The Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and a Deity are excellent examples of Mesopotamian and Egyptian sculpture. Each sculpture depicts a ruler within the respective society featured in a sitting position. Each piece is staged in a manner that has a religious connotation. Neither figure is meant to be a realistic representation of what the individual looked like, but more of a generalized (and idealized) form. Although quite similar, the forms can be differentiated due to a few stark contrasts. Sahura and Deity has two figures, the poses of Sahura and Gudea are slightly different, and the modeling of the characters within each piece is stylistically distinct.

The most obvious difference between the Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and Deity is the existence of two figures within the statue of Sahura and Deity. This difference can be largely accredited to the varying roles that deities played in Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies and the interaction between those deities and the rulers. In Mesopotamian cultures, the rulers were very much mortal beings who interacted with the deities in the same manner as everyone else. Egyptian society had much different standards. The Pharaohs of Egypt were also gods. The dualistic nature of the Pharaohs’ human form and divinity breaks down the hierarchy of religious figures prevailing over secular figures because the Pharaohs served in both the secular roles of Egyptian government and the religious roles. This allows for Sahura to be viewed as being on the same level as the deity with whom he is pictured. The Egyptians used hierarchy or proportions, but due the divinity of Sahura, the deity depicted alongside him is pictured in a smaller form.

The poses of Gudea and Sahura may be similar at first appearance, but the differences in poses creates a vastly different feel in how each statue is viewed. Gudea has very humble pose. He is seated in a manner that is representative of how he would have been seated while in prayer. His legs are together and his hands are resting in his lap. Sahura, on the other hand is in a very different position. He is also seated, but the staging presents Sahura in a very strong seated position. In contrast to Guea’s praying hands, Sahura has his right hand clenched in a fist. His left arm protrudes onto his lap, but is chipped, however it was most likely in a positions where his fingers were outstretched resting upon his lap, which was a common pose for Egyptian pharaohs at the time the statue was created. The forms of Gudea and Sahura are very different in the level of realism depicted. Both sculptures present their respective character(s) in a form which is not meant to be purely representational of the individual(s) featured. The modeling of Sahura and a Deity is quit boxy in feel. The arms and legs become almost cylindrical, and chests are oversized. The form of Gudea, due to his seated position, hides more of these inadequacies, however much can be read from what body parts do show. Gudea’s arms, and specifically his right, are very well modeled. The head is way too large for the body, however the depiction of a facial expression is much more successful then the image of Sahura. Both statues have oversized hands and feet. Neither uses perfect modeling, and both have aspects which are much more successful then the other. The Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and a Deity are two excellent works of art from Egypt and Mesopotamia. Both pieces were created in association with a religious practice. They have many similarities, but also vary to a certain degree in the modeling of the figures, the poses of the figures, and the fact that Sahura and a Deity shows two individuals.

Each piece is unique, beautiful, and provides an excellent caveat into the early Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. The Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and a Deity are excellent examples of Mesopotamian and Egyptian sculpture. Each sculpture depicts a ruler within the respective society featured in a sitting position. Each piece is staged in a manner that has a religious connotation. Neither figure is meant to be a realistic representation of what the individual looked like, but more of a generalized (and idealized) form. Although quite similar, the forms can be differentiated due to a few stark contrasts. Sahura and Deity has two figures, the poses of Sahura and Gudea are slightly different, and the modeling of the characters within each piece is stylistically distinct.

The most obvious difference between the Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and Deity is the existence of two figures within the statue of Sahura and Deity. This difference can be largely accredited to the varying roles that deities played in Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies and the interaction between those deities and the rulers. In Mesopotamian cultures, the rulers were very much mortal beings who interacted with the deities in the same manner as everyone else. Egyptian society had much different standards. The Pharaohs of Egypt were also gods. The dualistic nature of the Pharaohs’ human form and divinity breaks down the hierarchy of religious figures prevailing over secular figures because the Pharaohs served in both the secular roles of Egyptian government and the religious roles. This allows for Sahura to be viewed as being on the same level as the deity with whom he is pictured. The Egyptians used hierarchy or proportions, but due the divinity of Sahura, the deity depicted alongside him is pictured in a smaller form.

