BHAKTA CHOKHAMELA

         B H A K T A    C H O K H A M E L A

Bhakta Chokhamela

Chokhamela being offended by priest

Lord Vitthala & Goddess Rukmini

There are two elements life. God made man and man made God. God created man. When he created man, he did not show any difference. The prince and the pauper, the rich and the poor, the man and the woman, the wise and the foolish all are alike for him. To understand the uniform love of God, we are taught to do Surya Namaskar early in the morning. The sun shines equally on man, woman, flower and rock.


Unfortunately, being entwined in the mundane world, we go farther off from God and God’s message. We do not know God manifests Himself in everything and everybody. We do not know that the caste divisions are made bassed on the nature of work we do which in turn is based on our body or mind. We do not know ‘Jagam midhya, Brahma Satyam.’ When I use the words we do not know, I don’t mean we really do not know, but we totally ignore these facts. So the second element ‘man - made God’ is all pervading. We created God i.e., we give greater importance to one God, we set some norms for God, we don’t allow untouchables into temples etc. We call them Harijans (Hari + jans) but we don’t allow them to have the darshan of Hari! What an atrocity! Rama ate from the hands of Sabari, travelled in the boat of Guha but we don’t do such things.

Here is the story of an untouchable named Chokha mela. He was a staunch devotee of Krishna. He sang and danced before the temple of Panduranga in Pandari puram. Ironically enough the devotees who thronged before the temple were lured to his music like a snake which danced to the juggler’s music. But the minute his music and dance came to a stand still, their interest in him vanished. He became an untouchable and was prohibited the darshan of Lord Krishna. He would dance to his heart’s content and fall at the doorstep brooding over his ill fate. This farce continued for quite some time.

Are we born with perfection? Don’t we learn many things as we grow ? Don’t we err as we learn something? Chokhamela might not have taken birth in a royal family, but does he not supersede the so called high caste people? Is his heart not filled with the name of God? But who cares for his faith? Perfection is not loved in this imperfect world.
His faith was even questioned one day. Somebody stopped his ecstatic dance and asked , If your faith is so real, if your ecstasy is heartfelt. Why then doesn’t your lord give you permission to have is darshan. You say that God helps his devotees, but you are not caved for! Can a dog sit beside a Brahmin and have its food? Can a beggar enter a royal palace? So give up your futile attempts and leave this place at once!’ He even pushed the devotee ruthlessly!

The untouchable rose to his feet and argued humbly, ‘My faith in God is as real as my birth into a low caste. How can my birth be a hindrance? Doesn’t sun God shine over lotus born in mud? Do the clouds rain over rivers only ignoring mud ponds? Does Mother earth avoid us? Does my prayer become unwanted for my God?’ But it fell into deaf ears.

He walked back home with a heavy heart. His wife showed concern and asked ‘Why are you like that? ‘He burst out crying, ‘I don’t know why I am created like that! I am destined to suffer. I didn’t do any crime knowingly. I don’t know what is cheating or fooling others. All I know is an undaunted faith in Lord Krishna, but I am not blessed by Him Sayira his wife consoled him in many ways, but his sorrow was unappeasable. He went to bed without food, still crying heavily. Sayira was worried about him and was watching him unobtrusively, without a wink of an eye.

Chokhamela couldn’t sleep. The darkness of his heart was ten times the darkness around. But suddenly, there was a sparkle of light ten thousands times the sparkle of the sun which shattered the darkness in and around! The lord Panduranga Himself came to the doorsteps of Chokhamela.

The tears of sorrow turned out to be tears of joy. The couple fell to the feet of Vittala. The God assured them that it was His duty to save them. So saying, the God held the hand of Chokhamela and led him into his temple. God took him into the Sanctum Sanatorium even as the doors were tightly locked. Nobody saw them.

Chokhamela put one step backward, ‘My lord! I am not permitted to enter your temple, but you are leading me into the Sanctum Sanatorium. It may be a bad omen to you.

God laughed away his wild fears. ‘My Sanctum Sanatorium is filled with darkness, because of such superstitious practices of mankind. Today it looks illumined because of your entry. Chokhamela, whoever doesn’t bother to reach me inspite of being born as a man, is an untouchable; whoever hates my staunch devotee is an untouchable.

Chokhamela was delighted by God’s explanation and asked him a question for the welfare of mankind, ‘Oh Lord! How should your devotees lead their lives to attain moksha ?’

Panduranga Swami answered this with a smile on his face, ‘Chokha ! Three aspects have to be followed by my devotees in Kaliyuga chanting. They should chant the name of God incessantly. When yagas and yagnas were performed earlier, mere chanting will fetch the same results in Kaliyuga. ‘Kalau nama sankeerthanam smrutham is proclaimed in Sastras. 2. Good Behaviour . A devotee should practice good principles like ahimsa, pity, patience, control over sense organs and a life of celibacy. 3. The company of Good people. Should move always in the company of good people who always spend their time in the presence of God. To be acquainted with such people itself is a difficult task.

So follow these three principles and set an example to the others. The conversation wenton till the early hours of next morning. The main priest heard some voices even as he unlocked the door and was taken aback to see the forbidden man in the inner most part of the temple. The head priest questioned him angrily. ‘How dare you step into this sacred place ? Why can’t we punish you for your stealthy act?’

Chokhamela humbly answered, ‘Oh priest I did not come on my own. My Lord brought me here personally. I am not offensive in any way. I may be an untouchable, but my entry has not made the temple untouchable. If that is the case the Ganges should become untouchable since sinners have a dip in the holy river. The air should become untouchable. Just as a mother doesn’t give up an ugly child God doesn’t give up a lowly child.

The wiseacres had no answer to his questions. All that they knew was, he was challenging them. He had crossed the barriers and he needed to be punished. They were worried, if they left him like that, God would bring him there everynight. So they banished him from that place. He was asked to live at the other bank of the Chandrabhagha river How foolish of them ! Did God live only on one side of the river ?

Chokhamela mutely obeyed their order as God’s order and settled down there in a small cottage.

One day Chokhamela was having his food under a tree before his house. His wife was serving him. Panduranga unable to bear His separation from his devotee came in search of him. He wanted to join him in dinner. The couple were more than delighted, did pooja to His feet and started serving him. Sayira in her excitement happened to spill curds over God’s dress. Chokhamela, unable to control his anger, shouted at his wife, ‘How dare you do that ? Can’t you see properly ? Just then the temple priest happened to pass that way and mistook those words. Since he couldn’t see the Lord, he thought they were aimed at him. In a fit of anger, he gave a big slap on his face, had a bath in the river for having touched him and came to the temple. In the meanwhile God disappeared from Chokhamela’s house.

‘Oh my God! The priest was wonder struck when he opened the temple door. Tears rolled down Lord Panduranga’s cheek and one cheek turned red and swollen. You should look at the priest ! His throat became dry. He missed a heart beat. He could hardly stand ! He could see his mistake reflected on the Lord’s face! He rushed to the senior brahmins and explained the situation. What the brahmin realized for himself was true! They could guess that God was grieved at the fate of his devotee! The only solution was to apologise to Chokhamela.

Without any second thoughts, the priest hastened to Chokhamela and prostrated before him. The latter was shocked at his action. The priest explained the situation and holding his hand in his hand, brought Chokamela to the divine presence. There was not a bit of exaggeration in the scene described. Chokhamela was moved to tears to see his beloved God in sorrow. He pleaded, ‘Oh God! Forgive us as a mother forgives her children. Whatever has happened has happened unwittingly. We can’t bear to see you in such a pitiable state. Please shower your Blessings on us with your ever pleasing smile. God who can’t say no to His devotees, looked the normal smiling self again! How great are the powers of God!

Sri Namadev had won the name of the chief devotees of Panduranga. One day while he was singing in the temple, he was shocked to see the Lord weeping. When asked for the reason, God answered, ‘Oh Namadev! There is a staunch devotee of mine by name Chokhamela. He chants my name incessantly, leads a life of equanimity and sacrifice. He met with a tragic end. As he was working with some labourers, a brick wall fell over them and all of them died.

Namadev was touched at his story and said, ‘Oh God! You ever love to your devotees. You blessed him by helping his jeevathma join you - Paramathma. Why then should you feel sorry for him?’

The lord answered, ‘No, Namadev, he had one dying wish. I can’t be happy if his desire is not fulfilled? I entrust you to fulfil it. Order me, my Lord, I am at your service. There is no difference between you and your devotees. So I deem it a great pleasure to play my part.

God was pleased at his readiness and said. ‘Oh Namadev! Chokhamela had a strong desire. He wanted his dead body to be buried before my temple. But he met with an accidental death and all the dead bodies were given a mass burial. Now, you search his bones and get them here and bury them before my temple.’ Namadev was more than willing, but he raised a genuine doubt.’ How do I differentiate his bones from the rest ?’
God ruled it out as a strange fear! ‘Chokhamela was chanting my name even as he breathed his last. So, whichever bone gives out my name, as you keep it near your ear that bone is Chokhamelas.’

Accordingly, Namadev went and examined every bone. Lo! Some bones let out the prayer. ‘Vittala Vittala Panduranga.’ Namadev was moved to tears. He carefully collected all his bones and buried them before the temple. Even today, the devotees of Panduranga stand before his cemetry and pray to him.

Chokhamela lived in the samsara sagara, but was not drowned in it. Just as the stones floated on the Ocean due to the power of Rama Nama, he floated on the ocean of life fue to the power of Panduranga. He also proved devotion to God is not coloured by caste, creed or religion. A true devotee doesn’t bother about mundane world or the behaviour of society towards him. All that a true devotee knows is undaunted faith in God.

Source : http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/monthly/Bhaktas

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BHAKTA KANAKADAS

                              BHAKTA   KANAKADAS

Bhakta Kanakadas

Bhakta Kanak

God is seen facing the main door in any temple. But in Udipi the temple is different. We see Lord Krishna not through the main door, but through a window to the side. It is called ‘Kanakana Kindi’ even today. The window through which a Bhakta called Kanakadas had the Darsan of God.

The guru Vyasarayalu distributed fruits to his disciples and asked them to eat them secretly without being watched by any one. One covered himself under a bed sheet and ate, one climbed up a tree, another hid under the bed and so on. But one disciple came back with the fruit morosely. The Guru was surprised and asked for the reason. He answered ‘Guruji’? Please forgive me. I am a sinner. I disobeyed you. I tried my level best to eat as per your orders, but wherever I went, God was watching me. The Guru was taken aback by his innocent love for the Almighty. He was no other than Kanakadas. Such undaunted faith in God made him give a special darsan to him.

How did he become so great? Was he a devotee from childhood? No!

Let’s go back to the days of Sri Krishna Deva Raya’s times. There was a chieftain of the soldiers in the king’s court. He was a shepherd named Birappa. His wife was Buchchamma. They were an ideal couple and were staunch devotees of Sri Venkateswara. They had no children for quite sometime, but later were blessed with a male child due to their continuous pleads to Lord Venkateswara. They named him Timmappa.

Timmappa showed no interest in studies. The father being a soldier himself made him learn martial arts; he lost his parents at an early age and his wife too, within a few years of marriage. He was left a lonely soul in the vast world. People, people everywhere but not a single person to love him.

Timmappa need not have worried since the Lord himself came to him in his dream and ordered him to become his disciple. We are pulled miles apart from the Lord. So even when God comes down to bless us, we are not ready to accept it. So was the case with Timmappa. He flatly refused to obey the order. He expressed his desire to enjoy material comforts. Bhakti and Mukti are not his cup of tea. Lord Adikesava repeatedly appeared before him in his sleep, but he was adamant.

Once, the enemies attacked their Kingdom and Timmappa had to partake in it. He displayed his valour well and shattered the soldiers of the opponent. When he was thus like a lion in the fight, a soldier threw a knife at him from behind. Timmappa fell down and became unconscious. Even after he came back to his senses, he could not move due to severe pain. God felt this as the opportune moment. He appeared before him and put in the same proposal.

The words ‘Are you hurt Timmappa’ were more hurting than the real hurt. He did not hesitate to shout at God. ‘Don’t you have any other work? Why do you pester me like this? I hate Bhakti or Mukti. When thousands of people are after you for your blessings to be showered on them, why are you after me?

God explained the reason. Will God’s actions be unreasonable? ‘Timmappa, you were my devotee in previous Janma. You were a great pundit who served him wholeheartedly. Due to your ‘Karma Phala’ you weren’t able to pray to me in this Janma. But now the time is ripe. You pray to me sincerely and I will bless you.

Timmappa struck a bargain with him ‘OK fine! I will oblige you if you oblige me. You first relieve me of this physical pain. Then I can accept that you can relieve me of the physical world. Even as he uttered the last words, Adikesava Swami relieved him of his pain with a gentle touch across his body. The gentle touch also tickled the spiritual feeling in him. Then God vanished.

There was a sea change in Timmappa. The one, who was against God, could hardly bear his separation from God. He ran to the temple of Adi Kesava Swami. The doors of the temple were closed. Timmappa wept bitterly. When He could open the doors of Gnana in me, can’t He open the physical doors of the temple?’ though Timmappa. His powerful feelings gave Went to a prayer spontaneously.

Bagilanu tegedu sevenpanu koduhariye
Kugidarudwani kelalillave Narahariye

‘Oh God! You saved Gajaraju from the hands of the crocodile even as you were in the pleasant company of Sri Devi. You saved Prahlad from his father’s attack by appearing in a pillar. When you were so kind to your devotees, why are you so cruel to me? Why don’t you open the doors for me?’

He cried madly and hit his head against the doors of the temple. Blood started oozing out but he didn’t stop. God was pleased at his earnestness and fulfilled his request. The doors opened. The bells rang. Timmappa had the wonderful Darsan of Lord Adikesava.

Yet another song poured out, this time out of his ecstasy.
‘Eesa ninna charana bhajane aaseeyinda maaduvena

Dosharasi nasagayyo Srisakesava Oh God! I am your slave. Let me breathe my last breath chanting your name. Let me be born again and again to spread your name far and wide. His golden faith for Kesava turned him into Kanakadas.
There was a drastic change in him ever since then. The original Timmappa was mad after material comforts while this Kanakadas was mad after God. His every thought was centered round God.

One day God told him in his dream to become a disciple of the Guru Vyasaraya to seek Gnana. Accordingly he went to Hampi to learn from Vyasaraya. Vyasaraya, though a Guru, was bound by the caste differences. He was not willing to teach an untouchable, but Kanakadas was not ready to leave him. Unable to avoid him the guru said ‘you just chant the name of buffalo.’ The disciple had so much faith in him that he was continuously chanting the word buffalo, in a lonely place. Lord Yama was delighted at his faith in his Vahana and so appeared before him as a buffalo. He was ready to fulfill any desire of his, but Kanakadas humbly said, ‘I don’t have any desire, but my guru may have.’ He took the buffalo to the guru.

The guru was astonished at the situation, but all the same, he did not want to miss a golden opportunity. So he asked the buffalo to remove a boulder across the stream. The buffalo fulfilled it and disappeared. It was named ‘Kanakatruma’. You can see it still near Madanapalli village in Chittoor district. The guru realized the greatness of Kanakadas and blessed him with his teachings.

One day Vyasaraya was doing Pooja in his Pooja Mandir. He was decking God in his heart. He reached a stage where he was supposed to deck God with a garland of flowers. He was toying with the idea of removing the crown for garlanding God. Kanakadas as he happened to step in then said, ‘Guruji! The crown is big, whereas the garland is small. Why don’t you keep it at the feet instead? The Guruji has realized that Kanakadas has become a blessed soul.

Kanakadas wanted to go on a pilgrimage and have the Darsan of all Gods. He had bath in many holy rivers. He visited many holy places. Then he reached Tirumala. The Lord Venkateswara was pleased to see him in his place. He appeared in the dream of Mahantu of the temple and ordered him to honour Kanakadas as he was His staunch devotee. But Kanakadas looked so inconspicuous that the Mahantu could not identify him. Kanakadas lingered at the main door the whole day, but couldn’t have the Darsan of God.

As luck would have it, that day the jewelry of the Lord was stolen and the suspicious eyes turned towards Kanakadas. They felt so because he was seen loitering there all alone even at night. He was arrested and was whipped. He fainted. Will God leave his disciple to his fate? He appeared in the dream of Mahantu again and expressed his anger over him. The man who was to be honoured was being whipped! Was there any justice? The Mahantu rushed to Kanakadas, released him, fell before him and pleaded guilty. He took him to the temple of God and the jewelry of God was very much there! God was his usual self decked in all jewels! Kanakadas said, ‘Oh God! Your Leela is unbelievable. I can understand that the episode of the theft of your jewelry is created by you just to spread my name. He was moved to tears for God’s concern for him.

Praying to God incessantly he finally reached Udipi to have Krishna’s Darsan. Just as he was about to step in, the trustees of the temple forbade his entry since he was an untouchable. He felt his life was a waste if he couldn’t have the Darsan of the Lord. He pleaded to the trustees but they fell into deaf ears. His tears only hardened their hearts.

Kanakadas went to the one side of the temple and wept bitterly. The human beings were like stones but the God in the stone was melted by his tears. The statue turned from its original place. The statue which was facing east turned towards Kanakadas. In one word, God took a turn and he had the Darsan of the disciple who was deprived of his Darsan. Kanakadas joy knew no bounds. Today disciples see God through the window Kanakadas saw. It is called ‘Kanakana Kindi’.

Kanakadas lived for 90 years and composed thousands of Keertanas. He constructed many temples. He became a blessed soul by the blessing of God and he is an inspiration to many more to lead a life of spirituality like him. God who appeared before him in his dream turned towards him in his temple! What other proof do we require for his faith in God or for the powers of God?

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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VIDYAPATI the Maithil Kavi Kokil

                                                      V I D Y A P A T I 

                                                                         Vidyapati

                                                                           Vidyapati (1352 - 1448), also known by the sobriquet Maithil Kavi Kokil (the poet cuckoo of Maithili) was a Maithili poet and a Sanskrit writer. He was born in the village of Bisfi in Madhubani district of Mithila Region of India and Nepal. He was son of Ganapati. The name Vidyapati is derived from two Sanskrit words, Vidya (knowledge) and Pati (master), connoting thereby, a man of knowledge.

