All about saints

Discussion in 'Religious places & Spiritual people' started by padmaiyangar, Aug 2, 2007.

  1. Saraswathipv

    Saraswathipv IL Hall of Fame

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    Re: Inspiration For A Life Of True Spiritualism

    Hello mrs Sunkan,


    That was a nice post.

    I would like to share with u this....

    Way back in 1996, much before my marriage, my husband was introduced to 'Gnanaguru' Venugopala Swamigal, by a family friend.
    My hubby wanted him(gnanaguru) to be his spiritual guru. For which he got the reply that...
    I m not ur Guru. Unga Uyir Guru,Uyire Kadavul
    Unga Udal Alayam.
    (Ur soul is ur guru and its ur God and ur body is temple)
    Its ur duty to protect that temple from evil feelings.Maharishis have done that and reached "piravi illa nilai"(birthless existence). Acquire and draw those conscious waves, within ur body, to annihilate the poison of all evil and ill-feelings,which is accumulated within urself without ur knowledge and awareness. By doing this u can sanctify ur thoughts, words and deeds.
    This is the way of rendering service to God that resides within U.

    From then, my Husband attended various discourses and meditation guided by him.

    Our marriage was solemnized by Gnanaguru, in Thabovanam, which he established in Punjai Puliampatti. It is some 60 km from Coimbatore city on the way to Sathiamangalam.Whenever in India, we have been there for almost all pournami dhyanam.

    Will continue to share more of this by and by..

    Thanx


     
  2. sunkan

    sunkan Gold IL'ite

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    Re: Inspiration For A Life Of True Spiritualism

    very nice to read this, some are lucky to get guru in their life time, but some keep searching for lives together. sure would love to hear more about these in this column..sunkan
     
  3. padmavathi m

    padmavathi m Silver IL'ite

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    Re: Inspiration For A Life Of True Spiritualism

    dear sunkan ma'am,

    i am padma, rekha's anni.

    my guru is VETHATHIRI MAHARISHI of aliyar, near pollachi. he is no more now. he passed away on 28th march 2006. he was 97 when he died.
    my husband and myself did the yoga and meditation course WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE (WCSC) in dec'1999 in blore . the master's course is conducted in aliyar only. we got our certificates from MAHARISHI itself. since then he has become our guru. even my daughters(11yrs and 9 yrs) have accepted him as their guru.

    his philosophies are based on Tamil siddha saints like Thirumoolar, Thiruvalluvar, Thaayumaanavar and Ramalingar.
    according to his philosophy he says blessings play an important role in one's life.
    the words (((((vazhga valamudan ))))))benefits others as well as the one who blesses.
    when we use the letter """zh"" in tamil our tip of the tongue touches the upper palate of our mouth, that in turn activates the pitutary gland that is in the hypothalamus. since pitutary gland is the master of all glands that will activate the other glands in our body.
    isnt our """zh""""""" special in tamil ?
    there are so many sustained reasearches he has made philosophy as science

    even though we all are born with so many sin imprints, this kind of life of true spiritualism leads to success along with peace of mind.
    GURU IS THE GIFT OF GOD.
    we visit the ashram once in a year.


    vazhga valamudan ma'am.

    regards
    padma
     
    1 person likes this.
  4. mata srila

    mata srila New IL'ite

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    hello there, i want to know other than ADI SANKARA and ABHIRAMI PATTAR are there other saints for mother sakthi ..not to forget melmaruvathurr adigalar ....om sakthi
     
  5. revathy45

    revathy45 Bronze IL'ite

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    Sakhubai!!

    <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=700 align=center bgColor=#eeeeee border=0><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=center bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TD bgColor=#ffffff>[FONT=Verdana,Arial] . [/FONT]





    <TABLE width=650 align=center border=0><TD vAlign=bottom><TD vAlign=bottom>[FONT=verdana,arial]Sakhubai[/FONT]

    Devotee of Panduranga Vittala. Though suffering hardships from a cruel mother- in- law and a foolish husband, She bore it and reposed pure 'Bhakti'(devotion) in Lord Vittala whom, for her sake, served her people and transformed them. A poor man and his wife lived in a town near Pandharapur. Though poor, they were lead- ing a peaceful, contented life. They would, within their limitations, make dona- tions to charities; they would welcome and entertain guests.They were partaking in others' joys and helping those in difficulties. They were liked by all. Pandharapur is a holy place. Panduranga Vittala is the presiding deity there. There were a large number of devotees in that vicinity worshipping Him. The poor couples too were among them. They had no children and it distressed them. They ardently wor- shipped Vittala daily and prayed for getting children. As though in response to their devout prayers, the poor man's wife gave birth to a female child. The baby grew up into a beautiful girl possessing many good qualities since childhood. Sakhu had imbibed in her a deep sense of devotion of God. She assisted in the 'Puja' at house by preparing flower-garlands, sandal- wood paste, etc., tended the cattle, assisted her mother with cooking and was constantly engaged in useful domestic chores. The parents loved her immensely. Neighbors looked upon this smiling, active girl with delight. She would never hurt anybody nor utter harsh words. She made friends with other children and played with them. She respected the elders and was devoted to them. Everybody loved her.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]The Miser Of Karaveerapura [/FONT]


    There lived in the town of Karaveerapura a Pandit. He used to carry the Vedic texts with him and was always reciting mantras (hymns). But all that was for no good purpose. He would not even drive away a crow with his unwashed hand after meals lest any morsel of rice should fall down and the crow might eat it! He was not poor but miserly.

