Bramha: Why No Temples?

Shiva the ‘adi-yogi’ was in his formless pillar of fire/light state when Vishnu and Bramha (manifestations of the same supreme power) came to being. Vishnu and Bramha embarked on a quest to measure out this pillar of fire. It was decided that Brahma would go up to find the head of this pillar of Light (Shiva) and Vishnu would go down under the earth, to find the foot of Shiva. Their quest went on for thousands of years and yet they could find the head or foot to the pillar of light

Vishnu decided to end his search. At the same time, Brahma saw a Ketaki flower falling from the sky. He stopped the flower and asked it where it was coming from. The flower replied that it had been placed at the top of the pillar of fire as an offering and had fallen from there. Brahma decided to end his search and instead use the Ketaki flower as evidence of the pillar-head. 

Both Brahma and Vishnu met and Vishnu truthfully declared that he had been unable to find the feet of the fiery pillar. Brahma on the other hand lied by saying that he had in fact reached the head of the pillar of fire and brought the Ketaki flower from the top. This false claim angered Shiva and He manifested to his physical form and then cursed Brahma that he would have no temple dedicated to his worship as he was undeserving. He also cursed the Ketaki flower that henceforth it shall not be used in the worship of Shiva.

Buddhism: The Begging-Bowl

According to the Buddhist monastic code, monks and nuns are not allowed to accept money or even to engage in barter/trade with lay people. They live entirely in an economy of gifts. One gives what is appropriate to the occasion and means. 

For a monastic the bowl represents opportunity given to practice the Dhamma in accordance with their means. This practice is a reminder that asking for basic necessities from householders is not an individual matter, But engages the entire community into the art of giving without pride. Thereby slowly instilling the quality of non-attachment to tangible objects among the society.

Having said this, personally I do not support giving money to beggars. Per our scriptures and the glorious Hindu ways, giving knowledge is considered the most valuable gift, second comes the gift of food and lastly is the gift of money. When confronted by a beggar asking for money, I usually buy some edible food and offer it to them. Also several non-profit organizations empower the needy with skills, training and point them in the direction of becoming financially independent. 

NPO helping the poor:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poor-Peoples-United-Fund/143227562397811

http://www.globalvolunteers.org/

http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-abroad

Links to some articles:

http://www.quora.com/Ethics/Should-you-or-should-you-not-give-alms-to-a-beggar

The Story of Bhasmasur

Bhasmasura was an Asura-devotee of God Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from the deity. Shiva granted him the power to burn and turn into ashes (bhasma) any one on whose head Bhasmasura was to place his hands. But Bhasmasura thereupon attempted to touch the head of Shiva with his hand in desire to possess Parvati after Shiva. Shiva fled to seek Vishnu's help.

Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, appeared in front of Bhasmasura. Mohini enticed Bhasmasura with her beauty. Bhasmasura asked Mohini to marry him. Later agreed on the condition only if Bhasmasura could match her moves identically. The dance contest went on for days and he began to let his guard down. While still dancing, Mohini, struck a pose where her hand was placed on top of her own head. As Bhasmasura imitated her, he immediately burned and turned into ashes. 
This story, like many others from the scriptures, highlight upon the fact that great boons are no good when applied for derogatory personal goals!

A Deeper Understanding of Vibhuti

Vibhuti is closely associated with Lord Shiva, who applies it all over His body. That's why He is often called 'Vibhuti Bhushan' (one who wears ash as his ornament).

Legend has it, the 'adi-yogi', Shiva was in deep meditation. When Gods desiring to see Shiva married, sent Kama-deva (God of desire) to seed love in Shiva's heart. When Kama tried to interrupt Shiva's meditation, the later opened his Third-Eye (furious vision of ultimate truth that burns everything) and singed Kama to ashes. Shiva then smeared the Vibhuti (ashes) on his body. 

Why does Shiva smear Vibhuti upon his body? Let’s look at the significance.

Ash is what remains when anything is burnt away. Ash cannot be further reduced or transformed. Similarly, only Parmatma (God) remains when this Srishti (creation of Maya), transforms in the inferno of the ultimate truth, viz. death. Like ash, He cannot be further reduced or transformed. Shiva wears Vibhuti on him to remind us of this fact.

Normally, Vibhuti is worn along with a red tilaka (dot). Vibhuti relates to Shiva and red tilaka to Shakti (his consort Parvati). It symbolizes Shiva and Shakti, from whom the universe and everything in it emanates.

How do the Scriptures guide us with application of Vibhuti on our body and why?

A little Vibhuti should be applied on the

1. Agna chakra (between the eyebrows)

2. Vishuddhi chakra (pit of the throat) and 

3. Anahata chakra (center of the chest where the ribcage meets)

Among the seven chakras (a.k.a Muladhara) in human body, the three listed here are extremely important for one’s well-being and spiritual development (most important goal of life per Hinduism)

We will look at the deeper significance of these chakras in our subsequent discussions.

Vishnu: A Closer Look

The four hands of Vishnu 

- Express control over the four directions

- Symbolize the four stages 'Ashrams' (phases) of a man's life

- Signify the four aims of life 'Dharma' (Duty and Virtue), 'Artha' (Wealth), 'Kama' (Pleasure) and 'Moksha' (Spiritual Liberation)

- Represent the four Vedas

Each hand holds the following implements:

- Shankha (Conch): symbolizes the Universal creative note, ancient Hindu mythology links it to 'OM'

- Sudarshan Chakra (Discus): identified with the human mind. Thoughts, like the Chakra, flow faster than light. It also symbolizes cyclic nature of existence.

- Gada (Mace): A mighty demon named Gada wreaked havoc on the world. Gada was a great warrior and equally known for his charity. Lord Vishnu approached Gada disguised as a Brahman and asked for his bones. Gada immediately tore open his body and pulled out his bones. From these bones the celestial mace was made. In his honor the mace is referred to as 'Gada'

- Padma (Lotus): signifies the ideal of detachment. Lotus grows in muddy waters, neither water nor dirt can stick to its petals. Likewise man must lead his life in the grime of this world detached from greed and lust.

Thus Vishnu can be summarized as 'The One' on whose palm the world and its virtues rest like a lotus, the cosmos revolves around his finger like a discus. He blows the music of life through the conch and wields the mace to protect all creatures.

Popular imagery of Vishnu depicts him in 'Ananta-Shayan' a dreamlike state reclining upon a mighty serpent 'SheshNaga' floating upon the primordial waters 'Khirsagar'. The waters can be identified with consciousness on which the divine spark of energy controlling the five pronged senses is engaged in the yoga of inaction

Vaishnav Jan To: A Translation

वैष्णव जन तो तेने कहिये जे पीड परायी जाणे रे।
पर दुःखे उपकार करे तो ये मन अभिमान न आणे रे॥
Vaishnava (devotees of Lord Vishnu) people are those who feel the pain of others
Help those who are in misery; But never let this pride overpower them

सकळ लोकमां सहुने वंदे, निंदा न करे केनी रे।
वाच काछ मन निश्चळ राखे, धन धन जननी तेनी रे॥
They are tolerant the entire world, never criticize any
Keep their words, actions and thoughts pure, blessed is the mother to have borne such a child

समदृष्टि ने तृष्णा त्यागी, परस्त्री जेने मात रे।
जिह्वा थकी असत्य न बोले, परधन नव झाले हाथ रे॥
See all equally, renounce greed, respect women as they respect their own mother,
Tongue never utters false words, hands never covet other's wealth

मोह माया व्यापे नहि जेने, दृढ़ वैराग्य जेना मनमां रे।
रामनाम शुं ताळी रे लागी, सकळ तीरथ तेना तनमां रे॥
Do not succumb to worldly attachments, detached from material pleasures,
Enticed only by the name of God (Sri Ram), they are embodiments of holy pilgrimage

वणलोभी ने कपटरहित छे, काम क्रोध निवार्या रे।
भणे नरसैयॊ तेनुं दरसन करतां, कुळ एकोतेर तार्या रे॥
Absence of greed and deceit, helped them renounce lust and anger,
Narsi (the poet) would be grateful to meet such a soul, by virtue of whose company his entire progeny would be liberated

Krishna in his Vishwaroop

Vishwaroop is the eternal, all encompassing magnificently glorious form of Vishnu into whom everything assimilates and from whom everything in this Universe is sprung. Events which led to Krishna's Vishwaroop are listed as under

