Sidhasrama Hermittage
Preface
As God always resides in Sidhasramam (Hermittage) whatever penance done there will be fulfilled. We live in the same place god once Lived
Sage Vishwaithra was amused at Rama’s questioning about the Ashram (hermittage) posing as though he is unaware himself. Still replied “Rama Maha Vishnu who is the Chief of Devas and the Lord of the Worlds, to protect the Universe is Living invicible praying for the welfare of the World. Since God who took the incarnation of Vamana did penace and attained Sidhi inthis place is called Sidhasramam”.
Those days Bali an Asura(Demon) the son of Virochanan won over the Indra and Devas and was reigning the Heaven and was well known in all the 3 Worlds.Then he started doing a Yagam Then Devas met God Vishnu and said “Virochanan’s son Bali is doing a Noble Yagam. Before it is completed we want you to fulfill our desire, as he is giving ,who ever is asking and whatever one is asking he is giving without hesitation. Keeping out interest in mind ,please take the Form of Vaamana and do us what is good for us.
Kashyapa who came to know of this wanted Maha Vishnu to be born as his son started Vrat (religious resolve ) of Penance with his wife Athithi observing for 1000 Deva Years ie 360000 Human Years& Prayed
1 human year (in Hindu calendar) = 1 Deva Ahoratra for God (1 day and 1 night)
360 Deva Ahoratras = 1 Deva Vatsara
12,000 Deva Vatsara = 1 Chaturyuga
(12,000 Deva Vatsaras are defined as, 4,800 Deva Vatsaras of Kritayuga, 3,600 Deva Vatsaras of Treta Yuga, 2,400 Deva Vatsaras of Dvapara Yuga and 1,200 Deva Vatsaras of Kali Yugawhich is 12,000 * 360 = 4,320,000 human years)
71 Chaturyugas = 1 Manvantaram (1 life span of Manu)
14 Manvantaras = 1 kalpa (1 day of Brahma)
2 Kalpas = 1 day + 1 Brahma Ahoratra
360 days of Brahma = 1 Brahma varsha
100 Brahma varsha = 1 life span of Brahma.= I Day of Vishnu. [7]
Comparison to the Age of the Universe from Modern Astronomy
Modern scientific astronomy estimates the Age of the Universe as around 13 Billion years (13 * 109 years). Conversion of 1 day of Brahma in to human years yields 8.58816 * 109 years (derived as 2 kalpas * 14 Manvantaras * 71 Chaturyugas * 12,000 Deva vatsaras * 360 human years)
God was happy and appeared before them to grant them Boon. Sage Kashyap circumbulated him and did Namaskarams(Protstrated) and extended Hospitality and said “Hey God, Due to my past good deeds , I am able to see you .Hey Purushothama(Noblest amongst Men) you are guarded by the Penance of Saints and also offer the benefits of Penance. You are the Light of Wisdom, your very nature is Penance. If one does not desire for any other thing and prays thus with Penance you have granted me your Visual presence. You are Prayed by one and all and in all manners and shower your blessings suitably and abundantly. Sine you are the light of wisdom you shine with Truthful Knowledge,Eternal happiness are your Armaments of Good Conduct , This is my greatest benifit.I am able to see the all pervading consciousness and intelligence in You. You are Eternal and of Unmeasurable in all facets, I surrender (Charanam) unto you. By the praise of sinless Kashyapa God was immensely pleased and said “May all auspiciouness be showered on you, you are worthy of seeking Boon, hence please ask”thus Blessed Maha Vishnu.
Then Kashyapa “Hey god, Myself, my wife Athithi and all Devas (Celestials) are seeking the same , You should be born as our son and brother of Lord Indra and bless the tormented Devas. Your intention and my prayers when fulfilled,this place will become known asSidhdhashramam, please take the incarnation of Vamana to protect us all.
Then Hari(Maha Vishnu) was born as Athithi’s son Vamana, went to the place Bali was performing yaga and asked for 3 Foot steps of Land as an 8 year old and got the same from King Bali. With 2 Foot steps he measured the entire Earth 1st taking Giant Form and with 2nd step he measured the entire Unvierse raising his leg upwards and asked for Land for the 3 rd step and pushed King Bali’s head down to the Pathaal Lok (beneath the Earth) where he will remain till the present Indra’s term is finished. Therafter Bali will be made next Indra.Hence even today in Kerala during Sept it is celebrated as ThiruOnam, that is King Bali comes to bless them once an Year or Daily as per their time schedule.Thus all the Living beings are happy.This place which wipes out the sins of caused and created during Life ;Maha Vishnu stayed as Vamana in this Ashrama (Hermittage called Sidhdhasramam). Due to my intense Devotion to him I stay in this Holy place where His Feet had walked earlier. The Rakshasaas who spoil my yaga when I perform here come here. You have to kill them here. Today we will go to Sidhdhasramam. You have as much right as I have( after all it is his place as Vamana )” thus speaking they reached the place. After reaching his place of residence Sage Vishwamithra shone like the Moon accompanied by the Star Punarvasu after the Fog gets cleared. The sages there received and accorded welcome as per their treditions and did Athithi Puja(Visitors are always worshipped by Hindus) for both Rama & Lakshmana.
Both Princes after taking rest addressed Sage Vishwamithra “ hey Great Sage, please take YagaDeeksha(Resolution to perfomYaga or Sacrifical prayer in fire pit with melted butter and other ingredients), as the Yaga will be performed without interruption the eternal name of Sidhdhasramam (Hermittage where one achieves the Aim or Goal).” Kaushika controlled his senses and got YagaDeeksha.
Both Princes were awake and alert through out the night , woke up early morning, completed their Prayers including Sandhyavandhanam, Agni hothrametc.and paid respects to their Guru who was seated comfortably basking under their Protection. (Slokas 54)
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