AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji - day 9 Navaratri - Sakti-Durgi - October 21, 2015 - Mysore

Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha

Om Ayim Hreem Sreem Lalita Parameswaryai Namaha

Today it is Navami. We did puja to vehicles today and to all tools and instruments. All agricultural and industrial tools, implements, and vehicles are worshiped today. We give rest to them in the forenoon. Sakti Durgi resides in them. Everything merges in Mother Goddess Durga Parameswari. She is Sakti Durgi. From her Kalika Devi was born. They are all the same.

Today is the day for performing the Chandi Homa. It is a very important day for devotees and for factory and industrial workers. Today is the day to make resolutions. Dasami is the day for commencement of new ventures. Ashtami night is the night for Kalaratri. The three days beginning with Saptami are very important. If one worships on these three days, if it is not possible to worship on all nine days, one receives the same benefit. It gives spiritual victory. People read the Virata Parva in the Mahabharatham or Sundara Kanda from the Ramayanam on Dasami day. All three deities, Mahasaraswati, Mahakali, and Mahalakshmi are worshiped on Dasami. One invokes them into oneself. In the Datta Peetham tradition on all ten days we perform the puja the same way, invoking the deities into ourselves. In 1961 these pujas were begun by Swamiji. In 1971 the intensity grew. In 1981 the pujas became more elaborate and got increased further in intensity. The procedure involves going up and down in the Arohana and Avarohana sequence, like in the musical scale with sa ri ga ma pa da ni sa and sa ni da pa ma ga ri sa.

This year we are in the Avarohana – downward movement. Next year it will be the Arohana or ascending movement. Either Mother Goddess’s feet are worshiped first, and then gradually one goes towards the head, or else follow the reverse sequence, by going from the head down to the feet. Guru also is worshiped the same way. Either upward movement or downward movement. A devotee should not see the middle portions of the body first, such as the belly or knees. Search for Guru’s feet and move up the glance towards the face. Or else, only see the face.

Lalita Sahasranama praises Durga Parameswari as ‘sarvasaktimayyai namaha’. There are many other Saktis or energies which are identified with Mother Rajarajeswari, such as Bala, Bagala, Syamala, Varahi, etc. Mother Goddess is the Empress of all the worlds/Lokas. She rules over all planes of existence/Bhuvanas. She accomplishes all tasks.

Bhajan: bhuvanagala palisuva

In the description of Mani Dweepa, the residence of Mother Goddess, details are given about all the different worlds that exist within it, all her female ministers, and handmaidens. Similarly, there is a mention of four enclosures called, Sringara Mantapa, Mukti Mantapa, Jnana Mantapa, and Ekanta Mantapa. In the Sringara Mantapa, Mother Goddess seated on her divine throne, listens to the divine music rendered by celestials. While in the Mukti Mantapa, she grants Liberation to all devotees located in the Universe. In the Jnana Mantapa, Mother Goddess engages herself in teaching spiritual wisdom to devout and humble listeners. In the Ekanta Mantapa, Mother Goddess consults with her ministers regarding how to protect the world.

In this way, Parasakti who is omnipotent, executes her various duties in a timely manner for ruling over the worlds, and providing them all her proper protection.

‘gatistvam matistvam tvameka bhavani’ – Mother Saktidurgi is everyone’s final refuge and guiding light. She is Parameswari herself. By worshiping her, one becomes capable of performing noble deeds.

For those who worship Mother Goddess, whatever they do becomes satkarma/noble deed. Then all troubles are transcended. Even diseases will not cause pain. In ignorance we tend to forget *** or pray to *** weeping about our troubles. Instead, with a happy mind if we worship, our mindset changes. When you go there weeping, *** won't be there in the temple for you. You must forget your sorrow when you pray.

Children cry and complain to parents, either about a sibling, the other parent, or a neighbor, saying ‘they hit me’ or ‘dad scolded me’. Mother then comforts. This happens in families, but not with Mother Goddess. Give up your grief and illness. Throw them out of your mind, and your body. Order the pain to vanish. Be the boss and order the body to be rid of the disease or the infection. It won't go. After three operations and several treatments still some people suffer. You must not accept the pain into your body. With medicines you throw them out. But some Datta devotees don't care. Such devotion they have. 180 surgeries one devotee had, just about in all parts of the body. She smiles always. She walked along with Swamiji. She wished Him Happy Birthday with such love. I feel like prostrating to her feet. You should pray for strength to tolerate the pain and discomfort. Forget your pain in your love for Swamiji. Be disciplined. If you focus on pain, then Swamiji will be forgotten. If you truly love your mother you won't mind her beating you. My aunt (Venkamma) poked me in the neck with a red hot iron rod. I loved her intensely, whether she beat me, insulted me, or threw food at me as if I were a dog. She is my guru. She had the right to chop off my head if she chose to. Others would perhaps *** such persons by strangling them while they slept, or run away from them. People are always complaining about others.

