May this special day be adorned with the music of happiness, the rhythm of laughter, and the melody of love. Your voice has not only captivated our hearts but has also become a source of inspiration for many. As you continue to share your incredible talent with the world, may your journey be filled with success, joy, and countless musical milestones.
On your birthday, may the universe orchestrate beautiful moments, and may every note you sing resonate with the warmth of love and the promise of an even brighter future. Here’s to another year of reaching new heights and creating beautiful tunes that touch the soul.
May your day be as extraordinary as your voice, and may the coming year bring you even more opportunities to share your incredible gift with the world.
Ramayanam, an ancient Indian epic, holds the distinction of being the world’s greatest epic, comprising nearly 24,000 verses scripted by the venerable Maharshi Valmiki. Within this colossal narrative, the inaugural chapter of the first kanda, famously known as the Bala Kanda, unveils a condensed version named Sankshepa-Ramayanam. This abridged retelling encompasses 100 verses, granted a status equivalent to the complete Ramayana, as evidenced by its phalashruti—a testament to its profound significance.
Sankshepa-Ramayanam traces its roots to a pivotal encounter between Narada Muni and Valmiki Maharshi. In this enlightening chapter, Narada Muni imparts a concise account of Rama’s life to Valmiki, subsequently urging the sage to chronicle the epic journey of Rama. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the creation of a literary masterpiece that transcends time and resonates with readers across generations.
The condensed nature of Sankshepa-Ramayanam, encapsulating the essence of the grand Ramayana, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a succinct yet profound understanding of Rama’s narrative. Its elevated status, reflected in its phalashruti, underscores its importance and influence. This chapter serves as a gateway for individuals to connect with the timeless wisdom and moral teachings embedded in the Ramayana.
Remarkably, the tradition of reciting Sankshepa-Ramayanam endures even in contemporary times. Many households observe the ritual of chanting these 100 verses on a daily or weekly basis, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Rama’s story in people’s lives. The verses serve as a source of inspiration, moral guidance, and spiritual connection for those who engage in this ritual.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet featuring Sooryagayathri’s Ram bhajan, News18 channel conducted an insightful interview with the talented artist.
In this captivating video, Sooryagayathri shares her musical journey, highlighting her father’s pivotal role as her first guru and the profound influence of M.S. Subbulakshmi on her musical passion. She graciously treats the audience to snippets of her renditions, including the Hanuman Chalisa (her inaugural YouTube video) and Raghavashtakam, a verse by Adi Shankaracharya, for which she has composed a melodious and delightful musical arrangement. Visit this other site of mine to know more about Sooryagayathri: https://www.sooryagayathri.net/
Observe the sheer joy radiating from her face! Sooryagayathri, may this infectious happiness remain a constant companion on your journey. Your musical prowess continues to inspire and bring joy to countless admirers.
I registered this blog in WordPress on January 10, 2014. Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of this blog. First, I want to take this time to thank everyone who supported my blog and work for the last decade. Having said that, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for Hanuman Jayanthi to you all.
Join me in this enlightening video where I delve into the profound significance of Hanuman, the revered deity known for his unwavering devotion and incredible strength. This video aims to not only educate but also inspire a deeper connection with the divine, fostering a sense of positivity and strength in your life. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain insights into the spiritual realm and embrace the blessings that Hanuman Jayanthi brings. Hit play and embark on a journey of enlightenment and joy! Wishing you all a blessed and Happy Hanuman Jayanthi! 🙏✨
As I mentioned in the video, on this auspicious day, our honorable Prime Minister tweeted Sooryagayathri’s music video.
Join me in this heartfelt rendition of Nirvana Shatkam, a profound poem composed by Adhi Shankaracharya, skillfully composed by the talented SooryaGayathri.
In this video, I humbly share my attempt to sing this beautiful composition alongside SooryaGayathri’s enchanting rendition. Let the soothing melodies and profound verses guide you on a contemplative journey towards inner peace and self-discovery.
The beginning of this New Year, 2024, has brought an abundance of energy, and improved health.. I wanted to take a moment to share some recent highlights.
My fitness journey has taken a front seat, with regular workouts at the gym, invigorating runs, and refreshing walks. Yesterday, I had a fantastic running session in a nearby park, surrounded by diverse plants. The circular path, approximately 320 meters in diameter, allows me to complete one kilometer with just four laps plus a few extra steps.
Having shed a considerable amount of weight, I treated myself to new, well-fitting clothes. Interestingly, my very old clothes from 2022 still fit, a testament to the successful strength training in the gym.
Embracing a healthier lifestyle, I’ve recently purchased an electric cooker and started preparing my meals. Mornings kick off with a nutritious blend of oats, fruits, nuts, and whey protein in my Muesli. For lunch, I enjoy a hearty porridge made from a mix of multigrains, including Ragi, Bajra, Jowar, Red rice, corn, barley, wheat, green gram, fried gram, almonds, cashews, and peanuts.
