3 STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEXTUAL EVOLUTION OF THE GREAT EPIC MAHABHARATA

 

This great epic Mahabharatam is 8 times bigger than the Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey put together. It is said to have been written by the great poet Vyasa. But the lack of homogeneity, historical anachronisms, internal and external evidences, varying styles, stories that do not have any direct link with the main plot, the description on the various branches of learning, the philosophical explanation and various other factors prove that the original work has been amplified. At present we see Mahabharatam consisting of nearly one lakh verses including the supplement Harivamsa. It is divided into 18 sections called Parvas.   Among them the Santi Parva is the longest Parva containing about 14700 verses and the last one Svarga Aarohana Parva is the shortest one with 200 verses.  After composing the Mahabharatam it is believed that Vyasa had taught the same to his disciples. The theme of the work was a war between two cousin brothers over the kingship of a large territory. But in the present volume of Mahabharatam we have a number of queries raised by Janamejaya and other sages and answers given by Vaisampayana and others. This is evidenced in the prefixes like ‘Vaisampayana told, Sages told, Janamejaya told’ etc. How can these questions and their answers have formed part of the original text composed by Vyasa? Hence we must accept that the work must have been amplified later. This is proved by various statements still preserved in Mahabharatam itself by oversight or owing to the absence of motives to expunge them. Even according to traditions there are three beginnings in Mahabharatan. There are also statements giving different lengths of the work, different types of division and different names.

 I STAGE:

            The original epic was historic in nature and not didactic. It is specifically called "Itihaasa"– (account of ancient happenings). In the beginning it was called "Jayam".  In the last portions of the epic the word ‘jayama\’ "Jayam" is referred to in the following statement ‘jayaao naama [ithasaao|yama\’. ‘jayama\’ "Jayam" means victory. It is probably symbolising the victory of Pandavas over the Kauravas. The length of the book cannot be ascertained. However Prof.Mcdonald states that this must have consisted of 8800 verses. Some scholars believe that this number refers to the ‘kUTSlaaok’s or tricky verses composed by Vyasa to detain ‘ivanaayak:’ – Lord Vinayaka. But some scholars believe that on a careful analysis we can come to a conclusion that these tricky verses, even if they are traced in the present Mahabharatam, could not have formed part of the original epic. Except for the beginning no other internal evidence states the length of the original text. Hence we have to state that Vyasa composed the first stage of Mahabharatam and named it as ‘jayasaMihta’---"Jaya Samhita".

 II Stage:

            This edition may be called the edition of ‘vaOSaMpayana’ – Vaisampayana. He was the disciple of Vyasa. Vyasa taught ‘jayama\’ "Jayam" to five of his pupils. Each one of them came out with an edition of their own. The edition brought out by Vaisampayana is the only one available now. All others are lost. The Asvamedha Parva = ‘ASvamaoQa pva- ’ ascribed to one ‘jaOimaina:’ Jaimini is available in fragments. This also points out that the original work must have been amplified later. ‘janamaojaya:’ Janamejaya,  son of prIixat\ Parikshit and the grandson of Ajau-na: Arjuna performed a snake sacrifice ³sap-yaaga:´ to avenge the death of his father. In the intervals of that sacrifice Vaisampayana was requested to narrate the epic composed by his teacher Vyasa. He started the work with a salutation to his teachers and invoked the blessings of the Gods. He gave an account of the predecessors of ‘janamaojaya:’ Janamejaya. This version of Vaisampayana consists of 24000 verses and it is called ‘BaartsaMihta’= Bharata Samhita. 

III Stage:

   We are not in a position to make the development of the III Stage of Mahabharatam in a sequential manner for, it has undergone number of versions and additions. But it must have attained its present shape fairly before the birth of Christ because a Greek traveler refers to this work as consisting of one lakh verses and is known by the people of South India in 53 A.D. The III Stage of Mahabharatam is said to have been recited by ‘saaOit’ – Sauti – the son of ‘saUtpaOraiNak:’ = Suta Pauranikas.  But the 3^rd chapter has been stated that ‘puraNama\’ – the Puranam is recited by the ‘saUt:’ = Suta himself. 

