Archive for the ‘Religion’ category

No country for Pakistani Hindus – By Bhavna Vij-Aurora in India Today

May 8th, 2012

On March 26, 19-year-old Rinkle Kumari, from a village in Sindh, told Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry that she had been abducted by a man called Naveed Shah, and pleaded with the highest court to let her return to her mother. It was a brave plea. Hindu women in Pakistan are routinely kidnapped and then forced to convert if they want the respectability of marriage. They are helpless, as they have neither the numbers nor the political clout to protect themselves. As Rinkle left the court, she screamed before journalists, accusing her captors of forcible conversion, before she was hustled away by the police.

The case grabbed headlines, generated impassioned editorials, and highlighted the cause of a persecuted community, the 3.5 million Hindus in Pakistan. It angered liberals in Pakistan and caused the Dawnnewspaper to take a strong position on persecution of minorities.

But Rinkle had dared to raise her voice, and there would be a price to pay. Her parents in Ghotki village were threatened, her 70-year-old grandfather was shot at, gun-toting goons roamed outside her house. When she returned to the Pakistan Supreme Court on April 18, she meekly said she had converted to Islam. At a packed media briefing in Islamabad’s Press Club, with Shah by her side, the spunk in her snuffed out, she would only say she wants to become an “obedient” wife.

According to police records, each month, an average of 25 girls meet Rinkle’s fate in Sindh alone, home to 90 per cent of the Hindus living in Pakistan. Young Hindu girls are ‘marked’, abducted, raped, and forcibly converted. Discrimination, extortion threats, killings and religious persecution are driving the remaining Hindus out of Pakistan. They had chosen to stay back after Partition; six decades later, they are no longer welcome.

In India, they are facing a shock worse than catastrophe-betrayal. The Government of India refuses to recognise them as refugees and is unmoved by their plight. In its reply to activist S.C. Agrawal’s RTI query on November 1, 2011, on the status of Pakistani Hindu refugees, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) claimed it was an “internal matter” of Pakistan. In the same reply, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) admitted that it could not say how many Pakistani Hindus had emigrated.

According to Delhi’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), there has been a rapid increase in the number of Hindus coming from Pakistan. Till mid-2011, it used to be around eight-ten families a month. But in the past 10 months, an estimated 400 families have come. They are settling down all over India, in Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. A trickle has become a stream. Hindus, who accounted for 15 per cent of Pakistan’s population in 1947, now constitute a mere 2 per cent of its 170 million population. Many have migrated, others have been killed, and yet others forced to convert to survive. In some cases, the dead have even been denied a proper cremation.

Diwali – Festival of Lights

December 28th, 2009

Deepavali, or Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the “Festival of Lights,” where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists. In Sri Lanka, this festival is celebrated by the Tamil community. Diwali is also celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States.
Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November. The three day celebration commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya.
Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. Most Diwali celebrations around the world focus on family and friends and it is a time to reflect on the past and envision for a future, perhaps, in a world where people live together in harmony. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange pleasantries. As Diwali approaches, people clean their home to escape bad luck in the upcoming year and families gather for a feast and stay up late, celebrating with the help of crackers and sweets. They believe that the Hindu goddess of good luck visits homes that are brightly lit. Children make “diyas” which are small clay lamps to light and bring the good luck goddess to their home so they can receive new clothes and toys. People also give each other sweets such as laddoo and barfi, and the different communities may gather from around the country for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also an important time to contact family and exchange gifts through the post. It is a greatly celebrated holiday and is a great way to connect with the culture and heritage of India.
Many legends are associated with Diwali. While the story behind Deepavali varies from region to region, the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman).
While Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, a more appropriate significance is “the new year of luck and wealth”.
As the holy occasion of Diwali is here and the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of mirth and love, here’s hoping this festival of beauty brings your way, bright sparkles of contentment, that stay with you through the days ahead.

Athma Bodha – by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

December 28th, 2009

Deha Bhave Dasosmi (If I think of myself as the body I am your servant rendering all services to the pleasing and perceived gratification factors.)

Jeeva Bhave Thwadamsakaha ( If I think of myself as individual soul then I am part and parcel of you , and identifying most of your qualities with me).

Athma Bhave Thwamevaham (If I think of myself as athman(ultimate soul) I and you are the same i.e. I am you and you are me meaning:Aham Brahmasmi Bhava.)

This enunciates the 4 aphorisms of Advaita Philosophy :-

1. Ayamathma Brahma,
2. Prgnanam Brahma,
3. That Thwam Asi and
4. Aham Brahmasmi.

that is how Man (under soul))or individual soul is a part of universal soul(over soul) once ignorance is removed . It is like a dust stained Mirror getting cleaned and starts reflecting, in the same way body is the dust or laceration or wound of the soul . As long as desires are there we (our individual souls) get thousands of rebirths seeking new , new bodies to fulfil our desires. After reaching desire less status, when we become noble souls like Sri Krishna.Sri Rama, Sri Jesus Christ. Prophet Mohammed, Santh Kabir, Sri Ramakrishna, Thathagatha Buddha, Theerthankara Vardhamana Mahaveera, Adi Shankara. Sri Madhava, Sri Ramanuja etc., then we (our individual soul) becomes one with universal soul that is called attainment of salvation/liberation (Moksha). There won’t be/ no more rebirths like ordinary human being like us undergoing to the extent of our effacing desires or fulfilling desires.

