‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

AArsha Vani ( V o i c e o f S a n a t a n a D h a r m a )

December 2015 Volume: 1 Issue: 11

“māsānāṁ mārgaśīrṣoham” ‘Margasirsha month is very auspicious. Sri

Krishna Himself mentioned in Sri Bhagavad

Gita, ‘I am the month of Margasirsha’. During

the period of Mahabharata, Margasirsha was

the first month of the year. In Ramayana, this

month is stated as crest jewel of the year. This

month is like the ‘Brahmi’ time of the year.

During this month meditation, fasting and

early morning worship grants effective

results. Puranas mention that abhishekam to

Siva and archana with Lotus flowers fulfills

ones wishes. Siva Purana mentions that Siva

Parvathi Kalyanam happened on the Margasirsha Somavar. On Margasirsha

Suddha Trayodashi, Hanuman had the first darshan of Mother Sita. Devotees

observe Hanuman vratam on this day. Lord sang the celestial song ‘Sri Bhagavad

Gita’ on Margasirsha Suddha Ekadashi venerated as ‘Gita Jayanti’ day.

Margasirsha Pournima is celebrated as Sri Dattatreya Jayanti. Special worship is

done to Lord Dattatreya on this day. When Sun enters into Sagittarius, this is

called ‘Dhanur’ masa. Gopikas performed Katyayani vrata to attain the state of

‘Advaita’ with Sri Krishna during this month. Sri Godadevi worshipped with great

devotion and got married to Sri Ranganatha. Waking up before sunrise and

singing the praises of God is part of traditional worship. It is customary to sing

one pasuram from Tiruppavai composed by Godadevi everyday, in praise of Lord

Krishna. Equally important is reading ‘Tiruvembavai’ describing the leelas of

Lord Siva, composed by Manikya Vachakar at Arunachalam. Dhanurmasa

Ekadashi is the foremost for those observing Ekadashi vratam. This is eulogized

as ‘Mukkoti Ekadashi’ or ‘Vaikuntha Ekadashi’. On this day the ‘Uttara Dwara’

(Northern gateway) to Vaikuntha opens. ‘Uttara’ connotes paramount

significance. Nothing is preeminent in this universe than true knowledge about

the Supreme. Opening of Uttara Dwara signifies the awakening of knowledge

within, to experience God. ' – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. (Adapted from multiple sources)

Upcoming Pravachanams

Date: Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2015 6:00PM Topic: "Sri Krishna Soundarya Lahari" Venue: Rajahmundry.

Date: Dec 12 –18, 2015;10:30AM, 6:30PM Topic: "Srimad Bhagavatha Saptaham" Venue: Guntur.

Date: Dec 20, 2015 7:00PM Topic: "Vaikuntha Ekadasi Pravachanam" Venue: Moulali, Hyderabad.

Date: Dec 21, 2015 5:00PM Topic: "Mukkoti Ekadasi Pravachanam" Venue: Nandigama.

Date: Dec 22, 2015 6:15PM Topic: "Ardhanareeswara Tatvam" Venue: Kondapur, Hyderabad.

Date: Dec 30, 2015–Jan 5, 2016 6:00PM Topic: "Siva Mahimna Sthavam" Venue: Tenali.

(For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar )

Major Festivals

Dhanurmasa Begins : Dec 16, 2015

Worship Godadevi, Sri Ranganatha by performing Margali Vrat; Sing Tiruppavai & Tiruvembavai from this day. Subrahmanya Shashti : Dec 17, 2015

Worship Subrahmanya; Fasting is auspicious. Vaikunta Ekadasi/Gita Jayanti: Dec 21,2015

Worship Lord Narayana; Read Bhagavad Gita. Fasting is auspicious. Hanumdvrata: Dec 23, 2015

Worship Hanuman for Karya Siddhi. Dattatreya Jayanthi : Dec 24, 2015

Dattatreya puja and smarana.

Traditions-Fulfilments

Bahulashtami in Margasirsha, Pushya, Magha and Phalguna are auspicious. Any activities performed to satisfy celestials and departed ancestors shall have long lasting effect and yield great results. - Sri Bhagavata Purana

Recite the sloka below to get rid of grief and earn fame and protection.

dūrīkr̥ta sitārti

prakaṭīkr̥ta rāma vaibhava spūrti: ॥ dārita daśamukha kīrti:

puratō mama pātu hanumatō mūrti: ॥

Sadhu Vachanam “To enquire ‘Who am I that is in bondage?’ and to know one’s real nature is alone Liberation. To keep the mind constantly turned within and to abide thus in the Self, is alone Atma-vichara (Self-enquiry), whereas dhyana (meditation) consists in fervent contemplation of the Self as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being-Consciousness-Bliss)."

- Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. (December 30th is Bhagavan’s birthday)

Bharateeyam “The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India, but to all of humanity.” - Aldous Huxley.

Spiritual Quest (Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)

Why Lord Krishna chose Bhishma who is suffering from pain to teach Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, despite the presence

of many Brahmarshis or when He Himself could do?

Good question. Bhishma had the same question. Lord told Bhishma, “Your life is an exemplary example of one who scrupulously followed scriptures. Hence, you are an ‘Acharya’ - one who demonstrated how to live by example. Also, within a family it is the primary duty of the older generation to definitely pass on Dharma to the younger generation. You are the grandsire of Yudhisthira. Hence, you are the most apt person.”

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

śrī dattaśśaraṇaṁ mama In this Kali Yuga, when all the Dharmas are disappearing and there is confusion about the direction of duty, worship of Sri Dattatreya has become even more significant. Sri Dattatreya is the embodiment of universal Guru, who liberates devotees by connecting them with the yogic path, while fulfilling all their dharmic mundane desires. He bestowed grace on Kartaveerya and others in a similar fashion. When nature free of jealousy (Anasuya, Mother of Dattatreya) unifies with power of penance that is beyond Sattva, Rajas & Tamas (Atri, Father of Dattatreya), Lord the very embodiment of Trinity dedicates Himself to that unification. Another meaning of ‘Datta’ is one who gave Himself. It is not possible to get God’s grace without Guru’s grace. Sri Datta is the combination of Guru & God. His grace is nothing but compassion of both God and Guru. Incarnation of Sri Datta happened many times even before He manifested to Atri & Anasuya. Sage Samkruti earnestly sought to seek the supreme truth and performed great penance in Naimisha forest. Sri Dattatreya willed to grant mankind great knowledge about Yoga. He manifested Himself before Samkruti as sitting under the shade of mango tree in lotus flower posture

with His vision concentrated on the center spot between the eyebrows and His hands at the center of both thigs in Yogic posture. As a Guru, He preached that the ultimate purpose of Yoga is the attainment of the Supreme, but not worldly sustenance and mundane pleasures. Sri Datta is also worshipped in the form of ‘Child’. The philosophy behind the form of Sri Dattatreya is - 1. Body radiating light of camphor – Embodiment of knowledge and ‘Being-Existence-Bliss’ (Sat-Chit-Ananda) that is devoid of any attributes.

2. Matted hair – Though He is the personification of Trinity, His hair is matted, symbolizing the philosophy of Yoga. 3. Wearing tiger skin – This is a sign of renunciation, meditation, and the state of Samadhi in penance. 4. Cow – Cow represents Mother Earth, Dharma, Vedas and sensory organs. Dattatreya lives only where there is Dharma. Also, cow signifies the wish fulfilling celestial cow Kamadhenu. During this troubled times of cow protection, if one seeks refuge in Dattatreya, He certainly shall protect cows and Dharma. 5. Dogs – Four Vedas encompass Dattatreya in the form of dogs. They are the form of forces that observe and protect, those who seek refuge in Dattatreya from straying away from the righteous path. They always stay as companions and provide guidance to those who follow Dharma. 6. Smearing with Vibhuti – Spreading Vibhuti all over the body symbolizes renunciation, simplicity and causation for merger.

ṣaṇmukha - ṣaṭ

1. Per space, Subrahmanya is the form of Siva and Shakti pervading in all the six directions.

2. Subrahmanya is the 'Form of Time' spread across the six seasons.

3. Subrahmanya is the lord of Devasena and Valli. Devasena represents ‘Five Indriyas’ and Valli represents ‘Prana Shakti'. Hence, Subrahmanya is the commander of the six centers of energy within every being.

4. Subrahmanya is the unified form of Siva and Shakti. Siva has five faces representing Panchabhutas. Shakti has one face representing nature. Hence he is six faced.

5. Subrahmanya is the personification of the Vedic mantra - 'Agni Shomatmakam'. Agni is Siva denoted by upward triangle with three facets and Shoma is Shakti denoted by downward triangle with three facets. The combined form has six facets,

denoting Subrahmanya.

