Total Solar Eclipse

 Tomorrow's solar eclipse in Aslesha marks new beginnings. Coming up with some interesting topics in my blog.

In 2023 I tried instant interaction on a faster platform and started a Public Figure page on FB. I posted ardently on FB page from 2023 till last week.

While it felt great receiving instant responses, beyond a point it felt like I was stuck standing on a busy highway with cars and buses speeding past me from all sides.

Deactivating my FB page and getting back to serious blogging feels like being transported from Istanbul's Grand Bazar to Skandashram in Tiruvannamalai. 

Back to serious blogging. Welcome to new beginnings!!

A VERSATILE PURIST....

 

Versatility is a precious quality, a gift from God. It's an internationally celebrated word in the field of music and arts. Versatility originates from imagination and is by all means an offshoot of creativity. 

When musicians try various genres, their versatility is tested in their true representation of whichever genre they are handling.

Loyalty to a particular genre doesn't make one a purist. A purist is one who doesn't mix matters in genres and is able to present any genre in its purest form.......

Will resume blog soon....

 Blogging is laid back, away from social media traffic, like a hill resort. Missing the peace and quiet of blogging....want to get back to blogging...

RADHASHTAMI - 23rd September, 2023

RADHA MUKHA KAMALA - PAPANASAM SIVAN - KAPI - ADI

HAPPY VINAYAKA CHAVITHI!!

 

MARS IN ARDRA ( 27TH MARCH TO 22ND APRIL, 2023)- RUDRA THANDAVAM

RUDRA THANDAVAM

The fiery planet Mars entered Gemini (owned by enemy Mercury) on the 13th of March, 2023. Bracing for the entry of Mars into all the 4 padas of Ardra nakshatra (owned by Rahu) from 27th March to 22nd April, hardly 2 weeks away from now. Period of turbulence. Unexpected events, certainly not of a pleasant kind can be anticipated. One may recall Mars transit in Ardra nakshatra between 24th April to 17th May 2021 when people's lives were tossed and turned due to the nightmarish second wave of Corona.

With the threat of H3N2 and H1N1 looming large, precautions in general and in personal matters (nature of problems depends on Gemini's position from one's moon sign or ascendant. The placement of one's natal Mars, or its Lordship of Dasa- Bhukthi also have to be taken into account). Prayers to Lord Subramanya or Lord Narasimha can help to some extent.

Ardra being the nakshatra of Lord Rudra, parayanam (chanting) of Shiva Kavacham is highly recommended. 

In the meantime the planet of communication Mercury enters Aries (owned by Mars) in a parivartana yoga (exchange yaga) with Mars. Mercury remains in Aries between 31st of March to the 14th of May. Prior to its retrograde movement Mercury becomes stationary around the 21st of April just as Mars prepares to leave Ardra. The movement and condition of the planet of speed and communication Mercury has to be tracked for its significant impact on Mars and vice versa.

Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shashaankasekhara Praana Vallabhaayai Namo Namaha.......

          HANDWRITTEN BY SMT. KOORMANAYAKI

(Mobile recording at home, Chennai on 11th February, 2023)

This ghazal-style-romantic devotional song is penned by Sri. Basavaraju Apparao.

Music is by the legendary Sri. Voleti Venkateswarulu and originally sung by melody queen Smt. Vedavathi Prabhakar and broadcast by All India Radio, Vijayawada in the 60s.

This haunting melody tempted me to me to try it out on Veena (impromptu) during my practice which I casually recorded on my mobile phone. The melody brought visions of love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in Sri. Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava.

Kumarasambhavam-

Upaathavarne Charithe Pinaakinaha Savaashpakanthaskhalithaihi

Aneykashaha Kinnararaajakanyaka Vanaanthasangeethasakheerarodayath.

Meaning- Parvathi was going to the woods for learning music with Kinnara maidens who are famous for their sweet voices and knowledge of music. There they all used to sing in praise of the heroic deeds of Shiva. The songs used to make a powerful impression on Parvathi, that she often wept and could utter only faltering words, her voice being choked with tears. The princesses of Kinnara, sympathising with the lovelorn Parvathi wept along with her.

