RigVeda Bhashya ( Agni Sukta )

Most translators term Vedas as a composition of  nomads by poets "drinking" Soma. It's ridiculous to think our immensely vast and rich culture eroded by such translators. This is a small effort to show how revered each sutra of the Veda is and how much we need a Guru to understand the true meaning of the Vedas. I've presented the popular English translations as a reference point to show how much of the mark they are. Interpreting Vedas requires a lot of knowledge; can you decipher a medical report using a dictionary? You need a medical dictionary at least, you need a specialist with experience to understand what the report really means. If you attempt a surgery based on the English dictionary meanings of the medical reports, can you imagine the state of the patient.

अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवं रत्वीजम | 

होतारं रत्नधातमम || Rig Veda 1.001.01

aghnimīḷe purohitaṃ yajñasya devaṃ ṛtvījam | 

hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam || Rig Veda 1.001.01

* Translation by Griffith in 1896

I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice,

The hotar, lavishest of wealth.

* Translation by Sa_yan.a and Wilson 

1.001.01 I glorify Agni, the high priest of the sacrifice, the divine, the ministrant, who presents the oblation (to the gods), and is the possessor of great wealth. [Agni = purohita, the priest who superintends family rites; or, he is one of the sacred fires in which oblations are first (pura) offered (hita); deva: a god, the bright, shining, radiant; fr. div, to shine; or, one who abides in the sky or heaven (dyusha_na); or, liberal, donor (in the sense of giving); r.tvij = a ministering priest, he is also the hota_ (Aitareya Bra_hman.a 3.14), the priest who presents the oblation or who invokes or summons the deities to the ceremony; fr. hu, to sacrifice; or, fr. hve, to call; ratnadha_tama: lit. holder of jewels; ratna = wealth in general; figurately, reward of religious rites].

You can easily see that the first translation is a word by word translation. Vedas will never reveal their true meaning to people who don't do Sandhyavandane.

The second translation is slightly better because it references other texts, so immidiately it is clear that only one who has complete grasp of Vedas should even attempt to translate. But even this meaning is highly superficial as we shall see.

Srimadacharya has stated that the Vedas have three meanings. He has illustrated this by writing a commentary on about forty hymns or 'suktas' from the Rig veda, starting with 'AgnimeelE purOhitam', explaining how this Sukta is primarily a prayer to Lord Vishnu. As in the case of all his works, in this commentary also he has shown that the Vedas uphold the supremacy of Lord Vishnu and the dependence of all the gods (devatas) on Him. Srimadacharya has explained the importance of 'Rishi, Devata and Chandas" in reciting Vedas. This work should be treated as the guiding principle for interpreting Vedic hymns.

The bashya of SriMadAcharya is presented as follows:

Agni shabdo ayamagra evābhipoojyatām

Agryatvam-agra-netrtvamattim-añgāganetrtām.

Aha tam staumy-ashesasya purvameva hitam prabhum.

Rtvin-niyāmakatvena yajñānam-rtvijam sadā.

Dyotanañd-vijayāt-kāntyā stutyā vyavahrter-api.

Gatyā ratyā-ca devākhyam hotr-samastham visesatah.

Agni-samasthena rupena yato agnir-hotr-devatā.

Indiriyāgnisu cārthānām yaddhotā hotr-nāmakah.

Ratidhārakottamatvātsa ratnadhātama iritah.

Each and every word has the main meaning or mukhya-artha as Sri Hari. Even though the above translations as valid, they are superficial.

Agni Meaning 1)Agre evea abhipujyatvatvat agnih - The one who is worshipped first Sri Hari and Agni.

Agni Meaning 2)agre bhava uttamma - Agni also means superior, Sri Hari is superior to everyone, hence called Agni. Agni is superior to those he controls, but Sri Hari is superior to everyone.

Agni Meaning 3)agrya netrtva or pratham pravartakatva - First activator; Bhagwan Vishnu created the sentient and non-sentient creations and was the first activator. Similarly Agni is also the first activator in sentient and non-sentient under the direction of the super controller.

