The Essence of Puranas – Bhavishya Purana
1
‘Vyoma’ the ‘Ayudha’ of Surya and its ‘Lakshanas’ (Features)
Surya Deva’s ‘Ayudha’ (Weapon) is ‘Vyoma’ with Four Shringas or
Horns, like Varuna’s ‘Paasha’, Bramha’s ‘Hunkaar’ sound, Vishnu’s Chakra,
Triambika’s Trishula, and Indra’s Vajra. Within Vyoma are situated Eleven
Rudras, Twelve Adityas, Ten Vishwa Devas, Eight Vasuganas and Two Ashwini
Kumars.The Rudras are Hara, Sharva, Triambika, Vrishhakapi, Shambhu, Kapardi,
Raivata, Aparaajita, Eshwar, Ahibrudhna and Bhuva; the Vasus are Dhruva, Dhara,
Soma, Anila, Anala, Apu, Pratyusha and Prabhasa; Kratu, Daksha, Vasu, Sathya,
Kaal, Kaam, Dhruti, Kuru, Shankumaatra and Vamana are the Vishvadevas; and
Ashwinikumars are Naasatya and Dasna. Also Vyoma includes Saadhya, Tushita,
Marut and other Devatas; Swayambhu, Swaarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata,
Chakshusa and the current Manu Vaivaswata (the future Manus being Arkasaawarni,
Brahmasaavarni, Rudrasaavarni, Dharmasaavarni, Dakshasaavarni, Roucha and
Bhoutya); Indras of the corresponding Manvantaras, viz. Vishnubhuk, Vidyuti,
Vibhu, Prabhu, Shikhi, Manojava and Ojaswi (the future ndras being Bali,
Adbhut, Tridiva, Susaatvika, Kirti, Shatadhaama and Divaspati); Saptarshis viz.
Kashyapa, Atri, Vasishtha, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Vishwamitra and Jamadagni;
Seven Marutganas viz. Pravaha, Aavaha, Udyuha, Samvaha, Vivaha, Nivaha and
Parivaha along with seven each sub-Ganas; ThreeAgnis viz.Suryagni named Shuchi,
Vaidyut Agni called Paavaka, and Arani which is produced by ‘Manthana’ or
churning called Pavamaana; Progeny of thirty nine Agnis; Brahma Putras viz.
Samvatsara, Parivatsara, Indratsara, Anvatsara and Vatsara; Three Pitras viz.
Souma, Bahirshad and Agnishvatta; Nava Grahas of Surya, Soma, Bhauma, Budha,
Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu; fathers of the Grahas excepting Bhauma
whose originator being Bhu Devi) respectively being Kashyapa, Dharma, Chandra,
Prajapati Bhrigu( father of Guru and Shukra), Surya, Simhika and Brahma.
Sapta Lokas are Bhu, Bhuvah, Swar, Mahar, Jana, Tapas and Brahma; the Ruling Deity of Bhu loka is Agni; that of Bhuvarloka where Marudganas stay the Deity is Vayu; Swarlok is the Place of stay for Rudra, Ashwini kumars, Aditya, Vasuganas and Devaganas and the Chief is Surya; in Maharlok Prajapatis are the Ruling Deities; the fifth is Janaloka where the residents are the donors of Bhumi; the Tapolok is the residing Place of Ribhu, Sanatkumar and Rishis like Vairaj; the Seventh is Satya loka where those who are rid of the cycle of birth and death and attained ‘Mukti’ and the Ruler is Brahma Himself. Deva, Danava, Gandharva, Yaksha, Bhuta and Vidyadharas are all the residents of Vyoma too. So are Maruts, Pitars, Agni and Grahas; that is the reason why, human beings must practise the worship of Vyoma. The names of Vyoma are Akash, Kha, Dik, Antariksha, Nabha, Ambara, Pushkar, Gagan, Meru, Vipul, Bila, Aapochhidra, Shunya, Tamas and Rodasi. There are Seven Samudras of Lavan (Salt), Ksheer (Milk-Sugar mix with cooked rice), Dadhi (Curd), Ghrita (Ghee), Madhu (Honey), Ikshu (Sugar cane juice) and Suswad (Sweet water). Six rain bearing Great Mountains are Himavan, Hemakut, Nishadh, Neel, Sweta and Shringvan, while the Central Mountain is called Maharajat. Mahendri, Agneyi, Yamya, Nairuti, Vaaruni, Vaayavi, Soumya and Ishaani are the Deva Nagars atop these Mountains. Above Prithvi is Lokalok Mountain and beyond it is Andakapaal; much beyond are stated to be the Places of Agni, Vayu, Sky etc. Far above are expected to be Bhagavan Surya. Underneath Earth are the under-Sea Lokas of Tala, Sutala, Patala, Talaatala, Atala, Vitala and Rasatala. Kanchana Meru Mountain is spread out in the Center of Earth at a height of eighty four thousand yojanas or approx. one hundred sixteen thousand km (@fifteen km per yojana). Meru has four ‘Shringas’or towers named ‘Soumanasa’ made of Gold, ‘Jyotisha’ made of ‘Padmaraaga’, ‘Chitra’ made of ‘Sarvadhatu’ (All-metal) and ‘Chandroujask’ made of Silver. Surya Deva rises from the Soumanasa Shringa at Uttarayana and sets at Dakshinayana at Jyotishka Shringa. The Place in between the two Shringas is known as Vyoma where Surya Deva resides
Sapta Lokas are Bhu, Bhuvah, Swar, Mahar, Jana, Tapas and Brahma; the Ruling Deity of Bhu loka is Agni; that of Bhuvarloka where Marudganas stay the Deity is Vayu; Swarlok is the Place of stay for Rudra, Ashwini kumars, Aditya, Vasuganas and Devaganas and the Chief is Surya; in Maharlok Prajapatis are the Ruling Deities; the fifth is Janaloka where the residents are the donors of Bhumi; the Tapolok is the residing Place of Ribhu, Sanatkumar and Rishis like Vairaj; the Seventh is Satya loka where those who are rid of the cycle of birth and death and attained ‘Mukti’ and the Ruler is Brahma Himself. Deva, Danava, Gandharva, Yaksha, Bhuta and Vidyadharas are all the residents of Vyoma too. So are Maruts, Pitars, Agni and Grahas; that is the reason why, human beings must practise the worship of Vyoma. The names of Vyoma are Akash, Kha, Dik, Antariksha, Nabha, Ambara, Pushkar, Gagan, Meru, Vipul, Bila, Aapochhidra, Shunya, Tamas and Rodasi. There are Seven Samudras of Lavan (Salt), Ksheer (Milk-Sugar mix with cooked rice), Dadhi (Curd), Ghrita (Ghee), Madhu (Honey), Ikshu (Sugar cane juice) and Suswad (Sweet water). Six rain bearing Great Mountains are Himavan, Hemakut, Nishadh, Neel, Sweta and Shringvan, while the Central Mountain is called Maharajat. Mahendri, Agneyi, Yamya, Nairuti, Vaaruni, Vaayavi, Soumya and Ishaani are the Deva Nagars atop these Mountains. Above Prithvi is Lokalok Mountain and beyond it is Andakapaal; much beyond are stated to be the Places of Agni, Vayu, Sky etc. Far above are expected to be Bhagavan Surya. Underneath Earth are the under-Sea Lokas of Tala, Sutala, Patala, Talaatala, Atala, Vitala and Rasatala. Kanchana Meru Mountain is spread out in the Center of Earth at a height of eighty four thousand yojanas or approx. one hundred sixteen thousand km (@fifteen km per yojana). Meru has four ‘Shringas’or towers named ‘Soumanasa’ made of Gold, ‘Jyotisha’ made of ‘Padmaraaga’, ‘Chitra’ made of ‘Sarvadhatu’ (All-metal) and ‘Chandroujask’ made of Silver. Surya Deva rises from the Soumanasa Shringa at Uttarayana and sets at Dakshinayana at Jyotishka Shringa. The Place in between the two Shringas is known as Vyoma where Surya Deva resides
2
Surya Deva cures Sambu’s Leprosy
When Sambu the son of Shri Krishna had ‘Kushthu Vyadhi’ (Leprosy),
he made sincere and elaborate prayers to Surya Deva saying that Surya Paramatma
popularly called Aditya providing illumination all over the Universe was the
embodiment of various Deities such as Achintya rupa Vishnu, Pitamaha Brahma,
Rudra, Mahendra, Varuna, Akaash, Prithvi, Jala, Vayu, Chandra, Megha, Kubera,
Vibhaavasu and Yama; that he was actually of the ‘Mahadevamaya Anda’ (Egg)
whose brightness had spread all over the Universe; that he protects the Beings
including Humanity and various other Species in the Creation ; that he saves
from human sufferings including Kushthu and other intractable diseases as also
‘Angaviheenata’ (Lack of Limbs); that he was the ‘Pratyaksha’ (Readily
Visionable) Devata who could liberate from any physical ailments and that he
should please cure his longstanding malady. Surya Deva was pleased with the
prayers of great intensity by Sambu and appeared before him and by the mere
touch of one of his rays got completely cured and provided a second birth to
him. Surya Deva further desired Sambu to spread the message far and wide that
prayers of mere Twenty names of his by any one in the humanity, or the entire
Srishti comprising Devas, Rakshasas, Yakshas, Gandharvas or any sinner of any
kind or classification with dedication would be readily be answered, as there
was no need to rectite Sacred Veda Mantras and not even thousand names of Surya
Deva; The most Sacred names of Surya Deva so suggested to Sambu are as follows:
Vikartan (Who slashes any kind of dangers or difficulties); Viviswan(Prakasha
Rupa), Maartand (who stayed for long in a Egg); Bhaskar, Ravi, Lokaprakashak,
Shriman, Loka Chakshu, Graheswara, Loka saakshi, Trilokesh, Karta, Harta,
Tamistra (Destroyer of Darkness); Tapan, Taapana, Shuchi or Purity,
Saptaasyavaahana, Gabhasihast (Rays as his extended hands); Brahma and finally
‘Sarva Deva Namaskruta’. Recital of these minimal Names of Surya Deva with
utmost purity, dedication and sincerity would bestow excellent health and disease-lessness,
fame and life’s contentment and purposefulness.
3
‘Tri Murtis’ eulogize Surya’s Virat Rupa and His Worship as
‘Omkara’ /’Vyoma’
At the beginning of Kalpa, Tri Murthis became victims of
‘Ahamkaar’ (Self-image) and when a gigantic form of luminosity appeared on the
Sky, they were taken aback as to how this huge illumination emerged from! As
the Great Light approached and dazzled their vision, the personification of
Surya Deva in a ‘Virat Rupa’ (Collosal Form) got materialised, the Tri Murthis
and Devaganas greeted it again and again with veneration.
Lord Brahma eulogized the Virat Swarupa of Surya Deva as follows:
Namastey Deva Devesha Sahasra kiranojjvala,
Loka Deepa Namastestu Namastey Konavallabha/
Bhaskaraaya Namo nityam Khakholkaya Namo Namah,
Vishnavey Kaalachakraaya Somaayaamita tejasey/
Namastey Pancha Kaalaaya Indraaya Vasuretasey,
Khagaaya Lokanathaaya Ekachakra rathaayacha/
Jadvitaya Devaaya Shivaayaamita tejasey,
Tamoghnaaya Surupaaya tejasaam nidhaye namh/
Arthaya Kamarupaaya Dharmaayaamita tejasey,
Mokshaaya Moksha rupaaya Suryaaya Namo Namah/
Krodhalobha viheenaaya lokaanaam sthith hetavey,
Shubhaya Shubharupaaya Shubhadaaya Shubhhaatmaney/
Shantaaya Shantarupaaya Shanatayesmaasu vai namah,
Namastey Brahmarupaaya Braahmanaaya namo namah/
Brahma DevaayaBrahmarupaya Brahmaney Paramaatmaney,
Brahmanye cha prasaadam cha vai kuru Deva Jatpatey/
(Deva Devesha! Loka Deepa! Kona Vallabha! You are the source of phenominal illumination to the whole World; You are all the Deities like Bhaskara, Vishnu, Kaalachakra, Soma, Kaala, Indra, Vasu, Agni, Khaga, Lokanatha rolled in one as the Ekachakri, bestowing propitiousness and positiveness all over; You are the Embodiment of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha; You are the Personification of Tranquility and Peace, devoid of anger, greed, jealousy and partiality; You are the Parabrahma Himself!)
Lord Shiva complimented Surya Deva as follows:
Jaya Bhaava Jayaajeya Jaya Hamsa Diwakara,
Jaya Shambho Mahaabaho Khaga Gochara Bhudhara/
Jaya Loka Pradipaaya Jaya Bhano Jagatpatey,
Jaya Kaala –jayaayanta Samvatsara Shubhaanana/
Jaya Devaaditeh putra Kashyapaananda vardhanah,
Tamoghna Jaya Saptesha Jaya Saptaashva vaahana/
Grahesha Jaya Kaanteesha Jaya Kaalesha Shankara,
Artha Kaamesha Dharmesha Jaya Mokshesha Sharmada/
Jaya Vedaanga Rupaaya Graha Swarupaya vai namah,
Satyaya Sathya Rupaaya Swarupaaya Shubhhaya cha/
Krodha lobha vinaashaya Kaamanaashaya vai Jaya,
Kalmaasha pakshi rupaaya Yati rupaaya Shaambhavey/
Vishvaya Vishva rupaaya Vishva karmaaya vai Jayah,
Jayonkaara Vashatkaara Swaahaakaara Swadhaamaya/
Jayascha Megha rupaayacha Agni rupaaryamaaya cha,
Samsaaraarnava peetaaya Moksha dwara pradaaya cha/
Samsaara arnavamagnasya mama Deva Jagatpatey,
Hastaavalambano Deva Bhava twam Gopatedbhuta/
(Bhagavan Surya Deva! Victory to You the Cause of Universal Existence; You are the Ajeya or the Invincible, Hamsa or Swan like Veda Rupa, Divakara or the Day-Maker, Mahabaahu or the Mighty Handed, Bhudhara or the Holder of Earth, Gochara or the Readily Visible / theTransitor of Planets, Bhava, Khaga, Loka Pradeepa, Jagtpati, Bhanu, Kaala, Ananta, Samvatsara and Shubhaanana or the Auspicious-Faced, Victory to You!
You are the Cause of Happiness of Your Father Kashyapa, the Son of Devi Aditi, Saptaashwa vahana or the Rider of Seven Horses, Saptesha or the Master of the Seven, the Destroyer of Darkness, the Chief of Planets, the Lord of Illumination, Kaalesha, Shankara, the Facilitator of Chaturvarga viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha; You are the Vedanga Rupa, Graha Rupa, Sathya Rupa, Surupa, Destroyer of Anger and such other Enemies of Human Weaknesses, Kalmaasha pakshi Rupa and Yati Rupa; You are the Vishwa Rupa, Vishwakarma, Omkara, Vashatkara or the Controller and the Director of Actions, Swahakara / Swadhaarupa or the offerings to Agni homas; Ashwamedha rupa or the Sacrificial Horse Yagnas; Agni Rupa. Lord Surya, do kindly hold the hand and lead the World! Victory toYou!
Bhagavan Vishnu paid tributes to Surya Deva at his Virat Swarupa as follows:
Namaami Devadevesham Bhutabhavanamavyayam,
Diwaakaram Ravim Bhaanum Maartaandam Bhaskaram Bhagam/
Indra Vishnum Harim Hamsamarka Lokagurum Vibhum,
Trinetram ThraiksharamThriangam Trimurthim Trigatim Shubham/
Shanmukhaya Namo Nityam Trinetraya Namo Namah,
Chaturvimshati Paadaaya Namo Dwaadasha paanaye/
Namastey Bhupataye Lokaanam pathayenamah,
Devaanaam pataye Nithyam varnaanam pathaye namah/
Twam Brahma Twam Jagannatho Rudraswam Prajaapatih,
Twam Somastwam tathaadistyastvam omkaaraka eva hi/
Brihaspatirbudhastwam hi twam Shukrastwam Vibhaavasuh,
Yamastwam Varunastwam hi namastey Kashyapaatmaja/
Twaya tathamidam Sarvam Jagatsthaavara jangamam,
Twat eva Samutpannam Sadevaasura maanusham/
Brahma chaaham cha Rudrascha samutpanno Jagatpatey,
Kalpaadou tu puraa Deva sthitaye Jagatonagha/
Namastey Veda Rupaaya Ahorupaaya vai namah,
Namastey Jnaanarupaya Yagnaaya cha Namo Namah/
Praseedaasmaasu Devesha Bhutesha Kiranojjvala,
Samsaaraanava magnaanaam prasaadam kuru Gopathey,
Vedaantaya Namo Nityam Namo Yagna kalaaya cha/
(Salutaions to You Devadevesha! You are popular by the names of Diwakara, Ravi, Bhanu, Martanda, Bhaskara, Bhaga, Indra, Vishnu, Hari, Hamsa, and Arka; You are Vibhu, Trinetradhaari, Thryaksharatmaka, Thryangatmaka, Trimurti, Trijagati; You have six faces, tewntyfour feet and twelve hands, the Chief of the Occupants of all the Lokas; Jagatswami! It is only You who is Brahma, Rudra, Prajapati, Soma, Aditya, Omkara, Brihaspati, Budha, Shukra, Agni, Bhaga, Varuna, and Kashyapaatmaja. You stretch out the entire Universe comprising all the mobile and immobile Beings; You are the Creator of Devatas, Asuras and Manavas; You are responsible for the materialisation of the World, its preservation and its termination when the Trimurthis were created too’ You alone are the Vedarupa, Divasaswarupa, Yajna and Jnaanarupa; Be kind to us Kiranojjvala, Bhutesha, Gopatey, You are competely absorbed in the affairs of ‘Samsara’, the personification of Vedanta and Yagna Kalaa, Victory be with You!)