SRI GURU GITA-10 (Chapter-1)

MAHAPERIYAVA

91) GUKAARAM CHA GUNAATHEETHAM RUKAARAM ROOPAVARJITHAM

GUNAATHEETHA MAROOPAM CHA YO DADYAA THSA GURU SMRUTHAHA.

Meaning- 'GU' means beyond natural tendencies. 'RU' means the state of formlessness. The true Spiritual Master is one who grants that which is beyond nature and form.

92) ATHRINETHRA SSHIVA SSAAKSHAATH DWIBAAHU SHCHA HARIHI SMRUTHAHA

YO CHATHURVADANO BRAHMAA SHREEGURUHU KADHITHAHA PRIYE.

Meaning- O Beloved! Spiritual Master is truly and absolutely Lord Shiva without third eye, Lord Hari with only 2 arms and Lord Brahma without 4 faces.

93) AYAM MAYAANJALI RBADDHO DAYAA SAAGARA SIDDHAYE

YADANUGRAHATHO JANTHUHU CHITHRA SAMSAARA MUKTHI BHAAK.

Meaning- Man is freed from the complex material world due to the grace of the Spiritual Master. I stretch my arms with open palms to appeal to such a Supreme Spiritual Master.

94) SHREEGUROHO PARAMAM ROOPAM VIVEKA CHAKSHU RAGRATHAHA

MANDABHAAGYAA NA PASHYANTHI ANDHAA SSOORYODAYAM.

Meaning- Man who is wisest is able to witness the Supreme form of the Spiritual Master right in front of himself. People who are unfortunate and blind are unable to find the Guru's form which is like the sunrise (meaning- only the wisest witness sunrise, even if unable to witness sunrise with naked eye, one should be up and about before sunrise to welcome it).

95) KULAANAAM KULAKOTEENAAM THAARAKA STHATHRA THATHAKSHANAATH

ATHA STHAM SADGURUM GNYAATHVAA THRIKAALA MABHIVAADAYETH.

Meaning- The true Spiritual Master is One sho grants liberation to people belonging to crores of religions/castes. Therefore it is essential to identify such a Guru and offer prayers to Him during 'thrikalam' ( 3 times of the day- morning, noon and evening. To my knowledge any sloka or mantra when recited punctually at 6 AM- 12 NOON- 6 PM yields powerful results).

96) SHREE NAADHA CHARANA DWANDWAM YASYAAM DISHI VIRAAJITHEY

THASYAAM DISHA NAMASKURYAATH BHAKTHYAA PRATHIDINAM PRIYE.

Meaning- One must offer prayers everyday in the direction shown by the two feet of the Spiritual Master who is the form of Lord Vishnu.

97) SAASHTAANGA PRANIPAATHENA STHUVA NNITHYAM GURUM BHAJETH

BHAJANAATH SDHAIRYA MAAPNOTHI SWASWAROOPAMAYO BHAVETH.

Meaning- One must perform 'sashtanga danda pranamam' (lying on the stomach,  prostrate and erect on the floor like a stick). SASHTANGA- 6 PARTS OF THE BODY- TOES, KNEES, HANDS, CHIN, NOSE AND TEMPLE TOUCHING THE GROUND;  'DANDA PRANAMAM'- 2 PARTS OF THE BODY- KNEES AND FOREHEAD TOUCHING THE GROUND. By prostrating like this one will be able to retain the wisdom of knowledge. He becomes the Supreme form.

98) DORBHYAAM PADBHYAAM CHA JAANUBHYAA MURASAA SHIRASAA DRUSHAA

MANASAA VACHASAA CHETHI PRANAAMO SHTAANGA UCHYATHEY.

Meaning- Ashtanga namaskaram means prostration performed by hands, feet, knees, chest, head, eyes, mind and speech.

99) THASYAI DISHEY SATHATHA MANJALI REYSHA NITHYAM

PRAKSHIPYATHAAM MUKHARITHAI RMADHURAIHI PRASOONAIHI.

JAAGARTHI YATHRA BHAGAVAAN GURUCHAKRAVARTHEE 

VISHWASTHITHI PRALAYA NAATAKA NITHYASAAKSHEE.

