Jan 27, 2009
Caste: its perceived nuisance in politics can be mitigated by promoting its economic potential -- S. Gurumurthy

Traditional caste, by reorienting itself, seems to be handling modernity well. It is modernity that appears clueless as to how to handle caste.In his two articles in The Hindu (Jan. 8 and 9, 2009), Justice Markandey Katju has brilliantly articulated what was once the colonial — now, the modern — view on ‘caste.’ He asserts, like most do, that caste is a “social evil,” “divisive,” and “a curse” that must be ‘eradicated’ if India is “to prosper.” Yet he concedes that, despite its suspected racial origin, caste had done good to India by helping in work specialisation, which had made India an economic super power till CE 1700. But, he says, it is an old story, and the British advent has changed all that. Asking “could India have developed like North America and Europe had the British not come?” he answers: “there is no use crying over spilt milk.” He is now relieved that the evil of caste is being destroyed by technology, people’s struggles, and inter-caste marriages.In sum, Justice Katju accepts the western anthropological view of Indian society. But setting out to validate the western view, the Dravidian and Dalit movements actually ended up repudiating it.

For it is the very caste that such movements fought to snuff out that finally became the vehicle for their assertion, surprisingly proving the old saying, “vishasya visham oushadam,” that is, if caste were poison, it is its cure too. Justice Katju, like most scholars — social, economic and political — seems confused about how to handle the ’traditional’ caste in ’modern’ times. While they see it as an evil in politics, here is a different view of caste that brings out its positive role in market economics, that is, caste as ’modern’ development — yes, modern economic development — vehicle.

Popular Indian socio-economic discourse today seems to be not fully familiar with the emerging phenomenon of ‘social capital’ — an area of study where culture and economics confluence. Francis Fukuyama, who authored the first bible of globalisation (The End of History and the Last Man) and made individualism, the free market, and liberal democracy demigods, wrote his next book Trust in which, on rethinking, he captured culture as the “20 per cent missing element” of economics.

As contrasted with individualism-dominated societies, he says, relation-based societies generate culturally defined social capital. Social capital is non-formal networking based on kinship within societies. The emerging view is that social capital expedites the socio-economic development process.

Fukuyama had missed out India, therefore caste, as India was not worth noticing when he wrote the book Trust. But contemporary writers and modern minds like Gurcharan Das and Swaminathan Ankilesaria Aiyar in India did not miss that out what Fukuyama had. They perceive caste as a potential engine of growth and development. Swaminathan Aiyar saw it as the social capital of India. That Justice Katju seems to be unaware of the empirical evidence of caste as a development vehicle in economics is evident from his remark that “a scientific study’ on caste ’is yet to be done.”Caste is a very strong bond. While individuals are related by families, castes link the families.

Castes transcended the local limits and networked the people across. This has prevented the disturbance that industrialism caused to neighbourhood societies in the West, resulting in unbridled individualism and acute atomisation. In independent India, a contradiction has developed between the individualism-centric Constitution and caste collectives. Caste-based politics has actually helped to harmonise this contradiction between the formal Constitution and the non-formal social architecture. In a sense, caste-based politics mediates between traditional society and the modern state in India. Yet it can still be argued that the caste element in politics is not desirable. But caste in economics is a positive drive of development. Read on.

The caste system, which was admittedly savvy with economics over millennia, has in modern times engaged the market in economics and democracy in politics to reinvent itself. It has become a great source of entrepreneurship. Studies show that the castes-based industrial clusters lead the nation’s industrial development. A UNIDO study (1997) shows that out of the 370 small scale industrial clusters and 2600 artisan-based clusters, which generated 70 per cent of India’s industrial output, 66 per cent of exports, and 40 per cent of employment, only 13 were government-sponsored. The rest had evolved out of the caste/community-based network.

Take the case of backward castes. The entrepreneurship generated by the Patel caste today dominates two-thirds of the global diamond trade. The Nadar caste runs over three-fourths of the retail trade, match works, and fireworks in Tamil Nadu. In Tirupur, Goundar caste entrepreneurs, 80 per cent of whom are not even matriculates, compete at the global level, exporting knitwear garments valued at over $2 billion. The World Development Report 2001 found that the social networking within the Goundar caste and the circulation of capital by trust had enabled Tirupur’s rise as a global knitwear hub. In Sankagiri and Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, Goundar caste entrepreneurs own the largest fleet of lorry, tanker, and tipper transport vehicles in the whole of India. Ninety per cent of them were farmers earlier and 20 per cent were just rearing cattle. The list is too long to be captured here.

An empirical study was conducted in some 25 caste-based industrial clusters in different places in India by a team of academics and professionals trained in modern business under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu Swadeshi Academic Council. It showed that whether it is the Jatavs of Agra and Kanpur, or the Nadars, Naidus, or Goundars of Tamil Nadu, or the Patels of Gujarat, or the artisan Ramgadiyas of Punjab, they have risen as competent entrepreneurs – many at the global level – mostly by leveraging on their kinship-based social capital. Most of them have had very little education. It is the community that has acted as the knowledge provider thorough kinship and social network.

More information on the caste-based growth model is available in the book Indian Models of Economy, Business and Management [Prentice-Hall of India 2008] by P. Kanagasabapathi who was part of the Swadeshi Academic Council team. A recent book by Harish Damodaran, India’s New Capitalists: Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation (Palmgrave Macmillan) also points to the evolution of caste as a development vehicle. A study of unregistered small and tiny enterprises by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) in 2005 showed that there were over 42 million such units, out of which 45 per cent were owned by backward castes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes. These 42 million units provided the largest employment outside agriculture, engaging 90 million hands, and growing at an annual rate 2.6 per cent during 1990-98. So caste is turning into social capital in the market economy, and emerging as an open air university for entrepreneurship.

To conclude, traditional caste, by reorienting itself, seems to be handling modernity well. It is modernity that appears clueless as to how to handle caste. The modern elites see caste as a political nuisance. But they seem to be unaware that its perceived nuisance in politics can be mitigated by promoting the economic potential of caste. Elite India’s dilemma about caste seems to be outdated.-- S. Gurumurthy

பொங்கல் பண்டிகை தொடர்பாக நிகழ்வுகள்.
கலிஃபோர்னியா மாகாணம், அமெரிக்கா:

பொங்கலும் தேங்க்ஸ்கிவிங்கும் ஒன்றுதான்

இங்குள்ள வளைகுடாப் பகுதியில் (Bay Area) வசிக்கும் தமிழ் கத்தோலிக்க கிறிஸ்தவர்கள் , செயிண்ட் ஜோசப் சர்ச் வளாகத்தில், ஜனவரி 14 அன்று பொங்கல் என்ற “இந்திய நன்றி தெரிவிக்கும் நாள்” (Indian Thanksgiving) விழாவைக் கொண்டாடினர். இப்பகுதி தமிழ் கிறிஸ்தவத் தலைவரான சுந்தர் வின்சென்ட் பொங்கல் பற்றிக் கூறுகையில் “Pongal is a harvest festival, the Tamil equivalent of Thanksgiving” என்று குறிப்பிட்டார். விசேஷ சுவிசேஷ பிரார்த்தனை மற்றும் “விசேஷ இந்திய விளக்கு” ஏற்றுதல் மற்றும் இரவு உணவுடன் விழா முடிவடைந்தது. இதுபற்றி அவர் அமெரிக்கப் பத்திரிகைகளிடம் மேலும் கூறுகையில், “உலகெங்கும் பல தேசங்களில் 90 மில்லியன் தமிழ் மக்கள் வாழ்கின்றனர். அப்போஸ்தலர் புனித தாமஸ்தான் தமிழ் பேசும் இந்தியர்களுக்கு கடவுள் பற்றிய நற்செய்தியை முதன்முதலில் சொன்னார். தமிழகத்தின் தலைநகரான சென்னையில் அவர் கொல்லப் பட்டார்” என்றார்.
“சென்னையில் உள்ள புனித தாமஸின் கல்லறைக்கு ஏராளமானவர்கள் தினமும் வந்து செல்கின்றனர். தமிழ்ப் பொங்கல் (Tamil Pongal) புதிய நம்பிக்கையை அனைவருக்கும் அளிக்கும்” என்றார் அவர். இவ்விழாவில் Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Father William Rosario, Father Oscar D. Tabujara, Father Robert B. Moran ஆகிய உள்ளூர் (அமெரிக்க) கிறிஸ்தவப் பங்குத் தந்தைகள் மற்றும் பல கிறிஸ்தவத் தலைவர்களும் பங்கு கொண்டனர்.

(நன்றி: http://www.dsj.org) source-tamilhindu.com

TRUTH ABOUT 6 'M''s HINDUS SHOULD LEARN BEFORE VOTING

Here is a forthright review and analysis of the security situation in India by Shri Deivamuthu, Editor of the "Hindu Voice" Mumbai. This urgent yet alarming article is titled "THE TRUTHS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE". He warns of the impending danger generated by half a dozen disintegrating factors: The author summarizes that "Today our country - Bharat - is seized by six Yamahs (6Ms) - Mullahs, Missionaries, Marxists, Mecaulayists, Media and Maino. Collectively and singularly they have no love for Hindu Dharma, Hindu Culture and Hindu Civilization......While most Hindus are busy in their daily chores like earning a living, making money, celebrating festivals, enjoying their lives, etc., our adversaries have hatched very sinister plans to enslave us politically and then obliterate Hindu Dharma from the Indian soil. ...

Krishan Bhatnagar
______________________________________________________________________

THE TRUTHS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

By P. Deivamuthu, Editor, Hindu Voice, Mumbai.
hinduvoice@mtnl.net.in
Tel: 022-28764418, 28764460, 09324728153

The Facts

Can you visualise a scene where your son/daughter or your grandson/granddaughter succumbs to the bullet of a terrorist when they are doing some shopping or worshipping at a temple? Can you imagine a situation where your children or grandchildren are forced to leave your house and take asylum somewhere else? Or can you reconcile to the fact that they are forced to give up Sanatan Hindu Dharm and convert to an alien religion? Today, even just a thought on these lines will send shiver down your spine. But it has happened and is going to happen if you are not awake. Just look at the following facts.

1. 200 (two hundred) years ago Hindus in Kandahar (Afghanistan) were observing the Sanathan Dharm by performing Pooja and singing Bhajans and Kirtans. Today there is no one. There are only Al Qaedas and Talibans, enforcing Shariat law of ‘eye for an eye’, ‘leg for a leg’, etc.

2. 100 (hundred) years ago, Hindus in Lahore and Karachi (which derives their name from Lav and Kush, the sons of Sri Ram) were observing the Sanathan Dharm by performing Pooja and singing Bhajans and Kirtans. Today there is none. All have vanished into thin air. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, by dividing our Motherland Bharat, it was named ‘Islamic Republic of Pakistan’ and became an Islamic country. Hindus who formed nearly 24% of Pakistan at the time of partition, have been reduced to less than 1% today.

3. 50 (fifty) years ago, Hindus in Srinagar (Kashmir) too were observing the Sanathan Dharm by performing Pooja and singing Bhajans and Kirtans. Today no one is left there to do so. All have been chased away, and are living like refugees in Jammu and Delhi.

Considering the above historical facts, 50 (fifty) years from now, will you (or your son/daughter or grand son/grand daughter) be able to perform Pooja and sing Bhajans and Kirtans? Will our country remain democratic and secular. Will your children have the freedom of thought and expression? Logic says ‘NO’. Social demography also confirms this. Symptoms too point out towards that stark eventuality (I can give you hundreds of examples):

The landscape of Bharat has continuously been shrinking. The world Muslim population is about 130 crores, but there are 57 Islamic countries. The world Christian population is about 200 crores. There are nearly 150 countries where Christianity wields supreme. The world Hindu population is nearly 110 crores. Is there a single country for Hindus?

Is this the legacy you want to leave behind for your sons and daughters? If not, get up from your deep slumber and face the challenge, before it is too late. Before knowing about the challenges, we should go into the background of our Nation. Bharat is a land of Sants and Rishis. Many Gods and Rishis have taken avatar in this land - Raam, Krishna, Mahavir, Bhuddha, Adhi Shankara, Guru Nanak, etc. That is why it is called Devbhoomi, Punyabhoomi, etc. For us, it is the Motherland (Mathrubhoomi), and we worship Her as “Bharat Mata”.

Bharat has all along been a de facto Hindu Nation, although it has been ruled by Muslims and Christians for nearly 1000 years. There is no country in the world which, after being enslaved for nearly 1000 years, takes rebirth as one country. Bharat did so, in spite of so much diversity in the name of caste, language, region, etc. This oneness was due to the spiritual and cultural unity of Bharat, which in other words is called Hindutva. Moreover, Spiritualism and Nationalism have always been interlinked in Bharat. For example, in a Pooja, the ‘sankalpa’ begins with “Bharata varshe, Bharata kande, Jambu Dweepe ...”, a clear reference to Motherland. India can remain united only on the basis of Hindutva, i.e. Hindu Principles, which encompasses everything humanity stands for. Even today Bharat is a Hindu Nation; otherwise democracy and secularism could not have survived.

Today one fears that history is being repeated and Bharat may once again slip into the hands of forces inimical to democracy and secularism, who may rule Bharat as dictators enforcing their religious dogmas on Hindus. It is therefore the duty of every citizen believing in peace, tolerance and pluralism, to raise his voice against Adharm - any force that tries to destalibise the spiritual and cultural unity of Bharat. When Dharm becomes a mute spectator as in Mahabharat, Adharm will rule the roost, which will ultimately lead to Kurukshetra. If we have to avoid another Kurukshetra, we have to recognise the dangers that engulf us and take remedial measures to avert them. Now what are the challenges?

Today our country - Bharat - is seized by six Yamahs (6Ms) - Mullahs, Missionaries, Marxists, Mecaulayists, Media and Maino. They have no love for Hindu Dharma, Hindu Culture and Hindu Civilization. Unless we get rid of these 6Ms, Hindus will not be able to live in peace.

(I must make it very clear that when I say Mullahs and Missionaries, I am not talking abut common Muslims and Christians, who are equal citizens of this country like Hindus. No one can deny religious freedom to any community. Left to themselves, Muslims and Christians would make out to be true nationalists. But it is the Mullahs and Missionaries who use them as pawns in their power brokering, by having a vice-like grip over them.)

A brief description of the 6Ms syndrome is as under:

A. Mullahs

Whether you call them Mullahs or Maulvis, it is they who hold the real power under Islam or in an Islamic country. They hold a powerful control over their followers, by way of issuing ‘fatwas’, i.e. religious edicts. In a country like India, the Maulvis declare that their fatwa supersedes even court decisions, because according to them, Muslims are supposed to follow only the Shriat Law (made by Allah) and not civil laws which are man-made.

But strangely, the UPA Government has filed an Affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that the fatwas of Maulvis do not interfere in the normal functioning of our laws. And strangely, even our Courts bend over backwards in this sinister design.

For example - 12 MLAs in the Kerala Assembly took Oath in the name of Allah. A man filed a PIL in the Kerala High Court saying that taking Oath in the name of Allah is unconstitutional. The Kerala High Court overruled the objection. He again went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court too held that taking Oath in the name of Allah is similar to taking Oath in the name of God, i.e. Allah and God are the same. Now, many Mullahs and Maulvis have declared that they do not recognise ‘God’ and it is only Allah for them. That means, when Muslims themselves declare that God is not Allah, how come our Supreme Court declares that God and Allah are the same. It is like giving a good character certificate to a man who himself admits that he is a rogue.

Many times, the fatwas issued by them make living difficult even for a common Muslims, or forcibly separates husband from wife, causing great hardship to their children - sometime even leading to prostitution. But still, they stick to their fatwa, however impractical or immoral it may be, as it is according to Shriat Law. (I have come out with a book titled “180 Hard Facts of Religious HIV - Hatred, Intolerance and Violence” which documents these facts).

Mullahs and Maulvis have a vested interest in keeping the Muslim community backward and illiterate, so that it submits to them and always looks for their guidance (fatwa). Because, once awakened, they will start questioning them. By often proclaiming that ‘Islam is in danger’ they create a fear psychosis in the community and keep them in ghettos. A few intellectual Muslims feel helpless, as it is the Mullahs who have a sway over the community.

B. Missionaries

Missionaries, not to confuse with ordinary Christians, are indeed ‘merchants of religious dogmas’. Wherever they have gone, they have destroyed the local culture to establish the Kingdom of Christ.

According to Dr. David Frawley (Acharya Vamadeva Shastri): “The missionary business remains one of the largest in the world and has enormous funding on many levels. It is like several MNCs with the different Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical groups involved. There are full time staffs and organizations allocating money, creating media hype, plotting strategies and seeking new ways to promote conversion. The local native religion has about as much chance against such MNC incursions as a local food seller has if McDonald’s moves into the neighbourhood with a slick, well funded advertising campaign targeting his customers.”

“In fact missionary activity is like an ideological war. It is quite systematic, motivated and directed. It can even represent a blitzkreig using media, money, people and public shows to appeal to the masses in an emotional way. Therefore, with missionary activity we ... are talking about a religious effort towards world conquest that is quite happy to put an end to other religious traditions - that looks to establish one particular religion for all human beings, in which diversity of human religions is discredited and forgotten.” ( Ref: David Frawley - “The Ethics of Religious Conversions”)

They reach remote areas to work among tribals. In the name of service, they convert Hindus. They do not hesitate to even resort to violence if their work is hampered. The recent gruesome murder of the 84-year old Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati is a classic example. They took the help of their foot soldiers - Maoists and Naxalites - to accomplish this task. It is reported that a few of their rank were bought over by the Church for eliminating the Swami.

Missionaries are hate-mongers too. A Booklet - Satya Darshini - prepared and distributed by Missionaries in Mangalore describes Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as lecherous. The book says ‘Urvashi – the daughter of Lord Vishnu – is a prostitute. Vashitha is the son of this prostitute. He in turn married his own Mother.’ Naturally, Hindus are furious at these insults to their Gods, sometime leading to violent reaction.

The Missionaries are adapt at spreading lies and canards, to attain their goal of harvesting souls. Many of the Hindus who follow them become fanatics and ‘mentals’. (My book titled “180 Hard Facts of Religious HIV - Hatred, Intolerance and Violence” documents these facts).

C. Marxists

Marxists, or the Communists, are the sons of Karl Marx, who said that ‘religion is the opium of masses’. They claim to be atheists, but their atheism is limited only to Hinduism. They never question the existence of Islamic and Christian Gods.

For the ordinary people, unaware of the niceties of ideological differences, all Communists are the same - violent prone, and it really does not matter whether different segments call themselves as CPI, CPI(M) or CPI (Marxist-Leninist).

They have their masters in China and Russia. The Communists have never considered Bharat as one nation. Their claim is that India is a State of different Nations, and will one day break up just like the former Soviet Union. They demand ‘self-determination’ for the people of Kashmir, but on the same breadth refuse similar rights to Tibetians (which is occupied by China). They were the stooges of Britishers and opposed independence to our country. While communism has collapsed all over the world, somehow in India it is still alive - to the extent that till the other day it was doing the back seat driving in the UPA Government. They never believe in democracy and secularism.

About 3 crore Muslims have illegally infiltrated into India, via West Bengal. The Communist Government of West Bengal, not only cordially welcomes them, but also provides them with Ration Card and ultimately voters card. And such illegal Bangladesh immigrants become their major vote bank.

During 1942 the Communists were more loyal to the British than the King of England. They heaped insults on Gandhiji, Subhas Chandra Bose and Jayaprakash Narayan, and ran down the Quit India Movement as an indication of bankruptcy of ideas. They sided with China in the Sino-Indian conflict in 1962. That, surely, was the most traitorous act, and so far, no apology has come from the party. The CPM has turned out to be just an Indian branch of the Chinese Communist Party. Maoists and Naxalites are their foot soldiers. They wholeheartedly defend them in all their violent activities.Luckily the people of India have marginalised them to only three states - West Bengal, Kerala and Tiripura. But that is not sufficient. Communism should be thrown out of India.

D. Media
When we talk of Media, it is the English media, both print and electronic, which is in focus. Most of our English media is serving foreign interests. Whatever good that is happening in India does not attract their attention. But every small incident is blown out of proportion and shown to the international world, to deride India. Some newspapers even act as the mouthpiece of some foreign countries.

The 26th biennial general body meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) was held in Thrissur (Kerala) from 7th to 14th January 2004, to debate over religious conversions. About 150 Bishops, 26 Archbishops and three Cardinals attended the conference. The Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, N.Ram, the Chief of Bureau of NDTV in Chennai, Jennifer Arul, and the General Editor of the Mangalam group of publications, K.M. Roy too attended the Meet. What was their role in a purely closed-door religious session is anybody’s guess. Mr. Ram is also a card-holding Communist. He has made many trips to China and is promoting Chinese interests in India.

