Siddhi Times-december 2007

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Editorial

From the Desk of Swamiji “Maharishi Sri Selvam Siddhar” (Dr Commander Selvam)

Om Namashivayaa!! Wishing every one of our Readers to have a very prosperous new year! Our Siddhi Times has become the 1st highest circulated Indian Metaphysical magazine published by a Hindu Temple in USA. All this is possible just because of Lord Shivji. We are coming with our 8th issue as our magazine being the talk of the Indian community all over the Nation. For anybody wondering about this possibility, the secret is that this noble cause is done with God’s support and Lord Shivji is the owner of this act. When a Lord is publishing a magazine, there is no wonder on its definite success. The Lord here is our Shivji, the owner of Hindu Temple of Georgia. Ms Minal Ben and Mr Haresh Shah are working very hard to transform the only Hindu temple in the world with 108 Shivji. My whole hearted thanks to Dada Ji, to support this cause. The goal of Siddhi Times is to empower the community for wellness and happiness. This is only possible by empowering individuals by their self realization and enhancing their way of life. One of the main reasons which restrict individual’s growth and success are the most negative qualities of human being, jealousy and envy. I have given thousands of Satsang and seminars in my life and I have talked about self-happiness. The first and foremost aspect is called truthfulness. If one is not truthful to the self, then how are they going to be truthful to someone else? If I do not know how to settle my own problems, how am I going to settle someone else’s problem? The easiest and free we always get is ADVICE. However, how many people will be able to follow the same advice? Ability to do wonderful and unique activities is their Karma. As I said in the previous articles, Karma cannot be changed, whereas we could admit our Karma in a comfortable way. That’s what I preach, practice and help the people. I have seen lot of people getting jealous

Founder: Hindu Temple of Georgia Hindu Temple of West Georgia Sri Akasthiyar Siddhar Peedam- USA

and envious about the success of Hindu Temple of Georgia. Those people are so used to experience lot of ego fights, jealous in their life and they reciprocate the same negative qualities wherever they go and whomever they associate with. It does not matter whether it’s a temple or community associations. Those people with negative qualities cannot just accept others success. They are the people to get upset and very sad when someone is happy. When one person is sad because he is unable to cheat or steal, we cannot take it as distress. The same is called as ‘thieves’ mentality’. A smuggler does not like the Customs Officer; a thief doesn’t like the Police Officer; a tax evader doesn’t like the IRS, cannot be considered as the problems to those people. They ARE the problems and their problems are the problems. The Hindu Temple of Georgia is the fastest growing Hindu Temple in the Nation and also to my knowledge this is the 1st and the only Hindu Temple in the American History with the highest servicing Hindu Priests. Also, this is the only Temple with the highest servicing priests working outside of India. All this are possible, not just by money.” IT’S PURELY THE BLESSINGS OF SHIVJI”. Many people donate money to temple with the thought in their mind to write off the same in their Taxes. It’s a total insanity that those people expect to get all blessings from God. Many also complain that they didn’t get proper blessings from GOD in spite of spending (??) all their money. It’s like paying money to our own mother for giving birth. To be a better human being, we need to come out of these kinds of thoughts. Every immigrant to USA are intelligent, why cannot we use our intelligence for a good cause or reason, instead of getting jealous about someone, or getting envy at someone? Much envy the fact that no Tamil speaking Swamiji has been able to build a Big Hindu Temple in this country except myself; however there are other communities who are able to build mandirs all over the nation. How is it possible? The unique reason is

UNITY. Yes, unity is the best tool to bring the success in any endeavor. In Tamil it’s said as KOODI VAALNTHAAL KODI NANMAI. Lot of Tamil people will accept whatever I am telling is absolutely right. Another factor which stops personal happiness or collecting the blessings is that in situations when people think that they are everything. That’s being selfish or egoistic in nature. Unfortunately, many people from our own community have this poisonous nature. No one is bigger than any one here. Also it’s a truth that we came to this great nation for a better survival. If someone comes and tell me, ‘Swamiji, I am a rich guy in India’, my question is that why did you then come to America, instead of living rich in India. The person with US citizenship sees others with green card as a lower grade; the guy with a green card sees others work Visa as a cheapest guy. However, all these people are forgetting one thing that we all are drifters, who immigrated for better life. It’s just that some came before the rest. This thought process may not hold true for all the immigrants. There are thousands of beautiful Indian immigrants, with excellence in this great nation. I emphasize here that NO ONE IS LOWER THAN ANY ONE. WE ALL ARE EQUAL. That’s why I always say that everyone came here with a purpose and live your life with peace and happiness. There is always good and bad. Instead of gossiping about bad all the time, look for the good, absorb the good and live well. As I always say, lot of people are unhappy, because they feel someone are happy. No one can buy happiness; it needs to come by its own means.

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Another important fact for being truthful and happy is to associate with the likeminded, happy and truthful people. The Temple Tamil Devotees have started a NEW TAMIL ASSOCIATION/SANGAM IN GEORGIA called Georgia International Tamil Association (GITA). Please call the Temple @ 770 447 9393 for more information. This Tamil Sangam will not have any kinds of group fights, gossips which lot of Tamil people have so far experienced in other places. This is mainly created for the benefits of every Tamil speaking person in GA. Till date, GITA includes 134 families and very soon the 1st grand meeting will be held in the Auditorium of Hindu Temple of Georgia. If you are a Tamil speaking family, you are welcome to join in this association. No membership fees, subscription fees, life membership fees are required. Your support is welcome by any means; could it be monetary, physical, mental or moral support. All my blessings for this new Tamil Association/ Sangam. The Association/Sangam is going to have lot of cultural activities and many celebrities from Indian movies and other industries are going to come and participate in different upcoming functions. Many volunteers are planning these future events to conduct in a special way. I wish every one to get the fullest blessings of Lord Shivji. Om Shanthi! Om Shanthi!! Om Shanthi!!!

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Pandit L.V.Sharma

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’m blessed a lot to s h a r e my ideas with you all through the past issues. In this issue also I wish to share some more ideas about spirituality. Adi Shankara is considered as a re incarnation of Lord Shiva. Even though he born and died thousands of years back he had foreseen thousands of years forward. His thoughts were highly spiritual. Even though he was a Hindu, he has written a lot about self realization and spirituality, which is highly useful to the metaphysical society of today. In this issue I wish to discuss about the thoughts of Sri.Adi Shankara. The world is not an illusion according to Sankara. The world is relatively real, while Brahman is absolutely real. The world is the product of Maya or Avidya. The u ncha ng i ng Brah man appears as the changing world through Maya. Maya is a mysterious i n d e s c r i b a ble power of the Lord which hides the real and manifests itself as the unreal: Maya

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is not real, because it vanishes when you attain knowledge of the Eternal. It is not unreal also, because it exists till knowledge dawns in you. The superimposition of the world on Brahman is due to Avidya or ignorance. To Sankara, the individual soul is only relatively real. Its individuality lasts only so long as it is subject to unreal limiting conditions due to Avidya. The Jiva identifies itself with the body, mind and the senses, when it is deluded by Avidya or ignorance. It thinks, it acts and enjoys, on account of Avidya. In reality it is not different from Brahman or the Absolute. The Upanishads declare emphatically: “Tat Tvam ASI—That Thou Art.” Just as the bubble becomes one with the ocean when it bursts, just as the pot-ether becomes one with the universal ether when the pot is broken, so also the Jiva or the empirical self becomes one with Brahman when it gets knowledge of Brahman. When knowledge dawns in it through annihilation of Avidya, it is freed from its individuality and finitude and realizes its essential Sachidanand nature. It merges itself in the ocean of bliss. The river of life joins the ocean of existence. This is the Truth. The release from Samsara means, according to Sankara, the absolute merging of the individual soul in Brahman due to dismissal of the erroneous notion that the soul is distinct from Brahman. According to Sankara, Karma and Bhakti are means to Jnana (wisdom) which is Moksha. To Sankara the world is only relatively real. He advocated, the theory of appearance or superimposition. Just as snake is superimposed on the rope

in twilight, this world and body are superimposed on Brahman or the Supreme Self. If you get knowledge of the rope, the illusion of snake in the rope will vanish. Even so, if you get knowledge of Brahman or the Imperishable, the illusion of body and world will disappear. In Vivarta-Vada, the cause produces the effect without undergoing any change in itself. Snake is only an appearance on the rope.

ralizing one, will lead the life in the path of spirituality. He has given them as the basic instructions to lead a spiritual life.

The rope has not transformed itself into a snake, like milk into curd. Brahman is immutable and eternal. Therefore, it cannot change itself into the world. Brahman becomes the cause of the world through Maya, which is its inscrutable mysterious power or Sakti.

2. What are the marks of an earnest disciple (sadsisya)? An intense longing for the removal of sorrow and attainment of joy and an intense aversion for all kinds of mundane pleasure and to lead a highly spiritual life.

When you come to know that it is only a rope, your fear disappears. You do not run away from it. Even so, when you realize the eternal immutable Brahman, you are not affected by the phenomena or the names and forms of this world. When Avidya or the veil of ignorance is destroyed through knowledge of the Eternal, when Mithya Jnana or false knowledge is removed by real knowledge of the Imperishable or the living Reality, you shine in your true, pristine, divine splendor and glory. I wish to quote some more from another great saint Sri Ramana Maharishi. He has also written a lot about spirituality. To Have a spiritual life we should raise some questions to oureself. By getting the proper answer, we will have the best guidance to lead a highly spiritual life. He has given the questions and answers , that one should ask himself. Then only one can ahave the self realization and by

1. What are the marks of a real teacher (Sad guru)? Steady abidance in the Self, looking at all with an equal eye, unshakeable courage at all times, in all places and circumstances, etc.

3. What are the characteristics of instruction (upadesa)? The word ‘upadesa’ means: ‘near the place or seat’ (upa - near, desa - place or seat). The Guru who is the embodiment of that which is indicated by the terms sat, chit, and ananda (existence, consciousness and bliss), prevents the disciple who, on account of his acceptance of the forms of t h e objects of the

senses, has swerved from his true state and is consequently distressed and buffeted by joys and sorrows, from continuing so and establishes him in his own real nature without differentiation. Upadesa also means showing a distant object quite near. It is brought home to the disciple that the Brahman which he believes to be distant and different from him is near and not different from himself. 4. If it be true that the Guru is one’s own Self (atman), what is the principle underlying the doctrine which says that, however learned a disciple may be or whatever occult powers he may possess, he cannot attain self-realization (atmasiddhi) without the grace of the Guru? Although in absolute truth the state of the Guru is that of oneself it is very hard for the Self which has become the individual soul (jiva) through ignorance to realize its true state or nature without the grace of the Guru. All mental concepts are controlled by the mere presence of the real Guru. If he were to say to one who arrogantly claims that he has seen the further shore of the ocean of learning or one who claims arrogantly that he can perform deeds which are well-nigh impossible, “Yes, you learnt all that is to be learnt, but have you learnt (to know) yourself? And you who are capable of performing deeds which are almost impossible, have you seen yourself?”, they will bow their heads (in shame) and remain silent. Thus it is evident that only by the grace of the Guru and by no other accomplishment is it possible to know oneself.

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5. What are the marks of the Guru’s grace? It is beyond words or thoughts. 6. If that is so, how is it that it is said that the disciple realizes his true state by the Guru’s grace? It is like the elephant which wakes up on seeing a lion in its dream. Even as the elephant wakes up at the mere sight of the lion, so too is it certain that the disciple wakes up from the sleep of ignorance into the wakefulness of true knowledge through the Guru’s benevolent look of grace. 7. What is the significance of the saying that the nature of the real Guru is that of the Supreme Lord? In the case of the individual soul which desires to attain the state of true knowledge or the state of Godhood (super human power) and with that object always practices devotion, when the individual’s devotion has reached a mature stage, the Lord who is the witness of that individual soul and identical with it, comes forth in human form with the help of sat-chit-ananda, His three natural features, and form and name which he also graciously assumes, and in the guise of blessing the disciple, absorbs him in Himself. According to this doctrine the Guru can truly be called the Lord. 8. What is the end of the path of knowledge (jnana) or Vedanta? It is to know the truth that the ‘I’ is not different from the Lord (supre human Power, and to be free from the feeling of being the doer (kartrtva, ahamkara). 9. How can it be said that the end of both these paths is the same? Whatever the means, the destruction of the sense ‘I’ and ‘mine’ is the goal, and as these are interdependent, the destruction of either of them causes the destruction of the other; therefore in order to achieve that state of Silence which is beyond thought and word, either the path of knowledge which removes the sense of ‘I’ or the path of devotion which removes the sense of ‘mine’, will suffice. So there is no doubt that the end of the paths of devotion and knowledge is one and the same.

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NOTE: So long as the ‘I’ exists it is necessary to accept the Lord also. If any one wishes to regain easily the supreme state of identity (sayujya) now lost to him, it is only proper that he should accept this conclusion. 10. What is the mark of the ego? The individual soul of the form of ‘I’ is the ego The Self which is of the nature of intelligence (chit) has no sense of ‘I’. Nor does the insentient body possess a sense of ‘I’. The mysterious appearance of a delusive ego between the intelligent and the insentient, being the root cause of all these troubles, upon its destruction by whatever means, which which really exists will be seen as it is. This is called Liberation (moksha). I thank Sri Sri Siddhar Swamiji for giving me a chance to share my ideas with you all and I pray the almighty to make all of us to have a beautiful spiritual walk of life. If we all have the spiritual walk of life the entire universe will lead a very peaceful life.

Sri Mathre Namaha.

Opening Ceremony

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crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The “Cosmos” or the Universe is regarded as an orderly and harmonious whole. It evolved from the Greek word for orderly arrangement. It is said that there is a deep and profound relationship between the cosmos, religion, the human soul and the celestial stars. Religion is the human enterprise by which a sacred Cosmos is established. Religion is a set of common beliefs, practices, generally held by a group of people. It is often codified as a prayer, ritual or religious law. Religion also encompasses ancestral or cultural tradition, writings, history, mythology and so also personal faith and mystic experiences. The French Sociologist, Emile Durkheim’s definition of religion as a system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things which unite individuals into a moral community; also relies heavily upon the assumption that man is the creator and creature of his socially constructed world. The World today is a beautiful confluence of different cultures, traditions, beliefs, religions and sects, all co-existing in a harmonious inter-relationship. There are different kinds of religions in the World, like, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Taoism, Shinto, Confucianism, Caodaism, Chondogyo, Yiguandao, etc, but the essence of all religions is in the greatness of “GOD”, “Our Creator” and love for fellow beings and equality for all.

