The Celebrations Begin

The news of the birth traveled fast. The other queens came running, followed by their ladies-in- waiting. Everyone was brimming with joy. When king Dashrath heard the enchanting news, he went into a trance as if he had become one with the Brahman. His body became numb with excitement, with great effort he tried to get up. He thought to himself that, whose name alone, gives solace, that Lord had come to his house. With profound joy in his heart the king called on his musicians to play their orchestra.

Guru Vashista was summoned with the tidings. He came, with several Brahmins and visited with the babe who's beauty defied description. The raja performed the Nandimukh Shrad (rituals performed on child birth) and donated gold, cows, clothes, precious stones to all the Brahmins.

Ayodhya was magnificently decorated.There were floral arches on gateways entering the city. The sky was showering flowers and the people were blissfully happy. Droves of women ran, with no attire, to see the new arrival. With decorated golden platters, carrying lot of festive articles, they entered the portals of the royal palace. With lamps, they swooned over the baby and did his aarti,(went round and round). Bards and minstrels sang praises to the Lord of the Raghus. At this time of happiness, the king gave out loads full of gifts, people who got those gifts did not keep them either. The small lanes in the city were muddied with saffron and sandal paste after all the merriment. All the houses were lit, music was playing, people were rejoicing, for the crux of splendour had manifested Himself.

Kekaiye and Sumitra had beautiful sons as well. Even Saraswati and the king of serpents, Sheshji, could not describe the happiness, the wealth, the time, the society at that time. The city of Ayodhya was shining as if the night had come to meet the Lord, but was abashed to see her Lord the sun there. Even then she decided to stay back as dusk. The smoke from the incense appeared as if it was the darkness of the evening and the coloured powder looked as if it was the redness of the setting of the sun. The gems studded on the palace walls looked like the stars while the pot on the dome of the palace was the crescent moon. The murmur of the chanting of the Vedas, was like the chirping of the birds. The involvement of the sun was so complete that he forgot to move, so that he stayed in Ayodhya for a whole month!. No one knew of this mystery. It was a long day for a month, so how could night fall?

We shall continue as always another time, meanwhile bask in the festivities of the moment. Let us all try to live in the bliss that the people felt when the Lord was born, then we will have Ram Rajya ! JAI Ho!

The Avatar is Born

When all the planets, astrological signs, the day of the week and the date aligned, the flaura and fauna came alive with joy. It was the ninth day of the sacred month of chaitra (a month in spring, according to the Hindu calendar), shukla paksh (that part of the month when the moon gets brighter) and Bhagwan's favourite abhijit mahurat (moon enters the right configuration). The sun was at its meridian, and it was not very hot nor cool. The time was peaceful for all.

Cool, mild, scented breezes were blowing. The devtas were happy and the munis were eager with anticipation. The hills and dales were blooming with flowers, while the chain of mountains were glittering with their precious gems and minerals. The rivers were flowing over with amrit (nectar)

When Brahma felt, that soon the Lord will appear, he along with the other devtas proceeded in their Arial transport (vimaan). Several groups of (celestial bodies) sang melodiously along with their drums, while showering rose petals. The naags/serpents, gundharvas, munis and devtas brought gifts for the new born and started singing hymns before returning to their abodes.

Then, the One who is the home of the whole universe, and who gives solace to this creation, the Supreme Lord Appeared.

Bhay Pragat Kripala Deen Dayala Kaushilya Hitkaari

Harshitmahatari Muni Mun Haari Adhbhut Roop Bechari

Lochan Abhirama Tanu Dhansyama Nij Aayudh Bhuj Chari

Bhushan Banmala Nayan Bisala Shobha Sindhu Kharari

One who shows kindness to the downtrodden , thinks the best for Kaushilya, the merciful Lord has appeared. One who runs away with the minds of munis, the mother is full of joy seeing His amazing beauty. He had a complexion like the dusty clouds which was very pleasing to the eyes. In His four hands He held his signature emblems, a conch shell, a lotus, a discus and a club. He wore a garland of sylvan flowers and ornaments around his neck. His eyes were large and dusky. That is how with lots of grandeur, the God who killed Khur, the demon manifested Himself.

Kah Duee Kar Jori Astuti Tori Kehi Bidhi Karon Ananta

Maya Gun Gyanateet Amana Ved Puran Bhananta

Karuna Sukh Sagar Sub Gun Aagar Jehi Gavahin Shruti Sunta

So Man Hith Laagi Jan Anuragi Bhayahun Pragat Shrikanta

With folded hands the mother asked, Oh seamless God !! How shall I pray to you? The Vedas and Puranas have called you as transcending maya, above attributes, beyond knowledge and beyond any measure. The rishis and saints call you an ocean of kindness, happiness and sing your praises . That same God, who loves his devotees and is the consort of Laxmi, has showed Himself for my good.

Brahmand Nikaaya Nirmit Maya Rom Rom Prati Ved Kahe

Mam Ur So Baasi Yaha Uphasi Sunat Dheer Mati Thir Na Rahe

Upja Jab Gyaana Prabhu Muskaana Charit Bahaut Bidhi Keenha Chahe

Kahi Katha Suhaee Matu Bhujaee Jehi Prakar Sut Prem Lahay

The Vedas say that in every pore in your body their are thousands of worlds conjured up by this maya.The thought that you were in my womb, is funny, but disturbing for the still minds of the wise. When the mother found this new found knowledge, then the Lord smiled. He wanted to enact a lot of sportive acts . Thus, He showed her many scenes from her past life, so that she would adore Him like a son.

Mata Puni Boli So Mati Doli Tajahun Tat Yeha Rupa

Kejay Sisuleela Ati Priyasila Yeha Sukh Param Anupa

Suni Vachan Sujana Rodan Thana Hoee Baalak Surbhoopa

Yeh Charit Jo Gavahin Hari Pad Pavahin Teh Na Parahin Bhavkoopa

The mother's thinking changed, then she spoke again, "Oh son! leave this, and enjoy your childhood. It will be very joyous for me". Listening to his mother, the Swami of the devtas became childlike, and started crying. Tulsidas says that those people who sing this lay/ stuti of the Lord, attain Lord's abode, and get rid of the toils of existence.

The Lord took this Avatar for the sake of the Brahmins, cows, devtas and the munis. He is however, above all human foibles. He transcends Maya, and is above the three modes of Prakriti (creation) / Satva, Rajas, and Tamas , His body is formed on its own accord, and is above the reach of senses. He was born as a Man, out of His own free will.

Today, we glorify the Lord. The above stuti/lay is sung on Ram Navami the day Ram was born. Do take some time to learn this, then you will live in Ram Rajya! JAI HO!

Happy Fathers Day

As you might have gathered by now, my father played a significant role in my life. Not realizing how he impacted my life, while I was growing up, I can certainly say now, that he has had a tremendous influence in my life. As a child I did not know what I had, but now every day I remember him, and wish I had thanked him for everything he had provided for me, both materially and spiritually. Mr. Ravindra Prakash Mathur, Dad, you have left an indelibly impression on my psyche. You are my role model, you were the best father and I pay tribute to you and I love you!!

At this time I will also pay tribute to my father-in-law, whom I loved dearly. Just like my father, he was a disciplined individual and I have great esteem and regard for him. He was very kind and generous to me. An I.A.S. officer, he was dedicated, loving and caring to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Bridge player and I remember the fun times we had when all of us played together. I know not, if I ever said thank you to him, for lots of things, and for his son. So today, Mr. Santosh Kumar Chaudhri, Baba, I take this opportunity on Father's day to thank you and to say that I love you even though, you are not with us any more!!

Happy Fathers Day to all you Fathers out there!!! Remember, that your children are lucky to have you just like you are, lucky to have your Dads. Parents are irreplaceable, and I think the only time can tell that fully, is when they are gone forever!! So without sounding morbid, enjoy your Dads and feel lucky and proud that you have them. Thank them for who they are, and tell them that you love them, and then you will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!

Bhringi Muni's Yagya

The thought that he did not have a son, was gnawing on Dashrath's mind. So, he promptly went to see his guru about it. The king knelt at his feet, and cried out all his woes. Guru Vashishta, assured the king that, there was nothing to worry about, he was going to have four sons, who would relieve every one's fear, as well as be renowned in all the lokas.

Bhringi rishi was summoned by Vashista, who was asked to perform the Putrakameshti (ceremony for having a son) yagya. With great faith in his heart, the rishi presented offerings to the sacrificial fire, and lo and behold, the lord of fire himself appeared, with rice pudding in hand. He went up to the king and said,"Whatever Vashishta muni had wished for you in his heart is going to come to pass. Now, go back, and distribute this rice pudding. You can give any proportions of this pudding to whomever you want."

The king was delirious with happiness and he called his beautiful queens right away. Dashrath gave half of the pudding to Kaushilya and then, with the remaining half he made two portions. The first portion he gave to his second queen Kekaiye. Now, with the remaining portion the king made another two parts, put one on Kaushilya's hand, the other on Kekaiyi's hand (as if taking their permission, also making them happy) and then, gave it to the third queen, Sumitra.

