There is a legend attributed to Vyasa Maharshi about the great Gautama – a legend, the knowledge of which helps to redeem one from the karma of past sins. Gautama Maharshi had performed penance for 10,000 years at Brahmagiri in the South. His spouse was the well known repository of dharma, namely, Ahalya. Once a... Continue Reading →
Chandrasena
Once the Rishis wanted to know from Suta Maharshi, the repository of the vignettes of Vedanta, the secret about any jyotrilinga kshetra (apart from Arunachala) the knowledge of the greatness of which would promote the quality of bhakta in one. The repository replied that the jyotrilinga of Mahalinga which had the reputation of being the... Continue Reading →
Sangira
Long ago, there was a Brahmin called Sangira stepped in ignorance and bereft of faith in Vedas as a result of sins committed by him in his previous incarnation: “Puraa kashcin-mahaa-murkhah-Sangiro namma baadabaha, Poorva-janma-kritaath-paapaath-Veda-shraddha vivirjithaha”. He was interested in Logic; he tried to know the transcendental principal of the Brahman and the pictures of good... Continue Reading →
Shashivarna & Shubhaga
“Suspecting devotees of God”, said Iswara, addressing Vishnu, and doubting Brahma, you and me bring about major impediments to rise of jnana in a person. Displaying total lack of understanding of those on the dharmic path and causing harm to the reputation of those who have understood the Vedas also impede one’s progress towards Atma... Continue Reading →
Durghata
Durghata, born of poor parents, was a well-known legendary figure with notoriety for having committed more sinful deeds than others. He was not afraid of his vicious record nor of the results of his inglorious past. Flaunting his cruel hands, he dared to indulge freely in devilish deeds. He had killed many virtuous men, destroyed... Continue Reading →
Andal
A great devotee of Vishnu called Vishnuchitta, a resident of Srivilliputtur, had developed a flower garden mainly for the purpose of offering everyday a garland chiefly to tulasi leaves to the temple in the vicinity. His labour of love behind the offering was intense. His faith in God was equally unique and unwavering. One day,... Continue Reading →
Alchemy!
In the heart of a thick forest, stood a small hut. In front of the hut there was a platform of stone and a deer-skin adorned it. Seated in half-padmasana posture radiating peace was one whose body had grown thin with thapas. An emaciated exterior, a far reaching forehead, a pair of eyes glittering with... Continue Reading →
Some Jeevanmuktas
( A ) Sri Shuka Maharshi A lofty king among mountains called Himalaya stretching from East to West adorns our land of glory in the North like a yardstick meant to measure it. At the foot of the mountain lies a place of divinity called Badarikashram. Once it was at this place that Veda Vyasa... Continue Reading →
Regulation of worship
Arunachaleswara wishes that utsavams at the temple are celebrated in a fitting manner at least once a month. The shishyas who process the pujas, according to him, must be well-versed in the Vedas, virtuous, gifted, pure in mind and always radiating a pleasant attitude and exuberance. They should be disciplined and display internal and external... Continue Reading →
Worship of Arunachala
“I have already told you”, said Arunachaleswara addressing Sage Gautama, “how I had settled in Bhu-loka as Arunachaleswara. You are very dear to me. Many among the fortunate start worshipping me right from early times by virtue of their “punya” of the previous life. I want you to excel all and, as the foremost among... Continue Reading →
The jyothi of Arunachala
Devi assumed the role of Mahishasuramardini - as Durga and put an end to the life of the mighty rakshasa. Although there was widespread jubilation of a justifiable nature, Parvathi’s calculations and conclusions were different. Addressing Durga, she said, “Vindhyavasini! As a result of your unique accomplishment, my thapas reached its fitting finale without impediments.... Continue Reading →
Nityananda
“Yogananda! Your idea appears to be well-founded indeed. It may well be that Gurudeva’s view is also identical. Adhyayana may demand two people being present in a place but it is in the fitness of things there should be only one person for thapas, namely the tapasvi alone!” “Nityananda! I have also been thinking over... Continue Reading →
Upanishad of a Jeevanmukta
Shukarahasyopanishad Prajnaanaadimahaavaakya-rahasyadikalevaram, Vikalevarakaivalyam tripaadraamamaham bhaje. “Shukarahasyopanishad is verily the crown of all Upanishads” - Shiva “The Upanishads”, said Sri Sadashiva, “is to the Vedas what the head is to the body, but Shukarahasyopanishad is verily the crown of all Upanishads. Whoever meditates on the Brahman conceived by this secret Upanishad develops detachment,” as a prelude... Continue Reading →
Brahma & Dattathreya on Jeevanmukti
The simplest way to liberation! Narada Maharshi was once very much worried about the shape of things to come in Kali Yuga. He went to Satya loka and asked the Creator of the universe, Brahma, “My Lord! As soon as we reach the darker side of Kali Yuga, men tend to give up righteous ways... Continue Reading →
A Jeevanmukta par excellence!
Sage Pareekshit, the recipient of Shuka Brahma’s grace in full measure and author of the unique Shuka Gayathri mantra described the son of Vyasa, the repository of Vedic knowledge and the patriarch of Puranas, as a Jeevanmukta par excellence and a personification of peace. “Jeevanmuktam sadaa shantam” Shuka, according to Pareekshit, was not only an... Continue Reading →
A Jagadguru extols qualities of a Jeevanmukta
His Holiness Sri Sri Bharatitheertha Swamigal of Sringeri Sharada Peetam says that the subject of Jeevanmukti has been particularly discussed in Advaita Siddhanta; the Vedas, he reiterates, assert the essence in many ways as with such authoritative passages as “Atra Brahma Samsrute”. In clear terms he describes Jeevanmukti as attaining liberation while this body lasts. ... Continue Reading →
Greatness of Arunachala
“Mahishasura”, explained sage Gautama to Parvathi, “must really have been a devotee of Arunachaleswara in his previous life. That is why although he acquired the form Mahisha by a curse of the Rishis for his misdeeds actuated by pride and prejudice, he has a Shiva linga adorning his neck.” “Is there any one in... Continue Reading →
Invincibility of earthly wonder
It is Lord Arunachaleswara’s wish that Parasakti who through her inimitable powers and prayers is protecting the universe which is a projection of herself should receive sevas In Arunachala in the attractive name of Apeetha-kuchamba -a name suggestive of eternal youthful energy, inexhaustible source of knowledge, illimitable kindness and insatiable thirst for fulfilling the wishes... Continue Reading →
Shortcuts to Divine Grace
Identification of the factor that brings about a flood of knowledge is rendered easy and quick through the grace of Sadgurus like Mahan Sri Seshadri. Knowledge is the causative force leading one to salvation. Alternatively, attainments such as this can be very easily reached by observance of vratams (austerities and disciplines) in Shiva kshetras. Material... Continue Reading →
A visit for visible fruits
“Great thapasvi!”, said Parvati Devi to sage Gautama, I have a feelings of complete fulfillment from what you have told me about the greatness of Arunachala. I am struck by its mystic glory. Namaskarams to you! You will be glad to note that Shiva himself has directed me to carry on the balance of thapas... Continue Reading →
Devadevi
The inner frame of mind that has surrendered itself at the Lotus Feet of Sri Hari who is a repository of soundarya (beauty) should not be carried away by delusions of female beauty. Your idea of capturing him to gratify your earthly desires is, therefore nothing but a mirage”. “How is that? As if this... Continue Reading →
Need for Sadguru
The rise of Brahmajnana is the vanishing point of ignorance and ignorant deeds it circumscribes but on account of an infinitesimal residuum of prarabdha karma, the Brahmajnani’s links with the world continue for some time after the vital God-experience catapulting him into the state of Jeevanmukti. In other words it can be said that the... Continue Reading →
True end and aim of human life
While the benefits of a Jeevanmukta’s life to the world cannot be precisely described, so far as the Jeevanmukta himself is concerned, it is not only an ample demonstration of the highest attainment but also of a living example to seekers and sadhakas in particular and others in general of the true end and aim... Continue Reading →
Benefits of Jeevanmuktittva
From the moment of instant rise of Pratibha Shakti in the person following Sakshatkara or vivid God-experience the jeevan’s state of Jeevanmukti starts; the golden chapter of the sublime life dedicated to humanitarian service and protection of the world goes on till the moment of Videha-kaivalya when the mortal or corporeal appendage withers away. The... Continue Reading →
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