Rajasthan Links

Rajasthan Links SR. NAME WEB SITE ADDRESS 1. Government of Rajasthan http://rajasthan.gov.in 2. Investment in Rajasthan (BIP) http://www.investrajasthan.com 3. Rajasthan Telecom http://rajasthan.dotindia.com 4. Rajasthan Assembly http://rajassembly.nic.in 5. Commercial Taxes Department http://www.rajtax.org 6. Rajasthan state Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) http://www.riico.com 7. Rajasthan State Road transport corporation http://www.rajasthanroadways.com 8. University of Rajasthan http://www.uniraj.org 9. Rajasthan State Agency for Computer Services http://www.rajcomp.net 10. Rajasthan Housing Board http://www.rhbonline.com 11. Forest Department http://www.rajforest.com 12. Irrigation Department http://www.rajirrigation.com 13. Department of Information and Public Relation (DIPR) http://www.dipronline.com 14. Science and technology Department http://www.rajdst.com 15. Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) http://www.rsmm.com 16. Rajasthan State Minerals Development corporation Limited (RSMDC) http://www.rsmdc.com 17. Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board http://www.rajamb.com 18. Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission http://www.rajerc.com 19. Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited http://sarasmilkfed.coop :: India Links 20. India Image http://www.nic.in 21. Govt. of Ministries & Departments http://goidirectory.nic.in/ministry.htm 22. States & Uts. http://goidirectory.nic.in/stateut.htm 23. Ministry of Commerce & Industry http://commin.nic.in 24. Secretariat for Industrial Assistance http://indmin.nic.in 25. Indian Railway www.indianrail.gov.in

Year 2011

• Person of the Year-: o Anna Hazare  There was one man who dominated headlines this year - first for bringing an able (if one could say that) government to its knees, then for getting the nation to take to the streets to lament the inability of the government to do anything right, then for rifts in his paradise, then for - you get the drift. Anna Hazare was to the nation what not many have been since Gandhi - a prayer, a song, a war cry, a beacon of hope and arguably, India's last chance at bringing back Gandhian ideals. Whether his movement against corruption will have the last laugh is still a question, but he's the singular exemplar that nothing is impossible in a nation of uncertainty. • Sports Man of the Year o Sachin Tendulakar  Is there any surprise here? Sachin might well be the sportsperson of the decade, if not the last two decades and indeed, for a better part of this millennium for India. As compatriot and starry-eyed fellow player Virat Kohli put it, for the better part of 20 years, Sachin has carried the burden of a nation's expectation on his shoulders alone. For having inspired a nation to put aside its religious, linguistic and other like divides aside every time he picks up the willow and takes centrestage on the cricket ground, Sachin Tendulkar, teen prodigy turned the player who defines the 'gentleman' part of the gentleman's game, is this year's sportsperson of the year, his elusive 100th ton aside. • Celeb of the Year o Katrina Kaif  Katrina Kaif, a British-Indian actress and model, has tasted success with films like Namastey London, New York, Rajneeti, and Welcome. The glamorous actress shot to fame this year with her sizzling performance in an item number, in her movie Tees Maar Khan. ‘Sheila ki jawani’ literally rocked the nation, giving a complete makeover to the British-Indian’s image, as well as stiff competition to Bebo, Priyanka Chopra and many others in the industry. Success apart, the star has also been in the news for rumours of flings with her with co-stars. However, Katrina has chosen to stay mum, whether about her split with Salman Khan or her alleged relationship with Ranbir Kapoor. • Words of the Year o Lokpal Bill  Anna Hazare, anti-corruption and the Lokpal Bill – three words that have been synonymous with each other this past year, and three words that have been on the lips of every Indian. The Lokpal bill targets the corruption that has permeated all ranks of government, and aims at addressing citizen grievances and protecting the interests of whistle-blowers. Literally translated, Lokpal means “protector of the people.” If passed, the bill will lead to the creation of a citizen’s ombudsman body, that is independent of existing bureaucracy, and can investigate any complaints of corruption without prior government approval. How this story ends is yet to be seen, but we expect to hear a lot more of the Lokpal Bill in 2012. • Event of the Year o Cricket world cup 2011  Without doubt, the Cricket World Cup wins this one. Co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the World Cup eclipsed every other event between the 19th of February and the 2nd of April this year. The fact that India won the Cup on home soil was the perfect icing on the cake. Images of Sachin being carried on the shoulders of the Indian team will be etched forever in the memories of this generation. As will the euphoria of that night, as revelers poured into the streets dancing, united by joy and shared nationality. • Gadget of the Year o Samsung Galaxy Tab  With the tablet’s popularity skyrocketing this year, it is the Samsung Galaxy Tab that we have to thank for bringing Android into the tablet market. Lighter, slimmer and with a smaller footprint that most of its competitors, the Galaxy Tab manages to strike the right balance between e-book reader and 10-inch tablet that's perfect for watching movies. With many interesting perks and new features, the Galaxy Tab has more than given Apple a run for its money; it has quickly taken over top spot. • Movie of the Year o Murder - 2  We live in an era where brand and franchise have become the order of the day. Although Murder was released seven years ago, it continues to linger in public memory, not only for its sizzle but for its edge-of-seat entertainment. The sequel successfully carries the Murder brand another step forward. This time around, the director has brought back the movie with a whole new cast. Compared to what Anurag Basu did in Murder, Murder 2 is darker, more erotic and bolder. The plot is well delivered, with characters used to the fullest. To sum it up, Mohit Suri has made a remarkable effort in taking forward the success of Anurag Basu’s Murder. • Lifestyle term of the Year o Yoga  Yoga is undoubtedly the ‘in’ thing today. Gone are the days when people ran on treadmills and spent hours puffing and panting. The mantra for fitness has migrated over the years from the pricey gyms to silent yoga centres under thatched roofs. The trend was triggered after Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor attributed Suryanamaskaras for her ‘size zero’ figure. Not only does yoga help you get in shape, it also lets the mind relax and relieves stress. Daily exercises of yoga will also help in better breathing, provide flexibility and inner peace. It is a trend that has caught the imagination of celebs, youngsters and adults alik. 

