For those of you who are devotees of Shri Raghavendra Swamy, this Sunday is a great day to please him. This Sunday, is the day when Pushya Nakshatra is, and Rayaru will be very pleased if you devote some time performing meditation, saying his Ashtotras or just doing Japa and saying ” Sri Raghavendraya Namaha”.
To quote from the email I received from my Sister Suma,

We have a golden opportunity this Sunday to please Sri Raghavendra SwamigaLu.
As the saying goes “make hay while sun shines”, Sunday 11/08/2009, there is Pushya naxatra and Sri rAyaru will be extremely pleased with jnAna kAryas.
Sriamdh AppanAcharya in Shri rAyara sthora says:
“sOma sUryO parAgEcha PushyArkAdhi samAgame”
which means when pushya naxatra and Sunday intersects, performing Sri rAyara stothra, asthothara, jnAna kAryas etc . will please our Shri rAyaru.

We can get the blessings of Shri rAyaru by doing (yathA shakthi) pArAyana / Punascharana of Sri rAyara Sthotra, reciting Sri rAyara AstOthara and doing the pArAyana of Sri rAyara gramthas.

PS: All times and dates are per USA time zones.
In the seva of Sri Hari, vAyu and gurugalu,
Bala Krishna

So, what are you waiting for, wake up early on Sunday, and meditate and get the blessings from our Beloved Rayaru.

Lalitha Aunty sent me this song since today is Tulasi Pooje. This Devaranama is from Purandara Dasaru in Raga Kalyani and Adi tala. Thanks so much, Aunty.

ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ
ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಾಧನವಿದ್ದೂ ತುಳಸಿ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಪೂಜೆ-
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ ||

ಸಿಂಧು ಶತ ಕೋಟಿ ಗಂಗೊದಕವಿದ್ದ್ದೂ
ಗಂಧ ಸುಪರಿಮಳ ವಸ್ತ್ರವಿದ್ದೂ
ಚೆಂದುಳ ಆಭರಣ ಧೂಪ ದೀಪಗಳಿದ್ದೂ
ಬೃಂದಾವನ ಶ್ರೀ ತುಳಸಿ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಪೂಜೆ -
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ ||1||

ಪೂಜೆಯ ಮಾಡದೆ ತುಳಸಿ ಮಂಜರಿ ಇಂದ
ಮೂಜಗದೊಡೆಯ ಮುರಾರಿಯನು
ರಾಜಾಧಿ ರಾಜನೆ೦ಬ ಮಂತ್ರ ಪುಷ್ಪಗಳಿಂದ
ಪೂಜಿಸಿದರೂ ಒಲ್ಲ ಪುರಂಧರ ವಿಠಲನೂ-
ಒಲ್ಲನೋ ಹರಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳನೋ ||2||

This is yet another Tulasi Sankeerthaney. The lyrics and audio are provided Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan. Rekha was able to record this song with the help of her Husband, and also her friend Muthu Kumar. Thanks Rekha & Family and also to Mr.Muthu Kumar for providing us with such a rare song.

Sankeerthaney (Bhudhavaarakke)

Hari govindha govinda raama | Govindha naaraayana ||
Govindha gopala krishna | Govindha naaraayana || Pallavi ||

Neerey thoreley neerey thoreley neela varnana dhevana |
Bhaamey thoreley bhaamey thoreley baala udupiya krishnana || 1 || (Hari govindha…)

Kaalalandhugey kadaga kankana lola udupigey bandhana |
Baala leeleya jagakey thoridha gopala udupiya krishnana || 2 || (Hari govindha…)

Kadeva kadeygola nenu sahithali hadaginolagindha bandhana |
Bidadhey bhakthara vodaney paalipa ranga udupina krishnana || 3 || (Hari govindha…)

Muddhu mukhadhava mooru jadeyali iddha udupiya sthaladhalli |
Oddhu shakatana aadhi gurugala muddu udupiya krishnana || 4 || (Hari govindha…)

Mallarodagoodi mathurapuradhali billa habbava nadesidha |
Ballidha kamsaasurana seelidha malla udupiya krishnana || 5 || (Hari govindha…)

Baala sanyasigaalu ninnanu premadhindhali bhajisalu |
Aaladheleya meley malagidha gopaala udupiya krishnana || 6 || (Hari govindha…)

Adhvaya hari brahma vallabha vidhyasaarathih maadidhey |
Sadhguru muni vaadhiraajana muddhu udupiya krishnana || 7 || (Hari govindha…)

Attached is the audio on youtube.

Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan has recorded this song for us. The lyrics are also provided by Rekha, which again is posted on the blog. Rekha was able to record this song with the help of her Husband, and also her friend Muthu Kumar. Thanks Rekha & Family and also to Mr.Muthu Kumar for providing us with such a rare song.

Attached below is the link on Youtube:

And the lyrics are at the following page:

• Lyrics
  

Thulasi Kalyaana Haadu Lyrics provided to us by Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan. Thanks again so much Rekha.

Kalyaanavey namma krishna shri thulasigey |
Ballidha shri vaasudhevanigey ||
Kalyaanavey namma krishna shri thulasigey |
Ballidha shri vaasudhevanigey ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam || Pallavi ||

Angaladholagella thulasiya vana maadi |
Shringaarava maadi sheegradhindha ||
Kangala paapava pariharisuva muddhu |
Ranga bandhalli nelasidhanu ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||

Mindhu madiyanuttu sandheyhava bittu |
Thandha shri gandhaakshatheygalindha ||
Sindhu shayanana vrindhaavanadhi poojisey |
Kundhadha bhaagyava koduthihalu ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||

Bhakshya bhojyangala neivedhyavaniththu |
Laksha batthiya dheepava hachchi ||
Adhokshaja sahitha vrindhaavana poojisey |
Saakshaath mokshava koduthihalu ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||

Utthaana dhwaadhashi dhivasadhali krishna |
Utthama thulasigey vivaahava ||
Chittha nirmalaraagi maadidhavarigey |
Utthama gathi eeva purandhara vittahla ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||

Kalyaanavey namma krishna shri thulasigey |
Ballidha shri vaasudhevanigey ||
Kalyaanavey namma krishna shri thulasigey |
Ballidha shri vaasudhevanigey ||

Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam |
Kalyaanam thulasi kalyaanam ||

Ms. Rekha has also recorded the audio for us with the help of her Husband and friend Muthu Kumar. Thanks to all three of you. The link on youtube is:

Sweet Pumpkin also called as Sihikumbalkayi in kannada is often prepared in Madhwa houses for many occasions. This palya was prepared in my Brother-in-laws house for Mahalaya Amavasya. It is very tasty, and very simple to make also. They use a lot of coconut in Bangalore, I would completely eliminate this quantity, and just use 2-3 spoons of coconut.

Ingredients:

* 1 sweet pumpkin or sihikumbalkayi chopped evenly by removing the skin and the seeds
* 2-3 red chillies
* 1/2 fresh coconut finely grated
* 2-3 sprigs finely chopped cilantro
* for tampering: 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, pinch of hing, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp channa dal, 1 tsp urad dal, 2 tsp oil, salt to taste

Method:

* Wash, peel the skin, remove the seeds and chop pumpkin evenly.
* In a pan, add oil. When the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, hing, turmeric, channa dal, urad dal. When the dal changes color.
* Next, add the pumpkin and a few spoons of water. Cover and let it cook.
* When the pumpkin is soft, add salt to taste. Mix well.
* Finally, add coconut, and chopped cilantro.
* Serve with rice or even with chapathi.
* Tastes very good with Rasam and Rice (Saaru Anna) .

Attached below is the Tulasi Sankeerthaney provided by Ms. Rekha S Srinivasan. Thanks so much, Rekha.

Govindha govinda raama | Govindha naaraayana ||
Govindha gopala krishna | Govindha naaraayana || Pallavi ||

