The mystery of immortal beings in the Himalayas

The mystery of immortal beings in the Himalayas

This is an incident of 1942 when the king of Kumaon invited an army officer of Western Command, LP. Farrel for a picnic trip to the hills. There was a special reason for inviting Mr. Farrel; in spite of his being a Britisher he was very much interested in Indian religion, philosophy and culture. He had a few opportunities of witnessing demonstration of miraculous feats of some Indian yogis. He had become a pure vegetarian. That is why he always welcomed any opportunity to go towards the Himalayan wilderness, with the hope of meeting some saint or yogi who could initiate him into spiritual sadhana. Mr. Farrel, the king and the queen and their entourage reached a place near Nainital full of natural beauty. It so enchanted them that they decided to camp overnight there. So, the dozens of tents were pitched and the lonely place got filled with the hustle and bustle of servants. Gossip, merriment, eating and drinking went on till midnight. Everyone went to bed and due to exhaustion of the whole day’s exertions, immediately slipped into deep sleep. The first phase of the sleep was hardly over when Mr. Farrel felt that there was someone near his cot. He waked up and clearly listened-"We need the place where your tents have been pitched. You vacate this place. If you are unable to understand, then you should come to that northwestern hill in front of you. I will explain you everything." "But who are you?" – saying this Mr. Farrel got up from the bed and lit his torch. But there was no one. He came out of the tent but there too no one could be seen nor heard anyone’s footsteps. After a momentary fear he became normal and then went back to his bed again for sleeping. It was 3.30 AM by his watch. Despite his best efforts he could not sleep. Somehow he was keeping his eyes shut. Again he felt someone’s presence. Still lying on the bed he opened the eyes and he saw a shadow of a person standing in front of him. This time again he uttered the same words. In order to identify that person, as soon as Mr. Farrel lit the torch, even the shadow vanished. His body started shaking and perspiring. This army officer who did not get frightened even by watching the horrible bloodshed in the war, momentarily got un-nerved and dumbfounded by mere imagination of a supernatural being. He lay awake in his bed with his eyes closed till the morning but heard nothing. A strange attraction was arousing within him to see the hill mentioned by the shadowy presence. He put on his clothes and shoes and silently came out of the tent and walked towards that hill. Describing this incident Mr. Farrel has himself written: "The way to the place where I was directed to reach was very difficult, narrow and dangerous. I was not at all able to climb up by myself but I was constantly feeling that somebody was showing me the way and was providing me the energy to climb up. After a hard effort of three and a half hours I could climb up. It seemed difficult to go ahead due to heavy breathing and perspiration. So I sat down on a square stone, lying down on it to take some rest. Hardly two minutes had passed and the same voice awakened me. ‘Mr. Farrel! Now you put off your shoes and slowly climb down the stone and come to me. With these words in the ears, I looked around and saw that a saint, with very weak constitution but brilliant splendor on the forehead, was standing in front of me. Leave aside the acquaintance, I had never met or seen him earlier. Then how could he know my name? He was here, then how did his shadow reach in my tent in the night? There was no communication link like a radio or a microphone etc between us. Then how could his voice reach me? Several such questions arose in my mind. Putting a stop to the unending trail of questions the sadhu said-whatever you have heard and seen cannot be understood by ordinary human mind. For this purpose one has to do long sadhanaand the practice of yoga, abandoning the worldly pleasures and attraction of the senses. There is a specific purpose for which you have been called here." Farrel could not make out whether the saintly person was a human being or a god. The thoughts arising in his mind were being constantly read by that person like an open book. Mr. Farrel climbed down the rock and in a short time reached the place where the Sadhu was sitting. The place was so small that only one person could take rest there. There was nothing except the fire burning in the Dhooni (firepit). Farrel further writes- "The Sadhu patted me on the back with his weak hand and I was stunned how could this electricity like power be there in that old body. My body that was almost breaking with pain due to exhaustion - now seemed light like a flower. As an humble gesture of respect for him I knelt down and touched his feet. I had seen many sadhus; but I have always felt that sahdus and saints who had influenced Indian philosophy and increased its dignity were not those who were roaming around on the roads but they were truly such secluded and devoted persons only. Their physical bodies might weigh 80-90 pounds but intensity of their energy and power was more than that of thousand bombs and they were the storehouses of knowledge." The Sadhu told me-"I have inspired a youth to reach the place where your tents have been pitched. He was my disciple in his previous birth. His sadhana is half-completed. Now I want to guide him again to undertake his sadhana and penance for the universal welfare. But the memories of his previous birth are dormant. The impressions and circumstances of this birth are attracting him. Therefore he is unable to take up the sadhana again. I have called him through subtle inspiration. If he comes here and is unable to locate the directed place, then he will get confused. In that event, whatever I want will not become possible, Therefore, please vacate that place immediately." Mr. Farrel said – "Lord! Please tell me also a few things about my previous birth "? The Sadhu replied-"My son! These siddhis (accomplishments) are not for demonstration. They are meant for some special purposes and it is better they are utilized for that only. Of course, if you wish you can be present at the time when I show him the events of his previous birth. Now you go. People are searching for you in the camp. I too am in a hurry." Mr. Farrel returned to the camp. Indeed, people had been searching for him. Mr. Farrel narrated the incident to the king. They then left that place and pitched the camp some 200 yards away. By the evening of that day a young man did indeed come searching for that place. After satisfying himself in all respects, he sat down there. In the meantime, Mr. Farrel also reached there. His curiosity was getting more and more intense as the time passed. In a short while sadhu too reached there. Mr. Farel and the young man touched his feet and stood waiting for his instructions. That place was in the centre of a grove of trees.. After lighting the fire sadhu did some puja, recited some mantras and told us to sit down in a meditating posture. A ray of light emanated from his forehead and a circular spot of light appeared on the trunk of a thick tree. Then whatever was seen in the spot was just like a cinema where they saw the characters actually walking and talking. Like a movie, they saw the events of the previous birth of that youth with their own naked eyes. In between that youth used to get excited and would say – ‘Yes-yes I had done that’. At the end, that youth touched the feet of that sadhu and said "Lord! Now my attachment with the mundane world is broken. I am ready to take up the unfinishedsadhana of my previous life. Please guide me so that I can complete the unfinished task." The Sadhu said – "My son! Today you take rest here. In the morning, you return to your home. At an appropriate time, I will call you." After that Mr Farrel did not know when that youth was called again? What he became later and with what name he became popular? But he became a staunch devotee of Indian religion and spirituality. This incident has been narrated by Mr. Farrel himself in an article in the May 17, 1959 issue of Saptahik Hindustan (a weekly Hindi magazine). A similar incident is narrated to have happened in the life of a famous Indian yogi Sri Shyama Charan Lahiri, popularly known as Lahiri Mahashay, in the book "An autobiography of a Yogi", by Swami Yogananda. Lahiri Mahashay happened to be Yoganand’s Dada Guru. He too was called by Babaji, an immortal siddha of Himalayas, who taught him the science of kriya yoga so that this knowledge does not become extinct. Indian scriptures are filled with descriptions of immortal souls like Shiva, Bhairav, Hanuman, Ashwatthama and many siddhas. There is a story in Kalki Purana, which goes like this. When Lord Kalki saw that the entire world has sunk neck-deep in perversities like sex indulgence, anger, greed, attachment, ego, laziness, etc. and the light of the souls had been extinguished, he decided to guide the masses groping in the darkness of ignorance. The darkness was dense. The entire world was badly trapped in the materialistic pursuits and the pleasures of the senses. Lord Kalki felt that he lacked the power required for this awakening of the masses. Then his spiritual mentor Parashuram called him to the Himalayas and made him undertake a penance at a place where he (Parashuram) had himself done it. This penance awakened the enormous power, which was needed for the transformation of the era, within Kalki. Lord Parshuram was born in Vedic Yuga, which came much earlier than the Kaliyuga. His presence in Kaliyuga too is an indication of his immortality and a testimony of the fact that immortal souls like him are still present in the Himalayas. Dr. Hari Dutta Bhatta, Shailesh has given an interesting description of his mountaineering experience of Janwali (Garhwal) hill, which is 22000 feet above the sea level, in Dharmayuga (Hindi weekly, 23 rd August 1964 issue). He was convinced that some supernormal power saved him and his group from getting buried under a landslide. All these incidents prove the fact that immortal souls possessing fierce supernatural power are still present in the Himalayas and they will remain there for an infinite time. Modern scientists are also actively engaged in the research for finding the elixir of life. Zoologists of Russia, France, Britain, Germany, USA, etc. have been investigating for a long time the process of aging and death. On the basis of the results obtained so far, they have concluded that death is not an inevitable phenomenon. Aging is a kind of disease. If it be possible to find a cure for it, a person could live for a thousand years. The modes and methods of kayakalpa (rejuvenation) mentioned in Ayurveda also prove this fact. In fact death is the result of collapse of life sustaining mechanism in the body. The gradual reduction in the efficiency of the body organs is the cause of senility, leading to death. If the life sustaining mechanisms are kept healthy and if the process of cell renewal is kept intact, a human being could be kept alive for an infinite time. Genes are immortal so there is no inevitability of bodily death. After studying Ayurveda, one can easily conclude that ancient seers and scholars had identified several herbs, fruits and chemicals, which help in the rejuvenation of the body. There is a popular phrase. "A person does not eat food; it is the food that eats up a person." Our physical body is nourished by blood. The latter provides oxygen to the entire body. Oxygen and other nerve fluids sustain consciousness in the body. All this is accomplished through emotions. It is the thoughts and emotions that give rise to secretions of hormones. These hormones control the metabolic processes within the body. Therefore, it appears that the responsibility of keeping the body healthy rests with our emotions and thoughts which are the real essence of life. There is a bird called ‘Salyon’, which gets sick after laying eggs. After investigation it has been found that after laying the eggs, her pituitary gland (which is centre of thoughts and emotions), gets excited and it starts secreting a hormone called A.C.T.H in huge quantities, which leads to her sickness. This has been found in the case of some other creatures as well. This shows that, if a person makes his thought process robustly positive and keeps his food light, he can keep himself alive and active for a long time. Modern science has no knowledge of the thought control mechanism. Is there any power in the sentiments, which can catch in its purest form the life (genes) floating in the sky? This vidya (knowledge) is known only to Indian yogis. But now scientists too are agreeing with this. For example in 1975 some zoologists of Strasberg carried out an experiment for changing the genes of a duck. Two ducks, one of Campbell variety and the other of Pekish variety, were chosen. The DNA of the first were injected in the second and that of the second one were injected in the first. This gave rise to change in the color of both. Within a few days the dust colour of Campbell started appearing in the Pekish variety and the neck of Campbell variety started getting white. Science can perform only a few experiments of this type. Changing one or two chromosomes is the first step towards success. The reproductive cells of a human being contain about 10 billions pairs of nucleotides and every pair has 46 chromosomes. It is difficult to change the behavior of a person without changing them. Then there are several cells in the body, which after being formed never change. The question of keeping them healthy is much a more daunting task. It will take a long time for science to search the solution for this. But that knowledge already exists in the science of yoga and Indian chemical methods. This needs unbiased scientific research of a different type. This depends on appropriate environment in addition to difficult sadhanas. For this purpose scientists have suggested that atmospheric temperature should be subzero. Mr Clark in his book ‘Space Odyssey’ has written that in order to undertake space voyage lasting for 200 to 400 yrs, it will be essential to keep the space voyager in the sleeping state at sub zero temperatures. Looked at from this scientific finding, the existence of immortal beings in the perennially frozen regions of the Himalayas cannot be considered as a myth. In fact, Himalayan region has been a special haven of true Yogis and Mahatmas from times immemorial. The likes of great yogis who have lived in this sacred region cannot be found elsewhere. It is said that there is Gyangaj Yogashram in Tibet, which is a training institute for yogis. Hundreds of such yogis are reported to be living and researching into the mysteries of the inner realms. This Siddhashram isolate in the subtle-physical realm is not accessible or visible to ordinary persons. Only psychically awakened and gifted Sadhaks have the privilege of entry into this Siddhashram.

