Your Inspirational World Die/s Every Minute You Dont Read This Article: Lakshmi
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Showing posts with label Lakshmi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lakshmi. Show all posts

Friday, March 13, 2020

Sri Mahalakshmi also spelled Laksmi, Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty

Friday, March 13, 2020 0
Sri Mahalakshmi also spelled Laksmi, Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty

Sri Mahalakshmi also spelled Laksmi, Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kama, artha, and moksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasundhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences. Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. 


Sri Mahalakshmi also spelled Laksmi, Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty

Who is Goddess Mahalakshmi?

Keresanthe Sri Mahalakshmi Temple also spelled Laksmi, (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī, Hindi pronunciation: [ˈləkʃmi]) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu.

What is the difference between Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi?

No they are not the same. Lakshmi refers to the female energy ( wife) vishnu, protector of the solar system. Mahalakshmi is different. The name refers to the wife of mahavishnu, the protector of the universe.

What is the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi?

For example, the goddess Lakshmi of the Hindus has elephants, or an owl, or (a rare instance of a non-animal vehicle) the lotus blossom as her vehicle.

Is Laxmi wife of Ganesh?

That's why Laxmi is always worshipped along with Ganesh. Many people do not know that Laxmi is the mother of Ganesh. They wrongly consider Laxmi as the wife of Ganesh. This has a root in a story.

What are the 8 forms of Lakshmi?

The eight different forms of Goddess Lakshmi are:

  •     Adi Lakshmi. ...
  •     Dhana Lakshmi. ...
  •     Dhanya Lakshmi. ...
  •     Dhairya Lakshmi. ...
  •     Gaja Lakshmi. ...
  •     Santan Lakshmi. ...
  •     Vijay Lakshmi. ...
  •     Vidya Lakshmi.

Is Lakshmi daughter of Durga?

The word Shakti means divine force or power. Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati along with Goddess Durga are known as the Tridevi. According to Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyati and not Goddess Durga.

Is Lakshmi sister of Shiva?

Parvati and Shiva, Lakshmi and Vishnu, Brahma and Saraswati. The pairs were then tasked with creation, maintainace and dissolution of the universe together. Long story short it is Saraswati that is considered Shiva's sister, and not Lakshmi.

What does Lakshmi look like?

Lakshmi is commonly portrayed as a beautiful woman with four arms, standing on a lotus flower. There is usually one, or sometimes two elephants behind her, anointing her with water. She is often depicted sitting beneath Vishnu, massaging his feet.

Which direction should Lakshmi face?

Always place them in such a way that the worshipper is facing North East direction or North or East while praying. Keep Lord Ganesha on the left and Goddess Lakshmi on his right.

How do Laxmi pooja (puja) on Friday?

Place a clean (new if possible) red cloth on an elevated platform and decorate it with a statue of Goddess Lakshmi, Shree Yantra, Kalash filled with water, jewellery or gold/silver coin(s). Make some rice pudding (kheer) to offer the Goddess and distribute it as prasadam once the puja is over.

What do you offer goddess Lakshmi?

Once you have the groundwork laid, here are some recommendations for offering, but always remember to follow your own intuition:

  •     Statue, plaque or image of the goddess Lakshmi (as well as Vishnu)
  •     Objects in red, green, gold, hot pink.
  •     Lotus flowers or seeds.
  •     Roses in her colors.
  •     Stones in her colors.
  •     Stones for prosperity.

Is Parvati and Lakshmi same?

Parvati and Lakshmi are from Adi Parashakti. And ultimately they are from Brahman. ... Parvati is lineal progenitor of all other goddesses (which are essentially her various forms and names). So, yes, Goddesses Parvati and Lakshmi incarnations of the same Goddess.

Are Lakshmi and Saraswati sisters?

According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyati. The goddess of misfortune, Alakshmi, is the sister of Lakshmi. Saraswati is goddess of skill, knowledge, music and arts. ... Lakshmi and Saraswati are also called Ganesha's shaktis or consorts.

What does Lakshmi hold in her hands?

In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions.

Why broom is called Laxmi?

In Indian households we get told off by our elders if we accidentally touch a broom with our feet, they say 'it is an embodiment of Lakshmi, brings wealth into the house by taking away dregs and dust, do not dishonor it. ... A broom is considered a sacred utility in Indian households.

Who is father of Laxmi?

Lakshmi in Vishnu purana : According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati and resided in Swarga but due to the curse of Durvasa, she left Swarga and made Ksheersagara her home. The reappearance of Lakshmi after Samudra manthan and her marriage to Vishnu thereafter, remain the same.

Why is Lakshmi always at Vishnu's feet?

She is the hindu goddess of misfortune and follows Lakshmi wherever she goes. She is extremely jealous of Lakshmi because she does not have a husband. ... So it is Lakshmi who is sitting next to Vishnu's dirty feet, because if it is dirty, Alakshmi will come and drive her out and claim her husband.

Why did Goddess Laxmi press the feet of Lord Vishnu?

Lord Vishnu, the operator and protector of the Universe when is tired of His duties, Lakshmi presses the Lotus feet of Vishnu and provides him relief from his tiredness.

Why does Lakshmi sit on a lotus flower?

Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, is usually depicted with a lotus flower. She is usually shown sitting on a lotus flower and holding it in her hands. Thus, Lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment amid ignorance. ... Lotus flower is also offered as a seat for Goddess Lakshmi during worship.

What is the best time for Laxmi Pooja?

The most auspicious time for the puja is decided when “amavasya tithi” prevails during “pradosh kaal” or the evening time.

How do I get Mahalakshmi blessing?

Yagya to be blessed by Goddess Lakshmi

Do Yagya every month on the day of full moon (Hindi: “Poornima”) to get the blessings of your Ishta. You can also do chanting of “Om” while giving Aahuti of Samgri in the Yagya in order to get peace prosperity, health, wealth and money.

What is Laxmi day?

Lakshmi Puja is a Hindu Festival where devotees offer prayers to Lakshmi—the goddess of wealth. The legend has that Goddess Lakshmi visits her devotees and offers them gifts on this day. Lakshmi Puja is performed on the eve of 'amavasya tithi' which falls on the third day of Diwali.

Why did Lakshmi marry Vishnu?

