Sri Chakra

The Source of the Cosmos

The Journal of the Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, Rush, NY

Blossom 19 Petal 3
September 2015
 The Long Arm of the Mother

September Alankara Utsavam, July 3-6

The festival began on Friday the 3rd with

Newsletter
a grand Ganapathi homam with 1008 modakams
going into the fire and Utsavam Ganesha going
in procession in the evening. Saturday began
at 5 a.m. with a Chandi homam, and an anna
pavadai on the Devi by mid-day. In the evening
was the large chariot procession.
Since the last That weekend was also when Sri
Amma was in town. That coming
Aiya performed a deepa lakshmi
puja on behalf of the Nandalala
Sunday was the Dattatreya guru puja,
but instead of 1008 shankams, this year saw a
issue... week, Aiya was at the temple Mission in Ottawa.
special raasi mandala puja. About 250 people
for the Sri Sai Paduka puja July Tuesday July 21, Aiya attended
participated in that event.
1st, and the temple’s Alankara the Sahasra Chandi homam in
At the end of May and The festival wound down on Monday
Utsavam July 3-6. Mississauga organized by the Volunteers put the final touches on the set-up for
beginning of June, Aiya was on with a Bhairava madai held outside. the raasi mandala puja
July 14th, a large group of kids Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram,
a pre-planned trip to England. from the Hindu Heritage summer and stayed until the last day on
After his return, he conducted a camp in Rochester visited the Sunday the 26th. He was mainly
workshop on Sanatana Dharma on temple, and the temple youth in Rochester from then on, during
June 13th in Toronto, which saw gave them the grand tour. The Guru Poornima, VSI camp, Aadi Guru Poornima, July 30 Guru Poornima this year fell auspiciously on a
an attendance of about 200 people guests also got to participate in Puram and Aadi Amavasya. Thursday. In the wee hours of the morning, Kumaran
and ran the whole day. abhishekam and bhajans, and a August 23rd, Aiya attended aiya performed a Dakshinamurthi homam. At 6 a.m.,
During the week of June 18th, special dinner. a Mahaperiava paduka puja volunteers did the Goh puja, and then Ganapathi
Aiya performed a couple of July 17th, Aiya was in Ottawa organized by Mohan Murali’s tarpanam at 6:30 a.m., all of which Aiya was present
grihapraveshams and attended doing a bhajan session, and on family in New Jersey. He for.
a reception, and then attended the 18th he was the chief guest at then returned to Rochester for Volunteers then did a service for the homeless
a wedding in Rochester on June bharatanatyam concert to raise Varalakshmi vratam on the 28th. in mid-morning and then chanted Lalita Sahasrana-
26th. funds for the homeless. July 19, mam together for the noon puja. The evening pro-
gram started at 4:30 p.m. with a Dakshinamurthi puja
and abhishakam. Aiya and Amma gave speeches, and
the night concluded with bhajans and musical perfor-
Sri Sai Paduka puja, July 1 mances.
Past Events
About 200 people showed up for this puja Left: Aiya performed puja to the guru parampara as soon
as he arrived for the evening program
which was held at the temple for the first time, albeit
Sri Amma’s visit, June 26-29 having taken place in Markham, Ontario for the last
several years. Devotees chanted the pancha-suktams
during the puja, and then conducted a homam. VSI camp, August 1-8
Sri Amma made an unexpected
Afterwards, the utsavam Rajarajeshwari received
Aadi Amavasya, August 13
visit to Rochester at the end of June, during
kalasam abhishekam, and finally, everyone got the
which she gave dharsanam at the temple on
chance to do puja to their own personal padukas. To comply with the standards of Aiya was present for this event, and
each of the days she was here.
On the Saturday, she dropped in New York State, the number of kids at- guided 200 participants in performing tarpa-
for a brief dharsanam during the Saturday tending Vibhuti Saivaite Immersion was nam puja to the souls of their deparated
puja. She returned on Sunday for special cut down from previous years, but the fathers first thing in the morning. The puja
raasi mandala puja done in honour of her as quality of camp was great for all 75 kids. was done outside, lasted about 2 hours, and
a grand welcome. Kids aged 10 to 19 participated everyone offered their own pindams.
Finally on Monday the 29th, she in welcome activities, cultural classes,
bhajans, hikes and outdoor activities, arts Pindams
arrived, gave dharsanam, met the temple are made of five
board members and put a diamond thaali & crafts, and a campfire, to name a few items: Banana,
on the Devi. things. rice flour, ghee,
Parent volunteers also adeptly ran black sesame
the day-to-day duties at camp and also seeds, and
participated in their own program. Sri jaggery. If the
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the main departed was a
saint the kids learned about from Aiya, married woman
at the time of
with Sarada Devi as the secondary saint. passing, honey is
All event articles by Kamya Ramaswamy
added.

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 Aadi Puram, August 16 Varalakshmi Vratam, August 28 A Jewel From my Mother’s Crown
Shankar aiya per-
Shankar aiya guided this short and sweet
formed the puja for this
event, which celebrates the puja, which always takes place on a Friday eve- A new book by Guruji (Sri La Sri
ning but has a great turnout. The yajnashala was
Devi’s attaining maturity.
As in recent years, this full of married ladies who came to perform this Amritanandanatha Saraswathi) by Sundhara Arasaratnam