Soamaasuranemba dhaithya | Saamakavedhavanoyyaluma ||
Soamaasuranannu kondhu | Saamakavedhava thandhanuma || 1 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Guddavu mulugi poagalu namma dheva | Guddava bennali poththanuma ||
Guddadhanthey asuraranella | Addagedahi bisutanuma || 2 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Chinnaganninavanu bandhu | Kanney hennanoyyaluma ||
Varna roopava thaali asurana | Chinna binnava bagidhanuma || 3 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Kambadhindhali udhisi namma dheva | Jambhadhasurana bagidhanuma ||
Nambidha prahladhanna kaayidha | Ambujanaabha nrusimhanuma || 4 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Balu murudannaagi bhoomiya | Baliya dhaanava beydidhanuma ||
Ileya eeradiya maadi | Baliya paathaalakkoththidhanuma || 5 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Kodaliyannu pididhu namma dheva | Kadidha kshathriyanuma ||
Padedha thaaya shirava tharidhu | Padedhanaakeya praananuma || 6 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Enteradu thaleyaadhasurana | Kantahva chehdhisi bisutanuma ||
Vonti roopava thaali lankeya | Banta Vibbeeshanagiththanuma || 7 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Sola saasira gopiyarodaney | Kela meladholippanuma ||
Baalakanaagi thanna roopadhali shri | Lola ladshumiyarasanuma || 8 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Voppadhindhali bandhu namma dheva | Ippe vanadholagippanuma ||
Sarpasharannaagi pogi | Thripurasamhaara maadidhanuma || 9 ||(Hari govindha govindha..)

Yalama yalama yalama namma dheva | Ballidha kalkyavathaaranuma ||
Ileya swarga paathaalakodeya | Cheluva shrihayavadhananuma || 10||(Hari govindha govindha..)

My Uncle had given this picture of Shri Raghavendra Swamigalu to my Mother almost 30 years back. My Mom was ready to give me this picture, but since both my parents are great devotees of Rayaru I didn’t want to take the Photo. It seems someone had painted Rayaru while performing pooje to Moola Rama Devaru. The Photos we are normally used to seeing is completely different from the one we have down here. Amazing to see our Rayaru, and really imagine how he actually looked.

I took several pictures in my camera and attached below are two such pictures in which you will see how our beloved Rayaru was.You can see how old the picture is.

May Shri Raghavendra Swamy Bless us all.

An email I received from Rama.  The contents are pasted below:

I am an avid follower of your blog. I have a request to make to all devotees of Sri Raghavendra Swamigalu through your blog. The family of hereditary archakas led ably by Sri Archak Parimalacharya has undertaken the task of collecting and distributing essential relief materials to the dwellers of Mantralayam which was totally flooded. As part of this initiative, they are planning to build houses for the needy  people. Kindly see the pictures in the website,
http://picasaweb.google.com/pradyu87/SaptaahaCom#

Also, Sri Raghavendra Saptaha Karyacharana Samiti, headed by Sri Archak Parimalachar has been celebrating Sri Raghavendra Saptaha since 15 years. Sri Raghavendra Saptaha celebrations start on the day of Sri Rayaru’s birthday and at the end of the week Rayaru’s pattabhisheka Mahotsava is celebrated. Please see the link www.saptaaha.com for more details about this.

I request you to forward this appeal to all the devotees you know and kindly post it in your blog which many people visit regularly. Any contribution towards this fund will be a great service towards Rayaru and humanity.

I have pasted the appeal below.

Thanks,
Rama

Floods in Andhra Pradesh :  Mantralayam

The flood waters receded in the Tungabhadra river.

Mind blowing pictures which depicts the memory which can never be forgotten are captured and placed in the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/pradyu87/SaptaahaCom

The after effects of the flood waters as seen when the water levels receded:

Houses built with only mud have completely dissolved in the water.
Some of the schools which did not have a permanent structure are completely grounded.
Minimum of 3 ft to 4 ft black mud silted in the house and the corridors.
The almirahs, cup-boards, window shelves  items badly damaged and atleast half feet of black mud silted on each shelves.
More than half of the general utensils missing and whatever is visible in the house have completely turned black.
Empty cooking Gas Cylinders missing in the house
Books torn to pieces
Clothes kept in the almirahs have turned black in color & if attempted to wash them, the cloth tears to pieces.
All electronic items in the house not in usable condition.
The shop keeper items kept for sale are completely washed away in the floods
Some of the shops which were built out of asbestos sheet are missing from its earlier location.

In some houses, the flood waters have left life time memories, when it swept away the:
Certificates &  documents along with the borrowed amount withdrawn from the Bank, for obtaining an admission in the Engineering College for the daughter.
New materials purchased for performing the daughter’s marriage kept in the house are swallowed by the flood waters.