Vidyapati's poetry was widely influential in centuries to come, in the Hindustani as well as Bengali and other Eastern literary traditions. Indeed, the language at the time of Vidyapati, the prakrit-derived late abahatta, had just began to transition into early versions of the Eastern languages, Maithili, Bengali, Oriya, etc. Thus, Vidyapati's influence on making these languages has been described as "analogous to that of Dante in Italy and Chaucer in England."

Vidyapati is as much known for his love-lyrics as for his poetry dedicated to Shiva. His language is closest to Maithili, the language spoken around Mithila (a region in the north Bihar and region surrounding Janakpur in Nepal), closely related to the abahattha form of early Bengali.

The love songs of Vidyapati, which describe the sensuous love story of Radha and Krishna, follow a long line of Vaishnav love poetry, popular in Eastern India, and include much celebrated poetry such as Jayadeva's Gita Govinda of the 12th century. This tradition which uses the language of physical love to describe spiritual love, was a reflection of a key turn in Hinduism, initiated by Ramanuja in the 11th century which advocated an individual self realization through direct love. Similar to the reformation in Christianity, this movement empowered the common man to realize God directly, without the intervention of learned priests. Part of the transformation was also a shift to local languages as opposed to the formal Sanskrit of the religious texts.

The songs he wrote as prayers to Lord Shiva are still sung in Mithila and form a rich tradition of sweet and lovely folk songs.

Folklore says that he was such a great devotee of Shiva that the lord was really pleased with him. And once He decided to come to live in his house as a servant. As the servant He is said to have taken the name Ugna. At several places in the region, Lord Shiva is still worshipped by this name. It is said that the lord in form of servant had imposed a condition on Vidyapati that he could not disclose his identity to anyone else or else he would go away. When Vidyapati's wife was angry at her servant and started to beat him Vidyapati could not tolerate the same and asked his wife not to beat Lord Shiva himself and since then the lord disappeared and never was he seen again.According to the local legend, Vidyapati was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He composed several songs in the form of Nacharis and Maheshbanis to please the Lord. Impressed with the devotion and poetic creativity of the poet, Lord Shiva came to him in a disguised form of a cowherd boy called Ugna.

Ugna requested the poet that as he was an orphan boy he wanted to work in his house as his servant. With a little hesitation, the poet assigned him the job of looking after his cattle. Ugna became a very charming and affectionate servant to the poet within a very short period.

One day, Vidyapati received an invitation to participate in a royal function of the king of Mithila, Shivasimha. He took Ugna with him and they left for the king’s capital. On the way the poet became very thirsty but it was a huge barren land where he saw no drops of water.

The helpless poet finally requested Ugna to bring some water. Ugna too showed his inability to bring the water and requested him to travel some more distance, but Vidyapati refused to walk further and became unconscious. He fell on the ground. Now, Ugna, who was none but Lord Shiva himself, took out a jug of water from his matted hair (jata), revived him to consciousness and gave the poet water to drink. The poet felt the taste of Ganga-water and immediately asked Ugna wherefrom he had brought it.

Ugna tried to make some false story but failed to do so. He wanted to keep it a secret and that’s why he avoided deliberately the poet’s query, but as Ugna wanted to avoid it, the poet’s curiosity increased. Finally, he appeared as Shiva, in his original form, before the poet.

Vidyapati touched his feet and took the dust of Ugna’s feet into his hands. Ugna now warned him not to disclose the secret before anybody including the poet’s wife Sushila. Vidyapati assured Ugna to keep this secret with him.

According to the local legend, Vidyapati was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He composed several songs in the form of Nacharis and Maheshbanis to please the Lord.

Ugna remained with Vidyapati for many years and helped him miraculously in many critical situations. For instance, when Shivasimha was arrested by Emperor Allaudin Khilji of Delhi, Vidyapati accompanied by Ugna, came to Delhi to get him released. Knowing that Vidyapati was a poet, Allaudin arranged a scholarly debate between Vidyapati and his own court-poet.

Vidyapati was told to respond either in Persian or a mixed language alone. The poet with the heavenly blessings of Ugna defeated the Sultan’s poet and responded in poetry he had composed in the prescribed languages. Not only that, with the blessings of Ugna he got rid of many obstacles created by the Sultan and his men at Delhi and finally succeeded in getting his king released from the prison of Sultan.

Once, the wife of Vidyapati assigned some domestic responsibility to Ugna, which he failed to deliver according to her given instructions. She became angry with him and started beating him with a broom. This erratic behaviour of Sushila made Vidyapati frustrated that Shiva, of whom he was a great devotee, should be abused and humiliated. He could not control himself and shouted at her to stop, and at that very moment Ugna disappeared. Vidyapati realised his mistake. He left his house and wandered through many temples, rivers and jungles in search of Ugna. Finally, Vidyapati found Ugna in Nandanvana. Shiva told him that he would not go back to his house but would help him whenever required. The place where Ugna appeared before the poet as God is known as Ugnaasthan. A small lingam was enshrined by the local devotees. 

Recently a temple has been made for that lingam.

Many people still worship Shiva while singing the devotional songs of Vidyapati.

Vidyapati and Oriya literature

Vidyapati's influence reached Orissa through Bengal. The earliest composition in Brajabuli is ascribed to Ramananda Raya, the governor of Godavari province of the King of Orissa, Gajapati Prataprudra Dev. He was a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He recited his Brajabuli poems to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, when he first met him on the bank of river Godavari at Rajahmundry, southern provincial capital of Kingdom of Orissa in 1511-12. Other notable Oriya poets influenced by Vidyapati's poems were Champati Ray and king Pratap Malla Dev (1504–32).

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BHAKTA GIRIDHARLAL

                             BHAKTA   GIRIDHARLAL


God is our Godfather. He watches our every move and fulfils our every need. He never lets us down if we pin our faith on him. He provides the smallest help to the greatest help to prove our Bhakti on him to the world.

Brindavan is even today treated as the holy place where Lord Krishna moved around. In that place lived once a Brahmin called Giridharlal. He was known for his Bhakti, Vairagya kindness and respect for the Sadhus. Everyday he prayed to the Sadhus. He wore anklets and danced and sang playing 'Tumbura'. He sang Kirthanas of God and stole the hearts of young and old alike.

One day, when he was praying to Gopalakrishna in the temple some Sadhus who had come there asked him to sing and dance the Rasaleela of Krishna. Giridharlal was in a fix. He couldn't say no to such great Sadhus. Their anger would drive him to hell. But his anklets and Tumbura were at home. It would take some time for him to go and fetch them. How best should he react? God showed him a way out. As everybody was watching, he got from the sky shining anklets, Tumbura Tala and Pithambaram. He accepted them with utmost reverence and devotion. The Sadhus wondered at his Bhakti. They praised him for the blessings showered on him by God.

Then Giridharlal wore the silk dhoti tied the anklets to his feet, held the Tumbura in his hand and sang and danced Rasaleela. The Sadhus were watching with deep interest. Giridharlal also sang the Rasaleela and was engrossed in it. Then the Lord saw to it that the people gathered there witnessed his Rasaleela in Krishnavatar time. The Sadhus and Giridharlal were filled with joy. Then God put an end to his leela and vanished.

The Sadhus were so thrilled there prayed to him in many ways and then prayed to the Lord too. Oh God Nobody can praise your leela. Not even Adisesha or Saraswathi or Brahma. In such a case how can we after all ordinary human beings praise you? You should bless us with your great kindness. Then Giridharlal took them to his math, offered them food and ate after them and spent time in listening to stories of God.

One day, a Viragi came there. Giridharlal gave him a warm welcome offered Pranams to him and washed his feet and drank that tirdham. The people in the town objected to it. They said Giridharlal could not be a true Brahmin since he served a Viragi from a cemetery. Giridharlal said that that Sanyasi was a devotee of the Lord Vishnu. Moreover it doesn't befit them to insult a great man. Then they challenged Giridharlal, If you have powers to identify him as a great man, then you provide life to a dead body. Giridharlal accepted the challenge.

One day they took him to a dead body, Giridharlal prayed to Krishna in various ways and then looked at the dead body. He woke up as if from deep sleep and went round Giridharlal. Then the people pleaded to Giridharlal to forgive them. He took it as the leela of God.

The people prostrated before God and asked him to teach them how to be blessed, by God and how to be liberated from life. Giridharlal taught them Krishna mantra and asked them to recite it. He said; treat everything as a manifestation of God. Develop Jnana, Bhakti and Vairagya and control your Indriyas. Use your Indriyas for the good of others do your duty sincerely and leave the result to God. Pray to Sadhus and accept that Tirdham Prasadam. Then you will be liberated from life and you will experience Sat Chit Ananda! They prayed to him and left.

Giridharlal continued his prayer of God and transformed many people into Bhaktas, visited many holy places and finally attained Moksha. Giridharlal helped his disciples to attained Moksha.

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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BHAKTA NABHAJI

                     BHAKTA   NABHAJI







God resides in us and so he knows our innermost thoughts too. We don't have to spell out our desires to him. But here is a miraculous story which goes one step ahead. If we pray to God with ananya bhakti, we can know the whereabouts of God, who resides in us.

