Lakvin

Proud Garuda.

2021-05-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

Proud Garuda story tells about how pride and ingratitude leads us in wrong direction.

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Every god is believed to have his own celestial vehicle. The strong and majestic bird Garuda, carried around Vishnu on his back. He was very proud of this honour because it was he who carried the Lord of the Universe, Vishnu, when he went around conquering the world. As days went by, Garuda was filled with pride. He terrified the snakes and loved to eat them. They were no match for the great bird so they scuttled into holes and corners whenever they saw him coming. Only one powerful snake Mani, the son of Ananta Naga, resented this. He hated living this life in constant terror as Garuda, without any warning, would come and grab the first snake he would spot. Mani Naga was smart enough not to get caught but he also realised that he was no match for Garuda. Finally, Mani Naga decided to pray to Shiva for protection and to make Garuda powerless.

Mani Naga prayed for several days. He put his heart and soul into his prayers. At last Shiva appeared before him, pleased by his sincerity and earnestness. "Well, Mani Naga. I am pleased with you," he said, "What boon would you like to ask of me?". "Please bless me that I may always have your protection. Garuda should not be able to harm me in any way. I am tired of living in constant fear," said Mani Naga. "Very well, it shall be just as you wish. From this moment, you need not fear Garuda any more," pronounced Shiva. Mani Naga heaved a sigh of relief. He was also jubilant as he could now each Garuda lived. Mani Naga moved around defiantly, choosing the most prominent places so that Garuda might see him. Garuda saw him but could not bear this sight. A mere snake defying me, the mighty Garuda! he thought.

"What do you mean by parading in front of me like this, Mani Naga, tossing his hood. "you must be out of your senses! Don't you know that I can gobble you up this instant, in one single mouthful?" "Just try it and see," hissed Mani Naga. Garuda had just finished a huge meal and his stomach was full. He did not feel like eating just then. I cannot allow this creature to be cheeky! he thought. Garuda grabbed Mani Naga by his tail, and locked him up in his room. "I'll have you for my dinner tonight," said Garuda. "That should teach you a lesson!" Poor Mani Naga was terrified, and not know what to do. He did not expect this after being blessed by Shiva. In the meantime, Nandi, Shiva's Vahana, noticed that Mani Naga had not returned home that evening. He went straight to Shiva.

"My Lord," he said, "I am sure Mani Naga is in some danger. He has not returned home that evening. Perhaps Garuda has eaten him up, after all." Shiva closed his eyes for a moment, and saw what had happened. He blamed himself for having forgotten his promise to Mani Naga. "Well, my Lord? What did you see?" asked Nandi. "Mani Naga is not dead, Nandi, but I am afraid Garuda has locked him up in his room.". "What do we do now, my Lord?" asked Nandi, "You know, you had promised to protect him." "Go to Vishnu immediately, and pray to him. When he offers you a boon, ask him for Mani Naga, and bring him along with you", said Shiva. Nandi dashed off to Vishnu's abode and knelt before him in earnest prayer. Vishnu was pleased and Nandi asked him for Mani Naga.

"Very well," said Vishnu, "I shall ask Garuda to release Mani Naga immediately. You can take him back to Kailasa with you." Nandi bowed his head and expressed his gratitude for granting his prayer. Garuda was getting ready to eat his dinner when Vishnu sent for him. "Why have you sent for me at this hour, my Lord?" he asked in an insolent voice. "Garuda, I want you to release Mani Naga at once and let him to go with Nandi," said Vishnu. "Certainly not!" said Garuda . "You know how I enjoy eating snakes. I have captured him and he belongs to me rightfully. "Even then, I am asking you to let him off," said Vishnu. "I shall not let him off," said Garuda in an arrogant tone.

