The etymology of the Sanskrit word 'Guru' in Hinduism is very interesting। Of the word 'Guru', 'gu' stands for 'darkness' and 'ru' for 'dispeller' thus arriving at the meaning as the dispeller of darkness.Guru is the one who leads one from illusion to illumination by imparting the knowledge of the absolute reality. He is the helmsman who aids in ferrying across the ocean of worldly maladies safely securing one in His blissful benediction of self realization. The worship of 'Guru' facilitates in attaining the material goals to deliver one from the delusion of desires and to lead one to the path of spirituality. The word 'Guru' is a general term and Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva in the Hindu tradition of 'Saivam' is worshipped as Guru.
The Legend
Thiru Alangudi, the popular shrine for the worship of Guru or Dashinamurthy in Tamil Nadu lies 17km from the temple city of Kumbakonam. The presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva bearing the name of Aaabathsagaayeswara or Aranyeswara. Goddess Parvati here is worshipped as Umai Ammai or Elavarkuzali. Once when the Devas and the Asuras in a combined effort tried to churn the celestial ocean, 'Parkadal'. They used the the celestial snake 'Vasuki' as the rope and the mount 'Mandara' as the rod to procure the celestial elixir. The snake emanated deadly poison which the Lord swallowed to safeguard the universe। Hence Lord Shiva is fondly hailed as 'Aaabathsagayeswara', meaning 'saviour' for having consumed the poison (Aalaala Visham) and the place came to be known as 'Alangudi'।
An interesting episode in the life of Sundaramurthy Nayanar also marks the significance for addressing the Lord as 'Aaabathsagaayeswara'। It is said that the Lord extended His grace in saving the life of Sundramurthy Nayanar who tried to ferry across the river Vettaru which was in spate while opting to reach Alangudi to worship the lord at the cost of his life. Sundaramurthy Nayanar then received spiritual initiation by Lord Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy or Guru in this shrine.
"It is believed that one who has acquired the blessings for fourteen generations could step into this temple for worship"
Alangudi is also known as 'Thirumana Mangalam' as Goddess Parvati after an arduous penance sought the hand of the Lord in marriage in Alangudi। Kasi Aranyam and Thiru Erumpoolai are the other names of Alangudi. Another significance of the temple is attributed to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as 'Kalangaamal kaatha Vinayagar' ( the Lord who was steadfast in saving the devotees) for having slain the vicious 'Gajamuhasura' who was a great threat to the Devas.Apar, Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandhar, the three important Nayanmars have sung the praise of the Lord of Alangudi. There fifteen 'theerthams'(wate bodies) around the temple of which 'Amritha Pushkarini' is the noted one. Poolai is the sthala viruksham( the tree associated with the temple )
Significance Of 'Guru' Worship In AlangudiIt is believed that one who has acquired the blessings for fourteen generations could step into this temple for worship. Alangudi is the most popular 'Parihara Sthalam' ( Temple for rectification ) for appeasing Guru Bhagavan for malefic effects of the planet Guru or Jupiter and other Jupiter related issues in one's horoscope. The worship of Dakshinamurthy in this shrine would confer longevity, progeny, fame and wealth on the worshipper. The story of the redemption of a king, Musukuntha Chakravarthi from his sins for beheading his minister Amuthokar, a devotee of Lord Shiva is the standing example of the mercy of the Lord towards the sinners. Musukuntha Charavarthy is believed to have worshipped 'Dakshinamurthy' in Alangudi for his redemption. It is also believed that Amuthokar was the one who had constructed the temple in Alangudi.Method Of WorshipThe worshipper is instructed to light 24 lamps with ghee and circumambulate the temple 24 times.Worship of the Lord during Gurupeyarchi ( Transit of the planet 'Guru' every year ) and festivals associated with Gurupeyarchi, worship on Thursdays, 1008 Conch Abisheka festival, Chitra Poornima and the Car festival are the important events celebrated with the view to gain the blessings of Dakshinamurthy.Hence let us incur the blessings of the Lord Of Alangudi for the fulfillment of our lives.
Showing posts with label sai teachings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sai teachings. Show all posts
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Variety in Upadesh
Sai Baba required no special place, nor any special time forgiving instructions. Whenever any occasion demanded, He gave them freely. Once it so happened that a Bhakta of Baba, reviled another behind his back, before other people. Leaving aside the merits, he dwelt on the faults of his brother, and spoke so sarcastically, that the hearers were disgusted. Generally, we see that people have a tendency to scandalize others, unnecessarily; and this brings on hatred and ill-will. Saints see scandal, in another light. They say that there are various ways of cleansing or removing dirt, viz by means of earth, water and soap etc., but a scandal-monger has got a way of his own. He removes the dirt (faults) of others by his tongue; so in a way, obliges the person, whom he reviles and for this he is to be thanked.