The Gods cheered when they saw Goddess Lakshmi marry Lord Vishnu. She was the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity and he was the Preserving God. ... Thus with great pomp and show, Goddess Lakshmi married Lord Vishnu during the churning of the ocean.

Why did Lakshmi choose Vishnu?

The reason why Lakshmi is said to have evolved from milk is to say that the money we earn should legit and be as pure as milk and should n... Because Vishnu chose her before any other person could. The fact that Lakshmi has evolved during Samudra Manthan is true, but it only refers to one Manmantara.

Monday, November 25, 2019

sree tirumalagiri lakshmi venkateshwara swamy temple - J.P Nagar Bengaluru

Monday, November 25, 2019 0
sree tirumalagiri lakshmi venkateshwara swamy temple - J.P Nagar Bengaluru

MORE INFO About

Sree Tirumalagiri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Devasthanam is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara (Lord Balaji) and situated in the residential area of JP Nagar 2nd Phase, Bangalore (Bengaluru)

The presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara Swamy is accompanied by Lord Narasimha Swamy on left and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru on right, as separate sannadhis. There are also sannadhis for Lord Ranganatha Swamy, Lord Anjaneya Swamy (Hanuman), Lord Ganapathi and Maha Shesha.


sree tirumalagiri lakshmi venkateshwara swamy temple - J.P Nagar Bengaluru


Address: 1316/C, 9th Cross Rd, 2nd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078

Call 080 2590 7436   | Mobile Phone: 098451 21366

Email:
sreetirumalagiri@gmail.com

Abaya Hastha Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Agaram Village, Hosur Rayakotta Road

Monday, November 25, 2019 0
Abaya Hastha Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Agaram Village, Hosur Rayakotta Road

Abaya Hastha Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple


Abaya Hastha Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a holy Hindu religious site in the village of Agaram Agraharam in Hosur taluk of Krishnagiri district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 15 km from Hosur on Rayakotta Road and 65 km from Bangalore.


Hosur is a rapidly growing industrial hub as well as a famous pilgrimage centre, and is also known as Dakshina Kashi ("Southern Kashi"), since the town is surrounded by the three hills of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, which are not seen anywhere else in India. 


Abaya Hastha Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Agaram Village, Hosur

As per Hindu legend, a demon king named Hiranyakasipu was troubling the Devas (celestial deities). He obtained limitless powers from Brahma, that no human could kill him, nor could he be killed in morning, noon or night, nor in air, water or ground. Contrastingly, his son Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Vishnu, whom his father hated. Hiranyakasipu tried to kill Prahalada numerous times, just for him to be saved by the divine grace of Vishnu.


During the last heated argument between the father and the son, Hiranyakasipu asked if Vishnu was present everywhere and went on to break a pillar with his weapon seeking to see Vishnu in it. Vishnu, pleased by the devotion of Prahalada, took the avatar of Narasimha and came out of the opening in the pillar. Narasimha's avatar was a lion-faced human and slayed Hiranyakasipu on an evening time in a doorway, which was neither land nor air. Ages passed by, when the sages were praying Narasimha to seek his blessings. They were guided by the pretext of Vishwamitra gaining the Rajarishi title with his prayers to Narasimha.

Thursday, November 07, 2019

Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Thursday, November 07, 2019 0
Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

 Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

The Champakadhama Temple is located in a distance of 20 km from Bangalore in Bannerghatta. This historical Champakadhama temple at Bannerghatta is dedicated to Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts huge number of devotees from Bangalore city and surroundings.

 The Temple is maintained by Government of Karnataka. It houses unique stone scriptures. Champakadhama is another name of Lord Rama or Vishnu.


The history of the temple dates back to 12th century. As per the inscriptions found here, it is believed that the Champakadhama Temple was built in 1257 during Hoysala period under the ruler Tamilarasa. You can also see the writing which belongs to the 12th century as soon as you enter the temple premises.


The shrine houses idol of Lord Champakadhama along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhoodevi. You can also visit temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha and Lord Sampangi on a hillock located behind the Champakadhama temple.


The three day annual fair is held here in the month of March or April every year. Temple is open for pooja from morning 6.00 AM to 12:00 PM and again later in the evening after 05:00 pm to 07:00 PM. Bannerghatta National Park is nearby attraction.

Champakadhama Temple

Near To Bannerghata National Park,

Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore - 560076

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Benefits of chanting Lakshmi Maha Mantra on Fridays

Sunday, October 27, 2019 0
Benefits of chanting Lakshmi Maha Mantra on Fridays

 Benefits of chanting Lakshmi Maha Mantra on Fridays

There are a number of Mantras dedicated to various deities and each of them has specific meaning, purpose and power. 

 

 Benefits of chanting Lakshmi Maha Mantra on Fridays

 Goddess Lakshmi, an aspect of Shakti or the feminine power is a revered Hindu Goddess, who governs wealth and prosperity.


There are a number of Mantras dedicated to various deities and each of them has specific meaning, purpose and power.


Mantras when chanted with utmost devotion and faith help us in achieving our goals and making profits in business.


Here’s the Lakshmi Maha Mantra:

ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मी भ्यो नमः

Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmi Bhyo Namaha

Meaning of Lakshmi Maha Mantra:


Goddess Laxmi reside in me and bless me with your abundance in all spheres of my life


Benefits of chanting Lakshmi Maha Mantra:


Goddess Lakshmi will bestow you with wealth and prosperity.

Chanting this Mantra regularly will bless you with beauty.

This powerful Mantra will bless you with good health.

If you are a businessperson, you can make profits.

If you are in service, you can get promoted.


The vibrations generated while chanting this mantra infuses positive energy.

After chanting this mantra or in the evening (Sandhya kaal), you can perform the Aarti by singing the following:


Lakshmi Aarti


Jai Lakshmi mata, mayya jai Lakshmi mata, Tumko nishdin sevat, Hara Vishnu vidhata, Jai Lakshmi...


Glory to you, O Mother, glory to you, mother Lakshmi. Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma worship you day and night.


Brahmani, Rudrani Kamala, tuhi hai jagmata, Surya chandrama dhyavat, Narad rishi gata, Jai Lakshmi...


You are the consort of Vishnu, embodied as Brahmani, Rudrani—the mother of the world. The Sun and the Moon adore you and Saint Narada sings for you.


Durga rup nirantar, sukh sampati data, Jo koi tumko dhyavat, riddhi siddhi dhan pata, Jai Lakshmi...


