GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER (ON 25TH MARCH 2016)


GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER

(ON 25TH MARCH 2016)

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY

Amongst all Fridays’, the most Holy,
Call it a Good Friday or a Somber Friday,
But one thing can hardly be overlooked
It is a day of reckoning for humanity
When our heart is filled with a feeling of emptiness
Grief is writ large on the faces
Of those who truly know about this Good Friday.

Prayers and fasting are common features on this day
This Solemn Day is observed as an anniversary
Whence our most revered Jesus Christ
Left his corporeal body on this planet
To meet the Supreme Spirit
Good Friday’s purity remains alike

For a commoner or a priest.
A Day which we reminisce,
When our dearly loved Lord Jesus Christ,
Offered himself on the Cross,
Without even a slightest emotional upsurge,
Saintly and most compassionate while in real life’s passage,
And excessively serene whilst embracing death.

Underwent crucification and ultimate surrender,
On this Day – to our common Creator!
Yet seeking forgiveness for perpetrators
And guilt and ungodly at the helm for His own death!
So merciful even to irreligious ones!
With eternal words: ‘Father, forgive them,
For they know not what they do’
Such compassionate words are amazing one

It could be with the heart of one who is the dearest Son
Of Omnipotent and Omniscient
Such empathy is a key to Christ Consciousness
Suffering for us – relentless pangs combined with humiliation,
A holy death indeed for our redemption,
His supreme sacrifice is an instrument of compensation,
For the sins of everyone of us on this earth.

AND then followed by a surprise resurrection,
Thus stunning the people at large by this revivification.
Methods may differ in observation,
But the sacredness of Good Friday remains,
Devout kneel with utmost reverence, which they pay,
Before wooden Cross kept in Churches so holy on this day.

Seven last words of Lord Christ are too repeated,
So that HIS utterances remain engraved,
In our memory-lane forever and ever.
A symbolic burial of the Lord too is performed,
Differences may be in the methods,
Yet inner most springing of touching feeling is unparalleled,
For our Beloved Jesus Christ,
Who for Truth’s sake gave His everything,
So that we may be absolved of our sins.

HARBANS KHAJURIA

GOOD FRIDAY

History is witness to the fact that the incarnations of our Creator had to endure trials and tribulations in their real life time while living on this earth. People who opposed their ideas and ideals always opposed them tooth and nail because these God’s Incarnations were the messengers of peace and their mission was to spread the ETERNAL TRUTH. They preached ‘Bless them that curse you.’ They presented a living example for us humans to see how best they withstood onslaughts of those who opposed the very ideals departure from their pseudo and outdated beliefs.

While reforming the masses and showing them the true path, the messengers of our God, Jesus Christ faced several obstacles from those who opposed their ideals. These incarnations faced hurdles at every step but with their foresight and fortitude these Apostles of Peace challenged the old and hackneyed mores of behaviour and came out unscathed ultimately. Surprisingly, after their earthy sojourns they were accepted as the Messengers of God by one and all. This is the tragedy of humans that we do not recognize His Messengers/Incarnations while they were on this planet but when they are no longer with us then we take them as their revered ones!

Lord Jesus Christ is one such example amongst others like Prophet Mohammad, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama who gave new meaning and content to the philosophy of living. These Messengers of Peace fought for the common people and were able to rid the society of the evil doers and challenged the very philosophies of people at the helm of affairs during the periods on this earth. In that process these Sons of God had to face opposition. People who mattered suspected these God’s messengers because their ideals were counter to their (powerful opponents) own and in upholding these they (Sons of God) had to face trials and tribulations. During the life time Jesus Christ did everything to rid the then society of the evils prevalent and wanted to change the outlook of the people.

Jesus anguished and felt sympathy even for his tormentors while he agonized on the cross for us all. We should never forget that He suffered so that we are redeemed of our sins that we as humans do commit. There were disturbances and upheavals after he gave up his spirit.

Crucification of Jesus Christ gave a new meaning of life to us humans to follow. His ideals and preaching are held dear by us all and will remain so till eternity. May this Day remain etched in our memory as the day of redemption of humanity and He remains a beacon of light for all of us on this earth.

It is well said, there is always a light after the darkness. Jesus used to heal the physical ills of masses, he wanted their highest good while he was in flesh and blood like us. But the insensitive people just crucified him! This is also a fact that he had the power to escape being crucified but he did not do so. And in even in agony he said: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ That is why He had to come back again for our happiness and for our purification. This purification is attained only when we’ve conquered our weaknesses in the form of our ego etc.

If crufication was a dark blot on those who crucified Jesus, the Easter is commemorated as a symbol of resurrection. Easter celebration has a historic perspective. It also symbolizes rebirth; a pious day that is why devotees decorate their houses, rejoice, mass prayers are conducted in Churches. It is a celebration in connection with the rising of Christ – the Son of God. Easter also opens door for a holy association with God through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

GURU NANAK DEV JI & HIS TEACHINGS / SUFFERINGS UNDERGONE BY THE MESSENGERS OF GOD AND LESSONS THEREOF FOR US ALL


 

 

GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY (PRAKASH DIVAS) ON 25TH NOVEMBER 2016

(MY HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TO ALL ON PRAKASH DIVAS)

GURUPURB – A HOLY DAY TO REMEMBER

 

Guru through His preaching changes our lives to perfection

Purb / Parva – a Sanskrit word meaning celebration

Factually, life is a festival (Purb) of highest order

It may be on the eve of some festivals

Or on the anniversary of supreme sacrifices

To uphold commoners’ causes

Or Prakash Divas

A Day of Enlightenment considered in esteem by us.

On the most auspicious full moon day – Pooranmashi

At a village named Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi

Now known as Nanakana Sahib

In the month of Kartik

15th day of April in the year 1469

When our most revered Baba Nanak Ji was born

To father Baba Kalu & Mother Tripta

No one but our beloved Akalpurakh (Lord)

His observable mission for this Special Messenger

Of spreading ‘IK NAAM’S’  pious Message

And that such a person will make huge difference

For causes most dear to society in general

Indeed a Shining Star on the horizon!

Observance of holy days and celebration of anniversaries

Linkage of which is an important feature

Of the Sikhs & the ones who believe in (Khalas) purity

Way of living now or in future with certainty

Gurupurb lasts for three days

A pious Akhand Path in Gurudwaras

With organization of Nagarkirtans

Procession (Kirtni Jatha) is led by Pious Fives (Panj Piyaras)

With Holiest Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the Palanquin

Hymns from It purifies the environs

Spreading Its  Message – the most fragrant

Far and wide making the gentry mesmerized

Gatka Parties displaying their artistry

With their traditional weapons.

On the Gurupurb Day Diwan

Starts early in the morn hours

With Asa-di-Var

And hymns from Guru Granth Sahib are sung

Followed by discourses and prayers (Ardas)

And finally Prashadha in lines (Pangat)

By the devout (Sangat)

Called langar served to all alike

People share it with great reverence

And make this day; a day to reminisce.

O! our Babaji – the most benevolent of all

Our earnest prayer to Thee our beloved One

Let the spirit of this day

Remain echoing in our memory

Spreading Thy Universal Message

Of Uniting the Humans without bias

And ridding society of all ills and malice

Engendering brotherly feelings amongst all.

GURU NANAK DEV JI & HIS TEACHINGS / SUFFERINGS UNDERGONE BY THE MESSENGERS OF GOD  AND LESSONS THEREOF

 

Guru Nanak Gurpurb, also called Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm by all those who know about His contribution to the humanity in general. He was born on 15th April 1469 at Rai Bhoi-di-Talwandi of Shekhopura now in Pakistan. His life spans from 1469 – 1539 A.D. History is the guide to tell us that during this period many of the spiritualistic, cultural and progressive ideas came to the fore and fructified owing to the proactive role of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The following observable changes occurred:-

  • The universal message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was to reach a common understanding through dialogue and carry all along by understanding others viewpoints.
  • The old dogmas and unnecessary rituals prevailing amongst the masses gave place to progressive ideas. Service (Seva) and prayers (Simran) should be given more credence.
  • Propagated the idea of goodwill and welfare of all without bias.
  • Insisted that everybody should be truthful in words and deeds.
  • Resulted in intellectual and spiritual renaissance of the masses.
  • Humanism was given more importance with the idea that human beings are considered good or bad according to the deeds and not on the basis of birth.
  • Religion should create harmony and not hurdles in the path of masses.
  • Complete surrender to the will of God for spiritual forward march.
  • He taught the philosophy of ONE GOD.
  • Bad traits such as ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust should be shunned from our midst.
  • We should always be in the quest/pursuit of knowledge for our enlightenment. Knowledge helps us to attain salvation too.

The Holy Gurbani is a sacred treasure and has universal appeal, every verse (shaloka) while recited suffuses and fills with fragrance in the environment it is spoken and cures the illness of our soul. Almost all the prayers are in the praise of our Akalpurakh in one form or other.

For Example: Gun Biant Kimat Nahi Pae!! Nanak Jis Bhavai! Tis Lae Malae!

Endless are His virtuous qualities; His worth cannot be appraised. O Nanak, one who pleases Him is united with Him.

This is the holiest day in the history of Sikhism. It is celebrated not only by Sikhs but also by all those who believe in His Holy Words. Akhand Path, non-stop recitation from Guru Granth Sahibji, Asa Di Var (Collection of 24 Stanzas written by the revered Guruji). Gurdwaras are specially decorated tastefully on this occasion. Devout pay respectful tributes to Sri Guru Nanak Devji and remember His contributions for  the spiritual upliftment of the common masses and rid them from unnecessary rituals that prevailed.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s premise was that those who do not know the true meaning of scriptures, cannot differentiate between good and bad; are steeped in egocentric pursuits. These people are verily the ignorant ones. There is no exaggeration in saying that main thrust of Guru Ki Bani is to remove ignorance, superstition and complex customs bedeviling the masses This also helped in spreading the message of goodwill besides engendering brotherly feelings amongst them without bias. Guru Nanak’s stellar contribution is the wellbeing of the humanity as a whole and for the spread of this message He travelled length and breadth of our country and abroad.

On this day Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) which are taken from the Gurdwaras in the early morning itself and cover almost all the lanes and bye lanes in the vicinity. People sing hymns in His glory in this procession.

All the incarnations Messengers of God suffered. They suffered so that we may learn lesson for a peaceful co-existence between all humans:-

  • Guru Nanak Preaching are more relevant now than ever:

While pains and sufferings are the part and parcel of our life but when it is inflicted by ourown brethren then it still more painful. What has been happening around the world now is nothing but painful. Guru Nanak has himself mentioned this “Unto whom should I tie up and give the bundle of my pains? The whole world is overlowing with pain and suffering. Where-ever I see loads of pain and suffering.” Guru Nanak traversed lengths and breadths of India and in the foreign lands, so he mentioned about the ‘pain across the globe. This pain and suffering could be ameliorated through meditation, he mentioned. “Remembering Him in meditation, a profound peace is obtained. Oaub and suffering will not touch you at all – remain in the sanctuary of God and no pain and suffering will ever touch you at all.

All the humans are our Creator’s creations but they are born under different circumstances and difficernt conditions and different locations. But from the same LIGHT we are created. Then why people we interpret scriptural inscription differently. It really pains me immensely.

 

  • Prophet Mohammad suffered immensely at the hands of his opponents in Makkah and in other place like Al-Tayf and Madina who knew His exceptional intelligence and integrity.Although he was bestowed with very good business, a happy family and helpful relatives yet he preferred the path of pains and sufferings. His opponents raised every conceivable hurdles in His path but he did not care about His sufferings but wiped off the tears of others though He was called ‘lying renegade’. Madina Although like Christ, He forgave them and followed a Allaha ordained path for the welfare of mankind.
  •  Jesus Christ preached the importance of having compassion for our fellow beings. He taught that kindhearted feeling should be there even for our enemies,

Jesus was born in 7 – 2 BC and was crucified in 30-33 AD in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. He was born in Nazareth, Galilee to Parents Marry & Joseph. During his life time too he had to suffer at the hands of opponents on one pretext or other.

The Supreme Lord sends His Messengers on this earth to spread His Message. His teachings are so relevant that there is a definitive imprint of His teachings on the psyche of people and that is why His influence remains centuries after centuries. Those sincere devotees who have attained certain level of spirituality can see the Divine Vision.

Christ preached forgiveness and mercy. He even forgave those who harmed him immensely. No ill-feelings for anyone absolutely that is the message given:

Matthew 6:14-15  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus was the one who had won victory against material consciousness. He exists in the hearts and minds of His followers. He said, ‘I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me.’ Christians including numberless others who have indomitable belief in His preaching shun delusions and follow His ideals. His presence is felt through his teachings. Those who have self realization know that in every speck of cosmos Christ Consciousness exists but only those who have vision can experience this. Christ Consciousness is a part of Cosmic Consciousness should never be lost sight of by us humans.

His teachings are so exhaustive, yet, if we care to follow the ones mentioned below, we can make our life sublime.

  • Krishna – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who appeared on this earth as the Avtar (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) more than 5,000 years ago had to put put up with so many pains and sufferings firstly at the hands of Demon King Kamsa (the most demonist of all Bhoja dynasty. Subsequently faced evils in the form of demons like Trnavarta, Bakasura, Aghasura, Dhenuksura, Pralambasura, Kesi in the form of horse, besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave and finally besides serpent Kaliya to whom he forgave. So much so was he disturbed by the demons that for the safety of his subjects he had to established his abode at Dwarka suffused with fortification etc. In Mahabharta, Lod Krishna played a stellar role in annihilation of evil in the form of Dhritrashtra and his sons especially Dharyodhna/ Though the battle between Kauravas and Pandavas took a heavy toll yet truth won and evil perpetuated and pampered by Kauravas was destroyed ultimately.
  • Lord Rama an epitome of Dharma and peace. He was to be carbonated as King of Ayodhya but had to go for exile for 14 long years. During exile, he killed many demons who disturbed the hermits in their meditation. His consort Sita was abducted with deception by demon king Ravana who represented evil. There was a ferocious battle between the two armies of Lord Rama and Ravana where evil of Ravana was defeated.
  • Lord Budha who eptomised non-violence and peace throughout his life and spread his message of fairplay and tolerance through his disciples too faced many hurdles initially from his opponents while spreading the message of love and affection. Even his death is death after consuming a special delicacy offered by his generous host, the remains of which was buried. 

It goes to show that our most revered ones suffered at the hands of their opponents then what we are? We should actually learn lessons out of their sufferings / sacrifices and live joyously and with empathy.

Profound lessons that we human should get from the Messengers and God incarnations.

We woefully opine that we are suffering pains at the hands of our opponents (those who do not agree to our viewpoints) just conveniently forgetting the untold sufferings undergone by the Messengers of God. Following should never be forgotten while dealing with each others.

  • The world of ours is in constant struggle between good and evil. This is due to thrusting our opinionson others forcefully and consequent struggle. Then differing people resort to disproportionate violence result in loss of precious lives. No religion recommends this.

 

  • There is a fight between the truth and falsehood. This difference may be due to different interpretation of scriptures but basic thrust of all religious scriptures is good of humanity as a whole without bias and feelings of compassion, empathy, cooperation, brotherhood and goodwill to be encouraged between all humans.  

 

  • There are those who are oppressor and those who are oppressed. The oppressor should introspect about his/her origin and should never identify himself/herself different from others.

 

  • Bad things could happen to good ones. This is a fact, bad things have happened to the good people but when this injustice should stop and message of goodness that is codified in all the religious texts made applicable in letter and spirit? The sooner this happens the better for the humanity as a whole. No human loss please.

 

  • We should never forget that we have a common Creator meaning we are commonly related to our Him. Then why bloodletting for temporary gain – a gain which pains even our Creator!

 

  • All the main scriptures exhort us for co-existing with mutual cooperation and with goodwill then why misunderstanding and killing? Where all this will lead the humanity?

 

  • Be that as it may, lets forget our small small differences and live as creation created by our ONE Creator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A VISIT TO SHANIDHAM AT SHINGANAPUR : JAI SHANIDEV JI


A VISIT TO SHANIDHAM AT SHINGANAPUR

JAI SHANIDEV JI

A VISIT TO SHANIDHAM AT SHINGANAPUR JAI SHANIDEV JI 

Shani+Dev.jpg

 Information about | Story of Lord Shri Shani Dev

Shinganapur is 70 Kms away from Shirdi. It is located on Highway No. 60 in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. The scenery on both the sides of the road is really enchanting from Shirdi to Shingnapur. The pomegranate gardens, the rose gardens, and sugarcane fields enliven our body, mind and soul. Almost two hours journey from Shirdi is indeed refreshing.

 

This village covers an area of 160 hectors. In olden times, the population of the village was very less only 20-30 huts but this village has increased manifold. There used to be only 20-30 kacha houses but now pucca houses, besides school, hotels, banks, imposing bus stand are also there. But one thing I have personally seen is that residents do not lock their houses because there is no thievery. Really surprising! It was also mentioned by the people that up till now there is no police complaint. People of this village are both spiritual and helpful and to cap it all hospitable.

 

LEGEND OF LORD SHANIDEV

 

There is verifiable legend about the existence of Lord Shanidev. It is said that about 350 years back, there was a heavy rain. Pananala was flooded. Villagers saw a huge stone like thing, made up of iron and stone entangled with the berry tree. This had come in the floods. The villagers, out of curiosity, poked a stick at the stone. To their utter surprise, blood started oozing from the rock hard stone.

 

At night one of a village devotee had a dream. Shanidev told him to pick the idol from the place but it should be done only by those who are related as maternal uncle and nephew. People tried their level best to lift the idol of Shanidev but in vain. Finally, it was decided that it ought to be installed at the place where it was found after floods. A quadrangular terrace was made since it was observed that buried portion of the idol was more than the exposed one. No shelter was made because of Shanidev’s wishes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF LORD SHANIDEV IN OUR LIVES

 

  • He punishes for the sins without discrimination. For his rich or poor are same in this respect.
  • Vedic Mahamantra for Shanidev is given below:-

‘Om nilanjan samabhasam, Raviputram Yamagrajan.

Chhaya martand Sambhutum

Tamn namami shanishwaram.’

It emphasizes that those who suffer for a prolonged period of time should pray sincerely; keeping our body and mind pure.

  • On the new moon day, people come to Shanidham for prayers and get protection for the misfortunes. He protects all from the enemies.
  • Shanidev could be pleased when people pray Him with pious heart.
  • He is Justice Dispenser. He does not forgive the evil doers that is why people fear Him the most.
  • He loves black colour.
  • He protects those who are shunned by the society.
  • He is the Lord of knowledge and helps in facultgies like business related to iron, transportation etc.
  • Welfare of the general masses is His priority.
  • Nothing to be kept on the head while having his dharshan.
  • Shanidev is very kind hearted for troubled souls but purity is His important condition for his boon.

 

There were many true stories attached to Shanidev. There was an incident of taking away a pair of bullock. The thieves took them to more than 30 kms from the village. Having got tired, they wanted to take a nap. When they got up, they found themselves at Shinganapur itself. The villagers found them but forgave them as they confessed their fault.

 

IMPORTANCE OF SHINGNAPUR

 

  • It is a place where no theft, robbery happens. No complaints to the police till date.
  • Nobody ever have seen ghost etc in the area.
  • There is a peace and harmony amongst the people of different castes/religions.
  • No cheating at this place. Quick justice of anybody resorts to this.
  • No one behaves with distrust here.
  • People are cooperative, hospitable and kind.
  • Maan Lakshmi temple is located near Shasni dham.

 

  • OM SHAM SANICHAR AYE NAMAN

 

While negotiating the ups and downs of our lives, we come across problems, these problems could be due to our own mistakes or partly destined. When we are unable to solve those problems, we have to believe on faith healing. If nothing works, our Creator’s healing touch works wonders.

 

  • Amongst the trinities; Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are assigned the duties of Creation, Operation/Evolution and Destruction respectively. Lord Shanidev is responsible for punishing for our sins in this life itself. He does not pardon for our faults. Not only the humans even the Gods cannot escape His wrath. He is one of the 9 sons of Lord Sun (Surya). He also gives us rewards for our good deeds. His blessings are sought after. He is black in colour and even the colour of his robe is black. The other son is Yama whose responsibility is to take the Souls to their proper place after death in accordance with their Karma.

MAY LORD SHANIDEV MAY BESTOW PEACE AND PROSPERITY TO ALL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.