Mysteries of the Great Pyramids

Mysteries of the Great Pyramids

The pyramids of Egypt have always been a center of curiosity and attraction. From common tourists to historians, archeologists and scientific researchers, everyone feels somewhat fascinated by these mysterious monuments. For what purpose the pyramids were originally built and by whom? How were they used in the ancient times? Answers to these questions still remain a matter of controversies and endless debate. For many years, the pyramids were thought to be royal graveyards made for preservation of the mummies. However, the majestic geometrical and archaeo-astronomical features of the pyramids and the amazing energy fields found by the researchers inside these gigantic structures reveal a gamut of new facets. The word ‘pyramid’ originates from the Greek words ‘pyra + mid’. ‘Pyra’ means ‘fire’ and ‘mid’ means ‘in the middle’. Thus, the literal meaning of pyramid would be – in the middle of fire (energy!). This indicates a possibility that the pyramids were constructed to serve as energy reservoirs or sources of accessing and preserving energy from the cosmos. The distinct geometrical features of these masterpiece designs also show the superb scientific knowledge of their architects. The geometrical analysis of the ‘Great Pyramids’ at Giza (Egypt) shows that the base area of a pyramid divided by twelve times its height equals the universal mathematical constant π (pi). The ratio of its vertical and horizontal edges is 1.618…, which is an important geometrical constant φ (phi). This perfection of mathematical formulae in its design can’t be a mere coincidence. It is also a puzzling surprise that its depth below the earth’s surface is exactly the same as its heights above the surface. A billion times of the height of a Great Pyramid equals the astronomical unit (the sun-earth distance). It is also remarkable that the solar energy-radiations are found to be significantly dense on the earth at this distance at the inclination at which the pyramids are located. The north-south axis (diagonal) in the middle of the pyramid divides the earth in two equal parts; not only that, this division also halves the land and the water on the earth. These and similar findings affirm that the architects of the pyramids had accurate knowledge of the geometry of the earth and the solar system and they had made use of it for advanced level experiments and applications through these pyramid shaped laboratories. The wonders of pyramids include the fact that these are situated right above the geo-center of the gravitational field. The total of diagonal lengths of a Great Pyramid is about ten-thousandth fraction of the radius of the earth. The original meter, which was defined as one ten millionth of the distance between North Pole and the Equator, is one-fortieth of its edge. It appears that the pyramids were also used for certain standards of scale. If we multiply the number of days (= 365) in a non-leap year by 100 and add the number of hours (=24) in one day (the extra day of the leap year!), we get 36524. This happens to be the value (in meters) of the total peripheral surface of a Great Pyramid! The entrances of all the pyramids happen to face the East. Moreover their central axes at the entrance are directed towards the point in ecliptic reached by the sun at solstice (on the 21st June and 22nd December, when the sun is farthest from the equator and appears to pause before the earth returns nearer). These findings suggest astrological / astronomical applications of the pyramids. Historical studies mention of an Egyptian Archaeo-architect and Priest named Imhotep, who had prepared the calendar of the year 4229 B.C.; it is amazing to note that his calendar also showed 365 days in a year. Such precision of calculations was also reflected in other information given in his calendar; this could be possible only by substantial knowledge of the movements of the planets and stars in and around our solar system. Usually very few planet/stars are seen in the sky over Cairo (Egypt), that too not so clearly as could be visible from other parts of the world. Then, what kinds of telescopes were used for astronomical studies those days? Were the pyramids serving as the observatories? This was also the common belief of the Arabs. However, the scientific authenticity of this possibility got accepted only after publication of the book "The Great Pyramid – Observatory, Tomb and Temple" by British Astronomer, Richard Anthony Procter in the late nineteenth century. The learned author has revealed many important facts on applications of pyramids in planetary studies in the above book. According to him, the location of pyramids on the Equator is along the north-south geo-axis from where positions and movements of the planets and stars on the North Pole side could have been studied by the astrologers of ancient Egypt. The canals beneath the base of the pyramids lie straight in the direction of the Pole Star; the deviation angles of its rays could be measured here. These canals are dug beneath the earth’s surface at an angle of 26 degrees and 17 minutes, which happens to be the angle of reflection of light there. The upward and downward directions of these canals are according to the angles of incidence and reflection of light. These dark wells of 200 ft deep canals thus illustrate the thorough knowledge of astronomy by the experts of those days. The above are some notable facts on the construction of the pyramids. The atmosphere inside the pyramids is found more astonishing and has posed many challenges before the modern scientists. Nobel Laureate Luis Alvarez had tried to measure the energy levels inside the pyramids using a cosmic counter machine but he did not succeed, as his instrument stopped working in the energized fields here. Surprisingly, it happened during several trials; the instrument would start functioning fine as soon as it was brought out beyond a certain distance from the pyramids. X-raying the pyramids by groups of scientists coupled with the studies by renowned physicists like Dr. A. Goneid showed findings inside the pyramids that were beyond explanation by scientific laws. Dr. M. Mc Luhan of Ontario, Canada and several others have also researched on these aspects and found that somewhat different forms of energy-fields than the electromagnetic energy (which is the energy so far known, pervading in the space) seem to exist inside the pyramids. In view of these arcane energy fields of high intensity found inside the pyramids, the researchers opine that such marvelous scientific structures can’t be graveyards. These must have been built for some super-level purposes such as astronomic studies, understanding of the cosmos, experiments on subliminal energy, and/or spiritual modes of devotion, etc. Many believe that the rare cosmic energy indwelling here could induce sublime transmutation. This view is strongly supported by Manly P. Hall in his celebrated work entitled "The Secret Teachings of All Ages" (first ed. 1928). He mentions that staying inside the pyramids used to empower the devotees with evolved spiritual energy. In his view, pyramids might have been constructed as spiritual energy centers for enlightened transformation of personality. Historical reviews also indicate that as per the period of their construction, the pyramids do not appear to be originally constructed as the graveyards of the Pharaoh Kings of Egypt; neither their construction took place during the reigns of the latter. In his research dissertation on "The Pyramids of Egypt", published in 1964, I. E. S. Edwards has shown 3100 B. C. to 332 B. C. as the period of the rule of the Pharaohs in Egypt. Till the early 20th Century AD, the pyramids were also largely believed to have been erected during this period. However, advanced archeological studies and scientific analysis have shown that the pyramids are much older. British archeologist, Walter Emory had examined the stones of the Great Pyramids of Giza using spectrographs and had estimated the age of these constructions to be between eleven thousand to fifteen thousand years. The Bodleian Library at Oxford has an antique treatise of Egypt, which is written on Birch Leaves. Abu Al Massoudi describes the pyramids as constructed prior to the disastrous inundation that had engulfed most parts of the earth and gave rise to its present form. As most of the modern historians approve the occurrence of this epochal flood disaster to be before 15000 years, the age of the pyramids is found to be older than fifteen thousand years from historical proofs as well. Similar supporting evidences of the recent times affirm that the great pyramids of Egypt were not built during the reign of the Pharaohs. Arabic researcher Abu Jed Al Balkhi has estimated the age of these pyramids as about thirty-three thousand years based on the results of Carbon-14 techniques applied to the organic remains of the later ages in these monuments. It is important here to note the recent findings of distinguished anthropologist and archaeologist Prof. Tom Dillehay and Dr Dennis Stanford on the prehistoric global migration. They have thoroughly analyzed the archaeological data, the antique structures, data from excavated sites and the skulls, bones and soil/stone constructs obtained there, data on linguistic and geographic history and the data on anthropological research and evolutionary studies in genetics. Their research has annulled the hypothesis that Asians had migrated to America via the Bay of Bering about ten thousands years ago. Based on the results of this research, Prof. Tom Dillehay of the Archaeology Dept., Kentucky University (USA) concludes that – there are proofs of human inhabitation in Chile since about 33,000 years; the migration of Asians towards the American