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LIFEOLOGYComplete Solution
Holiness
SATGURU Dr. SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIGALVedanta Lifeology Centre
(The Ultimate Universal Lifecare Research Centre)
A division of
Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam
Kizhpudupet, Walajapet - 632 513
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 3
This book is dedicated to
the Adi Vaidhyar, Dr. Danvantri
with the blessings of
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal.
Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaaya Danvantraye
Amrutha kalasa hasthaaya
Sarva Aamaya vinaashanaaya
Triloka naathaya, Sri Maha Vishnave namaha
Obeisance unto the Supreme Bhagawan, Vasudeva Danvantri,
the Holder of the Kalasa with the nectar of immortality,
Remover of fear and all diseases,
Sustainer of the three worlds, He is Maha Vishnu Himself
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 5
PREFACE
Living far away from your near and dear can stress you, especially when
grandchildren are unwell. Far away, the kind of anxiety that one can feel leads
you to think of the unseen powers that we believe can help. To me this came in
a strange way.
A friend of my husband, Suresh Kumar, had called after a gap of a few years
to enquire about the family. He enquired after my daughter and I mentioned that
she was stressed at this point in time as her little daughter was unwell. He quickly
quipped,” Why don’t you go to Danvantri, in Walajapet?”
Taking details, I made my intention with the universe and made my sankalpam,
even if only to relieve my anxiety.
The little girl got well. I had to go to off er my thanks. And I did along with two
of my friends. It was during this visit that the pontiff , Sri Muralidhara Swamigal
asked if we could write the story of this centre in English!!! Without thinking and
still fi lled with gratitude, I agreed. I did not stop to take a moment to consider
what it would entail. My friends too were roped in for the job by the Swamigal
himself.
So off we went, week after week, to Walajapet, unraveling the fascinating story
that led to the establishment of the centre that seeks to invoke healing energies
from the fi rst ever “Vaidhyar” (doctor) recorded in Vedic times - Dr. Danvantri.
This book attempts to give you a glimpse of this abode, where several energies
that preside over healing are congregated. In the Indian school of thought we
believe healing is holistic when the universe facilitates the desired or required
energies. A person who is affl icted by disease or disorder, on entering this space,
integrates the requisite healing energy on appealing for the same.
The establishment of this space began as a wish in the wake of anguish that
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal experienced at his mother’s suff erings. Borne by a
desire to help people live disease-free and using his intuitive sense, he went on
to, and continues to bring to amalgamation, time honored strategies as stated
in Vedic records.
This book records stories of how the various energies came to be installed at
Walajapet, the innumerable coincidences, and the unasked for help from complete
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6 Sri Danvantri Peedam
strangers. It is also a record of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal’s personal journey from
intuition to expression.
I wish to acknowledge the inspiration I have drawn from the memory of my
father Dr. M.S.Govindaraman, a medical practitioner who believed that medicine
and mantra are essential for disease-free living.
Tracking the story along with me are Smt. Meera Mani, Smt. Sandhya Sundar
and Smt. Usha Rajeswari Thiagarajan.
- Padma Srinath
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FOREWORD
Though this goes under the title ‘Foreword’, it is not one. This is an expression
of acmiration for a work which opens one’seyes to the exsistance of an ‘abode
whereseveral energies presiding over healing, are congregated’.
This book is - faith brought into print by dedication. Though Mrs. Padma
Srinath, the author, is a near cousin of mine, I never knew that she carries in her
frail frame, the faith of an ardent devotee, the knowledge of a tireless researcher,
and the talent of an experienced writer.
Those are the qualities that have helped her bringing out this book on an
undeniably profound subject. She describes the features of the ‘kshetra’ known
as the ‘Universal Life Care Centre’ and the greatness of the pontiff Sri Muralidhara
Swamigal, not only with the involvement of a devotee, but with the care of a
chronicler.
Whether it be the concept of ‘Sankalpam’ or the details of the ‘yaga salai’ or
the unique sculpting of the ‘Kallala Maram’ behind the Dakshinamoorthi, every
aspect of the ‘Danvantri Arogya Peedam’ has been brought out in a crisp and
engaging manner by Padma.
The holy spaces of the various deities, the all pervading presence of Dhanvantri,
and the vision of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal in establishing the Universal Healing
Centre, at Wallajapet, are all described by Padma with an astounding grasp of the
spiritual truths.
A reading of this book, has made me realise my ignorance. I am sure that, it
is an improvement. I should thank Padma for that.
Madras Cho.S.Ramaswamy
20.11.2011
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 9
ContentsPage
No.
Introduction 1
Lifeology 5
Physical Space 15
Remover of obstacles - VINAYAGAR 21
Remover of ailments - DANVANTRI 21
To ease worries - KAALA CHAKRAM 23
Eradicator of the fear of death - MAHISHASURAMARDHINI 25
To release disorders and restore good times - YAAGA SAALAI 26
Opening the door to heaven - NAKSHATRA HOMA KUNDAM 26
For the protection of people from natural calamities caused by nature’s elements -
PANCHA DEEPAM
27
Bestower of conjugal bliss - VAASAVI KANNIKA PARAMESWARI 27
Remover of poisons - ASHTA NAAGA GARUDAR 28
Designated Vishnu Padham and dedicated to parents - SRI PAADHA ASTHI MANDAPAM 29
Bringing good times - NAVANEETHA KRISHNA 29
The fi rst physician - Lord DANVANTRI 31
Restorer of lost wealth - KAARTHAVEERYA ARJUNA 34
Bestower of comforts - SUDARSANA AZHWAR 36
Giver of positions - PATTABHISHEKA RAMAR 37
Bestower of good health - Goddess AROGYA LAKSHMI 37
Harbinger of glory to the world - Goddess GAJALAKSHMI 38
Facilitators of people’s requests - 468 SIDDHARS 39
The perennial food giver - Goddess SWARNA ANNAPOORANI 41
Guru of knowledge appropriate to current times - KARTHIGAI KUMARAN 41
Mother of Vedas - Goddess GAYATRI DEVI 42
Giver of Salvation - MAHA MERU 45
Giver of Knowledge - LAKSHMI HAYAGREEVAR 46
Venerated Vaishnava guru - Sri VEDANTA DESIKAR 47
Bestower of the boons of penance - Lord DATTAATREYA 47
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10 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Founder of the yogic science of Kriya Yoga - MAHA AVATAR BABA 48
Guardian of the South-West - KANNI MOOLA MAHA GANAPATHY 49
Remover of anguish - SANJEEVI RAAYAR 50
Worthy of worship by kings - KUZHANDHAI AANANDHA MAHA SWAMIGAL 50
Ensurer of well-being - SESHADRI SWAMIGAL 52
Distinguishers of Day and Night - SOORIYA–CHANDRAN 52
Liberator of the soul - Lord MUNEESWARAR 53
Trees dedicated to the abodes - 108 PLANTS DEDICATED TO PANCHA KARMA 53
Baba with a golden heart - THANGA BABA 53
Baba in the subtle form - SOORIYA BABA 54
The living God - KANCHI MAHA PERIYAVA 55
RAYAR RAGAVENDRA with the celestial cow Kamadhenu 55
Bestower of intelligence - Lord MEDHA DAKSHINAMOORTY 56
Dispeller of darkness - Sri VALLALAR 57
Ever encouraging - DHUNI AGNI 57
Pristine - TULASI MADAM 58
Protector of young girls - Sri NAVA KANNIGAIGAL 58
Banisher of insecurities - ATRI PAADAM with ANUSUYA DEVI under the sacred fi g tree 58
Bestower of prolifi c blessing - GOSHAALA 59
Remover of planetary malefi c eff ects - RAHU-KETU 59
Bestower of the power of the word - Goddess VANI SARASWATHI 50
Giver of wealth - SWARNA AAKARSHANA BAIRAVAR 61
Life nurturing KARUVARAI 65
Propitious Lord MARAGADHESWARAR and Goddess MARAGADHAAMBIGA 62
Integrator of all Faiths - Lord Ayyappa
Benefactor of self-confi dence - Lord ASHTA MANGALA KAALA BAIRAVAR 63
VAASTHU NIVARTHI PEEDAM 66
ANNA DHAANA KOODAM 67
Facilities available at the centre 68
Profi le of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal 69
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INTRODUCTION
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the fi rst Vice President of India,who was also a
prominent theologian, states that Hinduism is not “just a faith”, but is the union
of reason and intuition. He believed that Hinduism cannot be defi ned, but is only
to be experienced and is manifested in a way of life. Considering that this began
eons ago and was transmitted to posterity by word of mouth, some academics
suggest that Hinduism cannot be seen as a rigid entity.
The basic tenets of the Hindu philosophy have evolved for eons now and
have been passed on by oral tradition from times immemorial before recorded
documents came into vogue. Thus as does happen in oral communication, over
the generations, legends and nuances will synthesize the interpretations of the
thinkers of the time, besides considering the experiences and challenges of
society at that time.
This book will take cognizance of the legends as heard by Sri Muralidhara
Swamigal.
The main puranic legend covered is the one related to the Ocean being
churned at the very early stages of the evolution of the universe, when the second
avatara of Lord Vishnu manifested. An avatara may be explained as a Sanskrit
term implying “descent”, from the root tr, implying “pass” (cf. Latin in-trare), and
the preposition ava, meaning “down”.
In other words, it implies the descent of a supreme energy to earth, to serve
the overarching purpose of restoring balance between good and evil.
It is here that Lord Danvavtri was fi rst seen.
As the story goes at the beginning of the creation of the universe, asuras
(demons / malefi c energy bodies) and devas (considered demigods / benefi cial
energy bodies) were at odds. For many a reason, the good ones were
losing vitality and the malefi c gaining power. The devas sought the help of
Maha Vishnu and Lord Brahma pleading to restore their vitality. Maha Vishnu
suggested that the ocean be churned as it had valuables that could be of immense
help. Maha Vishnu and Brahma opined that this could be done only if both the
parties participate together. Vishnu suggested that the devas declare temporary
truce with the demons.
The devas travelled to the dwelling place of the malefi c - Patalaloka and
convinced them participate.
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14 Sri Danvantri Peedam
The Mandara Mountain would be the churning rod, the mighty serpent
Vasuki would be the churning rope and the devas and asuras would stand
on either side churning the ocean, to bring forth fortunes for all. Maha
Vishnu secretly promised the devas that the pot of nectar would be given
to them .
When the process began they found that the mountain was sinking. Maha
Vishnu then took the avatara of Kurma (tortoise) and held the mountain on his
back to balance the mountain. The churning went on for a 1000 years!!!
Treasures precipitated as the churning was in process. Among them were Sri
Lakshmi on a lotus, Surabhi the cow of abundance, the crescent moon, the celestial
fl ower parijatha and so on. When poison was precipitated, Shiva came to the rescue
of the devas and swallowed it to arrest it at His neck. When Lakshmi emerged, she
was espoused by Vishnu himself. Lord Danvantri came forth with the famed pot
of nectar as the divine Vaidyar - the nectar of immortality and vitality!!!
However the asuras were not taking all this quietly and were also in the
lookout for the pot of nectar. When it did come up, the asuras took hold of the
pot. Seeing that this could be disastrous, Vishnu assumed the form of an enticing
damsel, Mohini, distracted the asuras and took on the distribution of the nectar.
She off ered the nectar to the devas and mere wine to the asuras. Rahu, an asura,
who suspected the scheme, disguised himself, managed a few drops of nectar
before he was apprehended. Just as he got a drop of the nectar, the original Moon
saw this and informed Mohini of the truant Rahu. Vishnu’s disc, in order to stop its
eff ect of immortality on an asura, severed Rahu’s head. The severed head of Rahu
wanted to take revenge and swallowed the Moon. Having consumed the elixir,
Rahu survived. The Moon jumped out and took refuge in Shiva who placed him
decoratively on his matted hair. Having consumed the nectar of immortality, Rahu
with a snake head and a human body and Ketu with a human head and a snake
body became two entities and were given shadow status among the planets at the
ascending and descending nodes among planetary positions, where they could
eclipse the sun and the moon occasionally. Hence the lore that an eclipse is the
swallowing of the sun or the moon by the snakes Ragu and Ketu!
The other energies in this complex have specifi c areas of infl uence in the
human context and are included to bring a congregation of energies to suit the
many manifestations of ill health that man could encounter.
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LIFEOLOGY
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal visualizes this kshetra as the ultimate Universal
Lifecare Centre, where an awareness about leading a healthy life - body, mind
and soul - is spread to the multitude of persons who may be suff ering for various
reasons. He calls this an exploration into Lifeology.
What is Lifeology?
This is a term, coined by the Swamigal, to denote the science of life, for
what does the divine teach but the science and the art of leading a disease-free,
disorder-free, contented life. “This is not my doing; it is His creation, His direction.
I am only the executive,” he says.
Browsing the net for a defi nition this is what was found to be most relevant,
for the suffi x - ‘ology’. To quote, ‘a speaking, discourse, treatise, doctrine, theory,
science’, from Greek - logia from root of ‘legien’ ‘to speak’, thus defi ning ‘ology’ as
the character or department of one who speaks or treats of a certain subject.
The vision of the Centre is that it will research ancient, traditional conventions
and the reasons they were established. The Vedic texts will be explored in
connection with life’s issues. He believes strongly that during Vedic times people
lived in harmony with nature and did not think of the environment as separate
from their lives.
Many of the wisdom statements seem to come to Sri Muralidhara Swamigal
intuitively. This has often broken boundaries of sect, caste, creed and gender. His
confi dence comes from his belief that most issues that come to his notice are
universal, irrespective of boundaries.
What is intuition?