As Surya Deva was immensely pleased by the salutations and praises of Tri Murthis, He appeared before them in the Form of Great Illumination and bestowed the boons of Creating, Administering and Extinguishing the World to them respectively. They sought a favour from Surya Deva that since He was essentially a Mass of Heat and Fire without a Figure and Structure, He might please assume a tangible Form of a Murti (Idol) which would facilitate their worship to Him. Surya Deva replied that He could assume four kinds of Murti Swarupas, the first one being of Rajasa Guna signifying Braahmi Shakti which creates the Universe; the Second with Satvika Guna representing Vishnu Shakti being responsible for Preservation and Administration; thirdly with Tamasika Guna of Siva Shakti destroying the Evil, Sins and Immorality; and finally the Omkara which has both Akaara and Niraakaara Swarupas and devotees are advised to worship the last Form which has a ‘Nirlipta’/ ‘Samata’(Balancing) Energy. In fact, Surya desired that the best method of worship would be to direct it to ‘Vyoma’. Thus Lord Brahma worshipped Vyoma at Pushkarini Tirtha, Vishnu did his Puja to Voyma through ‘Salagrama’ and Siva prayed to Vyoma from Gandhamadana Mountain. A person who reads or hears the Tributes to Surya by Tri Murtis as above would be bestowed by wealth, health, progeny, Vidya and contentment as also peaceful end of life resulting in Salvation
Lord Brahma eulogized the Virat Swarupa of Surya Deva as follows:
Namastey Deva Devesha Sahasra kiranojjvala,
Loka Deepa Namastestu Namastey Konavallabha/
Bhaskaraaya Namo nityam Khakholkaya Namo Namah,
Vishnavey Kaalachakraaya Somaayaamita tejasey/
Namastey Pancha Kaalaaya Indraaya Vasuretasey,
Khagaaya Lokanathaaya Ekachakra rathaayacha/
Jadvitaya Devaaya Shivaayaamita tejasey,
Tamoghnaaya Surupaaya tejasaam nidhaye namh/
Arthaya Kamarupaaya Dharmaayaamita tejasey,
Mokshaaya Moksha rupaaya Suryaaya Namo Namah/
Krodhalobha viheenaaya lokaanaam sthith hetavey,
Shubhaya Shubharupaaya Shubhadaaya Shubhhaatmaney/
Shantaaya Shantarupaaya Shanatayesmaasu vai namah,
Namastey Brahmarupaaya Braahmanaaya namo namah/
Brahma DevaayaBrahmarupaya Brahmaney Paramaatmaney,
Brahmanye cha prasaadam cha vai kuru Deva Jatpatey/
(Deva Devesha! Loka Deepa! Kona Vallabha! You are the source of phenominal illumination to the whole World; You are all the Deities like Bhaskara, Vishnu, Kaalachakra, Soma, Kaala, Indra, Vasu, Agni, Khaga, Lokanatha rolled in one as the Ekachakri, bestowing propitiousness and positiveness all over; You are the Embodiment of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha; You are the Personification of Tranquility and Peace, devoid of anger, greed, jealousy and partiality; You are the Parabrahma Himself!)
Lord Shiva complimented Surya Deva as follows:
Jaya Bhaava Jayaajeya Jaya Hamsa Diwakara,
Jaya Shambho Mahaabaho Khaga Gochara Bhudhara/
Jaya Loka Pradipaaya Jaya Bhano Jagatpatey,
Jaya Kaala –jayaayanta Samvatsara Shubhaanana/
Jaya Devaaditeh putra Kashyapaananda vardhanah,
Tamoghna Jaya Saptesha Jaya Saptaashva vaahana/
Grahesha Jaya Kaanteesha Jaya Kaalesha Shankara,
Artha Kaamesha Dharmesha Jaya Mokshesha Sharmada/
Jaya Vedaanga Rupaaya Graha Swarupaya vai namah,
Satyaya Sathya Rupaaya Swarupaaya Shubhhaya cha/
Krodha lobha vinaashaya Kaamanaashaya vai Jaya,
Kalmaasha pakshi rupaaya Yati rupaaya Shaambhavey/
Vishvaya Vishva rupaaya Vishva karmaaya vai Jayah,
Jayonkaara Vashatkaara Swaahaakaara Swadhaamaya/
Jayascha Megha rupaayacha Agni rupaaryamaaya cha,
Samsaaraarnava peetaaya Moksha dwara pradaaya cha/
Samsaara arnavamagnasya mama Deva Jagatpatey,
Hastaavalambano Deva Bhava twam Gopatedbhuta/
(Bhagavan Surya Deva! Victory to You the Cause of Universal Existence; You are the Ajeya or the Invincible, Hamsa or Swan like Veda Rupa, Divakara or the Day-Maker, Mahabaahu or the Mighty Handed, Bhudhara or the Holder of Earth, Gochara or the Readily Visible / theTransitor of Planets, Bhava, Khaga, Loka Pradeepa, Jagtpati, Bhanu, Kaala, Ananta, Samvatsara and Shubhaanana or the Auspicious-Faced, Victory to You!
You are the Cause of Happiness of Your Father Kashyapa, the Son of Devi Aditi, Saptaashwa vahana or the Rider of Seven Horses, Saptesha or the Master of the Seven, the Destroyer of Darkness, the Chief of Planets, the Lord of Illumination, Kaalesha, Shankara, the Facilitator of Chaturvarga viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha; You are the Vedanga Rupa, Graha Rupa, Sathya Rupa, Surupa, Destroyer of Anger and such other Enemies of Human Weaknesses, Kalmaasha pakshi Rupa and Yati Rupa; You are the Vishwa Rupa, Vishwakarma, Omkara, Vashatkara or the Controller and the Director of Actions, Swahakara / Swadhaarupa or the offerings to Agni homas; Ashwamedha rupa or the Sacrificial Horse Yagnas; Agni Rupa. Lord Surya, do kindly hold the hand and lead the World! Victory toYou!
Bhagavan Vishnu paid tributes to Surya Deva at his Virat Swarupa as follows:
Namaami Devadevesham Bhutabhavanamavyayam,
Diwaakaram Ravim Bhaanum Maartaandam Bhaskaram Bhagam/
Indra Vishnum Harim Hamsamarka Lokagurum Vibhum,
Trinetram ThraiksharamThriangam Trimurthim Trigatim Shubham/
Shanmukhaya Namo Nityam Trinetraya Namo Namah,
Chaturvimshati Paadaaya Namo Dwaadasha paanaye/
Namastey Bhupataye Lokaanam pathayenamah,
Devaanaam pataye Nithyam varnaanam pathaye namah/
Twam Brahma Twam Jagannatho Rudraswam Prajaapatih,
Twam Somastwam tathaadistyastvam omkaaraka eva hi/
Brihaspatirbudhastwam hi twam Shukrastwam Vibhaavasuh,
Yamastwam Varunastwam hi namastey Kashyapaatmaja/
Twaya tathamidam Sarvam Jagatsthaavara jangamam,
Twat eva Samutpannam Sadevaasura maanusham/
Brahma chaaham cha Rudrascha samutpanno Jagatpatey,
Kalpaadou tu puraa Deva sthitaye Jagatonagha/
Namastey Veda Rupaaya Ahorupaaya vai namah,
Namastey Jnaanarupaya Yagnaaya cha Namo Namah/
Praseedaasmaasu Devesha Bhutesha Kiranojjvala,
Samsaaraanava magnaanaam prasaadam kuru Gopathey,
Vedaantaya Namo Nityam Namo Yagna kalaaya cha/
(Salutaions to You Devadevesha! You are popular by the names of Diwakara, Ravi, Bhanu, Martanda, Bhaskara, Bhaga, Indra, Vishnu, Hari, Hamsa, and Arka; You are Vibhu, Trinetradhaari, Thryaksharatmaka, Thryangatmaka, Trimurti, Trijagati; You have six faces, tewntyfour feet and twelve hands, the Chief of the Occupants of all the Lokas; Jagatswami! It is only You who is Brahma, Rudra, Prajapati, Soma, Aditya, Omkara, Brihaspati, Budha, Shukra, Agni, Bhaga, Varuna, and Kashyapaatmaja. You stretch out the entire Universe comprising all the mobile and immobile Beings; You are the Creator of Devatas, Asuras and Manavas; You are responsible for the materialisation of the World, its preservation and its termination when the Trimurthis were created too’ You alone are the Vedarupa, Divasaswarupa, Yajna and Jnaanarupa; Be kind to us Kiranojjvala, Bhutesha, Gopatey, You are competely absorbed in the affairs of ‘Samsara’, the personification of Vedanta and Yagna Kalaa, Victory be with You!)
As Surya Deva was immensely pleased by the salutations and praises of Tri Murthis, He appeared before them in the Form of Great Illumination and bestowed the boons of Creating, Administering and Extinguishing the World to them respectively. They sought a favour from Surya Deva that since He was essentially a Mass of Heat and Fire without a Figure and Structure, He might please assume a tangible Form of a Murti (Idol) which would facilitate their worship to Him. Surya Deva replied that He could assume four kinds of Murti Swarupas, the first one being of Rajasa Guna signifying Braahmi Shakti which creates the Universe; the Second with Satvika Guna representing Vishnu Shakti being responsible for Preservation and Administration; thirdly with Tamasika Guna of Siva Shakti destroying the Evil, Sins and Immorality; and finally the Omkara which has both Akaara and Niraakaara Swarupas and devotees are advised to worship the last Form which has a ‘Nirlipta’/ ‘Samata’(Balancing) Energy. In fact, Surya desired that the best method of worship would be to direct it to ‘Vyoma’. Thus Lord Brahma worshipped Vyoma at Pushkarini Tirtha, Vishnu did his Puja to Voyma through ‘Salagrama’ and Siva prayed to Vyoma from Gandhamadana Mountain. A person who reads or hears the Tributes to Surya by Tri Murtis as above would be bestowed by wealth, health, progeny, Vidya and contentment as also peaceful end of life resulting in Salvation
4
Surya ‘Aradhana’ and ‘Agni Homa Vidhi’ - Prayers to Dikpalakas,
Nava Grahas, Tri Murtis, Matrikas and Select Deities
Lord Vishnu’s carrier ‘Garuda’ approached Surya Deva’s Charioteer
‘Aruna’ for the best form of ‘Aradhana’ (Worship) to solve
‘Adhi-Vyaadhi’difficulties like diseases, problems posed by Grahas (Planets),
hurdles posed by persons in Power and natural calamities. For instance Garuda
was concerned by a curse since his wings were affected and he could not fly
properly. Aruna assured that there could be no other remedy to tide the
difficulty excepting to resort to the worship of Surya Deva, especially by
‘Agni Homa’ or ‘Paavakarchan’which is highly rewarding. Aruna Deva agreed to
help Garuda to perform the Agni Homa by first setting up Agni, preferably in a
Temple of Surya, at the ‘Agneyakona’ on a clean ground purified by cow-dung and
invoke Dikpalakas by offering ‘Ahuti’ of Ghee in Agni, by saying OM BHURBHUVAH
SWAHAA and reciting the following Mantras:
Aarakta deha rupaya raktakshaaya Mahatmaney,
Dharaadhaaraaya Shaantaaya Sahasraaksha Shiraayacha/
Adho mukhaaya Swetaaya Swaahaa/ (First Aahuti)
Urthwa Mukhaaya Swaaha (Second Ahuti)
Hemavarnaaya Dehaaya Iraayata Gajaayacha,
Sahsraaksha shareeraaya Purvadishayunmukhaayacha/
Devaadhipaaya chendraaya vihastaaya shubhaayacha,
Purvavadanaaya Swaaha (Third Ahuti)
Deeptaaya Vyakta dehaaya Jwalaamaalaa kulaayacha,
Indraneelaabha dehaaya Sarvaarogya karaachacha/
Yamaaya Dharmaraajaaya dakshinaashamukhaayacha,
Krishnaambara dharaaya Swaaha (Fourth Ahuti)
Neelajeemuta varnaaya Raktaambaradharaaya cha,
Muktaaphala shareeraayaPingaakshaaya Mahaatmaney/
Shuklavastraaya Peetaaya Divyapaasha dharaayacha,
Paschimaabhi mukhaaya Swaha (Fifth Ahuti)
Krishna pingala nethraaya Vaayavyaabhimukhaayacha,
Neeladhwajaaya Veeraaya tatha Chandraaya vedhasey/
Pavanaaya Swaaha (Sixth Ahuti)
Gadaahastaaya Suryaaya Chitrastrargbhusanaaya cha,
Mahodayaya Shaantaaya Swaaha adhipatayey tatha/
Uttaraabhimukhaya Mahaadevapriyaya Swaahaa (Seventh Ahuti)
Swetaaya Swetavarnaaya Chitraakshaya Mahaatmaney,
Shaantaaya Shaanta Rupaaya Pinaakavaradhaariney/
Eshaanaabhimukhaaya Swaaha (Eighth Ahuti)
The seven ‘Ahutis’into Agni in favour of Dikpalakas viz. Agni, Kubera, Indra,Yama, Varuna, Vayu and Eshana having been offered, then Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha is recited lakh times and Nava Grahas are appeased by the following Shanti Mantras as follows:
Shantyartha Sarvalokaanaam tatah Shantikamaacharet,
Sindhuraasana Raktaabho Rakta Padmaabhilochanah/
Sahasrakirano Devah Sapaaswarathavaahanah,
Gabhastimaali Bhagavaan Sarva Deva Namaskrutah/
Karothu tey Mahashaanti Graha peedaa nivaaraneem,
Trichakra rathamaarudhaapaam saaramayam thu yah/
Dashaaswavaahano Deva Atreyaschaamrutastavah,
Sheetamshu ramritaatmaacha Kshayavriddhi sananvitah/
Somah Somyena Bhaavena Graha peedaam Vyapohatu/
Padmaraaganibho Bhaumo Madhu pingala lochanah,
Angaarakognisadrusho Graha peedaamVyapohatu/
Pushparaaganibho dehena paripingalah,
Peetamaalyaambaro Budhah peedaanm vyapohatu/
Tapta Gauri Samkaasha Sarva Shaastra vishaarada,
Sarva Deva GuruVipro haarthavarnavaro Munih/
Brihaspatiriti khyata Astra Shaastraparaschah,
Shaantena chetasa sopi Parena susamaahitah/
Graha peedaam vinirjyatya karotu tava shaanikam,
Suryaarchanaparo nityam prasaadaadbhaaskarasya tu/
Himakundendru varnaabho Daitya Daanava pujitah,
Maheswarastato dheemaan Mahaa Sauro Mahaamatih/
Suryarchana paro nityam Shukrah Shuklanibhastadaa,
Neeti Shastra paro nityam graha peedaam vyapohatu /
Naanaa rupa dharo vyakta Avijnaatagatischayah,
notpattir jaayatey yasya nodayapeeditirapi/
Ekachulodwichulascha trisikhah panchasulakah,
Sahasrashira rupastu Chandra Ketu Ravih Sthitah/
Suryaputrogni putrastu, Brahma Vishnu Shivaatmakah,
Aneka shikhirah Ketuh sa tyeh peedaa Vyapohatu/
Etai Grahaa Mahaatmanah Suryaarchana param sadaa,
Shaantam kurvantu tye Hrushthaah Sadaakaalam Hitekshanah/
(With blood-red eyes, thousands of rays, seated on a Seven Horse drawn chariot, with Sindura-like blood red shine, greeted by all Devatas and destroyer of Planet-made obstacles, may Surya Deva bestow Great Peace on us! With cool rays and pleasant vision, Ambrose-like Soul and Sage Atri’s son, may Chandra Deva destroy our Planet-made hurdles to us; With Pingala coloured eyes akin to Agni, may Bhumi Putra Mangala / Bhoumaya give us freedom from all our difficulties on account of Planets; may Budha who wears Peeta orYellow clothes and of peaceful demeanour and mind, do eliminate our Graha-created predicaments to us; May Deva Guru Brihaspati who is an extraordinary Teacher and Guide to all Devas, do remove all our setbacks and save us; May Sukracharya the Rakshasa Guru, the Great Source of Guidance and Trouble Shooting to all negative Shaktis -who is proverbially known for advices that do indeed provide short-term gains of life- bless us with long duration of peace and happiness; May Shaneswara, the son of Surya Deva, who assumes various forms with uncertain ways of movements forward and backward as also the Planets of Rahu and Ketu provide us security from our complications of life and do kindly shield us from all our impediments.)
Thereafter, sincere prayers are to be conducted to Tri - Murthis as follows:
Padmaasanah Padmavarnah Padnapatranibhekshanah,
Kamandaludharah Shreeman Deva Gandhrava pujitah/
Chaturmokho Devapatih Suryarchanah sadaah,
Suraajyeshtho Maha Tejaa Sarva loka Prajaapatih/
Brahma shabdena divyena Brahma Shantih karotumey//
Peetambharo Deva Aatreyeedayitah sadaa,
Shankha Chakra Gadaa paanih Shyamavarna chaturbhujah/
Yagna dehah kramo Deva Athrayeedayitah sada,
Shanka Chakra Gadaa paanirmaadhavo Madhusudanah/
Suryabhaktaanvitho nityam vigatirvigata trayah,
Suryadhyanaparo nityam Vishnuh Shaantim karotutey//
Sashikundendu samkaashoVishrutaabhananairih,
Chaturbhujey Mahaa Tejaah Pushpaarthakrita Shekharah/
Chaturmukho Bhasmadharah Smashaana nilayah sadaa,
Gotraarvishwa nilayastatha cha Kratu dushanah/
Varo Varenyo Varado Devadevo Maheswarah,
Aditya deha sambhutah sa tey Shaantim karotu vai/
(Seated on Lotus, Lotus-coloured, Lotus-eyed, Kamandaludhari, worshipped by Devas and Gandharvas, the Supreme of Devas, Highly Lustrous, the Chief of all Lokas, engaged in his worship of Surya Deva, and engrossed in the Great Resonance of the Word of Brahma, kindly grant us Shanti (Peace) and provide shield to us! Wearing silken clothing and adorned by Shankhu, Chakra, Gadaa and Lotus on his four hands, Yajna Swarupa, Husband of Atreyi and engaged in the meditation of Surya Deva, hey Madhava, Madhusudana and Vishnu! Do confer us Shanti (Tranquility) to us always. Maheswara, You are decorated with Chandra Deva on forehead, Snakes embellished all over the body, the All-Pervasive, Resident of Burial Grounds, Destroyer of Daksha Yagna , the Ash-Sporting Bodied and Devadi Deva: we are beholden to you to endow us Peace and Well-being.)