    Bharat is a big country. There are many mountains, rivers, forests and open plains. In the North, Ganga, Yamuna and Brahma- putra are very big rivers.Likewise big rivers
    like Cauvery, Krishna and Godavari flow in the South.

    Karaveera town was on the banks of Krishna. There was much greenery; good crops grew on the fertile lands, and Mother Earth was bountiful to the people. But the pandit was so miserly that people had named him Krupanaraya'('Krupana' means a miser). His wife Gayyalibai was an amazon, quarrelsome woman, and was always insulting -people and picked up quarrels with them. She was neither a devotee of God nor helpful in any way to others. No charities for her, and she would not entertain any guests at their house. The couple had a son whose name was Oaduraya. Neither the father not the son
    dared to open their mouth, and the woman ruled the household as per her wish.

    Krupanaraya had taught the Vedas to his son but it was mere parrotlike learning.
    Matters from the sacred texts filled his brain, but his heart was barren. He had not
    developed any good qualities like being friendly, helpful and kind to others.

    People used to keep away from this family.While some feared the wife'sverbal
    onslaughts, others did not like to have any contact or dealings with these misers who
    only loved money.

    As the son reached marriageable age, his parents began to look for a bride to him. But who would offer their daughter to such a person and the family? 'Better throw the girl into a well than marry her into such a household,' they would say. Realizing that none in the town were willing to offer their son a bride, his father began to search for one in neighboring places.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]Sakhubai's Marriage [/FONT]


    In his search, Krupanaraya came to living and the town where Sakhubai was living and someone directed him to her house. Her father received him in a friendly manner. Sakhubai brought water for him to wash his hands & feet helped her mother in preparing the lunch for the guest; she set the plate and tumbler for him.

    Krupanaraya was impressed with the girl's intelligence and helpful disposition. He asked for her to be given in marriage to her son.

    Though Sakhu's father had heard about the wealthy pandit, they were unaware of the bad name he had earned. The poor, good-hearted couple felt happy; they thought it was a boon from Lord Vittala that their daughter should be married into such a wealthy family.They were poor and some times would not have enough food even for two meals a day and they had to wear old and worn clothes. They now felt that at least their daughter would enjoy a happy life and readily agreed for the proposal.

    Krupanaraya fixed the muhurta (auspicious time) to with his wife and son place. The
    marriage without the bridegroom's coming to light. Gayyalibai had brought some
    presents for some gold Jewelry were impressed and was lucky. Krupanaraya then returned to Karaveerapura.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]The Forlorn Deer [/FONT]


    Sakhu's father-in-law fixed an auspicious day for bringing their daughter-in-law. Sakhu was then only twelve. Her parents brought her and the function of welcoming her was gone through. Sakhu's mother felt that as she was too young, they would take her back and send her when she matured. But Gayyalibai insisted that the girl would remain at their home from now on. Sakhu's parents could not have their say and returned thinking of bringing their daughter after home sometime.

    Tender girl Sakhu revered her father-in-law and mother-in-law as her own parents and
    considered her husband as God. But she was shocked to see the manner in which they behaved. The Mother-in-law would scold her all the time. She had to Pound paddy, churn the grains cleanse the vessels, store the water, wash the clothes There was no end to the tasks she had to perform. Still Gayyalibai was not satisfied with anything she did. She would angrily shout about the dishes not property washed and go on to denounce that her mother had not taught her any work well. Sakhu had to constantly weep, suffering the scolding. Her mother-in-law, after serving meals to the mate members, would throw a little rice and a bit of other dishes into her plate. It was like the care- less feeding of dogs. By the time Sakhu went to the river for washing clothes and returned, even that little food would have become stone cold. But she silently sat in a corner and ate it silently shedding tears. Sometimes, it would be infested with ants, flies etc. Many days she would not eat at all.After coming to her husband's house, Sakhu was now like a lost and forlorn deer.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]How Can You Live In a House Where There is No Dharma [/FONT]