continent had begun much before that. He also argues that even the frozen strait of Bering could not hinder this migration. According to Dr. Dennis Stanford of the Smithsonian Institute (USA) this prehistoric migration had taken place in three to four stages. The findings of these researchers also support what was written by Abu Al Massoudi and point out that the architects of The Great Pyramids were not the ancient Egyptians, rather some others who had reached there much before the advent of Egyptian or Greek civilization. Who were these "others" who had constructed the pyramids? The observations of Bill Schultz and Ed Petit are worth noting in this context. In their book "The Secret Powers of Pyramids" the authors cite that the fame of ancient Greeks as the founders of Mathematics is there just because they were able to decipher some knowledge from a well developed science of much more older civilization. The classical Alexandria of Greeks could gather and propagate only a fraction of the gigantic knowledge available with the handful of great sages, the unknown migrants, who had reached the land of Egypt thousands of years before the dawn of Greek civilization. These strangers (migrants from some more ancient and advanced civilization) of yore –– the founders of trigonometry, geometry, archaeology and astronomy – were the architects of the pyramids in the views of the authors. The above findings and the studies of ancient Indian Culture indicate that the great sagacious migrants believed to be the architects of The Great Pyramids were the Indian rishis (the seers, sages and scientists of Vedic Age), who possessed supramental talents and had realized the supreme knowledge. Many of their disciples had migrated in small groups to even the farthest corners of the globe1 to spread the light of this supreme knowledge and sow the seeds of human civilization there. That the rishis possessed immense knowledge of the sciences pertaining to matter and the gross manifestation of Nature along with their expertise in spirituality and yoga – is clearly reflected in several treatises of the Vedic Literature. The following slokas from the 352nd Chapter of the "Matsya Puran" cite the names of eighteen experts of archaeo-architecture and civil engineering of the Vedic Age: Bhraguratrirvasistha Ca Visvakarma Mayastatha | Narado Nagnajiccaiva Visalaksah Purandarah || Brahmakumaro Nandisah Saunako Garg Eva Ca | Vasudevoaniruddhasca Tatha Sukrabraahaspati || Astadasaite Vikhyata Vastusastropadesakah | Sanksepanopadistam Yanmanve Matsyarupina || Of these eighteen, Vishwakarma and Maya were regarded as the leading masters. These two are referred respectively as the architects for the devatas (manifestations of divine powers) and for the danavas (demonic giants). The magical buildings, cities and supernatural instruments devised by them are cited in the Vedic Literature and also in the later scriptures like Mahabharata and Ramayana. That these were not mere mythological depictions has been authentically investigated by the researchers of the modern times as well1,2. It was certainly an easy task for such geniuses to construct the monumental pyramids. Archaeological and historical research up till now has shown that the Maya civilization in ancient Mexico was an offshoot of the Mayacivilization in ancient India. The ‘Inca’ civilization spread from Ecuador to Peru was also a branch of this civilization cultivated by Maya and his followers. All these evidences strengthen the findings of Prof. Dillehay and Dr. Bill Schultz et al and show that the Great Pyramids are also an illustration of the advanced architectural knowledge of the Vedic India and that the great Indian architects of that time had constructed these wonders of the world. What the historical data mark as the time period when the Shulbsutra and Brahmsutra were written now appears to be a little before the time the pyramids were built. These two post-vedic Indian scriptures happen to be the fundamental source of knowledge (derived from the Vedas) on vastukala (architecture), which also encompasses the secrets of constructions for archaeo-astronomical and ethno-astrological studies and hidden specificities of vastu-designs for spiritual impact, etc. This further leads to the conclusion that the ancient Indians had masterminded the magnificent design and amazing properties of The Great Pyramids. Another puzzle associated with the pyramids is the purpose and mode of their use. The history of investigations on their mystery has also been very interesting. Many anecdotes were popular in the first few centuries A. D. about the tragic deaths of some explorers who tried to dig out the facts inside. The first authentic record in the history mentions of Khalifa Harun Al Rashid’s adventurous son Abdullah Al Memmon’s attempt in the year 820 A. D. Abdullah went inside the pyramids with a group of some intrepid young men carrying heavy hammers and chisels. Their efforts of removing or breaking some stones were ruined in the void, as the stones and their joints were too stout for the tools. In another attempt, concentrated acid was used to make a big hole from where some of the investigators could enter inside the gigantic tombs. But, they could find nothing – not a single corpse or mummy, no royal belongings. It took them about a month to come out from that labyrinth. The common belief of these being the graveyards for preservation of the mummies was shattered completely when a team of investigators of international repute declared after search operations for several months that there were no mummies, no coffins and no hidden treasures inside the pyramids or in their basements. It is quite probable that in some period of the Egyptian rule, these might have been used for this purpose, as the energy fields inside were found to be miraculous. Most likely, this hypothesis also might have been just imaginary or an offshoot of false notions created to enhance the glory of the Pharaohs. Whatever it be, the possibility of such majestic designs with astonishing scientific and astronomical features having been constructed for merely keeping dead bodies does not appear logical in any respect; it is also not supported by any of the authentic research studies. The unique energy fields found here indicate that these pyramids were made and used for higher-level meditations, devotional practices and spiritual experiments. These appear to be serving as reservoirs of cosmic radiation for such experiments. Journalist and philosopher, Paul Brunton had spent a night in a pyramid of Giza. His observations were compiled in the book (published by Rider & Co., 1935) entitled "A Search in Secret Egypt" where he mentions of experiencing the presence of divine consciousness-force inside these ‘celestial’ laboratories. Several scientific experiments conducted inside the pyramids illustrate the presence of an exceptional energy field. Among these, the experiment of Austrian scientist Vern Cameron has been very popular. He had kept a watermelon inside a bathroom type wet chamber in the pyramid. Surprisingly, despite having water inside and around, the watermelon had shrunk into a tiny dry-fruit of the size of a chestnut with splendid taste. This amazing result inspired the scientist to study the aura of energy there. For this, he first worked with spectrographic recording of the energy domains (of light radiations, thermal and electromagnetic energy currents, etc) inside pyramid shaped designs in his lab. The aura of energy had an inverted pyramid shape and showed concentration of superimposed energy waves towards the base-center. The field remained dense at the particular spot for long time even after the model designs were taken away. Another widely publicized experiment was conducted in the late twentieth century by some Russian scientists. A pot containing a six inches long fresh sapling of a plant having two or three leaves was kept inside a glass pyramid. The response and growth pattern of this tiny plant was recorded continuously by time-lapse video camera. The plant appeared to be dancing on a sonorous tune. It first inclined slightly towards the floor. Then took a round towards the east; from there it completed the round by moving towards the west. Having reached the west, it became straight and started oscillating in a slow rhythm. It repeated this ‘dance’ for few minutes at an interval of two hours. Surprisingly, no such movements were seen in any of the saplings (of same age) of that plant in the pots kept outside the pyramid. Another interesting observation was that only the sapling inside the pyramid showed its greed (like the humans!) for the precious metal by bending completely towards a piece of gold which was placed near it. The rishis – the ancient Indian experts of geometry, architecture and other sciences and the deep science of cosmic energy – were well aware of the distinct features of pyramid shaped designs. They had also chosen the specific positions on the equator for the construction of the gigantic pyramids at Giza (Egypt), for maximum attraction and conservation of rare cosmic radiations there. They were the torchbearers of divine light, who might have used these pyramids as centres of sublime spiritual endeavors. The savants of today, sitting on the peaks of modern marvelous scientific advancement, may well begin to reinvestigate the noble use of the pyramids for similar experiments. References: 1. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya: Samasta Vishwa Ko Bharat Ke Ajastra Anudan."Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya", Vol. 35. Published by Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura:283001 (U.P., India). 1995. 2. Dr. Kapil Dwivedi: Vedon Mein Vigyan. Published by Vishwa Bharti Anusandhan Parishad, Gyanpur, Bhadohi (U.P., India). 2000

