We often wonder who is who...
Who or what is God? Where is God? Well, no one can really answer this question. The word God comes from the word OHG (before 12th century). It also means akin to, or cap... that is the supreme or ultimate reality. God the Being perfect in power, common in wisdom and goodness who is worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe.

ABEL
The second son of Adam and Eve was a shepherd. He offered the first born of his flocks as a sacrifice to the Lord, who was accepted, but His elder brother's offer of fruit of his ground was refused. Cain grew angry and killed Abel.

ABRAHAM
Was the founder of Judaism and ancestor of both the Arabs and the Jews. Arabs consider Abraham's elder son ISHMAEL as their ancestor, but Jews consider the second son ISAAC as their ancestor. Abraham, his son's Issac and Issac's son Jacob is called the Patriarchs of the Jews. Abraham means father of nations. God commanded Abraham and all males in his family to be circumcised as a symbol of their covenent. God promised many sons, but he was childless. Ishmael was born to Abraham through his maid with the consent of his wife Sarah. Ahraham is a very important figure for Muslims and mentioned in Quran.

ADAM & EVE
According to the Bible, Adam & Eve were the first man and woman created by God, as told in Genesis 2-3. God placed them in the Garden of Eden, tending the garden of God. They were not permitted to eat from the tree of good and evil. Even as a serpent forced Eve to eat fruit from this forbidden tree, Eve ate the fruit and Adam also ate it. As a result they became mortals and were exiled from Eden who started living outside the garden, toiling very hard and bearing children.

ADI SHANKARACHARYA
Adi Shankaracharya was one of the greatest philosopher's of all times. Sri Sankaracharya was born in Kaladi in Kerala in 788 AD. Even as a boy, he attended the Vedic school. He renounced the world before his mind could be influenced by the evil atmosphere and embraced monasticisn. After promising his mother that he would be by her bedside at her last moment- he went around in search of a teacher. He met Govind Bhagawat Pada and Omkarnath and obtained the wisdom and explored the Supreme Truth.
According to his Guru's wishes to establish Advaita Vedanta, he travelled widely, spreading the gospel of Unity in Diversity, worshipping the deities on the way. In the calm Himalayan heights, Sankara wrote commentaries on Upanishads, Bhagawat Gita, Brahma Sutra and the Prasthanatrayo (Triple Cannons). Shankara traveled all over the country and established four principal Monastery's. The Shringeri Math on the Shringeri Hills in the South, The Sharada Math at Dwaraka in the west, The Jyothir Math at Badarikashram in the north and the Govardhana Math at Puri in the east, assigning Rig Veda to the Govardhana Math, Yajurveda to Shringeri Math, Sama Veda to Sharada Math and Atharvana Veda to Jyothir Math.
He reformed and reinstituted the worship of the five deities, Ganapathy, Shiva, Narayana, Sun and Shakti, confirming the idea of image worship in the Vedas. According to the promise given, he performed the funeral rites of his mother and he passed away in Kedarnath at the age of thirty-two. He was the propounder of Advaita Siddhanta (Shaivism) and it is believed that Lord Shiva Himself manifested as Shri Adi Shankaracharya.

ALAVANDER
Alavander also known as Yamunacharya, he is believed to be the worthy predecessor of Saint Ramanujacharya. He stressed on the need of sincere intense mind to pray to God but not the rigid requisites. It is said that St. Alavander had laid a footpath to reach God's abode, St. Ramanuja had made it a royal road.

ALLAH
is the Arabic name for the Supreme Being of the religion of Islam. Muslims regularly repeat" There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the Apostle of Allah".

ALWARS
God's real form is a mystery. He made His appearance in many manifestations - yet it is beyond the human comprehension to identify Him. He made his aides to be born to explain the significance of Vedas while, He Himself adopted a role of a teacher to explain the Vedas and Gita.
These aids who were born to explain the Gita are Alwars - immersed in the ocean and made others immerse themselves with dedication. One of the most Zealous among the Alwars was Kulasekhara Alwar. The songs and verses composed by the Alwars are called Pasurams. Thirumangai Alwar had sung many verses on deities in Temples all over India. The soul-stirring divine hymns by the Alwars are called Divya Prabhandam.

ANDAL
Sri Andal, one of the twelve Alwars, the only female Saintess lived in the eighth century. St. Prialwar found her (as a baby) in the Tulasi garden of Sri Vatapatra Sai Temple. As a child, Andal grew up in Holy surroundings, worshipping the deity, Krishna, listening to the Vedas, epics, discourses, keetanams and Hymns, etc and developed extreme love for Krishna. Also known as Goda Devi, she used to first adorn herself the flowers garlands made for Lord Krishna and then offered to the Lord, which enraged her father Perialwar, but was assured by the Lord Himself in his dream, that He relished only the garlands worn by Andal.
She strongly believed Lord Krishna was her husband. With this firm belief in mind, she is the author of Thiruppavai of thirty hymns and Nachia Thirumozi, (143 Hymns), expressing her intense love to Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna ordered Perialwar in his dream to take her to the Sri Ranganatha temple in Srirangam and marry her to the Lord.
When she was taken there accordingly, in the view of a great assemblage, Andal's physical body merged with the deity, thus confirming the marriage and Andal is equally worshipped as the Goddess. The tranformation of a young girl devotee making flower garlands intended for the deity into a sacred symbol worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum of Vishnu temple is a wonder beyond comprehension.

ANNAMAYYA
Annamayya was a great Telugu Vaggeyakar- he was born born in Tallapaka in cudappah Dist. In Andhra Pradesh in 1424 AD. He had two wives, Thirumalamma and Akkalamma who cooperated with him in his efforts to write the famous keertanas on Lord Venkatesa. His style of writing Pallavi, Charanas was unique in his devotional songs. Though he composed 32,000 songs, only 12,000 have become popular. Another unique style of his songs are his Pada Kavitvam- an expression of one's feelings in the form of group of words, which was not familiar in Andhra Pradesh, unlike in other states. Meera Bai, Chandi Das, etc used Pada Kavitvam in their composition. Annamayya was not a mere composer, he thought of God, he read God, he wrote God and slept God, etc. It was a known fact that Lord Venkateswara enjoyed Annamayya's devotion and He usedto participate in his daily routine without Annamayya's knowledge. Perhaps no other devotee showed such pure and profound devotion to Lord Venkateswara. Each song is a gem and is getting more and more popular.

ANNIE WOOD BESANT- (1847-1933)
As young woman Annie Besant was a farsighted thinker. She had strong reformatory ideas, which did not augur well with the native people in Britain. She had to face opposition at every stage of her life in England - and as a result of her outlook and her final refusal to receive communion - lead to her separation from her husband, when she got custody of her daughter and her husband got custody of her son.

Frank Besant, her husband could not bear the modern outlook. She came into contact with other people well informed with the other religions, but she was drawn towards Hinduism. She wrote a number of articles while in London, under the pen name, AJAX, in favour of free thought and birth control. Being a Vicar's wife, she saw the living conditions of the poor people in her husband's parish, which aggrevated her dislike to religion- all this brought her to India where she founded the Central Hindu Collge at Varanasi in 1898. In 1916, she started the Indian Home Rule League.

She joined the Theosophical Society under the presidentship of Madame Blavatesky, before coming to India permanently in 1898 - she became the President of Indian National Congress in 1917. She was fully involved in the activities of Theosophical Society of India, which is located in Besant Nagar (named after her) in Chennai.

ARUNAGIRINATHER
Arunagirinather was one of the greatest Shivite Saints. In his early days he used to be after pleasure. Lord Subramanya appeared and taught him a special mantra, commanding him to visit various temples and sing in His praise. After realising God's command, St. Arunagirinather became a transformed person. His greatest literary contribution was his immortal Hymns "thiruppugazh" (about 16,00 hymns). Some of these hymns praise the traits of Lord Kapaleeswara. According to his songs, a devout person is described as always yearning to see the joy in the face of the devotees by removing their hardships and deriving pleasure in seeing the decorated deities they worship. By taking part in the religious rites, the Saint says, one could obtain blessings of the Almighty. The Saint describes the anxiety of saintly souls to establish righteousness.

AUROBINDO GHOSH
Aurobindo Ghosh was born on August 15th 1872, he was sent to England at the early age of seven years. He had more of English or western influence than oriental influence. After studying in London and Cambridge, he returned to India and worked in some Government Departments, mastering the languages Bengali and Sanskrit. Even while in service, his thoughts turned to both Political and Spiritual matters. He prepared for civil service examinations, but he was keener on improving the political field by bringing radical changes in the organization and the leadership.

He also took to Yoga and practiced Pranayama for four to five hours a day, which brought many changes in his life. He gave up his secure job and took part in the political agitation in Bengal. Subsequently, he was detained in Alipore Jail (1908-1909). He wrote some books- poetry and literary criticisms. He withdrew from Politics and turned to spiritualism. He retired to Pondichery (a French settlement) and devoted the rest of his life (1910-1950) to an intense sadhana of yoga and development of integral yoga.

On the advice of his Guru, he let himself to be totally led by the inner guide. In 1926, he withdrew himself to a room, away from all contacts, giving darshan to the public only four times in a year. Master's declaration in the Aurobindo Ashram that he founded was "all life is yoga", is followed by all the devotees in the Ashram. Sri Aurobindo was a born poet, writing exensively on mantric poetry and a number of essays on Kalidasa, Vyasa, Valmiki, and others. Sri Aurobindo's philosophy and Yoga have been accepted with a good deal of interest all over the world. He was for sometime, Editor of the News Letter Bande Mataram. He passed away in 1950, at the age of 78.

AVVAIYAR
Avvaiyar is known as the grand old poet Evangelist. The legend goes that once, on her pilgrimage, she took rest in an old dilapidated temple, stretching her legs towards the deity. Parvati (in heaven) was annoyed at her disrespect. In spite of her Lord Shiva telling her that it might not be intentional. Then Goddess Parvathy encountered Sri Avvaiyar and asked her for an explanation for her disrespect.
Her reply was "please show me the place where God is not present and I can stretch my legs that side. I thought God was omnipresent". Goddess Parvathy felt embarassed and vanished. Poet Avvaiyar stressed the need for a sound education for children right from the early days to make them show reverence to elders. Only sound spiritual will erase bad thoughts. St. Avvaiyar was a moral preacher. The St. also attributed greed and personal animosity for all vices and bad behaviour caused by lack of books containing tales, highlighting moral values.