Kasi is known for the holy river Ganges, for Lord Siva and for many jnanis and yogis. One such yogi was Anandaswami . The sishya parampara begins with Ananthanande swami. His disciple is pokarides, whose disciples were Agraji and Kinji. Agraji chanted the name of the Lord Vishnu and was known for his bhakti, jnana and vairagya. He taught nava vidha bhakti and the greatness of Srihari to his disciples like Padmahasti.

Agrasi was so great a yogi that the Lord Lakshminadha manifested himself before him in human form as and when he wanted. In due course there arose famine in the tours and people wre starving for food. There was a lady known for her good qualities and her devotion to her husband. She was unable to feed her son. So she left him on the river bed and praying to God, she gave up her life in the river. The boy on the riverbed let out a pathetic cry out of hunger and out of fear.

At that time Agrajidas came there to have his bath in the holy river. He asked the boy why he was crying. The boy said that he asked his mother for food and she disappeared leaving him there. Agrajidas learnt what had happened with his jnana drusti and took pity on the time. He took him to his Matt and named him Nabhaji.

Nabhaji grew up in the Matt with the food offered to saintly people. He felt he was lucky to be blessed by such people and ate it as the veritable food of Gods. He felt the food could protect him as his parents.

Nabhaji keenly observed the rituals followed by Agrajidas in his offerings. He fell to the feet of great saints. He listened to stories of Bhagavatam. By such continuous practices all his previous sins were nullified and he was provided with Divyajnana. He could read the innermost secets of people around, but never revealed his powers. He was just praying to God and was finding immense pleasure in it.

One day as usual Agrajidas had his holy dip in the Ganges prayed to God and asked Nabhaji to watch out for any tresspasser . He closed the door and prayed to God in deep meditation, but there was trace of God that day. He was worried why God had not appeared. God did not answer his prayer second time too. Nabhaji who was seated outside knew all this. He consoled his guru, Swami! A ship is about to be sunk in the ocean. The owner of the ship is a businessman. He prayed to God desperately and offered one fifth share to God's staunch devotee. Agrajidas if he was saved. So God who is known for his kindness, soft nature helpful nature etc. rushed there to help him. So please bear with it and stop your prayer for sometime. Agrajidas followed his advice.

After some time, Swami, Rukminivallabha has completed his task of saving the ship. So now you can pray to him. Accordingly Agrajidas prayed to God and God appeared before him in the humanform. His clothes were wet. Agrajidas asked where he was and why his clothes were wet. God answered I went to save a businessman whose ship will about to be sunk. He promised one fifth of the goods in his ship to you. You make use of that amount for the Matt. Anyway the expenditure of the Matt is unbearable now a days . Then the Lord disappeared.

Then Agrajidas opened the door and invited Nabhajidas inside,. He asked, how did you know a secret which was impossible to be known even to the Lord Brahma ? Nabhajidas smiled and said Narayanethi mantraha sarvardha Sadhakhalu said our elders. So I have been chanting the name of Narayana incessantly. Not only that, I have been eating the food of the great saints. God has blessed me as his disciple . So I was able to know his whereabouts.

Agrajidas smiled and said, 'God is more pleased at the praise of his devotees than at his praise. The people are not aware of this secret. I'll enlighten you with those stories. Nabhajidas learnt those stories and wrote them down in Gwalior language and in Sanskrit of the common people. The news spread far and wide and many people came to listen to those stories. By listening to such bhaktas stories narrated by Nabhaji they too became the devotees of the Lord Krishna and were blessed by him. Nabhajidas too ultimately was united with God.

source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in/2012/06/stories-of-bhaktas-16.html

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BHAKTA ANNAMACHARYA

BHAKTA   ANNAMACHARYA 

                       

Is the world Annamayamu or Annamacharya mayamu? As a Bhakta rose from Annamayya level to Annamacharya level, we human beings should rise from the Annamaya world (Materialistic world seeking food) to the level of Annamacharya with a total surrender to God!
Tallapaka Village is located in Rajampet Taluk in Cuddapah district in AP. Lord Chenna Kesava temple and Siddeswara temple are the famous temples there. Lord Chennakesava, is worshipped more than the other Lord.

The story of Annamayya goes back to his grandfather named Narayanayya. Narayanayya was named after his great grand father. The young Narayanayya was a dunce in school. He could not improve even if he was shifted to a school in Ootukooru village, near Tallapaka. He had to face many insults and great tortures. Unable to bear them, he decided to give up his life. He heard of a serpent in the Chintalamma temple. He wanted to be stung by the serpent and so he went there all alone. He closed his eyes; put his hand into the serpent’s hole. But lo! He heard a voice ‘don’t be disheartened Narayanayya.’ You will get everything by the grace of Chennakesava. What’s more a boy will be born in your house in the third generation and he will bring fame to your family and to the village. He could guess that Goddess spoke unto him and so he went home happily. As prophesied by the goddess he learnt everything by the grace of Lord Chennakesava Swami.

Narayanayya had a son by name Narayana Suri and a daughter-in-law by name Lakkamamba. Narayana Suri was a learned man while Lakkamamba was a pious woman. She could directly converse with Lord Chennakesava. The couple was not blessed with children and so visited many holy places seeking the blessings of various Gods.

Finally they reached Tirumala and prostrated before the Holy Mast (Dhwaja Stambham) in front of the temple. Suddenly they felt they were getting a little drowsy. A dazzling brilliance appeared to the couple and presented a shining sword to them. They were more than delighted at the positive sign and returned home with lots of hope.

Their dream came true. In due course Lakkamamba became pregnant and delivered a boy. He was named Annamayya because he was born by the grace of ‘Nandaka’ the holy sword of Lord Vishnu. The little boy was a source of joy for all the people around him. He had an innate faith in Him, being blessed by the Lord. Even as a child, he was all attention to the Lord Venkateswara. He would fold his palm as a salutation unto the lord; he would drink milk or go to bed only when he heard a chanting or prayer of the Lord. He nodded his head to the songs sung by the mother as if he knew the meaning of the song.

At the age of five, he learnt more than what his teachers could teach him. He frequented the temple and fondly addressed Lord Chennakesava as ‘my little Kesava’! God seemed to enjoy his intimacy with him. The little boy played in the lap of nature. He sang with the chirping birds, danced with the gently blowing wind and jumped with the floating lotuses. He corrected the raga and tala of the village damsel’s songs. He himself sang very sweetly.

Annamayya’s playful moods created a racket in the joint family. There was a huge hue and cry at his ways. He was asked to fetch some grass for the cattle from the forest. Though his parent’s sympathies were with him, they were helpless.

Annamayya, accordingly, proceeded to the forest with a sickle and his ‘tambura.’ His playful mood cropped out first, but his sense of duty suppressed it. He began his Herculean task, but the very first blow, cut his little finger. He was in tears. He cursed himself and his family ties. He felt all these relationships are mere illusion. Nobody would ultimately stand by his side.

When he was philosophizing to himself thus, a group of pilgrims attracted his attention. They were proceeding to Tirumala. Great sages like Sanaka were also present among them. They had caste marks on their foreheads and carried bows in their hands. As they beat their drums and sang in great devotion, they were also chanting ‘Govinda, Govinda’ repeatedly. Annamayya joined them and reached Tirupathi with them.

In Tirupathi he had the Darsan of the local deity Gangamma and then reached the foot of the hill and worshipped Lord Narasimha there. The first hill out of the seven hills of the Lord Venkateswara is also called the hill of stars (Chukkala Parvatham). In this hill there is an idol of Anjaneya on a rock called ‘Taleru Gundu’. Pilgrims climbing up the hill would touch this rock with their knees and head so that they would not feel any pain. Annamayya worshipped Anjaneya here. The magnificent peaks appeared as the hood of Adisesha. Adisesha is believed to have taken the form of the seven hills for Lord Venkateswara to ramble about. That visual effect wrought out the poet in Annamayya and the following Kirthana gushed out of him.

Adivo Alladivo Sri Hari Vasamu
Padivela Seshula Padagala Mayamu !

Look there! That is the abode of Hari. It is formed by the hood of Adisesha. Sages dwell there since they find eternal peace there. It is replete with riches and prosperity. It is the holiest of the holy things.

Annamayya started climbing up the hill. For a mere boy of eight, who hardly knows any hard work, this was yet another Herculean task. Added to that, the scorching heat of the sun was unbearable in spite of the fragrant Karpura stream flowing by. He was tired and hungry. He was almost about to faint. So he stretched himself in a cool bamboo grove and slept even without taking off his footwear, to the sweet lullaby of the gentle breeze across the bamboo groves.

Goddess Alamelu Manga, touched by the boy’s pitiable condition, appeared before him, took him into Her lap and gently caressed him. He felt it like the gentle touch of his mother and woke up, but lo! He could not see anything. He cried, ‘Oh mother! I am not able to see anything!’ The Goddess fondled him and said, ‘My son, this Tirumala Hill is made up of the holy salagrama rock. Remove your footwear and see.’ How amazing! When he did remove his footwear the very surroundings attained grandeur. Every tree looked like a saint and every animal like a God. Everything looked like an incarnation of the Lord. He heard the chanting of the Vedas all around. He bowed to the Holy hill in joy. The Goddess offered him food. He was so thrilled that a hundred verses gushed out of his heart in praise of her. He offered them as flower to her. Alamelu Manga means a damsel standing on a flower.

