Once Sanaka Rishi asked Brahma about the greatness of Arunachala, ” Chaturmukha! Lord of the fourteen worlds, foremost among the Devatas and praised in the Vedas”, Sanaka said to Brahma in great humility and with folded hands, “By Your Grace, I have got full enlightenment. By Your great and singular initiation, the wealth of devotion... Continue Reading →
Chapter 2 – Benefit of Giri-Pradakshinam
“Whoever undertakes the Giri-pradakshinam with the mind securely fixed in My dhyana”, says Lord Arunachaleswara, "will get the benefit of My early grace.The dust he himself raises with his feet will serve as an instrument of immortality”. Whoever begins the mountainous pilgrimage will get unexpected help even from the Devatas in various ways. The Devatas... Continue Reading →
Chapter 1 – Greatness of Arunachala (that attracted Mahaan Seshadri and a host of Sages)
If Varanasi(Kashi) is reputed to confer immortality on those dying there, Arunachala (Thiruvannamalai) holds out the same benefit to all those who remember its glorious name! Remember, it is just the remembrance of Arunachala: “Nama smaranamatrena yatpaatakavinaashanam” declares the celebrated Skandapurana. By remembering the great name, all sins of a person will disappear and he... Continue Reading →
Living by the Scriptures – Perils of krōdha and greatness of kṣamā
To understand the dangers of krōdha and the importance of kṣamā, one needs to revisit the conversation between Draupadi and Dharmaraja Yudhishtira that runs thus, "It is anger that kills man. A man progresses when he is able to overcome anger. Anger is the cause for man's advancement and declination. The one who suppresses anger... Continue Reading →
Living by the Scriptures – Yaksha Prasna – Approach to an unexpected situation
The scriptures (Puranas, Mahabharat, Ramayana, Upanishads, commentaries and other treatises) are one's solace in times of difficulty and one must seek refuge in their wisdom. It is imperative for one to adopt the tenets of the scriptures in a practical manner to make life blissful. The prelude to the 'Yaksha Prasna' reveals the approach... Continue Reading →
The Greatness of Annadāna and Jaladāna
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O wise one! O scion of Bharat! You have declared that annadāna is the ultimate. Pitāmaha! Now, I beg you to please tell me the fruit that is received from jaladāna. I wish to hear this from you in detail." Bheeshma replied, "I will tell you everything clearly. Listen carefully from... Continue Reading →
The Greatness of Gau (Cow)
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O Pitāmaha! What type of affection develops by seeing and staying with someone? Also, what is the greatness of gau? Please tell me in detail." Bheeshma thoughtfully replied, "O radiant king! I will narrate the conversation between Chyavana Maharshi and Nahusha on this matter. In the ancient days, Chyavana Maharshi, son... Continue Reading →
Conversation between Indra and Shuka (parrot)
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O epitome of dharma! Pitāmaha! I now wish to hear the qualities of compassionate and devout persons. Please have mercy on me and reveal these qualities to me." Bheeshma thoughtfully replied, "Yudhishtira! I will narrate the ancient incident that took place between a high-minded parrot and Indra. In the... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Annadāna
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, "O most exalted one! Please tell me what should be donated to resolute Brahmans in this world by a king who wishes to do dāna. What dāna makes a Brahman happy? O mighty-armed one! Please tell me about the fruits of dāna. Which dāna gives extraordinary fruits in this earthly world and... Continue Reading →
Shree Hanuman reassures Bheemasena of their victory over the Kauravas
Shree Hanuman revealed the glorious form that He took to cross the mighty ocean to Lanka on the request of Bheemasena. This splendorous form that puts fear in the hearts of the sinners and brings joy to the devout astounded Bheemasena. Bheemasena profusely thanked Shree Rāma bhakta Shree Hanuman and offered prostrations. Shree Hanuman... Continue Reading →
Durvāsā Maharshi arrives at an inopportune time as a guest at the ashram of the Pancha Pandavas
Durvāsā Maharshi pleased with the devotion and service of Duryodhana offered him a boon. The evil-minded Duryodhana had already conferred with his brothers and Karna earlier, "O revered Brahman! Maharaja Yudhishtira is the oldest and the best in our lineage. At this moment, the pious Yudhishtira is residing in the forest along with his brothers.... Continue Reading →
Vyāsa Maharshi reveals the greatness of tapasyā and dāna to the Pancha Pandavas and Draupadi in Kāmyakavana
The Pancha Pandavas along with Draupadi faced the hardships of the forest and passed eleven years of their exile living on fruits and roots. Though they deserved to enjoy every pleasure in this universe, they experienced tremendous difficulties in the forest. Accepting the tough situation they were in to be their fate, the Pancha... Continue Reading →
Agastya Maharshi drinks the ocean
The Devas accompanied by Lord Brahma offered prostrations to Lord Vishnu and pleadingly said, "O Lord! The entire universe is solely dependent on Your kindness for their progress. All the created beings turn to each other for support and upliftment. All the created beings live out their existence bereft of fear because of Your... Continue Reading →
Bhagawan Shree Rāma gives divyadrusti to Parasurāma
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Lomasha Maharshi, "Bhagawan! Why did the radiance of Parasurāma get depleted and how did he regain it? Please narrate this incident to us." Lomasha Maharshi replied, "O king! Listen from me the story of Shree Rāma, son of Dasaratha and Parasurāma, scion of the Bhrigu vamsha. In the olden days, Bhagawan... Continue Reading →
Agastya Maharshi kills the daitya brothers Ilval and Vātāpi
Lomasha Maharshi after thinking for sometime decided to narrate a very important incident to Dharmaraja Yudhishtira. "O scion of the Kuru dynasty! Listen to me. In the olden days, in this Manmatīnagar, there lived a daitya named Ilval. Vātāpi was his younger brother. One day, the daitya Ilval asked a tapasvi Brahman, "Bhagawan! Please bestow upon me... Continue Reading →
Lord Indra asks for Karna’s kavach and kundal
Karna stood in the water at noon to perform the obligatory sandhyāvandanam to Bhagawan Diwakara. Many Brahmans seeking wealth had assembled there. Indra also arrived there as a Brahman asking for bhikshā. Karna greeted him with honour but failed to see through his disguise and read his mind. Karna bowed respectfully and said, "O venerable... Continue Reading →
Bhagawan Surya comes to warn Karna in his dream
From the moment, Dharmaraja Yudhishtira saw Karna adorned with the celestial kavach and kundal, a great fear entered his heart. He knew that Karna was more than a match for Arjuna. He constantly worried about the prowess and dexterity of Karna never voicing his views to his brothers. However, the pious Lomasha Maharshi was well-aware of... Continue Reading →
Sāvitrī and Satyavān
"Exactly one year from now, Satyavān will meet his end. This is tragically his only flaw." said Narada Devarshi to Raja Asvapati, king of Madradesh about Sāvitrī's decision to marry Satyavān, son of Dyumatsena. Sāvitrī knew the words of a Rishi can never be untrue. But she remained firm on her decision to marry... Continue Reading →
Śukarahasyopaniṣad
ॐ सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥ Now the Rahasyopanisad is described. Once, the pious sages in the heavenly worlds offered prayers to Lord Brahma and requested Him to teach them the inner secret of the Rahasyopanisad. ... Continue Reading →
Aranya Parva – Chapter 10 – Maitreya Maharshi curses Duryodhana
Dhrutharashtra uvācha, “O Wise Sage! Whatever you say, is right. I also think this is right and my courtiers and people think the same. O Sage! You also think that is best which is in the interest and advancement of the Kuru vamsa. O Sage! This same thing has been said to me by Vidura,... Continue Reading →
Aranya Parva – Chapter 9 – Vyāsa Maharshi narrates the episode of Surabhi and Indra
Dhrutharashtra uvācha, "Bhagawan! Even I do not approve of this game of dice. O Rishi! I think that the Supreme Being has forcibly dragged me into this matter. Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura also did not approve of this game of dice. Even Gandhari did not wish that it was played; but I pushed everyone to... Continue Reading →
Aranya Parva – Chapter 8 – Vyāsa Maharshi advises Dhrutharashtra to stop Duryodhana and the injustice
Vyāsa uvācha, "O Wise Dhrutharashtra! Listen to me, I will reveal to you that which is in the best interest of the Kauravas. O brave one! I do not like that you have sent the Pandavas to the forest. Duryodhana and others used deceit to defeat them in the game of dice. O... Continue Reading →
Brahma Sutras – Chapter 4, Section 4 – Slokas 1 – Slokas 22
।। चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ।। ।। चतुर्थः पादः ।। सम्पद्याविर्भावः स्वेन शब्दात् ।। 4.4.1 ।। When the jeeva has attained the Highest Light, there is manifestation of ITs real nature, as we know from the word 'in its own'. मुक्तः प्रतिज्ञानात्।।4.4.2।। The jeeva then attains Liberation as is known from the declaration made in the scriptures. आत्मा... Continue Reading →
Brahma Sutras – Chapter 4, Section 3 – Slokas 1 – Slokas 16
।। चतुर्थोध्यायः ।। ।। तृतीयः पादः ।। अर्चिरादिना तत्प्रथितेः ।। 4.3.1 ।। It is well known that the jeeva of the knower of the Saguna Brahman travels along the path beginning from the flame. वायुमब्दादविशेषविशेषाभ्याम्।।4.3.2।। The jeeva of the knower of the Saguna Brahman goes from the deity of the year to the deity of air,... Continue Reading →
Brahma Sutras – Chapter 4, Section 2 – Slokas 1 – Slokas 21
।। चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ।। ।। द्वितीयः पादः ।। वाङ्मनसि दर्शनाच्छब्दाच्च ।। 4.2.1 ।। The function of speech merges in the mind at the time of the death of the physical frame as stated in the scriptures. अत एव च सर्वाण्यनु।।4.2.2।। And for the same reason, the functions of all the organs get merged in the... Continue Reading →
Brahma Sutras – Chapter 4, Section 1 – Slokas 1 – Slokas 19
।। चतुर्थोऽध्यायः ।। ।। प्रथमः पादः ।। आवृत्तिरसकृदुपदेशात् ।। 4.1.1 ।। Repetition of hearing, chanting, reflection and meditation on the teaching of the Self is necessary as it has been repeatedly instructed in the scriptures. लिङ्गाच्च।।4.1.2।। And on account of the indicatory mark. आत्मेति तूपगच्छन्ति ग्राहयन्ति च।।4.1.3।। The Sruti texts acknowledge Brahman as... Continue Reading →
Brahma Sutras – Chapter 3, Section 4 – Slokas 1 – Slokas 52
।। तृतीयोऽध्यायः ।। ।। चतुर्थः पादः ।। पुरुषार्थोऽतः शब्दादिति बादरायणः ।। 3.4.1 ।। Bādarāyana Maharshi says that Knowledge of the Self determines a man's purpose and therefore, liberation also results from the Knowledge of the Self as declared in the scriptures. शेषत्वात्पुरुषार्थवादो यथाऽन्येष्विति जैमिनिः।।3.4.2।। Jaimini Maharshi thinks that the scriptures prescribe sacrificial acts to... Continue Reading →
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