Described in blog post of May 23, 2010. Click here to read more.

IMAGE TWELVE.

SRI BALA SRI CHAKRA STUTHI. ( PRAYER FOR SRI CHAKRA).

In contrast to all the other images which have been teamed up with a verse from the Andhadhi, I have been instructed to translate and present the prayer to Sri Chakra written by Sri Baba.G, to accompany this twelfth image. The Sri Chakra is a precious symbol of unity between the individual and the Cosmos, often visualized as the unity between Shiva and his Shakthi, or latent power, Maya.

Although, I have drawn this sacred diagram several times, I found this time that merely listening to Sri Bala’s songs was not sufficient in order to project this image on paper. I was having difficulty constructing the complicated arrangement of the 43 interlocking triangles. I paused for a moment and meditating intently on the holy mother, Sri Raja Rajeshwari, recited the very powerful verses of both Lalitha Sahasranamam and Khadgamala Stotram. Within a few minutes, the diagram was finished.

In what follows I shall give a translation of Sri Bala’s Sri Chakra hymn. It should be noted that each line of this Tamil song ends with the word “karam”, which refers to “hand”.
In the final line of the prayer the lines read:
“Which hand (karam) grants everything?”
Why, that is none other than the Sri Chakkaram!

The final word “Chakkaram” ( Sri Chakra) rhymes with the often used word “karam”, in this prayer.

Many wishes, without questions does one hand bestow
Much prosperity does it furnish, this hand
In one second it does protect you, this one hand
Many diseases and illnesses does it remove, this one hand

Whatever may be your heart’s desire, it confers, this hand
Complete peace of mind does it give, this one hand,
As your total support does it arrive, this hand
Dissolving all heart aches, this one hand!

Bestowing intelligence this one hand
Prevents much destruction, this very hand
Revealing love this one hand
Feeds you good moral values, this hand!

Extolled and praised by everyone
Awarding everything to all
That hand— Which is that Hand?
Why that (Karam) is nothing but
Sri Bala (Sri) Chakram!

Sri Bala’s Message:

“ My Sri Chakra is of enormous significance to my devotees. This can be obtained only at My Peetam and is like a protective amulet for you. The power of this Sri Chakra cannot be easily revealed. However, it will provide everything positive and auspicious for those who sincerely believe in me! Keep it near you or with you at all times. No harm can befall you, no illness can attack you and never will evil intentions or bad thoughts take hold of you. In this Sri Chakra, my mother and I are both united happily and together, we shall take care of you !”.

Sri Bala Charanam.

It was Sri Bala’s instruction that I should portray her in thirteen images. In this diagrammatic representation too, Sri Bala is present, inside the inner most central point or Bindu, where she is in union with Sri Lalitha Parameshwari!.
Meditation on this image is guaranteed to bestow all prosperity on faithful devotees.

February 28, 2009.

IMAGE ELEVEN.

VERSE NO: 84 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO OBTAIN MENTAL PURITY.

Oh beauteous one who comes riding on a chariot
To bless us with salvation before the very blood dries up in our veins!
By paying obeisance to you, our fortune and fame increases and grows!
Oh mother, singing your praises makes our hearts as pure as clear water
This is the truth
Not more wealth or comforts do we desire
Only, good thoughts and intentions!

Sri Bala’s Message

“At the very end of your life, I shall come to grant you eternal salvation and carry you to my own world. You shall ride with me in my golden chariot and forever be happy in my child’s world inhabited by innocent and pure souls! Fortune and Fame I shall grant you these while on earth. Yet, the trappings of wealth can never bring you that lasting peace or happiness which you shall encounter alongside Me. Think good thoughts, perform good actions and serve the needs of those less fortunate with kindness and compassion. These actions are very dear to me and you shall always remain at my side”.

My thoughts on the painting:

This image is not one of my best efforts to depict Bala and I had originally meant to discard it. However, following Sri Bala’s instructions I have retained this picture and have presented it here with , what I consider to be a “mismatched” verse from Sri Bala Andhadhi. Bala is described in this verse as a “Rathi” ( beautiful lady), who rides on a “Ratham”( chariot), to reach her devotees before the “Rattham” (blood) dries up in their bodies. In tamil, the verse reads:

Rattham sundum mun, Ratham eri varum Rathi— ( before blood dries up, beautiful (lady, who)comes riding (on) a chariot.

Here is a clear indication from Sri Bala that complete surrender at her feet will surely lead to clarity and purity of mind in the hearts of her devotees, who , at the end of their lives will be carefully guided by this beautiful lady into the next world; the magical child’s world of Sri Bala.

In a very typical manner, Bala has once again chosen what I considered to be my worst effort and given it a high status by teaming it up with one of the most powerful and significant verses in the Andhadhi.

Sri Bala Charanam.

