.: The 18 Steps

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The 18 Steps

The Holy eighteen steps that lead to the shrine have been figuratively called Ponnu Pathinettampadi. ''Ponnu'' as an epithet denotes the holy touch of the Lord's feet. But now the epithet ''Ponnu'' has become literally true because the steps have been covered with gold coloured Panchaloham. Only those who observe 41 days penance and carry ''Irumudi Kettu'' can climb these divine steps.Climbing the 18 steps from the foot of the temple to reach the sanctum sanctorum for holy darshan is considered an important privilege of every devotee. The Pathinettampadi (18 steps) represents the eighteen stages one has to pass through to attain ''Moksha'' (salvation).Among the 'Kshethrasankalpas' in the world, the most important is the concept of Ayyappa and the eighteen steps. It is believed to be the great gift of the Almighty. Sabarimala is surrounded by 18 mountains which are thickly forested.In the Hindu Dharma 18 has a great spiritual significance. Here 1 is 'Paramatma' and 8 is 'Jeevatma', thus 18 is the number for the realization of God. In the Mahabharatha and Bhagavad Geetha, there are 18 chapters. Likewise there are 18 Puranas also that reveal the 'Reality'. The 18 mountains around Sannidhanam, and the 18 steps to reach the abode of the Lord also reveal the 'Reality'.

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Malaysia's Thaipusam Celebration

Malaysian Indians pierced themselves with hooks and skewers Saturday as they celebrated a Hindu festival hailed as a show of religious freedom after a spate of attacks on places of worship.

Amongst the millions of devotees were members of the Om Hari Guru Vighnesvara Sabai. The Sabai had it's own tent and provided free Kavadis, Pal Kudam and Ananthnam. Pictures attached. The Sabai has been providing these services for a long time under the leadership of Hari Guru Nathar and Swami Krishnan Sreedharan. For the record we did not provide any of the above services in honour of Swami Krishnan Sreedharan who left us on 24th Decmeber 2008.

Huge crowds of devotees converged on the Batu Caves temple, a spectacular limestone cavern on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur that is expected to draw some 1.5 million people over the annual three-day Thaipusam festival.Some devotees carried heavy ornate structures called kavadis as they walked up 272 steps to the temple, while hundreds of others had their tongues, cheeks, chests and backs pierced with hooks and skewers.While some worshippers walked quietly and recited prayers, others went into a religious trance, chanting and whirling as supporters held them back by ropes tied onto the hooks placed in long rows down their backs."We are here to fulfil our vows and to pray for peace for our country," K. Thana, a female devotee who carried a milk-pot offering, told AFP as she walked barefoot up to the temple with her mother.Click on the thumbnails below.."I have been doing this for more than five years and for this year, I don't think we are disturbed by the incidents that happened recently," said the 38-year-old bank officer, clad in a yellow costume symbolising purification.Places of worship in Malaysia have been pelted with Molotov cocktails, stones, paint and severed pig heads since a December court ruling that allowed non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" as a translation for "God".Nineteen people have so far been arrested for their roles in the attacks on churches, mosques and Muslim prayer halls, and three of those were charged in court on Friday.The incidents did not deter devotees and tourists from attending the Thaipusam festival, which is also celebrated in several other locations in mainly Muslim Malaysia.About one in fourteen of Malaysia's 28 million population are ethnic Indians -- mostly Hindus but also Christians and Sikhs."This is my first time at Thaipusam festival. This is a very colourful event that I have never experienced before," said Uberto Scotto, an Italian expatriate engineer."This is an example of tolerance among Malaysians," he told AFP.Lisa Wong, a Malaysian Buddhist and mother of two, said she took her children every year to join her Hindu friends at the festival."I like this spirit and I want my children to understand the culture of different races in this country," said Wong, who wore a dot of holy red powder on her forehead.Thaipusam commemorates the day when, according to Hindu mythology, Goddess Pavarthi gave her son Lord Muruga an invincible lance with which he destroyed evil demons.

THAIPUSAM 2010 @ BATU CAVES

After a lapse of a year due to Swami's death, the Annual Thaipusam Gathering will be held on 29th & 30th January 2010 at Batu Caves.

We have managed to get a place near Ganesha Temple located next to Petronas outside the temple compound.

The camp will be set up on 28th January and we need all the help to set up the place.

The Program will be as follows:-

28th January 2010 - Transporting Kavadi and pooja items from Sabai and setting up at Batu Caves. (Venkat, we need your help. Bob,Ganes and Ramesh will assist)

29th January 2010 - 4pm : Cooking of ponggal and Sundal to be given awayas Anathanam after eve pooja. 11pm Kavadi preparation and proceed to Caves.

31st January 2010 - Cleaning up and returning items to Sabai.

1st Feb 2010 - Iduman Pooja (Any Volunters to host the pooja).

All membersof the Sabai,followers of Guru and Swami are cordially invited to attend. Cpntribution of RM200.00 to offset expenses. You may contact Ganes,Bala,Subra and Ravi for further details.

The 1st year Anniversary prayers for His Holiness Swami Krishnan Sreedharan

The 1^st year Anniversary prayers for His Holiness Swami Krishnan Sreedharan who left his mortal coil a year ago on 24^th December 2008 was held at Sri Krishna Bavan Temple/Residence Complex in Edava, Venkulam, Varkala, Kerala on 11^th January 2010. The prayer was also dedicated to Swami’s wife who left us on 5^th November 2008.

