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[ The Voice of Temples ]ENGLISH `Q uty uty uty uty uty

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Vol. 17 JULY 2016 No.7

'VAK' is available on www.archakaseva.com

Rs. 5/-

"VRUKSHAROPANAM AT CHILUKUR BALAJI TEMPLE ON 12-6-2016"

''` k 12-6-2016# z ~ r ^ " O =$H ~ }O

"Each one Plant one Tree" ''u XH~ XH "H#

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CONTENTS PageEditorial ................... 3

Anecdotes on Vishnu Sahasranamam-184 ....... 4

Madhura Vijayam - 57 ................... 7

O^H O ................ 9 q+

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July '16 3 VAKw w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w ww ww ww ww ww ww ww ww ww ww w

There should be no regional boundaries for temples.

EDITORIAL...

EACH ONE PLANT ONE TREEExactly one year has passed since the Haritha Haram Program was launched from

Chilkur by the Hon ble Chief Minister of Telangana Sri K. Chandrasekhar Rao, in July 2015.On June 12th this year we distributed 540 saplings on VRUKSHAROPANAM in continuationof the same at Chilkur Balaji Temple.

Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climateamelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the processof photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. Oneacre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. Thisis enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. Trees, shrubs and turf also filter airby removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide andnitrogen dioxide. After trees intercept unhealthy particles, rain washes them to the ground.

Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leavesabsorb and filter the sun s radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preservewarmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to influencing wind speed anddirection, they shield us from the downfall of rain, sleet and hail. Trees also lower the airtemperature and reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect by maintaining lowlevels of carbon dioxide.

Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the eco-systems in whichthey reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb andstore rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposits after storms. This helps theground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and preventsflooding. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil.

Many animals, including elephants, koalas and giraffes eat leaves for nourishment.

Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and nectar is a favorite for birds, bats and many insects.Animals also eat much of the same fruit that we enjoy This process helps disperse seedsover great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures call trees their home.

Vedas prescribe that no tree should be cut without a ritualistic purpose. Even agrass cannot be playfully pulled and If it is done so for individual benefit then Brahmahatya sin is ordained for the doer (sin of killing a Brahmin). There are prescriptions ofhow branches not the trees should be cut and how we should take the permission andblessing of the trees to do so. For example while collecting darbha grass for rituals themantra ends as follows: tzu|: o uz u zwhich means oh! Darbhagrass, you are the soft bed for devas and I am taking you for a ritualistic purpose. Mayyou grow with many offshoots and may my family tree grow with many offshoots. These

principles were sacredly followed by the sages of yore. Only dead trees were used fordisposal as firewood etc., and even cutting of branches of living trees was strictly prohibitedunless for an ordained ritual purpose with proper sanctions and permissions

The last time India took a serious note on tree plantation was after Sundarlal Bahuguna sChipko movement in the 1970s. The concepts of afforestation and re-forestation, thoughnot alien, found currency in country. But can forest protection and climate issues be theheadache of governments and tree-hugging NGOs alone?

Hence, we want it to be a people s movement from Chilkur. Devotees are requestedto plant minimum two saplings per head to revive the nature. Let us plant trees in croresand take steps to protect nature.

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BEARER OF THE BEAUTIFUL EARTHSri V.S.Karunakaran, Chennai

Anecdotes on Vishnu Sahasranama - 184

Once Garuda s wife Rudra told Him, Your beakis very sharp. Whenever I come near you to embraceyou, the sharp beak pricks me. It is as sharp asthe sword which Dronacharya used in theMahabharata battle. What is the secret behind thesharpness of your beak?

[In the 166 th section of the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhishma narrates the history of the sharp sword used by Drona in the epic war: Nakula asked Bhishma, who was lying on the arrow- bed, Which is the foremost of all weapons? How was it created? Bhishma replied, Once upon a

time, the Asuras began to indulge in all sorts of unlawful and anti-social activities. In order to put an end to their atrocities, Lord Brahma and other Devas performed a yagna in the summit of Himavat.From the sacrificial fire, sprang up a creature with extreme energy, dispersing flames around him, with splendor like that of the moon and dark complexion like the petals of a blue lotus. That being then took the shape of a highly polished, sharp-edged sword and came to be known as Asi. Brahma handed over that sword to Lord Rudra initially, with which he single-handedly finished off all Asuras.Rudra then submitted the sword to Lord Narayana with utmost devotion, which in turn was handed over to Marichi by Lord Narayana. After changing hands many times, it ultimately reached Bharadwaja,from whom his son Dronacharya got it. Because of that sword only, Drona was indomitable during the Mahabharata war. After Dronas death, the sword went into the possession of Krupacharya and now it stays with you, Pandavas! Thus the sword is the foremost of all weapons! Garudas beak is also very sharp like that sword.]

Garuda replied, I have got an excellentwhetstone (rock used for sharpening weapons) withwhich I sharpen my beak often. My whetstone isthe secret behind the sharpness of my beak!

Sukeerthi, another wife of Garuda enquired,What is that special whetstone?

Garuda said, The shell of the Kurma Murti,the tortoise-incarnation of the Lord is my whetstone.I go and sharpen my beak by scraping it on Hisshell!

Rudra said, Is it so? I know that when themilky ocean was churned, the Mandara mountainwhich was used as the mortar, could not swivel

without any support and it began to sink into thesea. At that juncture, the Lord incarnated as themighty tortoise Kurma Murti and held the mightyMandara mountain on His back. Didn t the Lordfinish the Kurmavatar as soon as the churning wasover? Is that avatara still persisting? Where is thatLord?

