Reminiscing Past Three days

The previous three days, beginning on Thursday, have been full with happiness that I will keep recalling throughout my life. I have never in my whole life—not even when I lived in India—been able to celebrate the Aaradhanes of three Great Yatigalu the way I did in North Carolina.

Thursday like you all know was Aaradhana Of Sri Sudheendra Theertharu – Nava Brindavana. We did Pooje at home, and evening went to the SKV, NC temple. My Friend Padma joined me and we did bhajane Thursday evening. Recited songs from this blog.

Friday, was Aaradhana Of Sri Vadirajara Theertharu – Sonda. The temple had recital of Lakshmi Shobhane and several women joined and we sang Lakshmi Shobhane. Padma and I once again did bhajane of all Sri Vadiraja songs posted in my blog. It was awesome to have Padma with me to sing all the songs.

Saturday was Aaradhana Of Sri VyasaRaja Theertharu – Nava Brindavana. I visited the temple three times. Padma had given for Gana Homa since it was chaturthi. So visited temple in the morning. Evening at 5 PM was our Stotra class and our Acharyaru Nagendra Udupa is teaching us Krishnaastaka – Palayachuta written by Sri Vadirajaru. Evening, I again went to sing all Vyasarajara Songs and dedicate the three days at the feet of Lord. Once we finished the pooje at SKV we also visited the Venkateshwara temple and saw the night pooje. Having my husband Raghavendra join me on every step of this journey is truly a blessing.

As I said before, I have never in my life had the opportunity to sit in a temple and offer the songs I have learned to the Lord. What inspires me is having this opportunity here in North Carolina. In order to help myself and the countless number of people who have tirelessly supported me, I intend to keep learning new songs and posting them on my blog and YouTube.

P,S: All the songs I recited have been posted the past few weeks in the blog and recordings on Youtube.

https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2023/03/

Birthday Gift to Rayaru – Develop a Personal Relationship

How do you develop a personal relationship you may ask? Sharing my thoughts.

Developing a personal relationship with Rayaru involves cultivating a deep sense of devotion, surrendering to him unconditionally, and trusting in his teachings and guidance.

Here are some ways in which you can develop a personal relationship with our Beloved Rayaru:

1. Chant his name: Chanting Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha and offering prayers is a powerful way to connect with Rayaru on a personal level. You can chant his name, recite his stotras, Dasara Padagalu or offer prayers in front of his picture, have a Mritika Brindavana, or even books written by Rayaru in your prayer room.
2. Visit Rayara Mutta: Visiting mutta associated with Rayaru is a powerful way to connect with him and feel his presence. There are muttas dedicated to Sri Raghavendra Swamy all across the world. It’s impossible to convey the calmness and peacefulness you experience when you visit a mutta and sit in front of Rayaru Brindavana and offer your prayers.
3. Serve others selflessly: Rayaru emphasized the importance of serving others selflessly as a means of showing devotion to God. By serving others without any expectation of reward or recognition, you can develop a sense of humility and devotion that is central to Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s teachings. This is truly challenging for us as human beings. We are naturally selfish and tend to focus on our own needs and desires. Serving others requires putting the needs of others before our own, which can be difficult for some people. The proverb “What the right hand gives, the left hand should never know” is highly applicable in this situation.
4. Regularly read and study his teachings: Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s teachings are available in various forms, including books, audio recordings, and online resources. By studying his teachings, you can gain a deeper understanding of his philosophy and teachings. If you ask me, where should I begin, start with the book I shared here – ” The Bhagavad Gita – based on Shri Raghavendra Teertha’s Gita Vivruti”.

Remember that developing a personal relationship with Sri Raghavendra Swamy is a personal journey that requires faith, devotion, and a deep sense of surrender. With dedication and commitment, you can cultivate a meaningful and transformative relationship with Rayaru.

If you want to start by learning devotional songs, devaranamas/ Dasara songs this blog itself has hundreds of them on Gurugalu.

1. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/category/shri-raghavendra-swamy/

Here are the links for the The Bhagavad Gita – based on Shri Raghavendra Teertha’s Gita Vivruti.

1. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/the-bhagavad-gita/

2. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/the-concluding-benedictory-verse-gita-vivruti/

3. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/the-bhagavad-gita-free-ebook/

Birthday Gift to Rayaru – Imbibe his Qualities

How can we celebrate Rayaru’s birthday, so many of you have asked me? I am going to share how I cultivated a habit to strive to be a better person and bring in some key qualities in my life so that when I sit in front of Rayaru and pray, Rayaru is proud of the person I have become.

I’ll write a few posts to express my ideas. That would be sufficient for me if it even motivates one person to evaluate their actions and make improvements in their lives.

As we are all aware, many people over the world adore our Beloved Rayaru. His teachings and example continue to inspire people to live a life of devotion, selflessness, and compassion. Here are some( okay, just a few) of the qualities of our Beloved Rayaru that we can strive to imbibe in our daily lives:

1. Devotion: Rayaru was deeply devoted to God and encouraged his followers to cultivate a similar sense of devotion. We can strive to develop a daily practice of prayer, meditation, or ritual that helps us connect with the divine. Start by learning Rayaru’s stotras. If you cannot do that, just say ” OM Shree Raghavendraya Namaha”.
2. Humility: Despite his spiritual stature, Rayaru was known for his humility and simplicity. We can strive to be humble in our interactions with others and avoid becoming arrogant or ego-driven.
3. Compassion: Rayaru was a compassionate and kind-hearted person who always sought to alleviate the suffering of others. We can strive to cultivate a similar sense of compassion and empathy towards all beings. Being kind doesn’t cost us any money. Choose your words carefully when you speak to others.
4. Selfless service: Rayaru believed in the importance of selfless service as a way of serving God and helping others. We can strive to volunteer our time, skills, and resources to help those in need, whether it be through a charitable organization or in our own communities. He never looked at caste, color and even now we can see people from all across the world with no bar to caste, color or religion worshipping him.
5. Integrity: Rayaru was known for his honesty, integrity, and adherence to ethical principles. We can strive to live our lives with integrity, always acting in accordance with our values and principles.
6. Knowledge: Rayaru was highly knowledgeable in the scriptures and spiritual teachings. We can strive to deepen our own knowledge of spiritual teachings and philosophy and seek to apply these teachings in our daily lives. Stop watching one serial on your Television, or skip one phone call which is not important, or even better just wake up a few minutes early to strive to read books or listen to discourses or learn a new Devara Nama.

We should follow our Beloved Rayaru and become better versions of ourselves by following these qualities in our daily lives.

If you want to start by learning devotional songs, devaranamas/ Dasara songs this blog itself has thousands of them on Gurugalu, Gods, and Goddesses.

The Path to Spiritual Growth: Krishnavrunda Pathashaala

My parents taught me all the stotras, slokas, and devaranamas I have shared on this platform and many more that I recite on a daily basis. God has now provided me with the chance to genuinely study from a Guru. And I wanted to share how I felt about the opportunity this brief relocation to North Carolina has given me.

I will start by saying : Guru Devo Bhava

Reciting slokas and stotras with proper pronunciation is important in our Hindu tradition as it shows respect for the scriptures, ensures clarity of meaning, maximizes spiritual efficacy, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes personal growth.

There are several reasons for this:

1. Respect for the scriptures: Reciting slokas and stotras with proper pronunciation shows respect for the sacred nature of the teachings and the tradition as a whole.
   
2. Clarity of meaning: Proper pronunciation helps to ensure that the meaning of each verse is communicated accurately, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings.
   
3. Spiritual efficacy: In the Madhwa tradition, it is believed that the power of the slokas and stotras lies in their sound, and that proper pronunciation is essential for the intended spiritual benefits to be realized.
   
4. Cultural preservation: Proper pronunciation helps to preserve the traditional form of the slokas and stotras, and maintain the authenticity of the teachings for future generations.
   
5. Personal growth: Reciting slokas and stotras with proper pronunciation helps students to develop their concentration, focus, and memory, leading to greater spiritual growth and progress.

Learning from a Guru is an important aspect of our Hindu tradition as it helps to deepen students’ understanding of the scriptures, provides guidance in their spiritual practice, and fosters a sense of community and connection.

