Navagrahas – Suryan – Part I

The word “Nava” in Sanskrit means the number 9, and certainly there is some spritual magic attached to this number. We come across Navarathri, Navanidhi, Navagrahs, Navaratnams, Navarasam, Nava dhanyam..etc etc

This post is essentially about Navagrahas – who are the most powerful influencers in our lives, next to the Trinity! Some cosmic connections and with the blessings of the Cosmic dancer, Lord Shiva gave us an opportunity to offer worship at all the Navagraha Sthalams in one day – in and around Chennai.

Navarathri refers to the 9 nights and day worship to Devi

Navanidhi refers to treasures of Kuberan which are padma (lotus), mahapadma (great lotus), sankha (conch shell), makara (marine animal or fish), kachchhapa (tortoise), mukunda (kettle drum), nanda (joy), nila (a dark color or blue), and kharva (dwarf).

Navaratnams refer to the nine gemstones related to the nine planets as per vedic astrology. It is supposed to ward off negative energies and strengthens the positive influence of planets to the wearer.

Navarasam refers to the nine emotional states of humans, which is depicted in music and dance

And finally, Navagrahams are the nine planets of the constellation, which are considered to be the nine planetary deities namely – Suryan, Chandran, Angarakan (Chevvai), Budhan, Guru (Brihaspathi), Sukhran, Sanishwaran, Raghu and Kethu. The first seven are divine deities and Raghu and Kethu are supposed to be shadow planets.

Suryan



The great Lord is also called as Aditya, son of Sage Kashyapar and Adhiti. He is the solar chief and takes the central place among Navagrahas. Suryan’s athidevatha is Agni, and prathyutha Devatha - Rudran. He claims the first pooja in siva puja and yaga puja.

His colour is red and his vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses named as uchchaishrawa. The grain associated with his is wheat; the flower - lotus, yerukku; fabric - red clothes; gem - ruby; food - wheat, rava, chakkara pongal.

He has two wives – Sanjana and Chaya Devi. His sons are Manu, Shani and Yama and daughter is Yamuna. In Ramayana, Surya is mentioned as Sugriva’s father and in Mahabaratha, as Karnan’s father.

The planetary position of the Sun governs a person's confidence, authority, and status. The sun is also the presiding deity of the eyes and rules the sign Leo.

Surya Namaskaram is the yogic salutation offered to Surya - which is all around exercise physically and mentally. Surya, the supreme light is said to be an Ashta murti of Lord Shiva. Vayu Puranam states that the sun does not move; nor does it rise or set. Rising and setting imply appearance and disappearance.

The famous temples of the Sun god are the Konark and the Surya narayanar temple near Kumbakonam. In Suryanar Kovil, Surya takes the central sannidhi and all other navagrahams are in the outer praharam with separate sannidhis.

Three powerful hymns are associated with Sun God – The powerful Gayathri mantram, Ādityahṛdayam, both in sanskrit and KOLaru Pathigam in Tamizh.

The Gayatri Mantram is addressed to God as the divine life-giver, symbolized by Savitr (the sun), and is recited at sunrise and sunset. Reciting this mantra bestows wisdom and enlightenment, through the vehicle of the Sun (Savitr), who represents the source and inspiration of the universe. Imparting this manta to young male is in important part of the Upanayanam (thread ceremony).The Gayatri Mantra is a 24-syllable hymn from the Rig Veda , and is a confluence of 24 Beej Aksharas which has an hypnotizing effect on the chanter's consciousness. The language of the mantra is a moresymbolic and metaphysical one.

Aditya Hrdayam is a hymn associated with Aditya or the Sun God and was recited by the sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before fighting with Ravana. This historic hymn worships the Sun god for strenght to defeat the shatrus or enemies.

Thiru Gnana Sambanda Swami's "Kolaru Pathigam" invokes Lord Siva's help for protection from planetary wrath. Reciting this pathigam is not just for removing the ill effects of planets and stars, it is used as a reassuarance against all forms of evils, harms,dangers, obstacoles. 'KOL' means planets and also evil. 'aRu' means 'that which cuts, shreds, separates'.

