AArsha Vani(Voice of Sanatana Dharma)

December 2015 Volume: 1 Issue: 11

“māsānāṁ mārgaśīrṣoham” Upcoming Pravachanams

‘Margasirsha month is very auspicious. Sri Date: Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2015 6:00PM
Krishna Himself mentioned in Sri Bhagavad Topic: "Sri Krishna Soundarya Lahari"
Venue: Rajahmundry.
Gita, ‘I am the month of Margasirsha’. During
Date: Dec 12 –18, 2015;10:30AM, 6:30PM
the period of Mahabharata, Margasirsha was Topic: "Srimad Bhagavatha Saptaham"
the first month of the year. In Ramayana, this Venue: Guntur.
month is stated as crest jewel of the year. This Date: Dec 20, 2015 7:00PM
month is like the ‘Brahmi’ time of the year. Topic: "Vaikuntha Ekadasi Pravachanam"
Venue: Moulali, Hyderabad.
During this month meditation, fasting and
Date: Dec 21, 2015 5:00PM
early morning worship grants effective Topic: "Mukkoti Ekadasi Pravachanam"
results. Puranas mention that abhishekam to Venue: Nandigama.
Siva and archana with Lotus flowers fulfills Date: Dec 22, 2015 6:15PM
ones wishes. Siva Purana mentions that Siva Topic: "Ardhanareeswara Tatvam"
Parvathi Kalyanam happened on the Margasirsha Somavar. On Margasirsha Venue: Kondapur, Hyderabad.
Date: Dec 30, 2015–Jan 5, 2016 6:00PM
Suddha Trayodashi, Hanuman had the first darshan of Mother Sita. Devotees
Topic: "Siva Mahimna Sthavam"
observe Hanuman vratam on this day. Lord sang the celestial song ‘Sri Bhagavad Venue: Tenali.
Gita’ on Margasirsha Suddha Ekadashi venerated as ‘Gita Jayanti’ day. (For details visit http://rushipeetham.org/ Event Calendar )