The poses of Gudea and Sahura may be similar at first appearance, but the differences in poses creates a vastly different feel in how each statue is viewed. Gudea has very humble pose. He is seated in a manner that is representative of how he would have been seated while in prayer. His legs are together and his hands are resting in his lap. Sahura, on the other hand is in a very different position. He is also seated, but the staging presents Sahura in a very strong seated position. In contrast to Guea’s praying hands, Sahura has his right hand clenched in a fist. His left arm protrudes onto his lap, but is chipped, however it was most likely in a positions where his fingers were outstretched resting upon his lap, which was a common pose for Egyptian pharaohs at the time the statue was created.

The forms of Gudea and Sahura are very different in the level of realism depicted. Both sculptures present their respective character(s) in a form which is not meant to be purely representational of the individual(s) featured. The modeling of Sahura and a Deity is quit boxy in feel. The arms and legs become almost cylindrical, and chests are oversized. The form of Gudea, due to his seated position, hides more of these inadequacies, however much can be read from what body parts do show. Gudea’s arms, and specifically his right, are very well modeled. The head is way too large for the body, however the depiction of a facial expression is much more successful then the image of Sahura. Both statues have oversized hands and feet. Neither uses perfect modeling, and both have aspects which are much more successful then the other.

The Seated Statue of Gudea and Sahura and a Deity are two excellent works of art from Egypt and Mesopotamia. Both pieces were created in association with a religious practice. They have many similarities, but also vary to a certain degree in the modeling of the figures, the poses of the figures, and the fact that Sahura and a Deity shows two individuals. Each piece is unique, beautiful, and provides an excellent caveat into the early Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.

Toni Lee Sharpless had been enjoying herself at a party in Brandywine, Pennsylvania when she decided it was time to leave.  She was last seen between 3 and 3 AM driving off in her car.  An event horoscope can yield a great deal of information on what happens to people during a specific time, so I cast a horoscope for 3 AM to find out more about Toni’s disappearance.

There was not much difference between 3 and 3:30 AM in terms of the Ascendant or important cusps changing, so I used 3 AM, which gives zero degrees of Leo rising:  early degrees signifies a new situation developing.  She has left the party and is now heading home.  Unfortunately she never reaches her destination.  Let’s see what the planets have to say.

Toni is signified by the Sun in Virgo in the third house; she is getting into her car to drive home.  This weak placement of the Sun shows Toni had little control over the circumstances that followed.   The third house is also worrisome because it contains the rulers of the 8th house of death, the 7th house of open enemies, and the 6th house of sickness and misfortune.

I believe Toni met with foul play during her journey home.  The ruler of the 3rd house of travel, Mercury, is in that house and just about to go retrograde, denying her an easy trip.  It is accompanied by Saturn in the 3rd; two forces came into play to deny Toni’s safety.

Saturn, the harbinger of trouble, opposes Uranus in the 9th house, showing a possible traffic accident or a sudden breakdown due to mechanical failure.  Since an opposition is involved I would suspect an accident.  The best testimony to this is a malefic grand square in cardinal signs:  Mercury, planet of travel, opposes the Aries Moon in the 9th house, and this axis is squared by Mars in Cancer in the unhappy 12th house of misery.

Toni’s ruler, the Sun, rules both her and her car (2nd house).  Whatever befell her was related to a mishap with her car:  it either broke down, and she was accosted, or she had an accident and met with foul play from strangers with evil intentions.

A check of the positions of the fixed stars confirms violence:  Bellatrix, a malevolent fixed star of the nature of Mars and Saturn, is exactly parallel Toni’s Sun and the Midheaven of the chart.  The evil fixed star Procyon is parallel the Moon.  Both spell tragedy and foul play for Toni in the hours following the party.

In all my analyses of unfortunate events I hope that I am wrong, and this case is no exception.   The planets and their positions describe a sad fate, but hopefully Toni Lee will be found and the events of that tragic night will eventually be brought to light.

The horoscope for this discussion may be viewed at:  http://starsleuth.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/forensic-astrology-and-the-missing-toni-lee-sharpless/

Many times an astrologer will be asked the question whether or not a relationship will break up or get back together when the love life is having problems. There are several factors to look at in the astrology chart to analyze whether a marriage or romantic relationship is under enough planetary stress to warrant divorce or permanent breakup.