A mere glance at this image hand-picked by Sri Bala will instantly lift the veil of ignorance and provide clarity of mind.

February 27, 2009.
SRI BALA CHARANAM.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

IMAGE TEN.

VERSE NO: 79 (SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO SUBDUE CRUEL PEOPLE

Adorned beautifully, She smiles prettily
Her mere glance instantly setting ablaze all wicked people
And destroying those who cast derision
At her sheer touch, sour- tasting salt turns sweet
And the very mention of her sacred name
Makes destiny recoil and lose its power
As it cringes and hides out of fear
Seeking to grasp Her hallowed feet.

Sri Bala’s Message:

“You can achieve nothing without my grace. I have created this entire universe and control all your thoughts and actions as well. You see me seated as a tiny figure on this gigantic chariot. The four wheels of this chariot stand for Truth, Love, Faith and Effort. Armed with these four traits, you can win over unrighteousness and wickedness. Even the immutable laws of destiny that have been pre selected for you will necessarily alter its course once you have placed complete faith in me. Once you have become dear to me, my very glance shall protect you at all times from the intentions and actions of vindictive people. Take refuge at my feet and fear not what your future holds in store for you!”.

My thoughts on the painting:

It was Sri Bala’s wish that I should draw her as a tiny figure, seated on this huge, decorated chariot. As I was embellishing the chariot, the thought occurred to me that when this drawing was finished, Bala’s face would be hardly visible. Contrary to my expectations, Bala’s small, moon-like face radiates with a rare clarity in this painting.
Another small thought perturbed me. The Andhadhi verse chosen by Bala to accompany this drawing has no mention of her riding on a chariot. Yet, the verse chosen for the very next one, image eleven ( verse no: 84) , is full of chariot imagery!

I asked myself many times why Bala had not chosen verse no:84, instead to accompany this particular drawing. I did not get any answer and then remembered her express directive “Do not question me when I tell you to perform certain actions”. So, I have not deviated either from the order or precise numberings given to the presentation of both these pictures/images or matching each of them with Bala’s pre-selected verses .

Sri Bala Charanam.
Do not underestimate the power of this image. Sri Bala is here here to destroy all those evil intentions and obstacles standing in the path towards self- realization.

February 26, 2009.
SRI BALA CHARANAM

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

IMAGE NINE

VERSE NO: 69 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI)

TO EXCEL IN EDUCATION

OH beautiful lady, even the sun that revolves in this universe
Seeks to reach only your sacred feet
My very Life I am prepared to sell
To have the talent of weaving your image into my poems
And entice you into my heart
Even the fiercest of ascetics who have renounced everything
Jostle each other to be the first to reach you
Just to catch a glance of your enchanting smile!

Sri Bala’s message:

“ I shine brighter than the Sun! I have created this entire Universe , planets and the constellation of stars. Yet, no single star can shine more brightly than me. I radiate warmth and love and my tenderness to devotees is as cool and gentle as the deep blue sea. I sit here in my abode watching my devotees as they carry on their lives. Sometimes, I laugh when I see the antics they perform or when they forget Me! Nemili is my resting place, my Home from where I activate this universe and those people who belong in my “little” world. All the skills are at my pleasure and command. I endow different people with the ability to write, paint, sing and dance so I can be happy. I take great enjoyment in listening to music as well as seeing myself portrayed in various colorful images. However, don’t forget, these skills are given to you by me for My pleasure”.

My thoughts on the painting:

This drawing was my second attempt to depict Sri Bala on a swing. I did it because I wasn’t too happy with the earlier picture. Unmistakably, precise directions (mental suggestions) were given by Bala regarding this drawing. For example, the wavy, star-like pattern of her billowing skirt as well as using the color blue in the center of this image. The use of Gold color in the background was also suggested by Sri Bala. It was only after I read the Andhadhi verse she had selected for this drawing, did I realize the significance of this painting and the colors.
It is quite clear that Sri Bala was meant to be portrayed as residing inside a vast, golden star! The “blue” color is to depict her “cooling” grace on the devotees.
An enchanting smile was the final touch! Words cannot describe my feelings as I read the Andhadhi verse, pre selected for this image.

There’s another small incident that happened on the day I drew this picture. Now, it so happened that it was Pournami or Full Moon on the day I was completing this picture. Since I was in London at that time, I had made arrangements through a friend in Chennai to send some sweets and savouries to Sri Bala Peetam at Nemili. My friend called me after collecting the edibles and asked me if there was anything else she should take with her. I thanked her for helping me but said nothing else was required and disconnected the phone. The moment I put the phone down, I heard Bala’s voice “ Send a blue saree and a blue silk dhothi for my son and his wife”.
Not hesitating for a minute, I called my friend once more. When she came on the line, something made me tell her “ Go to the saree shop and buy the first saree that the sales person throws down. You’ll see this is a blue saree. Just buy it and get a dark blue silk dhothi for Sri Ezhilmani Mama as well”.

