BANASHANKARI AMMA, NEAR BADAMI (KAR)
#bharatmandir #navratri2021

Originally built by Chalukyas in 7th century. Devi Banashankari was their family deity. This image of Banashankari Amma was installed by Jagadekamalla I in 630 AD.

Later renovations were done by Marathas.

Once, a demon Durgamasur was troubling the people of this area. Answering the prayers of Devas, Ma Parvati emerged from the yajna fire as Banashankari and killed Durgamasur.
This area has rich forests of coconut, betel nut and other trees.
@GunduHuDuGa

It is said that during a severe famine, Devi provided vegetables and fruits to the people of this area.
Hence, she is also worshipped here as Shakambhari.
In the annual festival called Banashankari jatre, a Rath yatra takes place and Devi moves around the city in the chariot.

#Thread
Benefits of writing SRI RAMA Jayam!!!

Writing Sri Rama Jayam is known as Likitha Japam- Writing Meditation. This gives one a complete sense of surrender to an inner conscience and peace while writing or chanting the mantras.

#Sri_Rama_Jayam #RamaNavami

Cont 👇

You can write this in any language of your choice. It is the connecting chords with the divine and your inner self.

Below are some points that we came across on the benefits :

Cont 👇

1. Vedas tell that as the sun dispels the darkness, the chanting of Rama Nama dispels all evil and obstacles of life. It is a way of liberation and salvation of human suffering.

2. When you think, that all roads are blocked to walk away from day to day problems..

Cont 👇

writing ‘Sri Ram Ram Ram’ gives you the most needed clarity of thoughts to find away out of odd situations.

3. It was told that a calmness engulfs as one indulges in writing the Sri Rama Jayam bringing in more clarity of mind, tolerance & strength to withstand obstacles in life.

4. Devotion of service of life and its varied forms is devotion to God. So there is no right or wrong way of writing this. The very thought and process to write is a connection with god and finds a inner meaning.

Cont 👇

BANNARI AMMAN, SATHYAMANGALAM (TN)
#bharatmandir #navratri2021

Bannari Amman Kshetram is dedicated to Mariamman, known as the goddess of Rain. This divine place is located at the foothill of Thimbam.

Bannari Amman is a form of Shakti. The murti is swayambhu (self-manifested).

Some 300 years ago, cowherds used to leave cattle here for grazing. One day, a cow was seen shedding her milk under a Vengai tree. Next day also, the cow did the same thing. Villagers removed the thickly grown grass and found a sand-hill and Swayambu Linga near it.
@GunduHuDuGa

It is believed that a deity protected traders from Kerala who travelled through this place to Mysore. Fascinated by the beautiful surroundings, she decided to stay here to protect devotees. A shrine was built and Bannari Mariamman is worshipped here since then.

Bannari Amman is the only shrine that faces the south direction. Instead of Vibhuti and Kumkuma, Bannari soil is given to the devotees. The Kundam festival (fire walk on heated charcoal) is most famous here.

In the third stage of temple architecture the "PANCHAYTAN" Style of architecture was developed in PANCHAYTAN Style main temple used to b rectangular & it's stage used to b long "गौण मंदिर" (small temples) r built facing one another by which design seems to b crucified

In the Dravidian style of Temple architecture temples can b illustrated with human body the architecture integrates sevan chakras of human body with temple structure which has spiritual connection with chakras & temple

Seven chakras
1. Muladhar- Dhwaj Stambh- enthusiasm
2. Swadishthana- Bali peetham- creativity
3. Manipura- Adhikar Nandi- greed wish
4. Anhat- Mahamandapam- love hate
5. Vishuddh- Garbh grah dwar- great fullness
6. Ajn- viman- awareness
7. Sahasra- Mul Lingam- deep joy

MAHARAANI TARARANI: THE QUEEN OF MARATHAS

Rani Tarabai was the brave daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji and one of the greatest medieval Monarchs India ever had.
She was born in 1675 to one of the bravest commander-in-chiefs of Shivaji's Army named Hambir Rao Mohite.

Tarabai was just 8yrs old when she was married to Shivaji's younger son, Rajaram. Mughals and Marathas were constantly at war with each other. Shivaji was crowned the ruler of the Independent Maratha Swarajya in 1674 which was established by him.

However,the great leader died in 1680&the Maratha Samrajya went into a complete&total chaos.Marathas saw some very tough times ahead. In 1689,when Raigad Fort fell to the Mughal Army of over 15000,Shivaji's first wife Saibai and his elder son Sambhaji were captured&put to death.

