CHARUCHARYA Part III

 

नोत्तरस्यां प्रतीच्यां  वा कुर्वीत शयने शिरः । शय्याविपर्ययाद्‌ गर्भो दितेः शक्रेण पातितः ॥ ६ ॥

Nottarasyāṁ pratīcyāṁ vā kurvīta śayane śiraḥ |

Śayyā-viparyayād garbho Diteḥ Śakreṇa pātitaḥ || 6 ||

Translation

One should not sleep with the head facing north or west.
Because of improper sleeping posture, Indra destroyed the son of Diti.

Improper bodily discipline leads to harm. This verse warns that even small violations of conduct can have serious consequences, as shown in the Purāṇic example.

अर्थिभुक्तावशिष्टं यत्तदश्नीयान्महाशयः । श्वेतोऽर्थिरहितं भुक्त्वा निजमांसाशनोऽभवत् ॥ ७ ॥

Arthi-bhuktāvaśiṣṭaṁ yat tad aśnīyān mahāśayaḥ |

Śveto’(a)rthirahitaṁ bhuktvā nijamāṁsāśano’bhavat || 7 ||

Translation

A noble person should eat only after feeding guests and beggars.
King Śveta ate without giving alms and later had to eat his own flesh in the next world.

Hospitality is a sacred duty. Ignoring the hungry brings severe karmic consequences, as illustrated by this story.

सधौतचरणः शुचिर्जपहोमाचरेन्नरः । पादशौचविहीनं हि प्रविवेश नलं कलिः ॥ ८ ॥

Sadhautacaraṇaḥ śucir japahomācaren naraḥ |
Pādaśaucavihīnaṁ hi praviveśa nalaṁ Kaliḥ || 8 ||

Translation

One should perform japa, homa, and worship only after washing the feet properly.  Because of impurity, Kali entered King Nala's body.

Physical cleanliness supports spiritual purity. Neglecting cleanliness invites negative forces.

न सञ्चरणशीलः स्यान्निशि निर्भयमानसः । माण्डव्यः शूललीनोऽभूदचौरश्शचोरशङ्कया ॥ ९ ॥

Na saṅcaraṇasilas syān niśi nirbhayamānasaḥ |
Māṇḍavyaḥ śūlalino’bhūd acaurascaurasaṅkayā || 9 ||

Translation

One should not roam fearlessly at night.  Because of wandering at night, sage Māṇḍavya was wrongly punished as a thief.

Carelessness can lead to injustice. One must be cautious in conduct.

न कुर्यात् परदारेच्छां विश्वासं स्त्रीषु वर्जयेत् । हतो दशास्यः सीतार्थे विश्वासाद् हि विदूरथः ॥ १० ॥

Na kuryāt paradārecchāṁ viśvāsaṁ strīṣu varjayet |
Hato daśāsyaḥ sītārthe viśvāsāt hi Vidurathaḥ || 10 ||

Translation

One should not desire another’s wife and should not trust strangers blindly. Rāvaṇa was killed because of desire for Sītā, and a renowned king Viduratha died due to blind trust unto her wife.

Self-control and caution are essential virtues. Desire and blind trust lead to destruction.

These verses collectively teach cleanliness, devotion, discipline, hospitality, caution, and moral restraint, supported by powerful Purāṇic examples.

Together, these verses teach two important lessons: first, that devotion to God protects and uplifts the devotee; and second, that rituals like Śrāddha must be performed with faith and scriptural discipline. Both verses emphasize sincerity, devotion, and respect for sacred traditions as essential elements of spiritual life.

CHARUCHARYA Part II

ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते पुरुषस्त्यजेन्निद्रामतन्त्रितः। प्रातः प्रबुद्धं कमलमाश्रयेच्छ्रीगुणाश्रया ॥ २॥

Brāhme prahṛtaṃ puruṣas tyajen nidrām atandritaḥ |
Prātaḥ prabuddhaṃ kamalam āśrayec chrīgaṇāśrayā || 2 ||

Translation:
          “A person, struck by the call of the Brahma-hour (early dawn), should abandon sleep and rise without laziness. Just as Lakṣmī, the embodiment of beauty and virtue, resides in the lotus that has awakened in the morning.”