Following the Prayers to Tri Murtis, the Procedure of ‘Surya Aradhana’ proceeds further with commendations to Matrikas, the most significant being, Brahmaani, Rudraani, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Indraani, Varaahi and Chamundi. May the Prayers grant ‘Shanti’to those who pray to the Matrikas in particular and to humanity as a whole; the Prayers denote that Brahmaani possesses the splendour of Padmaraga jewel, carries ‘Akshayamala’ and ‘Kamandalu’, performing ‘Aradhana’ and giving Blessings to Surya; to Rudraani, also called as Maha Sweta who has the features akin to Moon, Snow and ‘Kunda Pushpa’, is seated on ‘Vrishabha’, holds a Trishula, with Four Hands and Three-Eyes, always immersed in the worship of Shankara; to Kaumari who has ‘Sindura Varna’, with mighty hands carrying a Shula, is fully ornamented, also called Shakti and seated on a Mayuri (Peacock); to Devi Vaishnavi donning ‘Peetaambara vastras’, with four hands clutching Chakra, Gada, Shankha and Padma (Red), worshipped by Devas and destroying ‘Asuras’and bringing happiness to humanity by means of prosperity; to Indraani mounted on Iravata elephant carrying the Vajra weapon, worshipped by Siddhas and Gandharvas, with thousand eyes spread all over her physique and is full grace of befitting the Queen of Heavens; to Vaaraahi with the nose of a ‘Varaha’ (boar), seated on a Varaha, holding the same weapons as Vaishnavi, with such massive strength that could lift up the weight of Earth in one forceful pull; and to the frightful Chamundi who is described as
Ardhakosha Kati kshaama Nirmaamsa snaayubandhanaa,
Karaalavadana Ghora Khadga Ghantoduta Sati/
Kapalamalini Krura Khatvangavara dhaarini,
Arakta Pinga nayana Gajacharmaavigunthitaa/
(Devi Chamundi who is Slender-waisted, with Kankaala Swarupa or fleshless, lean and terrifying Figure; Karaala Vadana or of awe-inspiring face, at once overwhelming, scaring and cruel; the holder of self- indicted body- parts as also of an alarming bell and sword; full of blood and blood shot eyes and wearer of Elephant Skin).Besides there are Matrikas viz. Aakaash Matrikas, Loka Matrikas, Bhuta Matrikas, Vriddhi-Shraddha Matrikas, Pitra-Matru Matrikas of three previous generations and so on. May all the Matrikas impart Shanti (Peace) and Tripti (Contentment)! Other Deities to be propitiated include:
Vinayaka (Ekadamshtrakato Devo Gaja vaktro Mahabalh, Naga Yagnopaveetena Naanaabharana bhushitah/ Sarvaartha Sampaduddhaaro Ganaadhyaksho Varapradah),
Kartikeya (Kartikeyascha Rudrasya changodbhutah Sucharitraha, Kartikeyo Mahateja Adityavaradarpitah/ Shantih Karothutey nityam Balam Soukhyam cha Tejasaa/),
Nandeswara (Shula hastho Mahaapragno NandeeshoRavi bhaavitah, Shantim karothu tey Shanto Dharmaam chamatimuttamam),and
Devi Sarasvati (Bhu lokey tu Bhuvarlokey nivasanti cha ye sadaa, Deva Devaah Shubhaayuktah Shantim Kurvantu tey Sadaa/ Janalokey Maharlokey Paralokey gataascha yeh, tey Sarva muditaa Devaah Shaantim kurvantu tey sadaa / Sarasvati Surya Bhakta Shaant da viddhaatumey/) as also other Deities. Further more, Shanti is sought from Twenty Nakshatras (viz.Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya and Aslesha on the Eastern side of Surya Deva; Magha, Purva / Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati and Vishakha on the Southern side of Surya Deva; Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Purvashadha /Uttaraashadha, Abhjit and Shravan on the Wetern side of Surya Deva and Dhanistha, Shatabhisha, Purva / Uttara Bhadra in the Northern side of Surya Deva); Twelve Rashis viz. Mesha, Simha, Dhanu on the Eastern side of Surya Deva; Vrisha, Kanya, Makara on Surya’s Southern side; Mithuna, Tula and Kumbha on Surya’s Western side and Karka, Vristchika and Meena on the Northern side of Surya Deva; Sapta Rishiganas viz. Kashyapa, Galva, Gargya, Vishwamitra, Daksha, Vasishtha, Markandeya, Kratu, Narada, Bhrigu, Atreya, Bharadwaja, Valmiki, Kaushika, Vaatsya, Shalya, Punarvasu and Shaalankaayana-all engrossed in ‘Surya Aradhana’and their blessings are vital for the purpose of seeking relief from illnesses and other ‘Adhi-Vyadhi’ troubles. Bhagavan Surya’s devotion is also predominant among Daitya rajas like Namuchi, Mahabali Shankha karna and Maha Nath as also Hayagreeva, Prahlada, Agnimukha, Kalanemi were all Surya Deva’s devotees and so were Virochana, Turvasu, Hiranyaksha, Sulochana, Muchukunda, and Raivatak; their Souls are immortal and capable of giving blessings for the welfare of devotees even now.Naga Shanti is yet another area of devotion by which the protection of Ashta Nagas who are eternally engaged in Surya Aradhana is sought. Takshaka, Karkotaka, Shankhapaala, Vasuki, Padma, Ananta, and Nagendra are all illustrious examples of the devotion and safeguard those who too are sincere in the meditation of Surya Deva. Naga Shanti ensures that the entire race of Naga Ganas would never trouble the devotees. Similarly, Surya Aradhana provides guarantee from any difficulties from Sacred Rivers, Yakshas, Mountains, Seas, Rakshasas, Pretas, Piscachas, Apsaras, cruel animals and all the rest. ‘Souri Shanti’ assures shield against not only illness, but also ‘Grahopaghata,’ durbhiksha, blindness, deafness or any other disabilities; physical, psychological, mental shortcomings etc. Garuda whose wings were hacked in the past performed the ‘Shanti Vidhana’ as advised Aruna Deva and he got the refurbished wings back; whoever reads or carefully follows the Procedure of ‘Souri Shanti’would attain mental peace, excellent health, Yagna Phal and ‘Papa Mukti’ or purging of even unforgiveable sins.
Aarakta deha rupaya raktakshaaya Mahatmaney,
Dharaadhaaraaya Shaantaaya Sahasraaksha Shiraayacha/
Adho mukhaaya Swetaaya Swaahaa/ (First Aahuti)
Urthwa Mukhaaya Swaaha (Second Ahuti)
Hemavarnaaya Dehaaya Iraayata Gajaayacha,
Sahsraaksha shareeraaya Purvadishayunmukhaayacha/
Devaadhipaaya chendraaya vihastaaya shubhaayacha,
Purvavadanaaya Swaaha (Third Ahuti)
Deeptaaya Vyakta dehaaya Jwalaamaalaa kulaayacha,
Indraneelaabha dehaaya Sarvaarogya karaachacha/
Yamaaya Dharmaraajaaya dakshinaashamukhaayacha,
Krishnaambara dharaaya Swaaha (Fourth Ahuti)
Neelajeemuta varnaaya Raktaambaradharaaya cha,
Muktaaphala shareeraayaPingaakshaaya Mahaatmaney/
Shuklavastraaya Peetaaya Divyapaasha dharaayacha,
Paschimaabhi mukhaaya Swaha (Fifth Ahuti)
Krishna pingala nethraaya Vaayavyaabhimukhaayacha,
Neeladhwajaaya Veeraaya tatha Chandraaya vedhasey/
Pavanaaya Swaaha (Sixth Ahuti)
Gadaahastaaya Suryaaya Chitrastrargbhusanaaya cha,
Mahodayaya Shaantaaya Swaaha adhipatayey tatha/
Uttaraabhimukhaya Mahaadevapriyaya Swaahaa (Seventh Ahuti)
Swetaaya Swetavarnaaya Chitraakshaya Mahaatmaney,
Shaantaaya Shaanta Rupaaya Pinaakavaradhaariney/
Eshaanaabhimukhaaya Swaaha (Eighth Ahuti)
The seven ‘Ahutis’into Agni in favour of Dikpalakas viz. Agni, Kubera, Indra,Yama, Varuna, Vayu and Eshana having been offered, then Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha is recited lakh times and Nava Grahas are appeased by the following Shanti Mantras as follows:
Shantyartha Sarvalokaanaam tatah Shantikamaacharet,
Sindhuraasana Raktaabho Rakta Padmaabhilochanah/
Sahasrakirano Devah Sapaaswarathavaahanah,
Gabhastimaali Bhagavaan Sarva Deva Namaskrutah/
Karothu tey Mahashaanti Graha peedaa nivaaraneem,
Trichakra rathamaarudhaapaam saaramayam thu yah/
Dashaaswavaahano Deva Atreyaschaamrutastavah,
Sheetamshu ramritaatmaacha Kshayavriddhi sananvitah/
Somah Somyena Bhaavena Graha peedaam Vyapohatu/
Padmaraaganibho Bhaumo Madhu pingala lochanah,
Angaarakognisadrusho Graha peedaamVyapohatu/
Pushparaaganibho dehena paripingalah,
Peetamaalyaambaro Budhah peedaanm vyapohatu/
Tapta Gauri Samkaasha Sarva Shaastra vishaarada,
Sarva Deva GuruVipro haarthavarnavaro Munih/
Brihaspatiriti khyata Astra Shaastraparaschah,
Shaantena chetasa sopi Parena susamaahitah/
Graha peedaam vinirjyatya karotu tava shaanikam,
Suryaarchanaparo nityam prasaadaadbhaaskarasya tu/
Himakundendru varnaabho Daitya Daanava pujitah,
Maheswarastato dheemaan Mahaa Sauro Mahaamatih/
Suryarchana paro nityam Shukrah Shuklanibhastadaa,
Neeti Shastra paro nityam graha peedaam vyapohatu /
Naanaa rupa dharo vyakta Avijnaatagatischayah,
notpattir jaayatey yasya nodayapeeditirapi/
Ekachulodwichulascha trisikhah panchasulakah,
Sahasrashira rupastu Chandra Ketu Ravih Sthitah/
Suryaputrogni putrastu, Brahma Vishnu Shivaatmakah,
Aneka shikhirah Ketuh sa tyeh peedaa Vyapohatu/
Etai Grahaa Mahaatmanah Suryaarchana param sadaa,
Shaantam kurvantu tye Hrushthaah Sadaakaalam Hitekshanah/
(With blood-red eyes, thousands of rays, seated on a Seven Horse drawn chariot, with Sindura-like blood red shine, greeted by all Devatas and destroyer of Planet-made obstacles, may Surya Deva bestow Great Peace on us! With cool rays and pleasant vision, Ambrose-like Soul and Sage Atri’s son, may Chandra Deva destroy our Planet-made hurdles to us; With Pingala coloured eyes akin to Agni, may Bhumi Putra Mangala / Bhoumaya give us freedom from all our difficulties on account of Planets; may Budha who wears Peeta orYellow clothes and of peaceful demeanour and mind, do eliminate our Graha-created predicaments to us; May Deva Guru Brihaspati who is an extraordinary Teacher and Guide to all Devas, do remove all our setbacks and save us; May Sukracharya the Rakshasa Guru, the Great Source of Guidance and Trouble Shooting to all negative Shaktis -who is proverbially known for advices that do indeed provide short-term gains of life- bless us with long duration of peace and happiness; May Shaneswara, the son of Surya Deva, who assumes various forms with uncertain ways of movements forward and backward as also the Planets of Rahu and Ketu provide us security from our complications of life and do kindly shield us from all our impediments.)
Thereafter, sincere prayers are to be conducted to Tri - Murthis as follows:
Padmaasanah Padmavarnah Padnapatranibhekshanah,
Kamandaludharah Shreeman Deva Gandhrava pujitah/
Chaturmokho Devapatih Suryarchanah sadaah,
Suraajyeshtho Maha Tejaa Sarva loka Prajaapatih/
Brahma shabdena divyena Brahma Shantih karotumey//
Peetambharo Deva Aatreyeedayitah sadaa,
Shankha Chakra Gadaa paanih Shyamavarna chaturbhujah/
Yagna dehah kramo Deva Athrayeedayitah sada,
Shanka Chakra Gadaa paanirmaadhavo Madhusudanah/
Suryabhaktaanvitho nityam vigatirvigata trayah,
Suryadhyanaparo nityam Vishnuh Shaantim karotutey//
Sashikundendu samkaashoVishrutaabhananairih,
Chaturbhujey Mahaa Tejaah Pushpaarthakrita Shekharah/
Chaturmukho Bhasmadharah Smashaana nilayah sadaa,
Gotraarvishwa nilayastatha cha Kratu dushanah/
Varo Varenyo Varado Devadevo Maheswarah,
Aditya deha sambhutah sa tey Shaantim karotu vai/
(Seated on Lotus, Lotus-coloured, Lotus-eyed, Kamandaludhari, worshipped by Devas and Gandharvas, the Supreme of Devas, Highly Lustrous, the Chief of all Lokas, engaged in his worship of Surya Deva, and engrossed in the Great Resonance of the Word of Brahma, kindly grant us Shanti (Peace) and provide shield to us! Wearing silken clothing and adorned by Shankhu, Chakra, Gadaa and Lotus on his four hands, Yajna Swarupa, Husband of Atreyi and engaged in the meditation of Surya Deva, hey Madhava, Madhusudana and Vishnu! Do confer us Shanti (Tranquility) to us always. Maheswara, You are decorated with Chandra Deva on forehead, Snakes embellished all over the body, the All-Pervasive, Resident of Burial Grounds, Destroyer of Daksha Yagna , the Ash-Sporting Bodied and Devadi Deva: we are beholden to you to endow us Peace and Well-being.)
Following the Prayers to Tri Murtis, the Procedure of ‘Surya Aradhana’ proceeds further with commendations to Matrikas, the most significant being, Brahmaani, Rudraani, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Indraani, Varaahi and Chamundi. May the Prayers grant ‘Shanti’to those who pray to the Matrikas in particular and to humanity as a whole; the Prayers denote that Brahmaani possesses the splendour of Padmaraga jewel, carries ‘Akshayamala’ and ‘Kamandalu’, performing ‘Aradhana’ and giving Blessings to Surya; to Rudraani, also called as Maha Sweta who has the features akin to Moon, Snow and ‘Kunda Pushpa’, is seated on ‘Vrishabha’, holds a Trishula, with Four Hands and Three-Eyes, always immersed in the worship of Shankara; to Kaumari who has ‘Sindura Varna’, with mighty hands carrying a Shula, is fully ornamented, also called Shakti and seated on a Mayuri (Peacock); to Devi Vaishnavi donning ‘Peetaambara vastras’, with four hands clutching Chakra, Gada, Shankha and Padma (Red), worshipped by Devas and destroying ‘Asuras’and bringing happiness to humanity by means of prosperity; to Indraani mounted on Iravata elephant carrying the Vajra weapon, worshipped by Siddhas and Gandharvas, with thousand eyes spread all over her physique and is full grace of befitting the Queen of Heavens; to Vaaraahi with the nose of a ‘Varaha’ (boar), seated on a Varaha, holding the same weapons as Vaishnavi, with such massive strength that could lift up the weight of Earth in one forceful pull; and to the frightful Chamundi who is described as
Ardhakosha Kati kshaama Nirmaamsa snaayubandhanaa,
Karaalavadana Ghora Khadga Ghantoduta Sati/
Kapalamalini Krura Khatvangavara dhaarini,
Arakta Pinga nayana Gajacharmaavigunthitaa/
(Devi Chamundi who is Slender-waisted, with Kankaala Swarupa or fleshless, lean and terrifying Figure; Karaala Vadana or of awe-inspiring face, at once overwhelming, scaring and cruel; the holder of self- indicted body- parts as also of an alarming bell and sword; full of blood and blood shot eyes and wearer of Elephant Skin).Besides there are Matrikas viz. Aakaash Matrikas, Loka Matrikas, Bhuta Matrikas, Vriddhi-Shraddha Matrikas, Pitra-Matru Matrikas of three previous generations and so on. May all the Matrikas impart Shanti (Peace) and Tripti (Contentment)! Other Deities to be propitiated include:
Vinayaka (Ekadamshtrakato Devo Gaja vaktro Mahabalh, Naga Yagnopaveetena Naanaabharana bhushitah/ Sarvaartha Sampaduddhaaro Ganaadhyaksho Varapradah),
Kartikeya (Kartikeyascha Rudrasya changodbhutah Sucharitraha, Kartikeyo Mahateja Adityavaradarpitah/ Shantih Karothutey nityam Balam Soukhyam cha Tejasaa/),
Nandeswara (Shula hastho Mahaapragno NandeeshoRavi bhaavitah, Shantim karothu tey Shanto Dharmaam chamatimuttamam),and
Devi Sarasvati (Bhu lokey tu Bhuvarlokey nivasanti cha ye sadaa, Deva Devaah Shubhaayuktah Shantim Kurvantu tey Sadaa/ Janalokey Maharlokey Paralokey gataascha yeh, tey Sarva muditaa Devaah Shaantim kurvantu tey sadaa / Sarasvati Surya Bhakta Shaant da viddhaatumey/) as also other Deities. Further more, Shanti is sought from Twenty Nakshatras (viz.Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya and Aslesha on the Eastern side of Surya Deva; Magha, Purva / Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati and Vishakha on the Southern side of Surya Deva; Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Moola, Purvashadha /Uttaraashadha, Abhjit and Shravan on the Wetern side of Surya Deva and Dhanistha, Shatabhisha, Purva / Uttara Bhadra in the Northern side of Surya Deva); Twelve Rashis viz. Mesha, Simha, Dhanu on the Eastern side of Surya Deva; Vrisha, Kanya, Makara on Surya’s Southern side; Mithuna, Tula and Kumbha on Surya’s Western side and Karka, Vristchika and Meena on the Northern side of Surya Deva; Sapta Rishiganas viz. Kashyapa, Galva, Gargya, Vishwamitra, Daksha, Vasishtha, Markandeya, Kratu, Narada, Bhrigu, Atreya, Bharadwaja, Valmiki, Kaushika, Vaatsya, Shalya, Punarvasu and Shaalankaayana-all engrossed in ‘Surya Aradhana’and their blessings are vital for the purpose of seeking relief from illnesses and other ‘Adhi-Vyadhi’ troubles. Bhagavan Surya’s devotion is also predominant among Daitya rajas like Namuchi, Mahabali Shankha karna and Maha Nath as also Hayagreeva, Prahlada, Agnimukha, Kalanemi were all Surya Deva’s devotees and so were Virochana, Turvasu, Hiranyaksha, Sulochana, Muchukunda, and Raivatak; their Souls are immortal and capable of giving blessings for the welfare of devotees even now.Naga Shanti is yet another area of devotion by which the protection of Ashta Nagas who are eternally engaged in Surya Aradhana is sought. Takshaka, Karkotaka, Shankhapaala, Vasuki, Padma, Ananta, and Nagendra are all illustrious examples of the devotion and safeguard those who too are sincere in the meditation of Surya Deva. Naga Shanti ensures that the entire race of Naga Ganas would never trouble the devotees. Similarly, Surya Aradhana provides guarantee from any difficulties from Sacred Rivers, Yakshas, Mountains, Seas, Rakshasas, Pretas, Piscachas, Apsaras, cruel animals and all the rest. ‘Souri Shanti’ assures shield against not only illness, but also ‘Grahopaghata,’ durbhiksha, blindness, deafness or any other disabilities; physical, psychological, mental shortcomings etc. Garuda whose wings were hacked in the past performed the ‘Shanti Vidhana’ as advised Aruna Deva and he got the refurbished wings back; whoever reads or carefully follows the Procedure of ‘Souri Shanti’would attain mental peace, excellent health, Yagna Phal and ‘Papa Mukti’ or purging of even unforgiveable sins.
