S A N A T A N H I N D U S A N S K A R K E N D R A

Issue No 4: Mar 2014, Lafayette, Louisiana 1

Vedanshi

Mantras,Shlokas & StotrasSri Ganesha StotramShukla-Ambara-Dharam Vissnnum Shashi-Varnnam Catur-Bhujam |Prasanna-Vadanam Dhyaayet Sarva-Vighno[a-U]pashaantaye ||

Meaning:1: (We Meditate on Sri Ganesha) Who is Wearing White Clothes, Who is All-Pervading, Who is Bright in Appearance like the Moon and Who is Having Four Hands,2: Who is Having a Compassionate and Gracious Face, Let us Meditate on Him To Ward of all Obstacles.

Sri Vishnu ShlokaShaanta-Aakaaram Bhujaga-Shayanam Padma-Naabham Sura-IishamVishva-Aadhaaram Gagana-Sadrsham Megha-Varnna Shubha-Anggam|Lakssmii-Kaantam Kamala-Nayanam Yogibhir-Dhyaana-Gamyam

Vande Vissnnum Bhava-Bhaya-Haram Sarva-Loka-Eka-Naatham ||

Meaning:1: (Salutations to Sri Vishnu) Who has a Serene Appearance, Who Rests on a Serpent (Adisesha), Who has a Lotus on His Navel and Who is the Lord of the Devas,

2: Who Sustains the Universe, Who is Boundless and Infinite like the Sky, Whose Color is like the Cloud (Bluish) and Who has a Beautiful and Auspicious Body,3: Who is the Husband of Devi Lakshmi, Whose Eyes are like Lotus and Who is Attainable to the Yogis by Meditation,4: Salutations to That Vishnu Who Removes the Fear of Worldly Existence and Who is the Lord of All the Lokas.

Shloka on Bhakta HanumanMano-Javam Maaruta-Tulya-VegamJite[a-I]ndriyam Buddhi-Mataam Varissttha |Vaata-Atmajam Vaanara-Yuutha-MukhyamShriiraama-Duutam Sharannam Prapadye |

Meaning:(I take Refuge in Sri Hanuman)1: Who is Swift as Mind and Fast as Wind, 2: Who is the Master of the Senses and Honored for His Excellent Intelligence, Learning and Wisdom, 3: Who is Son of the Wind God and Chief among the Monkeys,4: To that Messenger of Sri Rama, I take Refuge.

www:greenmesg.org

He who remembers Me constantly with his mind unflinchingly devoted to Me, for that ever controlled Yogi I am easy of attainment, O Partha!

Chapter 8, Verse 14; Bhagavad Gita

Significance of Ugadi, Gudi Padwa

Important dates in the month of March are listed.Page 2

Significance of Holi

Page 3

Holika Dahan MuhurtaMarch 15, 2014

Timings for Lafayette, Louisiana

Holika Dahan Muhurta = 23:32 to 25:16+

Page 3

Letter from the boardWe have planned to host our First Annual General Body Meeting on April 26th at Lafayette South Regional Library from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Page 3

VidurA short story

The great men of the world regarded Vidura as a mahatma who was unparalleled in his knowledge of dharma, sastras and statesmanship and was totally devoid of attachment and anger. Page 4

SponsorsSHSK sponsorship opportunities are listed.Page 4

A Monthly Newsletter Issue No 4: Mar 2014

The part of the sacred knowledge

S A N A T A N H I N D U S A N S K A R K E N D R A

2 Issue No 4: Mar 2014, Lafayette, Louisiana

Sanatan Hindu Sanskar KendraPO Box 80362, Lafayette, Louisiana - 70508

Email: shskendra@gmail.com, Website: sanatanlft.orgTax Id: 46-2580905

DurgaSita Ram Ganesh Krishna Shiva

Significance of UgadiYugaadi-krit Yugaavarto Naikamaayo MahashanahAdrishyo Vyaktaroopashcha Sahasrajid Anandajit

Ugadi (Gudi Padwa), a part and parcel of the concept of Hindu time element marks the beginning of the most auspicious season Vasantha Ruthu (Spring Season) when generally we find trees start to blossom. Yugaadi denote one of the several names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. Sloka # 33 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram describes Lord Vishnu as Yugaadi-krit (one who creates Yugas), Yugaavarto (one who causes the repetition of Yugas)…. Hence, it is befitting to celebrate this day with the worship of the Para Brahma, the Supreme Lord, Sri ManNarayana who is the cause and effect of this infinite Time element.