As Durga, you bless people with happiness and wealth. Whoever chants your name is bestowed with prosperity and the riches.


Tuhi hai patal Basanti, tuhi shubh data, Karma prabhav prakashak, jagnidhi se trata, Jai Lakshmi...


You are omnipresent. You bring good luck, bless people with the wealth and pleasures.


Jis ghar men tum rahati, sab sadgun ata, Karna sake koi karle, man nahin ghabrata, Jai Lakshmi....


Wherever you reside, good luck follows. The impossible becomes possible and the heart becomes fearless.


Tum bin yagya na hove, vastra na koi pata, Khan pan ka vaibhava, sab tumse ata, Jai Lakshmi...


No Yagya is possible without you. None can buy garments, food and comfort without you.


Shubh gun mandir sundar, Kshirodadhi jata, Ratna charurdash tumhin, koi nahi pata, Jai Lakshmi...


The temple of good fortune is beautiful. You are adorned with 14 precious gems that none is blessed with.


Arti Lakshmi ji ki, jo koi nar gata, Ur anand samata, pap utar jata, Jai Lakshmi...


Who so ever sings this Aarti to Lakshmi will get rid of sins and will attain happiness.

 

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Diwali, or Dipawali : Festival of Lights

Saturday, October 26, 2019 0
Diwali, or Dipawali : Festival of Lights

 Diwali, or Dipawali : Festival of Lights

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that's also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. For instance, in Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C.; in Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well.



Diwali, or Dipawali : Festival of Lights

  • In northern India, they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.

  • Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.

  • In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.

Diwali is celebrated over five days.

  • DAY ONE: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good fortune.

  • DAY TWO: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.

  • DAY THREE: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

  • DAY FOUR: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.

  • DAY FIVE: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.

  Diwali: Festival of Lights In India, one of the most significant festivals is Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It's a five-day celebration that includes good food, fireworks, colored sand, and special candles and lamps. 

This festival finds significance in Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, along with Hinduism. Wherein friends and families get together, light ‘Diyas’ or earthen lamps in their houses, feast on sweet delicacies, exchange gifts, play games, and burn crackers.


It is celebrated in honor of Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years. Diwali is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi and God Kuber emerged from the churning of the milky sea carrying pots of wealth and elixir, respectively.


Hindus interpret the Deepavali or Diwali story based upon where they live. But there's one common theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.


Happiness is in the air because it is the ambiance of Diwali, which is everywhere. Shower love, care, and joy on everyone you meet. Rejoice on this blessed occasion and spread sparkles of peace and goodwill. Have a Happy Diwali 2019!”


Happiness is in the air

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Deepavali

Thursday, November 11, 2010 0
Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali

Deepavali is celebrated throughout India on the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which in fact is a Lunisolar calendar (moon & sun). It falls on Amavasya (Ammavaasa), the new moon night, that ends the month of Ashwina and begins the month of Kartika. The 5 day festival begins on the 13th day in the dark half of Ashwin and ends on the 2nd day in the bright half of Kartika.' The essence of this light is Shri Lakshmi-arising, at the beginning of time, out of the waters at the churning of the Milky Ocean by gods and demons for a thousand years. Regarded as the goddess of love, beauty and prosperity, Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Vishnu, along with Sri Ganesha, is a presiding deity of the festival of lights. They are worshipped in every household so that the year may be full of prosperity.


O Light serene, dispel the darkness that shrouds the eye, mind and heart of your people so that as on this festive day we may joyously wish and share with those around, right through our life. May the brightness, newness and the prosperity desired and experienced today be permanent. May your light enlighten us, guide and lead us to the fulfillment of your designs for us- of abundance, prosperity and well being.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham

Sunday, June 08, 2008 0
Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham

Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham


Lyrics of Suprabatham (wake up prayer to Lord Venkateshwara) and the English meaning.

Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham


1. Kowsalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravarthathe
Uthishta narasardoola karthavyam daivamahnikam (Twice)

1. Sri Rama! Kausalya's endearing son! Wake up, dear;
You have to do Your day-to-day duties; Do wake up please.


2. Uthishtothishta Govinda uthishta garudadhwaja
Uthishta kamalakantha thrilokyam mangalam kuru (Twice)


2. Sri Govinda! All the three worlds are under Your rule; they have to prosper. Wake up, my child.

3. Mathassamasta jagatham madukaitabhare:
Vakshoviharini manohara divyamoorthe
Sree swamini srithajana priya danaseele
Sree Venkatesadayithe thava suprabhatham


3. Sri Lakshmi! You are in Venkateswara's's bosom, With Your lotus-eyes wide open to the world. Get up dear.

4. Thavasuprabhathamaravindalochane
Bhavathu prasanna mukhachandra mandale
Vidhisankarendra vanithabhirarchithe
Vrishasaila nathadavithel davanidhe


4. Sri Lakshmi! The celestials viz. Parvati, Saraswati, and Indrani stand in prayer to Thee. You have an endearing attachment to Your devotees.

5. Athriyadhi saptharushayssamupasyasandyam
Aakasa sindhu kamalani manoharani
Aadaya padhayuga marchayithum prapanna:
Seshadrisekhara vibho! Thava suprabhatham


5. Sri Srinivasa! Maharishis like Atri are forging ahead from far and near, for your darshan, Get up, dear.

6. Panchananabja bhava shanmukavasavadhya:
Tryvikramadhi charitham vibhudhasthuvanthi
Bhashapathipatathi vasara shuddhi marath
Seshadri sekhara vibho! thava subrabhatham


6. Aran, Ayan, Shanmuga and Devas are all anxious to adore You. The daily Panchangam is to be read and approved by You. Get up, Srinivasa, dear.

7. Eeshathprapulla saraseeruha narikela
Phoogadrumadi sumanohara Balikanam
Aavaathi mandamanilassaha divya gandhai:
Seshadri shekara vibho! thava suprabhatham


7. Dawn is ahead. Flowers are opening their petals. The morning breeze is bracing. Get up and bless Your devotees.

8. Unmeelya nethrayugamuththama panjarasthaa:
Paathraa vasishta kadhaleephala payasani Bhukthvaa
saleelamatha keli sukha: patanthi
Seshadri sekhara vibho! thava suprabhatham


8. Parrots are chanting Your celestial names repeatedly to the ecstasy of Your Bakthas. Get up, God, to hear the Sahasranamams of Your Divine Self.