year saw a 4-5 hour Chandi puja to pray for the well-being of their husbands.
homam that began at about The event lasted about 2 hours, after which
9 a.m. everyone tied the customary sharadu (string) and
The utsava murthi received prasadam.
[The Sri Chakra is the empower and improve on the quality this puja and conforming to the
was given milk abhishekam The genetic code of the Cosmos, the in- of life for the less fortunate. His guidelines as per the Parasurama
and alankaram, and the ladies sat in dividual and micro cosmos. Medita- universal maternal instincts and Kalpa Sutra.
Devi was offered several rows, each
tion on it has revealed many truths unconditional love has no barriers Inspired devotees covet-
different sweet and savoury performing a
guided puja to seers; it is itself revealed in medi- of gender, race, caste or religion; ously grasped for this book and
bakshanams, which were
to their own tation. It is a symbol of all creation, all are the Mother’s children to be made these rituals a part of their
later distributed as prasa- deepams including its unitive (subjective) embraced and taught the elimination lives. The book served their dual
dam.As this puja fell on a represent-
Sunday this year, at least and diverse (objective) aspects. The of “I” versus “You.” goals of learning the worship ritu-
Devi receiving ing goddess
milk abhishekam 150 people turned out for Varalakshmi Sri Chakra symbolizes reality. The Guruji, in his thirst to als of the Mother while enabling
the festivities. center point is reality, and so are the provide insight and basic techniques students to continue with their
outer enclosures, and so is the path. to the world, without reservation, day-to-day duties demanded in this
Guruji, Sri La Sri Amri- authored the Sri Chakra pūjā Vidhi Kali Yuga. The new era was born.
                     tanandanatha Saraswathi, in his book. In the current environment, This book had a blue hard cover
unconditional love and quest to Kali Yuga, it is not feasible for any- and is very dearly referred to as the
Upcoming Events educate all, dedicated his career one to perform the Sri Chakra pūjā in “Blue Book” by Guruji’s disciples.
to broadcast the knowledge he a limited amount of time. With the Guruji diligently contin-
received from his mentor, Saras- guidance of his mentor, Saraswathi, ued to provide more detailed input
Event Date/time Location wathi. This book, A Jewel from my Guruji orchestrated the gateway to via different media to expand on
Ganapathi Chaturthi September 16 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, full property Mother’s Crown, is a consolidation do the Sri Chakra pūjā in 75 minutes the teachings on the Sri Chakra
of some of his teachings that leaves while not compromising any of the pūjā rituals. Nothing was taken for
Sharada Navarathri October 13-24 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, full property
a blazing new trail, sure to land in benefits to be realized in performing granted. Every day more and more
Kedara Gauri Vratham Oct. 22 - Nov. 10 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, indoors the history books, on the intricate information came
meanings and understanding of the from Guruji. Much
Skanda Shashti Nov. 12-16 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, indoors
Sri Chakra and its rituals.] of it was recorded in
Karthika Deepam Nov. 25 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, indoors documents or as audio.
It was in the year 1988 that Guruji mined the hid-
Guruji was visiting the USA and den treasures from the
In Three Months was consumed by how to enable scriptures, exposing to
Our special thanks and gratitude to a regular householder to perform the world the hidden
this issue’s volunteers: Aiya, Vilas the Sri Chakra pūjā as a daily puja. rituals and their multi-
Devi willing, the next issue of the Sri Chakra will Given the content of this ritual it is fold meanings. He
Ankolekar, Sundhara Arasaratnam, not easy to condense it to a short articulated the experi-
be up on the temple’s website at the beginning of
December 2015. Ahalya Arasaratnam, Mohan Murali, puja. The Sri Chakra pūjā, until ences and knowledge
This magazine cannot keep publishing without Vimalan Sothinathan, and Srividya recent times, was very ardently acquired through
contributions! Articles, poems, stories and photos restricted to a select group and his meditation and
(Amanda Carlson).
about any spiritual topic are welcomed. inferred by others, as its mystical interactions with the
The next deadline for article submission is esoteric techniques were prohibited Mother, continuously
November 9, 2015. Please e-mail us with your from being practiced by the “un- discoursing and using
contributions or feedback about this issue at privileged.” all means available to
sri_chakra_mag@srividya.org or talk to Kamya or As we all know, Guruji is him from emerging
Abhi at the temple. a humble and gentle person whose technology to spread
Sri Gurubhyo Namaha! only objectives are to love, teach his insights. All his
and provide social services to efforts elegantly led to

The Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam ~ 6980 East River Road ~ Rush, NY 14543 ~ Phone: (585) 533 - 1970
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 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