Annamayya climbed up the seven hills joyously and had a bath in the holy pond, known as Swami Pushkarini. It is proclaimed to be an amalgamation of various holy rivers, Hence a dip in it would cleanse of a man of his sins. He felt he was retrieved of his physical pain after his bath and a sense of peace prevailed over him.

He went for the Darsan of Lord Varaha. The ‘Stalapurana’ goes this way. Tirumala was under the possession of Lord Varahaswami earlier. He gave permission to Lord Venkateswara to stay there. So, it is customary to pay a visit to Varahaswami, as a sign of gratitude, before we have the Darsan of Lord Venkateswara. This practice is in vogue even today.

Annamayya then went to the temple of Venkateswara, which was awe inspiring. He visited the big tamarind tree prostrated before the holy mast in front of the village and paid homage to the Lord. Then he walked round champaka pradakshinam which was full of tall ‘Sampangi’ trees with gold coloured flowers. He prayed to Vimana Venkateswara (the golden image of the Lord on the dome of the sanctuary) to Ramanuja, the vaishnavite saint, to yoga Narasimha and Lord Janardhana. He bowed before Alamelu Manga in the temple kitchen. He visited every part of the temple. He saw different vahanams of the Lord. The parrots in cages of gold which chirped ‘come and worship Venkatapathi, offer your gifts to Him and bow before Him. Your desires shall be fulfilled.’ He saw the room where the valuable garments of the Lord were measured. He then offered a coin in the Hundi.

Annamayya finally had the Darsan of Lord Venkateswara. His joy knew no bounds. The magnificent idol of Srinivas was a feast to the eyes. He saw the Chakra in one hand, the conch in the other, a ruby in the navel, a dagger hanging to his waist, anklets on his feet, one hand resting on the hip and the other promising protection, the lustrous gems in the earrings, the caste mark of pearls on the forehead, the brilliantly shining crown studded with diamonds, a lotus garland hanging on either side of the crown, then Vanamala, Srivastsa, Koustubha and the other invaluable jewels of the Lord. He let out his joy in the form of a song.

Podagantimayya Mimu Purushottama, 
Mammu Nedeayakavayya Koneti Rayadaa!

The temple priests praised the boy’s talent, gave him the holy water and blessed him. That day he took rest in a portico near the temple.

Then Annamayya visited all the ponds up the Hill. He visited Kumaradhara, Amarathirtha, Akasaganga, Papavinasanam and bathed in all these places and recited extempore a hundred verses in praise of the Lord even before his clothes dried up.

One morning when he went to visit the temple, the temple doors were closed. He sang in agony. To the surprise of everyone around, the locks fell off and the doors threw themselves open. He went in offering his salutations to the great devotees of Hari like Garuda. Vishwaksena, Sugreeva and Anjaneya. He recited a hundred verses on the spur of the moment. Immediately a necklace of pearls which was adorning the image of the Lord fell down causing great surprise to the people there. The priests praised Annamayya as one who was dear to the Lord. They gave him sandal paste and the other things offered to the Lord. That night he slept in the temple of Varaha.

There was a Vaishnava sage called Ghanavishnu in Tirumala during those days. He preached Vaishnava philosophy. One day God appeared to him in his dream and asked him to bless Annamayya with his conch shell and wheel on his shoulders and to make him a vaishnavaite. He added, ‘Annamayya sings songs about me always’. So saying he handed down his signets.

Accordingly Ghanavishnu met Annamayya in the temple next morning. As God said, Annamayya was singing in praise of Hari. The sage, being pleased with him asked, ‘shall I make the impressions of Vishnu on your shoulders?’ Annamayya saw Vishnu himself in the sage. ‘I am blessed’, he said.

Ghanavishnu then conducted the ceremony in the presence of other Vaisnavites. Thus Annamayya became Annamacharya.

Back in the village, Annamayya’s parents were worried about his safety. Mother did not leave the temple of Chennakesava and father almost became mad. The villagers performed a special pooja to know his whereabouts. Mother in unconscious state uttered the words. ‘The Lord of the Hills, the lord of the hills,’ the father Narayanayya took it as a message and they both proceeded towards Tirumala.

By the time the parents reached Tirumala, Annamacharya had learnt the vaishavite cult well from Ghanavishnu. He was singing a song before hundreds of devotees. The parents could recognize his voice from a distance. They ran to him in tears of joy and embraced him. The father could perceive the transformation wrought out in the boy. He thought ‘Lord, this boy is the gift of your grace. You should protect him yourself.’ Ghanavishnu took them to his residence.

That night Lakkamamba begged her son to go back home with her. Annamacharya refused to oblige, though he was torn between his love for her and for God. That night he saw a hallow in his dream which said. ‘Anna, don’t hurt your mother. Go back to Tallapaka. Don’t fall a prey to earthly pleasures. Attain Spirituality.’ He understood that it was his lord’s order and so went back home.

Time rolled by and he reached sixteen. He continued his practice of singing and visiting all the temples. Sometimes he remained in the temple. So even when the parents decided to perform his marriage no alliance was forthcoming. Marriages are made in heaven. Very soon he was married to two girls, by name Timmakka and Akkalamma. He, of course continued his devotion to God.

A few days passed by. In 1424 Annamayya went again to Tirumala on his birthday. It was in the month of Visakha. That night, after having darsan of the lord he slept in the portico, adjacent to the temple of Varaha. At once a beautiful song came out of Annamacharya’s voice.

Brahma Kadigina Padamu, Brahmamu tane ni Padamu
Tiruvenkatagiri Tiramani chuupina paramapadamu ni padamu

That was a song about the divine feet of the lord. This is the foot that was washed by Brahma, the creator of the world. Vishnu measured the earth and the sky with this foot. Bali was pressed into ‘Patala’ and Indra was offered protection by this foot. It cleansed Ahalya of her sin and tamed Kalinga, the snake. This foot shows that Tirumala alone is eternal.

Annamayya was engrossed in his song, when Venkateswara appeared before him and said, ‘Acharya, you are a blessed man, ‘Sankirtana’ is born in your voice. I should hear a new composition everyday, from you. I shall not hear the composition of anyone else.’
Annamacharya as ordained by God composed a song everyday, visiting many temples. People were thrilled at the beautiful use of the Telugu idiom and the divine philosophy contained in the songs.

During his pilgrimage Annamacharya came to Ahobilam, situated in Nallamala forests. The forests were famous for lions and tigers, but Annamacharya was not at all scared. He visited lower Ahobilam and later upper Ahobilam and sang many songs there. Narasimha who had come to the rescue of Prahlada dwells in nine images there.

On the banks of the river Bhavanasini, the famous Sathagopa Yatindrulu was seated like the incarnation of Lord Narasimha. It was believed that the Lord Narasimha appeared before Yatindrulu Swami in the form of a sage and blessed him to be an ascetic Annamacharya sang songs in praise of him. He learnt Vaisnavite rites from him for twelve years. He learnt Vishnu is love. Every one can attain oneness with him irrespective of caste, if only he surrenders totally to God. He imbibed this philosophy through his songs.

Tandanana aahi tandanana pure tandanana bhala tandanana.
Brahma mokate parabrahma mokate, 
Parabrahma mokate parabrahma mokate.

Brahman is one for all. Sri Hari does not differentiate between the big and small. The slumber of the king is the same as that of the servant. The Brahmin and the outcaste tread on the same earth. The sun shines alike on an elephant or a dog. Similarly devotion to Venkateswara protects the pious and the sinner alike.

Annamacharya’s name and fame reached far and wide. Salva Narasinga Raya, invited Annamacharya to Penugonda, honoured him suitably and requested him to stay there in his kingdom forever. Annamachrya agreed to stay there because it was easier to carry on divine mission of spreading Visishtadwaita philosophy with the royal assistance.

One day on the request of the king he sang this song.

Emoko, Chigurutadharamuna Yedaneda Kasturi Nindenu
Bhamini Vibhunaku Vrasina Patrika Kadukada

The wide eyes of Alamelu Manga are red probably because of the drops of blood sticking to them when her sharp spear like looks have been plucked out of her lord.

Being impressed by the song, the king requested Annamacharya to compose a song on him too. Annamacharya refused to oblige, ‘My tongue is ordained to praise the Almighty alone! How can I praise you?’ He wanted to leave the king for good, but the king took it as a sign of disrespect. So he got him imprisoned. Annamacharya, pleaded to the Almighty in a pathetic song.

Nee Dasula Bhangamu Neevu Chuutuvaa
...........
Vini Sri Venkatesuda Vega Rakshinchava

Oh Lord! How do you bear the insults meted out to your devotees! How could you sleep when we pray for him? Did you not hear the cry of Droupadi when you were playing dice in Dwaraka? Did you not respond to the laments of Gajendra, while you were with the Goddess in Vaikunta? Why do you ignore my prayers then? Why don’t you come to my rescue?

His prayers were answered at once!

