VENKATARAMAN M - Podcast Details

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Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Saints- Chapter 16- Sant Tukaram (M. Venkataraman) In earlier episodes, I have presented fifteen chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the sixteenth chapter of the book dealing with Sant Tukaram. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM http...2023-05-2107 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Saints- Chapter 15- Swamy Rama Tirtha (M. Venkataraman) In earlier episodes, I have presented fourteen chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the fifteenth chapter of the book dealing with Swamy Rama Tirtha. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM ht...2023-05-0114 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 41-50 (M. Venkataraman) The Atmaarpana Stuthi is a hymn in Sanskrit language composed by Appayya Dikshitar, one of the great saints and proponent of Advaita Philosophy after Adi Sankara. It is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Unmattha Panchaa Shath’. Once Dikshitar felt that he has to put himself to a test as to whether his devotion to Lord Shiva was indeed true. He thought, ‘Suppose I become insane, will my mouth utter the name of Lord Shiva. If that be so, then it must be real.’ So, he embarked on an experime...2023-04-1608 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Saints- Chapter 14- Surdas (M. Venkataraman) In earlier episodes, I have presented thirteen chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the fourteenth chapter of the book dealing with Surdas. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM https://www...2023-04-1305 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 31-40 (M. Venkataraman) The Atmaarpana Stuthi is a hymn in Sanskrit language composed by Appayya Dikshitar, one of the great saints and proponent of Advaita Philosophy after Adi Sankara. It is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Unmattha Panchaa Shath’. Once Dikshitar felt that he has to put himself to a test as to whether his devotion to Lord Shiva was indeed true. He thought, ‘Suppose I become insane, will my mouth utter the name of Lord Shiva. If that be so, then it must be real.’ So, he embarked on an experime...2023-04-0310 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Saints-Chapter 13-Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (M. Venkataraman) In earlier episodes, I have presented twelve chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the thirteenth chapter of the book dealing with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM ht...2023-04-0208 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints-Chapter 12-Samarth Ramadas (M. Venkataraman)In earlier episodes, I have presented eleven chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the twelfth chapter of the book dealing with Samarth Ramadas. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM https://shop.auth...2023-03-2512 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 21-30 (M. Venkataraman)The Atmaarpana Stuthi is a hymn in Sanskrit language composed by Appayya Dikshitar, one of the great saints and proponent of Advaita Philosophy after Adi Sankara. It is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Unmattha Panchaa Shath’. Once Dikshitar felt that he has to put himself to a test as to whether his devotion to Lord Shiva was indeed true. He thought, ‘Suppose I become insane, will my mouth utter the name of Lord Shiva. If that be so, then it must be real.’ So, he embarked on an experiment. He made a p...2023-03-0514 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints- Chapter 11-Sri Aurobindo (M. Venkataraman)In earlier episodes, I have presented ten chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the eleventh chapter of the book dealing with Sri Aurobindo. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM https://shop.auth...2023-02-2811 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 11-20 (M. Venkataraman)The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 11-20 The Atmaarpana Stuthi is a hymn in Sanskrit language composed by Appayya Dikshitar, one of the great saints and proponent of Advaita Philosophy after Adi Sankara. It is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Unmattha Panchaa Shath’. Once Dikshitar felt that he has to put himself to a test as to whether his devotion to Lord Shiva was indeed true. He thought, ‘Suppose I become insane, will my mouth utter the name of Lord Shiva. If that be so, then it must be real.’ So, he embar...2022-11-1209 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints- Chapter 10-Sri Raghavendra Swami (M. Venkataraman)In earlier episodes, I have presented nine chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the tenth chapter of the book dealing with Sri Raghavendra Swami. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM https://shop...2022-10-1513 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 1-10 (M. Venkataraman)The Atmaarpana Stuthi-Verses 1-10 The Atmaarpana Stuthi is a hymn in Sanskrit language composed by Appayya Dikshitar, one of the great saints and proponent of Advaita Philosophy after Adi Sankara. It is a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Unmattha Panchaa Shath’. Once Dikshitar felt that he has to put himself to a test as to whether his devotion to Lord Shiva was indeed true. He thought, ‘Suppose I become insane, will my mouth utter the name of Lord Shiva. If that be so, then it must be real.’ So, he embar...2022-10-0714 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 13- Return to Earth. (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-09-2903 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints- Chapter 9-Dayananda Saraswati (Arya Samaj) (M. Venkataraman)In earlier episodes, I have presented eight chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the ninth chapter of the book dealing with Dayananda Saraswati (Arya Samaj). Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM http...2022-09-2115 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 12- The Rasakrida dance. (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-09-1419 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints- Chapter 8-Namadeva (M. Venkataraman)Namadeva In earlier episodes, I have presented seven chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the eighth chapter of the book dealing with Namadeva. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM http...2022-08-1613 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash-Chapter 11-Devalokam, the Heaven (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-08-1210 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talks-Saints-Chapter 7-Ramana Maharishi (M. Venkataraman)Ramana Maharishi In earlier episodes, I have presented six chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the seventh chapter of the book dealing with Ramana Maharishi. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM 2022-06-1820 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 10- Dharshan of Lord Shiva (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-05-2710 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talks-Saints-Chapter 6- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (M.Venkataraman)Ramakrishna Paramahamsa In earlier episodes, I have presented five chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the sixth chapter of the book dealing with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM 2022-05-2312 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talks-Saints-Chapter 5-Shirdi Sai Baba (M. Venkataraman)Shirdi Sai Baba In earlier episodes, I have presented four chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the fifth chapter of the book dealing with Shirdi Sai Baba. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7...2022-04-2211 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 9-Yathni in Kailash (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-04-1211 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talks-Saints-Chapter 4-Sri Vallabhacharya (M. Venkataraman)Sri Vallabhacharya In earlier episodes, I have presented three chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the fourth chapter of the book dealing with Sri Vallabhacharya. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 https://www.draft2digital.com/book/739855 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM 2022-03-2613 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 8-The Pillaiyar Kuttoo (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-03-1806 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints- Chapter 3- Madhavacharya (M. Venkataraman)Sri Madhavacharya In earlier episodes, I have presented two chapters from my book titled ‘Great Saints of India’. This is the third chapter of the book dealing with Sri Madhavacharya. Link for book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB809A https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520412738 Link for audio book https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/great-saints-of-india-4 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Great_Saints_of_India?id=AQAAAEC8-xe7uM https://shop.authors-direct.com/products/great-saints-of-india 2022-03-0613 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Ardhanariswara Stotram of Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Ardhanariswara Stotram This is a beautiful hymn composed by Adi Sankara offering salutations to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in the form of Ardhanariswara. Ardhanariswara is a form of Shiva combined with his consort Parvathi. Literally, it means half female deity. The form of Shiva here is depicted as half-male and half-female, equally split down vertically in the middle. The right half is generally that of Shiva, and the left that of Parvathi. The form is stated to represent the synthesis of Purusha and Prakrti. It represents the synthesis of Matter and Spirit or the masculine and...2022-02-2707 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story- Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 7- Yathni on the Moon (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-02-1105 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints-Chapter 2-Ramanujacharya (M. Venkataraman)Saints Saints are the great souls who have devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swamy Vivekananda and Goswamy Tulsi Das. I have published a book on nineteen such great Saints along with an audio version of that book. I am presenting them here in a series of nineteen episodes. I have earlier presented the first one on Adi Sankara. This one is on Sri Ramanujacharya. Links for books https://www.amazon...2022-01-2817 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Saints-Chapter 1-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Saints are the great souls who have devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. They are extraordinary human beings having great wisdom, vast experience and character worthy of imitation. They gifted everything to the world without seeking fame or any kind of gain. Welfare of the world was their sole objective. India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable saints. This includes saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swamy Vivekananda and Goswamy Tulsi Das. Swamy Rama Tirtha for example was one, who had taken the Advaita Vedanta to foreign shores...2022-01-2122 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Yathni's Travel to Kailash- Chapter 6-Scene from the outer Space (M. Venkataraman)This is a story based on Hindu mythology and is a mixture of facts and fiction. Yathni is a little girl studying in Fifth Grade and she is a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha takes her on an excursion to the legendary mountain of Kailash. How was this excursion, what are the things which she saw and how was her meeting with Lord Shiva. These are the things covered in the story. The main book titled ‘Yathni’s Travel to Kailash’ was published in the year 2012. While giving a number of anecdotes from Hindu mythology, the story takes...2022-01-1006 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Mukundamala of Kulasekara Alwar (M. Venkataraman)Mukundamala The Alwars are a group of twelve ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu. They are famous for their poetry in Tamil known as Pasurams in praise of Lord Vishnu. In the earlier episodes I have made a brief mention about these 12 Alwars. Kulasekara Alwar is one of these 12 Alwars. Kulasekara Alwar was a king. He was also a great scholar of Tamil and Sanskrit. He was a king of great valour and captured various other kingdoms. But, Lord Vishnu wanted him to lead a spiritual life. So, on one fine day the...2021-12-1723 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Mahalayam or Pitru Paksha (M. Venkataraman)Mahalayam or Pitru Paksha The period from 21stSeptember to 6th October of this year is one of the important one in the Hindu way of life. It is known as Mahalaya Paksha or Pitru Paksha. The Taitriya Upanishad says that the universe evolved out of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Although Brahman is a man’s innermost self, man is not conscious of it because the Self is hidden by various sheaths called koshas. These sheaths are five in number. The first is annamaya kosha – the outermost sheath which is gross physical sheath produced from food which we eat...2021-09-2511 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Shri Lakshmi Ashtothara Shathanama Stotram (M. Venkataraman)Shri Lakshmi Ashtothara Shathanama Stotram There is an important pooja that would be performed by many women in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Kerala On 20th August 2021. It is called the Varalakshmi Puja or the Varamahalakshmi Puja. It is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before the day of the full moon in the month of Shravana, which corresponds to the period during the months of July and August. As the name indicates, it is a festival to propitiate Goddess Lakshmi. ‘Varam’ means ‘boons’ and the boons sought from Goddess...2021-08-1321 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story- Yathni’s Travel to Kailash-Introduction (M. Venkataraman)Story- Yathni’s Travel to Kailash-Introduction In the year 2012, I had written and published a book titled Yathni’s Travel to Kailash. It is a story based on Hindu Mythology. In 2019, I wrote and published an abridged version of this book. I have also brought about an audio book of this abridged version. This consists of an introduction followed by 13 chapters. I shall present this audio book now in a series of 14 episodes. In this first episode, you can hear the introduction. Printed copies of the original book are available with me as well as in A...2021-08-0508 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Sage Narada (M. Venkataraman)Sage Narada Sages are the great souls who have devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. The Hindu way of life is deeply influenced by the lives of ancient sages. The period of the ancient sages, according to Hindu chronology, is till the end of Dwapara Yuga, which is about 5000 years back. The Puranas project sages to more than a live figure and give them life span of thousands of years. India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable sages. In the earlier episodes...2021-04-1315 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Tiruppan Alwar (M. Venkataraman)Tiruppan Alwar The Alwars are a group of twelve ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu in the eighth and ninth centuries. They are famous for their poetry in praise of Lord Vishnu. Among the Alwars, the first in the line-up is Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Pei Alwar. They are collectively called as "Mudhal Alwars" (the first Alwars). The other Alwars are Perialwar, Andal, Nammalwar, Madhura kavi Alwar, Tirumazhisai Alwar, Thondaridipodi Alwar, Tirumangai Alwar, Tiruppan Alwar and Kulasekara Alwar. In the earlier episodes I have mentioned about the Mudhal Alwars, Perialwar, Andal, Nammalwar...2021-03-2308 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Shiva Panchakshara Stotram (M. Venkataraman)Shiva Panchakshara Stotram Presenting this small hymn on the occasion of Maha Shivarathri. This hymn is composed by Adi Sankara. It consists of five verses and a phalasruti. Each of the five verses extols the five letters of the Panchakshara Mantra-Na, Ma, Si, Va and Ya. The phalasruti says that reciting or hearing this hymn will enable the persons to rejoice the blissful state of union with Lord Shiva. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Lord Shiva’ containing a few of the other hymns on Lord Shiva which you...2021-03-1103 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Sage Bharadwaja (M. Venkataraman)The Hindu way of life is deeply influenced by the lives of ancient sages. Sages are the great souls who have devoted their life, energy and experience for the welfare of the people. They gifted everything to the world without seeking fame or any kind of gain. When they were young boys they received education in places known as gurukulas. When they came of age they led family life. In old age, they retired to forests and lived there with their wives exercising strict control over their senses. The period of the ancient sages, according to Hindu c...2021-03-0208 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story- Ganesha wrote the Mahabharat (Nithya Venkataraman)GANESHA WROTE THE MAHABHARAT Mahabharat is one of the two great epics of India. Sage Vyasa is the author of the Mahabharat. There is an anecdote in the puranas which says that Lord Ganesha, the cute little god of Hinduism is also involved in the composition of the Mahabharat. In this episode, Nithya Venkataraman presents this short story on how Lord Ganesha was involved in the writing of this great epic. Firmness or determination is an important aspect of life. This story highlights the importance of the quality of determination in the personality of an...2021-02-2106 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Thirumangai Alwar (M. Venkataraman)The Alwars are a group of twelve ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu in the eighth and ninth centuries. They are famous for their poetry in praise of Lord Vishnu. The collection of their 4000 poems is known as the ‘Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam’. Among the Alwars, the first in the line up is Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Pei Alwar. They are collectively called as "Mudhal Alwars" (the first Alwars) and belong to the same period of time. The other Alwars are Perialwar, Andal, Nammalwar, Madhura kavi Alwar, Tirumazhisai Alwar, Thondaridipodi Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Tiruppan Alwar and...2021-02-0914 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Sage Markandeya (M. Venkataraman)Sage Markandeya Markandeya is one of the ancient sages of India. He is considered to be a Chiranjeevi, one who would live forever. There is a story in the Puranas as to how he was helped by Lord Shiva from the clutches of the god of death and blessed to live forever. There is a temple at Thirukkadaiyur near Mayiladuthurai which is associated with this incident. I have briefly sketched the story of Sage Markandeya in this episode. One of the important hymns stated to have been composed by Sage Markandeya is the Maha Mrityunjaya...2021-01-3011 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Sri Dakshinamurthy Stotram-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)This hymn is composed by Adi Sankara, the proponent of the Advaita system of Philosophy. The popularity of this hymn is not merely due to its poetic style but also because it brings about this philosophy briefly and effectively. Guru occupies a very important place in Hindu way of life. The word Guru cannot be easily translated though roughly it may be said that the word represents a teacher. Dakshinamurthy is a form of Lord Shiva where he is stated to have manifested as a young boy imparting spiritual wisdom to the aged disciples. Another interesting aspect...2021-01-1719 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Bhajan-Mamava Madhava on Krishna by Narayana Teertar (Nithya Venkataraman)This is a bhajan, Mamava Madhava, composed by Narayana Teertar and recited by Nithya Venkataraman. Narayana Teertar is one of the important saints of India. He is an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna. He is believed to be an incarnation of Jayadeva, the author of Geeta Govindam. His 'Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini' is an important work consisting of many slokas and Kritis mostly in Sanskrit. It has got 12 chapters known as Tarangas. The Tarangas depict the life and childhood pranks of Sri Krishna and culminate in the auspicious wedding of Sri Krishna with Goddess Rukmini. These compositions...2020-12-1607 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk-Thondaridipodi Alwar (M. Venkataraman)Thondaridipodi Alwar Thondaridipodi Alwar is one of the important Alwars. In this episode, I have dealt a little bit about Thirumangai Alwar. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Alwars-The Vaishnvie Saints’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Alwars?id=AQAAAEAcKRZpGM https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1530919441 https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/alwars-by-venkataraman-m --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-11-2309 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Bhajan-‘Jayajaya hey Bhagavathi’ on Goddess Saraswathi (Nithya Venkataraman)This is a bhajan on Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning. Composed in Sanskrit by an unknown devotee, the bhajan offers obeisance at the feet of the goddess referring to her as Bhagavati, Nada Brahmamayi and Vageswari. Bhagavati is a name that encompasses all Devi forms. As an embodiment of Divine music, she is Nada Brahmamayi. And as the goddess of speech, she is Vageswari. The poet pays his obeisance to the goddess saying: Victory! Victory to you, the Goddess of learning, music and the arts! We bow at Your lotus feet. Remove from us...2020-10-2607 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story- Ganesha, Murugan and the Mango fruit (M. Venkataraman)This is a simple and interesting story relating to two gods of Hindu mythology namely Ganesha and Karthikeya. Karthikeya is popularly known as Murugan in Tamil. They are the two sons of Lord Shiva, Ganesha being the elder and Murugan the younger. On one occasion, Sage Narada visited Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and presented them a mango fruit. Narada suggested that they should give it to one of their sons whom they liked most. The Divine Parents liked equally both their sons Ganesha and Murugan. So they were in a dilemma as to whom they can...2020-10-1805 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Thirumazhisai Alwar (M. Venkataraman)Thirumazhisai Alwar In this episode, a brief idea is given about Thirumazhisai Alwar, one of the important Alwars of Vishnavism. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Alwars-The Vaishnvie Saints’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Alwars?id=AQAAAEAcKRZpGM https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1530919441 https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/alwars-by-venkataraman-m --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-10-1012 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Sages Jamadagni and Parasurama (M. Venkataraman)Parasurama is a well-known sage. He was born to Sage Jamadagni. While Sage Viswamitra was born in a Kshatriya family and was having brahminic energies, Parasurama was born to a Sage but was having Kshatriya energies. But strangely, Parasurama was antagonistic to the entire kshatriya race. He was also considered as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In this episode you will hear brief details about Parasurama and his father Sage Jamadagni. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Ancient Sages of India’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Goog...2020-10-0114 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Thotakashtakam-Thotakacharya (M. Venkataraman)Thotakashtakam The hymn Thotakashtakam is composed by one of the disciples of Adi Shankara. It is so called because it has been composed in the difficult but beautiful meter called Thotaka. Anandagiri was one of the disciples of Adi Shankara. Compared to the other disciples of Shankara, he was not considered as intelligent. But Giri, as he was called, was extremely devoted to his Guru and would always engage himself in the service of Shankara. Once it so happened that Shankara was about to begin his usual morning class on the Upanishads. All the disciples...2020-09-2506 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Nammalwar and Madhurakavi Alwar (M. Venkataraman)Nammalwar and Madhurakavi Alwar In this episode a brief idea is given about Nammalwar and Madhurakavi Alwar, two of the important Alwars of Vaishnavism. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Alwars-The Vaishnvie Saints’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Alwars?id=AQAAAEAcKRZpGM https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1530919441 https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/alwars-by-venkataraman-m --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-09-1513 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Andal (M. Venkataraman)Andal In this episode a brief idea is given about Andal, one of the important Alwars of Vaishnavism. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Alwars-The Vaishnvie Saints’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Alwars?id=AQAAAEAcKRZpGM https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1530919441 https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/alwars-by-venkataraman-m --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-09-0711 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Perialwar (M. Venkataraman)Perialwar In one of the earlier episodes, I mentioned about Saivism and Vaishnavism and that in Vaishnavism, Lord Vishnu is considered as the supreme deity. We also saw that the Alwars are a group of twelve ancient Vaishnava saints who lived in Tamil Nadu in the eighth and ninth centuries and that they are famous for their poetry in praise of Lord Vishnu and that the collection of their 4000 poems is known as the ‘Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam’. In another episode I briefly mentioned about Poigai Alwar, Bootat Alwar and the Pei Alwar who were collectively known as Mudh...2020-08-2910 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story- The story of ‘Thoppukkaranam’ (M. Venkataraman)The story of ‘Thoppukkaranam’ Have you heard the words ‘Pillaiyar Kuttoo’ and ‘Thoppukkaranam’? People belonging to Tamil nadu will definitely be aware. They are two practices being followed in the worship of Lord Ganesha. Whenever people do a puja or engage in any religious activities, they first start their prayer by invoking Ganesha striking their forehead with their knuckles. This practice of worshipping Ganesha is known as ‘Pillaiyar Kuttoo’. While dealing with Sage Agasthya in one of my earlier episodes, I mentioned the story as to how the practice of `Pillaiyar kuttoo’ came into being. This present...2020-08-2406 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Bhajan- Muddugare Yashoda- Annam Acharya (Nithya Venkataraman)Bhajan- Muddugare Yashoda- Annamacharya Saint Annamacharya is a poet–Saint of the fifteenth century. This song Muddugare Yashoda is a bright, simple song composed by him in Telugu. Here, Annamacharya draws upon the nine gems known as navaratnas to praise the young Krishna. In this process he makes references to many popular incidents from Krishna’s childhood and adolescence. The navaratnas are a collection of nine gemstones that have a unique cultural significance in India and beyond. They are: the ruby, the pearl, the red coral, the emerald, the yellow sapphire, the diamond, the blue sapp...2020-08-1807 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Peyalwar (M. Venkataraman)Poigai Alwar, Bhudat Alwar and Peyalwar In an earlier episode, we saw that Shaivism and Vaishnavism are the two most important facets of Hinduism and that they had a tremendous and lasting impact on Indian philosophy. Vaishnavism is a branch which believes Lord Vishnu as the Supreme deity. Vishnu is the Preserver or Sustainer of life with his steadfast principles of order, righteousness and truth. When these values are under threat, Vishnu emerges out of his transcendence to restore peace and order on earth. These are known as Avataras or Incarnations. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu...2020-08-1313 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Bhajan-Manasa Sancharare (Nithya Venkataraman)Manasa Sancharare This is a kriti of Sadasiva Brahmendra in Sanskrit language. This kriti expresses a desire to have the mind move around the Almighty God and feel his presence! Sadasiva Brahmendra wants the mind to meditate on Krishna, who fulfills His devotees' desires. Praising the Lord as the Lord of Lakshmi, he picturises Him as exceedingly beautiful with a peacock feather in His hair and very red lips and playing His flute melodiously. The kriti is sung by Nithya Venkataraman. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...2020-08-1104 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk- Sundaramurthy Nayanar (M. Venkataraman)Sundaramurthy Nayanar Shaivism is a branch which believes Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. The Nayanmars of Shaivism have made enormous contribution to the cause of the Hindu faith in Tamilnadu. The Nayanmars, also known as Nayanars, influenced the devotional aspect of God. The Nayanmars are sixty three in number and they lived during the 6th to 8th century A.D. The three most prolific of the Nayanars are Thirunavukkarasar Nayanar also known as Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar Nayanar well-known as Sambandar, and Sundaramurthi Nayanar well-known as Sundarar. Their hymns make up the Thevaram. ...2020-08-0717 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn-Guru Ashtakam-Adi Shankara (M. Venkataraman)Guru Ashtakam This is a hymn composed by Adi Sankara in praise of the Guru, the spiritual teacher. A person may have a handsome body, enormous and stable wealth, children, grandchildren, relations and all. But of what consequence is one’s life if his mind is not devoted to the feet of the Guru?, he asks. The words ‘tatakim tatakim tatakim tatakim’ comes so beautifully and rhythmically in the hymn: All the Vedas are mastered and ever present on the lips; likewise, the knowledge of all the sciences is well gained. So wha...2020-08-0206 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story-Why Ganesha has a pot-belly (M. Venkataraman)This is a small story mainly for children telling why Lord Ganesha has a pot-belly. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-07-3104 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn -Ganga Stotram- Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Ganga Stotram To the Hindus, the River Ganga is not merely a river. She is considered a goddess and as a mother. The Vedas mention Ganga as a sacred river and hence Ganga has been considered a sacred river since the Vedic age. According to the Puranas, the sight, the name and the touch of Ganga takes away all misdeeds. The river is considered a celestial one. In the earth, the river originates from the Gaumukha, Gangotri glacier in the central Himalayas, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. According to Hindu beliefs, taking bath in the...2020-07-2506 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Sage Viswamitra (M. Venkataraman)Sage Viswamitra Viswamitra is one of the important sages of India. The importance lies in the fact that he was a king in the beginning and later became a sage through penance. He was not a simple sage but attained the status of a ‘Brahmarishi’ through his rigorous penance. This episode gives a brief account of Sage Viswamitra. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Ancient Sages of India’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/ancient-sag...2020-07-2120 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk - Sage Vyasa (M. Venkataraman)One of the important sages of ancient India is Sage Veda Vyasa. He is well known as the one who has classified the Vedas, compiled the great epic Mahabharatha and authored the Brahma Sutras. He is considered to be the first historian of the human race. He is a genius by birth and performed rigorous penance and austerities to realize the supreme truth. He is also said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is the son of Sage Parashara, the Grandson of Sage Shakti and the Great-grandson of Sage Vashishta. He is the father of...2020-07-1512 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story - Vamana Avatara (Nithya Venkataraman)Vamana Avatara is the fifth incarnation of Vishnu. This is the first Avatara where Lord Vishnu took complete human form as a dwarf at the beginning. The uniqueness of this Avatara is that Vishnu did neither use any weapon nor kill any asura. The only weapon he used was that of begging in front of King Bali as a Brahmachari. And then, he tricked and conquered him in a soft way. It may be said that unlike other Avataras, Vamana Avatara was a Sattvik Avatara. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m...2020-07-1018 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Sage Valmiki (M. Venkataraman)Sage Valmiki, as you may all know well, is the author of the holy epic 'Ramayana'. The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses. Valmiki is also the author of Yoga Vashishta, a text that elaborates on a range of philosophical issues. This talk is an attempt to give a brief account of this great Sage and the circumstances leading to the composition of the Valmiki Ramayana. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Ancient Sages of India’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.kobo.com/us...2020-07-0912 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Sivapuranam in Thiruvasagam -Hymn in Tamil (M. Venkataraman)Sivapuranam This hymn is in Tamil language and is from Thiruvasagam. Thiruvasagam which means ‘the sacred utterance’ is a volume of Tamil hymns composed by Manikkavasagar, the ninth century shaivite bhakti saint of Tamil Nadu. It contains 51 compositions and is a part of Tirumurai, the sacred anthology of the Tamil philosophy of Shaiva Siddhantha. Manikkavasagar was the Prime Minister of the then Pandya king of Madurai. But he renounced his post in search of divinity. The king sent him with money to buy 10000 horses, but on the way he was taken to divinity by t...2020-07-0611 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Siva Manasa Puja-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Shiva Manasa Pooja This stotram is composed by Adi Sankara. Normally when we do puja, we offer a number of delicacies, flowers, fruits etc and dress the idol of the god with beautiful clothes and ornaments. Being a Sanyasin, Adi Sankara can’t do the puja in this way. So, he offers all of them to Lord Shiva in his mind. Thus, this is called the Shiva Manasa Puja. Here, Adi Sankara gives a bath to Lord Shiva in the water of melted snow from the Himalayas, gives him a silken cloth to wear, offers hi...2020-07-0206 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Sage Agasthya- (M. Venkataraman)This is a brief mention about Sage Agasthya, one of the ancient sages of India. Sage Agasthya is stated to be the father of traditional Indian Medicine. There are a number of interesting stories about Sage Agasthya. Some of them have been briefly mentioned in this episode. There is an interesting anecdote about Sage Agastya being involved in the birth of River Cauvery in South India. This has been mentioned here. There is a practice of worshipping Lord Ganesha with what is known as 'Pillaiyar Kuttoo' in Tamil nadu. This practice is attributed to Sage...2020-06-2323 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Bhajan -Ram Stuti-Saint Tulsi Das-Awadhi Language (Nithya Venkataraman)One of the important facets of the Indian way of life is the Bhajan. Bhajan is any type of devotional song. It has no fixed form. It is normally lyrical, expressing love for the Divine. The term bhajanam is a Sanskrit word which means reverence or what is called Bhakti or devotion. As a bhajan has no prescribed form, or set rules, it is in free form. It belongs to a genre of music and arts that developed during the time of the Bhakti Movement that spread from the south of India throughout the entire subcontinent during the Moghul...2020-06-2208 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Sages known as Saptarishis-Part 2-Sage Gautama, Sage Kashyapa and Sage Angirasa. (M. Venkataraman)This gives a brief account of the sages Gautama, Kashyapa and Angirasa. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Ancient Sages of India’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/ancient-sages-of-india https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Ancient_Sages_of_India?id=AQAAAECcenU6-M https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/ancient-sages-of-india-by-venkataraman-m https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/478085404/Ancient-Sages-of-India https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/ancient-sages-of-india/461360 https://books.apple.com/us/audiob...2020-06-1715 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Sages known as Saptarishis-Part 1-Sage Atri, Sage Bhrighu, Sage Kutsa and Sage Vasishta. (M. Venkataraman)This is a brief mention about Sages Atri, Bhrigu, Kutsa and Vasishta. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Ancient Sages of India’ which will be available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/ancient-sages-of-india https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Ancient_Sages_of_India?id=AQAAAECcenU6-M https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/ancient-sages-of-india-by-venkataraman-m https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/478085404/Ancient-Sages-of-India https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/ancient-sages-of-india/461360 https://books.apple.com/us/audiob...2020-06-1519 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam-Important Mantras and their meaning- Part 4 (M. Venkataraman)This is the final part of the four part episode on Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam. The meaning of some important Mantras are explained along with the recitation of the Mantras. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Sandhyavandanam Mantras-Meaning’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/473165507/Sandhyavandanam-Mantras-Meaning-For-followers-of-Yajurveda https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Sandhyavandanam_Mantras_Meaning?id=AQAAAEAcIjliNM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/sandhyavandanam-mantras-meaning-by-venkataraman-m https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiob...2020-06-1318 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam-Important Mantras and their meaning- Part 3 (M. Venkataraman)This is a third part of the four part episode on Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam. The meaning of some important Mantras are explained along with the recitation of the Mantras. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Sandhyavandanam Mantras-Meaning’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/473165507/Sandhyavandanam-Mantras-Meaning-For-followers-of-Yajurveda https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Sandhyavandanam_Mantras_Meaning?id=AQAAAEAcIjliNM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/sandhyavandanam-mantras-meaning-by-venkataraman-m https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiob...2020-06-1333 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam-Important Mantras and their meaning- Part 2 (M. Venkataraman)This is a second part of the four part episode on Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam. The meaning of some important Mantras are explained along with the recitation of the Mantras. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Sandhyavandanam Mantras-Meaning’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/473165507/Sandhyavandanam-Mantras-Meaning-For-followers-of-Yajurveda https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Sandhyavandanam_Mantras_Meaning?id=AQAAAEAcIjliNM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/sandhyavandanam-mantras-meaning-by-venkataraman-m https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiob...2020-06-1322 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam-Important Mantras and their meaning- Part 1 (M. Venkataraman)This is a first part of the four part episode on Sandhyavandanam-Yajur Vedam. The meaning of some important Mantras are explained along with the recitation of the Mantras. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘Sandhyavandanam Mantras-Meaning’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/473165507/Sandhyavandanam-Mantras-Meaning-For-followers-of-Yajurveda https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_Sandhyavandanam_Mantras_Meaning?id=AQAAAEAcIjliNM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/sandhyavandanam-mantras-meaning-by-venkataraman-m https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiob...2020-06-1313 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk - Ancient Sages of India- An Introduction (M. Venkataraman)India has been blessed from time immemorial by the advent of innumerable sages. Many of them are unknown. The epics and other religious literatures indicate the contribution of these sages towards the uplifting of the ethical, moral and religious standards of human beings. The period of the ancient sages, according to Hindu chronology, is till the end of Dwapara Yuga, which is about 5000 years back. The penetration of these sages in the subjects they dealt with is very clear and profound. Their intuitive power did not stand against reason. Their exposition of thought was thorough and penetrating...2020-06-0715 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Lalitha Sahasranamam-Hymn in praise of the Mother Goddess from the Brahmanda Purana (M. Venkataraman)Lalitha Sahasranamam This hymn in praise of the Mother Goddess occurs in the Brahmanda Purana in the midst of a conversation between Lord Hayagriva and sage Agasthya. It consists of a thousand names of the Mother Goddess in the form of Lalitha Tripura Sundari, who is an aspect of Goddess Durga. It is a very auspicious prayer, containing the thousand names in 182 verses. According to the legends, it was originally composed by the eight goddesses of speech called Vagdevis (Vasini, Kameshvari, Aruna, Vimala, Jayani, Modini, Sarveshvari and Kaulini), directly under the supervision of the Goddess herself and...2020-06-041h 02

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story - Kurma Avatara (Nithya Venkataraman)Kurma Avatara This is the story of the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu incarnates as a tortoise and holds the Mount Mandara when the gods and the demons churn the milky ocean to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-3019 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Shaivism and Vaishnavism (M. Venkataraman)Shaivism and Vaishnavism Shaivism and Vaishnavism are the two most important facets of Hinduism. Shaivism is a branch which believes Lord Shiva as the supreme deity and Vaishnavism believes Lord Vishnu as the Supreme deity. There are great saints in both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. They are spread throughout the length and breadth of the Indian sub-continent. The Nayanmars of Shaivism and the Alwars of Vaishnavism have made enormous contribution to the cause of the Hindu faith. The three most prolific of the Nayanars are Thirunavukkarasar Nayanar Thirugnana Sambandar and Sundaramurthi Nayanar. Their hymns...2020-05-2711 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story - The Matsya Avatara (Nithya Venkataraman)This is the story of the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as the Matsya Avatara. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-2612 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Bhaja Govindam-Adi Shankara (M. Venkataraman)Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam was written by Adi Shankara. It is one of the minor compositions of this spiritual giant. Normally it is sung as a form of bhajan. It contains the essence of Vedanta and implores the man to think as to why am I here in this life? Why am I amassing wealth, family, but have no peace? What is the Truth? What is the purpose of life? This composition of the saint is expected to awaken man to think and get set on a path to the road of the God principle. --- ...2020-05-2417 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story -The Narasimha Avatara (Nithya Venkataraman)This is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu where he incarnates as Narasimha-half lion, half man- and protects his ardent devotee Prahlada by annihilating Hiranyakasipu. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-2214 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Story -The Varaha Avatara (Nithya Venkataraman)This is the story of the demon Hiranyaksha and how Lord Vishnu took the Varaha Avatara, restored Mother Earth back from him and annihilated him. The story is narrated by Nithya Venkataraman. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-2009 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk -Ten incarnations known as Dasavatharam-A Prelude (M. Venkataraman)This is a brief idea about the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu known as Dasavatharam which is well-known in Hinduism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-1916 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Kandar Shashti Kavacham-Hymn in Tamil (M. Venkataraman)Kandar Shashti Kavacham Kandar Shashti Kavacham is a devotional song composed in Tamil by Devarayan Swamigal on Lord Karthikeya known popularly as Murugan in Tamil. The song consists of a total of 244 lines, including a few introductory lines known as "Kaappu," The main song portion consists of 238 lines known as the "Kavacham." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-1715 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Talk - The Vedas- A brief Introduction (M. Venkataraman)The Vedas which are the foundations of Hinduism are very vast and are extremely difficult to explore. What is given here is a very preliminary idea about the Vedas. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-1610 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Rama Ashtothara Shatha Namavali (M. Venkataraman)Rama Ashtothara Shatha Namavali. This is 108 names of Lord Rama used during a puja. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/venkataraman-m/message 2020-05-1406 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Shyaamala Dandakam-Kalidasa (M. Venkataraman)Shyaamala Dandakam Kalidasa is one of the well-known and famous poets of Sanskrit Literature and this hymn is composed by him. A Dandakam is a form of poetry where there are more than twenty six syllables in a sentence and it resembles a prose form. This hymn by Kalidasa is in praise of Goddess Parvathi. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Devi’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiob...2020-05-0809 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Minakshi Pancharatnam-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Minakshi Pancharatnam This stotram is composed by Adi Sankara in praise of Goddess Parvathi. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Devi’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/479468221/A-few-hymns-on-Devi https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/few-hymns-on-devi-a https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_A_few_hymns_on_Devi?id=AQAAAECcbkguxM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/a-few-hymns-on-devi-by-venkataraman-m https://books.apple.com/us...2020-05-0303 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Lingashtakam-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Lingashtakam This is a highly revered prayer to Lord Shiva. This stotra features eight stanzas on the glory of the Shivalingam. The Shivalingam is a sacred symbol of the Hindus whom they revere as the manifestation of the Universal Self. This prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, love and devotion to Lord Shiva in his aspect as Shivalingam. This stotra pays obeisance to the Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and other gods, which is praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of...2020-05-0203 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Lalitha Pancharatnam-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Lalitha Pancharatnam This stotram is composed by Adi Sankara. It is on Goddess Parvathi in the form of Lalita Tripurasundari who is the presiding deity of the Srichakra. The benefits of reciting this stotram is described in the Phala Sruti. It says that those who worship the Goddess by reciting this stotram will be blessed by the goddess with luck, prosperity and fame. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Devi’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. ...2020-04-2803 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Sivarakksha Stotram-Sage Yagnavalkya (M. Venkataraman)Sivarakksha Stotram This stotram is composed by Sage Yagnavalkya. It is said that this stotram was revealed by the Almighty God himself to Sage Yagnavalkya in his dream and that the Sage composed it the next day morning as it was revealed to him. It is a prayer to Lord Shiva praying for the welfare of each and every part of the body. The different verses enumerate the various parts of the body from head to foot and seek protection of these parts from diseases etc through the grace of Lord Shiva. I have also...2020-04-2806 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Chandrasekarashtakam-Sage Markandeya (M. Venkataraman)Chandrasekarashtakam This stotram is composed by Sage Markandeya in praise of Lord Shiva. It is said that this was sung by him at the age of sixteen when he was saved by Lord Shiva from the clutches of the god of death. In every stanza the Sage says that he has taken refuge in Lord Shiva and asks what can the god of Death do to him. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Lord Shiva’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like...2020-04-2506 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Annapurnashtakam of Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)Annapurnashtakam This stotra is written by Adi Sankara. Annapurna is the Goddess of food. She is considered as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. As the Mother Goddess, she is the symbol of divine aspect of nourishing care. To explain this aspect Lord Shiva himself is shown in some depictions as standing to her right with a begging bowl, begging her for alms asking her to provide unlimited food, knowledge and enlightenment to the people. The temple of Goddess Annapurna is located near the Kashi Viswanath temple, Varanasi. This stotra is written by...2020-04-1808 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Mahishsuramardini Stotram-Adi Sankara (Nithya Venkataraman and M. Venkataraman)Mahishasuramardini stotram Mahishasuramardini stotram is based on Devi Mahatmiyam in which Mother Goddess takes the forms of Durga, Lakshmi and Sarasvati to slay the demonical forces in the form of Madhu, Kaitabha, Mahishasura, Sumbha and Nisumbha. This stotram is composed by Adi Sankara and is said to have been popularised by one Ramakrishna Kavi about whom no details are available. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Devi’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. http...2020-04-1413 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Devi Suktam-From Devi Mahatmyam of Markandeya Purana (M. Venkataraman)This stotra comes in the Devi Mahatmyam. It is a hymn sung by the Devas in praise of Shakti, the Supreme Goddess, paying obeisance to her and seeking her help for the annihilation of the demons. Devi Mahatmyam is a portion of the Markandeya Purana authored by Sage Markandeya. It is also known as Durga Saptashati and Sri Chandi. It is a text which describes the victory of the good in the form of Goddess Durga over the evil represented by the demons Mahishasura and others. The text contains 700 verses (Saptashata) and because of that the whole...2020-04-0911 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Argala Stotram-From Devi Mahatmyam of Markandeya Purana (M. Venkataraman)Before completing the Durga Saptasati (Devi Mahatmyam), in the first place, Goddess’s devotees generally chant this Stotram. Here Sage Markandeya is telling his disciples in 27 inspiring slokas on the greatness of Devi. She has been described in all aspects and names and at the end of each Sloka, prayer is offered to Devi for material prosperity, physical fitness, fame and victory. Devi Mahatmyam is a portion of the Markandeya Purana authored by Sage Markandeya. It is also known as Durga Saptashati and Sri Chandi. It is a text which describes the victory of the good in th...2020-04-0909 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Vaidhyanathashtakam-Adi Sankara (M. Venkataraman)This stotram in praise of Lord Shiva is composed by Adi Shankara. Vaidhyan means Physician and in this stotram he is worshipped as Vaidhyanatha, the king among the Physicians. Devotees who are desirous of getting cured of diseases should recite or listen to this stotra. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this form at a famous temple in Tamil Nadu at a place called Vaitheeswaran Koil near Mayiladuthurai. It is believed that Lord Rama performed the cremation of the bird Jatayu in this spot. It is also believed that Angaraka (the deity of planet Mars) who was afflicted...2020-04-0908 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Margabandhu Stotram by Appayya Dikshitar (M. Venkataraman)There was a great scholar and an interpreter of Advaita philosopy after Adi Sankara. His name was Appayya Dikshitar. He belonged to a place in the South Arcot District of Tamilnadu. He composed this beautiful hymn on Lord Shiva who was called as Margabandhu in a place called Virinchipuram near Vellore in South Arcot District. This stotra contains a total of six verses followed by a phalasruti. Sri Dikshitar offers prostrations to the Lord who is the God of Gods, the greatest God and an abode of peace who blesses us all with welfare and prosperity. He...2020-04-0805 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Maha Mrityunjaya Stotram-Sage Markandeya (M. Venkataraman)This is a hymn on Lord Shiva composed by Sage Markandeya. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Lord Shiva’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/few-hymns-on-lord-shiva-a https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_A_few_hymns_on_Lord_Shiva?id=AQAAAEAcdhw2EM https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/474406294/A-few-hymns-on-Lord-Shiva https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1529867083 https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiob...2020-04-0606 min

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.Hymn - Durga Stotram-Virata Parva of the Mahabharata (M. Venkataraman)This is a hymn on Goddess Durga occuring in the Virata Parva of the Mahabharata. I have also brought about an audio book titled ‘A few hymns on Devi’ which you may like to hear. It is available with leading audio book-sellers like Google’s play books. https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/479468221/A-few-hymns-on-Devi https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/few-hymns-on-devi-a https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/VENKATARAMAN_M_A_few_hymns_on_Devi?id=AQAAAECcbkguxM https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/a-few-hymns-on-devi-by-venkataraman-m https://books.apple.com/us/aud...2020-04-0412 min