Secret of the Pyramids

Vladimir Pakhomov Secret of the Pyramids

About the secrets of pyramids of Egypt is written much and they gradually clear up. I want to tell about a secret, which did not attract the attention. Look at three small pyramids located near the pyramid Menkaure [Mycerinus].

In the book “The Orion Mystery”, R.Bauval and A.Gilbert try to prove, that the pyramids on the Giza plateau were constructed by the unified plan reflecting the disposition of stars. The disposition and even the size of three main pyramids - Cheops, Chefren and Mycerinus correspond to the disposition and the size of the three stars of Orion's Belt (the Orion constellation).

I think, that it is necessary to understand the size of pyramids here is their relative altitude, instead of volume or something still. This conformity is confirmed also by the ancient recordings, mysteriously informing that Egypt is constructed under the celestial plan - "as above, so below". Really, if we want to understand the ancient building, it is necessary to explain a strict orientation of these building and their elements on legs of the world and on various astronomical phenomena. With what purpose was made it? Why it was so important?
Such orientation allows fixing a time in which there was any a significant event. What a natural phenomenon allows to make it? The reason in that, that the axis of rotation of Earth itself makes circular motion, describing a cone for period about 26000 years. This phenomenon refers to as the precession, and the period of a full turn of the axis refers to as the Great year. Pursuant to this phenomenon, the picture of the starry sky (for example, altitude of stars above horizon) varies. It also allows using a precession as a "starry clock", permitting to fix and to transmit to far the time. The knowledge of precession was the largest secrets of sages, latent from uninitiated.

