When Logs are crated get created under C:\Windows folder

When Logs are crated get created under C:\Windows folder

Solution :

System.IO.Directory.SetCurrentDirectory(AppDomain.CurrentDomain.BaseDirectory);

Unable to login when both Form Authentication and Windows Authentication is implmented

Error we were receiving :

Event code: 4006
Event message: Membership credential verification failed.
Event time: 19/11/2009 12:43:51 PM
Event time (UTC): 19/11/2009 1:43:51 AM
Event ID: 1bedfdd7dd734d0c8cbba1a3ae61c019
Event sequence: 112
Event occurrence: 1
Event detail code: 0

Application information:
Application domain: /LM/W3SVC/80145796/Root/RubikIBS-23-129029908738237500
Trust level: Full
Application Virtual Path: /RubikIBS
Application Path: C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\mobi\RubikIBS\
Machine name: SWIFT_HOMEBANK

Process information:
Process ID: 8352
Process name: aspnet_wp.exe
Account name: SWIFT_HOMEBANK\ASPNET

Request information:
Request URL: http://10.11.3.17:4747/RubikIBS/Login.aspx
Request path: /RubikIBS/Login.aspx
User host address: 10.10.9.99
User:
Is authenticated: False
Authentication Type:
Thread account name: SWIFT_HOMEBANK\ASPNET

Name to authenticate: 1938113

Custom event details:

For more information, see Help and Support Center at


Well the issue was caused since the password in the database was changed hence it was authenticated via the forms authentication but it failed on Windows authentication

Login failed for user 'username'. The user is not associated with a trusted SQL Server connection. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 18452)

Cause::

The SQL server has been configured to operate in "Windows Authentication Mode (Windows Authentication)" and doesn't allow
the use of SQL accounts.


Resolution::
Change the Authentication Mode of the SQL server from "Windows Authentication Mode (Windows Authentication)"
to "Mixed Mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication)".

Display decimal value as 2 decimal places in DataGrid

BoundColumn
<asp:BoundColumn ...... DataFormatString="{0:f2}"/>

TemplateColumn
<asp:TemplateColumn>
<ItemTemplate>
<asp:Label Text='<%# String.Format("{0:f2}", DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem,"testfield") %>' ...../>
</ItemTemplate>
</asp:TemplateColumn>


BoundColumn as Currency
DataFormatString="{0:c}"/>

1 ==> $1.00

copy uid on Sun VirtualBox

Sample Databases in SQL Server 2005

Sample Databases in SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2005 doesn't include the classic Pubs and Northwind databases. You can, however, download them from Microsoft. You'll get both binary database images (*.mdf and *.ldf) as well as SQL scripts.

If you plan to use the binary database files (*.mdf and *ldf), first copy those files to the correct default location for database files in a typical SQL Server 2005 installation:

c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\

This path varies somewhat depending how many instances of SQL Server you have on your machine.

You can either install from the Management Studio GUI if you have SQL Server 2005 Standard or Developer, or install from the command line if you have SQL Express. There is, however, a downloadable add-on version of the Management Studio GUI specifically for SQL Express.

Installing sample databases from the command line:

If you're using the binary files:

osql -E -Q "exec sp_attach_db @dbname=N'Northwind',
@filename1=N'C:\path\northwind.mdf',
@filename2=N'C:\path\northwind.ldf'"

If you're using SQL scripts:

sqlcmd -S .\SQLEXPRESS -E -I -i instpubs.sql

Installing sample databases from the Management Studio GUI:

If you're using the binary files:

• Right-click the root database
• Click "Attach"
• Click the "Add" button and choose the *.mdf file from the \Data folder
• Click OK

If you're using SQL scripts:

• Click the "New Query" toolbar button
• cut and paste the contents of the instnwnd.sql or instpubs.sql scripts in the query window
• hit F5 to run.

There's also a rather large new sample database in SQL Server 2005 called AdventureWorks. Unfortunately, it's not installed by default. Rather than going through a tedious Add/Remove Programs cycle, you can download the standalone database from Microsoft. There's also a handy AdventureWorks schema diagram in HTML and Visio format.

.NET Runtime version 2.0.50727.3074 - Fatal Execution Engine Error (73FE5FC0) (80131506) - WCF

VS2008 was crashing when I started debugging with WCF TestClient.

