There was a power cut this morning too in our area. Hence as my TV was not usable, I was fiddling around my mobile internet and bumped into one of the first softrock songs when I was in my teens. Let me share the song here. I think that this song topped the popcharts list in the UK for several months according to a BBC WORLD SERVICE RADIO's weekly radio program that used to be broadcast from 4 to 4.30 pm on Sundays. I don't remember the program's name.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Shree Vaamana Jayanthi.
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Being Wednesday and Ekaadashi, devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu on this day. Today's Ekaadashi is of special significance as Shree Mahaa Vishnu lying on the divine snake turns his body today.
This day is also important as Aaraadhanaa of Shree Sathyesha Theertha Swaamiji is celeberated.
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
It was great joy listening to a discourse by respected Shree Chinna Jeeyar Swaamiji as guest speaker in Bhaagavath Kathaa discourse by respected Shree Indreshji Maharaj at Hyderabad, Telengaanaa, on Sanskar TV Channel this evening.
I remember Swaamiji's advice on how to concentrate during meditations provided the fact that many people,including me, find it difficult to concentrate with our wandering minds. He said that if our minds go to irrelevant places during meditation we should imagine Lord Shree Krishna in that place.
I remember hearing the above advice as my beloved mother was viewing Swaamiji's discourse on TV in the Hall. I was in my room at that time. This was many years ago.
My beloved parents:
Shree Chinna Jeeyar Swaamiji:
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is considered as Vinaayaka Chathurthi. Devotees worship Shree Vinaayakaa, and more importantly, Shree Mahaa Vishnu residing in Shree Vinaayakaa's heart, as all deities including Vinaayakaa carry out their responsibilities under the orders of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, Supreme God.
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Jai Shree Ganeshaa anthargatha Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏
I think that every country feels proud about it's culture and traditions. Ours is no exception.
Our country has numerous doll makers as unsung heroes and heroins.
DD Karnataka TV Channel telecasts a regular program in which a charismatic anchor interviews craftspeople in different parts of Karnataka. This evening the Channel telecast a show feauring doll makers. I tried to access the link to the programme, but as usual, in vain.
Let me share a screenshot of the programme's title and a photo from the programme.
I wish that Shree Hari blesses these craftspeople with long lives and happiness.
(As I am typing this post, the power supply went off for the second time today; I think that irresponsible workers and officials in Electricity Department learn a lesson from the above mentioned simple and hardworking craftspeople).
(I am back at this post three hours since power cut; still it has not come. Irresponsible Electricity Department employees are fraudulent rascals and greedy, like stray dogs).
Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Shree Dhanvanthari Jayanthi, Shree araaha Jayanthi and Shree Balaraama Jayanthi.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
People of my age at 74 would have some place in their hearts for The Beatles, the most popular softrock band. Although at a personal level, my interest in Western Softrock music has gone down to a large extent, I retain my interest in keeping in touch with their web site.
Recently the band has come up with news about an anthology of their music that stretched for many years. Let me share the news.
Their songs such as Get back, Lady Madonna, Hey Jude etc. some times keep ringing in my ears.
Following image shows The Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi :
Let me share George Harrison's liking of our Hinduism and our Lord Shree Krishna here.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
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It was great joy listening to to Shree Vrajrajkumarji Maharajji's Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa on Aashthaa TV Channel this evening.
Although much of his discourse was in Gujaraathi (in which I am not familiar), he used Hindi and occassionally English. Hence I could grasp what he mentioned.
Hari Sarvoththamaa Vaayu Jeevoththamaa🙏
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏
English language experts and enthusiasts know that new words keep on enering dictionaries.
According to a recent news report, Cambridge Dictionary has added two new words: 'tradwife' and 'skibidi'.
The word 'tradwife' seems to have precise and clear meaning.
