VaastuyogamGUJENG01150

Transcription

1 VaastuyogamGUJENG01150 st C o n n e c t i n g V a a s t u t o t h e 21 C e n t u r y u July 2014 u u Volume 71 u Pages 16 Welcome to the July 2014 issue of Vaastuyogam

2 A NATION S PROPHECY Inclusive Methodology of Mundane Astrology By Dr. Ravi Rao Mundane Astrology Editorial Contents 4 - Architect s Voice Mr. Bhanubhai Shah =Predict socio-politico-economic events of nations =Case studies of seven leading nations - China, Germany, India, Russia, U.K., U.S.A. =Categorisation of nature and scope of houses and planets for the first time = Birth charts of all 200+ nations in three formats - South Indian, North Indian and Western = An essential book to arrive at comprehensive, accurate prediction Book your copy now Through over Website : Also available in Leading Astro book sellers across India. Welcome to the July 2014 issue of Vaastuyogam. I am happy that our tour of the ancient cities of India the seven Saptapuris is going strong and is in fact on the verge of completion. Of the seven Saptapuris we have already dwelt upon Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya, Mathura, Kanchipuram & Haridwar. This month we focus on Dwarka. Ujjain, the last of the Saptapuris will be featured in our August 2014 issue. In this editorial I wish to think aloud and involve readers in my plans of widening the scope of Vaastuyogam. When I began this magazine nearly six years ago I was confident of achieving all the plans I had for Vaastuyogam; only one thing kept nagging my mind. Will there be a readership of a magazine relating to our Vedic times? Truth to tell, the readership response has been overwhelming. I am humbled by the seriousness and excitement that has greeted every issue. In the next few months, you will see changes being introduced in the format of the magazine as well as the content. I am planning to expand the ambit of the issue previewed by Vaastuyogam to include other related subjects. This will enliven debate & understanding of our ancient sciences as they influence and are in turn modified by the current age. I will keep you updated on the changes in the pipeline and look forward to your views and suggestions. Happy reading! Dr Ravi Rao 7 - As I See It COPING WITH CHAOS 10 - Corporate Logos Network Saptapuri Dwarka Design: ARM Communication Address : B-302, Balleshwar Square, Opp. Iscon Temple, SG Highway, Ahmedabad Gujarat, India Vaastuyogam B-302, Balleshwar Square, Opp. Iscon Temple, SG Highway, Ahmedabad Gujarat, India Phone : /85 Fax : Website :

3 4 5 ARCHITECT S VOICE Mr. Bhanubhai Shah The Vaastuyogam team met brothers Bhanubhai and Nitesh Shah at their Navrangpura office. Excerpts from the interview:- (Bhanubhai )We are three brothers. Myself, Bhanubhai Shah, K J Shah, my elder brother, who is a civil engineer and was working in AUDA but has since retired. Nitesh my younger brother who is a building designer and has to his credit over 500 small and big projects. We were born and brought up in Ahmedabad. Our father had no background of the construction industry; he was a manager in an insurance company. Business was as usual, with its difficulties until 1995 when the Ahmedabad realty market was severely affected and made a dent in the fortunes of most - if not all- in the builder community of Ahmedabad. Whilst there are always phases of bullishness followed by bearishness, for us 1995 was more than just a bottoming-out. I say this because it was at this time some of us builders began to look up to Vaastu to bail us out. As a rule, it is difficult for a builder to be truly Vaastu compliant. Being inquisitive, I began belving into Vaastu. This was not as easy as it may seem today, where we have nationally renowned Vaastu consultants at every street corner. Those days, Vaastu consultants were few and books on Vaastu were even fewer. One spoke of Vaastu with hushed skepticism yet looked up to Vaastu consultants as a charmed race that was privy to the deep secrets of the earth! My first tryst with a Vaastu consultant was an eye opener. He was from Jaipur and a very large-hearted man who shared his extensive knowledge ungrudgingly. The first thing that struck me was that Vaastu was a full-fledged science and there was nothing like any magic about it. This enthused me no end and I dived deep into the subject of course as a hobby and so as deep as an amateur can go! I read more than just a couple of books and persistently questioned many Vaastu consultants. I will now share some of my views on the subject. The Capital a project by Nitesh Shah - Mr. Bhanubhai Shah Mr. Nitesh Shah Firstly, Vaastu is a part of our hoary traditions and we must respect it as a larger agenda of respecting all our ancient Shastra. It is linked to our Puranic religion and is therefore respect worthy and an automatic claimant for our allegiance. (Nitesh) Unfortunately perhaps because of my ignorance of Sanskrit I was not able to study its original literature nor did I get the benefit of a formal training under an established guru. Yet, even in my limited Continued on page 5 ARCHITECT S VOICE Continued from page 4 understanding of the subject, I can assure the readers that Vaastu has straightforward postulations and instead of trying to win arguments, we can all benefit by sharing Vaastu knowledge and experiences and thereby garner benefits. Having said that, I must warn against half or I must warn against half or incomplete knowledge. This I feel is more dangerous than ignorance. In addition, although Vaastu rules may be simple their suitability to a particular site is always a matter of debate. I am aware of cases where implementing imperfectly understood Vaastu rules has landed people into avoidable misery. incomplete knowledge. This I feel is more dangerous than ignorance. In addition, although Vaastu rules may be simple their suitability to a particular site is always a matter of debate. I am aware of cases w h e r e i m p l e m e n t i n g i m p e r f e c t l y understood Vaastu rules has landed people into avoidable misery. Therefore, to repeat myself let me reiterate again that Vaastu is far to specialized a subject to be practiced by hobbyists and readers of few English language Vaastu manuals. There is an underlying logic to Vaastu that can only be mastered by serious and first-hand reading of the original texts in Sanskrit. This is my considered opinion after nearly 20 years of travelling the Vaastu path. (Bhanubhai )As a builder, I am aware that most builders rely on lip service to Vaastu as it helps them in selling their properties. As a rule, it is difficult for a builder to be truly The Capital a project by Nitesh Shah Vaastu compliant because a truly Vaastu compliant plot and a truly Vaastu compliant structure are a rarity and would surely spell the end of a builder s business if he chooses to remain truly and very faithful to all the Vaastu provisions. Why talk about flats or commercial complexes, even a fully compliant independent bungalow that will 100% satisfy three Vaastu consultants cannot be built. So, I will now come to a practical solution; a solution that many builders try adhering to today in Ahmedabad. Just as once can pass an exam with 35%, get a first class with 60% and a distinction with 70% so too buildings can get pass marks, first class and distinction in Vaastu. In Vaastu, if our homes are 60%, Vaastu compliant then I will give them pass marks and tell the owners that Continued on page 6

4 6 7 ARCHITECT S VOICE Continued from page 5 AS I SEE IT COPING WITH CHAOS they are lucky to be in a Vaastu compliant house. Therefore, when a builder is saying Vaastu compliant he does not mean 100%; he probably means 35% to 60%. Though I feel that unless it is 60% Vaastu compliant, it should not be sold as a Vaastu compliant flat/office/shop etc. Now, let me put one more rider. Once a Vaastu compliant house does not mean always a Vaastu compliant house! Even small alterations in the house can cause havoc to the Vaastu with heavy price. Therefore, to be truly Vaastu compliant one has to be wedded to the Vaastu principle, come what may. There is a small twist here. The people who shout from rooftops that Vaastu is nothing are the first to go running to a Vaastu consultant the moment the tide turns against them! Nevertheless, I must specify here, what are the components that could help get a 60% in Vaastu. One should be careful about water, toilets, staircase, kitchen, and the Brahmasthan. If you have these, five right consider your house a 60% Vaastu perfect Project by Bhanubhai Shah house. Moreover, leave the rest to God! Be content. Anger and Avarice are the two main enemies of a happy life. Final viewpoint. Supposing you respect me, even love me, and want to meet me but I am a continual smoker and drunkard and my house is perpetually filthy and stinking, even though you want to meet me, you will hesitate and try to avoid. So too, if you want to follow Vaastu, you too must abide by the straight and simple ways of a householder; maintain a clean home and heart and live a life of wholesomeness. Vaastuyogam begins a fresh series, As I See It wherein professionals from various streams will be invited to share their opinion on a better India. I hope that this multifaceted basket of opinion will bring to the table a viewpoint that is personal yet loaded with professional insight of the contributors. Scenario of Urban India Indian cities are overcrowded, overworked, and quite often a picture of victorious chaos. People, animals, bicycles, carts, cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles all share the same road spaces. Yet, amazingly albeit grudgingly - it all works somehow, though not most of the time. The 2011 Census indicates that almost 28% of the population of India resides in cities. They occupy more than 5,100 towns and over 380 urban agglomerations. The rapid rise of urban India areas is primarily due to the migration from villages by people in search of employment, education, and medical care. The municipalities, ruled over by corrupt bureaucracy and itinerant cooperators have not kept up in terms of infrastructure and in the process laid to waste whatever little there was to begin with. There remains a huge gap between the performance and expectations from the cities and their purpose of delivering employment opportunities, education facilities, hospitals, public parks and r e c r e a t i o n g r o u n d s. T h e r e i s n o synchronization between local bodies and central planners. The disorganized approach to urbanization has meant that the builders lobby have hijacked the urbanization agenda and ensured the disappearance of green areas from the cities. What is the way out? In a lighter vein the American comedian, filmmaker, and writer Woody Allen had once famously remarked, More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroad one path leads to despair and utter hopelessness; the other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. However, such a viewpoint cannot be adopted by us and we must look at ways and means to price open solutions that lay embedded within our matrix of ability. Continued on page 8 The Capital a project by Nitesh Shah Do I follow Vaastu? Have I consulted a Vaastu person? I will answer that with my true experience. I once took a Vaastu consultant to my house; the same chap from Jaipur and when he saw my house he said that this house has been designed by a very senior Vaastu consultant; it is almost faultless. Of course, there was no one I had consulted, but I told him Yes! My consultant is truly a senior most and powerful person. I said that to him because at that very moment I realized that it was God who had sent me to this house. I believe that God has been especially partial to me and so long as he is on my side, why should I be on the lookout for a Vaastu consultant or an Astrologer!

5 8 9 Continued from page 7 AS I SEE IT AS I SEE IT Continued from page 8 There remains a huge gap between the performance and expectations from the cities and their purpose of delivering employment opportunities, education facilities, hospitals, public parks and recreation grounds. There is no synchronization between local bodies and central planners. The disorganized approach to urbanization has meant that the builders lobby have hijacked the urbanization agenda and ensured the disappearance of green areas from the cities. Mahatma Gandhi declared that India lives in the villages and thereafter all the Indian state and central governments over the years not to spare funds for the cities. There has been little or no funding for urban India ant it has had to fend for itself with selfgenerated resources. Urban scenario in India is characterized by rapid change, massive interdependence, e c o n o m i c d i s r u p t i o n, u n e x p e c t e d consequences, and unpleasant surprises. Technological transformation and globalization often magnify or mask problems rather than solving them and dissuade us from traditional tools and techniques to sort out the mess. There has been the occasional innocent responses to the needs of population in urban areas. When we started planting trees to meet their needs, but there was nothing beyond that. Conclusion We focus so much on our differences, it that is creating, a lot of chaos and negativity and bullying. I think if everybody focused on what we all have in common there will be a headway out of the logjam we find ourselves in. We must first arrest the irresponsible growth of the cities that is fuelled by vested interests and powerful lobbies who are hijacking the development agenda for personal gain. We must first arrest the irresponsible growth of the cities that is fuelled by vested interests and powerful lobbies who are hijacking the development agenda for personal gain. There is no involvement for running municipal corporation schools. We must encourage and actively participate in there transformation. We must address the Continued on page 9 Urban scenario in India is characterized by rapid change, massive interdependence, economic disruption, unexpected consequences, and unpleasant surprises. Technological transformation and globalization often magnify or mask problems rather than solving them and dissuade us from traditional tools and techniques to sort out the mess. problem through institutional methods involve public in planning, through public body committee. I urge all the urban planning development authorities not just from government side but also architects, town planners etc to join such fora. For my part, I shall devote the Vaastuyogam platform to propagate these issues. Dr. Ravi Rao Dr. Ravi Rao was born into a family of astrologers in the non-descript village of Narsapur, ensconced along the banks of River Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. He grew up in an atmosphere charged with piety and learning, mastering his craft in the Indian way through a protracted and arduous apprenticeship under established gurus eventually picking up the finer nuances of predictions from astrological doyens during his extensive sojourns across India. Dr. Rao s legendary ground breaking and accurate intuition backed with an incredible track record of having aided companies notch remarkable turnarounds in their fiscal performances following Astro-Vaastu advice, Dr Rao is a most sought-after specialist when it comes to astrology, Vaastu and corporate affairs. His assignments have taken him to all the far corners of the globe including Australia, the Far East, U.S.A, U.K., Africa and the U.A E. This has added global perspective to his understanding of time and space. Dr. Rao is a professional full-fledged astrologer since over 25 years and specializes in corporate Astro-Vaastu analysis. He presently handles Fortune 500 companies assisting them notch peace and success through Vaastu, astrology and numerology. Dr Rao has been offering niche predictions on NASDAQ-BSE and has been quoted extensively in publications throughout the world. He is the founder chairman of AstroVaastu Research Centre; recipient of prestigious awards in Vaastu and astrology and publisher-editor of the vastly respected and widely circulated Vaastuyogam, a monthly newsletter on Vaastu and the Vedic Sciences. Dr Rao has had a long line-up of spectacularly accurate predictions in the domain of mundane astrology. He has recently published a book on Mundane astrology, A Nation s Prophecy which has received critical acclaim across India.