I’ve had the privilege of attending a function featuring the renowned Tamil speaker, Smt. Bharathi Baskar (பாரதி பாஸ்கர்), on January 1st. Her speech, centered around Pamban Swamigal, left a lasting impression. During the event, I had the opportunity to present two copies of my Tamil poetry book, ‘Malayorak Kavithaigal,’ and capture some memorable moments.
The speech was about Pamban Swamigal. Pamban Gurudasa Swamigal, affectionately known as Pamban Swamigal, was a revered Indian Tamil Hindu saint and poet. His devotion centered around the Tamil god Murugan, and he expressed his profound reverence through the composition of heartfelt poems in praise of the deity. The sacred place where he rests in eternal peace, his samadhi, is situated in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
This video is the recording of her entire speech:
About the Tamil orator Smt. Bharathi Bhaskar:
Bharathi Baskar stands out as a prominent figure in the realm of Tamil oratory, known for her compelling speeches and insightful presentations. Her eloquence extends to a diverse range of social, cultural, and motivational subjects in the Tamil language. Renowned for her remarkable ability to articulate complex ideas in a manner that is both relatable and engaging, Bharathi Baskar has garnered widespread acclaim.
Her oratory prowess shines particularly bright as she addresses contemporary issues, offering profound insights and diverse perspectives that strike a chord with a broad audience. Beyond her captivating oratory skills, Bharathi Baskar has also made a mark as a writer, contributing thought-provoking articles and essays to various Tamil publications.
Here is the short introduction of the book in Tamil:
“இது ஒரு தமிழ்க் கவிதைத் தொகுப்பு. இந்த புத்தகத்தில், நாமகளின் அருளால் அடியேன் எழுதிய மரபுக் கவிதைகளும் புதுக் கவிதைகளும் இடம் பெற்றுள்ளன. அனைவருக்கும் புரியும் வகையில் எளிய தமிழில் வெண்பாக்களும் விருத்தங்களும் எழுதி இருக்கிறேன். அவை உங்களுக்குப் பிடித்து இருக்கும் என்று நம்புகிறேன்.
காதல், ஆன்மீகம் மற்றும் சமூகம் சார்ந்த கருத்துக்களையும் கற்பனைகளையும் கனவுகளையும் இந்த புத்தகத்தில் கவிதை வடிவில் நான் தந்திருக்கிறேன். அவற்றில் பெரும்பாலானவை மரபுக் கவிதைகள்தான். தமிழ்ப் பற்றாளர்கள், காதலர்கள், சமூக சிந்தனையார்கள், ஆன்மீகவாதிகள், பக்தர்கள் மற்றும் இதர பொதுமக்கள் என அனைவரும் இந்தக் கவிதைத் தொகுப்பினை ரசிப்பார்கள் என நம்புகிறேன்.”
I’m grateful to the readers who supported me in acquiring the essentials that have positively impacted my life, enabling me to maintain good health, stay active, and find inspiration for writing more articles. Wishing everyone a joyful New Year filled with health and happiness.
Concealed within the ancient Sanskrit tales lies a precious script known as Bhoothanatha Geetha. This brief yet profound text, attributed to Prince Manikanta, unfolds the fundamental ideas of Advaita Vedanta in a conversation with King Rajasekharan.
Back in 2018, I penned a detailed commentary on this book. However, given its length, I’m offering you a condensed introduction.
Simplified Sanskrit:
In contrast to its older counterpart, the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha imparts its teachings in simpler Sanskrit, making it accessible to a broader audience. Even with basic knowledge, one can grasp the profound verses. Take, for instance, the opening sloka:
Translation: “Oh King, destroying one’s karmas is important for the destruction of the suffering that arises from the cycle of birth and death. You can hear the way for it from me.”
A Conversation about Truth:
Much like the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha unfurls through a captivating dialogue. Prince Manikanta, embodying both spiritual wisdom and princely grace, guides King Rajasekharan towards self-realization. Their exchange delves into crucial Advaita Vedanta concepts:
The nature of Brahman: The ultimate reality, Brahman, transcends form and attributes. The text beautifully illustrates this using the analogy of gold and ornaments, explaining that just as all ornaments are essentially gold, so too are all names and forms manifestations of the one, indivisible Brahman.
Maya’s illusion: This subtle veil of misconception obscures our true nature. Manikanta skillfully dispels this illusion, revealing the “I” and “mine” as mere concepts superimposed on the ever-present Brahman.
The path to liberation: Bhoothanatha Geetha emphasizes the importance of a true teacher (satguru) and warns against the pitfalls of mere intellectual pursuits, advocating for sincere devotion and self-inquiry.
Beyond the Similarities:
While drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha offers unique insights into Siddha wisdom and practical spirituality:
Siddha wisdom: Manikanta’s possible connection to the Siddhas shines through in his detailed discussions of tattvas (elements of consciousness) and the purification of the mind.
Practical spirituality: Acknowledging worldly responsibilities and desires, the text encourages a balanced approach, urging not to neglect the body but to utilize it as a vehicle for liberation.
A Gift for Every Seeker:
Whether you’re a long time seeker or a curious newcomer, Bhoothanatha Geetha offers a wealth of wisdom. Its simple language, engaging dialogue, and practical guidance make it a valuable resource for those seeking self-realization. Delve into its verses, contemplate its teachings, and embark on your transformative journey towards eternal truth.
As I step into this fresh year, anticipation and enthusiasm fill my spirit. I’m brimming with new plans, strategies, and upcoming projects centered around my content, which delves into spirituality, mental and physical health, and beyond.
Speaking from the perspective of a wounded healer, I’ve traversed through trauma, endured abuse, battled addiction, faced homelessness, and embarked on a sincere spiritual journey, drawing profound lessons from every experience. This year promises to be a chapter of growth, resilience, and the continued sharing of insights gained along this transformative journey.
This morning, I visited the nearby Ramar temple—a stunning sanctuary in the heart of the city. I am planning an upcoming post on Rama, drawing insights not only from the Ramayana but also from spiritual texts like Yoga Vashistam and Adyatma Ramayanam. For those on a spiritual journey, there are numerous lessons to glean from Rama’s life.
At Ramar temple today, 1/1/2024
Yesterday, the final day of the year, began with a 6-kilometer morning walk and followed by cleaning my room. I estimate that I burned around 800 calories during this routine. Recognizing the tendency for people to overestimate calorie expenditure and underestimate consumption, I’ve adjusted my estimate to a more realistic 800 calories, steering clear of the common underestimation pitfall.
A corner of my room serves as a versatile space, functioning as a kitchen, library, and pooja room. I took the time to clean and organize it yesterday, and now, the atmosphere is imbued with the grace of Annapoorni and Saraswathi.
These are the statues I got at the beginning of 2022, and I really like them. Each statue has a special story.
For example, the small Hanuman statue made of stone was bought in Tiruvannamalai in July 2022 after I went to Sooryagayathri’s concert in Gowribidanur. The Krishna statue is the one I ordered from Amazon because I loved Sooryagayathri’s Gopigopalam song and I wanted to buy a statue similar to one that I saw in the music video. The picture of Lord Murugan in the form of Kolanchiappar was bought in Vridhachalam.
I stayed near Vridhachalam for two months to find an old school friend named Ramesh, but unfortunately, I never saw him. I wanted to make sure he was okay because Sooryagayathri looks exactly like him, and sometimes I think he is reborn as her. I had a strong belief in finding out if my suspicion was true. I searched for Ramesh in Ramanattam, a small village near Thozhudur, where he used to live with his parents. I asked a lot of people, but no one could tell me where he was. I remember him saying his native place was Thirukovilur. I even went there one day. Unfortunately, I never found him even after staying in Tittagudi for two months, where the school we studied was located. Those two months were unforgettable, and some interesting things happened during that time that I haven’t shared in a blog post yet.
So, every statue here brings back sweet memories with interesting and touching stories. The little stones you see near the statues are marbles of different colors that I bought because I really like them. They look beautiful. There are also a couple of Rudraksha beads. I made a couple of Shivalingas with M-Seal, a special kind of sealant, with my own hands. M-Seal is a type of epoxy, resin-based, multipurpose sealant with a unique combination of epoxy putty and adhesive.
Here is a glimpse of my library. I have copies of the Tamil translation of all four Vedas in seven volumes.
Rig Veda alone spans three volumes. Additionally, I possess crucial texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Thirumanthiram, Thiruvasagam, and poems by Bharathiyar. Alongside these, there are numerous smaller books aimed at aiding in the learning of Malayalam. I need to restart my Malayalam learning journey as I unintentionally set it aside for the past six months. The same applies to my Sanskrit learning as well.
I’ve accumulated video and audio lessons on Carnatic music, diligently practicing to the point of mastering all 14 from sarali varisai and completing Jandai varisai. However, amidst relocations and various life events, the practice was momentarily disrupted. Nevertheless, I am determined to resume and redouble my efforts in the coming year. One of my musical aspirations is to flawlessly sing Niravana Shatkam, following the tune composed by Sooryagayathri. It’s a goal that I am committed to achieving through dedicated practice
As we step into the new year of 2024, it marks a period of plans, strategies, resolutions, and unwavering convictions for me. I extend warm New Year wishes to all of you. Stay connected, as my upcoming post will delve into the world of the most straightforward and accessible exercise – walking. This piece will be detailed and offer a unique perspective distinct from content you may have encountered before.
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