5
Formal Procedure of ‘Arghya Pradaan’ and ‘Puja’ to Aditya
Deva
Bhishma of Mahabharata fame expressed his doubt to Veda Vyasa as
to why all the Devatas greet Aditya Deva foremost even before praying to Tri
Murtis! Is Aditya really so important? Veda Vyasa mildly admonished Bhishma for
this rather ridiculous doubt since at the beginning of Srishti when the
Universe was submerged in darkness; it was Aditya or the Very First Deity who
was materialised to illuminate although he was provided a worldy Appearance as
the son of Aditi and Kashyapa Muni afterwards. Tri Murtis worship Aditya not to
mention of others! Bhishma’s equally naïve question was expressed to Veda Vyasa
as to why Rahu Devata was able to devour Surya Deva if he was described as so
significant in the order of Priority and Surya Grahanas (Solar Eclipses happen
from time to time! Veda Vyas replied that nobody could indeed devour Surya
Deva; it is believed that as Rahu was desirous of entering the Viman carrying
Amrit, a few drops spilt out from the Viman which almost scraped Rahu and made
him immortal. But the fact of the matter is that Rahu is right under the Surya
Bimba and it is a visual fallacy that the crossing of the two Planets of Surya
and Rahu at specified and predictable timings gives an impression that Surya
gradually disappeared for a while; the process of the mutual crossing of the
two Planets concealed the appearance of Surya causing the ‘Grahan’ or Eclipse!
Thus there was no question of Surya Deva being controlled by any force in the
Universe since He indeed is the Super Controller of the ‘Charaachara Jagat’ or
the Moveable and Immobile Objects of the World responsible for Creation /
Destruction; the concepts of Days, Nights, Dharma, Adharma etc. are all his
patented ones; and basically He is the be-all and end-all of everything
literally! Indeed those who observe devoted worship to Bhakara achieve instant
access to Shakti, Courage, Siddhi, ‘Auyshadhi’, Dhana-Dhanya, Suvarna,
Sowbhagya, Arogya, Kirti, Putra and Poutra and Mukti!
Then Bhishma requested Veda Vyasa for guidance about the formal Soura Dharma Snaana Vidhi. At the outset, one has to apply ‘Mrittika’ from a Water Source like Sea, River/Waterbody, apply the same on the human body with the Mantra:
Apavitrah Pavitrovaa Sarvaavasthangatopiva
Yassmaret Pundareeksham sabaahyaabhyantara sshuchih
(In whatever condition of cleanliness or otherwise that we are, may we remember Pundarikaaksha and secure out worldy on inwardly Purity); then, one performs the formal ‘Snaana’, remembering the Greatness of Surya Deva and reciting HRAAM HREEM SAAH, followed by ‘Achamana’or sipping spoonful of water; later on continue with Tarpanas to Rishis and Pitaras; proceed with ‘Sandhya Vandana’ and utter the Hraam Hreem Mantra or Kakolakaya Namaha water while offering to Surya Deva.This formal ‘Arghya Praddan’ is followed by Surya Puja. After performing ‘Kara Nyaas’ and ‘Anga Nyas’ with Surya Mantras, set up Surya Pratima (Idol) on a designated platform over an ‘Ashta Kamala’ format; decorate with flowers, Gandha or Sandal Paste, incense sticks, Lighting Stands, Fruits and other Naivedya material and such other pre-puja arrangements. There after position Sarvatomukhi Devi in the middle and arrange on the Ishaana Kona the Ashta Surya Shaktis viz. Deepta, Sukshma, Jaya, Bhadra, Vibhuti, Vimala, Vidyuta and Sarvamukhi. These Shaktis are propitiated first: Avaahayaami, Sthapayami Pujayami Mantras be recited in favour of Shaktis viz. Udyutyam Jaatavedasam and Agnim Dutam (Yajur Veda). Then Bhagavan Surya is propitiated by the two Yajur Veda Mantras viz. Aa Krishnena Rajasaam and Hamsah Shuchishadam. Then again Deepta Devi’s puja is performed by the Mantra Apaptey tarakam; Sukshma Devi is worshipped by the Mantra: Adrusyamasya ketavom; Taranir Viswadarshatom is the Mantra for Jaya; Pratyangi Devaanaam is meant for Bhadra; Yena Paavaka Chakshaam in favour of Vibhuti Devi; Vidyameshim is the Puja Mantra in favour of Vimala Devi; similarly Amogha, Vidyuta and Sarvatomukhi are worshiped by appropriate Mantras. Then the important procedure of Puja of Surya Deva Pratima follows: with Ishe thvom Mantra Surya’s Sirah Pujaami; Agnimeeleym Dakshina Hastaam Pujayaami; Agna Aa yaahim, Charanam Pujayaami; Aa Jighnam Pushpamala Samarpayaam; Yoge Yogem Pushanjali samarpayami; Samudra gaccham, Imam me Gangey and samudra Jeyshthaam angaraagaam snapayaami; then Snaanaas or Abhishekas with the following materials as per Mantras respectively:
Aa payaayaswam (Dugdha Snaan),Dadhi kraavrunno (Dadhi Snaan),Tejosi Shukram (Ghrita Snaan),Ya Aoushadhim (Aoushadhi snaan),Dwipaan (Udyurtan or lift up the Pratima), Maa Nastokey (Punah snaana or repeat Snaana),Vishno raraatam(Gandha jala Snaan), Swarna Dharmam (Paadya Mantra), Idam Vishnurvi Chakramey ( Arghya pradaan), Vedosim (Yagnopaveeta),Brihaspatem (Vastra dwayam), Dhurasi Dhurvam (Dhupam along with Guggula), Sahasra sirshaa (Mastka or Head Puja), Sambhaavayaam (Eyes), Vishvata Chakshuh(Saraanagyaani Pujayaami) and finally Shreescha tey Lakshmischatey/
The above is the Puja Vidhaana of Bhagavan Surya.
Thus Veda Vyasa stated emphatically to Bhishma that there need not be no misguided conceptions about the Absolute Supremacy of Surya Deva, that there could never be a better Well- Wisher of the enire World, that his Aradhana would be a key to appease any negative forces to humanity including the fear of Kings, thieves, Grahas, Serpents, diseases, poverty, natural disasters and the like; instead he would be a pro-active Entity to rally round all positive Shaktis taking hundred firm steps forward to ensure human success against even a faltering step taken by a person in reverence to him. A devotee’s ‘Aradhana’ in his favour, especially on Sankranti, during Grahanas, on Sundays and other auspicious days by observing austerities, charities, Agni Karyas, Prayers, Surya Namaskaras, or just a sincere greeting to his Bimba so readily visible on the sky on daily basis would assure quality life in ‘Iham’ (this World) and ‘Param’ (Other World).
Then Bhishma requested Veda Vyasa for guidance about the formal Soura Dharma Snaana Vidhi. At the outset, one has to apply ‘Mrittika’ from a Water Source like Sea, River/Waterbody, apply the same on the human body with the Mantra:
Apavitrah Pavitrovaa Sarvaavasthangatopiva
Yassmaret Pundareeksham sabaahyaabhyantara sshuchih
(In whatever condition of cleanliness or otherwise that we are, may we remember Pundarikaaksha and secure out worldy on inwardly Purity); then, one performs the formal ‘Snaana’, remembering the Greatness of Surya Deva and reciting HRAAM HREEM SAAH, followed by ‘Achamana’or sipping spoonful of water; later on continue with Tarpanas to Rishis and Pitaras; proceed with ‘Sandhya Vandana’ and utter the Hraam Hreem Mantra or Kakolakaya Namaha water while offering to Surya Deva.This formal ‘Arghya Praddan’ is followed by Surya Puja. After performing ‘Kara Nyaas’ and ‘Anga Nyas’ with Surya Mantras, set up Surya Pratima (Idol) on a designated platform over an ‘Ashta Kamala’ format; decorate with flowers, Gandha or Sandal Paste, incense sticks, Lighting Stands, Fruits and other Naivedya material and such other pre-puja arrangements. There after position Sarvatomukhi Devi in the middle and arrange on the Ishaana Kona the Ashta Surya Shaktis viz. Deepta, Sukshma, Jaya, Bhadra, Vibhuti, Vimala, Vidyuta and Sarvamukhi. These Shaktis are propitiated first: Avaahayaami, Sthapayami Pujayami Mantras be recited in favour of Shaktis viz. Udyutyam Jaatavedasam and Agnim Dutam (Yajur Veda). Then Bhagavan Surya is propitiated by the two Yajur Veda Mantras viz. Aa Krishnena Rajasaam and Hamsah Shuchishadam. Then again Deepta Devi’s puja is performed by the Mantra Apaptey tarakam; Sukshma Devi is worshipped by the Mantra: Adrusyamasya ketavom; Taranir Viswadarshatom is the Mantra for Jaya; Pratyangi Devaanaam is meant for Bhadra; Yena Paavaka Chakshaam in favour of Vibhuti Devi; Vidyameshim is the Puja Mantra in favour of Vimala Devi; similarly Amogha, Vidyuta and Sarvatomukhi are worshiped by appropriate Mantras. Then the important procedure of Puja of Surya Deva Pratima follows: with Ishe thvom Mantra Surya’s Sirah Pujaami; Agnimeeleym Dakshina Hastaam Pujayaami; Agna Aa yaahim, Charanam Pujayaami; Aa Jighnam Pushpamala Samarpayaam; Yoge Yogem Pushanjali samarpayami; Samudra gaccham, Imam me Gangey and samudra Jeyshthaam angaraagaam snapayaami; then Snaanaas or Abhishekas with the following materials as per Mantras respectively:
Aa payaayaswam (Dugdha Snaan),Dadhi kraavrunno (Dadhi Snaan),Tejosi Shukram (Ghrita Snaan),Ya Aoushadhim (Aoushadhi snaan),Dwipaan (Udyurtan or lift up the Pratima), Maa Nastokey (Punah snaana or repeat Snaana),Vishno raraatam(Gandha jala Snaan), Swarna Dharmam (Paadya Mantra), Idam Vishnurvi Chakramey ( Arghya pradaan), Vedosim (Yagnopaveeta),Brihaspatem (Vastra dwayam), Dhurasi Dhurvam (Dhupam along with Guggula), Sahasra sirshaa (Mastka or Head Puja), Sambhaavayaam (Eyes), Vishvata Chakshuh(Saraanagyaani Pujayaami) and finally Shreescha tey Lakshmischatey/
The above is the Puja Vidhaana of Bhagavan Surya.
Thus Veda Vyasa stated emphatically to Bhishma that there need not be no misguided conceptions about the Absolute Supremacy of Surya Deva, that there could never be a better Well- Wisher of the enire World, that his Aradhana would be a key to appease any negative forces to humanity including the fear of Kings, thieves, Grahas, Serpents, diseases, poverty, natural disasters and the like; instead he would be a pro-active Entity to rally round all positive Shaktis taking hundred firm steps forward to ensure human success against even a faltering step taken by a person in reverence to him. A devotee’s ‘Aradhana’ in his favour, especially on Sankranti, during Grahanas, on Sundays and other auspicious days by observing austerities, charities, Agni Karyas, Prayers, Surya Namaskaras, or just a sincere greeting to his Bimba so readily visible on the sky on daily basis would assure quality life in ‘Iham’ (this World) and ‘Param’ (Other World).
6
‘Agni Kunda Nirman’ and ‘Shodasopacharas’ in ‘Agni Puja’
Depending on the purposes for which ‘Agni Karyas’ are meant, or
the number of ‘Ahutis’or Offerings are decided, Agni Kundas are constructed
accordingly and these are broadly of ten types viz. Chaukore, Vruth, Padma,
Artha Chandra, Yoni Akrutika, Chandraakar, Panchakona, Saptakona, Ashtakona and
Nava kona. Indeed, no ‘homa’ or Yagna is ever attempted without an
Objective-either for a personal gain or for ‘Jana Kalyan’ or General
Propitiousness or sometimes even negatively motivated! Also the number of
‘Ahutis’ (homas) might vary from modest numbers to hundred, thousand, Ayut,
Lakh, Crore! Graha Shanti is the normal objective aiming at ‘Shanti’ and
‘Pushti’ or Peace and Well-Being; but when Yagnas are organised for General
Objectives like Success in Battles, Eradication of Epidemics, Floods, Earth
Quakes etc. the number of Ahutis is to be at least ten thousand or even a
lakh.But if homas are performed for Evil Purposes, the results might initially
be fruitful, but in the long run, they tend to be self-destructive! Agni Kunda
has to be blemishless without impurities like hair, bones and excreta; the
entire bhumi must be dug up deep, watered and seeded to ensure quick sprouting
of seedlings. The Kunda area must be purified with Omkara, sprinkled with kusha
grass water of a holy river preferably; in fact there are eighteen prescribed
‘Samskaras’ of Purifying Exercises before installing Agni in the Fire-Pit. At
the time of Installation of Agni in the Kund, the Agni Beeja Mantra viz. ‘ram’
as also Shiva Beeja Mantra ‘Sham’ be recited to infuse Shiva Shakti into Agni
along with sprinkling of Kusha grass water. This process ensures the fulfilment
of the targetted objective of the Ahutis.Having installed Agni in the Kund,
worship of Devi Bhagavati and Bhagavan is to be performed with ‘Arghya’,
‘Paadya’ and ‘Achamaneeya’. The relevant Mantra to propitiate Agni is Pithru
Pingala daha daha pacha pacha Sarvajnaajnaapaya swaaha/ Agni Deva is stated to
utilise three of his ‘Jihvas’ (tongues) viz. Hiranya, Kankaa and Krishna (The
Sapta Jihvas are stated to be Viswa Murti, Sphulingini,Dhumravarna, Manojava,
Lohitasya, Karaalaasya and Kaali, as described elsewhere). The Samidha material
used for different kinds of Homas vary too; for example, in Ajyahoma Tri Madhu
(Milk, Sugar and Honey) is used, likewise, Anna and Payasa, Gold, Padmaraga,
Bilwa patras, Tilas (in Pitru homa), Candana, Agaru, Camphor, Gandha etc. are used
in different types of Yagnas such as Naitthia Karma, Ikshu homa, Deva Homa,
Padma homa etc. Full care must be taken while the specified material is
utilised as other wise adverse effects might have to be faced!
