Vinay Patrika: Hymn 240

Raag Kalyan

Adi Kavi Valmiki Writing the Ramayan

soi sukritee, suchi saancho jaahi ram ! tum reejhe |

ganikaa, geedh, badhik haripur gaye, laai kaasi prayaag kab seejhe ||1||

kabhun na dagyo nigam-magten pag, nrig jag jaani jite dukh paaye |

gajdhaaun kaun dichhit, jaake sumirat laai sunaabh baahan taji dhaaye ||2||

sur-muni-bipra bihaaya badhe kul, gokul, janam gopgrih leenho |

baayon diyo bibhav kurupatiko, bhojan jaai bidur-ghar keenho ||3||

maanat bhalahi bhalo bhagatniten, kachhuk reeti paarthhi janaaee |

tulsee sahaj saneh raam bas, aur sabaai jalkee chiknaaee ||4||

Shri Ram & Lakshman Washing the Wounds of Jatayu

O Ram ji! Whoever you are pleased with is a pure and truly virtuous soul.When did the dancing girl(*Pingla), vulture (*Jatayu) and hunter (*Valmiki), who went to Vaikunth, the supreme abode, do austere penance in Prayag (a pilgrimage place at the confluence of Ganges and Jamuna in Allahabad)and died by burning in the fire of dry dung?||1||

King Nriga Attains Salvation

Raja *Nriga had never deflected from the path of scriptual teachings but the world knows how many sorrows he had to bear (born as a chameleon he rotted for thousands of years, caged in a well!) And in which way was the elephant spiritually instructed,that you instantly abandoned Garuda, your vehicle, and came running with the sudarshan chakra when he thought of you just once? ||2||

Lord Krishna, the Glorious Son of Nanda

Rejecting the superior communities of gods, munis and brahmans, you took birth in the house of a gopa (cowherd, Nand ji) in Gokul. Spurning the grand majesty of Raja Duryodhana, chief of the Kurus, you went to poor Vidur's house and ate ( a most simple meal comprising of some greens )||3||

Lord Krishna Reveals the Nature of Time & Duty to Arjuna

The Divine really enjoys the company of his devoted and loving bhaktas. You had somewhat revealed the nature of this dedicated loving bhakti or religious devotion to Arjuna.

Shri Ram Can Be Won Over by Sincere Love

O Tulsidas!Shri Ram is enchanted by simply spontaneous and sincere love; all the other means are such that they represent the smoothness of water! (on splashing water the body seems greasy for some time but on drying, it becomes exactly as rough as it was before. In the same manner when our desires are fulfilled by other resources we do get momentary joy, but the happiness is erased as soon as another wish crops up)||4||

Pingala: In ancient times, in Videha-Nagari of King Janaka, there lived a lady named Pingala. After experiencing miseries in her profession, she gave up worldly desires and began to think, "Lord Krishna is very dear to my heart, but I have not tried to please Him. Regarding these persons who will die one day – what happiness have they given to me? No happiness at all. They enjoyed my body, I became theirs, and I lost everything. Somehow, by the mercy of Krishna, I have now renounced them, and this renunciation will take me to Krishna."

Pingala then closed the door of her house, lied down to sleep and slept very well. And afterwards she became a great devotee.

Jatayu: In the Ramayana, Jatayu is the son of Aruna and nephew of Garuda. A demi-god who has the form of a vulture, he was an old friend of Dasharatha. He tries to rescue Sita from Ravana on his way to Lanka. Jatayu fought valiantly with Ravana but was old. As Rama and Lakshmana chance upon the stricken and dying Jatayu in their search for Sita, he informs them of the fight and the southern direction which Ravana had taken.

While Jatayu was wounded Lord Rama arrived and decided that Jatayu get moksha. Lord Rama hit an arrow in the ground so as to summon the seven sacred rivers. Six rivers' waters ayrrived, one river water failing to obey Lord Rama. Since Lord Rama was himself an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, He forced the Gaya teertha to arrive at the spot. Finally Jatayu was given the waters of seven rivers and He attained moksha.

Valmiki: Some say that Valimiki was a highway robber named Ratnakar who used to rob people after killing them. Once, the robber tried to rob sage Narada who asked him if his family would share the sin he was incurring due to the robbery.The robber asked his family, but none agreed to bear the burden of sin. Dejected, the robber finally understood the truth of life and Narada taught him how to worship God. The robber meditated for many years, so much so that Ant-hills grew around his body.

