Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam(wedding chapter 67-75)

Above are photographs of "Shamee Vruksham" which is the Kula Deivam of Lord Venkateswara and the Pandavas. Also known as Jhand (hindi), Jammi Chettu (telugu), Jambu Maram (tamil) and Prosopis Cineraria (Botanical name). According to epics, Pandavas hid their weapons on the Shamee Vruksham during the last leg of their exile in forest (AGNYAATHAVAASAM).Click to enlarge photos.

67)Thatho Niyukthavidhinaa Dakthvaa Thaambooladakshinaaha!
Vipraanaam Vedavidushaam Thadhaa Mangalavaadinaam!!

Meaning:Afterwards 'thaamboolam and dakshina' (auspicious gifts like beetle leaves, nuts, vermillion and turmeric along with remuneration) was given to the vedic pundits and musicians who sang auspicious tunes.

68)Dadurdevaa Dhanam Vasthram Vaasudevasya Ye Priyaa!
Thathaha Samaapya Karmaani Shaasthrokthaani Yadhaavidhi!!

Meaning:The near and dear of Lord Srinivasa presented gifts like cash and clothing to the Lord. After the presentation ceremony, they proceeded with other auspicious rituals.

69)Kuladeivamapruchchaththam Vasishto Vasudhaadhipa!
Sa Thasya Shruthvaa Bhagavaanaaha Vai Munim!!

Meaning:Sage Vasishta asked Lord Srinivasa, " Srinivasa, Who is your 'Kula Deivam(God of His clan)?"

BHAGAVATHKRUTHAPARINAYAANGAKULADEVATHAAPRATHISHTAAVIDHAANAM

70)Sri Bhagavaan:-
Vasishta Mama Kalyaanee Kuladevee Smruthaa!
Mamaapi Paandavaanaancha Naathra Kaaryaa Vichaaranaa!!

Meaning:Lord Srinivasa told Sage Vasishta:" O Vasishta, my clan as well as the Pandavaa clan have "Shamee Vruksham" (jammi tree) as our 'Kula Deivam', there are no second thoughts on this matter."

71)"Kva Chaasthi Sa Dhrumasreshtaha" Ithyuktheygasthya Oochivaan!
Agasthya:-
Athraivoththaradibhaagey Theerdhey Kowmaarasanjakey!!

Meaning:When Sage Vasishta questioned regarding the location of "Shamee Vruksham", Sage Agasthya replied that in the Northern direction on the shores of "Kumaradhara Theerdham"...

72)Varthathey Vruksharaajashcha Thathra Gathvaa Thamaanaya!
Agasthya Vachaneynaivam Thathra Gathvaadha Tham Dhrumam!!

Meaning: Shamee Vruksham could be found. When asked to go there and fetch the tree, Lord Srinivasa who is the incarnation of "Dharma Varaaha" went there...

73)Kruthvaa Pradakshinam Raajan! Bhagavaan Loukika Samaha!
Samshchakrey Shameevruksham Kuladeivam Vrushaakapihi!!

Meaning:and like an ordinary mortal, the Lord performed the circumambulation and worship of the tree..

74)Sri Bhagavaan:-
Shamee!Paapam Shamaya Mey Shamee! Shathruvinaashini!
Arjunasya Dhanurdhaathri Raamasya Priyadarshini!!

Meaning:The Lord said:-"O Shamee Tree! Please rid me of my sins! You are the destroyer of enemies! You became the armoury for Arjuna's weapons! You are dear most to Rama!

75)Maatharmey Kuru Kalyaanam Avighneyna Surapriye!
Kalahaha Sarvadevaanaam Raagnyasthasya Cha Nodbhaveth!!

Meaning:O dear most of the entire Deva clan (Divine clan), please conduct my wedding smoothly without any obstacles. During the wedding, please prevent clashes between Deva clan (Divine clan) and Aakaasha Raaja (father of Goddess Padmavathi)!