Garuda responded, As soon as the churningof the milky ocean was over, Kurma Murti put asidethe Mandara mountain from His back and proceededto Patala loka to carry the Earth; and still He isshouldering the Earth on His shell.

A doubt arose in Sukeerthi s mind, Is the Earthnot carried by Adi Sesha? Sri Parasara Maharshisays in Vishnu Purana (2-5-20):

uXZzQyoz uquolgEoz os: z zDz uY

Adi Sesha, who is worshipped by all Devas, isstaying under the Patala loka and carrying all theworlds, like ornaments to His heads.

Garuda answered, Yes. It is true that Adi Seshacarries all the worlds from below the Patala loka.But it is Kurma murti, who is the base for Adi Sesha

also! Kurma Murti carries the entire universe alongwith their carrier Adi Sesha on His shell! Eventoday, we can see Kurma murti residing below theSesha Vahana in temples. In Nitya Ahnika karma,

there is a mantra EuQ\Tt N |umz : Salutations to Narayana, who carries the entireuniverse in the form of Kurma murti

Rudra expressed her doubt, If you rub yourbeak against His shell, won t that cause pain tothe Lord?

Garuda replied, Never. When the Mandaramountain was churned on the Lord s back, the Lordfelt its rhythmic movement as a pleasant massageto His back. (Swami Desika says in Dasavatara

Stotram:

E|yuwo N lgm um N | z u uqzm Nw oztu: zWQz unzmuw|oz uoz tz: { u

For blessing the Devas with life-sustaining nectar,our Lord had to set up the Mandara Mountain as

q=iOK =H kQ *~_ , q + OK =H Z^ Q `_ .

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the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as therope to churn the Milky Ocean. When the MandaraMountain began to lose its balance, our Lord tookthe form of a giant tortoise to hold the mountainfirmly on His back. During the rhythmic movement

of the churning, the Lord felt as if His back wasbeing massaged to get relief from itches and pains.That rhythmic movement soothed Him into a veryenjoyable sleep. He began to snore , which pushedthe surrounding water into mellifluous waves. Thepower of His breath made the Lord enjoy thischurning-induced sleep with His Devi at His side.May those powerful breaths protect the beings ofthe three worlds!.

Garuda continued, After the churning of themilky ocean was over, the Lord needed somebodyelse to massage His back as it was done duringthe churning. I grabbed the opportunity and am nowdoing the service of massaging His shell by scrapingmy beak on it. At the same time, my beak alsogets sharper and sharper because of that. (Thisshows that if we do selfless service to the Lord,our wishes will automatically get fulfilled)

Garuda, sharpening His beak on Kurma murti sshell has been described by Swami Desika in HisGaruda Panchasath 31 st shloka:

nTN ym| o n mumuN z WN N zubN olgT m: N uTuN uez N |z N |o|: @

opqz uwou uXZzty{ o{yuVt{o m|: @@

Before reaping a harvest, it is usual for a farmerto sharpen his sickle on a rock strewn with sand.Similarly, Garuda wants to reap his ripe crops, i.e.,serpents. Before reaping the serpent-harvest, Garudasharpens His sickle-like beak by rubbing it on therock-like shell of the Kurma murti, who carries theearth and the hoods of serpents as the fresh sandon the whetstone.

Shankara Bhagavatpada has made a similarcomparison in Soundarya Lahari shloka 83:

\zo uTmT{| uTuoz u WT{ \WVz oz u uuQz jNw o @

tTz oz t : tTpy QTXZ: N bm{N uuo: @@

Oh daughter of Mountain! To defeat Rudra, Cupidmade your two legs into quivers, containing doublethe number of arrows he usually has (Cupid usually

has five arrows). Those ten arrows are in the guiseof the ten sharp nails of your feet which are sharpenedby rubbing on the crowns of Devas as thewhetstones.

Garuda also added that while massaging the

Lord s back, Garuda used to describe to Him thebeauty and greatness of the Earth that the Lordis carrying: Oh Lord! The Earth you are carryingis an embodiment of all splendour: Lush greenforests, undulating hills, beautiful valleys, sparklingmountain streams, magnificent lakes, gorgeousgardens, astonishing waterfalls, stunning flowers,snow covered mountains and divine temples. Notwithstanding that, my father cum preceptorAshukavi Sarvabhauma Villur Swami says in HisVasumati Satakam,

nYm o m oo

nz m o uuzu @En u oy z To z uu @@

Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) does not need anyother ornament to adorn Her; She Herself is anornament to Her. Yes, She has taken the beautifulform of Sri Bhoomi Devi thayar (Vasumati) inOppiliappan koil and excels as an ornament forHerself, i.e., the earth. Thus the Lord Kurma murtiused to enjoy the massage, along with the lovelydescription of the Earth He is carrying, by Garuda.

Garuda then told His two wives, Come with

me! Let us have darshan of that Kurma Murti whois called Mahibharta as He carries the earth! BhoomiDevi is called Mahi My preceptor Sri Villur Swami

says in His Vasumati Satakam: yyn yuo Eyu n Es o: Since (Mother) Earthis spread over a vast area, as Andal says, AnganMaa Gnaalam (Vast Earth with many beautiful places),She is called Mahi . The Lord carrying that Mahi is Mahi-bharta .

Nirukti puts it crisply as: myy: yoz|uoPeople who wish to have a sharp intellect like the

sharp beak of Garuda, can sharpen their mind bymeditating on the divine form of VISA Balajee ofChilkoor and chanting,

Mahibhartre Namaha

G yz| : yz| : yz| : yz| : yz| :

Q =H jxH, ` =~ # , H=tH } ^ #` x_ .