This slokam has 11 verses or stanzas and for Adiyars of the Supreme Lord Siva, all the various forms of evils will certainly turn good and do good. (Nalla Nalla Avai Nalla Nalla Adiyar Avarku migave) - this line is reiterated again and again in every one of the verses of the KOLaRu Padhigam.

Thiru Kacham Kurichi - Maha Vishnu temple

One of amazing temples I visited in Kerala, this trip.. After we had the darshan at Pallasena - Meenkulathi Amman Bhagavathy temple - we noticed a signboard of this temple - Thiru KachamKurichi Mahavishu temple - which is just around 7 kms from Pallasena - and decided to drive down to have a darshan.. And it was a feast to our eyes and soul!

Thiru-Kachamkurichi, an ancient place of worship, is situated at the foot of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, at the village of Payyalur, edging the township of Kollengode, in Kerala.

It is believed, that when Parasurama threw his axe in an arc across the seas and created Kerala, he also cleaved the great Western Ghats with the same axe, dividing and sweeping them from left to right into two ranges – ‘Thenmala’ and ‘Vademala’. Geographically known as the Palakkad Gap, this place, in myths and legends, has been referred to as ‘Vidharanabhoomi’ (the land that was split)

Attracted by the serenity and breath-taking beauty of the hills and forests of these high ranges, Sage Kashyapa, an ardent devotee of 'Vishnu' chose to meditate here, at the hill of Govindamala. The Lord is said to have appeared before him and the idol of Mahavishnu was consecrated by Sage Kashyapa himself.

The idol is ‘Daaru Vigraham’ – of sacred wood - which is very rare. On the same pedestal as the deity, visible to the viewer only through reflective mirrors, are the images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi – consorts of Vishnu. All around are carved the Devas and Rishis – spectators and attendants at the ‘heavenly audience’.

The Deity of Thiru-Kachamkurissi is ‘Chaturbahu’ Mahavishnu, holding Sankhu, Chakra, Gada and Padma. He is seen, seated on the coils of Ananta, in ‘Chakravarthy’ posture – akin to Sri Rama at his Pattabhishekham.

The main prasadam in the temple is the "Adiya Ennai" which is the abshikem oil (gingelly oil), which is said to have miraculous cure for ailments. The gopuram is round like an umbrella and the main shrine is ciruclar (like Vadukkanthan temple). Amazing Kerala murals on the outer circumference depict the story of Ramayana - right from Puthra kameshti yagam to Sri Rama Pattabhiskem.

A visit to this temple will definitely make you regenerated..

Heights of melody - Reetigowlai

This time I am back with another favourite ragam of mine - Reetigowlai!

Listening to this ragam tugs your heat - You call it melody, harmony whatever - but it creates a recognizable pattern, a shape, a direction.. Blissful..

Some of my favourites in carnatic are Guruvayur Appane Appan, Janani Ninuvina..

I've put together some tamizh film's evergreen melodius numbers based on this ragam. (Please add your favourites too in this list..)

I think this ragam is unique and magical. These numbers vouch for themselves! Just simply enjoy, folks!

Bala Kanakamaya

Two amazing variations of the evergreen "Balakanaka Mayachela" - Just can't stop admiring this song, lyrics and poetic presentation. Music is universal and its life!

This song is a composition of Thyaragarjar, when he has the darshan of the young prince Lord Rama and Lakshamana alongwith with sage Vishwamitra. Set in Atana Ragam, "Ela Nee Daya radu" is spun into fleeting images of child Rama.

Malladi brothers rendering this song for 2009 Marghazi utsavam for Bhagavat Satchakara Krithis, which brings out the spirit of the composer and his experience!



The second clip is from the movie "Salangai Oli" aka "Sagara Sagamam" where Manju Bhargavi & Kamal Haasan occupy the stage to dance away to this golden splendour - Amazing peformance.. I love especially the words and bhavam in the words "Ra Ra Devaadideva" - Enjoy!

Muthuswamy Dikshithar

Muthuswamy Dikshitar's portrait, over 170 years ago..

Muthuswami Dikshitar was born in Tiruvarur, He was named after the temple deity, Lord Muthukumaraswamy of Vaideeswaran Kovil.

As a young man, Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar went through rigorous training in vocal music and veena playing. He soon embarked on his first pilgrimage to Kashi along with his spiritual teacher, Sri Chidambaranatha Yogi. Prior to leaving Kashi, he entered the river Ganga and a veena fell onto his outstretched hands. This veena, which has 'Sri Ram' inscribed on it in Devanagari script, is still there in the house of Balaswamy Dikshitar, a descendant of Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

His first brilliant composition of Sri Nathathi Gurugoho, in Mayamalava Gowlai has a scintillating story behind it :

On his way back from Kashi, Dikshitar stopped at Thiruttani, the abode of Lord Karthikeya. Here, it is said that Lord Subramanya appeared in front of Dikshitar, asked him to open his mouth and presented him with a piece of sugar candy. With this, Dikshitar burst forth the brilliant krithi "srI nAthAdi guruguhO". Since Guha (Lord Subramanya) came as Guru and initiated him into Sangeetha Kavitvam, Dikshitar uses guruguha as his mudra (signature) in all his compositions.



On Deepavali day,in the year 1835, Dikshithar performed puja as usual and asked his students to sing the song "Meenakshi Me Mudam" in the raga Gamakakriya.As his students sang the lines "Meena lochani pasa mochani" he raised his hands and saying "Sive Pahi" left his mortal coil.

Listen to MSS's soulful rendering in this link -
http://popup.lala.com/popup/937030201816665443

Brindavana Saranga - Ragam

I am hooked to this ragam and its so lilting and soothing to listen to the songs in this ragam.. Please take some time to enjoy the songs I put together!

Carnatic Songs RaNgapura vihAra - Muthuswami Dikshitar’s master piece on the Lord of Sri Rangam, in the mellifluous voice of MSS..Who else other than MS Subbalakshmi can render this better?



Also listen to Ranjani & Gayathri -



Manamayakkum Isai pole Shenkolai - Aruna Sairam’s divine voice in Oothukkadu Venkatasubbaiyyar’s lyrics, one of my favourite Viruthams! ( Especially the way she renders “Amme” is astounding)…



Kaliyugha Varadhan – Periyasamy Thooran’s song - Listen to MS Goplakrishnan’s melodious violin

http://www.raaga.com/player4/?id=54366&mode=100&rand=0.5381354948061215

Bhakta Jana Vatsale – Namdev’s abhang on the Vittal, by OS Arun

Kakkai Siranginele – Subramanya Bharathiar’s evergreen song by Unnikrishnan http://www.raaga.com/play/?id=48268

Shashank’s flute mesmerizes you in this song




Tamil Film Songs based on this ragam..

Ninjakootil Neeye Nirkiraai from the movie Dishyum



Colonial Cousins – Indian Rain – Hariharan and Leslie Lewis



Pon ondru kanden – from the movie Padithal Mattum Poruma – the duet of legendry TMS and PBS.. From airtel supersinger 2008 contentstants..

The Road Less Travelled

Sometimes we are on a pilgrimage spree.. So little time and so many temples to be covered!

Every visit, every darshan, every thought, every feeling adds to the joy of pilgrimage. The spirit of bhakthi is the invisible dimension that inspires and moves us to action! It is the power which connects human beings like us to themselves and to others and is like a thread connected to higher purposes..

Here are detailed updates of some amazing temples I visited last month, in and around Trichy.

Thiruvanaikaval - Jambukeswarar- Akilandeshwari Temple
Sri Rangam, Shri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
Gunaseelam – Prasanna Venkatachalpathy Temple


Thiruvanaikaval is also called as 'Jambukeswaram' and is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalas of Lord Shiva. Pancha Bhootha kshetras are the five abodes in which Lord Shiva stands glorified in the five elements of nature.