First look at the fate of the astrology chart and see if the individual has the qualities of long term relationship. These factors are seen with fixed signs, Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio with the personal planets, especially the Sun, Moon, Venus, and the ascendant. The next is to determine if the ruler of the 7th house of marriage and partnership is a planet in a fixed sign, and whether or not it is afflicted. If the planet is afflicted it indicates more complications with love life and long term partnership. Your role as an astrologer is to also determine the health of Venus, the planet of love, and whether or not it is afflicted.

An affliction can be determined when there are difficult aspects to the planet you are looking at, in this case the planet that rules the seventh house and Venus. If your Venus is connected with Uranus, Saturn, Neptune or Pluto that lends a quality to the relationship that could cause certain problems in relationships when Venus undergoes stress.

The next step the astrologer will take is to determine what the astrology whether forecast is. That is to say what are the upcoming transits to your Venus and the ruler of your house of partnership. If there are difficult transits to your Venus your astrologer will be able to tell you how long they will go on, what appears to be out of balance, and what the astrology is indicating that you need to address in order to bring peace and harmony back into your love life.

In most circumstances the astrological time tables for difficult transits are usually eighteen months, with three times prominent for a month at a time of transition times to change patterns so you will be happier. Sometimes this is a permanent break up and sometimes it is a difficult phase in the relationship as you work through issues.

Astrology can help you know when these time frames are, whether or not the compatibility between you and your lover is strong enough to whether the astrological factors, and what you can do to respect the change needed from within. When you learn astrology and become your own astrologer you have the tools and wisdom needed to understand difficult phases in life and how best to work with the energy of the planets to have the life you want.

The Ooni of Ife; Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) triggered a controversy recently during his installation thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ile Ife. Ile Ife is in Osun state of Nigeria. He bowed before the Almighty; the God of Israel in worship. Since then, his critics have been angry that the traditional ruler knelt to worship God at the church service. They claim that the act desecrated the revered stool of Ooni. But thank God the revered monarch has adequately responded by telling them that no king or ruler on earth can be compared with the creator. Wow! This is cheering news.

In his words, “it was an unacceptable sacrilege to equate Ooni’risa or any other king to the Almighty God. God is the creator of mankind and it is God that makes it possible for the enthronement of any king. God remains the highest KING of kings who has kept all kings alive and had made it possible for me to be crowned as the king of the source of Yoruba civilization. I have no regret whatsoever for kneeling down to exalt the almighty God who did not only create me but also kept me alive, saw me through all the storms in my life-journey and eventually crowned me as the custodian of Oodua race. This act of equating me to God of gods, King of kings and the sole owner of the universe is a wicked sacrilege planned to embarrass the throne. My emergence as Oba has been made possible only by the almighty Olodumare to whom I remain eternally grateful” Great! Well said our king!

. Now, naturally, as a student of divine power I got interested immediately I saw this report. Ooni of Ife is the most respected monarch in Yoruba land and one of them in Nigeria. He is the custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions. And his domain is regarded as the beginning of race’s existence and civilization. They call it the ‘source’. Yes, the source of Yoruba existence. The Yorubas who are more fifty million in population practically ‘worship’ their rulers. They believe they are divine. And for a king with this kind of background and influence to publicly acknowledge and promote the existence, supremacy, authority and worship of the God of Israel it’s quite commendable. Not too many rulers and influential people reason this way. Some actually do not recognize that there is a creator at all. They believe they are not answerable to anybody and that they can to ‘do and undo’.

Even if they don’t say it, you see them act it. How do you feel when people in authority want to be worshiped? When the behave as if they have the power of life and death? When the treat their subjects as conquered slaves? When they appropriate the people’s wealth to the themselves? When they appropriate God’s titles to their names? Have you not heard some of them answering His Majesty, His Imperial Majesty, His Royal Majesty, His Worship, The Lord, His Excellency, Most Excellency? They quarrel with you when they don’t get these recognition. They crave them with all their soul. True. And these are mere mortals that are subject to disease, death and decay. Listen, no mortal is or will ever be God. There is only one God, creator of the heaven and earth and the controller of the universe. And His name is Jehovah. Yes!