9. Thanthreeprakarshamadhuraswanaya
vipanchyaa Gayathyanantha charitham
thava naradopi Bhashasamagrama sakruthkara sararammyam
Seshadri sekhara vibho! thava suprabhatham


9. Thumburu Narada is speeding up to You. His Veena is set to sing Your glory. Do hear these melodious songs of Narada.

10. Brungavaleecha makaranda rashanuvidda
Jhankara geetha ninadaissa sevanaya
Niryathyupaantha sarasee kamalodarebhyaha
Seshadri sekhara vibhol thava suprabhatham


10. Lotushidden bees, having come out in the open with the opening of the petals, are singing solemn hymns. Oh Srinivasa! You are omnipotent.

11. Yoshaganena varadhadni vimathyamaane
Ghoshalayeshu dhadhimanthana theevraghoshaaha
Roshaathkalim vidha-dhathe kakubhascha kumbhaha
Seshadri sekhara vibho! thava suprabhatham


11. Ayarpadi, ladies are singing their sweet melodies as they are churning butter. They announce the day-dawn. Get up, Oh Govinda! Bless these endearing Gopis.

12. Padmeshamithra sathapathra kathalivargha
Harthum shriyam kuvalayasya nijanga Lakshmya
Bheree ninadamiva bibrathi theevranadam
Seshadri sekhara vibho! thava suprabhatham


12. The humming black bees seem to sing that they are far more attractive than the black 'Kuvali' flowers from which they draw honey.All the three of you namely, bees, flowers and Your Holy Self form a holy Trinity in colour and splendour.

13. Sreemannabheeshta varadhakhila lookabandho
Sree Sreenivasa Jagadekadayaika sindho
Sree devathagruha bhujanthara divyamurthe
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


13. You have changed Your abode from Heaven to Venkatam to give boons to Your devotees. Do Hurry up! Venkatesa, to bless them.

14. Sree swamy pushkarinikaplava nirmalangaa
Sreyorthino hara viranchi sanadadhyaha
Dware vasanthi varavethra hathothamangaha:
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


14. Ayan, Aran and Celestials, after taking bath in Swami Pushkarini, are awaiting Your Grace to receive blessings.
15. Sree seshasaila garudachala venkatadri
Narayanadri vrishabhadri vrishadri mukhyam
Akhyam thvadeeyavasathe ranisam vadanthi
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham

15. You have made Venkatam your permanent abode. Aran, and celestials are chanting the glory of the Sapthagiri.

16. Sevaaparaashiva suresa krusanudharma
Rakshombhunatha pavamana dhanadhi nathaha:
Bhaddanjali pravilasannija seersha deSaha:
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


16. The Dikpalakars, eight in number, are seeking Your grace in prayerful mood to take orders for their allotted work.

17. Dhateeshuthevihagaraja mrugadhiraja
Nagadhiraja gajaraja hayadhiraja:
Swaswadhikara mahimadhika marthayanthe
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


17. Garuda, lion, Anata, Gaja, Aswa, all these five are awaiting Your Command to improve their way of doing things to serve You better and more effectively.

18. Sooryendhubhouma bhudhavakpathi kavya souri
Swarbhanukethu divishathparishathpradanaa:
Twaddhasa dasa charamavadhidaasa daasa:
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


18. Navagrahas are awaiting Your pleasure. Please wake up

19. Thwathpadadhulibharita spurithothha manga:
Swargapavarga nirapeksha nijantharanga:
Kalpagamakalanaya kulatham labhanthe
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


19. Surya and the rest of the Navagrahas are steadfast in their dutiful obeissance to Your devotees. They await Your Command to serve you through your devotees.

20. Thvadgopuragra sikharani nireekshmana
Swargapavarga padaveem paramam shrayantha:
Marthyaa manushyabhuvane mathimashrayanthe
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava Suprabhatham


20. Srinivasa! Mankind desires to be with you for ever and for ever in
Venkatam and to serve You life-long.

21. Sree bhoominayaka dayadhi gunammruthabdhe
Devadideva jagadeka saranya moorthe
Sreemannanantha garudadibhirarchithangre
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


21. Ananta and Garuda are eagerly standing at Your door. Their anxious to serve You at a moment's notice is telling.

22. Sree Padmanabha Purushothama Vasudeva
Vaikunta Madhava Janardhana chakrapane
Sree vathsachinha saranagatha parijatha
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


22. Bakthas are chanting Your names as Vasudeva, Madhava, Govinda, Janardhana, Chakrapani and other endearing names. Devotees are ever ready to obey Your Command.

23. Kandarpa darpa hara sundara divya murthe
Kanthaa kuchamburuha kutmialola drishte
Kalyana nirmala gunakara divyakeerthe
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


23. Sri Lakshmi is enchanted by Your beauty. She would not leave her Lord. For the sake of Bakthas get up please and afford them Dharshan.

24. Meenakruthe kamatakola Nrusimha varnin
Swamin parashvatha thapodana Ramachandra
Seshamsharama yadhunandana kalki roopa
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


24. Thy descent from Paramapada was heralded in Thy numerous avathars when You did immense good to Your devotees. Great God, do come to us to help us in our distress.

25. Elaa lavanga ghanasaara sugandhi theertham
Divyam viyathsarithi hemaghateshu poornam
Drutwadhya vaidika sikhamanaya: prahrushta:
Thishtanthi Venkatapathe! thava suprabhatham


25. Vedic Savants are in wait with Akasaganga theertham for Your morning Anushtanam. Vedic hymns sung by them are a delight to hear and cherish. Do get up Sri Srinivasa

26. Bhaswanudethi vikachani saroruhani
Sampoorayanthi ninadai: kakubho vihangha:
Sree vaishnavassathatha marthitha mangalasthe
Dhamasrayanthi thava Venkata! subrabhatham


26. The twitterings of birds on all sides proclaim the dawn of the day.
Devotees are gathered in numbers and they sing their vociferous adoration to You.

27. Bhramadayassuravarasamaharshayastthe
Santhassa nandana mukhastvatha yogivarya:
Dhamanthike thavahi mangala vasthu hasthaa:
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


27. Brahma and celestials are awaiting You with their choicest edibles to greet You, great God.

28. Lakshminivasa niravadya gunaika sindo:
Samsarasagara samuththaranaika setho
Vedanta vedya nijavaibhava bhakta bhogya
Sree Venkatachalapathe! thava suprabhatham


28. Devotees in ecstasy are at Your door in all eagerness. You are in duty bound to help them with your inimitable caress and affection; Great one!