Dasamahavidyas
the power of
visualization.
These
rituals within
Śrī Vidyā
are intensely
sublime and
by Aiya part 1
rewarding,
and can lead
to a direct During one of the past Vibhuti Saivaite Immersion
experience of camps, Aiya told the parents about the Dasama-
yourself as a havidyas, all of whom are equally powerful to Sri
wave of beauty Rajarajeshwari but have different approaches to the
and bliss aris- sadhana. Thanks very much to Murali Mohan for
ing from the sending the Sri Chakra the audio of Aiya’s talks. This is
ocean of pure the first part of a two-part series.
consciousness.
You can expe- In the old days, they divided Shakti worship
rience yourself into aspects that would satisfy the temperament of the
and your body worshippers. So there would be a soumya aspect—
opening the flood gates to under- planned for December 2014. The
as a living shrine and the chakras very calm, peaceful, collected, loving aspect of Devi.
standing the Sri Chakra pūjā. Satha Abhishekam (80th birthday)
as altars in that shrine. This book Then there’s another aspect where she’s ready to kill.
The year 2013 was the was the commemoration of one
would become a priceless encyclo- These 10 divisions are equally power-
silver jubilee of the “Blue Book.” thousand pournamis (full moons) in
pedia on Sri Chakra pūjā in every ful—each method is equally intense and powerful in
One of Guruji’s disciples, who has this birth and also a very special day
home. destroying the ego structure and to give you kaivalyam
been meticulously practising from for all Guruji’s disciples to get the
This priceless diamond of padham. She will destroy your ego and make you
the “Blue Book,” was speaking to chance to be with him on this occa-
a book was offered at the feet of our lonely. Ultimately, if you realize you are Shiva or the
Guruji on the eve of the silver jubi- sion and receive his divine grace.
dearest Guruji on December 30th Devi, you are alone in the universe. Everything that
lee and thanked him for this invalu- Overall, this book was to
2014. At this event 10 collectors’ you see is you.
able golden book. Guruji requested provide extensive and authentic
edition copies were released. This So having said that, we will look at one or two mouth of the corpse, sit on top of the corpse and do
a sequel to the “Blue Book” be explanations at every step of the
book was released to the public, as examples. These different aspects are called Dasa (ten) japam. That is called shava-sadhana. In Kashi, this
published. ritual to help the reader understand
a hard copy and e-book, on July 4, Maha (great) Vidya (branches of knowledge). Among is still going on. If you spend two or three days there,
It was a pleasant surprise. the functionality and the entailing
2015 at the Alankara Festival at the these 10, there are some that are described as Ma- you may want to take a look. But if you’re a lady, go
His request was to provide a com- effects of these rituals. It is not the
Sri Rajarajeswari Temple, Rush, havidya, others that are described as Saamaanyavidya, with someone who can properly guide you.
prehensive view and thorough un- execution of a puja in a mundane
New York, USA. and others that are described as Guhyavidya. If you do Tara worship like this, that Tara
derstanding of the Sri Chakra pūjā. manner but the translations and
The first Mahavidya is Tara, second is Kali, is called Smashana Tara. For Tara and Kali, this is
For the disciple, as challenging as it explanations that would render the
third is Sundari, fourth is Bhuvaneshwari, fifth is an essential component of the sadhana. And there
was, consolidating Guruji’s works devotee to realize and rejoice in the
Bagalamukhi, sixth is Dhumavati, seventh is Bhai- are different forms of Tara—Sukla Tara, Neela Tara,
was seen as a privilege and indu- true meaning of undivided unity
ravi, eighth is Chinnamasta, ninth is Matangi, tenth Smashana Tara, Samhara Tara—so many varieties
bitably rewarding. Many disciples with the Divine and the cosmos.
is Kamala. What we are doing here at this temple is are there. The accepted mantra for Tara is Om Hreem
were contacted to collect material Its purpose is to guide
Sundari worship. Each Devi has her own simple man- Streem Hum Phat.
from Guruji’s discourses. Many of the devotee on the integration of
tras, slightly more complex mantras, and very complex Tara is where you are trained to listen to the
Guruji’s writings were reviewed and the Mantra, Yantra and Tantra to
mantras. sound of the pranavam whether it is an auspicious
the subject matter materials were experience the Divine in themselves
Tara, Kali, Bagalamukhi, Dhumavati and sound or inauspicious sound. When you hear a plane
collated, as were numerous commu- and understand the Sri Chakra as a
Bhairavi are called Mahavidyas. Mahavidya will flying or a baby crying or a snake hissing, you can hear
nications with Guruji from the draft gateway between the microcosm of
presuppose that the aspirant is capable of performing Omkaram there. That is Tara worship.
stage to the completion of the book. atoms, an individual, and the cos-
certain severe penances. For example, when you are There are three types of worshippers: Pashub-
When it was decided to mos. The correct Sanskrit diacriti-
worshipping Tara and Kali one of the penances that havam, veerabhavam, and divyabhavam. Pashubha-
release it for publication the new cal marks were included to render
you have to do is get up in the middle of the night on vam describes people who have no control over their
book had gone through 227 revi- the exact pronunciation of letter
an Amavasya (new moon) when it is pitch black, and senses; they eat whatever they want, they sleep when
sions! The new release of this “Blue and word. Diagrams and pictures
make your way to the crematorium or graveyard. they want, they bathe when they want. This is pashub-
Book” was entitled A Jewel From were embedded to effect subtle il-
This next part is easier to do in India where havam; animalistic nature. For them, no mantras are
My Mother’s Crown and was to lustrations to the respective subject
the crematoriums are outside the village and un- prescribed. Why? Mantras have a peculiar character-
make its grand debut at the inaugu- matter. The book was enhanced
guarded at night. You pull a partly-burnt body out of istic in that they will amplify the nature of the person
ration of Guruji’s Satha Abhishekam by allowing devotees to harness
the fire, place it on the ground, light a deepam in the chanting them. So if you’re a lazy, angry or deceitful

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 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