"My Lord, it is not fair that you should ask me to give up what belongs to me. "Vishnu was astonished at Garuda's arrogance. Nandi was also shocked. "Do you know what you are saying, Garuda? I think you are forgetting yourself," Vishnu said sternly. "I am not forgetting myself at all," said Garuda, tossing his head. "It's you, forgetting what you owe me. It is because I carry you everywhere on my back that you are able to go where you please. You are victorious in every battle on my account. You were able to conquer the demons because of me. "Vishnu should have been very angry with Garuda's absurd boasting. But instead, he burst out laughing. "I don't see why you should laugh at my words," said Garuda arrogantly. "What I said is absolutely true."

"Oh well," said Vishnu still laughing, "so I am victorious because of you is it? And I am able to move around because of you?" "Of course...." said Garuda. "Garuda!" cried Nandi, horrified, "What are you saying? How can you even think such a thing? Your pride will destroy you totally if you go on like this. Beg for Vishnu's pardon at once." "Leave Garuda alone, Nandi," Vishnu said in a gentle voice. "I shall deal with him." He turned to Garuda. "Well, Garuda, "he said giving him a searching look, "I do admit that you are very strong. Only a very strong person can possibly carry me. Now, tell me, can you bear the weight of my small toe and nothing else?"

"I don't understand what you mean by that, my Lord," said Garuda amazed, "I carry the whole of you on my back, don't I?" "Very well. Let me rest just my small toe on your back," said Vishnu and placed his small toe on Garuda's back. It's weight squashed Garuda's neck flat in an instant and went right inside Garuda's shoulder. In a moment Garuda was nothing but a twisted lump of feathers. "I am sorry, my Lord," cried Garuda in panic, "Please have mercy on me. I now see how very absurd my pride was. You are the Lord and master. The only power I have is what you choose to bless me with. I realise that now. "Are you quite sure you do?" asked Vishnuu. "Yes, my Lord," cried Garuda in a humble voice.

"I made a grave mistake because my pride made me blind. I can see it all and I am so sorry. Do please forgive me. Just then Goddess Lakshmi appeared, disturbed by the noise. She felt very sorry to see Garuda's crumpled body. "Please forgive Garuda, my Lord,' she pleased. "I am sure he has paid the price of his pride. He must be in great pain. Please give him back his original form. He looks so terrible with his body all twisted up." "Not as yet," said Vishnu firmly. "Pride and ingratitude are two vices. Garuda must learn that this could lead to his ruin. Nandi, take Garuda and Mani Naga to Shiva. Garuda will get back his original form only if he succeeds in pleasing Shiva with his prayers." Nandi took both of them to Kailasa and narrated the incident to Shiva.

Garuda began praying to Shiva and begged for his mercy. Shiva finally felt sorry for him and said, "Go and take a dip in the Gautami Ganga. You will get back your original body. But do not ever forget what happens to people who are proud and ungrateful." Garuda thanked Shiva and rushed to the celestial river. He jumped into the water and when he rose, he felt as strong, powerful and handsome as ever. Garuda really learnt his lesson. From then on, he never allowed pride to go to his head ever again!

The Story of Vedavati Devi.

2021-05-13T08:54:00.002-07:00

Vedavati was born in a family of two rishis, Dharmadwaja and Khushadwaja. They were impassioned enthusiasts of Devi Lakshmi. The birth of a girl child by the wife of Kushadwaj was promising to such an extent that were reciting and recounting vedas all around at the hour of her birth thus she was named Vedavati. This Vedavati was really manifestation of Devi Lakshmi. She grew up as a youngster with the sole longing and reason to wed Vishnu Deva. She began performing retributions for it. One day a voice repeated in sky and reported to her that she will achieve her objective of wedding Shri Vishnu in his next symbol and for the time being she can quit doing any further penance.

Anyway Vedavati was resolved to her objective and she began performing more enthusiastically. While she was under her repentances, she has a guest who was hypnotized by her ethereal magnificence rather than immaculateness of expectations in the neighborliness offered by her. He creates enthusiastic contemplations for her and attempted to place it into the demonstration!. This angers Vedavati and under her tapas yogic force she reviles this man that he and his whole family will one day be destroyed for her sake. She leaves her body with her yogic power. The Vedavati of unadulterated character accepts rebirth as Sita, the spirit of Vedavati had accomplishes by marring Vishnu's manifestation - Shri Ramma.

