Kanchi Periva Forum - Ebook on Sri Maha Periva's Life History - Volume 6

Glimpses from Sri Maha Periva’s Life History – Volume 6

By Subi Anna

Table of Contents
Author’s Note ......................................................... 3
Chapter 14 .............................................................. 4
Year 1934 .............................................................. 4
Sanatana Dharma Sabha in Hyderabad ............ 4
Departure from Hyderabad ................................ 4
Travels Further North ......................................... 5
Journey to Central India ..................................... 6
Camp in Jabalpur City ........................................ 8
Visit to Allahabad ................................................ 9
Entry into Kashi City ........................................ 11
Navaratri Festival in Kashi ............................... 14
Chapter 15 ............................................................ 17
Year 1935 ............................................................ 17
Visit to Benaras Hindu University (BHU) ....... 17
Advice to Students ............................................. 26
Periva Divya Darshan .......................................... 28

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2


Author’s Note
In volume 5 of this E-book,
we covered Maha Periva’s
travel from South India to
Hyderabad in the Deccan. In
this volume, we describe his
travel further north over
difficult terrain in Central and
Northwestern India towards
Kashi (Varanasi).
We keep writing about many
holy rivers and temples. What
is their significance? How did
those spots become sacred?
Maha Periva explains:
"In the past yugas, people
acquired spiritual merit by
performing tapas and intense
austerities
through
many
years. With the lapse of time,
men's capacity for endurance
and
strength
of
will
deteriorated.
Our
ancient
sages were full of compassion
for future generations. So the
sages themselves performed
tapas, dedicated them to
those sacred spots saying that
whosoever comes to that
kshetra or teertha would have

By Subi Anna

the benefit of their tapas and
would
be
purified
and
elevated thereby. That is how
the custom of pilgrimage to
holy places arose in our
country. It serves as a
spiritual bond unifying all
people of our motherland
from one end of the country
to
another
erasing
all
differences
of
caste,
languages,
customs
and
manners."
In this issue, we have covered
more holy rivers and temples.
Let me add a small correction.
On the left column of page
22, Volume 4, we mentioned
the name of the organization
that published Maha Periva’s
first
fifty
speeches
as
"Kamakoti Kosam."
The
organization’s name should
correctly read as "Kamakoti
Kochasthanam." The author
regrets the error and thanks
senior member 'kahanam' for
pointing out this error.
Subi Anna
Jaya Jaya Sankara
Hara Hara Sankara


3


Chapter 14
Year 1934
Sanatana Dharma Sabha in
Hyderabad
During Maha Periva’s stay in
Hyderabad
(March-April
1934), a Sanatana Dharma
Sabha (a conference) was
convened at the residence of
Sri. Gadgeru Madhava Rao.
Maha Periva attended this
sabha. Many pundits including
Brahmasri Pulusu Appanna
Sastrigal,
Vanaparthi
Samasthana
Vidwan
Sri.
Nambakkam Ragahavachary,
Veluri
Rangathamulu
and
others had come for the
sabha.
While
inaugurating
this
Sabha, Mahaperiva appealed
to everyone born as a Hindu
to make best efforts to
protect our dharma and
religion. He stressed that if
this was followed by all,
Sanatana
Dharma
would
eventually sustain itself.

By Subi Anna

He further counseled that it
was essential to establish
more such sabhas to explain
about dharma for which
cooperation was sought from
the vidwans with support from
the community.
Following
Maha
Periva’s
inaugural address, sixteen
prominent
citizens
were
chosen to be members of the
Sanatana Dharma Sabha.
It was also decided to raise
funds for constructing a
building for the sabha.
Maha Periva entrusted the
responsibility for fund raising
to Mahadev Damodar Gadgil.

Departure from Hyderabad
After a stay of over forty days
in Hyderabad, Maha Periva
decided to move on with his
‘Ganga Yatra.’
As he had to travel through a
very difficult terrain with little
population, he decided to drop
part of his entourage in
Hyderabad itself.


4


By Subi Anna

Accordingly, some of the
carts, cattle, groceries were
left behind under the care of
some of the disciples.
The people of Hyderabad
including government officials,
businessmen, the rich and the
poor gathered together to
receive
Maha
Periva’s
blessings and extend him a
warm send-off.

Fig.51 A map of Adilabad District
(Courtesy: mapsofIndia.com)

After a short speech before
his departure, Maha Periva
left Hyderabad on April 24,
1934 towards the North.

