The Ravana Legend on Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlingam Temple, Deoghar

The Ravana Legend on Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlingam  Temple, Deoghar

Baba Baidyanathdham temple, Deoghar

Jyotirlingam

The  Puranas speak of the Baidyanath Jyotirlingam. According to the Shiva Purana, it was in the Treta Yuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, felt that his capital would not be perfect and free from enemies unless Lord Shiva stays there forever, he paid continuous meditation to Lord Shiva.

Finally, Shiva was pleased and permitted him to carry his lingam with him to Lanka. Lord Shiva advised him not to place or transfer this lingam to anyone. There should not be a break in his journey to Lanka. If he deposits the lingam anywhere on the earth, in the course of his journey, it would remain fixed at that place forever. Ravana was happy as he was taking his return journey to Lanka.

His fate willed otherwise. The gods took it ill. They never liked to see Lord Shiva as his protector. They devised a plan for outwitting Ravana. They requested Varuna (the god of water) to enter into the belly of Ravana. So, on his way Ravana felt a severe urge to release water. He began looking for a man to whom he could temporarily entrust the lingam.

Lord Vishnu appeared before Ravana in the guise of a Brahmin. Unaware of the mystery, Ravana handed over the lingam to the Brahmin. Unfortunately, Ravana could not ease himself soon.

Meanwhile, the Brahmin placed the lingam at this place which was and which is now Baidyanathdham.

Ravana tried hard to remove the lingam from the spot where it had been placed. He could not turn out the lingam even an inch. This made him frustrated. He used violence but he only succeeded in pushing the lingam by thumb. Later on he felt guilty of his doings and begged for forgiveness.

He returned to Lanka but visited daily to worship the lingam. This continued forever. The place where Ravana descended on the earth is identified with the present Harilajori about four miles north of Baidyanathdham. The place where the lingam was kept is now Deoghar and the lingam itself is known to all as Baidyanath Jyotirlingam.

STORY ON VALYA KOLI (RATNAKARA) to VALMIKI and NARADA MUNI

STORY ON VALYA KOLI (RATNAKARA) to VALMIKI  and NARADA MUNI



Profound effects of Sanskrit Mantras

Everything in this Universe is made out of vibrations. Science tells us that everything is made out of atoms, which has nucleus as center and positive and negative/ neutrons and protons vibrating around it. This explains that everything is made out of vibrations. Sanskrit is language of sound waves. These sound waves can create very deep positive effects on our whole system.

There is wonderful story about author of Ramayan, ancient Sanskrit epic, which explains profound effects of mantra. Ramayan is story of King Rama, which explains importance of Dharma in our life. Ramayan has lots influence on Sanskrit literature, Indian culture and way of life.

Before becoming author of Ramayan, Maharishi/great sage, Valmiki was known as dacoit Valya Koli. Valya was born in koli/fisherman family who became infamous highway robber to support his family. One day Naradmuni, famous rishi/sage was traveling through Valya Koli’s territory.  Inevitable thing happened, Valya stopped Naradmuni.  But after noticing clam & peaceful rishi he was unable to kill the Naradmuni. Naradmuni calmly asked, “Why do you do this”, Valya Koli answered, “to support my family.” Naradmuni enquired, “Everyday you are leading life of crime, which is essentially life of paap/sin.  And since you are doing it for your family, do you think your family will share this burden of paap/sin with you.” Valya was very sure that his family would share the burden of his paap/sin with him, because in his mind the justification for his crime was he was doing it for them . Naradmuni said “why don’t you go and ask them I will wait for you here.” Reluctantly Valya went home to ask his family, his kids and wife refused to share burden of paap/sin with him. It was an eye opener for Valya. He ran back to the Naradmuni who was still waiting for him. Valya Koli fell down at feet of Naradmuni and asked for forgiveness and way to correct the past mistakes. Naradmuni gave him mantra “Ram” and told him to chant it all the time. At first Valya found it very difficult to chant the mantra because of his previous lifestyle. Slowly and steadily he continue chanting of the mantra. The mantra started to change him on deeper level. Slowly thought patterns begin to change from negative to positive. Compassion and kindness took place of anger and hatred.  The change was slow but permanent. After many years of practice Valya wrote “Ramayan” the great epic about ideal way of life. Because of profound effects of mantra Valya Koli became Maharishi/great sage Valmiki.