My friend called me from “Nalli’s” within half hour. She said in a voice choked with amazement
“ How on earth would you know that the first saree would be a blue one. I am standing here in this crowded shop and this guy has just thrown down a beautiful blue saree”!

Later, after my friend had delivered this precious cargo at Bala’s house in Nemili, she called me from the Peetam and I was able to talk to Sri Ezhilmani. I told him “Mama, I hope you can use this dark blue Veshti. I sent that for you and the blue saree for Baby Amma, because Bala kept insisting on it”.
Sri Ezhilmani handed over the phone to his wife, who said “ It is no mere coincidence. On Thursday, this week we are celebrating Mama’s 71st birthday, as you know. But Bala has just told all of us to wear blue. I was just asking my daughter in law to check if I had any saree in that color. Your gift came just in time. I will wear it on that day “.

This is just one more example of Bala’s divine, mischievous Lila!

Sri Bala Charanam

Gazing at Sri Bala with her enchanting smile in this picture, where she shines more lustrous than a star, all your latent abilities will be activated, so you can excel in whatever field of education or profession you have chosen!

February 25, 2009.

IMAGE EIGHT.

VERSE NO: 60 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO INCREASE (SRI BALA’S) SUPPORT AS A LIFE COMPANION.

I think of you constantly while treading on this life-path
If your memory should by chance recede
Then, even sweet , sugar syrup will taste bitter
And milk turn into poison
My heart, burdened with sorrow shall burn with anguish
Desirous of catching a glimpse of your lovely face
And my restless mind
On mighty ocean waves will be tossed!

Bala’s Message:

“If you are destined to visit my Peetam even just once, I will surely bless you with abundant prosperity and good health for the rest of your life. I shall be a steadfast and constant companion as you tread on this journey called life. However, after you achieve all your desires, if you happen to forget Me, or stop coming to my Peetam, I will still be there at your side, but you will definitely feel the pangs of separation since you will never be able to see me as clearly as you did before. When I am constantly in your thoughts, I am also there in your heart. I talk to you every day, give you advice and guide you in your actions. Yet, when you forget me, no longer can you “hear” my voice, even though I am still talking to you. Instead, your mind will get agitated easily and all your negative traits will rush out to control your actions, now that I am no longer giving them orders!”

My thoughts on the painting:

There are two images of Sri Bala seated on a swing in this set of 13 auspicious images and this is one of them. Actually, I wasn’t very happy with the way this illustration turned out and drew the second image in order to replace it.

However, as per the instructions given by Bala herself, I have included this drawing in the set, since Bala has chosen a verse in the Andhadhi to accompany it.

Just as the swing moves gently to and fro, coming nearer towards you and then, instantly receding backwards, so too are our thoughts regarding Bala!
She is telling me this right now as I am typing up the explanation.

I was going to put in the phrase “ just as the swing represents by its gentle, swaying motion, the ups and downs of life”.

But, Bala stopped me in my thoughts.

“I want you to write that the swing and its movement represents ME coming nearer and closer to you and then immediately going away from you as well”.
But why? I wondered. “Why should you keep up this illusion of being with a devotee and then vanish for a second; and then come back once more?” How long will you do this?

I don’t know what made me ask this question.
The answer from Bala:

My devotees are of two varieties. One lot think of me constantly and are totally devoted. In their hearts, I am solidly present and they know it too! However, the second set of people are a vacillating lot. I come close to them and grant their desires and then recede. I come again, closer to them, the next time they place a request at my feet. I will always satisfy my devotees’ desires, so both sets of people need not worry. However, “I” will only permanently reside in the heart of that person who constantly is engrossed in my thought and talks to me from his heart “believing” fully that I am living there. I will be a constant, life-companion to those devotees who fall into this group”.

Sri Bala Charanam.

These are true words and Bala, that delightful child-Goddess will become united with you when you reach this state of non-duality!

February 24, 2009.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.
SEVENTH IMAGE.

VERSE NO: 56 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO OBTAIN VICTORY IN EVERYTHING!

Travel in all eight cardinal directions, fearlessly
Attaining victory in all pursuits
Defeat all evil tendencies with the support of this Child so pure
Declare with conviction “Bala is the deity supreme in this Kali Yuga”
“ We surrender completely at her feet, at all times”
Proclaim this message to everyone!

Bala’s Message:

“To obtain a successful resolution in any situation you have to put in both hard work and effort. However, don’t think that your intelligence or ability alone achieves the result. You need my divine support for success in every task you undertake in life. Don’t show off to me your talent and skill. I know you and the amount of intelligence you possess. Show me instead your love and you will see your life beginning to prosper. Submit your love and dedication at my feet. Then travel wherever life takes you. Study hard, work with diligence and you can carve out a life where I will be with you at every step, like a shadow, supporting you, protecting you , advising you and above all holding you when you take a fall. Many are the battles you will face in life. When you come into my circle of grace, all these can be won without any effort on your part”.

