed with an inhuman intensity, that the miracle would happen and her husband would rise again to be with them. She had spent all their savings on his treatment and sold their house for him. Sumi often wondered if her mother had crossed the thin border of sanity. Sumi’s mind wandered to the evening, in her father’s hospital room, a couple of months back.
“Amma, I have decided to leave Bhasker, “Sumi had said abruptly after some small talk. The hum and hiss of the ventilator and the other equipment which were retaining her father in this world soundlessly filled the air. Her father breathed through machines and was fed through them.
“Hush, Sumi, What are you saying? Are you my daughter? Look at me; I have struck through with your dad at his best and worst. Now, you also need to think of the baby,” her mother had admonished her, confident that her daughter was not serious.
Sumi moved over to her mother’s side and put her head on her lap. She pleaded. “That’s different. Father was always loyal to you and he cared for you. My husband is neither. No ma. I cannot stand it any longer. I have made up my mind. I have found a job in Mysore. We can all move there. I will take care of everything, myself, you, appa and the baby. Trust me. “
Sumi had expected sympathy, advice, resistance but not rage from her mother.
Her mother’s face had tightened into a mix of fear and anger. “Sumi, you are so irresponsible. You know your father’s treatment will cost at least 5 times the salary you can get. It is only thanks to Bhaskar that we are pulling along. Which son in law would support the treatment of his in laws like this? He is God to me. If you need to put up with some infidelity for that, can’t you do it? What kind of a daughter are you?” Her mother had shouted, her chest was heaving, her eyes glassy.
A kind of a daughter, who had let her life and hope to be killed to provide the hopeless care for her father, Sumi thought. She said, “Do you want me to die everyday so that you can keep my dead father alive?” The words had slipped inadvertently from her lips. Never before had she faced head on the helplessness that was forcing her to stay in hell for the sake of her father who was medically dead and already there.
“Sumi, How dare you? Your father can hear you. It is my misfortune that I have no sons. I need to depend on this irresponsible daughter. I wish we would both die together one day,” she had shouted shaking with helpless fury. The nurse poked her head in and looked at them both. Sumi’s mother calmed down and turned to adjust her father’s pillow. “Visitor’s time is up, Amma. You need to leave,” she informed them with a smile. Sumi’s mother practically knew everyone in the hospital. She talked to everyone, remembered their birthdays and brought home cooked food for them when she came to visit her husband.
“We will. I just feel like staying with him a moment longer please, beti,” she said smiling at the nurse, addressing her as the daughter. The nurse smiled, nodded at her and turned to look curiously at Sumi and left. No doubt, the bit about the irresponsible daughter had fallen on her ears.
Her mother had turned towards her with trembling lips. The rage was now replaced by utter misery. “Sumi, Please darling. Please wait till your father is better? Whom else can I turn to?” she had wept and dramatically touched Sumi’s feet. Sumi had moved away in shock. Repulsed by her reaction, she had not spoken to her mother since. But she found herself unable to break off either.
The thought of the past episode brought a fresh upheaval in Sumi and she rushed to throw up again. Back in the present, she could hear Radha’s conversation through the slightly open door. Radha seemed to arguing with Shyam, her fiancée on where they would go out for dinner. How lucky some people were, she wondered that they had such trivial matters to argue about! After she was done, she sat down on the restroom floor, too tired to get up and closed her eyes for a minute, willing all her thoughts to go away, to leave her a minute of peace.
Suddenly, she was jolted by loud screams. Had she fallen asleep? What had happened? She tried to get up, but a wave of intense pain in her abdomen racked her forcing her down. “It could not be,” she panicked. It was too soon!
“Fire, fire…. “, came the screams. Footsteps ran randomly everywhere and within minutes, the first hint of smoke reached her nostrils. Was there a fire on their floor? She again tried to push herself up mustering all her strength. Her legs refused to rise. As she tried to coax them up, she froze as screams of anguish reached her ears. “Don’t jump” someone screamed. This was followed by a higher pitched tone of someone in a free fall, from somewhere very near her. Someone had jumped from the window, probably to their death. It sounded like Radha!
Sumi sat there transfixed in shock, as a fresh wave of pain racked her, the pain brought on by the feverish activity of someone trying to break free of the shackles of the mother’s womb. Her child wanted to be free of her, a mother who had never known the true freedom, the kind of freedom the poets sang about, the kind of freedom that the birds in free flight seemed to enjoy.
Sumi had always been bound by invisible shackles. The kind that pulled you and bound you, but were unseen or unfelt. Everyone believed that she was one of those lucky ducks, for whom life had come together in the perfect way. No one had a glimpse of her bondage and her thirst to break free.
A loving but disciplinarian father had run her life like the army, to which he belonged. He had directed her life at every step. He had pushed her to excel in studies, when her interest had been in music. He always made it clear that it was her responsibility not to let him down. She had never dared to. His was a chain of authority and responsibility.
After his serious injury in an army action against the naxalites and subsequent descent into coma, she had seen her mother’s metamorphosis into a woman she hardly knew, with a single point agenda. From then on, her mother ensured that every moment in her life and any money she earned were geared towards her father’s care. Any action to the contrary meant disloyalty for mother. It was her mother who had found the prime catch, her husband. A young, good looking industrialist well placed in life who had promised to support all her father’s expenses with an improbable pretext of supporting an army hero. It was too good to be true. But her mother had not wanted to think twice. Her mother’s were the irons of love and guilt.
Sumi had accepted the marriage as a trade off for her mother’s happiness, and also because she had never known to protest. Even after her husband had told her, that the marriage was mostly an obligation he had accepted for the sake of his rich and controlling mother. His only expectation from her, he had said was complete compliance to his mother’s wishes. He would never step back on his word to support her father if she kept her bargain. She was free, he had said, to live her life otherwise. She had willingly submitted to his indifference. By doing that, she gave in his hands the shackles of deceit and black mail.
The siren of the fire engines was everywhere. It was getting hotter. There was smoke in the bathroom now. Wails and cries were everywhere
“Let us be calm,” someone was saying. That was Raghu, the section manager. “We should gather near the window on the other side, facing the road so that the fire fighters can easily reach us when they come. One of you, please check if someone is in the bathroom or pantry.” People seemed to calm down a bit to this authority.
Sumi tried to shout. Someone made a perfunctory attempt to knock on the door with a feeble, ” Anyone there?” Sumi raised her hand to hit the door from inside. Her child retaliated and brought another wave of pain.
What did it want to do, this devil inside her? Did the baby want to kill her? She had hated her child from the day that she had come to know of the reason for his conception. Now she felt murderous. How could he! This child was becoming the next shackle for her, a handcuff that would chain her to the coffin.
There was a huge crash and gut wrenching screams. A huge ball of light burst bringing light and incredible heat near her. Sumi felt her will and courage melt with the heat. It was hopeless. In the middle of complete despair, her mind started on another path. This was for the best she decided. Her baby was doing the right thing. Why had she wanted to escape? Why had she wanted to return to the world? Her baby was breaking her free. Calmness pushed down the bile, and she in spite of the smoke outside she felt herself fill with free air, with anticipation for her release. Slowly she felt herself slipping into subconsciousness. And for the last time, her half conscious senses began a rerun of that horrendous evening.
“Why this,” she had prodded her husband again and again pointing to the growth inside her. She had just come to know he was continuing his affair, after the marriage. She had accepted that he did not care about her, but it was very painful to tolerate that he cared about someone else. In spite of herself, she found her demanding an explanation from him for the first time after their marriage. Their marriage may have been a sham, but they had lived as man and wife. “If you loved someone else, you could have married her. This child could have been one of love. Why did you fill your indifference in me?”
Finally he had given in.
“Damn it. Listen, if you really want to know. Let me tell you. You will not like it.” He turned and walked away from her breathing heavily. He hissed, ”Because it is not a she. He cannot have my child, a child that my mother insists I should have. ” As she listened stunned, He added as if by way of a logical explanation,” The major share of our family property is still with her”
Even she was not prepared for the revulsion that hit her, the revulsion for every touch, every moment of passion between them, real or otherwise. She screamed a scream of anguish.
“Listen, you won’t do anything crazy like killing yourself, will you? “He had asked quickly, looking truly worried at the prospect.
Those were the last words that echoed in her mind before she slipped off.
She was being carried down. Someone rested her against the walls and splashed water on her face. Her eyes opened slightly to focus on an old wizened face peering at her anxiously. He was wearing the uniform of a fire-fighter. As she opened her eyes slightly, he raised his hands and muttered a prayer.
“Amma, it is God in your tummy. Otherwise, how could you have escaped? Everyone else on your floor is dead. God came to save you.”
She whispered, “Everyone?”
He nodded his head. “You were in the bathroom on the backside of the building. All the others were in the front. A burning beam fell from above.”
Sumi closed her eyes. “Stay here. The doctor will be here. I need to go back. After seeing you, I feel there may be more miracles,” he smiled at her and left.
She turned to look at the building still burning. Tears rolled down for the people she had left behind, the parents, lovers, wives, husbands who had come to work one eventful day, fully expecting to return to their lives. Like her friend, Radha, preparing to out for dinner with her lover. She wished she had taken the place of one of them, wished she was dead instead. As she mechanically groped for her cell phone in her kurtha, to call her family, it struck her. No one knew she was alive. She could simply walk away to find her life, however wretched, but her own.
Was it possible or really was it so impossible? When she left her past, she would also have to leave behind her wealth, her relatives, friends, car, house, her education. What would she do without any of these? All she would have was her child and her courage. It was scary, but at the same time strangely exhilarating.
She pushed herself, and this time her child had cooperated. When she rose, it was with surprising strength. Why had she lived a life of bondage and self sympathy so far? It had taken a catastrophe for her to understand the preciousness of life. She would get her freedom, but not in the way she thought. She would break free not by burning herself but by burning her past. Perhaps, she would come back sometime to revisit these ashes of her past life, but she would return as an unbound soul.
She turned to have one more look before she walked into the free universe leaving behind her a burnt building worth crores, burnt dreams of thousand and the burnt shackles of one woman.
*Meera Venkatesan is my daughter. She would like to know your comments. I think the story is great

Reply to my four mile stones

2010-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Shri Ramachander

Oh Sage !, You have released from the Cage (of printed media) many a Page of our holy scriptures by digitalising it and making it as a Webpage. Truly, the milestones are not made of 'concrete' or 'granite' but of 'diamonds' and 'pearls'.

From Shri Nandu's mail, I came to know about your great achievements. Man, You have truly "lived", and Swami Vivekananda would greatly be proud of you, as according to him : "Those who live for others alone live, the rest are more dead, than alive."

I Salute the thought, (of sharing, all the best with others)

I Salute the Feat, (ala a Bhagirathan),

I Salute the Feet,

and above all

I salute the nimble fingers, which made all this possible.

Such is the composition of great Souls, who position themselves in the service of others, at the appropriate time.

Thanks a million for sharing the compositions of all great works of all ever greats in the 'digital world', for which the whole world is Ever Grateful to you. This again shows what a determined Mind can achieve.

My pranams are also due to your dear Dharmapathni, who permitted you, supported you and made this all possible by maintaining a 'peaceful homefront', for the last 40 years happily with you, true to the role she accepted in your life. You two have given a new meaning to the word 'Together', which is the Key to a successful family life. Kalidasa's opening prayer in one of his great epics poems (Kumarasambhava ?), exemplifying Lord Shiva and Parvathi, starting with वाक् and its inseperable 'अर्थ्", comes to my mind. You two have proved it a fact.

It is all because you had your Priorities right and you treaded a right line. Truly your 'service' is Music to the digital world, going to ever reverberate like all the ever green krithis and keerthanas you have helped translate ad place it on the net. Your site has become a reference point for all the sthothras and is always one and also will remain the only one, which any devotee would like to sight.

May the blessings of the Lord be ever on you and your Great Family, so that you all can continue to bless the humanity in your own great way.

അനന്ത കോടി നമസ്കാരങ്ങളുടന്‍.

Ramu

Prayer to get children in Sanskrit

2010-07-12T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I had recently told about a stotra to get married. I had another great stotra in Malayalam script which would help in
a. To get a childless women to get a child
b, To get a son for a women who has only daughters
c. To prevent frequent abortions leading to childlessness.
This is the great Stotra called “Vamsa Vrudhi karam Durga Kavacham.”. This stotra was taught to Lord Saneeswara by his father Sun.
. Mr.P.R,Chandran has taken great pains to type the stotra in Devanagari Script.
People who are interested in getting it may please write to me at ramya475 at hotmail dot com or MrP.R.Chandran at chandranpr at gmail dot com . With best wishes, Ramachander

Three great mile stones in my life.

2010-07-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

I. The first mile stone is my completing the translation of 500th Stotram, I can publicly confess that I am not a great scholar and whatever I have done is by the express guidance from God. This great collection includes such gems like Bhagavad Gita, SundraKandam of Ramayanam, Devi Mahathmyam, Sri Krishna Karnamrutham ,Three great Sahara Namams(Vishnu, Lalitha and Shiva) The great Abhirami Andhathi from Tamil ,and Jnana Pana of Poonthanam. It also includes great works like Narada Bhakthi Suthra, Yaksha Prasna, Aprakshanubhuthi, Sri Ramo dhantham and so on. I would like to humbly bow before God and tell, “Lord, thank you for using me as your finger for typing in my computer using my fingers.”
II. The second mile stone pertains to my translation of 300 Carnatic music Keetrthanas originally written in five different languages. I am not a musician and not a great pundit in any of the five languages. Here again it is God’s miracle, especially when we take in to consideration the fact that I have completed this stupendous job in a period of just three months.
III. The third mile stone is a personal one. On July 13th I would be completing 40 years of blissful and happy married life with my wife. Taking in to consideration the fact that , it is her love and encouragement that makes me do what I do, I would make her the silent partner of all that I do and achieve. Together we have raised a great son and a great daughter. As on today we have two very great grand daughters and two great grand sons. By modern day standards , we are not rich but both of us think that whatever we have is all that we need. We believe strongly in God and also believe he knows what we need. For the past ten years I have been helping thousands of people all over the world with astrological consultation mainly on matching horoscopes. Several times we were offered huge amounts of money but we both decided that we will not take any money. We do have differences in our likes, dislikes and priorities in life. But very early in married life we decided that these differences would not create even a small ripple in our married life. I am sure that God guides us even here and we both salute him and tell “Sir , a big thank you”, and I would like to say to her , “My wife, I consider you as the greatest blessing Of God to me.”
Ramachander

Sama Veda Upakarma Prayoga for the year 2010

2010-06-27T22:53:00.001-07:00

Sama Veda Upakarma Prayoga for the year 2010
(10-9-2010)
(Compiled by P.R.Ramachander)

In the case of Sama Veda, The upa Karma prayogam is very extensive and differs very much from the Upakarma prayoga of Rig and Yajur Vedis.They always do it in Hastha Nakshtra of the Kanya Masa. It essentially consists of ten steps in the following order

1.Panchagavya sammelanam
2.Snana Mahasankalpam
3.Brahmayagnam
4.Punyaham
5.Rishipooja(Uthsarjan Karma)
6.Deva,rishi, Pithru Tharpanam (264+12)
7.Ghata Poojai
8.Yagnopaveethadhaaranam
9.Vedarambam
10.Kankanadharanam
Naturally these have to be done with the instruction of a Guru but in modern times when people are scattered all over the world and also because well learned Sama Vedi Purohithas are very scarce, many people are forced to do it in their home depending on some handouts. Since most of the above steps are lengthy and involve proper chanting of Sama Veda Mantras,they do only three steps of the above 10. They are

1.Snana maha Sankalpam,
2,Brahma Yagnam
3.Yagnopaveetha dharanam

English is a very inadequate language to type out Sanskrit manthras. But I have made an effort to present the needed mantras for the above steps for the year 2087 because I feel that our youngsters are more at home in English rather than in their mother toungue or Sanskrit. Since I am not a Sama Vedin I depend for the mantras on Book published by C.Sankara TRama Sastri(1956) Sama Veda Upakrama prayoga published by Sri Balamanorama press, Madras. I have also got my typing read through and to certain extent edited by Sri.P.A.Anantharaman.I am grateful to him,

Maha Samkalpam
(10-9-2010)

a.Aachamanam, wear Pavithram.
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jalou ghasya madhye,
Paribrhama maanaanam aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame,avyaktha mahadahankara pruthivya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhii -aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karanda-madale- aadhara sakthi – aadhi koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya uparithale -Sathyadhi loka shadkasya adho bhage, mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, lolaalokachalena parivruthe-dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, lavaneshu suraa sarpee dhadhee dugdha sudhodhakrnavii parivruthe , jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepa dheepithe, Indra dheepa kaseru thamra gabhasthi naga soumya gandharwa chaarana bharathakhya nava gandathmake -Maha meru giri karnakopetha maha saroruhayamana pancha sath koti yojana vistheerna bhoo mandale- sumeru nishadha hemakoota himachala malyavath pariyathraka gandhamadhana kailasa vindhyachaladhi, maha shailadhishtithe, Lavana Samudhra mudhrithe, Bharatha Kimpurusha Hari Ilavrutha Ramyaka Hiranmaya KuruBhadrascha Kethumalakhya nava varshopashobithe, , Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Karma Bhoomou - Swamyavanthii kuru kshethraadhi sama bhoo Madhya rekhaya poorva dig Bhage, Vindhachalasya Dakshina dig Bhage , Dandakaranye , Sakala Jagat Srushta parardha dwaya jeewino Brahmana Pradhame Parardhe Pancha sadhabdhathmike Aatheethe, Dwitheeya parardhe, Panchasadabdhou, Pradhame Varshe, Pradahme mase , Pradhame Pakshe, Pradhame divase, AAhani dwitheeye yame , tritheeye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshuhakheshu, shatsu manusha vyatheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswatha manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, varthamane kali yuge, prathame padhe, , Shalivahana shakabdhe, Chanrda savanna souradhi maana bramithe , prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Vikruthi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Varsha rithou, Simha mase, Shukla pakshe, aadhya tritheeyam * shubha thidou, Brugu vasara yukthayam, hastha ** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam tritheeyam * shubha thidou, Sarva Papa Harana nipuna sri Parameswara preethyartham, Anaadhya vidhyaa vaasanaya pravarthamane , Asmin mahathi Samsara Chakre, Vichithrabh karma gathibhi- vichithrasu yonishu , puna punaranekadha janithwa, Kenaapi punya karma viseshena idhaaneentha maanushye dwija janma visesham prapthavatho mama, iha janmani poorva janmasu maya kruthaanam brahma hathyadhi -swarnaastheya –suraapana- guruthalpagamana,- maha pathaka chathushtaya, vyatheerikthaanaam , thath samsargaanaam, theshaam pathakanaam, nikshipthaya, saranaagathaaya, , pathivruthaya sangama nimithanam, nishidha sashtraabhi gamanaadheenaa, vidwad brahmana pankthi bhedhacharana , vaardhakee -vidhawa vesya vrushalyaadhi samsarga nimithaanaam, balye vaysi kaumare youvane vaardhake, jagrath swapna sushpthyavasthasu, mano vaak kaya karmendriya vyapaarai, jnanendriya vyapaaraischa, samsarga nimithaanaam, bhooyo bhooyo aabhyasthanaam, thathra thathra garbhothpathi nimithanaam, thath saha bhojana thad uchishta bhakshana, aswa yoni, paswadhi yoniretha skhalitha nimithaanam, govadha paswadhi prani vadha nimithaanam, sthree shoodhra vita kshatriya vadha nithaanaam, aayuktha lavana pakvanna madhu ksheera thila thaila maama moola phala ,
saaka raktha vasa suvarna, kambalaadhi vikraya nimithaanaam, aswadhi vahana , ikshu kanda dathana, paraapavaadana, bradhakadhyapana, asad prathi grahana, vrukshschedana, dhaanya roupya pasustheya, vaardushi karana shudhra seva, shudra preshya , heena jathi prathigraha, heena sakhya, pankthi bhedana, paka bhedana, paraa anna bhojana, asachasthra lapa, pramadhi kara, matadhikara, pourohithya, pareeksha paksha pathaka, thatakaarama vikraya, thataka vichedhanadhi sama paathakaanaam, jnantha sakruth kruthaanaam, aajnatha asakruth kruthaanaam, jnanatho aajanathaascha abhyashaanam, athyanthabhyasthaanam, nirantharabhyasthaanaam, sankari karanaanaam, malini karananaam, aapathri karanaanaam, jathi bramsa karanaanam, aavihitha karamaacharana, vihitha karma thyagaadheenaam, prakeernikaanaam upa pathakaanaam, maha pathakaanaam, aathi paathakaanaam, evam navaanam nava vidhaanaam, bahoonaam bahuvidhaanaam sarveshaam papa namapanodhana dwara, aayajya yaajanaasath prathi grahaa bakshya bhakshanaa bhojya bhojanaa peya paanaadhi samastha papa kshyartham,
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumat samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou
Mama samastha papa kshyartha proshta padhyam hastharshe adhya yoth sarjana karmangam maadhyahnika snaanamaham karishye, maadhyahnika snaanamaham karishye.

Aathi kroora maha kaya kalpantha dahanopama,
Bhairavaya namasthubhyam aanugnaam dhathu marhasi.

Durbhojana duraalaapa dush prathigraha sambhavam,
Paapam hara mama kshipram sahyakanye namosthuthe.

Triraathram jahnavi theere pancha rathram thu yaamune,
Sadhya punathu kaaveri papa maamaranthikam.

Ganga gangethi yo brooyaadh yo janaanaam shatai rapi,
Muchyathe sarva paapebhyo Vishnu lokam sa gachathi. (take bath thus)

After bath (Nowadays people only take Sankala Snanam by sprinkling water)

take Pancha Gavyam chanting

Yathavagasthi gatham papam dehe thishtathi maamake,
Praasanam pancha gavyasya dahathwagni rivendanam.

Take bath again, wear dry cloths, put on caste marks, do regular daily duties and then do Brahma Yagna.

*Up to 6.58 AM IST of 10/9/2010 Dwitheeya , afterwards Tritheeya and ** up to 6.11 PM IST is Hastham and then Chithra Nakshatra . .If in any country , you are performing the japam after 6.11 PM IST of 10/9/2010 that ,change Hastham to Chithra but the Upakarmam should be performed before “Hastham “ changes..This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, cutting of tree, spoiling a lake , trading of several banned commodities such as salt , blanket, meat, root , fruit etc, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as a Brahmin.

2.Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhorbavassuva
Om tatsa vithurvarenyam.
Om Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Om Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Dhiyo yona prachodayath

Om Bhoo, Om Bhuva, Om Suva, Om Sathyam,Om Purusha

Om Bhoo, bhoo., hoi bhoo, Hoi bhoo Haa aavu vaa a, suvarjyothi aa

Om Bhuvaa, Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Suvaa , Suva, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Sathyam , Sathyam, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Purushaa , Purusha, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Thatsa vithurvarenyam , bhargo devasya dheemahi, dhiyo yoo na Pracho aa, him , dhayo Aaa aa,

Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Tworje Thwa ,vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na

5. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

6. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”

Devarshi Pithru tharpanam Karishye

9.Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
6.Sarva deva puthaam stharpayami
7.Sarva deva gana puthamstharpayami

10. Do rishi tharpanam(each twice) by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the little finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6.Sarva rishi puthramstharpayami
7.Srava rishi gana puthramstharpayami

11.Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
1.Rig vedam tharpayami
2.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
3. Sama Vedam tharpayami
4. Atharva Vedam tharpayami
5. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami

12.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 13)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger(thrice).
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.Sarva Pithru puthrastharpayami
7.Sarva pithru gana puthraastharpayami
8.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun
13.Put the Yagnopa Vita in the Normal fashion and do Aachamanam

Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.
3.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yagnopavita .