    Though she had grown up in her poor parents' house, Sakhu had never aspired for rich,sumptuous food or anything of the sort. One may starve if no food is available but the atmosphere in this house was shocking. Sakhu had heard that her father- in-law was a great Vedic scholar and she had thought that such learned men had greater faith in God. She had felt that Krupanaraya, rich and learned, was helpful to others in a liberal manner, donate for charities, etc. Now all her illusions were shattered. One day when she was pound- ing rice, a beggar came to the house for alms. She got a handful of rice and came out to give it to him. Seeing it, Gayyalibai poured insults on her and accused her that she was trying to destroy their house. Krupanaraya supported his wife. Sakhu felt extremely sad, Should one not have some sympathy, dharma and be charitable ? Though her parents were poor, there was always provision for a little charity; a handful of rice was always available to those coming for alms. Here there was so much abundance. Krupana- raya was also engaged infinancial dealings involving large sums. Still, charity was absent in this house. No guests came. There was no formal worshipping of God even once a day nor were there may prayers. What was the difference between human beings and other species without these, lamente Sakhubai. She could not even have her meals in company, because of this dejection.Yet,she never openlycomplained against her mother-in-law or father-in-law. With tears in her eyes, she would only pray to Lord Vittala to bless these people with good thoughts and deeds."

    [FONT=verdana,arial]Mother Worries About Sakhu [/FONT]


    After leaving her daughter-at her husband 's place, Sakhu's mother was constantly worried about her. "She is a very young girl. It would have been better it we had brought her," she used to lament, Worried for her daughter,she would even forgether daily domestic chores. The calf in their shed would shout 'Ambaa' before she rushed to feed her grass."It our Shaku was here, you would have your food on time," she would mutter caressing the calf.There were no modern postal facilities at that time, you see. So they had to seek infor- mation about their daughter from travelers and the sadhus who went from town to town and came after visiting Sakhu'splace. When guests came from Karaveerapura, they would inquire about their daughter. But, at the outset, they were disheartened.

    After leaving Sakhu at her father-in-law's house, they never had nay information about that household. On the verge of a breakdown, Sakhu's mother entreated her husband that they go to Karaveerapura and he, equally worried, readily agreed. The couple started on their journey in happy anticipation of seeing their daughter living a good, comfortable life.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]Parents Bemoan Sakhu's Fate [/FONT]


    When the parents came to Karaveerapura and saw their daughter's condition, they were shocked. She looked pale and weak; her clothes were worn out; her hair had become ruffled without any application of hair-oil.The moment she saw her daughter, Sakhu's mother cried, "0, my dear child!" and embraced her. Sakhu had not heard such loving words for years. Both broke down with grief and wept.

    Gayyalibai suddenly appeared on the scene. Shouting with fory, she demanded of her daughter-in-law:"Aren't youashamed to tag on like this to yourmother? Go get inside. There is a lot of work to do." Sakhu faithfully went inside.


    What had happened to Sakhu? She was active as a deer. Now, this girl walks with
    wobbling steps and mortally afraid of her mother-in-law. Where is that glow on her face? She looks like a forlorn orphan. Unable to bear her grief, Sakhu's mother mildly inquired:

    That was enough of a cue to Gayyalibai to explode into a harangue. "She eats well thrice a day and has grown lazy. Now, those who cannot afford a meal a day come to Enquirer about the welfare of their daughter," she shouted in an insulting tone and continued her condemnation of them for quite sometime.

    The Poor couple stood dumbfounded. The lady of the house did not invite them to have a wash, did not offer them a glass of water to quench their thirst after travel, did not inquire about their welfare, did not even spread a mat and ask them to sit down. What sort of a 'Master of the house' was Krupanaraya? He would not utter a word against his wife's objectionable outbursts.

    Sakhu's parents remained silent and Gayyalibai could not quarrel with them. After sometime, tired by her own outburst, she went inside. Sakhu went to wash the clothes. Silently, her mother followed her to the riverside. Many women of the town were there engaged in washing and conversing.

    When the women learned that Sakhu's mother had come, they asked her: "Don't you have any wells or tanks in your town?" Sakhu's mother could not understand their
    question and gave an obvious reply: "Why do you ask that? Which place could be there on earth without well or tanks?"

    The women replied: "Instead of giving Sakhu to the family of a devil like that, you could as well have thrown her into a well."

    "My friends, we are ruined.... We did not know the kind of people they are," she
    lamented. Everybody sympathized with Sakhu and their mother, but what can they do? None to advise Gayyalibai to be reasonable. Sakhu's mother had already a taste of her tongue-lashing.

    Sakhu consoled her mother."Do not worry. Go home. It is time for meals." Worried that there could be trouble if it was found - she had gone to the river with Sakhu, she rushed back.Gayyalibai served the lunch. Krupanaraya and Oaduraya ate heartily and belched with content. Sakhu's parents could hardly eat.

    Hesitatingly, Sakhu's parents requested that she be sent with them for a few days. In fact, they begged with folded hands. But Gayyalibai scorned them saying: "You your selves have no means for a square meal. Here she can eat as much as she wishes.
    We won't send her."

    Sakhu's father pleaded: "It is only just and proper that the girl remains with herparents
    at least till she attains maturity. We may be poor. But one fruit will not be a burden to
    the plant," said Sakhu's mother feelingly.

