STORY-TELLING : A Seva-yagna for Children! ~ Swami Chinmayananda

[Excerpts from letters and articles by Swami Chinmayananda]

Story telling is an art that should be cultivated by all parents. There is a treasure of joy for the story-teller and a heritage of good that the innocent tiny listener can gain from the story that is told to them. Children can be readily held in attention only by the mesmeric enchantment of the rhythm in the movements​ of the theme of the story. Create an environment of affection, tenderness, concern for other living beings, appreciation for the good and noble and recognition of beauty in things. This is the right time for the higher and nobler values of life to sink in. This can be done through Puranic stories, stories of great Saints and Sages, and mighty heroes of politics and science. They will learn how, in the confrontation of good and evil, the good ultimately always triumphs.

While listening to the story a child is in a different mode as children alone can be. They are thrilled by their love for the fantasia. Their imagination lights up and their wide eyed joys are kindled. Children are at such moments in the very lap of Nature gliding on incredible​ patterns surging in their own hearts!

The very story in the growing child will by itself instill the great truths and higher values of life as time passes on. Learn how to marshal the thoughts into a story-form. Learn to think the story out. Telling a story is different from reading a story. You must allow the theme and story to sink into you. Digest it well….More than the story, learn the “Art of building the Story!” Tell, never teach a story. Children learn more by a story well told than what we teach them through a story!

Introduce them to stories of Rama and Krishna. Stories about the spiritual giants of the world, their experiences and trials, their strength in overcoming temptations, the positive experiences of joy that they gained, may all be passed on to the children with appropriate emotions. The endless stories and analogies can take their minds on an independent trip to see for themselves a greater message of life and a larger value in life. When they ask questions about flowers, clouds, butterflies or frogs, be alert to spice your honest explanations with a hint about the play of God around us. Leave them with these small hints; don’t go into details.

Give the growing children an insight into the beauty of our culture through the enlivening stories of our eternal Puranas. Let them imbibe the spirit of Prahlada, Dhruva, Balaram, Krishna and Muruga. Let them be inspired by the life of Sankara, Buddha, Vivekananda and the child Ramana. Explain to them the general meaning of the Geeta verses. Explain to them Krishna-Gopas, Krishna-Arjuna to exemplify the need for surrender, service and sense of duty. Puranas are a treasure trove enough!!

Story-telling is very effective for children. Become the greatest story-teller for children. It is an art in itself. Very few can do it. It is a God-given blessing. Cultivate it. Develop it. India needs it. World is waiting for it. The national history, geography, philosophy, social customs, plants, birds, mountains, rivers, sacred places, character, ideals — all can be woven into them and held up for our children. (In character depiction) throw a little more colour into the emotions — bring out all emotions vividly. Our children must shed tears, weep in sympathy, love, affection, tenderness, devotion, obedience; sigh in relief; heave in the heroism felt, courtesy shown and goodness manifest. Make them weep — pant — surge — ready-for-action — ready-for-sacrifice. It is in these deep reactions that children get these qualities ever fixed upon their heart. Let them not forget that this was our Bharat, where Rama – Lakshmana – Bharat represent the ideal Hindu, the perfect Aryan, the exemplary Indian Janata. Guha and others represent the perfect people. Paint it thicker….take them all along the path of emotional ups and downs, through ashramas, river-beds, mountains — pause them to watch flowers, trees, tendrils, animals, insects — point out to them moon, sunrise, stars, sky, clouds — never forget even for a moment the innocent, wide-eyed, children of tomorrow gazing at you from all sides. Be in tune with the children and talk to them. Let hundreds of innocent chubby faces be uplifted to you all around!

This is really a glorious sadhana! A splendid Seva-yagna for the children!! Tell, never preach a story!!!

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Tulasi and Saligrama

Lord Indra and Deva-Guru Brihaspati, were on their way to Kailasa to offer their salutations to Lord Shiva. Lord Sankara decided to test Indra’s devotion. He disguised himself and met them enroute. Angered at being blocked on their path, Indra asked him to move away. When Shiva refused to move, Indra took up his weapon, Vajrayudha and tried to hurl it at Shiva. The Lord was extremely angry at Indra’s behaviour and was about to punish him when Brihaspati pleaded on Indra’s behalf and sought forgiveness. The fire-of-anger that emanated from Lord Shiva crystallized and fell into the ocean and out of it emerged a small boy. Brahma, the creator appeared and asked Lord Varuna to look after the child who would ultimately become a rakshasa because of the anger element from which he had manifested. He was named Jalandhara (born or arose from water). Since he was an aspect of Lord Shiva, his death was also destined at the hands of Lord Shiva. Trained by the Rakshasa-Guru, Shukracharya, Jalandhara grew up to become very powerful and mighty.

