The story of Sugriva is found in the Kishkindha Kanda of Ramayana. Sugriva was the son born of Surya to Ahalya, the wife of Sage Gautama. Ahalya had another son, Vali or Bali, born of Indra. Gautama threw both the illegitimate sons into the sea after cursing them to be turned into monkeys. Vali came of age and became the king of Kishkindha, the kingdom of holy monkeys.

Once, the demon named Mayavi challenged Vali for a fight. Vali accepted the challenge, but the demon fled into a cave. Vali ran after him and a long fight took place inside the cave. Sugriva waited outside. He heard demonic shouts in the cave and later saw blood oozing from the mouth of the cave. Sugriva thought that Vali was dead. He returned to Kishkindha and assumed kingship. Vali was not dead. He won the combat and returned home. He concluded that his brother had betrayed him. He ousted Sugriva and ascended the throne. He took Sugriva’s wife Tara also for himself. Sugriva fled to the mountain Rishyamuka, where Vali could not tread. Vali was previously cursed by Sage Matanga that he would die, once he stepped into Rishyamuka.

Sugriva made acquaintance with Srirama, who was on his quest to rescue Sita, who was abducted by Ravan. Sugriva sought the help of Rama. Lord Ram promised that he would kill Bali and reinstate Sugriva as the king. Sugriva, in turn, promised to help Rama in his quest for Sita. Sugriva and Sree Rama went together to Vali. Fight ensued between Vali and Sugriva. Rama drove an arrow and Vali died. Sugriva regained kingdom. He took back his wife Tara and also Vali’s wife Ruma. Tara became empress. Her son by Vali, Angada became crown prince.

Rama proceeded to Lanka in search of Sita. Sugriva sent his trusted advisor Hanuman to search for Sita. Hanuman found out Sita who was kept captive in Lanka. Sugriva placed his army of monkeys at Rama's disposal. The army crossed into Lanka by means of the specially erected bridge and laid siege to Ravana's citadel. Sugriva also personally took part in the battle. He attacked Kumbhakarna with the trunk of a Sala tree. Kumbhakarna then seized Sugriva and dragged him off. He would have been killed. But Lakshmana intervened and saved him. At last the monkeys defeated the demons, Rama slew Ravana, and Sita was liberated. All of them came back to India on board of Ravana’s aircraft Pushpaka. 

The story of Sri Rama and Tataka is found in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Tataka’s father Suketu was a Yaksha king who performed Tapas to please Lord Brahma so as to obtain an offspring. Suketu desired a son, but Brahma blessed him with a daughter, beautiful and strong in physique. She was Tataka who married Sunda. She had two sons Maricha and Subahu and a daughter, Kaikasi.

Tataka and Sunda planned to marry off Kaikasi to the Rishi Visravas in order to obtain a progeny that would be all-powerful. Visravas, although already married, fell in love with Kaikasi and married her. Their son was Ravana, the mighty King of Lanka. Once, Rishi Agastya cursed Tataka’s father Suketu to death. Tataka decided to wreak vengeance on the sage. She had the help of her son, Subahu.  This enraged Agastya and he cursed Tataka to lose her beautiful physique, and transform into a demonic creature with a cruel and cannibalistic nature. The curse transformed Tataka into a man-eater with an ugly and fierce figure. After the curse of Agastya, Tataka started living in a place near the habitations of Malaja and Karusha in a forest near the river Ganga, opposite to the confluence of the river Sarayu. The area came to be known as the forest of Tataka. She terrorized the people, devouring anyone who dared to set foot in that forest.

Tataka and Subahu harassed many Rishis by destroying their Yagas with rains of flesh and blood. Maharshi Visvamitra was the most affected victim of Tataka's harassment. At last, Visvamitra approached Dasaratha, the King of Kosala, for help. The King obliged by sending two of his four sons, young Rama and Lakshmana, to the forest, entrusting them to protect both Visvamitra and his sacrifice.

Visvamitra and the two princes Sree Ram and Lakshmana came to Tataka’s forest and the sage ordered Lord Rama to kill the demoness to free the area from her terror. Rama was hesitant to kill her as she was a woman. He chopped off her hands so that she could not attack anyone further. Using her demonic powers, she changed her form, disappeared and continued her attack. Visvamitra advised Lord Ram that though a woman, Tataka was terrorising the region and as a prince, it was Sri Rama’s duty to protect the people by killing the terrorists who plagued his people. Rama was thus convinced of killing Tataka. He pierced her heart with his arrows.

AN OLD OX STORY - TELUGU

 

INTELLIGENT KID - ANANTH

The tales of Panchatantra, perhaps, are the oldest stories known in the literature of India. The dates of the Panchatantra are not known and these tales are usually attributed to Vishnu Sharma. Some believe that the fables of panchatantra are as old as Rig-veda. The popular story about the origin of Panchatantra goes like this: Once there was a king who has three son who are dull and without any wit or wisdom. Worried about the wellbeing of his sons the king approaches a wise brahmin called Vishnu Sharma and prays him to impart wisdom into his sons. Since the songs of the king are dimwits, he chooses to pass the wisdom in the form of interesting fables. The stories narrated by Vishnu Sarma contains animals and birds and he makes them speak and behave like humans. 

Panchatantra tells about five ways that help the human being succeed in life. Pancha means five and tantra means ways (or strategies or principles). Addressed to the king's children, the stories are primarily about statecraft and are popular throughout the world. 

The five strategies are: 

Quarrel among friends (mitra-beda) 

Gaining friends (mitra labha) 

Of crows and owls 

Loss of gains 

Imprudence (mindless action)

Akbar loved hunting and used to escape to go for hunting even from his studies. Well, later he became a better rider and hunter than any one of his courtiers. One day when Akbar went for hunting, he and his some of the courtiers went so fast that they left the others behind. As the evening fell, everybody got very hungry and thirsty, they found that they had lost their way and now did not know where to go. At last they came to a junction of three roads. King was very happy to see the roads that now he could go reach his capital through one of these roads, but which road was to go to his capital - Agra. They were all thinking about it and could not decide it. In the mean time they saw a young boy coming along one road. The boy was summoned and Akbar asked him, "Hey young boy! Which road goes to Agra?" The boy smiled and spoke, "Huzoor! everybody knows that road cannot move so how these roads can go to Agra or anywhere else?" and laughed at his own joke. Everybody was silent, didn't say a word. The boy said again, "People travel, not the roads. Do they?" Emperor laughed at this and said, "No, you are right." The Emperor asked again, "What is your name, young boy?" "Mahesh Das" The boy replied and asked the Emperor, "And who are you Huzoor? What is your name?" The Emperor took out his Ring and gave it to the boy. "You are talking to Emperor Akbar - the King of Hindustan (India). We need fearless people like you. You come to the court, with this Ring I will recognize you immediately. Now tell me the way to get to Agra. We have to reach there soon?" Mahesh Das bowing lowly pointed towards the road going to Agra, and the King headed on that road. That is how the Emperor Akbar met the future Birbal.

Kabir, the poet - saint was humming a doha(a couplet) as he sat weaving in his hut. It is natural for saints to revel in divine thoughts, even while engaged in work.

Suddenly, the front door of his hut was thrown open and there stood a ruffian, “Quick, show me a place to hide, the policeman is after me!” demanded the intruder rather rudely.

Kabir calmly pointed to bales of cotton huddled together and said, “There! There you will be safe!”

“I am trying to nab a thief, I saw him running in this direction. Did you see him?”

Kabir, in his unique style, casually pointed to the bales of cotton. The policeman, looked at Kabir’s face and thought that Kabir was lost in his own world, like saints are. So he did not take him seriously and left hurriedly.

After sometime, the thief emerged safely from the bales of cotton and confronted Kabir, “You are a saint. You are supposed to protect anyone who takes refuge in you, even if he be a sinner. Why did you reveal my hiding place to the police? What if I had been exposed?”

“My dear friend, “ Kabir spoke to the robber affectionately. “I spoke the truth since I was sure that only truth was capable of protecting you. If I had uttered a lie, it would have landed both of us in trouble. Truth alone saves us in the long run. Falsehood leads to ruin and sorrow.”

The thief gave up his wrong ways and became Kabir’s disciple.

There once was a little boy who lived with his mother. They were very poor. The boy was very handsome and extremely smart. As he grew older, he became even more handsome and smarter. However, his mother always remained sad.

Once, the boy asked his mother, “Mother, why are you always sad?” Mother replied, “Son, a fortune teller once told me that whoever has teeth like yours will become very famous.” Then the boy asked, “Will you not like it if I become famous?”

“Oh my son! What kind of mother wouldn’t like it if her son became famous? I’m always sad because I keep thinking that you will forget me and leave me once you become famous.”

Upon hearing this, the boy started to cry. He stood there in front of his mother for a while and then ran out of the house. He picked up a rock from outside and smashed his front two teeth. He started to bleed from his mouth.

His mother ran out and was shocked to see what he had done. She asked, “Son! What did you do?” In reply, the boy held his mother’s hands and said, “Mother, if these teeth cause you pain and make you sad, I don’t want them. They are of no use to me. I don’t want to be famous with these teeth. I want to be famous by serving you, and through your blessings…”

My friends, this boy was none other than the great Chanakya.

When Shri Ram sent Sitaji with Lakshman to the forest, Lakshman arrived at Valmiki rishi’s ashram on the banks of the river Tamasa. Here Sitaji gave birth to twins named Lav and Kush. Valmiki rishi taught both of them the shastras and the art of using weapons. A knowledge of weapons was a must for all Kshatriyas, especially the sons of a King.

Meanwhile on the banks of the river Gomti, Shri Ram began an Ashwamedh Yagna. To perform the yagna rituals Shri Ram needed Sitaji. In her absence, he placed a golden murti of Sitaji next to him in the yagna. It was a ritual tradition that for the successful completion and fruits of the yagna Shri Ram had to send a fine horse all over the land. Whoever tied the horse would have to fight with the army accompanying it. If he won, then he could have the horse owner’s kingdom.

Shri Ram’s beautiful stallion trotted into Valmiki rishi’s ashram. The rishi was not present. Kush was in the forest collecting firewood. Lav saw the horse. His eyes twinkled at the sight of such a beautiful animal. He had seen many animals in the forest, but never such a fine creature. Guruji had described a horse to both boys. From this Lav was convinced that this was a horse. He then read the words on the golden medallion shining on the horse’s forehead: “Whoever does not accept Ayodhya’s regent as his king should tie this horse and fight with its army.”

Lav burst into laughter. He thought, “This horse has come to disturb the freedom of guruji’s ashram. Well! Let me see how strong he is.”

He then grabbed the horse’s reins firmly and in an instant tied them to a nearby tree.

Just then, Shri Ram’s army reached the ashram, led by Shatrughna. The soldiers saw Lav with the horse and dismounted. They approached Lav. “O little one! This is not a game. One who ties this horse has to fight with us. You are just a kid. Set the horse free. We won’t do you any harm.”

Lav answered courageously, “I have tied it knowing what is required to be done. This is a rishi’s ashram. Nobody can ruin its freedom. I am ready to fight!” He then strung an arrow on his bow.

The soldiers in the army, too, were ready with their bows. Before they could shoot off a single arrow, Lav shot an arrow known as Jrumbhkastra at them. They fell down in a heap in deep sleep! Far away, Shatrughna, the commander, saw the little child’s awesome archery and was dumbfounded. He just stared at the child, not knowing how to deal with him. He was suddenly filled with awe and admiration for Lav. He approached Lav.

“O young child! I am immensely impressed by your archery. I am so pleased that I forgive your attack on my soldiers. So now release the horse.”

Just then Kush arrived. He stood next to Lav and asked, “Who are you to bestow forgiveness on us?” Shatrughna could not bear Kush’s sarcastic remark. So he told the twins to prepare to fight. Both twins readied their bows and stood firmly in the centre of the field.

From his army, Shatrughna ordered Sugriv and Hanuman to defeat the kids. Hanuman lengthened his tail and wrapped it around Lav. Kush rushed to free him. Sugriv uprooted a huge tree with which he stopped Kush. But by this time, Lav set himself free and punched Hanuman in the chest, knocking him unconscious!

This boosted Kush who picked up Sugriv with the tree and thumped him on the ground. He, too, fell unconscious! Both brothers then grabbed Hanuman’s tail and dragged him to the ashram, to show their bravery to Sitaji.

When Sitaji saw the boys, she recognized Hanuman. “O dear ones! What have you done?” she asked horrified.

Lav answered joyfully. “O Mother! This monkey arrived with a big army and this horse. I tied the horse. Then the army commander ordered him to fight. So we fought in return. They tried hard to frighten us. Mother, do you know what they did? They upooted a massive tree to show us their strength. Then they rushed with it to fight with us. But the tree remained in his hand and we showed them one or two things!” beamed Lav, winking at Kush. Kush nodded in agreement.

Sitaji fell into deep thought and insteatly realized that the stallion belonged to none other than Shri Ram. So she said to the boys, “This horse belongs to your father. This is Hanumanji. He is your father’s sevak. Release him, as well as the horse.”

“But Mother!” pleaded Lav. “We only behaved according to our Kshatriya dharma (duty). We were challenged so we gave a fight. If they don’t wish to fight now, they can have the horse back.”

Just then Valmiki rishi returned. Sitaji narrated the events. Valmiki then took Lav and Kush to the stallion and by their hands returned it to the army. The army happily marched on.

Valmiki taught the twins the Ramayan by heart. He then sent them to Ayodhya. In this sacred city, they strolled through the streets delightfully singing the Ramayan!

Such an extraordinary and amazing phenomenon was noted by the citizens. They reported this to Shri Ram. He summoned the kids to his palace and requested them to sing the whole Ramayan. He was overjoyed to hear them. Just then Valmiki entered the palace and revealed the twins’s identity.

Realizing that Lav and Kush were Sita’s twins, Shri Ram hugged them and said, “I shall now call your mother here, too.” Valmiki went off to bring Sitaji.

There is an inspiring story in the Kath Upanishad about a little boy named Nachiketa. He was the son of Udalak rishi. Once Udalak organized a yagna to please the deities. It was customary in those days to donate cows to Brahmins at the end of the yagna. Udalak was a miser and he donated old and weak cows to the Brahmins. None of the cows yielded any milk. This disturbed Nachiketa. He asked his father about it, "Father, to whom would you give me in charity?" This made his father very angry, but he decided not to say anything. When Nachiketa repeated the question, Udalak lost his temper and said, "I give you to Yama." Yama is the king of Yamapuri-hell. Hearing this Nachiketa went to Yama's kingdom. It was his father's command. It would not be proper for him to disobey his father. 'I should fulfil his wish,' thought Nachiketa, even if it means leaving home.

However his father realized his mistake and tried to stop him but Nachiketa did not stop. He reached Yama's kingdom and was told by Yama's guards that he had gone out for three days. Nachiketa decided to wait at his doorstep till he returned . He waited for three days. No food, no water. Three fasts ! Yama returned on the fourth day and saw little Nachiketa at his doorstep. He felt pained for keeping a Brahmin waiting without welcoming him, without food and water. It was a sin not to welcome an atithi -guest at the doorstep. He scolded his wife Yami for not welcoming him. Both rushed around the house to serve Nachiketa. One went to fetch water. The other brought a mat for him to sit on. Yama still did not feel completely satisfied in serving him. So he told Nachiketa, " Dear child, I have offended you by keeping you waiting for three days. To wash my sin I request you to ask for three boons."

Nachiketa declared, "My first wish is, when I return home may my father welcome me lovingly. My second wish is to grant me the knowledge by which I can be worthy of living in the heavens. My third and last wish is to grant me Atmagnam -knowledge of the atma ." Yama granted the first two boons immediately and tried to convince Nachiketa to give up his third wish. He offered him gold, pearls, coins, horses elephants and even the happiness of Swarg -heaven instead. "No, I do not wish for anything else," replied Nachiketa firmly. Finally, Yama granted him the third boon too, and Nachiketa was enlighnered with the knowledge of the atma .

Nachiketa inspires us to be kind to all creatures, to respect one's parents, to be strong willed to do something one has decided, even in the face of difficulties and obstacles and to seek for eternal happiness.

Goddess Svaha is regarded as the wife of Lord Agni by Hindus and Buddhists. A minor goddess in Hinduism, Swaha was originally a nymph, but became immortal after marrying Agni. Goddess Svaha Devi is invoked during all homam, yagas and yajnas. It is believed that during fire sacrifices and yagnas if the word ‘svaha’ is not uttered, the gods will refuse to accept the offerings. Hence Swaha is given prime importance similar to Lord Agnideva during Yagas and Homams.

Goddess Svaha is considered to preside over burnt offerings. The literal meaning of the word “svaha” is “so be it”. The body of the goddess is said to comprise of four Vedas and her six limbs are regarded as the 6 Angas of the Vedas.

Hinduism is the oldest and eminent religion in this world and Lord Shiva is the most powerful and fascinating god of Hinduism. The name Lord Shiva itself has the power. Lord Shiva is believed to be the centralization and core of whole universe. Lord Shiva is the god of death and destruction. There are three main power of Hinduism religion Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma is the god of creator and developer and Lord Vishnu is the god of nourish and cherish whereas Lord Shiva is the god of death and destruction. Lord Shiva is the most dominant and superior among the three. The three supreme god of Hinduism are referred as Trimurti or the trinity and Lord Shiva is centralized among the three.

Lord Shiva is a yogi or ascetic who has the record of the all the happenings in the world and payback in accordance to that. The abode of Lord Shiva is Kailash Mountain, now in Tibet. He was married to Parvati, the morph of Devi Durga. Lord Shiva has many attributes. He is dressed with pelt of deer. Lord Shiva has three eye with one of the three on his centre forehead. This eye remains closed and is only opened when he gets angry and is to punish someone. Lord Shiva opens his third eye to cinder someone whom he wants to punish. He has the crescent moon in his tress and river Ganga falling from his tress. He has a trident with a drum on it, in his left hand. Lord Shiva is served by his servants and one of them is Nandi, which is an ox.

Nandi is also the ride of Lord Shiva. He has two sons named Kartike and Ganesha. There is a story of Lord Shiva and Ganesha. There are about eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva on the earth to defend the earth from evil powers. They are as followed, Veerbhadra, Bhairova, Teja, Sharabh, Adishankar, Ardha Nari and Hanuman. Hanuman is the most powerful and immortal incarnation of Lord Shiva. He was born in Kishkinda as a half monkey and half human. He is most powerful incarnation in Hindu religion and the best representation of Lord Shiva.

Today also Lord Shiva is worshipped very spiritually everywhere in India and even all over the world. There are many ashrams where the Lord Shiva is worshipped and Om Namah Shivaya is one of them. It is the best place to get connected with Lord Shiva spiritually. At Om Namah Shivaya people are blessed and cured from their problems and disease with just chanting the spells of Lord Shiva.

Durga devi is widely revered as a manifestation of the Universal Mother Parvathi Devi. According to Hindu legend, an asura (evil entity) named Mahishasura did severe penance to make Lord brahma appear before him. After several years, Lord Brahma appeared and the asura asked for a boon of immortality. Lord Brahma answered "anthing that is born has to die , it is the rule of the universe and even i cannot change it". So the asura thought for a while and then modified his request and said , "then give me a boon that i should never be killed at the hands of a male". Mahishasura said so in the belief that no women would be strong enough to ever hurt him. Thus being effectively immortal, he set about reigning chaos over the three worlds and killed mercilessly.

The demigods could not bear mahishasura's terror anymore and hence prayed to devi parvathi to help them. Devi parvathi manifested herself in the form of Durga Devi, an incarnation that was mighty and had weapons contributed by all the major gods. Thus, Devi dirga engaged in battle with Mahishasura and then killed him eventually. The Hindu festival of Navratri/Durga Pooja is celebrated in remembrance of Devi Durga's Manifestation to help her devotees.

Simple Durga Devi Pooja Slokas & Rituals

To perform a simple Durga Pooja, first pay respect to Lord Ganesha and Lord dakshinamoorthy with the slokas given in the Navratri/Durga Pooja capsule below. Then Sit in front of A durga Devi idol/photo. Use appropriate flowers (like jasmine, holy basil,hibiscus) and shower on Durga devi's photo/idol after each chanting of the slokas. chant the following slokas in the times provided before each sloka. repeat each Durga Devi Sloka 21 times. Light camphor after each session of the sloka chanting.

Morning (Sunrise)

Om Saraswathi namasthubhyum varadhe kamaruupinniVidhyarumbum karishyami sidhirbhavathu mey sadha

Om Mahishvari mahakali mahagrasa hamashaniAparna chandika chandamundasura nishudini

Noon

Om Yaa devi sarvabhuteshuu Vishnu maayethi sabdithaNamastasyai namstasyai namstasyai namo namaha

Evening (Sunset)

Om Shree mata shree maha rangyi shreematsinha saneshvareeChidagni kunda sanbhuta deva karya samudyata

Om Anyatha sharanam nasthi thwameva sharanam mamaThasmaal Karunyabhavena raksha raksha maheswari

Night (Before 9pm)

Om Sindhuraruna vigrahaam thrinayanaam manikyamaoli spharatTaranayaka shekharam smithamukheem aapinavakshoruhamPanibhyam alipurnaratna chashakam raktotpalam bibhratimSaumyam ratna ghatasdha raktacharanamDhyayetparamanbikam

Repeat this ritualistic process for three continuous days. It is advisable to start the pooja on a friday or tuesday morning. If done with devotion, Durga Devi will definitely bless you with success,health,fame,wealth and happiness.

Navratri/Durga Pooja Procedure

After having bath in the evening (around sunset time), it is important to light a lamp in front of a photo of Devi durga. It is preferred to keep the lamp lit till the final day, hence make appropriate arrangements of thread and oil.

Then place a piece of wood or a little table in front of the photo. Keep a piece of cloth on the table.

Now we have to place all items related to our profession/education on this piece of cloth. These items include any textbooks, instruments, tools, machines, etc. that we may use in our daily life. This can also include paper, pens and devotional books. Now tie this piece of cloth such that the items are fully covered.

Now we shall start the puja process.

It is part of Hindu practice to always pay respect to lord Ganesha and guru before any ritual. Firstly invoke Lord Ganesha using the following sloka, since he is the remover of all obstacles and is in charge of wisdom. If any flowers are available then chant the sloka while holding a flower in your right hand. After the sloka, place the flower on the books.

Vakratunda mahakayaKodi soorya samaprabhaNirvighnam kurume devaSarvakaryesht sarvadha

Now we have to pay our respect to Lord Dakshinamoorthy, the universal guru. Lord dakshinamoorthy is another incarnation of Lord Shiva as the epitome of all knowledge. Use the following sloka to invoke lord Dakshinamoorthy and then place a flower on the books.

Gurur Brahma, Gurur VishnuGurur Devo MaheswaraGuru sakshath parabrahmaTasme Shri Dakshinamoorthaye namah

The puja of Durga devi should start with a simple sloka to meditate and invoke her infinite power. Place a few flowers on the cloth after chanting the following sloka 7 times.

Sarava mangala maangalyeShive sarvartha saadhikeSharannye trayambake gowriNarayani namosthuthe

It is important to pray to Devi Durga with utmost sincerity during the pooja. There is no need to pray for any specific need or wish, since the presence of Devi Durga will remove all misfortune and fulfil all your wishes.

Chant the slokas in the General Durga Devi Pooja Slokas capsule on each day and light camphor.

Preserver of the Kuru Dynasty

You might ask, "What about Krishna's sister?" She was a powerful woman in so many ways. She was defined by her relationships and yet she accomplished so much in furthering the continuation of the Kuru Dynasty. Subhadra was the only daughter of Vasadeva and Rohini. She was born after Krishna rescued his parents, Vasadeva and Devaki, from prison. Rohini was Vasadeva's first wife and Devaki was his second wife. Arjuna's mother, Kunti, is the sister of Vasadeva.

Subhadra is also considered to be a partial incarnation of Shatarupa or Shakti. Her most important temple is the Jagnnatha Temple in Puri, India. Her murti is located there along with the murtis of Balarama and Jagannatha, a form of Krishna.

Many people remember her famous brothers, Krishna and Balarama, but she does not always get recognized for her efforts and gifts. Balarama had a relationship with Duryodhana, the evil, tyrannical foe of the Pandavas. Balarama wanted to give Subhadra to Duryodhana in marriage. No one else in the family approved of this match. Arjuna heard of these plans and was very distressed because he wanted to marry her himself. Krishna encouraged Arjuna in proposing marriage to his sister.

Arjuna decided to disguise himself as a renunicant who travelled from town to town and then journeyed to Dvaraka where Subhadra lived with Krishna and Balarama. During the rainy season, approximately four months, renunicants stayed in one place. Arjuna stayed in Dvaraka for four months. Balarama invited him to his home where Arjuna saw Subhadra, who loved Arjuna as much as Arjuna loved her. In fact, she would not have accepted any one else but him as her husband. During this time period, women of the upper castes had the right to choose their own husbands and often had ceremonies for this purpose. Men had to prove their intelligence, devotion, virtues and physical strength in these ceremonies to be considered as a groom. Family members could suggest a man as a husband, but a woman did not have to agree with their suggestions. Subhadra, like Rukmini, was only asserting her right to do so.

Subhadra decided to attend a chariot festival. This was Arjuna's chance to marry his beloved. He was about to leave with her when Krishna advised her to take the reins of the chariot. This showed every one that she was the one who had chosen him as her husband and that she had actually "kidnapped" him. Balarama was angered by their elopement until Krishna and family members explained everything to him. He told Balarama she had chosen Arjuna as her husband and loved him as much as Arjuna loved her. Her taking the reins of the chariot was proof of this. Balarama changed his mind and gladly accepted it and gave them wedding gifts of elephants, chariots, horses and servants. They went to Indrapastha, the capital city of the Pandavas. Soon after their marriage Subhadra conceived a son named Abhimanya. When he was of age, her son married Uttara, daughter of King Virata. Abhimanya was slain in the Kurukshetra War, but Uttara was pregnant with a son named Parikshit. Many years later the Pandavas anointed him as king and then retired to the Himalayas. Subhadra stayed behind with her grandson as a guide and mentor.

Krishna's sister became the most prominent female of the Kuru Dynasty. The very existence of the dynasty rested upon her efforts and the efforts of her grandson, Parikshit. She is the strength and glue which held the nation of India together. Many men on both sides died in the war. Like Manu and Noah she had to restart civilization again. She truly became the Mother of India. She took the reins and guided her grandson and the nation on a better course. War is always costly. In the end a new India was birthed by Krishna's sister who chose her own husband, Arjuna, one of India's greatest warriors and disciples. Arjuna also learned dance from the demigods and taught his future daughter-in-law dance before her marriage. Arjuna introduced her to his son and the rest is history.

Subhadra was a strong warrior and mother in sustaining India after the bloody war. What a great and courageous woman who asserted her rights and lived her responsibilties with equal greatness.

JAI SHRI SUBHADRA!

JAI SHRI SHAKTI!

Gurukul system: An ancient system of education

School Shootings, Drug Addiction, overexposure to sex, smoking, alcoholism, raping women, committing suicide at a very young age, showing disrespect towards elders and other people in the society would have been avoided if a system like Gurukul system of education was adopted.

What is the modern education actually offering to the students?

Why are the well educated people still involved in immoral activities?

Why was the ancient Gurukul education successful? How did the Gurukul system keep its students away from all kinds of immoral activities? Why did they have special respect for people and animals living around them? Why were they so positive, brilliant and austere in nature?

Should we call those ancient Indians as complete humans?

Is it time to rethink and introduce an education system which is a blend of ancient and modern education?

Time has come to probe into the ancient system of education. First of all one should how the Gurukul system worked. It was one such system that offered education to its students who had positive mental attitude. But where did positive mental attitude come from?

In Sanskrit language Guru means teacher or master and Kula stands for extended family. A type of school that is residential in nature.

The first lesson to gain positive energy and mental attitude came from the Guru himself. Gurus were involved in penance, reading vedas and performed dharmic activites(activities done for the good of mankind and not for himself). The dharmic lifestyle always has one ambition. Not to hurt anyone but to help many.

Hymns of the vedas did all the magic and the Gurus had the power to transform humans into positive minded people. And these positve minded people always thought good about the people and animals in the nature.

Man by birth does not possess the positve energy and mental attitude. It has to be introduced in him by a Guru. This was totally fulfilled by the Gurukul system of education.

And only sons of brahmins and kings had the chance to go to gurukul and attain higher levels of education during those times.

Ancient Gurukul System

Friendly environment for children at Gurukul

Gururkul system of education is a simple concept where children learn under great scholars but they have to stay away from their parents. It is not the modern boarding school but a school that teaches moral values and imparts spiritual knowledge. A place where children learn to live in a green and friendly environment with no distractions around them. The small sacrifice made by parents pays great dividends later in their life.

Children learn to lead a simple life with little or no bad habits. Their memory gains great momentum to learn things. With the friendly environment and active teachers they are able to reach great heights and become good citizens of a nation. They become supporting pillars to elders in their family.

Ancient India had the Gurukul system of education supported by traditional Hindu residential schools of learning; typically it was a teacher's house or a monastery. The gurukulas usually existed in forests. Education was tremendously important for the society and was given to the 3 upper classes, namely Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors) and Vaishyas (businessmen). Since the occupations were based upon castes, children were initiated into the secrets of their traditional vocations from a very early age.

Admission and the life at Gurukul

Admission into the gurukul was not easy. A student had to convince his teacher that he had the required intelligence, desire, determination and qualities to pursue the studies. He had to serve him for a long time before he was admitted into the school and initiated into the subjects. Students in the gurukul were subjected to rigorous discipline. Sometimes when the Guru traveled to some other place the students had to accompany him. They had to live in a very austere environment. They practiced yoga, meditation and vedic hymns inSanskrit language under the supervision of the master. They performed many menial jobs for the master's household. On some specific occasions they had to undergo fasting as a necessary means of purification and mastery of the body and mind.

Hinduism recognizes the importance of knowledge in the spiritual progress of man. Education was free, but students from the rich families paid Gurudakshina (master’s fees), a voluntary contribution after the completion of their studies. Teachers at Gurukul imparted knowledge of Scriptures, Religion, Literature, Warfare, Philosophy, Statecraft, Medicine, Astrology and History.

Ancient universities

Nalanda, Ujjain, Takshashila & Vikramshila had universities that imparted higher education during the first millennium BC and the few centuries preceding it. Astronomy, Art, Painting, Architecture, Logic, mathematics, Grammar, Philosophy, Literature, Hinduism, Buddhism, Arthashastra (Economics & Politics), Law, and Medicine were amongst the subjects taught at these universities. For specializing in the study of medicine students went to Takshashiila, while Ujjain laid great emphasis on astronomical studies. Nalanda, was well-known as the biggest centre, and handled all the branches of knowledge. It was one such university where 10,000 students learnt at one time.

The current system of education in India, along with its western style and content, was introduced and founded by the British during Colonial rule. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government during the Lord Macaulay’s reign and have been on the decline since.

Chanakya, a great scholar

Chanakya or Kautilya was a great scholar who lived during the period 370–283 BCE. He was a teacher to the first Maurya Emperor Chandragupta (between 340–293 BCE). Chandragupta Maurya was the first emperor in the archaeologically recorded history to rule the complete Indian Subcontinent.

Chanakya envisioned a society where people always respected the moral values and not much to the material pleasures. He knew that control over the sense organs was always essential for success in any endeavor. Spiritual development becomes essential for the internal strength and character for an individual. Material pleasures and achievements always become secondary to the spiritual development of the society and country at large.

Chanakya’s Nitishastra (Moral science Lessons) and Arthashastra (Financial Management Lessons) are the famous works which are of great value even to this day.

Chanakya, in his Nitishastra(Moral science) has rightly stated:

Wise men should always bring up their sons in various moral ways, for children who have knowledge of Nitishastra (Moral science) and are well behaved become a glory to their family.

Below are a few more sentences from his moral science lesson. It gives us an idea of the value given to basic education and scholars at that time.

Those parents who do not educate their sons are their enemies; for as is a crane among swans, so are ignorant sons in a public assembly

Many a bad habit is developed through over indulgence, and many a good one by chastisement, therefore beat your son as well as your pupil; never indulge them ("Spare the rod and spoil the child").

Let not a single day pass without your learning a verse, half a verse, or a fourth of it, or even one letter of it; nor without attending to charity, study and other pious activity.

Though men be endowed with beauty and youth and born in noble families, yet without education they are like the palash flower(parrot tree flower), which is void of sweet fragrance.

The beauty of a cuckoo bird is in its notes, that of a woman in her unalloyed devotion to her husband, that of an ugly person in his scholarship, and that of an ascetic in his forgiveness.

Importance of Vedas taught at Gurukul during the ancient times

Fourth international Vedic Conference conducted by National Institute of Vedic Sciences (NIVC) at Mulbagal in Karnataka proved useful in many ways. Western countries have shown more interest in learning the ancient Indian books, the Vedas.

At the conference, Doctor Thorton showed the images of 7 chakras within the human body, captured using modern sensors and Thermal Imaging technology. He stated that in depth study of these chakras could be useful in prevention of killer diseases like Cancer at their initial stages. He opined that Indians could do better if they went for an in depth study and research related to the Scientific aspects hidden in Vedas.

Pros of a Gurukul system

Fear of god is the gateway to knowledge. So, the lessons of spirituality leads to hunger for knowledge and a better lifestyle.

Students learn the significance of co-existence with nature. Better concentration on their studies. Body feels lighter and memory is enhanced because of the fresh air from the surrounding greenery.

Parents donot have to monitor their daily activities when children reach the age of adolesence because they will be capable of choosing the right way of dealing with people.

Students will not have a chance to watch the sex and voilence on TV, at home and surroundings. This keeps the mind cool and more productive as they donot think about those unproductive and destructive subjects.

Well disciplined, more active and with better knowledge about warfare techniques and weapons if he joins an Army, Air force or Navy.

More useful and productive people for the nation when they come out of Gurukul. Respect for women and elders at home is seen and they become good citizens and great personalities.

Shiva is the last deity of the Hindu Trinity.Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that's why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction Literally, Shiva is one in whom the universe “sleeps” after destruction and before the next cycle of creation. All that is born, must die. All that is produced, must disintegrate and be destroyed. This law cannot be violated. The principle that brings about this disintegration, the power behind this destruction, is Shiva.

Another explanation of his role as destroyer is that we invoke Shiva to give us the capacity to destroy all our attachments and unwanted thoughts.He destroys our imperfections in order to ensure our spiritual progress. He destroys our illusions, desires and ignorance. He destroys our evil and negative nature. He destroys our old memories, so that we can move on with the movement of time. He destroys our relationships, attachment, impurities, physical and mental wrong doings, the effects of bad karma, our passions and emotions and many things that stand between us and God as impediments to our progress and inner transformation. And in the end when we have made sufficient progress, when we are ready and prepared, and when we are willing without any inner conflict, he destroys death.

Lord Shiva is known as the ''giver god'', lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees. Let us try to understand Shiva from different standpoints.

From the highest standpoint, Shiva is the formless, Absolute reality . Shiva’s name itself means auspiciousness. This is our own true nature.

From the cosmic standpoint, Shiva represents the Lord of the Universe – the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the world.

From the departmental standpoint, we worship Brahma for creation, Vishnu for sustenance and Shiva for destruction. Since there can be no destruction without creation and vice versa, we cannot attribute creation to one deity and destruction to the other. Our distinction between these three powers is merely to help clarify the various processes of life.

In another aspect, as a particular form that manifested on earth, Shiva is said to have appeared in numerous incarnations as an enlightened master (Guru) who teaches the knowledge of the Self to his disciples. This form is known as Dakshinamurthy.

One explanation for Ganga sitting on the head of Shiva is that we should learn to keep the head cool and win the world. This is possible only through knowledge and devotion.

On Shiva’s forehead is the crescent moon and in his neck is poison. The former represents the nectar of life and the latter, death. The pair of opposites indicate that we should be able to accept pain as well as pleasure in life and that we should have inner balance and equipoise in the midst of all good and bad experiences.

The poison, kept in his neck, without being swallowed, is significant. He did not become poisonous or bitter himself. In the same way one should be able to go through all experiences of life and still abide in his own true nature, without becoming bitter.

A snake garland adorns his neck. The snake represents the mind that spits out its poison of negative thoughts. Yet if we keep the mind under perfect control, so that it is quiet within and does not agitate us or others, it will lie peacefully in meditation.

The ashes all over his body indicate that our bodies will turn to ashes one day and hence we should rise above the identification with the body even while we are living.

The three eyes of Lord Shiva suggest: the Sun is his right eye, the Moon is the left eye and fire, the third eye. Therefor he is three eyed. It is also known as the third eye located between the eye brows is the eye of wisdom while the other two represent love and justice. Thus Shiva exemplifies a good ruler who has both love and justice and also looks at this world with the vision of Knowledge that destroys all ignorance and passion.The trishula (trident), symbolizes the Lord's three fundamental powers of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (gyana).

So Shiva is the faith whereby we reach the Truth.

The damaru (drum) and its two sides separated from each other symbolizes the two entirely dissimilar states of existence, invisible and evident.The small drum of Shiva is the symbol of rhythm & sound. There is rhythm in the movement of the whole universe & sound is the musical & divine medium that comes from His words & carries revelations & the truth.

The bull, Nandi is linked with Shiva and it is considered as his vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Tiger's skin makes Lord Shiva's clothing and his seat, which illustrates the idea that he is the source of potential energy during the dissolution of the universe. And it is also says that the tiger is the vehicle of Shakthi, the Goddess of all power & force. Shiva is beyond & above any kind of force. He is its master & carries the skin of the tiger as the victor of every force.

Rudraksha: On the request of the divines Lord shiva burnt the three daemon forts called tripurasura who were into disruptive activities. God burnt them without even a weapon just by the smile itself ! Three daemons in those forts who were good and devotees of the Lord came out without any harm by the Lord's Grace ! At this point of time from the Three eyes of the Lord rudrkshas came out. Since it came from the aksha (eye) of Lord rudra (a role played by the Supreme shiva), it is called rudraksha. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the lord shows that he uses his celestial powers without compromise,to maintain law and order.

Shiva lives on the Kailash mountain. There is a beautiful description of it in the 4th canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, I.E The abode known as Kailāsa is full of different herbs and vegetables, and it is sanctified by Vedic hymns and mystic yoga practice. Thus the residents of that abode are demigods by birth and have all mystic powers. Besides them there are other human beings, who are known as Kinnaras and Gandharvas and are accompanied by their beautiful wives, who are known as Apsarās, or angels.

There are many waterfalls, and in the mountains there are many beautiful caves in which the very beautiful wives of the mystics are found. On Kailash Hill there is always the rhytmical sound of the peacocks' sweet vibrations and the bees' humming. Cuckoos are always singing, and other birds whisper amongst themselves." Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.6.11-12.

In Ramacharitamanas, Tulsidas, in one verse, gives

Yasanke ca vibhati bhudarasuta

On the left side of Shiva sits the beautiful Goddess Parvati. He holds Ganga on his head.With two beautiful goddesses, one above & one beside him, He is not distracted & is meditating! Just imagine how easily, even a slight noise can distract us, when we meditate!! That is Shiva's power of concentration & meditation.

Thus Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously.

**Om Namah Sivaaya**