Golden Clips from Guruji

person, for example, you’ll become how to draw the Sri Chakra, and it all of this happened. She has been
even more so when chanting a man- was beautifully written. doing Balatripurasundari upasana
tra. Guruji introduced me to for 60 years. She said, “That was
For veerabhavam, man- him and some others who were a wild elephant that came in here.
tras are taught, external worship is there. After some time, Avadhani If the elephant jumps into a swim-
taught, and then they’re encouraged
to perform the puja as much as pos-
uncle came. At the time, Guruji was
seated in front of me and he intro-
ming pool, there’s going to be a big
splash. But if the same elephant
An explanation by Sri la Sri Amritanandanatha Saraswati
sible and involving as many people duced us as soon as he arrived. I jumped into the ocean, what would
as possible. They will go at it with stood up and we both put our hands happen? That’s what happened
gusto; that’s what the children are out toward each other to shake. here.” She said she saw me looking
being taught here. It’s a rajasik While both of us were putting our at Guruji’s feet and that was enough
form of worship whereas the first hands out, I could see Guruji’s feet to protect me. It was after the memorable Satha Abhishekam inauguration for Guruji at the end of December 2014 when many disciples
one was a tamasik form of worship. in the background, just beneath the Then Guruji Ammah asked would sit in the front patio at Guruji’s ashram and ask him questions. He answered them all very lovingly, catering to everyone’s
Next is divyabhavam, two hands. In the back of my mind, why Avadhani left so suddenly. Gu- questions without discrimination, and responding to every question with simple answers. He embroidered each answer to address
and no external puja needs to be I was thinking that a Kali upasaka ruji answered that the transmission the true meanings and guide the audience to understand the existence of the divine as an ocean of awareness.
there. If it’s there, it’s there. This is coming toward me so the Guru he gave Rao depleted him imme- Below is a question from a disciple and the answer from Guruji transcribed for this publication. The answer to the question
is the sattvik form of worship. For Paduka has to be there. So while I diately; that is why he had to drink was articulated by Guruji to explain the underlying spiritualism. Thanks to Sundhara and Ahalya Arasaratnam for transcribing
veerabhavam and divyabhavam, shook Avadhani’s hand, I continued water and go collect the energy and submitting this piece to the Sri Chakra.
mantras are taught. If you’re doing looking at Guruji’s feet. back again. After that, I never met
the veerabhavam form of worship Avadhani had a firm Avadhani again. I heard he became
properly, it will automatically lift handshake and he looked into my progressively frustrated because like What does the Krishna and Radha love story mean to us?
you up to divyabhavam. eyes, and that was it. Then Guruji Guruji, he also had disciples. But
The second Mahavidya is introduced Dr. Rao and told Avad- Guruji’s disciples were running to There are different levels of meanings. The mundane meaning
Kali. But before we get to that, I hani he was from IIT Bombay. But him from all over the world trying is it’s a simple love story.
want to tell you a story. My guru as Avadhani held his hand out to to build up the temple in Devipuram The next deeper meaning is the implied meaning where the
had a friend and his name was Dr. Rao and they shook, Dr. Rao and Avadhani’s students weren’t awareness is constantly in the Vishuddhi (throat), to Sahasrara (top of
Avadhani. They went to school started screaming and boom! He doing anything like that for him. He head).
together, and Avadhani was a Da- fainted. And it took about two or died a very broken man. The more you dwell, it implies the mind wavering between
kshina Kali upasaka. When I was three minutes to bring him back. Kali has no patience. stillness and thoughts.
in Zambia, Guruji told me about Then Avadhani sat down and asked Imagine you and Kali are standing Radha is a form of Krishna and also the power of Krishna as
this fellow, and he also gave me the Guruji Ammah to bring him some on opposite sides of a door and the akarshana (attractive power). It is the Radhini Shakti and is a part of Sri
mantras and encouraged me to do water. Believe it or not, he drank only open space between you is a Vidya upasana; it is also the love power of Krishna and attracts all the
puja in the veerabhavam manner. three kodams of water. Then he got keyhole. If she decides to give you Gopis. It is not a mundane thing but spiritual. There are 16 petals at the
What Guruji told me about up, told Guruji he had to leave, and moksha, she will drag you through Vishuddhi and 1000 petals at the Sahasrara. Connecting each petal from
Avadhani was that on Amavasya he left. I didn’t even get to talk to the keyhole with no interest what the Vishuddhi to Sahasrara makes a total of 16,000. These are all in
day, he would get up in the middle the guy. will happen to your body. She is your mind. Thus comes about the concept of the 16,000 Gopis attracted
of the night and tell his wife he was So then everyone was just only interested in giving you libera- to Krishna.
leaving for the crematorium. He looking at each other. And quietly, tion as fast as possible, and it is a Krishna means darkness or absolute silence. Gopi is the
would go there, sit, and do shava Professor Rao came back to his painful journey. thought. Between one thought and the next thought there is silence.
sadhana, and then in the morning he normal self and Guruji asked him The one we are worship- Thought subsides and there is silence before the next thought; likewise
would bathe and come back home. what happened and why he reacted ping is not like that. She will hold between silence and silence there is a thought. So between Krishna and
And he had siddhi, no question like that. Rao said when they shook you nicely by the hand and slowly Krishna there is a Gopi and Krishna between a Gopi and Gopi.
about it. And I asked Guruji if I hands, he looked at Avadhani and lead you through a garden. If you It is a continuous process. The silence is zero; therefore, it also con-
could meet him. saw 1000 arms behind him, and he see something nice and want to go tinues inside and through emotion. The power of silence is attractive;
When Guruji went back to couldn’t take the energy. Guruji play with it, she will patiently stay therefore, it attracts a Gopi or a thought.
India, he told Avadhani about me. Ammah then asked, “How come there until you have gone to play This is the spiritual aspect of the Krishna and Radha love story.
One day, my daughter and I went Haran didn’t react like that?” Gu- with it and come back. Sundari The Krishna and Radha love story is a continuum of experience! It is continuing every day and everywhere by everyone!
to Guruji’s house in Visakapatnam ruji smile and I said, “I was shaking is Saamaanavidya whereas Kali is
where we would meet Avadhani. his hand but I was watching your Mahavidya.
Just before he arrived, there was a feet.” Silence/Stillness Thought/Distrac- Silence/Stillness Thought/Distrac- Silence/Stillness Thought/Distrac-
professor of mathematics there from That is an example of how Check out the next Sri Chakra for tion tion tion
the Indian Institute of Technology in the Guru Paduka protects the dis- the second part of this article. Krishna Radha / Gopi Krishna Radha / Gopi Krishna Radha / Gopi
Bombay, and his name was Profes- ciple. Then after a little while Gu- Meditate Maya Meditate Maya Meditate Maya
sor C.S. Rao. His PhD thesis was ruji asked his sister why she thought

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 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

(710) Fascinating (753) Spring's freshest daffodil

Sri Parvati
glances (754) Summer's ripest fruit
(711) Intoxicating (755) Autumn's rainiest refuge
glimpse (756) The year's best bargain
(712) Moves like wind (757) A decade's single victory

Sahasranama part 3
(713) Dancing like a
gypsy
(714) Now like a
(758) A score's highest token
(759) A century's dazzling gem
(760) An age's epoch journey
peahen (761) A Manvantara of lifetimes gift
by Srividya (Amanda Carlson) (715) Now like a cloud (762) The Yugas beginning & end
(626) Constructor of the Heavens (657) Who adorns Herself with (716) Now like a star (763) Daybreak's warmness
(627) The Beginning wed the End flowers (717) Now like a wild (764) Its shy beginning
(628) Manifestation embracing An- (658) Who is surrounded by snakes ocean (765) Its panoramic beauty
In the last two issues of the Sri nihilation (659) Who has no grandchildren (718) Now like a radi- (766) And kind serenity
Chakra, the author discussed how (629) Multiplication times Contrac- (660) Who likes to wear red ant forest after show- (767) Its quiet awakening
she came to write her opus to the tion (661) Who contemplates Rudraksha ers at sunrise (768) Its majestic unfoldment
Divine Mother, and started the list (630) The dance of Creation (662) Who has a mouse, a bull, and (719) Now like your (769) A lake of plenty
of the first 600 or so names. This (631) Mother of all jivas a peacock on her doorstep dreams you cherish (770) Time's bejeweling
last installment of Sri Parvati Devi’s (632) Compassion animated (663) Who likes to eat fruits inside (771) The awe of Dawn
names continues on. (633) Love as Greatness (664) She who sits astride a bull (720) Now like a (772) The joy of morning
(634) Worrier of Her devotees (665) She who bears a trident veena (773) The brilliance of midday
(635) Watches after Her children (666) She who loves animals (721) Now a sitar (774) The slowing of afternoon
(594) Seat of Tantra (636) Strives for Lord Shiva (667) She who drinks only air (677) Compassionate to the pitiful (722) Bending the (775) The repose of evening
(595) Haven of Yantra (637) Nothing but Perfect (668) She who altogether vanished (678) Hiker of mountains music of life's civilizations (776) The sanctity of twilight
(596) Meaning of Mantra (638) Silence engaged in discus- (669) Who hid from Shankara (679) Stealth beyond description (723) Swept across time, across (777) The horizon's colors merging
(597) One beyond Nirvana sions (670) Who annihilates the enemies (680) Difficult to discover continents, across gunas (778) The ocean's swelling
(598) Embodiment of Bhava (639) Merciful Responder of Her devotees (681) Harder to visit (724) Never without Shiva (779) The moon's waxing and wan-
(599) Shankaracharya's first obei- (640) Granter of all wishes (671) Slayer of ego (682) Beloved of Her devotees (725) ...Without blessings ing
sance (641) Maker of all ways (672) Lives with Chandra and (683) Rewarder of focus (726) ...Without Boons (780) The rivers' charging, meander-
(600) Vyasa's favorite chef (642) Companion of all moments Ganga (684) Mighty of intention (727) Doubt vanquished ing and flowing
(601) Sukadeva's object of devotion (643) Taster of all tastes (673) Gazer of halahal poison (685) Invisible yet ever present (728) Haven of women (781) The state of flow
(602) Radha's confidant (644) Stillness within (674) Bearer of intoxicating per- (686) Distributor of all motherliness (729) Mentor and Mantra (782) Continual growing
(603) Every woman's proponent (645) 100,000 kisses fume (687) Teacher of forgiveness (730) Extremely nice (783) Expansion of consciousness
(604) Completely guileless (646) Dreams ablaze in pursuing (675) Musk adorned (688) Captivated by innocence (731) Disguised as terrible (784) Night times at home
(605) Absent of bickering life's preciousness (676) Anklets cause meditation (689) Simplest of all women (732) Fierce like fire (785) Embodiment of the family
(606) Witty and funny (647) Born of the earth, (690) Humble beyond cognition (733) Ablaze in love (786) Togetherness and connection
(607) Sublimest of Women become a Goddess (691) Free of all blemish (734) Steeped in the Shastras (787) Kind-hearted relations
(608) Makes Shiva have children (648) Determination (692) Wiser than the wisest (735) Itihasas Her dress (788) Knitter of the atma of all be-
(609) Beguiler of men embodied (693) Sanctuary of Yoginatha (736) Maya Her movements ings, good & bad, and all pairs of
(610) Enchanting beyond measure (649) Who enjoys (694) Companion of reclusives (737) Enlightenment Her breath opposites
(611) Down-to-earth and rooted camping (695) Protector of Her children (738) Divine Consort (789) Creator & eliminator of all
(612) Simple and unaffected (650) Who lives in the (696) Goddess of all motherliness (739) Wife of the Holy Ghost opposites
(613) Artistic and creative forest (697) Sweet as sacred nectar (740) Hostess of the Sacred Host (790) Like desert and forest
(614) Beautiful singer (651) Who enjoys (698) Follows all canons (sacred (741) Bhutanatha's Girlfriend (791) Mountains and valleys
(615) Bends the mind of her music walking in nature texts) (742) Sanctuary of the vanished (792) Plains and oceans
(616) Melts the ego of listeners (652) Lovely cloud (699) Detached from attachment (dead) (793) Tundra and arctics
(617) Understands Nada gazer (700) Beyond all rituals (743) Comrade of the lonely (794) Heavens and hells
(618) Dancer of Omkara (653) Admirer of the (701) Pleasantest Guest (744) Seer into eternity (795) Penance and merriment
(619) Revealer of the Vedas environment (702) Beautiful as peonies in a lush (745) History embodied (796) Beacon of ascetics
(620) Mother of music (654) Who's home is fragrant garden (746) Ken of all knowledge (797) Midnight's secret
(621) Origin of all arts adorned with Ganga (703) Moved to pity (747) Beautifully and simply spoken (798) Its zenith
(622) Matron of Theatre (655) Who breathes (704) Grace Incarnate (748) Timely timelessess (799) Its presence
(623) Deliverer of inspiration fresh air (705) Delicacy typified (749) Manifests in a moment's (800) Its treasure
(624) Origin of intuition (656) Who is very (706) Yet fully Self-sufficient notice (801) Its darkness
(625) Builder of enthusiasm steadfast (707) Can't live without Shiva (750) Thin air emerging (802) Its wisdom
(708) Wonderment's Circus (751) Transcendental Wonderment (803) Its depth
(709) Bedazzling luminescence (752) Winter's best ornament (804) Dreams encounters
10 11
 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