Agni Meaning 4)Attrtva - being the destroyer - Sri Hari destroyes the entire brahmanda at the end of the maha pralaya hence he is called Agni. Fire God Agni who is partaker of ghee (atta) in the sacrifice can also be called Attrtva and hence Agni

Agni Meaning 5)Anga neta and sharira pravartaka - Sri Hari activates all bodies hence he is called Agni, Agni by his presence also activates bodies hence he too is Agni

Agni Meaning 6)Aga-neta - Aga is that which cannot move on it's own. Sri Hari is sarva tantra svatantra; he is completely independent. Hence this whole brahmanda "Aga" is completely dependent on Sri Hari hence Sri Hari is called Agni

Note: Fire God Agni has some of attributes but in a limited manner. Sri Hari has all these attributes infinitely; and infinite number of attributes. Hence all the mantras have Sri Hari as their mukhya artha.

The remaining words purohitam, yajñasya, devaṃ, ṛtvījam, hotāraṃ and ratnadhātamam all praise Sri Hari's glory in the main.

Sri Hari is called purohitam as he is the "hita"-conductive to the world since time immemorial.

Sri Hari is called as deva (Effulgence,victory,shine,praiseworthiness,knowledge and bliss)

yagnasya rtvijam - Though Sri Hari is present in all the rtvik's or brahmins performing sacrifice; it is in hotā that he is present in Agni form. It is this form that is especially praised by Agni Sukta.

So yagnasya rtvijam - mentions that Sri Hari is present in all the hotas and also in the specific form in Agni Sukta.

Sri Jayatirtharu has given an expalination for each meaning and shown the reference of the shastra where the specific meaning has been used.

Some people are of opinion that since Acharya's RigbhAshya has explanations of only 3 chapters, it is incomplete work. But Sri Jayatheerta in his commentary to the work has cleared this doubt by mentioning "with the explanation given in the first chapters , one should get enough guidance to understand remaining part of Rig-veds, that is the reason why Acharya Madhwa did not give further explanations".

There is a strong understanding that Sri mAdhavatIrtha - direct disciple of Acharya Madhwa has followed the Acharya's RigbhAshya and given explanations of all other vEdas. guruguNastavana mentions that shrI rAghavEMdratIrtaru has given explanations for all the three other vedas following the style of RugarthamaMjari which inturn is based on the RigbhAshya and its commentaries. There is a unique commentary by Sri Jayateertaru for Acharya's Madhwa's bhAshya and it is saMbhaMdhadIpika. For saMbhaMdhadIpika,TippaNis by bidarihalli srInivAsatIrtharu, vidyAdhIshatIrtharu,his brother kEshavAchArya pAMDuraMgi, kaMbAlu rAmachaMdratIrtharu, satyanAthatIrtharu,ChalAri narasiMhAchAryaru and sumatIMdratIrtharu are available but only tippaNis by satyanAthatIrtharu,ChalAri narasiMhAchAryaru and bidarihalli srInivAsatIrtharu is published

* Reference : Tatvavada English Magazine, June 2010 , "Sri Madhvacharya's Vedic Insights"

Any mistakes are solely mine.

Names of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu's Vishwarupa

The Chanting of following names of Lord Vishnu, immensely helps us in overcoming the obstacles in our daily life.

1. "Om Vashatkaaraaya Namaha" : For Success in Business,Jobs,Visa,Career.

2. "Om Aksharaaya Namaha" : For Success in Studies.

3. "Om Bhuthabhavanaya Namaha" : For Good Health.

4. "Om Paramaathmane Namaha" : For Self Confidence.

5. "Om Vidhaatre Namaha" : Pregnant ladies to chant for good health 

6. "Om Hayagreevaya Namaha" : For healthier and fit living.

