Tag Archives: prajapati

THE SUMMARY OF RIG VEDA

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Rig Veda is regarded as one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism. It has fascinated scholars and historians due to its significance and antiquity. It is a collection of ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns.

  • The Rigveda is divided into ten books which are known as Mandalas
  • It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns
  • It is the oldest text in any Indo-European language
  • It has originated from early as 1700 BC
  • The Angiras (rishi family) has composed 35% of the hymns and the Kanva family who has composed 25% of Rig Veda.
  • Many verses of the Rig Veda are still used as very significant Hindu prayers and during rituals.
  • It contains numerous secrets and clarifications about the origin of the world, the importance of the Gods and a lot of advice for living a satisfying and successful life.
  • As per the Rig Veda, the Universe was devised from Prajapati, the initial God and the principal basis of creation.
  • The hymns are known as Sukta that were composed to be used in rituals.
  • Indra is the chief deity cited in the Rig Veda.
  • The sky God Varuna, the Fire God Agni, and the Sun God Surya were some of the other chief deities who were important in the Rig Veda besides older Aryan deities.
  • The God of storms and mountains Rudra, as cited in the Rig Veda is the origin of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God.
  • Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trimurti of Hindu Gods was also a minor deity, as mentioned in the Rig Veda.
  • The universally famous Gayatri mantra (Savitri) is also in Rig-Veda.
  • The varna system, Four-fold division of society, ‘Sudra’, Gamester’s Lament, Purusha Shukta Hymns are mentioned in this Vedic text.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

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Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

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Our Publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched in the Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California).

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

MIRAGE

(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)

AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra

(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).

BHAVANS JOURNAL

Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3. Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4. Indica, 15.8.20; 5. The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6. Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9. The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10. Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11. Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12. Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13. Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14. A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15. Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16. Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17. Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18. Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19. Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20. Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25. Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26. The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29. Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34. Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35. When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR;

SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES

ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM: MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN;

BANDRA TIMES, MUMBAI

ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM SPRING, 1.4.23; POEM MOTHER, 1.6.23;

(ALL THE ABOVE BOOK TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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DON’T VISIT ANYONE UNINVITED—SAYS, LORD SHIVA TO HIS WIFE SATI

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    King Prajapati Daksha, father of Sati aka Dakshayani, and father-in-law of Lord Shiva had once organized for a huge ‘yagya’ (divine sacrifice) in Kankhal, a well known pilgrimage centre. His prime motive to organize the function was, to avoid Shiva and Sati, and show them down. Daksha had a big ego. He hated Shiva for some reason, but had married his daughter to him, only on the insistence of Lord Brahma who also happened to be his father. Besides Shiva he had not even invited his daughter Sati for the event. And to demean Shiva further he had cordially invited Lord Vishnu and all the Devtas, in addition to the famous rishis, maharishis, musicians and even scholars.

    Sati learnt about this yagya through a close friend of hers. When, she too, desired to visit her father on the occasion even if it was uninvited. She therefore, asked Lord Shiva if she could visit him on the occasion. But Lord Shiva was unhappy with the sequence of events when he said,

    ‘Sati! People who visit others without being invited face severe humiliations that are even greater than the pain of death. And it is true, that even arrows don’t hurt you, as much as words of your near and dear ones.’

    Upon hearing this Sati got very angry. She said, ‘God what is your enmity with my father and why hasn’t he invited you?’ On this Shiva narrated the episode of the earlier yagya, but Sati was not prepared to listen to him. She said,

    ‘Shambhu without your visiting, the yagya cannot be completed. My stupid father has not invited you for the function. I want to know why, and for that I need to go there. So, please grant me permission. It is only after going there I’ll be able to ascertain how he completes the yagya.’ On hearing this, Shiva gave her the permission, to visit her father, reluctantly.

    All along the yagya Sati was restless about the fact that her husband was not participating in it. King Daksha had kept an eye on her, and when he was not able to bear her restlessness. He reprimanded her in front of all the guests by saying, ‘be in the yagya only if you can be calm and quiet otherwise leave. Your husband is the king of bhoot and prêt. He applies chita ka bhasm and he is also a hasher. He discards veda, akulit and is inauspicious. Because of these reasons I have not invited him for my yagya. I am even shameful of having married you to him.’

    On hearing her husband’s insult Sati got every angry. She said, ‘no one has the right to show his anger at my Lord and master Shiva.’ And it was only then she realized she should have listened to him. Unable to bear the tirade of her father that converted into spiking humiliations she finally entered the yagya and immolated herself.

    Upon learning about the terrible incident, in his extreme wrath Shiva invoked Virbhadra and Bhadrakali by plucking a lock and thrashing it on the ground. Virbhadra and Bhoot ganas marched south and destroyed all the premises. Daksha was decapitated and the yagya shaala was destroyed in the rampage. The Bhootganas celebrated victory, by plucking the beard of ‘Presiding Master’ of the Yagya, sage Bhrigu, as a war souvenir. Daksha was later forgiven and given life by fixing a ram’s (Male Goat’s) head and the yagya was allowed to complete, in the presence of all divinities.

