Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – day 10 Navaratri – Purnakala Sri Rajarajeswari Devi – October 22, 2015 – Mysore
Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
It is said that Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya today on Vijaya Dasami day.
The sages who worship Mother Goddess as Nava Durgas for nine days, offer her worship today as Purnakala Rajarajeswari Devi. Saptasati and also Devi Bhagavatam describe the different demons and their destruction by Mother Goddess. This Navaratri worship also helps ancestors rise to higher worlds.
Today Mother Goddess is in her full glory as Purnakala Sri Rajarajeswari Devi. Let us contemplate on her and also learn about the significance of the Navaratri austerities, and the greatness of Vijaya Dasami. Today is the concluding day of the Navaratri celebrations. This ritual destroys the enemies who threaten the country’s safety. It also grants victory to us inside and outside. In the Krita Yuga during this month, on the eighth and ninth days, Mother Goddess killed Mahishasura. In the Treta Yuga, on the tenth day, Sri Rama killed Ravanasura. In the Dwapara Yuga Arjuna came out victorious in the battle of Uttara Gograhanam.
Sage Agastya has ordained that this Navaratri austerity should be performed every year not only for the welfare and preservation of mankind, but to destroy the inner enemies, to protect the outer environment, and to conquer the invaders from other countries.
In the autumn season which follows the rainy season, this ritual occurs. This year, in some areas they have suffered drought. Normally, during this time, the ground is muddy. This Navaratri ritual kills all the harmful germs and insects which proliferate during this time. In no other festivity do you see a worship offered to a tree, except this one. Here, it is mandatory that after the worship is conducted for nine days, on the final day, the Sami Tree is offered worship and prayers. Only then, the austerity is deemed as having been successfully completed. The reason for that is that inside the Sami Tree resides Mother Goddess known by the name of ‘Aparajita’. The name means, one who knows no defeat. Therefore, by the worship of the Sami tree, one gains the strength to win victory over both inner and outer enemies. Hence, let us pray to the Sami Tree and gain the grace of Mother Aparajita Devi.
The prayer is offered thus: “O Sami tree, you destroy enemies. During their troubled times, you helped Arjuna to hide and safeguard his bow and arrows. You protected the weapons of the Pandavas. By worshiping you, Rama was able to locate Sita quickly and see her. Please rid me of my sins”.
When we perform the Navaratri Vrata the Mother of the Universe feels very pleased. She blesses us with success in every endeavor in life. In every field, and in every aspect, she grants us victory.
This is a good day to begin any new virtuous and worthy activity. Make good resolutions today. I bless that by the grace of Mother Goddess everyone should be successful. On this auspicious Vijaya Dasami Day, let us sing bhajans from Bhajana Yoga and rejoice, and thus also enjoy success in all our efforts.
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We are now commencing the second year of operation of Shuka Vana. Now slowly the word is spreading about its existence and its magnificence. We are having a tremendous number of visitors. They are arriving by bus loads. This was not my original intention. It was begun more as a private facility for taking care of sick and injured birds.
Swamiji has always liked birds. All our important scriptures have come into existence only because of birds. The Bhagavatam was narrated to King Parikshit by Sage Suka with a parrot’s head. The Ramayana story was narrated because of the incident of the two Krauncha birds, one of which became a victim to a hunter’s arrow. Mahabharata also has its source in birds. I will explain that to you later. When Tarakasura was posing a threat to them, all the celestials took the forms of different birds to hide and protect themselves from him.
Birds are close to humans. They can speak like humans. They share the genes with humans to some extent. Research is being conducted to discover what gives parrots the ability to speak like us.
The bird kingdom is vast. We are ignorant. We only know a little bit about some animals. Now, an awareness is growing worldwide about the importance of birds for human survival. Bird preservation has become a huge movement across the globe. Now it has been made a rule that lights have to be placed on top of buildings for bird safety. The amount of clear glass used on buildings is being restricted, because birds get killed crashing into them. Flying of kites is restricted in America, except in specified areas. Many new rules have come into place.
Discarding used chewing gum carelessly has cost hundreds of bird lives. Loud fireworks scare the birds. They get startled, suddenly take flight in the dark, where they cannot see, get injured and die. Many crows especially, succumb to toxic foods. Sparrows are becoming scarce due to high frequency electromagnetic waves in the air. They are getting killed due to the use of satellites and mobile phones. If birds are protected, our harvests will be protected because many birds destroy harmful pests which damage crops.