29. ltnam vnsnacnala pamerlna suprabhatham
Ye manava: prathidinam patithum pravrutha:
Thesham prabhatha samaye smruthirangabhhajam
Pragnyam paraartha sulabham paramam prasoothe


29. Day-to-day prayers to You, Sri Vehkatesa! fetch untold
wealth of devotional culture and fervour. God, give us your grace.


Sri Venkatesa Sthotram


1. Kamalakucha choochuka kunkumatho
Niyatharunithathula neelathano
Kamalayatha lochana lokapathe
Vijayeebhava Venkatasaila pathe

1. Sri Sapthagiri-vasa! Your descent from Paramapadam


You are our leader and preceptor. Sri Padmavati, Your

heavenly spouse is our endearing refuge.

2. Sachadhurmukha shanmukha panchamukha
Pram ukakhila daivatha mouli mane
Saranagatha vathsala saranidhe
Paripalayamam vrishasailapathe

2. Superb Siva and ardent Ayan do adore You. Mortal

man appeals to you to dissipate his distress.

3. Athivelathaya thava durvishahai
Ranuvela Kruthairaparada sathai:
Paritham thvaritham vrishasailapathe
Paraya krupaya paripahi Hare

3. Many a fault have I committed. I am confident

You will extend Your grace to enable me to wade through this mire of misery.

4. Adhivenkata saila mudaramather
Janathabimathadhika danarathath Paradevathaya gathithannigamai:
Kamaladayithtanna param kalaye

4. Sri Lakshmi's Lord! Upanishads adore You.

There is none greater than you.

5. Kalavenuravavasa gopa vadhu
Sathakoti vrithath smarakoti samath
Prathivalla vikabhimathath sukhadhath
Vasudeva suthanna paramkalaye

5. Sri Venkatesa! You are Lord Krishna Himself. The

melody of Your flute enchants Gopis.

Your beauty is unassailable. You are brighter than brightness itself.

6. Abhirama gunakara dasarathe
Jagadeka danurdhara dheeramathe
Raghunayaka Rama Ramesa vibho
Varadho bhava deva daya jaladhe

6. Sri Srinivasa! You are Rama Himself, the dazzling

son off Dasaratha You have won our hearts

7. Avaneethanaya kamaneeyakaram
Rajaneechara charu mukhamburuham
Rajaneechara raja thamo mihiram
Mahaneeyamaham Raghuramamaye

7. Sri Sita, Your holy Spouse, laboured hard to share

your ordeals in the forest. You annihilated the

Ravana Race and restored confidence among the

Rishis who had all surrendered to you.

8. Sumukham Suhrudam Sulabham sukhadam
Swanujam cha Sukhayamamogha—
Saram Apahaya Raghudwaha manyamaham
Na kathnchana kanchana jathu bhaje

8. Valiant Rama! You gave succour with Your

brothers to humanity in distress. You are a beacon light to posterity.


9. Vinaa Venkatesam nanatho nanatha:
Sadaa Venkatesam smarami smarami
Hare Venkatesa Praseeda Praseeda
Priyam Venkatesa Prayachha Prayachha

9. Oh Rama! there is none equal to You. You are our

benefactor. You are ever in our thought and word.


10. Aham doorathasthe padamboja yugma



Pranamechaya gathya sevam karomi



Sakruthsevaya nithyasevapalam thvam



Prayachha prayachha prabho Venkatesa


10. Sri Venkatesa! I pray to You in abundant faith;

You hurried to my rescue. Pray, grant me

the favour of serving You till this life lasts.


11. Agnanina maya doshaanaseshan vihithan Hare



Kshamasvathm kshamasvathvam



Seshasailasikhamane


11. Great God! Many an error have I committed in

ignorance. Do take me out of this ocean of misery.

Your descent from the Heavens to Tirumala, the

Booloka vaikuntam is indeed for Humanity's sake.

Sri Venkatesa Prapathi


1. Eesanam jagothosya Venkatapathe: vishno:
paraam preyaseem—Thadhwakshasthala
nithyavasarasikam thath kshanthi samvardhineem
Padmalankrutha pani pallavayugam Padmasanasthaam
Sriyam—Vathsalyadi gunojwalam
Bhagavatheem vande jaganmatharam

1. Sri Srinivasa! Sri Lakshmi ever dwells in your broad

bosom. She appeals to you to excuse my errors

and to admit poor me in your rich presence.


2. Sreeman krupajaianidhe krithasarvaloka



Sarvagna Saktanathavathsala sarvaseshin



Swamin susheela sulabhasritha parijatha



Sree Venkatesa charanow saranam prapadhye



2. Sri Venkatesa! You are an ocean of Bliss. I am

Sri Lakshmi s endearing devotee. Pray allow me to you with my ardent prayers.


3. Aanupurarpitha sujatha sugandhi pushpa



Sowrabhya Sowrabhakarow samasannivesow



Sowmyow sadanubhavanepi navanu bhavyow



Sree Venkatesa charanow



saranam papadhye


3. Fragrant Flowers adorn your Holy Feet. I am

surrendering myself to these fragrant, flowerbedecked feet.


4. Sadyo vikasi samudithvara saandra raga



Sourabhya nirbhara saroruha soumya vaartham



Samyakshu sahasa padeshu vilekhayanthow



Sree Venkatesa charanow saranam prapadhye



4. Lotus, the queen of flowers, is more too equal

to Your dazzling Feet.


5. Rekamayadwaja sudhakala saathapatra



Vajraamkrusamburuha kalpaka sanka chakrai:



Bhawyai ralankruthathalow



parathathva chinnai: Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye


5. Sri Srinivasa! You are Supremely omniscient. Conch

and Chakra line the soles of your Holy Feet.


6. Thamrodara dyuthi parajitha padmaraagow



Baahyairmahobhi rabhi bhootha



mahendra neelow Udhyannakhamsu—



bhirudastha sasaanka bhasow



Sree Venkatessa charanow saranam prapadhye



6. The soles of your Feet are the most dazzling,

surpassing the precious Padmaraga.