    The story continues with the act of Vishnu pacifying Shiva, who was in deep grief in seeing the half burned corpse of his beloved wife. Vishnu embraced Shiva to pacify him. Shiva unable to part with Sati took her corpse and wandered. The body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi fell in the places Shiva travelled. The places where the body parts of Sati’s corpse fell came to be known as Shakti Peethas

Moral of the story: Had Sati, listened to Lord Shiva and not gone to her father, she wouldn’t have been insulted and as a consequence wouldn’t have immolated herself. And above all, the wide devastation could have been averted.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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                                                       https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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STORY: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN KARMA AND TAPASYA

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THE CORRELATION BETWEEN KARMA AND TAPASYA

   

    It is widely believed that Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life, where one could continue to remain a Hindu even without really practicing it. But when you run through the religious texts it doesn’t say so, that simplistically. In fact, it won’t be a misnomer to say Hinduism is all about good and bad Karma—and ‘Karma’ alone is the essence of Hinduism. While Karma emanates from your mindset, tapasya (prolonged, intense and rigorous form of meditation) is the versatile vehicle of karma that takes you to your goal, and in case of any misdeeds it also acts as the penance, to pull you through tough times. Hence, one could say a ‘Tapasya’ in many ways is only a planned and focused karma.

    If you go through the Hindu texts dispassionately you would find, there were no free lunches, not even for Gods. Everyone had to fight for each specific issue where opponents could not be taken for granted just because someone commanded a superior position, breed, hierarchy or a better brand. And, competitor intelligence then, was a prevalent strategy vital for survival. While one could continue in life, being an average and inactive person. But for a Herculean milestone and phenomenal achievements one had to go in for long and arduous tapasyas where even avatars and Gods were not spared from the drill.

    When Pandavas were exiled from their kingdom, Lord God Krishna advised Arjun to obtain Divyastras (divine weapons of various Gods) as that would have helped Pandavas in the future, while combating the Kauravas. But Divyastras were not available off the shelf, even when Arjun was a very close sakha (friend) of Lord God Krishna. And, for Divyastras, the only way out was to perform rigorous tapasya to please respective Gods to bless him with their weapon, which Arjun did successfully. Specific Devatas (God) had specific powers but, no, one, Devata had all the powers vested in her or him. Devatas on many occasions were even found weaker than asuras and danavs since power and might were never a constant factor, as mentioned in the famous and historic episode of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). So Devatas often had to perform long tapasyas to win over asuras. And asuras too were not behind in this, as they often performed mind boggling tapasyas to obtain vardans (blessings) which they used for destructive purposes.

    Ravan the king of Lanka had done a lifetime of tapasya and was well entrenched, as a tall pundit but his tapasya was not followed by good karma and so all his knowledge went for a waste. So in Hinduism, can not one say both karma and tapasya work in tandem? Good karma with intense tapasya will yield good results, while good karma with intense tapasya followed by bad karma will only dilute the effects of tapasya. And as long as the arch of good karma continues time shall be kind to you.

    Let me also tell you another story. That will give you a flavour of how even Gods had to go in for intense tapasyas for specific events. As, no one had unlimited powers, and how at times they had to be interdependent  on each other to attain self goals by keeping aside their personal egos. And that is why it is said, it is extremely difficult to shoo the ego in us. Every person has his ups and downs in life where karma gives us the flexibility of adjusting to these ups and downs through the prowess of tapasya.

    Once when Lord Brahma (the creator of universe) was narrating a story to Rishi Narad he said,

    Dear Narad! Once when Prajapati Daksh left for Mandirachal Parwat (mountain). I too decided to perform a difficult vrat (a religious practice to carry out certain obligations with a view to achieve divine blessings for fulfillment of certain desires) and started praying to Devi Jagbamba. Wherein, I repeatedly told her in my prayers what I wanted. When Jagdamba was pleased with my vrat she gave me darshan (divine audience). I bowed in respect and said ‘pranam Devi,’ she asked. ‘Tell me Brahman! Why have you been praying so passionately, and tell me soon.’

   On hearing this, I folded my hands and politely said—‘Mother! A God named Rudra who happens to be an avatar (incarnation) of God Sadashiv has insulted me. So, I desire you take the form of Sati (Shiva’s first wife) and destroy his arrogance. Kindly take birth as Prajapati Daksh’s daughter to attract God Sadashiv towards you. Bhagwati! Barring you, there is no one else in this universe with the power to attract him erotically. And in anticipation that you’ll accede to our request, and so very excited to receive you as his daughter, Prajapati Daksh is already underway his intense tapasya in Mandirachal Parwat.

