Karna’ son Vrishketu survived the war of Mahabharata and later he grew close to Pandavas. He also accompanied Arjuna to Rajsuya yagya. In the famous incident of Arjuna killed by Babhruvahana, Vrishketu was also killed.
Shri Krishna held Vrishketu in high regard, as he chose to revive him before Arjuna.
Full story is here
Shishupala was born to king of Chedi. He was born with four hands and three eyes. His parents and relatives were scared of him and decided to cast him out. But they were warned by a invisible voice from the heaven…O king, your son will be fortunate and superior in strength, don’t be scared of him indeed cherish him without anxiety.His extra hands and eye will disappear in the lap of the person who will kill him.
So his parents called all the kings of the world to Chedi and put the child on each of their their laps to see which one would be the slayer. Finally Krishna and Balarama (who were children at the time) came, as they were nephews of the queen of Chedi. (The queen of Chedi was the sister of Krishna’s father Vasudeva). As soon as Krishna put Shishupala in his lap, Shishupala’s extra arms fell off and his third eye disappeared indicating Shishupala’s death was destined at the hands of Krishna.
Seeing that Shri Krishna will be the one who will cause Shishupala’s death, his mother started weeping and asking Lord to not to kill her son. In the Mahabharata, Shishupala’s mother was given a vow by Krishna, her nephew, that he would pardon his cousin a hundred times and he will kill him when he exceeds the limit.
Shishupala fought with Krishna many times, once when Krishna eloped with Rukmini who was betrothed to him, and defeated the combined armies of Shishupala and Rukmini’s brother Rukmi. Sage Narada reminded Krishna that while he had previously (in the form of Narsingh avatar) killed Hiranyakashyap, the demon has been reborn as Shishupala and must be destroyed again.
Once Yudhisthir, elder brother of Pandava was organised a famous Rajasuya yagya. Hee invited many kings and princes. Shishupal too was invited. When Shishupal saw Krishna there he began hurling abuses at Krishna. Krishna remained quit. Finally, when Shishupal uttered his hundredth abuse, Krishna turned to him, took his sudarshan chakra and flung it towards Shishupal. The chakra slashed Shishupala’s head and the crowed cheered.
This is Shishupala story for our readers, which is a fascinating story. Hope you liked.
Lord Yamaraj or Yama, was good looking and handsome. But he lost his good looks by the act of Lord Shiva. There is an interesting story behind this.
Once there was a deity who was very handsome. All his features were very attractive that he attracted a lot of attention from the women folk. He had an interesting job, which was escorting dead people to heaven or hell. He was Yama Dharmaraja or the God of Death.
This was several eons ago, before he had a makeover of sorts from Shiva, who gave him a gory countenance, which would make people shudder to see him.
There is an interesting anecdote behind this. Long ago when Yama was sent to be the God of Death, he did not render his duties properly. He was flirting with the women in Devaloka and on earth. Nobody was dying on earth and the earth was unable to bear the burden anymore.
So Shiva called Yama to Kailash. When he arrived Shiva asked him “Yama, I heard thatnobody is scared of you on earth?”“Yes, my Lord,” he said.
“You also seem to attract women a lot,” he added. “No, my Lord, it is the women….”Yama said shamefacedly. Shiva knew that Yama was attracting women due to his good looks and changed his looks with a gory countenance. Then he told Yama to look at his reflection in the pond nearby. When Yama looked in the pond he was shocked beyond belief at the face staring at him from the water. He came running back to Shiva and said “Lord there is a fiery looking character staring at me from the water. He has dark looks, big teeth and big moustache and looks very scary. Who is he?”
Lord Shiva enquires Lord Yama
Shiva laughed heartily at this and said “It is your own reflection!” Yama was saddened beyond belief. He asked Shiva “Is there a way to get back my earlier countenance,” he cried. Shiva just smiled in answer and went back to his penance. He looked at Shiva for a while and decided there was no point in waiting for his reply.
He went looking for Brahma in Sathyaloka. But Brahma was busy writing something in a palm leaf manuscript. Yama looked at Brahma who had himself lost one head out of his five and thought “What is the point asking him about my plight?” and he left without meeting Brahma.