Now, Ooni’s actions remind me of some great, powerful and influential rulers in the bible. But because of space, we will be commenting on just four of them. Two acknowledged the Almighty and were exalted and the other two questioned His authority and they were also adequately compensated. We’re talking about kings David, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh of Egypt. Each had an encounter with the creator that would make or break them. Compliments of the season!

Gabriel is the author of the book Power of Midnight Prayer.

One of the most legendary stories about Chinese jade comes from a small providence in China some 2500 years ago. The story starts about a man names Bian He from the providence of Chu. Bian He discovered what he believed to be a rough piece of jade in the hills near his home. So excited by his find Bian ran to the ruler of Chu, King Li, to show off his find.

The results were not so exciting. King Li, who believed he was being cheated, ordered Bian Hes leg to be amputated. The next ruler, King Wu, soon came into power. Bian He, not discouraged by his previous results, approached the new king with his rough stone. King Wu also believed he was being played false and ordered Bian He’s last remaining leg to be cut off. When King Wu of Chu passed and King Wen came into power the persistent discoverer approached his new king with his discovery. This time the new king listened and believed Bian He.

King Wu ordered for the stone to be immediately cut into by his sculptors. What they discovered influenced China for millennium to come. To the amazement of the sculptors the rough stone was actually one of the highest quality pieces of white jade ever to be discovered. The piece of white jade was carved into a disc and named the “He Shi Bi” in honor of Bian He which translates literally to “The Jade Disc of He”. Later in time this prized jade disc stolen from the kingdom of Chu and sold to Zhao. The year was 283 BC. One of the most famous stories about jade tells of how a single piece of jade that could fit into the palm of your hand was once traded for 15 cities. Here is the true account of the incident.

King Zhaoxiang of Qin wanted the jade disc and offered to exchange 15 cities to Zhao for it. Zhao’s minister, Lun Xiangru, was given possession of the He Shi Be to make the exchange. Lun travelled to Qin for the trade and soon found out that King Zhaoxiang did not intend to uphold his side of the bargain. The Minister of Zhao threatened to smash the jade artifact and somehow managed to steal the disc back, returning it to Zhao unharmed. About 60 years later another story told about the He Shi Bi.

The year was 221 BC. The six warring states of China were concured by the first emperor of China, Qinshihuang, who united the country. Thus starting the Qin dynasty. Qinshihuang inherited the infamous jade disc and soon ordered it to be carved into his imperial seal. Into the jade disc was carved the words “Having received the mandate from heaven, may the emperor lead a long and prosperous life”. The seal was soon dubbed the Imperial Seal Of China and was passed through the many Chinese dynasties for the next 1500 years. The seal was seen as a legitimizing signal of the mandate of heaven. Through its possession the bearer was seen as the rightful ruler of China. It is not known how the imperial seal of China was lost though it is reported to be within the years 907 and 960 AD. The rest is history.

In 1540, the Ottoman Ruler of the country of Yemen, Ozdemir Pasha, inquired about a hot liquid that the locals produced from the beans of a plant. He became the first Turkish ruler to taste coffee. But, was it what we know today to be “Turkish Coffee.” Probably not. Still, the aroma, if not the taste, intrigued the man enough for him to order his servants to tinker with it. Some unknown servant discovered that the flavor of coffee became more powerful if the beans were roasted, then very finely ground. No one thought to filter the grounds then, nor is that done for Turkish Coffee today.

The art of having coffee developed about how it was served as much as on how it was created. On or about the year 1555, Pasha felt that the coffee was perfected well enough for him to have his servants to serve it to Suleiman the Magnificent, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. This was a risk, but the Sultan was delighted with the flavor and aroma of this exotic new drink made from the beans of a plant that thrived in lands that he controlled. He ordered more serious effort into perfecting the processing of the beans, and we can attribute today’s Turkish Coffee as an outcome of this effort. Remarkably, Ottoman royalty, for the most part, saw no reason to deny coffee to the populace. Note: A later Sultan did suppress coffee cafes when his rule became tenuous, and he learned that men gathered to drink coffee also discussed taking him out of power.