A human being should give up laziness and wake up early during the Brāhma-muhūrta. Prosperity and beauty (Śrī), which depend upon good qualities, dwell in those who are alert and disciplined, just as Lakṣmī dwells in the lotus that blossoms at dawn.

पुण्यपूतश्शरीरः स्यात्‌ सततं स्नाननिर्मलः । तत्याज व्रत्रहा स्नानात्‌ पापं वृत्रवधार्जितम्‌॥२॥

Puṇya-pūtaś ca śarīraḥ syāt satataṃ snāna-nirmalaḥ |
Tatyāja vṛtrahā snānāt pāpaṃ vṛtra-vadhājitam || 3 ||

Translation:
          “The body should always be purified by meritorious acts and kept clean through regular bathing. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, removed the sin incurred by killing Vṛtra through bathing.”

One should keep the body pure by performing virtuous deeds and maintain cleanliness through daily bathing. Just as Indra washed away the sin that arose from killing the demon Vṛtra by taking a ritual bath, a person can remove impurity and sin through cleanliness and righteous conduct.

 

न कुर्वीत क्रियां काञ्चिदनभ्यर्च्य महेश्वरम् । ईशार्चनरतं श्वेतं नाभून्नेतुं यमः क्षमः ॥ ४ ॥

Na vīta kriyāṁ kāñcid anabhyarcya Maheśvaram |
Śvetaḥ śivārataṁ śetaṁ nābhūmetuṁ Yamaḥ kṣamaḥ || 4 ||

Translation

“One should not perform any action without first worshipping Lord Maheshvara (Śiva). Because the sage Śveta was always engaged in the worship of Śiva, Yama, the god of death, was unable to take him to Yama-puri (the abode of death).”

This verse highlights the supreme importance of devotion to Lord Śiva. It teaches that no religious or worldly action should be undertaken without first remembering and worshipping God. Lord Maheshvara is described as the supreme protector of devotees. The example of Śveta Muni is given to emphasize this idea. Śveta Muni was deeply devoted to Śiva and spent his life in constant worship and meditation. Because of this unwavering devotion, Yama, the god who governs death, could not take him away at the destined time. This illustrates the belief that sincere devotion to God grants divine protection and even transcends the fear of death. The verse conveys that spiritual dedication has greater power than fate and that God’s grace can override all obstacles.

श्राद्धं श्रद्धान्वितं कुर्याच्छास्त्रोक्तेनैव वर्त्मना । स पिण्डं ददौ विद्वान् भीष्मः पाणौ न भूतले ॥ ५ ॥

Śrāddhaṁ śraddhānvitaṁ kuryāc chāstrokte naiva vartmanā |
Sa piṇḍaṁ dadau vidvān Bhīṣmaḥ pāṇau na bhūtale || 5 ||

Translation

“Śrāddha should be performed with faith and strictly according to the rules prescribed in the scriptures. Because of his firm faith, the learned Bhīṣma offered the piṇḍa (ritual food offering) directly into the hands of his father Śantanu, instead of placing it on the ground.”

This verse explains the proper performance of Śrāddha, a sacred ritual performed to honour ancestors. The scriptures prescribe specific rules and procedures for conducting this rite, and the verse emphasizes that it must be done with sincerity, faith, and correct method. Bhīṣma, who was a great scholar and righteous person, followed these principles perfectly. Due to his deep devotion and purity of intention, his father Śantanu appeared before him and personally accepted the piṇḍa (ritual food offering). This extraordinary event demonstrates the power of faith and correct ritual practice. It shows that when religious duties are performed with true devotion and adherence to scriptural guidance, the results become spiritually powerful and meaningful.