Never demand attention from Swamiji. Just to test and train you, Swamiji will ignore you sometimes. He does it on purpose. He is trying to turn you into a good disciple. If you don't respond, but complain about it, He gives his valuable attention to someone else. Today because I have said this, you will say, you will follow my words. But tomorrow you will forget. On Navami you take a vow. Tomorrow on Dasami you forget. For years you have nurtured your volatile mind. It won't leave you so easily. You have practiced being sensitive and getting upset. The habit will not go quickly.

The body is not yours. The mind keeps traveling. But the intellect tries to protect the body and the sense organs which have imbibed the pains and diseases. Physical body reminds you of your pains. Earn the strength to overcome the influence of the body over your mind. If you sit alone in a corner and allow your mind to dwell on an insult, it becomes a huge mountain. You tell yourself you are a useless person and you begin to hate the person who has insulted you. The one who insulted you forgets his words and actions. He probably did not even mean his words seriously. But you think the whole world has come down on you. You should also merely say thanks and laugh. Who was scolded? Mind, body, or intellect; they are not yours. You should ask the one who insulted you if you should help him to scold you more. But you will not be able to do it. You cannot belittle yourself like that. Big ego is the problem. Worship of Mother Goddess is the remedy which helps you to get rid of your ego. Even sages, gods, and kings have worshiped Sakti Durgi since Krita Yuga, and attained benefit.

Bhajan: vande vande saktidurgam

Mother Goddess appears like a demonic figure to demons. If there is gangrene, the part must be amputated.
A cancerous growth will not go away if pampered and loved. The cancer spreads all over the body. Mercilessly cut it out if you wish to get well. Mother mercilessly removes bad qualities for the benefit of her devotees.
The glory of Durga Parameswari has been praised as follows:

As Sridurga, she killed Mahishasura. As Jayadurga she wears the crescent moon. As Vanadurga she removes the fear of enemies. As Sukhadurga she slays those who have demonic attitudes and who perform wicked actions, to bestow happiness. As Soolinidurga Mother Goddess gives auspiciousness. As Sivadurga she gives joy to Siva. As Santidurga she grants peace. As Saabari durga she displays magical skills. As Jaatavedodurga she is adored by the chanting of Veda mantras. As Jwaladurga she glows with radiance. As Lavanadurga she displays great feminine grace. As Deepadurga she assumes the form of light. As Asuradurga she kills demons. As Amaradurga she creates gods. As Kanakadurga she gives great wealth. As Navadurga she assumes various different glorious forms. As Dumdurga she removes poverty. As Gurudurga she blesses with Sat-Chit-Ananda. Her form itself is Sachchidananda, Eternal Truth, Consciousness, and everlasting Bliss. Overall, all old and new forms are forms of Mother Goddess.

As Saraswati, Parvati, and Lakshmi, she radiates light in the homes of Brahma, Sankara, and Vishnu’s homes, respectively. It is not as if they have built actual homes. For the Trinity, within them their consorts serve as the inner light. She is the mother of divine children like Narada, Kumaraswami (Subrahmanya), and Manmatha.

One should pray to Mother Goddess as follows: ‘O Mother, you are full of compassion. Please reside in my intellect, making it your home’.

In the worship of Nava Durgas, on the ninth day Mother manifests as Siddhidaatri.

Slokam: Siddha gandharva

Mother Goddess who receives worship from Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Gods, and Demons is ever worthy of adoration. May Siddhidayini, who grants Siddhis/accomplishment of tasks, ever provide us protection. The Brahmavaivarta Purana mentions in the Sri Krishna Janma Khanda, the eighteen siddhis granted by Mother Goddess. They are: Anima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Mahima, Esitva, Vasitva, Sarvakamavasayitaa, Sarvajnatva, Doorasravana, Parakayapravesanam, Vaksiddhi, Kalpavrikshatvam, Srishti, Samharakarana Samarthyam, Amaratvam, Sarvanayakatvam, Bhaavanaa Saamarthyam, and Siddhi. Siddhidatri is the name of Mother Goddess who has the power to grant all the above Siddhis.

I bless that Mother Durga Parameswari, in the form of Siddhidatri should bless the Universe with peace and wellbeing.

Throw away all your sins, your wavering mind, and all evil ways in the Chandi Homa fire pit. Only if you are well, I am happy. Since Yugas one may speak and describe the glories of Mother Goddess, but it is still not possible to do justice. In two words and a couple of bhajans how to explain to you? You all have immense faith in Swamiji. Keep it firm. May your faith and your intense love for Swamiji remove all your troubles and accomplish all your tasks for you. Pray to Mother Goddess with faith that Swamiji should protect you. Any fears, and diseases you can thus overcome. You must pray for forgiveness for all omissions and commissions in your life and in your worship. I prayed on your behalf today for forgiveness of all your mistakes. Our relationship extends over many lifetimes. Who knows when and where we will meet again.