'VAK' and Temples Protection Movement deeply condoles the sad demise of Sriman ParavastuVenkata Varada Charya Swamy who attained Parama Padam on 22nd June 2016. He was agreat scholar and very accessible to the entire community for their Nitya and Naimittika needs.

Editor

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FO `^ #= G otz :otz :otz :otz :otz :Chant this name to amend soured friendship

or any personal relationship q` ` =O OK H=_xH, ^ O ` J

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Madhura Vijayam - 57

Tamil Manuscript : Sree Venugopalan , Chennai English Translation : CSL Narasimhan

Sri Ranganatha Travel Part II

Story so far: The story based on the 14th century

incidents, was written by Sri Venugopalan which is based on the historic facts elucidated in Madhura Vijayam composed by Maharani Ganga Devi, Chief Queen of King Kampanaraya. Two young men Vallabha and Dutta set out on an expedition to locate the idol of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam,which was saved by four Kodavas from being ransacked by Musliminvaders. After several adventures the two boys, with the help of Chenchu tribes found the idol along with one Kod ava who protect ed the idol for more than eighteen years deep inside the forest of Chandragiri. Lord Ranganatha was brought to Tirumala and King Ranganatha Yadavaraya the ruler of that place patronized th e u p k eep o f th e id o l w i th d a i ly p u jas .Coin cidenta lly Sri Gopanna, commander-in-chief of the Vijayanagara s mulvoy province reaches Tirumalain search of Lord Ranganatha and he promises Vallabha help of Vijayanagara to rest ore Lord Rang anat ha to Sri Rangam which enabled Vallabha break his fast unto death. Vallabha and Datta turned to Kancheepuram on their way back, ensured safety of Manjari with her neighbors after the death of Singazhagar who was the key energy behind the expedition and left the town with disguised Vaishnavas as the fort doors were closed as a defense to an impending attack by

Vijayanagar army. The disguised Vaishnava leader was no other than Camphor merchant who revealed that he was the head of Intelligence army of Vi j a y a n a g a r. D u t t a , Va l l a b h a a n d t h e Vijayanagar men managed to kil l al l their pursuers and escaped to the foothills of the mountain on which Sambuvaraya s fort exists where at the behest of Camphor merchant Vallabha and Datta enter the Rajagambhira fort as Gem merchants to rescue Makaravizhiyaal. They spot her in the palace and ensure here safety. Meanwhile, as a first step the Vijayanagar army mission was u n d e r t a k e n t o c o n q u e r S a m b u v a r a y a o f Rajagambhira. Kancheepuram was conquered and Kampana Raya s army advanced to Rajagambhira mountain. conquered it and killed the Raja Gambhira king. The Madurai princes was rescued. Later,Vallabha and Datta are entrusted with the task of escorting Princess Madhurangini to Pandya kingdom. During this long journey, Vallabha expects a heart-to-heart chat with the princess to express his love. Meanwhile when the convoy comes to Mulvoy kingdom Vallabha gets information that many of the small kings who were under Sambuvarayas have pledged allegiance to Vijayanagara emperor which includes his mother land Sathyamangalam. This

has significant influence in shortening their journey.

Enroute He decided to visit his mother at Sathyamangalam

Vallabha and Datta along with his guards startedfor Sathyamangalam. After four days of travel theyreached Sathyamangalam. When they reachedSathyamangalam Vallabha felt quite excitedreturning to his motherland and looking at the lushgreenery around full of big trees, natural gardens,fruits, flowers. He watched the beautiful sceneryaround without closing the screen of his palanquin.His eyes were filled with diamond like tears. Quicklyhe got caught by love to his mother and motherland, he thought about all the time he has spent

all these days away from them. He saw the templetower (gopuram) of his town and the shiningkalashas (tips of the tower) of the temple towerand he went into past remembrances. He felt hehas touched his previous birth place. After enteringthe main entrance, people who were scatteredaround came out and saw this crowd. Some peoplelooked at the palanquin with wide eyes. Once theyreached the by lanes, Vallabhan could not resisthimself. He became so restless. When the palanquinstopped in front of his house, he was completelyin tears. After climbing up the steps he slowlycalled amma . As she was not seen nearby hewalked inside. At the same time his mother waswalking worshipping tulsi plant with flowers turnedaround after hearing the noise. She saw a shadowof human figure. When she was wondering whoit could be, Vallabha once again called her Ammalike calf calling her mother. Vasanthika so stunnedto see him and quickly came running towards himcrying Vallabha. Both of them had a warm huglike two seas joining together. Vallabha felt shehas turned little old as well as weak. At the sametime, Vasanthika felt elated seeing her son whohas become handsome, young strong adult.Then she spoke, Dear Vallabha! Have You fulfilledmy dream ?

True Mother. I have finally found Lord Ranganatha What? Did you really find Lord Ranga? . She askedhim with both belief and disbelief.Oh Mother! It is very much true. I found him. Isaw him to the fulfillment of my heart.I found him and also restored him back in thecity said Vallabha.Where is he now? enquired Vasanthika.Mother! He is now in Tirupathi. I will explain youeverything in detail. Now ,first tell me how areyou doing? She asked him where is Dutta?

HiH` rqOK =H H " =O LO_^ . " =O` rqOK =H H HiH LO_=.