Sambhaji's wife and son Shahu were taken prisoners to the Mughal court. During the same battle, Shivaji's second son Rajaram(Tarabai's husband) , who was the heir to the throne now, managed to escape using a disguise. He made his way to the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

Mughal General Zulfikar Khan, however, followed them to Gingee laying siege to the Gingee Fort. From 1690-1698,This was the longest siege by a Mughal Army of any Fort which stands testimony to the military and diplomatic credentials of Rani Tarabai.

MEENAKSHI AMMAN, MADURAI (TN)
#bharatmandir #navratri2021

A paadal Petra sthalam where Shiva took the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Devi Parvati (Meenakshi).
Devi is also known by the name Angayarkanni (mother with the beautiful fish eyes).
@GunduHuDuGa

Devi Meenakshi emerged from yagna fire as a 3 year old girl when Pandyan King Malayadwaja and Kanchanamalai were praying for a child.
It is said that Devi was born with three breasts and there was a prophesy that her superfluous breast would melt away when she met her husband.

Devi ruled over Madurai and captured Indralok. She went on to capture Kailasha. When she saw Shiva, her 3rd breast disappeared and she realised that Shiva would be her consort.
The divine marriage was attended by all Devas and Sri Vishnu (as her brother) gave her hand to Shiva.

It is said that Indra found a swayambhu lingam at Kadamba Vanam. He placed it in Madurai where the kshetram stands. Here, Shiva is seen on the vehicle of Indra.
The Golden Lotus Tank is said to be the place where a golden lotus blossomed for the puja performed by Indra.

The Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival is celebrated in the Chithirai month to mark the divine marriage of Meenakshi Amman. The festival includes a procession where Meenakshi and Sundareshwara travel in a chariot and Sri Vishnu gives away his sister in marriage to Shiva.

💥💥💥 REPORT 💥💥💥

➡️ Virus Like Particle: VLP/ SC2, and Gain Of Function. 👇

1) Virus Like Particles (VLPs) represent an emerging technology with numerous biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, or vaccine development but also, due to the double

2) gain-of-function principle (GOF), it is possible to develop, in addition to a vaccine, also a virus.

➡️The VLP particles constitute bio-synthetic nanostructures that emulate the conformation of viruses but, normally, are totally free of infectivity, unless a

3) dedicated project is developed, almost always of a military nature, in which the VLP plates are "loaded" with pathogens.

➡️ This preface is intended to explain the BIO-SYNTHETIC / ZOONOTIC “nature” of SARS CoV 2 (SC2), a chimeric RNA virus (bio-weapon class) developed in

4) the BSL3 / 4 Laboratory.

➡️ SC 2 has an “armored” membrane (M) with spyke glycoprotein (S) protuberances, whose inner core (N) hosts a highly pathogenic viral RNA.

👉But let's proceed in order ...

➡️These bio-synthetic VLP particles rely on the ability of both

5) Spike proteins (loaded with pathogens) and viral capsid proteins to penetrate cells and release their contents.

➡️The use of a container / membrane (M), achievable thanks to the use of bio-synthetic VLP particles, has allowed the construction and encapsulation of

I know the #COVID-19 numbers in India are not looking good, but here are my (not so) random thoughts on it

We have 2 options – one, rant & rail against the ‘system’ and lament how it has let us down; second, do whatever we can to avoid getting infected & if infected, minimize adverse consequences to ourselves & others. If you belong to the first, you can stop reading now

How can we avoid getting infected? There’s no magic bullet, I’m afraid. This is primarily a “stick to the basics” approach. More difficult than it sounds.

First, maintain all precautions that we know help. These include masks (whenever you are not at home and not alone), physical distancing to the extent possible, and washing hands frequently. The 3 Ws – Wear a mask, Watch your distance, Wash your hands.

Masks work, and are probably the most important precaution given our current understanding that aerosols are the predominant mechanism of spread. The best is a well-fitting N95 mask, which is now widely available & not too expensive – you could re-use them too.

Ancient Greek mathematicians and philosophers originally called the infinity symbol ‘lemniscate' meaning ‘ribbon.' This notion strives from Ouroboros, an ancient symbol depicting a serpent biting its own tail. This symbol is representative of infinity, immortality, continuity,

self-fertilisation and eternal return

the symbol derives from a religious place, which is where the spiritual and positive meanings originate from. From a spiritual perspective, eight is the number of those who have transcended the seven stages of awakening and passed through

linked to the power of resurrection and regeneration

This sign is said to also be something that lies within us, in the very basic structure of our genes since the strands of DNA is comprised of a figure of eight.

Swami Ramanujar:
Important personalities in Sri Ramanujas Life :
🌸ASURI KESHAVA SOMAYAJI-Father of Sri Ramanujar .Asuri keshava somayaji was a learned brahmana living in sriperumbudur.