To quote a defi nition, “Taking an information processing perspective, we
view intuition as a process by which information, normally outside the range of
cognitive processes is sensed and perceived in the body and mind as certainty of
knowledge or feeling (positive or negative) about the totality of a “thing”, distant
or yet to happen (McCraty, Atkinson, & Bradley, 2004a; 2004b). This “thing” can
be a material object or event, or a mental construct such as a thought or idea.
Often the feeling of certainty is absolute - the intuition is experienced as beyond
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16 Sri Danvantri Peedam
question or doubt - and the feeling can encompass positive emotions, such as
optimism and excitement, or negative emotions like dread, fear, or terror. This
experience of an immediate, total sense of ‘the thing’ as a whole is quite unlike
the information processing experience of normal awareness. In normal awareness,
the contents of the mind are updated incrementally, as the moment-by-moment
sequences of sensory experience unfold. Also, the experience of intuition is not
confi ned to cognitive (recognizable) perception, but involves the entire psycho-
physiological system, often manifesting through a wide range of emotional feelings
and physiological changes experienced throughout the body.”
This defi nition verily befi ts this man who believes that life should be lived
with due consideration to one’s surroundings. Life will then be disorder-free and
disease-free and will lead to fulfi lment.
Bringing all this to one central spot is the vision of a research centre for
Lifeology.
It is the way of living a disorder-free and disease-free life such that one’s
energies can be directed towards the purpose of one’s existence.
“My purpose, as I have realized, is to establish a centre for healing,
reducing the suffering that man may experience. This has been declared
to me by my mother. My mother’s anguish, when she was afflicted with
cancer, made me contemplative. Out of this single-minded contemplation
t h e d o o r t o f u l f i l m y p u r p o s e o p e n e d i n t h e f o r m o f
the Vedanta Lifeology Research Centre,’ says the Swamigal.
Being open to all religions, and facilitating a world of oneness and equity:
From time immemorial, man has lived with divisions’ of caste, social hierarchy,
intelligence and the likes to create boundaries within communities. This, over
centuries, has been developing many a rift, undermining the very fabric of
society. Many an avatar has come forth at times of distress and become the hub
of movements that try to bring society together, dissolving the boundaries that
divide communities. They do this in the interest of global peace and unity.
A word about the concept of avatars; the etymology of the word defi nes ‘ava’
as implying descent of a divine energy - a cross over- to the earth terrain, to fulfi ll
a specifi c over arching purpose.
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Energies of avatars included in this healing space are 468 Siddars, Vedanta
Desikar, Maha Avatar Babaji, Kuzhandhai Aanandha Maha Swamigal, Sri Seshadri
Swamigal, Shirdi Baba, Kanchi Maha Periyava, Sri Rayar Raghavendra and
Arutperunjothi Vallalar.
Yet to be installed in this healing space are the energies of Lord Mahavira, the
founder of Jainism, Guru Nanak, who propounded the tenets of Sikhism, Gautama
Buddha who established the path of Buddhism and Bharath Mata.
There is no denying, even in global considerations, that a sense of pride and
joy wells up in ones heart when one thinks about their motherland. In India we
refer to her as Mother India, Bharath Mata. Bharath Mata is to be consecrated to
emphasise the importance of regarding the land of our birth and according her due
respect. The earth beneath our feet needs to be cared for more than ever before at
this point in time. To spare a few moments in her thought as we enter the complex
and depart would bring forth a vitality that only the earth could give us.
Let’s look at some of their preaching:
Lord Mahavira is credited with establishing the tenets of Jainism: non-
violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, contemplation on the soul and
non-attachment. He believed that infatuation was at the root of all evil and that
renunciation would lead to the attainment of eternal bliss.
Guru Nanak points out that the road to the abode of God is long and arduous.
Rich or poor, everyone must undergo the same discipline. One must approach God
with perfect humility, give up pride, show and egoism. With humility one must
ask for His kindness and favour. Ahimsa or non-violence, asceticism, humility and
religious tolerance are advocated in everyday life. Truly tenets of a loving, giving and
caring society! In some literary accounts Gauthama Buddha has been referred to
as an avatar of Maha Vishnu.
His 3 main principles are:
Nothing is lost in the Universe; everything changes; there is a law of cause
and eff ect that governs all.
Following his recommended 8-fold Path can be compared to cultivating a
garden where one cultivates wisdom and the ultimate harvest is real and lasting
happiness.
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18 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal strives to break boundaries that divide society and
is encouraging everyone’s healthy affi liation in bringing about a disorder-free,
disease-free life -caste, creed, gender no bar.
What is the way to cure disease?
Fundamentally, a loving and giving heart is full of compassion and empathy.
Combine this with sacred sounds called mantras and you have the elixir ready. It
is this that unlocks the self-healing dimension in each of us.
A life, a lifetime – what does it entail?
Many a human being strives to fi nd out the purpose of their lives. This
search implies that most human beings believe that they have a purpose for
their existence beyond taking care of daily survival needs. Ancient cultures all
over the world have suggested many theories. Philosophers have essayed their
themes. One of the most important considerations that emerged is the idea of
a ‘soul’ (Atma) where there is a continuity of the individual’s energy to fulfi l the
purpose of one’s existence.
You are born; you pass through infancy and then through several phases
of life that have the bindings of responsibility. When these responsibilities have
been met, the individual is able to move on to philosophical explorations of life
and the world, as it moves on and on for eons, while one lifetime is one hundred
years, at best. So should we look at life on earth as a baton race passing on the
Earth to posterity?
As those who occupy this Earth as home and pass it on to posterity, it is crucial
that humans understand the universe around them.
So do we not need to consider the tenets of Lifeology?
A glimpse into some of the Swamigal’s ideas
Metals are as much part of the universe as we are and hence we are aff ected
by them in many ways. The eff ects of using metal on our bodies go beyond mere
ornamentation.
Gold must be appropriately worn. Worn around the wrist or neck it infl uences
the chakras of the body benefi cially. However, worn on the feet in the form of
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 19
anklets, it aff ects the chakras otherwise, infl uencing a woman’s relationship with
her husband. “What is to be worn around the neck is not to be worn on the feet.
Women may then have a problem conceiving, as the energy around the ankle
aff ects the uterus. Metti or toe-rings have to be worn to improve fertility, as
toes are related to hormonal release. Similarly, the prostate and ear-boring are
connected; wearing earrings helps control the functioning of the prostate in men
as they age.”
Be sensitive to your communication with nature. Interaction with nature,
plants, earth and the elements will develop a sense of their contribution - all this is
Lifeology. Let it not be forgotten that in the Hindu pantheon Goddess Shakambari
is known as the Keeper of Greenery on Earth. This institute will welcome research
in areas connected to these themes. Empowering oneself : the power of intention
and the concept of Sankalpam
The power of intention is believed to be charged from the source where life
originates. More often than not, life originates disorder-free and disease-free,
and is set to achieve its full potential, provided the opportunity is available. We
are empowered by a consciousness or intelligence that is also sourced from the
universe. Thus the power that makes intention happen is available to each of us.
This consciousness or intelligence, anchored in the Universe, operates at diff erent
frequencies, ranging from the gross which creates the human body to the subtle
energy that generates thought.
A strong thought with a sincere desire to make something happen may be
termed as intention. When you are able to concentrate on your intention that is
anchored in the intelligence of the Universe, then you are actually in the fi eld
that has all the energies required to materialize your intentions. It is a fi eld that
can be accessed by all. The existence of any living being is a manifestation of this
intelligence. Genuine, unselfi sh intention does not err, because nature progresses
in harmony with intention.
Intention is the infi nite potential activating your physical and non-physical
appearance on earth. Thus without giving away this power of attorney to someone
else, as we do when we enlist a priest to make our sankalpam, when one stands in
the ‘fi eld’ and places an undiluted specifi c intention, cosmic intelligence responds
to this interaction. However, if you are fi lled with an egoistic stance you could very
well deactivate this potential connection.
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20 Sri Danvantri Peedam
For the many specifi c purposes of an individual’s requirements, which are
subjective, we need to direct or channel the energy with a specifi c request.
When we do this we actually make a commitment with the cosmic source.
This is a ‘sankalpam’, where there is a commitment seeking the fulfi lment of a
desire with the Cosmic Intelligence. In the Indian context it is customary to take
a vow of fulfi lment. This is a celebration of the commitment, the sankalpam
being honoured.
So, sankalpam is making a commitment between two entities - one, the
person making the commitment and the other, the power of the intention at its
original source. What is required to keep this connection activated is the trust
in the abundance of the universe and our humility to appreciate it, the beauty
herein and the enthusiasm to celebrate it, the creativity that we encounter in the
universe and the courage to explore it; recognize its intelligence, kindness, love
and receptivity. If we can anchor these sentiments we are bound to experience
the power that will materialize our thoughts.
Hence the effi cacy of the concept lies in the potency of the sankalpam.
A very common adage that spans many a culture is ‘ask and it shall be given; knock
and the door will be opened’. The pontiff believes that it is sankalpam that is alluded
to herein.
‘Health is wealth’, is another adage that spans across cultures of the world.
Health is not a single facet but entails a host of experiences. The Danvantri Arogya
Peedam opens the door to enrichment and fulfi lment in all aspects that infl uence
the richness of life.
The heritage of our country abounds in simple practices that reiterate the fact
that we are adapting organisms and will be infl uenced by the environment.
The Logo
The logo has the ‘right’ symbol with a bindu at the angular vortex of the n
mark.
The Flag
The fl ag is green and yellow in colour. n
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 21
There is a circle circumscribing the triangle. There is a circle within the n
triangle.
The green represents Ayurveda. n
The yellow represents the energy of Lord Danvantri. It is also the n
representation of the prime guru, Lord Dakshinamoorthy. In Indian culture
it is considered an auspicious colour.
The innermost circle symbolizes Lord Danvantri, the Adi Vaidhyar. n
One side of the triangle represents herbs - mooligai; the other side n
represents the pot of immortal nectar - amrutha kalasam; the third side
represents fi re, the modality for the healing mantra to be transmitted to the
individual - the homa kundam; the outer circle represents the ‘world’ and
the triangle the ‘family’; this is to say, the Danvantri prayer is for the ‘family’
and the ‘family of Danvantri’ invokes blessings for the world.
The fl ag represents the Danvantri Samasthanam Research Centre. n
The fi rst hoisting of the fl ag was by Sri Koonampatti Adheenam. n
Participation
All right are reserved by the Research Centre. n
Please contact the Swamigal for further information. n
He is accessible on a day when there is no special festival. n
PHYSICAL SPACE
Geographical location
Forty kilometres from Kanchipuram (Hasthagiri) - where Goddess Kamakshi
and Lord Varadaraja Perumal reside; 25 kms. from Sholingar (Arulalagiri) where
Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar sits; 10 kms. from Tirupparkadal - where Lord Danvantri
churned the nectar of immortality or the amrita kalasam from the sea; 100 kms.
from Tirupati, presided over by Lord Venkateswara; 110 kms. from Tiruvannamalai
and 12 kms. from Ratnagiri with Lord Murugar as its presiding deity. In this divine
space, like a pendant in a necklace, is Agastheeswaram or Anandhathalai or, as
is well known by its later name, Walajapet. This dharmakshetra, drawing on the
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22 Sri Danvantri Peedam
sacred air of all these temple towns, has manifested itself as an Arogya Kshetra
(Oushadhagiri), as the resident pontiff Sri Muralidhara Swamigal has named it,
a place of healing to those who come in search of relief from their physical and
mental troubles.
Rules: People of all faiths are admitted. However the rules for all visitors, no
matter of which faith, remain the same: remove slippers, of course; write names
in the security register, and enter. Males additionally have to remove upper body
garments. Cell phones are not allowed; neither are cameras. There is logic to this -
most people who come here to seek divine intervention are ailing, and to disturb
their prayer is not acceptable. It is not a temple in the traditional sense of the term:
there are no utsavams, no dwaja sthambam no hundial, no personal archanais.
Because the place has the same hygiene requirements as a place of healing, no
outside food or other off erings are allowed to be brought in. There is only limited
parking space for cars, maybe about 20 at a time. There are no good hotels nearby;
travellers have to stay in Kanchipuram or in Vellore. There is an open dorm with space
for about 200 people, and with advance permission devotees may bed down there
for the night.
As a Divine Healing centre
The Danvantri peedam is an arogya kshetram, oushada giri, a place of healing,
to which seekers of all faiths come to pray for good health. It encompasses the 16
diff erent types of wealth that humans can acquire and that can be lost as well; the
loss of even one of these 16 could lead to mental or physical ailments.
This divine space does not eschew modern medicine or hospitals of any
medical tradition. After all, Walajapet was a place where, traditionally, jaundice
used to be cured, as the keezhanalli (phyllanthus amarus) plant is found in
abundance here. In fact, the belief goes that the air in Walajapet was suff used
with this medicine. The Arogya Peedam established here thereby brings solace
to the heart of suff erers, giving them the strength to bear the trauma of illness
and adding a divine dimension to their search for a disease-free life. This peedam
advocates a simple lifestyle, balanced and in equilibrium with nature.
This abode is run by a trust. Thus it is a private space, open to the public. This
trust does not follow the conventions as laid down in the sacred texts. The entire
complex is established and run by the profound intuitive messages received by
LIFEOLOGY Complete Solution
Sri Danvantri Peedam 23
the resident Swamigal. The date when a space is distinctly consecrated is fi xed by
the Swamigal himself. Which energy is to be placed where and when, and how it
will come about, is decided by happenstance; someone proposes a shrine, another
person comes forward with the money, and the energies of a number of devotees
and seekers roll together to bring the plan to fruition.
The Conceptual Triad
There have been three important concepts that Sri Muralidhara Swamigal has
been following from the beginning to energize the place before the consecration
of an energy.
