Here is a Perplexity.AI summary of the article "The Prayer Song Enterprise: The Curious History Of The Suprabhatam" from Outlook India:
The Venkatesa Suprabhatam is described as one of India's most popular prayer songs with an intriguing history.
Its origins trace back to a short morning wake-up verse in the Balakanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana, where sage Vishwamitra wakes Lord Rama.
In the 15th century, poet Prativadi Bhayankar Anna from Andhra Pradesh composed additional stanzas, associating the Suprabhatam with the Tirumala Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, where it became part of morning rituals.
For centuries, the song remained a relatively private recitation until it was recorded and broadcast. The earliest known recording was by PV Ananthasayanam Iyengar, intended for teaching MS Subbulakshmi.
The song's transformation into a national phenomenon occurred with MS Subbulakshmi’s iconic 1958 recording broadcast on All India Radio, turning it into one of India's most beloved and best-selling devotional tracks. (a total of around 35 crores recorded views on the several YouTube uploads).
The popularity of the Suprabhatam, alongside other devotional recordings, highlights a powerful enterprise of spiritual music in India, with MS Subbulakshmi recognised as a leading figure in this genre.
Today, the Suprabhatam remains a daily ritual in millions of households, underlining the blend of ancient tradition, temple heritage, radio/recording innovation, and musical brilliance that brought it to the masses.
***
If one wants to learn the chanting, there is an excellent course online by Vyoma Labs.
Mysticism teaches us that this wonderful creation is our Maker's play. I share here two pictures that shows man is creating art much like his Maker.
This is the grave of the legendary Russian dancer Rudolph Nureyev in Paris. There no cloth, but it is an artwork created from tiny mosiac tiles! Yes! The artiste is the Italian, Ezio Frigerio.
And now see this flower bed, depicting an elephant!
PS: Perplexity Pro tells me this is a digital AI generated image 😢
Gaṇapati or Gaṇeśa, also known as Vināyaka, is perhaps the most popular of the Hindu deities worshipped by all sections of the Hindus. No undertaking, whether sacred or secular, can get started without first honouring and worshipping him. This is understandable and highly desirable, since he is said to be the lord of obstacles (Vighneśvara or Vighnarāja). However, what is not understandable and certainly not very agreeable is his repulsive origin and grotesque form! Even for those who admire Lord Śiva’s skill in the surgical art of head-transplantation, it becomes rather difficult to admire the end-product! Once we successfully manage to delve into the mysteries of this symbolism, our repugnance will give rise to respect and respect to reverence and worship.
The Ṛgvedic deity ‘Gaṇapati-Brahma-ṇaspati’—also called Bṛhaspati and Vācaspati—manifests himself through a vast mass of light. He is golden-red in colour. The battle axe is an important weapon of his. Without his grace, no religious rite can succeed. He is always in the company of a group (gaṇa = a group) of singers and dancers. He vanquishes the enemies of the gods, protects the devoted votaries and shows them the right way of life.
Another class of Ṛgvedic deities, known as the Maruts or Marudgaṇa, described as the children of Rudra, also have similar characteristics. In addition, they can be malevolent towards those who antagonise them and can cause destruction like the wild elephants. They can put obstacles in the path of men if displeased and remove them when pleased. They are independent, not subject to anyone’s sovereignty (Arājana = Vināyaka).
A perusal of these two descriptions will perforce lead us to the obvious conclusion that Gaṇapati is the metamorphosed form of the Bṛhaspati-Marudgaṇa deities.
Meaning: That crest-jewel of cowherds, Śrīkṛṣṇa, sporting the Kastūrītilaka on his forehead, Kaustubha gem on his chest, the pearl ornament at the end of his nose (an ancient adornment), a bamboo flute in his hand, bracelets on his wrists, anointed with red sandal paste all over, a beautiful pearl necklace around his neck, and surrounded by Gopīs, is resplendent!
गोपाल-चूडामणिः कस्तूरी-तिलकम् ललाट-फलके वक्षः-स्थले कौस्थुभम् नास+अग्रे नव-मौक्तिकम् कर-तले वेणुम् करे कङ्कणम् सर्वाङ्गे हरिचन्दनम् च कण्ठे च मुक्तावलिम् कलयन् गोपस्त्री-परि-वेष्टितः विजयते
That crest-jewel of cowherds, Śrīkṛṣṇa, sporting the Kastūrītilaka on his forehead, Kaustubha gem on his chest, the pearl ornamemnt at the end of his nose (an ancient adornment), a bamboo flute in his hand, bracelets on his wrists, anointed with red sandal paste all over, a beautiful pearl necklace around his neck, and surrounded by Gopīs is resplendent!
PS; Attended a beautiful dance programme at BIC called Deva Nartana. The Dashavataram dance was concluded by the four dancers dancing together to this shloka! Hare Krishna!
In our scriptures, where do we find the word सच्चिदानन्द?
It is essential to understand that the word "सच्चिदानन्द" is crucial to understanding what we refer to in English as God or the Almighty. We call it in Sanatana Dharma as Ishwara or Bhagavan. It is BOTH with form and without form, as the essence of the Totality of Consciousness suffusing all that we call creation.
Chit = The Supreme Knowledge (all other knowledge derives from it).
Ananda = The Supreme Bliss (all happiness and joy is derived from it).
सच्चिदानन्द is the core of all existence and the individual.
***
Following is a compilation from Perplexity.AI.
The word "सच्चिदानन्द" (Sat-Chit-Ananda) is a compound of three Sanskrit words—सत् (Sat: existence or truth), चित् (Chit: consciousness), and आनन्द (Ananda: bliss). The expression refers to the ultimate nature or experience of Brahman (the Absolute) in Vedantic philosophy.
### Scriptural References to "सच्चिदानन्द"
- **Upanishads:** The direct compound word "सच्चिदानन्द" appears in the Tejobindu Upanishad (verse 3.11, composed before the 4th century CE), where it describes the realization of Atman as eternal, enlightened, and pure bliss-consciousness-existence. Though the earliest Upanishads like Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, and Taittiriya refer to the components—existence, consciousness, bliss—as attributes of Brahman, the precise phrase "सच्चिदानन्द" is found in later texts. The Upanishads often discuss Atman and Brahman as being of the nature of existence, knowledge, and bliss[2].
- **Bhagavad Gita:** While the Gita discusses concepts of Sat (existence/truth), Chit (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss), it does not use the exact compound "सच्चिदानन्द" in the original text. However, commentaries and later interpretations do attribute this compound to Krishna and Brahman[4].
- **Puranas and Bhakti texts:** The word appears in devotional and Purana-based literature when describing figures like Krishna. For example: "ईश्वरः परमः कृष्णः सच्चिदानन्दविग्रहः"—a famous phrase from the Brahma Samhita ascribed to Krishna, describing the Supreme Lord as the embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda[5].
- **Vedic Literature:** The individual terms (sat, chit, ananda) are found in several Vedic texts, but the precise compound form "सच्चिदानन्द" is a philosophical synthesis appearing more distinctly in later Vedanta, especially in Upanishads like Tejobindu and in Vedantic commentaries and treatises[2][4].
### In summary:
- As a compound, "सच्चिदानन्द" is most explicitly found in the **Tejobindu Upanishad** and is indirectly described in other principal Upanishads. The phrase is central to **Vedanta philosophy**, signifying the unified essence of Brahman as existence, consciousness, and bliss[2].
- In devotional scriptures and later traditional commentaries, it is used to describe Lord Krishna and Brahman, such as "सच्चिदानंदविग्रहः" in the Brahma Samhita[5][1].
Thus, while you will see the exact word "सच्चिदानन्द" in summary form in certain Upanishads and devotional texts, the qualities (existence, consciousness, bliss) pervade the core ancient scriptures[2][4][5].
***
Citations (Click on the coloured links).
[1] सच्चिदानंद रूपाय विश्वोत्पत्यादिहेतवे! तापत्रय विनाशाय श्री कृष्णाय वयं ...
Imagine my sense of joy and fulfilment, when, recently, Swamiji Yogamaya-ji of ADY called me, while I was attending the Chaturmasya puja on the ADY campus, to tell me that I can participate in the editing of Dr. V. V. Buxi's book - an English translation of the Saubhāgya Bhāskara Bhāṣya on Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram.
This was, in fact, the last trigger in a series of "coincidences" since Feb. 2024 when I joined the Trayee chanting classes. I moved then from being a casual listener (= Śrotṛ) to a student of the text.
Recently, someone even gifted me a 1700-page book set of talks on the Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram. This book is largely based on the Saubhāgya Bhāskara Bhāṣya!
As a student of Sanskrit and Hindu Scriptures, I find the Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram a unique composition with a musical cadence and verbal splendour with long strings of descriptions that tell the story of the Devī so poetically! Indeed, some of the 1000 names are as long as a full pāda or even 2 pādas (there are 4 pādas in Anuṣṭup)!
One of them is, for example,
nijāruṇa-prabhāpūra-majjad-brahmāṇḍa-maṇḍalā🙏
(This universe is fully soaked in the radiance of Devī, who is of the reddish hue of Dawn).
Now, the worship of Devī is a very special tradition in Sanātana Sharma. Worshippers of the female deity are called Śāktas or Devī Upāsakas. A very famous Devī Upāsaka was Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
There are numerous holy shrines scattered from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari in India, dedicated to the Mother Goddess. We worship her twice every year during the 9-day Chaitra and Sharat Navarātras. In addition, we worship her during Basant Panchami, Varamahalakshmi, Gouri-Ganesha, Deepavali-Lakshmi Puja and so on!
So, worshipping God as the Universal Mother is ingrained in us Hindus. Also, in the Kenopanishad, it is clearly stated that the Supreme Being who confers powers even on the gods like Agni (fire) and Vayu (wind) is Devī Umā!
***
The very first name in the Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram is
Śrīmātā
A very simple meaning of this would be "the Divine Mother".
However, to me, having begun to educate myself over the past few months on the Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram, it means something tremendous.
As the Divine Mother who is the Supreme Being, Devī has created this entire universe and everything in it. Including me: my parents (thereby giving through them my affectionate upbringing), and providing me all my sense faculties; as well as all the external stimuli for enjoyment, material pleasures and possessions- all beauty and delight that exists all around me.
I should therefore see the presence of Devī in every flower, sunset and smile; every colour, taste and touch; every friend, teacher and even enemy! Every celebration, reward and gift. Every birth, death, danger and catastrophe!
The various meanings for the word Śrī given in the Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram commentary state that all this creation adds up to the meaning of the first part,
Śrī.
But then:
What gives happiness? Happiness is a feeling within me. So the key factor for happiness is NOT what is outside me, but my own propensity to feel happiness. That begins with being alive, being conscious, and being connected with the "faculty of happiness" or "a state of bliss". The Sanskrit word for this is Ānanda. This is given to me by my mother in the womb itself. That means every conscious living being is infused with this faculty of Ānanda by the Universal Mother Devī or Śrī Lalitā Tripurasundarī.
Mātā.
So the chemistry that is happening around me is a combination of
Śrī + Mātā.
After the study of Śrī Lalitā Sahasra Nāma Stotram and after making progress in my Sādhanā under the Guru, I will realise that the key to the fullest realisation of my potential is (A) being centred in the faculty of bliss (B) while experiencing life all around. The first part is given at birth by Mātā. The second part is created by Śrī.
That is why the first name is ŚrīMātā.
And my truest prayer is expressing gratitude, for this grace, to the Universal Mother.
As a lifelong pickle lover, I have always wondered why no one has designed a spoon stand conveniently fixable to commercially available pickle bottles.