The Event Viewer as displaying the following : -

.NET Runtime version 2.0.50727.3074 - Fatal Execution Engine Error (73FE5FC0) (80131506)

Fix :

As suggested here : -
http://englestone.blogspot.com/2009/08/net-runtime-version-20507273082-fatal.html

http://blogs.msdn.com/webdevtools/archive/2009/03/03/hotfix-available-for-asp-net-mvc-crashes-with-azure-power-commands-resharper.aspx

https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=16827&wa=wsignin1.0

"Windows6.0-KB963676-x86.msu "

Simple this that can get you in C#.

1. What is indexer in C# ?

Which one of the following code samples implements an indexer?
Choice 1
class CSharp {
public Item[int idx] {
get {...}
set {...}
}
}
Choice 2
class CSharp {
public object Item[int idx] {
get {...}
set {...}
}
}
Choice 3
class CSharp {
public object this[int idx] {
get {...}
set {...}
}
}
Choice 4
class CSharp {
public object CSharp[int idx] {
get {...}
set {...}
}
}
Choice 5
class CSharp {
public class Item[int idx] {
get {...}
set {...}
}
}


-->

C# introduces a new concept known as Indexers which are used for treating an object as an array. The indexers are usually known as smart arrays in C# community. Defining a C# indexer is much like defining properties. We can say that an indexer is a member that enables an object to be indexed in the same way as an array.

   this [argument list]
{
get
{
 // Get codes goes here
}
set
{
 // Set codes goes here
}
}

Ans is 3 .

2. what is the differnece between readonly and const variables?
--> Const variable, value specified on design time

3. What is a static constructor in C#?
-->
Things to know about Static Constructor

1. It is used to initialize static data members.
   
   
2. Can't access anything but static members.
   
   
3. Can't have parameters
   
   
4. Can't have access modifiers like Public, Private or Protected.

Solution for Missing templates on VS2005

First, close Visual Studio. Open a new ‘Visual Studio 2005 Command Prompt’. Once there type the following command at the prompt, press enter and wait…

devenv /installvstemplates

This will rebuild your item and project template cache. Works like a charm.

How to get the innerHTML from Label and update it.

While I was working on a particular web application, I had to have the account number displayed when there was a chagne is dropdown menu. Now, all that worked well with a bit of a javascript.

But, the real issue was after the button was pressed , the page it dispalyed still retained the selected drop down item but the account no. on the label was gone and was being displayed as blank.

Hence, after a bit of the research I found out the easiest way to solve this issue was via implementing another javascript on ButtonClick.

Eg.

<br />RegisterStartupScript("MyScript", "<script language="javascript" defer="defer">document.getElementById('" + lblAccountNofrm.ClientID + "').innerHTML = frmAcc[" + lst_fv_1.SelectedIndex + "][1];</script>");<br />

OR//
<br />ClientScript.RegisterStartupScript(Page.GetType(), "Update the second label", "<script language="javascript" defer="defer">document.getElementById('" + lblAccountNoto.ClientID + "').innerHTML = frmAcc[" + lst_fv_2.SelectedIndex + "][1];</script>"); <br /></texarea><br /><br /><br />


Please note, the mistake the people gerenally make is to put your script before the textbox.

When page load , javascript try to execute the code by do not know yet the textbox control and the div.

To be sure that a javascript is executed when all your page is loaded (or DOM built) add defer="defer" on javascript tag

The filename, directory name or volume label syntax is incorrect in VS2005

I have been trying to start a new project in Visual C# Studio 2005 Express and keep getting the error:

the filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007007B)

Solution : -

it appears that you cannot create a project within a path that has an ampersand (&) in it, which my original projects path did. In Tools/Options/Projects and Solutions/General, I selected the "Show advanced build configurations' option. This allows me to select the project build location on creation of a project, and I am now able to ensure it does not try to create in the path with the ampersand in it.

int i = cmd.ExecuteNonQuery() + SELECT statement

I spent hours trying to figure out why the code wasnt' returning the correct value.
No matter what I do I was only getting -1.

Finally, after few research and all that I found out that SELECT and cmd.ExecuteNonQuery() is no t the way to go.

but instead a simple solution would be to use ExecuteScalar().

But the catch with using ExecuteScalar is to use Select Count(*) from ... instead of Select * from ...

Hence, finally was able to do this by using
Select Count(*) form ...

and then
int i = (int)cmd.ExecuteScalar();

An internal error occurred. This can be either the user profile is not accessible or the private key that you are importing might require a cryptograp

It was because I added the "Network Service" security user as the permission to the RSA folder, which wasn't there before. Once, I remove the permission it was back to normal.