Swami’s followers from London, Malaysia, Singapore , India and members of the family were present at this prayer.

The gathering also decided that a “Memorial Hall” dedicated to both Swami and his wife will be built over the burial plots. There will also be a “Sculpture” of both Swami and Amah on the tomb. It is estimated the whole project will cost around RM30, 000.00 and 6 months to complete. We appeal to all his followers to come forward and donate generously to ensure the success of the project. For further information you may contact Swami’s son Mr. Gopal at gopala8058@yahoo.com.sg

MEMORIAL POOJA FOR SWAMI KRISHNAN SREEDHARAN

Om Hari Guru Vighnesvara Sabai will be holding a Memorial Pooja for Swami at the Sabai on Thursday 24th December 2009 at 10.00am

On the same day at 7.00pm another pooja will be made in his honour at the Sri Ayyeneswara Temple at Jln Genting Klang,Setapak.This is a Mandala Pooja conducted by the temple for all Ayyapan devotees going to Sabarimalai.This is amongst the 1st temples that was frequently visited by Swami in his early days.

Both the poojas are held to commemorate the 1st Death Anniversary of His Holiness Swami Krishnan Sreedharan who left his mortal coil a year ago.

All his followers are cordially invited for the poojas and honour "THE GREAT MAHAN"

108 Sharana Ghosham

108 Sharana Ghosham

Say 'Saranam Ayyappa' after saying each line.

1. Swamiyae
2. Harihara sutane
3. Kannimoola ganapati bhagavaanae
4. Shakti vadivelan sodaranae
5. Maalikappurattu manjammadevi lokamathavae
6. Vaavar Swamiyae
7. Karuppanna Swamiyae
8. Periya kadutta Swamiyae
9. Siriya kadutta Swamiyae
10. Vanadevata maarae
11. Durga bhagavati maarae
12. Achchan kovil arasae
13. Anaatha rakshakanae
14. Anna dhana prabhuvae
15. Achcham tavirpavanae
16. Ambalathu arasanae
17. Abhaya daayakanae
18. Ahandai azhippavanae
19. Ashtasiddhi daayakanae
20. Andinorai aadarikkum deivamae
21. Azhutayil vaasanae
22. Aaryangaavu Ayyaavae
23. Aapad baandhavanae
24. Ananda jyotiyae
25. Aatma swaroopiyae
26. Aanaimukhan thambiyae
27. lrumudi priyanae
28. lnnalai teerppavanae
29. ega para suka daayakanae
30. idaya kamala vaasanae
31. Eedillaa inbam alippavanae
32. Umaiyaval baalakanae
33. Oomaikku arul purindavanae
34. Oozhvinai akatruvonae
35. Ookkam alippavanae
36. Engum niraindoenae
37. Enillaa roopanae
38. En kula deivamae
39. En guru naathanae
40. Erumeli vaazhum kraada -shaastaavae
41. Engum nirainda naada brahmamae
42. Ellorkkum arul puribavanae
43. Aetrumaanoorappan maganae
44. Aekaantha vaasiyae
45. Aezhaikkarul puriyum eesanae
46. Aindumalai vaasanae
47. Aiyyangal teerppavanae
48. Opillaa maanikkamae
49. Omkaara parabramamae
50. Kaliyuga varadanae
51. Kan.kanda deivamae
52. Kambankudiku udaiya naathanae
53. Karunaa samudramae
54. Karpoora jyotiyae
55. Sabari giri vaasanae
56. Shatru samhaara moortiyae
57. Sharanaagata rakshakanae
58. Sharana ghosha priyanae
59. Shabarikku arul purindavanae
60. Shambhukumaaranae
61. Satya swaroopanae
62. Sankatam teerppavanae
63. Sanchalam azhippavanae
64. Shanmukha sodaranae
65. Dhanvantari moortiyae
66. Nambinorai kaakkum deivamae
67. Narttana priyanae
68. Pantala raajakumaaranae
69. Pambai baalakanae
70. Parasuraama poojithanae
71. Bhakta jana rakshakanae
72. Bhakta vatsalanae
73. Paramashivan puthiranae
74. Pambaa vaasanae
75. Parama dayaalanae
76. Manikanda porulae
77. Makara jyotiyae
78. Vaikkathu appan makanae
79. Kaanaka vaasanae
80. Kulattu puzhai baalakanae
81. Guruvaayoorappan makanae
82. Kaivalya pada daayakanae
83. Jaati mata bhedam illathavanae
84. Shivashakti Aikya svaroopanae
85. Sevippavarku aananda moorthiyae
86. Dushtar bhayam neekkubavanae
87. Devaadi devanae
88. Devargal tuyaram teerppavanae
89. Devendra poojitanae
90. Naaraayananmynthanae
91. Neiabhisheka priyanae
92. Pranava svaroopanae
93. Paapa samhaara moortiyae
94. Paayaasanna priyanae
95. Vanpuli vaagananae
96. Varapradaayaganae
97. Bhaagavatottamanae
98. Ponambala vaasanae
99. Mohini sutane
100. Mohana roopanae
101. Villan villaali veeranae
102. Veeramani kantanae
103. Sadguru nathanae
104. Sarva rokanivaarakanae
105. Sachithananda sorupiyae
106. Sarvaabheestha thayakanae
107. Saasvatapadam alippavanae
108. Patinettaam padikkutaiyanaadhane