At Soan, Maha Periva had a
bath in the sacred river and
met with the local Vedic
pundits.

Travels Further North

Later, he traveled through the
towns of Nirmal and Adilabad
and arrived in a village called
Pendalwada on May 15.

Moving
northwards,
Maha
Periva
traveled
through
Nizam’s state passing through
many
small
towns
and
villages.
On May 5, 1934, he reached
SOAN, a small village in
Nirmal
Mandal,
Adilabad
district of Andhra Pradesh
located on the banks of river
Godavari.

Maha
Periva
celebrated
Sankara Jayanthi at the banks
of
river
Penganga
at
Pendalwada. Many scholars
conversant
with
Vedas,
Brahmasutras and Upanishads
helped
to
conduct
the
Jayanthi over four days.
Continuing the Yatra and
traveling through the villages
of
Karanji,
Warora
and


5


By Subi Anna

Themutta, Maha Periva visited
on May 31 a place called
Nanduri.
Traveling further North, Maha
Periva halted for a day in the
town of Jaam and proceeded
towards Nagpur city in central
India via Kandini, Asosa, and
Thangardam.

Journey to Central India
On June 5, 1934, Maha Periva
arrived in the city of Nagpur
located in Central India.

Fig. 52 Nagpur District Map

Nagpur is the largest city in
the Vidharba region, once a
part of British Raj’s Central
Provinces.
The
city
is
popularly
known
as
the
“Orange City,” as it is a major
trade
center
of
oranges
cultivated in the region.

Fig. 53 Delicious Nagpur Oranges

Nagpur also connects many
tiger reserves in Central
India.
The local citizens of this city
that included people from
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
and Tamil Nadu provided a
great reception to Maha
Periva.
They took him in a 4- hour
long procession through the
city’s main streets. Thousands
of
people
joined
this
procession.
At the end of the procession,
the citizens presented a
welcome address to Maha
Periva in Sanskrit, Marathi,
and Tamil languages.


6


It is noteworthy that Maha
Periva responded to the
people in all the three
languages.
National leaders and high
government officials too had
gathered to receive Maha
Periva in Nagpur.
Well-known
pundits
Sri
Warnekar and Sri Thane
Sastri met with Maha Periva.
In appreciation of their work,
Periva
presented
them
Kashmir Shawls.
On June 19, 1934, Maha
Periva left Nagpur city and
moved towards Seoni in
Madhya Pradesh (mid-way
between
Nagpur
and
Jabalpur) through Kamptee,
Mansar, Deolapar (Vidharba
Region)
The northern part of Central
India
region
(Madhya
Pradesh) is covered by the
Vindhya mountains.
The terrain is undulating with
most of the areas covered by
small hill ranges.

By Subi Anna

During the month of June,
this region becomes intensely
hot
and
water
becomes
scarce.
Traveling through
this region at this time was
most
arduous
and
challenging.
However, the entire staff of
mutt was so highly devoted to
Maha Periva that they faced
the problems with enthusiasm
and none complained.
The mutt staff included many
members who were scholars
and others who worked as
volunteers without any salary.
All of them had a high sense
of devotion to Maha Periva.
In spite of the difficulties,
Maha
Periva’s
entourage
covered about 25 miles per
day traveling through this
region.
The Madhya Pradesh police
had made excellent security
arrangements
for
Maha
Periva’s camp enroute.
As Maha Periva knew many
languages,
communication


7


with the local people was not
a problem.

Camp in Jabalpur City

By Subi Anna

the mutt staff,
welcome break
arduous travel.

it was a
from the

After a halt in Seoni city, and
travel through the towns of
Mandol, Chhapara, Dhuma,
Shukri and Barkhee, Maha
Periva reached the city of
Jabalpur on July 3, 1934.
Fig.55 Narmada River, Jabalpur

During the camp in Jabalpur,
Maha Periva had a dip in the
holy Naramada River that
flows close to this city.
The river Narmada is one of
the holy rivers of India.
Fig.54. Maha Periva with devotees in
Jabalpur city.

In Jabalpur city, many people
from Chennai were working in
a Railway workshop located
there. These people had made
all arrangements for Maha
Periva’s stay in the Railway
Colony.
Maha Periva stayed here for 4
days
giving
darshan
to
thousands of local people. For

(There are seven rivers that
are considered ‘Punya Nadhis’
–the holiest. These rivers are:
1. Ganga, 2. Yamuna, 3.
Godavari, 4. Saraswathi, 5.
Narmada, 6. Sindhu, and 7.
Cauvery).
Traveling further in the northeast direction, Maha Periva
crossed the Rewa District in
Central India during July 1521, 1934.