Today, I asked Perplexity Pro (free courtesy Airtel for one year) to design such a spoon stand. It took all of 30 seconds to come up with this!
Design Proposal: Spoon Stand for Pickle Bottle
Design Objectives
Convenience: The spoon should always be easily accessible.
Cleanliness: Prevent mess and contamination.
Compatibility: The stand should work with common pickle bottle shapes and sizes.
Stability: Securely attached to the bottle without risk of tipping.
Design Features
1. Clip-On Spoon Stand
Material: Food-grade plastic or stainless steel for easy cleaning and durability.
Mechanism: Spring or snap-fit clip that clamps around the neck or rim of the pickle bottle.
Shape: U-shaped cradle—open at the top for easy placement and removal of the spoon.
Rest Platform: Small drip tray below the cradle to catch drips and keep surfaces clean.
2. Lid-Integrated Holder
Lid Replacement: Replace the existing bottle lid with a custom lid featuring a side slot or tube.
Slot/Tube: A vertical channel or tube molded into the lid to insert the spoon’s handle, keeping the spoon suspended above the pickles inside the jar.
3. Adjustable Strap Holder
Attachment: Silicone (flexible) strap that can be tightened around bottles of varying diameters.
Spoon Pocket: Molded holder or pocket attached to the strap, positioned for easy access.
Example: Clip-On Spoon Stand Design
Feature
Description
Attachment Method
Snap-fit or spring clip for neck/rim of bottle
Spoon Accommodation
U-shaped cradle for spoon bowl with drip tray
Materials
Food-grade plastic or stainless steel
Suitability
Fits standard pickle bottles (plastic/glass)
Maintenance
Stand is detachable for washing
Additional Tips
The spoon holder should be detachable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
The design can include a small notch or ridge to prevent the spoon from sliding off accidentally.
For commercial pickle jars, a universal adjustable version may maximize compatibility.
Inspiration from Market Products
Commercial pickle jars often come with a standalone spoon or as part of a set with a wooden or ceramic tray, but rarely a device that attaches directly to the jar neck or lid.
DIY solutions frequently repurpose plastic bottles or containers to create utensil stands but don’t include secure bottle-fixing features.
This stand provides an organized, mess-free solution for daily pickle serving and can be produced with a simple, cost-effective mechanism.
Today is 49 years since my first official trip happened on 7th July 1976. Tanzania celebrates its National Day as Saba Saba - 7th of July. As the Asst. Export Manager, I was deputed by ETTDC to take part in the Indian Pavilion organised by TDA and IIFT in the Saba Saba Fair at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
My very first flight was on the evening of 5th July 1976 from Delhi to Bombay by Air India. It was a flight from Zurich to Bombay via Delhi. I sat at the window (seat.. F), watching the evening setting sun and orange sky, a breathtaking view with monsoon clouds too. An export manager from HMT, who had just attended a Machine Tool Fair in Switzerland, sat next to me.
At Bombay, I got a hotel layover at Centaur. I had dinner with Ganu (IIT IIM mate who had joined Grindwell Norton). I don't think I was a very good host.
My night flight from Bombay landed in Nairobi, and my connection to Dar es Salaam was delayed by many hours. Consequently, when I reached my hotel in Dar es Salaam with much luggage (I had some electronics display items for the Fair in my baggage), the chap at the hotel reception told me they had given away my reservation to someone else.
I remember sweating profusely as I lugged my bags along the central avenue of Dar es Salaam at 2AM in pitch darkness, looking for a hotel room. I found a largish lodge-like place, run by a Gujarati, who took mercy on me and allowed me to sleep in the lobby overnight. I remember climbing a huge staircase to reach the lobby area.
I got a fine hotel the next day, being a part of the Indian delegation. Mr. Gupta, our team leader, took great pains to tell me that a career in exports and foreign travel was impossible for a Hindu vegetarian. He told me to start with chicken as it tastes good and is easy to adapt to. After all these years (I did over 40 years of overseas travel), I am glad I did not listen to him then. I have eaten eggs a few times, which I regret.
I had colleagues from HMT, Kirloskar, NGEF, and Mahindra as my teammates. We had a great experience. The Fair was set up in a beautiful open ground. I had an HMV gramophone player as an exhibit. I had taken Veena (Sri Narayana Menon) and Bharatanatyam (Yamini Krishnamurthy) LPs. The Africans danced in glee, listening to the mridangam beats!
The newspapers came out in the evenings. One evening, a front-page photo showed me with Julius Nyerere, President of Tanzania, and the President of Mozambique, who had visited the India pavilion. I was seen explaining how India is developing small-scale industries in electronics.
I am right now unable to locate photos from my first trip. This photo was taken at the Zanzibar beach in 1978.
If we regard our dear country, Bharat, as a resplendent, juicy, ever-giving, ever-protecting, ever-loving, ever-growing society, then I think the jackfruit, and its mighty tree, stands tall as our symbol.
It grows tall, strong and sturdy.
It has large and beautiful leaves in plenty.
It provides dense shade.
It produces countless fruits, all easy to reach!
Its fruits are fragrant and most iviting, yet well-protected by a thick covering.
To break open the jackfruit is an elaborate ritual, a veritable Yajna.
Each fruit is so succulent and massive in appearance - simply irresistible.
Elephants, bears, monkeys, men, all crave jackfruit. Elephants in reserve forests raid estates to feed on jackfruits.
See the pic - this single crop would give maybe 1500 fruit pieces... Can feed a congregation in a temple!
Jackfruit grows in large gardens in estates, farms and temples... absorbing the true spirit of people who live to share, give, play, laugh and love.
Most Indian musical instruments, especially percussion, are made of jackfruit wood.
A great mridangam maestro said that the jackfruit tree absorbs the sacred chants and bell sounds during temple processions and festivals. That is why the jackwood gives such resonance to musical instruments.
The jackfruit is consumed as a fruit, as a vegetable, and made into dessert, payasam, curry, papad, pickle, ice cream and so on. Its thick outer layer is loved by cattle. Its fruits contain big, beautiful seeds, holding the promise of the next generation of trees.
The jackfruit tree outlives generations. It is thus passed on as a tradition.
When I enter the large estate of a happy family with a thriving jackfruit tree, I feel the jackfruit truly symbolises the cultural tradition of the family, our society and our country!
"Man attains humility on acquiring true knowledge and wisdom. Humility qualifies him for greater things in life that confer wealth, righteousness and true happiness in succession."
Now, the joke is that you rarely find a truly humble scholar. Most "knowledgeable" people are quite arrogant and even dismissive of others. Those who are famous and successful have cultivated the art of appearing to be humble while they conduct a whole concerto, blowing their own trumpets.
So how do we interpret this line.... "Knowledge confers humility."????
Remember, this belongs to the time when all knowledge was acquired legitimately at the feet of a Guru. As Bhagavan Krishna says in the Gita,
"Oh, Arjuna, know that an offering of wealth is excelled by the offering of knowledge and wisdom. Indeed, all human endeavours seeking earthly and ephemeral gains are terminated when true knowledge and wisdom dawns on man. This you should seek from a Guru who has acquired true knowledge and wisdom and seen the truth; do this by bowing down to him, and serving him, and humbly asking him to answer your questions and doubts."
So, when one gets this wisdom from a true Guru, by supplication and earnest application and enquiry, what remains then? Not the ego, but true wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, the acid test for true knowledge is the dawn of humility, reverence for the Guru, and knowing how the Guru has indeed opened my eyes. I can then feel just gratitude and a sense of fulfilment, not arrogance!
So by bringing in the Guru element, you can explain "Vidyaa dadaati vinayam."
PS:
This does not apply to those who have been educated in Google, YouTube, Wikipedia and WhatsApp universities. Indeed, they don't have Vidyaa; where is the question of Vinaya?!?