IKS Science & Art of Living - 10 Months Course

What is Science? Science is the knowledge of life that comes from the brain faculty. What is Art? Art is the way how we apply the knowledge in our daily life through the heart. We need to use both Science(brain) and Art (heart) equally in life to access into our highest self to be successful in life.

Siddha Science & Art of living is not just the oldest and the first human system that ever existed since the prehistoric period but its a science and proof of intense spirituality and  the Siddhars, ancient scientist show the immense possibility of a human beings. Our ancient South India in the past, was known for its uniqueness in spreading spiritual awareness and introducing extraordinary innovations that benefitted humanity and environment through its 64 sciences & arts of living (64 aya kalaigal). The enlightened Siddha masters of South India were keen to live their life spiritualy in sync with nature and the Almighty (the ultimate source that drives the functioning of entire universe) and inspire humanity through this path.

As being spiritual requires one to possess good physical / mental health through 'asanam' and 'dyanam', but the Siddha masters also involved in work to take care of their basic life necessities such as air, food, and shelter in tune with the rhythm of nature. They exhibited selfless dedication, devotion and love in whatever they performed. They enjoyed doing their work (similar to playing a game). This blossomed their innovative sense and thereby led to the formation of different streams of arts & crafts, in line with basic life necessities.

Today we already lost this priceless divine path and our ability to directly connect with nature and the Almighty. Instead of doing work to attain the goal (to connect with the Almighty or nature and attain our ultimate human's goal), we started focusing only on human-made materials (money or technology) to get air, food, and shelter. For example, our current generation of university and college students pursue any course with the primary intent of earning money (material) and raise to an affluent society status (power to rule). They rarely aspire to invent any product, which benefits self / society / environment.

This materialistic-oriented goal develops immense self-ego, insecure feeling, negative emotions and other psychological problem. This is the core reason why we could not find lasting joy and peace, even after being blessed with all kind of materialistic wealth.

When our mind aims to attain only the materials, it loses its ability to connect with nature and the Almighty. Neither will it have interest or passion towards any kind of art.
For the sake of getting wealth and power, when we are forced to do a work that does not suit our inherent talent, then we no more enjoy our work. This leads to decrease in our innovative sense and therefore art skill within us also vanishes. The result of such work will be a normal output and we will be filled with dissatisfied feelings of doing mechanical work & frustration.

We do accept that globalization and money are essential to sustain in this modern age. However, we must also make some significant efforts to regain our wisdom tradition that align with nature and the Almighty. The Sciences of brain and Arts of the heart  must work together without overpower each other. When head (sciences) and heart (arts) united, you will enter into the domain of Almighty. Along this objective, this course is another IKS Academy's attempts to empower society for successful life.

Remember, only by regaining our ancient tradition, culture, science, art and wisdom we can regain our ancient glories by ‘realizing our self by going back to nature’ and understanding nature’s mystical power. To lead a blissful life in sync with nature and promote activities that provide pure or clean environment. This calls for the need to revive  Science and Art of ancient ways of life, with the primary focus on Siddha Vaidhiyam, Siddha Yoga, Siddha Astrology and Siddha Rituals. Through knowing the Siddha Science & Art of Living you can attain greater joy, pleasure, peace, relationship, wealth and ultimately live a life, in tune with nature and the Almighty for enlightenment. ~ Vijayakumar Alagappan www.iksacademy.com

Its a must attend course for knowledge seekers Hindus, South Indian and free thinkers. You will learn every thing that you need for your success in life here, which you can never learn in today's education in schools, colleges or universities. Tell your friend about this rarest and priceless course today to create greater society. For further info on the course structure, fees and booking for next Course call 013 350 5903 or email to templeofscience@yahoo.com

Why Lord Murugan has 6 heads, ‘Saravanabava’ mantra and Vel ?

Secrets of Murugan’s Worship – Lighting up the brain - by Vijayakumar Alagappan

Modern science divides the dormant area of the brain into ten parts, whereas in kundalini yoga we divide it into six. The qualities or manifestations of the brain are also six fold, e.g. the psychic powers, These manifest in different individuals according to the degree of awakening in the corresponding areas of the brain. Lord Murugan is also known as Shanmukha because He has six heads which represents the 6 parts of our brain. With the right Murugan’s worships you can invoke Him in the form of Vel ( the spear) which symbolizing the ascension of Kundalini energy along spinal column and activate the whole brain (naturally by birth we will only use 1 / 6 of the brain, the rest 5 / 6 part of the brain can be activated only through chakras activation ).

Lord Murugan also known as Subrahmanya, Karttikeya, Visakha, Shanmukha, Kumara, Skanda, Guha and Saravanabhava.

In Kundalini yoga it was discovered that the different parts of the brain are connected with the chakras. Certain areas are connected with mooladhara chakra, others with swadhisthana, manipuraka, and so on. When you want to turn on a electric lamp, you don't have to touch the lamp itself, you operate it by means of the switch on the wall. Likewise, when you want to awaken the brain, you can't deal with it directly, you have to flick the switches which are located in the chakras. Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va are the mantra to invoke our six chakras. You need to close your eyes and consciously concentrate on mooladhara chakra while reciting ‘Sa’ for 4 seconds / counts, then concentrate on swadhisthana and recite Ra for 4 seconds, and so on. You can ask your Guru to reveal further on the secrets of Mururugan’s worships.

May Lord Murugan bless you with greater health, wealth, prosperity and enlightenment. Hmmm Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va ........

The Shatkonam's Significance of Lord Murugan

The Shatkonam or the 6-konam of Murugan denotes the merging of Shiva chakra and Shakti chakra. The bless of the goddess Shakti comes down from the sky and is denoted by the triangle which is coming down. The mind of sadhaka which always wants to get the higher things (thinking of the grace of Devi) (i.e., always in nishta) denotes the Shiva chakra (the triangle which goes up), when both these triangles merges the Shiva-Shakti aikyam (union ) happens and where lord Murugan appears. This is what the Somaskandhan Thatvam also explains. The sadhaka who gets the grace of both Shakti and Shiva remains always young as Kumaran and beautiful like a star like Karthigeya.

Ask your Guru to reveal further on the secrets of Murugan’s worships, he will teach you according to your spiritual maturity.


Hmmm Saum Saravanabavaya ...........

Lord Muruga's Legend and his "6 Battle Houses"

Legends state that Lord Muruga emerged as six sparks of flame from the third-eye of Lord Shiva to destroy the demons. The Lord is well known for his extraordinary energy for defeating the evildoers in order to save his devotees and disciples. The popular south Indian maxim goes, "Wherever there is a mount, there is a shrine for Lord Muruga; the omnipresent!" There are numerous temples for Lord Muruga across the globe; still the 6 Battle Houses (Arupadai Veedu), holds a special emphasis among the group of shrines.

Pazhani (120 Km west from Madurai):

Significance: Pazhani is one of the most visited temples in Tamil Nadu and is one of the revered shrines of Lord Muruga. The Dhandayudhapani Temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, and regarded one of his Arupadai Veedu (Six Battle Camps), is situated here. The temple situated atop the Sivagiri hills is small but attracts a flood of devotees from all over the country. The architecture of the temple dates back to Pandya Kingdom. The temple is famous for its gold gopuram (temple tower), most admirably worked. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a funicular railway with three tracks and a rope-car have been provided more recently for the comfort of the pilgrims. To keep up with the traditions of all the temples of the God Subramanian, another temple is dedicated to his worship near the foot of the Sivagiri mound. It goes by the name of "Thiru Avinankudi", and is remarkable for the exquisite appearance of the chief deity besides the other sculptures.

Pazhamudircholai (10 miles north of Madurai):

Significance: Located near Azhagar Kovil near Madurai, is a simple shrine on the Pazhamudircholai hill with dense forests, enshrining Lord Muruga. One of the six important abodes Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga, it is very close to the Vishnu temple of Azhagar Kovil. One can reach Pazhamudircholai by car, van, two-wheeler or bus. There is a bus shuttle for every 20 minutes from the foot of the hill to the Temple. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the temple.
At the entrance of Pazhamudircholai there is a temple called Azhagar Kovil; the deity being Lord Vishnu in the form of a protector, safeguarding Lord Muruga. Pazhamudircholai is a hill, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and flowers. It is a dense forest where "Valli" is supposed to have lived. It is a small temple with Valli, Deivanay, and Lord Muruga in a separate shrine. Lord Ganesha is also present in a separate shrine. There is a Temple Tower and monkeys play around the area. There is another small temple above Pazhamudircholai. Local tribes lead their lives here. It is a fertile hill with many natural springs and herbs. Although there are hundreds of Temples in Tamil Nadu for Lord Muruga, particularly these six temples called the "Arupadaiveedu" are very famous among them. Important events in Lord Muruga's history happened in these places. Among the Arupadaiveedu (Six Temples), Pazhamudircholai is said to be the last abode. The great Tamil poetess and saint Avvaiyar had been tested for her knowledge by Lord Muruga here by an intelligent play. It is believed that the play took place in this abode dedicated to Lord Muruga. Here is where Lord Kanda blessed the old Tamil Poetess with bountiful knowledge.

Swamimalai (Near Kumbakonam):

Significance: Swamimalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple located near to Kumbakonam and Thanjavur in India. It is one of the "Arupadaiveedu", believed to be one of the six main abodes of Muruga. According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Muruga preached; what is called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, Shiva, at a tender age, after arresting 'Brahma' for not answering his question about Pranava Mantra.
In Swamimalai the Lord Murugan is called as "Balamurugan" and "Swaminatha Swami". The Chola Kingdom enshrined Swaminathan (one of the names of Lord Muruga), in a temple built on an artificial mound, accessed through a flight of 60 steps symbolizing the 60 years that constitute the cycle of years as per the Indian almanac.
The history for the temple is generally called as "Sthala Puranam", and is as follows: One day Lord Brahma, the creator of living things, failed to give due respect to Lord Muruga who is the younger son of Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Muruga got angry with Lord Brahma and questioned him about his creating procedure. Lord Brahma said that he was creating livings with the help of Vedas (The Holy Hinduism Books). Upon hearing the reply, Lord Muruga asked Lord Brahma to tell the Slogans from such Vedas. Brahma started reciting slogans with the Holy word called "Om"; the Pranava mantra. Still, Muruga wanted to learn the meaning behind the word "Om". Lord Brahma did not have a solid explanation for this; and so the annoyed Muruga punished him with an imprisonment and began to work over the process creating livings himself.
Lord Shiva came to know about the incident and requested Lord Muruga to release Lord Brahma. Lord Muruga refused to his father's request on the grounds that Lord Brahma was not a capable creator as he himself didn't know the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Upon hearing to this, Lord Shiva wanted to know if Lord Muruga knew the real meaning of the mantra. Lord Muruga, who knew the real meaning of the word, laid a condition that he would reveal the answer but only if Lord Shiva was ready to listen to it by paying the due respect as a disciple would do to his teacher. Lord Shiva, felt proud about his son's knowledge and agreed to the condition. This important and interesting incident is believed to have taken place at "swami Malai"; the meaning of which is "The Teacher of Lord Shiva". Thus is the significance of the place. The temple is very famous for its other properties like the Golden dress for the deity, a Golden crown and Diamond Vel/ Lance for the Lord.

Tiruthani (50 Km north of Chennai):

Significance: Located near Tirupathi and Chennai, enshrines Lord Subramanian in a hill temple accessed through a flight of 365 steps. It represents the site of Muruga's marriage with Valli. Apart from its historical greatness, Saint Arunagirinathar has praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by the great devas and the favorite abode of saints to perform prolonged tapas (meditating on God for years together at a stretch). Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, who lived 200 years ago (one of the trinity of the "Carnatic music'- the Traditional music of south India) had his inspiration in Tiruthani when the Lord Muruga (in the disguise of an old man) met him on the steps of the temple and sweetened his tongue with the prasad of this temple, which provoked him to sing his first song on Lord Muruga of Tanikai.

Thiruparamkundram (5 Km from Madurai):

Significance: Located near Madurai, this power vortex enshrines Lord Subramanian celebrating his marriage with Deivanay, the daughter of Lord Indra. The shrine to Shiva here has been revered by the Devaram hymns by the community of people called the "Nayanmars."
Saint Gnana Sambanda, the famous Saint of the 7th Century, has visited Thiruparamkundram and has sung the Devaram song on Lord Shiva. Probably, this Shiva temple is the present temple in the main road near the entrance to the Thiruparamkundram Murugan temple. The structure and the legend behind the temple are quite old and ancient. Gnana Sambanda holds the significance of meeting the three Tamil chiefs, the Chera, the Chola and the Pandya in this temple, and having showered his blessings to all the three of them.
One of the inquisitive things about this temple is that, the Gods Shiva and Vishnu face each other in the main shrine (never found in this posture in any other temple except for in this temple). This is because Hinduism was always apprehended into two distinct worshipping groups - the Shaivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) and the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu). Outside the temple there is a beautiful pond where, according to the temple's tradition, the devotees offer the fishes with salt and rice flakes. There is also a Vedic school adjacent to the banks of the temple pond.
In front of the Dwajasthambam or the Kodi Maram, one gets the magnificently carved Nandi (bull), Mayil (peacock) and the Mouse (the vehicle of Lord Ganesha). This is a specialty of this Murugan shrine. Going inside, one can see the altars of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Of special mention is the altar of the Saturn God without the other eight planets. Climbing a flight of six steps called the "Shadashara Padigal", is a specialty here. One gets to see the rock carvings of various Gods and Goddesses like Mahishasura Mardini, Karpaga Vinayagar, Andarabaranar and Uggirar. The chief deity's statue is also sculptured from a rock. Abhishekams for the presiding deity is done to Muruga's Vel/ lance only.
There are five "Theerthams"/divine water sources, in and around the temple. Namely: Saravana Poigai, Lakshmi Theertham, Saniyasi Kinaru (saint's well), Kasi Sunai and Sathiya Koopam.

Thiruchendur (100km south of Madurai):

Significance: This power spot enshrines Lord Muruga in a vast temple with a lofty "gopuram" (temple tower) visible for miles, on the shores of the ocean in the Southern Tamil Nadu. Thiruchendur is the place where Lord Muruga used as the base camp, before invading the demon king of Suran from Sri Lanka. Each "Arupadaiveedu" has an event mentioned in the "Puranas" (legends). Thiruchendur is said to be second in importance among his six abodes. This place is also referred to by other names in religious poems and literature as Thirucheeralaivai, Thiruchenthil, Thiruchenthiyoor, etc. The deity is worshipped by various names such as Senthilandavan, Senthilkumaran and so on. The temple is situated so close to the sea that waves from the Gulf of Mannar lap, at the eastern perimeter wall of the temple.

Om and Muruga as Swaminathan at Swamimalai near Kumbakonam

The holy Hindu syllable "Om" is said to encapsulate the Supreme knowledge; one who knows the profoundest meaning of Om is indeed a Gyani who knows the Supreme Truth. According to mythology, Murugan, even as a little boy was aware the meaning of Om.

The Mystical Secret of Pranava Mantra

Murugan is frequently is represented with youthful appearance. His vehicle is the peacock which represents Infinite Light, and his flag has rooster on the banner which represents Infinite Sound. When the Infinite Light and Infinite Sound merge together then a powerful vibration (hmmm) will emerge called pranava mantra. The whole creation,preservation and destruction that happens in the Universe and within our self are hidden behind this Infinite Light + Infinite Sound = Pranava Mantra theory. Once the right Guru find you then he will disclose the secrets behind this theory to enlighten you. ~ Vijayakumar Alagappan

Once lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe, out of egotism, failed to show due respect to Lord Murugan, who was then a little boy. Murugan cornered Lord Brahma to expound the meaning of Om to him and the later could not do it. Murugan imprisoned him citing his incompetence.

Lord Shiva who came to the rescue of Brahma, questioned his little son's authority to imprison the God of creation; he wondered whether Murugan knew anything about Om. Murugan, the little master was bold enough to tease his father that if Lord Shiva too didn't know the meaning of Om, he could very well learn from him, provided he came to him very politely, like an earnest student who wants to learn from his master.

Lord Shiva agreed at once. Like an obedient student, he sat low in front of his son, with one hand close to his chest and the other hand closing his mouth (this is a traditional way of showing respect to Guru and Saints). Murugan then expounded the secret behind Om secretly in the ears of Lord Shiva.

Since Murugan thus became a saint who taught to the very lord of the universe, he was called Swaminathan. In Tamil, he is hailed as "Thagappan Sami" - one who became a Guru to his own father.

Murugan is incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Gowri having the power of all the six Gods mentioned above and gives Knowledge, Money, Potency, and the Power to succeed in any good endeavor.

The birth of Muruga to Help Us Regain Our Higher Kingdom

It is during Karthigai Tamil Month that Lord Shiva created Murugan with His infinite light. Lord Shiva manifested Murugan to renew the spiritual energy with in us to help us to regain our higher consciousness, the celestial kingdom. This legend narrates the story of the destruction of Kaama by Shiva and the birth of Murugan on the day of Karthigai Deepam.

Sati, the consort of Shiva immolated herself at the site of the Daksha Yagna, which was later destroyed by Shiva. Sati was reborn as Uma, or Parvati the daughter of the mountain king Himavaan (the Himalayas). Shiva withdrew himself from the universe and engaged himself in yogic meditation in the Himalayas.

Lord Shiva created Lord Muruga from His 3rd eye on the day

 of Karthigai Deepam, symbolizing birth of higher 

consciousness.

In the meanwhile, the demon Surapadma ravaged the earth and tormented its beings. It was realized by the gods that only the son born of Shiva and Parvati could lead the gods to victory over Tarakaasuran, Surapadman and their demon companions. They plotted with Kaama, the lord of desire, to shoot a flower arrow at Shiva, as he sat in meditation, so as to make him fall in love with Parvati. When Kaama aimed his arrow at Shiva, he opened his third eye and burned him to ashes instantly. Upon hearing the pleas of Kama's wife Rati, he brought back Kama to life, in flesh and blood for her sake, and in a formless state for others.

His penance disturbed, Shiva fell in love with Parvathi. However, the sparks of the fiery seed of Shiva were unbearable; even the fire God Agni could not bear them; this fire was then transported by the river Ganga into the Sara Vana forest, where Sara Vana Bhava was born. He was raised by the six Kartika damsels. Parvati combined these six babies into one with six faces, ie. Shanmukha. Shanmukha, or Kartikeya the supreme general of the devas, led the army of the devas to victory against the demons. The six sites at which Kartikeya sojourned while leading his armies against Surapadman are Tiruttanikai, Swamimalai, Tiruvavinankudi (Palani), Pazhamudirsolai, Tirupparamkunram and Tiruchendur. All these sites have ancient temples glorified by the tamil poems of Tirumurugaatruppadai of the Sangam period (prior to the 3rd century CE).

Tirukkurukkai, in Tamilnadu near Thanjavur, enshrines Kaamari Murthy, the destroyer of Kaama, in the Veeratteswarar temple which is one of the 8 Veeratta stalas celebrating Shiva as the destroyer of evil.

''Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va'' is also a Password to Open Chakras ~ By Vijayakumar Alagappan

Siddha yoga is one of the most powerful yoga but least commonly known or practiced. The primary reason is the need of the Siddha Guru. In this  approach a Siddha Guru (Spiritual Master) through his grace and through sheer power of his will awakens Kundalini of his disciple. This is referred as Shakti pat (Hinduism to conferring of spiritual "energy" upon one person by another.) Shaktipat can be transmitted with a sacred word or mantra, or by a look, thought/will or touch - the last usually to the ajna chakra or third eye of the recipient. It is considered an act of grace from the Guru to deserving disciple. This transfer of energy itself initiates the awakening of kundalini. Aadharam is defined as psychophysical centers or chakrams in the body through which the kundalini or the serpent power passes and reaches the Sahasradharam where the sacred Ambrossia or the Amirtham is secreated.  The jeevatma unites with the Paramatma and the ultimate aim / goal of life i.e. absolute salvation  is attained.
http://www.iksacademy.com/yoga-history.html 

tatvam nyanam yogam - weekly yoga in K.L.

Science behind Murugan's Worships

The Actual Secrets behind Murugan's worships and other Hindu festivals.
From Tamil month Aadi onwards the Sun will change his direction toward South from Kadakam rasi (Aadi month - mid July to mid August) to Dhanusu rasi (Maargazhi month - mid December to January). During this time all the Gods will sleep since Sun is away from our planets where we can experience the Day time will be shorter and Night time will be longer. During these time our planet earth will become weak and the gravity pulling will be much stronger to pull our kundalini energy downwards. When our kundalini shakti is in descending order, our aura will become weak and possibility for dark or negative forces to attack us are higher. This is the time where we tend to get confused, easily make wrong decission, and feeling very disturbed. Since Gods wont be available, from Aadi month onwards Goddess shakti will shower her energy on earth plane to protect us and our planet. 

This is the reasons our ancient Siddha masters has methodically built temples and create festivals for Goddess shakti around this Aadi month to attract the shaktis that will be bombarding on earth plane from Shakti's universe. But Shakti's energy only available untill Purataasi month when our great ancestors thought us to observe Navarathiri festival. So from Aipasi month(mid October to mid November) onwards Murugan will take charge to protect our earth planet from her mother Shakti untill Thai month (mid Jan to mid Feb). These are the actual science behind our Hindu worships and festivals. As thought by ancient Siddha masters let us understand the ryhthm of cosmo, being in tune, being in harmony with that rhythm through rituals and worships for greater health, wealth, prosperity and wisdom. Worships and rituals are technology. Nothing is powerfull like observing rituals and worships to access blessings from Gods and Goddesses. Infact observing rituals for celestial being is our duty to pay as rental for us to stay on this Earth planet. The chart below was designed by Harakanesh Krishnan forwww.iksacademy.com to give better understanding on my explanation about the cosmic flow, its effect and how it related to our festivals and worships. Let us revive our lost wisdom and teach your children today about the greatness of Hinduism as deviced by our great ancient Siddha masters ~ Vijayakumar Alagappan

Hindu Festivals, Rituals & Chakras According to Cosmic Flow

The concept of Aadharam is difficult for anyone to understand because it is not a common thing but a very spiritual aspect. The Siddha yogis or a person practicing Attanga yogam or Pranayamam  for a long time can be successful in the enlightment of Six Aadharams.

The Aadharams are six in number. They lie longitudinally six areas. The Kundalini or the serpent power passes through each aadarams during the practice of yoga. During each stage of yoga , the kundalini reaches a particular aatharam and slowly arises finally reaching Sahasratharam.

Vel is a symbol of  Kundalini energy which can arise along the spine to the brain

Details about 6 Aatharam

1. Moolatharam : The first Aatharam is called Moolatharam which lies between genital and anal orifice. It is compared to a red lotus with four petals and letter ” Sa” is embedded in its centre.(Lord Ganapathy and Vallabhai are the governing or protective force of this Aatharam. The kundalini is always found in a dormant condition in Moolatharam. The regular practice of ashtanga yoga arises the kundalini from Moolatharam).
2. Swatistanam: This is the next aatharam located two fingers above Moolatharam that is between genital and navel region. It is symbolized as a lotus with six petals in which “Ra” letter is inscribed in centre relating to Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati.

Murugan's six heads is a symbol of the six chakras which are connecting to six part of our brain

3.  Manipoorakam : This is the next aatharam located 8 fingers above Swatistanam that is  at navel region.It is symbolized as lotus of ten petals inscribed with letter “Va” in centre and governed by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi.
4. Anahatham : It lies ten fingers above Manipooragam that is at location of heart. It is symbolized  as lotus with twelve petals with letter “Na” inscribed in centre. The Dieties Lord Ruthran and Parvathy govern this Aathram.
5. Vishuthi : It is situated ten fingers above Anagatham and located in throat . It is denoted as lotus with  sixteen petals with letter “Ba” inscribed in it . The governing deities are Lord Maheshwaran and Maheshwaran .
6. Aajinai : It is between lies eyebrow as a lotus with three petals. In centre letter “Va” is inscribed and governing forces are Sadasivan and Goddess Manonmani..

Hence, the Kundalini during awakening passes through each Aatharam with the enlightment of each aatharam and the respective letter which is inscribed in it. Finally Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va is awakened with the kundalini reaching the Sahasratharam (vertex) and the ambrosia or secret nectar is secreted. Thus, kundalini awakening enables the person to perceive higher cosmic movements in universe . He is not a normal person as his soul gets united with the Paramathma and salvation is attained.

How to Become Eligible for Entering the Angelic Kingdom of Gods and Goddesses ? Rishi Vashishtar revealed Lord Murugan's Fasting

There was once a king, Muchukunda by name. He approached Sage Vashishtar to advise him on the importance and methods of observing some Vratam / Fasting by which he could gain personal success, peace and prosperity. Vashishtar indicated the Vratams of Lord Murugan and detailed their significances.

- One of them is the Vratam observed on every Friday. By observing this Vratam of Friday for 3 years, Bhagiratha overcame his enemy Gora. On Friday, after a clean bath, one should do Pujai and Archanai for the Lord with extreme devotion. He who does this is bound to achieve success in all his undertakings.

- Another Vratam is the Karthikai Vratam. On every Karthikai (3rd constellation of the 27 stars) day, this Vratam is to be observed with faith and devotion, and with external purification by a bath, before the Puja, etc. This Vratam was observed by Naradar Rishi as per the advice of Lord Ganesa. After a period of 12 years, Naradar gained his ambition, viz., the supreme position among the great Sapta Rishis.

- The most important of all the Vratams of Lord Murugan is the Skanda Shashthi Vratam. It is to be commenced on the Prathama Tithi (the day immediately following Deepavali) of the Sukla Paksham (bright fortnight) in the month of Aippasi (October-November). A complete fast should be observed and the devotee should engage himself solely in the Pujai of the Lord, in reading and learning of the glories of Lord Murugan, Bhajan, meditation, etc. If fasting for six days continuously is likely to prove too much of a strain, he may have one meal per day and fast completely on the last day, i.e. the Shashthi Day. This is the day to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan over the Asuran king, Surapadman. Persons who observe this Vratam achieve success in all their undertakings and in the end attain Liberation.

Having thus heard all about the Vratams and their importance, king Muchukunda took leave of Sage Vashishtar. With faith and sincerity he observed them and had Darshan of Lord Murugan who blessed His devotee with peace, plenty, prosperity and Kaivalya Moksham.

Rishi Vashishtar

Vashishtar  is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the seventh, i.e. Vashishtar is a manasputra of God Brahma. He had in his possession the divine cow Kamadhenu, and Nandini her child, who could grant anything to their owners. Arundhati is the name of the wife of Vashishtar. Arunthati is the elder sister for Karthigai six damsels (Pleiadean Stars). Lord Murugan was raised by six Karthigai damsels.

Arundhati and Vashishtar pair of stars

In traditional Indian astronomy, pair of Alcor and Mizar in constellation Ursa Major is known as Vashishtar and Arundhati. Mizar is known as Vashishtar and Alcor is known as Arundhati in traditional Indian astronomy. The pair is considered to symbolize marriage (Vashishtar and Arundhati were a married couple) and, in some Hindu communities particularly at South India, priests conducting a wedding ceremony allude to or point out the constellation as a symbol of the closeness marriage brings to a couple ( both stars will circumbulate each other which is unique; just imagine that our ancient Siddhas has discovered these without using any telescope and thought us to observe in our marriage ritual for our well being ).

Have you seen the Pole Star? If you observe keenly you can see it at night in the northern part of the sky shining bright always. Below the Pole Star you will find a group of stars i n the shape of inverted English letters as shown here-u). They are seven in number and are called ‘Saptarishi Mandala’ or the Great Bear,a constellation. The seven saints after whom they are named are: Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vashishtar.

May Lord Murugan grant you strength to observe such fasting and may you all be the fortunate recipients of His Blessings to Claim your legacy in Angelic Kingdom / Celestial World as Gods and Goddesses! 
Hmmm Saravanabava ..... Velum Mayilum Thunai .......
- Vijayakumar Alagappan