    But Gayyalibai was not one to bother about justice or 'dharma'. No argument could move her. She shouted still louder and would not budge.

    Grief-stricken, Sakhu's parents took leave of their daughter, with tears in their eyes.
    "God's will be done," said her father who told her as they were leaving: "My dear
    daughter, after we married you off, you are now in their possession. Vittala will never let his devotees down. Here, keep this statuette of Him. He will protect you."
    [FONT=verdana,arial]Sakhubai's Husband Oaduraya [/FONT]

    When Sakhu saw her parents, she was a bit optimistic that she could go to her house with them at least for a few days.

    But that was not to be. Sakhu steeled her- self thinking it was her duty to stay with her husband. And how was her husband Oaduraya? Sakhu, a girl of tender age, had come from her parents' home with the belief that her husband would maintain the household well. Parting with one's parents is sad and it would be difficult for one to adjust to a new home. The newly married husband should genuinely love his wife, and treat her with affection. But Oaduraya had no such feelings. He was not even inquiring whether she had her meals nor was he bringing her any flowers, clothes etc.He was very much afraid of his mother.

    Sakhu's husband treated her as his slave and not as a life-partner. Even though her
    mother-in-law ill-treated her,she could have had some solace if only she enjoyed her husband's love. Even Krupanaraya, eldest member in the family, did not have a sympathetic word for her. In these circum- stances, she would wonder why she should live at all.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]"You Are My Only Refuge" [/FONT]


    With her parents away, Sakhu had to spend her days without any affection and love either from her husband or from his parents. She now began to love only Lord Vittala. Being a devotee of God since childhood, she considered her husband and his parents as good. She implicitly believed in her father's words: "Vittala will never let you d ' own." She recited His name throughout the day.


    Gayyalibai became more and more cruel towards her. But Sakhu bore all the suffering silently. The mother-in-law saw everything wrong with her. If she sits down for a while, "You are lazy and want to escape from work." If she sat down when elders were present, "How dare you sit before the elders?" Sakhu toiled from the daybreak till late in the night. She would eat only when her mother-in-law threw a few morsels of food at her; if she become angry, food would be much less. At times Sakhu would be very hungry; pained both physically and mentally, she would take out Vittala's statuette and narrate her woes to Him: "For how long should I undergo this punishment, Vittala? How much more should you test me? You are my savior, mother, father, everything." She found
    solace in her prayers.She used to hide the statuette in the folds of her saree at her waist and proceed with her household chores. If her mother-in-law noticed the statuette, she would be annoyed. Even worshipping God was a sin in that house.
    [FONT=verdana,arial]Mother-in-Law Finds Out [/FONT]

    Gayyalibai had noticed that her daughter - in-law talked to herself at times. Not bold
    enough to talk back to her, she murmurs to herself, thought Sakhu's mother-in-law and
    decided to 'teach her a lesson'. She stealthily listened to Sakhu's murmuring but only heard the chanting of Vittala's name. But she did not see the idol, which was hidden, in her waist. Another day when Sakhu was talking to herself and narrating her troubles to the idol the mother-in-law suddenly appeared and seeing the idol seized it and threw it away. "0, He is my Lord! 0 God! Vittala!" bemoaned Sakhu. Gayyalibai condemned Vittala with mean words and Sakhu could not tolerate it. She said: "Mother-in-law, condemn and drub me as you like. But what did that idol do to you? Please don't denounce God."

    Gayyalibai raised' a terrible rumpus saying her daughter-in-law was opposing her and
    complained to Krupanaraya. "I seem to be less than a broomstick to her!" she told her
    son and heaped complaints on Sakhu.

    Oaduraya did not bother to inquire into what had actually happened. Nor did he bother to note how extremely patient his wife was and sweating away in household work. He took up a cane and thrashed his wife as he would some animal. At her father's place, Sakhu could not even mildly wield a stick against their cattle. Sakhu silently received her husband's beating. Swelled marks dotted her body and in the night she wept in agony. 'Even then, she was only chanting "Vittala, Vittala! You are my only savior."

    [FONT=verdana,arial]Losses Interest In Domestic Life[/FONT]


    Sakhu's devotion to 'God continued to grow and she was constantly reciting His name. Gradually, she was losing interest in domestic life though she was fulfilling all her duties at home perfectly. Her health had broken down and shewas now nothing but skin and bones. Neighbors; felt sad at her plight and thought that they should tender some good advice to Gayyalibai. But who is to go and talk? Each wanted others to undertake that task. 'Who is to bell the cat?'

    At last, some men made bold to talk to Krupanaraya. They told him: "Your daughter-in-law appears to be ill. As the elder, you should think of her health and
    welfare." For which he retorted: "What has happened to her? She eats so well thrice a
    day!"

    "You should not let a girl from another family suffer and cry. After she came here, you have not sent her to her parents' home even once. Send her for a few days," they
    advised him.