Yoga asana is practice of purifying body similarly Mantra practice is practice for purifying mind. In modern word lot of emphasis is given on physical side of yoga, profoundness of mantra practice is most of the time ignored in yoga sessions. If practice is all about physical how it will benefit on deeper level? Physical practice has to be supported by mantra practice.

Sanskrit mantras are the sound waves which came to the rishis/sages in there mediation. Mostly meaning was added later to make it more acceptable. So please be mindful that mantras are pronounced correctly. Little change in pronunciation can change meaning/effects of mantra.

Loka samasta sukhino bhavantu

May all beings be well happy & free from sufferings.

source : http://yogaforeternity.com/tag/valya-koli/

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STORY OF GANESHA and MOUSE VAHANA

Story of Ganesha and Mouse Vahana

Lord Ganesha is the embodiment of eternal wisdom. But devotees worship him as the deity for removing all obstacles in life. He clears unwanted forces and paves way for the successful completion of all commitments to be performed by individuals. The sacrament and rituals in favor of Ganesha enables to eradicate evil spirits such as ego, pride etc from the minds of human beings. As per legends the carrier of Lord Ganesha is a divine mouse which is huge in appearance. Mouse belongs to the rodent group and always destroys agriculture from where the foods for men are available. This creature is also considered as an alternate representation of ignorance. Thus by choosing a mouse as the means of transportation Lord Ganesha points out that he is the God who can protect agriculture and control ignorance.

Story of Gajamughasur

The story of mouse that became the carrier of Vigneshwara is very interesting. Once this rodent was a terrific demon called ‘Gajamughasur’ who performed a tough penance to please Lord Shiva and secure boons. This made him amazingly powerful and after that he started troubling other sub-gods in the heaven. These disturbances forced them to approach Lord Mahadeva who then authorized his son Ganesha to control Gajamughasur. With numerous divine weapons Lord Ganesh attacked the demon. Because of miraculous powers the Gajamughasur remained undefeated. So Ganesha broke his own right tusk and transformed the same as his new weapon. At this instant the demon was disguised as a mouse and trying to flee off. But Vigneshwar sat on the creature quickly and asked it to be his vehicle thereafter. Thus he saved the sub-gods and heaven.

Symbolism of Mouse as Ganesh’s Vahana

According to sagas and epics, this mouse is a faithful companion of Lord Ganesha. It has helped a lot to fulfill his intentions with utmost perfection by its ability to move through narrow passages and overcome adverse environments. Ganesha is the deity who removes darkness from human minds and establishes brightness. Thus, by riding a creature which prefers darkness, Ganesha highlights the concept of successful achievements by his control over ignorance. Moreover this rodent teaches mankind some valuable lessons too. Mouse always exhibit eagerness, alertness and awareness in association with intelligence. It also collects grains to meet unfavorable seasons and eats them whenever required. By doing so, the mouse itself becomes an example for stocking food for their future survival. In this manner Ganesha and his carrier warns people to live carefully with belief in God.
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Story Behind Birth of Sita

            Story Behind Birth of Sita

Sita, the divine wife of Lord Rama, is one of the main characters of Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’.  It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi took the incarnation of Sita to marry Lord Ram, who is the incarnation of the God Vishnu. In Ramayana she is described as the daughter of Goddess Bhumi (Earth). She is the perfect depiction of a married Hindu woman. She loved and adored her husband and was loyal to him in all respects. Her conduct and features were divine, obvious and highly appreciable. She was also famous for her determination, sacrifice and awareness. Sita is assumed to have born at Janakpur Dham which is now in Nepal. This location is about 400 km away from Katmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

Legend or Story of Sita’s Birth

There is a legend behind the birth of Sita at Janakpur Dham in Mithila. This region was under the reign of King Sirdwaj Janak. Once, there was no rain fall in this region and people suffered high shortage of food. On knowing this, the King sought advices from intellectuals and saints in the palace. They asked him to plough the land by his own hand to please Indra and have his blessing. When Janak was ploughing the field he heard a sound from the plough in the soil and found that the device is not moving further. He removed the soil around the plough and dug out a box in which a beautiful female child was lying. He named her ‘Sita’ and brought up as his own daughter. She grew there as princess of Mithila.

