Saturday, October 31, 2015

All vinayudamai-62nd chapter of Thirukural- (Having perseverance )

All vinayudamai-62nd chapter of Thirukural-
(Having perseverance )

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander



(In this chapter THiruvalluvar  puts great emphasis on the need of perservarance to complete  any job  and he says perseverance increases one’s prosperity   and its absence   makes you poor.)

1.Arumai udaithendru   asaavaamai   vendum,
Perumai muyarchi   tharum.

1.It is not proper to feel depressed   feeling  that,
“I  cannot complete a job” as perseverance  would lead you to greatness.

2.Vinaikan  vunai kedal  ombal  vinaikurai,
Theernthaarin  theernthandru  ulagu.

2,If a person  leaves a job  without completing it ,
The world would leave him  and   so do not spoil the job by leaving  it in the middle.

3.Thalaanmai   yennum  thagaimai kan  thangiththe  ,
Velanmai   yenum cherukku.

3.The  greatness of the   character of perseverance ,
Is  fixed  in the great   culture  of effort.


4.ThaalaNmai illathaan  veLanmai   pedikai,
VaLaNmai   poala kedum.

4.If a person without perseverance   tries to help   some one,
It would like a coward  who gets scared of an army ,
Taking a sword in his   hand and trying  to rule.

5.Inbam vizhayaan   vinai vizhaivaan   than kelir ,
Thunbam  thudaithoondrum   thoon.

5.The person  who does not  like enjoyment  but  has perseverance,
To finish his job is like a pillar which removes sorrow  and carries the mansion of life.

6.Muyarchi thiruvinayaakum  , muyaththinmai ,
Inmau  puguthi vidum.

6.Perseverance  increases a  person’s wealth,
And its absence, would make him suffer  poverty.

7.MadiyuLaaL maamukadiyenba madiyilaan,
ThaaLuaaL thamarayinaal.

7.Where laziness is there  the black goddess  of misfortune (Jyeshta Devi)  lives,
And with one who is not laziness , Goddess Lakshmi (lady of lotus)  lives.

8.Poriyinmai  yaarkkum pazhiyandru aRivaRinthu,
AAlvinai   inmai pazhi.

8 Even iIf the fate  which gives  rewards according  the amount of effort,
Is not there, it is not a mistake of any one , but not trying,
After   earning   desired knowledge is a mistake  .

9.DEivaththaan  aakaathu   yeninum  muyarchi than,
Mei varutha kkolli  tharum.

9.If the job we  did could not  be  completed  by strength  of fate  ,
We would get sufficient  result commensurate   with our efforts.

10.OOzhayum  uppakkam  kaanpar   ulaivindri  ,
THaazhaathu   ujnaththupavar.

10.Those who do an act  without  losing courage and with sufficient effort,
Could even make fate which tries to stop it show its back.(retreat).


Friday, October 30, 2015

Sri Rangam –the greatest Vaishnavite temple and prayers addressed to Lord Ranganatha

Sri Rangam –the greatest Vaishnavite temple  and prayers  addressed  to  Lord Ranganatha

Compiled  by
P.R.Ramachander



Sri Rangam  is the most holy  temple for all  devotees   especially Vaishnavites . When the word  “Kovil( temple) “ is mentioned by   the Vaishnavites of Tamil Nadu  , it would indicate   Sri Rangam temple only . It is believed  Sri Ranga Nadhar  (Lord of the  divine stage ) who is  the presiding deity of   this temple was  worshipped  by the Solar dynasty   (Dynasty of Sri Rama)  which existed  during Ramayana  times .In Kamba Ramayanan,  it is mentioned that  when Kausalya the  mother of Rama , heard that Rama is going to be crowned  as the Yuva Raja , she   rushed to this temple .(No mention of this temple  is made in Valmiki Ramayana) . It is believed that  Rama gave this  God   whom he worshipped    to King Vibheeshana   as a parting gift   when he left Ayodhya   after his coronation so that  his country Lanka  would  prosper .However  when King Vibheeshana kept the idol on the floor in  the land  in between  the two branches of Cauvery  , the lord preferred to stay there and later  King Vibheeshana was not able to move the idol. However the God promised him that  he would be facing south and view  Lanka always so that  the country of Vibheeshana would prosper . This temple is mentioned in Silappadikaram  , one of the five  great  Tamil epics of the  early Sangham period.. Later this idol  with its  Vimana was covered and hidden by   growth of forest around it  and was found by a Chola king  who was chasing a parrot in the forest. He then and there  decided and built possibly the largest  temple   in the world..It is believed that  Rajamahendra chola presented the God there  with a golden couch. It is also believed   that the idol  was taken to Delhi by Malik Kafur during his invasion of the south India  and presented to the Sultan. It is believed that the daughter of Sultan called Surthani    developed great love to that God and brought it back   to the temple  and while prostrating before the Lord in Sri Rangam merged with that God. There is a temple  for her near the Arjuna Mandapam of Sri Rangam    and she is called   as  THulukka Nachiyar   and daily chapathis   are made  and offered to her  as Naivedhyam. The sultan under the impression that  the deity had killed his daughter  and   made several invasions to the temple   .A  group lead by a great Vaishnavite saint  Pillai Lokacharyar took    the   idol to Thirunelveli   and another group took away   the Idol of Ranga Nayaki. It is believed that in the war that  ensued more than 13000 devotees were killed  by the  army of the sulthan.  Since they were  not able to find the idol, the Sulthan’s troops   went back   ,. By that  time the groups carrying the idol  reached  Thirupathi,. And it was again consecrated after  another six decades .
       The temple is enclosed by   seven  concentric walls  (Called Prakarams)  with a total length of 32592 feet. It has 21 towers(gopurams) , 39 pavilions  and fifty shrines .It also has a thousand pillared hall . Here  the  Vimana (roof covering the sanctum sanctorum   is plated with Gold .The God Ranganatha   is seen in a form in which he reclines  on the serpent Adhi Sesha,. The images of Lord Vibheeshana  , Brahma, Hanumam , Garuda , the conch and Holy wheel of Vishnu   are  all there  inside  the sanctum, The  Consort of Ranganatha called Ranga Nayaki  has a separate shrine out side the main Sanctum sanctorum. It Seems the Goddess  comes out of her temple only once in a year. There are  several shrines other than this and one among them is dedicated to Saint Ramanuja who systematized the procedure of worship   in this great temple .
Temple Timings[30]
Type of Darshan
Ranganthar Shrine
Ranganayaki Shrine
Viswaroopa seva
6:00-7:15
6:30-8:00
Pooja (closed for devotees)
7:15-9:00
8:00-8:45
Darshan
9:00-12:00
8:45-13:00
Pooja (closed for devotees)
12:00-13:15
13:00-15:00
Darshan
13:15-17:45
15:00-18:00
Pooja (closed for devotees)
17:45-18:45
18:00-18:45
Darshan
18:45-20:45
18:45-21:00

         Though  Vaishnavism  (the devotees of Lord Vishnu)  as a special branch of Hinduism   was in existence  ,  in Tamil Nadu  from very ancient times , it was the 12  Azhvars( Ones who have  drowned themselves in devotion)  who  by  the  their poetic outpourings of devotion (pasurams)    put Vaishnavism   in a separate pedestal  . Most of the works  of these great devotees   were  in Tamil   and  the entire work is collected    and preserved  in a book called Nalayira Dhivya Prabandham .  These outpourings  have given the shape to the  Vaishnavite Philosophy   ,But   it was  the  great Acharya  Ramanuja  who   gave   separate interpretations   to the existing philosophy at  that time  and established  the philosophical doctrine of Visishtadvaitha.  This great saint  chose this great temple   as the   head quarters  of the Vaishnavite group . It was he who systematized   the daily  Worship and rituals of this temple .One of the  important one  is caller Arayar Sevai  , where a member  of a particular family recites   Tamil verses of Azhavars    with dance like poses. He also laid down that  Pancharathra Agama  should be used   for worship  in this great temple .
Contact particulars
 EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple
Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli – 620 006.
Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone              : +91 431 -2432246
Fax                  : +91 431 -2436666
Email               :  srirangam@tnhrce.org
Woraiyur         : +91 431 -2762446
Yatri Nivas    : 9486482246
Thiruvellarai    : +91 431 -2562246