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Dutta who was standing a little far hiding, camein front of her. She hugged him too with full oftears in her eyes.All three mother, son and Dutta had heart contentchat the whole day and night with mutual loveto each other sharing all their experiences.Vasanthika who lost her hope now felt a ray ofhope which grew into full fledged plant with fullof fruits and flowers.Few days back, when Vallabha did not return shelost all hopes thinking that everything is lost. Allthese forty years what she was facing is onlyfailures more than success. Based on some belief,she made her son take this task. She was notsure whether he would be able to achieve sucha big task when she sent him. After he left, shewas even more worried as she did not receiveany message from him for several months. Laterwhen she came to know about Vallabha through

a Vasihnavaite from Kancheepuram, she regainedher lost hope a little. Later again when she wasin despair, Vallabha himself is in front of her asif taken a rebirth. Not only he is there with herbut also he has brought a great news that hehas accomplished the most difficult task she hadgiven to him. After hearing all the brave andstrenuous actions and troubles that her sonunderwent, she thought in her inner hearts of herhusband, oh dear! Your son is equally adventurousand brave like you. He has so far fulfilled half ofyour dreams. He will also accomplish the rest. She felt so happy thinking like that.Next day morning Vallabha again spoke to hismother a lot. Finally he said, Oh mother! I havea request. The great king of Mulvai Kampana Rayahas given me few more tasks to finish. Theseare those which has to be done before capturingMadurai. So I may have to leave along with Dutta.Pl don t worry said Vallabha. After hearing thisVasanthika became little shocked and was quite

for a long time. When Vallabha explained thesituation the state has been facing now, she slowlyrecovered from her sadness. By these LordRanganatha would reach Srirangam again. So farall went well. So all will go well in future too. Thinkingthat she started speaking to Vallabha, Vallabha!If god wishes so, you please go ahead . Next day they both started again. The soldiersin the troupe who were staying in the nearby inn

joined them. When they were about to start onthe auspicious time, Vasanthika once again remindedhim about the message she has given to him.Don t misuse your tongue, don t get lost in yourway and don t misuse your eyes .Vallabha! one thing I would like to remind you.Till you accomplish the task of placing Lord backto Srirangam please do not think of getting married . Ok !said Vallbha.One more thing. As soon as possible please go

to Paragur and try to meet Rani Krishnayee. Hervoice choked when she told this. Ok Amma !saying this Vallabha saw her motherwhose eyes were full of tears. The previous nightwhen he was explaining the incidents to her, hehad narrated with tears touching her feet thegruesome incident of how the death of his brotherChinna Kulasekaran happened in front of him andthat too with his own hands. When she heard aboutthat she too cried a lot and finally consoled himsaying that God wished so. He thought that shewill not take this topic again as the kid happenedto her husband s son in an unfortunate way andthat she may not like it to be discussed more.But when he heard Vasanthika requesting him tovisit Rani Krishnayee he felt proud of his mother smagnanimous heart.Later she bid farewell to both Vallabha and Duttaand blessed them all success. They both left alongwith the troupe. .(to be continued)

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- M.V.Soundara RajanAHOBILAM AND AHOBILA MUTT - 47

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I have received many requests from the readers tohelp them understand the Kshetra Mahaatmyamof Ahobilam and the linkage of Ahobilam with Ahobila

Mutt. Many people of the present era are unawareof the historical and pouranic values of the shrineand the Mutt and the linkage thereof. As a response,I am shifting gear from Ahobila Mutt to Ahobilamand I am presenting to the readers a summary capsuleof Ahobila Kshetramahatmyam which appeared inVedanta Deepikai during 1914-15. This article waswritten by the famous scholar Vidwan ChetlurNarasimhachariar.I prostrate before Sage Vyasa who has brought thisto light to us via recording the conversations of thegreat sages of yore in his Brahmaanda Purana whichis one of the greatest puranas written by him morethan 5000 years ago. Veda Vyasa starts his

Brahmaandapurana by saying I prostrate before LordNarayana and tell about his greatness(Maahaatmyam). m Nw n Y{ z @ tz o ooz \tyzo@@He begins with the anecdote of revered sagesseeking knowledge from Sage Narada on the banksof Ganga. O! Revered Sage, you are a great devoteeof Lord Narayana and you know about his greatnessand have power to uplift people in this world fromtheir worldly bindings and take to Lord Narayana sabode. In the past Lord Brahma told about variousPunyakshetras on this sacred land of Bharat. Weheard about sacred rivers and water bodies, sacredcaves, forests and mountains such as Sri Mushnam,Venkatachalam, Saalagramam, Naimishaaranyam,Pushkaram, Sri Rangam, Vrushabhadri, Narayanaadri,Ananthashayanam, Thirukkurungudi, Bilvadri,Malayaadri, Harashapaharam, Simhadri, Ahobilametc. Later this great Mahatmyam (greatness ofkshetrams) was told by Vrishabha Maharishi to SageKapila, Kapila told this to sage Purukuthsa andPurukuthsa told to Sage Kanaada. At that time AhobilaMahathmyam was told very well, but because wewere distracted by our duties we could not be attentiveand lost several details. Oh! Sage Narada, we arenow interested to know in detail about the AhobilaKshetramaahatmyam please enlighten us about this.We are longing for the enlightenment .To this Saga Narada responded with great bliss andsmile on his face. He said Oh! Sages Shaounaka,Athri and other great Sages, Lord Brahma createdseveral divyakshetrams on this earth. They all havevarious greatnesses. Among the greatdivyakshetrams Avanthi, Kurukshetra, Prayaga,Devadaaruvanam, Prayaga is the greatest which canwash all the sins of human beings. In this Prayaga30,000 crore punyatheerthams (sacred water) joinin on every Amavasya day. But around AhobilaNrusimha for around 3 yojana wide and 3 yojanalong distance the places are hundred times morepowerful than Gaya, Kashi and Prayaga. One hasto go to Gaya to satisfy the ancestors (pithrus),

to prayaga for self purification, to Kashi for gettingthe Taraka mantra (mantra to cross the ocean ofSamsara), but in Ahobilam it is all in one. The