Sai Prerna…English transcription

November 29th, 2009

Chapter 1

Mere Marg Par Per rakhkar toh dekh,
Tere sab marg na khol du toh kehna.
[If you step on my path; I'll open up all your paths]
Tu mere liye karch kerke to dekh,
Kuber ke bhandar na khol du toh kehna.
[If you spend something for my sake; I'll open Kuber's treasures for you]
Mere liye kadve vachan sunkar toh dekh
Kripa na barse toh kehna.
[If you tolerate bitter words for my sake; I'll shower my grace on you]
Meri taraf aake toh dekh,
Tera dhyana na rakhu toh kehna.
[If you come towards me; I'll take care of you]
Meri baat logo se kerke toh dekh
Tujhe mulyavan na bana du toh kehna.
[If you speak about me to others; I'll make you precious]
Mere charitro ka manan karke toh dekh
Gyaan ke mothi tujme na bhar du toh kehna
[If you contemplate on my character; I'll fill you up with the gems of spiritual knowledge]
Mujey apna madadgaar bana ke toh dekh,
Tujey sabki ghulami se na chuda du toh kehna.
[If you make me your helper; I'll release you from the slavery of everyone]
Mere liye aansun bahakar toh dekh,
Tuje sabki ghulami se na chhuda du toh kehna.
[If you cry for me; I'll release you from the slavery of everyone]
Mere liye kuch banke toh dekh,
Tuje keemti na bana du toh kehna.
[If you become something for my sake; I'll make you valuable]
Mere marg par nikal ke toh dekh
Tujhe mashoor na kara du toh kehna.
[If you walk on my path; I'll make you famous]
Mera kirtan karke toh dekh,
Jagat ka vismaran na kara du toh kehna.
[If you do my kirtan; I'll make you forget the world]
Tu mera banke toh dekh,
Har ek ko tera na bana du toh kehna.
[If you be mine; I'll make everyone yours]

Chapter 2

Tu mujhey mandir, masjid aur gurudware mein yaad karke toh dekh,
Tujey har jagah pe mera darshan na kara du toh kehna.
[If you remember me in a temple, mosque and gurudwara; I'll make you have my darshan (vision) everywhere]
Tu mujey har ghadhi yaad karke toh dekh,
Tera har ghadhi rakshak na banu toh kehna.
[If you remember me every moment; I'll save you in every moment]
Tu mere liye kasht uthake toh dekh,
Tere jivan mein aane wale har kasht ko dur na kardu toh kehna.
[If you take pains for my sake; I'll remove every pain that may come into your life]
Tu mere dhaam pe nange pair (legs) chalke toh dekh,
Tere pairon se huey har paap ko nasht na kardu toh kehna.
[If you walk bare feet to my sacred place (Shirdi); I'll destroy every sin that you may have incurred with your feet]
Tu mujey tere haath ka banaya hua Prasad khilake toh dekh,
Tere ghar per ann (food) ka bhandar na bhar du toh kehna.
[If you offer me prasad made with your own hands; I'll fill up your house with food grains]
Tu mera granth pavitrata se padke toh dekh,
Tujey vijayi na kar du toh kehna.
[If you read my sacred book with devotion; I'll make you a victor]
Tu mere bhakth mein mera darshan karke toh dekh,
Tujhey tejaswi na bana du toh kehna.
[If you see me in my devotees; I'll make you radiant]
Tu mere naam ka ek mala japke toh dekh,
Tujey santho ka darshan na kara du toh kehna.
[If you chant one maala (string) of my name; I'll make you have visions of saints]
Tu mere me mann laga ke toh dekh,
Tujey manmohak na bana du tooh kehna.
[If you concentrate on me; I'll make you charming]
Tu mujey om sairam om sairam pukarke toh dekh,
Tere mann mandir mein teri pukar sunta hi rahuga.
[If you call me as Om Sai Ram sitting in your heart, I'll listen to your prayers]
Tu mere liye maun rakhkar toh dekh,
Tere mann ko shant na kardu toh kehna.
[If you keep silence for my sake; I'll make your heart peaceful]
Tu mere samne baithke toh dekh,
Har pal tere samne na rahu toh kehna.
[If you sit in front of me; I'll remain in front of you always]
Tune meri prerna ko tere tann mann dhan se swikar karke likh,Meri prerna likhne wale shantilal,
Tera jeevan dhanya dhanya na kardu toh kehna.
[You wrote my Prerana with devotion Shantilal (the writer); I'll make your life auspicious and useful]

