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Volume 2

A Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

5114 BjmVw

Issue 4

15th July, 2012

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150 Sevadarshan@gmail.com

Sopanam - July 2012

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

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Sopanam - July 2012

Editorial
A very pious months comes to us again with the start of the Month of Ramayana. Where the chants of the daily recitals fills the ears of every Indian with the story and message of the greatest role model to have come to this world to lead us, Lord Rama. It adds to mention the Muslims of the world also start their Ramadan fasting during this time this year. This great scripture reflects the life, culture and values that makes up every Indian. It shows us how a true leader is born and how he leads. Ram Rajya is supposed to have been the most perfect example of living by dharma. Various interpretations, debates and arguments spanning many centuries have not been able to affect the divinity of the story of this great soul. People still revere this text as the simplest of texts along with the Mahabharata to explain in brief the philosophy of the Vedas. For any nation or civilization to evolve role models are essential. And for India it has been Lord Rama. Today Lord Rama faces a bigger threat, the Raavan in the minds of his people who question his existence, capabilities, his qualifications, his virtue. Uttering his very name is becoming a communal issue. We have court cases being fought by mortal beings trying to decide if a sacred monument build by Lord Ram can be cut to pieces for the sake of our economy which may or may not rebound with this action. We hope the people of India will realize his message while they read the Ramayana with devotion and understanding and they pass his message to all their fellow citizens. It is not a message to change faith but a message to learn and develop oneself. The message of the Ramayana has even more prominence as we approach Raksha Bandhan, the festival of unity. A tradition of reaffirming the oath and love between brothers and sisters has today become a festival of unity with the citizens of our great nation. They take to bonding his fellow citizens with rakhi and reaffirming to stand by their side in protecting the dharma of the nation. Raksha Bandhan also gives a very significant message on how our ancestors have viewed and treated women in contrast to the atrocities committed now quoting misinterpreted scriptures. This festval also reminds us of the need to be united and to stand against the forces that move against our nation, whatever the differences amongst ourselves. May we all acquire the strength and courage to face the onslaught on our nation by sinister forces eating up our ethos from within using devious means we often ignore. Thankfully our people have now started becoming vigilant and have started reacting.

editorial Board

Krishna Kumar Paliath Vibheesh Tikkodi Anandharaj Konni Reshmy Krishna Kumar

data Management

Ajaykumar Anjaneyam Manoj Nair Rajarajan Ganesan Sindhu Sanjith Suresh Varickolil Roopesh R. Souparnika Advt.Vidhya Sumodh Dr. Sindu Sudheesh Advt. Vinod R . Sundara Raman Kripa Sujith Divya Satheesh Kumarakam Anuradha Sundara Raman

Creative & design

Sreenivasan C.P. Sunil Pookode Vinaya Babu. C.K. Cover Design - Sasi Krishnan

For Comments, Submissions & Subscriptions please write to

email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
Sopanam - July 2012 3

Spiritualism

ArmnId

Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu has taken various forms to save the Universe from the demons and the evil. In the previous editions of the Sopanam Magazine we have read about Malsya, Kurma and Varaha avatars. Varaha avatar was taken by Lord Vishnu to save the earth from Hiranyaksha. Hiranyaksha had a brother by the name Hiranyakashapu. He was equally powerful as his brother. Hiranyakshas death brought rage to his brother Hiranyakashapu and he wanted to take revenge from the most supreme Maha Vishnu. For this he started worshipping Lord Brahma to obtain mystical powers. Pleased by Hiranyakashapus austerities, Lord Brahma appeared before him to grant his wishes. Hiranyakashapu asked Brahma to make him immortal. He wanted victory over death. As it was not possible to grant this wish, Brahma said he would bind his death with certain conditions. At this point Hiranyakashapu asked for the boon that he may not be killed by any living being which is created by the God Himself. He must not be killed inside out outside the residence, at day or at night, neither in ground or in sky, nor by any weapon, human being or animal or even by any entity living or non living. He also asked that he should not be killed
4

by any demons and snakes. He asked for the boon to be the most powerful and wished for all the mystic powers and glories. Brahma readily granted him the boon and Hiranyakashapu was happy that he had won over death and believed himself to the most powerful living being in the Universe. One day when Hiranyakashapu was performing his austerities in Mandaracala Mountain, Indra and devatas attacked his house. At that time Narada approached to protect Hiranyakashapus wife Kayadu. He took Kayadu with him and gave her care and protection as she was pregnant. Under the guidance of Narada, the unborn child of Kayadu (Prahalada) was affected by the guidance and instructions of Narada and later became a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashapu was very upset that his son was an ardent devotee of his lifelong enemy Maha Vishnu. He made many failed attempts to kill Prahalada. Every time the Lord Himself protected Prahalada through His mystical powers. Prahalada was not ready to accept his father as the supreme power and the lord of the Universe. He used to keep chanting Maha Vishnus name and also tried to correct his father many a times. He used to tell his father that Maha Vishnu existed everywhere in this Universe. Hiranyakashapu was very annoyed with his son. He once questioned Prahalada about the existence of Lord Vishnu. He asked, if Maha Vishnu pervades everywhere then why doesnt HE appear before him. To this Prahalada answered He is in pillars, and he is in the smallest twig. In rage, Hiranyakashapu smashes the pillar in front of him. With a thunderous sound, Maha Vishnu appeared in front of him in the form of Narasimha, and attacked Hiranyakashapu.Lord Narasimha is half human and half animal. He appeared at the twilight at the courtyard and placed Hiranyakashapu on HIS thighs. HE used HIS sharp fingernails as weapon to kill Hiranyakashapu. The Puranas describe that Lord Narasimha was in fury after killing Hiranyakashapu. Nobody present there could control HIS anger. Even Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi failed in controlling Narasimha. At the request of Lord Brahma, Prahalada was presented to the furious and the mightiest Lord Narasimha. The prayers offered by Prahalada calmed the rage of Lord Narasimha and HE later crowned Prahalada as the king. The immense devotion of Prahalada to Lord Vishnu made him Chiranjeevi (immortal).
Sopanam - July 2012

Sindhu Sanjith

ArmnId

{imw Hcp almb Iaw

Ipamcn AZnXn ipIvSI {imspdnv ]dbptm Cv ]ecptSb pw a\n "Hcp Aimkv{Xobhpw ASnm\ clnXhpamb Iaw', F sXmb NnbmWv DIImhpXv. Nne "]nXrpthIn {imw \SpXn\p ]Icw B ]Ww sImIv Zcn{Zv AZm\w \SpItbm GsXnepw kvIqfn\v kw`mh\ \IpItbm sNpXmWv IqSpX KpWw sNpI', Fp ]dbpp! CXv "ikv{X{Inb Bhi yap tcmKnv AXv sNmsX B ]Ww sImIv Zcn{Zv AZm\w \SpItbm GsXnepw kvIqfn\v kw`mh\ \IpItbm sNpXmWv IqSpX KpWw sNpI', Fp ]dbpw t]msebmWv. {imhn[n sNpXv [amNcWns Hcp `mKamWv. h\nembncpnp IqSn `Khm {iocma, Xs ]nXmhv ZicYs acWhm Adntm {imhn[n sNbvXp. {im hn[nbn \Sp at{mmcWn ]nXrv KXn \ IpXn\p kqva in ASnbncnpXn\ memWv ]nXrv KXn e`npXv. (Cu hjw InSI hmhv Pqsse 18\mWv.) {imns {]m[m\yw 1.IenbpKnse `qcn]w P\fpw km[\ sNmXn\m ambbn s]pgepIbmWv. AXpIm cWw acWtijw Cu BfpIfpsS enwKtZlw AXr] vXamIpp. Cu AXr]vX enwKtZl aytemIp Xs Xn t]mIpp. aytemIw `qtemIn\pw `phtemIn\pw atybmWv. AXr]vXcmb ]qhoIcpsS B{Kl {imhn[n aptJ\ ]qoIcnv Ahv thKn ASp KXn e`nWw FXmWv {imhn[n \SpXns {][m\ Dtiyw. 2.Nne ZpjvIa sNbvXXp ImcWw acWtijw ]nXrtemIp t]mImsX `qXtbm\nbn t]mIpp. Ccw ]nXrpw B tbm\nbn\npw tamN\w e`npp. {imns alzhpw Bhiyhpw {imIan \npw \nKanp DuPn\v enwKtZlneSnb {XnKpWfpsS DuPhpambn kmayap Iv. AXn\m Aev] Imebfhn Xs {imneqsS \nans DuPm enwKtZlw aytemIw ISpp. aytemIw ISv t]mb enwKtZln\v hoIpw `qanbnse km[mcW hynIv _pnapv \
Sopanam - July 2012