   It is  but natural   that  there   are  very  great  stotras  eulogizing Lord Ranganatha   at SriRangam. I am giving below   the translation    of three  of them :-
1.Ranganathashtakam
(Octet on Ranganatha)
By
Adhi Shankara
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
(with assistance in editing the translation by Dr.Saroja Ramanujam)

(Sri Rangam for a Vaishnavite is the holy of the holies to all Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and is similar to Benares for a shaivite.” 2 km from Tiruchirapalli, Srirangam is the most important temple in Sri Vaisnavism. The Deity here is Lord Ranganatha reclining on Ananta Sesha. It is also the biggest temple in India covering 155 acres and is surrounded by the Rivers Kaveri and Kolladam. The dome (vimana) over the Deity is covered in gold and is known as the Paravasudeva Ranga-Vimana. The Deity of Ranganatha was first worshipped by Lord Brahma, then later given to Maharaja Iksvaku of the Raghu Dynasty, who brought the Deity to his capital of Ayodhya. Later, the Deity was worshipped by Lord Ramachandra. When Vibhishana visited Ayodhya he requested Ramachandra to give him the Deity so that he could worship Him at his capital in Lanka. Ramachandra agreed provided Vibhishana did not place the Deity on the ground on his return to Lanka – if he did so, the Deity would stay in that spot. Somehow or other, Vibhishana placed Lord Ranganatha down at Srirangam and that is where he has stayed ever since. However, unlike most Deities which face east, Ranganatha faces south towards Lanka to bless Vibhishana and his kingdom. It is said that Vibhishana returns every 12 years to perform worship of Lord Ranganatha”*
All the Vaishnavite saints called Azhwars, Saint Ramanuja and his followers especially Sri Vedantha desikan, have sung about this temple and the Lord who rules in it. It is believed that Adhi Sankara who visited this temple composed this very pretty octet. It is the will and grace of the Lord that, we both should translate this great stotra together.)
* quoted from http://www.divyadesamonline.com/srirangam.asp




Aanandarupe nijabodha rupe,
Brahma swaroope sruthi moorthi rupe,
Sasanka rupe ramaneeya rupe,
Sri ranga rupe ramatham mano mey. 1`

Let my mind revel in the form of Ranga
Whose form is the epitome of happiness,
Whose form is the true knowledge,
Whose form is as told in the Vedas,
And who is of the form of the comforting moon and beautiful


Kaveri theree karuna vilole,
Mandhara moole drutha charu khele,
Daithyanha kale akhila loka leele,
Sri Ranga leele ramatham mano mey. 2

Let my mind revel in the form of Ranga
Who is on the banks of river Kaveri,
And playfully dispenses mercy,
Who is below the Mandhara tree,
Where he speedily and prettily plays,
And who destroys all asuras,
By his play spread over the whole world.

Lakshmi nivase jagatham nivase,
Hrud padma vase ravi bimbha vase,
Krupa nivase Guna brunda vase,
Sri Ranga vase ramatham mano mey. 3


Let my mind revel in Ranga,
As the one who lives in Sri Ranga,
In whom goddess Lakshmi lives,
Who is the abode of the universe
Who lives in the lotus of our heart,
Who lives in the face of the Sun.
Who is the abode of mercy,
And who lives where good conduct lives.

Brahmadi vandye Jagadeka vandhye,
Mukunda vandhye, sura natha vandhye,
Vyasadhi vandhye, Sanakadhi vandhye,
Sri ranga vandhye ramatham mano mey. 4

In Him let my mind revel
As the one who is saluted in Sri Ranga,
Who is venerated by gods like Brahma,
Who is venerated by the entire universe,
Who is venerated as Mukunda,
Who is venerated by lord of devas,
Who is worshipped by sages like Vyasa,
And who is venerated by sages like Sanaka.


Brahmadhi raje, garudadhi raje,
Vaikunta raje sura raja raje,
Trilokya raje , akhila loka raje,
Sri Ranga raje ramatham mano mey. 5

Let my mind revel in Him
Who is the king of Sri Ranga,
Who is the king of gods like Brahma,
Who is the king of the holy bird , Garuda,
Who is the king of Vaikunta,
Who is the king of the king of devas,
Who is the king of the three worlds,
And who is the king of the entire universe.

Amogha mudhre Paripoorna nidhre,
Sri Yoga nidhre , sasamudhra nidhre,
Srithaika bhadre, jagathaika nidhre,
Sri ranga bhadre ramatham mano mey. 6

Let my mind revel in Him
As one who protects the city of Sri Ranga,
Who has , whose sign is never failing
Who is in perfect sleep,
Who is in the Yogic sleep,
Who sleeps on the ocean,
Who takes care of goddess Lakshmi,
And in whom the whole world sleeps

Sa chithra sayi, bhujagendra sayi,
Nandanga sayi , kamalanka sayi,
Ksheerabdhi sayi , vata pathra sayi,
Sri Ranga sayi , ramatham mano mey. 7

Let my mind revel in Him
As the one who sleeps in the city of Sri Ranga,
Who sleeps pretty as a picture,
Who sleeps on the king of serpents,
Who sleeps on the lap of Nanda,
Who sleeps on the lap of Lakshmi,
Who sleeps on the ocean of milk,
And who sleeps on the banyan leaf.

Idham hi rangam thyajathamihangam,
Punarnachangam yadhi changamethi,
Panou rathangam charanembhu gangam,
Yane vihangam sayane bhujangam. 8

He who sheds his body in this ranga (ground)
Never gets embodiment again
As Ranga has chakra in His hand,
The Garuda is His vehicle,
The serpent is His bed
And his feet is wetted by river Ganga,

Ranganathashtakam punyam prathruthaya ya padeth,
Sarvaan kamanavapnothirangi sayujyamapnuyath. 9

Any one reading this octet on the lord of Ranga,
As soon as he gets up in the morning,
Will get his wishes fulfilled,
And in the end attain salvation.
2.Sri Ranga natha stotram
By
Sri Parasara Bhattar
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander


(Sri Parasara Bhattar was the son of Koorathazhvar and was the chief priest of the great Sri Rangam temple. This great stotra is said to have been composed, when Bhattar had to leave the city of Srirangam, when he angered the Chola king and stayed at Thirukkhoshtiyur. The great love he had for Sri Ranganatha and the anguish he had because he was forced to stay away from the great god are amply reflected here)


Saptha prakara madhye sarasijamuklothbhasamane vimane,
Kaveri Madhya dese phanipathi sayane, sesha paryanga bhage,
Nidhramudhrabhiramam katinikatasira parswavinyastha hastham,
Padmadhathree karabhyam parichithacharanam rangarajam Bhajeham. 1

I salute that Lord of Ranga,
Who sleeps in the yogic pose,
On the bed of Adhisesha,
Below the tall dome**,
Which resembles a lotus bud ,
And is surrounded by seven ramparts,
And which is in between two Kaveri rivers,
With his right hand near his crown,
And his lotus like merciful left hand,
Pointing towards his feet which take care of us all.
** Vimana

Kasthuri kalith oordhwa pundra thilakam, karnantha lolekshanam,
Mugdha smera manohara daradalam, mukthaa kiretojjwalam,
Pasyan manasa pasyatho hararucha, paryaya pangeruham,
Sri Rangadhipathe kadanuvadanam, seveya bhooyamyaham. 2


When will I be able to see and salute that Lord Ranganatha,
Wearing long pundarika* of musk, having mischievous eyes extending to the ears,
Wearing a pretty smile , having beautiful lips, wearing gem studded crown,
And having a lotus like face which bewitches all those who see him?
* Holy mark on the forehead

Kadaham kaveri thata parisare ranga nagare,
Sayanam bhogeendre sathamakamani syamala ruchim,
Upaaseena krosan Madhu Soodana, Narayana , hare,
Murare, Govindethya manasim apekshyami, divasan. 3

When will I be able to spend my days in the city of Ranga,
On the shores of Kaveri meditating on my Lord,
Who is sleeping on the king of serpents ,
And who has a very pretty form of the colour of Indra’s sapphire,
And muttering his names, Oh slayer of Madhu,
Oh Narayana, Oh Hari and Oh Govinda

Kadaham Kaveri vimala salile veethakalupo,
Bhaveyam thath theere sramamushi vaseyam sanavane,
Kadha vaa punyam mahathi puline mangalagunam,
Bhajeyam rangesam kamalanayanam sesha sayanam. 4

When will I able to take bath in the clear waters of Kaveri?
When will I able to live in the dense gardens which are there,
In the shores of that river which are panacea for tiredness?
And when I will be able to sit on the sands in the shore of Kaveri,
Which leads to all that is good and chant the names like,
Oh Lord of Ranga, Oh Lotus eyed one, Oh Lord who sleeps on sesha.