She had no remembrance of her previous life of her penance as Vedavathi for when the torment closes in progress the torments are not then felt by any means. However, all incredible Time is irresistable and makes the soul total every single longing, guaranteed and reason. Shri Rama needed to go to woods, Sita gets Kidnapped by Ravana which is a similar man who wanted Vedavati and acquired her revile because of which Sita in the end turns into the justification annihilation of whole group of Ravana. In any case, it is had faith in Bhagvatham that before capture of Sita, Lord Agni had effectively cautioned Shri Ram and he requested that Ram give over his Sita in is protected and keep the Chaya Sita. By the Yogic force Lord Agni made Maya Sita precisely same as genuine Sita.

Rama's heart was broken however he never talked about this to Lakshman too. He actually bemoaned for Maya Sita when she captured and protects her by making a great epic Ramayana. At the point when Sita's ordeal by fire came, Lord Agni gave over the genuine Sita to Shri Rama and afterwards Maya Sita requested the reason from her life to Shri Rama and Lord Agni, Shri Rama proposed her to perform tapasaya at Puskara and with her cut off compensation again she rised to paradise as Swarga Lakshmi, this Swarga Laskhmi showed up from the scarificial Kunda and was known as Yagnaseni Draupathi.

She was Vedavati in satya yuga, Sita in Treta yuga and existed as Draupathi in Dwapar yuga. She is Trihayani one who existed in every one of the three yugas. Thus the character and numerous day to day routines experienced by Devi Laskhmi is a transporter of reality passed on by Shri Krishna in Bhagavath Gita. Shri Krishna, an avtaram of Shri Vishnu and his adored partner Devi Laskhmi took humanly births in each age spreading the ageless truth that body changes to accomplish various purposes and points of life however soul - atman keeps on leftover steady and consistent.

The course of fate appointed by time is non-stopable. Despite the fact that Devi Sita or Draupathi was a 'Jathismarah' (who thoroughly understands her previous existences) she doesn't let those encounters and feelings interfear with choices/activities of her each birth and rather allow unfurling arrangement of occasions which steadily ended that life towards its motivation fulfillment of 'Atma' converging with 'Paramathma'.

Sri Ramma Anjaneya Yudam(War).

2021-05-11T06:45:00.003-07:00

Ramma Anjaneya Yudam(War) is a war that happens between Lord Rama and lord Anjaneya which tells us that devotion is always stronger than Power.

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Lord Rama reurned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. At Ayodhya he was going to be crowned as a King. Lord Siva acclaims Anjaneya's dedication towards Sri Rama when Goddess Parvathi contends that the Power is the essential power of nature which is more noteworthy than the Devotion. Parallelly, Kasi King Yayati an extraordinary aficionado of Rama, couldn't go to the function, yet Rama adulates him in the fantasy. Parvathi needs to test Yayati, thus, she sends Maya the deception to demonstrate that force is more noteworthy than commitment.

Maya sends wild creatures into the Kasi Kingdom, Yayati murders them and shoots a weapon at Maya. Scared, Maya transforms into Matangakanya, enters Sapta Rushi Ashram and requests an exoneration of Maharshi Vishwamitra, when, the weapon murders her. Vishwamitra gets enraged, going to revile Yayati when Sage Narada forestalls and sends Yayati away. Narada discloses to Vishwamitra that the guilty party should be rebuffed by the sovereign, in this way, Vishwamitra orders Rama to give capital punishment to Yayati.

Troubled Rama sends Bharata, Yayati submits to his request and moves towards Ayodhya. Shantimati spouse of Yayati alongside youngsters likewise begins to argue Seta. Presently Parvathi feels pleased that she has demonstrated Power is more grounded than Devotion. However, Siva makes a characteristic disaster where in Yayati, Bharata and Shantimati get isolated. In those tropical storm winds, Yayati arrives up at Anjanadevi Ashram who gives him the gift of undeniable life. In any case, he answers that his fate is diverse then she calls her child Anjaneya when he takes a pledge on Rama that he will keep up his mom's assertion.

