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    Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    Sri Nannilam BrahmashrI Rajagopala GaNapAThigaL, editor of the magazine vaithikasri has published a book titled sandeha nivAraNI under four parts. I would like to share select answers from the book for the benefit of us all. Members may also contribute with their own selection from such books. (In the following selections any reference other than Sri Rajagolala GaNapAThigaL's books are given by name).

    Asanas (seats) for mantras/stotras/japa

    When doing pArAyaNam (reading/reciting) of mantras or stotras or when doing japam (litany), our scriptures prescribe certain Asanas (seats) for obtaining the best fruits of our efforts.

    सर्वान् कामानवाप्नोति मनुष्यःकम्बलासने

    sarvAn kAmAnavApnoti manuShyaHkambalAsane

    --a seat of white woolen cloth could fetch all that is sought by the recitation.

    कुशासने भवेत् ज्ञानम्

    kushAsane bhavet j~jAnam

    --a seat of Darbha grass can sure the defects in recalling the text and give the required knowledge for proper recital. This is the reason that brahmins symbolically place a pair of Dharbha grass leaves under their feet and squeeze a pair around the right hand ring fingure when doing ceremonies.

    आरोग्यं पत्र निर्मिते

    ArogyaM patra nirmite

    --a seat of leaves could give better health, free of diseases.

    पाषाणो दुःखमाप्नोति

    pAShANo duHkhamApnoti

    --sitting on the ground directly or on a rock for doing litany could bring sorrow.

    काष्ठे नानाविधान् गदान्

    kAShThe nAnAvidhAn gadAn

    --sitting on a plank made of bamboo or other wild wood could bring in diseases. (However, sitting on a household wooden plank with the legs folded on the ground can give good benefits.)

    वस्त्रे श्रियमवाप्नोति

    vastre shriyamavApnoti

    --spreading a cloth and sitting on it could bring in lasting wealth.

    These regulations apply to all kinds of mantra japas and pArAyaNas of all stotras such as Vishnu SahasranAmam, Lalita SahasranAmam and so on.

    The fruits will also differ according to the place of recital. For the amount of fruits obtainable by reciting at home,

    • two times of it for reciting near water bodies such as a river, pond or well;
    • a hundred times when recited in a cowshed;
    • more than a hundred times when recited near the agni after the performance of the homas;
    • a hundred crore times when recited in puNya kShetras (holy places), sannidhi (presence) of gods in the sacred temples;
    • infinite number of times for japas done in Sri MahaVishNu's sannidhi.

    *********

    Alaya pradakShiNam

    When doing pradakShiNam (going round clockwise) in temples, one should do it slowly, like a pregnant woman expecting her baby very shortly, with the full attention on the memory of God. Such a pradakShiNam could remove all the pApams (negative karmas) accumulated in our earlier births.

    As the saying goes:

    एकहस्त प्रणामश्*च एकञ्चाऽपि प्रदक्षिनम् ।
    अकाले दर्शनं विष्णोः हन्ति पुण्यं पुरातनम् ॥

    ekahasta praNAmash^cha eka~jchA&pi pradakShinam |
    akAle darshanaM viShNoH hanti puNyaM purAtanam ||


    these acts can reduce the accumulated merit of our earlier births:

    • doing only one pradakShiNam to any god except Ganesha;
    • bowing to gods raising a single hand/palm (as in the good morning gesture);
    • going to PerumAL temple and having darshan of Vishnu at odd times.

    Going round oneself is known as AtmapradakShinam. Such pradakShinam can be done only to the Sun god, or when doing sandhyA vandanam--not in temples or other places.

    Further, in accordance with the saying:

    एकं विनायके प्रोक्तं, द्वे सूर्ये, त्रीणि शङ्करे, चत्वारि महाविष्णोः,
    पञ्चास्तु देव्याः, सप्ताऽश्*वत्थ प्रदक्षिणम्

    ekaM vinAyake proktaM, dve sUrye, trINi sha~gkare, chatvAri mahAviShNoH,
    pa~jchAstu devyAH, saptA&sh^vattha pradakShiNam


    the number of pradakShiNas that should be done minimum for each god is as follows:

    • one pradakShiNam for Sri MahA Ganapati;
    • two for the pradakShiNam done towards the Sun god;
    • three for Sri Parameshvara (Siva);
    • four for Maha Vishnu;
    • five for mother or Mother Goddess;
    • seven for the peepul (arasa) tree.

    *********

    mantropadesham and mantra japam

    Mantras purify the mind and obtain the divine grace for us. For the mantrasiddhi (obtaining the fruit of the mantra), the guru's grace is vital. Only a guru can select a mantra that suits the abilities of his disciple and guide him/her in practice. The guru also bears the karmic burden of the disciple and prays for its dissolution. Therefore it is always best to be initiated into mantra japam by a guru.

    The best time for mantropadesham are the times of the solar and lunar eclipses. Receiving mantropadesham or doing japam for mantrasiddhi during the times of the eclipse could obtain the fruits early.

    As for the other best times, mantropadesham can be had on the day of sangramaNam (first day of a Hindu calendar month). The six months of the uttarAyaNam period (from the month of thai-pushya to Ani-Anusi), and the period of shukla pakSham (from the day following the Newmoon day until the next Fullmoon day) are auspicious times for mantropadesham.

    While all the mantras must be chanted with the correct and clear pronunciation, the Veda mantras should be chanted with the correct svaras (udAttam, anudAttam, svaritam).

    *********

    dhanur mAsa pUja

    In the calendar of the devas, where one year of our time equals one day, the month of mArgashIrSha-mArgazhi is the uShaH kAlam (dawn time) of the devas.

    As the shAstra says:

    उषः काले तु सम्प्राप्ते बोधयित्वा जगत्पतिम् ।
    समभ्यर्च्य भजेत् विष्णुम् जगतां दोष शान्तये ॥

    uShaH kAle tu samprApte bodhayitvA jagatpatim |
    samabhyarchya bhajet viShNum jagatAM doSha shAntaye ||


    the puja performed during the entire month of mArgashIrSha before sUryodayam (sunrise) at the uShaH kAlam for Maha Vishnu, with abhiShekam and tulasI archana, offering in nivedanam pongal prepared using payattam paruppu (greengram dhal) would bring welfare with all the doShas cured, for the village, the creatures and animals and people living in that area.

    Thus the dhanur mAsa pUja is done in all the temples for the welfare of the people at dawn time during the mArgashIrSha month. In addition, people also perform such pujas in their homes.

    कोदण्डस्ते सवितरि प्रत्यूषे पूजनात् हरेः ।
    सहस्त्राऽब्दाऽर्चन फलं दिनेन एकेन लभ्यते ॥

    kodaNDaste savitari pratyUShe pUjanAt hareH |
    sahastrA&bdA&rchana phalaM dinena ekena labhyate ||


    When the sun is in the dhanur rAsi, Sri Vishnu puja done during the uShaH kAlam for a single day could obtain the fruits of doing puja for a thousand years.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    Advice for Women

    • Women can very well do prANAyAmam as prescribed. For this, KausalyA Devi herself is pramANam (proof). It is mentioned in Srimad ValmIki Ramayanam, "प्राणायामेन पुरुषं ध्यायमाता जनार्दनम्"--"prANAyAmena puruShaM dhyAyamAtA janArdanam"--"Sri Rama's mother Kausalya performed prANAyAmam and prayed to her family deity SriRanganatha."

    • It is uttamam (best) that only women do the puja for Amman (AmbAL, mother Goddess) rather than men. That AmbAL much likes the puja and archanA done by women can be gathered from the nAmAvali text in Lalita Sahasranamam "सुवासिन्यर्चन प्रीता"--"suvAsinyarchana prItA". Therefore women have the preference in performing any Devi Puja.

    • To do pArAyaNam of the purANAs composed by Sri Veda Vyasa and Srimad Ramayana composed by Sri ValmIki, everyone is eligible, irrespective of the caste and religion. So women can very well read/recite Ramayana and Bhagavata and other puranas. However, receiving upadesham of the shrI rAmaShTakSharI or aShTakSharI from a suitable AchArya and then do the pArAyaNam with the blessings of the guru will fetch quicker fruits.

    • Women can very well get mantropadesham; there is no distinction as to men or women for getting mantropadesham. But then mantras should not be recited in japam looking up from the books or knowing it otherwise. They should be chanted in japam only by upadesham from a father or husband (who has enough AchAram) or from a Sadguru. To decide as to what mantra should be received in upadesham, the family kula AchAra (family traditions), horoscope or guru's advice may be considered.

    • It is best to do japam of the panchAkShara mantra after the husband and wife as dampati (in pair) receive it in upadesham through a guru; where this is not possible, women can receive the upadesham on their own and do the japam.

    • Women periodically change the shrI-mAngalya cord. To wear the mAngalyam on a turmeric-smeared cord increases the lifetime of both the woman and her husband. This cord needs to be clean and pure at all times; no other article such as a small key, a safety pin or some rakSha should be added to it. When the cord becomes thin or dirty, it must be replaced with a new one.

    The cord can be replaced on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, in the morning before meals, sitting in the DeivaSannidhi facing east. The cord should not be replaced in the evening, night or during the time of RahukAlam or Yamakandam.

    • There is a mantra to be recited when wearing kumkumam. Kumkumam is the most important of the things that give beauty and prosperity to women. Sumangali women (having their husbands alive) and spinsters who always wear the kumkumam on their forehead would receive the blessings of Mahalakshmi. It also removes any dRShTi doSha (impure looks) of the beholders.

    The kumkumam should be worn in between the two eyebrows (for all women) and on the crown of the head (for married women), sitting or standing facing east and reciting the mantra: श्रीं श्रियै नमः शं शुभं भूयात्--shrIM shriyai namaH shaM shubhaM bhUyAt.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    Advice for Men

    • According to the Dharma Shastras, only gRuhastas (married men) should smear the sandal paste on their chest. The brahmachAris (bachelors) should not smear the sandal paste on any part of their body.

    • The Shaivites and Vaishnavites must wear the prasAdam of their deity on places such as foreheads: Vaishnavites wear Sri Vishnu's prasAdam which is the Urdhva puNDraH (tirunAmam), while Shaivites wear Shiva's prasAdam which is the vibhUti (bhasma puNDraH). Wearing the sectarian mark gives chittashuddhi (purity of mind), Arogyam (freedom from disease), deiva anugraham (God's grace) and all such benefits, says the Anhika kANDam, a Dharma Shastra book. In addition, the greatness of the vibhUti is elaborated in books like the Devi Bhagavatam.

    Veda mantras have immesurable power; so they must be learnt only from a guru. By chanting the Veda mantras such as the shrI rudram, puruSha sUktam from books or audio recordings, you run the risk of errors in the svaram, akSharam and pronunciation; and this can bring in fruits in direct opposition to the ones desired. Even people who are capable of proper chanting must learn from a guru, only then could they get the complete benefits.

    मन्त्रोहीनः स्वरतो वर्णतो वा मिथ्याप्रयुक्त्तो न तमर्थमाह ।
    स वाग्वज्रो यजमानं हिनस्ति यथेन्द्रशत्रुः स्वरतोऽपराधात् ॥

    mantrohInaH svarato varNato vA mithyAprayuktto na tamarthamAha |
    sa vAgvajro yajamAnaM hinasti yathendrashatruH svarato&parAdhAt ||


    If the mantra differs by intonation, letter or another way while chanting, that mantra will become VajrAyudham and torment the YajamAnan who chants the mantra, just as the wrong recital of the 'indrashatru' phrase did.

    There is a story about this in the Yajur Veda.

    Twaashtha wanted a Son to avenge the death of Trishira--his Son whom Indra adopted as a preceptor in the time Brihaspathi had left him due to the disrespect Indra had shown toward his Acharya. Indra found that Trishira had an Asura Mother and when he offered oblations into the Sacred Agni for the victory of the Devas, he also uttered the mantras for the victory of the Asuras with his other mouth (he had 3 mouths)--consequently the wars were stalemated. Indra in his anger killed Trishira with his Vajram and incurred Twaashtha's wrath.

    The mantra which Twaashtha chanted had the words "Indra shatru" in it. In this the Indra was to chanted with anudhaatam and the shatru with swaritam. Twaashtha made the mistake of chanting the word Indra with svaritam and the Shatru with anudhAtam--he consequently got a Son--Vritra--not one who would kill Indra--but one who would be killed by Indra. The meaning changed due to the incorrect swara and hence the term "Yajamaanam hinasti".
    (http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/bhakti/ar...ep98/0069.html)

    • Some bachelors refuse to get married, which is not proper. Marriage is not only for the conjugal bliss, it is also a duty ordained by the Shastras: te become a householder by getting married, begetting children and thereby following the dharma for a householder.

    Only marriage and the resultant male offspring can deliver a man from his duties to his pitrus (deceased parents).

    SannyAsis and BrahmachAris have no right to cook their own food: only the householders should provide them with the bhikShA (offered food).

    We learn from the Puranas that many men observed naiShThika brahmacharyam (bachelor for life) and remained without getting married. This way of living is barred for the Kaliyuga by the Shastras.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    hariḥ oṁ
    ~~~~~

    Quote Originally Posted by saidevo View Post
    Veda mantras have immesurable power; so they must be learnt only from a guru. By chanting the Veda mantras such as the shrI rudram, puruSha sUktam from books or audio recordings, you run the risk of errors in the svaram, akSharam and pronunciation; and this can bring in fruits in direct opposition to the ones desired. Even people who are capable of proper chanting must learn from a guru, only then could they get the complete benefits.

    मन्त्रोहीनः स्वरतो वर्णतो वा मिथ्याप्रयुक्त्तो न तमर्थमाह ।
    स वाग्वज्रो यजमानं हिनस्ति यथेन्द्रशत्रुः स्वरतोऽपराधात् ॥

    mantrohInaH svarato varNato vA mithyAprayuktto na tamarthamAha |
    sa vAgvajro yajamAnaM hinasti yathendrashatruH svarato&parAdhAt ||

    If the mantra differs by intonation, letter or another way while chanting, that mantra will become VajrAyudham and torment the YajamAnan who chants the mantra, just as the wrong recital of the 'indrashatru' phrase did.

    Namasté saidevo (et.al)

    One must ask the value of learning from a compitent guru. Let me offer this POV.

    The wise ( ṛṣi-s) of the Veda had the intuitive knowledge to understand that divine beings (devatā) can be invoked by the uttering (manāmahe) of their auspicious (cāru) names (nāma).

    This vision or cognition was put to meter (chandas). This chandas is of great import. If we look to the Chāndogya Upaniṣad 1.4.2, it tells us that the deva-s covered themselves with chandas. Because they covered themselves with it, chandas is called so.
    We know that chandas is meter or metrical methods, yet this chandas also means 'roof' , a covering. Note also chad छद् means to conceal, hide, keep secret, a root of chandas. This chad छद् also means delight, to be pleased with.

    What is this telling us? It suggests the deva reside within the meter, between, in the gaps (as my teacher said). This is the 3 fold knowledge that the wise possess, it is called trayī-vidyā (3 fold knowledge).
    What is the 3 fold knowledge ? Every hymn in praise of the devatā in the rig veda i.e. the uttering (manāmahe) of their auspicious (cāru) names (nāma), has the ṛṣi, devatā, and chandas called out.

    It is the proper formulaic approach that is brought by the guru, the pandita, etc. that was designed by ṛṣi that is of such great value.

    praṇām

    words
    • manā मना- devotion , attachment , zeal , eagerness
      maha मह - sacrifice, lustre , brilliance; as noun great deed
    • cāru चारु- agreeable , approved , esteemed , beloved , endeared , pleasing, lovely
    • nāma नाम- named, or by name, called;
      devatā देवता - the deva-s देव - or illumined beings; divine beings. Creative impulses of creation;
    • chandas छन्दस्- meter such as gāyatrí and triṣṭúbh; I know of 7 , called out in the rig veda 10.130.4; they are characterized by the number of syllables in the mantra; gāyatrí has 24, triṣṭúbh has 44, etc. ;
    • chandas छन्दस् - also means 'roof' , a covering, to conceal; also to delight.
    Last edited by yajvan; 05 January 2009 at 05:07 PM. Reason: read-ability
    यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
    yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
    because you are identical with śiva

    _

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    Deepavali: shAstriya taila snAnam

    One should never take an oil bath before sunrise. However, only on the day of Deepavali, since goddess Mahalakshmi resides in the sesame oil and goddess Ganga resides in the jalam (water), one should get up before sunrise, brush teeth, rub sesame oil on the head and limbs and take bath, not in cold but warm water.

    तैले लक्ष्मीः जले गङ्गा दीपावल्याश्*चतुर्दशीम्

    taile lakShmIH jale ga~ggA dIpAvalyAsh^chaturdashIm

    Before applying the oil, one should sit facing east, recite this shlokam:

    अश्*वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासः हनुमान् च विभीषणः ।
    कृपः परशुरामश्*च सप्तैते चिरजीविनः ॥

    ash^vatthAmA balirvyAsaH hanumAn cha vibhIShaNaH |
    kRupaH parashurAmash^cha saptaite chirajIvinaH ||


    dip the right hand ring finger in the oil and make seven dot marks on the floor. Then one should rub oil from head to toe all over the body, take bath in warm water, wear new vastram (cloth), prostrate to the elders and get their blessings.

    *********

    akShaya tRutIyai: Buying gold

    kShayam means shortfall or decay; so akShayam is fullness and that which is without decay ever. The shukla pakSha tRutIya tithi (third day after newmoon) in the month of vaiShAkhaH/vaikAsi (May/June) is known as the akShaya tRutIyai.

    Whatever beneficial act is done on that day, it would prosper. This is why the shAstras enjoin us to take up divine worship, puja, homam, anna dAnam (free feed) which would bring us the fullness of meritorious deeds. Buying a little gold on that day and giving it to the young in blessing would make the family weath prosper.

    However, more than buying gold, chariable acts such as anna dAnam to the poor, setting up free drinking water or buttermilk stalls, etc. would bring better merits says the shAstras.

    *********

    shrI rAma navami: garbhotsavam and jananotsavam

    shrI Rama was born on the navami tithi (9th day) of shukla pakSha (waxing fortnight) of the chaitra mAsam (April/May).

    The celebrations that start nine days before and last till the previous day of shrI rAma navami are known as garbhotsavam. These celebrations include daily puja to shrI Rama, shrImad rAmAyana pArAyaNam, kathA pravachanam and bhajans.

    The celebrations done in the same manner from the day of shrI rAma navami for the next nine days are known by the name jananotsavam.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    rAtrow dAnaM: charity acts done in the night

    • Charities done with the noble purpose to just help others (without seeking any merits for the self) can be generally done anytime--day and night; and these bring in a good amount of puNya.

    • However, for the dAnaM done in kAmyam (to fulfil a desire), it is uttamam (best) to do it when there is sun--that is, during the time of the day.

    • The dAnaM done on these occations are done at night: lunar eclipse, weddings conducted at night, sangramaNam (first day of a Hindu calendar month), going on a trip at night, times of emergency that happen in the night, when listening to lectures on Srimad Ramayanam, Mahabharatam.

    गृहणोद्वाह सङ्क्रान्ति यात्राऽऽर्ति प्रसवेषु च ।
    श्रवणे चेतिहासस्य रात्रौ दानं प्रशस्यते ॥

    gRuhaNodvAha sa~gkrAnti yAtrA&&rti prasaveShu cha |
    shravaNe chetihAsasya rAtrau dAnaM prashasyate ||


    *********

    ekAdashI vrataM: fasting on ekAdashI

    People from eight to eighty years of age should observe the ekAdashI vow and fasting. ShAstras exempt pregnant women and sickly people from observing the ekAdashI vrataM.

    Fasting for the whole day without taking aything--even water--is called nirjala upavAsam or shuddhopavAsam. People who can't observe shuddhopavAsam may take water or watery food like milk. Those who can't do even that may take fruits.

    This ekAdashI vrataM is one which is capable of earning great puNya. It can be started anytime of the year.

    vaikuNTa ekAdashI is known as mukkOTi ekAdashI because on that day all the 33 crore devas worship God Vishnu.

    Some links:
    Ekadashi Vrata:-Fasting with the phases of the moon
    http://www.seraph.ie/Ekadashi%20Vrat...ort%20text.htm

    A slideshow presentation
    http://www.swaminarayanmandir.org.uk...toEkadashi.pdf

    ekAdashI vrata katha
    http://www.indif.com/nri/kathas/default.asp

    *********

    Sleeping till the time of sunrise

    The time before sunrise is called uShaH kAlam (dawn time). It is the time when the devas and Goddess Mahalakshmi do saMchAra (go on a trip) of the world. If we are awake at that time and meditate on them, we are sure to get their blessings.

    ShAstras say

    सूर्योदये चाऽस्तमये च शायिनं विमुञ्चति श्रीरपि शक्रपाणिनम्

    sUryodaye chA&stamaye cha shAyinaM vimu~jchati shrIrapi shakrapANinam

    Mahalakshmi will leave the person who sleeps during sunrise and sunset, even if he is Indra.

    *********

    Sleeping: which direction to rest the head

    The direction we rest our head while sleeping differs according to the place we sleep.

    स्वगृहे प्राक्*शिराः शेते ह्याऽऽयुष्यं दक्षिणशिराः ।
    प्रत्यक्*शिराः प्रवासे तु न कदाचित् उदक्*शिराः ॥

    svagRuhe prAk^^shirAH shete hyA&&yuShyaM dakShiNashirAH |
    pratyak^^shirAH pravAse tu na kadAchit udak^^shirAH ||


    • when sleeping at our own house on the east,
    • when sleeping at our father-in-law or his brother's house on the south,
    • during a journey or stay at another place on the west
    • but never on the north

    we should rest our head and sleep, says the ShAstra. The vAstu shAstram also confirms this.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    Doing archana in Tamil in temples

    Que: Can Tamil 'stotras' be recited in the temple 'archanas'?

    Ans: Yes, they can be, and God won't say no for them. But then in temples built according to the 'Agama shAstras' we don't have the 'adhikAram' (authority) to change the language of worship from Sanskrit. In the same way, who are we do introduce a language change in the 'vaidIka karmas'? Wherever the 'archanas' don't involve 'vaidIka karmas' and the 'archanas' are not done in 'Agama shAstra' temples, they can be done in Tamil.
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.13)

    *********

    Women doing the 'go pUja'

    Que: Can women do puja to the cows?

    Ans: Yes, they can do. The cow's wealth is limitless. People of all the 'varNas' can do this 'go pUja' for which only devotion and faith are necessary. Doing 'go pUja' would remove the mental sufferings and give all the 'aishvaryas' (wealth). It is also the 'aitihyam' (traditional instruction) that the 'aMsa' (share) of all the devas are living in the cow. (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.13)

    *********

    Puja in Office

    Que: Please advise as to the portraits of the Gods I need to hang and the way to worship them in the business company I am running.

    Ans: As far as the portraints are concerned, you may use the pictures of your 'iShTa devatas' (preferred deities) and specificially those of Ganapati and Mahalakshmi.

    'vigrahas' (material images) are not needed in offices. If any 'yantra' has been received through authorized elders, it might be kept.

    Light a lamp daily and adorn the portraits with flowers. Ensure that women do not go near them during their period days. It would be 'visheSham' (special) to do weekly 'archana' on Fridays done by a 'shAstry' (priest).

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    National Anthem
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.20)

    Que: Today, the 'jana gaNa mana' and the 'vande mAtaram' are our national anthems. Was there any such national anthem for our ancient country?

    Ans: There is a beautiful national anthem in the Yajur Veda:

    आ ब्रह्मन् ब्राह्मणो ब्रह्मवर्चसी जायतामा राष्ट्रे राजन्यः
    शूर इषवयोऽअतिव्याधी महारथो जायतां दोग्ध्री धेनुर्वाढानड्वानाशुः
    सप्तिः पुरन्धिर्योषा जिष्णू रथेष्ठाः सभेयो युवास्य यजमानस्य वीरो जायतां निकामे निकामे नः
    पर्जन्यो वर्षतु फलवत्यो न आषधयः पच्यन्तां योगक्षेमो नः कल्पताम् ॥

    A brahman brAhmaNo brahmavarchasI jAyatAmA rAShTre rAjanyaH
    shUra iShavayo&ativyAdhI mahAratho jAyatAM dogdhrI dhenurvADhAnaDvAnAshuH
    saptiH purandhiryoShA jiShNU ratheShThAH sabheyo yuvAsya yajamAnasya vIro jAyatAM nikAme nikAme naH
    parjanyo varShatu phalavatyo na AShadhayaH pachyantAM yojakShemo naH kalpatAm ||

    --Yajur Veda, 22.22

    "O Brahman! Let there be born in the kingdom 'brAhmaNas' with 'brahmatejas' (divine lustre) who are well versed in the Vedas; let there be born the 'RAjanya', heroic, skilled kings, archers and mighty warriors; cows giving abundant milk; oxen good at carrying; the swift coursers; industrious, cultural women. May 'Parjana' send seasonal rains; may our fruit-bearing plants and trees ripen; may the 'yogakShemam' (spiritual and prosperous well-being) of our people increase steadily."

    *********

    SamskAras for milestones in age
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.28)

    Que: When should the 'ShaShTiapta pUrti' (60th anniversary) be done: on commencement or completion of the 60th year of age? What are the other 'shAntis' done in accordance with the 'janma nakShatra'?

    Ans: On the month and 'nakShatra' of the first year after a child is born, the 'aptapUrti Ayush homam' should be performed. Here is a list of other 'shAntis':

    'bhIma shAnti' ... Beginning of the 55th year of age
    'ugra ratha shAnti' ... Beginning of the 60th year of age
    'ShaShTiapta pUrti' ... Beginning of the 61st year of age
    'bhImaratha shAnti' ... Beginning of the 70th year of age
    'eka shAnti' ... Beginning of the 72nd year of age
    'prapautra shAnti' ... Birth of a great-grandson (the son of a son's son)
    'satAbhiShekam' ... On completion of 80 years and 8 months of age
    'pUrNAbhiShekam' ... In the 100 years of age

    Of these 'samskAras', the 'ShaShTiapta pUrti, bhImaratha shAnti and satAbhiShekam' are customary and widespread. During the time of these 'shAnti prayogas', the 'mahA prAyachitta vaidIka kAryam' known as 'shrIrudra ekAdashani' (chanting 'shrIrudram' eleven times with Vedic rites) is also performed along with the other rites. (http://www.geocities.com/srigant/rudra-ekadashi.htm)

    *********

    'vaidhyanAtha dikShatIyam'
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.31)

    Que: Wish to know something about the 'vaidhyanAtha dikShatIyam' book...

    Ans: Sri VaidhyanAtha DIkShatar, who was born around 350 years ago at the village Kandramanickam in the Thanjavur district, compiled the Dharma Shastra details given by our SUtrakAra Rishis into 6 cantos in a book titled 'vaidhyanAtha dikShatIyam'.

    This book has been accepted as the 'book of pramANas' (standard reference) by our pundits. This compilation is also known as 'Smriti MuktAbalam'. The six cantos that comprise the book are:

    1. varNAshrama dharma kANDam 2. Ahnika kANDam 3. Asaucha kANDam
    4. shrAddha kANDam 5. prAyachitta kANDam 6. tithi nirNaya kAnDam

    (Note: A set of dharma shastra booklets in Tamil in the pdf format can be downloaded from the Yahoo group Vaideekam at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vaideekam. The publication says that these booklets are from the book published by R.Muthusamy Ayyar in 1937, possibly based on the 'vaidhyanAtha dikShatIyam' as the canto names indicate.--sd)

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    duHkha vichAraNa: visiting for personal condolence
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.32)

    Que: Any rules about visiting the home of a deceased person for offering personal condolences?

    Ans: Yes, 'duHkha vichAraNa' has certain 'niyamas'. Some of them might be different due to the 'deshAchAras' (local practices), but certain others should be observed without fail.

    • One should avoid customary personal beautifications when seeking to offer personal condolence.

    • One should not come in tactile contact with the 'kartA' (doer) of the deceased person who is in wet clothes, ready to commence the last rites.

    • If one needs to get back immediately, it should be done when the 'sharIram' (dead body) is in the house and the last rites have not started. Otherwise, one should leave the place only after the body leaves the house for the creation ground. It is not proper to leave the house in the middle of the rites.

    • For ten days, no food or drink should be taken from the house of the deceased because of the ceremonial impurity.

    • The 'duHkha vichAraNa' may be done on any of the first ten days, except the ninth. When a wife is sought to be offered condolences, days of Tuesday and Friday should be avoided.

    • It is best to visit on the day of the death and offer any help needed. Such help should not however be a hindrance to the rites or people or be a display of personal knowledge about the 'vaidIka' last rites performed. Instead, where it is necessary, advice can be offered to the 'kartA' in a subtle manner to ensure that the last rites are performed according to the 'shAstras'.

    *********

    Alaya pradakShiNam
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.34)

    Que: Is there any 'krama' (custom, rule) when a husband and wife do 'pradakShiNam' of a temple, as to who should lead and who should follow?

    Ans: Yes, there is. While doing 'Alaya pradakShiNam' as 'dampati' (husband-wife), the husband should lead and the wife should follow him. This 'krama' is to be followed in the 'pradakShiNas' done in 'veda pArAyaNas' and 'homas'.

    *********

    mana saMchalam (mind in agitation)
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.35)

    Que: My mind is always agitated and waves about. What can I do to mitigate my 'mana saMchalam'?

    Ans: If you have the 'abhyAsam' (practice of fluent chanting), you may chant the VishNu SahasranAmam daily. Or you may do the 'likhita japam' (litany by writing) of writing 'Sri Ramajayam' at least 108 times a day. Whenever you get time, you may get into the habit of visiting the nearby SubramaNya Swami temple. Everything will be fine eventually.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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    Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations

    homa mudrAs
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.36)

    Que: When doing homam, the fingers are kept differently for holding different sacrificial items. Any niyama for this?

    Ans: They finger intertwinings are known as mudrAs. A specific homa mudrA depends on the dravya (substance) used in the fire sacrifice. There are three kinds of homa mudrAs:

    • When sesame or ghee is placed in the fire, the mRugI mudrA is employed. This mudrA comprises raising the index and little fingers and gathering the other three at their tips.

    • When samidh (twigs of firewood) is placed in the fire, the haMsI mudrA is employed. This mudrA comprises collecting all the fingers at the tips, leaving out the little finger.

    • When charu (annam) is dropped in the fire, the varAhI mudrA is employed. This is sukhari (or is it shukari) mudrA. This mudrA comprises joining all the fingers at their tips.

    *********

    pitRu kArya, shrAddham: bahiShTAt
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.38)

    Que: We follow the Yajur Veda. If on the day of shrAddham, the wife is bahiShTAt ('out of doors'), can the husband proceed with the shrAddham?

    Ans: There is no restriction, and the husband can very well proceed with the shrAddham and do it as pArvaNam (with homam).

    *********

    Spiritual uses of tulasI
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.37)

    Que: Some details about the spiritual uses of tulasI?

    Ans: Here are some spiritual uses of the tulasI leaves.

    • It is good to string tulasI leaves into a garland and adorn Bhagavan with it. Specifically, for VishNu and Anjaneya this garland is of much prIti (affectionately received).

    • The tulasI can be used in archanA using them in single dalas (leaves).

    • The tulasI garland is good for japam also.

    • It would bring in mangalam (prosperity) for women to light a lamp at the tulasI mADam in their homes daily in the morning and evening, do pradakShiNam and namaskAram. No durdevatas (evil spirits) would come near the home and subhikSham (abundance of provisions) would ensue.

    • From the tulasI plant the puja is done to, no leaf should be plucked for whatever reason (even for doing puja to deities). Women should not pluck the tulasI leaves. They should not be plucked after mAdhyAnikam (noon) or on the day of dvAdashI. The tulasI leaves should not be dropped in the homa fire.

    • It is good to add tulasI dalam to the substance used in nivedanam; also puNyam to add it when dakShiNa is given during sambhAvana (honouring) the priest.

    *********

    panchAngam: for the ordinary householder
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.38)

    Que: We don't use the PanchAngam, but we buy it regularly every year. Is it necessary for an ordinary householder?

    Ans: Everyone of us should keep a PanchAngam at home; that in itself is puNyam. If possible, after morning bath and a lamp is lit before the Swami, you should open the PanchAngam before the deity and read out the day's tithi, nakShatram, yogam and such other details and get to know them; panchAnga nitya paThanam would give puNya, no doubt about it.

    *********

    Lotus leaf: eating on it
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.39)

    Que: Can one eat food on the lotus leaf?

    Ans: Yes, one can. With no other leaf, food can be taken on its backside, but this can be done with the lotus leaf. But then in general it is not customary for a gRuhasta to eat food on a lotus leaf or a purasa leaf: only brahmachAris, yatis (bachelors, ascetics) can do it. Food can be taken on the leaves of the jackfruit, mango, coconut, plantain and bilva trees.

    *********

    Vedas: and women
    (Sri Sarma SastrigaL in his book 'VaidIkam and Culture', p.39)

    Que: Please explain why women should not seek to learn the Vedas to recite them.

    Ans: We should understand one thing at the start. Vedas are not just prArthana stotras (prayer songs) or a religious scripture taught by a specific person to the people of only a specific varNa.

    • Three things are to be borne in mind when chanting the Vedas: 1. svaram (musical note, accent and tone), 2. pronunciation and 3. mAtra (duration of individual syllables). The rules and regulations involving these requirements are very elaborate. Only if the Vedas are recited according to these regulations will they give saMpUrNa phala (wholesome fruits).

    • To do adhyayana (Vedic study and practice) in the above-mentioned manner, only men have the suitable physical features in their bodies. The nADi chalanas (movement in 'nADis') that women are naturally endowed with won't be suitable for the Veda svaras. The veda svaram that arises from the nAbhi (navel) would create viparIta (adverse, inauspicious) results in women.

    • In addition, it requires guru mukha dIkSha (initiation by a guru) to recite the Vedas as such; for this reason too women are prohibited from chanting the Vedas.

    • Although men are eligible physically for learning the Vedas to recite them, only if they undergo the upanayana samskAram, they can learn the Vedas. Since the shAstras do not prescribe upanayanam for women, there is no question of their chanting the Vedas.

    • However, there is no bar on women to know about the Vedas through bhAShyas (commentaries), study them deeply or discuss them. In fact we know that there were women Vedic experts in the ancient days!

    • Like the Bible and Quaran of the Western religions, there are many books of prayers in our religion too! Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu SahasranAmam, Lalitha SahasranAmam, Saundarya Lahiri, SubrahmaNya Bhujangam, DevI MahAtmiyam and such other countless stotras, shlokas and nAma saMkIrtanas are there, and there is no bar on women to do pArAyaNa of them.

    • We should not forget that in the past women who was fed up with the samsAra sAgaram (sea of worldly life) and wanted relief from it, only sought the above scriptures to regulate their mind. Not only that, in the Hindu Dharma, we know that there are several vratas (vows) and pujas that are specially meant for women.

    • There is no question of men being superior to women in such matters (as having the privilege to learn the Vedas). Women do have certain natural bodily inconveniences that rule out their learning the Vedas for chanting. A lot of heat is generated dur to the veda pArAyaNam (Vedic chanting). The pronunciations that arise from the jaTharAgni (fire in the stomach) won't go well with the physiology of women.

    • Let us know about another thing here. It is not that only Brahmins should learn the Vedas. Non-brahmins who are Vaishyas or KShatriyas can also learn the Vedas.

    • Just because a person is not physically suitable or scripturally permitted to do something, she/he does not become inferior to another person. If any women chooses to forgo these regulations and start to learn and chant the Vedas by way of a revolution, let them carry on. Since this is the age of Kali, we should only keep quiet at any such efforts--not slight or prevent them. There is not doubt to me that one's own experiences and the results of such efforts would teach her/him a good lesson.

    • I pray to AmbaaL that women who do pArAyaNa of stotras and involve themselves in nAma saMkIrtana, puja and vratas get sakala saubhAgyas (all the prosperities).

    *********

    kutthu viLakku (standing brass lamp)

    Que: When a kutthu viLakku is lit in the homely nitya pUja, how many of its mukhams (openings, faces) should be lit?

    Ans: Though it is a kutthu viLakku with many mukhas, there is no custom to light more than one mukham in the homely nitya pUja. For example, if it is a pancha mukha kuttu viLakku (lamp with five openings), only one of the openings can be lit. When this is done daily, the mukham that is lit should face the east or north direction. On festive days such as KArtikai, all the faces of a lamp can be lit.

    Whenever a kuttu viLakku is lit, kumkumam should be applied to its front (mukappu). After the lamp is lit, the woman who lights it should do namaskAram. In the same way, namaskAram should be done when the lamp is colled down (malaiyetRal). Also, it is not necessary to wash the kuttu viLakku daily.

    *********

    Jewellery: wearning multiple ear studs

    Que: These days some women have multiple pricks on their ears and wear many ear studs. Is this right?

    Ans: No. According to the Hindu sampradAyam (tradition) it is anAchAram (offensive practice) to have more than one prick on an ear.

    *********

    deshAchAra (local practice): sandal paste and women

    Que: In answering an earlier question, you had said that women should not wear the sandal paste on their forehead, but they can wear it on their neck. But then in Kerala women commonly wear the sandal paste on their forehead. How is this?

    Ans: True, but that is a deshAchAram (local practice). Certain customs and habits differ in certain places. Specifically, in the Kerala state certain things do indeed seem viparIta (adverse, inauspicious). For example, in this state which is considered as the "ParashurAma kShetram":

    • women do not wear the half-sari over their chest, where as this garment is considered a must for women;

    • it is also commonly seen that women spread out their hair instead of wearing it in plaits.

    Things such as these are not acceptable in our tradition and culture. We can also see that several women avoid such inauspicious customs and habits and live for generations according to the prescriptions of the ShAstras.

    Only the general rule is important for us. We need not worry about deshAchAras.

    *********
    रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
    ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥

    To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.

    --viShNu purANam

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