Chapter 3

Tu mere paas aakar toh dekh,
Tere sarv dukh dur na kardu toh kehna.
[If you come to me; I'll remove all your pains and miseries]
Tu mere dhaam mein rehkar toh dekh,
Tere ghar ko tirth na kar du toh kehna.
[If you live in my sacred place (Shirdi); I'll make your home a piligrimage]
Tu mera Prasad grahan karke toh dekh,
Tere vichaar pavitra na kar du toh kehna.
[If you take my Prasaad (offering) with respect; I'll make your thoughts pure]
Tu meri upasna karke toh dekh,
Tujhe karmyogi na bana du toh kehna.
[If you worship me with devotion; I'll make you a Karmayogi]
Tu meri aarti gaakar toh dekh,
Teri zubaan par saraswati virajmaan na kar du toh kehna.
[If you sing my aarti; I'll bestow Saraswati (Goddess of learning) to your tongue]
Tu mere kadam pe chalkar toh dekh,
Main tere aage na chalu toh kehna.
[If you walk on my footsteps; I'll walk ahead of you]
Tu mere naam se dukhiyo ki seva kerke toh dekh,
Tere mann mein sukh shanti na bhardu toh kehna.
[If you serve suffering souls for my sake; I'll fill up your heart with peace and happiness]
Tu muje apne ghar mein bitha ke toh dekh,
Tera ghar swarg na banadu toh kehna.
[If you establish me in your house; I'll make your home a heaven]
Tu meri vibhuti ka tilak kerke toh dekh,
Tera mukaarvindh divya na kardu toh kehna.
[If you put my vibhuti (Udi) on your forehead; I'll make your face divine]
Tu mere pe phoolon ki varsha kerke toh dekh,
Tere upar suvicharo ki varsha na kardu toh kehna.
[If you shower flowers on me; I'll shower good thoughts on you]
Tu muje charan sparsh kerke toh dekh,
Tujey har kisi ka priya na banadu toh kehna.
[If you touch my lotus feet; Ill endear you to everyone]
Tu mera charan sparsh karke toh dekh,
Tere angh angh mein na samau toh kehna.
[If you touch my lotus feet; I'll permeate and fill up your whole body]
Tu mujhe chandan ka tilak kerke toh dekh,
Main tere bhagya ko uday na kardu toh kehna.
[If you put chandan tilak (sandal paste) on my forehead; I'll make you fortunate]

Chapter 4

Tu mere asanrupi patthar pe tera mastak naman karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe koti-koti paapo se na chhudva du toh kehna.
[If you bow your head on my stone-shaped throne; I'll remove millions of our sins]
Tu Sai bhakth banke toh dekh,
Main tujhe bhakthi rupi mein na rangu toh kehna.
[If you become a true Sai devotee; I'll immerse you in the color of devotion]
Tu meri chhavi tere shareer par dharan karke toh dekh,
Main tere rom-rom mein na samau toh kehna.
[If you wear my image on your body; I'll permeate every pore of your body]
Tu mere naam ka koi granth likhkar toh dekh,
Main tere granth ko mashoor na kardu toh kehna.
[If you write a book on me; I'll make that written work famous]
Tu meri Shirdi mein aakar mera gungaan gaakar toh dekh,
Main tuje athi gunvaan na banadu toh kehna.
[If you sing my glory in Shirdi; I'll shower good qualities on you]
Tu kadhe pairon se ghanto tak mera darshan karke toh dekh,
Main tuje har tirth ki yatra na karadu toh kehna.
[If you take my darshan (vision) standing on your feet for hours; I'll bestow you the opportunity to go to every piligimage ( or, I'll grant you the merit of every pilgrimage)]
Tu meri paduka ko naman karke toh dekh,
Main tuje mera saccha bhakth na banadu toh kehna.
[If you bow before my paduka (divine sandals]; I’ll make you a true devotee of mine]
Tu meri jyot jalakar toh dekh,
Main tere jeevan ki jyot na savaru toh kehna.
[If you light a lamp in front of me; I'll arrange your life in its brilliance]
Tu mere darbaar mein aakar toh meri upasna kerke toh dekh,
Main tuje har bhaktho ki upasna na kara du toh kehna.
[If you come to my darbaar (court) and worship me; I'll make your worship equivalent to the worship of all the devotees]
Tere ghar mein bitha ke meri upasna karke toh dekh,
Main teri har upasna mein mera darshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you establish me in your house and worship me; I'll make you have my vision in every worship of yours]
Meri Shirdi main aane ka sankalp karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe baar-baar Shirdi na bulau toh kehna.
[If you resolve (make up your mind) to visit Shirdi; I'll call you to Shirdi again and again]
Tu mujhe sacchi bhakthi se sacche pyaar se yaad karke toh dekh,
Main tere pe athi pyaar ki vrishti na karu toh kehna.
[If you remember me with true devotion and love; I'll shower all my love on you]
Tu tere me mera ansh samaj ke toh dekh,
Main tuje meri pehchaan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you consider yourself a part of me; I'll make you realize my true Self]

