HINDUISM

“THIRUVEMPAAVAI”, to awaken man's religious instincts

The “Thiruvempaavai” hymns were sung by Saint Manikkavasgar during the month of December (Maargali).

Manikkavasgar was a Tamil poet and a Hindu Bhakti revivalist and his works form one volume of the Tirumarai, the key religious text of Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta. He was a minister to the Pandya King Varaguna Varman 11 in the 8th century and lived in Madurai. His work is a poetic expression of the joy of God-experience. Although, he was a prominent saint, he was not connected among the sixty-three Nayanmara.

Lord Shiva's cosmic dance at Chidambaram

He was born in Vadavoor, seven miles from Madurai on the banks of River Vaigai. In fact, his works were written in the 16th century and is called Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, meaning an account of Divine deeds.

Further, according to legend the Pandya king selected Manikkavasagar and entrusted him with a large amount of money to purchase horses for his cavalry.

On his way, he met an ascetic devotee of Lord Shiva, who in fact was Shiva himself. Manikkavasagar at this point received enlightenment, realised that material things are transitory and built the temple of Lord Shiva in Thirupperunturai with the money. Thereafter, he moved from one place to other, singing and composing devotional songs. Finally he settled in Chidambaram.

Twenty hymns

His works have several parts, the “Thiruvempavai”, a collection of twenty hymns in which he had imagined himself as a woman following the “Paavai Nonbu” and praising Lord Shiva. The twenty songs of “Thiruvempavai” and ten songs of “Thiruppallieluchi were sung all over Tamil Nadu in the holy month of December (Maargali)

The “Thiruvempavai” observances in the month of December by Hindus has become a training period for mental and physical purification. To get up early morning, particularly in the cold month of December and take a bath keeps one physically fit and mentally alert. When Manikkavasagar went on a pilgrimage to Thiruvannamalai, he noticed young girls waking up very early in December, singing the praises of Lord Shiva, calling their friends and going to the Lotus pond for a bath. Seeing these young maidens, Manikkavasagar composed these lyrics to enable them to sing more beautifully the praises of Lord Shiva as they vend their way to the pond. After the bath they would worship Goddess Gowri, praying not only for prosperity, but also for good husbands who are sincere devotees of Lord Shiva. The religious observance is known as “Paavainonbu”, the fast of the maiden.

Tribute to Lord Shiva

In the opening lyric itself Manikkavasagar delineates Lord Shiva as being the embodiment of spiritual light and wisdom with neither a beginning nor an end. He sings as follows: “O Lass with bright and long eyes ! Having hearkened to our hymning the rare and immense flame, that is without beginning or end, will you slumber on? In another lyric young maiden praise Lord Shiva as having many blessed qualities. “He is the Omniscient one who is capable of healing all diseases. He is the embodiment of Divine knowledge and beauty. He is Heaven's ambrosia and embodiment of the essence of the Vedas. Singing the praises in beautiful cadences, the maiden go for a bath and say “Let us plunge into the tank filled with forest blue “Kuvalai” flowers and rosy lotus buds in order that we may wash away our sins.

Indeed, the observance of “Thiruvempavai festival” signifies the wake up from the State of Ignorance to the State of Spiritual Enlightenment.

-CM

Message of love and peace

Remembering Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who left the present mortal frame on April 24, 2011 after 85 years of existence in this world is considered to be an Avatara of “Maha Vishnu” by the people who had faith on him.

In fact, according to Bhagavad Geetha, Lord Krishna says that when there is decline in Dharma and Adharma prevails, he will come down to earth to establish Dharma and the destruction of the wicked. Indeed, Bhagawan has pronounced that he has taken this form to establish Sanathana Dharma in the whole world.

Noble qualities

Further, an Avatara behaves in a human way, so that mankind can feel kingship, but rises to his super human heights so that mankind can aspire to reach the heights and through that aspiration can actually reach him.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba proclaimed that “I have come to correct the Buddhi – the intelligence by various means. I have to counsel, command, condemn and standby as a friend and well-wishes to all, so that they may give up this evil propensities and recognizing the straight path, tread it and reach the goal.

Furthermore, he says “I do not appreciate in the least the distinctions between various appearances of God. Continue your worship of your chosen God along the lines already familiar to you.

Then you will find that you are coming nearer to me; for all names are mine and all forms are mine. There is no need to change your chosen God and adopt a new one.

He further says “I do not take anything from anyone except his Love and Devotion.

I react to the pain you undergo and to the joy that you feel, for I am in your heart. Problems and worries are really to be welcomed as they teach you the lesson of humility and reverence.

Message

Born in November 23, 1926, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, this phenomenal personage has taken his message of love and peace to the far corners of the globe where his devotees and followers acknowledge and accepted him as a divine incarnation.

His message was not couched in mere rhetoric and fine phraseology, but was backed by life long examples and practices.

As he himself said, “The life of Sai, the message of Sai, the ideals Sai holdsforth, the lesson that Sai teaches the world are all enshrined in one word “Love”. And he had come to proclaim, whether we like it or not, that there is only one religion, the religion of Love.

In keeping with Lord Krishna promises to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Geetha. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had taken human form to move among men so that he can be listened to, contacted, loved, revered and obeyed”. He had to speak the language of men and behave like a human being. Otherwise, he would be neglected on feared and avoided .

In fact, we could boldly say that Bhagawan had succeeded in His mission to the extent that he had transformed several persons and drawn them away from evil and wrong doing on the path of righteousness, Dharma and truth.

Sacred role

Sri Sathya Sai Baba wanted to put his house in order, correct the state of affairs in India and ultimately the world over by training young people to be the leaders of the future. He emphasized the sacred role of motherhood and the importance of education of women. Accordingly three of his first five schools were exclusively for female students.

He was of the view that peace, war, love, hatred are generated in the minds of men.

The mind is a powerful instrument. It is the cause of the bondages of “Samsara”. Baba had stressed that the mind must be controlled and purified by the practice of meditation, devotion and selfless service.

Character, the most precious gift

The greatest impact of Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba was in education. His effort to raise the national, moral and spiritual levels among the younger generation was highly acclaimed by educationists world over. He said “that education must elevate ideals and kindle the lamp of wisdom. He was of the view that “character is the most precious gift of education. His main philosophy was “Service to Humanity”, through education.

Further, Baba said, that there is only one language, the language of the heart.

The language of the heart communicates by virtue of spiritual qualities like friendliness sympathy, understanding of others, good humour and honesty.

Sathyam, Sivam and Sundaram are the characteristics of the “Athma” which is the core of everyone. They mean Truth, Joy and Beauty. As such, follow the “Karma Marga” with the harmony and charm of Sundaram. Follow the “Bhakthi Marka” with the exhilaration and joy of Sivam. Follow the “Gnana Marga” with the directness and steadfastness of “Sathyam”. All these are needed for the progress and success of all human beings.

Undoubtedly, Sri Sathya Sai Baba's message will redeem millions from the forces of darkness of ignorance, arrogance, conflicts and contradictions, trials and tribulations and lead them on the path of peace and prosperity.

Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar
 

Brahman of the Vedas

Let us look at what Hinduism holds to be the Absolute. The ultimate goal and Absolute of Hinduism is termed “Brahman” in Sanskrit. The word comes from the Sanskrit verb root brh, meaning “to grow”. Etymologically, the term means “that which grows” (brhati) and “which causes to grow” (brhmayati).

Brahman is not “God”

Brahman, as understood by the scriptures of Hinduism, as well as by the ‘acharyas’ of the Vedanta school, is a very specific conception of the Absolute. This unique conception has not been replicated by any other religion on earth, and is exclusive to Hinduism. Thus to even call this conception of Brahman “God” is, in a sense, somewhat imprecise. This is the case because Brahman does not refer to the anthropomorphic concept of God of the Abrahamic religions. When we speak of Brahman, we are referring neither to the “old man in the sky” concept, nor to the idea of the Absolute as even capable of being vengeful, fearful or engaging in choosing a favorite people from among His creatures. For that matter, Brahman is not a “He” at all, but rather transcends all empirically discernable categories, limitations and dualities.

What is Brahman?

In the ‘Taittariya Upanishad’ II.1, Brahman is described in the following manner: “satyam jnanam anantam brahma”, “Brahman is of the nature of truth, knowledge and infinity.”

Infinite positive qualities and states have their existence secured solely by virtue of Brahman's very reality. Brahman is a necessary reality, eternal (i.e., beyond the purview of temporality), fully independent, non-contingent, and the source and ground of all things. Brahman is both immanently present in the realm of materiality, interpenetrating the whole of reality as the sustaining essence that gives it structure, meaning and existential being, yet Brahman is simultaneously the transcendent origin of all things (thus, panentheistic).

The Nature of Brahman

As the primary causal substance of material reality (jagatkarana), Brahman does not arbitrarily will the coming into being of the non-Brahman metaphysical principles

of matter and jivas (individuated consciousness), but rather they are manifest into being as a natural result of the overflowing of Brahman's grandeur, beauty, bliss and love. Brahman cannot but create abundant good in a similar manner to how Brahman cannot but exist.

Both existence and overflowing abundance are as much necessary properties of Brahman as love and nurturing are necessary qualities of any virtuous and loving mother.

-about.hinduism.com
 

Bandarawela Sri Maha Bathrakali Amman Temple

The Sri Maha Bathrakali Amman Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali is situated in the Uva Province in the district of Bandarawela at Senanayake Mawatha is a miraculous temple. This temple which is built in the hill country is surrounded by green vegetation and attracts thousands of devotees during the festival season.

In fact, this popular temple was constructed by ‘Sivasri’ Suthakara Sharma from “Palakkadu” in Kerala who received his early education according to “Kurugula” traditions in Kerala.

This temple which is worshiped by Buddhists and Hindus was established in 2003 and statues of Maha Kali, God Shiva, Goddes Saraswathy, Goddess Luxmi, God Ganesha and God Bairavar which were beautifully done by sculptors from India are installed in this temple and daily poojas are performed by priests according to agama principles. The Maha Kumbabhisekam of this Bathrakali Amman was held a few months ago to the greatest satisfaction of the devotees. Furthermore, in Hinduism the Supreme Lord is represented by Maheswara and His power is represented by his consort Sakthi, Durga Devi and Kali. Just as the husband and wife take care of their family so also does Shiva and Shakthi look after the devotees.

In one of his poems “ Poet Eliot” has described the predicament of man who with all the progress and success he has made in science and technology finds that “endless inventions, endless experiments bring knowledge of motion, but not stillness, knowledge of words and not of the word. Lord Shiva without Shakthi is all stillness, silence. It is Shakthi which stirs Him to motion and speech.

If Lord Shiva symbolizes cosmic energy in its passive form, Sakthi symbolizes it in the dynamic form. Further, it is difficult to separate one from the other and it is called “Ardha Narisa.”

Symbolic

In fact, the “Varaha Purana” explains Shakthi, the form of Durgai as symbolising the hounds of passion, love, hate, greed, vanity, illusion, contempt, envy and jealousy.

It is very often said that the creator of the universe “Brahma” resides in the Naval of Lord Vishnu, similarly in the hearts of men reside the creative urge and faith of the world. This is clearly evident from the manner the people of Bandarawela pray to Goddess Maha Kali.

Further, the compassion of the Divine Mother gives us the benevolence of five elements such as earth, water, fire, wind and space to help us to lead an excellent life. Pooja is a way of showing our love an affection for the Divine which provides those resources in abundance to us.

Objective

When individuals perform poojas, it is done with the objective of gaining the Blessings of the Divine Goddess Kali for the betterment of their lives, but “Sivasri” Suthakara Sharma who is the Chief Trustee of Bandarawela “Sri Maha Bathrakali Amman” and a devout devotee of this temple is rendering tremendous service and has taken all possible steps to make this temple a popular one not only in Bandarawela, but throughout Sri Lanka.

Indeed, Sivasri” Suthakara Sarma blesses all human beings to lead a peaceful and prosperous life and prays for their well being. He is instrumental in getting the support and co-operation of the devotees of this temple to perform daily poojas and rituals according to agama principles and also the necessary statues from Tamil Nadu.

Power of prayer

From time immemorial it is said by great saints and sages that when there is prayer in the mind, there is purity in thought, when there is purity in thought, there is kindness in the heart, when there is kindness in the heart, there is service in action, when there is service in action, there is harmony in the community, there is unity in the nation, when there is unity in the nation, there is peace in the world.

Indeed, to a world lost in error and weighed down by forces of darkness of ignorance and egoistic arrogance, conflicts and contradictions, trials and tribulations, let us worship Sri Maha Bathrakali Amman which is situated at Bandarawela and utter Her pure name and contemplate and surrounder ourselves at Her Lotus Feet for the progress and success of our lives and also for the everlasting peace and racial harmony in Sri Lanka.

-CM