8


Throughout his travel, the
district police authorities and
revenue
officials
made
arrangements
for
Maha
Periva’s camps and safe
journey.

Visit to Allahabad
On Monday July 23, 1934,
Maha Periva visited Allahabad
also known as 'Prayag.'
The city's original name—
Prayaga, denoting the city as
a "place of offerings", is said
to come from the confluence
of three of the holiest rivers
Ganges, Yamuna and the
mythical subterranean river
Saraswati. This confluence is
called “Triveni Sangam.”
Allahabad
is
a
large
metropolitan
city
in
the
present Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh.
At the outskirts of this city,
Maha Periva was received
with 'Purna Kumbham' ( a
traditional
honor)
by
a
welcome reception committee
and thousands of people to

By Subi Anna

the accompaniment of music
played with local instruments.
The
reception
committee
included many dignitaries like
Dean of the local University
Mahamahopadhyay
Ganganath Jha, Former Judge of
High Court Kanyalal, Editor of
the local 'Leader' newspaper
C.Y.Chinthamani,
Municipal
Member Venkatesa Shastri,
and others.
Maha Periva was then taken
on a procession through the
city's
main
streets
to
Daragunj, a place where
arrangements had been made
for Maha Periva’s stay.
Several thousands of people
cheered him on the way with
shouts of “Guru Maharaj ki
Jai” (Victory to the great
Guru) with joy.
Since the year 1922, Maha
Periva had preserved the sand
he
had
collected
from
Rameswaram in his Puja.


9


By Subi Anna

People gathered at this spot
joined Maha Periva in having
a dip in the river.
On the way back from Triveni,
Maha Periva prayed at the
Someswarer temple.

Fig.56 A View of Triveni Sangam

Traditionally,
the
sand
collected from Rameshwaram
is deposited into the waters at
'Triveni
Sangam'
the
confluence of the holy rivers
Ganga,
Yamuna
and
Saraswathi.
In
observance
of
this
tradition, on July 25th, 1934,
Maha Periva and his devotees
proceeded to the Triveni
Sangam.
In the presence of local
residents and priests, Maha
Periva performed the rituals of
sankalpam,
offered
'dakshinas' (donations) to the
priests, walked towards the
Triveni Sangam and immersed
the Rameshwaram sand from
a silver vessel into the waters
there.

The next day, Vyasa puja was
conducted in Daragunj. A
large crowd of local people and
other devotees from various
parts of India witnessed the
puja.
The puja was grand and Maha
Periva
performed
the
Chaturmasya
sankalpam.
There was a lunar eclipse on
that day. So, Maha Periva
performed the Pournami Pooja
after having a bath in the
Ganges at night.
Maha
Periva
stayed
in
Allahabad for four pakshas
(fortnights) until September
21, 1934.
During his stay, a Vidwath
Sabha
(conference
of
scholars)
took
place
on
September 1.
Many
India

scholars from North
participated in the


10


philosophical discussions held
in the sabha.
Maha Periva honored the
scholars
with
appropriate
presents.
Later, on September 18, Maha
Periva visited Vasuki temple
and Bharadwaj Ashram.
On September 21, a group
representing the citizens of
Kashi city (now Varanasi) met
with Maha Periva and invited
him
to
celebrate
the
Navarathri festival in Kashi.
Soon after the completion of
the
Chaturmasyam
on
September 24, Maha Periva
started his ‘Yatra’ (travel) to
Kashi.
The people of Allahabad
gathered in large numbers to
seek Maha Periva’s blessings.

Entry into Kashi City
Kashi city, known as the
spiritual capital of India, is
now called Varanasi.

By Subi Anna

The name Varanasi originates
from the two rivers Varana
and Asi that join the Ganges.
Kashi is also known by the
name of Benares.
It is a city on the banks of
Ganges
(Ganga)
in
the
northern India state of Uttar
Pradesh.
From Allahabad, Maha Periva
walked a distance of 79 miles
to reach Kashi.
He entered Kashi on Saturday
October 6, 1934.
He was received with due
honors by the Maharaja of
Kashi, Madanmohan Malaviya,
Vice Chancellor of Banaras
Hindu University and many
other dignitaries.
Many
scholars
and
associations
provided
welcome addresses.
On the same night of his
arrival, Maha Periva had
darshan of the famous deities
Kashi Sri Vishwanathar and
Annapurani.


