Venkateshwara Kalyanam
Discourse of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Venkateshwara Kalyanam from January 25 - February 3, 2013
Ebook is available on this page. Please click on the image of the ebook at the left to open. Courtesy: Nagamani Vasantharao and Alivelu Gopal.
Discourse of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Venkateshwara Kalyanam for local tv recordings on March 14-16, 2013
March 14, 2013
jaya guru datta
sri ganeshaya namaha
sri saraswatyai namaha
sri pada vallabh narashima saraswati sri guru dattatreyaya namaha
This is only for recording for a local tv channel. It is not for live. Instead of doing the recording inside, I am giving discourse outside. This is the discourse about Sri Padmavathy Srinivasa kalyanam.
We will talk about the leelas of Sri Srinivasa. In this episode, we are going to talk about Lord Srinivasa getting His kingdom, warding away the war between the Tondamana (younger brother of Akasha raja) and Vasudhana (Akasha raja’s son). Both Tondamana and Vasudhana offered Srinivasa a large number of villages for arranging a compromise between them. We will talk about Lord Srinivasa bringing Lakshmi out of penance and Srinivasa turning Himself into black Saligrama idol form in Tirupati. After turning Himself into worshipable Saligrama idol, Sri Srinivasa is receiving the pujas/archanas. These instances are His leelas. This is today's episode. Let us pray Sri Srinivasa before getting into the story.
Bhajan - govinda sananda mananda parama
The divine marriage of Sri Padmavathy and Sri Srinivasa was held in a very grand way. After the marriage, seeing Akasha Raja preparing to return to his kingdom, Padmavathy was worried. Akasha Raja comforted Padmavathy and went back to his kingdom. Sri Srinivasa told to Brahma and Rudra that He is in marriage vow for 6 months. After completion of 6 months, He returns to the mountain for residing there. Here Srinivasa is doing some leela on the pretext, following the marriage vow. “For the time being I will stay in Agastya ashrama.” Srinivasa gave away the offering, like clothes, ornaments etc. to all the befitting people and asked them to go back to their designated places. All of them followed the order of Srinivasa. Lakshmi Devi prayed Srinivasa for permission and went to Karaveerapuram for penance. Srinivasa, with pained heart, gave Her permission.
Time moved along as Srinivasa and Padmavathy were staying in Agastya ashram. One day a messenger informed Srinivasa that Akasha Raja is on the death bed. Srinivasa immediately, along with Padmavathy, Agastya maharishi and Vakula Devi (mother of Srinivasa) went to Narayanapuram (Kingdom of Akasha Raja) to see Akasha Raja. Srinivasa was painfully looking at Akasha Raja. Akasha Raja lastly spoke and prayed Srinivasa to look after his brother Tondamana and son Vasudhana. Akasha Raja gave permission to Dharani Devi and left his mortal body. Unable to bear the separation of her husband Dharani Devi also left her mortal body soon. Akasha Raja and Dharani Devi took divine form. A divine plane flew down to take Akasha Raja and Dharani Devi to Vaikuntham. Vasudhana did all the necessary rituals for his parents in accordance with the shastras. Padmavathy and Srinivasa went back to Agastya ashrama.
Meanwhile in Narayanapuram differences grew between Tondamana and Vasudhana for the ownership of the kingdom. The differences lead to war between both of them. Both of them decided to take help of Srinivasa for the war. They went to Srinivasa and told their individual opinions. Srinivasa said “I like both of you, but am unable to decided what to do. I have no preference of one over another. I will rather ask Padmavathy’s opinion and decide.” Saying so, Srinivasa asked Padmavathy for Her opinion as to which party He should help. Padmavathy replied ” Natha, Srinivasa! You are ONE, who knows about righteousness in totality! What can I say to you?” Finally Padmavathy favored Vasudhana, owing to the reason that Vasudhana has no parents, so helping him would be righteous. After hearing to Padmavathy's opinion, Srinivasa agreed to fight on Vasudhana’s side, saying it is dharma. Srinivasa told Vasudhana to go to war without being scared. Srinivasa saw Padmavathy 's face glowing with happiness. Padmavathy favored Vasudhana for the following reasons. Vasudhana parents were no more, he was Her brother. Who else would shelter him? He is a small boy. And thus Srinivasa has promised to help Her brother.
Seeing Padmavathy happy, Srinivasa was also happy. Listening to the decision of Srinivasa, Tondamana was very worried, thinking what should he do now? Where should he go now? “I expected Srinivasa to help me seeing my old age. Instead Srinivasa stood by Vasudhana? What is my position now? Who will give shelter to me? Seeing Tondamana worried, Srinivasa consoled Tondamana and asked him not to worry about his position. “Your position is very good. Unlike Vasudhana, you have kingdom. You are king. You have a large and strong military base. You have so many elephants and horses army. You have so many weapons. Tondamana, why are you worrying? “
Tondamana prayed Srinivasa not to ridicule him. Srinivasa replied to Tondamana: “As I told you at the inception itself, that I have No preference between you and Vasudhana. Maybe you did not listen? Even now I stand by the same word. In the matter of devotees I don't do injustice to anyone. I do justice to both parties. That is my nature. Things like: he is good or he is bad, or he has so many people fall back on, or he has no one to fall back on, are not points I think when I make my decision, i.e. justice. I do all things in a gradual manner. It is justice to stand on Vasudhana’s side, because you are more stronger than him in army etc. In spite of all these arguments, I will not do injustice to you at all. Both are same to me. Here, take these: My Conch and Sudarshana Chakra. They possess more strength than me, because I wear them. Tondamana was happy. As you fear that these add up to my strength. I will stand in the battlefield without Conch and Sudarshana chakra.”
Here we remember the battle of Kurukshetra (the battle between pandavas and kauravas) where lord Krishna gave away a large army to Duryodhana (kauravas) and stood weaponless or unarmed on the devotee side, i.e. Arjuna side. Here in the current scenario, also Sri Srinivasa did the same thing. The battle began. When compared it with Kurukshetra war, it seemed like a miniscule part of Kurukshetra war. Srinivasa tore Tondamana's army apart. Tondamana was witnessing the never before seen valour of Srinivasa. Tondamana became helpless. He was scared to the extent that he was about to faint. Tondamana's army shrunk in size. The army was shivering and running away, fearing Srinivasa’s valour. Just as Tondamana thought he is about to lose the battle, he remembered the Conch and Sudarshana Chakra given to him by Srinivasa. Tondamana grew in confidence and prayed Sudarshana Chakra to come and help him. The energy and blessings of Paramatma are bigger and stronger than the Paramatma Himself. Sudarshana took form and appeared in the sky. Tondamana asked Sudarshana to counter Srinivasa’s valour. Padmavathy, Agastya muni and all the Devatas/Demigods were very surprised and looking anxiously as to what would happen next? The Sudarshana Chakra went and hit Srinivasa chest. Srinivasa fainted, unable to bear the attack of Sudarshana Chakra. Seeing this, Padmavathy was dumbstuck and prayed to Agastya rushi. “O Agastya rushi! Srinivasa has fainted! Now what should I do?” Agastya rushi answered: “O mother! Only You can stop the war. You must stop the war.” Mother Padmavathy was brought to the battle field on the palanquin. Padmavathy went to Srinivasa and did all the needy first aid. Srinivasa woke up, took the sword in anger and said: “Tondamana! This is your last day of this life!” While Srinivasa moved forward, Padmavathy caught the feet of Srinivasa. Seeing this, Srinivasa was very angry. Srinivasa ordered Padmavathy to leave the battlefield at once. Srinivasa said: “Padmavathy, don’t You know women should not come to battlefield?”
Padmavathy replied: “O Srinivasa! Tondamana is none other than My father's brother and Vasudhana is My own brother. O Srinivasa, please kindly stop the war between both the parties. You have the energy to do it.” Listening to Padmavathy’s words, Srinivasa told Her that it would be good for Her to leave the battle field at once. Seeing this, Agastya muni prayed Srinivasa to reconsider Padmavathy's prayer and further prayed to arrange a compromise between both the parties to war.
