Mahabharat - Bhishma

Mahabharat is probably the best piece of fiction ever written, if it did not happen in reality. And if story of mahabharat is someone's imagination, then the writer must have got a divine gift. Here, we have an epic which is very interesting and yet it provides us so many teachings for life. In my opinion, all characters in Mahabharat are present to serve a purpose, whose presence seem to fit in effortlessly in whole scheme of things. In following paragraphs, a very important character, Devvrata Bhishma is explained.

Bhishma was son of Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga. Ganga had left Shantanu after giving birth to Bhishma, because Shantanu questioned her actions when she killed her new born sons. When Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati and wanted to marry her, but Satyawati set forth some condition which were unacceptable to him, knowing this, Bhishma given his word of honour to Satyavati to remained bachelor all through his life. This was the most Bhishma(maximum) of sacrifice, which prompted the world to call him as Bhishma.Thus taking this Bhishma Pratigya, Devvrata is known as Bhishma.

His truthfulness was such that whatever he spoke came true. He knew different types of martial arts. He forced Lord Krishna to take up the wheel of Arjun's chariot as a weapon, when he said that he will not take up any weapon during the battle of Mahabharat. Such was the skill of the great warrior, Bhishma. He was the most respected person in the kingdom of Hastinapur, and he was called Bhishma Pitamaha.

He served his step mother, then her son Vichitravirya, later his sons Pandu and Dhritarashtra as as he promised loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur. He was well aware of the weaknesses and flaws in the character of his grandsons, and could expect the tragedy that was sure to embrace the kingdom of Hastinapur. Bhishma was well aware of jealousy of Kauravas and especially Duryodhana towards Pandavas which he at times openly disapproved.

But even this righteous behavioru of Bhishma was taken some tilt towards Pandavas and dislike for Kauravas. But he kept quiet as a silent suffering head of the clan, lest his reproach could be seen as his disloyalty to Hastinapur. As a silent and helpless witness Bhishma suffered all the inhumanities which was done from throne of Hastinapur. He never entertained any thought to become king of Hastinapur, or to dislodge the weak and morally selfish successor to the throne. Only Vidura, the renowned scholar of his times, understood the plight of Bhishma.

Bhishma, Dronacharya, Vidura, Kripacharya, all righteous in their own way, were still at fault because, though helpless, they served and sided with the throne as they were tied to serve Hastinapur, but in the end, they found themselves on the wrong side of battleground. We may ask this question time and again, and may never get an answer as whether the loyality to throne is justified or helping the rightful? That makes Mahabharat even more fascinating read, where the most capable of warriors where pited against each other, are respected and relevant to today's times.

Edgbaston

Back to my favourite pastime of incorrectly predicting outcome of a test match. Well, this time I am betting on a draw and Australia dominating most part of it. Michael Hussey will be scoring big runs and Ian Bell will come good for England. Flintoff will struggle here.
Too many predictions, I am hoping some of them coming true.

तेल पे बखान

हिन्दी भाषा में तेल शब्द के इस्तेमाल पे कुछ पंक्तियों विचारणीय हैं . इन पंक्तियों में आप पायेंगे की तेल शब्द का विविध रूपों में कैसे इस्तेमाल हुआ है।
तेल लगाने से काम नही निकलने वाला है। (चमचागिरी)
वोह तेल लेने गया है। ( दयनीय अवस्था में है )
तेल्हंदा में चले गए। ( समान अर्थ)
बालू से तेल निकलना । (काफ़ी मेहनत करना)
उसका तो तेल निकल गया। (कठिन कार्य में फँस जाना)
कान में तेल दाल के सो जाना।

Why the kanwarias offer ganges water in the Shravana month?

The custom of carrying holy water from Sultanganj on Kanwar and offering to it Shiva started in the Treta Yuga - the silver age of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama had carried the holy ganges water from Sultanganj in a kanwar and offered to Lord Shiva at Babadham.

The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the deamons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva.

To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison.

Since, this happened in the month of Shravan, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month.

शब्दों का बढ़िया इस्तेमाल - एक सवाल

यद्यपि निम्नांकित पंक्तियाँ हिन्दी फ़िल्म के एक गाने से ली गई हैं , लेकिन शब्दों का इतना असरदार उपयोग कम ही देखने को मिलता है।

घड़ी थी अँधेरा मगर सख्त था, कोई दस सवा दस का वक्त था।

अगर ऊपर की पंक्तियों को ध्यान से पढ़ा जाए तो यह कहने की कोशिश की जा रही है की अँधेरा इतना घना था की कुछ नही दिख रहा था , इस बात को गाने के माध्यम से बिल्कुल ही अनोखे अंदाज़ में व्यक्त किया गया है।
अगर आप इस पोस्ट को पढ़ रहे हैं तो इस सवाल का जवाब भी दे दीजिये , यह किस फ़िल्म के गाने की पंक्तियाँ हैं ?

Vande he sundar mam sakha

This is the school song or Vidyalaya Gaan of my school, Netarhat. This has been written by our shriman jee, Mr. Saxena. This surely will evoke nostalgic moments to any NOBA who stops by this blog.

वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा,
वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट।

धन्य महाप्रांगण यह विंध्य प्रकृति क्रीड़ा का;
वन मे वनपशुओं का विचरण स्वच्छन्द यहाँ;
विहगों से कंठ मिला गाते नवगान सदा,
वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा।

उषा के साथ जगें,प्रतिदिन मंगलमय हो;
कार्य पूर्ण प्रतिपल हो,ज्ञान वृद्धि जनहित हो;
अंतरतर का मधुमय गाये संगीत सदा,
वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा।

तन मन जन प्राण मिला,नवयुग से नवगति ले,
संग पवन मेघ गगन,संग सूर्य चाँद संग;
तारे ग्रह चरण मिला,चलते नवचाल सदा,
वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा।

साधक हैं समता के,सत्य न्याय करुणा के,
हिन्द प्रेम सम्बल है,विश्व प्रेम साध्य बना;
जन-जन मे ज्योति जगे,सत चित् आनन्द सदा,
वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा।

पायें वरदान कि हों अंकुर तरु मे परिणत,
रस ले फल-फूलों से,स्वस्थ बने मानवता;
'शिव'हो कल्याण सखा,गूँजे जयकार सदा,
वन्दे! वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट सदा।
वन्दे हे सुन्दर मम सखा नेतरहाट।

Shrawan Mela

The month of Shrawan is the most important for the devotees of Lord Shiva. During this period, lakhs of devotees go to Baba Baidyanath temple. The devotees cover this journey on foot, and they are called Kanwariyas.

Kanwariyas start their journey from a place called Sultanganj, where the Ganges flows. It is from this place that the devotees collect water in their kanwars and carry the holy Ganges water, with the kanwars on their shoulders. They walk 109 km up to Baba Baidyanath temple at Babadham reciting Bol Bam on the way.

On reaching Babadham, the kanwarias first take a dip in the Shivaganga to purify themselves, and then enter the Baba Baidyanath temple, where the Ganges water is offered to the Jyotirlingam.This pilgrimage continues during the whole of Shravan for 30 days, during July-August. People from foreign lands also visit Babadham not only during Shrawan month but also during the rest of the year.

Some kanwarias cover this distance in one day running from Sultanganj to Deoghar, they are called "Dak Bams".

The sight on the way from Sultanganj to Babadham is of a 109 km long human chain of saffron clad pilgrims. It is estimated that within this period of one month around 50 to 55 lakhs pilgrims visit Babadham.

A trip to Madame Tussauds

Recently, I had a chance to visit Madame Tussauds wax museum and enjoyed a lot. This time new additions from India were Sachin Tendulkar, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan. The picture above of a lady in black dress is of Madame Tussauds. Though Madame Tussauds is known for life size replicas of noted figures, somehow replicas of Indian celebrities were a touch short in quality. Earlier, I have come across Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi and Aishwarya Rai, and they all look "not so real" to me. But anyway, there were a couple of americans hogging the limelight. Michael Jackson and Mr. Obama. They are also showing a figure of Madame Tussauds, which should have done earlier. I have got some photographs here. Enjoy.......