This is how, the three queens got pregnant. Each day their hearts sang out with joy and contentment. The day the Lord, Sri Hari entered the womb, all the Lokas were blessed, there was happiness and prosperity every where.

The queens faces were all glowing, there was a certain aura about them. All was well in the palace. Some time elapsed, and then it was time for the Lord to APPEAR!!

Rituals are a part of our culture. Most of us, see it happening in our homes everyday. In fact, I am proud to say, that the saying " monkey see monkey do " applies in our house. Arjun, Suni and Ruchi have made sure, that the tradition of doing Puja in the house continues without fail. Not only do they participate whenever they can , but they have developed their faith, and it has taken root. To see them well rounded in their lives, with their careers, education and religion, makes Surajit and me very proud!!

You all know, that the Lord is playful, and He will appear in his own time ! Meanwhile, start believing in the Lord and gaining faith, then we will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!

The Promise

"Do not be scared any more, all of you Swamis of devtas and munis," said the voice from the heavens. "I will, take human form for you. In the veneered house of the sun ( Suryavansh) I will take birth along with my atoms. I had promised a boon, to Kashyap and Aditi, for their immense tap. They, in the form of Dashrath and Kaushilya, have been born as king and queen, of the human race, in Ayodhya. In their house, I will be the oldest of the four sons and an alter ego will be born with me too. I will bear the burden of the planet earth, oh great ones! so become fearless."

The voice of Brahm (God) put everyone at ease, and showing relief on their faces, the devtas went home. Brahma reassured the earth. She was now convinced that God would relieve her of her burden. Then, Brahma asked the devtas to prepare to take the form of monkeys, and be born on earth, to worship the Lord.

The devtas wasted no time, soon they changed their form into monkeys and came down to earth.They had a lot of strength and valour. Mountains, rocks and their nails were their only weapons. With calm minds, the monkeys (devtas in human form) spread out in jungles and mountains with small forces, and started waiting for God to appear.

Now, Shivji says to Parvati he will continue with the other story that was left in the middle.

Once upon a time, Ayodhya was ruled by the renowned king Dashrath who was the head of the Raghukul (clan). He was a champion of religion,very talented and wise. He was devoted to that God, who held the famous Sharang muni's bow and arrow. His mind was always at the feet of the Lord. His queens Kaushilya and the others were of good character and totally devoted to him and Sri Hari.

We see, that this God is a very benevolent God. He comes to our aid whenever we ask. There is no doubt in my mind that, it has happened to us several times. So now we know, that all we need to do is holler and He will be there. Then we will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!

The Hymn

Jai Jai Surnayak Jan Sukhdayak Pranatpal Bhagwanta,

Go Dwij Hitkari Jai Asurari Sindhusuta Priyakanta,

Paalan Surdharni Adhbhut Karni Maram Na Janahi Koyee,

Jo Sahaj Kripala Deendayala Karahoon Anugraha Soyee

Brahma along with the devtas munis and the planet earth, sang fervently: Oh! Swami of the devtas, giver of happiness to his devotees, and protector of the downtrodden, Oh Lord! praise be to you, Jai Ho! Jai Ho! You do good for the go (class of Brahmins)and eradicate the rakshas clan, oh! the swami of the daughter of the ocean(Laxmi) we, praise you, Jai Ho! One, who nurtures the earth and the devtas, your acts are very strange, no one even knows the reasoning for them. He, who by nature is so kind and generous, please, you help us!

Jai Jai Avinasi Sab Ghat Vasi Vyaapak Parmananda,

Avigath Goteetam Charit Punitam Maya Rahit Mukunda,

Jehi Laagi Viraagi Ati Anuragi Bigath Moha Munivrinda,

Nisi Vaasar Dhyavahin Gun Gan Gavahin Jayati

Sachchidananda

Oh! One who is eternal, who resides in our hearts, Who is Omniscient and blissful, who's character is pure, one who has no maya (illusions) is the Giver of moksha /salvation, praise be to you, Jai Ho! Jai Ho! Those wise men and munis who have no desires left, in this world and beyond, have great love for you, and take your name day and night, Jai Ho! to that always happy One!