According to KPS Gill some of the media organisations are actually front offices for terrorist groups. He might have had in mind journals like Tehelka, Communalism Combat, etc. Karan Thapar, a noted journalist, desired for the ‘sudden elimination’ of Narendra Modi.

“Genocide” “Holocaust” are the words used by the media for the riots in Gujarat. But when a real “Genocide” took place in Dellhi in 1984 (killing of Sikhs under Congress rule) and Sangrur and Nandigram in West Bengal under CPM Rule in 2008, they kept mum. Their ‘secular’ Dharm is to call a “genocide” as riot and a riot as “genocide”.

The ‘secular’ media does not care to report about the sins of Christian Missionaries and Muslim fanatics, but as is their wont, they project the sinned (Hindus) as the villains. This happened in Godhra, Kandhamal, Amarnath and Mangalore. In short, the English media is working with a hidden agenda - to destabilize India by demoralising Hindus.

The entire English Media, full of Mecaulay’s sons, is behaving like the paid servants of the Congress. While Islamic terrorism is being played down, alleged involvement of Hindus in terrorist activities is being blown out of proportion. Hinduism itself is being termed as violent. Hindus’ sacred symbol “OM” is juxtaposed with alleged Hindu terrorists, as though they derived inspiration from the sacred “OM”, whereas they refuse to even take note of other ideologies inspiring terrorism.

E. Mecaulayists

Mecaulay, whose education system we have adopted, declared: “We require an education system in India which will produce a class of interpreters, who will be Indian in colour and Englishmen in taste, opinions and morals.” And he has succeeded to a large extent. This education system in India has produced many ‘intellectuals’ - who are nicknamed ‘cocoanuts’ - brown in outlook and white (Englishmen) in taste, opinion and morals.

These Mecaulayists, who are also called ‘secularists’ have developed a new religion called ‘Secularism’. In the name of secularism, they do everything to deride Hindus and India.Hindu India with a multi-religious idea, a multi-religious living, a multi-religious culture, a multi-religious fabric or a multi-religious structure does not need secularism. Secularism is in-built in Hinduism.

For these Mecaulayists, Sanskrit is communal and Urdu is secular; Mandir is communal, Masjid is secular; Sadhu is communal, Imam is secular; BJP is communal, Muslim League is secular; Dr. Praveen Thogadiya is anti-national, Bhukari is national; Vande Matharam is communal, Allah-O-Akbar is secular; Shriman is communal, Mian is secular; Hinduism is communal, Islam is secular; Hindutva is communal, Jihad is secular; SIMI is secular, Bajrang Dal is communal; and at last, Bharat is communal, Italy is secular!
(The double-standards adopted by these Mecaulayists-Secularists is brought out by me in a book titled “650 Truths You Must Know Before It Is Too Late”).

F. Maino

Who is this Maino? Yes, it is Antonia Maino, a Roman Catholic Christian, born in Italy, rechristened as Sonia Gandhi, who, knowing nothing about this nation, is running the affairs of this Hindu Nation through the back door. She has scant respect for Hindu Dharm and Hindu Culture. But our power-hungry Congressmen are vying with each other to be the slave of this uncrowned Queen of Bharat.

Why should the Congress party import a lady from Italy? Is there no worthy Indian to head the party? She was a Bar Girl in London. “A Waitress who became the world leader” - This is how The Guardian, London, headlined in 2004. Her academic qualification is next to nothing. She cannot speak a single sentence on her own and she is strutting about on the political platform thanks to media hype. Former Lok Sabha speaker Shri P.A. Sangma asked her in a Congress Working Committee meeting: “We do not know anything about you, Madam”. (Just to oppose her, he and Sharad Pawar left the Congress and formed NCP, but today the same Mr. Pawar is clinging on to her!). After marrying Rajiv Gandhi and living in India, she did not opt for Indian citizenship for 18 years, but became a voter in Delhi!

Her hatred for Bharatiya culture can be gauged from the fact that she refused to attend an event making Vande Mataram Centenary in New Delhi on 7th Sept. 2006.

At her behest, the so-called secular government had no compunction in declaring a holiday on the death of Pope John Paul II, who is the head of Roman Catholics. Did it ever declare a holiday on the death of any of our Shankaracharyas or Dharma Gurus? Leave alone honouring our Saints, the UPA Govt. is trying to book Hindu Sadhus and Sadhvis under manufactured charges of terrorism.Australian Missionary, Ms. Gladys Staines (wife of Graham Staines) was honoured with Padma Shree last year. What was her contribution to Bharat? Benny Hinn, a fraudster missionary, boasted that a friend of Sonia Gandhi had helped clear way to make his Bangalore event possible. This confirms Sonia’s support to the evangelical agenda.

Look at her coterie: Ambika Soni, a Christian, is Congress' General Secretary and a powerful member of Sonia's coterie. Oscar Fernandes is a minister who implements Centre's policies. Margaret Alva (resigned recently) is in charge of Maharashtra Congress. Congress in Karnataka is virtually A.K. Antony's domain and Sonia's secretaries belong to various Christian organisations in India. Walson Thampu, a known anti-Hindu, is the head of NCERT's (National Council for Educational Research and Training) Educational Committee. A known Hindu-hater, John Dayal, is appointed to the National Integration Committee. Another anti-Hindu and hate-monger, Kancha Elliah, has implicit approval of the Government to plead to UN & US Congress to look into matters related to caste discrimination in India.

We drove away Britishers who ruled over us for nearly 200 years and got independence in 1947. Is there any logic in bringing in another foreigner to rule us? Can’t the Congress select a Nationalist congressman amongst them to lead it? Mahatma Gandhi aspired for Ram Rajya. But Sonia Gandhi is bringing in Rome Rajya. Hindus have to recognise this modern “Bhoothna”.

The Prologue

Under the UPA Government, both the minorities - i.e. Muslims and Christians - have become the first class citizen and Hindus have become second class citizens of India. Hindu interests and grievances are treated with disdain. The 6Ms described above have a field day unbridled. Under the present UPA dispensation, anti-social and anti-national elements have come to occupy important positions in Government and Bureaucracy. A systematic effort is being made to attack Hindu Spiritual Centres and Hindu Dharmacharyas. Attack on Swami Ram Dev, Kanchi Shankaracharya, Sri Satya Sai Baba, Asaram Bapu, etc. and on Sabarimalai, Tirupathi, Srirangam, Amarnath, etc. are just a few examples.

Terrorists are having a field day. Having repealed POTA and by not hanging Mohamed Afzal, the UPA Govt. has sent out a message that it will be soft towards terrorism. Coimbatore blast accused, Madhani, was given special massage in the jail. He has subsequently been acquitted. Many Cabinet Ministers in the UPA Government are pro-terrorists. Sincere and Honest Police Officers are targeted. Security Personnel who kill terrorists during encounter are being framed.

Families of terrorists killed in encounter by our brave jawans are being given financial aids. The Govt. wants to spend tax-payers money for the legal defence of arrested terrorists. Some of the ministries are working at cross purposes. When Home Minister Shivraj Patil (now resigned) is ostensibly going after the terrorists, the HRD Minister Arjun Singh is organizing their defence. It takes a Jihadi attack like the Mumbai Massacre of 26/11 to make the UPA Govt. squirm.
Under the UPA Government, which was supported by the Communists till recently, Hindus are under constant attack. RSS and VHP workers have been brutally murdered in Kerala, in a Taliban style. Hindus on a Teerta Yatra were attacked in Gangasagar, WB.

Those who belittle Hinduism and denigrate Hindu Gods and Bharat Mata, like MF Hussain, go scot free, in the name of freedom of expression. They are even rewarded with Awards and ‘Doctorate’. But authors like Taslima Nasreen are driven out of the country for expressing their opinion! A book titled "Islam - A Concept of Political World Invasion by Muslims" by Supreme Court Advocate Mr. R.V. Bhasin has been banned and copies confiscated by the Maharashtra Govt.

The belief of Hindus in Ram Sethu is questioned by the secularists as well as the UPA Govt. But they never dare question the belief of Muslims in Hazratbal Dargarh in Srinagar, where a hair of Mohammed is kept.

Himalayan efforts are made to break Ram Sethu. Affidavits are filed in the Supreme Court that Sri Ram has nothing to do with Hinduism and Ram Sethu is not sacred. But special efforts are made to save a small masjid, visited hardly by 30 Muslims a day, while expanding the run way of the Kolkata airport. Ultimately the runway was rerouted and the masjid was saved, leading to the demolition of many sky-rise buildings and involving additional expenses of crores of rupees.
About 90 acres of land allotted to the Amarnath Shrine Board for providing temporary facilities to Amarnath Yatris is cancelled (subsequently restored) because Muslim fanatics opposed the allotment on the pretext that it will pollute the environment, whereas many acres of lands in the valley are allotted to build Masjids and Islamic Universities.

An obliging UPA Govt. has asked Hindus not to use ‘provocative’ slogans such as “Har Har Mahadev”, “Jai Shree Ram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, etc. as they are considered ‘threatening’ by Muslims. But the same government does not mind the war cry “Allah-Oh-Akbar” and “Pakistan Jindabad”.

Most of our Freedom fighters and Revolutionary Leaders are described as ‘terrorists’ by this Govt. Text Books are used to twist our history and tarnish Hindus and Sanatan Hindu Dharm.
Temple funds are usurped by the Government. Many state governments are spending temple funds for rennovation of Masjids and Churches, whereas temples are left with no money even to buy oil for lighting the lamp. Temple lands are usurped by politicians, depriving temples of their revenue. While Muslims and Christians are allowed to run their Mosques and Churches without any interference from the government, temples are under the control of the governments. While Haj pilgrims are given subsidy, Hindus are forced to pay extra money while going on pilgrimage.

In a few states, electricity is provided either free or at a nominal charge for Church and Islamic functions. But temples are charged the actual electricity charges - a clear case of doublestandards.Recently, a systematic effort is being made to ‘manufacture’ Hindu Terrorists. Hindu Sadhus and Sadhvis are being framed in cooked up charges. Even our Army personnel are being trapped. A Hindu taking pride in being a Hindu is termed ‘communal’. Every Hindu organisation is being equated with SIMI, a banned organisation.

Islamic terrorists like Madhani, Mohammed Afzal, Sohrabbudin, Sahabuddin, etc. are favoured. Many ministers openly support SIMI, a banned organisation, while at the same time clamouring for banning nationalist organisation like RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, etc. But sincere police officer like IG Vanzara (who killed Sohrabbudin in an encounter) and encounter specialists, Sachin Vaze and Daya Naik, are being harassed.