KṢHEMENDRA – THE PEOPLE’S POET AND HIS WORK - CHARUCHARYA Part I

 

Sanskrit poets have often been criticised for excessive exaggeration, known as oriental hyperbole, especially while praising kings, patrons, and heroes. In such poetry, rulers were frequently equated with gods like Indra, while the lives and sufferings of common people were almost entirely ignored. Even Kalidāsa, the greatest of Sanskrit poets, glorified kings such as Raghu and Dilīpa but paid little attention to the masses who sustained the kingdom.

Against this background, the Kashmiri Brahmin poet Kṣemendra stands out as a remarkable exception. He consciously broke away from rigid literary conventions that required heroes of mahākāvyas to be gods or extraordinary men. Displaying rare courage and independence, Kṣemendra focused his literary attention on ordinary human beings. Courtesans, clerks, misers, and other figures drawn from everyday life became the heroes and heroines of his works.

Kṣemendra firmly believed in realism. Without rejecting ideals altogether, he portrayed life as it truly was, capturing the joys, sorrows, struggles, and aspirations of the common man. Through his sincere and skillful verses, he emphasized that while perfection may be unattainable, sincere effort toward the ideal gives human life its true worth.

Kalhaṇa, in his Rājataraṅgiṇī, praises Kṣemendra’s poetic genius, though he questions his historical accuracy. Kṣemendra’s own works reveal important biographical details. He lived during the reigns of Kings Ananta and Kalasha and was a pupil of the great philosopher Abhinavagupta, placing his life between the late 10th and mid-11th centuries.

A versatile writer and literary polymath, Kṣemendra humbly called himself Vyāsadāsa, the servant of Vyāsa. Though influenced by Śaivism, Vaiṣṇavism, and Buddhism, he ultimately upheld the authority of the Vedas and Smṛtis. By giving voice to the common people, Kṣemendra earned his rightful place as the people’s poet of Sanskrit literature.

CHARUCHARYA

Charucharya by Kshemendra is a 11th-century Sanskrit poem focused on ethical, healthy, and aesthetic living, featuring 76 verses on personal hygiene and moral education. While the original text is in Sanskrit, PDF versions often include Hindi translations, such as the one available at the Internet Archive. 

Content: The work is considered a manual for conduct (Dinacharya & Sadvrutta) designed for princes and individuals leading a refined life.

Availability: A digital copy featuring the Charucharya with Hindi translation by Shri Devdatt Shastri is available on the Internet Archive.

Alternative Source: Another version of Charucharya from the Shri Krishna Museum Kurukshetra is also available. 

" English translation PDF by Kshemendra is not widely hosted as a single file, you can access the text and its translations through the following resources:

Available Translations & Texts

Charucharya (Sanskrit with Hindi Translation): A complete digitized version of the text with Hindi commentary by Shri Devdatt Shastri is available on the Internet Archive.

Critical Discussion & Summary (English): A scholarly overview and critical discussion of Charucarya  (alternatively spelled Carucarya) can be found on Scribd.  This document provides context on the 11th-century work's literary and ethical significance.

Historical and Literary Review: For a medieval perspective focusing on the text as an Ayurvedic guide for personal hygiene, on can read this fine work.

Author: Kshemendra, a prolific 11th-century Kashmiri Sanskrit poet.

Subject: Charucharya is a treatise on moral education and personal conduct (niti). It consists of 100 verses that outline the daily routine and ethical behavior of a virtuous person, often illustrating moral points with examples from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Scope: The text covers various aspects of daily life, including personal hygiene, social etiquette, and spiritual discipline. 

Here we can see some moral codes one by one.

श्रीलाभसुभगः सत्यासक्तः स्वगापवर्भदः । जयतात्‌ त्रिजगत्पूज्यः सदाचार इवाच्युतः ॥ १ ॥

Śrīlābha-subhagaḥ satyāsaktaḥ svagāpavargadaḥ |
Jayatāt trijagat-pūjyaḥ sadācāra ivācyutaḥ || 1 ||

Translation:
          “Victorious be Lord Acyuta, who is the giver of prosperity and good fortune, who is devoted to truth, and who bestows heaven and liberation. Like righteous conduct (sadācāra), Lord Acyuta is worshipped by the three worlds.”

Just as righteous conduct (sadācāra) is honoured and victorious in the three worlds, Lord Acyuta (Krishna) is also worshipped in all the three worlds.

Righteous conduct grants heaven and liberation after death; similarly, Lord Acyuta, through proper conduct and devotion, grants salvation.

Both Bhagavan Acyuta and righteous conduct are united with Śrī (prosperity) and hence are auspicious and blessed.

Lord Acyuta is devoted to Satya (here referring to Satyabhāmā), while righteous conduct is devoted to truth itself.

This sloka echoes the same idea of Srmad BhagavataPurana’s sloka by Sri Vyasa: "Satyam Param Dhimahi" (सत्यं परं धीमहि) is a

Sanskrit phrase from the Srimad Bhagavatam's first verse, meaning "We meditate on the Supreme Truth (God)", referring to Lord Krishna as the source of all existence, consciousness, and bliss, who is beyond the illusory material world, and to whom even great sages meditate upon. 

·         सत्यं (Satyam): Truth, the Supreme Reality.

·         परं (Param): Supreme, ultimate, beyond all.

·         धीमहि (Dhimahi): We meditate, we focus our minds. 

This phrase is part of the Bhagavata Mahapurana mangalacharanam (introductory verse) which glorifies Lord Krishna as the ultimate cause and sustainer of the universe, the source of all knowledge, and the one free from material illusion. 

A FEAST FOR GANESHA – Book Review

 

 

AUTHOR : SUPRIYA BANSAL

PUBLISHER : UKIYOTO PUBLISHING

GENRE : CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULT

BOOK BUY LINK : @Amazon

  

A Feast for Ganesha is a heartwarming children’s book written by Supriya Bansal, a medical doctor by profession and an author by passion. The book gently introduces young readers to the ideas of devotion, kindness, faith, and selfless worship. Written in simple, clear, and child-friendly language, the story is easy to understand and deeply meaningful. It beautifully blends festive joy with moral values, making it an engaging and thoughtful read for children.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its simplicity. The author chooses a storyline that is close to everyday life, making it easy for children to connect with the main character. The emotions, struggles, and hopes of a young child are portrayed with sensitivity and warmth. Through the eyes of a little girl, the author presents the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi, not just as a festival, but as an occasion to practice faith, generosity, and compassion.

The illustrations by artist SRAC greatly enhance the appeal of the book. The visuals are colourful, expressive, and lively, perfectly complementing the narrative. Each illustration captures the mood of the scenes—be it the festive excitement, Tara’s hard work, or her emotional disappointment. For young readers, these pictures add joy and help them better understand the story. The title A Feast for Ganesha is simple yet thought-provoking, hinting at a deeper meaning beyond food and celebration.

The story revolves around Tara, a nine-year-old girl who lives with her poor family. Tara is deeply devoted to Lord Ganesha and eagerly looks forward to celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. However, her family’s financial condition does not allow them to spend money on festival preparations. Despite these limitations, Tara’s devotion remains strong. She decides to do whatever she can, within her means, to worship the Lord.

Tara’s mother gives her some pocket money to travel to school by bus. Instead of spending it, Tara chooses to walk every day, saving the money for the festival. In the evenings, she works at a small tea shop and earns a little amount, which she carefully adds to her savings. Tara also spends time in the library, reading stories about Lord Ganesha and learning about the significance of the festival. Her dedication, discipline, and determination reflect maturity beyond her age.

When the festival approaches, Tara finally buys modaks, poha, bananas, and durva grass, the traditional offerings for Lord Ganesha. Filled with happiness and pride, she walks back from the market, enjoying the festive atmosphere around her. She watches people decorating pandals, hears music playing, and sees a dancer performing joyfully. These scenes add colour and excitement to the story and show the collective spirit of celebration.

