PLANETS IN FOCUS

PLANET MARS

 Five planets stare at Scorpio zodiac sign on the 27th of June, 2022. Scorpio comes under the heavy scrutiny of the 10th aspect of Saturn from its own sign Capricorn, the 9th aspect of Jupiter from its own sign Pisces, the 7th aspect of Venus from its own sign Taurus and Moon from its sign of exaltation Taurus and the 8th aspect of Mars from its own sign Aries (while crossing its 'gandanta' period). It has to be noted that Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn are in their own signs while Moon is in its sign of exaltation during the 5-planets-aspect of Scorpio impacting natives with last pada Visakha, Anuradha and Jyeshta nakshatras. Scorpio which is owned by Mars is strengthened further by the 8th aspect of Mars. The 'gandanta' period of Mars while aspecting Scorpio (with the added burden of Chandrashtama for Scorpio during Mars's 'gandanta') and Mars-Rahu conjunction periods are the durations of concern for Scorpio natives (last pada of Vishakha, Anuradha and Jyeshta natives).

Moon, owing to its short transit moves out from its exaltation in Taurus on 28th June at 5:33 AM releasing Scorpio from its direct glare. From Taurus Moon moves to Gemini, forming the 'Chandrashtama' for Scorpio (Moon in 8th house). 

The Mars gandanta period continues from June 27th (as it enters Aswini 1st pada in Aries at 6:00AM). The gandanta of Mars ends at 3:20 degrees in Aries, somewhere between the first and second padas of Aswini in Aries. It's noteworthy that throughout the period of 'gandanta' and the 8th aspect of Mars on Scorpio,  this zodiac sign also comes under the heaviness of 'Chandrashtama', which is the transit of Moon in the 8th house (from June 28th 5:33AM onwards to June 30th 6:23PM).

Jupiter's benevolent Grace through its 9th aspect from Pisces and the strong 10th aspect of Saturn from its own house Aquarius provide ample cushioning to Scorpio due to Mars's gandanta 8th aspect (until till Mars crosses the first 3:20 degrees of Aries).

Another point of concern is the close conjunction of Mars and Rahu in the watery Venus-owned Bharani nakshatra in the third week of July 2022. The fiery Mars is aggravated by the shadowy planet Rahu while casting its 8th aspect on Scorpio through its gandanta and Rahu-conjunction transits. Another point to note is that the Sun enters watery Cancer (on July 16th at 11:11PM) which is already under the heavy 4th aspect of Mars influenced by Rahu. 

Mars, a yogakaraka planet for Cancer casts its benevolent 4th aspect on Cancer.  Points of concern for Cancer natives are Sun's entry into Cancer, Mars's 'gandanta' 4th aspect and Mars-Rahu conjunctions. While Cancer enjoys Jupiter's 5th aspect, Saturn's presence in Aquarius is a bitter reminder of Ashtama Shani.

Mars-Rahu conjunction comes under the heavy 3rd aspect of Saturn from its own sign Aquarius.

Prayers to Lord Narasimha Swami and Lord Subrahmanya Swami offer relief for all, especially for Cancer, Libra and Scorpio natives.

SHREEJA

 BLUE BLUE SKY- THE BEATLES 

RETROMAGIC - ACOUSTIC VEENA (MEDLEY OF FILM SONGS)

EXCERPTS FROM A CONCERT FOR A 
PRIVATE FUNCTION IN CHENNAI IN 2012. (Please listen with phones for clarity).

1) KAATRU VELIYIDAI KANNAMMA

2) KALYANA THEN NILA

3) ROJAPOO ADI VANTHATHU

4) KALYANA MALAI

5) ROJAVAI THAALATTUM

6) MOUNAMANA NERAM

7) NAAN THEDUM SEVVANTHI POO

Karana Shareeram in Karachi

 

 Saint composer, Sri Sadasiva Brahmendram.(Sthoola Shareera samadhi in Nerur, Tamilnadu and Karana Shareera samadhi in Karachi, Pakistan). (Kreedathi Vanamali, Sindhubhairavi, composed by saint composer Sri Sadasiva Brahmendram. A practice session recording on mobile on 15th February, Hyderabad).

MAATALLO THENE VAANA JALLULU….

 Recorded in early 80s for the album Dasa Geetha Geetha Sandesham. (vocals- Sri P.B.Srinivas and myself).

Release function of the above album in 1983. Sri. P. B. Srinivas and Sri M. S. Reddy 

The Original "Saraswathi" Veena

Earlier I had posted a video of Sri. Sashank Mallya's demonstration of mikes for acoustic and electric Veenas. Here sound engineer Sri. L.Baba Prasad himself has explained how an acoustic Veena is recorded. The Veena Artist who's demonstrating is Sri. Sashank Mallya.

To know the difference between acoustic and electric Veenas kindly go back to Sashank's video where he has demonstrated a magnetic pickup with magnetic strings for an electric Veena.