Subsequent to knowing reality, he falls however chooses not to leave his pledge. Lord Siva salvages Shantimati, leaves her at Ayodhya and the youngsters are taken consideration by Sage Vashista. Discovering that, Anjaneya conflicted with him Rama's heart separates. From that point forward, Anjaneya sends Angada as a messenger to Rama yet he denies pardon except if Anjaneya discharges Yayati. In the interim, Narada and Siva clarifies Anjaneya in the event that he was unable to keep his pledge it is an affront to his Lord, along these lines, he prepares for war.

In the long run, Rama likewise moves to the combat zone where he experiences Anjaneya. After certain contentions, Rama utilizes his bolt Ramabanam and Anjaneya his reverential reciting Sriramanamam which intrigue with one another and prompts general annihilation. In the interim, Shantimati truly petitions Goddess Parvathi, to which she softens and comprehends that dedication is more prominent than power.

At last, Lord Siva and Parvathi show up, stop the fight by saying that every one of these was a illusion to demonstrate the Power of Devotion when Vishwamitra likewise excuses Yayati. Lord Shiva says that Srirama's chanting and Srirama's arrow will revolve around the universe to protect the wise and destroy the evil.

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How Narada Became a Wanderer

2021-05-10T07:24:00.005-07:00

Sage Narada holds an important place in Indian mythology. He is a great scholar of arts and the veena playing musician for gods. A wanderer who roams freely across both heaven and earth, he is often seen as the messenger oh Vishnu. The word Nara means knowledge and Da is 'one who gives'. So, Narada means a person who passes on knowledge and guides those who seek his advice along the path of right. In this story Narada will be cursed by a Sage and becomes a wanderer.

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Narada in most of the the purana stories, appears as a scholar but is also a bundle of playing mischief and he just loves dramas. He sometimes discloses the secrets of gods, demons as well as human beings to those who need not know about these. It sometimes leads to misunderstandings and quarrels between them and this is why Narada is often described as 'one who enjoys quarrels'. Despite his mischievous nature, all gods, demons and human beings, love him. His ultimate aim is to bring about justice so that the good are rewarded and the bad punished.

Narada is always on the move and never stays in one place for long. This interesting story in the puranas tells us why he became a wanderer. Long, long ago there lived a prosperous man named Dakshabrahma. He looked forward to the time when they would group up and help him in his work and finally get married and head lead happy lives. But he realised that mere material comfort was not the only important for the wholesome development of his sons. So he called his sons and spoke to them seriously about how they planned to lead their lives.

"What would you like us to do, father?" asked his sons. "I'd like you to gain some spiritual knowledge without which no one can truly grow," said Dakshabrahma. "So, my sons, first go and do penance. Pray to god so that he gives you true knowledge. After that you will return home. That will be the time for you to get married and lead a normal family life."

"very well, father'" agreed the obedient sons. "Where should we go for our tapasya?". "The Himalayas. No one is likely to disturb you there, and you can concentrate on your prayers." Dakshabrahma's sons left for the Himalayas. They found an appropriate place for meditation along the bank of a crystal clear lake, the Narayana Saras. They were soon deep into meditation. This was when Narada happened to pass by and saw them praying. He was curious to known why a group of young boys had left their home and had come to the Himalayas to pray.

"Who are you?" he asked them. "We are Dakshabrahma's sons," they replied. "What are you doing in the Himalayas?" asked Narada. "Our father asked us to come and pray here," said the eldest. "We shall return home after we have acquired true knowledge." And what do you plan to do afterwards?" asked Narada curiously.

"Start our work, get married, of course. And lead the life of a householder," said the boys. Narada looked them up and down. Well, here's my chance to have some fun he thought mischievously. Turning again to the boys, he said, "Dear boys, what a very foolish thing to do". "What do you mean?"they asked in surprise. "Marriage brings about trouble and problems galore. Why do you wish to be bothered with such things? At the end of your tapasya, you will realise the glories of celestial life. And that is the only thing that will give you true happiness.

