WHY LORD YAMA WAS CURSED BY RISHI MANDVAYYA.

 

Mandavya was a Brahmin who gave away his vast wealth and went away to Himalayas to become an Ascetic and came to be known as Rishi Mandavya.

Once Rishi Mandavya was deep in penance at his Ashram and was under a vow of Silence.

A gang of robbers, running away from soldiers, found the Rishi’s hermitage to be ideal place to hide, hid their loot & themselves in his humble hermitage.

The King’s soldiers who came searching asked the Sage about the whereabouts of the robbers.
The Sage, being under a vow of silence did not answer and continued with his penance.
The soldiers repeated the question several times, but the sage did not answer.
The Soldiers went inside the hermitage and found both the loot and the thieves.
Mistakenly they arrested the Rishi too as they believed that he was helping the robbers by being silent when asked about the thieves.

THE PUNISHMENT :

The Angry King ordered SHOOLA DANDA on them, including the Rishi (as he believed the Sage to be the robbers associate)…..meaning trusting them with a Spear and thus killing them.

The rishi Mandavya, in spite of being pierced and without food, though his yogic powers and ascetic merit was alive and continued with his penance.

The great sage continued with is penance.
Many sages, in the guise of birds visited rishi and expressed their sorrow and unhappiness, Mandavya but the great sage consoled them saying “No one is responsible for my suffering. I think its all due to my past Karma” and continued with his penance.

The people in and around were surprised to see the great sage surviving the pain of the trident and still pursuing the penance. For anybody’s query he used to reply that no one was responsible for his suffering.

A few days later the king came to know through his soldiers that the sage was surviving the heavy odds. The king rushed to the spot and ensured the sage was safely grounded from the trident. The King himself tried to remove the trident but in vain. Then they cut off the trident but the upper pointed edge was struck to the Sage’s body. The king profusely apologized and begged for forgiveness.

The sage pardoned the King saying “You are not to be blamed Rajan...”  and began wandering with the trident edge and kept his penance continuously. He was famously called and eulogized by all as ‘Ani Mandavya’ (Mandavya with trident).

THE CURSE TO LORD YAMA :

The sage was not angry with the King but was definitely surprised as to why he, such a Dharmic person was punished “As far as I remember, I havent done any crime. So, why did the Lord Punish me this way”.  These questions kept bothering the Sage.
So, the great Sage Mandvya met the God of Dharma, Lord Yama and asked
“Hey DharamaRaja, Lord Yama, be kind enough to let me know the reason, I had to go through such a harsh punishment. I did not commit any heinous crime, atleast in this janma. And I would like to know from your records, if I did anything in my previous janma, and if it was my prarabda karma. “

The Lord of Death replied, ‘When you were in your childhood you had inserted the sharp darbha (kusa grass in Sanskrit) grass into the tails of insects. Just as a small gift to someone increases religious merit manifold, a small sin will also multiply manifold and served to the same person.  Hence, I have imposed this punishment upon you “

The shocked and surprised saged asked…”I never remember hurting anyone, even an insect. When was this”?  Lord Yama replied “when you were a child”.

Mandavya was furious and disagreed with the logic and reasoning of the God of Dharma.

He argued “Even the  scriptures does not consider any sinful act committed upto the age of 12 as punishable and you being, Lord of Dharma, have committed injustice and meted out punishment which is disappropriate to the act. The law, after all, should be ethical and amenable to reason. Any unrighteous act (adharma) committed during the ignorant childhood age should not attract punishment.” Saying this, the Sage cursed the God of Dharma to born on to a Slave Woman.

 And then with his power of tapas, he ordained that ‘no child below 14 shall attract sin for its done in innocence without knowing consequences'

Later on the God of Dharma was born as Vidura, brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu Maharaja.

LEARNINGS :
1. Pain is to the body and not to the soul.

2. Mistakes done unknowingly should be pardoned.

3. Never punish someone without doing proper analysis and investigation.

TEMPLES ASSOCITED WITH THE GREAT RISHI MANDAVYA:

Mandya in Karnataka owes its name to Rishi Mandavya. The Great sage did his penance here.

Once King Indravarma (1001A.D.) who did not have any children asked Mandavya Rishi for guidance, the sage advised him to build a temple for Sri Janardhana Swamy and Lakshmi devi. The King soon had a baby boy.

The Temple is very famous today as SRI LAXMI JANARDHANA TEMPLE. 


Couples who don’t have children come here and pray for a child and they do get blessed with progeny. 
Hence the Lord is also called as MAKKALA JANARDHANA.

Mandavya Rishi taught Veda to even all the Wild Animals around him. Hence, the forest in which he did his penance is called VEDARANYA (FOREST OF THE VEDAS). The area around Mandya was earlier known as Vedaranya.

VASANTA VALLABHRAYA TEMPLE in Bangalore was built by Mandavya Rishi.

The temple is more than a thousand years old. The legend (sthalapurana) associated with the temple is that it was established (pratishtha) by the sage Mandavya.

Once upon a time, the disciples of Mandavya found him missing from his ashrama. Mandavya settled down in Vasantapura, meditating. It is also believed that if someone unable to go to Tirupati visits the Vasantapura temple, they get an equivalent amount of benefit (punya) from the visit.

The Shiva Linga inside  Someshwara swamy temple in Ulsoor, Bangalore was also worshipped by Mandvaya Rishi.

The Main Deity in the RANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE in MAGADI as also installed by Mandavya Rishi.