6. The mahamantra for Subrahmanya is shadakshari containing six letters.

‘śa ra va ṇa bha va’

Margasirsha Suddha Shashti is Lord Subrahmanya’s birthday.

-Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

(Adapted from ‘Subrahmanya Tatvam’ - Houston, TX 2015)

7. Disc & Conch – Sudarsana disc is the energy signifying the time beyond the three states (past, present and future).

Conch is the energy signifying the sound of ‘Pranava’.

8. Akshamala – This not only symbolizes the energy of letters, but also preaches to the universe to practice recitation of

Lord’s name.

Sri Dattatreya’s form represents the harmony among all the Gods. He preached the philosophy of Tripurasundari (‘Tripura

Rahasyam’) to Parasurama. ’śrī dattaśśaraṇaṁ mama’ is the mahamantra of Sri Dattatreya. His name gives courage to

those who have faith in Him. He is ‘Smartrugami’ – graces those who just think of Him.

"smartr̥gāmī śrī gurudatta: śaraṇāgatōsmi tvāṁ | tvaṁ bhak tavatsala: bhakta tāraka: bhakta rakṣaka:

dayāghana: bhajanapriya: tvaṁ patita pāvana: | karuṇākara: bhavabhaya hara:

dīnē ārtē mayi dayāṁ kuru | tava ēkamātra dr̥ṣṭikṣēpaṁ duritakṣaya karaka:

hē bhagavan! varada dattātrēya | māmuddhara! māmuddhara! māmuddhara! " - śrī datta atharvaśīrṣaṁ

‘Sree Guru Datta! Bhagavan! You are the one who grace those who just think of You. O the bestower of boons! Dattatreya! I seek refuge in You. You love, ferry and protect your devotees. You are an ocean of compassion! You like devotional singing. You lift the crest fallen. You dispel the mundane fears of this worldly existence. Please look at me atleast once with Your compassionate vision. Destroy all my sins and lift me.’

– SVSN Sarma.

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

acalaṁ - aruṇaṁ - aruṇācalaṁ

Parameswara is venerated as ‘Light’ or popularly as ‘Jyotirlinga’ in our tradition. The omniscient Lord, one who has neither

beginning nor end, playfully manifesting Himself as gigantic heap of effulgence reemphasizes that He is ‘Light’. Puranas

mention that this divine sport of Siva happened at Arunachala. After Mahadeva Himself made Brahma and Vishnu realize

the supreme truth in the form of huge fire pillar, it transformed into a massive mountain. Some scriptures describe that

this mountain appears only as ‘Light’, ‘Golden mountain’, ‘Silver mountain’ and ‘Stone mountain’ in Krita, Treta, Dwapara

and Kali yuga respectively. Many spiritual practitioners experienced this

mountain as heap of gargantuan radiance, though it is not directly visible to our

eyes. Arunachala is famous as one among the five ‘Linga’ pilgrimage centers,

popularly known as ‘Agni Linga’ (Siva Linga representing the element Fire).

Details about Arunachala reveal that Siva is present here in three forms – 1.

Mountain 2. Linga 3. Invisible Dakshinamurti. Any spiritual practices performed

here attain perfection. Hence, this is known as ‘Siddha Kshetra’. This place has

great significance for sadhakas after Himalayas and Srisailam. Saiva traditions

and Dravidian culture gave utmost importance to Arunachala. Magnificent

temple structure is a towering testimony to Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage. This dominion is Arunchaleswara’s

divine kingdom. He reigns here along with His consort known as ‘Apita Kuchamba’, and many other deities. Historically

also, many sages such as Mangayyar, Sanipatra Swami, Dakshinamurti Swami (also known as Arunachala Swami), Ammani

Ammayyar, Irai Swamigal, Guhi Namassivayyar etc. made this sacred place as their epicenter to guide mankind towards

virtue. Recently, Arunachala attained universal fame due to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. The very name ‘Arunachala’

is astonishing. This is made up of two words – ‘Achala’ meaning one which can’t move, ‘Aruna’ meaning red light. Light

permeates denoting energy. One who radiates this light is Parameswara or Parabrahma, the supreme Lord. ‘Lamp’ does

not move but ‘Light’ spreads all around. This universe is ‘Arunachala’ wherein the Lord does not move but His Light

(Parashakti) spreads everywhere. That’s why Mother of the universe is worshipped as ‘Arunam Karuna Tarangitakshim’.

