Tag: Atri

Sanatana Dharma

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In this article, we will learn everything about Dharma and Sanatana Dharma

Definition of Dharma

That which brings well-being to man is Dharma. The word Dharma is derived from the root Dhar, meaning to hold. That which holds the whole creation from macrocosm to microcosm is Dharma. It is the eternal Divine law of the Lord. The entire creation is held together and sustained by the law of the Supreme Being. Dharma covers not just external deeds only but also internal or mental practices.

According to the Hindus, Dharma comes from the Divine and leads you to the Divine. It is difficult to find a word in English that is equivalent to the word Dharma in Sanskrit. Sometimes it is defined as “righteousness” or “duty”. The best definition for Dharma has been given by Rishi Kanada, the founder of the Vaiseshika system of philosophy.

He defines it as “Yato-bhyudayanihsreyasa-siddhih sa dharmah”.

It means “that which leads to the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this world) and Nihsreyasa (total cessation of pain and attachment to eternal bliss hereafter) is Dharma”.

Sanatana Dharma

Changing Dharma

In the matter of Dharma, the Vedas are the ultimate authority. Hinduism prescribes different duties for different people. Rules for men are different from rules for women. Rules for different Varnas and Ashramas vary.

However, non-violence, truth, non-stealing, cleanliness and control of senses are duties common to all men. Dharma also depends upon time, circumstances, age and degree of evolution. Under special circumstances, variations are allowed (e.g.) Aapad dharma.

According to tradition in ancient days, fourteen branches of knowledge are common to both general education and dharma. These are described as sources of vidya and dharma.

  • The fourteen “chaturdasa vidyas” are – four Vedas, six Vedangas and six Upaangas.
    • The six angaas of Veda are: Siksha, Vyakarana, Chandas, Niruktam, Jyotisham and Kalpa.
    • The four Upaangas are: Puranas, Nyaya, Mimamsa and Smritis.

The Smritis deals with the Dharma Shastra portion Vedangas. Between the Vedangas and Upaangas, almost all branches of knowledge are covered. Apart from these fourteen branches of knowledge four other branches of knowledge, known as Upavedas, are included in general education.

Vedas do mention here and there the duties and rites to be performed by us. Dharma Shastra deals with them in a codified form. However, it must be emphasised that Vedas are the root of all dharma – “Vedo Khilo dharmamulam”. The work that the Vedas bid us to perform is both for our own well-being as-well as for the good of the world. However, the rites and duties are not given in an orderly form in the Vedas.

The sixth Vedanga, Kalpa, contains Dharmasutras, Grhyasutras and Srautasutras related rites based on Vedas. But Sutras (written by Apastamba, Gautama and others) are brief and do not constitute a detailed guide. This gap is filled by Dharma Shastras and they elaborate upon what is given in the Dharmasutras without leaving any room for doubt.

18 Sages – Who mastered Vedas

Manu, Parasara, Yajnavalkya, Gautama, Harita, Yama, Visnu, Sankha, Likhita, Brhaspati, Daksa, Angiras, Prachetas, Samvarta, Acanas, Atri, Apastamba and Satatapa are the eighteen sages who mastered the Vedas with their superhuman power and derived the Smritis from them.

Vedas Root of all Dharma

As explained earlier Vedas are the root of all Dharma. However, the rites and duties are not given in an orderly manner in the Vedas. Dharmasutras, Grhyasutras and Srautasutras relating to rites are based on the Vedas. Since Sutras contain only terse statements Dharma Shastras have been written to elaborate and make them easier for people to follow. Dharma Shastras are called Smritis and are in verse form.

The Smritis contains detailed instructions on rituals to be conducted one has to perform throughout one’s entire life. Thorough though they, variances have been found among the Smritis. These are sought to be cleared by “Dharma Shastra Nibandhanas”. These Nibandhanas do not leave out any rite or Dharma and differences have also been reconciled.

There is a wrong impression about the Dharma Shastras even among those who treat them with respect. They think that the rules and duties of the Smritis were formulated by their authors on their own. They call these authors “lawgivers” who, in their opinion, laid down “laws” that reflect their views.

Further, they think that the Dharma Shastras were composed in the same way as the Constitution. If the Smritis represent the views of the authors there is nothing wrong in what these people think about them.

But those who want the Dharma Shastras changed do not seem to know that the Smritis do not reflect the views of the sages who composed them. What the authors of the Smritis have done is to present us in an orderly fashion what is already contained in the Vedas. The Vedic word cannot and must not be changed at any time and on any account. The same applies to the rules and laws laid down in the Smritis.

