CONTENTS
reedom from struggle and attaining the eternal bliss is the universally acclaimed goal of humankind from time immemorial. If one has to attain this unalloyed bliss then he has to follow Sanatana Dharma whose roots are embedded in the immaculate Vedas. If one has to understand the integral part of Vedas then he has to study the Epics and Mythology blended through Samskrit Literature which has been the repository of India's history, culture, religion, sciences and socio-political values for several millennia. These when coined with poetical talent of great Samskrit Poets shines with more effulgence and creates a soothing effect to the mind of one and all. Even though Valmiki is called as the First Poet and Veda Vyasacharya is well known as World Guru, Kalidasa with the blessings of Valmiki and Vyasyacharya has absorbed all the literary elements of the Epics and Mythology and has brought out his works in an extraordinary manner. His skill in weaving the plot and wonderful power of delineating his characters has made him “Kavikulaguruhu” (The Master of All poets). The usage of his simily(s) which are apt, original & striking are culled from different spheres of knowledge. In 1791 a western scholar, Herder writes a letter to an English writer George Forster having studied his English translation of Abhijnana Shakuntalam stating that Shakuntalam of Kalidasa is a master piece of Drama Literature which can even challenge the Aristotelian Dramatic theory which was considered to be very great during that period. Thus if even western Scholars have appreciated the outstanding contribution of Kalidasa to Samskruth Literature then it is sure that Kalidasa stands as a world poet whose works do really enthrall the minds of all who are the true lovers of Samskruth Language. With this in our mind we had planned to conduct a two day National Seminar on “A Critical Appraisal of Kalidasa's Works with Relevance to Present Time” on behalf of the Dept. of Samskruth of Seshadripuram College recently. This was a kind of small tribute to the World Poet, the great Kalidasa.
We bow to the great intellectual Kalidasa who had got the knowledge (Saraswathi Kataksha) from the Blessings of Mahakala (Lord Shiva)
who was his Aaradhya Devatha. Seshadripuram Educational Trust, a pioneering educational trust of Karnataka, was founded in 1930. In the course of its sustained growth spanning eight decades, it has established itself as one of the foremost educational organisations in the state. With 29 premier institutions under its umbrella, the Trust endeavours to provide quality education, ranging from kindergarten to post graduation and research, at an affordable cost to more than 20,000 students. Established in 1973, Seshadripuram College regularly features among the top commerce colleges of the country and has been placed in the highest grade 'A' in the NAAC reaccreditation process. With a student strength of 2300, the college attempts to create a challenging teaching-learning environment which equips students with the knowledge and skills required to face the demands of the globalised environment without sacrificing the core values of our culture. It attempts to live up to this started mission of producing students who are “intellectually alive, morally upright and socially responsible citizens”. The Samskrit Language which is the store house of eternal knowledge has been the repository of India's history, culture, religion, sciences & socio-political values for several millennia. It is one of the richest languages of the world which can claim to have produced vast mass of literature right from the immaculate Vedas which stands as representatives of ancient epic and dramatic poetry of our country. Ramayana, Mahabharatha and puranas are looked upon as the specimans of ancient poetry. They have given themes to the later Samskrit poets to write their Mahakavyas, Khanda Kavyas, Champus. Dramas etc.. Kalidasa who is the greatest poet of Samskrit belongs to that period when the influence of two epics and puranas were profound on their compositions. He in particular, has absorbed all the literary elements of that period and has brought out his works in an extraordinary manner. His skill in weaving of the plot and wonderful power of delineating his characters has made him adore the title “Kavikulaguruhu”. The usage of his similes which are apt, original and striking are culled from different spears of knowledge. His mere name dominates Indian poetry and epitomizes it brilliantly. In order to acquaint Kalidasa and his works to the modern times, scholars have to approach the study of this Great Poet with relevance to present time.
To generate and disseminate new ideas and approaches. To provide a platform for meaningful discussions and interaction with academia, researchers and students. To focus attention to on contemporary relevance of Kalidasa to the present times.
