DAKSHINA MURTY SHIVA

 

 

Bhagavan Shiva is generally depicted as destructive power among the trinity- while Brahma creates, and Vishnu protects the Universe. Similarly, Shiva is worshipped in a symbolic form- Shiva Lingam. Shiva shrines are the oldest in our land. However, there is a tradition of worshipping him as a benefactor and Guru. This form is Sri Dakshinamurty, with several images installed in Shiva temples mostly in Southern India. Some scholars identify Yogishvara image in Ellora with this form of Shiva.

There are images of Dakshinamurty in many temples more in South India than elsewhere. He has 4 arms, holding Akshamala and Pustakam, and snakes in other two. A Stotram attributed to Adi Shankaracharya describes him as:

चित्रं वटतरो.....  वृद्धाः शिष्याः गुरुर्युवा |

गुरोस्तु मौनं व्याख्यानं शिष्यास्तु छिन्न संशायाः |

It is indeed surprising to see while disciples assembled under the banyan tree are elderly, the teacher is young and his way of teaching is Silence, clearing all doubts of disciples.

Another interesting anecdote of Lord Shiva, in meditation under Yogavata vriksham is described in 4^th Skandham of Srimad Bhagavatam:

तस्मिन् महायोगमये मुमुक्षु शरणे सुराः |

ददृशुः शिवमासीनं त्यक्तामर्शमिवान्तकम् ||

(Srimad Bhagavatam, Sk 4^th, ch. 7, 7 )

After destroying Daksha Yajnam, Rishis saw Lord Shiva, sitting under Yogavata Vriksha, like Lord of Death, as if he is relaxing after dissolution.  Several prominent Maharshis gathered there to listen his exposition of Sacred lore.

However, Puranic stories connected to Bhagavan Shiva have no reference to his Avatar as a Guru, since he is destructive in nature of all evil forces. Teaching in silence however, is an attribute of Lord Buddha, who is termed as ‘avachanam Buddhavachansam’, which clearly says Words of Buddha is Silence. Of course, his disciples are much elderly to him while he was a young man.

There is an earlier commentary on Dakshina Murty Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya’s direct disciple Sri Sureshvaracharya himself, who headed his Pitha at Sringeri, Karnataka after Shankaracharya. His commentary refers more to tenets of Advaita Vedanta, than this form of Shiva.

There are many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South and North of India. However, the image of Shiva as Dakshina Murty is worshipped only in South, while there is a Shiva Lingam named Dakshina Murty at the famous shrine of Mahakaleshvar, Ujjayini. Dakshina Murty appears in more than form and posture. At some places, he sports Veena, has Parvati by his side, reclines like Anantashayana, a form of Vishnu.

According to researchers there are several variables in the forms of Dakshina Murty, like Dharma Vyakhyana Murty, Veenadhara Murty, Jnana Murty, Yoga Murty, Kamadahana Murty, based on episodes from Shaiva lore and Purana texts. In all such forms the Lord is seen seated under Banyan tree (Yoga Vatavriksha). Dakshina Murty means God of Wisdom, clarity, and blessing devotees with knowledge of scriptures.

Dakshina Murty images are traced as early as 650 CE, some images called aalamarachelvan and takkinan in Tamil land, during Sangam era. However, such images on Rajagopurams are a little recent as late as 300-400 years, like those on the main tower of Meenakshi temple, Madurai. They can be seen commonly in constructions in later Chola and Pandian rules in South.

In most of above images the Lord is seated in Virasana, Maharajalilasana, in a grand manner with or without attendants. Interesting enough, an image of ardhanari form- with the left part portrayed as Parvati, his consort and right, Dakshina Murty himself. A host of Rishis, his attendants like Virabhadra, 9 rishis on either side along with Agastya. Perhaps, only one such image exists according to studies.

Dakshina Murty is placed at a separate corner of Shiva shrines, keeping his right feet above left, crushing a demon Apasmaara, under him. Normally devotees get their kids’ initiation to learning Alphabets (aksharabhyasam) here, and also pray for removal of Gurugraha Dosham in their horoscope on advice of astrologers.  

Normally, he appears in Meditative pose, teaching many Rishis, some closing their palms in reverence to a Guru ( Anjali bandha). In all such structures of a Dhyana Murty, we see Shiva holding torches on upper hands, and a Japa Mala and books at the lower hands, with four hands in all. Regular features of Shiva with Damaru, Shoola, Pasha and snake around neck are absent. He is in an ideal state of a Meditative Yogi.

However, Dakshina Murty is eulogised in few stotras, Kalpas, with a Dakshinamurty Upanishad in his name, teaching Advaita Vedanta. His leelas find place in Sangam period’s literature in Tamil. He is popular as Lord of wisdom even in several places of worship in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in several Shiva shrines.

 

Dakshina Murty image in a temple, Kerala.

UGRA NARASIMHA TEMPLE - KADIRI

  

Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy temple at Kadiri in Ananta Puram District of Andhra Pradesh, 176 KMs from Bengaluru, has been a house deity of many Telugus, Kannadigas and others in Andhra and Karnataka regions. The grand old temple in this hilly region where several Indian Mulberry trees ( Khadira)  existed in the thick forest.

The town Kadiri bears its name from the Sanskritized version - Khadira, has a recorded history of at least 650 years. There are a few inscriptions on the walls of this temple in Telugu. One such on the southern wall of the shrine records that this was built by one Narasa Nayaka, a Mandalik of Bukka I of early Vijayanagar dynasty dated 1332 AD.

This temple has the main deity Ugra Narasimha, 4^th Avatar of Lord Vishnu, to kill Hiranyakahipu, while his son Prahalada was his great devotee. The black Saligrama  stone image has 16 hands, 8 on either sides, holding Shankha, Chakra and other weapons. Prahlada the prince,  stands with folded hands on his right. Narasimha here holds his enemy Hiranyakashipu ( the demon with golden hued hairs) on his lap, and peeling of his intestine with his nails. This story from the 7^th Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatam narrates how the demon proclaimed himself as supreme, and his son Prahlada,  born to Kayadu, his queen disagreed to follow his arrogant father, as he was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, and was taught Vaishnava practices by the sage Narada, when his queen  Kayadu was carrying him in her womb. When the demon  Hiranyakashipu’s misdeeds on his own son Prahlada, trying  to kill him, and several people of his kingdom reached intolerable, Lord Vishnu manifested from a pillar in his court hall, and saved his devotee.

The inscriptions in the temple belong  mostly to the Vijayanagar period and another of them, dated 1333,  records the gift of a crown  jewel to the idol by one Gopanna,   an officer under Kempanna Odeyar, probably a  contemporary of the great Sri Vaishnava saint, Vedanta Desikar. Another   inscription of 1529 A.D. mentions  the development of the temple by a prominent ruler   of Tadipatri,  Ramanayaka, who  constructed the Vasanta mandapam for the summer festivities, when the Annuual Rathotsavam,  in Vaishakha Month ( March-April)  occurs. adjacent to the prakaram, called Veyyi Kambhala  mandapam, a hall with one thousand pillars,  in which mass feeding is done on festivities of the temple. This is built in Dravidian style with intricate carvings of Dashavataras of Vishnu and stories from Vishnu Purana and Bhagavatam.   Earlier, Krishnadevaraya and his son Tirumalaraya had modified this shrine.  The temple in its present state was renovated a couple of times, the prominent one in 1953.

One such occasion is special Abhishekam ceremony to Lord Narasimha on the day of Swati star, considered as star of his manifestation.   The temple car  is believed  to be the biggest in weight in South India  has erotic carvings. The present  temple was built by  Ranganayudu, a Palegar of Pathapatnam, from the far away Srikakulam, to show his gratitude to the lord for blessing him with a son.

A big banyan tree, near this town has entered Guinness Book of world records for its height. This town has great Telugu Poet Vemana’s Ashram, churches and Masjids as Muslims live here in sizeable numbers.

A Kannada Vaishnava poet  Thippanarya,   is the author of  the popular Hanumadvilasa, a poem, dedicated his poem to Khadri Narasimha,  which was popularly sung during the month of Shravana  and Saturdays,  till recently in Kolar and adjoining districts of Karnataka. He lived in Gudibande, now in Chikkaballapur Disrict as an Accountant with a chieftain in about 1785, and was a staunch devotee of Lord Ugra Narasimha of Kadiri.

He was very humble and kind towards the poor farmers of this semi arid region, and exempted taxes from them during the drought and bad times. This made the Reddy chieftain of the place furious, who put him in jail. He is supposed to have composed Hanumandvilasa, in praise of Hanuman, during his 41  days of imprisonment, when a monkey released him from the jail. This poem used to be sung in houses and temples  during evening Bhajans,  in my childhood.

Temple Timings :  6:30 to 12:45 & 04:30 to 8:30

Best season to visit: All months of the year.

Car Festival & Narasimha Jayanti: March/April- Vaishakha month of Hindu calendar.

Special Abhisheka: Swati star.

How to reach there: By road on Bengaluru- Hyderabad Highway, take a deviation after Gudibande, as shown by the Name plate. Kadiri has a kaccha approachable road from Highway, of 9 Kms.  Drive carefully.  Lodges are available nearby.

 

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UDUPI SRI KRISHNA

 

Sri Krishna statue at Udupi was conscrated by Acharya Madhva, after establishing a firm foundation for his Dvaita Philosophy, travelling across Bharat twice. His clarity of thought about the Supreme Brahman as Vishnu, His supremacy over other dinities was an epoch making appraoach in 13th century. 

The Salirama shila idol of Balakrishna, was dicovered by Madhva near sea shore, Malpe, Udupi. He personally brought this wonderful image of Krishna, which was earlier at Rukmini's personal garden, Dwaraka. It was lying in the sea for a long time, which only Madhva could visualise. This image is a bit unusual form of Krishna, as an 6 year old boy, standing with a post in his hand, as if to guard the cattle. 

The Dhyansloka says: Bhyshmmi- Madhva kararchitam- Bhagavan Krishna worshipped eralier by Rukmini, and now by Madhva at Udupi . The image is worn out due to years of salt contact in sea, hence not clear. Moreover, due to Abhisheka each day with Milk, Honey and curds have made it corroded, otherwise it is a beautiful image of a boy smiling. 

There were earlier rumours about the identity of image as Skanda, Devi and so on, which is utter lie and fantacy. It is Dandadhari Krishna, in his childhood. He has marks of Upavita, crown of a prince, and ear rings. 

SRI VENUGOPALA KRISHNA, MULABAGILU.

Sri Vyasatirtharu was a student of Sri Lakshminarayana Yogi ( Sripadarajaru) at Mulabagilu, before he moved to Kanchipuram. There are at least 3 monuments related to Vyasarajaru at Mulabagilu. He has consecrated Sanjiva Rayaru at Sripadaraja Matha, and one at Narasimha tirtha also, There's a cave in Narasimha tirtha vicinity next to Narasimha srine, where he did daily ahnika and manana. He had a Mutt at the town where he appointed one Sri Prajna tirtha to manage a Gurukulam for students, being one among 9 he started. A beautiful statue of Venugopala is inside the Matha in the town.

ನಮ್ಮೂರು ಮುಳಬಾಗಿಲಿನ ಒಳಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಹೊರವಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲವಾರು ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಗಳಿವೆ; ಕೆಲವಕ್ಕೆ ನಿತ್ಯ ಪೂಜೆಯಿಲ್ಲದೆ ವಾರ ಪೂಜೆ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಪ್ರತಿ ಭಾನುವಾರ ಗುಡಿ ಸುತ್ತುವುದು ನಾವು ಕೆಲವರ ಕೆಲಸ. ನಮ್ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಸ್ಟರಿ ಓದುವುದು, ಬಿಎ ಮಾಡುವುದು ತೀರ ಶ್ರೀಮಂತರ ಸೋಮಾರಿಗಳ ರೀತಿ; ಸೈನ್ಸು ಓದುವರು ಬುದ್ಧಿವಂತರು, ಬಹುಶಃ ಈಗಲು ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಇದೆ. ಇಂಜಿನೀಯರಿಂಗ್ ಓದಿದವರು ಪರಮ ಬುದ್ಧಿವಂತರು! ಮ್ಯಾಥ್ಸ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿಯೋರೇ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಹಾಗೆ!

ಹೀಗಿರುವಾಗ, ದೇವಾಲಯ ಸುತ್ತುವವರಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಎಂಜಿಕೆ ( ಅವರಿಲ್ಲ), ಕುರುಡುಮಲೆಯ ನರಸಿಂಹನ್ ( ಕಾಲೇಜು ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಉಪನಿರ್ದೇಷಕರಾಗಿ ಈಗ ನಿವೃತ್ತ, ಆದರೆ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರತ) , ಪ್ರಭಾಕರ ರಾವ್, ಹೀಗೆ ಹಲವರು ಇರುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ನಾವು ಪರಮ ಕುತೂಹಲಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋದಾಗ, ಬಾಗಿಲು ಮುಚ್ಚಿಯೋ, ಯಾರೋ ಒಬ್ಬ ವೃದ್ಧ ಬೀಡಿ ಸೇದುತ್ತಾ, ತೆಲುಗುನಲ್ಲಿ ಆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತನಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಕಥೆ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ. ಶಾಸನಗಳು

ಒಗೆಯುವ ಕಲ್ಲುಗಳಾಗಿ ಅದರ ಮೇಲೆ ಬಟ್ಟೆ ತೊಳೆಯುವ ಸಾಧನಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದವು. ಅಕ್ಷರ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಲೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯಾಸರಾಜ ಮಠವಿತ್ತು, ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಅತಿ ಸುಂದರ ವಿಗ್ರಹವಾಗಿ ಪೂಜೆಗೊಳ್ಲುತ್ತಿದ್ದ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತುಳಸೀ ಕಟ್ತೆಯೋ ವ್ರುಂದಾವನವೋ ಇದ್ದು, ಅದರ ಮುಂದೆ ಕರವ ಮುಗಿದ ಮುಖ್ಯಪ್ರಾಣ ವಿಗ್ರಹ ಮುದ್ದಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸತೀರ್ಥರು ಮುಳಬಾಗಿಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜರ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಿರಬಹುದು. ಈಗ ಕಟ್ತಡ ಹಳೆಯದಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ, ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ದುರಸ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲನ ಸ್ಥಳ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಯಾಗಿದೆ; ಮುಂಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೀಠದ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪ್ರಾಣನಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ಸುಮಾರು 1550-80 ರ ಅವಧಿಯ ಈ ಸುಂದರ ವಿಗ್ರಹ ಸುಮಾರು ಜನರ ಕಣ್ನಿಗೆ ಬಿದ್ದಿಲ್ಲ. ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಇದು ಮಠದ ಒಳಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಫೋಟೋ ಕೃಪೆ: ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸರಾಜ ಆಂಜನೇಯ . ( ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು)

KANCHI SUBBARAYARU

I was attending annual Sabhas at SMSO Tiruchanur, till my PUC. It was a lovely experience to face tests given by Panditas on Madhvavijaya, Shastra texts, Grammar and Nyaya. In fact i had won I prizes two years, 1961, 1963. When asked to repeat Slokas from Madhvavijaya and Tirthaprabadha, I could repeat them error free!

Sri Subba Rao, with Kanchi in his surname was working as an Advocate in Madras Presidency, and later occupied the chair of Madrss High Court as Sr Judge, Aa a beneficiary, I must mention the name of Sri Kanchi Subbarao, a donor who founded SMSO in 1881. Though he had diffrence of opinion with Uttaradi Matha, during Sri Satyaveera swamiji, by banning SMSO for Matha students/ scholars, he continued his Scheme to help merited/poor students of Madhva commnity, after paying Matha a fine of 2000/ for his sin in the eyes of those who complained about him.

Sadly enough nobody remembers him except people like me who cannot forget him , when I see the Prices from SMSO,a silver set for Sandhyavandanam! Public Memory is hopelessly short indeed!

MADHVA SECTS - SHASTIKAS

 Madhvas in Karnataka are mainly comprised of Deshastha and Aruvattokkalu sects. While some Deshasthas spoke Marathi in those areas, others spoke onlly Kannada. Shasthtikas are 60 families of various Gotras migrated to Karnataka from Ahichatrapura, Punjab, during Pre-Vijayanagar period.

ಷಾಷ್ಟಿಕ ವಂಶ ಪ್ರದೀಪ ( Aruvattu Okkalu) of Dr Ranya Raja rao, published in 1981 says Madhva Gurus like Sri Akshobhya tirtha, Jayatirtha, Sripadaraja, Vyasaraja, Vijayindra, Vibudhendra- Raghavendra Tirtha  (Bigamudre - of keeping keys ) were  born in the celebrated families of Ministers of Jamakhandi Province, ruled by various rulers. 

The ancestors of Yatis, belonging to 27 Gotras were highly intelligent, wise, some warriors, finance advisors, Commandants of the Empire. Sri Akshobhya was paternal uncle of  Jayatirtha, Rajendra Tirtha,  Sripadaraja, Brahmanya Tirtha, Vyasatirtha were born in matrilineal line of the family. The 227 Page book is now relegated to the background.

Sri Vedavyasa Avatara.

 

वेदव्यास गुणावास विद्याधीश सतां वश |

मां निराशं गतक्लेषं कुर्वनाशं हरेनिशम् ||

Sri Madhvacharya describes Vyasa Avatara in 10th chapter of MBT. nirnaya. Sage Vasishta had 100 sons, of which Shakti is one who is the father of Parashara. He performed Tapas to get Sri Hari himself as son. He married Sattyavati, daughter of chief of fishermen. Varna system in Dwaparayuga was different. Satyavati is the daughter of Vasu, hence called Vaasavi. Sri Hari was born to her as Dvaipayana. He was dark in complexion, called Krishna, born in an island, hence the Name Krishna Dwaipayana. Some call him as a Virgin's child, Kaaneena, which is incorrect. HeVedavyasa revealed himself amidst river Yamuna.

Krishna was a bright child and he immediately asked his father Parashara to perform Upanayana. His Upanayana went on for 7 days, which was graced by all Rishis.Soon after, the LOrd went to Meru, with Brahma and Rishis and immediately began arranging Vedas which were distorted by Asuras. HEnce called Arranager- Vyasa. He composed Vedanta Sutras, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and Puranas.All DEvatas learnt these from the LOrd. Vedavyasa toured along three worlds to enlighten noble people.

Meanwhile Rudradeva performed Tapas to be born as his son, as SEva to Him to preach noble thought on the world for mortals. he was granted the boon, and Rudra is born as Shuka to Vyasadeva. He was born to Vyasa without contact of a women. Vayudeva entered him and is the driving force to preach Shastras to all deserving Souls. Hence Vyasadeva could directly impart the core knowledge of Vedic lore directly to him. Similarly the 4 shishyas of Vyasadeva are inspired by Sesha, Garuda, Brahmaa, and Indra in Paila, Sumantu, Vyashampayana and Jaimini.

The Lord began putting Puranas straight by editing them. Based on their content, they were classified as Satvika, Rajasa and Tamasa Puranas. THere ae 6 Satvika Puranas- Vishnu, Narada, Bhagavata, Garuda, Padma and Varaha. 6 Rajas Puranas- Brahma, Brahmanda, Brahmavaivarta, Markandeya, Bhavishya and Vamana puranas. Matsya, Kurma, Linga, Shiva, Skanda and Agni Puranas are Tamasa Puranas based on their content. Satvika Puranas are based on Pancharatra, Rajasa on suerficial referenes in Vedic lore and Tamasa ones are based on Pashupata Agama.

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