Mantra

A mantra is a sound, or words which are capable of creating spiritual transformation.. Mantras are atoms of pure spiritual energy. Every spoken word has a vibratory pattern.

Mantras actually are sacred incantations- which the Hindu Saints heard through intuitive ears while in deep meditation. Mantras are energy-based sounds. Continuous practice of mantras is known to purify the consciousness and the mind.

Mantras were originally conceived in the Vedas. The most basic mantra is Aum, which in Hinduism is known as the "pranava mantra," the source of all mantras. Mantra japam was considered one of the important method of worship by Hindu sanyasis from the Vedic age.

Mantras have effect on both, the one who chants them and the one who hears them. According to Ramana Maharshi, repetition of mantras , with attention directed to the source of the sound, completely engages the mind. Mantras can be said out loud, silently, or even just thought during meditation. A Mantra used to pass on traditionally recited by a Guru.

There is a meaning to each mantra and when we repeat it over and over again- the meaning gains energy to give us the desired results. The sound vibrations from the mantra invoke spiritual forces .

The results of chanting Mantra depends on many factors like sincerity of the person chanting it, correctness of the procedures followed, concentration of the person, time period in which it is chanted. Sooner or later some results start showing up and adding up. The faith in what we do is most important.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal about 60 km from the south of Chennai. Mahabalipuram is one of the architectural marvels of the world, for its Ratha temples. It was the Pallava king Narsimha, who built the magnificent 'Ratha' cave temples of Mahabalipuram in the 7th century.

The Rathas have an association to the great epic Mahabharata which describes the heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as pancha pandava rathas. The five rathas are (i) Draupadi’s Rath, (ii) Arjuna’s Rath, (iii) Nakul – Sahadev’s Rath, (iv) Bhima Rath and (v) Dharamraja Yudhistar’s Rath.

The Draupadi ratha is a simple hut like kutagara shrine while the Arjuna ratha is a dvitala vimana with a mukhamandapa. The Bhima ratha is rectangular on plan with a salakara wagon-vaulted roof. The Dharmaraja ratha is a tritala vimana having functional shrines at all the talas. The Nakula-Sahadeva ratha with an apsidal plan and elevation indicate the experimental tendency of the architect. Famous as temple town, Mahabalipuram is situated along the shores of the Bay of

The notable cave temples here are the Varaha mandapa, Mahisamardini mandapa, Paramesvara Mahavaraha Vishnugriha (Adivaraha cave).

The huge bas-relief with a hall (mandapa) of 16th century depicts the story of Krishna lifting the Govardhana hill to protect the cowherds and the cattle from the storm raised by Indra. The central figure of Krishna, is carved with Balarama by his side, is seen lifting the hill on his little finger.

This Bhima ratha is oblong in plan and having an ekatala vimana possibly intended to be dedicated to the reclining form of Vishnu. Arjuna’s penance is an impressive bas-relief, datable to Narasimhavarman I’s period, suggestively depicts the story of Kiratarjuniya, wherein Arjuna, the great warrior hero of the Mahabharata, obtained the all-pervading Pasupatha weapon from Siva after a gruelling fight and severe penance. Siva and an emaciated Arjuna, doing penance, are shown prominently at the centre.

Anyone who is interested in Indian Heritage shouldvisit this place which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vedic Astrology - Saturn (Shani)

Vedic Astrology is an ancient Indian science which explains planetary motions and positions with respect to time and their effect on humans and other entities on earth.

According to the Indian Vedic Astrology , all celestial bodies, be it the sun, the moon,, the planets or stars, influence all life on earth.

Indian Vedic Astrology considers the movement of two luminaries namely the Sun (Surya)and the Moon, (Chandra), five major planets, i.e., Mercury, (Budha) Mars, (Mangal) Saturn, (Shani) Venus (Shukra),Jupitar, (Brihaspati)…..and Rahu and Ketu have been considered as Grahas ..

Of all these Shani is the most dreaded of all.. It is seen that a strong Shani gives good results however if Shani is weak it will cause troubles. Shani has predominance of Tamsik Gunas.

Saturn[ Shani] is both, a giver and destroyer. A person who prays to him will be blessed and get all desired material comforts and success. Chanting of the Shani mantra that has been taken from the Purana pacifies the Saturn.

Pazhani

Pazhani, The abode of Lord Muruga.

Palani [Pazhani] is one of the six padai veedu shrines of Murugan, representing the sites where Murugan the valiant commander of the gods sojourned, while he proceeded to battle against the demon Soorapadman. Palani is probably one of the most visited and the most endowed temples in the state of Tamilnadu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level.

The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashanam.

The legend is as follows….

Naradha Maharishi, had brought a divine fruit known as the ‘Gnanappazham’ - Fruit of Knowledge and gifted it to Shiva and Parvathi. Lord Shiva told his sons Ganapathy and Subramanian [Murugan] that the first one among them to circle the globe would be given the fruit. Accepting the challenge Lord Murugan quickly set off on his vehicle, Mayilvahanam- the Peacock. But Ganesh just circled his parents and said that there is no world greater than his parents. This impressed Shiva and so He gave the Gnanapazham to Lord Ganesh. When Lord Murugan returned, he was very disappointed with Lord Shiva’s decision. So he left his parents and came to Thiru Aavinankudi at the adivaram (foot of Sivagiri hill). Shiva calmed him down by saying that Lord Murugan himself was a fruit of all knowledge (Pazham nee- Pazham is fruit and Nee, means you: that you are the fruit of knowledge) and thus the name Palani evolved. Later on it is said that Lord Murugan settled down in Palani as a hermit just with a loin cloth and stick symbolizing humbleness and simplicity.

Tonsure ceremony is a special feature of Palani. Many devotees of all ages perform tonsure ceremony at Palani. Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are very famous festivals and a large number of devotees are coming here for those festivals.

Kavadi is another offering devotees give to Murugan. Many come here as “Padayatra” without wearing any ornaments, even sandals. They walk several kilometers to the temple. Whosoever carried on his shoulders the kavadi, signifying the two hills and visiting the temple on a vow will be blessed..

Balamurugan at Pazhani hills listens to everyone’s prayers. Shashti vrutham is fasting on shashti thithi every month. The day is spent chanting Subramanya stotram. This is usually followed by the women of Kerala.