Failed to access IIS metabase. The process account used to run ASP.NET must have read access to the IIS metabase

After I installed VS2008 and IIS server. I tried to run the ASP.net application as a website just to encounter the error below.










Well,,I found out..This is a common problem when IIS is installed after the framework. Usually fixed by running aspnet_regiis -i

p5gc-mx + unable to install realteak audio driver

I just formatted my harddisk today but was unable to install the realtek Audio driver.

Solution:

Recently had a PC with XPSP3 and an Asus P5GC-MX/1333 in in my hands. Problem: No audio at all, the Realtek High Definition Audio Drivers did not want to install. At the end of the install an error message pops up (Realtek High Definition Audio driver install has failed) and then the installer closes. Urgh!

After some fiddling in Device Manager (remove the darn thing and such) accompanied with some reboots I hit Google and read something about the KB888111 hotfix from Microsoft. After finding it, it couldn’t install as this one already’s included in SP3. No.luck

Eventually I tried with the the latest drivers from Realtek. The error was still there, but a more specific one came out: HD Audio Bus Driver Failed to load: 0xE0000227. Aha, a clue!

A few Googleminutes later I found the solution:

• Go to Device Manager/Device Drivers
• Under System Devices find Microsoft UAA HD bus driver
• Now, first disable it …
• … and then uninstall it.
• Close the Device Manager and run the Realtek setup
• Tadaa, it works!

What’s the difference between ‘int?’ and ‘int’ in C#?

int? is the same thing as Nullable. It allows you to have "null" values in your int.
eg.
public bool AddProduct(string productName, int? supplierID, int? categoryID, string quantityPerUnit, decimal? unitPrice, short? unitsInStock, short? unitsOnOrder, short? reorderLevel, bool discontinued)

Explained :
int?, is the shortcut way of saying Nullable.
Value types, such as Int32, cannot hold the value null. This is a problem when dealing with databases, which can distinguish "no value" (e.g. DBNULL) from 0 and the ordinary range of values. The Nullable type helps overcome the divide between the world of .NET and the database world, as Nullable (or int?, if you prefer) can hold the value null (you can check the variable's HasValue property to see if it contains a value or not). Nullable also has a value property so that you can read the value (or you can simple cast the variable to the appropriate type.
So, to summarise.
int is a .NET value type holding a signed 32-bit integer. It has no HasValue or Value properties because it just is the value.int? is a shortcut for writing Nullable. To see if it currently holds a value you use the HasValue property. To read the value you either use a cast or read the Value property.

Convert ArrayList to Generic List with using foreach

Using Foreach
ArrayList arrayList = GetArrayListOfInts();
List intList = new List();

//Can this be foreach be condensed into one line?
foreach (int number in arrayList)
{
intList.Add(number);
}
return intList;

Without Using Foreach
var list = arrayList.Cast().ToList();

Without Using Foreach for .Net 2.0
List newList = new List(arrayList.ToArray(typeof(int)));

Log Parser

SELECT * FROM 'C:\Backup\*.*' WHERE Text LIKE '%hello%' AND Text LIKE '%world%'

Rato Machhendranath Festival

Rato Machhendranath Fest
This is one of the longest and most interesting festivals held in Patan. (Rato=red). The Rato Machhendranath is the God who has power over rain and is also known as Karunamaya, the God of mercy. The Buddhists identify him with Lokeshwar. The festival is celebrated by constructing a chariot (rath in Nepali) with a long steeple made of wood. This chariot is then moved about from place to place often taking more than a month to reach its final destination before it is returned to its resting place.
Machhendranath is held responsible for bringing rain. Hence the festival is held just before the monsoon is to arrive in Nepal. According to legend, there was a severe drought in the valley a long time ago during the reign of King Narayan Dev of Bhadgaon (today known as Bhaktapur). It lasted for twelve long years. It was discovered that Gorakhnath who is a disciple of Machhendranath had imprisoned all the Nags (Snake Gods) who are responsible for bringing rain into the valley. Seated on the top of Mrigasthali, a hillock from where he could control the movement of the Nags, he totally shut off the possibility of them bringing any rain. It appeared he was unhappy because the people had neglected him. Thus he wished to punish them, at the same time hoping that his beloved Guru would come to the people's rescue when he would also get an audience.