It is not correct to discriminate between Shruti and Smriti. Shruti, Smriti and the Puranas all the three belong to the same tradition. The rites that are not explicitly mentioned in the Vedas but are dealt with in the Smritis are called Smarta karmas and those that are explicitly mentioned are called Srauta karmas. This does not mean that the Smarta rites are in any way inferior to Srauta.

Kinds of Dharmas

Dharma was classified as under according to Manu.

  1. Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Law)
  2. Samanya Dharma: Universal Dharma includes – Contentment, forgiveness, self-restraint, non-stealing, purity, control of senses, discrimination between right and wrong, between real and unreal, spiritual knowledge, truthfulness and absence of anger.
  3. Vishesha Dharma: (Special duty)
  4. Varnashrama Dharma: (Duties of caste and order)
  5. Svadharma (One’s own duty)
  6. Yuga Dharma (Duty of the age)
  7. Kula Dharma (Duty of family)
  8. Manava Dharma (Duty of man)
  9. Stree Dharma (Duty of female)
  10. Raja Dharma (Duty of King)
  11. Praja Dharma (Duty of subjects)
  12. Pravritti Dharma (Duty in worldly life)
  13. Nivritti Dharma (Duty in spiritual life)

Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma means the eternal religion. This is based on Vedas. This is the oldest living religion. Hinduism is known by the name Sanatana Dharma. The foundation of Sanatana Dharma is Shruti. The Smriti stands next in authority to the Shruti. Hinduism is highly flexible and adapted to every human need. The history of India is a history of religion.

Samanya Dharma

Every religion has a generic form or Samanya-rupa and a specific form Vishesha-rupa. The generic form seldom changes and remains the same. It is not affected by changes in time, place etc. Samanya Dharma is the general law for all men. Vishesha Dharma deals with special cases.

Basics of Dharma

Puranas like Padma Purana and Matsya Purana enumerate many fundamentals of Dharma. Examples are – forgiveness, truthfulness, charity, non-violence etc. Patanjali Maharshi recommends that ten virtues should be practised by all men.

  • The first five constitute Yama or self-restraint. They are – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Brahmacharya (celibacy in thought, word and deed), Asteya (non-stealing) and Aparigraha (noncovetousness).
  • The next five constitute Niyama or religious observance. They are- Saucha (internal and external purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study of scriptures) and Isvarapranidhana (consecration of the fruits of all works to the Lord).

All the virtues may be regarded as branches of four cardinal virtues. They are (1) non-violence ;(2) truth (3) purity and (4) self-control.

The eternal cannot be attained without the attainment of purity. Brahman is truth. Eternal cannot be attained without practising truth. Brahman is fearless.

Four cardinal virtues

1) Ahimsa: Ahimsa or non-violence is the most important virtue. The practice of Ahimsa must be in thought, word and deed. The practice demands immense patience, forbearance endurance, infinite inner spiritual strength and great willpower.

(2) Truth: Brahman is Sat. Once truth must be observed in thought, word and deed. In Taittiriya Upanishad, it is said “Satyam Vada – speak the truth”

(3) Purity: It comprises both external (body) and internal purity (mind). One must be pure in thought, word and deed.

(4) Self Control: It implies control of both body and mind. Self-control implies self-service, destruction of egoism, patience, endurance, forbearance and humility.

Varnashrama Dharma

The principle of Varnashrama dharma is one of the basic principles of Hinduism. The duties of the varnas are Varna dharma.

Four varnas

The four varnas are Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Shudra. The division is according to Guna and Karma.

Sattva guna predominates in Brahmanas; Rajo guna is predominant in the Kshatriyas; Tamo guna is predominant in Vaisya; there is no predominant guna in the Sudras. The philosophers correspond to the Brahmanas, warriors to Kshatriyas, trade to Vaisyas and action service to Shudras.

Ashrama Dharma

The four Ashramas or orders of life are – Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa. The four Ashramas are stages in life. Brahmacharya or the period of studentship, Grihastha or the period of householder, Vanaprastha or the stage of forest dweller and Sannyasa or the life of renunciation. Each stage has its duties.

These stages help the evolution of man. The first two ashramas pertain to Pravritti marga or path of work. The last two stages pertain to Nivritti marga or the path of renunciation. Life is arranged in an orderly and systematic manner in Sanatana Dharma.

There is an opportunity for the development of the different sides of human activity. Due occupations and training are assigned to each period of life. Like in nature man’s evolution is gradual and not revolutionary.

Yuga Dharma

Dharma changes according to the Yugas. Man is changing. So his external form of Dharmas should change. That which is achieved through contemplation in Satya Yuga, through sacrifices in Treta Yuga, and through worship of Lord Narayana in Dvapara Yuga may be attained through Kirtanas of Lord Vishnu’s name in Kali Yuga.