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Om Adiyen terindum teriyaamalum seidasakala Kutrangalaiyum poruttu kaattu rakshittuarula vendum, Shree satyamaana ponnupatinettaam padimel vaazhum om ShreeHarihara sutan kaliyugavaradan aanandachittan ayyan Ayyappa Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Golden Words Of Wisdom

WHERE RELEVANT, SWAMIJI’S EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN INTERSPLICED TO ADD CREDENCE, CHARM AND AWE TO THE TIME – TESTED TRUTHS.

WE MAY NOT BE GIFTED TO ENJOY THESE TRUTHS IN THIS LIFE. HOWEVER, LET US ENJOY WHAT THE ENLIGHTENED ONES HAVE ENDURED AND SAVOURED. WITH SWAMIJI HAVING ATTAINED HIS MAHASAMADHI LET HIS WORDS REMAIN IN ETERNITY IN OUR
MEMORIES

Foreword

The 24th of December 2008 has created emptiness within us. No matter what misgivings and difference of opinions you may have of swamiji, one thing is undeniable – he is no longer with us. We will not be able to witness the lanky, dark and bespectacled figure anymore. That effacious, baby-like smile and the sharp, loving look shall remain only as a memory. Over the years, this frail man has etched a memory in our minds that it shall remain indelible for a long time to come.

He has represented himself in several ways to several people- as a guru, a friend, a father, a confidante and a downright honest human being. His words, “I cannot hate people no matter what they do” still reverberate in our minds. Contrary to the conduct of an ordinary human, he has stooped low several times asking for forgiveness for the mistakes of other samis. It only goes to show the expanse of the humility and respect for others – irrespective of stature or creed. But today forth, he won’t be with us anymore. His familiar annual presence from the months of October to November and during the month of Thaipusam shall be definitely missed.

The last few years have been hectic years for him in terms of poor health and he kept saying that the time would come for us to visit him- that message is well understood now. While he may have not been able to achieve all that he wanted to do he has nevertheless created several “humans” out of ordinary men. That is his greatest achievement.

May his atma rest in peace and his teachings remain in our hearts forever.
“KARANAM ILLA KARIYAM ILLAI
NAAN THASANIN THASSAN
NINGKAL ELLAM MUNALAI NAAN PINNALEI”
- SWAMIJI’S FAMOUS RHETORIC
Words cannot comfort swamiji’s family members, particularly after having lost two souls (swamiji and his spouse) at such close proximity of time . Nevertheless, we pray that TIME heals their ailing hearts. As for his spiritual children worldwide, we certainly have lost an icon of spiritual greatness of our time.

It is hoped that this collection of his words and stories shall meet its purpose of remembering him through the passage of times and it is also hoped that it adorns foremost in the book-shelves of the ashrams swamiji had inspired to build. His words and teachings must remain in our midst forever – this is the gratitude of repayment for what he has done for us !

- from a spiritual son of swamiji

SHARING THE SCRIPTURES WITH SWAMIJI

1. “O Partha! Yield not to unmanliness! It befits thee not. Abandoning this base faint-heartedness, rise up. O dreaded hero!” (BGITA.Chp.2 vr.3).

Comment:

So long as man feels he is the body and nothing but body, he lives in fear and sorrow. He stands up in real strength, shaking off all fear and sorrow, when his sense of individuality is shifted from the body to the Spirit (Atma).

“Weapons cannot cut it nor can fire burn it. Water cannot soak it nor can wind dry it up.” (B GITA. Chp 2 vr.23).

Comment:

No conventional or nuclear, no manual or mechanical, nor single or collective, no simple or sophisticated weapon can cleave it , cut it, rip or tear it up.

Swamiji’s experience:

During the years when swamiji wandered in search of the Truth his mentor often forbade him from venturing into the practice of some austerities, as these could prove fatal. However, Swamiji’s in-born defiance, incessant quest and emboldened spirit always inspired him to do what was forbidden .

He would always answer to the contrary saying that “he” would not die. Once, while he was meditating in some distant forest for days and nights he suddenly felt a weighty, slippery mass on his laps. He opened his eyes and witnessed a colossal snake ensconced comfortably. Swamiji did not flinch for he already realized by then that his Atma could not be consumed by that snake.

At most, only his mortal frame would fall prey to the snake. So friends, imagine the greatness of spirit and the intensity of purpose that dwelled in swamiji during those turbulent moments of his life. When Swami Sivananda advised him to be clothed aptly to face the onslaught of the extremities of the Himalayas, swamiji dressed to the barest minimum continued his onward march up to the Himalayas from Rishikesh. What was that steadfastness of purpose and unquenchable thirst that made him throw all precautions to the wind ? The calm man we see before us had experienced an array of incidents and self –discovery that we do not dare think of , let alone dare endure or venture into.

Close your eyes and think of the number of cold nights, intense scorching heat of the sun, the beating of rain / storms and the extremities his physical body must have faced head on during his tapas !

2. “The learned treat scholarly and polite Brahmins, cattle, elephants, dogs and fallen as equals.” (B GITA Chp.V vr.18)

Comment:

Take note that Brahman (Parameswara) resides and manifests in everything , in every form of life. Hence, a dog, a cow, a kangaroo, a pachyderm is as honourable, lovable and respectable as a king, a counselor or a computer engineer.

Acharya Adhi Sankara, who laid before us the Advaitic philosophy, despite his elevated wisdom once learnt a lesson. He shunned a chandala ( a person of low caste) on his way to the Ganga for his daily oblations. The chandala smilingly asked His holiness why was it that he was being avoided. Was’nt it against the very grain of what Adhi Sankara taught others ?

Adhi Sankara realized the mistake of his and at that very moment took the chandala as his guru. It is said that the chandala was none other that Lord Siva Himself. This short story goes to show that even the learned can stumble and that anyone can be a Guru-anyone who sheds some illumination to the darkness within you. Acharya Adhi Sankara finally attained Mahasamadhi at Kedarnath, the abode of Shiva at about the age of 32 years..

Swamiji’s experience:

As a boy, swamiji had a distaste for the practices in the temples. The priests would not touch the hands of the devotees. The sandal paste would be rolled up into small balls and thrown against the wall where they get stuck. The devotees then take these sandal balls piously. However, they received gleefully the money given to them. These practices maddened swamiji and he questioned vehemently, for which he did receive several beatings from his older siblings. He often talks of a truth many of us would be unaware of. The sage Veda Vyasa was, in a worldly way, a person of low birth. His mother, Satyavathi was of low – caste.

Here, we have today priests with holy threads around their frame chanting away mantras from the Vedas – not knowing the beginnings of the author himself. A true Brahmin, swamiji asserts is one who has realized the Brahman. He could be just anyone from the college professor, engineer, butcher, lawyer, a beggar or even a prostitute. There is no need for a holy thread across his abdomen. Do not ever underestimate anyone !

The level of enlightenment and realization is not worn on the shirt’s collar for everyone to discern. WE ARE ON THIS PLANET NOT TO CONDEMN AND CRITICISE OTHERS BUT TO BURN THE KARMAS OF OUR PAST. Who are we to judge another person’s piety and divinity ?

3. “ O Partha! Whosoever worship Me through whatsoever path, I verily accept and bless them in that way. Men everywhere follow My path” (B GITA Chp.4 vr 11)

Comment :

Do not belittle any faith, any form of prayers, any temples. All of us pray in the way we know best, according to our natural inclinations, our bringing up, our association with others, our varied stations in life etc.

Whatsoever the path, the prayers reach God and they are rewarded accordingly. Let us not take over the task of God by labelling them with unkind remarks and titles. It for God to assess not we mortals. To the innocent who aspire for the truth God appears or rather He creates the opportunities for the eventual spiritual unfoldment.

Swamiji’s comment :

In Kerala of the past, the caste system was steeply entrenched. The people of the low caste were not permitted into the premises of the temples.

Only those of the higher caste were respected. Imagine, the ladies of the lower castes were not even permitted to wear jackets. Jackets were only for the ladies of the exclusive upper classes. Narayana Guru of Sivagiri put an end quite successfully to this foolishness. He created temples for the low caste people despite hailing from the upper caste.

This brilliant man even put up a mirror in place of an idol in a temple – to tell the people that the true God is within them and not without ! He preached that there were no creeds and all were equal and ought to be treated equally – “ Sama sveekaranam , sama darshanam.” Today this great guru’s Samadhi lives in Sivagiri to remind others of the fundamental truth of oneness amidst diversities !

4. “Whosoever makes an offering to Me with devotion, be it of leaf, flower, fruit or water- that devout offering made by a pure-hearted man, I accept with joy.” ( B GITA Chp.9 vr.26)

Comment:

God cannot be cheated and impressed by offering Him with the niceties and extravaganzas. He is not bothered as to what you offer HIM. He gauges you by your love for HIM. If you remember the story of Suddhama (Kuchelan), you will shed tears to learn that Lord Krishna stooped low and held both the feet of Suddhama which were torn and strewn with thorns and dirt.

He held both the feet and washed them with His tears and fragrant water. He hugged Suddhama close to His heart despite the former’s superlatively unclean state. Even though Suddhama hesitated to give Krishna the pounded rice he had brought for Him, Krishna implored and cajoled Suddhama to hand over his gift meant for Him. Mind you the pounded rice was wet with Suddhama’s sweat, grime and dirt BUT Krishna wanted only that and nothing more. Krishna’s wife Rukumani unable to bear Krishna’s love for true friendship shed tears and Her whole frame quivered and trembled .

Does God really receive our prayers and offerings? According to Sri Ramakrishna if a devotee takes one step towards God, God takes ten steps towards him. A devotee will find from experience that God’s grace works on him in a hundred ways without his actually knowing it. It seems Mata Amirthanandamayi when she was a young aspirant would not eat anything from her own house as she was extremely sensitive to food which had been prepared by wordly people. The only food that she could eat was that which had been prepared while chanting mantras.

One day, as she came out of the temple after meditation, she felt thirsty and hungry. Lying in front of the temple was a cow from her house. The cow kept its rear legs in a convenient position so that one could suck milk from its udders. Taking this as an arrangement made by God, this is exactly what the little one did! Playing the role of a calf, she drank directly from its udders thereby quenching her thirst and hunger to her full satisfaction.

Swamiji’s experience:

Just like us, swamiji often wondered that if God partook of the prasadham that was being offered to Him. On one occasion, contemplating this he went to sleep and had a divine vision telling him to prepare good food for the following day as a special visitor would come. Swamiji ordered the devotees to get ready and he personally prepared a array of sumptuous food. While offering the food as prasadham swamiji’s eyes were constantly on the look-out for the visitor. Many devotees had gathered there for the pooja and swamiji’s eyes stumbled upon a young boy with exuberance and charm on his face. The boy constantly looked at swamijI and the prasadham.

This mutual exchange of glances and looks went on for sometime. Swamiji took a hint from this and he asked that the boy be served well. Everyone was amazed at the boy’s appetite. His appetite did not match his age and built . It was simply beyond comparison. The devotees around were spellbound by the boy’s capacity for eating and some even passed unkind remarks towards the boy. Swamiji also served him and after some time the boy disappeared from their midst. Some mentioned that he could have gone to the toilet and searched there but he wasn’t to be found anywhere. That strange incident did not take place by chance but swamiji’s query was answered starkly by God’s visitation. There was certainly a divine intervention and chance wasn’t at play at all ! Enlightened people have seen God’s manifestation and have also heard them.

Swami Ramakrishna often had lengthy dialogues with Mother Kali at the Dakshineeswar temple and he also allowed his doubtful disciple Swami Vivekananda to see for himself Mother’s manifestation before them. The latter was spellbound and taken aback by the reality.

It is said that the great poet Meppathur Bhattatiri while he was writing his poem “ Narayeeneyam” (seated before the sanctum sanctoram ) heard the voice of Guruvayur Krishna Himself. Krishna corrected his sentence by saying that he was not “Prahaladha Priyan” but “Bhakta Priyan”

5. “Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor these rulers of men. Nor shall all of us cease to be hereafter.”(B GITA Chp 2. vr 12)

Comment :

Our atma is ageless. No age can be attributed to it. We have taken different bodies, different births and have taken the lives of animals and plants etc.
If that is the case what of Brahman (God) Himself ? He is beyond time itself. There is no end or beginning of His life. Lord Krishna once responded to Arjuna’s query by explaining that He alone can remember His past and not Arjuna for the the veil of maya was thickly covering his memory of his past lives. Many sages and rishis could remember their past lives too.

Swamiji’s experience :

In his private moments he has mentioned that he was a person closely associated with temple worship, a priest in his past life. However, he stumbled in his spiritual path distracted by the charms of a female and hence in the present life he is influenced by his past samskaras and vasanas . His natural inclination is therefore towards temple worship. Similarly all of us carry our past samskaras/vasanas (inclinations) and we live presently to exhaust them. The only difference being we are unable to push aside the veil of maya to have a glimpse of our past lives !

“And said, Verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as little children, ye shall not step into the kingdom of heaven.” St .Matthews Chap 18 (3) (The Holy Bible).

Swamiji’s Comment

According to swamiji, God appeared at different places, at different
points of time and it the manner most appropriate to the conditions of life then. In the Treta Yuga, it was Rama and in the Dwarupa Yuga it was Krishna. However, the truth they preached has always been consistent. For example children always had a poignant place in God’s love. They do not have jealousy, ill-feeling and are unblemished in faith. In short they are the purest form of humans next to the great saints. In Krishna worship, the children play a significant role for example in Krisha attam ceremonies.

Jesus Christ, according to swamiji, was another avatar of Krishna Himself but his era of influence was short-lived. The message has been the same –LOVE.

“And behold there was an earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.”
“ His countenance was like lightning and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers did shake and became as dead men.” St .Matthews Chap 28 (2), (3) (The Holy Bible).

Swamiji’s Comment

Quite amazingly, swamiji had a profound knowledge of parts of the Bible. Though he could not quote the chapters he refers to specific incidents and this alone makes you spellbound. One such incident concerns the resurrection of Christ. He claims that the white figure that had the strength to roll back the stone of the tomb was none other than Hanuman Himself. At any point of time, in whichever era Hanuman shall not remain idle seeing injustice done to His divine father (Sri Rama ). The anger and fury displayed at that point of time was sufficient to make the keepers (guards) shiver and die. This is, according to swamiji, the same anger and fury displayed by Hanuman at Ravanna’s palace in Lanka.

DIALOGUES WITH SWAMIJI ABOUT NARAYANA GURU

Narayana Guru

Swamiji is a great admirer of Narayana Guru and the saint’s teachings “Oru jati, oru matham, oru theivam” (One religion, one race and one God) often precedes his stories about him. Born as a devout Brahmin, Narayana Guru was a social reformer who brought positive changes to the Kerala’s caste system and for installing a mirror at the Sivagiri temple to indirectly drive the immutable truth to the masses. Some of swamiji’s stories about Narayana Guru are as below.

