BDS Newsletter July 2026

Text Text MALUR SRI BALAMBIKA TEMPLE Address: Maruthi Extension 2nd stage, Kasaba Hobli, Malur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka - India Website : http://malurbalambikatemple.com Email : contactus@malurbalambikatemple.org Instagram: balambikadivyasangam Text Issue 3 | Volume 16 |  July 2026  Balavin Kural Text Kshetra Varalaru series: "Sri Muktinath Temple - Gandaki Shakti peetam at Nepal", by Smt. Indumathi Salutations to the Guru. I seek refuge in Goddess Balambika. The next Shakti Peetha we are going to look at is in Nepal; it is known as the Gandaki Shakti Peetha, located at Muktinath. It is said to be the site where the Goddess's forehead mark (bindi/tilak) fell, thereby establishing it as a Shakti Peetha. We are all familiar with Muktinath; it is primarily a Vaishnavite shrine, yet this Shakti Peetha is situated within it. Interestingly, the form of Shiva here is depicted holding a “Chakra” (discus) - an attribute usually associated with Lord Vishnu. It is a very powerful temple. Muktinath is a Hindu temple situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level. Many people visit it, including numerous Hindus and foreigners who come simply to see the site. However, I am not certain if foreigners are permitted to enter the inner sanctum of the Shakti Peetha itself. It remains a matter of perspective, as it largely depends on the beliefs of the local people. The Muktinath Temple is located about 125 kilometers from Pokhara; one can travel there by taxi from Pokhara. It is situated near the Gandaki River. The point I wanted to make is that while visiting such temples, one can also thoroughly enjoy the natural scenery along the way. Navaratri and Shivaratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm at this temple as well.   Image courtesy  https://famoustemplesofindia.com/ gandaki-shakti-peeth-muktinath-temple/ What's inside: Cultural Connect: "Atmaprabodha upanishad"   The Atmaprabodha Upanishad is one of the minor Upanishads traditionally associated with the Rig Veda. Its name means "Awakening to the Self" or "Knowledge of the Self." The text belongs to the Vedantic tradition and emphasizes the realization of one's true nature as the path to liberation. The Upanishad teaches that the individual Self (Atman) is identical with Brahman, the Supreme Reality. Human suffering arises from identifying with the body, mind, and senses rather than with the eternal Self. Through discrimination, contemplation, and Self-knowledge, one transcends ignorance and realizes one's essential nature as pure consciousness. The Self is described as eternal, changeless, self-luminous, and beyond birth and death. It is not the body, mind, or intellect, but the witnessing consciousness underlying all experiences. By turning inward and inquiring into the nature of the Self, the seeker gradually attains direct realization and freedom from bondage. Liberation (moksha) is attained when ignorance is destroyed and one recognizes the Self as infinite consciousness. In this state, all distinctions between the individual and the universal disappear, and the realized person abides in peace, freedom, and bliss. One of the important verses from here: Ahaṃ ānandarūpo'smi paramānandarūpavān | Ahaṃ śuddho'ham advaitaḥ śāśvato'ham anāmayaḥ | "I am of the nature of bliss, indeed of supreme bliss. I am pure, non-dual, eternal, and free from all affliction." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Atmaprabodha Upanishad. It declares that the true Self is not limited by the body or mind but is pure consciousness itself—eternal, indivisible, and full of bliss. The realization of this truth constitutes liberation. The Atmaprabodha Upanishad presents a concise exposition of Advaita Vedanta. It teaches that true knowledge is knowledge of the Self and that awakening to one's own divine nature is the highest goal of human life. Through contemplation, meditation, and Self-inquiry, the seeker transcends limitation and realizes the eternal truth of non-duality.  The sacred journey through chakras In the tradition of Sri Vidya, the chakras are more than subtle energy centres. Chakras are considered as sacred abodes (Pīṭhas) of the Divine Mother, where Her infinite power expresses itself through different levels of our consciousness. Each chakra is presided over by a Yogini Shakti, nurturing the seeker’s evolution from instinctive living to the realization of the Divine Self. Kundalini Shakti ascends through these sacred centres, where every layer is purified, refined, and illuminated. This inward journey is not an escape from the world, but a transformation of how we live within it with greater awareness, wisdom, compassion, and divine purpose. In Muladhara chakra, the presiding Shakti is Dakini, where the awakening of trust begins. The Root Chakra is the foundation of our physical existence and spiritual stability. It governs security, grounding, and our connection with life itself. When this chakra is balanced, the fear dissolves into trust, and unwavering faith. Svadhishthana chakra’s presiding deity is Rakini. Here the awakening of sacred experiences happens.This chakra governs our emotions, creativity, relationships, and the flow of life’s experiences. The notable transformation is from attachment to devotion. Instead of ourselves seeking fulfilment through external pleasures alone, every experience becomes an opportunity to deepen our devotion and discover the Divine within life itself. Manipura chakra presiding Shakti is Lakini. In this chakra, there is an awakening of selfless service. The Solar Plexus is the centre of personal power, confidence, discipline, and purposeful action. The transformation is from ego to selfless service. Personal ambition is purified into the strength to serve with humility. True power is not control over others but mastery over oneself. Anahata chakras presiding Shakti is Kakini. Here, the awakening happens for universal love. The Heart Chakra is the seat of compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Transformation here is from self cantered love to universal compassion. Love expands beyond personal attachment to embrace all beings as manifestations of the Divine Mother. Vishuddha chakra presiding deity is Shakini, where the awakening of sacred expression happens. The Throat Chakra purifies speech, thought, and communication. Here the transformation of speech is with sacred expression. Words become instruments of truth, kindness, wisdom, and healing. Silence itself becomes a form of divine communication. Ajna chakra presiding Shakti is Hakini. Ajna chakra is the place where the awakening of divine wisdom happens. The Third Eye is the seat of intuition, discernment, and higher awareness. Here, the transformation is from knowledge into wisdom. The mind transcends confusion and illusion, awakening the vision to perceive the Divine presence in all. Sahasrara chakra presiding shakti is Yakini. Here, the awakening of divine consciousness happens. The Thousand-petalled Lotus represents the supreme union of Shiva and Shakti and the culmination of the spiritual journey. The actual transformation is from individual identity to divine oneness. The illusion of separateness dissolves, revealing the eternal truth that the Self and the Divine are One. The essence of the journey and ascent of Kundalini is the gradual awakening of our consciousness. Sri Vidya tradition teaches that the Divine Mother is not distant or separate from us. She resides within every chakra, patiently guiding our evolution from fear to faith, from limitation to freedom, and from individuality to the blissful realization of our eternal Self. She awakens us in a systematic manner and makes us understand the Divine Mother is within and all pervading . Balambika charanam   Image courtesy https://www.gitanath.com/srividya-sadhana/ Devotee Speaks: "Chakras in Srividya Marga", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan Below is the integration of Agasthiar’s Pancha Bhūta with Bālā Tripurā Sundarī, how the five elements dissolve into the ever young Goddess within.  Agasthiar says: “Aindhum avalē; avalē aindhum”. The five are She; She alone is the five. Bālā is not above the five elements, but Bala is the secret harmony of all five elements. We see all the five elements with Bala.  PṚTHVĪ (Earth) BĀLĀ AS STABILITY OF INNOCENCE. Siddhar insights are Earth is weight, memory, karma. When an unrefined earth element brings heaviness, depression, and inertia. Bālā’ in Action. Bālā lightens Earth. She removes karmic heaviness, brings childlike trust, softens rigid self-identity.  Hence it brings out our Inner recognition: “I am held by the Mother.” Result: Safety without fear  JALA (Water) BĀLĀ AS SWEET FLOW.  Siddha Insight: Water is emotion, attachment, and longing.  Bālā’s Action: She purifies emotion without suppression. Turns grief into tenderness. Desire into devotion. Loneliness into intimacy. Inner recognition: “What I feel is allowed by Goddess”. Result: Emotional healing. AGNI (Fire) BĀLĀ AS GENTLE TRANSFORMATION. Siddha Insight: Fire wrongly used creates anger, and burning thoughts. Bālā’s Action: She cools the fire without extinguishing it. Our Ego in fire becomes inner light. Effort becomes effortless clarity. Inner recognition: “I don’t need to fight to know.” Result: Peaceful intelligence.  VĀYU (Air) BĀLĀ AS RHYTHM OF PRĀṆA. Siddha Insight: Air governs thought speed and anxiety. Bālā’s Action. She slows the breath naturally. Thoughts lose urgency. The mind becomes playful, not restless. Inner recognition:“Life breathes me.” Result: Mental lightness  ĀKĀŚA (Ether) BĀLĀ AS EVER-PRESENT AWARENESS Siddha Insight: Ether is space, silence, consciousness. Bālā’s Action: She reveals awareness as sweetness, not void. Silence becomes loving, Emptiness becomes fullness. Inner recognition: “I am not empty—I am being held.” Result: Non-dual bliss.  AGASTHIAR’S SECRET: BĀLĀ AS THE SIXTH ELEMENT Agasthiar reveals: The five elements dissolve into a sixth state, called Sukshma Chaitanya that is BĀLĀ. Bala is Consciousness before division, joy before desire, Knowledge before thought. BĀLĀ MANTRA AS PANCHA BHŪTA KEY ॐ ऐं क्लीं सौः Agasthiar’s inner mapping: AIM comprise Ether + Air (Awareness & movement),  KLĪM comprise Fire + Water (Transformation & devotion) SAUḤ comprise Earth dissolving into bliss. FINAL REALISATION (Agasthiar’s Essence): “When the elements rest in love, the Goddess appears as youth. When effort ends, Bālā remains.”  Bālā is not attained. She is remembered.  Balambika Charanam  Know your Mythology: "The Vishwamitra Protocol: Reclaiming Focus in a Distracted World", by Thulasinathan Kandasamy We live in an attention economy meticulously designed to fragment the human mind. Every ping, notification, and passing impulse is a micro-transaction stealing our finite life force. We look at our uncompleted projects, look at our screens, and wonder where our strength went. When we want to master an environment engineered to break our focus, we don't look to someone born peaceful. We look to King Kaushika, who spent centuries failing his way toward becoming Sage Vishwamitra. His journey is the ultimate manual for us as modern creators, because Vishwamitra didn’t lose his focus to external enemies; he lost it to the internal currents of desire and distraction. The ancient narratives tell us that at the peak of his concentration, the universe tested him with the celestial nymph Menaka. He didn’t just stumble; he fell completely, pausing his life’s work for years because an intense, instinctual desire hijacked his senses. Most modern advice tells us to suppress these impulses. But suppression is a design flaw. Pushing a current down only builds pressure until the dam bursts. The secret isn't suppression; it is elevation. Every surge of intense restlessness, passion, or the urge for instant gratification we experience is actually just raw, high-voltage Shakti entering our system. It is the exact same creative spark required for deep focus; it is just plugged into a lower outlet. When a wave of desire hits us, it isn't a crisis to be escaped; it is a sudden influx of power. The downward loop says, "I need to consume something right now," but the upward loop says, "I am going to create something right now." Energy is entirely neutral. It can short-circuit our system, or it can light up our entire city. The voltage is exactly the same. The protocol dictates that we do not dissipate this power on short-term loops; we close the tabs, sit at our desks, and force that exact physiological spike into our work. Do not extinguish the fire within us. Just change what we are burning. The most relatable part of Vishwamitra’s path is that he failed repeatedly. After Menaka, he built his focus back up, only to lose it to a sudden flash of anger with Rambha. He kept resetting to absolute zero. Many of us suffer from "Perfect Start Syndrome." We get distracted by a digital loop for five minutes, feel a wave of guilt, and say, "Today is compromised, I’ll start fresh tomorrow." If a five-minute scroll can derail our entire afternoon, we aren't lacking time; we are letting someone else's script run a masterclass on our minds. Vishwamitra didn’t wait for tomorrow. Every time his focus shattered, he didn’t indulge in self-pity. He acknowledged the lapse, stood up, dusted off his mind, and sat right back down into his practice. Our focus isn't measured by how few times we drift; it is measured by how fast we return to the center after we realize we've wandered. Willpower isn't a flawless straight line; it is simply the speed of our recovery after a slip-up. Shakti is never destroyed; she is only redirected. We do not need a completely silent world to do great work. Vishwamitra achieved the pinnacle of an unshakeable master because he finally learned how to look at the universe's loudest distractions, internalize the surge, and state: "I feel the power, but I have a world to build." Let's unplug from the loops. Ground the current. Get to work.  Image courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menaka Devotee Speaks: "Chakras in Srividya marga", by Smt. Roopa V Rajan The sacred journey through chakras In the tradition of Sri Vidya, the chakras are more than subtle energy centres. Chakras are considered as sacred abodes (Pīṭhas) of the Divine Mother, where Her infinite power expresses itself through different levels of our consciousness. Each chakra is presided over by a Yogini Shakti, nurturing the seeker’s evolution from instinctive living to the realization of the Divine Self. Kundalini Shakti ascends through these sacred centres, where every layer is purified, refined, and illuminated. This inward journey is not an escape from the world, but a transformation of how we live within it with greater awareness, wisdom, compassion, and divine purpose. In Muladhara chakra, the presiding Shakti is Dakini, where the awakening of trust begins. The Root Chakra is the foundation of our physical existence and spiritual stability. It governs security, grounding, and our connection with life itself. When this