    Gayyalibai had ordered Sakhu not to move about in the house in the presence of elders. Even her father-in-law had not seen her closely recently. When he saw her and noticed how weak and bony she had become, he told his wife about the talk among the town's menfolk.

    Gayyalibai denounced the men with all sorts of harsh words. She accused Sakhu of having complained to the men and told her son that the girl was spoiling the good name of their family. Again,Sakhu received a cruel thrashing. People of the town felt sorry when they heard this episode.

    Next day, when Sakhu went to the river to wash the clothes, the women there said in
    sympathy: "Sakhu, why do you suffer here like this? You are killing yourself un- necessarily. Go to your parents. Don't you have any relations?"

    Sakhubai replied in a stern voice: "Dear ladies, I appreciate your affection and
    sympathy for me. Everything happens as per Lord Vittala's wish. He is my father,
    mother and everything. He has to protect me. Do not worry."

    Though she was suffering such cruelty and harassment, she did not utter a word about
    her husband,father-in-law or mother-in-law. The women of the town were actually
    surprised at the manner in which Sakhu bore the suffering silently and hercomplete faith in God impressed them. They were all praise for her devotion to God and peaceful disposition.

    [FONT=verdana,arial]'Bhakti' Flows [/FONT]


    One evening, Sakhu, accompanied by Shantabai, a neighbor, went to the Krishna River to fetch water. A group of pilgrims were on way to Pandharapur. The Devotees had to walk for miles, as there were no transport facilities in those days. They had to stay at riverbeds, cook their food, rest for a while and proceed further. When Sakhu sighted these devotees, she forgot her chores and joined the people who were chanting Vittala, Panduranga Vittala'. She was feeling enthralled. Overcome by this devotional emotion, she said: "Shantabai, I will also go to Pandharapur to see Lord Vittala."


    Shantabai said:
    "If your mother-in-law comes to know of this, she will give you a good thrashing. Let us go home without any fuss." But Sakhu joined the pilgrims' party and went on.

    No sooner did Sakhubai's mother-in-law come to know of this than she began to rant. She and her son came and saw the daughter-in-law dancing in ecstasy reciting the name of Lord Vittala. Her eyes were closed. She was lost to this earthly world. Only when her mother-in-law rudely pulled her by the hair did she open her eyes. Her husband and mother-in-law beat and dragged her home. They told the people she wanted to run away from home and tied to a pole. She was also refused meals.
    [FONT=verdana,arial]The Lord Answers Her Prayers [/FONT]

    Devotees narrate how God blessed Sakhubai. It is a very interesting story.

    More than the physical beatings she received, Sakhu suffered a lot of mental agony. She did not worry about her food, sleep, clothes, etc. Though physically weak, she was unflinching in her devotion to God. She was always chanting "Vittala ! Vittala! Please fulfill my desire."

    Vittala must have heard His devotee's prayers. Around midnight. He disguised himself as a woman, came and untied

    Sakhu. He told her: "Dear Sakhu, you are keen on having a 'darshan' of Vittala, aren't
    you? Go ahead. Till you come back, I will look after your work."

    Sakhu ran and joined the devotees. God had assumed Sakhu's form and stayed in her place.

    Came the morning. Sakhu's husband and his mother noticed that in spite of their
    haranguing and beatings, she was calmly immersed in chanting Vittala's name. Actually, noticing the intensity of her 'bhakti', they became afraid. 'Is such terrific devotion possible for any being?' - they wondered. They then untied her. As they thought she would collapse with fatigue, she stood erect. Her mother- in-law, though ruffled, ordered her, "Go, have your bath and cook the meals."

    Sakhubai silently went in and prepared the meals. What luck to eat food prepared by
    God Himself! And what wonderful meals! It was like savoring nectar. The families are heartily praising the dishes prepared. But the constant chanting of Vittala's name
    irritated Gayyalibai, who angrily ordered Sakhu not to mention 'that bad word.'

    God in Sakhu's guise did not utter a word in reply and continued to chant Vittala's name. He attended to all of Sakhu's duties. She went to the river to fetch water, wash the vessels, and wash the clothes; she pounded the grain. All the work was being done perfectly. Some days passed and now the people in the house began to look at this 'Sakhu' with a sense of fear. Gayyalibai could no longer scold 'Sakhu' as before. Nor could the husband Oaduraya raise his hand to beat her. In the divine presence, the whole atmosphere in the house had been transformed.

    Meanwhile, Sakhubai arrived at Pandharapur and had the 'darshan' of Lord Vittala. Overcome with devotion, she prayed in an enthralled mood. By now, she had lost all interest in this worldly life. Several days passed and she was in no mood to return home. She spent all the time in prayer. One day, as she prostrated at the feet of Lord Vittala chanting His name, she breathed her last.

    The news of Sakhu's passing away in this manner soon spread in Pandharapur and
    people came rushing to have a last look at this great devotee who died praying. The
    whole town was full of praise for her. People raised a pyre of sandalwood and camphor and consigned her to flames.