Top

BAAL SHEM TOV (Israel)-1699-1761
The great Jewish mystic founded Hasidism, a popular pietist movement within Judaism, in which members dance and chant in glorification of the supreme Lord.

BASAVESWARA
Basaveswara was born in Bijapur Dist. Around 1101 AD, when conditions there were devoid of religious or moral conditions. His parents belonged to an orthodox Shivite Brahmin family. He was a rebel in his youth and left home in search of truth, peace and knowledge. Under the spiritual guidance of his guru Jataveda Muni, his personality developed and blossomed. Having married the daughter of a minister under King Bijala of Kalyana rose to the position of Chief Minister. He emphasised on the religious code of life, dignity of labour, all beings to be given equal respect and the King annulled regard and that work is worship- all reforms advocated by Basaveswara. Disgusted with the developments. He resigned his Chief Ministership, went to his spiritual guru, sometime later, he too attained Samadhi.

BENJAMIN
Benjamin was Joseph's younger brother and favourite son of Jacob, the wonderful affection between the brothers was mentioned in "Genesis" in the Bible. Benjamin was the founder of Israelite tribe called the Benjamines. Next in importance to Tabernacle in North Judah.

BUDDHA-563-483 BC
Siddharha was born in Kapilavasthu, in Nepal as a prince, an affluent prince Who was kept in a solitary residence with all princely comforts. Great care was taken to prevent him from witnessing the sufferings in the world lest he may be disenchanted. Once on a visit to an outside place, he did witness misery and death. Total transformation had taken place in his outlook and he discorded all his comforts and went forth as a monk. Eating only one grain of rice made him weak and resumed eating well. There was no difference in his outlook and found no answer. Thus he found midway between luxury and renunciation ( self denial).-as between a prince & a Hermit He believed that the root of all suffering is desire and ignorance This knowledge is enlightment. There after he was called Buddha 'Light of Divine'. Wisdom dawned on him while meditating under a tree. He preached ahimsa 7 universal law and his theories are called Buddhism.Buddha's way of life is one of moderation.

BRIGHAN YOUNG -(1801 - 1877)
Brighan Young was an American religious leader and was the second president of Mormon Church .he was one of the Church's most successful missionary. As a missionary in Great Briton, he converted many persons to his faith and arranged their emigration to the United States. With Brighan Young, s guidance, Mormons prospered in Utah in the United States

Top

CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was one of the greatest spiritual leaders. His message stressed on development of individual personality. He preached that every one had the right to worship God in whatever way he wanted. He also explained the need and effect of reciting God's names. He also emphaised that all souls are part & parcel of God. He brought about such an equality of humans through devotion to God .A humble being will know the value of God's names. It is said that Vedic literature predicted the advent of Lord Chaitanya and that chanting of Maha Mantra' Hare Rama Hare Krishna' spread widely by him would nullify the degrading conditions of the modern age. Though Lord Chaitanya spent all his time in chanting the people considered him as the incarnation of Lord himself. Yet the other spiritual men criticised him that he was only a sanyasi chanting all the time with out reading Vedasutras. Lord Chaitanya's holy chanting was based on Vedic scriptures. Lord Chaitanya's biographers record that he spent many years travelling all over India, spreading the chanting the holy name Krishna. The Kazi of Navdripa, the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya plotted to kill him for chanting in the streets despite his prohibitory orders. But the congregation and The Lord chanted with a deafening roar and Kazi himself was transformed in to devotee of the Lord.

CHINMAYANANDA SWAMY (1916- 1993)
Chinmayananda Swamy is the great saint from Kerala.He was a pleasant person and his motive also was to maintain a smiling appearance always and all circumstances. He was the founder of Chinmayananda Mission, which has a large membership in the country as well as abroad. His main ideal was Gitopadesam. Under the flagship of Chinmayananda Mission -many idealistic schools are opened -teaching morals, adoration for the teachers, parents, and elders along with the curriculam from a very young age which should be followed by other organizations also. He was very much peeved at the present day trend, saying 'From a feudal quite sleeping society, our country is marching in to the modern electronic age, with our hearts flaming with material articles and our head struck in to ugly and selfishness. The over emphasis of materialism has made individuals twisted and ugly in their essentials and cultural grace'

Top

DALAI LAMA
Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people? He is the head of the yellow Hat sect of Lamaism, a branch of Buddhism. He was also the political leader of Tibet until 1950.When more than one lakh of Tibetan Buddhists migrated to India after the Chinese revolt, the monks keep their ancient traditions alive at their monasteries in India. The monks offer their prayers at the Mandalas. Tibetans believe that each Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of the previous one. The present Dalai Lama has spent years in exile after the Chinese occupation of Tibet, campaigning though non-violent demonstrations for the liberation of Tibetan people, and has always strived for peace. His devotion to peace got him the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize.

DAVID SAINT - (520-589? )
David Saint is the patron saint of Wales.No detailed or correct information is avalible on David's life. He is said to have founded a number of Welsh monasteries including St. David at Mynylo in southwestern wales. Mynylo is now called St. David. It is believed that he had served the leader of Welsh Church. According to legend David was born in to a prominent Welsh family and studied under the Monk Saint Paulinus.

DNYANESWAR
Saint Dnyaneswar (1275-1296) AD- is also called Dnyandev.This sain poet performed his greatest miracle in composing Dnyaneswari his immortal commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi, when he was barely 15 years old. In one instance when he had to prove his statement that animals & human beings are equal -he showed divine power by making a buffalo recite the whole of Rigveda. When some bigots started beating the saint, not agreeing with his philosophy they were stupified to notice the whip marks on the body of Dnyaneswar too. He expressed his desire to enter samadhi, considering his life mission fulfilled and his contempory Namdev made all the preperations and the saint poet after due salutations to Lord Panduranga, he entered Sajeeva Samadhi at Alandi in Maharashtra, his native place. . Some of his noted contributions are Haripatha (lessons of Hari). Dnyaneswar, Anubhavamrita, (The nector of Experience) Changdev Pasasthe Etc.

Top

EKNAATH(1533-1599 )
Saint Eknaath was said to have been born in the ancient city of Paithan.( Pratistan on the banks of river Godavari in Maharashtra.It is widely believed that Lord Panduranga Vithal himself manifested as Eknaath, to save the degrading world.Eknaath received his early education from his own father a well learned saint who attained Brahmam. On hearing a voice fom above to take initiation, he left home to take a guru-served him for 6 years, Eknaath was a personification humility, Courtesy, affection, and spirit of forgiving. Pleased with his devotion, Lord appeared to him several times, but also served him in the guise of a servant for 12 years. Eknaath was a poet of high order, scholar in Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian. He wrote commentary on Bhagavata Purana in Marathi and also Rukmini Swayamvaram. It is said that saint Dnyaneswar also appeared to him in his dreams to advise him. Saint Eknaath announced the date of his Niryana in advance and attained Jala Samadhi-walking into river Godavari.

Top

GABRIEL- An archangle -the heralder of good news. It is said that the angel appeared for the Shepherds near Bethelhem and alerted them about the birth of Jesus Christ on the night of 24th December.

GOBIND SINGH GURU
Gobind Singh Guru was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, occupying a high place among the Sikhs. In his autobiography, The Bachitra Natak- he mentioned that God spoke to him and asked him to instruct men of righteousness and moral law and tell them to desist from evil. He was born at Patna in 1666 AD, to Guru Teg Bahadur- the ninth Guru. When Aurangazeb asked Guru Teg Bahadur to embrace Islam or face death, he flatly denied to embrace Islam and he was slain by the Moghuls at Gurudwara Sisghani in Delhi. It was Guru Govind Singh who pleaded with his father to defy the Moghuls. Guru Govind Singh was an ideal son, ideal husband and ideal father too. He was God-intoxicated philosopher and a sincere husband and lover of mankind. He never bore enmity to his enemies also. He created Khalsa in 1699, an event of world significance. Khalsa is an army of eternal Lord. Their distinguishing features are, uncut beard, unshorn hair with a turban, an iron bangle, a sword dangling on the left, underwear for the loins and a comb in the hair. He combined in himself, both a poet and a man of devotion. His ultimate aim was to maintain peace for humanity. He was a linguist of rare attainments. He was the author of a long letter in Persian verse Safarnama, which he sent to Aurangazeb, who appreciated the letter, spirit and language. Within the brief span of 42 years, he showed uniqueness in his concern for high social and ethical values.

GOPANNA
Gopanna is better known as Bhaktha Ramadas, as a young boy was initiated in to spiritualism by Bhaktha Kabir, who named him Ramadas. While functioning as a Govt. employee Ramadas utilised the state funds to construct a temple for Lord Sri Ramachandra at Bhadrachalam preferring the God's need to the state. As the money was not replaced, he was imprisoned for embezzlement of state funds.But Lord Rama his personal Deity replenished the cash and made the ruler release him. The temple at Bhadhrachalam is renowned in Andhra Pradesh.Ramadas's agony while in jail was a source of some greatest kirtanas in ccarnatic music.

GORA KUMBHAR
Gora Kumbhar was a potter by profession.-born in Maharashtra-derived extreme bliss,ever retaining God's vision in his heart .Even while making pots, he used to sing the glory of God, quite oblivious to the surroundings. One day Gora Kumbar was ecstatic with joy., singing and chanting the name of God and his child crept in to the mud he was working with.Absolutely unaware of all this, he went on working in the clay and crushed the baby to death.-flesh torn to pieces and mixed up with the clay.-people around him realized the tragedy , cursed him, and abused him as a murderer.But Gora Kumbhar continued his chanting and suddenly realized what happened. He prayed to God ardently, pleaded with Him and rebuked himself. Lord Panduranga pleased with his concentrated devotion, handed over the child back to life to the father. People then realized the greatness of Gora Kumbhar and started adoring him.

