Hindu Customs and Beliefs

2012-01-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

What are the Vedas and how they are

diverged into all directions ? –V

About the Upanishads, the eleven Upanishads which are most essential

and came into limelight because of the complete annotations were

given by SreeAdi Sankaracharya.

We know the Upanishads were derived from the Vedas only.

The Isavaasyopanisht, Kenopanishat, Kathopanishat, Prasnopanishat,

Mandukyopanishat, Mundakopanishat, Swetaswataropanishat,

Ttaittareeyopanishat, Itareyopanishat, Chandagyopanishat and

the Bruhadaranyakopanishat.

The Mundakopanishat, the Mandukyopanishat and the Prasnopanishat

are these three Upanishats belong to the Adharvana vedam.

The Brudaanyakopanishat, the Kathopanishat, the Isavasyopanishat,

the Swetaaswataropanishat, and the Ttaittareeyopanishat are

belonging to the Yajurvedam.

The Kenopanishat and the Chandogyopanishat both these Upanishats

belong to the Saamavedam.

The Itareyopanishat only one Upanishat belong to the Rugvedam.

The Mahavaakyas which are celebrated from the eleven Upanishats

have an excellent evaluation in the Philosophical scriptures.

The Mahavakyas are 1. “ Ayamaatma Brahma”.

2. “Pragnaanam Brahma”, 3. “Tattwamasi”,

4. “Aham Brahmasmi”.

The Mahavaakya “ Pragnanam Brahma” extracted from the

Itareyopanishat which derived from the Rugvedam.

The Mahavaakya “ Aham Brahmasmi” which is genealoged from the

Bruhadaranyakopanishat which is obtained from the Yajurvedam.

The Mahavaakya “ Tattwamasi” derived from the Chandagyopanishat

which is derived from the Saamavedam.

The Mahavaakya “Ayamaatma Brahma” is extracted from the

Mandukyopanishat which is obtained from the Adharvana vedam.

(Continued .... )

2012-01-11T23:43:00.000-08:00

What are the Vedas and how

they are diverged into all directions ? – IV

The Smrutis are Upanishats. The discuss about the Upanishads

which is a great thing in the Philosy.

The Upanishads are known as Vedanta.

The relation between the Atma, Anaadi, Jeevah and Jeeveswara and the

enquire for self is also completely known in Upanishads.

The Upa ni Shad means

Upa = close or near by,

Ni = devoted or relax

Shad = to destroy ( Sraddha)

Sitting devotedly and attentively near the Athma and destroy the Anadi

means to accquire the Jnanam for self relization.

Hence, the Upanishads has got such a magnanimous meaning.

Many Upanishad are found in Vedas. More than hundred and eight

Upanishads can be seen.

But the most essential Upanishads are eleven which are considered

and commentated by Sree Adi Sankaracharya.

The eleven Upanishads are derived from the four Vedas.

The Upanishads Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Maandukya,

Swetaswatara, Ttaittareeya, Itareya, Chandagya and Bruhadaranyaka

are considered and most popular.

( Continued ....)

2012-01-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

What are the Vedas and how they are

diverged into all directions ? – III

The Vedas are classified as Samhitam, Brahmanam, Aaranyakam and

Upanishats.

The Asrama Dharam are formed into four categories. They are Brahmacharyam,

Gruhasthaasramam, Vanaprastham and Sanyaasramam.

The Samhitam consists of Mantra Kaanda which can be seen in Brahmacharya.
The Brahmanam consists of the Karmakaanda which is Gruhasthaasramam

The Aranyakam contains completely the Upasana Kanda which is Vanaprashta

The Upanishats are containing Jnanakaanda which is Sanyasramam.

In Brahmacharya asrama dharma is Mantrasamhitam

In the Gruhastha asrama dharma is Karmakaanda

In the Vanaprastha asrama dharma which is Upasana with worship,

Japa, meditation etc.,

In the Sanyasa asrama dharma which is Jnanakanda and completley

away from the illusionary world and for attaining emancipation.

The Upavedas are classified into Ayurvedam, Dhanurvedam, Gandharvavedam

and Ardhasastram

The Darshanas are six (Shaddarsanas) and they are Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Saankhya,

Yoga, Meemaamsa and Vedanta .

The Darsanas are known as Asthika Philosophy which they believe

in Vedas. The Meemaamsa is known as Poorva Meemaamsa which is

Karma meemaamsa.

The Shaddarsana are the six systems of Hindu Thoughts of Sanatana Dharmam.

The Nyaya was written by Gotama. The Vaiseshika was written by Kannada,

The Saankhya was written by Kapila. The Yoga was written by Patanjali.

The Purvameemaamsa was written by Gemini and the Uttara meemaamsa

or the Vedanta was written by Vyasa Bhagavan.