6.Gaayathri japam (25-8-2010)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Vikruthi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Varsha Rithou, Simha mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Soumya vaasara yukthayaam sathabishak ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is up to 11.02 PM IST from 6.26 AM IST of 25/8/2010 .Afterwards chande to Dwitheeyam shubha thidhou
**Shathabishak is up to 12.03 AM on 26/8/2010 IST , afterwards Poorva Proshtapada Nakshatra yukthayam .
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly.

Rig Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2010

2010-06-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

Rig Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2010*

Avani Avittam 23-8-2010(Monday)
(compiled by P.R.Ramachander)

1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yagnopavita .

2.Maha Samkalpam
(23-8-2010 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam*)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , Vikruthi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Varsha rithou, Simha mase, Krishna pakshe, aadhya Chat5hurdasyam * shubha thidou, Indu vasara yukthayam, Sravana nakshatra yukthayam**, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam Chathurdasyam * shubha thidou,
anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi

*Chathurdasi is up to 8.09 PM IST on 23/8/2010 and ** Sravana Nakshatra is up to 6.05 PM IST on 23/8/2010 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after that change Chaturdasyam to Pournamyam and Sravana to Sravishta nakshtra yukthayam.

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as Brahmin.

3.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprikling of water on the head.

4.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

Summary meaning:Tharpanam means really satisfying.By this tharpanam we satisfy the rishi(sages) of Soma(moon), Agni(fire), Viswaan devan(all gods looking after earth), etc.

5.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very diffcult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.
6.Gaayathri japam (25-8-2010)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Vikruthi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Varsha Rithou, Simha mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Soumya vaasara yukthayaam sathabishak ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is up to 11.02 PM IST from 6.26 AM IST of 25/8/2010 .Afterwards chande to Dwitheeyam shubha thidhou
**Shathabishak is up to 12.03 AM on 26/8/2010 IST , afterwards Poorva Proshtapada Nakshatra yukthayam .
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly.

Appendix Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Twoje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
13, Do rishi tharpanam by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the liitle finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham and pour water by towards the left
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards self
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
24. Kalpam tharpayami
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.
Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2010

2010-06-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2010*

Avani Avittam 24-8-2010(Tuesday)
(Compiled by P.R.Ramachander)
1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yasgnopavita .

2.Kamo karshet Japam (24-8-2010 morning)
a.Aaachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo
c.Mamo patha--- Preethyartham
Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya , Pravarthamanasya , Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Vikruthi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Varsha rithou, Simha mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, Bhouma vasara yukthayam, Sravishta** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thidou, taishyaam pournamaasyam* adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara satha samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.
d.Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth namo nama” 108 times
e.Afterwards perform Aachamana and say”Kama manyu upastham karishye” , Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.
*Pournami is till 10.35 PM IST ** Sravishta Nakshatra is up to 9.04 PM IST on 24/8/2010 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after 9.04 PM, change Sraviishta to Sathabhishak nakshtra yukthayam.If you are doing it after 10.35 Pm IST , change also Pornamasyam Shubha Thidhou to Pradhamyam Shubha Thidhou .This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA.This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

Summary meaning:The Brahmin first prays God that the time of doing whatever it may be should become holy and this he is sure is achieved by prayer to God.Then he tells when he is doing this japa, for example which year, which season, which day and so on.And he says that this japa is being done as a repentance for his not perfornming various religious duties during the year that he ought to have performed.The main manthra is a prayer to pardon the lapses which were due to Kama(passion) krodha(anger) and lopa(avarice)

3.Maha Samkalpam
(24-8-2010 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam*)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , Vikruthi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Varsha rithou, Simha mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam* shubha thidou, Bhouma vasara yukthayam, Uthrashada** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam* shubha thidou,
anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi
*Pournami is till 10.35 PM IST ** Sravishta Nakshatra is up to 9.04 PM IST on 24/8/2010 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after 9.04 PM, change Sraviishta to Sathabhishak nakshtra yukthayam.If you are doing it after 10.35 Pm IST , change also Pornamasyam Shubha Thidhou to Pradhamyam Shubha Thidhou .This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA.

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as Brahmin.

4.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprikling of water on the head.

5.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

Summary meaning:Tharpanam means really satisfying.By this tharpanam we satisfy the rishi(sages) of Soma(moon), Agni(fire), Viswaan devan(all gods looking after earth), etc.

5.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very diffcult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.

6.Gaayathri japam (25-8-2010)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Vikruthi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Varsha Rithou, Simha mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Soumya vaasara yukthayaam sathabishak ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is up to 11.02 PM IST from 6.26 AM IST of 25/8/2010 .Afterwards chande to Dwitheeyam shubha thidhou
**Shathabishak is up to 12.03 AM on 26/8/2010 IST , afterwards Poorva Proshtapada Nakshatra yukthayam .
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly.
Appendix Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Twoje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopatha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
13, Do rishi tharpanam by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the liitle finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham and pour water by towards the left
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards self
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
24. Kalpam tharpayami
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.
Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.

People who wants to contact me?

2010-06-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Any one interested in contacting me can do by E-mail
ramya475 at hotmail dot com, Raja Thatha

Enge Brahmanan ?

2010-04-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Enge Brahmanan ?

I am starting with this title fully aware of the fact that this is a title of a serial in Jaya TV which is popular among Brahmins. The first part of the serial ended with a message that Brahmins are no where to be found in this world. This was the only conclusions possible for such a question.. But for some obscure reason , the second part started. This does not even try to remotely answer the question asked. An attempt so far is being made to show that a Brahmachari who follows Vedic rituals is the only Brahmin. Taking in to account the fact that Grahasthas(house holders) are the back bone of the Brahmin society feeding both the Brahmacharis and the Sanyasins, this seems to be a wrong conclusion. In my own way I would like to answer this question.

1. There is a great Upanishad called Vajra Suchi Upanishad which tried to answer this question. The author concluded based on available evidence that a man does not become a Brahmin based on parentage. He quoted umpteen examples , of Brahmins in Puranas, whose mother was not a Brahmin (Veda Vyasa for example) , father was not a Brahmin and either parent was not Brahmins.(For e.g. Agasthya who was born out of a pot) . He concluded that a person becomes a Brahmin only by realization of Brahmam and by his seeking salvation.
2. Manu as well as Chanakya in their well known treatises, tell of several circumstances when a Brahmin becomes a non Brahmin.
3. I have the good fortune to translate the prescribed Aacharas of Brahmins (http://brahminrituals.blogspot.com/ ) . Here one can find a very detailed list of rituals and Aacharas which a Brahmin has to follow. These are extremely difficult to follow even if one devotes all his 24 hours and all the assets to this purpose. But most of us have to earn money to make both ends meet. This is definitely not banned in the Puranas and Vedas. We , in Puranic and Vedic times find Brahmins whose job was not studying Vedas. There were doctors, astrologers . Astronomers, mathematicians , warriors etc among them. Possibly these hobbies(?) were done after they learnt the Vedas by heart. It is interesting to note that learning Vedas by heart and teaching what you have learnt to others was the only thing expected out of a Brahmin. It was not compulsory for them to learn the meaning of Vedas. There were another group of special Brahmins called Sages who were supposed to do this and educate people as to what is written in Vedas. The greatest of them was Veda Vyasa, the Son of Parasra who was born to a Brahmin father and fisher woman mother. These sages were living universities. They were the people who taught economics, warfare , architecture etc to other people. I am sure we do have people who learn Vedas by heart even today as a means of making both ends meet. Most of them do not know anything of the meaning of all that they know by heart. Most of them (I am talking about our Acharyas) have good knowledge of rituals (performance which is their livelihood ) as prescribed in Gruhya Suthras . I have also seen many priests even do not know manthras for some rare Karmas . For example the priest who conducts Avani Avittam, every year , prefers to read the manthra from a book, rather than tell the manthras by heart.
4. All Brahmin grahasthas are supposed to maintain the fire they light on the day of marriage, till their death. In fact their funeral pyre is to be lighted out of this fire. I am not an expert but I feel that as on today, not even one Brahmin among the million Brahmins maintain this type of fire. Then they are supposed to do Agni hothram and worship at dawn, noon and dusk (Sandhya Vandanam). People who do not have father are supposed to do 96 tharpanas in a year,. These tharpanas are supposed to be done after performing Madhayhneeka which is to be performed at noon. At least I do not know any one among my acquaintances who do all these things.
5. There are several taints due to birth and death to be observed in our clan. With scattering of the clan, all over the world and the phenomenal increase in members of the clan, I am not sure whether we ever hear about the birth and deaths in our clan and later observe the taint period. After the purificatory bath of the taint, it is necessary to change the Yagnopaveetha and sprinkle Punyaham in our homes.
6. With family definition becoming as husband and wife and their children and added to the fact that both husband and wife have to be employed to have a fairly decent living, It is almost impossible for the lady of the house not to cook during five days in a month and follow the rules and regulations during the period.. I agree that the percentage who observe this is in the lower end of the two digit figures.
7. I am of the strong opinion that observing rituals is not the sine qua non of a Brahmin. There were many great sages in India who opposed this tooth and nail. According to me , a Brahmin should be a gentleman human being whose heart is full of mercy to all living beings in the world. Apart from this he should make serious attempts to become one with God by methods mentioned in several of the Upanishads. He should eat soft food without Masalas . He should never get angry . He should not have an ego and should not be proud. I am sure such Brahmins exist in this world even today.
Ramachander

My excursions to find out meaning of Carnatic classical music lyrics

2010-04-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

My excursions to find out meaning of Carnatic classical music lyrics

Though my forefathers were musicians, unfortunately I am very ignorant of music. When I was a child, I never understood what is classical music and used to get bored with it. Slowly I developed a taste for this type of music. There was sweetness and discipline in such type of music. But I rarely understood what the musician was singing about except the lines of Pallavi which the musician was singing about. Later I started listening to songs composed by Sage Purandarada in Kannada, Oothukadu Venkata Subbatyar , Gopala Krishna Bharathi and Subrhamanya Bharati in Tamil and Iraviyamman Thampi in Malayalam, The meaning of these songs were very sweet and extremely poetic. Some of these songs brought instant tears in my eyes. But I was told that they were nothing compared to the songs written by the trinity of Carnatic music. Fortunately I had a working knowledge of Telugu. Accidentally I got a book , giving meanings of 67 songs written by the great Balakrishna Sastrigal. I started translating them in to English. Suddenly I started to see why these songs were considered as Good. My translations of these songs can be seen in
http://translationsofsomesongsofcarnticmusic.blogspot.com/
I still miss the great poetic frenzy that I found in the songs written in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. But these songs take you to the acme of devotion.

A parallel Hinduism

2010-04-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

A parallel Hinduism

Being a member of the higher caste who is religious by upbringing, I was always thinking Of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva as the greatest Gods and the four Vedas as the only source book of Hinduism.
When I was a child in Kerala I used to watch with interest the worship offered to Kutti Chathan in my home. A cock was cut and toddy was offered to the God. Al people believed that, if this worship was not done our cattle will suffer and die. I understand there is a temple for this God near Kunnamkulam. Later after very many years, when I was working in the Vittal village of South Canara, I saw thousands of sheep and cock being taken to a place outside the village. Due to curiosity I followed them. Then I was witness of the gruesome ritual of their sacrifice before a tiger statue made of wood. Later I came to know that such worship was prevalent in almost all villages of that district. Later when I was reading about temples of Kerala, I came to know about Parasini Kadavu Muthappan. Toddy and meat was offered to propitiate this God. I was also told that there were many more such temples in Kerala. During my study as well as job in Tamil Nadu, I used to see huge statues of men with protruded teeth as well as big horses before entering any village. When I enquired I was told that they were guardian gods of the village. Recently I decided to study about them and brought several books on these guardian Gods. Most of these Gods are non vegetarian and are offered meat and toddy for worship. Some even offer cigars. The people of the village (including Brahmins) have great faith about these Gods. One of the very orthodox families that I know is offering the first cropped hair of the children to one such God in its native village. I also found that there were very interesting human stories behind each such temple. Some of these Gods used to live in those villagers. Some were thieves and some of them were even robbers. Some of these gods were related by story to the famous Hindu Gods. (read about them in http://villagegods.blogspot.com/).
Most probably such a system of parallel religion exists all over India. Most of the religious people are aware and afraid of these Gods, Why then are we not talking about this parallel religion. Why our Madathipathis, seers and sages never utter a word about them? Do they fear that if these are brought out then our main religion will suffer?

Married sages of India?

2010-03-07T01:34:00.000-08:00

Celibacy and living in a monastery was always strange to Hindu religion. In fact almost all the great sages of Puranas and Vedas are householders. The few exceptions that come to my mind are Narada and Shuka. Among the gods, Ganesa (in south) observes celibacy and Subrahmanya (in north ) observes celibacy and God Ayyappa observes celibacy in Kerala. Ganesa has two wives in North, Subrahmanya has two wives in south and ayyappa has two wives out side Kerala.
Most probably observing celibacy and the monastery system came in to being in India though Buddhism and Jainism . Adhi Shankara who wanted to drive away these religions was the first great sage who observed celibacy and also established monasteries in different parts of India. Later saints followed this trend. So present day people think that to be a Hindu sage , you should never marry and observe celibacy. As explained above this concept was not there in Hinduism.
But in the present day concept clearly believes that a Swamiji (sage) should never marry and observe celibacy. This goes against human nature. Because of this many well known sages who come to the lime light are forced to observe celibacy. A common man believes that if a swamiji , indulges in sex(a very important human activity) he is doing a sin. Swami Poornanda Theertha of Parlikkad Ashram was a Swamiji and decided that he would get married and married his secretary. Similarly a musician Swamiji of the Madhwa mutt decided to get n married and did. At that time this was talked about by public but these people were soon forgotten. Besides this are happenings in Ashrams where the cornered Swamijis indulge in sex with available females secretly. Once this is brought to the knowledge of people, there is a big trouble,. All people talk about these swamijis for some time. The government talks of taking action, their photos are burnt etc.
Is it correct? Should we not go back to Vedic times and have great saints who had a family of their own?

Prayer for cocieving and taking care during prgnancies

2010-02-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

One of the important requirement of a society is the need for bringing up subsequent generations. This would mean producing children and looking after them so that they become the pillars on which the world will depend. Major burden of this aspect of the society is on women. This involves a pregnancy where the mother carries her baby in her womb, delivery involving lot of labour pain, breast feeding the children, providing 24 hours support for these babies till they are able to look after themselves. Though it was easy for me to type the words, I and almost the entire male world, realize the amount of suffering and the great commitment needed too do this job. Yes, there is a joyful bonus. This consists of the immense pleasure that these children give back to their parents especially mother when they are helpless babies. Possibly due to this and definitely due to the responsibility entrusted by the society on them, women yearn to have babies.
Right from the olden days there were a small percentage of women who were not able to bear children, During those times, it was thought that it was her fault, But now we know that the fault may lie in her or her husband. We also know that most of these faults can be cured. It is during the times when the couple are not able to get babies that they approach God. Several Hindu Gods are approached to solve this problem.
The greatest Hindu prayer which helps women conceive is the Vamsa Vrudhikaram Durga Kavacham, In this prayer planet Saturn asks his father the Sun god as to how women who are not able to get children can conceive, Sun god then teaches his son the great prayer. He says to him that this great prayer not only would help barren women conceive but also protect her pregnancy, prevents abortions in the middle, drive away evil spirits that prevent pregnancy etc. It says that women should chant for seven days daily this prayer after the bath after the periods. It is also mentioned that this prayer should be read several times keeping a red thread in front and the thread be worn over the hips by women and such an act would lead to pregnancy. This great prayer with English meaning has been given by me in he web site
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Vamsa_Vrudhi_Kara_Durga_Kavacham
It is not available in Sanskrit or Malayalam or Tamil in the web. I do have a Malayalam printed version with me.
Many of you may not know about a great temple called Thirukarukkavur(the city that protects pregnancies). This small town is near Tanjore of Tamil Nadu. The temple is presided over by Garbha Rakshambikai (The mother who protects pregnancies) . It is believed that “Couples who remain childless for a long time should offer ghee, which will be placed at the Feet of the Goddess charged with manthras and given to them. If the couples eat a little of this Ghee at night daily for 48 days the woman will certainly conceive soon and they will be blessed with children.
Pregnant women expecting deliveries should offer castor oil, which will be placed, at the Feet of Sri Garbharakshambikai, charged with mantras and offered to them. This castor oil has wonderful property. When the women gets the labour pains, this oil should be smeared on their abdomen. This will eliminate all complications, dangers and after effects of deliveries and make the deliveries quite easy” (quoted from http://sukanya-keralaiyer.blogspot.com/2007/09/story-of-goddess-garbharakshambika.html)
Families who get children, take they babies to this temple and put them in a golden cradle in front of the goddess.
Apart from this there is great prayer addressed to this goddess called Garbha Raksha stotram. This has been composed by sage Sounaka, It is believed that by doing the following a safe delivery can be ensured to any woman.
“ Daily sit in front of a photo of Goddess with any small offering(Fruits , milk or any other food article and recite as follows:-
During the second month read the first two slokas 108 times daily,
During the third month read the first three slokas 108 times daily,
During the fourth month read the first four slokas 108 times daily,
During the fifth month read the first five slokas 108 times daily,
During the sixth month read the first six slokas 108 times daily,
During the seventh month read the first seven slokas 108 times daily,
During the eighth month read the first eight slokas 108 times daily,
During the ninth month read all the nine slokas 108 times daily,
It is believed that this would ensure safe delivery.”
The sloka in english along with translation is available in
www.tamilbrahmins.com/.../2762-garbha-raksha-stotram-prayer-safe-delivery.html
There is also a prayer addressed to this goddess composed by SEngalipuram Anantha Rama deekshithar. This great stotra is ab=gain available in English along with meaning in
http://www.celextel.org/stotrasdevi/garbharakshambikastotram.html
The Garbha Raksha Stotram and the Garbha Rakshambika stotram are available with me in Sanskrit (contact me at ramya475 at hotmail dot com)
I have a humble request to all the ladies of India. Those of you who can chant this, please teach these three great stotras to women who want to get children and women who are in the family way. Please encourage them to visit Thirukarukkavur and get the blessings of the Goddess.
I live in Bangalore. If you need any help in learning these stotras , I would be more than willing.

Sanaischara Sthava Raja

2010-02-12T02:14:00.000-08:00

Shanaischara Sthava Raja
(The king of prayers addressed to the slow moving planet)

Translated By
P.R.Ramachander

( This is a rare stotra addressed to Sanaischara (the slow moving planet Saturn.) Apart from having a Kavacha(armour 2-5) as a part of it, it also has the Sani ashtotharam(the 108 names of Sani deva) as a part of it. It indeed is the king of stotras.)

Narada Uvacha:-
Narada said:-

Dhyathava Ganapathim Raja Dharma rajo yudhishtra.
Dheera Shanaischasyeyam chakara Sthavamuthamam. 1

After meditating on Ganapathi, The valorous king Yudhishtra
Told the great prayer addressed to the slow moving Sani.

Shiro may Bhaskari pathu, Bhalam Chaya suthovathu,
Kotraksho drusou pathu Shikhi kanta nibha sruthi. 2

Let my head be protected by son of Sun god,
My hairs be protected by son of Chaya devi,
Let he who has a slanted eyes protect my vision,
And let him , who has a peacock neck protect my voice

Graanam may Bheeshana pathu,mukham bali mukho avathu,
Skandhou samvarthaka pathu, bhujou may bhayodhovathu. 3

Let my power of smell be protected by him who is fierce,
Let my face be protected by the God with a fierce face,
Let my shoulders be protected by he who is the fire of destruction,
Let my hands be protected by he who is fearsome.

Sourir may hrudhayam pathu, nabhim may sanaischarovathu,
Graha Raja katim pathu , sarvatho ravi nandana. 4

Let the son of Sun God protect my heart,
Let my stomach be protected by he who moves slowly,
Let the king of planets protect by hips,
And let the darling son of Sun God protect every thing.

Padhou manda gathi pathu, Krishna pathvaakhilam vapu,
Rakshamethaam paden nithyam Sourer nama balairyutham. 5

Let the slow mover protect my feet,
Let the black one protect the entire body,
Let him who reads this daily be protected,
By the strength of the powerful son ,of Sun God.

Sukhee puthree chirayuscha sa bhaven nathra samsaya,
Souree sanischara krushno neelothphala nibha sani. 6

Without any doubt he would be blessed,
With pleasure as well as children,
By the son of Sun God, the slow moving one,
The black God and the one who resembles a blue lotus.

Shushkodharo, visalaksho, dur nireekshyo, vibeeshana,
Shikhi kanda nibho, neelaschaya hrudaya nandana. 7

He with a thin belly , he who has broad eyes, he who has evil sight,
He who is never afraid, He who resembles a peacock neck,
He who is the darling of the heart of the blue Chaya devi.

Kala drushti kotaraaksha, sthoola roma vali mukha,
Deergha nirmamsa gathrasthu shushko goro Bhayanaka. 8

He who has death look , he who has a crooked look,
He whose face is covered with long hairs
He who is long, he who is without flesh in his body,
He who is thin , he who is fearsome,

Neelamsu krodhano roudhrodeerghasmasru jadadhara,
Mandho mandha dgathi khanjo truptha samvarthako yama. 9

He who is blue , he who is angry , he who is furious ,
He who has greatly farsighted , he who has matted hair,
He who is lazy, he who is slow moving , he who is lame,
He who is satisfied , He who is the destroyer and he who is the controller.

Graha raja karaali cha soorya puthro ravi sasi,
Kujo budajo guru kavyo bhanuja simhika sutha. 10

Kethur devapathi baahu kruthantho nairyashtadja,
SAsi maruth kubherascha , eesaaana sura Athmabhoo, 11

Vishnu haro Ganapathi kumara kama eesawara,
Kartha hartha palayitha, rajyeso rajya dayaka, 12

King of planets, black one , son of sun god ,
The Sun, Moon , Mars ,mercury. Jupiter , venus , Saturn and rahu and Kethu.
The Indra, fire , god of death , Nairyathi.Varuna
Wind god , god of wealth Eesaana and Shiva the soul of earth,
Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya, The God of love
The creator, administrator and destroyer ,
God of all countries, The one who gives kingdom.

Chayasutha Shyamalango Dhana Hartha Dhana Pradha,
Kroora karma vidhatha cha sarva karmavrodhaka. 13

The son of Chaya devi, he who has a black body,
He who destroys wealth, he who grants wealth,
He who does cruel deeds, he who is creator ,
He who is responsible for obstruction of all deeds,

Thushto rushto kama roopa kamadho, Ravi nandana,
Graha peeda hara santho nakshthreso graheswara, 14

He who is satisfied, He who is angry,
He who can take any form, He who is loved,
He who is the son of Sun God,
He who removes, problems created by planets. ,
He who is peaceful,, he who is the lord of stars.
He who is the Lord of all planets.

Sthirasana. Sthgira gathir mahakayo Maha bala,
Maha prabho , maha kaala, kalathma kala kaalaka. 15

He who is firmly seated, He who has a firm path,
He who has great body , He who has great strength,
He who is the great Lord. He who is the great God of death,
He who is personification of time, He who is God of death over time.