Chapter 5

Tu teri jeevan nauka muje arpan karke toh dekh,
Main teri jeevan nauka ko bhavsagar paar na karadu toh kehna.
[If you surrender the boat of your life to me; I'll take you across the ocean of this existence]
Tu meri akandh dhuni ka dhua teri swasoswaas se lekar toh dekh,
Main tere sharir ko nirogi na kardu toh kehna.
[If you inhale the fumes of my eternal dhuni (fire); I'll remove diseases from your body]
Tu meri Dwarkamayi ki Samadhi ki jhaaki karke toh dekh,
Main tuje meri jhaaki na karadu toh kehna.
[If you behold the glory of my Dwarkamayi and Samadhi; I'll enable you to see me]
Tere jeevan ka har koi vyavhaar muje sopkar toh dekh,
Main tuje har vyavhaar mein saath na banadu toh kehna.
[If you hand over all the affairs of your life to me; I'll be with you in all your worldly affairs]
Tu mere mein man lagake mera vishvasu banke toh dekh,
Main tujhe har kisi ka vishvasu na banadu toh kehna.
[If you focus your mind on me and trust me; I'll make everyone trust you]
Tu mere guruvaar ke prasaad ko bhandare ka prasaad grahan karke toh dekh,
Main har guruvaar ke prasaad mein hami na bhardu toh kehna.
[If you accept with respect Guruwaar's prasaad (offering); I'll consecrate all the offerings of the Guruwaar]
Tu mera yaadgaar banke toh dekh,
Main tuje har kisi ka yaadgaar na banadu toh kehna.
[If you remember me always; I'll make everyone remember you]
Tu muje teri fariyad sunakar toh dekh,
Main teri har fariyaad ka marg na dikhadu toh kehna.
[If you appeal to me for help; I'll guide you in every appeal that you make to me]
Tu teri nirmal aankon se mera darshan karke toh dek,
Main tuje har dharm ka anuraagi na banadu toh kehna.
[If you take my darshan (view) with pure eyes; I'll make you love every religion]
Tu muje ek dhoop Sali mein mera darshsan karke toh dekh,
Main har dhue mein tuje mera astitv yaad na karadu toh kehna.
[If you see me in the rising fumes of the dhoop (incense); I'll make you remember my existence in all the fumes]
Tu muje har Sai mandir mein madad roop banke toh dekh,
Main tera har ghadi madadgaar na banadu toh kehna.
[If you see me in the form of helper in every Sai temple; I'll be your help in every moment]
Tu mere samne tere do haath jodke pranam karke toh dekh,
Main mere haatho se tere par aanewale har vigno ko rokh na du toh kehna.
[If you fold your hands in pranaam (salutation) in my presence; I'll stop with my hands all the obstacles that may come into your life]

Chapter 6

Tu meri padyatra mein mere saath-saath chal chak ke toh dekh,
Main tuje meri har padyaatra mein na bulau toh kehna.
[If you walk in my padyaatra (pilgrimage on foot), side by side with me; I'll call you for every padyaatra of mine]
Tu mere paadyatro ki seva karke toh dekh, Main teri har seva mein saath saath na rahu toh kehna.
[If you serve those who do my padyaatra (pilgrimage on foot); I'll stay by your side in each of your service]
Tu Shirdh tak meri paadyatra karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe prithvi ke har thirth ki yaatra na karau toh kehna.
[If you do pilgrimage to Shirdi on foot (walking to Shirdi); I'll make you do every pilgrimage on this earth]
Tu meri paadyatra ek baar karke toh dekh,
Main teri ikhatar peedhi na talu to kehna.
[If you do my padyaatra just once; I'll stay with you for seventy one generations]
Tu meri nau din ki paad yatra karke toh dekh,
Main har pal teri swasoswaas mein na samau toh kehna.
[If you do my nine-day padyaatra; I'll live in every breath of yours]
Tu meri Samadhi par chadar arpit karke toh dekh,
Main tere chadar ke har daage ka hisaab na chukha du toh kehna.
[If you offer chaadar (blanket) on my Samadhi; I'll repay for every thread of that chaadar]
Tu meri paadyatra ki paalki ka boj uthakar toh dekh,
Main ush boj ko phool saman na karddu toh kehna.
[If you carry the burden of my Paalki in my padyaatra; Ill lighten that burden like a flower]
Tu mere paadyatra mein meri paavan padukao ka sri sai sri sai smaran karke toh dekh,
Main tere pairon ko pujniya na banadu toh kehna.
[If you remember my padukaas chanting sri sai sri sai in my padyaatra; I'll make your feet adorable]
Tu mera har kaam niswarth bhaav se karke toh dekh,
Main tere haathon se har shubh karya na karau toh kehna.
[If you do my work selflessly; I'll engage your hands in every good deed]
Tu meri Samadhi par apna mastak naman karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe mera sakshatkaar na karadu toh kehna
[If you bow your forehead on my Samadhi in reverence; I'll make you see my real Self]
Tu meri Samadhi ke aage mujse kuch maangkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe bhagyavaan na banadu toh kehna.
[If you ask anything in front of my Samadhi; I'll shower good fortune on you]
Tu mere samne apni do bahe felakar maangkar toh dekh,
Main teri khaali jholi na bhardu toh kehna.
[If you ask by spreading both your hands before me; I'll fill up your empty hands that is 'life']
Tu mujhe dekh sakta nahi, magar apni aankon se mere samne aansun bahakar toh dekh,
Main teri aankon mein divya roshni na bhardu toh kehna.