Any observer of the starry sky will enter concept of coordinates for measurement of positions of stars and changes of their positions. Without it to study the sky it is impossible, it is difficult to do any conclusions and it is impossible to transmit the accumulated knowledge. For example, only from the analysis of the recordings about a position of stars for hundreds years was discovered (or again discovered) the precession by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus in 160 B.C. Owing to precession the point of vernal equinox is gone on the ecliptic towards to apparent year motion of the Sun (the precession of the equinoxes), passing approximately 50" to one year. During a life of one generation such fact is difficult to notice. And, introducing a coordinate system, you inevitably will come to a conclusion, that in the sky, a nature already has a set of base lines. It is:

• the line of the celestial equator,
• the line of the solstices (north - south),
• the line of the equinoxes (east - west).

All these concepts were well known to the founders of pyramids. What system of celestial coordinates they used? In these article two lines, the line of equator and line of solstices will be used only. I shall consider the equatorial coordinate system, other versions I leave to the readers. For a basic circle in this coordinate system is adopted the celestial equator.

Figure of the celestial coordinates

Let's enter the some definitions.

The straight-line parallel the axis of rotation of Earth, carried out (spent) through the centre of a celestial orb, refers to as the axis of the world - (P_n,P_s).

The large circle of a celestial orb, the plane of which is perpendicular to the axis of the world, refers to as the celestial equator. (V,6h,A,18h) – the line of the celestial equator.

The Sun makes the apparent year path on a celestial orb approximately on the ecliptic (circle V,S,A,W). It is possible to tell that the orbital plane of motion of the Earth round the Sun is the plane of ecliptic.

North Pole of the ecliptic - E_n. South Pole of the ecliptic - E_s. The angle of declination of equator to the ecliptic varies and now is approximately equal 23° 27¢ . The small circles, from above and from below, round points E_n and E_s represent a circle of precession.

The point of cross of the ecliptic and the equator, which the Sun passes moving from a southern hemisphere of a celestial orb to a northern hemisphere, refers to as a point of vernal equinox - V. This point the Sun passes 20 - March 21. The point of autumnal equinox is diametrically opposite to it - A. This point the Sun passes 22 - September 23.

(V,A) – the line of equinoxes.

The point of vernal equinox in the astronomy is designated by the sign of Aries - ^ . I do not like this confusion. Let's leave zodiacal signs to the Zodiac, and for a label of a point of vernal equinox we shall use the letter V, from the word - "Vernal" equinox. This letter is similar to a sign of Aries. Point of autumnal equinox we shall designate by the letter A, from the word "Autumn" equinox. This point is opposite to a point of vernal equinox, and the letter A is similar to the inverted letter V, therefore it is easy to store.

(Can be, so we shall begin to understand the alphabet, a secret value of the letters.)

The point of a summer solstice (S) is in the Northern Hemisphere of a celestial orb and point of a winter solstice (W) - in the southern. (S,W) – the line of solstices.

The large circles passing through both poles of the world refer to as the circles of declinations. The lines (6h, 18h) and (S, W) lie in one plane.

The zodiacal signs, in the figure designate an approximate position of the appropriate zodiacal constellations:

• constellations Taurus - _
• constellations Gemini - `
• constellations Scorpio - e
• constellations Sagittarius - f

In the equatorial coordinate system, the position of a point on a celestial orb is determined by two sizes: right ascension - a and declination - d.

A right ascension of a heavenly body is the arc of equator from a point of vernal equinoxup to a cross point of equator with a circle of declination of a heavenly body. The right ascension from a point of vernal equinox counter-clockwise is counted if to look at the equator from North Pole of the world, from 0 till 24 hours.

A declination of a heavenly body is the arc of a circle of declination from equator up to a heavenly body. The declination in limits from 0 up to ± 90° is counted. From the equators to North Pole of the world the declination is considered positive, and to southern - negative. Both these coordinates do not depend on a diurnal rotation of a celestial orb.

Now we shall return to consideration of a problem. Here so the constellation of Orion looks if to take only his main stars. The dashed line shows a position of celestial equatorpresently. Three stars are direct under equator form the Belt of Orion. These stars (from above downwards) refer to as so:

d of Orion, Mintaka, comes from the Arabic word for "belt" e of Orion, Alnilam, means "a belt of pearls" z of Orion, Alnitak, means "the girdle" Angular distance Mintaka from equators (declination) for 2000 will be -0° 17¢ 56.8² . Here the names of two stars located below, Rigel (on the right below) and Saiph (at the left below). For simplicity of reminder it is possible to use such method. Let's transfer titles of these stars under the order, from above downward: Mintaka, Alnilam, Alnitak, Rigel, Saiph

If to take the first letters of their titles, the word MAARS will be received. Simply store -MARS, this is a familiar word. (I notice that constantly solving a riddles, I have become to speak by riddles.)

Here the coordinates of these three stars.

	Visual magnitude	Right ascension (a) J2000.0 RA	Declination (d) J2000.0 RA
Mintaka	2.23	5h 32m 0.40s	-0° 17¢ 56.8²
Alnilam	1.72	5h 36m 12.81s	-1° 12¢ 7.0²
Alnitak	1.90	5h 40m 45.52s	-1° 56¢ 33.5²

Now we shall consider the pyramids, the photo of which is shown in the beginning of the article and their conformity to the stars. Pyramid of Menkaure [Mycerinus] ~ Mintaka. Pyramid of Khafre [Chefren] ~ Alnilam. Pyramid of Khufu [Cheops] ~ Alnitak. All of them belong to the antediluvian (before flood) type of architecture, examples of which are found out almost in all parts of the world.

Pay attention - near the pyramid of Menkaure, three small pyramids were built on one line. The general view of this complex is shown in the figure (at the left). Putting in conformity the image of constellation of Orion with his earth implementation and by enumerating coordinates, we shall receive the following picture. The solid line, in figure, shows the position of celestial equator presently. The arrow shows a direction of moving of equator in a during of precession. The dashed line continues the line of three small pyramids, which, architecturally, represent this dashed line. If to consider, that their line sets a position of celestial equator, this position the celestial equator will take, for example, December 22, 2318. Pay attention, not the any coordinate line on a celestial orb, and one from base lines - the celestial equator here undertakes! Such coincidence, probably, will happen and earlier. Probably, it will coincide with any known prediction.

To position of equator on "lines of pyramids" there corresponds declination of Mintaka in -0° 13¢ 26.8². But it yet limit, the extreme position of equator will take approximately in 2564. Then the declination of Mintaka will be -0° 6¢ 42.3². And then equator will be set back, the next Great year. Such points of crisis, in mathematician, refer to as extreme. Thus, is received, that, or the pyramids determine this extreme position, which the celestial equator takes once within Great year. Or determine a position close to extreme, which the celestial equator takes twice within Great year. As it is visible, the listed positions of equator differ within the limits of ± 5 minutes here again easily to make an error. And by the way about a title of a star Mintaka it is possible to name (Belt), celestial equator too figuratively as Belt of the sky! That is in a title of a star her significant attachment to celestial equator is fixed.

SECOND PART

The declination (the analog of an earth latitude) varies on size

23°27' + 23°27' = 46°54'

for a half of the period of precession.

The other coordinate - a right ascension, varies on 180° for the same period of time. That is, it is much more. Therefore, use of this coordinate allows with the greater accuracy and a reliability to set the necessary instant. And the founders of a complex of pyramids knew it. Look this photo

You see the same 3 small pyramids and near the pyramid of Cheops! And their direction is perpendicular to a direction of three small pyramids considered earlier! Certainly, they also should be perpendicular, if express a base lines of celestial coordinates. These lines and in a nature are perpendicular. I speak about the line of equator and the line of solstices.

Look, as it looks on the computer model of the Giza plateau

This image can be found on the webpage
http://www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/DEPT/COMP/GIZ/MODEL/Giza_Model.html

Some words about Sphinx. How the Sphinx is oriented? The Sphinx looks precisely at East. By what this point is remarkable? Precisely in east the Sun ascends only two times per one year, per days of equinoxes. And as shown in figure of celestial coordinates, these two points determine a line of equinoxes. It is possible to tell that the Sphinx always looks in a point of vernal equinox on a celestial orb. He as though constantly monitors behind her. And by that his builders wanted to tell us, as we should closely monitor an phenomenon connected with this point. And what appearance is connected to this point? The precession of the equinoxes is connected to this point; the phenomenon of precession is connected! Sphinx is symbolical expression of this phenomenon. But I shall tell about it later.

Now it is possible to draw the pyramids with two dashed coordinate lines of pyramids and constellation of Orion with two appropriate coordinate lines. Here I once again emphasize that not the any coordinate lines, and two mains, base lines - the celestial equator and line of solstices undertake! The line of solstices marks two points of an extreme position of the Earth on her orbit. It is a point closest to the Sun and point of the position removed from the Sun, of the Earth. In figure are represented: 3 large pyramids, 3 small pyramids near the pyramid of Menkaure, and 3 small pyramids near the pyramid of Cheops and Sphinx.

Orion constellation	9 Pyramids

The program StarCalc 5.0 obtains the image of Orion constellation with the reticule pattern on the date of December 22, 2318, 0h 0m 0s.

On this starry map the line of equator (0°) and the line of solstices (6h) is shown. Pay attention, that a direction on north in these two images, in the sky and on the Earth isdiametrically opposite. How you think, about what it speaks? How it is possible to explain it?

On my evaluations, now second line of the three small pyramids corresponds on a celestial orb to the right ascension 5h 43m 46s.

December 22, 2318 the line of the 3-rd small pyramids
near the pyramid of Khufu [Cheops]
will coincide with a line 6h, with the line of solstices.

Such coincidence with a line 6 - 18 hours was and in 10642 - 10546 years, that is for a half of period of precession up to now. The period of precession is equal 25920 years, as at ancient or 25729 years under the modern data.

If to take into account the coincidence of both coordinates with the image of pyramids, such coincidence can be only once for the period of precession! Signifies or it was 26000 years back, or to this number it is possible to add an integer of cycles of precession, or will be in the near future.

Except for accuracy of the data about location of pyramids at their construction, it is necessary to take into account and the accuracy of the data about the location of stars, having been available at the builders. While we know, that the observation of the starry sky were made in Ancient Egypt with the help of very primitive tools - a wooden stick split on one end and a plumb-line. But if to assume what it so primitively and was, then it is necessary to ask, and who built a pyramids?

What the date fixed by pyramids can mean? I shall list some versions:

• The time of approach of the next planetary catastrophe is indicated.
• The time of returning of "gods" promised by the gods "second arrival" is indicated.
• The time former, at least, one Great year back and connected with any extreme event, for example, world flood and loss all alive on the Earth is indicated.

These suppositions are possible, if in the past the axis of the Earth did not change its direction.

So, we have found out with coordinate lines of the sky. Now following question. And what is on ground in a cross point of lines of pyramids? I name this point – the Point of Thoth. By name of the Egyptian god of wisdom, account and writing. From experience of decoding of the Calendar Message I know, that the multivalent of concepts, definitions and facts is inherent in this intelligence. Thus each value from this multivalent is exact and independent. Therefore, if with the help of pyramids the date is given, signifies with the help it something is given and still. I think what exactly in this point of Thoth, on ground and is necessary to search for the heritage of a great civilization.

E p i l o g u e

This article was written two years back. Recently, I was acquainted with one more document – The Emerald Tablets of Thoth. About The Emerald Tablets is written much. Unfortunately, I do not know what to tell about the particular document, on which I give the link. I do not know true it is the document or literary product, but it is interesting. Read one citation.

http://www.chapeltibet.cnchost.com/ct/Tablets.html

The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean

Translation & Interpretation by Doreal

A LITERAL TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION OF ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND SECRET OF THE GREAT WORKS OF THE ANCIENT WISDOM

“Now shall I speak to thee knowledge ancient beyond the thought of thy race. Know ye that we of the Great Race had and have knowledge that is more than man’s. Wisdom we gained from the star-born races, wisdom and knowledge far beyond man’s. Down to us had descended the masters of wisdom as far beyond us as I am from thee. List ye now while I give ye wisdom. Use it and free thou shalt be.

Know ye that in the pyramid I builded are the Keys that shall show ye the Way into life. Aye, draw ye a line from the great image I builded, to the apex of the pyramid, built as a gateway. Draw ye another opposite in the same angle and direction. Dig ye and find that which I have hidden. There shall ye find the underground entrance to the secrets hidden before ye were men.”

By reading it, I have made the following image.

In this image the position of "heritage" left to us, and where, and on what depth is precisely indicated.

And one more, the most important question.

If we shall discover the heritage, whether it is necessary it to open? Whether we prepared for shall open us "the box of Pandora"? The Greek myth have alert.

Pandora had a jar which she was not to open under any circumstance. Impelled by her natural curiosity, Pandora opened the jar, and all evil contained escaped and spread over the earth. She hastened to close the lid, but the whole contents of the jar had escaped, except for one thing which lay at the bottom, and that was Hope.

All was designed for the simian curiosity of the people? It is necessary to remember - they are a reminder that civilizations existed thousands of years ago which were more advanced than ours today. Therefore it is good to answer the questions. Where and why these eggheads have disappeared? And why our ancestors have survived?

The arrows of clock of pyramids have stopped at the moment of the awful catastrophe, at the moment of the loss of a Great civilization.

On this Starry Clock of the Precession

Humankind have 16 minutes 14 seconds

HE WHO DOES NOT REMEMBER HISTORY, IS BOUND TO REPEAT IT.

Updated: November 12, 2009

© Copyright 1999 by Vladimir Pakhomov

Rig Veda and the Indian woman - Contributed to this site by Ambassador O P Gupta

In August/Sept. 2002, one case of committing suttee or sati and two failed attempts to commit suttee in Madhya Pradesh were reported in the media.

Reports also appeared that the Hon’ble Rajasthan High Court allowed prayers within premises of Rani Sati Mandir of Jhunjhunu district, but prohibited organising fairs, distribution of pamphlets and performing chunri ceremony at the temple till final orders.

Some people assert that Rigveda vide richa (X.18.7) (seventh richa of 18th Sukta of tenth chapter) commands a Hindu widow to mount pyre of her deceased husband.

One website quotes PV Kane’s translation of this richa as: “Let these women, whose husbands are worthy and living enter the house with ghee applied as corrylium (to their eyes). Let these wives first step into the pyre, tearless without any affliction and well adorned.”

One may note that even this English translation does not categorically state that let these widows first step into the pyre. This translation simply says “let these wives first step into pyre.” As per common sense, from the moment of death of her husband, a woman is no more called “a wife” but a widow (vidhawa). So phrase “these wives” in above translation of Kane cannot be interpreted to refer to “widows.”

In fact, Sukta 18 commands a Hindu widow to return to world of living beings; to return to her house to live with her children and grand children and Rigveda confers on her all the properties of her deceased husband. One should go through all the fourteen richas of this 18th Sukta (revealed to Rishi Sunkusuk Yamayan) so as to understand the true and correct meaning of (X.18.7).

The third richa (X.18.3) commands “May those who are living remain separate from dead ………..…” (Rigveda Samhita by HH Wilson & Bhashya of Sayana edited by Ravi Prakash Arya and K.K. Joshi ISBN 81-7110-138-7). Dr. Wendy D. O’Flaherty, Ph.D. in her book the Rigveda (Penguin Classics) (page 52) translates: “Those who are alive have now parted from those who are dead….” Ralph T.R. Griffith translates “Divided from the dead are these, the living:….” Shri Ram Sharma Acharya of Bareilly in his Rigveda (in Hindi) translates: “mritak ke pass se jeevit manushya laut aavey…………..”

Dr. Ganga Sahay Sharma, Ph.D., in his Rigveda (Delhi Pocket Books) translates: “ye jite huve log marey huve vyaktiyo ke pass se laut aavey…………...” This command of Rigveda to leave behind the dead; to remain separate from dead is equally applicable to Hindu widows too as the widows are also living/jeevit persons.

English translation of the seventh richa (X.18.7) as given by HH Wilson is “Let these women who are not widows, who have good husbands, enter (anointed) with unguent and butter. Let women without tears, without sorrow, and decorated with jewels, first proceed to the house.” Dr. Wendy O’Flaherty, Ph.D. translates this seventh richa: “These women who are not widows, who have good husbands – let them take their places using butter to anoint their eyes. Without tears, without sickness, well dressed let them first climb into the marriage bed.”

Shri Ram Sharma Acharya translates “yeh sunder patiwaali sadhawa naariya ghrit yukta kaajal lagaati hui apne grih ko prapta ho. Yeh naariya aasuuon ko tyag kar manoovikaaroo ko duur karati hui sundar aishwarya waali ho kar sabase aage chalati hui apne gharo ko prapt ho.”

Dr. Ganga Sahay Sharma, Ph.D., translates: “Ye sadhawa ewam shobhan patniya naariya ghrit aur anna ke sath apne ghar mey pravesh kare. Ye streeya aasuuon ke bina roga rahit aur shobhan dhan waali ban kar apne ghar mey sabse pehle pahuche.”

Shri Radhakrishna Shrimali & Smt. Ashalata Upadhyaya of Jodhpur in their book Rigveda (Diamond Pocket books) (page 156) give similar interpretations of (X.18.7) and (X.18.8). Thus, six different authors, from different places vouch that richa (X.18.7) does not refer to widows at all. What this richa says in a nutshell is that married women should be first (among others) to return to their homes. Readers may see that as per these authors this richa does not say that first these women step into pyres. This seventh richa appears in Atharvaveda at (XVIII.3.57) and (XII.2.31) also.

The eighth richa (X.18.8) especifically and expressly commands a Hindu widow to return alive to her home. HH Wilson translates: “Rise, woman, (and go) to the world of living beings; come, this man near whom you sleep is lifeless; you have enjoyed this state of being the wife of your husband, the suitor who took you by the hand.” This verse is to be recited by dead husband’s brother etc to widow and he has to make widow leave her husband’s body as per Asvalayana Grih Sutra(IV.2.18)

Dr. Wendy D. O’Flaherty, Ph.D., translates: “Rise up, woman, into the world of living. Come here; you are lying beside a man whose life’s breath has gone. You were wife of this man who took your hand and desired to have you.”

Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya translates this richa: “Hey mritak ki patni! Tumhara yeh pati mrityu ko prapta ho chuka hai – ab tum iske pass vyartha baidhi ho. Apne putradi aur ghar ka vichar karti hui uutho. Tum ish pati ke sath garbh dharan aadi stree kartavya ko pura kar chuki ho aur tum uske pran ke chale jaane ki baat bhi jaanati ho attah ghar ko lauto.”

Dr. Ganga Sahai Sharma, Ph.D., translates: “Hey mritak ki patni! Tum apne putro ewam ghar ka dhyana karke yeha se uutho. Aap marey huey vyakti ke pass kyo soyee ho? Ish purush ke panigrahan wa garbhadhan ke anuroop aap vyavahaar kar chuki ho. Aap ishke sath marane ka vichar chhodo.” Arthur A. Macdonell, in his book “A History of Sanskrit Literature”(page106) also says that (X.18.8) is addressed to the widow, who is called upon to rise and take the hand of her new husband, doubtless a brother of the deceased, in accordance with an ancient marriage custom.

Macdonnel quotes following translation of (X.18.8) as given by Ralph T.R. Griffith: Rise up; come to the world of life, O woman; Thou liest here by one whose soul has left him. Come: thou hast now entered upon the wifehood Of this thy lord who takes thy hand and woos thee. Thus, eight different authors from different places confirm that (X.18.8) actually commands a Hindu widow to return to the world of living beings, return alive to her home and return alive to her children.

Also, this very richa confers upon her full right on house of her deceased husband (apne putradi aur ghar). In 1995 Supreme Court interpreted Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act to the effect that a Hindu widow has full ownership rights over properties she inherits from her deceased husband. Supreme Court said that object was to wipe out disabilities imposed by Hindu Shastras.

Supreme Court, thus, restored rights conferred on widows under richa (X.18.8).This richa appears in the Atharvaveda at (XVIII.3.2) also.

In RV(X.18.9) the new husband takes bow (or any symbol or any item) from the hand of dead husband, and while taking the widow as his wife says to her: let us launch a new life of valour and strength begetting male children overcoming all enemies who may assail us. HHWilson translates:Taking his bow from hand of dead man,(new husband says) for the sake of our vigour, energy and strength, I say you(dead) are there(in grave);may we (who are) here (on ground), blessed with male offspring, overcome all enemies who assail us.

According to Achraya Sayana, it is the first six richas of 16th Sukta of Xth chapter of Rigveda (X.16.1 to 6) which are to be recited at funeral pyres; and, none of these six richas either call for burning of widows or make any reference to widows.

I would like to draw attention of readers to richa (X.40.8) of Rigveda which praises Ashwin gods for protecting a widow. It shows gods were praised for protecting widows. How could gods have gone to protect widows, and, thus, behaved against Rigveda if Rigveda had actually commanded burning of widows?

Another richa (X.40.2), may come as a complete surprise to many Hindus who wrongly presume that widow remarriages are not allowed in Hinduism. HH Wilson translates it: “Where are you, Ashwins, by night? Where are you by day? Where do you sojourn? Where do you dwell? Who brings you into his presence in the same place (of sacrifice) as on her couch a widow (brings) her husband’s brother, as a woman (brings) her husband (to her).

Dr. Wendy D. O’Flaherty translates: “Where are the Ashwins in the evening, where in the morning, where do they stop and where have they spent the night? Who invites you as a widow takes her husband’s brother to her bed, as a young woman takes a young man to a room.”