Poogi kanda dwaysa sarama snighdha neeropakandam,
Aavirmodhasthimitha sakunaa noodhitha brahma gosham,
Marge marge pathikanivahairucha maanapavarga,
Pasyeyam thaam punarapi pureem srimathim rangadamna. 5

When I will be able to see again that holy and pretty city of Srirangam,
Which has waters which are as deep as half the arecanut tree,
Which has happy, perplexed birds who chatter the words of Vedas,
And which has wayfarers requesting for salvation everywhere?


Na jathu peethamrutha moorchithanaam,
Naakaukasam nanda vana vaathikaasu,
Rangeswara thwat pura maasrithaanam,
Rathya suna manya thamo bhaveyam. 6

I do not want to drink the nectar and sleep ,
On the pretty gardens of even the abode of devas,
But would prefer to be a dog in the street,
Which serve your city, Oh Lord of Ranga.

Asannikrushtasya nikrushta jantho,
Mithyapavaadena karoshi saanthim,
Thatho nikrushte mayi sannikashte kaam,
Nishkruthim rangapathe karoshi. 7

You get done worships to pacify the ills,
Of your temple being touched by a lowly dog,
Which is a charge ,which is patently false,
And Oh Lord of Ranga, what are you going to do,
When I, a much lowlier being, enter your temple.


Sri Rangam , kari shailam , anchana girim, Tharkshyardhri simhachalai,
Sri koormam purushothamam cha Bhadari narayanam naimisam,
Srimath dhwaravathi, Prayaga Mathura ayodhya gaya pushkaram,
Salagrama girim nishevya ramathe ramanujam muni. 8

The saint Ramanuja gets pleased due to his devotion to,
Sri Ranga, Vishnu Kanchi, Thiruppathi, Tharkshyagiri,
Simhachala, Sri Koorma, Jagannatha, Bhadrinath, Naimisarnya,
Dwaraka , Prayaga , Mathura, Ayodhya, Gaya , Pushkara,
And mountain Salagrama which are all the divine temples.
   3.Sri Ranga  Stotram

Translated  by
P.R.Ramachander

(Here is a pretty prayer addressed  to Lord Ranga Natha of Sri Rangam. Many of the lines bear some similarity to the  famous Ranganathashtakam written by Adhi Sankara. I  do not know who wrote it and have taken it from the collection of prayers  published in Tamil by Giri Traders , Madras. There is a similar stotra in the web site http://stotram.co.in/sriranga-stotram/. There are differences between this stotra and the one given in the web site.)

1.Padmadhiraje , Garudadhiraje  Virincharaje  Suraraja Raje  ,
Trilokya Raje, Akhila Raja Raje , Sri Rangaraje Namatha namami

1,I bend and salute that king of Sri Ranga, who is the king of Goddess Lakshmi,
Who is the king of Garuda  , Who is the  king  of Lord Brahma ,
Who is the Lord of Devendra, who is the king of three  worlds, who is the king of  all kings.

2,Sri chitha sayi , bujagendra sai  , nadharka sayi  , phani boga sayi,
Ambhodhi sayi ,Vada pathra Sayi , Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

2.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga, Who sleeps on the mind of Goddess Lakshmi,
Who sleeps on the king of snakes, Who sleeps to the music of Sun ,who sleeps on the wealth of the a serpent,
Who sleeps on the ocean and who sleeps on a banyan leaf.

3,Lakshmi nivase , Jagadham nivase , hrud Padma vase , Ravi bimba vase ,
Seshadri vase  cha Jagan nivase, Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

3.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga,Who lives with Lakshmi , Who lives in the worlds ,
Who lives on the planet Sun,  Who  in the lotus of the mind ,
Who lives on Sesha mountain  and who lives on this earth.

4.Neelabja varne , buja poorna karne , Karnantha nethre, Kamala Kalathre,
Sri malla  Range, jitha mallarange , Sringarange , Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

4.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga, who is of the colour of blue lotus ,
Who keeps his arm fully on his ears , Who has eyes  touching  the ears ,
Who has Goddess Lakshmi as wife , Who is the wrestler Ranga ,
Who won over  wresters on the stage  and who has lovely limbs.

5.Brahmadhi vandhye,Jagadeka vandhye, Range Mukunde, mudhitharavindhe,
Govinda deve Akhila  deva deve, Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

5.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga, who is saluted  by Brahma and others,
Who is saluted by the universe, who grants salvation on the stage,
Who is like  the delightful lotus , Who is the  lord Govinda,
And who   is the God   of   all devas .

6.Ananda roope, nija biodha  rope, Bhakthi swaroope, Kshithi moorthi roope,
Sri Kanthi roope , Ramaneeya roope Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

6.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga,who has a joyful form ,
Who has a form of realization , Who has the form of devotion ,
Who has the form of earth , who has  the form of luster of Lakshmi and who has a pretty form.

7.Kamsa pramadhe , naraka pramadhe , dushtapramadhe,Jagadaam nidhane,
Anadha Nadhe , Jagadeka kanthe Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

7.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga, who is the tormenter of Kamsa,
Who is the tormenter of Narakasura, who is the tormenter of evil people,
Who is  resting place of the world , Who is lord of orphans and the only lord of the world.

8.Amogha nidhre., Jagadekanidhre , Videhyanidhre,  cha samudhra nidhre,
Sri Yoga nidhre , Sukha  yoga Nidhre Sri Ranga raje namatha namami.

8.I bend  and salute the king of Sri Ranga, who sleeps unfailingly ,
Who sleeps one with the world , Who sleeps  without  the body,
Who sleeps on the ocean  , Who sleeps with Goddess Lakshmi and Who has a yogic sleep.

9.Ranga stotramidham punyam, pratha  kale Paden Nara,
Koti janmarjitham papam , smaranena vinasyathi 

9.A person reading this holy prayer  to Lord Ranga,
Just by a thought  can destroy sins committed in crores of births.




Madi inmai-61st chapter of Thirukural- (Absence of laziness)

Madi inmai-61st chapter of Thirukural-
(Absence of  laziness)

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander



(THiruvalluvar   says that unless you leave out laziness   you can never progress. He says “of Doing urgent  jobs slowly  , forgetfulness , laziness  and too much of sleep  are the ship of destruction  )

1.Kudi   yennaam  kundraa vilakkam madiyennum,
Maasura  mainthu  kedum.

1.If  the stain of laziness falls  on the undying lamp  of heritage ,
The light will get dimmed  and eventually lamp   would be put out.

2.Madiyai   madiyaa  ozhukal   kudiyai  ,
Kudiyaaka  vendupavar.

2.If   their family   should get   fame of heritage,
They  should try their best to leave out laziness.

3.Madi madi kondozhugum  pedhai   pirantha ,
Kudi madiyum  thanninum  munthu.

3.The family  of the  ignorant one who has laziness   with  him  ,
Would get destroyed  much before  him.

4.Kudi madithu kuthram perugum  madi madinthu,
Maanda  ujnathilavarkku.

4.Those who are drowned  in laziness  and also lack enthusiasm,
Would also be loaded  with the crime of destroying fame  of their family.

5.Nedu neer  maravi  madi thuyil  naankum,
Keduneeraar  kama kkalan.

5. The four characters  of Doing urgent  jobs slowly  , forgetfulness , laziness ,
And too much of sleep  are the ship of destruction  used by  those  who want to be  destroyed.

6.Padiyudayaar  pathamaintha  kannum  , madiyudayaar  ,
MaaN payan   yeithal    arithu.

6.Even if the wealth  of an emperor  ruling  the earth  come and join,
It is rare   to  find a lazy one benefitting    from it.

7.Idi purinthu   yellum chol  ketpar  , madi purinthu  ,
Maanda  uluththilavar .
7.Those who do not  do great acts  due to their liking laziness ,
Would be ready   to hear  the words of criticism from  others.

8.Madimai kudimai  kan thangin   than oththarkku  ,
Adimai puguthi vidum.

8.If  a person    with good heritage   becomes lazy  ,
It would make him    a slave  to his  enemies.

9.Kudiyaanmai   ulvantha   kuththam  oruvan  ,
Madiyaanmai   maaththal  kedum.

9.If a person   avoids the laziness   to which he is a slave ,
It would  remove the crimes in method of ruling   of his  family.