Thejo sthalam (Fire) - Tiruvannamalai
Prithvi sthalam (Earth) - Kanchipuram
Appu sthalam (Water) - Tiruvanaikaval
Vayu sthalam (Air) - Kalahasti
Akasa sthalam (Space) - Chidambaram

What an amazing temple!

The presiding deity is Sri Jambukeswara, also known as Appu (Water) Lingam. The sanctum, in a low level, is always damp with water. The deity is said to have been installed by Parvati, who made a lingam out of water and offered prayers to the Lord. To signify that the Devi is worshipping the Lord, even today the priest wears a red silk sari and performs puja during Uchhi Kaala puja at noon. This is a Upadesa Sthala, since she took Upadesa from the Lord.

The Devi of the temple, Sri Akilandeswari is a powerful deity and said to have worshipped Lord Shiva who is residing under the white “Naaval” tree. She was a “Ughara Deivam” earlier and people who went to have her darshan could not stand the fierceness of the Goddess. Adi sankarar created two sets of earrings in the form of Sri Chakram which are called "Tatankam" and presented these to the Goddess. The fierceness of the deity reduced. This tatankam, the earrings, has been maintained over time by the Acharyas of the Kanchi Mutt. He also created the sannathy of Lord Ganesha bang opposite her sannathy, so that when the Devi looks at her child, she just showers love.. And you can feel it!

Listen to my fave song, Akhilandeshwari, sung by MSS.



Sri Rangam – Shri Ranganatha Swamy temple

Srirangam is said to be the biggest functioning Hindu temple in Asia, (Angorwat is the biggest but non-functioning Hindu temple, by the way..). Lord Ranganathar, King of kings, is in reclining posture on Adisesha with his feet on lotus flower.. Ranganathar resides inside the Aranga Vimanam with His right hand kept under his head as a pillow and the left hand on his lap pointing to his feet. What a divine sight !

Lord Rama in his avatharam is said to have worshipped Sri Ranganathan, so He is also named as "Periya Perumal". No wonder it is called the Bhooloka Vaikuntham!



It is also a Sukra Sthalam (Venus) and to visit this temple on Fridays and offer white lotus to the Lord is supposed to be auspicious. Sukran is the planet which denotes all decorative or alangaram items used in our life. He is the brightest star next to the Sun and Moon and was the guru of the asuras. This Shethram is also called as Velliangudi – Velli meaning Sukra in tamil.

Sri Rangam is a huge temple, with 7 outer walls, referring to the 7 worlds. The Raja gopuram is the biggest temple tower in Asia and it is said that if we stand at the top of Srirangam Temple Gopuram, we can find that the eyes of Arangan as still seeing the south direction of Sri Lanka.

The Thaayar’s name is Sri Ranga Nayaki and this temple has the biggest and tallest Garudan, the bird which represents Sukran. There are separate sannidhis for Chakkarathazhwar and the Lord of medicine, Dhanvanthri.

Guna Seelam – Prasanna Venkatachalpathy Temple

The Moolavar is said to be the miniature version of Lord Balaji of Tirupathi. The Lord here is known as "Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal" and it is believed that those who are not able to visit Tirumala can obtain the grace of Venkatachalapathy here.



An ancient rishi, Guna Seelar, went on a pilgrimage to Tirupathi to have a darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. He was so moved and pleaded the Lord to go with him to his Ashram on the banks of river Cauvery at Guna Seelam. The Lord told him that as he was in a state of debt, he cannot leave Tirupathi and told that he would appear as Shri Narayana at Gunaseelam. Guna Seelar performed penance and many years later in Krutha Yuga, Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy appeared as Swayambu on a Saturday in the month of Purattasi on the day of Sravana, the star of Venkatachalapathy.

The most important feature in this temple is the special grace that the lord bestows on the mentally unsound. The temple priests splash holy water to cure their problems. The etymology of the name derives from "Gunam" (Cure) and "Seelam" (Place), meaning the place in which all illnesses are cured.