Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GURUVĀṆI
(As Aarshavani is Entering into 5th year...)
‘Started to propagate the Dharma
handed over by Rishis with 2 pages in
the first issue, 'Aarshavani’, free e-
magazine, grew into 20 pages supported
by the patronage of readers all over the
world. At this auspicious moment when
'Aarshavani' is entering into its 5 th year
with the blessings of Rishis publishing
many articles aligning the wishes of
readers, we offer our prayers to Lord
Almighty to pronounce His blessings
upon all those contributing essays,
gathering and translating articles, and
all the readers generously supporting
this effort.’
– Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
Some chapters of this purāṇa also exemplify tantra as postulated by Vēdas. Application of this tantra as
stipulated certainly yields the mentioned merits.
Some other chapters of this Purāṇa detail about temple, Yāgaśāla, Gōpura construction along with specifics
like measurements, positioning etc. Details about spiritual practices and worship of Liṅga, Sālagrāma are
also expounded.
Few chapters called ‘Bhuvana Kōśam’ narrate about earth – continents, their distinct characteristics, specific
features etc.
Some chapters expound ‘Jyōtiṣa’ and ‘Sāmudrika’ i.e. astrology and palmistry. It has been described in great
detail about how to understand the nature of a person based on his physique, characteristics, professional
achievements, spiritual depth, and life after death etc.
Some chapters called ‘Ratna Śastra’ i.e. modern day’s Gemology detail about different types of gems such as
Rudrākṣa, their characteristics, identification techniques, and benefits etc.
Some chapters called ‘Tīrtha Kṣētra Mahima’ elucidate efficaciousness of different Tīrthas and Kṣētras.
Some chapters richly describe different Vratas based on different tithis, benefits obtained thereby,
initiation, observances for those performing those vratas etc.
Some chapters expound polity, political administration, administer law and justice, financial management,
moral sciences, ethics, code of conduct for each Varṇa (class) and Āśrama (stage of life) etc. as described by
Brihaspati and others.
Few chapters explain ‘Nidāna jñāna’ i.e. the science of medical diagnosis. Here, techniques, tips, methods
and other derivations to diagnose the disease along with it’s root cause based on physical conditions, mental
state etc. and their treatments, subsequent precautions, auxiliary stipulations for the prescription etc. are
described. Some chapters called ‘Karma Vipākam’ describe the various diseases that can come due to
different evil actions performed along with possible scriptural remediations to get complete rid of those
effects. Hence, in totality, this can be termed as the Shastra of ‘Maṇi (gem), Mantra (worship), and Auṣadha
(medicine).
More importantly, this Purāṇa elaborately discusses about entire institution of ‘Pitr̥ Dēvatas’ – who they are,
how they operate, why is it so essential to worship them, why one should never stop doing shrāddha karma
to one’s ancestors, relationships between births and after life, how to obtain the grace of Pitr̥s, what are the
remedies if one misses to perform those stipulated karmas dedicated towards Pitr̥s etc. It is very important
for everyone to reflect themselves if they are respecting their parents and ancestors as much as they are
loving their children and anticipating that their children would respect them.
Few chapters also narrate many leelas, stories, and incarnations of Viṣnu.
Enveloping over such vast variety of aspects and concepts of Sanātana Dharma, it has been mentioned that the
ultimate goal of Garuda Purāṇa is to inculcate ‘Hari Bhakti’ i.e. devotion towards Viṣnu.
- Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
(Adapted from ‘Garuda Mahā Purāṇam’ Pravachanam)
(To be continued…)
PUSHYA MONTH
02.02.2019 – Saturday – Masa Sivaratri – Sani Trayodasi – Since it is great yoga to have a combination on the
same day, worship of Siva during Pradosha bestows the grace of Lord Siva.
04.02.2019 – Monday – Mahodaya Punyakala (Alabhya Yogam) Chollangi Amavasya, Mouni Amavasya
Scriptures described the combination of Monday, Amavasya, and the star Shravana as ‘Alabhya’ yoga. A dip in
ocean waters, sacred rivers on this day yields great merits. During this time considered eqvivalent to solar eclipse,
anything offered in charity, doing japa is auspicious.
Those aspiring for elevated spiritual status should take a dip in holy teerthas and worship their chosen deity. In
Chollangi near Kakinanda, one stream of river Godavari, Tungabhaga merges with ocean here. Hence, special
festivities are celebrated here.