In Sutras the Brahma sutras are considered as high .

2012-01-05T00:46:00.000-08:00

What are the Vedas and how they

are diverged into all directions ? – II

We are discussing about the Vedas and their Branches.

Now the Vedangas in which the Siksha teaches clearly about

how to enunciate (Uccharana) all the Aksharam and the Swaram (words and Notes)

in the Vedas.

The Vyakaranam teaches completely about the analysis of

Susabdam and Apasabdam which are known as grammatical components.

The Cchandassu teaches about the superiority of the Vruttam (kind of poetic

meter) of all the Mantras (sacred Hymns).

The Niruktam teaches about the strenuous affirmative words of all the Mantras.

The Jyotisham predicts about the duties of when to perform the Yagnas, Yagaas

etc ., according to the respective time and its portentous events.

The Niruktam teaches about the duties of the pursuits

of the programmes by enchanting the Mantras.

After the Vedangaas, the Upanishats takes the next position.

(to be continued ....)

2012-01-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

What are the Vedas and how they are

diverged into all directions ? - I

We know the Vedas are four and they are Rugvedam, Yajurvedam, Saamavedam and Adharvana vedam. The Vedas are sterling in Pramaanikam means highest in

standards and no other Praamaanikam in the world except the Vedas only.

In the Yagna Yagaas , the Veda Hymns are chanted.

The Rugvedam is also known as Houtravedam.

The Yajurvedam is also called as Ttaittareeyam.

The Saamavedam is also known as Udgaatruvedam.

And the Adharvana Vedam is also called as Brahma Vedam.

In the Rugvedam the Mantras which are sacred hymns are called as Rukku.

The Mantras are called in the Yajurvedam as Panasa.

The Saamam means Singing. So the Mantras in the Saamavedam are sung.

And this Vedam is known as Saamavedam and also Udgaatruvedam.

The Adharvana vedam has got many Santhi and Poushtika observances , hence

this vedam is called as Brahmavedam.

The Vedas are known as Sruti which consists of Nigama and Amnayam.

The Upavedas, Vedangaas , Upanishats (Smruti) , Darshanas, Puraanaas,Itihasas and

Seculars are all derived from the Vedas.

The Vedangaas has got six branches (Saakha).

They are 1) Siksha. 2) Vyakaranam. 3) Cchandassu.

4) Niruktam. 5) Jyotisham. and 6) Kalpam.

( to be Continued .....)

2012-01-01T23:57:00.001-08:00

What are the vital things in the Vedas ?

We know the Vedas are four and they are Rugvedam,

Yajurvedam, Saamavedam and Adharvana vedam.

In the Yagna Yagaas , the Veda Hymns are chanted.

The Rugvedam is also known as Houtravedam. The Yajurvedam is also called

as Ttaittareeyam. The Saamavedam is also known as Udgaatruvedam.

And the Adharvana Vedam is also called as Brahma Vedam.

In the Rugvedam the Mantras which are sacred hymns are called as Rukku.

The Mantras are called in the Yajurvedam as Panasa.

The Saamam means Singing. So the Mantras in the Saamavedam are sung.

And this Vedam is known as Saamavedam and also Udgaatruvedam.

Vedas are the supreme knowledge not only

for the mankind but alos to the entire universe.

Without knowlede (Gnanam) man can not survive.

All the Sastras including the science which we

study thesedays , everything that has derived from the Vedas.

The Vedas are Apourusheyaah means no man chanted

the Mantras, slokas and said anything to us .

The most Divine voice has come from the sky

about the Vedas and made us know about the Vedas.

The Rugveda tells mainly about the things of

cultivation, commerce,and trading, Ships, flying

vehicles which are flights in the space and the systems.

All the knowledge of those sastras can be studied from Rugveda.

The Yajurvedam is divided into two parts,

which are Krishna Yajurvedam and Sukla Yajurvedam.

In the Krishna Yajurvedam, the Karma

siddhantam (ideology and theorem) , the theorem

of Mathametics, health and medicine, the science

of the Space, (the Antariksha Vignanam Sastram) are said.

In the Sukla Yajurvedam, it is said about the

Creation, Brahma Vidya and other spiritual things.

In the Saamavedam, there are many branches

(sections which are also called Saakhah), mostly

one thousand sections can be seen what the scholars say.

But presently only few branches of the Saamavedam

are availble to us.

This Saamavedam is based on Sangeetham

which is to be enchanted in a musical way. This Vedam is also known as Gaana Vedam.

The Adharvana vedam says about the Prayers

of the God, Celibacy (Brahmacharyam), meditaion

about the Andhraatham, religious percept and austerity for the religious practices etc.,

2011-12-30T23:47:00.000-08:00

Why the hair of the head is offered

to the Deity in the Temples ?