Annamacharya, who was chained, was freed from the fetters suddenly. The guards hurried to the king but the king couldn’t believe his ears. He ordered to chain him once again and more carefully. But again Annamacharya sang another song and the chains broke again, this time in the presence of the king Narasingaraya. The latter realized the greatness of Annamacharya and fell to his feet. Annamacharya cautioned him, ‘Insulting a pious man is a greater sin than insulting God himself. Be kind and virtuous.’ He proceeded to Tirumala.

In the fifteenth century, communal riots were in full swing. In a town, the Muslims brought down a temple of Lord Anjaneya and robbed the pilgrims there. Annamacharya happened to be there then. His only possession the image of Venkateswara was taken away. He appealed to Lord Anjaneya in a pathetic song.

Annamacharya appealed not only to Anjaneya but also to Garuda, Adisesha and Kartaviryarjuna to help him get back the image of Venkateswara.

Once again his prayers were answered. He fell unconscious after his prayer. He felt a gentle touch and woke up to see his Lord’s image beside him. The legend goes; Anjaneya pulled down the tent of the Muslims in the form of a monkey and brought back his idol.

Annamacharya then reached Tirumala. He participated in temple festivals and sang several songs. He composed Sringara Manjari. He composed a few romantic songs depicting divine love. Srinivasa used to hear those songs as Annamacharya was singing. Once the Lord said, ‘When I hear your songs, I feel young again.‘ Annamacharya said, ‘The credit goes to you. You taught me how to sing. I am your humble servant.’

Annamacharya was always good at heart. He was kind to humanity. When he realized once that a few mangoes he offered to God were sour, he touched the mango tree and prayed that it should yield only sweet mangoes thereafter. At once all the fruits turned sweet.

Not only his words, but also his songs had special effect. His songs cured incurable diseases. Purandara heard of this miraculous power and came to visit him. Annamarchaya was singing in tune with his tambura then, to a throng of devotees who were singing after him. Purandara joined silently the throng but Annamacharya beckoned him closer. When Purandara Das praised Annamacharya, the latter said, you are no less. You are a blessed child of Lord Vittala. Lord himself fetched water for your ‘Sandhyavandanam.’ Your songs are going to be the primary lessons of Karnatic music.

Annamacharya had composed nearly 32,000 songs but only 12,000 of them are left with us. Out of 12 Satakas, only one remains. His other works like Dvipada Ramayana, Venkatachala Mahatyam, Sankeertana Lakshanam etc too are lost.

Annamacharya’s first wife Timmakka and her son Narasinganna were great poets. Annamachrya’s son, Peda Tirumalaiah and his grandsons China Tirumalaiah and Chinnanna were great singers as well as poets. They are together called Tallapaka poets. These poets renovated old temples and constructed new temples. Some sixty inscriptions describing the services of the Tallapaka poets are preserved still in the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam.

At the age of 95 in the year 1503 Annamacharya gave up his physical body. As per the Telugu calendar it was Dundubhi year, Phalguna month and Bahula Dwadasi day. Just before breathing his last, he beckoned peda Tirumalaiah to his bed side and assigned him to sing a song everyday for Lord Venkateswara. He handed over his tambura to him. He muttered something in the ear of his son, probably, Venkateswara Mantra. ‘Peda Tirumalaiah was moved to tears. He could visualize his father’s atma joining Paramathma.
Henceforth, Peda Tirumalaiah sang thus on his father’s death anniversary.

Dinamu Dwadasi Nedu Tirtha Divasamu Neeku

Annamacharya, oh my father, today is dwadasi, your death anniversary. Come and accept my offerings in the company of great devotees and scholars. Come with Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi Devi.

We too could pray to Annamayya thus on his death anniversary to invoke him and his God to our humble abode. But for Annamayya we would not have learnt the greatness of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

If he sang,
Adivo Alladivo, Srihari Vasamu
Padi vela seshula padagala mayamu
We should sing,
Idivo Illidivo Sri Annamayya Prasadamu
Padi vela Krutula Padala mayamu!

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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JOGA PARAMANANDA

                   
                         J O G A   P A R A M A N A N D A 



The stories of true bhaktas are very interesting. They are lovable souls. They live in their own sweet world. They don’t accuse anybody. They are not attached to the mundane world. They don’t show miracles to gain name and fame. Even if any miracle happens through them, they think they are only an instrument of God. They don’t find fault with any one, but if they commit any mistake, they punish themselves ruthlessly. That is their devotion to God.

There is a village called Barsi in Sholapur. There was a bhakta called Joga. Right from his childhood, he longed for the darshan of God. Unlike other children, he always prayed to God. In fact he gathered other children, not to play, but to chant the name of God. Whenever he heard of a saint’s visit to his village, he was the first one to have his darsan.

As he grew older, the piety in him, which was deep rooted, flourished into a full grown tree. His sole aim was to see God. His eyes always watered since his heart was brimming with the love of God. He used to lament, ‘Oh God! I cannot bear this sorrow! I am mad after you. I cannot bear this separation from you anymore. I have spent my tears but still you are not kind enough to me. Of course I know I shouldn’t blame you, since I have no right to seek a blessing from you. When I haven’t done any good deed in my life, how can I hope to have your darshan ?

Joga was by birth a low caste man. He was an oil merchant, but the way he entered the temple was really wonderful. He got up before dawn, had his bath in the holy river and walked to the temple from there. He knew the slokas of Bhagavad Geetha by heart. So he chanted one sloka and fell prostrate on the ground. Thus he chanted all the 700 slokas and prostrated 700 times! He carried on this ritual for quite a few days.

One day he entered the temple. It was Krishnastami. He stood before Panduranga in tears. His quest for God reached its Zenith that day. He prayed to God with trembling lips. ‘Oh God! I cannot bear it anymore. I want liberation I am chained to this mundane world. Why don’t you liberate me? I am not allured to the earthly pleasures. All I seek is a union with you. Oh God! I had a misgiving that only I am suffering in the whole world. Only later it dawned to me that the world itself is troublesome. This knowledge has wounded my heart. Will you please relieve my troubled soul? Will you please fill my heart with your love?

God was touched by his genuine prayer. He sent rays of his love into the heart of Joga. How lucky he was! On Krishnastami day, Lord Krishna was born in his heart. He could feel the waves of love sent to him. His body tingled. His heart melted. The tears of sorrow were turned into tears of joy. All his life long misery disappeared leaving him in a state of calmness. He was filled with gratitude. He continued to stand before God.
He was then blessed with the darshan of God. Joga’s joy was beyond expression at the dazzling beauty of God. God spoke to him ‘Joga from this moment you are relieved of your misery. Your bhakti has reached its perfection. Today, a Guru is coming here. He will bring about a turning point in you. You are a blessed soul.’

All his sorrow disappeared to God knows where! He was jumping with joy at the darshan of God. He went home singing in the name of God and dancing to it.
As God proclaimed, a saint landed in their village from North. Joga knew at once this was the guru that God spoke about. He rushed at once at him.
The saint was seated in the temple with a smiling face. He was named Paramananda Swami. People gathered to see him and Joga joined them. The saint was on his pilgrimage to south. Any Sadhaka requires faith and vairagya. The sight of the swami increased the vairagya in Joga and doubled his faith in God.

Swami started his Satsang. He was singing melodiously the Leelas of Sri Krishna. His song was describing how Sri Krishna was playing his flute melodiously. Joga could visualize that scene. When the Swami was narrating how Krishna killed the demons, Joga felt that the feelings of Kama, Krodha etc in him were being killed by God.

The Swami described how the Gopikas being lured by Krishna started chanting Madhava, Damodara, Govinda instead of calling out the names of the items they had to sell. Joga had a sudden feeling that he too should stop selling oil and should live by begging alms.

Yes! The turning point in his life had come! He was moved to tears as he touched the feet of the Swamji. Swamiji could see through Joga. He realized the Vairagya in Joga. He lifted him up and asked what his worry was about.
Joga explained, ‘Swamiji, I am not a man of letters. I am not a Jnani. All that I do is chant the name of God. My heart tells me you are my Guru. Please accept me as your discipline and enlighten me.’

Paramananda Swami, with a smiling, friendly face said, ‘Oh Joga, you are a blessed soul. You have the love of God and so you will attain moksha. You continue your practice of chanting the name of God. You realize the truth ‘Eko Vishnu.’ God is present in everything and everyone around you. So don’t hate anyone. Remember the world which allures you to material comforts brings about your downfall. We know behind every rose there is a thorn, but we pluck the rose carefully. Our behaviour should be thus. Give up falsehood. Finally this is a must for every Sadhaka. You may bear dangerous poison within you, but should never nourish ego. The words I or my are the worst enemies.’

The guru’s words are like verdict to a true disciple. There is no going against the verdict. There is no scope for any further doubt. He started leading a peaceful life. Seeing his spiritual life in accordance with his guru people called him Joga Paramanand.
As he desired, he gave up his oil business and lived by begging alms. One day it was raining cats and dogs. The roads were filled with muddy water. Remember his practice of prostrating on the ground 700 times before reaching the temple. He continued his practice that day too, being unmindful of the dirty atmosphere. A merchant happened to see this scene. He was impressed by the piety simplicity and selflessness of the devotee. So he bought him a new silk dhoti and requested him to accept it.