[You cannot see me, but if you shed tears before me; I'll fill up your eyes with divine light or vision]

Chapter 7

Tu meri Shirdhi mein hazaron bhakto ke saath nishankoch mera prasaad khakar toh dekh,
Main tujhe har kasht se mukt na kardu toh kehna.
[If you eat my prasaad (offerings) along with thousands of my devotees in Shirdi; I'll save you from every trouble and harm]
Tu meri kakad aarti lekar to dekh,
Main meri kakad aarti mein mera karunamay darshan na du toh kehna.
[If you participate in my Kakad Aarti (morning Aarti); I'll give you a vision of my merciful figure in my kakad aarti]
Tu mere samne srifal ka bhog karke toh dekh,
Main tuje bhogi se yogi na banadu toh kehna.
[If you offer Srifal (coconut) to me; I'll change you from a materialistic and consumerist person to a spiritual one (Yogi)]
Tu meri aarti mein yogya samay dekar toh dekh,
Main tera har samay nirvighna na banadu toh kehna.
[If you devote your time to my Aarti; I'll keep all your time free of obstacles]
Tu mere mandir ki dhvaja ka darshan karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe meri divya aatma ka darshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you view the flags on my temple with reverence; I'll make you see my divine spirit]
Tu meri Shirdi ki paavan raj apne mastak par chadakar toh dekh,
Main tera har kaarya karunamay na banadu toh kehna.
[If you apply the sacred dust of Shirdi on your forehead; I'll shower my mercy on every work of yours]
Tu meri aarti ka ghantanaad sunkar toh dekh,
Main uske har ghunjh mein Saisai na sunadu toh kehna.
[If you hear the sound of bells in my Aarti; I'll make you hear 'Sai Sai' in every echo of the bells]
Tu mujhe chandi ke aasan par bithakar toh dekh,
Main tujhe sukho ke chatrachaya mein na rakhu toh kehna.
[If you establish me on a seat made of silver; I'll keep you under my fortune-filled protection]
Tu meri prerna ki mere mandir mein surakhsit rakhkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe surakshit na rakhu toh kehna.
[If you keep this prerana safe in my temple; I'll keep you protected always]
Tu meri har prerna ko subah-shaam padkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe prerna lekhak na banadu toh kehna.
[If you read this prerana morning and evening; I'll make you a writer of my inspirations]
Tu is prerna ko meri prerna samajkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe preyak purush na banadu toh kehna.
[If you consider this Prerana as my inspiration; I'll make you an inspiring person]
Tu meri prerna shabd ka manan kerke toh dekh,
Main tujhe meri prathna na karaadu toh kehna.
[If you contemplate on the words of this Prerana; I'll make you pray to me regularly]
Tu mere pavitra dhaam mein pavitra rahkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe ganga samaan pavitra na kardu toh kehna.
[If you stay pure in my sacred place (Shirdi); I'll keep you as pure as the holy Ganges]

Chapter 8

Tu mere shraddha saburi ka ucharan karke toh dekh,
Main teri vani mein vivek na ladu toh kehna.
[If you speak about my Sharddha and Saburi; I'll bestow discrimination on your speech]
Tu mera kaam karke toh dekh,
Main tere kaam mein dhyana na rakhu toh kehna.
[If you do my work; I'll take care of all your work]
Tu mujhe ram samajhkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe mayadeet na banadu toh kehna.
[If you consider me Ram; I'll make you conquer the Maya (illusion)]
Tu mere abhusno se mujhe sajaker toh dekh,
Main teri sundarta akhand na banadu toh kehna.
[If you decorate me with my ornaments; I'll make your beauty complete and perfect]
Tu mujhe apna rakshak samajkar toh dekh,
Main teri raksha na karu toh kehna.
[If you consider me your protector/savior; I'll protect and save you]
Tu mere aage ram dhun gaakar toh dekh,
Main tujhe dharm ka arth na samjadu toh kehna.
[If you sing Ram dhun (tune of Rama naama) in front of me; I'll make you understand the meaning of Dharma]
Tu mujhe ram-rahim samajkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe dharm ka arth na samjadu toh kehna.

[If you consider me both Ram and Rahim; I'll make you understand the meaning of Dharma]
Tu mujhe duniya ka palanhaar samajkar toh dekh,
Main tera palanhaar na banu toh kehna.
[If you consider me the protector and provider of this world; I'll become your protector and provider]
Tu mujhe alankh niranjan samajhkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe yogy bhikhsa na du toh kehna.
[If you consider me alakh niranjan (renunciate yogi); I'll give you the gift of Yoga (union with God)]
Tu mujhe Shirdi ka santh samajhkar toh dekh,
ain tujhe mera sharanathi na samju toh kehna.
[If you consider me the saint of Shirdi; I'll consider you my refugee (one who has taken Baba's refuge)]
Tu meri sadha bhakti karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe moksh ka dwar na dikhladu toh kehna.
[If you always engage in devotion to me; I'll show you the way to liberation from the cycle of birth and death]
Tu mere dhaam ko bhakthidhaam samajkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe mera bhakthdaan na banadu toh kehna.
[If you consider my sacred place (Shirdi) a place of devotion; I'll make you my true devotee]

Chapter 9

Tu mere charno ka abhisekh karke toh dekh,
Tujhe mere charno mein triveni darshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you worship my lotus feet; I'll make you see the holy Triveni (Prayag) in my divine feet]
Tu meri har moorat mein apna man sheetal karke toh dekh,
Main tere man ko sheetal na kardu toh kehna.
[If you find comfort and solace in every idol of mine; I'll give you eternal peace and bliss]
Tu meri niyamit upaasna karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe niyam ki shakti praapt na karadu toh kehna.
[ If you worship me regularly; I¡¯ll bestow the power of disciplined worship on you]

