Moksha Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti

Bhagwan ShriKrishna & Christ's day has coincided this year 

It is Moksha Ekadashi today. Also celebrated as Gita Jayanti. The day Bhagwan Shri Krishna rendered his philosophical teachings to Arjuna on the first day of Kurukshetra war. 

The picture above is of Gita Mandir or the Gita University near the famous Shri Krishna Udupi Math temple in Udupi in Mangalore. Over here, the Bhagwad Gita is taught in more than 100 languages including many foreign languages.

One of the most sacred days in Hindusim, Gita Jayanti, will be observed across the country on Friday. Celebrated on the auspicious day of Shukla Ekadashi of Margashirsha month in the Hindu calendar, Gita Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the sacred text of Hindus, the Bhagavad Gita.

Bhagavad Gita was revealed to Arjun by Lord Krishna -- the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu -- during the war of Mahabharat in Kurukshetra. Therefore on this auspicious day, devotees observe a "Vaikuntha Ekadashi" fast to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings so that they can get salvation (Moksha).

Gita Jayanti 2020 Tithi Timings:

The Ekadashi Tithi for Gita Jayanti 2020 will begin at 11.17 pm on December 24 and continue till 1.54 am on December 26.

What is the puja vidhi for Gita Jayanti?

On this auspicious day, devotees wake up before sunrise and take a bath. Wearing clean and new clothes is considered auspicious on this day and devotees also sprinkle gangajal in their house to spread positive vibes.

A wooden chowki, covered with red and yellow clothes, is placed by the devotees in their puja room and status of Lord Krishna is placed on it. After this, the devotees light an oil lamp and offer kumkum, Haldi and Chandan to Lord Krishna. Bhagavad Gita is also placed near Lord Krishna's status during the puja and aarti is conducted to seek his blessings.

Vettuvan Koil - Kazhugumalai - Temple

Vettuvan Koil - Kazhugumalai - Temple

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS :

It is believed that this monument was established during 8th century ACE by Pandya Maranchadayan king. This is a rock cut cave complex and cut out temple on the style of the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple and cave sculptures. 

Magnificent structure called Vettuvan Koil in India. The specialty  of this temple is that it is entirely carved out of one solid rock, just like the Kailasa Temple in Ellora Caves.

This monument is therefore nick named as “ELLORA OF SOUTH”.

The Vettuvan koil is a monolithic structure which was formed by cutting in single rock with a devotional sculptures during the Paranthaka Nedunchadaian period. 

In the ridge of the mountain, Vatteluthu Inscription found says that, “Samanar School was formed by Paranthka Nedunchadaiyan” There is lot of Jain exquisite bas-relief sculptures found with inscriptions.

Nanjanagud temple of healing

 Nanjanagud.

A place blessed with natural beauty, fertile soil, abundant water and most important over a period of time protected, supported and cared by its cross section religious  rulers is beautiful Nanjangud!  23 kms away and half an hour drive  from Mysore is this temple town about 175 kms away from Bangalore City. Good roads connect this town. Leaving bright and early is a good idea to beat the traffic.

Nanjangud is well connected by rail, road and air. Metagali, the Mysore’s seasonal airport too is close by. Sky Diving happens at this quiet airport of late! Dassera sees a lot of joyride flights, para sailing and other aero-sports for the benefit of tourists and local population.

It’s surprising to see a long lasting Shivite temple in this region surrounded by Vishnavite temples all around the region. 

Here Lord Shiva is known as ‘Srikanteshwara’ or ‘Nanjundeshwara’ – the God who drank poison during the battle for ‘Ambrosia’ – the nectar of eternal life with the churning of the oceans between the Gods and the dark forces. The poison comes before the nectar and Lord Shiva volunteer’s to drink it to save the Gods from this plight. The poison dries in his throat when his wife  Goddess Parvati holds on to his throat tight not allowing it to flow down his gullet! His throat turns blue and hence his name ‘Neelakant!’. ‘Nanju’ also means poison and ‘Nanjundeshwara’ means the ‘God who drank the poison’. Lord Shiva is also called ‘Vishakanta’. . .  or ‘Srikanta’ – one who cures all diseases.

Lord Shiva’s temple was initially built during the ‘Ganga’ period in 9th century. Cholas improved the temple complex during their rule in the 11 & 12 century. Additional structures were added by the Hoysala – Vijayanagar Kings. It was only the Mysore Wodeyar Kings who contributed the full scale development. 

This temple has a 7 tier beautiful gopura welcoming it’s devotees at the main entrance. One can see Hindu Mythology idols in graceful display on this giant edifice. 

The main temple is situated in a 50,000 sq feet huge courtyard amongst a stone pillared hall. Vijayanagar Kings, Mysore Kings – Wodeyars patronized this temple. Even the Muslim Kings of Srirangapatna, Hyderali and Tipu Sultan encouraged and supported this temple. 

The story goes that Tipu Sultan’s favourite elephant turned blind in one eye, Tipu Sultan prayed and made a vow at this temple for it’s healing. Miraculously the elephant recovered it’s sight and the elated Tipu Sultan presented a Emerald Shiva Linga and an Emerald Necklace to this temple. . . even to this day these lie in the temple premises. Tipu Sultan used to refer to this deity as ‘Hakim Nanjanguda’. One can find a stone tablet dated 1517  inscribed in Kannada from the King Krishnadevaraya’s father-in-law. Chief Ministers of the State, local leaders and politicians adore and support this 1700 year old temple which lies on the banks of the river Kapila or Kabini as it’s called – a tributary of River Cauvery, the lifeline river of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Kapila takes its birth in the the Wynad region of Kerala. 

A lot of pilgrims visit this temple after a ritualistic bath at this river. A few tonsure their hair in reverence.
‘Dodda Jathre’ or the chariot festival -a 10 day festival in the month of November sees 5 chariots being pulled by devotees in reverence. In the month of July ‘Girija Kalyana’ is a big festive momentous event. Mondays, Full Moon & New Moon days are auspicious days too where special poojas are conducted. The temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 1pm and then after a short break it opens it’s doors again from 4 pm to 8:30 pm.

A mammoth Lord Shiva’s statute welcomes you when you enter the temple campus. One can see idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Lord Chandrashekaramurthi, Goddess Chandikeshava,  Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Satyanarayana in the temple complex. They all are small shrines of worship. It also has the planetary ‘Navagraha’ shrine too. The temple complex has 122 idols and a noted fact is on display is 32 forms of Lord Ganapathi.   Around the temple and the banks of the river Kapila one can find numerous temples of worship and Religious Mutts of Saint Raghavendra & Veerashaiva Mutt. Nanjangud Temple complex is a protected monument and a ‘plastic free zone’.

Do visit this temple for a divine experience or to pray for someone dear to you who’s ill. A bath in the river is sure to cure you of the ailments as the river and the soil around it has medicinal value

Ratneshwar temple leans higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 Ratneshwar temple leans at an angle higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Fact Check:

The claim is true.

The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi. The temple has developed a nine-degree slant. It is also referred to as Kashi Karvat (Kashi is the ancient name for Varanasi and karvat means leaning in Hindi).

A Times Now report said that one of the beliefs held regarding the temple is that the 'ghat' had collapsed and leaned backwards after not being able to withstand its weight. The temple supposedly stood straight before the 1860s.

An Indian Travel Photography Blog, Kevin Standage, stated that the temple is famous for having a tilt of about nine degrees.

Fact Check: Varanasis Ratneshwar Temple Leans More Than Tower Of Pisa?

A picture of a temple is being circulated on the social media platforms with the claim that the Ratneshwar temple near Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, leans by 9 degrees, which is 5 degrees more than the leaning tower of Pisa.

Claim:

Ratneshwar temple leans at an angle higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Fact Check:

The claim is true.

The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi. The temple has developed a nine-degree slant. It is also referred to as Kashi Karvat (Kashi is the ancient name for Varanasi and karvat means leaning in Hindi)

The height of the temple however could not be verified and is said to be about 13.5 metres only.

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, (Leaning Temple) Varanasi

 Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Varanasi.

WITH ITS RAKISH, MYSTERIOUS LEAN, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple draws a lot of attention from pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy city of Varanasi in India. 

The temple was built extremely close to the Ganges River and has developed a nine-degree slant. By contrast, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy tilts just four degrees.

No one knows, exactly, why the temple has developed such a severe lean. Like so many buildings and monuments in India, legend and history do not match up when it comes to Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. The lean could be the result of a structural problem, or because it was built on silt, or because of a curse.

According to a popular legend, a man built the temple in honor of his mother, and proudly boasted that he had paid his debt to her. However, she cursed the temple, stating that the debt to one’s mother can never be paid.

No one knows why the leaning temple was built so close to the river’s edge, either. In fact, the temple is so close to the Ganges that part of it is actually underwater for much of the year. In the 19th century, the priest used to dive in the water to conduct worship when the temple entrance was submerged, according to some reports.

Also called the Kashi Karvat (Kashi is the ancient name for Varanasi and karvat means leaning in Hindi), the temple was probably built in the mid-19th century, either by the Queen of Gwalior or the Amethi royal family. Photos of the temple from the 1860s show that it was not leaning at that time.

Krishna devotion

 Krishna devotion:

After many lifetimes

One who attains human form in which

One loves Krishna through Bhaktiyoga.

One who constantly  remembers Krishna.

One who chant holy names of Krishna.

One who worships Krishna with faith and devotion.

One who surrenders to Krishna in devotion.

One who serves Krishna and his devotees.

One who serves his spiritual master.

One who associates and serves the devotees of Krishna.

One who daily read Vaishnav scriptures such as Bhagvad Gita and SrimadBhagvatam.

One who visits holy Dham associated with Krishna.

One who follows Vaidhi Bhakti by dovetailing his life activities in being Krishna conscious.

One who preaches name, fame, form and pastimes of Lord Krishna attracts mercy of Krishna. 

Such a fortunate devotee at once becomes eligible to return back home, back to Godhead by the mercy of spiritual master and  Supreme Lord Krishna. Krishna consciousness is eternal and it is religion of Soul which is also known as Bhagvat Dharma.

Chant and be happy.

हरे कृष्ण

Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi area. 

It is dedicated to Mahalakshmi the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam. 

The temple was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji, a Hindu merchant. The Mahalaxmi temple contains images of the Tridevi goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. 

All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is in the center shown holding lotus flowers in tandem. The compound of this temple contains several stalls that sell flower garlands and other paraphernalia used by devotees for worship and as offering.

The festival of Mahalaxmi is wonderful in Navaratri, where Mahalaxmi’s residence is situated in Mumbai, in the presence of ‘Laxmiputra’ and ‘Lakshmikanis’ of Garbhashrimant in the entire area. 

In ‘Prabhukunj’ on Peddar Road, Goddess Saraswati lives with Pandit Hridaynath, a lovely girl of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. In the ‘Shiv Tirtha’ building adjacent to the temple, ‘Jayshree Gadkar’, one of the leading heroine of Marathi, resides. 

The richest person in the country, Mr. Mukesh Ambani also lives here from the point of view. The neighboring ‘Breach Candy’, ‘Car Michael Road’, ‘Peddar Road’, which is located at some distance from Temple, is the place where big businessmen promoting the country’s economy. Mahalaxmi is very helpful in all this area and it is easy to visit, but Mahalaxmi’s philosophy can be done very easily.
This mother, Mahalaxmi, resides in the present place with her two sisters, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, usually from 1784-85.
British governor John Hornby of Mumbai built the two Mumbai and Worli bunds to build and repair the coast. The Holybie was not entirely acceptable to the trader East India Company. 

However, it does not lose the courage. The southern tip of the Mumbai islands, that is, now is the temple of Mahalaxmi and the Worli village in front of it, ie the water of the sea is spreading till the present time is the ‘Love-Grove Udcanchan Center’ or ‘Atria Mall’ of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. At the time of recruitment, the water of the sea reached the crossing of the Byculla. So, if you want to go to Worli from Mumbai, then there is no option without a boat. 

The British called ‘The Great Breach’ for the water that enters the sea. Breach is a window that means a loop. Hornby decided to close this traffic and he would fill this creek and start working as a carriageway without going to England’s office for permission to build a car that could reach the island of Worli. It was said that the work of building ‘Worli Bandh’ was done. 

The contract for the construction of this dam was entrusted to the young engineer of Ramji Shivaji, Lord Prabhu Prabhu. The construction work was started. Filling the amount of stone statue, the stars came here. The work of collecting the amount of stone stone in the bay started. If there was some progress in the construction, the dam constructed by the sea water would collapse and start again. It lasted for many months. Considering that time technology, it was a difficult task. But both Ramji Shivaji and Hornby did not lose heart. They tried again and again but they want to be back again ..!

On such a night Ramji gave a vision to Mahalaxmi in a dream and said, ‘I am at the bottom of the ocean with my sisters. Take me out and then your dam will be completed .. Ramji Shiva believed in the vision and decided to add the story to Hornby. The next day, Ramji asked Shivnar’s dream and the story of Goddess Devi on Hornby’s story and asked permission to search the statue of the goddess in the sea. Hornby Pacha British It was not possible to believe these stories, but the work undertaken was not complete. Plow the dam again and again. The cost was rising. The suspension sword was hanging as the Hornbie started its work while England was not allowed on the head, and so the winnability would not have been delayed further. He wanted to complete this dam by doing anything and hence, trying to do it without speaking anything, Ramji allowed Shivaji to search the statue of the goddess.
Ramji Shivaji started working. Smaller boats are invited. Local fishermen’s help was sought. The nets were thrown into the sea, and once the nets were lifted, the hand became heavy. According to Ramji Shivaji’s dream, after finding the net out of the net, he really found three great idols of Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali. Ramji Shivaji asked the hornbill to show the images of his vision and fulfilled his vision and requested the place for the establishment of the goddess. Hornby asked to replace the present Mahalakshmi Deol in the place of installation of a statue and replace it with idols. According to the order given by Hornby, the statue was temporarily placed in that place, but later the Worli dam was completed without any obstruction. After completing the dam, Ramji Shivji spent 80 thousand rupees in that time and built Mahalaxmi temple, Mahalaxmi and Mahakali and Mahasali and Mahasaraswati, two of his sisters, were very devoted.

Maa Jivdani temple, Virar, Thane, Maharashtra

 

Jivdani Temple

The ancient famous Maa Jivdani temple is located on the Jivdani hill in Virar, a suburb of Bombay. In 17th century there was a fort by the name of Jivdhan on this hill. Within the fortifications there are some ancient looking caves and water cisterns, most of which have now practically dried up.

History of Jivdani Devi

The legendary story of Jivdani Devi is as follows: During their forest journey, Pandavas came to Shurparaka. They visited the holy temple of Vimaleshwar consecrated by Lord Parashuram and on their journey to Prabhas halted on the banks of Vaitarni river. There they worshipped the Bhagavati Ekaveera on the banks of Viraar Tirtha and seeing the serenity and lofty nature decided to carve caves in the nearby mountains. They did so on the hills nearby and installed and worshipped the Yoga Linga of Ekaveera devi in one of the caves. They called her Bhagavati Jeevadhani (That is Goddess, who is the real wealth of life). Doing so Pandavas also made a set of small caves now known as "Pandav Dongri" about a mile from Shirgaon for the hermits. Many yogis used to stay in Pandav Dongri and have darshan of Jeevdhani Devi.

After the onset of Kali Yuga, and after the advent of the Buddhist faith, the number of Vaidik Yogis lessened and slowly people forget the hillock and the devi. During times of Jagadguru Shankaracharya’s advent, a Mahar or Mirashi used to stay in Viraar who used to graze the village cattle. He came to Nirmal Mandir for the darshan of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Padmanabha Swami and requested His Holiness to bless him so that he could have darshan of his beloved Kuladevata. Jagadguru was pleased with the devotion of Mahar and advised him to serve Go-Mata on the foothills of Jivadhani, and at appropriate time he would have darshan of his Goddess and attain Go-Loka. He literally for the rest of life followed the advice of Jagadguru Shankaracharya and herded the village cattle. While grazing the village cattle, he used to see a cow grazing along with, whose owner never paid him for herding her. By his virtue, he determined to find the owner of the cow. He followed the cow on the top of Jeevdhan Hill. A beautiful woman with divine features appeared. The Mahar remembered the words of Jagadguru Shankaracharya and understood that she is none other than his Kuladevi Jeevdhani, he was overjoyed and asked "Oh Mother ! I have grazed your cow, will you not pay me for her herding ?". The Devi just smiled in delight and was on the point of putting some money in the Mahar’s hand, when he said "Do not touch me, I am Mahar. Give me something which cannot be spoilt by touch, words, smell, figure, and ether." Knowing this Devi asked "Lo my child, whence from you learned this unique knowledge of Varnashram Dharma and Moksha Dharma?". To this Mahar replied, "From none other than by the Grace of Jagadguru Shankaracharya". Bhagavati was pleased by this and said "By your virtue (Punya), see this cow which is none other than Kaamadhenu has taken your forefathers to higher abodes by her tail, crossing the Vaitarini". Thus saying the Mahar saw the cow leap from the hill top putting her two feet prints on hill foor and other two across Vaitarini River in heavens. Now Devi told, "I confer upon you the thing which you demanded that is Moksha."

Saying so the Mahar attained Moksha (The real Jeeva Dhana, the real wealth of Life)and the Devi was about to disappear in the cave, when a barren woman saw all this divine incident screamed "Devi Devi, Amba Amba, will you leave this barren daughter of yours without our jeevan dhan a child in my laps?". Devi was pleased by her prayers and said " Great indeed are you who saw all three of us. I henceforth bless you with a child." The lady was not satisfied by this, she said "Oh Mother of the three worlds, do not just bless me, but let all barren daughters of you who pray you be conferred with the child". Devi was pleased at this and said "See henceforth, due to the advent of Kali Yuga, in order to maintain purity of rituals, I will stay into a hole in the niche of the cave. The barren women who offer me the beetlenuts in this hole, as is offered in my original place in Mahurgad, will be rewarded with a progeny". Thus saying the Devi disappeared.

This lady spread out the incident and thus once again the Jeevdhan hill started to be visited by the pilgrims. The presently installed image is a very recent one, the original sanctum sanctorum is the hole in the niche of the cave, which is the central place of worship. A fair is held on the Dusherra day which is attended by thousands of people. The fort is visited by tourists frequently. The temple of the Devi is completely renovated and there is a beautiful idol of Devi in white marble.

श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनाम माहात्म्य

श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनाम माहात्म्य  -  स्तोत्र पठनामुळे मनोबल,मन:सामर्थ्य,मनाची प्रसन्नता वाढते.आपला आत्मविश्वास,कार्यक्षमता आणि उत्साह वाढतो.जीवनातील कोणत्याही अवघड प्रसंगाला तोंड देण्याची हिम्मत येते.संकटांचा सामना करण्याची जिद्द निर्माण होते. आपल्याबरोबर ईश्वरी शक्ती आहे या विचाराने मन शांत, स्वस्थ होते.मन शुद्ध होते, इच्छा शक्ती वाढते.सकारात्मकता आणि आशावाद वाढतो.सर्वसामान्य माणसाला संतती,अशुभाचा नाश,सम्पत्ती, यश, आरोग्य,ऐश्वर्य,विजय,मन:शांति ,सुयोग्य जोडीदार, सुखाचा संसार, स्वतः ची वास्तू ,कोर्ट केसेस मध्ये यश,कीर्ती अशा लौकिक फळप्राप्तीची खूप अपेक्षा असते.

ह्या सर्व इच्छा प्रत्येकाच्या साधनेच्या आणि श्रद्घेच्या प्रमाणात प्रत्येकाला मिळतातच, पण स्तोत्रपाठ करताना अनंत जन्मांमधील पापांचा नाश होऊन ब्रह्मप्राप्ती, आत्मसाक्षात्कार,आत्मज्ञानप्राप्ती व्हावी अशी इच्छा धरून स्तोत्रपठन करावे अशी आपल्याला नम्र विनंती आहे. 

विष्णुसहस्रनामाची साधना ही अशीच दिव्य,अद्भुत आहे.उपासनेच्या प्रांतात या विष्णुसहस्रनाम साधनेला प्रचंड महत्त्व आहे.गेल्या साडेपाच हजार वर्षापासून विष्णुसहस्रनामाची उपासना भारत वर्षात अखंड सुरु आहे.महाभारताच्या अनुशासन पर्वातील दानधर्म नावाच्या उप पर्वातील १४९वा अध्याय म्हणजेच श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनाम होय.या अध्यायात १४३ श्लोक आहेत.पूर्वार्धाचे किंवा प्रस्तावनेचे १३ आणि उत्तरार्धाचे किंवा फलश्रुतीचे २२ श्लोक वगळता मूळ विष्णुसहस्रनाम १०८ श्लोकांचे आहे. प्रत्येक श्लोक हा एका श्वासात म्हणण्याची पद्धत आहे.

त्यामुळे १०८ प्राणायाम आपोआप होतात.पितामह भीष्म उत्तरायणाची वाट पाहात शरपंजरी पडले होते,तेव्हा भगवान श्रीकृष्ण यांच्या सांगण्यावरुन धर्मराजाने त्यांना काही प्रश्न विचारले.

१)आपल्या मते परम धर्म कुठला?२)कोणत्या जपाने मनुष्याची जन्म-मरण बंधनातून सुटका होते?३)सगळ्यात श्रेष्ठ दैवत कुठले?४)सर्वांचा आश्रय कोण? ५)कुणाची स्तुती करावी?६)कुणाची पूजा करावी? या सहाही प्रश्नांचे उत्तर एकच होते आणि ते म्हणजे विष्णु आणि विष्णुसहस्रनाम! मग या स्तोत्राचे पठन का करायचे?१) आपले जीवनदोष,स्वभावदोष नष्ट करण्यासाठी २)आपल्या ठिकाणी सद्गुणांची वाढ करण्यासाठी ३)आपल्या परमार्थ उन्नती करिता  आपल्यात जी काही कमतरता आहे,त्याची पूर्तता करण्याकरिता. माणसाच्या कर्मांचा क्षय करण्यासाठी आणि त्याच्या जन्मोजन्मीची पापे नाहीशी करून शेवटी भगवंताच्या स्वरूपात लीन करून घेण्यासाठी भगवन्नाम कार्यरत असते.

करवीर क्षेत्रातील धर्मदत्त नावाचा ब्राह्मण सतत विष्णुसहस्रनामाचा पाठ करत असे आणि त्याबरोबर तुळशी अर्चना करत असे. तो ज्या रस्त्यावरून हा पाठ करत करत जात असे, तेव्हा वाटेतील पिम्पलाच्या झाडावरील एक पिशाचिनी तो पाठ रोज ऐकत असे. आयुष्यभर हा क्रम चालला होता.याचा परिणाम असा की धर्मदत्त म्हणजेच पुढील जन्मातील दशरथ आणि ती पिशाचिनी म्हणजे कौसल्या यांच्या पोटी श्रीविष्णुनी स्वतः चा सातवा अवतार जो श्रीराम तो घेतला. 

प.पू.श्रीवासुदेवानंद टेम्ब्ये स्वामी,प.पू.शिर्डीचे साईबाबा,प.पू.श्री गुळवणी महाराज,प.पू.मामा देशपांडे महाराज इ. कित्येक संत-सत्पुरुषांनी विष्णुसहस्रनामाची महती वर्णिलेली आहे.आद्य शंकराचार्य यांनी तर महाभारत ही गाय,भगवद्गीता हे तिचे दूध आणि विष्णुसहस्रनाम हे तिचे तूप असा विष्णुसहस्रनामाचा गौरव केला आहे.

हे सर्व संत म्हणतात,श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनामाच्या पठनाने, श्रवणाने, चिंतनाने मनुष्य सर्व प्रकारच्या संकटामधून तरून जातो आणि आपले मनोरथ सिद्धीस नेऊ शकतो.

या स्तोत्राच्या शब्दा-शब्दामधून अशुभ नाहीसे करणारी परम मंगल अशी मंत्रशक्ती भरलेली आहे.विष्णुसहस्रनामाने आपल्या सर्व ग्रहपीडा, शत्रुपीडा,वास्तुदोष,पितृदोष,स्वभावदोष नाहीसे होतात.विघ्ने, संकटे दूर पळतात.

१)दर बुधवारी ४वेळा विष्णुसहस्रनाम म्हटले तर आपल्या सर्व पितराना सद्गति मिळते.

२)नियमित रोज १२वेळा विष्णुसहस्रनाम ६ महिने म्हटले तर आपले सर्व प्रारब्ध नष्ट होते इहलोकी कीर्ती व मोक्ष प्राप्त होतो,म्हणजेच भुक्ति व मुक्ती दोन्ही प्राप्त होतात.

३) १५,००० वेळा विष्णुसहस्रनाम म्हटले तर एक विष्णुयाग केल्याचे फळ मिळते असे पू.श्रीडोंगरे महाराज विरचित भागवतात लिहिले आहे 

४)एकादशीच्या रात्री १२वाजता स्नान करून विष्णुपुढे(राम/बालाजी/पांडुरंग/कृष्ण,फक्त नृसिंह नको)तुपाचा दिवा व उदबत्ती लावून विष्णुसहस्रनामाचे १२ पाठ १२एकादशीना केले तर साक्षात भगवंताचे दर्शन होते .

५) ४० दिवसांच्या रोज १२वेळा नियमित पठनाने अशक्य गोष्टी शक्य होतात.

६)सहस्र तुलसीपत्रानी सहस्रनामानी अर्चन अथवा हवन केले तर अतिशय उत्तम अनुभव येतात.

७)बालकृषणाला तुलसी अर्चन करून मुलांकडून रोज एकदा विष्णुसहस्रनाम म्हणवून घेतले तर त्यांचे उच्चार स्पष्ट व शुद्ध होतात,ती तुळशीची पाने त्यांनी चावून खाल्ली तर त्यांची बुद्धी तेजस्वी होते.

८)वास्तु दोष जाण्या करिता रोज तीन पाठ आठवडाभर करावेत,याची सुरुवात बुधवारीच करावी.तुपाचा दिवा व उदबत्ती ही लावावीच.

९)बाहेरच्या बाधेचा त्रास असेल, संतती मतिमंद-गतिमंद असेल तर अशा व्यक्तीला रोज सकाळ-संध्याकाळ श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनामाचे पाठ ऐकवावेत.

१०)घरामधे कोणी व्याधिग्रस्त असेल तर विष्णुसहस्रनामाच्या पठनाने व्याधी नष्ट होऊन शरीराभोवती एक सुरक्षा कवच उभे राहते.

११)श्रीविष्णु मंदिरात बसून जो कोणी या स्तोत्राचा पाठ करतो,त्याचे सर्व अहित नाहीसे होते,त्याला छळणाऱ्या सर्व गोष्टीचा परिहार होतो.

१२)विष्णुसहस्रनामासाठी जो रुद्रशाप विमोचन विधी दिला आहे त्याच्या ऐवजी विष्णुसहस्रनामाच्या आधी व शेवटी ३ वेळा  ॐ नम: शिवाय आणि ३ वेळा ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय असा जप करावा.१२)श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनामाच्या फलश्रुतीत असे म्हटले आहे की,जो या स्तोत्राचे पठन करेल त्याने दिली पाहिजेत अशी सर्व दाने दिली आहेत आणि केल्या पाहिजेत अशा सर्व देवांचे पूजन केले आहे.

१३)पिंपळाच्या पारावर बसून विष्णुचे ध्यान करीत जो विष्णुसहस्रनामाचे पाठ करतो, त्याची शतकोटी कल्पांमधील साचलेली पातके हळू हळू नष्ट होतात.

१४)शिवालयात, तुलसीवनात बसून जो रोज विष्णुसहस्रनामाचे पाठ करतो,त्याला कोट्यवधी गायी दान दिल्याचे फल प्राप्त होते आणि त्याला मोक्ष प्राप्त होतो असे चक्रपाणीचे वचन आहे.

१५)श्रीविष्णु यांच्या अच्युत, अनंत,गोविंद या तीन नावानी कोणत्याही प्रकारचा रोग नाहीसा होतो.

१६)आपल्याला कुठल्याही कामासाठी घरातून बाहेर पडायचे असेल तर,तेव्हा उंबरठ्याबाहेर उजवे पाउल ठेवण्या आधी मनातल्या मनात ४ वेळा नारायण,नारायण,नारायण नारायण असे नाम घ्यावे.(पू.श्री.शिरिषदादा कवडे यांनी लिहिलेल्या श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनाम रहस्य या ग्रंथाचा आधार घेऊन काही गोष्टी इथे व्यक्त केल्या आहेत. मी त्यांची कृतज्ञ आहे.) 

श्रीविष्णुसहस्रनाम पठन किंवा कोणतीही उपासना करताना काही गोष्टी माझ्यासह सर्वानी केल्या पाहिजेत असे वाटते-१)आत्मपरीक्षण-आपले दोष कठोरतेने ओळखून ते नाहीसे करणे.२)स्वयंसूचना- स्वतः च्या पारमार्थिक कल्याणासाठी स्वतःला सुधारण्याच्या दृष्टीने स्वतः ला सूचना देणे.३)शरणागती-भगवंताला सम्पूर्ण समर्पित भावाने शरण जाणे ४)कर्मफलत्याग-आपली पुण्य कर्मे ईश्वराला समर्पित करावीत आणि पापकर्मांची मन:पूर्वक जाणीव स्वतः ला करून देऊन पश्चात्ताप आणि प्रायश्चित्त करावे.५) क्षमा प्रार्थना-माझ्या इह जन्मातील आणि या आधीच्या सर्व जन्मामधील माझ्याशी संबंधीत सर्व जीवात्म्याना मी दुखावले असेल तर मी त्यांची क्षमा मागतो/मागते  आणि मला कोणी दुखावले असेल तर मी त्यांना क्षमा करतो/करते.अशांने कर्म बंधनाच्या विळख्यातून आपली मुक्तता होते.६)रोज ठराविक उपासना,ठराविक वेळ,ठराविक जागा आणि ठराविक मूर्ती असावी.७)रोज किमान अर्धा तास प्राणायाम आणि अर्धा तास ध्यान (Meditation) करावेच.८)कोणतेही कर्म केले की श्रीकृष्णार्पण मस्तु असे म्हणावेच.९)आपले कुलधर्म, कुलाचार,गुरु उपासना,देवपूजा हे करावेच ,कारण संसारी माणसाला विहित नित्य कर्म चुकलेले नाही, पण ते करतानाही श्रीकृष्णार्पण मस्तु असे म्हणावे.

आराध्यदेव मात्र विष्णु असावेत.समजा विष्णु सोडून इतर कोणतेही आराध्यदैवत असले तरी ही काही बिघडत नाही.

कारण आकाशात् पतितं तोयं यथा गच्छति सागरं। सर्व देव नमस्कारं केशवं प्रति गच्छति।। 

डॉ. अपर्णा कल्याणी,सोलापूर

सोमवती अमावस्या २०२०

 

२०२० च्या आषाढ महिन्यातील अमावास्येस एक विशेष महत्व आहे. ह्या वर्षी हि अमावास्या सोमवारी येत आहे. सोमवारी येणाऱ्या अमावास्येस सोमवती अमावस्या असे म्हटले जाते. यंदा ती दि. २० जुलै रोजी येत आहे. ह्या नंतर दि. १४ डिसेंबर रोजी पुन्हा सोमवती अमावास्या येईल. सोमवती अमावास्येच्या दिवशी शिव पूजना व्यक्तिरिक्त पितरां प्रीत्यर्थ दान करण्यास विशेष महत्व आहे. 

सोमवती अमावास्येचे विशेष महत्व 

प्रत्येक हिंदू महिन्यातील कृष्ण पक्षातील पंधराव्या तिथीस म्हणजेच त्या महिन्यातील तिसाव्या तिथीस अमावास्या असते. अमावास्येचे एक महत्व असतेच, परंतु त्यात सुद्धा जर ती सोमवारी आली तर त्यास अधिक महत्व प्राप्त होते. ह्या दिवशी पितृ तर्पणा खेरीज स्नान, दान इत्यादी कार्ये करण्याचा मुहूर्त शुभ असतो. सोमवती अमावास्या पितृ तर्पण, श्राद्ध, पिंडदान इत्यादी कार्यांसाठी श्रेष्ठ तिथी असल्याचे मानण्यात येते. ह्या दिवशी पितृ दोष व कालसर्प दोष ह्यापासून मुक्त होण्यासाठी उपवास व पूजा सुद्धा करण्यात येते. 

सोमवती अमावास्येने दूर होतात अशुभ योग 

कोणत्याही महिन्याच्या सोमवारी येणाऱ्या अमावास्येस सोमवती अमावास्या ह्या नावाने संबोधले जाते. ह्या दिवशी विशेषतः पूर्वजांचे तर्पण करण्यात येते. ह्या दिवशी उपवास करून पिंपळाच्या झाडाखाली बसून शनी मंत्राचा जप करावा व पिंपळाच्या झाडाला १०८ प्रदक्षिणा घालाव्यात. ह्या व्यतिरिक्त भगवान श्रीविष्णू व पिंपळाच्या वृक्षाचे पूजन सुद्धा करावे. असे केल्याने शनीच्या साडेसातीचा किंवा दशेचा अशुभ प्रभाव दूर होतो.      ह्या दिवशी भगवान श्रीशंकरास रुद्राभिषेक केल्याने विशेष फलप्राप्ती होते. महिला आपल्या संततीच्या दीर्घायुष्यासाठी हे व्रत करतात. 

सोमवती अमावास्येचे उपाय 

- सोमवती अमावास्येस तुळशीला १०८ वेळा प्रदक्षिणा घातल्याने दरिद्रता दूर होते. 

- ह्या नंतर यथाशक्ती दान करण्यात येते. 

- सोमवती अमावास्येच्या दिवशी स्नान व दान ह्यांचे विशेष महत्व आहे. 

- एक अशी मान्यता आहे कि सोमवती अमावास्येच्या दिवशी मौन व्रत धारण करून स्नान व दान केल्यास हजार गायी दान करण्या इतके फळ मिळते. 

सोमवती अमावास्या 

अमावास्या प्रारंभ - दि. २० जुलै २०२० रोजी ००.१० मिनिटांनी. 

अमावास्या समाप्ती - दि. २० जुलै २०२० रोजी २३.०२ मिनिटांनी. 

अमावास्या प्रारंभ - दि. १४ डिसेंबर २०२० रोजी ०.४४ मिनिटांनी. 

अमावास्या समाप्ती - दि. १४ डिसेंबर २०२० रोजी रात्री ९.४६ मिनिटांनी. 

ह्या वर्षी करा विशेष पूजा 

- शिवलिंगावर बिल्वपत्र वाहून "ॐ नमः शिवाय" ह्या मंत्राचा जप करावा. 

- भगवान श्रीशंकरास रुद्राभिषेक करावा. 

- पितरांना तर्पण करावे. 

- गरिबास धन व अन्न दान करावे. 

- पिंपळाच्या झाडा जवळ दीपक प्रज्वलित करावा.

Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir, Ambarnath

 Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir in Ambarnath, Thane, Maharashtra.

The name "AMBARNATH" is because of this Ambreshwar temple only.

Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir is over 1000 years old.

The Temple is only 2 KM away from Ambarnath Railway Station. 

This temple is "HEMADPANTI" that means built with interlocking of stones. People say the Shiv ling inside is "SWAYAMBHU" that means self-manifested. 

People believe that temple was built by Pandavas in just a night. Whereas on some sites its mentioned that Shilahara King Chhittaraja constructed it and his son Mummuni rebuilt it. The temple is on the bank of Vadavan (Waldhuni) river.

The temple is considered one of the oldest temples built in the middle of the eleventh century that there is no such temple anywhere else in the world. Pandavas could not complete the structure which is reflected even today in the missing roof directly above the main sanctum area (Garbha Griha) of the temple. It is also said that there is a km long passageway which was used by the Pandavas to escape which is closed these days.

The architecture of the temple is mainly Hemadpanti styled. The outer walls are carved very beautifully and gracefully on black rock. You will find two nandis at the entrance of the temple; to my surprise it was the very first time when I encountered two nandis at the entrance of any Shiva temple. This temple has 20 steps to go down in the main room called Garbha Griha; and there is one shivling at the center of the room which is swayambhu.

The best thing I like about this temple is its never crowded. People get enough time for darshan and get blessings from Bholenath.

Only on Maha Shivratri temple is overcrowded. There is Big Fair on Maha Shivaratri. On this day more than 4-5 lakh people visit the temple to seek blessings from Devon ke Dev Mahadev. Temple is additionally crowded on all Mondays of Shravan [Month of Hindu Calender] month. Visit this temple if you ever go to Ambarnath.

The ruins of Ambershwar have remained a shadow of its golden past. Its condition is not so good. Even I wonder whether our future generations will able see this wonderful model of history, art and culture. If so, how will it be? Who’s responsibility of saving it? We should unite to save this hidden gem of art and history.

How to reach

1. Ambernath is well connected through a railway which falls under central railways, from railway station its 2km. you can get sharing auto (15 Rs) from Ambernath east.

2. Mumbai airport is nearest airport which is 50 km from the temple.

Lord Chennakesava temple, Belur.

 The Hoysala king, Vishnuvardhana dreamt about Lord Chennakesava while on a night out at Baba Budan Forest in Chikmagalur. Immediately he decided to build a temple in his capital city Belur dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava (Lord Vishnu).

Thus, the temple was visualized in 1117 AD and the king appointed Dasoja and his son Chavana as the designers of the temple. The masterpiece was completed in 100 years and has stood the test of time and continues to enthrall the visitors till date.

Various theories have emerged on the reason to build this temple. Whatever the reason might have been, it is a priceless gift for the people of the region to pray and admire the poetry in stone.

Architecture

Built using soap stone, the grand Chennakesava temple resembles a treasure chest. The elevated platform is in a star shape and the temple walls also follow the same zigzag pattern.

There are three entrances to the temple and at the main entrance is the sculpture of Garuda carrying Vishnu to greet you.  Each of the entrance is guarded by sculpted Dwarapalakas (doormen) on either side. 178 feet long (east-west wise) and 156 feet broad (north-west wise), the temple has 7 rows of friezes below the window level on the outer wall. The rows include elephants, lion faces, creepers, garlands, dancing men and women, and damsels in various poses.

Over these rows are bigger sculptures depicting Dasha Avathara, 24 manifestation of Vishnu, scenes from the Upanishads, Purana, and other mythological stories.

The windows in-between are intricately carved.

The Garuda Sthamba (Sacred pillar) facing the main temple was installed during the Vijayanagar period, whereas the Deepa Sthamba (pillar of lights) was installed during the Hoysala period. The Deepa Sthamba is 42 feet tall and known as pillar of Gravity as it has no foundation and stands on 3 points touching the pedestal.  The whole weight is balanced and is standing upright on its own.

Inside the temple is the Navaranga (inner pavilion), which has stellar shaped and circular tall monolithic pillars with carvings. The ceilings are also intricately carved.

Kalyani (tank) is situated in the north east corner of the complex.  This tank is known as Vasudeva Sarovara.  The inscription says that it was built by Hoysala Ballala-II in 117 A.D.  At the entrance to this pond are two Elephants at the sides, and two pavilions to the north and south.  It has receding steps from all the four sides.

Artists have signed their work on sculptures and this has helped identify the number of sculptures sculpted by each of the talented artists. Ruvari Mallitamma, Dasoja, Chavana (son of Dasoja), Malliyanna, Nagoja, Chikkahampa, and Malloja have all sculpted making this a priceless national treasure.  108 inscriptions are found inside the temple complex in Kannada, which describes the temple and the architects.

There are other temples like the Kappe Chennigaraya, Rangamanayaki, Soumyanayaki, Hanuman, Narasimha, Vijyanaryana, Saumyanayaji, Andal and so on in the precincts of the main temple.

Place Statistics:

Type of place: Ancient Temple

ituated: Chikkamagalur District, Karnataka

Distance: 222 Km from Bangalore, 32 Km from Hassan, 124 Km from Mangalore, 149 Km from Mysore

Transport: Well connected by road. Nearest airport is Mangalore (168 Km)

Facilities: Rest room and restaurants are available. Few staying options are available in Belur, many in Hassan

Timing: 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Inner Sanctum of main deity is closed from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Shri Mahalasa Narayani’s temple at Mardol

Shri Mahalasa Narayani’s temple at Mardol in the West coastal state of Goa in India needs no introduction to Shri Mahalasa’s Kulavis and other devotees.

This is Her most well-known temple and even if we visit other temples, we cannot avoid visiting Her beautiful temple at Mardol, at least once in our lifetime.

Lakhs of devotees and tourists visit the 450-year old temple every year to solicit blessings of the Divine Deity.

The Mardol temple has some unique features to its credit viz, the tallest Samai (lamp) or the Dnyandeepa, and the Deepasthambha (see photo below), which is famous all over the world thanks to it being highlighted in posters of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation; a full-granite Sabha Mantapa, copper roof to the main temple, historic bell with legal sanctity and many more interesting things.

A very special feature in Mardol temple is the appearance of Shri Mahalasa in various Alankaars at various periods, sometimes during various times of the day.

To the keen devotee, she appears as various Gods and Goddesses and Special Puja Offerings can be made to the deity.

AARATI TIMINGS:

Daily: 12:30 pm & 8:30 pm

Navratrotsav:

Navratrotsav Celebrations.

Important weekly event:

Shri Mahalasa Narayani’s Palakhi every Sunday at 5:45 pm.

For Daily Panchang & Events, ordering a seva, news and information,

visit the main portal for Shri Mahalasa Narayani

JAI SHRI SANTERI! JAI SHRI MAHALASA!