GSB Coimbatore Blog

Sri Vitthal Chi Aarti

Yuge Atthavis vitevari ubha II
Vamangi rakhumai dise divya shobha II
Pundlikache bheti parbrahmale ga II
Charani vahe bhima uddhari jaga II 1 II
Jai dev jai dev jai panduranga I
Rakhumai vallabha raichya vallabha pave
Jivlaga II Jai II
Tulsimala gala kar theoni katee II
Kanse pitambar kasturi lallatee I
Dev survar nitya yeti bheti II
Garud hanumant puddhe ubhe rahati
II Jai II 2 II
Dhanya venunad anukshetrapala I
Suvarnachi kamala vanmala gala II
Rani rakhumabai raniya sakala I
Ovaliti raja vithoba savala II Jai II 3 II
Ovaloo artya kurvandya yeti I
Chandrabhagemadhye soduniya deti II
Dindya pataka vaishanav nachati
Pandharicha mahima varnava kiti II Jai II 4 II
Ashaddhi kartiki bhaktajan yeti II
Chandrabhagemaji snane je kariti
Darshan helamatre taya hoy mukti II
Keshwasi namdev bhave ovaliti II Jai II 5 II



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[NOTE: The article "Sri Vitthal Chi Aarti" appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

Shattilla Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashis. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed every year during the month of Magha or Paush, i.e. in January. The fast of Shattila Ekadasi in 2015 will be observed on January 16.

Some other names with which Shattila Ekadasi is famous among the people are: Shat-Tila Ekadashi, Stilla Ekadashi, Sattila Ekadashi, and Tilda Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu is worshiped on all the Ekadashis, but on Shattila Ekadashi, Lord Krishna is also worshiped. 

The name of Shattila Ekadasi indicates about the food item that holds the maximum importance on this day i.e. Til. Consumption of Til or sesame seeds, charity of sesame seeds or even bathing with water having some sesame seeds in it, is considered highly auspicious. You will come to know about the significance of sesame seeds or Til and the story of Shattila Ekadashi by reading ahead. So, read on and know more about Shattila Ekadasi, before observing Shattila Ekadasi Vrat in 2015.

Legend Of Shattila Ekadashi :

As per the legend of Shattila Ekadasi, once there was an old lady, who had lots of wealth and money. She used to perform a lot of charity for the poor, in form of offerings like clothes, jewelry, and other precious items. But she never offered them food or grains.

Once, Lord Krishna converted himself in the form of a poor beggar and asked that rich lady for food. On the continuous demand for food, the lady became angry and she put a ball of clay in his pot. Beggar blessed her and left.

When she entered into her house, she saw that every food item is slowly changing into clay. She was having lots of wealth and money, but all was a complete waste because she was not able to eat anything. She was getting weaker and weaker, day by day. Then, she prayed to Lord Krishna for help.

Lord Krishna came into her dreams and reminded her the incident of the beggar. He also told her that by observing the fast of Shattila Ekadasi and offering food to the poor on that day, will help her in removing all her sins.

She observed the fast of Shattila Ekadashi and offered Til and food to the poor, after which everything returned to normal.

Shattila Ekadashi 2015: Gain auspiciousness from sesame seeds :

Follow these rituals on the day of Shattila Ekadasi in 2015 by using the Til or sesame seeds for acquiring the maximum auspiciousness.

• Mix some sesame seeds in the water for bathing.
• Make the paste of sesame seeds for rubbing on your body.
• Include the consumption of sesame seeds in your food.
• On the day of Shattila Ekadashi, give the sacrifice of sesame seeds in fire,.
• Offer sesame seeds to the poor in charity.
• Exchange gifts of sesame seeds.

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[NOTE: The article "[WHAT IS] Shattilla Ekadashi" appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

Shivashtakam And Meaning

प्रभुं प्राणनाथं विभुं विश्वनाथं जगन्नाथ नाथं सदानन्द भाजाम् ।
भवद्भव्य भूतॆश्वरं भूतनाथं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
गलॆ रुण्डमालं तनौ सर्पजालं महाकाल कालं गणॆशादि पालम् ।
जटाजूट गङ्गॊत्तरङ्गै र्विशालं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
मुदामाकरं मण्डनं मण्डयन्तं महा मण्डलं भस्म भूषाधरं तम् ।
अनादिं ह्यपारं महा मॊहमारं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
वटाधॊ निवासं महाट्टाट्टहासं महापाप नाशं सदा सुप्रकाशम् ।
गिरीशं गणॆशं सुरॆशं महॆशं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ ॥ 4 ॥
गिरीन्द्रात्मजा सङ्गृहीतार्धदॆहं गिरौ संस्थितं सर्वदापन्न गॆहम् ।
परब्रह्म ब्रह्मादिभिर्-वन्द्यमानं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
कपालं त्रिशूलं कराभ्यां दधानं पदाम्भॊज नम्राय कामं ददानम् ।
बलीवर्धमानं सुराणां प्रधानं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
शरच्चन्द्र गात्रं गणानन्दपात्रं त्रिनॆत्रं पवित्रं धनॆशस्य मित्रम् ।
अपर्णा कलत्रं सदा सच्चरित्रं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
हरं सर्पहारं चिता भूविहारं भवं वॆदसारं सदा निर्विकारं।
श्मशानॆ वसन्तं मनॊजं दहन्तं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ
स्वयं यः प्रभातॆ नरश्शूल पाणॆ पठॆत् स्तॊत्ररत्नं त्विहप्राप्यरत्नम् ।
सुपुत्रं सुधान्यं सुमित्रं कलत्रं विचित्रैस्समाराध्य मॊक्षं प्रयाति ॥


