Priorities in Life

Sloka for the day:

Agnyaana Timiraandhasya

Gnyaana Anjana Shalaakayaa

Chakshuhu Unmeelitam Yenam

Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.

Meaning: A Guru can save us from the pangs of ignorance (darkness) by applying to us the balm of knowledge or awareness of the Supreme, I salute such a Guru.

Story:

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your wife, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your wife out for a walk. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

Love.......

Sloka for the day:
Akhanda MandalaakaaramVyaaptam Yenam charaacharam
Tatpadam Darshitam YenaTasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.
Guru can guide us to the supreme knowledge of THAT which pervades all the living and non-living beings in the entire Universe (namely Brahman). I salute such a Guru.
Story:

Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.
The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.
Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”
“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”
A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”
Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”
Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.
On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”
Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love.

Rich Man and his two Sons

Sloka for the day:
brahmaarpaNaM brahma haviH brahmaagnau brahmaNaa hutam.h .brahmaiva tena gantavyaM brahmakarmasamaadhinaa ..
A process of offering is Brahman, the oblation is Brahman, the instrument of offering is Brahman, the fire to which the offering is made is also Brahman. For such a one who abides in Brahman, by him alone Brahman is reached.

Story:

There was a rich man. He had two sons. The elder was Suraj and the younger was Dhiraj. Both of them were studying in a school. Their teacher advised them to write in good handwriting very carefully but Suraj was very hasty in writing. His handwriting was not good. Dhiraj would write very patiently. His handwriting was very neat and clean. As they grew, they began their own business. Their father taught them with love how to run the business. He said, “My dear sons, be regular in writing your credit-debit account. Write it daily. How much you receive and how much you lend others should be written along with their names and places. Don’t be lazy in writing the account.” Dhiraj followed his father’s advice. He wrote in good handwriting the account daily. But Suraj said, “A person who fails to remember (whose memory is poor) writes the account. My memory is sharp I have everything at the tip of my tongue. I remember everything that is given or received.” Thus he was lazy in writting the account. He was very irregular in writing it.Years passed and both of them married. They started living separately in separate houses. Their father arranged for them separate shops for running their business separately. He called them together and advised, “Spend according to your income. Save a little from your income.” The younger son Dhiraj understood his father’s advice thoroughly. He wrote the account daily, and tried to find out with regular interval weather he earns or not, and if he does, how much. ? He saved a little from his earnings. He was very careful in spending the money. He never spent more than his income. The elder brother Suraj never behaved in this way. He even did not know how much or what he earned because he never noted down the account. Many a time he forgot to jot down the account. He behaved like a king when he had a big sum on hand. He thus became extravagant in spending money. Sometimes he had a shortage of money and fell in debt. Gradually the debt began to increase, while the income decreased.His accounts were not properly maintained. He even failed to decipher what little account he had jotted down. Thus he could not recover the money. Then the situation worsened. His debts increased to such an extent that his shop was also sold. The firm was closed. And a time came when Suraj had to serve others to earn his daily bread. There was no limit to his miseries. On the other hand Dhiraj advanced in his business. He earned a lot of money and name along with fame too. He donated money in the construction of schools, guest-houses (inns), public-houses, dispensaries, temples, water-resources, etc.. He became very happy.

The Dowry

Sloka for the day:
Sarva roga haram chaiva sarva sampath pradham shubham,
BHukthi mukthi pradham nrunaam sarva soubhagya vardhanam,
Roga bandha vimoksham cha sathya methanna samsaya.

There is no doubt that the truth is that,
This armour cures all sorts of diseases,
Blesses us with all sorts of wealth,
Grants us devotion and salvation,
Increases our luck at all times,
And releases us from the control of diseases.

Story:

One day Mahadev saw four men coming to his abode.
"They are my brothers," said his wife, Parvati. "They've come for dahej (bride price)."
Mahadev welcomed his brothers-in-law and offered them food and drink, but when they began to talk of dowry he told them he had only two possessions—his khappar (a broken earthern pot) and his bull, Nandi.
"Take one of them," he said.
The brothers took Nandi.
As they were leaving, Parvati advised them to take good care of Nandi as the bull could make them wealthy.
"Take a look at his hump," she said.
When the brothers returned they wondered how Nandi could make them rich.
"Perhaps there are jewels in his hump," said one of the brothers, "else why should Parvati have drawn our attention to it."
They slew the animal and were greatly disappointed when it yielded no gems.
Parvati was furious.
"Oh, you foolish men!" she said. "When I drew attention to Nandi's hump I wanted to show you what a powerful body he had. If you had yoked him to a plough he would have helped you reap a rich harvest and made you prosperous. Now you will have to pay dearly for slaying a sacred animal!"
Having vented her fury on them she left, saying she never wanted to see them again.
Bhils attribute their penury to the folly of these four men who were their ancestors.
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An Agricultural People
One of our important tribes, the Bhil number nearly 2.5 million. They are based in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra. Nearly all of them are engaged in agriculture.
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Surdas