7. "Om Bhuthatmane Namaha"

8. "Om Narasimhaya Namaha"

9." Om Rishikeshaya Namaha"

10. "Om Pradyumnaya Namaha"

11. "Om Srinivasaya Namaha"

12. "Om Varunaya Namaha" 

13. "Om Bhootakritaye namaha"

14. "Om Vishnave Namaha"

15. "Om Bhaavaya Namaha"

16. "Om Naarasimha Vapushe Namaha" : In Moments of Despair 

17. "Om Kshetragnaaya Namaha" : For Aspirants of Real Estate and Homes 

18. "Om Bhootaadaye Namaha" : To amend relationship or friendship crisis 

19. "Om Dhaatre Namaha" : For Santhana Praapthi (Fertility for couples)

20. "Om Pushkarakshaaya Namaha" : For Overcoming bad times 

21. "Om Sthavishtaaya Namaha" : To keep evil forces at bay. 

Chilkur Balaji Temple - Hyderabad

Chilkur Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur in Moinabad mandal in the Rangareddy district, just 30 km off Hyderabad on the Old Bombay Highway(Vikarabad Highway).

This temple is also popularly known as Visa Temple because many devotees come here with the wish of going abroad and get their wishes fructify.

It's customary to go around the temple (known as Pradakshina) eleven times and pray to god for a specific wish. Once this wish comes true, the recipient has to go again and take 108 Pradakshinas.

This is one of the few temples in India which does not accept monetary donations.

Chilkur Balaji temple is one of the most famous temples in Hyderabad area. The nice concept that is implemented in darshan of the Lord Balaji, is that all the devotees must stand in queue with utmost discipline. When people ask for wish from the god here, they have to do 11 pradakshinas and ask their wish with the witness of Lord Anjaneya. When the wish gets fulfilled, they need to do 108 pradakshinas. The 11 pradakshinas have a significant meaning according to the temple priests. When people wish anything from god, mind has to think about only god and one's self i.e 11(1-1) signifies that god takes care of everybody and everybody should understand that.

HISTORY

Set in sylvan surroundings, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is an ideal place for sequestered retreat and meditation. It enjoyed in the past, great days of pomp and glory.

The temple is one of the oldest in Telangana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee , Madhav Reddy who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill-health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, "I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don't have to worry." The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a mole- hill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji's idol covered by the mole-hill below the chin and on the chest, and surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the "wounds", flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes when he saw this. Suddenly he could not believe his ears also when he heard a voice from the air which said,"Flood the mole-hill with cow's milk. "When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi(a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and this temple built for it.

Sri Balaji venkateshwara, the Pratyaksha Daiva in Kaliyuga, is thus available at Chilkur to shower blessings on His devotees who for any reason are unable to go to Tirupati. Many devout worshippers flock to the temple, to receive the blessings of the Lord and his consorts throughout the year particularly during the Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams

With the earnest desire to revive the former glory and importance of the temple, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963 the year following the Chinese aggression, and when the aggression was unilaterally vacated, Ammavaru was given the name of Rajya Lakshmi, signifying this welcome event. The unique feature of this idol is that lotus flowers are held in three hands and the fourth hand is in such a position towards the lotus feet which signifies the doctrine of Saranagathi.

About the Temple

Good news for the devotees who are willing to donate to the temple.

Excerpts from Deccan Chronicle: Hundi-less temple gets new scheme 

Hyderabad, April 1: Think before donating at Sri Chilkur Balaji temple as the hundi-less temple, which became famous as Viswa Balaji all over AP, will now accept donation only through notified banks. Endowments department has okayed the temple authorities to accept donation of Rs 100 and above through two banks. The interest accruing out of the donations will be utilised for conducting daily pujas. Devotees from all over the world can deposit cash in different branches of Andhra Bank including the one located at Pedda Mangalaram (Moinabad).

Even the branches of State Bank of Hyderabad all over the country, including the one at Moinabad, are authorised for this. The temple priest, Dr Sounder Rajan, said, "Devotees who contribute to this fund will have the satisfaction that their most coveted place of worship will continue to work in this unique system," he said. The Chilkur Balaji temple became famous for its unique hundi-less system. This was done to prevent endowments department taking over the administration of the temple. The cash can be deposited at Andhra Bank branches under head of account "SB A/c No 911/SB/1/8633 of Sri Balaji Venkateswara Swamy Temple or State Bank of Hyderabad SB A/c No. 62055583940.