Meaning- One must offer prayers akin to fragrant flowers in open palms to the God and Spiritual Master who is the Eternal Witness of the existence of Universe and the drama of Destruction.

100) ABHYASTHAIHI KIMU DEERGHAKAALA VIMALAI RVYAADHIPRADAI RDUSHKARAIHI

PRAANAAYAAMASHATHAI RANEKA KARANAI RDUKHAATHMAKAI RDURJARAIHI

YASMI NNABHYUDITHEY VINASHYATHI BALEE VAAYU SSVAYAM THATHKSHANAATH

PRAAPTHUM THATHSAHAJA SVABHAAVA MANISHAM SEYVEYTHA CHAIKAM GURUM.

Meaning- There are innumerable varieties of 'pranayama' (breathing techniques in 'yoga'). Many of them are general and easy to practice, many of them may result in health complications if they are not practiced correctly, many are not meant to be practiced and require stringent rules to be followed, many of them are impossible to master. Where is the need for hundreds of such 'pranayama' techniques? The knowledge of the Spiritual Master gives us natural control of our most potent life force energy. We must at all times worship such a Spiritual Master who is one with nature.

SRI GURU GITA-9 (Chapter-1)

SHIRDI SAIBABA

81) GURUMADHYE SDHITHAM VISHWAM VISHWAMADHYE SDHITHO GURUHU

GURU RVISHWAM NA CHAANYOSTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is within the Spiritual Master and the Spiritual Master is within the Universe. The Universe and the Spiritual Master are one and the same. I prostrate to such a Guru.

82) BHAVAARANYA PRAVISHTASYA DINGMOHA BHRAANTHA CHEYTHASAHA

YENA SANDARSHITHA PANDHAAHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- When one enters the horrific forest of life and when one's mind is in a turmoil not knowing where to go, it is the Spiritual Master who takes charge and leads on the correct path to safety and enlightenment. I prostrate to such a Guru.

83) THAAPATHRAYAAGNITHAPTHAANAA MASHAANTHA PRAANINAAM MUDHEY

GURU REYVA PARAA GANGAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The souls of human beings are scorched by the three fires namely-'Adhyathmikam' (suffering caused by own self), 'adibhautikam' (suffering caused by the outside situations/people), 'adideivikam' (suffering caused by powers beyond our ken/paranormal). The Spiritual Master flows as the great Ganges to cool the burnt souls of human beings and grant them supreme bliss. I prostrate to such a Guru. ('Adi' means relating to).

84) AGNYAANEY NAAHINAA GRASTHAAHA PRAANINA STHAAN CHIKITHSAKAHA

VIDYAASWAROOPO BHAGAVAAN THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Humans suffer the stings of horrific serpents of  ignorance. Only the Spiritual Master is capable of healing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master, who is the epitome of Supreme Knowledge.

85) HEYTHAVEY JAGATHAA MEYVA SAMSAARAARNAVASEYTHAVEY

PRABHAVEY SARVAVIDYAANAAM SHAMBHAVEY GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is the Creator of all the worlds, the 'Sethu' (bridge) of life which is full of complexities, the Lord of all the knowledgeable subjects and the One who grants abundance and prosperity to all living beings. I prostrate to such a Guru.

86) DHYAANAMOOLAM GURORMOORTHIHI POOJAAMOOLAM GUROHPADAM

MANTHRAMOOLAM GURORVAAKYAM MUKTHIMOOLAM GUROHKRUPAA.

Meaning- The Form of the Spiritual Master is the essence of meditation, the Feet of the Spiritual Master is the core of worship (pooja), the Words of the Spiritual Master are the sacred verses (mantra), the Grace of the Spiritual Master is the path to liberation.

87) SAPTHA SAAGARA PARYANTHA THEERDHASNAANAPHALAM THU YATH

GUROHO PAADODABINDO SHCHA SAHASRAAMSHENA THATHPHALAM.

Meaning- All the holy rivers that have flown across the seven great oceans are equal to the one thousandth of a drop of water that covers the Feet of the Spiritual Master.

