1. Who is eligible for performing Dhanuramasa Vratham?

‘A genuine wish to enrich oneself’ is the ONLY eligibility requirement for performing ‘Dhanuramasa Vratham’.

2. How long is this vratham? What does it aim for?

The duration of the vratham is 30 days. It involves chanting 30 songs, composed by Goda Devi, daily early in the morning before sunrise. It aims for a blissful state of mind and the inseparable togetherness with the Ultimate thatvam, Sri Krushna!

3. Who performed this vratham first?

Goda Devi in Sri Villiputtur performed this vratham seeking inseparable companionship with the divine, Sri Ranganatha and quite happily succeeded. She composed one song each day for 30 days. Her songs are considered not essence but actually the root for all Vedic literature. Her story dates back to the beginning of this Kali Yuga about 5017 years ago.

4. What can this vratham give me?

Goda Devi promised that anyone who performs this vratham for 30 days in the same way that she did will attain what they wish for. [More about this recorded on Day 3]

5. Give one key aspect of this vratham.

Belief is the key aspect of this vratham. Quite a few people miss out on experiencing God’s companionship not because he is invisible but because they fail to believe in the visible form of God, ‘the Deity’! Quick flow of process through which one can attain belief in scriptures and the Deity form of God.

Principles/rules that govern your life style -> Keeps your body under control -> Enables making your heart pure and soft -> Lets you believe in scriptures and Deity Form

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Why are there no special rules and eligibility requirements for this vratham?

Dhanurmasa vratham is performed to help us realise who we are in our original state and how do we reach there. We share a natural eternal bond with God. He is the ever-lasting saviour. So, if one wants to go back to our natural original state with that Supreme power, we only need to get rid of some unnatural characteristics that what we have acquired and imparted within ourselves from the past. Therefore, there are no special rules and eligibility requirements, just know what you actually are in the true natural state, that’s all.

2. What do we do after the morning prayer of chanting the 30 songs from Thiruppavai?

After we chant the 30 songs, we implement the essence of the songs in everything we do. We carry on with our regular duties, but now with an enlightened mind on what those duties mean to us and what the people whom we work with mean to us, what our end goal is etc. It’s analogues to starting your car in the morning and then actually driving it to experience it. If you just do the Morning Prayer and never really carry the meaning and intent of the vratham throughout the day, it is equivalent to starting your car in the morning and not actually driving it.

3. How do people performing this vratham carry on their lives?

Characteristics of people who understand this vratham are:

1. Always wish for the glory of God to grow in the hearts of everyone because his great qualities can protect us, love us and care for us in every way
2. Always wish for the well-being of everyone
3. Begin their day singing in praise of God
4. Live only on needs, and not be greedy
5. Do not spread rumours or talk against anyone unnecessarily
6. Talk only when asked for to an extent that is necessary
7. Follow all principles defined by elders for the betterment of life
8. Do not talk anything that hurts others
9. Be benevolent and support them on need to the maximum extent they can
10. Not wish for anything additional than what is necessary
11. Do not boast on any of the work they do; they consider it an opportunity to aid/support because everything is given by God to serve one another rather than just for oneself

4. What if I cannot follow all the principles as listed in question 3? Can I still perform the vratham?

It is important to note that the performers of this vratham are not following the principles as mandatory rules, instead their behaviour is a natural outcome driven by Love for God. Therefore, you can happily do whatever little that is possible. Check whether you are able to do anything additional. If so, continue to add and increment until you feel something is beyond your limits.

5. What is the mind-set of the people like who are performing this vratham?

The people who are performing this vratham have their mind completely filled with the thought of uniting with God. It is filled with joy of serving God through every activity they do. They perform any activity out of love. They refrain from non-recommended activities out of love for God, not fear of God. Anything they do and anything they don’t do are all with complete acceptance and nothing out of fear or pressure.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. What is the result of performing this vratham?
When you perform this vratham with proper focus and interest, any of your wish can come true. All wishes can be split into these four categories:

• Anything you wish for in this world
• Anything in the higher worlds such as swargam etc
• Self-realisation
• God-realisation 

2. Is moksham for someone who is old?
No, it is a natural wish for anyone who would like to attain a permanent state of bliss.

3. What does ‘Sa a:thma anga:nyanya: devatha: a:’ mean?  

It means that all devathas are different parts working under the control of God. They are limited to their own areas and are in power as long as they placed in that position by the Supreme.

4. According to sastra, Every deed results in an outcome. A devotee, whose thoughts are inseparable from serving God, also carries his/her duties but never wishes for the results of those deeds. In that case, what happens to the results of his deeds?

The outcomes of a devotees’ deeds are given out to help people in need of those results. These results help other people in a much more fruitful way than that of his own deeds. How thankful should we all be to such devotees who work and give away the results of their deeds without a thought to all those in need!

5. What should be the frequency of rains to make a land and the society prosperous?

It is said that there should be 3 good rains in a month, with a gap of 9 days between each rain. The rains should be spread out, rich and moderate to enable the right fertility in the soil, resulting in prosperity.

The three rains result if a Vedic practitioner, a home maker and a ruler perform their duties well.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1.Who is a Devatha?

Devatha is an unseen power that supports our existence. Example: Varuna(Rain), Surya(Sun), Agni(Fire) etc.

2. Do we pray to each of those Devathas while performing this vratham?

We pray to the almighty, Krushna who is the source of power within all Devathas. And therefore, all devathas happily support our activities. When we water the root, the parts of the plant automatically flourish. Therefore, a prayer to Lord Krushna automatically works its wonder and makes all other Devathas support your activity.

3.  What comes ahead, a lightening or a thunder?

Lightening comes first followed by thunder. However, when one is inside a covered premises, they hear the thunder first. Goda Devi talks about this to enlighten us on the importance of listening to good words first, and then watching the behaviour of the elders. The elders are scholars who are practitioners of Vedic knowledge, filled with unconditional devotion.

4. Rains are a necessity for life growth and sustenance. What does Goda Devi have to say to that Rain God, the Parjanya?

Surrender to God, who is a treasure of all great qualities. This surrender attitude makes one conduct with everyone and everything harmoniously and effectively. This in turn pleases the Devathas who will then give us necessary rains and other energy elements as required to lead a good life.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Who is the ‘Nayaka’ in this Prabandham, the poetic literature?
Krushna himself is the ‘Nayaka’ in this prabandham.

2. Is the ‘Nayaka’ in this Prabandham the God who is the ultimate saviour for everyone?
Yes, Krushna is the God who is the ultimate saviour for everyone. The decider quality of God is described in Upanishads and exists in Krushna.

3. What is the meaning of ‘Maayi’, in today’s song?

Maaya means the ‘thrigunathmaka’ (satthva, rajas, thamo) appearance of the world that lets everyone tempt to its magic experiences through ‘shabda, sparsa, rupa, rasa, gandha’ (five senses). One who has won over and kept this ‘Maaya’ under his control is ‘Maayi’.

