Spiritual Tourism XX - Heavens on Earth -
The Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Trichur
In Sanskrit, Bhava means wordliness or the Ocean of mundane tensions and worries which afflict us or Samsar. She who destroys Bhava, that is the Sorrow accruing from Worldly Life and imparts Bliss Immortal is called Bhagavathy, Bhavam Nihatya Yogam Dadathi ithi Bhagah.
She is the Prakriti of Sankhya, the Maya of Vedanta and the Shakti of Tantra. She is the Sacred Feminine of Gnosticism. She tempts even the wise, Jnaninam api chethamsi devee bhagavathee hi Sa !
And the Goal of all sciences divine !
Thou art the Surmounter of difficulties
Hence called Durga by name !
Without Her Grace, Salvation is not possible !
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In Bridal Mysticism, Vandanam means to bow before the Tutelary Deity. The Masters of India knew that Yoga and Vedanta are ultra worldly sciences, which are best suited for ultra worldly people. So they brought in Tantra and installed Tutelary Deities in all cities and villages, so that worldly people can have the same mystic experiences like the Initiates. Bhakti Yoga is for the worldly man. She is Bhagavathy, the Damsel Divine adorned with the Six Attributes ! Arpanam means to sacrifice one's life for Deity. Dasyam is to be Her servant, serving All and Loving All !
She and He are ultimately One. This is well expressed by the Mother of Auroville
Without Him, I exist not
Without Me, He is Unmanifest !
In the famous Trichur Pooram, She along with Lord Krishna of Thiruvambady engage in friendly competition. 15 caparisoned elephants of hers face 15 elephants of the Lord and it is one of the most beautiful sights in the world!
Trichur Pooram takes place on the day when the Moon tenants the constellation of Pubba or Pooram.
Thureeya Brahmamayi
Paramekkavu Vanaroolum
Para Brahma Patta Mahishi
Nitya Jaya Mangalam
O Migty Transcendence
Thou art Hi s Consort
And Thou foolest all,
WIth Thy immense illusory power !
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By Govind Kumar