The custom with strong belief that we have

since the long time that we offer the hair of

the head to the Deity for making a

religious vow for ourselves if evil affect is

averted or if we pass in the examination or

if we recover from the illness or if we win in the election etc.,

Offering the hair to the Deity in the

temple is making a religious vow.

If that vow is not fulfilled, then we feel

vcry bad about ourselves and also feel

somthing negative and bad things

will happen to us and to the family members.

So we fear of that if the religious vow is not fulfilled.

Hence, in this regard we never

neglect and postpone the custom to follow.

Offering the hair of the head to the Deity

in the Temple means, used in connection

with tonsure at the holy places (pilgrim places)

of Tirumala, Annavaram, Simhachalam, etc.,

also some other famous holy pilgrim centres.

Here we have to think in other aspect also

that the man is struggling for existence in the life.

For his existence he does and practise anything

that was deviant from custom which was

excommunicated in the ancient time

and also he tells lies, he deceives, becomes guilty.

What ever the consequences of man’s sins

for all his evil actions reaches to the hair of the head.

Means the results of the sin belong to the hair.

Therefore, the hair which is the abode of

all our sins is offered to the Deity in the Temples

to fulfil the religious vows from get rid of our sins

and also we pray to the Lord that we are leaving off all our sins.

And Pray to Him from hereafter that we will

live virtuously and righteously .

So, the meaning for offering of hair of

the head to the Deity signify that.

2011-12-29T23:50:00.000-08:00

Why do we fondle the tail of the

Nandeeswara statue in the Sivalayam ?

We see the Nandeeswara statue installed

in front of the Lord Siva in the temple.

In the temple, in the innermost chamber

(Garbha sthanam) where the main image

of the lord Siva is installed and outside of the

Garbha sthanam the Nandeeswara’s idol is installed.

The Temple construction ( Alaya nirmanam)

and the installation of the Deities ( Devata vigraha pratishta)

in the temple is completly done according to the Sastras.

The process of that takes three to five days

by strictly performing the sacred Homas,

chanting the Hymns of the Vedas and other Mantras etc.,

Once the Alayanirmanam and the Vigraha Pratishta

are completed as per the Sastras, next day onwards

(afterwards) the daily pooja and dhoopa deepas and

chanting the Mantras must be performed without fail.

In the Sivalayam, the innermost chamber,

the lord Eswara’s Idol or image is installed and

outside of Garbhalayam infront of the lord Siva’s

idol or Siva linga the Nandeeswara’s idol which is

also constructed with the precious stone and isntalled there.

Here the Nandeeswara is not the Bull .

It is not belonging to that species.

The Nandi is the most obedient and

made respectful offering of his egoism to the lord

and also the great devotee of Him.

The Nandeeswara always stands before

the entrance of the Mount Kailasa

of the place where the Lord Eswara dwells.

If we fondle the tail of the callte like cow, buffalow,

the bull, by nature they feel very happy

and offering their submission to us.

In the Siva Temple, when we visit there,

all we compulsorily do the fondle

(treat with fondness) the Nandeeswara.

Then the Nandi feels so happy and do the Nivedana

(appeal to the higher authority of) to the lord Siva

that we, the devotees have visited there to obtain

the darshan of the God and make us to have the darshan.

The Bull (Ox) is the representation

for the Dharma and so by doing the fondle

( treating with fondness) of the Nandi is the symbol

for that we are instigating the Dharma and

also shows that we follow the Dharma.

2011-12-28T23:26:00.001-08:00

Why do we cut the foot stalk and also

end part of the betel leaf for betel-nut paan ?

The betel-nut paan is known as Taambulam.

Most of the people chew betel leaves and arecanut

which is called Tambulam on different occasion.

This custom has been followed since the long, long time.

In general, betel leaves with arecanut on top of it

given to a person by another person as a significance

of commencing a new auspicious work and this

custom is followed on different auspicious occasions and festival time

But, if the foot stalk of the betel leaf is eaten (chewed)

there are more chances to get disease and if the

end part of the betel leaf is eaten that is considered for sin.

If the reins of the betel leaf are eaten , that would

cause for decreasing of the intelligence means

there are chances for developing the buddhi maandyam which is known as foolishness.

When the betel leaves are chewed , the extract

liquid which is brew in the mouth, should be spitted.

The reason, the foot stalk, the reins and the end part

of the betel leaves are still remained in the mouth.

So then they should also be spitted out with the brew called the extract liquid.

In the Tambulam, the betel nut powder which is

pieces of arecanut can be eaten. The two betel nuts should not be used.

It is said that the Tambul (betel leaves with arecanut )

must not be eaten (chewed) by the diseased people like

those who are injured , those who are suffering

with the eye diseases, TB (Tuberculosis) patients.

So those diseased people should not eat the Pan or Tambulam.

For the tambulam, the lime is also applied on the betel leaves .

It is used with the betel leaves and the nut.

The lime which is applied on the betel leaves

must be done by using the middle finger or the

thumbfinger what our elders say. It is said,

because of doing so, the longvity will be icreased.

By doing and using with those two fingers ,

there would be stimulation in the nerves of the heart,

and that it will be caused for the smooth functioning of the heart system.

2011-12-28T04:47:00.001-08:00

How to worship the God with flowers ?

Worshipping the God with the flowers means,

which fingers are used on that Pooja occasion.

The offering of flowers to the Lord

is one of the Pooja Paddhathi.

The fragrant and fresh flowers

are used for the Pooja.

We can not see anywhere without

flowers there will not be any worship of the God.

The plants and trees blossom their

flowers only for worhsipping the God.

They bloom without expecting any return

to serve the God by way of ornamentation and worship.

When we worship the God with flowers,

the five fingers must not be used

while taking them to offer and beautify Him.

The middle finger (madhyama) and

the ring (anamika) finger are used and

take the flowers with those two fingers and

offer with devotionally , modesty and obedience.

The flowers which are used and worshipped

for the Bhagavan should be taken

with the thumb and index finger.

2011-12-19T23:12:00.001-08:00

Why do we light a lamp ?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously – Akhanda Deepa. All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness – ignorance. The Lord is the “Knowledge Principle” (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.

Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.

Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:

Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute

I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

2011-12-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

When the Panchangam was formed ?

The Panchangam means it is Almanac which

shows planetary positions, and their movements,

the timings of auspiciousness and evilness every thing .

All the Hindus believe it greatly and follow

it for every thing in their day to day life.

It covers everything of Planets, their positions, Astrology ,

Vastu, what are to be performed and what should

not be performed etc., everything is studied and compiled there in.

The Panchangam consists of five sections which are

Tidhi, Vaara Nakshatram, Yogam and Karanam.

The Panchangam was born five thousand

years ago, mostly in the Dwapara yuga.

It was composed by the great and holy Sages

by calculating the stars and planets and

their positions and the consequences

of their combinations etc.,. according to the transit position of

Planets in the different signs of the Zodiac.

The Zodiac consists of Stars with padas.

But the Zodiac is divided into twelve signs (Rasis).

In our country the people follow the Soura maana

paddhathi and Chandra maana paddhathi.

Means some states observe their traditions

and customs as per Solar system and

some other follow the Lunar system.

But astrological wise and vastu wise and

other good and bd wise the system of study is same.

Only for the Calendar purpose means

to follow their traditional months (maasa)

they observe the Solar and Lunar systems respectively.

As per Panchangam and the Astrological

science we consider mainly the nine planets only.

They are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury,

Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

The other three planets like Uranus, Neptune

and Pluto are the three planets which are

not considered mostly.

But rarely they are studied on particular occasions.

All the planets circulate round the Sun.

As per science the planets are brightened by the Sun and its light.

2011-12-17T23:19:00.001-08:00

Where the Goddess Sree Maha Lakshmi does not stay ?

We know the sentence, “ Dhanamoolamidam Jagat “.

The entire Globe rotates round the money.

There was also a funny dialogue , “the man created

currency note ( currency bill) is higher

than even the God created man”.

Such a value is given to the money.

Money is necessary for our livelihood

but one should not have the covetousness (greed).

The greed harms and ruins the man.

The Goddess, Sree Lakshmidevi is the

presiding Deity and also symbol for the wealth.

The money does not stay permanently

at one place what we know.

But the Goddess Sree Lakshmi will not

stay at certain miserable places .

It is said in the scriptures, Where the people

who wear soiled cloths which are complete dirt

the Goddess Sree Mahalakshmi

does not stay, She will go leave that place.

So they will become poor.

And the people who sleep at both the

twilights ( Dwi Sandhya kaalam)( both at the

time of Sun rise and Sun sets) ,

the Goddess does not stay there.

Those who trample upon the money,

Gold, Pady, Grain, Reading Books and

also elders’ feet, there the Goddess ,

Sree Lakshmi will not stay and leave that place.

Of all the above, where there is women

weep and shed tears there Sree Lakshmidevi

will not stay even a second what the Sastras say.

The Goddess leaves those places without any second option.

There Her elder sister, the Jyeshta devi

enters means the unfortune (miserablity) comes.

2011-12-15T23:12:00.000-08:00

What kind of food items must not

be eaten in the Kartika Masam ?

The Kartika Masam enters either in the

month of October or in the

November as per the Hindu Almanac systems.

After Asweeyuja Maasa the kartika masam begins.