He goes to meet Vishnu in Vaikuntha. But Vishnu was seriously discussing something with wife Lakshmi, so Yama unwilling to disturb them, leaves without meeting Vishnu.
He returns to earth and travels south. He reaches the foothills of a mountain and is attracted by its serenity. He goes on a rigorous penance, to Vishnu. Years rolled by. Pleased by his devotion, Vishnu appears before him. Seeing Vishnu in front of him Yama falls at his feet and respectfully asks “Can you recognize me Oh Lord?” Vishnu says “I know everything that happened Yama. But it is all of your own doing. If you had not forgotten your duties, this situation wouldn’t have risen. “Forgive me Lord, You have to help me out of this,” he prayed. Vishnu felt sorry for Yama’s plight. “I will make your unsightly horns go away. Instead you will have a bull which will be your vehicle from now on,” he said.
Not satisfied with his appearance, Yama said “Can’t you change the appearance of my teeth which look so scary?” “Yama, when you went to Sathyaloka to meet Brahma, you offended him by not meeting him, so Brahma cursed you to have this gory appearance for life and I am unable to help you,” said Vishnu.
People will get scared by your appearance and it will help in your profession of bringing death.
Lord Yamaraj
Convinced that nothing or nobody could change his fate, Yama, accepts his fate and returns to earth. Before that, he asks Vishnu to reside near him in Azhagar Kovil for people to propitiate him. Vishnu agrees and resides there. Lakshmi arrived one day looking for Vishnu and Yama asks her also to reside by the side of Vishnu. She also agrees. This place is known as Kallazhagar temple. Since Vishnu attracts people with his good looks, he is also known as Sunderraja Perumal and the place also came to be known as Azhagar Kovil. It is believed that Yama visits this temple to this day to propitiate Vishnu.
Note: Azhagar Kovil is near Tiruchirappalli
This is true. The great Bhishma once fought with Parshurama, an incarnation of Vishnu and was undefeated. Here are some unknown facts about him.
https://ritsin.com/unknown-facts-indian-mythology-bhishma-untold-unknown-facts-mahabharata.html/
This is strange but true. The Lord looks after his bhaktas in number of ways, following the most interesting story about him.
Lord Shiva and Parvati marriage
Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati
During the churning of ocean, a pot of poison (halahal) came out of the ocean. This had the potential to destruct the whole universe. Lord Vishnu advised gods to request Lord Shiva to consume the poison.
To save the mankind, Lord Shiva drank the poison after requested by gods. Goddess Parvati pressed her neck to prevent the poison reaching to stomach. Thus, the poison remained in the neck and his neck became blue. Thus the name Neelkanth. In an effort to keep Lord Shiva awake at the night,gods danced and played music. As the day broke out, Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion blessed them all. Mahashivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world.
Enjoy other stories on Mahashivaratri below.
Yes, this is true. The temple is at a height of about 3000 feet so the climate is normally cold and also every morning at 4; 30 am Abhishekam is done in which the idol is bathed with water, milk as well as other dravayam. After the bath sweat appears in form of fine water particles on the body of the idol . Sweat is wiped with silken cloth. On every thursday, when ornaments are removed before sacred bath it is noticed that they are warm.
https://ritsin.com/unknown-facts-about-tirupati-balaji.html/
Though we know that Lord Vishnu’s has ten incarnations, but few people know that actually there are twenty one incarnations.As per hindu Mythology and puranas, Lord Vishnu has 21 incarnations.
These are available in following articles:
Once there was a little boy named Markandeya. His father Mrikandu had to select one of two predetermined fates for him before he was born. The first one was that Markandeya would be a bright, knowledgeable young boy who would live till the age of 16. The second option was that he would live a long life but as a dull, foolish boy. Mrikandu chose the first fate for his son.
Thus Markandeya was destined to die before he was even born. As a child, he was quite intelligent and noble. Markandeya was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva and worshipped the Shivalingam at his home every day.
He continued worshipping Lord Shiva, even till the predetermined day of his death. Such was his unflustered devotion to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva and Kalantaka
As the moment of his death approached, Lord Yama (the God of death) sent his messengers (Yamduts) to snatch the life from Markandeya’s body. When they arrived he was still praying to Lord Shiva. The messengers failed to take away his life, as his dedicated worship continued.
This is because Markandeya had learnt the Mahamrityunjay Mantra in the recent past. He was instructed to do this by Lord Brahma, who was aware of Markandeya’s fate. This mantra of Lord Shiva is especially powerful and it even has the power to defy death.
Tirupati is a place Lord Vishnu chose as an alternative to Vaikunth his celestial home of Lord Venkateshwara. Tirumala temple stands on a hill range comprising seven peaks, representing & hoods of Adisesha. Lord Balaji is also called Lord of seven hills.
Here are some interesting and unknown facts about the Balaji temple.
The Arch at the entrance of Tirumala Hills is unique in the world. Natural arch, Tirumala Hills is a distinctive geological wonder located a km. north of Tirumala Hills temple. The Arch is also known as Silathoranam. Sila is rock and thoranam is garland strung over a threshold connecting two vertical column as an arch. Arch measures 8m in width and 3m. in height. It is one of the few natural arches in Asia.
A Chemical, kachcha Kapooram (Green Camphor) is a soft white chemical is applied on the idol of Balaji everyday. Fact is if this chemical is applied on granite, cracks will appear on it. But , surprisingly this is applied on Balaji every day still there is no damage to the stone.
The temple is at a height of about 3000 feet so the climate is normally cold and also every morning at 4:30 am Abhishekam is done in which the idol is bathed with water, milk as well as other dravayam. After the bath sweat appears in form of fine water particles on the body of the idol . Sweat is wiped with silken cloth. On every thursday when ornaments are removed before sacred bath it is noticed that they are warm.
At the entrance of the main door, to the right side a stick which was used by Ananthaaivar to his Venkaleshwara Swamy is present. When this stick was used to hit the Small boy Venkateshwara his chin was hurt. Since then the practice of applying sandalwood paste on Swamy’s chin started.
When Balaji lost small portion of hair after hit by shepherd, Neela devi a Gandharva princess cut a portion of her hair and implant it on his scalp. Lord Balaji promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be recipient of all the hair received . It remains a miracle that there is a real hair on the main idol of Venkateswara Swamy. The authorities says that this hair is always silky smooth and never entangles. Nearly 1.08 crore devotee offer their hair to the Lord and nearly 1.5 crore disposable blades are used for the purpose, TTD gets an income of 200 crore per year with the sale of the offered hair.
The length of the silken dress of Lord Balaji is around 21 arm length. (roughly one arm length is one and a half feet ), and its weight is around 6 kilogram. This can not be brought from any shop. devotee willing to offer dress submit assigned sum at the temple office towards the cost of the dress offered by the devotee. Andhra Pradesh govt. also offers one set dress twice in a year. Every friday 15 such outer garments are accepted for offering. For this there is waiting period of at least 10 years or more.
The inner garment of Lord Balaji’s consort Goddess Alarmelumanga are made of cotton at a place called Kathwaal. The weaver of this garment belong to Chechu tribe and they prepare it with utmost devotion. Since this inner garment touches the body of Goddess, the weaver take bath thrice daily during the preparation of the dress, They don’t touch liquor or any non- vegetarian food.
The worship of Lord Balaji is done as Mother Goddess Amba (Ambal) for 4 days, Lord Maha Vishnu for 2 days and Lord Shiva for one day in a week. Bilva leaves a must for worship of Lord Shiva are used during archana. Venkateshwara Swamy appears to be standing in the middle of the Garba Guddi. Actually, Swamy stands at the right side corner of the Garba Guddi . This can be noticed from standing outside.
Abhishekam is performed every morning from 4:30-5:30. many items required for Abhishekam are imported from abroad like saffron from Spain, kasturi from Nepal, Punugu from China, certain fragrance material from Paris. These items are mixed with sandal paste prepared in a golden plate. 51 small kalasam of milk is offered in Abhishekam. Then they apply Kasturi and Punugu to the idol. Specially packed roses are air-freighted from Amsterdam. Many fragrant items are sent from China to Balaji. These include chinese camphor, akila(a scented wood similar to sandalwood , sandalwood, amber, kumkum, thamalam etc.
There is also a traditional belief in vogue that Balaji has a third eye which he opens at the time of Abhishekam.
The temple authority buy a mud pot daily in which curd and rice is offered to Lord. Except curd rice no other cooked or prepared food item ever cross the Kulasekara’s steps and enter the sanctum sanctorum. It is deemed to be big blessing indeed if any devotee gets the used mud pot and any left over of the curd and rice offered to Lord Balaji.
The value of ornament of Balaji is around 1000 crores (appreciates as the market rises). salagrama is golden necklace its weight is around 12 kgs, surya kadari- weighs around 500 kgs, pada kavasam (leg covering ) weighs around 375 kgs. The single blue stone that is in possession of the temple is a unique and can not be found anywhere in world.
Normally any Hindu God idol in sathvik and shanthi posture would be depicted with at least one weapon in one of the hand. But, in case Lord Balaji has no weapon in his hand . He is Nirayudha Pani. In ancient Tamil literature he is described as Verungai Vedan, a hunter without any arms in hands.
Abhishekam water or liquids are let out through pipe into a nearby sacred tank of the temple called Pushkarani. Hence the water in the tank is also considered sacred. It is believed that the sacred water is capable of removing one’s sin on taking a dip in it. After taking a dip people offers Arghyam.
Flower garland worn by the idol of female devotee known as Sri Aandaal at Srivilliputhur temple of Tamil nadu is brought daily to the hills and offered to Lord Balaji. Sri Aandaal worshipped Lord Balaji as her God.
There is a secret village about 22 kms from town which allows only residents of the village to enter. It is said that village has a garden of flowers from where flowers are fetched and used in the sanctum of Lord Venkateshwara. All the flowers used in garba gudi are in condition brought out. There is a waterfall behind the swamy and all the flowers used are thrown in the waterfall. There are about 1180 stone engraving in the temple at the seven hills. Out of these 50 are in Telegu / Kannada and rest 1130 are in Tamil language only. Paintings / murals at Tirupati are over 300 years old.
Every Friday morning, a special worship is performed before the commencement of Abhishekam. One Psalm in Tamil beginning with the word Venkatam yena Petra is sung. During special worship the idol is without any dress or flower decoration (Nirmalya / Viwaroopa Dharshanam / Dikambaram). A camphor is lighted and shown to the Lord (Karpoora Aarti). The Nayadyam is offered to the Lord(offering of fruits etc). Once again a karpoora aartiis done.
The idol of Balaji at this time shines beautifully and is a treat to the eye.Lakshmi devi is on the heart of Swamy. On Thursday during Nijaroopa Darshanam, Swamy is decorated with white wood paste . When this decoration is taken out the imprint on Lakshmi Devi remains, This imprint is sold by temple authority.
The lights lit in front of Swamy are said to lit since thousands of years.
The Suprabhatam chanting to wake up Lord is not played in temple during month of Dec – Jan as he never sleeps.
The Garuda Hills in Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara features a natural rock formation that is in the form of Garuda. Garuda is vehicle of Lord Venkateshwara.
A similar statue of silver is built inside the sanctum sanctorum in 966 AD for the purpose of doing Abhishekam as well as beautifying with all the jewelleries. Pallava Dynasty king sakti and his wife has donated lot of jewels and ornament to this silver idol of Balaji.
Major source of income is offerings, sale of prasadam, sale of darshan tickets,seva ticket, sale of hair offered and receipt from choultries(place of accommodation). The gross income of TTDfor the year (14-15) ws estimated to be 2359.2 crores ie, about 6.34 crore every day.
The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 devotees daily, on special occasion or festivals like annual Brahmotsavam, the number shoots up to 500,000 or more thus making it a most visited place in world
In 1800, temple was said to be closed for 12 years. One king is said to have punished 12 people by killing them and hanging them on the wall of the temple. It is believed that at this time Swamy appeared.
According to Varaha Purana during treta Yuga , Lord Rama resides here along with Devi Sita and Lakshmana on his return from Lankapuri.