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The roads of all religions end in love, peace, brotherhood, compassion for our fellow beings, and equality of all religions. Christianity believes that everything is a “Creation of God”. Hinduism rests of “Vedas”, which are the inspired words of God, with the firm belief in the soul’s search for liberation from suffering and ultimately for release from the cycle of birth and death. Islam teaches the belief in “Allah” or God. Buddhism teaches us that the root cause of all sufferings is “Desire”. If we can curb the desire, we can lead a very happy and a peaceful life. God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. We can feel God in all His creations. The marvel of nature is the creation of the Superior Being. The teachings of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa were the oneness of existence, the divinity of all living beings, the unity of God and the harmony of all religions. The primal bondage in human life is lust and greed. He emphasized that God - realization is the supreme goal of all living beings and religion is a means of achieving this goal. He believed that every soul can take something from the perennial fountain of spirituality and nourish his/ her with purity, holiness and selflessness. Swami Vivekananda, an ardent disciple of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said“As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear,

S w a m i Vivekananda believed that Religion is the manifestation of the divinity already in man. The secret of religion lies not in theories but in practice. To be good and do good - that is the whole of religion. Man is higher than all animals, than all angels; none is greater than man. One may gain political and social independence, but if one is a slave to his passions and desires, one cannot feel the pure joy of real freedom. He said that the real truth is that - God is present in every jiva; there is no other God besides that. ‘Who serves jiva, serves God indeed.’ Unselfishness is God. One may live on a throne, in a palace, and be perfectly unselfish; and then he is in God. Another may live in a hut and wear rags, and have nothing in the world; yet if he is selfish, he is intensely merged in the world. He further taught that, Mankind ought to be taught that religions are but the varied expressions of THE RELIGION, which is Oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best. Swami Vivekananda believed that Good motives, sincerity, and infinite love can conquer the world. One single soul possessed of these virtues can destroy the dark designs of millions of hypocrites and brutes. The Powers of the mind are unlimited and so awake, stop not till your goal is achieved. Shikha Sridhar Orlando, Florida

T

he original basis for Hinduism is the holy books called the “Vedas”. In the ancient times, the followers of Vedas developed many forms of worships and cults. And they also quarreled among themselves. So the Vedic Culture was split. This was taken advantage of to other non-Vedic religions. The Vedic Culture was facing the danger of becoming extinct. Then the great Adhi Sankara came. He overcame all the non-Vedic religions and combined all the different cults which were based upon the Vedas. He created six branches of the Vedic religion. Each of them had its own supreme god or goddess. But they were all based on the Vedas. The branch which followed Ganapathy as its chief god was called Ganapathya. The branch with Siva as the Supreme Lord was called Saivism. For Vishnu, was Vaishnavism. Ambal worship was called Shaktha. Surya had Saura and Muruga had Kaumara as their sub-religions. The present form of Hinduism that we follow now is an amalgam of all these six sub-religions, with elements of ancestral worship and guardian deity worship. During the course of time, all the other five sects accepted Ganapathy and gave Him prominence in their systems. In all of them, Ganapathy is worshipped before any Pooja, ceremony or rites. When any new venture is undertaken, Ganapathy is first worshipped. He is worshipped to prevent and remove obstacles. It is also believed that failure to worship Ganapathy will lead to problems. There are many stories about Ganapathy. He was created from the Body of Ambal by Herself. She made Him her guard. In a battle His head was cut off. Siva fixed an elephant’s head onto the body. So He was named as Gajaanana. He was made as the chief of the team of Siva, Thus He earned the name as Ganapathy, GanaNatha, Ganesvara, and Ganesha. As the remover of obstacles, He is known by the names, VignaRaja and Vignesvara. Since He is worshipped before any other god is

worshipped, He is known as Vinayaka - “He whohas no overlord”. Ganesha’s mantra which starts as “Ganaanaamthvaa Ganapathim” is found in the Vedas. Ganesha worship has been practiced for a long time in TamilNadu by the class of merchants, known as the “Nagaraththaar”. The famous Pillaiyaarpatti Temple in the Ramanathapuram District of TamilNadu was founded by them. It is a temple where a giant figure of Ganesha has been carved out of an artificial cave, which was cut out on the side of a hill of granite stone. These types of temples are known as “rock-cut temples”. This temple is at least 1600 years old. As our Swamiji

is also from the same community he has found a wonderful Shiva Temple in USA. This is the first and only one Shiva Temple which has 108 images/moorthies of Lord Shiva. There he has placed a beautiful Ganesha with five faces. He is in a standing pose as king. He has named that Ganesha as Panchamuka Raja Ganapathy.The important festival for Ganesha is the Vinayaka Chathurthi. This comes on the 4th day of Sukla Paksha, in the month of Aavani (Sravana) –August/ September. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Among the Viratha, Sukla Chathurthi Viratha, Sankatahara Chathurthi

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Viratha, are most important. There is a story behind the Sankatahara Chathurthi Viratha. Among the nine planets, the planet Moon, also called as Chandra is the most beautiful. He was very proud of his beauty. He got married to 27 beautiful girls who are called as “Nakshatras” or Stars. Among these 27 he was very affectionate to only two. They are Kruthika and Rohini. He ignored all the other 25 girls. All were the daughters of one father. So, he got anger on his sonin-law, the Moon. He cursed him, that all his beauty will go and he will become a leper. As according to the curse he became a leper. He realized the mistake and asked his father-in-law to get a remedy for this. His father-in-law took pity on him and told him about Lord Ganesha and asked him to pray Lord Ganesha. So, Chandra started praying Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha felt very glad of his bhakthi and blessed Chandra. He told him” Oh Chandra, I can make you as you were at the past. Your fatherin-law is a very powerful sage. I can alter the curse. But I can’t take the complete curse out. So for fifteen days you will grow and for fifteen days you will go decreasing. The

growing fifteen days are called as Sukla Paksham and the decreasing fifteen days are called as Krishna Paksham.Chandra got the blessings from Lord Ganesha on the fourth day of Krishna Paksham. As Chandra got rid of his “Sankatam” (problems) on the fourth day, it is called as “Sankatahara Chathurthi”. Lord Ganesha blessed Chandra with one more boon also. If anybody who worship Lord Ganesha on this day will get the complete blessing of Lord Ganesha and come out of all their problems. The Sankatahara Chathurthi Viratha occurs during the fourth day of the Thei Pirai or Krishna Paksha, every month. The Viratha starts before sunrise and lasts until moon-rise just before mid-night. This is observed in order to overcome difficulties and problems. People suffering from the bad effects should perform this viratha. According to Atharva Veda, even though a lot of forms of Lord Ganesha, thirty-two form of Ganesha are very popular and familiar to all. Each one of them has their own Mantras, Slokas, Sthothras, and rituals. Each one is worshipped following a specific method, for very specific purposes. Some of the forms are Sakthi Ganapathy, Maha Ganapathy, Siddhi Ganapathy, Lakshmi Ganapathy, Bala Ganapathy, Heramba Ganapathy, Bakthi Ganapathy, Vera Ganapathy, Uchchishtta Ganapathy, Vigna Ganapathy, and Sankata Naasana Ganapathy. Ganesha can be worshipped in many ways. There are elaborate homas, pujas, etc. But at the same time Ganesha worship is the simplest of all. Ganesha statue can be installed under a tree and He can be worshipped straight away. A figure of Ganesha can be molded by hand, with clay, cow-dung, flour, turmeric powder, or sugar and a very simple puja can be performed. He can be worshipped with Arugu grass, Nandi Avarththam flowers, Bilva, and Vanni leaves. He likes sweet fruits. Special among them are the WoodApple, Mango, Pomegranate, Naaval, Bananas, and Jack-fruit. Milk, Honey and Sugar-syrup are also favourite offerings. Channa nuts, Green Grams, Kolzukkattai, Modhakam, and Paayasam

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are also His favorites. Juice of sugarcane is offered in some special types of worship. Panchamirtham also is very much liked by Lord Ganesha just as His brother, Muruga. Ganesha’s favorite Bali is the shattering of coconuts. This is known as “Siddhar Kay”. Ganesha likes very simple, straight-forward, honest, and dedicated Bathe. In Hindu Temple of Georgia, we have made elaborate arrangements to perform Sankatahara Chathurthi Viratha. All can participate in the Pooja irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The eminent, talented, trained and experienced priests of the Temple perform the special Pooja. They also direct all the devotees to perform the rituals in a grand and elaborate manner. This month Sankatahara Chathurthi Pooja is celebrated on 12-27-2007 Thursday. 06.00pm to 09.00pm. Please schedule yourself to come to the Temple and take part in the grand occasion and get the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Om Shanthi.

OM

This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma.” ~ Katha Upanishad I Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

I

n Puranic Hinduism, Aum is the mystic name for the Hindu Trimurti, and represents the union of the three gods, viz. a for Brahma, u for Vishnu and m for Mahadev which is another name of Shiva. The three sounds also symbolize the three Vedas (Rig-Veda, Samaveda, Yajurveda). According to Hindu philosophy(see Mandukya Upanishad), the letter A represents creation, when all existence issued forth from Brahma’s golden nucleus; the letter U refers to Vishnu the god of the middle who preserves this world by balancing Brahma on a lotus above himself, and the letter M symbolizes the final part of the cycle of existence, when Vishnu falls asleep and Shiva has to breathe in so that all existing things have to disintegrate and are reduced to their essence to him. More broadly, Aum is said to be the primordial sound that was present at the creation of the universe. It is said to be the original sound that contains all other sounds, all words, all languages and all mantra The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires.

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines. It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one’s being, the atman or soul. There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of “stateless” eternity, states the BhagavadGita . Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined. During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, “Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it”. Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to

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According to Atharvana Veda, Lord Shiva has taken various shapes to give remedy to our problems. There are 108 images. During the past issues we discussed about a few of them In This issue we will discuss about four images,

- Ms Azahu Vairavan Director: Alagappa University and Group institutions, India.

Director: Hindu Temple of Georgia, USA

SOMAASKANDHA MOORTHY. There is no use in the individual life. The life gets fulfilled only when one gets a life partner. By the time one gets a life partner he or she becomes a 75percent complete. The life becomes complete when one gets a child. In today’s world as an astrologer and practitioner of Vedas, I see a good lot of people suffer without kids. To have the best kids, the Lord Somaaskandha moorthy helps much. The word “somaaskandha” is split into three. SA-along with, Uma- wife skandha-son. As Lord Shiva is seated along with his wife and son, he is in a very happy and jolly mood. When one is in a happy mood it is very sure that he will give

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whatever else we ask. This deity is also the best in blessing the persons those who need a united family and those who need kids. By offering prayers to this deity it is very sure that the prayer will be surely fulfilled.

KAALAI VAAHANAR. This deity is a very beautiful and a must for the drivers of two, four and multi wheelers. This deity is in a standing position. He is having four hands. The first right hand is adorned with a weapon which is called as “controlling stick”. The second right hand is adorned with an axe. The second left hand is adorned with his pet animal deer. The first left hand is in the head of his vehicle “the bull”. Those who were born in the rasi “rishabam” {Taurus} are the fit persons to worship this deity. Lord Shiva in this form has a control over the head of this rasi it is very sure that those who belong to this rasi will be the most blessed. As

Lord Shiva is in the pose of a driver, this pose is the must for the drivers; accidents will be avoided completely by preying this Lord. By keeping the photo of this deity in our packets will give a great strength while driving.

NEERMALI VENIYAN. In today’s situations we all face a lot of problems in facing our lady love or wife. The male has a lot of problems psychologically, which results failure in sexual life. So to say 75% male are facing problems in their sexual life. In this posture Lord Shiva is enjoying both of his

wives. This is so to say a fore play posture. He also teaches us how the female should be. He has four hands. The first right hand is on the breast of his wife Umadevi. The second right hand is on his head, holding his second wife Gangadevi. The second left hand is adorned with his pet animal deer. The second left hand is around the waist of his wife Umadevi. The lady Goddess hides her famine part with her left hand. There are a lot of good things in preying this deity. The first is, all the sexual problems and misunderstanding between the husband and wife are cleared. The second is the problems faced by the water that is either flood or dryness will be completely eradicated. The name “Neermali veniyan” is a very nice name. Neer means water. Mali means a lot of and veniyan means having on hair. That is the Lord Shiva has the water in a plenty of quantity in his head. By preying this deity we can easily rectify the problems caused by water.

PAASUPATHA MOORTHY. Another name of Lord Shiva is Pasupathy. His powerful weapon is called as “Paasupatha asthram” [snake shaped weapon]. Arjuna the third member of the Paandavaas is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. At the time of Maha bharatha war he needed powerful weapons to conquer his enemies. So, he preyed Lord Shiva to bless him with his powerful weapon. Lord Shiva wanted to test the capacity of Arjuna. So he took the shape of a big pig and went to the prayer place of Arjuna and started disturbing Arjuna with his roaring sound. Arjuna doesn’t know that Lord Shiva has come in that shape. So, he got angry and started fighting with the pig. At the end of the fight Arjuna got tired and bowed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva showed his shape and asked what you want. Then Arjuna asked Lord Shiva for his weapon. Lord Shiva got satisfied with the power of Arjuna and blessed him with his weapon. In this shape Lord Shiva has four hands. The first right hand is the blessing hand. The second right hand is adorned with a “trisulam” [a three headed weapon].

is adorned with the important weapon ‘PAASUPATHA ASTHRAM”. This is a snake shaped bow like weapon which is used to control the enemies of his devotees. In his right side Arjuna is preying the deity. And in the left Lord Shiva’s wife Umadevi stands witnessing her husband blessing his devotee. There are strong proofs like Arjuna to show the power of this deity. By preying this deity it is very easy for us to conquer and overcome our enemies and we can have a great name and fame as Arjuna has.

The second left hand is adorned with his drum like musical instrument, which is decorated with a snake as the handle of the instrument. The first right hand

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Hanuman, the mighty ape that aided Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu, in his expedition against evil forces, is one of the most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. Hanuman’s tale in the epic Ramayana wherein he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama’s wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka — is known for its astounding ability

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to inspire and equip a reader with all the ingredients needed to face ordeals and conquer obstructions in the way of the world. The story of the birth of Hanuman goes thus: Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods, had an attendant called Punjikasthala. She was cursed to assume the form of a female monkey — a curse that could only be nullified if she would give birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Reborn as Anjana, she performed intense austerities to please Shiva, who finally granted her the boon that would cure her of the curse. When Agni, the god of fire gave Dasharath, the king of Ayodhya, a bowl of sacred sweet food to share among his wives so that they may have divine children, an eagle snatched a part of the pudding and dropped it where Anjana was meditating, and Pavana, the god of wind delivered the drop to her outstretched hands. After she took the divine dessert, she gave birth to Hanuman. Thus Lord Shiva incarnated as a monkey, and was born as Hanuman to Anjana, by the blessings of Pavana, who thus became Hanuman’s godfather. The birth of Hanuman released Anjana from the curse. Before she returned to heaven, Hanuman asked his mother about his life ahead. She assured him that he would never die, and said that fruits as ripe as the rising sun would be his food. Mistaking the glowing sun as his food, the divine baby leapt for it. Indra, the king of heavens struck him with his

thunderbolt and hurled him down to earth. But Hanuman’s godfather Pavana carried him to the nether world (“Patala”). As he departed from the earth, all life panted for air, and Brahma had to beg him to return. In order to appease him they conferred a lot of boons and blessings on his foster child that made Hanuman invincible, immortal and super powerful. Hanuman selected Surya, the sun god as his preceptor, and approached him with the request to teach the scriptures. Surya agreed and Hanuman became his disciple, but had to face his constantly moving guru by traversing the sky backwards at equal pace, while taking his lessons. Hanuman’s phenomenal concentration took him only 60 hours to master the scriptures. Surya considered the manner in which Hanuman accomplished his studies as his tuition fees, but when Hanuman requested him to accept something more than that, the sun god asked Hanuman to assist his son Sugriva, by being his minister and compatriot. Hanuman met Rama and his brother Lakshmana while Rama was in exile in the jungle, and searching for his wife Sita who was abducted by Ravana. Their quest brought them near Pampa Lake at the foot of Mount Risyamukha, where the monkey king Sugriva and his ministers were hiding. Sugriva, who was being persecuted by his brother Vali, suspected that Rama and Lakshmana might have been sent by Vali to slay him. To find out the facts, Hanuman approached them in the guise of a Brahmin. Hanuman’s initial words highly impressed Rama, and made him comment: “None can talk this way without mastering the Vedas. He has such a flawless countenance, a wonderful accent, and a captivating way of speaking. He has the ability to move even an enemy...” After he revealed his identity as the prince of Ayodhya, Hanuman fell prostrate before him in respect of the Lord. Rama picked him up and embraced him. There began the story of Hanuman, which is inextricably interwoven with Rama, and dealt with in detail in Valmiki’s Ramayana and the Tulsidas’ Ramacharita manas and Hanuman Chaleesa.

out her whereabouts, he consoled Sita, and burnt down the city of Lanka. Hanuman then brought Rama to Lanka, fought the battle against Ravana with his simian army, and vanquished the demons. Hanuman’s greatest feat was saving the life of Lakshmana by fetching the life-giving herb “Sanjivani” from the Himalayas. He flew fast towards the Himalayas, but unable to recognize the right herb, picked up the whole mountain on his hand and flew back to Lanka, just in time to save Lakshmana. Thereafter Hanuman served Rama forever. The venerable ape also features in the great epic Mahabharata. How Hanuman met the valiant Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers is itself a marvelous tale. He recognized Bhima as his spiritual brother, since both were born with the blessings of Pavana, the Wind God, and promised to aid the Pandavas in the big battle of Kurukshetra. H a n u m a n positioned himself in the flag of Arjuna’s chariot to secure and stabilize the war-craft. The triangular saffron flag of Hanuman stands for stability and equilibrium, sensecontrol and mind-control, and a sure sign of victory over all that is base and evil.From the life history of Sri. Hanumanji, we can understand what is dedication and devotion.

To cut the long story of Hanuman short, he then introduced Rama to Sugriva, and began his massive search for Sita. Finding

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functions. Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water. A couple of approaches attempt to approximate water needs for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate. • Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.

Importance of

• Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. Even apart from the above approaches, it is generally the case that if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce between one and two liters of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate. You may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. • Exercise. The more you exercise, the more fluid you’ll need to keep your body hydrated. An extra 1 or 2 cups of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour (for example, running a marathon) requires additional fluid. How much additional fluid is needed depends on how much you sweat during the exercise, but 13 to26 ounces (or about 2 to 3 cups) an hour will generally be adequate, unless the weather is exceptionally warm.

H

o w much water should you drink each day? - A simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body’s need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day. Water is your body’s principal chemical component, comprising, on average, 60 percent of your weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal

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During long bouts of intense exercise, it’s best to use sports drink that contains sodium, as this will help replace sodium lost in sweat and reduce the chances of developing hyponatremia,

which can be life threatening. Fluid also should be replaced after exercise. Drinking 16 ounces of fluid per pound of body weight lost during exercise is recommended. • Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional intake of fluid. Heated indoor air also can cause your skin to lose moisture during wintertime. Further, altitudes greater than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) may trigger increased urination and more rapid breathing, which use up more of your fluid reserves. • Illnesses or health conditions. Signs of illnesses, such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea, cause your body to lose additional fluids. In these cases you should drink more water and may even need oral rehydration solutions, such as Gatorade, PowerAde or Ceralyte. Certain conditions, including bladder infections or urinary tract stones, also require increased water intake. On the other hand, certain conditions such as heart failure and some types of kidney, liver and adrenal diseases may impair excretion of water and even require that you limit your fluid intake. • Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Women who are expecting or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. Large amounts of fluid are lost especially when nursing. The Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women drink 2.4 liters (about 10 cups) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume 3.0 liters (about 12.5 cups) of fluids a day. Although it’s a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you

don’t need to rely only on what you drink to satisfy your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake, while the remaining 80 percent comes from water and beverages of all kinds.

Mild dehydration rarely results in complications - as long as the fluid is replaced quickly - but more-severe cases can be life threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly. In extreme situations, fluids or electrolytes may need to be delivered intravenously.

For example, many fruits and vegetables - such as watermelon and cucumbers are nearly 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice are also comprised mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is one of your best bets because it’s calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.

It’s generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time one becomes thirsty, it is possible to already be slightly dehydrated. Further, be aware that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either.

Failing to take in more water than your body uses can lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration - as little as a 1 percent to 2 percent loss of your body weight can sap your energy and make you tired. Common causes of dehydration include strenuous activity, excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include: • Mild to excessive thirst • Fatigue • Headache • Dry mouth • Little or no urination • Muscle weakness • Dizziness • Lightheadedness

To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following: • Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal. • Hydrate before, during and after exercise. • Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings. If you drink water from a bottle, thoroughly clean or replace the bottle often. Refill only bottles that are designed for reuse. Though uncommon, it is possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (mineral) content of the blood is diluted, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). Endurance athletes - such as marathon runners - who drink large amounts of water are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who consume an average American diet. If you’re concerned about your fluid intake, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. He or she can help you determine the amount of water that’s best for you.

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The

writings of Tulsidas, especially the Ramcharitmanas are works of great literary merit, as well as being examples of an extraordinary combination of supreme devotion and pure non-dualistic philosophy. Tulsidas was born in Rajpur, in the district of Banda in Uttar Pradesh, in Samvat 1589 or 1532 A.D. He was a Sarayuparina Brahmin by birth and is regarded as an incarnation of Valmiki, the author of Ramayana written in Sanskrit. His father’s name was Atmaram Shukla Dube and his mother’s name Hulsi. Tulsidas did not cry at the time of his birth. He was born with all the thirty-two teeth intact. In childhood his name was Tulsiram or Ram Bola. Tulsidas’s wife’s name was Buddhimati (Ratnavali). Tulsidas’s son’s name was Tarak. Tulsidas was passionately attached to his wife. He could not bear even a day’s separation from her. One day his wife went to her father’s house without informing her husband. Tulsidas stealthily went to see her at night at his father-in-law’s house. This produced a sense of shame in Buddhimati. She said to Tulsidas, “My body is but a network of flesh and bones. If you would develop for Lord Rama even half the love that you have for my filthy body, you would certainly cross the ocean of Samsara and attain immortality and eternal bliss”. These words pierced the heart of Tulsidas like an arrow. He did not stay there even for a moment. He abandoned home and became an ascetic. He spent fourteen years in visiting the various sacred places of pilgrimage. While returning from answering the calls of nature, Tulsidas used to throw the water that was left in his water-pot at the roots of a tree, which a spirit was occupying. The spirit was very much pleased with Tulsidas. The spirit said, “O man! Get a boon from me”. Tulsidas replied, “Let me have Darshan of Lord Rama”. The spirit said, “Go to the Hanuman temple. There

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Hanuman comes in the guise of a leper to hear the Ramayana as the first hearer and leaves the place last of all. Get hold of him. He will help you”. Accordingly, Tulsidas met Hanuman, and through His grace, had Darshan or vision of Lord Rama. Tulsidas wrote twelve books. The most famous book is his Ramayana—Ram-charitmanas—in Hindi. He wrote this book under the directions of Hanuman. This Ramayana is read and worshipped with great reverence in every Hindu home in Northern India. It is an inspiring book. It contains sweet couplets in beautiful rhyme. Vinaya Patrika is another important book written by Tulsidas. Some thieves came to Tulsidas’s Ashram to take away his goods. They saw a bluecomplexioned guard, with bow and arrow in his hands, keeping watch at the gate. Wherever they moved, the guard followed them. They were frightened. In the morning they asked Tulsidas, “O venerable saint! We saw a young guard with bow and arrow in his hands at the gate of your residence. Who is this man?” Tulsidas remained silent and wept. He came to know that Lord Rama Himself had been taking the trouble to protect his goods. He at once distributed all his wealth among the poor. Tulsidas lived in Ayodhya for some time. Then he shifted to Varanasi. One day a murderer came and cried, “For the love

of Rama give me alms. I am a murderer”. Tulsi called him to his house gave him sacred food, which had been offered to the Lord and declared that the murderer was purified. The Brahmins of Varanasi reproached Tulsidas and said, “How can the sin of a murderer be absolved? How could you eat with him? If the sacred bull of Siva—Nandi—would eat from the hands of the murderer, then only we would accept that he had been purified”. Then the murderer was taken to the temple and the bull ate from his hands. The Brahmins were put to shame. Tulsidas once went to Brindavan. He visited a temple. He saw the image of Lord Krishna. He said, “How shall I describe Thy beauty, O Lord! But Tulsi will bow his head only when you take up bow and arrow in your hands”. The Lord revealed Himself before Tulsidas in the form of Lord Rama with bow and arrows. Tulsidas’s blessings brought the dead husband of a poor woman back to life. The Mogul emperor at Delhi came to know of the great miracle done by Tulsidas. He sent for Tulsidas. Tulsidas came to the emperor’s court. The emperor asked the saint to perform some miracle. Tulsidas replied, “I have no superhuman power. I know only the name of Rama”. The emperor put Tulsi in prison and said, “I will release you only if you show me a miracle”. Tulsi then prayed to Hanuman. Countless bands of powerful monkeys entered the royal court. The emperor got frightened and said, “O saint, forgive me. I know your greatness now”. He at once released Tulsi from prison.

coincidence photographs

Tulsi left his mortal coil and entered the Abode of Immortality and Eternal Bliss in 1623 A.D. at the age of ninety-one at Asighat in Varanasi.

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T

his absolutely immense pool is 1 kilometer long and covers eight hectares that’s 80,000 square meters. It’s filled with about 250,000 cubic meters of salt water which is roughly equivalent to about 6,000 standard backyard pools. It cost about $1.5 billion to build and maintenance alone is about $4 million a year . Already drawing the crowds in the South American resort of San Alfonso del Mar in Chile, this artificial lagoon and swimming pool is acknowledged by

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Guinness World Records as being the world’s largest swimming pool, the lagoon trounces all other record holders in the category, including the Orthlieb pool in Casablanca, Morocco, itself a huge 150 meters by 100 meters (one sixth the size). The revolutionary clear water artificial lagoons, transparent to a depth of 35 meters and unprecedented in design and construction methods, are the brainchild of Crystal Lagoons founder, biochemist and Chilean businessman Fernando Fischmann. It seems the world has gone crazy for the massive pools, with Crystal Lagoons confirming that they are in advanced planning stages with companies all over the world, in particular in the Middle East, where, says Fischmann, companies are only too keen to take advantage of the way in which the lagoons form “impressive artificial paradises, even in inhospitable areas”, and at surprisingly low construction and maintenance costs. Currently in talks with both the Nakheel and the Dubai Property Group, Fischmann will be at Cityscape to outline the technology in detail which involves the use of unlimited volumes of clear water: “This advance provides something that until now was not technically possible - the generation of monumental masses of water in a crystalline state to provide a beach life environment and aquatic sports at the top level.” - by Upendra Bhatt

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Sridhar Rangaswamy

continue to work, since I was not able to hold a mouse properly according to the managers in Visesh Technologies. Which is a basic common criteria to work in a Personal computer or Software field.

When I was walking back home, somehow, due to Lord Sai’sgrace, my footsteps retraced itself to the temple of Lord Sai and unknowingly what was happening to me, I started entering the temple premises. Fortunately, it was a Thursday, which is the day of Lord Sai. Om Sairam Sai Nath Maharaj Ki Jai At the outset, I would like to state that I am not a very firm believer or follower of religious rites, rituals or offerings of prayers everyday, etc… I was more or less agnostic and just visited the temples, if asked to do by my parents. I belong to a devout Orthodox family from Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, India. Where we are followers of Lord Vishnu/ Venkatachalapathy and we have a Kulai theivam –Lord Uppliappan. No one has ever heard of Shirdi Sai baba, leave alone seeing HIM or visiting HIS temples. I recollect correctly, it was in December 1994, when I was working for Visesh Technologies Pvt, Ltd., Indira Nagar, Bangalore, India. That I had my first experiences with Lord Shirdi Sai.

I could see lot of devotees sitting and singing Sai Bhajans and devotional songs with lot of fervor and gaiety. The atmosphere was so divine and pure that the sanctity of the place pulled me towards it like a magnetic spell… I joined the several devotees who were sitting and singing bhajans. After a while, an old man approached me with a White Beard, who gave me two pictures of Lord Sai (Which are still with me, very much even today). And, he said, things would be fine with me. Out of my sheer enthusiasm, I asked him when will I go abroad, whereas I cant even hold a proper mouse…Since in those days, coming to Foreign land meant a great deal to the people back in India. It felt you are the few chosen ones who have the rare opportunity to make it big in a foreign environment.

It was a bad day at work and I was warned to increase my competency at work, or else I would be laid off. Here again, I would like to say that, I have a B.A. English Literature degree and no backing of Engineering or Science Degree or Experiences, but still how I was selected to do a Technical Job with Visesh Technologies Pvt Ltd is still a mystery to me.

The old man thought for a moment and said that I would go abroad within a year.

Anyways, being a tough day at work, I left office every other day to return to Hotel Guru Prasad Lodge, Ulsoor, and Bangalore, India pondering over the technical aspects of the job, if I will still

I can only say that it was a miracle, a divine Intervention, which pulled me towards it. The visit to the temple was like a blessing disguise. It gave me a new lease of life, a new vision, a new direction, to take on

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After my brief stint at the temple, I started to walk back to the Lodge, thinking that each day to work, I passed by the same temple and how could it be that I never noticed it. How can it be the existence of the temple never occurred to me all these days, when I was regular at work?

with the challenges with a renewed vigor and vitality. I continued with my work unaffected, but at the same time, sometime kept my faith in Lord Sai alive. The old mans words proved prophetic and I was selected for a job in Germany in December 1995. I considered myself very fortunate and privileged, as I was selected from the among several candidates belonging to the IIT’s, IIMs and Regional Engineering colleges. I worked in Germany for a few months and then got another good job in Singapore. From there, I think my flight of fancy never died down. I went to several countries before, settling down in the United States … From the above narration, I can only say that there is a Super Divine Power who is always watching us and guiding us. The only thing we got to do is to have Faith and Trust in HIM which Shirdi Sai Baba fondly called “Shraddha and Sabburi…” It is often said there is always a silver lining amidst the dark clouds, so we must have faith, patience, and perseverance to see the silver lining or the brighter side of the life… My true and real experiences make me feel amazed at the marvels and miracles of Lord Sai. I had never seen or heard about HIM, but I feel if you are pure, selfless and mean no harm to others, do your Karma/ duty (that’s been stated in Bhagavad-Gita Gita) with full dedication and honesty… God surely helps us, whatever name you call (like we read the other article-God is one page 15 –November issue) My experiences with Lord Sai has made me a far better and humble person and has shown me a way even through the most trying times in life. The above is just a few instances of Tryst with Lord Sai …I have many more such real life experiences …of God’s/Divinity Touch/grace in the Human beings. Peace be to ALL

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andagopal ruled over Brindavan, a city on the banks of river Yamuna and the surrounding forests. Balarama and Sri Krishna were brothers. While, Balarama was born to Nandagopal’s first wife, Rohini, Sri Krishna was born to Nandagopal’s second wife, Yasodha. Balarama and Krishna grew up together, playing with the cowboys on the banks of river Yamuna. It was one of those days in their boyhood. Balarama was attending to the cattle at the palace, while Krishna was walking along the riverside. Krishna noticed many of the trees were ruined, in spite of good source of water. He also noticed many fish floating dead on the river, and many others struggling for life on the water surface. When Krishna enquired his friends, they told him about an island, named Kaalinga Island, where a monstrous snake dwells. The venom from the snake’s rattling was polluting the river, poisoning the drinking water, thus causing the fish and other living animals to suffer. Making up his mind to teach the snake a lesson, Krishna stepped into the water and walked towards the island. Kaalinga, the snake began giving a loud hissing noise. In spite of his friends begging him to come back, mighty Krishna smiled and continued forward. The ferocious serpent rose above the water level and began to attack Krishna. The serpent extended the five heads and waved here and there. Krishna caught the tail of the snake and gave a terrible blow. Focusing its five heads at Krishna, Kaalinga aimed cruelly at Krishna’s head.

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Sensing the deadly attempt, Krishna jumped and mounted himself on Kaalinga’s head. It was a thrilling atmosphere. The snake began spitting the venom, poisoning the region fast. Krishna took his flute out, and began playing it while, simultaneously, dancing on the head of Kaalinga. Every dancing step of Krishna gave immense pain to the snake. The serpent had two wives. Seeing the miserable situation of their husband, and sensing Kaalinga’s death if Krishna continued to dance, they prayed Krishna and begged for Kaalinga’s life. In the meantime, the message reached Brindavan. Nandagopal, Yasodha, Balarama and others arrived at the banks of river Yamuna. Kaalinga surrendered himself and worshipped for the grace of Krishna. Balarama, Krishna’s brother, and Nandagopal, Krishna’s father suggested Krishna to release Kaalinga. Krishna ordered Kaalinga to vacate the place, and shift his family to the ocean side. The Yamuna river water became pure and safe for the people to dwell along its banks.

“Siddhi Times Is A Very Beautiful And Informative Magazine That I Am Blessed To Receive Every Month. I Am Learning Lot Of Values Of Hinduism Which I Could Not Learn Being Away From Home Land. I Believe Everybody Should Read This To Purify Their Thoughts And Minds” Sunitha Verma, Powder Springs, Ga Pranam!! Dear Swamiji, I Am So Much Happy To Say That My Marriage Has Got Settled Last Friday. Without Your Divine Blessings, This Is Impossible. My Would Be And Me Will Come And Get Your Darshan And Holy Blessings On Coming Sunday In Your Ca Asharam. swamiji, I Am Always Wondering About Your Charming And Ever Smiling Face. You Are Helping Thousands Of People To Come Out Of Their Troubles Without Any Expectations, I Would Say Finding A Holy Man Like You Is Very Rare In This Confused World.swamiji Please Have Your Holy Blessings Always Around Me. Thank You Gita Naran, Glendale Ca ‘Thanks To Pandit L.v.sharma For The Wonderful Way Of Explaining Relaxation And Connecting With Spirituality And I Have Never Understood The Concept Of Atman, Brahman Etc. After Reading This Column, I Am Interested Learning More And More. It’s Very Precise Information Everyone Should Read” Mangalam Thiyagarajan- Edision, Nj Swamiji Pranam!! Thanks For Coming Home And Blessing Our Family. We Are Really Delighted By Your Holy Visit Narender Patel,lawaranceville, Ga

Swamiji I Do Not Have Words To Express My Happiness I Could Not Even Believe That, My Dad Came Out Of The Dangerous Surgery Today. You Are A Living God I Would Say That, I Should Really Thank Nirupama,for Bringing Me To You. your Knowledge In The Vedas Are Immense. Also I Hared That A New Temple Is Coming In Houston, Tx With Your Support And Blessings Let Me Know, Anything I Could Do For This. i Will Give Me And My Whole Life For Your Spiritual Cause Mini Venkat, Houston, Tx “Even Though, I Am A Born Hindu And Have Been Practicing Hinduism All Throughout My Life, I Could Never Give Any Reasons Why Anybody Should Appreciate Hinduism. The “10 Reasons To Hinduism” Explains Very Nicely And It’s So Meaningful. Thanks For Siddhi Times! No One Else Can Do This. As I Have Been Reading This Magazine For Past Couple Months, The Quality Is Getting So Much Better, Beating All The News Magazines Out There. I Am Even Willing To Pay Money For This” Ganesh Vaidyanathan, Fremont, Ca “The Article On Water Is Really So Nice To Read. Even Though I Have Heard All Good Things About Water, I Have Never Read Anything Special Like This. Thanks To The Writer” Nirupama Sahara, Dallas, Tx

Holiness To Come Out Of Your Egos/ Politics/ And Get Mental Freeness. swamiji Is Ready To Help The Mankind Unconditionally.bad Bring Bad And Good Will Bring Good.all The Best Sudhakar Reddy, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca ‘Very Nice And Colorful Magazine. First Time, I Am Reading This And I Am Looking Forward For The Future Publications Very Eagerly”. Nayana Patel, Houston, Tx I Dont’ Know Why Our Own Indian Are Getting This Much Jealous When Someone Is Doing Excellent Everything Is Karma Based. If I Am Working In A Gas Station For $ 6 Per Hour, Thats My Fate/karma, If Someone Is Making $100,000.00 Per Year That His /her Fate/karma. Be Appreciative. Dr Commander Selvam Is A Gem Of The Personality. Without Him I Am Dead By This Time. He Only Cured My Cancer Problems. I Am Living Good For The Last 11 Years Because Of His Rituals Nothing Will Be Free In Usa. If You Fake Guys Are Always Expecting Free, You Guys Are The Crooks. When You Want To Find Your Job, You Guys Are Looking Which Company Is Giving Big Dollars. Everything Needs To Survive. Nothing Is Free. Manavalan Ramu, Altadena, Ca ‘Hello Vishal, My Name Is Aditya And I Love Reading All The Stories And I Always Try The Art Work That You Share. Thank You” Preeti Reddy, Artesia, Ca

Will You Be Able To Make Every One Happy In Your Public Life Being A Public Figure?Its Impossible. this Applies To Any Celebrities/ And Any Famous Personality In The World. Approach Swamiji His

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“Siddhi Time Is My Daughter’s Bed Time Story Book As She Likes All The Small Stories With Colorful Pictures. Thanks For The Kids Section” Andrea Nunes, Atlanta, Ga ‘I Have Been Reading All The Krishna Leela Articles In Siddhi Times. It’s Really Nice” Shiva Kumar , Falls Church, Va, “To The Temple, After Reading The Magazine And The News About The New Temple, I Really Want To Be A Volunteer To The Temple And Its Noble Activities. I Am Sending My Information Along With This Mail. Please Include Me The Distribution List And Anything I Can Do For The Temple And Magazine, I Am Willing To Do It”. Seetha Kamakotiyan, Huntington Park, Ca “I Am Amazed By The Editorial Column Written By Sri Selvam Siddhar. The Lines “You Could Cash Out Your Blessings, Whereas You Cannot Buy Blessings With Cash”, Made Me Realize How Much

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Important To Live A Meaningful Life Without Hurting Others Feelings. After Reading Swamiji’s Editorial, Every Day, I Have Started Making A Promise To Be A Blessing In Others Life. Thanks A Lot Swamiji!” Narayan Thirth, Spring, Tx I Am So Much Happy With The Services Of Swamiji Sri Sri Selvam Siddhar. His Knowledge In Vedic Astrology Is Immensei Have Never Come Across A Hindu With These Much Of Knowledge. swamiji Is A Living God To Me. I Worship Only To This Living Siddhar Prathesh Kumar Sani,austel,ny I Recently Had This Amazing Experience Of Learning About The Astrology And Vedic Science . He Is A True Master And Helping The Entire Mankind To Live Better. Seetha, Chicago, Il Disclaimer: The Above Comments Are The Readers’ Opinion, And Siddhi Times And Its Other Associates Do Not Endorse The Same.

Mother - The symbol of Love and affection.

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induism has a lot of saints and monks. They were intellectual giants. They have written a lot of things about spirituality. Even though they belonged to Hindu religion, they adopted spirituality, which leads a peaceful path towards love and affection. One among them is Pattinathaar. He had a very great love and affection towards his mother. He performed funeral rites of his mother foregoing the rules and regulations of a saint. He wrote ten verses at the time of the funeral rites of his mother. They are very highly spiritual and make one to have a great love and affection towards the mother. His original name was Thiruvengadar. He was born in Kavripoompattinam. He was very pious from his very early days. He was in search of a ‘guru’ or master. God appeared in his dream and directed him to go to a place, where he could meet a master. He did the same and met the master as directed. The master advised him and gave him a linga for worship. He got married and begot a daughter. He was praying to God for a son. God himself lay near a tank in the form of a child. Two persons took up the child and gave it to Thiruvengadar. He gave them gold. He named the child as Marudhavanar. The child worked many wonders during his childhood. The child wasted money on trade and the father chided him for his irrational gesture. The son taught him a lesson and disappeared. What he taught was that even a useless needle cannot accompany one in his final procession. The father got wisdom from this. He lost interest in material life. He gave his wealth to the poor and embraced strict asceticism. As a sannyasin he worked many wonders. He begged on the streets. His sister was very much annoyed and she tried to poison him. But the sannyasin placed the poisoned food on the roof of her house and it got burned down The King Patharagiri mistook him for a robber and gave him capital punishment. He ordered to pierce his body in a cross like thing called Kazhu. The Sannyasin stood before the Kaehu and recited songs in praise of God. The Kazhu was burned down at once. The King was shocked to witness his power and became his disciple at once. He went to many temples and sang in praise of Siva. He raised a person from his corpse

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near Thiruvaroor. At last he played hide and seek with small boys on the Marina beach. He stepped into a pit and never turned up. His verses towards his mother go as follows. 1. Having Borne (me) for ten months braving all discomforts, happy at having Begotten (me) taking me in both her arms and giving her precious breastfeed, such a one will I ever see in any of my other births? 2. Having borne me for 300 days after doing penance to Lord Shiva day and night, can I apply fire to such a mother? 3. Fondling me on the cot in her lap, on her person with love, protecting me always, how can I light the pyre to such a mother? 4. Having Borne (me) bearing the pain at delivery and giving me her milk cheerfully day and night protecting me, how can I apply fire to such a body? 5. How can I, instead of getting happy with rich offerings to her, offer rice to the mouth which lovingly called me as honey, nectar, fragrant flower etc.? 6. After showering rice on mother’s head how can I place the burning ember on it, without flinching, which lovingly kissed me, calling me endearingly “my son”. 7. The earliest fire lit was to Tripura, the next one was in Lanka, and third was the spark lit in the mother’s womb, let the fire lit by me now be over. 8. Alas! The hand that fondled me is now being roasted in fire. What a cruel sinner I am? 9. O Lord of “Shonagiri”, (Refers Lord Shiva, who lives in a golden Hill. This refers to Lord Shiva of Thiruvannamalai also.) Has she been burnt and taken refuge at Your Feet, one who did penance to you ‘day and night’ to beget me? 10. Mother was alive yesterday at home or in the street, today she is consumed by fire and has become ashes. Nothing in the world is permanent other than the love and affection. Every thing in the world is Shiva’s Form (Shiva Mayam). So he tells us to have the most love and affection to all and respect our parents.

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Hand is not only for writing

TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have ten years ago. WINNIE: Me! Vishal

Teacher : Goss, Why Do You Always Get So Dirty? Goss : Well, I’m A Lot Closer To The Ground Than You Are

Hindu Temple of Georgia’s Kids Committee Chairperson

TEACHER : Millie, give me a sentence starting with “I.” MILLIE : I is... TEACHER : No, Millie..... Always say, “I am.” MILLIE : All right... “I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.”

TEACHER : Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE? TINO : Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same time.”

TEACHER : George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn’t punish him?” LOUIS : Because George still had the axe in his hand.

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Saint and Sinner

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nastasius was abbot of a monastery in Egypt. The monastery had a large collection of books, one among them being a rare volume, worth a fortune. One day a visiting monk chanced upon the book and succumbing to temptation walked away with it. The theft was discovered the same day and it was not hard to guess who the culprit was but Anastasius refused to send anyone after the monk for fear that he might say he had not taken it and add the sin of perjury to that of theft. The monk meanwhile was trying to sell the book and eventually found a buyer, a rich man who asked him to leave the book with him for a day so that he could get it evaluated. When the monk had gone, the man hastened to the monastery and showed the book to Anastasius. The abbot recognized it instantly but did not say anything. “A monk wants to sell it to me,” said his visitor. “He’s asking for a gold sovereign. You are knowledgeable about books. Is this book worth that much?” “It’s worth much much more than a sovereign,” said the abbot. “It’s a valuable book.” The man thanked the abbot and left. The next day when the monk came, he informed him that he would like to buy the book and was prepared to pay the price he had mentioned. The monk was overjoyed.

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“Whom did you show it to?” he asked. “Anastasius, the abbot.” His visitor turned pale. “AAnd what did he say?” “He said the book was worth a sovereign.” “And what else?” “Nothing.” The monk was both amazed and touched. He realized that the abbot had refused to reclaim his lost treasure so that he, the thief would not get into trouble. Nobody had ever shown him such love; nobody had ever behaved so nobly towards him. “I’ve changed my mind, I don’t want to sell it,” he said and took the book from the man. “I’ll give you two sovereigns,” said the customer. The monk walked away without answering. He went directly to the monastery and handed the book to the abbot, tears brimming in his eyes. “Keep it,” said Anastasius. “When I learnt you had borrowed it I decided to give it to you.” “Please take it back,” pleaded the monk, “but let me stay here and learn wisdom from you.” His wish was granted. He spent the rest of his years in the monastery modelling his life after that of the saintly Anastasius.

Headstrong Companion O

nce upon a time there lived a Bharunda, a bird with two heads. One day it found a strange fruit on the seashore. It picked it up and started eating it. The head that was feeding, exclaimed, “Many a sweet fruit tossed by the sea have I eaten, but this beats them all! Is it the fruit of a sandalwood tree or that of the divine parijata?” Hearing this, the other head asked to taste the fruit, but the first head refused, saying, “We have a common stomach, so there’s no need for you to eat it too. I’ll

e m o

f o nt

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give it to our sweetheart, the Bharundi,” and with that, it tossed the half-eaten fruit to the female. From that day on, the second head carried a grudge against the first and waited for an opportunity to take revenge. One day it found a poison fruit. Picking up the fruit, it said to the first head, “You selfish wretch! See, here’s a poison fruit and I’m going to eat it!”

But the second head would not listen. It consumed the poison and soon the twoheaded bird was dead. A tale from the Panchatantra

“Don’t do that, you fool!” shrieked the first head, “you’ll kill us both!”

h t u Tr

There

was a young student archer who reached such proficiency in his art that he could shoot an arrow into a tree and then cleave that arrow into two with the next shot. He began to boast that he was a greater archer than his guru. One day his guru, a venerable old man in his 70’s, asked the youth to accompany him on a trip across the hills. The journey was uneventful until they came to a deep chasm. A single log spanned the chasm. The guru walked down to the centre of the log, unshouldered his bow and taking an arrow shot it into a tree on the other side. His next shot cleaved the first arrow into two. “Now it’s your turn,” he said, walking back to where his student was standing. The youth stepped gingerly on the log and very slowly and carefully made his way

to the middle. But his heart was in his mouth. He knew that if he lost his footing, he would plunge to his death. His hands trembled as he strung an arrow into his bow. Preoccupied with the danger he was in, he found it hard to focus on the target. Consequently when he let go of the arrow, it missed the tree altogether. Whimpering, he turned around. “Help me!” he shouted to his guru. “I’ll fall!” The old man walked up to him, took his hand and stepping backwards led him to safety. Neither of them said a word on the return journey but the boy had much to think about. He had realized that to be a master of his art it was not enough to know how to control the bow, he had to learn how to control his mind too.

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In Happiness Now! • The #1 Happiness Principles exploring the difference between the pursuits of happiness and following your joy. • Milking the Sacred NOW being more present, more authentic, and showing up in your own life. • Undoing Happiness Blocks like The Wait Problem, Destination Addiction, the Martyr Ethic, and Hap pychondria your fear of happiness! • Healing your Unhappiness understanding the purpose of unhappiness, learning how to forgive and let go and committing to life “happily even after”. • Attracting More Happiness using the self-acceptance formula, the miracle ethic, the power of love, and the joy of living a life of purpose. • Saying “Yes” to Happiness and how to be so happy you almost feel guilty (but not quite!). Credits to Mr. Robert H

The Old Woman Who Became a Woodpecker

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far in the Northland, where the winter days are so short and the nights so long, and where they harness the reindeer to sledges, and where the children look like bear’s cubs in their funny, furry clothes, there, long ago, wandered a good Saint on the snowy roads. He came one day to the door of a cottage, and looking in saw a little old woman making cakes, and baking them on the hearth. Now, the good Saint was faint with fasting, and he asked if she would give him one small cake wherewith to stay his hunger. So the little old woman made a VERY SMALL cake and placed it on the hearth

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- but as it lay baking she looked at it and thought, “That is a big cake, indeed, quite too big for me to give away.” Then she kneaded another cake, much smaller, and laid that on the hearth to cook, but when she turned it over it looked larger than the first. So she took a tiny scrap of dough, and rolled it out, and rolled it out, and baked it as thin as a wafer - but when it was done it looked so large that she could not bear to part with it - and she said, “My cakes are much too big to give away,” and she put them on the shelf. Then the good Saint grew angry, for he was hungry and faint. “You are too selfish to have a human form,” said he. “You are too greedy to deserve food, shelter, and a warm fire. Instead, henceforth, you shall build as the birds do, and get your scanty living by picking up nuts and berries and by boring, boring all the day long, in the bark of trees.”

Hardly had the good Saint said this when the little old woman went straight up the chimney, and came out at the top changed into a red- headed woodpecker with coalblack feathers. And now every country boy may see her in the woods, where she lives in trees boring, boring, and boring for her food.

Once upon a time there lived a little old man and a little old woman. The little old man had a kind heart, and he kept a young sparrow, which he cared for tenderly. Every morning it used to sing at the door of his house. Now, the little old woman was a cross old thing, and one day when she was going to starch her linen, the sparrow pecked at her paste. Then she flew into a great rage and cut the sparrow’s tongue and let the bird fly away. When the little old man came home from the hills, where he had been chopping wood, he found the sparrow gone. “Where is my little sparrow?” asked he.

basket, said good-bye. Then he trudged off leaving the sparrow family sad and lonely. When he reached home the little old woman was very angry, and began to scold him, saying, “Well, and pray where have you been all these days? A pretty thing, indeed, for you to be gadding about like this!” “Oh,” he replied, “I have been on a visit to the tongue-cut sparrow, and when I came away it gave me this wicker basket as a parting gift.” Then they opened the basket to see what was inside, and lo and behold! it was full of gold, silver, and other precious things!

The Tongue - Cut Sparrow “It pecked at my starching-paste,” answered the little old woman, “so I cut its evil tongue and let it fly away.” “Alas! Alas!” cried the little old man. “Poor thing! Poor thing! Poor little tongue-cut sparrow! Where is your home now?” And then he wandered far and wide seeking his pet and crying, “Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Sparrow, where are you living?” And he wandered on and on, over mountain and valley, and dale and river, until one day at the foot of a certain mountain he met the lost bird. The little old man was filled with joy and the sparrow welcomed him with its sweetest song. It led the little old man to its nest-house, introduced him to its wife and small sparrows, and set before him all sorts of good things to eat and drink. “Please partake of our humble fare,” sang the sparrow, “poor as it is, you are welcome.” “What a polite sparrow,” answered the little old man, and he stayed for a long time as the bird’s guest. At last one day the little old man said that he must take his leave and return home. “Wait a bit,” said the sparrow. And it went into the house and brought out two wicker baskets. One was very heavy and the other light. “Take the one you wish,” said the sparrow, “and good fortune go with you.”

The little old woman was as greedy as she was cross, and when she saw all the riches spread before her, she could not contain herself for joy. “Ho! Ho!” cried she. “Now I’ll go and call on the sparrow, and get a pretty present, too!” She asked the old man the way to the sparrow’s house and set forth on her journey. And she wandered on and on over mountain and valley, and dale and river, until at last she saw the tongue-cut sparrow. “Well met, well met, Mr. Sparrow,” cried she. “I have been looking forward with much pleasure to seeing you.” And then she tried to flatter it with soft, sweet words. So the bird had to invite her to its nest-house, but it did not feast her the little old woman had to go, and she asked for something to carry with her to remember the visit by.

The sparrow, as before, brought out two wicker baskets. One was very heavy and the other light.

The greedy little old woman, choosing the heavy one, carried it off with her. She hurried home as fast as she was able, and closing her doors and windows so that no one might see, opened the basket. And, lo and behold! out jumped all sorts of wicked hobgoblins and imps, and they scratched and pinched her to death. As for the little old man he adopted a son, and his family grew rich and prosperous.

“I am very feeble,” answered the little old man, “so I will take the light one.” He thanked the sparrow, and, shouldering the

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NAMASTE “Namaste” is a polite Indian gesture of greeting or farewell. From Hindi, the word literally means “bowing to you.” Namaste has also been used to mean, “I honor the sacred truth that is within you.” What a remarkable thing it would be to actually honor the sacred that is within each person we meet! Even strangers. Nobody would go unnoticed and everybody would count. The following is an example for the truth. I wish to state an example for the truthfulness. The Indian word “Namaste” has a lot of meanings; One of it is “Truth”. A man narrates his experience as follows to note the effect of truth. The day after we moved to a small town in Colorado my wife Bev did grocery shopping. We moved few food items with us so she filled four grocery carts full. She asked if she could pay with an out of state check. “We just moved here,” she explained, “and don’t have local checks yet.” They said, “Yes, no problem.” But when she began looking for her checkbook, she discovered that she had left it at home. All of the groceries had been checked and sacked. “I’m so sorry,” she said, “I thought I had it with me. If I could just leave the groceries here for a few minutes, I’ll run home and get the checkbook.” “Don’t worry about it,” the cashier told her. “Take the groceries home. The next time you’re in the store you can pay for them.” We had just moved from a large city and she couldn’t believe what she was hearing! This clerk had never seen her before. But she treated her as if she is a VIP. She was somebody! Don’t you love it when you are treated like you are somebody? Because the truth is, we are all somebody. We are all important. And maybe most businesses cannot (and should not) let everybody pay with credit, but even strangers can be treated with honor and respect. If she has told a lie she might have faced a lot of problems. Here is an exercise that may dramatically change your life: for one month treat everybody you meet as if she or he is the most important person in the world. The man sweeping the sidewalk, your spouse and children, a teenager in the neighborhood, the elderly woman seated across the aisle from you -- honor that which is sacred in all of them. Give your undivided attention. By your words and actions, communicate to them all how important they are to you. Show them great respect and kindness. You may be amazed at what happens to your relationships! You may not single-handedly solve the problem of world peace but in one small way at least, you will make a great difference.

Namaste.

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Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day; allows you to keep no cash balance; every night deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do with such an account Draw out every penny, of course!!! Every one of us has such a ‘bank’. Its name is TIME. Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it . writes off as lost whatever of this you have failed to invest to Compiled By R. Raj good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present -on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of the day!!!

Importance of Time

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PL Subbaiah

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editation is witnessing. To meditate means to become a witness, to become aware. Meditation means awareness. One who engaged in meditation, with all his care, observes the atmosphere of the surrounding. Attention will be based with awareness. He can create a healthy relation with all the people nearby. The love will form a good culture of morality. That will certainly create a world of peace. The journey of love leads to meditation. Where there is love, there will be definitely the discipline. The pure atmosphere of innocence can prevail.

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Through the brilliancy, we observe entirety of the world. If one makes certain modification, he is sure to enjoy huge profit. By such selfish thought, the brilliancy is utilized. This will certainly create a sense of competition between people. Such kind of competition will lead for clashes and disputes. The peace will not there. The actions based on love will create a peaceful atmosphere. Where we find the peace, there the silence will rule. The status of silence permits everything to a peaceful nature.

To find a fact, one should relieve from his own thoughts of opinions. There should be no kind of self analyze in the mind. You have to keep the mind in a form of emptiness. Peace will begin to rule in mind and a clear status will reach. That status will act to show the fact. Have you ever observed a child’s play? Our attentions are completely merged with the play of the child. During those moments, nothing except the actions of child could intermingle in the mind. The action seeing by a person and the playing of a child, relate to attention of

troubles and the reasons for confusion, we feel very well and question ourselves the reason for the hatred upon us by the others.

concentration. No exterior thoughts can surround here. In an affair of control, one does the deed of controlling. The other person happens to be controlled. In this deed, the peace of mind will be wobbled. The storm of thoughts will rise in the mind. There will be two branches. The conflict between one who impose power to control and the other who protest the control, comes to the existence. Similarly, the thoughts of a thinker, the thoughts of arguer, the thoughts of observer and the thoughts of experience are likely to form. In each formations, the groups of far and against will peep out and the worldly conflicts and wars will challenge the human lives in a destructive way. Thoughts should not rise. One should transform as thoughts itself. A controller, himself should control. A looker, he himself merges as vision. A researcher, himself should be in form of research. An experience should be no other than experience. This inter transformation stage should be merged and the state of meditation could be obtained. A broad minded nature and the ability to understand these stages by easy means could provide the merged status of meditation. Just take the example of keeping the home in order. We look the disorderly occupation of things. We observe it and modify it properly. Similarly, the life with

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After exact planning and the basic way of remedial measures, when applied, this stage can be averted. Similar to that, arranging perfect mind is essential before we start meditation. This is the early stage of meditation. Arranging of the mind in proper way is the beginning of meditation. If we fail to do this, then the prayer will be just considered as Bajan. It is not the meaning that the enlightenment can be obtained through meditation. Enlightenment will rise when one is able to control the desire. Enlightenment will naturally reach when we detach the passions. That too, when we realize ourselves in meditation, this subject enlightenment will enlighten us. When we inhale in and exhale out the gap in breath can be confined. An occasion will come when we breathe inside and leave the air out side, the breath inside and leave the air out side; the breath itself will have a stop. That time, is so called enlightenment through meditation. We inhale the breath and exhale it. Like wise, the continuation with change happens. In a particular point of a short moment, the breath stops. By that time, you are not in the world. It is considered as death. The breath that gets entrance is considered as re-birth. The breath that exists out conferred as death. So, your status of facing the death and getting the rebirth continues. The gap between these two is highly negligible. This you can observe on action. After that nothing is needed for you. You will be with joy. You can observe everything. You can understand the truth. The explanation is this that nothing gets generated or destructed. Nothing is given to you and nothing is imposed to you. Everything that existed is already with you. Only little awareness is essential. You have to watch sharply the breath which enters in, in the first in-hale. You can forget everything. Just by touching the edge of nose, you can in-hale the breath. Your consciousness will register the

inhaling. When the breath enters in, the consciousness also should simultaneously enter. If these two jointly when get in, you can find the gap between inhaling and exhaling. Let the system of breath in and breath out continue. The joining of consciousness also can be observed. With all the awareness and the continued process of inhaling and exhaling of the breath, there is a moment to come and make a situation absolutely without breath. That is just for a small time. When you reach that moment, you are positively at the point of happiness. Through that the attainment, enlightenment is possible. That is the same way Buddha attained the enlightenment.

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Health TIP:

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his month we will discuss another most important factor that a human needs to survive and maintain a healthy life. Breathing pure unpolluted AIR . Our human body is a breathing machine that must have air constantly or it will perish. The life that goes into every cell in our bodies depends on Oxygen and therefore AIR. In o r d e r to keep our bodies cleaner and healthier we should get more oxygen into our lungs. Our planet earth’s atmosphere that extends 70 miles above us provides the vital air component Oxygen and we all are living at the bottom of this Ocean of Oxygen. Breathing cleaner Air (both indoor and outdoor) is a absolute necessity these days than ever before since most of us spend more time indoor than outdoors. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than the outdoor air. In fact indoor air pollution represents a major portion of the public’s exposure to air pollution. The U.S Environment Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air pollutant (IAP) levels may be two to five times as high as the pollutant levels outdoors. Indoor air pollution can include vapors from household products, carbon monoxide and radon, building materials, tobacco smoke, cooking odors, various biological pollutants like viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, and dust mites. In higher concentrations these ordinary house hold matters can be very harmful to human

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health. Especially the very young and old and those with asthma and respiratory illness. Even day to day activities such as cooking with gas, vacuuming, and using spray cleansers, disinfectants, repellents generate additional pollutants. Most of the time, we end up living in conditioned indoor air, in which the same air is circulated repeatedly. Ensuring proper ventilation is a good start in cleaning the indoor air. For best results, the air in our homes must be continuously exchanged with fresh outdoor air. If you are not able to open the windows because of traffic noise or because your Heating system/Air-conditioning system is running, use ceiling or outdoor vented exhaust fans to improve the exchange of fresh air. Indoor air with house hold dust contains an array of pollutants that include viruses (that cause seasonal cold/flu) bacteria (that cause ear/ throat infections) molds, mildew, pet dander and dust mites (that cause allergies, asthma and eczema). The most effective ways for improving air-quality in your home are to control the sources of specific pollutants and to ensure adequate ventilation whenever possible. Additionally using Air cleaners/Air filters is the best secondary option that is available for removing trouble causing contaminants. When buying a air filter, look for the Clean Air Delivery rate (CADR) certification seal on the product packaging. The higher the CADR number, the faster and better the unit filters or cleans the air. HEPA air purifier systems for individual rooms is another good option that is available these days. Radon ? It is a radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of Uranium and is found in nearly all soils. It usually enters a home through the ground cracks in the foundation, floor, walls or around service pipes. Radon is a second leading cause of Lung cancer after cigarette smoke. “Radon testing”

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can be done with the help of a certified contractor. Carbon monoxide! It is another silent killer! This toxic gas, that doesn’t have smell, colour or taste, is produced by “burning fuel“. Room heaters, furnaces, fire places, gas ovens and ranges and water heaters are some potential sources of carbon monoxide. Hence, it is very important to keep these appliances in good working conditions by proper usage and maintenance. A carbon monoxide detector can be used to detect abnormal levels of this toxic gas. In addition to keeping these pollutants under control, it is also important to monitor and control the humidity level in our houses. High humidity and damp surfaces aid in the growth of moulds (a common allergen) . Try to keep the relative humidity under 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent. The best way to control humidity is by proper ventilation and use of dehumidifier. During colder seasons, the heated air that is too dry can be very uncomfortable and aggravate respiratory and skin problems. Humidifiers can be used to get rid of this problem. But care should be taken to refill the tank with pure water daily and the humidifiers must be cleaned at least once a week during regular use. In short, Ventilate your home by opening the windows and doors regularly. Use outdoor vented exhaust fans while cooking, washing, cleaning and bathing. Change filters on furnace, A/C, air

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purifiers and vacuum cleaners regularly. Do not store any opened cans of chemical based cleansers, and paints inside the house. Store solvents and pesticides outdoor. Maintain the relative indoor humidity level between 30% - 50%. Use Carbon monoxide detectors to detect any Carbon monoxide threat. Add few live indoor plants.

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According to Vedic scriptures, there are a lot of Viratha poojas. All of those viratha poojas were narrated by the rishis or monks. But only one viratha Pooja is narrated by Lord Mahavishnu. Lord Mahavishnu explained this Pooja method to the saint Naradha.Naradha explained to other saints. This is Sri Sathyanarayana Viratha pooja.Satya Narayana is the form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an embodiment of truth. Satyanarayana is worshipped commonly by Hindus in their homes with family and friends, usually on a full moon (purnima) day of the month. . In this Pooja, people worship by reciting the gracious story of Lord Satyanarayana.This Pooja is conducted to ensure abundance in ones life. Many people carry out this Pooja immediately after or along with an auspicious occasion like a marriage or moving into a new house or any other success in life. The Satyanarayana Pooja can be performed on any day. It is not a Pooja confined to any festivities. But Poornima (full moon day) or Sankranti are considered to be most auspicious day for this Pooja. Performing this Pooja in the evening is considered more appropriate. On the day of the Pooja, the devotee has to fast.

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Rama moorthy Bhattachariyar

Kannan Bhattachariyar

Vjayaragavan Bhattachariyar

Monthly Sathya Narayana Pooja December 29th Saturday 2007 January 26th Saturday 2008 February 23rd Saturday 2008

The viratha is explained in five chapters. The first or the introductory chapter deals with the timing of the vrata and the procedure to go about it. The remaining four chapters contain three stories to reassert the greatness and benevolence of the Almighty. The stories weave out such anecdotes, which reveal the significance of the viratha quite effectively. The viratha is also revealed in nine chapters in some books. On the day of the viratha, it is required to fast and perform the pooja towards the evening.. Viratha begins with the lighting of the lamp, a symbolic gesture of lighting the lamp of devotion in one’s heart. Then we pray to Lord Ganesha, the dispeller of obstacles, Lakshmi, the giver of prosperity, Vishnu, the sustainer, Lord Shiva and Parvathi, the primordial couple who dance their way to cosmic rhythm, Sun God, the giver of good health, the nine planets and Ashtadikpaalakas including Lord Indra. Lord Ganesha and Panchaloka Paalakaas should be positioned to the north of the Kalasha and can be worshipped through areca nuts or almonds or turmeric pods or dry dates. Later, the nine planets should be worshipped by placing areca nuts on betel leaves followed by Lord Indra and other Dikpaalakaas. Later the Lord Satyanarayana idol or image on betel leaf should be worshipped through panchamruta abhisheka. The Pooja runs in ashtottara or satanaama attributes and culminates with haarathi and taamboolam. At the end of the viratha there is udvaasana, a formal way of concluding the Pooja. The viratha can be performed by every devout individual by inviting Brahmins, friends and relatives. The underlying spirit is to bring in as many people as possible into the divine cult. In the Hindu Temple of Georgia has made elaborate arrangements to perform Sri.Satyanaraya Viratha with eminent Vaishnavate Priests. We invite you all irrespective of caste, creed and religion to perform Sri Sathyanarayana Viratha and get the blessings of Sri.Sathyanarayana and to have great achievements in all walks of life.

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into three major categories as Charam, sthiram and ubayam. Charam means always moving. Sthiram means stand still position, ubhayam means both combined and Jalam means water. The chara rasis are mesham, katkam, thulam and makaram. The sthira rasis are rishabam, simmam, viruchikam and kumbam. The ubhaya rasis are mithunam, kanni, dhanus and meenam. The rasis that are related to water are called as Jala rasis. The owners of those jala rasis are moon for katakam, Saturn for makaram and kumbam and Jupiter for meenam.

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uring the past issues I described a lot about Vedic astrology and how to get the best out of it. In this issue we will discuss in detail about the various types of Rasis (moon signs), their nature and about a problem faced by a lot of people those who are abroad. It is Immigration problem. According to Vedic astrology the zodiac is divided into 12 un equal parts. Each one of the part is called as “Rasi” or “moon sign”. Their names are Mesham (Aries), Rishabam (Taurus), Mithunam (Gemini), Katagam (Cancer), Simmam (Leo), Kanni (Virgo), Thulam (Libra), Viruchikam (Scorpio), Dhanus (Sagittarius), Makaram (Capricorn), Kumbam (Aquarius) and Meenam (Pisces). They are classified

Now we will see how the planets work in getting a citizenship or permanent resident ship of a country other than the motherland. The owner of the jala rasi or water related rasi should be very powerful. Then only one can have the citizenship or permanent resident ship of an another country. If the planet is in a deblated or malficious position it is impossible to get a citizenship of a different country. As according to Veda, the karma or destiny can’t be changed but it can be altered accordingly. By practicing the rituals as prescribed by the Veda scriptures, we can alter the karma or destiny. The planets are the third major powers according to Vedas. The first major power is God or Almighty. The second powers are called as Yaksha and Yakshini Devathas or Angels.

Then only the planet powers come. The God or almighty controls the Angels. The angels control the planets and the planets control the human beings. We have to pray the yaksha devathas or angel powers to alter the karma or destiny. The yaksha devatha upasana procedures are detailly explained in Atharva Veda. By properly adopting the procedures for the prescribed period we can easily solve the problems faced by us. The planets moon, Saturn and Jupiter play a major role in getting the citizenship of an another country other than the mother country. If any of these planets is seated in their own house, it is very sure that the person will get a citizenship or permanent resident ship of an another country. If the planets are weak, even though they come to a foreign country, they will face a lot of problems in getting the immigration status. Atharva Veda has told a of ways to get good and proper immigration status. The next problem I wish to discuss is about mal practices. Even though the mal practice is the worst in the view of law, fatally the mal practice itself becomes a business to a few. Let us see how it happens. We have seen and heard about somebody. They might be the worst persons. Their activities have made even the government to be stand still. For example the Osama- Bin – Laden of Afghanistan. His movements made even the government of USA to a stand still position at least for a while. How it happened? Atharva Veda deals a lot in this aspect. The planets in his horoscope are very strong. That’s why he can do a lot of mischief like this. We all know what happened to Saddam Hussian. He had a very good living style. At last he

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was taken to custody. Like that one fine day Osama will also be imprisoned. The aforesaid are only a few examples. I can give a lot of examples. Some of them have escaped and some of them were captured. The basic reason for the escape as well as the capture is the planets only. The placements of planets make one escape or captured. The planets are stronger than anybody in this universe. The transit of the major planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Raaghu and Kethu play a major role in the troubles. The combination of Saturn& Raaghu with the planet Sun gives a lot of troubles to the government and the rulers.

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The combination of Mars & Kethu gives a lot of troubles to the mal practitioners. The combination of the planets Saturn with Raaghu or Kethu makes one to do malpractice. If the combination becomes bad, they will be captured. Atharva Veda tells a lot of ways to come out of the cases. There is no use in simply consulting a scholar. But we should adopt the procedures prescribed by that scholar. One can prevent him or her from doing the malpractice. There are a lot of ways to come out of the cases arise from the malpractice. The combination of the planets Mars and Saturn leads to medical mal practice. The combination of Mars with Raaghu or Kethu leads to

mal practice in land related subjects. The combi nat ion of the planets Sun, Raaghu, Kethu or Saturn will lead one to do mal practice with the Gover nment. As according to Atharva Veda, the karma or destiny can’t be changed. But we can alter the karma or destiny, by performing the rituals. It is not that I’m encouraging any body to do malpractice, but accidentally, if any body does a mal practice, they should come out of the problem and enjoy a beautiful walk of life. As an old saying it is err to human. Since we all are human beings it is common for all to make errors. But to come out of the problems, we need some remedy, not to commit the mistake again and to get out of the mistakes. I pray the Almighty to bless all of us with a great and wonderful future.

Community Night NOVEMBER 2007

Hindu Temple of Georgia (HTG) 8th Community Night & Diwali Celebrations November 17th, 2007 A Magnificent Night of colorful celebrations, discussions on significance of Diwali festival, updates about the upcoming 108 Shiva Temple, cultural events & talent shows, lots of fun & yummy food…with sweets….. The Hindu Temple of Georgia and its devotees & volunteers celebrated Diwali festival combined with 8th community night in the temple’s grand auditorium. It was held on November 17th, 2007 from 6 to 10 pm. It was a wonderful evening for the community to get together and rejoice the big festival of India, understand the importance of celebrating Diwali, share their thoughts and ideas, show their talents, and have fun as one community in spite of their different cultural backgrounds.