11


By Subi Anna

Their happiness knew no
bounds the moment they saw
the glowing face of the holy
man. There were shouts of
‘Jaya Jaya’ piercing the sky.

Fig. 57 A picture of Kashi

The local Hindi newspaper
covered Maha Periva’s visit
and published a report on
October 8, 1934.
This report, summarized and
translated, follows. The word
‘Swamiji’ that appears in this
report refers to Maha Periva.
“Traveling by foot all the way
from Prayag,
Sri
Kanchi
Kamakoti
Peetadhipathi
Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya
Swamiji, arrived in Kamatcha
today (October 6, 1934)
around 2 pm.
Since morning, thousands of
people
from
Kashi
had
gathered
there
expecting
Swamiji’s arrival and making
arrangements for a reception
to him.

A huge arch was set up near
Kamatcha and it read “A
Great God amongst Humans”.
A stage was built near the
arch.
The Maharaja of Benares,
ascetics, eminent scholars and
prominent
citizens
had
gathered there to receive
Swamiji. On behalf of the
people of Kashi, the Maharaja
welcomed Swamiji.
Earlier, he and his Yuvaraja
had taken Swamiji to their
gardens called Kahlia Saheb
and performed Sahasra Pada
Puja.
Elephants, camels, horses,
bands, and flags were all lined
up along the Kamatcha camp.
A huge procession started
from there at 3:30 pm, went
through the main streets and
reached the guest house of
Rao Saheb Madhavram Santh.


12


By Subi Anna

All along the way, the city was
decorated
with
flowers,
plantain trees and festoons.
Swamiji went inside the
temple and had darshan of
the Lord.
Wherever the Acharya went,
he was honored with Aarathi,
flowers
and
voluntary
monetary contributions. All
buildings were full of people
who wanted a glimpse of
Swamiji.
Inspite of volunteers for
crowd control from the Youth
group, Varnasrama Suyam
Sangh, Charanar group under
the leadership of Swamylal
Nath,
Hindu
Youth
Association, Kashi Swayam
Seva
Sangh,
and
the
hardworking police, it became
almost impossible to restrain
the crowd.
To begin with, there were
more
than
twenty-five
thousand
people
in
the
procession.
As the procession proceeded,
a greater number of people
joined it.

Fig. 58 Procession of Maha Periva in Kashi

Sri Yatanji Pande, President of
Bharatiya
Swayam
Seva
Sangh and Pundit Madan
Mohan Malaviya had come to
have darshan of Swamiji.
Sri Pande walked all the way
alongside the procession. In
the front of the procession,
sitting on top of an elephant,
Swamy
Shivananda
Brahmachari held the flag of
Rishabh.
The next elephant carried the
picture of Jagadguru Sri
Sankaracharya. While Sri Rao


13


Saheb
Madhavramji
was
trying hard to control the
crowd, Swamiji stopped and
stood on top of the palanquin
to give darshan to all.
The procession was proving to
be a hindrance to thousands
of people who were seated on
the sides of the roads since
morning, waiting to have
darshan of Swamiji.

By Subi Anna

chief
of
this
Vidayalaya
Dharmamurthy
Sri
Mehta
Murarilal paid tributes to
Swamji by performing Paada
Puja
with
flowers
and
contributing Rs. 501 as his
humble offering."

Navaratri Festival in Kashi
On October 9, 1934, Maha
Periva
performed
the
Navaratri Puja at the home of
Rai Saheb Madahvaram Sant.
In observance of the Navaratri
festival, the following rituals
were conducted:

Fig. 59 Welcome Reception to Maha
Periva by Kashi Maharaja, Pandit
Madan Mohan Malaviya & Citizens

It is believed that the large
crowds assembled here and
the reception arrangements
made will be marked in the
history of Kashi as a most
memorable event.
On the night of his arrival,
Swamiji visited Sangaveda
Vidyalaya in Ramghat. The

1. Rig Veda Samhita Homam
2. Sri Vidya Homam
3. Chandika Homam
4. Maharudra Homam
5. Rig Veda Parayanam
6. Shukla
Yajur
Veda
Parayanam
7. Krishna
Yajur
Veda
Parayanam
8. Sama Veda Parayanam
9. Atharvana Veda Parayanam
10. Upanishad Parayanam
11. Bhashya Parayanam
12. Sri Vidya Moola Mantra
Japam


