tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81695505551685604612024-03-23T18:14:44.359+08:00Hinduism- The Way of LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-1736953014819663252017-09-22T22:43:00.000+08:002017-09-22T22:43:24.341+08:00Navadurga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Navadurga refers to the 9 forms of Maa Durga.<div>
Below are her 9 forms.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. Shailaputri- Daughter of the Mountains</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Mantra:</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Om Devi Shailaputrai NAmah ||</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Prathna:</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Vandhe Vanchitha labhaya chandra rakshita shekaram|</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Vrisharudam Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim ||</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Meaning:</b> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Worshiping goddess Durga in the form of Maa Shailaputri will help to overcome any bad affect of the moon, which is governed by this form of Adhi Shakthi.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Origin:</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">After the immolation of Goddess Sati, she was reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of Lord Himalaya. In Sanskrit, </span>'Shail' <span style="font-weight: normal;">means mountain, and due to this she is known as Shailaputri, the daughter of Mountain. She is also known as Hemavati and Parvati, and is considered as the eternal form of Mother Nature.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Iconography:</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">She mounts on a bull. She is depicted with 2 hands. She carries a Trishul (trident) in her right hand. The prongs on the Trishul represent the past, present and future. Whereas, she holds a lotus in her left hand representing, purity and devotion. Maa Shailaputri has half moon adorning her forehead and she is often seen draped in a white and light pink saree. It is believed that any bad affects by the Moon will be warded off by Maa Shailaputri.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Navarathri Worship: </b>Day 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Governing Planet:</b> Moon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Offering: </b> Pure Ghee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Flower: </b>Jasmine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Placing in chakra: </b>Muladhara</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>ABOUT MAA SHAILAPUTRI</u></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maa Durga in her previous birth was born to Daksha Prajapathi as Sati, and she was married to Lord Shiva, much to Daksha's disapproval. One day, Daskha organised a Maha Yagna and invited everyone, except Lord Shiva and Sati. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being a daughter, she wanted to be present at the Yagna, despite Lord Shiva's refusal to attend, she was insistent, where in Lord Shiva relented and asked her to go alone. When she arrived at the venue, she realised her father intentionally did not extend an invite her and her husband just so he could humiliate Lord Shiva. Deeply hurt by Daksha's actions, Sati gave her body up in the sacrificial fire. Shiva unable to bare this loss, isolated himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sati was later reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya. She later married Lord Shiva after performing heavy penance and devotion. She is considered to be the purest form of Durga.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Brahmacharini- One who practices devout austerity</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Mantra: </b>Om Devi Brahmachariyai Namah ||</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Prathana: </b>Dhadhana Kara Padhmabhya Makshamala Kamandalu |</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama ||</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Meaning: </b>Goddess Brahmacharini wears white colour clothes, she holds rudraksha mala, lotus, kamandalu in her hands. Goddess Brahmacharini is the 'tapaswini' roop of the Goddess who gives us freedom from Kaama and krodh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Origin: </b> Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Parvati who was born to Himalaya. She is extremely radiant and majestic. She appears to be absorbed in meditation. 'Brahma' means penance and 'Charini' is used to describe a female follower/devotee. Maa Brahmacharini is also known as Devi Yogi and Devi Tapaswini. Brahmacharini blesses her devotees with success, wisdom and knowledge. She also bestows happiness, peace and grace upon her devotees'. She's also said to be the way to Moksha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Iconography: </b>She is seen as walking bare feet, has two hands. In the right hand she carries a Jap Mala (rosary), representing a the Hindu hymns recited in her honour and a Kamandalu in her left hand which is said to symbolise marital bliss/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Governing Planet: </b>Mars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Navarathri Worship: </b>Day 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Offering: </b>Sugar and fruits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Flower: </b>Jasmine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Placing in Chakra: </b> Swadishtana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>ABOUT MAA BRAHMACHARINI</u></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Parvati realised her love for Lord Shiva from a very young age, and it grew deeper as she grew up. Realising this, Sage Naradha advises her to follow customs and rituals of rigid Tapasya of long eras in order to attain the Lord as her Husband. Due to her unearthly and difficult penance, she was glorified with the name 'Brahmacarini'. It is believed that Her penance went on for a thousand years, and she only read Vilva leaves to survive, due to which she became extremely frail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Chandraghanta- The One who adorns the moon like a bell</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Mantra: </b>Om Chadraghantayai Namah ||</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prathna:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pindaj Pravrarudha Chandkpasrkaryuta|</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Prasidam Tanute Mahyam Chandrghnteti Vishruta ||</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Meaning: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O Goddess Chandraghanta, who rides on Tiger, angry on enemies, holds many weapons in 10 hands, be propitious to me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Origin: </b>Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, Mahagauri started adorning herself with Chandra (cresent moon) on her forehead in the form of a 'Ghanta' (bell).