1. Yasoda: Bal-Krishna inspired Gokul with many leelas. Not bereft of childish tendencies, his love for fresh butter was insatiable. Many a times, he with his companions, would secretly feast on butter. Yashodha had to deal with several complains for this nature of Krishna and one day she wanted to establish that he had been secretly eating butter. She asked bal-Krishna to open his mouth. When she peeked inside she saw the entire universe in his mouth and was awestruck. Krishna revealed his Vishwaroop to Yashodha and comforted her.
2. Akroora: as Kamsa's emissary Akroor came to invite Krishna and Balaram to Mathura for a  decisive due with Kamsa (Krishna's evil maternal uncle who wanted to put Krishna's life to an end after a premonition that declared Krishna to be the cause of Kamsa's death). At this time Akroor requests Krishna to appear in his Vishwaroop
3. Duryodhan: Krishna visited Hastinapura as the 'Shanti-Doot' (messenger) of Pandus requesting back their Indraprastha (kingdom) after the 13 years of 'Vanvas' and 1 year of 'AgyatVas'. Duryodhan blinded by his rage did not want to spare land even as small as the tip of a needle, instead he wanted to keep Krishna as a prisoner. At his point Krishna assumed his Vishwaroop

4. Arjuna, Hanuman (as his image atop Arjun's chariot) and Sanjaya (who was relating the battle events to blind king Dhritarashtra): in the battle of Kurushetra while reciting Bhagvad Gita, Krishna assumed his Vishwaroop to convince Arjun to take up his responsibilities as a warrior, defeat the Kauravas to re-establish 'darma' on this world
5. Karna: He was son of Surya (Sun God) born as a boon to Kunti before her marriage and hence was abandoned. Years passed and Karna, evolved as a great warrior, was befriended by the evil Duryodhan. As a prelude to the battle, Kunti requested Karna

   - To not inflict fatal wounds on Pandavas,
  - Not use more than once any of his celestial weapons (received as boon from his guru Parshuram)
Karna was a great warrior and had been truthful to all his vows, was 'Danveer' (helped those who asked him for anything) even in his death-bed and gave away his 'Punya' (positive karmic results). In return for his virtues, Krishna appeared in his Vishwaroop when Karna was breathing his last
6. Devavratha a.k.a Bhishma (thus named for his tremendous

'bhishma pratigya' to remain ever celibate): God-son of 'Ganga', Bhishma had earned many a boons. One among them was his ability to control his time of death. This rendered him as the greatest impedance to the Pandavas' victory in battle. However, among many 'leela' of Krishna, one was the means to bring down Bhishma in battle. Lay on a bed of body piercing arrows shot by Arjuna, in dying breath, Bhishma requested Krishna to appear in his Vishvaroop to bless his mortal life. For his many a great deeds and upright life, Krishna obliged.
7. Utanga: A childhood Brahmin friend of Krishna, Utanga, was unaware of the turn of events and Kurushetra battle. After the battle, on his way back, Krishna met Utanga. Later wanted to know about the well being of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Krishna narrated the events, great loss of lives and war between brothers. Upon hearing this, Utanga lost himself in fury. To pacify him, Krishna appeared in his Vishwaroop.

Kali and Kaushiki Vs Demons

The tale of Durga continues beyond Mahishasura, through the tale of goddess Kaushiki, another form of adi-shakti. After Mahishasura's death his demon brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha forcibly drove the Gods out of heaven. The Gods then started praying to Parvati. On hearing their plight, a beautiful and effulgent woman Kaushiki emerged from Parvati's body. Upon the emergence of Kaushiki, Parvati's body turned black and she then became known as Kali.

Kaushiki was spotted by Chanda and Munda, the two assistants of Shumbha and Nishumbha. They reported to their masters, and spoke highly of her beauty. Shumbha then sent Sugriva as messenger to Kaushiki to express their desire to marry her. Kaushiki, replied that she would marry the person who would defeat her in battle. On hearing this, Shumbha sent Dhumralochana to capture the goddess. Initially the asura (demon) tried to persuade the Devi to accompany him. But when she refused, he wanted to capture her. The Goddess uttered a mantra and the asura was reduced to ashes. On hearing this, Shumbha sent Chanda and Munda along with the entire demon army to capture the Devi. On seeing Chanda-Munda along with the demon army, Kaushiki wriggled her eyebrows. From the eyebrows emerged the ferocious goddess Kali. Kali jumped among the asuras (demons) and started killing them finally decimating Chanda and Munda. This gave Kali the name of Chamunda.

After the death of Chanda and Munda, the asuras led by Shumbha and Nishumbha, attacked Kaushiki and Kali from all sides. At that moment, from various Gods, forces began emerging. These forces took feminine forms started fighting alongside Kaushiki. Kali then approached Shiva and requested him to ask Shumbha and Nishumbha to surrender. Kali requesting Lord Shiva to be her messenger earned her the name Shivaduti (one whose messenger is Shiva). Hearing Shiva's message, the asuras became even more ferocious. Among the asuras there was one named Raktabeej, if a drop of his blood, dropped on the ground, another Raktabeej would spring forth from that drop of blood. Unknowingly, the goddesses attacked Raktabeej and from his flowing blood numerous Raktabeej emerged. To counter this, Kali elongated her tongue and started drinking up all the blood that sprayed out from the body of Raktabeej in course of his annihilation. Finally all Raktabeej that has sprung from drops of blood were killed by kali. Soon after Shumbha's death, Nishumbha found himself all alone against Kali, Kaushiki and other feminine warrior goddesses. He then asked if it was fair that all of them would fight against his solitary self. On hearing this remark, all the goddesses merged into Kali and thereafter she killed Nishumbha.

Drunk in her fury, Goddess Kali was in a killing spree and was posing great threat to the balance of life. This alarmed the Gods and upon their request Lord Shiva lay himself in the path of Kali's destructive rampage. Kali stepped on Shiva and soon realized her mistake (as per tradition, Hindu wife never touches her husband with her foot, for her husband is positioned next to God). It is then that Kali's elongated, blood stained red tongue came out of embarrassment and She instantly froze out of shame. She came back to her original form Parvati and the destruction was stopped.

Durga as a manifestation of Adi-Shakti

Shakti comes from Sanskrit word 'shak' which means 'to be able'. Shakti stands for one who is empowered. As per Hindu scriptures, Shakti is the oldest form of cosmic energy that drives the dynamic forces in the entire universe. Shakti has been personified to the divine feminine for of Sati/Parvati/Durga/Kali. She is embodiment of change, action, creativity, prosperity and fertility. Her male counterpart is the potential, adi-yogi Shiva who is in deep meditation, an embodiment of inaction. As per mythology, Shakti manifests in different forms. The three most popular among them is her Nari swaroop (human form) married to Shiva, her Gyan swaroop (knowledge form) weds Lord Brahma and Dhan swaroop (wealth form) becomes the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Let us start with Durga and her origin. Mahishasura, the son of demon Rambha, unleashed reign of terror on earth. When Gods intervened, Mahishasura defeated them and banished them from heaven. The Gods went to Trideva Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. On hearing the turn of events, the Gods pledged to put an end to this. The Tridevas invoked their eternal strength and beams of energy from the foreheads of the three Gods merged into one, creating the feminine form of Durga. Then all the Gods gave their divine weapon(s) to that Durga. 

Lord Shiva gave the 'Trishul' (holy trident)

Lord Vishnu gave his 'Sudarshan Chakra'

Varuna, gave her a conch and noose

Agni gave her a spear. 

From Vayu, she received arrows. 

Indra, gave her 'Vajra' (the thunderbolt)

From Yama, she received a sword and shield

From Vishwakarma (God of architecture) she received an axe and armor. 

The god of mountains, Himavat gifted her with jewels and a Lion to ride on. 

Many other precious and magical gifts and a garland of immortal lotuses for her head. Armed with celestial weapons of all deities and decked with divine ornaments, Durga rode on her Lion 'Vahana' into the battle field and challenged Mahishasura. Many a demons had joined forces with Mahishasura, and after a fierce battle, Durga defeated them all. Enraged Mahishasura attacked Durga in form of a swordsman. Durga pinned him down with a flood of arrows. Mahishasura changed his form into a giant elephant and tugged at Durga's Lion. Durga chopped off its trunk with her sword and freed her Lion. The elephant then turned into a giant buffalo and charged at Durga. She bound it with Varuna's celestial rope, pounced on Mahishasura, pushing him to the ground with her left leg, grasped his head in one hand, flung her trident and beheaded Mahishasura, finally killing him.

Much later in the turn of Kaal (time), Vishnu in his TretaYuga avatar, Ram worshiped Devi Durga before battle against Ravan. Ram wanted the blessings of Devi Durga, so went on a quest for one hundred 'NeelKamal' (blue lotuses) to please the devi. Ram managed to gather only ninety nine 'NeelKamal' and could find no more. Finally he decided to offer one of his eyes (which resembled blue lotuses). Durga, pleased with the devotion of Ram, appeared and blessed him with victory! These incidents inspire us to worship Durga/adi-shakti and seek her blessings

Little known facts about Sri Hanuman

1. After the Ram's coronation as King, re-united with Ram, Sita resumed the application of vermilion to her forehead. Curious Hanumam asked her the reason for this. Sita explained that as per tradition, wife would apply vermilion for longer and a healthier life of her husband/master. Since then Hanuman covered his entire body with kumkum! Bajrang means orange and hence came the name: Bajrangbali where (Bali means person of great strength).

Another school of thought believes that as Hanuman is a true 'Bramhachari' (vowed to remain celibate) hence the color Bajrang (or Safron) to signify his vow and Bali as in strong. As he is symbolic of celibacy, women may only offer their obeisance at the temple but not touch the image/idol of Sri Hanuman

2. Makardhwaja is son of Hanuman, how so for a vowed celibate person? When Hanuman took a dip in the waters of sea, after burning Lanka, a drop of his perspiration fell in to mouth of a mighty fish (Suvannamaccha references in Thai culture. Another version believe it be be a 'Makara' or crocodile that swallowed Hanuman's sweat). Out of this Makardhwaja was born

3. When bal-Hanuman (as a kid) felt hungry one day, he looked up at the mango tree and saw the red sun through the leaves of tree, Mistaking the sun to be a fruit, he jumped towards it. The sun's heat burnt his face, so Hanuman's face is tanned to a much darker pigmentation.

4. While bal-Hanuman continued to fly towards the sun. Indra, the Lord of Heaven, feared that the sun might get eaten endangering the world. So Indra struck Hanuman with his weapon 'Vajra'. Hanuman was knocked unconscious and fell back on earth landing on his cheeks/jaw making them swollen for good. This is why he came to be called Hanuman ('Hanu' in Sanskrit means the cheek/jaw)

Mahabharat: Dharma-Baka Upakhyan between Yama and Yudhisthira

Towards the end of Pandavas 12 years of 'VanaVas' (exile in forests), a Brahmin approached them for help. A deer has taken on its antlers his Arani (pair of wooden sticks that generate fire on friction). The Pandavas set out to retrieve the Brahmin's Arani. In this quest, Yudhisthira, became exhausted and thirsty. His brother Nakula, upon request, ventured out to fetch water and found a beautiful lake. The lake was devoid of any living creature except a crane. When he attempted to take water from the lake, the crane spoke, ‘O Nakula! The water of this lake will turn into poison if you take it without satisfactorily answering my questions’. Nakula, in arrogance, did not pay heed and hurriedly took water from the lake. Upon drinking the crystal clear water, Nakula instantly died of poisoning. Weary of Nakula's absence, Sahadeva came looking and found the same lake, saw Nakula dead, and was similarly warned by the crane. But Sahadeva ignored the crane as well, drank the water and died. In the same manner, Arjun and mighty Bhim came looking, ignored the warning, drank water and died of poisoning.

Since none of the brothers returned with water, Yudhisthira came looking after them. Yudhisthira found lake and his brothers lying dead. Before searching for the reason of their death, he decided to drink some water from the lake. But when the crane warned him, Yudhisthira realized that the crane held the answer to the turn of events. The virtuous Yudhisthira proceeded to answer the questions put forth by the crane who was none other than a Yaksha. The Yaksha asked questions with philosophical innuendos. This dialogue between the Yaksha and Yudhisthira is embodied in the Madhya Parva of the Mahabharata, and is also known as the ‘Dharma-Baka Upakhyan’

Baka Prashna (Question 1 of the Crane): Who makes the sun to rise and ascend in the skies? Who moves around the Sun? Who makes the sun set in the horizons? What is the true nature of the Sun and where is the sun established?

Yudhisthira answered: Brahma makes the sun rise and ascend. The Gods perambulate about the Sun. Then Dharma sets the Sun. The Sun is the manifestation of truth only.

Question 2: What instills 'divinity' in Brahmins? What is the quality of virtuosity in a Brahmin? What is the human-like quality of a Brahmin? What is the conduct akin to a non-virtuous Brahmin?

Yudhisthira replied: The self-study (dhyana) of the Vedas is divinity in a Brahmin. Penance is the quality of a virtuous Brahmin. Death is human-like quality in a Brahmin. Criticizing others is a tell of a non-virtuous Brahmin

Question No. 3: What instills 'divinity' in Kshatriyas? What is the quality of virtuosity in a Kshatriya? What is the human-like quality of a Kshatriya? What is the conduct akin to a non-virtuous Kshatriya?

Yudhisthira replied: The art of archery is the divinity in a Kshatriya. Obeisance to God is Kshatriya's virtue. Fear is his humanly quality. Abandoning people who seek refuge in him is conduct akin to a non-virtuous Kshatriya.

Question No. 4: What is that thing which is like a Mantra in the performance of oblations (Yajnya)? Who is the performer of rites and ceremonies during Yajnya? Who accepts the offerings? What is that which even a Yajnya cannot transgress?

Yudhisthira replied: 'Breath' is like a Mantra in the performance of rites. 'Mind' is the performer of all rites in the course of Yajnya. Only Shlokas of the Vedas accept oblation. The Yajnya cannot surpass these Shlokas.

Question No. 5: What is heavier than earth, higher than heavens, faster than the wind and more numerous than straws?

Yudhisthira: One's mother is heavier than the earth; one's father is higher than the heavens. The mind is faster than wind and our worries are more numerous than straws.

Question No. 6: Who is the friend of a traveler? Who is the friend of one who is ill and who is a dying man's friend?

Yudhisthira: The friend of a traveler is his companion. The physician is the friend of one who is sick and a dying man's friend is charity.

Question No. 7: What is that which, when renounced, makes one lovable? What is that which is renounced makes happy and wealthy?

Yudhisthira: Pride, if renounced makes one lovable; by renouncing desire one becomes wealthy; and to renounce avarice is to obtain happiness.

Question No. 8: What enemy is invincible? What constitutes an incurable disease? What sort of man is noble and what sort is ignoble?

Yudhisthira: Anger is the invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes a disease that is incurable. He is noble who desires the well-being of all creatures, and he is ignoble who is without mercy.

Question No. 9: Who is truly happy? What is the greatest wonder? What is the path? And what is the news?

Yudhisthira: He who has no debts is truly happy. Day after day countless people die. Yet the living wish to live forever. This is the greatest wonder.

This world full of ignorance is like a pan. The sun is fire, the days and nights are fuel. The months and the seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is cooking all creatures in that pan; this is the news

Yudhisthira could answer all the questions, at the end the Yaksha revealed himself to be Yama (God of death), Yudhisthira's God-father. He also admitted to Yudhisthira that it was he who had stolen the Arani in form of the deer. He blessed the Pandavas with life and gave them the boon that nobody would recognize them during the ‘AgyataVas’ (exile incognito)

Hindu Mythology: Trinity and Time

Different schools of thought in the Hindu mythology have different stories to tell, only to place their 'ista' (God) slightly higher than the other when it comes to the inception of the 'Trideva' Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh. As per the Shaiva school, Shiva was the 'adi-yogi' a limitless 'linga' of eternal energy before anything was ever created. Shiva, by means of his meditation manifested into Vishnu in 'Ananta-Shayan' (means a perfect state of in-action) over Khirsagar (scriptures consider the galaxies to be an endless ocean). Vishnu in turn, from his naval gave rise to a thousand petal lotus which is the seed for Brahma.

However, the Puranas at multiple instances state that this entire universe is under the control of ONE divine 'Supreme Spirit'. This supreme spirit has primarily three manifestations at different times. He is Brahma the Creator, he is also Vishnu the Preserver, and Mahesh the Destroyer. 

This stanza expresses the idea very well:

Shivaya Vishnu roopaya | 

shivarupaya Vishnuve ||

shivashca hirdhayagam Vishnu, |

Vishnuscha hridayagam shive ||

Meaning, Shiva is in the form of Vishnu, just as Vishnu is in the form of Shiva. Shiva is in the heart of Vishnu just as Vishnu in the heart of Shiva. 

Let us now know more about the scale of time and the Yugas.

As per Hindu scriptures 1 God Year = 360 Human Years 

Note: Per Hindu mythology, 1 Year = 360 Days. 

This is very close to the 365 days in a year as per modern science. Also, modern science believes that the earth is slowing down and the year would progressively have more days. If we believe that the Rishis (learned beings) did their calculations millions of years back, 360 days a year is justified in the mythology.

According to the Laws of Manu, the Yugas have been described as below:

Satya Yuga

Duration: 4800 God years = 1728000 years

Has four avatars of Vishnu

In creation, virtue reigns supreme

Average human lifespan was 100,000 years

Treta Yuga 

Duration: 3600 God years = 1296000 years

Has three avatars of Vishnu

In creation, 3 quarter is virtue & 1 quarter is sin

Average human lifespan was 10,000 years

Dwapar Yoga

Duration: 2400 God years = 864000 years

Has two avatars of Vishnu

In creation, 2 quarter is virtue & 2 quarter is sin

Average human lifespan was 1,000 years

Kali Yuga (modern times)

Duration: 1200 God years = 432000 years

Has one avatars of Vishnu 

In creation, 1 quarter is virtue &3 quarter is sin

Average human lifespan is 100 years

Hope this information sets the context in our ongoing discussions on Hindu Mythology

Hanuman across all Ages!

We know that Hanuman was a 'Chiranjeevi' (one who was blessed with immortality). So the question arises, was there Hanuman before Ram? Do we still have him living in modern times? Let me present the verse from ‘Chalisa’: 'Charo Jug Pratap Tumhara, Hai Prasidh Jagat Ujiara’ (meaning, your holiness prevails across all four eras). Below are the manifestations of the cosmic energy we know as Hanuman across the different 'Yuga' (Era)

Satyuga: Lord Hanuman is the avatar of Lord Shiva. In Satyuga, Lord Hanuman/Shiva came in the form of Rudra for the welfare of the world.

Tretayuga: Lord Vishnu’s avatar Ram re-established good over evil and set an example of 'siddha purush' (ideal man). Lord Shiva as Hanuman was Ram’s ardent follower and 'Senapati' (war-chief) in the war of Ramayana

Dwaparyuga: In this era, both Arjuna and Bhima (Pandav brothers) had crossed-roads with Hanuman in separate incidents which we shall look at greater detail shortly

Kalyuga: Invisible to the gross/biological human eye Hanuman lives in Gandmadan Mountain (near Rameshvaram). Per the scripture यत्र-यत्र रघुनाथकीर्तनं तत्र-तत्र कृत मस्तकांजलिं; where ever the holy name of Ram is chanted, hanuman pays his homage there and presents his strength/blessings to help us out.

Let us know more about Hanuman's most significant role in Dwapar Yuga (the era that witnessed Kurushetra battle). 'Vayu' (Wind God) was the god-father of Hanuman much like he was for Bhima. So Hanuman decided to take a test of his 'anuj' Bhima. During the 'Vanaprastha' exile of Pandavas', he appears disguised as a weak and aged monkey lying with his tail blocking the way of Bhima. Later tells the monkey (read Hanuman) to move the tail out of the way. Hanuman, refuses. Bhima tries many a times over to move the tail; but fails despite his great strength. Realising he is no ordinary monkey, Bhima prays to the monkey to reveal its true identity. At Bhima's request, Hanuman manifests as himself and grows to gigantic proportions (as he had done several times in Treta Yuga to help Ram). Bhima apologizes to Hanuman for his behavior. In turn Hanuman blessed Bhima with the strength of a thousand Elephants.

Arjun in course of his many a travels came to Rameshwar and wondered as to why Lord Rama had to take help of monkey army for building a stone-bridge instead of making a bridge of arrows. Unable to tolerate doubt over Ram's actions, Hanuman presented himself in front of Arjun, disguised as a talking monkey and challenged him to build a bridge capable of bearing Hanuman alone. Unaware of the Hanuman's true identity, Arjun accepted the challenge. Hanuman repeatedly destroyed the bridge made by Arjun's arrows at a speed beyond Arjun's comprehension. Arjun would see his bridge of arrows fall to pieces soon after it got created. This disturbed Arjun greatly and pushed him to the verge of taking his own life out of shame. Krishna was witnessing this incident all along. He decided to intervene at this point. Krishna placed his divine 'Sudarshan Chakra' (discus) beneath the bridge of Arrows and this time Hanuman could no longer break it. Lord Krishna then manifested him as Vishnu before both Arjun and Hanuman, reprimanded them for their pride and prank respectively. To make up for his actions, Hanuman promised to help Arjun by strengthening his chariot during the battle of Kurushetra.

In the great battle, Hanuman micro-sized him into his image on the flag atop Arjun's chariot. After every day's fight Krishna used to ask Arjun to step down the chariot before him. On the last day of battle, Arjun asked Krishna the reason behind the contrary practice (in those days, the charioteer alighted first and extended his help to master on the chariot). Krishna smiled and after Arjun got down, Krishna followed him and thanked Hanuman for partaking their side in the form of chariot-flag. Hanuman resumed his original form, left the flag and flew away into the sky. As soon as Hanuman left, the chariot broke down completely, began to burn and turned into ashes. Then Krishna explained, that Hanuman's presence on the chariot was the only reason why it was still intact in spite of several hits from weapons thrown at it in the war.

We need to remember that Hanuman is one of the few people to have heard the Bhagwad Gita from Krishna and seen his Vishvarupa (Universal divine form), the others being Arjuna and Sanjaya (orator of the battle to blind Dhritarashtra).

Lessons:

1. Over-confidence (like Bhima and Arjun had) is the reason we may fail in spite of strength and skills

2. Good doing strength always assist us upon honest prayers (यत्र-यत्र रघुनाथकीर्तनं तत्र-तत्र कृत मस्तकांजलिं)

3. Sometimes was have to go beyond usual tradition to suit changed circumstances (Arjun alighted chariot before Krishna)

Purana: Samudra Manthan

Indra, while riding on Airawat, came across Sage Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland, placing it on the trunk of Airavat. Airavat, threw the garland to the ground. This enraged sage Durvasa, who cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune

In battles that followed this incident, the Devas were defeated and Asuras and gained control of the universe. To restore lost glory,wealth and well-being Devas formed an alliance with Asuras to jointly churn the 'Kshirsagar' for the Elixir of immortality, wealth and boons. This episode in the Puranas is known as 'Samunda Manthan'

Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod; Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope. The gods and demons pulled back and forth on the snake's body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. Lord Narayan was in his Kurma (Tortoise) avatar to provide a support to Mt. Mandara on his back.

'Samunda Manthan' released a number boons. The forst to emanate however was the lethal poison Halahal. The poison was so powerful that it can destroy all of creation. Lord Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat. As a result the color of Shiva's throat turned blue giving him the name of 'Neelakanta' ('Neela' means blue and 'kantha' means throat). 

The verse that describes the subsequent products from the Samudra Manthan goes as follows: 'Lakshmeeh kaustubhapaarijaatakasuraadhantarischandramaah, Gaavah kaamaduhaa sureswaragajorambhadidevaanganaah, Ashwah saptamukhovisam haridhanuh sankhomrtam chaambudheh, Ratnaaneeha chaturdasa pratidinam kuryaatsadaa mangalam'. 

Which translates to a boons like Laxmi (God to wealth), Apsaras beautiful female spirits), 'Kamdhenu' (wish fulfilling Cow), Airavat (Indra's Elephant). Gems like Kasturbha and ever-green tree Parijat and many more boons

Finally, Dhanvantari (heavenly physician) emerged with a pot containing Amrita (Elixir of immortality). The Gods and Asuras started to fight over Amrit. Lord Vishnu, in the form Mohini, an enchanting damsel, distracted the Asuras and distributed Amrit among the Devas. Asura RahuKetu, disguised himself as a God-head and drank  a few  drops of Amrit. But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini/Vishnu cut off his head with her the 'Sudarshana Chakra'. However, as an effect of the Amrit RahuKetu did not die, rather his head and body lived as seperate entities. 

The 'Samudra Manthan' episode ends with the rejuvenated Devas defeating the asuras.

Excerpts from Ramayan's battlefield

Stanza recited by Vibhishan to Shri Ram: "Navi kund sudha bas jake, Nath jiye Ravan bal take". Means the Naval of Ravan contains the Elixir of his immortality. Ram pierced it with his arrow and brought the mortal life of Ravan to an end.
In Ravan's death bed, Ram told Laxman this verse: "Uttam Vidya leejiya jadapi neech pe hoye, Sona apaawan thour pado tahu na tajiye koye" which means: Take good knowledge from the worst person in the world because it is like precious gold lying in a dirty place!
We must know, Ravan was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and an extremely wise/knowledgeable person.
Dying Ravan's words of wisdom to Ram/Laxman when they bowed at his feet for his knowledge. 
Three lessons shared:
1. Subhashya Shighram: Things that are bad allure us and we run towards them impatiently. But things are good for fail to attract us and we find excuses to justify our procrastination in taking them up.
2. Never to underestimate one’s enemy
3. One should not reveal one’s secret to life/happiness to anyone in the world

Sita at Ashok-Vatika

Cruel king of the Asuras, Ravan, had forcefully abducted holy mother Sita the consort of Sri Ram and kept her in house arrest in Ashok Vatika of Lanka. Ravan was very displeased to find Sita's utterances always praising the glory of Ram! 

Ravan threatened to put Sita's life to an end, if she did not portray Ravan at a higher stature than Ram in her praises within the next day! After seeking forgiveness from the almighty for her act, Sita, next day, uttered the following stanza: 'O mighty king Ravan, your glory is like the bright full moon while Sri Ram's glory is like the waxing crescent'

Ravan got intoxicated in joy hearing these words of his praise coming from Sita. However we must realize that Sita had actually praised Sri Ram. Full moon's brightness gradually reduces and finally gets obliterated. Waxing crescent progressively gets brighter into full glory! Ravan, though a very strong and knowledgeable devotee of Lord Shiva, was so full of himself that his evil-glory would soon be ebbed by the rising virtuous-glory of Sri Ram!

Lessons:
1. Words properly put save lives
2. Seeming superficial praises may conceal a deeper criticism in its womb
3. Pride and ego always causes one's virtues to get overshadowed