On 19-12-999, in the dawn Sri Swamiji celebrated Uttara Dwara Darshana
on the auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi (i.e. the 11th day
of the fortnight of the month of Margashira as per the Hindu almanac).
The small idol of Venkateswara was placed at the north door of the temple
and thousands of devotees had the Darshan (vision) of the deity. Special
worship was conducted in the Asthana Mantapa (stage of special rituals)
in the northwest corner of the temple complex. "Uttara Dwara Darshana"
means to have the vision of the Lord at the north door of the temple.
This event which happens once in a year has a special spiritual significance.
It indicates the seeker’s aspiration to achieve the goal of reaching
the Sahasrara Chakra in the subtle spiritual path of Kundalini Yoga.
In
the evening of the 19th December Sri Swamiji narrated the following
story of emperor Ambarisha, a great devotee of Vishnu.
The
pious ruler was always engaged in beneficial activities of the empire
as also the various rituals. He had great supernatural powers by which
he could go about freely to the celestial worlds in his subtle form.
During a visit to the heaven, he saw one of his subjects there. On enquiring,
the emperor came to know that the person could reach the Heaven for
permanent stay due to his Punya (merit) of fighting in a war with patriotism
and loyalty to Ambarisha, the emperor.
Returning
to earth, Ambarisha did a severe penance for the blessings of Vishnu.
Pleased by the devotion of Ambarisha, Vishnu offered to give a boon
to him. However, by his penance, the emperor was cleansed of his ego.
Hence he expressed that he had no desire. Vishnu was very glad by his
words and hence gave him the boon, "Ambarisha! Just think of me
whenever you face any serious
problem. My weapon Sudarshana will protect you". However, Vishnu
insisted that Ambarisha should ask for a boon. The devotee said, "Lord!
Bless me with a daughter who would become your spouse". Vishnu
gave the boon.
In
due course, the emperor was blessed with a daughter of exquisite beauty,
who grew up to the marriagable age. The sages Narada and Tumbura attended
the Swayamvara, which is an event in which the bride chooses her husband
from the princes seated in the royal assembly hall. Both the sages appeared
to one another as monkey faced, due to the illusion of Vishnu. The princess
chose Vishnu as her spouse and the marriage took place in grand manner.
The sages became angry and created a ghost, which was killed by the
Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu.
Ekadashi
Vratam: The ritual of Ekadashi (11th day of the fortnight)
Once the famous sage Durvasa saw a Gandharva (celestial singer) playfully
bathing in a river with his wife. The saint was influenced by the scene
and he desired to marry to enjoy conjugal life. Soon, he married Kandali,
the daughter of the sage Orva. However Kandali was arrogant, obstinate,
rude and impolite. Durvasa could not bear her nasty behaviour for long
and he reduced her to ashes by his curse. Just then the sage Orva arrived
there and was very sad for the death of his daughter. At once, he became
angry and cursed Durvasa, "One day you will be insulted by the
entire world for your anger and pride"
Some
time later, one day, Ambarisha performed the vow of Ekadashi, which
was his usual practice. On the next day i.e., Dwadashi, Ambarisha was
about to take food as per the custom, after fasting on the previous
day. Just then Durvasa arrived there and asked the emperor for food.
Ambarisha happily agreed to do so. However, Durvasa said that he would
return after bathing and praying.
It is the rule that the food must be taken in a specific period. This
being so, Durvasa did not return for a long time. Ambarisha consulted
the sages participating in the ritual to seek their guidance. They advised
unanimously that Ambarisha could drink water to end the fast and yet
it would not be considered as an insult to Durvasa for whom he could
still wait to participate in the feast. Ambarisha did as per their direction.
Just then Durvasa came there and said angrily, "Ambarisha! you
didn’t care to wait for me and drank water in haste. I curse that
you will be killed by this ghost". So saying, Durvasa created a
ferocious ghost. Ambarisha prayed to Vishnu for a moment for protection.
At once, Sudarshana Chakra (the circular weapon of Vishnu) manifested
and started to chase the ghost and Durvasa.
The
sage sought protection from Brahma (the Creator) who expressed his helplessness.
When approached, Shiva also stated likewise and directed the sage to
seek Vishnu for protection. However, Vishnu said "Let us all approach
Ambarisha for relief".
Seeing
the dangerous state of the sage, Ambarisha said "Oh! Sudarshana!
If I am righteous and if I am obedient to the pious people, may the
sage Durvasa be saved". Then the Sudarshana Chakra was pacified
and it vanished. The anger and pride of Durvasa was humbled. The sage
felt glad that he was cleansed of his evil traits. Later
on Ambarisha became more detached. He relinquished his empire to his
sons and did penance in exclusion and was blessed by Vishnu with liberation.
Whoever listens to this story, will acquire Punya (merit). Sri Swamiji
blessed the devotees "May you have peace, prosperity and knowledge".
20-12-99
Sri Swamiji commenced Sri Datta Jayanti celebrations today, the first
of the three days.
In the morning, just after Sri Chakra Puja and Ganapati Homa, Kshira
Abhisheka (Bath of milk) was performed to Lord Datta in the temple.
Later Sri. Prasanna of Chennai rendered an excellent classical Carnatic
music rendering on guitar in the Nada Mantapam. In the evening, during
Rathotsavam, (Chariot festival) Sri Swamiji led the procession of Datta
idol placed in a Chariot, along the ring road of the Ashrama and Datta
Venkateswara temple also.
Returning
to the Universal Prayer Hall, Sri Swamiji lighted the Brahma Deepa.
During his musical discourse, Sri Swamiji rendered a new song and explained
its meaning in detail.
Towards
the end of the day’s programme, the Kannada translation of "Datta
Darshana" was released by Swamiji. The translator of the book Sri.
Vamshi of Bangalore passed away recently. Sri Swamiji blessed that the
pious soul will attain liberation. The second release was the book "My
experiences with my Master" by Sri Ramesh Pragg, a devotee of Trinidad.
Later, a set of 25 greeting cards with different photos of Swamiji was
released.
Sri Swamiji concluded the day’s programme with a Kannada song which was a translation of the popular song "Datta Datta Anukundam" (Telugu)
Sri Swamiji lighting the Brahma Deepam representing the Brahma aspect of Dattatreya
Carnatic Classical concert - Sri. Prasanna performing on the Guitar
|
Rathotsavam (Chariot festival) of Lord Dattatreya around the Ashrama ring road |
Sri
Swamiji releasing the Kannada book "Datta Darshanam"
story
of Dattatreya |
Sri Swamiji releasing the Greeting Cards containing Pujya Swamiji's photographs
Sri Swamiji releasing "Experiences with the Master" written by Ramesh Pragg of Trinidad