Sage Narada was adored by Lord Krishna, and employed different ways to bring people nearer to God. He convinced dacoit Ratnakar to chant "Mara, Mara" - the reverse of "Rama, Rama" - helping him evolve enough to get transformed into sage Valmiki.

King Nriga: gave a cow as charity to a brahman. Unfortunately this cow returned to the king's herd, and so he gave it as charity to another brahman. A quarrel started, which resulted in Nriga being cursed to take the form of a lizard and live in a well. But due to his piety Krishna personally delivered him from this condition and thus Nriga was elevated to the heavenly planet.

Gajendra : was the king of elephants. One hot day, he went to the lake with his family to cool off in its fresh waters. But from within the lake a crocodile attacked and would not let go of him. When the family saw ‘death’ coming close to Gajendra, they abandoned him. Gajendra prayed to Lord Vishnu who came to the aid of Gajendra, who offered a lotus to the god. Vishnu attacked the crocodile and saved His Loved One.

Vinay Patrika: Hymn 230

Raag Kalyan

Shri Ram is Our Well-Wisher

akaaran ko hitoo aaur ko haai |

birad 'gareeb-nivaaj' kaaunko, bhaon jaasu jan johaai ||1||

chhoto-badho chahat sab svaarath, jo biranchi bircho haai |

kol kutil, kapi-bhaalu paalibo kaaun kripaaluhi sohaai ||2||

kaako naam anakh aalas kahen agh avgunani bichhohaai |

ko tulseese kusevak sangrahyo, sath sab din saaeen drohaai ||3||

Bhaktas Long for Shri Ram's Compassion

Who else (apart from Shri Ramchandraji) is our benefactor for no particular reason? Who has the reputation of making the poor prosperous and content, and the one whose (compassionate) eyebrows, bhaktas longingly look at ||1||

Living Beings Created by Brahma

All those who have been created by Brahma whether they are great or small, want to cater to their selfish needs (no one works for the well-being of others without a selfish motive)| Well!

Shri Ram Blesses Shabri

For which other merciful svami (besides Shri Ram ji) is it befitting to protect and rear Bhils (tribals of central India),

Lord Ram's Army of Monkeys & Bears Battling Ravana

monkeys, bears and so on ||2||

Shri Ram Makes Tulsidas His Own Devotee

Who else has such a name which even on being chanted with laziness or anger expiates sins and vices? (Solely the Name of Shri Ram is so unique)| A person who has always been hostile to his svami out of ignorance, He has made such an inferior sevak or devotee like Tulsi also His own (what else can surpass such a good deed done so spontaneously?)||3||

Spiritual Calendar: July, 2011

Amavasya, the Last Day of the Waning Moon

1^st July, 2011: The month of July starts with Amavasya.There is a natural surge of energies in the human body on these specific days. As a result Amavasya or new moon day and purnima or full moon days hold a special significance for spiritual seekers. The amavasya vibrations are conducive to men just as the purnima vibrations are conducive to women. Any sadhana or religious observances performed during this time has a greater impact on the human system.

The new moon day of every month is considered auspicious for the worship of forefathers and poojas are done. No travel should be scheduled on the first day of the new moon, as travel without moonlight in the ancient times was forbidden.

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha

2^nd July,2011: The holy Srimad Bhagwat Path in Sanskrit going on at 'Hari: Vrinda Dham since 26th June, 2011, culminates on 2nd of July.

Shri Jagannath, Subhadra & Balram

3^rd July, 2011: Lord Sri Jagannath ji's Rath Yatra from 5:30 pm to 8pm for which a large number of devotees are assembling from all the states, is a spectacular event. Jagannath is a Hindu God worshipped primarily by the people of Orissa and Bengal. Jagannath is generally considered an aspect of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, his avatara Krishna. He is worshipped as part of a triad along with Krishna's brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra.

The most famous festival related to Jagannath is the Ratha Yatra, where the three deities are transported in three massive wooden chariots pulled by devotees from Puri to Gundicha Temple, about 3 kms away. Similar Ratha yatra processions are organized all around the world.

Lord Ganesha

4th July & 18^th July,2011: Sri Ganesh Chaturthi Fast

Ganesha, the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon is beheld as the most auspicious God of new beginnings and widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Devotees of Lord Ganesha, who intend to observe a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi, wake up early in the morning and take a bath. After wearing laundered clothes, they head towards the nearest temple or perform a small puja at their home, to offer prayers to the deity.