Coffee houses sprang up all over the Ottoman Empire, creating a new reason for people to gather socially, while the elite turned to serving their coffee in small gatherings, making the drink look sophisticated by serving it in fine cups made of china, gold, silver, and cradling the cups in ornately carved wood or setting them upon matching little saucers. The elites of other countries acquired that habit in their courts too. Someone added sugar to the coffee and that won over legions of new connoisseurs who had balked at coffee’s bitter taste.

Coffee did not make it to the common people of Europe until 1615, after a Venetian merchant introduced it. Web search the scramble of European powers to acquire and grow their own coffee plants in order to prevent the Ottomans from cutting off the supply of coffee beans or to dramatically raise the price of the beans. All of the East India Companies got in on the hunt for and capture of coffee bean plants. Interestingly, one of the companies determined that the plants would grow in most places on Earth along the latitude of where it grew naturally in Yemen. Web search Proverbs 31:6. This is the only Christian Biblical verse that I found to support coffee, a drink that lay undiscovered until after the time of Jesus’ ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.

Anuradhapura Kingdom

Anuradhapura Kingdom is the first established kingdom in Sri Lanka among the Sinhala people. Its rule began with King Pandukabhaya and the Kingdom flourished from 377 BC to 1017 AD. One of the important events during the Anuradhapura Kingdom include the introduction of Buddhism. This was made possible due to the strong union between King Asoka of India and King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka.

Let’s take a look at the notable successors during this era. Some of these rulers are also of South Indian origin.

King Pandukabhaya

The founder and ruler of Upatissa Nuwara from 437-367 BC and first monarch of Anuradhapura. He had two sons Mutasiva and Suratissa. King Mutasiva ruled for over sixty years (367-307 BC) and constructed Mahamevnawa Park. Mutasiva had 09 sons some of the known successors include Devanampiyatissa, Uttiya, Mahasiva and Asela.

King Devanampiyatissa

Son of Mutasiva, Devanampiyatissa ruled from 307-267 BC. An important monarch as Buddhism was first introduced during his reign. Following his rule, King Uttiya was in power for a short period from 267-257 BC. Succeeding his reign was brother and King Mahasiva from 257-247 BC.

It was only after Mahasiva’s reign did the younger son of King Pandukabhaya, Suratissa, rule from 247-237 BC. However, his reign was short lived. Two traders from South India, Sena and Guttika killed King Suratissa and ruled the Kingdom for 22 years. Following their rule, another son of King Mutasiva, Asela came in to power from 215-205 BC only to have been killed in battle by Tamil Chola Dynasty member named “Ellalan”.

Ellalan

Having gained supremacy over the Pandukabhaya dynasty, Ellalan ruled Anuradhapura for over 44 years. During his reign from 205-161 BC he was known to be a wise ruler until he was defeated and exiled by King Dutugamunu in 161 BC.

King Dutugamunu

Perhaps among the favourite rulers of the Kingdom, Dutugamunu was also known as Duttagamani Abhaya. An important ruler in the era, Anuradhapura flourished during his reign 161-137 BC) and the kingdom expanded vastly. Dutugamunu was best known and accompanied by ten giant warriors or Dasa Maha Yodhayo. Some of his known work include Mirisavetiya, Lovamahapaya and the 90m tall Ruvanwelisaya. His contribution to the Kingdom are among the Anuradhapura Sacred City tour itineraries today.

Following his rule, the throne did not go to his son due to being married to a lower cast. Instead, his successor was his brother King Saddha Tissa. Having ruled from 137-119 BC, his successors included his sons, Thulatthana, Lanja Tissa, Khallata Naga and Valagamba.

King Valagamba

Having ruled the peaceful Kingdom for only a mere five months, before he was thrown out by South Indian invaders in 103 BC, King Valagamba was in exile for 14 years hiding in the Dambulla Caves. Following a long exile, Valagamba defeated the invaders and took back the throne in 89 BC. In gratitude, he converted his exile-home into a temple and also constructed the Abhayagiri Dagoba in Anuradhapura.