    On my saying so Bhagwati was shocked and surprised beyond words and she even looked worried. When she said—‘what is this, that you are saying Brahma ji? You want me to attract Lord God Sadashiv, and for this malicious job you’re seeking my help. Therefore, in reality whatever you’re doing is only Lord God Sadashiv’s criticism. This is a big mistake. Everyone knows I cannot do anything against God Sadashiv. Tell me, what will I gain by attracting the nirvikalp (that does not have an alternative) God Sadashiv, as I am only like his menial maid. And for the salvation of his devotees only he has taken the avatar of Rudra. Lord God Sadashiv is the undisputed emperor of all the three Lokas. He is also yours, as well as Lord Vishnu’s swami. Even in yoga, he is ahead of both of you. I am indeed astounded to hear this foolish thought coming from you, where Lord Brahma wants to captivate Lord God Sadashiv who happens to be the king of Maya (the supernatural power wielded by Gods and demons) and I am truly dumbfounded at this.’ And after saying this Devi Jagdamba went back to meditation, when she received a message from Lord God Sadashiv that without my blessings nothing happens. With my consent only Sri Brahma and Prajapati Daksh are in intense vrat and meditation. So give them the vardan and take birth in Prajapati Daksh’s family and I’ll accept you. Important: Even Lord God Sadashiv had to seek interpersonal help in a polite manner by requesting Devi Jagdamba.

   After receiving instructions from Lord God Sadashiv, Devi Bhagwati said, ‘Brahma ji—‘its fine. I will try my best, so that Lord God Shiva falls for me, and marries me as his second wife. As such there is no one in the world who can break Lord God Shiva’s concentration and attract him sensually, and even I don’t have this power and capacity. Nevertheless, I will endeavour to attract him after obtaining an avatar to fulfil your desire.’ And after this she disappeared.

    Meanwhile Prajapati Daksh was into deep and rigorous tapasya in Mandirchal Parvat. He kept meditating for three thousand years. In summers he used to meditate in the middle of fire and in severe winters he used to immerse himself in cold water, and in between tapasyas he also obtained proficiency in pranayam.  At last when Bhagwati was happy with his tapasya she gave him darshan.

    Bhagwati Shiva knew everything and so she said to Prajapati Daksh—I’m extremely happy with your tapasya and therefore you can ask for a vardan (blessings). Daksh with folded hands said—Devi! If you are happy with me then you please take birth in my family as my daughter, since Lord God Sadashiv has taken a new avatar in the name of Rudra as Brahma’s son, and there is no one to match him and therefore you need to take an avatar to marry him. Because, in this entire universe there is no other person who can do this. Brahma ji for this very important work has sent me here to Mandirachal Parvat for a long-long tapasya. Now with your attractive maya (illusions) try and attract Lord God Sadashiv and oblige the world. Jagdamba said—‘Tathastu–it will happen in this manner only. From your wife’s womb I shall take birth as your daughter, and to endear Lord God Sadashiv I will do intense tapasya.’ And after saying all this Bhagwati Shiva disappeared as she had a long to-do-list to be completed.

    Karma is the opportunity to do important things in life while tapasya the intense preperation and that alone differentiates between the Devata and the man.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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Short story: WHO IS SUPERIOR?

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

    Once a heated debate started among various organs of the body. As to who is more important and most vital.

    Voice said—‘I’m the most important. It is only because of me that a person can speak.’ When ears started saying—‘If I won’t be there. The body won’t be able to hear anything, and so I’m the most important.’ Mind said—‘If I’m not there. A person will not be able to register and acknowledge anything. Therefore, I’m the superior most.’ Finally, Pran (The breath of life) praised itself and said—‘Well if I don’t amalgamate with the body. It will only collapse and therefore I’m the mightiest.’

    The controversy continued for a long period of time. But no settlement was coming forth. Then one day the Indriyas (feelings & senses) suggested—‘In order to solve the controversy. We should go to Prajapati (Lord of people). He alone would be able to decide who is superior among all of us.’ And, in agreement. The Indriyas approached the Prajapati and narrated the reason for their prolonged controversy and requested—‘Now you only decide for us. Who is the most superior amongst all of us?’

    After thinking for a while Prajapati said—‘Let that organ be the superior most, on whose departing, the body becomes inactive, useless and dead.’

    Everyone, abided by his verdict. First, the voice separated from the body. But the activities of the body continued as normal. After staying away for a year when the voice returned, he thought to himself—‘My absence for a year has had no effect in the body. In fact it is just working like before.’ His face fell and he entered the body again.

    Thereafter, the eyes left the body. In the absence of eyes man could not see. After a year. When, the eyes returned to see the ill effects due to his absence in the man’s body, he thought—‘my absence for a year has not made any significant difference in the man’s body.’ Considering it as self defeat he entered the human body again.

    Now it was ears turn. As planned he too left the body. But after it left the body continued to be the same. The only difference was the person could not hear. And after a year when he returned he was shocked to see. That the man’s body was functioning in the same manner. He asked the person—‘How did you survive without me?’

    ‘Well in the same manner, as a deaf would survive.’ Replied the man.

    Next was the mind. Who departed from the body of the man. After a year when he returned the body replied—‘Dear friend, without the mind. The mental development of the body stopped. But rest of the things continue as usual.’

     Finally, when the Pran decided to leave the body. All the Indriyas started getting a fraught of nervousness. They all began to realize. That till the time there is Pran in the body. They too have their presence and existence. But the moment Pran departs, even they will become useless and dead. Therefore they accepted the superiority of Pran. The strength of Pran resembles the supreme and mighty God. Shastras too have defined supreme God (Parmatma) as Pran.

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