Story #50: Bhagadhaththa's story

Story #49: The gaurava who battled in Pandavas side

    Hasthinapur was ruled by Dhridharashtra, whose wife was Gandhari. Dhridarashtra's Brother Pandu had Kunti and Madhri as his wives. All the three women were expecting child to be born at the same time.

   When time came, Kunti begot Yudhishtra. However, Gandhari didn't deliver the baby well beyond the expected time. She then hurt herself in a rage of anger over herself and delivered a hard ball kind of flesh. This flesh was divided into 100 pieces and put into 100 pots filled with ghee and kept covered under high care as per the advise of sage Vyasa. Vyasa assured that she would get 100 children from those pots at end of an year.

   Dhridarashtra wa not able to count on this completely. He began to fear that if, those pieces of flesh didn't turn to children, then the kingdom ruling authority would go over to the kids of Pandu. To keep the ruling clan he got a child thru the maid of Gandhari, Sugadha. The child was named Yuyutsu.

   Though Yuyutsu was born and brought up with the Kauravas, he was always very righteous. He couldn't however come away from them. He began to work as informer of Pandavas.

   Once Dhuryodhana tried to kill Bheema by poisoning water that he was to drink. Yuyutsu came to the rescue by alerting Bheema about the plot.

   Yuyutsu, then became friends with Pandavas, when he opposed the act of insulting them and Draupadi in the court. He then battled for Pandavas during the Kurukshethra war.

   When Krishna left to Gholokha, all the Pandavas were ready to go along. Before retiring, they gave the rule to Parikshit and made Yuyutsu the supervisor of affairs for the kingdom.

   We learn from Yuyutsu that wherever we are being righteous is important.

Sathyameva Jeyathe !!

Story #48: Story of Uloopi

   Uloopi is another lesser known character from Mahabharatha. Uloopi was the daughter of the Naga King Kauravya, who ruled over the underwater kingdom of Ganga. Uloopi once got to see Arjuna and was mesmerized by his charisma. With her magical powers she pulled Arjuna instantly to her father's court.

   She then asked Arjuna to marry her. However, Arjuna denied as he was on a mission to go to Himalayas to do penance and there by get powerful weapons. Uloopi and her father consoles him at length and makes him marry Uloopi.

   After this Uloopi gave birth to Iravan or Aravan. She got so pleased on getting a son. So, she gave Arjuna the boon that he would not be affected by any underwater creatures.

   After the Mahabharatha battle, the Saptha Vasus, brothers of Bhisma, became very angry with Arjuna for killing their brother. They curse Arjuna that he would die at the hands of his own son in a battle.

   Uloopi became very disturbed when she heard of this. She goes to Ganga matha and asks her if there is any remedy. For this Ganga ma says she can't take back the curse. On hearing persistent prayers of Uloopi, Ganga matha gave Uloopi a stone jewel which if she would keep on the chest of Arjuna after he died, would bring him back to life.

   Uloopi was not only rich and powerful but was also very intelligent. She wondered that the stone will be of no use, if Arjuna died when she wasn't there near him.

   She hatches a plan. Acccordingly, she meets Babruvahana, who was son of Arjuna and Chitrangadaa. She confuses them so much that Babruvahana declares a war against Arjuna, when he was trying to do Ashwameda yaga.

   During this war, Arjuna dies in accordance with the curse he got from the vasus. Uloopi immediately brings Arjuna back to life. Seeing all this commotion, Chitrangada and Babruvahana gets angry at Uloopi.

   Uloopi patiently calmed them down and explained the curse and remedy. She said it was for the well being of Arjuna only, she kindled Babruvahana to wage a war and kill Arjuna. Pleased with her thought process Arjuna and others praise her.

   We learn from this, that even the worse situation could be twisted in a positive way, only by using a proper plan and executing it at the right time. So, a clear mind at any situation provides ample benefits.

Jai Ganga Matha ! Jai Sri Uloopi ! 

Story #47: Mystery of no living thing in Madurai temple tank

   Long ago, there was a heron who was accustomed to live on the fish of some large lotus-filled tanks. The heron lived in a tank near the southern bank of river Vaigai.

   Once there had been a famine in that area, causing the tank to become dry. The heron in the hopes of finding another tank with water and food, came to another lake. This the heron found was full of water, fishes, crabs and all that it would have as food. This tank was near an ashram in which many rishis resided and prayed for the well-being of the world.

   The Saathvik character of the rishis, slowly transfused into the heron. It began to listen to the dissertation that were given by the rishis everyday in the evening. This began to make huge changes in the heron.It realized that killing another life for one's own happiness is unforgivable sin. It also became very much interested in going to Madurai, about which the rishis talked very highly about.

   So, the heron started to fly day in and out for 15 days (1 paksha). Finally it reached Madurai and came to the potramarai kulam(golden lotus tank). It became even more serene and peaceful there. It decided to stop eating any other creature. Lord Shiva pleased with such a transformation in a five-sensed creature, wanted to test it. He made a fish leap out of the bank in its own accord, as if offering itself as feast to the heron.

   Strong instinct urged the heron to devour its prey; but it recollected that the place was holy, and considered that severe punishment would follow. It therefore abstained. Happy with the determination of the heron, lord Shiva appeared there.

   The lord asked the heron what he desired. The heron said that it desired two things. First one was that it could reside in the abode of Shiva forever. Second desire was to make no living creature to live or reproduce in that lake, as it would help all other herons to move in spiritual way and not get any sin by eating other lives.

   The lord was very happy for the selfless wish of the heron and blessed it that the wishes would come true. We still can't see any living thing in the temple tank of Meenakshi temple.

   We learn from this thinking about all is much preferred and accepted by the gods.

Lokha Samastha Sukino Bhavanthu !!

Story #46: Indra's relief - First Thiruvilayadal

   Once Indra was witnessing the dance performance of Apsaras. He was so involved in the dance that he didn't even see Brihaspathi, the guru of all the Devas, come there. This made the guru little angry. However, he waited till the performance was over. Indra, then saw Guru there in his court. He didn't budge from his throne or ask for forgiveness.

   This infuriated the Guru so much that he said that he wouldn't stay in the court or meet Indra and went away. All the knowledge that Indra had disappeared in an instance, so did the brilliance of his court. Not knowing what to do, he went to meet Brahma for his advice.  Indra still didn't repent for what he did. He just wanted to have a replacement of Guru.

   Brahma wanted to teach him a lesson. He advised Indra to ask Vishvaroopa, who was son of Daksha prajapathi, to be the Guru. Brahma also warned him to be careful as Vishvaroopa was son-in-law of Asuras. With the thought that there was no other person who could suit the position well Indra accepted the idea readily. He asked Vishvaroopa to be his Guru.

   Vishvaroopa accepted this and began doing many japas and yagnas. He was secretly giving the avirbhaga to Asuras. This was making the asuras more powerful. When Indra came to know this truth, he cut off the head of Vishvaroopa. This caused Brahmahathi dhosham. A black demon started following Indra everywhere that he went. It was threatening Indra continuously. This caused terrific mental agony for Indra.

    Meanwhile, Dhaksha prajapathi, heard the news that his son was beheaded by Indra. So, he began to do yagna, from which came a rakshasha. This also started to follow Indra wherever he followed and went on giving trouble to him.

   With both the demons following Indra didn't know what to do. So, he took the form of a bee and went inside the stem of Lotus plant. For the first time he realized his mistake of not respecting Guru. He started to meditate upon Brihaspathi. After many years Brihaspathi appeared before him and advised him to visit many Kshethrams on earth. On the way he would get rid of the demons.