The top 10 news of 2011

The top 10 news of 2011 Osama-bin-Laden dead Nearly 10 years after the traumatic 9/11 attacks, the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden was killed in special operation by US forces on May 1. US President Barack Obama himself announced the end of the massive manhunt for the Al-Qaeda mastermind that began during his predecessor George Bush's watch, in Pakistan's North Western Province in a US drone strike Sunday night. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983. Japan tsunami Japan was rattled on March 11 by the powerful earthquake and tsunami which claimed close to 20,000 lives across swathes of the eastern coast. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 150 miles northeast of Tokyo, was severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami with its crucial cooling systems knocked out, resulting in a series of explosions, meltdowns - and the world’s worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Gaddafi dead The Libyan ruler Colonel Gaddafi was killed, as his hometown of Sirte was overrun by the forces of the National Transitional Council on October 20. Initially it was unclear if he had been killed or just captured, but slowly gruesome mobile phone pictures emerged which showed beyond doubt that Gaddafi was dead. Revolution in Egypt Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak resigned from his post on February 11 after reigning for 30 years. His departure came after weeks of protest in Cairo and other cities across the country. The revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters, with at least 846 people killed and 6,000 injured. Tech world loses Steve Jobs The tech world, was plunged into mourning as the Apple's founder Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. The tributes flowed from world leaders and IT tycoons alike for a man held up alongside the likes of Thomas Edison for the way his creations changed our way of life. But it was the commemorations from Apple's legions of fans that seemed even more poignant. Anna Hazare's August fast Social crusader Anna Hazare sat on fast unto death on August 16 from Tihar jail and later at Ramlila Maidan on August 20 for a strong Lokpal. Thousands of Anna supports gathered at the venue to support the anti-corruption activist. Anna broke his fast after government assured that the Lokpal bill will be introduced in the winter session of the parliament. Sikkim earthquake At least 68 people, including 39 in Sikkim, were killed in the powerful earthquake that triggered widespread landslides and road blockages making rescue work on September 19 more difficult in the worst-hit Himalayan state. Many buildings in and around Gangtok have collapsed and around 85 per cent structures and houses have developed cracks due to the quake. Modi's 'Sadbhavana fast' Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Sadbhavana" (goodwill) movement and observed three-day fast from September 17 to 19. Many people saw it as a political stunt to highlight his achievements and clear his name from the Gujarat riots case. Country's population reaches 1.21billion According to the census report, India’s population in 1901 was about 238.4 million, which has increased by more than four times in 110 years to reach a population of 1,210 million in 2011. The growth rate of population for India in the last decade was 17.64%. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983.

All Gods, Rishi Muni in Single Pic.......

