1. Overview 2. The Ashtamangala Deva Prasna 3. Introduction to Ananda Theertha Agrahara 4. History and Prominence of Ananda Theertha Agrahara 5. Anomalies in Ananda Theetha Agrahara Findings from ADP 6. Remedial measures for correcting the anomalies 7. Solutions to this Kshetra 8. Pooja procedures to be followed in the pilgrimage (Tantrasaroktha) 9. JeerNoddhara Krama 10. Fruitfulness of JeerNoddhara with blessings of HariVayu 11. Propaganda and focus on the Young Devotees for success / On the morning of 28 th June 2007 (Sarvajith Samvatsara Greeshma Ritu - Nija Jyeshta Masa Trayodasi Thithi), Sri Muralidhar Tantri and his fellow astrologers from Udupi arrived to conduct the Ashtamangala Deva Prasna (ADP) to the Ananda Theertha Agrahara located in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. This village is now called Theertham situated 15 kms from Mulbagal. The purpose of the ADP was meant for ascertaining the JeerNoddhara Krama of Sri Anjaneya Swamy and Sri Raghavendra Swamy temple, and to ascertain the divinity of the temple and its premises and the historical/religious significance of Theetham Village w.r.t Madhwacharya and His disciples. Also the Prasna Marga (Path of Horary Astrology) will determine the various anomalies in the temple structure, daily rituals performed and the significance of other temples in the surrounding area. ADP will give the solution in correcting the existing anomalies for the welfare of the village. Back 4 ! $ 0 Prasna is one of the six branches of Vedic Astrology. Ashtamangala Prasnam is a part of this Prasna branch usually conducted to ascertain the divinity of the deity and sanctity of a temple. Ashtamangala refers to eight (Ashta) auspicious (Mangala) items that are used in this type of divination. These eight items are: ghee lamps (brass lamp with wick in clarified butter), mirror, gold, milk, yogurt, fruits, book and white cloth. Deva Prasna is a special kind of Prasna (Prasna question, horary astrology) specifically dealing with temple matters. Based on the nature of the flame of the lamp, number and quality of the Tambula (betel leaves), Ashtamangala numbers, Swarna Lagna, Arooda Lagna, the position of various planets in the 12 houses of the Rasi Chart, etc., the astrologer will answer the various Prasnas (questions). The astrologers will examine the Tambula offered for worship. These Tambula represent the 12 houses of the Deva Prasna chart and the condition of each house can be determined Home Temple History Renovation Project (JeerNoddhara) Events Calendar Photo Gallery Location News Knowledge Feedback Contact Page 1 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ by the condition of each leaf. The special meanings of 12 houses are: 1. Temple building, murti (likeness of the deity) and the divine presence of deity in the murti. 2. Wealth, income, temple treasures and guardians. 3. The naivedya (offerings made) and the temple servants 4. All buildings, land and vehicles connected with the temple. 5. Murti and divine presence (again) 6. Pollution of the temple, enemies and thieves 7. The people and deity ornaments 8. Divine presence, offerings, servants and good and evil matters 9. Nature of the temple authorities and the state of merit and piety. 10. Daily ceremonies (puja), special festivals and the people involved in making garlands, performance of musical hymns to the deity. 11. Piety, merit, prosperity and income 12. Nature of priests, expenditure and waste. In our case, we had only 5 Pan Leaves (Tambula). The number of leaves was now used to determine the Tambula Lagna, which is arrived at by the following formula. (T X 10 +1)/7 where T is the number of Tambulas. Since T = 5 in our case, we get 7 as the result. This represents the Moon. 1) Sun 2) Mars 3) Jupiter 4) Mercury 5) Venus 6) Saturn 7) Moon (Tambula Lagna) 8) Rahu Tambula Lagna which is the Moon (Chandra) signifies that future of this temple will be prosperous. Back )! 