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janaknandini-singh999 · 1 year ago

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so idk i felt like i could reach out to u for this, but like i was seeing one of ur posts about rukmini and i saw that apparently she did sati when shri krishna died, and I googled it and I found out in various places that yes, but idk that just made me really upset, like I understand the emotions but the concept itself makes me upset and i just couldn't believe that swayam devi rukmini and other wives actually did that u know, and if their lives were meant to be exemplary or teach us then what does it teach the Hindu people about sati u know and forcing it? like whenever smth like this that idk if i agree with or understand happens then I always try to trust that shri krishna intended it for a reason but here I really don't see the reason:( like surely it would have been stronger if rukmini were a pillar of comfort in the aftermath of shri krishnas death, or idk really even in srimad bhagavatam I was reading some lines about the raas lila and I just felt like, you know it showed the gopiyas and their love but on krishnas part I didnt feel like he was taking their love as seriously u know, or he seemed a little apathetic, idkkk I may be very quick to jump to conclusions about these things, and i shouldn't! but it's also why because shri krishna in my mind would also be deeply moved by these displays of love and also by the actions or happenings surrounding the people that love him, or people in general. which goes on I wanted to ask - what do you view shri krishna as? a historical figure, a mythological figure, an allegory for God/Brahman/Paramatma, someone who is emotional, someone who is perfect and does everything with a smile on his face?

and I just wish there were more stories of the divine feminine and all the female devis and their incarnations yknow? how do you feel about that? I'm sure they exist and must be lost somewhere, or I am not looking in the right place because I know things like the devi bhagavatam exist, but idk u must feel the divide between male and female gods, or is it that my perception is dependent on what I've come across growing up, or my perception of hindu society today?

for me, shri krishna was someone who existed in history, but he exists with such a fluidity that anyone who wishes to create a story of him that THEY find touching automatically becomes valid, because he is Bhagavan and so he changes with how his devotees perceive him or find love in him. which is why idk about radharani's 'existence' but I also feel her presence and I just intuitively *feel* that it doesn't matter if it is accurate or not, her identity as the divine counterpart and lover of shri krishna is so valid and touching yk

but I think my understanding of shri krishna can be very confusing to me sometimes because I am philosophical so I always question and critically look at things, so I question things like "if he is bhagavan, would he actually be like this, would he be like that" etc. I know I'm a seeker and my path must be jnana yoga and it's difficult but it's the way i find my way to bhakti. I'm a bhakt and emotionally attached now because i understand that I can never understand everything, and I naturally gravitate to being attached to shri krishna anyway despite all my questions, and I'm trying to embrace that.

sorry, I am aware I might seem arrogant or conceited questioning shri krishna bhagavan himself who is so huge and massive and I am sososoososooo tiny compared to him, as well as lakshmi devi and everyone else...there's no way I can understand everything, or even a small part of it.

it is just my own relationship with krishna i guess. or my own relationship with what I consider right and wrong.

please feel free to share your thoughts and views if you like 🙏🙏

sorry for the spam omg😭😭😭radhe radhe sakhi I appreciate you for listening so much!!!💙💙💙💙

Hey sakhi, first of all I'm glad you felt like reaching out to someone :') come heree yaar *hugs you tight and kisses your forehead and then hugs you again*

Now for the explanation - first things first I want you to know that whatever may have ensued in that yug was first of all majorly determined by patriarchy (yes, even when it came to krishna) and secondly, as a result, all of the texts were mostly manipulated to show the control of men over women. Now please keep that in mind as I continue..

Now that we have the power dynamics of gender out of our way let's get right into it: the sheer love between Krishna and his gopiyan and wives that no egoistic/materialistic mortal consumed by power and arrogance would ever be able to grasp in their entire life. It's the same reason why most people attack Radha for being worshipped with Krishna even though she was "just a lover" in their eyes. Now coming to back to it, in the simplest words, nothing existed for the wives of Krishna after he died. Their souls passed away with him - they had died anyway, it was just a matter of letting go of their bodies at this point after purging themselves through the purifying fire once and for all. Coz yes, to be very precise and blunt, all of their purposes had come to an end for this lifetime after Krishna passed away. Their purpose as Lakshmi's incarnations was to be Krishna's consort in his journey of dharma. This is something that can't be understood by most people because they start by directly comparing themselves to them. First of all, no you can't. Nobody in this yug (Kalyug) can have that sort of selfless, maddening devotion for anyone who isn't God (Kanha) Himself. So please don't equate yourself to them. It would just be wrong and simply... unjust? Also, again - it was a patriarchy so that was the picture painted for us too in the end. You wanna know something though? Radha was the only consort of Krishna who passed away before him. When she left her mortal body, she called out to Krishna to play his bansi for the last time in this lifetime for her as she peacefully passed away in his lap, listening to it and smiling. Krishna lost absolutely all hope after that. He broke down, broke his bansi in half and never played it for anyone ever again in his whole life after Radha passed on. His half soul had gone and taken along his dearest love with him. After that he just existed to complete his dharma, his purpose. His body otherwise had died. That was a kind of Sati for him, in his own heartbreakingly haunting way but nobody ever tells you that.

