SHRI BHIMASHANKAR in Dakini

SHRI BHIMASHANKAR in Dakini


yaM DAkinishAkinikAsamAje niShevyamANaM pishitAshanaishcha |
sadaiva bhImAdipadaprasiddaM taM shaNkaraM bhaktahitaM namAmi ||


Location of Bimashankar Jyothirlingam

On the banks of the River Chandrabhaga (Bhima) on the expansive meadows, a large number of devotees can be seen dancing as if they are in a trance. This is a constant scene in Pandharpur. Bheemamayya (mother Bhima) is equated with Ganga-Bhagirathi and people take a holy dip in this river. In Pandharpur, river Bhima came to be known as Chandrabhaga, because it is here that Bhima curves towards Chandrakor.
River Ganga came jumping down from the Jata (Hair) of Lord Shankar, straight through Swarg (Heaven), to the earth. Bhimamayya is the perspiration of Lord Shankara. The origin of River Bhima is BhimaShankar, which is one of the twelve JyotirLingas. In Maharashtra, in Pune District in the Tehsil of Rajguru nagar (Khed) ahead of Ghodegaon, there is Sahyadri mountain range. Bhavargiri, Rathachal and Bhima Shankar mountains are located here. On the Bhima Shankar mountains, the holy shrine of Bhima Shankar is situated. Although it is a very windy palce, one does not experience any cold winds here.
There are lions in the forests here. In these thick forests there are other wild lives too. It is a treasure of various medicinal herbs. It is now quite easy to reach BhimaShankar. Direct and easy roadways are laid that take the pilgrims right up to the shrine. Reaching here from Kokanpradesh is a little difficult because of the mountain terrain.
Many years ago, Shakini and Dakini used to live in these forests. The settlements were far and few in between. But on the festival of Shivaratri, there is a huge gathering of crowds, which brightens up the entire area. The devotees reach here in time and take a Darshan of Lord BhimaShankar. A lot of improvements made here. There is a Government guest-house also. It is said that the lions from these forests come to the shrine every night to get a Darshan of the Lord. Here are some of the stories attached to the JyotirLinga here.
Purana of Bhimshankar Temple
In the ancient times demons by the name Tripurasura become drunk with power. They harassed every resident of Swarg (Heavens), Narak (Hell) and Patal (Nether world). The divines were very scared. Then Lord Mahadev Himself came to destroy Tripurasur. Lord Shankar assumed colossal proportions. Tripurasur feared when they saw this Rudravatar. The fight went on. In the end, Lord Shiva killed the wicked demon and set the there worlds, Tribhuvan, free. Lord Shankar in the form of a huge hunk (Virat) was very tired. In order to get some rest, He settled here on the high area of the Sahyadri mountains sweat started pouring down from His huge body in thousands of streams. It all joined together and collected in a pond or Kund. The river that started from there is known as Bhima, which can be seen even today. Devotees then prayed to Bhimakaya Rudra thus: “In order to save the good people, reside here forever”. Bholenath listened to the devotees and stayed there as a JyotirLinga forever.
There was once a demon called Bhima, whose parents were Kumbhakarna and Karkati. Demon Bhima was harassing and torturing one and all. He was hell bent in the path of destruction of Dharma. Once he asked his mother about the details of his father. His mother told him that his father Kumbhakaran is the younger brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka, who was slain by Sri Ramchandra.
“I am yet to see Lanka; I met your father on some mountains near by, and after you were born, I continued to stay here itself. After my husband was killed, only my parental place became a refuge of sorts for me. My parents are Pushkasi and Karkat. When they went to eat up Agastya the saint, he burned them to ashes with the power of his meditation and Tapas”.
When he heard the story, he was at once eager to take revenge against all the divines along with Hari. He began a severe penance or Tapas, and a pleased Brahma granted him the bon of becoming a very strong man. With this new strength, he captured all the divines including Vishnu and Indra. They were in his control. After this he won a victory over the great Shiva devotee Kamarupeshwar. Kamarupeshwar did not stop his worship of Shiva even when in prison. He performed the Puja with the same devotion, observing all the procedures his wife also joined him in this.