4 ! Sri Vyasaraja, a great follower of Sri Madhwacharya and the saint who profoundly preached the Dwaita siddhanta took up a mission of installing 720 Mukhya Prana Bimbas (Images) during 1500 A.D. He was the disciple of SriPadarajaru who had established Sree Narasimhatheertha Mutt at Mulbagal. Under his guidance, Sri Vyasarajaru has installed the Mukhya Prana Bimba by establishing a Brahmin settlement for carrying out the daily rituals called Ananda Theertha Agrahara. It is said that Sri Madhwacharya has visited this place and performed Chaturmasa Vratam here. Hence the place was named Ananda Theertha Agrahara (Ananda Theertha is synonymous to Madhwacharya, and Agrahara means a Brahmin Settlement). On 13-Aug-1984, Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mrittika Brindavana was installed here. Back ! This place has a history of at least 500 to 700 years. This village was originally formed as a Brahmin Settlement to carry out the religious activities connected to the Mukhya Prana temple. The entire land belonged to the native Brahmins here. During the Vijayanagar kingdom, the King used to migrate Brahmin families to such places, give them land and other facilities. This way a place becomes a pilgrimage and a centre of learning. It is believed that Theertham also was a very important place during Vijayanagar kingdom. Sripadarajaru was the Raja Guru of Vijayanagar Page 2 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ kingdom. SriPadaraja Mutt is stationed about 15 kms from Ananda Theertha Agrahara. Hence there is a strong relationship between the 2 holy places. Great scholars have visited this place, as this was an educational centre in those times. It has been told that Sri Madhwacharya turned this barren land into fertile land during his stay here. The holy pond, VishnuTheertha towards the north of the temple is established by one of the followers of Sri Madhwacharya. Chakrotsava and other rituals were being performed daily to this Vishnutheertha. During the ADP, it has been known that a great sage has stayed here and had a significant achievement. This is during the period of Sri Vyasarajas stay at Narasimha Theertha. Due to lot of prominent people who resided here during those times, it was also revealed during ADP that all important administrative decisions for the vijayanagar kingdom were taken and ordered from here. It is also revealed that Mukhya Prana was installed here only for the sole purpose of seeking divine knowledge and preaching Dwaita Siddhanta. From about 250 years there has been a tremendous decline for this temple. The guardian of this temple originally was Narayanadasaru and his family. They were taking care of this Kshetra (pilgrim centre) with utmost responsibility and care. They were performing daily aradhana sevas, and used to feed people daily (Nitya Annadana). Later they migrated to Tirupati. This family was well known for such deeds in Tirupati also. Towards southwest of this temple, there is a Rudra (Shiva) temple. It is believed that Sri Vyasarajaru himself installed this one too. Vedic scholars have commented/debated on the Tattva doctrine by Sri Madhwacharya in this place. Indian classical dances and other fine arts of Indian heritage were found here. This temple was established for creating a centre of learning so that it attracts people from various places to attain knowledge. There is a strong relationship between Mukhya Prana and Rudra temple in this village, Also there is a Gangamma devi temple towards southwest of this temple. And there is a Kalika devi temple towards Northwest. This temple should also be considered for JeerNoddhara. It is advised during ADP by the astrologer that during all special festivals, the grama devathas should be offered special sevas. Currently no such practice is followed. This Kshetra(Mukhya Prana) and the Naga Sannithya are in a bad shape. Naga Punaha Pratishta should also be part of Jeernoddhara. It is known that a Nidhi (Treasure) exists in this area. Sacred serpent species like JalaNaga and Vaishnava Naga are known to have traversed in this area. It is clearly evident that Sree Mukhya Prana was installed by Shri Vyasaraja duly following Tanthra Sarokta Mutt Sampradaya (Tradition). In 1984, after Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Brindavana was installed, this place has regained its significance and the village has seen notable prosperity. Daily rituals have begun only after this occasion. Sri Venkoba Rao and Sri Gopalakrishna Murthy have brought this Mrittika Brindavana to the Mukhya Prana Sannidhi and installed by taking the help of local Brahmin community at Theertham. Currently the temple is managed by Gururaja Seva Samithi, which was formed in 1984 after the installation of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavana. Back ! ! 