Adithya bhaya datha, cha mruthyradhithya nandana,
SAthabhiruksha dayitha, tryodhasi thidhi Priya. 16

He who gives protection of the Sun God,
He who is the son of Sun God controlling death,
He who is hundred times more angry, He who likes Thryodasi,*
*The 13th crescent of moon

Thitjyayathmaka sthira gano nakshatra gana nayaka,
Yoga rasir muhrthathma Kartha dina pathi Prabhu. 17

The soul of the crescent days, the leader of the groups of stars,
The soul of good times based on yoga and rasi, the doer,
The lord who is the chief of days.

Sami pushpa Priya shyama thrai lokya bhaya dhayaka,
Neela vaasa Kriya sindhur neelanchana chaya cchavi. 18

He who likes Sami* flowers, He who is black,
He who is fearsome in the three worlds,
He who lives in blue surroundings , he who is like the ocean of action,
He who is bluish black colour for those who observe.
* A tree of arid lands believed to contain fire

Sarva roga haro deva sidho deva gana sthutha,
Ashtothara satham naamnaam Sureschaya suthasya ya. 19

The God who cures all diseases. He who is God, He who is divine ,
He who is praised by groups of devas,
These are the one hundred and eight names of the son of Sun God and Chaya devi.

Paden nithyam thasya peeda samastha nasyathi dhurvam,
Kruthwa pooja paden marthyo Bhakthiman ya sthavam sthadhaa. 20

It is for sure all the troubles will go away if this is read daily,
And those devotees who read and worship with this prayer daily,

Viseshatha sani dine peeda thasya vinasyathi,
Jama lagne sthithir vapi Gochare Kroora rasige, 21

Especially during Saturdays would get cured of all their problems,
Even though Saturn is in their janama lagna,
Or travels in cruel rasis during its sojourn.

Dasasu cha gathe souro thadha sthavam imam padeth,
Poojayithya sanim bhakthya Sami pushpa akshatham barai. 22

When they undergoing the dasa of Sani, this prayer should be read,
And Lord Sani worshipped with devotion using ,
The flowers of Sami, dried rice and with cloth.

Vidhaya loha prathimaam naro Dukhadhi muchyathe ,
Badhaa yaa anya grahaanam cha ya pade thasya nasyathi. 23

By consecrating a metal statue of Sani they would get rid of all sorrow,
And even the problem is caused by other planets,
By reading this prayer those problems would also get destroyed.

Bheetho bhayaad vimuchyathe Badho muchyathe bandanath,
Rogi rogad vimuchyathe nara sthavam imam padeth,
Puthravaan, Dhanavaan srimaan Jayathe nathra samsaya, 24

The one affected with fear would get rid of it,
The one imprisoned would gain his freedom,
The sick man would come out of his sickness,
By reading this prayer with devotion, and without any doubt
He would be blessed with children wealth and luck

Narada Uvacha:-
Narada said:-

Sthavam nisamya Parthasya prathyaksho booth sanaischara,
Dathwa ragno vara kamam Saniswanthardathe thadha, 25

Hearing the Stotra by Yudhishtra the slow moving God appeared before him,
And granted the king of his desires and Sani vanished from there.
Yudhishta also is son of Kunthi (Prathu) and can be
Called Partha.

Ithi Sri Bhavishya purane Sanaischara sthava Raja SAmpoornam

Thus the king of prayers addressed to the slow moving God which occurs
in Bhavishya Purana (Epic of the future) comes to an end.

Sakalakala valli malai (Tamil)

2010-02-12T02:13:00.000-08:00

Sakalakala valli malai
(The garland of prayers to the Goddess of all arts)

By
Swamy Kumaraguruparar,

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(Here is a great prayer addressed to Saraswathi , the goddess of learning. It is composed by the great saint Kumara guru parar, of the Tamil Saivite tradition. In his quest to popularize the great philosophical implications of Tamil Saivism, this saint reached Benares. To establish an Ashram there as well as to look after the great Kedareswarar temple in Benares, he had to talk to DARA, the moghul prince. It seems he sung this great prayer addressed to Goddess Saraswathi and went to meet DARA on a lion.He ultimately got what he wanted and the ashram he established still manages the great Kedareswarar temple in Benares, His detailed life history can be found in
http://www.shaivam.org/ad_kumaraguruparar.htm). The tamil text and explanation is given in http://www.mayyam.com/hub/viewtopic.php?t=10418)

Ven thamaraiku andri nin padam thaanga , yen vellai ullam,
Than thamaraikku thkaathu kolo , chakam ezhum alithu,
Undan uranga ozhithaan pithaaga undakum vannam,
Kandaan Chuvai kol karumbhe , sakala kala valliye. 1

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
And oh Sugarcane to the four faced God
When Lord Vishnu who protected the seven worlds,
During the deluge slept and when Lord Shiva was danced wildly,
Can my white heart which is like the cool lotus not support your feet,
Instead of the white lotus on which it usually rests?

Naadum porut chuvai , chor chuvai thoy thara naar kaviyum,
Padum paniyil paninthu arulvay, pangaya aasanathil,
Koodum pasum por kodiye , kana thana kundrum iympaal,
Kadum chumakkum karumbe , sakalakalavalliye. 2

Oh tender golden climber resting on a seat of lotus,
Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh sugarcane who carries her hill like breasts,
And forest like hair which is made up in five pleats,
Please shower your grace to help me in singing a song,
In which I seek tasty meaning and tasty words in four types of poems*
*AAsu kavi-That which is sung immediately. Madhura kavi- musical poem with
Sweet meaning, Chithira kavi- A poem with arrangement of pretty words as
If it is a picture, Vithara kavi-poem of different formulations.

Alikkum chenthamizh thel amudhu aarndhu , un arut kadalil,
Kulikkum padikku , yendru koodum kolo , ulam kondu thelli,
Thelikkum panuval pulavor kavi mazhai chintha kkandu,
Kalikkum kalapa mayile , Sakalakalavalliye. 3

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh peacock who dances with fully open feathers, on seeing,
The great poets spray slowly the rain of poems with their mind,
When I would be able to take bath in the sea of your grace,
Of pure Tamil and drink it after understanding it like nectar.

Thookkum panuval thurai thoyndha kalviyum , chor chuvai thoy,
Vakkum peruga panithu arulvay vada nool kadalum,
Thekkum chezhunthamizh cchelvamum thondar chennavil nindru ,
Kaakum karunai kkadale , sakalakala valliye. 4

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh ocean of mercy who stands on the red toungue of devotees,
And protects the sea of books of Sanskrit and the wealth of the great Tamil,
Please grant me words tinged with taste of words and the knowledge,
Which is got by judging ,the greatness of books from different subjects.

Panjappu idham tharum cheyya porpada pangeruham yen,
Nenja thadathu alarathathu yenne neduthaal kamalathu,
Anja thuvasam uyarndhon chennauvum agamum vellai,
Kanja thavisu othirundhaay, sakalakalavalliye. 5

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh Goddess who sits on a lotus as well as the red toungue of Lord Brahma,
Who himself sits on a lotus flower with a long stalk and having a flag of swan,
Why is it that the lotus flower of your golden feet which are,
As pretty in the redness like the red cotton, does not open in my heart.

Pannum bharathamum kalviyum , theenchol panuvalum , yaan,
Yennum pozhuthu yelithu yedhanalkay , ezhutha marayum,
Vinnum puviyum punalum kanalum vengaalum anbar,
Kannum karuthum nirainthay , sakalakala valliye. 6

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Who is spread in sky, earth , water, fire , wind, Vedas,
As well as in the eyes and thoughts of your devotees,
Please grant me skills of Tamil poetry , dance , knowledge,
And sweet Tamil poems , as and when I wish in an easy manner.

Pattum porulum porulaal porunthum yen paal,
Kootom padi nin kadaikkan nalgay , ulam kondu thondar,
Theetum kalai thamizh theempaal amudham thelikkum vannam,
Kaattum vel othimappete , sakalakala valliye. 7

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh white swan who shows very clearly
The sweet milk nectar like creations in Tamil of your devotees,
Give me your side long glance so the song and its meaning,
As well as the use of this meaning to all becomes a part of me.

Cholvir panamum , avadhanamum kalvi cholla valla,
Nal vithayum thandhu adimai kolvay , nalini Aasanam cher,
Chelvikku arithu yendru oru kaalamum chidayamai nalgum,
Kalvi pperum chelva pere, sakalakala valliye. 8

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh treasure of the gift of knowledge which is never perishable ,
Given to me because it is impossible for Goddess Lakshmi sitting on a lotus to give it,
Make me your own slave by giving me expertise in words,
Multiple knowledge skills and the capacity to transfer my knowledge to others.

Chorkkum porutkkum uyiraam mey jnanathil thotham yenna,
Nirkindra ninnai ninaippavar yaar nilam thoy puzhai kkai,
Nargum charthin pidiyodu arasu annam nana nadai,
Karkkum paadambuyathaale, sakalakala valliye. 9

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Oh goddess who with her lotus like feet , learns to walk,
Along with the she elephant which has a long trunk touching the earth,
And the royal swan and make both of them became ashamed,
Which person is that intelligent so that . he can think about you,
And has the real wisdom, which is the soul of the words and their meaning.

Man kanda ven kudai keezhaaga , mer ppatta mannaum yen,
Pan kanda alavil paniya cheyvay, padaippon mudalaam,
Vin kanda deivam pala kodi undenum , vilimbil unai pol,
Kan kanda deivam ulatho , sakalakala valliye. 10

Oh goddess who is an expert in all the arts,
Though the world has millions of gods starting like Lord Brahma,
In the heavens , is there any other visible God who is like you,
And so please all the kings who rule this earth under a white umbrella,
Bow before me , as soon as they hear my poems.

Maha Lakshmi Sthavam

2010-02-12T02:10:00.000-08:00

Sri Maha Lakshmi sthavam
(The poem of praise on Mahalakshmi)

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander

( This is a rare stotra on Maha Lakshmi and was found in a Malayalam book published Reddiar press , Trivandrum in the year 1939. The book was edited by Brahma sri Vittala sasthrigal. Except for this small book, I have not been able to get reference to this great prayer. From the nyasa slokas, it is obvious that it was initially recited by sage Narada. Another very interesting fact about this book is that the famous Mahalakshmi Ashtakam occurs as a part of this great stotra(slokas 43-50))

Om asya Sri Maha Lakshmi Maha manthrasya Narada Rishi , Devi Gayathri chanda Sri Mahalakshmir devatha , Sreem Bheejam, Hreem Shakthi, Kleem Keelakam , Mamopartha Sarva duritha upasamartham , SArvbheeshta sidhyartham , Maha Lakshmi sthava japam karishye, SRaam ithyadshi Shadangam. Bhoorbhuvaswarom ithi Dig Bandha.

Om for the great chant on Mahalakshmi , the sage is Narada, The meter is devi Gayathri, The goddess addressed is Mahalakshmi , the root is sreem, the power is hreem, the nail is kleem,
This Mahalakshmi sthava is being chanted by me for getting wealth and putting down all my sufferings and fulfillment of all my wishes. Do touch the six parts by the ma
manthra sraam. Let all the world be tied so that I can chant this manthra.

Adha Dhyaanam
Now prayer

Sarasijanilaye Saroja hasthe ,
Dhavala tharamsuka gandha malya shobhe,
Bhagawathi hari vallabhe manogne,
Tribhuvanabhoothikari praseedha mahyam.

Please become kind to me, oh Goddess who lives allover the three worlds,
Who lives on the lotus flower, who holds the lotus flower,
Who shines in the white flower and sandal made garland ,
Who is the goddess, Who is the consort of Hari andwho steals our mind.

Yaa saa padmasanastha vipula kati thati padma pathrayathakshi,
Gambheeravartha nabhisthanabhara namnitha, Shubra vasthrothareeya,
Lakshmeer divyai gajendrai mani gana Khachithai sthaapitha hema kumbhai,
Rnithyam saa padma hasthaa mama vasathu gruhe SArva Mangalya yuktha.

Please daily live in the home that I am living , Oh Goddess with lotus in hand,
Oh Goddess who has everything good, , Who sits on a lotus flower,
Who has broad hips, who has eyes like lotus leaf, whose mien in regal,
Whose belly is bent due to her breasts, Who wears clean cloths,
Who is Goddess Lakshmi and who is accompanied by divine elephants ,
Which carry golden pots decorated by hoards of precious stones

Sarva mangala mangalye ,
Shive Sarvartha sadhake ,
SAranye thrayambike Devi,
Narayani namosthuthe.

My salutations to the goddess Narayani,
Who blesses with all that are good,
Who is peaceful , who leads to all type of wealth,
Who can be relied upon, who is the triumvirate of Goddesses.

Om Maha Lakshmyai nama
Om Salutations to the great Lakshmi.

Sarva mangala mangalye ,
Shive Sarvartha sadhake ,
SAranye thrayambike Devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 1

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who blesses with all that are good,
Who is peaceful , who leads to all type of wealth,
Who can be relied upon, who is the triumvirate of Goddesses.

Narayani, maha maye ,
Kouseyambara dharini,
Padma hasthe, Padma nayane,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 2

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the shakthi aspect of Narayana,
Who is the great enchantress,
Who wears silks made of grass,
Who has lotus in her hands ,
And who has lotus like eyes.

Udhyacchaatharka sadrushee,
Pasangusa varayudhe,
Varabhaya kare devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 3

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who resembles the sun who is about to rise,
Who has rope and goad as her weapons,
And who is the goddess who gives boons as well as protection.

Dhyeye vidheesa vinuthe,
Paramange cha samsthidhe,
Kouseya peetha vasane,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 4

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who can be meditated upon, who is praised by Lord Brahma,
Who exists in all divine limbs,
And who wears cloth made of grass.

Janithri sarva lokaanaam ,
SArva deva namaskruthe,
Padma dwaya kare devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 5

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the mother of all the worlds,
Who is being saluted by all devas,
And who has lotus flower in both her hands,

Shuddhajaambunadha kare,
Thejo rope, vara pradhe,
Peethambara dhare devi ,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 6

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who looks like hundred percent pure gold,
Who has shining form, Who grants boons,
And who is the goddess wearing yellow silk.

Aadhyashakthe , sarva moorthe,
Vishnu vamanga samsthithe,
SArva bhooshojjwale devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 7

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the primeval force, who is of all forms,
Who is situated in the left side of Lord Vishnu,
And who shines wearing all ornaments.

Srimath soubhagya dhayini,
Rathna kankana shobhini,
Rathna kumbha dhare devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 8

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the giver of all luck to rich people,
Who shines in her gem studded bangles,
And who holds a pot filled with gems.

Vignana roope , Sukhadhe,
Sarva kalyani karinee,
Sarva soubhgyadhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 6

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the form of knowledge, who grants pleasure,
Who is the cause of all good events of life,
And who grants one all sorts of luck.

Sanathani , sadanande,
Sanakadhayaapi sthuthe,
Sarva swaroope, Sarvese,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 7

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is forever, who is always happy,
Who is praised by sages like Sanaka,
Who is all forms and who is the goddess of all.

Vichithra vag bhoothikari,
Vichithraakara roopini,
Vichithra mahime devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 8

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is capable of several types of words,
Who is capable of taking various different forms,
And who has strange powers and fame.

Anantha kalyana nidhe,
Ananthasana samsthithe,
Ananthathalpa sayane,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 9

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the treasure of endless good things,
Who sits on the seat made by Adhisesha,
And who sleeps also on the bed of Adhisesha.

Viswaroope, viswakaye,
Viswambhara vara priye,
Viswambharadhaara bhoothe,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 8

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the form of universe, whose body is the universe,
Who likes the boons given by Lord Vishnu who is dressed in universe,
And who is the real basis that gives support to Lord Vishnu.

Padmasane, Padma ooru,
Padmakshee padma sambhave,
Padmanabha priye devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 9

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who sits on lotus, who has thighs as soft as lotus,
Who has eyes like lotus, Who was born out of a lotus,
And who is the goddess dear to the God with lotus on his belly.*
*Lord Vishnu

Daridrya dukha samani,
Deenarthi chedha kaarini,
Karunamasruna drushti,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 10

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who brings down the sorrow of poverty,
Who cuts the pain of being very oppressed,
And who has a sight which is drenched in mercy.

Saranaptha parithraane,
Saranagatha vathsale,
Sri pushti keerthidhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 11

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who looks after devotees who surrender to her,
Who likes a lot , those who surrender to her,
And who is the goddess with a nourishing fame.

Sarva durithopa samani,
Sarva dukha vinasini,
Sarva sapath pradhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 12

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who solves all sort of misfortunes,
Who destroys all types of sorrows,
And who blesses with all type of wealth.

Sarnagatha deenartha,
Parithrana paarayane,
Sarvasyarthi hare devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 13

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who takes care of those who surrender,
Those who are oppressed and are poor,
And who destroys all avarice.

Sasi shekhara samsthaane,
Kamaneeya gunasraye,
Dhana dhanya pradhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 14

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is blessed with attractive qualities,
From the place where the moon was born,
And the goddess who blesses us with wealth and grains.

Ksheera sagara sambhoothe,
Rajani kara sosharee,
Raja rajarchithe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 15

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who was born out of the ocean of milk,
Who is the sister of the Moon God,
And who is worshipped by kings of kings.

Mahavidhye, maha maye,
Maha bhaya nivarini,
Maha vani, Maha Kali,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 16

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is great knowledge and a great enchantress,
Who cures great fears,
Who is great Saraswathi and great Durga.

Maharathyai maha shakthyai,
Mahamathyai namo nama,
Maha varaha vibhave ,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 17

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Salutations to the greatly valorous Goddess,
Who is greatly powerful and greatly wise,
And who has all great qualities of the great Varaha.

Madhu kaidaba vidhrave,
Madhu soodhana vallabhe,
Madhu masa priye devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 18

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who killed the Ogres called Madhu and Kaidabha.
Who is the consort of Lord Vishnu,
And who likes the honey moon month.

Sasurasura gandharva,
Poojithe paramasane,
Sarva dushta thamo hanthri,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 19

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is being worshipped by,
Devas, Asuras and Gandharwas,
And who kills all bad people as well as dark forces.

Shubha lakshana samyukthe,
Shubha lakshana lakshithe,
Shubha samprapthi karini.
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 20

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi

Durgasura prana hanthri,
Durga durgathi bhanjane,
Durgarthi bhanjane durge,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 21

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who takes away the life of terrible Asuras,
Who can break great forts on the mountain,
And who puts an end to great avarice.

Kala Rathri, maha maaye,
Kala thraya swaroopini,
Kalakala priye devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 22

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the endless night , who is greatest enchantress,
Who is the form of past, present and future times,
And who likes Lord Shiva, who is the killer of death.

Puru hootha priye devi,
Puruhoothnuja priye,
Purushartha pradhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 23

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is dear to very large number of people,
Who is dear to Indra the god of devas,
And who is the one who grants fulfillment in life

Vishnu vaksha sthale samsthe,
Viswa vyapi swaroopini,
Viswaloka priye devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 24

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is situated on the chest of Lord Vishnu,
Who has a form that pervades all over the world,
And the Goddess who is liked by all beings of the world.

Gunathrayasya janani,
Gunathraya vidhayini,
Guna thraya vivekagne,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 25

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the mother of the three types of characters,
Who is the one who set rules for the three types of characters,
And who is the one who knows the three types of characters.

Gowri , Godavari, Gange,
Gomathi bindu vasini,
Jatile Chandike Brahmi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 26

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is Parvathi, Godavari and Ganges
Who is Gomathi , Who is Bindu vasini,
Who wears matted hair, Who is Chandika and Who is Brahmi.

Narayani, nadha roope,
Chanchale , danda dharini,
Bhadre, nidhre, vaishnaveethi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 27

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is Narayani, Who is the form of music,
Who is always changing , Who is the one who holds the stick,
Who is safety, who is sleep and Who is Vaishnvee.

Vame balahake devi,
Veda vedye vara pradhe,
Saraswathi, vega vathi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 28

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the left cloud appearing at time of destruction,
Who is praised by Vedas, Who is the giver of boons,
Who is Saraswathi and who is river vegha vathi.

Bhoothidhe smruthi roopese,
Sithe medhe cha vamane,
Droupadi , rathna makute,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 29

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is in all beings , who is the form of Vedas,
Who is moonlight, who is intelligent, who is short,
Who is Panchali and who wears a jeweled crown.

Rathna malye , sudha dhare,
Sri devi , sagarathmaje,
Madhavi , madhura nadhe,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 30

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who wears garland of jewels, who is like a shower of nectar,
Who is goddess sri, who is the daughter of ocean,
Who is creeper of pretty flowers and who has very sweet voice.

Kalindhi, kamuke , kali,
Makarandhe , madhalase,
Varuni , vighna samani,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 31

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the black river, who is the lover, who is Kali,
Who is the pollen, who is exuberant,
Who is female form of god of the sea and one who clears obstacles.

Deva dhoothi, maha bhoothe,
Papa nasini, bharathi,
Hemambhujasane devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 32

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshi,
Who send devas as emissary , who is a great being,
Who destroys sins , Who is Bharathi,
And he one who sits on a golden lotus.

Padma sadmadhibhi vandhye,
Padma pathrayathekshane,
Bharghavi , bhagya janani,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 33

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the one worshipped by Brahma and others,
Who is the one having eyes like lotus leaf,
Who is the daughter of Bhrugu sage and the one who grants luck.

Nama kamala vasinyai,
Narayanyai namo nama,
Krishna priyayai sathatham ,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 34

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is always the darling of Krishna.
Salutations to her who lives in lotus flower,
And salutation and salutations to Narayani.

Padma pithra visalakshi,
Padma raga sama prabhe,
Maha padma nidhe, devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 35

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who has broad eyes like the lotus leaf,
Who has similar dazzling shine like Padma Ragha gem,
And who is the goddess, the treasure of lotus flower.

Sarva sampath swaroopinyai,
Sarvaradhyai namo nama,
Hari bhakthi pradhe, devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 36

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the form of all types of wealth,
Salutations and Salutations to her who is worshipped by all,
And to her who leads to the devotion to lord Hari.

Krishna vaksha sthithe , krishne,
Krishna varna prashobhithe,
Poorna chandra prabhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 37

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is black, lives on the chest of Krishna,
Shines gloriously in black colour,
And also shines like a full moon.

Sarva sampth adhishtathri,
Yasodha Garbha sambhave,
Shobhane , sarva rathadye,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 38

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the master of all wealth,
Who was born as a child to Yasodha,
Who causes only good and who wears all types of gems.

Namo vrudhi swaroopayai,
Maha devyai namo nama,
Swarga Lakshmi, Raja Lakshmi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 39

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
To the Lakshmi of heaven as well as the state,
SAlutaytions to her who is the form of growth,
Salutations and salutations to the great goddess.

Sarvadhare Vishnu roope,
Shudha sathwa swaroopini,
Narayana pare devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 40

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the basis of everything, Who has the form of Vishnu,
Who is the personification of the truth of nectar,
And is the goddess who is above Lord Narayana.

Hiranya varne , harini,
Swarna rajathasraje,
Chandre hiranmayi Lakshmi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 41

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is of the golden colour , Who is like a female deer,
Who gives out gold and silver,
Who is like moon and the Lakshmi who is golden.

Vishnor manonukoolini,
Vishnu padopajeevini,
Vishnu pathni , Vishnu maye,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 42

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who sides with the mind of Lord Vishnu,
Who lives under the feet of Lord Vishnu,
Who is wife of Vishnu and who is divine Vishnu illusion.

Namosthesthu Maha Maye,
Sree peede, sura poojithe,
Sanka , chakra, Gadha hasthe,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 43

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the great enchantress,
Who lives in riches,
Who is worshipped by Gods,
And who has conch, wheel and mace in her hands.

Namasthe garudarude,
Kolasura bhayam kari,
Sarva papa hare , devi,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 44

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Who rides on an eagle,
Who created fear to Kolasura,
And is the goddess who can destroy all sins

Sarvagne Sarva varadhe,
Sarva dushta Bhayam karee,
Sarva dukha hare, devi,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 45

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Who knows everything,
Who can grant any thing,
Who appears fearsome to bad people,
And is the goddess who can destroy all sorrows.

Sidhi budhi pradhe devi,
Bhakthi mukthi pradayinee,
Manthra moorthe , sada devi,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 46

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who grants intelligence and occult powers,
Who grants devotion to God and salvation,
Who can be personified by holy chants,
And who is Goddess for ever.

Adhyantha rahithe , devi,
Adhi Shakthi maheswari,
Yogaje yoga sambhoothe,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 47

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Who neither has an end nor beginning,
Who is the primeval power,
Who is the greates Goddess,
Who is born out of hard penance,
And who can be personified by meditation.

Sthoola Sukshma maha roudhre,
Maha Shakthi Maho dhare,
Maha papa hare devi,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 48

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is micro and also gross,
Who is most fearsome ,
Who is the greatest strength,
Who within her holds the worlds,
And is the Goddess who can destroy sins.

Padmasana sthithe, devi,
Para brahma swaroopini,
Para mesi, jagan matha,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 49

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who is the goddess who has the seat of Lotus,
Who is the personification of the ultimate truth,
Who is Goddess of all,
And who is the mother of all the worlds.

Swethambara dhare, devi,
Nanalankara bhooshithe,
Jagat sthithe, jagad vandhye,
Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe. 50

My salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Who wears white cloth,
Who wears variety of ornaments,
Who is everywhere in the world,
And who is being saluted by all the worlds.

Namasthe Bhagawathyamba ,
Kshamaa sheele, parath pare,
Shudha sathwa swaroopayai,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 51

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the form of nectar like purity,
Salutations to the divine mother,
Who is patient and more divine than the divine.

Upame sarva sadhweenaam,
Kopadhi pari varjithe,
Devinaam devi sampoojye,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 52

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is worshipped by all goddesses,
Who is compared to purest of the women,
And who has forsaken bad qualities like anger.

Sarva jayadhe devi,
Sarva shathru bhayapahe,
Sarvabheeshta pradhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 53

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the goddess who fulfills all wishes,
Who is the goddess who wins over everybody,
And who is feared by all her enemies.

Sarveshaam parama matha,
Sarva bhandhawa roopini,
Chathur varga pradhe,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 54

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who gives all to the four fold communities,
Who is the mother of every one,
And who is the relative of every one.

Haarike vipadhaam rase,
Harsha mangala dhayike,
Chandike , mangala devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 55

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who belongs to Hari and is help during calamities,
Who grants joy full good things,
Who is the killer of Chanda,
And is the goddess of all that is good.

Mangale cha mangalagni,
Sarva mangala mangale,
Satha mangaladhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 56

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is good and the fire the results in good,
Who is the goodness of all that is good,
And who is always and forever good.

Mangaladhishithe devi,
Mangalaanaam cha mangale.,
Samsara mangaladhare,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 57

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is based only on good happenings,
Who is best among al that is good,
And who is the entire basis of goodness in life.

Saramsa mangaladhare,
Saraasara vivechani,
Poojye , sukhapradhe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 58

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the summary of the basis of good,
Who classifies meaning and meaningless events,
Who is worshipful and the Goddess granting pleaure.

Yama loka bhava karthri,
Yama poojye , yamagraje,
Yama nigraha roopayai,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 59

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who sets the attitude towards land after death,
Who is worshipped by God of death,
Who is the elder sister of Yama,
And who has a form that kills Yama.

SAma swabhave sarvesi,
Sarva sanga vivarjithe,
Karunya vigrahe devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 60

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who behaves always equitably,
Who goes away from all company,
And who is the epitome of mercy.

Kankala kroora kamakshi,
Meenakshi karma bhedini,
Madhurya roopa sheelaya,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 61

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is Kamakshi , who is the cruel kankali,
Who is Meenakshi who fulfills all acts,
And one who is sweet by her nature.

Maha manthra vathee, manthra,
Gamye , manthra priyankari,
Manushya manasa gamye,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 62

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who has a great mantra with her,
Who goes along with the chant of mantra,
Who is the goddess who likes mantra,
And in whom man’s mind is attracted.

Aswatha vata nimbhaadhi,
Vruksha raja swaroopini,
Sarva vruksha aadhara bhoothe,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 63

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is banyan, fig and trees,
Who has the form of the king of trees,
And who is the support for all trees.

Dakshinya karunaa roope,
Dakshina murthy vallabhe,
Daksha yagna vinasinyai,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 64

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who has the form of benevolent mercy,
Who is the consort of Dakshinamurthy,
And who destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha.

Achinthya lakshane, avyakthe,
Ardha mathre maheswari,
Amrutharnava madhyasthe,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 65

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Whose perfection is beyond thoughts,
Who is not very clear, who is the great goddess,
Of the half letter and who was the mediator,
In the problem of sharing the nectar.

Chathu Sashti kala vidhye,
Chathu Sashti kalathmike,
Chathu Sashti kala poojye,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 66

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the sixty four arts,
Who is the soul of sixty four arts,
And who is worshipped by sixty four arts.

Kala Shodasa sampoorne,
Kala kaashtadhi roopini,
Kala kalathmike devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 67

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is the fulfillment of sixteen arts,
Who is the form of arts and sculpture,
And who is the goddess who is the soul of all arts.

Thuladi kananoth bhoothe,
Thulasi vana charini,
Thulasi dhama rasike,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 68

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who was born in the forest of ocimum,
Who walks about in the forest of ocimum,
And who enjoys living amidst ociumum.

Panchasatha varna sarvange,
Panchasad varna roopini,
Pancha thathwathmike devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 69

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who has fifty colours in her body,
Who has the form with fifty colours,
And who is the goddess with five principles.

Sarva papa prasamani,
Sarvapadwi nivarini,
Sarveswarya priye devi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 70

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who destroys all sins committed,
Who saves from all dangers,
And who is dear to the God of all.

Parmathma priye devi,
Paramathma swaroopini,
Para paraika rasike,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 71

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
Who is dear to the divine God,
Who is the form of the divine soul,
And who is the admire of the divine form.

Maha Lakshmi sthavam punyam,
Ya padeth bhakthiman nara,
Sarva sidhimavapnothi,
Mahalakshmi namosthuthe. 72

My salutations to the goddess Mahalakshmi
The devoted man who reads this,
Holy prayer to Goddess Mahalakshmi,
Would make his own all the divine powers.

Abharyo labhathe bhaaryam,
Vineetham sasutham satheem,
Susheelaam sundareem Ramyam,
Athi supriya vadhineem. 73

The one without a wife get a wife,
Who has humility, virtuous and son bearing capacity,
Who is good natured, pretty and attractive,
And who would also talk with love and care.

Puthra pouthra vadheem shuddham,
Kulajaam komalambaraam,
Aputhro labhathe puthram,
Vaishnavam, chiran jeevinam. 74

She would alo bear sons and grand sons,
Would be clean have a good heritage and dressed prettily,
The one who does not have sons would get sons,
Who are devoted to Vishnu and would have a long life span.

Hatha bandhur labeth bandhum,
Dhana brushto dhanam labeth,
Keerthi heeno labeth keerthim,
Prathishtam cha labeth dhruvam. 75

He who does not have relations will get relations,
He who does not have money will get money,
He who does not have fame will get fame,
As well as recognition without doubt.

Yeka kalam paden nithyam ,
Maha papa vinasanam,
Dwikalam ya paden nithyam,
Dhana dhanya samanvitha. 76

He who reads it once daily,
Would get all the great sins destroyed,
He who reads it two times a day,
Would get wealth as well as grains.

Trikalam ya paden nithyam,
Maha sathru vinasanam,
Maha lakshmir bhaven nithyam,
Prasanna varada shubha. 77

If this is read thrice daily,
It would ensure destruction of great enemies,
And Mahalakshmi the goddess would daily,
Be pleased , would bless and would do good.

Ithi Sri maha purananthar gatha,
Mahalakshmi sthavam sampoornam.

Thus ends the poem of praise on Maha Lakshmi,
Which occurs in the Maha Purana.

Garbha rakshambika stotram

2010-02-12T02:09:00.000-08:00

Sri Garbha Rakshambika Stotram

By
Brahmasri Sengalipuram Anantha Rama Deekshithar

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(This prayer extols the Goddess Garbharakshambika of Thirukarukkavur which is 20 km from the town of Tanjore. The Goddess is believed to help save pregnancies of ladies. Recitation of this stotra along with the Garbha Raksha Stotra as prescribed would help all lady devotes to have an easy and successful delivery. They are also requested to visit the mother in her temple and bring back the blessed oil from there, which they can apply on their stomach.
This has been composed by one of the greatest scholars of the last generation who was an expert in Upanayasas about stories of all Gods. Sengalipuram Anantarama Dikshitar (2 August 1903 - 30 October 1969) was a Śrauti scholar and also was a great exponent of the art of upanyasas (discourses) on various subjects in Hinduism. Born in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu as the first son to Sri Subramanya Dikshithar, boy Anantharaman was initiated into the learning of the Vedass under his father Subramanya Dikshithar who was also known as chinna Muthannaval brother of Sengalipuram Vaidhyanatha Dikshithar or Periya Muthannaval. After a very fruitful life , Sri Deekshithat took Apad Sanyasa and died. His Samadhi is in Chinna Thiruppathi, Salem, Tamil Nadu)

Sri Madhavi kananasye-Garbha,
Rakshambike pahi bhaktham sthuvantham. (refrain-to be repeated after every sloka)

In the forest of sacred jasmine, devotees pray,
Protect us Oh protector of pregnancy

Vapi thate vama bhage, vama
Devasya devi sthidha thwam,
Manyaa varenyaa vadaanya, pahi,
Garbhasya janthun thadha bhktha lokaan. 1

In the shore of the pond, you are ,
Situated on the left side of the God,
Oh respected goddess, Oh giver of boons,
Oh Goddess who speaks with grace,
Protect all animals and devotees during pregnancy.

Sri Garbha raksha pure yaa, divya,
Soundarya yuktha, sumangalya gathri,
Dhathree , janithri janaanaam , divya,
Roopaam Dhayardraam manognaam bhaje thaam. 2

Oh Goddess of the town of protection of pregnancy,
Who is blessed with divine beauty, who carries a good mangalya*,
Who gives every one , who is the mother of all,
Who is pretty , who melts with mercy, I sing about you.
*The mangal Suthra-It could also mean a god with blessed form

Aashada mase supunye, shukra,
Vaare sugandhena gandhena liptha ,
Divyambaraa kalpa veshaa, vaja,
Peyadhi yagasya bhakthasya sudrushtaa. 3

In the month of Ashada*, on Fridays,
You are covered with scented sandal paste,
And dressed in divine cloths and offered,
By lucky devotees, the Vajapeya sacrifice.
* July-August of the Souramana Hindu calendar

Kalyana dhathrim namasye , Vedi,
Kangcha Sthriyaa Garbha raksha kareem thwaam,
Baalai sada sevithaangri,Garbha
Rakshartha, maaraa dhupe thaiu pethaam. 4

I salute her who gives all that is good, who,
Protects Vedic pundits and pregnancy of women ,
For she always protects children in pregnancies,
When the delivery time comes very near for them.

Brahmothsava vipra veedhyaam , Vaadhya,
Gosheena thushtaam radhena sannivishtaam,
Sarvartha dhatrim bhajeham,, deva,
Vrundaira peedaayaam Jagan matharam thwam. 5

During the Brahmothsava *, along with sound of music,
Sitting on a chariot you go round the streets of Brahmins,
And I pray you ,who is the giver of all that is good,
Who removes the problems of groups of gods,
And is the mother of the entire universe.
*Annual festival

Yethad krutham stotra rathnam , Deekshitha,
Anantha ramena devyaa thustachyai,
Nithyam padethyasthu bhakthya , puthra,
Pothradhi bhagyam BHavethasya nithyam. 6

This jewel of prayer, composed by Anantha Rama Deekshithar,
For the sake of pleasing the goddess, If read daily with devotion,
Would lead to sons, grand sons and daily luck.

Ithi Brahma sri Anantharama Deekshitha virachitham
Garbha rakshambikaa stotram SAmpoornam.

Thus ends the prayer addressed to Garbha Rakshambika,
Composed by Sri Anantha rama deekshithar.

I am 70 today

2010-01-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

The age of 70 is a middle age today. In fact in USA , they are employed and work hard at this age. But to me it is an old age. By the grace of God, I do keep up a good health till today.
Also by the grace of God, I have achieved all that I wanted in life. As a boy belonging to a poor family, my dream was to help my family to become rich. I think to a large extent I succeeded. As a scientist, my dream was to help Indian agricultural science as well as the Indian farmer. I have succeeded even here. I have published more that 150 research papers and three books, My recommendation of how to select arecanut seedlings , is being practiced by farmers for the past thirty years. My dream of developing soft ware for Indian farmers met with a resounding success. As a husband and father too I succeeded in doing what I want . When I retired in 2000, I wanted to do something to my community, my religion and people in general. My efforts lead to research on my community and establishment of the web site www.keralaiyers.com. It also lead to to several yahoo groups and a trust called KIT (Kerala Iyer Trust) to help my community. I have translated so far 449 stotra rathnas in to English and these are available in
http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/
http://stotrarathna.blogspot.com/
www.celextel.org
www.hindupedia.com
http://stotraratna.awardspace.com
With help of my friends like Mr.Ravi, many of these are being published as books.
AS a grand parent I wrote several stories for children and put it in
http://rajathathacorner.awardspace.com. All these are being read and re read by children all over the world.
In the last 10 years , I have helped thousands of people belonging to different communities and different countries in matching horoscopes for matrimony as a social service.
All these have been made possible because of the 1000% blessings of God. I want to salute him on this occasion, Ramachander

A change of my home

2009-10-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

About 3 months back me and my wife were infected by Chikungunea. We were not able to move due to very painful swollen joints. We were not able to move out of our home even to get a glass of milk. Our dear daughter leaving her two little kids drove more than one hour every alternate day to cook us food and help us to procure the necessities. The courage in my mind melted down. I suddenly knew that I simply cannot afford to live far, far away from my only daughter and only grand daughters. Coincidentally my son and family became American citizens . So I decided to lease out my humble house for rent and move to a rented house near to my daughter’s. This decision was heart wrenching for me, for I loved Ramya(the house that I built) as much as I loved my children. One of my dreams was to die one day peacefully in the lap of my Ramya. I struggled . But there seemed to be no option. Then I remembered what I preach to everybody. We are too small people to question the decision of God. Suppose he wants me to move away from my Ramya, who am I to question it. So with bleeding heart and tearful eyes , I moved to a new rented house. Many of you may not know that among all the names for e-mail Id I chose, the name of Ramya as mine.
Inspite of all that I have settled down in the new home. I am finding it as comfortable as my Ramya. But I do not love the new house. Ramya was my home but the new house is a place that I live in.

My little grand daughter Goldie is an artist

2009-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a remarkable un assisted drawing by my 4 year old Grand daughter. Ofcourse , the title and verse at the top are mine. Raja Thatha

Doors

2009-08-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Doors

By
Vasant Chendil

Reframed in to English,
By
P.R.Ramachander

(original appearedc in Kumudam Snehithi, Tamil Magazine Feb 2009, page 59)

When we knock at some doors,
Thinking that that they are locked,
A polite sweet voice chimes from within,
“Door is open, please step inside”.

When we push open some doors,
Thinking that they are kept open,
A gruff, and harsh voice shouts,
“door is locked, go away.”

The doors seldom reflect ,
The desire of the voices within.

Upakarma/Avani Avittam-Some religious rules

2009-07-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

XXVIII Upakarma
(Annual redemption Ceremony)

This has to be observed both by Brahmacharis and family men. It consists of two parts . Upakarma(Redemption) and Uthsarjana(learning of Vedas). These help the already learnt Vedic chants shine with great vigour. .Any actions done with such strengthened Vedic chants , would give good and better results. Due to our using Vedic cants for various purposes as well as our not being in a position to follow all the rules, make such chanting of Vedas very weak. So it is necessary to do Upakarma and Uthsarjana every year.

1.Kathyayana:-
By the annual performance of Upakarma and Uthsarjana by the Brahmins, The power of the already learnt Vedic chants will increase.

2.Gargya:-
Krishna Yajur Vedis should do it in the Pournamasya of the month of Sravana(avani in Tamil and Chingam in Malayalam.It occurs during august September) , Rig Vedis in the Sravana Nakshatra of Sravana Masa . The day should not be the beginning of the month or eclipse. Upakarma should not be done if it is eclipse or first day of the month(Solar month)

3.Gobhila:-
Krishna Yajur Vedis, who have learned the Taithreeya branch of the Krishna Yajurveda should do Upakarma on the full moon day of the month of Sravana. Rig Vedis should do it in Sravana (Thiruonam) star and Sama Vedis should do it in Hastha star.
For Krishna Yajur vedis , the pournami Thidhi should be there from the morning till noon.This is called Oudhayakhi.

3.Smruthyanthara:-
If Pournami and Prathama join after 12 nazhigai after sun rise(called Sangha kala-4 hours 48 minutes) and before noon , that is the proper day for annual chant of Gayathri(Gayathri Japam) . If it joins before this time then previous day is Upakarma and next day Gayathri Samitha Dhanam.

4. Thidhi darpanam:-
Rig vedis should do Upakarma on the day when during sun rise Sravana star is there. Yajur vedis should do when Pournami extends beyond 4 hours 48 minutes . Sama Vedis should do it when Hastha Nakshatra extends beyond this time in month of Bhaadrapada(Purattasi/Kanni/September-October).
If the Simha Bhadrapada is not holy due to Moudya , then they (Sama Vedis) should do it in Kanya month during Krishna Paksha(waxing period of moon)
For Rik Vedis the lord of the Shaka(branch) is Guru, For Yajur vedis it is Shukra , for Sama Vedis it is Angaraka and for Atharva Vedis it is Bhudha. So they should do upakarma when the Lord of their Shakha is powerful.. If these planets are in Moudya(powerless) or when there is eclipse or when there is month beginning, Upakarma should not be performed on that day.
For Yajur Vedis, Pournami in Sravana month is important. If it is bad then they can do in Pournami of Aashada (AAdi/karkidaka/july-august) month . If that also is bad, then they should do in the Pournami of Sravana month after carrying out redemption rituals.
Rik Vedis should do Upakarma in Sravana star in the month of Sravana. If there is dosha during that period , they can do it instead on a day in the same month when Hastha star and Panchami Thidhi are together.
Shukla Yajur Vedis should do Upakarma on the full moon day of Sravana month.. If that has dosha they can do it on Sravana star of the same month or on the day when star Hastha and Panchami thidhi are together in the same month and if even that is unsuitable they can do it on the day when Hastha star is there in the Sravana month.They can also do it in the full moon day of the Bhadhra pada month. The decision has to be made based on the family custom.
Brahmacharis should do Upakarma after hair cutting. Yajur Vedis should start learning Vedas (Uthsarjanam) on a full moon day of the Pushya month. If this is not suitable they can do it in Magha(Maasi/Kumbha/ February-march) month also.

5.Sandilya:-
Upakarma should not be performed with wet cloths. If it is done , it is termed as Rakshasa. During Upakarma, a new sacred thread should be worn, That is Upakarma should be done with new cloths and new sacred thread by every one and in case of Brahmachari they should wear in addition a new belt, new deer’s skin and new staff.

These are taken from a book SamkshepaDharma Sasthra, Ramachander

TRansfer of my Stotra Web site

2009-07-28T06:23:00.001-07:00

I am extremely glad to inform you that I have successfully transferred the entire contents of my web site
www.geocities.com/ramya475 (which is being terminated ) to
http://stotraratna.sathyasaibababrotherhood.org/
http://stotrarathna.blogspot.com/
This was possible due to the suggestions and advice given by the members of this forum,

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam Mathras-2009

2009-07-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2009*

Avani Avittam 5-8-2009(Wednesday)
(Compiled by P.R.Ramachander)
1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yasgnopavita .

2.Kamo karshet Japam (5-8-2009 morning)
a.Aaachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo
c.Mamo partha--- Preethyartham
Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya , Pravarthamanasya , Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Virodhi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, kataka mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, Soumya vasara yukthayam, Uthrashada** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thidou, taishyaam pournamaasyam* adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara satha samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.
d.Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth namo nama” 108 times
e.Afterwards perform Aachamana and say”Kama manyu upastham karishye” , Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.
*Pournami is for the whole day ** Uthrashada Nakshatra is up to 10.45 AM IST on 5/8/2009 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after that change Uthrashada to Sravana nakshtra yukthayam.This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA.This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

Summary meaning:The Brahmin first prays God that the time of doing whatever it may be should become holy and this he is sure is achieved by prayer to God.Then he tells when he is doing this japa, for example which year, which season, which day and so on.And he says that this japa is being done as a repentance for his not perfornming various religious duties during the year that he ought to have performed.The main manthra is a prayer to pardon the lapses which were due to Kama(passion) krodha(anger) and lopa(avarice)

3.Maha Samkalpam
(5-8-2009 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam*)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , Virodhi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Karkidaga mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam* shubha thidou, Soumya vasara yukthayam, Uthrashada** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam* shubha thidou,
anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi

*Pournami is for the whole day on 5/8/2009 and ** Uthrashada Nakshatra is up to 10.45 AM IST on 5/8/2009 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after that change Pournamyam to Prathmayam and Sravana to Sravishta nakshtra yukthayam.This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA..

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as Brahmin.

4.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprikling of water on the head.

5.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

Summary meaning:Tharpanam means really satisfying.By this tharpanam we satisfy the rishi(sages) of Soma(moon), Agni(fire), Viswaan devan(all gods looking after earth), etc.

5.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very diffcult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.

6.Gaayathri japam (6-8-2009)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Virodhi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Karkidaga mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Guru vaasara yukthayaam sravana ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is for the whole day from 6.26 AM IST of 6/8/2009
**Sravana is up to 1.42 PM , afterwards Dhanishta Nakshatra
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly.
Appendix Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Twoje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
13, Do rishi tharpanam by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the liitle finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham and pour water by towards the left
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards self
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
24. Kalpam tharpayami
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.
Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.

Sama Vedi Upakarma Manthras 2009

2009-07-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sama Veda Upakarma Prayoga for the year 2009
(23-8-2009)
(Compiled by P.R.Ramachander)

In the case of Sama Veda, The upa Karma prayogam is very extensive and differs very much from the Upakarma prayoga of Rig and Yajur Vedis.They always do it in Hastha Nakshtra of the Kanya Masa. It essentially consists of ten steps in the following order

1.Panchagavya sammelanam
2.Snana Mahasankalpam
3.Brahmayagnam
4.Punyaham
5.Rishipooja(Uthsarjan Karma)
6.Deva,rishi, Pithru Tharpanam (264+12)
7.Ghata Poojai
8.Yagnopaveethadhaaranam
9.Vedarambam
10.Kankanadharanam
Naturally these have to be done with the instruction of a Guru but in modern times when people are scattered all over the world and also because well learned Sama Vedi Purohithas are very scarce, many people are forced to do it in their home depending on some handouts. Since most of the above steps are lengthy and involve proper chanting of Sama Veda Mantras,they do only three steps of the above 10. They are

1.Snana maha Sankalpam,
2,Brahma Yagnam
3.Yagnopaveetha dharanam

English is a very inadequate language to type out Sanskrit manthras. But I have made an effort to present the needed mantras for the above steps for the year 2087 because I feel that our youngsters are more at home in English rather than in their mother toungue or Sanskrit. Since I am not a Sama Vedin I depend for the mantras on Book published by C.Sankara TRama Sastri(1956) Sama Veda Upakrama prayoga published by Sri Balamanorama press, Madras. I have also got my typing read through and to certain extent edited by Sri.P.A.Anantharaman.I am grateful to him,

Maha Samkalpam
(23-8-2009)

a.Aachamanam, wear Pavithram.
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jalou ghasya madhye,
Paribrhama maanaanam aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame,avyaktha mahadahankara pruthivya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhii -aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karanda-madale- aadhara sakthi – aadhi koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya uparithale -Sathyadhi loka shadkasya adho bhage, mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, lolaalokachalena parivruthe-dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, lavaneshu suraa sarpee dhadhee dugdha sudhodhakrnavii parivruthe , jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepa dheepithe, Indra dheepa kaseru thamra gabhasthi naga soumya gandharwa chaarana bharathakhya nava gandathmake -Maha meru giri karnakopetha maha saroruhayamana pancha sath koti yojana vistheerna bhoo mandale- sumeru nishadha hemakoota himachala malyavath pariyathraka gandhamadhana kailasa vindhyachaladhi, maha shailadhishtithe, Lavana Samudhra mudhrithe, Bharatha Kimpurusha Hari Ilavrutha Ramyaka Hiranmaya KuruBhadrascha Kethumalakhya nava varshopashobithe, , Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Karma Bhoomou - Swamyavanthii kuru kshethraadhi sama bhoo Madhya rekhaya poorva dig Bhage, Vindhachalasya Dakshina dig Bhage , Dandakaranye , Sakala Jagat Srushta parardha dwaya jeewino Brahmana Pradhame Parardhe Pancha sadhabdhathmike Aatheethe, Dwitheeya parardhe, Panchasadabdhou, Pradhame Varshe, Pradahme mase , Pradhame Pakshe, Pradhame divase, AAhani dwitheeye yame , tritheeye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshuhakheshu, shatsu manusha vyatheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswatha manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, varthamane kali yuge, prathame padhe, , Shalivahana shakabdhe, Chanrda savanna souradhi maana bramithe , prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Virodhi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Varsha rithou, Simha mase, Shukla pakshe, aadhya tritheeyam * shubha thidou, bhanu vasara yukthayam, hastha ** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam tritheeyam * shubha thidou, Sarva Papa Harana nipuna sri Parameswara preethyartham, Anaadhya vidhyaa vaasanaya pravarthamane , Asmin mahathi Samsara Chakre, Vichithrabh karma gathibhi- vichithrasu yonishu , puna punaranekadha janithwa, Kenaapi punya karma viseshena idhaaneentha maanushye dwija janma visesham prapthavatho mama, iha janmani poorva janmasu maya kruthaanam brahma hathyadhi -swarnaastheya –suraapana- guruthalpagamana,- maha pathaka chathushtaya, vyatheerikthaanaam , thath samsargaanaam, theshaam pathakanaam, nikshipthaya, saranaagathaaya, , pathivruthaya sangama nimithanam, nishidha sashtraabhi gamanaadheenaa, vidwad brahmana pankthi bhedhacharana , vaardhakee -vidhawa vesya vrushalyaadhi samsarga nimithaanaam, balye vaysi kaumare youvane vaardhake, jagrath swapna sushpthyavasthasu, mano vaak kaya karmendriya vyapaarai, jnanendriya vyapaaraischa, samsarga nimithaanaam, bhooyo bhooyo aabhyasthanaam, thathra thathra garbhothpathi nimithanaam, thath saha bhojana thad uchishta bhakshana, aswa yoni, paswadhi yoniretha skhalitha nimithaanam, govadha paswadhi prani vadha nimithaanam, sthree shoodhra vita kshatriya vadha nithaanaam, aayuktha lavana pakvanna madhu ksheera thila thaila maama moola phala ,
saaka raktha vasa suvarna, kambalaadhi vikraya nimithaanaam, aswadhi vahana , ikshu kanda dathana, paraapavaadana, bradhakadhyapana, asad prathi grahana, vrukshschedana, dhaanya roupya pasustheya, vaardushi karana shudhra seva, shudra preshya , heena jathi prathigraha, heena sakhya, pankthi bhedana, paka bhedana, paraa anna bhojana, asachasthra lapa, pramadhi kara, matadhikara, pourohithya, pareeksha paksha pathaka, thatakaarama vikraya, thataka vichedhanadhi sama paathakaanaam, jnantha sakruth kruthaanaam, aajnatha asakruth kruthaanaam, jnanatho aajanathaascha abhyashaanam, athyanthabhyasthaanam, nirantharabhyasthaanaam, sankari karanaanaam, malini karananaam, aapathri karanaanaam, jathi bramsa karanaanam, aavihitha karamaacharana, vihitha karma thyagaadheenaam, prakeernikaanaam upa pathakaanaam, maha pathakaanaam, aathi paathakaanaam, evam navaanam nava vidhaanaam, bahoonaam bahuvidhaanaam sarveshaam papa namapanodhana dwara, aayajya yaajanaasath prathi grahaa bakshya bhakshanaa bhojya bhojanaa peya paanaadhi samastha papa kshyartham,
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumat samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou
Mama samastha papa kshyartha proshta padhyam hastharshe adhya yoth sarjana karmangam maadhyahnika snaanamaham karishye, maadhyahnika snaanamaham karishye.

Aathi kroora maha kaya kalpantha dahanopama,
Bhairavaya namasthubhyam aanugnaam dhathu marhasi.

Durbhojana duraalaapa dush prathigraha sambhavam,
Paapam hara mama kshipram sahyakanye namosthuthe.

Triraathram jahnavi theere pancha rathram thu yaamune,
Sadhya punathu kaaveri papa maamaranthikam.

Ganga gangethi yo brooyaadh yo janaanaam shatai rapi,
Muchyathe sarva paapebhyo Vishnu lokam sa gachathi. (take bath thus)

After bath (Nowadays people only take Sankala Snanam by sprinkling water)

take Pancha Gavyam chanting

Yathavagasthi gatham papam dehe thishtathi maamake,
Praasanam pancha gavyasya dahathwagni rivendanam.

Take bath again, wear dry cloths, put on caste marks, do regular daily duties and then do Brahma Yagna.

*Up to 6.58 AM IST of 23/8/2008 Thritheeya , afterwards Chathurthi and ** up to 2.21 AM IST on the next day Hastham . .If in any country , you are performing the japam after 12.07 AM IST of 3/9/2008 that ,change Thritheeya to Chathurthi but the Upakarmam should be performed before “Hastham “ changes..This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, cutting of tree, spoiling a lake , trading of several banned commodities such as salt , blanket, meat, root , fruit etc, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as a Brahmin.

2.Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhorbavassuva
Om tatsa vithurvarenyam.
Om Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Om Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Dhiyo yona prachodayath

Om Bhoo, Om Bhuva, Om Suva, Om Sathyam,Om Purusha

Om Bhoo, bhoo., hoi bhoo, Hoi bhoo Haa aavu vaa a, suvarjyothi aa

Om Bhuvaa, Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Suvaa , Suva, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Sathyam , Sathyam, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Purushaa , Purusha, Hoi Bhuva, Hoi Bhuva, Haa aavu vaa a,suvarjyothi aa

Om Thatsa vithurvarenyam , bhargo devasya dheemahi, dhiyo yoo na Pracho aa, him , dhayo Aaa aa,

Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Tworje Thwa ,vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na

5. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

6. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”

Devarshi Pithru tharpanam Karishye

9.Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
6.Sarva deva puthaam stharpayami
7.Sarva deva gana puthamstharpayami

10. Do rishi tharpanam(each twice) by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the little finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6.Sarva rishi puthramstharpayami
7.Srava rishi gana puthramstharpayami

11.Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
1.Rig vedam tharpayami
2.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
3. Sama Vedam tharpayami
4. Atharva Vedam tharpayami
5. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami

12.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 13)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger(thrice).
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.Sarva Pithru puthrastharpayami
7.Sarva pithru gana puthraastharpayami
8.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun
13.Put the Yagnopa Vita in the Normal fashion and do Aachamanam

Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.
3.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yagnopavita .

6.Gaayathri japam (6-8-2009)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Virodhi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Karkidaga mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Guru vaasara yukthayaam sravana ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is for the whole day from 6.26 AM IST of 6/8/2009
**Sravana is up to 1.42 PM , afterwards Dhanishta Nakshatra
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly

Rig Vedi Avani Avittam 2009 manthras

2009-07-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Rig Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2009*

Avani Avittam 6-8-2009(Thursday)
(compiled by P.R.Ramachander)

1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
a.Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
c.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

d.Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

e.Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)
Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

f.After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

g.Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting

Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami jale punarbrahman varcho deergayurasthu me.

h.Do aachamanam.

Summary meaning: I wear the white yagnopavitha that is purifying , which was born along with brahma, which is capable of increasing life .I am sure this would give glory and strength to me.I am destroying the dirty , soiled yasgnopavita .

2.Kamo karshet Japam (6-8-2009 morning)
a.Aaachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
b.Om Bhoo
c.Mamo partha--- Preethyartham
Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya , Pravarthamanasya , Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , Virodhi nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Kadaka mase, Krishna pakshe, aadhya Prathamayam * shubha thidou, Guruvasara yukthayam, shravana nakshatra** yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam Pournamasyam* shubha thidou, taishyaam Prathamayam * adhyot sarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara satha samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.
d.Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth namo nama” 108 times
e.Afterwards perform Aachamana and say”Kama manyu upastham karishye” , Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.
*Pournami is up to 6.26 AM IST on 6/8/2009 and ** Sravana Nakshatra is up to 1.42 PM IST on 6/8/2009 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after that change Pournamyam to Prathmayam and Sravana to Sravishta nakshtra yukthayam.This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA.This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

Summary meaning:The Brahmin first prays God that the time of doing whatever it may be should become holy and this he is sure is achieved by prayer to God.Then he tells when he is doing this japa, for example which year, which season, which day and so on.And he says that this japa is being done as a repentance for his not perfornming various religious duties during the year that he ought to have performed.The main manthra is a prayer to pardon the lapses which were due to Kama(passion) krodha(anger) and lopa(avarice)

3.Maha Samkalpam
(6-8-2009 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam*)
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , Sarvadhari nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, Greeshma rithou, Kadaka mase, Krishna pakshe, aadhya Prathamayam* shubha thidou, Guru vasara yukthayam, Sravana nakshatra yukthayam**, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam Prathamyam * shubha thidou,
anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi

*Pournami is up to 6.26 AM IST on 6/8/2009 and ** Sravana Nakshatra is up to 1.42 PM IST on 6/8/2009 according to the Panchanga.If in any country , you are performing the japam after that change Pournamyam to Prathmayam and Sravana to Sravishta nakshtra yukthayam.This would be for example applicable in many parts of USA.This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

Summary meaning:Here again apart from locating oneself with reference to time , one locates himself with reference to place also.We are supposed to live in Jambu Dweepa, Bharatha Kanda which is south of the great mountain Maha meru.Then again this Bhasratha Kanda is blessed with many holy rivers and holy places.Then prayer is done to God to pardon sins committed by word, thought and deed, because this was done inspite of his great grace which made us be born as human beings after several wheels of birth.Also the sins performed during several ages in life is highlighted.Some of the sins specifically mentioned are those done while earning money without conscience, giving money to improper people, actions which did not suit the caste we are born in, sins due to non performance of actions which ought to have been done and so on. We pray God and tell him that we would take bath in holy pure water and then start the veda parayanas which is our duty as Brahmin.

4.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprikling of water on the head.

5.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

Summary meaning:Tharpanam means really satisfying.By this tharpanam we satisfy the rishi(sages) of Soma(moon), Agni(fire), Viswaan devan(all gods looking after earth), etc.

5.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very diffcult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.
6.Gaayathri japam (6-8-2009)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo partha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye, Virodhi nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Greeshma Rithou, Karkidaga mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Guru vaasara yukthayaam sravana ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….
* Prathma is for the whole day from 6.26 AM IST of 6/8/2009
**Sravana is up to 1.42 PM , afterwards Dhanishta Nakshatra
Please compare the time when you are doing japam to IST and do corrections accordingly
Please Note Gayatri Japam has to be performed in the morning before Madhyahneekam.

Appendix Brahma Yagnam.

1. Perform Achamanam
2. Face eastern direction and do “Shuklam baradaram….” Followed by pranayamam “om Bhoo…”
3. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri Parameshwara preethyartham Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena Yakshye.
4. Chant and clean the hands with water
Vidhyudasi paapmanam vidhya me paapmanam amruthath Sathya mupaime
And then chant
Om Bhooo tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om Bhuva Bhargo devasya Dheemahi
Ogum suva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Om Bhooo Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Om Bhuva Dhiyo yona prachodayath
Ogum Suva Tatsa vithurvarenyam Bhargo devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yona prachothayath

5. Chant Vedic manthras
Om Agnimeele purohitham Yagnasya Dheva mruthvijam, hotharam Rathna Dhathamam
Om Ishe Twoje Thwa vayavasthapayavastha Devo vassavitha prarpayathu sreshtathamaya karmane
Om Agna Aayahi veethaye grunano havyadathaye, ni hotha sadhsi bharhishi
Om sanno devirabheeshtaya Aapo peethaye sam yorabhisravanthu na
After this recite if possible vedic manthras that you know like Rudram, Chamakam etc

6. Sprinkle water round the head by reciting
Sathyam Thapa sradhayam juhomi

7. Recite three times with folded hands
Om namo brahmane namosthwagnaye nama pruthwyai nama oshadheebhya namo vaache namo vaachaspathaye namo vishnave bruhathe karomi.

8.Clean the hands again with water by reciting “vrushtirasi vruschame paapmanamamruthath sathyamupaaga”
Do aachamanam
8. Chant “shuklam baradaram….”
9. Do Pranayamam, “om Bhoo…”
10. Mamopartha samastha duritha kshaya dwara sri parameshwra preethyartham deva-rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
11. Touch water and clean your hands
12. Do deva tharpanam through the tip of fingers
1.Bramodaya ye deva thaan devaan tharpayami
2.Sarvaan devaan tharpayami
3. Sarva deva ganaan tharpayami
4.Sarva deva pathnis tharapayami
5.Sarva deva ganapathnis tharpayami
13, Do rishi tharpanam by wearing yagnopaveetha as garland and pouring out water from the liitle finger
1,Krishna dwaipayanaya ye rishaya thaan rishin tharpayami
2. Sarvaan risheen tharpayami
3.Sarva rishi ganaan tharpayami
4. Sarve rishi pathnis tharpayami
5,Sarva rishi gana pathnistharpayami
6. Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
7. Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
8. Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
9. Viswan devan kanda rishin tharpayami
10. Samihithir devatha upanishada tharpayami
11. Yagnigir devatha upanishada tharpayami
12.Varuneer devatha upanishada tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham and pour water by towards the left
13. Havyavaham tharpayami
14.Viswaan devaan kanda rishin tharpayaami
Pour water by the bottom of the palm towards self
15.Brahmanam swayambhuvam tharpayami
16.Viswan devan kandarishin tharpayami
17.Arunan kandarishin tharpayami
Put the Yagnopaveetham in normal fashion and pour water from the tips of fingers
18.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
19.Rig vedam tharpayami
20.Yajur Vedam tharpayami
21. Sama Vedam tharpayami
22. Atharvana Vedam tharpayami
23. Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
24. Kalpam tharpayami
14.Only those who have lost their father (others go to step 15)do Pithru tharpanam wearing the yagnopaveetham on the right shoulder pouring water between the thumb. And index finger.
1.Soma pithruman yamo angiraswan agni kavyavahana ithyadaya ye pithara
thaan pithrun tharpayami,
2. Sarvaan pithrun tharpayami
3. Sarva pithru ganan tharpayami
4. Sarva pithru pathnistharpayami
5. Sarva pithru ganapanthnistharpayami
6.oorjam vahanthi amrutham grutham paya keelaalam parisruyatham
swadaastha tharpayatha me pithrun trupyatha, trupyatha, trupyatha
7.Aabrahma sthambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
15.Put the yagnopaveetha in the normal fashion
Pour water saying Om That sat Brahmarpanamasthu
And then do aachamanam.
Brahma yagnam(sacrifice to Brahma) is the oblation offered to satisfy Devas, Rishis(sages) and Pithrus(ancestors). It is supposed to be performed daily after Madhyannikam, But nowadays it is done mainly on avani avittam days.

Mile Stone 400

2009-07-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I retired in the year 2000 and one of my hobbies as soon as I retired was to translate stotras written in Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi in to English. With the blessings of God as on today, I have completed the translation of 400 such stotras- 363 Sanskrit stotras, 12 Tamil Prayers, 13 Hindi prayers and 12 Malayalam prayers. These were initially put in my web site www.geocities.com/ramya475, which is a free web site. I understand that this web site is going to be closed in October 2009. Fortunately the material of these translations have been replicated in
www.celextel.org
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Stotra
http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/stotras.html

Due to my request many important web sites concerning Hindu religion have also replicated many of my translations.

By the grace of God these translations contain almost all the important known stotras and very many very rare ones also. A brief review of what has been done is given below:-

I Vishnu
A total of 56 prayers have been translated. Among the most important is the Vishnu Sahasranamam, Venkatesa Suprabatham , Thiruppavai , stotras addressed to Mathsyavathara, Varahavathara, Parasuramavathara and rare stotras written by Vedantha Desika, Vadi Raja Theertha, Parasara Bhatta and Jayadeva.

II.Rama
There are 18 stotras in this category. There are stotras written by Ahalya, Jatayu, Devendra, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Thulasidas.

III.Krishna
There are 30 translations of prayers addressed to Lord Krishna. The entire Bhaja Govindam, Mukunda Mala, Gopika Gita besides the very rare Guruvyurappa Suprabatham are available here. Some rare stotras written By Indra, Vasudeva and Chaithanya Maha Prabhu are also included here. Krishna Sthava Raja and Krishna Manasa pooja are the rare stotras.

IV. Shiva
Translations of 50 stotras addressed to Lord Shiva are included. Shiva Sahasranama, Thiruvembavai , Shiva Thandava Stotra by Ravana, Shivananda Lahari by Adhi Shankara, rare stotrams like Shivashtakam by Chaithanya Maha Prabhu and Viswanatha Suprabatham besides Shiva Kavacham and Shiva Manasa pooja are also included.

V.Goddess
Translations of 86 great stotras are included in this section. Some of the great ones are Lalitha Sahasranamam, Lalitha Trishathi, Soundarya Lahari, Kamakshi Suprabatham, Annapurnashtakam, Mahishasura Mardini stotram , Shyamala Dandakam , Varahi Anugrahashtakam, Sri Pada Sapthathi of Meppathur, Vamsa vrudhikara Durga Kavacham and Shakthi Mahimna stotram written by sage Durvasa .Some of the great Tamil works translated are Abhirami Andathi and Mariamman Thalattu.

VI.Ganesa
Twenty great stotras addressed to Ganesa are translated. Some of the rare ones are Ganesa Manasa Pooja, Ganesa Bahya pooja, Ganapathi Atharva Seersha and Vinaygar Agaval from Tamil.

VII.Subrahmanya
Fourteen stotras addressed to Lord Subrahmanya which include Shankara’s Subrahmanya Bhujangam are available in this section. This section also has the translation of Kandar Anubhuthi, Skanda Sahti Kavacham, Shanmuga Kavacham , (all from Tamil) and Karthigeya Karavalamba stotram written in Malayalam.

VIII. Ayyappa
Six prayers addressed to Lord Ayyppa have been translated. Among them is the famous Ayyappa Suprabatham written in Malayalam and the famous Hariuvarasanam.

IX. Planets
Twenty seven prayers addressed to planets which include the famous Adhithya Hrudayam, prayers addressed to individual planets as well as Kavachams addressed to individual planets.

X. Rivers
Five prayers addressed to river Ganga and one addressed to Yamuna are translated in this section.

XI. Hanuman
Ten prayers addressed to Hanuman which includes the famous Hanuman Chalisa written by Saint Thulasi das are included here.

XII. Philosophical prayers
Eighteen prayers with philosophival import like The Nirvana triology of Shankara, Aparokshanubhuthi of Shankara, Vijanana Nauka of Shankara , the Bharata Savithri etc have been translated under this heading. Also I have translated the entire Jnanappana of Poonthanam in to English.

XIII.Model daily prayer
An omnibus collection of different prayers that are to be recited from morning to night including stotras addressed to several Ishta Devathas are included here.

IXV. Vedic Hymns
The first great prayers of Hindus are found in Various Vedas. Seventeen such prayers have been translated and given under this heading. These include Rudram, Chamakam, Manthra Pushpam, Shree Suktham, Medha Suktham etc.

XV.Other prayers
Thirty two prayers addressed to various other Gods are given under this heading. These include ones addressed to Garbha Rakashambikai, Kala Bhairava , Garuda, Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai, Thulasi etc.

XVI. Parayana material
Seven great books have been translated under this heading. This include the entire Sundara Kandam., Devi Mahatmyam (Chandi) , Bhagwad Gita in to English verse , Sri Ramodantham and the famous Pasurappadi Ramayanam.
I realize that I could not even make a very feeble attempt to do these translations except with the grace of God. I was but his fingers typing according to His dictates. Nearing seventy, I really do not know how long I would be able to continue what I am doing. I realize that any thing that I put in the web may vanish from there. Two options to preserve them are left with me:-

1. Take a print out of all that I have done and present it to some Hindu libraries like Kanchi and Sringeri mutt. I simple cannot afford to do this.
2. Copy all my translations in to computer CD and encourage religious people to sell it at a nominal price so that they can make money for the religious/social cause.

Can some of you help me in this regard?
With best wishes,
P.R.Ramachander

An old man bids adieu tearfully to Geocities

2009-05-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

I retired from Government service in India in January 2000. At that time , just to spend time, I started translating Sanskrit Prayers in to English. I also started giving astrological consultation for matching horoscopes as my hobby. It was at this time that I started getting familiar with modern day computers and the world wide web. I happened to visit USA at that time and started giving astrological consultation for matching horoscopes over the internet. I also created a free web site on the” history of Kerala iyers “ under Honmestead. My connection with www was static at that stage for two more years.
In 2002 my daughter in law helped me in putting few of my translation in a small free web site .I again visited USA in 2002. I learnt little more on web site building as I was translating Hindu prayers at a furious pace. I started uploading my translations in my new free web site under geocities banner. I built my web site www.geocities,com/ramya475 during this time. By 2004 I had uploaded translations of 41 Stotras (prayers) in this web site. From day one, my web site became popular. This egged me to more work and as on today I HAVE UPLOADED 385 PRAYERS WITH TRANSLITERATIONS AS WELL AS TRANSLATIONS in my web site.These include translations of prayers written in Sanskrit, Malaalam , Tamil and Hindi . My web site has become so popular that about 200 people visit my web site daily.
In 2002, homestead withdrew my web site on Kerala Iyers as they started charging for it. But by that time I did lot of research on history of Kerala Iyers and my new web site www.keralaiyers.com was launched in 2001.This was paid for and managed by a young friend of mine. Because of this I was always apprehensive of the closure of the geocities web site. Fortunately for me two web sites www.celextel.org as well as www.hindupedia.com put all my 385 translations in them. Many other web sites put my chosen translations in their web site. The most important was www.chennaionline.com and www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/ramachander and www.shaivam.com . I also built another web site http://stotraratna.awardspace.com where all my work is preserved. So in spite of the impending closure of the geocities web sites , my translations are safe and would be handed over to the posterity.
I took recourse to a free web site due to two reasons:-
1.An old pensioner like me could not afford yearly payments.
2.One day I will kick the bucket and there would be no one to pay for those web sites, which would mean that my work meant for enlightening young Hindus about the great wealth of Hindu prayers would die along with me. I did not want this to happen.
Geocities helped me to achieve my aim partially. Due to their service, my work got lot of attention and my work is preserved in the celextel as well as Hindupedia web sites. I also have made a copy of my geocities web site using the Life boat of Jimdo. I would like to thank yahoo for their free web site offer and tearfully bid farewell to my geocities web site. God be with you, Geocities

Temples of Kerala

2009-04-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

Temples of Kerala
By
P.R.Ramchander
The so called God’s own country at present is the ribbon like green stretch of land which stretches from Trivandrum to the small town of Kasargode. Legend says that Parasurama gave as gift all the land he conquered from kings , as per the instruction of Lord Rama. Then he found that he did not have any place to live. So he came to place called Gokarna on Western Ghats and threw his axe in to the sea. The land recovered by him from the sea is Kerala. The straight translation of the name is “Garden of coconuts” but some people believe that the name came from Cherala (the garden of Cheras-the first kings of Kerala).
People believe that when Parasurama started living there he could not find any Brahmins among them. So he brought Namboodiris (who are the real Kerala Brahmins), and also consecrated 108 Shiva temples, 108 Bhagawathi temples and 18 Ayyappa temples. The list of such temples as founded by Parasurama is available in few songs.
The first known rulers of Kerala were Cheras and the first known language was Tamil. The first inscriptions were written in archaic scripts called Kolezhuthu and Vettezhthu. One of the greatest among the Chera kings was Cheran Chenguttuvan. His brother Elango wrote a great Tamil book called Silappadikaram. Kannagi was the heroine of the book (She has many temples in Kerala). After the Cheras, Kerala split in to several small principalities constantly at war with each other, for more and more land.
Of course this is a very brief introduction about Kerala. The first temples of Kerala were called Kavu (places of security/protection). Most of them were temples under some forest tree with no buildings and no roof. Similar temples exist all throughout Tamil Nadu. There are a very high percentage of cases; the gods consecrated were Guardian deity of the village (In some cases a hero who defended the village) or Mariamma (the goddess of Pox) and Lord Ganesa. But some how in Kerala most of these Kavus housed the temple of Goddess Parvathi or Kali .Slowly these Kavus became small temples. Side by side large number of Temples mushroomed up for Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu and his Avatharas. Unlike Tamil Nadu, though it was a mountainous country, temples devoted to Lord Subrahmanya were extremely few. There are large number of temples for Lord Ayyappa who was a prince of a small princely state called Pandalam and he was considered as an incarnation of Dharma Sastha (The son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu) whose temples were popular in the Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
Unlike temples in Tamil Nadu, most of the temples were not granite structures nor were they gigantic .In fact brick and cut laterite stones were used in building these temples. They were very small. The sanctum sanctorum called the “Sree Kovil” was either square or round. Mostly the roofs were of copper sheets or unbaked clay tiles. They were of the shape of pyramid in case of square temples and cone in case of round temples. Some temples have Kalasam at the end of the roof. A very high majority of temples did not have entrance gopurams or Vimanams over the deity like Tamil Nadu. Such temples are also found in the coastal Karnataka districts. Our building experts are of the opinion that these structures closely resemble the Himalayan temples. The Sree kovil was surrounded by a Prakaram (an enclosed space, sometimes with a small corridor). Just outside the Sree Kovil was the Namaskara Mandapam, which was used by the learned Brahmin males for reciting slokas and Vedas. In most of the cases, there was only one outlet from this enclosed space. On the south western corner normally a kitchen was housed, some temples have sub temples in this first Prakaram itself. Inside the prakaram there are several Bali peedams which represent deities like the Nava Grahas. Out side this Prakaram, there normally is a Dwaja Sthambham (flag pole) and a big Bali peetam (stone for sacrifice), and big temples will have several small sub temples out side the Prakaram. Some temples have a Koothambalam, where religious dramas used to be enacted .The outside walls of the Prakaram are normally fitted with several lamps called Vilakku Madam. The structure with the prakaram and the Sree kovil is called Nalambalam in Kerala. Very few temples have any sculptures. Some temples do have murals and small sculptures carved in wood.
The temple idol is normally made either of stone or wood, though in a very few cases idols are made of Panch aloha also. Unlike Tamil Nadu temples, there is no Uthsava Vigrahams which are taken out of the temples during festivals. Instead of that a Thidambu is taken out. Chariots or floats etc are rarely seen in Kerala. In most of the Kerala temples only One God is there inside the sanctum. For example it is either a Krishna Temple, or Parvathi temple or a Shiva temple.
Abhishekams (anointment) are performed only to the stone or metal statue. In case of wooden statues, the preferred wood was jack tree wood. Abhishekam is not performed for such statues but the statue is coated with saffron mixed in oil, (Chandattam). This ensures a very long life for the wooden statues. The preferred form of worship in Kerala temples is based on Thanthra. The priests who do worship are either Namboodiris (Kerala Brahmins) OR Embranthiris (Kannada Brahmins belonging to coastal Karnataka. They are also called Pothis). Since the worship is centered round Thanthra, and is very much different from the Agama of Tamil Nadu. A thanthri if he comes out of the sanctum has to take bath if he is to re enter it. Tamil iyers are not recruited as priests in Kerala temples. Ofcourse Tamil Iyers have built their own temples in Agraharams where they worship and live. In such temples Tamil iyers are priests. Uthralikkavu near Wadakkancheri is the only Kerala temple where Tamil Iyer is a Thanthri.
Most of the temple were owned by kings or noble families. With the coming of democracy, most of them are under the management of autonomous organizations called Devaswams which are part of the government. Most of these temples had huge landed property but with the enactment of Land Reforms act, most of them became very poor. It is strange but true that only a very, very small percentage of temples are dilapidated or neglected. This is because every temple is visited by the local populance in the morning after bath. The local people consider it their temple and wherever they are, they make it a point to attend the festivals of the temple and contribute to its upkeep. This fact is little strange because the major politicians of Kerala are a party which professedly does not believe in God.
Unlike other states of India, while the worship in the sanctum is done by Namboodiris and Embrandiris, the management is done by a rich land lord assisted by few Hindu castes called Ambalavasis. (People who live in the temples). They are normally strict vegetarians and have different roles to play in the upkeep of a temple. For example, the poduval is in charge of management, The Warrier in charge of looking after the garden of the temple and providing garlands for worship in the temple, the kurukkal in charge of supply of milk to the temple, the Marar is in charge of playing instruments in the temple, the Poduval and Nambeesan in charge of singing in front of the deity and Chakyar in charge of propagating the ancient stories about the temple. Castes with such delineation of responsibilities in temple affairs are not found outside Kerala.
Apart from Agama differences based on the thanthra several aspects of the temple activities are very much different in Kerala. In most of the temples Sribali (Seeveli) is the customary taking out of the Lord round the temple. In poor temples this is done on the head of the priest but in rich temples, this is done on the top of the elephant. Chariots are almost not present in Kerala temples except in those managed by Tamil Brahmins. However the God is taken out of the temple on the top of the elephant to the nearest river. There the deity has the ritual bath (called Arattu in Malayalam). Apart from this, most of the temples have festivals called Poorams and Vela. Both these are festivals held in honour of the deity by the local people. The population is normally divided on the basis of the locality they live and each locality takes a pooram or Vela to the temple. There is virtual competition of each locality to excel other localities. Most of them have seeveli on the top of elephants accompanied by an instrumental group called Pancha Vadhyam. It is not to be noted that the long pipe like Nadaswaram of Tamil Nadu or the Shenai of the other parts are absent from Kerala. In many temples tin the night there is a huge festival of bursting the crackers is one of the rituals done to please the God. In most of the temples of the Goddess, An oracle called Velichappadu exist. During festivals they get occupied by the Goddess and tell prophecy to people.
Another strange practice in Kerala temples is that all males are allowed entry in to the temple only if they do not wear a shirt or a vest .Most of them enter bare chested but those who want are allowed to cover the upper part of the body by a towel. Women have to wear sari, Mundu or Pavadai (petticoat). They are not allowed in side the temple with Chudidhar or jeans. Most of the temples do not allow non Hindus and photography of the idol in the sanctum is strictly prohibited.
Apart from the regular Hindu Gods there are very strange temples in Kerala. For example, there is temple for Snakes, Para Brahmam , the individual brothers of Lord Rama. There is a temple near Kottayam where the Goddess is considered to have periods. In Kodungallor , people believe that the Goddess would only be pleased by singing of very vulgar sexually explicit songs during the Kodungallore Bharani (a major festival).
Yet another interesting aspect of Kerala temple is the Ashta Mangalya Prasnam. This is done whenever the people want to find out the opinion of the God. For example suppose the temple wants to find out whether a new idol can be consecrated or have one more elephant than the usual or want to find out why there was a calamity in the temple, they call a group of very capable astrologers and Ashta Mangalya Prasnam is carried out. Both the people as well as the Devaswoms strictly follow the recommendation of the astrologers.
The temples of Kerala are different and I might have missed many important points. You may find the write up about nearly 64 temples in Kerala by me and my friends in my web site
http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi.html
as well as in www.hindupedia.com under temples

I once again request all of you to contribute a write up about the temple of your village so that others outside Kerala would know about this diversity of spiritual approach of Hindus of Kerala.
P.R.Ramachander

Murder seems to be different in different places

2009-04-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

Murder seems to be different in different places

Ramesh Chander*

Gregory Fernandes, a Goan, was killed in Britain. He died after he was brutally attacked by a group of about 20 teenagers on October 20, 2007, while their ship was anchored at a British port. While Fernandes died, his shipmate Vinod Pitchilnaviram suffered a broken shoulder. The attack has been termed a racist attack by misguided British youth. Gregory was all of 32 years old. But have you heard of Gregory Fernandes and Vinod Pitchilnaviram? Maybe so…..Maybe not.. Maybe you may not know Gregory by name, and just might have read a passing headline in the Page 6 of an Indian newspaper about a racial attack on an Indian, and the recent criminal proceedings against his perpetrators. Do you know how Gregory looked like? Do you know his parents sufferings? Probably not.

Scarlett Keelling, a British teenager was murdered in Goa in Feb 2008. Have you heard about her? Have you seen her photos? Do you know about her lifestyle, life-history and her mother? The answer to these questions is probably a resounding “Yes!!” and you might even be ready to tell me a Scarlett trivia “But do you know that Scarlett……….”

While the Scarlett Keeling murder created a tsunami in Indian and World press, Gregory Fernandes killing hardly created a ripple. The entire World media went on an overdrive detailing every minor issue, every silly rumor about the Scarlett case. Indian media did not lag far behind, providing wall-to-wall coverage and Indian television channels followed their British counter-parts, providing around-the-clock coverage on Scarleet Keeling case. “Is Goa safe for tourists” screamed the headlines around the world and in India. Did any media in India or abroad raise the question “Is Britan safe for Goans/Indians?” after the Gregory killing. In-fact Floriano Fernandes, father of Gregory said “Even I’ve been in England but it wasn’t like this before. I felt very safe, but now it seems to be a very unsafe place, especially for Indians. How can somebody kill in such a manner?” But probably you wouldn’t have seen this statement by Greogry’s father, because it was hardly played or quoted in the Indian media. But every statement and every movement of Scarlett’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, made for a new headline, a new “Breaking News Story”.

Why the enormous difference in press coverage? It is not a case of “dog biting a man is not news, while man biting a dog is news”. Both a Briton getting killed in Goa and a Goan getting killed in Britain are equally rear/ equally frequent. I don’t buy the P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) argument either. Most of us don’t even know how Gregory looked like… and I am sure for his family members, Gregory must have been equally beautiful. Perhaps the mystery surrounding Scarlett’s death and her colorful lifestyle might explain some of the differences. But the enormity of the differences can only be explained by the fact that the Indian and Western media thinks it is a far greater tragedy, when there is a death of a Westerner. This case reiterates the point I had made in my earlier article regarding the “value of life”…a Western life is valued more by the global and Indian media, then the life of an Indian.

The British media coverage of Scarlett is understandable, because they value the lives of each and every one of their citizens and a loss of any life of their citizens fills them with sorrow. Whereas Indian media’s coverage of the Scarlett issue and not covering an equally brutal killings of Indians is pathetic. I hope Indian media would emulate their Western counter-parts, not by copying each and every headline from abroad, but by cherishing the lives of Indian citizens. Maybe it is time for us to write to our newspapers and TV channels and tell them to stop showcasing each and every crime and alleged crime made by Indians against Westerners. Or if they want to publish these articles, they should also publish about the crimes and alleged crimes committed by Westerners against Indians.

The crime against Scarlett in Goa was heinous. But so was the crime against Gregory was equally nefarious. An Indian life is no inferior or superior than a Western one.

* Though I have seen this happening over the last seventy years , it is worth high lighting this incident, Raja

Anil Kapoor-the unnecessary circus

2009-04-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

Anill Kapoor- the unnecessary circus!

Ramesh Chander*

When Slumdog Millionaire won the Golden Globe awards, the MEP (Most Excited Person) in the room was also the MUP (Most Useless Person) in the movie – Mr. Anil Kapoor. He was jumping around when the movie won the award for “Best ScreenPlay”, had the biggest smile when the movie won “Best Director” and was among the first to run to the stage when the movie won the “Best Motion Picture”. The behavior was repeated in the Oscars. Someone seeing only the award ceremonies, would have assumed that Anil Kapoor had co-directed the movie or at least was the main hero of the movie.

Was Mr Anil Kapoor’s mirth due to his “role” or “excellent acting” in the movie “Slumdog Millonaire”? I thought the slum kids were the real star actors of the movie. They acted their hearts out, were very natural and deserved every praise they got and more. (In my humble opinion they perhaps should have won an Oscar too. ) Mr. Anil Kapoor’s role in the movie was pretty much comparable to Amrish Puri’s role in “Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom” A villainous role that required no special acting skills and mainly involved mumbling “one-liners”. A role that would have been handled by a “guest actor” if this was a Yash Chopra movie.

Was the happiness due to his behind-the-scenes contributions? Did he direct the movie? Did he produce it? Was he write the story? Did he score the music? Did he edit the movie? Was he involved in casting of any other actors? Did he scout the locations? The answer to all these questions is a resounding NO!! His role….. just a small supporting actor. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Was the smile due to some thing that he did that bettered the country? Did he better the plight of the poor in India? No. Did he persuade the director to invest a significant amount of the 300 million dollar the movie earned for betterment of Indian slums. No. Did the movie bring about any revolution in India or move the youth? No. In-fact the Wall Street Jounrnal, the premiere business newspaper in America had an article recently about how “Slumdog Millionaire” was adversely effecting the rapidly developing “Health tourism” in India. More Americans and Europeans, who could have come to India for their health needs, are staying put with Thailand because of the image of India created by this movie. This is inspite of health costs in India being half that of Thailand and Indian doctors better qualified and better skilled than their Thai counter-parts. The very slum dwellers who perhaps could have got small jobs in the “Helath tourism” industry and lifted themselves out of the slums are being effected. Thanks you “Slumdog Millionaire”. Thank you Mr Anil Kapoor.

Now Mr. Kapoor is smiling again, bragging about his role in American serial “24”. For people who are not aware of this serial, it is an American serial where an attack against America (usually by Islamic terrorists) is thwarted by America in 24 hours. This serial had evoked loud protests by the Islamic community for its stereotypical portrayal of brown-skin, “Arab-looking”, Islamic terrorists. In-fact Sendhil Ramamurhty (an Indian- American star in the serial “Heros”) refused a role in “24” because it promotes “brown-skin terrorists” stereotype. Is Anil Kapoor the first Indian to act in American serial? No… Parminder Nagra, Sendhil Ramamurhty and Naveen Andrews play significant starring role in currently running American serials. Is he even the first Indian actor in “24”. No. A bunch of Indian actors have appeared in mainly terrorists role in the serial “24”, most notably Kal Penn (a.ka. Kalpen Modi)

Mr. Anil Kapoor, please stop wagging your tails in front of Westerners, begging for every miniscule praise and every insignificant role. You had a great acting career in Bollywood. Acting in petty and stereotypical roles in Hollywood, will neither increase your reputation nor of the country you supposedly love.

When Slumdog Millionaire won, Anil Kapoor rushed to the stage as if it was his personal achievement. Now a small role in an American serial has the actor smiling and bragging all over again. Did he really do anything significant to justify this?
* This is a blog contributed by my son. I am one who does not see much pictures but I happened to see the awards ceremony.

The feet of Rain by Thanjavur Kavi Rayar

2009-04-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

The feet of Rain
By
Thanjavur Kavi Rayar
(Kalki 5-4-2009 )

Translated in to English

By
P.R.Ramachander

When the rain comes , suddenly with a song,,
You close all the windows of your home speedily,
And you start searching for Umbrellas
Throughout the house, in nooks and corners,
You rush here and there, if you are outside,
For a place where rain’s drizzles will not reach.

Would you do this , if your loving,
Uncles, aunts and cousins come from far off?
Would you not drench yourselves,
In the rain of their love again and again?

Rain is the symbol of the pardon,
Of God for the sins of men

People need not apply rain water and mud,
And dance in the streets , when it rains,
But please understand that the rain drop is not a ghost,
But is the feet of rain.
Hold it on your head like all the plants and trees do ,
And do not forget to get the blessings,
Of the gorgeous and godly feet of rain.

I need the Pied Piper of Hamelin

2009-04-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

I need the Pied Piper of Hamelin

By

P.R.Ramachander

I am in search of that Pied piper of Hamelin,
So that he can play his pipe in my country,
And take away to the far , flung oceans,
The politician rats who are bleeding all of us,
So that they become immensely rich,
The merchant rats who by hoarding,
All that we need and make us shed tears of misery,
The government servant rats who to become rich,
Ask and get bribes even for them to smile,
The parent rats who beget pretty kids,
But leave them with an ayah so that they fulfill their dreams,
The husband rats who drink and make merry,
With the hard earned money, only to beat their wives.
The in law rats and other husband rats,
Who drive innocent girls to death , because of avarice for money,
The way side Johnny rats , who think that they are in love,
With every pretty jane that pass through their eyes,
The villain bull rats , who think it as their right,
To rape every woman who is vulnerable,
And the terrorist rats who kill in the name of religion,
But I am not sure , once he puts them all in the sea,
Whether the ocean will become so full,
That all its waters come to the shore.?

The butterfly park -A poem by Maithree

2009-03-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

The butterfly park

By

Maithree Venkatesan

(This poet is only eight years old and is my grand daughter: Raja Thatha)

I once went to a butterfly park,
And was greeted by dogs, ready to bark,
With many pretty little butterflies,
Flittering around the sky.

Two little butterflies came and sat on me,
I laughed and smiled, shining with glee.
We watched a film, which told us about butterflies,
In which I learnt how butterflies fly.

Finally it was time to go,
The butterflies said “Hi” though!
I said ‘bye” and turned around the bend,
My little trip came to an end.

In search of an Indian Obama?

2009-03-24T02:23:00.001-07:00

In search of an Indian Obama?

Rameshchander

After Obama won the US presidential elections, a lot of articles heralded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati as an Indian Obama. Obama and Mayawati have lot of things to be compared on. Let's take a dispassionate look at these

Why Mayawati is like Obama?

The obvious: Obama and Mayawati are from a historically oppressed class in their respective countries.

Well-educated: Though she may not appear so, Mayawati is pretty well educated, with multiple BAs in education and law. Obama of course is a Harvard school graduate.

Oratory skills: Obama has enormous skills to move his audiences with speeches. Mayawati, too, elicits enormous response for her speech, especially among the downtrodden.

Good press: The press in both the India and America have large leftist leanings (or at least have been widely accused to have such leanings). Many people in the press feel that by elevating Obama or Mayawati, the country is setting right, decades of wrong. This has resulted in these two candidates getting enormous amount of good coverage in the press. The press largely ignores the questionable associations and corruption charges against these candidates – like Obama’s associations with Chicago underworld and Mayawati’s many corruption charges

Policies: Both Obama’s and Mayawati’s policies fall broadly in the left of the political spectrum. Both have promised or inspired hope among the lowest rung of the society, that their life will get better by electing them as leaders. Both speak for more equitable wealth distributions.

Why Mayawati is not like Obama?

Broad appeal: Obama’s first electoral victory was in Iowa, which is among the 'Whitest' of all the American states, in terms of populace. It would be an equivalent of Mayawati winning in Mylapore or some such constituency dominated by upper class. In the election, Obama won votes not only among Blacks but substantial votes among Whites, Latinos, Asians and every possible ethnic group. His message appeals to all groups both within the country and outside the country. Mayawati still gets her votes mainly from Dalits and a few other groups and mostly in a few Northern states.

Uniting people: Though much has been made of Mayawati’s coalition of Dalits and Brahmins, what she is doing is basically dividing the Indian populace, by pitting a group of people against another. Obama never tried forming a coalition of Blacks and Whites against Latinos or such similar groups.

Polish: Obama gives a more polished appearance and speech. Mayawati is more rustic in appearance and appeal. In fact, in this regard, Mayawati’s more apt comparison will be with Sarah Palin, rather than Obama.

International exposure and knowledge: Obama has wide international exposure by means of his origin, the place he grew up, the friends he had. He has enormous knowledge about world matters, thanks to his curiosity and education. Mayawati seems to be lacking in this department, unless there is a side of her, which we haven’t seen.

Debatable points:

Intelligence: Does Mayawati have as much intelligence as the Harvard educated Obama?

Love for the country: Mayawati loves the downtrodden and people of certain castes, but does she love the entire India as much as Obama loves America?

Corruption: Though Obama has some questionable associations, he has never been accused of corruption (like the Taj corridor case of Mayawati). Of course, generally Indian politicians are more corrupt than their American counterparts. So not sure if you can hold this against Mayawati.

Overall I feel that though there are similarities between Mayawati and Obama, looking beneath the surface there are also vast differences.

Slumdog: There's more to India than just poverty

2009-03-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Slumdog: There's more to India than just poverty

By

Ramesh Chander

’SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE’ won four Golden Globes and is on the way to the Oscars. Great. The underdog with an Indian connection has won. I am one of the biggest fans of Rahman and have heard his music for the film. Then I saw the movie. ‘Slumdog’, is no underdog.

Isn’t India poor?

India is a vast and diverse country and is a statistician’s dream. Figures can be twisted anyway. But the fact is that while the poverty rate in India was 40 per cent five years back, it was 60 per cent 25 years back. A 20 per cent jump translates to approximately 200 million people breaking out of poverty line. India has a 300 million strong middle class. While it is a fact that there is still unacceptable poverty in India a clear majority in India are not extremely poor as portrayed in the movie. Still showing extreme poverty is fine. But showing Indians as bloodthirsty, child-beating, eye-plucking people is outrageous.

