Re: Hindu SamskAra Regulations
bhakti: body or mind related?
(Sri Seshadrinatha SastrigaL, Sakthi Vikatan dated Mar 26,2009, p39)
Que: Is bhakti mere body related? Or is it mind related? (Some of the acts of devotees such as) Piercing the tongue or skin in other body part, walking over embers, and shaving off the head in the name of offering hair are all only body related?
Ans: Thinking of God in the mind and getting immersed in that thought is bhakti. The mind will obtain an alAti Anandam (distinctive joy) in reaching God.
But then the attachment to God would only express itself through body parts. Hands offer flowers in archanA (worship); legs lead to a temple; (lips chant a mantra or sing a bhajan; eyes shed tears in momentary relaization; devotion courses down the body in ripples of ecstasy). Therefore, only the body carries out the wishes and orders of the mind.
We declare in prayer 'My body, wealth and soul all dedicated to you'! Acts such as walking over embers and shaving off the head only express the thoughts of the mind in action. The devotee's wishes related to his devotion to God would never be loathsome.
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shravaNa vratam: what and how?
(Sri Seshadrinatha SastrigaL, Sakthi Vikatan dated Mar 26,2009, p41)
Que: What is shravaNa vratam? How to observe this vow?
Ans: The TiruvONam NakShatram is called shravaNam. Its devatA is VishNu says the Veda ('shroNo nakShatram viShNur devatA').
Therefore, it is best to worship VishNu on the day of this NakShatram. The TiruvONam that falls in the month of AvaNi (ShravaNa) on the day of DvAdashi during the waxing fortnight is of great visheSham (distinction)! This day is known as 'ShravaNa DvAdashi'.
On this auspicious day, if VasudevA is worshipped by fasting and prayers all the shortcomings in us would be removed. (GaruDa Puranam, ch.141). GaruDa Puranam explains the procedure for this worship.
Therefore, observe the ShravaNa Vratam with its simple precepts, worship VasudevA and reap the benefits.
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Moving to a new house in the month of Ani
(Sri Seshadrinatha SastrigaL, Sakthi Vikatan dated Mar 26,2009, p41)
Que: Moving to a new house in the month of Ani (JyeShTa, Jun-Jul) is said to be wrong? Any parihAram for this?
Ans: If you are moving to a rented house, you can very well do it in the month of Ani. If you are moving to your own house, try to avoid Ani.
People who move to their newly built home conduct a ceremony called 'GRuhaprevesham' and then move on an auspicious day, computed based on the tithi, vAram, nakShatram etc. and time. Only that is best and would bring in prosperity.
People moving on transfer to another place or moving to a house in another town or village, in view of the economical factors, need not consider Ani as unsuitable for moving to the new house.
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mantra: Distinction of 'shrIm' in a mantra
(Sri Seshadrinatha SastrigaL, Sakthi Vikatan dated Mar 26,2009, p41)
Que: What is the distinction of the 'shrIm' in a mantra?
Ans: 'shrI' means LakShmi. This term has additional meanings such as kaLai (liveliness), wealth, 'bilvam', fame, lotus flower and so on. Vedas refer to the eternal fame of their kaLai (liveliness) as 'shrI'. The Dharma Shastra underscores that the title ShrI should be added before the names of Devas, Gurujis, elders and the MUrtis residing in temples.
'shrI' has the power to make whatever it joins to and whatever related to its holder, prosperous. This is the very purpose of adding the title SrimAn, Srimati or Tiru., Tirumati in Tamil to personal names! Wealth indicates not just money but all the types of wealth and prosperity obtainable in life! What is joined with 'shrI' would flourish with all the prosperity.
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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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