  This work is said to have consisted of one lakh verses but as per the account given by ‘saaOit’ – Sauti it should have only 96000 and odd verses. But the present Bombay edition consists of 95000 and odd verses. The work is called ‘Mahabharatam’ in the III stage.

‘mah%vaat\ Baarva%vaat\ ca mahaBaartmaucyato’ "Mahatvaat ca Bhaaravatvaat ca Mahaa Bhaaratam Ishyate"

The number of stories narrated to the Pandavas in their forest life, the philosophical and metaphysical discussions and the teaching of Dharma by Bhishma to Yudhishtira in Santi Parva and Anusaasanika Parva may be called as the amplified version of the III stage. The epic tradition of reciting verses to audiences the desire to make Mahabharatam an authoritative book concerning all matters of Hindu – public, private and religious life, the necessity to explain old concepts and practises, emerging ideas of divinities, the needs of poetics etc.. might have made the successive redactors to enlarge this work.

SUSTAINABLE SMALL BUSINESSES I LOVE

 

Sustainability means using natural resources in a way that we could keep doing for long time. We can be more sustainable by reducing our use of natural resources.  This is like taking less candy out of the jar.  For eg; You could ride a bike instead of driving, which uses less oil.  

Climate change is greatly effecting the amount of bio-diversity we have on earth. Switching to walking or cycling for more of our shorter journeys help to protect bio-diversity.

Sustainable living involve reducing the amount of earth’s resources that you use to help protect it.

In a nutshell to live a sustainable lifestyle you should try to have as little of an impact on their earth as possible. While also trying to replace the sources you do use.

In connection with sustainable living, businesses that are also sustainable helps in achieving the desired result.  Among the small sustainable businesses I love, cycle shops takes the first place, followed by eco-friendly paper bags.

India is the world’s second largest manufacturer of cycles after China and the third largest consumer as well. 

The cycle business has more customers from rural areas as villages need bicycles as mode of transport when there is no proper or effective road and infrastructure provision.

 Next to villages, schools and universities also stock up on bicycles as they need them for meeting the sports, health and fitness needs of their students and staff.

Usually till to date, cycles are regularly used by Postman, Milkman, Courier Service Personnel and small vendors.

In Chennai, the cycle business is of three different varieties which are highly useful to the people who commute to the work place using either a cycle or a public transport.  Learn how?

·        Opening a cycle shop with cycles ranging from kids to adults. If possible you may invest cycles meant for racers.

·        Hire cycle shops: This facility is still available in Chennai where you can hire a cycle on hourly basis.  With the advancement of technology, smart bikes are also available and it is operated using app.

·        Cycle stand:  This is an unique facility where the customers can leave their cycles in the cycle stands which are generally operated near the Railway stations and Bus stands.  Then, they can proceed to their destination through public transports. Till they complete  their work and get back, their cycles will be safe and secured in the stands with minimum charges.  The stands will be of a covered place so as to protect the cycles from heat and rain.

In the cycle shops, the business profits can be from 5 lakhs to 20 lakhs rupees.

 

Apart from these business issues, cycles are friendly towards environment.

·        Cycling/cycles cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions reduces air pollutants, reduces noise pollution.

·        Reduces the need for new parking lots and roadways.

·        It creates less noise less air-pollutions and results in fewer emissions that are warming the atmosphere.

·        Children can take advantage of slower and less dangerous traffic to ride bicycles as well.

·        When people walk or ride a bike as transport they are more likely to use local businesses for their shopping.

·        Riding enables people to interact socially and feel more connected with their local community.

Cycling causes virtually no environmental damage, promotes health through physical activity, takes up little space and is economical, both in direct user cost and public infrastructure cost.

In short cycling is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

The second small business I love is eco-friendly paper bags.

To reduce the carbon footprint made by the ever-so-durable plastic bags, the paper bags can be used to protect the environment.

It is the most trusted and best eco-friendly product business idea that caters to the need of the hour.