prabhuṃ prāṇanāthaṃ vibhuṃ viśvanāthaṃ jagannātha nāthaṃ sadānanda bhājām |
bhavadbhavya bhūteśvaraṃ bhūtanāthaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
gaḷe ruṇḍamālaṃ tanau sarpajālaṃ mahākāla kālaṃ gaṇeśādi pālam |
jaṭājūṭa gaṅgottaraṅgai rviśālaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
mudāmākaraṃ maṇḍanaṃ maṇḍayantaṃ mahā maṇḍalaṃ bhasma bhūṣādharaṃ tam |
anādiṃ hyapāraṃ mahā mohamāraṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
vaṭādho nivāsaṃ mahāṭṭāṭṭahāsaṃ mahāpāpa nāśaṃ sadā suprakāśam |
girīśaṃ gaṇeśaṃ sureśaṃ maheśaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
girīndrātmajā saṅgṛhītārdhadehaṃ girau saṃsthitaṃ sarvadāpanna geham |
parabrahma brahmādibhir-vandyamānaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
kapālaṃ triśūlaṃ karābhyāṃ dadhānaṃ padāmbhoja namrāya kāmaṃ dadānam |
balīvardhamānaṃ surāṇāṃ pradhānaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
śaraccandra gātraṃ gaṇānandapātraṃ trinetraṃ pavitraṃ dhaneśasya mitram |
aparṇā kaḷatraṃ sadā saccaritraṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe
haraṃ sarpahāraṃ citā bhūvihāraṃ bhavaṃ vedasāraṃ sadā nirvikāraṃ|
śmaśāne vasantaṃ manojaṃ dahantaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe

Meaning & Translation

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who is the Lord, Who is the Lord of our lives, Who is Vibhu, Who is the Lord of the world, Who is the Lord of Vishnu (Jagannatha), Who is always dwelling in happiness, Who imparts light or shine to everything, Who is the Lord of living beings, Who is the Lord of ghosts, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who has a garland of skull around the neck, Who has a net of snakes around His body, Who is the destroyer of the immense-destroyer Kala, Who is the lord of Ganesa, Whose matted-hair are spread-out by the presence of the waves of Ganga falling on His head, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who scatters happiness [in the world], Who is ornating the universe, Who is the immense universe Himself, Who is possessing the adornment of ashes, Who is without a beginning, Who is without a measure, Who removes the greatest attachments, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who resides below a Vata (Banyan) tree, Who possesses an immense laughter, Who destroys the greatest sins, Who is always resplendent, Who is the Lord of Himalaya, various Gana and the demi-gods, Who is the great Lord, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who shares half of His body with the daughter of Himalaya, Who is situated in a mountain (Kailasa), Who is always a resort for the depressed, Who is the Atman, Who is reverred by (or Who is worthy of reverence by) Brahma and others, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who holds a skull and a trident in the hands, Who endows the desires of those who are humble to His lotus-feet, Who uses an Ox as a vehicle², Who is supreme and above various demi-gods, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who has a face like the Winter-moon, Who is the subject of happiness of Gana, Who has three eyes, Who is pure, Who is the friend of Kubera (controller of wealth), Who is the consort of Aparna (Parvati), Who has eternal characteristics, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who is known as Hara, Who has a garland of snakes, Who roams around the cremation grounds, Who is the universe, Who is the summary of the Veda (or the One discussed by Veda), Who is always dispassionate, Who is living in the cremation grounds, Who is burning desires born in the mind, and Who is the Lord of everyone.


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[NOTE: The article "Shivashtakam And Meaning" appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

[WHAT IS] Sri Satyanarayana Ashtotharam Shatanaamaavali

Shri Sathyanaranayana katha is from Skandha purana, Reva kaanda. Sutha Puraanikji was the narrator of these stories, in Neimishaaranya to the rishis lead by Shounakji who were performing a 1,000 year yajna for the benefit of mankind.

Satya Narayan is the Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an embodiment of truth. Satyanarayana is worshipped commonly by Hindus in their homes with family and friends, usually on a full moon (purnima) day of the month. In this puja called Satyanarayana Pooja, people worship by reciting the gracious story of Lord Satyanarayana. This story was originally told by Lord Vishnu himself to the sage Narada for the benefit of humankind.

Om Satyadevaya Namaha
Om Satyatmane Namaha
Om Satyabhuutaya Namaha
Om Satyapurushhaya Namaha
Om Satyanathaya Namaha
Om Satyasaxine Namaha
Om Satyayogaya Namaha
Om Satyagyanaya Namaha
Om Satyagyanapriyaya Namaha
Om Satyanidhaye Namaha
Om Satyasambhavaya Namaha
Om Satyaprabhuve Namaha
Om Satyeshvaraya Namaha
Om Satyakarmane Namaha
Om Satyapavitraya Namaha
Om Satyama.Ngalaya Namaha
Om Satyagarbhaya Namaha
Om Satyaprajapataye Namaha
Om Satyavikramaya Namaha
Om Satyasiddhaya Namaha
Om Satyachyutaya Namaha
Om Satyaviiraya Namaha
Om Satyabodhaya Namaha
Om Satyadharmaya Namaha
Om Satyagrajaya Namaha
Om Satyasa.Ntushhtaya Namaha
Om Satyavarahaya Namaha
Om Satyaparayanaya Namaha
Om Satyapuurnaya Namaha
Om Satyaushhadhaya Namaha
Om Satyashashvataya Namaha
Om Satyapravardhanaya Namaha
Om Satyavibhave Namaha
Om Satyajyeshhthaya Namaha
Om Satyashreshhthaya Namaha
Om Satyavikramine Namaha
Om Satyadhanvine Namaha
Om Satyamedhaya Namaha
Om Satyadhiishaya Namaha
Om Satyakratave Namaha
Om Satyakalaya Namaha
Om Satyavatsalaya Namaha
Om Satyavasave Namaha
Om Satyameghaya Namaha
Om Satyarudraya Namaha
Om Satyabrahmane Namaha
Om SatyamrItaya Namaha
Om SatyavedanGaya Namaha
Om Satyachaturatmane Namaha
Om Satyabhoktre Namaha
Om Satyashuchaye Namaha
Om Satyarjitaya Namaha
Om Satye.Ndraya Namaha
Om Satyasa.Ngaraya Namaha
Om Satyasvargaya Namaha
Om Satyaniyamaya Namaha
Om Satyamedhaya Namaha
Om Satyavedyaya Namaha
Om Satyapiiyuushhaya Namaha
Om Satyamayaya Namaha
Om Satyamohaya Namaha
Om Satyasurana.Ndaya Namaha
Om Satyasagaraya Namaha
Om Satyatapase Namaha
Om Satyasi.Nhaya Namaha
Om SatyamrIgaya Namaha
Om Satyalokapalakaya Namaha
Om Satyasthitaya Namaha
Om Satyadikpalakaya Namaha
Om Satyadhanurdharaya Namaha
Om Satyambujaya Namaha
Om Satyavakyaya Namaha
Om Satyagurave Namaha
Om Satyanyayaya Namaha
Om Satyasaxine Namaha
Om Satyasa.NvrItaya Namaha
Om Satyasampradaya Namaha
Om Satyavahnaye Namaha
Om Satyavayuve Namaha
Om Satyashikharaya Namaha
Om Satyana.Ndaya Namaha
Om Satyadhirajaya Namaha
Om Satyashriipadaya Namaha
Om Satyaguhyaya Namaha
Om Satyodaraya Namaha
Om SatyahrIdayaya Namaha
Om Satyakamalaya Namaha
Om Satyanalaya Namaha
Om Satyahastaya Namaha
Om Satyabahave Namaha
Om Satyamukhaya Namaha
Om Satyajihvaya Namaha
Om Satyadau.Nshhtraya Namaha
Om Satyanashikaya Namaha
Om Satyashrotraya Namaha
Om Satyachakase Namaha
Om Satyashirase Namaha
Om Satyamukutaya Namaha
Om Satyambaraya Namaha
Om Satyabharanaya Namaha
Om Satyayudhaya Namaha
Om Satyashrivallabhaya Namaha
Om Satyaguptaya Namaha
Om Satyapushkaraya Namaha
Om Satyadhridaya Namaha
Om Satyabhamavatarakaya Namaha
Om SatyagrIharupine Namaha
Om Satyapraharanayudhaya Namaha