My thoughts on the painting:

This drawing is the customary depiction of Sri Bala seated on a lotus with four hands , holding a book and sacred beads in two of her hands; the boon- giving and fear- dispelling gestures in the other two hands, respectively. It was Sri Bala’s desire to be portrayed in this style because she appears to her devotees here as the supreme Child Goddess who is taking complete charge of their lives. Both the advancement in material pursuits as well as spiritual pursuits are symbolized by this icon.

Sri Bala Charanam.

With Bala herself guiding you from within your heart, you can certainly emerge victorious in every situation!

February 23rd, 2009

SRI BALA CHARANAM

SIXTH IMAGE.

VERSE NO: 47 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO REMOVE MALEFIC EFFECTS OF THE NINE PLANETS ( NAVAGRAHAS).

Can a day be classified as either auspicious or not?
Can mal alignment of planets in horoscopes really affect your life?
When you enter the Peetam where Bala reigns with happiness and childish joy
Diseases can never bother you
Even a poisonous scorpion will exit from this place
Emitting sweet honey, instead!
All sorrow and worries, will walk out
Murmuring in protest as they fully disappear from your life!

BALA’S MESSAGE:

“ Never entertain Fear in your hearts when I am here to take care of you. When I am trying to enter your heart and sit there, how can you entertain an unwelcome guest? Banish all fears and worries. Don’t fall into the trap of astrologers and soothsayers who point out various defects in your horoscope and ask you to perform innumerable rituals to negate the adverse effects of planets in your life. Believe in me. Come to my peetam and get instantly cured of all your diseases and worries. I know what is affecting you now. I am also aware of what is going to happen to you in the future. Whatever happens to you in this lifetime, after you have reached my feet, will be entirely in my hands. Whatever I give, no one can prevent. Remember, whatever I don’t grant, none can give you!”

My thoughts on the painting.

This is a painting of Sri Bala in her “kavacham”. There is an interesting story about how this tiny armour or “kavacham”, studded with precious stones, was given to Sri Bala Peetam. Sri Bala appeared in the dream of a devout person living in Coimbatore and requested him to make this tiny dress for her in gold, embellished with stones. Now, this man had never been to Nemili and had no idea of the exact size of this tiny , sacred image of Sri Bala. However, he did make a small, stiff, skirt-like ornament, with the two hands stretched downwards, as you can see in my drawing. He brought it all the way to Sri Bala Peetam. It was no surprise that this Kavacham was a perfect fit!
It was Sri Bala’s specific request that I should paint her in this posture, standing on a shining, golden lotus. The moment I finished this painting and stepped back to view it, Sri Bala seemed to come to life and gave me a fleeting, mischievous smile! This is one of my favourite paintings in the set of 13 images I have completed!

Sri Bala Charanam.

Absolutely no doubt that Sri Bala is completely “alive” in this image. Ask her whatever you want and it shall be granted immediately!

February 22, 2009.
SRI BALA CHARANAM.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

FIFTH IMAGE

VERSE NO: 26 (SRI BALA ANDHADHI)

FOR MIRACLES TO HAPPEN.

Remain steadfast in her memory every single day
Consuming like food, her glorious name without tiring
Bring peace and calm into your restless mind
Chanting her kavacham, a medicine most potent
Then forget all your problems,
Like offering a grand feast surrender your very self to her
And hasten to watch with amazement all her awe inspiring miracles!

Bala’s message:

“ Whoever thinks of me constantly and attributes all his actions and their results as a consequence of my grace is indeed very dear to me. The devotee who goes through each day contemplating on me every moment, he who says my name with each breath he takes, he who casts aside all the derisions and mocking of people around him and stays forever loving me and wishing to serve me, this person has all my grace and more. The devotee who reads my kavacham every day will be instantly protected and cured from all his suffering and anguish. For the simple, pure hearted souls who are totally immersed in my thought, I shall cause miracles to happen in their lives!”

My thoughts on the painting.

I felt that Sri Bala had to appear most regal in this drawing. Indeed, like a huge ray of sunshine, she emerges in this image to obliterate all our worries and to protect her very dear devotees.I got the strong mental suggestion to draw her in a green skirt. Both her eyes and hands have enormous power in this particular image. Surrendering at her tiny, holy feet will surely bring everyone mental clarity and peace of mind.

Sri Bala Charanam.

Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts or face a situation that seems hopeless, we get weaker in mind and spirit. Depression sets in. By looking at this image and reading Sri Bala Kavacham ( written by Kavignar Sri Nemili Ezhilmani), all problems will vanish; answers will be found; and miraculous events will happen to put you on the path of total devotion to Sri Bala.

February 21, 2009.