In the 9th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman takes us to the moment of Śaṅkara's Saṃnyāsa. The unfolding of events is captured; as well as the pre-requisites, eligibility and implications for Śaṅkara after taking the pledge of Saṃnyāsa.
These verses are selected and translated from the poet Rabindranath Tagore’s vast repertoire of Bengali Brahamsangeet song lyrics. These song lyrics are rich in terms of literary finesse, outstanding as musical compositions of a classical or semi-classical nature; and, they demonstrate an intense religious longing in the poet – a yearning to attain and dwell in a constant state of union with the Divine.
In the 8th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman leads us to the events preceding and foreshadowing Śaṅkara's Saṃnyāsa.
In the 7th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman brings to us the next stage of Śaṅkara's life - the commencement of his education at Gurukula, his feats at his Gurukula and the conclusion of his education. During his stay at his Gurukula, and while learning and living the Āśrama Dharma of the Brahmacāri; Śaṅkara performs an unimaginable feat which leaves bystanders, and even his guru, in no doubt about his divinity.
In the 6th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman brings to us the story of Śaṅkara's birth and the ensuing events; along with taking forward the story of Maṇḍana Miśhra and Ubhaya Bhārati and how they became householders.
In the form of Maṇḍana Miśhra and Ubhayabhāratī; Brahma and Saraswati descend to join in Śaṅkara's cause.
The time for the descent of Siva as Śaṅkara has arrived.
Parenting is tough; and even tougher is dharmik parenting, ensuring that impressionable growing minds take root in dharma and safeguarding them from the winds of trends that are sweeping the world.
One's own belief system, and complete sharanagti to one's ishta is a powerful tool and support in such a situation. Classical dancer Smt. Ramaa Venugopalan captures her tryst with dharmik parenting; and the support her belief in Mahalakshmi-Narayana, and her bharatanatyam background have provided her in her journey as a mother to explore and understand the depths of Vaatsalyam.
Darkness and light; When the lion roars, even the elephants retreat.
Skanda comes as Kumārila Bhaṭṭa, Sivaguru and Āryambha are given a vision of the divine descent and are asked to make a choice.
Mahadeva is petitioned, and Sivaguru and Aryambha become the vehicles of divine descent.