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Iconography: </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">She has a golden complexion. In addition she has 3 eyes and is depicted with 10 hands. 8 of which holds weapons. In her right hands she is seen with a lotus flower, arrow, dhanush (bow) and Jap Mala. Whereas in her left hands she carries a Trishul, gada (mace), sword and Kamandal. Her fifth right hand is in Varadha Mudhra and fifth left hand is in Abhaya Mudhra. This is her aggressive form and she's ever so ready to go for war with all her weapons. She rides a tiger.and wears a red saree. Despite her provocative </span><span style="color: #222222;">temperament, her face expresses a calm and balanced look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Navarathri Worship: </b>Day 3 </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Governing Planet: </b>Shukra</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Offering: </b>Milk and Kheer</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Flower:</b> Jasmine</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>ABOUT MAA CHANDRAGHANTA</u></span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">She is the one who establishes justice and discipline in the world. Chandraghanta also means supreme bliss and knowledge, showering peace and serenity on a moonlit night. She instills courage and fearlessness within her devotees. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-11224516282158736372017-09-22T14:45:00.000+08:002017-09-22T22:44:53.600+08:00NAVARATHRI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Navarathri</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">translates 9 nights. This 9 nights is dedicated to the Mother Goddess with such grandeur, incorporating dedications of songs, music and dance to her.</span></h4>
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The beginning of Spring and Autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These 2 periods are considered as sacred occasions to worship the Divine Mother.<br />
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<i>Navarathri is celebrated twice prominently.</i><br />
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The first Navarathri is observed in the month of <b>Chaitra/Chitra, </b>which usually falls between March-April also symbolising the start of Spring. This Navarathri is known as<b> Vasantha Navarathri, </b>celebrated during <b style="font-style: italic;">Shukla Paksha </b>(1st fortnight between New Moon Day and Full Moon Day, the period of waxing moon). The commence of this Navarathri also marks the start of New Year as per lunar calendar.<br />
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<i>This Navarathri is mostly celebrated in North and Western India.</i><br />
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The second and most common Navarathri is Sharad Navarathri , also known as Ashwin Navarathri or Maha Navarathri. It is known as Durga Pooja in the Eastern parts of India. It is known by this name as it is celebrated during Sharad; marking the beginning of Autumn (Sept-Oct). It starts on the 1st and ends on the 10th day of <u>the half bright of the lunar month Ashwin/Aipasi</u>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Why does Sharad Navarathri fall on this particular month and not in any other months in the lunar calendar?</u></b></span></div>
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The most prevalent and plausible theory is that, the dawn of life on earth began after the cessation of deluging rains. According to our scriptures, Ashwin is the month when the rainy season ends. Symbolically, this is also regarded as the time when the deluging turbulence ceases and normalcy returns on earth. Biologists also aver that, life starts to grow i water only when it is stationary. After the rainy season stagnant water germinates life. But on the contrary, it is also notorious for giving birth to germs and viruses.</div>
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The ancient man , must have observed the beginning of Autumn as most deadly period of the survival of life. Hence, to protect their life, they devised a system based on their medical knowledge. While doing so, they found that the best way to ensure good health is to observe fast or avoid taking meals which was likely to be polluted owing to the rampant viruses and germs during that particular period, which they fixed a duration of <b>9 days</b>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>Why 9 days</u>?</span></b></div>
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Because 9 was the highest number known to the ancient man kind. And perhaps the concept of "ZERO" was not discovered yet. </div>
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Fasting for nine days meant a change in their routine and conserving their energy. So to keep themselves occupied, they indulged in worship , to keep the safe from the potential lurking dangers in forms of demons, beasts and illness. Since a mother is always looked as the protector of her child, mortals started worshiping Maa Durga for this 9 days. This is probably the most logical and most plausible explanation as to why Maa Durga is revered this 9 days.</div>
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MYTHICAL APPROACH OF NAVARATHRI</h4>
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Navarathri celebrates the slaying of the evil Asura Mahishasura by Maa Durga, therefore earning Maa Durga the name MAHISHASURAMARDHINI, which translates into slayer of Mahishasura.</div>
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Maa Durga is worshiped in the form of <b><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2017/09/navadurga.html" target="_blank">Navadurga</a> </b>(9 forms of Durga) in this 9 days and the 10th day is celebrated as <b>Vijayadasami, </b>the day Maa Durga slayed Mahishasura.</div>
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In the Southern Region of India, the first 3 days of Navarthri is dedicated to Durga, the second three days to Lakshmi and the final 3 days to Saraswathi.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-37465156276749004962014-09-08T22:19:00.002+08:002014-09-08T22:33:42.643+08:00Mahalaya Paksha - A Ritual For Ancestors Pt. 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u>Mahalaya Paksha- What Should We Do?</u></h2>
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<u>Mahalaya Paksha in a nutshell</u></h3>
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<a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/09/mahalaya-paksha.html" target="_blank">Mahalaya Paksha</a> literally means "fortnight of the ancestors". It is a 16 lunar day period wherein Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitru), especially through food offerings. Pitru Paksha is considered by Hindus to be inauspicious, given the death rite performed during the ceremony, known as Shraddha or tarpan. The Mahalaya Paksha begins with the full moon day (Purnima) that occurs immediately after the Ganesh festival and ending with the new moon day known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or simply Mahalaya. The autumnal equinox falls within this period, I.e the Sun transitions from the northern to the southern hemisphere during this period. </div>