(805) Their manifestations (859) The precision of the Trident (889) Running existence with Her (934) And annihilates all then and She'll hurry)
(806) Psychological tumbles (860) The vibration of the Damaroo side-long glances obstacles (970) The One Who fin-
(807) Rem sleep (861) The love of devotees (890) Marvelous Mother (935) Who blesses you ishes what She started
(808) Beyond rem (862) The everything of all things (891) Magnificent Treasure after death (971) Who roams the Three
(809) The arms that we sleep in (863) The beauty of Dharma (892) Mercy embodied (936) Who cradles you in Worlds and all that inhabits
(810) The bliss we connect with (864) The justice of Karma (893) Heart of all servants Her bosom them
(811) The mini-death (865) The Freedom of Moksha (894) Smiles illumine all Directions (937) Who houses your (972) Who is your sole and
(812) The ghost of our jiva (866) The liberation of Shanti (895) Melody of all music loved ones only provider
(813) The Goddess of all atmas (867) The annihilation of Ananda (896) Nataraja's rhythm (938) Who sanctions each (973) Who cherishes your
(814) The play of all species (868) The pathway of Yoga (897) Entwined with Lord Shiva happening spirit, and named you since
(815) The boundaries of all waters (869) The cave of the Chakras (898) Half of one body (939) Who loves righ- conception
(816) The cycle of all seasons (870) The gate of Shushumna (899) This World & Bramha teousness (974) Who has a special
(817) The mysterious divine house- (871) The balance of Ida & Pingala (900) Inseparable everything (940) But embraces the fate predestined for you
holder (872) Our very own Sadhana (901) Seen & not seen unrighteous (975) Who frees those in
(818) Red dipped finger tips (873) Never far from us (902) Feminine & masculine (941) And teaches all bondage
(819) Kajal on eyelids (903) 9 Nights embodied beings through circum- (976) Who gives power to
(820) Henna decorated (904) Sri Yantra inhabited stances the powerless
(821) Dove like gentleness (905) Coconut kalash ocean (942) Who's with you in (977) Siddhis incarnate
(822) Bequeather of all breath (906) Wheat grass feet carpet illness (978) The progress in
(823) Matriarch of Bramhaa (907) Pomegranate jewel (943) Who treats you sadhana
(824) Lila of Vishnu richness through doctors (979) Vedas enchantment
(825) Destruction of Shiva (908) Yajna's appearance (944) Who mends your bones (980) Subtle mystery's revelation
(826) Volcanic explosion of fury (909) Stotra's enchantment (945) Who mends your heart (981) The ocean's buoyancy
(827) Molten lava of energy (910) Pooja's endearment (946) Who never remembers your indiscretions (982) The wind's omniscience
(828) Burning fire river of (911) Mahishasura's trophy: (947) And wants always what's best for you (983) The forest's silence
kundalini His head on Her discus (948) Who shakes you to prod you through all kinds of (984) Nature's foremost
(829) Known as Shakti (912) All devas crying challenges (985) Great marital adjustment
(830) Suns explosions “Devi!” “Devi!” (949) Who binds you to a body to evolve your conscious- (986) Happily married
(831) Stars collision (913) Resides at Pashupati- ness (987) Holder of linga
(832) Galaxies expansion natha (950) So that you can experience Her love of your bril- (988) Shedder of knowledge
(833) Universe's vastness (914) Resides at Kashi liance (989) The transition of death
(834) Milky Way of direction (915) Resides at Kedarnatha, (951) Who times each episode for you down to the sec- (990) The mighty releaser
(835) Sound of Ether Hardiwar and Gangotri ond (991) Who grants Her devotees wisdom and riches
(836) Touch of Air (916) Everywhere Present (952) And travels like a dream beside you all day (992) Who acts like a pulley to lift the world's burdens
(837) Sight of Fire (917) Queen of Prithvi (953) Who watches every movement, every hour, every (993) Who embraces you tightly and calms all your senses
(838) Taste of Water (918) Worshippable beyond breath (994) Who gives supreme knowledge
(839) Smell of Earth senses (954) Who always takes notice of your new attempt (995) Whose aroma transports one
(840) Origin of Sankhya (919) Supreme Achievement (955) Who likes to sit under trees (996) Whose beauty silences
(841) Kapila's inspiration (920) Mild as Autumn (956) And loves moonlit midnights (997) Whose love is limitless
(842) Vayu's range (921) Your every encounter (957) Who cherishes nature as Her very own pet (998) Whose grace uplifts
(843) Agni's vision (922) Your every desire (958) Who walks in the dew outside your window (999) Whose glances spread bliss
(844) Indra's regeneration (874) More practical than breakfast (923) Plunder your heart to find Her (959) The One Who birthed you from absolutely nothing (1000) Whom only Shambhu can live with
(845) Mayadeyo's magic (875) More precious than lunch enthroned there (960) Who held you and bathed you (1001) Who adores Isvara
(846) Scope of the Directions (876) More savory than dinner (924) Orange of Sannyasis (961) For whom nothing's impure (1002) Who is supreme yet a homemaker
(847) Dazzle of Rohini (877) A rose-water lassi (925) Kund of good plenty (962) The one who accepts you just as you are (1003) Who is easy to relate to
(848) Ebb and flow of Chandra (878) So simple you may miss it (926) Each moment's life's offering (963) Who stands waiting and watching for when you (1004) And kindness embodied
(849) The energy of Rudra (879) So sublime you yet try (927) To be thanked daily will come (1005) Who is Matchless and Peerless
(850) And romance of Vishnu (880) Merciful Motherliness (928) To be remembered always (964) Who gives you freedom to play in the world; to (1006) The Finest, The Best
(851) The generosity of Laksmi (881) Mighty Adventuress (929) Who raised you through your strive and to yearn and to die still burdened, and when- (1007) Who is Right this Moment
(852) And compassion of Saraswati (882) Left kith and kin parents ever you want to She'll trade it all in for endless joy and (1008) & The end of the endless...
(853) The laughter of Ganesha (883) Abandon all for Lord Shiva (930) And protected you till this peace, Her two lovely anklets!
(854) And discernment of Kartikeya (884) Meditated and fasted instant (965) She loves bilva fruit and marigold flowers * * * * *
(855) The dedication of Nandi (885) Nearly blew up the Heavens (931) Who loves you without condi- (966) She is the red of your blood
(856) The perception of Python (886) Till Shankara melted, relented tion (967) And the sigh of your longing All Glories, All Honor, All Love & All Blessings
Swami – repented (932) Who sings to you at all mo- (968) If you offer Her anything sincerely, She loves it to Parvati Devi & Her family Forever!!!
(857) The stealth of the Chakra (887) Lives in Himalaya's bosom ments (969) Guilelessness is bound to capture Her (call Her
(858) The weight of the Mace (888) Forever cherished (933) Who guides you to success
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 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

