About Us“कलेःपञ्चसहस्रेतुगतेवर्षेतुमोक्षणम्तीर्थानांसरिताचात्रमद्गेहेचागमिष्यथ” –देवीभागवत
“Kaleh pancasahasshretu gatevasetu mokshanam tirthanaam saritaacaatram adgehecaagamisyatha” //Devi Bhagavat// Lord Naaraayan is saying that after passing 5000 years of Kali Yuga all of you, Holi Rivers and pilgrimages will return back to my abode, accept the three Dhams which are: “शालग्रामःशक्तिशिवौजगन्नाथश्चभारतम्कलेर्दशसहस्रान्तेत्यक्त्वायान्तिनिजंपदम्” “Saalagraamah saktishivau Jagannathas ca Bharatam kalerdsa sahasrante tyaktvayanti nijampadam” Lord Saligram or His residential place which is the Gandaki River, Lord Shiva and his energy which is in Pasupatinath both of them are in Nepal and lastly Lord Jagannath from Jagannath Puri which is in Orissa, India. These three holy places will be the last holy place that will last for next ten thousand years, thereafter, they will also return to the abode of Lord Narayan. We can all now see this fact becoming a true statement. Most of the holy places are no longer seen or even the rivers. Currently, the India Yamuna River is no longer seen and the Kedarnath Dham has been wiped away. These are some of the hints. Therefore, it is vital that one visits the three remaining holy sites at least once. Around 1530 Gopal Bhatta Goswami also visited the Gandaki River in Nepal. As a daily routine he went to the Kali Gandaki River and bathed in the water. One day while he was dipping in the water 12 Saligram Silas came to his palm. Some say it entered the water pot that he was holding. Whatever it may be, the point is that he was blessed by the Lord in the form of Lord Saligram. Upon returning to Vrindavan he brought them with him and started to worship them, because of his devotion towards them and desire to serve Him in His original form as Bala Gopal. That desire was finally fulfilled in 1599. Today that very same Silas are known by the name Radha Raman Dev and are being worshiped very opulently in Vrindavan by the descendants of Goswamis. It is also stated that the merit you derive by bathing 100 times in Prayag, Kurukshetra, and Naimisaranya is equal to one time bathing in the Gandaki River. “ प्रयागेशतधास्नात्वाकुरुक्षेत्रेचनैमिषे। कृष्णभायांसकृत्स्नात्वाफलंतुल्यंलभेन्नरः -स्कन्दपुराण। “prayagesatadhasnatva kurushetre ca naimise, Krishna bhayamskritsnatva phalam tulyam labhennarah” // Skanda Puran // "कृष्णाचोत्तरबाहिनी" “ Krishnaachottaravaahini” If one bathes in the Gandaki River that is flowing towards the North, that person will derive a million times benefit or more. Beginning from Damodar Kunda to Dev Ghat, the only place where the Gandaki River is flowing to the north is the Mahalinga Dham aka Malunga, which falls in the district of Shyangja. This is the holy land where the great sage Markandeya performed his austerities and got the blessings from Lord Shiva hence this place was known as Jotir Mahalinga Dham, but now it is known by the name Malunga. The Kund from where the Lord appeared is also available to see today and one other thing to note is that the mountain - which is in Malunga - is shaped as Shiva Linga and the Gandaki River circumambulates this hill from three angels. This place became known as Malunga due to the mispronunciation as stated by guru Naraharinath. Markandeya Risi is one of the topmost Risi among the Ashtaciranjivis and even today we can feel the presence of him performing the austerities for the welfare of mankind. In Ananda Ramayan it is stated that the Demon called Dundubhi kidnapped 16000 princes and locked them up in the cave. After the demon was killed by Lord Ramachandra all the princes were rescued by the Lord Himself and went to take bath in the Gandaki River, thereafter, this place became known as Ramdi Ghat which is also in Mahalinga Dham (Malunga vdc 6). Attracted by this holy land Hanuman also chose this place to stay in this particular place and performed his devotional services. Following in his footsteps many saints and sages have come here to perform various types of austerities. Knowing the significance of this holy place of pilgrimage as is foretold in the Ved Puranas, all the seven sages who are known as “Saptarsi” came down along with Lord Shiva and Lord Narayan Himself to bless the sage Markandeya. “Koti Homa” fire sacrifice was held at this place twice by Naraharinath - leading guru of Nepal. Offering one obligation to the forefathers in the Gandaki River is equal to innumerable times more than offering an obligation to forefathers in Gaya. Imagine that what will be the result of offering obligation in the Gandaki River which is flowing to the North. “गयायांपिण्डदानाच्चलभेच्छतगुणंफलम्”- हिमवत्खण्ड।“Gayaayaam pindadaanaacca labhecchata gunamphalam” //Himavatkhanda // Gandakyamcha uttare teere Girirajasya dakshine Dasayojana vistheernaam MahakshetraVasundharaa Saalagramamo Mahadevo devi Dwaravati bhaved Ubhayossangamo yatra Muktisttattra na samsaya "To the north of the River, Gandaki (also called Narayani), and south of the Himalayas, there is the holy region of Saalagramama, which is ten Yojanas (130km) in extent, where Dwaravati merges into Saligram. Undoubtedly such a place is capable of vouchsafing Moksha." Legend has it that Bramha was once concerned about the increasing number of the sinners among his creation. Then drops of sweat rolled down his cheeks (Sanskrit - Ganda), ultimately collecting themselves into the form of a female child called "Gandaki." She took it into her head to do a severe penance which became so overwhelming that the Devas started trembling before her. As usual they offered her the bait of a boon on return for her stopping her penance, but they met a Tartar in her, for she wanted to mother all the Devas. Not having the power to grant such a boon, the Devas pleaded their inability, at which Gandaki became furious and cursed all the Devas to be born as worms on the earth below. The Devas in their turn placed a counter curse on her head that she should become "Jada" or inert matter. Naturally Bramha was concerned with this unexpected development. Unable to find a way out, he consulted Indra and Rudra. With them also he drew a blank. Finally, all three turned to Vishnu, who said: "In as much as the curses have been already pronounced, they cannot be revoked, and both parties affected must suffer them. The problem is how to make them work to their mutual and ultimately universal benefit." After consideration, Vishnu said: "I shall take up my abode in the Chakra Tirtha near Saligramkshetra. You, Devas, shall migrate to this hallowed region as ‘Vajrakitas’ eating into the pebbles. Gandaki shall in the form of a River fill the universe enveloping the Shilas hallowed by me." Saligram stones are obtained only from the River Gandaki, which is a Himalayan stream, celebrated since antiquity as Narayani, Saligrami, Hiranvati and Hiranyavati. The epic Mahabharata speaks of its sanctity (Bhishma-parva). The Puranas also describe it as a sacred stream in which all the gods and titans abide. By merely looking at it, one would eliminate all his mental defilement’s, by touching it his bodily sins are burnt up, and by sipping its water the verbal demerits are thrown out. One who comes into contact with this sacred stream will be liberated from the cycle of birth and deaths, even if he be a sinner. And for the reason, the River Gandaki became among all the Rivers extraordinarily sacred. Looking at it, touching it, bathing in it and sipping its waters will be conductive to eliminate all sins - even the greatest of sins pertaining to the body, speech and mind. Saligram Sloka: Qaoyasadasaaiva~ maMDlamaQyaavatI- naarayaNasarisajaasanasainnaivaYz koyaUrvanamakrakuMDlavanak RithirihrNyamayavapuQaRtSaMKcak dheyasadasavitra mandala madhya-varti naryanahsarasijasanasannivistah keyuravanmakarakundalavankiriti harihiranmayavapuhdhritasankhacakrah Narayana is the Supreme Personality of Godhead to be meditated upon in the center of the sun globe. He is situated on a lotus flower and seated in the lotus posture. He is adorned with beautiful golden bracelets, amulets, earrings, necklace and a crown. He has the golden effulgence and is seen holding the pure white conch and Sudarshan Cakra in His lotus hands. Oh wielder of the conch, disc, club, and other natural weapons, you are the Lord and resident of the spiritual realm. Oh indestructible one, protector of the worlds, oh lotus eyed Lord, please save all of us who have taken shelter of you and appear before us. The significance of Saligram kshetra is vividly mentioned in Himavatkanda of Skanda Purana wherein Lord Subramanya explains to Sage Agastya about this kshetra and its Mahatyam (glories). In Varaha Purana, Lord Vishnu Himself explains to Bhudevi about the importance of this Kshetra (place) and the various holy places (Tirthas) in Someswar, Harihar and Mukthinath kandas. • This place is surrounded by two Rivers- the Marsyangdi in the East and the Kali Gandaki in the West. • Kali Gandaki is famous for the Saligram Shilas as well as the world’s deepest gorge. Due to intense meditation, Lord Vishnu started sweating from behind His ears. This transformed into river and as it originated from Gandam (the spot behind ear); she is known as Gandaki River. As all the major Rivers in Northern India like Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati are associated with Lord Vishnu, Gandaki River