Margasirsha Pournima is celebrated as Sri Dattatreya Jayanti. Special worship is Major Festivals
done to Lord Dattatreya on this day. When Sun enters into Sagittarius, this is
Dhanurmasa Begins : Dec 16, 2015
called ‘Dhanur’ masa. Gopikas performed Katyayani vrata to attain the state of
 Worship Godadevi, Sri Ranganatha by
‘Advaita’ with Sri Krishna during this month. Sri Godadevi worshipped with great performing Margali Vrat; Sing Tiruppavai &
devotion and got married to Sri Ranganatha. Waking up before sunrise and Tiruvembavai from this day.
singing the praises of God is part of traditional worship. It is customary to sing Subrahmanya Shashti : Dec 17, 2015
one pasuram from Tiruppavai composed by Godadevi everyday, in praise of Lord  Worship Subrahmanya; Fasting is
auspicious.
Krishna. Equally important is reading ‘Tiruvembavai’ describing the leelas of Vaikunta Ekadasi/Gita Jayanti: Dec 21,2015
Lord Siva, composed by Manikya Vachakar at Arunachalam. Dhanurmasa  Worship Lord Narayana; Read Bhagavad
Ekadashi is the foremost for those observing Ekadashi vratam. This is eulogized Gita. Fasting is auspicious.
as ‘Mukkoti Ekadashi’ or ‘Vaikuntha Ekadashi’. On this day the ‘Uttara Dwara’ Hanumdvrata: Dec 23, 2015
 Worship Hanuman for Karya Siddhi.
(Northern gateway) to Vaikuntha opens. ‘Uttara’ connotes paramount
Dattatreya Jayanthi : Dec 24, 2015
significance. Nothing is preeminent in this universe than true knowledge about  Dattatreya puja and smarana.
the Supreme. Opening of Uttara Dwara signifies the awakening of knowledge
within, to experience God. ' – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma. Traditions-Fulfilments
(Adapted from multiple sources) Bahulashtami in Margasirsha,
Sadhu Vachanam Pushya, Magha and Phalguna are
auspicious. Any activities performed to
“To enquire ‘Who am I that is in bondage?’ and to know one’s real nature is alone
satisfy celestials and departed ancestors
Liberation. To keep the mind constantly turned within and to abide thus in the Self,
shall have long lasting effect and yield
is alone Atma-vichara (Self-enquiry), whereas dhyana (meditation) consists in
great results. - Sri Bhagavata Purana
fervent contemplation of the Self as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being-Consciousness-Bliss)."
- Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. Recite the sloka below to get rid of
th
(December 30 is Bhagavan’s birthday) grief and earn fame and protection.
Bharateeyam dūrīkr̥ta sitārti
“The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of prakaṭīkr̥ta rāma vaibhava spūrti: ॥
endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive dārita daśamukha kīrti:
summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is puratō mama pātu hanumatō mūrti: ॥
subject not only to India, but to all of humanity.” - Aldous Huxley.
Spiritual Quest
(Answers by Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)
Why Lord Krishna chose Bhishma who is suffering from pain to teach Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, despite the presence
of many Brahmarshis or when He Himself could do?
Good question. Bhishma had the same question. Lord told Bhishma, “Your life is an exemplary example of one who
scrupulously followed scriptures. Hence, you are an ‘Acharya’ - one who demonstrated how to live by example. Also,
within a family it is the primary duty of the older generation to definitely pass on Dharma to the younger generation.
You are the grandsire of Yudhisthira. Hence, you are the most apt person.”
‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
 śrī dattaśśaraṇaṁ mama ṣaṇmukha - ṣaṭ
In this Kali Yuga, when all the Dharmas are disappearing and there is
confusion about the direction of duty, worship of Sri Dattatreya has become
even more significant. Sri Dattatreya is the embodiment of universal Guru,
who liberates devotees by connecting them with the yogic path, while
fulfilling all their dharmic mundane desires. He bestowed grace on
Kartaveerya and others in a similar fashion.
When nature free of jealousy (Anasuya, Mother of Dattatreya) unifies with
power of penance that is beyond Sattva, Rajas & Tamas (Atri, Father of
Dattatreya), Lord the very embodiment of Trinity dedicates Himself to that
unification. Another meaning of ‘Datta’ is one who gave Himself. It is not
possible to get God’s grace without Guru’s grace. Sri Datta is the combination
of Guru & God. His grace is nothing but compassion of both God and Guru.
Incarnation of Sri Datta happened many times even before He manifested to
Atri & Anasuya. Sage Samkruti earnestly sought to seek the supreme truth
and performed great penance in Naimisha forest. Sri Dattatreya willed to
grant mankind great knowledge about Yoga. He manifested Himself before
Samkruti as sitting under the shade of mango tree in lotus flower posture 1. Per space, Subrahmanya is the form of
with His vision concentrated on the center Siva and Shakti pervading in all the six
spot between the eyebrows and His hands directions.
at the center of both thigs in Yogic posture. 2. Subrahmanya is the 'Form of Time'
As a Guru, He preached that the ultimate spread across the six seasons.
purpose of Yoga is the attainment of the 3. Subrahmanya is the lord of Devasena and
Supreme, but not worldly sustenance and Valli. Devasena represents ‘Five Indriyas’
mundane pleasures. Sri Datta is also and Valli represents ‘Prana Shakti'. Hence,
worshipped in the form of ‘Child’. Subrahmanya is the commander of the six
The philosophy behind the form of Sri centers of energy within every being.
Dattatreya is -
4. Subrahmanya is the unified form of Siva
1. Body radiating light of camphor –
and Shakti. Siva has five faces representing
Embodiment of knowledge and ‘Being-
Panchabhutas. Shakti has one face
Existence-Bliss’ (Sat-Chit-Ananda) that is
representing nature. Hence he is six faced.
devoid of any attributes.
2. Matted hair – Though He is the personification of Trinity, His hair is 5. Subrahmanya is the personification of
matted, symbolizing the philosophy of Yoga. the Vedic mantra - 'Agni Shomatmakam'.
3. Wearing tiger skin – This is a sign of renunciation, meditation, and the state Agni is Siva denoted by upward triangle
of Samadhi in penance. with three facets and Shoma is Shakti
4. Cow – Cow represents Mother Earth, Dharma, Vedas and sensory organs. denoted by downward triangle with three
Dattatreya lives only where there is Dharma. Also, cow signifies the wish facets. The combined form has six facets,
fulfilling celestial cow Kamadhenu. During this troubled times of cow denoting Subrahmanya.
protection, if one seeks refuge in Dattatreya, He certainly shall protect cows 6. The mahamantra for Subrahmanya is
and Dharma. shadakshari containing six letters.
5. Dogs – Four Vedas encompass Dattatreya in the form of dogs. They are the ‘śa ra va ṇa bha va’
form of forces that observe and protect, those who seek refuge in Dattatreya Margasirsha Suddha Shashti is Lord
from straying away from the righteous path. They always stay as companions Subrahmanya’s birthday.
and provide guidance to those who follow Dharma.
-Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
6. Smearing with Vibhuti – Spreading Vibhuti all over the body symbolizes
(Adapted from ‘Subrahmanya Tatvam’ - Houston, TX 2015)
renunciation, simplicity and causation for merger.
7. Disc & Conch – Sudarsana disc is the energy signifying the time beyond the three states (past, present and future).
Conch is the energy signifying the sound of ‘Pranava’.
8. Akshamala – This not only symbolizes the energy of letters, but also preaches to the universe to practice recitation of
Lord’s name.
Sri Dattatreya’s form represents the harmony among all the Gods. He preached the philosophy of Tripurasundari (‘Tripura
Rahasyam’) to Parasurama. ’śrī dattaśśaraṇaṁ mama’ is the mahamantra of Sri Dattatreya. His name gives courage to
those who have faith in Him. He is ‘Smartrugami’ – graces those who just think of Him.