10.Madiyilaa  mannavan  yeithum   adiyalaanthan,
tHaayathellam  orungu.

10. A ruler   who is not lazy can attain all the lands  ,
That was  measured   by God   with his feet.






Thursday, October 29, 2015

Chidambaram Nataraja temple and two stotras

An introduction to Chidambaram  Natrajar temple      followed by two great stotras on Lord  Nataraja.

Ciompiled by
P.R.Ramachander



Chidamabaram  meaning  “Sky of consciousness”   or if you assume that its name  is   Chit+Ambalam  meaning  “The stage of performing arts”  or if we refer to  it by its   Tamil name  ,   Thillai ambalam  ((meaning  a place  having  Thillai trees-a species of  mangrove tress)  has   a very unique temple in India.  It is a temple  of  Lord Shiva as  Nataraja( the  king of dancing) .It is unique because  more than 99% of Shiva temples   depict him in the form of a Shiva Linga but here  the Lord stands   six feet tall  in a remarkable dancing pose (People say the statue  is made of Gold) , that too in the pose of Ananda Thandava(The male dance  of ecstasy).He is  also called “Thillai Koothan (the dancer of Thillai) in Tamil  To a Saivite in Tamil Nadu  ”  the  word  temple “ would only indicate  Chidambaram. Though God has   this unique form, in this temple , he is also  worshipped    as the “Sky  of consciousness” and this temple is referred   to as  Akasa Kshethra(the sky temple) . The God  is also worshipped   here in the form of Emerald Linga   as well as Crystal Linga  . Another greatness  about this temple is that , it is the oldest   temple in India with a  golden roof (AD 907-950) . Due to this  , it is called as Pon Ambalam (Golden temple) . Another great peculiarity of the this temple   is the “Chidambara Rakasiyam (The secret of Chidambaram). This  Rakasiyam can be seen by the devotees through a window next to the sanctum sanctorum  of the main Nataraja temple. Most of the time it would be covered by a curtain. When is is open we can see  the secret covered  by  layers  of musk over which a golden Vilwa garland will hang. The devotees believe that   the perennial dance of joy  of the god  is going  on there.
     There is an interesting story of its origin .I am quoting  extensively    from Wikipedia   “The story of Chidambaram begins with Lord Shiva strolling into the Thillai Vanam (vanam meaning forest and thillai trees - botanical name Exocoeria agallocha a, a species of mangrove trees - which currently grows in the Pichavaram wetlands near Chidambaram). In the Thillai forests resided a group of sages or 'rishis ‘ who believed in the supremacy of magic and that God can be controlled by rituals and mantras or magical words. Lord Shiva strolled in the forest with resplendent beauty and brilliance, assuming the form of Bhikshatana (The temple has a very pretty sub temple  odf Bhikshandar)  a simple mendicant seeking alms. He was followed by His consort, Vishnu as Mohini . The sages and their wives were enchanted by the brilliance and the beauty of The handsome mendicant and His consort. On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the rishis got enraged and invoked scores of serpents (nāgas ) by performing magical rituals. Lord Shiva lifted the serpents and donned them as ornaments on His matted locks, neck and waist. Further enraged, the sages invoked a fierce tiger, whose skins and dons were used by Lord Shiva as a shawl around His waist and then followed by a fierce elephant, which was devoured and ripped to death by Lord Shiva (Gajasamharamurthy ).The rishis gathered all their spiritual strength and invoked a powerful demon Muyalakan - a symbol of complete arrogance and ignorance. Lord Shiva wore a gentle smile, stepped on the demon's back, immobilized him and performed the Ánanda Tandava (the dance of eternal bliss) and disclosed his true form. The sages surrender, realizing that Lord Shiva is the truth and He is beyond magic and rituals.”,It seems K Lord Vishnu who  witnessed the cosmic dance of Shiva informed Adhi Sesha about it   and he very much wished to see that dance once again   and dis penance addressing Lord Shiva , Lord Shiva appeared before him and agreed to his request but wanted Adhi Sesha to take a human birth    to witness that dance. Adhi Sesha was born as sage Patanjali (The sage who wrote  Sanskrit Grammar as well as  possibly the first book on Yoga called  Yoga Sastra) .He travelled all the way to present Chidambaram   and met there another great sage called  Vyagra Pada  (One with feet like tiger , to help him to   pluck  unsullied flowers for worship of Shiva)   who was worshipping the  original Shiva Linga of  Chidambaram   in that forest near the lotus pond of the temple  . They both continueds their penance there   and were later met a king called Sveta Varman . The God Shiva   danced  the Ananda Tandava   to these  three people there.  There is some reference that 3000 sages also joined them there and Lord Shiva entrusted  the upkeep of the temple to them. As a honour to Vyagra pada   , this temple town also is referred   as  Vyagrapuram (The  town of the tiger)
       This temple is spread over 64   acres and apart   from the main temple of Nataraja  , has  large temples  to Lord Giovindaraja, Shivakama Sundari (consort of lord Shiva) , Mukkuruni Ganesa , Lord Subramanya besides several minor temples , a huge temple tank(Shiva Gangai tank) , a thousand pillared hall, A hundred pillared hall   and so so on.  The entire temple except  the Giovindaraja temple is owned, controlled and managed by  Deekshithars of Chidambaram . They are believed to have been   3000  in number   and brought by Lord Shiva himself  to manage the temple  . Unlike all other temples in Tamil Nadu where God is worshipped according  Agama Sastras  , in this temple  worship is done according  to Veda.  A deekshithar   would  get the Right to worship in this temple and get a  share of the temple’s income only  if he is married.Their caste rule  insists that  they  should only marry a Deekshithar  girl .Also a Deekshithar  wouldlose his right and share if he moves  out of the temple town  or  gets employed in any other jobs . They were  acknowledged great scholars. This can be  dscerened from the fact that Mahakavi Kamban  was  not  allowed to  present his magnum opus Kamba Ramayanam without   their  recommendation. The population of Deekshithars as of now is about  300  only  due to various reasons . It is interesting to note   that the Govindaraja temple inside the  Natarajja temple  of Chidambaram is managed by the  Relegious endowment board of Tamil Nadu   and has a separate   entrance as well   as exit .  There are several worships  (deeparadhana) performed at the temple   The one   performed after  10 PM  (after every Hindu temple in India is closed) is supposed to be visited by all Hindu Gods  in heaven as well as from all the temples from India   is  considered  as the most important. Only six times in a year the main idol iof Nataraja is anointed. At that time it is brought out of the  temple  and placed  in the thousand pillared hall. Wikipedia says  “They are the Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (in December - January ) indicating the first puja, the fourteenth day after the new moon (chaturdasi ) of the month of Masi (February - March) indicating the second pooja, the Chittirai Thiruvonam (in April- May), indicating the third pooja or uchikalam, the Uthiram of Aani (June–July) also called the Aani Thirumanjanam indicating the evening or the fourth puja, the chaturdasi of Aavani (August - September) indicating the fifth puja and the chaturdasi of the month of Puratasi (October - November) indicating the sixth pooja or Arthajama. Of these the Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai (in December - January) and the Aani Thirumanjanam (in June - July ) are the most important. These are conducted as the key festivals with the main deity being brought outside the sanctum sanctorum in a procession that included a temple car procession followed by a long anointing ceremony.”  You can get drowned   in the greatness   of this temple by reading the   great dance Drama  Nandanar Charitham   which was   written by  the great composer  Gopalakrishna Bharathi  (http://translationsofsomesongsofcarnticmusic.blogspot.in/2013/01/nandanar-charithram-of-gopala-krishna_1266.html )
    Volumes and Volumes have to be written to  describe the greatness    of this great temple  and it  cannot be   described  in a small space  , to which I am   attempting to do it., The Darshan time and list of festivals as given in http://www.chidambaramnataraja.org/darshan_time.html  is given below:-
Dharshan Time

Morning 6.00.a.m to 12.00 noon
Evening 5.00.p.m. to 10.00 night

Daily Pooja

Time: 6.30.a.m. PAAL NIVEDHYAM
[PADHUKA (Lord's footwear) being brought from palliyarai to sanctum santorum in a palanquin]
7.00.a.m. MAHA AARTHI

7.45 a.m.to 9.00.a.m. KALASANDHI POOJA ( first pooja of the day)
[During the time kalasandhi homam, spatika linga abhishekam and maha aarthi]

