56) SRI KRISHNA’S QUEENS

Continuing with the divine tales of Sri Krishna, Lord Mahadeva told Parvati–Sri Krishna had 16 thousand queens among whom Satyabhama, Kalindi, Mitravinda, etc. were prominent. King Sattajit had a priceless diamond named–Syamantak, which he had presented to his younger brother–Prasena. Sri Krishna was fascinated by that diamond and demanded it…

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49) SRI RAMA GROWS UP

Continuing with the tale of Sri Rama, Lord Mahadeva told Parvati–Dasharath requested Vashishtha to perform the Jatkarm Sanskar of Sri Rama. In course of time Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata–an incarnation of Panchajanya conch. Similarly, Sumitra gave birth to two sons– Lakshman and Shatrughan. Lakshman was the incarnation of Sheshnag…

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7) THE ORIGIN OF DEITIES, DEMONS and SERPENTS

 Bhisma requested Sage Pulastya to explain how different entities like the deities, demons and serpents came into being. Pulastya replied—Having failed in his repeated attempts of increasing population by the means of ‘sankalpa’ Daksha Prajapati was left with no option but to take the help of copulative creation. He begot…

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The temples of tiruchanur -The Padmavati Shrine

This shrine, situated to the north of the Alagiyaperumal shrine, is the object of main attraction for the pilgrims at Tiruchanur. Sri  Padmavatidevi, housed in it, is described as the consort of Sri Venkatesvara. This goddess is wrongly identified with Alarmel- manganachchiyar. Numerous inscriptions from the Tirumala temple statethatAlarmelmanganachchiyar adorns…

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The Temples of Tirupati – The main shrine

As stated before, the two shrines of Krishna or Parthasarathi and Govindaraja are enclosed by four walls and appear like a single shrine. This enclosure contains, in the case of each shrine, a pillared varandah running on the south, west and north and a Mukhamantapa in the east. Within this…

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The Temples of Tirupati – The Kalyana Mantapa

This is a rectangular structure facing the east and consisting of a pillared hall, a pavilion of black granite stone and a shrine. It has a low Adhishtana consisting of upana, kampa, kampa, adhahpadma, kantha, tripatta, kampa, gala, kapota, alingapattika and antarita. The mantapa above contains three kinds of pillars-…

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BALI king of the asuras, bali king story

Bali was present at so many times and places that the mythmakers had to employ one of their greatest discoveries, the various periods of the Manus (manvantaras), a repeating of the cosmic ages each with its own “first man” (Manu). Thus the stories of Bali and his deva (god) opponents…

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BALA – A demon (asura)

  Baa lived in Atala (one of the seven hells), teaching ninety-six kinds of magic to trouble the devas (divinities). Out of one of his own yawns, he created three women with the power to entice whomever they wanted. These three women had an aphrodisiac called hataka. They gave hataka…

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Legenda about Tirumala and its God

There are numerous collections o f legends and stories about Tirumala and its god, Sri Venkatesvara or Srinivas. These are to be found  in many o f the Puranas. A ll these have been collected and edited  in a book, entitled the Venkatachalamahatmyam. Aninscription  from Tirumala mentions aenkatachalamahatmyam read in the  temple before the…

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Histoy of The Temples of Tirumala – Tuluva dynasty

The temple o f Tirumala received liberal patronage during the  |ni ii id of the rule o f this dynasty. Two famous rulers o f this family. Krishnadevaraya and his brother, Achyutadevaraya, were ardent devotees o f Sri Venkatesvara and gave him many valuable presents. Krishnaraya visited the temple on 10th ebraury, 1513…

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SHRI KSHETRA KUKKE SUBRAMANYA – Biladwara

SHRI KSHETRA KUKKE SUBRAMANYA - Biladwara

It is very near to the main temple. This is a most sacted place. This is on the way to kumardhara. Vasuki hid here and prayed to Garuda. There are two ways to the cave, viz, one from the south and the other from north. The tunnel that goes to…

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15) CHAPTER FIFTEEN LINEAGE OF KASHYAPA’S OTHER WIVES

After the death of Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued his lineage. Prahlada had a son, Virochan. Virochan in his turn had Bali as his son. The prowessive Bali was sent to the nether world by Vamana incarnation of Lord. Bali had one hundred sons among whom Banasur was the eldest. Kashyapa’s  second…

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DURGA BORN AS DAKSHA’S DAUGHTER SATI

After Lord Vishnu went away, Lord Brahma started meditating on the form of goddess Durga. She appeared before him. Lord Brahma said- “I need your help in binding Shiva with your maya.” Goddess Durga told Brahma that Lord Shiva in his incarnation of Rudra was beyond the reached of any…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – SHRI MAHABALESHWIR BHAJAN

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - SHRI MAHABALESHWIR BHAJAN

Jaya Shiv Omkara Swami Bhaja Shiva Omkara Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva Ardhangi Goura Hari om Hara Hara Kara Mahadev || Ekanana Chaturanana Panchanana Raje Shiva Panchanana Raje Hamsasana Garudasana Vrishavahana Saje Hari om Hara Hara Hara Mahadev || Dobhuj Charu Chaturbhuj Dashabhuj Tuma Shobhe Shiva Dashabhuj Tuma Shobhe Teeno Lokanirakata Shivajit…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – NAGESHWAR

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - NAGESHWAR

The sage Kashyapa had two wives Kadru and Vinata. Kadru had one thousand children who were Nagas servents. Garuda and Aruna were the two sons of Vinata. The two sisters were one day wondering on the mountain Meru when at some deistance they happened to see horse of Indra (Uchaishravas)….

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42) PART FOUR DHRUVA — THE SUPREME DEVOTEE

The Sages asked Suta as to how Dhruva became successful in attaining immortality and supreme status among all the stars. Suta narrated the following tale— There lived a king named Uttanpad, who had two queens–Suniti and Suruchi. The eldest queen Suniti had a son named Dhruva. One day while Dhruva…

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39) LORD BRAHMA ASSIGNS LORDSHIPS TO THE DEITIES

The Sages requested Suta to describe how Lord Brahma assigned Lordships to all the deities and the demons.   Suta replied— The Sun was made the lord of all the planets. Soma was made the lord of all the constellations and medicinal herbs. Similarly, Vaun was made the Lord of…

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16) CHAPTER SIXTEEN THE DESCRIPTION OF UNIVERSAL ORDER

16) CHAPTER SIXTEEN THE DESCRIPTION OF UNIVERSAL ORDER

 When the great sages crowned Prithu as the king of the entire earth, Brahma had also divided the kingdoms.  Thus,  Brahma  appointed  Chandrama  as  the  ruler  of  all  the Nakshatras,  planets, Brahmins, vegetation, Yagya, penance etc. He also appointed Kubera as the ruler of the kings, Varuna as the ruler…

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13) Hiranyakashipu

Hiranyakashipu pleased Brahma through his prayers. As a result of the boon that he received from Brahma, he became invisible and started to oppress the world. He drove the gods out of heaven. The gods and the sages went to Brahma to persuade him to do something about Hiranyakashipu. “I…

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12) Daksha’s Story

Daksha was Brahma’s son and had a daughter named Sati. Sati was married to Shiva. Daksha was thus Shiva’s father-in-law.   Once Daksha came to visit his son-in-law. But although Shiva worshipped him with all due respect, Daksha felt that he had been slighted. Subsequently, when Sati went to visit…

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10) Parvati’s Thousand Names

Shiva was married to Daksha’s daughter Sati. Sati died and was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and his wife Mena (alternatively, Menaka). Parvati was married to Shiva.   In fact, Himalaya and Mena prayed so that they might have the goddess as their daughter. Pleased with their prayers,…

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21) BRAHMA PURANA – Garuda and Maninaga

You have already been told about the great snake (naga) Ananta. Ananta had a son named Maninaga. Garuda was the enemy of the snakes and the snakes were all afraid of Garuda. Maninaga began to pray to Shiva. Having pleased Shiva, he obtained the boon that Garuda would be able to…

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4) BRAHMA PURANA – Prithu

In Dhruva’s line there was a king named Anga, Anga was religious and followed the righteous path. But unfortunately, Anga’s son Vena inherited none of the  good qualities of his father. Vena’s mother was Sunitha and she happened to be the daughter of Mrityu. Mrityu was notorious for his evil…

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3) BRAHMA PURANA – Daksha’s Offspring

Daksha’s wife was named Asikli and Asikli gave birth to five thousand sons. They were known as the Haryashvas. The Haryashvas were destined to rule over the world. But the sage Narada went to the Haryashvas and said, “How can you rule over the world if you don’t even know…

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MANIFESTATION OF THE SUN GOD ADITYA AND THE VEDAS

Markandeya says- ‘After Brahma came out from that egg, Rigveda manifested from his first mouth.  From  the  mouth  facing  south,  manifested  the  Yajurveda.  After  that,  Samaveda manifested from his mouth facing west. In the end, Atharvaveda came out from the mouth facing north. The Rigveda symbolises the Rajo Guna while…

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VAMANA – The fifth of the ten incarnations of Vishnu

  Vamana was the dwarf incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu. The myth utilized the device of deceit, or outwitting the opponent, even though the struggle was between the supreme god Vishnu and a demon (asura) named Bali. Although an avatara was required to restore the proper order and return righteousness to…

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SURYA, Surya Dev Mantra in English – The sun god

  Surya was a primary deity of the Aryans at the time of the earliest hymns of the Rigveda. The solar cult saw the sun as the most obvious symbol of life, con­sciousness, and divinity. For some time within each of the first three periods of Hindu mythology, Surya was…

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SALVATION THROUGH RITUALS

Lord Krishna replied–“I am so delighted that you have asked such important questions for the benefit of mankind. I am revealing to you the secrets, which were hitherto unknown even to the deities and yogis. O Garuda! A man should try to beget a son with the help of means…

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BIRTH OF DAKSHA FROM PRACHETAS

Shukdev says, “Ten sons of the King Prachinbarhi were known as Prachetas. They observed severe penance under the sea. When they re-emerged, Chandra (the moon-the ruler of the vegetation) calmed them and presented a beautiful daughter of the apsara Prabhlocha, to them as their wife. From her, Prachetas begot prachetas…

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NAGA, NAGAS – A class of serpents

The Nag’s were the race of serpents or snakes who were born from Kasyapa-pra- japati (a progenitor) by his wife Karda. Many had divine powers and were neutral as far as their relationship with the gods was concerned. It was their great power that made them threatening to humans. When…

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LORD BRAHMA WORSHIPS LORD VAMANA

Narada asked sage Pulastya as  to  where did  Lord  Vamana  go  after disappearing from  the oblation site. Pulastya replied- “Lord Vamana went to Brahma loka mounted on his Garuda. On seeing him, Lord Brahma gave a warm reception and after worshipping him asked about the reason for his sudden arrival….

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UMA MARRIES LORD SHIVA

Lord Vishnu, Brahma, the deities and the Ganas were pleased to hear about Shiva’s marriage. Lord  Shiva  went  to  his  abode-  Kailash  Mountain  to  make  preparations  for  the  marriage ceremony. Lord Shiva’s marriage procession proceeded towards Himalaya Mountain. His appearance was quite terrifying with a tiger skin around his waist…

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33) IDOLS

Idols have to be instated in temples. Vishnu‘s image should have either eight hands or four. If there are eight hands, the arms to the right should hold a shankha (concha-shell), a gada (mace), a shara (arrow) and a padma (lotus). The arms to the left should hold dhanu (bow),…

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KALIYA – A serpent

  In the Krishna myth cycle Kaliya was a great serpent, born of the progenitor Kasyapa by his wife Kadru, mother of the serpent kingdom. Kaliya lived in the Kalindi River (also called the Yamuna) and was well known because of his asso­ciation with Krishna. Kaliya had a thousand hoods…

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DEATH AND AFTER

Continuing with his narration, Lord Krishna said–“O Garuda! Death comes at the predetermined time, which remains fixed and unaltered under all circumstances. A man’s sense organs become weak and his body feeble, which gets inflicted with numerous diseases in his old age. At the time of his death, man experiences…

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GARUDA QUERIES

Sutji once reached the forest of ‘Naimisharanya’ in course of his journey. Naimisharanya was a holy place where sages and hermits went to do penance. After reaching there Sutji met many prominent sages who were pleased at his arrival. They took it as a God sent opportunity to get their…

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25) LORD VISHNU

Describing how lord Vishnu manifested, sage Mahatapa told Prajapal – “Narayan- the almighty God incarnated as lord Vishnu to nurture all the living creatures inhabiting the world. Eventually lord Vishnu entrusted the job of world’s welfare to goddess Yoganidra and himself went into his meditative sleep. While he was still…

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3) ASHVASHIRA’S UNIFICATION WITH LORD NARAYAN

Prithvi asked lord Varaha about the famous incident which described Ashvashira’s unification with lord Narayan. Lord Varaha then narrated the following tale- “During ancient times, there used to live a virtuous king named Ashvashira. He had performed an Ashwamedha Yagya in which he had donated large amount of wealth. Once,…

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17) THE PURANAS

Lomaharshana now gave the sages a list of the eighteen mahapuranas. In the beginning, there was only one Purana. The sage Vedavyasa divided this original Purana into eighteen mahapuranas. The mahapuranas have four lakh shlokas all together and their names are as follows. (i) The Brahma Purana: This was originally…

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DESCRIPTION OF PURANAS AND UP-PURANAS

Once, while describing the origin of Puranas, Sutji told the sages who had assembled at Naimisharanya–‘Lord  Shiva had  first  revealed  the contents  of Skanda  Purana to  Parvati  at Kailash Mountain. Lord Brahma and few other deities were also present there at the time when Shiva was narrating the tale. Subsequently,…

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LORD VISHNU BLESSES GARUDA

Describing how Garuda pleased him with his deep devotion, Lord Vishnu said– ‘During ancient times Garuda once did an austere penance to please me. I appeared before him and expressed my willingness to fulfil anything that he wished for. Garuda wanted to liberate his mother, Vinta from the slavery of…

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