On her way, Tara gets stuck in a traffic jam managed by Constable Patil. Later, she meets Omi Bhaiya, who asks for her help with lighting and sound arrangements for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. After finishing her work, Tara goes to the tea stall where she usually works. When she opens her bag, she is shocked and distressed to find that all her offerings are missing.

Gradually, Tara learns what happened. Omi Bhaiya had eaten the bananas, Constable Patil had eaten the modak, the dancer had enjoyed the poha, and a boy at the tea shop had given the durva grass to his goat. Tara is heartbroken. She feels that all her efforts, sacrifices, and dreams have been ruined. Unable to control her emotions, she breaks down and cries.

After some time, however, Tara begins to reflect. She recalls the Sanskrit saying “Daivam Manushya Roopena”, which means God appears in human form. She realizes that her offerings were not wasted. Instead, Lord Ganesha had accepted them through different people. This understanding brings peace to her heart and transforms her sorrow into spiritual joy.

The message of the story echoes a profound teaching from the Bhagavad Gita, which reminds us that a wise person sees the same divine presence in all beings, without discrimination. A Feast for Ganesha thus teaches children that true devotion lies not in rituals alone, but in love, sharing, and seeing God in everyone.

Overall, this book is a meaningful and inspiring read for children. It encourages empathy, faith, and selfless devotion, making it a valuable addition to children’s literature.

(This book review is a part of Blogchatter's Bookreview Programme): https://www.theblogchatter.com/bookchatter-terms-conditions

 

 

LAXMI PANDA BY SAVIE KARNEL

   

Laxmi Panda: Netaji’s Youngest Spy Finally Gets Her Due

Savie Karnel’s new book revives the forgotten heroine of the INA for today’s readers

The Indian National Army (INA) is a name etched into India’s freedom struggle. Yet, one of its youngest and most remarkable members, Laxmi Panda, remains little known outside Odisha. With her new book, author Savie Karnel brings Panda’s extraordinary life to children and young readers, ensuring her story of courage and sacrifice is not forgotten.

At just sixteen, Laxmi Panda joined the INA’s espionage wing. Using her wits and courage, she carried out intelligence work against the British. But after India won independence, her life slipped into poverty and obscurity. She lived unrecognised as a freedom fighter for much of her life — a fact that makes her story both inspiring and heartbreaking.

“Jai Hind!”

 Laxmi Panda’s spirited greeting at every meeting echoes her lifelong patriotism.

 The book spans 232 pages, tracing Panda’s journey from childhood to her final days. Karnel uses simple language and a storytelling style that makes it particularly accessible to children. In doing so, she brings history to life and makes it relatable.

As Lord Rama told Lakshmana, “Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi” — one’s mother and homeland are greater than heaven itself. For her homeland, Panda made sacrifices beyond imagination. Although she was not recognized in her lifetime, she upheld the timeless principle: do not ask what your country has done for you; ask what you have done for your country.

 

I quote: “There is no bravery in getting caught and going to jail.
A smart soldier never gets caught by the enemy.”
— Laxmi Panda

One of the most striking parts of the book is Panda’s own account of her methods as a young spy. In her words:

“We would catch frogs and enter British camps to sell frog meat to the officers. … She was never caught.”

It is this blend of ingenuity and daring that makes her story so compelling for young readers. What looked like a simple errand was, in reality, a covert mission under the enemy’s nose.

More than a biography, the book is a reminder of how freedom was won — through small, often unacknowledged acts of bravery. It also raises an uncomfortable truth: how easily the nation forgets its heroes once their work is done.

As India steps into its 79th year of independence, stories like Panda’s need to be told more widely. They instill patriotism, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation.

Savie Karnel has succeeded not only in documenting the life of an unsung heroine but also in lighting a path for readers. Laxmi Panda: The Story of Netaji’s Youngest Spy is more than a children’s book; it is an act of remembrance — and a call to never let such sacrifices fade into silence.