When people fast on Ganesh Chaturthi, they either opt for the nirjal vrat (a stringent, waterless fast) or phalahar vrat (a diet). Devotees are allowed to have sweets including til ke ladoo , gajak and rewari along with tea and coffee. In order to concentrate, the devotees chant mantras invoking Lord Ganesha and sing bhajans in his praise. It is believed that if one observes a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi with sincerity, he is blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.

Lord Kartikeya

6th July, 2011: Kartikeya Chhathi, falls on the sixth day after Amavasya (New Moon) in the Hindu calendar.Kartikeya is a Hindu god who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Accordingly, he is the brother of their son, Ganesha. A Hindu god, he is also known as Skanda or Murugan. Chhathi is the sixth day after the birth of a child when ceremonial observances including the naming of the child, are performed.

Lord Vishnu Resting in Kshir Sagar

11^th July, 2011: Devshayani Ekadashi on a Monday . (Devotthan Ekadasi will come about 4 months later on 6th November, a Sunday. Ascetics call it the Chaturmaas and stay at one place for these 4 months.)It is one of the most important Ekadasis. As per the Puranas, Lord Vishnu is said to take rest in Kshir Saagar or the Ocean of Milk on this day and steps out after four months, on the 11th day of the first bright half of Kartik, the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar.) It is believed that Hindu gods and goddesses are resting during this period.

Lord Shiva's Pradosham

12^th July, 2011:Lord Shiva's Pradosham Fast, a Tuesday, which ends in the pradosha or twilight period. Pradosha occurs twice in a month on the 13th day. There are two Pradoshas – one during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon and the other during the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of the moon. Fasting on this day grants success, peace and fulfilment of our desires. It is believed that darshan of any form of Shiva during this period dispels ignorance.

Lord Shiva as Adi Dakshinamurthy

15^th July, 2011:Gurupurnima,on a Friday. The highest form of a Guru is Lord Shiva Himself (Adi Dakshinamurthy) or ultimate knowledge, and a Guru is the manifestation of that knowledge. It is such an important annual festival that most Indians visit the ashrams of their respective gurus or spiritual preceptors in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mathura and Vrindavan.

Bhagwan Ved Vyas

15^th July, 2011: Bhagwan Ved Vyas Pooja. Veda Vyasa is Sanatan Dharma’s first and greatest acharya. He classified the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Brahma Sutras, and recited the Mahabharat which Shri Ganeshji penned down. The Mahabharat is glorified as the fifth Veda. Of all Mahabharat’s sections, the Bhagavad Gita is its most important essence and crown jewel.

Shirdi Sai Baba

15^th July, 2011: The famed puja of Shirdi's Sai Baba also falls on this day.

Sai Baba of Shirdi also known as Shirdi Sai Baba was an Indian guru, yogi, and fakir who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim devotees as a saint. Hindu devotees consider him an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Many devotees believe that he was a Satguru, an enlightened Sufi Pir, or a Qutub. He is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, but especially in India, where he is much revered.

The Month of Shravan is Dear to Lord Shiva

18^th July: The first Monday of Shravan is dear to all the gods, especially Shiva. On every Monday of this month, devotees throng to Shiva temples throughout India to worship the sacred Shivalingam.

Kanwarias, the Devotees of Lord Shiva

Kanwarias in the month of Shravan: Soon after many devotees of Lord Shiva shall carry kanwarias to Haridwar/ Gopeshwar in the sacred Lord Shiva's month of Shravan (name of the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar). A kanwar is a decorative bamboo pole carried on the shoulder with covered pots of water balanced at both ends. On the first Monday of Sawan after Guru-Poornima that is on 18th July, 2011 the media will witness the great influx of devotees. A similar grandeur shall be visible on 25^th July, the second Monday,1^st August, the third Monday and 8^th August, the fourth Monday just before the end of Shravan before Rakhi.

Lord Shiva's devotees are known as kanwarias in the local dialect because they carry these earthen pots. Dressed in saffron coloured garments these pilgrims carry water collected from the Ganges in Haridwar and Gangotri from where the river originates in Uttarancahl and return to their home towns. Here they consecrate the lingams or phallic symbols of Lord Shiva as a mark of thanksgiving to him.

Lord Krishna

23^rd July, 2011: The monthly kirtan of Shri Hari begun by revered Manohar Baba is being held at Alok's home. In the Shrimad Bhagwat (11/14/24)Lord Krishna says, “ Vaag Gadgada...Punaati ” which means,” Those who take my name purify not only themselves but the whole world!" Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “Geetava tu mam...ch Arjun” or “Oh Arjuna! Those who dance on taking my name, in fact, do really exchange me for good!”