As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, first day (Prathama thithi) of Sukla Paksha (Bright fortnight) in Chaithra Masam is considered as the day on which the Creation had started that marked the beginning of Sri Swetha Varaha Kalpa. That day is being referred to as Kalpaadi. It is also considered as the day on which the Yuga had commenced and hence, it is also referred to as Yugaadi or Ugadi. As per the astrological estimates it is said that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryana took place on the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra Masam that marked the beginning of Kaliyuga. Hence, Ugadi can be assumed as the beginning of Kaliyuga.

In the concept of Ugadi the sixty year cycle has the following names. Prabhava, Vibhava, Shukla, Pramoda, Prajapathi, Angeerasa, Shrimukha, Bhaava, Yuva, Dhaata, Eeshwara, Bahudhaanya, Pramadhi, Vikrama, Vrusha, Chitrabhanu, Subhanu, Taarana, Paarthiva, Vyaya, Sarvajittu, Sarvadhaari, Virodhi, Vikruthi, Khara, Nandana, Vijaya, Jaya, Manmatha, Durmukha, Hevalambi, Vilambi, Vikaari, Saarvari, Plava, Shubakrut, Shobhakrut, Krodhi, Vishvavasu, Paraabhava, Plavanga, Keelaka, Saumya,

Saadhaarana, Virodhikrit, Paridhavi, Pramaadee, Aananda, Raakshasa, Nala, Pingala, Kaalayukthi, Siddharthi, Raudra, Durmathi, Dundubhi, Rudhirodgaari, Raktaakshi, Krodhana, and Akshaya.

As per a popular legend these sixty names are said to have been associated with the Divine Sage Narada. Considered as Brahma Manasa Puthra, Sage Narada is a great Scholar, Saint and Philosopher depicted as a Divine Messenger. In all the Divine stories we find Narada playing a key role and his involvement in one way or the other. As per the legend in brief, once upon a time Sage Narada caught in the mystery of Sri Maha Vishnu Maya (illusion) added with a curse from Lord Brahma had to become a damsel with a desire to experience the materialistic life. In the process the Damsel marries a King and gives birth to 60 sons. Later, during the course of time the King along with his 60 sons dies in a battle. Grief stricken the damsel (Narada) came out of illusion with Lord’s mercy and realized that it was the Maya of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. In memory of Narada’s (Damsel’s) sons and to give eternity to their names, Lord Vishnu blessed them that thenceforth, the sixty year cycle of Hindu time element would be represented by their names.

Ugadi signifies the current period in which we are living as per the Hindu time element in a 60 year cycle with each new year (Ugadi) denoted by a unique name starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya. 

www.bhargavasarma.blogspot.com

March Important Dates

For more details please refer DrikPanchang.com

Based on Lafayette, Louisiana, US Time

11 Tuesday! Amalaki Ekadashi

14 Friday! Meena Sankranti

15 Saturday! Holi/Holika Dahan

16 Sunday! Rangwali Holi

24 Monday! Basoda, Sheetala ! ! Ashtami

26 Wednesday ! Papmochani ! ! Ekadashi

29 Saturday ! Lafayette Holi

31 Monday! Ugadi, Gudi Padwa

! ! Chaitra Navratri

Best Compliments from

Bruhati & Alok Banga

Ugadi, Gudi PadwaMarch 31st, 2014 (Monday)

Jaya The name of the year 2014-2015

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Issue No 4: Mar 2014, Lafayette, Louisiana 3

Significance of HoliMythological SignificanceHoli gets us close to our religion and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival. Foremost is the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. The legend says

there once lived a devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a god and wanted everybody to worship him. To his great ire,

his son, Prahlad began to worship, Lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika dahan' comes mainly from this legend.

Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight, Krishna took in applying color on Radha and other gopis. This prank of Krishna later, became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities. Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.

Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular in Southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. According to the legend, people in south celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion Kaamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation and save the world.

Social SignificanceHoli helps to bring the society together and strengthen the secular fabric of our country. For, the festival is celebrated by non-

Hindus also as everybody like to be a part of such a colorful and joyous festival.

Also, the tradition of the Holi is that even the enemies turn friends on Holi and forget any feeling of hardship that may be present. Besides, on this day people do not differentiate between the rich and poor and everybody celebrate the festival together with a spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood.In the evening people visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts, sweets and greetings. This helps in revitalizing relationships and strengthening emotional bonds between people.

Biological SignificanceIt is interesting to note that the festival of Holi is significant for our lives and body in many other ways than providing joy and fun. We also need to thank our forefathers who started the trend of

celebrating Holi at such a scientifically accurate time. And, also for incorporating so much fun in the festival.

As Holi comes at a time of the year when people have a tendency to feel sleepy and lazy. This is natural for the body to experiences some tardiness due to the change from the cold to the heat in the atmosphere. To counteract this tardiness of the body, people sing loudly or even speak loudly. Their movements are brisk and their music is loud. All of this helps to rejuvenate the system of the human body.

Besides, the colors when sprayed on the body have a great impact on it. Biologists believe the liquid dye or Abeer penetrates the body and enters into the pores. It has the effect of strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it.

There is yet another scientific reason for celebrating the Holi, this however pertains to the tradition of Holika Dahan. The mutation period of winter and spring, induces

the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. When Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenhiet. Following the tradition when people perform Parikrima (circumambulation or going around) around the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body thus, cleansing it.

The way Holi is celebrated in south, the festival also promotes good health. For, the day after the burning of Holika people put ash (Vibhuti) on their forehead and they would mix Chandan (sandalpaste) with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume it to promote good health.

Some also believe that play with colors help to promote good health as colors are said to have great impact on our body and our health. Western-Physicians and doctors believe that for a healthy body, colors too have an important place besides the other vital elements. Deficiency of a particular color in our body causes ailment, which can be cured only after supplementing the body with that particular color.

People also clean-up their houses on Holi which helps in clearing up the dust and mess in the house and get rid of mosquitoes and others pests. A clean house generally makes the residents feel good and generate positive energies.

www.holifestival.org

HAPPY HOLI 2014

Holika Dahan Muhurta

For more details please refer DrikPanchang.com

L E T T E R F R O M T H E B O A R DDear Friends,

It is my great privilege to serve you through Sanatan Hindu Sanskar Kendra. We have been fortunate to have a great supporting community in Lafayette. It’s been a year to take this holy journey along with you to initiate and make progress in our efforts to bring a spiritual center right in Lafayette. With the help of volunteers and sponsors we have organized a successful membership drive in 2013, hosted santanlft.org website and publishing monthly Newsletter “Vedanshi”.

We also initiated the search for land and with God’s blessing found a plot in close proximity to Lafayette South Regional Library. A generous sponsor came forward to purchase and donate the land to SHSK. At the same time we have contacted an architect and contractor from India to design SHSK Temple for Lafayette. We have received preliminary design and details regarding the layouts and construction requirements for the Temple.

We have planned to host our First Annual General Body Meeting on April 26th at Lafayette South Regional Library from 1.30pm to 3pm. During this meeting the board of Trustees will be elected and the executive committee will be appointed. We encourage those who haven’t become members to signup for SHSK membership.

This is a great opportunity for members to take part in SHSK and lead the organization efforts in the form of a Trustee, committee member and a volunteer. It is a critical stage in the organization that requires tremendous help in planning, structuring and mentoring to lay the seeds for a strong foundation. If you would like to give a helping hand please contact the current volunteered committee members, we would be glad to share more details regarding the organization needs.

We would like to thank members who have pledged generously for the construction of the Temple along with members who came forward to become life members. Also we would like to thank all the current members for supporting SHSK through their membership.

We wish all of you a Happy Holi and a prosperous Jaya Ugadi.