Sehwag scores 219, smashes Sachin's record of highest ODI score

Sehwag scores 219, smashes Sachin's record of highest ODI score Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag have an uncanny resemblance in the way they appear in their cricketing gear. They have been two of India's biggest batsmen. But now Tendulkar and Sehwag have a lot more in common, an ODI double-century each. They are the only two cricketers to have achieved the magic figure of 200 or more. While Tendulkar made his 200 in 147 balls, Sehwag eclipsed the score in 140 balls with 23 fours and 6 sixes. Headlines Today made a look at the pace in which the two greats crossed mini milestones on way to their respective double tons. On his way to 200 against South Africa in Gwalior on February 24, 2010, Tendulkar achieved his 100 in 94 balls with 13 fours. His 150 came from 118 balls with 22 fours and 1 six. He became first cricketer to score 200 in ODIs, made from 147 balls and studded with 25 fours and 3 sixes. Sehwag's 100 came in just 69 balls with 10 fours and five sixes, 150 in 112 balls comprising 16 fours and 5 sixes and 200 from 140 deliveries with 23 fours and 6 sixes. Sehwag's innings ended at 219 as he tried to hit a six on Pollard's delivery. He achieved his individual score with the help of 25 fours and 7 sixes in 149 balls. Incidentally, both the double centuries came in Madhya Pradesh. Highest individual scores by a batsman in one day matches (ODI). Batsman (Country) Score Balls 4s 6s Versus Venue Date Virender Sehwag (India) 219 149 25 7 West Indies Indore 8 Dec 2011 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 200* 147 25 3 South Africa Gwalior 24 Feb 2010 Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) 194 146 22 5 India Chennai 21 May 1997 Charls Coventry (Zimbabwe) 194* 156 16 7 Bangladesh Bulawayo 16 Aug 2009 Vivian Richards (West Indies) 189* 170 21 5 England Old Trafford 31 May 1984 Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) 189 170 21 5 India Sharjah 29 Oct 2000 Gary Kirsten (South Africa) 188* 159 23 4 UAE Rawalpindi 16 Feb 1996 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 186* 150 20 3 New Zealand Hyderabad 8 Nov 1999 Shane Watson (Australia) 185* 96 15 15 Bangladesh Mirpur 11 Apr 2011 MS Dhoni (India) 183* 145 15 10 Sri Lanka Jaipur 31 Oct 2005 Sourav Ganguly (India) 183 158 17 7 Sri Lanka Taunton 26 May 1999 Vivian Richards (West Indies) 181 125 16 7 Sri Lanka Karachi 13 Oct 1987 Mathew Hayden (Australia) 181* 166 11 10 New Zealand Hamilton 20 Feb 2007 Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe) 178* 167 17 4 Kenya Harare 18 Oct 2009 Paul Stirling (Ireland) 177 134 21 5 Canada Toronto 7 Sep 2010 Kapil Dev (India) 175* 138 16 6 Zimbabwe Tunbridge 18 Jun 1983 Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) 175 111 21 7 Australia Johannesburg 12 Mar 2006 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 175 141 19 4 Australia Hyderabad 5 Nov 2009 Virendra Sehwag (India) 175 140 14 5 Bangladesh Mirpur 19 Feb 2011 Mark Waugh (Australia) 173 148 16 3 West Indies Melbourne 9 Feb 2001 Craig Wishart (Zimbabwe) 172* 151 18 3 Namibia Harare 10 Feb 2003 Adam Gilchrist (Australia) 172 126 13 3 Zimbabwe Hobart 16 Jan 2004 Lou Vincent (New Zealand) 172 120 16 9 Zimbabwe Bulawayo 24 Aug 2005 Glenn Turner (New Zeland) 171* 201 16 2 East Africa Edgbaston 7 Jun 1975 Dave Callaghan (South Africa) 169* 143 19 4 New Zealand Centurion 11 Dec 1994 Brian Lara (West Indies) 169 129 15 4 Sri Lanka Sharjah 16 Oct 1995 Robin Smith (England) 167* 163 17 3 Australia Edgbaston 21 May 1993 Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) 166 135 12 10 Ireland Aberdeen 1 Jul 2008 Ricky Ponting (Australia) 164 105 13 9 South Africa Johannesburg 12 Mar 2006 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 163* 133 16 5 New Zealand Christchurch 8 Mar 2009 Shane Watson (Australia) 161* 150 12 4 England Melbourne 16 Jan 2011 Andrew Hudson (South Africa) 161 132 13 4 Netherlands Rawalpindi 5 Mar 1996 James Marshall (New Zealand) 161 141 11 4 Ireland Abderdeen 1 Jul 2008 Imran Nazir (Pakistan) 160 121 14 8 Zimbabwe Kingston 21 Mar 2007 Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) 160 124 20 3 India Rajkot 15 Dec 2009 Dinesh Mongia (India) 159 147 17 1 Zimbabwe Guwahati 19 Mar 2002

Some Common Treatment HEART -: It is possible to even reverse the heart problems by not using oil or ghee at all, by taking only boiled vegetables, doing simple exercises, and by living a tension free life. Remember all spices and dry fruits produce cardiovascular diseases. Daily intake of a quarter tablet of Aspirin, (under medical advise/supervision) avoids chances of heart attack. Eat ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing) along with one large raisin (kishmish) every day. If you suffer from heart pain, boil ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder in 1 cup water. Drink thrice daily. For heart palpation, boil ¼ teaspoon powdered cardamom (chhoti elaichi) seeds in thin tea water and drink. Regular intake of ripe bananas strengthens the heart. DIET -: Have a pleasant environment at mealtime. Distribute eating over 4-5 meals rather than 3 meals. Breakfast is a very important meal, and should not be skipped. Limit the salt and sugar intake. Reduce the amount of pickles, papads, chutneys, chocolates and large helpings of desserts. Have sweets/desserts only at the end of the meal and not during meals. Reduce the amount of spices added while cooking to prevent the risk of acidity/ulcers. Avoid the feeling of heaviness by eating small meals - avoid overeating. COMMON COLD -: If you want to try alternative treatment for common cold, then Cumin seeds could be your answer. Add two tbspoons cumin seeds to 4 1/2 cups of water. Let it boil for a minute. Then allow the water to cool and drink a glassful, twice a day for a few days. Chicken Soup is good for common colds and getting rid of cold in winter. Preparing Chicken Soup: Pressure cook two chicken thighs (with skin) along with 4 cloves of garlic, 1 inch piece of ginger and a few sprigs of Cilantro for 10 minutes. Season with salt before cooking. Remove skin and bones from the chicken. Serve hot. Sip hot "Ginger Tea" for clearing up a cold. CONSTIPATION -: A glass of hot tap water with a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon/lime juice might do the trick. Eat a banana at night. Increase your dietary fibre content by eating fibre rich foods - fresh fruits and vegetables. STOMACH ACHE -: Rub a little Asafoetida on the stomach around the navel. Use a hot-water bag on your stomach and lay on your stomach. Ajwain seeds have been known to cure or lessen a stomachache. Chew on a few ajwain seeds. Then drink a cup of hot water. Ginger also helps. Have ginger tea without milk and sugar. FEVER -: The juice of the Sweet basil or Tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. ACIDITY -: Try chewing on a clove. Eat a piece of Jaggery or Gur after lunch/dinner. SMALL CUTS -: Turmeric powder has been used as an antiseptic for years. Use clean turmeric powder (not one that is in a frequently used spice box) to heal a small cut. TOOTHACHE -: Chew on a piece of clove to relieve a toothache temporarily.