They never barked or menaced The town of Saga was

Guru, Ganapathi, and Nandi anyone but just before midnight

all of them gathered to form a
small army and would go around
heavily militarized and we were told
not to talk to any locals. A couple
of teenage girls looking at Ahalya’s
howling! The dogs in Tibet were bindu on her forehead and nose stud
by Sundhara Arasaratnam
part 2 passive. They never fought over approached her to view them, and
food. They would move and give she somehow connected with them
room for other dogs to share the even though we did not know the
food—a lesson we humans could Tibetan language. We were imme-
In the last Sri Chakra, the author winding trip, scared at every learn! I think it was the Tibetan diately approached by a couple of
narrated the details of his and his military check point what our Our new Tibetan friend at Tingri, a town close to culture that oozed into all lives military officers hinting at us to dis-
wife’s journey from Canada to the fate would be! Mount Everest. This lady sold handmade Tibetan in the vicinity. The facilities at the perse! The electricity was all solar
Himalayan Mountain range. They The silver lining to the jewellery. Tibetans are very humble people who overnight stay is something you powered and the so-called Wi-Fi did
made it to Nepal but were still wait- cloud was we were travel- respect all livings with utmost divinity. The room would expect when you are in a not work. The Chinese government
ing for their government clearance ling 800 kilometers along the #11 in the background was our room. camping trip. The focus is Kailash. had jammed all communications for
to reach their ultimate destination, Himalayan range. What a So we plodded along! e-mail, Facebook etc. We roughed
Lake Manasarovar and Mount beauty! Too magnificent for Nyalam we felt serenity and divin- The next day was another out the night in a hotel and set off
Kailash. Their journey continues in words. The majestic Himala- ity in the atmosphere. The air was long drive to the town of Saga. The next morning.
this second half of his article. yas featured many salt lakes, thin. The breathing was getting to altitude was increasing and the air The next day we were en
nomads minding their herds, be a little difficult. It was cold. It getting thinner as we reached an route to Darchen, which is the main
and wild animals grazing was a full moon night. The moon altitude of over 5200 meters (3.5 gateway to Kailash. Shortly after
Relaxing at the Tea House with our Tibetan team
On Tuesday May 13th, along the mountains. was so big and bright from this high miles) at Dhangli pass. Here we we left Saga our Tibetan acquain-
2014 we were scheduled to cross ingly the chief priest conducting We maintained our Guru also viewed the famous lake created tance who was travelling with us
into Tibet. Monday May 12th was the homam also executed a Mri- Paduka, Vanchakalpa Ganapathi and by Milarepa, Lake Paiku Tso Lake. received a call on his cell phone,
Soma Pradhosham. Being Soma thyunjaya homam. I guess it was to Nandi continuously for protection. The Tibetan scriptures say there was and was told the weather at Kailash
Pradhosham it was the best way we provide protection for us given that We rested the first night a small pond which was made into was bad with hail, fog and freezing
could show our gratitude to Nandi. we would be trekking at very high at a town called Nyalam in a “Tea this big lake by the power (siddhi) rain. The question was whether we
We quickly arranged for a Rudra altitudes with low oxygen. House.” As soon as we entered of Milarepa. were to proceed or retreat. We were
Homam and Rudra Abhishekam at We set off the morning of We reached the town of determined to go with our ammuni-
Pashupathinath orchestrated with 11 May 13th and crossed the border Saga at dusk, enjoying the sunset tion–Guru Paduka, Vanchakalpa
Brahmins priests etc. at Zhangmu. Chinese immigration along the drive. The bright pink and Ganapathi and Nandi.
The Rudram chant and searched us thoroughly to ensure orange haze was over the horizon It was a long day again
sequence of the lines sounded dif- no pictures of Mandalas or Tibetan with the blue sky behind us, pristine enjoying the Himalayan range and
ferent from what we chant (South scriptures were in our possession. streams of water from the Himala- interacting with locals—such simple
Indian style). Later in Toronto a Interestingly we did carry the latest yas formed small rivers to big rivers and kind-hearted Tibetans. We were
priest from Kumbakonam explained book by Guruji that was in produc- below us, and the mesmerizing astonished to see the devotion of the
to me that in North India and Nepal tion, which had a few pictures of the
Lake Paiku (or Peiku)— in Tibetan Paiku-Tso or -Tsho ice-capped mountains stood around local Tibetans when we saw an old
the Sukla style of Veda is exercised —is at 4,591 meters (15,070 ft) elevation on the us. At times we wondered whether lady, probably in her mid-seventies,
Sri Chakra in the draft. The Chinese Tibetan Plateau a.k.a. Milarepa Lake by Tibetans.
in chanting in comparison to the immigration officials opened this it was true or whether we were in a proceeding to Kailash by foot
It is said this lake was a small pond and Milarepa
Krishna tradition in the Southern book and we were trembling in with his “siddhi” enlarged it into a big lake. This lake movie with animations! (about 150 miles from Kailash) tak-
states. All went well and interest- our boots as they would see the Sri is also very holy for the Tibetans. In this area, this The sad part of it was you ing one step then prostrate and then
lake is second only to Manasarovar. It is a turquoise could also see along the drive the another footstep and so on! We also
Chakra pictures. The immi- lake with spectacular view of Shishapangma
gration officer opened it and old Tibetan historic build-
(8,027m), the 14th highest mountain in the world.
on the first page was a picture Located 40km to the east of Gyirong county town is ings and monasteries shat-
of Guruji. He immediately a light salty lake, with a water area over 300 square tered and at ground level,
closed the book and ended Colourful Prayer flags at NYALAM (3900m). kilometers. This is a remote area where you will find probably by the invading
The five colors are arranged in a specific order: birds nesting, Tibetan antelope and wild donkeys. It Chinese army. It is with
the inspection. Looks like is on the way to Lake Manasarovar and Mt Kailash.
blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The five colors great pain we viewed these
Guruji’s picture mesmerized represent the elements and the Five Pure Lights.
the immigration officer! Different elements are associated with different colors
destructions by the Chinese
With our original plan, we for specific traditions, purposes and sadhana. Blue army. They are now drilling
would have taken a helicop- symbolizes the sky and space, white symbolizes the altitude, as if it was easy to reach for minerals in Tibet, and
ter flight and reached the
air and wind, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes for it and grab it under my blanket. a culture of absolute peace
water, and yellow symbolizes earth. According to The most interesting thing and serenity is gradually be-
base near Kailash quickly. traditional Tibetan medicine, health and harmony are
But now we had this long produced through the balance of the five elements. we noticed is there were many dogs. ing destroyed every day.
The Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will
Views along the Himalayan range. Love those Yaks. All animals be blown by the wind to spread the good will and Tibetans performing full body prostrations as
14 (and Chinese military / police forces) have the right of way on compassion into all-pervading space. Therefore, they go around Mount Kailash a full 52 kilometres (30 miles), in the rugged terrain with altitude
15
Tibetan roads prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. rising another 1500m, in the gusting cold wind, sun scorching the dry skin and atmosphere thin
in oxygen! As the higher altitudes to the Mount are reached it is all snow and ice.
 The Long Arm of the Mother The Long Arm of the Mother