Source :

MAHABHARATHA  and other scriptures

Stanza 20
mān
dṛṛ
avya-śāpād bhagavān
  ṁ prajā-sa yamano yamah ṛ
bhrātuh
ṛ
ks
etre bhujis ṛ yāyā ṛ ṁ
 jātah satyavatī-sutāt

Regards, 
Srikanth Matrubai


Srikanth Matrubai Author of the Amazon Best Seller DON'T RETIRE RICH

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WHEN ARJUNA TRIED TO KILL YUDHISTRA !!!

The following incident is mentioned in KARNA PARVA

On the 17th day of the Mahabharata war in Kurukshetra, Karna was at his ferocious best.
He defeated Yudhistra and wounded him. Nakula saved Yudhistra and sped away to the camp.

After some time, Arjuna comes to Yudhitra's tent. Seeing Arjuna, Yudhistra thinking that Karna is killed by Arjuna starts praising him.

When Arjuna informs that he hasnt killed Karna, Yudhistra is not only disappointed but very angry and losing his temper, started shouting at Arjuna using words like 

"You are an incompetent archer, What use is this Gandiva, throw it into the Sea, etc"

Arjuna immediately becomes wild at Yudhistra especially when his favourite bow Gandiva is made fun of.
In fact, Arjuna had made a secret vow that whoever\ makes fun of Gandiva will be killed.
Arjuna takes out a sword to kill Yudhistra and moves towards.
However, he  immediately realises the foolishness of his impending act and stops himself.
But, since he had already made a vow, he looked at Lord Krishna for a escape route.

Lord Krishna smiles....and says
"Insult Yudhistra, as abusing an elder is bad as Killing him"

So Arjuna insults Yudhistra with words like
"you are a foolish brother who lost brothers and wife in a game of dice " ! and such dirty words.

But, Arjuna was devastated  and ashamed and filled with complete guilt for using such low language against his beloved brother and was repentant and wanted killing himself.

Laughing Lord Krishna said "Dear Arjuna, now praise yourself, its as good as a Suicide (killing yourself)."

Now, Arjuna starts praising himself sky high !

And as HE did so many times,  Lord Krishna saved both Arjuna and Yudhistra and the Pandavas yet again.


LESSONS FROM THIS EPISODE : 

1. Habits makes your character : 

Imagine, just 17 days ago, Arjuna had received the great immortal gyan from Lord Krishna in the form of Bhagwad Gita and he could no longer keep in check his anger and ego.
Even with best of teacher and best of lesson, unless you implement and make it an habit.....the learning is incomplete.

2. Murder and Suicide are most unacceptable
Both committing a murder and a Suicide is taking lives. You do not have right to do that.
Dharma, Artha, Kama Moksha is achievable only with this body. Thus destruction of this living body is not allowed.

3. Self-praise is equal to killing oneself
Praising oneself sky high is as equivalent to killing oneself.

4. Abusing and disrespecting is equal to killing the other person. 
Yes. Words wrongly used can be more deadly than even death. Use Words carefully.
When a person is disrespected, it is like he is dead even though he is alive.
The feeling is the same as death when you are disrespected.

Regards, 
Srikanth Matrubai

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SERVE LORD KRISHNA WITH FULL DEVOTION

It was the time after Mahabharatha war was over. Draupadi was sitting in her garden and remembering about the past incidents.
At that time arrived her all time saviour Bhagwan Krishna.

Bhagwan Krishna: Sakhii! Why are you sad?You should be happy that at last you avenged your dishonour.

Draupadi: Govind don’t act like that you don't know anything. Yes all my vows have been fulfilled. But can I ask you something to which you should reply honestly. You've led the Mahabharata war. With many tactics you reestablished Dharma. ALL ARE TRUE. But when Dushasan caught on my hair and dragged me to the court at last moment only you came to rescue me but I was shamed on the whole court.

Why didn't you come to my rescue when Dushasana was approaching me? If you had rescued me no Mahabharata war would have took place. Answer me.

To which Bhagwan Krishna replied with a smile.

Bhagwan Krishna: It was not my fault. When Dushasana was approaching you, you should have remembered me. But you believed in your own strength and fought against him. When you were dragged into the court you called out everyone except me for the help. When you thought nobody is gonna help you, you called for me for my help. I'm not residing in Dwaraka or in Vaikunth. I reside in the heart of a true worshipper. If you would have called out for my help when Dushasan approached you, I would have come for your rescue.

After hearing this Draupadi fell to his feet.
Bhagwan Krishna resides in our Hearts.
Keep remembering HIM all the time.

Source : Various Sources

This particular story is written very well in a Kannada book” Krishnavatarada Koneya Dinagalu” by a well known author Prof. S.K. Narayanacharya. The learned professor is at home in English,Tamil, Samaskrit,and of course Kannada.When Krishna was about to leave this world as Kaliyuga was setting in, he calls the dead ones Karna, Arjuna,

Draupadi, Gandhari etc., and talks to them individually and tries to dispel their misgivings about him. This is an excellent read.

WHY SHAMMI TREE LEAVES EXCAHNGED ON VIJAYA DASAMI ?

This is the story of KAUTSA MUNI.

When he was a young boy, KAUTSA MUNI was sent to RISHI VARTANTU for higher education.

KAUTSA being a brilliant student soon learnt all the 14 Vidyas from RISHI VARTANTU and became expert in all the sciences.

On completion of his education, KAUTSA, now a MUNI…..KAUTSA MUNI expressed his desire to give his RISHI VARTANTU, his guru, GURU DAKSHINA.