A Guru is an experienced and knowledgeable teacher who has a deep understanding of the scriptures and can guide students in their spiritual journey.

Through learning from a Guru, students can gain a deeper understanding of the slokas and Stotras and their significance in the tradition. The Guru can explain the meaning and context of each verse, helping students to develop a personal connection with the scripture.

In addition, a Guru can also provide guidance and support in the practice of chanting and reciting the slokas and Stotras. This helps to ensure that the teachings are properly observed and followed, and helps students to develop their own spiritual practice.

Furthermore, learning from a Guru can also provide students with a sense of community and belonging. Students can support each other and develop lasting relationships as they learn and grow together. Guru is seen as an embodiment of the divine and a source of blessings. Students can receive these blessings through learning from a Guru and experience greater spiritual growth.

We are blessed to have such a Guru in Chief Priest Sri Nagenda Udupa Avaru here at Sri Krishna Vrundavana, North Carolina.

Our Gurugalu has been. teaching us stotras and slokas since December 2022. We have covered the following stotras under his guidance. None of these are in my blog, I will share the stotras, links and recordings soon.

1. Mangalashtakam by Sri Rajarajeshwari Theertharu
2. Dadhi Vamana Stothra
3. Ramesha Stothra by Sri Vadirajarau

Guru Udupa Avaru is providing guidance, knowledge, support, encouragement, and blessings to help us all grow in our faith and achieve our spiritual goals.

Some of the key roles that I see our Gurugalu fulfill are:

1. Providing guidance: A Guru offers wisdom and guidance to help students navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that align with their spiritual goals.
   
2. Sharing knowledge: A Guru imparts knowledge of the scriptures, teachings, and practices of the Madhwa tradition, helping students to deepen their understanding of the faith.
   
3. Offering support: A Guru provides emotional and spiritual support to students, helping them to overcome challenges and grow in their faith.
   
4. Encouraging growth: A Guru encourages students to grow and develop in their spiritual practice, and provides guidance and support as they progress on their journey.
   
5. Providing blessings: A Guru is believed to be an embodiment of the divine, and can offer blessings to students to help them experience greater spiritual growth.

In my opinion, we as students also share equal responsibility to follow certain guidelines, which in turn can deepen our faith and achieve our spiritual goals. The utmost amongst all this is respect for our Guru.

Respecting a Guru is an important aspect of our Hindu tradition, and can take many different forms. Here are a few ways I feel we should show our respect to a Guru:

1. Listening and following advice: Respecting a Guru involves listening to their teachings and advice and making an effort to follow their guidance in daily life.
   
2. Showing reverence: Respecting a Guru involves showing reverence for their wisdom and expertise, and recognizing their role as a spiritual guide and mentor.
   
3. Maintaining discipline: Following the discipline and guidelines set by the Guru is an important part of respecting their role and teachings.
   
4. Avoiding criticism: Criticizing or questioning a Guru’s teachings or decisions is seen as a lack of respect and should be avoided.
   
5. Honoring commitments: Making and honoring commitments made to the Guru, such as studying a certain text or following a specific practice, is an important way to show respect.
   
6. Practicing gratitude: Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the Guru’s teachings and guidance is a key aspect of respecting their role.
   
7. Demonstrating devotion: Demonstrating devotion to the Guru and to their teachings is another important way to show respect in the Madhwa tradition.

Ananda Mukunda Aravinda Nayana (Dwadasha 12th Stotra) Lyrics

P.S: Madhwa Navami Jan 29th 2023 USA & Jan 30th 2023 India

Composer : Sri Madhwacharyaru

Slight variations in lyrics across all books I have and also online.

I have fond memories of the large framed version of this picture in our home during my childhood. I wish I could return to that time and I could hug my Amma one last time.