"I can't think why your father wants you to get trapped into married life. Escape from it while you still have a chance," he went on. "Think only of the god and aspire for eternity," he emphasised. "Do you really mean all this?" asked the boys, surprised. "Of course I do. You are all intelligent, and look at me, have I also not made the choice? I have never allowed thought of marriage to cross my mind, it's sheer waste of energies" he added. "Just think about what I have told you, and decide for yourselves" said Narada. He laughed to himself as he continued with his journey.

Narada's words had a tremendous impact on the minds of Dakshabrahma's sons. They took a solemn vow never to get married. When Dakshabrahma sent for them, they refused to return. "We have decided to spend the rest of our life in spiritual quest," they informed their father. Dakshabrahma was greatly upset by their decision. He was looking forward to getting them married and having them and their families with him. Now he called his younger sons.

"Children, before doing anything else, go and do penance. Pray to god so that he gives you true knowledge. After that you may return home, get married and lead a normal family life. It is your duty to return and help me in my old age and help the family continue," he advised. The younger sons promised to follow his advice. Once in the Himalayas for their penance, Narada noticed them and approached the brothers. He repeated the same sermon that he had given to the older brothers. The younger sons felt exactly as their brothers. The younger sons felt exactly as their brothers had felt earlier. They also took a vow not to marry and intended take up the path of renunciation. When Dakshabrahma came to known about this, he was very upset indeed. This time he also got to know who had influenced his sons.

Livid with anger, Dakshabrahma faced Narada. "Why did you mislead my young son's ?" he asked Narada. "I wanted them to marry and settle down, and be near me when I grow old. "Because I felt it was the right thing to do," Narada replied. "But it was none of your business you interfered quite unnecessarily," cried Dakshabrahma. "I shall not tolerate this. I will curse you," shouted Dakshabrahma.

"Since you did not let my sons settle down, I curse you that you shall never settle down either henceforth, you shall be a perpetual wanderer, travelling between heaven and earth. You will not be able to rest in peace in one place".

"Dakshabrahma, it shall be as you wish," said Narada. He did not seem upset really. Dakshabrahma's curse came to pass and that is why sage Narada turned into a constant wanderer. He is still believed to be wandering somewhere between the heaven and the earth.

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Rukmini Kalyanam

2021-05-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

Rukmini Kalyanam is a story of Krishna marrying Rukmini. This story is usually a good start for a boy and a girl who are about to get married. Chanting the mantra's and poem's helps us to be on the right path.

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Long time ago there was a kingdom called Vidarbha and it was Ruled by a king named Bishmaka. The king Bishmaka had six children named Rukmi, Rukmadu, Rukma Bahudu, Rukma Keshudu, Rukmi Mali and Rukmini. Rukmini was the youngest daughter to Bishmaka. Rukmini was also considered as the incarnation of goddesses Lakshmi so Rukmini was a devote of lord Vishnu from her childhood, whoever comes to the palace to see Bishmaka they told many stories about Lord Krishna and his courage's acts, Rukmini decided that only Lord Krishna should be her husband but Rukmini's elder brother Rukmi had enmity with Krishna and was againt to their marriage. Rukmi is not good in nature he had friendship with all bad guys and Rukmi wanted Rukmini to marry Shishupala one of his friend. Bishmaka also wanted Rukmini to get married to Krishna since Rukmi was against it he could not do anything. In the other hand Krishna also heard about Rukmini's beauty and intelligence and he also wanted to marry Rukmini., but Rukmini's brother had fixed the marriage with Shishupala and all the arrangements were being done for the wedding at that time Rukmini called one of her trust worthy friend who was a brahmin to give a letter to Krishna secretly. As for the request made by Rukmini the brahmin left the palace and went to Dwaraka and handed the letter to Krishna. After receiving the letter Krishna read in which Rukmini had written that her brother Rukmi is getting her married to Shishupala and she doesn't want to marry him and she would marry only Krishna. She wanted Krishna to defeat Shishupala and take her away with him, she had also written that "if you are hesitating to kill who are guarding me at the palace then I can suggest you a solution to take me away from here, on the wedding day I would come to visit Bhavani temple at that time you come and take me from there. If you do not come to take me I would think only about you and leave my life". After reading the letter sent by Rukmini, Krishna felt very happy and took his soldiers to Vidarbha. When Rukmini was coming back from the temple Krishna came and took her away in his chariot, seeing all this Rukmi, Shishupala and his friends went to stop Krishna and there was a war between them, Krishna defeated all of them and held them as captives. As for the Rukmini's request Krishna did not kill Rukmi but he insulted Rukmi by shaving half of his hairs and mustache and let him go. Later Krishna took Rukmini to Dwaraka and had a very grand wedding.