After the time of Valagamba, many in his family ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 76 BC to 66 AD. King Subharaja was the final known King from house of Vijaya.

During this period however, it’s important to speak of the very first Queen in power from 47-42 BC. Queen Anula, was also the first female head of state in Asia. Having been in power for five years, history states that she poisoned at least four husbands and consorts during her time in order to stay in power.

Anuradhapura Kingdom After Vijaya

With the house of Vijaya ending in 66 AD with the killing of King Subharaja by King Vasamba, a new era began. Vasamba went on to construct 11 reservoirs and 12 canals during his reign from 67-111 AD to support paddy cultivation of the country. Following his reign, his son, grandson, King Gajabahu I and many more went on to rule the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

Here are some other cool facts about the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

King Mahasen (277-304 AD) built the tallest stupa Jethavanaramaya, sixteen large tanks and two irrigation canals, the largest among them the Minneriya Tank.

King Dhatusena (455-473 AD), another great sucessor who was responsible for many developments in the Kingdom. During his time, he built 18 irrigation tanks, a large canal or Yodha Ela (Jayahanga) and the iconic 43 ft “Avukana” statue of Lord Buddha.

The Anuradhapura Era ended with King Mahinda V (98 -1017 AD). The Kingdom was the beginning of Buddhism and saw the start and increase in the number of temples, dagobas and stupas and steered the country’s development towards paddy with tanks and canals.

To this date, the beauty of Anuradhapura continues to be marvelled and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

The Moslem rule is a watershed in the history of India. Right from the Khilji dynasty and the Mughul rule the forefront of the action was against the Rajputs. However, it is fact of history,that mostly the Rajputs were defeated by the Moslems. Despite their bravery,the Rajputs always ended on the losing side. These defeats really commenced from the time Ghori faced Prithviraj in the battles of Tarain. Ghori won and the Rajputs were a demoralised lot. Again the advent of Babur saw the Rajputs unable to defeat him and he occupied the throne at Delhi. Akbar followed and the Rajputs decided to give him battle under Rana Sangha. But he was defeated and fled from the battlefield. All this makes sad reading and one cannot help concluding that these defeats played on the psyche of the Rajputs.

The so called brave Rajputs, hit upon a novel plan. Perhaps it was thrust on them.In effect it really meant to use sex as a means to achieve their position,what they had not achieved on the battlefield. Thus the Rajput Rajas and Cheftains started giving their daughters into marriage and as concubines into the Harems of the Moslem rulers. These poor Hindu princesses were ushered into these harems and became part of hundreds of other women to a life of purdah and seclusion till they died. In addition a lot many of them had to convert to Islam. It is worth noting that the liberal Akbar had over 500 women in his harem,a large number of them Hindus.

There are also cases where in the Mughul ruler when he heard of the beauty of a Rajput Hindu princess sent his emissary with a message that the girl be given into his harem. Woe betide a Rajput who desisted. But history records that this phase of the Rajput Moslem rulers relationship had the end point of their women being given to the Moslem harems as concubines and hand maidens. In return for this the Rajput Cheftains were allowed to keep their small Jagirs and kingdoms on payment of tributes to the imperial ruler.

Social scientists must study this aspect of Rajput behaviour. It is difficult to visualize what prompted the Rajputs to do this i.e. to hand over their girls to the Moslem harems, when the Moslems never allowed the reverse to happen i.e. marry Moslem girls into Rajput households.

This was certainly a dark period in India’s history and one can feel for the poor Hindu princesses who had to spend their lives in Moslem harems as sex objecst of the Moslem rulers. Perhaps we must have a fresh look at the so called bravery of the Rajputs.

“I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come… and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms – all because we are one with Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:19-21, 2:6

Supreme simply means highest, absolute. It is the highest authority. The name of Jesus is a great and powerful weapon in the hands of a Christian, especially the prayer warrior. It is always fatal to Satan and the dark kingdom when mentioned by a believer. The name of Jesus opens the doors of heaven and also brings all the powers in heaven, on earth, under the earth and in the water to subjection. But, why is it so powerful? What is in his name? First of all, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came from heaven. This is a very simple introduction of Jesus. But if you study the scriptures very well, you will no doubt arrive at the undisputable fact that Jesus is God. He is God, but came in human form. From the Old Testament to the New, everything points to this fact. So, if this man was God in the flesh, why would he (his name) not command absolute authority and influence over his creation? Tell me.