Sita was also called Janaki since she was the daughter of King Janak and the location from where she was obtained, came to know as Janakpur Dham. Later Sri Ram married Sita from Mithila and brought to Ayodhya.

Jankidham Temple

The famous shrine located at the birth place of Sita is known as Jankidham Temple. There is one stage near to this temple which is believed to be the location from where Rama wedded Sita. The temple and its premises are really worth seeing. There are so many ponds near this temple which are highly marvelous in appearance. Devotees used to take bath in these ponds before worshiping in Jankidham temple. The garden within the temple complex is highly eye catching. Other holy centers of this location are Sri Ram Temple, Dasarath Temple, Ratnasagar Temple and Rangabhumi. 

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com

SAGE RISHYASRINGA

                                        Sage Rishyasringa 

SAGE RISHYASRINGA

King Dasaratha, before he had his four sons – Rama, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrugana had a daughter – Shantha. Shantha's mother was Kausalya – Dasaratha's first wife.

King Dasaratha had a very close friend – Romapada, the King of Anga. Now Romapada loved children very much, he was unfortunately childless.

Romapada once came and talked to Dasaratha, 'Dasaratha! I have a favour to ask you!'

Dasaratha wondered what such a great king could want from him. 'Go ahead Romapada! What do you have in your mind?..'

Romapada looked at Dasaratha and at Queen Kausalya and felt slightly ashamed but continued, 'I have no children of my own.....I love children very much...You probably know that....' Dasaratha and Kauslaya looked at each other wondering where this was going as Romapada continued, 'Your daughter Shantha....She is so sweet and cute....' Romapada said a little desperately, 'Look....I know I cannot be as good a parent as you....But will you please....give your daughter in adoption to me....'

Romapada looked at Dasaratha and Kausalya with a little desperation. Kausalya was deeply astonished that Romapada would ask Dasaratha to give his only child in adoption. But then she realized that Romapada had figured that Dasaratha had three wives and he would have plenty more children. However Kausalya was troubled...To give her only child in adoption did not seem right....She then looked at Romapada once more. The more she looked at him the more she felt that he was a man driven to desperation....Romapada would not have come here unless he felt he had no other choice....

Kausalya looked out of her palace window and glanced at Shantha playing in the garden. She saw the king also studying Shantha with hungry eyes. She was moved with pity...The man actually needed her daughter...She realized. She turned to Dasaratha who was looking troubled and nodded her head and smiled. Dasaratha widened his eyes wondering whether he had understood his wife correctly...To give up his only child in adoption....

Dasaratha spoke to Romapada, 'King why don't you just rest here...I will talk with my wife and come back...' Romapada did not even hear Dasaratha. He was just looking at Shantha as he nodded his head. Dasaratha and Kauslaya went into their inner room, 'Queen Kausalya!' He said as soon as they entered inside the room, 'You don't mind giving your only daughter in adoption...'

Kausalya spoke softly, 'Dasaratha, did you see that man's face when he saw Shantha! We can have plenty more children if we want to...But Romapada genuinely loves Shantha....And Shantha also loves Romapada very much...I think she will be happier there....'

Dasaratha knew that his wife had a very good judgment and spoke only after considering all the sides of a problem. Slowly Dasaratha nodded his head. He went outside and saw that Shantha had finished playing and was coming inside the palace...She ran inside her parent's room and when she saw Romapada she squealed with delighted and ran to him. Romapada hugged Shantha.

Dasaratha knew that his wife had told him the right thing. He came outside and saw Shantha sitting on Romapada's lap talking with each other and giggling. 'Father!' Shantha said as she looked at Dasaratha and Kausalya come out of the room.

Dasaratha came towards the young child and looked at Shantha, 'Shantha! Do you like King Romapada...'

Shantha smilled and hugged Romapada once more, 'Oh yes! He is my favourite...'

Dasaratha asked softly, 'Would you like to go and live in Anga with him...'