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[NOTE: The article "[WHAT IS] Vaikuntha Ekadashi]" appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

[WHAT IS] Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Kannada: ವೈಕುಂಠ ಏಕಾದಶಿ; (Tamil: வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி; Telugu: వైకుంఠ ఏకాదశి; Sanskrit: वैकुंठ एकादशि) (Sometimes called Mukkoti Ekadashi in Telugu) is the Shukla paksha Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar).
Vaishnavism (Worship of Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha shukla paksha ekadashi in lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day.

According the to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year. However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.

Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntham (his abode) for two demons in spite of their being against him. They also asked for the boon that whoever listens to their story and sees the image of Vishnu coming out of the door (called Dwar), called Vaikunth Dwar, will reach Vaikunth as well. Temples all over India make a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to walk through.

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Vishnu slayed the demon Muran and protects the 'Devas'. This happened on the eleventh day of lunar month during the sun's journey in the Dhanurrashi or Dhanu Rashi. Impressed by the act, Vishnu names her as 'Ekadashi' and gives her the boon that those who worship 'Ekadashi' on the day of her victory over Muran would reach 'Vaikunth' (His abode).

Benefits - Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi. It is believed that Vaikuntha Dwaram or the gate of Lord's inner sanctum is opened on this day and devotees who observe fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi attain salvation by going to Heaven.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is very important day for Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. Other famous temples like Guruvayoor SriKrishna temple in Kerala, Rajagopalaswami temple, Mannargudi, etc have the special dwars for the devotees.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi in Malayalam Calendar followed by people of Kerala.

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.


Via: Facebook, Indian Life Ethics & Karmas's


[NOTE: The article "[WHAT IS] Vaikuntha Ekadashi]" appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

An Appeal to all Samaj Bandhavas

Dear Samaj Bandhavas,

Sri Venkatesha Seva Samithi Charitable Trust has been conducting monthly Sathyanarayana Pooja at our Ishtadevatha Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, at Marudhamalai, Coimbatore on every 1st Sunday of the English month in the morning for the past 9 years.

God has given us manushya janma and that too as Brahman only on credit of our poorva punyas acquired by us in our earlier krimi, keeda, pakshi, mrugadi janmas. The only way to escape from this cycle of births is to surrender at the lotus feet of Sri LORD NARAYANA.

Let us join our hands to serve Srimannarayana with utmost bhakthy and put all our efforts for the realization of the Soul, which is the ultimate aim of the human birth rather than acquiring wealth.

Those who want to sponsor the pooja may contact the management at the below-mentioned numbers. Those who are unable to sponsor for the time being may join us for Sankalpa Sathyanarayana Pooja by paying only Rs. 51/-.

MANA EVA MANUSHYANAM KARANAM BANDHA MOKSHAYO

Please realize that money is not the criteria, but the mind is the criteria.

So, we request all Samaj Bandhavas to participate with family with full devotion and make it a grand great success and get the blessings of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and Sri Sathyanarayana, which will enlighten you internally and in your day-to-day life as well.


Sri. P. Achutha Pai, President
+91-98422-98399 / +91-98431-98399

Sri. Rajeshkumar Shenoy, Secretary
+91-98432-61200

Sri. Venugopala Prabhu, Joint Secretary
+91-98948-84091

Sri. RH Udaykumar Pai, Treasurer
+91-99444-32420


With warm and best regards,

Coimbatore Sree Lakshmi Narasimha Devasthanam, SVSS Trust

[WHY?] Why is the Ganesha idol immersed in water after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival?

Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations end with the immersion or Visarjan of clay Ganapati idol in water.

Hindus worship Brahman or the Supreme Soul present in all animate and inanimate, but for a majority of the people it is not possible to worship this formlessness. They need a form to pray to, to seek help, to cry, and to take blessings. Ganesha is ‘OM’ the primordial sound or the first ‘Vaak.’ Nirguna Para Brahman takes the form of Ganesha.

Clay and water is mixed to give form to the formlessness. Each person brings Ganesha in clay idol form into the home. This is the Supreme Being arriving at home. After the celebrations, it is time to accept the eternal cosmic law that which took form has to become formless again. It is a never ending cycle (Chakra).

The formlessness giving way to form and then moving again towards formlessness. Each year, Ganesha arrives to teach us that:

Forms change, but the Supreme Truth remains the same. Body perishes, but the Brahman residing in it remains constant. This body becomes energy for another, but the source of energy is the same. Bliss is achieved when we realize this.