ಅಥ ದ್ವಾದಶಸ್ತೋತ್ರಮ್

ಆನಂದಮುಕುಂದ ಅರವಿಂದನಯನ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೧ |

ಸುಂದರೀಮಂದಿರ ಗೋವಿಂದ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೨ ||

ಚಂದ್ರಸುರೇಂದ್ರಸುವಂದಿತ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೩ ||

ಚಂದ್ರಕಮಂದಿರನಂದಕವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೪ ||

ವೃಂದಾರಕವೃಂದಸುವಂದಿತ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೫ ||

ಮಂದಾರಸೂನಸುಚರ್ಚಿತ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೬ ||

ಇಂದಿರಾನಂದಕ ಸುಂದರ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೭ |

ಮಂದಿರಸ್ಯಂದನಸ್ಯಂದಕ ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೮ ||

ಆನಂದಚಂದ್ರಿಕಾಸ್ಯಂದಕ (ಸ್ಪಂದನ) ವಂದೇ |
ಆನಂದತೀರ್ಥಪರಾನಂದವರದ || ೯ ||

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮದಾನಂದತೀರ್ಥಭಗವತ್ಪಾದಾಚಾರ್ಯ ವಿರಚಿತಂ ದ್ವಾದಶಸ್ತೋತ್ರೇಷು ದ್ವಾದಶಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ೦

|| ಭಾರತೀರಮಣಮುಖ್ಯಪ್ರಾಣಾಂತರ್ಗತ ಶ್ರೀಕೃಷ್ಣಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು ||

Atha dvādaśastōtram

ānandamukunda aravindanayana | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 1 |

sundarīmandira gōvinda vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 2 ||

candrasurēndrasuvandita vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 3 ||

candrakamandiranandakavandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 4 ||

vr̥ndārakavr̥ndasuvandita vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 5 ||

mandārasūnasucarcita vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 6 ||

indirānandaka sundara vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 7 |

mandirasyandanasyandaka vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 8 ||

ānandacandrikāsyandaka (spandana) vandē | ānandatīrthaparānandavarada || 9 ||

iti śrīmadānandatīrthabhagavatpādācārya viracitaṁ dvādaśastōtrēṣu dvādaśastōtraṁ sampūrṇa0 ||

bhāratīramaṇamukhyaprāṇāntargata śrīkr̥ṣṇārpaṇamastu ||

Plain English

Atha dvadashastotram

Anandamukunda Aravindanayana |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 1 |

Sundarimandir Govinda Vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 2 ||

Chandrasurendrasuwandita Vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 3 ||

Chandrakamandir Nandakavande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 4 ||

Vrindarakavrndasuvandita vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 5 ||

Mandarsoonasucharchita vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 6 ||

Indira Nandaka Sundara Vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 7 |

Mandirsyandanasyandaka vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 8 ||

Anandachandrikasyandaka (Spandana) Vande |
Anandatirthaparanandavarada || 9 ||

Iti Srimadanandatirthabhagavatpadacharya virachitam dvadasastotresu dvadasastotram complete

|| Bharatiramanamukhyapranatargata Srikrishnaparpanamastu ||

You can find the meaning of this stotra at the following link: https://anandatirtha.wordpress.com/2010/10/14/dwadasha-stotra-12/

Makara Sankranthi – Jan 14 and 15 2023

The 2nd week of January is the festival “Makara Sankranthi”.

This year it is on 14th, which is a Saturday here in USA. And it is celebrated 15th Sunday in India.

P.S: Please check your local calendars and temples to see the exact date.

Makara Sankranthi is a widely celebrated festival in different parts of India.  On this day,  Lord Surya or Sun is worshiped.  It is also celebrated as a harvest festival in many parts of India. On this day, Sun begins his journey to the Northern Hemisphere, most commonly called as Uttharayana.  As with all other festivals, this festival also has many legends, two such commonly told legends are:

1. Lord Surya or Sun visits Shani on this day.

2. Bheeshma Pithamaha, who was able to choose when he will die, chose this day to end his life.

The house is cleaned, and decorated with fresh green mango leaves tied as thorana to the front door. Beautiful, and colorful rangoli is drawn at the front of the house.  After performing the pooja, yellu(Sesame seeds) and Bella(Jaggery) is offered to God. Usually it is prepared by mixing Till, finely chopped Jaggery, roasted groundnuts cut into small peices, with finely chopped dried coconut, and Putani, also called as Hurigadale.

I use the following proportion to prepare the yellu:

* 1/2 cup Yellu or Sesame Seeds
* 1 cup Groundnuts or peanuts ( Fried, skin removed and cut into half)
* 1 cup Dhalia or hurigadale
* 1 cup finely chopped dry coconut
* 1 cup Jaggery, finely chopped

Usually the Sesame seeds are cleaned, washed and dried. Later, they are fried. I skip this step, and just fry the Sesame seeds for a few minutes.

Next, grate the black portion of the dry coconut. Chop them into squares as shown in the above picture. Chop the Jaggery also and make sure they are dry. My mom used to keep it in the sun for a few days.

Mix, all the ingredients together. Distribute to your family and friends. If all the ingredients are dry, it will stay for months.

Here is the recipe for Yellu Unde/Burfi:

Ingredients:

1. Sesame Seeds/Yellu – 1 cup
2. Peanuts – 1 cup
3. Dhalia – 1 cup
4. Jaggery – 2cups
5. Grated Coconut – 2 tsp
6. 7-8 cardamom – ground finely
7. 2 tsp Oil or Ghee(I never use Ghee)

Method:

• Fry the Sesame seeds for 4-5 minutes. Take out in a plate.
• In a pan, heat oil or ghee. Now add the jaggery. Add just enough water so that the Jaggery dissolves.
• Keep stirring for almost 9-10 minutes until the jaggery starts leaving the sides.
• Next, add peanuts, sesame seeds, dhalia and mix well. Let it continue on the stove top for another 3-4 minutes. Add in the cardamom as well.
• Turn off the stove. Grease a tray, and pour the mixture. Let it cool a little bit.
• Cut squares. ANd the left over, was formed to a round shape.
• Finally garnish with grated coconut.

I called it Yellu Burfi, and everyone called it Sesame Squares.

Most dishes prepared during this day are made out of Yellu or Sesame seeds and Rice. It is also tradition to prepare Sweet and Khara Pongal during this festival. The recipes are posted here in the blog and are attached below for your convenience:

• Sweet Pongal

• Khara Pongal

• Gojju

• Kosambari

• Ambode

If you wish to cook elaborate dishes during Sankranthi, many authentic recipes are posted here:

• Authentic Madhwa Recipes

And you can find various Rangoli designs here:

• Rangoli Designs

Madhvesharpanamasthu Lyrics

As I was browsing my book, the last page has the lyrics for Madhvesharpanamasthu. I had posted the video way back in 2009, but forgot to post the lyrics. This one is sung by my Father. 

Composed by : Indiresha Vittala Dasaru

ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು

ಶುದ್ಧ ಶ್ರುತಿ ಪದ್ಧತಿ ನಡೆಸುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ವಂದಿಸುವೆನು ಗೋವಿಂದನ ಚರಣಕೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 1 ||

ನಿಂದು ಕರಂಗಳ ವಂದಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಅಂಬುಜನಾಭನ ನಿತಂಬಿನಿ ಕಮಲಕೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 2 ||

ಡಿಂಗರಿಗನು ನಾಜಗದಂಟೆಯ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಸಂಧ್ಯಾದೇವಿಗೆ ವಂದಿಸುತಿರುವೆನು ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 3 ||

ಒಂದಿನ ಬಿಡದೆ ತ್ರಿಕಾಲದಿ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಚಾಮರ ಹಾಕುವೆ ಶ್ರೀಮನೋಹರಗೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 4 ||

ಕೋಮಲ ಶಯನದಿ ಮಲಗಿಸುವೆನು ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಮಲಗಿಸಿ ತೊಟ್ಟಿಲ ತೂಗುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 5 ||

ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಅಭಿಮತ ಘಟ್ಟಿಸಿ ಪಾಡುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಶ್ರೀಪತಿ ತೊಟ್ಟಿಲ ಈ ಪರಿ ತೂಗುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 6 ||

ಗುರು ಪುಷ್ಕರ ಮುನಿ ಸುರದ್ವಾರದಿ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ಕರ್ಮವು ಸಿರಿಯಂದು ಹರಿಗರ್ಪಿಸುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 7 ||

ದಾಸರ ಚರಣಕೆ ಶಿರಬಾಗುವೆ ನಾ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು
ದಾಸರ ಕೃತಿ ಇಂದಿರೇಶಗರ್ಪಿಸುವೆ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು || 8 ||

