LORD MAHAVISHNU
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OM NAMO NARAYANA NAMAHA
"Whenever there is decay of righteousness O! Bharatha And a rise of unrighteousness then I manifest Myself!"
"In
order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the evil miscreants, as
well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself
millennium after millennium"
Bhagwad Gita (Chapter 4,verse 7&8)
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For more information on the main 10 /Dasha Avatar of Lord Vishnu please click on the link below
Dashaa Avatar
Although
most are aware of the Lord's Ten Avatara's (Dasha Avataras) ,the
Supreme Lord also manifested in many other Incarnations ,which can be
divided in six types based on functionality.
1) Purusha Avatar :- Yagna ,Vamana,Datttatreya,Dhanvantari and Rishaba.
2) Guna Avatar :-Santumaras,Kapila,Narayana,Vyasa,Buddha,Prihu.
3) Leela Avatar :- Parshurama,Rama,Krishna & Balrama.
4) Shakti-avesha :- Narasimha.
5) Yuga Avatar :- Matsya,Kurma and Kalki (yet to arrive)
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SRIMAD BHAGWATAM
The
Bhagavata Purana (also known as SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM, or simply
Bhagavatam) is one of the Puranic texts of Hindu literature, and is
Sanskrit for "The Book of God". Its primary focus is the process of
bhakti yoga (loving devotion to the Supreme Lord) in which Krishna is
understood as the Supreme all-embracing God of all gods (Svayam
Bhagavan). The Bhagavatam takes the form of a story being told by a
great rishi known as Suta Goswami,to a host of assembled sages, who ask
him questions in regard to the various avatars, or descents of Vishnu
within the mortal world. Suta Goswami then relates the Bhagavatam as he
has heard it from another sage, called Sukadeva. The language of the
Purana closely resembles Vedic which may indicate an early dating or a
variety of other possible possible reasons to resemble the archaic
texts.
Each section or canto describes specific avatars of Vishnu,
beginning with a summary of all avatars in the first canto concluding
with description of Krishna as Svayam bhagavan. The tenth and eleventh
cantos give detailed accounts of the story of Krishna's appearance and
pastimes in Vrindavan, and his instructions to various devotees (such
as the Uddhava Gita). The final twelfth canto foretells the coming of
the age of Kali yuga (the current age according to the Hindu cycle of
ages), and the eventual destruction of the earthly universe.
For a full detailed study of the Srimad Bhagavatam
click here
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VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
The
Vishnu sahasranāma (literallythousand names of Vishnu") is a list of
1,000 names for Vishnu,one of the main forms of God in Hinduism and the
supreme personification of Brahman (i.e., a personal supreme God) for
Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu). It is also one of the most sacred and
commonly chanted stotras in Hinduism. According to the 149th chapter of
Anushāsanaparva in the epic Mahabharata, the names were handed down to
Yudhisthira by the famous warrior Bhishma who was on his death bed at
the battle of Kurukshetra. Yudhisthira asks Bhishma the following
questions: In this universe who is the one Deva of all? (i.e., at whose
command all beings function?, or who is God of all?. Who is the one
greatest refuge for all? Who is the one Divinity by praising and by
worshipping whom a man attains good? Which according to you is that
highest form of Dharma (capable of bestowing salvation and prosperity
on man? What is that by uttering or reciting which any living being can
attain freedom from cycle of births and deaths? Bhisma answers by
stating that mankind will be free from all sorrows by chanting the
Vishnu sahasranāma' which are the thousand names of the all-pervading
supreme being Vishnu, who is the master of all the worlds, supreme over
the devas and who is one with Brahman. The Vishnu sahasranāma has been
the subject of numerous commentaries. Adi Shankaracharya wrote a
definitive commentary on the sahasranāma in the 8th century, which has
been particularly influential for many schools of Hinduism. Parasara
Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya wrote a commentary in the 12th
century, detailing the names of Vishnu from a Vishishtadvaita
perspective. Hindu literature includes sahasranamas dedicated to Shiva,
Devi, Ganesha and other popular deities
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Some Important Temples and Pilgrimage places of the Lord
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Lord Venkatesha Temple,Tirumala
Lord
Venkateshwara (Sanskrit: वेंकटेश्वर) also known as
Venkatachalapathy, Srinivasa and Balaji, is a form of the Hindu god
Vishnu in India. Venkateshwara means the Lord who destroys the sins of
the people. According the Hindu scriptures, Vishnu, out of love towards
his devotees, incarnated as Venkateshwara and appeared for the
salvation and upliftment of humanity in this Kali Yuga and is
considered the supreme form of Vishnu in this age. Venkateshwara's
abode is in the Venkatam hills (the hills are more often referred to as
ThiruVenkatam) near Tirupathi. Thus, the main temple of Venkateshwara
is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Tirumala temple is believed to
be the richest of all the temples in the world. The temple is located
in Andhra Pradesh (southern India) in Chittoor district. It is around
120 km away from Chennai.