did severe penance and God granted her wish by residing on the banks of the River and thus made it holy. Gandaki River is treated at par with Ganges. The River Gandaki is a very ancient River; and the geologists say that it existed even before the formation of the Himalayan ranges. It rises beyond the Himalayan ranges, probably in Tibet, and flows (in the north-south direction) into Nepal. And for that reason, the River Gandaki became among all the Rivers extraordinarily sacred. Being a mystic River, looking at it, touching it, bathing in it and sipping its waters will be conducive to eliminate all sins, even the greatest of sins pertaining to the body, speech and mind. My soul danced with joy looking at the nature and being in Gods own world. Varaha Purana mentions that Perumal conceded to Gandaki’s request to be born as her son and hence Lord Vishnu manifested Himself as Saligrams in water. Due to the Lord Vishnu’s presence, this has become the most sanctifying River and a dip in this frees one from all sins committed by thought, word and action in innumerable lifetimes - forefathers shall reach heaven and finally attain moksha. Near to this place is Someshwar, a mountain which is the abode of Shiva where he has manifested himself as linga The vast tract of land through which the sacred Gandaki flows is known as Saligram Shetra. As this area was full of "Sala" trees, it was given this name. Lord Vishnu, with all the demigods, is present in the form of Saligrams . These Saligrams are worshipped in all the major temples across the globe. Tulasi, wife of the demon Sankhachoodan cursed Lord Vishnu to become a stone because the Lord - as part of His divine pastime (Divyaleela) - deceived her. Hence, Lord has taken this form as this is an easier form of worship. The bones of Sankachoodan who was killed by Lord Shiva turned into conches and Tulasi transformed herself into Gandaki River. The tresses of Tulasi turned into Tulasi bushes. As per Tulasi’s request, Lord conceded to remain as a stone on the banks of Gandaki River. Lord summoned the divine architect, Viswakarma to make different images of Him indicating Lords’ various manifestations and accordingly, Viswakarma transformed himself into the vajrakreeta worm and made various signs inside the Saligram Shila (stone) with its sharp nails. The origin of these Saligrams are at Damodar Kund which is another 2-3 day trek from Muktinath and a special trekking permit is required from the Nepalese government as it is at a higher altitude. These stones mingle with the Gandaki River, which has its origin beyond Damodar Kund and gets deposited along the River side. Damodar Kund is the place where Nalakuvera and Manigriva , the sons of Kubera who were redeemed from their curse by Lord Krishna as Damodara had bathed as per Lords’ instructions and attained effulgent bodies. Hence, this Kund is known as Damodar Kund. Just by visiting and bathing in it, one attains the ability to achieve all his desired objectives and become a detached person even if he is a householder and will not be troubled by pleasure or pain. Any fossil stone found on the banks of Gandaki River is deemed to be a Saligram. The ones with marks of discus are manifestations of the Supreme Lord Sriman Narayanan. As a householder, one may find it difficult to offer prayers by doing Sacrificial ceremony (Homa) and other rituals daily as was done in previous age (Yugas), Lord Vishnu has manifested Himself in the form of Saligram which does not require any purificatory rite. The worship (Aaradhana) can be started directly and is very simple. Worship (Aaradhana) to Saligram has to be done with Tulasi leaves placed on conch and water to be poured on the Saligram through the nose of the conch. Any act at this place fetches manifold benefits on the doer A two minute walk from the temple leads to Jwalamukhi, the place where Brahma did penance for universal welfare and he invoked Lord Vishnu in the form of water and Shiva in the form of fire and offered sacrificial butter and sweet rice (Payasam). All the demigods personally attended the sacrifice and accepted the offerings. The remnants of this Yajna - which is in the form of soil near by - is partaken by devotees as Prasadam. Brahma performed 3 types of Sacrifice (Yajnas) at this place: Dravyayajna (sacrifice with materials), Jnana Yajna (mental sacrifice-in the sacrificial fire of minds with the sacrified spatula of breath he meditated on the Supreme Lord Narayana and burnt the material contamination in the form of offerings.) and Upsasana Yajna. Any living being which dies in this place attains Moksha. At a particular place between the temple and Jwalamukhi, one can hear