kshteram is a personification of Ashtakshara, Dvayaand Charamasloka and when a devotee goes toworship in that kshetra one gets a clear feeling thatLord Narasimha is here to protect and uplift himor her from all samsara difficulties. Stay in Kaashifor thousands of yugas, in Prayaga for 20 yugas,in Gaya for hundered years is equal to one daysstay at Ahobilam. To feed ten thousand people inGaya, one lakh people in Prayaga, two lakh peoplein Kaashi is equivalent to feed one mouthful to oneperson in Ahobilam. The Garudadri which is partof Ahobilakshetram is of utmost purity and likedby Lord Narasimha. This Kshetram is also knownas Veerakshetram as Lord Nrisimha killed the demonking Hiranyakashipu here single handedly by hisVeera or Valour. The pillar from which Lord hasemerged has become mountain like after severallakhs of years. In order to give respite to the angerof the Lord, the Devas brought Ganga from theirabode and gave a sacred bath to Lord Narasimhaafter the killing of the Demon king and that hasbecome Bhavanashini. It will cleanse all sins of peoplewho worship this Lords Abhishekajalam . Knowingabout the greatness of the deities and thepunyatheerthams, all the sages and devas have shiftedtheir abode to Ahobilakshetram as per Brahmandapurana.Koormapurana, Paadmapurana, Vishnupurana andMahabharatha have all described Ahobilam elaboratedly.The punyakshetram contains nine shrines [-Ezu-z-N zg-N -T| zTt-Zb--uo|:@@Jwala Ahobila Malola Kroda Karanja Bhargava.Yogananda Kshatravata Pavana Nava Moorthayaha The shrine was protected for generations by piousand religious sages, kings and devotees even duringthe Muslim invasion period. After the fall of KakatiyaDynasty and defeat of Prataparudra Gajapathi, hisgenerals Hari Hara and Bukka Raya establishedthe Vijayanagar empire as a retaliation to the subduedHindu community and brought back lost glory tothe Hindus and their temples due to foreign invasions.When the Vijayanagar empire expanded under BukkaRaya and later under Devaraya the entire Andhra,

Telengana, part of Maharashtra, Karnataka and TamilNadu were part of their empire. Ahobilam shrinebecame their main deity. Other notable dynasty forwhom Lord Narasimha and Ahobilam was the maindeity was the Kalinga dynasty of Orissa andsubsequent rulers who co-existed in the Vijayagaraperiod. During the period of the Great Harihara RayaII Ahobila Mutt was established by Sri Adi VanSatakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan, the first Jeerof Sri Ahobila Mutt. The legend says thatSrinivasacharya, son of Kidambi Kesavacharya whowas born on 18th August 1379 CE at Thirunarayanapuram(Melkote), Karnataka became a great scholar andan ardent devotee of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha at

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Ahobilam through his preceptor GhtaikashathamAmmal (grandson of famous NadadoorAmmal) whowas the greatest scholar in those days and an ardentdevotee to Lord Laksmi Narasimha. During his stayat Ahobilam he had a an ordainment from LordLakshmeenarasimha who gave him Sanyasam directly

from Bramcharya and gave him the name SatakopaJeeyar . The Lord commanded him to take one ofthe Utsava Moorthis, Malaola Lakshmi Narasimhanand said to the Jeer Go from door to door taking me with you and administer to the well being of the disciples. Be their Guru and ensure their Samasrayanam and Bharanyasam to purify them with my (Vishnus) emblems of the conch and the discus and instruct them in the Ashtaksharam,Dwayam, and Charama Slolka. Influenced by the Jeer's devotion and by grace ofLord Malola, King Harihara Raya II became hisdisciple and later all the Vijayanagar kings becamehis disciples. Devaraya I, Devaraya II and ProudhaDevaraya all patronized the Lord s ordinance with

devotion. The Jeer swamy travelled from Sethu(southern tip) to Himachalam (northen) tip of thiscountry propagating Lord Lakshmi Narasimha cult.It became very acceptable throughout India. U.P.Rajasthan,Orissa and Bengal were also the disciplesof this great Mutt. Since then many kings of theVijayanagar patronized the Ahobila mutt. Sri KrishnaDeva Raya was the greatest king and disciple ofSri Ahobila Mutt. He had initiation under ParankusaYatheendra Mahadesikan the 6 thpattam Jeer of SriAhobila Mutt. Many of his courtiers such as AllasaniPeddanna, Mahamantri Timmarusu were all disciplesof the Mutt. Sri Annamacharya, the famous devoteeand divine musician was a great disciple of Sri AhobilaMutt. The Vijayanagar kings moved to Penugondaafter the Tallikota war and they were always prayingand deriving divine intervention and strength fromAhobilam temple. When the Golconda Armyransacked Ahobilam after the Tallikota war the localdisciples joined hands and under the leadership of7 th Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt and the then VijayanagarKing in Araveedu clan Tirumala Raya and his twogreat generals, drove away the invaders and restoredthe glory of Ahobilam. This is inscribed in theJayastambha in front of the Lower Ahobilam Temple.Tirumala Raya went on to re-establish the lost gloryof Vijayanagar regaining control of majority of theland in Andhra, Rayalseema, Karnataka and TamilNadu. Araveedu clan were on seat till the princelystates have been merged with Indian union postindependence. The Ahobilam and Ahobila Mutt havebeen completely protected and patronized by thedisciples of Ahobila Mutt for over several centuriesand these disciples are all over the villages nearAhobilam, Rayalaseema, Andhra, Telangana and allover India and the world. The Sri Ahobilam templeis associated with the very foundation of the Muttand is an essential and integral part of the Mutt.Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Ahobilamis the principle seat of Sri Ahobila Mutt adenominational institution and is administered bythe Mattadhipathi in succession for several centuries right from the founding of the Mutt as per the religious

mandate of the principal deity Lord LakshmiNarasimhaSwamy Himself. The Mattadhipathis insuccession have been carrying out the commandof the principal deity to the first Mattadhipathi SriAdivan Satagopan Yatindra Maha Desikan for severalcenturies with utsavamurthy of the temple Sri Malola