Before taking up Agni Puja with Shodasopacharas, a devotee should invoke the Moola Devatha Trinetra Ishwara by offering red flowers.Then welcome Kamadeva, Indra, Varaaha and Kartikeya at the four entry points. The Sixteen Services to Agni Deva should be provided as follows: Aasana Mantra: Twamaadih Sarva bhutaanaam Samsaara -arnava taarakah Paramajyoti rupastvamaasanam saphalee kuru (Agni Deva! You are the uplifter and saviour of the humanity from the deep Oceans of ‘Samsara’ and also the ‘Parama Jyoti’; do accept a Seat before we initiate our sincere Puja); Prarthana Mantra: Vaiswanara Namastestu Namastey Havyavaahana, Swaagatam tey Surashreshtha Shaantim kuru namostutey/ (Vaiswanara Deva! Havyavahana! We are beholden on your arrival and welcome sincerely; kindly grant us Peace); Padya Mantra: Namastey Bhagavan Deva Aaponarayanatmaka, Sarvaloka hitaarthaya Padyam cha prati –gruhnataam/ (Jala Swarupa Narayana! Accept water for washing your feet and bless us) Arghya Mantra: Narayana Paramdhaama Jyoti Rupa Sanatana, Gruhaanaarghya mayaa dattam Viswarupa Namostutey (Vishwa Rupa! Jyoti Rupa! Sanatana Deva! Paramdhaama! Narayana! My salutations to you; Please accept this ‘Arghyam’ being offered by me reverentially); Achamaneeya Mantra: Jagadaaditya rupena Prakaashayati yah sadaa, Tasmai Prakaasha Rupaaya Namastey Jaatavedasey/ (As you are resplendent in the Form of Aditya Rupa, Jata Veda, Prakasha Swarupa and Vaisvaanara, do oblige us by accepting this Achamaneeya water!); Snaaneeya Mantra: Dhananjaya Namasteystu Sarva Paapapranaashana, Snaaneeyam tey mayaadatam Sarva kaamaartha siddhaye/ (My greetings to You Janaardana! Kindly accept this holy water to bathe you in a formal manner and grant us accomplishment of various ‘Siddhis’ or Spiritual Achievement); Anga prokshana evam Vastra dhaarana Mantra: Hutaashana Mahaa baaho Deva Deva Sanaatana, Sharanam tey pragacchhaami dehi mey paramam padam/ (Devadeva! Sanaatana! Hutaashana! Mahabaaho! I am in your shelter. Kindly acknowledge this ‘Anga Prokshana’or Sprinkling of water over Your Body Parts and also clothing); Alankara Mantra: Jyotishaam Jyoti Rupastvamanaadi nidhanaatchyuta, mayaadatthamalankaaram kuru Namostutey! (Agni Deva! You are such as would never step down from your high pedestal; You have neither begining nor end; You are the Parama Jyoti Rupa; my reverences to You; kindly accept these ornaments and ‘Alamkaras’or beautifiers and oblige); Gandha Mantra: Deva Deva mudamyaanti yasya Samyak samaagamaat, Sarva doshopashaantyartha Gandheyam pratigruhyataam/ (Deva! All the Deities do calm down in Your august Presence; do accept this Sandal paste as a symbol of Your kind acceptance); Pushpa Mantra: Vishnustwamhi Brahmaa cha Jyotishaam Gatirishwara, GruhaanaPushpam Devesha Saanulepam Jagad bhavet/ (Devesha, You are Brahma, Vihnu and the route to Jyotisha and Eshwara; do accept these flowers since they would enhance the fragrance of the whole World); Dhupa Mantra: Devataanaam Pitrunaamcha Sukhamekam Sanaatanam, Dhupeyam Deva Devesha gruhnataam mey Dhanamjaya ( Deva Devesha Dhanamjaya! You are the unique provider of happiness to Devatas and Pitras; please allow this ‘Dhupa’ to bring this aroma all over); Deepa Mantra: Twamekah Sarva Bhuteshu Sthavareshu Chareshu cha, Paramatmaa Paraakaarah Pradeepah pratigruhnataam/ (Paramaatma who is stretched all over among the Beings in the Universe! Your Profile is indeed outstanding and stupendous; please increase the splendour manifold by accepting this token Light and endowing us with happiness); Naivedya Mantra: Namostu Yagnapataye Prabavey Jaatavedasey, Sarvaloka hitaarthaaya Naivedyam pratiguhnataam/ (Yagnapati Jaataveda! You are the Almighty and the Supreme Source of Propitiousness; This Naivedya or offering of ‘Anna Prashad’is being proffered to You for the contenment of the whole Universe); besides these there are more Services offered to Agni Deva such as Mantra Pushpam, Pradakhisna, Mangala Arati, Veda Parayana and Swasti. Purnahuti denotes the successful conclusion of any Agni Karya, without which the holy task remains inconclusive and fruitless. Recital of relevant Mantras at the Purnahuti normally covers ‘Sapta tey’--, ‘Dehi mey’--, ‘Purnaa darvi’--, ‘Punantum’ etc. Purnahuti needs to be performed while standing, but never seated. Also, depending on the type of the Yagna, the relevant Mantras describing the concerned Rishis, Chanda and Devatas invoked would be essential. During the Japa-sessions, count of the necessary number of the Mantras is crucial too. The number of Ritvijas is also as prescribed. The purpose for which the Yagnas are performed should be fulfilled indeed, if executed as prescribed
Before taking up Agni Puja with Shodasopacharas, a devotee should invoke the Moola Devatha Trinetra Ishwara by offering red flowers.Then welcome Kamadeva, Indra, Varaaha and Kartikeya at the four entry points. The Sixteen Services to Agni Deva should be provided as follows: Aasana Mantra: Twamaadih Sarva bhutaanaam Samsaara -arnava taarakah Paramajyoti rupastvamaasanam saphalee kuru (Agni Deva! You are the uplifter and saviour of the humanity from the deep Oceans of ‘Samsara’ and also the ‘Parama Jyoti’; do accept a Seat before we initiate our sincere Puja); Prarthana Mantra: Vaiswanara Namastestu Namastey Havyavaahana, Swaagatam tey Surashreshtha Shaantim kuru namostutey/ (Vaiswanara Deva! Havyavahana! We are beholden on your arrival and welcome sincerely; kindly grant us Peace); Padya Mantra: Namastey Bhagavan Deva Aaponarayanatmaka, Sarvaloka hitaarthaya Padyam cha prati –gruhnataam/ (Jala Swarupa Narayana! Accept water for washing your feet and bless us) Arghya Mantra: Narayana Paramdhaama Jyoti Rupa Sanatana, Gruhaanaarghya mayaa dattam Viswarupa Namostutey (Vishwa Rupa! Jyoti Rupa! Sanatana Deva! Paramdhaama! Narayana! My salutations to you; Please accept this ‘Arghyam’ being offered by me reverentially); Achamaneeya Mantra: Jagadaaditya rupena Prakaashayati yah sadaa, Tasmai Prakaasha Rupaaya Namastey Jaatavedasey/ (As you are resplendent in the Form of Aditya Rupa, Jata Veda, Prakasha Swarupa and Vaisvaanara, do oblige us by accepting this Achamaneeya water!); Snaaneeya Mantra: Dhananjaya Namasteystu Sarva Paapapranaashana, Snaaneeyam tey mayaadatam Sarva kaamaartha siddhaye/ (My greetings to You Janaardana! Kindly accept this holy water to bathe you in a formal manner and grant us accomplishment of various ‘Siddhis’ or Spiritual Achievement); Anga prokshana evam Vastra dhaarana Mantra: Hutaashana Mahaa baaho Deva Deva Sanaatana, Sharanam tey pragacchhaami dehi mey paramam padam/ (Devadeva! Sanaatana! Hutaashana! Mahabaaho! I am in your shelter. Kindly acknowledge this ‘Anga Prokshana’or Sprinkling of water over Your Body Parts and also clothing); Alankara Mantra: Jyotishaam Jyoti Rupastvamanaadi nidhanaatchyuta, mayaadatthamalankaaram kuru Namostutey! (Agni Deva! You are such as would never step down from your high pedestal; You have neither begining nor end; You are the Parama Jyoti Rupa; my reverences to You; kindly accept these ornaments and ‘Alamkaras’or beautifiers and oblige); Gandha Mantra: Deva Deva mudamyaanti yasya Samyak samaagamaat, Sarva doshopashaantyartha Gandheyam pratigruhyataam/ (Deva! All the Deities do calm down in Your august Presence; do accept this Sandal paste as a symbol of Your kind acceptance); Pushpa Mantra: Vishnustwamhi Brahmaa cha Jyotishaam Gatirishwara, GruhaanaPushpam Devesha Saanulepam Jagad bhavet/ (Devesha, You are Brahma, Vihnu and the route to Jyotisha and Eshwara; do accept these flowers since they would enhance the fragrance of the whole World); Dhupa Mantra: Devataanaam Pitrunaamcha Sukhamekam Sanaatanam, Dhupeyam Deva Devesha gruhnataam mey Dhanamjaya ( Deva Devesha Dhanamjaya! You are the unique provider of happiness to Devatas and Pitras; please allow this ‘Dhupa’ to bring this aroma all over); Deepa Mantra: Twamekah Sarva Bhuteshu Sthavareshu Chareshu cha, Paramatmaa Paraakaarah Pradeepah pratigruhnataam/ (Paramaatma who is stretched all over among the Beings in the Universe! Your Profile is indeed outstanding and stupendous; please increase the splendour manifold by accepting this token Light and endowing us with happiness); Naivedya Mantra: Namostu Yagnapataye Prabavey Jaatavedasey, Sarvaloka hitaarthaaya Naivedyam pratiguhnataam/ (Yagnapati Jaataveda! You are the Almighty and the Supreme Source of Propitiousness; This Naivedya or offering of ‘Anna Prashad’is being proffered to You for the contenment of the whole Universe); besides these there are more Services offered to Agni Deva such as Mantra Pushpam, Pradakhisna, Mangala Arati, Veda Parayana and Swasti. Purnahuti denotes the successful conclusion of any Agni Karya, without which the holy task remains inconclusive and fruitless. Recital of relevant Mantras at the Purnahuti normally covers ‘Sapta tey’--, ‘Dehi mey’--, ‘Purnaa darvi’--, ‘Punantum’ etc. Purnahuti needs to be performed while standing, but never seated. Also, depending on the type of the Yagna, the relevant Mantras describing the concerned Rishis, Chanda and Devatas invoked would be essential. During the Japa-sessions, count of the necessary number of the Mantras is crucial too. The number of Ritvijas is also as prescribed. The purpose for which the Yagnas are performed should be fulfilled indeed, if executed as prescribed
7
Over-view of Raja Vamshas of Satya, Treta and Dwapara Yugas
After covering the Brahma Parva and Madhyama Parva of the
Bhavishyad Purana, Sage Suta addressed the Congregation of Munis headed by
Shaunaka Muni at Naimisharanya as to the outlines of ‘Pratisarga Parva’and
provided an Over-view of the Kings of Raja Vamshas through the preceding Yugas
viz. the Satya, Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yugas. During the second half of
Brahma’s age of his hundred years, that is the third day of his fifty first
Year, Vaiwaswa Manu was born in the Sweta Viraha Kalpa and the latter performed
serious Tapasya; from his sneeze was born King Ikshvaku who was a great devotee
of Lord Vishnu. In the Royal lineage of Ikshvaku were born Vivikshu-Ripunjaya-Kakuthsu-Prithu-Adri-Bhadraaswva-Yavanaashva-Shraavasta-Kuvalashvya-Dhrudhashva-Nikumbhak-Sankatashvya-Prasenajit-Ravanaswya-Mandhaata-Purukutsa-Tridashvya-Anaranya-Prushadashvya-Vasuman-Tridhanva-Trayyaruni-Trishanku-Harischandra-Rohita-Haaritha-Chanchubhup-Vijaya
and Ruk till the Third ‘Charana’. There after the lineage continued till King
Ruru and his son Sagara; the lineage stopped due to the curse of Kapila Muni
and the Sagara sons were burnt. From the second queen was born
Asamanjasa-Anshuman-Dilip and Bhagiratha who became universally popular as he
brought Ganga / Bhagirathi from Heavens to secure salvation to the Sagara
Putras. The lineage continued further from Bhagirath to
Shrutasena-Naabhhaga-Ambarisha-Sindhudeepa and so on till King Sudarshan who
married the daughter of Kashi Raja and became the unconquered Monarch of
Bharata Khanda.Devi Kaali appeared in a dream and asked the King to leave for
Himalayas along with his wife and family and Sages headed by Vasishtha, since
very soon there would be a ‘Pralaya’ and the Akhanda Bharata would disintegrate
into pieces and save a few islands of Earth of varying sizes, the rest of the
‘Bhubhaag’ would be submerged under water! After the Pralay in Treta Yuga, King
Sudarshan returned from Himalaya and revived Ayodhya Puri and thanks to the
Divinely Cow Nandini and the Holy Sages.King Sudarshan ruled for thousands of
years and in course of Time, his son King Dilip initiated a new generation and
King Raghu heralded the Surya Vamsha or the Raghu Vamsha. King Raghu’s grandson
Dasharatha had the unique privilege of securing Lord Shri Rama, the ‘Avatar’ of
Bhagavan Vishnu. Surya Vamsa dominated from Shri Ram’s son Kusha downward for
hundreds of generations thereafter and the Kings were by and large virtuous, engaged
in Yagnas and Agni Karyas, charities and the preservation of Dharma. In the
Third Segment of Treta Yuga, seeds were sown when Chandra Vamsa was initiated
with the curse by Indra to send Chandra Deva to Bhuloka and the latter made
Tirtha Raj Prayaga and performed relentless Tapasya and hundred Yagnas till
Devi Bhagavati was pleased and sent Chandra back to Swargaloka. Chandra’s son
Budha married Devi Ila and King Pururava was born, signifying the beginning of
the Chandra Vamsa. Pururava’s son Ayu begot Nahusha who attained Indratva no
doubt as Indra went into exile due to his Brahma hatya sin for killing
Vritrasura ; but Maharshi Durvasa cursed Nahusha to become an ‘Ajagara’ or a
huge snake. Nahusha’s son was Yayati and of the five sons of Yayati, three
became the Rules of Mlecchaas and the other two were Yadu and Kuru. In the long
lineage of Yadu and his son Kroshthi, was Maya Vidya who founded
Pratishthanapura (Jhansi). In the long chain of Kings of Chandra Vamsa was
Samvaran who pleased Surya Deva with his Tapasya and the Deva gave the hand of
his daughter Tapati to Samvaran.As Pralaya terminated Treta Yuga, Surya Deva
ordered that Samvaran and Tapati as also Maharshi Vasishtha and samples of
Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vaishya be saved. With the advent of Dwapara Yuga,
Pratishthanapura (Jhansi) was revived with Samvaran as the King, Budha
Vamsheeya King Prasena and later on Yadu Vamsheeya King Surasena ruled Mathura,
and Mleccha Vamsheeya Smashrupala or Shishupala ruled Marudesha (Arab, Iran and
Iraq). King Samvaran’s long line of descendants climaxed with King Dushyanta
and his Queen Shakuntala and their son Bharata whose lineage too lasted for
thousands of years all over Bharat. Meanwhile, as per the order of Indra Apsara
Ghritachi was sent to Earth and married Shakrahotra and their son was named
Hasti. The latter rode Iravata with children and built a Nagar of large
proportions which was named subsequently as Hastinapura. Again under
instructions of Indra during the ‘Third Charana’ of Dwapara Yuga, another
Apsara called Sukeshi was married to King Kuru who constructed Kurukshetra. In
the lineage of King Kuru was born Shantanu whose son was Vichitraveerya. Pandu
was the son of Vichitra veerya and Yudhishtar was the son of Pandu. As a
repercussion of a mighty battle won by Daityas over Devas in the Universe,
several Daityas who survived re-appeared in the Kingdom of Shantanu and the
evil-minded Prince of Kuru Vamsha, Duryodhana became the rallying point of the
Daityas, abetted by the weak and blind King Dhritarashtra. As Bhu Devi became
increasingly intolerant of the predominance of wickedness, she approached
Bhagavan Vishnu who assumed an Avatar (Incarnation) as Shri Krishna and played
an outstanding role in destroying the Evil forces at the climactic Great Battle
of Maha Bharata at Kurukshetra. Pursuant the Battle, there was purge of the
Evil and King Parikshith became the Emperor, followed by Janamejaya and
Shataanika.The lineage though long was of weak Kings till Pradyot performed
Mleccha Yagna. The Yagna was no doubt successful and earned the name of
‘Mleccha hanta’. In fact, Kali himself along with his wife prayed to Bhagavan
Narayana and sobbed that Pradyot made this Yagna and suspended our very
existence. Bhagavan replied that through the earlier Yugas, Kali was ignored
but surely the next Yuga would display the full blast and fury of Kali and as
the time would roll on his upswing acts would assume ever greater intensity;
Narayana assured Kali that a man named ‘Aadam’ and a woman called ‘Havyavati’
would promote the cause of Mlecchas at ever growing speed. As prophesied,
gradually the strength of Mlecchas increased and that of ‘Aryavarta’
declined.At the fag end of Dwapara Yuga, the last King of Mlecchas named
‘Nyuh’who was a devotee of Bhagavan Vishnu was advised to build a huge ship
(Nyoha’s Ark) to save a few. Meanwhile, there was continuous rain for forty
days and all the Oceans overflowed together and Prithvi got sunk; but for a
survivors who boarded the ship like Brahmavadi Muniganasa, representatives of
the King Nyuh and specimens of fauna and flora.Only the ‘Seeshina’ named Mount
of Himalayas lasted the Pralaya where the survivors stayed and slowly increased
their poulation after the Great Destruction got spread out in fast stages.
8
The advent of Kali Yuga and the Ongoing Phases - Arrival of
Gautama Buddha
In the initial years of Kali Yuga, the survivor Mlecchas gradually
adopted responses to the new environs, new ways of life and even new language
styles.For instance, earlier languages got corrupted and new expressions
emerged; Vraja Bhasha, Prakruti, Sanskrit etc. got adapted from ‘Gurundika’
(English) which was also different from Mleccha Bhasha/ Yavani and new
corruptions of various languages both in spoken and written scripts got
adapted. For instance, Pitru (Father) became ‘Paitar’; Bhatru became Bathar or
Brother; Ahuti became Aaju; Ravivar as Sunday; Jaanu became Jain, Raviwar as
Sunday; Phalguni as February and Shasthi as Sixty! Simultaneously, Places of
Worship in Bharat like Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi etc. lost their purity and
Shabars, Bhills and robbers dominated. At the same time however, even after the
first thousand years of Kali Yuga, quite a few pockets of Virtue, though not in
the erstwhile pristine form, survived and semblances of Varashrama and devotion
to Almighty did not get completely extinct yet. It is believed that a few
Devatas continued to travel to ‘Brahmaavarta’from Swarga loka that is where
Ganga flowed. An illustrious Muni by name Kashyapa begot ten sons viz.Dikshit, Upadhyaya,
Pathak, Shukla, Mishra, Agnihotri, Dwivedi, Trivedi, Pandya and Chaturvedi.