Srinivasa replied: “NO Agastya rushi! I will send both Tondamana and his son (his name is also Srinivasa) to above worlds. I will make Vasudhana the king. No matter what happens to Me in this war. I have decided to do the above.” Hearing this, Padmavathy was more worried. She again pleaded and prayed even more to Srinivasa, but all the prayers went in vain. Seeing this, Padmavathy looked at Agastya maharishi. Agastya maharishi with a very calm mind prayed to Srinivasa with folded hands: ”O Srinivasa, may You stop the war and arrange a compromise between both the parties to war.” Saying so, Agastya rushi went into meditation. Seeing Agastya rushi going into meditation, Srinivasa told: “O Agastya rushi, one must not do meditation in battlefield. I am fully aware of all the amazing deeds you have done to date. I will arrange a compromise between both the parties to war” and further told in decisive voice that meditation should not be done in battlefield. Hearing Srinivasa say this, Agastya rushi opened his eyes. Padmavathy was happy and so were the Devatas/Demigods in the sky. In this happiness they rained flowers on Srinivasa, Padmavathy and Agastya rushi. Raining of flowers from the sky, signifies a very good sign. Srinivasa called both Tondamana and Vasudhana and asked both of them: “What do you want?” Tondamana, by this time, had good realization of his mistake. Tondamana told: “I want You Srinivasa.” I will do anything You say. Vasudhana also said the same. Hearing both of them say, Srinivasa said “It is my divine sankalpa to arrange a compromise between both of you. So listen. I want both of you to be friendly with each other.” Both of them happily agreed at once. Srinivasa distributed half kingdom each to Tondamana and Vasudhana. Listening to this compromise the army on both sides were happy and said JAI SRINIVASA.
Srinivasa spoke again: “All are happy. Tondamana and Vasudhana got boons of their choice. Padmavathy is also happy. Tondamana and Vasudhana are happy. The people are also happy. Now what about me? I risked my life. I fought without Conch and Sudarshana Chakra. I fainted and with Padmavathy doing first aid I came back. Now what about me? Are you willing to give me anything?” There is no salvation without offerings to Guru. Both Tondamana and Vasudhana offered their share of kingdom’s to Srinivasa. They said this kingdom belongs to You. Srinivasa suggested to them to mutually discuss and decide and then make the offering. Following Srinivasa order they discussed among themselves. They offered 32 villages to Srinivasa. Srinivasa accepted this offering and blessed them. Srinivasa and Padmavathy along with Agastya went back to Agastya ashrama.
Now the first leela of Srinivasa is coming up. In the Kaliyuga Eon, all the people are becoming drama artists. Each house has a unique drama going on. All of them have polluted minds or minds which do not carve for permanent fruit. People are not abiding by righteous code of conduct as told by shastras. Women behave like men, men behave like women. Men and women are trespassing the line drawn by shastras. Righteousness is being followed very faintly. There is no respect being paid towards the Guru and elderly people. Nobody is scared of doing unrighteous deeds.
Srinivasa thought and made a sankalpa. At times when we see the black Saligrama idol, we are scared as kali (the doer of unrighteous acts ) is within us. The leelas of Srinivasa are uncountable and unending. One must remember and analyze this many times. Each purana or epic depicts, portrays varieties of leelas of God. When we listen and read all those leelas and further when we comprehend them in right way, we can understand His tattva - essence of God. If we don’t, then we will not understand His tattva. Hence we must speak about the leelas of Srinivasa as told in Padmapurana. Only then we can understand what is His divine sankalpa and intention with which he decided to turn into worshipable black Saligrama idol form. The more deeper you think and more you comprehend, the better you understand the tattva of God.
Why did Srinivasa turn into the worshipable black Saligrama idol form? Why are worshipable idols black in color? This is a very big Spiritual sign. Now there is no time to tell. One can speak about this topic for many days. If you want to worship an idol form, then the idol has to be black Saligrama idol. Now that Srinivasa has made sankalpa to turn into the worshipable black Saligrama idol form. To implement His plan, Srinivasa went to Sukha maharishi ashrama. Srinivasa sat near the Padma sarovara (sacred tank /lake) located in Sukha ashrama and remembered Vayu deva (deity of air). Sukha muni (parrot form) is the reason for the divine marriage of Srinivasa and Padmavathy. So whenever you see a parrot, one must see it with a feeling of seeing Vishnu only. As Vayu came, Srinivasa instructed Vayu to place a 1000 petaled lotus in the Padma sarovara. Vayu did so and then went back to his abode. Srinivasa saw the lotus and meditated on Lakshmi. Lakshmi was not in Karaveerapuram, but was in Patala loka (the last world beneath the earth ) in the ashrama of Kapila maharishi. Before Srinivasa got married, Lakshmi was meditating in Karaveerapuram. Srinivasa put condition that He would get married only if Lakshmi comes here and gives permission for marrying Padmavathy. So a messenger was sent and Lakshmi came. After marriage, Lakshmi took Srinivasa’s permission and went to Patla loka so that nobody would come there and disturb Her penance. Kapila muni was serving Mother Lakshmi and doing tapas. Kapila muni prayed Mother Lakshmi.
Mantra - Laksmim kshrera samudra raja tanayam ......mukunda priyaam
Lakshmi’s heart was being pulled by the penance of Srinivasa. Lakshmi enquired Kapila maharishi as to what is happening? My tapas in not moving foward? Why is Lord Srinivasa doing penance? What should I do? I had picked up a fight and came here. Now I have to go back. I made a bit of face and came here and if I go back, will Srinivasa look at me? What should I do? Please show me a way where Srinivasa pardons me. What kind of penance I am doing? Being in Srinivasa’s presence, what kind of penance did I want to do coming here? How did the thought that Srinivasa married another women come to me? He is sustainer and owner of the world. He gives shelter to all the beings in the world. Why did I get doubt on such Lord? I should have never doubted Srinivasa’s marriage act? Why did I doubt? Please make sure that Srinivasa pardons my mistake? Only because of my ego (because if I stay at Karaveerapuram, Srinivasa may call me again, that is why I came to Patala loka) I left Karaveerapuram and came to Patala loka for tapas? So what if I stay in Patala loka and do penance? He will not know or call me? He is the creator of all the lokas -worlds. Won’t He know that I am in Patala loka? Is He not the creator of Karaveerapuram? How much ignorance I have? When I was in Karaveerapuram doing tapas He send a message across. Now He is pulling me without sending a message? How powerful He is? When I was in Karaveerapuram He send a message across, saying that until I come He won’t marry. In this way He put me through an exam in front of everyone there by showing me how my ego is? Now He is pulling me without reason? O Kapila maha muni please tell me what to do now? Please save me! Please tell me what is my immediate duty?
Kapila muni went into deep thought and said “O Mother Lakshmi! Srinivasa is doing tapas for You. There can be no more insult to You when Srinivasa is doing tapas for You. Actually it is You who must be doing tapas for Him. O Mother Lakshmi, Srinivasa does not belong to Me, You are any One individual or even to Himself. He belongs to Everyone. Srinivasa Himself told I don’t belong to Myself. Saying so, Srinivasa also told only I am on par with Myself. From Your perspective I don’t belong to Myself. I belong to You. From His perspective I am on par with Myself. There is none on par with me. Srinivasa has got some very great divine sankalpa inside Him for which He is calling You Mother Lakshmi. Mother Lakshmi You are very well versed with His sankalpa because You reside in His heart.” Sri Kaplia maharushi raised his voice a tad bit, as he elder to all and said: “Mother, You are the reason why Srinivasa came down to earth. Because of You only, so much GOOD has happened to all the beings in this world. Maybe You believe it is Your mistake but NO it is not true. Mother, using You as an instrument, He has uplifted and done good to so many beings. It is his LEELA. So Mother, You have to complete Your share of the program. Mother, truly speaking there is no mistake of Srinivasa in this entire episode of marriage or the circumstances that lead up to marriage. Mother, now it is not justice for you to be away from Srinivasa any longer. Continuing to stay away from Him even now, would be to pain Him. Mother Lakshmi going back to Srinivasa is the best option You have now.” Kapila muni has both prayed and told his opinion in this way.
Mother Lakshmi said: “O Kapila muni, I am very pleased with your prayer. Please give me your permission to go to Srinivasa.” Saying so, Mother Lakshmi appeared on the 1000 petal lotus situated on Padma sarovaram. All the Devatas were happy and flowers rained from the sky on Lakshmi. Lord Brahma came there and prayed Lakshmi that Mother You are the Lokapavani (The one who purifies the world). Please reside in the Heart of Srinivasa and rule the worlds. At this instance, Brugu maharishi came and fell on the lotus feet of Lakshmi and begged for pardon for the huge mistake he did.
Here lets us remember the entire episode of how Brugu maharishi stamped the chest area of Vishnu (place where sri Mother Lakshmi resides ). Lakshmi left Vaikuntham in anger and Srinivasa followed Her to earth.