chakra is balanced, the fear dissolves into trust, and unwavering faith. Svadhishthana chakra’s presiding deity is Rakini. Here the awakening of sacred experiences happens.This chakra governs our emotions, creativity, relationships, and the flow of life’s experiences. The notable transformation is from attachment to devotion. Instead of ourselves seeking fulfilment through external pleasures alone, every experience becomes an opportunity to deepen our devotion and discover the Divine within life itself. Manipura chakra presiding Shakti is Lakini. In this chakra, there is an awakening of selfless service. The Solar Plexus is the centre of personal power, confidence, discipline, and purposeful action. The transformation is from ego to selfless service. Personal ambition is purified into the strength to serve with humility. True power is not control over others but mastery over oneself. Anahata chakras presiding Shakti is Kakini. Here, the awakening happens for universal love. The Heart Chakra is the seat of compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Transformation here is from self cantered love to universal compassion. Love expands beyond personal attachment to embrace all beings as manifestations of the Divine Mother. Vishuddha chakra presiding deity is Shakini, where the awakening of sacred expression happens. The Throat Chakra purifies speech, thought, and communication. Here the transformation of speech is with sacred expression. Words become instruments of truth, kindness, wisdom, and healing. Silence itself becomes a form of divine communication. Ajna chakra presiding Shakti is Hakini. Ajna chakra is the place where the awakening of divine wisdom happens. The Third Eye is the seat of intuition, discernment, and higher awareness. Here, the transformation is from knowledge into wisdom. The mind transcends confusion and illusion, awakening the vision to perceive the Divine presence in all. Sahasrara chakra presiding shakti is Yakini. Here, the awakening of divine consciousness happens. The Thousand-petalled Lotus represents the supreme union of Shiva and Shakti and the culmination of the spiritual journey. The actual transformation is from individual identity to divine oneness. The illusion of separateness dissolves, revealing the eternal truth that the Self and the Divine are One. The essence of the journey and ascent of Kundalini is the gradual awakening of our consciousness. Sri Vidya tradition teaches that the Divine Mother is not distant or separate from us. She resides within every chakra, patiently guiding our evolution from fear to faith, from limitation to freedom, and from individuality to the blissful realization of our eternal Self. She awakens us in a systematic manner and makes us understand the Divine Mother is within and all pervading. Balambika charanam Image courtesy https://www.gitanath.com/srividya-sadhana/ Know your Mythology: "The Vishwamitra Protocol: Reclaiming Focus in a Distracted World", by Thulasinathan Kandasamy  We live in an attention economy meticulously designed to fragment the human mind. Every ping, notification, and passing impulse is a micro-transaction stealing our finite life force. We look at our uncompleted projects, look at our screens, and wonder where our strength went. When we want to master an environment engineered to break our focus, we don't look to someone born peaceful. We look to King Kaushika, who spent centuries failing his way toward becoming Sage Vishwamitra. His journey is the ultimate manual for us as modern creators, because Vishwamitra didn’t lose his focus to external enemies; he lost it to the internal currents of desire and distraction. The ancient narratives tell us that at the peak of his concentration, the universe tested him with the celestial nymph Menaka. He didn’t just stumble; he fell completely, pausing his life’s work for years because an intense, instinctual desire hijacked his senses. Most modern advice tells us to suppress these impulses. But suppression is a design flaw. Pushing a current down only builds pressure until the dam bursts. The secret isn't suppression; it is elevation. Every surge of intense restlessness, passion, or the urge for instant gratification we experience is actually just raw, high-voltage Shakti entering our system. It is the exact same creative spark required for deep focus; it is just plugged into a lower outlet. When a wave of desire hits us, it isn't a crisis to be escaped; it is a sudden influx of power. The downward loop says, "I need to consume something right now," but the upward loop says, "I am going to create something right now." Energy is entirely neutral. It can short-circuit our system, or it can light up our entire city. The voltage is exactly the same. The protocol dictates that we do not dissipate this power on short-term loops; we close the tabs, sit at our desks, and force that exact physiological spike into our work. Do not extinguish the fire within us. Just change what we are burning. The most relatable part of Vishwamitra’s path is that he