Not understanding what he was asking, Shantha squealed with delight, 'You mean I will live with him...That is so nice....'

Romapada understood that Dasaratha was willing to give Shantha in adoption to him. He bowed to the king and queen. They performed the ceremonies and soon gave Shantha in adoption. Shantha was too young to understand much of the 'adoption'. The only thing she understood that she was going to live with Romapada henceforth....Her parents had told her that she would always come and visit them whenever she wanted....

Shantha happily went off with Romapada. There Romapada kept her so happily that soon she forgot almost everything about Kausalya and Dasaratha. For her Romapada was her father....The kingdom prospered and everyone was very happy.

When Shantha grew up to be a beautiful girl, fame of her beauty and intelligence spread all around. Unfortunately at this time a great famine struck the kingdom of Anga. Rains failed and the crops were down. The kingdom was almost in doldrums...

Wondering what to do, the king was talking to his minsters, when they told him about the sage Rishyasringa. The minister told King Romapada, 'Rishyasringa was the son of Sage Vibhandaka.' [In Sanskrit Rishyasringa name means 'the boy with horns on his head']

King Romapada asked, ' Vibhandaka? The son of Sage Kashyap? How could he have a son with horns in his head?'

The minister continued, 'Sir! Rishyasringa's mother is a deer sir! That is the reason, he has horns in his head....'

The king nodded, 'But how would he solve our problems?'

'Sir! Vibhandaka brought up his son in the forests near Anga!' The minister said calmly, 'Till date, Rishyasringa has never seen any women sir! The entire forests does not have any women or girls...Rishyasringa has not even seen another human other than his father sir!'

The king was stupefied that such a person could even exist! He nodded for the minister to continue. The minister cleared his throat and continued, 'Because...because Rishyasringa never had any distractions of any kind....he keeps meditating all the time...He has immense powers of meditation sir! He is so pure that wherever he goes...rains will follow...' The minister said earnestly.

The king frowned and nodded. He dismissed his court and then talked with Shantha in private, 'Shantha! You heard what the minister said...Any ideas?'

Shantha nodded, 'We could send the courtesans of our country...' [Courtesans were women who were trained in various arts, music and were very beautiful women....] 'Rishyasringa has never seen women...I think looking at them would make him feel different....Father!...' Shantha said resolutely, 'This Rishyasringa, once he comes to our country....I...I...' She said looking down and shyly, 'If he is willing and if it is ok with you, I would like to marry him....' Romapada was startled and happy at the same time. He slowly nodded as Shantha continued, 'I think such a man is great! And besides Sage Vibhandaka may be very angry if we bring Rishyasringa here...'

'So your marriage is one of the best ways of keeping Vibhandaka from getting more angry...' Romapada said softly. Shantha nodded but did not say anything.

Shantha called in the best courtesans from the kingdom. She told them all about Rishyasringa. 'Avoid sage Vibhandaka at all costs! He is dangerous! If he finds you with his son....He may curse you...' The courtesans nodded their head. Princess Shantha then asked the architects of the kingdom to built a huge ship. The ship was filled with beautiful plants, trees and flowers. In the middle was a ashrama to make it look like a hermitage.

At last the courtesans went afloat towards the forests near Anga. The courtesans got down and observed the Sage Rishyasringa and his father. They saw that they had a routine. In the afternoons, Sage Vibhandaka went into the deeper forests to meditate, whereas Rishyasringa stayed behind in the ashrama to tend the fire and clean the place.

The courtesans agreed that the afternoons was the best time to approach Rishyasringa.

The very next afternoon, after Vibhandaka had left the hermitage, one of the courtesan came forward and went into the ashrama. Rishyasringa looked at the woman and was amazed. He had never seen any human being other than his father. He always thought all of them were strict and stern like his father. But this person was ….beautiful.

A group of women visiting the sage Rishyashringa

Ṛṣyaśṛṅga Lured into Aṅgadēśa by Dancing Girls

Assuming that the woman was also a rishi like him, Rishyasringa came forward and welcomed the woman. He gave her some fruits from the hermitage and talked with her for long....She gave him some food that she had brought from the ship. Rishyasringa ate it and was delighted as it was very different....Not like the tasteless food he ate everyday....