The Grand evening began with a prayer by priests and arthi for Lord Shiva. Special credit goes to priest Andikumar for his grand decoration of Shiva’s deity. After receiving the blessings from the Lord, the community night started with welcome address by Chief Priest Pundit Sharma. He also took this opportunity to introduce all the 9 priests who have recently come from India. The New priests at the HTG are Raghupathy, Seshamani, Muthukumar, Kannan, Vijayaraghavan, Saravanan, Rajan, Nagarajan and Anil Kumar. Priest Andikumar was specially recognized for his great decoration skills of deities of Gods and Goddesses. This was followed by Prayer song by a little girl Shruthi.

celebrated with fireworks. Mr. Chandra Mohan explained how to celebrate everyday as a Diwali day. He said “Every one of us project to the outside world more than what we are really capable of and express superiority complex; and at the same time our inner conscience reminds us everyday what we are really worth and reveals our inferiority complex. Now, the one and only solution to our outer and inner complex is simply to get rid off the complexes and be who you are and just be the way the creator intended you to be. It is easy to preach than practice. But the bottom line is every one of us can strive for it and enjoy every day as a Diwali day with full of fun and joy”.

Mr. Madurai Mani Subramanian and Pundit Sharma shared the significance of Diwali festival and also answered some questions from the audience. Mr. Madurai Mani recollected the nostalgic memories of his childhood and how Diwali was

Swamiji Sri Sri Selvam Siddhar wished all the devotees and volunteers of HTG the very happy Diwali and advanced wishes for a bright and prosperous NEW YEAR 2008. He also added that every one of us who took their time to come with their families to attend the Temple event will get the full blessings of Lord Shiva. He stressed on being a united community and be always friendly and faithful not only to God but also to fellow human beings. To give an update of 108 Shiva Mandir, he said the Architects in India and USA are working on a full swing and completed most of it and getting ready for the approval process. He said that there is a greater possibility to start on the ground breaking early part of next year. Answering to one of the questions from the audience, he said emotionally that he is willing to donate all his blood to the last drop for Lord Shiva and want to make

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sure the 108 Shiva Temple project goes well and be a landmark not only for the current generation but also for the future generations to come. He concluded by saying “All Human life has an end one day but the religious and spiritual journey never ends and every next generation takes it to next higher level”. Finally, he requested all to get blessings from the NEW Goddess “Shulini” at the Hindu Temple of Georgia and mentioned it is one of its kind and has tremendous powers to help and save her devotees. Unlike the previous community nights, this time all the families who came for the function introduced themselves in front of everybody and also expressed their skills and experiences in different fields so that they can participate in some of the Temple committees and volunteer for various Temple events. The fun filled Cultural and Talent shows took place in the following order as part of the entertainment segment: 1.Prayer/ Religious song sung by Mrs. Deepa Shriram. 2.“Nannare” dance by Abhi, Vishal & Shilpa from the Tamil movie “GURU” stg. Abhishek Bachan & Aishwarya Rai. 3.Bhanjans sung by Shruthi. 4.“Aval Senthamil Then Mozhiyal” song sung by Mr. Bala. 5.Slokams read by Pujit & Pragna.

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6.Bhajans & Slokams by Samiksha, Rohit & Shreya. 7.“Ponmagal Vanthal” dance sequence from the NEW Tamil movie “Azhagiya Tamil Magan” stg. Vijay & Shreya. Dance was performed by Abhi, Ajay & Vishal. 8.“Ey Hairathe Aashiqui” song sung by Father & Daughter pair Mr. Chandra Mohan & Abhi. The hit song is from the Hindi movie “GURU” stg Abhishek & Aishwarya. 9.“Enna Thavam” song sung by Mrs. Deepa Shriram from the Tamil movie “Parthiban Kanavu”. 10.Hanuman Chalisa by Anchal. All the participants were honored and prizes were distributed. In addition, all the kids who came for the function were also given prizes as an encouragement. There was also a photo session of all the kids with Swamiji. At the end, the potluck dinner with several delicious dishes and all kinds of Diwali sweets were served in the buffet manner.

The success of the community night is a joint effort of many volunteers and the temple staffs. Special thanks go to all the volunteers and all the attendees for making the 8th community night a grand success. All the attendees thanked Swamiji for sponsoring such a great event for the community. Pictures of this event can be seen at temple website URL: http://www. hindutempleofgeorgia.org/Community. Readers are also encouraged to attend the next Community Night event with family and friends. Please visit the website http:// www.hindutempleofgeorgia.org/ for the next community night schedule. Compiled by JK & CM

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Sri

Durga, the Supreme warrior Goddess, out of all the manifestations of Lord Shiva, specially liked and adored the form of Sri Sarabeswara and became His consort. Durga Sahasranama bears ample testimony to this fact. Being herself a great warrior, no wonder, she liked the most valiant Sri Sarabeswara - the greatest of all the warriors, who subdued the invincible Lord Narasimha. Sri Soolini Durga has an awesome pose. Her face, even though in a smiling pose, it makes the enemies of her devotees fear. She is seated on a lion. Lion is considered as the bravest of all the animals. Seating on a lion is possible only after conquering

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the animal. She has eight hands. The right four hands are adorned with Trisul, knife, chakra and an arrow. The left four hands are adorned with Dhanus (Bow), Sankam (conch), Gadha, and Paasam.All these weapons are very severe weapons. By using all these weapons she gives the best protection to her devotees. We can easily overcome the problems caused by the enemies and planets by simply praying her. We have to light lamps with wick and mustard oil to get her fullest blessings. There is no Temple in the entire USA having Sri.Soolini Durga as one of the deity. As Swamiji is a scholar of Atharva Veda he has realized the benefits of Sri. Soolini Durga and has established Sri. Soolini Durga’s statue. This statue is established after energizing the statue by chanting the moola mantra nearly for 400,000 thousand times. We can feel the energy by simply standing in front of the deity. We have special poojas for Soolini Durga. Daily evening Sri Soolini Durga Sahasranama Archana (chanting the

1008 names of Sri.Soolini Durga) with Kumkum and a special Aaraathi is performed. On every Poornima day a grand offering of food, called as “Padaiyal” is offered. All can participate in these special poojas. You can obtain lamp, wick and mustard oil from the temple itself by paying donation. We often perform Havan for Sri.Soolini Durga. You can also participate in this Maha Havan; you can obtain the best result in all. Those who are having the problems with the planets Saturn should pray to this Sri.Soolini Durga. By praying her they can easily pacify the problems caused by the planet Saturn. This is not the one and only problem solved by her. Sleepless Nights, bad dreams, evil spirits’ troubles, black magic, evil dhrustis, jaadoo and voodoo problems, marriage related problems, court cases, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and a lot many of problems which are not included in this list. By offering cooked sweet rice mixed with black pepper, we can easily overcome the problems caused by the enemies. By chanting her moola mantra 108 times daily we can have a good health. By performing Havan/ homas in our temple we can easily have the blessings of Sri.Soolini Durga. This is the first and only one Hindu Temple in the entire USA to have the ugra Devatha Moorthies like Sri.Sarabeswara, Sri Maha Prathyangira and Sri Soolini Durga. According to the Atharva Veda, even though it is very hard to perform the poojas

and prayers to the ugra devathas (fearsome divine powers), Like Sri.Soolini Durga, the result or the blessings we get from them is very high. The only thing we need is purity in mind, dedication and devotion. By doing these three we can have the best blessings from those divine powers and we can solve our problems very easily. Simply going to a Temple is entirely different from going to a healing temple. The Hindu Temple of Georgia is the one and only healing Temple. All the temples in this world are established only by the other three Vedas, Sivaagamas or Vaishnava Agamas. Only this temple is established according to the procedures of Atharva Veda. Atharva Veda is the only Veda which deals with the healing of troubles faced by each and every one. There are two major Thantras in the Atharva Veda. One is Rudra Yaamala Thantra and the other is Vishnu Dharmotthara Thantra. The Rudra Yaamala Thantra explains the methods to use Lord Shiva’s various powers to solve the problems. For example, to solve money related problems, we have to pray swarnaakarshana Rudra. To solve the problems caused by evil powers we have to pray the fearsome poses of Lord Shiva or his consort Parvathi’s fearsome poses such as Sri.Soolini Durga or Sri.Prathyangira. We welcome you all to come to the Temple, have the darshan of Sri.Soolini Durga Devi. You can do any kind of offerings to her. By taking part in the Havan, sahasrnama/trisati/ashtotthara Archana or Abishegam (holy bathing) you can get the complete blessings of Sri Soolini Durga and get rid of all your problems very easily.

Om Shanthi Om Shanthi Om Shanthi.

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Rasi Reding, Sponsored by

Suganya Garu

Kind Attention: Zodiac Connection is based upon Moon and not upon Sun

MESHAM Three aspects seem to be very good. Lord Jupiter, Lord Mars and Lord Venus are favoring good supports for your activities and routines which will be with busy trend. The recent transit of Lord Jupiter is guiding you for a proper place throughout the year. For children and women at home, your health and regular works will be giving satisfaction in execution. The finance and the maintenance will be worrying for a little. The family burden is tight but manageable. Kids and children will be doing well and feel happy. The times for study will be disturbed. They have to pay extra care for their studies. For students, the mounting lessons and syllabus will give you tediousness. The work is more. Some time great confusions may puzzle you. Your mind will be in diversion to attend extra curricular activities and you have to give good attentions for your readings. Otherwise, you will be facing below the margin in scoring marks.

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For professionals and business men, Lord Mars may be giving a disturbed start. But the accommodation of Lord Venus gives support for a profitable way. Lord Saturn in Purva phalguni gets association of Lord Kedu. This combination will give you a scene of exhibiting your ideas and skill .This gives a better position in your career. For Lovers, the position of Lord Venus is very good. Your mood and happiness are in sweet trend. The expectations are discussed and good atmosphere are naturally happening. Nobility with the circumstantialities provide notable meets. For married couple, this month is good with full of rewards. You have experienced critical times last month but this month, the draw backs are driven out and you can experience the real happiness. Days to be very attentive are 8th, 9th and 10th of December.

By Sri Selvam “Siddhar”

RISHABAM The Lord of sign Venus is in a good position. Since it is the 6th house and in the enemy’s asterism, both the good and certain freedom less condition may prevail. Since the 10th house is occupied by a malefic Lord Ragu, the trend in job, business and other ventures will be beneficial. Lord Saturn in 4th house, proved the past months as tedious and weary. That climate is now changed. For children and women at home, sometimes the atmosphere inside the home will be with no adjustability. Actually the health and good moods are supporting but limited only. Even though the studies of children can continue with repeated advices, they will behave adamantly. Elders have to attend them with more care. For students, Lord Mars will be disturbing the studies. The work will be accumulated. Your attention in classes will help you even though your studies at home are disturbed. Lord Jupiter will be the compromiser to keep your attention and mind in studies.

For professionals and business men, Lord Jupiter gives proper support in the disturbed finance status. The money is getting reduced. As the condition prevails, by 3rd and 4th week of this month you will feel it as better. Regards to jobs and trades, there is a better change to come early. As Lord Venus in enemy’s asterism will complicate the issue for lovers, still the suspense is prevailing. Your hopes and expectation are yet to reach in lime light. The occupation of Lords Sun and Mercury in the 7th house show a scene of calculation nature on the side of counter part. For married couple, the needs are more. Your adjustment is not sufficient. Family matters may still be with great burden. Keep steady in the financial budgets. It can be fulfilled by extra credits. The privacy and happy time with spouse will be rare. Days to be very attentive are 9th and 16th of December.

knowing the fundamental affairs are tedious. Parents should take more care. For students, the first 8 days, the regular routines may get spoiled and causing unnecessary situations. Lord Jupiter guides for recovery of all energies and helps to keep them in a level to read the subjects properly. There should be no carelessness in studies. Since Lord Mars occupies the sign, the mind will be having diversions.

proper route. Children’s mood, play and educations may be unpredictable. Discipline is very critical. The other aspects of family will be in good trend. The insufficiency and need of more funds for maintenance will prevail. For students, though they do their best, the studies may be disturbed. Some complications will continue and divert your firm decisions. You have to pay more attention to score good marks.

For the professionals and business men, Lord Jupiter in the asterism ‘Moola’ is doing something prominent. The trend will be favorable. Merchant will be getting a notable improvement. Those who are in jobs will be regarded properly. On 11th and 12th the planets will be in profitable accommodation for you and the situation of finance.

For business men and professionals, you are provided with good opportunities. The timely support will come and a clear the struggles. The dates 5th and 6th will be with experiment. On 7th and 8th you can achieve progress. On 9th and 10th, you may experience some ambiguity in thoughts. During 14th, 15th and 16th you will be facing some difficulties. You have to show little attentions and watch the conversations during the dates 20th to 22nd. 23rd to 25th will be with good result. For lovers, they have to face some obstacles. Some kind of discouragement is seen. Objections to your decisions may rise. You have to keep a polite situation.

For Lovers, the trend is with continued hindrance and there is no proper time for telephonic talks too. This month, it is really a difficult time to pass. For married couple, when Lord Mars aspects the 7th house, the critical situations are there. You have to bear this unavoidable scene. The happiness is less. The burdens are more. The days which are not good for attending important and profitable things are December 29th and 30th.

MIDUNAM People of sign Miduna have to face this month with challenges. The health will not be giving support to your aims. The occupation of Lord Mars in your sign will give all sorts of tests. Lord Jupiter is giving support to face all the challenges. Lord Venus is occupying his own house ‘Tulam’. This will give good confidence in all your missions. For children and women at home, the beginning of this month will be with confusion and unsteady state. You are capable of managing by yourselves. The financial insufficiency and problems for clear settlements are getting a mixed trend of good and bad. The satisfaction is less. Children’s reading habit and

For married couple, the transit of Lord Jupiter on 22nd proves some inconvenience. The finance and the family maintenances are with drawbacks. Worship to Goddess Parvathi Durga Gayatri and Mariamman will give you good hopes and peace. The days 15th and 16th December will not be favorable and better to be avoided for any important matters.

KADAGAM Your sign is governed by Lord Jupiter is a plus point. The first 10 days of month will be proving some sort of seeding for good matters and affairs. You will want to get the results immediate. Lord Venus will be in support to give pleasures and blessings. For children and women at home, the domestic duties are more. Some of them may be with complications. You have to think deeply to make the matters in

SIMHAM Sign Lord Venus is ruling his own house. This full month will be in a supportive and progressive trend. Lord Saturn aspects your sign. This will be reducing your speed of activities, though nothing

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will be stopped. The entrance of Lord Jupiter to your 5th house will be gracing for successful nature. The combination Lord’s Kedu and Saturn will be for a deep plan of success. Since, Lord Jupiter aspects gracefully, the affair is on its way of fulfillment. For children and women at home, your plans and programs are based with essential things. You can do it as you like since Lord Mars locks your finance and maintenance; you have to do it economically and with a view calculative proceedings. Children will be happy and with play of investigations. Their education is getting disturbed a little. For students, your concentration is rewarded. Continue to do it with more attention. Anyhow, some disturbance through friends will come to divert your attention. Please fix up your mind only with studies. For business men and professionals, your 10th house is aspected by Lords Sun and Mercury to give you beneficial plans. Lord Saturn is also in supportive trend. You can make a good success. Lord Jupiter will certainly support you. For lovers, as you are planning good proposals, delays may occur. Even when you speak face to face, your aims are not expressed in a proper way. Hurdles are there in your way. It seems some more delay may occur. For married couple, the establishment expenses are exceeding your budget. Proper planning is appreciated for success. As for as privacy, it is little bit trouble some and you have to wait few more days to have real pleasure with spouse. The days which are discouraging for any attempts will be 18th and 19th December.

KANYA: The Lord of 12th house in 3rd house

will put you in a critical situation to answer certain problems. It is always better to take reasonable time before you commence your affair. In regards to domestic, financial, educational and other routines, the time will be obliging to your schemes. The personal and individual affairs need deep calculations. Lord Mars takes care of your activities of income. For women at home and children, Lord Venus gives the maximum supports to keep the things properly. Some kind of accumulations of fancies and jewels are also seen brighter. Happy trend will prevail with luck. Children will also feel good and smart. Their education and moments will be shining with good hopes. For Students, their career and studies are going on properly. Hard work will be awarded with good results. Progress and improvement in their careers are likely to come this month. Planned studies will fetch better results in classes. For business men and professionals, this month will be very busy and your occupation will be on the time of success. Lords Mars and Jupiter aspect each other. The combination of Lord Venus and Mercury will also be giving support after this 3rd week of the month. Altogether your strains, attempts and plans will be gradually picking up for exact way to give you the expected result. For lovers, the 7th house Lord Jupiter is looked by Mars. This will create inconveniences and postponements in programs. The time and opportunities are with checks. Even then the environment will be good for better understandings. For married couple, you will feel happy as for the family maintenance and usual routines. The private life with spouses will be with certain hindrances. The Lords Venus and Mercury will be supporting to give you a reward or bonus. The days which are not good to do important matters are 20th and 21st of this month.

TULAM Lord Venus will be the reason for all your moments with society to be in a way of gaining status and rank; but with big expense. For any kinds of activities the expenditure will be above expectation. There is happiness with proud. Lord Moon’s support will be interesting. Month begins with minimum income; step by step, the unexpected and new gains will reach. For women at home and children, you will be spending the times with happiness. Maintenance of family will be much better to meet new expenses. Good atmosphere at home will prevail. Children will be peacefully spending times. Lord Jupiter will be testing your ability and memory power. Some times you will be facing failure in one or two affairs. For students, the nature will be with good experiences and exercises. This month, you will be successful in preparation for exams. For businessmen and professionals, you will be scoring a steady up-trend in the first three weeks of this month. You have to show much care in your work during the last week. Otherwise a loss may affect your program. For lovers, Lord Venus permits good undisturbed times. You can speak and discuss everything and reach for a desired result. The second week and the last week of month will be notable for you. For married couple, since the position of Lord Venus is undisturbed, your happiness in this month will be certainly good. The family affairs and all the needs will be covered with essentialities including finance. No fear for big debts. The days, which are not favorable for you to do any matter of importance, will be 22nd and 23rd December.

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and Lord Jupiter will be aspecting each other for further 10 to 11 weeks. This will give you pleasures.

VIRCHIGAM This month, peculiar feelings of happenings will be influencing you. Though it is discouraging and fearful of facing the events, it will bring timely supports from your close circle. In regards to the activities, they are moving on well. It is also a time of improvement. Since Lord Mars is staying in 8th house for a longer period, your efforts are involved in complication. For women at home and children, better understandings and quick decisions are guiding for clear execution of affairs. Lord Jupiter in the 2nd house duly aspected by Mars will be giving some setbacks and at the same time a solution will also occur. It will add to the new experience only. Children will be busy in playing with good ideas and skills. For students, you will be reading their subjects without focus. Some disturbance will be coming in their attempts of studies. As your companions are highly talented persons, have their advices for success. Good days are ahead. For businessmen and professionals, you will be really busy and new ventures are also likely to cross. Your confidence and capability are in hidden form. The experiences will guide you for better profits. In regards to the job and business, there are sound progress and profits. New plans and strong holds are there for a better future. For lovers, Lord Venus is in 12th house but with ruler ship of the house. Good understanding and better hopes are on the way. For married couple, some kind of excitement will surround you. For sure there are no disappointments. The family burden will be more but manageable. The privacy and talk with open hearted nature will bring happiness. Lord Mars

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The days which are not favorable to attend most important and money involved matters are 24th, 25th of this month.

far away. Some times the understanding may slither. Loneliness will prevail. You have to take any measures step by step and slowly. For married couple, your customary meetings may not occur as you expected. The surrounding and family members will be going on imposing upon you the further loads. The maintenance and income are very limited amidst of hard work. Lord Jupiter will give you proper strength to face all the situations. The days which are not favorable will be 22nd and 23rd of this month.

DHANUR The Lord of this sign has reached your sign and ruling the asterism “Moola”. It is in good and comfortable position to grace you with good power of understanding everything. Your status and prestige are in command. Many of you will be finding some sort of spiritual experience and your heart will be giving preference for yoga and spirituality. For women at home and children, you will be engaged in perfection of duties, since Lord Mars is aspecting the sign, some disturbance or any kind of little accident through domestic, electric or fire will be disturbing you. Be aware with vigilant. Children will be in their activities as usual, the reading and gaining knowledge will be disturbed to an extent. Student’s enthusiasm and the efforts are affected. They have to repeat their efforts. This attention is most essential for the forth coming months also. Otherwise it is not possible to score good results. Lord Mars is waiting to create some inconvenience to you. You have to be very careful in your activities. For businessmen and professionals, you may be given extra burden of jobs or tasks; of course they are likely to give you development and profits. Caring for health is essentials. Care while traveling is required. For lovers, the situations might be in a dilemma. Happy trend is yet

MAGARA: Increasing experiments and new approaches are proving no good at this time. Bold attempts may fail with the tides of challenges. The financial and family problems are with several restrictions. Lord Mars is also forcing several conditions. You have to keep peace in yourself. Money spending for the essential tracks of programs also proves to be a ravage. Worshipping Lord Saturn (Sanishwara) on Saturday will give you certain progress. For children and women at home, your budget may not be sufficient and there may be deficits. The daily activities are hard and sometimes not flexible. Lord Jupiter looks 4th, 6th and 8th house to keep your health with strength. Moderate happiness will be there. Children’s behave unusually and it is tough to control them. Their trend is studies also is troublesome. Students are actually struggling in their activities. Much care and focus is needed for good career and results. Unwanted friendships are waiting to dissipate your time. Please be cautious to get rid of the bad things.

For businessmen and professionals, you are able to get good improvement and well needed money. The grace of Lord Venus actually covers good business as well as some unwanted litigation. Before signing the contracts, you have to be careful regards the terms. For lovers this month will be causing new experience, excitement and good joy. The financial dryness and big expenditures will be on your proceedings. Married couple will be experiencing good occasions. The financial condition may not be good. You have to make some specific attempts to raise the bank balance. The first and last week of this month will be providing you the privacy. The days which are not favorable to attempt important things are 1, 2, 28th and 29th of this month.

KUMBAM Lord Jupiter is likely to give some fortune. Lord Saturn and Kedu in the 7th sign will be supporting new ideas and plans. Since Lord Jupiter is aspecting your 3rd, 5th and 7th houses, the time will be certainly favorable. The trend in raising income or doing new ventures is really hopeful. For women at home and children, you may be very active and engaged constantly. Curiosity and braveness is your nature. Sometimes you may loose some sleep. Maintenance of jobs and the works are going on well. The 9th house Lord, Venus will have to give you what you need. Children’s study well and maintain the results. Students are happy indeed since the portions what their preparation should guide them in exams. Continued hard

work will yield very good results. For professionals and business men, lot of good experiences may happen. Some kind of extra profit or award will come. An introduction to new ideas will fetch you good result. Altogether this month is a month of encouragement with success. Lord Sun and Mercury combination in 10th house gives the title of expertise. For Lovers, the trend of this month will be waved with green flag. Lords Saturn and Kedu in 7th house will create a comfortable scene. You can speak all about your aims and plans. Lord Venus in 9th house is sitting undisturbed. This is a good omen. For married couple, the days will certainly come and please you. The happiness will be surrounded with happiness and gifts. The third house is aspected by Lord Venus and Jupiter, which is good. The 3rd house means the strength, boldness and stamina. Being little bit calculative, shrewd and smart in moments will be giving you special kind of pleasure. Any big financial investments that you have to do should be done either before or after 4th and 5th December or on 31st December and January 1st.

MEENAM A peculiar scene of Lord of sign 3rd, 8th and 10th are in a grade of ruler ship. This is going to tell you a lesson that “To be too good will leave you in a status of too bad.” Better keep silence no opinions or suggestion to other will be helpful to you. Your individual health and pleasures are not disturbed. Finance will be to the need.For children and women at home, the 4th house Lord, Mars will reduce your happiness and the same is equalized by Lord Jupiter. The domestic and financial needs for family

are maintained properly. The children will be doing their routines, play and reading in a suitable manner. Lord Venus is giving full support for you. Students are doing their duties with attentions. They will score considerable results. This month is a month of improvement for them. They will shine better in class with the competition of other set of students. Lord Jupiter will be holding on good as well as Lord Venus. So, this month will bring the fruit of success to you. For businessmen and professionals, you may be handling extra burden of work. Lord Mars will give the support by aspecting the 10th house which is the house of profession. The occupant and the ruler of that house is Lord Jupiter, who will be allowing you to exhibit your best talents. You can show your ability step by step and make confident of awaited income. Lord Venus takes care of finance and family matters. You have to employ intelligence in every action. For Lovers and the trend in this month will be with disturbance. Lord Mars is spoiling your plan. You have to do prayers to ‘Navagraha’. The combination of Lord Mercury with Lord Sun and Lord Jupiter will give you a kind of confusion. Be calm and think with silence, and then proceed, which will keep you progress in a proper way. The married people are waiting for some better occasions but Lord Mars will give you disturbance. As far as the needs for money and expenses, it is over ruled and your privacy and real happiness is getting a draw back. Avoid engagements on the days like Tuesday and Wednesday. Being a family person, some sort of continued pressure will be ruling over you. The days which are not favorable to investment are 6th and 7th of December.

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Charitable Giving F

or the last several months enormous amounts of money has flown into charitable causes the world over and it is said that the appetite for ‘ giving ‘ is huge. This should help alleviate some of the problems of the world, especially in developing countries, and support numerous noble causes at home. Advisors need to present ‘Charitable Giving ‘ to their employer/groups clients, as the time is very favorable for such a discussion and the tax implications and benefits to the society at large enormous. Below are some facts, I mention to my group clients on charitable giving, and for setting up a private foundation. Sometimes I make a few peanuts out of the giving program, but most of the time the job is completely voluntary, and provides me with satisfaction of enhancing the cause of charity. 1. Charitable giving maximizes the support to the causes one cares about. Giving is one of life’s greatest satisfactions. It allows you to share your financial success with loved ones and establish a legacy to benefit future generations. 2. Before making a gift or donation, one needs to know some facts about charitable giving to maximize the benefits of the gift to the recipient and save undue costs. 3. Gifts are irrevocable. The donor must release all control and title over the asset for the gifting process to be complete. Gifts can trigger taxes. Gift taxes are levied on donor, not the recipient. 4. Most gifts are tax-exempt. Five gifts that do not trigger gift taxes are : a. Any gift to a spouse, in any amount, because there is an unlimited marital deduction provision. Spouses should be US residents/citizens. b. Gifts up to $12,000 (for tax year 2006) a year, per donor/recipient to any number of individuals. This is called annual exclusion. The gift should be available to the recipient for immediate use/possessions/enjoyment.

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c. A spouse’s gift that follows the above rule to the same individual(s). The total annual exclusion to a married couple is, thus, $24,000. The IRS considers them to be split gifts -- $12,000 from each spouse. d. Gifts to charities and/or political organizations. These may have ramifications, however, the wise donor uses caution with such gifts. e. Paying medical and/or educational/ tuition expenses for other person, especially when it is directly to the institution(s). To qualify as a gift, transfer during one’s lifetime, of cash, securities, property or any other kind of asset should be permanent and irrevocable. Some gifts may require the donor to pay a gift tax. These could be : A. Amounts over the annual exclusion of $12,000 or $24,000 to any individual in a single year. B. Any gift of any size not available to the recipient for immediate Use/enjoyment/possession. C. Medical and/or educational/tuition expenses not paid directly to Institution concerned. If one makes a gift that is taxable, the IRS requires you to file a gift tax return, IRC form 709, and keep copies indefinitely. Filing the gift tax return does not mean one has to pay gift tax, which is at about 55% rate currently. Presently we all have a lifetime exemption equivalent to about $1 million. Hence large gifts will reduce our lifetime exemption and increase our liability to estate taxes at the time of our death, by the amount gifted. A future increase in exemption limits, a repeal of estate taxes, imposition of higher/newer state estate taxes and other provisions in the tax rules after the year 2010 are still undecided, and being discussed by the congress. With proper planning today, one can realize immediate tax benefits, enhance the quality of life for loved ones, and increase the scope of some organizations,

by gifting. Even with modest amounts, one can create a foundation or join many of the foundations already established for charitable giving programs. Creative gift giving can lower the overall taxes for the donor, and benefit loved ones and favorite causes. Gifts or transfers of assets to minors (UGMA/UTMA), children, grandchildren have been popular for a long time. New education and college savings plans have extended the scope of giving even further. In addition to children/grandchildren, gifts can be designed to take care of the long-term needs of parents/grandparents on a taxdeductible, tax-favorable basis. To secure current and future income for yourself and loved ones and enable one to leave a philanthropic legacy, one can set up a tax-deductible annuity program. Many such legitimate and excellent programs are available. A qualified tax attorney, a financial planner, or a competent accountant can provide further insight into charitable giving. The paperwork on these programs usually are simple and easy to execute. For complicated estates, charitable remainder lead trusts and other instruments may be designed to manage funds in tax-efficient ways to provide the maximum benefit to all concerned. By Arun Misra, Ph.D.

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