Dear Well Wishers,
Much delighted to be among you through this fourteenth issue of Shantham. Hope you are enjoying the contents.
I had been to Rameshwaram, Varanasi, Gaya, Allahabad as a part of the fulfilment of the religious rites for our ancestors and my wife. It went on well. The best part of the rites liked by me was at Gaya where the Pinda pradhanam (giving granules of rice to the ancestors) was done, not only for the family people but to all – be it in the friend circle, or even the enemies or pet animals in the family and so on. If it is done, it is believed that our ancestors will reach the lotus feet of the Lord. Such was also the prayer of Gayasura, one of the demons, who came forward to sacrifice himself for the Yagna, plotted by Lord Vishnu to, kill him.
Pleased with his utmost sacrifice, Lord Vishnu asked his last desire, for which he prayed the Lord that whoever comes and does the rites for any body, they bear in mind, at that place (the place is called Vishnu Paada - Lord’s foot) should get moksha (liberation). What a great request? When many are selfish, praying for their well being, that so called Asura (demon) prayed for the eternal well being of human beings, the ultimate state, every religion, places for every soul. It is also believed that every ancestor or well wisher would be longing for this Pinda-pradhanam, so that they can reach the feet of the Lord. That is why this Gaya Srartham, becomes very significant. It is also believed that when Goddess Sita was forced to give Pinda for her in-law Dhasaradha, since Rama came late, all other witnesses told lies excepting the AkshayaVada (the great Banyan Tree). That is why came the curse of Sita for cow, Thulasi (basil) the Balguni River. Whoever does the rites below the tree for their ancestors, will make them reach Moksha.
Gaya is also famous since Lord Buddha, attained Gnana under the Bhodhi tree. HE is believed to be placed among the avadhars of the Great Almighty after Lord Krishna. In that aspect the place Gaya is very significant and Iam blessed to be one among those to visit. After knowing the significance of the place, I am still more enthused.
We are going to organise the training programmes for students and others soon at the assigned place, given by the well wisher. We have donated Rs 7000 (Rupees seven thousands) towards the cost of the plastic eye and the special spectacle to be worn life time by the boy K. Ganesan, who lost one of his eyes and for whom we did our best with the help of many generous people. No one can believe that the boy has lost his vision, by looking at his eyes. Thanks to Shankar Nethralaya for the splendid job done. Shanthanjali Trust feels proud that it has made its humble contribution in that direction.
Many are enquiring more on the magazine. Pl spread the message around, so that more can benefit.
Wish you a blissful reading.
M.Hariharamahadevan
Editor
Designed and maintained by AKR Consultants