"smartr̥gāmī śrī gurudatta: śaraṇāgatōsmi tvāṁ | tvaṁ bhak tavatsala: bhakta tāraka: bhakta rakṣaka:
dayāghana: bhajanapriya: tvaṁ patita pāvana: | karuṇākara: bhavabhaya hara:
dīnē ārtē mayi dayāṁ kuru | tava ēkamātra dr̥ṣṭikṣēpaṁ duritakṣaya karaka:
hē bhagavan! varada dattātrēya | māmuddhara! māmuddhara! māmuddhara! " - śrī datta atharvaśīrṣaṁ

‘Sree Guru Datta! Bhagavan! You are the one who grace those who just think of You. O the bestower of boons! Dattatreya!
I seek refuge in You. You love, ferry and protect your devotees. You are an ocean of compassion! You like devotional
singing. You lift the crest fallen. You dispel the mundane fears of this worldly existence. Please look at me atleast once
with Your compassionate vision. Destroy all my sins and lift me.’
– SVSN Sarma.
‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
 acalaṁ - aruṇaṁ - aruṇācalaṁ
Parameswara is venerated as ‘Light’ or popularly as ‘Jyotirlinga’ in our tradition. The omniscient Lord, one who has neither
beginning nor end, playfully manifesting Himself as gigantic heap of effulgence reemphasizes that He is ‘Light’. Puranas
mention that this divine sport of Siva happened at Arunachala. After Mahadeva Himself made Brahma and Vishnu realize
the supreme truth in the form of huge fire pillar, it transformed into a massive mountain. Some scriptures describe that
this mountain appears only as ‘Light’, ‘Golden mountain’, ‘Silver mountain’ and ‘Stone mountain’ in Krita, Treta, Dwapara
and Kali yuga respectively. Many spiritual practitioners experienced this
mountain as heap of gargantuan radiance, though it is not directly visible to our
eyes. Arunachala is famous as one among the five ‘Linga’ pilgrimage centers,
popularly known as ‘Agni Linga’ (Siva Linga representing the element Fire).
Details about Arunachala reveal that Siva is present here in three forms – 1.
Mountain 2. Linga 3. Invisible Dakshinamurti. Any spiritual practices performed
here attain perfection. Hence, this is known as ‘Siddha Kshetra’. This place has
great significance for sadhakas after Himalayas and Srisailam. Saiva traditions
and Dravidian culture gave utmost importance to Arunachala. Magnificent
temple structure is a towering testimony to Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage. This dominion is Arunchaleswara’s
divine kingdom. He reigns here along with His consort known as ‘Apita Kuchamba’, and many other deities. Historically
also, many sages such as Mangayyar, Sanipatra Swami, Dakshinamurti Swami (also known as Arunachala Swami), Ammani
Ammayyar, Irai Swamigal, Guhi Namassivayyar etc. made this sacred place as their epicenter to guide mankind towards
virtue. Recently, Arunachala attained universal fame due to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. The very name ‘Arunachala’
is astonishing. This is made up of two words – ‘Achala’ meaning one which can’t move, ‘Aruna’ meaning red light. Light
permeates denoting energy. One who radiates this light is Parameswara or Parabrahma, the supreme Lord. ‘Lamp’ does
not move but ‘Light’ spreads all around. This universe is ‘Arunachala’ wherein the Lord does not move but His Light
(Parashakti) spreads everywhere. That’s why Mother of the universe is worshipped as ‘Arunam Karuna Tarangitakshim’.
Siva’s energy is the Light that emanates from Him. There is no difference between the two. His light is the compassion
that is the beacon and providing sustenance for entire universe. This light pervades the entire cosmos also. One of the
names in Sri Lalita Sahasram, ‘Nijaaruna Prabhapura Majjad Brahmanda Mandala’ connotes the same meaning.
‘Arunachala’ is the unified form of Siva and Shakti. Puranas clarified that this mountain is the immovable form of ‘Sri
Chakra’. Those who worship with this consciousness are sure to obtain grace of Siva and Shakti. Sri Ramana Maharshi
venerated this mountain as the solidified form of the ‘Ocean of Lord’s compassion’ and encouraged everyone to do
circumambulation to this mountain, mentioning that itself is a great Yagna. ‘Arunachala Siva’ is a great mantra. Just
remembrance of ‘Arunachala’ (Smaranat Arunachalam) gives liberation. This sacred place served as an inspiration to many
Nayanar saints. My humble prostrations to ‘Arunachala’, the very name which is pregnant with universal truth and
unification of Siva and Shakti! – Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma
(Courtesy: ‘Nadi’ magazine, Dec’ 12)

śrī viṣṇu sahasra nāma stōtraṁ

‘Sri Vishnu Sahasranama’ is not just eulogy or beautiful rendition of Sri Vishnu’s multitudinous names. Few dimensions of
this exalted hymn are as follows –
1. This hymn is pregnant with Vedanta philosophy. Hence, this is the ultimate repository of knowledge about Brahman.
2. Lord’s many manifestations and leelas elucidated in this stotra makes one’s eyes moist with tears of love and devotion.
3. All the forms of God revealed in Vedas find a mention in this hymn propounding that the omnipresent God is one.
4. Entire stotra presents an astonishing connection. It flows eloquently like a continuous stream and reminisces a large
garland of mellifluous names of Vishnu.
5. Many namas in this stotra begin with letter ‘Va’. ‘Va’ denotes
‘Amruta’ tattva – nature of immortality. Devout reading of this
hymn with surrender grants immortality here and hereafter,
without a doubt.
6. These namas are the phonetic forms of Vishnu. Entire hymn is
the sound form of Narayana. Earnest reading and listening of this
stotra cures all diseases and provides relief from any malefic
planetary influences. Ayurveda treatises such as Charaka Samhita
corroborate this fact.
7. Many scriptures promulgate this stotra’s preeminence. Sri Adi
Shankara’s treatise substantiates this fact.
8. Daily recitation of this stotra with total concentration and absolute faith fulfills all mundane desires, increases
intellectual capacity and ultimately grants infinite joy and peace.
(Excerpts from ‘Sri Vishnu Vidya’ by Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma)

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

 śiva jñānaṁ
– Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.