failed repeatedly. After Menaka, he built his focus back up, only to lose it to a sudden flash of anger with Rambha. He kept resetting to absolute zero. Many of us suffer from "Perfect Start Syndrome." We get distracted by a digital loop for five minutes, feel a wave of guilt, and say, "Today is compromised, I’ll start fresh tomorrow." If a five-minute scroll can derail our entire afternoon, we aren't lacking time; we are letting someone else's script run a masterclass on our minds. Vishwamitra didn’t wait for tomorrow. Every time his focus shattered, he didn’t indulge in self-pity. He acknowledged the lapse, stood up, dusted off his mind, and sat right back down into his practice. Our focus isn't measured by how few times we drift; it is measured by how fast we return to the center after we realize we've wandered. Willpower isn't a flawless straight line; it is simply the speed of our recovery after a slip-up. Shakti is never destroyed; she is only redirected. We do not need a completely silent world to do great work. Vishwamitra achieved the pinnacle of an unshakeable master because he finally learned how to look at the universe's loudest distractions, internalize the surge, and state: "I feel the power, but I have a world to build." Let's unplug from the loops. Ground the current. Get to work. Image courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menaka Kshetra Varalaru series: "Sri Muktinath Temple - Gandaki Shakti peetam at Nepal", by Smt. Indumathi Salutations to the Guru. I seek refuge in Goddess Balambika. The next Shakti Peetha we are going to look at is in Nepal; it is known as the Gandaki Shakti Peetha, located at Muktinath. It is said to be the site where the Goddess's forehead mark (bindi/tilak) fell, thereby establishing it as a Shakti Peetha. We are all familiar with Muktinath; it is primarily a Vaishnavite shrine, yet this Shakti Peetha is situated within it. Interestingly, the form of Shiva here is depicted holding a “Chakra” (discus) - an attribute usually associated with Lord Vishnu. It is a very powerful temple. Muktinath is a Hindu temple situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level. Many people visit it, including numerous Hindus and foreigners who come simply to see the site. However, I am not certain if foreigners are permitted to enter the inner sanctum of the Shakti Peetha itself. It remains a matter of perspective, as it largely depends on the beliefs of the local people. The Muktinath Temple is located about 125 kilometers from Pokhara; one can travel there by taxi from Pokhara. It is situated near the Gandaki River. The point I wanted to make is that while visiting such temples, one can also thoroughly enjoy the natural scenery along the way. Navaratri and Shivaratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm at this temple as well.  Image courtesy https://famoustemplesofindia.com/ gandaki-shakti-peeth-muktinath-temple/ Cultural Connect: "Atmaprabodha upanishad" The Atmaprabodha Upanishad is one of the minor Upanishads traditionally associated with the Rig Veda. Its name means "Awakening to the Self" or "Knowledge of the Self." The text belongs to the Vedantic tradition and emphasizes the realization of one's true nature as the path to liberation. The Upanishad teaches that the individual Self (Atman) is identical with Brahman, the Supreme Reality. Human suffering arises from identifying with the body, mind, and senses rather than with the eternal Self. Through discrimination, contemplation, and Self-knowledge, one transcends ignorance and realizes one's essential nature as pure consciousness. The Self is described as eternal, changeless, self-luminous, and beyond birth and death. It is not the body, mind, or intellect, but the witnessing consciousness underlying all experiences. By turning inward and inquiring into the nature of the Self, the seeker gradually attains direct realization and freedom from bondage. Liberation (moksha) is attained when ignorance is destroyed and one recognizes the Self as infinite consciousness. In this state, all distinctions between the individual and the universal disappear, and the realized person abides in peace, freedom, and bliss. One of the important verses from here: Ahaṃ ānandarūpo'smi paramānandarūpavān | Ahaṃ śuddho'ham advaitaḥ śāśvato'ham anāmayaḥ | "I am of the nature of bliss, indeed of supreme bliss. I am pure, non-dual, eternal, and free from all affliction." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Atmaprabodha Upanishad. It declares that the true Self is not limited by the body or mind but is pure consciousness itself—eternal, indivisible, and full of bliss. The realization of this truth constitutes liberation. The Atmaprabodha Upanishad presents a concise exposition of Advaita Vedanta. It teaches that true knowledge is knowledge of the Self and that awakening to one's own divine nature is the highest goal of human life. Through contemplation, meditation, and Self-inquiry, the seeker transcends limitation and realizes the eternal truth of non-duality. 