On the other hand, Brahma and Vishnu along with all the other divines started praying Shankara and of asking for deliverance from the wicked Demon King. Shiva assured the divines and sent them home after pacifying them.
Bheema learnt from someone that Kamarupeshwar was making preparations to kill him. On hearing about this, he went straight to the prison and started inquiring into the process and aim of his worship. When he learnt the truth from the king, the wicked Demon called Lord Shiva names and insulted Him and ordered the king to worship Bheema himself instead. When Kamarupeshwar resisted, Bhemma attached the Linga with his sword. Before he could strike, Shiva appeared there. A severe fight ensued in which bows, arrows, swords, axe, the disc and trident etc. were used. In the end, at the request of Narada , Lord Shankar blew a fire and burned the wicked Demon Bheema to ashes. Thus the Devas were released from their sorrows. After this, the divines who were present there, and the saints together pleaded with Lord Shankara to remain there. In view of the welfare of the world, Shiva decided to stay there in the incarnation of Bheema Shankar JyotirLinga.
Self-emanating Mahadev, in the shape of a chariot, the mountains have become the abode of BheemaShankara. It is also known as Rathachala. One Bhatirao Lakadhara (wood-cutter) used to live here. Once he was cutting some wood. Just as he struck the tree with his axe, blood started to flow from the earth. Bhatirao got scared and ran away. Soon, a crowd had gathered there. Someone brought a milk cow and made it stand there. The milk that came from the cow’s udders stopped the bleeding of the earth. Surprising everyone, a glowing JyotirLinga of Shankara, emanated from the earth. People built a temple there and installed the JyotirLinga in the temple. This temple eventually came to be known as Bhima Shankara temple.
Glories of Bhimashankar
In some classics like Shiva Leelamrit, Gurucharitra, Stotraratnakar etc., BheemaShankara is described as a woman. Gangadhar Pandit, Ramdas, Sridhar swamy, narahari Malo, Gnaneshwar, and other saints describe BheemaShankara as JyotirLinga.
Historical figures like Chatrapati Shivaji and Rajaram Maharaj were known to visit this shrine. This was a favourite palce for Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Raghunath, Raghunath Peswa had a well dug up here. The Diwan of the Peshwar, Nana Phadanvis renovated this temple. A court hall was built by a Pune trader or Sahukar by the name Chimanji Antaji Nayik Bhinde in 1437 AD.
The temple of Bhima Shankara is built in Hemadpanthi style. It is decorated with the Dashavatar statues. These are very beautiful to look at. The Nandi temple is close to the main temple. A huge bell weighing 5 mans(1 man=40 seens) is located close to the temple. It has 1721 AD inscribed on it. When this bell is rung, the entire echoes with its sound.
The worship of BhimaShankar is done, with Rudrabhishek, Panchamrit snan, everyday. The Lord is praised in rich words. On Mondays as well as other days, lot of devotees flock here for Darshan. A big fete (mela) takes place on Maha Shivaratri festival. The natural scenic beauty of this place is wonderful to look at.
There are many places of tourist interest near BheemShankar temple. Among these are Mokshakund, Gyankund, Gupta Bhumeshwar, SarvaAteerth, Papanasini, akhya Teerth, Vyaghrapada Teerth, Sakshi Vinayaka, Gorakhnath Ashram, Daityasamharini Kamalaja devi’s place, Kamalaja lake, Hanuman lake, etc are worth seeing. The Kokan Kagar or Nagphan is a very dangerous palce located at a height or approximately three thousand feet, from were the entire Talahati Kokan area can be seen. It feels like we are being air-borne. It is very difficult to see this “Kokan kagar” sanding. One has to lie down on the ground, near Kagar and then only it can be seen. A person who is seeing this in a prostrate position has to be kept steady by holding his feet firmly. While watching this is frightening, yet beautiful scene one has to chant “Jaya Bheema Shankar Jaya Bheema Shankar”.
“Panjara Bhimarathyacha Krishnaveni Brihannadi
Malapaharinee Yotra sata loka Vishruta”.
- Someshwar Dev
“Bheemabani Chandrabhaga Vithala Charan ki Ganga”

Haridwar - Gateway to the Gods

Haridwar - Gateway to the Gods

Haridwar, meaning Gateway to God, is one of the most holy places in India. It is believed to be as old as Varanasi. Haridwar holds the Kumbh Mela every 6th and 12th year on the famous Har ki Paudi ghat.

Haridwar is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in Northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there. Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar you will see a great statue of Shiva at the fork of the river. If you are there for a short visit, it is definitely worth to visit the temple on top of the mountain, with a wonderful view.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Dwaraka

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Dwaraka


Neelkanth Mahadeva Temple is one of the most revered holy shrines of the Hindus. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be a complex God of the Hindu pantheon. The establishment of this temple has a legend behind it. According to the mythological stories, Lord Shiva drank the poison that appeared from the 'Sagar Manthan' (churning of ocean). On drinking the poison, his throat turned blue and from that time onwards, Lord Shiva came to be known as 'Neelkantha' (One having blue throat). The way to this shrine is quite a thrilling one. The main shrine of the temple comprises a Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The spiritual aura of the temple creates a devotional feeling in the hearts of people. People make an offering of coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord. Subsequently, devotees get 'Parshad' of vibhuti, chandan and other things from the shrine. This temple celebrates two festivals that held annually on the occasion of Shivratri (Feb-Mar) and Shivratri of Shravan (July-Aug). At that time, the temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims. This place is also loved by tourists for its picturesque beauty. Neelkanth Temple is a holy place that provides a celestial affection to the people, who visit the shrine with a devoted heart.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh

A temple with patient devotees…a temple with no touts, no one to force you to pay up for a special VIP doorway. A temple where you can take your time and pray without hearing the words “Move Ahead, Keep Moving.”

Does this sound unbelievable? Trust me, I was surprised too.

Nestled on a high mountain top with pristine waters of the holy Ganges below, devotees are invited to seek blessings from Neelkanth Mahadev in Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev is none other than Lord Shiva. This name befell on him because of a precarious feat he undertook because he could not see his devotees suffer. The Puranas state that during the churning of the ocean-Samudra Manthan, there came out a poison called-Halahal. The venom was exceptionally powerful that it could annihilate mankind. The gods were distressed and didn’t know how to destroy it. Lord Shiva stepped in and decided to drink it.

Mahima (Magnanimous Aura) of Lord Shiva is divine. He surely drank it but did not swallow the poison. He allowed it to remain in his throat. This venom turned his throat blue. Neel defines the color blue, Kanth is throat and Mahadev means Lord of the gods. Lord Shiva came to rest in Rishikesh. The gods tried hard to comfort him and ultimately decided to pour water on his head to cool him off. This is one of the reasons why even today, devotees offer water to Lord Shiva.

After several years of rest and meditation, Lord Shiva removed the poison from his throat and left it on a mountain. He returned to his abode, Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. Later a temple was build around this and now stands as symbol of Lord’s grace at a height of 1675 m.

A drive of 32 km. from Rishikesh via Barrage or an alternate route of 22 km. via Ram Jhoola can get you there with ease. The scenic beauty was breathtaking as on one side was the mountain terrain and the other side was a steep drop into the fast flowing Ganges.

The holy water of Ganga was much cleaner as compared to the water that flows through Haridwar and Varanasi. The current was tremendous and so river rafting was an extremely popular sport here. Tourists worldwide visit this city for this adventurous thrill.

The temple’s car park was lined with stalls selling offerings for the deity. It consisted of coconut, a sealed-plastic glass containing water from the Ganges, Bel leaves, assorted-fresh flowers, fruits like dhatura and jujube, box of incense sticks, small Chunnari (piece of red veil) and a laminated photograph of the Lord Shiva with the backdrop of the temple.

As I walked ahead, I was taken aback by the temple’s architecture. The entire Samudra Manthan was depicted with colorful idols of all the gods and goddess. One look at it and the entire Puranic story flashes in front of your eyes. The architecture is extremely well-maintained and the photographs don’t do enough justice to them. Photography is not allowed inside the temple so I was forced to take as much as I could from the outside.

I stood in line to enter the inner sanctum. A life-sized idol of goddess Parvati was seated near the entrance. Her striking grandeur forced everyone to bow and offer their obeisance. The arena around the lingam was made of marble. There were detailed etchings of guards or Dwarpals on the columns with intricate detailing that showed their weapons. Opposite the lingam was Lord Shiva’s mount Nandi, the bull.

Devotees kept chanting “Om Namah Shivay” and finally it was my turn. I sat in from of the lingam which was encased in silver. It had an opening at the top to see the original form. I poured the water from the Ganges while a priest seated, chanted the Vedic mantras and helped me complete my worship.

At the exit of the sanctum, there was a gigantic Pipal tree. Devotees had tied chunnaris to it. I guessed that it was for their wishes that needed to be fulfilled. But I really didn’t have anything to wish for. Getting a darshan like this was more than what I had dreamt of.

I feel that if you really want solitude with Lord Shiva, you will get it here in Rishikesh. Even the 12 Jyotirlings won’t give you the solace because of the packed crowds and touts.

Jyotirling at Mallikarjun in Sri Sailam, Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, Trymbakeshwar in Nasik, Nageshwar near Dwarka and Somnath in Gujarat do not allow always devotees to touch the Lingam. Security concerns, crowd management and arrival of VIP dignitaries can dampen your spirits.

Oam Namah Shivay

Shivo Bhokta, Shiva Bhojya
Shivo Karta, Shivah Karma
Shivah Karanatmakah..
Meaning:
Shiva is the experiencer and the highest object of experience. Shiva is the goal of Sadhana. There is nothing apart from Shiva. There is nothing other than Shiva. Whatever there is, is Shiva. There is nothing, which is not Shiva. There is no place, which is not Shiva. There is no time, which is not Shiva. To be aware of this is to be aware of Shiva.

Jai Bholenath...

Har Har Mahadev...

Jai Shiv Shankar..

Naagendra haaraaya thriloochanaaya bhasmaangadhaaraaya maheshwaraaya
Nityaaya shudhdhaaya digambaraaya tasmai na-kaaraaya namahshivaaya

Meaning:
Salutations to Shiva who wears a serpent as garland, who is three-eyed, whose bare body is covered with ashes, who is forever pure and the very embodiment of sacrifice.

There are many legends associated to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. One of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava', the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Mahashivratri Festival is particularly awaited by Hindu women. On Mahashivratri, married and unmarried women perform puja with great faith, as Goddess Parvati who is also called 'Gaura', is regarded as the giver of 'suhaag' - good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life. One can therefore see find women enthusiastically observing the fast and performing the rituals Shiva Pujas on the day.

According to Hindu mythology, observance of Mahashivratri Vrat with discipline helps a devotee to control the two great natural forces that afflict a man, rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas guna (the quality of inertia). When a devotee spends an entire day in the Feet of Lord and worships with sincerity, his motion is controlled and evils like lust, anger and jealousy, born of Rajas are ignored and subdued. Besides, when a devotee observes vigil throughout the night (jaagran) he manages to conquer the evils of Tamas Guna too. It has also been mentioned that when a devotee observes a round of worship every three hours, the Shivaratri Vrata becomes perfect.

It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkanth' or the blue-throated by swallowing the deadly poison that came up during the churning of "Ksheer Sagar" (Amrit-Manthan) or the milky ocean. The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Gods approached Lord Shiva for help and protection as only he could swallow it without being affected. On the request of gods and out of compassion for living beings, Lord Shiva drank the poison. However, Parvati - Lord Shiva's consort pressed his neck so that the poison does not reach his stomach. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation. 'Neel' means blue and 'Kanth' means neck or Throat' (Blue-necked one).

Significance of Puja Items

According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.

Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.

The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.

Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires. Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.