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Gajendra Moksham

2021-05-07T08:17:00.010-07:00

Gajendra Moksham is a story of an elephant king (Gajendra) who was caught by a crocodile (Makara) in the river, and the elephant king prays to Lord Vishnu to save him. When you read this story or hear this story, you will not get any bad dreams and you get your wishes fulfilled and blessed with prosperity.

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In the Palla Samudram (Milky Ocean), there was a mountain called Thrikutam. This mountain consists of gold, silver, and many other precious metals. There were a lot of beautiful trees and rivers flowing in the mountain where the gods and goddesses live with all kinds of animals and birds. One day, a herd of elephants were moving around and enjoying the nature. When in herd, elephants had an attitude to not fear for anything such as thunder, lightening, etc. All other animals would fear and run for their life at the sight of elephant herd. When this herd of elephants were enjoying the view of nature and moving, one of the elephants in the herd was enjoying the nature too much and did not notice that the herd was moving and lost its way. After some time, it realized that it was not with the herd and started looking for its herd here and there. Even after searching for quite some time, it did not find its herd and it started feeling very thirsty, so it started searching for water. After a long strenuous search, the elephant found a river which was very scenic. It drank the water until it felt full and satisfied. After drinking the water, it started playing in the river splashing the water with its trunk. The sound of water was so loud that it caught the attention of a nearby crocodile (Makara). The crocodile was very hungry and was very happy to find such a big animal and wanted to kill it and eat it for lunch. The crocodile slowly moved closer to the elephant and suddenly attacked it by catching one of the legs of the elephant with its powerful jaw. With the unexpected surprise attack, elephant was taken aback and tried to fight back the crocodile with all its might. Both the crocodile and elephant fought for many hours, but the crocodile never let the elephant free and was tightening its grip on the elephant’s leg causing extreme pain. In the process, elephant started to lose all its hope of winning over the crocodile. Finally, the elephant started praying to god. “Dear god, you, the creator of this universe and galaxies, please rescue me from this situation. I am unable to bare the pain that the crocodile is imposing on me.” After repeated prayers, elephant was wondering if its prayers were really reaching the god, and it is, then why does he not see its suffering and come quickly for its rescue. By now, the elephant lost all its strength to fight against the crocodile, but continues to pray, and it firmly believed that no one else other than Lord Vishnu could help it to come out of the present situation. Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntam along with goddess Lakshmi hears the crying prayers of the elephant, and he orders Garuda the bird king to take him to the elephant (Gajendra). In a hurry, Lord Vishnu leaves behind his weapons like Shanku and Chakra and rushes to help the elephant. Lord Vishnu does not even notice that he was holding goddess Lakshmi's hand and does not observe anything that is around him. He was able to hear only the crying prayers of the elephant. As soon as Lord Vishnu reached the place where the elephant was, he beheaded the crocodile (Makara) and freed the elephant from its suffering in an instant. Lord Vishnu touched the elephant with his hands gently and the pain and suffering of the elephant went away instantly. Gajendra and Makara were actually cursed and were in the form of elephant and crocodile due to the karma in their past life. With the presence of Lord Vishnu, they both were freed from their curses.

This story tells us about how Lord Vishnu comes rushing to help his devotees by their call and helps them out from their suffering every time.

Thank you for reading the story.