    [FONT=verdana,arial]Rukmayi's Worry [/FONT]
    As narrated by people, the story of Sakhubai becomes still more interesting hereafter.

    While Sakhubai passed away, Lord Vittala was working in her guise at Karaveerapura.
    "I will look after your duties until you come back," He had promised her. Lord Vittala's
    consort Rukmayi now was at a loss as to how to get Him back. She decided that the only solution was to revive Sakhu back to life. She gave 'darshan' to Her devotees in their dreams and asked them to bring Sakhu's mortal remains to Her. Rukmayi touched them with Her divine hands and revived Sakhubai and told her: "Dear great devotee, go back to your Karaveerapura home. Lord Vittala is staying there taking your form. Send Him back. You are blessed. Go."


    Sakhubai walked back home. Vittala in her guise was standing on the banks of river
    Krishna carrying a couple of pots. Sakhu ran and fell at His feet exclaiming, "0 Lord!
    What a mad woman I have been to make you undertake these tasks! I did not even ask who you were. I don't know what tasks you were asked to attend to. Please forgive me."

    Lord Vittala laughed and replied: "There is nothing I will not do for my devotees.
    Hereafter, your life will be happy. You are blessed. Lead a life of help and service to
    others."

    Sakhu, blessed by her Lord, returned to her house joyfully.

    Gayyalibai was surprised when she heard her daughter-in-law's story. "0 God! How I
    made you to toil for me!" she cried remorsefully. Now she felt immensely happy that Sakhu had received God's blessings. "My dear, please forget the past. You are the light of our family," she emotionally told her.

    Sakhubai's entire life-mode had now changed. Her husband, the mother-in-law and the father-in-law had all changed their attitude towards her and treated her with great respect. She continued to be affectionate and friendly to all of them. She explained the greatness of God and ' 'Bhakti' to all the people around her and led a life of peace and happiness.
    [FONT=verdana,arial]Bhakti' Was Sakhubai's Strength [/FONT]
    Every country has its own tales extolling the greatness of its saints and devotees of God. Sakhubai's story has been a popular one in our country. People venerate her.

    Sakhu suffered much hardship right since her childhood. After coming to her husband's house, she could not go to her parent's home at all. Poverty at home may not appear to be a major problem. There is happiness in sharing one's love and affection with others. But even when the household is wealthy and there is abun- dance and a person is thrown a morsel or rice as to an unloved dog, how much mental agony the person suffers! She had
    also to suffer endless scolding and beatings. Her parents were helpless. But Sakhubai bore all this patiently and her devotion to God Vittala gave her strength to bear the suffering. She surrendered herself completely to Him. She blamed nobody for her sufferings and her devotion to Lord Vittala was total. Thus, Sakhubai lived a life worthy and dedicated to the welfare of the people.


    To React is Easier Than To Act


    love,
    Revathy
     
  6. padmaiyangar

    padmaiyangar Bronze IL'ite

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    Akkamahadevi - saint

    Akkamahadevi

    Mahadevi was born in Uduthadi. Uduthadi is a village in Shivamogga district Her parents were Sumathi and Nirmala. They were devotees of Shiva and as such Mahadevi had a great influence in the Shiva ways of life. Mahadevi was in love with the invisible Lord Chennamallikarjuna.

    One day, the king Kausika while returning to his kingdom passed in front of Mahadevi's house. The king saw the youthful Mahadevi who was watching the king's pageantry from the balcony. He fell in love with her beauty. Later that day, he sent his ministers to her house asking for her hand in marriage. Her parents did not want their daughter to marry a Jain king. They also knew the punishment for not agreeing to the wishes of the king. Mahadevi, recognizing the situation of her parents, agreed to marry the king if the king met her condition that "she would not consider herself as his wife till he accepted the Shiva faith". The Jain king, full of lust, eagerly agreed to her conditions. The king and Mahadevi were married. But the marriage was short lived. After marriage, Mahadevi spent most of her time either in worshiping her Istalinga or hosting a stream of jangamas. She was spending enormous wealth from the treasury for hosting jangamas. The king was not ready to spend the wealth the way Mahadevi was spending. The king broke the premarital agreement made with Mahadevi. Soon after, Mahadevi left the king. While she was leaving, the king taunted her for wearing clothes that belonged to him. On hearing this, she took her clothes off and walked out of the palace naked. To those who looked at her with lust, she said:
    The body is made of muscles and bones. It springs pus. It collects urine. This body should be burned. Most time is spent filling the stomach. She suggests learning the truth about God is the way to overcome the body's needs.

    Before her departure to Kalyana some of her close friends and her parents pleaded her not to go. They asked her what she would do for her food and shelter. Her answer was:
    For hunger, I can beg for food in towns. For thirst there are wells, streams and water holes. There are ruined temples for sleeping. For company I have Chennamallikarjuna with me.

    Her goal was to reach Kalyana to seek the path of salvation from the sharanas. When she left the king, she was in her early 20's. However, through her vachanas, she has demonstrated knowledge that persons cannot acquire in their entire life.