That means, when once the Deepavali

Festival is over, immediately

the next day this month enters.

It is one of the sacred months for all the devotees.

Every where, according to the Desa,

Kala, Mana Paristithi ( the situations of the place,

time, and other environmen, etc., ) the customs

and the traditional observance, changes a little bit.

In the Kartika masam, the God Maheswara

is worshipped with Abhishekam and also

chantings of Rudram, Namakam and Chamakam.

Most of the devotees worship the lord Siva

by observing fasting and take one day meal

after twilight means after the Moon rises.

All most all the devotees should observe strictly

to eat only the Sakhaaharam (vegetarian food only).

In this month , the tree called Emblic

myrobalam (Amalaki tree) is also worshipped.

Though this Kartika masam is observed

for lord Siva, worshipping the Amalaki Tree

( ree Emblic myrobalam) is also one

of the religious customs being observed .

Because, the tree is treated as the symbol

for lord Sree Maha Vishnu. So in this month,

one way the lord Siva and also another

way the God Sree Vishnu both are adored devotionally.

Here, regarding our food in this month,

it is restricted to certain food items which should not be eaten.

The Onion should not be used

in the cooking dishes.

So Onion is restricted to eat.

The other food items are Garlic, Asafoetida

called Ferula Asafoetida ( Hinguh in sanskrit),

the vegetable Radish, the vegetable Drumstick

((Simbhi in sanskrit), the vegetable battle Gourd

of a creeper called Lagenarius vulgaris

(Seethala in sanskrit), the Brinjal (Vartakah),

the Pumpkin creeper called Cucurbita maxima

(Kushmandah in sanskrit) , the Water melon, t

he Wood apple, the leftover food of the

previous meal, the Black gram, the Green Gram,

the Bengal gram, the Red Gram and the Horse gram

all these items should not be eaten or used in the dishes.

On the day of Ashtami thidhi the Coconut is restricted to eat.

And on Sundays the Emblic fruit should not be eaten.

2011-12-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

Are you bringing up (cultivating) the

Plantain tree at your backyard ?

The fruits are the highest ambrosia in this

Globe in the health point of view.

They are the best medicine for

nourshing the bodies.

All the people in the world like

to eat all kinds of fruits.

But all the fruits are yeilded only in some

particular seasons except the Banana tree.

In a year , 365 days the plantain tree

produces its fruits and available everywhere.

The Banana fruit contains the Megnisium

more which is good for health, but it is medically

advised that fruit should not be taken by the kidney patients.

Those who are backyard in their house,

most of the people try to bring up the plaintain trees.

One tree yeilds only once in a year. After that,

the plantain tree is used for in different necessary situations.

The flower and the trunk are cooked

as dishes which is good for health.

The plantain leaves are used as plates

to eat our food on which is scientifically good.

The trunks with their leaves are used for

auspicious occasions and also in the festival time.

No Temple, or no house can not be

seen without a banana and leaves.

Such a traditional and useful

custom which we follow can be estimated.

So, in all aspects the plantain tree is useful and benefit to us.

To bring up the Plantain tree in the

backyard is advisable.

But according to the some Vastu siddhantam ,

it is said, in the southern direction of the

backyard, growing up the tree is meant

for the prosperity of the family in future time also.

In the direction of West, cultivating

the plantain tree causes for fortune for acquiring wealth.

In the backyard of the house, in the

northern side, if the plantain tree is

cultivated that would be caused for loosing money.

If the Banana Tree is grown up in the

Eastern direction of the backyard, that would give us honour and fame.

If the plantain tree is cultivated in the

eastern side , that would be most auspicious to us.

In the Nairuthi disa means in the South west

direction of the backyard, if the plantain

tree is brought up that gives the progeny.

If the Banana tree is cultivated in the Eesaanya

disa means North eastern direction, we can have the name and fame.

2011-12-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

Why the women should not learn Veda Vidya ?

The supreme sacred scriptures are Chaturvedas.

From the Vedas all other Upanishads,

and other Sastras have been derived .

From the ancient time, the Vedas

are being learnt by the men only.

Women were restricted to learn

them due to some reasons.

The women were ( are) unable to learn the Vedas.

Ofcourse, Gaargi and some other women learnt

the Vedas and gave some commentary on them.

It was in the ancient period.

To learn the Veda Vidya, the women’s physique does not permit.

The philology of the Vedas (Sabda Saastram)

must be chanted and given up outside and also more soundly.

The system of philology of the Vedas are

difficult to learn by heart and and also recite.

Very disciplinly, very orderly and regularly at

particular time that should be learnt by a learned scholar .

And more over, the larning process of the

Veda Vidya is quite different than other vidya.

In a lenghthy way, slowly, orderly manner

by maintaining the breathing,

the Veda Vidya should be learnt.

