Shree Hari's Devine Name

This evening I was listening to a divine discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, Presiding saint of Uttaraadi Mutt (to which I belong). He was mentioning about the importance of chanting Shree Hari's Names even when engaged in works other than those of spiritual or religious nature.

I fondly remember my maternal grand mother who had the daily habit of  singing divine songs praising Shree Hari after taking her bath until she completed her cooking in the mornings. One of these songs which I vividly remember was "Krishnaa ena baarade?..." meaning "Why not chant Shree Krishnaa's name?...".

She was a nice lady who hailed from a village known as Sathya Vijaya Nagaram (named after Shree Sathya Vijaya Theertharu, a Maadhwaa saint). (One of her brothers by name Vasudeva Rao, was Principal of Sanskrit College in Mysuru, in those days). 

Good old days.

Singapore National Day

As one of the very few city states, Singapore celeberates it's 58th National Day today.

As we all know, it is the most economically and socially developed country in South East Asia. 

The harmonic relationship between it's three main ethnic communities, namely Chinese, Malay and Indian, has kept it as a vibrant country for the past 58 years since independence from British rule.

Dosa

As I am writing this post, I am viewing 'Culinary Escapes' on Foxlife TV Channel. It features San Francisco in the US. 

It was pleasure to view Sreejith Gopinathan, chief chef at Taj Campton Hotel in the city. He demonstrates a few Indian dishes. 

It reminds me of Gandhidoss (or was it Christu Gandhidoss or simply Gandhi? I don't remember). He was a Mauritian Indian culinary expert specialised in Dosa (a popular and common food item in southern states of India). He worked in an Indian Restaurant in Gaborone, Botswana. I used to have my lunch in the restaurant during my weekend visit to the city. I remember how I used to be a bit disappointed at the restaurant when told, "Sorry sir, no dosa service this time, as Gandhidoss has gone home on vacation".

Whether it is Gaborone, Durban, Vadodara or Phnom Penh, dosa seems to be a priced food item not only among us Indians but also others in our global village, rather global city.

Some of the best dosas made in restuarants were made in a small Udipi restaurant owned by a Brahman gentleman in Tripunithura, a suburb of Ernakulam in Kerala. If I remember well, each dosa with delicious healthy side dish (sambar and coconut chutney) cost just one ruppee; it was in the early 1980s. Good old days!

Paul McCartney

This evening, when having my dinner, as I was viewing ABC TV Channel , I bumped into an unexpected interview by ABC's Sarah Ferguson with Paul McCartney of The Beatles in it's program '7.30'. 

It was great pleasure viewing one of my most favourite singers. When he mentioned the song "When I'm sixty four", I was reminded of the late 60s, during which time numerous teenagers like me used to sing this song and many others by the 'Fab Four'.

I tried to provide a link to the programme, but couldn't access any.

Soma paanakaha

In this evening's episode of 1000 Naamangal 1000 Kathaigal, Dr U Ve Venkatesh explained "Soma paanakaha", one of Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Names listed in Shree Vishnu Sahasra Naama Sthothram. He explained that the term "soma paanaka" means a juice obtained from the soma plant and that it is offered humbly in rituals to His Almighty Shreeman Naaraayana. Shree Mahaa Vishnu is addressed as "Soma paanakaha" as He accepts it from His devotees.

Mr Venkatesh cautioned viewers not to believe false rumours. (I remember having heard somewhere that the term means a somewhat alcoholic drink such as beer or whiskey). He gave an excellent advice to viewers not to be taken away by rumours spread by anti-brahmin rascals.

Lord Brahma's statue in Cambodia

I came to know that an awe inpiring 7 metres tall statue of Lord Brahma got installed in the main lounge of Siem Riep International Airport in Cambodia recently, as reported in The Phnom Penh Post.

While it is a tribute to one of the main deities functioning under the direction of The Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu, it would be nice if our Government of India takes steps to reinstall at least the main vigrahaa of Shree Mahaa Vishnu as the main God in the Angkor Wat Complex in Siem Riep. 

Vishnu devotees know that Shree Hari is Founder President and CEO of the entire Universe with Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, His wife, as it's Vice President.

Divine discourse

This afternoon, I had the joy of viewing Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa discourse by Shree Kriparam Ji Maharaj on Aashtha TV Channel. He is a new comer in the channel. His explanations are very meaningful.

After the above program ended, when I tuned in to Sanskar TV Channel, I could derive the joy of viewing the discourse by Shree Anirudh Aacharyaji Maharaj. He mentioned how the relationship between Lord Shree Krishna and Gopikaa ladies was completely spiritual and not romantic in any manner; he also mentioned that Lord Shree Krishna was just seven years old at that time. (Nearly ten years ago, I have also mentioned this in a previous post). 

I tried to give a link with information about Shree Anirudh Aacharyaji Maharaj in English, but couldn't find any. Hence the link with information in Hindi.

Divine Discourse

As I am writing this post, I deem it a great joy viewing Sreemadh Bhaagavath Kathaa discourse on Ashthaa TV Channel by Shree Devkinanadan Takur Ji.

Whenever Pundits mention Lord Shree Krishna's name and His favourite butter, I am reminded of Shree Anup Jalota, my favourite charismatic bhajan singer, and his famous song "Maiyaa mori...".

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It is Ekaadashi. Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi are offered special worship on this day. Fasting is observered and His Almighty Shree Hari's Names are chanted. 

Ringo Starr's birthday

Today I received an interesting info about a Utube video released commemorating Ringo Starr's birthday that was celeberated on 7 July. Let me provide a link to the video here.