Netarhat - सर्वांगीण विकास

Netarhat School promoted every aspect of personality and equal importance was given to all aspects of a student's life, be it sports, be it fine arts, music, drama or athletics. We were not only taught the prescribed syllabus, but much more. Every festival was celebrated in grand style and school curriculum was full of different activities over a year. Students eagerly awaited for these such as

1. Antyakshari

2. Natak

3. Athletics

4. School day or Vidyalaya Diwas (15 Nov.)

5. Mid Term Break

A detailed description will be given on these events later.

Baba Vaidyanath

According to the stories narrated in the Shiva Purana, it was in the Treta yuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka, felt that his capital would not be perfect and free from enemies unless Mahadeva stays there forever. He paid continuous meditation to Mahadeva. Ultimately Shiva got pleased and permitted him to carry his lingam with him to Lanka. Mahadeva advised him not to place or transfer this lingam to anyone. There should not be a break in his journey to Lanka. If he deposits the lingam anywhere on the earth, in the course of his journey, it would remain fixed at that place forever. Ravana was happy as he was taking his return journey to Lanka.

The other gods objected to this plan; if Shiva went to Lanka with Ravana, then Ravana would become invincible and his evil and anti-vedic deeds would threaten the world. Therefore the gods tricked Ravana. Ravana was offered water by Parvati, who then directed all the waters of three rivers (Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati) into Ravana's stomach.

On his way back from Mount Kailash, Ravana felt an urgent need to urinate and as he could not do so with the holy linga in his hand, he started looking for someone who could hold it for him. Ganesha then appeared as a Brahmin in front of him. Ravana asked Ganesha to hold the linga and went to release himself, but he could not stop urinating because of the trick played on him. Ganesha, pretending to be vexed by Ravena's delay, set the linga down on earth. The moment linga was kept down, Ravana stopped urinating.

Ravana needed to wash his hands after urination to make himself pious. Finding no water source around he hit the ground with his fist and a big crater was made which got filled with water. When Ravana now tried to move the linga, he could not. Out of anger he press the linga down with his thumb. But after restoring himself, he started to offer his prayers for the linga.

Ashes - Crystall Ball

Time to gaze the crystal ball. After losing the second test by 100 runs, Australia would be looking to comeback. Anyone who thinks that they are not capable of coming back is sliding on thin ice. Australia are going to hit hard in next test in Edgbaston. But this is not what I am trying to look into. I am searching for the player who is going to make an impact in next test and I am betting on Mitchell Johnson. Don't laugh me off, I did predict closure of last test correctly. See you in Edgbaston. Let it be a close fought test and series....

Netarhat - Ashram Vyavastha

in Netarhat School, pupil's residence are called Ashrams. There are twenty one ashrams in total and they are grouped in sets, every set containing three ashrams. Each ashram has a capactiy of around 20 - 30 students and students are responsible for upkeep of the ashrams. all activities, cleaning, serving, etc were performed by students only. Each day starts when a bell is rung in the morning, 4.40 in summer and a bit late in winters. Students get up and assemble on main playground for doing physical training.

More to come...

Rivalries

Please don't go by the title. Here I am going to pen some good sporting rivalries and these are comparable to a pot boiler. I am starting with tennis and although I have not witnessed probably the greatest of all - Borg V McEnroe, but I have been fortunate enough to watch Becker and Edberg. Becker won it first time in 1985 when no one expected him and again in 1986 when I guess, not too many again expected him, that too against Lendl. Come 88 and Edberg won a five setter. I was/am a fan of both and imagine my problem when two of my favourites are playing against each other and only one can win. I remember when Ivanisevic started his career around late 80, early 90 and Edberg lost a match in wimbledon without losing a game on his serve (7-6, 7-6, 7-6). Atleast Roddick can derive some consolation from the fact that he has lost one game, but that was the one which mattered most.

In Recent times, Federer V Nadal has been also made of exciting stuff, but Federer has got to do some catching up as far as their head to head record is concerned. Imagine 80, 81, 2009 finals are played side by side, which one would you watch?

For me, it will be 81. What's your take?