10.00a.m.to 11.00.a.m. IRANDAAM KAALAM ( 2nd pooja of the day)
[During the time spatika linga abhishekam & Rathna sabhapathi-Rubi Natarajar abhishekam]

11.30.a.m.to 12.00noon UCHIKAALAM (3rd pooja of the day)
[During the time spatika linga abhishekam and aarthi and the Temple will be closed]

5.15p.m. to 6.00.p.m. SAAYARAKSHAI ( 4th pooja of the day)
[During the time spatika linga abhishekam and shotasopachaara aarthi]

7.00.p.m.to 8.00.p.m. IRANDAAM KAALAM (5th pooja of the day)
[During the time spatika linga abhishekam,chidambara rahasya pooja, maha aarthi]

9.00.p.m. to 10.00.p.m. ARDHAJAAMAM (6th and last pooja of the day)

        Chidambaram is a major railway station  in trhe line between Madras and Kumbhakonam . There  is are number of touts  wandering all  over the place   with an aim to cheat devotees. Be careful with them.  Most of the so called web sites of the temple   are maintained  by the individual priests  of the temple .I could not get any phone number to contact  the temple administration. Since the Annamalai university campus   is situated in the temple town , there are no problems for accommodation and food. The other important temples of Chidambaram are  Thillai Kali kovil and Ilamayakkinaar kovil apart from temples in every street corner.
 
    I am giving below   two prayers with meaning addressed  to the God who is the king of dancers:-

I.Chidambareswara Stotram
(The prayer to Lord of Chidambara)

Translated by
P.R.Ramachander

( The Lord of the Chidambara temple is Lord Shiva in the dancing pose called Nataraja. It is the holiest Shiva temple of the south India. It is also a Pancha Bhootha sthala glorifying Shiva in the form of ether (sky). The great Shaivite saints have written voluminously about this great temple. Here is a mellifluous stotra praising that “Sea of mercy”)


Krupa samaudram, sumukham, trinethram,
Jadadaharam, Parvathi vama bhagam,
Sada shivam, rudramanantha roopam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 1

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is the ocean of mercy,
Who has a pleasant mien,
Who has three eyes,
Who has matted locks,
Who keeps Parvathy on his left side,
Who is ever peaceful,
And who is limitless and angry.

Vachamatheetham phani bhooshanangam,
Ganesa thatham dhanadasya mithram,
Kandarpa nasam, Kamlothpalaksham,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 2

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is beyond words,
Who wears the serpent as ornament,
Who is the father of Ganesa,
Who is the friend of Kubhera,
Who destroys pride,
And who has eyes like the lotus flower.

Ramesavandhyam rajathadrinatham,
Sri vamadevam bhava dukhanasam,
Rakshakaram rakshasa peedithanam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 3

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is worshipped by Lord Vishnu,
Who is the lord of the silver mountain,
Who judges and awards punishments,
Who destroys the sorrow of the future,
And who protects those troubled by rakshasas.

Devathidevam jagadeka nadam.
Devesa vandyam sasi ganda choodam,
Gowri sametham krutha vigna daksham,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 4

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is the lord of all devas.
Who is the one lord of the universe,
Who is worshipped by Indra,
Who wears the crescent of the moon,
Who is with goddess Gowri,
And who stopped the yaga of Daksha.

Vedanthavedhyam, Sura vairi vignam,
Shubhapradam bhakthimadantharanam,
Kaalanthakam sri karuna kadaksham,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 5

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is the ultimate end of Vedas,
Who destroys enemies of devas,
Who blesses with good his devotees,
Who killed the god of death,
And who has a merciful look.

Hemadri chapam trigunathmabhavam,
Guhathmajam vyagrapureesamadhyam,
Smasana vasam, vrusha vaha nadam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 6

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who made the golden mountain as his bow,
Who is the soul principle of three qualities,
Who is the father of Lord Subhramanya,
Who is the lord of the town of tiger,
Who lives in cremation ground,
And who rides on a bull.


Adhyantha soonyam tripurarimeesam,
Nandeesa mukhya sthuti vaibhavadyam,
Samastha devai pari poojithamgrim,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 7

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is nothing from beginning to end,
Who is the god of the enemies of the three cities,
Who is the chief ,worshipped by lord Nandi,
And who is again and again worshipped by all devas.

Thameva bhantham, hyanubhoothi sarvam,
Anekaroopam paramarthamekham,
Pinakapanim bhava nasa hethum,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 8

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is with in himself the end,
Who is all that is to happen,
Who has several forms,
Who is the only truth,
Who holds the bow called Pinaka,
And who is the reason for destruction in future.

Visweswaram nithyamananthamadhyam,
Trilochanam chandrakalavathamsam,
Pathim pasoonam hrudhi sannivishtam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 9

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is the lord of the universe,
Who is stable from beginning to end,
Who has three eyes,
Who wears the crescent of the moon,
Who lives in the mind of beings as their lord.

Viswadhikam vishnumukhairupasyam,
Trilochanam pancha mukham prasannam,
Umapathim papaharam prasantham,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 10

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is more than the universe,
Who is present in the face of Vishnu,
Who has three eyes,
Who has five faces which are having a pleasant look,
Who is the lord of Goddess Uma,
And who destroys sins and is ever peaceful.

Karpoora gathram kamaneeya nethram,
Kamasari mithram kamalendu vakthram,
Kandarpa gathram kamalesa mithram,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 11

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Whose body shines like burning camphor,
Who has very pretty eyes,
Who is the friend of the enemy of Kamsa,
Who has a lotus and moon like face,
Who has a very strong and zestful body,
And who is the friend of Lord Brahma.

Visalanethram paripoornagathram,
Gowri kalathram haridambaresam,
Kubhera mithram jagatha pavithram,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 12

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who has very broad eyes,
Who has a complete body,
Who is the consort of Gowri,
Who is the god of Lord Vishnu,
Who is the friend of Khubera,
And who makes the world holy.

Kalyana murthim kanakadri chapam,
Kantha samakrantha nijardha deham,
Kapardhinam kamaripum purarim,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 13

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is the God of good,
Who makes the golden mountain as his bow,
Who has given and shares his body with his wife,
Who is the God with matted locks,
Who is the enemy of the lord of love,
And who is the destroyer of the cities.

Kalpantha kalahitha chanda nrutham,
Samastha vedantha vacho nigoodam,
Ayugma nethram , girija sahayam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 14

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who at time of deluge dances the dance of destruction,
Who is not understood by all the philosophies,
Who has odd number of eyes,
And who helps the daughter of the mountain.

Digambaram,sankha sithalpahasam,
Kapalinam soolinam aprameyam,
Nagathmaja vakthra payoja sooryam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 15

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who wears the directions as apparel,
Who laughs mildly like a conch,
Who carries a skull,
Who is armed with a trident,
And who is beyond description.

Sadshivam sad purushair anekai,
Sadarchitham samasirassu geetham,
Vaiyagra charmambara mugra meesam,
Chidambaresam hrudhi bhavayami. 16

I meditate on that Lord of Chidambaram,
Who is always peaceful,
Who is always worshipped by many good people,
Who likes the songs of Sama Veda,
And who is the terrible god who wears a tiger hide.


Phalasruthi

Chidambarasya sthavanam padedhya,
Pradosha kaleshu puman cha dhanya,
Bhogaan asesham anubhooya bhooya,
Sayujyamapyethi chidambarasya.

Telling of benefits.