Ralph T.R. Griffith translates (X.40.2): “Where are ye, Asvins, in the evening, where at morn? Where is your halting place, where rest ye for the night? Who brings you homeward, as the widow bedward draws her husbands’s brother, as the bride attracts groom?” Dr. Ganga Sahay Sharma translates in Hindi: “Hey Ashwin kumaroo! Tum raat aur din mey kaha rahate ho? Tumhara samaya kaha bitataa hai? tum kaha nivas karate ho? Jisprakar vidhawa apne devar ko aur sadhawa apne pati ko charpayee par bulaati hai ushiprakar merey atirikta kaun yajaman tumhe yajnavedi par apne anukul banaataa hai?” Thus, Rigveda not only sanctions survival of a widow but also her marriage and her living with her devar with full dignity and honour in the family. So, it expressly sanctions widow-marriage.

In Atharvaveda there are many richas which sanction/ instruct remarriage of widows, such as ,AV(IX.5.27-28) and AV(XVIII.3.1-4).WD Whitney translates AVX.5.27);:Whoever(a female)having gained a former husband,then gains another later one ,if they(both) shall give a goat with five rice dishes, they shall not be separated. AV(IX.5.28) reads :Her later husband comes to have the same world with his remarried spouse who gives a goat with five rice dishes with light of sacrificial gifts.

AV(XVIII.3.1) blesses a widow with progeny (children) and property in this life time. AV(XVIII.3.2) is repeat of RV(X.18.8). WD Whitney &Joshi translate ::Go up ,O woman, to the world of living; you stand by this one who is deceased ; come! To him who grasps your hand, your second spouse (didhisu) ,you have now entered into the relation of wife to husband. AV(XVIII.3.3) is interpreted as the command to turn back a maiden( young calf or young woman)away from dead to home. WD Whitney translates ::I saw the maiden being led, being led about, alive ,for the dead; as she was enclosed with blind darkness(agyanataa) ,then ,I led her off-ward from in front .AV(XVIII.3.4) is translated by another author as ::O ye inviolable one!(the widow) tread the path of wise in front of thee and choose this man (another suitor) as thy husband. Joyfully receive him and may the two of you mount the world of happiness .In this richa word aghnya has been used for widow which means a widow can not be killed .As a cow cannot be killed so a widow cannot be killed. Contradicting his translation of RV(X.18.7),PV Kane in his History of Dharmashastra has himself quoted verses to inform that:: another man is ordained for a woman in five calamities viz,(i)when husband is missing and is unheard of (ii)husband dies (iii)is impotent (iv)becomes ascetic;(v)husband is declared depraved. Agnipurana(154.5-5), ParasarSmriti(IV.30) and Narad Smriti(V.97).(Further details at http://baharna.com)

The third chapter of Rigveda is considered the oldest part of Rigveda. Richa (III.31.1) commands that a son-less father accepts son of his daughter as his own son i.e. all properties of a son-less father shall be inherited by son of his daughter. Richa (III.31.2) commands that if parents have both son and daughter, son performs holy acts of pindadaan (after death of father) and daughter has to be enriched with gifts (rindhan i.e. to be made wealthy). Richa (II.17.7) also attests share of a daughter in property of her father. Custom of daughter being given freedom to select her husband is attested in RV(X.27.12)

Those who misinterpret Rigveda to say that it sanctions suttee do this mischief by mis-spelling the last word of richa (X.18.7) as “yomiagne” and neglecting commands of other richas. The last word of this richa is actually “yomiagre” as shown in Sanskrit in above quoted Rigveda by HH Wilson and Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya.

In fact, body of dead person is not burnt at all on a pyre in this 18th Sukta!! The dead body is being buried under ground ( in a grave) vide tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth richas of this 18th Sukta. So, whose funeral pyre a widow is being asked by pro-sati lobby to mount if corpse of her husband is being buried in the ground under this very sukta of Rigveda!!! Thus, there is no richa in Rigveda calling for widow burning. In fact, Rigveda commands a widow to return alive to her home with a new husband.

During the medieval period, thousands of women were burnt alive on stakes in Europe after Churches declared them to be witches. In his book “In Search of Loving God,” Mark Mason (Chapter IX) has written that towards the end of the Dark Ages in Europe, Emperor Charlemagne had forbidden burning of supposed witches.

In the ninth century, the Church also repudiated the belief that witches had supernatural powers. Papal Bull (ad extirpanda) issued by Pope Innocent III in 1252 authorised seizure of possessions of persons accused of not following the faith as laid down by the Church, their imprisonment and executions.

Pope Innocent VIII issued the bull (1484) against witchcraft and appointed Inquisitors. It is estimated that a few million people were tortured and executed in Europe for witchcraft over three centuries and 85 percent of them were women who were burnt alive on fire stakes.

Others claim figure of burnt alive during 1450 to 1700 should be much less: only about two lakhs!!! No one knows the correct number of women who were burnt alive on stakes in medieval Europe .In Holy Quran, at many places it is said that Kafirs are inmates of fire such as surah(II.39), (III.10) (III.116) etc. In modern era,without recalling the past bitter memories, we may look forward , follow the policy of live and let live, policy of peaceful co-existence.

Veda, Ramayan and Gita are the three and the only three supreme scriptures of Hindus. All others (like Brahmanas, Upnishads, Purana, Dharma Shastras, Sutras, etc.) are just commentaries, explanatory notes written by individuals. As commentaries written on the Constitution of India cannot over-ride the Articles of the Constitution of India and as laws passed by the Parliament or State Assemblies cannot supersede the Articles of the Constitution of India, similarly, commentaries/explanations on Vedas by individuals cannot supersede richas of Vedas or Ramayan or Bhagwat Gita.

Maharishi Vedvyas has himself written in Mahabharat that in cases of conflicting views,Vedas shall supersede all other writings:

“whenever there is conflict between what is declared in the Vedas and provisions in any of the Smritis, Puranas, etc., what is declared in the Vedas shall prevail.”

In Ramayana, everyone knows that after death of King Dasharath, his wives were never asked to step into pyre of Dasharath. Rather, they lived in family with full honour and Bhagwan Shri Ram always bowed his head before his widowed mothers with full respect. In Mahabharat, Kunti, mother of Pandavas did not commit suttee and she was active in all family matters and accorded full respects by all including Lord Krishna .Dharmaraj Yudhishthir ,being gyata of Dharma would certainly have asked his widowed mother Kunti to commit sati if it was a requirement of dharma.

Yudhishthir never did so means committing sati was not a requirement of Dharma. Thus, there is no command either in Ramayana or in Gita to commit suttee.

Over centuries relatives have been murdering or getting assassinated relatives for property, and, it will continue in coming centuries also. Greed is human nature. If greedy people incite a widow to commit suicide on pyre of her husband so as to deprive her of her gold, silver and land, let us not say or believe that widow burning is sanctified by Rigveda or by Hinduism.

Richa (X.18.3) commands a Hindu widow to separate from dead and richa (X.10.8) commands her to return alive to her children/her home. RV(X.18.9) commands her to be remarried immediately to a brother/relative of deceased husband. For their own empowerment, Hindu women will be well advised to remember the seven richas viz. (II.17.7) (III.31.1) (III.31.2) (X.18.3) (X.18.8) (X.40.2) and (X.40.8) to assert and claim their status and Vedic rights.

The writer is the Ambassador of India to Finland. The article are personal views of the author; and, not that of the Govt. of India.

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