The best part is the contemporary paper manufacturing process does not involve cutting down trees rather paper bags can be manufactured by using the raw materials like straw fiber, coconut husk, sugarcane waste, jute twine, recycled paper and elephant dung.

 Written as part of Blogchatter's campaign #ECommerceInnovation. Read more posts in the campaign here.

Link :https://www.theblogchatter.com/search?keyword=Featured%20ECommerceInnovation

FIVE POINTS ON THE GREAT POETIC LITERATURE IN SANSKRIT LANUAGE

शब्दार्थौ काव्यम् –is the definition of Kavyam.   Poetry known as

Kavyam in Sanskrit is placed after Vedas and Puranas.  It is one of the three types of literature in sanskrit language – गद्यम् prose, पद्यम् poetry & चम्पू a mixture of both prose and poetry.  चतुष्पदं पद्यम् - is the definition for पद्यकाव्यम् – poetry literature.

Ramayanam is known as आदिकाव्यम् – first literature, written by वाल्मीकिः in 24,000 slokas, this first epic आदिकाव्यम् is divided into seven chapters namely  बाल - अयोध्या - अरण्य - किष्किन्धा - सुन्दर - युद्ध & उत्तर काण्डा

Epics have influenced many poets to compose Kavyas in Sanskrit.

Maha Kavya known is elaborate in size.   “सर्गबन्धो महाकाव्यम् उच्यते तस्य लक्षणम्” = Any poetical composition which is well knit in chapters is called a MahaKavya. 

The plot of Mahakavyas can be taken from Puranas and other good sources . It can also be based on the political and social problems of the age.  

There are five Mahakavyas popular in Sanskrit Literature. 

Kalidasa is one such poet who has written two Mahakavyas namely Raghuvamsam and Kumarasambhavam. 

Kiratarjuneeyam of Bharavi, 

Sisupala Vadham of Magha and

Naishadheeya Charitam of Sri Harsha 

 

 Kalidasa’s comparative beauty is unique.  The following sloka praises the glory of above great poets –

“ उपमा कालिदासस्य भारवेरर्थगौरवम् ।

दण्डिनः पदलालित्यं माघे सन्ति त्रयो गुणाः”

‘Kalidasa excels in his similes, Bharavi excels in depth of ideas, Dandin excels in his lucidity of words and Magha excels in all the three qualities’.

HOW THE HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE MSME EVOLVED? - ITS FINE HISTORY

 

India is a land known for its varied rich culture and tradition.  It is a place where almost every day is a festival in some part or the other.  These festivals bring along with it a lot of opportunities for buying and selling.  Thus the trade flourished. 

In the early days barter system was the first form of trade.  It is the exchange of goods and services between two or more people.  This has been referred by Tamil poet Bharathiyar                          “Gangai Nadippuratthu Godhumai pandam

       Kaviri Vetrilaikku Marukolvom”

He suggested to exchange the wheat that is grown in the north of India with the betel leaves grown in the southern India.  This brings in unity and strong ties and trade within the country.

A new educational policy with craft centered education was implemented in the year 1937 with Wardha Scheme of Basic Education. The idea behind the scheme was to provide education through some form of craft or productive work like spinning, weaving, agriculture, woodcraft, metal work and other basic handicrafts. It aimed to provide such kind of education which can be self-supporting in later life. The basic idea of Mahatma Gandhi was that if the craft which is chosen is taught properly, it would enable the school to pay the salaries of teachers. It would also ensure the dignity of labour along with livelihood for the students after leaving school.  Gandhiji wanted to make education work centric and self-supporting. It was thought to provide a kind of insurance against unemployment.  Thus the stage is set for the micro & small industries. The same idea of Gandhiji was presented by a Tamil Poet and Patriot Namakkal. V. Ramalingam:

“Kaitthozhil Ondraik kattrukkol

 Kavalai Unakkillai Otrukkol,

 Etthozhil edhuvum seyyamal

 Irundhidal Unakke thagumamo”