That blessed gentleman,
Who reads this prayer of Chidambara,
During the time of pradosha,
Will enjoy fully all the pleasures of this world,
And in the end attain the presence of the lord of Chidambara,


II.Nataraja Dasakam

By
Sengalipuram  Ananthrama  Deekshithar

Translated  by
P.R.Ramachander

(This prayer is addressed to Nataraja(the king of dancers)   , a form of Lord Shiva.   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 SriSubramanya 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 fruitfullife , Sri Deekshithat took Apad Sanyasa and died. His Samadhi is in Chinna Thiruppathi, Salem, Tamil Nadu)
   

1.Kanaka sabha gatha , kanchana Vigraha  , kama vinigraha , kantha thano,
Kali kalithakhila papamalapaha  kruthi samavrutha deha vibho,
Kuvalaya sannibha   rathna vinirmitha  , divya kireeta , subashta thano,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God  who lives in the golden hall,  who has a golden body   ,
who killed God of love  and has amagnetic body,
Who removes all the sins created by Kali age ,
who is the lord   who  covers his body  in elephant hide
Who  wears  a divine crown  which   is embedded ,
With several gems and resembles   the blue lotus flower,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

2.Karakalithamala   , shula bhayangara , kala nirasaka  Padha vibho,
Padha kamala gatha   bhakthajanaqvana , bhaktha sukankana  deva vibho,
Shiva nilayagatha bhoothi vibhooshitha, deekshitha  poojitha  poojaya thano,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who holds the pure trident   and  is the lord 
Who kicked by his    feet the horrifying    God of death,
Who is determined      to look after  the pleasures,
Of the forest of devotees   who come seeking  his lotus like feet ,
And whose form is worshipped   by  the Deekshithas,
Who have applied sacred  ash and came from Kailasa,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

3.Hara hara Sankara Bhaktha hrudambara vasa Chidambara nadha Vibho,
Duritha niranthara, Dushta Bhayankara  darasana sankara divya thano,
Dasa satha kanthara sesha hrudanthara, sankara rakshitha Partha guro,
 Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who lives  on the minds of devotees, who shout,
“Hara hara Sankara” and who is the lord of Chidambara,
Who is fearful loking to those   bad people   ,
Who permenantly  cause    trouble to others ,
Who has a holy body seeing which you grant peace ,
Who occupies the heart   of  Adhi sesha with thousand heads,
AndWho s the teacher of Arjuna   who  gave him protection,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

4.Shiva , shiva Sankara  , Samba puranthara poojitha   sundara manthra nidhe,
Mura hara   sannithi mangala Darsana Manthra rahasya  Chidathma thano,
Pura hara   samharapapamapaa kuru, bheethimara athikrutha makilaam,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh peace  of peace   who is Sankara , who is  with the Goddess,
Who is worshipped by Indra   and  is the treasure  of pretty chants,
Who  grants auspicious  looks  near  the  killer of Mura ,
Whose form  is that   of secret chants   and the ultimate divine,
Who destroyed  the three cities, please destroy  my sins,
Fear   which is created by   all the enemies,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

5.BHujaka vibhooshana , bhoothi vilepana  , Phala vilochana  , loka thano,
Vrushabha suvahana , ganga payo dhara , Sundara  narthana  , soma thano,
Sutha dhana  Dhayaka , soukhya vidhayaka , sadhu dayakara   sathva thano,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who decorates himself with snake  , who applies sacred ash,
Who has an eye on forehead  and whose    body is the world,
Who rides on a bull, who carries     a river  ,
Who dances  beautifully  , who has a body with Goddess,
Who grants sons   and  wealth , Who grants pleasant life ,
Who shows  mercy on the good   and has a body of pure conduct,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

6.SAkala hrudanthara , Chandra kala dhara  , manthra parakrutha  , bhootha dhadhe,
Charana samarchana   divya  druhagatha, Deva vararpitha   BHaghya dadhe,
Vidhi , hari narada   yaksha surasura  , bhootha krutha sthuthi   Thushata mathe ,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who is in the heart of all  beings  , who carries crescent of moon,
Who is the one who has Bhoothas    that can be driven away by Manthras,
And who gets    satisfied   by prayers of  Vishnu, Brahma  , Narada,
Devas, Asuras   and  the Bhoothas,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

7.Giri Thanayarpitha  Chandana Champaka  , kumkuma pankaja   gandha thano,
Dhimi dhimi dhindhimi vadhana noopura, pada thalothitha nrutha guro,
Ravi kiranasthama yagatha  daivatha drushta sunarthana daksha thano,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who has a scented body   due to application,
Of  Sandal paste , Champaka flowers ,Kukum and Lotus ,
Who is the   teacher of dance    from whose  feet ,
And anklet   the sound of “Dhimi,dhimi, dindhimi”   arises,
And who  is  the body punished by good dance ,
When the devas   come to see him   at time of sunset,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

8.Himi girija kara   sangrahanothitha   modha supoorna  , suvarna thano,
Guhagana nayaka, geetha gunarnava  , gopura suchitha  viswa thano,
Guna gana bhooshana gopathi lochana gopa kuladhipa mithramane,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

Oh God who got great joy  by getting  married ,
 To the daughter  of snow  mountain, who has a golden body,
Whose good qualities    are sung  by Lord Ganesa and Subrahmanya,
Whose super  great form is  indicated by the tall tower,
Whose decoration is good character , who has sun as an eye,
And who  is the great friend   of the chief   of the gopa clan,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

9.DAmaruka dharina  , indhu kala dhara, indrapada brutha magnikaram,
Guha jananiyutha   matha mrugothama marthijanakhila roga  haram,
Bhaja bhaja manasa vismruthikaraka  roga thanu pari dathapadham,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

God who holds the small drum , who wears crescent of moon,
Who grants position of Indra, who carries   fire in his hand ,
Who is  with mother of Subrhamanya  ,  who holds  the deer,
Who destroys al diseases   of devotees who approach him,
Who  removes   diseases like epilepsy  by giving his leg,
To those who have mind   always   singing him,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

10.Natha jana sankara   , pinka jada dhara , gandala sathkara gaura thano,
Varada pathanjali sathkruthi  sannutha  mruga charanapitha pushpa dathe  ,
Damaruka Vadana   bodhitha   sarva kalakhila  , Veda rahasya thano,
Jaya jaya hey  nataraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

God who gives pleasure to his devotees  , who has a brown matted hair,
Who holds poison in his neck , who is     white in colour  ,
Who was pleased   ny the prayers    of sage Pathanjali,
Whose feet was offered flowers by  he who had a tiger’s feet,
Who has all the arts   in the universe due to playing drum,
And who has the body   which is the secret of Vedas,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,
The peaceful luck   and    wealth in plenty.

11.Shivatha manantha padanvitha  Rama sudeekshitha sathkavi padyamitham,
Nadana padherathi  thushtikaram  , bahu bhagyameepsitha sidhikaram,
Padathi, srunothi cha bhakthi yuktho yathi bhagya samrudhi madholapathe  ,
Jaya jaya hey  nadaraja pathe  shiva bhagya samrudhi muparjaya  may.

This poem composed   by   the good poet  Antharama Deekshitha,
Gives eternal peace, makes  Lord Nataraja   happy,
Gives occult powers    to those who read or hear it with devotion,
And also grants   them    great luck without doubt,
Victory, victory   to  Lord Nataraja, please grant  me ,


Ookkam udamai-60th chapter of Thirukural- (Possesing enthusiasm)

.Ookkam udamai-60th   chapter  of Thirukural-
(Possesing enthusiasm)

Translated by
P.R. Ramachander



 (The great poet twlls us without enthusiasm no    work can be completed .He concludes  that a very big sized elephant with sharp tusks  would be scared of an enthusiastic   tiger.)

1.Udayarenapaduvathu  ookkam  akthilaar ,
Udayathu  udayaro  maththu.

1.having enthusiasm is called as “having it”  and those,
Having  no enthusiasm  , do not have   anything.

2.Ullam udaimai   udaimai , poruludumai  ,
Nillathu  neengi vidum.

2.Possesion is having possession of enthusiasm   in the  mind  ,
As possession  of wealth  is not stable but would go away.

3.AAkkam  izhanthemendru  allaavaar  ookkam,
Oruvantham  kaithudayaar  .

3.Those who have stable   enthusiasm   with them,
Will not be sad   when  they lose their wealth.

4.AAkkam atharvinai  chillum  asaivilaa  ,
OOkkamudayaan  uzhai.

4,Wealth will  find out the way and  attain the person,
Who has the tireless   enthusiasm   with them.

5.Vellathanaya   malar neettam  maanthar tham,
Ullathanayathu  uravu.

5.The height  of the flower stalk of  a flower  growing in water ,
Would be as much as the   depth of the  water,
And like that  the progress of a person would  be equal to his enthusiasm.

6,Ulluvathellam  uyarvullal mathathu,
ThaLLinum     thaLLamai  neerthu.

6.All that we think should about great things and if by fate ,
It becomes not possible, no one  would  find fault   with that  thought.

7.Chithaividathu   olkaar  uravor   puthayampir,
Pattu paadoondrum  kaliru.

7.Like the elephant not losing  its enthusiasm  even if it is wounded by arrows,
And like  that  those  with enthusiasm  ,
Even if they are  not able to achieve their aims, wuld never get tired.

8.Ullam ilathavar  yeithaar  ulagathu,
Valliyam   yennum  cherukku  .

8.Those  rulers   without enthusiasm  would never be  able to claim,
“We   are very charitable.”