7 Saptharshi Stotras on Sapthagirisa

7 Saptharshi Stotras on Sapthagirisa

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Saptharshi Stotras

Seven Saptharshis

The Seven Saptharshis, Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Gowthama, Jamadagni and Vasishta, performed penance for thousands of years. Consequently, they obtained so immense powers that they shine as brilliant stars in the galaxies to this day. One could watch this stary constellation in the night in the north sky. The seven Maharshis are a team: they enjoy visiting places together, be it a pilgrimage or travel to other worlds, then exchanging and discussing details of the places and people.

Their travels, visits and exchanges are primarily meant for the well-being of the world. Immersed in meditation in the starry constellation, they remained unaware of how much the wheel of time has rotated, and how many ages have passed. Regaining wakefulness after thousands of years of tapas they wished to visit all the celestial worlds. ‘Why elsewhere, let’s go to Vaikuntam first,’ they all concurred.

Later they wished to go to Kailasam. With the power of their tapas they reached Vaikuntam golden doorway straight from their starry constellation. Even as they thought of going inside, they witnessed a scene much to their surprise.

The guards at the doorway, Jaya and Vijaya were leisurely engaged in dice-play unmindful of the surroundings. Wondering what could be the reason for it, one of them uttered, ‘Govinda!’, another rishi said, ‘Narayana!’, and another, ‘Laxmipathi’, a wee bit loudly. Hearing these sounds, Jaya and Vijaya turned their heads towards the Maharshis.

“Who are you all? We don’t remember having seen you in thousands of years. Whoever you are, our Swamy is not inside. He left the place thousands of years ago. We do not know which world He had gone to. We are telling the truth. Don’t curse us in haste. Besides, you are the all-knowing Rishis. What can we say?” they said.

The Rishis were bewildered. Moving from the place, they reached Kailasam. The situation there was more perplexing than Vaikuntam. There was complete silence as they looked around. Meanwhile, two of Lord Siva’s followers came running. Their bodies, black and strange, almost naked, were ash-laden.

Saptharshi Stotras on Sapthagirisa

“Who are you? Looking like rishis! Some ages ago our Sivayya had left this place. We do not know where He had gone. Basavanna, Ganapayya, and Kumarayya, all accompanied Him. You seem to know everything. With your vision, you can find His whereabouts,” they said. The rishis wondered where the two – Hari and Hara-have gone.

Brahma must know about them, they thought and in the blink of an eye reached Satyaloka.

Strange! They could meet one or two in Vaikuntam and Kailasam. No one could be seen in Satyaloka. The place was pleasant but solemn and silent. Frustrated, the rishis came out.

Meanwhile, they encountered Narada Maharshi. They exchanged greetings. “Supreme Rishis! After thousands of years, I could meet you all in one place. What could be the reason for your visit to this place!” Devarshi expressed his surprise suppressing his curiosity.

“Oh!, Narada muni! We were engaged in our world of tapas for many yugas. We wanted to see the Trimurtis and went to the three worlds… but …” even as they were saying, Narada burst into laughter.

“It appears you didn’t have the darshan of Trimurtis. How could you, when they could not be found? Whichever world you go to, you will not find anyone. You might wonder why: Let me explain the reason. Please listen intently.

“On the earth, in the southern part of Bharatha khanda, there is a marvellous hill called ‘Venkatachala.’ Countless legends about the hill’s magic spell could be heard in all three worlds. You all know that on that divine hill summit, Srimannarayana manifested as ‘Venkatapati.’ Dear to his devotees, He is a giver of boons. Brahmadeva is organizing Brahmotsavams in His honour on a grand scale for ten days.

To watch the celebrations and get His blessings, all beings from all the worlds have thronged to Tirumala hill, known as ‘Kaliyuga Vaikunta.’ In that world, Sambasiva is the kshetrapalaka of Venkatachala. Lord Brahma has the pleasant responsibility of organizing the celebrations. That is the reason why all the worlds are empty.

And you must have received the invitation to take part in the Brahmotsavams by now! Whatever, we shall meet at the celebrations on the Sapthagiri in a festive atmosphere. Narayana! Narayana!” Narada Maharshi informed them and disappeared.

Brahmotsavams 2024 - The Festival Performed by Lord Brahma

Even as they started walking Garuda Bhagawan appeared before them with the invitation of Brahmotsavams of Lord of the Seven Hills! “Maharshis! I searched for you in the galaxies. In the three worlds too. I had the fortune of meeting you here. Here is the invitation for the Brahmotsavams of the Lord of Universe!” Saying, he disappeared in a flash.

The Saptharshis were pleased with the invitation extended by the king of birds. Without delay, they wanted to go to Venkatachala to participate in the divine celebrations where they could also see all the gods and more importantly, the Giver of Boons who would be receiving their worship and adulation. They started their journey to the Kaliyuga Vaikunta. They don’t need any vehicles. Their willpower enabled them to reach Venkatachala.

The Resplendence of Sapthagiris

Watching the spectacular radiance of the Seven Hills from the space they joined their palms in veneration. With sheer joy and amazement, they looked at the ‘Golden Abode’ dazzling amid imposing hills, at the cupola of the temple from above. They thought they were fortunate to witness the abode after thousands of years. Everywhere, there was hectic activity, with pleasantness writ large even in the commotion.

What could be the secret of this alluring glory? In Vaikunta, filled with solemn silence, only a few could enter. In contrast, this Bhooloka Vaikunta is attracting countless gods, humans, yakshas, kinneras, gandhravas from all over the world, bustling with human and celestial activity every exuding a glorious aura!

There! Yogis, Yateeswaras, Avadhootas, Sanyasis, boys and girls, unmarried and married women, officials, blind people, scholars, illiterates, kings and presidents lakhs of devotees were immersed in devotional songs, dances, bhajans, keertanas, concerts, offerings, making the brilliantly lit seven hills a Blissful Abode. It is difficult to describe the dazzling surroundings and the divine atmosphere.

The Saptharshis were absorbed, each one by himself, in treasuring the divine joy, the glory of the hills, and the presiding deity, Sri Venkateswara.

The Divinity of Brahmotsvams

Sri Venkatesa mati Sundara mohanangam
Sri Bhoomikantha maravinda dalayataksham
Pranapriyam pravimala Satkarunambu rashim
Brahmesa vandya mamrutam varadam bhajami

Praying, the Saptharshis reached Venkatachala and took part in the Utsavams of the Brahmanda Nayaka from the beginning to the last, savouring the divine taste of prasadam, in all a heavenly experience for them. The Brahmotsavams of Lord Srinivasa started with hoisting the flag, with the picture of Garuda on it, at the Dwjasthambham.

The Saptharshis witnessed the proceedings in the morning and at night, took part in the Chariot-processions of

  • Pedda Sesha,
  • Chinna Sesha,
  • Hamsa,
  • Simha,
  • Mutyala pandiri (Pearl-canopy),
  • Kalpavriksha,
  • Sarva Bhoopala,
  • Mohini,
  • Garuda,
  • Hanuma,
  • Gaja,
  • Suryaprabha,
  • Chandraprabha,
  • Ashwa carriages:

the rishis felt blessed. The next day, they also took part in the ‘Chakra snana’ at Sri Swamy Pushkarini.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

Swamy pushkarini snanam Venkateswara darshanam
Maha prasada sweekara trayam, Trilokya durlabham

The water in the holy Pushkarini is pure with medicinal properties. And Sri Venkateswara is a wonderful physician who removes all ailments. The three pious acts of bathing in Pushkarini, Darshan of Sri Venkateswara and receiving Srivari prasadam have positive, restorative effects. Nowhere else in the three worlds, one could get such a fortune. ‘Luckily, we got them,’ thinking so the Saptharshis had holy dips in Pushkarini.

After the fruitful, successful completion of the celebrations, a holy gathering called ‘Asthanam’ took place in Maha Manimandapa. Pleased with His devotees, Lord Srinivasa offered boons to them. On that occasion, Lord Sadasiva and Lord Brahma asked a question to the Saptharshis.

“You have witnessed the glorious celebrations of the Lord of the Universe! What are your experiences while taking part in the holy proceedings? Lord Srinivasa appears differently to each person, making each experience a unique one.

All the devotees of the Lord have experienced it. So, Sapthrishis, will you please explain your feelings and experiences in one sloka each? One condition is that the brief but loaded sloka should begin with the first letter in the name of the rishi reciting it.

In the court of Ananda Nilaya that day all the gods were present. Besides, all those who came from yaksha, kinnera, demon and human worlds were eagerly waiting for what the rishis would say. The Saptharshis stood up and prostrated before the Lord of Sapthagiris. Lord Srinivasa, accompanied by his consort, Lakshmi acknowledged them with a smile and nodded implying they could proceed.

Akhilandam or Garudakambam

 

Kashyapa Maharshi – 1st Sloka

First, it was Kashyapa Maharshi who recited the sloka:

Kadi Hremantha vidyaya praptaivya paradevata
Kalau Srivenkatesakhyaa, tamaham saranam bhaje

“A manifestation of the holy mantra in this Kaliyuga is Sri Venkateswara. I, Kashyapa, had the fortune of having His darshan and so seek His refuge.”