Gandaki was an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Hari. Pleased with her faith and devotion, loyalty and commitment, Lord Vishnu granted her darshan and asked her what she wanted as a boon. Gandaki told the Lord she had only one wish and that was that she should always have the privilege of his association and he should never leave her. The Lord agreed and told her to take the form of a river – River Gandaki. He added that sometime in the future, he would be cursed to become a “stone”. And as a “saligrama stone” he would reside in her waters. 

On the other side, Jalandhara married Vrinda, the daughter of Kalanemi. She was also a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. She ardently longed for the eternal companionship of the Lord. However she had been cursed to take birth in the mortal world and become the consort of a rakshasa. When she approached the Lord, he assured her that after she was relieved from the curse, she would constantly be in his company. Thereafter, she was born as the daughter of Kalanemi and married Jalandhara. She was extremely faithful and loyal to her husband. The power of her purity and chastity was an armour and protection for Jalandhara. Knowing well that he was invincible because of his wife’s chaste conduct, Jalandhara waged war on the devatas and declared his superiority and lordship over them as well. Unable to withstand Jalandhara’s atrocities, all the gods approached Lord Vishnu. However Lord Vishnu could not annihilate Jalandhara because he was protected by his own devotee, Vrinda. Next the devatas sought help from Lord Shiva. A fierce battle ensued between the Sankara and Jalandhara. Even Lord Shiva could not kill him because of Vrinda’s intense tapas. Again the devatas appealed to Lord Vishnu to help them otherwise Jalandhara would create havoc amongst the noble and pious. 

For the sake of everyone’s welfare, Lord Vishnu approached Vrinda in the guise of Jalandhara. Thinking that it was her own husband who had come back from the battle, Vrinda abandoned her tapas to serve him. Vrinda’s mind had been diverted and that was the moment Lord Shiva was waiting for. That very moment, the Lord annihilated the rakshasa. Vrinda who was aware that Jalandhara was invincible by the power of her tapas, realised that it was Lord Vishnu who had come in the guise of Jalandhara. Overwhelmed by anger she cursed Lord Vishnu to become a “stone”. After the curse was pronounced, Vrinda repented. She prostrated to the Lord and sought his forgiveness. Lord Vishnu smiled and consoled his devotee. All that had happened had to happen! The Lord told Vrinda that in the future she would manifest as a plant – the most auspicious TULASI PLANT. She would be revered and worshipped by one and all. She would possess the unique properties of bestowing good and positive energy and annulling the negative influences around. Every part of the plant would possess immense medicinal value. And she would be extremely dear to Lord Vishnu. His puja would be considered complete only with the offering of Tulasi to him. Further the Lord added that he would appear in the waters of River Gandaki or Narayani in the form of a black stone – Saligrama. 

After Vrinda dissolved her mortal body, she manifested as the Tulasi plant. And as Tulasi she became the eternal consort of Lord Sri Hari in the form of Saligrama and is therefore known as Vishnupriye. Lord Shiva exhaustively extols the glories of Tulasi to Sage Narada in the Padma Purana. Every year, Tulasi Vivaha with the Lord (Saligrama) is celebrated on shukla dwadashi day (also known as Uttana Dwadashi) in the month of Kartika. Where the Saligrama is not available, a branch of the Amla which represents Lord Vishnu is used. Tulasi represents Goddess Lakshmi and Amla represents Lord Vishnu. Hence puja offered to Tulasi and Amla signifies the invoking of Lakshmi and Narayana during the month of Kartika. 

Kartika Maasa heralds the onset of winter. And winter is characterized by darkness, chillness, drop in energy and immunity levels. Growth and expansion is curtailed to a large extent at macro as well as micro levels. These shortcomings are compensated by ushering in light, warmth and positive energy by lighting lamps everyday. To strengthen our immunity system and fight the cold we use the Tulasi and Amla which have immense medicinal and therapeutic value. The warmth and light (energy) from earthern, brass, copper or silver deepas and amla deepas  boosts and reinforces the metabolism of the human body. Hence lighting the lamps, extensive use of tulasi and amla becomes very significant during this month. And by invoking the respective deities, the spiritual dimensions get included and incorporated!

“Jagaddhatri namastubhyam vishnoscha priyavallabhe; Yato brahmadayo devah srishtisthithyantha karinah!” ~ Tulasi Stotra
“Aajanmakrutha papanam prayaschittam ya ichati; Saligrama shilavari papahari namostute!” ~ Saligrama Stotra

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Devi Karpagambal of Mayil-puri!

Lord Brahma, the Creator had five heads and therefore he considered himself to be superior to Lord Shiva. Once when he went to Kailasa, he disrespected Lord Shiva. To teach him a lesson, Lord Shiva plucked off one of the head of Brahma and made the skull (kapala) into his begging bowl. Lord Brahma realized his mistake and undertook severe penance to atone for his mistake in a place called Shukra-puri (Shukracharya performed penance here and regained his lost eye) or Veda-puri (Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva here). Brahma installed a Shiva-linga over there and named it “Kapaleeswara.”

Parvati once asked Lord Shiva to explain to her the importance of the “Shiva Panchakshara”: Na Ma Si Va Ya which can be spelt in the reverse order also as Si Va Ya Na Ma! The Lord started explaining to her the significance of the mantra. However, Parvati’s attention got diverted to a flock of peacocks dancing beautifully. Her mind got carried away. Shiva was annoyed at her attitude and cursed her to become a peahen. She was ordered to go down to bhu-loka and perform tapas to redeem herself of the curse. Parvati came to Veda-puri and performed severe penance in the form of a pea-hen under a Punnai tree. After years of penance, Lord Shiva granted her darshan and she regained back her original form. The place became known as Mayura-puri (Mayura means peacock). Later the place came to be known as Mylapore, in Chennai.

Parvati after regaining her most beautiful and enchanting form decided to make Mayura-puri her abode along with Sri Kapaleeswara for the sake of devotees. She is known as Karpagambal (Karpagam: Wish-yielding tree and Amba: Mother). She stands there to fulfill all the wishes of her devotees. Lord Karthikeya prayed to Sri Karpagambal over here before fighting with Surapadma, and she blessed him and gave the sacred Sakti-Vel to him.  

Sivanesa Chettiar was a wealthy tradesman residing in Mylapore. He was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had a beautiful daughter by name Poompavai. One day while plucking flowers in the garden she died by a snake bite. The grieving father collected the ashes of her dead body and preserved it in a pot and waited for the great Saint Thirugnanasambandhar to come to Mylapore. When the Saint came to Mylapore, Chettiar met Thirugnanasambandhar and told him of his daughter’s demise. He pleaded with him to restore her back to life.

Thirugnanasambandhar prayed to Lord Kapaleeswara and Devi Karpagambal. Thirugnanasambandhar addressed the pot of ashes, “O Poompavai! The very purpose of human birth in this world is to be of service to the Lord and his devotees, and to witness the grand utsavam of Lord Kapaleeswara. If this be true, arise in the presence of all. Do you want to go away without witnessing the Lord’s utsavam?” The great Saint then sang the glories of the Lord and when he had just completed the tenth verse, Poompavai rose up from the ashes as though she had woken up from sleep! Everyone gathered there were overwhelmed at the grace of Lord Kapaleeswara and Sri Karpagambal and the greatness of Thirugnanasambandhar.

“O Devi Karpagambika, residing in the sacred kshetra of Mayil-puri (Mylapore)! You are the embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda! Pray, cast your divine compassionate glance on thy devotee!”

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Sri Poornathrayeesa: Santhaana Gopaala Moorthy of Tripunithura!

There lived a pious brahmana and his wife in Dwaraka. To their misfortune, they lost eight children. The moment a child was born to the brahmana’s wife, it ceased to breathe. The grieving father went to the gates of Krishna’s palace every time he lost a child, and cried out loudly as to why he had to undergo this suffering in the Lord’s own kingdom. Strangely, Lord Krishna, who is Iswara, the  Karmaphaladata or the “Dispenser of the Fruits of one’s Actions” remained silent.