Maha Periyava's message!

rAbove is a crown made of Tulasi beads, cardamom and 'lavangam' strewn around and shaped as "OM" (in sanskrit) on it. This is the crown which His Holiness, Pujyasri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi asked me to wear on my head while I performed in His Divine Presence (in Orikkai village, while He was observing Silence) when I was 11 years old.
Kumudam Bhakti magazine (Issue:-April 16-30,2010) carried my photographs and interview. The interview though well presented had a few gaping holes (obviously due to a communication gap) which I thought I would fill up here.
The interview states that I had been to the Ashram of Paramahamsa Yogananda in Encinitas and I also had His darshan!!!! He had attained liberation in the year 1952,even before I was born!
The article also states that I do not go abroad due to my belief that Hindu Dharma is opposed to flying overseas. This statement is partially true. There was a long period of time (through the best part of the 80s and all through the 90s) when I had simply refused to go abroad as I firmly believed that my living God, Paramacharya was against Hindus crossing the high seas. In the bargain I had even rejected plum offers from abroad inviting me to perform veena. In the latter half of 80s to the best part of 90s, I was frequenting Kanchipuram, involving myself (for a brief period during mid-90s) in the fund raising of the temple that is being constructed for Paramacharya in Orikkai village, near Kanchipuram. In the bargain I had the great fortune of meeting and interacting with renowned vedic scholars and close associates of Paramacharya. In all our conversations, the one thing that struck a chord in me was His objection to Hindus crossing the mighty Oceans. I wondered whether the rule (not to go abroad) applied only to vedic pundits and sanyasis. I even knew of a few staunch devotees who not only travelled abroad frequently, but also raised funds abroad towards the construction of Paramacharya's temple. I was genuinely confused and no matter how much I discussed about this, I could never get a clear and concrete answer whether women and artistes could go abroad. After much introspection, I decided not to accept concerts abroad. My trips to Muscat in early 90s and Berlin, Germany in 2002 for unavoidable reasons were the only exceptions. I had rejected many offers all through till last year, when the mother got the better of the aritste in me.
2009 was the year I rushed to San Diego to be with my daughter, Haritha who works for Qualcomm.
In my interview I had mentioned all about the dreams I had while in San Diego. From day one in San Diego, I had dreamt of saints and great sages. The prophetic dream about Paramahamsa Yogananda got me trailing the path to His ashram in Encinitas (a half-an-hour's drive from San Diego).
I had semi-visions of Sri Vidyaranya Swami while in San Diego and Houston. I was taken aback that all these divine things were happening to me in the US!!!! While I was posting articles on Soundarya Lahari (mantras,yantras and text) in my blog, 'Jasmine Strings' while in San Diego, I had curious dreams of 'Kundalini' rising like a serpent!
The ultimate dawning (that I was all along wrong in believing that Paramacharya was opposed to Hindus going abroad) ascended on me in the form of a prophetic dream!
In my dream, Paramacharya, in His saffrons,smiled gently as He beckoned to me. I was pushing back my two plaits and more keen to play in the sand (which means I was a child of 6 or 7 when I used to wear two braids and loved to play in the sand!) I slowly walked towards Him and He smilingly made me sit on His lap. He started chanting a famous and most powerful mantra and asked me to repeat it. I repeated it and word by word He made me repeat the entire mantra. In between, when I mispronounced a verse, He smiled and asked me "Idu yaaru solluvaa?". I corrected myself and repeated the whole mantra to His satisfaction. I asked Him in english,"how many times should I say this everyday?" He smiled widely as though to a child and told me the number, allowing me to run towards the sand.
When I woke up the next day, I understood the implication of Paramacharya appearing in my dreams while in San Diego. His appearance in my dream not only reaffirmed the fact that He was "Sarvaantharyaami" (Omnipresent), He also let me know through the dream that He was not against Hindus travelling anywhere under the sun! He actually sought His child (myself) in the US to preach me the mantra! I also realized that while I was in India I had never had such powerfully divine dreams almost everyday! From the next day of my dream till today, I recite the mantra everyday as instructed and guided by Paramacharya in my dreams in San Diego.
The Kumudam Bhakti interview mentions my dream without mentioning the crux, that Paramacharya IS NOT opposed to Hindus crossing the oceans to go abroad.

Prayers as Affirmations!

Above is the photograph of Lord Vishnu (jalashayanam) at Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal.(This temple has devotees from Hinduism and Budhism sects. The entire idol is carved out of a single stone. This temple is one among the 108 Sri Vaishnavite Divya Kshetrams).
Rhonda Byrnes' "The Secret" is all about the well-known law of attracting whatever we think. OUR THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS! So think positively!!!! Simple but tough! For instance, when someone abuses us right on our faces, we not only have to smile at them warmly in return, the warmth (here is the crux of the matter) has to originate from the bottom of your heart to fill your being, (better still if the warmth overflows!!!!). Now we know how tough it is!!!!!! We would be incensed and nothing would deter us from getting the final word or having the 'last laugh'?!
Modern philosophers and self-help experts (like Louise L.Hay)advise the practice of affirmations for the implementation of positive thinking. It goes like this-
Take a book and pen, sit down to write what you desire the most in present tense (at least 10 times a day).
A few affirmations,
1) I am beautiful
2)I am slim and I have a great body
3)I am surrounded by love
4)Divine energy flows through me to attract the best of people and opportunities.
5)The Universe is my home and everything belongs to me
6) I have a great life
and blah, blah, blah.......

Our "nithya parayanam" of slokas are nothing but affirmations and we know that the phrases mentioned above are no match to the slokas that sing the glories of God!
Whenever a paaraayanam (sloka recitation) is performed, it is important to visualize God in the centre of our heart region. Once this is accomplished, each and every naamam (name) of the ashtotharam or sahasranamam is automatically directed to the divinity within us, thereby strengthening and enhancing the Divine within us ( as consciously visualized and practised by us), transforming our prayer into an affirmation!!
The power of vedic affirmations :-
"Om Vishvam Vishnurvashatkaaro
Bhoothabhavyabhavathprabhuhu
Bhoothakrudbhoothabhrudbhaavo
Bhoothaathmaa Bhoothabhaavanaha!"

(Meaning:1)Vishvam-Universe or cause of Universe orOne who is full in all respects (Om Vishvaaya Namaha)
2)Vishnu-One who permeates everything, One who is inside every sentient and non-sentient being. One who surrounds everything (Om Vishnavey Namaha)
3)Vashatkara-One who controls and directs (not merely permeates)
4)Bhootha-Bhavya-Bhavath-Prabhuhu-The Lord of all things that exists in the past, present and future.
5)Bhootha-Krud-The Creator of all beings.
6)Bhootha-brud- The Supporter of all beings. One who supports all.
7)Bhavaha-He who exists in all splendour, always independent of everything else.
8)Bhoothaathma- The soul or life of all beings.
9)Bhootha-Bhaavanaha-One who nourishes and nurtures all beings He has created.

Sri Vishnu Sahasranama or Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam or the other ashtotharams/sahasranamams (slokas or stothra parayanam like Sri Subrahmanya Bhujanga stothram, Lingashtakam, Soundarya Lahari, Devi Khadgamala, Vinayaka Agaval, Srimad Bhagavatham, Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam, Srimad Narayaneeyam, Bhagavad Githa, Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham etc. etc.............the list of our rich slokas are endless) if understood and implemented correctly as affirmations (because the Divine is within ) yield results beyond the proportions of nature!!!! It is important to understand that it is God we are invoking here and not merely a few material benefits for the sake of our jivaathma like the english affirmations mentioned above!
Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam combined with Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam are the most mind-blowing affirmations one could ever think of in our present times!
Likhitha japa (written affirmations like "Sri Rama Jayam", Sri Maathrey Namaha" etc. are absolutely potent too!)
If one has the time and energy, 'aakarshana mantras' of Lord Sudarshana or Goddess Raja Mathangi could also be used as written affirmations. The results are absolutely instantaneous and magical!
The western author, Thomas Ashley-Farrand has mentioned many mantras in his book, "Healing Mantras".
For health:
1)Rama Mantra-"AAPADAAMAPAHARTHAARAM DAATHAARAAM SARVA SAMPADAAM
LOKAABHIRAAMAM SREERAAMAM BHOOYO BHOOYO NAMAAMYAHAM."
2)Ganapathy Mantra-"OM GUM GANAPATHAYE NAMAHA"(to remove energy blockages and obstacles).
The above two mantras are two examples out of the innumerable mantras given in his book that has mantras for health, wealth, prosperity, peace, joy, love and marital relationships.

Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam(wedding chapter 58-66)

58)Thadaa Muhoothakaalasthu Darshitho Deivachinthakaihi
Bhooshanaani Svaputhrasya Pouthrasthu Jagadeeshithuhu!!

Meaning:After that, the divine authorities declared the auspicious time.

59)Yaachayithvaa Mahaaraja! Kubera Madha Saa Ramaa;
Aaadaaya Tham Dadarshaadha Bhagavaanaaha Thaam Nrupa!!

Meaning:Pleading Kubera for goods, Goddess Lakshmi Devi displayed them to Lord Sreenivasa, and He said....

60)Sree Bhagawan:-
Sambhooshaya Varaarohey! Bhooshanairmaam Varaananey!
Evamukthaa Hasanthee Saa Bhooshanaisthamabhooshayath!!