Narasimhan and performing Samasrayanam andBharanyasam to the devotees. The Mutt which iscurrently administered by the 46 th Jeer has branchesacross India and chapters in many parts of the world.The Mutt also administers many of the Divya DeshamTemples of which the Sri Ahobilam Temple of SriLakshmi Narasimha Swamy in Andhra Pradeshoccupies the preeminent position.There has been many attempts by the several seculargovernments to take over this Temple which isunconstitutional, detrimental to religious faith of thedevotees and non-secular in action. During one suchquestions during March 22, 2001, the then EndowmentsMinister Dandu Sivaramaraju belonging to TDP inthe floor of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly admitted

that the take over is not possible without constitutionalamendment. He said that it was wrong to categorizeSri Ahobilam Temple as a normal temple and the Jeeras a normal Hereditary trustee of the Temple. Headmitted that this is a denominational temple as perthe law. Constitution of India is coming in the wayfor takeover of the temple through appointment ofExecutive Officer under Sec 29 and non-hereditarytrust board under Sec 15 as any attempt to takeoverthrough amendment of the Act would require assentof the Central Government as the matter is pertainingto concurrent list. It is submitted to the Readers ofVAK that the glorious Sri Ahobilam Temple continuesto be a takeover target of the State Government asevidenced by the unusual manner in which a notificationfor constitution of a non-hereditary trust board underSec 15 was given through G.O.Ms. No. 346 Revenue(Endowments-II) Department dated 17.10.2014. Inresponse the Mutt gave a representation to the Hon bleGovernor bringing to his notice the judgment of thisHon ble Court which would prevent constitution of anon-hereditary trust board under Sec 15 and appointmentof an Executive Officer under Sec 29 of the Act. TheGovernment subsequently withdrew the said notificationfor constitution of trust board through G.O.Ms.No 386Revenue (Endowments-II) Department dated 19.11.2014noting that there is no such tradition of a non-hereditarytrust board for Sri Ahobilam Temple. It is a fact thatthe temple administration is functioning under a constantthreat of such Government takeover attempts throughSec 15 and Sec 29 and other provisions of the Act.Not only Sri Ahobilam Temple but many other suchtemples are a constant takeover target of the StateGovernment in the way that the provisions of the Actare being applied. VAK appeals to all the Devoteesof Ahobilam and of the Mutt to stand by the Jeer inhis attempt to safe guard the Religion, culture, sanctityand traditions of the great Punyakshetra. VAK alsoappeals to Secular Government to exhibit prudenceand make conscious decisions according to the constitutionof India. We will be bringing to the readers more onAhobilam Mahatmyam in the coming editions of VAKas indicated earlier. (to be continued)

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NOT TRANSFERABLEC. S. Rangarajan

We should have a Utsavam duringSamprokshana and take the idols in Garuda Vahanamprocession proposed the Local Political Leader.

Renovations for the Lord Narasimha Templein Nellore District had just been completed successfullyand Pundits have fixed dates for Samprokshana orinstallation ceremony. All necessary arrangementsare being made for the same. This proposal was apart of the discussion going on in the Renovationcommittee meeting.

It is a very good idea. Let us do it sir , secondedthe Executive Officer who was waiting to please theleader always.

The Garuda Vahana is in a damaged stage andneeds repairs .sir the Pradhana Archaka interrupted the plan.

Well, we can use the Golden Garuda Vahanaof Ranganatha Temple in the nearby village. It is lyingidle only, we do not have any Utsavams for the Temple. added the EO.

Can we do it? Whose permission should wetake? asked the leader.

No need of any permission Sir! I am the EOof that Temple also. I will send a messenger to getthe Vahana immediately, promised the EO and senthis departmental messenger to the Village, who afterreaching there and asking the Archaka phoned backsaying that the Archaka was refusing to give the GoldenGaruda Vahana.

The EO called for his official Jeep and alongwith the Local leader proceeded in a rage to theRanganatha Swamy Temple.

Evening Pujas were going on in the RanganathaTemple in the Village.

The Temple EO, the local leader and a fewof his followers walked inside the Temple and TheEO called for the Archaka who was busy performingarchana to the Lord for some Devotees.

Archaka completed the archana and came tothe EO with Teertham and Satari.

All of this later. How can you refuse to givethe Garuda Vahana when I, who am the EO had sentmessage to hand it over through the attender?

The Archaka understood the backgroundimmediately and started trying to explain.

To use one Temple s vahanas for anotherTemple would be against the Agamas and it willamount to sacrilege. Vahanas once dedicated to onedeity cannot be used for another - sir .

The EO was feeling annoyed. How could thisarchaka who is a menial servant and who has to obeyhis orders speak out openly, that too, in front of him?

Now, Pujarigaru, is Lord Ranganatha, Vishnu

or not? Narasimha is also one of Vishnu s avataras.Isn t it true?

Yes sir! But the Puja vidhanal are differentin both the Temples and Stop there, you archakas are taking us for a

ride. If you want to, confuse by telling us stories andpreventing us from taking the Vahana, you are mistaken.

Sir, I am only trying to prevent the disasterby doing this...

Nothing will happen. Let us have a darshanof Lord Narasimha in this Garuda Vahana. Ranganathawill also be happy that his unused Vahana is beingput to use.

