Dec

2015

SAMSKRUTIRefining Y oung Minds

FROM THE EDITORS

‘Maasaanaam maargasheershoham’ says Bhagavan Sri Krishna in the

Bhagavad Gita. The auspicious month of Margazhi is the Lord Himself. It is in

this divine month that one can experience South India at its best. Be it the cool winds that delight every

heart, or the ‘veedhi bhajans’ that make every street echo the Lord’s Divine Names, or the kolams that serenely decorate every doorstep, or the heart melting Thiruppavai chanted in every temple, or the pomp and festivity in the music sabhas, or the enriching pages of this edition of Samskruti, Margazhiindeed is the month of all months.

Wishing you all a blessed and divine time till we meet again in a brand new

year.

Our Mas ter’s VoiceVoice of God

By Dr Bhagyanathanji

By Global Organisation for Divinity India TrustNo part of this pamphlet may be reproduced, reprinted or utilised in any form without permission in writing from the editors.Views expressed in articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization.

1

In Sanathana Dharma, worshipping God is a core principle. Our Dharma teaches

us to appreciate God in everything – from the tiny insects to the wild animals; from the

little grains of sand on the shore to the vast sea.

There was a very noble and pious man in a village. He had a lovely family, a

beautiful house and well settled children. He was living with satisfaction and

contentment. He had earned enough and he now wanted to spend the rest of his life

towards his spiritual progress. His friend advised him to start attending spiritual

discourses to pursue on this path. Soon after the man decide to follow his friend’s

advice, he saw a poster that said a sadhu was coming to the nearby temple to give a

spiritual discourse. He decided to attend it. Being his first time at such a lecture, he

was thoroughly enjoying it. He felt that the very purpose of his life was opening in

front of him only then. He thought to himself, ‘Why did I not listen to such things when

I was much younger! I would have led a more meaningful, efficient and happy life.’ so

thinking, he began to pay rapt attention to what the sadhu was saying and started

making a mental note of everything that was being said. The sadhu was asking the

audience, “Where do you think god is? How does he talk to you?”

Guru Maharaj says in Kali Dharma Undhiyar, ‘kadavul pesavillai endru yaar

sonnadhu, manasaatchi kurale undhi para, kadavulin kuralaam endru undhi para”.

Meaning, God talks to us every second in the form of our conscience. Our uncorrupt,

unbiased inner voice, is that of the Lord.

Similarly the sadhu said, “God is talking to us through everything. In every

rustle of leaves, in every gush of wind, in every chirp of birds, in every trickle of

water, He is talking to us. It is we who turn a deaf ear to it.” This message appealed to

the man. And he began to contemplate on it seriously.

Wh

at’

s In

sid

e?

Our M

aster’s Voice

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SAMSKRUTI Dec 2015

1. Name the Lord who said that he is indeed “Margazhi” among the

months.

2. Which Azhwar is worshipped specially during the month of Margazhi?

3. Which part of the day does the Margazhi month signify for the Devas?

4. One year on the Earth is equivalent to how many celestial days for the

Devas?

5. What is another name for ‘Margazhi’?

6. People in South India, commemorate the birth-day of which ardent

devotee of Lord Rama during the month of Margazhi

7. Name the most auspicious Ekadasi day that falls during the month of

Margazhi

8. In which direction does the Sun starts to move at the end of Margazhi

month?

9. Which of the following is specially rendered every morning during the

month of

10. Name the form of Lord Shiva who is represented in ‘Ardhra Dance

’that is celebrated in Margazhi month

(Answers next month)

Diwali Quiz Answers

1.Row of lamps 2. Bandi Chhor Divas 3. Nachiketas 4. Five

5. Dhanteras 6. Nepal 7. Sivakasi 8. Lord Ram’s return from

exile 9. Narakasura 10. Mahaveera attained Nirvana

He went for a walk into the forest. He came across a cave, and what he saw there melted his heart. There was

a fox without forelimbs. He was unable to stand. He felt a great sense of compassion on this being! He wondered,