14


13. Bala Mantra Japam
14. Durga
Sapta
Sathi
Parayanam
15. Lalithopakyana
Parayanam
16. Devi
Bhagavada
Parayanam
17. Lalitha
Sahasranamam
Trisathi
Ashtottara
Parayanam
18. Vishnu
Sahasranama
Parayanam
19. Ramayana Parayanam
20. Geetha Parayanam
21. Surya Namaskaram as
prescribed in three Vedas
22. Navagraha Japam
23. Mahanyasa
Ekadasa
Rudra Japam
In conclusion of the festival,
on
Mahanavami,
Tuesday
October 16, Kanya Puja and
Saraswathi
Puja
were
performed.
On the same night, as part of
the
concluding
ceremony
“Poorna Ahuti” (the complete
offering) was done for all the
homams.

By Subi Anna

Fig. 60 A picture taken with devotees
after the ‘Poorna Ahuti.’
Maha Periva is at the center. The
Maharaja of Kashi is to his left.

The Holiness of Kashi

There are seven main holy
cities in India. They are called
Saptapuri (सप्त-पुरी) in Sanskrit
meaning seven cities.
These cities are: Ayodhya,
Mathura,
Haridwar,
Kashi
(Varanasi, also known as
Benaras),
Kanchipuram,
Avanti
(now Ujjain) and
Dwarka.
Amongst these holy cities,
Kashi (now called Varanasi) is
deemed to be the holiest of
all.


15


By Subi Anna

Like Kashi, there are some
important holy cities in Tamil
Nadu. “smaraNAdaruNachale”
is another proverb.

Fig. 61 A View of Varanasi

Likewise, there are seven holy
rivers.
The
river
Ganga
(Ganges) is deemed to be the
holiest of all.
Kashi is one of the sixteen
Shakti Peetams cited in Devi
Mahatmiyam, a holy scripture
of the Hindus.
There are two rivers, Varana
and Asi that surrounds Kashi
and hence, the city is now
called Varanasi. The English
termed it as Benaras.
The city is also known as
‘Maha Smasanam’ (the big
burial ground).
“kAshyantu maraNanmuktiH”
says a Sanskrit proverb. It
means that those who die in
the holy city of Kashi attain
salvation and do not have
rebirth.

It means mere remembrance
of
Arunchalam
(Tiruvannamalai)
helps
to
attain salvation. There is also
the belief that those born in
Tiruvarur do not have rebirth.
Many people who believe in
Sastras spend the evening of
their lives in Kashi to die in
this holy city.
At Kashi, the river Ganga
flows
northwards
as
Uttaravahini; it also flows in a
curved fashion like a bow.
There are 64 bathing ghats on
the banks of Ganga. Amongst
these ghats, the chosen best
ones are: Manikarnika Ghat,
Panchaganga Ghat, Asi Ghat,
Dasaswameda
Ghat
and
Varanasangama Ghat.
Sri Adisankara has stayed in
Kashi and performed some
amazing activities.
Though not constructed as
large as South Indian temples


16


with tall gopurams (towers),
the Kashi Viswanath temple
has
interiors
built
with
marble.
The priests called ‘Pandas’
perform regular pujas with
abhishekams
to
the
shivalingam.
Sometimes, the devotees are
permitted
to
perform
abhishekam and puja by
themselves.
In
the
Shakti
Peetam’s
sanctum of Annapurani Devi
(the deity providing food),
Adisankara has installed a Sri
Chakram.
One of the famous hymns
composed by Sri Adi Sankara
on Annapurani Devi is the
‘Annapurnashtakam.’
The temple of Kashi Visalakshi
Devi (the consort of Lord
Viswanath)
is
located
separately at a distance from
the Viswanath temple.
There are many choultries in
Kashi set up by Maharajas
and wealthy people.

By Subi Anna

Chapter 15
Year 1935
Visit to Benaras Hindu
University (BHU)
Banaras
Hindu
University
(Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya
in Hindi), is a public central
university in Kashi established
in 1916 by Pandit Madan
Mohan Malaviya.
Accepting an invitation from
Pandit
Madan
Mohan
Malaviya, Maha Periva visited
the Benaras Hindu University
on February 9, 1935.
To welcome Maha Periva, all
the buildings in the university
were decorated beautifully for
this occasion.
At the entrance to the
University, Pandit Malaviya,
officials of BHU, professors
and students had gave a
rousing reception to Maha
Periva.
After introducing the key
officials
of
BHU,
Pandit
Malaviya
escorted
Maha
Periva on a conducted tour of


17


By Subi Anna

the university explaining the
curriculum
and
teaching
methods.