The white nails in your beautiful toes exceed the

full-moon splendour.


7. Saprema bheethi kamalakara pallavabhyam



Samvahanepi sapadiklamamatha dhanow Kantha



vavaangmanasa gochara sowkumaryow



Sree Venkatesa charanow saranam prapadhye


7. As Tirivikrama, your feet measured the world. As

Sri Rama, you roamed in the Dandakaranya Forests.

Sri Sita s caress removed the toil off thy legs.


8. Lakshmeemaheetha dhanuroopa nljanubhava



Neeladi divyamahisheekara pallavanam



Aarunya sankramanatha: kila saandra raagow



Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye


8. The divine touch of Nappinnai, Thirumagal and

manamagal has rendered your feet attractively red

Your Holy feet have therefore become as

soft as flowers.


9. Nithyanamadvidhi sivadi kireetakoti



Prathyupthadeepta navarathna mahaprarohai:



Neerajanavidhi



mudaramupada dhanow



Sree Venkatesa charanow



saranam prapadhye


9. Ayan, Aran and Devas are constantly at your side,

praying incessantly for the general good.

Diamonds on the heads of celestials, and the brilliance from

the inset precious stones add lustre to thy feet.


10. Vishno: pade parama ithyuditha prasamsow



Yow madhwa uthsa ithi bhogyathayapyupaaththow



Bhooyasthathethi thava paanithala pradishtow Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye



10. Upanishads announce your greatness in

Venghadam. Your imposing Tiruvadi are being

pointed out by you for mortals to cherish.


11. Parthaaya thathsadrusa saarathina



thvayaiva Yow darshithow swacharanow saranam vrajethi Shoyopi



mahyamihathow karadarsithowthe



Sree Venkatesa charanow



saranam prapadhye


11. You are Kannan of the Gita. You then asked

Arjuna to surrender to your feet.

And in like manner you are directing mortals to surrender

unto your feet.


12. Manmoordhni kaaliyapane



vikataataveshu Sree Venkatadri sikhare sirasi srutheenaam



Chithepyananyamanasam samamahithowthe Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye


12. Sri Venkatesa! You were born as Sri Rama.

You then took an avathar as Sri Krishna.

Vedas proclaim you. We adore you forever.


13. Amiana hrushyadavaneethala



keernapushpow Sree Venkatadri



sikharabharanaya manow Aanandithaakila



manonayanow thavaithow Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye


13. Devas and others extol you at your flower-be the

decked feet. These flowers are of an unfading kind,

as they are in constant touch at your

Tiruvadi. Bakthas are in ecstasy as they visualise

the heads of flowers at your Tiruvadi.


14. Praya: prasanna janatha



prathamavagahyow Mathu:



sthanaviva sisoramrtuhayamanow



Prapthow parasparathulamathulantharowthe Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye


l4. Your Tiruvadi are invincible. Bakthas, drinking the

sweet sight of your endearing Tiruvadi, are ever

ready to serve you at your Holy Feet.


1 5. Sathvotharaissathathasevya



padambujena Samsaratharaka



dayadradruganchalena Soumyopayanthru



munina mamadarshithowthe Sree Venkatesa



charanow saranam prapadhye



l5. Manawala Mamuni, extolling your Tiruvadi,

announces to the devotee world that your Holy Feet should ever be in their

thoughts and words.


16. Sreesa sriya ghatikaya thvadupaya



bhave Prapye thvayi swayamu



peyathayaspuranthya ithyasrithaya



niravadya gunayathubhyam Syam



kinkaroo Vrishagireesanajathumahyam


16. Alarmelmangai, your Heavenly consort guides us all.

Oh, God Srinivasa! Help us to cross this sea of Samsara.

We are ever your slaves.


Sri Venkatesa Mangalasasanam


1. Sriyah kanthaya kalyana nidhaye nidhayerthinam

Sri Venkata nivasaya Srinivasaya Mangalam.

2. Lakshmi savibhramaloka-subhru vibhrama chakshushe

Chakshushe SarvaloKanam Venkatesaya Mangalam.


3. Sri Venkatadri Sringagra-Mangalaha bharananghraye

Mangalanam nivasaya Venkatesaya Mangalam.


4. Sarvavayava soundarya Sampadha Sarvachethasam

Sada sammohanayasthu Venkatesaya Mangalam.


5. Nithyaya niravadhyaya Sathyananda chidhathmane.

Sarvantharathmane Srimad Venkatesava Mangalam.


6. Swathassarvavide sarvasakthaye Sarvaseshine.

Sulabhaya Suseelaya Venkatesaya Mangalam.


7. Parasmai Brahmane Poorna Kamaya Paramathmane.

Prayunje Parathathvaya Venkatesaya Mangalam.


8. Akalathathva masrantha mathmanamanu-pasyatham.

Athripthya mritha rupaya Venkatesaya Mangalam.


9. Prayah swacharanow Pumsam Saranyathvena Panina.

Kripaya dhisathe Srimad-Venkatesava Mangalam.


10. Dhayamritha tharanginya-Stharangairiva Seethalaih.

Apagaissinchalhe viswam Venkatesava Mannalam.


11. Sragbhushambara hetheenam Sushamava hamurthaye.

Sarvarthi Samanavasthu Venkatesaya Mangalam.


12. Sri Vaikunta virakthaya Swami Pushkarineethate

Ramaya Ramamanaya Venkatesaya Mangalam.


13. Srimad sundarajamathru manimanasavasine.

Sarvaloka Nivasava Srinivasaya Mangalam.


14. Mangalasasana paraih madacharya Purogamaih.

Sarvaischa Purvairacharyaih Sathkrithayasthu, Mangalam.


Thursday, May 29, 2008

Six Holy Places in India

Thursday, May 29, 2008 0
Six Holy Places in India

Six Holy Places in India

Six Holy Places in India


1. Puri (East)

2. Tirupati (South)

3. Dvaraka (West)

4. Badrinatha (North)

5. Vrindavana

6. Mayapur


Puri (East- India)


Puri is considered one of the holiest places in India by many Hindus. But it is particularly revered by Vaishnavas as the home of Krishna in His form of Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe. The Jagannatha temple itself is nine hundred years old, and the deities are served by six thousand priests. It is strictly forbidden for non-Hindus to enter.