Meaning:"O Beautiful One! Please decorate me with those ornaments!" and the Goddess smilingly decorated the Lord as He wished!

61)Peethaambaram Dadhaaraashu Katisoothramanarghyakam!
Swarnairaabharanairvasthraihi Bhooshithasthu Thatho Harihi!!

Meaning:After the decoration of ornaments, Lord Sreenivasa adorned Himself with 'peethambaram' ('dhothi' made out of pure gold) and invaluable waist bands.Lord Sreenivasa, adorning priceless jewels and golden attire....

62)Kashyapaathribharadwaaja Vasishtaadeen Mahaamuneen!
Namashchakrey Virincheysha Vinuthopi Vidambayan!!

Meaning: And despite being worshipped by Lord Brahma and the enitre Universe, pretending and behaving like a common man, prostrated to the sages, Kashyapaa, Athri, Bharadwaaja and Vasishtaa!

63)Sandhyaamupaasya Vidhivath Kruthvaa Thaathkaalikakriyaaha!
Vasishtamaahooyovaacha Santhoshodrikthamaanasaha!!

Meaning:After that, Lord Sreenivasa performed all the necessary rituals to carry out 'Sandhyaavandanam' and summoned sage Vasishta.

64)Sree Bhagavan:-
Munisreshtaa! Vasishtaa! Thvam Uththaram Kaaryamaachara!
Vaasudevavachaha Shruthvaa Vasishto Vadathaam Varaha!!

Meaning:"O Virtuous sage! Kindly carry out all the necessary auspicious rituals!" thus spoke Lord Sreenivasa, and on hearing Him Sage Vasishtaa..

65)Virachya Vedikaam Thathra Moukthikaishchathurashrikaam!
Sreenivaasaam Prathishtaapyaa Sankalpavidhipoorvakam!!

Meaning: Seated Lord Sreenivasa on a dais that was decorated with pearls on all four sides

66)Chakrey Punyaahakarmaadha Varayithvaa Dvijanmamaha
Ashtavargam Thathashchakrey Srushtikarthaa Pithaamahaha!!

Meaning: where the naming ceremony of the Lord was conducted. After the ceremony, Lord Sreenivasa, with the assistance of the brahmin purohiths performed the vedic ritual for marriage known as "Ashtavarga."

Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam (wedding chapter49-57)

Above is a photo of the temple in Narayanavanam (35kms from Tirupathi, 95kms from Chennai and 5kms from Puttur, where Lord Venkateswara married Goddess Padmavathy).

49)Rathishachyau Chaamarey Cha Veejayanthyau Sthithey Thadaa
Chchathram Dadhaara Saa Devee Bhaarathee Bhakthisamyuthaa
Paadukey Pradadau Bhadraa Gangaa Gangaapithusthadhaa!!

Meaning:Rathidevi and Sachidevi holding the fans ('chaamaram') in their hands, fanned gently. Bharathidevi held the umbrella ('chathram') reverentially. The most auspicious Ganga having originated from the Feet of Lord Vishnu, offered footwear to Her Father, Lord Srinivasa.

50)Nidhaaya Paadau Parapaadukaadvaye
Yayau Prapannaarthiharo Harihi Swayam
Yaabhyaam Puraa Paavanathaam Gathaa Muneyhey
Shaapeyna Chaashmathvamupaagathaabalaa!!

Meaning:Ahalya, who had taken the form of a rock due to the curse of Sage Gauthama, placed both the feet that had cleansed and purified her (relieving her of the sage's curse), in their holy footwear ('padukas').Lord Srinivasa who offers shelter to the needy...

51)Paadukaabhyaam Charan Bhoomim Varaasana Magaadharihi!!

Meaning:Walking on the planet Earth, seated Himself,decorating the throne.

52)Brahmaadaya Ssurasreyshtaaha Indraadyaaha Lokapaalakaaha
Kashyapaadimunisreshtaaha Vasishtaadithapodhanaaha!!

Meaning:The divine clan including Brahma, the rulers of the Indraloka (heaven of Lord Indra), great sages including Kashyapa Maharshi, sages known for their penance including Sage Vasishta....

53)Sanakaadyaashcha Yogeendraaha Bhrugvaadyaashcha Rusheeshwaraaha
Aaaryamaadyaashcha Pitharaha Thumburvaadyaashcha Gaayakaaha!!