MAGHA MONTH
Any activity of God should be offered to Madhava in this month mentioning ‘Madhava: Priyataam’. Bathing as
stipulated in scriptures is important in Magha.
‘Na samaṁ bhavitā kin̄cittējaḥ saurēṇa tējasā, tadvat snānēna māghasya na samāḥ kratujāḥ kriyāḥ’ –
Just like the light of Sun has no substitute, devout and holy bath in this Magha month has no substitute. A dip
in Prayaga in this month is highly efficacious. Even the reminiscence of Prayaga at home yields greater merits.
Those who can’t do this everyday, should at least do this on three days or on the Pournima day in this month.
Offering sesame and Indian gooseberry in charity is good. Lighitng lamps with sesame oil in Lord Siva’s temple
throughout this month grants auspiciousness, says ‘Siva Rahasya’.
12.02.2019 - Tuesday – Ratha Saptami, Surya Jayanti, Abhojyarka Vratam, Vaivasvata Manvaadi
Auspicious time when God direct, Suryanarayana, changes His track. One of the greatest celebrations of
Uttarayana. On this day at the time of brahmi muhurta, all the stars will be in the shape of chariot. Worship of
Aditya, the embodiment of all gods, on this day grants brilliance, abundance, health etc.
After the bath, one should recite the following sloka and offer arghya to Surya -
saptasapti vahaprīta saptalōka pradīpana |
saptamī sahitō dēva gr̥hāṇārghyaṁ namōstutē ||
Complete worship of Surya should be done and milk pudding cooked using cow dung cakes as fuel should be
offered in leaves of green bean tree. Offering of pumpkin is very meritorious, as this time is equivalent to the
time when the eclipse of sun is happening.
Mantra is the sound form of God. Mantra is pregnant with the consciousness and spirit of the deity. When
invoked with perfect mantra chanting, the power of God shall come. This is not just faith. This is fact.
– Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
There is no letter that is not a Mantra; There is no herb that is not a medicine.
Sri Adi Sankara does not belong to any sect. He is the ‘Samanvaya Karta’
(harmonizer) of the holistic Bharateeyata and Sanatana Dharma in totality.
INTRODUCTION
It’s in fact a matter of anguish that many Hindus do not even know about Sri Adi Sankaracharya, His works, and
the work He accomplished for the cause of Sanatana Dharma. A common myth in vogue is that while Sri
Ramanujacharya propounded Vaishnavism and Sri Madhvacharya enunciated Dvaita, Sankaracharya propagated
Saivism. Firstly, it is very important to know that Sankaracharya is not Saivite i.e. a follower of Saivism. For
that matter, He is not Saiva or Vaishnava or Shakteya or Ganapatya or Skanda or Saura follower. But, in the true
sense, there is no greater Saiva or Vaishnava or Shakteya or Ganapatya or Skanda or Saura follower than
Sankaracharya. Those who truly understand what He did, venerate Him as the ‘Guru’ of entire Hindu Dharma.
All the different modes of worship can broadly be termed as Dvaita or Vishishtadvaita. In Advaita, there is no
worship. Advaita is only knowledge based. But, the distinction of Advaita lies in the proposition of completely
corroborating the existence of Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita during the different stages of spiritual practice.
Knowledge is ‘The experience of God’ says Sankaracharya. Because of His wholesome consent to all schools of
thought, His consummate amalgamation of all those, and His relentless and unmatched service to Bhārata, Sankara
is the ‘Guru’ for all Bhāratīyas and is worthy of reminiscing every morning.
5000 years before from now, Sri Krishna summarized all the Vedas, Sastras, Agamas, and other existing philosophies
till then, and rendered the song celestial ‘Srimad Bhagavadgita’ as the quintessence to benefit the entire humanity.