First, the date for the kumbhabishekam is set, and a Sanctum Sanctorum
is prepared to house the energy. Meanwhile, the idol is sculpted and all other
arrangements are made for the auspicious consecration. At a chosen moment,
the Divine eyes are opened for propitiation. The base of the podium on which the
idol rests is energized with mantras and yantras and specifi c herbs that facilitate
aura cleansing. (Yantras are specifi c geometric patterns etched on a metal plate
to converge the desired energies). Waters from sacred rivers are used to purify
the idol and the space.
B e f o r e c o n s e c r a t i o n , t h e m a i n i d o l s a r e t a k e n t o t h e i r
prime pilgrim centres to gain the blessings of the guides there.
Thus, Karthaveeryarjuna was taken to Maheshwar, near Ujjain; Gayatri Devi was
taken to the Mookambikai temple in Kollur, Karnataka.
The third practice is called karikolam. Before the idol is consecrated, it is taken
to a number of devotees’ homes, not just to introduce the deity but also to bestow
blessings on the community. A person or family may request the Swamigal that the
idol be brought to their home. Both the main idol and the utsava moorthi are taken;
the main idol remains in the compound outside the house and the utsava moorthi
is taken within a person’s home for ritual worship. Karikolam serves a dual purpose:
it announces to the community that this is the energy which is going to be
established at the arogya peedam; it also spreads the blessings of this energy into
the community.
Feelings and sentiments run high during a karikolam, and the following
instance is typical. An 82-year-old woman whose house Lord Danvantri visited
cried: “You came to see me? Now I know why I am alive - You kept me alive just to
LIFEOLOGY Complete Solution
24 Sri Danvantri Peedam
see You. Now that I have seen You, I am ready to go (die). I’m done with this world.
Take me with You.” Another woman, blind, asks her grandson for a description:
“Tell me how He looks. Your grandfather has already described Him to me and I
want to check. How fortunate I am to have You in my home! Anyway, having come
here, please get my granddaughter married,” she appeals. In India, people tend
to have close conversations with their personal God.
The establishment of an energy within a space is as follows:
a) Intuition or message that asks that a particular shrine be established.
b) An independent confi rmation that comes from an external source.
c) Fixing the date for the consecration, creating the idol, travelling to the
location of the original temple.
d) The karikolam.
e) Finally the consecration.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 25
Route Map(Not to scale)
KalyanaMandapam Sri Danvantri
Arogya Peedam
Bengaluru230 Km Chennai 110 Km
Shol
lingu
r Roa
d
Wall
aja
Stat
ion
Road
Amman Temple
Wallaja Bus Stand
N
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26 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Kanchipuram
Tirupparkadal
Ratnagiri
Tiruvannamalai
Tirupati
Arcot
Davantri Arogya Peedam
Walajapet
Sholingar
Geographical location(Map not to scale)
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 27
LEGEND 1. Lord Vinayagar–Lord Danvantri 2. Kaala Chakram 3. Goddess Mahishasuramardhanl 4-5. Yaaga Salai-Homa Kundam 6. Pancha Deepam 7. Goddess Sri Vaasuki Kannika Parameswari 8. Lord Ashta Naaga Garudar 9. Sri Paada Asti Mandapam 10. Lord Navaneetha Krishna 11. Lord Danvatri 12. Sri Kaarthaveeryarjuna 13. Sri Sudarsana Azhwar 14. Lord Pattabhisheka Ramar 15-16. Goddess Arogya Lakshmi–Goddess Gajalakshmi 17. 468 Siddhars 18. Swarna Annapoorani 19. Lord Karthigai Kumaran 20-21. Goddess Gayatri Devi-Sri Maha Meru 22-23. Lord Lakshmi Hayagreevar–Sri Vedanta Desikar 24. Lord Dattaareya 25. Sri Maha Avatar Babaji 26. Lord Kanni Moola Maha Ganapathy 27. Sri Sanjeeva Raayar 28. Sri Kuzhandhai Aanandha Maha Swamigal 29-30. Sri Seshadri Swamigal–Sooriya-Chandran 31. Lord Muneeswarar 32. 108 plantsdedicated to Pancha Karma 33-34. Sri Thanga Baba-Sri Sooriya Baba 35. Sri Kanchi Maha Periyava 36. Sri Rayar Ragavendra 37. Lord Medha Dakshinamoorty 38. Sri Vallalar 39. Dhuni Aagni 40. Tulasi Madam 41- 42. Nava Kannikais–Atri Paadam 43. Goshaala 44. Rahu-Ketu 45. Goddess Vani Saraswathi 46. Lord Swarna Aakarshana Bairavar 47. Karuvarai 48. Lord Maragadheswarar 49. Lord Ayyappa 50. Lord Ashta Mangala Kaala Bairavar
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28 Sri Danvantri Peedam
The Swamigal believes that there are 12 rahasyams or secrets in this area,
and any person who discovers all the 12 secrets can be initiated into sanyasa
ashrama straightaway.
Why is Ganesha called Vinayagar? Our ‘Nayagar’ – ‘hero’? The question
arises as to why Lord Ganesha was installed in a space dedicated to
Lord Vishnu. Sri Muralidhara Swamigal says he does this entirely by intuition,
and he does what he is instructed to do, no matter that such instruction may go
against the established practices of tradition and convention. There is another
way in which the concept of Lord Ganesha is connected to the concept of Lord
Danvantri; read the following Tamil saying:
Vinai Theerpavar Vinayagar; Pini theerpavar Danvantri - Vinayagar removes
obstacles and Danvantri, disease.
This energy space is unique inasmuch as both Vinayagar and Danvantri, facing
opposite directions, have been carved from a single stone. Vinayagar has the disc
and the conch in His upper hands, and He rests on a lion, not on his normal vehicle
the mole. He also has the writing instrument and the modhakam in His lower
hands. His face appears to be smiling - like the welcoming smile of a receptionist!
The Vinayagar shrine is open 24 hours - as a hospital should be!
REMOVER OF OBSTACLES – VINAYAGAR
REMOVER OF AILMENTS – DANVANTRI
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 29
A u n i q u e f e a t u r e o f t h i s “ V ” n a y a g a r i s t h a t H e a d o r n s
the thirunamam. In this energy space He is depicted as Thumbikai Azhwar.
The Danvantri idol which rests back to back with the Ganesha idol has
Goddess Lakshmi in His heart symbolizing a doctor with a heart of abundance.
In His upper hands He holds the conch and the disc. He holds a seendhal kodi
(Pergularia daemia) in His lower left hand, the amruta kalasam (the pot of the nectar
of immortality) in His lower right hand. Also in His left hand is a leech, which is
used in Ayurveda and other medical disciplines as well to suck impure blood out,
especially in skin ailments.
People may come at any time of night or day to seek these energies. “Who are
we, mere mortals, to stop another from addressing these energies in their time of
distress?” opines the Swamigal. At night, people can state their intentions to the
presiding energy by themselves. They may also drop a note with their problem
written on it and the next day, the centre conducts a special chanting for their
good health.
On the day of the Thiruvonam star, individuals can undertake a special
abhishekam. They use gingelly (sesame) oil to anoint the idol and that is given back
as a massaging agent. Sri Muralidhara Swamigal has denoted the Thiruvonam star
in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May) as a special day for doctors; he refers
to it as the Doctors’ Mela day. These are the people who off er us solace from pain
and fear; how about a thought for their well-being?
Unique feature
You can designate a service to invoke Lord Danvantri’s healing energies n
for your doctor.
In this space, there is a bowl of black and red berries n (kundumani)
representing rahu and ketu. Make your intention with the utmost
sincerity and it will be addressed, is the belief.
TO EASE WORRIES - KAALA CHAKRAM
The Kaala Chakram has been instituted with specifi c plants for the 9 planets,
12 zodiac signs and the 27 stars, totalling 48 species of plants. The wheel
of time takes us on a roller coaster of happiness, fear and doubt and then back
again. This space is dedicated to all the people of the world, represented by the
27 stars and their corresponding plant, animal and bird.
It has the 27 stars circumscribing the 12 zodiac signs, which in turn
circumscribe the 9 planets. Thus the wheel of time brings into one’s perception
the entire universe that aff ects us on Earth.
When you circum-ambulate the wheel of time and ask for good times, you
are willy nilly asking for good times for the entire universe!! One connects to
the universe here to integrate energies that will reduce the distress caused by
star-related ailments. The circum-ambulation is done in sets of 3, one set at the
minimum or 9, 12, 27, 36, or 48. The number 48 is signifi cant in that it denotes a
mandalam - the time to establish cell memory.
The Kaala Chakra seems to embody many a philosophy stated as the
tenets of Lifeology. For instance, the roots of the 12 representative trees
have, over time, intertwined and yet exist each with their own identity.
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30 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Why can’t humans live with this togetherness even while retaining their
own identity?
If every human decides to plant the tree of his or her birth star, the earth will be
aff orested without diffi culty. ‘Nature worship is as sanctifying as idol worship’, says
the Swamigal.
These plants have been nurtured from the sapling stage, worshipped, pruned
and the trimmings are consigned to the fi re in the homa kundam, amidst the
chanting of Vedic mantras for global welfare. The holy ash therefrom is distributed
as medicine for diff erent types of illnesses. Thus the plants render themselves
valuable for human welfare. Sri Muralidhara Swamigal asks, “Why can’t man?
W i t h t h e b l e s s i n g s o f S r i M u r a l i d h a r a S w a m i g a l ,
a special pooja is done on Tuesdays at rahu kaalam (3.00 to 4.30 P.M.)
as the presiding energies of the 27 stars are receptive to one’s attention at that
time. Rahu kaalam is believed the most effi cacious time for any atonement poojas.
Right in the centre of the wheel stands Lord Hanuman, with the life-giving herb
sanjeevani, to disburse His healing energies.
Unique feature
This space depicts the n Kaala Chakra with all the 9 planets, 12 zodiac signs,
and the 27 stars so that one necessarily includes the universe and all of
mankind in seeking blessings for global welfare. It also relieves star-related
ailments.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 31
ERADICATOR OF THE FEAR OF DEATH - GODDESS MAHISHASURAMARDHINI
I n t h e A t h a r v a n a V e d a
Mahishasuramardhini is a paradevatha,
meaning a prime energy, which is
not usually placed secondary to any
other. However, in this peedam, she
is featured as Lord Vishnu’s sister
and hence brings the brother–sister
relationship to the fore. Even the
statue has been sculpted to resemble
Lord Danvantri.
I n t h e f o r m o f
M a h i s h a s u r a m a r d h i n i S h e i s
considered to be the destroyer of
fears, especially the fear of death. She
is usually known to portray an angry
countenance as She slays the demon
but here She has a smile on Her face,
as if gladly receiving Her visitors, now that She has slain evil. She is invoked here
as a composite of Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga where knowledge
removes fears, abundance nurtures happiness and courage gives you strength.
Unique feature
She is sculpted with the entire demon under her foot. n
Anecdote
When she was consecrated, 108 n sumangalis (women who live with their
spouses) performed abhishekams with turmeric water which is signifi cant
in itself.
During Her n karikolam She has travelled 10,000 kilometres and has
embedded, under Her pedestal, 100 million handwritten Danvantri mantras
to energize the idol.
The Soolini Durga Homam n is performed here as a special feature.
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32 Sri Danvantri Peedam
TO RELEASE DISORDERS AND RESTORE GOOD TIMES - YAAGA SAALAI
T h i s Ya a g a S a a l a i b u r n s n o n - s t o p 2 4 h o u r s , 3 6 5 d a y s i n
the year.
Danvantri heals through the medium of air. Hence the power of intention,
mantras and herbs are resorted to in His healing format. Chillies and herbs are
off ered to the fi re to infuse the air with its vitality, and the smoke cleanses the air
around. When people come with the intention of getting healed the red chilly
off erings to the fi re are symbolic of burning the negativity which brought about
the disease. This is in turn transmuted into the energy that will off er the very
healing; Rogam theerthu Yogam alikkum.
It is believed that where there is fi re, siddhars are present. All the fl owers,
etc., used in the temple go back into the fi re as fuel (ahaara). Hence no fl owers or
off erings are given back as prasadam.
Again where there is agni, Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of wealth and
vitality, resides. With Danvantri burning away the disease, the individual has his
body, mind and spirit restored to good health.
Unique Feature
T n he homam has been burning non-stop 24 x 7 since inception in 2005.
Vishwatmak Jangli Maharaj of Nasik Road performed aarthi at the Yaaga
Saalai here, which was an honour in itself.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 33
OPENING THE DOOR TO HEAVEN - NAKSHATRA HOMA KUNDAM
(HOMA KUNDAM for 9 planets,
12 zodiac signs and 27 stars)
The Swaaha Peedam is incorporated within the Homa Kundam. Once the
negativities are dissolved with the red chillies being consigned to the fi re,
the herbs and spices are consigned to the fl ames with a sense of surrender to the
cosmic forces inviting healing energies.
This Swaaha Peedam is the conveyor of the healing energies to the person
it is intended for.
FOR THE PROTECTION OF PEOPLE FROM NATURAL CALAMITIES CAUSED BY NATURE’S ELEMENTS –
PANCHA DEEPAM
At this space lamps are lit to register one’s presence. Five oils are used to
light a lamp. The oils used are (a) Neem for Shakthi and to please Rahu
and Ketu; (b) Castor for the feminine energy of creation; (c) Gingelly for Saturn,
believed to infl uence the extension of life; (d) Illupa (Mahua) for many subtle
energies; and (e) Ghee to get the blessings of Kamadhenu, the munifi cent cow.
It is believed that these fi ve oils represent the elements that we are made of. It
balances the energies within us. Lighting a lamp registers your presence and hence
opens the channel to connect the person to specifi c cosmic energies. ‘May a light
shine always in your life’ is the wish for the individual.
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34 Sri Danvantri Peedam
BESTOWER OF CONJUGAL BLISS –
SRI VAASAVI KANNIKA PARAMESHWARI
Members of the Vysya (trading) community
use this sacred space to celebrate special
occasions such as the 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays.
Hence it is in deference to them that their
presiding guardian angel Sri Vaasavi Kannika
Parameshwari has taken residence here. Here
She is presented in the Meenakshi form with
a parrot and a lotus in Her hands.
W h e n S w a m i g a l w a s v i s i t n g
P e n n u k o n d a , w h e r e S r i V a a s a v i
Kannika Parameshwari gave herself to
fire, he heard a voice say ‘Naan unudan
varatuma’? He wondered how he, who
did not belong to the Vysya community,
could take Her to his peedam.
While he took this as a message, he
realized he was privy to the conversation
between Vaasavi Kannika Parameshwari
and Lord Shiva. Swamigal was there
on Mahasivaratri night and had the
privilege of participating in the
festival celebrations. In honour
of this, he was gifted a Maragadha Lingam which he installed in the complex. He
then decided to bring the idol of Vaasavi Kannika Parameshwari too.
Unique feature
It is only here that Sri Vasavi Kannika Parameshwari is housed in a Peedam.
Special signifi cance
This energy protects people from natural disasters and facilitates in getting
girls the right life partner.
ading) community
celebrate special
d 80th birthdays.
em that their
avi Kannika
here. Here
orm with
s i t n g
a a s a v i
erself to
an unudan
he, who
mmunity,
age, he
sation
hwari
here
e
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 35
REMOVER OF POISONS -
ASHTA NAAGA GARUDAR
Garuda is the Pakshi Raja, the king of birds.
Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu and
also that of Lord Danvantri. He stands guard at the
entrance to the main deity.
The Ashta Naga Garuda has been installed
at the entrance and is believed to relieve snake
poisons, besides other poisons as well. Being a
vehicle himself, Garuda is believed to protect one
from accidents.
Symbolically, the question to introspect on is
whether the devotee has released the undermining
poisons of the mind before his audience with Lord
Danvantri.
DESIGNATED VISHNU PAADAM AND DEDICATED
TO PARENTS – SRI PAADHA ASTHI MANDAPAM
November 28, 2005, was fi xed
for the mantra installation at
the Sri Paada Asthi Mandapam. In this
peedam the mantras are the energy
generators (yantras) below the sanctum
sanctorum. “I have assigned this place
as my mother’s asthi mandapam”, says
the Swamigal.
This whole project came into being
because of his mother’s wish. Chitra pournami is designated to the memory of his
mother as it is guru pooja day. It has been celebrated for the past 16 years. “People
go to Kasi to perform the rites of their parents. It is far more important to take care
of them when they are alive.”
s.
n is
ing
ord
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36 Sri Danvantri Peedam
The value to the mother fi gure in Indian culture is evident from the adage in
Tamil, Thai sollai deivam thattaadhu.
It is said that even Lord Shiva takes the word of the mother. If a mother seeks
pardon for her child, then He accepts her word.
Instances abound of people who come here and regret the shabby treatment
they aff ord their parents. This, Swamigal believes, is a wonderful change of heart
that happens here. Visitors are encouraged to read an inspirational appeal of an
aged mother to her son, displayed on a banner by the Swamigal, and then off er
fl owers in prayer to their natural parents.
BRINGING GOOD TIMES - NAVANEETHA KRISHNA
Placed near the Rahu–Ketu area is Navaneetha Krishna, the lovable crawling
baby in the Hindu pantheon.
O n h i s w a y f r o m M y s o r e , S w a m i g a l v i s i t e d a n a n c i e n t
11th century temple in Dodda Mallur dedicated to Lord Aprameyar and
His consort Aravindavalli, and Navaneetha Krishnan. Swamigal made the
traditional off ering of butter to the Lord Navaneetha Krishna. As he mulled over
this experience he pondered, “I was christened Murali, another name for Lord
Krishna,” and he sensed something urging him “Take it on; bring Muralidhara
Krishna to your healing centre.”
The lyrics of a yesteryear song, ‘Muralidhara, Hare Mohanakrishna,
en kurai keladaa’ rang in his ears. The song was a pleading to Krishna
i n a m o m e n t o f d i s t re s s .
Swamigal’s sister used to render
this song when she gave him the
traditional weekly oil bath.
H e a l s o r e c a l l e d t h e
popular lore of Lord Krishna,
when Yasodha roped Him to a
grindstone so that He did not
get into mischief or run away to
another home.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 37
Many people are distressed at not having off spring, and women are often
held responsible, disrupting a marriage.
Flooded with these thoughts, Swamigal decided to consecrate this energy
of the giver of good times and progeny, Navaneetha Krishna, at the Arogya
Peedam.
Navaneetha Krishna is meant to integrate the required energies for those
who desire off spring. The Santhana Gopala Yagam is performed here. This is
performed to Lord Danvantri.
THE FIRST PHYSICIAN - LORD DANVANTRI
(Dhyaana Mandapam for all irrespective of caste and creed)
Lord Danvantri is considered the 12th avatar of Maha Vishnu. This is the main
healing energy in this peedam. When the life-giving sea of energy (paarkadal)
enveloping the universe was churned, Lord Danvantri is credited with bringing
the pot of nectar (amrutha kalasam) from the hands of the demons (who stole it)
and restoring it to the Devas. This nectar is believed to be the elixir of immortality
as also life’s vitality. Thus Lord Danvantri is accredited with the power of healing
any disorder or disease that erodes vitality. He is credited with the ‘Knowledge of
Life’ -‘Ayurveda’ - the tenets of which help one lead a full life span in good health.
Thus herbs and healing energies emanate from Him.
In the Danvantri Arogya Peedam the idol and the space are energized with
the concept of the Likhita Mantra - the power of the written mantra. People from
all over the country and the world were invited to write this mantra:
Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaaya Danvantraye, Amrutha kalasa hasthaaya,
Sarva Aamaya vinaashanaaya, Triloka naathaya, Sri Maha Vishnave namaha.
No traditional ‘archanai’, or ‘aarthi’ or fl ower/coconut off ering is accepted
here. This space is conceived as a healing centre. All that is off ered is the power
of the mantra, the chanting or the writing of which, coupled with one’s sincere
intention, directs healing energies towards the person. The beautifully sculpted
fi gure is over 6 feet tall. Lord Danvantri stands with the famed pot of nectar in one
hand, and the seendhal creeper denoting herbs as healing agents in the other,
and the chakra and conch in the other two, representing His being the avatar of
Lord Vishnu. Here He sports a stethoscope on His chest and a watch on His wrist,
LIFEOLOGY Complete Solution
38 Sri Danvantri Peedam
both representative of a contemporary doctor. Adorning a smile so sought after
by those who are in the anguish of disease, the chant of the mantra along with
the sankalpam to heal oneself forms the agent of healing here.
When the decision to construct this complex was taken, it was announced that
the number of likhita mantras required to inaugurate the temple was 500,000,000
– 50 crore! 46 lakh people wrote approximately 54 crore mantras.
Pouring in from all over the world, the mantras were tied together in bundles,
wrapped in water-proof sheets, energized, and placed at the base of the idol. To
ground the energy, a copper tube was connected from the mantras to the base of
the idol itself, so that the power of crores of devotees would energize the idol.
One may ask, “Paper decays, so would not the energy of the idol reduce too?” The
Swamigal answers: “The mantras came written behind bus tickets, on bits of paper,
on full notebooks, and books and papers of diff erent sizes. What lends sanctity; the
prayer or the paper on which it is written? That bit of paper or the thought of the
person who, with every movement of the pen, creates a powerful energy?”
Not only the energy of the mantras, but also the signifi cant energies of each
person’s personal worship are concentrated here. For instance, the invocation for
all the other distinct energies is done only at the Danvantri healing space. Says
Swamigal, “All these energies of the universe must come to a collective hub to
fructify one’s wish to visit this place. It is this coming together that even makes it
possible for one to visit the peedam. In fact, the person who undertook the cost
of sculpting the Lord Danvantri idol has not been able to visit this peedam in the
7 years since it was consecrated. Even when the idol had been taken to the next
street from her home, she was unable to come, because she had elderly parents
who had to be taken care of. However, the care of parents is supreme. There is,
therefore, a cosmic play of energies here.”
Lord Danvantri was taken on a karikolam to many homes. To fi nd out if family
circumstances had changed for them after the visit of Lord Danvantri, Swamigal
enquired of 25 chosen families. The answer was a uniform ‘Yes!’
Unique Feature
This abode is a natural healing space, designed to bring together many
energies that address the very core of removing suff ering from mankind. It is a
unique concept in the Hindu philosophy of life.
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40 Sri Danvantri Peedam
“The powerful Danvantri mantra has been indelibly etched on the stone
base of the statue.”
The 54 crore mantras have been written by involved minds, repeating the
words, sans distractions (one cannot write correctly if one is distracted). People
from diff erent strata have participated in creating this energy well, each one
adding to the intent of healing. All this is placed below the deity, inside the Earth.
The Earth is considered the mother of the Vedas (Veda Mata) in Hindu thought.
The healing energies of the place increase exponentially when a large number of
people participate with genuine sincerity.
The vibrations of the mantras chanted, the immediate view of the energized
idol itself, the sanctifi ed air in the space around, the benefi cial vibrations of the
uninterrupted homas, and the smoke that actually cleanses the air, all synthesize
to create a potent fi eld wherein one’s sankalpam registers and is eff ected to the
capacity that one’s body can absorb.
RESTORER OF LOST WEALTH -
SRI KAARTHAVEERYARJUNA
(ONE WITH A THOUSAND HANDS)
The message to create a Sri
Kaarthaveeryarjuna abode came
to Swamigal when he was travelling to
Bangalore. He was on his way to Shirdi, via
Bangalore, travelling by train with a group
of 25 people. He got a call at that time from
a person named Jabalpur Nagaraja Sharma
off ering to help him visit the original Sri
Kaarthaveeryarjuna temple. Accepting
the off er, but not having the idol ready,
he had a yantra created immediately and
went on to visit the original shrine of Sri
Kaarthaveeryarjuna within the Fort of
Ahalya Bai in Maheshwar near Ujjain. He
went ahead with the idea of installing
this yantra, but, as has happened many
LIFEOLOGY Complete Solution
Sri Danvantri Peedam 41
times before, someone off ered to get an idol of Sri Kaarthaveeryarjuna made to
be installed at the Danvantri healing centre.
Sri Kaarthaveeryarjuna is the presiding community energy (kula deivam) of
all people belonging to the Atreya gotram. Here He is depicted wearing mojris
(a type of footwear used in North India) on His feet, as He hails from North India.
He is the restorer of lost property.
He is regarded for the four roles He played during his time: a King, a devotee,
a protégé of the virtuous and valorous Arjuna and as an aspect of Maha Vishnu
Himself.
When the Kaarthaveeryarjuna idol was to be installed, a question arose as to
how he ought to be represented. Swamigal put this question to the deity. How
do you want me to represent you? The answer came in a fl ash; ‘In green marble.
My 1000 hands are meant to banish a 1000 unhealthy thoughts. Represent
these 1000 hands with 16 hands that depict the 16 types of perishable, albeit
restorable wealth.’ The wealth referred to here are: fame, knowledge, courage and
strength, victory, children, valor, gold, valuables and gems, grain in abundance,
happiness, bliss, intelligence, beauty, higher aim, higher thinking and high order
of meditation, morality and ethics, good health and long life.
Kaarthaveeryarjuna was an ardent devotee of Lord Dattaatreya. He fought
against Parasurama and was defeated. He was unfazed by the mighty Ravana.
Anecdote
During the karikolam, Swamigal visited the residence of a gentleman
who requested permission to invite his family priest to meet him. Swamigal,
who is a non-conformist to traditional conventions, preferred not to engage in
controversial discussions. However, he had to oblige his host and so
agreed. Much to his surprise all his anxieties were unfounded. The priest
agreed with Swamigal’s perspectives. Interestingly, he mentioned
how Kaarthaveeryarjuna located his lost car. This conversation led
Swamigal to reckon Kaarthaveeryarjuna as a restorer of lost wealth
of which health is supreme.
agreed. Much to his surprise all his anxieties were unfounded. The priest
agreed with Swamigal’s perspectives. Interestingly, he mentioned
how Kaarthaveeryarjuna located his lost car. This conversation led
Swamigal to reckon Kaarthaveeryarjuna as a restorer of lost wealth
of which health is supreme.
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42 Sri Danvantri Peedam
BESTOWER OF COMFORTS - SUDARSHANA AZHWAR
Sudarshana Azhwar is reckoned as Lord Danvantri’s
friend. Also known as Chakrapani, He always
accompanies Lord Danvantri. He is known to give
immediate responses to people’s expressed
wishes. He annuls negative thoughts through
light (Sudarshanam). He wears a protective
anklet (kaapu), and his hand is in abaya
mudra. His stance is as if he is ready to run
at the call of a devotee.
Sudarshana Azhwar relieves one of the
tantric eff ects of black magic and ill will from others,
traditionally referred to as billi, soonyam etc.
He is true to the tenet ‘ask of me, and it shall
be done’.
GIVER OF POSITIONS -
LORD PATTABHISHEKA RAMAR
Lord Rama, in this shrine, is
represented in royal style,
during His pattabhishekam as the king
of Ayodhya. Pattam in Tamil implies
desig-nation. “We conceptualized
someone who could order others
around to make things happen”,
says Swamigal, “and who better
than a royal personage who is also
divine, ordering you to do whatever
it takes for you to be in good health!”
The Pattabisheka Ramar depiction
bestows blessings on those who seek
power, position and designation.
d Danvantri’s
e always
give
ed
the
others,
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 43
Unique Feature
This is the fi rst place to show Pattabhisheka Ramar with 14 idols sculpted on
a single stone! Lord Rama’s inclusion is to show that power and administration
play a role in keeping people healthy (a very contemporary idea). Power can also
bring illness through stress. Sri Rama bestows blessings on those aspiring to
achieve powerful positions.
BESTOWER OF GOOD HEALTH -
AROGYA LAKSHMI
A t a v i l ( a p e r c u s s i o n
instrument) vidvan came to the
peedam and commented, “I would
really like to see Thaayaar here.
Kamakshi is telling me this.” Sri
Muralidhara Swamigal responded,
“Who will pay for it?” The vidvan
replied, “I will.” Swamigal was
amazed, but said, “So be it.”
The sthapathi was called and
an idol ordered. Swamigal decided
to call Her Arogya Lakshmi, and
as requested by the vidvan, he
conducted a kalyana utsavam at
her consecration.
Here Arogya Lakshmi is
representative of three roles;
as the spouse of Dr Danvantri,
as a nurturing, listening, caring
Mother Goddess; and as a Lady
Doctor.
For the first time, Arogya
Lakshmi has been consecrated with an individual space to Herself. She has been
depicted in the same healing concept as Lord Danvantri. She adorns a stethoscope
and watch as well.
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44 Sri Danvantri Peedam
HARBINGER OF GLORY TO THE WORLD - GAJALAKSHMI
Listening to the radio one day, Swamigal heard Lord Danvantri being called
pandithar and Vaidya Raja. Thaayaar was referred to as Vaidya Lakshmi,
who is Gajalakshmi.
All the yantras (geometric confi gurations) required for healing in this centre
are positioned behind the idol of Gajalakshmi. Vaidyalakshmi refers to her roles
as a lady doctor and a mother.
The panchaloga Thaayar idol was installed fi rst, along with the Maha Meru
and a Dhanaakarshana Yantra.
Another name of Gajalakshmi is Vedavalli. Swamigal’s mother’s name was
Vedavalli, and Swamigal felt that his mother was guiding him with messages. These
were the sentiments he felt when he installed Thaayar Gajalakshmi.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 45
FACILITATORS OF PEOPLE’S REQUESTS –
468 SIDDHARS IN THE FORM OF LINGAMS
Siddhars facilitate healing. They are semi-divine beings who sustain their
earthy existence in a subtle form. They are available not only to heal people’s
karmic suff ering, but also fulfi l some divine purpose. They are known to absorb
incurable diseases suff ered by their devotees.
Siddhars can take in as food only what is given to them. They live in very
trying circumstances, for they cannot ask, not even in the traditional unchavritti
method, whereby renunciates go from house to house asking for alms. In Kundalini
Gnanam Jeeva Samadhi a siddhar is stated to be a person who is imbued with the
eternal life force. In this concept, by spiritual practices, life is not allowed to go
out of the body. The seed cells in the body do not get damaged. Such a person
voluntarily stops gross-body functions after the completion of his or her life’s
mission. As “unseen masters” or “invisible helpers” they guide the human race to
reduce suff ering and to gain wisdom.
Why 468, we asked Swamigal. “One day, while I was travelling, my car broke
down. I was stressed out and sat under a tree trying to meditate, when the driver
LIFEOLOGY Complete Solution
46 Sri Danvantri Peedam
asked for Rs. 500. I only had Rs. 468 with me. He needed more but that was all I
had. The driver fi xed the car with the amount available, and we went on our way.
The number seemed signifi cant to me. 468- add the digits and you get 4+6+8=18;
18=1+8=9. 9 is a powerful number in the Hindu school of thought.”
In Swamigal’s opinion, all siddhars residing anywhere in the 9 planets fall within
the lineage of 18 primary siddhars. Hence the signifi cance of this number!
‘I have personally visited 320 Jeeva Samadhis and sought their blessings,’
says Swamigal. Sand and stone from these samadhis have been placed under the
pedestal where the lingams have been installed.
In the large open space here that houses the 468 lingams symbolizing
siddhars, devotees can buy a bottle of rose water and do an abhishekam for all or
any of the siddhars. This water is imbibed as food by the siddhars for the day.
It is indeed a feat that the 468 siddhars were installed in a span of 15 days,
beginning with Amavasya (New Moon day) and completed on the following
Pournami (Full Moon day). Preceding this, the Adi Rudra Homam was performed.
Unique feature
This is the only place where 468 siddhars are brought together in the form
of lingams.
THE PERENNIAL FOOD GIVER -
SWARNA ANNAPOORANI
How important is food to the good health
of the human body and mind? Food,
eaten fresh, in the correct measure and properly
cooked is the foundation of good health. So can
there be a shrine to health without Annapoorni’s
presence?
Vallalar is here as is Shirdi Sai Baba. “How can
Annapoorni not be here as well,” the Swamigal
argues. Having himself grown up on food donated
by the various households in which his mother was
a domestic help, Swamigal makes it a point to feed
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 47
at least 50 people in the peedam every day. As a child, he yearned to see the day
when he would be able to feed someone, and that yearning is satisfi ed herein.
Along with the anna dhanam, he off ers the fi rst 50 persons a dakshanai of one
rupee with the blessings of abundance. Many have seen the turn of their fortunes
after this lucky coin has come their way. This is the benediction of Goddess Swarna
Annapoorni.
GURU OF KNOWLEDGE APPROPRIATE TO
CURRENT TIMES – KARTHIGAI KUMARAN
Lord Murugar is depicted here as
Karthikeya Kumara. He has been
included to show the world that one ought
not to diff erentiate between the biological
mother and a foster mother.
The six kannis who took care of Lord
Muruga are placed at the base of the
pedestal. They are depicted as showing
the child objects that mothers show
children when feeding them, such as the
sun, the moon, the lotus, the peacock,
the javelin, and the milk bowl used to feed
the child.
Lord Muruga is reckoned as a gyana
guru. It is a fi rm belief that where there are
siddhars, Lord Muruga will dwell, as He is
the guru for all siddhars.
A chance vision of the gopuram of a Lord
Muruga temple as he was contemplating whether Lord Muruga or the siddhars
should be installed fi rst, resolved Swamigal’s dilemma: Lord Muruga’s installation
preceded that of the 468 siddhars.
Praying to Lord Muruga helps deal with the issues that arise with regard to
an adopted child. The psychological ailments that stem from the yearning felt at
the absence of a child or a mother are also addressed here.
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48 Sri Danvantri Peedam
MOTHER OF VEDAS - GAYATRI DEVI
When Sri Gayatri, with the Maha Meru (Sri Chakra), was to be consecrated,
Swamigal wondered where She ought to be taken on Her fi rst visit.
Incidentally, a doctor from the Apollo Hospitals called to invite Swamigal for
his birthday celebrations at the Mookambikai temple in Kollur, Karnataka. Sri
Gayatri’s prime pilgrim centre is Mookambikai. Considering the doctor’s call a
divine message, Swamigal accepted his invitation. At that time, he had just bought
an Innova car, which he would use for the karikolam, to transport the idols to be
consecrated.
A couple of days before the day of the travel, the rear seats were removed
to check the accommodation of the deity in the space. However, once She
was placed inside, they could not remove Her! The Swamigal said She was
like an obstinate, yet beloved child refusing to get off , and seemed ready to travel.
Not wanting to leave Her in a vehicle all night, Swamigal was forced to travel the
same night. It was the month of Karthigai, when the Lord of Fire is venerated by
lighting lamps all through the month.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 49
Halfway through their journey, the doctor called to say that his birthday
celebration had been cancelled. Having begun the journey, Swamigal decided to
anyway proceed to Kollur. About 50 kms. before Bangalore, a name board “Siva
Ganga Peedam” caught his attention. He stopped the vehicle, alighted and found
a pumpkin-seller with just 5 pumpkins left for sale. Swamigal bought all of them
and enquired about the name board. The pumpkin seller off ered to show him the
location of the peedam.
They went to the Siva Ganga peedam and Swamigal was astounded to fi nd that
it was indeed a Sharada peedam. The fi rst homam for the Danvantri idol had been
performed at a Sharada peedam in Pondicherry in 2005! Was this a coincidence –
or was it a play of cosmic forces?
Swamigal now began to worry about the karikolam. ‘By Her own wish, Sri
Gayatri managed to come to Lord Siva here, but how am I going to get the
karikolam done in this lonely place at this late hour?’ However, he lit the traditional
Karthigai lamps and performed the aarthi.
Soon after the aarthi, a line of cars drove in, attracted by the Karthigai lights
in the vehicle and the magnifi cence of the Gayatri idol. Each person in the visiting
cars generously donated Rs. 1000/-.
Verily it was divine grace chalking this program all the way through. Swamigal
then proceeded to the Sri Ramachandra Math near Gokarna. He waited there for
three hours before the pontiff gave him an audience and welcomed Sri Gayatri with
the poornakhumbam. During this unexpected wait, however, Swamigal received
the message that Sri Gayatri was enchanted by the recitation of the Vedas at the
nearby Vedapatashala. He also received another message that he must perform
a Samashti upanayanam at his peedam and the abishekam to Sri Gayatri for that
day must be performed by one of the boys who had received the initiation.
After meeting the pontiff, it was too late to travel back, and Swamigal
had to inevitably stay at the Mutt. He learned the following day that there had
been an accident on the route he was to have travelled! The delay was indeed
providential!
Lord Rama’s footsteps are found here, and He is known to have performed the
Gayatri pooja and the navaavarna pooja in this very spot. The navaavarna pooja is
a complex pooja performed to propitiate the powers of the Sri Chakra.
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50 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Swamigal was delighted to fi nd that both the Sri Gayatri idol and the Sri
Chakra herein were identical to the ones he had brought with him. Any wonder
then that Sri Gayatri and the Sri Chakra directed him here!?
Proceeding to the Mookambika temple, he reached there after 9 p.m., yet he
was able to get darshan of Sri Saraswati not just once but fi ve times.
Anecdote
When Sri Gayatri returned to Walajapet after karikolam and was awaiting
installation, a couple invited Swamigal to their son’s upanayanam, which was
meant to be held elsewhere. He requested them to place their invitation at the lotus
feet of Sri Gayatri. When he read the invitation, he realized that the upanayanam
was on the same day as the consecration of Sri Gayatri. He then invited the child
to perform the abishekam for Sri Gayatri after he was initiated at the upanayanam.
Since then, every year, on the Gayatri installation day or on one day during that
month, he conducts a samashti upanayanam, and one of the newly initiated boys
conducts the abhishekam for Sri Gayatri on that day.
At the Sri Ramachandra Mutt, Swamigal had witnessed the modhaka
abhishekam. That inspired him to invite 108 brahmins from Gokarna to Walajapet
to perform the athirudra homam.
An important message that he wishes to acknowledge is that those who
cannot learn the Vedas can learn the Gayatri mantra and they will get the blessings
as having read the Vedas itself. Vedas are not only for Brahmins: every Hindu is
entitled to study the Vedas. An analogy he gives is related to a library. Can it be
dictated that only the librarian can read the books there?
When Swamigal narrates this story, his palpable awe, the immediacy and his
wonder at how things fi nally culminated shine through, close to 6 years
after the event.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 51
GIVER OF SALVATION - MAHA MERU
The Maha Meru, a 64-triangle 3-dimensional
confi guration incorporating both the Siva
and Shakti principles, has 64 sakti yoginis within it.
Anyone worshipping the Maha Meru can get the
blessings of all shakti yoginis. This leads to the path
of salvation.
Unique Feature
The Maha Meru and Sri Gayatri are found in the same sannidhi.
GIVER OF KNOWLEDGE –
LAKSHMI HAYAGREEVAR
Lord Hayagreevar is Goddess
Lakshmi’s guru. He fi nds a place in
this pantheon because knowledge
can overcome illness.
Swamigal wanted the idol to
be made of a very soft sandstone,
as this was the dictate of the nadi.
Unable to source the stone, Swamigal
was worried. A long lost friend
visited him by chance. His brother
happened to be a granite agent,
and he had the stone delivered the
very next day. It was the fi rst time
that the raw material came to
the temple before going to the
sculptor.
Sri Vedanta Desikar is believed
to be an incarnation of Lord
Hayagreeva himself. Lord Lakshmi
Narasimhar is the guru of Sri Vedanta Desikar.
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52 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Anecdote
The LIFCO family (Mr. Sharma) are disciples of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal.
When they came to invite him to the founder’s centenary celebration they
asked what they could off er Swamigal on the occasion. They undertook the cost
of sculpting the idol, books and stationery to be given away as blessings.
The LIFCO family is an integral part of the Danvantri family and an ardent
devotee of Lord Hayagreevar.
VENERATED VAISHNAVA GURU -
VEDANTA DESIKAR
A v e n e r a t e d Va i s h n a v a
guru from the 13th century, Sri
Vedanta Desikar was known for
his scholarship and poetry. By
the dictate of Lord Venkateswara
and Thayaar Padmavathi, he was
believed to be an incarnation
of the bell of Lord Narayana.
He has been placed along with
Lord Hayagreevar.
Unique Feature
It is the only place where
Lord Hayagreevar and Sri Vedanta
Desikar are placed in the same
space.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 53
BESTOWER OF THE BOONS OF PENANCE - LORD
DATTAATREYA
Lord Dattaatreya incorporates
the trinity of the Hindu
pantheon. Lord Dattaatreya is
the remover of mental anxieties.
He anchors a person, removing
doubt and vacillation. He is also Sri
Karthaveeryarjuna‘s guru.
When the time came for Lord
Dattaatreya to be taken to the
original temple, Swamigal decided
to go to Pune, where the shrine of Adi
Dattaatreya is situated. From Pune he
travelled to Shirdi since Shirdi Baba
is believed to be the incarnation
of Lord Dattaatreya. As part of the
karikolam he took the Dattaatreya
idol to Podhigai Malai. The road was
in rough terrain and Swamigal had
no road maps. As he decided to walk, asking the route along the way, he noticed
that a dog walked along with him from Kuttralam to Podhigai Malai, showing
Swamigal the way.
What does Lord Dattaatreya give you? Lord Dattaatreya is the giver of the
64 skills that a human can master. Maha Meru also grants the same. Thus, Lord
Dattaatreya is on par with the Maha Meru.
Lord Dattaatreya relieves one of mental anxiety. To his devotees just the call
of “Datta” stabilizes a vacillating mind. Mental anxiety begets ailments, so ‘Datta
must be here in my healing centre’, says Swamigal.
Lord Dattaatreya also bestows the boons of penance.
The Dattaatreya idol is made of green stone. The four dogs on the pedestal
symbolize the four Vedas. The Govardhana Kamadhenu stands behind Him.
Swamigal had already decided that Lord Dattaatreya would be installed here, as
Lord Kaartheevarayarjuna was already in residence.
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54 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Anecdote
As always, call it coincidence or divine intervention, a real-estate broker came
to off er thanks at the centre for curing his sister of a serious illness. He off ered to
fund Lord Dattaatreya’s installation, and Swamigal’s vision fructifi ed.
FOUNDER OF THE YOGIC SCIENCE OF
KRIYA YOGA - MAHA AVATAR BABAJI
Maha Avatar Babaji
i s b e l i e v e d t o
be an incarnation of Lord
Dakshinamoorty Himself. When
Swamigal was planning this
healing centre and performing
the requisite homas he was
given a photograph of Maha
Avatar Babaji by a doctor friend.
Not knowing who this was he
sought to ask, and was told that
he was a powerful Himalayan
Baba referred to as the Maha
Avatar Babaji. Even as he held
the picture he felt drawn to the
energy.
Another lady’s visit brought
him the divine message that
Maha Avatar Babaji must be
installed at the centre. Swamigal found that Babaji hailed from the south, and
was the founder of the much sought after Kriya Yoga technique.
Confi rming his intentions from his usual Sugarar Nadi, he built a hall with a
cave that had a mountainous exterior.
Nowhere else in the south is there a smiling Babaji seated in a cave-like
architecture. In 100 days 100 homas were performed in the ashram, preceding
the consecration of Babaji. Vallalar, Maha Periyava and Maha Avatar Babaji were
all consecrated on same day.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 55
GUARDIAN OF THE SOUTH WEST -
KANNI MOOLA MAHA GANAPATHY
The South-west corner of any enclosed space is known as Kannimoola
sthaanam. It is the direction that brings in protective energies to that space. The
residing deity or guardian of this place is called Nirurudhi. Lord Ganapathi who
resides in the Kannimoola or Nirurudhi corner of any abode, has the unique power
of being the protector of that space. He is also a remover of obstacles (Vigneswara).
Kannimoola Ganapathi is also worshipped as ‘Baktha Rakshaka’ (protector of
devotees), since this powerful Maha Ganapathi has accumulated the divinity of
the sacred position of Kannimoolam.
REMOVER OF ANGUISH - SANJEEVI RAAYAR(9 TYPES OF ANJANEYAR - NAVA VYAAKARANA PANDITAR)
In His abode here, Lord
H a n u m a n c a r r i e s t h e
sanjeevani, the life-giving herb
using which he revived Lakshmana
during the battle with Ravana.
There are nine diff erent facets of
Lord Hanumar on the nine steps
that lead us up to the idol. They
represent the Nava Grahas. As you
walk up to the main idol you have
darshan of the 9 forms, which in
itself helps one get rid of the Nava
Doshas. They are often referred to
as the Nava Vilakkana Purushar or
the Nava Vyakarna Purushar.
The idol of Lord Hanuman
was fi rst taken to Ahobilam, before
consecration. He was lowered on
to his designated pedestal from the top using a crane. The mountain held by Him
weighs 300 kgs.! The top of this space is open to the skies as Lord Hanuman is the
son of Vayu, the Wind God, and no space can bind him down.
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56 Sri Danvantri Peedam
WORTHY OF WORSHIP BY KINGS -
KUZHANDHAI AANANDHA MAHA SWAMIGAL
(MEENAKSHI MAINDHAN)
Across from Lord Hanuman, at the western end of the herbal garden, is
the idol of Kuzhandhai Meenakshi Swamigal or Kuzhandhai Aanandhar.
There is a fascinating story attached to this avadootar.
In Madurai lived a couple who yearned for but had no children. They followed
all the suggestions of well-intentioned neighbours, friends, relatives and various
astrologers, but to no avail. Finally they went to the Madurai Meenakshi temple. As
we said earlier, in India we tend to have conversations with our Gods. We believe
we get responses. Goddess Meenakshi queried the couple, “Why are you going
all over when I am here, at your doorstep?” The woman begged forgiveness and
stated her wish, to which the Goddess replied: “I will give you a child.” Thrilled
at this, the couple off ered the Goddess their fi rst born if they were blessed with
more than one child. In due course, divine-looking twins were born to them. They
called them Rama and Lakshmana. To fulfi l their promise to Goddess Meenakshi,
the parents went to the temple.
The pujari, however, refused to take the child, saying this was a temple not
an orphanage. The couple then went to the Board of Trustees to plead their case,
saying it was a vow they did not want to dishonour. The Board proposed that the
baby be left overnight at Goddess Meenakshi’s sanctum sanctorum, and if he were
alive in the morning, they would accept the baby to be brought up in the temple.
The couple agreed and the baby was left inside the sanctum sanctorum.
The next morning, the pujari opened the doors to fi nd neither the baby nor
the Meenakshi idol! There was great panic, and everyone tried to locate the baby
and the idol. In the theppa kulam, they saw a child walking on the waters, his hand
held out, as if someone were leading the child by the hand, showing him around.
A little later, Meenakshi’s idol was found elsewhere and restored to the sanctum.
Pujas were conducted to reinstall her, and the baby was accepted to be brought
up in the temple. This child came to be known as Kuzhandhai Aanandhar.
This child grew up to be an avadootar and people claim to have seen him
attain samadhi in four places, one of them being Nepal. The idol here sports a
cherubic face, and has Mother Meenakshi carved on his chest.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 57
Meenakshi Kuzhandhai Aanandhar is the guru of the much revered Seshadri
Swamigal.
Anecdote
While we were at the peedam we met a couple of siblings from Chennai whose
grandfather, Parasurama Iyer, was a prime disciple of Kuzhandhai Aanandhar. Their
mother had narrated to them a family lore, of how Kuzhandhai Aanandhar took
on her father’s malignant external cyst and attained samadhi three days later. The
grandfather survived, disease-free.
ENSURER OF WELL-BEING -
SRI SESHADRI SWAMIGAL
This 19th century saint was called the ‘Saint with a Golden Hand’. He was a
contemporary of Sri Ramana Maharishi of Thiruvannamalai.
His miraculous touch is said to have cured many of those who came to him
with devotion. His mystical powers give deliverance from all kinds of maladies.
He is also revered as Sri Kuzhandhai Aanandhar’s disciple.
DISTINGUISHER OF DAY AND NIGHT -
SOORIYA-CHANDRAN
The Sun and the Moon are the unchanging cosmic dynamic that our
physical bodies are rhythmically tuned to. They are also the reference point
to reckon time. In the Indian context several day-to-day activities are coordinated
with their movements factored in. Hence the inclusion of these symbols with
Kuzhandhai Aanandhar!
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58 Sri Danvantri Peedam
LIBERATOR OF THE SOUL -
LORD MUNEESWARAR
Enshrined in the herbal garden at the
healing centre is Lord Muneeswarar.
Muneeswarar emerged from the countenance
of Lord Shiva in order to protect many souls
from His wrath.
It is believed that every person must
propitiate their kula deivam - family preceptors
- before praying to anyone else. However,
many families may not know their kula deivam.
Praying to Lord Muneeswarar, the head of all
kula deivams, in his role as protector of souls, is
on par with praying to the family preceptor.
Special Feature
Lord Muneeswarar directs the energies n
of one’s family preceptor to help resolve
internal issues and keep the family
together.
Trees dedicated to the abodes - 108 n
PLANTS DEDICATED TO PANCHA
KARMA
The garden has the n sthala vruksha (special trees ascribed to the specifi c
energies) of each of the divine energies herein. “A garden is a space that
must encompass all the 5 senses. The herbal garden at the peedam has rare
trees which sanctify and purify the atmosphere.”
Enshrined in this garden is Lord Muneeswarar. Every Sunday, 10 persons n
are fed at the Lord Muneeswarar abode even before the main deity is
propitiated.
At the Arogya Danvantri Peedam, the garden is a symbol of an egalitarian n
society, which Swamigal encourages.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 59
BABA WITH A GOLDEN HEART -
THANGA BABA
A lady devotee of Shirdi Baba visited the
Arogya Peedam and requested Swamigal
to install Shirdi Baba here, as he was known to heal
many devotees. She wanted the idol be made of gold,
and towards this, presented Swamigal with 50 grams
of gold.
To fulfi l this wish Swamigal had twin Babas ‘s
placed back to back. One of them was Thanga (gold)
Baba to indicate a Baba with a golden heart.
Anecdote
The marble statue of Baba was not ready on time. However, Swamigal never
retracts on a date fi xed for installation. He decided to take a picture instead. Sri
Shivashankar Baba of Chennai was invited to be the chief guest for the occasion. On
learning that a photo-graph was to be installed instead of an idol, Sri Shivashankar
Baba off ered the idol of Shirdi Baba that he had himself been worshipping for 3
years, to be installed at the Danvantri Arogya Peedam. He brought it personally
and installed it the next day.
On Guru Poornima day the Golden Baba went to visit Vishwathmik Jangli
Maharaj of Nasik Road.
BABA IN THE SUBTLE FORM - SOORIYA BABA
The other side of the Thanga Baba is the Surya Baba
in sookshma (subtle-bodied) form, representing
Baba with the radiance of the Sun and a golden heart. The
rising and setting sun’s rays fall on the idol of the twin Babas.
Baba has been installed among the revered gurus.
Unique Feature
Baba is being worshipped as Thanga Baba and Surya
Baba for the fi rst time.
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60 Sri Danvantri Peedam
THE REVERED SAGE -KANCHI MAHA PERIYAVA
(SRI CHANDRASEKARA SARASWATHI)
Several years ago, when Swamigal was a
young lad, he visited the Maha Periyavar
at Kancheepuram and sought his blessings.
Swamigal went there again after a lapse of 10
years. The Maha Periyavar blessed him, saying
many blessings would come his way. He decided
to install Kanchi Maha Periyavar in honor of
this experience. Chandru, a prime disciple of
Kanchi Periyava, came personally to conduct the
bhoomi pooja for this installation.
SRI RAYAR RAGAVENDRA WITH THE
CELESTIAL COW KAMADHENU
Sri Raghavendra is the founder
pontiff of the Madhwa Peedam. Born
in Bhuvanagiri, he attained jeeva samaadhi in
a Tulasi Brindhavanam at Mantralaya in the
presence of several followers. At the Arogya
Peedam he has been included in recognition
of the rich heritage of gurus in this country.
Unique Feature
Never before has Sri Raghavendra been
depicted with Kamadhenu, the celestial
cow.
Anecdote
When Swamigal visited this mutt, a gentleman gifted him a crawling Krishna
that had been worshipped in the family for over 250 years! This idol has been
installed at the base of the Raghavendra idol.
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BESTOWER OF INTELLIGENCE -
MEDHA DAKSHINAMOORTY
Sri Dakshinamoorty is revered as
the Divine and Universal (ulaga)
Guru by Saivites. He is also reckoned
as the chief of astrologers, who are
bestowed with the power of the word.
He is depicted under His traditional
‘Kallala maram’ - the Banyan without
hanging roots, with two parrots and
three snakes on the tree. The three
snakes represent the distractions of the
mind namely: Kama, Krodha, Moham i.e.
lust, anger and illusion. Symbolically, this
implies that the venomous distractions
of kama, krodha and moham are under
control at the feet of the Guru.
Swamigal has dedicated a day as
the ‘Astrologers’ Mela”, and has a special
homam for their welfare.
Swamigal had earlier placed a
single brick at a spot in the healing centre to symbolize his commitment to bring
Lord Dakshinamurty to Walajapet.
Unique Feature
This is the fi rst time that a n Kallala Maram behind a Dakshinamoothy
idol has been sculpted with parrots and snakes.
It is the first centre to consider a ‘ n Josier Mela’ to honor
astrologers.
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62 Sri Danvantri Peedam
DISPELLER OF DARKNESS - VALLALAR
Th i s s a i n t i s k n o w n a s t h e
Arutperunjothi Vallalar. During one
of his travels, Swamigal saw a man selling
maakal (soapstone) deepam. Realizing that
it was the kind used by Vallalar, he stopped
to buy one. It was the last lamp, after selling
which the lamp seller would buy rice for
his daily meal before he went home. Out
of compassion, Swamigal decided to buy
it off him.
Questions that flooded Swamigal’s
mind were - ‘How come this unusual lamp was here, and that too just the last
one? Is this a cue for me to bring Vallalar to Arogya Peedam? Was the lamp seller
Vallalar himself? Was I the chosen one?’ Thus Vallalar came to be installed among
the saints at Arogya Peedam.
EVER ENCOURAGING - DHUNI AGNI
At Shirdi, Baba’s Dwarkamai is believed to cure many incurable diseases
and all kinds of affl ictions through the sacred ash (Udi) collected from the
dhuni, the perpetual sacred fi re burning here. Fire is one of the primordial elements
of creation. The Dhuni fi re is representative of the Chitagni or cosmic energy,
through which creation is projected, maintained and constantly transformed.
Of all the prasads of Shirdi Sai Baba the sacred ash is the most venerated.
At the Arogya Peedam, where Shirdi Sai Baba has been consecrated, the sacred
fi re has been kindled from the Homa Kundam and the ash is off ered as blessing.
PRISTINE - TULASI MADAM
The idol of Sri Raghavendra Swami has travelled to 51 Brindavans of the
Madhwa peedam. The sacred sand and stones from these 51 Brindavans
have been consecrated below the idol’s pedestal. The rest of the sand and stone
has been put at the base of the tulasi madam in front of the idol.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 63
PROTECTOR OF YOUNG GIRLS -
NAVA KANNIKAIS
The nava kannikais are the conceptual children of the sage Atri and his
wife Anusuya. These conceptual nava kannikais are: Brahmi, Raudri,
Maheshwari, Vaishnavi, Shyamala, Yagnaroopini, Rajarajeshwari, Manonmani, and
Kaumari. They have been consecrated to look after the health and well-being of
young girls.
This installation came to Swamigal as a surprise. A stranger from abroad
arrived at his doorstep declaring that certain olai chuvadi predictions had directed
him to off er prayers to the nava kannis at Walajapet Danvantri healing centre. This
was a message to Swamigal, he then installed the Nava Kannikais at once.
It so happened that a fi g tree on the premises naturally grew like a trident.
This was an indication that the tree housed the living energies of Atri Maharishi
himself. He located the nava kannikais right below this tree. They are revered as
guardians of the boundary and are worshipped prior to all other deities.
BANISHER OF INSECURITIES -
ATRI PAADAM AND ANUSUYA DEVI
UNDER THE SACRED FIG TREE
Atri, a great scholar, is acknowledged as one of the seven famous Rishis
(sages) immortalized by the constellation Sapta Rishi. He is considered
to be one of the great discoverers of scared mantras.
Anasuya, literally meaning free from envy and jealousy, was his wife.
Atri and Anusuya had 3 sons namely, Soma or Chandra (the Moon) from
Lord Brahma; Lord Dattatreya from Lord Maha Vishnu; and sage Durvasa from
Lord Siva.
Atri gotra refers to the lineage of Atri and Anasuya .
Soma, as the incarnation of Lord Brahma, has the power to cause any species
to perpetuate.
This abode venerates the institution of a family.
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64 Sri Danvantri Peedam
BESTOWER OF PROLIFIC BLESSING – GOSHAALA
The concept of the sacred cow as a giver of abundance is common in the
Hindu school of thought. In today’s context, we need to show compassion
to all forms of life (jeeva karunyam), and not be exploitative for selfi sh ends. The
Goshaala demonstrates this philosophy. To cater to the needs of the Goshala,
agathikeerai (sesbania grandi fl ora) and grass are grown. Feeding this to the cows
is believed to get rid of negative karmas of one’s past lives.
The cow is representative of the much revered celestial cow Kamadhenu, giver
of abundance in the Hindu pantheon. The benefi t of nurturing a cow is the same as
worshipping Kamadhenu. The cow’s products are not only an integral part of the food
served here, but also used for medicinal purposes. Any food made at the peedam
is therefore veritably an equivalent of the Divine nectar (amrutham) which wipes
out diseases.
REMOVER OF MALEFIC PLANETARY
EFFECTS – RAHU-KETU
Originally a single identity, Rahu-Ketu manifest as
two independent identities due to the happenings
during the churning of the ocean.
The importance of Rahu-Ketu in astrology cannot be
understated. It is believed that they influence ailments
connected with the digestive system.
In Arogya Peedam Rahu-Ketu is also venerated as the remover of dilemma,
hidden diffi culties and unforeseen circumstances.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 65
BESTOWER OF THE POWER OF THE WORD -
VANI SARASWATHI
On a vis i t to a sthapathi in
Mahabalipuram, Swamigal’s eyes
fell on an unfi nished sculpture of Goddess
Saraswati. It is quite unusual to see stone
idols of Goddess Saraswati in India.
He asked why was it unfi nished. Had
someone not claimed her? The sthapathi
there confirmed that a cl ient from
Vijayawada had placed an order but had
not taken delivery of it.
Swamigal decided to take Her to
Walajapet, and She was installed after 135
days of homam.
The sthapathi was to participate in
the installation. The date was fixed, all
preparations were executed. Unfortunately, the sthapathi met with an accident
and suff ered severe head injuries. Consulting astrologers, Swamigal was guided
to tell the sthapathi that he was aff ected by the evil eye.
He was declared to be in a critical condition, a testing moment indeed for a
healing complex. Swamigal consulted the olai chuvadi and learnt that the sthapathi
had an unfi nished com-mitment to Goddess Mariamman. Swamigal undertook
to fulfi l this commitment on his behalf.
During all the 135 yagas conducted prior to Goddess Saraswati’s installation,
the sankalpam was for the healing of this sthapathi!
Even when he took the idol of Sarawati to Koothanur, the prime centre for
Goddess Saraswati, the intention was that the sthapathi should recover completely
and be present at the installation.
The sthapathi had a miraculous recovery and was present at the installation.
In all this anxiety, Swamigal forgot to buy the kalasa for the kumbabhishekam of
Goddess Sarawati, but found one inadvertently in his centre!
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66 Sri Danvantri Peedam
His sense of fulfi lment was complete when 6 vans full of children arrived to
witness the kumbabhishekam. This, he believed, was divine validation.
GIVER OF WEALTH -
SWARNA AAKARSHANA BAIRAVAR
Sw a r n a A a k a r s h a n a
Bhairavar! He is the time
keeper in the Hindu Pantheon.
Here he is portrayed as the one
who can enhance your material
assets. Swamigal believes that:
Panam irundhal vyaadhi varum,
Panam illavittaal vyadhi varum!
(Excessive wealth and excessive
poverty, both cause disorders).
It is believed that this energy
should not be installed in a
sacred space. Swamigal, however,
referred to his preferred sources
of intuition to gain sanction for
the installation of this energy,
as he believed that Lord Swarna
Aak arshana Bhairavar was
important for holistic healing.
Swarna Aakarshana Bhairavar was the second deity to be installed. He is known
to resolve conjugal discord, incompatibility, unrecovered money legitimately due,
unresolved court cases, worries and the anxieties. He is verily a Director of the
Pathway to well-being, and is worshipped on the 8th day of the waning moon.
Anecdote
A lady was caught in the mire of legal battle with her sibling, unresolved for
over a year and a half. With no resolution in sight, she sought Swamigal’s blessings
and left for home. Even while she was still on the road, she received a phone call
saying that her sibling had asked for an out-of-court settlement.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 67
LIFE NURTURING KARUVARAI
Karuvarai (womb) is best described as the space for the germination and
materialization of the creative force.
Consider this quotation from Joseph Chilton Pearce:
“Matrix is the Latin word for womb. From that word, we get the words matter,
material, mother, and so on. These refer to the basic stuff , the physical substance,
out of which life is derived.
The womb off ers three things to a newly forming life; a source of possibility,
a source of energy to explore that possibility, and a safe place within which that
exploration can take place. Whenever these three needs are met, we have a matrix.
And the growth of intelligence takes place by utilizing the energy given to explore
the possibilities given while standing in the safe space given by the matrix. The
matrix is always essentially female in nature.”
For Swamigal this is where it all began. The lives of his biological parents was
his inspiration and drive to establish a centre for complete life solutions,
h e a l i n g i n particular. The desire to enrich this healing space is also the
inspiration for all the other sanctum sanctorum to be
established here.
The centre is the Swamigal’s personal
ashramam. There is a lamp lit here, verily
considered the anaya deepam (ever-burning
lamp). An ashramam may be considered
a place for seeking blessings, a place to
introspect, meditate and learn through
the kindling of one’s own awareness.
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68 Sri Danvantri Peedam
PROPITIOUS LORD MARAGADHESWARAR AND
GODDESS MARAGADHAAMBIKA
Am o n g t h e g u r u s ,
S w a m i g a l t h o u g h t
he must f i rst instal l Meda
D a k s h i n a m o o r t y . I n h i s
explorations he undertook to
travel to different Siva abodes.
At one abode he was quite
unexpectedly invited to consecrate
a Siva idol on a Sivaratri day. He
was gifted with a precious green
stone (maragadam) lingam, a unique piece, as the grains on its surface had natural
impressions resembling the Himalayan range. The mineral maragadham has
vibrations that clear diff erent diseases (sarvaroga nivaranam).
The gift indicated that he needed to install the 468 siddhars in the form of
lingams, at arogya peedam. He invited the pontiff to visit Walajapet. When the
pontiff came, Swamigal placed an order with his source to sculpt the 468 lingams
since his place was famous for Shiva lingams.
This Maragadha lingam has travelled to Koormam in Andhra Pradesh. Many
devotees have invited the lingam to their homes and performed the Sri Rudra
Homam.
Unique Feature
This lingam is seated on a nandhi pedestal, quite unusual as the Nandhi is
always in front of the lingam. (Nandhi is the bull which Siva uses as his vehicle in
Indian lore, lingam is the term used for Shiva depicted in an elliptical form on a
circular pedestal with a nozzle on the side).
Special Feature
Two special homams offered here for those seeking marriage – the
swayamvara kala parvathi homam for girls, and the gandharva kala parvatha
homam for men.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 69
INTEGRATOR OF ALL FAITHS -
LORD AYYAPPAN
When multiple energies occupy a complex and new
energies are to be located, it is vital to balance these
energies. So when the Ashta mangala Bhairavar was to be
consecrated in a denoted space, it became imperative that the
space occupied by Danvatri/ Vinayakar at the entrance had
to be relocated. Vinayakar – Danvantri was moved
appropriately and the space originally occupied
by the idol fell vacant. To overcome the sense
emptiness that Swamigal experienced at that
moment he placed an ‘akanda deepam’ in the
space. Just as he initiated the lamp and closed his eyes,
an image of Lord Ayyappan fl ooded him. Realising that
Ayyapan too presents Himself to his devotees as the
‘makara jothi’ he decided to have an Ayyappan idol installed in the space. He
decided also that it would be consecrated the same day as the Ashtanga Mangala
Bhairavar. Heading right away to Kumbakonam, he ordered the idol, completed
the karikolam and had it consecrated- all within three days!!!
Lord Ayyappan is venerated by devotees of all faiths. In all humility, irrespective
of age,gender,class or caste, anyone wears the beads of commitment around their
neck is honoured and respected for undertaking the vow to visit Sabarimalai. Both
these are indeed strong tenets of Lifeology.
BENEFACTOR OF SELF-CONFIDENCE -
ASHTA MANGALA KAALA BAIRAVAR
As has been the experience all along with Swamigal, he got a calling
from the Sugara Nadi reading to establish the Lord Ashta Mangala Kaala
Bhairavar. Kaala Bhairavar is one of the manifestations of Lord Siva who represents
the march of time.
Bhairavar is usually the fi erce aspect of Lord Siva, who transmutes energy in
order to recreate. This is governed in a time frame. Time (not only of human life
but also of countries and planets), is overseen by ensuring the phenomenon of
impermanence.
hen
ene
energies. So
consecrated
space oc
to
space. Ju
an imag
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70 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Hymns on Kaala Bhairavar highlight a truth -Time is the most precious. Time
lost is lost forever. Wise people should use every moment of time eff ectively.
At the Danvantri Peedam the concept engulfs the auspicious aspect of
Bhairavar - Mangala Bhairavar - in His 8 manifestations. The 8 manifestations stand
alongside the main idol, which will stand 4’ tall. The Ashta Mangala Bhairavars
are Kala Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Ruru, Bhairava, Krodha
Bhairava, Kapala Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava and Unmatta Bhairava.
Kaala Bhairavar is worshipped as the guardian of sanctum sanctorum. The
keys to such an abode are ceremoniously placed at His feet after closing the doors.
They are taken only with His permission to open doors on the following day.
Kaala Bhairavar enables one to discover the true purpose of one’s time on Earth.
Kaala Bhairavar is the protector of pilgrims and travellers. He is invoked before a journey,
to help reach one’s destination safely. He is also the keeper of liberation.
His installation is on the Chathurthi day of the waxing moon, as dictated by
the Sugara Nadi. Lord Ganesha is fi rst propitiated with 100,000 modakas, and then
the installation is carried forth.
First of its kind
The whole installation begins on the full moon of the month of aippasi (Oct–
Nov). There are 5 days of homams, a daily modaka abhishekam for Lord Ganesha,
culminating on the Sankatahara Chathurthi. The modakas are off ered to the Lord
of fi re in the Homa Kundam, which has been burning uninterrupted since 2005.
Modakas are fried dumplings made with jaggery, coconut and rice fl our. It
would be the fi rst time in the country that Lord Ganesha is propitiated in this
manner – a unique and much-revered spectacle.
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VAASTHU NIVARTHI PEEDAM
ENSURING GROWTH AND SUCCESS IS VAASTHU
BHAGWAN WITH ASHTADHIK BAALAKAS IN
THE LINGAM FORM
Why is there a vaasthu
benediction here? The
complex came up at intervals, as
intuition and divine messages came
forth to Swamigal. The physical
construct of the peedam therefore does
not comply entirely with the vaasthu
laws. After much thought, Swamigal
decided to lay this problem at the
Lord’s feet; he constructed the Vaasthu
Purushar image in strict accordance
with the vaasthu laws and left it to Him
to resolve any issues that might arise
due to misaligned vaasthu.
The vaasthu purushar is a black
stone, short human idol in a reclining position, with the head oriented towards
the north-east, where Lord Siva is in residence and where Ganga fl ows. According
to the principles of vaasthu, this then is the place where a householder must dig
a well in his home.