    Thus Indra started his journey. When he reached kadambavanam, present day Madurai, the demons disappeared. As per the advise of Brihaspathi, he raised a temple for the Shivalinga that he found there, with the help of Vishwakarma.

   This sport of Sokkanatha to help Indra get rid of the demons is the first thiruvilayadal among the 64 leelas, that the lord performed in Madurai.

   We learn from this the importance of respecting and treating Guru with utmost importance.

Om Sri Gurave Namaha !!

Story #45: Dhaumya- the purohit of pandavas

   During their exile, Pandavas kept on moving from one place to another. After slaying Bakasura and helping the village of Ekachakra, the Pandavas moved towards the town of Panchala. On the way while crossing river Ganga, they saw a Gandharva named Angaaraparvana, who was Kubera's friend. He was bathing in the river with his wife.

   He thought that the Pandavas were there to disturb him. He made such a situation, which pressurized Arjuna to battle against the Gandharva. The Gandharva fought with over-confidence that after all a human could never defeat him. He wasn't aware of the valour of Arjuna. He faought with Arjuna and lost miserably.

    Arjuna, heeding to the advise of Dharma, left the Gandharva to go citing the gandharva's wife's plea. The gandharva was happy to be left alone, however he didn't want to show a defeated face to his wife. So, he told Arjuna that he was ready to give him anything that he wanted.

   Arjuna promptly declined his offer saying that he didn't need any. The Gandharva however convinced Arjuna and said he was ready to give each of the Pandava brothers fifty horses, which never felt tired or hungry.

   Arjuna was amazed by such gift. He said that he would get those when the time comes for it. He also gave a poweful asthra to the Gandharva as a return gift. Thus they both became good friends.

   While talking the Gandharva stressed the importance of purohit or a priest for the wellness of the family and clan. He said it was because of Vasishta, who acted as purohit of king Samavarna, that Kuru was born.

   Understanding the importance of the purohit, they marched in the direction that the Gandharva showed. There they saw Sage Dhaumya in a forest near Ganga. They all immediately felt a connect with the sage and a calmness prevailed in their minds.

   The sage readily acceptedthe position and became the purohit of the Pandavas. He travelled with the Pandavas during their entire exile and also thereafter when they ruled over the kingdom.

Acharyaya Namaha !!

Story #44: Navagunjara

    In North eastern versions of Mahabharata, this incident is described.  During exile Arjuna wandered in the forest,  uncertain as to perform penance towards which form of the Lord.

    At this time he comes across a strange animal that he had never seen before. The animal was composite of nine animals.  It had the head of a rooster, the neck of a peacock, the waist of a lion, the hump of a bull, serpent as tail, the leg of an elephant, another leg of a tiger, yet another leg of a horse and a human hand holding a lotus or chakra. It was termed as Navgunjara.

   Arjuna’s natural reaction was to take his bow and attack the monster before it could attack him. But then Arjuna noticed that Navagunjara was holding a lotus. So,  he lowered his bow and wondered what kind of creature it was.

   Krishna then appears to him and says that the navagunjara is another of his forms, (similar to the Virata Rupa of the Bhagwad Gita). In the navagunjara, Krishna expresses the plurality of approaches to understanding of reality. Krishna says that the ultimate reality is one,  but appears different to different people.  So whatever penance he do it ultimately a penance towards Krishna himself.

    We have a number of gods and goddesses which lead to different religious sects and, therefore, there are many and varied temples, festivals, rites and rituals. Just like many branches arise from the same trunk which finds its nourishment in the springs of water in the earth; it is the same water that they drink. This aadharam or base is called brahman.

   The navagunjara motif is sculpted at the northern side of the Jagannath Temple, Puri. Also, the Nila Chakra disc on the temple has eight navagunjaras carved on it, with all facing towards the flagpole above.

Om brahmane namah!! 

Story #43: Ashwathama's desire

  Dhrona imparted the knowledge of Brahmastra to his best disciple, Arjuna. Ashwathama, the son of Drona was however not able to endure that fact that his father chose to teach this knowledge to someone else other than his own son.

   Ashwathama urged Drona to reveal the knowledge of the weapon. Drona obliged unwillingly and imparted the knowledge to him, but warned that the weapon should not be used even in times of great danger, especially against human beings.

     Knowing the restlessness of his son, Drona felt that Ashwathama would not tread the path of dharma and told it to him directly. Hearing this, Ashwathama was overcome by despair and he wandered the earth in grief.

   While Pandavas were in exile, Ashwathama visited Dwaraka and stayed there for a while. One day, he visited Krishna when the latter was alone by the seashore. He urged Krishna to offer His Discus in exchange for the Brahmastra weapon.

.   Krishna replied that all Worlds put together wouldn't be equal to a thousandth of his energy.  So,  he wouldn't need anything for exchange of anything else.  He offered to give his bow,  discus, mace or konch, whichever Ashwathama wanted to possess.

    Ashwathama said that he preferred to have the discus.  Even before Krishna could give,  Ashwathama seized the discus with his left hand.  He was unable to move the weapon even an inch.  He tried again with his right hand and failed again miserably.  Dejected and tired, Ashwathama resigned.

   Krishna told Aswattama that not even Arjuna, Pradhyumna, Garage or Samba spoke the words that Ashwathama uttered. Krishna asked Ashwathama as whom he intended to battle against using the discus.

Ashwathama replied that he was Infact thinking of using it against Krishna himself.  He further said that he now realized the real power of the weapon and that he doesn't have the capacity to hold it.  Saying this Ashwathama departed.

    This incident was narrated by Krishna to Yudhistra at the end of the war.  Krishna described Aswattama as wrathful, wicked-souled, restless and cruel.

   We must learn from this that we mustn't have any wicked thought while praying to the god. This will only end up in our own misery.

Om namo Vasudevaya !!

Story #42: Story of Upamanyu

   Dhaumya maharishi,  who was purohit of Pandavas, once gave his disciple Upamanyu the responsibility of herding cows. From then Upamanyu would herd the cows during the day and return in the evening to pay his respects.

   One day, Dhaumya asked him as how he was so healthy and plump even after undertaking day long outdoor activity.  For this Upamanyu replied that he consumed food obtained by taking alms.  Guru replied that he can't take any food without offering to guru first.  Upamanyu said sorry for his deed and said that he would follow it going forward. 

    After few days Dhaumya again Alex the same question as the student was still healthy and plump as before.  The sishya said that he went for second round of alms after offering the first round of Alma to his guru.  The guru said that it would become a burden for the house holders if he asked for alms two times everyday.  The student apologized and swore that he wouldn't do it again.  

   After few weeks,  the guru asked the same question as the student didn't reduce even a bit. The student replied that he consumed the milk of the cows that he herd to nourish himself.  Dhaumya replied that it was injustice to the calves to drink the milk that belonged to them.  Upamanyu promised that he wouldn't do that in future. 

    The student remained still healthy which made the guru ask the question again.  Now Upamanyu replied that he took the froth thrown out by the calves from their mouths when they drink their mothers’ milk.

The preceptor replied that he supposed the calves threw out large quantities of froth out of compassion. He ordered the student to allow the calves to have their full share of food.  Upamanyu agreed to this also and went.  

    Upamanyu, thus deprived of food by the above means, had to endure bouts of hunger. One day, driven by extreme hunger, he consumed Arka leaves in the forest. As a result, he lost his eyesight, and, as he wandered around helplessly, fell into a pit.

