A To Z India - December 2023
A To Z India - December 2023
A To Z India - December 2023
inside
'VATSALYA PEETH' : ABODE OF Chandra
SPIRITUALITY & PEACE
The essence of faith in the hope Editorial Office:
of liberation and salvation from E002, Premier
spiritual practice flows here. Grihalakshmi
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Legend has it that once the food on earth was not replenished and soon the food started getting over. Living
beings were in a danger of starving. Human beings prayed to Brahma and Vishnu and they together awoke
Lord Shiva from his yoga nidra (sleep). He agreed to restore prosperity and food on earth. It is believed that
Parvati took the form of Goddess Annapurna. Shiva roamed around the earth and begged for rice from
Annapurna and he distributed it among living beings. On Annapurna Jayanti, special prayers are held at
temples dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.
According to the Biblical Gospel accounts, miraculous events surrounded the conception and birth of Jesus.
He was the son of Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, but is believed to have been miraculously conceived by
his mother, Virgin Mary. Tradition has it that he was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. He was
baptized by John, the Baptist and he preached a message of religious reform and divine love.
Christianity is a major religion stemming from the life, teachings and death of Jesus Christ. There are three
principal groups of Christians belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches and
the Protestant churches. Christianity began as a movement within Judaism. Jesus and his chief followers
called the Apostles were Jews and they accepted him as the ‘Christ’ or the Chosen One, sent to fulfill God’s
promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The essence of faith in the hope of liberation and salvation from spiritual practice flows here. Amidst the
hustle and bustle of the capital Delhi, this is the same corner where SadhviPramukha Kanakprabha, a
prodigious and loving figure, got a sound sleep. Her memorial land is now taking shape in the form of
Vatsalya Peeth, the foundation stone of which is going to be laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on August
27, 2023. A hope resounds between insensitivity and narrow-mindedness; this is the hope of love,
compassion and sensibilities. In this hope lies the real music of life, the real meaning of life. Because of who
we are, we exist, in this lies the happiness of salvation and liberation. Where one can enlighten the soul, one
can become meditative. This is the same soil whose fragrance will be replete with countless affection stories
of SadhviPramukha Kanakaprabha.
For almost seven decades, the centre of spiritual practice, reverberates in every pore of the centre of
worship, prayers and the voice of spirituality. Now a new dimension is being added to it in the form of
Vatsalya Peeth. Twenty-first century is considered to be the century of women's supremacy. She has written
poems of creation in different directions, and has created a new history. She has proved herself with her
ability and capability. In the field of spirituality too, SadhviPramukha Kanakaprabha took a leap and
created ideal definitions of life. Committed to the highest traditions, rites and values of spirituality, this
great Vibhuti, Chaitanya Rashmi, Spiritual Guru, Vatsalya Urja, at the age of 19 in Jainism's main Terapanth
sect, got initiated into the great work of national saint Anuvrata Anushasta Acharya Shri Tulsi; gained
popularity as like Meera fell in love with Krishna, in the same way SadhviPramukha Kanakaprabha gave
the message of devotion and creation in Tulsi-devotion, led 750 Sadhvis by becoming Vatsatya Pratimurti
and became a strong voice of female consciousness.
Taking care of a family of seven hundred Sadhvis is a great wonder of the world, this wonder becomes even
greater when there is love and affection in it, that is why the memorial place of Sadhvipramukha
Kanakaprabha is being made a unique spiritual power centre in the form of Vatsalya Peeth,which will be a
reality of a dream, an imagination, where multidimensional and supernatural spiritual shades will be
proving the meaning of its name.
Under the direction of the Acharyas of Terapanth Dharmasangh, Acharya Mahashraman addressed the
Sangha General Director and Mahashramani, who lead the huge Sadhvi Sangh of Terapanth, with the great
addresses of the ruling mother and extraordinary SadhviPramukh. The place of his memory was named
'Vatsalya Peeth', which is now going to become a unique, wonderful and unique spiritual place. The
responsibility of giving shape to this unique spiritual place has been given to Shri Jain Shwetambar
Terapanthi Sabha, Delhi, whose president Shri Sukhraj Sethia and other officials are engaged in this work.
'Vatsalya Peeth' will be a lighthouse. 'Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya' - A unique spiritual centre of light that takes
us from darkness to light. By reaching here, every person will be able to see the fulfilment of her/his desire.
Because the journey of light is the eternal aspiration of man. The purpose of this journey is to find the light.
Light is found by those who seek it. Some personalities are sources of light. She is self-illuminated and
continuously distributes light to others as well. Sadhvipramukha Kanakaprabha was one such lighthouse ,
which had skylights all around. This Vatsalya Peeth has also been given a similar form, which has skylights
and open ventilation. SadhviPramukha Kanakaprabha's intense self-restraint, devotion to the Lord and self-
worship is reflected in her entire life. Her conscience, lit by self-light, was capable of enlightening many. Her
thinking, speech, conduct, creation, address, service - all these were such open atmospheres, from which the
light was continuously emanating and was benefiting the whole mankind.
'Vatsalya Peeth' will be a nest of pleasant peace, life will get a new direction and a new destination in the
end full of joy and compassion. Because in this the trio of knowledge, philosophy and character of
Sadhvipramukha Kanakaprabha's life will flow. This would be possible because as attractive and magnetic
as her outer personality was, her inner personality was a thousand times more pure and pure than that, she
was an embodiment of compassion. She was a personality maker; India's spiritual and cultural
consciousness was reflected in her thinking. She was a traveler of salvation with a smile. Her ideological
sublimity, profundity of knowledge, purity of soul, creativity, incorruptibility and humility set her in a
special category.
Her truthfulness, character-loyalty, principles-loyalty and spiritual-loyalty were wonderful. With discipline
and management skill, she had unveiled new dimensions in Terapanth. She had given the dimension of
creation to saintliness and spiritual practice, her saintliness was a resolution to make human life beautiful,
for the betterment of people and to build him. This does not break the relationship with the world, but
through self-meditation connected with God, life becomes completely synonymous with human upliftment,
social welfare, service, kindness and deeds of the right path. In this way, she became the beacon of thought-
revolution from person-revolution; the energy of this beacon will give liveliness to this place.
'Vatsalya Peeth' will draw indelible lines of advanced life and spirituality. Because SadhviPramukha
Kanakprabha has drawn indelible lines of her work throughout her life, she will be written in golden letters
in history. We can call her the creator of literature as well as the founder of religious revolution and social
revolution. To compare her great personality with any simile would be to limit her personality. All that can
be said about her is that she was unique, wonderful, and inexplicable. One aspect of his many abilities and
great personality is the presence of a creator in him. She was an excellent and sensitive writer. You were the
first SadhviPramukha of Terapanth Dharmasangh in the field of literature-creation and editing, you had
unique art of literature-writing and literature-editing. It is the result of your alertness and untiring hard
work that there is a wide list of literature written and edited by you, which surprises even the great
intellectuals and learned scholars.
You instinctively surrendered yourself to the path of spiritual practice and knowledge, meditation, study,
creation of literature and silence became the basic deeds of this spiritual practice, as if there was no
personal expectation anywhere in life. Tulsi literature of one hundred texts and the publication of 20 parts
of 'Mera Jeevan Mera Darshan' in the form of Acharya shree Tulsi's autobiography in this episode, expresses
her literary form. She has earned fame in the literary world as a successful litterateur, speaker and poetess.
Such achievements and records will be preserved in 'Vatsalya Peeth'.
Sadhvipramukha Kanakaprabha had a store of knowledge on various subjects; there was power in her
speech and writing. Has administrative ability, leadership ability, been a strong power? She was
synonymous with industriousness, her receptivity was also amazing. Wherever I saw something new, I
immediately adopted it. The quality that brightens up the colorful picture of her personality and work is the
vibrant talent. With this talent of her, she had established innumerable island pillars on the path of
development.
They are such an extraordinary achievement of Jain rule that it is not possible for everyone to reach. She
was an example of gentleness, compassion, generosity, purity, tolerance, creativity, devotion, dedication,
inspiration and positive thinking. Some used to see the form of a Buddhist nun in her and some of Mother
Teresa. Some considered her to be an incarnation of Saraswati, while others saw in her the resemblance
between Sri Maa of Arvind Ashram and Sharda Maa of Bailur Math. Some used to find the specialty of
Mahadevi Verma in her. The main three steps of his development journey were - determination, talent and
effort.
Sadhvipramukha Kanakaprabha's life journey became the journey of a saint, a sage with spiritual vision
and a social builder. In this way, when we consider her personality, it comes out in the form of a flowing
stream. Her aim was always development oriented. The 'VatsalyaPeeth' being built in the memory of
SadhviPramukha Kanakprabha, the motivator of such a wonderful life and wonderful works, will certainly
give a new light and direction to humanity.
Gita Jayanti day symbolizes the birth of Srimad Bhagavad-Gita, the sacred text of the Hindus. Gita Jayanti
2023 is an important festival in Hinduism in which Hindus pay their honour and respect to the holy text: The
Bhagavad Gita. As per the Hindu Calendar, this day is celebrated on Shukla Ekadashi, on the 11th day of the
Margashirsha month. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita holds great importance in human life. It is believed that Lord
Krishna himself preached the Gita to Arjuna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, before the Mahabharata
began. That day is celebrated widely as Gita Jayanti.
Gita Jayanti is the auspicious day of the advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita. This is the day on which Lord
Krishna imparted the essence of Vedic knowledge to Arjuna over 5000 years ago and enlightened him about
the ultimate goal of life.
As stated in the Gita-mahatmya, if one properly follows the instructions of Bhagavad-gita, one can be freed
from all miseries and anxieties in this life, and one’s next life will be spiritual. Bhagavad-gita literally
means the song of the Supreme Lord. It is the most widely known Vedic literature in the world.
The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of Vedic wisdom given by Lord Sri Krishna. His message holds the key to
ending all of life’s misgivings and the secret to a life of happiness, satisfaction, fulfilment and self-
discovery.
Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta is one such book which contains all the spiritual aspects of creation. The teachings
of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta are supernatural and inspirational. One can get supernatural knowledge, light
and infinite bliss by reading the text. The Bhagavad Gita is often compared to a mother who removes all
sorrows by solving all kinds of problems in one’s life. Reciting Bhagavad Gita on the Ekadashi of Shukla
Paksha of Margashirsha month helps the devotees to get rid of their past sins and attain salvation.
Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very old and famous Lord Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi,
in Kantilo, Odisha, India. It is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forest. A permanent flow of
holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava is another attraction of the spot.
Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very old and famous Lord Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi,
in Kantilo, Odisha, India. It is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forest. A permanent flow of
holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava is another attraction of the spot.
Kopeswar Temple is located in Khidrapur, Kolhapur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also known
as Mahadev temple. The temple is divided into four parts – Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam, Antaral
Kaksha, and Garbha Griha.
Located in Khidrapur in Kolhapur district at the junction of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Kopeshwar Temple
is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built on the banks of River Krishna, the shrine boasts of a beautiful architecture
with various intricate carvings on the interior and exterior walls. Besides, it also has idols of Lord Shiva,
Vishnu, Brahma among others.
Kopeswar Temple is located in Khidrapur, Kolhapur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also known
as Mahadev temple. The temple is divided into four parts – Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam, Antaral
Kaksha, and Garbha Griha.
Beautiful Powar patil wada at Balaghat dist. Madhyapradesh…The intricate wood work is just mind-
blowing…..most probably the only surviving wada of this intricacy in that area …
Beautiful Powar patil wada at Balaghat dist. Madhyapradesh…The intricate wood work is just mind-
blowing…..most probably the only surviving wada of this intricacy in that area … Maharashtra,
Madhyapradesh and Gujrat has lagacy of building such beautiful residential places which showcases the art
and culture …
Katraj Jain Temple, situated in Pune, Maharashtra, is a significant religious site for the Jain community. This
temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Katraj Jain Temple is known for its
serene surroundings and architectural beauty.
Katraj Jain Temple, situated in Pune, Maharashtra, is a significant religious site for the Jain community. This
temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Katraj Jain Temple is known for its
serene surroundings and architectural beauty.
The temple complex includes shrines, meditation halls, and facilities for various religious activities. The main
deity, Lord Mahavir, is often depicted in a sitting posture, and the temple follows traditional Jain
architectural styles. Intricate carvings and sculptures adorn the temple, depicting scenes from Jain
mythology and teachings.
Devotees and visitors are drawn to the spiritual atmosphere of the Katraj Jain Temple, making it a place for
prayer, meditation, and reflection. The temple also plays a role in promoting Jain values and teachings,
contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of Pune.
The tranquil ambiance, coupled with the religious significance, makes Katraj Jain Temple not only a place of
worship but also a destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat within the bustling city of Pune.
Amirthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nangur Village near
Sirkazhi Town in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and Mother is called as Chandrakshi.
Amirthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nangur Village near
Sirkazhi Town in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and Mother is called as Chandrakshi. The Temple is considered as
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple. This
Temple is considered as one of the Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams and Shiva Peedam Temples of Nangur.
Legends:
Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams & Ekadasa Divyadesams:
As per legend, Lord Shiva performed his rudra thandava at Thirunangur after the death of his consort Sati in
the Daksha Yajna. His dance was so aggressive that whenever a lock of hair from Lord Shiva touches the
ground, a Rudra, form of Lord Shiva, emerged from the ground. Eleven forms of Lord Shiva emerged and
were performing rudra thandava around Thirunangur.
Amirthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nangur Village near
Sirkazhi Town in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and Mother is called as Chandrakshi.
The eleven places where Lord Shiva performed rudra thandava are believed to be where the eleven temples
in Thirunangur are located. They are;
1. Sundareswarar Temple, Annappanpettai (Rudra Peedam)
2. Amirthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Soma Peedam)
3. Airavatheswarar Temple, Perunthottam (Ugra Pirana Peedam)
4. Bhaktavachaleswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Mahadeva Peedam)
5. Kailasanathar Temple, Thirunangur (Beema Peedam)
6. Sundareswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Bava Peedam)
7. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kaathiruppu (Sathyajotha Peedam)
8. Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Thathpurusha Peedam)
9. Naganathar Temple, Sempathaniruppu (Sarva Peetam)
10. Yogeeswarar Temple, Mangaimadam (Vamadeva Peedam)
11. Nayanavaratheswarar Temple, Nainipuram (Agora Peedam)
The celestial beings were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire
creations. Hence, they prayed to Lord Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. Lord Shiva’s anger got
subsidized on seeing Lord Vishnu.
Further, Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. Acceding to his request, Lord
Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur.
The eleven places where Lord Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur
are located. They are;
1. Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram (Kudamudakoothan Perumal Temple)
2. Thiruchemponsey (Perarulaalan Perumal Temple)
3. Thirukkavalampadi (Gopalakrishna Perumal Temple)
4. Thirumanikkoodam (Varadaraja Perumal Temple)
5. Thirumanimadam (Narayanan Perumal Temple)
6. Thiruppaarthanpalli (Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple)
7. Thiruthetriyambalam (Palli Konda Perumal Temple)
8. Thiruthevanarthogai (Madhava Perumal Temple)
9. Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram (Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple)
10. Thiruvanpurushothamam (Purushotama Perumal Temple)
11. Thiruvellakkulam (Annan Perumal Temple)
Amirthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nangur Village near
Sirkazhi Town in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and Mother is called as Chandrakshi.
Angered by his act, Sage Mathanga cursed Lord Vishnu to be in feminine form forever. Lord Vishnu sought his
pardon and asked for relief from the curse. Sage Mathanga advised Lord Vishnu to worship Lord Shiva just
like him for relief. As advised Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva in ten places, Those ten places are
considered as Shiva Peedam Temples.
History:
The temple is said to have been in existence from 6th century CE and completely rebuilt in 10th century CE by
the Cholas. This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).
The Temple:
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Shiva
& Parvathy flanked by Murugan & Vinayaga. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the
entrance arch, facing towards sanctum.
Amirthapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nangur Village near
Sirkazhi Town in Sirkazhi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and Mother is called as Chandrakshi.
The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as
Amirthapureeswarar / Jurahareswarar and is facing east.
He Is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Only, Dakshinamoorthy can be found in the northern
koshtam and other koshtams are empty. Mother is called as Chandrakshi. She is housed in a separate south
facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan,
Navagrahas and Lingam in the temple premises.
Festivals:
The Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams of Nangur celebrates the Ekadasa Rishabaruda festival in Rohini star day in
the Tamil month of Vaikasi similar to the Ekadasa Garuda Seva of Thirunangur Divyadesams. The Ekadasa
Rishabaruda festival was celebrated in grand manner during Chitra Pournami in ancient times and was
discontinued in the 20th century. The ardent devotees of Lord Shiva revived this festival in 2016 and is now
being celebrated every year. The Lords of the Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams of Nangur participates in this
festival.
Religious Significance:
Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams and Shiva Peedam Temples:
This Temple is considered as one of the Thirunangur Ekadasa Rudra Kshetrams and Shiva Peedam Temples.
The Temples are ;
1. Sundareswarar Temple, Annappanpettai (Rudra Peedam)
2. Amirthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Soma Peedam)
3. Airavatheswarar Temple, Perunthottam (Ugra Pirana Peedam)
4. Bhaktavachaleswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Mahadeva Peedam)
5. Kailasanathar Temple, Thirunangur (Beema Peedam)
6. Sundareswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Bava Peedam)
7. Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Kaathiruppu (Sathyajotha Peedam)
8. Mathangeeswarar Temple, Thirunangur (Thathpurusha Peedam)
9. Naganathar Temple, Sempathaniruppu (Sarva Peetam)
10. Yogeeswarar Temple, Mangaimadam (Vamadeva Peedam)
11. Nayanavaratheswarar Temple, Nainipuram (Agora Peedam)
Stunning interior of Panchasara Parsvanatha Jain Temple in Patan, Gujarat. Standing beneath the
marvelous dome, among the finely carved columns we feel endless silence and peace.
AMMA
A TO Z INDIA ● DECEMBER 2023 ● PAGE 28
ஆன் மீகம்:
அேயாத்தி ஸ் ரீராமர் ேகாயில
் , மாெப�ம் திறப்ப விழா
இந்திரா
பராணக்கைதகள ் :
ஏகாதச �த்ர ே�த்திரங ் கள் & ஏகாதச திவ ் யேதசம்:
பராணத்தின ் ப�, சிவெப�மான ் தி�நாங ் �ரில
் த� யாகத்தில ்
தன� மைனவி சதி இறந்த பிற� தன� �த்ர தாண ் டவத்ைத
நிகழ்த்தினார். அவர� நடனம் மிகவம் ஆக்ேராஷமாக இ�ந்த�,
சிவெப�மானின ் �� ஒ� �ட்� தைரையத் ெதா�ம் ேபாெதல ் லாம்,
சிவனின ் வ�வமான ஒ� �த்திரன ் தைரயில ் இ�ந்�
ெவளிப்பட்ட�. சிவெப�மானின ் பதிெனா� வ�வங ் கள ் ேதான ் றி
தி�நாங ் �ைரச் �ற்றி �த்ர தாண ் டவத்ைத நிகழ்த்திக்
ெகாண ் ��ந்தன.
வரலா�:
இக்ேகாயில ் கிபி 6ஆம் ��ற்றாண ் �லி�ந்� இ�ந்ததாகவ�ம், கிபி
10ஆம் ��ற்றாண் �ல
் ேசாழர்களால் ��ைமயாகப்
ப�னரைமக்கப்பட்டதாகவ�ம் றப்ப�கிற�. இக்ேகாயில ் தமிழ்நா�
அரசின ் இந்� சமய அறநிைலயத் �ைறயின ் (HR&CE) நிர்வாகக்
கட்�ப்பாட்�ல் உள் ள�.
On Vivah Panchami day, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were married and this day is celebrated as
marriage anniversary of Rama and Sita.