9.Pariyathu  koorngottathu  aayinum  , yaanai.
Veroom  pulithaakurin.

9.Though elephant has a  huge body and sharp   tusks,
But it would get scared  of a tiger with enthusiasm.

10.Uramoruvarkku   uLLa  verukkai  akthilaar  ,
Maramakkal aathale veru.

10.Those who are strong are enthusiastic  and those who do not have  that,
Are just like trees , though their appearance differs.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Othaadal-59th chapter of Thirukural- (Spying)

Othaadal-59th chapter  of Thirukural-
(Spying)

Translated  by
P.R.Ramachander

(To win over   the enemy or a competitor , there is a need to get information about them. One of the methods is spying. But even in that there  is a dharma. Valluvar   details that Dharma.)


1.Othum urai Chandra noolum  , ivai irandum,
Theththenka  mannavan kan,

1.The king should understand that  spies and   famous books  of Dharma,
Are    his two eyes in understanding everything.

2,Yellarkkum yellam nigazbhavai yrejnandrun,
Vallarithal   vendhan thozhil

2.Understanding quickly what happens to every one  ,
All the time is the  job of the ruler.

3.Oththinaan  I othi porul theriyaa mannavan,
Koththam  kola kidanthathu  yil.

3.A  ruler who does not understand evens happening around  him,
Using spies, would not find  any way to achieve  victory,

4.Vinai cheivaar tham chutham  vendaathaar   yendraangu ,
Anaivarayum   aaraivathu  oththu.

4.A spy  is the one who collects  information  on government servants,
Near  relations of the king as well as the enemies of the country.

5.Kadaa uruvodu kannanjaathu  yaandum,
Ukaamai   vallathe  othu.

5.With an unrecognizable form  and with no fear  about  others noticing them,
A spy moves around without making  other people know his mind.

6.Thuranthaar  padivantharaaki iranthaaraynthu ,
Yen cheyinum   chorvilathu  oththu.

6.Taking the form of a saint and entering  difficult to enter places,
And never revealing himself even if tortured by   enemy  are  the natures of a  great spy.

7.Maraithavai   ketkavaththaki   arinthavai  ,
Iyappadu yillathe   oththu.

7.Hiding and getting information about the act  of others and able to get,
Information from others and   having ability  to analyze them  without  any doubt are the duties of spy.

8.Othoiththi thantha porulayum  maththumor  ,
Oththinaal oththi kolal.

8.The  intelligence brought by hearing  them in hiding by a spy,
Should be compared with  news brought by another spy and then only be accepted.

9.Oththothu unaraamai   aalka  udan moovar ,
Chol thokka   thera  padum.

9.Without a spy finding out another spoy should be sent ,
And if the news brought by three  spies match, then only it should be accepted.

10.Chirappariya oththin kan  cheyyarkka  cheyyin,
Purapaduthaan aakum   marai.

10.With others knowing do not honour a spy,,
If done , it is like king himself giving out information.




Monday, October 26, 2015

Pray Lord Vaitheeswaran for health.

Pray  Lord Shiva , the doctor God   , Who  has a great temple  in Vaitheeswaran Koil    and get cured physically and mentally 

Compiled  by
P.R.Ramachander



Vaitheeswaran koil   is a temple occupied  by  Lord Shiva   as   the Doctor king form of Lord Shiva . It also is called  Pullirukuum velur in Tamil because  devotees believe the Bird Jatayu  , The RigVeda    and the Vel   worshipped Lord Shiva   at this temple .It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana performed the cremation of the bird Jatayu in this spot. It is also believed that Lord Angaraka (planet Mars) who was afflicted by leprosy got cured in this place. It is also believed that Lord Subramanya got his trident (vel) after worshipping in this temple.
There is a temple tank called Siddha Amrutha Theertha (the all curing nectar water) in this temple. Bathing in this tank is supposed to cure all diseases. This tank is devoid of fishes and frogs, till this day. Tiru Chandu pills distributed in this temple are considered as a cure of all diseases. This is purported to be the medicine, which Vaidyanatha gave to Angaraka to cure his illness.. Pilgrims who come here to get their illness cured take this medicine after observing the following directions. They are first required to take bath in the Angasanatana Teertham on an auspicious day during the Sukla Paksha, get the Mrittika (mud) in a new pot to the temple, mix it with sacred ash and a few drops of water from Siddhamurta Teertham.
They should grind this into a paste and offer it in prayer to the Goddess and take it in with a little water from the Teertham, whereby they will be relieved of any sort of illness. After the abhishekam, the feet of Lord Subrahmanya are covered with sandal paste mixed with saffron powder in equal weight and devotees receive it as prasad.

It is also believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple Lord Shiva faces west in this tewmple. It is believed  that worshipping Lord Shiva facing west is equivalent of worshipping  in 1000   shiva temples  .
         There is a very simple prayer    to   call Lord Vaidhyanatha   for help from wherever you are
Balambikesa vaidyesa bava roga haredisa,
Japen nama thrayam nithyam maha roga nivaranam.

Those who recite this prayer,
Thrice a day with devotion,
And pray the Lord Vaidyanatha,
Who is with his consort Balambika,
And who removes the fear of birth and death,
Would get cured of all great diseases.
    But devotees  who want to get cured of ailments are   requested to chant the two great prayers   given at the end  of  this write up daily .

         It seems Goddess  Parvathi (Called in this temple as Thayyal Nayaki, meaning  leader of ladies)   wanted her son to appear before her  in a form with one head  and when he appeared like that, She gave him the powerful weapon called Shakthi.  Lord Muruga(called in this temple as Muthukumaraswamy)  it seems fought with Asuras and killed them . as a result many  of his army were  injured.  Lord Shiva appeared   in the form of the  doctor form and cured all of them.  As a result Lord Vaidhya Natha and well as Lord Muthukumaraswamy   decided to  stay here  and bless  their devotees. The Pond where  Rama did obsequies to Jatayu  is called Jatayu kundam    and is within the precincys of the temple  .It seems  the planet Mars called  Angaraka  in Sanskrit,  as Chevvai in Tamil and as Mangala in hindi once suffered  with leprosy and was cured   of his disease    by taking bath in  this tank. Later he also  decided to bless  devotees by having a temple  here. A few miles from the main temple is another   temple of Adhi Vaidhyanatha  Swamy, which is believed  to the  original temple. One of  the peculiarities of this temple is that  the five gopurams of the temple are o in a straight line.The Temple also has an Emerald (Margatha) Linga  which is very famous.Another fact is that there two Kodi Marams (Flag posts) one of gold and another of silver in this temple. The Nava Grahams (Nine planets ) which are usually kept on the front side  of the temple  are kept in a straight line behind the main temple, The temple o is protected by  Lord Bhairava on the east  , Lord Veerabhadra   in the west  , Lord Vinayaka in the south   and Goddess  Kali in the west. The temple is managed extremely well  by Dharmapuri Adheenam , a Tamil Saivite Mutt located  in  Mayiladuthurai. It is also Known that  Dhanvanthari Sidha  attained his Sidhi here.
 Devotees believe that if they come to this temple and worship Lord Vidyanatha  , there  diseases would be cured   and that all problem caused  by planet Mars (chevvai/Mangal/Kuja)   are  cured by worshipping the planet  here. For curing diseases of the body, a special Abishekam oil (Punugu oil)   is given in the temple  which has to be applied  on the affected part. People also   buy salt and  Pepper , which they used to put it in the temple tank.Now they put it it in a vessel  kept near the ttank.The Holy soil  from the ant hill of the temple is made in to pills (called Chandhu Urundai)  is distributed to the devotees.  Devotees believe that  it has very great medicinal powers.
   The Brahmothsavam of the temple is celebrated in the months of Panukuni and Thai  (January-February)
Thirunavakkarasar  in Thevaram says about the deity
"வெள்ளெ ருக்கர வம்விர வுஞ்சடைப்
புள்ளி ருக்குவே ளூரரன் பொற்கழல்
உள்ளிருக்கு முணர்ச்சியில் லாதவர்
நள்ளி ருப்பர் நரகக் குழியிலே."[14]

Which means
Those who  do not deal in their mind  the golden feet,
Of The  God  open matted  hair  decorated  by a snake ,
And the  White Erukkam flower  of Pullirikku Velur (The great city of bird/rig veda   and vel),
Would   live  in the  centre of  the pit   of hell.