   Dhaumya, observing that his disciple did not return, went in search of Upamanyu in the forest. The teacher located Upamanyu and learnt from him all that had transpired. Dhaumya asked him to pray to Ashwinikumaras as they will be able to rectify his vision.  

   Upamanyu,  like always ever so truthful and sincere did as his guru said.  The Ashwins, pleased by Upamanyu’s prayer, appreared before him and offered him a prasada that, when consumed, would regain his vision. Upamanyu agreed to consume the prasada after offering it to his Guru.

The Ashwinikumaras said that Dhaumya didn't give the medicine to his guru and hence it isn't necessary for him to give to Dhaumya before eating. Upamanyu thanked them but declined their advice.

    Pleased by his resolve, the Ashwins repaired his sight. They also offered  him a golden tooth, and many other powers. The Ashwins then blessed Upamanyu with good fortune and left. 

   The boy returned to his guru and narrated all that had happened. Dhaumya was thrilled, and he blessed Upamanyu with prosperity and mastery of the Vedas. 

    True and sincere belief and obedience in one's guru will bring in immense benefits. 

Shri Gurave namah!!! 

Story #41: The beginning of Kaliyuga

    Dwapara Yuga was about to be finished and Kali yuga was about to begin. The kalipurusha was able to conquer every place in the world except the kingdom ruled by king Parikshit.

   When Parikshit came to know that kalipurusha was waiting at the boundary of his kingdom,  he really went there and battled against kalipurusha.  Sure enough the King won the battle and was ready to slain the kalipurusha.

    At this time kalipurusha explained the King that the onset of Kali yuga was as per the rules laid out by Lord Brahma. He forget gave the details as how many year reach yuga was supposed to be and also the nature of each yuga. He said the weapons that kalipurusha was bestowed upon were poison, lust, evil, treachery, greed.

   At the end,  the King allowed kalipurusha to reside in five places, and use his five weapons. He gave permission that people who willingly came to these places could become the victims of the demon Kali Yuga.

    The five places where those were there was
   1.  Alcohol drinking - weapon of poison
   2.  Prostitution - weapon of lust
   3.  Animal slaughter - weapon of evil
   4.  Gambling - weapon of treachery
   5.  Gold - weapon of greed.

    Kali smartly entered into Parikshit's golden crown and spoiled his thoughts.

    Parikshit entered the hut of a sage named Shamika as he was thirsty. He found the sage in deep meditation. He bowed to him several times but as there was no response. In anger, he took a dead snake and threw it around the sage's neck. Later when the sage's son, Shringin, heard of this incident he cursed the king to die of snake bite on the seventh day.

    On hearing this, the king forswore the throne for his son Janamejaya and spent his last seven days, in an socially created island,  which was void of snakes.  All seven days he was listening to the Bhagavatham from sage Shukabrahma.

   On the seventh day, the King took a lemon that was floating in the sea and cut it open. Inside the lemon was the snake king Takshaka, who bit him. Parikshita left his mortal remains behind and attained Moksha.

   We learn from this though we encounter the hardest time, mere listening to the stories of God would lead us to the ultimate goal.

Jai Sri Krishna!! 

Story #40: The tale of Tulasi

   There once was an Asura named Jalandhara. Jalandhara was born out of the anger that Lord Shiva felt towards Lord Indra. He was married to the beautiful Vrinda.

   Vrinda was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and she had received yogic powers due to her bhakti. Jalandhara, who was already powerful, became invincible due to the powers of Vrinda.

   Every time Jalandhara went to battle, she would begin her prayers to Lord Vishnu.
This would ensure the victory of the Asura.

   Once, Jalandhara went against battling with the Devas, with Lord Shiva as the leader. The Gods knew that it was impossible to defeat Jalandhara, as the prayers of Vrinda were in progress. So, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and went to Vrinda. He informed that he has defeated lord Shiva, and asked her to stop her prayers. Hearing these words, she stopped the prayers and got up from her seat.

   As soon as she did so, she realized that there was something wrong. At that very moment, Lord Shiva had killed Jalandhara.

    Vrinda realized this and also came to know that it was none other than her Lord Vishnu who had cheated her.

   She cursed lord Vishnu to become a stone for such cheating and not protecting her husband at the time of need. With this, she breathed her last.

    According to the curse, Lord Vishnu was trapped in the Saalagramam and Vrinda was reborn as a tulsi plant. The leaves of tulsi is Lord Vishnu's favourite and no pooja or offering for him is complete without the leaves of tulsi.

    We learn from this incident in Tulsi Mahathmiyam that even the God have to bear the consequences, if he does an evil deed.

Tulsi maharaani kids jai !!

Story #39: Son of Hanuman

   This is again a lesser known story,  which appears in Gujarati and few other versions of Ramayana.

   After setting Lanka on fire, Hanuman flew off from the blazing city, his tail still in fire.  As he was feeling too hot, he decided to take a dip in the sea water. Here a drop of his perspiration fell in the mouth of a mighty Makara.

    This Makara or fish was caught by the fishermen in the kingdom of Ahiravana, the king of Patal. When the Makar was cut open, a monkey face baby with a fish’s body was found. Ahirvana saw his strength and named him Makardhwaj, the guardian of Patal.

   Later when Ram was fighting the war against Ravan, Ahiravana cast a spell on Ram and Lakshman and took them to Patal. Hanuman followed them. However, at the gates of Patal he was challenge by Makardhwaj who introduced himself as the son of Hanuman.

    Hanuman was most amused to hear this.  On his behest, the guard narrated the story of his birth and asked blessings from his father. However, Hanuman still had to fight a duel and defeat him to get into Patal to get Ram and Lakshman. On his return and upon Ram’s Advice, Hanuman appointed Makardhwaj as the new king of Patal.

   Temples dedicated to Makardhwaj can be found in Gujarat and Rajastan. 

   We must learn from this,  we must be courageous enough took stand against even our kith and kin when it comes to establishing righteousness.

Jai Bajrangbali!! 

Story #38: Ashoka Sundari - Daughter of Shiva

   Acccording to Padma purana, Ashoka Sundari, was born to Shiva and Parvathi before birth of Ganesha. Parvathi felt lonely many times, as Shiva would leave her alone many times to visit his devotees. Once when both of them were under karpagavriksham, the wish-fulfilling tree, Parvathi tells Shiva her problem and asks for a girl child who could be with her to wardoff her loneliness.This wish was instantly granted. She was named Ashoka as she got rid of Parvati’s shokam or sorrow and Sundari because she was very beautiful.

   Ashoka Sundari was to be married to Nahusha, grandson of Yayati of the lunar dynasty. There was a demon who tries to abduct her. However she escaped fromm him and curses him that her husband would become the reason for his death. Later, Ashoka Sundari and Nahusha got married in the ashram of Sage Vashishta. After this Nahusa kills the demon and saves the life of many sages.

   In many vrat-katha of Gujaratis we come to know that, Ashoka Sundari was present at the time Ganesha was beheaded by lord Shiva. She gets too afraid that she hides herself behind a sack of salt. When Parvathi comes to know of this, she gets really frustrated and letdown. She curses her own daughter, that her fame would go down and she will not be known to all and she will be one with salt always.

   Since this is said to have happened in Chaitra month, Gujaratis still refrain from getting salt during the month. They believe that it would bring in the wrath of Parvathi if they get salt that month.

   We learn from this mythological incident that whoever we may be we must be brave and courageous and stand for the right when there is a need. Being a witness of an evil deed is as good as doing the deed itself.


Jai Uma Maheshwara !!!