Jhulan Utsav in Vrindavan

All are requested to attend the kirtan along with their Thakurji or Yugal-sarkar so that it becomes a grand Jhulna Utsav. In the holy town of Vrindavana, the festival of Jhulan Utsava lasts for 13 days. It starts on the third day (tritiya) of the bright fortnight of Shravan (July-Aug) and lasts until the full moon night of the month. During this festival the deities of Radha-Krishna in temples are gently swayed on a swing.

This is one of the biggest festivals of the year and Vrindavana is packed with thousands of devotees from all over the world. At some temples, the swings are made of gold and silver. Some of the prominent temples where this festival is celebrated are the Banke Bihari Temple, the Radha-Ramana Temple in Vrindavana and the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura.

Lord Vishnu

26^th July, 2011: Kamika Ekadashi

The story of Kamika Ekadashi from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana is as follows: The saintly king Yudhishthira requested Lord Krishna to narrate glories of the ekadashi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the Shravan Month (July-August).Krishna said that once Narada Muni asked Lord Brahma the name of this ekadashi,the deity who was to be worshipped, the process to be followed and its merits.Lord Brahma happily agreed because just hearing about the Kamika Ekadashi is equivalent to performing a horse sacrifice.

One who worships Lord Vishnu attains greater merit than bathing in the Ganges,having darshan of Lord Kedarnath in the Himalayas,bathing at Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse, donating earth in charity, taking a dip in the Kali Gandaki River or Godavari River on full moon. Observing Kamika Ekadashi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her calf along with their fodder. Oh Narada, Lord Krishna himself confirmed that the one who fasts on Kamidka Ekadashi is more blessed than a person studying the spiritual texts and does not have to suffer future births.

Lord Krishna affirmed that this sacred day nullifies the sin of killing a brahman or an unborn child in the womb and transports one to Viakuntha, where Lord Vishnu forever dwells.

Lord Shiva & Parvati Seated on Nandi, the Bull

28^th July: Lord Shiva Pradosh

Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight for propitiating Lord Shiva. With his blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains spiritual enlightenment.It is said that on this day all gods and goddesses assemble at Mount Kailash to worship Lord Shiva.

Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas) in the evening.

Worship of Shiva throughout the night, bathing the Shivalinga with panchamrta (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey), homa, japa or chanting of the mulamantra (Aum Nama Shivaya) and praying for forgiveness are the other religious observances. At the end of the vrata one must do parana (break the fast by partaking the offerings).

Phool Bangla at Sri Kanak Bhavan, Ayodhya

30^th July, 2011:Haryali Amavasya

Hariyali Amavasya is on a Tuesday. It is a monsoon festival celebrated on Amavasya in the Shravan month in North India.Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day for wealth, prosperity and a good harvest.Grand fairs are held in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with enthused fervour in Dwarkadhish temple of Mathura, Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and other temples of Lord Krishna and Shiva.

This day culminates the Phool Bangla Utsav in Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan, during which a house of flowers is made daily in the evening. Great importance is give to the green colour in this festival since it reflects the greenery of nature after the first showers of monsoon.

Highly Revered Saint Usha ji Fondly Known as Bobo

30^th July, 2011: Appearance day of Boboji or Saint Ushaji of hariharji.blogspot.com. Let us bow to Ushaji whose ishtdev or favoured deities are Shri Radha-Krishna while Lord Shiva is her guru or spiritual preceptor.. Hence it seems but natural that she was born in Shravan, the month of worshipping Shiva.

If possible:

1. Keep a fast on every Monday from 18th July till Rakhi which is on 13^th August.

2. Daily offer water, milk and belpatras on Shivlingams, idols of Lord Ganesha and Ma Parvati at home or in any temple.

3. Also chant daily at least three beads of Om Namah Shivah and seven beads on a Monday which is traditionally regarded as Shivji's day. In fact Shivji (incarnating as Hanumanji during Shri Ram avatar) is paramguru of all Vaishnavas (Rameshwaram, Gopeshwar. ) NRIs may chant Shri Shiv Stuti daily which is available on internet as well.

The 12 Jyotir-Lingams

4. Do visit the sites of Lord Shiva like Rishikesh and the 12 Jyotir-Lingams during this month of Shravan.

5. In Shravan Braj,Vrindavan (Mathura) also has a special practice of swings being put up.The jhoolas of Lord Bihariji and Radha-Krishna are very famed. Shri Krishna Kripakataksha Stotram 8th Verse.