The act also symbolizes the concept of Moksha, or liberation, in Hinduism. Osho says – ‘Absolute unclinging. That is what is meant by Moksha – freedom – no clinging, not even to gods.’

Thus we create Ganesha out of clay, worship it and later it is submerged (Visarjan).

Important TIP: Use only clay Ganesh idols and please do not throw plastic in water. Perform a symbolic immersion in a bucket of water and then use it to water the plants.

Please Share and make others aware of it!


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[NOTE: The article "[WHY?] Why is the Ganesha idol immersed in water after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival?" first appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

Importance of Prasad

Prasad

The word ‘prasad’ means that which gives peace. During any form of worship, ritual or ceremony, Hindus offer some items of food to the Lord. Puja is done with Bael leaves, flowers, Tulasi (Basil plant), Vibhuti and these are given as Prasada from the Lord.

Prasada is that which gives peace. Prasada is the sacred food offering of the Lord. During Kirtans (Singing hymns), worship, Puja, Havan and Arati, the devotee offers sweet rice, fruits, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain and such other articles to the Lord, according to his ability. After offering them to the Lord, they are shared between the members of the house or the Bhaktas (devotees) in a temple.

Water, flowers, rice, etc., are offered to the Lord in worship. This denotes that the Lord is pleased with even the smallest offering. What is wanted is the heart of the devotee. The Lord says in the Gita

Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati;
Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasanami Prayatatmanah

Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart".

It is not necessary that one should offer gold, silver, and costly dress to the Lord. The devotee offers these according to his ability and position in life, thereby denoting that the whole wealth of the world belongs to the Lord. A rich man offers costly things to the Lord. He feeds the poor and serves the sick, seeing the Lord in his fellow-beings.

The mental Bhava (attitude) of the devotee offering Bhog to the Lord has very great effect. If an ardent devotee of the Lord offers anything to the Lord, that Prasada, if taken, would bring very great change even in the minds of atheists. The Grace of the Lord descends through Prasada.

If the food is offered with an yearning heart, sometimes, the Lord takes that food assuming a physical form. In other cases, the Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered, and the food remains as it is in the shape of Prasada. While feeding Mahatmas and the poor people, that which is left behind is taken as Prasada. When a sacrifice is performed, the participants share the Prasada which bestows the blessings of the gods. When Dasaratha performed Putrakameshti (a sacrifice performed wishing for a son), he got a vessel full of sweetened rice that he gave to his queens, by taking which they became pregnant.

Charanamrit

A special form of prasad is the Charanamrit, which is the water or milk used to wash the feet of the idol, or of a holy saint. The Charanamrit has tremendous powers. It can change the outlook of a devotee entirely. It has the power to cure diseases. There are cases where it brought back life to the dead. Charanamrit is a tonic or medicine for misery, pain and anxiety. Intense faith is the all-important necessity for taking it. Without faith it brings very little benefit. The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a man’s life. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.

Those who are brought up in modern education and culture have forgotten all about the glory of Prasada. Many Western educated persons do not attach any importance to Prasada when they get it from Mahatmas. This is a serious mistake. Prasada is a great purifier. Live for a week in Vrindavana or Ayodhya or Varanasi or Pandharpur. You will realise the glory and the miraculous effects of Prasada. Many incurable diseases are cured. Many sincere aspirants get wonderful spiritual experiences from mere Prasada alone. Prasada is a panacea. Prasada is a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the Grace of the Lord. Prasada is a cure-all and an ideal pick-me-up. Prasada is an embodiment of Sakti. Prasada is Divinity in manifestation. Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It should be taken with great faith.

The prasad of the Lord is very sacred and purifying. If it is taken with faith and devotion, it brings miraculous results to the devotee.

While feeding Mahatmas, Sannyasins and the poor, that which is left over is also taken as prasad, because in feeding them, we feel that we are feeding God Himself.

When a ceremony is performed all the devotees should share the prasad and thus receive the blessings of the Deities. Prasad is extremely sacred. There is no restriction of any kind in taking prasad. Time, place or condition does not affect one. Prasad is all purifying.. Prasada is the most sacred object for a devotee. One should consider himself lucky to take the Prasada, and there is no restriction of any kind in taking Prasada. Prasada is all purifying.


Via: Srikant Rawas


[NOTE: The article "Importance of Prasad" first appeared on the GSB Coimbatore Blog.

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners.]

[RITUALS] Homam

A Homam is a ritual performed with fire. It is also called “Havan”or “Yajna”. Our body is considered to be made up of five elements – Earth, Fire, Water, Sky and Wind. Of these, “Fire” is considered as the symbol of energy which brings forth creation and life. Hence, worship of “Fire” or “Agni” has been practiced by our ancestors since the Vedic ages. It is believed that Gods come into the fire and receive the prayers and offerings that are poured into the sacred fire.

GANAPATHY HOMAM / GANPATHY HAVAN:

Om Gan ganapathiye namah.....om avighnamasthu

All of us are endowed with a Gross body i.e the one that can be seen and felt as well as a subtle body which functions within. The body has many fires burning within. There is the “Jathara Agni or the digestive fire which helps to digest all the food that is ingested. There is also the “Bhuta Agni” which is the inner transformative power – it can be thought of as a fire that helps to digest all the mental/emotional learning that we take in. The subtle body is sustained by the Bhuta Agni which then helps to attain spiritual awakening.

Over time, the “Bhuta Agni” is weakened due to clogs caused by feelings such as desire, anger, greed, ego, lust and jealousy. This needs to be cleaned by spiritual thought, one-pointed devotion, positive emotions such as love, compassion and generosity. It is considered that the “Homam” or ritual with the external fire helps to strengthen/rekindle and energize this “Bhuta Agni” towards the spiritual goals.

Lord Ganesha is always worshiped before starting any Pooja or Homa and on all auspicious occasions. Lord Ganesha is also known as ‘Vigneshwara’ [vigna + Eswara] which means the lord who removes all obstructions (Vighna). Lord Ganesha or Mahaganapathi is believed to remove obstacles not only in the material world but also in one’s spiritual progress. Mahaganapathi is also worshiped as a very important deity for Kundalini awakening and Kundalini rise, which is the first step in self-realization. The Mahaganapathi homam is performed by people desiring progress in various material pursuits as well as those seeking liberation and spiritual awakening.