🌸KANTHIMATHI-Mother of Sri Ramanuja. Kanthimathi was the sister of sri periya thirumalai nambi .
🌸SRI YAMUNACHARYA-Acharya of Sri Ramanuja.Also known as Alavandar.
🌸THIRUKOKOSHTIYUR NAMBI-Also known as Ghosti Purna.He instructed the Rahasya Traya to Sri Ramanujar.

He lived in thirukoshtiyur.
🌸THIRUKKACHI NAMBI-Kanchi purna was born in puvirunthavalli near kanchipuram and met the young ramanuja at an important time.He did the service of Lord Varadha.

🌸THIRUVARANGA PERUMAL ARAIYAR-Important acharya lived in srirangam and rendered the service of playing music for lord Sriranganatha.

🌸PERIYA THIRUMALAI NAMBI-He was the maternal uncle of Sri Ramanuja.He taught sri ramanuja about the epic of sri ramayana and other ithihaas and puranas.Served sri venkateswara at tirumala.

Do you know?

The Golden Shine on the artificial jewellery of modern times is a gift by Nagarjuna.

Now,u might be wondering,who is Nagarjuna?

Nagarjuna was the name of an ancient Indian scholar&scientist whose name is associated with the fields of Alchemy,Chemistry& Metallurgy.

He conducted a number of alchemic and Metallurgical experiments directed towards transforming base elements into Gold.
According to Eduard Sachau's Alberuni's India, Nagarjuna was termed as a Metallurgist who was born 100 yrs before Alberuni's time, who was born in 973 CE.

According to some records Nagarjuna was born in 9th century CE near Somnath,Gujarat and according to some Tibetan & Chinese sources he was born in Vidarbha,Maharashtra from where he later migrated to Deccan region.

Edward Schau quotes in his book,'They have a science similar to Alchemy and Nagarjuna is famous for this science which they call as 'Rasayana'.

Nagarjuna's book 'Rasaratnakara' is one of the earliest documented texts on Alchemy,Chemistry & Metallurgy in Sanskrit.Nagarjuna successfully discovered through his experiments the alchemy of transmutation of base metals into Gold.This was not real gold but a gold like substance.

SRI LALITHAMBIGAI, THIRUMEYACHUR (TN)
#bharatmandir #navratri2021

Kshetram where Shiva is worshipped as Meghanatha and his consort is Lalithambigai seen in Abhay mudra.
Once, a demon Pandasura was harassing the Devas who went to Devi Parashakti for protection. 
@GunduHuDuGa

Devi rose from a Yaga Gunda, mounted on the Sri Chakra Rath with the name Lalithambika, waged a war against Pandasura and destroyed him.  When her fury did not subside, Shiva asked her to go to Earth, assume the name Manonmani, perform penance and shed her fury.

Shiva blessed Devi to be Shanta nayagi. There is a sculpture here depicting Shiva pacifying Devi. If you observe closely, you can see that from your left hand side there will be a smile on Her face and if you see from your right hand side you can see anger in Her face.

Hayagriva taught the greatness of Lalitha Sahasranama to Rishi Agasthya. Pleased with his devotion, Ma Lalithambikai appeared before Agastya. He is believed to have then sung Lalita Navaratnamala in praise of Devi. He has also composed a hymn named Rahasyanamasahasram.

'Treasure Gods' - Sangha Nidhi' and 'Padma Nidhi', Tirumala, Tirupati.

------------------------------------

These are the two guards guarding the Wealth and Treasure of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

They are representatives of two treasures of Kubera, the God of Wealth.

One guard who is holding shangam (conch) on both the hands is known as Shanka Nidhi ('nidhi' means wealth).

On the other side, the guard who is holding Lotus flowers on both the hands is known as Padma nidhi.

Shangu is from the ocean which includes all types of wealth like pearls and corals.

Why shagam in his hand? Because shangam only gives the sound of 'omkaram'.

'Padmam' is the symbol of water sources in land like river, lakes, tanks etc. which is very important for all living beings.

As per the tradition, these guards are installed at the third entrance of the temple.

One enters the holy shrine after saluting the first protection threshold - Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi.

SRI DURGAPARMESHWARI, KATEEL (KAR)
#bharatmandir #navratri2021

Kshetram is situated on an islet, in the middle of sacred river Nandini. Kati means Centre and Ila means Earth.
Durga Parameshawri is a powerful incarnation of Devi Parvathi.
@GunduHuDuGa

A demon, Arunasura, lived in this area. He was blessed with a boon that he could not be killed by any man, woman or by a 2 or 4-legged creature.
To end him, Parvati took the form of a beautiful woman (Mohini) and teased him to anger. Angry Arunasur tried to kill Devi Parvathi.

She turned herself into a rock. Arunasura broke the rock open to see an army of gigantic and furious bees flying towards him. Maa in the form of a bee (Brahmara) stung him to death.
Later on, Rishis worshipped Maa Brahmaramba and pleaded her to bless in her Soumya Roopa.

Owing to their prayers, Goddess Parvathi took the form of Parameshwari and stands in Kateel to bless and protect the world from the evil forces.
There is a huge rock before leading up to the shrine. It is called Rakteshwari-the rock form took by Devi before killing the demon.

Josh Waitzkin might be the most INTERESTING person alive.

He doesn't have Twitter. And he barely uses the internet.

I've compiled my favorite 5 MENTAL MODELS of his below.

THREAD...

WAITZKIN MODEL 1 - DEPTH OVER WIDTH

His life so far:

1. Chess prodigy + National champ

2. 2x world champion in Tai Chi push hands

3. The 1st black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Marcelo Garcia (GOAT)

4. He's now in an unknown ocean town mastering surfing + advising elite investors

The Waitzkin paradox:

He's achieved more WIDTH across disciplines in 43 years than most could in 100 lives

How?

His obsession with DEPTH over WIDTH.

His life is the testimony to deep work and singular focus.

He spends 5-10 years of his life dedicated to each craft

Even when he approaches a new discipline, he goes for DEPTH within the DEPTH

E.g. Chess

Most just play countless games

Instead, Josh insists on having only 3 pieces on the board - King & Pawn vs King

He drills micro positions until he understands them from first principles

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times” - Bruce Lee

Waitzkin's theory is that once you've understood one thing so deeply in the discipline - you understand the principles

You can then copy & paste them

Rare Vintage Painting of Lord Sri Bhu Varaha (1790).

Varaha (in Sanskrit : वराह)
is the third Avatar of Lord Vishnu, in the form of a Boar.

He appeared in order to defeat Hiranyaksha, a demon who had taken the Earth and carried it to the bottom of what is described as the cosmic ocean in the story.

The battle between Varaha and Hiranyaksha is believed to have lasted for a thousand years, which the former finally won.

Varaha carried the Earth out of the ocean between His tusks and restored it to its place in the Universe.

Vishnu married Prithvi (Bhudevi) in this avatar.

Varaha is depicted in art as either purely animal or as being anthropomorphic, having a boar's head on a man's body.

In the latter form He has four arms, two of which hold the wheel and conch-shell while the other two hold a mace, sword or lotus or make a gesture (or "mudra") of blessing.

The Earth is held between the boar's tusks.

Remembering the only 5-star general of IAF - Marshal of the 🇮🇳Air Force (MIAF) Arjan Singh on his birth anniversary 🙏

Born on April 15, 1919, in Lyallpur, Punjab, MIAF Arjan Singh was the only Indian Air Force (IAF) officer to be promoted to 5-star rank

On 15 Aug 1947, he had the unique honour of leading the flypast of over a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort.

Over the years, he was promoted to Wing Commander, Air Commodore and Air Vice Marshal. During this time, Arjan Singh displayed great commitment in his work.

Arjan Singh’s crucial testing time came in 1965 when the Indian subcontinent was plunged into war.

When Pakistan declared the launch of Operation Grand Slam, Arjan Singh was called into the Defense Minister’s office, where he was requested to provide air support.

He promised the Defense Minister that he would get the forces ready in an hour and true to his word, he attacked the Pakistani forces in an hour.

Arjan Singh thwarted Ayub Khan’s plans to capture Kashmir by leading the Air Force with great valor and confidence.

In fact, Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the IAF. In 2002, Arjan Singh was awarded the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force by the Indian government, making him the first and the only five-star rank officer in the Indian Air Force.

Thiruvegappura Mahadeva Kshetram
#Palakkad
#KeralaTemples 🚩

Thiruvegappura Kshetram is located at Ottapalam of Palakkad district. Temple is on the banks of Thutha Puzha. Eventhough this is Shiva Kshetram, Shri Krishna & Sankaranarayanan are also worshipped with equal importance

Sthala Puranam says that, Shivalingam of Thiruvegappura Mahadeva Kshetram was brought from Himalayas by Garuda Deva.The Muhurtham for doing Prathista of Shivalingam was nearing when Garuda was bringing the Shivalingam. So, Garuda flew fast to reach on time (Vegam Parakuka).

It is also said that Paramashiva asked Garuda to fly fast (Vegam Parakkanam) and thus, the temple got  the name Thiru Vegam Para, which later became  Thiruvegappura. Thiruvegappura Mahadeva Temple is also known as Moonnumoorthy temple( temple with 3 Devas)

Three separate sree kovils for three Vigrahams, with separate Kodi Maram is very unique here. Vaikkathashtami and Sivarathri is celebrated with equal importance.

Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Nama Shivaye
🙏🕉🙏