Im `uamcontev hcm km[npIbn; AXpsImIv {imIan\v hfscb[nIw {]m[m\yapIv. {imw \Snbnsn hmk\bpsS N{Ihyqln s]ncnp At\Iw enwKtZlv \psS km[\ sb XSsSpm Ignbpw. AXn\m lnp, InSI Aamhmkn Znhkw ]nXrEWn \npw tamN\w t\SpXn\mbn imkv{X{]Imcw Ia sNt IXmWv. 1."tZh, Ejn, kaqlw FnhtcmSp EWw (ISw) hopXn\v F{X {]m[m\yaptIm A{X Xs {]m[m\ yw ]nXrEWw hopXn\papIv. ]nXrtfmSv _lpam\w ImWnpI, AhcpsS t]cn Zm\w sNpI, Ahv CjvSsSp Imcyw sNpI, Ch ]nXeapdbpsS ISab mWv. {imw \SpXv [a ]me\ns Hcp `mKam Wv', Fv [aimkv{Xn ]dnpv. 2. ]p{Xm \Ip ]nWvtUmZIm (]nWvUhpw Pehpw) am{Xta ]nXr Xr]vXnsSpIbpp. 3. {imw sNmhscpdnv KoXbn ]dncnp Imcyw C{]ImcamWv ""]Xn ]nXcu tlymjmw ep]vX]nWvtUmZI{Inbmx'' {ioaZv`KhZvKoX 1.42 AYw : CcmcpsS ({imw sNmhcpsS) ]nXr ]nWvU{im X]WmZn {InbI sNmXn\m \cIn t]mIpp. AXns ^eam bn B IpSpw_n\v t{ibv DImIpIbn.

Spiritualism
4. GsXnepw Bmhn\v, "F\npthIn {imw \SWw' F B{KlapImbnv AXv \Snsn B Bmhn\v B{Klw km[nmXn\mep ZpxJap ImIpp. Acw Bm ]nimNmbn {imw \ Sm _psf D]{Zhnm\nSbpIv. 5. Pohnncnptm "{imn bmsXmcp AYh pan; Fs acWm\cw Bcpw F\np thIn {imw \StI Bhiyan', Fp ]dbph acWtijw {imw \SmXn\m "Rm IpSpn t]mbn' Fp a\nemnbmepw Ahv Cmcyw BtcmSpw ]dbm IgnbpIbn. B{Klw \SmXn\m Ah ZpxJnX cmbn Ignbpp. AXn\m \mw Fm ]qhnIpth Inbpw {imw \StXmWv. CmcWmepw km[\bpsS A`mhw ImcWhpw ] epw ]nXrfpsS AXr]vXamb BmfpsS _ pnappImIm\p km[yXbpIv. "hon \nXyhpw Im cWanmsX IelapImIpI, tPmen InmXncnpI, kmnIamb {]iv\, F{X NnIn \Snbnpw AkpJw amdmXncnpI, hnhmlw \SmXncnpI, `mcym`mm Xn kzct Cmbva, K`w [cnmXncnpI, ]e XhW K`w AekpI, hnIemwKt\m a_pntbm Bb Ipn P\npI, elcn ] ZmYv ASnabmIpI' Ch ]nXrtZmjw ImcWapI mIp _pnappIfn NneXmWv. {imw \Snbm ] nXr Xr]vXnsSpIbpw AhcpsS BiohmZmepw Ahv aytemIp\npw ASp temItv KXn e`npXn\mepw IpSpw_mwKfpsS _pnappI Ipdbpp. {imw FtmgmWv \StIXv? km[mcWbmbn Aamhmkn, hjnse ]{Iv kw{Ia, N{{KlWhpw kqcy {KlWhpw, bqKmZn, a\zmZn, acWs \m apXemb Znhk {imn\v \XmWv. {imhn[n Hcp {]tXyI kabv sNm km[nmXn\m {imw \Snbn Fp ]dbm\ p Ahkcw \Im lnp [aw! 1."km[mcWbmbn Fm hjhpw hyn acWaS XnYnv (Cwojv IeI {]ImcamsX lnp ]mwK{] Imcap XnYn) {imw \SpI. C amknse GXp XnYnbnemWv acWssXv AdnpIqsSn B amknse Aamhmknbn {imw \SpI. 2.XnYnbpw amkhpw Adnbnsn iIhjnse amLamkntem amKioj amkntem D Aamhmknv {imw \SpI. 3.FmWv acnsXv Adnp IqsSn \mw acWh m Adn XnYnv {imw \SmhpXmWv. 4.]nXr{imw Znhkhpw \StIXmWv. CXv Pew
6

ArmnId

sImIpw AXmbXv ]nXrv XWw \Sn sNmhpXmWv. 5.]nXr{imw Znhkhpw sNm ]mh Zi{imw \StIXmWv. Zisam Aamhmkn Fpw Zi{imsam Hmtcm amktbpw Aamhmkn \mfn \Sp {imsamIpp. AXneqsS \nXy{imns ^ew e`npp. {imw \Sptmgpw AXn\ptijhpw sNtI {] mY\ 1.{imw \Sptm sNtI {]mY\ ""DZocXmah DXv]cmkv, D[yamx ]nXc tkmaymkx Akpb CubphrI EXmx, tX t\mfhp ]nXtcm lthjp.'' EtKzZw 10:15:1 AYw : `qanbnep ]nXr Db temIw {]m] nWta. kzKn AXmbXv Db temIfnep ]nXr AhnsS\npw Xmtgmp hcmXncns. at[ybph Db temI {]m]nWta. tk mackw tkhnphcpw {]mWkzcq]cpw i{Xplo\ cpw kXykzcq]hpamb RfpsS ]nXr Rsf cnWtasbp R bmNnpp. "]nXrtZhmsc, Aizn\oIpamcs\tmse Xmacame AWn kpc\pw BtcmKyaph\pamb ]p{Xs\ \ Inbmepw. Ah tZhmcptSbpw ]nXrfptSbpw R a\pjycptSbpw B{Kl km[nnph\ mIs.' 2.{imhn[n IgnXn\ptijw sNtI {]mY\ "tKm{Xw t\m h[Xmw.' AYw : RfpsS tKm{Xw h[ns. {imhn[n \SpsImIncnptm a\n hnNmcfpsS sImSp hm \SpsImIncnpw. B kabv {imw \Sp hynbpsS hmk\mtZlw, at\mtZlw Chbn\npw _lnKanp hnNmcfpw hnImcfpw acn hynbpsS a\ns\ hfscb[nIw _m[npp. AXn\m {imw hfsc a\tmsSbpw GIm{KtXmsSbpw sNWw.'