Madhvesarpana Madhvesarpana Madhvesarpanamastu

Sud’dha Sruti Pad’dhati Nadesuve Madhvesarpanamastu Vandisuvenu Govindana Caranake Madhvesarpanamastu || 1 ||

Nindu Karangala Vandisi Prarthane Madhvesarpanamastu Ambujanabhana Nitambini Kamalake Madhvesarpanamastu || 2 || Dingariganu Najagadanteya Prarthane Madhvesarpanamastu Sandhyadevige Vandisutiruvenu Madhvesarpanamastu || 3 ||

Ondina Bidade Trikaladi Madhvesarpanamastu Camara Hakuve Srimanoharage Madhvesarpanamastu || 4 ||

Komala Sayanadi Malagisuvenu Madhvesarpanamastu Krsnana Malagisi Tottila Tuguve Madhvesarpanamastu || 5 ||

Bittu Abhimata Ghattisi Paduve Madhvesarpanamastu Sripati Tottila I Pari Tuguve Madhvesarpanamastu || 6 ||

Guru Puskara Muni Suradvaradi Madhvesarpanamastu Karmavu Siriyandu Harigarpisuve Madhvesarpanamastu || 7 ||

Dasara Caranake Sirabaguve Na Madhvesarpanamastu Dasara Krti Indiresagarpisuve Madhvesarpanamastu || 8 ||

Pushya Nakshatra and Sunday – Jan 8th 2023

Sunday Jan 8th 2023 is Pushyaarka Yoga, so wanted to keep you all informed. The nakshatra is in India and USA.

The common interpretation of Pushyaarka Yoga is the combination of Pushya Nakshatra and Thursday or Sunday. This common interpretation is when moon entering Pushya nakshatra on Thursday  or Sunday is PushyArka yoga .

Raghavendra Mutta says “On this Holy day one should Recite or Chant Guru Stotra ( Raghavendra Stotra)s, Singing songs will bring happiness and prosperity in your life.”

The significance of this day is also mentioned in Rayara Stotra – 27th Stanza.

Anyone who recites this holy Sri Raghavendra Stotram 108 times with intense devotion, on the occasion of solar/lunar eclipse or the combination of Sunday with the star Pushya, will be relieved of all evil influence, e.g., haunting etc. (27)

You can find more details about this great day below in the link:

• http://www.raghavendramutt.org/stories/significance-pushya-arka-yoga

To find lyrics on Rayaru, please visit this page:

• Sree Raghavendra Swamy

The Raghavendra Stotra to be recited is posted here:

Shri Raghavendra Stotra or Shri Poornabhodha Stotra Lyrics/

Gita Jayanthi – December 3rd & 4th 2022

USA – December 3rd 2022

India – December 4th 2022

P.S: Check dates in your country.

The Shukla Ekadashi of Margasheersha Masa was when we got the greatest gift from Lord Sri Krishna – The Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna imparted the Bhagawad Gita to his greatest devotee Arjuna. This day is celebrated as Gita Jayanthi. It is also an important Ekadashi in many many parts of India, and of course to Madhwas.

GEETA TEXT IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES

On this day Lord Krishna spoke to Arjuna about the ultimate goal of human life in 700 verses in 18 Chapters.

The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the greatest spiritual books the world has ever known. In a very clear and wonderful way Lord Krishna describes the science of self-realization and the exact process by which a human being can establish their eternal relationship with God.

I still remember singing the the first sloka in the Bhagavad Gita in my school:

dharmakshetre kurukshetre samaveda yuyutsavaha
mamaka pandavaschaiva kimakurvata sanjayaha

Some posts I have in the blog are listed below:

1. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/the-bhagavad-gita-free-ebook/
2. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/12/20/the-concluding-benedictory-verse-gita-vivruti/
3. https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/the-bhagavad-gita/

Our SKV, temple here in North Carolina has Bhagavad Gita Recitation starting at 5:00PM on December 3rd. Come join us and recite the Gita.