The PM talks of “Hindu fundamentalists”, but never say ‘Islamic terrorism’? The PM spends sleepless nights when an Indian Muslim is arrested by the Australian government for alleged terror links. But when the Congress Government in Maharashtra arrests Hindu Sanyasins and Sadhus on cooked up charges, he keeps quiet. He also does not seem to lose sleep when innocent citizens are killed by terrorists.

Fake historians and intellectuals are pampered and rewarded. Their only qualification is that they deride Hinduism and India. Romila Thapar, notorious for espousing the now debunked Aryan Invasion Theory and who argues that the Lanka of Ramayana is located somewhere in the Vindhyas, is rewarded with Fellowships by ICHR.

Arundathi Roy who abuses India and makes fun of Indian democracy during her foreign sojourns, is considered a celebrity by the government and the media. Recently, she, along with many so called intellectuals and separatists, was campaigning for ‘azadi’ for Kashmiris, but not a word about the 4 lakh Kashmiri Hindus driven out from Kashmir. In any other country, they would have been put behind bars. But the UPA government is not only unwilling to act against separatists, terrorists and anti-nationals, but is pampering them.

Under the UPA Government, terrorism has grown as also communal hatred and divide. The attack on North Indians in Mumbai, the attack on Biharis in Assam, the quarrel between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, scheming one community against another in Rajasthan, etc. are all due to the pampering of anti-social elements by the UPA Govt. In fact, some of the Central Ministers have a vested interest in keeping the communal divide wide open - like Ram Vilas Paswan asking for a Muslim CM in Bihar, campaigning with a Osama-look-alike in elections, etc.

According to a leading author, the National Integration Council held in Oct. 2008 resembled a working committee meeting of the pre-1947 Muslim League. While his inference is apparent, the portent is dangerous.

It is a matter of great regret that India is the only country in the world where the Hindu majority (83%) population is being ruled by the other 17% minority communities. Look at the following facts.

** Sonia Maino Gandhi is a practicing Catholic Christian. Her son Rahul Gandhi is also a Christian. Sonia's daughter Priyanka Vadera and her husband are also Christians.
** India'a Defense Minister Mr. A. K. Anthony, is a Christian. Sonia's closest advisors are: Margaret Alva (resigned recently), Oscar Fernandes, Ambika Soni, all Christians (yes, despite Ambika's Hindu sounding name, she is a Christian). India's Vice President is Mohammad Hamid Ansari. Ahmed Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad and Salman Khurshid – the core members of Sonia's think tank – are all Muslims.

** Dr. Shakeel Ahmad is Minister of State in Home Ministry. One more fundamentalist Muslim E. Ahmed, President of the Indian Union Muslim League is Minister of State for External Affairs. (It should be remembered that Mr. Ahmed was shielding the murderers of Marad Massacre in Sept. 2003, when Muslims coming out from a masjid after the Friday Prayer brutally murdered 8 Hindus in Marad, Kerala. Also, when he is a central minister, his party workers in Kerala tore down our national flag and hoisted Pakistani flag, at Trivandrum ariport. You can imagine the rashtrabhakti of such people).

** Mr. Abdul Rahman Antulay is the Minority Affairs Minister (Remember how he alluded the killing of Hemant Karkare, chief of Maharashtra ATS, by Pak Jihadis to a conspiracy of Hindus!) and Mr. Shafi Qureshi is the Chairman of National Commission on Minorities. In addition, Sonia's handpick AP Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is also a Christian (to deceive the gullible Hindus, he maintains a Hindu sounding name - the ‘S’ stands for Samuel).

The UPA Govt. at the Centre and the Kerala government are bending over backwards to promote Arab culture and language, but refuse to promote Sanskrit and Bharatiya culture. Incentives are given by Kerala govt. for teaching Arab language. Many Hindu NGOs working for the upliftment of tribals and vanvasis are denied 80G facility under the Income Tax Act. Cultural Centres promoting Bharatiya cultures are being de-Hinduised and detached from their Hindu roots.

By allotting 15% of the 11th 5-year plan to Muslims (who oppose family planning), the UPA government is giving incentive to Muslim population growth. The more children they produce, the more allocation they will get. The PM also had the audacity to say that Muslims should have the first claim on our resources, which is a violation of our constitution which speakes of equality of all.

Already, there is a cynical move to Christianise Bharat. The Bharat Mata emblem in the two-rupee coin was replaced by a Cross. Recently, the logo of the Kendria Vidyalaya - i.e. lotus with rising sun - has been replaced by Cross and Crescent. In many government stationeries, the word ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (a Vedic slogan) has been deleted. India is being slowly detached from its Hindu roots paving way of Islamisation and Christianisation.

While most Hindus are busy in their daily chores like earning a living, making money, celebrating festivals, enjoying their lives, etc., our adversaries have hatched very sinister plans to enslave us politically and then obliterate Hindu Dharma from the Indian soil.

Because of our internal squabbles, in the medieval period, Afghans and Moguls used us to fight for them and finally they subjugated India. Now, because of our disunity, myopic vision, apathy, selfishness, greed, and ego-centric attitude, Muslims, Christians and Communists are vying with one another to control Hindus politically.

The Greatness of Sanatan Hindu Dharm is recognised by western countries. In July 2007, the US Senate, the Upper House, was opened with Vedic mantras. Since then, many states in US have their houses opened with Hindu prayers. Deepavali, Janmashtami and Ramnavami are celebrated in House of Commons (UK), White House (USA) and Australian Parliament, which are predominently Christian countries. Alas, all these are not possible in Bharat, with 85% Hindu population. And the UPA Govt. is trying to obliterate this Sanatan Hindu Dharm.

Conclusion

From the above, it would be clear that the present UPA government epitomizes the 6Ms referred above. Voting for UPA amounts to voting for the vivisection of the nation.

If you want your children to live in a strong, united and cohesive India, in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and pluralism, YOU HAVE A DUTY TODAY - to throw this UPA Govt. out - lock, stock and barrel - and vote for Parliamentarians who will bring in a government ensuring to all its citizens (irrespective of caste, creed, colour, language, region and religion) Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, - i.e. Equality of all and appeasement of none. Herein lies your interests and that of Your Progeny and the Nation.

Sanatan Hindu Dharm is eternal, but our Nation may not, if Hindus sleep like Kumbhakarna.

Therefore “Rashtro Rakshati Rakshitah” - Save the Country, to save yourself - should be our slogan. There cannot be a better opportunity to do so than parliamentary elections. Come, Do it now. This is the only way to Save and Secure the future of your beloved children.


Vande Mataram

ஏழ்கடல் சூழ் தீவுகளில் இராமன் புகழ்!

~ விநோத் ராஜன் source: tamil hindu
இராமன் என்ற மகாபுருஷனின் பேரொளியும் இராமாயணம் என்ற மகாகாவியத்தின் கீர்த்தியும் இந்தியர்களை மட்டுமல்லாது அனைத்து தேசத்தவர்களையும் ஈர்க்கும் திறன் கொண்டவை என்று கூறினால் அது பெருமித உணர்வு மட்டுமல்ல, வரலாற்று உண்மையும் ஆகும். தாய்லாந்து, இந்தோனேசியா போன்ற பல கடல்கடந்த கிழக்காசிய தேசங்களில் இராமனும் இராமாயணமும் இன்றும் பெரும் பிரசித்தியுடன் திகழ்கின்றன. கடல் தாண்டிய இராமனின், இராமாயணத்தின் பெருமைகளைச் சற்றே பார்க்கலாம்.

இந்தியாவின் ஈடு இணையற்ற காவியமான இராமாயணம், உலக மக்களுக்குத் தேவையான அனைத்து நீதிநெறிகளையும் தன்னுள் கொண்டது. அனைத்து விதமான உணர்ச்சிகளையும் அடக்கியது. காவியத் தலைமாந்தரான இராமன், சீதை மட்டுன்று, ஒவ்வொரு கதாபாத்திரமும் மனித வாழ்வில் பல பரிமாணங்களை வெளிப்படுத்தும் முன்னுதாரணமாகத் திகழ்கின்றனர்.

இராமாயண காவியத்தின் அடிப்படைக் கருத்துருவான நன்மைக்கும் தீமைக்கும் இடையிலான யுத்தம் அன்பது உலகின் அனைத்து பண்டைக் கலாசாரங்களிலும் பேசப்பட்ட பொருள் தான். ஆனால், இராமாயணம் அதோடு கூட குடும்பப் பாசம், நட்பு, சகோதரத்துவம், நல்லாட்சி, அறநெறிகள் என்று பலதரப்பட்ட வாழ்வியல் தத்துவங்களையும் தன்னகத்தே கொண்டது. இப்படிப்பட்ட ஓர் உன்னத காவியம் அது சென்ற நாடுகளிலெல்லாம் பேரும் புகழும் பெற்று அந்தந்த நாடுகளின் சொந்தக் காவியமாக பெருமிதத்துடன் ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளப்பட்டதில் வியப்பேதும் இல்லை.
கிழக்காசிய நாடுகளுடனான தமிழர்களின் வாணிகம் மற்றும் அரசாட்சி மூலமாக இந்து மதமும், கலாச்சரமும் கிழக்காசியாவில் அறிமுகமானதாகக் கருதப்படுகிறது. பதிமூன்றாம் நூற்றாண்டுக்கு முற்பட்ட காலம் வரை கிழக்காசியா முழுவதும் இந்து, பௌத்த தர்ம நெறிகளே பின்பற்றப்பட்டு வந்தன என்பது குறிப்பிடத் தக்கது. இந்து மதம் அங்கு சென்றபோது, இராமாயணமும் கூடச்சென்றது. சென்ற இடமனைத்தும் இராமாயணத்தின் பெருமைகள் நாடாளும் அரசர்கள் முதல் அடித்தட்டு மக்கள் வரை அனைவரையும் கவர்ந்துவிட்டன. இராமரையும் இராமாயணத்தையும் தங்கள் சொத்தாகவே இன்றுவரை கிழக்காசிய மக்கள் கருதி வருகின்றனர்.

முதலில் தாய்லாந்து. தாய்லாந்தின் தேசிய காவியமே இராமாயணம்தான். தாய்லாந்தை தற்போது ஆண்டுவரும் ராஜ வம்சத்தின் அரசர்கள் பொதுவாக ‘இராமர்’ என்றே அழைக்கப்படுகின்றனர். இப்போது தாய்லாந்தை ஆண்டு வரும் அரசர் பூமிபோல் அதுல்யதேஜ், ‘ஒன்பதாம் இராமர்’ ஆவார்.