     The temple is open between 6 am to 11 Am in the nm morning   and 4,PM   to 8.30 Pm at night . The temple office can be contacted by phone   -04364 279423. The office is situated near the eastern gate of the temple.Devotees   interested in doing Pooja, abhishekam etc are  requested to directly contact the office and pay the money there  instead of many  so called guides /shop owners of the temple  .They make all arrangements including the priest at    reasonable expense  . The temple town has a railway station and good hotels to stay  .There is Dharam Sala   maintained by the Kanchi Shankar Mutt  near to the temple  .The nearest town is Mayiladuthurai (16 km from temple) 

I . Vaidhyanathashtakam
Vaidyanatha Ashtakam
(The Octet to the king of physicians.)
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
.
(Devotees who are desirous of getting cured of diseases are also requested to recited the Vaidyanatha Ashtakam, thrice a day.)

Sree rama soumithri jatayu veda,
Shadanadithya kujarchithya,
Sree neelakandaya daya mayaya,
Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is worshipped by Rama and Lakshmana,
Who is woshipped by Jatayu,
Who is worshipped by the Vedas,
Who is worshipped by Lord Subrahmanya,
Who is worshipped by the Sun God,
Who is worshipped by the Mars God,
Who is having a blue neck,
And who is the personification of mercy.

Ganga pravahendu jada dharaya,
Trilochanaya smara kala hanthre,
Samstha devairapi poojithaya,
Sree vaidyanathata namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who wears the flow of Ganges and the moon,
On his head,
Who has three eyes,
Who had killed the God of love and death,
And who is worshipped by all devas.

Bhaktha priyaya, tripuranthakaya,
Pinakine dushta haraya nithyam,
Prathyaksha leelaya manushya loke,
Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is the lover his devotees,
Who has destroyed the three cities,
Who holds the bow called Pinaka,
Who destroys bad people daily,
And who plays in the world of humans.

Prabhootha vadadhi samastha roga,
Pranasa karthre muni vandhthithaya,
Prabhakarennd wagni vilochanaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who cures all great diseases,
Like rheumatism and arthritis,
Who is saluted by great sages,
And to whom, the sun god,
Moon and God of fire are eyes.

Vakchrothra nethrangiri viheena jantho,
Vakchrothra nethrangiri sukha pradaya,
Kushtadhi sarvonnatha roga hanthre,
Sri Vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who blesses those beings,
Who have lost their speech, hearing, sight and ability to walk,
With these abilities,
And who provides cure,
For devastating diseases like leprosy.

Vedantha vedhyaya jagan mayaya,
Yogiswara dhyeya Padambujaya,
Trimurthy roopaya sahasra namne,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who can be known through vedantha,
Who is spread through out the universe,
Who has a lotus feet ,
That is meditated upon by great sages,
Who is of the form of the holy trinity,
And who has thousand names.

Swatheertha mrudbasma brudanga bajam,
Pisacha dukha arthi bhayapahaya,
Athma swaroopaya sareera bajaam,
Sri Vaidyanaathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who removes all suferings,
Caused by bad spirits, sorrows and fears,
By dip in his holy tank,
By the holy ash in the temple,
And by the mud below the neem tree of the temple,
And who is the personification of soul,
Occupying human body.

Sree neelakandaya vrushaba dwajaya,
Sarakkanda basmadhya abhi shobithaya,
Suputhradarathi subagyathaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who has a blue neck,
Who has the the bull on his flag,
Who shines by flowers, sacred ash and sandal,
Who grants good children and good wife,
And who blesses us with all good luck.

Balambikesa vaidyesa bava roga haredisa,
Japen nama thrayam nithyam maha roga nivaranam.

Those who recite this prayer,
Thrice a day with devotion,
And pray the Lord Vaidyanatha,
Who is with his consort Balambika,
And who removes the fear of birth and death,
Would get cured of all great diseases.


II. Vaidyanatha Namaskaram
Translated By
P.R.Ramachander

Achikithsa chikithsaya cha,
Aadhyantha rahithaya cha,
Sarva lokaika vandhyaya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 1

I salute that Vaidyanatha*,
Who is the cure for the incurable,
Who does not have beginning or end,
And who is saluted by the entire world.
* Doctor Divine

Aprameyayaya mahathe,
Suprasanna mukhaya cha,
Abheeshta dhayine nithyam,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 2

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is greatest and immeasurable,
Who has a very pleasing look,
And who daily fulfills our desires.

Mruthyunjayaya sarvaya,
Mrudani vama bhagine,
Veda vedyaya rudraya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 3

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is in everything and wins over death,
Who has Parvathi on his left side,
And who is the Rudra, worshipped by Vedas.

Sri Rama bhadra vandyaya ,
Jagatham hithakarine,
Somardha dharine thubhyam,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 4

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is saluted by Sri Rama,
Who does good things to the world,
And who wears the crescent of moon.

Neelakandaya soumithri,
Poojithaya Mrudaya cha,
Chandra vahnyarka nethraya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 5

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who has a blue neck,
Who is worshipped by Parvathi and Lakshmana,
And whose eyes are the moon, sun and the fire.

Shikhi vahana vandhyaya,
Srushti sthiyanantha karine,
Mani manthraoushadesaya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 6

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is worshipped by Lord Subrahmanya,
Who is responsible for creation, upkeep and destruction,
And who himself is the lord of gem, chants and medicine.

Kruthra rajabhi vandhyaya,
Divya gangadharaya cha,
Jaganmayaya sarvaya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 7

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is worshipped by fearful kings,
Who carries the holy Ganga,
And who is spread in everything in the world.

Kuja Veda vidheendryayai,
Poojithaya chidathmane,
Aadhithya Chandra vandhyaya,
Vaidyanathaya they nama. 8

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Whose holy spirit is worshipped,
By Mars , Vedas and Brahma,
And who is saluted by Sun and the moon.

Veda Vedhya krupa dhara,
Jagan moorthe, shubha pradha,
Anadhi vaidhya sarvagna,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 9

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is the drops of mercy worshipped by Vedas,
Who is the form of the world ,which does good,
And who is the primeval doctor who knows all.

Gangadhara mahadeva,
Chandra Vahnyarka lochana,
Pinakapane Viswesa,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 10

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is the great God carrying Ganga,
Who has moon, Sun and Fire as eyes,
And who is the Lord of Universe holding the Bow Pinaka.

Vrushavahana Devesa,
Achikithsa chikithsaka,
Karunakara Gowreeesa,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 11

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is the Lord of Devas riding on a bull,
Who is the doctor who cures the incurable ,
And who is the Lord of Gowri , who is merciful.

Vidhi Vishnu mukhaidevai,
Archyamana Padambhuja,
Aprameya haresana,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 12

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Whose lotus like feet is worshipped,
By Brahma , Vishnu and other Devas,
And who is the immeasurable Lord Shiva.

Rama , Lakshmana, Suryendu,
Jatayu sruthi poojitha,
Madanandhaka Sarvesa,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 13

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is being worshipped by,
Rama, Lakshmana, Sun, Moon and Jatayu,
Who is the God of everything ,
And who killed god of love.

Prapancha bhishageesana,
Neelakanda maheswara,
Viswanatha Mahadeva,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 14

I salute that Vaidyanatha
Who is the doctor of the entire world,
Who is the great God with blue neck,
Who is the greatest God ,
And who is lord of universe.

Umapathe lokanatha,
Mani manthraoushadeswara,
Deenabandho, daya sindho,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 15

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is the Lord of Uma and the world,
Who is the God of gems, chants and medicine,
Who is the friend of the oppressed,
And who is the sea of mercy.

Trigunatheetha chidroopa,
Thaapa thraya vimochana,
Viroopaksha , jagannatha,
Vaidhyanatha namosthu they. 16

I salute that Vaidyanatha,
Who is the holy form beyond the three gunas,
Who helps us win over three types of suffering,
Who is god of universe with misshapen eye.

Bhootha pretha pisachathe ,
Uchadana vichakshana,
Kushtathi sarva rogaanaam,
Samharthre , they namo nama. 17

Salutations and salutations,
To He who drives away ,
All diseases like leprosy,
And by chanting whose name,
Ghosts, devils and goblins,
Are made to run away.

Jadyantha kubjather,
Divya roopa pradhaine,
Aneka mukha jandhoonam,
Divya vak dayine nama. 18

Salutations to Him ,who gives good words,
To beasts of several type of faces,
And who gives divine form,
To those who are born to the lowliest and bad.