Jehi Shristi Upayee Tribidh Banaee Sang Sahaya Na Dooja,

So Karaoo Adhari Chinta Hamari Janiya Bhagati Na Pooja,

Jo Bhav Bhay Bhanjan Muniman Ranjan Gunjun Bipati

Barutha,

Man Bach Kram Bani Chaari Sayani Saran Sakal Surjutha

One who created the trinity, (Brahma,Vishnu, Mahesh) without the help of anyone, for no apparent reason. One who became the reason himself, for all the Creation, preservation and destruction. That God, please look at us. We know no bhakti nor puja. He, who is the destroyer of the fear, of life and death, giver of joy to munis, eradicator of evil, with our hearts and souls, we, the group of devtas, have decided to come to pray at your feet.

Sarad Suti Sesha Rishaya Asesha Ja Kahoon Koee Nahin Jana,

Jehi Deen Piyare Ved Pukare Dravahun So Sribhagwana,

Bhav Baridhi Mundar Sab Bidhi Sundar gun Mandir

Sukhpanja,

Muni Sidh Sakal Sur Param Bhayatur Namath Nath Padh

Kanja

Whom, Sarasvati, Vedas, Sheshji and all the rishis do not even know fully. The One who loves the lowly, ( the Vedas have always said that), that same God, please help us. This world is akin, to an ocean and You, are the mighty Mandrachal mountain(churner). You are beautiful and All goodness. Oh Lord! all the devtas, munis, and the wise men bow at your feet.

Knowing, that the devtas and the planet earth were very scared, and hearing their woeful plea, a tender loving voice rang out from the sky.

When, you are saddened, disillusioned or do not know where or whom to turn to, sing this hymn, and then surely, you will have Ram Rajya! JAI HO!

How To Find God!!

As Ravan's power grew, all kinds of evil activity flourished. Instead of respecting the elders, the saints, and the sadhus, on the contrary they were made to serve the rakshas' clan. Shivji in an aside to Parvati, said that people, who have such kind of bad attributes, must be considered to be rakshas at all times.

Feeling the assault on religion, the earth became traumatized and fearful. She realized that she could bear the weight of the mountains, oceans and rivers, but she could not tolerate one person rending the whole world asunder. Still, she could not muster up enough courage to say something to Ravan.

Finally, after much thought, in the disguise of a cow, the earth went to those devtas, who were taking shelter in the caves, and cried her heart out to them. As they were already peeved, and had nothing to offer, all the devtas, munis and gundharvs (celestial bodies) decided to go to Brahma in Satyalok, along with the grief stricken earth. Brahma was expecting them, but, had no solution to their problems either. However, he advised the earth to pray to Shri Hari who was the caretaker of all, for help.

Confusion set in, in their group. They wondered, whether to go to Baikunth/heaven or to Shaishnag (snake) in Sheersagar (ocean) to find Shri Hari to make their request for help.

Jaakey Hridayan Bhagati Asi Preeti

Prabhu Tahain Pragat Sada Tehin Reeti

Whatever kind of bhakti/devotion or love people have for the Lord, He meets them there, in that same tradition.

Shiva was also present in that group of the earth, devtas and munis so, he said to them, that he had something in mind. He told them that he knew for sure that, God is Omnipotent, there is no direction, country, place or time where He is not. He is conquered with love alone, enough to make Him present Himself. Just like fire, which is present everywhere, only a flame can ignite it, similarly God is Omniscient and pure love will make Him appear.

Brahma exclaimed "Sadhu, Sadhu" (true, true) praising Shiva when he heard what he had to say. He was very excited with Shiva's solution. With tears streaming down his cheeks, hair standing on end, with folded hands Brahma started invoking the lord, by singing a hymn.

To bring this scene into perspective, I am reminded of my father, who had a great love for Shri Hari. I can say that with conviction because we used to witness his love for the Lord very frequently. Every morning, before my father went to office, he would go for a morning walk. After a shower, he would sit in meditation in the Puja/prayer room, facing the river Ganges which flowed below our house (it was on a hill). During this meditation (which lasted for an hour or so) we could see Daddy in blissful ecstasy. Very often, we could see his face would be gleaming, with tears flowing down his cheeks. I have this indelible image of him, forever etched in my memory, and my siblings will corroborate this fact. He sat on a deer skin which was spread on a takhat, (hard settee) he wore a dhote (a cotton wrap) and his chest was bare. At this time no matter the Chairman of the company called, my Dad was unavailable. Soon enough people knew, and they did not disturb him at that time. That is the power, God bestows on his true devotees! As soon as he was done, he would get ready in his suit in a flash, have his breakfast of fresh cheese, juice, almonds, porridge and then his chauffeur would drive him to his office.

There are other instances of his divinity, which I promise, I will write about later on. For now, it is sufficient to say, that my family was blessed to see his devotion to God, with their own eyes. Hence, my urge to you today, is, to have that kind of passion for God that my father had, and then we will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!