Animal meat and milk

Devotee : We take the milk of goats and cows. Why should we not eat their meat also? Is there any harm?
Swamiji : What is the harm ? (He asked with a smile) Is your mother alive ?
Devotee : No, she is no more.
Swamiji : Did you bury her or eat her ?

Home quarrel and sannyassa

A poor man who was a tapper by profession quarreled with his wife and came to Swami seeking sanyassa. Swami said : “Well, is sanyassa the Ayodha kandam of tapping ? Return to your home. Look after your wife and children and lead a pious life. You have no need of sanyassa.”

Brahma + Chari – Brahma = CHARI

A youth called Chari became an inmate of the ashram. He came to be called Brahmachari. Some petty complaints arose about him. They were proved true. Swami remarked with a smile : “ Let Chari go his own way leaving the Brahman here.”

Burial, cremation or crushing ?

Disciple : Which is better swamiji, burial or cremation ?
Swami : Is it not better to use the dead body as a fertilizer after processing it in a Crusher ?
Disciple : No,no ,no swamiji, that cannot even be thought of.
Swami : Why, will it cause pain to the corpse ?

No godly power to grow a tooth ?
Swami was camping at Chengganur when an oracle appeared before Swami. He was trembling all over in the usual way of oracles possessed by the diety they claim to represent. Many people gathered at the place. The man was of heavy build but had lost all his teeth.

The man asked swami (while trembling in trance) : Do you know who I am ?

Swami : You appear as a stout loafer.
The oracle : What ? Are you laughing at me ? Do you want to see any proof ?
Swami (with a smile) : I would like to see a tooth in your mouth.

The oracle and the spectators together broke out laughing.

Ghandhiji – tuft = Ghandiji reformed

Ghandiji had a good relationship with Narayana Guru and had visited him. According to our swamiji , Narayana Guru did ask Ghandiji of what necessity was the tuft of hair on his head (Ghandiji as a matter of practice sported a tuft of hair at the back of his head as other Brahmins did at that time) now that he has understood the Vedantic philosophy and realized that there were no differences between the touchables and untouchables. Ghandiji remained quiet. However, when Ghandiji came with a huge garland after Narayana Guru’s mahasamadhi he cried profusely and the tuft of hair at the back of his head was no more and remained so until his demise. That was the power of influence of Narayana Guru.

Our swamiji has lot of regard and respect for Swami Naryana Guru. Swamiji paid a visit to the house where Narayana Guru was born and bred in Chemazhanti about 6 miles to the north of Trivandrum. He often remarks of the smallness and simplicity of the house where this great saint grew up.

This great saint passed away in 1928 amidst his disciples who at his request were reading the “Deiva dasakam”. One of his famous poems reads thus:

“ For him alone is bliss for whom the questions : “Where will you go ?; “When did you come?”; “Where do you come from?”; “Who are you?” etc have ceased to exist .”

OM NAMO BHAGAVATHEI NARAYANA

OUR SWAMIJI’S REVELATIONS OF HIS EXPERIENCES

AN ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.

One day, several years ago, during a stopover for the Sabarimala yatra swamiji was unwell. He was just recovering from a bout of high fever and was in his room for most of the time. A few close swamis gathered around him and dwelt in a long intimate conversation. With tears rolling down his cheeks, swamiji spoke openly and was choked with emotion intermittently. At all times his gaze was fixed upon the picture of an old picture of Lord Krishna framed and hanging above on the wall just above his feet. It was a very old picture with stains of sandal paste on it and the fragrance of paneer emanating from it.

Swamiji said that several years ago, swamiji’s wife was very ill and the kids were still young then. Several doctors were consulted but their prognosis was that it was going to be difficult to treat her. It was very difficult financially and swamiji nor his wife did not want to ask for help from their relatives. The doctors had given up hope and swamiji did not know what to do.

It was very trying and he just could not find a solution. Without the others in the house knowing, swamiji had already tied a rope with its noose ready to take his life later in the night when everyone was fast asleep. Having given up all hope and after looking at his kids and wife for the last time , he retired to bed completely resigned to the fact of ending his life. Sleep was difficult but somehow he immersed into it after a few hours. During that brief moment of his sleep, Lord Krishnan had appeared in his dream as a small boy, touched his chest and rubbed against it while saying that He is around and consoled swamiji not to worry.

Consoled by the words, Swamiji slept heartily thereafter absolutely having forgotten his plan to take his life. The following morning he quickly undid the tied rope and went on with his chores as usual. Sometime later his wife was referred to another doctor who cured her without even charging a fee. Swamiji had since kept that picture of Lord Krishna in the same place on the wall just above his feet.

LORD KRISHNA’S VISITATION TO THE HOUSE.

Swamiji recalled an incident that was rather surprising. It happened several years ago. An old man, bent at his waist due to old age, toothless and bald appeared hungrily at his doorstep wanting some food. Swamiji’s wife called him and served him with what they had cooked for the night.
Since nightfall was near both swamiji and his wife beckoned him to spend that night over at their place. The old man conceded. In the morning, just before he left, swamiji out of the ordinary, bowed down at his feet for blessings and the old man blessed him heartily. Soon after the old man left and disappeared. The neighbours had been witnessing the incident of swamiji being blessed and in their eyes the old man appeared as Lord Krishna Himself bedecked with all the jewels, cloistered in yellow, adorned with garlands and crown. Upon hearing this, swamiji ran to get hold of this old man but he was not there.

It seems the old man had during the previous day also visited another home begging for alms. A householder and his wife were then having lunch and turned him away angrily. According to swamiji the householder was a wealthy man but after this incident and over the years all his wealth was ruined and eventually became a pauper and a devout Krishna worshipper. The story in swamiji’s life was narrated to show how important it was to provide annadhanam to the needy. You never know to whom you are providing the food – it may be to God Himself.

Sometimes during the yatra when we tell him that several dogs were barking and this had interrupted our sleep, swamiji would smilingly say it was because Lord Ayappan was paying a visit to see us. Whether he did playfully say this or was it the truth no one could decipher.

SWAMIJI’S UNIQUE VISION

Usually during the Ayappan poojas at the houses of devotees, Swamij would sit on a chair facing the altar that had been set up specially for the pooja. He could be seen enjoying the bhajans and all times his eyes would be fixed on the picture of Lord Ayappan at the altar. On one such occasion at the house of a devotee called Francis in Kajang, while the pooja was getting upswing and the melody of the bhajans was making everyone drowned in concentration swamiji quickly got up from his seat .

He walked towards the altar, took handfuls of flowers in his right hand and threw them at the Ayappan photograph. His body was trembling and swaying back and forth. The silver round tray with the flowers in it would just hang precariously in the fingers of his left hands. He the took the prasadam and started feeding to the framed photograph. He turned back at us and asked, “Did you see Him – fair and with His hair tied back in a pony tail ”. We sheepily replied in the negative and swamiji said more bhakti was needed. He nodded his head and sat down smilingly.

Swamiji would also suddenly transform himself into Lord Krishna at times during poojas despite his illness. He gets into the Krishna bhava, lies on the floor with one hand supporting his head and bless the devotees present. He loved children and he would like to hear them sing. To him bhajans was one sure way of reaching God – everyone should engage in singing the bhajans not just remain as witnesses. Usually a plethora of songs would be sung during the bhajans, but his favourite would always be Krishna songs.

EVIL CREATURES

One day swamiji in a relaxed mood related a story he had heard about his grandfather. His grandfather was a palace (kotaram) medicine man, and would walk across a deep forest range before reaching the palace to tend to his chores. He would reside at the kottaram a few days and then would return home to be with his wife and children. Swamiji’s grandfather always carried with him some chunambu , sireh (vettalai),betel nuts and a long nail. It seems one day while coming back from the palace, he was stopped by an etchi (a female ghost) disguised as a beautiful and enchantingly gorgeous young woman. It was trying to entice him to submit to its charm and invited him to sit beside it.

Swamiji’s grandfather knew what lay ahead. He followed the instructions and started by sharing the betel nuts with the sireh and chunambu. Just at the most opportune time he took the nail and hammered it on to the top of the etchi’s head with his bare hands. The etchi lost its powers and followed swamiji’s grandfather to his house where it lived with the family. It would perform diligently all the daily chores of the household such as washing, cleaning and sweeping. His grandfather had warned his household not to give the etchi any comb to comb its hair. However, the etchi one day stumbled upon a comb, combed its hair and the nail on its head also came out during this process. It disappeared and never came back again.

From this grandfather of his, swamiji inherited a chest of books and manuscripts containing knowledge of the occult and religious worship. Some of the materials on religion he kept while those on evil and occult practices he destroyed them fearing it would fall into wrong hands. Furthermore, each time he tried to read the manuscripts on occult his eyes would tear away and would become painful.

THE INSTALLATION OF KRISHNA AT SWAMIJI’S TEMPLE

The Krishna temple at swamiji’s abode has always been swamiji’s focal point. To ensure that the Krishna is showered with all the niceities and pomp, swamiji would use all the money given to him during his visits to upgrade the facilities and conduct the relevant poojas at the temple. He would engage the best priests and get advice from the priests at the celebrated Guruvayur temple to conduct these poojas. This temple has seen homams and poojas like the Lakshaarchana and kumbaabhisegam that most temples in the vicinity of Varkala has ever seen. Every year the annual pooja is conducted with sumptuous annadhanam and children engaging themselves in the Krishnaattam. Scholars would be invited to read verses of the Srimad Bhagavatham for days at a stretch. The beating of the chendai, the music of the nathaswaram and the presence of an elephant to carry Krishna on His procession around the area remains as a sight to behold. With fire crackers, the melodious voices of great singers over the speakers, the nadswaram and chendai the vicinity of swamiji’s temple transforms into the Bhooloka vaikundam.

Swamiji had on several occasions said that the installation of the statue of Krishna in the sanctum sanctoram is by Krishna’s choice and not done according to the vastu aspects. The devaprasnam conducted had on several occasions indicated that it was the most auspicious positioning and that was what Krishna wanted. According to swamiji, money came from all angles when it came to conducting poojas for this temple. He never really had to look for it, as several well-wishes had contributed generously to the temple. During the months of November to late December each year this temple is inundated by throngs of Ayappan bhaktas from all over the world . The kettum kettu and irrumudi pooja has been conducted for several years now. Over the years to facilitate and accommodate the Ayappan bhaktas, swamiji had upgraded the facilities around the temple.