Finally, a predicition goes right

For a change, I rightly predicted, or guessed when the Lord's test will be completed and I accurately guessed before lunch time last day. Congratulations to England, they have been playing good cricket from last day in Cardiff. In my opinion, that last day must have given them lots of confidence.

Good luck for Edgbaston.

Another prediction goes wrong

But it's good for the game. That is what cricket is all about. And when history is at stake, how can someone expect a straightforward result. There are always factors associated in test cricket, and the foremost important factor is glorious uncertainties. Then the fact that Australia have not lost a test in Lords for seventy five years, then no one has chased this target in the history of the game.

And above all, English players would like to give Andrew Flintoff a memorable send off. Suddenly, the game has become very ineteresting and it has thrown the series wide open.

My take: England are still going to win this.

नेतरहाट

This will be a huge disapointment if do not mention about my school in my blog. Netarhat School, but we students know our school more as नेतरहाट विद्यालय or simply "hat". And the students, us can be referred as "hatians".

Netarhat is a place, about 3671 ft. above sea level, 153 Kms from capital of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India. Here started a school in 1954, which later became a household name in the state of Bihar. The school's admission process was a rigourous procedure of three tests, which lasts about eight months and every year 100 students were selected from all over bihar (now jharkhand).

Once selected, students join the school and were not allowed to leave the premises save for rainy season vacation and winter vacation. First lasted for 69 days and second for 34 days. Students reside in the school premises which were called ashrams.

To be continued......

क्रमशः

How Ganga came on earth?

This post should have been the first on this blog, but it’s never too late. The story of Ganga coming to earth is long but interesting, I will try to keep this as short as possible without losing the plot.

The person who is accredited for taking Ganga to earth from heaven is Bhagirath and Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi. Bhagirath wanted Ganga to come to earth to liberate his ancestors and he appeased Lord Brahma through sever penance. He was warned that Ganga flows with tremendous force and power and he will have to think of a way to avoid the impact on earth when she comes down to earth.

Bhagirath then began another severe penance, this time directed towards Lord Shiva, who appeared soon before him and agreed to soften Ganga's fall in his matted hair locks. Having tied up all loose ends, and acquiring the grace of both Brahma and Shiva, Bhagiratha now felt secure about accomplishing his objective. But there were still hiccups on his path, before all issues could be successfully resolved.

Ganga is visualized in Indian thought as a virtuous, but mischievous and restless maiden, just as many young lasses are. She followed Brahma's diktat to descend to earth, but couldn't playfully resist the unwarranted and undeserved feeling that she could sweep away even the mighty Shiva in her forceful current. Shiva, gauging her thoughts, decided to teach her a lesson. Spreading open his serpentine coils of hair, he covered the entire sky, and collected all the waves of Ganga in his outspread locks.

Then with a mighty swoop, he collected his hair, tied into a neat and tight bun, and captured Ganga in the infinite swirls and whirls of his hair. Ganga still flowed with tremendous force, but could not escape, and remained imprisoned and confined inside Shiva's hair.

Bhagirath, perplexed at the happenings, appealed to Shiva to release Ganga, so that she could wash away the sins of his ancestors, symbolized in their mortal remains. Shiva relented, and in any case Ganga had learnt her lesson. Thus Ganga again followed Bhagirath, who showed her the way. But there were still more adventures to come.

Just near their ultimate destination lay the hermitage of another accomplished sage, known as Jahnu. Ganga, ever the playful maiden, hurried over to what she perceived was a new and curious place. And lo, barely had she entered upon the precincts of the ashram (hermitage), that it became flooded, and all sacrificial fires were extinguished. The ritual utensils and tools were washed away, and the inhabitants of the sanctuary became frightened and anxious. The leader of the ashram, sage Jahnu, became livid at Ganga's intrusion. He then chanted a mantra, and took a sip of the water flowing all around his hermitage. With the power of his mantra, he swallowed away Ganga with all her waters. All traces of Ganga were gone. Bhagiratha was in a fix. No sooner had he overcome one hurdle, than another was created, mostly due to the impulsiveness and restlessness of Ganga. He hurried over to Jahnu, and explained to him the magnitude and significance of the task he was out to accomplish. Jahnu gave him a sympathetic hearing and appreciated his hard work in bringing Ganga to the earthly realm. Consoling Bhagiratha, he said: " For you, I will release Ganga immediately," and saying this, he made a cut in his left thigh, and the waters of Ganga flew out like a fountain. Hence did Ganga came to be known as Jahnvi, the daughter of sage Jahnu.

Hope ypu have enjoyed this. I will soon cover a city which is situated at Ganga Kinaare.

Third Day - Lord's

Interesting will be an understatement. England did what we hoped for and last two days were quite humbling for all mighty, all conquering Australians. As my feeling has been always, largely a team is as good as their bowling is, this time English bowlers demonstrating exactly the same and they are helped aptly by batsmen.

England are indeed in a very formidable position, and it will be good to see what kind of effort Australians are going to put in to save this test.

Another prediction from me, though I am really walking a tight rope. Fifth day, by lunch, this test should be over. I am not going to predict who will win, its pretty much decided,unless we have a miracle. of course, I have not covered the rain factor.

As always, my prediction goes wrong. But I dare again...

I have been made to eat my words again. England has done very well in their bowling attempt. A colleague of mine, Brian has indicated yesterday that england never play second day well at Lord's and that is what which has exactly happened.

Good bowling by England lads, and probably this could be a fitting farewell to Andrew Flintoff and another down to earth experience for Mr. Integrity, if Ashes is regained by English side. But my concerns are elsewhere and cleary on India's chances on World cup 2011. Looks to me that this famed (sans RD,ST) batting line up was not a match for chin bowling. Let's see what happens, but it does seem to me that Mr. Dhoni's honeymoon is over. Not that I don't like him, but greater challenges lie ahead of him. After all, he is from the same town where I have done my studies.

Well, I am making another observation, ST will definitely a part of Indian team for next world cup. It will be another matter that they will not win it. I will be too happy if I am proved wrong. Chuckle...

Ashes - Test Two

Suddenly a shift from the theme. You probably will wonder why something about cricket is featured here. I am compelled to tell the reason behind it. I am a "Chora Ganga Kinaare Waala" who is currently not very far from Thames. There is lot of excitement about cricket is here, and every time England manages a good display on the field, it feels that they have won a series. As a colleague aptly pointed out, they talk about football wordl cup win, as if it has happened yesterday.

So what do I think after it is 364/6 first day. The answer is, they made 400+ in Cardiff and barely survived. I am not giving much chance to them unless the bowling department fires. In my opinion, best result for England is a draw.

Let the story unfold...

Lovely Chhath Song.

Ganga Aarti Song

Experience this timeless song on Ganga river from Youtube

Funny take on recent supreme court decision on Gays

I came across this in an email. Interesting reading.

चाहे मानसून लेट आया है
पर एहसास नया ये लाया है,
कानून में सुधार आया है
देश में अब बदलाव आया है|

लड़के को लड़की न खोजनी
ना लड़की को लड़का,
कोई भी मिल जाये चलेगा
बस भिडे प्रेम का टांका |

शायद अब किसी घर में
मूंछों वाली भाभी आएँगी,
कन्यायें कन्या को भी अब
जीजू जीजू बुलाएंगी|

उन्मुक्त गगन के नीचे केवल
अब जोड़े ना रास रचाएंगे,
बदला बदला होगा मंजर
लड़के जब लड़का पटायेंगे|

पुलिस के पास भी अब शायद
छेड़छाड़ के केसेज बढ़ जायेंगे ,
महिला महिला को छेड़ेगी
पुरुष पुरुष से छेड़े जायेंगे |

हर सिक्के के पहलू दो होते
कुछ सुधार तो आयेंगे,
ये नए बदलाव देश को
जनसँख्या विस्फोट से बचायेंगे

प्रारम्भ!

बहुत दिनों से सोच रहा था की अपने विचारों को व्यक्त करने के इस माध्यम का उपयोग मैं भी करूं, परन्तु सोचने से कार्य पूरा नहीं होता लेकिन आज इस आशा में एक नई शुरुआत है की यह प्रारम्भ अंत न बने क्रमशः