    Mahadevi arrives in Kalyana naked. She enters Anubhavamantapa covering herself with her long hair.
    Allamaprabhu interrogates Akkamahadevi with many difficult spiritual and social questions. Without hesitation Mahadevi answers all the questions to the satisfaction of the sharanas. Akkamahadevi stayed in Kalyana for a short period. She was eager to leave Kalyana in search of her lover Mallikarjuna. She says that Mallikarjuna is formless, but he is beautiful. Allamaprabhu advised her to go to the Kadalivana, the plantain grove in Srishaila. There she will receive her salvation
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2008
  7. padmaiyangar

    padmaiyangar Bronze IL'ite

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    Akkamahadevi -saint

    Akkamahadevi

    Mahadevi was born in Uduthadi. Uduthadi is a village in Shivamogga district Her parents were Sumathi and Nirmala. They were devotees of Shiva and as such Mahadevi had a great influence in the Shiva ways of life. Mahadevi was in love with the invisible Lord Chennamallikarjuna.

    One day, the king Kausika while returning to his kingdom passed in front of Mahadevi's house. The king saw the youthful Mahadevi who was watching the king's pageantry from the balcony. He fell in love with her beauty. Later that day, he sent his ministers to her house asking for her hand in marriage. Her parents did not want their daughter to marry a Jain king. They also knew the punishment for not agreeing to the wishes of the king. Mahadevi, recognizing the situation of her parents, agreed to marry the king if the king met her condition that "she would not consider herself as his wife till he accepted the Shiva faith". The Jain king, full of lust, eagerly agreed to her conditions. The king and Mahadevi were married. But the marriage was short lived. After marriage, Mahadevi spent most of her time either in worshiping her Istalinga or hosting a stream of jangamas. She was spending enormous wealth from the treasury for hosting jangamas. The king was not ready to spend the wealth the way Mahadevi was spending. The king broke the premarital agreement made with Mahadevi. Soon after, Mahadevi left the king. While she was leaving, the king taunted her for wearing clothes that belonged to him. On hearing this, she took her clothes off and walked out of the palace naked. To those who looked at her with lust, she said:
    The body is made of muscles and bones. It springs pus. It collects urine. This body should be burned. Most time is spent filling the stomach. She suggests learning the truth about God is the way to overcome the body's needs.

    Before her departure to Kalyana some of her close friends and her parents pleaded her not to go. They asked her what she would do for her food and shelter. Her answer was:
    For hunger, I can beg for food in towns. For thirst there are wells, streams and water holes. There are ruined temples for sleeping. For company I have Chennamallikarjuna with me.

    Her goal was to reach Kalyana to seek the path of salvation from the sharanas. When she left the king, she was in her early 20's. However, through her vachanas, she has demonstrated knowledge that persons cannot acquire in their entire life.

    Mahadevi arrives in Kalyana naked. She enters Anubhavamantapa covering herself with her long hair.
    Allamaprabhu interrogates Akkamahadevi with many difficult spiritual and social questions. Without hesitation Mahadevi answers all the questions to the satisfaction of the sharanas. The sharanas accept her as their sister and call her as Akka. Thus Mahadevi becomes Akkamahadevi by winning the respect of sharanas
    Akkamahadevi stayed in Kalyana for a short period. She was eager to leave Kalyana in search of her lover Mallikarjuna. She says that Mallikarjuna is formless, but he is beautiful. Allamaprabhu advised her to go to the Kadalivana, the plantain grove in Srishaila. There she will receive her salvation
     
  8. nirupama126

    nirupama126 New IL'ite

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  9. sunkan

    sunkan Gold IL'ite

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    Shri Pitambhara Shakthi Peeth

    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]|| Jai Gurudev ||[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Shri Pitambara Shakti Peeth[/FONT]​
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]- Write up by Shri Ramji Saraswati Maharaj (Vindhyachal)[/FONT]​