1. “Yadvaachaam
lasithaihi
triloka
janathaa
mohaandhakaarakshayaha

Later, after Maha Periva was
seated on the dais in a hall,
Pandit Malaviya presented a
welcome address in Sanskrit.

Padaabja smaranena yasya
kalushadh
vamsaath
praasadaha sthiraha|

This address included five
slokas that Pandit Malaviya
had specially composed on
Maha Periva.

Tasyaadvaita giram guroho
bhagavathaha
Sri
Sankarasyonnathham
Kanchi
peetapatham
yateeswaramahan
sthane
twayaadhishtitham||
2. Tathva
gnaana
tapaha
samaadhi
karunodhaarya
prasaadaadhibhihi
Punyam
bhaaratha
varshamethadhanagam
praapnothi laabham param|
Keerthyate
amalayaa
yateendra!
Mahataamaadarshathaam
praapthayaa

Fig.62 Pandit Malaviya’s
Slokas in Sanskrit

Welcome

Transliterated in English, the
five slokas read as follows:

Santaha santatamullasanthi
cha
dishaha
sarvaahaa
samudhbhaasithaha||

3. Swaamin!
Swaagathamasthuthe


18


shivapuri
vishwavidyalaye

shree

By Subi Anna

Bhogaapavargadha
sukshina dhaanasheelaha|

Shikshaakendra
varetra
bhaarata
bhuvam
vidyaarteenaam sarvataha|

Eshokhilabhyu
dhayakrudhyathivarya!
Vishwa

Sreemadvaktra
saroruhoditha
shubhasheergeehi
sudhaadhaarayaa

Vdyaalayastava
shubhaagamanena
dhanyaha||

Saapalyam shrutijanmano
bhavatu
nah
shaantyai
shravantayaa bhuvaha||

Maaga shukla sapthami sam iti nivedayathi – Malaviyo
Madanamohanaha|”

4. Ghore kalau prathidhisham
bhuvi satya dharmo
hantaapakarsha madhunaa
nitaraamupaithi|
Tasyonnathihi
punarihaakilamangalaartha
Bhooyaadhyathaa,
karunayopadishethi
yaache||

5. Praanchya
prateechyashubhamaavasa
manyavena

The summary meaning of
these five slokas is as follows:
“When a man meditates on
those lotus feet of the great
person all ignorance vanishes,
the sweet words emanating
from
this
great
person
pervades in all directions, the
great one who reflects all the
Shastras and their inner
meanings like a mirror, you
are thou, who occupies the
seat of that great person Sri
Sankara in Kanchi Peetam!


19


Because of the awesome
power of ancient penance,
and your appearance as an
embodiment of knowledge,
austerity,
philosophy,
penance, compassion, and
blessings,
our
country’s
people
are
getting
enlightened.
On our behalf and on behalf of
the students who have joined
this university from different
parts of the country to learn
many arts and sciences, we
humbly
extend
a
warm
welcome to you.
In this age of Kali when
dharma is declining, we are
awaiting to hear the sweet
words of advice from thy
mouth. Your advice will serve
as a foundation to benefit the
whole world.
This
university
provides
education through the best
methods of both East and the
West. We hope that this
university, our country and its
people will benefit from your
visit and sermons today.”

By Subi Anna

Fig. 63 Benaras Hindu University

Responding to the welcome
address, Maha Periva spoke in
Sanskrit at great length.
This speech provided a great
deal of advice to the entire
community. We have provided
here a summary of his
speech.
“It
is
well-known
from
universal
experience
that
more
happiness
prevails
where there is more peace.
Mental peace is the pinnacle
of human goals. When peace
decreases, misery increases.
When men try to eliminate
misery, they happen to hurt
others. If each one tries to
injure others to reduce their
own misery, it leads to chaos
and confusion in society.