Outside the temple you will find many shops (as usual) selling coconuts,and flowers to offer to God. The Balaji idols,pictures and prasadam and other paraphernalia are all available on the back portion of the temple near the entrance and Shiva Temple's exit. Floral/coconut offerings are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum nor accepted by the priest. So, be ready to crack the coconut yourself.

Don’t forget to carry a pen and take the numeric card (given free).It will make your circumambulatory thanks to the lord that much easier to carry out.

Eat,especially before you start off on the 108 pradakshinas.The Lord or His servents should not be blamed if you can’t sustain the physical exertion.

Take regular breaks beetwen the circumambulations.It’s only human if you head’s spinning from going round and round, so rest.

Last, but not the least ,remember not to close your eyes during darshan . Balaji idol here has four hands.

This Balaji is very flexible and modern too. He is receptive to change or the changing world. Here you dont have to close your eyes while taking darshan which is clearly written on boards in the temple premises. 

The best way to reach Chilkur Balaji Temple is, if you have got your own vehicle then it becomes easy. But since many of us go by bus/shared autorikshaws , then the best route is to reach Mehdipatnam from wherever you have put up your accomdation as the frequency of buses to Mehdipatnam is high from almost all parts of the city. And when you reach Mehdipatnam, do take 288D buses which ply almost every half an hour. So your travel becomes easy if you reach Mehdipatnam and there is a good frequency of buses every 30 minutes. Nevertheless, you can catch a shared autorikshaw if you are in a hurry. Visiting early in the morning is however better for anyone who has plans to make 108 pradakshinas, in view of the large crowd of pilgrims.

Directions from Mehdipatnam

From Mehdipatnum, follow the road to Langar house. At Langar house crossroads, follow straight towards Artillery Center (Towards CBIT / Ocean Park). As you pass Artillery Center (towards your right), fork left and continue ahead on the main road until you pass SHAAZ Engineering College . After passing Shaaz Engineering College, as you go ahead, the road Forks ( Y junction), main road continuing on the left and a road leading right. At this Y - junction, follow the road leading right. Continue on this road, passing the houses, until you come across another fork ( Y - Junction), here take the road forking right and this road will take you to the temple. 

The Prominence of Vishnu Sahasra Namas (Thousand names of the Lord Vishnu)

Vishnu Sahasranama was first composed & recited by Bhishma, when he was on his deathbed. Lord Krishna went to see Bhishma because he was breathing his last. When Bhishma had darshan of Lord Krishna, he started reciting Vishnu Sahasranama immediately. Vishnu Sahasranama means, rosary of thousand names of Lord Vishnu.

He started reciting Vishnu Sahasranama in the order he saw lord's form continuously and successively.

Vishnu Sahasranama is found in Mahabharata, the great epic of India.

If confers all the mundane transcendental benefits to the person who chants it. There are so many Sahasranamas of Vishnu, but among them this happens to be the most cardinal and important one because right from Sankaracharyalu there are so many Sages and Saints who have recited and commented in their own way. Even today, it is recited with the fervor and gaiety in all the temples of Lord Vishnu.

About Ugadi Festival in South India

Ugadi or Yugadi is New Year day of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is one of the important festival in these regions. Ugadi falls on Chaitra Shuddha Prathipada, the first day of Chaitra month (March – April). In the year of 2010, Ugadi is celebrated on 16th March. The Importance: Ugadi is the occasion of New Year. According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma created the universe all the necessities of life on this day. He set days, nights, weeks, fortnights, months and seasons in one year and again all that is repeated just like a cycle. He made years to count the time. The beginning of the cycle of year is called Ugadi.

The above verdict is verified by the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya who calculated by observing the planets movements. According to him the sunrise of Ugadi marks the beginning of the new year, new month and new day.

Ugadi also welcomes the spring season in South India. This onset of spring is seen on plants acquiring new shoots and leaves. In these days jasmines are the most popular flowers and they spread the fragrance that is unmatched in the nature. People use this flowers to worship deities and celebrate Ugadi in a special way.