Since He harmonized all the different paths of Yoga, He is called the ‘Yogiswareswara’ i.e. the Iswara of the all the
Yogiswaras. The compassionate Rushis laid out many paths of enlightenment to suit individuals of varied
temperament, level of intellectual capacity, physical conditions etc. and gave the choice of choosing the path one
feels appropriate for oneself to proceed further and seek the Supreme. Thus, it is essential to understand that
certainly not one path fits all. If one attains the Supreme by means of Yoga, it does not stipulate that everyone
should take to Yoga denouncing all practices of worship. There are many examples of those who attained liberation
by singing His name, meditating His form, and worshipping His idol etc. Sri Krishna propagated all the stipulated
methods, paths, and modes of reaching the Ultimate that have thorough substantiation in Vedas. Vedas dealt all
aspects in great detail to the subtlest level possible with respect to Jiva (self), Iswara (The Supreme), and the world
(Prapancha) beyond the ken of human intellect.
‘vēdaiśca sarvairahamēva vēdyō vēdāntakr̥d vēdavid ēva cāhaṁ’
i.e. ‘By all the Vedas am I to be known; indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas’,
said Sri Krishna. Krishna also warned that only those following the scriptures shall attain the Supreme.
In His view, scriptures refer to Vedas. Maharshi Veda Vyasa compiled the entire knowledge of Sanatana Dharma
i.e. Vedas, Upanishads, other auxiliary scriptures such as Dharma, Yoga, Mantra, Agama, and Tantra in an organized
manner, structuring them into Puranas, Upa Puranas in the form of stories, incidents, narratives, teachings etc.
incorporating many examples and simple easy-to-follow practices and handed over to the eternity. His magnum
opus Mahabharata is an amalgamation of the entire knowledge of Hindu Dharma.
Around 2000 years before, many different schools of philosophy called ‘Darshanas’ such
as Kanada’s Vaiseshika, Kapila’s Sankhya, Jaimini’s Karma or Purva Mimamsa, Gautama’s
Nyaya Mimamsa, Yoga, and Uttara Mimamsa spread across Bharata. Vaiseshika narrates
about the atom, it’s structure and other related details. Sankhya narrates about the
nature, our relation to nature, application etc. Karma Mimamsa is ‘Cause and Effect’
theory that revolves around the postulate that one reaps fruits per their actions and
hence actions form the basis of this entire universe. Nyaya Mimamsa has it’s basis in
logic and works in deducting rational logic in everything seen and done. Though there
are many maharshis who propounded different methods of Yoga, Patanjali collated and
structured them. Uttara Mimamsa primarily expounds Vedanta rooting everything in
God as Dvaita, Vishishitadvaita, and Advaita. Sankaracharya harmonized all these three
differently seeming schools of philosophy and demonstrated that they are one and same.
During recent times, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa also achieved the same demonstrating that all three are one.
Teaching and handing over the same to Swami Vivekandana, Sri Ramakrishna said, “Go anywhere in the world
carrying the gem of Advaita with you. Your word shall become the truth, the doctrine and the path for everyone to
follow.” Later, Swami Vivekananda said, “Dvaita, Advaita, and Vishishtadvaita are not three different paths; they
are three different stages in a journey.”
- Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
(Adapted from ‘ŚRĪ ĀDI ŚAṄKARA JÑĀNA YAJÑAṀ’ – ‘BHAJA GŌVINDAṀ’ - Pravachanam) (To be continued...)
Disclaimer: - The information provided under ‘Sanatana Dharma Around the World’ session is collected from various sources. Readers may check for accuracy.
Copyright © 2019 | Rushipeetham Charitable Trust. All Rights Reserved.
‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – February | 2019 11
chiLdREn’S coRnER
Bāla śikṣa
EDUCATION – PLEASURE (VIDYA – SUKHAM)
– Brahmasri Dr. Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
Student state is an important stage in life. Previously, A student can never become academically successful if
this was called ‘Brahmacharya’, during which the there is an increase in disorderliness with emphasis on
tutelage of Guru used to be strict. Even the Guru also pleasures, thereby leading to character destruction.
used to follow dharma strictly and train the disciple Crave for this pleasure generally begins in youth. With
accordingly. The primary goal of a student i.e. ‘Vidyarthi’ the growth of sense organs, every pleasure seems to be
(one who is seeking education) is to obtain education. deemed only for oneself. Thus, one crosses the dharma,
One who puts education aside can never obtain the justice, and even common worldly practices to fulfill
same. The same has been boldly highlighted in Dharma their wishes. It is the responsibility of parents, teachers,
scriptures - and educational institutions. Children should be
sukhārthī vā tyajēt vidyām | inculcated with a strong feeling that education is more
vidyārthī vā sukhaṁ tyajēt || important than pleasures. This has been repeatedly told
sukhārthinaḥ kutō vidyā | by our elders. Only then a student shall become
vidyārthinaḥ kutaḥ sukhaṁ || successful in all endeavors. Previously in Gurukulams,
“Those seeking pleasures should leave education, students were told not to take bath or comb hair. This
because how one will obtain education while seeking statement here implies that the emphasis is only on
pleasure? Those aspiring only for education, how will cleanliness, but not on beautification, which is not all
they have pleasure?” important in student life. Some kinds of education have
This clarifies that student life is not for joyful living, but no end. They are devoutly studied and reminisced
for rigorous learning. Hence, during the system of always. Nobody was sent out stating that education was
Gurukulam in olden days, pleasure, joy, extravaganza completed. The virtues that have been imbibed by the
etc. has been restricted for students. Students should study should be reflected throughout in the lives of
never give prominence to beautification. Though these students. Those judiciously learnt during student life
rules seem harder, they certainly aid in character guide the life in future aiding them in decision making,
development and shaping the mind of a student. Today, thought process, and life style. Hence, one should be
these minute aspects are forgotten. Today’s students much focused and remain concentrated during one’s
crave for pleasures, go in groups in search of them, and student life. Knowledge is infinite and never limited to
employ modern technological gadgets calling all this as prescribed syllabus. One should strive for totality in
‘Entertainment’. Students should give prominence to learning rather than paying attention towards marks to
‘Enlightenment’, not ‘Entertainment’. But, it is very be obtained, jobs to be grabbed etc. A student should
important that an industrious student should get some devote time towards learning the subtle aspects,
rest and comfort. This can be provided by appropriate problem solving with practical application of knowledge
means coupling with scientific knowledge and soft obtained thereby, and self-improvement in the set field.
subtle comedy that does not hurt anyone. (To be continued…)
VIJÑĀNAṀ -1
SLOKA OF THE MONTH 1. During the episode of Siva Dhanurbhanga in Ramayana, what
did Lord Parasurama ask Rama?
namaḥ savitrē jagadēkacakṣuṣē
2. Who are the parents of Suka Maharshi?
jagatprasūtisthitināśa hētavē 3. Whose incarnation is Maharshi Durvasa?
trayīmāyāya triguṇātmadhāriṇē 4. To whom Sindoor is dear?
5. Which city did Krishna rule over?
virin̄cinārāyaṇa śaṅkarātmanē
6. What is the role of Satananda in King Janaka’s court?
7. What country is Sakuni king for?
8. What is the Asana of Sri Mahalakshmi?
9. What is the relation between Narayana and Narayani?
10. Why Vishnu killed Somakasura?
Adapted from ‘Adivaram Akhila Devataarchana’ Answers for above questions will be provided in next issue.
MULTIPLICATIONS – 1
SUTRA: ĒKĀDHIKĒNA PŪRVĒṆA
Meaning: ONE MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE
Details: There are several methods for multiplication of two numbers. One of the methods explained
below is for finding out the square of a number (multiplying a number with the same number) having 5
in the units place. 35
35
Example 1 : 35 X 35 = ? __________________
175
The method explained in the schools gets the answer as shown here.
105
__________________
1225
__________________
1. The present method following the sutra ‘ĒKĀDHIKĒNA PŪRVĒṆA’ involves the procedure of filling up the blanks.
2. For the problem given above, let us have four blanks. (The number of blanks depend on the base of the number.
35 X
35
_________________________
____
__________________________
__25 45 X 45 = _______
5. Next select one of the two given numbers. That is, select a 35. __________________________
Before the beginning of war, Arjuna became despondent and wanted to renunciate everything and retire into forests.
The Supreme Lord enlightened Arjuna with Srimad Bhagavadgita and put him on
the path of duty, stipulated according to his Swadharma. Similarly, after the war
is completed and Pandavas became victorious, Yudhisthira became despondent
with guilt of killing kin and kith along with causing lot of loss to property and lives.