Bhajan - kshamasva aparadham
Lakshmi said: “O grandson, this is all Srinivasa’s leela. My anger, you stamping on the chest of Vishnu, then drama the Lord played by doing pada puja to you. What is all this? Why should I get the feeling of being insulted then? Why should I get the ego feeling then? Srinivasa tests you, Me and your father also. He will not leave the creator of the world and his father also? His nature is such. He is the One Who has created Me and you. At times He tests Himself. He doesn't exempt Himself also. He experiments on Himself. What kind of exam is this? He tests Himself to see whether it really pains us when we are put under His tests.” Saying so to Brugu maharishi, Lakshmi circumambulated Sri Srinivasa 3 times. Lakshmi occupied left side of Srinivasa’s body. All of those who were present there said JAI to Srinivasa. It is His divine sankalpa that He should come first to the world, then I should join Him. It is His leela. You may think why did Srinivasa not foretell all these? NO, foretelling is a dangerous proposition as we may question Him further. This is the real reason why Mahatmas don’t foretell your future. Devotees are not told about their future because devotees will demand to remove the coming hardships, circumstances or punishments. Things are never told in a direct way. Mahatmas tell things in suggestive way. Had Srinivasa foretold the future incidents, you would not have stamped on his chest? I wouldn’t get angry and would continue to stayed in his heart even after You stamped it? That is why He did things without telling us.
After all crowd went away, Srinivasa called Lakshmi out of His heart and told Her that we have to go to Tirumala. We have got some work there. Saying so, He took Lakshmi to Vaikuntham. Vakuladevi, mother of Srinivasa, welcomed the couple into the abode of Vishnu. Padmavathy gave arathi to Lakshmi and Srinivasa. Srinivasa took Lakshmi to a lonely place and said : “Lakshmi, I have taken loan from Kubera” (the beginning of one more leela). He is the One Who had created Kubera, but says He has taken loan?? For listeners listening to the words of Srinivasa, it becomes leela. “Lakshmi, please tell me what should I do to remove the debt?” Lakshmi said that it is a not a big deal. “Please call Kubera and we shall remove the debt now.” Srinivasa asked Lakshmi not be hasty. Listen up first and then answer.
Srinivasa started telling Lakshmi: “Lakshmi, I am telling you a secret. Contrary to all believing that I have taken loan to meet the expense of my marriage, the real truth is.... the drama has to be played according to situation. As Rama said, “I am mere human”, here Srinivasa is also playing a drama. To remove the evil effects of Kali on His devotees. He is playing a drama to tell, teach and propagate: what is dharma? What is adharma? To the earthy beings. To make them practice Dharma. To tell the special importance of loving devotion (bhakti). I have taken a loan. Explaining further Srinivasa told: “particularly in this Kali eon, the human beings will not be pure and noble at heart. They will not practice selfless devotion. They will only pray for fulfillment of desires. Once their desire get fulfilled, they forget God. They will again remember God when they have another desire to be fulfilled. All are filled with selfishness.
The desires for eg: for saving their or their family members life, to save their money, to save their self- respect, praying for respect and asking for no insults, for health, for want of kingdom or posts. They keep praying. The devotion in them will stay until the desire is fulfilled. Once the desire is fulfilled, the intensity in the level of devotion comes down. In this Kaliyuga eon I will give fruit even for miniscule devotion. I will remove their difficulties as soon as they pray me. Until this Kaliyuga eon ends, I will stay on Tirumala. I must stay in Tirumala, because if I am not there with my devotees in this Kaliyuga eon, my devotees will suffer very badly. So it is a must for me to stay at Tirumala for the sake of my devotees”. Lakshmi says: “Srinivasa Your heart is filled with unlimited kindness. No one will be able to know it. Your program and plan for same are very nice. I am a bit doubtful about the debt You owe to Kubera. O Srinivasa, please tell the real truth hidden inside your debt drama. What loan is this? Why should You remove the debt? Why are you not allowing me to clear the debt? I am not able to understand, please tell me in detail.”
Srinivasa is telling Lakshmi:” To the human beings living in this Kaliyuga, money is the top priority. For money they can do any crime. They can kill parents, saint, king. They can also commit suicide for money. Morally, they can fall down to any extent for money. They can cheat, do tabooed things. They don’t hold back from doing bad deeds of any variety for money. On doing such things they will have to pay for their bad deeds in form of bad situations, difficulties or bad health. They have to pay for their sins. In such situations, unable to bear the pain they chant my name. They pray Me for protection or saving. They will pray or chant my name by way of taking a vow. They will take a vow that when I save them from difficulties, they will make me the offerings. Then I will take their sins in form of their offerings. In such way, I will pull my devotees to me. They will continue to remain human being until they die. So as long as they live, I will make sure they are devoted to Me. I will make sure that devotion remains in them. I will keep giving them difficulties and remove the same. When they call upon me with vows I will protect /save them. This is my permanent work in this Kaliyuga eon.” Seeing the kindness of Srinivasa for the devotees Lakshmi had tears in her eyes. She wiped Her tears with Her sari cloth. Lakshmi then asked: “O Lord, will good be bestowed on them if the money earned in wrong way?”
Srinivasa answered Devi: “The secret is here. Now listen. For the devotees who pray me for money, I will give the money that is donated to me by the sinners i.e. sinful money. The money which is earned righteously way will give merit. When such money is donated only one part of that money is taken by Me and the rest is paid to Kubera as interest on the loan taken. In this way, I distribute the energy (this energy can’t be seen) of the sinful money.” Srinivasa you have answered all the questions I have asked. Please tell me Your sankalpa behind telling only Me these details? Please tell me what is My part to be played in Your divine sankalpa. Srinivasa told Lakshmi “Now you have asked a direct question. I like it. Now listen, I will tell you my intention. For all those, who chant my stotras/ hymns with devotion, remember me or talk about me with devotion, tell or discuss my stories, who sing my glorious names, to all such people You must give them money. This is what you have to do. This is Your part of the play. Lot of thoughts arise when there is no money, but when they have plenty or adequate money then bad thoughts will not enter their mind. They are then immersed in good thoughts and in doing good deeds like donation for food, sponsoring education for the under privileged and building and renovating temples in bad shape, etc. They continue to stay like that. They then keep singing my names, thinking about me, naming their children and business after me. They will name liquor shops after my name also eg: Balaji wines? In this way they keep chanting My name and keep talking about me only. Fruit of chanting My name will give them plenty of money. They will donate this money to me in form of offerings or to other good purposes. I take the sins in form of offerings. Their sins get vanished. See how much work I and My devotees have? Lakshmi, You must give money to all my devotees, not seeing whether they are good or bad.” Saying so, Srinivasa paused a minute and saw Lakshmi 's face to see whether there is any change in her face.
Lakshmi was in deep thought, thinking Srinivasa has not asked money for Himself but is asking to give money to His devotees. What is this? Doesn’t it matter if He Himself is in debts? But His devotees should not be in shortage of money? Seeing such kindness of Srinivasa, Lakshmi could not speak anything. Lakshmi was just gazing Srinivasa’s face. Srinivasa then called Lakshmi Lakshmi and brought Her to normal state. Lakshmi said: “O Srinivasa, what is this? You are playing leela? I will do as You wish.” But Lakshmi asked Srinivasa for His word on preventing the humans from doing bad deeds, because their bank accounts are loaded with money.
Srinivasa said: “Lakshmi, You very well know My words are not just words. You very well know about the consequences that they will face for doing bad deeds and for refraining from doing bad deeds. There is a strong reason behind the words I have said. Lakshmi I will clear Your doubt. No matter how much big sinner he is, once he steps on this Venkatadri (Tirupati ), all his sins will be destroyed. When he donates even a small bit in this place, his merit will grow 10 times. If he worships Me, all good will happen to him. Lakshmi, by this reason they will not be harmful by the money you give. So if you keep giving, then I will turn them towards Myself in a step by step manner. Falling into the circumstances trap when they do sins, they will be punished. Unable to bear the punishments, they will pray me with the realization that, I have come to this stage and paying for my sins by way of punishment, because I have left Govinda. Then in form of vows, they will pray me. I shall take their sins in form of offerings and set them right. In such way I will take money from my devotees as I am Myself paying the interest on the loan taken. So My name is VoddiKasula Vada (taker of interest). But in case he doesn't fulfill his vow, then the sinful money he is earning will make him pay ...by way of bad health, difficulties, etc. Unable to bear such circumstances, he will surely chant My name Govinda or Sri Hari or Sri Krishna and come running to me. As soon as he changes, I will pull him towards me so he has no choice to go anywhere other than me. So he is forced, willing to have devotion on Me and fulfill his vows. As soon as he fulfill his vows, I will fulfill his desires. In this way he will be cleansed. He will put good money in my hundi (*** in which money is offered to god) out which I will take one part and rest will be paid as interest to Kubera. Lakshmi, in my hundi what amount is bad money and what amount is good money, only I know. The people who count or who steal the money from my hundi will not know the good and bad money account differentiation. Later I will make them repay the money along with interest . Lakshmi, do you see how much secret lies in my debt towards Kubera? Now tell me, do You think I have done all these debt for my marriage?”
