“Bhaja Govindam” is a popular devotional hymn composed by the 8th-century Indian philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The hymn consists of 31 verses that emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge, renouncing worldly desires, and focusing on spiritual pursuits. As the story goes, Shankaracharya was once walking along the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi…
Introduction The mighty sage to whom the mountain bowed, and who drank the sea empty. He humbled the arrogant and punished the demons. He is the symbol of man’s heroism and confident strength. Agasthya What a wonderful sight the star-studded sky is! We want to go on gazing at it forever, don’t we? We can…
Introduction The girl who would marry no one but God. She lived a life of innocence, purity, and total dedication to her God and was finally united with Him. Pandya was a kingdom in ancient Tamilnadu. Its capital was Madurai. Vallabhadeva was the ruler. He was a very good ruler. The people were happy. He…
lntroduction A Brahmarshi. The mastermind that produced ‘Shukla Yajurveda’. Even as a student in the Gurukula he firmly stuck to the path he considered as the right one. He was the master who guided thousands of persons, from king Janaka to the commonest students, on the path of Enlightenment. So brilliant a genius was he…
Introduction Vishwamitra quarreled with Vashishtha and was defeated. But Vashishtha himself named him as a Brahmarshi. Vishwamitra created new stellar constellations and threatened to create a new Indra. Gods trembled at this. He tested the truthfulness of Harishchandra. He saved Shunahshepha who was to be sacrificed. He was the guru of Sri Rama and taught…
Introduction Vasishta was a great ascetic. He was the preceptor of great men like Sri Rama and Harischandra. He had conquered anger and desire. He was a great saint who humbled insolent men. As a preceptor, he imparted knowledge and became a guide to thousands of aspirants. Have you seen the Pole Star? If you…
Introduction The Adikavi, the Poet of Poets of India, who gave the world the immortal epic, the ‘Ramayana’. By profession a highway robber, he came under the spell of Maharshi Narada and became a ‘Brahmarshi’. He not only sang the matchless greatness of Sri Rama, but gave shelter to his wife Seetha Devi, and taught…
Introduction The ‘Mahabharata’ remains a marvel in the literature of the world. Veda Vyasa was the sage who gave the world this Store-house of realism, wisdom, and compassion. And he was the guide to whom seven generations of the high and the humble looked up in hours of sorrow and darkness. On the banks of…
Introduction A great saint who lived only for his God Vitthala. He faced a variety of difficulties with astonishing patience. He refused diamonds and opals offered by Shivaji Maharaj himself. His devotional songs are an invaluable contribution to Marathi’s spiritual literature. That day the children of the lane were overjoyed. There was plenty of sugarcane….
Introduction He is the saint who installed the idol of Sri Krishna at Udupi in Karnataka. The Philosophy he preached was previously known as ‘ Tatvavada’. Now it is known as ‘Dwaita’. He lived seven hundred years ago. He boldly said to a Muslim king: “By whatever name you may call, God is One.” He…