4 ! & ! $0 This theertha kshetra has been in bad shape for the last several years and void of daily and weekly aradhana sevas, deeparadhana sevas etc. This was an important pilgrimage centre Page 3 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ for all the neighbouring villages within 50 kms of radius. The Gopuram (tower) of this temple is in northwest direction, which is found to be an anomaly. Ganapati temple, Naga Sannithya and Vishnuthirtha towards the northwest are all in bad shape. Grama Devatha placed close to Naga Pratishta is also found to be wrong. The main door being in the northwest is also not correct. During the initial times, it has been known that everything was in the correct position. Over a period of time, the temple has undergone some changes. Another Mukhya Prana Aradhya Murti belonging to a certain family who found it difficult to continue with the Nitya Kainkaryas have donated the same to this temple. This is causing an obstacle to the sanctity of the main Mukhya Prana sannithya. Due to lack of appropriate rituals in the temple, its been found out that the villagers have suffered in the form of children lacking breast feeding, people committing suicides, houses burnt due to fire etc. In the premises of the temple, there have been lot of occurrences where sanctity of the temple has been ignored. Also there seems to be cases of people committing suicide in the holy pond adjoining the temple for which the last rites have not been performed. Serpents and monkeys also have been killed here. It has been found that lot of theft has happened and kings have used this temple for selfish motives. Mukhya Prana Devaru is not receiving proper Abhishekas and other divine activities daily. Also the dimension of the temple structure and boundaries of the temple seems to have not been done properly. Back 2 a) Naga Sannidhi should be completely renovated. Present defective Naga Idols (Vigraha) should be immersed and a re-installation should be done. This should be carried out in consultation with a Shilpi (Sculptor). The Grama Devatha idol (Prathime) should be religiously re-located. b) The holy pond near the Naga Prathime should be completely cleaned and the environment here should facilitate for performing the holy ancestral rites. This should be done under the auspices of the villagers and the pond should have a square structure. c) The temple compound should be constructed with new dimensions, duly fixing the boundaries. Back 3 + 1) Fruits, coconut and Kanike (cash offering) offering should be made to the Sri Rama temple. Panchamruthabhisheka, Deeparadhana and Annual Seva should be performed to Lord Rama. 2) Rudra Devaru in the nearby hillock and the Associate Grama Devathas in the village should be offered fruits and coconut and Ekadasha Rudrabhisheka. 3) Fruits, Coconuts offerings and prayers should be done in all four Devi temples and should be repeated every year. 4) Sevas should be performed at Mulbagal SriPadaraja Mutt, Sosale Vyasaraja Mutt and Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt and obtain the blessings (Mantrakshathe) for this Daiva karya. Also puja should be performed to Sri Krishna at Udupi and suitable offering should be made to the sitting pontiff among the ashta mathas of Udupi. Page 4 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ The birth place of Sri Madhwacharya, Pajaka Kshetra should also be visited and suitable offering should be made. Padapuja (an act of respect to religious leaders by washing their feet) should be performed to the Vyasaraja mutt swamiji. 