RISHI VARTANTU was having none of it and rejected the offering saying “You learnt all the vidyas with utmost faith, implement them, that itself will be my GURU DAKSHINA”

But, KAUTSA MUNI was adamant on giving Dakshina as he felt that otherwise the knowledge he learnt will not bear any fruit.

On seeing his disciple’s insistence, annoyed and unhappy RISHI VARTANTU reluctantly agreed and knew that KAUTSA MUNI was from a extremely poor background, deliberately asked KAUTSA MUNI to bring 14 CRORES of GOLD COINS (1 CRORE for each of the 14 Vidyas) with the condition that all the coins must be from the SAME PLACE.

KAUTSA MUNI was stumped and didn’t have a clue how to get such a huge number of GOLD COINS that too from a single place.

After meeting many learned persons, he felt that meeting KING RAGHU of Ayodhya (LORD RAMA’s ancestor) would get him his desired GOLD COINS.

KING RAGHU was famous for his generosity.

KING RAGHU welcomed KAUTSA MUNI warmly and washed his feet with water filled in CLAY POT.

Seeing this, KAUTSA hesitantly informs KING RAGHU “Rajan, I had come here to ask you for 14 CRORES of GOLD COINS to pay GURU DAKSHINA to RISHI VARTANTU, but seeing that you don’t even have a GOLD POT to wash a Rishi’s feet, I better move”

KING RAGHU had just spent his entire treasury on doing the VISWAJIT YAGNA and didn’t have any money but the KING  didn’t want a Brahmin to leave empty handed. He requested 2 days time from KAUTSA to arrange for the GOLD COINS.

After deep thought, KING RAGHU felt that attacking KUBERA, the king of Wealth was the best way to get the required 14 CRORE GOLD COIN.

Accordingly, On advise of KAUTSA MUNI, the King RAGHU decided that the war would be fought on SHUDH NAVAMI of Ashwin Masa (9^th day of Dasara).

But, KUBERA realizing the strength and bravery of KING RAGHU himself came down to earth, and told KING RAGHU “Raja, I have filled the SHAMMI tree (BANNI tree) on the outskirts of AYADHYA with GOLD COINS. Take as many as you want”.

KING RAGHU handed over all the Gold coins to KAUTSA MUNI. 

KAUTSA MUNI then went and offered all the GOLD COINS to his guru RISHI VARTANTU.

RISHI VARTANTU found that KAUTSA had bought far more extra GOLD COINS than the 14 CRORE asked for.
He returned all the extra coins to KAUTSA MUNI. 

In turn, KAUTSA MUNI returned all the extra coins to KING RAGHU.

KING RAGHU didn’t want to take back what was given in charity and hence he went back to the SHAMMI TREE on the outskirts of AYODHYA and kept  all the remaining GOLD COINS under the same tree. 

The people of AYODHYA after the VIJAYA DASHMI pooja went to this SHAMMI tree, worshipped it and exchanged GOLD COINS amongst themselves.

The tradition continues to this day.
People on the VIJAYA DASHAMI day worship the SHAMMI tree and exchange the leaves of the tree symbolizing the exchange of GOLD COINS and express happiness.

HIDDEN MEANING :
Share what you have.

Exchange leaves, hearts and be happy.

King Raghu had become virtually penniless after VISHWAJIT YAGNA but still he did not keep anything for himself but kept the GOLD COINS returned by KAUTSA MUNI back into the SHAMMI TREE

Hard Bargain

Sparkling Jewels...

A merchant on a casual jaunt through a market, came across a fine specimen of a camel for sale.

The merchant and the camel seller, both skilled negotiators, struck a hard bargain.

The camel seller pleased with his skill of worming out what he felt was a very good price, parted with his camel and the merchant chuffed that he had struck a fantastic bargain, proudly walked home with the latest addition to his large livestock.

On arriving home, the merchant called to his servant to come and help him take out the camel's saddle. The unwieldy heavily padded saddle being too difficult for the servant to manage on his own.

Hidden under the saddle, the servant found a small velvet pouch which on opening he discovered to be filled with precious jewels!!

The servant was overexcited!!!

"Master you bought a camel.....but see what came FREE along with it!!!"

The merchant was astonished as he looked at the jewels in his servants' palm. They were of extraordinary quality sparkling and twinkling in the sunlight.

"I bought the camel" he said, "not the jewels. I must return them to the camel seller immediately."

The servant was aghast.....his master was really foolish. "Master.....no one will know."

But the merchant headed right back to the market and handed over the velvet pouch back to the camel seller.

The camel seller was very happy, " I had forgotten that I hid these jewels in the saddle for safe keeping."

"Here, choose one of the jewels for yourself, as a reward."

The merchant said "I paid a fair price for the camel and the camel only, so NO thank you, I do not need any reward."
But as much as the merchant refused, the camel seller insisted.

Finally the merchant said, sheepishly smiling, " Actually when I decided to bring the pouch back to you, I already took two of the most precious jewels and kept them for myself."

At this confession the camel seller was a bit flabbergasted and quickly emptied the pouch to count the jewels. However he was very confused.

"All my jewels are here. What jewels did you keep?

"The two most precious" said the camel seller.

"My INTEGRITY and my SELF-RESPECT."

Thanks to dear respected Friend TULSI SUKHIJA

The Soul stirring story of Lord Pundalik Maharaj

Sant Pundalik Maharaj was the Saint who made even the LORD VISHNU/KRISHNA/VITTALA  wait and actually got boon for this!
Yes...Its truly an amazing story.
Here it goes...