By doing this process of learning,

the negative effect will be occured on the womb.

For the women, the motherwood is a large treasure.

For giving a birth to another human being

is occured through the womb of a woman

which is an unprecedented reward given by the God.

By learning through the Veda Vidya that would be a

harmfulness to the womb (Garbhanaasanam).

Hence, it was said strictly the women should not learn the Vedas.

The women can do the Japa and worship the God or

Goddess by chanting the Stotras.

With this nothing harm will happen.

There is quite difference in between chanting the

Mantras while worshipping the God and learning the Vedas.

2011-12-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

Why the lord Subrahmanyeswarah is

worshipped for begetting children ?

In the mythologies, the Lord Subrahmanyeswara

is the second son of God Siva and

the Goddess Partivatidevi.

Subrahmanyeswaraswamy is also

known as Muruga, Kaartikeya, etc.,

According to the mythological fable,

once the Sages (Rishis ) came to Mount Kailasa

to have darshan of the lord Maheswara

and the Goddess Sri Parvati and

paid their oblation to them and eulogised.

At that time, among the Sages, there were

also some Digambara Rishis (naked).

Then the Lord Subrahmanyeswara

laughed at them ridiculously.

The lord Subrahmanyeswara is

always in the form of small boy.

By seeing her son laughed at the naked

Sages, the Goddess censured Muruga

and made known that the vital organs

in the body (Marmaangam ) is created

for developing the creation of the universe

and also they are the originating

genes to the nation of this universe.

When once the mother Goddess made

revelation to the boy, Subrahamanyah,

then the boy Muruga was changed as a

form of Snake (Sarpa) for sometime.

All we know the living cells

(jeevakanam) are seen like snakes.

After that the Subrahmanyaswamy

became as the chief of the snakes.

Because of this, those who do not have

progeny (santana rahita) worship the lord

of the Jeevakanas, Sree Subrahamanyaswamy

for begetting the children.

We have such a great belief in this aspect also.

So people do worship the Muruga not only

for begetting the children and also after

that for the prospects of children.

2011-12-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

At what time the Sun should not be seen ?

The Sun God is Karma Sakshi and also he is

Jagatsakshi. The Sun is worshipped by

doing Japa of Gayatri Mantra Anushtanam.

But we must not see him at certain timings.

We should not see the Sun directly at the

timings of sunrise, sunset and at noon.

Like wise, we should not watch him in the

timings of Solar Eclpise (Surya Grahanam).

At the time of Surya Grahanam, the rays

come from the Sun, harm the human body.

Specially the eyes will be affected and

the sight will be grown weak.

Certain persons, mainly, the pregnant

women, eyes affected people, children,

old people should not watch the Solar Eclpise.

Some people particularly want to watch the

Grahanam by applying either ash past

e or collyrium (anjanam in sanskrit)

or chalk paste or char-coal paste

on a glass and see the Sun Eclipse

through that layer on the glass.

Because, atleast to control the vehement rays’

negative effect on the body and also the eyes.

It is said, when the clouds do its duty of

thundering , raining etc., we

should not do running.

Because, if so, there might be chances

of thunder-strokes on them those who run.

2011-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Who are the chief Deities for the Stars ?

According to the Astrology, the zodiac consists of Planets

and Stars and their movement. The positions

of the planets , stars and the sins,

their combinations etc., the results would be predicted.

The Stars are twenty seven.

For the first star, the Aswani, the chief of that star is Aswani Deities.

The chief of the Bharani Star is Yama Dharma raja.

For the Kruttika Nakshatram, the Adhipathi (head) is Agnih.

The head of the star, Rohini is Brahmadeva.

For Mrugaseersha star, the chief is Adithee.

The head of the Pushyami star is Brihaspathi.

The chief of the Ashlesha star, is Sarpas.

For the Makha nakshatra , the chief is Pitrudevatas.

For the Pubba or Poorva phalguni star, the chief is Aryamah.

The chief of the star, Uttara phalguni, is Bhargah.

For the Hasta nakshatra , the chief is the sun in the name of Aditya.

The chief of the Chitta star is Twashtra deitiy.

For the star Swathi, the head is Vaayu deva.

The head of the star Visakha, is Indragnih.

For the star Anuradha, the chief deity is Jala Devata.

The chief of the star, Uttarashada, the chief is Siswah.

For the star Sravana , the head is Sree Mahavishnu.

The chiefs of the star, Dhanishta are Ashtavasuvu.

The Varuna deity is the chief for the birth Satabhisha .

For the nakshatra, Purvabhadra, in the Siva rupa of Ajaikapadah.

The chief of the star Uttarabhadra, is Ahirbhuddhi.

For the star of Revati, the chief is Surya and adhidevatas.