Kashyapa prayed to Devi Sarasvati that Evil Forces had come to control the
World and that she being the ‘Loka Mata’ must come to immediate rescue; in
response Devi provided enlightenment to the Muni; he established a Kingdom,
named after his son King Magadha apparently to resist the Evil Forces. Magadha
Kingdom was segregated from Arya desha and was surrounded by Kalinga (Orissa)
in Agneya or South East, Avanti in South, Aanart (Gujarat) in Nirruti or South
West, Sindhu to the West, Kaikadesha in Vayavya or North West, Madra Desha in
North and Kulinda in Ishaanya or North East. In the lineage of King Magadha was
the famed Ajata Shatru.
The contemporary times of the Magadha Kings witnessed the emergence of Buddha Dharma set up by Goutama Buddha at Kapilavastu.The emphasis of Buddhism was on Truth, Virtue and Non-Violence which are already part of the traditional Vedic Dharma but were againstthe consequential Rituals. Goutama’s philosophy created high waves and eventually secured wide spread acceptance especiallly supported by Kings and large sections of common persons. It was in this lineage of Kings were Sakya Muni-Shuddhodana-Sakyha Singha-Buddhi Simha-Chandra Gupta.The last of the lineage mentioned set up Maurya Vamsa, was married to the daughter of King Sulub or Selukas of Parsi desha and followed Bouddha Dharma; his son was Bimbisara and the latter’s son was the memorable Ashoka. It was after Ashoka’s regime that a Brahmana of Kanyakubjadesha performed a powerful Brahmahotra Yagna on Abu Mountain and there were four Kshatriyas who were materialised from the Yagna Kunda viz. Pramar (Paramar) who was a Sama Vedi, Chapahani (Chauhan) who was a Krishna Yajurvedi, Trivedi (Gaharvar) a Shukla Yajurvedi and Pariharak who was an Atharva Vedi. These Kshatriyas defeated the descendants of Ashoka, reviving the Veda-based Administration and diminished the dominance of Buddhists; Parihar established his Kingdom at Baghel khanda (Bundelkhand) with Kalanjara as its Capital; Chapahani or Chauhan occupied Rajaputana Kshetra (Delhi Nagar) and constructed Ajmer which represented ‘Chaturvarnas’ or Four Castes and Shukla occupied Aanarta Desha (Gujarat) and set up Dwaraka as his Capital. Stated to be the son of Ujjain’s King Paramaditya of Paramar Dynasity, Vikramaditya who was a legendary Emperor who heralded ‘Vikrama Samvat’ (Vikrama Era) signifying his victory over Rudrasimha of the present Gujarat and virtual destruction of the Saka Kshatraka Dynasity. He maintained the Nine Gems in his Court
(Vikramaasya asthaney Navaratnaani Dhanvantarey Kshapanakomarasinha Shanku Vetalabhatta Ghatakarpa Kalidasah Khyato Vraraha Mihiro Nrupathessabhayam Ratnaani vai Vararuchi mava Vikramaasya) viz.
Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasinha, Shankhu, Vetala Bhaata, Ghatakarpa, Kalidasa, Varahamihira and Vararuchi. [He was stated to have ruled most of Asia from the Eastern Arabia to China and North Korea and from Mongolia to Indonesia, subjugating and relieving the Earth of Barbarians like Shakas, Mlecchaas, Yavanas, Tursharas, Parasikas (Persians) and Hunas.That was indeed the Golden Era of Bharat!
The contemporary times of the Magadha Kings witnessed the emergence of Buddha Dharma set up by Goutama Buddha at Kapilavastu.The emphasis of Buddhism was on Truth, Virtue and Non-Violence which are already part of the traditional Vedic Dharma but were againstthe consequential Rituals. Goutama’s philosophy created high waves and eventually secured wide spread acceptance especiallly supported by Kings and large sections of common persons. It was in this lineage of Kings were Sakya Muni-Shuddhodana-Sakyha Singha-Buddhi Simha-Chandra Gupta.The last of the lineage mentioned set up Maurya Vamsa, was married to the daughter of King Sulub or Selukas of Parsi desha and followed Bouddha Dharma; his son was Bimbisara and the latter’s son was the memorable Ashoka. It was after Ashoka’s regime that a Brahmana of Kanyakubjadesha performed a powerful Brahmahotra Yagna on Abu Mountain and there were four Kshatriyas who were materialised from the Yagna Kunda viz. Pramar (Paramar) who was a Sama Vedi, Chapahani (Chauhan) who was a Krishna Yajurvedi, Trivedi (Gaharvar) a Shukla Yajurvedi and Pariharak who was an Atharva Vedi. These Kshatriyas defeated the descendants of Ashoka, reviving the Veda-based Administration and diminished the dominance of Buddhists; Parihar established his Kingdom at Baghel khanda (Bundelkhand) with Kalanjara as its Capital; Chapahani or Chauhan occupied Rajaputana Kshetra (Delhi Nagar) and constructed Ajmer which represented ‘Chaturvarnas’ or Four Castes and Shukla occupied Aanarta Desha (Gujarat) and set up Dwaraka as his Capital. Stated to be the son of Ujjain’s King Paramaditya of Paramar Dynasity, Vikramaditya who was a legendary Emperor who heralded ‘Vikrama Samvat’ (Vikrama Era) signifying his victory over Rudrasimha of the present Gujarat and virtual destruction of the Saka Kshatraka Dynasity. He maintained the Nine Gems in his Court
(Vikramaasya asthaney Navaratnaani Dhanvantarey Kshapanakomarasinha Shanku Vetalabhatta Ghatakarpa Kalidasah Khyato Vraraha Mihiro Nrupathessabhayam Ratnaani vai Vararuchi mava Vikramaasya) viz.
Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasinha, Shankhu, Vetala Bhaata, Ghatakarpa, Kalidasa, Varahamihira and Vararuchi. [He was stated to have ruled most of Asia from the Eastern Arabia to China and North Korea and from Mongolia to Indonesia, subjugating and relieving the Earth of Barbarians like Shakas, Mlecchaas, Yavanas, Tursharas, Parasikas (Persians) and Hunas.That was indeed the Golden Era of Bharat!
9
‘Satyanarayana Vrata’ and Six ‘Kathas’ (Episodes) of His
Glories
Satyavratam Satyaparam Trisatyam Satyasya yonim nihitam cha Satey,
Satyasya Satyamrita Satyanetram Satyaatmikam twaam Sharanamprapannah/
Antarbhavenanta bhavantamevahyatatya janto mrigayanti santah,
Asantama pya ntyahimantarena Santam gunamtam kimu yanti santah/
(The objective of accomplishing Sacchinaananda Paramaatma is to perform Satya Narayana Vratam- which is the vehicle full of Truth, always absorptive of Truth, True-visioned and Truth-Souled; I seek refuge in Swami Satyanarayana! The fact that all human beings seek ‘Satya Tatva’ or the Consciousness of Truth is indeed transparent and patent; it is also clear that selfless dedication to Satya Narayana is the ultimate goal!)Vyasa Deva narrated that Sage Shounaka requested Sutha Maha Muni on behalf of a congregation of Munis at Naimisharanya as to which would be the most effective and none-too-complicated method of Realisation of Paramatma! Maha Muni Suta instanly took the name of Satyanarayana and prayed to him as follows: Navaambhojanetram Ramakelipaatram Chaturbaahu chaameekaram chaarugaatram/ Jagatraana hetum ripow dhumraketum sadaa Satyanaraayanam stoumi Devam (I pray to Bhagavan Satyanarayana who has the enchanting eyes of delicate and fully opened Lotus, who is deservingly playful with Bhagavati Lakshmi, who possesses four shapely arms and stunningly shimmering Physique of gold and the Unique Source of Might to shield the Universe against Evil Forces!) Shri Ramam Saha Lakshmanam Sakarunam Seetaanvitam Satvikam, Vaidehimukhapadma lubdha mathupam Poulasya samhaarakam/ Vandey Vandya padaambujam Suravaram Bhaktaanukampaakaram, Shatrughnena Hanumantaacha Bharatena sevitam Raghavam ( I salute with reverence Bhagavan Shri Rama who is the epitome of benevolence, whose lotus-like feet are always worshipped, who readily responds to devotees with mercy, who retains Lakshmana with Him and is accompanied by Devi Sita while benignly glancing at her lotus-like graceful face; who is worshipped by Shatrughna, Hanuman and Bharata; who is the destroyer of Poulastya, and the Symbol of Truth and Virtue as the Supreme of Devas). Sutha Maha Muni then proceeded to narrate the First Katha (Episode) of Devarshi Narada who having gone around the World in his periodic visits came down to Martya Loka (Bhu Loka) and felt sad that human beings were suffering a lot without any relief from their miseries; he approached Vishnu Deva and prayed for a solution to offer to the human beings who were constant targets of diseases, poverty, natural calamities and discontentment. Lord Vishnu replied instantly that the easiest and effective means of providing reprieve from human sufferings would be the sincere performance of Satyanarayana Vrata; genuine and heartfelt observance of this Vrata would indeed effect in endowing with wealth to the unfortunate, excellent children, Kingdoms to those who lost their positions, good quality vision to the blind, freedom to those who were imprisoned, courage to the frightened and fulfillment of one’s wants long cherished. The brief procedure of executing the Vrata is to make a firm resolve to do so without hindrances, keep a Tulasi Manjari in hands and pray to Shrihari as follows: Narayanam saandraghanaava daantam, Chaturbhujam peetamahaarvaasasam/ Prasanna vaktram Navakanja lochanam, Sanandanaadyaika rupa sevitam bhaje/ Karomi the Vratam Deva saayamkaaley twadarchanam, Shrutva Gaadhaam twadeeyam hi prasaadam tey bhajaamyaham/ (Bhagavan Narayana! You possess dark-cloud complexion, grand four arms, tranquil appearance, attractive eyes like fresh lotus, and worshipped by Sanaka Sanandana and other well-known Sages; I am always dedicated in my sincere devotion to You and have determined to perform puja by this evening and then only secure your ‘Prasad’ (blessings). Thereafter, commence the formal worship with five ‘Kalashas’and instal Satyanarayana ‘Pratima’in gold or silver or as per one’s convenience. The Puja would be according to ‘Purusha Sukta Mantra vidhana’ by way of the precsribed ‘Shodasopacharas’ viz.’Avaahayami’ (Invocation), ‘Suvarna Simha Samarpana (improvising a Golden chair), ‘Padyam’ (washing the Deity’s feet), ‘Arghyam’ (providing water to clean His hands), ‘Aachamaneeyam’ (offering water for sipping), ‘Suddhodaka Snaana’ (bathing the Deity’s Pratima with appropriate Mantra), ‘Vastra Yugmam’ (offering double clothing), ‘Yagnopaveetam’ (Providing the Sacred Thread), ‘Gandham’(offering Sandal Paste), then ‘Puja’by reciting the Names of Satyanarayana /Vishnu , either sixteen or hundred sixteen or thousand hundred sixteen, along with flowers or Tulasi leaves only by men and ‘Akshatas’or rice grains mixed with turmeric powder, ‘Dhupam’ (Incense material), ‘Deepam’ or lighting of oil-soaked cotton vicks, ‘Puspham’ or a variety of fragrant flowers; ‘Naivedyam’ or a full meal as Prasada comprising ‘Bhakshya’ or Sweets and Savouries, ‘Bhojya’or cereals and preparations, ‘lehya’ or items of tongue-licking type, ‘Choshya’ or items taken in as liquids and ‘Paneeya’ or drinks; ‘Tambula’ or betel leaves and betel nuts’, ‘Neerajanam’ or camphor lighting shown to Deity with the accompanying sounds of bells, ‘Matra Pupshpam’ / Vedic Chanting, ‘Pradakshina’ or circumambulation, ‘Saashtanga Namaskara’ or reverential prostration along with ‘Aparaadha Mantra’ to say that the Puja so performed was incomplete with accepted mistakes and should be forgiven. The worship should climax with ‘Chatram’ or symbolic holding of umbrella, ‘Chamaram’ or symbolic fanning to the Deity, ‘Nrittyam’ or devotional ecstasy displayed in dance form, ‘Geetam’ or devotional singing in praise of Satyanarayana, ‘Andolika’ or symbolic swinging of Deity in a decorated swing; ‘Ashwaarohana’ and ‘Gajaarohana’ or symbolic rides of the Lord on horses and elephants and all other possible ‘Upacharas’or Devotional Services devoid of capacity, devotion, ‘Mantram’or requisite formallity and attention! At the End, the following Mantra be recited while performing ‘Homa’ or offering to Agnihotra atlest hundred and eight times, viz. Namo Bhagavatey nityam Satyadevaaya dheemahi, Chatuh Pradaatha daatrey cha Namastubhyam Namo namah (My humble salutations to You Satyanarayana to whom we meditate always; You are the Master and Donor of the Four Kinds of ‘Purusha Arthaas’ viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha’; do grant us the same to us too). By so saying, Devarshi Narada left for Satya loka with the resolve of performing Satya Narayana ‘Puja’ as soon as possible. Suta Maha Muni then narrated Second Katha (Episode) signifying the ‘Mahatmya’ of Bhagavan Satyanarayana to the Sages who convened at Naimisharanya: In the city of Kashi, there was a pious, learned and poor Brahmana, called Shatananda with his wife and children, eking his livelihood by ‘Yayavaara’ or begging for rice from door to door. During his rounds of begging, an old Brahmana approached Shatananda and advised that instead of begging to look after his family, he should certainly perform the formal worship of Bhagavan Satyanarayana who was like a boat in the deep waters of ‘Samsara’. By so saying the old Brahmana disappeared and there was a stunning and dazzling figure of Narayana Himself standing before Shatananda with Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Saranga! The Brahmana got utterly shocked, instantly prostrated and prayed to Bhagavan as follows: Pranaami Jagannatham Jagat kaaranakaaranam, Anaatha naatham Shivadam Sharanyamanagham Shichim/ Avyaktam vyaktaam Yaatam taapatraya vimochanam, Namah Satyanarayanasya katrainamah Shuddha satvaaya vishvasya bhatrai, Karaala KaalaayaVishvasya hantrai namastey Jaganmangalaatma murtey/ Dhanyosmadya kruti Dhanyo bhavedya saphalomama, vangamanogocharo yastwam mama pratyaksha-maagatah/ Drishtim kim varnayaamyaho na jaaney kasya vaa phalam, kriyaaheenasya mandasya dehoyam phalavan kritah/ ( Bhagavan Satyanarayana! You are the Cause and the Cause-Maker of the Universe, the Saviour of the Hapless, the Provider of Propitiousness, the Last Resort of Shelter and Protection, the Epitome of Virtue, the Form of Purity and Auspiciousness, the Invisible yet Visible, the destroyer of the ‘Tapatrayas’ of Adhi Bhautika, Adhi Daivika and Adhyatmika Nature; the Designer and the Design of the Universe as well as its final Demolisher; the Unique Provider of the Best of the World; today I am the most contented as my life’s unknown and impossible desire has been achieved and what is more that I have heard Your Voice; could there be a bigger miracle that very effortlessly this dream has really come true!) When asked by Shatananda as to the procedure of performing the Vrata, Bhagavan replied that there was no need for ample money to perform it, but it would involve endless devotion and sincerity of purpose. What ever daily earnings that might be secured on account of pleading for food that day would be sufficient, with which to fetch the Puja material required for sugar, milk, gandha, flowers, fruits, dhup / deepa, betel leaves and coconuts and after Puja, the Prashad be shared with Brahmanas, family members, neighbours, relatives and others irrespective of caste, creed and social status. Bhagavan further asked that the Vrata be popularised along with the details of the Procedure and the Mantras to be utilised for it among Kings, Merchants and all the Commoners so that they too would get the advantage. By so saying, the Lord disappeared and on the following day, Shatananda took a resolve to perform the Vrata to the best of his ability and on receiving double the amount than his daily earnings, secured the material as required and managed the Vrata very well. He strained every breath of his to popularise the purpose, procedure and reward of observing the Vrata and eversince then, Satyanarayana Vrata became popular all over since quick rewards started flowing in; thus there emerged universal acceptance and popularity of the most famous Satyanarayana Vrata.On his part, Shatananda attained recognition and social esteem not only in Kashi but all over wherever Hindu Faith prevailed and after his end his Soul got absorbed into Bhagavan. The Third Katha related to the King of Badari Khanda named Chandrachuda at Manipurak Nagara who was highly virtuous, soft spoken and popular among his Subjects.He was a devout ‘Vishnu Bhakta’. But, the Mlecchas of Vindhya Desha attacked Chandrachuda who having been defeated in a fierce battle had to flee into forests and strayed into Kashi Nagara and discovered that the entire population was highly contented and enjoyed quality life deviod of diseases, untimely deaths, robberies and natural calamities. He then came to realise that the key to the all round happiness of Kasi was entirely due to the constant observance of Satya Narayana Vrata and that the Originator of this Sacred Vrata was a Brahmana called Sadananda (Shatanand) who had the Vision of Bhagavan Vishnu Himself. Chandrachuda approached Sadananda and secured his ‘Upadesha’of the Format, Content, Method and the instant Fruit of the Vrata and immediately performed the Vrata sincerely. Bhagavan Satya Narayana appeared before the King and presented a powerful Sword to use against the Mlecchaas who had forcefully occupied his throne and Kingdom. The King thanked Sadananda profusely and having reassembled his army devastated six thousand Mlecchhas, retrieved his Kingdom and the lost prestige, thanks to the observance of Satya Narayan Vrata. Back to his throne, King Chandrachuda prevailed on all his Subjects to perform Satya Narayana Vrata as often as possible and before all Auspicious Tasks like Weddings, Birth days and Nama Karana functions were initiated and most definitely on every Purnima day of each month. The King ruled his Kingdom with great veneration for Satya Deva for sixty long years having built a new Capital and ultimately reached Vishnu loka leaving behind a great heritage of peace, prosperity and lasting fame. The Fourth Episode was of Bhills/ Nishadas (Wood cutters) who happened to visit Kashi Nagar to sell their wood, got lost in the City and approached the Hermitage of Vishnu Das (Shatananda) as they felt thirsty. They were impressed with an on-going worship in the Hermitage, even as Vishnu Das not only quenched their thirst but also encouraged witnessing the proceedings of Satya Narayana Vrata.The Nishads took the Prasad at the conclusion of the Vrata with humility and high devotion and tried to take leave of Vishnu Das. The latter enquired whether they would also like to perform the Vrata and the Nishads exclaimed that it was not possible for them to do so; they said that performance of a Puja was not only expensive but they were completely illiterate and could never observe this kind of a complicated Puja in their life time ever! Satyanarayana Vrata is neither expensive nor complicated; what is significant is the devotion and commitment rather than riches nor knowledge. This was made amply clear to the Bhills; he