PARAKUNNATH SREE VETTAKKORUMAKAN PAYYAN KSHETHRAM (TEMPLE), AROLI, KANNUR, KERALA: July 2016

Sunday, 31 July 2016

Vratas throughout Hindu tradition is contemplated as part of dharma for each individual placing each of the gods to their highest level.

In Hinduism the term Vrat has been widely known since the early Vedic period. In Rigveda the word Vrata occurs just over two hundred times alone. Vratas throughout Hindu tradition is contemplated as part of dharma for each individual placing each of the gods to their highest level. In Sanskrit more universally, vrata denotes a "religious vow". Vrata signifies a set of rules and discipline stemming from the verbal root 'vrn' which literally means "to choose". These vows are said to be imperative ritualistic obligations serving on the sacrificer for several reasons. Many may wonder the purpose of performing Vrata. The rationales behind and the kind of Vrata vary depending on the caste, region etc. One Gods Vrata may be different from another, Vrata most commonly involve certain rituals such as fasting, worship, kathas etc. Vrata are closely associated to Bhakti devotional rituals, most Vrata are performed to gain moksha, to recuperate life, to alleviate past karmas and most prominently to please the gods n goddesses.

There is a belief about Shravan Somvar Vrat/fasting. This fast was observed first by Goddess Parvati in order to get Lord Shiva as her husband. By the auspiciousness of this fast she got Lord Shiva in form of her husband. That time the Monday fast was known to be kept by girls for getting their wish fulfilled of their choice husband. The fast is important for getting blessing of Lord Shiva and worshipping him. The fast gives a lesson to live life with love, faith, brotherhood and socialisation. The 16 Monday fasting (Solah Somwar) is considered the most favourable out of all the fast of Lord Shiva. This fast can be observed by both men and women. This fast is kept by unmarried girls for a happy and peaceful life. The fast of 16 Mondays is kept by married girls for the longevity of their husbands, safety of child and happiness of brother. Monday fast is kept by men for getting child, wealth and prestige. Monday Vrat should be observed by those people who have moon in weak position in their Kundali, or moon is not able to give favorable results. For the best results of moon, the fast of Monday should be observed. Also, to remove pessimism and increase mental happiness, this fast is observed. Lord of lunar eclipse is Shiva, Because he holds the moon on his head. Out of all the planets, moon is the closest to earth, Hence, it effects our life and mind. So, the people whose birth sign, birth Nakshatra is of moon, they must observe the fast of Monday. This Vrat is also observed for health of mother and maternal happiness. Those who fear Kaalsarpa dosha also observe Monday fast in order to please Lord Shiva! 🌿🍁🍃 Jai ShivaShakti ~ Jai Shiva Shankar!!

Kedarnath ji is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Kedarnath ji is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large grey steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindus. It is set amidst the stunning mountain scape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva, the embodiment of all passions love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

Kedarnath temple Shiva lingam is pyramid shaped and hence is unique among Shiva temples. After the Mahabharat war of 4000 BC, Pandavas were guilty of over drive. They had no honour left and were having nightmares during sleep. It was Lord Krishna himself who advised them to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. By getting Darshan of the form of light, the Pandavas were absolved of their sins. Bhima had fought with bull form of Shiva with maces, so he was struck with remorse. He massaged Shivas body with ghee. In memory of this event, Kedarnath Ji is massaged with ghee even today. It's mentioned in scriptures that by visiting Kedarnath Ji , sorrows do not come even in dreams.

"Person may leave all his sins having journey to Kedarnath". ~ Vyas Smriti.
"The person get Shivloka by leaving his body (dead), being Mahaprasthana yatra that is joumey to Kedaraanchal". ~ Shantiparva
"After taking bathing in Kedarkhand and visiting Kedarnath temple in Krishnapaksha on chaturdashi, devotee get rid of all of his sins and get Swarga." ~ Vana Purana
"Person will get Rudraloka having darshan of Kedar and bathing Himalaya teertha." ~ Kurma Purana
"Kedareshwar linga is situated at Himalayas which is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. After visiting Kedareshwar Linga, devotees get rid of all their sins." ~ Shiva Maha Purana.
"Pandavas had asked Vyas ji for remedy for their sins which were happened due to Gau hatya and Guru Hatya during the war of Mahabharat. Vyas ji replied and told them to visit Kedarnath to get prayaschit". ~ Skanda Purana.