Top

HASAN AND HUSSAIN
Hasan and Hussain were the two great- grandchildren of Prophet Mohammed. They were Imams of Islam. The Prophets followers were divided into two factions after the Prophet's death. There was swing towards establishing kingdom and swaying from the accepted norms. When Hasan and Hussain tried to set right matters, they were killed near Kufa and Karbala. This happened on the tenth of Moharram, the first month of Islamic calender. Hence, that day of Moharram is called and celebrated as mourning day by Muslims all over the world.

HAZRAT IBRAHIM
Prophets were chosen by God, who was intensely liked by Him. But, they were also put to several tests when they came out triumphant. Once Ibrahim had a dream that he had to sacrifice his son Ismail, who, in his turn willingly responded to his father's wish. The sacrifice was carried out, but a live Ram replaced Ismail, which was slain- accepted as God's gift. Muslims as Bakrid commemorate this event even today. God actually did not actually ask for such a sacrifice but wanted to see or test his implicit obedience. To test the Supreme act of submission to the will of God, Prophet Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son. The intervention of God by placing a ram on the ground under the knife and saving his son shows God's love and appreciation of Ibrahim's deep devotion. Pilgrims even now make a promise to God that they will devote themselves in the true spirit of Prophet Ibrahim.

Top

ISAAC - (Bible)
Isaac was one of the patriarchs (Bishops in orthodox and Roman Catholic churches)- He was the son of Abraham and Sarah and father of Jacob and Esau. Jacob was the son of Isaac and father of the founder of the twelve tribes of Israel.

ISMAIL - (Bible)
Ismail was the son of Abraham and Hager. He and his mother were made outcasts. Immanuel (Bible) a name given by Isaiah to the messiah of his prophesy. The name is often applied to Jesus.

Top

JAYADEVA
Bhaktha Jayadeva was born in Orissa near Puri. He composed verses and sang them too. As he sang, his wife used to dance in ecstacy. It is believed that Jayadeva was a manifestation of Sage Vyasa. Verses from Gita Govinda composed by Jayadeva are about Lord Krishna and are also called Ashtapadis. It is also a reference to all the ten Divine incarnations. Once Jayadeva was unhappy with the structure of the verse and sentiments expressed therein and left it and went for his bath. The Lord, in his absence, came and finished the verses as per the satisfaction of Jayadeva. When he returned, he was thrilled to see that God had come and finished the verse and his wife witnessed the scene without knowing it was God Himself. He was happy at the previlege of the wife seeing the Lord in human form. The poet was once pushed into a well by jealous people but was saved by Divine intervention. Gita Govindam verses are sung even now with great pleasure.

JEHOVAH
Jehovah is another form of Yahweh-the sacred Hebrew name for God-The first name revealed by God to the Israelite head Moses. This name Yahweh gradually changed to Jehovah-meaning God or Christ.

JEHOVA's WITNESSES Jehova's Witnesses are members of a religious group that used the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society as its corporate body. They took their name from Isaiah-'Ye are my witnesses - saith Jehovah and I am God' (American Standard Version). The witnesses believed there is one God called Jehovah. They considered the resurrected Jesus to be Divine in nature, but as God's son, not equal to God. As Father, Abel was the first Jehova's witness. Jehovah's witnesses conducted activities throughout the world.

JEREMIA
Jeremia was a Hebrew Prophet. He began prophesying - continued prophesying during the fall of the Kingdom of Judah to Babylonia and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 587BC.

JEROME SAINT- (340-420)
Jerome Saint was a great Biblical scholar of the Christian Church. Jerome produced many religious works beside Bible translation. He lived as a monk for several years in Syrian desert (Turkey) and was ordained a Priest in 379 in Antioch.. In 382 he returned to Rome and became secretary to Pope Damascus 1. He left Rome after the Pope's death. And settled in Bethelhem and founded Monastaries for men & women.

JESUS CHRIST
Jesus was one of the world's greatest religious leaders. An Angel appeared before Joseph, husband of Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus and told him that a child of Holy Spirit would be born to Virgin Mary and He should be named Jesus. Jesus was born to Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea. The then King Herod was told by some wise men that a King of the Jews is born. The King became jealous and ordered massacre of all new born children. But, Jesus was saved as his father fled with him to Egypt. After the death of the King Herod, Jesus returned to Galilee and then to Nazareth. He was baptised at the river Jordan by John the Baptist and since then, Jesus started and showed heavenly qualities. The Angel visited Joseph and Mary to tell them to flee from King Herod, which is known as annunciation. At the age of 12, Jesus went to Jerusalem with his parents and surprised the scholars in the temple with his knowledge of religion. The birth of Jesus in a stable where Virgin Mary and Joseph took shelter is called Nativity. Gospels tell of many miracles that Jesus performed, Jesus' s proclamation of Kingdom of God pleased many people, but antagonized some leaders. The suffering of Jesus in his last days is called passion. He was charged with treason, by claiming himself as a king of Jews. The Roman Governor sentenced Jesus to crucifixion. - Jesus submitted himself to God. He had his last meal with his disciples, which is called The Last Supper. He was dressed in red robes and a crown of thorns was placed on his head. Jesus was nailed to a cross outside the city on a hill called Golgotha (Calvary). A Roman soldier pierced his body with a spear, yet Jesus prayed to God to forgive his Torturers, as they were not aware of his wrong doings His forgiveness was exemplary. His body was taken to a new tomb and sealed with a stone.

The Gospel's tell how Mary Magdallene went to the tomb of Jesus who found the stoned away and found the stone empty. It is said that Jesus had resurrected reappeared, but stayed on earth for only 40 days and left for heaven. His rising to Heaven is called ascension. His teachings are so noble, so liberal and universal, Jesus lived in God, loved in God, taught in God, suffered in God, so that we also live and love like him. Jesus was an ideal preacher, a friend, a guide and a repository of all rare virtues.

JOAN OF ARC SAINT (1412-1431)
Joan of Arc Saint was a French national heroine who became a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. She was a simple peasant girl who rescued France from defeat in the darkest period of the hundred year's war with England. Her first great triumph was to lead a French army against the English who had lost seige to the city of Orbans. She was often called The Maid of Orleans in honour of the victory. She never learnt to read or write, but she was a devout Catholic. By the age of thirteen years, Joan was having religion visions and hearing of the voices of Saints. Their voices made her believe that God had wanted her to help King Charles VII of France in the war. Although she was laughed away initially, she was ultimately helped by the Commander to fulfil her mission. The English tried her on charges of witchcraft and heresy. Unfortunately, the tribunal of French clergy believed the English and burnt her before a large crowd. On a second trial, she was proved innocent and also beautified by Pope Puis X and in 1920, Pope Benedict XV declared Joan a Saint.

JONAH
Jonah was a Hebrew Prophet, thrown overboard in a storm - was swallowed by a big fish, but later was cast up unharmed- in general, any person said to bring harm.

JOSEPH
Joseph was Jacob's eleventh son, who was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers but became a high official there. He was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

JOSHUA
Joshua was the Successor of Moses and leader of the Israelites into the Promised Land during the conquest of Cancan.

JUDAH
Judah was the fourth son of Jacob (Hd. Yehudah). He was the founder of Judaism. -Jewish religion.

JUDE SAINT
Jude Saint was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, listed in the Gospel of Luke as the son of James or brother of James in the same version. Jude is a Patron Saint of desperate causes. The Judes' feast day along with the feast of Simian the Zealot is on June 18th.

Top

KALIDASA
Kalidasa was a renowned author of many Sanskrit scriptures like Raghuvamsa, Megha Sandesha. He emphasised on the effect of yoga for everybody in daily life and before the soul departs from the body. He stressed that we must be able to die with a smile on our lips-, as that smile would remain permanently after death, meaning people will have a pleasant picture after we die. He was not even a mediocre man regarding literature, but was devoted to Goddess Kali Matha. It is believed that he was blessed by Kali Matha who had implanted Beejaksharas on his tongue while he was praying and that was the beginning of the free flow of language, sutras, poems and kavitvam.

KRISHNAMURTHY JIDDU
Krishnamurthy Jiddu was a small Telugu speaking boy found at Adayar in 1909 by Mr.Lead Beater of Theosophic Society. He was 14 years of age and innocent. But at one glance, Annie Besant was impressed by his expression, expecting great spiritual inspiration in him. He was considered the third Maitreya (the earlier two avatars were Lord Krishna and Jesus Christ). Annie Besant had taken over the guardianship of Krishnamurthy. JK as he was popularly called his brother Nityananda- under a letter signed with their father Jiddu Naranayya's written consent. Annie Besant identified JK as the chosen one, who would be an important personality, bringing great spiritual awakening to the people. The brothers were given formal education in England. Lead Beater performed JK's initiation ceremony. Therewere signs of his flourishing into a great Saint but his father was highly unhappy with his association with Lead Beater and withdrew him from his clutches. But there was no stopping JK from his spiritual brilliance when great luminaries acknowledged his supremacy in his knowledge.Devotees thronged to learn his speeches and he authored several high valued volumes. Sri Shakespeare Radhakrishnan and Pupul Jayakar were some of the few luminaries who glorified his knowledge and his literary works. Like Chinmayananda, he was a contemporary saint. 1895-1986

KSHETRAYYA
Maha Kavi Kshetrayya is a renowned poet in Telugu, concentrating mainly on his favourite Lord Krishna, calling Him Muvva Gopala. Kshetrayya's greatest compositions were called Padams. Having a unique place among the musical luminaries of India, he is the father of the musical form of Padam. His Padas were brimful of Raaga Bhaava and Rasa Bhaava. They were saturated with feelings admirably illustrious. Composers like Thyagaraja and Shyama Sasrty admired Kshetrayy's Padams, full of devotion and praise to Lord Krishna. His Padams figured both in music concerts and dance concerts which is the proof of the worth of their Sangeetha and Sahitya. His theme of Nayaka and Nayaki bhavaas are highly appreciated in dance sequences.