Ganapathy Homam should be performed in the early morning and Poornahuthi to be offered during sunrise.

To perform Ganapathy Homam the following materials are required:

1. Ghee
2. Modhaka (a kind of sweet prepared with coconut, jaggery and rice flour or wheat flour)
3. Durva (a kind of grass).

The Ahuti / offering into the fire is called Ashta Dravya which is a mixture of the following eight materials

1. Coconut
2. Banana
3. Honey
4. Sugarcane
5. Ghee
6. Modhaka
7. Jaggery
8. Puffed rice.

While it is good to follow the procedure faithfully, what is even more important to offer ones “Ego” to be melted into the sacred fire. Complete devotion and single-minded focus on deity/mantra/procedure and burning one’s ego leads to full satisfaction and peace on performing the Homam.


Via: Facebook, Indian Life Ethics & Karmas's Photos




[NOTE: The article "[RITUALS] Homam" first appeared on the "GSB Coimbatore Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners. ]

Shri Yantra

'Shri' or 'Shree' stands for Lakshmi and 'yantra' stands for device. Shri Yantra is a device that helps invoke the power of Lakshmi into our lives.

In tantrik tradition, this device is represented in a geometric format. It is a diagram of six intersecting triangles. The three upward pointing triangles represent the male energy and the three downward pointing triangles represent the female energy.

The intersections of the six triangles represent points of concentrated energy that signify fertility or creation. A 'bindu' or dot in the middle of the diagram is said to be the point where the Goddess Tripursundari or Lakshmi's female creative form exists.

The whole geometric design is encased in a lotus design, representing the universe or creation. The yantra symbol thus represents the creative aspect or fertile aspect of the cosmos.

The Shri yantra is a very powerful symbol that dispels all negative energy from its vicinity and fills it with positive, progressive, and auspicious energy.

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi has great affection for the Shri Yantra and blesses those who possess it.



[NOTE: The article "Shri Yantra" first appeared on the "GSB Coimbatore Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice. The blog does not own any trademarks and trademarks are of their respective owners. ]

Ashta Lakshmi - The Eight Aspects or Representations of Goddess Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi (Ashta means eight + Lakshmi means the Goddess of wealth) signifies the eight divine aspects of Ma Lakshmi. The eight representations emphasize different forms of wealth. Wealth has many forms other than the obvious one of money. You need different types of wealth and resources to be rich in a real sense. Physical, financial, spiritual and material wealth are all needed to complete life's various needs.

Goddess Mahalakshmi represents wealth and prosperity, luck and fortune. Her eight aspects are:

Dhan Lakshmi or Vaibhav Lakshmi:
Wealth of money and riches : "Dhan" and "Vaibhav" mean money, riches, fortune and income. It is the usual way we perceive and understand wealth. This wealth is of great importance to one who wishes to live an enriched and happy life.

Gaja Lakshmi:
Wealth of Elephants or vehicles : "Gaj" means elephant and it symbolizes the vehicles we use to transport ourselves. It also means mobility in life and ease of travel.

Adi Lakshmi:
Wealth of endless prosperity. Goddess of no beginnings or end : "Adi" means eternal existence. Adi Lakshmi signifies the never-ending nature of the Goddess. She has no start and no end. She is continuous. Wealth should therefore, flow continuously also. It too has always been there and always will be there.

Vijaya Lakshmi:
Wealth of victory, perserverance, courage, and confidence : "Vijay" means victory. This Goddess symbolizes the wealth of courage, confidence, fearlessness and victory. This wealth strengthens our character and keeps us moving along successfully on our life path.

Dhairya Lakshmi:
Wealth of patience, strategy, planning, objectivity : "Dhairya" means patience. This wealth gives us the spiritual strength to face good and bad times with equal ease. It signifies the importance of planning and strategy in all our actions so we may move with caution and reach our target each time.

Dhanya Lakshmi
Wealth of grain, food, nourishment, and health : "Dhanya" means grain. Food is our most basic and most important wealth. We need food to sustain life. Being wealthy means we have abundance of food that keeps us nourished and healthy.

Vidya Lakshmi:
Wealth of education, knowledge, skills : "Vidya" means knowledge. To be knowledgeable means that we have skills of various kinds. We have general information about our local, national, and international issues. We can partake in sharing information.

Santan Lakshmi:
Wealth of children, legacy, family, friends, well wishers : "Santan" means children. Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes the social nature of man. We need each other. Children are our wealth. They are our future. The family is the basic unit of people who bring up their children. Life moves forward through its children.

Goddess Lakshmi is depicted as a woman. Most of the time, she is prayed as a mother or Ma Lakshmi. Just like a soft hearted mother she loves us and guides us. She easily grants us her blessings and boons, if we seek it. Praying to her with devotion will always fulfill your wishes.





[NOTE: The article "Ashta Lakshmi - The Eight Aspects or Representations of Goddess Lakshmi" first appeared on the "GSB Coimbatore Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.]

[RITUALS] Griha Pravesh - Vidhi Vidhaan

Hindu House Warming Ceremony

Griha Pravesh is a ceremony performed on the occasion of one's first entry into a new house. Once the house is ready, the family moves in on an auspicious day that is determined by the astrological charts. Purity of panchang (almanac) and auspicious time (muhurat) must be considered during the griha pravesh. Three types of griha pravesh have been mentioned in our ancient scriptures:

Apoorva: First entry to newly constructed house on a newly selected land is called apoorva (new) griha pravesh.

Sapoorva: Entry into an already existing house after travelling abroad or migration elsewhere is called sapoorva griha pravesh.

Dwandwah: Entry into a house to after reconstruction or renovation subsequent to damage due to fire, flood or earthquake, is termed as dwandwah (old) griha pravesh.

For apoorva griha pravesh, the exact auspicious time need to be adhered to. For sapoorva griha pravesh or dwandwah griha pravesh, the purity of the panchang should be given due consideration.

Auspicious Times or Muhurats:

In a newly built house, the first entry is auspicious when the sun is in the uttarayan position; in old, renovated houses, when Guru (Jupiter) or Shukra (Venus) is setting (the tara or star does not matter in this case). Auspicious months for griha pravesh, that are based on the lunar calendar, and their outcome have been provided below:

AUSPICIOUS TIME:
Magh (part January and part February) Gain of wealth
Falgun (part February and part March) Gain of children and wealth
Baishak (part April and part May) Growth of wealth and prosperity
Jeshtha (part May and part June) Gain of son and cattle

FAIR TIME:
Kartik (part October and part November)

NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT:
Margshirsh (part November and part December

INAUSPICIOUS:
Ashadh (part June, part July) Could lead to losses, pains, troubles, & fear of enemies.
Bhadrapad (part August and part September)
Ashwin (part September and part October)
Paush (part December and part January)

Furthermore, the tithies (dates according to lunar calender) 4, 9, 14 and Amavas (no moon night) should be avoided. Griha pravesh should not be held on a Tuesday.

Important Ceremonies:

Vastu Pooja:
Vastu pooja for vastu devata is performed outside the house before the actual entry into the house. A copper pot is filled with water, navadhanya (nine kinds of grains) and one rupee coin. A coconut is then placed on the top of the pot. Coconut is covered with the red cloth and tied with the red thread called moli. After this the priest performs the pooja, add the husband and wife take this copper pot in the house together and place it near the havan (ceremonial fire).

Vastu Shanti:
Vastu shanti or Griha shanti, involves the havan. A havan is performed to prevent harmful influences of the planets, remove negative vibrations and create a peaceful environment. Once all the poojas are concluded, a feast is offered to the priest. He is also given some dakshina or fees for his services and good wishes.

These two poojas are essential. Other poojas like the Ganpathi pooja, the Satyanarayan pooja ot the Lakshmi pooja are optional, and can be performed if priest recommends them.

Do's and Don'ts of Griha pravesh:

Griha Pravesh is not complete until:
•The doors of the house are fitted with shutters;
•The roof is covered;
•The Gods of vastu have been worshipped or offered sacrifices;
•The priests have been offered feast.

House-warming ceremony should not be performed when the lady of the house is pregnant.

If the above-mentioned points are not considered when moving into a new house, they can bring trouble and miseries to the dwellers. Therefore, living in a house should be considered only after all rituals are complete as per the procedure given in the scriptures.

Once the Griha Pravesh ceremony has been completed, the family can then move into the house. The house should not be locked for a few days since that would be considered inauspicious.

The Ten Scriptural Samskaras

The rites that pertain to the stages of life of man are called Samskaras. The Samskaras are purificatory rites which sanctify the life of the Hindu. They give a spiritual touch to the important events in the life of the individual from conception to cremation. They mark the important stages of a man’s life. Just as the outline of a picture is lighted up slowly with the filling in of many colours, so also is Brahmanya with scriptural Samskaras. There are the Samskaras of childhood, of boyhood, of manhood and of old age and death.

There are fiftytwo Samskaras. Among these, ten are important. The ten principal and generally recognised Samskaras are: Garbhadana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana, Jatakarma, Namakarana, Annaprasana, Chudakarma, Upanayana, Samavartana and Vivaha. Of these ten, only some are now performed. Some of the Samskaras pertain to infantile life and early childhood. Some are ceremonies which may be performed daily or on special occasions. The whole life of the Hindu is thus consecrated and protected from the cradle to the grave.

Garbhadana

The Garbhadana sanctifies the creative act. The husband prays fervently from the core of his heart that a child may be conceived. He repeats sacred Mantras during Ritu-Santi ceremony or nuptials. The new child is conceived amidst the vibration of Mantras. Good impressions are impressed in the brain-cells of the embryo. For a real Hindu who is endowed with pure intellect and right understanding, the sexual union is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. He utilises the divine, creative, vital energy for the formation of a human body. Husband and wife should be cheerful and pious when they have intercourse. When their minds are perturbed or agitated, or when there is anger or hatred, they should avoid copulation. They should study holy scriptures. If they have the image of Arjuna, they will have a chivalrous and wise son. If they have the image of Lord Buddha, they will bring forth a son with mercy and other good virtues. If they have the image Of Dhanvantari, they will get a son who will turn out to be a reputed Ayurvedic doctor. If they think of Surya or Sun-God, they will bring forth a lustrous son with splendour and effulgence.

Pumsavana

In the third month, the Pumsavana is performed with Mantras. The food-sheath and the vital-sheath of the child are formed.

Simantonnayana

The Simantonnayana is performed at the seventh month with recitation of Veda Mantras. This protects the mother from evil influences and bestows health on the child. The above three Samskaras protect the mother and the child. The body of the child develops nicely. The harmonious vibrations set up by the recitation of Mantras and the performance of the ceremonies help in shaping the body of the child beautifully.

Jatakarma

The next Samskara, the ceremony performed immediately after the birth of the child, is the Jatakarma. The father welcomes his new-born child. He prays for its long life, intelligence and well-being, and feeds it with honey and butter.

Namakarana

Then comes Namakarana or the naming ceremony. The new-born child is given a name on the tenth, eleventh or twelfth day with recitation of Mantras.

Annaprasana

The Annaprasana comes in the sixth month when the child is given solid food for the first time. Mantras are recited and oblations are offered to the various deities.

Chudakarma

The Chudakarma, the tonsure or shaving of the head, is performed in the first or third year. The Karnavedha or ear-boring ceremony is performed in the fifth or the seventh year or at the end of the first year with the Chudakarma. The body of the child is protected and harmonised by these ceremonies. Any hereditary defect that arises from defect of semen and embryo is removed. Vidyarambha also is another Samskara. Alphabet is taught to the child. This is also known by the name Aksharabhyasa. These Samskaras pertain to the child stage of life.

Upanayana

The most important ceremony which marks the beginning of the next stage of life—the stage of youth—is Upanayana. Upanayana is a very important Samskara. It is a landmark in the life of the child. It is his second or spiritual birth. The word Upanayana means bringing near.