He also wanted to renunciate everything and retire. Again, the Supreme Lord
intervened, bestowed Bhisma with strength, wisdom, memory, ability to talk and
many other faculties to speak without any signs of fatigue and anguish. Krishna
made Bhishmacharya enunciate different kinds of Dharmas – Samanya Dharma,
Visesha Dharma, Apaddharma, and Moksha Dharma - to Yudhisthira to ease him,
experience peace and place firmly on the prescribed path of duty. Laying on the
bed of arrows itself, Bhishmacharya narrated these Dharmas to Yudhisthira, as inspired by Lord Krishna.
Hence, this also can be termed as ‘Bhagavad Gita’. When both Bhishma and Yudhisthira were hestitant to narrate and
ask questions respectively, Lord comforted them with His cajole and asked Bhishma also to comfort Yudhisthira
relieving him of unwanted agony and guilt. Bhishma elaborated that it is not erroneous or injustifiable for a ruler to
vanquish those treading the path of unrighteousness. ‘Samayatyagi’ i.e. those who does not respect time and execute
actions as demanded by time should not be left unpunished. Whoever ignores the ‘Dharma Setu’ i.e the bridge of
Sanatana Dharma that enables one to reach the destination either overcome by greed or delusion should be
reprimanded. Just like Yagna, Yaga, Japa, Tapa etc. are dharmas stipulated for Brahmins, a righteous war to establish
dharma is justifiable for a Kshatriya. Those who achieve the ‘Tri-Varga’ i.e. Dharma, Artha, and Kama following their
Swadharma i.e. stipulated for onself in Vedas shall certainly attain the fourth one, Moksha. Bhishma said, “Namō
dharmāya mahatē nama: Kr̥ṣṇāya vēdhasē brāhmaṇēbhyō namaskr̥tya dharmān vakṣyāmi śāśvatān” i.e. ‘I offer
my prostration to this great Dharma, Krishna expounded in Vedas as the orchestrator of this entire creation, and the
very embodiment and origin of Dharma, and Brahmanyas i.e. who lead their life practicing the ideals of Veda, Dharma,
Tapas, Jnana, and the Supreme. Thus, I begin my narration of these Eternal Dharmas.’ Lord Sri Krishna Himself assured
that whoever just listens to these Dharmas with devotion and attention shall certainly acquire everything here and
hereafter. ‘Praviṣṭa karṇa randhrēṇa dhunōti śamalaṁ yathā’ says Sri Bhagavata Purana i.e. God, the very embodiment
of Dharma, enters inside through the ears. Devout listening purifies the body and soul of the listener, slowly sets them
on the path of executing those dharmas and prepares the stage for God’s entry into their hearts. Whoever strictly
practices them gets what, is left to their imagination only. They shall attain the Supreme Lord Himself.
WHY ONE SHOULD LISTEN TO DHARMAS? Only those who are immaculately practicing Dharma
shall have the interest and curiosity to listen about Dharma more. One should listen about Dharmas
primarily for three reasons – 1. Because one is following them 2. To learn and understand new Dharmas
and put them into practice. 3. Obtain the complete fructification of practicing Dharmas.
For ease of availability and convenience to admirers of Rushipeetham all over the world, Rushipeetham
started an online store for purchases of Rushipeetham books, publications and audios/videos of Brahmasri
Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu pravachanams. Upon request,
o Books and CDs will be mailed to any valid postal address in India.
o Books and CDs can be download as PDF files and MP3 respectively.
o For details please visit https://rushipeetham.com/rushipeetham-store/?v=7516fd43adaa
For new donations and those who donated, please drop an email Contact details: Address: Sri Vallabha Ganapathi Trust,
with donation details at vallabhaganapathitrust@gmail.com Near Kalyana Nagar Arch, Jangala Colony Road, Siva
For details, contact Sistu Rama Sastry @ 9652815577 Kumar Layout, Konthamuru, Rajahmundry, Andhra
Pradesh – 533103; Ph# 9949705166 / 9542122189
Darshan timings: Morning 6 am – 11 am; Evening 5 pm – 7 pm
In an overwhelming response
to the clarion call of Brahmasri
Dr. Samavedam garu for ‘Desa
- Dharma Raksha’, recitations
of ‘Sri Rama-Hanumad-
Aditya’ stotrams are being
performed all over the world
in small villages as well as
major metros, both
individually and in groups.
These pictures are from
Konthamuru, Rajahmundry.
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‘Samanvaya is Sanātana – Sāmarasya is Bhāratīyata’ Aarshavani Vol. 5 – February | 2019 19