Sincerely,Srinivasan Ambatipati

March 15th, 2014 (Saturday)Timings for Lafayette, Louisiana

Holika Dahan Muhurta = 23:32 to 25:16+Duration = 1 Hour 44 Mins

Bhadra Punchha = 19.03 to 20:19Bhadra Mukha = 20:19 to 22:25

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4 Issue No 4: Mar 2014, Lafayette, Louisiana

Short StoryVidura

THE sage Mandavya who had acquired strength of mind and knowledge of the scriptures, spent his days in penance and the practice of truth. He lived in a hermitage in the forests on the outskirts of the city. One day while he was immersed in silent contemplation under the shade of a tree outside his hut of leaves, a band of robbers fled through the woods with officers of the king in hot pursuit.The fugitives entered the ashram thinking that it would be a convenient place to hide themselves in. They placed their booty in a corner and hid themselves. The soldiers of the king came to the ashram tracking their footsteps. The commander of the soldiers asked Mandavya, who was rapt in deep meditation in a tone of peremptory  command: "Did you see the robbers pass by? Where did they go? Reply at once so that we may give chase and capture them." The sage, who was absorbed in yoga, remained silent. The commander repeated the question insolently. But the sage did not hear anything. In the meantime some of the attendants entered the ashram and discovered the stolen goods lying there. They reported this to their commander. All of them went in and found the stolen goods and the robbers who were in hiding. The commander thought: "Now I know the reason why the brahmana pretended to be a silent sage. He is indeed the chief of these robbers. He has inspired this robbery." Then he ordered his soldiers to guard the place, went to the king and told him that the sage Mandavya had been caught with the stolen goods. The king was very angry at the audacity of

the chief of the robbers who had put on the garb of a brahmana sage to deceive the world. Without pausing to verify the facts, he ordered the wicked criminal, to be impaled. The commander returned to the hermitage, impaled Mandavya on a spear and handed over the stolen things to the king. The virtuous sage, though impaled on the spear, did not die. Since he was in yoga when he was impaled he remained alive by the power of yoga. Sages who lived in other parts of the forest came to his hermitage and asked Mandavya how he came to be in that terrible condition. Mandavya replied: "Whom shall I blame? The servants of the king, who protect the world, have inflicted this punishment." The king was surprised and frightened when he heard that the impaled sage was still alive and that he was surrounded by the other sages of the forest. He hastened to the forest  with his attendants and at once ordered the sage to be taken down from the spear. Then he prostrated at his feet and prayed humbly to be forgiven for the offense unwittingly committed. Mandavya was not angry with the king. He went straight to Dharma, the divine dispenser of justice, who was seated on his throne, and asked him: "What crime have I committed to deserve this torture?" Lord Dharma, who knew the great power of the sage, replied in all humility: "O sage, you have tortured birds and bees. Are you not aware that all deeds, good or bad, however small, inevitably produce their results, good or evil?" Mandavya was surprised at this reply of Lord Dharma and asked: "When did I commit this offense?" Lord Dharma replied: "When you were a child."

Mandavya then pronounced a curse on Dharma: "This punishment you have decreed is far in excess of the deserts of a mistake committed by a child in ignorance. Be born, therefore, as a mortal in the world." Lord Dharma who was thus cursed by the sage Mandavya incarnated as Vidura and was born of the servant-maid of Ambalika, the wife of Vichitravirya.

This story is intended to show that Vidura was the incarnation of Dharma. The great men of the world regarded Vidura as a mahatma who was unparalleled in his knowledge of dharma, sastras and statesmanship and was totally devoid of attachment and anger. Bhishma appointed him, while he was still in his teens, as the chief counsellor of king Dhritarashtra.

Bhalchandra Jaykumar Swadia[Nick Name: Subhashbhai

SponsorsSHSK is actively looking for sponsors. Two immediate sponsorship needs are:

1. Monthly Newsletter sponsor ($350/month)

2. SHSK Calendar 2015 sponsor ($200/calendar page)

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Thank you for your support and blessings.Srinivasan Ambatipati

Editor

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateshwara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Thirupati Hills and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.