Aren’t Indian slums are a living hell. Danny Boyle in his interview to an Indian publication has admitted that the slums in India are teaming with industries and entrepreneurs. But in the movie the only ’industry’ he has portrayed in the slums is begging, prostitution and shooting.

When a dollar isn’t a dollar

The most commonly quoted figure to paint India as an impoverished nation is quoting Indian salary in US dollars by using the exchange rate conversion. But a dollar-a-day isn’t really dollar-a-day in India; it is Rs 50-a-day. For many in US one dollar translates into one rupee. A doctor’s visit would be Rs 100 in Indian currency and at least $ 100 in America. Public transport, though very crowded and inefficient, works and a typical daily commute to and from work would be Rs 10 in India and $10 in America. Basic food items are highly subsidised for the poor people through a vast government network. Electricity is free in rural areas. Even the World Bank recognises the fallacies of using the exchange rate and has abandoned this in favour of Purchasing-Power-Parity. It is a pity that lot of publications, know about this and still use the raw exchange rate figures to make their point on poverty in India.

It is just a movie

“Just a movie” can change public perceptions. Even an over-the-top movie like ‘Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom’ was disastrous for changing the views of India for a generation of people. Kal Penn, the Indian American actor, said that after seeing the Indiana Jones movie, his American friends used to avoid him, thinking he eats monkey’s brains. The ‘Slumdog’ movie has been perceived as ‘real’ by the American and world media. Imagine the amount of profiling and impact this movie would have, especially on the lives of children of Indians abroad, who can’t defend themselves.

Do you remember the movie ‘Borat’. When it was released the Kazakistan Government immediately took out a full page ad in ‘New York Times’ talking about the good things that exist in their country. And that movie was just a comedy, which made more fun of Americans than Kazakistan. Why did they do that? Because they realised that it would be the first impression of their country for millions of people and wanted to set it right. From my experience an average American knows as much about India as we know about Kazakistan. Why do perceptions matter? They matter for the sake of our children, who should not hate India and for the sake of foreign investment. The poverty in India is decreasing because people are intelligent and also because of the foreign investment. However much you might lament about inequality of wealth in India, the fact is that in no democratic country in the world have so many people come out of poverty so soon. Of course, every person going hungry is a disgrace and in India there are still millions and millions of them.

One way to help such a huge number of people is by turning India into a communist country but communism has failed miserably or by trickle-down economics. The trickle-down economics has worked wonders in the last decade, despite all its imperfections. The last thing you want is something going wrong in top of the trickle-down economics. I have read lot of Americans saying that they don’t want to visit India after seeing the disgusting scenes.

Is that the way to help poor people?

Isn’t the author of this movie an Indian?
Indians have a long history of degrading themselves in literature and in media. Maybe because some are ‘ultra-liberal’, maybe it is due to age-old perceptions, maybe some feel that they have to dance to the tune of their ‘Western-masters’. But the fact is that many Indians in media and literature perceive (rightly or wrongly is debatable) that their work will be published/seen/recognised only if they write something degrading about India and Indians. I hope that American people can see India for its glorious diversities and not a one-dimensional hell as portrayed in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. I hope that the Oscar committee would see this movie as a con job to satisfy the Western thirst of superiority and not as ‘rags-to-riches’ story or ‘real’ portrayal of India.

The value of lives: Media angle

2009-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

The value of lives: Media angle

By

Ramesh Chander
DID ANYONE notice the news today that Americans paid Afghans $2500 for each person they killed in a missile strike. Compare that with the $5000 that was paid very recently to all the passengers of US Air for surviving (with hardly a scratch) a plane crash on the river Hudson.
When terrorists stuck Mumbai, both national and international media went on an overdrive telling that the attack was aimed at foreigners. About 30 foreigners were killed and almost 150 Indians lost their life.
Did the foreigners suffer the most? Then, why did the media proclaim that?
In Africa, death tolls are typically in the hundreds. If 500 people die in some riots, nobody even notices. The death toll has to be in tens of thousands for it to become a news-item in the back pages.
A few years back when a hurricane hit my city of Miami, about 10 people died (mostly because people did not know how to operate the generator). I was surprised to see it became a big news in India, relegating the 100 people who died in the flood in Bihar a few days later.
It is very sad to see that all lives are not valued and cherished equally. And Indian media is as much to blame for this as any other world media.

Terrorist attacks: How Pakistan wins the news cycle

2009-03-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Terrorist attacks: How Pakistan wins the news cycle

By

Ramesh Chander

WHATEVER ONE may say about Pakistani politicians, they always win the news cycle throughout the world. Something the Indian politicians are just too incompetent or too lazy to do.

Some of the secrets Pakistan knows about world news are:

1. Get any statement out to the wires (Reuters/AP etc) and it will be spread through out the world. The information being accurate is very optional.
2. Act fast. Whenever there is big news like a terrorist attack - people will read all news that comes out in the first day. The interest will diminish the second day; fade the third day and so on.
3. Always be ready to give a counter-statement. Always be at hand to deny any accusations.
4. America is the center of the world with respect to news information. Notice that after the Mumbai terrorist attack; New York Times had a widely read article penned by Zardari. (Hello, it was Mumbai that was attacked and Mumbai is in India. Where are our Indian politicians?)
5. People (especially abroad) generally do not follow news on weekends. So even if you admit to any terrorist attack or you want to release a terrorist or appease one, do it over a weekend.

Take the current Lahore attack. A ‘minister of shipping’ got word out to agencies that the terrorists may have come from boat from India. This was among the first news that was published throughout the world. The agencies just published it,

Now many news agencies are reporting, "Pakistan sees India hand" because of some vague accusations from people. It follows the principles, just get some news out, accurate or not. A week later you can deny that. Nobody would read those articles anyway.

Compare this with the Mumbai attack. As soon as the involvement of Pakistan hit the wires, Pakistan denied it. So the news was something to the effect of "Indian accused Pakistan. Pakistan denies the attack. India usually accuses Pakistan for all its terrorists attack"

When will our politicians and diplomats wake up? Can they ever become as competent as the Pakistanis? If they want Pakistan to be declared a terrorist state, it is not just important to smooch with World diplomats, it is more important to win the hearts and minds of people everywhere, because ultimately, the world diplomats follow the hearts and minds of their citizens. The only way to win the hearts and minds of people everywhere is to dominate the world news cycle.

Why "Aryan" isn't a great name for kids abroad

2009-03-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Why "Aryan" isn't a great name for kids abroad

Ramesh Chander

ARYAN, ALONG with Dev, Raj and Rahul has become one of the most used names in Bollywood movies. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in Indian parents who have named their kids Aryan.

Personally, I believe Aryan is a really nice sounding name. It has a great meaning in India. But what many Indians don’t realise is that the name “Aryan” has a completely different meaning abroad. In most Western countries, including America, the name “Aryan” is associated with Hitler, Nazism and race-supremacist. “Aryan” is a hate word in America and Europe (“Aryan Nation” is a notorious racist organisation here).

Unfortunately, most people in America don’t know much about Indian history; they don’t realise that “Aryan” and symbol “swastika” have completely different meaning in India.

When one of friends was making some greeting card on her screen, with a Swastika sign, her colleague stopped by and angrily asked her “What are you doing? Why is that symbol on your screen?”.
Only when my perplexed friend (who didn’t know the significance of swastika here), explained the meaning of the symbol in India, the colleague calmed down.

When my friend’s kid named “Aryan” joined a pre-kindergarten class with my son, the teacher practically refused to use the name. My friend had to personally meet the Jewish teacher and explain to her that Aryan was not meant to be the Jew-killing Hitler, but had a different meaning.

These incidents might be isolated, and indeed the Western world might become more aware of the different meaning of this word later. But think twice before naming your son “Aryan”. If your son is in America or Europe or ever visits there in his life, do you want your kid to ever feel down or feel different based on a still largely unacceptable name. (Remember the movie “Namesake”?)

'Outsource' becoming a racist word

2009-03-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

'Outsource' becoming a racist word

By

Ramesh Chander

WHEN AN American hears the word ‘outsource’, what comes to his mind? First of all, dread - they fear their job will get outsourced. And this feeling is somewhere bringing in a sense of hatred among the Americans towards the Indians.
The first sentiment is quiet natural. Nobody wants to lose his or her job. Especially when they have worked hard and played by the rules. People fear losing their livelihood. They dread starting life over again and learning a new skill…very natural. Even within India, people dread when people from other states take over their jobs. The roots of many inter-state squabbles in India can be directly linked to this.

The latter sentiment, when people start connecting the word ‘outsourcing’ to Indians, unfortunately starts to wander into a dangerous territory. The Mr John of Dell from India has become part of American popular culture over the last decade. Though this phenomenon is greatly exaggerated, at the most twenty-five per cent of all American calls get answered by an Indian in India. But when the word outsource is applied to people, who have nothing to do with outsourcing, just because of the color of their skin, or their land of origin, it becomes offensive and in my humble opinion, truly racist.
When Slumdog Millionaire won eight Oscars, many American newspapers and websites couldn’t stop themselves from using the word ’Outsourced’. “The most Outsourced Oscars” screamed one headline. In what way was the movie “outsourced”? It was a movie based on India, so it was shot in India - as simple as that. Why didn’t anyone used the word outsourced with another Oscar nomination Australia, which was shot in Australia? What about Lord of the Rings – the movie was entirely shot in New Zealand, with a whole lot of New Zealand technicians, even though the story was not connected to New Zealand in any way.
Why didn’t anyone raise the term ‘outsourced’ then? In fact, about half of Bollywood movies have at least part of their shooting abroad. By any calculations, Bollywood ‘outsources’ more of its movies to the West than the West does to Bollywood.
When Bobby Jindal delivered a horrible speech, the term outsourced again popped up everywhere. I was surprised that the liberal commentators of MSNBC couldn’t stop using them over and over again. To connect Bobby Jindal, an American in every way, to outsourcing is outrageous. If Arnold Schwarzenegger had delivered a bad speech, I wonder the term would have popped up anywhere.
I hope the World media pays importance to the use of this word, and does not continue to use it carelessly and does not continue to emphasise the stereotype by putting a photo or a video of an Indian call centre or Chinese workers, every time the word ‘outsourcing’ is used. As I illustrated with a few of the examples that took place recently, this word is beginning to be used racially and may foster hate among Americans for Indians and people of Indian origin living in America.

Jeev, the best known Indian sportsperson in America

2009-03-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Jeev, the best known Indian sportsperson in America

By

Ramesh Chander

JEEV MILKHA SINGH is fast becoming the best known contemporary Indian sportsman in America and perhaps, throughout the world too. This weekend he finished 4th in World Golf Championship event. A commendable achievement indeed – considering the best golfers in the world participated in the event! He finished ahead of the best golfer in the world -- Tiger Woods. During the final day of the tournament, which was watched by tens of millions, there was a spotlight on the show, exclusively profiling Jeev.

Though Indians have done great things in cricket recently, it is hardly followed in Americas and much of Europe. Even in countries like New Zealand and South Africa, cricket is dying out – judging by the crowds. (About three quarters of the small crowds there are Indians/Indian-origin people). Golf on the other hand, is widely followed. Many of the golf tournaments in America, regularly beat the ratings of basketball and tennis.

There seems to be some inherent connection between the talents required for cricket and golf (both involve hitting a ball very accurately through great distances). A disproportional number of golfers in the top 100 in world rankings, come from cricket playing countries – Australia, South Africa, and England. Equivalent non-cricket playing countries like France and Germany have hardly any players in the top 100. Similarly, India has two players in the top 100 even though it has zero public golf courses, whereas China, inspite of government effort to make a mark in this sport and building of hundreds of golf courses, has none. (Of course USA, where the sport is very popular and which has enormous facilities is an exception – who knows, if Tiger Woods had taken to cricket, he might have been another Tendulkar). If only the Indian Government starts encouraging the sport more and builds some public golf courses or even driving ranges – where the non-millionaire Indians can go and play, Indians, will surely shine in this sport.

Most of the Indian golfers are self-trained or trained by their parents. Chowrasia, who won the Indian masters last year, was a son of a ‘mali’, who learnt golf by sneaking into the golf course at dark and playing there till the guards chased him out. Even Jeev’s golf swing is “unorthodox” to say the least. If these people were trained properly, they would have achieved much more.

Jeev’s achievements are enormous. Apart from finishing fourth in the World Golf Championship, he won the Asian tour order of merit, the Barclays Singapore Open, (beating many of the top golfers), won two tournaments in Japan and another one in Europe – and all this just in the last year.
The money he earns too is enormous. Last year, some Indian newspapers reported that Jeev has become the first Asian to earn a million dollars in a calendar year. What went unreported is that the million dollars was the money he earned from the “Asian tour”. Jeev also plays in Europe, America and Japan, and his total earnings from golf winnings last year was around $3.5 million!

It is also unfortunate that Indian Press still treats golf as an elite sport and hardly covers this sport. When Jeev finished fourth in the World Championship, more coverage was given to some statement made by Shewag and Sania’s second round exit in a tennis tournament.

Jeev is currently ranked 29th in the world, with lots of potential to move upward as he plays more in America – where even a tenth place finish is awarded more ranking points than winning a tournament in Asia. He is probably one player who can put India on a global sports map, with Sania rapidly fading in the other widely followed sport of tennis

A son joins the father.

2009-03-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

My father who studied only up to third standard , some time in the first decade of the twentieth centaury knew how to read and write Tamil, Malayalam, English, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada. The versatility which he showed in expressing his ideas were remarkably great. Though he was a struggling hotel worker before independence , he thirsted for the independence of his country. I as a small boy of five , knew all about the great nationalist leaders. I used to quote Verbatim, the arguments of the great lawyer called Bhulabai Desai who defended successfully the soldiers of INA against charges of waging war against their country .He slowly guided me in to the great world of knowledge and writing. He used to be very proud of his ancestors who were Shastris, musicians and astrologers of Puducode village of Kerala. He used to tell me that a branch of our family were the ultimate source of consultation on any aspect of Acharas. Possibly I did get a small bit of it from him and my ancestors. This blog was created to put my random thoughts in to the web. My next generation consists of three people, my son Ramesh Chander, My daughter Meera and my brother’s daughter Roopa. All these three learnt the art of reading, analyzing and thinking along with the cups of milk they drank in the infancy. All of them read a lot and write extremely well. I am proud to put the thoughts of my son in Raja Thatha’s blogs.Unlike me his thoughts are more modern.

One of my pet poems

2009-03-16T02:33:00.000-07:00

I like to read poems. Today I was searching my old collection.I found this gem. I do not know who wrote it. It goes on like this:-
Que Sera Sera
When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich
Here's what she said to me.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

When I was young, I fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, day after day
Here's what my sweetheart said.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, what will I be
Will I be handsome, will I be rich
I tell them tenderly.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Honey moon at 70

2009-03-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am racing towards 70 and my better half has just crossed 60. We normally spend our days by temple hopping. For a change we went on a sponsored conducted trip to Malaysia and Singapore in the first week of February. This was our first honeymoon.
When we got married only heroines and Heroes of Indian Cinema used to go for honeymoon., According to them, the couple used to spend all the time in singing and dancing. This word is translated as “Then Nilavu” in Tamil and more Romantic “Madhu Masam (Honey filled month) ” in Malayalam. As far as I understood it was a time for the young couple to spend all the twenty four hours of the day in understanding each other without any responsibilities or day today duties. Had they been at home there would be several jobs for both of them and a huge chunk would be cut off from the honey filled 24 hours. I personally feel, that it has lost its relevance today because , understanding each other does not lead to adjustment in habits and pattern of life either by the husband or wife nowadays.
Due to not being a practice during those days, me and my wife never had any honey moon. Ofcourse over these 40 years we have understood each others angularities and have been leading a life of peace and happiness. This peace used to get broken once in a while by squabbles or violent difference of opinions. But it did not matter because we knew each other well and were prepared to adjust with each other.
During of first honey moon at 70 , though we did enjoy the sight seeing and rushing from one place to another, our mind was filled with thoughts of our daughter, son, grandson and grand daughters. When we saw some thing , we thought , how our children would enjoy it better. When we got a time of our own our thoughts raced to the well being of children.
But in spite of all these turmoil and worries in the mind, we did enjoy the time together from our lonely home , though even in our home we were alone and with each other all the time. I who am very busy with computer related activities all the time and my wife who used to be busy in group chanting of stotras and chit chatting with her friends, , found out that we liked each other’s company . Had we been not rushed by the tour operator from place to place, we possibly would have done lot of talking with each other. We would have planned out future senior citizen years , and would have discussed our future plans.
This first honey moon , made us want for more such honey moons in each other’s company , possibly at a much slower pace and with some body to take care of the hassles and arrangements for the tour, stay and sight seeing.

Rules of life of our bare footed ancestors

2009-03-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

The following are the rules to be followed in a day to day life of a Brahmin:-

He should wakeup during the Brahma Muhurtha (4.30 AM) . As soon as he wakes up he should take a stock of
1.The actions we did yesterday.
2. The money we earned by just means
3. The actions that we plan to do today.
4. How we are going to earn money today.
5. How we have to behave so that we do not hurt others. And
6.The efforts involved in doing the duties.
And then we should think of God.

He should then answer the calls of nature in a place outside the village without causing any pollution to homes, fields and places of spiritual importance. While doing so the Yagnopavitha should be taken out of the usual place and hung in one’s ears. Then he has to clean ourselves several times with mud. We should also gargle and spit several times followed by Aachamana. Then we should clean our teeth and take bath .After this he should wear the cloth as prescribed and wear marks of Gobicchandana or Sacred ash as per the custom of his clan. After this he has to do Pratha Sandhya Vandana, followed by Oupasana and Vaiswadeva homa followed by worship of Gods like Shiva, Vishnu or Brahma. After this he has to do Madhyahneeka, Brahma Yagna and feed a stranger and then take meals. The after noons has to be spent in learning Vedas or chanting Vedas or Teaching Vedas. In the dusk , he has to again do Sandhya Vandana and retire for sleep.
Each of these actions have to be done according to certain rules. These rules are given in the second chapter called “Ahneeka Dharma Prakarana” of the great book Samkshepa Dharma shasthram. The detailed translation of this part has been completed and is available in
http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi.html
under the heading “day to day Dharma of a Brahmin”.
I clearly understand that these rules even to a minor extent are impossible to follow by 99.99 % of our people. But reading this would give them an idea as to what is expected out of a Brahmin. I have a humble request. If you have time please do read them. These were those great people who following all these rules contributed to the number theory., Trigonometry, Astronomy, Diplomacy, thought about aeronautical engineering and gave detailed maps of aero planes, were the founders of a unique system of medicine which included surgery not only to human beings but also to animals and trees, Writing of gigantic epics and so on. Can any of us working for 24 hours without break blessed with lots and lots of sophisticated instruments do even a fraction of what those bare footed geniuses did. I believe that there is some thing we still do not know about them.

A Dog in the high court of Madras aka Chennai

2009-03-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

There is a great Euphoria among all Indians for getting several awards to the Indian artistes of the “Slum Dog Millionaire.” At the outset I would like to congratulate them because in a country like India full of brown and black people , nothing is greater than a recognition of the white people .
But most of you possibly did not notice about another dog usage in Tamil Nadu. When Dr.Subramanya Swamy , a Ph .D from Harvard , a great intellectual and a classmate of mine (whom I have not seen for the last 48 years) was appearing in some case in the High court of Madras, the lawyers enraged at his attitude towards LTTE, called him “Parppana Naye” (“Brahmin Dog” or literally a “Refugee settler dog”). I do not have any opinion on the right or wrong of Swami the politician but I was terribly pained by the usage resorted to by the intellectual lawyers of the high court of Madras.
Visibly there was no protest aired by the Tamilian Iyers, not even in their yahoo groups. Possibly this is due to their being harassed by the government and people of Tamil Nadu . This is in spite of the fact that Sage Agasthya was a northern Brahmin , River Cauvery was his wife. Thiruvaluvar wrote in his great Tamil Veda that
“Brahmins are righteous people, because
They treat all beings with mercy and kindness.”
When the contribution to the Tamil language or culture of this community from the Sangam times to today is summed up , it is a very high percentage in spite of the fact that they never were more than 3-4% of the Tamil population at any time in the history. . I totally agree that like every other forward communities in Tamil Nadu and India, they practiced untouchability and for reasons unknown were able to get maximum number of the white collar jobs under the British. This to my mind is not sufficient reason for calling them dogs.
This would not have happened in any other state in South India , other than Tamil Nadu. True some jeering and some harassment of Brahmins are there in other states too but from the poorest to richest , all people have great respect for them. They respect them for their sincerity, honesty and intelligence.

Oldicapped Syndrome

2009-02-25T02:33:00.000-08:00

I am calling those senior citizens who are handicapped, either by physical limitations or mental limitations as oldicapped. According to the figures which are available, these people form about 20-30% of our population. Many of them are slightly miserable, some highly miserable and a few are really happy. I am sure all of you would like to ask “Is this problem new? Did it not exist before?”
In case of our previous generation the life expectancy was very small. If a man or woman lives up to 60 it was a cause of celebration. People living more than 80 were extremely rare, and their birthdays used to be celebrated by the villagers as a whole. Most of them after retirement at the age of 50-55 or after disposing the business they were running used to come back to their ancestral homes in their native place. Their sons used to send regular remittances for their upkeep. Children and grandchildren used to make it a point to visit them and spend with them at least a month during the vacation. They had the privilege of searching for grooms and brides to not only their children but to their grand children also. Family squabbles and quarrels used to be there but there was a silken bond of affection tying the members of the family. Whether it is marriage or other celebrations or even death, the villagers considered it as a family function. They used to toil night and day to make happy functions a success and sad functions sublime.
Things have changed. The senior citizens have started easily living up to the age of 80+. Hundredth birth day though still rare, are annually one or two in a locality. Most of them live a face less life in a community which ignores its members. They do not have ancestral homes and prefer to settle down in the places they last worked. Their children are not with them, even if they live in the same town. Most of the children are settled either in the Middle East or in USA. Ofcourse there is a heavy demand of this oldicapped people for their services as long as they are healthy. Help in the kitchen, assistance during delivery and baby sitting are their normal jobs. But once they are not of any use, they are thrown out first as we throw our curry leaves from the dishes. Due to the rat race called life, to attain higher and higher peaks, the children and grand children think of them as a burden, once they are not physically or mentally fit. These oldicapped ones suffer within themselves. They know their future is to be either to be looked after by nurses or even worse, becoming a member of some old age homes. I would now like to detail some specific problems of these oldicapped citizens.

1. The poor oldicapped people
There are large numbers of parents who spend all that they have earned to bring up and educate their children. They also have to spend lot of money on marriages of their daughters. At the end they become poor at a stage when they become so old that they cannot earn any more money. The pensioners are slightly lucky among these people. If their children do not give money to their maintenance or for treatment of awful diseases that attack the old age, they simply become miserable. There are many old age homes that are prepared to take them. But it seems some body in the society should admit them in such old age homes and guarantee some responsibility in great crisis. Would their children do that?
One of my friends remarked that such cases are found only among the middle class and the rich. Among the poor, he said, no son deserts his parents.

