HANUMAN, Sankat Mochan Hanuman


Hanumaan

Hanumaan Jee is the most worshipped Devtaa in India and his temples are also in largest number. The most interesting thing about his temple is that one does not need to make a big temple for him. If one keeps even his small statue, one foot or above tall, in a small depression in any wall, it becomes his temple. Even his prayer “Hanumaan Chaaleesaa is also the most sung prayer after “Om Jaya Jagadeesh Hare…” Aaratee.

Read all about Hanuman in one place

https://sushmajee.com/hanumaan/index-hanumaan.htm

Click on the link of the topic you feel interested and you get more links to browse more information,For example ,Less Known Information About Hanumaan-https://sushmajee.com/hanumaan/2-less-known-info-1.htm

BHIM Brings SAUGANDHIKA Flowers for Draupadi, meets Hanuman, kills MANIMAN and JATASUR


Sushma Gupta has elaborated this story in Mahabharat Katha;

https://sushmajee.com/mahaabhaarat/mbh-1-ganguli/g-4-van-1-31/26-hanumaan.htm

https://sushmajee.com/mahaabhaarat/mbh-1-ganguli/g-4-van-1-31/27-bheem.htm

https://sushmajee.com/mahaabhaarat/mbh-1-ganguli/g-4-van-1-31/28-bheem-kuber.htm

Bheem Meets Hanumaan

[3-145] Vaishampaayan Jee said – “They lived there for 6 nights in the expectation of seeing Dhananjaya. Then one day a very fast wind blew from the North-East and it brought a thousand-petal lotus and left it on the ground. Paanchaalee saw it, it was very charming and had a Divine fragrance. She said to Bheem – “See this flower, this is so beautiful. I will give this flower to Yudhishthir, for my pleasure you bring me more such flowers so that I can take them to our Aashram in Kaamyak Van. You bring me many such flowers, I wish to take them to our Aashram.” And she approached Yudhishthir with that flower Bheem got up and set to go to collect such flowers for the pleasure of his beloved. He was going at a fast pace in the direction from which the flower came. He was looking around on the slopes of Gandhmaadan Parvat. There were many kinds of fragrance coming but they were not the same as he was looking for. On the way there were many Gandharv and Kinnar with their wives who were there with their husbands invisibly. He was thinking while going about his vows taken at the time of Draupadee’s insult, then he thought that Arjun had gone to Swarg, what Yudhishthir will do? I hope that out of affection he doesn’t let Nakul and Sahadev come in search of us. How can I get that flower soon?………………….. rest of the story you can read on the link above;

Bheem Brings Flowers

[3-151] Vaishampaayan Jee said – “When Hanumaan had gone away Bheem proceeded on Gandhmaadan path. He went on thinking about Hanumaan’s body and the dignity of Dasharath’s son Raam. On the way he seeing herds of elephants, lotus lakes, scattered deer and many other things came to Saugandhikaa forest with fresh golden lotuses. Bheem had got his object and mentally presented himself before Draupadee.

[3-152] Vaishampaayan Jee said – When Bheem reached at the spot, he was in the vicinity of Kailaash. He saw the lake full of golden lotus flowers and guarded by Raakshas. Its all banks were beautiful, a wonder of the world, so romantic in look. Its water was like Amrit – cool and light, clear and fresh. Bheem drank the water to his heart’s satisfaction. This lake was the resort place for Kuber. It was frequently visited by Siddh, Apsaraa, Yaksh, Kimpurush, Raakshas etc. It was guarded by Krodhvash Raakshas wearing uniform and armed with various weapons. As the guards saw Bheem so they asked him – “Who are you? Your guise is of an ascetic but you are armed with weapons, why have you come here?”

rest of the story you can read on the link above;

Bheem killed MANIMAAN; Paandav Meet Kuber

There was a Raakshas, Kuber’s friend, named Manimaan, he came to show his bravery and might to Bheem. He said to his people – “When you will go to Master what will you say to him that how many were defeated only by one mortal person?” and he proceeded towards Bheem. There they fought first with arrows then Bheem took his mace for fighting, but Manimaan used a club which hurt Bheem’s right arm, still Bheem hurled his mace at Manimaan, then Manimaan also threw his dart at him, but still Bheem could succeed killing him.”

a long story, you can read it on the third and last link above.