          As the days moved and the trade too began to develop and support the economy of the nation. This made the trade and commerce gain a vital role in building the national economy.  Here steps in MSME – “Macro Small and Medium Enterprises”.  Initially it was the Small Industries Development Organization established in 1954. On 9^th May 2007, subsequent to an amendments of the Government of India Rules, 1961, erstwhile Ministry of Small Scale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries where merged to form the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.  For these enterprises, Tool Rooms, Training Institutions and Project-cum-Process Development Centres, under the ministry, provide the support by helping them in exporting the products, by providing training for entrepreneurship development, preparing product profiles, technical and managerial consultancy etc.,

MSME covers only manufacturing and service industries basically concerned with production or manufacturing, processing, or preservation of goods and commodities. It supports start-ups with subsidies and benefits. The following business come under the MSME:-

 

1.    Auto Parts Components. Which includes horn buttons, door channels, wiper blade components, battery cell tester.

2.    Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Ayurvedic Products.

3.    Auto repair services, and garages.

4.    Automotive Electronic Component products.

5.    Back Office Operation Relating to Computerised Data.

6.    Beauty Parlour and crèches.

7.    Bicycle parts.

8.    Call centre.

9.    Ceramics and glass products include roofing tiles, glass flooring tiles, granite, etc.

10.   Coir Industry.

11.   Electronic Surveillance and Security.

12.   Energy Efficient Pumps.

13.   Engineering and Fabrication.

14.   Equipment Rental & Leasing.

15.   Furniture and wood products.

16.   Handicraft activities like Spinning, Weaving, Artisans.

17.   IT Solution Provider. Services include creating a server bank, application service          provider, smart card customization, service provider, etc.

18.  Khadi Products and Hosiery Products.

19.  Laundry and Dry Cleaning.

20.       20.  Leather products.

21.  Mechanical Engineering Excluding Transport Equipment. This is inclusive of steel   almirahs, cocks, and valves, wire cutters, etc.

22.  Micronutrients for Plants.

23.       23.  Moulding – This includes products like combs, umbrella frames, plastic toys, etc

24.  Multi Channels Dish cable T.V. with Dish Antenna.

25.  Natural Fragrance and Flavours.

26.  Photographic lab.

27.  Placement and Management Consultancy Services.

28.  Poultry Farm.

29.  Printing and other products made of paper.

30.  Recorders, VCRs, Radios, Transformer, Motors, Watches.

31.  Retail and wholesale business.

32.  Retail Trade with low Capital.

33.  Rubber Products.

34.  Servicing of Agricultural Farm Equipment. This includes tractor, pump repairing, ring   boring machine.

35. Stationery Items.

36. STD/ISD booths.

37. Tailoring.

38. Testing Labs for industries.

39. Toughened Metallic Ware.

40. Training and Educational Institute.

41.  X-Ray Clinics.

42. Xeroxing.

·             MSMEs are an important sector for the Indian economy and have contributed immensely to the country’s socio-economic development. In order to continue this progress, Minister tries a lot to particularly elevate the companies that are financially set back.  It is generating the employment opportunities as well as aiding in the development of the nation’s backward and rural areas.  Medium enterprises are investing the money in large amount for manufacturing and service by which they heighten the turn over more than the Small enterprises.  Micro enterprises are holding their turn over based on their status lesser than the above two.

·       There are many portals like MSME Samadhan, MSME Sambandh, MSME Sampark, MSME Champions, e-participation, my MSME, Udyam Registration (Online Registration for MSME), MSME Databank, Khadi India - PMEGP e-portal, Grievance Monitoring System etc., which are available to provide valuable resource to the desired target user groups.

In an aim to strengthen the MSME sector, Ministry of MSME has issued revised guidelines with the inclusion of Retail and Wholesale Businesses in MSME by which the Retail and Wholesale Businesses are allowed to register on the Udyam Registration Portal and take the benefit of Priority Sectors lending as per RBI guidelines in regards to MSME loans and lending policies.

Thus MSMEs is evolving continuously and providing best service to the customers there by enriching the nation's economy.