6 10 Vaastuyogam July Network 18 Changes hands CORPORATE LOGOS Introduction The Network18 Group is a media and entertainment company with interests in television, internet, films, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. Through its subsidiary 'TV18 Broadcast Ltd.' the group operates news channels - CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat (a Marathi regional news channel in partnership with the Lokmat group). TV18 also operates a joint venture with Viacom, called Viacom18, which Dwarka Reliance takes over Network18 Group houses a portfolio of popular entertainment channels Colors, Colors HD, MTV, Comedy Central, Vh1, Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the group s filmed entertainment business. TV18 has also forayed into the Indian factual entertainment space through A+E Networks TV18 (a joint venture between A+E Networks and TV18 Broadcast) and operates HistoryTV18. Through 'Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.' the group operates its digital, publishing and e-commerce assets including moneycontrol.com, ibnlive.com, in.com and firstpost.com. 'Network18' also operates e-commerce properties like HomeShop18 and bookmyshow.com and publishes Forbes India, the nation's first local edition of a foreign news magazine title, in collaboration with Forbes Media. In addition, through 'Network18', the group operates Network18 Publishing, a player in the special interest publishing space. 'Network18' has investments in Yatra, Stargaze and other Capital18 portfolio companies. In early 2012, Mukesh Ambani s RIL bought debentures in Network18 s promoter group companies, convertible into shares at any time within 10 years, infusing much-needed cash into Network18. This has now lead to Reliance Industries Ltd acquiring majority control (78%) of Network 18 Media and Investments Ltd, as well as a 9% stake of its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast Ltd. The board of RIL approved funding of around RS. 4,000 crore to Independent Media Trust (IMT), of which RIL is the single beneficiary, Network18 Group for the attainment of the group, according to a recent statement by the company. It has also been reported that Raghav Bahl, founding/controlling shareholder and managing director, Network18 has left the company, after an internal was quoted informing the Network18 employees he would be exiting the role. In our next month s issue we will investigate the current events at Network 18 and the probable role of its Corporate Logo in the whole affair. Watch this space next month! One of the seven holiest cities of India, Saptapuri Dwarka also called Suvarna Dwarka (Golden Dwarka) is located on the edge of the Kutch Peninsula, facing the Arabian Sea, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. A renowned pilgrimage destination, Dwarka, formerly called the Gateway to Western India, was an important sea port. One of the four original Maths founded by Adi Shankaracharya is in Dwarka. Both Shri Ramanujacharya and Shri Madhavacharya visited this place. It used to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna and the first capital of the state. Archaeological excavations indicate that Dwarka is built on four former cities. Much of Dwarka Temple the present town was submerged by the rising sea levels. There is evidence to suggest that the city was a large port at least as far back as the 15th century B.C. Saptapuri is the name given to the seven sacred cities associated with Hinduism in India. These seven holy cities are also referred as Sapta Moksha Puris and Seven Tirthas. The general belief is that by visiting these cities one escapes from endless cycle of births and deaths and attains moksha. Saptapuri is therefore also referred along with Char Dhaams as mokshadayika. The sacred cities in the Saptapuri are Kashi, Kanchipuram, Haridwar, Ayodhya,Ujjain, Mathura and Dwarka. Kashi is also known as Varanasi and is located in Uttar Pradesh.. Ayodhya and Mathura are in Uttar Pradesh. Kanchipuram is in Tamil Nadu. Haridwar is also known as Mayapuri and is in Uttarakhand. Ujjain is also known as Avantika and is in Madhya Pradesh. Dwarka is also referred as Dwaravati and is in Gujarat. Dwarka is an ancient city. Accordng to the Puranas it was built about 5,000 years ago by none other than Lord Vishwakarma. No wonder, the place finds mention in the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad-Gita, and the Continued on page 12

7 12 13 Continued from page 11 Skandpurana. It is believed that the present city of Dwarka is the seventh city, as Dwarka was destroyed and rebuilt six times before. The sacred place of Dwarka has been attracting visitors since long. Many renowned personalities that include, among others, Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Dwarka Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, Kabir and Nanak had visited the place at one time or the other. These well-known people, by their blessed presence, added much value to the already sacred place of Dwarka that even now continues to attract visitors from all parts of India. Ancient legends of Dwarka tell that the holy city was long ago entirely swept away by a great wave of water. This legend, disregarded by contemporary historians and archaeologists, has recently been given credence by findings of the new science of inundation mapping, which produces accurate models of ancient shorelines at specific dates. The legend has b e e n g i v e n f u r t h e r s u p p o r t b y oceanographic studies which have proven the existence of submerged temple structures off the coast of Dwarka. One of India's oldest and most venerated pilgrimage sites, Dwarka's archaeological and historical background is shrouded in mystery. Mythologically, Dwarka - or Dwaravati as it is known in Sanskrit - was the site chosen by Garuda, the Divine Eagle, who brought Krishna here when he departed from Mathura. Krishna founded the beautiful city and lived there for the remaining years of his life until he died (according to legend) in 3102 BC. However, scholars confer that the oldest parts of the Jagat mandir temple may only date to the reconstructions of the Gupta period in 413 AD. In the 7th century the sage Shankaracharya Lord Dwarkadhish established four great monasteries in the cardinal directions of the country (Sringeri in the south, Puri in the east, Joshimath in the north, and Dwarka in the west). This emphasis on Dwarka further increased its importance as a pilgrimage destination. The original temples were destroyed during the 11th century by Muslim armies; frequently rebuilt, they continued to be attacked by the Muslims through the 15th century. Continued on page 13 Continued from page 12 Besides being a Sapta Puri, a Dhama, and a Shankaracharya Mutt, Dwarka is also visited by large numbers of pilgrims because of its association with the great bhakti saint Mira Bai. One of India's most popular saints, Mira Bai renounced her splendid life as the wife of a powerful 16th century king to dedicate her days to the worship of Lord Krishna. Mira Bai followed the spiritual path known as Bhakti Yoga, which is characterized by a devotional love of God, Krishna visited Mira Bai to eat, sing, dance and play with her. Mira Bai lived the final years of her life in Dwarka and there wrote to Krishna her immortal poems of love. Attractions Dwarka Dwarka Dheesh Temple: The pride of Dwarka is the wonderful Dwarka Dheesh Temple, also called the Jagat Temple. The beautiful temple has five storeys and is believed to have been built by Sambha, the grandson of Lord Krishna. The Dwarka Dheesh Temple has two imposing gates Swarga Dwar and Moksha Dwar. The Swarga Dwar is used for the entry purposes and the Moksha Dwar is used for the exit purposes by the pilgrims. Built in Chalukya architectural style, the Dhwaja Aarohan Dwarakadeesh temple has a history of 2500 year old. The revered masterpiece was made in honor of Lord Krishna also worships Sathybhama Devi, Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Jambavathi Devi, Vasudeva, Rukmini Devi and Devaki. The five storied temple with 60 roof columns can only be entered through Swarg Dwar after taking a dip at the Gomti River. Continued on page 14 Rear View of Dwarkadeesh Temple Continued on page 12 Bet Dwarka - This is supposed to be the place where Krishna lived. This is the place where Krishna used to reside and this is the place where Lord Krishna met his friend Sudama and blessed him, there is a Peetha(Seat) where Lord Krishna met Sudama. The temple also has the main Dwarkadish diety which was believed to have been made by Krishna s chief Queen Rukmini and in which Meera bai merged and disappeared from the material world. There are boats available from Okha Jetty from where people are ferried to the Island which is approximately 30 Kms from Dwarka.

8 14 15 Continued from page 13 In the middle of the town is Dwarkadheesh temple. The five storyed temple is buit on 72 pillars. The temple spire is 235 ft. high. From the temple domes waves a multicoloured flag decorated by 84 feet long - Lord Krishna s great grandson Vajranabha who is said to have built the original temple of palace. The sanctum of the temple dates back at least 2,500 years. There are two entrances to the temple the main entrance is called Swargadwara. Outside this doorway are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. The main deity in this temple is Lord Dwarikadheesh on the centre avtar. To the right of the main deity there is a temple having the deity of Lord Baldev Ji. The temple to the left of the main deity hosts a big deity of Pradyumora and a small deity of Aniruddha, the son and grandson of Lord Krishna. Dhwaja Aarohan Dwarkadheesh temple is also known for its 52 yard long Dhwaja or flag. Devotees call it Dhwajaji or Shriji Dhwajaji. It is probably the longest flag in the world and it is hoisted four times a day. The Dhwaja is usually made of silk though there have been flags cast in gold as well. One can get a dhwaja from shops around the temple. The entire process from buying dhwaja to raising it on the temple cost around Rs 10,000. It includes dakshina to gugali brahmins. There is a heavy rush to offer dhwaja and it s all booked for the next two years. Other key temples at Dwarka are Trikamji Temple, Kalyanrai Temple, Patrani Temple, and Durvas Temple. Dwarka Peetha: Dwarka Peetha also called Sharada Peetha is one of the four dhams (shrines) of India founded by Adi Shankaracharya, the others being Sringeri, Puri and Jyotimath. Bet Dwarka: This is supposed to be the place where Krishna lived. This is the place where Krishna used to reside and this is the place where Lord Krishna met his friend Sudama and blessed him, there is a Peetha(Seat) where Lord Krishna met Sudama. The temple also has the main Dwarkadish diety which was believed to have been made by Krishna s chief Queen Rukmini and in which Meera bai merged and disappeared from the material world. There are boats available from Okha Jetty from where people are ferried to the Island which is approximately 30 Kms from Dwarka. Here, Harappan and Roman antiquities have been discovered. Besides, it is the place where Lord Vishnu had killed the Demon Shankharsura. Rukshamanee Mandir Rukshamanee Mandir is dedicated to the beloved wife of Lord Krishna, Devi Rukmani. Among all His 16,108 wives, Devi Rukmani was Lord Krishna s favourite. The Rukshamanee Mandir, which is also known as Rukmani Temple, features varied paintings of the 12th century on its walls. These paintings capture the time spent by Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmani. The temple is situated about 1.5 km from the main town, on the Okha highway. It is located on the banks of Bhagirathi River, which can be seen while travelling to Bet Dwarka. Due to the curse by Rishi Durvasa Rukshamanee Temple to Devi Rukmani, this temple is placed away from the main Dwarkadish Temple in the town. Tourists can travel to this temple by local buses, auto rickshaws or by foot. Krishna & Dwarka There are many myths & legends surrounding Krishna & Dwarka. Given below is an excerpt from Dwarka Krishna s Dhaam by the Sea by Subhadra Sen Gupta. She was born in Delhi and holds a master s degree in history and has been writing since college. She specializes in historical fiction / non-fiction, travel writing, detective and ghost stories as well as comic strips. Subhadra Sen Gupta has published over twenty-five books for children and adults. It all began when Krishna and his brother Balarama defeated and killed Kansa, their uncle and evil king of Mathura who had usurped the throne from his own father. Unfortunately, this meant that Krishna and Balarama made an enemy of Jarasandha, the powerful king of Magadha. Two of Continued on page 15 Continued from page 14 Jarasandha s daughters had been married to Kansa and so Jarasandha took a vow that he would not let Krishna live in peace. Krishna was a great king, wise and benevolent and there was happiness and prosperity in his kingdom that angered the bitter Jarasandha even more. He attacked Mathura 18 times and was defeated every time by Krishna, but Jarasandha refused to give up. Krishna was confident he could defeat Jarasandha again but years of conflict had exhausted his people and peace had fled from Mathura. Then the danger increased when Jarasandha s ally. Kalayavahan, the king of the Yavanas decided to attack Mathura from the west exactly when Jarasandha was gathering his army for the 19th invasion from the east. Krishna, a supremely pragmatic king, now chose to move away from this never-ending conflict. He wanted to avoid any more bloodshed and felt his subjects deserved to be free from this perpetual state of war. Therefore, he led his people across the land on a long exodus to the western coast of Saurashtra where he built Dwarka, a new kingdom by the Arabian Sea. The myths say Krishna & Dwarka Spot where Lord Krishna left for heavens Patan Prabhas near Somnath Temple, Gujarat The Yadavas battle each other at Dwarka that Krishna and his people were guided to Dwarka by the divine bird Garuda, the mount (vahana) of the Lord Vishnu. Krishna s choice for the location of his capital was strategic as a ring of hills protected Dwarka on one side and the sea on the other three... In fact, Dwarka never faced an attack by Jarasandha. Soon Dwarka became a busty port and a prosperous kingdom Krishna filled his cityfortress with magnificent palaces and gardens. The Mahabharata has many descriptions of this magnificent ancient city. However, one must remember that Dwarka was built by a king who was in retreat and so in Gujarat Krishna is worshiped as Ranchodji because of his flight from Mathura to Dwarka. Ran means battle and chod is to leave and Ranchodji is one who left a battle. Krishna s last days were darkened by hopelessness and tragedy. Gandhari, the mother of the Kauravas, had cursed him that just as she had to face the death of her sons, Krishna, too, would see the end of all that he had worked to build. And this terrible curse now came true. As he watched in horror, his beloved Dwarka became a decadent city where the men of his Yadava clan became steeped in debauchery. Continued on page 16

9 16 Continued from page 15 Balarama and Krishna has to ban drinking of wine. However, when they allowed the serving of wine during festivals in Prabhas Patan ( near Somnath temple) his clansmen began to kill each other in a drunken brawl. K.M.Munshi in his book Krishnavatara describes this final destruction of a once great clan. At that very sacred place, as Fate would have it, the Yadavas lost their judgment and drank the highly intoxicating sweet beverage Maireyaka by the filtrates of which the reasoning faculty is completely lost. When the arrows were being exhausted and the bows got broken and their weaponry was finished they pulled out Krishna & Dwarka and clenched into fists the eraka grass that grew abundantly on the shore as weapons. And lo! The eraka grass when they held in their fists became adamant like hand iron bars which they struck their adversaries. When forbidden by Krishna, they turned against him and attacked him. After Krishna s son Pradyumna and grandson Aniruddha were killed before their eyes, Krishna and Balarama withdrew into the forest of Prabhas Patan where Balarama breathed his last. Krishna s charioteer Daruka came in search of his master and Krishna ordered him to hurry to Hastinapur and request Arjuna to come and save the defenceless women and children of Dwarka from his enemies. Then Krishna fell to the arrow of a hunter who mistook him for a deer. The most complete of the avatars of Vishnu rode to heaven and was merged into the radiance of God. With Krishna s death, his kingdom also came to an end as a The Many Tirtha Yatras There are many pilgrim circuits in Hinduism connected to various deities. These are the most sacred and ancient ones Over the centuries Hindu pilgrims have developed many routes and journeys that meet their spiritual needs. These pilgrimages or tirthayatras are often connected to the god or goddess they venerate the most. There are ancient paths for the worshippers of Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva, the Devi or even the banks of a sacred river like the Ganges or the Narmada. Among the most sanctified are the seven Saptapuris, the four Chaar Dhaams of Lord Vishnu, the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva and the fifty one Shakti Peethas of the Devi. There are hundreds of tirthas, here we give you information about the most popular ones. huge tidal wave rose from the sea and swept away the palaces of fabulous Dwarka. The Bhagavat Puran says that Krishna had already predicted this end of Dwarka. Talking to his childhood friend Uddhava, he had said, The clan (of the Yadavas) already consumed as it is by the curse of a Brahmana will surely be exterminated by mutual infighting and the sea will overflow and submerge this city on the seventh day, when I am no more here With Krishna s death the third of the Hindu ages, the Dvapar Yuga ends and the last age of Kaliyug is said to have begun.