Coming to the portrayal, it's what the characters are moulded and shown to us that view our lens but really it should be debated when it comes to Gods because we are supposed to worship and follow their ideals. There are definitely a lot of divine goddesses in our religion. In fact, hinduism is the only religion that worships Goddess primarily as the eternal Shakti from which all beings are born (in most other religions there are just demi goddesses and gray/antihero goddesses). For example: greek mythology. That's probably again coz of the prevalant patriarchy. When Lilith (Adam's first wife) revolted against Adam for unequal power play, what did they do? Very conveniently painted her as the demoness queen aka the villain. Then ofc the stories that followed of her eating babies because she was jealous of Eve (the perfect submissive wife). Honestly how much should we even believe and how much discard? Next is Greek Mythology where the queen Goddess is Hera who is portrayed as a very angry Goddess and villainised almost every time, just because she stands up to her husband who sleeps with many others and doesn't care. She poisons other women in jealousy. What are these stories even trying to show? That what the man doing is alright and when it's a woman then it's "women are only women's enemies and they all just want to attack their poor husbands?" *cue men laughing together and mocking their wives*

It's a very gray area to touch upon and I don't wanna hurt sentiments but it's what it is. Coming back to Hindu - see, Krishna was a very tricky (and a trickster ;) part to portray. He was supposed to be mischievous but he was also supposed to be morally correct. Why else do we adore him sm? Because he resonates with us in this yug - he's cool and nice, a bsf, a father, a guide, a babygirl all in one. But look at his pov also na? That's a very difficult image to maintain, to be able to be loved and respected by all generations equally even with such a fluid identity. And since it's such a fluid identity, it was even easier to be tampered with by the brahmins who gave us the knowledge firsthand that was passed down by him. But just imagine - if even after all the (possible) manipulation of his character he still gives us the vibes of a genuine bestie, how loving would he actually be??? Like begaad kar bhi kuch nahi bigaad paaya jiska koi toh phir hum kya hi maaya hi uss kanhaiya ke saamne?

Btw another thing I wanted to point out, something that in turn is very personal to me, is my relationship with lord Ram. Can I just say that I had a sort of raging, blind hatred towards him? Ok, attack me as much as you like but let me first complete my case. Ofc as soon as I got to know that he left Sita ji because of a mere dhobi's accusation, I was furious beyond control. What was the point of even saving her if you had to do this??? What gives you the right of being called the perfect man (maryada purshottam) if you do this to the wife who devoted her entire life to you literally without any questions? How are you the best man in society when you don't even know the difference between right and wrong and get so easily swayed by other's influence and forget everything else? I was very much triggered and was one of those who saw it on the surface level and rebelled against it. Then something happened in my life which completely changed my perception. Tmi but let's just say I was Sita here (haha, so unironic) and I loved someone (let's call them Ram). We were perfect. Too perfect actually. And maybe it was something that things too beautiful are meant to end just as ravishingly because they left me. Not because of any other reason other than circumstance. It was also scarily similar to what happened to Ram when he actually left Sita. When it happened to me I grovelled and cursed and cried and cried. But despite everything, I could never blame this person. Because it wasn't their fault. They loved me when they left me but they had to do it. With a shock, I realized how much it was resonating now. I took it as a sign and this time I rampaged articles and articles on Ram Sita's relationship and finally found it out: Ram was distraught. He begged at Sita's feet that he doesn't want to leave. "No, my love. Not when I've finally been reunited with you after all this time." But Sita knew bettee. She quietly left the palace when he was sleeping at night and made her way into her beloved forest where she knew nobody would find her. It was for everyone's good. And Sita had made peace with it. They loved each other all the same. He never married again btw and something more which they don't tell you: Ram sculpted Sita's statue in his palace right next to his throne: a silent but crystal clear reminder to his people about who their rightful, true queen was and nobody could do anything about it. They were wrong, Siyaram weren't. But the tragic circumstances were unavoidable. Another legend that justifies it all is the curse of Asura Guru Shukracharya on Vishnu that he would be separated from Lakshmi in every birth (sitaram, radhakrishna).

To conclude though, I got my answer and I thanked Ram/Krishna/universe for it.

For those who attack and then those who justify sati of these women by merely looking at the surface level: tell them the tale of Sita who didn't need a man to tell her what her worth was. She didn't care whether she was in the palace or lost in the forest, though she always preferred the latter and was fortunate enough to live most of her life in it. She didn't budge when Raavan kidnapped her, didn't budge when a dhobi accused her of being impure, didn't budge when she went through everything because she knew she was right and because she was strong. To hell with those who didn't get that, she was her only validation, her only solace. Don't get the wrong idea that you can throw whatever struggle you want on a woman but be inspired that inspite of it all, she emerged victorious in her own eyes every time and then again and finally as a Goddess that everyone fell on their feet, crying and begging for forgiveness for ever doubting her.

Tell them the tale of Shakti, her beautiful roop Kaushiki who when spotted by the lake taking a bath mesmerized demons. The asura kings Shumbh Nishumbh laughed and said that such beauty could only be in their possession so they issued orders for her to marry either of them. Kaushiki simply smiled and said "I'll happily marry you. But only if you can defeat me in a battle. I'll only be of a man whose strength is equal to mine." The asura kings laughed louder "Such arrogance for the puny stature of a woman?"

The next thing they knew was duelling with Kaushiki and being killed.

Before the death blow a light emanated and that's when they realized who they had challenged. "Take me home, Mother." they were grateful to be slain by the hands of the ever kind goddess who merely smiled and granted their wish as their souls flew out their bodies.

Tell them the tale of Shakti and how only one Navratri used to celebrated (Ashwina Navratri) but then Ram was in Lanka and he had to rescue his wife. He couldn't find a way because his enemy was being protected by Shiv ji's blessings. The only one who could help him was the Goddess. But he couldn't wait for the next Navratri he didn't have time so he started a fast and worshipped Her for nine days (it later came to be known as Chaitra Navratri) She blessed him with strength and on the tenth day they celebrate Vijay Vijaydashami (Dussehra) when Ram was finally able to conquer evil.

p.s: please don't call yourself conceited and arrogant, dear sakhi. If you were then you would've just attacked his idealogy without the need to understand it. But you're questioning and that means you want to understand it. When we love someone we want to know their actions and why they did what they did which would eventually bring us closer to them. When we question, we learn. And we want to learn about things and people we love, right? :)

Well, Kanha we love like that and he would've never wanted his image to be as a dictator. Rather he'd be so happy and proud that you want to understand and get closer to him <3

I'm grateful to Kanha with all my heart that he picked me as a medium for such a beautiful sakhi soul as you 🙏✨️

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ramayantika · 1 year ago

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–✦– 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 –✦–

Usha Lakshmi Gargi Ratri

Saraswati

I wonder why don't I ever concentrate on the pooja whenever I am in a group. I love to sit in front of my deities alone in a room in dark and let my thoughts and words wander. I know they they hear my inner thoughts as well as the words that project out of my mouth. It feels as if I am home with them only when I am the only one in a room.

It's the same even today. Today it is Basant Panchami. Dadi, my brother and I are doing pooja day. Dad is in another city and mummy has periods so she did not join for the aarti today. She had specifically asked me to keep a few pens and my RD Sharma Maths book near Saraswati maa's moorti.

Funny, how I call Devi Lakshmi as my sakhi and Devi Saraswati as Maa. As a child of five years, I used to watch this animated movie called Omkara on TV. Shivji and Parvati Devi had taken abode in the holy city of Kashi with Ganesha, Karthikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati as their children. My mother would always tell me to be like Saraswati -- affectionate, kind, wise and simple.

Years flew by, and for a while, my connection with the deities dwindled even with my dearest god, Krishna. But, don't they say that the goddess of Knowledge sits on Vishnu's tongue. Won't the same goddess guide the one who has strayed away from its path?

I stare at the small moorti of the goddess. It took me back to my examination days. I always carried an examination board that had a photo of Devi Saraswati. She always looked so elegant and benevolent. I usually performed well in subjects like English, Hindi, Social Studies and Biology with her photo on my exam board, so I considered her as my lucky charm during exam days.

The Saraswati moorti looks beautiful. I stare at the veena in her hands and the large pink lotus on which she sits. For the first time, I get a tingly feeling running down on my spine -- the feeling that arises each time I am about to meet a goddess in person. Dadi is probably chanting Saraswati chalisa and my brother as usual is randomly mouthing the words and staring at the sweets.

Warmth engulfs my body, and I hear rain fall outside the balcony. My eyes close on their own accord, and for the first time I am given a divine vision.

The goddess is seated near a river bed that is brimming with fresh brightly coloured green grasses, and a few wild flowers. The river looks clean, completely transparent. It sparkles a little under the sun. Her fingers skillfully run on the strings of the Veena, producing the most beautiful tune I have ever heard in my life. Her eyes are closed, but I know she sees me. She knows that I am watching her.

After what feels like an eternity, she stops playing her instrument and opens her eyes. She smiles and gently calls her swan from the river. I turn back and see a large but majestic swan emerge from the crystal clear river with a string of pearls on its beak. The swan turns its head at me and nods. I gawk at the beautiful bird which causes the goddess to giggle. She composes herself and pats the swan's head. "It's a beautiful bird, isn't it?"

"The most exquisite looking swan, devi," I say as the swan gently lands the pearls near my feet. Frowning in confusing, I look at the goddess and ask, "Why did it give the pearls to me? They are yours."

"What do the pearls signify, my child?"

"Wisdom, purity, innocence, serenity and protecting, Maa."

Devi smiles. I see her face shine like the full moon. "Very good. That's true. Now let me tell you something." Her lovely fingers pick a delicate pearl. "Pearls are very difficult to find. They lie deeper and hidden in dark waters. Only the ones brave into the embrace the darkness of the ocean. You have to delve deep and have patience to look for them. There will be many obstacles on your way. You might feel tiredness seep into your bones. Sometimes you will see your companions getting these shiny pearls quickly while you barely find a shell on the water bed. You must remember that to get the best, sometimes you have to wait for long and keep persevering. One day, your hard work will pay off, and these pearls will be yours. Now, pearls also represent wisdom, don't they?"

I nod my head eagerly. She continues, "The quest for diamonds teaches you lessons of immense hard work and the sight to never consider any piece of coal or a stone to be ordinary. The journey to seek pearls gives you lessons of patience and the strength to take bold decisions to get the best of your life with grace, kindness and knowledge."

Her swan nuzzles on my thigh and I feel my legs stiffen which causes the goddess to chuckle. "Don't worry, my swan won't bite you. The worse it can do is drench you in river water to indulge in some mischief."

I nervously laugh and touch the swan's head with my index finger. My eyes then travel upwards to gaze at Maa's face. Her face softens with a knowing look. "You have a question, don't you?"

"There are nights, I hear a song far away from my house. It makes me wonder who I am. There's a lake near my house. Each time I peer at my reflection, I see a woman decked in red and dazzling jewels. For a man, she would be sensuality personified, but to me she appears divine. She has a sharp gaze that would make tongues stutter to make any remark at her. Then, the red clothes and gold jewels disappear. She then appears dressed in white with pearls and flowers around her wrists and legs. She looks lovely but in a different way. She radiates pure love. She looks at everyone with the eyes of a charmed lover, speaks words that would boggle the mind and make you question everything you have ever known. Later, she smiles knowing only a choice few would understand her language and her words. After a while, their faces morph into my reflection and I have never found myself look that divinely charming even in the mirror. Should I know who these women are? Are they me or will I grow up to be them?"

The goddess closes her eyes once again. Her form starts expanding to the skies. Golden efflugence effuses from her being while her fingers start to play the veena once again. She answers.

"You are them, yes, my child. You will grow up to be them. But remember, don't consider them to be separate from each other or from you. Red is for passion, energy and love. Men in your time will confuse this form as lust. You must build yourself in such a way that no man with a narrowed vision can hurl abuse your divinely form. Many are going to speak against you, even for the way you carry yourself and move. You, my child, are going to rise than them. I shall not speak much about your appearance in red. You will have another goddess tell you more, a goddess who often is misinterpreted and shunned today. Let me tell you about the woman in white."

Maa plays a beautiful set of chords that make me feel as if I am floating in air amongst twinkling stars. It feels blissful. Is this how sat-chit-ananda feels like?

A melodious laughter from Maa fills my ears. "Now, that's something for you to find out. I will not reveal everything to you. But for now, let me tell you about the second woman."

"She has the gaze and a hear of a lover. She will fall in love with everything life will give her, be it thorns or roses. Books are her companions. She is going to be a wonderful being of light, love, kindness and wisdom. She wears white to represent the holy and divine knowledge she has learnt in her life and other lifetimes to come. The pearls on her body stand for the important lessons on patience, beauty, virtue and serenity. She is a very mysterious woman. Some say she has the most complex thoughts about life, while a rare minds get through her way of flowery words and poetry to understand one simple Truth -- this Truth is again your quest to realize and understand. You cannot tie her to relationships and desires in the mortal sense. She will love you dearly, do everything that is best for you, but do not expect her to write ballads and love songs for you. Her love songs and poems speak about a different Lover. Who is that Lover is another question whose answer you must find yourself. She will be your guiding force in life and until you transform into her. As I said, you, we, them are all One."

Tears flow out of my eyes. Perhaps, I did find my answer to my questions. Maybe, I will grow and transform myself in the best way possible and help others in the same. Just like Maa said, we all are One, we all can help, learn and grow together.

"Jhia lo prasad ta ne kana emiti thakurani ku dekhuchu." (Daughter, have the prasad. Why are you staring at the goddess like that?"

****** ***** ******* ******** ******** *********

This is the longest in the series. I am really grateful for your comments and the amount of love you have poured out for this series. A lot of it is personal in these tales that happened to me in dreams and in some of my worst days. Maybe that's why it connects you all too. I promise, once I am done with this series, I will reply to all of your comments and reblogs.

And here you can make a guess about the next goddess as Maa said she will tell you about the woman in red, do you all have any guesses who will she be? This is a very easy answer 👀

#desiblr #samridhi writes #saraswati #goddess #desi culture #hinduisim #hindublr

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favcolourrvibgior · 1 year ago

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NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 7

•A Godess From Vaikuntha•

A few months back -

Veera Narayan Perumal temple,

Kattumanarkovil,

It was like someone had splashed a bucket of cold water on Nandhini. She seemed to be frozen. She didn't even notice that Urvashi and her father has entered.

"Akka!", "Akka" called Urvashi as she shook Nandhini. Nandhini jerked awake. And saw them.

" Who asked you both to come inside?" Asked Nandhini in a low voice. "Go out " ordered Nandhini.

Urvashi pulled her father outside. "You continue akka," told Urvashi as she went. Nandini sighed in annoyance.

" Ilavarase, I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience." Apologised Nandhini.

" Why are you apologising Devi? Who are you?" Questioned Karikalan.

Nandhini thought for a minute before answering. " Well, I am a citizen of this empire. The inconvenience caused by the soldiers is an inconvenience caused by us citizens " told Nandhini. " For your other question, Who do you think I could be? " Asked Nandhini.

Adhita Karikalan kept staring at her. He was awakened by a loud clap by Nandhini. He joined awake." What were you asking Devi?" Asked Karikalan.

Nandini rolled her eyes and repeated, "Who do you think I could be ?". " You look like Devi Lakshmi from Vaikuntha to me . You are my saviour and everything." Told Karikalan smiling.

" And yourselves as Perumal?" Asked Nandhini mocking Karikalan.

"Of course not Devi. But you haven't Introduce yourself" told Karikalan.

Nandhini planned to continue the game.

" Yes, my name is Nandhini." " Oh really! I then my guess was wrong!" Chimed Karikalan. Nandini chuckled. " Nandini, nice name" told Adhita Karikalan as he smiled at her.

" Where do you live Devi?" Asked Karikalan curiously. " Nandini again thought before answering. "In the Veera Narayan Perumal temple, I live in the house at the back of the temple's pond"

" Oh I see, but when I saw you first you were having a sword in your hand. " Questioned Karikalan. " Oh, that was my friend's sword. She is the princess of this place " told Nandhini.

" Oh yes, so the vidhiyar will take care of you. I may come to check on you in the evening" told Nandhini as she left. She turned to look at him one more time before she left.

Karikalan who was sitting inside smiled as he looked at the door and then at his lap and repeated " Nandhini"

Nandhini who went out, met Urvashi and her father who were talking to each other and laughing. Urvashi was the first one to notice her. "Akka did you both talk? Who is he? Did you like him?" Urvashi started to throw her questions at her.

Nandini closed her ears with her palm." Can you please shut your mouth, my ears are bleeding". Urvashi finally closed her mouth. " Uncle, he told me that he was the crown prince of Cholas, Adhita Karikalan and that he came for a hunt ." Told Nandhini

"Wow, I didn't expect this from him. I thought that he was a spy. Do you trust him, princess? " Asked Urvashi's father. " I do, his eyes aren't lying," told Nandhini.

" Urvashi come let's go to The temple we did even worship the deity, it is your birthday too. " Nandini called Urvashi. Nandini started walking away. She stopped for a second and turned back to face Urvashi's father. " And one more thing, don't address me as a princess when he is around, call me Nandhini "

" Ilavarasi but us calling you by your name." Hesitate Urvashi's father.

" It is not my request, it is my order," told Nandhini as she walked away with Urvashi.

Adhita Karikalan on the the other side, was still smiling, thinking about Nandhini. He recalled her face, her eyes especially which were radiant green.

He could stop thinking about her. He was smiling like mad man ' What is she doing to me ' thought Karikalan.

Suddenly he remembered that his grandfather would be searching for him. So he got up from the bed with great difficulty and held the nearby pillar of the house.

Started whimpering in pain and went near the door. He tried to be as quiet as possible as it was night.

He saw his horse tied near the cow shed and went towards it. He couldn't walk fast because of the pain in his back.

He commanded his horse to sit down. It followed his command and sat down. Karikalan smiled. As he sat on it, it stood up.

Karikalan felt very cold as he didn't have any clothes he just had a shawl covering his upper body. Karikalan kicked the horse and started going towards the forest.

He stopped by the temple and tried to get down. But he saw many people in the temple including the vidhiyar.

His eyes searched for only one, Nandhini. She was nowhere to be seen.

With the want to see her, he got down his horse. He pushed past the crowd and went front.

She was there, his Saviour was there. She was adorned in a reddish-pink saree. She wore minimal jewellery.

She was sitting in front of the Narayana idol. She had a Veena in her hands. It looked like she looked like Rathi straight from heaven.

' oh she is about to sing' thought Adhita Karikalan. Nandhini didn't notice that Adhita Karikalan was standing in the crowd as she was facing the idol.

Nandini began to sing.....

āzhi mazhai kannā onnu nī kai karavēl|

azhiyuḷ pukku muhandu koḍārtēṛi

uzhi mudalvan uruvampōl mey kaṛuttu

pāzhiyan tōḷ uḍaip paṛpanābhan kaiyil

āzhipōl minni | valamburi pōl ninnu adirndu |

tāzhāde śārṅgam udaitta śara mazhaipōl |

vāzhā ulahinil peydiḍāy | nāṅgaḷum

mārgazhi nirāḍa mahizhndelōr empāvāy ||

Nandhini finished the pashuram, and everyone was mesmerized by her voice. Her voice added more melody to the song.

Karikalan was floating in his dreamland, he had zoned out.

Nandhini turned back to look at the crowd. She spotted Karikalan and her eyes widened.

She started chatting with god's name to divert the crowd's attention. The crowd walked in closer, she used this as an opportunity to reach, Karikalan.

She kept her Veena down and walked towards Karikalan. he was still standing in the same place. Nandhini dragged Karikalan out of the temple gently.

Nandhini took him a bit into the forest." What were you doing there Ilavarase" told Nandhini in concern.

" I didn't inform thatha that I came for hunting. They must be searching for me " informed Karikalan.

Just as she was about to ask another question. An arrow just missed Nandhini and Karikalan's head. Both of them turned in that direction.

" Looks like I didn't get shot by the Pandiyan soldiers." Told Karikalan looking in that direction.

As he completed saying this. A bunch of arrows came in their direction.

They hid behind a tree, Karikalan groaned in pain due to the sudden impact.

Nandhini and Karikalan bent down to escape from the arrows. " They are bandits," told Nandhini. As they looked at each other.

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @vibishalakshman @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena

#aditha karikalan #kundavai #nandhini #ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vikram #arulmozhi #arunmozhi varman #chiyaan vikram

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blessed1neha · 1 year ago

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How beautiful was Shrimati Radharani?

Srimati Radharani is the supreme transcendental woman (na rādhikā samā nārī - ‘’There is no woman like Radharani’’- Padma Purana 5.77.52). All women of this world, whether earthly or heavenly, who may proudly consider themselves beautiful by material standards, partake of their minuscule beauty from Srimati Radharani.

Actually, Lord Krishna, famously known as Madana-Mohana, is more beautiful than the goddess of fortune- Sri Lakshmi Devi. However, Radharani is so beautiful that She enchants even Krishna, who attracts the goddess of fortune. Thus, Sri Radha is also known as Madana-Mohana Mohini.

In the words of Srila Prabhupada

The beauty of the goddess of fortune is secondary in the presence of the Lord. In the words of Vaiṣṇava poets, it is said that the Lord’s beauty is so enchanting that it defeats hundreds of thousands of Cupids. He is therefore called Madana-Mohana. It is also described that the Lord sometimes becomes mad after the beauty of Rādhārāṇī. Poets describe that under those circumstances, although Lord Kṛṣṇa is Madana-Mohana, He becomes Madana-dāha, or enchanted by the beauty of Rādhārāṇī.

Actually, the Lord’s beauty is superexcellent, surpassing even the beauty of Lakṣmī in Vaikuṇṭha. The devotees of the Lord in the Vaikuṇṭha planets want to see the Lord as the most beautiful, but the devotees in Gokula or Kṛṣṇaloka want to see Rādhārāṇī as more beautiful than Kṛṣṇa.

-Purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 3.15.42

In his book Ujjvala-nīlamaṇi, Rūpa Gosvāmī explains the characteristics of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. He points out that the body of Rādhārāṇī is in itself an actual evolution of transcendental pleasure. That body is decorated with flowers and fragrant aromas and is complete with transcendental love for Kṛṣṇa. That is the personification of His pleasure potency. That transcendental body takes a bath three times: first in the water of mercy, second in the water of youthful beauty, and third in the water of youthful lustre. After taking a bath three times in that way, Her body is covered with shining garments and decorated with Kṛṣṇa's personal beauty, which is compared to cosmetics.

Thus Her beauty constitutes the highest artistry. Her body is also decorated with the ornaments of spiritual ecstasy—trembling tears, petrification, perspiration, choking, cessation of all bodily functions due to transcendental pleasure, stumbling, high blood pressure and madness.

-Teachings of Lord Caitanya (Chapter 31)

In the words of the great devotee, Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

ratim- gaurī-līle api tapati saundarya-kiraṇaiḥ śacī-lakṣmī-satyāḥ paribhavati saubhāgya-balanaiḥ

vaśī-kārais" candrāvalī-mukha-navīna-vraja-satīḥ kṣipaty ārād yā tam- hari-dayita-rādhām- bhaja manaḥ

O mind, please worship Lord Hari’s beloved Radha. With the splendour of Her beauty, She outshines even Rati, Gauri, and Lila. With the power of Her good fortune, She completely defeats Saci, Laksmi, and Satyabhama, and with Her ability to control Krsna, She completely eclipses Candravali and the other pious young girls of Vraja.- Manah Shiksha [10], Stavavali, Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami.

Vaishnava Acharyas describe that Srimati Radharani’s personal beauty is like the reddish powder known as kumkuma, Her affection for Her associates is like a sandalwood pulp, and the sweetness of Her smile is like camphor. All these, combined together, are smeared over Her body. The beauty of Srimati Radharani’s eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily lustre seems to place even gold into a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani eternally manifests in Vrindavana.

Let me conclude my answer with the following description from the book ‘’Nectar of Devotion’’

The beauty of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is described as follows: "Her eyes defeat the attractive features of the eyes of the cakorī bird. When one sees the face of Rādhārāṇī, he immediately hates the beauty of the moon. Her bodily complexion defeats the beauty of gold. Thus, let us all look upon the transcendental beauty of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

-Nectar of Devotion (Chapter 44)

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rhianna · 7 months ago

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The Prahlada Varada Narasimha shrine, also known as Lakshmi Narasimha temple, is located midst the forest of Lower Ahobilam, Nallamala hills, Andhra Pradesh (the Eastern Ghats). It is about 60 kilometers southeast of Nandyal town (NH 40), 100 kilometers northeast from Tadipatri, and 130 kilometers southeast from the city of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

It is a part of a major historic South Indian pilgrimage site consisting of 10 Narasimha temples (the other nine are in the surrounding hills called the Upper Ahobilam). These are mentioned in the Vaishnavism-related Sanskrit Puranas and the Tamil texts such as the Kancimahatyma as the Navanarasimha-kshetra pilgrimage site. The site is important to Tamils, as the tradition links this site to Kanchipuram mathas and education centers.

All the temples here are dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu in the context of Prahlada–Hiranyakasipu mythology, one of the legends behind the Hindu festival of Holi. Per the regional legend, the entire story of man-lion avatar plays out between sites in Tamil Nadu and Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. The Vishnu avatar kills the demon-king hiding in Ahobilam to protect and save Prahlada.

The man-lion Narasimha avatar of Vishnu is ancient, and is found in the Brahmana layer of the Vedas (c. 900 BCE).

The Lakshmi Narasimha temple consists of an east-facing sanctum, antarala, major mandapas with numerous pillars and subshrines on the north and south of the main temple. To the north of the main sanctum for Narasimha is a parallel shrine for Lakshmi.

The temple has two gopuras, aligned with each other. These were added post-Vijayanagara era.

There are several inscriptions in the temple, the earliest of which is from 1515 CE at the entrance of the temples complex. These epigraphs help attribute this temple to king Acyutaraya.

One of the mandapa here is almost a copy of the destroyed Vitthala temple in Hampi region.

The temple includes numerous reliefs and statues, including those for Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Vekantesvara, Devi and others.

This temple shows evidence of intentional damage after the 16th-century. Many parts of the temple have been and continue to be restored.

P. Madhusudan

Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedicatione16th century Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Lower Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh India -

#lakshmi #hindu #temple #wiki

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krishna34 · 1 year ago

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Puja Materials and Preparations for Sudasha Brata

Sudasha Brata is a significant religious observance widely celebrated in the state of Odisha, India. It is a revered ritual where devotees observe a strict vow dedicated to Sudasha Devi, a manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi. This annual festival holds immense spiritual and cultural importance and is observed with great devotion and reverence.

According to mythology, an age-old tale is associated with Sudasha Brata. Once, Sachi Devi, the divine consort of Lord Indra, the king of gods, had an argument with her husband's favorite queen. In anger and frustration, Sachi Devi left her heavenly abode and descended on Earth.On Earth, Sachi Devi took the form of Sudasha, an ordinary woman belonging to a lower caste. Sudasha faced numerous hardships and challenges, but she remained devoted and steadfast in her worship of the Goddess Lakshmi. Sudasha's unwavering faith and devotion ultimately pleased the Goddess, who appeared before her and bestowed her blessings.

Sudasha Brata is observed on the 10th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Bhadraba (August-September). Devotees, primarily women, observe a day-long fast and engage in various rituals to seek the blessings of Sudasha Devi.The day begins with early morning purification rituals and prayers. Devotees then gather around a sacred idol or image of Sudasha Devi, which is beautifully adorned with flowers and placed on a decorated pedestal. Devotional songs, hymns, and mantras are chanted throughout the day, creating a serene and pious atmosphere.

The core of Sudasha Brata lies in the sacred vow taken by devotees. The vow encompasses observing a strict fast, abstaining from food and water until the conclusion of the rituals. The devotees, mainly married women, undertake this vow with utmost devotion and dedication, seeking the blessings of Sudasha Devi.The observance of the vow is not limited to personal aspirations but encompasses the well-being and prosperity of the entire family. Devotees pray for the happiness, health, and success of their loved ones, seeking blessings for familial harmony and abundance.

Sudasha Brata Odia Puja Book Available In Our Store

An essential aspect of Sudasha Brata is the preparation and offering of a special meal known as "Sudasha Bhoga" or "Sudasha Bhaji." This meal typically includes different types of vegetables, rice, and fruits, meticulously prepared and offered to Sudasha Devi as a symbol of gratitude and devotion.After the completion of the rituals, the devotees break their fast by partaking in the sacred meal, believing that it would bring immense blessings and abundance to their lives. In addition, devotees often engage in acts of charity, offering alms to the less fortunate as a way of expressing their compassion and gratitude.

Sudasha Brata not only fosters an individual's spiritual progress but also strengthens familial bonds and unity. The observance of this sacred vow brings family members together, as they participate in the rituals, share the festive meal, and chant prayers collectively.The festival promotes a sense of unity, love, and respect within the family, as it emphasizes the importance of devotion, gratitude, and compassion. Family members support each other in upholding the vow and collectively seek the blessings of Sudasha Devi, reinforcing the significance of togetherness and harmonious coexistence.

Sudasha Brata epitomizes the essence of devotion, steadfastness, and spiritual progress. It is a sacred observance that nourishes the soul, strengthens familial bonds, and instills a sense of gratitude and compassion within devotees' hearts.Through the strict vow, rituals, and offerings, devotees seek the blessings of Sudasha Devi, wishing for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual well-being. Sudasha Brata is a celebration of faith, devotion, and the power of sincere worship, inviting divine grace and blessings into the lives of those who observe this sacred festival.

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pujapujari · 1 year ago

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Varalakshmi Amman Face With Decoration

By delivering a selection of varalakshmi amma face to your houses, Puja N Pujari has now made buying for varalakshmi amma face with decoration online more convenient. One such gift from the homes of our talented artisans is the Lakshmi devi face, which is frequently used at the Varamahalakshmi vratam, an auspicious occasion in South India. Purchase This Face of Varalakshmi Amman with Decoration.

#spiritual #temple #hinduism #festival #pooja #ritual #varalakshmi #india #thursday

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harekrishna108 · 4 months ago

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☀ SHRI LAKSHMI DEVI ॐ ☀

“I offer my obeisances unto Goddess Lakshmi who is the abode of lotuses, who holds the lotus, whose eyes resemble the petals of a lotus, whose face is a lotus, and who is dear to the Lord who has a lotus navel.”~Lakshmi-Stuti

#lakshmi #vishnu #narayana #bhagavatam

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talonabraxas · 8 months ago

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Lord Krishna: As Pure as a Lotus, As Cool as the Moon

Pure Like the Lotus Krishna in His form as Lord Narayana holds four things in His four hands: a counchshell, a disc, a mace, and a lotus, the lotus being a symbol of tenderness and purity. Lord Narayana and His dear wife, Lakshmi Devi, love to sit upon a lotus. One of the Lord’s names is Kamalasana, “one who sits on a lotus throne.”

The lotus is intimately connected with Krishna. His personal abode, Goloka, is in the shape of a lotus. This signifies that it and its inhabitants are beyond the modes of material nature, just as a lotus grown in mud remains above it, untouched.

Sanskrit has many words for “lotus,” one being pankaja, or “mud-born.” Panka means “mud,” and ja means “born.” In her prayers to Lord Krishna in Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.8.22), Kunti Devi compares various limbs of Krishna’s divine body to the lotus:

namah pankaja-nabhaya namah pankaja-maline namah pankaja-netraya namas te pankajanghraye

“My respectful obeisances are unto You, O Lord, whose abdomen is marked with a depression like a lotus flower, who are always decorated with garlands of lotus flowers, whose glance is as cool as the lotus and whose feet are engraved with lotuses.”

The famous sixteenth-century poet Tulasidasa, a devotee of Lord Ramachandra, made a similar comparison in reference to His Lord. Karakañja-locana kañja-mukha karakañja pada-kañjarunam: “Lord Rama’s eyes, His face, His hands, and His reddish feet are like lotus flowers.” Kañja means “lotus.”

Krishna Lotus - Talon Abraxas

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pujacelebration · 1 year ago

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Brass Amman Devi Face Decorated 7.5" | Puja Celebrations

https://www.pujacelebrations.com/festival-products/varalakshmi-puja/lakshmi-devi-faces.html

#Gift Shop #Gifting Ideas #Wedding Gifts #Marriage Gifts #Pujacelebrations

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ramayantika · 1 year ago

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–✦– 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 –✦–

Reflection in the Mirror

Please note that this is only the end for the first part of the series. There are so many rishikas, apsaras, and divine women who have inspired me and been with me all this while, so they too deserve their own tales. But for now, I want to end these goddesses, rishikas and women series so that I can keep track and save them. To be honest, this started off purely out of spite when I saw comments and mean DMs to girls who were plainly stating their achievements regarding how they did it or when they were simply stating the obvious fact that a woman in India is looked upon as a form of the goddess.

These men (except some gems) were like you all are sluts who claim to be goddesses and the same women chi women tea and shit. This series was my reminder that no matter what the goddesses won't give a fuck about shit men like this, and certainly not their spouses. So here's an end tribute to these goddesses and rishikas with a light mention of the future stories I shall post soon because I do have an idea about what I want ;)

Usha Lakshmi Gargi Ratri Saraswati Rati Aditi

I stare hard at the mirror. If my brother saw the depth and sharpness of my gaze, he would start quivering. I am the soft elder sister of the family who loves kids, dances around the house, and speaks sweetly. But Maa Durga knows I carry Kali's fierceness in my heart. Maa Durga bestowed her strength in my bones. How else did he see my fight with that big bully for him?

The day I was born, my father got a promotion. Maa cheerfully tells me that I had blessed the home as my sakhi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi. When they think, she is the goddess of priceless treasure and money, I remind them that this wealth is also the food and good luck bestowed on me and on the house. I was named after prosperity and good luck, just like my goddess friend. My grandparents called me devi. I am still called devi during navaratri, and these men who have prayed to the goddess only for these selfish needs have the nerve to say that I do not carry the goddesses inside me?

I stare hard at the mirror. Lakshmi keeps her arm around my shoulder. Maa Durga stands just behind me and beside her is the fierce dark goddess Kali, who smiles benevolently.

With a wine coloured hue, I see the goddess of love, Rati enter the mirror, and tuck a loose strand behind my ear. She winks and waves her fingers at me, with a proud smile on my face as I wear a red lipstick again. I have known the lustful gaze of men over my form who think they could easily have me and bend me according to their whims and fantasies. They think they can shame me for my beauty and grace when my form has been blessed by the goddess herself.

And when you possess beauty, they think, the lovely maiden has no brain to go with. I see Rishika Gargi, Lopamudra, and Maitreyi enter the reflection, their faces shinning with the immense amount of penance for knowledge and wisdom. Someday, I aspire to reach an ounce of their knowledge. They look at the pearl bracelet on my wrist and look behind to welcome the goddess who narrated me the wisdom being pearls, Devi Saraswati. She pulls a string of her divine veena, and everybody bows down to her.

On a glorious chariot arrives the goddess who told me to keep my head held high, and emerge as strong as the sun, the one who reminded me that after the darkest of nights come the brightest of days, Devi Usha. She pats my head, and tells me that she is proud of me. She has seen me grow into a woman who is still far from perfect, still committing silly mistakes, but a woman in learning -- a woman who keeps desiring to refine herself who understood that mistakes, despair and failures help you grow.

Following her sister's trail comes the silent witness to my journey, the goddess who showed me the hidden magic of the night and provided me the comfort of the moon and the stars on days that were too difficult to pass by. She is Devi Ratri. She still wears the dress woven of stars and celestial elements making her the sparkling queen of the night. She looks back at me from the mirror, her gaze proud and strong, and if I am not wrong, a sisterly gaze in them.

Draupadi enters the room and playfully opens my hair. She has brought a bunch of jasmine flowers and weaves them through my hair. Her laughs sounds music to my ears. If I haven't told you all then listen now. The first tale, I heard in my childhood was the story of the queen of Indraprastha. The divine dark beauty, the cherished wife of the Pandavas was the one whom I carried in my heart for long to remind myself that if a queen could overcome tremendous difficulties and pains in life, I could do too. You can do it too.

A beautiful flute music makes all our heads turn at the teenaged girl. Donning pink and red robes with flower jewellery adorning her form, I see Radha smiling and waving at the goddesses and rishikas in the mirror. She pats my cheek and beams at me. She was the forgotten friend, but god, she never forgot me. She is the shining beacon of true friendship and unconditional love.

As a child, I got lost in a forest. My family grew petrified. A young child getting lost in the forest. What if someone took her away? They forgot that Aranyani, the lost goddess now exists in the lush green hilly forests. She nurtures the animals, be it prey or predator. She nurtures the wild shrubs and fruit giving trees. She keeps medicinal plants in the heart of the forest, so any poisoned or injured child of hers could be saved in the deep forest.

How can I forget the apsaras, divine celestial woman who have been misjudged so much? Apsaras were the beautiful ladies who came alive through my comic books into my dance classes. They taught me how to dance your heart out. They taught me how to move agile as a deer; how to have a sharp gaze to disarm the audience; how to dance like the gods; how to dance until nothing remains but dance. Menaka, Urvashi and Rambha, the main trio very popularly known in folk tales and dancing texts have danced with me. They still do. I carry their grace in my movements as I practice for hours. I know the beauty I carry in sweaty flushed faces and tired limbs, while embodying the fiery passion for a beautiful artform. Alas, how could you ever understand them or even my heart, and my practice? Here they are stretching again for another evening to practice with me and teach me their skills.

Sita, the woman who needs no introduction whose mere mention leads to pride soaring in the hearts of us womenfolk. She garlands me with fresh sweet-smelling flowers around my neck. Her serene face fills me with silent strength and support that sometimes you don't have to fight your battles out loud. Strength doesn't have to be physical. Sometimes she sits beside me in her forest robes to tell me about cute birds and their language. And for moments where I need to learn how to battle on the front without weapons, she comes in dressed as a queen fit for the throne, born with resilience just like Bhu Devi, and imparts the lesson to me.

With battles, I remember the warrior queen of Dwarka, Murari's Bhama. She walks in holding her bow, looking as regal like the queen she is. I remember her first appearance in a dream to know her, to write about her. She was a queen who sang to me about the lost kingdom of Dwaraka, whose glories are still sung, but now lie submerged under deep waters of the sea. She emerged from the lost kingdom and told me her story. Once again misjudged like several other women for not being docile and submissive, but being aware of her own sense of self and pride which got translated to arrogance by many. Satyabhama stands in the mirror, beside me, holding fire in her gaze and steady fingers on the bow she proudly owns.

Countless of other deities, and divine women and scholars join me in front of the mirror. Their faces glow with strength, power and centuries of wisdom. This is enough proof to know that each of them reside in every body, but for us women, we have a more intimate connection with out sister and motherly goddesses. Menfolk can call us prideful and arrogant, but these goddesses and divinities never have kept us below them. We stand with them as equals, as warriors, lovers, teachers, mothers and nurturers. This eternal bond of womanhood connects us alike. It's a pity to make some of these men understand.

Lastly, they merge into one, and I see myself as the only girl standing in front of the mirror.

*＊✿❀　❀✿＊**＊✿❀　❀✿＊**＊✿❀　❀✿＊*

Thank you for reading this till the end. It's not really an end because we still have too many tales to share. I am really glad that some of these stories resonated with you and you found solace in them. It's not me it's the goddesses work. Anyway hope you all have a blessed day! Love you ❤

#samridhi writes #phewwwww #the first part is done #I will go on a little break after June on a vacation sort off and start of some serious dancing and choreographing #it's going to be a free plus busy work month ahead hopefully I get some form of confirmation of a college.#that way I wouldn't have a fear at the back of my head anyway good luck #Also thank you everyone for reading this #indian goddess #desiblr #stories

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