4. What makes this 5000 year old prabandham the greatest treasure forever?

This prabandham is an ‘utthama kavyam’, meaning highest form of literary works. An essential quality of an ‘utthama kavyam’ is that there is a great superficial story line. At the same time, there is a hidden meaning conveyed by the author that is extremely wise and can yield newer and newer secrets every time it is heard from a learned interpreter.

There are only two such great kavyams. One is Srimad Ramayana and another Thiruppavai.
That is why this 5000 year prabandham is being sung daily in every temple, and being specially learnt in this time of the year.

5. Is our body a tool or an obstacle in spiritual journey?

Our body is absolutely a tool to be used in the spiritual journey. The same body that has become the reason for uncertainty and hardships will become the tool for keeping us back in Lord’s abode.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1.What is God’s treasure?
His divine qualities are his treasure! The qualities such as ‘compassion, supremacy, accessibility, blissful, etc..’ are a few.

2. Can I do this vratham by myself?

It is advised to do this vratham together with devotees as well as learn the essence of it from a Guru. Guru’s words from today’s pasuram indicate that this vratham is best to be done in groups. Join a group of devotees who are completely dedicated, learned, and who carry out every single deed as a way to serve God.

3. Can you elaborate on one such devotee? What are they like?

Such devotees are not impacted by the effects of changing nature. They are not affected by the results of their routine work. Their hearts are filled with joy resulting from the presence of God.

4.  Where does God reside?
He resides as ‘Para thatvam’ in and around everything we can see and cannot see
He resides as ‘Vyuha thatvam’ in milky ocean from where he conducts the emanation, execution, and withdrawal of all existence
He resides as ‘Vibhava’ by choosing a place and time to take birth such as Rama, Krushna, Narasimha, Matsya, Varaha…
He resides as ‘Antaryami’ within everyone as the supporter of life
He resides as ‘Archa murthi’ in Deity form to make himself even more accessible!

5. What does a Guru have to say about the hidden significance of Yashoda and Nandagopa ?

Nanda Gopa signifies a Guru and Yashoda signifies the mantra. If we want to understand the thatvam of God, we approach Nanda Gopa and he gives us access to God through a mantra. When you chant the mantra, it begins to educate you on the nature of God and what He means to us.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Goda Devi wished to talk and serve God. But, the Deity isn’t responding to her wish. What did she do then?

She asked her father, “have anyone been ignored by God this way in the past?” Her father told her about Gopikas who experienced extreme pain in separation from Krushna on the day of Sravana Pournami. Krushna was playing with the gopikas for a while, and then he left them alone.

2. Goda Devi asked her father, ‘What did gopikas do when Krushna disappeared and disappointed them?’

Her father answered, ‘Unable to tolerate the separation, one of the gopikas began to imitate as Krushna and everyone began to talk and play with that gopika. They took turns in imitating Krushna. As they talked about HIM, and think of HIS sweet and great qualities, they absorbed the pain of separation for a while. As they delved themselves in the qualities of Lord, their sins got washed away, and then Krushna appeared in their midst bringing joy. But, the elders of the town never let the gopikas play with Krushna for as long as they wanted.’

3. What did Gopikas do when the elders stopped them?

When anyone is prohibited from chanting the name of God, the place becomes lifeless. Similarly, Nandagokulam had no rains, thereby a very sad state for all the elders with no yielding crops, and no grass for the cattle resulting in lack of milk, curds and butter to sell. They had to seek Krushna’s help to lead the spinsters perform a vratham called Kathyayani vratham for rains. Krushna then said, ‘There you go! You have stopped my ‘friends’/gopikas from playing with me and now you have come to offer their time in my leadership for your benefit!’

Anyways, elders get what they wanted – the rains. And the gopikas get what they wished for – Krushna seva, time with Krushna!

When one chants God’s name, it brings prosperity automatically for the rest of the world. That is the power of God’s name. You know it or not, you believe in it or not – just like fire burns irrespective of the person’s knowledge about fire.

Goda Devi then thought, ‘I will also then imitate myself as a Gopika, and do the vratham’.

4. What did Krushna tell the gopikas to do?

He told the gopikas to return home as it was getting late. He told them to come back early in the morning, but without missing anyone.

5. As Goda Devi began to imitate this entire Kathyayani vratham, she noticed a second gopika missing today. What is the second gopika like?

This second gopika who was missing was mesmerised in the thought of Krushna and over-slept… – The power of God’s name works in various ways depending on the person. Some people who are god-conscious are ever active, and cannot wait to do something or other as a way to be connected with God. Some others become very silent and keep within themselves. Everyone loves God equally. However, it is important to meet with each other and together chant the name of God. Hence, the second gopika was being awakened. This gopika has a great quality of being delved in the hidden meanings of the prayers. She is like the bird who knows to talk back the words that have been taught to her, like Bharadwaja bird. 

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Please clarify again for me what this ‘waking up of Gopikas’ mean? Are the 10 gopikas really lazy and have over-slept?

This is a beautiful story line that talks about waking up the 10 gopikas so that Goda Devi goes to Krushna along with everyone as instructed by Him. The gopikas who are being depicted as ‘over-slept’ in the story represent ten states of great devotion. It shows how important it is to stay in company of those great devotees to travel in the path of right knowledge and right action.

2.What is the third gopika like?

The third gopika is a very special lady. All other gopikas go behind Krushna, but Krushna goes for this gopika. Her qualities are great.

3. The third gopika represents a great state of devotion. What is it?

She represents a devotee who has heard and learnt about the greatness of God with great focus and clarity. She now goes back to the world and carries out her duties, but sticks to only the satvik type of activities. She refrains from thamasik and rajaasik attitude. God is very happy with such devotees, who are able to conduct them rightfully in their lives with the right knowledge in the mind about each activity they do.

4. Can you elaborate on sativk, thamasik and rajasik?

Thamasik represents lazy attitude, rajasik represents hyper-active and greedy attitude in even unnecessary acts and satvik represents adequate activeness and focus in necessary and rightful acts.

5. What constitutes right knowledge?

Let’s talk about dharmam and dharmi. An example: a flower is dharmam and the colour, petals, fragrance etc are all its dharmis. If one is unable to identify the flower as flower, then he has corrupted knowledge about dharmam called anyatha gnanam (dharma viparyasa gnanam). If one incorrectly identifies and incorrectly interprets the dharmis, then he has corrupted knowledge about dharmis called vipareetha gnanam (dharmi viparyasa gnanam).

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. I am now curious about this fourth gopika. What is she like?

The fourth gopika is a very blessed lady. Krushna himself got her home built with precious stones. After her house is built, he then used the remains of the cut stones to build his home! Her home is decorated with many diyas as well. Therefore the reflection of the light from the previous stones made her home extremely lively, bright and beautiful.

2. How awesome it is to have Krushna build you a home! What does that mean? What made him choose her?

There is no specific reason why Krushna chose the gopika. His grace is completely unconditional. The state of this devotee is really inspirational. She is knowledgeable; she tried to understand God’s nature using two sources, Vedam and Vyakhyanam. Vyakhyanam consists of ‘Smruthi, Ithihasa, Purana, Aagama and Prabandham’ scriptures. This devotee has Krushna in her heart and is watching him through these two sources. Therefore her vision is clear.

3. But, why is Krushna’s home built with the remains of the gopikas home? What does that
mean?

Let’s look at two terms here: parishuddha and nirmala. Parishuddha means something that is completely pure. Nirmala refers to something that has once been associated with a dosham, bad karma. However, it is now corrected and is made to be pure again. Even though, they are both pure now, there is a huge difference. It is synonymous to how a Prime Minister is the first person of a country and a Village Head is the first person for the village. The souls, ie: we are also equipped with gnana, but ours is limited to scope. When God chooses to be in our heart, our hearts become his home. Our hearts are not parishuddha, they are nirmala – therefore his home, ie: our heart is not as great as our home, ie: his heart!

4. What do deepam and dhoopam mean?

Deepam is to be lit at the edge using two wicks dipped in ghee or oil. Ghee or oil represents sneham, ie: love or bond. The two wicks represent Vedam and Vyakhyanam as mentioned above.
Dhoopam represents ‘fragrance’ resulting out of the knowledge obtained using the gnana deepam. The fragrance here is behaviour or conduct of the person resulting from the right knowledge.

5. What is the knowledge that this devotee, gopika has about God?

She understands the natural bond that exists between God and us. This natural bond exists forever. This bond is so sweet, inseparable and beautiful. It is so unfortunate that we don’t realise it and seek comfort elsewhere. This bond is 9 fold. Mani, meaning a precious stone represents number 9. Vedic literature uses numbers as indicators to convey certain aspects that are to be understood with much more attention.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Can you explain what the term Dhanurmasam means?

Dhanus means a bow. The bow represents o:m. Arrow represents a soul. The arrow is to be drawn towards the goal, Bramha (the highest and the biggest in every aspect – God).

2. How do you draw the arrow? That is, how can I travel in the direction of God?

You, the arrow should be pulled with string of knowledge with complete focus towards Brahma.

3. What happens when I do that?

You will realize the one-ness with Bramha and feel inseparable with Him.

4. What does it mean to realise the one-ness with Bramha. How does that happen?

The process of realising the one-ness with Bramha happens as one meditates upon the qualities of God that make him our protector and saviour. The 10 gopikas represent states during this process of realization. Yesterday’s gopika is in a beautiful state and she is transparent w.r.t her knowledge. Her knowledge about God is quite stable and does not shake due to external or internal influences.

5. That’s good to know. So, in this process of realizing God and our connection with Him, what does Goda Devi tell us today? Who is the gopika being woken up today?

Goda Devi tells us that gopika today has a state of mind that is one step prior to yesterdays’! She is so delved in the qualities of God that she needs some time to bring herself into carrying on her routine day to day duties.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. What is the purpose of knowing about all these 10 gopikas and their representative states of devotion?

Human life is said to be an instrument in letting us reach the highest state of wisdom. The 10 gopikas and their representative states of devotion help us evolve in a way such that we will get clarity on our current state, our strengths and limitations, our goal and the path towards it.

2. What is the quality to be learnt from today?

Today’s gopika considers herself as an instrument in the hands of God. She is quite wealthy and very beautiful. However, she is not proud of her physical or material richness. She is adorned not with material wealth, but by Krushna’s grace on her.

3. What do you mean by ‘instrument’ in the hands of God? Aren’t we different entities with knowledge, abilities and a purpose for ourselves?

We are different entities than God. Our knowledge however is limited, ‘anuvu’. His knowledge is unlimited, ‘vibhuvu’. Our abilities are all bounded, His abilities are boundless. That is why, he wants us to reach up to him so he can support us understand this, thereby relieving ourselves from several hardships. Even though we are limited and bounded in abilities and knowledge, we can also experience equal happiness along with HIM if we understand this and become his instruments in serving Him help everyone.

4. How do these devotees reach up to such great states?

God’s grace acts on certain people giving them the ability to work hard, learn from elders, get rid of jealousy, ego, pride, etc and rise beyond these. That is why, it is said on the first day itself that a genuine wish to enrich oneself with this knowledge is the only eligibility. God supports us take the next steps and move forward.

5. So, what kind of good deeds can I do to get God’s grace?

God’s grace is unconditional. It is important to keep in company of great devotees so that the impact of their good deeds teach us live right.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. How are these devotees able to carry on their duties when they spend so much time learning about scriptures and participating in the events conducted towards spiritual enlightenment?

The devotees do not ever stop performing their duties. They consider every responsibility that has come as a result of this body are perfectly given by God and carry them out with complete focus. However, when a situation arises where there is an event in temple that conflicts with the timing of their regular duty, they delay their regular duty but do not stop doing it.

2. But, isn’t it wrong to delay the duties? After all, they are a responsibility?

Any activity by itself does not yield results. The giver of the result needs to be pleased and then your activity yields the desired result. So, even if you have to delay a duty only because the ‘ultimate giver’ himself is around and receiving certain prayers – for ex: an event in a temple, then it is all right to delay the duty because the ‘ultimate giver’ is being honoured and you chose to attend it. However, when there is no such conflict – then it is very important to complete your daily responsibilities.

3. What is the state of today’s gopika?

Today’s gopika is even wealthier than yesterday’s gopika. Her brother is a close friend of Krushna. He does not spend time in milking the cows, and wanders with Krushna all the time. She is also always in the mode of meditating upon Krushna delaying all her routine work as well.

4. What is Goda Devi referring to this gopika as? How is she waking her up?

Goda Devi refers to this gopika as a very gifted one because her brother is quite close to Krushna. In fact, Krushna probably hangs out with her brother because He likes this gopika. She calls out the name of ‘Rama’ as ‘mano:ranjakudu’, one who pleases everyone’s hearts so that gopika can relish that quality of Rama and join them.

5. Why is ‘Rama’ being praised here? Isn’t Krushna the nayaka of Goda Devi’s Thiruppavai?

Someone in the group of gopikas also asked the same question. The group then got split into two. One for Rama and another for Krushna. Let’s listen into a lady who begins to solve their problem tomorrow.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. How is Rama better than Krushna when it comes to being helpful to women? He too killed Thataki, He too hurt Surpanaka!

Rama did not want to kill Thataki. He tried to stop her from interrupting Viswamitra’s Yagnam by hitting her on the hands and legs. She did not stop and continued to come forward. He still tried to stop her through other means, until Viswamitra ordered Rama to kill her. He had to follow his Guru’s words.

Surpanaka – She did not use her nose to understand whom to want and whom not to. She did not even use her ears properly to listen and understand to what Rama told her. Thus, Lakshmana cut her nose and ears to control her. Rama did not hurt her. However, when one does not use their senses properly, they will begin to pay for it.

2. Krushna is known to be ‘chorudu’, a thief and ‘jorudu’, a playboy?

Brindavan was a very unfertile land by the time Krishna arrived there as a little boy. He worked hard and converted the land into a fertile place, raised cattle and made the town prosperous. After all this, the gopikas refused to give Krushna some butter to him. So, he is not a thief if he took some of their butter. The gopikas loved Krushna, they played with him more than actually literally considering him a thief.

When it comes to his character with girls, He was playing with them. He is in fact the true owner of any being. He was in fact helping them from adding karma by keeping their attention on Him while they perform their regular duties. It was for this reason he showed his cute, attractive qualities that made everyone turn towards Him.

Also, Later in life – When Kunthi Devi asked Krushna to save the son of Abhimanyu, who was born lifeless and under-grown, Krushna took an oath saying, ‘If I am a ‘satya sandha’ (speaks truth only), ‘jagath niyantha’ (controller of the creation), and an ‘askhalitha bramhachari’ (never been with a woman), may the child come alive healthy.’ And Parikshith was born and became a great ruler too.

3. So, the two groups clarified their questions about Rama and Krushna with the elderly lady. Have they been satisfied?

Yes, they talked in detail and moved on to the next gopika.

4. What did Goda Devi say about today’s signs to wake up the gopika?

Bruhaspati, the star on the east side that is losing its radiance as the Sukra is rising up. So, it is time to get the thamasik nature behind and wake up with the satvik thoughts to go with the rest of the gopikas to Krushna.

5. What do we learn from today’s discussion briefly?

It is not advised to get into an argument when we aim for enriching and evolving ourselves. It is all right to listen, question and understand, with an open-mind. However, it does not help if you intent to begin a discussion with only an intent to win it. Be open to seek right knowledge and bend if needed so that you grow up to a good being.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Did all the gopikas now reach the ninth gopika’s house? What is she like?

The ninth gopika promised everyone the previous night to wake them all up on time. She is quite wealthy. Her house has a beautiful garden in the backyard too.

2. What did the gopikas tell her in order to wake her up?

They referred to a few signs indicating the morning hour. First one was the closed black coloured lotus flowers and the blossoming red coloured lotus flowers. The second was the sounds of key chains from priests getting ready to open the temple doors and a few saffron colour clothed seers walking along chanting God’s name showing their crystal clear aligned white teeth!

3. What does the first sign indicate?

Let’s talk about nature for a minute. Any signs from nature are trust worthy. Humans have advanced technology, but sometimes fail to predict signals from nature. For example: There was a tsunami in 2005 that hit Chennai from Indonesia in a span of 15 minutes. More than 2.5 lakh people lost their lives but not a single animal was hurt. The animals can predict signals of nature because they stick to their natural ways of living. Humans tend to go beyond what their needs are, become greedy and selfish thereby losing the power to work with nature. Unfortunately, the pet animals also are beginning to lose their power because of the association with Humans.

The nalla kaluvalu, the black colored lotus flowers blossom during the evenings. The erra kaluvalu, red lotus flowers blossom during the early morning hours. This indicates that its morning, and as we have seen above – signs from nature are trust worthy.

4. What does the second sign indicate?

It indicates great seers, thapassampannulu, who carry out every single activity as a service to God and work as his instrument reach that state because they take in satvik food and speak good words all the time.

5. What are the qualities of good speech?

Five qualities:

5. So, what did the ninth gopika finally say? Did she join them?

The ninth gopika joined them because they all reminded her of her promise from last night. Even though there are signs of morning, her promise has become a bigger trigger for her to join them. This is an important element in the learning process:

Below three are the pramanams that we follow:

The ninth gopika, a state of devotion here is indicated by the third pramanama – aaptha vakyam where she herself spoke about joining them early in the morning.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. We have reached the 10th gopa balika’s house to wake her up. What is she like?

She has been singing the name of Lord mesmerised in love of HIS divine qualities, the qualities that are so sweet and powerful.

2. She is already awake then, why hasn’t she joined them yet?

She is ready and is waiting to join. However, when the rest of the gopikas began to blame her for not joining – she accepted it to be her fault and proceeded to join

3. What is to be learnt from this gopika, referred to as the greatest state of devotion?

There are three main aspects to be learnt from this very important pasuram:

4. Can you elaborate on who those elders are?

These elders are devotees who are spiritual intoxicated, who have all the qualities as discussed during the 10 pasurams of waking up the 10 gopikas.

It is easy to pray to Lord, but hard to respect and follow these elders. Because they look like us, our ego blocks us from accepting good qualities of such devotees. It is very crucial that we follow in the foot-steps of such great devotees to reach God.

5. Does this complete all the ‘waking up’ activity?

Yes, this pasuram completes the ‘waking up’ activity. All 10 great devotees whom we should follow and respect are clearly depicted with their characteristics in the pasurams. Thiruppavai is a ‘Dhvani Kavyam’, meaning a story that has a different and yet aligned hidden meaning. This scripture is the root of all Vedic knowledge.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. After ensuring all gopikas are with her, where did Goda Devi reach now?

She heads towards Nandagopa’s house, where Krushna asked them all to assemble.

2. Did Goda Devi know that her songs contain a life guide that has answers to all questions?

No. Her Love towards Krushna made her follow a path which ultimately became a guide for everyone. It is said, rusheenaam punaraadyaanaam vaacha mardhonu dhaavathi – Vedam itself walks in sync with the talk or action of great people.

3. So, what about all the other creatures? If one can attain liberation only through such path, is there no way for all other creatures?

All other creatures by themselves cannot attain liberation from this cycle of life and death. However, if they are associated with right person, then they will also have the chance to be liberated.

4. What is it that bonds us in this cycle?

It is our karma that bonds us to this cycle of countless lives.

5.How can one come out of it?

Imagine that you are riding on a Giant Wheel. If you want to get out of it, you will need to get the controller of the giant wheel to pull you out of it. That is the easiest way, because He is outside of it. Similarly, God is outside this cycle, and therefore we hold onto him to stay out of it.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. When Goda Devi reached Nandagopa’s house, did they find Krushna?

Nandagopa’s house has two levels of security. It is not that easy to get into his house. They requested and praised the security personnel so that they are allowed inside.

2. But, isn’t it incorrect to praise someone for a benefit even though it is not true?

Goda Devi never did anything wrong, because her Heart was full of Love for Krushna. She would not do anything that deviates from the path of righteousness. Her actions dictated the right path. She praised the security personnel, but all her words were true. She did not praise them because they would allow her. She praised them because it was true. She could not hold herself from praising them because they safe guard Nandagopa’s house – which is where Krushna lived.

3. After entering into the house, what did they see? Was Krushna awake?

They saw three beds in order. Nandagopa was on the first bed, Yashoda was on the second bed. The third bed was a little larger in size. They only could see one foot on one end (red in colour with all glory of shanka, chakra..) … and another foot with kadiyam, anklet indicating its greatness!

4. Just like all 10 gopikas represented 10 states of great devotees and their qualities, do Nandagopa and Yashoda represent something?

Nandagopa represents Acharya. An Acharya is one who can give you Krushna, who is very protective of Krushna, and who is always happy for Krushna.

Yashoda represents mantram. It is with Acharya. It is always awake, i.e. illuminating with the knowledge about God. Mother, Yashoda does not sleep – she acts as if she is asleep but is waiting for the son who has stepped out of home to come back. We are all the souls who need mother’s help to get inside the house and then only we can continue forward towards Krushna.

5. Now, do they wake up Krushna? Why is he sleeping even after telling all the gopikas to assemble in front of his house early in the morning?

They sing the name of Krushna, saying that His feet raised high and slit the sky open saving all the higher worlds. Goda Devi is quite clever, asking Him to save the ones who is at His door with his darsan.

6. Do they finally get to see Krushna?

Not yet, it was in fact Balarama’s feet that Goda Devi and the gopikas saw today. Balarama / Ramanuja / Lakshmana is the eternal companion of Krushna / archa murthi / Sri Rama. They only can give the right location of Lord at any given point of time. Krushna is supposed to be in Nandagopa’s house, but he is not. Balarama gives them the address, i.e. Neela Devi’s house!!

7. That is so interesting, Krushna asked the gopikas to come – but he did not give them any address. How does he expect us to find him?

Leelasuka says ‘‘vichanitha bhavaneeshu vallabheenam upanishadardham ullookhale nibaddham’ – God cannot be found in the Vedic scriptures or literature; he is found in the houses of gopikas, he can be found tied up to the grindstone in the midst of tremendous Love for Him!

8. Goda Devi and the gopikas are going to meet Krushna without even a bath. Is that ok?

The security guard at Nandagopa’s house also ask Goda Devi and the gopikas the same question. They respond to him saying, ‘they are clean’. They mean manasika soucham, i.e. clean in their intentions at heart.

9. What does that cleanliness mean?

‘Manasika soucham’ means a wish to meet Krushna that is perfectly pure with no other hidden agenda, or any other hidden wishes. Only ONE wish, the desire to be in company of Krushna!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Did Goda Devi and gopikas reach Neela Devi’s house? What happened there?

Yes, Goda Devi and gopikas reached Neela Devi’s house in this pasuram. They begin singing in praise of her. Generally, we don’t see any woman praising the beauty of another woman. Goda Devi herself is a very beautiful girl. But, she praises Neela Devi’s beauty to the core!

2. What is so special about Neela Devi?

We see women with beautiful eyes, or hair or colour etc. But, Neela Devi’s beauty is very special because every single inch of her is of exquisite charm and is very attractive. Goda Devi says, Neela Devi has sarvangeyna sowndaryam! If you take lavanam, salt crystal – the saltiness of the crystal lies throughout its entire structure. Similarly, Neela Devi is extremely beautiful all through from her hair till her toe.

3. What makes her so beautiful?

Neela Devi is so beautiful and Krushna likes her so much because she has been recommended by Nandagopa himself. It is said that Rama is so fond of Sitha because Dasaratha and Viswamitra showed her to Him.

4. What did Goda Devi say to Neela Devi? Did she tell her that they all came for Krushna?

Goda Devi began to sing her by taking the name of Nandagopa, because Neela Devi likes to be associated and connected through Nandagopa, Acharya! They did not tell her about Krushna yet. This pasuram is completely dedicated to Neela Devi, because it is through her and through her alone that one can reach and serve God.

5. If God, Krushna is capable in every way, what is the role of Neela Devi here?

Imagine a surgeon who is completely capable of operating on you and alleviating you from a long term disease. But would you be okay if he does the surgery without an anaesthetist? How much pain would have to go through and how hard would it be. An anaesthetist will let the same surgery happen, but with less suffering. Similarly, if we go through Neela Devi, she will prepare us in the right way so that Krushna can remove the huge karmic bond without having to experience them all through multiple lives!

6. What does she teach us?

She teaches us the right words to use and right conduct before approaching God. She also will be there with God by the time we come to God. Just like Sitha Devi, – she went alone and tried to teach Ravana. However, he refused, and then Rama had to come and teach him the lesson hard way.

7. It is said that our temples reflect this path of approaching Lakshmi Devi first, and then the divine couple together next. How is that?

Just observe the path for yourself. You will see alwars and acharyas first, and then a special sannidhi of Lakshmi Devi. And then, you take a parikramana, a round around to come and see the divine couple in the main sannidhi! So, after we pay our respects and learn from acharyas and alwars, we approach Lakshmi Devi, our mother, bow down and tell her that we want to go to our natural state of being in the company of divine parents, our Lakshmi Narayaana or Srimannarayana. Apologise for mistakes. She is compassionate, she teaches us good conduct and by the time we reach the main sannidhi, she stands next to Lord and recommends us! How fortunate are we to have such a compassionate mother working on our side! That is why, we only approach that God who is shown to us by Amma, Lakshmi Devi!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Goda Devi and Gopikas prayed Neela Devi in the previous pasuram. Did she come?

Neela Devi was about to come out but Krushna stopped her and pulled her towards him. He was afraid that Goda Devi and Gopikas would think of Neela Devi to be more loving than him. So, he did not let her go first!

2. What is the importance of this pasuram?

This pasuram very beautifully describes the state of existence prior to creation. Let’s look at a tree that has branches, fruits, flowers, leaves etc. The tree emerged from a seed. All the elements of the tree are also in the seed, but in a different form, minute form!

In the same way, whatever we see around in this creation is seen inside the room. Neela Devi is the personification of Prema, Love and Krushna is the personification of Swatrantram, Free will. When Neela Devi is positioned above Krushna, it signifies that Love dominates Free will and the creation begins!

3. What do the diyas represent?

The pasuram represents a state that is prior of all the existence prior to its current form. We cannot enter that state, we can only try and understand it with the help of ‘sastra diyas’. This is why Goda Devi observes through the keyhole of the room and uses the help of diyas to understand the state prior to the creation.

4. Can you describe that state?

With the help of those diyas, Goda Devi sees that there are four strong tusks of an elephant used to hold a great bed. The bed reflects proper width, fragrance, softness and flexibility. It is called panchasayanam. The bedsheet is white in colour. Krushna lies on the bed, while Neela Devi is positioned on Krushna..!

5.The scene is quite romantic, how does it work in understanding the state prior to existence.

Just like there is a similar situation involved in your family prior to your existence, Krushna and Neela Devi also existed in such a sweet exchange of love resulting in entire existence.

6. What did their togetherness give birth to?

Their togetherness gave birth to the entire ‘jeeva rasi’ that can be classified into four categories. The four tusks represent those four categories..

Manushya [all creatures who are vertically positioned during movement]

• Thiryak [all creatures who are horizontally positioned during movement]
• Sthavara [all that do not move]
• Deva [all powers that support the above three – such as ‘air’, ‘water’…]

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Neela Devi looked at Krushna with her beautiful eyes that made him stop from going out of the room in response to Goda Devi’s request. What happened then?

Goda Devi was disappointed with Neela Devi and began to criticise her saying that she was supposed to protect them and take them all to Krushna. But she herself was not letting Krushna go. The intent is that it is always better to have God’s ‘grace/love’ reach us rather than his ‘free will’. Neela Devi represents that source of Love which makes God subside his free will and protect us!

2. Was it a right thing to do w.r.t Neela Devi?

GNo, Krushna got a little upset that they were criticising her. So, He did not come out either. This means that God always prefers that we come through Ammavar, Neela Devi (Lakshmi ammavar)

3. When both of them are still in the room, what did Goda Devi say?

Goda Devi realised that it was not right to criticise Neela Devi. And she began to praise Lord and Neela Devi together again.

4. Did they come out yet?

Goda Devi got a little upset that they were still delaying to come out. So, she criticises Krushna saying that he goes out of the way to protect crores of devathas who are anyway safe. She says that Krushna is also favouring majority and therefore is with devathas but that they are a minority, and therefore he is ignoring them. Although this is not the case, it is a result of Goda Devi’s disappointment for the delay that is happening!

5. Realising that Krushna was upset for criticising Neela Devi, how did she correct her mistake?

Goda Devi sang in praise of Neela Devi. She asked Neela Devi to support them all like her children, and let them also be along with them. She requested Neela Devi to let them all serve Krushna and forgive them.

6. Who is Neela Devi, Who is Sri Devi and Who is Bhu Devi?

Neela Devi is the personified quality of Lakshmi Devi who can make God not even look at any mistakes of all jeevas. Bhu Devi is the personified quality of Lakshmi Devi who can make God be patient about the mistakes we all do. Sri Devi is the personified quality of Lakshmi Devi who can make God forgive the mistakes and give us sampada.

7. Did Neela Devi come out now?

Yes, she had come out and asked them what they all are looking for.

8. What are they looking for?

They are seeking three things… want to know what they are? –Listen in!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. What is happening in today’s pasuram?

Goda Devi along with gopikas are now with Neela Devi. Neela Devi is the one who can recommend them to Krushna.

2. Krushna himself asked the gopikas to assemble. Why do they need recommendation?

Neela Devi is the personified daya, compassion. It is only through her that we can train ourselves with right conduct and the right way to surrender. So, we need to be under her guidance and her training.

3. So, if we learn how to surrender to God, will he protect us?

No. Nothing can really become a ‘sadhana’/’upayam’, means to be protected by Him. He is the ONLY means to reach Him. Neela Devi can take us to him, but He is the only one who can alleviate us from the karmic bondage and give us the opportunity to serve Him. She is the one who can tell us about Him. She heads the lineage of knowledge-givers about God! The lineage includes Ramanujacharya and all the great acharyas!

4. What is the difference between ‘serving him’ and ‘living a life as it is now’?

Serving Him is the ONLY deed that can stay permanently with you and keep you blissful. Anything else that you do while living your life as it is now is temporary. It does not keep you happy all the time and you are driven by your karma, and not your will.

5. So, how can one get the grace of God and get the opportunity to serve him?

It is through an Acharya. Not anyone who claims to be an Acharya is the right Acharya. He should be someone who is thoroughly devoted to God through a lineage of extremely dedicated Acharyas. He should have the complete understanding of all Upanishads, and scriptures. He should be able to train some more acharyas in a way that they themselves can shower vedic wisdom with so much grace and intensity that people transform into individuals with right conduct as defined in Vedam.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Did Krushna come out of the room yet? Is Neela Devi with Goda Devi and gopikas now?

No, Krushna is not out of the room yet. Yes, Neela Devi joined Goda Devi and gopikas now. This indicates that Goda Devi and gopikas are on the right track for Krushna’s grace because they have Neela Devi on their side leading them.

2. Why is Krushna not out of the room yet?

Goda Devi declared yesterday that there is no other means to reach Him other than Himself. Today, she declares that there is no other Result for them other than Him. These two have to be clearly declared and absolutely felt by the devotee before God graces them. She did not know this process. She just sang these songs out of love for Krushna. She declared that neither external elements nor any internal elements are capable of protecting her. She herself is incapable of being protected. He alone can protect her and He alone is the goal for her existence. They refer to Him as the son of Nandagopa. Here, Nandagopa means an Acharya – the Acharya, as described in earlier pasuram, to whom Krushna listens!

3. Krushna asks them from inside his room, what is it that you want?

Goda replies, ‘We are waiting to see you for so long, we want to be seen by you. However, we want you to see us in the sweetest and the most perfect way. Don’t just peek at us or don’t just look at us all of a sudden with one big glance. Look at us slowely, bit by bit. We want to relish every single small interaction with you and your divine body. We are craving for this for so long; we don’t know what we need to do after you see us. We just want to reach you, see you and be seen by you in a way that it slowly pacifies our hunger from lives and lives together’

4. But, why are we all away from God for so long?

We have been cursed to be away from you because of our durahankaram, not recognising you and believing that we are super stars. Even though we are super stars, we are that way because you let us to be. Being able to recognise his efforts behind our existence is very important. We don’t even do that. And hence, he  puts us away. Being away from him is a curse. Being in his presence is the blessing. That is the blessing that Goda Devi wants, to be in his service forever.

5. How can we come out of the curse?

As he looks at us, any curse automatically fades away from us. His deep, intense, sweet, great, well-wishing looks towards us burn all the blockers without our knowledge. Goda Devi seeks such graceful looks of him. She doesn’t think about her karma or her sins. She just has pure Love for Krushna which made her completely immerse in his thoughts and in his company. Her words, thereby becoming an ultimate guide for our Life.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. What happens in this pasuram? Did they all finally see Krushna eye to eye?

Yes, Krushna comes out of his mandiram as requested by Goda Devi and the gopikas. When he begins to come out, Goda Devi tells him how to get up and walk towards them.

2. What does it mean to tell him ‘how to get up’? Doesn’t He know?

Imagine Lion and Lioness being together in a rainy season inside their cave, inseparable and intimate. Goda Devi asks Krushna to wake up like that Lion who is ready to come out of the cave after that oneness state with the Lioness. She describes the state right before this entire creation where Lord is with Sri and not alone! She talks about how he should get up from that position, slowly stretch his legs forward, shake his body to get the dust out, making a sound to let the laziness out of the body.

3. What does it mean to tell him ‘how to walk towards them?’ Doesn’t He know?

This is a beautiful section of the pasuram. God has four types of walk. They resemble the walk of ‘Lion’, ‘Elephant’, ‘Bull’, and ‘Tiger’. Each walk has its own speciality. Royal, Aggressive, Wild, Vigorous..! She immediately also tells him to include Beauty and Gentleness along with the Splendour in the walk, the chaturgathi. She wants to relish each and every move of Krushna slowly and surely with all its richness encompassed.

4. Can you explain a bit more on what ‘getting up and walking towards them’ really mean?

Goda Devi sang these pasurams with an intention to be with Lord forever, serving Him. For that to happen, Krushna should come to her and allow her to serve Him. To facilitate this, she talks about How he will need to come out of his mandiram and be available on a Simhasanam, a royal throne.

Goda Devi talks about one fine day, when Lord driven by his compassion gave us all a chance to become eligible to attain his abode. He gives us this chance so we can all be eternally blissful in his company serving Him. This fine day was the day when he was getting ready to come out of His mandiram into a throne. The throne is the Deity in our mandir at home (or even mano:mandiram)! He gave us a life – a human body which is capable of understanding about him and attain liberation from the karmic bondage.

5. If He is the Deity in our own mandir at home, then why are we still unhappy at times or going through hardships?

Kunthi Devi, her daughter in law Drowpadi, and her daughter in law Utthara – these three are great devotees of Krushna. They went through so many hardships. But, they never lost faith in Krushna. They never changed their faith to someone else. They thought of any hardship as a result of their karma and prayed to Krushna as they always did. This is what a true devotee is like. This body is a way for us to lessen a load of karma. Shed it, and trust in Lord Srimannarayana – the ultimate saviour. He will definitely lessen it further – we don’t know how much karma we have. We can’t imagine it. The compassionate Lord is always right with you to lead you. Trusting His actions is the key to staying calm and feel the divinity within you!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Krushna began to walk in the same way that Goda Devi requested. What happened afterwards?

As Krushna was walking, Goda Devi noticed the redness on his feet, ‘aravinda…’! She gets lost into thoughts about why those feet are red. She thinks about how He worked so hard during Vamana avatar to stretch his leg for reaching all worlds to teach a lesson to Bali. She begins to bless those feet for staying safe and not falling under the influence of bad eye.

2. Goda Devi blessed Krushna’s feet? How is that right? Isn’t she a unit in His creation?

She is a unit in His creation. However, her Love for him overtook that knowledge. She began to consider herself to be His protector because of the extreme concern for His well-being.

3.How is that justified? Is that possible?

Yes, if we observe properly – we can also notice that kind of reversal in nature in our surroundings too. Imagine someone of age 40 who is very strong and works in army. He returned from his duty back home to his old mother in their village. The mother is about 70 years old. During his stay, he tells her about spend some time out of the house with his friends or in city. She gives him some suggestions, she offers him some help. She tells him about staying safe in the city. She tells him about ill-natured people. She warns him about not being awake too late. Who is more capable? She or Him? Similarly, out of extreme love and concern one ceases to think about the strength of the other person and begins to protect Him.

4. What is mangalasasanam, what is the purpose of it?

Mangalasasanam is to bless someone with well-being, with good outcomes. God is the root of a big tree and the entire existence resembles the parts of the tree such as the leaves, fruits, branches, etc. If we want the tree to grow well, we nourish the root. If we forget the root and just clean the leaves and branches – the tree will ultimately die. Let us understand the importance of serving God, recognising his strength, realising our connection with Him and wish that we all protect that God for the well-being of everyone.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Krushna asked everyone, ‘You have asked me to come! What do you all want now?

After seeing Krushna, they literally forgot what they originally came for. Until one actualises Krushna, there is a thirst for some or other external wish, but once Krushna appears – it is said that there will be no other wish than being in his company, serving him and relishing the wonderful qualities of Krushna!

2. Krushna then talked to them about how much pain they went through in order to reach Him. How did they respond to this?

Goda Devi told Krushna that their pain is nothing compared to what He went through in order to let us reach this stage of being in His presence! We do not realise how many lives we have been through before we actually began to at least think of God. He works tirelessly taking innumerable births to bring us on track.

3. If God also takes birth, then why isn’t he being bounded by karma?

God is not being bounded by karma because His birth is not a result of past karmas. His birth is a result of His wish. We, on the other hand are pushed into bodies based on the karma.

4. What is the reason for the backlog of our karma. Why are we bounded by karma?

We are bounded by our karma because we always are egoistic and believe that we are the reason for all greatness that we have achieved. We feel that we are capable of anything and it is a result of our skills, our efforts. We forget that we entered into the body because of His grace to help us lessen the burden of past karma. Instead, we end up adding more karma.

5. So, how did we reach a state where we are now talking about getting rid of durahankaram, and surrendering to God?

We reached here through the help of an Acharya. In the stream of time, Acharya guided us that archa murthi, the Deity is here for us out of Vyamoham. Any form of God – Rama avatar, Krushna avatar and many others are all as a result of extreme compassion that God has for us. Krushna avatar is primarily known for the quality of ‘aasritha vyamoham’, whoever seeks his refuge – He falls in Love with them so deeply that we can’t even imagine!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. What does Goda Devi seek in this pasuram?

Tiruppavai is divided into 6 sections of 5 songs each. This pasuram begins the 6th set which is considered as the final step in the path of bliss. She seeks one type amongst 4 the 4 types of moksham, ie: sa:ru:pyam through several requests in a list of items such as vithanamu, bhaja, mangala deepam etc.. Each of them represent God’s own belongings such as Panchajanya Sankha, Garuda, Neela Devi etc. This indicates that they want to be like Him, in the same form along with Him.

2. What does this final step of 5 songs contain?

The final step contains the ‘testing phase’ by Krushna and the ‘declaration phase’ by Goda Devi on what she seeks from Krushna.

3. How does Goda address Krushna in this pasuram?

She calls him , ‘Ma:le:…’ – meaning, ‘O the greatest love’. Until yesterday, they thought that God’s heart is filled with loads of Love, but they realised today that He himself is Love. There is nothing else other than Love in Him.

4. We also Love God, what is the difference between his love and our love?

Our Love for God is temporary and is conditional. It looks for some benefit. God’s love is pure, transparent and unconditional. That is why He has the ability to protect us! That is why he has the ability to live amongst us and still be uncaught by the prakruthi, the world.

5. Krushna asks them, what is this margaseersha snanam? We have heard about karthika snanam etc, but not this! What was Goda Devi’s response?

Goda Devi responds saying, ‘we are following whatever our ancestors/elders did’. The gopikas performed this vratham and that is what we are doing as well. Remember that Goda Devi has become a gopika and is singing these songs in Love for God. So, she responds saying she is looking up to gopikas for carrying out this vratham.

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. How exciting, Does Goda Devi declare what she is actually asking God?

Yes, Goda Devi declares that she wants everything that makes her association with Krushna closer and closer, so close that she will not feel any different than Him. She wants all the qualities from an Acharya that will let her serve him forever and ever.

2. Can you expand more on this pasuram?

Goda Devi describes her wish using a beautiful analogy, paramaannam – porridge! It is made out of milk, rice, jaggery, nuts and raisins etc.

3. How is the dish made?

Take one litre of proper desi cow’s milk. Take one handful of rice grains. The rice grain should be original, only peeled off of the cover. The grains should not be polished, but only lightly roasted. Let the grains cook in the milk, do not add water. Slowly and carefully mix the ingredients. As the rice begins to crack and cook, add 2 kg of jaggery. Let it fully sink in to every corner of the dish. Add Ghee in a way that it shows up as a proper layer on the top. Add some cashew nuts, raisins to make it more interesting. This is the dish that indicates her wish!

4. How does this dish indicate her wish?

The grains are us and God together. These are to be cooked in the milk of great qualities of God, his kalyana gunas. Let the taste of sweet jaggery spread in and around the relation. Let the sneham, the ghee be seen as the top layer of your relation with God. And let it be the most relishing and delicious dish of relation tasteful always and forever!

5. That’s amazing. Are the different grains represent all of us along with Goda Devi?

Yes, Goda Devi sought the relation with God with the help of everyone around. So, she wants everyone to be able to experience the ‘mokshanubhavam’ with God. God’s qualities have the power to attract all three types of individuals.

a. Who love Him but are afraid of giving him their impurities to God
b. Who hate Him
c. Who are passive about Him

Do you want to know how God gathers all these three types of people through his qualities? Beautifully explained by Swamiji – Watch and Enjoy !

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Krushna asks Goda Devi, what did you do to get to the state of seeking ‘Bhagavadanubhavam’?

Goda Devi responds saying, ‘there is nothing we have done that becomes the reason for your grace’.

2. He asks again, ‘Did you not go through the karma, jnana…’ to ask for this ultimate wish?

She replies, ‘We have been doing our duty, going behind our cattle, eating as we go, milking cows, selling the butter and all’. That’s all, we don’t consider it a means such as karma yoga, jnana yoga to reach you Swami.

3. But, how can you wish for this without doing anything for it?

We have not done anything that can get you the grace, but you are with us as our punyam. Our punyam is growing with us. That’s what we have and nothing else.

4. But, you were referring to me as ‘Narayana’, ‘Kesava’ till yesterday? Only today, you referred to me as ‘Govinda’, a cowherd boy like you all.

Yes Swami, apologies for not recognising your hard-earned name, ‘Govinda’. You have become a cowherd boy for us, you lived with all of us despite being all-powerful. We now see you as one who has come down to rescue us out of immaculate love, ‘Govinda’!

5. Ok, But why should I give you sa:nnidhyam, sa:rupyam, sa:lokyam, sa:yujyam?

Because we have a bond that can never be broken, that exists forever. If we are not connected eternally, then you may not decide to give us yourself to us. But, we are eternally connected and related – so, don’t deny us of what we want, we only want you!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Does Krushna give her what Goda Devi asked?

Goda Devi asked Krushna to give himself to her! What this means is that she seeks uninterrupted service of Krushna forever and ever. She seeks Him and Him alone, not anything that He gives. What can He give that is not Him anyway? Everything you do is a service to Him when you know His presence and His form in this creation!

2. Did Goda Devi not have any other wishes?

No, she did not have any other wish. When you reach God, and you end up asking Him for other wishes – it is equivalent to adding a big lump of salt into a golden pot containing pure kapila govu milk!

3. Where in the pasurams did Goda Devi ask him to give her the eternal service?

The word ‘parai’ means ‘parama purushardam’ – a wish that anyone alive in this world should seek for as an ultimate goal!

4. By the way, doesn’t God know what we want? Should one explicitly state what they want?

Yes, God knows what one wants. But, He doesn’t believe in your thoughts as they keep changing. You should explicitly state what you want. For example: Devaki and Vasudeva asked a boon asking for an opportunity to give birth to God. Yashoda and Nandagopa asked a book for wanting to see tales and greatness of God as a child! That is exactly what He gave both the couples. Krushna did not stay for even a minute after he was born with Devaki and Vasudeva. He did not stay with Yashoda and Nandagopa after his childhood! Be clear, be vocal.

5. When Goda Devi declared that serving God is the eternal wish that anyone should have, then why does Swamiji take up service activities such as ‘serving blind through holistic schools and colleges’, ‘serving women through Health care camps and treatments’, ‘serving needy children for proper education in tribal areas’, ‘addressing anyone who comes up to him with any problem’?

Swamiji answered, ‘It is because Goda Devi declared that she wants eternal service to God, HH is also in the same path to serving God. HH is serving God because the entire world is itself God’s divine body. Wherever, HH sees a need, He takes that opportunity as a chance to serve God.’ Swamiji said, ‘Deity form of God is where you draw the inspiration and build good abilities and the entire world (fellow beings, nature, any creature) is the divine form of God where you apply all those abilities to serve Him.’

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

1. Did Goda Devi finally achieve her Goal, eternal servitude to God?

es, she did. She also declared in today’s pasuram that if she gets to reach her goal – then whoever follows the same process will attain their goals as well.

2. Are there any important pasurams in these 30 pasurams?

Each pasuram is a step towards the final destination. It is advised to not skip any step for achieving the result. Each step is a gem that enriches right abilities and right qualities within us to serve the Lord with pure Love and strong dedication.

3. Why does He try to save us anyway?

He tries to save us because He is compassionate. And our eternal mother is with Him to bring out the compassion in him rather than the free-will/strict nature! How thankful should we be to the mother for ensuring He is compassionate and do not go by the rules when she recommends us?

4.Why does she work on our behalf? What makes her so compassionate?

Goda Devi was brought up under the guidance of Vishnu Chittha, her father. He is a great devotee of God. He protects God in his heart with loads of Love. So, imagine his daughter. She has grown up to become even stronger in devotion than Him. She delved herself in sweet love for God because of the way He guided her, because of the way he told her about the greatness of God.

5. How do these songs work on me?
They work on you in three directions:

• Lowers down your impurities in thought, action and words
• Strengthens your inner abilities
• Enables God’s grace towards you

What else does on need anyway, right? If you have a 1000 rupee note, it automatically implies that you have tens, hundreds, ones, and all other lower denominations. Similarly, if you have God’s grace – then everything else is embedded in it! It’s only up to you now to seek the smaller benefits and miss the greatest one OR work for the greatest benefit and let everything else follow it without any more special efforts!

[Please note that the above question and answers are only a small part of what Swamiji talked about on the day of the song… Please watch the video for the entire discourse!]

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami

Bringing the Dhanurmasam divine magic to many

On the occasion of Dhanurmasam,Vikasa Tarangini Anipathi volunteers along with Raising Hands Foundation did a splendid job of distributing 25kgs bag of rice, Sleeping Mats, Towels, Mugs, Buckets…… Read More 

 Dhanurmasam Celebration 2018 – Vikasa Tarangini

• Koodarai Vellum Sheer Govinda….!
• Celebrating the sacred reunion of Goda and Ranganatha!
• Karimnagar celebrates Dhanurmasam with great pomp
• About 3000 members get together to celebrate Goda Ranganatha Kalyanam …… Read More