You can find more details here: https://skvnc.org/geeta-jayanti/

I listen to the audio here for pronunciation : https://mychinmaya.org/bhagavad-gita-all-chapters-audio/

Significance of Maargasira Maasa

In USA Maargasira Maasa starts from November 24th – December 22nd 2022.

In India Maargasira Maasa starts from November 24th – December 23rd 2022.

Excerpts from : Composed & Published by bhargavasarma (Nirikhi Krishna Bhagavan) @ Hari Sarvottama – Vaayu
Jeevottama – for novice understanding @ https://www.facebook.com/bhagavanknl
https://www.bhargavasarma.blogspot.com:

All credit to bhargavasarma.

The month in which Moon is at or nearer to Mrigasira nakshathra on the full moon day that month is denoted as Margasira Masa
which is also known as MaArgaSeersha Maasa.

During the month Sun transiting in Scorpio sign (Vrischika raasi) will be entering into DhaNus raasi when it is known as Dhanurmasa the Solar month.

MargaseErsha also called AgraHayana is the 9th month in a Hindu lunar calendar starting from Chaitra masam. The word
AgraHayana means the month of equinox. In olden times the year used to begin with Margasira Maasa.

Margasira maasa marks the beginning of a new season called Hemantha Ruthu that generally occurs during the calendar
months of November and December.

Margasira masa is highly meritorious month for worshiping Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi Devi and Sun God (Surya Naarayana)
apart from Lord Hanuman and Lord Subramanya. Several religious events occur during the month of Margasira.

Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, sixth day of Margasira masam (sukla Shashti) is known as Skhanda Shashti or Subramanya Shashti or Champa Shashti.

Margasira sukla Ekadasi is known as Mokshada Ekadasi the most auspicious day to worship Lord Vishnu. This day is also revered as Geeta Jayanthi, the day Lord Sri Krishna counselled Arjuna withis famous preaching known as Bhagawadgita. It is befitting to
read at least one chapter of Bhagawadgita on this sacred day duly understanding its meaning; If this day of Sukla Ekaadasi is also associated/coincide with Dhanurmasa then it known as Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, sukla Trayodasi in Margasira masa is observed as Hanumad Vrata. On this day Lord Hanuman is exclusively worshiped by one and all for good health, peace and prosperity.
Lord Vedavyasa had narrated the significance of this Vratha to Dharmaraja and it was performed by Draupadi Devi. Significant feature in this vratha is worshipping Lord Hanuman with a yellow coloured thread having 13 knots known as Thora and is worn after pooja.

Full Moon day in Margasira masam is celebrated as Dattaatreya Jayanthi, the day Lord Dattaatreya an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
was born.
मासानाां मार्शग ीर्षोहम ्- MaAsaAnaAm MaArgaseErsho~ham…
In Bhagawadgita, Vibhuthi Yoga (sloka # 35), Lord Sri Krishna says that, amongst the months He is Margaseersha Masam. Literally Seersha means Head and Margasira is a Superior month which has special Vibhuti of Lord Sri Krishna; These words of Lord Sri Krishna testify the significance given to Margasira masam in the Hindu spiritual calendar.
RaAmo ViraAmo Virajo #MaArgo Neyo Nayo-anayaH
VeErah ShaktimataAm ShressHtah Dharmo DharMaviduttamah;

MaArgaH is one of the several thousand names of Lord Vishnu that we come across in Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Stothram (sloka MaArga means path. RaAMA (Lord Vishnu) is the ONE who creates the path to the devotees to reach the zones of liberation
and immortality.

Lord Vishnu who is the MaArgah paves the way for all spiritual aspirations and realizations. If one follows this path or direction
created by God-Hari Sarvottama, it leads to liberation and ultimate realization.
Lord Vishnu in the name KESAVA is the presiding Deity (Masa Niyamaka) who governs Margasira maAsa.
AakaAsaat Patitam Thoyam Yathaa Gachchati Saagaram
Sarva Deva Namaskaaram Kesavam Pratigatchchati;

Details about all other Masa and significance can be found out in this document shared by bhargavasarma.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wiovJdhA_4Ae34AOajMX4-cXQ_3h0FcH/view

I will try and post as many lyrics and record videos on Lord Narayana, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Hanuman, Subramanya and Sun.