Tu mera raksharupi maharudra karke toh dekh,
Main har maharudra mein tera rakshak na banu toh kehna.
[If you do my Maharudra (Abhishek) in the form of your protector; I'll become your protector through every maharudra]
Tu meri kisi bhi murti me devi devtao ka darshan karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe sabka maalik ek ka darshan na kara du toh kehna.
[If you see Gods and Goddesses in my idol/statue; I'll make you see the Sabka Malik Ek (The One God)]
Tu mere shaktirupi Sai mantra ki upasna karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe manta ka arth na samjau toh kehna.
[If you become devoted to my powerful Sai Mantra; I'll make you understand the meaning of the mantra]
Tu meri gyaanrupi ganga mein nahakar toh dekh,
Main tujhe mahagyaani na banau toh kehna.
[If you immerse yourself in the ocean/river of my knowledge; I'll make you the perfect knower (Gyaani)]
Tu mujhe chhav arpan karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe meri chhatrachaya mein na rakhu toh kehna.
[If you offer loving shade to me; I'll protect you under the shade of my protective wings]
Tu mujhe apnaa gurudev samajhkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe gurugyaan arpan na karu toh kehna.
[If you consider me your Gurudev; I'll bestow the Guru¡¯s knowledge on you]
Tu mera yogirupi darshan karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe yugh shabd ka manan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you see me in the form of a Yogi; I'll make you contemplate and realize the divine, eternal 'Word']
Meri vibhuti ko Sai oshadhi samjahkar toh dekh,
Main meri vibhuti se sarv rog na mithadu toh kehna.
[If you consider my Vibhuti (Udi) a medicine; I'll remove all your diseases with my Udi]
Tu mere akandh Deepak ka darshan karke toh dekh,
Main har Deepak mein mera darshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you take the darshan of my eternal lamp; I'll let you have my vision in the flame of every lamp]

Chapter 10

Tu mere haathon se jale diyon ka manan karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe har diye mein ishwar ka darshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you contemplate on the lamps that I lit with my hands; I'll make you see God in every lamp]
Tu mere har dharm ke manusya se hilmilkar rahkar toh dekh,
Main tujhe har ek manushya ka saath na miladu toh kehna.
[If you live harmoniously with people of every religion; I'll make every human being your friend and companion]
Tu mera Sainaam sumiran karke toh koi bhi karya karke toh dekh,
Main tere har karya ko safalta praapt na karadu toh kehna.
[If you remember my 'Sai' naam (name); I'll make each work of yours succeed]
Tu mere prasadrupi bhandare mein anndaan karke toh dekh,
Main tere ann ke ek ek daane ka hisab na chukka du toh kehna.
[If you do Annadaan as an offering to me; I'll repay the debt of each grain of the food that you donate]
Tu meri Samadhi paar apne haath ka sparsh karke toh dekh,
Main tere haathon ki lakire na badaldu toh kehna.
[If you touch my Samadhi with your hands; I'll change the lines of your hands (fate)]
Tu meri Samadhi ke samaksh dandvat pranaam karke toh dekh,
Main tere praanam ko meri ek prerna na samju toh kehna.
[If you do full prostration in front of my Samadhi; I'll consider your pranaam as my inspiration]
Tu meri Samadhi ke aage Sairam Sairam ki dhun gaakar toh dekh,
Main tujhe mandir ki har deewar mein Sairam Sairam na sunau toh kehna.
[If you sing 'Sai Ram, Sai Ram' in front of my Samadhi; I'll make you hear 'Sai Ram' in every wall of my temple]
Tu mere dhaam mein aakar bhikshao ko yogya dhaan dekar toh dekh,
Main tere diye hue daan ko ek satya kaam na samju toh kehna.
[If you offer generous bhiksha to beggers in my Shirdi; I'll consider your donation as a good deed]
Tu meri aarti mein tere haathon se taali bajakar toh dekh,
Main tere haathon ke taali mein alokik shakti na bardu toh kehna.
[If you clap your hands during my Aarti; I'll fill up my divine power in your clapping]
Tu mere aage nritya karke toh dekh,
Main tere nritya mein vadak na banu toh kehna.
[If you dance in front of me; I'll become a player of the instruments to accompany your dance]
Tu meri sharan mein aakar tera mann samparn kerke toh dekh,
Main tere mann ko majboot na banadu toh kehna.
[If you take my refuge, and surrender your heart to me; I'll make your heart strong]
Tu mere ramnavami ke utsav ko utsahi banakar toh dekhh,
Main har utsav mein tera saath na du toh kehna.
[If you contribute to the celebration of Ramnavmai festival enthusiastically; I'll stay by you in every festival]
Tu mere mandir ki pradakshna karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe tere pitr devo ki pradikshna na karadu toh kehna.
[If you circumambulate (walk around) my temple; I'll make you circumambulate your family Gods and Goddesses]