The boy is brought near his Guru, spiritual teacher. The preceptor invests him with the sacred thread, Yajnopavita, and initiates him by giving him the Gayatri Mantra, and gives him a staff. This is the beginning of Brahmacharya Asrama, during which Brahmacharya—perfect or entire celibacy—is enjoined. He is to begin the life of study. The initiation makes him a Dvija, twice-born. The father and the mother gave birth to him from mutual desire. This is his physical birth. Initiation into Gayatri Mantra is his another, true birth. According to Yajnavalkya, the Upanayana ceremony is performed at the eighth year for a Brahmana, eleventh for a Kshatriya and twelfth for a Vaisya. Manu gives the age at the fifth year for a Brahmana, the sixth for a Kshatriya and the eighth for a Vaisya.

Significance of the Sacred Thread and Other Symbols

The sacred thread or Yajnopavita consists of three threads knotted together. He who wears the thread should have a triple control, over his mind, speech and body—thought, word and deed. The holy thread signifies the various triads which exist in the world, viz., Sat, Chit and Ananda; creation, preservation and destruction; the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep; the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas; the Trimurtis Brahma, Vishnu and Siva; etc.

The staff signifies that the student should have control over his thoughts, words and actions. He who practises control over his thoughts, words and actions, and he who practises Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed, attains perfection.

The boy wears a Kaupina, a small yellow cloth and a girdle of Munja grass. The Acharya puts on him a deerskin. The new yellow cloth represents the new body. Yellow colour is a symbol of spirituality. Wearing of Kaupina indicates that the boy should lead a pure life of perfect celibacy. The girdle is wound round thrice. This indicates that the boy has to study the Samhitas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The deer-skin represents the ascetic life he should lead.

Samavartana

Then comes the end of the student stage, the Samavartana. The student, having completed the Vedic studies and the Vratas, presents his preceptor with a gift and obtains permission to take the formal bath which marks the close of his student-career. He returns home and performs the Samavartana, the returning ceremony. He is now ready to marry and enter the second stage or Grihastha Asrama, the life of a householder.

Vivaha

Vivaha is marriage or entry into the second Asrama. The life of the householder begins. Now he takes up his duties as man and pays his spiritual debts by sacrifice, by study and by procreating children. The bridegroom tells the bride: “I take your hand for good fortune.” They walk round the sacred fire hand-in-hand. The bride sacrifices grains in the fire and prays: “May my husband live long. May my relations increase.”

The Last Two Stages Of Life

There are two more stages, viz., Vanaprastha and Sannyasa, with their rites.

Man withdraws himself from all worldly activities, retires into the forest and prepares himself for taking Sannyasa. This is the life of a Vanaprastha.

A Sannyasin renounces the world and leads a life of study and meditation by living on alms.

Pretakarma is funeral rite. When a man dies, the funeral ceremonies are performed by his son and heir.



Via: http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.htm

Pooja and Rituals

Prayer services and "Poojas" at home and at the Temples follow the traditions and rules established in the Agamas and in Bhakthi form of the religion. The Temples are established as the palace of a manifestation of God in a form of the Incarnation that is represented at the Temple. Most Temples will have Sanctum for several forms of God, though it may have only one form as the Main Deity. The temple worship has evolved over the years as a service to God as the King or the leader of the land. Here, an image of a likeness of a manifestation of God is consecrated after several days of Holy Rituals. Without these consecration rituals, the Image does not get the Divine powers or the respect more than a statue in a museum. Once so sanctified, all rituals are performed as done to a live King or leader of the land. The Deity is woken up every morning with a morning service with ceremonial bath with water, milk and other perfumed substances, dressing up with cloths and Jewelry. The services are repeated four to six times or more every day, with offering of food as "prasadam" and singing prayers and songs in praise of the Deity and reading of the Scriptures. After this, "Aarthi" of lighted camphor is performed for every one to see the Deity in a "Dharshan." The service concludes with the offering of "prasadams" of fruits, flowers and food to the devotees attending the prayer services.

Often the services are individual and for the families rather than to a mass of congregation. The spirit of sacrifice and offering of ones belonging is stressed in these services. The devotees take what is given back to them as "Prasadams", let it be holy water, ashes, kumkum, a flower, a fruit or a full meal. The prayer services at home are also very similar in practice. Often there is a prayer room. Sometimes, a special area is arranged to perform the home prayer services. Here, prayer services are offered to a picture, small icon [vigraha] or a lamp which is sanctified by rituals for the occasion. The Divine powers of the form of God offered prayer on that occasion is represented in this. The rituals are simple and they first invite God as a guest to the house. Then, they perform a ritualistic bathing and offering of cloths. Then, there will be prayers and singing of songs and offering of food which is then offered to members of the family and friends

Major part of Hindu Religious practice among the common people consists of ritualistic form of worship for God in the various forms of Deities of Saguna Brahman, called Avathara. It follows prayers offered to God in the devotional path as a worship to a Pratika [picture], Prathima or Vigraha [statue], Yanthra [a geometric drawing] or a Linga, following the rules and traditions established in the Agamas and Sasthras. Sri Adhi Sankara, in addition to the Advaitha Philosophy explaining that the Self as part of the Divine Nirguna Brahman, established a school for prayers to the Saguna Brahman is His six Forms called the Shanmatha Sthapanam. He established the rules for the six types of prayers to God at home as 1. Ganesha, 2. Kumara [Karthikeya], 3. Surya [Sun], 4. Siva, 5. Vishnu, 6. Sakthi. The main tenets of the practice is by prayers to "Ishta Devatha." The methods of learning and doing the various types of prayers to the Ishta Devatha are governed by the rules of "Doctrine of Adhikara." By this doctrine, the religious teachings and methods of worship that is taught varies from person to person, according to the various schools they follow.

Special prayer rituals are usually taught and given specially to persons following certain tradition as a form of initiation to that form of worship practice. This is very much like specialty training and certification in modern day professions. One is not authorized to perform rituals of their choice unless trained and initiated in the same by a properly qualified teacher [Guru]. Accordingly, there are special rules and restrictions for pooja for Sri Siva, Sri Sakthi and Sri Vishnu in their various forms. Only a person who has received the religious teaching from a Sivacharya Guru shall perform pooja for Sivalinga. Similarly, only a guru who has understood the manthra of "Sri Viddhai" can teach the pooja methods of Sri Chakram to his Devotees. In the past, mostly men have been learning and performing these types of poojas. Very few women took these types of ritualistic worship. Most people performed prayers at home just by lighting a lamp for a collection of pictures and images of various Avatharas of God in their prayer room and recited some songs for prayer.