Lakshmi told Srinivasa: “For Whom You have come down to earth, staying here how much problems you are facing? Taking loan and paying interest and You uplifting these human beings, now I understand completely. Srinivasa, Your leelas are never ending.” Saying so, She did namaskaram to Srinivasa’s feet. Lakshmi came to know about Srinivasa’s secret intentions. Lakshmi stayed in His heart. She adorned His heart and hence He is called SRINIVASA .
March 15, 2013
The king Tondamana came to have divine darshan of Srinivasa and was happy. Srinivasa said:
“Tondamana, your elder brother (Akasha Raja ) has got me married, but I don’t have a house to live. I, along with my wife Padmavathy, have been living in one ashrama or another. How long should I live like this? Is it possible to live like this for long time? It does not look good for the onlookers also? So can you build a house on Venkatadri for me?”
Tondamana answers to Srinivasa: “Lord, it is a divine blessing for me to get this opportunity to build You a house. I will monitor the construction of the house myself.” Saying so, Tondamana took leave of Srinivasa. Tondamana came back again to Srinivasa with all the construction professionals who could build the house the way Srinivasa wanted it to be. Seeing an auspicious time, Srinivasa, along with Padmavathy, climbed the Venaktachalam. They showed the land towards Southern side near the Pushkarani teertha (sacred temple tank). Srinivasa after remembering Varaha swami (the land selected by Srinivasa was given to him by Varaha swami, so he had to be remembered) gave permission for starting the work. Srinivasa called Tondamana and specified how the temple (house of Lord ) should be build.
Srinivasa gave instructions to Tondamana :
My temple should be Poorva mukham (facing east ), it should have 2 gopuras (Temple Towers), 3 prakaralu (pathways), 7 dwaralu (doors). It should have Dhwaja stambham (flag pole), Asthana mantapam (hall where cultural programs are conducted), Yaga mantapam (hall for conducting homas and yagas), Goshala (cow shed), Dhanya bhavanam (room for storing grains), Mala gruham (room for storing malas or flower garlands), Vastra gruham (room for storing the clothing of Lord), Taila shala (room for storing oil), Nidra bhavanam (room for relaxing), Bhakshya shala (kitchen), Bhooshana shala (dining room), Karpooradi sugandha gruham (room for storing camphor etc). Srinivasa specially ordered all the above facilities because He is going to turn into worshipable black Saligrama idol. So all the facilities required for the worshipping idol form of Srinivasa have be stated here. “Tondamana, previously you have constructed me Sri and Bhu teerthas, now you construct me a good house.”
Hearing this, Tondamana was surprised. He thought when did I construct the Sri and Bhu teerthas? Tondamana prayed rinivasa to clear his doubt. “Srinivasa, when did I do it?” please kindly tell me those details “.
Srinivasa said to Tondamana: “Tondamana, in your previous birth, your name was Rangadasa. You were serving the seer Vaikhanasa. Vaikhanasa was a staunch devotee of lord Sri Krishna. With power of his penance he had the divine darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. He would worship Sri Krishna with devotion. One day Sri Krishna told to Vaikhanasa: “Vaikhanasa, you must be worshipping Srinivasa Who is on Venkatachalam now. You worship Srinivasa. Rangadasa will help you to fetch flowers on daily basis and the other things needed for your worship.” Saying so Sri Krishna vanished. Vaikhanasa went to Venkatachalam and met Rangadasa (you in previous birth) and told him about Sri Krishna’s order. You (Rangadasa) thought that this is My (Srinivasa) work. You dug a well, grew trees, supplied flowers to Vaikhanasa on daily basis for worship. But one day you did not fetch flowers in time to the seer Vaikhanasa as you were busy watching Gandarvas bathing in pushkarini (sacred water tank of temple). Seer Vaikhanasa got angry for delay and asked you to leave. You were very pained hearing that seer asked you to leave. So I gave you my both my darshan and boon:
In next birth you will be born as Tondamana and you will serve me. Time passed by and you were engaged in thinking about me and left the mortal body. Now you are Tondamana. This is your previous life history. In your previous birth as Ranaganatha, to supply the flowers to seer Vaikhanasa who worshipped me in Sri Krishna form, you dug many wells for water and maintained gardens for flowers. Now you build me a home. “ Said Srinivasa. Tondamana, after listening to Srinivasa did namaskaram to Srinivasa and left to supervise the construction activities. The house of the Lord.
Temple construction was completed. While the temple construction is going on, lot of miracles happen. We don’t have time to talk about those miracles. Tondamana cleaned up the wells which he has dug up in his previous birth. Tondamana build Vimana with golden Kalashas (sacred pots) on it. The steps to the temple were build or carved to facilitate the devotees to come and have darshan of Lord Srinivasa. The temple was build the way lord Srinivasa ordered. Tondamana rechecked the entire temple to see if it is build the way Lord specified. He was satisfied that it was indeed build the same way .
Tondamana went to Lord Srinivasa and prayed: Srinivasa, the temple has been build the way you wanted. Now you please enter your house named "Ananda Nilayam". Srinivasa was happy with the news of completion of construction work. Srinivasa was happy with the name of the house also. Srinivasa was happy and hence the name of the house is " Ananda Nilayam ".
Srinivasa blessed Tondamana with a boon granting him good fame.
Srinivasa, in a selected auspicious time, remembered Lakshmi, Who is residing in His Heart and called Padmavathy. Padmavathy understood the intention of Lord Srinivasa and joined Him on the way to entering the "Ananda Nilayam". The lotus Feet of Lord Srinivasa were moving foward. These are the very Lotus Feet Lord Bhrama performed ablutions to. Those are the Lotus Feet which Sri Lakshmi had served Herself. Those are the Lotus Feet which gave shelter to all Devatas/demigods, Seers and all the beings in the creation. The glory of these Lotus Feet were sung by his devotee Annamacharya. Those Lotus Feet slowly stepped into "Ananda Nilayam". Seeing this, all the beings in the creation were happy. The divine music was played in the sky, the seers who were in disguised form of trees on the mountain were chanting mantras, seeing Lord Srinivasa enter "Ananda Nilayam". Every step the Lotus Feet were placed on the ground, the place became illuminated with lights. Even today there are devotees who do namaskara for every step they climb up steps to Tirupati. Same way, when the devotees climb up to the Kailasa mountain, they do namaskaram for each step they take. The "Ananda Nilayam" was illuminated with lights. Lord Srinivasa, along with Padmavathy walked 7 steps and crossed 7 gadapas (gateway or doorstep) and entered into the bangaru vakili (golden entrance) and stood in Bhrama sthanam. All the devatas closed their eyes and prayed Lord Srinivasa.
bhajan - sthiroabhava vardo bhava deva prasanno bhava bhava
As soon as Lord Srinivasa stood that place, Padmapeetham (the altar on which Srinivasa stands) came up by itself. Sri Srinivasa adorned the Padmapeetham. Mother Padmavathy meditated upon Srinivasa and took two lotus flowers in both hands and adorned the right side of Srinivasa chest. Srinivasa body gradually, step by step was converted into black Saligrama idol. Lakshmi Devi came out of Srinivasa’s chest (left side ) as Vyuha / Yuha Lakshmi. Lakshmi Devi in the Heart of Srinivasa now gave darhana as Bhootakarunya (one who has compassion or kindness for all the beings in the creation). Lakshmi also gave darshan as Anapayani (inseparable). Following the rules of that respective eon, Srinivasa’s right hand called as Abhya hastam, turned and showed His padas to signify that He will give all those things which devotees need. His Lotus Feet gives faster siddhi (fruit). Srinivasa’s right hand is showing the Lotus Feet to tell that all the beings in the creation should surrender to His Lotus Feet. His left hand is called Kati hastam because He would protect all those who surrender to Him. The left hand is positioned purposely as if He is massaging the head of the devotees who surrender to His Lotus Feet. As if He is pulling His devotees to His Lotus Feet. The left hand turned to right and stood like that. For those who have surrendered to His Lotus Feet, the ocean of samsara is always waist height depth. This is signified by Srinivasa left hand. That is why Srinivasa’s left hand is called Kati Hastam. For all those who have approached Him or surrendered to Him, they will not be allowed to drown in the ocean of samsara. He will pull them out of the ocean of samsara. This meaning is also signified by His left hand.
In Kato Upanishad it is said by Anandavalli that:
One who surrenders to the Lotus Feet of Srinivasa, will go to the other side of the ocean of samsara. It means that they will get paramapad (Supreme Position). It means the sacred nature of Lotus Feet of Vishnu pada. The ablutions of Vishnu pada will destroy the biggest of sins. Veda says "Sri Vishnu Padodakam Pavanam Shubham". Whoever surrenders to the Lotus Feet of Vishnu, all their sins will get destroyed. This is the reason why after sri chakra Archana we must take the teertha (sacred water) of Saligrama archana (worship). When such teertha is taken for long time, it is converted to divine nectar. We have this rule among Datta devotees.