Initially Joga refused to take it. He said that he was interested only in God and not in dressing up, but the merchant insisted. He added a convincing statement ‘Why don’t you treat this gesture as ordained by God?’ Joga had no answer to it.
The next day as usual Joga had a bath in the holy river, but wore the new silk dhoti. How vainglorious are these clothes we don! He hesitated to prostrate because his new dhoti may get stained. He tied it up to his waist and instead of falling flat on his stomach; he just bent on his knees for a short distance. But that was not convenient and he was not ready to soil his new dhoti. So that day he did not bend down. He was folding his hands in standing posture itself.

But lo! When he had the darshan of God in the temple, God was not in his usual smiling manners. Joga wondered why! It did not take him long to guess the reason. He did not do his regular pranams to God. He was more interested in his new clothes rather than God Himself! What does that convey? He was still in love with his body. He wanted to get over this desire. He wanted to do atonement for his sin.

He happened to see a farmer with his oxen on his way to his farm. Joga struck a bargain with him. Oh dear! I will give you my costly clothes. In return you lend me your oxen for four hours. He tied one end of the rope to his legs and the other to the cows. He makes them run. They run madly, dragging Jogi all along. He was dragged across thorns, over rocks, along heaps of stones. You can imagine Joga’s plight. His skin was peeled off, blood was overflowing like a river the nerves and muscles were torn out, leaving only a skeletal structure of him. In a few minutes he would breathe his last breath. Joga was not worried; he was chanting the name of panduranga throughout the ordeal.

Why will God bring the tragic death of his disciple? He appeared before him and childed him who looked like a pound of flesh. ‘Joga what’s wrong with you? You haven’t committed any crime. You are punishing yourself unnecessarily. How will I leave you to your fate?”

He embraced Joga. The divine touch of the Lord was the healing touch for him. Joga lost all the physical pain and experienced. Waves passing over to him from God. God disappeared.

Joga continued his spiritual life till his eightieth year till he breathed his last.

Joga Paramanand’s Kirthanas were penned down by Visobha Knechar. One of his devotional songs found its place in the religious book of the sikhs.

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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SADA SIVA BRAHMENDRA SWAMI

         SADA   SIVA   BRAHMENDRA   SWAMI

Vivekananda said, ‘I challenge anybody to show one single period of her national life when India was lacking in spiritual giants.’ India went on producing sages with positive outlook, sublime thoughts. Such spiritual gems of India silently contributed to the well being of the whole world.’


Saints and their like have to be believed and belief is a matter of heart, faith, As God cannot be forced into a narrow definition, saints too cannot be circumscribed in the confines of words and a definition.

One such saint is Sada Siva Brahmendra, on the banks of Kaveri river in a village called Nerur, in Karur district in Tamil Nadu, India. There is a siva temple and ‘Bilva Vruksham’ on the banks of Kaveri river. In the temple lies the samadhi of the great saint. Pilgrims flock together to have his darshan.

This Sada Siva Brahmendra was born to a great pandit named Moksha Somasundara Avadhani. He prayed to Rama and Krishna while his wife Parvathi prayed to Shiva. As a result their son was named Siva Rama Krishna.

He proved himself different from birth. He had vairagya which reached its zenith in his youth but as typical parents, his parents assumed that he would behave perfectly normal after he was united in wedlock. He tried to oppose, but he had to yield ultimately to their persuations, being a dutiful son. He was married at the age of seventeen.

Siva Rama Krishna could not change after his marriage as his parents assumed. The vairagya and a quest for knowledge continued to be deep rooted in him. In the mean while his wife matured and their first night was arranged on a grand scale in his in-law’s house. Siva Rama Krishna was very hungry. He stood at the door step of kitchen and pleaded. ‘I am hungry. Will you serve me food ?’ He was asked to wait for some time. He insisted I am terribly hungry. I don’t require delicious meal. Serve me a simple meal. That’s enough!’ ‘Oh! just wait. You don’t have to wait too long. Don’t step in, stand there.’ ‘These words were spoken by his own mother-in-law.

A turning point in life comes in a split second and quite unexpectedly. ‘Don’t step in, stand there, ‘The innocent casual words of mother-in-law conveyed a deeper message.’ Don’t step, into Gruhastasram. Stand outside and seek knowledge was the implied message. The human beings who could not satiate his hunger, how will they quench his thirst for knowledge? That decided his fate. The next minute he shot out of the house like an arrow. His relatives couldn’t trace him. How can they when he is in search of the infinite knowledge?

He lived a nomadic life near forest and river beds, begging alms whenever he was hungry. When he had no place to live, where will he provide a place to God ? So he placed God within his heart and prayed to him. He described this ‘manasika pooja’ in his keerthana ‘Sivamanasika Pooja’.

‘Hey Mahadev! when you are all pervading, where do I pray to you ? When your hands and feet are spread all over how can I wash your feet ? When the sky is your dress, how can I provide you a dress ? When you are a great dancer how can I dance infront you? It thus.

Lord Siva was touched by the sincere prayer of Siva Rama Krishna. The God provided him a Guru in the form of Parama Sivendra Saraswathi Swami of Kamakoti Pitam. The Guru was impressed by the Chaitanya in him and addressed him ‘Sada Siva’! This Sada Siva served ardently the guru and composed many kirtanas, displayed his knowledge before many pandits and wrote a commentary on Brahma Sutras and Patanjali Yoga Sutras. He dedicated all his verses to his Guru. The insignia of his kirtanas was paramahamsa guru.

Great pandits too couldnot withstand his immense knowledge. One pandit who was defeated in a vedantic debate was unable to bear the insult and complained against ‘Sada Siva’. The guru asked him When will you become silent ?’ Sadasiva took it as an order and said ‘Guruji! I have been waiting for a sign from you. I will remain silent from this very moment.’ He did remain silent and composed many kirtanas describing his feelings.
He left the guru, left the formalities of the material life and started moving around stark naked. He was enjoying the bliss of Aatma Jnana. He ate what came to him. One who sleeps on the river bed in a shanty He is a true saint who knows the real meaning of Sat Chit Aananda He himself described it.

One afternoon Sada Siva Brahmendra Swami was relaxing beside a heap of grains. He was lost in his meditation unmindful of the passing on of time. In the evening, the farmer came there. Seeing the swami these, he mistook him as a thief and raised his stick to hit him. Lo! He remained as a statue with a raised hand for the whole night. The next morning, the Swami came to his senses and smiled at the farmer. He came back to life. Realizing the greatness of the swami, he fell to his feet and asked him to forgive him. Such saints are beyond the petty feelings of human beings. So he walked away silently.

Once he was sitting on the banks of Kaveri River and was lost in Samadhi. He was cut off from the world outside. Suddenly it started reining cats and dogs. People advised him to move but their words did not reach his ears. When his indriyas and mind have turned inward, how will he perceive the outside world ? Finally he was washed away into the river. The people felt sorry for his sudden demise.

Three months passed. A farmer was loading his cart with sand beside the river. How astonishing ? Suddenly his spade was smeared with blood stains. When he carefully examined the sand, what did he see ? Sada Siva Brahmendra Swami in the same meditating pose as he was three months before. The people felt him to be an incarnation of Lord Siva and prayed to him.

A Jnani may have a body but he is not confined to the body. He smiled at the people, gave out a Kirtana and walked past them.’ I am brahman. I am all pervading Sat. I am devoid of fear etc. was the meaning of that keertana.

Once Swami was proceeding towards Tirunalveli from Kurtalam. On the way some people were loading a bundle of sticks. They called him to carry the sticks since he too looked like a stick. He mutely obeyed them and was about to leave them, when they ridiculed him, ‘Oh log of wood! Where are you going ?’ Is it courteous on their part to extract work from him and laugh at him ? God burnt those sticks and they had no chance to plead guilty too since he disappeared from the scene.

The great Jnanis cannot be appreciated by Ajnanis. Shakespeare said ‘poets, lovers and madmen are alike’ we can add to this list Jnanis. They are lost in the eternal bliss, keep smiling to themselves, are cut off from the world. When Sada Siva’s guru was told that Sada Siva was moving around like a madman , he exclaimed, ‘I wonder when I can reach his state’. Only Jnanis can understand other Jnanis. This cannot be understood by people engulfed by maya. So they ridicule such saints.

On one such occasion an onthodox brahmin criticised his silent habits as a pretext and his avadhoota’s life as a drama. Sada Siva swami silently moved to a dhobi beside him and inscribed a few letters on his tongue. Wow! the illiterate dhobi chanted veda mantras. Those mantras supported the life style of a Jnani with illustrations and arguments.

What an irony ! An illiterate became a pandit by his gentle touch whereas a pandit remained an Ajnani. When he pleaded for forgiveness the Swami blessed him.

There were many instances which speak of his miraculous powers. Once a bride was stung by a poisonous snake on the marriage pandal. She was dead. The joyous occasion turned out to be a sorrowful scene. Luckily, the swami appeared on the scene and brought her back to life.

On a different occasion, a few muslims came across the naked saint. They were surprised at his appearance and asked a passerby , a Hindu, the reason. The Hindu explained that he was an avadhoota and that such people learn that the body is only a shelter but he is not the body. It all sounded incorrigible for them. One of the muslims ruthlessly cut of his hand. It was hanging loose from his shoulder, the blood was flowing down like a stream but the swami was walking along as if nothing happened. The muslim couldn’t believe his eyes. He ran to him and said, ‘Your hand is cut,’ The swami coolly touched his hand with the other and lo! it became normal. That miracle brought a change in the muslim and he fell prostrate before him. He wrote a sloka them which conveyed the deathlessness of atma.