Secondly, before you accuse me of not knowing my bible, Jesus also ‘earned’ the highest authority when he successfully paid the price for sin and rose from death. They are self-explanatory. Now, read the following scriptures and make the conclusions by yourself: “For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe” Colossians 2:9-10. Again, see this powerful revelation, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we cannot see – kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.” Colossians 1:15. Wow! Did you actually read that? Jesus was not just a prophet. He was actually God that came in human form!

Great! Now, what do you want me to say again? If Christ has these nature and attributes, how then can created beings like Satan, demons, dark agents, witches, etc, ever stand before him? Now these are the things we must understand as Christians – that our Savoir Jesus Christ is God. That he created and is controlling all things in the whole universe – be it power, principalities, rulers, authorities, events, thrones, dominions in the air, in the waters, on the earth, on the mountains, in the dark places, in the day and in the night. So, when you mention his name, these created beings hear the name of their creator and they have no choice than to obey, bow and submit to his authority. A creation will always submit to the creator. Simple! Now, go with this knowledge and begin to conquer every enemy and situation. We will continue. Watch out for the second part of this article. Blessings to you!

Gabriel is of the Assemblies of God and the author of the books / audiobooks: Power of Midnight Prayer, Receive Your Healing, Breaking Generational Curses: Claiming Your Freedom, Never Again!, I Shall Not Die, Move Forward, Power of Sacrifice and many others https://www.amazon.com/Power-Midnight-Prayer-Gabriel-Agbo/dp/1475273738

Come to the Kutch region of Gujarat, India and you are sure to see lots of temples devoted to various gods and goddesses. However, there is one temple in the region which is devoted to horse riders called Jakhs or Yaksha. Situated near the Nakhtrana town, this temple has an interesting story.

Story of Jakhs

According to the folklore a shipwreck near the Jakhau port brought 72 persons possibly of Iranian origin to Kutch. These people were good samaritans. Travelling with a lantern they went around treating people with medicines they carried in boxes. They rode horses to go around the region. This is said to have happened nearly 600 years ago.

According to some historians these people got the name of Jakh because they came to the Jakhau port of Kutch. Others say that their name is derived from the word “Yaksh” which means divine persons.

Horsemen Saviors

Whatever may be true about them, the Jakhs seem to have done good to the local people. These horsemen had come at a very opportune time for the people of Kutch. For a very cruel ruler called Pun-ara reigned over the region persecuting the populace. His wrath seems to have been directed specially towards people around the Nakhtrana region in the eastern Kutch.

When people heard of these white-robed Jakhs, they went to them for treatment of their ailments and also for possible relief from the atrocities of the ruler.

As characters in such legends are said to have magical powers, this ruler Pun-ara was no exception. He had got a boon from the gods that he would be invincible as long as he wore an amulet on his arm. And he took care to have the amulet on his person all the time.

However this ruler’s wife also had become the devotee of the Jakh horsemen. So she told them that her husband took out the amulet only when he was taking a bath. So the Jakhs climbed a hillock near his palace and fired a missile which hit the bathroom, killing the cruel ruler.

Devotion of the Grateful

Naturally people were happy to be rid of a tyrant and started to worship the horsemen. They raised a temple on the hillock which has figures of 72 white-clad horsemen. People people not only revered them but also started asking for wish-fulfillment from them. It is said that childless people often go to this temple to beget children.

While this temple draws people all round the year, it is at the time of its annual fair that thousands of devotees as well as sightseers and tourists gather in the plain of hill of the temple. The temple is situated in picturesque surroundings so it is a popular spot for sight-seers as well as foreign tourists who regularly visit Kutch.

Is the legend based on truth? Who were the horsemen? Where did they come from? Did they really have magical and medicinal powers? Nobody knows. But the belief in Jakhs continues to draw people this novel temple which is a must-see spot for anybody coming to Kutch.