said that Lord Krishna while visiting Hastinapura did not accept the Chief Guest Status of Duryodhana but stayed in the humble cottage of Vidura instead! Krishna again took away the ‘tandula-kanas’ (rice-fries) from Sudama (Kuchela) with affection and bestowed such wealth that was not in the reach of Kings even; similarly He was so close to the illiterate and innocent Gopas and Gopis but kept aloof from even Great Sages!Having said this, Vishnu Das prescribed a simple and straight-forward format of observing the Vrata and enabled the Bhills to perform the worship in an effortless and easy way which even unintelligent children could follow provided however their hearts were transparent and Bhakti was paramount. The community of Bhills was thus prompted and encouraged by Vishnu Das, whereby they started earning by the sale of wood and gained profits and confidence in course of time.Eventually, their devotion became intense and their life-style changed so much that took firm steps towards attainment Vishnu Loka! The Fifth Episode centered on a Vaisya called Sadhu and his son-in-law. The famous King Chandrachuda of Manipuraka Nagar referred to in the Third Episode above was once performing Satya Narayana Puja along with a large number of followers, when a wealthy Vanika from Ratnapur landed by his ship filled up with considerable riches. When the highly decorated Puja Mandap, Sadhu enquired as to what was going on at that busy Place, he was told that Satyanarayana Vrat was being performed under the auspices of Chandrachuda Maharaj along with several other devotees.Sadhu was also interested as he had no offspring and thus joined the group and prayed to Satya Narayana to bless him with a child. The Sabhapati was conveyed of the wish of the Vanika and as though Bhagavan Himself approved the wish, the desire was approved but on the condition that soon after securing a child he should perform the Vrata in a manner that would become of the rich Vanika. In course of time, Sadhu’s wife conceived and a female child was born. The Name-Giving Function was celebrated with great pomp and show of the wealthy Vanika and the baby was named Kalavati after consultations of her ‘Kundalini’. The wife of Vanika reminded of Sadhu’s promise that now that they were blessed with a child, the Vanika should recall the promise made by him to perform Satya Narayana Vrata. He kept on delaying the fulfillment the promise somehow. Meanwhile, Kalavati was growing into a fine girl and Vanika commenced searching for a suitable bridegroom; Ashta varsha bhaved Gauri Nava varsha cha Rohini, Dasa varsha bhavet Kanya tathah proudhaa Rajaswala (An eight year old girl is known as Gauri and a Nine Year old is Rohini, a ten year old is said to be a Kanya and Proudha having come of age suitable for marriage!). Thus Vanika Sadhu planned for Kalavati’s wedding first rather than redeeming the promise made to Satya Narayana Deva. A suitable son-in-law named Sankhapati who was very rich too was selected as Kalavati’s husband. After the wedding, Sadhu kept his son-in-law in his own house as his business partner and the joint business flourished well. On the reminder of Sadhu’s wife about the promise to perform Satya Narayana Vrata, Sadhu postponed again till his daughter’s securing a child. A few days later, Sadhu accompanied by his son-in-law undertook a business tour beyond River Narmada. They stayed out for long and the promise to perform the Vrata was almost forgotten. As though Bhagavan got angry about the callousness of Sadhu in redeeming his promise about the Vrata, the two-some of in-laws faced considerable difficulties in the business and on their return journey back home stayed at a Guest house overnight and at that very night there was a theft in the King’s Palace and both Sadhu and son-in-law got entangled as they were strangers there and got imprisoned; morever, there was expensive pearl-necklace found on the body of the son-in-law of Sadhu. While the two were languishing in the prison awaiting judgment for robbery, there was a theft in Sadhu’s house at his native place and both Kalavati and daughter suddenly turned as paupers and were some how eking their existence. In the Sixth Katha, Suta Maha Muni explained that Bhagavan Vishnu could utilise the means of ‘Tapatrayas’viz. Adhyatmika, Adhi Daivika and Adhi-Bhoutika forms to punish a human being when a person would go astray from ‘Dharma’; in the case of Vanika Sadhu, the promise to execute Satya Narayana Vrata was wantonly ignored. Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi Devi had four sons viz. Dharma, Yagna, King and Thief and Lakshmi was equally fond of all of them. The charity given to Brahmanas and Guests is of the form of Dharma which targets Money; the Deva Yagna and Pitru Yagna are of the forms of Yagnas and in this case too Money is involved; a King who is responsible to safeguard both Dharma and Yagna also aims at Rajya Lakshmi and finally a ‘Chor’ (Thief) too is after Money in the final analysis. In the case of Vanika Sadhu, he was basically a Thief as he did not redeem his pledge to Satya Narayana Himself and hence there were two thefts were involved-one by way of suspicion by the King and another a theft in Sadhu’s own residence. Thus the victims of the unhappiness of Satya Narayana were all the members of Sadhu’s family, thus analysed Suta Muni about the consequences. Be that as it might, Kalavati could not withstand her hunger and approached a Brahmana’s house where a Vrata of Satya Narayana was being observed; she returned home late along with the ‘Prashad’or the remains of the Offering to the Deity at the Puja. The mother was annoyed that Kavavati returned home late but as was conveyed by Kalavati that the delay was due to a Satya Narayana Vrata; Kalavati was then reminded of the lapse that occurred in not performing the Vrata and approached a past companion’ s house and begged money for performing the Vrata. Her companion replied that in the heydays of Kalavati, the latter gave a loan which would now be retuned. Thus, Kalavati perfomed the Vrata as prescribed and Swami Satyanarayana was indeed satisfied. As a result, Vishnu Deva came into the dreams of the King who kept Sadhu and son-in-law in his custody; the former ordered the King to free the alleged prisoners, Sadhu and Shankhapati at once. Next morning the King called the Minister about the strange dream of Satya Narayana and his instruction to the King. The Minister called the Prisoners and found out their full antecedents. The King apologised to Sadhu, gave lot of money and freed them. Sadhu and son-in-law got back to their ship but even now there was no hint of remorse for not having performed the Vrata. Bhagavan took the form of a Hermit near the Ship and asked Sadhu and his son-in-law as to what was in the Ship. As a matter of fact there were many valuables forcefully taken by the King’s soldiers from the Ship and since restored, besides many gifts from the King to them when released after their imprisonment. But Sadhu and son-in-law mocked at the Hermit and replied that the ship contained only dried leaves and grass and there was nothing worthy of donating to him. The hermit replied: ‘Tadhastu’ (So be it!). Sadhu and son-in-law really and literally discovered dried leaves and grass, instead of the valuables in the Ship! They were stunned and searched for the hermit and fell on his feet. The hermit reprimanded Sadhu by recalling all the incidents when Sadhu first encountered the ‘Pratima’ (Idol) of the Satya Narayana at the Palace of King Chandrachuda; he prayed for a child and pledged that he would perform Satya Narayana Vrata befitting his status but on getting a child he did not do so; he said that when the child grew of age and after her wedding, he would perform the Vrata but again he did not; he asked for lot of wealth which was also granted, but still he did not redeem the pledge; when he was imprisoned and sought help then too, did not; when he was let free from the prison and Bhagavan’s help was sought even then he never thought that Bagavan gave the help; now too, he lied and said there was nothing for charity in the ship except grass and dried leaves! Sadhu the fell flat on his knees, displayed genuine shame and repentance and prayed as follows: Satya Swarupam Satyasandham Satya Narayanam Harim, Yatsatyatvena Jagatastwam Satyam twaam Namaamyaham/ Twanmayaa mohitat-mano na Pashyayantyatmanah Shubham, Duhkaambhodhou sadaa magnaa Duhkhecha Sukhamaaninah/ Moodhoham Dhana garvena Madaandheekruta lochanah, na jaane swaatmanah Kshemam kathampashyaami Mudhadhih/ Kshamaswa mamadouraatmyam tapodhaamne Hare Namah, Aajnaapayatmadaasyam me yena tey charanow smarey/ (Satya Swarupa! Satyasandha! Satya Narayana Bhagavan Hari! Human Beings tend to become victims of ‘Maya’ (Illusion) and get victimised with the thoughts that happiness is in the deep Oceans of ‘Samsara’ and seek to attain those momentary joys; persons like me become arrogant and ego owing to small amounts of wealth and imagine no end of themselves foolishly; You are well-known as ever-merciful to those who are repentant. Mahatma! Could You not provide me one chance of correcting myself to devote my entire Self at the lotus-like feet of ours!). Bhagavan Satya Narayana, the ever-compassionate replied positively and blessed the Vanika. A few days later, the ship of Sadhu sailed off and a message reached Kalavati that her husband was arriving ashore soon. She was so excited that the concluding part of the Satya Narayana Vrata being performed was ignored and did not even secure the ‘Prasada’ presented to Bhagavan as the ‘Naivedya’ and ran off to welcome the husband. But as soon as the ship was cited from a distance, she witnessed the horror of the sinking ship! Kalavati fell unconscious and after recovering her senses prepared herself to immolate in a Fire- Pit. As she was about to jump into the Fire, a Celestial Voice was heard saying that Kalavati who was already perfoming the Vrata did the unpardonable indiscretion of ignoring the Prasada and hence the calamity of the sinking ship, but if she went back to the house and took the Prasada with veneration, then the situation might change for the better! Kalavati was ashamed of her and did the amends at once; the sinking ship stood up and got anchored safe. There was a happy reunion of the family. Indeed, none could ever ignore the Lord who is other-wise ever-forgiving, considerate and clement! In Kali Yuga, the most fruitful, effective and instantly result-oriented worship is indeed that of Satya Narayana Vrata, undoubtedly.
Satyasya Satyamrita Satyanetram Satyaatmikam twaam Sharanamprapannah/
Antarbhavenanta bhavantamevahyatatya janto mrigayanti santah,
Asantama pya ntyahimantarena Santam gunamtam kimu yanti santah/
(The objective of accomplishing Sacchinaananda Paramaatma is to perform Satya Narayana Vratam- which is the vehicle full of Truth, always absorptive of Truth, True-visioned and Truth-Souled; I seek refuge in Swami Satyanarayana! The fact that all human beings seek ‘Satya Tatva’ or the Consciousness of Truth is indeed transparent and patent; it is also clear that selfless dedication to Satya Narayana is the ultimate goal!)Vyasa Deva narrated that Sage Shounaka requested Sutha Maha Muni on behalf of a congregation of Munis at Naimisharanya as to which would be the most effective and none-too-complicated method of Realisation of Paramatma! Maha Muni Suta instanly took the name of Satyanarayana and prayed to him as follows: Navaambhojanetram Ramakelipaatram Chaturbaahu chaameekaram chaarugaatram/ Jagatraana hetum ripow dhumraketum sadaa Satyanaraayanam stoumi Devam (I pray to Bhagavan Satyanarayana who has the enchanting eyes of delicate and fully opened Lotus, who is deservingly playful with Bhagavati Lakshmi, who possesses four shapely arms and stunningly shimmering Physique of gold and the Unique Source of Might to shield the Universe against Evil Forces!) Shri Ramam Saha Lakshmanam Sakarunam Seetaanvitam Satvikam, Vaidehimukhapadma lubdha mathupam Poulasya samhaarakam/ Vandey Vandya padaambujam Suravaram Bhaktaanukampaakaram, Shatrughnena Hanumantaacha Bharatena sevitam Raghavam ( I salute with reverence Bhagavan Shri Rama who is the epitome of benevolence, whose lotus-like feet are always worshipped, who readily responds to devotees with mercy, who retains Lakshmana with Him and is accompanied by Devi Sita while benignly glancing at her lotus-like graceful face; who is worshipped by Shatrughna, Hanuman and Bharata; who is the destroyer of Poulastya, and the Symbol of Truth and Virtue as the Supreme of Devas). Sutha Maha Muni then proceeded to narrate the First Katha (Episode) of Devarshi Narada who having gone around the World in his periodic visits came down to Martya Loka (Bhu Loka) and felt sad that human beings were suffering a lot without any relief from their miseries; he approached Vishnu Deva and prayed for a solution to offer to the human beings who were constant targets of diseases, poverty, natural calamities and discontentment. Lord Vishnu replied instantly that the easiest and effective means of providing reprieve from human sufferings would be the sincere performance of Satyanarayana Vrata; genuine and heartfelt observance of this Vrata would indeed effect in endowing with wealth to the unfortunate, excellent children, Kingdoms to those who lost their positions, good quality vision to the blind, freedom to those who were imprisoned, courage to the frightened and fulfillment of one’s wants long cherished. The brief procedure of executing the Vrata is to make a firm resolve to do so without hindrances, keep a Tulasi Manjari in hands and pray to Shrihari as follows: Narayanam saandraghanaava daantam, Chaturbhujam peetamahaarvaasasam/ Prasanna vaktram Navakanja lochanam, Sanandanaadyaika rupa sevitam bhaje/ Karomi the Vratam Deva saayamkaaley twadarchanam, Shrutva Gaadhaam twadeeyam hi prasaadam tey bhajaamyaham/ (Bhagavan Narayana! You possess dark-cloud complexion, grand four arms, tranquil appearance, attractive eyes like fresh lotus, and worshipped by Sanaka Sanandana and other well-known Sages; I am always dedicated in my sincere devotion to You and have determined to perform puja by this evening and then only secure your ‘Prasad’ (blessings). Thereafter, commence the formal worship with five ‘Kalashas’and instal Satyanarayana ‘Pratima’in gold or silver or as per one’s convenience. The Puja would be according to ‘Purusha Sukta Mantra vidhana’ by way of the precsribed ‘Shodasopacharas’ viz.’Avaahayami’ (Invocation), ‘Suvarna Simha Samarpana (improvising a Golden chair), ‘Padyam’ (washing the Deity’s feet), ‘Arghyam’ (providing water to clean His hands), ‘Aachamaneeyam’ (offering water for sipping), ‘Suddhodaka Snaana’ (bathing the Deity’s Pratima with appropriate Mantra), ‘Vastra Yugmam’ (offering double clothing), ‘Yagnopaveetam’ (Providing the Sacred Thread), ‘Gandham’(offering Sandal Paste), then ‘Puja’by reciting the Names of Satyanarayana /Vishnu , either sixteen or hundred sixteen or thousand hundred sixteen, along with flowers or Tulasi leaves only by men and ‘Akshatas’or rice grains mixed with turmeric powder, ‘Dhupam’ (Incense material), ‘Deepam’ or lighting of oil-soaked cotton vicks, ‘Puspham’ or a variety of fragrant flowers; ‘Naivedyam’ or a full meal as Prasada comprising ‘Bhakshya’ or Sweets and Savouries, ‘Bhojya’or cereals and preparations, ‘lehya’ or items of tongue-licking type, ‘Choshya’ or items taken in as liquids and ‘Paneeya’ or drinks; ‘Tambula’ or betel leaves and betel nuts’, ‘Neerajanam’ or camphor lighting shown to Deity with the accompanying sounds of bells, ‘Matra Pupshpam’ / Vedic Chanting, ‘Pradakshina’ or circumambulation, ‘Saashtanga Namaskara’ or reverential prostration along with ‘Aparaadha Mantra’ to say that the Puja so performed was incomplete with accepted mistakes and should be forgiven. The worship should climax with ‘Chatram’ or symbolic holding of umbrella, ‘Chamaram’ or symbolic fanning to the Deity, ‘Nrittyam’ or devotional ecstasy displayed in dance form, ‘Geetam’ or devotional singing in praise of Satyanarayana, ‘Andolika’ or symbolic swinging of Deity in a decorated swing; ‘Ashwaarohana’ and ‘Gajaarohana’ or symbolic rides of the Lord on horses and elephants and all other possible ‘Upacharas’or Devotional Services devoid of capacity, devotion, ‘Mantram’or requisite formallity and attention! At the End, the following Mantra be recited while performing ‘Homa’ or offering to Agnihotra atlest hundred and eight times, viz. Namo Bhagavatey nityam Satyadevaaya dheemahi, Chatuh Pradaatha daatrey cha Namastubhyam Namo namah (My humble salutations to You Satyanarayana to whom we meditate always; You are the Master and Donor of the Four Kinds of ‘Purusha Arthaas’ viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha’; do grant us the same to us too). By so saying, Devarshi Narada left for Satya loka with the resolve of performing Satya Narayana ‘Puja’ as soon as possible. Suta Maha Muni then narrated Second Katha (Episode) signifying the ‘Mahatmya’ of Bhagavan Satyanarayana to the Sages who convened at Naimisharanya: In the city of Kashi, there was a pious, learned and poor Brahmana, called Shatananda with his wife and children, eking his livelihood by ‘Yayavaara’ or begging for rice from door to door. During his rounds of begging, an old Brahmana approached Shatananda and advised that instead of begging to look after his family, he should certainly perform the formal worship of Bhagavan Satyanarayana who was like a boat in the deep waters of ‘Samsara’. By so saying the old Brahmana disappeared and there was a stunning and dazzling figure of Narayana Himself standing before Shatananda with Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Saranga! The Brahmana got utterly shocked, instantly prostrated and prayed to Bhagavan as follows: Pranaami Jagannatham Jagat kaaranakaaranam, Anaatha naatham Shivadam Sharanyamanagham Shichim/ Avyaktam vyaktaam Yaatam taapatraya vimochanam, Namah Satyanarayanasya katrainamah Shuddha satvaaya vishvasya bhatrai, Karaala KaalaayaVishvasya hantrai namastey Jaganmangalaatma murtey/ Dhanyosmadya kruti Dhanyo bhavedya saphalomama, vangamanogocharo yastwam mama pratyaksha-maagatah/ Drishtim kim varnayaamyaho na jaaney kasya vaa phalam, kriyaaheenasya mandasya dehoyam phalavan kritah/ ( Bhagavan Satyanarayana! You are the Cause and the Cause-Maker of the Universe, the Saviour of the Hapless, the Provider of Propitiousness, the Last Resort of Shelter and Protection, the Epitome of Virtue, the Form of Purity and Auspiciousness, the Invisible yet Visible, the destroyer of the ‘Tapatrayas’ of Adhi Bhautika, Adhi Daivika and Adhyatmika Nature; the Designer and the Design of the Universe as well as its final Demolisher; the Unique Provider of the Best of the World; today I am the most contented as my life’s unknown and impossible desire has been achieved and what is more that I have heard Your Voice; could there be a bigger miracle that very effortlessly this dream has really come true!) When asked by Shatananda as to the procedure of performing the Vrata, Bhagavan replied that there was no need for ample money to perform it, but it would involve endless devotion and sincerity of purpose. What ever daily earnings that might be secured on account of pleading for food that day would be sufficient, with which to fetch the Puja material required for sugar, milk, gandha, flowers, fruits, dhup / deepa, betel leaves and coconuts and after Puja, the Prashad be shared with Brahmanas, family members, neighbours, relatives and others irrespective of caste, creed and social status. Bhagavan further asked that the Vrata be popularised along with the details of the Procedure and the Mantras to be utilised for it among Kings, Merchants and all the Commoners so that they too would get the advantage. By so saying, the Lord disappeared and on the following day, Shatananda took a resolve to perform the Vrata to the best of his ability and on receiving double the amount than his daily earnings, secured the material as required and managed the Vrata very well. He strained every breath of his to popularise the purpose, procedure and reward of observing the Vrata and eversince then, Satyanarayana Vrata became popular all over since quick rewards started flowing in; thus there emerged universal acceptance and popularity of the most famous Satyanarayana Vrata.On his part, Shatananda attained recognition and social esteem not only in Kashi but all over wherever Hindu Faith prevailed and after his end his Soul got absorbed into Bhagavan. The Third Katha related to the King of Badari Khanda named Chandrachuda at Manipurak Nagara who was highly virtuous, soft spoken and popular among his Subjects.He was a devout ‘Vishnu Bhakta’. But, the Mlecchas of Vindhya Desha attacked Chandrachuda who having been defeated in a fierce battle had to flee into forests and strayed into Kashi Nagara and discovered that the entire population was highly contented and enjoyed quality life deviod of diseases, untimely deaths, robberies and natural calamities. He then came to realise that the key to the all round happiness of Kasi was entirely due to the constant observance of Satya Narayana Vrata and that the Originator of this Sacred Vrata was a Brahmana called Sadananda (Shatanand) who had the Vision of Bhagavan Vishnu Himself. Chandrachuda approached Sadananda and secured his ‘Upadesha’of the Format, Content, Method and the instant Fruit of the Vrata and immediately performed the Vrata sincerely. Bhagavan Satya Narayana appeared before the King and presented a powerful Sword to use against the Mlecchaas who had forcefully occupied his throne and Kingdom. The King thanked Sadananda profusely and having reassembled his army devastated six thousand Mlecchhas, retrieved his Kingdom and the lost prestige, thanks to the observance of Satya Narayan Vrata. Back to his throne, King Chandrachuda prevailed on all his Subjects to perform Satya Narayana Vrata as often as possible and before all Auspicious Tasks like Weddings, Birth days and Nama Karana functions were initiated and most definitely on every Purnima day of each month. The King ruled his Kingdom with great veneration for Satya Deva for sixty long years having built a new Capital and ultimately reached Vishnu loka leaving behind a great heritage of peace, prosperity and lasting fame. The Fourth Episode was of Bhills/ Nishadas (Wood cutters) who happened to visit Kashi Nagar to sell their wood, got lost in the City and approached the Hermitage of Vishnu Das (Shatananda) as they felt thirsty. They were impressed with an on-going worship in the Hermitage, even as Vishnu Das not only quenched their thirst but also encouraged witnessing the proceedings of Satya Narayana Vrata.The Nishads took the Prasad at the conclusion of the Vrata with humility and high devotion and tried to take leave of Vishnu Das. The latter enquired whether they would also like to perform the Vrata and the Nishads exclaimed that it was not possible for them to do so; they said that performance of a Puja was not only expensive but they were completely illiterate and could never observe this kind of a complicated Puja in their life time ever! Satyanarayana Vrata is neither expensive nor complicated; what is significant is the devotion and commitment rather than riches nor knowledge. This was made amply clear to the Bhills; he said that Lord Krishna while visiting Hastinapura did not accept the Chief Guest Status of Duryodhana but stayed in the humble cottage of Vidura instead! Krishna again took away the ‘tandula-kanas’ (rice-fries) from Sudama (Kuchela) with affection and bestowed such wealth that was not in the reach of Kings even; similarly He was so close to the illiterate and innocent Gopas and Gopis but kept aloof from even Great Sages!Having said this, Vishnu Das prescribed a simple and straight-forward format of observing the Vrata and enabled the Bhills to perform the worship in an effortless and easy way which even unintelligent children could follow provided however their hearts were transparent and Bhakti was paramount. The community of Bhills was thus prompted and encouraged by Vishnu Das, whereby they started earning by the sale of wood and gained profits and confidence in course of time.Eventually, their devotion became intense and their life-style changed so much that took firm steps towards attainment Vishnu Loka! The Fifth Episode centered on a Vaisya called Sadhu and his son-in-law. The famous King Chandrachuda of Manipuraka Nagar referred to in the Third Episode above was once performing Satya Narayana Puja along with a large number of followers, when a wealthy Vanika from Ratnapur landed by his ship filled up with considerable riches. When the highly decorated Puja Mandap, Sadhu enquired as to what was going on at that busy Place, he was told that Satyanarayana Vrat was being performed under the auspices of Chandrachuda Maharaj along with several other devotees.Sadhu was also interested as he had no offspring and thus joined the group and prayed to Satya Narayana to bless him with a child. The Sabhapati was conveyed of the wish of the Vanika and as though Bhagavan Himself approved the wish, the desire was approved but on the condition that soon after securing a child he should perform the Vrata in a manner that would become of the rich Vanika. In course of time, Sadhu’s wife conceived and a female child was born. The Name-Giving Function was celebrated with great pomp and show of the wealthy Vanika and the baby was named Kalavati after consultations of her ‘Kundalini’. The wife of Vanika reminded of Sadhu’s promise that now that they were blessed with a child, the Vanika should recall the promise made by him to perform Satya Narayana Vrata. He kept on delaying the fulfillment the promise somehow. Meanwhile, Kalavati was growing into a fine girl and Vanika commenced searching for a suitable bridegroom; Ashta varsha bhaved Gauri Nava varsha cha Rohini, Dasa varsha bhavet Kanya tathah proudhaa Rajaswala (An eight year old girl is known as Gauri and a Nine Year old is Rohini, a ten year old is said to be a Kanya and Proudha having come of age suitable for marriage!). Thus Vanika Sadhu planned for Kalavati’s wedding first rather than redeeming the promise made to Satya Narayana Deva. A suitable son-in-law named Sankhapati who was very rich too was selected as Kalavati’s husband. After the wedding, Sadhu kept his son-in-law in his own house as his business partner and the joint business flourished well. On the reminder of Sadhu’s wife about the promise to perform Satya Narayana Vrata, Sadhu postponed again till his daughter’s securing a child. A few days later, Sadhu accompanied by his son-in-law undertook a business tour beyond River Narmada. They stayed out for long and the promise to perform the Vrata was almost forgotten. As though Bhagavan got angry about the callousness of Sadhu in redeeming his promise about the Vrata, the two-some of in-laws faced considerable difficulties in the business and on their return journey back home stayed at a Guest house overnight and at that very night there was a theft in the King’s Palace and both Sadhu and son-in-law got entangled as they were strangers there and got imprisoned; morever, there was expensive pearl-necklace found on the body of the son-in-law of Sadhu. While the two were languishing in the prison awaiting judgment for robbery, there was a theft in Sadhu’s house at his native place and both Kalavati and daughter suddenly turned as paupers and were some how eking their existence. In the Sixth Katha, Suta Maha Muni explained that Bhagavan Vishnu could utilise the means of ‘Tapatrayas’viz. Adhyatmika, Adhi Daivika and Adhi-Bhoutika forms to punish a human being when a person would go astray from ‘Dharma’; in the case of Vanika Sadhu, the promise to execute Satya Narayana Vrata was wantonly ignored. Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi Devi had four sons viz. Dharma, Yagna, King and Thief and Lakshmi was equally fond of all of them. The charity given to Brahmanas and Guests is of the form of Dharma which targets Money; the Deva Yagna and Pitru Yagna are of the forms of Yagnas and in this case too Money is involved; a King who is responsible to safeguard both Dharma and Yagna also aims at Rajya Lakshmi and finally a ‘Chor’ (Thief) too is after Money in the final analysis. In the case of Vanika Sadhu, he was basically a Thief as he did not redeem his pledge to Satya Narayana Himself and hence there were two thefts were involved-one by way of suspicion by the King and another a theft in Sadhu’s own residence. Thus the victims of the unhappiness of Satya Narayana were all the members of Sadhu’s family, thus analysed Suta Muni about the consequences. Be that as it might, Kalavati could not withstand her hunger and approached a Brahmana’s house where a Vrata of Satya Narayana was being observed; she returned home late along with the ‘Prashad’or the remains of the Offering to the Deity at the Puja. The mother was annoyed that Kavavati returned home late but as was conveyed by Kalavati that the delay was due to a Satya Narayana Vrata; Kalavati was then reminded of the lapse that occurred in not performing the Vrata and approached a past companion’ s house and begged money for performing the Vrata. Her companion replied that in the heydays of Kalavati, the latter gave a loan which would now be retuned. Thus, Kalavati perfomed the Vrata as prescribed and Swami Satyanarayana was indeed satisfied. As a result, Vishnu Deva came into the dreams of the King who kept Sadhu and son-in-law in his custody; the former ordered the King to free the alleged prisoners, Sadhu and Shankhapati at once. Next morning the King called the Minister about the strange dream of Satya Narayana and his instruction to the King. The Minister called the Prisoners and found out their full antecedents. The King apologised to Sadhu, gave lot of money and freed them. Sadhu and son-in-law got back to their ship but even now there was no hint of remorse for not having performed the Vrata. Bhagavan took the form of a Hermit near the Ship and asked Sadhu and his son-in-law as to what was in the Ship. As a matter of fact there were many valuables forcefully taken by the King’s soldiers from the Ship and since restored, besides many gifts from the King to them when released after their imprisonment. But Sadhu and son-in-law mocked at the Hermit and replied that the ship contained only dried leaves and grass and there was nothing worthy of donating to him. The hermit replied: ‘Tadhastu’ (So be it!). Sadhu and son-in-law really and literally discovered dried leaves and grass, instead of the valuables in the Ship! They were stunned and searched for the hermit and fell on his feet. The hermit reprimanded Sadhu by recalling all the incidents when Sadhu first encountered the ‘Pratima’ (Idol) of the Satya Narayana at the Palace of King Chandrachuda; he prayed for a child and pledged that he would perform Satya Narayana Vrata befitting his status but on getting a child he did not do so; he said that when the child grew of age and after her wedding, he would perform the Vrata but again he did not; he asked for lot of wealth which was also granted, but still he did not redeem the pledge; when he was imprisoned and sought help then too, did not; when he was let free from the prison and Bhagavan’s help was sought even then he never thought that Bagavan gave the help; now too, he lied and said there was nothing for charity in the ship except grass and dried leaves! Sadhu the fell flat on his knees, displayed genuine shame and repentance and prayed as follows: Satya Swarupam Satyasandham Satya Narayanam Harim, Yatsatyatvena Jagatastwam Satyam twaam Namaamyaham/ Twanmayaa mohitat-mano na Pashyayantyatmanah Shubham, Duhkaambhodhou sadaa magnaa Duhkhecha Sukhamaaninah/ Moodhoham Dhana garvena Madaandheekruta lochanah, na jaane swaatmanah Kshemam kathampashyaami Mudhadhih/ Kshamaswa mamadouraatmyam tapodhaamne Hare Namah, Aajnaapayatmadaasyam me yena tey charanow smarey/ (Satya Swarupa! Satyasandha! Satya Narayana Bhagavan Hari! Human Beings tend to become victims of ‘Maya’ (Illusion) and get victimised with the thoughts that happiness is in the deep Oceans of ‘Samsara’ and seek to attain those momentary joys; persons like me become arrogant and ego owing to small amounts of wealth and imagine no end of themselves foolishly; You are well-known as ever-merciful to those who are repentant. Mahatma! Could You not provide me one chance of correcting myself to devote my entire Self at the lotus-like feet of ours!). Bhagavan Satya Narayana, the ever-compassionate replied positively and blessed the Vanika. A few days later, the ship of Sadhu sailed off and a message reached Kalavati that her husband was arriving ashore soon. She was so excited that the concluding part of the Satya Narayana Vrata being performed was ignored and did not even secure the ‘Prasada’ presented to Bhagavan as the ‘Naivedya’ and ran off to welcome the husband. But as soon as the ship was cited from a distance, she witnessed the horror of the sinking ship! Kalavati fell unconscious and after recovering her senses prepared herself to immolate in a Fire- Pit. As she was about to jump into the Fire, a Celestial Voice was heard saying that Kalavati who was already perfoming the Vrata did the unpardonable indiscretion of ignoring the Prasada and hence the calamity of the sinking ship, but if she went back to the house and took the Prasada with veneration, then the situation might change for the better! Kalavati was ashamed of her and did the amends at once; the sinking ship stood up and got anchored safe. There was a happy reunion of the family. Indeed, none could ever ignore the Lord who is other-wise ever-forgiving, considerate and clement! In Kali Yuga, the most fruitful, effective and instantly result-oriented worship is indeed that of Satya Narayana Vrata, undoubtedly.
10Shalivahana and
Ishamasiha
After the demise of Vikramaditya of the Golden Age in Bharat,
there were as many as eighteen Kingdoms named Indraprastha, Panchaala,
Kurukshetra, Kampila, Antarvedi, Vraja, Ajmer, Marudhanva (Mawaad), Gurjara (
Gujarat), Maharashtra, Dravida (Tamilnadu), Kalinga (Orissa), Avanti (Ujjain),
Udupa (Andhra), Banga, Gauda, Magadha and Kaushalya. These Kingdoms were
independent with separate languages, cultures, religions and life styles.Some
of these Entities spread beyond Sindhu River and some even trans-Himalayas. It
was at this time that Vikramaditya’s grand son Shalivahana took over the
sovereignty and controllled Shakas, Chinese, Bahmika, Kamarupa, Rome, and Khur
desha. He allowed the cultures of Mlecchhas beyond Sindhu River and Aryavarta.
Once Shalivahana saw a person on Himalayas who was very fair and handsome and
asked him: Ekada tu Shakhaadisho Himatungaari Samaaya yau, Hunadeshaaya madhye
vai giristhaana purusham shubhaanodaadarsha Balaram Rajah (The Controller of
the Shakas (viz. Shatavahana) went towards the peaks of Himalayas in Hunadesha
(near Manasarovar/ Kailash Mountain in Western Tibet). The person’s complexion
was of gold and robes were pure white.) Ko bharam iti tam Praaha su hovacha
mudan vitah, Iisha pitrugam maam viddhi Kumaari garbha sambhavam ( As the King enquired
as to the Stranger’s background, the reply was that he was the son of Isha and
that he was born of a Virgin).Mleccha dharmasya vaktaram, Satyavata paraayanam/
iti srutva Nripa Praaha Dharma ko bhavati matah/ (I am the promoter of the
religion of Mlecchas and hold fast to the Principles of Absolute Truth; the
King asked as what were the Principles!). In his reply, Ishaputra replied that
when the Principles of Virtue got badly downgraded and Mlecchas were becoming
barbarians, I took upon myself the responsibility of turning to be a Masiha /
Messaih and assumed Prophethood. He continued to say: Mlecchasa sthapito Dharmo
mayaa tacchrunu Bhupatey/ Maanasa nirmalaam krutwa malam dehe subhaasbham/
Naiganam apamasthya japeta nirmalam param, Nyayena Satyavachasaa manasyai kena
manavah/ Dhyayena pujayedisham Surya mandala samsthitham, Achaloyam Prabhu
sakshatathaa suryachalah sada/ (Ok King, the Principles that are intended to be
set up among the Mlecchas are:Human Beings are subject to good and bad
feelings. Hence, the body and the heart need to be purified; then the Deity
whom You have in mind be meditated; Truth has to be uttered and practised,
justice needs to be observed; the mind needs to be trained to concentrate and
targetted on the Eternal Soul, situated in the Surya Mandala, since Sun-God and
the Super Soul are just the same. As Paramatma is steady, Sun God too is firm
and everlasting. One should therefore be truthful, and worship the Lord as
manifested in the form of Surya.). Having heard this, Shatavahana bowed to Isha
Putra, in admiration.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued)
(My humble
salutations to the lotus feet of Sri
Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamy ji and also my humble greatulness
to Brahmasree Sreeman V D N Rao ji for the collection)
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