LORD KRISHNA

    Lord Krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura, India to Devaki and Vasudeva in the jail cell of the tyrant Kamsa. The place of His birth is known as Sri Krishna Janmasthana. He appeared with His brother Balarama in response to the demigods' prayers for protection from the widespread influence of demonic administration on earth. Previously, the demigods and demons had been at war in the heavens. When the demons were defeated by the demigods, they decided to instead attack this planet earth. Thus, they invaded the earth by discretely taking birth as princes in powerful royal families of the time. And as the earth became overrun by milit-     aristic activities of these kingly demons, the demigods including the Earth goddess earnestly sought Lord Visnu's protection. Seeing the deteriorating social and political conditions and hearing the prayers of the demigods, the all-compassionate Supreme Lord Sri Krishna decided to descend for the benefit of all. The Supreme Lord descends from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. In His Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna promises: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear milleniumm after millenium." Although eternal the Lord appears in specific circumstances out of mercy for His devotees. In fact, His principal biography, the Srimad Bhagavatam states, "the learned men describe the births and activities of the Unborn and Inactive." Therefore, although He appears within the material dimensions of time and space, He is most definitely not of it. Historically, Lord Krishna appeared on the midnight of the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 BC. He exhibited His pastimes for a little over 125 years and dissappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. (His departure marks the beginning of the current age of corruption known as Kali. The great scholar Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti neatly outlines Lord Krishna's activities in this way: the first three years and four months were spent in Gokula, then equal lengths of time in Vmdavana and Nandagram, eighteen years and four months in Mathura, and finally ninety-six years and eight months in Dvaraka totalling 125 years of manifest pastimes. See the Krishna-lila chart. Lord Krishna's early pastimes are briefly summarized at the website Krishna's Adventures in Vraja"During this childhood time , He grew up as the son of His foster parents Nanda and Yasoda in the midst of the idyllic beauty of Gokula, Vrindavana, and Nandagram. Not only did He destroy numerous demons, but also performed His famous rasa dance.       Krishna enjoyed the dance of love (rasa-lila) with the gopis many of whom are expansions of His own internal energies. The supreme gopi known as Srimati Radharani is the object of Krishna's highest devotion. This beautiful dance would occur in the autumn season at night under a full moon when Lord Krsna would captivate the young gopis with the extraordinary music of His flute . These esoteric pastimes constitute the most confidential expression of divinity ever revealed. Usually the conception of sprirtual perfection consists of overwhelming feelings only of awe and reverence at God's majesty. However, in these pastimes each devotee loves God either as a master, a best freind, a mischievous son, or even as an intimate lover, thus revealing the infinite possibilities of divine love. These early pastimes of Lord Krsna in Vrindavana illustrate the extraordinary intimacy that one can have with God. These pastimes are described in detail by Sri Visvantha Chakravarti in his Sri Krishna Bhavanamrta Mahakavya. When Krishna and Balarama were older, They were invited to Mathura, where Karnsa, Their demonic uncle, was planning Their death in a wrestling match against two large and powerful wrestlers. When Kamsa saw his wrestlers defeated, he ordered his friends to drive the brothers out of Mathura, plunder the riches of Their cowherd friends, and kill Their fathers, Nanda and Vasudeva. However, Krishna immediately killed Kamsa and Balarama killed his eight brothers. Lord Krishna then established the pious King Ugrasena as the emperor of several kingdoms. In Mathura, both Krishna and Balarama were initiated by Gargamuni in the Gayatri mantra> Later They went to live under the care of Sandipani Muni who instructed Them in all the Vedic arts and sciences in sixty-four days and nights especially in military science, politics and spirituality. As an offering (guru-daksina) to Their teacher, They recovered his son from death. Although God does not need instruction from anyone else, Lord Krsna and His brother set the perfect example : one must accept instruction from and serve a bona-fide spiritual master to advance in spiritual life. For the next eighteen years, They continued to live in Mathura halting the impending threat of many demonic kings. Later in Their pastimes Lord Balarama married a princess named Revati. Lord Krsna married many queens, the foremost among them being the extraordinarily beautiftil Queen Rukmini. (See Sri Rukmini website for the story of Their marriage). Both Krishna and Balarama established Their palaces in Dvaraka off the coast of western India, where They enjoyed married life for many years. Although they were married, Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama exhibited the quality of detachment from material life perfectly. When They were about ninety years old, the great world war of Kuruksetra took place. This climactic battle brought together all the major world leaders. Lord Krsna took the role of a charioteer on the side of the pious Pandavas, while Lord Balarama refusing to participate went on a pilgrimage tour thereby blessing the entire land of India. At the start of the war, Lord Krishna displayed His stupendous Universal Form delivered His famous message known as the Bhagavad-gita, literally the Song of God. This Song contains the essence of all knowledge having been spoken by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna Himself. This war concluded with the destruction of the demonic kings and the reinstatement of the righteous Pandava princes. Having completed Their mission, Balarama and Krsna resumed Their life in Dvaraka where They spent some thirty-five more years before ending Their earthly manifest activities The foremost description of Lord Krishna's activities occurs in the Srimad Bhagavatam, literally "the Beautiful Book of God.   Aarti of Lord Krishna Jai shri krishna hare, prabhu jai jai girdhari | Danav dal balihari, go dhij hitkari || Jai govind dayanidhi goverdan dhari | Vanshidhar banvari, brij-jan pyrekari || Jai shri krishna ............ Ganika gidha ajamil gajpati bhayhari | Aarat aarte hari, jai mangal kari || Jai shri krishna .......... Gopalak gopeshvar, dropti dukhhari | Shabar suta sukhkari, gautam tiye tari || Jai shri krishna ........... Jaan parehlad parmodak, narhari tanu dhari | Jaan maan rajjankari, diti sut saghari || Jai shri krishna ............ Titimbha sut sarshak, rakshak majhari | Pandu suvar shubkari, koravm maad hari || Jai shri krishna ........... Manmat manmat mohan, murli rav kari | Varndavipin vihari, yamuna taat chari || Jai shri krishna .......... Aad bak baki udharak, tarvant tari | Bidhi surpati madhari, kas mukatkari || Jai shri krishna ......... Shesh, mahesh, sarvati, gun gavat hari | Kal kirti vistari, bhagt bhiti hari || Jai shri krishna ......... 'Narayan' sharnagat, aati ada adahari | pad raj pavankari, chahat chithari ||