Celebrations: People speaking Telugu and Kannada celebrate Ugadi with great fervor and enthusiasm. The day begins with an extensive oil bath. The houses are kept clean and tidy. The doors are decorated with mango leaves called thoranas. Rangolis are drawn in front of homes. All the family members wear new clothes and worship the deity in home. Special delicacies are made for the occasion. “Ugadi Pachadi” is the famous preparation of the festival which people share among themselves.

All temples remain thronged with devotees. The major event of the day is “Panchanga Sravanam.” The event is organized in temples or cultural and social organizations, where a qualified astrologer reads out the predictions for the year.

The New year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around. The flame of the forest (trees with bright red flowers that blossom during holi) are in full bloom signifying an affluent season.It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

   With the coming of Ugadi, the naturally perfumed jasmines (mallepulu) spread a sweet fragrance which is perhaps unmatched by any other in nature's own creation! While large garlands of jasmine are offered to Gods in homes and temples, jasmine flowers woven in clusters adorn the braids of women.

Predictions of the Year :
   Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. It is a day when mantras are chanted and predictions made for the new year. Traditionally, the panchangasravanam or listening to the yearly calendar was done at the temples or at the Town square but with the onset of modern technology, one can get to hear the priest-scholar on television sets right in one's living room.

   It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi. "Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tanarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!

Preparing for the Occasion :
   Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.

   Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervor in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava". On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartik (or Subramanya or Kumara Swamy) and Ganesha, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartik exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being.

   It is noteworthy that we use mango leaves and coconuts (as in a Kalasam, to initiate any pooja) only on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods. People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colorful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the new year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.

   The celebration of Ugadi is marked by religious zeal and social merriment. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "pulihora", "bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion. In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "puliogure" and "holige". The Maharashtrians make "puran poli" or sweet rotis.

Season For Pickles :
   With the raw mango available in abundance only during the two months (of April/May), people in Andhra Pradesh make good use of mangoes to last them until the next season. They pickle the mangoes with salt, powdered mustard and powdered dry red chilli and a lot of oil to float over the mangoes. This preparation is called "avakai" and lasts for a whole year.

   Mangoes and summer season go hand in hand. Ugadi thus marks the beginning of the hot season which coincides with the school vacations. For the young ones, therefore, Ugadi is characterised by new clothes, sumptuous food and revelling. The air is filled with joy, enthusiasm and gaiety. Some people participate in social community gatherings and enjoy a tranquil evening with devotional songs (bhajans).

Kavi Sammelanam :
   Kavi Sammelanam (poetry recitation) is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature. Ugadi is also a time when people look forward to a literary feast in the form of Kavi Sammelanam. Many poets come up with new poems written on subjects ranging - from Ugadi - to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.

   Ugadi Kavi Sammelanam is also a launch pad for new and budding poets. It is generally carried live on All India Radio's Hyderabad "A" station and the Doordarshan,(TV) Hyderabad following "panchanga sravanam" (New year calendar) narrating the way the new year would shape up in the lives of people and the State in general. Kavis (poets) of many hues - political, comic, satirical reformist, literary and melancholic - make an appearance on the Ugadi stage. Ugadi is thus a festival of many shades. It ushers in the new year, brings a rich bounce of flora and fills the hearts of people with joy and contentment.

Sloka of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and worshipped deities among the Hindus. Krishna represents knowledge, wisdom, beauty and opulence. Shri Krishna is the very embodiment of love and divine ecstasy that destroys all pain and offense. Sloka on Krishna forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Here is a list of Krishna Slokas / Shlokas:

"Vasudeva Sutam Devam, Kansa Chaanuuramardanam

Devakii Paramaanandam Krishhnam Vande Jagad Gurum"

Meaning: Krishna is the Supreme Lord, Son of Devaki (Sister of Kansa) and Vasudeva. He is the slayer of Kansa and Chanur. I bow to such great lord and may god bless me with his grace always.

"Aakaashaath Patitam Toyam, Yathaa Gachchhati Saagaramh
Sarvadeva Namaskaaraanh, Keshavam Pratigachchhati"

Meaning: Lord Krishna is great. Just as every rain drop that falls from the sky flows into the Ocean, in the same way every prayer offered to any deity flows to Lord Krishna. I bow to such great Lord Krishna.