5) Visit to tirumala kshetra and perform suitable seva and offer to the lord and take blessings. 6) Panchamrutha abhisheka should be performed to Naga Sannidhi and prayers should be offered. Pavamana Kalshabhisheka should be performed. Brahmana Vatu aradhane should be done. 7) Serpent worship in a semi-Vedic tradition usually by Brahmins only. This includes 'Ananthavratha'. Sarpa Samskara' (funeral obsequies of a serpent being killed or found dead) should be performed called as 'Ashlesha Bali' since serpents have been killed here. Also the following Homas Thila, Pavamana and KooshmaaNda needs to be done. 8) For all the unanticipated deaths that has occurred here, as a parihara (solution), Dhanvantri Homa should be performed 48 times, Manyu Sooktham should be recited, Sudarshana astra mantram should be recited 10,000 times using the Apamarga* Samith in 1000 number. - The Manyu Sukta Manyu Sukta appears in 8th Ashtaka, 3rd Adyaya and 18th & 19th Varga of Rig Veda (In otherwords, 10th Mandala, 83rd&84th Sukta) comprises of 14 Mantras. The Rishi is Manyustapasa, Devata is Manyu and the Chandas are Trishtup and Jagati Manyu Sukta Homa - Accoring to the Rig Veda Prayoga Chandrika, the Manyu Sukta Homa is given a prominent place. Manyu is the synonym of Lord Shiva. It means 'anger'. Those belonging to the Rig Veda saka very commonly perform Manyu Sukta Homa. It is stated in the Rig Veda Prayoga Chandrika, that the devotees who are suffering from the afflictions caused by incurable diseases, or enemies, can get rid of these by performing the Manyu Sukta Homa. * - This is a small herb found all over India. It is one of the Ayurvedic herbs. 9) The negative thought of Brahma rakshasa should be quickly solved. For this the astrologer suggests chanting the following hymns 10,000 times along with Thila Homa. a. Brahma Gayatri b. Vishnu Gayatri c. Krishna Shadakshari d. Vishnu Shadakshari e. Ashtakshara f. Geetha Trishtup g. Dwadashakshari 10) Vishnu Chakrabja mandala should be written and Vishnusahasra Nama should be recited 93 times. Brahmana Suvasini aradhane also should be performed. 11) Sri Sooktha Purusha should be chanted 1008 times by all the Brahmins of the village for the welfare of Ananda Theertha Agrahara. 12) Sreekara Ashtakshara of Tantasara should be chanted 10,000 times. 13) Bhajans should be done every Saturday. 14) At the time of JeerNoddhara, Naga Pratishta should be done towards the north-west of the garbha gudi (sanctum). Thila, Pavamana and Kooshmanda homa should be done during the installation of the Naga. 15) Towards the south west of the garbha gudi, a small separate temple of Ganapati should be installed with appropriate length and width ratios. 16) While installing the new Ganapati, the one in the single line varved Ganapathy should be immersed in holy pond and the new idol should imbibe its divinity. 17) Shanmukha Ganapati should be immersed in holy pond 18) The Mukhya Prana Bimba is installed by His Holiness Vyasarajaru, and the rashi/nakshatra of the same are very stable and good. Hence during renovation, due care should be taken so Page 5 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ that the moola vigraha of Mukhya Prana as well as the Raghavendra swamy brindavana should not move at all. And the new design plan of the temple should be in full accordance with Vastu Shastra and all the processes should be conducted as prescribed in Tanthra Sarokta way. 19) Another Mukhya Prana Bimba obtained from a family is advised to be taken back by them. If that is not possible, then the divinity of the same should be imbibed into the main deity by the following way: Brahma Kalashabhisheka, Samhitha Kalashabhisheka, Bhagavatha parayana, Sarva Moola Grantha Parayana, Bhagavadgeetha Parayana, Madhwa Praneetha Sundara Kanda Parayana should be chanted. 20) Garbha gudi (Sanctum), Mantapa, Compound (Prakara), KoLa(Holy Pond) should be completely renovated by the guidance of a fully qualified Vastu Shilpi who has expertise in temple renovation. All the AYAs (Length and width ratios) should be proper so that there won't be any cracks or fall in the structure in future. 21) The following sevas should be performed as far as possible at Udupi sree mutt, Mukhya Prana Kshetra and Madhwacharya Mula Kshetra, Pajaka and receive holy blessings in the form of Mantraakshthe(Holy rice grains mixed with either Kumkum (Vermillion) or turmeric powder) from paryaya peetha swamiji of Udupi. Back 0 4 1. Pooja timings should be strictly followed 2. Certain prohibited flowers should not be offered to god for pooja. 3. Ghee lamp and Ksheerabhisheka (Milk bath to god) should be offered daily. 4. Nandadeepa should be lit daily 5. Special deeparadhane (light festival) during Karthika masa should be done. 6. Naivedya (offering to the god) should be properly done everyday 7. Bhogi-Sankranti should be celebrated in this temple in a grand way 8. Deepa/Lamp should be lit at Tulasi Brindavana. 9. Deepasthamba ( Sacred pillar) also should be lit with a lamp 10. Honey, ghee, rice oats (Aralu), rice flakes (Avalakki), jaggery, coconut, banana should be offered. 11. Panchamrutha abhisheka and honey abhisheka should be done 12. Every Saturday, Bhajans should be arranged. 13. Madhwa Navami, Vyasaraya aradhane, Hanumajjayanthi, Pratishtavardhanti, Dhatri Havana, Rayara aradhane, Rama Navami, special aradhane during Parva days and Nagara Panchami should be performed in this temple. 14. Religious discourses and philosophical thoughts should be shared among people in this holy premise. 15. Sri Sooktha, Purusha Sooktha, Vayustuti, Vishnusahasra Nama, Balithhasooktha, Bhagaikyamathya sooktha should be recited and Poorvaka homa should be done. 16. Abhisheka should be done on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday special pooja for Mukhya Prana Devaru. 17. Pallaki Seva (Car festival) should be done on Thursdays and Saturdays. Umbrella and fans (Chatri and Chamara) are must. Back * . + In order to facilitate the renovation of the Mukhya Prana temple at Ananda Theertha Agrahara, there is a need to form two committees. Page 6 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ 1. JeerNoddhara Committee 2. Bharana Committee (Local Maintenance Committee) All the necessary funds to be raised for the renovation will be through the above committees. Women members also be part of these committees. Daivagna Sri Muralidhar Tantri has advised to take the guidance of Sri Narayana Tantri and Sri Krishnaraja Tantri for the renovation and construction of the Garbha gudi and the sculptures involved in the temple work duly following Tanthra Sarokta. A gopuram should be erected on the Garbha Gudi. This project should be completed within 3 years of time as per the divine sanction from Lord SriHari. During the Pratishta (installation), Vedas and Bhagavatha hymns should be chanted with utmost devotion. Back & * . After the successful completion of the temple renovation project, all the daily rituals and pooja performed in this temple will bring welfare to the whole village and all the pilgrims visiting this Kshetra will be spiritually benefited by the auspices of HariVayu Gurugalu. Since this sacred pilgrim centre was dwelled by great scholars, sages and saints, it will become an important place for performing the last rites of a person and will be called Vaikunta Theertha. Since this was an ancient educational centre, it has the vibrations for imbibing educational skills in a person. This is the best place to start up education to school joining children. By doing pradakshina (going round the sanctum as a religious practice) for the Anjaneya temple, ones wishes will be fulfilled. Immersion in the adjoining holy pond after renovation/sanctification will give the benefit of doing so in the Holy Ganges. Marriage related problems will be solved Threats of dying will be overcome Children will be blessed with breast feeding if their mothers offer prayers to the Mukhya Prana Back 0 9 $
To achieve this project successfully each and every individual from the designated organisation to take part equally with utmost dedication and interest. Especially the youth should physically and whole-heartedly take up the activity of raising funds for the project. We should be able to communicate to the various madhwa organisations, philanthropists, individual devotees etc which will not only help for raising funds but also a kick start to make this a holy pilgrim centre. All the committee members should be united and start with full enthusiasm. The whole renovation project and the budget will be segregated and carried out in a phased manner as follows: 1. Construction of Moola Mukhya Prana Garbha Gudi and Gopuram. The main sanctum and the tower erection should be taken on priority: a. Main temple-Rs.3.00 lakhs b. Vimana Gopuram-Rs.2.00 lakhs 2. Ganapati temple construction- Rs.1.50 lakhs 3. Naga temple construction- Rs.1.50 lakhs Page 7 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ 4. Construction of YagaShala and Yagna mandira: Rs.2.00 lakhs 5. Construction of the Aalaya Praangana (complex) of the temple according to the AYAs (Ground Floor only): Rs.40 lakhs 6. Construction of temple compound and main entrance (Mukha Dwara): Rs.1.00 lakh 7. Renovation of the Naga Devathas outside the temple: Rs.1.00 lakh 8. Renovation of Vishnu Theertha Sarovara: Rs.1.00 lakh. 9. Holy cleansing of the temple and conducting re-installation pooja after temple renovation: Rs.2.00 lakhs 10. Creation of a permanent fund (Shashwatha Nidhi) for the protection and development of this pilgrim centre: Rs.5.00 lakhs. 11. Total budget (As per preliminary estimates): Rs.60 lakhs There is utmost confidence and blessings of Vyasa, Rudra and Mukhya Prana under the auspices of Lakshmi Narayana for the success of this project. Time - 11.30 AM Udaya - 5.57 AM Astha - 6.44 PM Udayadi - 13.54 PM Lagna - 5 - 0 - 29 (Uttara) Ravi - 2 - 12 - 14 (Aardha 2) Chandra - 7 - 15 - 4 (Anuradha 4) Kuja - 0 - 8 - 28 (Ashwini 3) Budha - 2 - 13 - 02(V) (Aardra 2) Guru - 7 - 18 - 14(V) (Jyeshtha 1) Shukra - 3 - 25 - 56 (Aashlesha 3) Page 8 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ Shani - 3 - 28 - 04 (Aashlesha 4) Rahu - 10 - 16 - 15 (Shatabhisha 3) Kethu - 4 - 16 - 15 (Uttara 4) Maandi - 4 - 11 - 14 (Makha 4) Trisputa - 4 - 26 - 49 Chatusputa - 7 - 09 - 36 Panchasputa - 5 - 25 - 19 Prana - 5 - 13 - 44 Deha - 4 - 11 - 52 Mrityu - 9 - 0 - 58 Sookshma Trisputa - 6 - 26 - 35 Tambula Sankhya - 5 Tambula Graha - Chandra Tambula Aaroodha - Vrishchika Prasna Vakya - Regarding the renovation of Mukhya Prana temple and Sri Raghavendra Swamy temple. Swasa Sthithi - Dakshina Shara Sparsha - Karaangula Prathaman neethi - Tuppa (Ghee) Swarna Sthithi - Examining the Swarna Lagna The position of the Swarna Lagna was examined. The piece of gold was located in the middle of the square. It was facing upward, on top of the Akshata and flowers; it was also tilted and slanted toward the North-east. This signifies that the temple will be blessed by Goddess Lakshmi and funds will be raised for carrying out the renovation activities. Swarnamshaka - Vrishchika Observing the Flame After the ghee lamp was lit and the flame was observed, the flame was towards the North-east. There was no fluttering of the flame, golden flame and smoothness signifies good prospects for the temple. Varti Number - 9 Page 9 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ Chakra Lekhana After writing the Chakra, a copper ornamental plate called as Harivana was handed over to the Daivagnaru. Aaroodha : Vrishchika Udaya : Kanya Lagnamsha : Makara Chathra : Kumbha Spashtaanga : Mithuna Chandraroodha : Vrishchika Tambularudha : Vrishchika Swarnaamshaka : Vrishchika During the ADP, 2 out of 7 aaroodhas were unfavourable and 5 were favourable. 3D Model of the proposed Sree Mukhya Prana Sannidhi at Theertham Page 10 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/ Nivruthi Rashi: Vrishchika Rashi Daivagnaru : Sri. B. Muralidhar Tantri, Udupi 0820 - 2529036, 98456 46922 (Original Kannada Text) English Translation: Praveen Dharmavaram praveen.dharma@gmail.com +91 98867 60696 Click here to see Renovation pictures Top of the Page Page 11 of 11 Ashtamangala Prasna 08-07-2013 http://www.theertham.org/project.htm/