Top

LAZARUS
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany. He was raised from the dead after four days by Jesus Christ (the deceased beggar in Jesus' parables).

LORD MAHAVEERA
Lord Mahaveer was the 24th Thirthankara or prophet of the Jain religion- One of the oldest living religions of the world. Mahaveer was born in BC 599 at Kundagrahma near Patna in Bihar.It is believed that his mother Queen Trishala saw 14 auspicius dreams when the child was in the womb. His parents named him Vardhamana. From his childhood he was indifferent to wordly matters. At the age of 30 years, with the consent of his elders he renounced the world, became a wandering monk. On hearing his preaching 11 eminent Brahmin scholors became his disciples- Lord Mahaveera established four fold congregation of monks, nuns, laymen devotees. In the sangha so established, there was no difference between men & women. The women were also initiated as nuns, a great revolutioary step-He went preaching for 30 long years-the religion of Ahimsa (non violence).-Anekanta ( non absolution ) and Apargraha ( non possession ). At the age of 72 years he attained samadhi in Pavapuri in Bihar.

LOYOLA SAINT IGNATIUS- 1491-1556
Loyola Saint Ignatius was a Roman Catholic religious leader, who founded the Society of Jesus. Members of this religious order of men are known as Jesuits. While fighting the French at Pamplona, Ignatius suffered severe wounds. During the long period of recovery, he read a book on the life of Jesus and other stories of Saints. This had an effect on his attitude to abandon his life of ambition and pleasure. After the recovery, he went to Bendective Monastry nar Barcelona where he hung up his sword at the altar of Virgin Mary and dedicated himself to spiritual life. He wrote "Spiritual Exercises" between 1522 and 1541. Ignatius was ordained a priest in 1537. He and other Jesuits went to Rome and after a vision, Pope Paul III approved the society of Jesus and Ignatius was made its first Superior General (Head) and remained thus till his death. He was canonised (declared a Saint) by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. His feast day is July 31st.

LUKE- SAINT
Luke was an early Christian about whom little is known. He was a friend of St. Paul, who described Luke as a "beloved Physian". Some identify him as the author of the third Gospel while some dispute it. His feast day is October 18th.

LUTHER MARTIN- 1483-1546
Luther Martin was the leader of reformation, a religious movement that led to the birth of Protestantism. His transation of Bible into German is a literary masterpiece. He was also the author of Small Catechism in 1529-, which was known as layman's Bible. In simple language, he summarised in Catechism, what Christians should believe and how they should love. Millions of people have learnt the fundamentals of Christianity from Luther's Catechism. Initially he was a lawyer, but in 1505, entered a monastery after undergoing an intense religious experience during a thunderstorm. Luther was puzzled about many questions about God and religion. After an extensive study and effort, he came to the conclusion that God's favour to us is a gift, unrelated to our efforts. In 1521, Luther was excomminicated by Pope Leo X. Luther's convention is that God is the soul author of everything and no man can be credited with the benefit. He was unhappy to find his name linked with any of his reforms but Lutherinism remains the name of the doctrines and beliefs that he originated. By the time of his death, Luther was recognised as a major figure in the history of Christianity and the world in general. He symbolizes the split within Christianity between Protestants and Roman Catholics.

LYTE HENRY FRANCIS- 1793-1847
Lyte Henry Francis was a British Clergyman and remembered for the Hymns he wrote- the most famous being "Abide with me" and "Jesus I My Cross Have Taken". He was ordained asa Minister in the Anglican Church when he was 21 years old.

Top

MADONNA - Mary-Mother of Jesus-A picture of statue of Virgin Mary

MALACHI was Hebrew Prophet of the 5th centuary. -Author of book of prophecies.

MANASSEH was the elder son of Joseph-The tribe of Israel descended from him.

MANAVALA MAMUNIGAL
It is believed that Manavala Mamunigal was the incarnation of one of the God's Apostle who was sent by God Himself, to enlighten the erring humanity (1370-1443AD)- a manual of Sri Vaishnavism called "Sri Vachana Bhushanam" was a brilliant commentary authored by him. It is also believed that Saint Ramanuja was reborn as Manavala Mamunigal. He is considered to be the last who occupied the Pontific Seat of Ramanuja at Srirangam. He says in one of his verses that he was fortunate to have received grace from Lord Ranganatha Himself. He remained absorbed in the teachings of Alwars and Acharyas. He got ordained into ascetic order and was given the name of Manavala Mamunigal by Lord Ranganatha Himself. As commanded by the Lord Himself, he expounded Thiruvoimozhi for one full year. It is said that the Lord Himself sang a verse, appearing as a boy, and disappeared.

MANU
Manu the lawgiver had given the code of life to humanity. Laws codified by Manu give details of judicial administration, social norms, religious rules and political stragegies. In Manu's code, the cow had been held sacred and hence its killing had been made a crime- Manu's code or Dharma Sastra emphasises the purificatory and propitiatory aspects of Mantras to clear one's hearts. Manu's code defines all the laws- how a couple should behave, how to respect elders, how to follow festivals, the duties of a wife, a husband, a son, etc. The code also defined the laws how to pay one regards and perform religious rites to the departed relatives. The code mentions about crimes and punishments.

MARTHA - a woman rebuked by Jesus for fussing over chores while he talked with her sister Mary.

MARY - Mother of Jesus-sister of Martha -Also known as Virgin Mary.

MARY MAGDALENE
Mary Magdalene was the woman out of whom Jesus cast out seven devils. She is also identified as the repentant woman..

MEERABAI
When the children of her age was playing with dolls Meerabai used to play with a figure of Lord Krishna Sings songs on him composed by her. She imagined Lord Krishna to be her husband and spent the whole day only in singing songs on Lord Krishna and doing the chores as a wife would do her consort-Ignoring all this deep devotion she was married to a ruler in Rajasthan much against her wishes. But she did not abandon her devotion to Lord Krishna Meerabai became rapturous with her bhajans to Lord Krishna which was despised by her husband and mother-in-law. They tried to persecute her in many ways but she was unharmed. Ultimately, her husband realised that Meera was a messenger of God and that her devotion was divine. He then helped her in her pursuits and built a temple for Lord Krishna at Brindavan, where Meera settled down immersed in rendering the devotional songs.

MESSIAH
Traditionally Jews believed that God would send a Messiah to save them. Messiah means the anointed one. The Book of Isaiad describes the Messiah as a just ruler who will guide the Jewish people and lead them in God's way. The Messiah will correct the wrongs and defeat the enemies of the people. Some believe that Jesus is that Messiah and some still expect that Messiah to come.

MICHAEL
Michael was one of the Archangels. He is the patron angel and guardian of Israel. In art Michael is usually portrayed as a warrior. He is identified as the angel in acts 7:38. Who gave the law to Moses on mount Sinai. Feast day is September 29th. (Michaelmas).

MOHAMMED THE PROPHET
Mohammed the Prophet was a Prophet and divine messenger whose teachings spread throughout the world. (570-632AD). A great religious leader of Arabia, and the founder of Islam, he is also called the Prophet of Islam and his followers are called Muslims. He infused the spirit of rationalism and freethinking into mankind. Though he was never taught to read and write, he has left a legacy of a book of wise ideas, in beautiful language. Mecca, the place where he was born is a great pilgrim centre for Muslims. He taught the people that there is only one God named Allah. His belief in his divine mission gave him strength to bring about enlightenment to the people. He practiced what he preached and followed the Laws of Quran in his daily life. Mohammed was a Prophet, but also an orator, apostle, legislator, warrior and restorator of the religious cult, a philosopher and founder of one spiritual empire. He emphasised even on his deathbed that he was only a human being with a divine mission but no divine being. Mohammed married a wealthy widow Khadija, 15 years older than himat the behest of his uncle, who brought him up, from his birth. They had two sons and four daughters. The sons died young but his daughter Fatima who married Ali. Mohammed descendents came from Fatima and Ali.

MOTHER
The Mother is the spiritual authority, who took over the Aurobindo Ashram after the death of Sri Aurobindo. She was a French woman and a great devotee of the Saint. She died in 1973 at the age of 97 years. She was greatly involved in the activities of the Ashram, especially Yoga and Meditation. The Mother's meditation room is open to public on her birth anniversary, February 21st. And her death anniversary, November 17th.

MOSES
Moses was the leader who brought the Israelites outs of slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. He received the Ten Commandments.

Top

NAHUM
Nahum was the Hebrew Prophet of the 7th. Century. It is also his book containing his prophecies. Chapter I is a vision of God. Chapter II and III describe the capture and destruction of Ninevah, the capital of the hated and feared Assyrian Empire.

NAMDEV- (1270-1350)
Sant Namdev was born in a tailor's family. Both his parents were ardent devotees of Lord Vithoba of Pandarpur. He was regarded as the incarnation of Uddhava. It is believed that he had been blessed with the vision of Lord Krishna in his childhood. He was neither interested in his studies nor in his business. He was a desciple of Sant Dnyaneshwar. Lord Vithal was always gracing Namdev. As one instance, Namdev prostrated before the deity Nagnath in the Holy city of Aundha regarded as second Kailas and sang a devotional Kirtan. The listeners were ecstatic with joy and bhakthi. But the priests were annoyed by the attention drawn by Namdev and ordered him to go to the back of the temple to sing and dance or whatever he wanted to do. Namdev felt humiliated and prayed ardently to Lord Siva (Nagnath). To his surprise and everyone else's, it was a miracle to see the Deity and temple that had been facing east turned round to the west to please and honour Namdev. To this day that temple at Aundha stands with its back to the rising Sun. Namdev had succeeded in spreading the value of Bhagavat Dharma even in the north. He was highly valued even by the Sikhs who included his verses in their Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Arjun Singh declared that there was no difference between Namdev and God.Namdev returned to Pandarpur in his eightieth year and attained Samadhi. He was buried on the doorstep of the temple.