The streets of Mantralayam as experienced on the 13th October, 2009 :
Stinking smell in every street
Water logged streets
Empty shops and missing shops
Books, Audio Cassettes, Compact Discs and Photos thrown  on the streets
Heaps of chappals, shoes
Damaged electronic items thrown on the streets

Some of the voluntary organizations have been rendering very good service to the humanity and the flood affected citizens.

Archaka Parimalacharya’s family whose house  (located slightly at an higher altitude in Mantralayam)  situated just opposite to the Venkateswary Swamy Temple have been rendering support to various brahmin families affected in the lower Mantralayam, by providing food and shelter in their house.    In addition, on 2nd, 3rd & 4th October, free distribution of food was also organization from the house for the flood victims irrespective of caste and creed.  Nearly 5 quintals of rice was used for this purpose.

In addition, through the established connections from the Raghavendra Saptaha Karyacharana Samithi, Archaka Parimalacharya and his brothers have  jointly been able to pool up the donations like, Bed Sheets, New Sarees & clothes,  Plastic Mats, Plastic Buckets & Mugs, Cooking Utensils, Groceries, etc. made by various individuals, groups and social organizations.  The distribution activities of the above items are being carried out effectively through the team of closely held relatives of Archaka Parimalacharya, who are in a position to identify the needy.    Till 17th October, 2009,  out of the 2000+ affected families, nearly 900 families have been provided with the following items by Sri.Archaka Parimalacharya family:
a)    A plastic bucket
b)    10 kgs of Rice
c)    A bed sheet
d)    A new saree
e)    A set of trouser & shirt

Finally, it is now the feeling that though the material support has been able to be arranged, for effective rehabilitation of the people who have lost their belongings, houses, business establishments, it is contemplated to rise funds, so that the needed financial aids also can be afforded to the affected people and families.

In this connection, it is a humble appeal from “Sri Raghavendra Saptaha Karyacharyana Samithi” that the financial support may please be made by the haribhakthas and the donations  may please be made into the following account:

Account Holder Name:  SRI RAGHAVENDRA SAPTAHA KARYACHARANA SAMITHI, MANTRALAYAM
Account Number        :  11296400022
IFSC Code              :  BIN0002755
Bank Name            :  STATE BANK OF INDIA
Branch Name          :  MANTRALAYAM

Shri Raghavendra Saptaha Karyacharana Samithi
Mantralayam – 518345
District: Kurnool
State    :
Contact number: 08512-279446
Email:  info@saptaaha.com

It is hereby assured that the funds donated would be distributed to the absolute needy persons only, for the following purposes:
a)    for re-establishing the business set up for bringing up their shops & establishments,
b)    for re-construction of the damaged, collapsed houses,
c)    for purchase of school books, bags, etc. for the kids who have lost their belongings.
d)    any other essentially needed help through financial support .

Upon completion of the distribution of the funds, the list of beneficiaries would be announced in the site furnishing complete details.

Once again requesting the Haribhakthas for whole hearted support in this endeavor.

Archaka Parimalacharya
President
Sri Raghavendra Saptaha Karyacharana Samithi
Mantralayam – 518345
District: Kurnool
State    : Andhra Pradesh

Cucumber or Southekai Palya is prepared on many important occasions in any Madhwa house.  This palya was prepared twice during my visit to Bangalore, in two of my Brother-in-Law’s houses; one for Mahalaya Amavasya and another for Sri Satyanarayana Pooja. It is quick, healthy and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber or southekai chopped evenly by removing the skin and the seeds
• 2-3 green chillies
• 1 red chilli
• 1/2 fresh coconut finely grated
• for tampering: 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, pinch of hing, 1 tsp channa dal, 1 tsp urad dal,  2 tsp oil, salt to taste

Method:

• Wash, peel the skin, remove the seeds and chop cucumber evenly.
• In a pan, add oil. When the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, hing, channa dal, urad dal. When the dal changes color.
• Next, add the cucumber and a few spoons of water. Cover and let it cook.
• When the cucumber is soft, add salt to taste. Mix well.
• Finally, add coconut.
• Serve with rice or even with chapathi.
• Also, check the way it is served on the right hand side of the plantain leaf.