A sword called "Surya khathari" stayed on the waist of Srinivasa. The constantly moving gem called "Koustubha mani" on the chest area of Srinivasa stood there without moving. The emblem on the chest area is called "Sri Vatsam" (husband of Lakshmi, He has love of Sridevi (another name for Lakshmi), one who married Sridevi, Srimantudu, Srinidhhi. I will meditate upon the Srinivasa who is chanted or worshipped by Sridevi). The serpent bands on Srinivasa hands stood there without moving, the sacred thread " Yagnopaveetham" which extended from neck area to waist area stood there without moving. All the ornaments on Srinvasa also converted themselves into Saligrama form. On the chest area Sri yuvha Laksmi is smiling. Yuvha Lakshmi hears all the prayers of devotees praying Srinivasa and reminds them to Srinivasa in the appropriate time. Just as the Rama devotees like Bhadradi Ramanna prayed to Sita Mata to please tell his problems to Rama. Here Sri Yuvha Lakshmi is telling it to Srinivasa. The smiling face of Srinivasa stood like that. One who kidnaps or enchants the mind of yogi is called as Hari. Srinivasa enchants the minds of devotees with His smile and is standing like that. His eyes are like half blossomed lotus petals, they stood like that. Those eyes always rain the kindness of Srinivasa on His devotees. On the forehead area the Tirunamam stood permanently like that. The crown to which Lord Bhrama and Lord Rudra do namaskaram, stood permanently like that.
The five berams (dieties): Vishunu, Purusha, Satya, Achuta and Anirudha, turned into Moola beram, Koutuka beram ,Vutsava beram, Snapana beram, Bali beram.
The purpose of the Berams are: Moola beram, that is for the welfare of the world, Koutuka beram is to help the devotee chosen by Srinivasa, Vutsava beram is for festivities, Snapana beram is for ablution purposes, Bali beram is to accept the food offerings to the Lord and to accept other offering to Lord Srinivasa. All these five berams have come out of Sri Venkataramana swami. In the middle of "Ananda Nilayam" Sri Srinivasa stood without wifes. He became Stanaka Viraha murthy (Srinivasa stood there alone in idol form in absence of Lakshmi and Padmavathy in idol form. Only Srinivasa idol form is present and not that of Lakshmi and Padmavathy ).
Anyone who utter the two letter "Hari " with devotion, he would have tied to himself the essential ingredients for salvation. Srinivasa is ever ready to give salvation to those who remember and worship Him. Even though Srinivasa turned Himself into the black Saligrama idol, the softness of physical body still remains. It is said that when you touch the black Saligrama idol, it feels as if you have touched the physical body of Srinivasa. Sometimes His cheeks sweat so the clothes He wears appear to be wet. The idol stood like that with all the glamour possible. No divine sculptor can carve such idol. Since Srinivasa has Himself changed from the physical body to black Saligrama idol, no sculpting is needed. His nose is shining. The hair on eyelids, hair on head, nails on hands are beautiful and shining. No science of sculpting or science of construction of temples can grasp or understand them. Srinivasa has permanently installed Himself along with Padmavathy and Lakshmi. Srinivasa is blessing the welfare and protection of the world with half closed eyelids. Tondamana has done prathista / installation of Sri Venkateshwara idol on the Ananda Vimana and is called “Vimana Vennkateshwarudu”.
The Ananda Vimana has been brought from Vaikuntha. The darshana of the Ananda Vimana known by all the worlds, destructs all sins.
As soon as Srinivasa stood in the Ananda Nilayam Brahma came running and lit two lamps for the prosperity and benefit of entire creation and not only devotees. Brahma worshiped Lord Srinivasa padas by synchronizing the meaning of the Upanishads with the worship. Eg: That Srinivasa is roaming around the worlds. Srinivasa is not roaming, Srinivasa is far away from us, Srinivasa is our nearest God .God is far away yet He is near. He is roaming, no He is staying at one point. Staying at one point, He roams.
Lord Brahma performed ablutions to the Lotus Feet of Srinivas in Vamana incarnation and now He is again doing it along with this puja. Bhrama prayed that the lamps lit by Him should continue to be glowing till the end of the eon Kaliyuga .
Venkateshwara said to Brahma: “O Brahma, when the lamps lit by You are off and when the Ananda Vimanam falls down, then redemption of my incarnation will happen. Brahma conducted all the festivities starting from Dwajarohanam (hoisting of flag with the picture of Garuda or Garudadwaja) to Rathotsavam (chariot festival). The chitramaina nivedyama (food offered to Srinivasa) should be prepared. Veda pundits must perform my marriage ritual both with feeling of fear and devotion. Brahma, You have four Vedas as four faces, so make 4 idols of mine namely:
1.Vutsava Srinivasudu
2.Vugra Srinivasudu
3.Sarvadhika Srinivasudu
4.Lekaka Srinivasudu
All these four idols will be in my control.“ said Srinivasa. Following the order of Srinivasa, Brahma made the four idols.
The divine marriage of Srinivasa was done in a great manner. Along with Garuda and Vishwaksena rushis, Brahma took the Srinivasa Vutsava murthi and roamed in the roads of Tirupathi and performed the festivities. Srinivasa idol was made to be sit on the Garuda vehicle, Shesha vahanam (serpent vehicle) and being roamed around Tirupati paths. From then on, it became a ritual for Srinivasa to get the Brahmotsavam ritual done regularly. In old days, Srinivasa would get all the worships done and at times would come out of the idol in physical form and roam around and talk to devotees also. Even though people were not surprised to see the Lord Srinivasa roaming physically, they used to wait for Srinivasa’s diving darshan. To come out and roam physically, created both devotion and fear among devotees. Tondamana would at times come to Ananda Nilayam via Bila dwaram and have darshan of the amazing Srinivasa murthy. Srinivasa and Tondamana would speak to each other physically.
Here one incident happened.
A priest called Kurmudu set out to Tondamana kingdom for some help. This priest wife name is Mahalakshmi who was pregnant at that time. His sons name is Raghava. Kurmudu the priest asked his wife (Mahalakshmi ) and son (Madhava) to be in the waiting room and he went for the darshan of the king Tondamana. Tondamana called upon the priest and respected him and asked of what help could he be? The priest said: ”O king, my father left the mortal body few days ago, so I have to take his remains and put them in Ganges. I have to do the necessary rituals in Gaya. I need your help . My wife is pregnant, my boy is 5 yrs old. Until I return form Kasi, will you give shelter to my family and protect them?”
Tondamana said: ”O priest, don’t fear! You go and complete your programs and come back. I will look after your family and also take this money for your programs.” Later after, the priest went to Kasi. Tondamana shifted priest’s family (pregnant wife and boy) to a secret accommodation. He gave them food supply enough for 6 months. For strong protection of the priest’s family (pregnant wife and son) he locked the doors with chains from outside. Tondamana made sure that nobody would go inside. He felt happy with the arrangements he made. Later Tondamana was busy with his kingdom affairs and forgot about the priest family. Busy people always forget things. The other keep abusing other people for forgetting their works. Karma (bad fate), what to do?
The priest came back from Kasi and greeted Tondamana and said: “All the programs went off very well. Thank you king for the money you gave. My forefathers all went to Vaikuntham. A lot of good has happened to me. O king, I have brought the Ganges form Kasi. You please take bath with this water and become pure. With your kindness, my wife and children must be doing well. When I was going to Kasi, my wife was pregnant, so now she must have given birth to boy or girl. I want to see them. I can see all the women in your house, but I am not able to see my wife and children.” Only now did Tondamana remembered the priest family. Until now he did not remember. Hearing the priest asking about his family, Tondamana’s heart started beating faster. Tondamana told to priest: “O priest, your wife has conceived a daughter. All your family is doing good. Yesterday, being Friday, ablutions were performed to Srinivasa. Your wife and children also went there along with my family members. They will be back in a day or two. Until then you go, take bath and have food.” Tondamana made all the necessary arrangements.
Tondamana called his son and asked him to check on the family of the priest which was then put in the room. Go and get the family. Until then I have buyed sometime from the priest. The son went to the room, opened the chains only to see the bones or remains of the family. No one was alive. The son broke this news to Tondamana. Tondamana’s heart was stuck. He could not speak. He took his son and went to Tirupati and he fell on the Lotus Feet of Srinivasa and started crying.
Srinivasa told to Tondamana: “If you have pained my devotees, it means you have pained me. Nothing bad should happen to my devotees. You have done Brahma hatya (killing of a brahmin). Now it is as if I have done it. Hurry now, go and get the mortal remains of the family faster. Tondamana send his son to get the remains .Son brought the priest’s family remains. Tondamana intimated the same to the Lord Srinivasa .
Srinivasa told to Tondamana: “Tondamana, you go to Pandu teertham, located near the Pushkarini. I am coming there. Srinivasa went to Pandu Teertham. As the news of Srinivasa coming to Pandu Teertham, broke devotees joined Srinivasa and walked along to Pandu Teertham. Srinivasa went into the teertha, stood at neck deep water and asked Tondamana to keep the remains of the priests family on the steps. Srinivasa took the water and sprinkled water on the remains. Slowly the bones changed to lively human beings. The wife and her children got up and did namaskaram to Lord Srinivasa. All the crowd said Jayam Jayam to Srinivasa.
Srinivasa did not bother too much about the Jayakarams. He spoke to Tondamana in a majestic tone: “ Tondamana, I have just cleared the debt I owed to you for building Me a house. God never keep debts. We are indebted to God. Brahma hatya is sin which has no compensation. I have taken the sin upon me. Just because I give you physical darshan and speak to you, You are taking me for granted. From now on, because of you, I will not give physical darshan to anybody. I will not speak physically to anyone. Now you can go home.” saying so, the Lord went to Ananda Nilayam with those wet clothes. See how this ended up. From then on Srinivasa did not give physical darshan to anyone. He gave his darshan and spoke in dreams of the devotees. Tondamana was feeling very bad about the pain Srinivasa felt because of his behavior. He called the priest and handed over to him his family. The priest went back happily. The priest did not have a clue about all these happenings.
March 16, 2013
Jaya Guru Datta
Today we are going to speak about the type of worship done by Tondamana. What feeling constitutes devotion? What does one understand about the feelings while making offerings to God? What does offering of the Self mean? Each devotee possess different kind of devotion. Such variety of devotions has been shown in lord Srinivasa’s (charitra) history. We will also speak about the kshetra - sacred place and the Leela of God.
Tondamana believed that Srinivasa got angry and went back into the idol form. Tondamana prayed to seer Angeeraso muni to show him a way to appease Srinivasa. Tondamana also prayed to many other seers who possessed great penance. Seers told to Tondamana to worship Srinivasa with Basil (Tulasi) leaves because Srinivasa like Basil leaves. Tondamana went to Ananda Nilayam and worshipped Srinivasa with golden basil leaves. “Because I am a king I should worship with golden basil leaves.” Was Tondamana’s feeling.
This is the Ego problem. Such things should not be shown to the Lord. Moving forward in the story we will see how Srinivasa teaches a lesson and how He shows His Leela.
Srinivasa was not very happy with the worship performed with golden basil leaves by Tondamana. Tondamana was sad and in deep thought. He heard the voice of Srinivasa. It said: “Tondamana don’t believe that you are the only devotee to me. I have many devotees. Your mistake is not a small one. It is a very big mistake on your part.” (The priest story as told in last episode of Srinivasa Kalyanam).
Tondamana replied to Srinivasa: “ Lord, You will not a get a sweet devotee like in the entire 3 worlds. I am the first among your devotees. Srinivasa, I am the first among those who has received your priceless grace.”
Tondamana is showing his ego for the second time now. Most of the devotees of GOD say what I am doing, is right. I don’t make mistakes. Not only this, they also believe that there is no devotee like him to his GOD. Such Ego feeling are accumulated over a period of time and is deep rooted in the devotees. Srinivasa showed so much kindness on Tondamana but alas! it resulted in an egoistic Tondamana.
Srinivasa did not respond further. Tondamana though was egoistic continued to worship Srinivasa with devotion. Ego was getting accumulated in Tondamana. One day when Tondamana went to worship Srinivasa, he saw basil leaves made with mud on the lotus feet of Srinivasa. The golden basil leaves were kept aside. Tondamana was surprised to see and thought as to who did this? Tondamana then replaced the mud basil leaves with golden basil leaves. Soon again the mud basil leaves appeared at the lotus feet of Srinivasa instead of golden basil leaves. The golden basil leaves were pushed aside. It happened all by itself. Tondamana watched this in disbelief and was also scared at the same time. Ego subsided. He realized that Srinivasa was not accepting his worship. He fell on Srinivasa lotus feet and began to cry.
Bhajan - Ehi Srinivasa Pahi Venkatesha
In a very small duration of time, Srinivasa’s heart melted as He is father of all. Srinivasa spoke from the idol form: “Tondamana, I have many devotees who I like more than you. I have told this to you previously. Those devotees love me more than their life. I am life to them. Among such devotees Bheema, the potter is a very good devotee of mine. Bheema worships a tree with devotion in his house believing it to be me. With interest he made basil leaves with mud and offered it to me. I accepted the worship. The mud basil leaves at my lotus feet are the proof of my acceptance. Go and have the darshan of Bheema, my devotee. You will realize what is true devotion.”
Tondamana immediately left to meet Bheema. The roads led up to Bheema’s place. The entire place was like a village of devotees. In all the houses the GOVINDA ! HARI GOVINDA ! names were being chanted. All of them have put Tirunamam on their forehead just as Srinivasa has on His forehead. All of them were working and chanting the name of GOVINDA simultaneously. Seeing all these things with surprise, Tondamana enquired about Bheema and finally found his house but fainted there. That house was very peaceful, neat and tidy. It was like a dhyana mandira (Meditation Room). Tondamana was lying on the ground and was asking for Bheema. He wanted to do namaskaram to Bheema’s feet. I want to see the devotion of Bheema. Listening to Tondamana’s words, Bheema came out and looked surprisingly at Tondamana. Bheema asked the king the purpose of his visit. “What happened to you, O King?” Saying so Bheema sprinkled water on Tondamana and woke him up. Bheema was worried about what happened. Bheema enquired the king “ O king, Did I do any mistake?”
Tondamana gathered energy to speak and spoke like this: “Bheema what is the way in which you worship Srinivasa? Who has initiated you in this puja or worship? Where did you get the procedure of this worship? How is that your mud basil leaves are at the lotus feet of Srinivasa? Would you mind telling me?”
Bheema spoke: “O king! Please tell me without getting angry as to who has revealed this to you? No one knows this!”
Tondamana told that Srinivasa Himself revealed this secret to him.
Bheema told to Tondamana: ” O king! Nobody has told me this worship or the procedure of worship. It has come naturally to me. It is worship with feeling of loving devotion. I am very happy that The King himself has come to my house. How lucky I am? From the moment I have seen you I am remembering instances from my previous birth. In the previous life, Lord Venkateshwara gave me this boon.”
Lord Venkateshwara boon to me is : “O Bheema , when your puja /worship is revealed and King Tondamana comes to meet you then you will get salvated. Now I am remembering all this. Meanwhile Lord Venkateshwara along with Garuda appeared in Bheema’s house. Venkateshwara asked Garuda to call Bheema here. Garuda went and came back with Bheema to sri Venkateshwara swami. Bheema, on seeing Venkateshwara in his house was very happy. In this blissful state, tears were flowing down his eyes. Bheema prostrated before the Lord. Bheema called his wife and made her also prostrate before the Lord. Bheema’s mind was blank. He had a basil garland in his hands but was not thoughtful to offer it to Venkateshwara. Many people face this situation. They will hold the basil garland in their hand but not thoughtful enough to offer to Lord. They are not thoughtful enough to do namaskaram or even to tell anything. Bheema was seeing Venkateshwara with all eyes.
Bhajan - neve nadikku venkatesha
I am a potter, yet Venkateshwara came to my house. I am not as knowledgeable as Shabari, Vidura or Gajendra. I am ignorant, yet You came to my house. I don’t know what to do? What to offer to You? Garuda was very happy seeing Bheema’s devotion. Srinivasa gave a gentle smile to Bheema. Bheema was running inside and outside of house. He would bring an empty *** to Srinivasa and ask him to drink and eat. Suddenly he would realize that the *** is empty. Bheema would go and fill the *** with milk and bring it to Venkteshwara. The *** broke in the midway. Bheema was very confused. He was not able to understand what to do.
Tamalini, the wife of Bheema came forward and prayed to Venkateshwara with shivering voice: “O Lord! I have just cooked rice. Would you mind eating in our house?” How much Innocent devotion! Egoistic devotees must learn from Tamalini ‘s innocent devotion. People who are egoistic about their knowledge will not be blessed with true devotion. Bheema was very angry with Tamalini’s proposal because he was of the opinion that the food cooked in the *** in his house is unfit for Lord Venkateshwara’s consumption or offering. Meanwhile Venkateshwara extended his hand and asked Tamalini for one morsel of food. Venkateshwara accepted the food and ate it. Garuda body faintly shivered seeing Venkateshwara eat food that is offered to Him with devotion in this potter’s house. Venkateshwara doesn’t eat the offering made to Him by the Devatas or Sri Annapoorna mata also. Devatas /Demigods did jaikara to Venkateshwara. Bheema and Tamalini were drenched in happiness that Venkateshwara ate food in their house. In this devotional atmosphere, Tamalini and Bheema were very confused and did not know what they were doing. Saying that I will offer rice to You Venkateshwara, Tamalini offered uncooked rice and then realizing her mistake later. Tamalini apologized. Later she corrected her mistake. Venkateshwara took all the things that were offered with devotion, even the confusional mistakes were accepted.