The renowned scholar adorned the seminar with his gracious presence and gave us a discourse on “The need for study of Kalidasa”, a topic which was the very essence of the seminar. His memorable speech made us bow down in appreciation for the Kavikula Guru. “If you want to read Kalidasa's works, read it to experience the splendid fusion of beauty, elegance and sentiments he has delivered. In that lies the profit of studying Kalidasa” These words of his will forever be etched in my mind. Srinivasa Varkhedi The dean of the Karnataka Samskrit University chose to speak about 'The leadership model as depicted in Kalidasa's works' and who else for the job than the man who leads the state's Sanskrit university! He set a congenial atmosphere while he spoke about a Leader's attributes with some amusing stories to show what a leader does. We realized how our lives are led according to rules set by someone else. He said, “If you want to test one's leadership, give him power and then see how he treats the world.” He made me realize that a leader's fundamental quality is humility on the face of popularity and power. 1st Year B.com, Seshadripuram College. Kalidasa is one of the renown pillars of Sanskrit Literature. His works and effort was a great concrete to the upliftment of the great mansion called 'Samskrit Literature' A seminar on this great personality conducted in Seshadripuram College was a great gathering of various scholars. One among them was Dr. Vijaykumar C.G., Dean, Faculty of Veda Vidya; Director, Board of Planning and Development, Shree Kavikulaguru Kalidasa University, Ramtek, Nagpur, Maharashtra. With such great repute he is a simple man who spoke about the “Prakruthi Varnanam of Kalidasa”. He gave various examples and also gave quite a few aspects from his great treasure of Knowledge. We all were enthralled in seeing such a great person and hearing to his mind blowing speech. He in his lecture told that Kalidasa is a great Nature lover. He also told that Kalidasa in his works has coined the beauty of nature through his excellent poetical style. Some of the poems from Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Raghuvamsham, Kumarasambhavam, Ruthusamharam were explained where we could feel the kind of affection Kalidasa had to Mother Nature. It was really a good experience for us where we could enjoy the beauty of Samskruth Literature through a very educative . II B.com 'E', talk. Seshadripuram College
Former M.L.C. and Renowned Samskrit Scholar, Bengaluru Karnataka We got immense knowledge about the Greatness and speciality of Kalidasa's Works from Dr. S.R. Leela Madams captivating talk. She being a former M.L.C. and renowned Samskruth Scholar attracted everybody through her speech which was there with a blend of Desha Bhakthi. She gave power point presentation on Kalidasa's description of Himalaya which is there in his Kumarasambhava Mahakavya. Through this we came to know about the glory of the Great Kavi in describing each and every aspect of nature in a very heart soothing manner. It was really a very informative one in understanding the greatness of Kalidasa. Shri Venkatasubramanian of Vyoya Linguistics Labs foundation,Bengaluru, spoke about the usage of Information Technology in spreading the splendor of Samskruth Knowledge. The CDs made by them on Sandhi, Samasa and other aspects of Samskruth Grammer was really very interesting. We heartfully congratulate their wholehearted efforts in doing something valuable for the protection of Samskruth Literature. The Documentary screening on Kalidasa which was made by them was also wonderful. . II Year B.Com, Seshadripuram College.
Dr. R. Ramachandran a renowned sanskritist, Associate Professor of Samskrit,Vivekandnada College,Chennai had taken the second session on the second day i.e. 13thFeb.He interestingly started with the Ashukavitha Samarthya(The talent of composing poem immediately) of Kalidasa. The scene where Kallidasa solves a Samasya(Poetical problem) given by Bhoja Maharaja was explained in a very beautiful manner by him.The topic he chose for the session was“Kalidasa's view on importance of education”. He spoke about what is the view of Kalidasa about value based Education System and how it is useful in character building by beautifully quoting poems from the Raghuvamsha Mahakavyam which was truly educative to us.
Dr. H.V. Nagaraj Rao, President Awardee, Retired Professor, Oriental Research Institute, Mysore, is a very renowned Grammarian. He took the third session on the second day of the Seminar. The topic he chose was “kalidasa & Fine Arts”. We as students knew Nagaraj Sir only as a great authority in Grammer. But as he started the speech, we then came to know his utmost interest towards Kavyasahitya of Samskrutha Language. His speech was filled with a fine blend of Vyakaranam and Kavyajnana which enthralled the audience in the hall. He also soothingly rendered and explained the poems from “Abhijnana Shakuntalam” & other works of Kalidasa, which upholds the interest of II Kalidasa towards Fine Arts.B.Com , Seshadripuram College.
Senior Journo,
Sir, This is in response to your Editorial, India needs 29 CMs who are Bachelors.. in JnanaShankara Feb edition. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has not understood that people are watching. He thinks as long as he can manipulate castes among people, and groups among Congress, he can derive advantages from these situations. The increasing number of farmer suicide rates, increasing public outrage, communal tensions all over , selective decision making, minority appeasement have begun boomeranging!! And now lavishness in the name of luxury, Rs 4.78 lakh to procure hand towels for his & family's daily use, bath towels, face towels, foot mats and pillow covers...what not..?? An additional Rs 4.79 lakh spent on purchasing bed sheets, bed covers and blankets for his house, Rs 39.73 lakh spent on the CM's official residence, including Rs 4.77 lakh for drapers..! Time and tide wait for none Siddu ji..! Your own wrist watches will narrate tell-tale stories of your SELFISHNESS, the way you looted public money and oiur hard earned money paid as taxes. True, had you been a BACHELOR, none of us need to have worried about all these, you see. Save us Shankaraa!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------Reading our JNANASHANKARA mag. Feb edition I felt the following; The EDITORIAL and SUJNYANA DEEVIGE were good kick start. When you perform extra, over and above the normal hours of duty, God must have got pleased. That 1 hour extra done for 33 years on all the national days such as Independence Day and the Republic Days, PVSB has found a position and place in Jnanashankara. Truly, an extra ordinary Patriot, you are! Great indeed! Further, 1-16 pages, one can not misconstrue it as a Religious magazine. Such is the professional presentation. your pages 53 -68 now bore a new look, wait, watch, walk. Page 17-52 good stuff to read for all ages. Paper Quality? Proof reading needs to be taken care of. Gap fillers..? Your Pains taken efforts would gain certainly in the posterity besides, it remains in readers' minds for long. Continue the good job.
Bangalore
Namasthe Shri.Shri.Shri Sudarshan Bharatiya (*** 3 Star) E-Magazine of Gnanasankara is Excellent. Enables to Reach Out Every Kannadiga - 24x7 - On the Earth planet End to End of the Globe including Space. E-Especially & Exclusively - Travel Friendly Magazine Tech Savvy Tantrum.. Encash to the Brim - MAGAZINE of MASS & CLASS I have gone through all 72 Pages & Page 53 Colour Photos have come out very well. All the Best & Blessings..
Sir,, congratulations! your effort in giving the best for your readers is truly colorful. shall I say the magazine is un-putdownable! pardon my word usage, but thanks for all your time and effort. well, another thanks for accepting my poem kaliyuga for the esteemed magazine. Physics Lecturer,Kuvempunagar. -----------------------------------------------------------------------
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ri Ramanuja (1017 - 1137 CE), the most important philosopher-saint of Sri Vaishnavam and one of the most dynamic characters of Hinduism. He was a philosophical as well as a social reformer, displaying a catholicity that was nearly unparalleled in Hindu religious history before him. He revitalized Indian philosophy and popular religion so much that nearly every aspect of Hinduism has been influenced by his work. His life and works show a truly unique personality, combining contemplative insight, logical acumen, catholicity, charismatic energy, and selfless dedication to God. The less known fact even among Srivaishnavas about this well known Acharya by whose name Srivaishnava philosophy is called 'Ramanuja Darsanam' and who is hailed as "Sri Vaishnava Siddhanta Nirdhaarana Saarva bouma" is that he was a 'Vadama' by birth.(Authority :" Periya Thrumudi Adaivu, Pazhanadai Vilakkam and Visishtaadvaita Catechism" - quoted in GLE) Ilaya Perumal was born to Kesava Perumal Somayaji Dikhsitar and Kanthimathi Ammal at Sriperumpudur. Just as Sage Vasishta on seeing the brilliance in the face of the child named him as Lakshmana saying "Lakshmano Lakshmi Sampannaha", Periya Thiru malai Nambi struck by the Tejas of the child, named him after Lakshmana as Ilaya Perumal. (PPM) aka Ilayalwar. There is a sloka in Yadhavaachala
Mahatmyam which says:
(meaning) It is the same who was Adhisesha first, Lakshmana after and Balarama in the third who is born as Sri Ramanuja in the Kali yuga. This Kaschit is taken by our Poorva Acharyas as referring to Ramanuja (PPM)
His date of birth is placed differently by different authorities.As per PPM, he was born in Kaliyuga year 4119 which corresponds to1017 AD. PPM fixes even the exact date as 13th April 1017 AD, interms of English Calendar. PRA, though notes the year as 4118 Kali , maintains the year as 1017 AD only and gives additional information that the Rasi was Karkataka and the time of birth was exactly at noon. VAC, MKS and MSR also agree on the year 1017. PTA gives a few more details like the Yogam being Ayushman, Karanam being Bhadra, Gotra being Harita, Saakha being Yajus, Sutra being Apasthambha and Sect being Vadama ( Vide p.45 of GLE). PPM and ATA mention the year as Pingala, month Chitrai and the constellation Tiruvadirai. PPM adds that it was a Sukla Paksha Panchami, a Friday. It will be for the Research minded scholars to piece together all these details to arrive at the correct date, time etc. . >Next Page
Vriddha Padma Purana presages his incarnation thus:" Long, long afterwards, the Lord himself will come down on earth as a Tridanda Sannyasin, to restore the good law. At that time heretics and men of perverted intellects will confuse the minds of the people. Aasuric Saastraas, based upon fallacious arguments and various schools of thought, very attractive and almost indistinguishable from the Vedanta, will turn away mens' hearts from Vishnu and cause them to forget His glory. That glorious incarnation will, through the good fortune of the
Lord's devotees, come down upon earth, to explain and amplify the teachings of the great Sage Baadaraayana and the divine singer of the Gita. The holy one would compose a Bhaashya on the Vyaasa Sutras, to save men from the confusion and despair caused by spurious doctrines and lead them to the True faith". While still a boy , he lost his father and was living with his mother at Kanchipuram under the protection of one 'Tiruk kachi Nambi' This Nambi was believed to converse and was on 'speaking terms' with Lord Varadaraja in the Archa form.
TheseThese These
They They They
In the last lesson we learnt third person singular and in this lesson we learn plural of third person. All the above given words are third person plural's pronouns' form. Here like in English no changes in verbs even though gender based subject changes in the sentences. Ex-
They(These) go. They go. They go.
They go. They go. They go
Tutored by : Sanskrit Department, Bangalore University
he cow remains a protected animal in Hinduism today and Hindus do not eat beef. Most rural Indian families have at least one dairy cow, a gentle spirit who is often treated as a member of the family. See the cows do not only belong to Hindus but to mankind. Foreigners think that we worship cows etc. The fact is that Hindus regard her as their own mother. We have given cows mother status. This is because we drink milk from cow. The cow is a soft animal. The Hindus treat cows as Lakshmi, Kamadenu. The cow poop is utilized for fields, plants as fertilizer. The cow poop is used for gas plants. The cow-dung is an efficacious disinfectant and often used as fuel in lieu of firewood. Cow Dung is antiseptic! Not only is it free from bacteria, it does a good job of killing it. India's cows produce more than 800 million tons of dung every year. Most is used as fertilizer and some to prepare vibhuti, holy ash. Dried dung is odorless, and produces a slow, even heat. Additionally, smoke from a dung fire keeps flies away and acts as a mosquito repellent. Packed on the outside walls of a house, cow dung acts as an insulator, keeping heat out in the summer and holding it inside in winter. Indian scriptures tell us that the cow is a gift of the gods to the human race. It is a celestial being born of the churning
of the cosmic ocean. Guias the cow is called in Hindi, is symbolic of Earth itself (similar to Gaia, the Greek goddess of earth). It follows that the cow represents the Divine Mother that sustains all human beings and brings them up as her very own offspring. Much as a mother shows the highest mark of affection for her young, the passion of the cow for her calf is just as legendary and often referred to in Indian literature. The ancient texts describe how the gods run to the succor of a devotee like a cow hastening to feed her calf. In fact, the cow is even more than a mother in the sense that it fulfills all the needs of her children as well. It is in this conception that the cow is understood as Kamadhenu. One should never show disrespect for cows in any way nor should one feel any repugnance towards the urine and dung of a cow because these things are also pure. When cows are grazing or laying down relaxing one should never disturb or annoy them in any way. Cows should never be killed in any type of sacrifice or slaughtered in any way for food as the killing of cows constitutes the most heinous of all sins in existence. Scientists believe cows could eventually be used to produce medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, infections and even cancer. The cows have a human immune system.