Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Deepavali – November 7, 2018 – Srisailam
Shivaaya Rudraaya Namah
Today Lakshmi Puja is performed. There is not place devoid of the presence of Lakshmi. She manifests as courage, stability. Thus she is the basis of our existence.
To contemplate on her, touch the middle spot between your eye- brows. In yoga tradition, this is called Bhru Madhya. Make it a point to touch this spot every day according to your traditions.
The materials suggested for this Tilaka/ Bhasma too have some intrinsic value. Carry a small container to keep your Bhru Madhya occupied. By smearing the spot, you are touching the sacred spot of Lakshmi. It is her place in the human body.
Now onwards, if you are coming to Ashrama it is mandatory to keep your forehead smeared. (Don’t keep your forehead blank. It is as if the forehead is licked by stray dogs. This is a famous idiom in Karnataka.)
Even widows or widowers can have Homa Raksha or Vibhuti. For those beauty conscious damsels, stickers are available.
The intent is to keep your forehead decorated. By touching the forehead many times a day, you should also remind yourself about the factor of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the source of stability and prosperity.
The significance of Vibhuti is manifold. Once Sage Durvasa happened to visit the heaven. He was well received by the celestial, as his anger was well known. Durvasa in his conversation, wanted to know the lateral events that are in vogue or scheduled. The assembly of deities have mentioned about the incidence of Naraka Kuupa- large hell pit which may not even have a bedrock. Many creatures undergoing various excruciating punishments yell a lot with pain.
Durvasa was curious to visit the state of creatures ensnared and entrapped in the hell pit.
The tradition mentions that this mortal body is not suited to undergo the punishment. It will have a Bhoga Shareera, whereby the creature has all the experience without a formal physical body. Those who killed creatures for their enjoyment, food or fancy will have their route cut out to reach the hell. Don’t be a parasite. Don’t steal other’s property. Don’t abuse women, parents and pious people, to avert.
Deities had led the Sage to the hell pit, to have a glimpse of creatures in the hell. Each sin has a different set of punishments. Between each punishments, this hell pit stands as the remand home. Who could measure the extent of their Karma?
Durvasa peeped into the hell pit. Incidentally, some particles from the Vibhuti smeared on the forehead of the sage, had fallen down in the pit. By surprise, the entire environment transformed as heaven. The suffering has vanished and the creatures were enthralled by celestial music.
The celestials have realised that the Vibhuti from the forehead, the place of Lakshmi is the source of this transformation. That is the power of Lakshmi. Bottu – is the name in Kannada and Telugu. On this day, you have to take oath that you won’t let your forehead to be empty any time, especially when you go out from home. It would be easy to recognise you.
In fact, I get disgusted to see such faces of gents who shy away from following the tradition.
More over, this tradition would elicit a smile from Sadguru. Your traditions may differ. Make a vow on this Deepavali.
Maha Lakshmi would bless you. Don’t forget to recite Maha Lakshmi Ashrama and Ashta Lakshmi Stuti daily.