Sai Baba had his own method of correcting the scandal-monger. He knew by his omniscience what the slanderer had done and when He met him at noon near the Lendi, Baba pointed out to him a pig that was eating filth near the fence and said to him - "Behold how, with what relish it is gorging dung. Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit, you are born a man, and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?" Needless to say, that the Bhakta took the lesson to his heart, and went away.
Baba said that He was omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited
In this way Baba went on giving instructions whenever necessary. If these are borne in our minds and acted upon, the spiritual goal (realization) is not far off. There is a proverb which says - "If there be my Hari (Lord), He will feed me on my cot." This proverb is only true in respect of food and clothing, but if anyone trusting in this, sits quiet and does nothing in spiritual matters, he will be ruined. One has to exert himself to his utmost for attaining self-realization. The more he endeavours, the better for him.Sai Ram. In a way, what Shri Hemadpant wrote above is very true, but it is very difficult to actually sit and do nothing! And it is easy for an idle mind to become a devil's workshop and thus drive the person to mischief including criticizing others, forgetting that they too are children of the same God.Shri Hari will definitely take care of a devotee who indeed does nothing, but to reach that stage, one has to first do good things. It is good to remember Shri Adi Shankara's Bhaja Govinda Stotram: Satsangatve nissangatvam, nissangatve nirmohatvam, nirmohatve nischala tattvam, nischala tatve, jeevan muktih, Bhaja Govindam....Out of good company (good deeds), comes detachment, out of detachment comes freedom from illusion, out of that comes a steady mind and a steady mind leads to liberation while still in the physical body. So worship and chant Govinda....Sai Ram. All Saints and Sadgurus teach the same thing in different forms to suit the occasions. Sai Ram.Baba said that He was omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited. To remove the misunderstanding of those, who thought that Baba was only His body three cubits and a half in length, He incarnated Himself in this form and if any devotee meditated on Him day and night with complete self-surrender, he experienced complete union (without any difference) with Him like sweetness and sugar, waves and sea, eye and its luster. He, who wants to get rid of the cycle of births and deaths, should lead a righteous life, with his mind calm and composed. He should always engage himself in good actions, should do his duties and surrender himself, heart and soul to Him. He need not then be afraid of anything. He who trusts Him entirely, hears and expounds His leelas and does not think of anything else, is sure to attain Self-realization.
Baba asked many to remember His name and to surrender to Him, but to those, who wanted to know who they were ('Who am I' enquiry), He advised Shravanam (study) and Mananam (meditation)। To some, He advised remembering God's name, to others hearing His leelas, to some worship of His Feet, to others reading and studying Adhyatma Ramayan, Jnaneshwari and other sacred scriptures. Some He made sit near His Feet, some He sent to Khandoba's temple, and some He advised the repetition of the thousands names of Vishnu and some the study of Chhandogya Upanishad and Geeta.
There were no limit, nor restriction to Baba's instructions. To some, He gave them in person. To others by vision in dreams. To one addicted to drink, He appeared in his dream, sat on his chest, pressed it and left him, after he gave a promise not to touch liquor anymore. To some, He explained some Mantras like 'Gurur Brahma' in dreams. To some devotees, who were practising Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should give up Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi). It is impossible to describe all His ways and methods. In ordinary worldly dealings, He set examples by His actions, one of which is given below.
There were no limit to Baba's instructions. To some, He gave them in person. To others by vision in dreams.
Sai Ram। The roads are many but the goal is the same. The paths are many but the destination is same. That is the union of the Jeevatma with the Paramatma, the individual soul with the Universal Soul, the water drop with the ocean. Sai Ram. Remuneration for LabourOne day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said - "Bring me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house, passed the roof of Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the other corner. What object Baba had, none could know.Sai Ram. And when Baba did not will it, none of His disciples or devotees including Shama, Tatya Kote Patil etc., could think of asking Him.Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever, that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba paid rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally.Sai Ram. It is always better to pay liberally. The recipient feels obliged and will come gladly the next time for the giver's requests. Also, Baba was indicating that karmic debts should be settled as fast as possible.Sai Ram. We have come to the end of a wonderfully rich chapter. In the next issue, we will take up another great chapter, where Baba explains to Sri Dasa Ganu Maharaj, the essence of Isa Upanishad. Sai Ram.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
By: Venkateswara Swamy Swarna
Sai Baba had his own method of correcting the scandal-monger. He knew by his omniscience what the slanderer had done and when He met him at noon near the Lendi, Baba pointed out to him a pig that was eating filth near the fence and said to him - "Behold how, with what relish it is gorging dung. Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit, you are born a man, and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?" Needless to say, that the Bhakta took the lesson to his heart, and went away.
Baba said that He was omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited
In this way Baba went on giving instructions whenever necessary. If these are borne in our minds and acted upon, the spiritual goal (realization) is not far off. There is a proverb which says - "If there be my Hari (Lord), He will feed me on my cot." This proverb is only true in respect of food and clothing, but if anyone trusting in this, sits quiet and does nothing in spiritual matters, he will be ruined. One has to exert himself to his utmost for attaining self-realization. The more he endeavours, the better for him.Sai Ram. In a way, what Shri Hemadpant wrote above is very true, but it is very difficult to actually sit and do nothing! And it is easy for an idle mind to become a devil's workshop and thus drive the person to mischief including criticizing others, forgetting that they too are children of the same God.Shri Hari will definitely take care of a devotee who indeed does nothing, but to reach that stage, one has to first do good things. It is good to remember Shri Adi Shankara's Bhaja Govinda Stotram: Satsangatve nissangatvam, nissangatve nirmohatvam, nirmohatve nischala tattvam, nischala tatve, jeevan muktih, Bhaja Govindam....Out of good company (good deeds), comes detachment, out of detachment comes freedom from illusion, out of that comes a steady mind and a steady mind leads to liberation while still in the physical body. So worship and chant Govinda....Sai Ram. All Saints and Sadgurus teach the same thing in different forms to suit the occasions. Sai Ram.Baba said that He was omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited. To remove the misunderstanding of those, who thought that Baba was only His body three cubits and a half in length, He incarnated Himself in this form and if any devotee meditated on Him day and night with complete self-surrender, he experienced complete union (without any difference) with Him like sweetness and sugar, waves and sea, eye and its luster. He, who wants to get rid of the cycle of births and deaths, should lead a righteous life, with his mind calm and composed. He should always engage himself in good actions, should do his duties and surrender himself, heart and soul to Him. He need not then be afraid of anything. He who trusts Him entirely, hears and expounds His leelas and does not think of anything else, is sure to attain Self-realization.
Baba asked many to remember His name and to surrender to Him, but to those, who wanted to know who they were ('Who am I' enquiry), He advised Shravanam (study) and Mananam (meditation)। To some, He advised remembering God's name, to others hearing His leelas, to some worship of His Feet, to others reading and studying Adhyatma Ramayan, Jnaneshwari and other sacred scriptures. Some He made sit near His Feet, some He sent to Khandoba's temple, and some He advised the repetition of the thousands names of Vishnu and some the study of Chhandogya Upanishad and Geeta.
There were no limit, nor restriction to Baba's instructions. To some, He gave them in person. To others by vision in dreams. To one addicted to drink, He appeared in his dream, sat on his chest, pressed it and left him, after he gave a promise not to touch liquor anymore. To some, He explained some Mantras like 'Gurur Brahma' in dreams. To some devotees, who were practising Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should give up Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi). It is impossible to describe all His ways and methods. In ordinary worldly dealings, He set examples by His actions, one of which is given below.
There were no limit to Baba's instructions. To some, He gave them in person. To others by vision in dreams.
Sai Ram। The roads are many but the goal is the same. The paths are many but the destination is same. That is the union of the Jeevatma with the Paramatma, the individual soul with the Universal Soul, the water drop with the ocean. Sai Ram. Remuneration for LabourOne day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said - "Bring me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house, passed the roof of Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the other corner. What object Baba had, none could know.Sai Ram. And when Baba did not will it, none of His disciples or devotees including Shama, Tatya Kote Patil etc., could think of asking Him.Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever, that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba paid rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally.Sai Ram. It is always better to pay liberally. The recipient feels obliged and will come gladly the next time for the giver's requests. Also, Baba was indicating that karmic debts should be settled as fast as possible.Sai Ram. We have come to the end of a wonderfully rich chapter. In the next issue, we will take up another great chapter, where Baba explains to Sri Dasa Ganu Maharaj, the essence of Isa Upanishad. Sai Ram.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
By: Venkateswara Swamy Swarna
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