LORD SRI RAM

    Ram is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana epic. The Ramayan is the very soul of India. It is a complete guide to God-realization, the path to which lies in righteousness. The ideals of man are beautifully portrayed in it. Everyone should emulate those ideals and grow into ideal human beings and ideal citizens. Ram took birth to free the earth from the cruelty and sins of the demon King Ravana (Ravan). Ravana had practiced austerities in order to propitiate Shiva and Brahma, who had granted him immunity from being killed by gods, gandharvas or demons. One of the gods had to take on a human form in order to be able to defeat Ravana. Ram was born as the first son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. Ram's mother was Kausilya. Ram had three brothers : Bharata (Bharat) born from the second wife Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana (Lakshman) and Shatrughna born from the third wife Sumitra. One day Saint Vishwamitra visited Ayodhya and asked Dashratha to send Ram and Lakshmana with him because the Yakshini (demon) Tarka - with her two sons Mareech and Subahu - were terrifying him and the other saints at his ashram. They were not letting them worship and meditate. Ram went with Lakshmana and Vishwamitra to kill Tarka. On the way to Saint Vishwamitra's ashram there was a dense forest. When they entered the forest Tarka came to kill them but Ram killed her and her son Subahu with a weapon given to him by Vishwamitra. Ram also shot an arrow at Mareech and threw him 100 yojan far away. Later Ram went with Saint Vishwamitr to Mithila where the wise King Janak ruled. King Janak had organized a svayamvaraa (an acient custom wherein the bride chose her husband of her own accord from amongst a number of suitors). It was announced that whosoever will bend the bow of Lord Shiva will marry King Janak's daughter Sita. Sita was an incarnation of Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. But none of the suitors was able to lift Lord Shiva's bow, except Ram. Ram lifted the bow with his one hand and bended it so hard that it even broke.       So Ram got married to Sita, and his brothers got happily married to Sita's sisters. After returning and living happily in Ayodhya the old King Dashrath decided that it was time to give his kingdom to his beloved son Ram. There Kaikeyi, the third and youngest wife of the King, claimed the throne for her son Bharat. A long time before the young Queen had saved the King's life and he had promised to fulfill her two wishes. Manthara, the crooked and evil-minded maid-servant of Kaikeyi influenced the queen to claim her wishes now in favor of her son and to request Dashrath to banish Ram from the kingdom for fourteen years, and to install Bharat on the throne instead. The King was shocked, his heart was broken, but he knew that truth isthe highest Dharm, and that he had to fulfill his promise to his wife. So Ram went to exile happily, knowing that to obey and serve his father was the highest duty of a son. After Ram left to the forest, Dashrath died from the pangs of separation from his beloved son Ram. Bharat went to the forest to meet his brother Ram and to request him to come back to Ayodhya. When Ram refused to return, in honor of the promise to his father, Bharat took Ram's "khadau" (wooden sandals) and placed them symbolically on Ayodhya's throne. Until his brother returned from the exile Bharat served the kingdom as a true and honest caretaker of Ram. Once Surpnakha, the sister of Ravana, passed by the place where Ram was living. She saw Ram and became impressed by his beauty. She transformed herself into a beautiful lady and went to Ram and asked him to marry her. When Ram refused and told her he is already married to Sita, she became angry. Coming back to her original form she ran towards Sita to kill her. When Lakshman saw that he cut her nose and one ear. Surpnakha then send her brother Khardushan with fourteen thousand rakshasas to avenge her. But all were killed by Ram. Surpnakha now sought vengeance through her older brother Ravana, but only got his interest by pointing out that the beautiful Sita would be a fitting wife for him. Ravana lured Ram and Lakshman away from Sita by sending an enchanted deer of extreme beauty and then took Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. On the way, Jatayu, a vulture bird and old friend of Ram's father Dashrath, fought Ravan but was fatally wounded. He lived only long enough to tell Ram what had happened upon his return. In Lanka, Ravana tried to threathen Sita into marrying him, but was rejected again and again. Meanwhile, Ram made an alliance with the monkey King Sugreeva, who had been exiled from his kingdom by his brother Bali. Ram helped Sugreeva to regain his kingdom and in return Sugreeva raised an army of monkeys and bears, led by Hanuman. When they reached the sea, Hanuman flew across. On the way he had many adventures, which can be found on the Hanuman page. In Lanka, Hanuman promised Sita that help would come soon. When he was then captured by the rakshasas, Ravana ordered them to set fire to Hanuman's tail, wrapping it with oily rags. But Hanuman increased the length of his tail so much that there seemed no end to it. He escaped and used his burning tail to set fire to all of Lanka. Meanwhile, Ram's army had build a huge bridge between Lanka and the mainland. They crossed the ocean and attacked Ravana's army. During the battle, Lakshmana was heavily wounded, but he was cured by a magic herb which Hanuman flew all the way to the Himalayas to obtain. Not finding the herb at first, Hanuman brought the entire mountain just to be sure. Finally, all rakshasa generals were killed and the battle become a single combat between Ravana and Ram. Finally, Ram killed Ravana with a special weapon given to him by saint Agastya. This was a moment of great rejoicing. Ram and Sita were finally crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya, though people were doubting that Sita had preserved her virtue while being Ravana's captive, which is another story in itself.   Aarti of Lord Rama Shri Ram Aarti Shri Ramachandra kripalu bhaju man, haran bhav bhai darunam. Nav kanj lochan, kanj mukh, kar kanj pad kanjarunam Kandarp aganit amit chhavi, Navvnil jiraj sundaram, pat pit manahun tadit ruchi, Suchi naumi Janakasutavaram. Bhuj din bandu dinesh danav, dusht dalan nikandanam, Raghunand anand kand Kaushal, chandra Dashrath nandanam. Sir krit kundaltilak charu, udar ang vibhushanam, Ajanubhuj san-chap dhar, sangramajit kharadushanam. iti badit Tulasidas Shankar, shesh muni man ranjanam, Mam hridai kanj nivas kar, kamadi khal dal bhanjanam. Manujahi racheu milahi so bar sahaj sundarsanvaro, Karuna nidhan sujan silu sanehu janat ravaro. Ehi bhanti Gauri asis suni, Siya sahit hiya harshin ali, TuIsi bhavanihin puji-puni mudit man mandir chali. Jani Gauri anukal, Siya hiya harshu na jai kahi, Manjul mangal mul, bam ang pharkan lage.