When his wife was expecting the ninth child, the brahmana went to the gates of Krishna’s palace and in sheer frustration of losing even this child, he started using very harsh words against the Lord. Arjuna, the Pandava prince who had come to visit Krishna heard the brahmana’s words and got extremely angry. He immediately got up and went outside to meet the brahmana. Arjuna heard all that had happened and told him not to worry about the fate of the child to be born, and assured him of his protection. The brahmana however expressed his doubts, saying that even Krishna had not been able to save his children. Arjuna full of pride and vanity told him, “Don’t you know who I am? I am neither Krishna nor Balarama nor Pradyumna. I am Arjuna, the one who has received the grace and blessings of Lord Shiva and wields the great bow called Gandiva. I will surely protect your child from the jaws of death.” Krishna heard everything and smiled!

Very confidently Arjuna went along with the brahmana to his house and built a fort around the house with arrows so that no one, not even Lord Death can enter into the house. But the nineth child also died the moment it was born. Arjuna was shocked and when confronted by the brahmana, he told him again not to worry and went to all the worlds in search of the child. From Brahmaloka to Patalaloka and even upto Yamaloka. But Arjuna was unable to trace the child. He came back very dejected and disappointed. Totally humbled and crestfallen, Arjuna felt very guilty that he was unable to keep up his words and decided to end his life by entering into fire.

When Arjuna was about to enter the fire-pit, Lord Krishna arrived. He consoled him and assured him that the brahmana’s children will all be restored back to life. Krishna took Arjuna in his divine aerial chariot across the seven mountain ranges, across the seven oceans, across the seven continents to the abode of Adi Purusha, the Purushottama, the “Substratum for all things and beings”. Arjuna saw the great Adisesha shining like the white kailasa mountain with his thousand hoods. Reclining on Adisesha, was Lord Hari resembling the dark rain-bearing clouds and clad in golden yellow peetambara. The Lord had eight arms and was adorned with the Vaijayanthi mala. He was surrounded by his saktis and the celestial beings. Arjuna was overwhelmed at this divine darshan.

The Supreme Parabrahma, the Cosmic Universal Being, told Krishna and Arjuna that they were both Nara and Narayana having taken incarnation to accomplish the great and mighty task of “parithraanaaya saadhunaam, vinaashaaya cha dushkrutaam”. Totally humbled, Arjuna realized that this was all the Lord’s divine “leela” to destroy his pride and vanity. All the nine children of the brahmana were handed over to Krishna and Arjuna. Both of them came back and handed over the children to the brahmana couple. The couple were overjoyed and overwhelmed to see all their children back. They again and again prostrated to the Lord and sought His forgiveness for doubting His love and compassion. At this juncture, before leaving for Dwarka, Sri Krishna gave a beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu to Arjuna for the purpose of worship. In sheer gratitude, the Deity was addressed as SRI SANTHAANA GOPAALA MOORTHY – the “Saviour & Protector of Infants!”

Arjuna wanted to find a suitable place for installing the deity. He in turn invoked Lord Ganesha for help. Ganesha went in search and found the divine Poorna Veda Puri, the present Tripunithura (Kerala) most suitable. Ganesha himself decided to settle there. When Arjuna came looking for Ganesha, he found him in Poorna Veda Puri. Arjuna compelled Ganesha to shift to the South of the sanctum and Sri Santhaana Gopaala Moorthy was installed there. The sanctum was conceived in the form of a chariot. In this Kshetra, the unique feature is: Lord Vishnu is seated on the coiled body of Adisesha which serves as his asana. Adisesha’s five hoods serve as a canopy for the Lord. Shankha and Chakra adorn his two upper hands. The lower left hand rests on the asana and a lotus adorns the Lord’s right hand. The Lord residing in Poorna Veda Puri (Tripunithura) is known as SRI POORNATHRAYEESA, the Lord presiding over the three Vedas (Rik, Yajur and Saama) – the embodiment of the Essence of All Spiritual Knowledge.

“Poornathrayeesa Hare! Hare Krishna! Poornathrayeesa Hare!! Poornathrayeesa Hare! Hare Krishna! Poornathrayeesa Hare!!”

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