Pundalik was born around 5th Century.

Pundalik was a self-indulgent person who cared for himself more than anyone else in the World. 

He was living with his wife and parents in a dense forest called Dindirvan.
His parents were great devotees of Lord Krishna. 

After his marriage, influenced by his wife...he started to ill-treat his parents very much.
The ill-treatment was so much that his Parents decided to go on a Pilgrimage to KASHI to escape Pundalik and his wife's treachery.  

When Pundalik’s wife learnt about this, she forced Pundalik to join the old couple and both Pundalik and his wife  joined the old couple along with a  group of pilgrims on horseback.

The Old Couple instead of escaping from ill-treatment actually started receiving more punishment from Pundalik and his wife during the whole journey.
While the son and his wife rode on horseback, the old couple walked.

During the journey, when the Party of this Pilgrims camped for night, Pundalik forced his parents to groom his horse and do other jobs and took DEEP SLEEP himself. The Poor parents were left cursing the day they had decided to go on a Pilgrimage.

HOW THE TRANSFORMATION OF PUNDALIK HAPPENED : 

Soon, the Party reached the Ashram of the Great Sage, KUKKUTSWAMI.
The Team decided to spend a couple of nights in the Ashram.

All the members in the Party were very tired after the long journey and feel asleep immediately. Somehow Pundalik was not able to get sleep. As he was tossing and turning in his bed....he noticed a strange thing.

Just before Day-break, he saw a Group of 3 Beautiful Young Women, who were dressed in Dirty clothes, enter the Ashram.
They cleaned the floor of the Ashram, fetched Water and washed the Sage’s clothes. They entered the Inner Room of the Ashram and when they came out....their dirty clothes had turned into beautifully clean clothes.

And passing by Pundalik, they just vanished in thin Air.

Pundalik was shocked by the what he had seen. But he kept the matter to himself.

Next night, strangely, he saw the same sight again.
The same 3 women came in Dirty clothes, washed the Sage’s clothers, fetched the water, cleaned the Floor of the Ashram and as soon as they came out of the Inner Room of the Ashram...their clothes had turned once again into clean and beautiful clothes.

Pundalik could not resist himself and threw himself at the women’s feet and begged them to tell who they were.
One Women said “We are Ganga, Yamuna and all the Holy rivers”. “People take a dip and bath in us to wash away their sins. The impurity of their mind, body and soul makes us dirty. That’s why you see our clothers in such dirty condition”.

Pundalik was amazed with their answer..

Pundalik wondered how a saint like Kukkut who had not visited Kashi was such holy and powerful that the three holy rivers came down to purify his ashram.


The three women, reading Pundalik’s mind told him “Spirituality, Devotion, Piety does not depend on visiting Holy Places or doing Pooja/rituals but in performing one’s Karma.”

Sage Kukkutswami had served and nursed his parents with utmost devotion all his life. He thus has accumulated enough PUNYA to earn MOKSHA and bring us, the 3 rivers, down the earth to serve him”.

Turning red with anger, they continued “But, you, Pundalik, are the biggest sinner of all because of the way you treat your Parents” and looked at him scornfully.

It was a shocker and a rude awakening for Pundalik. This brought a Transformation in Pundalik’s thinking and attitude.
He decided to take care of his old parents before everything else, even God and started serving with utmost devotion and care.

The tide had turned.

Pundalik managed to convince his wife too to start caring for his parents.

Immediately, from the next day, the Parents rode the Horses while Pundalik and his wife walked by their side.

Pundalik started to massage his parents feets when they were sleeping. The Parents were thrilled and seeing the change in Pundalik and his wife, decided to return back to Dindirvan.

ANOTHER PART OF THE STORY :
One day it so happened that Lord Krishna, the King of Dwarka, while feeling lonely, was reminded of his early days in Mathura. He particularly remembered his sports with the milkmaids, the cowherd boys, and his love, Radha. Though she was dead, he longed to see her again. By his divine powers he brought her back to life and seated her by his side. Just then his queen, Rukmini, entered the room. When Radha did not rise to pay her respect, Rukmini left Dwarka in anger and hid herself in Dindirvan forest. Later, Lord Krishna set off in search of Rukmini. He first went to Mathura, then to Gokul. He met the milkmaids and cowherd boys. They too joined in the search. They went to Mount Govardhan in her search.
At last they reached the banks of the river Bhima or Chandrabhaga in the Deccan. Krishna left his companions at Goplapura, and he himself entered Dindirvan forest alone in search of her. At last he found her and managed to calm her.

LORD VISITS PUNDALIK

Since he was in Dindirvan and Sage Narada was singing praises of Pundalik’s devotion to his parents, the Lord decided to visit Pundalik’s house.

But, when he went to his house, Pundalik was busy massaging his father’s feet.
The Lord called Pundalik and said “Pundalik, I am Lord Krishna. Come outside”
Pundalik could see that it was indeed the Lord who was outside but for him now, it was his parents who were supreme even than the Lord.
He wanted to finish his duties and then attend the Lord. Pundalik had reached such a stage, it did not matter that it was the Lord himself standing. All that mattered was his service to his parents.

Pundalik observed that the floor where Lord Krishna was standing was wet. Hence, he threw a brick outside for lord Krishna to stand upon and said "Please stand on the Brick, my Lord. I will finish my duty to my father and come to you". 

Impressed by Pundalik’s devotion to his parents, Lord Krishna did not mind the delay. Standing on the brick he waited for Pundalik. When Pundalik came out and begged God’s pardon
 

Lord Krishna replied that far from being displeased, he was pleased with his love for his parents.
Moved by this devotion of Pundalik to his parents Lord Krishna blessed him and asked him to ask a boon.
Pundalik asked that the Lord should remain on earth and bless and take care of his devotees.
Lord Krishna agreed to stay there and is known as Vithoba or the Lord who stands on a brick.
The present deity of Panduranga is in this posture, that of a small boy waiting patiently on a piece of brick. The hands on the hip actually reflects the boyish nature of Lord Krishna.
This form of the Lord Vithoba is Swayambhu which means that his idol has not been carved or etched but it came into existence on its own.
Pundalika Temple:

The Pundalika Temple is about half a km from the Vitthala Temple. This temple marks the spot where Pundalika, the Lord’s devotee, spent the last years of his life and also is place of his Samadhi. It is on the riverbank of Chandrabhaga.

"What is Meditation" - by Sri Ramana Maharshi

POSITIVE LIFE BEAUTIFUL WORLD:
🔔🔔🔔

*What is Meditation?*
_*as explained by Sri Ramana Maharishi_*

*This was a question haunting a small boy. Their parents were at wit's end, as they could not explain it in a simple language the boy could comprehend.*

*Once the family went for a darshan of Sri Ramana Maharishi. The boy put forward his question to Ramana Maharishi.*

*Sri Ramana laughed to himself. Then with smiling face, he asked his devotee to serve the boy dosa from the kitchen.*

*So, on a plantain leaf, a dosa was served. Sri Ramana looked at the boy and said,*
*”Now I will say "hmm" *
*Then only you should start eating.*
*Then again I will say "hmm" After that no piece of dosa should be left on your plate."*
*The boy agreed. He was so excited. Others were watching expectantly.*

*Now the boy was eagerly waiting for the signal by looking at Sri Ramana's face. When he gave the signal "hmm" the boy started eating. Now his attention was on Sri Ramana. He wanted to finish dosa before the next signal. The boy was eating dosa in a hurry, tearing big chunks of dosa,  but, all the time keeping his attention on Sri Ramana. The dosa was reducing in size gradually. There was a small piece left. The boy was looking anxiously  at Sri Ramana for the second signal. The moment he gave the  signal, the boy immediately put the dosa in his mouth.*

*Now Sri Ramana asked him "where was your attention till now? On me or on Dosa?"*

*The boy replied " On both"*

*Shri Ramana said "Yes. You were actively involved in finishing dosa, with your attention on me. You were not distracted at all.*

*Like this when you do your daily activities with your attention or thoughts on God in the background, it is known as meditation."*

*The two signals "hmm" are birth & death. Within these two events, one can engage in meditation, as demonstrated by Sri Ramana Maharishi. But to understand this we all need Divine Grace to mellow & mature. We all differ from each other and hence take different time to comprehend this great truth.*

*May God bless us with His Divine Grace, Love and Blessings! 🙏🏼😊*

*Wishing you most & more.*
_*🌹Jai Shree Krishna 🌹*_

The story behind BHOO VARAHA SWAMYTEMPLE, KALLAHALLI

Its a rarity to find temple of Lord VARAHA SWAMY, the 3rd Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

One of such rare temples is the Beautiful temple located at Kallahalli, near Pandavapur in Mandya District, Karnataka.

This temple the BHOO VARAHA SWAMY TEMPLE IS ALSO KNOWN AS PRALAYA VARAHA NATHA SWAMY TEMPLE

The hugely impressive LORD VARAHASWAMY is Standing 15 feet tall (with base), Lord Varaha holds a 3.5 foot high Bhu Devi on His lap.
Lord Varaha is the 3rd Avatar of Lord Vishnu. 

River Hemavathi flows next to the temple. Due to its strong undercurrents, Swimming is to be avoided in the River.
The temple was in neglected condition even just a couple of years ago.
Now, it is being renovated and by the looks of it....it is emerging as a very attractive one.


STORY OF THE TEMPLE : 
There are several stories and legends associated with the temple
1. The most popular one is...
King Veera Ballala (son of King Vishnu Vardhana)  while resting after a tiring Hunting , noticed a Strange phenomenon....
A dog was chasing a Rabbit and at a particular point.....the rabbit turned and started chasing the Dog!!!
The Shocked King was convinced that the place had something divine/magical and started to dig the place.
To his surprise, he found a deity of LORD VARAHASWAMY hidden under the layers of the Earth.
The King then had a Temple built for the Lord.
The current temple structure is the remains of that original temple.

2. Legend goes that when the Krishnaraja Sagar dam was being constructed, more than 20 villages in the vicinity were submerged. Inhabitants feared Kallahalli too would meet the same fate, but it miraculously survived, even though the Varaha temple is at the confluence of three rivers -- the Cauvery, Hemavathi and Lakshmanatheertha.

3.
When the temple started flooding due to Kaveri backwaters, Laksmi Devi flung open the roof of the temple & went to a nearby tirtha, Melkote.The hole through which she escaped is star-shaped, & a stone slab of the same shape & size was found lying in Dodda Gadiganahalli village.
Archaeologists have confirmed that it is the same stone as that of the temple
Hence, it is said that for both Land (mother Earth) and Money (Devi Lakshmi), a devotee has to visit both the Varaha Swamy Temple as well as the Cheluva Narayanaswamy Temple in Melkote.

Gauthama Rishi installed the Deity more than 2000 years ago. 