Chapter 11

Tu mere muh se nikli varthirupi shabdho ka manan karke toh dekh,
Main har shabd mein shanty prapt na karaddu toh kehna.
[If you contemplate on every word that I spoke; I'll give you peace through my words]
Tu meri tan mann dan se bhakti karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe dhanvaan na banadu toh kehna.
[If you devote to me with your heart, mind and soul; I'll make you wealthy (spiritual wealth)]
Tu meri gyaanrupi ganga mein dubki lagakar toh dekh,
Main tera taranhaar na banu toh kehna.
[If you immerse yourself in the ganga (river) of my knowledge; I'll take you across the ocean of existence]
Tu mere dhaam mein aakar guru mantro ka uccharan karke toh dekh,
Main har mantra main tujhe gurudarshan na karadu toh kehna.
[If you chant Guru Mantra in my sacred place (Shirdi); I'll give you a vision of Guru in every mantra]
Tu meri Shirdi mein aakar pavitrata se jagran karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe mere jagran ki mahima na samjau toh kehna.
[If you do a night vigil (worshipping whole night) in Shirdi, with devotion and purity; I'll make you understand the significance of the night worship]
Tu mere samne apne dukho ki vyata gaakara toh dekh,
Main tere har dukh ko sukh mein na badaldu toh kehna.
[If you sing the pain of your sufferings in my presence; I'll convert every suffering of yours into bliss]
Tu mujhe gulab ka haar arpan kerke toh dekh,
Main tera jeevan sugandit na banadu toh kehna.
[If you offer me a garland of roses; I'll make your life fragrant]
Tu mere dhaam mein deepmaalo ki roshni karke toh dekh,
Main tere jeevan ko roshni na kardu toh kehna.
[If you light a string of lamps in my sacred place (Shirdi); I'll light up and illuminate your life]
Tu mujhe arpit praasad har bhakth ko dekar toh dekh,
Main tujhe punyashaali aatma na banadu toh kehna.
[If you offer my prasaad to all my devotees; I'll make you a virtuous soul]
Tu mere pavitra anguthe ki puja karke toh dekh,
Main tujhe guru purnima ke pavan parva ki yaad na diladu toh kehna.
[If you worship the sacred toe of my lotus feet; I'll remind you the sacred festival of Guru Poornima]
Tu mere samne om shabd ka jap kerke toh dekh,
Main tujhe duniya ka har sukh pradan na kardu toh kehna.
[If you chant the holy word of 'Om' in front of me; I'll bestow every bliss of this world on you].

Govinda- A Special Article on Lord Sreenivasa

November 1st, 2009

||Kalyana adbhutha gathraya kamithartha pradhayine
srimadvenkata nathaya srinivasaya they namaha ||

Tirumala is the Bhoo Vaikunta on this earth. Lord Sreenivasa is the roopa of Lord Vishnu. But the Avatar of Sreenivasa in not the part of Dasavataras. There are many incidents are present about Tirumala. It is the famous and richest temple in this world. Here crores and crores of pilgrims will be visiting this shrine. Sreenivasa can also be called as “Venkatardri” (means removing the sins). South Indians pray him as Sri Venkateshwara and North Indians pray as a Balaji. The Temple is managed by the Tirumal Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD)

Roopa of Sreenivasa

The Moola Virat is Swayambhoo Roopa. It is present from “Agama Shatras” . there is a “Koustubham” present on his chest and Naga bharanas is present in his hands. Simha Vahanam” present on the “Gopura” Top. It is nothing but mixture of Sarva Devatha Samanvaya Roopa.

Generally all Vigrahas Right hand will be “Abhaya Hasta and left hand Varada Hastha But Sreenivasa Right hand indicates Varadha Hastha. This Posture called as “Kattla Valanchita Mudra”. A piligrim who surrenders to this feet of Lord Venkateshwara whole deep sea samsasara look like a knee deep water.

The Lord’s image has four arms, signifying the four stages that may be found in every form of development of life. It also represents dominion over four directions of space and thus the omnipotence of the Lord. The upper right arm holds Sudarsana Chakra (discus) and right arm holds Pancha-Janya (Conch). The lower right hand is in Varada hasta (boon giving) pose and lower left hand is in Katyavalambita pose, turned inwards.

All are His Servants:

According to the history for the past 1500 years Kings participated in serving the lord and the construction work under taken by them. The south ruled Pandhya Kings, Chola Kings and Vijayanagara Emperors served the lord with great devotion and they have offered jewellery and diamonds. The value of the Jwellary and diamonds given by the Vijayanagara emperor cannot be determined value of their offerings.. In this whole world Lord Venkateshwara is the richest The earnings by him will run one complete State Government.

Income & Expenditure

The Income from Hundi collection will be around 450 Crores. There are 50 personel will be working for counting of money. It looks like small bank.( According to reports Last year collections 1,216 crores out that 425 crores is cash. The Gold and sliver vessels will be 11 tons of total weight. He will be getting Rs 350 crores on interest on deposits from the various banks. . the Sales of hairs which has given by the devotes will crossing Rs 100 Crores. Sale of tickets is Rs 35 crores. It is estimated that nearly 1200 crores will be collected per year.

TTD is look like a small Government. It has 99 departments. Every department contains 100 workers in them. There are officers above the officiers there will be one IAS officer is appointed. Nearly 154 crores spent on the salaries of the employees. The Mud vessel which is donated by Indian (Which is used for serving the Naivedhya) and NRI Indian Sir Thomas Munro donated Gangala (Big vessesl which is used to cook Naivedhya for the lord)

Sreenivasa Temple

Sreenivasa temple is spread in 2.2 acres. The length is 413 feet and width is 263 feet it is in the rectangular shape. the Garbha Gudi is in the square shape. The height of the Moola Virat is 9 feet. What ever the jewellary prepared for the sreenivasa they will prepared in two pairs. if any jwellary is damaged other pair will be used.

In 1933 Britishers constructed steps. In 1940 Roads were laid 50 years back only 500-600 pilgrims are used visit the temple from 1950′s the rush picked up. Apart from this TTD has undertaken many charitable institutions and started spreading Hinduism. From the sale of its publications TTD earns 150 crores Under TTD 23 educational institutions are running. Three Vedapatashalas and one Sanskrit University , Schools and four hospitals are run by the TTD. And It will be spending nearly 200 crores fund various schemes of TTD.

From 1985 TTD is started serving the food for the pilgrims. Everyday 45000 pilgrims will be served with food

Flowers and Oil offered

Every day 800 to 1000 Kgs of flowers are used. In that 200 to 300 Kgs will be utilized for the Alankara for the Sreenivasa. TTD is spending 25 Lakhs on the flowers. 50 to 70 Kgs of Ghee Gingely oil and 7 to 8 kgs of Camphor(Karpoora) will be used.

Tirumala Laddu

For prasada there will be small laddus and big laddus are prepared for this purpose every day 4000 Kgs of Kadle Hiitu, 18500 kilos of Ghee 900 kgs of Sugar 2000 kgs of Gudambi ,150 kgs of Yallaki, 300 kgs of Khalakhanda and 600 kgs of dry grapes are used. Every day they will be preparing 55000 small ladhus , 7000 big laddhus and 3000 Vadas are prepared. Every year 25 lakhs and 55 thousand Big laddhus, 2 crores 75 thousand small ladhus will be distributed to the piligrims as prasadam.

Sevas to the Lord Sreenivasa

Every hour there will be seva is performed to Sreenivasa whole day temple will be opened. According to the Agama Shatras the pooja will be performed only for Six times a day. The types are Prathusha, Prabhata Madhyana and Ratri(night) Poojas.

Important Poojas among them are “Suprabha Seva” to participate in all the seva called as ” Udhaya Asthamana Seva” for this Seva he devotees are required to pay 10 Lakhs per ticket.

Apart from performing Nithy Pooja other sevas are performed . Every Tuesday there will be pooja with 108 Asta dalas(Eight petals) made up of gold . These flowers made of gold are offered by a devotee.

There is a special seva decorated with the Sreenivasa with Flowers this seva is called Pulangi Seva. Every Thursday after early morning seva the Archakas remove the Camphor Nama with this effect the devotees can see the eyes of Lord Sreenivasa very clearly.

After that the Moola Virat will be covered with 24 Mooras Silk Dhothi with border. Feet is decorated with golden cover. Tiruppai is the special pooja on Thursday for this event nearly 450 Kgs of prasadam is offered. Friday seva is the special seva This darshan is called Nija Roopa Darshan on that day Canmphor nama will not be applied to the Lord. Apart from these there will many sevas are offered to the lord.

From Kings Land Lords to common people every body will offer Jwellary to the sreenivasa some of names of the jwellary wore by the lord Sreenivasa are Suvarna Padma Peeta, Every inch of the Moola virat is covered with Gold. Gold made Shanka, Charkas, Nagabharanas, Vaikunta Hasta, lakshmi hara Kouthubha Pitambara etc., First gift to Sreenivasa is given by his father-in-laws Sri Akasha Raja has given Pure Gold crown which weights 9,750 Kilos today it is very difficult to determine the price of that crown. According to the estimates now 1500 to 2000 crores Jewellery are available. Everyday new gold oranaments are offered by the devotees.

Today what we are seeing the Crown worn by the Sreenivasa that was made in the year 1986. In this crown there are 28,369 diamonds and 13.36 Kgs of Gold is used and at that time the price was Rs 5.73 crores but according to today’s price it costs Rs 50 Crores. Nearly 20 goldsmits worked for making it and they took Six months to finish it. The Silk Dhothi which is wored by Lord Sreenivsa with a golden border weighs 40 Kilos.

Every year Brahmastovas are celebrated It is a function 9 days many devotees are eagerly waiting to attend this function. Many Haridasas are visited Tirumala and had darshan of Lord Sreenivasa and they have written many Kruthis on this lord Sreenivasa and it known fact that Sree Vyasarajaru worshiped Sreenivasa for 12 years. And finally Great Haridasa Pitamaha Sri Purandara Dasaru says one of his Devaranamas on Sreenivasa as

“Dhaniya Nodedeenoo Venkatana

Mana Dhaniya Nodideeno Sikha Mani Tirumaleshana …….”

And as I have got an excellent opportunity to share this article on this Magnificent richest Lord Sreenivasa and my pranamas to the Hari Vayu gurugalu and a humble thanks to shree Mohan for sharing this article.

I am not the doer, Lord HARI is the doer,

Whatever He makes me do is His worship by His Grace

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