NAMMALWAR
Nammalwar was one of the 12 Alwars whom God has chosen as a special one. Nammalwar was forever pleading with Sriman Narayana to grant him Moksha. The Lord wanted Nammalwar to finish his great composition called THIRUVOI MOZHI or DIVYAPRABANDAMas the Lord wanted the humanity tobenifit by the saint's magnificent Hymns. In general all Alwars are chosen representatives of God., but Nammalwar was a special one. That is why God was keen that Nammalwar should complete his monumental work Longing to attain Moksha, Nammalwar was at a loss to understand why he was chosen this work when there was so many Maharishies reputed for their Brahma Jnana. Lord with out giving a direct reply, revealed his Viswa Darshan, pervading the entire universe. Alwar was stupified and resolved to complete the Prabandam. The concluding section of his Divya Prabandam describes the soul's journey towards the Divine goal to gain infinite bliss- the Lord's abode. Nammalwar's Hymns were so popularised that they are valued even now.

NANAK GURU
Guru Nanak the founder of the great Sikh religion was born in 1469 at Talwandi in the district of Lahore. (Now in Pakistan). -From his childhood Nanak was of religious temperament. His teachers were astonished at his inborn knowledge about spiritual matters. Nanak used to spend all the money that was given to buy something for him, he was to spend on charities. He was the first among the Hindus to condemn the evil cutoms and differences in caste & creed. He started his mission of spreading the new Gospel to probagate divine love. His message was work, worship, and share your food with others. Guru Nanak's stress on religion is basically ethical. He laid down the duty of offering prayers with devotion. He preached that remembrance of God and service to humanity is the essential necessities of spiritual life. Guru Nanak's whole life was based on ideal combination, of ethical, spiritual and professional conduct. Despite the spiritual devotion, the gurus of Sikhism showed their war like patriotism and never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Dharma, The first five Sikhs baptised were called 'Panj Pyare'. Guru Nanak ordained the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh's holy scripture would be the ultimate authority of Sikhsm. He taught through verses that directly came to him from Heaven through divine inspiration & communion with God. The collection of their teachings is called JAPJI SAHIB. He was loved & adored by the Hindus & Muslims. Sikhism accepted some of the basic doctrines of Hinduism and enlarging & deepening their meanings. They believe in nothing but one supreme God.

NANDANAAR
Nandanaar was the greatest devotee of Lord Nararaja of Chidambaram. Nandanaar hailed from the most backward class and was eking out his living by tannering skins & hides. - Used for temple instruments. When the people were trying to push him out of their vicinity. - God made the priests realise his greatness and asked them to include him in their group Nandanaar's life clearly highlight that caste is of no consideration in receiving divine grace. God invited the saint Nandanaar to his temple at Chidambaram. True devotion will fetch rich reward..

NARADA
Sage Narada is better known as divine Bard. A pleasant figure, playing his Thambura, singing devotional songs and traverssing different kingdoms of the universe, is a familiar figure. Sage Narada who was closely associated with God thought that no one equalled him in devotion which was disproved by God himself.. Having free access to all the Gods, with Gods in turn asking Narada as to the state of affairs in the universe., he was very proud of his achivements -Though Sage Valmiki knew the story of Sri Rama he wanted the narration to come from an Acharya . Narada in his turn was waiting for a competent person

To write the epic. When the poet approched him he was too happy to narrate while Valmiki deemed Narada as an ideal man, repositary of all virtues with no defect- and put down the epic in 24000 verse edifice.

NARAYANA GURU
Narayana Guru was a visionary & a social reformer worked for the promotion of the welfare of the downtrodden and a master of the Sanskrit & Tamil scriptural literature. Each person may belong to a particular religion, but he said truth, brotherhood, love & kindness are inherent in every religion. The goal before every one is common. Lord Krishna's acting as a charioteer to Arjuna is an example of equalness. He spread the message that all religions led people to the same end. Sri Narayana Guru disapproved the distinction between man a man based on caste was his stirring message for humanity. Sri Narayana Guru who hailed from Kerala consecrated several temples, opened many schools, and established Sivagiri math

At Varkale in 1904.A qualified medical man from Trivandrum Dr. Palpu, another young man Kumaran and Narayan Guru, the three of them worked together and started a movement called Sri Narayana Dharma Paripala Sangha S.N.D.P. for short. They worked together for the uplift of the backward and downtrodden community. Gandhiji, Tagore, Sri Ramana Maharishi and other distinguished persons met him and very much impressed by his spiritual eminence.. Sri Narayana Guru was a great poet -he was a saint poet.

NAYANMARS-63
Saivaite saints known as Nayanmars show their tremendous devotion and saw Lord Siva, as shown in Periyapuranam by Sekkilar.. Their outpourings were presented as Thevarams and other Hymns showed how religion formed paet of man's daily actvities -reminded at every stage of the divine. These saints were free from the 3 types of attachements, with which a commen man is affected.

1) Affection retains towards the spouse
2) Desire to accumulate wealth and
3) Blend affection towards the children. Nayanmars & Alwars had sung God's praise in their Hymns and made images talk. Theit devotional outpourings in Tamil & Sanskrit are the eyes of our religion.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR (605-562 BC)
Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylone. He captured Jerusalem in 587 BC and destroyed the city. He seized some Jews and sent them to Babylon. The Old Testament tells of Nebudchadnezzar's spells of madness when he would imagine himself as an ox and would go to fields and eat grass.

NICHOLAS SAINT- (300AD)
Nicholas Saint is one of the most popular saints of the Christian Church. He is the patron saint of sailors. Travellers, bakers and merchants. He was Bishop of Myra in Licia on the coast of Asia Minor. Many miracles were credited to him.

NOAH
According to the Bible & Quran, Noah was the only righteous, God-fearing man of his time. Genesis 6-9 tells us that he was chosen by God to keep some people and animals alive during the deluge, a great flood. Noah warned people for 120 years that the flood was coming. During that time, Noah built a ship called the ARK, which was 137 m long. He took into the Ark, his family, enough birds and animals to re-populate the earth. The rain poured for 40 days and 40 nights. Even when the water rose above the highest mountains, the Ark floated safely. When the water dropped enough after the flood started, the Ark was able to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah offers sacrifice to Godfor deliverance and God promised him that He would never send another flood to destroy the earth. He made the rainbow a sign of promise.

Top

OMAR IBNAL- KHATTAB (586-644)
Omar Ibnal- Khattab was the second Calyph (successor to Mohammed as leader of the Muslim community) after the death of the Prophet Mohammed in 632. Omar was the first to assume the title of Commander of the faithful. Omar was born in Mecca and was a member of the Prophet's own tribe Quraysh. At first, he opposed the new religion, but he was converted to it in 615. He accompanied the Prophet into exile at Medina and became one of his closest advisors. Mohammed married Omar's daughter. In 634 Omar became Caliph and presided over a massive and systematic expansion of the Islamic empire.

Top

PATHANJALI SAGE
Pathanjali was a great Indian sage- over 1,500 years ago, composed a book of aphorisms called "Yoga Sutras". It is not an original philosophy, but a compilation and reformulation. The book contains references to Yoga practices, spiritual discipline and techniques of meditation. The Yoga doctrine is said to have been handed down from pre-historic times. Who was Pathanjali- hardly anything is known about him. Pathanjali sutras were intended to be expanded and explained. Pathanjali was believed to have been a follower of Sankhya philosophy. Pathanjali, the great master of the Yoga system had a scientific outlook. Pathanjali was obviously a devotee of God and his yoga system is known as philosophy that accepts Ishwara as God. The great Saint Patanjali had explained all about asanas and about Pranayama in only eight Sutras. This process of Yoga and meditation he said can be easily adapted to the part of Bhakthi also where Ishta Devata (chosen deity) becomes the object of meditation.

PATRIARCH
Patriarch was the father or ruler of a tribe in ancient times. Abraham, Isack & Jacob were the Patriarches of Hebrew nation. In later Jewish history the highest governing council of the Jews, held the title of Patriarch. The Bishops of Rome, Alexandria, and Antiochi were recognised as Patriarchs in the3000. In the Roman Catholic Church the pope has the title Patriarch.

PATRICK SAINT-(389 - 461 )
Patrick Saint is the patron saint of Ireland,. Patriarch was chiefly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. He became known as the apostle to the Irish.

PAUL SAINT
Paul Saint was one of the most important leaders of early Christianity. He became famous as a missionary and a founder congregations through out Asia Minor His followers form a significant part of the New Testament. Paul is sometimes called as an Apostle, though he was not one of the 12 Apostels of Jesus. Paul a Jew of birth was born a few years after the birth of Jesus.. In Jerusalem he met Jews who believed in Jesus and became Christians. Paul began persecuting their Jews as their beliefs offended him. But one day, while travelling to Damascus, he encountered the Riser Christ. This experience impressed him so much, that he became a Christian.

PERIALWAR
Vishnu Chitta was the first of the Alwars to sing benedictory songs for the protection of the Lord from evil eyes caused by human beings and wished him a long life (pallandu). For this, he earned the title "Perialwar"- foremost among the galaxy of the Alwars. Perialwar lived in Srivilliputtur in Tamilnadu doing service to God. He god a dream where he was commanded to contest to decide who among the Gods was supreme and what was the easiest and effective way to reach God. Though he hesitated due to lack of language, by the sheer grace of God, words started pouring to establish the greatness of Shri Narayana and the significance of Pranava (Om). And the easiest way to reach God was to surrender at his feet.After winning the prize -as he was taken on an elephant in a procession, Sri Vishnu mounted on a Garuda, made his appearance . he went in to raptures, composed several verses known as Pasurams and he was made to give his foster daughter Andal in marriage to Lord Ranganatha

PETER SAINT (64AD)
Peter Saint was a leading apostle of Jesus. He was the leader of the early Christian community in Jerusalem and is a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible. His original name was Simon and Jesus gave him the name Peter. Jesus chose Peter to be the first head of the Church. It is believed that Pope's position was established through Peter.

PHILIP OF BETHSALDA SAINT
Philip of Bethsalda Saint was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is prominent in the New Testament Gospel of John. He was present at the miracle of the feeding of the multitude. He was one of the firsts to be called Apostle.