Puri may be most famous for its annual Ratha-yatra (chariot festival), in which the deities of Jagannath, his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra are paraded through the city by thousands of pilgrims. Replica Ratha-yatras are celebrated throughout the world.


Tirupati (South- India)


Tirupati is the home of Lord Venkateshwara, otherwise known as Balaji. The main temple lies in the seven hills of Tirumala and attracts twenty-five thousand pilgrims daily. Inside resides the majestic “Swayambhu,” or naturally formed image of Lord Venkateswara. He is seen standing on a lotus with his conch and discus in his hands, and images of the goddesses Lakshmi & Padmavati upon his chest.


Dvaraka (West - India)


When Lord Krishna killed the evil king Kamsa and reinstated his grandfather Ugrasena as the king of Mathura, Kamsa’s father-in-law Jarasandha was enraged and attacked Mathura seventeen times. To protect his people, Krishna decided to move the capital from Mathura to Dvaraka, then an island in the sea.

Now a coastal town of thirty-thousand inhabitants named after the original city, Dvaraka is considered one of the holiest places in India. Its major attraction is the Dvarakadish temple, built in the sixteenth century, although the original temple is said to have been built by Krishna’s own grandson Vajranabha.

Bet Dvaraka, an island in the Arabic sea 30 km north of the current town, is said to be the last remaining piece of land from the original city, which sank into the sea after Krishna’s departure. And recent underwater studies conducted off the coast of Dvaraka by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India), revealed evidence of an ancient city dated at 2 million B.C.


Badrinatha (North - India)


Badarinatha, or Badarikasrama, is situated in the Himalayas, 10,248 feet above sea level. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, it is the abode of the great rishis Nara-Narayana, and the place where Narada Muni attained liberation.

The present temple is about four hundred years old and houses the Deity of Lord Badarinatha. This Deity was installed by Sankaracarya, who recovered Him from the nearby Narada-kunda.

The temple is open six months of the year, from May to October. It is closed during the winter months due to harsh weather.


Vrindavana/Mathura


Mathura lies ninety-five miles south of Delhi. It is most famous as the place of Krishna’s birth, which tradition dates to some five thousand years ago. Its main temple is the Keshava Deo Mandir, where Radha and Krishna are worshiped. The entire area, encompassing many holy sites and twelve sacred forests, is called Vraj. Most important is Vrindavan, the village where Krishna lived. It is now a bustling town with some five thousand temples, mostly dedicated to Krishna. Many elderly Vaishnavas retire to this sacred town in the hope of returning at death to the spiritual Vrindavan, where they can engage in eternal lila (pastimes) with their Lord.


Mayapur

Mayapur is located on the banks of the Ganges River near Navadvip, West Bengal, 130 km north of Kolkata (Calcutta). It is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism, but is of special significance to followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna and Radha, was born in 1486. It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually.

Since the 1970s, Mayapur has also been the site of the world headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as well as a number of other Vaishnava organizations, such as the Gaudiya Math.


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Kotilingeshwara temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas and has the world's tallest ShivaLinga measuring 108 Ft height and Basava measuring 35 feet. It is surrounded by plush greenery amidst the Kammasandra village 5 km from Kolar Gold Fields.



TENS OF THOUSANDS The biggest linga in Kotilingeshwara is 108 ft tall

The adventurous foursome that we are, we set off to discover a few places we found in KSTDC pamphlets. With a load of hearsay and a couple of maps, we hit the road in a small family car to Chikka Tirupati via Whitefield. Most travelogues and guides flood you with dated info on popular tourist beeline ends, motorable beaten tracks and cushy spots to eat and sleep. For a change, we veered away from any such repeats and that is how we found our way to a Vaishnavaite temple in the middle of a handful of hamlets.

A homely but clean-on-the-inside mess nearby provided us with staple idlis, puris and avarekalu baath. We wended our way on routes frequented more by tractors than plush cars. We passed rose and marigold expanses, tomato, chilli, potato, cabbage, cauliflower, Bengal gram, mulberry plantations and mango and eucalyptus groves. Roses and tomatoes beckoned. We stopped to admire and even had a small chat with the locals.

Uniformly, they stand

On the way, Kotilingeshwara, we found, was one big park of lingas, lining pathways in all sizes amidst bilva and amla trees, but all in one single colour and shape, tens of thousands of them. The temple houses shrines for Manjunatha, Panduranga, Srinivasa, Panchmukha Ganesha, Panchamukha Hanuman, Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Ayyappa, Annapoorneswari, Santhoshima and Kannika Parameswari, besides Navagraha and Raghavendra.

The biggest linga is 108 ft tall, matched by a huge figure of Nandi. Prasada lunch of anna, saru and majjige is served to all visitors between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Then a short drive to Bangaru Tirupati. You can't miss the arch marking the entrance from the road to Mulbagal. The temple dates to Brigu Maharishi's days and is built on rocks. You reach the shrine after a climb of several hundred steps and see the deity through a chequered window. At a different level is the shrine for the consort Padmavathi, dating back to mid-19th Century.

Mulbagal lies just off the NH4. This taluk shows signs of rural progress. The well-known place here is the temple for Hanuman, said to be installed by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, after the Mahabharata war. Sage Vasishta is believed to have installed the idols of the main deity Srinivasa, Padmavathi and Rama-Sita-Lakshmana.

Off the Srinivasapura road going north from Mulbagal, we reach Kurudumale. Two temples, within a hundred feet of each other, are now protected monuments. The Someshwara temple, where restoration work is under way, was built and dedicated to the locals by Raja Raja Chola. The priest patiently took us through the Chola king's times depicted on some of the pillar sculptures worked on by the king's sculptor, the legendary Jakanachari.

After military plunder some centuries later, just about 15 of the original 30-odd idols have been found and reinstated. The Ganesha temple has dates back to the Krta Yuga. The idol is said to have grown from a salagrama stone (originally from the Gandak river of Nepal) through the four yugas to attain its present size.

Legend has it that the Hindu trinity together installed the idol — hence the name Koodadri, now known as Koodumale or Kurudumale. The Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya built the temple around the idol at the request of the locals.

A recently built Prasanna Venkataramaswamy temple is located along a 1.5 km detour on the road back to Mulbagal. The place is called Doddaguruki/ Vedagiri.