Siva’s energy is the Light that emanates from Him. There is no difference between the two. His light is the compassion

that is the beacon and providing sustenance for entire universe. This light pervades the entire cosmos also. One of the

names in Sri Lalita Sahasram, ‘Nijaaruna Prabhapura Majjad Brahmanda Mandala’ connotes the same meaning.

‘Arunachala’ is the unified form of Siva and Shakti. Puranas clarified that this mountain is the immovable form of ‘Sri

Chakra’. Those who worship with this consciousness are sure to obtain grace of Siva and Shakti. Sri Ramana Maharshi

venerated this mountain as the solidified form of the ‘Ocean of Lord’s compassion’ and encouraged everyone to do

circumambulation to this mountain, mentioning that itself is a great Yagna. ‘Arunachala Siva’ is a great mantra. Just

remembrance of ‘Arunachala’ (Smaranat Arunachalam) gives liberation. This sacred place served as an inspiration to many

Nayanar saints. My humble prostrations to ‘Arunachala’, the very name which is pregnant with universal truth and

unification of Siva and Shakti! – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma (Courtesy: ‘Nadi’ magazine, Dec’ 12)

śrī viṣṇu sahasra nāma stōtraṁ ‘Sri Vishnu Sahasranama’ is not just eulogy or beautiful rendition of Sri Vishnu’s multitudinous names. Few dimensions of

this exalted hymn are as follows –

1. This hymn is pregnant with Vedanta philosophy. Hence, this is the ultimate repository of knowledge about Brahman. 2. Lord’s many manifestations and leelas elucidated in this stotra makes one’s eyes moist with tears of love and devotion.

3. All the forms of God revealed in Vedas find a mention in this hymn propounding that the omnipresent God is one.

4. Entire stotra presents an astonishing connection. It flows eloquently like a continuous stream and reminisces a large

garland of mellifluous names of Vishnu.

5. Many namas in this stotra begin with letter ‘Va’. ‘Va’ denotes

‘Amruta’ tattva – nature of immortality. Devout reading of this

hymn with surrender grants immortality here and hereafter,

without a doubt.

6. These namas are the phonetic forms of Vishnu. Entire hymn is

the sound form of Narayana. Earnest reading and listening of this

stotra cures all diseases and provides relief from any malefic

planetary influences. Ayurveda treatises such as Charaka Samhita

corroborate this fact.

7. Many scriptures promulgate this stotra’s preeminence. Sri Adi

Shankara’s treatise substantiates this fact.

8. Daily recitation of this stotra with total concentration and absolute faith fulfills all mundane desires, increases

intellectual capacity and ultimately grants infinite joy and peace. (Excerpts from ‘Sri Vishnu Vidya’ by Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Announcements

‘Mahabharata Gaadhalu – Bodhalu’ pravachanam at Kurukshetra from March 6 – 12, 2016.

Everyday 11:00am to 12:30pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

For details, visit http://saamavedam.org/images/home/Kurukshetram-Tour.pdf

‘Rushipeetham’ magazine subscription – Special pricing for 2015.

Physical copy : 1 Year – $40; 2 Years – $75; 3 Years – $100 E-Magazine : 1 Year - $15; 5 Years - $50; 10 Years - $100 Subscription for your family/friend in India is $5 per year and $100 for life long

USA / Canada-Email usinfo@rushipeetham.org; Hari Hara Murthy Konda – (802) 558-5364; hhmkonda@gmail.com

śiva jñānaṁ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Siva Yogam Part2

Worship of Siva is rampant from the shores of the ocean to the tip of Himalayas. Vedas, Vedantic treatises, Puranas,

Agamas, literary works, dharma scriptures elaborated the philosophy of Siva in multiple dimensions.

“nama śśambhavē ca mayōbhavē ca - namaśśaṅkarāya ca mayaskarāya ca - namaśśivāya ca śivatarāya ca”

Hymns from Veda extolled that supreme Lord with three divine names – ‘Sambhu, Sankara and Siva’.

‘ēkō rudrō na dvitīyāyatasthu:’ – All-pervading Lord is mentioned as Rudra, who is unparalleled and the one reality.