PILATE PONTIUS
Pilate Pontius was Roman Governor of Judea at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus (26-30AD). The New Testament portrays him as generally weak and poor at making decisions, while the Jewish sources depict him as a strong figure of authority. At one point, Pilate offered to release Jesus from Crucifixion, probably because he was not convinced of Jesus' guilt. Both Pilate and his wife Procla were the Saints of Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

PILGRIMS FATHERS
Pilgrims Fathers was the early English settlers in New England Colony in America. These people belonged to the body of English Protestants known as Puritans. The Puritans wished to adopt reforms that would purify the Church of England, the nation's official church.

POPE JOHN PAUL
Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The church regards the Pope as its visible head and Jesus Christ as its invisible and Supreme Head. Almost all the Popes had been Italian. Pope John Paul was born in Poland. Pope has two basic powers, spiritual and temporal or administrative. The Roman Catholics believed that infallible are incapable of error. He appoints Cardinals and Bishops and establishes Dioceses. Like other Clergy, the Pope wears a distinctive religion, clothing called Vestments. For public appearances, the Pope may wear a short red cap called a Mozetta. The Pope wears a cross-made of gold called A Pectoral Cross and a ring known as The Fisherman's Ring. The Pope lives in Vatican Palace. Pope's appointment is by election.

POTHANA
Pothana is known as Bhaktha Pothana is the author of Bhagavatam in Telugu -He was extremly religious as was always found in praying to God..When his brother in law pleaded with him to dedicate his literary work to the king and benefit monetarily, he refused to do such a thing and dedicated them to God himself. Several people tried to put him in to troubles, he was not shaken, but got immersed in devotion. During writing a masterpiece he lets it at one place and went to take rest. When he returned to complete it, he was in ecstacy to find it being completed by none other than God.Even to this day his literary contributions are gems and valued immensely.

PRABHUPADASWAMY
Sri LA-Sri Bhakthi Vedantaswamy Prabhupada was the founder Acharya of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. He advocated the chanting of the mantra "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" as a prayer, meditation and the channel to find the Supreme God. His mission was a tremendous success in spreading the Krishna Consciousness, not only in India, but in the United Kingdom, The United States and in fact, the world over. The Beetles simply fell to his theory and started practicing chanting all their wakeful and free hours- Prabhupadaswamy's translations and commentaries on the world's most profound philosophical tradition had a major impact on a widespread audience. He convinced the dissilutioned hippies of New York Greenwich Village and San Francisco's Haight- Ashbury that this Mantra would make them happy. He elaborated about the life and teachings of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 16th. Century Saint, Mystic and Incarnation of Lord Krishna, who popularized the practice of the chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra. He authored many books out of which "teachings of Lord Chaitanya", "Easy Journey to The Other Planets", "The Science of Self Realization" etc, are some of the outstanding books.

PROMETHEUS
In Greek myths was a member of the earliest race of Gods called Titans. When God Zeus plotted to destroy humanity by depriving the earth of fire, Prometheus stole fire from God and gave it to people and he was made to suffer for that till Hero Hercules saved him.

PROPHET ISIAH AND PROPHET MICAH
Prophet Isiah and Prophet Micah predicted the most amazing birth of the great child Jesus Christ to Virgin Mary, centuries before the event. They prophesied that on Christmas night God would become man at Bethlehem to redeem the creations of illness and other sins and save the mankind.

PURANDARA DASA
Purandara Dasa was an exemplary mystic of the 15th. Century, who discarded all his wealth, his entire fortune at the age of 30, to preach the message of God through his music. He had the fortune of seeing God in his presence to save him in a crisis, which proves that Almighty never fails to protect His devotees. Actually, Purandara Dasa accumulated enormous wealth through miserly habits- once he refused help to an old man who took away a gold nosering from his wife. He realized his folly. He transformed himself and became a disciple of a great spiritual leader. It was a never-ending flow of music about Panduranga's glory, thereafter. Purandara Dasa's renditions ranged from Geethams to Keertanas, all displaying great devotion to God. Purandara Dasa and another disciple Kanakadasa by spreading the glory of God through music awakened the knowledge of God, Guru, of Dharma and duty among the masses. He also emphasised on the fact that mere reciting of hymns without acting according to codes is not enough (1484-1564).

Top

RAMANA MAHARSHI
Venkataraman was the early name of the Maharshi born at Thiruchuzhi in Madurai District in Tamilnadu in 1879. During his school days, there was no sign that he would become a scholar but he had an astonishingly super memory- when he was seven years old, he had a sudden fear of death, which transformed him totally. Fear of death vanished and turned into a spiritual being. He ardently prayed to God to grant him increased bhakthi and devotion. When he was once admonished for his negligence in his studies, he simply left his houseand reached Thiruannamalai. He assumed a life of total renunciation, threw away the little Monet he had, never again to touch money in his life and wore only a loincloth. He shifted to a shrine called Guru Moortham in 1887. Devotees and pilgrims thronged the place and prostrated before him and called him Swami. He began reading books on philosophy and he picked up Sanskrit, Telugu and Malayalam. One of the devotees announced that he may be called Bhagavan Raman Maharshi and the name remained so. Maharshi founded an Ashram at Thiruannamalai and his method of initiation was by look and silence. His system was mouna diksha. What the Maharshi taught was pure Advaita. He was regular in his preachings even when he was in his deathbed due to cancerous painful growth on his left hand and passed away in 1950.

RAMANUJACHARYA
Shri Ramanujacharya was a great Hindu Philosopher (1077-1157) He propagated Vishishtaadvaita Philosophy.His father was a learned Vedic performer of all Vedic Yajnas. They lived in Shro Prambutur. It is said that as his parentswere not blessed with children for a long time, they were doing austere prayers when Lord Parthasarathy appeared to him in his dreams and professed that He Himself would be born to him to enlighten humanity and save them from doom. He made it obligatory to read the hymns of Alwars (Divya Prabandhams) along with the Sanskrit scriptures. He systematised religious worship in temples with time schedule for rites and festivals. His preceptor initiated him with a Mantra, with strict instructions to chant it regularly, but not to reveal it to anybody else. Shri Ramanujacharya proclaimed the mantra from the top of a temple, enabling the whole humanity to benefit and get salvation, leaving himself to be condemned and punished for violating the order. The Guru nevertheless appreciated his concern for the humanity. He wrote commentaries for Gita and Brahma Sutras. He was also known as. Emerumanar, Shelva Pillai (Chella Pilla) and Yathi Raja (Prince among Ascetics). He had to face a lot of opposition due to jealousy but he came out unscratched everytime. He was a master of Vedic lore and his main work was "Shri Bhashya"

Top

SAINT BERNADETTE- 1844-1879
Bernadette is a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, born in Lourdes (France). It is said that when she was fourteen years old, the Virgin Mary appeared before her eighteen times in Lourdes, mentioning "I an the immaculate conception". Thereafter, Lourdes became a popular piligrimage shelter for seeking cures for deseases and other difficulties. She joined the Sisters of Charity in 1866 and was declared a Saint in 1933. Her feast day is on April 16th.

SAINT JOHN
Saint John was a Christian apostle, credited with having written the fourth Gospel. The three Epistles of John, revelation of the fourth book of New Testament. He was also known as John the Baptist who baptised Jesus Christ. He is honoured as the patron Saint of Asia Minor. He is honoured as the patron Saint of Asia Minor. He is said to have been martyred in Rome by being boiled in oil.

SAINT KABIRDAS
Kabirdas is considered as the manifestation of Sukha Muni. He was the greatest Saint of North India during 15th centuary. He was a rebel against all that was unspiritual in religion. He saw living God in every woman & man. Not much data is available about his place of birth or date of birth. Some believe that Kabir was born of celestial being some believe that his father was a sanyasi, while some believe that Prahlada was born as Kabir. There is yet another version that he was born to a Brahmin virgin blessed by a Saint by mistake. As he was brought up by a couple Julaha castes, which had Islamic traditions, he was named Kabir. But from infanthood, he had love for the name of God, both of Hinduism and Islam. He was a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. Kabir songs were full of philosophy and truth about reality. It is said that Kabir, on two occasions showed miracles by bringing back a dead boy and a dead girl to life. He was a near illiterate, never having gone to a school, but had profound spiritual knowledge and composed several devotional songs. Because of his direct approach to God, bypassing the priest, demanding the abolition of priests, he was tortured in several ways by the Emperor, but he survived all, to the surprise of all and the Emperor too had to submit, relent and acknowledge the Sainthood of Kabir. In the end, he lay down, covered himself with a wrapper and breathed his last. His Hindu and Muslim followers argued about his funeral when on hearing a voice, lifted the shroud, found no body, but a heap of flowers. Kabir, even after death, worked for the harmony and unity of different religions.

SAINT XAVIER FRANCIS- 1506-1552
St.Francis Xavier was a Spanish Jesuit Missionary who was called the Apostle of India having done all his work in Asia. Was born in Spain and educated in Paris. Along with Ignatius Loyola, he helped to start a Society of Jesus. He was ordained Priest in 1537. In 1541, John III of Portugal sent him to the Portugal possession in India. His preachings gained many converts to the Roman Catholic Church. In 1551, Vatican named him Provincial of Province of India. While on a mission to China, he died on the way and his body lies in a shrine in Goa. He was declared a Saint in 1622. His converts numbered hundreds of thousands and they were well organized Christians. His feast day is December 3rd.

SATYA SAI BABA
Satya Sai Baba was born in Kshatriya family in Puttaparthy in Andhra Pradesh. As a boy of eight years, he stopped going to school. He used to stray away to forests and fields and recite mantras and shlokas. Without so-called school education, he mastered Vedas, Upanishads and other scriptures. His discourses have attracted devotees from all over the world. His main ashram called Prasanthi Nilayam is a real abode in Peace. He organized three great centres for spiritual discourses, Satyam at Bombay, Sivam at Hyderabad and Sundaram at Chennai and another headquarters at Bangalore in Whitefield. The spiritual centre and the educational institutions at Whitefield are unique and praiseworthy. The whole emphasis in their organizations is on discipline. He is equated to living God, as he is present there, right amongst us. He realizes the sacred ash Vibhooti from nowhere and distributes to the devotees, which has miraculous value. He preaches to live a disciplined life, and pray to Supreme God with great devotion and to have "Service" as a motto. His sermon is "Be Good and Do Good". He is the most philanthropic Saint ever known. As there are countless educational institutions, hospitals and other organizations run with their funds. Baba supervises their functioning personally. Discipline is personified in his atmosphere and unlike other spiritual leaders, he is found moving about freely among common people.

SEKKILAR
Sekkilar was a former Chief Minister of Chola Empire was the author of Peria Puranam, the biographies of 63 Saints Apostles- Nayanmars. He was considered equal to God but not a mere servant of God, who is why, his biography, was included in Periapuranam. Lord Siva himself made Sekkilar write this manual.

SIVANANDASWAMI
Shri Swamy Sivananda wborn in 1887 in a noble family of Sage Appayya Dikshitar and several other Saints. He had a flare for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Though born in an orthodox family, he was broad-minded, pious and devout. He had taken up medical career and edited a health journal. With the blessings of God, the Doctor's body and mind renounced this medical career and took up a like of renunciation, to serve the soul of man. He settled down at Rishikesh in 1924. With intense austerity he became a great Yogi, Saint, Sage and Jeevan Muktha. He took up a small-dilapidated house to protect him from rain and sun. Despite his intense Tapas, swamiji did not neglect to nurse the poor Sadhus with medicines and service. Swamiji travelled the whole country and conducted Sankeertan. After visiting Badrinath and Kailas, he started Sivananda Ashram and founded the Divine Life Society. Swami's Yoga effects a harmonious development of hand, head and heart through the practice of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakthi Yoga. He tirelessly worked for three decades. On 14th July 1963, Swami Sivanandaji entered Maha Samadhi in his Kutir on the banks of Ganga in Sivananda Nagar. Though Swamiji attained Samadhi, the senior monks of the Divine Life Society continued to work vigourously to spread their motives, serve, love purify, meditate and realize (1887-1963).

SHARADA DEVI
Shri Sarada Devi was the divine consort of Shri Ramakrishna but known to millions of devotees as the Holy Mother. Born of poor parents, she was married to Shri Ramakrishna at the early age of 6 years. She could come close to him only long after marriage but not in the usual style. Shri Ramakrishna gave her the position equal to Mother Kali and imparted to her knowledge of human character, spiritual matters and the way to live in complete resignation to God. He literally worshipped her as Divine Mother. She in her stride received the dignified motherhood to all creatures. Her life was filled with prayer, devotion and service. Men and women who approached her for relief from their miseries received her blessings and love. She was unique in being the devoted wife, perfect Sanyasin, affectionate mother and ideal teacher, all in one. She was Shri Ramakrishna's final word as an ideal woman. After the passing away of Shri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother took the responsibility of looking after his spiritual children. Holy Mother entered Maha Samadhi on July 20th, 1920 at Calcutta.

SHIRDI SAI BABA
In a village called Shirdi in Ahmednagar District, a Saint lived for nearly 60 years, called Sai Baba. No one knows his origin or parentage. But everyone believes him to be an Avatar or an incarnation of God. One version most accepted regarding his birth was that he was born to Brahmin parents, brought up by a Fakir and later on passed on to a pious Brahmin Nobleman. This also proves that caste, community or creed are immaterial to God. Sai Baba was a perfect blend of God and Guru. The God to attract devotees likes a magnet and Guru to teach them philosophy. It is surprising to note that while Hindus considered Baba as Guru and God both, the Muslims regarded Baba as a Guru (Saint). Baba lived a simple and un-austentatious life. Baba had two dwelling places throughout- Masjid and Chavdi. The most remakable feature of the Masjid was the "Dhuni" the fireplace, burning perpetually and a Tulasi Brindavan outside the Masjid. Baba renamed Masjid as Dwaraka Mayi and at the same time it is a mosque to Muslims and a temple to Hindus. It is a blend of the Hindus and Muslims, that is the most remarkable feature of Baba's incarnation. The monies collected by Baba in one day were distributed by Baba on the same day. The devotees emphasised the wonder of Baba "Udhi (Vibhooti) in restoring afflicted people to normalcy. Baba left this world on 15th October 1918. His samadhi in the Samadhi Mandir, Masjid or Dwaraka Mayi and Gurusthan under the noted Neem Tree are the Holy spots in Shirdi.

SHRI RAGHAVENDRA
Shri Raghavendra was one of the greatest Madhva Saints who represented the most outstanding elements of Dvaita philosophy by his duties and pious life. It is believed that Goddess Saraswathi appeared in his dreams and asked him to elaborate Shri Madhvacharya's works. He had several excellences to his credit like author of distinction, subtle grammarian, phenominal erudition- immense popularity and fine player of Veena. Pleased with his knowledge, Sudhindra Thirtha desired to ordain him as his successor Pontiff. At the age of 23, he took Sanyasa and turned a missionary and lived an austere life, presiding over the Mutt. He performed miracles, wrote word to word meaning to nine of the Upanishads, helpful to even ordinary readers. His another notable contribution was a book on the daily religious duties one should do. He just vanished into the void in the presence of many people and announced that he would be present near Adoni in Andhra Pradesh. This is a place of pilgrimage and his disciples continue to derive boons from him.

SHRI RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHAMSA
Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born to Kshudiram Chattopadhyaya and Chandramani Devi as declared by Lord Vishnu in their dreams on 18th. February 1836, in Kamarpukur. He was believed to be an incarnation of God. He was named Gadadhar after the Deity in Gaya. From childhood, he was only interested in listening to tales from ancient Puranas and mythology. He had no institutional knowledge, but showed tremendous worldly wisdom. He never yielded to temptation and was never lured to riches. He devoted himself to the worship of the Divine Mother. He was interested in knowing about the Supreme Reality. Ramakrishna was appointed as a priest in the Temple of Kali at Dakshineshwar, where he had a vision of Kali Mata. His rapturous moods and ecstatic songs totally unaware of the surroundings made the people think him to be mad. His other got him married to Sarada Devi, but he started worshipping her like a Deity. Sarada Devi understood him and both of them were lost in meditation. People were thrilled to see him as a God man in the flush. A band of young men were sent to him to carry on the torch of spirituality and spread his mission. Swami Vivekananda, then Narendranath was the leader but very close to Shri Ramakrishna. Due to constant meditation, singing and utter neglect of health, he got throat cancer. He revealed to Vivekananda that he was Rama, he was Krishna and now he was Ramakrishna. With the name of Mother Kali on his lips, he passed away peacefully on 16th.Aug, 1886. Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and took charge of Ramakrishna's invaluable treasure of wisdom and innumerable spiritual experiences (1836-1886).

SRI MADHVACHARYA- 1238-1370AD
Sri Madhvacharya was the master of Indian Theism and Bhakthi Movement. It is believed that Madhvacharya was in his previous incarnation was born as Hanuman, Bhima (Vayu Putras) respectively as Lord Vayu Deva wanted to serve the Supreme Being in some way and Hanuman and Bhima as Vayu Putras served the Supreme God. As Hanuman, he served his beloved Rama enshrining Him in his heart. As Bhima, he removed anti-God feelings. Madhvacharya born in Udipi mastered the scriptures. He was the propagator Dvaita philosophy. Acharya traveled widely, wrote 37 works, established the idol of Lord Sri Krishna in Udipi. He said that God's creation was not one event once for all, but is one continuous affair. The purpose of creation by The Lord is to enable individual souls to work out their salvation. He prescribed Bhakthi as the supreme method to attain the Lord. All the Sastras that he worked out and the essence of his philosophy are contained in his devotional poetry, Dvaadasha Stotra which is recited even today in all Madhva households. When once he saved a merchant ship caught in a storm by his prayers -he was gifted a block of gopichandan. When it was split an idol of Sri Krishna came forth, which was installed by Acharya at Udipi-which is being worshipped by eight Bala sanyasins by turns. After extensive preaching, he retired to Badarikashrama to dedicate Gita Bashya and Veda Vyasa instructed him to compose the Brahmasutra Bashya.. An account of his last glorious days is contained in 'Sumadwa Vijaya' (1008 Verses in 16 cantos ).

Top

TANSEN
Tansen was one of the nine Gems of Akbar's Court. He was the legendary exponent of Hindustani classical music. Tansen was one of the most cherished legends of India. Legends say that initially, he had no talents, but his great penance to divinity blessed with great powers and he thus became a great singer. He withstood many contests and many humiliations from the jealous contestants' trickish designs, but his singing of Deepak Raga thereby bringing the wonderful rains to the astonishment of the bewildered opponents. There was no turning back for him. He, as a person and his music have attained immortality.

TERESA MOTHER- 1910-1997
Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic Nun who received the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize for herwork with the poor. She is known as the Saint of Gutters. In 1950, Mother Teresa founded a religious order in Calcutta called The Missionaries of Charity. The order provides food for the needy, manages hospitals, schools, orphanages, and shelters for lepers and dying poor. It has branches in about 50 Indian cities and about 30 other countries. Mother Teresa (Teresa's original name was Agnes Gonxha Bajaxhiu). Was born in Skoplje in Macedonia, to Albanian parents. She joined a religious order and came to India and took the name Teresa. In 1948, the Catholic Church gave her permission to leave her convent and work among the city's poor people. She became an Indian citizen. In 1971, she received Pope John 23 Peace Prize and in 1972, she received India's Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. She left for heavenly abode on 5th. Sept 1997.

THIRUVALLUVAR
Thiruvalluvar was a great Tamil saint poet - He authored a monumental treatise called Thirukkural which explains how we should conduct ourselves in varios conditions. He laid emphasis on the importance of curbing anger. He also proved that God only ordains all that happens in the world. Saint Thiruvalluvar's sentiments against the sacrifice of animals in the name of religion are similar to the sentiments of Jainism. The verses in his renowned Thirukkural are such gems that they are valued in the present day also and they should be taught as regular lessons in the school when children will benefit by the morals given there.

THOMAS SAINT
Thomas was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. St.Thomas encouraged the apostles to with Jesus into JUDEA, despite the danger of persecution. He is also known as " Doubting Thomas', because he refused to believe the report of resurrection of Jesus until he could touch his wounds. Only when Jesus allowed him to feel his hands and sides, he became a believer saying ' My Lord My Lord'.

THYAGARAJA
Though God may not be seen or spoken to, he deputes his messengers. These messengers or the sons of God are symbols of piety and purity. One of them led a most pure and simple life that rejected precious gifts from a King, preferring kingdom of God to mundane benefits. To such a great man, a greater man was born and that was saint Thyagaraja who composed thousands of songs, each saturated with profound philosophic truths, devotion and he was ever immersed in Ramabhakthi. There is no parellel to the greatness of his melodies, religious songs and at one time, mothers in Tamilnadu felt that it was sinful for their daughters who did not learn Thyagaraja's songs.. The Bharatanatyam and other Indian dances choreographed their dance themes according to Thyagaraja's kirtanas. It is truly said that each of the songs composed by Thyagaraja had a background in his life and he was immersed in the situation while God himself prompted the verses. God considered him the most blessed Saint than anybody else. He was born in Thiruvaiyaru (1767- 1847 0. It is believed that Thyagaraja is an incarnation of sage Valmiki. Their composition on Sri Rama, their appeal, their praise, their longing for Rama are all-similar.

TUKARAM (1608-1649)
Bhaktha Tukaram was one of the greatest saint poets of Maharashtra. He was born at Dehu near Pne in a family of farmers. He refused to take over his father's trade, but devoted himself to the worship of God, bringing the image of Lord Pandurang in his mind. Lord appeared to him in the form of a black serpent, but Tukaram refused to open his eyes, wanting the Lord appear in his real form. When Lord appeared in his true form, Tukaram prostated himself before God.. He read all the works of Kabir, Dnyaneswar, Namdev, and Eknath and other Holy Scriptures. He was full of devotion to Lord Pandurang, but he was subjected to lot of tortures due to jealosies and the Lord always saved him. On hearing of Tukaram's greatness, Shivaji went to meet him with a plate of gold coins, which was duly refused. On the other hand he preached the glory of God.s name and showed the way to salvation through Bhakthi. Announcing his departure from the world, he disappeared with the body.

TULSIDAS SAINT
Tulsidas was the great poet of Maharashtra was famous for his literary works viz. ' Hanuman Chalisa ' and ' Ram Charitmanas(Ramayan ) in Hindi. His devotion to the Lord Almighty astonished even the God. When Sant Tulsidas once went on a pilgrimage to a holy place did not find the God in the temple and returned home only to find the Lord sitting on the Threashhold waiting for Tulsidas. ' Hanuman Chalisa' is to this day respected and chanted regularly.

TYNDALE WILLIAM (1494-1536)
Tyndale William was an english leader of reformation. He was best known for his translation of Bible from Greek and Hebrew in to English. He was ordained a priest. As he was strongly influenced by Martin Luther, the German reformation leadr. Roman Catholic authorities executed Tyndale.

Top

VALMIKI SAGE
Sage Valmiki is Ramayana and Ramayana is Valmiki, that is the equation people belive. It is an unbelievable wonder that Valmiki in his younger days was a decoit by the name Ratnakara. After a life of disgusting experiances, after reciting Rama Nama continueously, he got enlightened to the extent of forgetting his past and immersed entirely in Rama Nama mantra. Unable to pronounce the word Rama even properly, and yet it is a great wonder for such an illeterate person to have written a monumental epic of Ramayana in Sanskrit valued even to this day. Sundara Kanda in the Ramayana epic has special value when it is believed that even if you cannot read the whole text, it has a mystic effect, if you can read only Sundarakanda. It was a queer coincidence for Narada to wait for Valmiki's suggestion to write the epic and Valmiki to wait for Narada's approval to start.

VEDANTA DESIKA -(1268-1369)
The great polymath Sri Vedanta Desika has written treatises and Hymns on self surrender, his very self breath. The 'Nyaasa Dasaka' (based on self surrender), 'Nyasa Tilakam ', the score on Prapatti and the exposition ' Nyasa vimsati' all briefly explain the principle associate with this doctrine. Sri Desika;s own style of Prapatti ( Bhakti Yoga ) at the feet of Sri Varadarajaperumal of Kanchi are portrayed in these Hymns.Any sinner should demonstrate his regret by raising ' Anjali' and prostrating at the feet of God and give an assurance that he would never more commit such sins.Thiis the doctrine which was extensively dealt with by Sri Vedanta Desika in his works.His compositions include ' Sankalpa Suryodayam '. It may be recalled how Desika had retrived the Idol of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam stolen by decoits..' Parama Pada Sopanam' is another of his valued compositions. But it is in his great work Paduka Sahasram that he excels about devotion and divine service.

VEDAVYASA
Vedavyasa was a great sage who had authored the gretest Epic of Hinduism- The Mahabharata. Charecterisation in the epic is brilliant. The epics indicate that the characters mentioned there are real and true and the elaboration of the characters provide valuable lessons and morals to the posterity. His emphasis was on doing one's selfless duty under any circumstances oan that man's pattern of life was set by God. When Yudhistara was hesitating to rule the country as he was mainly responsible for all the trajedies in the war and before the war-even after Lord Krishna's in Bhagavad Gita, it was sage Vyasa who convinced him of his duties to rule the empire.

VEMANA YOGI
Vemana Yogi is the author of Vemana Satakam, a form of poetry was a great yogi who spent all his life in devotion and yoga. Thus, he realized the drawbacks in human nature and their misgivings. He composed a famous Satakam, a composition of hundred stanzas, consisting of Neeti Sastras, guidelines and moral prescriptions. His real name was Pulla Reddy, belonging to a Reddy community of Andhra Pradesh. A French poet Abhe Dubai, who mentions that Vemana belongs to 17th, first recognized his greatness. Century.

VIVEKANANDASWAMI
Swami Vivekananda, or Narendranath or Naren as he was called was born on 12th.January 1863. His parents were rich, respectable and renowned for their learning and their charity. His grandfather was well versed in Persian and Sanskrit, but became a Monk at the age of 25 years. His father, also proficient in English and Persian, studied Bible and Hindu scriptures in Sanskrit. It is believed that before Naren was born, Lord Visveswara of Varanasi appeared in his mother's dream and announced that He would be born to her. Soon after, Narendranath was always happy at plays concerning worshipping deities and meditating. He was always arguing till he got a satisfactory answer. His in born tendency to spirituality and his training and intellect were always putting him in a dilemma. He tried to believe in Brahma Samaj, but was not satisfied. He wanted to know about the existence of God and in 1881, he was introduced to Shri Ramakrishna. When he asked Shri Ramakrishna if he had seen God, and when he answered in the affirmative, he was satisfied and happily continued his training with him. Shri Ramakrishna, with his tremendous patience, calmed him down. When he was ill, Narendra came totally under his guidance and was given all the powers. After the passing away of Shri Ramakrishna, the young disciples, under the leadership of Narendra, gathered and took the vow of Sanyasa. In 1889, he parted from his group and travelled far and wide incognito. In 1890, he met a great Saint Pavhari Baba of Gazipur. The poverty and misery of the people distressed him. With permission from Shri Sarada Devi and with special blessings of Swamiji, he assumed the name "Vivekananda" and left for America on 31st.May, 1893, to attend a parliament of religions. When he addressed the delegates as brothers and sisters of America, there was tremendous ovation. His speeches were well acclaimed and he visited every part of America on a lecture tour. He founded the Vedanta Society there. He retuned to India first to Madras and then to Calcutta and founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. The aims and ideals were spiritual and humanitarian. He paid another visit to the western countries and attended the cOngress of the History of Religions. In 1899, the famous Belur Mutt was opened. In July 1902, he meditated from 8-11 a.m., went for a walk, again meditated and after two deep breaths, passed into eternal rest.

Top

WISEMAN NICHOLAS PATRICK
Wiseman Nicholas Patrick was the first ArchBishop of Westminster in 1850.

WOLSEY THOMAS
Wolsey Thomas was the most powerful Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He later became Chaplain to King Henry VII, Canon of Windsor, Bishop of Windsor and ArchBishop of York. He hoped to become the Pope, but he angered King Henry VIII by disagreeing with his desire to divorce his wife Catherine of Arogon and marry Annie Boleyn. He was stripped of his office. In distress, he died on his way to London.

WYZUNSHI STEPHEN
Wyzunshi Stephen was the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland from 1948-1981. He became ArchBishop and later a Cardinal. After he became a Cardinal, Poland'' communist government imprisoned him for opposing the government's anti-religious policies. He spoke out for religious freedom, but avoided open conflict with the communists. Finally, his policies helped improve the relations between the church and the government.

Top

ZARATHUSHTRA
This Prophet called Zoroaster by the Greeks is said to have lived in about 600BC. The accurate details are not available. Mazdayasna meaning God-worship, cult of Iran was closely akin to the Vedic religion in India. Prophet Zaratushtra founded Zorastrianisn. Ahura Mazda is the Lord of Life and Wisdom, Light and the Truth. His admirers credit him with performance of miracles but he never claimed of having performed miracles. His message to humanity can be classified into the following headings.
a) Mysticism

1. Belief in Ahura Mazda.
2. Immortality of the soul- that is, lifeafter death.
3. Fire as a symbol of divinity.

1. The significance of good and evil.
2. Life is an external struggle between good and evil.

Zarathushtra gave us the priceless touchstone of the Holy Triad to test the validity and verocity of any statement. If a statement is in confirmity with the triad, accept it and if not, reject it. His successors like Firdausi and other poets kept up the programme of Mazdayasna.

ZEUS
In Greek mythology, he was the king of Gods and the Supreme Ruler of people. He was originally the God of the sky. Those days, Greeks regarded him as the only God who was concerned with the whole universe. They associated Zeus with justice and believed that he punished the wicked and rewarded the good. He had the same powers as that of the Roman God Jupiter.