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THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREAT INDIAN EPIC - RAMAYANA

 

Ramayana is said to be the first Kavya (poetry) and its author Valmiki is called as Adikavi. It is one of the most interesting and elevating Kavyas. Narada narrated the story of Rama on the request of Valmiki. After sometime Valmiki proceeded to the river Tamasa. On the way, he saw a hunter killing the mate of a Kraunca bird couple (Love-birds). This disturbed the feelings of Valmiki. Having merged into the universal compassion he pronounced a curse on the hunter and that came in the form the following verse:

“Maa nishaadha prathisthaam tvam, Agamas saasvatees samaah l

 Yat kraunca-mithunaad ekam, Avadheeh kaama-mohitam ll”

Valmiki could not believe himself as the author of this verse. Brahmaa the four-faced Lord (Creator) appeared before him and explained to him the process of composing poetry. He requested Valmiki to continue this art by recording the story of Rama. Brahmaa blessed him that he would know the secret happenings in the life of Sri Rama. Valmiki who was experiencing an immeasurable grief on seeing the death of the ‘Kraunca’ bird, decided to compose the long history of Sri Rama’s life in the same sentiment. This is evidenced in the statement of Kalidasa ‘Slokatvam aapadyata yasya Sokah’.

Ramayana as it is available today consists of seven chapters called Kaandas. They are Baala, Ayodhyaa, Aaranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yuddha and Uttara Kaanda.  It contains 24000 verses. It is called as 'Kaavyam, Puraanam, Aakhyaanam, Itihaasam and Samhitaa.  As it is recited with the accompaniment of instruments it is also called as Geetham.

A GREAT SCHOLAR OF SANSKRIT WITH A DISTINCT COMPOSING SKILL

                                                               

Every year in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September 15 - October 15) on the star of Sravanam, the Birth Anniversary of Vaishnavite Guru named Sri Vedanta Desikan is being celebrated.  He is said to be an incarnation of the Divine Bell of Lord of Tirumala. He was born in 13^th AD  to Ananta Suri and Thotharambal, in Thooppul near Kanchipuram.  His early education started under the tutelage of his father and further he acquired a vast knowledge in Sanskrit, Tamil and Vaishnavism from his maternal uncle Sri Atreya Ramanuja.  Being an ardent devotee of Sri Ramanuja, Sri Vedanta Desika has penned many treatises to promote and propagate the Visishtadvaita philosophy of Sri Ramanuja.  

A work titled Paduka Sahasram with thousand and odd slokas was completed by him over a night.  This work earned him the title “Kavi Taarkika Simha”.    He has written many different forms of literature in Sanskrit, Prakrutam as well as in Tamil.  His unique style is composing in Manipravala (combination of Sanskrit and Tamil language).

His statues are consecrated in many Vaishnavite temples throughout India.  He is considered next to Sri Ramanuja.  Thirumala, Tirupathi, Kanchi, Tiruvahindirapuram near Pondichery, Srirangam, Sathyakaala near Melkote, Badrinath are the famous temples where he is being worshipped.

                                                        

5 INTERESTING REASONS HIDDEN BEHIND THE CELEBRATION OF DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

India is famous for its rich culture, tradition and different festivals. Generally people are interested in celebrations. Deepavali is one among them and it is being celebrated in grand manner all over India. The following are the different reasons for celebrating Deepavali:

According to Skanda Puranam, every year, in the month of Tula (October-November) in the fourteenth and fifteenth of Solar days (before Amavasya), Deepavali is being celebrated. In the early morning Yama deepam is lit to dispel evil things.

Padma Purana says that on the fourteenth of Solar days i.e on Deepavali, Goddess Mahalakshmi resides in Gingelly oil, Ganges resides in Water.  So one who takes oil bath on this occasion will be away from evil.

Narada Samhita insists the Oil bath on this occasion to remove the sins.

Valmiki the ever first poet pointed out in his work Ramayana that after killing the celebrated demonic Ravana, Lord Sri Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, has returned to Ayodhya on this day.  It was celebrated as Deepavali because the people of Ayodhya decorated the entire city by lighting lamps and colourful designs on the roads.  This ritual is observed till to date.  On that day, the people of Ayodhya did Haarathi to Gods, brahmins, cows, elephants and horses and they worshipped all the eldest ladies of the household.