Some Facts about DASHRATH in Ramayana

Sushma Gupta has given some interesting facts not known commonly by us about Dashrath in Ramayana

https://sushmajee.com/v-raamaayan/general/1-doyouknow-1.htm

Dasharath had a daughter by name Shaantaa before performing Putra Kaameshti Yagya. He gave her to his good friend Raajaa Rompaad. Raajaa Rompaad married her to Rishi Rishya Shring after he had rain in his kingdom by inviting Rishya Shring Rishi to his kingdom.

Thus Rishya Shring was the son-in-law of Dasharath. He performed Putra Kaameshti Yagya for him and then only Dasharath got four sons.

That Dasharath was 60,000 years old when he had his four sons. [1/6/20]

King Dasharath had 350 wives more, other than his three chief wives. [2/17/39]

Vaalmeeki Raamaayan | Names


Sushma Gupta has created a very interesting, useful and comprehensive index of the names which have appeared in Valmeki Ramayana,

https://sushmajee.com/v-raamaayan/names/index-names.htm

see also ;An Index to the Proper Names Occuring in Valmiki’s Ramayana by


S. NANTHA KUMAR
, EDITED BY KANSHI RAM

https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/index-to-proper-names-occuring-in-valmiki-s-ramayana-ide708/

Index-Names in Valmeki Ramayana

Many names have been mentioned in Vaalmeeki Raamaayan. It is difficult for anybody to remember all the names. A list of most names mentioned in Vaalmeeki Raamaayan is given here according to their first appearance in the Raamaayan along with a brief description. In the Names description, some words, normally names, appear as bold. These are those names which are included in this list.For example see one of the entry in the index;

Bharadwaaj Muni
Bharadwaaj Muni was the disciple of Vaalmeeki Jee. Later he used to live in Prayaag (Alaahaabaad). Many Muni used to come to Prayaag for religious baths. Once when they came to take Maagh bath and started going back to their Aashram, Bharadwaaj Muni requested Muni Yaagyavalkya Jee to stay back and tell Raam Kathaa to him. Tulasee Daas Jee’s Raam Charit Maanas begins from this point.
[1/2]

Greatness of Raam Naam, Importance of Raam Naam


Greatness of Raam Naam

read more on

https://sushmajee.com/v-raamaayan/notes/raam/2-6-raam-naam-1.htm

https://sushmajee.com/v-raamaayan/notes/raam/2-7-raam-naam-2.htm

https://sushmajee.com/v-raamaayan/notes/exile-war/7-raam-naam.htm

Stones Floated on Water
Raam Naam Mahimaa in limitless. When Raam wanted to cross the sea, Nal and Neel wrote the name of Raam on stones and threw them in the sea. They did not sink, they floated. It is said that when Raam saw them throwing the stones in water and seeing them floating, He thought “let me also throw some stones, the bridge will be built soon.” So He also threw one stone in the water, but it did not float, it sank. Raam was surprised to see this. Hanumaan was looking at this, he said – “Stones are floating because your name is written on it and thus they are carrying your power.”

राम नाम की महिमा, राम नाम का महत्व
पानी पर तैरते पत्थर

राम नाम महिमा अपरंपार। जब राम समुद्र पार करना चाहते थे तो नल और नील ने पत्थरों पर राम का नाम लिखकर समुद्र में फेंक दिया। वे डूबे नहीं, तैरते रहे। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि जब राम ने उन्हें पानी में पत्थर फेंकते और तैरते हुए देखा, तो उन्होंने सोचा “मैं भी कुछ पत्थर डालूँगा, पुल जल्द ही बन जाएगा।” इसलिये उसने भी एक पत्थर पानी में फेंका, परन्तु वह तैरा नहीं, डूब गया। यह देखकर राम को आश्चर्य हुआ। हनुमान यह देख रहे थे, उन्होंने कहा – “पत्थर इसलिए तैर रहे हैं क्योंकि उन पर आपका नाम लिखा है और इस प्रकार वे आपकी शक्ति को धारण कर रहे हैं।”

Stories Index 2


Index-Stories-2

Here are too many mythological stories in Hindu scriptures – about Devtaa (GaneshShivHanumaanDevee), Raakshas, Rishi, Vaanar, Rivers etc (see Biographies for them). But there are some which do not come under the above categories. Those kinds of stories are given here, some are famous while others are not. There are many stories which are scattered at other places, see the list of those stories here.

Stories-1 – There are many kinds of stories given here

  
  
Stories-Others
1. Faith
2. A Story About Patanjali
3. Who is Sanyaasee?
4. Three Friends

 
 
1. Danknaath Temple: a story about Krishn
2. Gokarneshwar Temple: a story about Shiv
3. Keesar Guttaa: a story about Raam
4. Story of Raameshwaram
5. Vaidyanaath: a story about Raavan
6. Vaidyanaath: a story about Amrit
7. Mahaabaleshwar: a story about Raavan
8. How Gangaa came in Southern India?
9. How Godaavaree descended?
10. Why Shiv Ling is like Shiv Ling?
11. Story of Vindhyaachal-Agastya Muni
12. Story of Kumbhkarn’s Son Bheem
13. Story of Daaruk Demon
 
  
Stories-Mahaabhaarat
Here are many stories from Mahaabhaarat which are not the part of Mahaabhaarat but appear in Mahaabhaarat  
 

Pran (Praan) and Atma(Aatmaa)


Sushma has posted a detailed account of views and discission with relevant references on this topic, https://sushmajee.com/upanishad/teachings/soul.htm

Nature of the Soul

The Aatmaa pervades all like butter hidden in milk. He is the source of Self-knowledge and ascetic fervor. This is the Brahman teaching, the highest goal. He who with the truth of the Aatmaa, unified, perceives the truth of Brahm as with a lamp, who knows God, the unborn, the stable, free from all forms of being, is released from all fetters. The inspired Self is not born nor does He die; He springs from nothing and becomes nothing. Unborn, permanent, unchanging, primordial, He is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.
Krishn Yajur Ved, Shwetaashwatar Upanishad 1.16; 2.15-18; 18. Verses, 711, 762, 566

“Praan” (also spelled Prana) and “Atma” (also spelled Atman). In Hinduism, these terms have deep philosophical and spiritual significance.

  1. Prana (Praan): Prana is often translated as “life force” or “vital energy.” It is considered the fundamental element sustaining life in the body. Prana is believed to flow through subtle channels (nadis) in the body and is associated with breath. It’s not just the physical act of breathing, but the vital energy that animates and sustains all living beings.
  2. Atma (Aatmaa): Atma is usually translated as “soul” or “self.” It is the eternal, unchanging essence of an individual that transcends the physical body. Atma is considered divine and is believed to be identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman) in Hindu philosophy. Realizing one’s true Atma is a central goal in many Hindu spiritual practices and paths.

Prana is the thing that you can feel.. it is actually a motion.., a motion of breath, motion of heart, blood .. prana is a life, sort of energy (you can feel energy).. you can feel it..(tangible)
where as atma cannot be felt.(intangible);

Body is Hardware, Aatma Software & Prana is Energy to run software.

Praan is seen as the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. Without Praan, the Aatmaa cannot function in the physical world.

Soul can exist without prana, prana cannot exist without soul.

Prana, as the vital energy that sustains life, is intimately connected with the Atma, the eternal self. Some spiritual teachings might emphasize the unity or interconnectedness of Prana and Atma, suggesting that through practices such as breath control (pranayama) or meditation, one can realize the deeper aspects of the self and its connection to the universal life force

The goal of life is to first master Prana, then mind, and finally reach Consciousness, which is absolute and infinite.

Yog Vashishtha


HE ESSENCE OF YOGAVASISTHA the fifth book in the Samata Series of Spiritual Classics, meets the felt need of many seekers of knowledge in India and abroad. The language of the text as of other scriptural texts in Sanskrit is as simple as the thought is subtle and inspiring.

Yoga Vasistha teachings are divided into six parts: dispassion, qualifications of the seeker, creation, existence, dissolution and liberation.

Exposition of dispassion which opens with Rama frustrated with the nature of life, human suffering and disdain for the world

Exposition of the behavior of the seeker, which describes, through the character of Rama, the desire for liberation, the nature of those who seek such liberation, and the need for self-effort in all spiritual pursuits.

Exposition of the arising and birth describes the birth of all creation as well as the birth of spiritual side of Rama

Exposition of the existence and settling, describes the nature of world and many non-dualism ideas with numerous stories. It emphasizes free will and human creative power.

Exposition of the patience and tranquility, discusses meditation to dissolution of false dualism, to feel oneness and its powers in liberating the individual

Exposition of the freedom and liberation, the last book describes the state of an enlightened and blissful Rama. also has large sections on Yoga.

Stories in different chapters;

Behavior of a Seeker

  • The Story of Śuka
  • Self Effort
  • Creation
  • The Story of Lila
  • The Story of Karkati
  • The Story of the Sons of Indu
  • The Story of Ahalya
  • The Story of the Great Forest
  • The Story of the Three Non-Existent Princes
  • The Story of Lavana
  • Existence
  • The Story of Sukra
  • The Story of Dama, Vyala and Kata
  • The Story of Bhima, Bhasa and Drdha
  • The Story of Dasura
  • Kaca’s Story
  • Dissolution
  • The Story of King Janaka
  • The Story of Punya and Pavana
  • The Story of Bali
  • The Story of Prahlada
  • The Story of Gadhi
  • The Story of Uddalaka
  • The Story of Suraghu
  • The Story of Bhasa and Vilasa
  • The Story of Vitahavya
  • Liberation
  • Discourse on Brahman
  • The Story of Bhusunda
  • Description of the Lord
  • Deva Puja
  • The Story of the Wood-apple
  • The Story of the Rock
  • The Story of Arjuna
  • The Story of the Hundred Rudra
  • The Story of the Vampire
  • The Story of Bhagiratha
  • The Story of Sikhidvaja and Cudala
  • The Story of the Philosopher’s Stone
  • The Story of the Foolish Elephant
  • The Story of Kaca
  • the Story of the Deluded Man
  • The Story of Vipascit
  • The Story of the Hunter and the Sage
  • The World Within the Rock
  • The Story of the Sage from Outer Space
  • The Story of Bhrngisa
  • The Story of lksvaku
  • The Story of the Hunter and the Deer
  • The Seven States of Yoga

Cycle of life and death; When Lord Hanuman learnt about the cycle of life and death


Parables About Hanumaan

Read more on

https://www.sushmajee.com/hanumaan/parables/5-parables-3.htm,

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7945143.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst,

Hanumaan Brings  Raam’s Ring

Once it so happened that Raam was sitting on His throne that His ring fell on the floor. He bent down to pick it up but it went to Paataal Lok. Now who could bring it from Paataal Lok? Only Hanumaan had the power to be come so tine that he could go to Paataal Lok and bring it from there. But where was he? So everybody looked for him, and they found him, they told him the matter. Hanumaan was ever fready to serve Raam. So as soon as he heard this he set off to Paataal Lok to bring Raam’s ring.

He assumed the micro form and entered the floor. He arrived in Paataal Lok and started looking for Raam’s ring. In the meantime he saw a person bringing a large plate filled with many rings. He looked at those rings to find his master’s ring, but he was surprised to see that all rings were marked with the name of Raam. He stopped that person and asked  – “How come that all rings belong to Raam?” The person replied – “There have been may Raam and all rings belong to Raam. What do you want?” Hanumaan said – “My master Raam’s ring fell on the floor o Earth and it came here. I have come here to take it.” The person said – “These all belong to Raam, you may recognize your Raam’s ring and take it.”

Hanumaan started looking at them, But whichever ring he looked at, it looked like Raam’s. Hanumaan got worried as which was the real Raam’s ring. After a while, when he could not identify the real ring of Raam, he picked up a ring randomly and soon came to Earth. But when he came up on the Earth, he did not find Raam. He asked about Him where was He? People told him that He had left for His Dhaam. Hanumaan just remained standing there.

Discussion Points

1. Impermanence and Transitions: The story highlights the inevitability of change and transition. Even divine beings like Lord Rama must eventually depart from their earthly avatars. It reminds us that everything in life is transient, and we must embrace and accept the ever-changing nature of existence.

2. Loyalty and Devotion: Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty and devotion to Lord Rama serves as a powerful example. His commitment to protecting Rama even after the completion of his mission showcases the importance of steadfast dedication and the strength that arises from deep devotion.

3. Acceptance of Fate: The encounter with Vasuki and the mound of identical rings symbolize the universal truth that every being must eventually face the end of their journey. It teaches us the significance of accepting our fate and embracing the circle of life and death.

4. The Power of Symbolism: Lord Rama dropping his ring in Naglok serves as a symbolic act, representing his preparation for the transition back to the divine realm. Symbols hold immense meaning and can be used to convey profound messages or intentions.

5: As Hanuman’s gaze fell upon the myriad rings, his consciousness expanded, transcending the limitations of time and space. In that profound moment, he grasped the profound truth that countless cycles, spanning millenniums and eons, had witnessed similar events unfold. He realized that there existed not merely one Rama and one Hanuman, but an eternal repetition of the epic saga known as the Ramayana, scripted by the divine will of Vishnu himself.

Delving deeper into the realm of wisdom, we can encounter the teachings of Yoga Vashishta, where the sage elaborated the awe-inspiring revelation of infinite universes coexisting in perfect synchronicity. The enormity of this revelation could be overwhelming, yet it also holds the key to liberation. For within the tapestry of infinite universes and timelines lay the tantalizing prospect that we, too, have traversed this journey of life multiple times and may embark upon countless more iterations.

In each life, we have assumed different roles, acquiring knowledge, evolving through experiences, pursuing various professions, nurturing families, and tasting the bitter and sweet flavors of existence. And yet, we find ourselves inexorably drawn back into the repetitive cycle, perpetually traversing the familiar path of birth, growth, action, and eventual demise.

Contemplating the ceaseless repetition of this cycle becomes a gateway to profound introspection, inviting us to inquire, “Who are we, truly?” It is in questioning the very essence of this perpetual dance between life and death, and recognizing the futility of our attachments to transient matters, that we embark upon the sacred journey of Atma Chintan.

Through this story, we are beckoned to explore the expansive vistas of eternity, where the Ramayana echoes through countless universes, and the enigmatic interplay of birth and rebirth urges us to seek the essence of our being. Through the lens of infinite possibilities, we confront the profound enigma of existence, unraveling the illusions that entwine us and discovering the profound wisdom that lies in embracing the eternal dance of life and death.

Divine Births and Their Progenies in Mahabharat


This information is extracted from;https://sushmajee.com/mahaabhaarat/mbh-general/articles-1/33-divine.htm

Mahaabhaarat has many Divine births. It has been noticed that all these divine births were not guided by ordinary human rules.

Bheeshm – Gangaa’s son
Vidur – Dharm Raaj’s incarnation

Karn – Soorya’s son (was born to Kunti before her marriage.)

Pandavas: The five Pandava brothers, central figures of the Mahabharata, were all born through divine intervention. Kunti, their mother, possessed a boon that allowed her to call upon different gods for children. Thus:

Yudhishthir – Dharm Raaj’s son
Bheem – Pavan Dev’s son
Arjun – Indra Dev’s son
Nakul and Sahadev – Ashwinee Kumaar’s twins

Kauravas: Gandhari gave birth to 100 sons

Gandhari’s story did not end with a “still birth.” As the legend goes, the “fetus” was divided into a hundred pieces, which were put in jars to which ghee (clarified butter) was added, and incubated. Finally, 101 children were born, one by one.

Dhrishtdyumn and Draupadee – Divine birth from Agni Kund


Dhrishtdyumn and Draupdee are twins born from Yagya Kund and thus were the creation of Agni. They were not born out of human union.
Thus they were not bound by rules of ordinary humans. There is a saying that Agni can not burn Dharm. Draupdee was the wife of Paandav’s and as they were following righteous path, no harm was to come to them. But as soon as one A-Dharmee Kaurav (Dushaasan) had touched her, they were destroyed.

Dronaacharya was a Guru as well as a Braahaman. He was destined to be killed by Agni Putra Dhrishtdyumn on the dictate of Krishn because he had adopted the path of A-Dharm. If you study that episode, Indra , Naarad and then finally Brahmaa аashed him to denounce the path of A-Dharm, when he did not listen to them, Krishn had no option but to arrange his killing in the manner he deserved.

Drone however could have been defeated by Arjun as Arjun had all the divine weapons whereas Drone did not have all those weapons. Only Arjun and Bheeshm had the mighty Paashupat Astra from Shiv. However, since one is not permitted to kill one’s Guru and Drone was Arjun’s Guru Arjun could not have killed Drone. The ruse of the dead elephant worked as Drone forgot for a moment that his son could not be killed because he was a Chiranjeevee
But Drone was the Guru of Dhrishtdyumn also, then how could he kill him? It means that it was not the matter of Guru and Shishya…

Krishn cannot do or teach the path of A-Dharm. A Braahman was killed by Agni and not by humans.

Both of these twins of Agni did not leave any of their progeny as they were not humans.

In this way Bheeshm also did not leave any progeny. His circumstances were created like this.

Karn’s all children were killed in the MBH war.

Even Arjun’s son Abhimanyu was also killed in the MBH war.

Since the Kuru Vansh had to continue – Pareekshit, Abhimanyu’s son, was revived by Krishn Himself.