பதினான்காம் நூற்றாண்டு முதல் பதினெட்டாம் நூற்றாண்டுவரை சுமார் 400 ஆண்டுகள் ‘அய்யூதாயா’ நகரமே தாய்லாந்தின் தலைநகரமாக இருந்தது. நீங்கள் நினைப்பது சரிதான், அய்யுதாயா என்பது அயோத்தியா என்பதன் ‘தாய்’ மொழி வடிவமே. தங்கள் நாட்டு அரசரை ‘இராமர்’ என்றும் தலைநகரத்தை ‘அயோத்யா’ என்றும் அழைத்த தாய்லாந்து மக்களை என்னவென்பது? தங்கள் நாட்டையே இராம இராஜ்யமாக அல்லவா இவர்கள் கருதுகின்றனர்!

அரசர் முதல் ஆண்டி வரை அனைவருக்கும் இராமகதை தெரியும் என்றால் பார்த்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள்! இராமாயணம் அவ்வளவு பிரபலம் அங்கே. இராமாயணத்தின் தாய் வடிவமான ‘ராமகியன்’ ( Raamaakhyaan, இராமரின் பெருமை) தாய் மொழியின் ஈடு இணையற்ற படைப்புகளில் ஒன்று. பழங்காலத்தில் பல ‘ராமகியன்’கள் இருந்தன. அவை அனைத்தும் பிற்காலத்தில் அழிந்துபோயின. இராமகியன் இன்றும்கூட தாய் பள்ளிப் பாடத்திட்டத்தின் ஓர் அங்கமாக விளங்குகிறது. தாய் கலைகளின் வளர்ச்சியில் இராமகியன் ஆற்றிய பங்கு மிகப்பெரிது. பல பிரசித்தி பெற்ற பௌத்த கோவில்களில் இராமாயணக் காட்சிகள் சுவர்ச் சித்திரங்களாக வரையப்பெற்றன. தாய்லாந்தில் இராமகதையின் பெருமையையும் தாக்கத்தையும் கூற வேண்டுமெனில், கூறிக்கொண்டே போகலாம்.

அடுத்து இந்தோனேசியா. இன்று இந்தோனேசியா ஒரு முஸ்லீம் பெரும்பான்மை நாடாக இருந்தாலும், தர்ம மதங்களின் தாக்கத்தை இன்றும் இஸ்லாமியர்கள் உட்பட அனைத்து மக்களிடமும் காணலாம். இராமாயணம் இந்தோனேசியாவுக்கு 8ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் வந்து சேர்ந்தது. பாலி, சுமத்திரா, ஜாவா போன்ற இந்தோனேசிய தீவுகளில் பெரும்பான்மையினர் இன்றும் இந்துக்களே. அங்கே கூத்து, பொம்மலாட்டம் ஆகியவை மூலமாக இரமாயாணம் நடிக்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. இந்தோனேசியாவில், குழந்தை பிறந்தவுடன் ‘மொசொபத்’ என்ற ஒரு குடும்ப பாரம்பரிய சடங்கு உண்டு.

இதன்படி, ஓதுவார் ஒருவர் வந்து இராமாயணத்திலிருந்து சில பாடல்களை ஓதுவார், இது சிலமணி நேரமோ அல்லது ஒரு நாள் முழுவதுமோ நீடிக்கலாம். ஆண் குழந்தை என்றால் இராமரைப் போலவும் பெண் குழந்தை என்றால் சீதாவை போல் இருக்க வேண்டி இவ்வாறு செய்யப்படுகிறது. இதே போல பெபசன் என்ற இராமயணத்தை ஓதும் சடங்கும் உள்ளது. இது போதுமே இந்தோனேசியாவில் இராமாயணத்தின் பெருமையை விவரிக்க! இந்தோனேசியாவின் கல்வி மற்றும் கலாச்சாரத்துறை இந்தோனேசிய மொழியில் இராமாயாணத்தை வெளியிட்டுள்ளது.

கம்போடியாவின் இராமாயண வடிவம் ‘இராம்கே’ (இராமரின் பெருமை) என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது. கம்போடியா ஒரு காலத்தில் இந்து நாடாக இருந்ததை அனைவரும் அறிந்திருக்கலாம். கம்போடியாவில் உள்ள, உலகின் மிகப்பெரிய ஹிந்து மற்றும் விஷ்ணு கோவிலான அங்கோர்வாட்டின் உட்புறச் சுவரில் இராமாயணக் காட்சிகள் இடம்பெறுகின்றன. கம்போடியாவில் உள்ள அனைவருக்கும் இராமகதை அத்துப்படி. கம்போடியப் பள்ளிகளிலும் இராமகதை இடம்பெறுகிறது. இங்கும் கூட இராமயணம் கம்போடியாவுக்கு ஏற்றவாறு மாற்றப்பட்டுள்ளது. உதாரணமாக அக்னிதேவரின் வாகனமாக காண்டாமிருகம் கூறப்படுகிறது! மேலும், இராமர் அங்கு புத்தரின் அவதாரமாக கருதப்படுகிறார். மற்ற இடங்களைப்போல் கலைகளிலும் இராமகதையின் தாக்கத்தை கம்போடியாவில் இன்றும் காணலாம்.

மலேசியா, இன்று ஓர் முஸ்லீம் நாடு. இங்கும் இந்து, பௌத்த மதங்கள் செல்வாக்குடன் திகழந்தன, இன்றும் பெருமளவிலான இந்துக்கள் இந்நாட்டில் உள்ளனர். ஆனால், இஸ்லாமிய அடிப்படைவாதத்தின் பிடிக்குள் போய்க் கொண்டிருக்கும் மலேசியா, திட்டமிட்டு தனது இந்துப் பாரம்பரியத்தையும் அதன் தாக்கத்தையும் மறுப்பதும், மறைப்பதும், மறப்பதும் அதிகரித்து வருவதாக அண்மையில் ஒரு மலேசிய நண்பர் வருத்தத்துடன் என்னிடம் தெரிவித்தார். நிற்க. இராமயணத்தின் மலேசியத் தழுவல் ‘ஹிகாயத் ஸெரி ராம’ என்பதே. மற்ற இடங்களிலிருந்து சிறிது மாறுபட்டு, இதில் லக்ஷ்மணர் இராமரை விட அதிக முக்கியத்துவம் பெறுகிறார். அண்னன் இட்ட செயலை மறுக்காமல் செய்வதும், லக்ஷ்மணரின் வேகமும் மலாய் மக்களுக்குப் பிடித்து விட்டது போல!

மலேசியாவில் இராமாயணம் பாரம்பரியமிக்க வயங்க் என்னும் நிழல்கூத்து மூலம் நிகழ்த்திக் காட்டப்படுகிறது. அண்மைக் காலங்களில் இத்தகைய அழகிய கலைவடிவங்கள் “இஸ்லாமுக்கு எதிரானவை” என்று அறிவிக்கப் பட்டு, எதிர்க்கப் படுவதால், அவை ஏறக்குறைய அழியும் நிலையில் உள்ளன.

இராமாயணம் 60கள் வரை மக்களிடம் மிகவும் பிரபலமகாவே இருந்ததாகத் தெரிகிறது. ஏற்கனவே கூறியது போல, 80களிலிருந்து ஏற்பட்ட இஸ்லாமியத் தீவிரப் போக்கு காரணமாக இந்துக் கலாசாரத்தின் தடயமாகக் கருதி இராமாயணம் மறக்கப்பட வேண்டும் என அரசு அதிகாரமும், இஸ்லாமிய அமைப்புகளும் இணைந்து பிரசாரம் செய்து வருகின்றனர். இது மிகவும் வருத்தத்துக்குரியது, கண்டிக்கத் தக்கது. இருப்பினும் சில மலாய் மக்களின் வலைப்பதிவுகளிலும் வலைத்தளங்களிலும் இராமாயணத்தை குறித்த செய்திகள் வருவது ஆறுதல் அளிப்பதாக உள்ளது.

நமது அண்டை நாடான பர்மாவைக் (மியன்மார்) காண்போம். இதுவரை 9 இராமாயணத் தழுவல்கள் பர்மிய மொழியில் இயற்றப்பட்டுள்ளதாகத் தெரிகிறது. பகனில் உள்ள நாத் ஹ்லவுங் க்யவுங் என்ற ஒரு விஷ்ணு கோவிலில் ராமர் மற்றும் பரசுராமரின் சிலைகள் காணப்படுகின்றன.

பர்மாவை ஆண்ட பகன் ராஜவம்ச மன்னன் ஒருவன் தான் பூர்வ ஜென்மத்தில் இராமரின் உறவினராக இருந்ததாக ஒரு கல்வெட்டில் கூறியுள்ளான். பர்மிய நாடகக் கலைகளில் இராமாயணம் மிகுந்த முக்கியத்துவம் பெறுகிறது. அரசர்களின் காலத்தில் பண்டிகைகளின் போது அரசு சார்பில் இராமாயணம் நாடகமாக இயற்றப்பட்டதாகத் தெரிகிறது. மொத்தத்தில் இராமாயணம் பர்மிய கலாச்சாரத்தில் பெருமைமிகு இடத்தைக் கொண்டுள்ளது.

அடுத்து லாவோஸ் நாடு. இதன் இராமாயணம் ‘ப்ரா லக் ப்ரா லாம்’ என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது. இந்த இராமாயணத்தில், புத்தர் தம் சீடர்களுக்கு இதை உபதேசிப்பது போல கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது ஒரு புத்த ஜாதகக் கதையாகவும் இராமர் புத்தரின் பூர்வ பிறப்புகளில் ஒன்றாகவும் கருதப்படுகிறார். இராமர் மக்களுக்கு நீதிநெறிகளின் உதாரணமாக திகழ்கிறார். மற்ற நாடுகளில் போலவே இங்கும் இராமகதை கலைகளில் மிகவும் முக்கியத்துவம் பெறுகிறது. அனைத்து இடங்களிலும் இராம கதை கலைகளுடன் ஒன்றிவிடுவதை கவனிக்கலாம். பல கலைகளின் வளர்ச்சிக்கு இராமாயணம் காரணமாக இருப்பதையும் உணரலாம். இராமாயணம் இயல்பாகவே அவ்வளவு கலை நயமிக்கது!