Mother Goddess came out of the Homa Firepit today and saw all of your through Swamiji’s face, and she was very happy. The moment the Kalasa was moved by someone accidentally, Mother Goddess left. Someone touched the Kalasa, then Udvasana occurred. That is what happened today. You all witnessed it. She is still here. That form came and went at that tie. From the Homa Kunda she emerged. Someone then accidentally touched the Kalasa. All mistakes of everyone here are forgiven. Maintain the devotion which you have earned and developed so far. Keep your faith firm.

Now we will sing a Kannada bhajan about Mother Mookambika. I visited Kollur Mookambika recently.

Bhajan: mannisenna vedikombe mookambike
Bhajan: Manninchi nanu ganave Mookambika

Kolluru, Kolhapuri, and Mysuru. At these three places Mother Goddess incarnated to *** Mahishasura. Any of these three places if you visit and have darshan of any of the three deities and offer worship that is enough. Chanda and Munda were killed in north India by Chamunda.
Kolhapur is in Maharashtra. The other two are in Karnataka.

Bhajan: Keertaya tripurambam

Tomorrow we will have a simple program which concludes by noon. In the evening there will be a one hour program of bhajans. During the Sri Chakra Puja the Ashrama Bhajan group will sing the Trishati songs. I must listen.

The final tally of the top ten parrots will be announced today and shared worldwide with all bird lovers. Voting for the top ten parrots closes today. All the listed top ten birds are endangered and critically endangered. Only a few hundred birds from each species are now there in the wild.

They are all free flying but they stay here at Shuka Vana. They do not leave. Just as you have all gathered here, they have also come to Swamiji. The 1200 birds are now your children, since you have adopted them. By becoming members and sponsors, you are supporting them well. Let us see if my favorite bird wins. If it does, I will sing more bhajans. Otherwise only two bhajans. Which parrot comes first, I have to see. I am excited to know. It is a living movement. Bonsai also. Plants are also living but they do not speak or move about. If they are watered, they stay alive. But these are more vibrant and moving. They are daily fighting to survive here.

80 per cent voting is done. Complete now and make it one hundred per cent. Last chance for all members to vote by tonight. Our efforts over the past two years with Shuka Vana are about 80 per cent completed.

Devi harati.

Tomorrow or the day after, go to Shuka Vana. Feed the birds and when they land on you, get photos taken. Appaji may suddenly stop the photo sessions. Go to both the Sun Conure and the Lorikeets sections. You must get photographed. Keep at home. Anytime, even in dream Swamiji may come to your home to see those photos. Don't go only for photos. See all the birds. Same at Vishwam museum. Don't just walking in and walk out. See all the items painstakingly collected from different countries worldwide.

Go observe each bird, its colors and features. There is such a variety. A King parrot died recently. These birds are very rare. Rudraksha trees, thirty two of them, we planted in the park for the benefit of the parrots. They all got destroyed by the parrots. Just two birds are capable of destroying many trees. We expected such damage. It is okay. Free flying birds are set free in the morning inside the aviary. I don't mind now that the parrots have destroyed the trees. In our farm we have planted one thousand Rudraksha trees. Entire trunk and branches the parrots have chopped up and chewed.

For the photographs, since there is now a huge crowd, don't wait for immediate prints. I am glad the children are trying to give prints to you quickly. You may have to wait.

Adjust for accommodation. Take whatever is offered to you. Some are also staying in hotels outside. Take warm water baths and drink only boiled water. Do not cross the street. It is dangerous. The traffic is very heavy.

Rare and endangered, the most colorful parrots in Shuka Vana are the Sun Conures. Nowhere else can you see such a collection of birds as the ones landing on Swamiji. Swamiji has visited so many countries. Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, Venezuela, South Africa, South America, Australia, Argentina, Trinidad, and Thailand. Nowhere do you see anything like this. Generally, these birds are afraid of humans and so they avoid them, or they bite. The slow motion videos they are showing now are very nice. Thank you Nagaraju. Some of these birds were born here. They don't leave Appaji if they see him. They sit on his head as if doing penance. They are expecting something from Swamiji.

200 birds all at one time you can see in the special aviary for Sun Conures. Natural setting is provided for them. They all live as a flock. But against what the science books say, these birds, although they are living as a large group, are breeding here. They have nesting boxes. 25 chicks have been born in the ashram. They are clean, healthy and happy. Go and see. Appaji gave them food.

It is getting late. Trains are rumbling in the stomach.

Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta

Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri