SRISHTI TALES

We continue our yatra to the temples of the prime deities of Vrindavana and unravel the stories behind their appearance.

Despite living in this materialistic and sophisticated world, the stories of disciples from our ithihasas and Puranas never cease to amaze us. Penpillai comes with yet another story of a woman's acharya bhakti.   Sabari, a disciple of Matanga muni, awaited the arrival of Rama, solely for the sake of the word foretold by her Guru. She gave motherly care to Rama who was completely shattered after the separation of Sita and the death of Jatayu, exemplifying patience, perseverance and devotion towards her Guru.

Hanuman came across one Rama bhakta amidst the cruel demons in the country of Srilanka. Among the group of flatterers in the royal court, He noticed one person who spoke the truth. It was Vibheeshana, the brother of the demon king Ravana.  Throughout his life, Vibheeshana walked on the road of dharma, which eventually led him to the place of Lord Rama. Following the path of dharma is never easy. Let's listen to Veda Paati the challenges that Vibheeshana faced while he intended to set things right.

Bhagavatam is the foremost scriptures when it comes to Krishna Leela. In Bhagavatam it is described that the gopis have predominantly sung 5 songs or geetas for their dear lord Krishna. These are Venu Geeta, pranaya Geeta, Gopi Geeta, yugala Geeta and bhramara Geeta. Let us look at where these songs have been based in current vrindavana!

According to Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, whoever serves Thaayar, becomes favorite to Perumal. Penpillai is guilty of not winning the blessings of Vaithamaanidhi Perumal by performing any kainkaryam to Kumudavalli Thaayar like Jatayu's kainkaryam towards Devi Sita.

Jatayu, the King of Vultures, was unperturbed about the consequences when he fought with Ravana. He rather considered Rama Sita kainkaryam to be important over all his other duties. He put his life at stake, in the attempt to rescue Sita piratti. Even when lying stabbed to death, Jatayu continued the kainkaryam till his last breath.

We enter the last and the best of the forests - Vrindavana. How and why Vrindavana was

chosen as the abode of the Yadavas? Krishna’s amazing adventure land has many tales to

tell..

Why Rama considered Gugan as his brother and also as a friend? What was so special about him? Generally, Rama's Prabhaavam is highly celebrated on his meeting with Gugan. However, our Penpillai highlights the glory of revered Gugan for our benefit. We all know Gugan helped Rama in crossing the river Ganges. Was it the only reason for Gugan's role to be popularly underlined in Ramayana? Pen Pillai constantly connotes in each story, that there's much more to know from each devotee. Let's dive into the story of a dutiful and devoted Gugan who got an opportunity to help Rama Bhagavan) and also Bharatha (Bhaagavata).

Bharathan - the brother known for bhagavath paarathanthriam. He was firm and contented in doing simply what Rama desires and orders. Bharath considered himself as a body and Rama as his soul. Is it possible for the body to exist without the soul? But that was the command of Rama. Bharath promptly  proposed an idea that alleviated his agony of seperation. He patiently waited in Nandigram. Even during the times of hardship, bagavath kainkaryam should be kept as our top priority just as Bharath did.

Once when Krishna and his friends were talking about Ramayana, Krishna remarked that he's sri Rama himself. Radha and other gopis refused to believe him and put him through a test. Know this and many more pastimes that took place in" Kamyavan ".

Lakshmana - the brother known for his bhagavath Eshathvam. He set an example of how a devotee should be ready and ever willing to serve the lord.Like how a crawling baby follows the mother around the house , Lakshmana wanted to follow Rama everywhere.Let's know from Veda paati , how Adisesha seized the opportunity of doing Kainkaryam to Sriman Narayana , when he was born as Lakshmana.