Sopanam - July 2012

kmwkvImcnIw
Cultural
AhfpsS cmbn {]XnsbSppIbpw sNbvXp. Ncn{X bpfnepw cmJn ISp hcppI v. 300 _n. kn.bn alm\mb AeIvkmI N{Ihn `mcXs A{Iantm As cmPmhmbncp ]pcphn \npw Hcp]mSv \mi\jvS A\p`hntInhp. cm_s\n Adnbmambncp almdmWn ]pcphn\v cmJnsIpIbpw ]pcp AXv kzoIcnpIbpw sNbvXp. ] noSpImb bpn AeIvkmI N{Ihnsb sIm m\p kmlNcyw DImbncpnpw ktlmZcn `mhv F ]cnKW\bn Atlw AXp sNpn. cP]p{Xcpw apKfcpw Xnep _hpw cm_\n eqsS hf Ncn{XapIv. NntmUnse dmWnbmbncp hn[hbmb IWmhXn KpPdmv kpm\mbncp _lpZqjmbn\npw csSm\mbn ""lpabqWn\v'' cmJnsIn sImSppIbpw lpabq bpn CSs] SpIbpw sNbvXp. Xopw `mcXob BZifntev A[njvTnXamb BNmcamWv cm_. cP]p{X ssk\nI bpn \v ]pdsSpwapv cP]p{X h\nXI tbmmfpsS s\ nbn knqc XneIw Nmnbtijw heXpssIn c _npambncpp. \njv{]bmkw Pbnm \pw B{IaWfn\nv ct\Sm\pw klmbIamIp sav hnizknncpp. c _np Bscbpw kw cnm AXp kzoIcnp Bv _m[yXbpI v FmWv hnizmkw. ""cm_'' Zn\n AXncmhnse Xs Ip fn Ignsp kv{XoI Cuizc]qP \Spp. ] qPbvv tijw a{P]tmsS ktlmZcs\ BcXnbp gnv heXpssIn cmJn _npsImSppp. ""BhWn Ahnw'' ""\mcnb ]qWna'' Fo t]cpIfnepw cm_ BtLmjnmdpI v. BhWnAhnw F t] cnemWv sXt Cybn cm_ AdnbsSpXv. Ncn{X]camb ImcWfmemWv cm_\p kmtlm Zc ktlmZco `mhw ssIhXv. Ctm `mcXsammsI ""cm_'' Dhambn sImImSpp. kv{Xosb Hcp D]t`mKhkvXphmbn ImWp Cu tem Iv ]hn{Xamb kv{Xo ]pcpj _sf hnIeamb a\kpsImIv Afp Cs Imev....Cs\ Hcp BNmcw hfsc {]m[m\yalnpp. \ lrZbsf hntq... c_sft]mepw Xn cndnbm\mhm a\kpambn Hcp hn`mKw \apnSbn PohnppIv. B{IaW hmk\bpambn kv{XosXnsc \optmgpw ssIbnse NcSv Hcp \nanjw Nnnm\p t{]cIamsbn... hgn sXntbmSp Cu ImeLns\ t\hgnbntev \bnm Ignbphn[w Znim^eIw Btbmhp ktlmZcyns Cu A\pjvTm\Zn\w Cu ImeLns A\nhmcrXbmWv.

cm-_Znhy kXojv, IpacIw

aWn_n _np Hcp \ndcSn _ hymJym\nsSp Znhkw. Cu A\pjvTm\n \v GItZiw 6000 hjnsd AXmbXv knp \ ZnXS kwkvImcw \nehn h Imensdb{X ]gap sIs{X. ktlmZcn ktlmZc_s Acnp dnpI, ktlmZcntbmSp Ahsd DXvIrjvSamb DchmZnXzn Hcp XncndnhpImpI FXmWv Cu BNmcw sImIv DtinpXv. {imhW amknse ]uan {imhW ]uan Zn hkamWv ktmjnsdbpw kmtlmZcynsdbpw {]XoIamb Cu Dhw sImImSpXv. Nphpw abpw kzWhpw IqSne Hcp NcSn\m hnfnsSp Cu _nsd ]hn{XX PohnXImew apgph \ne \nm Cu _\w \njvIjnpp. cm_\pambn _sv ]pcmWfn Nne IYI DIv. Xsd `\mbncp alm_enbpsS cmPyw kwcn m\mbn Fnb almhnjvWp sshIpWvTn Xn cnsmtm evaotZhn Hcp {_mW bphXn bmbn _enbpsS ASpv A`bw tXSpp. {imhW ] qWnabpsS Av _enbpsS ssIbn cmJnsInb evao tZhn Xsd BKat\mtiw shfnsSppIbpw _en ktmjw hnjvWphns\ sshIpWvTntev Xncn bpIbpw sNpp. ApapX Cu BtLmjw sIm wtXmdpw BtLmjnphcpphs{X. AkpccmPmhmb _en C{\pambn \Snb bpambn cpp AsXpw C{sd ]Xv\n kNotZhnv hnjvWpsIm Sp ]hn{X\q _enbpsS ssIn sInbXn\m _ en C{s\ sImmsX hnpshpw Hcp IYbpIv. {imhW ]uWan \mfn C{sd ]Xv\n C{sd ssIbn AXv`pX knnbp Hcp c _npshpw CXnsd inbm C{ AkpcamcpsSta hnPbw t\Sn Xncn snsbpw As\ {imhW ]uWan ""cm_\'' Zn\ambn amdn Fpw hnizmkapIv. cm_sd Dhpambn ]dbm ]p asm cp IY Hcp ]s IrjvW\pw {Zu]Xnbpw XnepXm hpw. inip]mes\ \n{KlnpXn\nSbn IrjvWsd CSXpssIn\npw cw hmsmenm XpSn. CXp II {Zu]Xn kzw hkv{Xmew Iodn IrjvWsd aWn_n sIn chm \npp. kpjvS\ mb IrjvW {Zu]Xnsb ktlmZcnbmbn IIv `mhnbn
Sopanam - July 2012

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cm- a mb- W NnI

""[m- Im-a tam-m-WwD]tZi ka\zn-Xw]q-hr-w- IYm-bp-wCXn-lm-kw- {]NtX'' Fv CXnlmks \nhNnncnpp. ]pcmX\ Ncn{Xw, ]pcmhrw Fsms CXnlmk i_vZn\v ] dbmw. CXnClAkw ChnsS C{]ImcamWv kw`hnXv. [w, Aw, Imaw, tamw Fo ]pcpjmsf D]tZinp IYmbpamb ]q Ncn{XamWv CXnlm kw. `mcXnse cIv CXnlmkfmWv hmaoInbpsS cmambWhpw hymksd alm`mcXhpw. hyn, kaqlw, cmPyw, cmP[w, aXw, cmP\oXn XpSnb {]mtbmKnI PohnX kw_nIfmb hnjbfpsS Xnfam Nn {X cmambWnepw alm`mcXnepw Zinmw. `mcXnsd kmb k\mX\\ [n\pw, Bj kwkvImcn\pw \nZm\ambncnpXv thtZm]\n jpfpw ]pcmW CXnlmkfpamWv. ka{Kamb hn m\kn Ncn{Xnsd ImXemb Awisf ka\zbnnmWv \psS Ejoizcam Ncn{XcN\ \ SnbXv. ]pcmW, CXnlmk FnhbnemWv `mcXnsd Ncn{X ka\zbnsXv. Zmi\nIhpw kmwkvImcnIhpamb ]ivNmen aqeyk]hpw eyt_m[aphcmbn hynI Po hntIXv Fs\bmsWpw, AXn\p klmbIam hp kmaqlyamXrI]pcpjamcpsS BZiIYIfpsS klmbm D]tZinp IrXnIfmbnmWv ]pcmW CXnlmk cNnsXv. \psS CXnlmkv Ncn{XmXoamb {]knbpIv. Ncn{Xn\v bmsXmcp Bobaqeyhpan. Ncn{Xw ss]XrIambn ssIamdptm gmWv Bobaqeyw ssIhcpXv. k{lm_vZfneqsS kcn `mcXob P\XbpsS A\p`hkm^eynsd ka{KtcJbmWv hmaoIn cmam bWw. Cuizc ssNX\yw Xs a\pjy\mbn `qanbn AhXcnv a\pjysd _fpw _\fpw A\p`hn v ImWnv sImSpv AXnse kpJZpxJfpw A\p`hn psImIvXs PohnX ZuXyw \nhlntIXv Fns\
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hn`ojv XntmSn

bmsWv Pohnp ImWnpsImSpp {iocma. kXyw, [w, \oXn, Zb, kvt\lw, Chsbmw ]IpXv hnhcnp {iocma A[s \n{Klnv [ kwcWn\p IamWv [sav hyamp p. cmambWnsd Hmtcm IYm]m{Xfpw, IYm k`fpw, hyamb ZnimZi\ ImgvNshp p. cmambWn Hcp PohnX ktiapIv. kp Jnepw ZpxJnepw a\pjy A\p`hnp thZ\ sbspw, AsXmw a\pjy PohnXnsd `mKam sWpw cmambWw \s ]Tnnpp. hyXykvXamb IYm]m{X {]Xn_nw_fneqsS a\pjya\knsd hnhn[ at\mhnImc {]Xn^ennpIbpw, BXynIambn \mw Hmtcmcpcpw PohnX hnPbn\mbn t\SnsbSp tI Da KpWKW FmsWspw, Csn PohnXKXn Fmhpsap iamb AhXcWneqsS cmambWneqsS hmaoIn \apv A\p`hthZyamn Xcpp.
Sopanam - July 2012

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Sopanam - July 2012

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Views

Ram Sethu - Myth or Belief ?

Krishna Kumar Paliath

called the Sethusamudram project. This is also supposed to speed up the movement of the navy vessels and become a boost to our national economy. But is this progress any good for the nation where the sentiments of more than half the nation will be hurt? The Ram Sethu is not only respected in India but also considered sacred in Sri Lankan traditions. So many monuments that are only a few centuries old have been declared as protected national monuments. Then why cant the same yard stick be used when it comes to the Ram Sethu. Even experts say the economic viability of the canal is grossly underestimated. The dredging will only allow small ships to pass through and the amount that will be spent by the government on the project can never be recovered. The dredging of the canal is also supposed to have a large environmental impact in the area. It will lead to pollution of the sensitive coastal eco systems of the Gulf of Mannar. It can lead to change in sea temperature. It can also lead to coastal erosion. The ships pass through the canal is bound to disturb the marine life in the area and this could lead to many changes. The government project report was made in haste without proper surveys and without taking into consideration the sentiments of the people or even the people of the southern coast who live by fishing. The government even went on to disagree with the age old belief that the reef was indeed the Ram Sethu mentioned in the Ramayana. They even questioned the existence of Lord Rama. One atheist Chief Minister even questioned Lord Ramas engineering qualifications to build the bridge. All tests have invariably proved that the Ram Sethu is indeed a manmade structure as per legend and archeology. Some attempts in dredging have also led to a few coincidental mishaps to the machines and ships. The government went on record to state the Ramayana has no historical basis. By making such a claim, the Government of India not only insulted the sentiments of the people of India but around the world. In our eagerness to prove our secular image we take decisions that damage our National culture and identity. The government stance wounded the very idea of India as a civilization. Protests forced the government to withdraw their statements and affidavits in this matter but we are still to have a clear and brave solution before us. Many NGOs and social organizations have come together calling on the administrators to save the Ram Sethu and to preserve it as a national monument.

The Ram Sethu has always been an integral part of Indias history, tradition and the belief of the people of the country. The stretch of limestone shoals between Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram in South India and Mannar in northwest Sri Lanka are the remains of the ancient bridge built by Lord Rama as mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Shri Ram is said to have built the bridge with the help of the vanara sena to cross over to Lanka in his war against Ravana. From very ancient times this has been pious place and the Hindus have always considered it so. Recent NASA satellite images show clear pictures of the bridge under the ocean floor. The heritage of the bridge and the story of Lord Ram are extremely close to the Hindus and the people of Bharat who consider Lord Ram as the ideal king who lived and ruled the country according to Dharma. The Ram Sethu is also termed as Adams Bridge after a British man claimed it was the bridge used by Adam to reach Adams Peak (in Sri Lanka) where he is supposed to have done penance on foot. In spite of the sentiments of more than 80% of the Indian population, our so called secular government took upon an ambitious plan to build a canal across the Ram Sethu. Since the ocean bed between India and Sri Lanka is quite shallow and not navigable, the Indian government wants to cut across the Ram Sethu so that it can connect the east and west coast of the country without having to go around Sri Lanka. The government claims dredging of a shipping canal will save 30 hours of sailing time. The project is
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Sopanam - July 2012

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Bharath Dharshan

Kanyakumari
rajarajan Ganesan

rajarajan Ganesan
But as per the stone inscription, the present temple was built by Pandya kings. Once the demon king Paanaasuran was doing atrocities against all Devas, capturing Devalokam and headed towards Brahmalokam. All Devas appealed to MahaVishnu to save them. He told that the demon king as he got the boon from Brahma, can be killed only by a virgin. The Goddess Parashakti with all the Devas support in virgin form only can kill him. The Devas went and requested the Goddess Paraashakti to save them. The Goddess accepted and came to this place doing penance. When she attained the stage of virgin, Lord Shiva, stationed in the temple at Sucheendram near Kanyakumari temple wanted to marry her. The goddess Kanyakumari was also willing to marry the God. All Devas were upset that if she marries the Lord, she cannot kill the demon Paanaasuran. So they asked Narada to help them. Rishi Narada went to the Goddess Kanyakumari and the God Shiva separately and told that their marriage can be held in a particular auspicious day at midnight and they should not miss that time. Lord Shiva also was very careful not to miss that time and he started to move well before that time. Narada took a form of cock and raised sound. Lord Shiva thought Now cock is crowning, it is about to sunrise, the time is gone. So he returned back to his abode Sucheendram. Goddess Kanyakumari was waiting till sunrise and found Lord Shiva did not come. So she started continuing her penance. The different varieties of food prepared for the marriage were converted into various coloured sand.Even now we can see sands of different colours in the seashore of Kanyakumari. Demon Paanaasuran heard about the beauty of Goddess Kanyakumari and wanted to marry her. He approached her. She became angry and thought it is the correct time to cut his head off. All Devas and other Gods gave their power and weapons to her. She made a terrible war against Paanaasuran and finally using the Chakra cut off his head and killed him. All Devas thanked her and she started to continue her penance. About a km north of Kanyakumari temple, a Shiva tem-

Kanyakumari is one of the most beautiful places in India. Visiting to Kanyakumari is the fulfillment of dream of millions of people in India. It is a sacred place as Goddess Kanyakumari temple is here. Also one can see the sunset and moonrise together here. The Ganga Sagaram (bay of Bengal), Sindhu Sagaram (Arabian Sea) and Hindu Maha Saagaram are joining together at this southern tip of our country. Taking a dip in the holy sangama of three seas is another duty of all devotees. Earlier, Kanyakumari was a part Naanjil Naadu under Pandya kingdom. During the later period, it was a part of Tranvancore state. South of Kanyakumari was a very big land which went inside the sea during pralaya, mentioned in Silappathikaaram, a famous literature in Tamil. It is mentioned in some purana that King Bharata (on whose name our country is named) was having eight sons and a daughter. He divided his country into nine parts and a southernmost part was given to his daughter Kumari. Goddess Parashakti came here to do penance. Rishi Parasumaram installed the idol of Goddess Kanyakumari here.
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ple is there. A pond called Chakkarakulam is seen nearby. Here is where Kanyakumaris weapon Chakraayudham after killing Paanasuran, fell down and made a fountain that became this Chakkarakulam. A cremation ground and a Pathaala Ganga are seen nearby. All these resemble the scene of Kashi. Even now, on every year, Navarathri festival is celebrated in which Devi idol is carried to MahaDhaana puram, some 2 km north of the temple and a drama of war between the goddess and demon king is performed by the temple pujaris, depicting as goddess Kanyakumari and Paanaasuran. This is called Parivettai. A trip to Kanyakumari will not be complete without a darshan of Sucheendram. Sucheendram is a sacred place where the Lord Shiva abodes. It is situated around 12 km north of Kanyakumari. Here, the Trimurthy (Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) are together. Once, the three came to test the rishipathni Anasuya. She was keeping the holy wash water of her husband Athris feet. With the help of that holy water, she changed the Trimurtis into babies. Finally, on the request by Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, they were returned back in their original form. In this temple Trimurthis are together as Sthanumaalayan (Shanu=Brahma, Maal=Vishnu and Ayan=Shiva). There is a place called Ashramadam, where rishi Athri and Anasuya were living Once, Devendran got a curse from Ahalyas husband rishi Gowtham and was ashamed to come out in front of others. Somehow he got partial relief with the help of Guru Baghawan. Finally he got complete relief by Lord Shiva at Sucheendram. The name of the place Sucheendram itself is derived from his name Devendran. Here, it is believed the abisheka water is going underground to the ocean. As a fact, on top of a rock on the seashore 2 km west of Kanyakumari temple, in the middle of salty water, we can see a sweet water fountain called Sthanu theertham. At the east of Kanyakumari, inside the sea is a big rock on which is Kanyakumari Devis, feet. It is called Sripada mandir and worshipped by all devotees visiting to Kanyakumari and this rock. On this rock Swami Vivekananda did penance for 3 days. He visualized the plight of Bharatmata in past, present and future. Here, he got the clear and definite targets of his mission, then proceeded to America and proclaimed the Hindu values in the Conference of Religions. A memorial temple with a big statue of Swami Vivekananda is erected on the rock. Vivekananda Kendram is established in kanyakumari which is doing thousands of seva activities including village development. Near the Vivekananda rock, another big rock inside the sea is there on which a big statue of Thiruvalluvar has been erected recently. Thiruvalluvar lived 2000 years ago and he wrote a book Thirukkural in Tamil. This book conSopanam - July 2012