It so happened that Lord Machhendranath then resided in Assam and the only way of getting to move Gorakhnath from his present location was to bring his Guru over to the valley. After lengthy discussions, it was decided that the King and two other officials would travel all the way to Assam to fetch him. The plan was to use tantric mantras to change Machhendranath into a bee and bring him back in a ceremonial vase. The plan worked perfectly and Bandhudutt, the tantric through rituals and mantras captured the God in his vase.

It so happened that when the committee was on their way back they stopped a few miles south of Patan. Gorakhnath hearing of his Guru's arrival rushed out from his hilltop. No sooner had he left Mrigasthali to meet with Machhendranath, then the Nags escaped and brought rain to drought-ridden Kathmandu valley. As Machhendranath is also known as Bungadeo, a town was built in his honour and named Bungamati. Many years after his arrival in the valley, a special temple was built for Machhendranath at Bungamati in Patan district.

Two weeks before the chariot procession is to begin, the idol of Machhendranath is brought out in a palanquin. It is taken to Lagankhel where a large crowd is waiting to witness the ceremony of bathing the red-faced idol. This over, the return journey takes place in the night and the idol is covered in cloth. There is in Patan a family that has the rights to decorating and preparing the God for his long journey by chariot. It is they who repaint the idol in secrecy. The idol is then treated as a Newar Buddhist and put through all the life cycle rituals.

Two chariots are constructed; one for Machhendranath and the other for Minnath, his godson. The Patan Kumari (Living Goddess) is brought to the Minnath temple where his idol is usually kept. The procession of the two chariots gets under way on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Baishakh (April-May). It is accompanied by a large enthusiastic crowd, which includes Newari musicians playing traditional instruments. Pulling the chariot by means of ropes, it makes a short journey to Gabahal on the first day. There, the Living Goddess arrives to sit on her throne giving blessings to devotees until the evening. Everywhere the chariot comes to a halt, the local people come out with offerings, mostly of rice as the God ensures rain for its cultivation. Rice is not planted until the rains arrive. Feasting and drinking along with animal sacrifices marks the festivities. The chariot moves from one locality to the next giving everyone a chance to pay homage without having to travel too far.

At Lagankhel an unusual ritual is followed. A coconut is dropped from the top of the towering steeple and the waiting crowd rushes to pick it up. It is believed that the lucky one to grab it will be blessed with a son.

The last stop for the chariot is Jawalakhel, which it may reach after more than a month on the road. This happens only when the sun is in the northern hemisphere. The finale comes when the Bhoto (a bejeweled waistcoat) is displayed to the crowd. This sacred waistcoat is held up for all to see and even their majesties the King and Queen make it a point to attend and pay homage to Lord Machhendranath. This is popularly known as the "Bhoto Jatra" (jatra=festival). The Kumari makes a second appearance but basically to witness the Bhoto Jatra. The festival is then over and the idols taken back to their respective resting places; Machhendranath to Bungamati and Minnath to Patan. The chariots are dismantled and stored until the next year. Every twelve years the festival is celebrated with greater fanfare and the procession starts from Bungamati itself. The next one takes place in 2003.

RATO MACHHINDRANATH AND BHOTO JATRA

RATO MACHHINDRANATH AND BHOTO JATRA
There are two Machhindranath in Kathmandu. One is in Asan tole and the other is in Machhindrabahal at Lalitpur. Machhindranath is very popular in Nepal because it is in addition with it’s ancient Bhoto jatra; on which day the Government of Nepal’s officials get government holiday in the capital but not through out the country. This festival starts during the Baisakh dark fortnight (MAY). A huge tall chariot has been prepared a few days before the inception of the festival. The chariot voyage starts from Pulchok. The distance of starting point and the Machhindranath’s temple is about one kilometer far in between.

A 32 feet’s high pole’s chariot has been prepared by hard labour, which is made out of the cane, wood, bamboo. Before starting the voyage the committee offers cow donation to the priest. On this day Machhindranath’s and Minanath’s temple is just 1020 meter’s distance in between to each other. Minanath is regarded as the creator God and Machhindranath has been regarded as the breeder god. According to the historical belief Minanath’s temple was built by Lichhabi King Amsubarma and Machhindranath was built at the time of King Narendra Dev. There is a very interesting myth regarding to the origin of lord Machhindranath.


Different writers have collected different legends on this aspect. However the knowledgeable local elders say this temple was made by Lichhavi King Narendra Dev and the lord’s idol was also consecrated by him brining from Kamuru Peeth of Assam India when there was a great famine in the country.