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]There is Bhagwati Pitambara Shaktipeeth at Datiya town of Datiya Dist. Madhya Pradesh. It was founded by Rashtra Guru Param Pujya Shri 1008 Shri Swamiji Maharaj Vanakhandeshwar Pujyapaad. Shri Vanakhandeshwar Maharaj was expert of original Indian classical music. Many famous musicians, vocalists and singers used to visit his ashram frequently. He used to educate them on nuances of Indian classical music as an art form. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Ustad Aadil Khan became disciple of Shri Maharaj-ji and he could recover his lost voice due to Guruji’s blessings. Pundit Gudain Maharaj, Siyaram Tiwari, Rajan & Sajan Mishra, Dagar Brothers, Nikhil Benerjee, Salil Shankar, Bahadur Khan, Pawar Brothers, Khan Brothers and Kumar Gandharva were amongst many experts that used to visit Shri Vanakhandeshwar Maharaj for his guidance. Shri Acharya Brihaspati was also his ardent disciple. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Maharaj-ji established the worship of Bhagwati Pitambara Mata since then the ashram became known as Pitambara Peeth. He directed many disciples to worship and adulation of Shri Maa Bagalamukhi. Maharaj-ji published “Shri Bagalamukhi Rahasyam” that contained every detail about Shri Maa Bagalamukhi; this publication is one of its kind. Every Sadhak as well as scholars of scriptures regards this as a valuable tome. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Maharaj-ji founded a method of tantrik veneration of Shri Maa Bagalamukhi; which continues till date. As Shri Maharaj-ji uttered that if the veneration shall continue like this then Maa Pitambara shall reside here making her permanent abode and she will keep blessing her followers.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Shri Yantra Established[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Shri Maharaj-ji founded a Shri Chakra in one of the rooms at Ashram in presence of selected disciples. Here too as per ancient classical dogmatic method of worship was to be offered regularly. The Shri chakra was available for a glimpse till the time Shri Maharaj-ji was there. He also founded a doctrine of Shri Chakra Puja Vidhan and published the same.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Bhagwan Shri Parashurama [/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Bhagwan Shri Parashurama is Acharya of Shakta (Devi worshippers) and he is foremost of Pitambara worshippers. He is a creator writer of Parashuram Kalpasutram. One of the few temples dedicated to Shri Parashuram was erected to show respect. Renuka Tantram contains most authentic details about Bhagwan Shri Parashurama. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Maha Kaalbhairava [/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]The Controller of element of sound; Shri Maha Kaalbhairava is hardly witnessed. Maharaj-ji established an idol of Maha Kaalbhairava at the Peeth. Every Sunday evenings there is a music and recital to venerate the Kaalbhairava as he is also god of music. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Mata Dhumavati Idol Established[/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]There are very few temples of Bhagvati Dhumavati amongst Dasa Mahavidhya. At the time of Indo China war, a Rashtra Raksha Anushtan yagya was started. The process was complete and successful. Maharaj-ji wished to establish Bhagvati Dhumavati’s temple and he did. He also composed some literature about Bhagvati Dhumavati.[/FONT]




    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Shadamnaya Shiva Established[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Those familiar with Tantra are well aware of Amnaya. Shadamnaya Shiva idol are not there anywhere. Maharaj-ji Vanakhandeshwar Old Temple was a site for Shadamnaya Shiva idols. Sadjyota, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Eeshana and Neelkantha Shiva idols were established. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Tara Peeth Established[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]There is a very ancient, chaste and siddha location named “Pancham Kavi Ki Toria” near Datiya, Madhya Pradesh. Ancient Bhirava and Shankara temple are situated here. This is where Tara Peeth was established with inspiration by Maharaj-ji; this secluded chaste locale is important for sadhakas. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Rashtra Raksha Anushthanam Yagya[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Maharaj-ji was very patriotic. He held highest regards to patriotism amongst one’s duties. While Chinese invasion o Indian soil he used to be very upset and restless. He planned a mega Anushthanam yagya to foil the Chinese bid. He needed 100 very learned and powerful Tantra experts. He could source only 80 that met his standards. He decided to make do with that much and launched the mega event. The anushthanam went on for one month; on the last day of the process – China retreated. This was a very successful event with Maharaj-ji at the helm of affairs.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Bramha Yagya Organized[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]The event lasted for thirty six days; which boasted of all types of Veda’s and its streams’ recital by very learned and chaste experts. He invited them from entire nation and the event, which had no match since the last time it was held at the time of Mahabharata; was conducted successfully. Each stream of a Veda took nine days. Such events are very rare as time goes by and due to the lack of authentic Veda reciting capability in current generation. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Primary Festivals at the Ashram[/FONT]
    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Both Navratris, Guru Purnima and Maha Nirvana Din (the death anniversary of Maharaj-ji) are primary days of Festivities at the ashram. As per Shakta system; Navaratri are perfect and auspicious day to start a Sadhana. A community hawan is organized on Ninth day of Navaratri. Markings of Lotus feet of Guru are worshipped on day of Guru Purnima. Vasant Panchami is celebrated with much joy. Every morning Saraswati Pujan is performed. Evenings see the Ashram immersed in sounds of India classical music.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Trebuchet MS, sans-serif]Weather it is 1965 or 1971 – whenever enemy descended upon Indian turf, Shri Datiya Peeth has responded with vigor and launched a spiritual attack by Tantrik Anushthanam for thwarting the enemy efforts. On completion of an anusthanam enemy forces always retreated. Recently a successful anushthanam was held for Pakistani invasion on Kargil front. Pitambara Shakti Peeth Datiya is where motherland is worship is valued and respected the most.[/FONT]
     
  10. Sriniketan

    Sriniketan IL Hall of Fame

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    Re: Shri Pitambhara Shakthi Peeth

    Nice to know about Shri Pitambhara Shakthi Peeth and its devotion to our motherland and how they had helped indirectly.

    Thanks for sharing...

    sriniketan
     

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