tains 1330 slogans in 133 headings. It tells the Vedic eternal truths in 2-lines slogan form. On the seashore we can see the Gandhi Mandapam. In 1948, Februay 12th Gandhijis ashes were dissolved in the Kanyakumari sea. Before mixing the ashes in the sea water, the pot was kept on a stage. On that very spot, the Kochi government built a memorial building called Gandhi Mandapam. On the roof, a small hole is there through which sunlight falls on the stage on exactly Oct-2nd, his birthday. 3 km east of Kanyakumari is a fort called Vattakkottai. It was built during the period of Trivancore king Marthandaverma. There is a big mount called Marunthuvaazh malai. It is believed that during SriRamas war against Ravana, Lakshmana fell down. To save his life, Hanuman went to Himalayas and brought the Sanjeevani mount which was having rare herbs that can save Lakshmanas life. When Hanuman was bringing the Sanjeevani mount, a piece of that mount fell down here and that is the Marunthuvaazh malai now. As a fact, this mount is full of medicinal herbs including some very rare herbs. (Marunthu means medicine). This mount has a mandapam, some natural sweet water fountains and some caves also. Every year in Karthika month karthika nakshatra, a big oil lamp (deepam) is lit on this mount, a big celebration. Kanyakumari is not only a sacred place, but also geographically important, historical, cultural and tourist place with full of interesting background.

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IekmlnXrw
Art & Litrature Finance
- a milestone in literature
reshmy Krishna Kumar
India, a grand success. Lava and Kusa are considered as the first expounders of Ramayana and great Valmiki himself trained them. This practice of popular exposition of Ramayana continued through centuries making illiteracy no bar for reading Ramayana. Serving as a code of ethics for the whole human race, Ramayana now belongs to the whole humanity overcoming the barriers of language, caste, creed and color. It was during 8th century Ramayana became popular in Southeast Asia representing the literature, temple architecture, dance and theatre. The story of Lord is popular in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia etc. All these countries have a majority non-Hindu population, yet the non-Hindu people of these countries have made the Ramayana a part of their culture. In Thailand, the Ramayana is called Ramakien. They believe that Ramayana is their own creation and the Thai Ramakien is the original Rama story. Even we can find places which can be identified well with different phase of Ramayana. In Cambodia during the medieval centuries, texts appeared based on the story of Rama as Ramaker. Similar folk attempts were seen in Malaysia. In Indonesia, the Ramayana is known as Ramayana Kakawin. Dramatic enactments are also known to be presented not only in India, but wherever Indians have marked their presence globally. Most recognized translations which are popular in India include Kamba Ramayana in Tamil, Adhyathma Ramayana in Malayalam by Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Saptakanda Ramayana in Assamese, Shri Rama Panchali in Bengali and Ramacharitamanas by Thulasidas in Awadhi, an eastern form of Hindi. All the adaptations gave room for the local culture and legend. In modern world, keeping in view the melody of Ramayana, an attempt was made for audio recording of the verses to make the reader experience the melody of the poems. To enable the readers understand the terms used in Ramayana a glossary of the words and the English meaning has been given. The entire story of Ramayana and its characters provide the ideals and wisdom of common life. As a literary work, it is an exceptional blend of the inner bliss of Vedic literature with the charm of a profound story telling adhering to the best canons of the art and literature.

Ramayana, a Sanskrit masterpiece, enjoyed the uncomparable popularity worldwide as a great epic and a rare composition and still serve as a guideline for the literary works in Sanskrit language. The Epic contains a verse foretelling its own everlasting repute. As long as mountain ranges stand and rivers flow upon the earth, So long will this ramayana, survive upon the lips of men It is true that, majority of us know Ramayana as one of the two great Indian epics portraying many idols of Dharma. Originally created in Sanskrit language by Valmiki Maharshi, Ramayana exist as a vital religious scripture, exploring the human values. But beyond the religious frontier, Ramayana attained even the world attention as an admirable literature work. In words of Swami Vivekananda, "No language can be purer, chaster, more beautiful, and at the same time simpler, than the language in which the great poet has depicted the life of Rama." Ramayana marked its intense impact on the art, culture, nationalism, family relations etc. Indian literary tradition holds Valmiki as the first poet(Adikavi) and Ramayana as the first poem(Adikavya). Valmiki is the first path maker for the sweet expressions of poetry with its sweet verses and flawless diction marking ultimate simplicity in presentation. He provided inspiration for all classical poets and the influence is seen in Sanskrit Poems, Plays and Kavyas. Valmiki Ramayana has been composed in classical Sanskrit and was not accessible to the unlettered group. Its profound ability to adapt to music, vocal or instrumental, made the efforts of oral expounders to make it popular among the masses in rural

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Sopanam - July 2012

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Art & Litrature

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Sopanam - July 2012

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Health
Ergonomics while using computer
Mrs. Asha Roopesh.

Ergonomics while using computer

Computer has become a part of our personal and professional life. We tend to spent more time sitting in front of the computer for leisure and professional purposes. Computers has completely changed our work environment positively, but has lead to many health problems due there improper use. Ergonomics is employed to achieve the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. The following information is to give guidance on basic ergonomics related to the use of computer equipment, which will reduce problems related to poor working postures. The way you sit when using a computer influences your entire body and adjusting your posture can help reduce aches and pains, and long-term musculo-skeletal problems.