Swamiji often says that several people in the neighbourhood has sighted the movements of Lord Krishna in the temple. Likewise, it is the talk among the elders that swamiji himself engages in conversation with the statue of Krishna at times. (Now probably he is in constant communion with Krishna as his Samadhi is sited close to the temple itself – the temple of his creation, his design and his dream ! ).

Two Ayappan devotees back in 1999 , had the divine opportunity of sighting Krishna moving into the temple from the field in front of the temple. As the number of Ayappan devotees were many, some chose to use the house constructed in front of the temple. However, it was a hot night with mosquitoes buzzing in the ears. Therefore, these two swamis (one of them passed away several years ago) came out and sat at the verandah . It was about 2.30 in the morning and cold outside. Walking diagonally across the field and into the temple they witnessed a tall figure (about 71/2 feet high)). Sweet fragrance of flowers and sandal filled the air as if they were just an arm’s length away. When swamiji heard this the following morning, he confirmed it was none other than Krishna Himself. He asked for some vibhuti to be brought and smeared on the foreheads of these two swamis. He claimed that these samis were the blessed ones indeed. So many samis have used these premise before but none had this divine kind of vision before !

NARAYANA PRANTAHAN (The madman Narayanan) of AMBALLA PULLA KRISHNAN TEMPLE

Yet another of swamiji’s stories that linger in the memory is that of Narayana Pranthan. Swamiji’s involvement and manner in which he relates stories of Krishna is not only bewildering but intriguing and is easily understood even when he talks of it in his native Malayalam.

It seems several years ago in the vicinity of the Ambalapuzha Krishnan’s temple there lived a dirty looking, scantily dressed middle-aged man. He used to fish in the nearby ponds and lived scavenging on food thrown away. He was absolutely unkempt, extremely dirty and smelt from head to toe. Sometimes he would walk around naked and the ladies who saw him often ran helter-skelter. Some even threw stones, hot water and sticks at him. He would only laugh and did not injure anyone.

At about the same time, the Tamburan ( chieftain) called all the learned Brahmins from the land over and sought for an auspicious day for installing a Krishna statue at the temple. All the Brahmins who gathered fixed the right date and time and also all the necessary things to be bought for the utsavam (festival). The time came and the installation ceremony was near. Using the devaprasanam ( an astrological method using sea shells) to decide which of the priest should conduct the ceremony, the Brahmins found that they could not find anyone befitting. It was a surprise and the Tamburan felt grieved. Upon his strict orders the devaprasanam was used again and this time Narayana Pranthan’s name kept appearing in their calculations.

The Brahmins went hither and thither and finally saw him curled up under a rock. They immediately brought him to the temple. He left a pole at the end of which hung a fish he had just caught leaning on the wall at the entrance and went in. All kinds of food stuff were there. Fragrance of sorts were arrayed neatly on the floor. Rows of Brahmin priests with protruding bellies were seated there chanting the names of Krishna.

Narayana Prantan was undisturbed by the commotion and gave a small smile. He looked at the statue and started talking with it for some time. He then asked for some betel-nut and sireh. He chewed the same and later spat at the place where the statue was to be installed. Everyone was amazed. Some started shouting saying it was an unforgivable blasphemy. Some even stood up to hit and manhandle him.

Ignoring all these, he raised the statue in both his hands and had it placed just at the place where he had spat. Without looking back he just walked away. Outside the people shouted and boo-ed him. He just continued walking always with his gaze fixed faraway and with his celestial smile on his face.

The tamburan felt humiliated and asked the Brahmins to remove the statue immediately. It was an absolute mark of disrespect for him. All attempts to remove the statue failed and finally the palace elephant, the strongest in the region was brought. Ropes were tied around the statue and the elephant tugged and tugged. Prodded by the elephant-trainer, it tried again but it only succeeded in emptying its urinary baldder. Tired and completely worn out and with urine running down its hind legs it finally collapsed to the ground.

The Tamburan knew that Narayana Pranthan was not an ordinary man, They looked around but he was no where to be found. The pranthan was no where to be seen after that incident.

Swamiji says that at the entrance you can still see the mark of the fish embossed on the wall. According to him, till to date the temple is famous and auspicious and the paal payasam is not be missed. In fact, the Guruvayur statue was installed here during the draconian raids by the Moslem called Tippu Sultan.

SWAMIJI’S GURU

As we all very well know, those long legs of swamiji have travelled far and wide across distances, pebbles, stones and snow. That heflty, heavily - set frame of his must have indeed been strong and resilient to have withstood the cold, sun and snow. The ease with which his knees bend while sitting in padmasana indicates the long hours he would have spend in meditation. Before his trip to the Himalayas during the long sojourn of his yatra, Swamiji chanced upon meeting with Swami Sivananda Maharaj. The latter advised him against swamiji’s trip up the Himalayas. Defying this advice, swamiji went up the hill but had to stop because of heavy snow and strong winds. Disturbed by this, he walked down and continued with the yatra as his mind directed. It was then that he met his guru, a Bengali who only spoke in Bengali. But swamiji could make out what he spoke. He told him that he was his own guru .He later told him that he would get something along his way back. Sure enough swamiji fell into a river and arose from it with a siva linga in his hands.