2011-12-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

What are the consequences for the chanting

of the different names of the Bhagavan ?

The God is one. The Srusthi, Sthiti

and Laya are being done by Him only.

The Lord Sree Vishnu incarnated himself

in different Forms and in different names.

According to the Sastras and Mythologies and

also according to the Yugas it was stated about the

God and His Omnipotency, His Glory (Mahima) etc.,

Our ancestors who were well learned scholars ,

great devotees said that the Nama Japa

(chanting of the name) God bestows

great miracles and nobility to the hearts.

Here in this contest ...

If the Sree Rama Naamam is enchanted, one will achieve success.

If the Lord Damodara (Vishnu)’s name is chanted ,

one will free from all the bondage of the smsara.

If we enchant the name of Kesava,

the ophthomolic diseases will be cured.

If the Lord Narayana ‘s name is chanted,

all the planets’ evilness will be removed.

All the accomplishments will be fulfilled

if Madhava’s name is enchanted.

If the nama Japa of Achyuta is done , the food which

we take will works as medicine for curing the diseases.

One can have the victory over the enemies,

if the lord Narasihma’s name is chanted.

The same thing, if the lord Naarasimha is

recollected with chanting, one will

get rid of all their fearness panic.

All will be freed from their sins if the

lord Govinda’s name is enchanted.

If both the God and the Goddess Sree Lakshmi and

Sree Vishnu’s names are chanted , the houses

will be glorified with all wealth, peace and happiness.

If we enchant the name of Sarveswara, all the

duties and accomplishments will be

done so soon and achieve the sucess.

If the Goddess, Jaganmataa’s name is enchanted,

all the misfortunes will be eliminated.

If the Goddess, Jagatjjanani’s name is

chanted, all the fearness will be removed

and one will achieve the tranquility.

If the lord Sree Krishna’s name is chanted

all the troubles, disasters will be removed.

If the Lord Siva’s name is chanted every

prosperity and auspiciousness will achieve.

2011-12-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

What are the systems of Hindu marriage ?

The Marriage systems are, Vivaham,

Brahma Vivaham, Daiva Vivaham,

Arsha Vivaham, Prajapaatya Vivaham,

Gandharva Vivaham, Asura Vivaham,

Rakshasa Vivaham and Paisachika Vivaham.

According to the Sastras, as a witness

of Chantings of the Deities, the bride

and groom by doing the Panigrahanam

(by receiving right hand each other)

if the marriage ceremony is performed

it is known as Vivaham.

By adorning and beautifying the

maiden and give her to the bridegroom

and perform the marriage

is called as the Brahma Vivaham.

For the sake of Yagas, the deserved

maiden is gifted to the Rithrik

( a holyman who does the Yagnas

and other religious riturals)

as a Dakshina is known as Daiva Vivaham.

By offering aCow and an Ox as a

charity and then give the maiden

for the marriage is called as Arsha Vivaham.

By offering a maiden as a beloved

and Sahadharmacharini to a noble

soul and asked her to live like that

for ever is known as Prajapaatya Vivaham.

Without informing to their parents

and getting permission from them ,

if both the maiden and the man get

married is known as Gaandharva Vivaham.

By laying down certain conditions and

rules for the marriage and get

marry a maiden is known Asura Vivaham.

By using force and carry away

the maiden and marry her is

called as Raakshasa Vivaham.

When the maiden is sleeping or when

she is in the state of inattention

( oversight) if the marriage is

performed it is called as Paisaachika Vivaham.

2011-12-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

Are the Curses reason for not begetting progeny ?

The progeny is for the prosperity of

the family for the generations together.

We see here and there in certain families,

they do not have children.

The elders undergo some medical tests also.

The reason of not begetting the children is

whether knowingly or unknowingly

the curses (Saapam) which they got

from their previous births what the Sastras say.

Even the Astrology indicates the same readings.

The curses might be in many ways that one

who suffers on account of them in this birth.

It is said that the curses are, the Sarpa Saapam

( curses from the snakes), Pitru saapam,

Maatru saapam, Bhatru saapam, Preta Saapam,

Brahmana Saapam, Mitra saapam etc.,

Hence, the curses can be warded off the

evil influence of the previous births by

doing worship the God , Yaaga, Homas etc.,.

By doing so, by the grace of the God , the children might be begotton.

Like wise the Samudra snanam (taking bath

in the Sea), that too in the Rameswaram,

if the Samudra Snanam is done,

the better results would be happened.

We should not think of the same results

for taking bath in the sea or ocean.

The Sea bath ( Samudra snanam) and spending

some time in the sunlight will give the result

of recover from the skin diseases.

Because of this, many foreigners visit Goa,

other sea coastal places stay there months

together for taking their bath in the sea

and get relieved from their dermo diseases.

Like wise, every place or kshetram has it

own power or miracle.

There is a difference of power of the God which

we see or worship at our house and in the temple.

2011-12-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

Which kind of food should not be eaten ?

The sacred scriptures said many Dharmopadesah

to the mankind how to live in this life

and make it purposefulness.

The Dharma itself is very severity but

ultimately the result will be fruitful.

Right from the birth till the end of life,

the Dharma Sutras restrict the man

for making others happiness.

The life is ultimately for the self reliazation.

To attain that Moksha, one must live for others

by sacrifization with purity in hearts.

Even for an ordinary Karma (the action which we do)

it is instructed and guided by Dharma itself.

What kind of food that we should not take is today’s topic ...

The Cow which smelt the food should not be eaten by us.

The food which is served by prostitute should not also be taken.

The food belongs to the Thief or the money lender should also not be eaten.

The Miser whose food should not also be taken. Like wise,

The Culprit ( or Criminal)’s food must not also be eaten.

The food which belongs to the people

who serve it by saying their pomp words

and their pride must not also be taken.

The stale food ( which the rice was cooked on

the previous night and eaten in the

morning) should not also be eaten.

The cooked food which is not offered to

the God as Naivedyam must not also be eaten.

The food which belongs to the woman who

does not have husband and sons

should not also be taken from her.

The food belongs to the dancer’s ( Nartakah) must not also be taken.

We should not eat the food belongs to the

Eunuch (Napumsakah), woman who

is an adultery, Huntman and others.

Hence, we must not eat the food belongs to

the above said people according to the Dharma Sastra.

2011-12-05T00:44:00.000-08:00

How is the Navaratna Ring made ?

The Navaratna means nive gems.

Navaratnasya Anguleeyakam ( The ring with nine gems).

The ring studded with nine gems. They are all precious stones.

The Gems are Ruby, Pearl, Coral, green coloured

precious stone called Emerald, Sapphire, Lapis lazuli,

bright white stone resembling

a diamond called Topaz, and Diamond.

They are known as Padmaraaga (crimson coloured stone),

Mouktikam, Pravalam, Gomedikam, Idra Neelam,

Vaidhooryam, Kanaka Pushyaragam,

Marakatam and Vajram respectively.

To get relieved from the troubles, problems,

failure, infamy, enemity and ill-health

according to the Horoscope and Palmistry,

normally it is suggested to wear the

ring get studded with the precious stones.

This Navaratna Anguleeyakam ( Navaratna ring)

should be worn to the Anamika

which is ring finer on the right hand.

The Planets Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Sani,

Ketu, Guru , Budha and Sukra face towards the directions of

the East, South east, South, South west,

West, North west, North, North east and also the East.

The precious stones which are nine gems

represent the effects of the nine Planets.

Hence, when the Navaratna ring is

made certain conditions should be observed.

In the middle of the Navaratna Anguleeyakam

( the ring contains nine gems) the Ruby (Padmaraaga)

should be studded facing towards the East.

Towards the eastren direction the Diamond is to be inserted.

Towards the Agneya direction (south east) the Pearl should be studded.

Towards the direction of South the Coral is to be inserted.

Towards the Nyruti direction (south west) the

Gomedikam (which is green stone called Topaz) should be inserted.

Towards the direction of West the stone Sapphire is to be studded.

Towards the direction of Vayuvyam (north west) the stone

Vaidhuryam (lapis lazuli) should be studded

Toowards the direction of West, the stone Kanaka Pushyaragam

(which is bright white stone Topaz) is to be iserted.

Towards the direction of North west, the stone Emerald must be studded.

Towards the northern direction, the Diamond stone is to be inserted.

Irrespective of any thing every one can wear this Navaratna ring.

2011-12-04T04:10:00.000-08:00

What are the things that dispel (takes away)

our spritual merit (Punyam) ?

In general every man wants to do some

kind of good deeds in the form of charity and

also helping others by any means.

By this , he feels that he will attain some

punyam that repays him the good in his next birth.

We need not say about the virtuous person as

he does many good deeds and offer charities to needy

in his spiritual and philosophical life.

But the Punyam which is earned through the

good deeds will be removed if we do

certain negative things without our knowledge.

The scriptures say .. if we walk through

middle of the flock of sheep, if we go through

in the middle of wife and husband, like wise,

if we walk through in the middle of

a teacher and his student, like wise

in between two Brahmins, Sages,

in the middle of the Lord Siva and Nandi ,

all these things certainly dispel ( remove) our

Punyam and more over , our previous

punyam will also be taken away.

While brooming ,the dust and dirt

should not be touched our feet.

The dust which comes from the

flock of sheep when they walk

should not also be touched to us.

Like wise, many things are given in the scriptures.