“Siva, Maheswara, Mruda, Hara, Rudra, Mrityunjaya, Mahadeva, Pasupati, Sadasiva” – Unique names like this are

proclaiming the supreme eminence of Sadasiva. Not only scriptures mention that ‘Siva Yogam’ is supremely great, but

also the extensive prevalence of many traditions such as Kashmira Saivam, Suddha Saiva Siddhantam, Veera Saivam,

Paasupatam, Misra Saivam etc. all across Bharat subscribe to this viewpoint.

jñānaṁ śivamayaṁ śaivī bhakti: dhyānaṁ śivātmakam। śivārcanā śivavrataṁ śivayōgō hi pan̄cadhā ||

1. Siva Gnanam (Knowledge about Siva) 2. Siva Bhakti (Devotion towards Siva) 3. Siva Dhyanam (Meditation on Siva) 4.

Siva Archana (Worship of Siva) 5. Siva Vratam (Observance about Siva) … These five are Yogas of Siva. One who observes

these is Siva Yogi.

‘Siva’ word has many astounding definitions. 1. ‘Siva’ means prosperity, welfare, benevolence, auspiciousness… these are some of the primary meanings. 2. The true reality of ‘Turiya’ (Fourth state) that can be experienced only in the state of meditation that is beyond the

three states of wake, dream and sleep (Jagrut, Swapna and Sushupti) is Siva. “prapan̄cōpaśamaṁ śāntaṁ śivaṁ advaitaṁ caturdhaṁ man'yantē sa ātmā savijñēya:” Mandukya Upanishad clarified that ‘Siva’ is the embodiment of Truth-Existence-Bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda) belonging to the turiya nature. Supreme Siva tattva (philosophy) is the fourth plane beyond the three Gunas (qualities).

3. Tranquility is Siva. The supreme abode state of serenity, quietude and peace is Siva. ‘Achala, Sthanu’ – these names of Siva connote the same meaning.

4. Agamas mention ‘ādita: pariśud'dhatvāt malatraya viyōgata: । śiva ityucyatē sadbhi:’ Siva is the whole pure tattva without any trace of ignorance.

5. “vaśa kāntau śiva smr̥ta:” is another definition. Siva is the root consciousness that radiates everything. ‘Vasi – Siva’

- He is the supreme lord who has everything under His authority. “sarvaṁ vaśīkr̥taṁ yasmāt tasmāt śiva iti smr̥ta:” Siva Purana mentions that Siva is the one who can bring everything under His possession.

6. Siva is the supreme lord with the power of desire (Iccha). The power of desire embeds within the power of knowledge and the power of action.

7. “sarvaṁ yasmin śētē - sarvasmin yaśmētē iti śiva:” – Siva is the base consciousness for everything - that in which everything exists and that which exists in everything.

8. While analyzing the distinction of the syllable ‘Siva’, mantra treatises commented that ‘power, affluence, immortality’ are hidden within the two letters ‘Siva’. As mentioned above, granting inordinate prosperity, peace, purity, deliverance etc. is the nature of Siva.

Mahabharata mentions “śivamicchēnmanuṣyāṇāṁ tasmāt śiva iti smr̥ta:” Because He is orchestrating the entire universe with His power, we are worshipping that power as ‘Amba’ and the Lord as ‘Samba’ (one with Amba).

(To be continued…)

"Siva Padam"

Composed & Elucidated by Brahma Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Singer: Smt. S P Sailaja

Time: Thursday December 10, 2015 at 6.00PM

Venue: Sri Virinchi Vanaprastasramam, Opp. Papermill, LV Sastry Road, Sri Ram Nagar, Rajahmundry For more details contact: Sri T.V. Narayana Rao (0883) 2467090, Sri D.Hanumantha Rao 9949705166, Sri K.Vara Prasad 9849660056

Sankeerthana Yagnam Organized By Rushipeetham Charitable Trust, Rajahmundry Branch.

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’

© Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Activities conducted by

‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust’

Rushipeetham Charitable Trust, Vishakhapatanam Branch Inauguration

Pravachanam at Ongole

Felicitation by Executive Director ONGC, Agartala ‘Tripura Vaibhavam’ -Pravachanam at Kamakhya

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During the Pravachanams at Ongole, Sri Guruvu garu happened to

visit the ancient ‘Visweswara’ temple. Very disturbed at the

pathetic conditions of the historic temple due to negligence and

lack of support from administration, Sri Guruvu garu publicly

called out to devotees. Instantaneously responding to the call of

this modern day Vivekananda, people poured in with all possible

help on war footing. With the funds thus collected, temple was

renovated and painted, making it ready for ‘Karthika Masa’

celebrations. Local press highlighted these developments and

thanked Sri Guruvu garu immensely. Just wanted to share this

happy news with you all. – Kavali Srinivas.