LORD MAHESH

    Shiva is one of the gods of the Trinity. He is said to be the god of destruction. The other two gods are Brahma, the god of creation and Vishnu, the god of maintenance. The three gods represent the three fundamental powers of nature which are manifest in the world viz. creation, destruction and maintenance. These powers exist perpetually. Creation is going on all the time. So is destruction and maintenance. All three powers are manifest at all times. They are inseparable. Creation and destruction are like two sides of a coin. And maintenance is an integral part of the processes of creation and destruction. For example, morning dies to give birth to noon. Noon dies when night is born. In this chain of birth and death the day is maintained. To   indicate that these three processes are one and the same the three gods are combined in one form of Lord Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya has the faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva is married to the Goddess Uma. Uma represents frakriti which means perishable matter. Shiva's marriage with Uma signifies that the power of destruction has no meaning without its association with perishable matter. Destruction manifests itself only when there is perishable matter. Lord Shiva sits in a meditative pose against the white background of the snow-capped Himalayas in Mount Kailas.  His posture symbolises perfect inner harmony and poise, experienced by a man of Realisation. He is rooted in God- consciousness. He revels in the bliss of the transcendental Reality. Nothing disturbs him. The vicissitudes of nature, the challenges of life, the trials and tribulations of the terrestrial world do not affect him at all. He maintains perfect serenity, equanimity and tranquility in all environments and circumstances.        The snow-white background symbolises the absolute purity of mind. When the mind is disturbed, agitated, you do not see the divinity in you. Recognising your divine self is like seeing a reflection in a pool of water. When the water is dirty or disturbed you cannot see your own reflection. Only when the water is clear and steady do you recognize your reflection. Similarly, the divinity in you is lost in a pool of thoughts. If the thoughts are dirty (tamasic) or agitated (rajasic) you miss your divine Self. By spiritual practices you ought to raise your personality from its tamasic and rajasic states to the state, of sattwa. In the sattviic state when the mind is absolutely pure and steady you recognise your supreme Self. That is the state of Shiva in Kaila. On the auspicious occasion of MahaShivaratri, Shiva performs the ecstatic dance of realisation. In the dance pose Shiva is known as Nataraja. The dance symbolises the thrill of god-realisation. Beyond the realms of the waking, dream and deep-sleep states of consciousness. Beyond the ' experiences of the body and its perceptions, the mind and its feelings, the intellect and its thoughts lies the bliss of Godhood. Shiva reaches this state of Godhood and dances with the intoxication of supreme bliss  Shiva is said to have a third eye known as gyana chakshu. Gyana chakshu literally means eye of wisdom. The eye whose vision reaches beyond that of the two mortal eyes. The idea of the third eye is not to be taken literally to mean that a third fleshy organ exists in Shiva. It only means that Shiva has a divine vision of Reality. Your vision is confined merely to perceptions, emotions and thoughts but when you transcend the limitations of your body, mind and intellect you gain realisation of your inner Self. That is indicated by the opening of the gyana chakshu Shiva us also known as “Gangadhar”, Gangadhar literally means the carrier of Ganga (River Ganges). Shiva is said to carry the Ganges in his locks. Shiva is sometimes shown with his trident (“trishool”) in his hand. The “trishool” is a three pronged weapon which symbolizes the destruction of the ego with its three-fold desires of the body, mind and intellect. Shiva with his weapon indicated his victory over his ego and attainment of the state of perfection.  Aarti of Lord Mahesh Jai Shiv onkara, Prabhu jai Shiv onkara Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv ardhangi dhara, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Ekanan, chaturanan, panchanan raje, Hansasan GarudaSan Vrishvahan saje, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Do bhuj, charu chaturbhui dashmukh ati sohe Tinon rup nirakhte tribhuvan janmohe, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Akshyamala banamala mundmal dhari Chandan mrigmad sohai, bhale shubhkari, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Shvetambar Pitambar Bagambar ange, Brahmadik Sankadik Pretadik sange, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Kar madhye kamandalu au trishul bhari, Sukhkari dukhahari jagpalankari, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv janat aviveka, Pranavakshar men shobhit ye tinon eka, Om Har Har Mahadev.... Trigun svami ki arti jo koi nar gave Kahat Shivanand svami man vanchhit phal pave,