88) SHIVEY RUSHTEY GURU STHRAATHAA GURAU RUSHTEYNA KASHCHANA

LABDHVAA KULAGURUM SAMYAGGURU MEYVA SAMAASHRAYETH.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master rescues us from the anger of Lord Shiva, but none has the power to rescue when the Spiritual Master is enraged. That is why it is essential to first of all approach the Master of one's sect ('Kula Guru'). Only after that one must surrender oneself to the Spiritual Master of Supreme Knowledge ('Gnyaana Guru').

89) MADHULUBDHO YADHAA BHRUNGAHA PUSHPAA THPUSHPAANTHARAM VRAJETH

GNYAANALUBDHA STHADHAA SISHYO GURO RGURVANTHARAM VRAJETH.

Meaning- The bee which desires honey flies from one flower to another flower. Similarly one who desires Supreme Knowledge should leave the material Master to reach the Spiritual Master who is the epitome of Knowledge.

90) VANDEY GURUPADA DVANDVAM VAANGMANOTHEETHA GOCHARAM

SHWETHA RAKTHA PRABHAABHINNAM SHIVASHAKTHYAATHMAKAM PARAM.

Meaning- The Supreme Feet of the Spiritual Master are beyond the comprehension of human mind and beyond the expression of human words. They represent the joint forms of Shiva and Shakthi glowing brilliantly in white and red colors. 

SRI GURU GITA-8 (Chapter-1)

SWAYAM PRAKASHA AVADOOTHA SWAMIGAL, SENDAMANGALAM 

71)YASYA GNYAATHAM MATHAM THASYA MATHAM YASYA NA VEDA SAHA

ANANYABHAAVABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Whatever the Spiritual Master knows is the religion of every human being.Whatever is unknown to the Spiritual Master is not a religion (there is nothing/no matter which is beyond the comprehension of the omnipresent Spiritual Master, such a thing is considered nonexistent and therefore disregarded). I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who possesses such an abundance of knowledge.

72) YASMAI KAARANAROOPAAYA KAARYAROOPEYNA BHAATHI YATH

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- He is the personification of reason/purpose. But He shines as a personification of action. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

73) NAANAA ROOPA MIDAM VISHWAM NA KEYNAAPYASTHI BHINNATHAA

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The universe in all its complexities is not different or apart from the Spiritual Master (Guru). I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

74) GNYAANA SHAKTHI SAMAAROODHA THATHVAMAALAA VIBHOOSHINEY

BHUKTHI MUKTHI PRADAATHREY CHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master who is decorated by the garland of knowledge grants material fulfillment and liberation to His devotees. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

75) ANEYKA JANMA SAMPRAAPTHA KARMABANDHAVIDAAHINEY

GNYAANAANALA PRABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The karmic tendencies of many birth cycles become one's inherent qualities. The karmic tendencies are burnt to ashes by the knowledge of the Spiritual Master. I prostrate to such a Guru.

76) SOSHANAM BHAVASINDHO SHCHA DEEPANAM KSHARASAMPADAAM

GUROHO PAADODAKAM YASYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master's 'paadodakam' (nectar from His Feet) has the power to drain the ocean of 'samsara' (material world) and to enhance material prosperity which is diminishing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master whose Feet exude nectar.

77) NA GURO RADHIKAM THATHVAM NA GURO RADHIKAM THAPAHA

NA GURO RADHIKAM GNYAANAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- There is no power greater than the Spiritual Master, there is no penance greater than the Spiritual Master and there is no knowledge superior to the Spiritual Master (Guru).I worship such a Guru.

78) MANNAADHAHA SHREE JAGANNAADHO MADGURUHU SHREE JAGATGURUHU

MAMAATHMAA SARVABHOOTHAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Shree Jagannatha is my Lord, the Universal Spiritual Master (Jagatguru) is my Guru, all the living entities are my soul. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who gives me such knowledge.

79) GURU RAADI RANAADISHCHA GURUHU PARAMADAIVATHAM

GURUMANTHRASAMONAASTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Spiritual Master is the personification of the origin. Yet He is ageless and has no beginning. 'Guru mantra' (prayers to the Spirtual Master) is unparalleled. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

80) EKA EVA PARO BANDHU RVISHAMEY SAMUPASTHITHEY

GURU SSAKALA DHARMAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- During life's worst calamities, the Spiritual Master is the only relative who comes to the rescue. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

SRI GURU GITA-7 (Chapter-1)

BHAGAVAN NITYANANDA

Bhagavan Nityananda (1897-1961), one of the most revered Siddha Gurus and a janma Siddha-He lived all His life in divine consciousness. 

61)  STHAAVARAM JANGAMAM VYAAPTHAM YATHKINCHI THSACHARAACHARAM

THVAM PADAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire creation is filled with moving and nonmoving beings. All this represents 'You' (thvam). The Great Personage who makes one realise that 'You' (thvam) is none other than the Spiritual Master (Guru).

62) CHINMAYA VYAAPITHAM SARVAM THRAILOKYAM SACHARAACHARAM

ASITHVAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- You are 'that' (asi) which pervades the entire Universe consisting of moving and nonmoving beings. I prostrate to the Lord Spiritual Master who grants me the vision of 'that' (asi).

63) NIMISHAA NNIMISHAARDHAA DVAA YADVAAKYAA DVAI VIMUCHYATHEY

SVAATHMAANAM SHIVA MAALOKYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- By the sheer command of the Spiritual Master, one obtains vision (Darshan) of one's soul in the form of Lord Paramashiva just within the time of batting one's eyelids, or in just half the time of batting eyelids. I prostrate to such a 'Guru'.

64) CHAITHANYAM SHAASHVATHAM SHAANTHAM VYOMAATHEETHAM NIRANJANAM

NAADABINDUKALAATHEETHAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The One who is an epitome of cosmic consciousness (intelligence), permanence, tranquility, the One who is more limitless than the sky, the One who is absolutely untouched, the One who is an authority over 'nada' (sound- the first cosmic vibration)), 'bindu' (dot- Parashakthi) and 'kala' (consciousness)..my salutations to such a Spiritual Master.

65) NIRGUNAM NIRMALAM SHAANTHAM JANGAMAM STHIRA MEYVA CHA

VYAAPTHAM YENA JAGA THSARVAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- One who is untouched by senses, the One who is calm, tranquil, the One who does not waver and is determined and unmoved, such a Spiritual Master is the God who pervades this entire Universe. My salutations to Him.

66) SA PITHAA SA CHA MEY MAATHAA SA BANDHU SSA CHA DEYVATHAA

SAMSAARAMOHANAASHAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Only He is the Father, only He is the Mother, only He is the relative, only He is God. I worship such a Spiritual Master in order to get rid of my desire for this material world.

67) YATHSATHVEYNA JAGA THSATHTHVAM YATHPRAKAASHEYNA BHAATHI THATH

YADAANANDEYNA NANDANTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is due to the existence of the Spiritual Master, the entire Universe is filled with light due to His radiance, the entire Universe is filled with joy due to His blissful form. I offer my felicitations to such a Spiritual Master.

68) YASMIN STHITHA MIDAM SARVAM BHAATHI YADBHAAVAROOPATHAHA

YATHPREETHYAA PRIYAM PUTHRAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe seems aglow because it is contained within the radiance of the Spiritual Master. Love and affection for one's children and kith and kin originate from one's love and devotion towards the Spiritual Master. My salutations to such a Guru.

69) YE NEYDAM DARSHITHAM THATHVAM CHITTHA CHAITHYAADIKAM THADHAA

JAAGRATHSVAPNASUSHUPTHYAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Mind (perception), its conceptions, wakeful (jagrat), dream (svapna) and deep sleep (sushupti) states are activated by the grace of the Spiritual Master. I salute such a Guru.

70) YASYA GNYAANA MIDAM VISHVAM NA DRUSHYAM BHINNABHEYDATHAHA

SADAIKAROOPAROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire Universe is a form of His knowledge. As one views the Universe as complex and varied,  the uniqueness of the Spiritual Master stands out in one's vision. He has only one form at all times. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.