Story #37: Seetha's previous life

   Once there lived a son of Brihaspathi, Brahmarshi Kusadhvaja. He was the guru of Devas and had spent his life reading the Vedas. He had a daughter named Veddavathi,  who was very bright and charming.  Her father wished to give her in marriage to Lord Vishnu. A daitya king sambhu killed her parents for rejecting his marriage proposal. Yet Vedavathi continued her great penance towards Lord Vishnu.

   Ravana, the Asura King, found Vedavathi meditating and got attracted to her and asked her to marry him.  However she rejected the proposal. Ravana got irritated and spoiled her penance by touching her hair. Vedavathi jumped into for SMH sacrificed her life.  She was careful not to curse Ravana as it will cause her penance to go wasted.  Still before jumping into fire, she told that it would be because of her rebirth that Ravana would die.

   Ravana who got a little scared,  didn't even want to leave the ashes behind.  He took it along with him to Lanka. The asked in the box showed up as different forms to everyone. So, Mandodari, wife of Ravana, threw the box in deep seas. The box thus thrown travels in seas and landed in a place Mithila.

    Long time later,  even Janaka, the king of Videha, ploughed the land to prepare for Yagna, he got the box,  which had a beautiful child in it.  The child was named Seetha. As we all know,  she grew up and became the reason for the fall of Ravana.

   We learn from this,  unspoken words have much more power than the words that are spoken.
             
    Jai Sitaram!! 

Story #36: Anirudhdha

   Banasura, was an asura with 1000 hands. He played various instruments using all his hands and sang with fill dedication to please lord Shiva. Shiva was so happy with his way of tapas that he started to do Anandha Thandava. The lord also granted him a boon that no one could kill him not even a god.

   After getting such a boon, Banasura became so drunk with pride that he had nothing but utter disrespect and disregard left for all gods except Shiva. He troubles all the world. Shiva wasn't happy when his devotees were troubled. Shiva cursed Banasura that he shall meet his downfall soon.

   Banasura had a beautiful daughter named Usha. She once had a dream in which she saw a handsome prince. She started to get that dream everyday. So she decided to marry the prince that came in her dream. Everyone, except her friend Chitralekha, teased her for taking such decision.

   However, Chitralekha, her dearest friend, drew the portraits of many princess but they were out of luck. None of the portraits matched the person who came in her dream. One day Chitralekha observed that Usha was exhilarated seeing a painting. She asked her if it was the person she saw in her dreams.

   Usha said it wasn't that prince, but there was some resemblance. Chitralekha revealed that the portrait was that of lord Krishna. She immediately drew the picture of Pradyumna, stating he was the son of lord Krishna. Usha again said there were resemblance to the person she saw in her dream, but still the portrait didn't match exactly. Chitralekha then drew the picture of Anirudhdha, who was Pradhyumna's son. Seeing this portrait Usha became very happy and said that it was him, who came in her dreams.

    Chitralekha, who was well-versed in many thantras, flew to Anirudhdha's chamber and carried a sleeping Aniruddha on his bed to Ushas chamber. Anirudhdha after waking up realized where he was. Seeing Usha, he also felt attracted towards her. They both talked and played board games.

   Just then Banasaura, who just became aware of all these, came there. When he saw Anirudhdha, he became very furious and tied him up with snakes. This news reached the years of Krishna and Pradhyumna.

   Both of them together waged war against Banasura. Since Banasura was still a staunch devotee of Shiva, he got support from Shiva. The battle moved to a stage that Krishna had to fight against Shiva. Krishna took the Sudharshana Chakra, while Shiva took his Trishul. Brahma appeared there in the middle and stopped both from using there ultimate weapons. Just then, Krishna went to talk with Shiva. Shiva told of Banasura's devotion and also about the boon that he had given Banasura.

   Hearing all these information, Krishna with the permission of Shiva, cut off all the hands except four. This caused Banasura to get rid of his ego and began to think normally.

He now readily accepted the proposal of Anirudhdha getting married to Usha. The marriage went on with great pomp.

We must understand that steadfast belief in god alone wouldn't keep us on top. Our actions should also be Saathvik,

Om Namah Shivaya ! Om Namo Narayanaya !

Story #35: How mouse became vehicle of Vinayaka

   Once there was a gandharva (celestial musician)  by the name Krouncha. One day,  after performing in the court of Indra,  he was praised a lot by the attendees there.  The gandharva walked out with so much proud, that he noticed very little about what was in the way. Without looking he stamped on the leg of Vaamadeva Rishi, son of Gowthama Rishi.  He didn't even apologize for his action.  This irritated Vaamadeva Rishi, so he cursed him to become a mouse,  which would only run wherever it wanted.

    True to the curse, the gandharva became a mouse of enormous size.  He began to run wherever he wanted.  This disturbed everyone.  Due to his size, he was destroying everything over which he was running.

   As he was running,  he came to the ashram of sage Vasishta. As the mouse was about to destroy the ashram,  Vinayaka who was present there,  tied down the mouse using his paasangusam as a noose rope.

   Vinayaka jumped over and sat on the mouse. The gandharva started to cry out of pain, unable to carry the load.  As he pleaded guilty, Vinayaka reduced himself to a size and weight which the mouse can carry.  The mouse or the mooshik was named Anindhya.

   Later vinayaka used him as a vehicle to run around to nook and corner of the world to get rid of any obstacles to his devotees.

   We must also note that the mooshik signifies our senses and vinayaka represents our intellect. The form of Vinayaka on mooshik reminds us that we must keep our senses under the control of our intellect.

  Jai Shri Mooshika Vaahana!! 

Story #34: Duryodhana's dilemma

   Duryodhana was lying in the battle field, awaiting death, badly bruised by the wounds inflicted by Bheema. He was unable to speak.  He stretched out his hand and kept three fingers in raised position.   

   None of his men understood the meaning.  Seeing this pity sight,  Krishna himself approached Duryodhana. Krishna said her knew what was in the mind of Duryodhana. 
 
   Krishna said, the three things you think you should have done are:
    1. You must have built a fort around Hastinapur.
    2. Persuade Vidhura to fight the battle
    3. Making Aswathama the commander-in-chief after the death of Dronacharya.

   To this Duryodhana moved his head in affirmative to the extent that he was able to. 

   Krishna explained further that, even if Duryodhana would have done all those,  he would have failed. Krishna said,
   1. If there has been a fort,  I would have sent Nakhula on horse, to destroy the fort.
    2. If Vidhura had been made to battle, then I would have participated too too counter him.
    3. If Aswathama was made the commander-in-chief, I would have made Yudhistira angry.

   Hearing this Duryodhana closed all the fingers and within seconds he left his body. Reason behind such answer is that, 
 
    1. Nakhula can ride his horse even in heavy rain without getting wet. He travels with such a speed between a drop and another drop, without getting wet. Only Nakhula had such skill.
 
    2. Krishna would have fought against Vidhura and would have taken the soul,  as he was the one who provides it in his body.

   3. When Yudhistra gets angry,  anything everything in his sight would be burnt. 


   We learn from this conversation between Krishna and Duryodhana,  that whatever mighty we may think or do with an ill thought will only bring in misery.  So keeping our thoughts and actions clean without the intention of hurting others is very important.

   Hare Krishna!!! 

Story #33: Udupi King's foresight

   The Mahabharata battle,  was the mother of all battles.  Every king in the world were compelled to support either of the two sides. 

   The King of Udupi, however, chose to stay neutral.  He took up the duty of feeding both the armies with food during the battle.  The Mahabharata battle was a just battle, so the army men were at peace with each other everywhere else except the battle field.  They used to dine together.  As accepted,  the Udupi king provided all with food necessary for fighting with full energy. 

   Arjuna once noted that neither food for ever wasted, nor was any soldier left without food. He got curious as how the Udupi king had the knowledge of how many would remain in the battle until the next meal. When he asked Krishna about this,  Krishna directed him to talk with Udupi king himself to know the fact.

   Accordingly,  Arjuna met the Udupi king and asked how the King had such knowledge.  The King replied that Krishna would give those details to him in a round about way. 

   He said that he went to Krishna's tent every night and gave him boiled and peeled peanuts which he likes very much.  After Krishna completed,  the Udupi king would count the remaining peanuts in the bowl and thus gets to know how many Krishna has eaten. If Krishna had eaten 20 peanuts then 20,000 warriors would die the next day in the battle.   From this he guessed how many would remain the next day and cook accordingly.

   We come to know from this,  even during the fierce battle scenario, the Lord himself supported and helped in stopping wastage of food. We must take that as a note and make sure that we too don't waste food anytime.

Hare Shyam Gopala !!!

Story #32: Ravanan's father

  Vishrava was the father of Ravana, who was inturn the son of Pulasthya maharishi and grandson of Lord Brahma. Vishrava was a scholar with very high intelligence. He earned great powers thru tapasya.  His name and fame spread far and wide.

   Bharadwajar was so impressed with Vishrava that he gave his daughter, Ilavida, in marriage. Vishrava and Ilavida gave birth to Kubera,  who was bestowed as lord of wealth and lots of Northern direction, by lots Shiva.

   Vishrava's  yogic and thapas powers reached the ears of asuras as well. One asura king named Sumali and his wife, Tataka, sought to increase their own powers through alliances with mighty Kings and Rishis. They decided that their daughter, Kaikesi would make a worthy wife for Vishrava and orchestrated her chance encounter with the Rishi.

   Vishrava fell as a prey in a bait.  He fell in love with the beautiful Kaikesi and married her.  He fathered four children with her. The oldest was Ravana who would eventually oust his half-brother, Kubera, as King of Lanka and usurp his throne.

   In addition to Ravana, Vishrava fathered Vibhishana, Kumbakarna and a daughter, Soorpanaka, through Kaikesi.

   Vishrava then disowned his demonic family after witnessing Ravana's disrespectful treatment of his older brother, Kubera and returned to his first wife, Ilavida.

   We learn from this incident that appearance may be deceiving. We must wisely choose our associations.

   Saptharishyai namah!! 

Story #31: The five golden arrows

    Once during their exile pandavas stayed near a lake in a forest. Duryodhana and few of his brothers camped on the other side of the lake.  The Gauravas were repeatedly harassing pandavas on the tough time they had to face.

    One day a few Gandharva princes came to the lake and were bathing.  Duryodhana picked up fight with them and was easily defeated. When the Gandharvas were ready to slain him, Arjuna came to his rescue and saved Duryodhana. This made Duryodhana feel very embarrassed.  However being a kshathriya,  he told Arjuna to ask for a boon. Arjuna however said that he didn't need any at that point and that he would use it when he needed.

    Years rolled by and as per fate the battle of Mahabharata commenced.  As the Gauravas were losing, Duryodhana went to Bheeshma's tent one night, and began accusing Bheesma for not fighting to the fullest.  This angered Bhisma. He immediately showed five of his sacred arrows and promised Duryodhana that he would behead all the pandavas by next day evening.  Duryodhana however didn't trust Bhisma and said that he would safe guard the arrows till the next day morning. He was doubting that Bhisma would give those to pandavas. So,  he took the five arrows with him to his tent.

    At this time, lord Krishna advised Arjuna to go to Duryodhana's tent and get his incomplete boon complete by asking for the five golden arrows as gift. Arjuna did as per the advice. Duryodhana was shocked when Arjuna asked for such a gift. However being a true kshathriya he gave the arrows as per the request. 

   He then went to Bhisma and iterated the whole incident and asked if Bhisma could create another set of such five arrows.  Bhisma laughed at Duryodhana and said that it's not possible. He also said that Duryodhana deserved losing such valuable weapon on account of his faithless attitude.

   We learn from this to trust in our allies and not keep suspecting everyone always.

Krishna Krishna!! 

Story #30: Why Durgai is called sister of Vishnu

   Sati Devi not able to withstand the humiliation and Shiva nindana at her father's (Daksha) place, immolates herself. After the loss of Sati, Shiva goes into deep meditation.

   Devi is then born again as Parvathi, to mountain King Himavaan. She starts a rigorous penance to attain lord Shiva as her better half.

   Seeing this, Vishnu and Brahma visit Shiva, and pray to him to leave his meditation and get married to Parvathi. Vishnu further says that, only if Shiva would become a family man and get a child, the world could get rid of Tharakasura. However lord declines saying he doesn't want the history to repeat. Brahma now explains to Shiva the penance of Parvathi and her true Shakthi form. After much persuasion Shiva agrees to marry, on a condition. According to it, Shiva himself would test her rigorously and only if Parvathi is able to surpass all the tests, he would accept her.

   Now, Vishnu feels pity for Parvathi, as he knows how difficult the tests would be. So, he decides to help her to surpass the tests. He approaches Parvathi, and tells her all that has happened and that he is ready to help her.

   Parvathi thanks Vishnu for his help, but, she turns down the offer. She says she wanted to win Shiva purely through her penance and not with any external help. Getting Shiva in a tougher way will make her live with him forever unlike what happened in her previous birth.

   On listening to such words, Vishnu becomes happy and blesses her with the best. Parvathi further thanks Vishnu for taking care on her like a brother. She requests Vishnu to accept her as her sister.

   To this Vishnu readily accepts and proclaims that she will always be remembered as his sister. Even he gifted her to take his konch and discuss, whenever she needed.  So, the ferocious form of the devi with the discuss and konch is called Vishnu Durgai.

   We learn from this, we must try to achieve our goals with our own hard work and shouldn't depend on others unless and until absolutely necessary.

Jai Durga Matha!!

Story #29: Thiruvilayadal - precious stones

    King Veera pandian who ruled over Madurai, didn't have a child.  After penance,  the queen delivered a boy child. All customary astrological ceremonies were done. 

   In a very few years, the King was slain by a tiger during one of his hunting trip. While, the family, ministers and the country men were grief stricken. They were all in mourning. His distant non pious relatives,  stole jewels and the crown from the treasury during this time.

    Once the court and people over came the mourning, they wanted to install the little child as the next king, with the chief minister taking care of the administration till the child reaches the age. They were shocked and embarrassed, when they came to know that the crown and other jewels were stolen.

   The stones in the pandian lineage Crown were of the best quality always. Such stones weren't available in market readily to create another Crown. 

  Lord Sunderesvarer came as a merchant and offered nine very valuable jewels for sale, explaining that they were once the body of Vaalasuran.

   Vaalasura, by performing penance to Siva, had acquired power to conquer the demigods. He got so violent later.  Indra praised him so much and announced that be is ready to give him a boon. Vaalasura laughed at this and said he didn't need any and told Indra that he would give a boon to him instead. 

   Using this opportunity,  Indra asked Vaalasura to become a sacrificial cow for his yagnam. Vaalasura agreed and readily passed into the Agni.  According to a former promise of Siva, different parts of the cow's body became inestimable jewels of different kinds and colors.

   The merchant explained the properties in detail,  gave them to the minister and asked him to make Crown of it.  When they were wondering how to pay for those jewels,  the Lord disappeared.

   With these jewels a new Crown was made and the prince was anointed as king. He then recovered the jewels which had been lost; and joyfully reigned over the kingdom.

Story #28: Narada curses Vishnu

   Once sage Naradha sat in meditation in the foot of Himalayan mountains.  Indra got a fear that Naradha might be meditating with an aim to rule the heavens.  So he sent the apsaras to deviate Naradha. They did their best by dancing and singing, however couldn't pull out Naradha from his meditation. They pleaded mercy of the sage and left the place.  Naradha felt happy about himself for not getting diverted by anyone.

   Naradha then went to Kailash and narrated the incident to Lord Shiva.  Hearing the words the Lord understood his boastful inner thoughts. Shiva advised Naradha to keep the incident to himself and not to tell it to anyone else.

   This made Naradha think that Shiva was envying his dedicated meditation. He then went to Vaikunta and narrated the incident to Lord Vishnu. Perumal understood his secret thoughts and immediately decided to set Naradha right.  He praised Naradha immensely.  The sage left to bhuloka after that.

   On his way he saw a place which he has never seen.  The King Shilanidhi, of that city,  was giving his daughter Vishwamohini,  in swayamvara that day. Naradha went to the palace and saw that the princess was beautiful than any other maiden he has seen in the three lokas. Seeing her face he was able to deduce that the person that would marry her will be young and prosperous ever. 

    Naradha got into the mood of marrying her.  He wanted to present himself in such a way that she wouldn't refuse him.  So,  he prayed to Vishnu and asked Hari to gift him with the face of Hari.  Naradha more than requesting, demanded the Lord on his wish as it was his first wish.  The Lord agreed and gave him the face if Hari.

   Naradha went to the palace and placed himself in the line where the kings of near and far were seated.  The princess came there and saw Naradha.  She turned her face in disgust and moved further and garlanded Vishnu who was also in the line. 

   This made Naradha very angry.  He then saw himself in a mirror and found that his face was now that of a monkey.  Naradha realized that the Lord played trick with words on him.  The word Hari means both Vishnu and monkey.

   He was very furious and cursed Vishnu for stealing his would-be wife. He said Vishnu would be born as king in earth and that someone would steal his wife and make him feel the state of Naradha. He further said that during that time the Lord has to seek the help of monkeys.

  At this point the Lord removed Maya from there.  There was no such city or king or princess.  Naradha realized his mistake and asked for pardon. Vishnu said it is his boastful and egoistic thought that made him behave so.  Naradha asked Vishnu to negate the curse that he gave to the Lord.  However the Lord said it has been written on his head already and that it would take its course.  The Lord then disappeared.  Naradha kept repenting for what he had done for the rest of the period till Ramavathar was over.

   Beating one's own drums is by itself a sin. Let's try to be modest to the extent that we can and remember that everything happens is because of the Lord and nothing can be achieved without his will.

Om namo Narayanaya!!!
    

Story #27: Legend of Kedarnath

Lord Shiva on request of Nara-Narayana agreed to stay in Kedharnath. He resides here as one of the 12 jyothirlingas.

After the Mahabharatha war, on the advice of sage Vyasa, the Pandavas went in search of Shiva. They were seeking forgiveness for killing their own relatives during the dharma yudha. The travelled to Kasi. Not able to find the lord there they proceeded to Kedharnath and started to look around.

Lord Shiva, however, did not want to forgive them that easily. He turned into a bull and hid among the cattle in GupthKasi. Yudhishtra felt the presence of lord there. On his advice, Bheema stood a top the valley and makes all the bull pass under his leg. It was a way to find Shiva, as they knew that the lord wouldn't pass under his legs. 

As expected, one of the bulls didn't budge to pass under his legs. So, they identified it as Shiva and started to ask for his mercy.This time Shiva tried to disappear by sinking himself head-first into the ground. One of the brothers grabbed his tail, forcing him to appear before them and forgive them. The Pandava brothers then built the first temple at Kedarnath.

The portions of Shiva's body later appeared at four other locations; and collectively, these five places came to be known as the five Kedharas ("Pancha Kedhar");
1. The hump of the bull appeared in Kedharnath, just the way it was when Bheema caught hold of the tail. (That explains the shape of the shiva Linga here)
2. The nabhi (navel) and stomach appeared in Madhyamaheshwar
3. The arms appeared in Tunganath
4. The head of the god appeared at Rudranath.
5. The Jata (matted hair) appeared at Kalpeshwar

When we see this with the location map, we will be able to appreciate it much more.

Even the mighty Pandavas, who were helped by lord Krishna himself, had to struggle so much to get rid of their heavy sins. We must learn that getting rid of a sin isn't that easy. So, its lot more better to be careful in what we do than to repent on it later.

Kedharnath ki Jai !!!

Story #26: Mythical story behind mattu pongal

   Today's story doesn't appear in any Purana. It's a folklore story from southern Tamilnadu.

   Long ago after this universe, plants and animals were created, humans were created by Lord Brahma. Brahma didn’t know what daily work to assign to humans. So Brahma approached Lord Shiva and asked a solution.

   Lord Shiva sent the message with solution thru Nandi.  The message was to create humans with agenda to take oil bath and worship him everyday.  And to eat thrice every month.

   However,  Nandi in a hurry to give the message and return back to the proximity of lord Shiva, didn't hear the message properly.  He delivered a flipped message to Brahma. 

   Accordingly Brahma created human with a property to eat thrice everyday and have oil bath and pray once a week.

   After returning to Kailash ,Seeing Nandi’s mistake,Lord Shiva gets angry and gives a curse to Nandi that till this world ends, his species, would help humans in agriculture and gathering food for humans in their daily uses.

    This happened on mattu pongal day.  From that day ox and bull are used by farmers extensively in agriculture.

   So we Tamil people, celebrate mattu pongal by decorating and doing Gho pooja. On this day every Shiva temple has its main Nandi decorated with fruits, vegetables and sweets. 

   This story warns us to be very careful and concentrate on the work we do to the fullest.

Om namah Shivaya !!

Story #25: Hanuman's vermilion

    Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after completion of vanavasa. Hanuman and others also went with the Lord and were present there during coronation of Lord Rama as king of Ayodhya.

    After the ceremony lord Rama gifted all those that have come with exclusive gifts and sent them back to their own place.  However,  Hanuman stayed back. 

   On a particular Tuesday morning Hanuman felt very hungry. He went to tell Seetha, that he wanted some food. She was about to leave for morning bath. She asked Hanuman to wait until she is back.

   After bath, Seetha applied a vermilion line in the parting of her hair as per normal practice of every married woman. Hanuman saw this and was puzzled by it.  Hanuman like a child asked her the reason for it.

Seetha said that wearing the vermilion mark will increase the lifespan of Lord Rama.  She then gave fruits and cooked food to pacify the hunger of Hanuman. While eating Hanuman kept thinking of this. 

He cursed himself for not thinking about Rama's lifespan,  and not doing anything to increase it.  After thinking for a long time, he applied oil throughout his body and smeared layers and layers of red vermillion from his feet to head profusely.  He then picked up his mace and went to Rama's court. 

    On the way to court and in the court, whoever say him were either taken aback or stayed laughing.  Even Seetha laughed seeing such an appearance. 

   On the other side, Rama was curious.  He asked Hanuman the reason for it, in a very kind voice. 

    Innocently, Hanuman related the incident of Seetha applying vermilion on her head. He said, if mother Seetha applying a small dot in head would increase Rama's lifespan considerably,  then applying vermilion layer after layer on entire body would increase Rama's lifespan enormously.

   Lord Rama was pleased with the simplicity and deep devotional feeling of Hanuman. He embraced Hanuman, became somewhat red with vermilion. He then declared, whoever applies vermilion and oil on Hanuman on Tuesday,  will get all desires fulfilled.

   Even the smallest heartfelt action,  satisfies and makes the gods happy. 

Story #24: Diwan and Navab of Adoni

   On one of his travels, Sri Raghavendra Swamy came across a young and poor shepherd, who prostrated before him in respect. Swamiji blessed him and told the shepherd to think of him in times of need.

   A few days later, the Nawab of Adoni, who did not know how to read and write Kannada, was riding on a horse near the place where the shepherd was grazing. At that time a messenger brought a letter written in Kannada and gave it to Nawaab.

    As he didn't know Kannada,  the Nawaab, looked around for help.  He saw the shepherd and asked him to read.  The shepherd was an illiterate.  He wasn't able to read.  Thinking that the shepherd isn't ready to read the letter, the Nawab became furious. The Nawab threatened the man with dire consequences for failing to obey his order.

   The shepherd got very afraid. He immediately thought and prayed to Raghavendra Swamy. Miraculously, the shepherd was able to read and explain the contents of the letter to the Nawaab.

    Since the information was favourable to the Nawaab, he was impressed and made the shepherd the Diwaan of Adoni.

    After this,  the Nawab came to know about Raghavendra Swamy.  He tried to test Swamy and failed bitterly. The man wanted to give some land to the mutt. Though the Nawaab of Adoni offered to give him a more fertile region, Sri Raghavendra Swami insisted on the dry and barren region around Mantralayam, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

   Many years later, he told a devotee that it was the region where King Prahalada had performed his yagnyas to Lord Rama during the Dwapara Yuga and was hence an extremely holy land.

   Fullest belief in guru will make all impossible tasks possible.

Sri Raghavendraya Nambha!! 

Story #23: Vallala maharaja

   Long ago, Vallala maharaja ruled with Thiruvannamalai as his capital. He had two wives, Mallama Devi and Sallama Devi. He was a very staunch Siva devotee. Lord Shiva once appeared in his dream and told about his presence near the mountain that is in his country.  The king circumbulated the mountain and found a Shiva lingam near the mountain,  at the place he had in dream.  (In that place a temple was erected later, and is called as aadhi Annamalai, the linguistic twists made it as adiannamalai) He then placed the Shiva lingam and built a temple.

    Though he possessed all materialistic wealth, he did not have a son.  He consulted the Rajaguru as to the way by which he could get a son. Guru advised him to do all
kinds of dharma.

    So the king arranged for the same and announced that anyone and come and get anything that is under the control of him.

   Lord Shiva wanted to test the King's charitable disposition and his devotion. Shiva appeared in the guise of sanyasi and his bhoothaganas appeared in the guise of humans. He sent all his followers to the dance girls houses at Thiruvannamalai.

   He himself then went to the palace and asked the King for a dancing-girl. As all the dancing girls in the city were already engaged the King could find none for him.

    Sallama Devi, said she could go herself to the sanyasi, if the King had no objection. The King was more than happy when he heard this proposal.  As he didn't want any one go back without their wish being fulfilled.

    The devotee pretended to sleep on a cot. As soon as the queen did namaskaram to him,  he changed into a child.  The queen immediately took the child to the king and narrated the incident.  The king took the child in his arms and the next minute it disappeared. Then a voice from above was heard, saying that it was the Lord himself who came in the form of sanyasi to check if the king kept his words and that whenever the king really wanted to be with the child,  the Lord Arunachaleswara himself would come to him in the form of child instantly.

    True to the words, the Lord appeared as a child whenever the king felt like playing with him.  The Lord played happily with him till he was satisfied. 

    After many years,  the king became old and he passed away.  This news reached the ears of Lord who was then in procession. The Lord came back running. He entered thru the main gopuram.  (Note that Arunachaleswarar  never leaves or enters thru the main gopuram) The last rites of the King were done by the Lord himself as he was only playing child of the King.

   To this day,  staunch devotees of the Lord are able to hear the words 'Appa' twice in the garbagruha on, masi magham, the day on which the king passed away.  The Lord is also taken on that day to Pallikondanpattu to do the shrardham.

   True devotion may move then the gods beyond our wildest imagination.

Annamalaikku harohara!!!

Story #22: Vaasthu purusha

   Long ago Lord Shiva fought against Anthakasura. As it was an intense battle Shiva began to sweat. A man was born out of the drops of Shiva's sweat. He looked big and was very hungry. His hunger never got satisfied.  Also he was growing to enormous proportions.

    To get his hunger satisfied, he began to make penance to appease Lord Shiva and get a boon from him. Shiva was pleased with his penance and appeared before him. The sweat born got the boon to eat all of the three worlds to get his stomach full.

   He got possession on all the three worlds and first he was ready to eat the terrestrial world. All gods, humans, sages and even rakshasas got terrified.

   To solve this problem,  Brahma sent the ashtadhik balakas(Indra, Agni, Yama, Nriti, Varunan, Vayu, Kubera,  Esanyan)  to arrest him from all right direction.  He was arrested from all sides and pinned down.

   Vaastu Purusha asked Brahma as what mistake he did,  for it was Brahma who is responsible for appearance and size of all beings.

   Brahma listening to his statement considered it and bestowed him to be one with earth,  changing his position,  once in the months,  like that of a rotating fan to all eight directions.

   Brahma also told that he would be called as Vaasthu purusha going forward.  He also gave permission to tease the people, to your heart's content, who construct buildings and temples, dig wells and tanks on the side towards which you see and in the direction towards which you hold your feet, if they don't pray your before starting any building work.

   Since then the worship of Vaastu-Purusha has been in vogue and it has become compulsory for those who want to construct any kind of building.

Story #21: Thripuranthaka

    On the prayers of all the gods, lord Muruga battled with and defeated Tharukasuran. 

    Tharukasuran had three sons Kamalakshan, Tharukakshan, Vidhunmali. These three had the demonical character, much more than their father. They however had deep devotion on Lord Shiva. They did thapas to Brahma and got a boon from the Lord that they can not be destroyed unless all three of them,sitting inside their own fort are attacked by a single arrow.

    Then they created forts made of iron in earth, silver in sky and gold in heaven. Just like all other asuras, they started disturbing the beings in all the worlds. All the affected beings potraited to Lord Shiva.  However Lord Shiva said as long as the three demons worship him, he won't destroy them.

   So MahaVishnu took the form of a sage, and taught the three demons mAyAvAtham, resulting them to stop praying the Lord, praising themselves and torturing everyone else.  Because of this,  all the good qualities of them were lost. The Lord was now ready for the destruction of the puras. The three forts come in a straight line only once in a thousand years, that too for a short time.  Knowing that Shiva is now against them,  the three demons were now ready to fight against the Lord forgetting their boon.

   All the devas gave their power or asthraas to Shiva.  The earth became the chariot for the Lord, Brahma the charioteer, Vishnu the arrow, sun and moon the wheels. The Meru Mountain became the bow and the serpent Vasuki as the string in the bow.

    Thus all the gods were present in some form in that chariot. However,  Agni and Yama were in the wheel instead of the arrow. When Shiva started without praying to Vinayaka, he posed to be angry broke the wheel. By doing this,  Vinayaka put Agni and Yama in the arrow.

    Finally when everything was ready devas were proud that only with their help God is going to destroy the tripuras. Lord Shiva sensed this egoistic thought of the devas.

    When the battle began,  Shiva didn't use any of them. He got out of the Chariot and smiled at the tripuras.  In that smile the three forts were burnt down and with that the demons. It is said that the Rudhraksha appeared from the three eyes of Lord Shiva during tripura samhara.

   The thought of devas that without their help the Lord wont be able to destroy the tripuras proved foolish.

   Then Lord gave life to the three demons. Though they went wrong, they initially were devotees. They repented for their mistake. The Lord forgave them and gave one of them the great work of fanning Him with chamaram, and made the rest two as part of his bhoodhaganam.

   We learn the important lesson to not think great about giving something to someone at the time of need.  We must also understand that God punishes only to purify and to keep the beings sacred.

Har Har Mahadev !!

Story #20: Eligibility of a good Student

   Sage Yajnavalkya had his ashram in a forest. Many students from wide and far came to learn from him. King Janaka was one of the favorite students of the sage.Yajnavalkya always kept a seat in the first row in his classes, so that if Janaka came, he could sit there and listen to his teachings.

   Yajnavalkya had many bright students, and some dull ones too. The dull ones complained among themselves that the Sage valued wealth of Janaka  highly. That was the reason for the sage's partiallity towards Janaka.Yagnavalkya was aware of his students' thought in this regard.

   One day King Janaka was listening to a discourse by Sage Yajnavalkya at his forest Ashram along with the other students. Suddenly, there was a huge forest fire at a distance, it was moving very fastly.

   One of the soldiers came running to the king and informed that parts of palace had been burnt by fire.Janaka without losing his cool, asked the soldier to do what was necessary and instructed him on whom to contact and what to do.

   Meanwhile, the other students of the sage ran in hither and tither to save their belongings. 

   When the other students of Yajnavalkya came back after the forest fire receded, they saw Janaka sitting there, fully involved in the learning with complete concentration. He was not at all bothered about the kingdom or his property. Seeing this all other students felt very ashamed.

   Sage Yajnavalkya retorted, that the king, with all his wealth and palace, was not much worried even to the extent of worry the other students had for their torn loin cloth. Now, the other students realized why their guru kept an empty seat for him.

   Pure and unaltered dedication towards our work and study will make us a better person.

Guruve Saranam !!!

Story #19: Why Shiva is covered with ashes

   There is an interesting story in the Shiva Purana which narrates how Lord  came to be associated with Vibhoodhi out the sacred ashes.

   There once lived a sage from the lineage of Bhrigu. This sage performed intense penance and became very powerful. He consumed only green leaves and thus got the name – Pranada. Sage Pranada continued his intense tapas and controlled all the animals and plants in the forest he lived.

   Once while cutting some grass to clean the yagna grounds, the sage cut his middle finger. To his surprise instead of blood he saw the gum of tree oozing through the cut.

Now Pranada thought that he had become very pious to have such a change in his body. Pride filled his mind and he started to feel above the world.

   Lord Shiva who witnessed this event took the guise of an old man and reached the spot. When the old man asked for the reason for his extreme happiness, Pranada said that he has become the most pious man in the world as his blood has become similar to the sap of tree barks.

   Without any emotion, the old man asked what was there to be elated in such a happening. He further said,  if the trees and plants are burned they turn into ash. So, only ash points to the higher state.

    To demonstrate it the old man sliced his finger and suddenly ash came out of it. Sage Pranada soon realized that it was Lord standing before him and prayed to him for forgiveness for his ignorance.

    It is said that ever since then Lord wears ash to remind his devotees about the ultimate reality.

    We must learn to be modest even if we achieve something great, as nothing in the world is ultimate. Everything has something that's more better when compared.

Sambho Mahadeva!!

Story #18: Why did Shiva behead his son?

   As per Brahma Vaivartha Purana,  Lord Yama had two sons Nara and Narayana. Both of them were well versed in Vedas and agamas.

   Sage Naradha once asked Narayana, as why Shiva,  though being one of the Trinity,  didn't recognize his own son and behead Vinayaka.

   Narayana said that it was because of a curse that had fallen on Lord Shiva and narrated the below incident.

   Long ago there were two asuras named Mali and Sumali. They were great devotees of Lord Shiva. They were doing austere penance to take over position of Indra.

   Indra,  directed Lord Surya to take up the battle with them and get rid of them.  So,  Surya began to fight with them.  They immediately prayed to Lord Shiva.  The Lord appeared there immediately and started to fight against Surya for the sake of his devotees.

   Shiva,  with his trident pierced the middle of sun, causing complete darkness.  Indra immediately came and asked for forgiveness.

   There came Kashyapa maharishi, father of Sun.  He became angry by seeing what lord Shiva had done. Shiva restored the life of Sun to satisfy Kashyapa maharishi. However maharishi want quite pacified.

   He put a curse on Shiva that, Shiva would kill his own son using the same trident, with which he stabbed his son.

   We must learn that everyone has a much stronger soul than oneself. So we must learn to be humble.

Kashyapa Maharishyai namaha!! 

Story #17: Rama's elder Sister

   Dasaratha at the age of 18, he became the powerful ruler of Ayodhya. He wanted to marry Kausalya, daughter of northern kosala king, Maharaj Sukausha. Sukausha agreed to the marriage without knowing that he and Dasaratha were closely related coming from the same clan.

   After the marriage Kausalya gave birth to a female child, Shantha. Unfortunately she was born with handicap in her leg. Dasaratha consulted many people who could help his daughter to be free from handicap. Once he consulted Sage Vashistha. He said that handicap was due to the marriage between close cousins and suggested that she would become normal if she given in adoption to some others.

   Dasaratha and Kausalya gave the child in adoption to the childless couple Varshini (Kausalya’s sister) and King Romapada of Anga desha. Later Shantha became normal and her beauty was unmatched. She was not only beautiful but also well educated.

   One day while King Romapada was in conversation with Shantha, a Brahmin came to ask for help. King however didn't pay attention to Brahmin. This irritated the Brahmin, so he left the kingdom with anger. Before leaving the kingdom, he cursed that Anga desha will experience drought.

   True to his words, Anga desha was soon hit by a drought. On consultation, the king realized that only Rishyashringa, son of Vibhandaka Rishi could help him. Rishyshringa was raised by Vibhandaka Rishi isolated from society. He had never seen any women in his life. Romapada sent his daughter Shantha to the forest to bring Rishyashringa to the city. As Rishashringa never saw women he felt in love with Shantha at his first meeting. He was totally amazed to see the magnificent beauty. Shantha with her beauty mesmerized the Rishi and brought him to the Anga desha, thus bringing in rain too. After that Rishyasringa married Shantha.

   Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, after giving Shantha in adoption, Dasaratha wasn’t blessed with any child. He wanted to perform Putra Kameshthi Yaga to please the gods and get a child. Vashishta advised Dasaratha to seek help of Rishyasringa. Rishyasringa performs the yagna successfully. As a result of this Yajna, Rama, Bharata, and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna were born.

   Shantha again appears when Rama, listening to washerman, abandoned Seetha. She gets angry by Rama's decision and becomes the only person who scolds him.

   This character of Shantha, doesn't feature in Valmiki Ramayana. However it is mentioned in detail in many other versions of Ramayana and also in Mahabharatha, when it is stated that Romapada's adopted daughter (from Dasaratha) married Rishyasringa.

   We learn from this, a woman can make even the whole country prosperous, if she sets mind to it.

Hare Ram!