2. The once efficient old mother
This type of handicap affects men and women in a different way. The housewife who has brought up children to become great people and looked after her husband like an angel has tremendous demand among working couple as long as she is physically capable. But it is clear that the demand is for her but not to her husband who can only create confusion and not provide physical help.
Such old mothers have all their lives been the queens of their kitchen. One generation before, there used to be conflict between her and the daughter in law for the ruler ship of the kitchen. The modern working daughter in law is least bothered about the control of the kitchen. But she deeply dislikes the Aacharams (religious dos and don’ts) to which her mother in law is attached and also for her , the little time of privacy that she gets with her husband and children is sacrosanct. These do fan the conflict and one day the poor mother in law is out of the house. Her only support is her husband. But both being physically weak, find it difficult to manage a household independently. As long as the partners are together, they somehow manage. Moving to the daughter’s house rarely solves the problems. Old age homes or God is their only solace after such eventuality.
But there are some very wise woman (You find them in large numbers today), who know about this extremely well. They easily manage the house according to the likings of her daughter in law and manage to keep themselves happy. God bless them.

3. That old man who is active.
Fortunately large numbers of old men are active thanks to the great advances of modern medicines. If they have independent wealth or income and have their own house, the problems crop up only when they loose their partner or they become physically dependent. Till then the major problem is spending time. If they are religious they can join such groups and become contended that they will definitely are going to heaven. Spending time is a great punishment for them.
The grandchildren are very busy in their own way attending thousands of classes apart from attending school. Their children do not have time to speak with them. Unfortunately two problems crop up at this stage. The old man keeps on dwelling in the past and repeats the same events again and again. Another problem is that they do not keep the toilets clean. This is not because they do not want but they do not realize that due to the prostate problem, drops of urine fall outside the basin and give rise to awful stink. They also become like children and keep on hankering for their favorite sweet or savory. Their wives are helpless because they are outside the kitchen and their daughters/daughter in laws simply does not have the time.
Some of them manage to join an old man’s club which is active in street corners and parks. But I understand some how this does not help them much.

4. The sick oldicapped people.
With the advancement of medicine, most of the old people have either high blood pressure, High Sugar, High cholesterol or arthritis of the joints or a funny and entertaining combination of some of these. Imagine an old man being asked not to consume sugar, salt and chillies and walk at least for one hour daily and also keep a strict diet. Food, the only entertainment in the old age becomes a punishment. The medicines/injections they have to daily take are very costly. If they can afford it, it is fine. But if they cannot afford it but have to ask their daughter in law for money (there is nothing wrong) it becomes greatly painful. As long as it remains like this it is well and good. But some old people get serious diseases like cancer, kidney malfunctioning, heart attack and so on. More money is needed and apart from it lots of the precious commodity “Time” of their children is also needed. Life becomes miserable and daily such old people pray God to take them away from this earth. God sometimes accedes to the request but some time he does not.

5.Alzheimer’s disease
Very high percentage of oldicapped persons beyond the age of 85 or 90 are attacked by this disease. They loose all their memory and are worse than just born babies.If the children are not there to look after them, there are not many institutions who can take care of such people.

6. The security of oldicapped people.
In almost all towns in India murders of oldicapped couple takes place with an aim to rob them. Though the police say that this is not done by thieves but by relations or friends known to them, it becomes almost unbelievable.

7. The oldicapped prisoners
It is not an exaggeration to say that some oldicapped people are locked by their children in their own house when they go to work. Thus without partaking in any crime, these persons are sentenced to simple imprisonment. Though not done like this, the oldicapped persons going to visit their children in USA are virtually prisoners in their homes from Monday to Friday during office hours,

What can be done?

1. Learn healthy habits even while you are middle aged. Even if you are not sick, restrict salt in take, avoid sweets and sugar in coffee. Make it a point to learn Yoga which gives lot of relief.

2. Take up a medical health insurance even while you are fifty for you and your wife and see that this policy is renewed year after year.

3. Even while you are fifty, cultivate some serious hobbies like reading (difficult to the eye) or writing (think of Parkinson), walking (difficult in case of arthritis), music, art, cartooning, giving speeches etc. You need not become a master in any of these but this hobby would help you spend time, when you stop working.

4. The need of a wife and husband to each other reaches epic proportions when you become old. Love her (him) , spoil him(her) with love , talk with each other, discuss your problems and so on. Let the husbands who have never bothered to learn cooking start to learn it when they are 50 plus. Let the wife who has never done outside works like going to bank, pay electricity bills etc start doing it. You both only would be there to look after each other. So if one of you is disabled the other should manage the entire house.

5. Talk to your children openly. When they start earning, do not tell them, that you would manage the house. Demand a portion of salary towards home management. This would become a habit for him and he would realize that he has to contribute a part of salary towards old parents.

6. The society should start old people’s crèche with transport facility in all towns and villages. When the children go away to office and grand children go away to school, these oldicapped people should be looked after in a company of similar people by the crèches. This would also help them to make new friends and facilitate exchange of ideas.

7. If you are forced to live alone by circumstances, and have a brother or sister or cousin who is also old and retired or even friends of similar circumstance try to move your house near to theirs. You can then form a mutual looking after club among yourselves.

8. A better idea would be to promote community living of oldicapped persons. Most of these persons live alone in their big flat. If only they call their friends / relatives to whom they are attached to live with them under the discipline of community living, apart from having company they would lead a more secure life.

9. Building of more old age homes is necessary. Though our politicians want integration at every stage, it would be better to have these old age homes based on a community. In fact the community can organize such homes.

10. All police stations should keep a register of homes where only oldicapped persons live. Let a beat constable once in a while go to these houses and enquire about these people.

11. Let hospitals register these oldicapped people and keep their health problems in their computers. If they are rushed to the hospitals in an unconscious state, possibly this will help.

12. The oldicapped persons should carry their identity and SOS phone number always with them.

13.Institutions to take care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are a priority. The government and social organizations should do their all towards this.

14. There is an organization called Dignity foundation in Mumbai and Bangalore. They help oldicapped people to get jobs and live a life of dignity.

I know I have raised problems, suggested some practical/impractical solutions but I know this is not complete.
Young and old, please think about it.

Red earth - coloured Bus

2009-01-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

The red earth coloured Bus

Written by
Thanjavur Kavi Rayar
Kalki, 25th January, 2009

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander

The village bus goes,
Is of the colour of the red earth.

Like the life of the villagers,
It is a broken and full of holes.

The driver is as aged as the bus,
And drives it with no urgency,
Towards the world which is fast and urgent,

The conductor does not shave,
For possibly that face is Ok for the villagers.

The women with blowing hair,
With no touch of oil,
And their legs tinged by the red earth,
Which makes it look like the red hibiscus,
And the men with unkempt hair,
Get in to the bus below a tree,
and get out of it below another tree.

In the market street of the village,
without bothering about the red dust,
Created by the starting of the Bus,
The tailor anxiously looks up,
With a hope that the customer,
Who has not paid his bill?
Would at least come in the next bus.

With a thatched roof,
With outside walls pasted by the poster,
Of the new print of an age old cinema,
Is the shop busying with make up of the hair.

With knife in the hand, the barber waves,
\Bye to the conductor of the bus.

The red earth coloured bus,
Goes in between the trees,
As if it is another being of the village.

Matricapped Iyer Grooms (Some reactions)

2009-01-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Given below are the reactions of some iyers on what I wrote, Ramachander

I read your analysis of "Matri capped Iyer Grooms" and found it most interesting.

"There are two more major problems standing in their way. One of them is the fact that the iyer girls are extremely intelligent and are able to get themselves not only highly qualified but also well employed and the other is the fact that most of the parents of the present generation insist on horoscope matching".

The first part on Iyer girls being intelligent does boost the morale of Iyer girls no end (me included, although the appellation 'girl' applied to me so many years ago!).
I am amazed at the number of parents who prefer to match horoscopes before proceeding further, among Iyers as well as Iyengars.

"6. Boys who are above the age of 35.
Most of the girls get married(about 80%) of them between the age of 25-28. All of them insist that the age difference between them and their husbands should not be more than 4. So any boy who due to some reasons is not able to get married before the age of 32, finds it extremely difficult to get married. If they cross the age of 35, the chances of them getting married is about 10%".

This is actually the case with a close family friend, they are looking for their oldest son without much success, though he is well qualified and in a good job. As you mention, age is the biggest hurdle. The girls are between 25 and 28 and want someone around 30 or 32..

One of the suggestions to solve this problem is to stop the custom of matching horoscopes, instead have a casual meeting between the boy and girl meet in a neutral venue alnog with the parents and take it from there...

I am sure there will be many suggestions from other ILites ...

with Pranams to you,

Padma
Ramachander Ji,
Every word you said is so true...These days I believe it takes atleast 3 yrs for a bride to find a bride groom and vice versa...And even after waiting there is no guarantee that all their demands are fulfilled!!!

The main reason for the skewed sex ration between boys and girls is the "female infanticide" which was prevalent 30-40 yrs ago....Every family wanted a male child and if they found out that they were pregnant with a female child then most of them got aborted...I am not saying that this happened in one particular caste or community...But it was prevalent in India and to some extent I think even today it exists in most of the rural parts of India.....This current generation is definitely paying the price of female infanticide which happened couple of years ago...It is very schocking but it is true...

I think the main step has to come from within the society...India has a major problem in discriminating white and blue collared jobs....There is no diginity of labor shown by the society...Most of the indians believe that people mostly in IT only can make good money so every parent wants a prospective bride-groom from IT background for their daughter...This is just a sad state...

Like "Padmasrinivas" mentioned, we need to stop the custom of matching horoscopes and let the boy and girl decide if they want to marry or not...I have seen so many couples who have been married because their horoscopes matched 100%...But neither of the couples are happy and some of them are even divorced...So I don't see any point in matching the horoscopes when clearly things are not working!!!!
Other thing is people need to respect every profession...There should be awareness among people that diginity of labor should be there and every profession demands respect...

The other sad part you mentioned is "One son -Old parents group"...
Once upon a time India used to be the land of respect and culture...Indians have always respected our elders and taken care of them...It's so sad that this current generation is not ready to take care of their parents....I am not too old...I am just 32 yrs but I have always supported by husband to take care of his parents and so as my husband agreed to take care of my parents, if need arises....It's so sad to hear that girls who are about to get married do not think this way....May be those girls are filled with such thoughts by her parents/relatives/friends???? I don't know!!!

Hopefully all the brides and grooms find their life partners ASAP...
Dear Sirs,
One of my very intelligent and capable friends wrote:-
I have a slightly different take...

Grooms who are not graduates - this is a tribe that better stay single and first sustain themselves rather than mess up another girl's life. In these times of dial-a-M.S and Ph.D, if someone can't academically raise themselves to the primal level of even a graduation, he cannot sustain himself until he gets self-built or distinguishes himself in an enterprise of his choice like that of a priest, caterer or even a small time vendor. This is not to say under-graduates can't make it big in life, but they are clearly at the bottom of the league and should focus more on their own sustenance than hurrying to procreate.

Priests, cooks and hoteliers - These are off-bounds in case if they remain naive and don't work on their external appeal. Which girl can tolerate a smelly guy (the cook and hotelier) coming home every night only to sleep and wake up? Over time, they should lay down processes and learn to delegate the grimey stuff. That's smart. Now don't tell me Ratan Tata (who owns Taj group of Hotels) didn't get a girl despite being always smart and well turned out

Priests can get girls certainly if they change their conduct (avoiding tasteless banter with yajaman / his relatives, asking for `vandi kooly' over and above Dakshina a la like a chennai rickshawalla who asks `saar, meterukku mele ethavathu kuduthuttu po' while offering their services.) I know quite a few smart young good looking priests that mind their own business that girls drool over.

So they clearly need to work on their external appeal. Because perception is reality.

Business people : There are different categories. Even an LIC agent calls himself a business man as does the owner of a billion $ software major. The question is one of credentials. Normally the those who adorn the top of the league tables don't bother circulating horoscopes amongst seedy brokers /astrologers - they find their match from amongst the scions of other wealthy industrialists while schmoozing at a CII / Chambers of Commerce cocktail do. To my knowledge, there is no unmarried kin in TVS family despite all of them being in business. It's a myth that Brahmins give preference to employed grooms - entrepreneurs have their place too except that it's slightly above the eye-level of the ordinary.

Handicapped - This depends on the categoy of challenge. If someone is short by a limb or an eye or an ear and still copes well with life and is capable of conjugal bliss, I am sure there are other similarly challenged (if not those that are healthy) that are available, provided the net is cast wide enough. Now that there are matrimonial websites that have separate categories for physically challenged, social networks, email groups and other social media like blogs, it's easier to network and connect. (S)he just needs to be smart enough to track them down than just doing 1001 pradakshinams around banyan trees or doing rounds of astrologers.

Only son of parents - I think you're generalizing here. Recognize that people are of different makes. If you don't want a girl if she feels it's a little too much to ask her to be a home nurse besides being a wife, go find another one that clearly doesn't mind. All of us have a right to be different, aren't we? Times are changin'

Boys who are 35 plus - Well, this is clearly one of preference. If girls desire young boys, you just can't blame the girls. I am sure there are quite a few unmarried girls around the same age except if the boy is still insistent on a younger bride. There certainly could be a fair share of widows, divorcees or even intellectuals or just plain `never-felt-like-marriage-till-now-but-now-want-to' types. The smarts among the lot will hunt them down.

NRI grooms - It's again a matter of choice. If the girl chooses to live among her folks back home and dislikes to live amidst a majority that looks down upon her because of her ethnicity, color of skin or eyes or just loves to be a first grade citizen in the country of her birth, well - give it to her. And then the history of ill-treatment, domestic violence and culture gap also tells. But then there are so many that dream of making it big as an NRI consort. Cast the net wide.

Astrological reasons - They need to choose. Whether they want a girl as a consort or wait like a wimp - for `the right one' that brings with her the mythical security and good fortune promised by horoscopes. Girls are better off with boys that like to dare and face life as it comes, especially in these turbulent times when even the big wall street banks (and some Hyderabad companies too) fail over the weekend.

And Finally to that sulking boy that asked his old man `father, can't you find a girl for me' - this guy is a clear loser. He is on a self-pity if not guilt trip. He has higher propensity to mess up post-marital life. Girls must be right in blacking him out. Don't even touch this guy with a barge pole unless he redeems himself, searches his soul and recognizes the needs to fix life on his own rather than leaning on his old man.

Regards,

The person who has written this modern girl's frank reaction is a male, With best wishes, Ramachander

Hats of to Mr. Ramachander.

Eventhough the mail is Candid, No nonsense and touched the bottom of the problem today's grooms are facing. As i was a groom and gone through the same phase of difficulty todays grooms are facing, i wish to add few more.

Groom's Parents are not understanding the following:

1. Brides are in demand. Brides rarely advertise. Even if they do, they prefer the best of the best grooms from the lot they receive through their advt. After all, they spent for their daughter.

2. Grooms parents have not realised the society is changed. Even a prospectus of an university cost more than Rs.1000. But, the parents of grooms rarely spend for their son. Just browse through the advt of brides and apply. Even though they knew, it may not fetch a desired result, still they dont want to spend a rupee for their son. Only god knows what they will do with the money without a proper life for their son. (I too got annoyed when my father approached every small time mami's who give horoscopes free of cost. Most of the brides either married or married with two kids.). Grooms parents also do not understand that they need not have to spend more than few thousand for the marriage, but the brides, its goes in lakhs. So, i plead the parents of the groom to go all out and dont leave any stone unturned. After all, you are going to spend only for advt. but parents of the bride needs to spend for the entire marriage.

3. All put together, there are more than 1 lakh bride but only 2000 are advertising in all matrimony put together. The rest 98000 brides are just browsing through ads. Its more than sufficient for them. Most of the bride's parents do not know internet. Hence, we need to take our son's profile thorough print medium too. Here comes an another matrimony service Matrihelp.com which not only publish the profile in the website, but takes the grooms profile to each and every brides home by way of free distribution of charts. They ask the groom to share a part of the expenses and the balance being shared by them. It can help all grooms incl. middle and lower middle class grooms. They are doing what google is doing in the internet search, (searching every home where a bride reside) but not so fast as google but in a phased manner.

regards

V Radha Krishnan

Conclusion: Then i realised, the main problem for most of the groom is neither their age nor their education or salary, but the laxity in the approach of parents and their unwillingness to spend even a single rupee for their son.

Regards

V Radha Krishnan.

nr ramachandran,
there is one more pl add to this list some girls and boys are too obese and are unable to find a partner because of this and they are at no fault as it is in some genes in the family, my daughter who works in oracle with a good salary is yet to be married because of her well built stature do tell me if you come across some one who would understand this as not a handicap but to take in stride otherwise a lovely person and very versatile personality is my daughter ...regards
Anon

Oh, that is a pity that it comes from a male. There are enough women who will dare to write this and would have held a bigger punch. I for one would have loved to hear this from a girl, nevertheless, I do agree completely with this.

From a girl, that part which says there are enough priests, whom girls drool over would have really opened up eyes of many who still live in the old-age.

I do think horoscopes are to be looked at for a completely different reason, however other things like personal grooming and creating that wining mindset are very important. At the end of the day the winning mindset is what cuts thru life's challenges. Every girl will want her man atleast to brave the uncertainties of life with a smile and put a smile on her lovely face too ;-)

Well articulated, Thanks.

regards,
Rajesh
Namaskaram to all the members of this august Yahoo group.

while the predicament of Brahmin youth who are not sought after by prospective brides,
there are whole class of deprived families who do not have a wherewithal to get a days meal to survive.They do not certainly have money to conduct the marriage of their sons and daughters.
It will be better to identify such families in everybody's neighbourhood and post it a common platform with the financial background clearly explained.Most of the prospective bridegroom s can get their better half from such a group of people who cannot advertise in matrimony sites and other marriage bureaus.

There is another class of women who are divorced or widowed due to forces of nature or Karmas.They become prey to manipulators and some of them are forced to become the second family(in Tamil0 to the manipulators.I know of a Tamil Brahmin girl (35 yrs)who has an aged mother and financially bad state.She is forced to live as as second wife to a non Brahmin Policeman because of economic compulsions and social security.

Why not we take an effort to identify such cases and examine if we can arrange for a marriage with the types of people who do not get brides under normal circumstances?

Let us join together and actively support the remarriage of widows and divorced brahmin women in a large scale.This requires that we have to stretch more to get data on such people and conduct periodic meet among the needy.Such an effort requires couselling too in alarge scale.

This can prove to be the partial solution to the mismatch in the male /female ratio which can jeopardise the Brahmin gene pool in our country.
S.R.Govindarajan

Hi,

While these appear intellectually very fair opinion, one must
remember,
as the wisdom has always prevailed, that our (specifically Hindu)
elders(not over the recent past, but several hundreds or even
thousands years back) have meticulously planned and laid ground rules
with nothing but ONLY best wishes and intentions for their future
generations with regard to marriages. I understand most reliably that
it is only over the recent past that the courts in India have
received large numbers of cases seeking divorce. One can also see
many such advertisements claiming innocent divorcees seeking life
partner. One can not attribute any other reason other than the fact
that we seem to get away from the ground rules laid by our elders.
Beyond all these, if one would have belief in our Sastra, these are
the attributes of Kali Yuga.

I wish we sincerely seek wisdom from our elders and the invaluable
knowledge available with our Sashtras and win over the effects of the
Yug

matri capped Iyer Grooms

2009-01-11T02:15:00.000-08:00

This time I want to write about the very large of young men being not able to find a suitable girl, who is willing to marry them. One of the reasons for this is the skewed sex ratio. Possibly there are only 90 girls for every 100 boys in the community. This would automatically mean that ten boys out of hundred would not be able to find a wife. This is further complicated by the fact that more Iyer girls enter in to love marriages than boys, which further depletes the number of available girls. There are two more major problems standing in their way. One of them is the fact that the iyer girls are extremely intelligent and are able to get themselves not only highly qualified but also well employed and the other is the fact that most of the parents of the present generation insist on horoscope matching. In some cases (possibly one or two percent), there is a distinct possibility of not getting horoscopes match with yours.
I am coining the word matri capped individuals as those who find the problem of getting a suitable partner extremely difficult. The following are some of the matri capped groups of boys:-

1. Grooms who are not graduates.
In the iyer community most of the boys and girls become graduates without much trouble. Some of them, for reason not known to me, find it very hard to pursue their studies. Most of them some how complete matriculation and a few of them complete the pre University course. There is a small percentage who stop their education here.
This group of people find it very hard to get suitable partners. Even if they locate a girl who has completed only matriculation or pre university, she reuses to marry any one who is not a graduate. Very many parents of this type of matricapped boys approach me and tell me, “ We do not have any demands. Even if the girl is from a poor family, it does not matter.” But I am not able to help them because these very poor families are very rare and their girls are at least graduates and try their best to raise the standard of their family. How can we help such boys?

2.Priests , cooks and hoteliers
Even one generation back , these were the chosen profession of many of the Brahmins. These professions are considered as untouchable grooms by the parents of the girls. Priests in cities earn nowadays lot of money but they spend their life alone. Some of them are nudged to take up bad habits like drinking , gambling etc due to this. Ofcourse the priests of villages especially the priests who do worship in temples are extremely poor. They struggle to get married. This is because not only should the girl agree to marry them but she should choose a very religious life. Very few girls agree to this.
Cooks and hoteliers is a fading profession of Brahmins. The few who are in this profession are sufficiently rich but the community in general looks down upon them. They find it extremely difficult o get brides.

3.Business people
Iyers essentially prefer white collared jobs.. They further prefer government servants. This is because , they are all from a poor background and are not willing to take any risk. This generation of Brahmins are trying their hand in business. Many of them succeed and some of them fail. This big class of people who earn lot of money and manage to live like princes , are another group of untouchable grooms. (I understand exactly the opposite is true among Nattu Kottai Chettiars , who do not prefer to marry employed people.). I have a friend who is running a very successful business. He has two sons , both of whom are M.B.A graduates. Both of them joined the father in his business. It is a real truth that both of them are not getting married.)

4.Handicapped people
It is but natural to expect a small percentage of the population to be handicapped. When people who are sufficiently rich and not handicapped are finding it difficult o get brides, it is not strange to note that these people do not get brides. A few days back , father of a doctor practicing in Delhi, who has a slight handicap contacted me. Ofcourse except pitying him, I could not help him.

5. One son-old parents group
Here is another strange group of matri capped boys. No girl is prepared to marry the son who does not have siblings and whose parents are old. They too are untouchable grooms. A generation ago all girls’ parents would have preferred him , because he would inherit all the wealth of his parents and the parents would be of great help in running the family. One girl , asked one of these boys recently, “Will the old people intend o live with you? If so , I am not interested.”

6. Boys who are above the age of 35.
Most of the girls get married(about 80%) of them between the age of 25-28. All of them insist that the age difference between them and their husbands should not be more than 4. So any boy who due to some reasons is not able to get married before the age of 32, finds it extremely difficult to get married. If they cross the age of 35, the chances of them getting married is about 10%

7.NRI grooms
About 10-15 years back NRI grooms were in heavy demand. But over years, girls have realized that life is not that rosy in those places. Most of them after marriage find it difficult to get jobs. Large number of them hate the lonely existence in their American homes, for most of the time. Apart from this is the fact that many cases of martial cruelty has been reported from grooms settled abroad.

7, Astrological matri cap
Boys with shuddha Jadagam according to astrology should marry only girls with shuddha Jadagam. The percentage of girls with shuddha jadagam is just half of the percentage of boys with shuddha jadagam . Apart from this is the fact that a girl with shuddha Jadagam can marry a boy with slight dosham. Just imagine a boy not able to get married because, he is not getting a bride , whose horoscope matches with him.
There are many more such matri capped grooms. As a society , it is high time that we all discuss and find some method for finding suitable girls to our sons. Recently an old man told me, “My son is asking me “Father , can you not find a girl for me?” and I am not in a position to answer him.
Many of us are not in a poison to answer our sons. Ramachander