20


When such chaos happens,
government officials resort to
legal
actions
to
restore
orderliness and peace. Misery
does not impact people only
when they resist lures and
control their senses.
When there is lack of world
peace, there will be more laws
and punishment. Peace can
result
through
good
education. We can expect
peace
through
university
education,
particularly
through
Benaras
Hindu
University.
It is the responsibility of
elders
to
achieve
peace
amongst the students.
If peace prevails in the
country, expenses may come
down for the government, the
police and the army.
The first objective of our
ancient educational system
was to attain mental peace.
By expanding education in
ever advancing scientific field,
and applying the benefits of
such expansion in the dharmic

By Subi Anna

(righteous) path, the country
and its people would be able
to attain peace in a higher
form.
Instead, if we permit the
senses to wander freely in
their own ways, evil thoughts
and desires will tend to grow.
Problems and misery will
increase.
People
attain
immortality
through education. Hence,
education offers the best
benefit - better than any
others.
Superior education is the one
that focuses on attaining
immortality. All other types of
learning
offer
worldly
benefits, meaning material
wealth. The material wealth
can be used towards dharmic
activities eventually leading to
the knowledge of Brahman.
Ancient Acharyas have said
that a person can attain Atma
-gnanam (self-knowledge) by
following the dharma imposed
on him dutifully, through
meditation and worship of
God.


21


The type of education that
provides 'Atmagnanam'
is
called ‘Paravidya’ and others
are
called
‘Aparavidya’.
Paravidya removes ignorance
and helps attain knowledge of
the Atman.
This University in Kashi has
associated in its name, the
word ‘Hindu’ and is famous in
the
outside
world
too.
Moreover, this university is
spreading
the
light
of
knowledge from it.
It is with the blessings of the
Almighty that this university is
seen
as
an
unequalled
institution. It is needless to
say that every person who
sees
this
University
will
experience boundless joy.
Looking
at
this
artistic
structure, one can realize the
awesome mental strength and
the
greatness
of
Pundit
Malaviya. Subjects taught in
this
university
include
Dharma Shastra, Philosophy,
Law,
Sculpture,
Vedas,
Vedantam, Smruti and several
Arts.

By Subi Anna

In addition, western scientific
subjects are also taught here.
I hope that the subject of
Astronomy is taught here as a
part of Vedangam.
The benefits of Dharma that
are not seen by the eye can
be understood only through
the Vedas and Smruthi. The
basis for Gnana (knowledge)
are the Vedas, instincts, or
experience.
This is as per Adi Bhagavad
Padacharya. Teaching some
subjects
like
astronomy,
politics, economics that are
comprehensible
through
human
intelligence
using
western techniques is aiding
the
progress
of
this
institution.
However, in combining the
traditional teaching methods
with western ways, we need
to be steady in our approach.
Our sense of purity and selfdiscipline help to grow the
belief in the Almighty.
All things that would stimulate
and provide pleasure easily to
our senses should be taken


22


off
from
the
methodology.

teaching

If we engage in adopting the
western behaviour, clothing,
attitude, and conversational
manner,
we run the risk of
gradually losing our culture
and
dharma.
It
may
eventually hurt our country
and its people.
If we find that learning
modern scientific research
from the foreigners is not
beneficial to us in anyway, we
need
to
re-think
about
learning them.
At present, there is a trend in
our country to learn culture
and science in western ways
and sacrificing from young
age
some
aspects
like
discipline, prayers.
This trend is a hindrance for
people to attain happiness in
this world and in the next one
too.
It is, therefore, my desire that
we should teach our people
our culture, morality, dharma,
truth, and discipline right

By Subi Anna

from an young age. I would
like to remind everyone that
when this University was
originally
founded,
people
were
aware
of
Pundit
Malaviya’s dharmic life and
moral caliber and expected his
high principles to be taught
here.
It is sad to note that our
ancient methods of learning
are being referred to as
‘Oriental Learning’. (Oriental
refers to Eastern).
Because we live in the Eastern
part
of
the
world,
the
westerners call our practices
as 'Oriental.' It is amusing
that our own countrymen,
obsessed with western habits,
call our Shastras as Oriental
studies. It is not appropriate.
Do the westerners advertise
their universities as places of
learning for western arts and
sciences? I am not so much
concerned about changes in
names.
I just want to say that such
thoughts should not enter this
traditional Hindu University


23


By Subi Anna

which should be a seat of
ancient traditions.

between the people and the
leaders.

Pundit
Malaviya
made
tremendous
efforts
and
overcame numerous hurdles
to establish this university
with the sole object that this
institution should serve as a
symbol of our Hindu culture
and studies.

The leaders seem to think
that our religious practices are
a
hindrance
to
political
development. Leaders should
have good character, integrity
and faith in dharmic culture.

I convey my blessings with
happiness to this University
that
it
should
thrive
independently and conform to
Manuneethi Dharma.
The substance of my talk so
far is that everyone is this
university should be singleminded, should not move
away from a spiritual frame of
mind, should not discard our
ancient culture but work
together to alleviate poverty
in this country and benefit the
whole world.
In our country, there are
many
leaders
who
are
concerned
with
political
advancement. On matters
related to religious practices,
there is a difference of opinion

The scholars who graduate
from this University should be
talented like Rajarishis to lead
the people in the right
direction.
About sixty years ago in our
country, every Vedic scholar's
home served like a university.
In those days, the students
did not pay any fees to the
teachers nor did the teachers
receive
any
salary
for
teaching.
There were not a large
number
of
students,
all
assembled at one place for
studies like it is here now.
Students would live closer to
their teacher's home. They
would seek their daily food
from the neighbors. The kings
and landlords felt it was their


24


duty to take good care of the
teachers, provided for their
living and protected them.
The teachers also felt it was
their
duty
to
impart
knowledge to the students. As
this practice involved no
money, the teachers stayed in
their villages.
Every village had a teacher
and the students benefited
from their presence. The
teacher
also
had
the
opportunity to keep an eye on
the students and build their
character as well as their
knowledge base.

By Subi Anna

In those days, people had
faith in God and lived their life
auspiciously
and
happily.
Such teachers and scholars
are a rarity today.
Everybody knows the reason
for this. People with money
spent it on western education
and followed their customs
resulting
in
erosion
of
religious faith.
The teachers and officials of
this university should be
independent.

The teachers showed love and
taught the students selflessly.

The students should go to
villages, seek food and lead
their lives with good qualities
such as humility, character
and truth.

The students reciprocated the
teacher's
sentiments
by
showing guru bhakthi, good
character,
patience,
and
humility.

At this point, I have an idea.
This university should support
teachers the way the wealthy
lords supported vidwans in
those days.

As
the
teachers
were
independent and were not
bound by any rules, they
taught the facts as per the
Shastras without having to
obtain approval from anyone.

If some of our country's
prominent
members
can
assist a learned pundit , well
versed in one sakha of the
Vedas, at least one darshan of
the darshans and the Smruti,


25


to lead his life without any
monetary
worries,
then
righteousness, discipline and
happiness may be restored in
our country like in olden days.

Advice to Students
I wish to say a few words to
the students assembled here.
It is not easy to say how
blessed you are.
You are born as human beings
with two key qualities of
intelligence and discernment
that are so useful in life. You
must make use of these two
qualities to contribute to the
welfare and progress of the
country.
In olden days, the pundits did
not have much monetary
problems because the people
unitedly
contributed
to
austere activities.
In current times, conflicting
ideas come up in the minds of
people. Fast-changing political
situations, like floods in a
river, are adversely impacting
our
Sanatana
Dharma.

By Subi Anna

Society too,
changing.

is

gradually

Therefore, students leaving
the portals of this university
as
scholars
should
courageously work for the
political
progress
of
our
country, without hindrance to
Dharma.
It is my desire that your
learning should help the
welfare of the people and
simplify
the
political
administration.
Very close to this place, the
river Ganga flows northwards.
The Sun shines before all the
praying devotees.
Of all
virtuous qualities, Acharam
(etiquette) is the best.
This holy place is very
convenient to follow etiquette
and uphold our Dharma.
Every student here, sent by
parents from a different part
of the country, should sit in
this vast mantap on the bank
of the holy Ganga, worship
God as prescribed and resolve


26


not to deviate from the path
of dharma and discipline.
By doing so, you will beget all
kinds of benefits and fame. Of
all the auspicious things that
we all will be happy with, this
action will be the most
auspicious.”
After Maha Periva’s long
sermon,
Pundit
Malaviya
made a short concluding
speech. He said that he felt
overwhelmed
with
Maha
Periva's words of advice to the
staff and students of the
University.

By Subi Anna

He assured Maha Periva that
he would take action on
Periva's suggestions to the
extent it was possible.
On behalf of all, Malaviya
expressed his gratitude and
respects to Maha Periva.
Thus, Maha Periva’s visit to
the Benaras Hindu University
was a great success.
It ended on a note of
inspiration to all the students
and staff of the University.
****


27


By Subi Anna

Periva Divya Darshan


28

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