Thursday, July 16, 2009

Eclipse/Veena

INCREASING POWER OF VEENA-
The total solar eclipse will be visible in India between 5.28a.m. and 7.40 a.m on the 22nd of July,2009.This eclipse will occur in the constellation of Pushyami in Karkataka Rasi,Cancer Sign. The eclipse will be visible throughout India.The forth coming solar eclipse will have the longest duration of totality.A total eclipse takes place when the sun is completely obscured by moon.
Mythological references to eclipse are found in Srimad Bhagavatham and Mahabharatham and epics related to Maha Vishnu.In Hindu mythology it is believed that eclipses are caused by Rahu and Kethu.
In astronomy Rahu is considered the dragon's head and is also known as the north node of moon,the point where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic.Kethu is known as the dragon's tail,which gives birth to comets and meteors and is known as the descending or the south node of the Moon.When Sun, Moon, Rahu and Kethu fall in the same zodiacal longitude,a solar eclipse takes place.
The entire period of eclipse is called as "parvakala" and highly charged.Therefore, during this period performing prayers, recitation of upadesha mantras, pithru tharpanam and charity are considered to be very sacred.Even chanting of veda mantras and slokas are highly recommended.It is believed that every action performed during the period of eclipse yields multifold results and that is exactly the reason why it is imperative to maintain one's purity and discipline during eclipse.The charity of Rs.100 during eclipse yields results of innumerable 100s,likewise,a sloka that is chanted one time during eclipse has the power of 1000 rectitations of the same. The Universe is contained within our system and therefore, during eclipse we are charged along with the atmosphere surrounding us.
Our scriptures shun acts of answering nature's call, sleeping, sexual act, eating and drinking during eclipse.It is also important to avoid any injuries to the body during eclipse in order to maintain purity and to avoid the negative results through certain actions.
For veena players, the best would be to practice veena all through the eclipse period.The practitioner would gain million times more than what he would gain out of practising during a normal course of time. During solar eclipse,the practitioner could play 'Surya Moorthe' in Sowrashtram , 'Chandram Bhaja Manasa' in Asaveri, 'Smaraamyaham sadaa Rahum' in Ramapriya, 'Mahaa suram' in Shanmukhapriya (if the practitioner does not know the krithis, compostions on Durga for Rahu and Moon and Vighneswara for Kethu could be rendered) and krithis on all deities with utmost devotion.It is important to tune the instrument perfectly,so that off-key tones are not charged.It is also essential to play on a veena ,whose melam is perfectly set,to avoid apaswarams,that could yield multi-fold bad results.
Playing veena during eclipse (solar or lunar) gives exceptional power to the player.Practising during that period is equal to penance on veena.In the forthcoming total solar eclipse,natives belonging to Pushyami, Anuradha, Utharabhadrapada, Punarvasu and Aslesha should perform remedial measures by performing suitable pariharams.
My DVD in which I had rendered Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham, Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam and Bhaja Govindam was recorded during total solar eclipse in the year 2002.This was the year when Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi was ailing , the producer of the album, Mr.Rajesh Dhupad, C.E.O. of Symphony Recording Company had arranged for the album to be released by Smt.M.S.Amma herself by her bedside in her residence in Kotturpuram.Smt.M.S.Amma had blessed me with the title,"Sangeetha Kala Saraswathi" during the occasion.The others present were my husband, Sri.E.V.Ramakrishna and Sri Atma.

9 comments:

SAI<=>MUSIC said...

Well... Once again, a title well-deserved. I am not sure if I have the age and the eligibility to say a few words about a legend honouring a legend-to-be(may be already!). About the eclipse, the information presented has been very lucid and to-the-point. The facts are so accurate and informative. I don't think a single word "THANKS" would make any good. I assure you that I would practice during the eclipse period hoping that it would be some justice to the art, for I strongly believe it is a gift of God to be cherished, protected and nurtured. Plus, it would be one way of thanking you too, for you are, as far as I can see from your posts, a person, that does art for art's sake and would feel really happy to see your posts being useful for youngsters like me. Thanks again mam and I will get back to you about the practice session. Keep posting!!And needless to say, keep ooooonnnnnnn playing! :-)

Unknown said...

Dear Ma'am,
This article is very enlightening. My Veena teacher, Mangalam Mami, had also asked all of us to practice the Veena during a Grahanam. We had always followed her advice without knowing the real reason behind it. Thank you for this wealth of information. I'll take care to practice the Veena during this eclipse too.

malathi said...

Dear madame,
That was fantastic and informatic article madame. My husband usually says to chant mandras during the period of eclipse, I do read and chant Devi Mahatmiyam during the period of eclipse. Your article is really useful madame I will play veena this time, Thanking you madame for this valuable information and keep writing ma'm, we people do not find time to turn the pages of all books and your articles are informative, academically useful, educative, entertaining, encouraging.
with love
mala

malathi said...

dear madame,
The articles which u select and write are really fantastic and it cannot be read and left it as such so I have just printed out and made a soft binding and kept it my personal library keep writing ma'm reading your articles keeps me in musical spirit.with love mala

Veenaagayathri said...

Dear Sai,I am very happy that you liked my article.I am happier that I am able to share useful information through my articles and that they are of some benefit.All the best with your practice and thank you again,Gayathri

Veenaagayathri said...

Dear Ms.SP,Smt. Mangalam Muthuswamy is a great veena vidushi and I had great love and admiration for her.I am happy to know that you have been following her guidelines and practising during eclipse.It is my pleasure to share info,thank you and wish you all the best.Gayathri

Veenaagayathri said...

Dear Mrs.Mala,I am touched by your comments and thank you for making a print out and preserving my articles.There cannot be anything more superior that Devi Mahatmiyam.You could also play veena.I wish you all the best,with love,Gayathri

Shabari said...

Dear Veena Ma'am,
Thanks for your article. I did practice Veena during Eclipse today.
Felt very nice.
Please keep writing.. Every article of yours is an invaluable gem, carefully chosen from the Ocean of knowledge that you have gained all through your life...
Regards,
M.S

Veenaagayathri said...

Dear Mrs.Mythili,I am very happy that you practised during the eclipse time and that you felt good about the same.Thank you for your very kind appreciation,my knowledge is only a speck in the Ocean of Knowledge,and that too by the Grace of God.
Regards,Gayathri

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