When the chariot procession starts thousands of people assemble to observe and worship the fair. On the first day it’s carried out pulling by all towards the Ganabahal; and on the second day to Sundhara; and on the third day to Lagankhel. Then it rests there for two three days. The place where it rests, every night and morning people come to worship there to the chariot. After reaching Lagankhel one coconut ball is dropped from the top of the chariot. Its believed that if some one becomes able to grab the coconut, then his wishes will be fulfilled. So many people compete to catch the dropped coconut.

The coconut receiver again offers the coconut to the chariot with some donation. After that the chariot reaches at Thali and in the next morning only the women pull the chariot. Since the beginning of the Rathyatra (fair) the traditional Newari bands are played. Also the Nepal Government’s Sarduljung battalion plays their band along with the Jatra. Also there, the seventeen century’s King Siddhi Narshing Malla’s warring sword is demonstrated by keeping it in a parasol. After reaching to Thahiti tole the chariot remains there for few days.

After a few days the knowledgeable prophets forecast the auspicious day to demonstrate the Lord Machhindranath’s Bhoto (vest), which is called the “Bhota Jatra”. Thousands of people along with the foreigners amass there to look his Bhoto Jatra. A grand ceremony takes place on that day. Previously the king and Queen also used to come there to grace the fete but now the head of the Nepal government come there and government officials in the valley get government holiday to his day. People herd there to look the lord’s Bhota (vest) because they believe that after looking the Bhoto definitely some good luck comes for them.



At the last the chariot is dismantled and the lord is taken to Bugmati, which is about 5, 6 kilometer’s distance, from Machhindranath temple; where Machhindranath resides there for a few month; then again he’s brought at Machhindranath at Jatra inception time. He is brought from there only after the Prophet calculates for the auspicious day. Minanath’s idol is taken at his respective temple itself. Every year the chariot is dismantled at Pulchowk but in every twelve year it should be taken to Bungmati itself to be dismantled.

Bhoto Jatra: There is a very interesting legend regarding to this “Bhoto Jatra”. Once the Nag Raj went in search of a physician. Lastly he met to a Baidhya (herbal Physician); and he took to the Baidhya in side his water kingdom (pond) at Karkotaka Daha (Pond). This Karkotaka Daha is situated towards the southern side of Kathmandu. The physician healed the Nagin (queen serpent) and the King Nag became very happy. Then he rewarded him an invaluable Bhoto (vest) decorated with so many precious diamonds. Then the Physician returened back very happily at his home.

One day the Baidhya went to transplant paddy in his field. He unfastened his Bhoto while he was working; and kept in near by there somewhere. In the mean time a Giant arrived there and stole his invaluable Bhoto; then the physician became very much sad and enraged. One day when there was a broke out a terrible fighting in between of them. No one could win the fight. Finally the case was field at the King’s court for the final settlement. The king was not satisfied from both side’s evidence; and lastly he decided to offer it to lord Machhindranath by amassing a huge gathering and demonstrating there to all. This is the same Bhoto, which is demonstrated till to this day in Lagankhel Kathmandu; which is called the “Bhoto Jatra” by all. It’s believed that Lichhibi king Gunakam Dev had started the practice of this fete.

The Oriental Mystic Machhendranath's Rath Jatra

The Oriental Mystic Machhendranath's Rath Jatra

•Kuber Chalise


Nepalis honour one of the greatest oriental mystic Machhendranath celebrating his chariot festival for almost two months in Patan, starting from the first day of Baisakha to almost Asadh, according to the lunar calendar.
The festival of Rato-Machhendranath – the God, as it is commonly said, of rain and harvest, is celebrated for the peace and prosperity of the countrymen.
Though the festival is celebrated in Patan, a city south of the Kathmandu, the whole valley in a way or other is involved in this festival believed to have started in the 11th century.
The longest festival, the Rathjatra – pulling the chariot of Machhindranath – concludes in pulchowk after the ceremonious Bhoto showing 'Bhoto Jatra'- the vest of Nagaraj – the Serpent king, amid a huge crowd in the presence of King, other dignitaries, diplomats and the virgin Goddess Kumari. After the Bhoto Jatra, Machandranath is taken back to his temple in Bungmati, a small village in the southern part of Kathmandu valley.
The Machhendranath chariot festival is related to his deciple Yogi Gorakhanath. Once, Gorakhanath the mystic hathyogi, visited this mythological valley of Kathmandu. As per the tradition of the Yogis he went door-to door for alms. But unknown to his identity nobody in the valley took notice of him. This might have happened because of the harvesting season as everyone was busy, though we now do not have the proof what time of the year he came to Kathmandu. Due to the rude behaviour of the valleyites, in great wrath he then sat in samadi on the serpents Naag –the cause of rain.
As a result there was a great famine. The then King Narendra Dev consulted all the noblemen for the solution. The great Tantrik of those days Acharya Bandhudatta suggested the king to invite Machhindranath, the Guru of Gorakhanath, as he was reincarnated as a prince in Kaamroop, an Indian province. Once Machhendranath would arrive Gorakhanath then must stand up to greet his guru and the serpents could be freed and it would rain.
King Narendra Dev then visited Kaamroop with Acharya Bandhudatta and a Lalit Jyapu - a farmer. They together brought Machhendranath to this valley.
Knowing that his Guru Machhindranath was in Kathmandu, Gorakhanath stood up to greet him, the Serpents – Naag were freed and there came the rain.
Though mythical the story sounds but during the festival some rituals are performed only by the descendents of King Narendra Dev and some only by the descendents of Acharya Bandhudatta. Despite the rituals, certain traditions that are followed during the festival till date has direct links to the past incidents and the historians also have confirmed the existence of these great mystics Machhendranath and the Gorakhanath, in the 11th century.
The only controversy in the history is, which King Narendra Dev brought Machhendranath to Kathmandu, as there are three kings by the same name in the history. Most of the historians agree that in the period of the third King Narendra Dev, there was a great famine in Kathmandu and he must be the one to bring Machhendranath to Kathmandu.
The cultural history of Nepal is mainly dependent on three leading cultures, the Vedic culture, Bouddha culture and the Khas – Indo Aryan culture. The Hindu Shaibas and the Buddhist Bajranyani together worship Machhindranath. No wonder the Gurus after a long time are worshipped as the God while according to the tradition Guru, parents and God are equal.
Shaibas practice the Tantra, Yog sadhanas and Hathyoga and so do the Vajrayani Buddhists. But Hindus worship Machhendranath as the Lord Shiva and the Buddhists as the God Karunamaya Lokeshwor. The difference is therefore in only the name.
The Guru of Nath cult of Shaibas was Guru Aadinath, who is called the incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. The disciples of Guru Aadinath were Machhindranath and Gorkhanath.
The nine Natha Yogis and the 84 Siddhas are described in the ancient Hindu as well as Buddhists scriptures. Among them Machhendranath, Minnath and the Gorakhanath are the deities popularly known to Nepalis.
Nath Siddha cult believes in the Yoga sadhanas, thereby awakening of the Kundalini and achieving immortality.
The chariot of the Rato Machhendranath, built in Shikhar style, is therefore a metaphorical representation of the seven Chakras that are imagined in a human body. And pulling of chariot is thus symbolic. The chariot reprents a Yogi who is trying to awaken his Kundalini by piercing into each one of the charkas upward to Sahasrar, the thousand-petalled crown imagined by Yogis on top of a human head that is the source of immense power, for the immortality.

The epic saga of two Nath Yogis

Excerpt from : http://newstodaynet.com/printer.php?id=16318

Tomorrow (14f April 2009) is not only the holy day of VAISHAKH, but also the 1st day of the Tamil New Year, Varsha Pirappu or Puthandu— the first day of Tamil month Chitirai.


Machindranath
Tomorrow also happens to be the Punyathithi of Muni Yogi Macheendranath (Machindranath or Matsyendranath) the originator and creator of the NATH SAMPRADAYA. He is said to have lived in the 8th-9th centuries. The Nath Sampradaya is a form of Avadhuta-pantha sect. The nature of the avadhuta is the subject of the Avadhuta Gita, the authorship of which is traditionally ascribed to Dattatreya. In this Sampradaya, the Divine Significance of the Guru and transcendental power of Yoga are considered as essential and indispensible for spiritual self-realization and eternal bliss. It was Muni Yogi Machindranath who became well known as the founder of the specific stream of yogis known as the Nath Sampradaya. Muni Yogi Machindranath’s two most important disciples were Muni Yogis Caurangi and Gorakshanath (Goraknath). On 21 April 2009, falls the holy day of Muni Yogi Gorakshanath Yatra in Maharashtra. That India is a great land of underlying cultural and spiritual unity amidst diversity is proved by the fact that both in Maharashtra and in Nepal the day of Muni Yogi Machindranath Yatra is celebrated with great pomp and splendour in the month of Vaishak (April). A contemporary painting of Muni Yogi Machindranath has been presented above. The two words in Hindi on the top of the painting can be transliterated into English as ‘Alakh Niranjan’. Alakh Niranjan is an invocatory mantra belonging to the NATH tradition.


Rato (Red) Machindra Nath Rath Yatra at Patan Town in Nepal
The mythological associations and cultural traditions associated with the origin of the Nath Sampradaya teachings of Muni Yogi Machindranath are indeed fascinating. Traditionally, Lord Shiva is credited with propounding Hatha Yoga. It is said that on a lonely island, assuming nobody else would overhear him, he gave the knowledge of Hatha Yoga to Goddess Parvati, but a fish heard the entire discourse, remaining still throughout. Lord Shiva took mercy on the fish (Matsya) and made him a siddha, who came to be known as Matsyendranaath or Machindranath. Machindranath taught Hatha Yoga to Caurangi, a limbless man who was given hands and feet by Machindranath just by looking at him. HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA mentions Adinaatha, Machindrath, Gorakhanaatah and many other yogis who became famous Hatha Yogis. Thus Muni Yogi Machindranath became famous as the founder of the specific stream of yogis known as the Nath Sampradaya.

The grand festival of Machindra Nath Rath Yatra, beginning on the full moon day of Vaisakh (March-April), takes place at Patan in Nepal every year. It is considered as very important for the farmers of Nepal as it is celebrated before the monsoon with invocatory prayers for good rain. This is the longest as well as the most important festival of Patan. It begins with several days of ceremonies and advance preparations for the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa in Patan. The chariot bears the shrine of the Rato (Red) Machindranath (the Tantric expression of Lokeshwar) and carries a very tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles raised from four ends of the chariot. This unwieldy spire is around 10 meters tall and on account of which, the chariot balances precariously. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Machindranath, representing the primordial and timeless Bhairava (also known as Kala Bhairava), confers his Divine Benediction on all present, viewing his followers from the high seat of his beautifully constructed chariot.

Muni Yogi Machindranath’s two most important disciples were Muni Yogi Caurangi and Muni Yogi Gorakshanath. The latter came to eclipse his Master in importance in many of the branches and sub-sects of the Nath Sampradaya. Even today, GORAKSHANATH is considered by many to have been the most influential of the ancient NATHS. He is also reputed to have written the first books dealing with Laya yoga and the raising of the KUNDALINI-SHAKTI. There are several sites, ashrams and temples in India dedicated to Muni Yogi Gorakshanath. Many of them have been built at sites where he lived and engaged in meditation and other sadhanas. According to tradition, his samadhi shrine and gaddi (seat) reside at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur. According to some scholars, the samadhi shrines (tombs) of both Machindranath and Gorakshanath are to be seen at Nath Mandir near the Vajreshwari temple about a kilometer from Ganeshpuri in Thane District in Maharashtra.

The Natha Sampradaya does not recognize caste barriers, and their teachings were adopted by outcasts and kings alike. The heterodox Nath tradition has many sub-sects, but all honor Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath as the founders of the tradition of Navnath. Navnath refers to the nine Hindu Saints. These nine teachers collectively known as Navnaths are considered as being representative of the great teachers in this tradition or parampara. They are worshipped collectively as well as individually. The names of nine Masters or Naths on whom the Navnath Sampradaya, the lineage of the nine gurus is based, are given below.


Kanifnath temple at Sasvad near Pune
. Matsyendranath (Machindranath)
. Gorakhnath
. Jalandharnath or Jalandernath
. Kanifnath
. Gahininath
. Bhartrinath or Bhartarinath
. Revananath
. Charpatnath
. Naganath or Nageshnath


As I have observed earlier above, Muni Yogi Machindranath Rath Yatra takes place in different parts of Maharashtra and more particularly in Ahmednagar, Pune and Thane Districts. At Sasvad, near Pune we have a beautiful temple dedicated to Muni Yogi Kanifnath. Kanifnath was a great Saint and belonged to the Navnath clan detailed above. The locals told us that Kanifnath visited this place and discovered this cave. Machindranath Rath Yatra takes place at Sasvad every year. Likewise Machindranath Rath Yatra also takes place at Nath Mandir near the Vajreshwari temple about a kilometer from Ganeshpuri in Thane District in Maharashtra.


Yoga Muni Mahasiddha Gorakshanath
Gorakshanath (also known as Gorakhnath) was born in the 9th century in Punjab. According to tradition, he was a Nath yogi who was originally a Vajrayana Buddhist. In the second half of his life, he became intimately connected to Shaivism as one of the two most important disciples of Muni Yogi Machindranath, the other being Muni Yogi Caurangi. Along with his Guru Muni Yogi Machindranath, he is considered the founder of the doctrines of Hatha-Vidya, Laya-Yoga, Nada-Yoga and Kundalini-Yoga. Muni Yogi Gorakshanath is also famed in history, song and legend as the founder of Yoga Orders of Kanphatas, Nathas, Gorakhanathas and Kaulas, forming the largest Indian Tantra Yoga tradition. In Buddhism, he is worshipped as one of the founders of the Himalayan Vajrayana Buddhism.

Muni Yogi Gorakshanath traveled widely across the Indian subcontinent, and interesting accounts about him are found in some form or other in several far removed places including Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Punjab, Sind, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, Assam, Bengal, Maharashtra, and even Sri Lanka. Gurkhas of Nepal also take their name from this saint. Gorakhpur, the district headquarters of Gorakhpur District, is believed to derive its name from Muni Yogi Gorakhnath. The Gorakhnath Math (Gorakhnath Mutt) is a Hindu monastic group in the Nath tradition. Today’s Gorakhnath Math, centered at Gorakhpur in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, is a religious institution that runs two Gorakhnath temples, one in Nepal in The district of Gorkha (another word believed to be derived from Baba Gorakhnath), and the other a little south of Gorakhpur.

There is also a Gorakkar Temple dedicated to the memory of one of the great Siddhars of ancient Tamilnadu belonging to the Nath tradition of Muni Yogi Gorakhnath at Vadakku Poigainallur near Nagapattinam in Nagapattinam District.

The NATH tradition underwent its greatest expansion during the time of Gorakshanath. He wrote many books on Yoga and spirituality and even today he is considered as the greatest of the Naths. There are many texts on Yoga traditionally attributed to Gorakshanath, such as ‘Gorakshapaddhati’ (Precepts of Goraksha) ‘Gorakshadipika’, ‘Goraksha Samhita’, ‘Goraksha Gita’, ‘Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati’, ‘Yoga Siddhanta Paddhati’, ‘Yoga-Bija’, ‘Yoga Chintamani’, ‘Jnana Amrita’ (Nectar of wisdom), ‘Amanaska-yoga’ (Contemplation out of thoughts), ‘Amaruddha Prabodha’ (Comprehension of the immortal stream), and ‘Yoga-Martanda’ (the Sun of yoga). He has thousands of devotees in several parts of Northern, Eastern and Western India. All his disciples even today believe with fervent devotion that Muni Yogi Gorakshanath is alive and immortal. Any one who offers his prayers to him with a pure heart, mind and soul can hear His prayerful drum (damara) or meet Him in person.

What is the message that Muni Yogis like Machindranath and Gokarnath have for us today? If only we care to listen to them, they tell us that the spiritual process is a day-by-day, step-by-step unfolding of consciousness, a process of breaking down stale and conditioned parts of ourselves to allow a new birth to take place. We are our worst enemies stuck in stagnant pools of self-righteousness. We’re afraid to let go; we’re afraid to be touched by creative energy.

The real test of spiritual work is to survive ourselves. We all have Chakra systems, minds, breath, energy, and will. We have to work at meditation, have endurance, patience, the desire to succeed, and above everything else, we have to stop taking ourselves for granted. The work should be done joyously and with love.

God hides behind thousands of masks. He’s a master quick-change artist, a magician, vaudeville performer, trickster, wise man, beggar, and fool. He never fits any role. Like the wind changing directions, HIS Legerdemain bewilders the most intelligent of mortals. We can’t look for HIM. We have to feel HIM in our hearts, become one with HIS being, evolve and grow and see life from a transcendental perspective. The child in us should never lose sight of HIM. If we rekindle child child_like innocence, all the time and everywhere, and if we feel gratitude and joy in our hearts in every situation and station in life, then the spectacle of God would manifest around us. Our responsibility is to recognize this simple truth.

(The writer is a retired IAS officer)
e-mail the writer at
vsundaram@newstodaynet.com

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Lets talk about the issue I encoutered few days ago.
While testing a WCF service, I encountered this strange error : -
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After researching over the internet I found this solution, which I would like to share with everyone else here : -
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