Siva Yogam
Part2
Worship of Siva is rampant from the shores of the ocean to the tip of Himalayas. Vedas, Vedantic treatises, Puranas,
Agamas, literary works, dharma scriptures elaborated the philosophy of Siva in multiple dimensions.
“nama śśambhavē ca mayōbhavē ca - namaśśaṅkarāya ca mayaskarāya ca - namaśśivāya ca śivatarāya ca”
Hymns from Veda extolled that supreme Lord with three divine names – ‘Sambhu, Sankara and Siva’.
‘ēkō rudrō na dvitīyāyatasthu:’ – All-pervading Lord is mentioned as Rudra, who is unparalleled and the one reality.
“Siva, Maheswara, Mruda, Hara, Rudra, Mrityunjaya, Mahadeva, Pasupati, Sadasiva” – Unique names like this are
proclaiming the supreme eminence of Sadasiva. Not only scriptures mention that ‘Siva Yogam’ is supremely great, but
also the extensive prevalence of many traditions such as Kashmira Saivam, Suddha Saiva Siddhantam, Veera Saivam,
Paasupatam, Misra Saivam etc. all across Bharat subscribe to this viewpoint.
jñānaṁ śivamayaṁ śaivī bhakti: dhyānaṁ śivātmakam। śivārcanā śivavrataṁ śivayōgō hi pan̄ cadhā ||
1. Siva Gnanam (Knowledge about Siva) 2. Siva Bhakti (Devotion towards Siva) 3. Siva Dhyanam (Meditation on Siva) 4.
Siva Archana (Worship of Siva) 5. Siva Vratam (Observance about Siva) … These five are Yogas of Siva. One who observes
these is Siva Yogi.
‘Siva’ word has many astounding definitions.
1. ‘Siva’ means prosperity, welfare, benevolence, auspiciousness… these are some of the primary meanings.
2. The true reality of ‘Turiya’ (Fourth state) that can be experienced only in the state of meditation that is beyond the
three states of wake, dream and sleep (Jagrut, Swapna and Sushupti) is Siva. “prapan̄ cōpaśamaṁ śāntaṁ śivaṁ
advaitaṁ caturdhaṁ man'yantē sa ātmā savijñēya:” Mandukya Upanishad clarified that ‘Siva’ is the embodiment
of Truth-Existence-Bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda) belonging to the turiya nature. Supreme Siva tattva (philosophy) is the
fourth plane beyond the three Gunas (qualities).
3. Tranquility is Siva. The supreme abode state of serenity, quietude and peace is Siva. ‘Achala, Sthanu’ – these names
of Siva connote the same meaning.
4. Agamas mention ‘ādita: pariśud'dhatvāt malatraya viyōgata: । śiva ityucyatē sadbhi:’ Siva is the whole pure
tattva without any trace of ignorance.
5. “vaśa kāntau śiva smr̥ta:” is another definition. Siva is the root consciousness that radiates everything. ‘Vasi – Siva’
- He is the supreme lord who has everything under His authority. “sarvaṁ vaśīkr̥taṁ yasmāt tasmāt śiva iti smr̥ta:”
Siva Purana mentions that Siva is the one who can bring everything under His possession.
6. Siva is the supreme lord with the power of desire (Iccha). The power of desire embeds within the power of knowledge
and the power of action.
7. “sarvaṁ yasmin śētē - sarvasmin yaśmētē iti śiva:” – Siva is the base consciousness for everything - that in which
everything exists and that which exists in everything.
8. While analyzing the distinction of the syllable ‘Siva’, mantra treatises commented that ‘power, affluence, immortality’
are hidden within the two letters ‘Siva’. As mentioned above, granting inordinate prosperity, peace, purity,
deliverance etc. is the nature of Siva.
Mahabharata mentions “śivamicchēnmanuṣyāṇāṁ tasmāt śiva iti smr̥ta:” Because He is orchestrating the entire
universe with His power, we are worshipping that power as ‘Amba’ and the Lord as ‘Samba’ (one with Amba).
(To be continued…)
Announcements
‘Mahabharata Gaadhalu – Bodhalu’ pravachanam at Kurukshetra from March 6 – 12, 2016.
Everyday 11:00am to 12:30pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
For details, visit http://saamavedam.org/images/home/Kurukshetram-Tour.pdf
‘Rushipeetham’ magazine subscription – Special pricing for 2015.
Physical copy : 1 Year – $40; 2 Years – $75; 3 Years – $100
E-Magazine : 1 Year - $15; 5 Years - $50; 10 Years - $100
Subscription for your family/friend in India is $5 per year and $100 for life long
USA / Canada-Email usinfo@rushipeetham.org; Hari Hara Murthy Konda – (802) 558-5364; hhmkonda@gmail.com

"Siva Padam"
Sankeerthana Yagnam
Organized By Rushipeetham Charitable Trust, Rajahmundry Branch.

Composed & Elucidated by Brahma Sri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

Singer: Smt. S P Sailaja
Time: Thursday December 10, 2015 at 6.00PM
Venue: Sri Virinchi Vanaprastasramam, Opp. Papermill, LV Sastry Road, Sri Ram Nagar, Rajahmundry
For more details contact: Sri T.V. Narayana Rao (0883) 2467090, Sri D.Hanumantha Rao 9949705166, Sri K.Vara Prasad 9849660056

‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma

 Activities conducted by
‘Rushipeetham Charitable Trust’

Rushipeetham Charitable Trust, Vishakhapatanam Branch Inauguration

During the Pravachanams at Ongole, Sri Guruvu garu happened to
visit the ancient ‘Visweswara’ temple. Very disturbed at the
pathetic conditions of the historic temple due to negligence and
lack of support from administration, Sri Guruvu garu publicly
called out to devotees. Instantaneously responding to the call of
this modern day Vivekananda, people poured in with all possible
help on war footing. With the funds thus collected, temple was
renovated and painted, making it ready for ‘Karthika Masa’
celebrations. Local press highlighted these developments and
thanked Sri Guruvu garu immensely. Just wanted to share this
happy news with you all. – Kavali Srinivas.

Pravachanam at Ongole

Felicitation by Executive Director ONGC, Agartala ‘Tripura Vaibhavam’ -Pravachanam at Kamakhya

DISCLAIMER: This is not a SPAM. You have received this e-mail, because you have shown interest in the renaissance of Sanatana Dharma by
Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu through spiritual discourses, ‘Go Seva’, charitable activities, yagas and yagnas, promotion of fine
arts etc., Please forward this e-mail only in UN-EDITED format. If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please send an e-mail to
aarshavani@rushipeetham.org with title ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’. For more details, please visit http://saamavedam.org or http://rushipeetham.org
BramhasriSamavedamShanmukhaSarmaOfficialPage
To subscribe, please send an email to aarshavani@rushipeetham.org
‘Samarasya is Sanatana – Samanvaya is Bharateeyata’ © Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma