The Motherly Love of Mahalakshmi

Atmarama was a young boy. His father, a devoted purohit, was well-versed in the Vedas. Atmarama helped him and learned from him. But then, his father passed away, and Atmarama became an orphan. His life grew lonely and difficult, so he left his village and wandered from place to place.

One day, he reached the holy hill, Venkatachala. He bathed in the sacred waters of Kapilatheertham and worshiped Lord Kapileswara. Then, he climbed the hill.  At the top, he sat under a tree, feeling sad and helpless. He missed his father and felt sorrow for not being able to support his family.

Looking for fruits, he found a cave nearby. Inside, he saw a brilliant sage in deep meditation. This sage was Sanatkumara. Atmarama bowed before him with tears in his eyes and asked for help, sharing his pain.

Sanatkumara closed his eyes, meditated, and told Atmarama that his troubles were from sins in a past life. In that life, he had harmed others and gave nothing to charity. To help Atmarama, the sage advised him to worship Sri Mahalakshmi, the mother goddess who can remove sins and bless with wealth and peace.

Sanatkumara gave him a special mantra to worship Mahalakshmi, then vanished. Atmarama, filled with hope, went to a nearby garden, sat under a tree, and began to meditate on Sri Mahalakshmi. Days passed in deep devotion. Then one day, he opened his eyes and saw a beautiful vision. Before him stood Sri Venkateswara with his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhudevi, shining with light.

Atmarama felt a deep joy and bowed before them. Lord Venkateswara blessed him, saying that his devotion to Sri Devi had removed his sins. He would now be blessed with wealth, knowledge, and peace.

After this, Atmarama lived near the holy hills with wealth and comfort. He spent his life in worship and helped the needy. His devotion earned him the Lord’s blessings and affection.

Lessons -

1. This story shows Sri Mahalakshmi as a kind and forgiving mother. She helps those who suffer from past mistakes. When Atmarama sincerely prays, she removes his hardships. Her blessings bring him wealth, knowledge, and peace.
2. Sri Mahalakshmi’s greatness is in her compassion. She has the power to forgive and uplift troubled souls. With pure devotion, anyone can receive her blessings and start a new life. This story teaches that faith in Mahalakshmi can end suffering and bring happiness.
3. Sri Mahalakshmi plays a key role in receiving the blessings of Sri Venkateswara. Mahalakshmi’s grace is like a path that leads to Venkateswara’s blessings. 
4. Sri Venkateswara’s greatness lies in his mercy and his power to transform lives. He removes Atmarama’s suffering, grants him wealth and wisdom, and brings him happiness. Sri Venkateswara is always ready to help his true devotees. 
5. Atmarama’s hardships end when he repents sincerely. Honest repentance opens the way for divine grace.
6. Even in hardship, faith leads to blessings and a better life. God transforms lives when approached with faith and devotion.

Knowledge Bank

Debunking the Aryan Migration Theory

The claim of some historians suggesting that non-Aryans lived in this land of Bharat since ancient times and that Aryans later arrived from the northern regions, drove the non-Aryans away, and established themselves here, is completely baseless and lacks any evidence. In reality, it was the non-Aryan bandits (dasyus) who came from the north, and the inhabitants of Bharat defeated them in battle. During the time of this conflict, Bharat was unmatched in knowledge, strength, and wealth. There was no one comparable to the people of Bharat in that era. The famous Indrayuddha, mentioned in the Vedas, describes the victory of the Aryans, highlighting their divine glory and supremacy. This evidence strongly counters the Aryan migration theory, proving it to be incorrect. Instead of Aryans migrating and conquering, it was the native people of Bharat who defended and triumphed over external invaders.

Fulfilling Life's Three Debts Through Daily Duties

A human is born with three debts: Rishi Rina (debt to sages), Pitru Rina (debt to ancestors), and Deva Rina (debt to deities). To become free from these debts, scriptures prescribe daily duties. These include physical purification, Sandhyavandanam (daily prayers), Tarpana (rituals for ancestors), worship of deities, other daily rituals, and study of scriptures. Maintain cleanliness through physical purification, perform daily prayers through Sandhyavandanam, remember ancestors through Tarpana, worship deities regularly, follow other prescribed daily rituals, and gain spiritual knowledge through the study of scriptures. By adhering to these actions, we fulfill our spiritual esponsibilities.