Open the Vahana sala and give the Vahana.This is my order, shouted the EO.

Swamy, please protect us from any disaster .The archaka prostrated before the Deity and handedover the key of the Vahana sala.

The Vahana was transported to the Narasimhaswamy Temple and the Samprokshana was performed,

After the samprokshana, the Golden GarudaVahana was decorated well and Lord Narasimha wasmade to sit on it and the procession was to begin.

Before the start of the procession, Karpura Harathi(Camphor flame) was to be done.

The archaka took two small pieces of Camphorin a brass plate and lit the Harathi. When he startedperforming the Harathi amidst loud Nadaswaram and

reciting of Veda mantras, the Garuda vahana caughtfire and the flames started engulfing the Pandal.Within seconds, a big fire accident had occurred

and many were injured and a few devotees fell victimsto the fire. The Garuda Vahana had melted.

The injured were rushed to Chennai for treatmentand were visited by the then C.M. An inquiry wasalso ordered into the causes for the incident.

Other reasons like pandal being thatched etc.,were being examined but the transfer of Vahana wasnot related to the incident as the administratorsdid not believe that this could cause such a disaster.

Let us look at a similar incident that happened

in Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, after renovations to one of the

City Temples due to lack of Garuda Vahana devoteeshad approached the Trustee of a Temple in nearbytown who happened to be a Mathadhipathi.

They sought permission to take the GarudaVahana from the Temple. The Trustee gave permissionand gave a letter to the local administrator to handover the Vahana.

The Devotees thanked the Trustee and took aLorry to get the huge Vahana. When they reached theTemple, they were surprised to see a huge crowd outside.

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They approached the administrator who refusedto give the Vahana. Vahana dedicated to my lordis for Him only and not for any other deity. Pleasereturn immediately, otherwise this crowd will beuncontrollable, said the administrator sternly.

But your trustee has given us permission, the people from Chennai tried to convince him.

We have great respect for him but this orderis against the Agamas and traditions. We are reluctantlydisobeying this order, said the administrator.

The devotees of Chennai, sensing the seriousnessof the situation returned with the empty lorry.

Both the incidents are of similar nature. However,in the first one the EO being the authority to administerthe Temple within the purview of sastras and agamasused his high-handedness and with scant respectto the scriptures, transferred the vahana, which resultedin the fire accident.

In the second incident, though the administratorof the Temple was a staunch disciple of theMathadhipathi, he chose to disobey the order as itwas against sastras and agamas.

* * *

According to the thoughtless 1987 EndowmentsAct that has been implemented, Archakas can betransferred from one Temple to another. They aretreated as Secular staff for the sake of transfersonly. These transfers are being done even toarchakas of small temples that are supposed tofend for themselves as they lack income. Recentlyin one of the villages, the Revenue Officials, andthe Police force was used to brutally implement thetransfer orders against a weak, poor and helplessarchaka!

Just as Vahanas that have been dedicatedto one deity cannot be transferred, so also archakas.After the Pranaprathishta of the deity during theinstallation ceremony in the Temple, archaka isdedicated for serving that deity. He has to serve onlythat deity and should not be transferred. The 1987Legislation consists of such innumerable thoughtless,disastrous and damaging sections which is nothingbut an oppressive force to destroy the Temple system.It is for the public to think whether we need sucha Legislation to demolish the already extinct templetradition.

NEWS 'Vruksharohanam' at Chilukuri Balaji templeChilukuri Balaji Temple organizers distributed 500saplings on Sunday in the name of 'Vruksharohanam'.The devotees made pradakshinas around the temple bycarrying trees. On the occasion, the organizers said thatthey were striving to make the devotees to plant fivesaplings each. On Sunday, devotees throngedBhadrachalam Rama temple and echoed thesurroundings with the Rama Namam chants. Thedevotees came in huge numbers as the summer holidayswere ending on Sunday.Vruksharohanam : The devotees from Telugu states andneighboring states visited Rama temple and three hourstime took for the darshan. The priests have conductedSparsha Pushparchana and specialPanchamruthabhishekalu along with Nithya Kalyanam.Yadagirigutta temple too witnessed huge rush on Sunday.Four hours time took for the darshan to the devotees andtwo hours time for the special darshan. The officialsstopped vehicles entering to top of the hill.Basara temple also witnessed the flood of devotees onSunday. About 25,000 devotees had a darshan on Sunday.Devotees took three hours time for the darshan. Parentsrushed for the Aksharabhyasam on Sunday along withtheir children. (Metro India News June 13, 2016)

All should take a green vow to plant saplingsThe photograph (green vow) published on the front pageof The Hans India was simply awesome. I personally feel,that in a few years from now, The Hans India would becomeone of the most sought after newspapers in many majorcities, for its elegant reporting and photographs.All Telugu people in Andhra Pradesh (especially thoseliving in the 9 coastal districts) should also take the greenvow in Lord Balaji temples to plant a sapling each, andalso nurture it. Nurturing the plants in apartment complexesmay be asking for too much. A heavy green tax should beimposed on all existing apartment complexes, and themoney collected can be utilised to plant 5 or 6 'Raavi' and

'Marri' well-grown saplings (preferably Marri, as leaf fall isless in winter) in all parks and one sapling in the centre oflarge traffic islands, behind the statues. This suggestionis being made, as all coastal cities could be made touristparadises, if and only if the temperatures are within"bearable" limits for foreigners. (Gopal Tallamaraju,Visakhapatnam, The Hans India 15.6.2016)