Sloka for the day:

Yaa kundendu tushaarahaara dhavalaa yaa shubhra vastraavritaa yaa veenaa varadanda manditakaraa yaa shveta padmaasanaa yaa brahmaachyuta shankara prabhritibihi devaih sadaa pujitaa saa maam pattu saravatee bhagavatee nihshesha jaadyaapahaa.

Goddess Saraswati is all white like the kunda blossom, the moon, snow, and pearl. She is dressed in pure White. While two of Her hands play the veena, the two other hands are poised to give boons, and award punishments as needed. She is seated on a white lotus. She is ever worshipped by all the celestials including Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. May this Saraswati remove my obstacles and protect me.

Story:

During the reign of Akbar, a great saint, Surdas, was born. He was blind and was beyond the parochial religious beliefs. His loving description of Krishna’s life in a folk language, known as Brajbhasa, is still today a treasure of Krishna’s bhajans.

In the village of Sihi near Delhi, in the house of a poor Brahman, a child was born in the year 1478. He was born blind. He had three other brothers. He was so neglected by his neighbors and his own family that by the time he was three, everyone forgot his real name and he was called Sur, which means blind. He was later known as Surdas.

Surdas would often go hungry because his mother would not bother to feed him. His brothers would receive new clothes at Diwali time but not Surdas. Surdas' parents thought he wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. It hurt his feelings.

Surdas' outside world was not very kind either. His playmates enjoyed teasing him and when he came to his mother for sympathy, she scolded him for going out. So, unfortunate Surdas stayed on the porch most of the time.

One day, a group of singers passed by his house singing in praise of the Lord. Swept up by the joy the music brought forth in him, he forgot for a moment that he was blind.

"One day I will learn how to sing," he told himself.

When Surdas joined his brothers to learn from their father how to read and write, his father said, "Go away. You are blind, you cannot read." His brothers teased him as he sat and wept.

A few days later, another group of singers came by, passing through the village, begging for alms and singing in praise of the Lord. They passed by Surdas' house. Surdas followed them. At night they stopped to cook and rest near a lake. One of them came to Surdas and asked, "Why are you following us?"

"I would like to learn to sing" answered Surdas.

They fed him that night but didn't want to be burdened with the blind boy. In the morning they left without telling him.

Where could blind Surdas go? He sat under a tree and began singing the Lord’s praise. He had a good voice and his feelings were expressed with utmost sincerity. Villagers passing by gave him food and he survived. The lake was a popular resting spot for those travelling to Mathura and Vrindavan. From their conversation, Surdas learnt a lot about the outside world.

By the age of fourteen, Surdas developed a keen sixth sense and could predict many things. People were amazed and he was called "miracle boy." If a villager lost an animal, Surdas could tell him where to find it. He was cosulted on the appropriate day to travel or to start any project. People from other villages travelled a long way to meet him and gave their offerings. One day, the landlord's little toddler wandered off and could not be found. Surdas predicted where the boy was and the boy was found. The landlord was so pleased that he fell at Surdas' feet and asked his men to build a cottage for him near the tree under which Surdas stayed. Shortly thereafter, people offered him a string instrument to accompany his singing. Some people became his disciples. They began to write the songs he composed. The disciples loved him and served him to the best of their ability.

One night, Surdas dreamt of Krishna and people praising Him through bhajans. Surdas woke up and was convinced that Krishna was calling to him. The next morning, he departed for Vrindavan. His disciples came running and were worried.

"Why are you leaving us? Are we at fault?"

Surdas consoled them and continued on his way to Vrindavan through the jungle. Wherever he went people wanted to listen to him sing and have him stay with them. They would beg him to stay in their village. They respected him, honored him and fed him. But Surdas kept moving.

"I am a traveling monk, I cannot stay at any one place," Surdas said.

One day, while he was resting at the edge of a shallow abandoned well, he fell into the well. Blind and injured, he did not know how to get out.

Surdas stayed in the well for seven days praying for help. Suddenly he heard a child’s voice, "Hold my hands, I will take you out."

Surdas came out of the well and the boy disappeared. He kept searching for the little boy who rescued him. In his imagination, the boy was none else but Gopal Krishna (Krishna's childhood name). People thought he was crazy.

One day one of his disciples told Surdas that the great learned saint Swami Balabhachari was going to visit Vrindavan. Balabhachari was famous for his writings about Krishna. Surdas keenly wished to see him. While Surdas was making arrangements to cross the river to visit Balabhachari, Balabhachari himself arrived at Surdas’s residence. Surdas was overwhelmed with joy. He fell at Balabhachari's feet and sought his blessing. Upon his request, Surdas sang a bhajan about Krishna. Balabhachari requested Surdas to dedicate his life to the praise of Lord Krishna.

Balabhachari stayed with Surdas for a few days and taught him about Krishna's scriptures. Then he initiated Surdas to his own religious order. Surdas went to Vrindavan with his guru, Balabhachari. Balabhachari appointed Surdas as the chief singer of Srinath temple in Govardhan, near Vrindavan. Srinath is another name for Krishna.

Surdas’ reputation as a singer and devotee spread far and wide. One day in the court of the mogul emperor Akbar, the court singer Tansen, sang one of Surdas' songs. Akbar was charmed. Tansen admitted that the tune and the lyrics were that of Surdas, the blind devotee of Krishna.

Akbar was a broadminded Muslim. He invited Surdas to his court. Surdas declined saying, "I am so very honored, but I sing only in the court of my beloved Krishna."

When Akbar heard of this, he gladly came to Surdas and listened to his prayer songs in the temple. He was very pleased and asked Surdas to ask for anything he wanted.

Surdas said, "Just do not ask me to go to your court to sing." Akbar agreed.

Surdas lived a long life and wrote many songs in praise of Krishna's childhood days. Surdas' songs are sung to this day.

Building Your House

SLOGA FOR THE DAY;
Saraswathi Namasthubyam,
Varadey Kaamarupinee!
Vidhyarambham Karishyami,
Sidhir bhavathu mey sada

Oh Goddess, Saraswathi, my humble salutations to you, who are the fulfiller of all my wishes. I start my studies with the request that thou will bestow Thy blessings on me.

STORY:

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go & asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you."

The carpenter was shocked!

What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently.

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, Build wisely!

Wooden Bowl

Sloga for the day:

"Maata Cha Paarvati Devi, Pitaa Devo Maheshvara Baandhavah Shiva Bhaktaacha, Svadesho Bhuvanatrayam"

Meaning: Goddess Parvati is the mother and the divine father is Shiva. The devotees are the children. The world is the creation of these divine beings and we live on the land of such celestial beings.

Story:

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together nightly at the dinner table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass often milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather's direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day that building blocks are being laid for the child's future. Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, and everyday!

Two Frogs

Sloga for the day:
"Aakaashaath Patitam Toyam, Yathaa Gachchhati Saagaramh Sarvadeva Namaskaaraanh, Keshavam Pratigachchhati"
Meaning: Lord Krishna is great. Just as every rain drop that falls from the sky flows into the Ocean, in the same way every prayer offered to any deity flows to Lord Krishna. I bow to such great Lord Krishna.
Story:

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

Kozhukkattais

Sloga for the day:

"Kaayena Vaachaa Manasendriyairvaa

Buddhyaatmanaa Vaa Prakriteh Svabhaavaatah

Karomi Yadhyadh Sakalam Parasmai

Naaraayanaayeti Samarpayaami"

Meaning: The literal meaning of the mantra is: "I offer everything to Lord Vishnu (Narayana); whatever I do with my body, words, mind, limbs, intellect or my inner self whether intentionally or unintentionally. I bow to the great lord, Vishnu".

Story:

One day Patti was making kozhukkattais. When she had made the upma and made nice round balls of kozhukkattais and put them to be steamed, there came the ambe, ambe, sound of Patti’s favourite cow, Komu. Komu was just returning after grazing in the the forest for the whole day and now she needed water and Kanji. Patti went to the backyard and allowed Komu into the cowshed and tied her to her post. She then gave Komu her water and Kanji. After talking to her for sometime (yes, Patti used to talk to Komu, as if she were her child or friend) Patti went inside. She opened the pot to see if the Kozhukkattais were done and found that they were not yet properly cooked.
So Patti asked, “Kozhukkattai, Kozhukkattai, aen veakalai?” (Hello Kozhukkattai, why are you not cooked yet)To which Kozhukkattai replied, “Adupperiyalai, Naan veakalai.” (the stove was not lit, so I am not cooked)So Patti asked the stove, “Aduppe, Aduppe, aen Eriyalai?” (Oh stove, why were you not burning?)The stove said, “Veragu vaikkalai, Naan eriyalai.” (Nobody kept firewood, so I did not burn)Patti turned to her daughter-in-law, “Mattuponne, Mattuponne, aen veragu vaikkalai?” (Oh dear daughter-in-law, why did you not put firewood in the stove?)Daughter-in-law answered, “Kozhandai azhudduthu, Naan veragu vaikkalai.” (The baby was crying, so I did not put firewood)Patti cooed to the baby, “Kozhande, Kozhande, een azhuthai?” (Oh my dear child, why did you cry)The baby wept, “Erumbu kadichuthu, Naan azhuthen.” (Ants bit me so I cried)Patti approached the ant, “Erumbe, Erumbe, een kadichai” (Oh ant, why did you bite the baby?)Erumbu said, “En pothukulle kale pottal naan kadikathiruppeno” (Will I not bite if somebody put their foot into the ant-hill?)
P.S. Many of these stories would appear to end abruptly. This is a story said in a sing song way and the verses are in rhymes. At the end of the story, the child is tickled in its foot with the verse, ”En pothukulle kale pottal naan kadikathiruppeno.” So the story ends there. It is also meant to teach the children not to play with ant-hills, which were plenty those days.

King Druva

Sloga for the day:

Aadho Rama thapo vananu gamanam,

Hathwa mrugam kanchanam,Vaidehi haranam,

Jatayu maranam, Sugreeva sambhashanam,

Bali nigrahanam,Samudhra tharanam,

Lanka pureem dahanam,

Paschad Ravana Kumbha karna madanam,

Ethat ithi Ramayanam

Meaning:
Once Rama went to forest, He chased the deer,

Sita was stolen,Jatayu was killed, There were talks with Sugreeva,

Bali was killed,The sea was crossed,Lanka was burnt,

And later Ravana and Kumbha karna, were also killed.

This in short is the story of Ramayanam.

Story:

Once upon a time there was a king called Uttampal.He had two wives.One was favourite and another was non favourite. His first wife son was called Dhurva.
One day he came running to his father and asked "Father can I sit on your lap?" to which the King replied "Oh, Yes my boy!" and Dhurva sat on his lap.In the mean while second son also came to the palace and wanted to sit on his father's lap.
The king's second wife followed her son and saw Dhurva sitting on his father's lap which infuritated her.She pulled out Dhurva and asked her son to sit on the lap of the King.
Dhurva started crying and went to his mother and narrated the story.His mother consoled her son and bemoaned her bad luck for being king's unwanted wife.Dhurva asked her remedy to change their fortune.She told him that only Lord Vishnu would provided him wealth and welfare.
When dhurva questioned her as to where he should find Vishnu, she advised him to do severe penace in the deep forest for several years with utmost concentration, bhakthi and straight forwardness.
Dhurva went into jungle to find Lord Vishnu.There he met Narada muni who asked him to penace to get the dharshan of Lord Vishnu. Dhurva followed Narada's advise and started severe penace.After many years of hard and stearn penace like living on water, air and standing on water and was finally blessed by Lord Vishnu's dharshan .
Dhurva was thrilled to see the Lord in person.Vishnu asked him to ask any boon that he cherished most.Dhurva who was always worried about his mother's condition asked the lord to make his mother favourite of the king and love and affection from his father.Lord Vishnu was pleased very much about the boy's simplicitity and affection for his mother.After granting the boon, Lord Vishnu blessed the boy and vanished.
Dhurva reached home with pomp and fanfare.people lined up both sides of the road to see him in person.The king welcomed Dhurva with a warm hug and took him to his mother who had become favourite with the kings.
In due course the king made Dhurva new king of the kingdom and went away to forest for good.Dhurva ruled the country for several years and finally went to heaven where he was made a shining north star permanently. Thanks to Lord vishnu's boon.

Know your Duties and do them dutifully

Sloga for the day:

"Vasudeva Sutam Devam, Kansa Chaanuuramardanam Devakii Paramaanandam Krishhnam Vande Jagad Gurum"

Meaning: Krishna is the Supreme Lord, Son of Devaki (Sister of Kansa) and Vasudeva. He is the slayer of Kansa and Chanur. I bow to such great lord and may god bless me with his grace always.

Story:

Conveying a message through stories and examples, is an age-old effective way of communication. The story you are about to hear was narrated by an unnamed Rishi (sage), to his disciples, that brings home the basic concept of one god, the Brahman. Other gods and goddesses are his manifestations facilitating the operation of this universe that He created. The moral derived from this story is the fact that our righteous acts need to be well guarded against the evils which constantly try to take over.

Long long ago, the tyranny of the Ashuras, the evil people, made this earth uninhabitable. The gods, or Devas, were defeated by the Ashuras and they were banished. The gods approached the all powerful Brahman, the creator of the universe and source of energy for all beings, to help them defeat the Ashuras and bring peace back to the earth. Brahman blessed them and asked them to pursue and fight even harder. The Ashuras were then finally defeated and they fled underground, preying on the opportune moment to rise above again.
The Gods began to celebrate their victory over the Ashuras and became boastful of their power forgetting that it came from the one and only source, the Brahman. In fact they forgot their duties and became engaged in drinking, merry making and licentious behavior. So, to give a lesson, Brahman sent a Yaksha (demigod) to the place where the gods gathered for their celebration party. Indra, the king of the gods and the god of weather, saw the Yaksha approaching them. He asked Agni, the god of fire to inquire who he was.
Agni came near the Yaksha and introduced himself as the powerful god capable of burning off anything that touches him.
The Yaksha said with false surprise, "Is that right?" Then he picked up a small dry grass and said, "Can you burn this?"
Agni, drowned in his ego, laughed, "Ha! Ha! Ha! You must be kidding!"
Yaksha calmly replied, "Why don't you try it?"
Agni took the grass in his hand and tried to burn it. But strangely enough, he could do nothing. He soon returned to the party without telling any one what happened. He couldn't help but wonder, "Who is he?"
After a while, Indra asked the wind god Pavan to go to the Yaksha and find out the reason of his visit.
When Pavan approached the Yaksha, the Yaksha asked him, "Who are you?"
"I am Pavan, the wind god" he said. "I can blow every thing away when I want to."
"Really!" said the Yaksha and gave him the small blade of grass to blow away. "Could you blow away this blade of grass?"
Pavan could not even believe that any one would challenge his power with a blade of dry grass. He callously put the grass on his palm and blew on it. To his utter shock, it stayed exactly as he had placed it on his palm and had not moved. He tried repeatedly to blow it away and finally gave up. Ashamed of his inability to stir a small blade of grass, he sneaked away.
Then Indra came himself. As he approached the Yaksha, it disappeared and there stood a woman. She was none else than Indra's conscience (self acquired knowledge), called Uma.
"Did you see the Yaksha standing here?" asked Indra.
Uma said, "Indra, being the king of the gods you could not recognize the messenger of Brahman, the Yaksha? The Yaksha carried the message that Brahman is the one and only source of power and none else. He taught to be humble and to stay away from the ego that destroys you. You have had enough celebration for your victory over the Ashuras, and now return to the duties entrusted upon you by Brahman."
The gods were ashamed of their foolish behavior. They returned to their senses and peace once again was restored on earth.

Raman's list of fools

Sloga for the day:

"Sarva Mangala Maangalye, Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike

Sharanye Tryambake Gaurii, Naaraayanii Namostute"

Meaning: Goddess Parvati is the auspiciousness of all that is auspicious. She is the consort of Lord Shiva, who grants every desire of one's heart. I adore such Devi Parvati, who loves all her children. I bow to the great mother, who has given refuge to me.

Story:

One day a horse trader, a foreigner, came to the court of Krishnadeva Raya and told him he had some fine horses for sale. The emperor offered to buy them. The man took an advance of 5000 gold coins and promising to return with the horses in two days, went away. That evening Krishnadeva Raya saw Raman writing on a sheet of paper."What are you writing?" he asked."I'm making a list of the greatest fools in the empire," said Raman.The emperor was astonished to see his own name on the top of the list."What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "You think I am a fool!""Any man who would give 5000 gold coins to a stranger and expect him to return, is a fool!" replied Raman."Oh, so that's what is troubling you," said the emperor. "You think the man won't return. What if he does?""In that case," said Raman with a twinkle in his eye, "I'll scratch out your name and put his there."

Devayani

Sloga for the day:

"Ekadantam Mahaakaayan, Taptakaajnchanasannibhamh Lambodaram Vishaalaaxam, Vandeaham Gananaayakamh"

Meaning: Obeisance to Lord Ganesha, the one tusked, huge-bodied, big-bellied, and large-eyed God, whose complexion is like that of molten gold. I surrender myself to such great lord.

Story:

Devayani was the beautiful daughter of Shukracahrya, preceptor to the Asuras, the demons. Shukracharya knew the secret of Mritasanjibani that brings back to life the Asuras, killed in the war with the gods, the devas. The devas also wanted to know the secret of Mritasanjibani. So they sent Kacha, the handsome son of Brihaspati, preceptor to the Devas, to fall in love with Devayani. This is the story of Kacha and Devayani and how the devas learnt the secret of Mritasanjibani.Feature storyLong ago, the Devas and the Asuras fought all the time for the lordship of the three worlds. The Asuras were care free and happy as long as Shukracharya, their preceptor, was with them. The valiant Devas, tired of the unequal struggle, went to Kach, the handsome son of Brihaspati, preceptor of the Devas and asked him to go to Shukracharya and learn the secret of Mritasanjibani.The obedient and dutiful Kacha immediately set out to meet Shukracharya. He humbly presented himself before the great wise man, introduced himself as the son of Brihaspati, and asked to become his disciple.Shukracharya was a true teacher. He immediately recognized Kacha’s brilliance as a student. Shukracharya did not differentiate between his students. He gave Kacha a warm welcome and accepted him as his pupil.Shukracharya had a daugher, Devayani, whom he loved dearly. He introduced Kacha to his daughter saying, "Kacha has vowed to be my pupil till the period of his studies is over."All learning in those days was handed down by word of mouth. The pupil lived with his guru's family as one of the household. In return for his education, the pupil served his guru with love and devotion. However, Shukracharya was very busy either at court or he was deep in meditation. So Kacha helped Devayani with her daily chores and watched after her. Within a few days of his arrival, Kacha found himself spending all his leisure hours in the company of the lively Devayani. Devayani was slowly drawn towards Kacha and they fell in love.Shukracharya liked Kacha because he was an attentive disciple.As the years passed, the Asuras became suspicious of Kacha. They wanted to get rid of him. One day as Kacha was attending Shukracharya’s cattle, the Asuras fell upon him and slew him. Then they cut him into pieces and fed his flesh to their dogs.When Kacha did not come home at the normal hour, Devayani became alarmed. When the cattle came back without Kacha she ran in a panic to her father and told him that Kacha was missing. Shukracharya closed his eyes and to the great relief of Devayani, Kacha came back to life and appeared before her. When Devayani inquired about his disappearance, Kacha tried to explain in a puzzled voice, "I was killed by the Asuras but I do not know how I came back to life?" Shukracharya just smiled.The love between Kacha and Devayani grew day by day. The Asuras were worried. They guessed right, Kacha was there to learn the secret of Mritasanjibani.One day Devayani asked Kacha to get her a particular flower that only grows in the deep forest. Kacha went for it. The Asuras followed him and once again killed him. But this time they carried his body to a secluded spot, grounded up into a paste, and dissolved it in the water of the ocean.Devayani waited and waited. When Kacha did not return she went again to her father. Shukracharya meditated and once again used the secret knowledge to revive Kacha. Devayani was overjoyed.The Asuras were now at their wits end. "How can we kill Kacha? Every time we kill him, his guru brings him to life!"They went to one of the senior Asuras and asked him how to destroy Kacha for good. The senior Asura gave them an idea. The next day, when Kacha went out with the cattle, they again slew him. This time then burnt him in the jungle. Then they took the ashes home and mixed it in a wine which Shukracharya was very fond of. They took the drink to Shukracharya for a taste. Shukracharya loved it. He immediately drank it and blessed the Asuras.When the cattle once again returned home without Kacha Devajani knew what had happened."Will Kacha ever be mine?" she asked herself "The Asuras will never leave him alone!"She went to Shukracharya and wept. "Father, without Kacha I am as good as dead, please bring him back to life."Shukracharya waited for a while thinking. "It is no good to bring Kacha to life. The Asuras will only kill him again. "He tried to console his daughter, "It is futile Devajani to bring Kacha to life. The Asuras are determined to get rid of him. A wise soul, like you, should not grieve at a loved one's death. You are young and beautiful and you have your own life to live."But Devajani was adamant. So strong was her love for Kacha." Father” she said, “Kacha was your best student. I am in love with him. I can not live without him." Devajani stopped eating. Shukracharya could no longer bear to see his daughter in such agony. Again Shukracharya used his secret knowledge and called upon Kacha to come back to the world of the living. Kacha came back to life and spoke from inside the stomach of Shukracharya."The Asuras killed me but I do not know how I happen to be inside your stomach?" echoed Kach.Shukracharya cursed himself for drinking the wine given by the Asuras. "Henceforth, wine shall be forbidden for those engaged in the pursuit of wisdom," declared Shukracharya in great frustration. Now Shukracharya had a real dilemma of his own. He could ask Kacha to come out but that would mean his own death.When he told Debjani of his dilemma she was again adamant, "Father, I can not live if either of you dies."After long deliberation Shukracharya thought of a way out. He knew now the real purpose of Kacha's visit. He addressed Kacha, "I now see why you came and truly you have succeeded. There is only one way by which both of us can ensure Devayani's happiness. I will have to teach you the craft of Mritasanjivani.With his new knowledge Kacha emerged from Shukracharya's dying body and then immediately brought his guru back to life. Shukracharya could not have been happier with his pupil's progress.When the Asuras came to offer him wine, Shukracharya shouted, "You fools! Kacha now knows my secret. You helped him learn by your foolish deeds. But rest assured Kacha will continue to live with me because of his love for Devayani.But Shukracharya was wrong. Kacha too faced the troubling dilemma. Waiting for the period of his studies to come to an end, Kacha kept silent. While his love for Devayani was deep, his sense of duty towards the devas was no less strong.On the last the day of his studies, Kacha went to Shukracharya for his blessing. As a wise man and a dedicated teacher, Shukracharya concealed his grudge against Kacha but he was wondering how Kacha was going to bid farewell to Devayani.Devayani waited for Kacha to propose marriage. But when Kacha broke the heart-breaking news that he was going to fulfill his obligations to his own people, her joy turned to tears. Devayani pleaded with Kacha to take her as his wife. But Kacha replied, "Peerless one! I was reborn in your father's stomach. I am therefore your brother. I can't marry you. I must return to heaven."The broken-hearted Devayani cried out in her grief. She accused Kacha of using her to attain his goal. Distort she cursed Kacha, "You will never be able to use the craft of Mritasanjivani."Kacha quietly listened and then spoke, "Devayani, it is wrong to curse me. I could have walked away without reviving your father. There is no doubt that my love was sincere and truthful. But, I also have a duty to perform towards my own people. Because of your unfairness to me, I am cursing you. No Rishi's son will ever marry you. I may still teach the craft of Mritasanjivani to others, even though I may not be able to use it myself." Saying this Kacha departed for the abode of Indra, king of the Devas. Shukhacharya gently led Devayani away.With the passage of time, Devayani completely forgot about Kacha. She once again became playful and lived happily with her father and her playmates in the city of Vrishaparva, king of the Asuras.

Raman provides Justice

Sloga for the day:

"Caturvidha Bhajante Mam Janah Sukrtino'rjuna
Arto Jijnasurartharthi Jnani Ca Bharatarsabha"
This Sloka says that there are four kinds of good people who worship god, those who desire earthly gains, those who are suffering, those who seek knowledge and those who possess wisdom.
Story:

Two men stood before Maryada Raman, the law-giver. One was a farmer, the other a village elder. The farmer said he had given the other man a diamond for safe-keeping and that he was now refusing to give it back."Well, is that true?" Maryada Raman asked the old man.The man paused a while, deep in thought. Then, he handed his walking stick to his accuser. After another pause, he raised his eyes up to the heavens and said, "As God is my witness, I swear, I have given the diamond back to this man."He then was at the point of taking back his stick, but Maryada Raman said, "Stop! The stick shall be awarded to the farmer."Take it away," he said to the farmer, "and break it when you are safely home."The man was a little disappointed. To be awarded a stick in place of his diamond! But he followed Raman's instructions. When he reached home he broke the stick - and out tumbled the diamond!

Spot on Balaji's chin

Sloga for the day:

"Na Mam Duskrtino Mudhah Prapadyante Naradhamah Mayayapahrtajnana Asuram Bhavamasritah"

This Shloka says that people who are attracted by maya of God lose their mind. They get fascinated by the baser impulses and stop worshipping God. These people are stupid and evil who don't even understand that all these things are part of the web created by the Almighty.

Story:

Millions of devotees throng the Tirumala Hills practically round the clock throughout the year. As the rush of pilgrims increases day by day, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams is hard put to finding ways and means of accommodating them and arranging darshan without long wait. As they move towards the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Venkateswara, how many will remember that there was a time, just a thousand years back, when the Hills were deserted with not much of human habitation in sight?

Ramanuja (1017-1137 A.D.) had visited the Hills thrice. His maternal uncle, Peria Thirumalai Nambi gave him discourses on the Ramayana for several months at the Hills. The temple and the surroundings were in bad shape and worship was not organized regularly. Ramanuja was inspired by the Holy Hymns of the Alwars singing the glory of the Lord of the Seven Hills. He called an assembly of the Acharyas, 74 in number and posed them the question whether any one of them will take up the task of serving the Lord on the Hills on a day to day basis. Everyone was hesitating, fearing the hard life up the Hills what with tigers, malaria and the forests. There was Anantharya, a strong and silent devotee in the gathering. He rose to his feet and prayed, " Beloved acharya ! Bestow the blessing of serving the Lord of the Seven Hills on this humble self. With your grace, I will be happy to undertake this service." Ramanuja was mightily pleased and embracing Anantharya, declared before the congregation, " Anantharya, You are truly the man (Aanpillai)." Anatharya chose to settle down on the Hills in fulfillment of the command of the Guru and went on to lay the garden of flowers, dug up the lake and named it after Ramanuja. Anantharya was so much obsessed with zealous personal service to the Lord that on one occasion, he hit with a crowbar a young man who was trying to help his wife in laying the garden. Anantharya was chasing him when the young man disappeared into the temple. The priests found blood oozing from the chin of the Lord as Anantharya entered the sanctum sanctorum. He applied camphor on the chin and prayed for forgiveness. The crowbar can even today be seen at the entrance to the temple as a memento to the dedicated devotion of Anantharya. The camphor is distributed as prasad (sri padarenu).

Ananthalwan's final sacred gift to the pilgrims visiting the Hills was the shrine for Ramanuja. The image was presented to Ananthalwan by Saint Ramanuja Himself on request and was consecrated after the Saint shuffled off his mortal coil. Consecration may be later in time but the image itself is more ancient than those in Sriperumbudur, Srirangam and Thirunarayanapuram. Ananthalwan rebukes Nanjeeyar for taking to Sannyasa. For him liberation is attained by service to the community. Indeed Ananthalwan advises his disciple Vaishnava Dasa to spend his wealth for the upliftment of the poor and the down trodden if he is to aspire for the grace of Lord Venkateswara.Ananthalwan joined eternity with the Lord on the sacred Thiru Adi Pooram day. Even today, Lord Venkateswara visits the garden and bestows honours on the Magizha Tree. The satari at the main sanctum sanctorum is known as Sadagopa in remembrance of Nammalwar. The one in the Ramanuja shrine is known as Ananthalwan. The Vaishnava community always held religious beliefs as filling too vital a function in sustaining individual morality and morale and social order and control. Ananthalwan belonged to a different clime and a different age, but it was not blind faith but faith married to reason.

Vaishno Devi

Sloga for the day:
"Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca YeMatta Everti
Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi"
This Shloka tells that God is the only source of all good (satva), obsessive (rajas) and dark (tamas) elements still, they are not within the God nor the deity is within them.
Story:

The abode of the Goddess Vaishno Devi is in the Moutains of Trikuta Hills, in the Jammu and Kashmir State of Northern India. Ma resides in a beautiful cave in the form of 3 'Pindis' namely, Maha-Kali, Maha-Laxmi and Maha-Sarawati.
Ma Vaishno Devi took birth in the South of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar, Her worldly parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not come in the way of whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her father's permission for doing penance on the sea-shore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. During Shree Ram's search for Sita, He reached the sea-shore along with His army. His eyes fell on this Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Ram that She had accepted Him as Her husband. Shree Ram told Her that during this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita. However the Lord assured Her that in 'Kaliyuga' He would manifest as 'Kalki' and would marry Her.
In the meantime Shree Ram asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the Victory of Shree Ram against Ravan. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Ram promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.
With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar.
The above story is about 700 years old. Shri-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 Km away from the present Katra town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'. (A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited 'Bhairav Nath'. Bhairav Nath asked Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfill the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to spare.
Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and decided to test Her further. Bhairav Nath followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the mystic girl in the mountains. He saw the 'girl' hitting the stone with an arrow and water gushing out of the stone. He 'saw' the 'girl' sitting on the mountain top. When Bhairav went to that place, he saw footprints on the stone. Bhairav wondered how the 'girl' had eluded him for 9 months! Wondering whether she was hiding in the cave (Adi Kunwaari), he decide to enter it.
On seeing Bhairav entering the cave, Ma tore open a path behind the cave, by Her trident and came out. Ma reached the beautiful cave in the Trikuta mountain. She urged Bhairav not to follow Her. But he disobeyed. The Goddess took the shape of Fierce Chandi and killed Bhairav. The head of Bhairav fell on the mountain peak. Bhairav had Spiritual powers. So though his head was severed, he still retained consciousness. Bhairav repented for his conduct. Ma forgave him and granted him the boon that whosoever worshipped Her would later visit his shrine.
Meanwhile Pandit Shree-Dhar became impatient. He started to march towards Trikuta Mountain on the same path that he had witnessed in a dream. He ultimately reached the cave mouth. He made a daily routine of worshipping the 'Pindis' in several ways. His worship pleased the Goddess. She appeared in front of him and blessed him. Since that day, Shree-Dhar and his descendants have been worshipping the Goddess Mother Vaishno Devi.