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Vithoba Temple,Pandharpur
Vithoba
Temple, Pandharpur is the main centre of worship for the Hindu deity
Vithoba, believed to be a local form of god Krishna or Vishnu and his
consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharastra. The
warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in
groups called Dindi to reach on Aashadhi ekadashi and Kartiki ekadashi.
A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur resides,
is believed to have power to wash all sins. Vithala means lord standing
on a brick,a brick which was given to him to stand on by his beloved
devottee Pundalik.
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SRINATHJI TEMPLE , Nathdwara
The
temple of Srinathji in Nathdwara, 48 kms north of beautiful city of
Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the wealthiest temples in India. Built
in the early 18th century, the temple is thronged by staunch Vishnu and
Krishna devotees every year on special occasions, especially
Janmashtami. According to a popular folklore, the idol was initially
installed at Mount Govardhan near Mathura city, birth city of Lord
Krishna; while escaping the wrath and demolition by Muslim king
Aurangzeb at a later date, the chariot carrying the idol of Srinathji
got stuck in Nathdwara . This was taken as a divine signal to install
the idol. Shrinathji is believed to be a form of Krishna, in which he
lifted the Govardhan hill to save the people of Brajbhoomi from the
wrath of Varun-Lord of Rain. The temple's inner sanctum where the idol
of Srinathji is placed, is opened only eight times a day when devotees
throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord . Everything
in the inner temple, right from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings,
wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are reminiscent of the old times
and its heritage.An interesting fact relating to the famous temple is
that the temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the
bygone era.
SHREE KRISHNA TEMPLE GURAVAYOOR
Situated
approximately 33 kms from Thrissur, Guruvayur temple is one of the most
famous temples of Lord Krishna in South India. It is also considered to
be the Dwarka of Southern region. It is said that Lord Brahma
worshipped Lord Krishna's idol and gifted it to Lord Vishnu during
Krishnavtaram. After Bhagwan Krishna left for heavenly abode, and the
city of Dwarka was submerged, Vayu-lord of winds and Guru were
entrusted with the work of finding a suitable place to install the holy
idol. After a long search, it is said that both Guru and Vayu installed
the idol at the temple at the insistence of guru Parshuram.
The
place got its name Guruvayur because both Guru and Vayu installed the
idol. It was initially called Guruvayurappa which was later changed to
what is today famously known as Guruvayur. Guruvayur temple is linked
with Melpattur Narayana Bhattathiri, the author of 'Narayaneeyam' (16th
century) a Sanskrit work comprising 1000 slokas (couplets) of
inimitable beauty which is believed to have been composed in front of
the deity here.
The beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu, with four
arms carrying the conch, the discus, the mace and the lotus, and
adorned with a tulsi garland and pearl necklaces, is made of a distinct
stone, uniquely called 'Patala Anjanam'. Only Hindus are allowed inside
the temple. Maximum number of weddings and first feeding ceremony of
children takes place in this most sacred temple of Kerala. This is done
to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna for a happy future ahead. The
temple is also famous for its healing powers.
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Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Udupi
Sri Krishna Temple, Karnataka Situated approximately 60 kms from
Mangalore, the Udupi Sri Krishna temple also known as Krishna Mutt, is
one of the most popular shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna in the
southern region of India. Built in 13the century, Sri Krishna temple
has an alluring idol of god adorned with beautiful jewels. The idol was
installed by great saint Madhavacharya. The temple has an interesting
history; it is said the idol of lord Krishna got covered with
sandlewood in the city of Dwarka. The idol was carried by a mariner who
took it for a sandlewood lump. In the middle of the journey, the ship
was caught in a storm on the western coast of Malpe. Sri Madhvacharya
pulled the ship out of storm with his saffron robe and calmed the sea
storm with his divine powers. Saint Mahdhvacharya asked for the
sandalwood lump and as a gesture of gratitude, the mariner gifted him.
Saint bathed the idol with water, purified it and installed it in the
temple. Kanakadas, a staunch follower of lord Krishna visited the
temple in the late 16th century but was forbidden to enter the temple
as he belonged to a lower caste. It is said, pleased with the devotion
of Kanakadas, lord Krishna created a hole in the back wall of the
temple so that he could see the idol. The hole is now famously known as
the Kanakanakindi. Special poojas are performed on Janmashtami. The
temple is beautifully decorated and hymns are sung in the praise of
Lord.
DWARKADISH TEMPLE
Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat
The
city of Dwarka, meaning gateway to moksha or salvation hosts another
significant temple of Shri Krishna. It is said that lord spent close to
hundred years of his life in this holy city. The city is believed to
have been immersed in the sea after lord left for heavenly abode.
Dwarka is also popularly known as city of gold. The famed Dwarkadhish
temple was just a small umbrella type monument in the year 400 BC;
which was renovated time and again in different periods to finally in
the year 1960, when Government of India took it over and renovates its
from time to time. Devotees from all over India, visit the holy place
during Janmashtami. The festival is celebrated in a special way; the
entire place is very well decorated with rows of lighting everywhere.
Special pooja is performed on the day by aboti brahmins; a special
caste of brahmins who have been performing pooja for centuries. The
pooja is based on a daily routine. Arti is performed at different times
during the day, abhishek of lord's idol is done, followed by shringar
wherein the idol is adorned with new clothes, jewels and flowers;
distribution of sweet meat or prasad to devotees happens in the end. It
is said devotees visiting the temple during janmashtami are freed from
all sufferings.
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Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan
The
twin city of Mathura and Vrindavan resound with the stories of Lord
Krishna till date; located 15 kms from Mathura,the city has more than
5000 temples dedicated to him. The place got its name from sacred tulsi
also known as Vrinda. It is said that the place was a vine of tulsi
groves hence the name Vrindavan. God spent quite a few years in
Vrindavan also known as Braj bhoomi. The city has both centuries old as
well as modern temples. Though there are quite a few popular temples
like Radha Raman temple, Rangaji temple, Radha Vallabh temple, ISKCON
temple but the most revered among them is the Banke Bihari temple. The
temple was built by Swami Haridas in the year 1864. According to
folklore, Swami Haridas discovered Banke Bihari in Nidhivan and it was
later moved to the present temple premise. The temple is a special
attraction during the month of Sravana when it adorns a special look.
The entire premise is covered with flowers and other decorative.
Special pooja is performed during Janmashtami, the idol of Shri Krishna
is adorned with pitamber(yellow cloth) and jewellery.
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Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Mathura
Mathura,
the birth city of Bhagwan Krishna is situated on the banks of river
Yamuna and is approximately 145 kms from the capital city Delhi. The
town is renowned for being host to the most revered temple of Shri
Krishna-the famous Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The temple is the place
where lord is said to have been born thousands of years ago. Along with
neighboring towns Govardhan, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, the area is a
major pilgrimage site for Hindus. According to historians, the prison
cell,popularly known as 'Garbha Griha', in the temple premise is the
exact place where lord Krishna was born. The stone walled cell is
reminiscent of the cruelty of King Kansa. Many statues and sculptures
of the bygone era were found on excavating the site. The prison cell
was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple. Lakhs of
devotees throng the temple during Janmashtami. The festivities and
celebrations during the festival is famous all over India. Celebrations
begin during mid night with the birth of Bhagwan .
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Jagannath Temple (Puri) Orissa,India
The
Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to
Jagannath (Krishna) located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of
Orissa, India. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe)is a
combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).
The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu
traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu. The temple
is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the
three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated
chariots. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense
religious fervor. The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and
saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple. It is also
of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism
whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity,
Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.
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BADRINATH TEMPLE
Badrinath
temple, sometimes called Badrinarayan temple, is situated along the
Alaknanda river, in the hill town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand state in
India. It is widely considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples,
and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple and town are one of the
four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is also one of the 108 Divya
Desams, holy shrines for Vaishnavites. The temple is open only six
months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of
November), due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region.
Several murtis are worshipped in the temple. The most important is a
one meter tall statue of Vishnu as Lord Badrinarayan, made of black
Saligram stone. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of
eight swayam vyakta keshtras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. The
murti depicts Vishnu sitting in meditative posture, rather than His far
more typical reclining pose. In November each year, when the town of
Badrinath is closed, the image is moved to nearby Jyotirmath. The
temple is approximately 50 ft (15 metres) tall with a small cupola on
top, covered with a gold gilt roof. The facade is built of stone, with
arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway,
which is the main entrance. The architecture resembles a Buddhist
vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of
Buddhist temples. Just inside is the mandapa, a large pillared hall
that leads to the garbha grha, or main shrine area. The walls and
pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carvings The main
shrine area houses the black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan, sitting
under a gold canopy, under a Badri Tree. There are fifteen more murtis
around the temple that are also worshipped. These include murtis of
Nara & Narayana, Narasimha (the fourth incarnation of Vishnu),
Lakshmi, Narada, Ganesha, Uddhava, Kubera, Garuda (the vehicle of Lord
Narayan), and Navadurga. Hard sugar candy, Pongal, Tulsi, and dry
fruits are the typical prasad offered at Badrinath temple. The Tapt
Kund hot sulphur springs just below the temple are considered to be
medicinal—many pilgrims consider it a requirement to bathe in the
springs before visiting the temple.
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