The temple consists of a garbhagruha, antardwara and navaranga. In the sanctum, Lord Varaha sits with Bhu Devi on His lap. His lower right hand is in abhaya mudra, with chakra and shankh in His upper hands, and His remaining arm around Bhu Devi.
Lord Varaha wears kirita-mukhuta, while Bhu Devi wear karanda-mukhuta, and she holds a lotus. The Lord's tusks are lighter in colour and His eyes have a red tinge. The Deity (moolamurti) is salagrama-shila, and has Sudarshana Chakra on His back.

Benefits associated with visiting this Temple
Lord Vishnu took the Avatar of Lord Varaha Swamy to rescue Mother Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha.
The grateful Mother Earth assured all devotees who worshipp Lord Varaha Swamy will be blessed with Land, Property and Position. Locals also say that TAKING A BRICK FROM HERE AND WORSHIPPING IT DAILY WILL HELP EASE YOUR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.
There is also a belief that THOSE WHO OFFER A PRAYER HERE WOULD BE ABLE TO BUY A PROPERTY
And these beliefs are making this temple more and more famous


For More details you can contact
Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt, Mysore (This mutt manages the Temple)
Phone number - 0821-2422536
The Priest of the temple are
Sri Srinivasa Raghavan - 9448011535
Sri K.R.Nagesha Rao - 9449009711

Thank you very much Sahana Rao for valuable inputs
x

THE LOOT OF KOHINOOR AND OTHER DIAMONDS FROM HINDU TEMPLES

1)This is temple of Goddess Bhadrakali in Warangal built in 7th century

It is believed that Kohinoor, one of the world's largest cut diamonds, originally belonged to the crown of this Goddess.The temple was looted and destroyed by Allauddin Khilji in early 14th century

2) Allauddin Khilji's court poet Amir Khusrau in his  Khazain Ul-Futuh( "treasures of victory") describes with glee how Allauddin Khilji destroyed temples & looted valuables from temples in South India

Khusrau was totally awestruck by  such diamonds as never seen or heard before

3) Looted from Bhadrakali temple, the diamond Kohinoor was later seized by  Mughals and ultimately usurped by British

Today, the Kohinoor diamond lies in the crown of Queen Of England. The crown is estimated to be worth $10-12 billion

4) The Black Orlov diamond is the largest black diamond in the world. It  once weighed 195 Carats. It is also called "Eye of Brahma" diamond

The diamond was once the eye of a Murti of Lord Brahma in a Hindu temple in Pondicherry. It was stolen by a Jesuit "monk" and is now in US

5) The White Orlov diamond is a large diamond (190 Carats). It was the eye of Lord Vishnu(Ranganatha) in Srirangam, Tamilnadu

A french soldier in 18th century posed as a Hindu convert and lived in temple. One day he secretly plucked out eyes and looted diamonds. Now in Russia

6)The Hope Diamond  is one of the largest Blue diamonds in the world(originally 116 Carats).The diamond was reportedly stolen by a French gem merchant by plucking out eyes of Goddess Sita idol
There's a famous legend that the diamond is cursed. It is now in US

Worth:$350 Million https://t.co/vKqs69A5HU

7) Loot also happens in secular Indian state which controls only Hindu temples.
The Raj Pink diamond  auctioned at $30 million in Geneva is reportedly the same diamond donated by Mysore Maharaja to Lord Vishnu in Tirupati. It was with TTD board until 2001
https://t.co/QIyxjisjN3 https://t.co/UWQw7s89T8

Sanchita karma

True pictorial depiction of human life:-

Here, the Elephant is the Sanchita karma which is the total lot of karmas stored on the soul.
Snakes in the well are the  karmas awaiting you in this birth.
The Branch of the tree is the current precarious life we are leading, with the white rat representing day and the black rat representing night.

Thus the rats of time are eating away our life. And so many karmas are waiting to trouble you.
In this utmost dangerous situation, man is busy tasting honey drops from a bee's nest. It means, man is busy enjoying the pleasures of the world ignorant of the karmas awaiting to trouble him.
Lord Shri Krishna is extending his loving hand but we neglect god in the process of sipping honey....... We are not able to think of God and hold onto Him  who is the best support during our times of trouble. This is how we are leading our life in samsara, lost in the pleasures of the world!!!

INNER PEACE

*The Beggar King*

A great flood threatened a city in olden times. The waters were up to the palace doors. The king and the queen in the interest of the prince's safety put the baby in a basket to prevent it from drowning. Unfortunately, in the confusion that followed, they lost sight of the baby's basket.

The crown prince was separated from his parents. The basket with the baby prince went far with the flooding waters and finally ended up near the home of a poor family. They took care of the baby the best they could; no one knew that he was the crown prince. The prince was raised in poverty and as a beggar in the street. For a livelihood, the prince would spend most of the day begging; he too, did not know that he was really the crown prince. Thus, he would become happy if someone gave him something to eat or some money, and would be sad if he did not get any food or money from begging.
Now, the prince had a birthmark that the king and queen knew of. They searched high and low through the kingdom discreetly for a person with that birthmark. Luckily, after many years they finally found the prince, raised as a beggar. Suddenly the beggar's life changed. He was well cared for, educated, and raised to be the next king. He was very happy, as now he spent his time in luxury and learning from the best. A few years later, the king died and the prince was crowned king. He ruled his subjects well.

One day, the beggar prince who turned king, was thinking about his life; he reflected where his life had taken him. Suddenly, he felt like going back to the street and begging, just for the experience of it. So disguised as beggar, he went begging for a day. Just like before, some people gave him money or food, and some people did not.
However, this time he did not feel anything if he got anything or not from begging. Whether people gave him money or not, he continued to be at peace, because inside the disguise he knew he was the king.

*Moral:* This story teaches us about who we really are. Each of us is a child of God; God’s Blissful soul is in each of us. However, we do not realize it and do not feel Bliss. When something bad happens to us, we feel bad; when something good happens to us, we feel happy. In life, something good or bad will always happen to us.
However, if we want to be Blissful all the time, we have to do spiritual practice, that is, realize that we are God’s children with His Blissful soul in us. Then, we will live like the beggar king in this story.

NAVARATRI, 9 MANTRAS, 9 DISHES, 9 BENEFITS & MORE

Navarathri Day 1

Devi : Shailputri

Devi is manifestation of Green Light with her and reduces ANGER and also cures diseases and illness

Flower : Jasmine

Naivedya : Any sweet made from PURE GHEE / Halwa/ Rice Kheer

Colour : YELLOW

Mantra : ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥ Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.

Devi Shailaputri is the Lord of Moon (hence the reduction in Anger when we do the Devi Shailaputri Pooja)

In Some parts of India, (my family does it), it a practice to do GHATASTHAPANA.

Seeds of 1,3,5,7 or 9 are sown on a SOIL BED created and watered daily. These seeds grow over the 9 days.

Navarathri  Day 2

Devi: Bramacharni (unmarried form of Mata Parvati)

Devi Bramacharni dispels DEEPEST sorrows by removing all mental afflictions of her devotees.

Devi Brahamacharini is the ruler of MARS

Devi is store house of Wisdom personifies Loyalty and empowers ACTUAL REALISATION OF GOALS.

Worshipping Devi Bramacharni also helps you in getting your OWN HOUSE early.

Flower:Sevanthi  (as she is associated with Pious Strictness)

Neivedhya:  Sweet Bondhi / Puliyora/Simple Sugar and Fruit of Bowl/ Rice Kheer

Goddess Brahmacharini is also known as Tapasyacharini and hence simple food which is easily digestable is offered.

Colour : GREEN

 Mantra : Om Hreem Shri Brahamacharini Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Brahmcharinyai Namah

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita 

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Dadhaanaa Kar Padmaabhyaamakshmala Kamandaloo | Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmcharinyanuttamaa

Navarathri  Day 3

Devi: Chandraghanta

Devi is giver of Peace and Purpose of LIfe. 

Flower: Lotus

Neivedhya: Kheer / Sweet pongal / Medu Vada

Colour : Grey/Orange

Mantra :

Om Hreem Shri Chandra Ghanta Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Chandraghantayayi Namah

Pindaj Pravaarudh chandkopastrkairyuta | Prasadam Tanute Madhyam Chandraghanteti vishrutaa ||

ॐ ह्रीम श्री चंद्र घंटे दुर्गायै नमः |

ॐ देवी चंद्रघंटयई नमः |

पिंडज प्रव्रुद्ध चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता |

प्रसादं तनुते माध्यम चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता ||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Devi Chandraghanta is the ruler of Planet SHUKRA.  Thus she gives Pleasures of Life and gives Wealth & Prosperity to all her devotees.

Navarathri  Day 4

Devi:   Kushmanda

Devi Kushmanda is the ruler of Planet SUN.
She blesses her devotees with GOOD HEALTH and blesses with Good Social Image / High Social Status and enhances SELF RESPECT.

Flower: RED COLOUR FLOWERS / Jaji / Jasmine

Neivedhya: Kara Pongal / Malpua / Kadhamba Saadham

Colour : Orange / yellow

Mantra : 

Om Hreem Shri Kushmanda Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Kushmandayayi Namah

Suraasampoorna Kalasham Rudhiraaplutamev Cha | Dadhaanaa Hastpadmaabhyaam Kushmanda Shubhdaastu Me ||

ॐ ह्रीम श्री कुष्मांडा दुर्गायै नमः |

ॐ देवी कुष्मांडायई नमः |

सुरासंपूर्ण कलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च |

दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कुष्मांडा शुभदास्तु में ||

||OM HREEM SHRI KUSHMANDA DURGAAYE NAMAHA||

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kushmanda Rupena Samsthita 

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Navarathri  Day 5

Devi:  Skanda mata

Devi Skandamata is mother of Karthikeya,  who bestows PURITY OF MIND in us. By worshipping Devi Skandamata, devotees also get the blessings of Lord Kartikeya too.

Devi SkandaMata is ruler of Planet BUDHA (Mercury). Worshipping the Devi Skandamata will make you attain IMMENCE PEACE in both Soul and Mind.

ALSO CALLED AS LALITHA PANCHAMI

Flower: Rose / Paarijaatha & Mallige

Neivedhya: Lenthil Vada / Compulsory BANANAS / Pulihora /  Curd Rice

Colour : White

Mantra :

Om Hreem Shri Skanda Mata Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Skandmatayayi Namah

Sinhaasangataam Nityam Padmaanchit Kardwayaa | Shubhdaastu Sadaa Devi Skandmata Yashaswini ||

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Om Devi Skandamatayay Namah॥

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyay Namastasyay Namastasyay Namo Namah॥

||OM HREEM SHRI SKANDA MATA DURGAAYE NAMAHA||

Navarathri  Day 6

Devi : Katyayani/ Saraswathi

Devi Saraswathi instills knowledge even in the MOST ILLITERATE person.

Devi Katyayani is the ruler of GURU (Jupiter).

Worshipping Devi Katyayani gives her devotees immense prosperity, success and satisfaction in their life.
She instills SELF CONFIDENCE.

Devi Katyayani grants her devotees BOUNTEOUS WEALTH that does not fade away. She gives STIRA AASTI.

She also blesses her devotees to have a HARMONIOUS and peaceful relationship with Life Partner with good understanding.

Devi Katyayani Pooja is also helpful to those whose marriage is delayed.

Devi Kayayani Pooja removes obstacles for a Blissful Fruitful Married Life.

Maa Katyayani Mantras are very effective in eradicating all problems, obstacles such as Manglik Dosha in Kundli or malefic influence of planets in the girl’s horoscope.

Flower: Any Red Flower especially ROSE

Neivedhya: Sweet Pongal /Honey / Coconut rice

Colour : Royal Blue

Mantra :

O im Hreem Kleem Aam Kam Katyayaneya Namah"

Om Hreem Shri Katyayani Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Katyayanyayi Namah

Chandrahaasojjval Karaa Shaardoolvarvaahanaa | Katyayani Shubham Dadyaad Devi Daanavghatini ||

Stuti –

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

||OM HREEM SHRI KATYAYANI DURGAAYE NAMAHA||

Om Kajathvajaayai vidhmahe Vajra Hasthaaya Dheemahi*Thanno Iyndree Prachodayaath

Navarathri  Day 7

Devi: Maa Kalarathri 

Devi Kaalratri destroys FEAR and IGNORANCE.

Devi kalaratri rules over Planet SHANI (Saturn).

Devi Kalaratri blesses with goodness and removes all the SINS of her devotees, thus leading them towards the RIGHT PATH in Life

Flower: Krishna kamal / Mallige

Neivedhya: Payasa / Sweet made from Jaggery / Lemon rice

Colour : Royal Blue

Mantra

Om Hreem Shri Kaala Ratri Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Kalratryayi Namah

Ma Kalratri Stuti on Navratri 7th Day

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Ekveni Japakarnpoora Nagna Kharaasthita | Lamboshthi Karnika karni Tailaabhyaktshariirini ||Vaam Paadollasallohlata Kantakbhushanaa | Bardhan Moordham Dhwajaa Krishnaa Kalratrirbhayankari ||

ॐ ह्रीम श्री काल रात्रि दुर्गायै नमः |

ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यायी नमः|

एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्न खरास्थिता |

लम्बोष्ठी कार्णिक करनी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी ||

वाम पादोल्लसल्लोहलता कान्ताक्भुषणा |

बर्धन मूर्धामे ध्वजा कृश्णा कालरात्रिर्भयंकरी ||

||OM HREEM SHRI KAALA RATRI DURGAAYE NAMAHA||

Om Vaakdevyai  vidhmahe

Vrinji pathnyai sa Dheemahi Thanno Vaani Prachodayaath

 

Navarathri  Day 8

Devi: Durga

Devi Durga is the ruler of Planet RAHU. She blesses her devotees with Material Prosperity and Spiritual Attainments.

Worshipping MAA DURGA removes Confusions from mind and instills hope to lead a successful life.

Devi destroys ALL SINS and purifies her devotees. Blesses childless couple with a child

Flower: Mogra / Roja

Neivedhya:  Coconut / Paayasaannam

Colour : RED

Mantra :
Om Hreem Shri Maha Gauri Durgaaye Namaha Om Devi Mahagauryayi Namah Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetaambardhara Shuchih | Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadev Pramodadaa || Sarava Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha SadhikeSharanyei Trymbake Gauri Narayani Namosthute

ॐ ह्रीम श्री महा गौरी दुर्गायै नमः |

ॐ देवी महागौरयाई नमः |

श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिह |

महागौरी शुभम दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा ||

स्राव मंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्थुते ||

Om Magisha mardhinyai vidhmaheDurga devyai Dheemahi Thanno Devi Prachodayaath

Navarathri  Day 9

Devi: Chamundaa

Devi Chamudi is the ruler of Planet KETU.
She is creator of all SIDDHIS and blesses her devotees with Ultimate PERFECTION and gives them Spiritual Splendor, Power and  Glory.

Devi Chamundi motivates her devotees towards a disciplined & spiritual Life and leads them to a Higher Spritual Knowledge and Self-Exploration.

Flower: Champa / Kanakambra

Neivedhya: Sweet Pongal / any dish with Compulsory use TIL(Sesame Seed)Akaaravadisil

Also offer HAYAGREEVA (a sweet made of Bengal gram dal) and OBBATTU (Stuffed Pancakes)

Colour : Purple

MANTRA :

Om Hreem Shri Ram Navmi Durgaaye Namaha

Om Devi Siddhidatryayi Namah

Siddha Gandharva Yakshdyairasurairamarairapi | Sevyamaanaa Sadabhuyaat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

STUTI :

Ya Devi Sarvabhutesu Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita!
Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh Namah I

Om Krishna varnaayai vidhmahe Soola Hasthaayai Dheemahi Thanno Saamundaa Prachodayaath

Vijaya dasami
Devi: Vijaya
Flower: Mallige/Roja
Neivedhya: MAHANAIVEDYA including sakkarepongal,sweets
Fruits : Any
Colour : Sky Blue / Green
MANTRA : 
Om Vijayaa devyai vidhmahe Mahaa Nithyaayai*Dheemahi
Thanno DEVI Prachodayath

SHAMI PUJA is compulsory.
Dressin in NEW clothes and get the leaves of SHAMMI TREE.