In the east sits Indran. In the south-east is Agni, or the kitchen of the house.
The south is where Yama resides. In the south-west is Kuberan, the god of wealth;
ideally the head of the family would occupy this corner of the house. In the West
is Varuna, while Vayu occupies the north-west. In the centre rests Brahma.
For devotees who come to pray here, corrective yantras are given to set right
the vaasthu in their homes. Eight lingams adorn the eight directions specifi c in
vaastu shastra for bestowing distinct energies.
The water used during abhishekams of these lingams and the Vastu Purusha at
this shrine is recycled, as the water goes into a well in the north-east corner.
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72 Sri Danvantri Peedam
This shrine has been established under the aegis of the Vaastu Nivarti
Peedam.
The interesting feature about this entire space is that the Vaastu Purushar has
been consecrated in an area that is by all counts vaasthu unfriendly.
ANNA DHAANA KOODAM
Feeding those that are at your doorstep at meal times is a culture that most
Hindu families follow. At the Arogya Peedam the rice and lentil off erings to Sri Sai
Baba are cooked for the purpose of feeding those that visit the peedam, besides
poor feeding. On a daily basis, at least 50 persons are fed and on special occasions
it could be in hundreds. With the blessings of Sri Annapoorni, and the grace of
Saints Vallalar and Sri Shirdi Baba, this has been a satisfying success.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE
Wheelchair n
Infant-Feeding Room n
Library n
Fire Safety n
First Aid Centre n
Happy Homes n
Conference Hall n
Auditorium n
Dining Hall n
Restrooms n
Drinking Water n
Open Meditation Hall n
Generator n
Parking n
Children’s Park (in progress) n
Medicinal Herbal Farm n
Yoga Centre n
Sanskrit Classes n
Anatomic therapy n
Mind & Soul clinic n
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PROFILE OF Dr.SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIGAL
Early, indigenous cultures of the world are known to have had a deep
understanding of and connection with Nature and the Cosmos, and
are known to have lived life in symbiotic harmony with Nature’s functioning.
Over the years, and especially in the recent history of mankind’s fast-paced
development, this inter-connection with Nature is some-what lost or ignored.
We are experiencing the eff ects of this disconnect.
Yet, there are people who have an insight into the workings of the Cosmos
and its energies. They seek to harness those energies to operate at a much subtler
level than common men and women. It is these individuals who have transcended
mere religiosity, and have formed the substrata of spirituality and metaphysical
thought of mankind.
It is in this context that the most ancient culture and civilization of India has
been recognized as abounding in scientifi c and spiritual wisdom. In the spiritual
history of India there have been people from time immemorial who have lived
their lives quite diff erently from the average day-to-day man. They have displayed
a knowledge that reveals an amazing higher order of understanding and knowing
which can only be explained as the release of intuitive intelligence.
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal is one such individual who has displayed an intuitive
connection with, and understanding of, the Universe.
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal began his education in a Government Higher
Secondary school in Ranipet. Soon after schooling, he put himself to the task of
supporting his family. The jobs that came his way were run-of-the-mill jobs that
did not off er much enthusiasm, leave alone inspiration.
Having to take care of his mother, stricken with cancer, Swamigal experienced
deep anguish and pain. His mother pleaded with him to seek the knowledge
from the heritage of this rich country and fi nd an alternate way to heal those that
suff ered like her. He felt compelled by her pleadings and decided to establish a
trust with this aim. It was a poignant moment in his life when his mother passed
on merely three hours after this fi rst step was taken.
It is at this point in time that Sri Mularidara Swamigal experienced his deep
connect with the energies of the Universe. This gave him access to the magnifi cent
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76 Sri Danvantri Peedam
intelligence of the Universe, and enabled him to develop an unconditional faith
in the vitality of this intelligence.
It would be appropriate to quote the astronaut Edgar Mitchell here:
‘As he (Edgar Mitchell) watched the Earth fl oat freely in the vastness of
space, he became engulfed by a profound sense of universal connectedness.
That moment, for Mitchell, was an epiphany, and it sowed the seeds of his next
mission, which he described as follows: “To broaden the knowledge of the nature
and potentials of mind and consciousness and to apply that knowledge to the
enhancement of human well-being and the quality of life on the planet.” ‘
When Sri Muralidara Swamigal got the opportunity to spend time in quiet
contemplation, after his mother passed on, a new strength beckoned him which
seemed to draw its intelligence from the universe. He took these messages
seriously and discovered that he was integrating all the energies that this mother
seemed to intend. He set about the task of actualizing these visions and what
stands testimony to all this is not just the Arogya Peedam but the many persons
who come there seeking and receiving healing
It is as if there are messages from the masters that Sri Muralidara Swamigal
is privy to, that facilitate his task of fulfi lling his mother’s wish of a Divine Healing
Centre.
REMARKABLE PROJECTS OF THE
DANVANTRI AROGYA PEETAM HEALING CENTRE
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
Dr.SRI MURALIDHARA SWAMIGAL
This is the fi rst universal peedam with Lord Danvantri, referred to as the n
Aadi Vaidhyar (The fi rst Doctor), as the main deity. It is also the fi rst centre
to have associated healing deities alongside in the same complex.
Conceived as a healing space, this is the fi rst centre to have a deity at n
the doorstep open 24 hours, in the concept of a duty doctor, to address
emergency needs.
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 77
It is a peedam that dedicates its healing prayers to global welfare. n
As a healing space, this is the fi rst peedam which has been awarded the n
ISO 9001:2008 (Providing Danvantric salvation and healing services) and
ISO 14001 : 2004 (Providing Danvantric Alternative Healing Services)
certifi cation for best Environment Management System.
It is the fi rst peedam to dedicate a day in a year to the welfare of doctors, n
astrologers, purohits, saints, artistes, pontiff s, etc.
It is truly secular as persons of any religion are permitted to participate, n
Socially he follows an egalitarian approach.
The Sanctum Sanctorum has been energized by mantras written by common n
people irrespective of caste and creed, and who intended for this space to
be energized. Fifty crore mantras were needed to sanctify the sanctum
sanctorum. This was sent out as an appeal to people by advertisement
and word of mouth.
Mantras poured in and the count of mantras received stood at 54 crores!!! n
In 100 days, 100 homams (yagnas) were performed. n
Before the completion of the peedam, 147 homams were performed. n
Since the completion of the peedam to date, more than 5000 homams n
have been performed.
since he began the journey to build this complex, Sri Muralidhara Swamigal n
has, visited 10,000 temples across the length and breadth of this country.
The recent celebration of 5 celestial weddings (Siddhi Buddhi Ganapathy, n
Valli Devasena Murugar, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Seetha Ramar, Arogya
Lakshmi Danvantri) on the same platform is unique and has not been
attempted before.
In establishing the Danvantri Arogya centre, he decided to revive an age n
old tradition of karikolam. Karikolam may be described as a Road Show. It
is the practice of taking the idol, before it is anchored in the sanctum
sanctorum, to the homes of devotees, temples, hospitals, peedams, ashrams,
community halls, research centres, labs, etc., to bless them and also to inform
the community of the proposal to build the centre.
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78 Sri Danvantri Peedam
Lord Danvantri has travelled extensively covering more than 200,000 n
kilometers during karikolam.
Sri Muralidhara Swamigal personally accompanied the idol on the entire n
journey.
The homam agni (fi re) here for global welfare has been burning, 24 hours n
a day since 2004.
The only centre where the Gayatri Devi (5-headed goddess) representing n
the vedas and Maha Meru are installed together.
This complex was established with the intention of a single person desirous n
of fulfi lling his mother’s wish for healing, without any money in his pocket,
those affl icted by cancer. He got to the root of illness and founded a centre
that would integrate all energies necessary for holistic healing.
The one & only centre where a wheel of life (Kaala Chakram) has been built n
consisting of plants for 27 stars, 12 star-signs, 9 planets and which represents
astronomy and astrological sciences, circum-ambulating which we include
the entire humanity of the world.
The only centre where one can really access community deities through n
Lord Muneeswara, situated in a herbal garden consisting of 108 varieties
of herbs.
The fi rst centre where Shirdi Baba can be seen on both sides - Golden n
Baba facing the West representing value and marble Baba facing the East
representing materialism.
The first centre to have Danvantri and Vinayaka sculpted on a single n
stone.
The fi rst centre to have Rahu and Kethu as a single identity sculpted on a n
single stone.
The fi rst centre to have Mahishasuramardhini with a smile and the Mahishan n
in full form;
The fi rst centre to have the 1000-armed Karthaveeryarjuna, sculpted in a n
green stone with 16 hands depicting the 16 forms of wealth that man seeks.
It is the only place to show him in 4 forms:
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 79
o As Sudharshan Alwar,
o As a King,
o As a Guard (Kaaval Deivam) who maintains the security of people’s
possessions,
o As Maha Vishnu, the Supreme Lord.
The fi rst centre to show 468 siddhars in the form of lingams. n
The fi rst centre to show Sanjeevi Anjaneyar, the restorer of life in our epic n
Ramayana, positioned in an open space, as he is the son of Vayu (Wind) with
nine diff erent types of Anjaneyar in the nine steps (Nine steps representing
Nine Planets) as he is the Nava Vyaakarna Pandithar.
The fi rst centre to show Kulandhai Anandha Swamigal with his disciple n
Seshadri Swamigal at the base of the pedestal with the sun and moon on
both sides and with the Divine Mother Meenakshi Ammal embossed on
his chest.
The fi rst centre in the South to have Maha Avatar Baba - for the fi rst time n
enshrined in an ashram in the Himalayas setup with 4 entrances to the
meditation hall.
The fi rst centre to depict Lakshmi Hayagriva with Vedanta Desika at the n
base of the pedestal;
The fi rst centre to show Sri Raghavendra with Kamadhenu (the cow that n
gives everything).
The fi rst centre to enshrine Sri Padham (honoured feet) in honour of our n
human manifestation, our parents.
The fi rst centre to show Bala Murugar - with his foster mothers - the n
‘Karthigai Pengal’ (celebrated as the six stars) holding children’s play items
(the Sun, Moon, Peacock, Spade, Lotus, Milk bowl) depicted at the base of
the pedestal;
The first centre to show ‘Arogya Lakshmi’ the doctor consort of the n
celebrated Doctor Danvantri;
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80 Sri Danvantri Peedam
The fi rst centre to show Pattabhisheka Ramar, 14 idols sculpted in single n
stone, to show that power and administration plays a role in keeping people
healthy (a very contemporary idea);
The fi rst centre to show Maraghadha Lingam on a Nandhi pedestal; n
The fi rst centre to show Sri Vasavi Kannika Parameshwari, the ruling deity n
of a specifi c community in a peedam;
The fi rst centre to install Danvantri likhita mantras below all the idols. n
The fi rst centre to have a special signifi cant space for gurus (Teachers) n
Vallalar, Kanchi Maha Periyavar, Dakshinamurthy, Raghavendrar, Shirdi Sai
Baba.
The fi rst centre to depict Nava Kannikai, without a face, under a sacred tree n
(Athi Maram) as they depict diff erent attributes.
The fi rst centre to install a 6-foot circled Vaasthu Purushar idol facing the n
sky with Ashtadhik Balakas (the guardians of the eight directions of this
universe) in the form of Sivalingams.
The fi rst centre to organize classes for the general public about the Fire n
Fighting awareness program.
The fi rst centre to conduct Mass prayers for global welfare, disorder-free n
and disease-free life, universal peace, etc is being done throughout the
year at Danvantri Arogya Peedam and special prayers are also being done
here for the following days.
National Youth Day - 12 January
World Religion Day - 14 January
Army Day - 15 January
Republic Day - 26 January
Martyrs’ Day - 30 January
World Cancer Day - 4 February
International Day of
Zero Tolerance to F G M - 6 February
National Science Day - 28 February
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Sri Danvantri Peedam 81
International Women’s Day - 8 March
World Astrologers Day - 20 March
World Forestry Day - 21 March
World Water Day - 22March
World Meteorological Day - 23 March
World TB Day - 24 March
World Health Day - 7 April
World Heritage Day - 18 April
Earth Day - 22 April
World Malaria Day - 25 April
Workers’ Day - 1 May
World Mothers’ Day - 2 May
Press Freedom Day - 3 May
World Red Cross Day - 8 May
National Technology Day - 11 Day
International Day of the Family - 15 May
World Telecommunication Day - 17 May
Commonwealth Day - 24 May
Anti Tobacco Day - 31 May
World No Tobacco Day - 31 May
Father’s Day - 2 June
International Day of Aggression towards Innocent
Children
- 4 June
World Environment Day - 5 June
World Blood Donor Day - 14 June
International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit
Traffi cking
- 26 June
World Doctors Day - 1 July
World Population Day - 11 July
World Hepatitis Day - 28 July
World Breastfeeding Week - 1–7 August
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82 Sri Danvantri Peedam
International Friendship Day - 3 August
Independence Day - 15 August
World Humanitarian Day - 19 August
National Sports Day - 29 August
Teachers Day - 5 September
World Literacy Day - 8 September
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September
World Ozone Day - 16 September
World Peace Day - 21 September
Day of the Deaf - 26 September
World Tourism Day - 27 September
World Rabies Day - 28 September
World Heart Day - 29 September
International Day of the Elderly - 1 October
World Animal Welfare Day - 4 October
Indian Air Force Day - 8 October
World Post Offi ce Day - 9 October
World Mental Health Day - 10 October
World Sight Day - 13 October
World Food Day - 16 October
World Science Day - 10 November
World Diabetes Day - 14 November
Children’s Day - 14 November
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day - 16 November
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffi c Victims - 20 November
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against
Women
- 25 November
World AIDS Day - 1 December
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December
Navy Day - 4 December
Human Rights Day - 10 December