LORD VISHNU

Lord Vishnu, major god of Hinduism and Indian mythology, popularly regarded as the preserver of the universe. In the ancient body of literature called the Veda, the sacred literature of the Aryan invaders, Vishnu ranks with the numerous lesser gods and is usually associated with the major Vedic god Indra in battles against demonic forces. In the epics and Puranas-writings belonging to subsequent periods in the development of Hinduism-Vishnu (especially in his incarnations) becomes prominent. Some Puranic literature refers to him as the eternal, all-pervading spirit and associates him with the primeval waters believed to have been omnipresent before the creation of the world. So regarded, Vishnu is depicted frequently in human form, sleeping on the great serpent Shesha and floating on the waters. The concept of Lord Vishnu as preserver is comparatively late. It is based chiefly on two beliefs: humans may attain salvation by faithfully following predetermined paths of duty, and good and evil powers (gods and demons) contend for dominion over the world. Occasionally, the balance of power is upset in favor of evil, and then Lord Vishnu is believed to descend to earth in a mortal form (his avatar) to save humankind or the world. Ten such avatars (descents or incarnations) are commonly recognized, of which Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are the most important. Nine descents are thought to have already occurred; the tenth and last is yet to come. Scholars believe that Vishnu's role as preserver (or redeemer) arose from the characteristic practice of assimilating local legendary heroes and gods into the Hindu pantheon by attributing their deeds to one of the major Hindu deities. Representation Lord Vishnu is depicted as dark blue or black (his avatars appear in other colors). Normally, he is depicted with four arms: One hand holds a lotus; a second holds a conch; a third holds a discus (which always returns by itself after being thrown); and the fourth carries a mace. The petals of the lotus are believed to symbolize the unfolding of creation; the conch is said to symbolize that from which all existence originates; and the discus and the mace reputedly were obtained by Lord Vishnu as rewards for defeating the God Indra. Lord Vishnu is said to possess also a special sword called Nadaka and a special bow called Sarnga. His wife is Goddess Lakshmi (also known as Shri), goddess of beauty and fortune. He rides a huge creature, half bird and half man, called Gandara. His home is in a heaven called Vaikuntha (where the Ganges River is believed to flow from its source at Vishnu's feet). The god has a thousand names, the repetition of which is regarded as an act of devotion. Aarti of Lord Vishnu Om jai Jagadish Hare, svami jai Jagadish Hare, bhakt janon ke sankat, shan men dur kare, Om jai... Jo dhyave phal pave, dukh binse man ka, Sukh sampati ghar ave, kasht mite tan ka, On jai... Matpita tum mere sharan gahun main kiski, Tum bin aur na duja, as karun main jiski, Om jai... Tum puran Parmatma, tum antaryami, Parbrahma parmeshvar tum sab ke svami, Om jai... Tum karuna ke sagar, tum palan karta, Main murakh khal kami, kripa karo bharta, Om jai... Tum ho ek agochar, sabe ke pranpati. kis vidh milun dayamai, tum ko main kumati, Om jai... Din bandhu dukh harta, tum rakshak mere, Apne hath uthao, dvar pada main tere, Om jai... Vishai vikar mitao, pap haro deva, Shradha bhakti badhao, santan ki seva, Om jai... Tan man dhan jo kuchh hai, sab hi hai tera, Tera tujhko arpan, kya laga mera, Om jai....