The woman however remembered that she had to hurry back as Sage Vibhandaka would be back any minute.

She told Rishyasringa, 'I have to go back home, I have to do the agnihotra puja....'

Rishyasringa felt an urge to meet the person again, 'When...When will we meet again....' He asked innocently.

The courtesan laughed, 'Probably tomorrow....' She left immediately. Rishyasringa was deep in his thoughts and had not cleaned up the ashrama and had not even tended the fires.

Sage Vibhandaka came home and was surprised to find his ashrama untidy and his son looking like in a daze. Wondering what had happened, Sage Vibhandaka asked Rishyasringa, 'Son! What happened? You have not even done your work...Is something wrong...?' He asked anxiously.

Rishyasringa spoke in a daze, 'Father! A rishi came in today. But...But...But he was nothing like you and me....He had beautiful long hair...He smelt differently....a divine perfume....He had lots of flowers in his hair and he talked with me...Listening to him talk made me want to listen to him again and again...'

Hearing to the description given by Rishyasringa, Sage Vibhandaka knew that a women had been here. He became more and more angry and finally in a fit of anger told his son, 'Son! That was no sage! That was a demon! The demon was sent to take away all the powers of your meditation....Next time you see the demon...drive the demon away....'

'But father....' Rishyasringa said a little desperately.

Sage Vibhandaka put his foot down. 'We are not discussing this any further....Do not let the demon come near you...'

Rishyasringa was crestfallen. But he could not understand the reactions of his father. He did not think the sage who had come meant him any harm...Why was his father behaving like this....

The next day Vibhandaka decided to go and see the woman himself to drive her away. He left the ashrama early in search of the woman. However what the sage did not know was that the courtesan was near the ashrama waiting for Vibhandaka to leave. As soon as Vibhandaka left, the courtesan came forward. Rishyasringa was thrilled on meeting the courtesan again. He almost jumped with joy and came forward to meet her.

However before the courtesan could say a word, Rishyasringa spoke in a whisper, 'Look we have to get out of here...My father...my father told me you were a demon....I do not think he would like it if you keep coming here....Will you take me with you to your ashrama?'

The courtesan could not believe her ears! Rishyasringa was ready to come with her so soon...She nodded and they left the ashrama and made for the huge ashrama in the ship. Rishyasringa was thrilled on seeing the beautiful hermitage, which looked nothing like the wild place he lived in. He went inside the ashrama.

The courtesan's and Rishyasrringa set sail and soon they all reached the kingdom of Anga.

As soon as Rishyasringa reached the kingdom of Anga, the heavens opened up and the rains fell. The king and Shantha were thrilled. The people were happy! King Romapada came forward and offered Rishyasringa his daughter in marriage.
Sage Rishyashring looked at Princess Shantha and realized that she was even more beautiful than the courtesan. Talking with her he realized that she was extremely intelligent and strong. Sage Rishyashringa decided that he would be willing to live with her for the rest of his life...

Both of the them lived happily in the kingdom of Anga.

However Vibhandaka was very angry. He figured out that this must be the work of the king of Anga and set out towards that place.

However Romapada and Shantha were prepared for this. They knew that Vibhandaka would become very angry. As Vibhandaka came closer to the kingdom, he found a herd of healthy cows waiting for him as a gift from his son Rishyasringa! The sage was surprised. His anger cooled down a little. As he went even more forward, he found more such gifts awaiting him! As Vibhaandaka reached the capital of Anga, he had almost cooled down. He reached the palace gates and there found his son with his beautiful and intelligent daughter-in-law.

Wearing a crown in his head, Rishyashringa looked like the Lord of the Heavens. Vibhandhaka felt calm and peaceful looking at them.

Shantha and Rishyashringa came forward and fell at the sage's feet. The sage felt proud on looking at them and felt no anger. He blessed the couple and went back to the forests!

However the story of King Rishyasringa does not end here. He had one more work to finish before he retired again to the forests. He was in a way responsible for the birth of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrugana...

source :http://hindumythologyforgennext.blogspot.in/2012/04/sage-rishyasringa

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