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<u>What are we supposed to do at home?</u></h3>
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<li>From the first day of the paksha to the last day that falls on Mahalaya Amavasya try to ensure that the Kamakshi Vilakku is lighted up 24 hours. Before doing so make sure the lamp is cleaned and a fresh wick (thiri) is used and fresh oil is added to it. If you are a working person then you may leave your florescent light on 24 hours.</li>
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<li>Purchase 3,5, or 7 earthen lamps (Agal Vilakku). <b>Note that the lamps have to be in odd numbers. </b>Have them lighted from 7pm-10pm at your main entrance (Thalai Vaasal) of your house. Then extinguish the lights (Do not blow the light with your breath use a flower or use a match stick to push the wick into the oil.) Then bring it into your house. </li>
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<i><b>Lighted lamps are significant to an invitation for </b></i></div>
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<i><b>your ancestors and good energy to walk into your house.</b></i></div>
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Do this from the next 15 days till Amavasya. And it is said during this period your ancestors will descend to earth and give you blessings. They will also observe your living patterns and if they feel that you are facing many hardships they will try and convince God to lessen your hardships. But this is also a good time to evade the burdens that is caused by Pithru Dosha.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>PS. Please do not chant any mantras as Amavasya is also</b> <b> time of darkness. If you utter one syllable by mistake then you could unknowingly be inviting the devil into you home. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>If you want to perform any tarpana with mantras and pindam for your ancestors I know Scott Road Temple in Brickfields, Malaysia used to do it.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>or</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>If you want to do it at home then cook rice and add in black sesame seeds to the rice and make it into 3 or 5 rice balls. Put them on a banana leaf, take it outside your house (even the porch will do).Do not recite any mantras just say your ancestors' names and pray that their souls are always at peace, put the banana leaf on your letter post or any beams that you can put the leaf on and serve the rice balls for the crow to eat.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>~Crows are very well associated with dead ancestors in Hinduism.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>*Mahalaya Paksha for the year 2014 starts on 9/9/2014 and will end on 23/9/2014</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-33438208996670625272014-09-08T00:43:00.001+08:002014-09-08T22:24:16.003+08:00Mahalaya Paksha- A Ritual For Ancestors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u>Mahalaya Paksha</u></h2>
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According to ancient Hindu texts, on Mahalaya Amavasya, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and that the sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya). On this day, it is believed that ancestors leave their abode and come down to the world of mortals and occupy the houses of their descendants. Hindus offer oblation of water to the departed on every new-moon day. The prescribed rites are also performed every year on the death anniversary. This is the Sraddha ceremony. The special importance of these observances particularly during Mahalaya is that such ceremonies done during this fortnight have a very special effect. The offerings reach the departed souls immediately and directly, due to a boon from Lord Yama. <br />
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The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September-October) is known as the Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight especially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.<br />
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Charity in the form of food is important during this observance. Life depends upon food. You cannot preach religion to empty stomachs. This human body is the most important vehicle for realising God. How precious must food be which keeps the body fit for Yoga! The gift of food is the greatest gift. Therefore, give food in plenty, not only during the Mahalaya fortnight but all through the year.<br />
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This period can be used for relieving the sins done against women, injustice and cheating, acts done crossing the taboo boundaries etc. Visualizing and offering prayers to ancestors during Mahalaya period will bring relief in all walks of life, especially health and wealth. This will bring lots of blessings for the lineage.<br />
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Your Ancestors will stay with you during the two week period known as Mahalaya Paksha. This important period is looked even by enlightened yogis and rishis to receive the blessings from their own ancestors. Ancestors have a great impact in our life and they govern our destiny.<br />
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Those deceased whose date of death is not known and whose annual Sraddha cannot be done, they also get these oblations of Pitri Paksha. Souls whose life was cut off by violent accidental or unnatural death and to whom, therefore, offerings cannot reach in the ordinary course, to them, too, the Ptripaksha offerings reach directly. Hindus now observe this Paksha with great faith and worship and charity in the form of food is considered important during this period.<br />
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<u>Mahalaya Paksha and Ancestors</u></h3>
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To Live a Successful and Peaceful Life, we should get blessings from our ancestors and generally there are 2 primary causes for problems:<br />
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1) Problems caused by Navagrahas (9 Planets)<br />
2) Problems/Obstacles caused by our Ancestral Spirits<br />
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Usually, ancestors who have departed with unfulfilled desires are problematic and if we fix the above mentioned problems, we can lead a peaceful life. Performing Tarpanam is the most effective means for helping departed loved ones and ancestors and it can also change our destiny.<br />
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<u><br /></u></h3>
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<u>Why to Appease Departed Ancestors?</u></h3>
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Our Ancestors live in ancestral world (Pitra loka) and they can help in solving problems related to money, career, health, relationship,etc., quite easily. