Thursday, May 22, 2008

Two latest books on the lines of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu tradition


Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Archana Joshi,” While posted in Jaipur, I picked up a copy of ‘MAA MANI’ from Ramavtar Sharmaji and found it to be enchanting and spiritually -elevating. Bhaiya, your update on two new books released recently has aroused my curiosity. Kindly enlighten all devotees about them.”


Sister Archanaji, the first latest book is named ‘SRI SRI VIJAYKRISHNAVACHNAMRI’ Very similar to the Gospel of Swami Ramakrishan Paramhans (1836-1886) it is comprised of divine quotes, sayings, words of wisdom and dialogues of Vijaykrishanji Goswamiji Maharaj .


In fact on the lines of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu tradition, we have a prominent disciple Adwaitacharyaji Maharaj, In Adwaitacharyaji's 10th generation. Great sage Vijaykrishanji Goswami was born on the day of Rakhi ( poornima, 2nd August , 1841) . His contemporary Saints include Swami Ramakrishna Paramhans, Loknath Brahmchari, Lahiri Mahshya , Charandass Babaji and their likes. One of His principal disciples was Maan Mani who under His guidance came to Vrindavan in 1947 for divine Radha-Krishna leelas.


In the above new volume, Goswami Vijaykrishanji Maharaj blesses us, affirming that whoever chants Lord Hari's pious name, observes a saatvic diet and genuinely yearns for Divine love, can attain unique experiences like Him with Shyamsunder or Lord Krishna! The overly famous Sri Hari kirtan is :--


Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare;
Hare Krishan Hare Krishan, Krishan Krishan Hare Hare


To achieve this state, Goswami Vijaykrshanji opines that control on food and sleep is essential. The ‘Bhagwad Gita’ Lord Krishna asserts:


Naatyashnatastu yogo'sti nachaikaantamanashnatah;
Na chaatiswapnasheelasya jaagrato naiva chaarjuna.


16. “Verily Yoga is not possible for him who eats too much, nor for him who does not eat at all; nor for him who sleeps too much, nor for him who is (always) awake, O Arjuna! “


Yuktaahaaravihaarasya yuktacheshtasya karmasu;
Yuktaswapnaavabodhasya yogo bhavati duhkhahaa.


17. Yoga becomes the destroyer of pain for him who is always moderate in eating ands recreation (such as walking and so on.), who moderately exerts in actions, who is moderate in sleep and wakefulness...Chapter VI of GITAJI has 52 verses

The second latest book is ‘SADGURU KI LEELA’ recounting the divine position Goswami Vijaykrishnaji held in the life of a devotee, Haridas Basuji. If Chaitanya Mahaprabhu totally transformed the life of Jagai-Madhai, Goswami Vijaykrishnaji precisely did the same for severral devotees. The kripa or Grace of Sadguru Goswami Vijaykrishnaji is apparent throughout the lengthy 312 pages volume.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Does The Sethu Samudram have any nautical value?


Satellite View of Ramsethu Bridge

The question which often puzzles us is, does The Sethu Samudram make any nautical sense?

For an answer, let us speak to Captain (retired) H Balakrishnan of the Indian Navy to know a mariner's view of the project. Captain Balakrishnan has been associated with the navy for 32 years.

He belonged to the first batch of three Indian naval officers to specialise in anti-submarine warfare in the erstwhile USSR Naval War College.

Out of curiosity, he studied the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project. Ever since the series appeared in the Indian Express, the captain has been much sought after for his interesting calculations.
images from NASA of Sri Ram bridge and Satellites prove it twice !

Reporter, “Why did you get interested in the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project?”

Captain Balakrishnan, “I don't belong to any political party. It was purely a mariner's concern that made me research the project. Several reports and statements flooded the media but I found that the mariner's point of view was not talked about at all. It is sad that as of today the entire discourse on the project is completely side tracked from the main issue; ships and the shipping industry.”


Reporter, “As a mariner, how do you describe the Sethu Samudram project?”

Captain Balakrishnan, ‘The Sethu Samudram project, if I can put it simply from a naval officer's stand point, does not make any nautical sense.”


Reporter, “Why do you say so?”

Captain, ‘I have worked on the project from three different perspectives, all concerning the nautical world. I analysed the project in the backdrop of the environmental factors that would impinge the safety of the ship and also the safety of lives at sea. Number two was the security
aspect which is maritime terrorism as it stands today. And the third was certain aspects of general navigation.

Reporter, “What does your research on the environmental factors say?”

Captain, “We mariners call the coast between Rameswaram and Cuddalore the cyclone coast. The India Meteorological Department has assigned this coastline as a high risk probability. To site one example, in 1964, the Pamban Bridge was washed away by a severe cyclonic storm. A ship is safe when she is moving at the onset of a cyclone. Imagine a ship waiting to pick up its pilot as it approaches the Palk Straits to enter Sethu Samudram. No captain will wait for the pilot; his safety lies in heading south, towards Sri Lanka [Images]. The wind and waves bring in a large amount of silt and wash it ashore. The same thing is going to happen to the Sethu Samudram Canal.


This brings me to another point. Marine scientists have identified five areas on the Indian coastline they call high-sinkage pits, and one of them happens to be the Palk Straits. What is left unsaid by the Sethu Samudram authorities is that maintaining the 12 metre depth (of the channel) will entail round the year dredging. Once you establish the channel, you have to maintain it.”

Reporter, “You mean other than the capital expenditure there will be maintenance expenditure too. Will that be expensive?”

Captain Balakrishnan, “Naturally but this cost is not mentioned anywhere. This is the hidden cost which the authorities will have to pay to the dredging company. It is a high siltation and sedimentation area. So, what you pick up today is going to get filled up the next day.”

Reporter, “What is the security threat you spoke about?”

Captain, “The Sea Tigers of the LTTE have control of that area off the Jaffna coast. What the Sea Tigers may do is difficult to say. Piracy exists even today. Those who are against the project say the 12 metre depth of the Canal is not enough for big ships to pass through the canal.”


Reporter, “As a mariner, what is your opinion on this?”

Captain, “It is quite true. If you take global shipping trends today, to reduce operating cost, they go in for larger ships of the order of 60,000 deadweight tonnes and above. A 60,000 deadweight tonne carrier will need anything in excess of 17 metres of draft. And as far as tankers go, the days of the super tanker are gone and you see only very large crude carriers of the type of 150,000 and 185,000 tonnes. It makes more sense to have such big tankers as in one voyage; you are bringing in more cargo and reduce your operating cost. None of these big ships will ever be able to use the Sethu Samudram. So, the question is, for whom are you building the canal? 30,000 tonnes was alright when Sethu Samudram was conceived in the early fifties and the sixties. That leaves you with only the coastal bulk carriers that carry coal from Kolkata, Paradeep and Visakhapatanam to Chennai or Tuticorin.


Reporter, “How much time and money are saved if the ships go through the Sethu Samudram Canal instead of going round Sri Lanka?”

Captain Bakakrishnan, “I plotted physically on a chart what we call 'passage planning' for a bulk carrier on passage as it happens today from Kolkata to Tuticorin; one of them circumnavigating Sri Lanka as is happening today and the other one going through the canal.

The voyage distance from Kolkata to Tuticorin around Sri Lanka works out to 1227 nautical miles. If you went through the canal, it is 1098 nm. So, you are saving just 120 odd nm.

The story doesn't end there. The majority of our bulk carriers go at a speed between 12 and 13 knots. That is the average speed at sea. I have checked with my friends who currently sail. They all said they do 12 knots. However, I worked in a bracket of 12-15 knots. So, if you are going around Sri Lanka at 12 knots at constant speed at sea, the time taken to reach outer anchorage at Tuticorin is 102 hours and 15 minutes.

When you go through Sethu Samudram, the point to be remembered is, you cannot proceed at the speed at which you are sailing at sea. The reason is the shallow water effect or what we call the 'Squat Effect'. So, the moment you enter Sethu Samudram, you have to reduce the speed by 50 per cent or more depending on the conditions prevailing at that particular time. So, I worked on a speed bracket of 6-8 knots. But many of my friends tell me 8 knots is too high for a 30,000 tonne bulk carrier. In all my calculations, I gave the benefit of doubt to the
Sethu Samudram project.

The second aspect is, it is not an open seaway; it is like entering a port. A pilot boards the ship, who is a local mariner with greater knowledge of the marine environment. The same thing has to be done at Sethu Samudram also. I have given one hour delay for the ship to reduce speed for the pilot to climb aboard. You repeat the process at the other end too for him to disembark.

With this 6 knots speed and 2 hours pilotage delay, my time to Tuticorin via Sethu Samudram works out to 100 hours 30 minutes. If you went around Sri Lanka, it is 102 hours 15 minutes! So, your net savings in time by going through Sethu Samudram is 1 hour 45 minutes! Is it worth spending Rs 2,400 crore to save 1 hour 45 minutes?”

Reporter, “You spoke of travel time. What about the cost?”

Captain Balakrishnan, “The Sethu Samudram project from the media reports and the statement given by the finance minister will cost at Rs 2,400 crore, of which Rupees 971 crore is through a special purpose vehicle. The debt portion has been pegged at Rs 1,465 crore. Assuming an interest burden of 10 per cent, the interest payment on Rs 1,465 crore is Rs 146 crore per annum. Twenty to 25 years is the time allotted for repayment.

Assuming 25 years for Rs 1,465 crore, capital repayment works out about 56 crore per annum. So, Rs 146 crore for interest burden and Rs 56 crore as repayment works out to roughly Rs 204 crore per annum which is what the authorities will have to repay to any financial institution. This is only to break-even. But the web site says it is a
profitable industry and it is going to make 'mammoth profit'.


As the earning is going to come only from ships, I asked, how many ships are going to transit in a year through the canal? Ships that can use the canal will be coal carrying bulk carriers as long as the Tuticorin thermal power plant exists.


Having made the calculation, I feel they are rather optimistic in their figures. They have given a mean value of about 3,055 ships meant to use the canal in the year 2008 and by the year 2025, they expect it to go to in excess of 7,000 ships. Mind you, for 12 metres of depth! But I can't see more than 1,000 ships using the Sethu Samudram canal in a year.

If you take Rs 204 crore as annual repayment, and 1,000 ships use it, your per ship cost works out to Rs 22 lakhs pilotage charge to break even. There is an interesting comparison done by K S Ramakrishnan,former deputy chairman, Chennai Port Trust. He pegs around Rs 50 lakh as pilotage rate per ship if you have to make a profit.

Then I calculated the fuel consumed. These ships consume 1 metric tonne of fuel per hour, which costs Rs 24,000. For the Sethu Samudram canal, you have to add the pilotage cost too. In effect, if a ship goes through the canal, a shipping company loses Rs 19 lakh per voyage. It is more cost effective to circumnavigate Sri Lanka from the point of view of the shipping industry.

Therefore, neither are you saving time nor is it viable economically. These are the two aspects that need to be highlighted. So, there is absolutely no advantage to the ships and the shipping industry. So, what are we gaining by spending Rs 2,400 crore of tax payers' money? It is a white elephant in the making.

Reporter, “So, you must be against realignment which some political parties are talking about!”

Captain, “Any course, any realignment, is going to prove uneconomical to the shipping industry. If it is of no use to the shipping industry, why build it? You can bring about better economic progress to the southern districts of Tamil Nadu by building expressways. That is why I say the Sethu Samudram shipping canal project makes no nautical sense. That is the tragedy of the project.


Those who support the Sethu Samudram Canal compare it to the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal and say the Sethu Samudram is the Suez of the East.


In the case of the Suez and the Panama canals, ships save thousands of nautical miles in sailing distance and hundreds of hours in sailing time vis- �-vis the Sethu Samudram where a ship will probably save a few hundred miles and at the most two hours in sailing time. This is the difference.”



Renowned the world over; Gayatri Mantra glorifies the Sun God!

We are aware of the great spiritual miracle that occurs every morning, making it crystal clear that we must make obeisance to the Sun God daily. In fact the famous Gayatri Mantra, chanted by most children, people and residents the world over, solely glorifies Lord Sun. Therefore in the new millennium, amidst the renowned Yoga-Guru, Swami Ramdevji's camps, the Gayatri Mantra is an excellent medium to focus the mindset .



As you are well aware that the Gayatri Mantra is chanted as:

AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT

The excerpt means:

Aum = Brahma ;
bhoor = embodiment of vital spiritual energy (pran) ;
bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings ;
swaha = embodiment of happiness ;
tat = that ;
savitur = bright like sun ;
varenyam = best choicest ;
bhargo = destroyer of sins ;
devasya = divine ;
dheemahi = may imbibe ;
dhiyo = intellect ;
yo = who ;
naha = our ;
prachodayat = may inspire!


Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life,
Remover of pain and sorrow,
The Bestower of happiness,
Oh! Creator of the Universe,
May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.


Its meaning clarifies, "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect, leading us along the righteous path". Thus the mantra is an invocation to the ‘giver of light and life’ - the sun or savitur, one of the two Divine eyes of God ( verse 13, chapter 40 of Xth canto, Srimad Bhagavatam ) The significance of Gayatri Mantra is also illustrated in verse 41 of Xth canto, Srimad Bhagavatam or Lord Krishna’s is an ideal household too! It is not surprising that in chapter ten of the ‘Bhagwad Gita’, when Lord Krishna describes His Glories to Arjuna , He certifies in verse 35:


"Among the Vedic hymns, I am Gayatri Chhanda " ...
Chapter X of GITAJI has 45 verses


And as we chant the Gayatri Mantra along with OM, precisely 10 verses earlier in the same Chapter, the Lord informs Arjuna:


"Among words, I am the sacred syllable OM ..." (Verse 25)

PS: Devotees of Ganesha also do Japa of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra as follows:


Tat purushaaya vidmahe
Vakratundaaya dheemahi
Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.


This is of great significance in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Ganesha enjoys a very unusual and unique position amongst Hindu deities; He is to be worshipped and revered first. If this regime is not followed, other rituals and worship are not fruitful. Such a boon was granted to Lord Ganesha by the Supreme Lord. Accordingly let us make obeisance to His holy feet for success, wealth and wisdom. His blessings are unique since money without discretion often leads to disaster but Lord Ganesha makes wealth enjoyable. Without the Grace of Sri Ganesha and His support nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His blessings.


To chant the Gayatri Mantra, purity of body, mind, intellect and a proper Guru's guidance is imperative: Verse 29, chapter 45, Xth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Lives of many Great Saints also testify this undeniable truth; Affectionate Saint : Sri Manohar Baba .


In fact, Rishis selected words of the Gayatri Mantra and positioned them in such a manner that they were not only meaningful but also created specific power of righteous wisdom by reciting them. The ideal time schedule for chanting the mantra is three times a day - at dawn, mid-day, and dusk. These time slots are known as the three sandhyas - morning, mid-day and evening. The maximum benefit of the hymn is attained by chanting it 108 times. However, one may recite it 3, 9, or 18 times over, when short of time. The syllables of the mantra are said to positively affect all the chakras or energy centres in the human body - hence, proper pronunciation and enunciation are extremely important.


Though millions of students and adults recite the Gayatri Mantra the world over, few people can do so correctly in ‘Kaliyuga.’ Kripaluji Maharaj of Vrindavan does the needful with full Vedic rhythm and accuracy.


And according to Vedic injunction, "sampradaya-vihina ye mantras te nisphala matah"; or unless one is initiated to the incantation by a bona fide spiritual master, coming in disciplinary succession, the mantra is not effective or does not give the desired result.

The Gayatri mantra, in particular, is meant for spiritually trained individuals who are perfectly positioned in the mode of goodness. Unlike the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, there are certain rules and standards to be adhered to in chanting the Gayatri Mantra. A specific time schedule ascertaining its recitation and certain circumstances in which it should not be uttered. When sung by a duly qualified and trained Brahmin, endowed with purity, one can attain success in chanting the Gayatri Mantra which has the power to immediately transport one to the transcendental realm. When the spiritual master observes that the disciple has attained the spiritual advancement required for chanting the Gayatri Mantra, he awards Brahminic initiation to the disciple.

On the contrary there are no such rules in reciting the 'Hare Krishna' Maha Mantra. By the yuga-dharma of the age and mercy of Lord Chaitanya it can be sung by anyone, at any time and in any circumstances without specific qualifications. This is indeed our principal sadhana, and simply by chanting the Maha-Mantra to perfection, one can attain spiritual bliss. Reciting the Gayatri Mantra and worshiping deities offer further purification and impetus for the devotee to swiftly achieve perfection in chanting the 'Hare Krishna' Maha Mantra:

Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare;
Hare Krishan Hare Krishan, Krishan Krishan Hare Hare




Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Was Sri Ram’s birth a reality?


Sri Ram Naumi

Though the Mahabharata era dates back to 5233 years (3226 BC) it was roughly in 1557 AD, about 500 years ago, when poet Soordass joyfully sang, "SOOR GAVAT BHITAR MAHAR KE" or birthday gifts are presented to Lord Krishna at Gaulok or Vrindavan Dham but by God's Grace the poet happens to reach this unique land of Nandbaba. With the blessings of great Saints, we can participate in the divine festivities of Vrindavan even today.


It is a proven fact that on several Janmashtmis or Ramnaumis, stars are identical to the original Janmashtmi or Ramnaumi. In 5114 BC the stars were precisely the same as on the first Ramnuami of treta yuga, 17,50,000 years ago.


Now let me update you about specific software from the US. It is used to predict the solar or lunar eclipses coupled with the distance and location of other planets from earth. If you enter relevant details of planetary positions narrated by Maharishi Valmiki convincing results are obtained, determining important dates right from the birth of Shri Ram to his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.


Shri Ram being highly significant to Indian ethos, it is imperative to know who was Shri Ram! Was He really born? In case He did take birth, when and where? Ardently believed by millions of people, did he really step on Indian soil, ranging from the North to South, to alleviate human suffering, ensuring the victory of good over evil? Let us take a detailed look at historical evidence.

The story of Shri Ram's life was first narrated by Maharishi Valmiki in the ‘Ramayana.’ The epic was written after the coronation of Shri Ram as the king of Ayodhya. A great astronomer, Maharishi Valmiki endorsed sequential astronomical references on important dates woven around Shri Ram’s life. He noted the location of planets as related to zodiac constellations and other stars or nakshatras. Needless to add that a similar positioning of planets and nakshatras is not repeated in a span of thousands of years. Entering precise details of the planetary configuration of Shri Ram’s lifespan into the software named ‘Planetarium’, one can easily obtain the exact corresponding dates of significant occurrences according to the Roman calendar.


Maharishi Valmiki has recorded in Balkaand’s sarga 19, shloka 8 and 9 (1/18/8,9) that Shri Ram was born on the ninth tithi of Chaitra month. The position of different planets compared to zodiac constellations and nakshatras (visible stars) were: i) Sun in Aries; ii) Saturn in Libra; iii) Jupiter in Cancer; iv) Venus in Pisces; v) Mars in Capricorn; vi) Lunar month of Chaitra; vii) Ninth day after no moon; viii) Lagna as Cancer (cancer was rising in the east); ix) Moon on the Punarvasu (Gemini Constellation and Pllux star); x) Day time (around noon).

This data was fed into the software with results indicating that this was precisely the location of planets and stars at the noon of January 10, 5114 BC. Thus it was a repetition ot the first Ramnaumi dated 17,50,000 years ago. As per the Indian calendar it was the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month and the time was about 12 to 1 at noon, the allotted date and time when Ramnaumi is celebrated with great fanfare all over India.

Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya. This fact can be ascertained from several books written by Indian and foreign authors before and after the birth of Christ - Valmiki Ramayan, Tulsi Ramayan, Kalidasa's Raghuvansam, Baudh and Jain literature, and so on. These texts give us a detailed description of the location, rich architecture and beauty of Ayodhya, majestic with many palaces and temples dotting the kingdom. Ayodhya was located on the banks of the Saryu River overlooking Ganga and Panchal Pradesh on one side and Mithila on the other. By all standards 17,50,000 years is a very long time span, during which earthquakes, storms, floods and foreign invasions significantly changed the course of rivers, ravaged towns and drastically altered territories. Therefore, the task of unearthing facts is monumental. The present day Ayodhya has considerably shrunk in size, with rivers shifting their course about 40 km north or south.

Shri Ram stepped out of Ayodhya in his childhood (13th year as stated in Valmiki Ramayana) with Rishi Vishwamitra who lived in Tapovan (Sidhhashram). From there onwards he went to Mithila, King Janaka's kingdom. Here he married Sita after breaking the Shiv Dhanusha. Researchers tracked the route adopted by Shri Ram in the Valmiki Ramayana and discovered 23 sites with memorials commemorating events related to Sri Ram’s life. These include Shringi Ashram, Ramghat, Tadka Van, Sidhhashram, Gautamashram, Janakpur (now in Nepal), Sita Kund and the rest. Memorials are invariably built as a tribute to great men and not for fictitious characters.

Date of Shri Ram’s exile: It is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana's, Ayodhya Kand (2/4/18) that Dashratha was impatient to coronate Shri Ram because Sun, Mars and Rahu had surrounded his nakshatra, and usually under such a planetary configuration the king dies or becomes a victim of conspiracies. Dashratha's zodiac sign was Pisces and his nakshatra was Rewati. This planetary formation was prevalent when Ramji's turned 25 and hence He had to leave Ayodhya for 14 years of exile. Several shlokas in the Valmiki Ramayana endorse this fact.

This epic refers to a solar eclipse during the war with Khardushan in the later half of the 13th year of Shri Ram's banishment. It was the day of Amavasya and Mars was in the middle. When this data was fed, the software indicated a solar eclipse on 7th October, 5077 BC, (according to the Roman calendar) which could be seen from Panchvati. The planetary configuration was also the same, Mars was in the center, flanked by Venus and Mercury on one side and Sun and Saturn on the other. Based on the planetary pattern described in various chapters, the date of Ravana’s killing works out to be 4th December, 5076 BC. Shri Ram completed 14 years of exile on 2nd January, 5075 BC.(Roman calendar) Navami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra also fell on that day. Thus Shri Ram had returned to Ayodhya at the age of 39 (5114-5075).