According to Bhagavata Purana, on this occasion, Lord Krishna by killing his own son Naraka Asura unknowingly, extricated many imprisoned damsels and pleased the bevy of ladies.  The demon Naraka solicited Lord Krishna that my death day is to be celebrated from today itself, with fullest rejoice by the people. 

 

So, we are celebrating this occasion, after having woke up in early hours, taking oil bath, wearing new clothes, praising the Lord of Death with his fourteen names,

“Yamaaya Dharmaraajaaya, Mrutyave chaantakaaya ca,    Vaivasvataaya Kaalaaya Sarvabhootakshayaaya cha,

Audumbaraaya Dadhnaaya Neelaaya Parameshtine,

Vrukodaraaya Chitraaya Chitraguptaaya vai namah,

Then eating sweets and seeking the blessing from elders.

VALUABLE LESSONS FOR CHILDREN FROM INDIAN TREASURE IN AN E -BOOK

 MY FRIENDS FROM INDIAN MYTHOLOGY is written by Suhasini. This is an e- book which is available with Blog chatter (       https://www.theblogchatter.com/ebook-library?category%5B%5D=children-young-adult )

Each and every character in this collection of stories are well described to know about our Indian mythological characters who were great leaders and heroes.

The study of ancient Indian mythology, history and culture and particularly Hindu religion is impossible without proper knowledge of the Scriptures.

This book helped to dispel such impossibility. The author has pointed out that these stories were written in such a manner that it will enhance the understanding level of children.

The stories were compiled and well- arranged systematically in alphabetical order. Pictures have been inserted in support of stated facts. This book constituted the results of the author’s devoted study and effort extending over a long time through the blogpost and which is now converted into the present e-book.

With about 70 pages, this e-book is a store – house of information about our Indian scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Puranas and allied literature to the younger generation.

This stupendous work in the form of an exhaustive & descriptive index, covers the vast and different fields of ancient Indian culture in all aspects of history, religion, philosophy, beliefs and practices, habits and customs as depicted in the scriptures.

  As the saying “First impression is the Best impression”, the very first story titled Abhimanyu echoes this idea. Being a representative to the readers, the author completed her version by explaining her understanding on chosen each and every story. I quote from the page 11, “But he needs to be little more cautious, when he is entering into a new situation. I want to give him this advice if at all, if I meet him once. Don’t you guys agree with me’’. Which makes the readers to merge with the characters and substantiate with present scenario to overcome a crisis.

Each and every story reflects that life is full of struggle which is to be fought with extreme courage combined with patience and perseverance. For Ex:  the story Dhruva - the determined, I quote,     “So, he went into the forest to meet the god, and he meets the sage Narada, who tells him that he needs to meditate a lot only then he could meet the god. He even warns Dhruva that he needs to meditate even in rain and cold. The dangerous forest animals might cause him some harm too”.

In the story “Jatayu - Big and Friendly Bird”, I quote, “During Rama’s exile in the forest, when Ravana tries to take away Sita from Rama, its Jatayu who fights with Ravana for a long time and in fact unseats Ravana from his chariot flying in the sky. Then Ravana takes up his big sword and cuts both the wings of Jatayu. Jatayu then waits for Rama to come in search of Sita. Then he passes the information that Ravana has kidnapped Sita and flew in the south direction to them and dies off in Rama’s hands. Jatayu is the first person to tell the whereabouts of Sita after she got kidnapped by Ravana.”

Contextually, it reminds the wise saying of a Sanskrit poet by name Murari the author of the play AnarghaRaghavam that “Even animals and birds can help the one who follows the righteous path, but the blood brother won’t help the one who does not follow the same.”

 This book will educate the children in enormous ways.  At the end of all the stories the comments of author encourages them with a rare opportunity of evaluating, understanding and reviewing the concepts.

 

(Received the e-copy of the book from Blogchatter in return of an honest review)