Only after we take your Darshan would our sins be washed away.

During the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, their own kith and kin got killed. In order to absolve themselves of this sin, the Pandavas wanted to seek blessings of Shiva who was away in Kailasha. So the Pandavas left Kashi. They reached the Himalayas via Haridwar. They saw Lord Shiva from a distance. But Shiva hid from them. "Oh, Lord, You have hidden yourself from our sight because we have sinned. But, we will seek You out somehow. Only after we take your Darshan would our sins be washed away. This place, where You have hidden Yourself will be known as Guptkashi and become a famous shrine.”
From Guptakashi (Rudraprayag), the Pandavas went ahead and reached Gaurikund in the Himalayas valleys. Theshivatribe. They wandered there in search of Lord Shiva. While looking for him, they saw a bull who they knew was Shiva. But they could not catch it. Bhima caught hold of the bull by its tail and hind legs. But the bull-formed Shiva disappeared into the ground to later reappear in parts, with the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tunganath, the nabhi (navel) and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar. The Pandavas pleased with this reappearance in five different forms, built temples at the five places for venerating and worshipping Shiva. The Pandavas were thus freed from their sins.
It is also believed that the fore portions of Shiva appeared at Pashupatinath Nepal. Panch Kedar are located in the Garhwal Himalayan region in Uttarakhand. The five temples are Sri Kedarnath, Sri Tungnath, Sri Rudranath, Sri Madhyamaheshwar and Sri Kalpeshwar. The Kedarnath is the main temple, which is part of the four famous Chota Char Dhams, 'the small four abodes or pilgrimage centers of the Garhwal Himalayas. the other three dhams are the Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Kedarnath is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. By visiting Kedarnath sorrows do not come even in dreams.!!
Jai Bolo Char Dhaam Ki ~ Jai Shri Kedarnathaya Namah!

Are you Respectful ?-2

Are you Respectful ?-2

Unconditional Regard and Respect
It’s always refreshing and somehow uplifting to meet ‘someone’ who never loses his or her respect for others. Regardless of the past actions of ‘the other person’ or the history of the relationship, it’s as if it doesn’t matter what the other person says or does, that ‘someone’ never loses respect for that person. They can still see the inherent good and the worthiness of the individual, regardless of any mistakes made, crimes committed or insults thrown. They can even see beyond what seems to be dark personality traits to a place within the other that is prior to personality, and is without any distortion. Not exactly something that most of us are taught!

They remind us that not only is it possible to separate the individual from their behavior i.e. ‘what they are’ from ‘what they do’ (or have done), but how the consistent maintenance of respect can influence and empower the other to change their ways. There are now numerous examples of hardened criminals who have reformed their violent and disrespectful behaviors after spending time with someone who has shown them unconditional regard. Antisocial youths respond in the same way in the sustained company of a mentor who gives them complete and consistent unconditional respect and regard.

In one particular penitentiary (Dade County, Miami), over ten years ago, the breakout rate, levels of conflict and drug abuse were the highest of all penitentiaries in the US. In came a new Governor who sent all prison staff on ‘customer service’ training. When they returned the Governor asked them to treat the prisoners as if they were customers! Two years later the penitentiary had the lowest break out, lowest conflict levels and drug abuse rates. All down to one idea, one word, one shift in perception, that lead to a change in attitude. Respect. Instead of seeing the prisoners in a negative light based on their attitudes or histories, they began to acknowledge and affirm the innate dignity and worth of the human being. It transformed the culture of an institution.

Disrespect as Entertainment

What we seldom notice is what happens within us the moment we create a negative judgment of another. It’s a form of attack. We are not aware that it’s not them that is sabotaging our capacity to extend respect, it’s our attack, in the form of our judgment, that sabotages our ability to respect them, to value them.

Om Namah Shivay

How to conceal a secret? I feel nervous

Q: How to conceal a secret? I feel nervous.

Guruji : A wise person makes no effort to conceal a secret. But he does not make an effort to reveal a secret either. For example, you do not talk about menstruation, death, etc. to a five-year-old, but as they grow older these things are not hidden from them any more. They become known as a matter of course.

An unenlightened one tries to protect a secret; and he also reveals the secret at the wrong time, to the wrong person, in the wrong place and makes a big fuss about secrets. Trying to protect a secret causes anxiety and discomfort. An ignorant one is not comfortable with a secret, whether revealed or unrevealed, but the wise one is comfortable with a secret whether revealed or unrevealed!

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Q: I have heard that remotely you do help your devotees, why don't you correct the feelings that arise in corrupt politicians and correct them before they do something wrong?

Guruji : If I do everything, what will you do? You also need some work, isn't it?

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Know that there is somebody who cares for you and who is taking care of you, and you will be all right.

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I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.

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If thoughts are coming during meditation, never mind, you know. When you realize, you again come back, observe the breath and just sit, that’s it. Some irrelevant, absurd thoughts come and go, it’s all part of stress release, hmm? You may get some brilliant thoughts or some very bad thoughts, don’t judge at that time, we don’t need to get excited, just relax.

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I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.

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Keep a journal to connect with your deeper thoughts and emotions.

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Q: What is the difference between the mind and the soul?

Guruji : Mind is thoughts and soul is in which everything happens.

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Be in knowledge. Listen to knowledge and do your practices (sadhana) every day. Then you cannot get into depression. Join a team, do seva. When you have nothing to do, you think about yourself and get depressed.

Om Namah Shivay

The Other Side of Fear

The Usefulness of Fear, Nature has put an amount of inbuilt fear in all living beings. This fear makes life defend itself, protect itself. Like salt in the food, a little bit of fear is essential for people to be righteous.

Fear of hurting someone makes you more conscious.

Fear of failure makes you more keen and dynamic.

Fear moves you from carelessness to taking care.

Fear moves you from being insensitive to being sensitive.

Fear moves you from dullness to alertness.

Total lack of fear may lead to destructive tendencies - a distorted ego knows no fear. Neither does the expanded consciousness! Whereas the ego dismisses the fear and moves in a disruptive manner, the wise one acknowledges the fear and takes refuge in the Divine.

When you are in love, when you are surrendered, there is no fear. Ego, too, knows no fear. But there is a difference, like that of heaven and earth, between these two types of fearless states. Fear makes you righteous; fear brings you close to surrender; fear keeps you on the path; keeps you from being destructive. Peace and law are maintained on the planet because of fear.

A new-born child knows no fear - it totally relies on its mother. Whether a child, a kitten or a bird, when they start becoming independent they experience fear which makes them go running back to their mothers. This is inbuilt by nature to sustain life. So, the purpose of fear is to bring you back to the source!

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Q: What quality should an ideal disciple have? Do you differentiate between disciples?

Guruji: Don’t worry so much, just be like a child, and take life with ease. Yes, I differentiate between disciples and you are very special. Each one of you is unique and each one is special, so everyone is different.

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Small issues make us so upset. With small issues we get bogged down. If at all you have to worry, worry big for the world. Even if for a fraction of a second you worry about bigger issues you will be able to get up from the pedestal where you are sinking.

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All thoughts are linked to emotions. Bad thoughts lead to bad emotions. Emotions also stays for a moment and it vanishes when you are a witness. But when you identify with it, it stays longer. It can’t stay forever, this is another thing.

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Q: What is the better way to stay in the present moment? Concentrate on the breath or observe the mind?

Guruji: Both happen simultaneously. There is no choice for you.

Om Namah Shivay

Saturday, 30 July 2016

The world is a difficult place. You may be having enemies, people who envy you, feel jealous of you and giving you lots of stress. But remember, As long as you know that Shiva is with you, it doesn't matter who is against you!

The world is a difficult place. You may be having enemies, people who envy you, feel jealous of you and giving you lots of stress. But remember, As long as you know that Shiva is with you, it doesn't matter who is against you! "Those who worship Me by surrendering all their activities unto Me, are always devoted to Me, always meditate upon Me, Having always fixing their minds upon Me, to them, I swiftly rescue from the ocean of birth and death.'' 🌟☀️✨ Namaste Lovely People. It's time for the Weekend Vibes. ✨🌟✨ Yes, Don't expect life to always be happy. Think about the Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy, which states that opposite forces are often interconnected. In suffering, you can find great strength, in heartbreak you can find resilience, and in loss you can find a renewed appreciation for life. And there will always be people who dislike you, yet keeping tab of all your activities. But As long as you’re not hurting anyone else, keep living your life your way. March ahead with your head held up high and heart strong, with complete faith in Mahadev. Sometimes we get lost in trying to live for someone else, trying to meet their expectations, and doing things just to impress them. Remember it's your life. Do what makes you happy. Live, do and love so that you are happy, because when it comes down to it, relationships can end in an instant, but you will live with yourself for the rest of your life. And You don’t ever have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life, be it a relative, colleague or a childhood friend. You don’t have to make room for people who cause you pain or make you feel small. If a person disregards your feelings, continues to treat you in a harmful way, they need to go. The person who loves you will always make an effort to stay, no matter what! Love, light & Peace ~ Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Jai Bholenath! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