Getting back to Mulbagal, it is a smooth turn into NH4 towards Bangalore. Five kilometres down the highway is a fairly huge Ayyappa Kshetram. Then Kamat group's Upachar, located after the Kolar bypass, is a good refreshment halt, 20 km short of Hoskote and is a standard stop for the KSTDC bus services. With an early start and a couple more hours in hand, it is possible to complete the day with a trip to Kaiwara, a forest department-maintained resort via Chintamani, travelling northwest from Mulbagal and get back on the highway near Hoskote.

How to get there

Chikka Tirupati (35 km from Bangalore): Turn right at Farm Cross, Whitefield; Kotilingeswara: On the right, three km short of Betamangala. Travel on Bangarpet-Betamangala- route via Malur, Tykal, Bangarpet; Bangaru Tirupati; Eight km from Kotilingeswara on the road towards Mulbagal. Entry marked by a stone arch; Kurudumale: Northeast from Mulbagal, off the Srinivasapura Road.

Surrounded by verdant greenery, Kammasandra is famous for its Kotilingeshwara temple. The temple houses 108 ft tall Shivling and 35 ft tall Basava. The shrine is surrounded by lakhs of small shivlings, which spread over an area of 15 acres. These icons are installed by the devotees to seek the blessings of the lord. The entrance from the highway to the central courtyard is majestic. Other major attractions here are ancient temples dedicated to Sri Manjunatheshwara, Trimurti, Ashta-Lakshmi, Subramanya, the Navagrahas and many other deities.


A three hour journey from Bangalore brings one to this place.


Formerly, Kolar was known variously as Kolahala, Kuvalala and Kolala. Kolar was called Kolahalapura during the middle ages, but later came to be known as Kolar. Kolahahapura in Kannada meant "violent city", as it was the battlefield for the warring kingdoms of Chalukyas in the north and Cholas to the south. It was the capital of the Gangas till 4th century AD when they shifted the capital to Talakad in Mysore. In 1004 A.D., the Cholas annexed Kolar till 1116 A.D,. Vishnuvardhana (1108-1142AD) freed Gangavadi from the Cholas, and in commemoration of his victory.

Gold was first mined in the area in the 2nd and 3rd century AD by the digging of small pits. During the Chola period in the 9th and 10th century AD the scale of the operation grew, but large-scale mining only came in the 1850s under the British with more manpower and sophisticated machinery. In 1873, M.F. Lavelle, a resident in Bangalore, applied to the Mysore Government for the exclusive privilege of mining in the Kolar district. His request was granted and he commenced operations by sinking a shaft near Urigam (Oorgaum) in 1875

There is a legend about why the Kolar Gold Fields are so full of gold. The story goes back to the Tretha Yuga, the time of Lord Rama. During his 14 years of vanavasa, Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana wandered through the dense forests of the present day Avani village, which is about 10 miles from the gold fields, where they set up their hut and lived. Surpanaka, sister of Ravana, one day happened to see Rama and asked him to marry her. He refused, as he was already married, so she approached Lakshmana.

People from many different places are settled in the Kolar Gold Fields today, with the majority of them being tamil speaking people from the north and south Arcot districts of Tamil Nadu. There are also Telugu speaking people from Kuppam, Ramakuppam, V-kota and other places in Andhra Pradesh. Given the mixture of population, many festivals are celebrated; the most famous and popular one being the Lakshmi Venkateshwara Jaatre.


Friday, May 16, 2008

Lakshmi. Goddess of good fortune, wealth, fertility, prosperity, Mother Goddess, Aspect of Adi Parashakti.

Friday, May 16, 2008 0
Lakshmi. Goddess of good fortune, wealth, fertility, prosperity, Mother Goddess, Aspect of Adi Parashakti.

Sri Mahalakshmi also spelled Laksmi, (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī, Hindi pronunciation: [ˈləkʃmi]) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty.

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual

 Lakshmi (Hindu) In the Hindu religion, Lakshmi is the goddess of both spiritual and material wealth and abundance. A favorite among women, she has become a popular household goddess, and her four hands are often seen pouring gold coins, indicating she will bless her worshipers with prosperity.

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning "goal." Lakshmi, therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes worldly as well as spiritual prosperity. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the divine spouse of Lord Vishnu and provides Him with wealth for the maintenance and preservation of the creation.


In Her images and pictures, Lakshmi is depicted in a female form with four arms and four hands. She wears red clothes with a golden lining and is standing on a lotus. She has golden coins and lotuses in her hands. Two elephants (some pictures show four) are shown next to the Goddess. This symbolism conveys the following spiritual theme:


The four arms represent the four directions in space and thus symbolize omnipresence and omnipotence of the Goddess. The red color syinbolizes activity. The golden lining (embroidery) on Her red dress denotes prosperity. The idea conveyed here is that the Goddess is always busy distributing wealth and prosperity to the devotees. The lotus seat, which Lakshmi is standing upon, signifies that while living in this world, one should enjoy its wealth, but not become obsessed with it. Such a living is analogous to a lotus that grows in water but is not wetted by water.


The four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma (righteousness), kama (genuine desires), artha (wealth), and moksha (liberation from birth and death). The front hands represent the activity in the physical world and the back hands indicate the spiritual activities that lead to spiritual perfection.


Since the right side of the body symbolizes activity, a lotus in the back right hand conveys the idea that one must perform all duties in the world in accordance with dharma. This leads to moksha (liberation), which is symbolized by a lotus in the back left hand of Lakshmi. The golden coins falling on the ground from the front left hand of Lakshmi illustrate that She provides wealth and prosperity to Her devotees. Her front right hand is shown bestowing blessings upon the devotees.

The two elephants standing next to the Goddess symbolize the name and fame associated with worldly wealth. The idea conveyed here is that a true devotee should not earn wealth merely to acquire name and fame or only to satisfy his own material desires, but should share it with others in order to bring happiness to others in addition to himself.

Some pictures show four elephants spraying water from golden vessels onto Goddess Lakshmi. The four elephants represent the four ends of human life as discussed above. The spraying of water denotes activity. The golden vessels denote wisdom and purity. The four elephants spraying water from the golden vessels on the Goddess illustrate the theme that continuous self-effort, in accordance with one's dharma and govemed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity.

Goddess Lakshmi is regularly worshipped in home shrines and temples by Her devotees. A special worship is offered to Her annually on the auspicious day of Diwali, with religious rituals and colorful ceremonies specifically devoted to Her.




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