Meaning:Yogis such as Sanaka, 'mouneendras' (who practice silent penance) like Sage Bhrigu, the likes of Arya who are the 'pithru devathas' (dead ancestors or departed souls), great singers such as Tumburu..

54)Rambhaadyaashchaiva Narthakyaha Soothamaagadhavandinaha
Upaasathaasaney Ramye Pashyanthaha Purushoththamam!!

Meaning:Dancers such as Rambha, the 'Soothas'( the race of 'soothas' is highly celebrated in the puranas.They were widely known as the reciters of Ithihasa-puranas like Ramayana, Mahabharatha and the eighteen puranas. They were devoted to the vow of truth), 'maagadhas' (who sing epic poems and ancient ballads), people who praise others for a living....

55)Swaamipushkarineetheerey Dakshiney Pakshivaahanam
Ashtameendukalaakaarey Lalaatey Darpanasphutey!!

Meaning:All the above mentioned meditated on Purushottama (the best among human race), who was seated on a ruby-studded plank placed in the southern direction of Swami Pushkarini Lake, and on Whose clear forehead , the crescent moon of the eighth lunar digit..

56)OordhvapundramDadhaaraadha Sreenivaasa Ssathaam Gathihi
Thadaaha Kamalaam Raajan! Vakulaa Lokamaatharam!!

Meaning:formed the symbol of 'Oordhvapundram' ('thilakam' or traditional symbol). The Divine Mother, Vakuladevi addressed Goddess Sridevi,...

57)Rekhaam Rachaya Kalyaani Lalaatey Kunkumeyna Thu
Evamukthaa Devamaathraa Ramaa Kunkumamaalikhath!!

Meaning:"Sridevi, please decorate His forehead with 'kumkum' (sindoor' or vermillion)". Sridevi followed the Divine Mother's instructions.

Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam(wedding chapter39-48)

AKASHA GANGA TEERTHAM

39)Haridraachoornapishteyna Nirmrujya Cha Vrushaakapim
Sumangalairvaadyaghoshaihi Saha Parichchadaihi!!

Meaning:Auspicious musical instruments resonated with melodious tunes as Goddess Sridevi anointed Lord Srinivasa's body with turmeric paste.

40)Samanthaathsarvaveedheeshu Karikumbhairupaahruthaihi
Samanthaath Punyatheerthastha Punyatheerdhaabhipoorithaihi!!

Meaning:Majestic elephants on all the pathways walked elegantly, carrying great pots on their backs that contained holy water and other auspicious ingredients...

41)Sarathnaihi Kaanchanaihi Kumbhaihi Thaapithodakamishrithaihi
Abhishekam Thathashchakrey Kamalaa Jagadeeshithu!!

Meaning: Hot water mixed with holy water showered over Lord Srinivasa from golden pots studded with rubies.

42)Aapadamouliparyantham Saa Kruthvodvarthanam Hareyhe
Meyney Kruthaardhamaathmaanam Sevayaa Keshavasya Thu!!

Meaning:After anointing Lord Srinivasa from His head to His toes with turmeric paste, Goddess Sridevi felt contented and fulfilled.

43)Chathurasthru Suvaasinyaha Paanibhihi Kalashaanrupa
Dhruthvaa Moukthikathoyai Stham Abhyashinchi Sureshwaram!!

Meaning:Four married women showered Lord Vasudeva with water and pearls that poured out of the golden pots in their hands.

44)Jalairneeraajayaamaasuhu "Puthraan Dhanavaan Bhava
Ithyaashishaabhinandanthyaha Sreenivaasam Suraanganaaha!!

Meaning:Carrying auspicious vessels ('poorna kumbham') and offering camphor-fire ('haarathi') the married women blessed Lord Vasudeva to beget sons and wealth.

45)Gaayanthyaha Shubhageethaani Kownkumaihi Salilaisthathaha
Aaaraarthikaam Maangalikeem Sarvaashchakrusthadhaanganaaha!!

Meaning:Singing divine songs, those women offered camphor-fire ('haarathi') in water mixed with saffron.

46)Thadaa Dadau Brahmapthnee Saavithree Vasthramuththamam
Theyna Vasthreyna Sarvaangam Mamaarja Vidhivadramaa!

Meaning:Afterwards, Goddess Savithri, the Divine Spouse of Brahma offered a rich-textured cloth and Goddess Sridevi used the cloth to gently wipe Lord Srinivasa's body.

47)Paarvathee Dhoopamaadaaya Dadau Lakshmeekaraambujey
Dhoopayithvaa Sudhoopeyna Vikeeryomjhithabandhanaan!

Meaning:Goddess Parvathi brought incense-smoke ('sambrani'), Goddess Ramadevi combed Lord Srinivasa's hair to remove tangles. She then dried His hair over the incense-smoke...

48)Babandha Kamalaa Devee Moordhajaan Madhughaathinaha
Aadarsham Darshayaamaasa Saavithri Swarnabhoshitham!

Meaning:And tied His hair. Goddess Savithri showed a gold-framed mirror to Lord Srinivasa.

BHAGVAN NITYANAND

Jeeva-samadhi of Pujyasri Nityanand Maharaj is in Ganeshpuri, Maharashtra. He was a born siddha, an Avadhooth, born in a state of enlightenment (a perfected yogi by birth). He hailed from Kerala where He had spent the eary part of His life. In later years He moved to Ganeshpuri, 75 kilometers from Mumbai, in Maharashtra.
Right from His young age He became famous for His healing powers. He attained the name "Nithyanand" as He was constantly in a state of bliss, immersed in Supreme consciousness. He always maintained silence, speaking very rarely and only when it was necessary. Wearing a
loin cloth, He was totally oblivious to His surroundings, having no material possessions to call His own. Disciples followed Him everywhere, magnetized by His divinity and preachings.
Sadguru spread the message of Advaitha, urging disciples and followers to travel inwards towards their heart, which He said was the "hub of all sacred places!" He asked everybody to go to their hearts and roam within their hearts.
The village of Ganeshpuri grew larger after His arrival, and subsequently He established an ashram and hospital in the village. The Sadguru did not adhere to any particular spiritual practice or tradition. Sadguru Nityanand preached unique 'mantra deeksha' to His disciples.
The Swami Nityanand Ashram was also known as Gurudev Siddha Peeth. The region around the ashram had always been famous for hot-water springs. Ganeshpuri is on the banks of River Tansa which is surrounded by hot-water springs. Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj attained samadhi on August 8th, 1961.

Most powerful Rama Mantra

At sunrise today (09/03/2010)

Nakshatra (star):-Moola

Date (tithi):-NavamiToday is the auspicious star of Lord Anjaneya and the auspicious date of Lord Rama's birth. It is ideal to chant the most powerful Rama Mantra to invoke His grace.

"Raamaaya Raamabhadraaya Raamachandraaya Vedasey
Raghunaathaaya Naathaaya Seethaayaah Pathaye Namaha!!"Why is this the most powerful Rama Mantra?
This sloka consists of the various names of Lord Rama as addressed by the most near and dear personalities of Lord Rama in His lifetime. Each name is laden with emotional intensity and content, revealing the adoration of all who were related to Lord Rama.
1)Raamaa: As sage Viswamithra addressed Him.
2)Raamabhadraa: Lord Rama's father, King Dasaratha addressed Him as Rama Bhadra.
3)Raamachandra: Lord Rama's mother, Queen Kausalya called Her divine son as Ramachandra.
4)Vedasey: All the rishis and munis (monks and sages) in the forest addressed Him as Vedasey.
5)Raghunaathaa: The citizens of Ayodhya addressed Lord Rama as Raghunatha.
6)Naathaa: Lord Rama's Divine Consort, Vaidehi addressed Him as 'Nathaa'.
7)Seethapathi: Lord Rama was known as Seethapathi to the people of Mithila (His inlaws' kingdom).
8)Namaha: I bow to Thee!

Chanting this sloka would strike a chord with Lord Rama, reminding Him of the various emotions contained in the different forms of addresses. Each name is fragrant with love and adoration for Lord Rama! Chanting this sloka repeatedly endears the devotee to Lord Rama, while He is reminded of His Guru- Sage Viswamitra, His beloved father- King Dasaratha, His beloved mother- Queen Kausalya, the revered and pious sages of the forest, His dear most people of Ayodhya, His beloved wife-Sita, and His inlaws and citizens attached to them, all of whom were His well wishers !

Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam(wedding chapter 29-38)

29) Uththishta Thyaja Dukham They Samaaroha Varaasanam!
Sa Ramaagirimaakarnya Santhoshaannayanaajjalam!!

Meaning: Shedding tears of joy when Goddess Sridevi pleaded, " Please leave your sorrow behind and kindly be seated on the most auspicious "asana" (seat,'plank')."...

30)Munchan Munivaraan Raajan! Nandayan Narasaaradhihi!
Kashyapaathribharadwaaja Viswaamithrapurogamaan!!

Meaning:And making all the assembled sages and rishis happy, and to sages like Kashyapa, Athri, Bharadwaaja, Viswaamithra..

31)Pranipathya Vasishtam Cha Aaha Viswam Vidambayan!
Sreenivaasaha:-
Anugyaam Dehi May Brahman! Majjanaardhamahamuney!!

Meaning:- And Vasishta, He prostrated. Pretending in the eyes of the world that He is a mere human being, Lord Sreenivasa addressed thus,"Vasishtaa! Kindly permit me to partake in the "abhishekam" (holy shower)."

32)Thadhaasthvi Thyabraveethkrushtam Vasishtaha Sapurohithaha!
Sapathneekaan Suraan Sarvaan Sabhaaryaan Rushimandalaan!!

Meaning:-Sage Vasishta, along with the 'purohith' (priest), blessed the ceremony of 'abhishekam' (holy shower) and asked Lord Sreenivasa to proceed with the ceremony. Devas and Rishis (monks) along with their wives...

33)Anugnyaapyaanugaissaardam Udathishthathsuroththamaha!
Vikeerya Keshamoolaani Poorvaashaabhimukham Thaha!!

Meaning:-Were taken into confidence by Lord Sreenivasa as He rose along with His companions. Beautiful women belonging to the Deva clan untied Lord Sreenivasa's hair and facing East...

34)Aaropayan Rathnapeethey Sreenivaasam Suyoshithaha!
Thaasaam Madhye Sindhuputhree Ramaa Kamalalochanaa!!

Meaning:-They made the Lord sit on the gems-studded plank. In their midst, the Daughter of the ocean and lotus-eyed Sreedevi...

35)Rukmapaathram Samaadaaya Thailapooritha Maadaraath!
Abhyaanchayaththadaa Devee Swasheerbhirabhinandya Tham!!

Meaning:-Carrying a gold vessel filled with oil and supported by the blessings of the entire gathering, started to oil the Lord's hair...

36)SreeRamaa:-
Dheerghaayurbhava Govindaa! Bahuputhro Dhanaadhipaha!
Chathurdashaanaam Lokaanaam Ekachchathraadhipo Bhava!!

Meaning:-O Govinda! May you be blessed with longevity, many sons, unlimited richness and the ability to be the best Ruler in all the fourteen worlds.......


37)Evamukthvaa Thadaa Devee Sabhya Nakthisma Maadhavam!
Devaangam Mardayaamaasa Thailenaathisugandhinaa!!

Meaning:-May you prosper in all that I have mentioned!".Saying thus, Goddess Sreedevi applied the most fragrant oil all over the Lord's body.

38)Thadaa Dadhau Brahmapathnee Chandrakaashmeerakardamam!
Theyna Maarjaalathailena Thadhaa Mrugamadeyna Cha!!

Meaning:-Goddess Saraswathi offered 'pachakarpooram' (camphor). With cat-oil and kasthuri....

Soup for the sole!

Vishnu PaadamOur lives have become so conditioned that we spend most of our time without letting our feet come into direct contact with the ground. Most of the people (especially women ) after crossing their 30s suffer from foot pain that demands the usage of footwear even inside their homes. Many live in wall to wall carpeted houses/apartments. Outside our houses we use footwear made of all kinds of material. As a result we miss out on the most vital of energies derived from the magnetic field of Earth. Earth sends out magnetic energy through the soles of our feet, this energy not only enters and infuses our bodies, it also releases stagnated and stale energy. All kinds of material used as footwear not only deprives us of the magnetic energy from Earth, the footwear by itself could be a carrier of negative energy!
Pranic healing states that Earth Prana is one of the most vital pranas (others are, divine prana:_derived from through meditation, air prana:-derived from the atmosphere, solar prana:- derived from sun and earth prana:- derived from the ground beneath our feet). By walking barefoot, the soles of our feet draw the pranic energy from the earth.
Walking barefoot in sand draws the purest of energies closest to the ocean. It also acts as a great reflexology massage. By walking unconstrained without footwear in the sand results in the stimulation of relevant reflexology points in the soles of the feet and their correlated organs throughout the body.
Standing on grassy or muddy ground with feet wide apart and visualising roots growing from the soles into the earth is a form of meditation. The practitioner inhales deeply, taking in all the vital energies through the roots of his/her soles all the way from below the earth. This practice is a tremendous energizer, simultaneously aiding in releasing the body-toxins.
Allowing bare feet to wriggle in lush, green and moist grass is absolutely rejuvenating. One could do that for hours together, feeling increasingly fresher by the minute!
Water is an equally pure and natural agent that aids in energizing the bodily chakras through our feet. We all know the magic of standing by the sea shore. Ocean waves, big and small, gentle and forceful, as they wash our feet magically rejuvenate us. A person in a state of depression or turmoil should try spending a few minutes alongside the sea shore with feet in sea-water. He/she would experience an immediate release from tension and negativity, feelings of hope and sheer positivity following closely on the heels! I remember the time when I dipped my feet in Holy Ganges in Haridwar, it felt as though I had taken a rebirth. It was such an overwhelming experience which I am not likely to forget!
At home it is best to immerse our feet in a basin of warm water. Adding a handful of rock salt and healing oils like eucalyptus energizes, cleanses and soothens tired feet, simultaneously removing all the negative energies which feet tend to absorb from public places. Keeping feet immersed in hot water activates Swadhishtana Chakra.
By walking barefoot in temples, ashrams and jeeva-samadhis of liberated souls, feet absorb great energies from the spiritually charged earth around such places.