the sound of Ganges flowing into the Patalalok. In Varaha Purana, Lord Varaha mentions the importance of various holy places (Tirtha) and the results of having bathed in them, many of which are in different locations on the mountain. He also mentions about Someswhar, the abode of Lord Shiva, and the benefits of worshipping Him. Many devotees and Rishis like Ambarisha, Pundareeka, etc. have attained liberation after visiting this place. As per Mahabaarata, King Bharath after renouncing his kingdom reached this Kshetram and performed austerity. This place is known as Galeshwar and there is a temple dedicated to Harihar Galeswarnath. Shiva is present in the form of Sadguru Yogeshwar and Vishnu as Lord Jadeshwar. Saligrams Divinity: Saligrams are small fossils beautifully carved by Vajrakreetam (an insect) and are available in and on the banks of River Kali Gandaki in Nepal. These are considered divine manifestations of Lord Vishnu and hence they don’t need any special consecration rituals to be performed. There is no dosham to Saligrams and even if it is broken due to accident or naturally, the divinity is said to exist. The water which is used for performing abhishekam to saligram bestows liberation to the person who drinks it knowingly or unknowingly. This practice is followed even today in all Vaishnava house when a soul departs from a body. Saligram worship (Aradhana) is always to be done with a Conch and Tulasi. In the Skanda Purana, Skanda classifies the types of Saligram to Sage Agastya. The following are the different names and symbols for the Saligram: Lord Varaha: two proportionate marks of discusses on the face of Saligram Lord Vasudeva: white in color, very attractive, 2 proportionate marks of discus Lord Pradhyumna: long, yellowish, with small marks of discus and with many faces (surfaces) Lord Aniruddha: dark Saligram with marks of three lines and a lotus Lord Narayana: dark with features of Aniruddha and has a protruding navel with marks of discus. Lord Matsya: Saligram with a depressed top and a bulge on both the sides Lord Kurma: very bright three faced Saligram with signs of either conches or discus Lord Narasimha: very bright brown coloured Saligram with signs of three lines and two different discus- only brahmachary should worship this. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha: Saligram with signs of two discusses to the left and hallow –this bestows both material pleasures and liberation. Lord Vamana: meroonish color Saligram in the shape of a globe with 5 lines Lord Balarama: a conch shaped, yellowish tinged Saligram with the marks of plough. Lord Rama: a conch shaped, yellowish tinged Saligram with the marks of bow Lord Parasurama: a conch shaped, yellowish tinged Saligram with the marks of axe Lord Sudarshana: reddish flower like Saligram with a blackish discus Lord Damodara: big Saligram with sudarshana features and with signs of mace and discus to the left, a line on the right and narrow in the middle with signs of discus. Lord Paramesti: Saligram with signs of white lotus and discus Lord Sridhara: yellowish black bud shaped Saligram with signs of two big discus on the back, five lines in the form of a mace and vanamala Lord Trivikrama: bright dark coloured Saligram with signs of kadamba flower going from bottom to top on both sides Lord Hayagriva: green tinged Saligram with manyhallows and signs of hook shaped discus and a line of knowledge Lord Gadadhara: Saligram with 3 lines and any three signs Lord Ananta: Saligram with many faces and signs of many bows clubbed together in the form of a serpent Lord Krishna: dark coloured Saligram with the sign of a vanamala to its right - this grants health, pleasures, and fulfills all sorts of desires We can no longer visit many of the historical and holy places of pilgrimage. The Yamuna River and the Kedarnath dham are examples of this. Lord Saligram’s presence in the Gandaki River, Lord Shiva and his energy as Someswar, Galeswar, Yogeswar, Pasupatinath, Guhyeshwari (गुह्येश्वरी) etc. and Lord Jagannath’s presene in Orisssa, India are still present. Today these three holy places remain and will continue to until they return to Lord Narayan’s abode. I therefore humbly request all the readers to make a plan to visit these three places in your lifetime even if it is once, this way your human form of life will be successful. Your support will be greatly appreciated. For more info: please join us on face book: The Glory of Nepal or New Vaikuntha Dham Contact: Laxman Sastri 602-386-6807 (USA) and Chaitanya Krishna ji: 011-977-9851146234 (Nepal) Email: [email protected] |
1. Govind Shaligram
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