Now Venkateshwara spoke: “O couple, I am very happy with the devotion you have offered to me. Now enough of your services to me. Now I will serve you. Saying so, Venkateshwara remembered Sri Lakshmi mata. She appeared immediately and looked at Srinivasa. Srinivasa walked upto Lakshmi devi and removed ornaments on her body and gave them to Tamalini saying “O Mother, please wear all these ornaments. These ornaments are yours. I have to see you in these ornaments.” Then He removed all His ornaments and clothes and gave it to Bheema. Just as Bheema touched the Koustubha gem given by Venkateshwara, Vishnu servants came there. Vishnu servants requested the Bheema couple to get into the Divine plane. The minds of the Bheema couple were blank and thoughtless. Tamalini and Bheema wore all the ornaments that were given to them and sat in Divine plane. They did not know what was being given to them? What they were wearing? What they were doing? Tondamana, who was witnessing all these incidents came running and fell on the lotus feet of Venkateshwara and apologized.
Tondamana prayed: “ In this world, there are many greater devotees than me. I am very small devotee. O Lord! Bheema, who resides in my kingdom, You gave him Paramapad - the ultimate position. Please shower your kindness on me too. I have full trust in you.” Tondamana was feeling sad.
Srinivasa spoke: “Tondamana, there are many devotees like Bheema in your kingdom. They believe that I am their everything. Do you realize it now? That is why you shouldn’t be egoistic.” Each one has his own opinion and each one has his own unique way devotion towards Me. Both the opinions and hearts of each of the devotees don’t synchronize. People may use the body to mingle around with each other. But the opinions don’t match. There is no rule that one should agree with the opinion of the other and vice versa. Non one should pain other person and to the extent that not to pain himself too. We should get accustomed to be content with our destiny. What we have and improve from there. One must think that the difficult and happy times are blessings of the Lord on you and not bother about what others have got. People who argue and complain on the Lord or to the Lord that they did not get these things in spite of good behavior and others got these things despite bad behavior. Such people will go to dreaded ***. This Is TRUE. No doubt in it. Never entertain the arguments which are against the decision of the Lord. Bhakti means not paining your GOD.
“Tondamana, you are one of my liked devotee, no doubt. I shall give you what you ask for. Tondamana, give the responsibility of your kingdom to your son Srinivasa. Leave this body and worship me with another body, then your desire will be fulfilled. Leave this body, because this is polluted.” You must live in this body as long as life has been granted to you. You must live happily with this body, only then the next birth will be a good birth and a good body. Then with such a body, you worship me. You will be pure then. I can take you inside Me at this moment but I will not do it that way. For now, no matter how many times you bathe in sacred water, things will not change. For the mistake you have done, you must pay with this body. “Saying so, Srinivasa along with Garuda vanished. Venkateshwara went to Vaikuntham. In this way, Venkateshwara gave salvation to Tondamana in the next birth. In this way, Venkateshwara gave salvation to Bheema couple and taught lesson to Tondamana. Tondamana went to the pushkarini and meditated upon Venkateshwara, expending the balance of years in this lifetime. Then he left his mortal body and entered pushkarini and did penance there for Venkateshwara . Venkatehwara appeard to Tondamana and asked him what boon you want?
Tondamana asked: “I would like to live in Vaikuntham where there is no birth or death. This is my desire.” Srinivasa gave Sarupya Mukti (salvation) to Tondamana. Such salvation is very rarely given by the Lord. Tondamana climbed the Diving Plane, went to the Vaikuntham from where the is no return journey. Tondamana went to such Vaikuntham. All those, who tell this story, listen to this story or read the story, will enjoy all the material fruits and after leaving the mortal body, will go to Vishnu Loka.
This is Srinivasa kalyanam. This is Divine Leela of Srinivasa. This is Srinivasa’s divine Glory. Many puranas – epics, have sung the glory of the Srinivasa in different manners. Poets have viewed Srinivasa from different angles and have written many poetry’s. In many different ways they have done stotras on Srinivasa. We also are listening to Srinivasa’s history in a new angle. All must listen to Srinivasa tattva - essence. No matter how much we hear about Srinivasa’s glory or tattva, we are not satisfied. The more you know about Srinivasa, the better and more good it is. The more you remember Srinivasa, the more good it is. The divine sankalpa is the reason why we have spoken about the Srinivasa Kalyanam in so much detail. This is our great luck. Many dreaded sins get destroyed. Five major sins and five major bad deeds will be destroyed. Good thought is more important than the time, place and date specifications. Srinivasa ‘s glory is sung in parts in different epics in different ways. It is more important to understand the tattva of Srinivasa. The stories should also be told with the same intention. Such intention is of prime Importance. At some places, it is important to know about devotional nectar. Walking on the same way of good intention, of knowing the tattva and devotion towards Srinivasa, we will also try to listen to the history of the 7 mountains, the history of teerthas and stories of the devotees also. In this way let’s have the darshan of lord Venkateshwara who would give darshana at times and places and do upadesha to his devotees.
Vraha Puranam, Padma Puranam, Garuda puranam, Vamana puranam, Skanda puranam, Aditya puranam, Bhavisyottara puranam, Bhrammottara puranam, all these puranas – epics, have sung the divine glory of Srinivasa in their own way and also have remembered Srinivasa. Poets have also sung the glory of Lord of Seven Hills i.e. Srinivasa in their own way. Srinivasa responds to all, no matter who calls in which manner. THIS IS TRUTH. You can call in any way you want. Listening to the call of devotees who call with respect to their strengths and abilities and their eligibility, Srinivasa is giving darshan to all of them. In some places He is taking an idol form all by Himself. The following places are the ones where Sri Hari has incarnated in form of idol by Himself. Those important places are Sri Rangam, Sri Mushnam, Venkatadri, Salagramam, Naimisham,Trotradri, Pushkaram, Narayana ashramam.
Srinivasa has Five Incarnations:
1.Para swaroopam : This is the original Vishnu in Vaikuntham. All the devotees living in Vaikuntham worship this form of Srinivasa
2.Vyuha swaroopam : This form is taken by the Lord for helping devotees worshiping Him. This form does work of creation (srusthi).
3.Vibhava swaroopam : Vibhava or Vibhava means the same. This form tells us about the 10 incarnations of Lord Srinivasa.
4.Antaryami roopam : The experience of stages of *** and heaven of the Jiva while paying for his destiny, this form is been shown by Srinivasa. The book called Yateendra mata deepika tells that only with friendship, only yogi’s can see this form. In the sky of the heart of Yogi’s, Srinivasa gives darshan Whose height is of a thumb size. No deeds of Jiva touch Srinivasa.
5.Archa Avataram : The form of Srinivasa is made, using Iron, Stone, Wood, Sand /clay and these idols are then worshiped. Such Idol is on Sheshachalam the black salagrama idol form. He incarnated as Venkateshwara on Venkatadri. Staying on Sapthagiri –the seven mountains, He is protecting His devotees.
Now we will know about the history of the “Seven Hills”. They are Seven Guru’s to us as they do upadesha to us all the time. Here are many names to the Seven Hills in different Epics. Importantly in four Eons and four Yugas, four names are famous. The abode of Srinivasa i.e. the Seven Hills are collectively called:
1.Krutha yugam =Vrushadri
2.Treeta yugam =Anjanadri
3.Dwapara yugam =Sheshadri
4.Kali yougam= Venkatadri
Since these seven hills fulfill all the desires asked for, it is also called “Chintamani”. As told before, these hills give knowledge and hence it is called “Jnanadri”. Since all the sacred rivers are there, it is called “Teerthadri”. Since most of the teertha are Pushkaras, it is also called “Pushkaradri”. Since these Seven Hills are the form of Righteousness, it is also called “Vrushadri”. Since these Seven Hills came to earth from Vaikuntham, it is called “Vaikunthadri”. To kill the demon Hiranyakasyapa, Vishnu took the incarnation of Narashima Swamy here and hence it is called “Simhachalam”. Since Hanuman took incarnation here, it is also called “Anjanadri”. Since a Great Monkey Warrior called Neela resided here, it is also called “Neeladri”. Since both divine nectar and aishwaryam (money/riches .The true riches/money is devotion/bhakti ) co-exist it is called “Venkatadri”.
These mountains give bliss to the people who firmly believe in God, so it is called “Anandadri”. It is called “Srisailam” as it is the residence of Lakshmi. Both Lakshmi and Sri Hari would roam around in this “Anandadri” or “Venkatadri”. Greenary was there everywhere. Once you step on this place, the mind will be at peace. Sri Hari always with Lakshmi, would experience bliss on this mountain and hence it is called “Anandadri”. This mountain is brought from Vaikuntham so it is called “Vaikunthadri” .This mountain is brought by Garuda from Vaikuntham on the order of Vraha Swamy and hence called “Anandadri”. The last word is “Anandam” - bliss. To receive Anandam, one doesn’t need to go to Vaikuntham or anywhere else. Swami has brought Vaikuntham to the earth for us. When the sadhaka - spiritual aspirant, does the sadhana - spiritual practice step by step or in gradual manner, he can experience the bliss here only. The mountain is kept here by Garuda, so it is called “Garudadri”. Since the Lord happily roams around on this mountain, it is called “Kreedadri”. The wings of Garuda are Vedas, so the mountain is the form of Vedas. The mountains bear on them Sri Govinda. Saint Annamaya has sung the glory of these mountains, saying that they are the form of Vedas. Blissfully chanting and reading stotras of Govinda, one should climb upon the mountain. The mind of the sadhaka should be filled with mantras or should take the form of mantras. Chanting Govinda’s name, one should see Govinda in every rock. One should fully concentrate on Govinda. The mind should be allowed to go anywhere. When one climbs up the mountains in the aforesaid way, he will be stronger like Garuda to carry Sri Hari on his back. When climbing up the mountain in gradual manner, we may not have energy to put even one step forward. The entire body feels heavy, but don’t worry, Srinivasa will take you forward.
In Krutayuga, this mountain was called “Garudadri” and “Anandadri”. In Tretayuga, a demon named Vrushabhasura did penance for the darshan of GOD. Even though he is a demon, he has abided by righteous code of conduct. Some demons for the birth sake they are demons, but in true nature they are devotees of Vishnu. Daily Vrushabhasura would worship the Lord with devotion and daily he offered his head, kept in a flower, to lotus feet of God. After his act of offering, he would prostrate at the Lord ‘s feet. Then automatically his head would be back on his shoulders. Such worship continued for many years. One day Sri Hari gave darshan to the demon and offered him a Boon. You have offered your head many times now. Now enough of your offering, now ask a boon. I shall give you. A tad bit of demon nature still remained in this demon, so he asked for a fight with the lord. Sri Hari took the form of Varaha Incarnation and started fighting with the demon. As time went by, in the battle, the demon realized that he was getting weaker. He thought “Vishnu almost conquered me”. Immediately he folded his hands in front of Vishnu and said, “O Vishnu, I, due to my ego problem, asked a boon for fighting with you. Now I am about to die in Your hand. Before that, I have a desire. This mountain should be called after my name i.e. Vrushabhadri and you should reside on me. Varaha Swami said, “So be it” and merged the demon with Himself. This is the story. Hence the mountain got the name “Vrushabhadri”.
Sadhakas whose mind is filled with the name of Govinda, the Lord will be happy with such devotees and He will surrender to the devotee. HE will make the devotee walk on this devotional path further.
In Tretayugam this very mountain had a different name. Kesari and Anjana were a couple. They did not have children for long time. The god of dharma came to Anjana devi in disguised form of a fortune teller and told her, ´O mother! Go to Vrushabhadri and perform penance. There are a lot of sacred rivers located on Vrushabhadri. It is the place of great Merit. If you go and do penance there, for sure your desire will be fulfilled. A boy will be born to you. Saying so, the fortune teller went away.
There is another version to the same story according to another epic. Anjana Devi taking orders from Matanga rushi/seer, came here and performed penance close to Akasha Gana teertha. Anjana Devi gave a birth to the boy whose strength is beyond the worlds. He was named Hanumantha. The mountain then got the name “Anjanadri”.
Now let’s come to Kaliyuga. All those who are coming to this Anjanadri, their sins are getting destroyed. Madhava, the son of the Bhramin , Purandhara had the darshan of Anjanadri. Immediately all his sins got destroyed. Madhava in the initial stages of his life, earned a gentleman’s name. Madhava at the right age, got married to a girl called Chandralekha. After marriage, Madhava’s mind walked on the wrong path. The interest in the other women grew. Thus the interest lead him to do many tabooed things. He deserted both the home and wife. One day while he was walking in the forest, he saw a women in the forest and he instantly liked her. The name of the women was Kuntala. Madhava, in deep infatuation, held the hand of Kuntala. Kuntala then told Madhava, “Now that you have caught my hand, you also belong to my caste. From now on you must take care of my needs.” Madhava was happy as he got what he desired. In order to feed his family, Madhava committed many atrocities, like robbing wealth of the passes by, killed many people. Time passed by. His wife Kuntala died. Madhava grew old and was lonely. Only his sins were by his side and slowly he suffered skin diseases. Where ever he went, the people hated him. They would drive him far away. That bad Madhava was. Madhava was unable to get a fistful of food and water. He roamed around and wandered here and there. One day Madhava saw a group of tourists and followed them for food. Those tourists were chanting the name of GOVINDA!!! GOVINDA!!! GOVINDA!!! With such chants of Govinda, the tourists climbed up the mountain. Madhava also chanted the Govinda name out of unbearable hunger. Madhava chanted the name Govinda and climbed along with the tourists because if he did not chant Govinda name, the tourists will not give food. The tourists gave a pancake to Madhava as he was chanting Govinda nama for sometime now .That is why he chanted Govinda’s name. In old days people would feed the hungry if they chanted Govinda name. So the hungry folks, at least for the food, would chant Govinda nama.
Many of the ashramaites are now telling DATTA DATTA DATTA name, pretending to teach the DATTA nama to parrots. I (Sri Swamiji) am teaching them indirectly. Now I ( Sri Swamiji) have changed the nama and asking them to teach parrots to chant NARAYANA nama. Else would you all have chanted? One must fully(devotionally) chant the nama once and then click the counter in hand. Your mind should be involved in the nama only. Such counts will be accounted. The hand gets practiced to click the counter irrespective of whether you are chanting the divine name or not. This is not good.
I have given parrots to many people and asked them to teach one specific mantra to the parrot. Now they, out of love for Me(Sri Swamiji) or parrots or out of need to complete the Sadguru’s order, are immersed in teaching the parrots the mantras. Parrots means Vishnu, Rama and Guru. One who is rearing parrots, in true sense they are rearing NARAYANA and not parrots. It is not a parrot in hand but it is Narayana, Rama and Guru in your hand. The parrot in next life will take human birth and help you.
So Madhava would chant Govinda nama with the tourists and the tourists would give him a pancake. Madhava slowly climbed the mountain along with the tourists. The mountain Madhava was climbing along with tourists was none other than “Anjanadri”. With Govinda nama being chanted, with every step climbed, a sin got destroyed. Slowly Madhava started shining with new Light. All the sins from the body got washed away and the body was radiating with the Light. All the people around Madhava were surprised and chanted the Govinda nama with even more vigor. Madhava by time climbed the mountain and all sins got destroyed and his body was radiation with Light. Seeing this grace of GOVINDA on Madhava, Devatas rained flowers on Madhava. How much sinful person got cleansed with Govinda nama, to extent that, the Devatas rained flowers on him. Since the mountain destroyed all the sins of the devotees, it got the name “Venkatadri”. Vem = sins, kata = to burn. Since this mountain destroys all sins, the name Venkat got popular. Since the Lord is the owner of this mountain called Venkata, the Lord got the name Venkateshwarudu. Vemkata has another meaning also. Vem is the seed letter of Divine Nectar, kata = Aishwaryam (riches,money = bhakti,devotion ). Because both the Divine Nectar and the Aishwaryam co-exist at the same place, the mountain got the name “Venkatadri”. Sadhaka, when has gained the stage in devotion, at which he realizes, all that is there is Brahman, then the Divine Nectar and the Aishwaryam, will surrender to Him by themselves. Chanting the name of Venkateshwara and moving forward, one will get the darshan of the Paramatma Narayana.
Now let’s come to Narayanadri. A seer/rushi called Naryana did penance for Brahma on this mountain. Brahma gave darshan and instructed Narayana rushi/seer to and have darshan of Srinivasa on this mountain. Narayana seer did severe penance for Narayana Swami. Narayana Swami gave darshan to Narayana muni and gave him salvation and also said, “O seer! Both your name and my name are same so we both stay here. Both our name should be made to live permanent here. Then Narayana Swami named the mountain after the seer and hence “Naryanadri”. Then Narayana Seer merged with Narayana Swami. Once the sadhaka climbs all the steps, he should have an unfluttered mind and selfless devotion. Then surely Lord Narayana will give His darshan. Naram = Jnanam - knowledge. Narayana Swami will bless us with knowledge.
Sri Guru Datta
Courtesy: Matukumalli Sridhar