Solely soul!

Goddess Radha's feet.

I had always wondered about the importance given to the feet of a person. We touch the feet of our parents, Gurus and elders. We meditate on the feet of God/Goddess. The famous "Paduka Sahasram" by Sri. Vedantha Desikar is all about the footwear ("padukas") of Lord Ranganatha. All the vaishnavite temples have "Vishnu Padam" (Feet of Lord Vishnu).
This subject about feet brings to my mind an incident-In 1993, (just a year before Maha Periyava's Brahmaleenam) I had been to Kanchipuram for the darshan of Maha Periyava. His Holiness was seated in an easy chair, His gaze blankly surveying the overwhelming crowd of devotees thronging the place around Him. Devotees were craning their necks over each other to catch a glimpse of Maha Periyava. The two men flanking His Holiness bent down towards Maha Periyava to whisper something in His ears. Maha Periyava listened to them intently and nodded His head ever so slightly. The two men bent down to lift His legs and placed Them on a stool in front of Him. Placed in that angle, the soles of His Feet were pointed upwards, and the naked soles of His feet were clearly visible to all of us. The devotees standing around me gasped in open wonderment and awe! They started pushing each other for a good view of Maha Periyava's feet, chanting aloud while doing so, "Paada Darshanam, Paapa Vimochanam, "Kamakshi Paadam!" I tried to hold the view of the smooth and glistening soles of His feet with my gaze, intending to store the image in my heart. It was a moment of great significance that left a deep impression in my heart!
That was the beginning of my contemplation on "feet". Due to my habit of interpreting words (lexigram or similar-sounding words), I felt there had to be an authentic theory behind the similar sounds of 'feet' and 'feat' . Feet / 'feat', thought-provoking indeed!
There is always a scientific reasoning behind every religious belief and based on this fact I had studied a little about feet reflexology and acupressure. The subjects are all about applying pressure on minute areas of the feet for healing. This pressure actually stimulates important points on the foot that transfers energy throughout the body to stimulate balance throughout the body.
Reflexology also states that the body is divided into five longitudinal zones on either side of the body totalling to ten. Every part or organ of the body is connected to the feet of the body. Ailments are diagnosed by feeling the feet and to treat the ailment, the corresponding pressure point in the foot is massaged. This also stimulates the flow of energy, blood, nutrients and nerve impulses to the corresponding zone thereby relieving the ailment in that particular zone.
Since feet contain the key points to each and every zone in the human body, the 'sole' of the foot could be described as the 'soul' of the body!
For maintaining the purity of the body temple, it is essential to keep the feet clear from bad energies that are mostly transmitted through footwear. These bad energies are absorbed by our footwear from various places outside our homes. Also the reason why we wash our feet as soon as we enter our homes!
Monks wear wooden 'padukas', probably because wood resists the invasion of negative energies! It is also understandable why we do not wear our footwear inside our homes.
A couple of months back, I fell sick with imaginary fever. The thermometer would read normal temperature, but I would still be feeling feverish. I tried various medication, but nothing worked. A reiki healer and clairvoyant who is a good friend told me that the shoes I used for treadmill were polluted with bad energies which was causing the ailment. As I threw my shoes away I gradually experienced a release from my feverish condition! Shoe is not merely footwear, bad energies are shooed away by shoes!
Our souls are in our soles - the sole reason being that, feet are not just about pedicure!