Off late, Dr Ram Avtar’s research on places visited by Shri Ram during his exile gives us valuable information. Sequentially he moves to sites seen by Shri Ram in the Valmiki Ramayan, right from Ayodhya upto Rameshwaram. He found 195 locations with memorials paying tribute to events narrated in the Ramayana. Vestiges of an earlier civilization they include Tamsa Tal (Mandah), Shringverpur (Singraur), Bhardwaj Ashram (situated near Allahabad), Atri Ashram, Markandaya Ashram (Markundi), Chitrakoot, Pamakuti (on banks of Godavari), Panchvati, Sita Sarovar, Ram Kund in Triambakeshwar near Nasik, Shabari Ashram, Kishkindha (village Annagorai), Dhanushkoti and Rameshwar temple.


In the Valmiki Ramayana we find a mention of Shri Ram's army constructing a bridge over the sea between Rameshwaram and Lanka. His army had defeated Ravana after crossing this bridge. Recently NASA had put up pictures on the Internet of a man-made bridge, the ruins of which are submerged in Palk Strait between Rameshwaram and Sri Lanka. Some time back the Sri Lankan Government had expressed a desire to develop Sita Vatika as a tourist spot. They believe that this was the Ashok Vatika where Ravana had imprisoned Sita. NASA images can be viewed at 'Images from NASA of Sri Ram bridge' and 'Satellites prove it twice' !

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Indian history records that Shri Ram belonged to the Suryavansh dynasty and he was the 64th ruler of this empire. The names and other relevant details of the previous 63 kings are listed in ‘Ayodhya Ka Itihas’, written about 80 years ago by Rai Bahadur Sita Ram. Professor Subhash Kak of Lousiana University, in his book, ‘The Astronomical Code of the Rig Veda,’ has also noted 63 ancestors of Shri Ram, who ruled over Ayodhya. They are King Dashratha, King Aja, King Raghu, King Dilip and so on. In our vast mainland encompassing Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bengal to Gujarat, People fervently believe in the reality of Shri Ram's existence, particularly in the tribal areas of Himachal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the North-East. Festivals celebrated in these regions invariably revolve around events of Shri Ram’s and Shri Krishna’s lives.


Vestiges of an ancient civilization, sites related to the life of Shri Ram hold great cultural and social value for Indians, irrespective of caste and creed. They can be summed up as our ancient lineage. Shri Ram belonged to an era when Prophet Mohammed or Jesus Christ were not born, with Muslim and Christian faiths being unknown to the world. The words ‘Hindu’ (resident of Hindustan) and ‘Indian’ (resident of India) were synonymous. India was also renowned as ‘Bharat’ (land of knowledge), ‘Aryavarta’ (where Aryans live) and Hindustan (land of Hindus-derived from the word Indus).


During the famous Ram-Rajya period, evils of the caste system based on birth were non-existent. Despite the fact that Maharishi Valmiki belonged to the shudra class or scheduled caste, Sita lived with him as his adopted daughter after being banished from Ayodhya. Luv and Kush grew up in his ashram as his disciples. We should be proud of Valmiki, probably the first great astronomer and his study of planetary configurations which inevitably stood the test of time. Even the latest computer software has corroborated his astronomical calculations, proving that he did not err in any way.


Shabari is said to belong to the Bheel tribe. Shri Ram's army which defeated Ravana, was composed of various tribals from Central and South India. The facts, events and details woven around Shri Ram’s life span are the common heritage of all Indians including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, Muslims, Christians and their likes. Prophet Mohammad was born 1,400 years ago and Jesus Christ took birth 2,000 years back. Gautam Buddha came into this world 2,600 years back, where as Shri Ram was born much earlier. Dredging details related to Shri Ram's life is tougher since destruction caused by floods, earthquakes and invasions would be far greater. But should that in any way hinder our quest for learning more about our cultural lineage?



As Indians, let us take pride in the fact that Indian civilisation is the most ancient today. It is certainly millions of years old. The view of Aryans invading India in 1,500 BC can be rejected as a motivated implantation. In fact Max Mueller, the creator of this theory, had himself rebuffed it. During the British Rule, we were educated in schools based on Macaulay school of thinking which endorsed that everything Indian was inferior and, "Indian literature was not worth even one book rack in England”. If certain features of Indians and people from Central Europe were similar the usual inference drawn was that Aryans coming from Europe, invaded India and settled here. No one dared to change this thought process, “
VINASHKALE VIPRIT BUDHI” ........

Therefore there is a dire need for historians and other intellectuals to stop reducing Indian history to myth. A requirement to garner, dredge, search, unravel and analyse all evidence which enlightens us on ancient Indian civilisation and culture is vital.


It is imperative for the media to register this evidence, prodding our knowledgeable youth to foray into this neglected field and bring to light some untold aspects of our ancient lineage.

Indians can safely conclude that we are the descendants of one of the oldest civilisations and should be truly proud of our ancient culture. However during British Rule an inferiority complex gripped us, adversely affecting our quest to disclose facts about our glorious past....

In the new millennium amidst unprecedented prosperity, our educated youngsters are higly capable of dredging true facts and confident enough to evaluate them objectively.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Manohar Bhaiya: Bubbling with enthusiasm at the ripe age of 88!


Sri Manohar Bhaiya, a Great Saint of Vrindavan
Today on 9th May, 2008, all of us make obeisance to the holy feet of poojya Manohar Baba on His birthday which falls on the day after Akshay Teej. Full of energy, He is bubbling with enthusiasm even at the advanced age of 88!



Sri Manohar Baba with Balkirishan Das ji Maharaj
Sri Manohar Baba is deeply affectionate and a monk of the highest order in Vrindavan, the Braj Bhoomi or rather entire India can boast of today. Just as we associate Hanumanji with Lord Rama, so is the relationship of Sri Manohar Baba with Sri Balkrishandassji Maharaj, his Sadguru and a Divine Personality/ ( 20th Century's Lord Chaitanya : Sri Maharajji ) Soon after Sri Maharajji left for Gaulok (abode of Lord Krishna) on 24th May,1995, Sri Ghanshyamji (who used to enact the part of Lord Krishna during Raas) took over the reins of Venu, Vinod and TamaI Kunj at Vrindavan Dham. For the most miraculous Nityaleelaen of Thakurji, revered Manohar Baba is the Saint , devotees look up to for inspiration, guidance and blessings besides Deviji, Kusumji and Manormaji.

Maheshwar
Manoharji was born on the night of AkshayTeej in May, 1919 (vaishakh shukla chaturthi ) This year Akshay Teej was on 8th May so His 89th birthday fell today. The honour of His birthplace goes to Maheshwar situated on the holy banks of the Narmada River in the Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh. His father was a Kul-purohit or family priest of Rani Ahilyabai, renowned as a Khandani or learned Pandit. Manohar Baba belonged to a affluent family, the landed gentry having acres of land coupled with cattle and the likes.


A Shivlingam
He led a highly disciplined and pious life during his youth, inspiring all around Him. The grasping prowess of Manohar Baba in the fields of Yajurved, Karamkand and Ayurveda was so sharp that He passed the ‘Kavyatirtha Examination’ in Sanskrit with flying colours. In 1935, spotting His totally unselfish and Saintly mindset, the RSS requested Him for social work and various philanthropic activities. His persona was honest and sincere to the core. Possessed with a passion of Lord Krishna’s Darshan was His unique mission in life. Quitting the RSS in 1942, He wholeheartedly concentrated on daily poojan of the Shivlinga by 108 belpatras, learnt Yoga from Guru Rangnaath, imbibed Gayatri paath under the instructions of Great Mahatma Kulkarniji and performed many other rituals.


 
Sri Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
The great moment of renunciation surfaced in 1945. A saint came to Maheshwar and in class with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, chanted the Hare Ram Hare Krishan Kirtan with such ecstasy that Manohar Baba right away left for Sri Banke Biharji temple in Vrindavan. Who knows the saint could be Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself come to bless the young soul, Manoharji! His niece, Shashikant Mule who is a Sadhak and resides at Vrindavan, turns nostalgic on recounting Her Chacha's journey from Maheshwar to Vrindavan,

 
Vrindavan Dham
"If mother prepared food and His elder brother, my father, offered the fare for venturing to Vrindavan He invariably returned everything politely, with the passion of renunciation burning within Him. Manohar Baba reached Vrindavan after a span of eight days completely exhausted, famished and fatigued, hesitant in asking for Bhiksha. After all, He came from a rich and well-to-do background. But the trauma soon got over because Mahaprabhu Balkrishnadasji was eagerly waiting to embrace Him for ever.
 
The Divine Play of Lord Krishna
Way back in 1942 communication by letters or phones was unheard off. There was no formal introduction but Lord Krishna had destined the incidence in such a Divine manner! One can virtually experience the ‘Bhagwad Gita's’ ‘YOGAKSHEMAM VAHAMYAM’ in the Holy Communion mentioned herewith in page 42 of 'Charit Vaibhav'.


In fact the above mentioned book is a biography of Maharajji authored by our beloved Manoharji. As we flip through the pages, His subtle comprehension of all Shastras mainly the Srimad Bhagavatam, Gita and Ramayana impress us the most. Manoharji somehow managed to acquire a camera from somewhere and clicked 24 rare snapshots of Maharajji's Bhaav-dasha as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had.


Sri Balkishan Das ji Maharaj
Thus it is not surprising that Maharajji spotted this jewel and enriched Him with several Lord Radha-Krishna's leelas or divine experiences. Way back since 1945 Manohar Baba is closely attached to Maharajji. Such implicit faith in one’s Sadguru or Eksant Nishta is very rare in modern day Kalyug. Thus Hanumanji’s relationship with Lord Rama being equated to Sri Manohar Baba’s bonding with Sri Balkrishandassji Maharaj is perfectly apt.


Highly Revered Usha Bahenji Fondly Known as Bobo
Dredging up old memories, I vividly remember that it was Saint Ushaji who by the Grace of God, guided and inspired me to bow at His holy feet since childhood. I shall be eternally grateful to Her for this noble deed: Diary 9 of Divine Great Saint Ushaji: GOVERDHAN


Ushaji had a great vision for the future. Ever since She left for the Divine abode on 20th Feb, 1992, revered Manohar Bhaiyaji has cared for me just like a mother. I am safe in His embrace, with not a worry to pester me and sincerely pray to the Lord to increase the time span spent under His protection.

Soon after listening to the Sunderkand at Chitrakoot!

Renowned Saint, Murari Bapu, recites the Sri Ram Katha at Chitrakoot and 'Sanskar' channel has a live telecast on it. Hearing His moving interpretation of the Sunderkaand on Shivratri, I nostalgically remember, verses 88-103 from the Balkaand woven around the divine Bhagwan Shivji-Parvatiji vivah. It is the 6th of March, 2008, at the Holy Dham of Vrindavan.


Since Hanumanji is the incarnation of Lord Shiva, after listening to Murari Bapu, a comparison between Sunderkaand and Balkaand's 88-103 verses is inevitable. The eternal truth that Goswami Tulsidasji 's Sri Ramcharitmanas's each verse is simply wonderful ...let us bow to the lotus feet of Gita, Ramayana and Bhagavatam most humbly be it the Balkaand or the Sunderkaand.


  • In the Sunderkaand Jaat Pawansut Devanh Dekha (1/2) implies that sub-Gods are invariably selfish and not benevolent. Similarly in the Balkaand during the divine Bhagwan Shiv-Parvatiji vivah, Lord Shiva questions Devtas as to why they have come to Him? (Before doha 88)
  • Whatever Hanumanji does is to please His Isht Ramji .. Ragupati Priya Bhaktam at the start of Sunderkaand or Chaleu Harshi Hinya Dhari Raghunatha, choupai 2/1 or Hridayn Rakhi Kosal Pur Raja 1/4 ...Similarly in the Balkaand, choupai 2/ 88 , Lord Shiva agrees to the Gods' demand for marriage because earlier Ramji had desired so, implying whatever Shivji does is to please His Isht Ramji --that's why Saint Ushaji always emphasized on the sheer divinity of Bhagwan Shiv -Parvatiji vivah or the Sunderkaand.


A handful of fake-spiritualists suggest that Lord Ramji has no form or He is Nirakar but Goswami Tulsidassji personally perceives Him or has sakshat darshan of Ramji, doha 45 in the Sunderkaand:


  • So enchanting an appearance --Naynand Daan Ke Data, Ram Chhavidham Bloki
  • Large Arms With Red Lotus Like Eyes and A Bluish Vapu
  • Broad Shoulders Like A Lion And Such A Attractive Face.


So let us implore God to be blessed with divine eyes like Goswami Tulsidassji's or His 21st century incarnation, Murari Bapu to behold this SAKAR, most enchanting form of Ramji.


In the same fashion during the Balkaand, Doha 2/91Goswami Tulsidassji personally observes or has sakshat darshan of the majestic Shivji replete with:


  • Matted Locks And Serpents As Ornaments
  • Three Eyes, A Crescent on His Charming Brow, river Ganga and Damaru.
  • Throat full of poison which was so kindly absorbed by Shivji during era-churning. Though His attire is unconventional, Shivji is the embodiment of Blessings ( Asiv Vesh, Shiv Dham Kripala )


-- In Sunderkaand, at many instances, for example the start Shantam .Mayamanushyam Harm or in Doha 20 Jakein Bal Biranchi HariI Eesha, Tulsidassji at times says Vishnuji and sometimes utters Hari meaning thereby that both are identical. Similar is the case in Balkaand, Doha 92-93 ...divine lap of God Sri Hari or Lord Shiva and let us bow to the lotus feet of Gita, Ramayana and Bhagavatam most humbly.)



Why the Sunderkaand is so beautiful!


Why the Sunderkaand is so beautifully written, sparkling like a mountain stream and still as a river in the plains!

Most Indians are overly fond of Goswami Tulsidasji's ‘Sunderkaand’ in the celebrated epic ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’. The magic of this section pours life into their dry parched-up mundane existence and converts it suddenly into a glistening expanse of beauty and joy. Therefore they leave for their work place only after chanting it in the morning. Many others recite it daily, or on every Tuesday and Saturday of the week, either monthly or whenever a Kirtan or Path is organised at home, a community or a colony. In class with the Hanuman Chalisa, several of them remember it by rote and do not need to read from the text.


Recitation of the Sunderkaand underlines the oft-repeated notion that it grants devotion to Lord Rama, providing mukti while blessing us with all materialistic boons. The draft has a proven track record of being a Rambaan or cure for deadly diseases, a refuge for family problems and a safe haven for harrowing court-cases. Invariably everyone chants the Sunderkaand on the most auspicious days of Sri Ramnaumi, Sita-naumi, Hanuman Jayanti, Diwali, Navratras and Goswami Tulsidasji Jayanti.

The obvious question which surfaces is why Sunderkaand is acclaimed as the chapter on beauty? Even Lord Shiva the original preceptor of Sri Ramcharitmanas affirms,

savdhan mun kari puni Shankar
lage kahan katha ati SUNDER ( 5/32/3)

The verse signifies that though Sri Ramcharitmanas abounds in divine pursuits, it is here in the Sunderkaand that Shivji totally immersed in Ramji's kripa, momentarily forgets that He is reciting the Sri Ram Katha to Ma Parvatiji. This incidence lucidly explains why the Sunderkaand is such an engrossing narrative!

The secret behind the popularity of Sunderkaand is that it recounts at large Hanumanji’s brave exploits, blessed as He was with extraordinary latent powers which Jambvantji endorses. Miraculously crossing the vast ocean over Lanka, He tactfully wins over Surasa, the selfish gods' ploy, kills the image-catching demoness and merely injures Lankini. After completing the primary task of delivering Ramji's divine ring to Sitaji, Hanumanji kills mighty Ravana's son Akshaya, defeats Meghnaad and roars like a lion in the Demon's court. The foolish Lankans try to set fire to His tail but get burnt in the process! Mandodari, Ravana's wife, brother Vibhishana, Malyavan the minister, spy Shuka, the whole lot of them try to offer sane advice to Ravana but he is doomed to be in the Death-mode. Vibhishana takes shelter at Lord Rama's lotus feet and is christened ‘Lankesh’ much before Ravana is killed. Soon after initial resistance, Lord Rama's ancestral Sea God bows to His Holy Feet and gets rid of demons infesting the coast by Ramji's arrows. The rugged Sea pitching in, suggests how with the help of Nal and Neel, two engineers blessed with extraordinary powers, the Lord can cross the mighty ocean.

Not only in the Sri Ramcharitmanas but also in Valmiki’s ‘Ramayana and the ‘Adhyatma Ramayana’ the 5th section or Kaand is titled the Sunderkaand. The other segments pertain to either Ramji's age or place. To exemplify, Part I called the BAALKAAND, containing 361 verses, details the Bal or childhood leelas of Lord Rama. The killing of Tadka and snapping of the Shiv-bow which resulted in Lord Rama’s Divine Union with Goddess Sitaji, are also highlighted.

Part II hailed as the AYODHYAKANDA has 326 verses and discusses at length powerful politics in the Kingdom of Ayodhya. The conniving duo of Kaikeyi and Manthra manage to send off Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sitaji for 14 years banvaas or exile to the forest and King Dashratha dies due to the agony of separation. During the first year of banishment, Bharatji arrives at Chitrakoot. In the 14th year, the trio of Ramji, Sitaji and Laxmanji moves to Panchvati.

Part III titled ARANYAKAANDA, details the forest-exploits of Lord Rama in 46 verses. The abduction of Sitaji by Ravana is the main event focussed upon coupled with the killing of demons Viradha , Khara- Dusan , Trisira , Maarich and Kabhandha. While Lord Rama punishes Jayanta for misbehaving with Sitaji, on the other hand He affectionately caresses Jatayu who fought Ravana to save Sitaji. The incidence induces Tulsidassji to declare:

* komal chit ati deendayala , karan binu Raghunath kripala
**sunuhu Uma te log abhagi , Hari taji hohin vishay anurag
( Doha 32-33)

Part IV acclaimed as the KISHKINDHAKAND lays down the Principles of Friendship by Lord Rama in 30 verses. Hanumanji, Lord Shiva's incarnation, meets Lord Rama, motivating Sugriva to have an alliance with Him. Sugriva benefits soon enough as his enemy Bali is killed but like most humans is ungrateful to Lord Rama. A stern warning by Laxmana and Hanumanji makes Him guiltily aware of His deep ignorance. Great Mahatmas now guide the monkeys and the bear on their path to Lanka; initially as austerity incarnate in verse 24 and then as Jatayu’s brother in verse 27. Jambvantji, a senior warrior reminds Hanumanji of His hidden powers.

In continuation of Part V, the Sunderkaand, Part VI called the LANKAKAAND is compiled of 121 verses. Herein Lord Rama beheads Ravana, Kumbhkarna and all the Lankan demons which was the prime purpose of the Rama-incarnation.


Part VII, UTTERKAAND, completes the holy epic. In this section, Hanumanji meets Bharatj, breaking the ecstatic news that Lord Rama is coming home to Ayodhya. On Sri Ramji's majestic Coronation, Vedas and Lord Shiva perform the Alleluia. The actual occurrence of the overly famous Ram-Rajya takes place in the Uttarkand.

Now coming back to the beauty and subtle intellect of Sunderkaand, besides:

savdhan mun kari puni Shankar
lage kahan katha ati SUNDER ( 5/32/3) ,

We have Goswami Tulsidasji ‘s confirmation at the beginning of the chapter:

sindhu teer ek bhudhar SUNDER ( 5/0/5)

In the midst of Sunderkaand He affirms :--

tab dekhi mudrika manohar
Ramnaam ankit ati SUNDER ( 5/12/1) .

The underlying essence of these verses clarifies that the SUNDERKAAND is beautifully subtle right from the beginning to the end. It propagates the Oriental philosophy of Satyam-Shivam-Sundaram. During the course of this Scripture, Baalkaand and Ayodhyakaand represent Satya or truth,Aranyakaand and Kishkindhakaand signify Shiv or welfare, Sunderkaand show cases the Sunder or beautiful aspect of spirituality, Lankakaand symbolizes the efforts, while Ram-Rajya highlights the fruit in the very end.

Though named the Sunderkaand in all the three Ramayanas, Adhyatma, Balmiki and Tulsidassji’, the narration differs. In Tulsidassji's Sunderkaand, verse 33, Hanumanji has met Ramji and been eulogized by Him but now onwards till the last 60th verse the following incidents take place:

i) Ramji's army leaves for Lanka.

ii) Ravana's wife Mandodari , brother Vibhishana, minister Malyavan, spy Shuka, the whole of them try to offer sane advice to Ravana but he is doomed to be in the Death-mode. Vibhishana takes shelter in Lord Rama's lotus feet and is christened ‘Lankesh’ much before Ravana is killed.

iii) After initial resistance, Lord Rama's ancestral Sea God makes obeisance to His Holy Feet, getting rid of demons infesting its coast by Ramji's arrows. The rugged Sea also suggests how Lord Rama can cross the vast Ocean with the help of Nal and Neel.

But in case of Adhyatma and Balmiki’s Ramayana all this does not occur in the Sunderkand but in the Yudhkaand. Thus while the titles of the first 5 segments, Baalkand, Ayodhyakaand, Aranyakaand, Kishkindhakaand and Sunderkaand are identical in the three Ramayanas, Tulsidassji’s Lankakaand is different from Yudhkaand of the other two texts. Secondly in Uttarkaand the incidence of Sitaji leaving earth is not described since devotee Tulsidassji could not bear this truth. In fact, if the Adhyatma Ramayana recounts the experience of Lord Shiva to Parvatiji, Balmiki’s text pens down the exact history of Lord Rama’s era. Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidassji, elucidates in detail what He saw, its divinity being attributed to a great devotee. Hence this version has created great Saints like Murari Bapu, Sri Ravi Shankarji, Kinkarji and Dogreji Maharaj, while mesmerising those who read it with faith and perseverance!

In the Sunderkaand, Lord Shiva ascertains:

Sat Hari bhajan, jagat sub sapna !

So let us recite the last Doha no. 60:

Sakal sumangal ...jal jan !

The verse signifies that a recital of Lord Rama’s virtues bestows all possible blessings on us. Those who hear it easily cross the ocean of mundane existence without any pitfall.