BJP, Cong. see conspiracy in auction of landsThe sale fetched Rs. 22 lakh per acre against the govtrate of Rs. 50 lakh The BJP has alleged that the sale of 83 acres belongingto the Sadavarti Satram of Sri Amaralingeswara Swamytemple (at Amaravati in Guntur district) situated betweenChennai and Madurai in Tamil Nadu is illegal as they couldnot be sold as per inscriptions found there. But the ChiefMinister s Office itself cleared the decks for auctioning thesaid lands.Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday, BJP citypresident D. Umamaheswara Raju said 4000 acres hadbeen donated to the choultry, which is situated nearly 200metres from the historic temple, by Raja VasireddyVenkatadri Naidu s daughter-in-law Chirumamilla VenkataLakshmi Narasamma.The lands were not to be sold by any means as the donorshad wished and they even got it etched in stone. Thechoultry was taken over by the Endowments Departmentabout 15 years ago.The BJP leader said of the 4000 acres, 473 acres weresituated near Chennai and except 100 acres, the rest wasencroached. The A.P. CMO had recently issued orders forauctioning 83 acres and the sale fetched Rs.22 lakh peracre against the government rate of Rs.50 lakh.Mr. Umamaheswara Raju alleged that a TDP MLA fromGuntur district and an Endowments Department officialwere behind the sale and they had the backing of somesenior TDP leaders.Meanwhile, a delegation of senior Congress leaders ledby their State president N. Raghuveera Reddy submitted a

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memorandum to the Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan inHyderabad seeking cancellation of the auction. Mr.Raghuveera Reddy said a party committee led by MLC C.Ramachandraiah visited Thalambur village where thechoultry lands exist, and found that the land had beenencroached and put for auction as per a pre-planned

conspiracy. The A.P. government involved a ruling party MLAin the transaction and basically it did not issue any G.O. thatshould be in conformity with a Cabinet decision to sell thelands. The auction should be conducted at the choultryoffice in Amaravati and not in a secretive manner in TamilNadu, which amounted to blatant violation of norms, Mr.Raghuveera Reddy added. (The Hindu 23-6-2016)

Appointment of woman priest caught in red tapeThe practice has been in vogue since 1870 at a temple atSuryaraopet in Kakinada A unique practice of inductingwomen priests at the Nookalamma vari temple fordecades has come to a halt, thanks to the EndowmentsDepartment decision to outsource the services .The temple at Suryaraopet in Kakinada has seen womenpriests since 1870. Madada Kanchana, who is claiming

hereditary rights, is a fifth generation priest. The traditionof handing over priesthood began with Bade Ammanna.She performed duties as asadi (priest) from 1870 to 1923at the temple of Nookalamma, a village deity.The idol of the deity was unearthed in 1870 whenlabourers were digging a tank to meet drinking waterrequirements. A temple was constructed, and the Dutchofficials asked Bade Lakshmaiah, who was serving them,to take care of the temple. His wife Ammanna performedrituals on his behalf. The priesthood was passed on todaughters since then: Bade Appayamma (1923 to 1977),Bade Kodandamma (1977) and Bade Kasiratnam wasthe last to hold the post till her death in 2015.Speaking to The Hindu , Ms. Kanchana said she had appliedfor the post soon after her mother s demise and was runningfrom pillar to post to get it. It appears the government wasdeliberately discontinuing the practice, she said.We want to keep the tradition of women priests alive. Iunderwent training in performing temple rituals under thetutelage of my mother. I also passed devatha agamaexamination, she said.The endowments officials, however, said she was noteligible for compassionate appointment as her motherwas not a time scale employee. But, Archaka Sanghampresident Peddinti Rambabu said she was eligible asper GO 1357 issued in 2011. The government was payingconsolidated salary saying the revenues were not sufficientto pay scales though the Supreme Court had ordered payscale salaries in 1997. Now they cannot take shelter underthe rule that compassionate appointments were givenonly for time scale employees, he said. EndowmentsDeputy Commissioner Kakinada Ch. Hanumantha Raosaid Ms. Kanchana s application was rejected by theEndowments Commissioner.Hyderabad s popular Chilkur Balaji temple priest S.Rangarajan, who is spearheading a movement forprotection of temples, said that the right to archakatvam isa fundamental right which the Supreme Court has upheld.

(The Hindu June 23, 2016)

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z ~ r J#Q O 141Chilkur Balaji's Grace - 141 J# " DEVOTEES' EXPERIENCES

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Registered as a News Paper RNI. No. AP/BIL/2000/2474Vol.17 VAK / JULY / 2016 Postal Registration No. HSE/738/2015-17 No.7

Owned, Edited, Printed and Published by : Dr. M.V. SoundaraRajan, Advocate, 2-2-647/77/D, Andhra Bank Lane, Be-side Karur Vysya Bank ATM, D.D. Colony, Bagh Amberpet ,Hyderabad-500 013; Website : www.vakchilkur.orgPhone : 27425640 Cell : 9246505058P r i n t e d a t : M/s . Vakdev i P r in te rs , # 1 - 8 - 7 3 2 / 2 2 / B ,N a l l a k u n t a , H y d - 4 4 .

BOOK POSTSTAMP

Annual Subscription Rs.60/-. Life Membership Rs.1000/-.All business communications and payments maybe addressed to The Manager VAK, 2-2-647/77/D, D.D.Colony, Bagh Amberpet, Hyderabad-500 013. Ph :27425640. Only local cheques and DDs drawn in favourof VAK will be accepted. Subscriptions can be sentthrough money orders also. Give your correct address.

To

If undelivered please return to : VAK , 2-2-647/77/D, Hyderabad-500 013.

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1) SB A/c No. 62055583940 of Sri Balaji Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Chilkur maintained withState Bank of Hyderabad, Moinabad Branch (R.R. Dist.) (\ OH P ^~ , "~

Vak July 16

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