witnessed similar events at the foot of Kailash. During the whole trip our lunch was granola bars we carried from Canada.
There were no proper hotels or restaurants like North America. The focus was Kailash!
It was about 3 p.m. and we were beside a grand huge lake. There was absolute peace and serenity at this lake as we
viewed the lake. It was like there was nothing else you wanted in your life but to stand and view this lake. On and off, gulls
squawked at the shores of this lake.
Yes... we were on the shores of Manasarovar.
Our whole bodies were covered in goose pimples, and we sat
unable to withhold our emotions.
We set out to proceed to our final destination, Kailash.
Around 5 p.m. our driver pulled the car over at the roadside,
which appeared to be a designated parking area. He asked us to
get out of the car. Not sure why but we got out of the car. We
saw the Tibetans prostrating and offering respects.
Yes, the mighty GREAT Kailash had just come into our MOUNT KAILASH rises to 22,028 feet (6,714 m) in one of the highest and most
view. rugged parts of the Himalayas. Made of black rock, the symmetrical peak has Approaching the foot of Mount Kailash
a distinctive diamond-like shape with four steep facades. The south face has a
vertical gash across its horizontal layers, creating the appearance of a swastika.
The landscape around the mountain is rugged and dry but crossed by crystalline
blue streams and other bodies of water. Near the sacred mountain is the source of
the Indus, Sutlej and Bramaputra rivers and on its south side are two freshwater
lakes, the easternmost of which is the highly sacred Lake Manasarovar. With an
altitude of 14,950 feet, Manasarovar is the highest body of fresh water in the world.
Several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy
Lake Manasarovar lies at 4,590 metres (15,060 ft) above mean ritual that will bring good fortune. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km long,
sea level, a relatively high elevation for a large freshwater lake daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions. The journey
on the mostly saline lake-studded Tibetan Plateau. According takes 3 days, starting/ending at Darchen (4,610m) - main gateway to Mt. Kailash.
to Hindu tradition, Manasarovar was created by Brahma, We covered approx. 22km on foot in a single day.
god of creation, to provide an appropriate place for religious
rituals. It is said that he had 12 sons, who were holy men and
performed rituals and austerities on the dry land at the site. To
give them a more suitable place to earn merit, Brahma created
the beautiful Lake Mansarovar. The lake’s Indian name derives
Views along
from this legend: Brahma had a mind (manas) to create a Trekking close to MOUNT KAILASH—the universal majestic Maha Meru rises to the Himalayan
lake (sarowar). The lake covers 412 square kilometers. With 22,028 feet (6,714 m). This is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi mountain range—
the northern part broader than the southern end, the deepest seated on the peak, as it is said in the Lalitha Sahasranama: “Sumeru madhya literally a cliff
point of the lake is over 70 meters. The lake is purer than a srungastha....” A holy site to all Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Tibetans who Views along the Himalayan range—a typical
hanger. Step a
sapphire and one can see through dozens of meters into the worship the mighty, magnificent undivided energy in creation, sustenance ocean bed millions of years ago!
foot behind us and
lake. The lake is located in the Burang County, 20 km southeast and devolution. you would free fall
of the Mount Kailash. It is the largest lake in Tibet. In Tibetan
1000 meters
language, Manasarovar means “invincible lake”.

It was all bright and blue clear sky. We fell to the ground and
paid our respects again unable to withhold our emotions with
tears pouring down our cheeks. We were crying like infants.
We crossed the last of the military check points at
Darchen and entered the Kailash district. We rested the night
close to the Kailash Mount and next morning set out on trekking
the parikramam and doing the rituals at Manasarovar.
Mount Kailash as
we were leaving—
the view from
the Manasarovar
lakeside. A gentle
cloud like the end of
HER sari embraced
him in absolute
fondness
Chiu Gompa Monastery at Lake Manasarovar
Prokshanam at Lake Manasarovar in the freezing, gushing wind

16 17
 The Long Arm of the Mother

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

18