Painting of Shree Swami Samarth
||श्री स्वामी समर्थ|| ;
||भिऊ नकोस मी तुझ्या पाठिशी आहे||
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Quilt
As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles.
An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that was our life.
But as my Angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes! Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I had endured, (which were the largest holes of all).
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Others had a tiny hole here and there; other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.
I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My Angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light and the scrutiny of truth. The others raised each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.
My Angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow mustering the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father, in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded through the many holes, creating an image.
The face of Christ.
Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said,
"Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."
Monday, August 13, 2012
Pray to Loving Father
Good Morning Heavenly Father, daybreak is upon us and we praise You and worship You. Thank You for the sweet rest You provided and for watching over us all through the night. Today Lord, I pray for all my sisters and brothers and thank You for caring about our burdens. At this moment I release every worry, every fear, every trial and every burden that we carry into Your loving arms, so that You can completely comfort us in these areas and lead us to a better place. Thank You, Lord, for ministering to me and my loved ones today. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Home
Mother of perpetual Help, we choose You as Queen of our Homes. We ask You to bless all our families with your tender Motherly love. May the Sacrament of marriage bind husbands and wives so closely together that they will always be faithful to each other and love one another as Christ love His church. We ask You to bless all parents. May they love and cherish their children whom God has entrusted to them. May they always give the example of a truly Christian life.
Amen.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Everyday God has Always Plans for Us
Today, consider the "plans He has for you". God created you to be unique. Uniquely His. Don't let the jealous naysayer the enemy has placed in your path distract you from His plans. The individuals that are not for you are against you. Do not allow Satan to distract you from God's plan. There will always be critics and people that will attempt to tear you down, make you lose focus, make you feel less confident and unworthy. Your Savior loves you no matter what...He is all you need for this day. Live for today....live for Him. He approves, ignore those that don't because their opinion ultimately doesn't matter.
May God Bless Everyone!!!
Stay Blessed!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Worlds Largest ShivLinga (Arjundhara Jhapa, Nepal)
Worlds Largest ShivLinga (Arjundhara Jhapa , Nepal
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Maa Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holy Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hills of Vaishno Devi , Jammu and Kashmir , India
The temple is near the town of Katra Jammu and Kashmir India India Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Jammu Airport Jammu Airport
According to a Hindu epic, Maa Vaishno Devi was born in the south of India
In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India.Lord Ram gave her a bow and arrows, army of monkeys and a lion for her protection, Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the Victory of Shree Rama against Ravana. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Lord Rama also said Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.The abode of Maa Vaishno devi is attaining huge pilgrimage attraction due to Lord Rama's blessings to the goddess.
With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar.
Shree-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 km away from the present Katra town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'. (A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited 'Bhairav Nath' a selfish tantrik. Bhairav Nath asked Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfil the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to spare. Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and decided to test Her further. He followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the mystic girl in the mountains, whom he believed was an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. While running away from Bhairav, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water gushed out. The resultant river is known as Baanganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga (Baan: Arrow), a believer of the Mother Goddess can wash away all his sins. The banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's foot imprints, which remains intact till date. Vaishno Devi then took shelter in a cave known as Garbh Joon near Adhkawari where she meditated for 9 months attaining spiritual wisdom and powers. Her meditation was cut short when Bhairav located her. Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali when Bhairav tried to kill her. The manifestation of the Mother Goddess took place at the mouth of the Holy cave at Darbar. The Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force that his skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati, 2.5 km from the Holy Cave
In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was to achieve salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the Goddess. Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis (heads) and immersed herself into meditation forever.
Meanwhile, Pandit Shree-Dhar became impatient. He started to march towards Trikuta Mountain
The way to Bhavan is steep and requires a long walk uphill. Alternatively ponies and palanquins are also available. Helicopter service can also be taken for a large part of the trip. The Trust offers comfortable stay for pilgrims.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
A Temple of Lord Ram in Madhya Pradesh where a Monkey is Priest on the day of Hanuman Jayanti.
A Temple of Lord Ram
Buddha Japani Temple (Darjeeling, India)
बुद्धं शरणं गच्छामि। धर्मं शरणं गच्छामि। संघं शरणं गच्छामि ।
Spiritual Words by Swami Vivekananda
Give up all desire for enjoyment in earth or heaven. Control the organs of the senses and control the mind. Bear every misery without even knowing that you are miserable. Think of nothing but liberation. Have faith in Guru, in his teachings, and in the surety that you can get free. Say "Soham, Soham" whatever comes. Tell yourself this even in eating, walking, suffering; tell the mind this incessantly — that what we see never existed, that there is only "I". Flash — the dream will break! Think day and night, this universe is zero, only God is. Have intense desire to get free.
- Swami Vivekananda
Somnath Temple (First Jyortiling of Lord Shiva)
Somnath Temple (First Jyortiling of Lord Shiva)
Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.
Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favoured Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.
The research based on ancient Indian classical texts show that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.
The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound and Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean. Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagvan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.
Original Photo of Shri Saibaba (Coloured using Photoshop)
Original Photo of Shri Saibaba (coloured using Photoshop)
Seven Chakra in Human Body during Meditation (Ver 2)
Seven Chakra in Human Body during Meditation (Ver 2)
श्री शिर्डी साईं बाबा
श्री साईं बाबा के नाम से कोई विरला व्यक्ति ही होगा जो उनसे परिचित न हो| वे कलयुग के महान अवतार थे| उन्होंने किस देश, जाति, धार्मिक परिवार व कुल में जन्म लिया, यह कोई नहीं जानता| उनके पूर्वज कौन थे, उनके पिता व माता कौन थी, यह कोई नहीं जानता|
हेमातपंड ने साईं बाबा से उनके जीवन के विषय में जानने की इच्छा प्रगट की थी| पर उन्हें बाबा जी से कोई जानकारी नहीं मिल सकी| बाबा ने किसी को भी अपने विषय में नहीं बताया था| एक बार जब बाबा म्हालसापति के साथ एकांत में बैठे थे तो उन्होंने अपनी जन्म तिथि बताई| उन्होंने कागज के एक पुर्जे पर बाबा की जन्म तिथि लिख कर रख दी| वह कागज का पुर्जा हेमातपंड के हाथ लग गया| इसी पुर्जे के आधार पर वह बाबा की जीवनी लिखने लगे| पुर्जे के आधार पर बाबा का जन्म 27 सितम्बर 1838 ईस्वी को हुआ था| पर बाबा के जीवन की वास्तविकता को कोई नहीं जानता|
शिरडी गाँव की वृद्धा जो नाना चोपदार की माँ थी उसके अनुसार एक युवा जो अत्यन्त सुन्दर नीम वृक्ष के नीचे समाधि में लीन दिखाई पड़ा| अति अल्प आयु में बालक को कठोर तपस्या में देख कर लोग आश्चर्य चकित थे| तपस्या में लीन बालक को सर्दी-गर्मी व वर्षा की जरा भी चिंता न थी| आत्मसंयमी बालक के दर्शन करने के लिए अपार जन समूह उमड़ने लगा|
यह अदभुत बालक दिन में किसी का साथ नहीं करता था| उसे रात्रि के सुनसान वातावरण में कोई भय नहीं सताता था| "यह बालक कहाँ से आया था?" यह प्रश्न सबको व्याकुल कर देता था| दिखने में वह बालक बहुत सुन्दर था| जो उसे एक बार देख लेता उसे बार बार देखने की इच्छा होती| वे इस बात से हैरान थे कि यह सुन्दर रूपवान बालक दिन रात खुले आकाश के नीचे कैसे रहता है| वह प्रेम और वैराग्य की साक्षात् मूर्ति दिखाई पड़ते थे|
उन्हें अपने मान अपमान की कभी चिंता नहीं सताती थी| वे साधारण मनुष्यों के साथ मिलकर रहते थे, न्रत्य देखते, गजल व कवाली सुनते हुए अपना सिर हिलाकर उनकी प्रशंसा भी करते| इतना सब कुछ होते हुए भी उनकी समाधि भंग न होती| जब दुनिया जागती थी तब वह सोते थे, जब दुनिया सोती थी तब वह जागते थे| बाबा ने स्वयं को कभी भगवान नहीं माना| वह प्रत्येक चमत्कार को भगवान का वरदान मानते| सुख - दुःख उनपर कोई प्रभाव न डालते थे| संतो का कार्य करने का ढंग अलग ही होता है| कहने को साईं बाबा एक जगह निवास करते थे पर उन्हें विश्व एक समस्त व्यवहारों व व्यापारों का पूर्ण ज्ञान था|
Handwriting of Acharya Rajneesh (Osho) with His Unique Signature
Handwriting of Acharya Rajneesh (Osho) with His Unique Signature
Murudeshwara Statue of Lord Shiva
Murudeshwara is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka , India Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple
Statue of Lord Shiva :
(1) A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. (The tallest is in Nepal
(2) The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height and took about two years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately Rupee 50 million. The idol is designed such that it gets the sunlight directly and thus appears sparkling.
(3) Originally, the statue had four arms and was adorned in gold paint. However, large wind gusts blew the arm off (the one that held a small drum), and rain dissolved the paint.