The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge. Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

On Shivaratri day the devotees of Shiva observe fast. They keep vigil all night. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Mahimna Stotra of Pushpadanta and Ravana's Shiva Tandava Stotra are sung with great devotion. The Guru Gita, a section of the Shiva Purana dealing with the instructions of Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati on how to attain liberation while living in the physical body, is recited. Not many people know that Shiva is the original Guru, which is evidenced in this famous Sanskrit verse:
"Om namah Shivaya guruve satchitananda murthaye."

The prayers and worship continue late into the night when the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves (which have to be a stalk with three leaves), fruits, and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his consort Parvati. Offering leaves of a Bilva tree (Aegle marmelos tree) to Lord Shiva on Shivaratri is considered very auspicious.

Lord Shiva is easily pleased. One of the names of Shiva is Ashutosh, which means "easily pleased." May Lord Shiva be pleased with everyone through the following prayer:

Om Namah Shivaya! O Ashutosh! you are my inner Self. My mind is Parvati. My ten states of prana (life force) are your servants. My body is your house. My actions in this world are your worship. My sleep is Samadhi. My walk is circumambulation (the act of walking around) of you. My speech is your prayer. Thus do I offer all that I am to you. Om Namah Shivaya!

• Keep on chanting whole day Shiv-Panchakshri Mantra...''Om Namah Shivaay''

Shiva Prayer:-

Om Namastestu Bhagavan
Vishvesharaya Mahadevaya
Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya
Trikagni - Kalaya
Kalagni - Rudraya Neel - Kanthaya Mrityunjaya
Sarveshvaraya Sadadhivaya
Sriman Mahadevaya Namah.

Meaning:
Om. I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is the creator and protector of the universe, who is the greatest among Gods, who has three eyes, who is the annihilator of all the three worlds, one whose throat is blue, who is the conqueror of death, who is the Lord of all, who is propitious who is possessed of all marks of greatness and who is the greatest among Gods. To him my prostration.

May the Blessings Of Lord Shiv-Shankar,

MAHADEV: RAM NAUVMI

MAHADEV: RAM NAUVMI

RAM NAUVMI

TUESDAY, April 12, 2011 Ram Navmi (राम नौमी) at Barsana Dham begins with chanting of the Divine name of Bhagwan Ram as we celebrate the day of His Divine appearance. Following a speech highlighting the devotional and philosophical importance of this festival, there may be an opportunity to experience the darshan of Ram's darbar or perhaps watch live scenes from the Ramayan acted out by members of the community. After more nam sankirtan (chanting of the Divine name of Lord Ram) and Shree Ram Chandra arti, everyone is invited to come forward for darshan of baby Rama very sweet opportunity to draw closer to our Divine Beloved. Lunch prasad follows. Shree Swamiji's Ram Navmi Message The Divine souls. We are going to learn about Bhagwan Ram, when He came on this earth planet millions of years ago. He appeared in tretayug. Krishn appeared in dwaparyug. This is now kaliyug. Descensions of supreme God happen from time to time to remind us that the aim of our life is God realization. And also to reveal the fact that Divine love is so greatbeyond imagination. But, that could be attained if a person understands the fact that he belongs to supreme God Krishn or Ram. He does not belong to this world. You see, in your personality, your physical body, your mental body, and also your soul. All these three are your personality. Your soul and your mind are always together. They never die. They never take birth. They are all eternal. Body takes birth, body dies. So all the relations relate to physical body. All the happiness relates to physical body. World relates to physical body. Your soul does not relate to this world. Because soul is demanding Divine love and your mind is not understanding what is the requirement of the soul, that is a conflict. So, to clarify the situation, sometimes the supreme personality of the God Himself appears. He sends His Saints from time to time, but sometimes He Himself appears. So like this was the appearance of Bhagwan Ram, millions of years ago. We have Ramayan in Hindi language. It is very popular. But there are many Ramayan. Ramayan means the history of Bhagwan Ram, Ramayan. Hari ananta hari katha ananata. Kah yah sunahi bahu miti saba santa. (Ramayan) Goswamiji says, Anant, uncountable descensions of Bhagwan Ram had happened and there are many, many Ramayan Saints that have written. So there are many kinds of Ramayan, already in the world, but they all have the history of Bhagwan Ram. Out of all of them, Valmiki Ramayan and Tulsidas Ramayan, these two are the most important. Maharshi Valmiki wrote the Ramayan during the time of Bhagwan Ramthat means millions of years ago. He wrote at the same time when Bhagwan Ram was on this earth planet. And Tulsidas Ramayan was written 500 years ago, by Goswami Tulsidasji. But he was a descended Sainta descension of Valmiki. Anyway, these two are very important books on Bhagwan Ram. So how does this history start? Once Parvati (Sati) and Bhagwan Shiv, They just had come to see the leela of Bhagwan Ram. And at that time, Bhagwan Ram was in the jungle and Goddess Sita was kidnapped by demon Ravan. Bhagwan Ram was lamenting, O My Sita! Where have You gone? How will I live without You? Like this. And Lakchman was behind Bhagwan Ram, he didnt know what to do, how to help Bhagwan Ram. So Shiv and Parvati both come. Bhagwan Shiv was so encharmed, O My beloved Lord! How innocently You are acting like a worldly lover! You are supreme Lord, but how perfect Your acting is! So He just prayed His supreme Lord, O My beloved... But Parvati got confused. She says, Shiv sarvgya jana sab koi. My husband God Shiv is all-knowing, and He prostrated to that person who is lamenting like a worldly lover and saying He is supreme God...it doesnt sink into My head. So, when some confusion comes into the mind you become restless. So She asked Shiv that She wants to go to check Bhagwan Ram, if He is really God, God Ram. Shiv said, No, dont go. Youll be in trouble. She said, But I want to go. OK go, if You want to go. So, when She came to Bhagwan Ram, She thought it is the best to assume the form of Goddess Sita, and go in front of Him. If He is really God, Hell recognize Me. If He is not God, Hell be confused. So She assumed a form like Goddess Sita and went to Bhagwan Ram. Bhagwan Ram was actually in the same pathetic moodha Sita ken neeta ko bhavan ken drishta. (Valmiki Ramayan) In Valmiki Ramayan, there are so many verses like that. He was in that kind of ecstasy of love and as Sita appeared, the assumed Sita, Bhagwan Ram became serious. O My mother! How did You come? Because Bhagwan Ram worshipped Shiv and Shiv worshipped Bhagwan Ram. They both are Beloved of each other. He said, O My mother! Where is My beloved God Shiv? And Parvati was so ashamed. She just ran and came back to Shiv. So, Shiv knew everything that had happened. Actually it was not Parvatiat that time Her name was Sati. So when Sati came to Shiv, Shiv asked, What did You do? She said, I didnt do anything. Keenha pranamu tumharihi naeen. (Ramayan Balkand 55/2). I simply went to Him, and I just prayed My homage and I came back. She lied to Shiv. And Shiv knew everything, Oh, this Sati has assumed the form of Goddess Sita, and Goddess Sita is My mother! Now I cant accept Her. So He discarded Sati, I cant take You back as My wife. This is the story. Later Sati appeared again as Parvati, and Parvati got married to Shiv again. Shiv and Parvati are living happily on Kailash parvat. So Parvati again asked Bhagwan Shankar (Shiv), Ajahun kachu sanshaya man moren (Ramayan Balkand 108 / 3), O My beloved Lord! Still I have some little doubt. Its all clear, just a little is left. What is left? Is it the same Divine supreme Lord God who has appeared? Or some other form of God? Shiv says, O Parvati! You have no doubt. Tumhin na sanshaya moh na maya. You have no confusion. You have asked this question for the sake of other souls. You on Your own have no confusion. But because You have asked for the sake of other souls, so Ill explain to You. And at that time God Shankar, He relates the whole story of Bhagwan Ram. This is Ramayan. It means it was first said by God Shiv and Parvati listened to that. You see in that first part of the Shiv-Parvati story, as I explained just now, Shiv says, O Parvati, You have no confusion, You are doing it for the sake of the souls. Souls have so much confusion in their mind that they criticize God. They do sly things, crafty things, lying...not knowing how little power they have, and argue in the field of Divine...the common human nature that Sati showed. So when She went to God Ram, She tried to examine Him. When She came back to Shiv, She lied to Her own husband. Its just human nature that She mimicked in that. Anyway, Shiv and Parvati or Shiv and Sati, They are one. Both Divine power. They were never confused. Thats how this Ramayan came into being. So Goswamiji Tulsidasji starts the Ramayan like this. So in Shiv and Parvatis words, the whole Ramayan is told. Its like whole of the Bhagwatam, Shukdeo and Parikshit. Shukdeo is saying, Parikshit is listening, and the whole Bhagwatam was told like that. Likewise, the Ramayan is the conversation of Shiv and Parvati. So in this Ramayan, there are mainly seven sections starting from Bhagwan Rams descension. One example Ill give you. When Bhagwan Ram appeared, He never took birth. He was not born. He appeared. Bhaye pragat kripala deendayala Kaushalya hitakaree (Ramayan Balkand 191 / 1). The word is pragat, prakatya, descension, appearance. So Bhagwan Ram appeared. When Bhagwan Ram appeared, He appeared in His full bloom Divine beauty. Whatever is the regular form of God He appeared like that. Full height. His mother, Kaushalya, was just lying on a bed and she was thinking of Bhagwan Ram in her mind. In her thoughts, she saw that Bhagwan Ram appeared. She opens her eyes and Bhagwan is there. So Bhagwan Ram appeared in full form; He appeared. He didnt take birth in a worldly style. Then Kaushalya praised Bhagwan Ram and said, Please, now become small like a one-day child. Keejai shishuleela ati priyasheela yah sukh param anoopa (Ramayan Balkand 191/4). Keejai shishuleela. O Bhagwan Ram! Now become my son. And start playing like my son. Because this love of mother and son is something so intimate, so great, it cant be described into words. So Bhagwan Ram became like a one-day-old child. And then everybody knew, Oh yes, yes, Bhagwan Ram is born. There was a great celebration in Ayodhya. Bhagwan Rams father Dashrath had more than one wife. He had three wives. From one wife, Shatrughn and Bharat were born, from one, Lakchman was born, and from one, Ram was born. There was four brothers: Ram, Lakchman, Bharat, Shatrughn. So all the four brothers were bornit means they appeared. Just a difference of a short timenot very much. And they all grew. Once Vishwamitr came and said, O King! My fire ceremony, my yagya, is being disturbed by some demonesses and demons. Please send your two sons to protect me. So he sent his two sons, Ram and Lakchman, to protect him. Then they were invited into another kingdom, Mithila. King Janak and his daughter Sita were in Mithila. King Janak made a promise that, Ill wed my daughter to that person who will lift this big heavy bow of Bhagwan Shiv. So Ram lifted the bow and actually broke it. Thus the marriage was settled. King Janak also had three more daughters, so Bharat and Shatrughn were also called from Ayodhya and all four brothers got married at the same time. They stayed for a few months and then they all came back to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the youngest and the most beloved wife of Dashrath was Kaikeyi. Once, her ear was poisoned by one of the maids with an idea. She said, You see, you have two sons. Everyone loves Bhagwan Ram and Lakchman, but nobody cares about your son. Why shouldn't your son become king of Ayodhya, not Bhagwan Ram? So Kaikeyi asked her husband, Really I want my son, Bharat, to be the kingnot Bhagwan Ram. She was so much against Bhagwan Ram being in the kingdom, she said, No, no, Bhagwan Ram must go for 14 years in exile. My son should become king. It all is explained in the Ayodhya Kand. It is a big chapter, a big canto. There is a great description. In this way Bhagwan Ram, Lakchman and Sita, all three went into exile and there They met all the Saints living there. They Graced all those Saints. Then Ravan came. He kidnapped Sita. Bhagwan Ram went to Lanka and killed Ravan and got Sita back and came back to Ayodhya. Thats the whole Ramayan in short. All of this happened within fourteen to fifteen years. Then Bhagwan Ram came back to Ayodhya. After that He stayed for almost eleven thousand years. He stayed in Ayodhya and ruled Ayodhya. Nothing much is said about those ten to eleven thousand years. Up until He came back to Ayodhya after killing Ravan, the whole Ramayan deals with all those events. Once Bhagwan Ram called for all of His people and He gave a speech. Eak bar raghunatha bulae (Ramayan Uttar Kand 42/1). He gave a big speech. And then, just like Krishn gave Gita to Arjun, Bhagwan Ram gave some more knowledge to the ones who are living in the world. Bhagwan Ram gave only this one speech in His whole lifetime. He tells about gyan, about bhakti, and about karm, but He says, Souls belong to Me, they have to come to God. Unless they find God, they will not be happy. And the path of gyan is so difficult, so pride-giving. Its very very hard to follow by an ordinary person. Its almost impossible. So bhakti is the only path through which a soul can reach God and experience the Bliss of Divine love. And then He says, Sunahu karahu jo tumhahi sohaee (Ramayan Uttar Kand 42/2). Thats My advice, now you do whatever you want. He said this because He knows souls; he knows that they listen half-heartedly. They add half of their own mind to what they hear and do whatever they want. You see this Ram Navmi celebration, how many celebrate? Millions. Almost every Indian knows and celebrates to some extent. But how many follow the teachings of Bhagwan Ram, whatever He spoke in Ramayan? Eak bar raghunath bulae (Ramayan Uttar Kand 42/1) How many follow His speech? Very, very few. You can count on your fingers. Only those who really understand the truth of human life, those who really realize their life is for God realization and not for wasting in this world. We see that if we recall back from our childhood up to this point, you will know that you did almost everything. You loved, you quarreled, you hated, you were dejected, you were disappointedyou did everything in the emotional field. Were you ever happy? No. Your happiness was temporary, transitory. Whenever you found a loved one, you felt happy. When that person departed, you were unhappy. When you took some revenge on someone you envied, you felt happy, I took that revenge! When you failed in your revenge, you were unhappy. And in both situations, the animosity was burning your heart all the time. In the material love, too, when you were happy, your heart was burning with a desire to receive more. When that person departed your heart was burning with separation. So this is called mayic agony. Material agony. This agony is all the time within you, the fire of discontentment, a kind of fire. You are discontented with every situation you are in. So those who know good, know bad. They are always togethergood and bad. So in all situations you found yourself discontented to some extent, or to a great extent. That's one thing. Now a second thing: your work was never completed. You see, in your mind, all the time you have more than one thing to do. All the time, like when you are going to bed, Shall I sleep-in half an hour? No, 15 minutes... No read something... Take a magazine... Watch TV... No, go to sleep. See? Even going to sleep you have to think so much? You got up early morning, I have to do this, this, this, this. What to do first? So all the time you have more than one thing and you must decide what to do first, what is of first preference, and what is of next preference. And you never found that everything is done. No, never done. Since your birth, up till your death, whatever you do, you will never be done completely. It will be always incomplete. Why? This is the nature of the world. It is the nature of the world for things to always be incomplete. So it is like this. Incompleteness and discontentedness is the very nature of this mayic phenomena. You live for millions and millions of lifetimes and it is always the same thing. So why not come to God, why not come to Bhagwan Ram, Bhagwan Krishn, any form of Godwhy not come to Them? Bhagwan Ram said, Sunahu karahu jo tumhahi sohaee (Ramayan Uttar Kand 42/2). I am telling you the truth. Now think over it deeply and try to understand what I have said. If souls understand this fact of life, the fact of Divine love, and the possibility of Divine attainment...thats very important, the possibility. You see on this side, on the worldly side, there is no possibility. You can never be completely contented, you can never finish your work completely forever. It is impossible! Because this is the nature of this maya. But on the other side, you can find God. Just submit yourself wholeheartedly; He is ready to Grace you. On the other side there is a possibility; on this side, there is no possibility. So come towards whatever is possible for you to do. This is the understanding. To give this understanding to the souls, Bhagwan Ram keeps coming from time to time. He comes so Souls can understand the littleness of worldly happiness and the absoluteness of Divine love.