LORD BRAHMA

    Lord Brahma is the first member of the Brahmanical triad, Vishnu being the second and Shiva, the third. Brahma is the god of creation and he is traditionally accepted as the Creator of the entire universe. An individual's subtle body is constituted of his mind and intellect, that is, his entire thoughts. Man's subtle body is responsible for the creation of his gross body and also the world that he experiences. The thoughts of an individual determine the type of physical body he possesses. The same thoughts are also responsible for the type of world that the individual experiences around him. As the thoughts, so the world. If a man possesses. good thoughts he sees a good world. If his thoughts are bad he sees a bad world. Yudhisthira, a virtuous man saw virtue everywhere, while Duryodhana saw vice everywhere. When thoughts are absent there is no world at all. In deep sleep there are no thoughts, no world. This phenomenon is true not only of the microcosm but of the macrocosm as well. The cosmic subtle body is the aggregate of all subtle bodies of all living beings. The cosmic subtle body called the Hiranyagarbha, is said to be the creator of the entire universe. This creator is Brahma. The manifested world of plurality has emerged from the unmanifest Reality. To indicate this Brahma the creator is described as being born from the navel of Vishnu as he is lying on the great serpent, Ananta in the milky ocean. One of the earliest iconographic descriptions of Brahma is that of the four-faced god seated on a lotus. The Lord has in his four hands a water-pot (kamandalu), a manuscript (Vedas), a sacrificial implement (sruva) and a rosary (mala). He wears the hide of a black antelope and his vehicle is a swan {hamsa). The description of Brahma like those of other deities of Hinduism bears a mystic symbolism. The lotus represents the Reality. Brahma sitting on the lotus indicates that he is ever-rooted in the infinite Reality. Reality is the foundation on which his personality rests. The four faces of Brahma represent the four Vedas. They also symbolise the functioning of the inner personpersonality (antahkarana) which consists of thoughts. They are the mind (manas), the intellect (buddhi), ego (ahamkara) and conditioned-consciousness (chitta). They represent the four ways in which thoughts function. They are the manifestations of the unmanifest Consciousness. The animal hide worn by Brahma stands for austerity. A seeker who desires to realise his godhead must first go through spiritual disciplines. Observing such austerities the seeker must carefully study and reflect upon the scriptural truths which are suggested by the manuscript (Vedas) held in one hand. Having acquired the knowledge of scriptures he must work in the world without ego and egocentric desires, that is engage in dedicated and sacrificial service for the welfare of the world. This idea is suggested by the sacrificial implement held in the second hand. When a man works in the world selflessly he drops his desires. He is no longer extroverted, materialistic, sensual. His mind is withdrawn from its preoccupations with the world of objects and beings. Such a mind is said to be in uparati. A man who has reached the state of uparati is in a spirit of renunciation. That is indicated by Brahma holding the kamandalu in his hand. Kamandalu is a water-pot used by a sanyasi-a man of renunciation. It is a symbol of sanyasa or renunciation. The mind of such a man which is withdrawn from the heat of passion of the world is available for deeper concentration and meditation. The rosary (mala) in the fourth hand is meant to be used for chanting and meditation. Meditation is the final gateway to Realisation. Through deep and consistent meditation the mind gets annihilated and the seeker attains godhood. A god-man maintains his identity with his supreme Self while he is engaged in the world of perceptions, emotions and thoughts. He retains the concept of unity in diversity. He separates the pure unconditioned consciousness underlying this conditioned world of names and forms. Brahma's association with a swan is most appropriate in this context.  A swan is described in Hindu mysticism as possessing the unique faculty of separating pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. It is reputed to have the ability to draw the milk alone and leave the water behind. Similarly does a man of Realization move about in the world recognizing the one divinity in the pluralistic phenomena of the world. Brahma is said to be the Lord of creation. The creator must necessarily possess the knowledge to create. Without knowledge no creation is possible. Hence Brahma is said to be wedded to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Life in this world is a manifestation of the three principles of creation, sustenance and destruction. In fact these three are interconnected. The apparent destruction is only an essential forerunner to creation. Destruction and creation go hand in hand. They are like two sides of a coin. For example, the destruction of morning is creation of noon and the destruction of noon is creation of night. This chain of continuous destruction and construction maintains the day. Similarly, the destruction of childhood is the creation of youth and the destruction of youth the creation of old age. In this process of birth and death the individual is maintained. Hence the three gods of the Trinity viz. Brahma, Vishnu and Siva representing creation, maintenance and destruction, are essentially one and the same. The above idea is well portrayed in Lord Dattatreya, in whose form the three gods are combined. Dattatreya has the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva to indicate that the three principles for which they stand are inseparable. Lord Dattatreya is shown with four dogs following him. The four dogs represent the four Vedas. A dog is one of the most faithful animals in the world and it follows its master in all environments and circumstances. So, too, the Vedas arc said to follow a man-of-Realisation in the sense that all his actions, thoughts and desires are in perfect accord with the principles enunciated in the Vedic textbooks. All creations arise out of vikshepa (thought disturbances). This vikshepa-sakti is Lord Brahma-the total mind-intellect equipment. Man, being essentially constituted of his mind and intellect, has already invoked this vikshepasakti and realised Brahma. Hence the worship and invocation of Brahma is practised by few. Yet there are a few shrines dedicated to Brahma. He is worshipped and invoked particularly by scientists and kings for generating more creative ideas to serve the world of men and matter. The rulers invoke the Lord in order to surrender their ego and produce plans and schemes to serve the nation. Similarly, the research scholars invoke creative inspiration and flashes of new thoughts revealing the secrets of nature. Lord Brahma is not popularly worshipped in India. This is so, because the idea of creation is repugnant to seeker of Truth since the creation of thoughts has veiled the infinite Reality. The attempt of all spiritual seekers is to destroy the existing thoughts and maintain the state of single pointed thought until the Reality is revealed. Hence, Siva (god of destruction) and Vishnu (god of maintenance) are worshipped more than Brahma. In fact, there are very few temples of Brahma-one in Rajasthan and another in Orissa -compared to innumerable shrines of Siva and Vishnu existing all over India.