But 'skibidi' has diametrically opposite (or contradictory) meanings; it can also be used without meaning anything. I don't really understand why such words are included in the dictionary. I think that Cambridge Dictionary is losing it's authenticity and reliability due to such entries.
I think that Cambridge Dictionary and other Dictionaries should not succumb to popular demand and should not include words with contradictory meanings and words that don't mean anything.
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This morning, it was joy receiving the following WhatsApp notification from Uttaradi Mutt to which I belong:
"The Government of India releases a commemorative coin to honor Shri 1008 Shri Satya Pramoda Teertha Swami ji, marking the beginning of his 108th birth anniversary celebrations, recognizing his enduring legacy. (1918-1925)
A milestone in itself, Shri 108 Satya Pramoda Teertha Swami ji is the Madhwa Swami ji recognized with a commemorative coin.
Pure silver coin weighing ~40 gms
Coin symbolic denomination of INR 108/- (celebrating 108th Birth anniversary)
Hyderabad Chaturmasya has a 71-year legacy, dating back to 1954 when Shri 108 Satya Pramoda Teertha Swami ji observed Chaturmasya to uphold Sanatana Dharma during challenging times.
Milestone 30th Chaturmasya of Shri Satyatma Teertha Swami ji– coinciding at Hyderabad and coin release.
...
Regards,
Communication Team-UM"
Commomorative Coin
Shri Satyapramoda Theertha Swaamiji was Chief Pontiff of Uttaradi Mutt. Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, our current Chief Pontiff, was his disciple.
Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is considered as Krishna Jayanthi, Krishna Janmaashtami or Gokulaashtami. This is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Shree Krishna nearly 8,60,000 years ago on our Earth.
Following image shows Devaki and Vasudevaa worshipping Lord Shree Krishna who had incarnated as their baby son:
Devotees perform special worship to Lord Shree Krishna on this day.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏
People of my age at nearly 74 may remember our boyhood years when we used to make boats etc. using ordinary paper. In Japan, this kind of creating 3 D objects using paper is known as Origamy.
This evening NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel telecast an interesting documentary on origamy. It is sad that our school curriculum does not included creative aspects like origamy which children would enjoy.
All Hindus know the significance of idols of Gods, Goddesses and deities, and how these idols are made by sculptors and then given 'divine lives' by priests by chanting appropriate scriptural verses (manthraas); when doing so, Shree Mahaa Vishnu is considered to bestow divine energy into the idols.
In large temples, idols are placed in the main room and worshipped without changing their positions. There are also idols which are carried on chariots through different parts of the area and worshipped by devotees. This is known as 'Ratha Yaathraa' meaning 'Chariot Ride'.
In Japan, similar customs prevail as shown in a Japanese documentary this afternoon on NHK WORLD JAPAN TV CHANNEL.
The above image shows chariot ride of a Japanese deity.
The above image shows recently held chariot ride of Shree Shubadhraa, Shree Balabadhraa and Lord Shree Jagannaath at Jagannaatha Puri, India.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Raaghavendra Swami is considered to have attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. Raaghavendra Swaami's aaraadhanaa is celeberated today all over the planet.
A special ritual was performed by the chief pontiff of Shree Raaghavendra Swaami Mutt, Manthraalayam, to mark the aaaraadhaana celeberation today. The ritual was basically special worship of Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa seated in the heart of Shree Raaghavendra Swaamiji.
Let me end my post by providing a link to a series of lectures on Bhagavad Geethaa in English by Dr Panchamukhi here.
Jai Raaghavendra Swami anthargatha Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
It was highly spiritually enriching in viewing a divine discourse on Geethaa by respected Gita Manishiji Maharaj at Leicester, UK, via Aashthaa TV Channel. Manishiji stressed the importance of balancing spiritual and materialistic lives, and explained Krishna Bhakthi.
The programme involved introductory speeches by eminent Krishnaa devotees that included very well placed professionals including an eminent eye surgeon who is a disciple of Shree Manishi.
We Indians all over the world celebrate Rakshaa Bandhan today marking brotherly and sisterly affection.
With gratitude, I remember Kamala Jyothi, my beloved sister, and Ramesh, my beloved late brother.
Following photo shows my sister, me and my brother from right to left, at a function organised by my brother a few years ago:
I wish that my brother's soul is on it's way to Lord Shree Krishna's Lotus Feet.
Sathyam vande Jagath Gurum🙏.
Singapore celeberates it's 60th National Day today. Best wishes to it's Government and people.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Billions of years ago, it was on this day that Shree Mahaa Vishnu temple incarnated as Hayagreevaa.
Today is also the day on which Brahmin, Kshathria and Vysyaa males get their year old sacred threads replaced by new ones. It is an annual ritual of recharging our spiritual batteries.
Jai Shree Mahaa Lakshmi samtha Shree Hayagreeva Swaameejee 🙏
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Being Friday, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi is offered special worship on this day; she is the Wednesday deity.
Today is also very auspicious, as Shree Vara Mahaa Lakshmi, a manifestation of Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, is offered special worship and perform Shree Vara Mahaa Lakshmi Vratham.
Shree Mahaa Lakshmi is considered to be manifest in eight divine forms.
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Today is the death anniversary of Shree Rabindranath Tagore, Poet, Novelist and Social Reformer. It is sad that his ideas of school education got ignored by successive Central Governments.
Today is the birth centenary of Dr M S Swaminathan, Agricultural Scientist. Let me share the tribute paid by our beloved Prime Minister on the occassion.
I have mentioned a bit about Dr Swaminathan in a previous post.
Besides contributing to agricultural growth in the country, he was a prominent crusader of farmers's rights.
World history has been making it very clear that when countries are colonised, their people are killed,their treasures are looted, apartheid is practised and the colonising country makes efforts to wipe out local cultures and traditions. This has happened in our own country when the British, Portugese, French, Moghuls etc. colonised our country.
African countries are considered to be heavily colonised. One such country is present day Namibia. Previously known as South West Rhodesia, it was colonised by Germany.
I happened to view a documentary on Colonial Namibia on RT TV Channel this evening.
It reminds me of a cool summer evening in Southern Africa in 1990. I was having tea and biscuits in Shree Krishna Murthi's house. He was my friend from Karnataka and was teaching Maths in a local College of Education. He introduced a visitor who came to his house that evening. This guy was a caucasian Namibian of German origin.
Although I was never interested in local, national or politics, he began conversing with me by asking why Indian Government was practising apartheid against Sikhs. That was a few years after our Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assasinated by a Sikh body guard. There was a popular Supreme Court criminal lawyer named 'Ram Jethmalani'. He argued this assassin's case and got him aquitted by nasty means. A few months or years after this, instead of being given death penalty, this rascal lawyer was made Law Minister by the then BJP Government led by Mr Vajpayee. Even today, although BJP seems to least corrupt political party, I don't think that it is 100% free from corruption and favouritism.
Coming back to my conversation with the Namibian guy, I replied to him that what he thought was not true and explained that although there were aparheid by some political parties such as DMK against Brahmin communities etc., these were neither norm nor Government sponsored. The German guy would have probably understood it.
Let me share RT TV Channel's documentary here.
Colonisation is bad.
It is a well known fact that Chennai does not get enough rains during rainy season for obvious reasons such as cutting trees and vehicular pollution.
But even with occassional rains and drizziling, residents experience problems.
Last week I saw a 6 inches long centipede (known as 'Pooraan' in Tamizh) as shown in the following image, coming out from the washbasin near my kitchen:
Being Friday, RT TV Channel telecast it's weekly episode of Lumumba's Africa. In this episode, Prof Lumumba explained how the term 'Globalization' coined by Western countries is meaningless without including African countries. I can understand what he means as a professional who has worked on Gender Mainstreaming issues at the Cambodian Ministry of Education. Prof Lumumba mentioned authors such as Chinua Achebe. I have seen the enormous popularity of Mr Achebe's books such as 'Things Fall Apart' not only in his native Nigeria but also in other parts of Africa.
Africa is a colourful continent.
According to a WhatApp notification from Uttaraadi Mutt, to which I belong, 8 August is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender and this is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi. Following is Uttaradi Mutt's notification:
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏
Aashthaa TV Channel telecast a live program organised by Shree Morari Bapujee at Raajaapoor, Uttar Pradesh today. Viewers included many devotees and saints.
It also included Shree Yogi Adityanath, honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
I think that we should be grateful to Shree Mahaa Vishnu for having provided us with good politicians such as Shree Yogi Adityanath, Shree Narendra Modi etc. and saintly people such as Shree Morari Bapujee.
Satyam Param Deemahi🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender for two reasons. Shree Mahaa Vishnu being the presiding deity of Wednesday, He and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi are offered special worship today. Today also marks Kalki Jayanthi. Shree Mahaa Vishnu will incarnate as Lord Shree Kalki at the end of present Kali Yugaa and destroy all evil people as He mentioned as Lord Shree Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Geethaa. Time duration of Kali Yugaa is 432000 years out of which nearly 5000 years have gone by.
Sathyam param dheemahi🙏
Hari Sarvoththamaa
Vaayu Jeevoththamaa🙏
It is nearly six months since I lost my beloved brother. I am still unable to cope with the profund grief that his demise brought to me.
This morning, I had the opportunity of viewing 'Moonaam Pakkam', a Malayalam language movie in which Shree Thilakan, one of the most popular and versatile Malayali actors acts as the grief striken old man who lost his beloved grandson. Like most of the Malayalam language movies of the 1980s, the movie has a deep meaning without much noise.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.
It is very common in our Hindu Temples to worship our Gods and deities by carrying them in decorated chariots on land or lakes, rivers etc. in our villages, towns and cities as shown in this UTube video that includes our beloved Prime Minister worshipping Lord Jagannaath.
Japan shares similar culture and traditions as shown in this video taken in Kyoto.
Today and tomorrow are considered to be auspicious in the Hindu Calender. Today day is considered as Naaga Chathurthi; tomorrow is considered as Naaga Panchami.
(Due to it's ancient Hindu history, 'Naaga' is a common name in Cambodia; Divine snakes are integrated in Cambodian culture and traditions even today).
(Sivakumar, the well behaved youngster, owner of Amul outlet, who supplies my morning ready made Amul KoolCafe bottles, has his business named as 'Naaga Creams').
Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Shree Raam is considered to be a manifestation of the divine snake that serves as the mattress of Shree Mahaa Vishnu in Vaikuntaa.
Devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu residing in the hearts of all snakes, on these two days.
I fondly remember my beloved mother's Poojas on these two days every year.
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
It was great joy listening to Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Premanand Puriji Maharaaj on Aashthaa TV Channel this afternoon.
Sikkim is commonly assiciated with Buddhist culture and traditions. I too was of that umpression until this morning when I had bumped in to a documentary series entitled 'Me sikkim se pyaar rahaa hoon' or something like that meaning 'I like Sikkim' on Bharathi TV Channel.
I came to know that Sikkim has a temple known as 'Takurbari Temple' dedicated to Lord Shree Krishna. It also has Rameshwaram Dham Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered to be a great devotee of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.
I tried to provide a link to the programmes, but couldn't succeed as usual. I think that Bhrathi TV Channel staff is good in maintaining their Shows but inefficient in maintaining their website. I think that Government of India should look into this and fix the bolts and nuts.
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
Today being Friday, I had the pleasure of viewing Lumumba's Africa on RT this morning.
Prof Lumumba explained how African helped in the development of countries to which they were taken as slaves. I remember what former US President Barrack Obama said when he visited West Africa in 2008 or 2009.
Prof Lumumba mentioned several contributions of Africans including being the birth place of Christianity in Abyssinia, present day Ethiopia.
Every sentence that the professor speaks seems to be inspiring. I think that all his students are fortunate in getting this charismatic professor.
Africa is a colourful continent.
Today is the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela. He was a well known follower of Gandhian principles. These two leaders shared many of common values as mentioned in this article.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender as it marks the beginning of Dakshinaayana Parva kaalam.
After performing daily Sandhyavandhanam, Deva Pooja etc., brahmin men offer tharpanam to their departed parents and ancestors.
As Brahmins, I and my gentlemanly landlord also performed the ritual in our houses.
My landlord's wife, a kind lady, provides food cooked by her on amaavaasya and auspicious days so that I don't need to order via Swiggy (food which may not be cooked by any Brahmin).
As I mentioned in a previous post, my landlord and his wife are highly educated engineers and kind people.
While I was performing the tharpanam ritual, there was a problem: A mud pot seller set up his collection at the pavement just near my residence and carried on his announcement using a loudspeaker (like many street vendors) with sound level exceeding the limit set by the Government. This went on for about four hours. Because of the noise, I couldn't concentrate on my ritual to satisfactory extent.
I think that our Government officials, politicians and people such as the local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) should be given severe punishment for letting such atrocities happen.
The news that veteran movie actress Smt. Saroja Devi passed away today means a void in Souhthern Indian movie industry.
Like almost all veteran actresses she had always acted decently with decent attire.
I remember my colleagues showing a Computer Lab donated by her in Poorna Prajna High School (Main School) in Sadashiv Nagar, Bangaluru, where I had gone for a Principals' Meeting in 1997. I was Principal of Poorna Prajna High School, Yelahanka, near Bengaluru, at that time.
She will be remembered by her fans for years to come.
I wish that her soul rests at Lord Shree Krishna's Lotus Feet.
Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.
Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Guru Pournimaa. Devotees offer special worship to Sage Vedavyaasaa.
Today is our country's real National Teachers Day. Our Government should bring in amendments to make this day as our National Teachers Day and to change our country's name as 'Bhaarath Varsh".
Today is the birth anniversary of Kamala Jyothi, my beloved sister. She was born in 1954. I sent greeting to her this morning.
If my beloved brother were alive, he would have greeted her as well. I remember him with heavy heart.
It was spiritually enriching in listening to Shree Raam kathaa discourse by respected Morari Bapujee. He explained about Shree Veda Vyaasaa.
Aashthaa TV Channel telecasts spiritual discourse daily at 7 pm (IST) by charismatic Shree Rajeev Lochana Dasa. In this evening's episode, he mentioned the characteristics of a good person. His discourses are spiritually magnetic.
Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.
Last year I heard that Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia, is the fastest developing city in South East Asia. It's probably true. People who have lived in the city know that it is a very vibrant city. As a professional attached to the Cambodian Ministry of Education, I have lived in the city and have travelled to provinces frequently on work. I remember Takeoprovince, where I had spent a day on work.
This afternoon NHK WORLD JAPAN TV telecast an interesting documentary on how a young Japanese University graduate helped local communities in Phnon Penh and Takeo and contributed in improving their livelihood. Let me share the documentary here.
I remember how Japanese NGOs such as JICA used to be active in Phnom Penh.
I think that multiculturalism is very interesting and useful as long as people of different cultures and traditions integrate well with each other without losing grip of their own culture traditions and contribute to the homogeneous community. I have seen it in South Africa.
This afternoon CNA TV CHANNEL telecast an interesting episode featuring how Nigerians working in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, have been contributing to the city's development. I like the program as a profrssional who worked in African countries as well as in Phnom Penh. Let me share CNA's documentary here.
I nostalgically remember my Ethiopian friends in Phnom Penh. They were working in NGOs.