Athri Maharshi – 2nd Sloka

Next, Athri Maharshi respectfully joined his hands and recited:

Akaraadi ksha karantha, varnai yah pratipadyate
Kalau sa Venkatesakhya saranam mae Ramapati

“To Ramapati whose energy pervades all the letters manifested as Venkateswara in this Kaliyuga. I, Atri Maharshi, offer my salutations to Him and seek his graceful refuge.”

Maharshi Bharadwaja – 3rd Sloka

Next, it was Maharshi Bharadwaja’s turn. Standing, he extolled Lord Srinivasa in glowing terms:

Bhagawan Bhargavikantho Bhaktabheepitsa dayaka
Bhaktasya Venkatesakhyo Bharadwajasya mae gati

“Bhargavi is Lakshmi. She is the consort of Lord Srinivasa. He reassures his devotees and fulfils their desires by giving boons. I seek refuge in His presence.”

Rajarshi Vishwamitra – 4th Sloka

Rajarshi Vishwamitra, immersed as he was in watching Sri Venkateswara with devotion, praised Him:

Virat Vishnu Vidhata cha vishwam vignana vigraha
Vishwamitra sya saranam Venkatesa Vibhussada

“The Supreme Lord Vishnu manifested Sri Venkateswara in this yuga. He is the Creator. This universe is a reflection of His wisdom- embodiment. To that Lord of the Universe, I, Vishwamitra offer my salutations,” he concluded.

Rishi Gowthama – 5th Sloka

Rishi Gowthama, in his turn, paid rich tributes to the glory of the Lord in his sloka:

Gow Gowrisha priyo nityam, Govindo gopati rvibhu
Saranam Gowthamasyastu Venkatadri Shiromani

“Beloved of Gowri is Parameswara. He cherishes His closeness with Govinda, the husband of Gopikas, the Chief of cow-herds. All beings in the universe worship Him! Resplendent through the ages, in so many ways, He is now Srinivasa Bhagawan, Lord of the Seven Hills. I salute Him seeking shelter near Him.”

Sage Jamadagni – 6th Sloka

Sage Jamadagni took his turn and offered his prayer to the Lord:

Jagatkarta jagadbharta jagaddharta jaganmaya
Jamadagni prapannyasa jeevesho Venkateswara

“To Venkateswara, the Lord who controls all the worlds, who bears all the burden, the all-pervading One whose reflection is found in every being, I, Jamadagni, offer my obeisance!”

Vashishta Maharshi – 7th Sloka

Lastly, Vashishta Maharshi said in glowing terms:

Vastuvignana matram yah anni rvishesham Shubham cha
sat Tat Brahmaivaha manveeti Venkatesam bhaje sada

“To the devotees who seek His gorgeous presence, He is offering auspicious boons fulfilling their desires! Sri Venkateswara is shining as the Supreme Lord with brilliant aura; and that Bhagawan’s name, I, Vashishta Maharshi, chant every day!”

Tirumala Hills - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Final Word

Hearing the Saptharshis’ recitations, all those present in the court, Brahma and other gods felt enthralled by the endearing, magical words, and gave a huge applause in appreciation.

Lord Venkateswara was very much pleased, and with a smile looked around at all his devotees and said to the Saptharshis: “Maharshis! All your utterances have magical intones. The people who read them, recite them, will be freed from all fears, and obstacles! In addition, they will be blessed with wellbeing, all good things in life! They will also flourish with riches!”

The Lord expressed his pleasure and felicitated the Sapthrshis with precious stone-studded shawls and blessed them.

Thus, the Saptharshis’ slokas became dear to Sri Venkateswara, also ‘Kali Santaraka Stotra’ to the devotees. Brahma and other gods uttered that whoever recites or hears these slokas, will shed their fears and meet with success everywhere in their endeavours:

Saptarshi rachitam Stotram sarvada yah patennaram

So-bhayam praapnuyaat satyam sarvatra vijayee bhaveth

Having concluded their journey to the earth fruitfully, the Saptharshis returned to their starry constellation reminiscing about their blissful experiences in a spiritually rich Kaliyuga Vaikunta, the wonder-abode of Sri Venkateswara.

The stotras of Saptharshis on the Lord of Seven Hills, from that day onwards, came to be cherished by the Lord and His devotees.

Namah Sri Venkatesaya Shuddha gnana swarupine

Vasudevaya Shantaya Srinivasaya Mangalam!