சீன கலாச்சாரத்தின் ஆழமான தாக்கத்தில் இருக்கும் வியட்நாமில் கூட இராமர் காணப்படுகிறார். இருப்பினும் வியட்நாமிய மொழியில் இராமாயணம் இல்லாதது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. மத்திய வியட்நாம் ‘சம்பா’ என்ற இந்து ராஜ்யமாக 1500 ஆண்டுகள் நீடித்தது இங்கு குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. பல இந்துக் கோவில்கள் இன்றளவும் அங்கு இருக்கின்றன. சிவன், பார்வதி ஆகியோருக்கான கோவில்களில் இராமர் இடம்பெறுகிறார். இராமாயணம் இங்கும் நாடகமாக நடிக்கப்படுகிறது.

பிலிப்பைன்ஸ் மற்றும் மாலத்தீவுகள் இரண்டும் இந்து, பௌத்த கலாசார பூர்வீகத்தைக் கொண்டிருந்தாலும் முன்னதில் கிறிஸ்தவமும் பின்னதில் இஸ்லாமும் இந்த தர்ம மதங்களையும், அவற்றுடன் இணைந்த கலாச்சாரத்தையும் முற்றிலும் வேரோடு அழித்துவிட்டன. மக்களுக்கும் அவை நினைவில் இல்லை. ஆதலால் இந்த நாடுகளில் இன்று இராமயணத்துக்கான தடயங்கள் ஏதும் இல்லை. இருப்பினும் தார்மீக மதங்கள் எழுச்சியுடன் திகழந்த காலத்தில் இங்கும் இராமாயணம் செல்வாக்கோடு இருந்திருக்கும் என்பதில் ஐயமே இல்லை.

Know More about Guruvayoor -Krishnadaya /source:haindavakeralam

Om Shree Gurupavanapuradheesaya ShreeKrishnaya Parabrahmane Namah !
Guruvayoor Temple is famous as *Bhooloka Vaikuntam* (Vaikuntam on earth) .
*Srimad Narayaneeyam* (which has the stamp of approval by Bhagavan Krishna Himself) begins with the statement :

“ It is the greatest fortune of mankind in this *Kali Yuga* that the *ParaBrahman* manifests itself as Bhagavan Krishna Deity in Guruvayoor temple to bless the Bhaktas . He is incomparable , eternal , free of Maya (illusion), all-pervading and the root cause of entire Universe. Even the Vedas cannot fully understand Him. But, just by Krishna-bhakti alone , devotees easily attain Guruvayoor Bhagavan . Although such a very easy Krishna-realization is readily available at Guruvayoor temple, foolish people fail to worship Him . But , we Krishna-Bhaktas , with a firm mind take refuge in Guruvayoor-Bhagavan ,the very embodiment of *ParaBrahman*. ”

Yes ! Mankind is fortunate indeed for having been blessed with GuruvayoorTemple. Shree Guruvayoorappan is ever willing to grant the glorious vision of His charming form and shower His blessings on the Bhaktas who come to Guruvayoor temple . Many Bhaktas are thanking Him for favours already granted, and some praying for desires to be fulfilled, and some just to offer their humble prostrations . Guruvayoorappan has been presented to the devotees , as decreed by Bhagavan Himself for the benefit of mankind in the Kali-yuga . Is not the mankind fortunate ?

Many MahAtmAs like Sankaracharya and Vilwamangalam had the divine vision of Bhagavan Shree Krishna in Guruvayoor temple . Guruvayoorappan is *Pratyaksa-deva* ( visible God) to the living legend Bhagavata-hamsam Malliyoor Sankararan Namboodiri .
Guruvayoor temple’s unique *Acharams* ( traditions) including daily rituals and Poojas were formulated by Adi Sankaracharya under Bhagavan’s guidance . These *Kshetra-Acharams* are being strictly followed without any compromise . The TempleTantris are available full time at the Temple to ensure this . The *Melsanti* ( Chief Priest) enters the *Sri Kovil* (( sanctum sanctorum)) at 2:30 AM and he does not drink even a glass of water up to the completion of noon poojas at 12:30 PM . This absolute purity of vedic tradition is the hallmark of Guruvayoor temple .

EARLY HISTORY
The *Narada Purana* in its chapter *Gurupavanapura Mahatmya* states : " King Janamejaya, in order to avenge the death of his father Pareekshit, (who was killed by Serpent Chief Takshaka ) , performed the *Sarpayajna* (snake sacrifice) in which thousands of innocent serpents were burnt alive . As a result of their curse , Janamejaya was afflicted with terrible leprosy, which left him in utter despair. Sensing this, Sage Dattatreya appeared before him with a remedy – Seek the mercy of Bhagavan Krishna, at Guruvayoor temple ”.

The Sage recounted that , Bhagavan Maha Vishu Himself was the first to worship this *Moorty* . At the beginning of the Padma Kalpa, He gave the image to Brahma . At the beginning of the *Varaha Kalpa*, the childless couple, Sutepa & Prisna prayed to Brahma for a son. Brahma gave them this Moorty ,assuring them of their wish if they worshipped the Moorty with sincere devotion. This they did with excellence, so much so that the Lord MahaVishnu Himself appeared before them. As a boon, they prayed Him three times, for a son. He blessed them that, He would be born to them as son in three successive births. And,they would also have the good fortune of worshipping the divine Moorty in all the three births.

Accordingly, in the first birth, Sutepa and Prisna had Prisigarbha as son . In their second birth , as Kasyapa & Aditi , the couple worshipped the same Moorty and got their son Vamana. In their third and the most auspicious birth as Vasudeva and Devaki, Sree Krishna was born to them. After killing Kamsa , Shree Krishna moved to Dwaraka where He built a temple, installed this Moorty and worshipped it . When the time came for His return (to Vaikunta), Bhagavan Krishna entrusted this image to Uddhava, (when the latter expressed, his fears regarding the fate that would befall mankind in *Kaliyuga* during Bhagavan's absence) . Bhagavan assured Udhava that , He would manifest in this Moorty , to shield His devotees from the ill-effects of Kaliyuga and to bless the mankind . He appraised Udhava that, soon after His departure Dwaraka would submerge in the ocean ; as such, he should install the Moorty in an equally sacred spot in consultation with Brihaspati (Guru of Gods) .

Accordingly, Guru along with Vayu (Wind-God) set forth to Dwaraka where they found, the image being tossed about in the sea by the surging waves. Vayu carried the image and both started searching for a sacred place for its installation . They were later joined by Sage Parasurama , and they came upon a lake of lotuses ( Rudratheertha) where Lord Siva and Parvathi were waiting to receive them. Siva told them that that spot was etched out for Narayana long ago ; hence He and Parvathi-devi would move to the opposite bank . Guru and Vayu installed the image in the temple built by Viswakarma, the divine architect of Gods. As Guru and Vayu together founded the temple, the place came to be known as Guruvayoorpura which was later shortened to Guruvayoor. Moved by this story, Janamejaya proceeded to Guruvayoor temple where he worshipped Sree Krishna with great faith , for four months. One night while asleep, he felt Bhagavan Krishna's healing touch over his body and his illness (leprosy) was no more! . King Janamejaya returned to his kingdom elated singing praises for Bhagavan Krishna .

MODERN HISTORY

in 1789 AD, the muslim tyrant Tippu Sultan , with the intention of converting Hindus to Muslims, invaded the kingdom of Calicut where Guruvayoor is located . Apprehending the destruction, the image was hidden underground and the *Utsava Moorty* was shifted to another place . Tippu set fire to the Temple, but it was saved by a celestial voice followed by timely rain. Terriblyfrightened at this divine intervention, Tippu and his mighty army fled from Guruvayoor . Later, Tippu was defeated and killed by the combined army of Calicut and the English .

On November30,1970, an uncontrollable mammoth fire broke out in Guruvayoor temple. It raged all around for five hours, but the Sri Kovil ( Sanctum Sanctorum) , flag-staff and all the support - deities remained unaffected. The fire gutted the entire surroundings. The *Sri Kovil* was only 3 yards off, but still the fierce fire did not touch even the dry flower garlands, which hung on the corner of the *Sri Kovil* !.

Guruvayoor Temple Architecture
Guruvayur temple is an epitome of Kerala's templeVastuvidya. It is faced towards the East with two *Gopurams* , one at East (*Kizhakkenada*) and other at West (*Padinjarenada*).

The entire area between these *Gopurams* is roofed with tiles and known as *Anapanthal* . At the centre of this is a square shaped pillared hall called *Nalambalam*, the outer wall of which is fixed with a gallery of oil lamps. At the south side of the *Nalambalam*, there is a sub shrine of Sasta or Lord Ayyappan .

At the north-east side of this shrine is the *Koothambalam* , where, in olden times, dance performances were held. In the front and the east side of *Nalambalam* , the *Belikkal* and *Deepastambas* - Pillar of lights are located. There are a number of such light pillars in the Temple. The *Deepastambas* ,at each Gopurams ,are of special interest.

The eastern side *Deepastambam* is 24 feet in height and has thirteen circular receptacles to hold the wicks. Of the other two at West Gopuram, one is in the shape of a tree.Dwijasthamba - It is a flag-staff ,around 70 feet height, fully covered with gold.

The square shaped *Sri Kovil* has two stairs and three rooms inside. The inner most room is known as *Garbhagriha* (The Moorty of Bhagavan Krishna is placed here). Here, the two doors and the roof are covered by Gold. All the articles inside the *Garbhagriha* are in Gold.

The outer room is called *Mukhamandapam* . The wall of Sree Kovil is decorated with ancient (17th century) murals. In front of the Sree Kovil is the *Namaskara Mandapam*, square in shape and with a pyramidal roof. Surrounding this is a pillared square hall called *Nalambalam* or *Chuttambalam* . A gallery of oil lamps is fixed on the wall of *Nalambalam * . In the north-eastern side of the Sree Kovil is the temple well called *Manikinar*. In the North side of the temple, a sub shrine of Devi, *Edathirithi Kavu* is situated.

The *Oottupura*, the place for *prasadauttu* is also located in the north side Here, the daily lunch is arranged for the devotees .Next to it is the temple tank *Rudratheertha* which is located near the north side of the temple.

POOJAS

The presiding Deity in the *Garbhagraha* (central shrine) is Maha Vishnu, worshipped and served according to the specific pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya . Bhaktas at large, however, invoke the Bhagavan as Unnikrishna or Balakrishna. The *Moorty* is carved out of *Pathalanjana Sila*, which is supremely sacred .