Karma, in addition to referring to our duty and activity for living, also refer to Vedic Karma or our spiritual duties. Thus study of the scriptures and performances of the vedic ritual are as important as the performance of one's Dharma or duty to the community according to one's birth and profession and stage of life. Every one has to perform all their daily duties according to their Varna-Ashrama Dharma and their education and vocational training. They need to do the sandhya rituals and sanskaras and the yajñas to people, animals, ancestors, celestial bodies and to God. All these have an important effect on our family, our future births and ultimate liberation from the Samsara or cycle of rebirth. The daily Vedic rituals performed are called nithya karma like the sandhya rituals, various Yajñas and Sanskaras. Rituals of sandhya and sanskara are prayers offered to the gods through water, fire and Sun. Contrary to popular belief, a Karma Yogi also has duties of offering his prayers to the Divine through Nithya Karma. He also performs his work as a service to God, as he sees God in every one.

Sandhya Vandan are the most important rituals that a Hindu is expected to perform in the house every day, three times a day. These are rituals performed at dawn, noon and at dusk to God, to the Sun and to ancestors. Yajna rituals are offered to Vedic Gods such as Prajapathi, Indra, Varuna, Purusha, Rudra and the Deities of the nine planets. The Vedic gods are the custodians of our social well being and only from our sacrificial oblations in Yagnas they draw their sustenance. The Pancha-Maha Yajnas which are important include Brahma Yajna or sacrifices to Brahman, to Vedas and to sages, Deva Yajna to celestials, Pitri Yajna for ancestors, Bhutha Yajna to all creatures and Manushya Yajna to fellow men. There are fifty-two Sanskaras which are listed as rituals performed at home, of which ten are important. These Sanskara rituals like Simanthonnayana, Namakarana, Annaprasana, Chudakarana, Upanayana, Samvarthana and Vivaha, are for family events. There are also funerary rituals which are performed after death of a person and srardha ceremonies which are rituals to ancestors performed by family members.



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Why are mango leaves or betel vine leaves kept in the Kalash ?

The kalash is used for creating seat for invoked deities during the puja ritual. First it is filled with water and then leaves of mango tree or that of betel vine are kept in it. These leaves are known as leaves of deity’s seat. The deity principle gets maximally attracted to these leaves of seat. The water inside the kalash keeps this seat pure till the ritual of Pranapratishta (invoking deity into an image, idol, coconut or betelnut). Thus the invoked deity principle stays for a long period.

In this kalash betel nut or some coins are then put. Thereafter a coconut is set up on the mouth of the kalash. The tuft of coconut attracts the deity principle from the atmosphere and it is then transmitted to the water in the kalash through the body of coconut.

The water is pure and clean to the highest extent. That is the reason it is able to attract the sattvik particles of frequencies of deities. But it contains less quantity of raja particles and therefore has poor capacity to project the sattva particles.

Putting a coin is symbolic of sacrifice. Through this medium there is sacrifice of wealth and jiva (embodied soul)’s attachment is reduced. This qualifies the worshiper to benefit more from the sattvikta of puja ritual. A copper coin is put in the kalash. The copper has more capacity to project sattvik frequencies. It helps in emanation of sattvik frequencies present in the water into the atmosphere.

Also a betel nut is kept in the kalash meant for puja ritual. Betelnut enhances sattva and raja components in the water of the kalash. This increases the capacity of the water to emit manifest principle of deity.The betel nut contains particles related to absolute earth element which are useful in binding of sattva particles related to sattva component.This then easily helps in retaining the sattvikta of water for along time. Five precious stones like pearl, diamond, emerald, blue sapphire, ruby and gold are also added to the water of kalash. The five precious stones and gold have capacity to attract and emit the principles of five superior deities, this benefits the worshiper.

With changing times the use of five preious stones and copper is reduced and replaced by alloys which are spiritually of less benefit.

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Rahu & Ketu

Rahu and Ketu.

Suicide - Astrological Analysis (Atma hatya)

Remedies for Frequent Health Problems

• Whenever you happen to go or cross a cremation ground or cemetery, drop one or two coins preferably of copper. This remedy ensures great divine help to you when required.

• Donate yellow pumpkin in a religious place ( Temple: if you are Hindu, Gurudwara: if you are Sikh and so on) once every month. It ensures health and happiness of the native.

•  Keep some water in a utensil at your bedside when you go to sleep at night. In the morning,  pour this water at a place where it will not be defiled or misused in any way. Or use this water to water a plant. This remedy is effective in reducing troubles, obstacles, diseases, disputes and disrepute.

• Have your lunch and dinner while sitting in your kitchen and when the fire is still burning.   This will lessen the evil effect of Dragon's Head (Rahu).  Avoid eating while you are sitting on your bed.

These are some general remedies which will help in a great way in reducing the health problems of the native.


Via: Srikant Rawas, Email

Sri Satyanarayana Vrata

1. The Satyanarayana Puja is unique in that it does not require a Brahmin to perform.
2. The Satyanarayana Puja is usually done on the Pournami day of every month (full moon day), ekadasi (11th day after full moon or new moon), kartheeka paurnami, vaisakha paurnami, solar eclipse day or on Sankranti except during Ashada masam.
3. It is also done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions include marriage, graduation, new job, and the purchase of a new home to name a few.
4. In addition, it is said that a devotional performance of this puja will bear children to couples trying to start a family.

1. Kumkum powder, turmeric powder, rangoli
2. Incense sticks, camphor.
3. Thirty betel leaves, thirty betel nuts, two coconuts.
4. Five almonds,
5. Flowers to offer
6. One thousand tulsi leaves; banana tree as a canopy
7. One square shaped wooden platform
8. Two copper jars, two plates.
9. One shawl
10. A mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee to make the panchamritam, Sandal paste.
11. Akshad (rice grains) with turmeric powder.
12. Attar, Indian perfume.
13. Two flower garlands, conch shell, bell, a cloth, a ghee lamp and an oil lamp.
14. 1 kg of raw rice
15. 1 kg of sajjige as prasadam
16. 6 numbers of coconuts after completing each katha.