Asha roopesh. Computer has become a part of our personal and professional life. We tend to spent more time sitting Laptop computer in front of the computer for leisure andergonomics professional Laptop computers are not purposes. Computers has completely designed for lengthy changed our working periods. If you intend use a laptop work environment positively, but has leadtoto manyfor 10 to 15 minutes it can be used health problems due there improper use. as is, however, if you intend to use it for 1 to 2 hours or more, it is Ergonomics is employed to achieve the two goals important that you use correct ergonomics. Laptop of health and productivity. It is relevant in the deuse is a major source of sign of such things as safe furniture musculoskeletal problems, and easy-toand using a laptop for any length of Proper use interfaces to machines and equipment.time without a laptop stand, and ideally separate keyboard and ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive mouse, will cause poor strain injuries which can develop over posture which is canto time and likely cause neck, back, and arm lead to long-term disability. pain The following information is to givebest device to use is a The guidance Desktop computer ergonomics riser or on basic ergonomics related to the uselaptop/notebook stand. There are basic of computer laptop/notebook 1. Ensure the chair back is adjusted so that your models that you would use without a equipment, which will reduce problems relatedand keyboard (shown separate mouse to upper body is relaxed and supported in poor working postures. The way you sit the picture using is a better when above). There model that raises the laptop screen to 2. Your lower back needs to be supported by the correct height, a computer influences your entire body andkeyboardbut you will need ais adjust- mouse. This separate and the chair, alter the angle so that your lower back is the ing your posture can help reduce aches best waypains, for long periods and of working (e.g. more than 1 hour), and allows you supported. You may still need extra support and can to replicate the ideal and long-term musculo-skeletal problems. would createergonomic position that you with a desktop add a cushion in the small of your back. You should computer. Laptop computer ergonomics change the angle during the day to vary your sitLaptop computers are not designedDesktop computer ergonomics for lengthy ting posture and avoid being in one static posture all working periods. If you intend to use a 1. Ensure the chair back is laptop for day adjusted so that your upper 10 to 15 minutes it can be used as is, however, if and supported body is relaxed 3. Adjust your seat height. Sit in front of your you intend to use it for 1 to 2 hours or more,loweris needs to be 2. Your it back computer and adjust your seat height so that your important that you use correct ergonomics.supported by the chair, alter Laptop forearms are horizontal and wrists are straight when use is a major source of musculoskeletal problems, your hands are placed on the keyboard. With your and using a laptop for any length of time without shoulders relaxed the underside of the elbow should a laptop stand, and ideally separate keyboard and be at desk height mouse, will cause poor posture which is likely to 4. If there is pressure on the back of your thighs cause neck, back, and arm pain find something to rest your feet on The best device to use is a laptop/notebook riser or 5. If your feet are not comfortable on the floor laptop/notebook stand. There are basic models that find something to rest your feet on. Shorter people you would use without a separate mouse and keyoften lower the seat so their feet are on the floor, but board (shown in the picture above). There is a betthis can mean that your arms are not at the correct ter model that raises the laptop screen to the correct height for the keyboard (7) height, but you will need a separate keyboard and 6. The space under your desk should allow you mouse. This is the best way of working for long peto place your legs underneath without twisting or riods (e.g. more than 1 hour), and allows you to repleaning, or being squashed under a low desk licate the ideal ergonomic position that you would 7. Double-check that your forearms are horicreate with a desktop computer.
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BtcmKrw
Health
ORGANISE YOUR WORKING DAY Try and ensure your computer work is interspersed with other jobs. Rotate activity to avoid long periods of time in front of the screen. Short frequent breaks are much more effective in reducing muscle fatigue than taking longer breaks less often. During your breaks: DO - Get out of your seat, stretch your legs, arch your back, walk around for a couple of minutes, try Pause Gymnastics (see below). DON'T - remain seated at your desk PAUSE GYMNASTICS These are simple movements designed to move joints and stretch the muscles and nerves, will stimulate the circulation, lubricate the joints and relieve muscle and nerve tightness. They can be done sat at your desk, and take only a few minutes to do: 1. Stretch your head from side to side (i.e. ear to shoulder) 2. Breathe in, pull the chin in to make a double chin, hold for 5 seconds then relax 3. Stand up, put the palms in the small of the back, and gently bend backwards interlock the fingers; turn the palms to face away from you and lift the arms up so the palms face the ceiling 4. Now stretch the arms back behind the head 5. Stretch the arms back to each side at about hip height Keep the elbows straight and then bend the wrists back (palms facing out). Try to get the arms as far back behind the body as possible You may feel some pulling in the arms and hands 6. Gently curl the fingertips of the right hand into the palm 7. Keep the right elbow straight and with the left hand passively bend the right wrist so that the palm side of that hand moves towards the inside of the forearm. Repeat on other side. 8. You need to do these movements regularly, one or two stretches every 20 minutes are better at relieving fatigue than longer exercise breaks taken less frequently. Make the exercises automatic so you do not have to think about doing them. Enjoy a nice time with your computer while you use face-book/chatting or doing your work. Talk with your employer to help you with proper computer ergonomics, and improve productivity at work place.

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zontal and wrists are straight when your hands are placed on the keyboard. With your shoulders relaxed the bottom of your elbow should be at desk height, and comfortably supported. 8. Ensure your wrists are not bent, use a wristrest. There are special braces to prevent wrist pain. 9. Adjust your screen position - the top of the screen should be level with your eyes and you will then naturally look at the centre of the screen. If using a CRT monitor it may be necessary to move your desk away from the wall, so that you can push the monitor further away from your head to create a comfortable viewing distance. Ensure that tired eyes/headaches may result in problems relating to reading your screen. Ensure you do not have reflections or glare and if necessary try moving your screen to a different angle. Avoid sitting with windows or lights directly in front or behind your screen. If possible, sit with the screen at right angles to light coming through windows, if not use window blinds or curtains to cut out the light. Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting conditions. Remember to keep your screen clean, and have your eyes tested regularly 10. Organise your work area; ensure the keyboard and mouse are close when in use, that the desk is not cluttered. Use a document holder to raise documents to a comfortable height and viewing distance
Sopanam - July 2012

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Mathru Dharshan

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Mathru Dharshan

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Yatho Dharma Sthato Jayaha

- Where Dharma exists, Victory also exists only there Gayatri Anil
waist, as that was the only place in Duryodhayna's body which was vulnerable, the truth known only by Lord Krishna. In her devastated mental condition she then proceeded to curse Lord Krishna very eloquently. Gandhari was a very powerful women, so that Krishna's toe nail turned blue and burnt with her gaze. Many wise persons have questioned about the motives and tactics used in Kurushethra war by Lord Krishna , who was Arjuna's charioteer,who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself.It is assumed that Krishna knew that in the hands of Duryodhan, the kingdom would not be safe and adharma will flourish and people would not become more selfish and greedy. It is also stated in "Mahabharatha" that Lord Krishna tried to stop the war many times,Many chances were given to Kauravas to stop the war.After completing the 14 years of exile,the Pandavas thought of recovering the kingdom which was rightfully theirs. They send Lord Krishna as their envoy or messenger to the court of Dritharashtrar ,.Lord Krishna knew it would not work,but he went as a messenger and asked for the kingdom, if not atleast half the kingdom, at least a city, or at least 5 houses, He was ridiculed and insulted by Kauravas who told him that Pandavas will not be given even a land to stick a pin.These words and actionsshow that kauravas in insulting Pandavas and Lord Krishna had reached the zenith of Adharma, nobody can escape the situation. Now we are living in kali yuga that is most worse than the previous yuga (dwapara yuga) so we have to be wwmore careful because very difficult to survive with dharama and contol our mind in this electronic age. Whatever bad deeds we are doing God will suffer and patiently wait for the last minutes. God definitely gives us last chance to understand the truth and show the path of the dharma. But we have to understand such indication from the God and we should try to follow the path of dharma. Gandhari also teaches a good lesson for our new generation as a mother she never misused her power for the sake of her own children and exists as a model of dharma. We should understand, exploit and follow good aspects from these epic and we have to try to reflect that in our day today life and always be a good model for our new generation. Before concluding, i would like to notify a moral story. A mother and her two children went to see a movie. when she was standing in the queue for taking the ticket it was written there above 3 years children must have to take the tickets. So she took 3 tickets because her children were 4 years old. then one lady who was standing behind the queue asked her why you took 3 tickets nobody can make out your children are above 3 years old. Mother replied nobody know about that but my children know they are 4 years old, front of them i will tell lie if once they will also start same i cannot stop them. So always we have to be a model of our children.

Our eternal journey dharma only one thing will stand with us. Dharma is similar to the soul because both are eternal. We can achieve perfection and reach supreme position only by dharma and sathyam (truth). The unscrupulous and unethical conduct, duplicity and evil deeds never flourish. Dharma is the source of the all worldly comforts and possessions pleasures and prosperity. We should not give up dharma for fear, pleasures greed not even for the sake of life itself. The law of truth speaking has intrinsic value, since truthfulness means love of humanity which is the only unconditioned end. It affirms that adherence to dharma is the most valuable of human goal. Mahabharatha is an epic with lot of ethics for our day today life. When the time of Kurukshethra war Gandhari was the mother of Kauravas who refused to wish her sons victory on every single on those eighteen horrible days when they came seeking her blessing in the morning before they went into the battle field to face death, her only words to them being yatho dharmasthato jayaha, that means where there is righteousness there shall be victory. When the eighteeth day of the war Duryodhana asked Gandhari to bless him to win in the battle, as she knew that Duryodhana was an atrocious ruler and in the hands of such a ruler, the kingdom's wealth could not remain safe, she used to say only as where Dharma exists, victory also exists there. If you like to win, follow the path of Dharma and give up the path of Adharma".She always believed dharma brought victory. Yato dharmastato jayah: where dharma stood, there remained victory. If she had blessed him as victory with you may be that will come true because Gandhari was verymuch powerful and pious women in the epic. But she refused to do that because she does not like to abandon the dharma in sake of her selfish things. After the war when Gandhari lost her 100 children she sadly asked Krishna, why he did not spare even one of her children? Why Lord Krishna had gone against the rules of fighting with mace(gada) andadvised Bheema to hit Duryodhana below the
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Sopanam - July 2012

Salt

amXr Zi\w
Pepper

Mathru Dharshan
dr. Sindu Sudheesh

Taste of Karkitakam

venating and revitalizing the body;time for pampering your body and cleansing your system of all the impurities assimilated over the past one year.Many people take medicinal porridge called Marunnu Kanji or Oushadha Kanji, a traditional gruel made of various grains and pulses, used for more than 1000 years ago for the purification of the body and the soul.This can bring back the "vitiated thridoshas" to its equilibrium state, and restore our normal health and immunity power. In olden days people-especially the labour classdue to the shortage of food used to prepareMangayandi kanji (Gruel prepared withMango seeds), Pulinkuru kanji (Gruel prepared with Tamarind seeds) and Manpidikkal made of chakkakkuru or jackfruit seeds.All of them got several health benefits apart from being economical as it is available plenty locally. In addition to these food items,they also consumed wide varieties of leaves.Those include that of amaranthus,pumpkin s,thazhuthama and colocasia, as green leaves contain large amount of iron,betacarotinoids,folicacid,protein as well as extensive amount of pyridoxine riboflavin and copper. Leaves of drumstick are not supposed to be consumed during this month.Due to less sunshine there may be increased calcium deposits on the leaves which can cause desentry.

Last month of malayalamcalendar -Karkitakam (The Ramayana Month - July-August)- is the month of worries and woes. For each season there is a unique diet and a way of living to keep our body in a state of equilibrium and help you cope with the stress and strain of the changing seasons. Being rainy season the digestive fire in human bodies are weakened and we are prone to infections. So the food regimen during Karkitakam, should be either supportive or stimulating to the digestive power of individual, which eventually supports the immunity power. The sudden change from the scorching heat to the monsoons cause acidity in the vegetation around us, and the consumption of their yields cause 'pithadosha' in humans, and the wet atmosphere causes 'vatadosha'. We should take only those things which annihilate the doshas,Earlier the month of Karkkitakam was considered as panjamasam as due to heavy rains no agricultural work was possible and no source of income . People used to prepare for this shortage in advance. Vegetables like pumpkins and ash gourd were harvested and hung from the ceiling, to save it for use during Karkitakam. In the summer months mangoes, gooseberries and lemons were dried or pickled. Different kinds of wafers or kondattamfrom vegetables and lentils were dried in the sun and stored. Eventhough the concept of panjamasam Is not applicable now,Karkitaka period was chosen for rejuSopanam - July 2012

21

[\Imcrw
Finance

Clarification On Service Tax On Remittances

CirCuLAr nO. 163/14/2012-St, dAted 10-7-2012 1. Concerns have been expressed in various forums regarding the leviability of service tax on the remittance of foreign currency in India from overseas. 2. The matter has been examined and it is clarified that there is no service tax per se on the amount of foreign currency remitted to India from overseas. In the negative list regime, service has been defined in clause (44) of section 65B of the Finance Act 1994, as amended, which excludes transaction in money. As the amount of remittance comprises money, the activity does not comprise a service and thus not subjected to service tax. 3. In case any fee or conversion charges are levied for sending such money, they are also not liable to service tax as the person sending the money and the company conducting the remittance are located outside India. In terms of the Place of Provision of Services Rules, 2012, such services are deemed to be provided outside India and thus not liable to service tax. 4. It is further clarified that even the Indian counterpart bank o financial institution who charges the foreign bank or any other entity for the services provided at the receiving end, is not liable to service tax as the place of provision of such service shall be the location of the recipient of the service,i.e. outside India, in terms of Rule 3 of the Place of Provision of Services Rules, 2012. 5. This Circular may be communicated to the field formationsand service tax assessees, through Public Notice/ Trade Notice. PreSS reLeASe On ABOve dAted 10.07.2012 iSSued BY MiniStrY OF FinAnCe CBEC issues Clarification Regarding Leviability of Service Tax on the Remittance of Foreign Currency in India from Overseas
22 Sopanam - July 2012

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) issued today necessary clarification regarding the leviability of service tax on the remittance of foreign currency in India from overseas. Various concerns have been expressed at different forums in this regard. The CBEC through a circular issued today stated that the matter has been examined and it is clarified that there is no service tax per se on the amount of foreign currency remitted to India from overseas. In the negative list regime, service has been defined in clause (44) of section 65B of the Finance Act 1994, as amended, which excludes transaction in money. As the amount of remittance comprises money, the activity does not comprise a service and thus not subjected to service tax. In case any fee or conversion charges are levied for sending such money, they are also not liable to service tax as the person sending the money and the company conducting the remittance are located outside India. In terms of the Place of Provision of Services Rules, 2012, such services are deemed to be provided outside India and thus not liable to service tax. It is further clarified that even the Indian counterpart bank or financial institution who charges the foreign bank or any other entity for the services provided at the receiving end, is not liable to service tax as the place of provision of such service shall be the location of the recipient of the service, i.e. outside India, in terms of Rule 3 of the Place of Provision of Services Rules, 2012.

hmI
News
On the occasion of Guru Poornima, Seva Darshan held a recreational and orientation picnic for its volunteers at the Salmiya Garden. The day was filled with various games and competitions. Later the members held discussions on the various seva activities undertaken by the organization and various other programmes being planned during the year. This was followed by breakfast.

Guru Poornima

Ramayana is a Sanskrit epic describing the deeds of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. It has always been an integral part of every Indians life. "Ramayana Masam in Kerala is observed in the Malayalam month Karkkidakom (July August). Karkidakam month is dedicated to dead ancestors during when Shraddh ritual or pitrutharpan are offered to them. KarkidakaVavu Bali (Pitrutharpan rituals) is the major ritual followed in Malayalam month of Karkidakam in Kerala. The sacred scripture Ramayana is recited during the whole month of Karkidam hence it is also known as Ramayana Masam. It is believed that Ramayana parayanam (reading of Ramayana) in the 'Ramayana Masam'
Sopanam - July 2012

Ramayaneeyam

('Karkkidakamasam': July-August) is a divine way to worship Lord Rama and attain salvation. On all days in the month, in most of the Kerala Temples as well as in the Hindu families (traditional Hindu houses) the Epic Ramayana is read. Some people recite in the early hours of dawn and some after lighting the evening lamp, sit before Lamp (nilavilakku) and recite the Ramayana. This year,Seva Darshan AdhyathmikSamithiunits have arranged a full month festival in the month of Ramayana. Varioud units across Kuwait will have daily Ramayan readings at the homes of members. Looking forward to see all the blessed devotees on these auspicious occasions.
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hmI
News
Dear All, The highlights of the 5th edition of Sopanam E-Magazine Vol. II will be:

INDEPENDENCE DAY ONAM

Many of you would be enjoying your vacation with your near and dear ones. As you return from the vacation, you will be having many fresh memories to share. The Sopanam Magazine gives you the platform to share your thoughts. We request all the children to contribute poems, essays, short stories, paintings etc. Do share your vacation experiences with the readers of this magazine. Please do write about how you spent your time with your grandparents, cousins and friends. Also include how you utilized your vacation time and any pleasure trips you made. Our panel of judges will select the best entries to be published in the next edition. Moreover, certificates will be issued to the best entries. So hurry, take your pen, pencil, colors and showcase your talents. We request all the parents to encourage their children to contribute for the children special edition of the Sopanam Magazine. In light of Independence Day, we invite articles from our readers. We look forward to articles based on patriotism, Indian culture, heritage, freedom fighters etc. This year Onam falls on August 29th. We all have vivid memories associated with this celebration. The very thought of Onam brings in nostalgia. This year many of us would be celebrating Onam miles away from our home in Kerala. Do share with us your thoughts and memories of Onam.

We wish all our readers a happy reading. Please do send in your articles for the 5th edition of Sopanam E-Magazine Vol. II by or before 5th of August.
Email: vbkuwait@gmail.com

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Sopanam - July 2012

tkhm hymw
Seva Vrithandam Punyam Trust and Punyam Bala Bhavan
Punyam trust based at Theerthapadapuram, Vazhoor was established to help and support the poor and the needy, who are deprived of even the basic necessities of life. Punyam trust is a shelter to many poor, helpless people, children and patients. Every year, Punyam trust tries to find out thirty poor children and provide them free education. They provide the moral and financial support to the students. They mould the children to good citizens and thereby provide them with a promising future. Swami Vivekananda has said: "Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man" Punyam trust also provides financial support to the poor and the deprived patients and help them meet their expenses at the hospital. They make sure that the patients get the necessary treatment. They try to give every possible physical and mental support. Punyam trust has provided homes to many a helpless people who have been stranded in the walk of life. They also guide them and help them in finding a suitable job and thus help them to lead a good life. They have thus become a torch light in guiding many people. Punyam Bala Bhavanam, a project of Punyam trust was inaugurated on 14th January 2007 at Theerthapadapuram. The motive of this organization is to protect the poor and homeless children. They give children the love and care they need and take care of the overall development of the child.

Here are a few ways to help the orphanage:

Total expense of one child for one year Total expense of one child for six months Total expense of one child for one month Expense for one child's education for one year Land -1 Cent Building - 1 Sq. ft Building -1 Room Annadanam (Donating Food) - One day - Rs 10000 - Rs 5000 - Rs 1000 - Rs 1500 - Rs 15000 - Rs 1500 - Rs 150000 - Rs 1000

Manav Seva is Madhav Seva. The donations can be made to the following address:
The Secretary,Punnyam Trust Theerthapadapuram P.O.,Vazhoor, Kottayam, Kerala,India Pin:686505, Ph:0481 - 2454999, 0481-2457080 Cheques and drafts should be drawn in favor of Punnyam Trust- A/c No.6257 ,Central Bank of India ,Vazhoor Punnyam Balabhavanam-A/c No. 6750 ,Central Bank of India ,Vazhoor Punnyam Trust - A/c No. 67054120657, State Bank of Travancore, Chamampathal Financial help is eligible for Income Tax exemption - U/S 80G Email: punnyamtrust@rediffmail.com
Sopanam - July 2012 25

hnZr`rmkw
Education

Learn with Quiz Master

1. 2. 3. 4.

reshmy Krishnakumar

Who was the first to call Gandhiji as "Mahatma"? When was Reserve Bank of India(RBI) established? Who is the author of "Panchathantra"? Black Box is an electronic device which record flight data in an aircraft. What is the color of Black Box? 5. Which day is celebrated as Sanskrit Day? 6. Which city is known as City of Ahilya? 7. Badminton is said to have an Indian origin. At which place did it originate? 8. Who owned Jnanapeet Award for the first time? 9. What is the currency of China? Answers page - 28 10. Which branch of study is named as Speleology?

"Mere momentary upsurges of emotion will not build character. Often, infusion of emotions will only shatter the nerves and make the person weaker than before, leaving him a moral wreck. Building up of character requires a steady and day-to-day process of imparting Samskaars". "today, more than anything else, we need such men young, intelligent, dedicated, and more than all, virile and masculine. when eternal knowledge (narayana) and eternal manliness (nara) combine, victory is ensured. And such arethe men who make history". - Guruji

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Sopanam - July 2012

Bala Lokam News

Aiswarya. Sathyanandan, Bala Darshan, Farwaniya

_metemIw

Arjun M Podauval VIth Std. Alchemy School Surat

Sopanam - July 2012

Anusha Narayanan, Bala Darshan, Abbasiya

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Bala Lokam

_metemIw

Vishnudas, Bala Darshan, Abbasiya

Gayathri Mohandas, Bala Darshan, Abbasiya

Aswathy.S.Kumar, Bala Darshan, Abbasiya

Quiz Answers
1. Rabindranath Tagore 2. 1935 (April) 3. Vishnu Sharma 4. Orange 5. 24th August 6. Indore 7. Pune 8. G. Shankara Kurup(1965) 9. Yuan 10. Study of Caves
28 Sopanam - July 2012

Bala Lokam

_metemIw

In one of India's little kingdoms of long ago there lived a King who (like most of them) was fond of hunting in wild places. His Chief Advisor was a very intelligent man, and also a very optimistic one. He was famous for seeing the rosy side of things. In fact, so strong was his habit of finding good in everything that at times this annoyed his ruler. One day when the King and his Advisor were on a hunting trip through a dense jungle which went on for miles, the King decided to have a fresh coconut for his breakfast, and, finding a coconut tree near at hand, with his sword cut down a coconut. But as luck would have it, his sword slipped in his hand and came crashing down on one of his toes, cutting it off! Limping over to his Advisor with loud shouts of pain, he was terribly shocked to hear the latter say, "Ah, that's wonderful!" "What?!" yelled the King; "I cut off my toe and you say it is wonderful?" "This is a real blessing," replied the Advisor. By now the King was furious, thinking the man was making fun of him. "Take it from me," said his Advisor, "behind this apparent bad accident there is some good which we cannot now see." That was it! The King had noticed a dry well nearby, and being a strong man, he picked up his companion and just threw him into that well. Then he set out to limp back to his fortified town and castle. This meant, however, walking through dense jungle, frequented by the wild tribes of those days, some of whom were headhunters. On his way the King met a band of those headhunters, who decided that, being royalty, he would make an excellent sacrifice for this month's festival. As you may imagine, the King did not feel at all honored by this decision. The warriors carried him to the tribal priest. It was the duty of this priest to approve all of the offerings that were to be presented. The priest was most particular to see that the item
Sopanam - July 2012

Everything Happens for Good

to be offered to the gods was perfect in all respects. While anointing the King's body the priest noticed that he was lacking one toe. "I am sorry," he told the King, "but we cannot use you after all for this holy sacrifice. The gods will not accept anyone who is not whole-bodied. You will have to go." Naturally the King was delighted and began hobbling away toward his palace. Aha! he thought, so his Advisor had been right -- there was indeed a hidden blessing behind that accident. As fast as his wounded leg would allow, he turned around and went back to the well where he had left his counselor. There he was, standing down in the well and whistling happily to himself. Now the king managed to reach down far enough to grasp the hand of the Advisor and with great effort to pull him up. Then he apologized for having doubted him and having thought him a fool. "Oh how sorry I am that I threw you in there," said the King as he dusted off his courtier. "I was taken prisoner by some wild native headhunters who were about to make me a sacrifice victim. Then they saw that my toe was missing, and let me go. And you foretold all this, in a way. Can you ever forgive me?" "You need not apologize at all; it was a blessing that you threw me down the well and left me there." "Now, how are you going to make something positive out of that?" queried the King. "Well," said the other, "if I had been with you they would surely have taken me for their sacrifice.

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