· NIRMALYA DARSHAN (3 A.M to 3.20 A.M) . This is the first darshan of the day. Bhagavan is still adorned with the flowers and garlands of the previous night . after the night Pooja (worship), when the doors are closed, the Devas (Gods) come and worship the Moorty. A darshan of Bhagavan who has just been worshipped by the Devas themselves is considered highly auspicious. Amidst the lit lamps, the chiming bells and the conch, the spontaneous loud chanting of the devotees "Narayana","Guruvayurappa", "Govinda",etc., your mind will be lifted to the higher levels of devotion.

· THAILABHISHEKAM,VAKACHARTH & SANKABHISHEKAM (3.20 A.M to 3.30 A.M) . The rite of bathing the Moorty with gingerly oil takes place, after removing the adornments of the previous day. Then comes `Vakacharth' i.e. sprinkling the Moorty with the `Vaka' powder. The kork of a tree called `vaka' is powdered and used. After this is performed, the `abhishekam' (rite of bathing the Moorty), with water sanctified in a `sankhu' (conch).

· ALANKARAM & MALAR NIVEDYAM (3.30 A.M to 4.15 A.M) . After the bath, the Moorty is wiped with a thin cloth, then adorned with garlands, ear ornaments, Kasthuri tilaka and a red loincloth . Butter in hand and playing the flute, Bhagavan here appears as Unnikrishna (child Krishna), reminiscent of His playful days at Gokulam. After the `alankaram' (adornment or decoration),the `malar' (puffed rice) `naivedyam', plantain and jaggery are offered to Bhagavan .
· USHA NAIVEDYAM & USHA POOJA (4.15 AM to 4.30 AM) . Offerings of cooked rice and `naipayasam' (rice cooked in jaggery) constitute the `usha naivedyam' (morning offering). The 'Usha Pooja' (morning worship) is also conducted at this time.

· ETHIRETTU POOJA (4.30 AM to 6.15 AM) . Now Bhagavan and the Sun are facing each other and Pooja is performed by offering `vella naivadyam' (white offering i.e. of cooked rice) ; simultaneously, the sub-deities in the temple are attended by associate priests. `Ganapathy homa' is performed in the temple kitchen.
· SIVELI (6.15 AM to 7.00AM) . The Sreekovil (Sanctum sanctorum) opens allowing the devotees to have their darshan . The Moorty then proceeds for the Siveli (procession). The `utsavaMoorty' (processional Moorty) is mounted on an elephant and taken round the temple thrice. Bhagavan wants this exercise to be done, so that He himself can ascertain, if all His celestial attendants and devotees in place are keeping well .
· PALABHISHEKAM, NAVABHISHEKAM, PANTIRADINAIVEDYAM & POOJA (7 AM to 9 AM). What follows is a series of `abhishekams', first in the series being `Palabhishekam' or `Kshirabhishekam' (bathing in milk) . Then the `Navabhishekam' is done with, water filled in nine silver pots and sanctified with a course of Poojas. `Pantiradi Pooja' is done when the shadow measures 12 feet .
· DARSHAN (9AM to 11.30 AM). Time is given to devotees for darshan.
· UCHA POOJA (Noon Pooja -11.30 AM to 12.30 PM) . Conducted at around 12 noon, it is the most important and elaborate Pooja of the day. The `naivedyam' (Offering) consists of cooked rice and `palpayasam' (rice cooked in milk and sugar). Simultaneously, a Brahmin is seated in the temple kitchen and fed well. This custom is mandatory at this ritual.
· THE TEMPLEREMAINS CLOSED FROM 12.30 PM to 4.30 PM . Bhagavan rests during this period.
· SIVELI (4.30 PM to 5 PM) .The second procession of Bhagavan takes place at this time.
· DARSHAN (5 PM to 6.15 PM). The time is given to the devotee for darshan.
· DEEPARADHANA (6.15 PM to 6.45 PM) . All the lamps in the temple are lighted and Bhagavan is worshipped with oil lamps and camphor flames. Conch shells are blown , drums beaten, bells chimed and pipes played . The view of Bhagavan in full glory is visible from a very long distance itself . Bhagavan looks so marvelous amidst the lamps and that even a non-believer will have second thoughts.

· DARSHAN (6.45 PM to 7.30 PM) . Devotees allowed for darshan .

· ATHAZHA POOJA & ATHAZHA NAIVEDYAM (7.30 PM to 8.15PM) . The night worship is `Athazha Pooja' and the offering made at that time is `athazhanaivedyam' . `Appam' and `Ada' (sweetened rice preparation), betel leaf and areca nut are offered at this time.
· ATHAZHA SIVELI (8.45 PM to 9.00 PM) . The night procession, the third and last procession of the day takes place .
· TRIPUKA & OLAVAYANA (9.PM to 9.15 PM) . Fumigation of the central shrine and temple with nine odoriferous gums in a silver tray is known as `tripuka' . `Ola vayana' is the customary function of reading out day's income and expenditure before Bhagavan.
· The Sri Kovil closes at 9.15 p.m .
Festivals

Ulsavam (Annual Festival) :
This is conducted in the month of *Kumbha* (Feb-March) and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high heralds the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. On the next 6 days, there are elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night . In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (Offering of oblation to Bhagavan’s celestial attendants ). There are various cultural programs like dance, music, religious discusses are held at Melpathur Auditorium (outside the temple) on all these days. On the 8th day, ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) or oblations are offered to Bhagavan’s lieutenants . A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees.Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of Bhagavan takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. After that Bhagavan’s Thidambu is taken to the Rudratheertham (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras . Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting Bhagavan’s name to purge them of their sins. Then Ucha Pooja (i.e, noon worship –this takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, Bhagavan returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The Temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival. Vishu :
The Malayali New Year day, Vishu, falls on the 1st of *Medam* month (mid-April). One’s fortunes for the year depends on the auspiciousness of the objects that one sees first at dawn on this day. Accordingly a *kani* (omen) consisting of *konna* flowers , raw rice, gold, betel leaves and nuts, yellow cucumber and coins, are so arranged in front of the *Ishta-Deva* in the previous night itself, so that one sees them at first glimpse on waking up in the morning. Seeing the *kani* at Guruvayur is very auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight, blindfold themselves and set their eyes on the *Kani* and the glorious Bhagavan as the doors are as usual opened for the dharshan at 3 a.m .

Vaishka:
The lunar month from the day following the new moon of *Medam* (April-May) to the following new moon. The observance of austerities or ‘Vratha’ during this month is especially sacred to Vishnu. Ashtami Rohini :
In the month of *Chingam* (July-Aug), under the *Rohini Nakshatra*, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Bhagavan Krishna’s birth i.e. Janmashtami. A very special day in all Sri Krishna temples, Guruvayur Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and vilakku), devotees flock in with *Appam* (Cakes of rice paste and jaggery) considered the most favourite food of Bhagavan on that day. Kuchela’s Day :
This is observed on the first Wednesday of *Dhanu* (December-January). Kuchela was a poverty-stricken Brahmin , a childhood friend and a great devotee of Bhagavan Krishna. One day, he went to seek Krishna’s help, at the insistence of his wife . He carried with him a small gift of parched rice to offer his friend. On reaching Dwaraka, he was not only welcomed warmly by Krishna, and made to feel at home, but was also asked what he had brought for him. Bhagavan blessed him with great prosperity !
Other important festivals: Mandalam, Ekadasi, Chembai music festival & Narayaneeyam day.

Guruvayoor MahAtmAs
The famous MahAtmAs who received the vision of Bhagavan Krishna at Guruvayoor are , Sankaracharya, Melpattur Narayana Bhattathiri, Poonthanam Namboodiri, Vilvamangalam Swamiyar, Kururamma , Prince Manadevan and Kudallur Kunjikkavu Namboodiri .
SANKARACHARYA
Once Sankaracharya was on an aerial journey to Shringeri . While above Guruvayoor temple he smiled at the procession of *Sreebhootha Bali* (feeding celestial attendants) and tried to pass the temple ignoring Bhagavan . Suddenly he came crashing down and the procession stopped there at the northwest corner. He soon recovered and saw Bhagavan Krishna in all His royalty. Realizing the cause of his fall, Sankaracharya prostrated before Bhagavan and eulogized Him by chanting eight slokas in praise of Govinda, known as Govinda Ashtakam. The small opening in the roof over the North- West courtyard is in commemoration of this event .

As advised by Bhagavan Krishna , Sankaracharya had done 41 days *Bhajanam* at Guruvayoor temple . During this period , He established the specific code of *Guruvayoor Kshetra-Acharas* ( temple traditions) . The tradition of *Mandala Vilakku* (lighting of lamps for 41days) was initiated by Him .
MELPATHUR NARAYANA BHATTATHIRI .
He was born in Melpathur Brahmin-house near Tirunavaya . He was affected with paralysis and searched for a remedy. Ezhuthachan, the famous Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar told him - "Start with fish)".
Bhattathiri took it in the proper sense decided to present the various incarnations of Bhagavan MahaVishnu starting with the fish, as narrated in the Bhagavatham in a series of *Dasakas* ( Groups of ten slokas) .
He reached Guruvayoor temple and started composing one *Dasaka* a day in front of the Moorty . The refrain in last *Sloka* of every *Dasaka* is a prayer to Bhagavan to remove the ailments and sufferings. He composed his work in one hundred *Dasakas* on the *Kali* day. This work is known as *NARAYANEEYAM* after which he recovered fully and regained happiness. *Narayaneeyam* is in praise of Guruvayoor Bhagavan . *Narayaneeyam* is the condensation of *Maha Bhagavatham* and its parayana (reading) confers definite benefits ; it is an effective faith therapy. It makes one pure Krishna-bhakt , it concerns mainly about our present life - Aarogyam (health and freedom from diseases) and saukhyam (happiness).
At Guruvayur temple , *Narayaneeyam* is of utmost importance. No work of this magnitude has ever been dedicated and addressed to the Deity of any other temple. It provides the Bhakta an opportunity to visualise and worship Bhagavan Krishna by reading it or listening to its rendition. It will shine and conjure up at Guruvayur in the heart of posterity. The *Narayaneeyam* Day is celebrated every year in Guruvayoor temple.

3. POONTHANAM NAMBOODIRI .
Poonthanam and Melpathur were contemporaries. Poonthanam was the family name . He married a heiress at 20, but for a long time, they had no children. Poonthanam began to propitiate the Lord of Guruvayoor ; and a son was born to him in 1586. He called for a celebration and everybody known was invited , but the child died an hour before the ceremony. Grief-stricken Poonthanam sought refuge at Guruvayur and started praying with the puranic story of *Kumaraharanam* . Gradually Poonthanam became enlightened and realized " While little Krishna is dancing in our hearts, why do we need little ones of our own?" . On several occasions he was blessed with the divine vision of Sree Krishna .
* Jnanappana* and the song *Anjana Sreedara…* were written by Poonthanam with the help of Bhagavan .
Poonthanam spent the rest of his life of 90 odd years reading the Bhagavatham and singing the Lord's glories in simple Malayalam. He composed many devotional hymns in praise of Bhagavan .

4. VILLWAMANGALAM SWAMIYAR .
Villwamangalam is the family name . He was a wandering saint . He was blessed him with the miraculous gift of seeing Bhagavan in person as distinguished from the Moorty . He spotted Sree Krishna many times inside Guruvayoor shrine .

5. KUROORAMMA .
Kurooramma was a childless widow and settled in Guruvayoor as a devotee. Thanks to Vilwamangalam's guidance , she adopted Unnikrishna of Guruvayur as her son ; and Bhagavan arrived at her house as a small Brahmin kid. Kuruooramma treated the kid as her own son , fondling him, playing with him, chiding him when he became naughty and weeping at his childish freaks. The devotional song of *Kani kanum neram* was composed by her.

6. MANAVEDAN .
Prince Manavedan of Calicut was born in 1595 and had early education in Sanskrit. Later he became the disciple of Villwamangalam . With his devotion to Bhagavan and guidance of Villwamangalam, he saw the Bhagavan as Unnikrishna , standing under the Elajhi tree on the way from the Palace to Guruvayoor temple. The present koothambalam is located at this spot . The Prince wrote a series of eight dramas for Krishnanattam. The Krishnanattam began to be staged in the temple regularly as an offering to Guruvayoorappan . Thus the dance-drama, Krishnanattam , became yet another medium to spread the fame of Guruvayoor all over Kerala.

7. KUDALLUR KUNJHIKKAVU NAMBOODIRI .
Kunjhikkavu was known as Raman in his childhood. He learnt Puranas through his mother's daily parayana (recitation ) of Bhagavatham and Ramayanam and learnt Sanskrit on his own . He formerly began his *purana-parayana* in his home and slowly become famous as a mystic-devotee . Very often he forgot this real world, he looked at every women he met as a Gopi of Vrindavanam . He started circumambulating and prostrating before everyone including animals. He used to take whatever he wanted from *Sri kovil* . The particular place in Guruvayoor temple where he used to sit for *purana-parayana* is still known as *Kunjhikkavu's corner* .

8. MALLIYOOR SANKARAN NAMBOODIRI
*Bhagavata-Hamsam* Brahmasri Malliyoor Shankaran Namboodiriis a living Legend of Krishna-bhakti . He was born on 02 February 1921 as the eldest son of Parameswaran Namboodiri and Arya Antarjanam , in the Vedic brahmin family, Malliyoor .

He was sick by birth . Severe illnesses and extreme poverty made his childhood miserable . In spite of all these miseries , he grew up as a loyal Krishna-bhakta .The poor parents some how managed to provide him Vedic education . The traditional *Brahmana-upanayanam* (initiation) was performed at the age of (8) followed by “Samavartanam” before he was (14) .

Brahmasri Malliyoor started working as a temple-Pujari . Being a scholar in Srimad Bhagavatam , he later dedicated own life to *Bhagavata katha-kathanam* ( ritual narration of Bhagavatam-stories ). Bhagavan Himself presented a book of Bhagavatam to Sankaran Namboodiri .

His “Bhagavatam-nectar” quickly gained immense popularity among Krishna-bhaktas . Later, Malliyoor initiated “Bhagavata-SaptAham” movement in Vedic temples, which practically “Bhagavatised” Kerala .

Bhagavatam is the essence of the Vedas ; and it is called “adhyAthmadeepa” , the light of the self. It is beneficial to the whole humanity, and removes the three kinds of miseries , namely, “Adhidaivika” (calamities due to karma or fate) , “Adhibouthika” , (obstacles due to other beings) , and “adhyAthma” (troubles that come from one's own nature) . It is a fact that , when one wishes to read or hear Bhagavathm, Bhagavan Sri Krishna appears in his heart .

Sage Suka narrated Bhagavatam to king Parikshit in seven days . On the first day, it was till “varahavathara” , on second day till “ jatabharatha” episode, on the third till “amrthamathanam” , on the fourth till “krishnavathara” , on the fifth till “Rukminikalyanam” , on the sixth day it was till “uddhavasamvAdha” and the last day Bhagavatam was finished. This practice to read Bhagavatham in the same order for seven days is known as BhagavatasapthAham .

Brahmasri Malliyoor and disciples have successfully completed several thousands of *BhagavatasapthAhams* feeding the nectar of Krishna-Bhakti to millions of devotees . The numerous titles bestowed on Brahmasree Malliyoor include *Bhagavata-Hamsam* ( By Guruvayoor Bhagavata Vijanana Samiti) and *Bhagavataseva-Ratnam* ( Guruvayoor temple’s Janamashtami-award .The Head of Kanchi Matha personally came to present this) .

Malliyoor’s family-deity is *Beeja-Ganapati* in the very ancient stone-carved temple . Since more than (50) years Brahamasree Malliyoor has been reciting Bhagavatam keeping a salagramam in front of temple’s Presiding Deity Ganapati . It is a very rare practice to worship one’s *Ishta-Devata* in front of another Deity. However , Malliyoor did this to fulfill His obligations towards His “family-deity Ganapti” and His own *Ishta-Devata, Sri Krishna* .

The result of the above ‘atmic-sadhana’ was a miracle . Vedic Brahmanas and Vedic-Jyotishis have found in this Ganapati-Deity an extremely rare superimposition of *Krishna –Chaitanyam* . Hence this Deity has become a unique *Vaishnava-Ganapati* .

In spite of His exalted status as the top Vaishnava-Acharya in Kerala , Brahmasri Malliyoor Malliyoor is a picture of humility and compassion. The ever smiling Acharya feeds everyone who visits Him is absolutely free from materialism. In the true Vaishnava tradition , He imbibed in both of His sons (Paramseswaran Namboodiri and Divakaran Namboodiri ) “Bhagavata-dharma” ; and both of them are assisting Him in *BhagavatasapthAhams*.

HOW TO REACH GURUVAYOOR ?
By Air : Guruvayoor is situated at a distance of 80 km from the Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) and 100 km from Calicut (Kozhikode) airport. All major international flight services operate from these airports.
By Rail : The Guruvayoor Railway Station is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. Those coming from the Madras/Thiruvananthapuram side can get down at Thrissur. From Thrissur Railway Station, there are regular bus services to Guruvayoor.
By Road : Guruvayoor is well connected with the other parts of the country by road. Both the KSRTC bus stand and Private Bus stand are about 500metres from the temple.
Om Namo Narayanaya !!!

Join madrasa, why sit for tough CBSE board exam?
source:(Prof G.C.Asnani: Is UPA Govt. Talibanizing India?)--sarve samachar

The UPA’s weird ideas on affirmative action to appease its vote bank have taken yet another absurd leap. The latest is to make madrasa certificates equivalent to CBSE. According to news reports, the Union Human Resources Ministry is all set to grant madrasa certificates equal status with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) so that it would help in mainstreaming the students coming out of these Islamic religious schools.

It is not clear if the government is also planning either to downgrade the CBSE curricula or upgrade the madrasa menu to make the two certificates academically compatible. But there is no doubt that it is a crude joke on millions of hard-working students who burn their mid-night oil to clear the tough Board examinations.

The unkindest cut is that the plan is to implement the disastrous move with retrospective effect. It is widely believed that the madrasas are the nurseries of terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism in India. If mainstreaming is the real concern, better schools should have been established in Muslim localities and persuaded the Muslim children to get enrolled in them.

Already the government has introduced a series of incentives to get the minorities more literate and enhance their competence to compete in the higher levels. Many of these incentives are denied to children of the majority community though they are equally under privileged both educationally and economically. Perhaps it is a crime under the UPA to be born in the majority community and to be poor. The pampering of the minorities, in a manner as to discriminate citizens on religious lines against the tenets of the Constitution or affirmative social action has no legal sanction.

"But it has been proved to be politically rewarding for the ruling clique. Though the centre has been distributing hundreds of crores every year to modernise the madrasas they have refused to either modernise or streamline. They have also been resisting any attempt to persuade them to adopt some portions of the modern syllabi in their curriculum. The maulavis have often issued fatwas against any attempt at modernisation in these institutions though they have no qualms in receiving huge grants from the tax-payers’ money. As a result, these madrasas have become islands of superstition, fundamentalism and divisive activities misleading the children in their formative years to resist all modern and scientific outlook and integration with the rest of the society."

Again if mainstreaming was a concern, the centre should have asked the madrasas either to close down or limit themselves to religious teaching making any certificates issued by these fanatic institutions invalid. But the UPA seems to have other ideas. It perhaps wants to encourage the mushrooming of madrasas across the length and breadth of the country and make them breeding grounds for social disaffection. Already at least three universities — Jamia Hamdard, Jamia Millia and Aligarh University—have recognised certificates from madrasas for admission to post-graduate courses.

The HRD Ministry has insisted that the UGC must enforce the criteria on other universities as well. But some universities are resisting the move. Finally, the UGC has set up a committee to look into the matter. On government records there are half a million madrasas active across the country. Unofficially, it is estimated that there are at least a million madrasas and their number is increasing every year with liberal funding from Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia.

The UPA claims that its anxiety is the result of the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme for minorities and that it is one of the key recommendations of Sachar Committee. Taking the Sachar cover the government is already making generous contribution to minority education.

"And they are highly discriminatory to Hindu students. For instance, Hindu students get education loans at a rate of 13 per cent whereas the minority students get it for just three per cent interest from National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation under Finance Ministry. To start a business a Hindu youth will get a loan at 15 to 18 per cent from banks after arranging 15 per cent margin money. But a Muslim youth has to arrange only five per cent of project cost from his private sources and will get the rest of 35 per cent of the loan from NMDFC at three per cent interest and the balance 60 per cent from commercial bank at two per cent. To ensure Muslim students admission in the top institutions like IIMs, IITs and AIIMS the entire fees is being given by the government. To prepare them for this and other public service tests the entire coaching fee is given by the government. The students are also given a pocket money from the tax-payers’ kitty. The UPA has also announced lakhs of scholarships only for minority students. All these are denied to Hindu students."

Now, the discrimination is total, with the centre making madrasa certificate equivalent with the hard-earned CBSE certificate. Should all the Hindu students leave government and public schools and join madrasas for a simple and cost-effective qualifying certificate? Or is the UPA determined to destroy the higher education in the country?