A Yes Mind

Having a ‘yes mind’ does not mean blindly saying yes to everything. It means thinking positively with wisdom.

A ‘yes mind’ always goes with wisdom, not foolishness. If someone says that the lake is very warm, you can jump into it, you can’t say, ‘Yes’. You should say, ‘I think your perception is different, you must thinking about summer. Right now it’s very cold’. So a ‘yes mind’ is not simply nodding for everything someone says, but always seeing through wisdom.

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If you have the confidence that there is a higher power that is helping you, looking over you, that is good enough. Whenever you cannot handle something, you say, ‘I give up’, and when you give up, you've surrendered. You can do that with frustration or with total relaxation.

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Don’t think that God will be happy with you or be fond of you only if you are very knowledgeable. The purpose of knowledge is for your own joy.

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Q: What should be the goal of human life?

Guruji: Why not list what should not be the goal of human life! Like getting miserable, making others unhappy, getting depressed. Negate what is not the goal then you will arrive at the goal!

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Q: How do I find a life partner? I feel I’ve tried everything with no luck. What do I do differently?

Guruji: Well, I’m not an expert in this. You have to ask this question to somebody who has been in many relationships and finally got someone who they are happy with. They will give you their expert advice.

One thing I would say is, if you’re looking for a partner; know that you are there to contribute to their life. If you are looking for a partner to get something out of them and they also want to get something from you, then this ‘want to get’ will pull the two of you apart. But if your whole intention is to support, guide, and contribute to the other, then you will find that such a partnership will go on forever.

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I tell you, if all the countries make even 0.1% of the expenditure that they make in the field of defense towards spreading peace and harmony, the entire world can change. No one prefers hatred. But many times unknowingly it happens, or it happens due to fear and insecurity of others.

Om Namah Shivay

Annadata Sukhi Bhava

Q: What is the meaning of ‘Annadata Sukhi Bhava’?

Guruji: ‘Annadata sukhi bhava’ means ‘those who are providing me with this food, let them be happy’. Will you all say this one mantra every day before your meals?

When you say this, you are wishing prosperity for three people. One is to the farmer; the second is to the trader who buys from the farmers and sells the produce, and the third is to the woman who cooks the food and serves it to you.

First, we wish well for the farmers. When the farmers are happy, then the ones who eat the food will also be happy. But, if the farmers are unhappy, and they are shedding tears and giving us food, then when we eat that food, we become sick. So, you must wish the farmers good health and happiness.

In this country we are ignoring the farmers. Farmers are committing suicide because they are sad and unhappy. When they are sad, then the food they produce brings us only misery. So, all of you should wish them happiness.

Second, we should wish well for the traders. If the merchants do their business properly, by not being greedy and not hoarding things, then there will be no dearth of food in the country. If there is a problem in our country, it is because of wrong government policies and the hoarding attitude of businessmen. As a result of this, it is the farmers who suffer the most. Can you imagine, three years ago, food companies were making 300 per cent profit, while the farmers were going bankrupt? This shows that there is a serious flaw in our system; we need to look into it. Hoarding is the biggest crime.

Third, we should wish well for the women at home who cook the food and serves it to us. There should be no tears in the eyes of the lady of the house who is cooking the food. It is not going to do you any good. So, when you say Annadata Sukhi Bhava every day, you are praying for the lady of the house to be happy; you are praying for the merchant to conduct his business in a fair and just manner (not out of greed), and you are wishing the farmer a happy life. If these three people are happy, then the society is happy.

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If negative thoughts, insecurities, doubts come into the mind, chant Om Namah Shivaya. This itself will put you on the right track.

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Both sleep and meditation refresh us but meditation can free us from past impressions. With regular practice of meditation, we are able to shake off our emotional garbage stored in our mind for years and feel rejuvenated.

Om Namah Shivay