Keep water on the terrace for birds. A lot of people everywhere are urged to do this, and also put out some seeds for birds. Crores of peacocks, our national birds, are getting killed for their beautiful feathers, and delicious meat. It is so wrong. Pigeons consume some germs and insects which are harmful to humans, thus helping us to stay healthy. Their numbers are also getting reduced. In Shuka Vana we keep some scavenger birds. They keep the place clean and safe.
We must protect birds. We must protect Dharma. We must protect trees. We must follow the suggested rules and we must support all those individuals and organizations which are putting forth efforts to protect those. Do not turn fertile lands into construction sites. Choose areas for construction of buildings where destruction of trees need not occur. For adding extra lanes to highways, city officials are destroying ancient shade trees. It is to be avoided.
Rains fall because of trees. If trees are destroyed, our weather patterns will change to our detriment.
Birds are extremely intelligent. They migrate between continents. They have remarkable navigational skills. They have a special place in spirituality. They are highly revered. Garuda is Vishnu’s vehicle. Crow is Saturn’s vehicle. Parrot is associated with Indra. Saraswati rides on a swan. Without birds, mankind will perish. These days, with this new awareness, many wealthy philanthropists are bequeathing their assets to zoos and aviaries.
Here, for a mere thousand rupees, you get a yearly membership at Shuka Vana. Yet, many are hesitant to pay and support this cause of protecting birds, which are so valuable to humanity. Now amongst Datta devotees, the awareness is slowly growing. Whether or not they know the significance of their generosity, they are donating seeds for Shuka Vana. Many people are placing seeds for birds on their terraces. A movement has been started in Bombay.
On a bicycle a man was seen going around, giving water to birds. Swamiji likes such efforts. Help Swamiji to help the birds. I am not asking you to have birds as pets. Just support Swamiji’s efforts. In America, many Datta devotees have started keeping parrots as pets. There they have parrot-sitting facilities also, in case the owners have to travel out of town.
Swamiji has many talking birds. Rama, Varam, Meghana, Indra, Kali, are all talking parrots. The amount of love and affection that parrots give, even one’s own children do not give. Birds are our friends. Many people choose Hahn’s macaw parrots as pets. They talk. Many of you have supported Swamiji in this endeavor, and you have gone beyond your capacity. Swamiji is very happy. Tomorrow, when there will be less crowd at Shuka Vana, go and get photos taken with the birds, in the feeding areas.
Now the results for the top ten parrots contest will be announced.
A very rare occurrence was witnessed this morning at this ashrama. As Swamiji was arriving to Nada Mantapa by processing, bringing Mother Goddess in the huge palanquin, Swamiji noticed an unusual number of white flowers strewn on the street. Swami Sahaja Datta looked up and noticed that there were parrots sitting on the tall flowering trees, plucking and throwing down the flowers in front of Swamiji’s vehicle. It was an incredible sight. Perhaps, the parrots were showing their excitement and approval of the efforts of Swamiji for the protection of birds and for spreading awareness of their importance.
In Dallas, at the time of the consecration of the Karyasiddhi Hanuman Temple, Swamiji was overjoyed to see sculptures made on the temple tower of parrots holding floral garlands, designed thoughtfully by the Sthapati/temple architect. Here, real parrots were creating a flower shower for Swamiji in the ashram during Navaratri on the day of the top ten parrot contest.
Only the registered members are eligible to vote in the contest. 600 persons have voted. 80 per cent of the members have voted. 100 per cent would have been better.
Tomorrow abhishekam to Lord Datta Venkateswara at 8:30 AM. AT 10 AM Sri Chakra Puja and Santi Homa at Nada Mantapam.
Varam has been ranked as Number 1 Parrot in Shuka Vana. He is very friendly with Swamiji. He shares tea with Swamiji. He greets him first thing in the morning with Good Morning. Enquires, how are you? If anyone comes, he alerts Swamiji. Stays up late till Swamiji returns to his quarters, and says Good Night. If some visitor stays too long he says, Okay, thank you, indicating that it is time for him to leave. Varam is here. He is my child. My friend. He calls me, Appaji, com. He sings Jaya Hanuman Jnanaguna Sagara and Om Namo Narayana Datta. Appu ram are also very talkative birds.
Now watch the video clip announcing the results of the top ten birds of Shuka Vana.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri