Saturday, December 7, 2019

Valmiki Hanuman

When Valmiki completed his Ramayana, Narada said 'It's good, but Hanuman's is better'. Valmiki didn't like that and wondered whose Ramayana was better. He found Hanuman's Ramayana inscribed on seven broad leaves of a banana tree. He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, metre and melody. He couldn't help himself. He started to cry. 'Is it so bad?' asked Hanuman 'No, it is so good', said Valmiki 'Then why are you crying?' asked Hanuman. 'Because after reading your Ramayana no one will read mine,' replied Valmiki. Hearing this Hanuman tore up the banana leaves stating “Now no one will ever read Hanuman's Ramayana” “But why?” asked Valmiki. Hanuman said, 'You need your Ramayana more than I need mine. You wrote your Ramayana so that the world remembers Valmiki; I wrote my Ramayana so that I remember Ram.' At that moment Valmiki realized how he had been consumed by the desire for validation through his work. There are people like Hanuman who don't want to be famous. They just do their jobs and fulfill their purpose. Let's not be like Valmiki, thinking "our Ramayana" must be recognised as the best. There are many unsung "Hanumans" too...in our life...our spouses, parents, friends....let's remember them and be grateful to all!

https://harekrishnainfo.blogspot.com/search/label/HanumanSunJambavanValmikiTulsidasMurariSai

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Mahagauri

Another story tells that Parvati a dark complexion, but in a different version runs as follows: Goddess Parvati made up her mind to perform an austere penance as advised by Sage Narad so that she might beget Lord Shiva as her husband. So, she renounced all the comforts of the palace and started performing penance in the forest. Her severe penance continued for many years. She braved heat and cold, rains and drought and terrible storms. Her body was covered with dust, earth, soil and leaves of trees. She had developed a blackish skin over her body. At last, Lord Shiva appeared before her and gave his solemn word that he would marry her. He bathed her vigorously by the holy waters of the Ganga emanating from his matted hair. The holy and sacred waters of Ganga washed off all the dirt clinging to Parvati’s person and she became white-complexioned and glorious. Thus by virtue of having acquired a white complexion, Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri (Extremely Fair).

https://www.google.com/search?q=Mahagauri

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