Decades ago Veenas were recorded using an acoustic mike. Veena Vidwan Late Sri. Raghavan was a respected name in the film industry who had recorded for memorable and hit film songs. As Baby Gayathri I had the honor of sharing acoustic mikes with him for many film songs.

In recent trends electric Veenas are also being recorded (in films/studio recordings) bypassing the usage of acoustic mikes. The pickups of electric Veenas are directly plugged into the recording console, like in the case of electric/bass guitars. 

Someone I know asked me, "Just let me know very simply how I can make out the difference between an acoustic Veena and an electric Veena".

I replied, "Close your eyes. It's an electric Veena when the Veena sounds like a guitar, mandolin, shrill like a sitar, or a cross between guitar and gottuvadhyam marked by an unnaturally even tone (various tones fixed by tonal adjustments on the amp). If it has a softer tone with a lilting resonance, an unevenness and a raw quality marked by natural sweetness, then it's an acoustic Veena. Listen carefully, you yourself will understand."

"Then why is it that there are even electric Veenas in the market?!"

 "The electric Veena player needs much lesser effort than an acoustic Veena player in bringing out nuances. The acoustic Veena player depends on his energy in handling basic to tough phrases as whatever he plays is drawn from the energy source that is within himself. In the case of an electric Veena player, the player's energy is substituted by the electric energy that supplies ample, even resonance and playing is made simpler and easier, which is why we find so many electric Veena players today."

I added, "And an electric Veena player can never be identified by 'veena nadham' (or lack of it) or by the tonal quality of the Veena he/she's playing. An electric Veena player is identified only through his/her technique, musicianship and repertoire. Whereas an acoustic Veena player can be identified by his/her 'Veena nadham' as his/her playing is due to the source of energy within himself/herself."

VEENA AND MELATONIN (3)

ANANDAAMRUTHAKARSHIHI- AMRITHAVARSHINI (SRI MUTHUSWAMY DIKSHITHAR)

Rendered by Sri. T.M.KRISHNA

AMRITHAVARSHINI (RAGA FOR ACTIVATING SECRETION OF MELATONIN)-Ragas are activated when 'jeeva swaras' (main notes of each raga containing the life or core of the raga) are stimulated through perfect rendition by voice or musical instrument. Veena, a divine instrument and the inner voice of a human being is ideally suited for activating ragas .

Amrithavarshini is popularly known for invoking rains. The name of the raga means Amrith- elixir, Varshini- showers. This raga is most effective in drawing out the elixir from the agna chakra (pineal gland), scientifically known as Melatonin. Activation of the Raga Devatha of Amrithavarshini kindles the secretion of Melatonin. Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar in His krithi states-ANANDAAMRUTHAKARSHINI- Draws out the bliss giving elixir 

AMRITHAVARSHINI- showers of Elixir.

The saint composer hints in the madhyamakalam-"AMRITHESHVARI SALILAM VARSHAYA VARSHAYA VARSHAYA"!

In the real sense Sri. Dikshithar pleads for great showers (Varshaya repeated thrice)  of abundant water (elixir) from the pineal gland in his composition, "Anandaamruthakarshini Amrithavarshini."

RAGA THERAPY OF AMRITHAVARSHINI- Rains (macrocosm), activation of melatonin (microcosm), deep sleep, calmness and tranquility of mind.

VEENA AND MELATONIN (2)

BRAHMA MUHURTHAM-

The agna chakra (pineal gland) secretes the wonder hormone, Melatonin to its maximum measure during the divinely auspicious time of the day called 'Brahma Muhurtham' (Brahma Muhurtham today is between 5:17 AM to 6:05 AM).

Practice of Veena flawlessly by adapting the correct posture during Brahma Muhurtham accelerates the flow of ambrosia.

SAPTA SWARA- (dd telecast-1989)

ALAMELU MANGA NEE ABHINAVA ROOPAMU (RAGAM- BHAIRAVI, COMPOSED BY SRI TALLAPAKA ANNAMACHARYA).

LOCATION- SRI KAMAKSHI TEMPLE AND SRI VARADARAJA SWAMI TEMPLE, KANCHIPURAM.

COURTESY-PLAN B PRESENTATION YouTube Channel. Episodes of vocal and instrumental stalwarts can be viewed here.

VEENA AND MELATONIN (1)

'GAMAKAM'- PULLING THE STRING BACKWARDS IN ORDER TO TOUCH THE JEEVA SWARA.....

The video shows oscillation (gamakam) of Veena string. The practitioner's breathing slows down when the jeeva swara (core note of the raga) is touched and sustained (not directly, but by pulling the string from the previous swara or note). While sustaining the jeeva swara the breathing almost stops which is known as 'kumbhakam'. Constant practice of this leads to activation of kundalini. It is important to note that this practice is not meant to be clinical. This has to be practiced by rendering frequent raga phrases which and pause at sensitive notes through string-oscillation (gamakam). Oneness of mind and resonance is achieved through this practice which is termed as 'yoga'.

Melatonin is a hormone which is secreted by the pineal gland or ajna chakra. This hormone is said to enhance the quality of sleep, extend the duration of sleep and opens a hidden channel in the brain from where a gush of tranquility engulfs one's mind.

The amritham or ambrosia which is secreted when kundalini shakthi reaches the sixth chakra (ajna chakra) is termed as 'melatonin' according to science. 

It's hard to believe that melatonin tablets can replace the Ultimate Bliss experienced by the kundalini yogis.

Medical research (into melatonin and methods of its enhancement) has concluded that slow, pleasant, essentially classical and instrumental music stimulates melatonin in a big way. 

Playing the Veena of fine jackwood regularly, with spine erect and chin up activates kundalini shakthi. Regular practice of Veena in the correct posture, fine tuning of the instrument and flawless rendition activates kundalini (life-force energy).

The practitioner who is a spiritual aspirant need not dwell into fast or speedy phrases. Slow and long oscillations (gamakas), especially slow oscillation and sustenance of a swara or a note pulled from a previous swara (preferably from behind 2 or more swaras) cause the practitioner's breath to slow down while pulling the string and breath is suspended when the string is held at a certain degree of oscillation in order to touch the perfect jeeva swara. 

Kundalini yoga attained through Veena playing taps the most evasive hormone, which is the actual melatonin.

SOUNDARYA LAHARI 36th SLOKA-

"THAVAAGNYACHAKRASTHAM THAPANASHASHIKOTIDYUTHIDHARAM

PARAM SHAMBHUM VANDEY PARIMILITHAPAARSHVAM PARACHITHAA

YAMAARAADHYAN BHAKTHYAA RAVISHASHISHUCHEENAAMAVISHAYE

NIRAALOKEYLOKEY NIVASATHIHI BHAALOKABHUVANEY!"

(The 36th sloka of Soundarya Lahari is for the activation of ajna chakra or the pineal gland).

Sudarshana Chakram- Veena

SRI SUDARASHANA CHAKRAM OF LORD RAMA, BHADRACHALAM 

76th Sloka from Sri Sudarashan Sathakam:-

76) VAANEE POURAANIKEE YAM PRATHAYATHI MAHITHAM PREYKSHANAM KAITABHAAREYEHEY 

SHAKTHIRYASYESHUDAMSHTRAANAKHAPARASHUMUKHAVYAAPINEE THAVIBHOOTHYAAM 

KARTHUM YATTHATHVABODHO NA NISHITHAMATHIBHIRNAARADAADYAISHCHA SHAKYAHA 

DEIVEEM VO MAANUSHEEM CHA KSHIPATHU SA VIPADAM DUSTHARAAMASRARAAJAHA.

Meaning-This slokam reveals where the 'tejas' and the 'Shakthi' of Sri Sudarashana Chakra Rajan are concentrated.

The benedictionis-" SA: ASTHRA RAAJA: VA: DEIVEEM MAANUSHEEM CHA VIPADAAM KSHIPATHU". (May Sri Sudarashana Chakram , King of weapons chase away the dangers that originate from Devas and human beings!)

Scriptures reveal that (Vaanee Pouraanikee Yam Prathayathi) Sri Sudarshana is the sankalpa (resolution) Shakthi of Lord Vasudeva who resides in Vaikuntham (Mahitham Preykshanam Kaitabhaarey:), Sri Sudarshana's power resides during Ramaavataram in His arrows, in His canine teeth during Varaahaavataram, in His nails during Nrusimhaavataaram, in His axe in Parashuraamaavataaram and in the appropriate weapons He chooses for other avatarams. For instance, in Vamanaavataaram His Shakthi entered the 'pavithram' that He was adorning. The true form and inherent nature of Sri Sudarashana is difficult to comprehend fully even by sages like Narada (Yath Thathva Bodha: Karthum Nishithamathibhi: Naradaadyaishcha Na Sakya:) May Sri Sudarashana banish all dangers (Dustharam) that are 'Deivaadeenam' and 'Manushyaadeenam'. (Thank you for the meaning www.sadagopan.org) 

The above 76th slokam of Sri Sudarashana Sathakam  was given to me by a senior Archaka in Periya Perumal temple in Srirangam. The slokam not only started with "Vani" (indicating Veena), the slokam clearly states that Sri Sudarshana becomes the core of the main accessory used by every avataram. As the embodiment of Shakthi and Tejas, residing in the accessory used by the respective avataram. Sri Sudarashana by connecting Himself through the article/accessory becomes the source of power of the avataram. 

Therefore, Veena being the source of power (Shakthi and tajas) for all Veena players, chanting of the above enhances the tejas multifold.