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AArsha Vani(Voice of Sanatana Dharma)

November 2015 Volume: 1 Issue: 10

‘‘Sarva Devaatmakam Karthikam” Upcoming Pravachanams


“Scriptures mention that it is important to Date: Oct 30 – Nov 3, 2015 6:30PM
worship all Gods in the month of Karthika. It is Topic: "Siva Mahima Vaibhavamu"
well known that this month is ‘Hari-Hara Venue: Ongole.
Atmakam’ i.e. daytime belongs to Siva and Date: Nov 13 –17, 2015 3:30PM
nighttime belongs to Vishnu. Together, it makes Topic: "Kaamakhya Vaibhavam -Dasa
one day i.e. it is only the union of Siva and Vishnu Maha Vidyalu"
that sustain this universe. The ‘Light’ and ‘Heat’ Venue: Gowhathi.
during the day are the form of Siva, whereas the Date: Nov 20 – 21, 2015 7:00PM
‘Benignity’ and ‘Coolness’ during the night are Topic: "Karthikam - Sri Krishnamayam”
the form of Vishnu. Hence, Siva symbolizes ‘Agni’ Venue: Hyderabad.
tattva, the Fire element whereas Vishnu
Date: Nov 22 –26, 2015 6:00PM
symbolizes ‘Jala’ tattva, the Water element. It is
Topic: "Sivaaraadhana"
needless to mention that there is no existence
Venue: Cheediga (Kakinada Rural)
without both water and fire. Similarly, Hari and Hara are manifestations of the
same Supreme Parabrahman. Vratas that observe ‘Ekadashi’ attain completion Date: Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2015 6:00PM
on the Ekadashi falling in the bright fortnight of this month. Lord Vishnu is Topic: "Ananda Lahari - Sri Krishna
worshipped as ‘Damodara’ in this month. This period is also auspicious for ‘Shakti’ Soundarya Lahari"
worship as ‘Lalita Maha Tripurasundari’. Ganapathi is worshipped in Karthika. Venue: Rajahmundry.
Krittika is the star on the full moon day in Karthika. As per ‘Nakshatreshthi’ (For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar )

mentioned in Vedas, Krittika is the first star. ‘Krittika’ star represents ‘Fire’ Major Festivals
element. Lord Subrahmanya, born in Krittika star and an embodiment of the
Yagna Fire, is also worshipped. Just as one receives nutrition by feeding only Deepavali : Nov 11, 2015
through mouth, all the Gods – Siva, Durga, Lakshmi, Vishnu etc. – are worshipped  Worship ‘Dhana Lakshmi’ at dawn and
through ‘Agni’. Hence, lighting ‘Deepa’ in Karthika and offering ‘Deepa’ in charity dusk by lighting the earthen pots.
is very efficacious. Celebrating ‘Deepa Toranam’ or ‘Jwala Toranam’ i.e. lighting  Worship of Kedareswara on this day is
innumerous lamps like a huge festoon on this full moon day is in vogue all over auspicious.
Bharat. Hence, this day is known as ‘Deva Deepavali’ i.e. Deepavali festival of
Gods. It is preferable to light lamps with either cow ghee or sesame oil. All the Naga(Maha) Chathurthi : Nov 15, 2015
five full moon days from the month of Ashada till Karthika are termed as ‘Vyasa  Worship Lord Subrahmanya
Pournimas’. Therefore, worship of Guru also is preeminent on Karthika Pournima
day. This month is also significant for ‘Vana Bhojanam’ (community dining), a
 Offer cow milk to ‘Sarpa Rupa’
Subrahmanya.
custom that is observed in many places even to this day. People of all
communities get together under the shades of holy trees such as Tulasi, Bel, Pournima - Maha Karthiki: Nov 25, 2015
gooseberry etc., cook food together, offer to God and partake together as  Worship Lord Siva, Vishnu and Shakti.
‘Prasadam’ (consecrated offering). How beautifully religion, faith and worship are
interwoven into daily life removing social disparity and usher in equality among  Lighting lamps, fasting is auspicious.
all sections of the society!’ – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. Traditions-Fulfilments
(Adapted from discourses on ‘Karthika Maasa Vaishistyamu’)
Vesper offering (waving of lamps)
Sadhu Vachanam
with five wicks after worship of Siva is
“Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance.
preeminent and propitious.
Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness."
- Sri Adi Shankara.
Those who does not know any Vedic
Bharateeyam mantras can perform worship with
“Modern physics has shown that the rhythm of creation and destruction names such as 'Siva', 'Maheswara',
manifests not only in the turn of the seasons, but also in the birth and death of 'Shambhu', 'Shankara', 'Pinaki',
all living creatures. This is the very essence of inorganic matter. As depicted by 'Mahadeva', 'Pasupati', 'Parvatipati'.
Nataraja, Shiva’s cosmic dance is the dance of subatomic matter.” - Fritjof Capra. - Siva Purana

Spiritual Quest
(Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)
Is it sufficient to smear only ‘Bhasma’ (sacred ash) or is it also essential to wear ‘Urdhvapundram’ (vertical tilak)?
Scriptures ordain one to attire in both. ‘ūrdhvapuṇḍraṁ tripuṇḍraṁ ca dvāvētau dhārāyē dvija:’ One should attire in
Tripundram after wearing Urdhvapundram. After taking bath and before the beginning of puja, one should wear
Urdhvapundram (vertical tilak) with water and then smear three lines of Urdhvapundram (Bhasma) horizontally. Saivas
wearing only Tripundram and Vaishnavas wearing only Urdhvapundram is permitted within the realm of their sampradayas.
But, treatises of Sanatana Dharma mention that all others observing no difference between Siva and Kesava (Smartas)
should follow the above procedure.
‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
DEEPAVALI RUDRA, THE SIVA
Scriptures mention that this is a three night festival – the day before the
Deepavali day, Deepavali day and the day after i.e. Fourteenth day in the
lunar calendar called ‘Naraka caturdasi’, the new moon day which is
Deepavali and the first day in the month of Karthika called ‘Karthika
Padyami’. This can be definitely described as the ‘Mega Festival’ for all the
Indians. In the creation, everything is disciplined by Time. Time brings in pain
and pleasure as well as remains a witness for virtue and evil. At a macro level,
good can be termed as virtue and merit, whereas bad can be termed as evil
and sin. Good reaps comforts whereas evil reaps distress. Every action
definitely yields results. Just as the fruit is not seen immediately after the
seed is sown, what all is experienced today is definitely the result of some
action performed previously. Ripening of the seed is totally dependent upon
Time. This festival has some hidden secrets of worshipping that ‘Time’. Night
of Naraka Caturdasi is called ‘Kala Ratri’ and
Deepavali night is called ‘Maha Ratri’.
Mention of Rudra is very recurrent among
Mother Kali and Lakshmi are worshipped on
Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas, Upanishads and
these two day respectively. The authority that
many other texts since the times of
rules the distribution of the fruits of action
Rigveda.
based on good and bad is called ‘Yama’.
‘rudrasya paramēsvarasya’ -Rig Veda
Likewise, ‘Chitragupta’ is allegorical to the
‘rudra: paramēśvara:’
statute that miraculously observes every
‘sa dhātā savidhartā…sōryamā sa rudrā:
action and records them quietly. Worship of
sa mahādēva:’ -Atharvana Veda
‘Yama’ is prevalent on two days - the day of Deepavali and the day before.
‘yō dēvānāṁ prabhāvascōdbhāvaskā
Puranas mention that the remembrance of Yama and Chitragupta removes
visvādikō rudrō maharṣi:’
the pains of hell. It is customary to worship the omnipotent supreme
-Swetasvatara Upanishad
consciousness in the form of ‘Time’ to remove this state of distress and the
Many other Veda mantras such as above
resulting tormentation on this day of Naraka Caturdasi and Deepavali.
promulgate Rudra as the ‘Supreme Lord’
ABHISHEKA VIDHI TO LORD SIVA orchestrating creation, sustenance and
Worship of Siva is widely prevalent in the month of Karthika. Worship of Siva merger. Puranas mention that Rudra
as prescribed in the scriptures throughout the month, especially on Mondays, Himself manifested in multiple Rudra forms
confers inexhaustible wealth. Siva is propitiated primarily with Rudram – upon the request of Brahma to regulate
Abhishekam with Rudram, Rudra parayanam, Rudra japam, Rudra Yagam etc. this universe. ‘prānāvāva rudrā:’ i.e. all the
are prescribed in scriptures. Primarily, seven upacharas are essential for ten vital airs (Praana, Apaana, Vyaana,
worship of Siva. They are Abhishekam, Gandham (sandalwood), Dhupam Udaana, Samaana, Naaga, Koorma,
(incense), Deepam (lamp), Naivedyam (offering food and fruits), Tambulam Krukara, Devadatta & Dhananjaya) along
(beetel leaves), and Pushpam (flowers). Performing Abhishekam i.e. giving the with consciousness – these eleven control
Lord holy bath with different materials is in vogue all over Bharat. Abhishekam the life consciousness (Chaitanya, Sivam) in
is performed to ‘Lingam’. Performing Abhishekam to ‘Lingam’ with the every being. Hence, He is ‘Siva’.
knowledge that this entire universe is the form of ‘Siva Linga’ grants all chosen ‘r̥d du:khaṁ du:kakha hēturva tat
desires. ‘Lingam’ can be made with clay, silver, gold, pancha loha, black stone dravayati na: prabhu:’ – Rudra is the
etc. Linga made with clay called ‘Parthiva’ linga is very distinguished. Doing embodiment of bliss who removes sorrow
Abhishekam gives ‘Atma suddhi’ i.e. purifies one’s soul. Coming to dravyas as well the root cause of sorrow i.e. all the
(materials) used in Abhishekam, apart from pure water, Panchaamrutas (Milk, sins. ‘rujāṁ drāvayatīti rudra:’ – Another
Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar), turmeric, vibhuti etc. are used in Abhishekam. meaning is that Rudra is the one who gets
Each material has both mundane and spiritual significance. Abhishekam with one rid of all the ailments. ‘viśvaṁ puṣṭaṁ
cow’s milk fulfills all desires, curd gives peace, ghee bestows merits of grāmē asmin anaturaṁ’ – Those
performing Yagna, and honey gives melodious speech and knowledge and so worshipping Rudra not only get everything
on. Similarly, offering Gandham (sandalwood paste) confers Punyam (good they desire, but also give opulence to those
merits), Dhupam gives abundant affluence and so forth. present around them. Devout meditation
‘DEEPAM JYOTIHI PARABRAHMA’ - 'DEEPAM SADHYATE SARVAM' and contemplation of Sri Rudram leads to
Scriptures guarantee that there shall be prosperity forever and no ills shall the grace of Siva, which ultimately purifies
befall that home wherever a 'Deepam' (Lamp) is lit at the time of twilight i.e. the soul and provides the experience of
both at dawn and dusk. Lamp is not just lit as a part of worship, but it is oneness with Siva. Various rituals such as
customary to worship the lamp Itself as a deity. The Light of the Lamp is Rudra Yaga, Rudra Abhisheka, Rudra Japa,
directly the Light of the Supreme. Even the Lord, who is the origin of Sun, Rudra Archana are the definitive means to
Moon and Fire, is worshipped in the form of ‘Light’. Just like a lamp which make both ferocious (Ghora) and tranquil
radiates light in all directions, the Lord who is the eternal source of light also (Aghora) elements in Nature favorable.
illuminates and fills in the light of His ‘powerful energy’ declaring His
omniscience and omnipotence. Lighting a lamp is the stimulus for prosperity,
auspiciousness and knowledge. Worship of Deepam and offering Deepam in
charity is as meritorious as performing Yagna. True light is the knowledge that
dispels the ignorance and widens the intellect to comprehend the facts.
Upanishads pray for display of such true light – ‘Asatoma Sadgamaya –
Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya’.
(Adapted from various discourses by Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma on Siva and Shakti)

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma


‘KARTHIKEYA’ IN KARTHIKA
Lighting a lamp is very important in Karthika. Though everyone have only Panchayatana (Ganapathi, Siva, Shakti, Vishnu
& Aditya) puja, Sri Kanchi Paramacharya mentioned that lighting the lamp is nothing but the worship of Subrahmanya. An
epithet of Subrahmanya ‘Agnigarbha’ confirms that He is the form of Fire. Also, the
star Krittika that falls on the Pournima of this month belongs to Fire. He is ‘Shanmukha’
(Six-faced) because He radiates effulgence to all directions just like a lamp. On the day
of Deepavali, Subrahmanya is worshipped in the form of ‘Lamp’ followed by Nagula
Chaviti on which He is worshipped in the form of Serpent (Lord of Kundalini power).
He is also worshipped on Panchami, also famous as Jnana Panchami, as ‘Jnana
Shaktyatma’. Vowing to worship Subrahmanya starting from Karthika Shasti till
Margaseersha Shasti (celebrated as Subrahmanya’s birthday), is efficacious. This grants
the favor of planet Mars.
The primordial energy in any Yantra present in the sixth quarter is Lord Subrahmanya.
Hence, He is worshipped as the form of all the Gods. In a hexagon, the triangle facing
down is Fire whereas the triangle facing up is ‘Soma’ spirit. Just like all the Gods are worshipped through fire oblations in
Yagna, worship of Subrahmanya is equivalent to the worship of all the Gods. He united Svaha devi and Fire God i.e.
removed the demonic obstacles and re-established the Fire in Yagna.
‘Kumara Darshanam’ is important on Pournima of this month. Puranic story related to this mentions that Siva and Parvati
are visiting Kumara (Subrahmanya) on new moon and full moon days respectively. But, on the day of Karthika Pournima,
along with them all the Gods also visit Subrahmanya. Yama mentioned in Skanda Purana, “kumārasya ca dēvēśa
mahadāścaryakarmaṇaḥ | kārtikyāṁ kr̥ttikāyōgasahitāyāṁ śivasya ca॥ śivasya tanayaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā tē yānti svakulais'saha
| kōṭibhirbahubhiścaiva matsthānaṁ parimucya vai॥ kumāradarśanāt sarvē śvapacā api yānti vai“

While the blue shade in the light of lamp is Hari, white shade is Hara. ‘Yaa Uma Saa Svayam Vishnu:’ i.e. Vishnu is Uma.
Unison of Siva and Uma is Subrahmanya i.e. lamp is Subrahmanya. During this Kali yuga where performing Yagna as
mentioned in scriptures is very strenuous, worship of Subrahmanya bestows similar merits. “kārtikēyāya mahatē!
śarakānanaśāyinē; tārakāsuranāśāya ṣaṇmukhāyāstu maṅgaḷaṁ”

‘KARTHIKA DAMODARA’
Sri Maha Vishnu is worshipped as ‘Karthika Damodara’. During this month,
it is propitious to meditate Narayana. Performing Abhishekam assures that
one’s ancestors stay happily for ages in heaven. Dwapara Yuga began on
Karthika Suddha Navami (ninth day of the bright fortnight). Hence,
performing marriage of Tulasi and Narayana on that day bestows the merit
of Kanyadaana. Karthika Suddha Caturdasi (fourteenth day of the bright
fortnight) is called ‘Vaikuntha Caturdasi’. Worshipping Amla tree, Lakshmi
Narayana under the Amla tree with 108 circumambulations and partaking
food there grants immense merits. Those who worship Vishnu on Pournima
day shall be cleansed of all sins.

OBSERVING THE MONTH OF KARTHIKAM…


Worship of Ganapathi on Fridays with doorvara (blades of grass) removes all
obstacles and grants success in all undertakings. Worship of Sun reciting
‘Aditya Hrudayam’, especially on Sundays, gets rid of any ailments and grants
good health. Worship of Siva on Mondays removes poverty and grants
wealth. Worship of Subrahmanya on Tuesdays by lighting lamps and reciting
‘Subrahmanya Bhujangam’ makes one victorious in all endeavors. On
Wednesdays, worship of Vishnu with Tulasi grants progeny. One experiences
‘Brahma Gnana’ (The Supreme Truth) with the worship of Guru on Thursdays
in the form of Dakshinamurti, Dattatreya, Hayagreeva & Saraswati. Reciting
the names of the lords of quartets (Dikpalas) along with Serpent deities
(Naga devata), Ashwini Gods, and Dhanvantari on Saturday yields sound
health and gives long life.

’BHISHMA PANCHAKA VRATAM’


Starting from Ekadashi till Pournima is known as ‘Bhishma Panchaka Vratam’. Offering arghya to Bhishma on all
these days grants virtuous progeny and their subsequent victory.
satyavratāya śucayē gāṅgēyāya mahātmanē | bhīṣmāyaitad dadāmyarghyamājanmabrahmacāriṇē ॥
vaiyāghrapadagōtrāya sāṅkr̥tapravarāya ca | aputrāya dadāmyētadudakaṁ bhīṣmavarmaṇē ॥
vasūnāmavatārāya śantanōrātmajāya ca| arghyaṁ dadāmi bhīṣmāya ājanmabrahmacāriṇē ॥
‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
‘ śiva jñānaṁ’
– Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Offering to Siva ( śivārpaṇamastu )

From the infinite philosophy of Siva, as entreated within the scriptures few topics are contemplated and compiled into
this garland of Bilva triplets. It is not easy to elaborate the profound efficaciousness
of Siva (Saambhava) in its entirety.

With His grace, this book saw the light of the day. This book is an effort to lucidly
present some aspects that are useful to devotees and seekers, which they need to
be aware of.

This dissemination are rays of Siva’s grace that took the form of this book. This is
the concise gist, which is in the form of poems, compositions and topics expounded
in multiple discourses at various places explaining the vast philosophy of Siva.

In the past, some portions of this book were published in some magazines. Just as
a hill fits itself in a mirror, this is a ‘Temple of Letters’ (Akshara Alayam) to
Mahadeva, who accommodated Himself in this small book.

This can’t be termed as ‘Siva Philosophy in entirety’. But, I shall feel blessed if this book aids anyone in knowing about Siva
and increase their devotional attitude. This is a bold small step to be blessed such.

Let everything be an offering to Siva.


asitagiri samaṁ syāt kajjalaṁ sindhu pātrē surataru varaśākhā lēkhini patra murvī।
likhati yadi gr̥hītvā śāradā sarvakālaṁ tadapi tava guṇānāmīśa। pāraṁ nayāti॥
‘0 Lord, if the black mountain be ink, the ocean the inkpot, the branch of the wish-
fulfilling tree a pen, the earth the writing leaf, and if taking these the Goddess of
Learning Sarada Herself writes for eternity, even then Your virtues can’t be completely
elucidated.’ (Philosophy of Siva is beyond the mind and words is the interpretation.)

tava tattvaṁ najānāmi kīdr̥ śōu si mahēśvara।


yādr̥śō usi mahādēva! Tādr̥śāya namōnama: ॥
‘O Maheswara! I do not know what Your nature is. O Mahadeva! Whatever is Your nature, my prostrations to that nature.’
(Taken from ‘Siva Mahimna Stuti’ authored by Sri Pushpadanta Acharya) (To be continued…)
Announcements
‘Mahabharata Gaadhalu – Bodhalu’ pravachanam at Kurukshetra from March 6 – 12, 2016.
Everyday 11:00am to 12:30pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
For details, visit http://saamavedam.org/images/home/Kurukshetram-Tour.pdf
‘Rushipeetham’ magazine subscription – Special pricing for 2015.
Physical copy : 1 Year – $40; 2 Years – $75; 3 Years – $100
E-Magazine : 1 Year - $15; 5 Years - $50; 10 Years - $100
Subscription for your family/friend in India is $5 per year and $100 for life long
To start subscriptions immediately in USA / Canada, please send email to usinfo@rushipeetham.org
For more details, contact Hari Hara Murthy Konda – (802) 558-5364; hhmkonda@gmail.com
Sri Vallabha Ganapathi Temple, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry.
For information, contact Sri Sitarama Sastry @ +91 9542122189

Time:
Sunday, November "Siva Padam" Venue:
Vivekananda Auditorium
8, 2015 at 5.30Pm Sankeerthana Yagnam Ramakrishna Mutt,
Organized By Rushipeetham Charitable Trust, Hyderabad. Domalaguda, Hyederabad
Composed & Elucidated by Brahma Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
Singers: Sri Nihal, Kumari Sreya Ramanath
Chief Guest: Sri Swami Jnanananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad
Special Guest: Sri LV Subrahmanyam, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, AP Govt.

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma


Various activities conducted in the month of October, 2015 by
‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust’

Pravachanam and ‘Go Puja’ at Srisailam

Students Scholarships - Rushipeetham Rajahmundry Branch

‘Pravachana Yagnam’ at Varanasi on the occasion of Sarannavaratri, Rushipeetham Hyderabad

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‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

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