‘What is the point of this creation? Why did God even create this being that is having a life of misery. How would it

find food? How does it survive? He sat at a safe distance and kept observing how the fox ate. In a few hours, two

tigers came there with their prey, fed on it and dropped the leftovers at the cave for the fox to eat. The man was

amazed. He thought it was a co incidence. He waited two more days, and everyday, the two tigers brought food for

the fox. The man wondered what could be the message in this happening. He understood that God provides

somehow. So he decided to remain like the fox. He thought, “If I just remain in a place and do nothing, somehow or

the other God would send me my bread. It is wrong to think that it is by my effort that I am eating.’ And he just sat

there waiting for food to come his way. No one dropped food. He waited for several days. Nothing happened. He

was becoming weak out of hunger and starvation. He could not even get up and go home. Just then, the sadhu who

had given the discourse, passed by. The man immediately screamed at him. He said, “Oh Sadhu! You are the reason

for my plight. I listened to you and got the wrong message and I’m suffering.” The man went on to narrate the

entire episode to the sadhu. The sadhu smiled and said, “I still stand by what I said. It is nothing but the absolute

truth. You chose to be the fox, and hence suffered. Why did you not want to be the tiger? When you are blessed

with good health and strength, why did you not choose to work, take what you need and provide the rest to the

helpless? God and Guru never teach us to be lethargic. It is we who need to carefully listen to the voice of God in

everything.”

Let us say that there is an art exhibition by a very skilled artist. A lot of exquisite paintings are in display.

People visiting the exhibition admire and appreciate the paintings. As they admire the piece of work, they cannot

help but think about the skill of the artist. They automatically begin to appreciate the one who created those

exquisite pieces of art. Doesn’t the same apply to The Lord’s creation too? How incredibly beautiful His creations

are! How perfect! How vibrant! How magnificent! And it leaves us wondering, if the creation is so splendid,

beautiful would the creator be!! Once we appreciate the hand of the Lord behind every creation of His, once we see

The Divine in every being, there is going to be nothing but universal peace and harmony. Let us listen to Voice of

God in everything we see and hear!

Wondrous Whispers from Ancient IndiaSAMSKRUTI Dec 2015

Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most ancient temple, situated in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Thanjavur known as “The rice bowl of Tamil

Nadu,” was an important city to the ancient Cholas. It was remade by the Cholas from a collection of villages into a major temple center 1000 years ago, with the

construction of the Brihadisvara Temple in the center of the city, and the city then built up around it. Brihadeeshwara temple or the Big temple in Tanjore is the best

example of excellent workmanship, grandeur and it has stood the testimony of time with its magnificent central dome which is a great attraction for one and all. The

Brihadeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by King Rajaraja I in the 11th century. This architectural masterpiece has been designated as UNESCO World

Heritage Site. The temple is built over 29 square base and is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. The walls of the complex are

adorned by beautiful paintings belonging to the Chola and Nayak period. The Siva Lingam here is gigantic, more than 12 feet tall. The Nandi facing the sanctum is also 12

feet in height and the dwarapalaks (the guardians deities of temple) and deities around the main shrine look elegant.. The main attraction here is the huge tower above

the sanctum which is about 216 feet. The tower stands tall and one can see this fabulous structure even as one enters Tanjore.

The temple architecutre marvel comprises of bundles of surpries:

Shadow Disappears at noon: The most intersting part of this temple is the shadow of the temple, which surprisingly never falls on the ground at noon. The Brihadeshwar

Temple is one of the tallest temples in the world and is so designed that the viman does not cast a shadow at noon during any part of the year.

First All Granite Temple: Brihadeshwar Temple is the first complete granite temple in the world. Granite is not found in the surrounding areas. It is not known where this

massive granite was brought from.

Till Date its the tallest temple: The temple was built at a fair clip, completed in mere 7 years, amounting to moving and placing almost 50 tons of rock each and every day,

not to forget carving and aligning it. When the Brihadeeswara temple was completed in 1003 CE, it was the tallest temple in India by an order of magnitude of 10. A

thousand years later, standing at 216 feet, it is still the tallest temple in India. Atop the soaring vimaana –the tower above the main temple and a word that translates to

“airplane”– is a capstone that weighs 80 tons. The best thing in the chola temples is that the tower lies over the sanctums has more elevation as compared to the towers

set over the gopuram (tower) that could be found at the entrance. After dusk, when the temple is been illuminated, its topmost light over the dome seems not less than

another planet glowing and coming closer to the earth. This attraction is the tallest in its line that draw thousands of people to its area

Musical pillars: At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum, one can see the two idols of Ganesha in the corridor. On tapping the two, you will feel the sound traveling through

stone in one idol and through metal on the other. The main hall of the temple is said to have been used by the dancers and musicians. There are some musical pillars

producing different sounds when tapped.

Brihadeeswara Temple

CREATIVITY…REFINED

MY PEACEFUL WORLDMy idea of peaceful world is to keep smiling it is said

that 'A smile can light up a room' then imagine what

could a whole world of smiles do. Yes it is my idea to

make the whole world smile. A smile is contagious. If one

person starts it spreads from one to another. Another

idea of a peaceful world according to me is Chanting

nama 'Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare‘. It

soothes our mind makes you happy. Once we start

chanting we cannot stop as it gives peace to our mind

and soul. It also vanishes our sorrow and anguish.

Peaceful individuals can create a peaceful world. So

keep smiling and chanting to a peaceful world.

Shashank.C.B, Indian School Ghubra

4

POWER OF PRAYER

Prayer is a very beautiful thing. It has the capability to connect us

with God and all divinities above us. Prayer is a bridge which can lead

us to discovering the devotional and sensitive aspects of one's self.

Through prayers, we can express our true devotion and love for God.

A prayer can be one's creation and is weaved by their love and bhakthi

truly from the heart. This is what makes it so special and significant.

There is no other power in the world other than praying and chanting

name that can take us closer to God. We can change our lives with

prayer and create positive influences. Prayer has the power to fulfil

our wishes in this world and as well as our spiritual world.

We must invite Bhagavan home with prayer. All the other desires and

pleasures will come along with him whether if we pray for it or not. We

can do this by chanting the nama so God himself will come to our house.

Prayers enable us to send out good vibrations into the world and

contribute to harmony and peace. It not only purifies the ones who pray

but also the ones in close vicinity. Praying with a selfish or materialistic

goal is better than not praying at all but we know that with true heart

and sincerity, the intention to a prayer is far more important.

When you pray, your mind thinks of God and that itself is so purifying

and elevating. Bhagavan is love and compassion in it's purest form. He

responds to every call we make, every pull for love and need for help.

That is truly how much he cares about us. If your prayers are not

responded, it is not because he is unkind. Premika Varadhan loves us so

much that he probably does not want us to get hurt or affected by

something harmful. He may want to teach us an alternative so we can

grow as a person and become better.

The doors to Bhagavan's heart are always open and welcome to true,

sincere prayers. His riveted attention is upon us and our prosperity and

good health are all his blessings only. Our purpose on earth is to

experience life as it comes without judgement or preference. Our

prayers should be higher than just asking for worldly pleasures or

materialistic gains.

At times, we do feel like God has abandoned us and our faith and

devotion is put to a great test. We become frustrated that God's help

has not reached us and we think that we are the only ones suffering.

Truly, we are the ones with the weak minds not able to decipher his

response. We are incapable of breaking out of our fixed mindset and

we are stubborn enough to stay in our illusion. God is ever graceful and

observes everything. It is us who need to be awakened from our deep

slumber of selfishness and egoism.

When we all pray collectively, the power and effect of it is far more.

Mass prayers have the capability to do miracles but also take us on a

journey to tranquility and bliss. That bliss is our highest goal and the

path of prayer and chanting is the easiest and simplest. We may not

realise how powerful mass prayers are, but as Guru Maharaj says, It is

a single flower compared to a bouquet of flowers. The bouquet will

definitely be more fragrant and sweet. The effect of Mass Prayer is

the exact same.

Adithi Subramanian, Melbourne

Inia, Cypress, USA

SAMSKRUTI Dec 2015

GOD around the Globe The inauguration of the first Namadwaar in Australia on the 8th Nov’15 was a grand

ceremony by both measures the traditional tone to the consecration event in the morning

and the various messages from the dignitaries from either side of Australian political

landscape and the guests of honour from a wide cross section of the community.

Namadwaar is a centre for spiritual education and prayer purpose built by G.O.D Australia

at 44 Oakes Road Winston Hills NSW 2153.

The inaugural function on Sunday the 8th Nov coincides with the birth anniversary date

of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. Consecration of the presiding deities Sri

Madhuri Saki and Sri Premika Varadhan was performed by Sri Bhagyaji, personal

secretary to Sri Swamiji. In his videoed message of benevolence, Sri Sri Swamiji

applauded the opening of the first Namadwaar in Australia. As a special tribute and

respect to their spiritual master, the youth wing of G.O.D released a music album titled

aptly “Anugraham-by his grace”, a fine blend of the Indian and Western music. Hon David

Elliott, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for

Veterans Affairs, Ms Julie Owens, Federal member for Parramatta, Mr Mark Taylor

Member for Seven Hills, Mr Daniel Mookhey Member of the legislative council, Mr

Shahadat Chowdhury Councillor, Parramatta City Council, Mr Susai Benjamin Councillor,

Blacktown City Council were the dignitaries.

Namadwaar @ SydneyShaking Hands Across Continents fusion music concert ensemble in

Houston, held on Nov 7th, was a unique presentation by GOD Houston

that featured Sri Swamiji's compositions in different languages -

English, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and a grand finale

presentation of the famous "Kaliyaiyum Bali Kollum" Mahamantra Song

in 16 different languages (each verse sung in a separate language) -

Tamil, Sanskrit, Spanish, Odia, French, Gujarati, Arabic, Malayalam,

Telugu, Chinese, Kannada, Marathi, English, German, Hindi and Bengali.

The ensemble was directed by Vidushi Smt. Rajarajeshwary Bhat

and featured over 60 performers, including vocal singers, Indian

instrumentalists (violin, mridangam, chenda,keydoard and drums) and

Western instrumentalists (piano,violin, viola, cello and bass). The

western orchestra was directed by Mr. Arthur Delaney and

percussion was directed by Vidwan Sri Erode Nagaraj. Dignitaries at

the event included the Consul General of India Houston, the Mayor of

Manvel city, and representatives of Pearland Convention and Visitor's

Bureau that had supported the event through a cultural arts grant.Om Shanti: Ode to Harmony, staged at

Minneapolis, USA, is committed to building

better relationships across multiple

cultures through classical art. Amidst the

gracious presence of Sri Ramanujamji,

Senior Disciple of Sri Sri Swamiji, this event

took place in all splendour with

performances by Raga Diaries, Sitar Tabla

I Twin cities, Kala Vandanam, SENDERO

Flamenco and Katha Dance Theatre. Sri

Ramanujamji gave the keynote address.

This event was organized by Love to Share

Foundation, founded by Sri Sri Swamiji, to

spread universal harmony through love and

care.

5

Bhakta Prahlad, was staged at Melbourne, Australia by

the Gopa Kuteeram children of that region. This heart

melting story of the most celebrated young devotee of

Lord Vishnu was so flawlessly staged as a musical play by

the little ones, that it left every single person in the

audience in sheer admiration. This event was organised by

Global Organization for Divinity, Melbourne Chapter as a

fund raiser for medical and educational activities in rural

parts of South India.

9th Dec – National Girl Child Day

6

SAMSKRUTI Dec 2015

9th December is National Girl Child Day. In our Santhana Dharma, women are considered ‘shakthi’, i.e.strength. Women are respected and celebrated as the most auspicious persons in the household. On the NationalGirl Child Day, as the nation remembers all the inspiring women in various walks of life, it is truly, thosebhakthas like Meerabai, Janabai, Mother Sarada Devi and the like, who attained the most exalted state by theirdevotion, who are to be revered and remembered. Let us, see three such great women who lived a life of completedevotion and surrender to God.Sri Anandamayi Ma was an Indian saint born in East Bengal in 1896. Her father, Bipin Behari Bhattacarya, was anardent devotee of Sri Narayana and used to sing Vaishnava songs regularly. Her mother, Moksada Sundari Devi, was alsoknown for her states of bhaava or religious emotion. While pregnant with Nirmala (Sri Anandamayi's given name), shewould see visions of sages and statues of deities which would appear, and then suddenly disappear. This name was given toher by her devotees in the 1920s to describe what they saw as her habitual state of divine joy and bliss. Anandamayi Mawas very sensitive to religious rituals as a child, and the sound of religious chanting would bring about ecstatic feelings inher. At temples, she would also see religious figures emerging from religious statues and reentering them. She married at 13years of age to Ramani Mohan Cakravarti or Bholanath as he was known. Her husband thought she might be possessed,and took her to exorcists. One physician suggested she was not mad in the conventional sense but instead had a kind of godintoxication - a divine madness for which there was no secular cure. Anandamayi would shed profuse tears, laugh forhours, and talk at tremendous speed in a Sanskrit-like language. Other unusual actions included rolling in the dust anddancing for long periods whirling like a leaf in the wind. She would also fast for long periods and at other times consumeenough food for eight or nine people. In the history of Indian devotional traditions, changes in bodily structure and stateare considered to be spontaneous expressions of religious emotion. Anandamayi's changes were more extreme than thesemore common sattvika bhavas (sweating, fainting, crying, change in skin color, hair standing on end, etc.) which alsonormally indicate strong religious emotion. She was known for her siddhis or yogic powers where she could read herdevotee's thoughts and emotions at a distance, make her body shrink and expand, and cure the sick. One disciple claimedthat she was saved from death after a car accident when Anandamayi grasped her "life substance" and brought it back intoher dead body. A central theme of her teaching is "the supreme calling of every human being is to aspire to self realization.All other obligations are secondary" and "only actions that kindle man's divine nature are worthy of the name of actions".

Sri Janaky Matha was a saint in the spiritual lineage of Sri Ramana Maharishi. Born on 27th July 1906 at Kollangode inKerala, she showed spiritual inclination and a sense of detachment from a very tender age. She was married at a very earlyage to a reputed doctor who was a widower with two little daughters. Combining philosophical inquiries into the nature of selfand reality, she lived life of a mother to her seven children as well as her devotees. Even while fulfilling her family duties, herevery thought, word and deed were centered on god. She had many spiritual and mystic experiences including voices andvisions of various deities which were interpreted as the activation of her Kundalini Shakthi. Surrendering herself completelyto her Sadguru Sri Ramana Maharishi, she realized the Self before Thirty two years of age. When she once conveyed toBhagavan Ramana Maharishi about the flood of divine visions she was having which were too overwhelming for her, Hereplied, “Not all who desire for such visions can attain them. You are blessed to have them.”To all her householder devotees,she laid stress on devotion to God, surrender to Guru, practice of charity and leading an upright life while discharging theirduties. To those who yearned for liberation, she advised nurturing of divine thoughts, obliterating likes and dislikes andsurrendering completely to the Guru while turning inwards in self-inquiry. One remarkable incident in her life is that whileshe was traveling with her husband in the car to meet her Guru, her husband suddenly heard the sound of a bell ringing andstopped to find out what temple was nearby. He was then surprised to know that it came from Janaky Matha herself.

Ammalu Ammal was born in a Kannada speaking Madhva family. Married as a child, she lost her husband within a few years and became achild widow. When she decided to give up her life, Lord Narasimha of Parikkal appeared before her and assured her, “Do not give up yourlife. You shall always get the basic requirements of food and clothing.” Ammalu then asked him for a boon, “Let me know no hunger”. TheLord granted it and from then on, she has lived only on a glass of curd/milk and a fruit a day until her death at the age of One Hundredand Four in 2010. She was always energetic and performed Bhajan every day of her life. She would cook a variety of dishes herself andoffer to her deity, Lord Panduranga and distribute it to the devotees, taking not a bit from it. Her celebration of Narasimha Jayanthi is sowell known that even Kanchi Maha Periyava would remember her wherever he was on that day. Kirtans in Kannada on the Lord pouredforth from her in tens of thousands. As she sung and danced for her Lord Krishna, whom she could see, He played a lot of leelas with her.Once Lord Panduranga appeared to her in the mirror in her home and commanded her to come to Pandarpur which she did with joy. KanchiMaha Periyava spoke highly of her and referred to her as ‘Nityopavaasi’(one on daily fast). He has also said that she is an amsa ofPurandara Dasa, the great devotee saint and we can also see that her kirtans resemble those of his. Whenever she visited any kshetra, shewould move into divine trance and kirtans relating to the ‘sthala purana’ of that holy place and deity would flow out of her lips; though shehas no previous knowledge of that place. Her Guru was Sri Ramachandra Theertha who loved several centuries back and his Samadhi isnow in Amarendhrapuram. On the auspicious day of ‘Panguni Uthram’, she attained Vaikuntam at the age of One Hundred and Four!

Compiled by Vishnupriyaji

Chatrapathi Shivaji was a terror to the Mughal empire. He was known as a

‘Samrat’(Emperor) since he established the Hindu empire. Shivaji owed his

power, name and fame to his guru Samarth Ramdas, a great siddha purusha.

Shivaji was sent to Samarthar, by Sri. Tukaram swamigal of Pandharpur.

Shivaji was greatly devoted to his guru Samarthar. He did all his work in

consultation with his guru. With the guidance of his guru, he brought in good

laws and ruled the country with valour, winning over his enemies.

Shivaji’s wife Suryabhai was a virtuous woman who was devoted to her

husband. She took complete care of Shivaji. One day she got a mango fruit

from the palace garden. She cut the fruit nicely and kept it in a silver plate for

Shivaji. Mango, the king of fruits is known as ‘rasala’ (that which salivates the

mouth). Shivaji came back in the evening after the day’s work and came to

his bedroom. Suryabhai offered the mango pieces to Shivaji. Shivaji should

have immediately started eating the fruit. Instead, he started shedding tears.

Rani Suryabhai was alarmed that she did something wrong.

Shivaji asked her, ‘Why didn’t you give it in the morning? I could have offered

it to my Guru Samarthar. This fruit would have been fit for his consumption’.

Rani was somewhat relieved. Shivaji added, ‘Should you not know what I

would like? I am all the while trying to make my Guru Samarthar pleased’.

When Rani was wondering what to say, there was a knock on the door. Who

would dare to knock on the doors of a king’s bedroom at night? Didn’t the

gatekeepers stop them? Shivaji hurried to open the door. And what did he

see? Samarthar was standing at the door! He was standing all alone and the

security personnel did not even know of his presence. Shivaji, with surprise

and joy, prostrated at his feet.

The great sage Samarthar sat on Shivaji’s bed itself rightfully. He ate the

mango pieces offered by Shivaji and the milk offered by Suryabhai. He

poured his blessings on Shivaji and his wife and then proceeded to leave.

Shivaji humbly asked him, ‘Swamiji, how did you come? Shall I arrange a

vehicle for you?’. Samarthar replied that he would go in the same way as he

came, implying that he doesn’t need any external assistance and that nobody

would be aware of how he came and went.

Though such miraculous powers are present in great siddha purushas like

Samarthar, they normally do not disclose them and these powers manifest in

them only for blessing their disciples.

Shivaji and his GuruIs there a mention about planets in Hindu

religion?

There is a detailed description about The

Earth and other planets in the 5th canto of

Srimad Bhagavatam. Today, the description

of The Earth by scientists correlates with

that described in the Bhagavatam. It is

noteworthy that no foreign traveler or king

had stepped onto the soil of India during the

time of writing of Srimad Bhagavatam.

In the Hindu scriptures wherever there is

reference to The Earth, she is referred to as

‘Bhoo-gOLam’ – ‘Bhoo’ means earth and

‘GoLam’ means sphere. Hindu religion has

always been aware of the fact that The

Earth is spherical.

The Vedas contain a part that advocates

mantras for worship of The Sun. It is called

‘Surya Namaskaaram’ or ‘AruNam’. Here,

it clearly speaks of all other planets

revolving around The Sun just as lighter

objects revolve around a heavier object.

The planet Saturn is known as ‘Sani’.

‘Sanaih’ means slow. Saturn is the slowest

moving planet. Thus, this planet has been

given the name ‘Sani’.

The planet Jupiter is called ‘Guru’. The

word ‘Guru’ also carries the connotation

‘very big’. In fact Jupiter is the biggest of

all planets. Thus the beautiful name ‘Guru’

has been given to Jupiter.

The days of the week have also been named

after planets. The ancient seers were also

aware that Rahu and Kethu are shadow

planets. The starting and ending of eclipses

have been accurately calculated and

recorded in the panchangams (Hindu

Almanacs).

Mars is called sevvaai in Tamil. Sevvaai

means reddish. All scientific researches

undertaken in connection with Mars have

confirmed that this planet is indeed,

reddish.

(Excerpts from Sri Sri Swamiji’s book

Kakitha Malargal – Q and A explaining our

Sanathana Dharma)

Story Corner KakithaMalargal

7

SAMSKRUTI Dec 2015

Shaheed Bhagat Singh is an icon who continues to inspire many

youngsters, even in this post modern world of technology. The

legendary freedom fighter attained martyrdom on 23rd March 1931, but

his memories linger in our hearts, and so do his quotes.

- It is easy to kill individuals but you cannot kill ideas. Great empires

crumbled, while the ideas survived.

- I am a man. And all that affects mankind concerns me.

- Love always elevates the character of man. It never lowers him,

provided love be love.

- My life has been dedicated to the noblest cause, that of the freedom

of the country. Therefore there is no rest or worldly desire that can

lure me now.

- I emphasize that I’m full of ambition and hope and of full charm of

life. But I can renounce all at the time of need, and that is the real

sacrifice.

- May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more

lovely, than this, our own Country!

Legend says, he marched bravely to the gallows with a smile on his

face.

Inspiring Lives

Bhagat Singh – Quotes that Inspire

ACROSS

1.Land of Kumbh Mela (5)

2.Vidwan Vinayakaram (6)

3.Pingali Venkayya (4)

4.Patang Museum (9)

5.Shivaji’s Sword (7)

6.Mountain abode of Lord Brahma (4)

7.Hanuman meets Lord Rama in this

kanda of Ramyana (10)

8.Meaasured the world in 3 steps (6)

9.Adi Kavya (8)

10.Queen whose memorial is in

Phoolbagh, Gwalior (5)

11.Wife of Agni Deva (5)

12.Mahabali was an _______ king(9)

13.Karna’s bow (6)

14.Birth place of Adi Sankara (6)

15.Serpent on whom Lord Krishna

danced (6)

DOWN

1.Chatth Puja Festival was first

celebrated by this king (5)

2.Amritsar’s pride (6,6)

3.’Vaishnava Janato’ ____________

Mehta (9)

4.Adavus are steps of this dance (11)

5.Birthname of Swami Dayanand

Saraswati (3,8)

6.Ten books of Rig Vedas (8)

7.Sweet dish said to derive unique

taste due to Tamaraparani River (5)

8.Succeeded Ravana as King of

Lanka (10)

9.Ashtadyaayi (6)

10. ______ Bhavan – Headquarters of

Planning Commission (6)

11.Dakshayani (4)

(Solution in subsequent issue)

Puranava Crossword

WEEKEND CLASSES ON SANATHANA

DHARMA AND INDIAN HERITAGE FOR 5-14

YEAR OLDS

TO ENROL YOUR CHILD OR IMBIBE THIS

SYLLABUS IN YOUR SCHOOL, E-MAIL TO

gopakuteeram.god@gmail.com

Global Organisation for Divinity India invites

articles/illustration/paintings from school teachers

and students to be emailed to

samskrutiynl.god@gmail.com8

udyoge nAsthi dhaaridhryam

japatho nAsthi pAthakam।moune cha kalaho nAsthi

nAsthi jAgarithe bhayam॥

Pearls of Wisdom from our Texts

- By Sri Balaji SharmaPrincipal, Sri Sandeepani Gurukulam, Madhurapuri

Chanakya Nithi 3-11

When a man works hard, he willnever face poverty. By chanting theDivine Names of The Lord, no sinswill remain. Quarrel is avoided bykeeping silent. By being cautious, fearcan be avoided

Last Week’s Answers:

Across: 1.Pink City 2.Ramanujam 3.Sitar 4.Lanka 5.Chess 6.Kabir 7.Thanjavur

8.Manu 9.Iqbal 10.Adi Sankara 11.Karnataka 12.Tulu 13.West Bengal

Down: 1.Assam 2.Pattachithra 3.Ravana 4.Meera 5.Patanjali 6.Vishnu

7.Twelve 8. Kerala 9.Malgudi Days 10.Airavata 11.Konark 12.Nine 13.Golu

1 1 3 2

3

4

4

5

5

6

7 7

8

9

9 10

10 12

11

13

14

15