He performed miracles thus not as a sign of exhibition but when the occasion arose. He was seen in many places at the same time. He never longed for a chain of devotees. He liked children more for their innocent behaviour.

During his last days he was settled in Neruru. Once children longed to see the fair in Madurai. He asked them to close their eyes. He took them to Madhurai, showed the fair, bought them eatables and asked them to close their eyes again. They were back to Neruru.

The parents were aghast at the thrilling experience of their children. The swami was also seen at Kasi, Neruru, Kanchi, Poori etc at the same time.

He lived the life of a Sanyasi, a detached man, who lived for the welfare of others. Finally he had reached his last stage. He then sent for his devotees and wrote his last message thus. ‘I am leaving this physical body of mine. You arrange a ‘samadhi’ for my body here and plant a ‘Bilva’ plant over it. Just at that time, a brahmin will reach here with a white Siva Linga in his hand. He is coming from Kasi Instal that Siva Linga before my ‘samadhi’ and pray to it regularly. Have faith in God. Try to seek the eternal. Learn to control the indriyas and the mind.’

The devotees could not bear their grief. One of them cried out. ‘Oh God! If you leave us, who will take care of us ? We can’t live without you. Show us the path to reach God.! Sada Siva Swami, who was about to leave the world, opened his eyes with great difficulty and wrote his last message through the last kirthana.

‘Sarvam Brahmamayam – Re Re
Sarvam Brahmamayam’

God is everywhere ? When he is everywhere, where should you seek him ? We are all in Brahmam.

Everything went on strictly as the swami envisaged and instructed.

Even today "Navaratri" and the "Samadhi" day are celebrated on a grand scale there. Pudukkota Maharaj has donated a village to meet the expenses of the rituals in the temple. The celebrations are conducted by Pudukkota estate. When he was a human being, he walked like a stick and helped the humanity. When he left the physical body, he remained as a tree to help the humanity. That’s the greatness of great people. Dead or alive they are forever for the welfare of humanity.

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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BHAKTA SRI ANANTHACHARYULU

    BHAKTA   SRI  ANANTHACHARYULU



"Eesanam jagathosya Venkatapathir Vishnoparam Preyaseem

Tadvakshasthala nitya vaasa rasikam tatkshanti samvardhineem !"

Goddess Lakshmi lives in the vakshastala of Lord Vishnu. God’s Leela is amazing. He can do anything to please his disciples. One day, centuries ago, as the pundits opened the temple doors of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala; they stared at the image of Lord! The Goddess Lakshmi on his Vakshastala was missing! They were shocked! They were worried! They were breaking their heads! Then they heard God’s voice. ‘She is imprisoned in the garden of Ananthacharya. Go and bring Her here with all grace.’

Isn’t it strange? It is strange but true! God wants to spread the faith of his devotees to the world through his miraculous actions. It started this way!

Ananthacharya was a disciple of Ramanujacharya. Ramanujacharya entrusted his disciple to serve Lord Venkateswara! Lord Venkateswara is a lover of flowers and garlands. Ananthacharya partook the decking of the lord with flowers. He performed it as yoga but not as a duty. Every morning, he gathered meticulously various flowers, prepared garlands out of them, decked the lord with them and admired the Almighty with a pleasing smile. He sang many songs in praise of the Lord.

This practice continued for a few days. Then one day he had a flash of an idea! When he needs so many flowers every day why not he grow a flower garden himself? The minute he had this idea, he wanted to implement it. After he finished his morning yoga of offering flowers, he began the afternoon yoga of growing a flower garden! This is a special task relating only to His God and Himself! Not even a fly can come in between! Of course his wife was given a share in the project.

Sri Ananthacharya wanted to dig a lake, to begin with. He chose a place to the south of the temple. In the scorching heat of the sun he dug heaps of mud. His wife’s duty was to throw the mud far away. She was pregnant and so it was a hectic task for her. But he was unmindful of her suffering. It was not because he did not care her but because he was always lost in the thought of Garden of Eden he was going to cultivate. They were an ideal couple. The wife had no complaint against her husband though he made her slog. She was glad to share her husband’s spiritual act.

| They were unmindful of their trouble but how can God be unmindful? He wanted to help them. So he went to Ananthacharya as a 12 year old boy and sought work. Ananthacharya did not want even a fly to interfere, as already mentioned. So he refused. The boy pleaded again but he angrily drove him away.

His sincerity, his fond love pleased God all the more. So God came to him everyday and asked him repeatedly to employ him and all the times Ananthacharya bluntly refused. God could not bear to see the pregnant lady suffer. So he employed himself in the task one day. Without the knowledge of his devotee, he snatched the mud vessel from her hand and threw it outside. He did this in a jiffy very actively. The lady was pleased at the boy’s gesture and she could not say no to him. But the husband, after a few trips wondered how his wife could accomplish her task so fast! His wife told him the truth. He was so angry with the boy for breaking the law. He ran after him and when he couldn’t catch hold of him, he threw his shovel angrily at him. The shovel hit at the boy’s chin and at once blood gushed out of it. Anybody would have pitied him, but Ananthacharya was unmoved since he felt the boy deserved it for his interference.

That evening when Ananthacharya went to the temple, the temple priests were having a round table conference. When he asked the reason for their discussion, one of them took him inside to behold the Swami! Lo! Lord Venkateswara’s chin was hurt and blood was oozing out! Ananthacharya could understand at once that he had hurt not a small boy but the very God Himself! His devotion to God made God suffers! He cried over his unreasonable act and asked God for forgiveness. God was not at all angry with him. He spoke affectionately to Ananthacharya. ‘Don’t worry; this wound will remain on me as a token of your love to me. Your name will remain eternally as a staunch devotee of mine. Chandanam will be applied there every day to mitigate the pain’. He was touched by God’s love for him.

Ananthacharya completed his Herculean task with renewed vigour. In due course a beautiful flower garden took its shape in his hands. Ananthacharya spoke fondly to every bud, every leaf, and every blossom. He knew every plant in his garden. His loving care added beauty to the garden and it became a favourite resort of Lord Sri Venkateswara and Goddess Lakshmi. Every night, they spent their time together there, without the knowledge of the owner. One night in the romantic mood, God plucked a few flowers and offered them to Goddess. The next morning, Ananthacharya could make out somebody roamed around in his garden and plucked flowers. How could human beings enter into it when it was meant exclusively for God! His anger knew no bounds! The next night he sat awake with a watchful eye! He saw nobody and he gloated over his watchfulness. But no! he was mistaken! Again some flowers were ransacked and the garden was trodden upon. He made sincere efforts for eight nights but miserably failed. Finally he sought the favour of God too.

God did not want his devotee to feel disheartened anymore. He also wanted to spread his devotion to the world.
That night as he was looking out, he saw a couple entering his garden. ‘Ah, at last I got them!’ He thought and ran towards them. There was such a glow on their faces that he stood admiring them for sometime. Then his sense of duty dominated over his sense of beauty. He ran towards them. He caught hold of them both in his hands. ‘How dare you spoil my garden which is exclusively meant for my God’ he cursed them. The couple tried to free themselves from his hands but was not successful. After some time, the husband managed to escape. Ananthacharya wondered how he could leave his beautiful wife behind, to her fate! He felt that even though he escaped then, he would definitely come back for his wife. Then he would take revenge. So he took the lady to the champak tree and tied her to it with creepers.

The lady pleaded to him in many ways, but he paid a deaf ear to her. Then he ran behind the husband. The husband ran into the temple and again ran into the garden. He was too fast for him. Unable to keep pace with him, Ananthacharya went to bed.

The next morning, when the priests opened the door they were shocked. They were dumbfounded. The Goddess Lakshmi who is always seated on Lord Venkateswara Vakshastala was not to be seen! Who could have taken her away! Then God spoke to them, don’t worry! She is imprisoned in the flower Garden of Sri Ananthacharya. You all go to her and bring her here with all the pomp and show. The Brahmins unable to believe their ears, hastened to the garden. Yes they heard it right! Goddess was very much there! When Ananthacharya heard this, he had a mixed feeling. He was delighted that God came there in person with Goddess Lakshmi but he couldn’t forgive himself for imprisoning her. He pleaded guilty.

The pundits and he made her sit in a flower basket and took her to His Holy presence singing hymns all the way. God greeted Ananthacharya as ‘Mama’. You brought your daughter to me in a basket. Henceforth you are my mama’. Goddess Lakshmi became a golden image and occupied her original place on the Vakshastala of Lord Venkateswara! Ananthacharya was a blessed soul!

How lucky he is! We hear of devotees praying to God and their wishes being fulfilled. Here Ananthacharya did not ask God for anything. He wanted to serve him all by himself. He, his wife, his garden, his every thought were directed towards God. That attachment, that love, that total surrender made God come down to him personally and to bear even pain in his hands, not once but twice!

Source : http://hinduphilosophydevotional.blogspot.in

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