Sankara Charitham - Chapter 2

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THE ESSENCE OF HINDU TRADITION AND CULTURE

Jaya Jaya Sankara
Special Series on the life of Sri Adhi Sankara
(Based on the series in Tamil by Sri Ra. Ganapathy Anna)
Translated & Illustrated by

Sri Narayanan Bala
Volume 31
November 2014 Anusham
Copyrights reserved Kanchi Periva Forum
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Chapter 2 of Jaya Jaya Sankara by Sri Narayanan Bala (original in Tamil by Sri Ra.Ganapathy)
Sri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

Introduction
Hari Om!
Namaskaram from the Kanchi Periva Forum community. We are pleased to bring you our Thirty First edition
ebook, which is a continuation of the special Anusham series Jaya Jaya Sankara, a wonderful treasure
originally authored by Sri Ra Ganapathy Anna, and translated by our moderator Sri Narayanan Bala
(anusham163 in our forum).
Most of our readers are aware of our efforts to bring out regular ebooks which are designed to protect and
nourish our age old traditions, culture, devotion and spirituality. Apart from these standard ebooks, we
have also published special series ebooks like those on Sri Maha Perivas Life History.
Sri Narayanan Bala is a very well-known moderator to our Forum members (by the Forum name
anusham163) and he has already made his presence strongly felt through many drawings/sketches of
Periva and by his phenomenal translation works on Periva and on materials related to Periva.
An ardent devotee of Sri Maha Periva, Sri Narayanan is a born artist. While he did not get a formal coaching
from anyone, his manaseeka gurus were Shri Maniyam, Shri Gopulu and Shri Silpi. We would like to
express our sincere thanks to him for coming forward to translate and bring out this beautiful series, which
will help to cement this wonderful treasure in the minds of the present and future generations.
On behalf of this Forum and our respected members, I would also like to specially thank our moderator Smt
Sumi, who has put in a lot of effort in putting this title together and for getting it published well in time.
If you are not already a member of our Forum and received this ebook from any of your friends, please also
register on the forum http://www.periva.proboards.com to stay updated on devotees experiences and to
receive our regular free publications.
This ebook contains brilliant descriptive write-up of the life of Sri Adhi Sankara, and Sri Narayanan Bala has
closely reproduced the beautiful, touching language deployed by Sri Ra Ganapathy Anna in the original. I
am very sure each of you would find this as engaging and moving as I felt in the first reading itself
especially the superb description of the Bala Sankara and comparison of the infant with Lord Sankara!
We humbly submit this e-book edition at the lotus feet of Shri Maha Periva. Though this book is for
restricted circulation among like - minded members of the society, this is a free publication like all our
other publications, which can be downloaded from http://www.periva.proboards.com/ Any feedback or
queries may be sent to us at kanchiperiva@gmail.com
Administrator
Kanchi Periva Forum
Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!
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Note from the Translator
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah! Sri Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Charanam.
This narrative titled Jaya Jaya Sankara on the life of Sri Adhi
Sankara Bhagavat Paadhal was written by Sri Ra .Ganapathy as a
serial in the KALKI weekly in 1962, with wonderful and lively
drawings by Sri Maniyam.
I have undertaken the ambitious task of translating the same into English. I bow my head to and
submit my Ananhthakoti Namaskarams at the Lotus feet of the AdhiGuru and Sri MahaPeriava, to
guide me through this task.
I am greatly indebted to my very good neighbour and a very good friend of over forty years Sri
N.V.Subramanuam, who has taken it on him the task of reading my manuscript word by word,
comparing with the original and suggesting a lot of improvements in the selection of words and
reconstruction of sentences. A million thanks and Namaskarams to him for this great help.
I welcome your feedback on this compilation. I can be reached on beeyen.bala@gmail.com
Narayanan Bala
About the Author of the original series Sri Ra Ganapathy Anna
Sri Ra.Ganapathy Anna belongs to a rare breed of writers, who could bring through his
pen and with his authentic personal experience, the quintessence of religion
expounded by great sages. A naishtika brhmachari, he has a distinct style in Tamil that
is enjoyable to read and teases you sometimes with complex structure of
sentences.Sanskritised in certain narrations, he still does no violence to the
purity of language but captures beautifully the native Indian spirit in his works.
Read more about him & download his ebooks here: http://divyavidyatrust.org/
CHAPTER 2
The Mountain Melted
The place is Mount Kailash in the Himalayas; there is a tall and well grown
Banyan tree. Underneath the tree.
Seated there is Lord Siva, as the idol of wisdom, idol of Silence, idol of
Beauty, and Dhakshina Murthy, all at the same time. As He is the Immortal
Being, who is beyond Time and Space, He is
facing South, the abode of
Kaalan (Yama).
Pure white in colour , whiter than the ice frozen on the peak of Kailasam.Soft
and delicate body, softer than the heaps of clouds sleeping on the mountain.
Mass of braided hair like the dense forests of the Himalayas.
Bunches of hair are hanging from the head like the tender vines
hanging
from the branches of the banyan tree.
As a mark of the sea of Bliss that His mind is full of, Holy Ganga is oozing
out, from His locks.
The moon born from the ocean of milk, is perched
on the head, as a
crescent shining brighter and cooler.
May be, He is wearing the crescent moon, to indicate His quality of blessing
those who surrender to Him with growth and prosperity.
The Kondrai flowers (
----cassia
fistula), which bloom as
garlands for His sake, are taking lessons from the hair on softness.
The hair strands from His head are dancing on His wide forehead, over the
third eye, like the beetles on the lotus flower.
His forehead is smeared with the sacred ash, announcing that He will cleanse
the mind of the three gunas.
His eyebrows are like bows, by just raising which He conquered Manmathan
the God of Love, when he approached Him (with mischievous intentions).
His blue eyes are partially covered by the eyelids, as the petals of Lotus
flower, cover the blue lily.
His eyeballs are in a fixed gaze without any movement whatsoever. Eye brows
are like clouds which have drunk the Jyothi emanating from the cheeks. His
prominent nose in the centre of those cheeks, acts as though it is preventing
the two oceans of Jyothi from merging. A gentle smile is blooming at one
end of the lips, which look like the coral vines in the ocean of milk.
The remainder of the glowing beauty, after decorating the major part of the
face, has been spent on the chin. The ears are like two fans, fanning the
Soundarya Lakshmi dwelling on His face. The ear rings (),
worn on them are reflected on His cheeks resembling the AdhiSeshan in the
ocean of milk.
For Him who has no other seat than the Banyan tree, there is no other
nectar than Haalaahalam ( the dangerous poison which came out while
churning the ocean of milk for nectar).
?].
His blue neck reminds us of His benevolent act of swallowing the dangerous
poison, while giving the nectar to the Devas; it also reminds us of Lord
Vishnu, with His blue tinted body, who resides in His heart. Garlands of
crystal, Thumbai (LeucasAspera), jasmine and Mantharai (Orchid) flowers are
dangling from His neck and also garlands of Rudraksham and Bilva leaves; all
these indicate He is the cause for the three qualities, Sathvam, Rajo and
Thamo.
His fortlike chest prevents His heart from totally running away towards His
devotees. The sacred thread is running along the chest like a water fall. His
body allows the poisonous snakes to dwell on. His abdomen, which contains
all the worlds within it, is itself flat and drawn in.
His body is covered with the skin of the elephant. Four long rounded arms
branch off from His shoulders. The axe He is holding on His right rear hand
will destroy all the evils from their roots.
His right lower hand showing the Chinmudhra which explains the true nature
(philosophy) of Dhakshina Murthy, opens out the three fingers and gives
protection. The forefinger points to the Supreme Being, and declares you are
Him (); Him here meaning Vishnu.
The thumb indicates the Jeevan, bloated by arrogance. Upanishads mention

that Atman which dwells in the body is the size of the thumb only; By
joining the thumb and the forefinger, the right lower hand explains
Adhvaitha principle
the
that Jeevathma and Paramathma are one and the
same.
The bent forefinger in the right lower hand says that If Jeevathmas come
even a little towards Him, the Almighty will bend forward and pull them
towards Him. The Rudhraksha garland hangs from in between the forefinger
and the thumb; He proves that by rolling the garland and chanting (Bagavan
Nama) one can become totally unaware of any feeling.
The deer He is holding in His left upper hand is humbled by looking at the
beauty of His eyes and has lowered its look. It shows how the ever
wandering mind becomes totally motionless in His presence. The Lord of
Supreme Knowledge is holding the (scriptures of knowledge and
wisdom inscribed on palm leaves).
He is the very proof that one can reach the state of total Realization by
repeatedly studying those scriptures. He who is the destroyer of arrogance, is
wearing the tiger skin across His waist. The feet which have become tired
because of dancing nonstop in the Kanaka Sabai, are resting here in
comfort.
He has folded His left leg and placed it on the right leg, which in turn had
been placed on the figure, which symbolizes all evils ().
It is very apt that He has given a place of honour to the left leg which
indicates Anugraham in His dance in Thillai (Chidambaram), and also because
the left leg belongs to Ambikai in His manifestation as ArdhaNareeswaran.
His ten nails are shining like the silver boats on the banks of the ocean of
milk. Each particle in His feet, rendered red by the constant rubbing of the
crowns of Devas who prostrate at His feet, contains in it, infinite number of
galaxies and stars. He is sitting under the banyan tree only to show that a
small minute seed contains such a huge tree in it.
The banyan tree offers a cool shade to those who come under it after a
tired walk under the sun light; but He shows the light to those who, immersed
in the darkness of ignorance, surrender to Him. This Adhi Guru is the Wonder
Light which gives the devotees a coolness which is more soothing than the
shade of the banyan tree!
In front of the Supreme Being, are seated the four Rishis, Sanakar,
Sanandanar, Sanaathanar and Sanathkumarar in a state of absolute Bliss,
unaware of themselves. These aged persons, did not get any shanthi, even
after learning the four Vedhas and the six branches; therefore they wandered
in search of a proper Guru. When they saw Lord Dhakshinamurthy with the
in his hands seated in such Peace, they went to Him not minding that
He looked much much younger.
But that Guru did not tell them anything either from the , or from
anything else ! He had maintained absolute silence, enjoying by Himself ! Even
then, those aged persons got the Upadesam (initiation) they wanted, in front
of the youngster ! They also realized that His silence has given them the
explanation for the Upadesam ! They also started living there !
As far as they are concerned, this Guru , who gives them Upadesam in
silence, exists without being there.
When others are seeing Him as
DhakshinaMurthy, they realize Him as formless.
A supreme Peace prevails in that environment of pure whiteness and

coolness.
There is a minute motion in the waveless ocean that He is. He opens His
eyes a little.
Brahma and other Devas, fell at His feet, lamenting, Oh ! Mahadeva ! Please
save us !
A veil of distress had spread over their faces including the ever satisfied saint
Naradhar. Bagavan did not open His mouth even then, but raised His eyes a
little, as if asking them What is the matter ?
Although He is the allknowing Supreme Being (), it is the duty

of the Devas, who have been appointed by Him as the protectors of the
Universe, to report the goingson there, of their own will.
Brahma replied, My Lord ! Even as you have created the infinite universe
with a purpose, you decided to make the land known as Bharatham among
them, the unique abode of wisdom. You had spread your breath there, which
are the Vedas. You had mentioned in the Chapter of Duties (),
the duties to be performed by the humans from their birth until their death,
for their own welfare and for the sake of their ancestors, the society, the
Devas and for You !
In the end, in Upanishads you had also shown them the path of wisdom,
which will make them understand the meaning of them all, and attain
Moksha by realizing you in them.
MahaDeva ! Now, that Veda and the Virtue it preaches are in danger of peril
! In the land of Bharatha, duty, devotion and wisdom are deteriorating. Those
who follow the path of Karma and who are supposed to be the living proof
of what the Vedas teach, undergo the cycle of birth and death, as they do
not perform the Karma with devotion and wisdom. Some other persons are
following the evil and horrible practice of human sacrifice in the name of
Bakthi.
Or, some create a cleavage between various forms of God, saying this God is
superior to that God. People could not adhere to the paths shown by
Budhdha and Jeenar also, as they, while identifying and preaching Love and
Benevolence through logic, did not say anything conclusive about you ! All are
your children; As they do not possess a firm belief that You are the one
who bestows fruits for every Karma, they do not realize the necessity of
showing love towards others, or the bad consequences of wrong doings. They
are groping in confusion, as they do not know their Atman. Because of this
the path of wisdom is also in shambles.
Mahesa ! You have given an assurance that whenever Dharma (Virtue) is in

danger , I shall take avatar and save it; if you are inactive, indulging in the
bliss of your Atman, when the forces against Virtue have reared their ugly
heads and as many as seventy two religions have cropped up, what will
happen to the world ?
Brahmas voice choked in emotion. He lowered His face. But the silence of
Dhakshinamurthy was not broken yet.
Vanikanthan (husband of Vani ) lifted his head , searched for something in vain
and again became emotional with sorrow. Does not the Lord know whom
Brahma was looking for ? He must have searched for the Mother, who always
speak on their behalf. He smiled to Himself !
Brahma is thinking that I am away from Devi ! Is it possible for Sivan and
Shakthi to be separated? When that Shakthi is not walking out alone in
Sathiroopa, is She not shining within Him as Love, Benevolence and
Knowledge? That Intelligence spoke now; spoke to the Sivam where She is
resting.
Yes !Dharmam should be restored in Bharatham. But how ? Earlier, when a

separate group called demons tried to wipe out Dharma, it was possible to
eliminate them and re-establish Dharma. But now, there is no one as demon
here. The demonism has taken shelter in the minds and heads of all people.
They are under the spell of the greatest demon called Ignorance.
Therefore there is no way destroying those who have deviated from Dharma;
Their ignorance and nonvirtuous thoughts must be destroyed. Jyothi of
wisdom must be lighted and the inner darkness must be driven out. Only I
should do that job.
There is no use sitting here any more as SAmBu [the fountain source of
everlasting happiness (bliss)]. There are no persons who will come here in
search of this fountain to drink this. Therefore, I should go to the people and
flow into them as the idol of Love. I should take Avatar as SAM---KARAN (one
who does everlasting good).
The idol of Silence opened His mouth and spoke. The voice soaked in honey
came out.
Worry not, children ! I myself will be born as Sankaracharyan, to establish

Dharma.
Hara !Hara !Mahadeva !----These fullthroated happy words emanated from

the Devas and reverberated on the peaks of the Himalayas !
The Supreme Bliss spoke further, laced with the love of Mother and a sarcasm
of a child.
Some people might have been perturbed by not finding Devi here. She who
gives the ability to see cannot be missing. She is within me now. That is also
for your good only. If your Mother had been here as a separate form, She
also will have to come to the earth with me.
But I have decided to take Avatar as an Ascetic, in order to spread knowledge

and wisdom. Therefore a wife is of no use to me. It was good anyway that
you had prayed to me as a single entity. I shall be born as a single form
with Devis Love and Benevolence as its prominent part.
He paused for a while and looked at Brahman and spoke again with a smile,
Brahman is the person who spoke now sympathizing with the mankind. But
in my Avatar, he will be the person against whom I am going to fight and
win; fight merely means quarrel of words; he will be born with the name
MandanaPandithan, as a preacher of Meemamsa system of phiolosophy,
when he will preach the Path of Karma .
Brahmas mind was a little stirred . He was shocked if this is a punishment for
him for speaking as if he is more concerned about the mankind than the
Lord is !
At that time, Lord Siva looked at His beloved son Muruga (Karthik) and smiled
at Him. Karthik was also Guru for Lord Siva.
He is also the reigning deity for Agni (Fire), to whom oblations are offered
by those following the path of Karma.
Lord spoke to him, Dear child ! You must also go to the earth before
Brahman. You will be a much bigger Meemamsan called by the name
KumarilaBattan and will be spreading the path of Karma. I will win over you
too !
Brahman got a big relief on hearing this ! He realized that If it is true that
He will not curse His son, then His ordaining him to take human birth will not
amount to a curse.
All you Devas also will take human birth and help me in this mission ! He
told the other Devas.
Everyone was pleased. God doesnt stop by only giving what is asked of Him,
but He also goes one step further and offers Himself for help. Thinking about
that sacrifice, the Devas departed from there even forgetting to prostrate
before Him.
The Lord said, All of you are thinking that I am a munificent who is going to
be born on earth to save the humans and you ! In reality, I am going to take
birth, in order to save myself ! and smiled mischievously.
Yes ! Lord Narayanan, who is dearest to me, took Avatar as Sri Rama and Sri
Krishnan and destroyed aDharma and restored Dharma, is it not ? Time is
nearing when the humans fail to remember Their births and celebrate those
days. I am going to conduct this SankaraJayanthi in order to save those
other Jayanthis. I am also going to save Navarathri, which is so dear to Devi,

and Sivarathri !
Devas returned with a pleasant feeling and peace of mind. Only Brahma was
hesitating to leave.
Lord Siva called him, Chathurmuka! (one with four heads). Brahman looked
back with pain.
Do not worry. When you go to the earth, your dear wife Vani will also
follow you. This exception is exclusively for you !. Brahman prostrated before
Him and left happily !
Once again only the Supreme Being and the four Rishis were left alone there.
The four Rishis who were in deep meditation were totally unaware of
whatever was happening there so far ! The Siva Yogi
again went into deep
thinking. Where to be born and to whom ? These were the thoughts !
Mount Kailash is a great mountain. It is an amazing mount, which keeps

melting every day. It is a big mountain, which gets covered with ice more and
more even as it keeps melting ! It becomes cooler and cooler as one climbs
higher and higher. The greatness of a human being lies in a cool heart.
Mount Kailash is a standing example of the truth that ones wealth will never
get reduced as one keeps giving away. Kailasa Nathan who is the mountain of
Wisdom has prepared Himself to melt and create the perennial river of Love !
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 3..

Sri Maha Periva Divya Darshan

All paintings are done by Sri Narayanan Bala

Sankara Charitham - Chapter 2

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E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum

THE ESSENCE OF HINDU TRADITION AND CULTURE

Translated & Illustrated by

Sri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

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Note from the Translator

Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah! Sri Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Charanam.

I welcome your feedback on this compilation. I can be reached on beeyen.bala@gmail.com

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The Mountain Melted

facing South, the abode of

Mass of braided hair like the dense forests of the Himalayas.

from the branches of the banyan tree.

The moon born from the ocean of milk, is perched

crescent shining brighter and cooler.

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The Kondrai flowers (

fistula), which bloom as

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The thumb indicates the Jeevan, bloated by arrogance. Upanishads mention

that Jeevathma and Paramathma are one and the

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When others are seeing Him as

DhakshinaMurthy, they realize Him as formless.

A supreme Peace prevails in that environment of pure whiteness and

Although He is the allknowing Supreme Being (), it is the duty

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Mahesa ! You have given an assurance that whenever Dharma (Virtue) is in

Yes !Dharmam should be restored in Bharatham. But how ? Earlier, when a

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Worry not, children ! I myself will be born as Sankaracharyan, to establish

Hara !Hara !Mahadeva !----These fullthroated happy words emanated from

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But I have decided to take Avatar as an Ascetic, in order to spread knowledge

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other Jayanthis. I am also going to save Navarathri, which is so dear to Devi,

again went into deep

thinking. Where to be born and to whom ? These were the thoughts !

Mount Kailash is a great mountain. It is an amazing mount, which keeps

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 3..

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Sri Maha Periva Divya Darshan

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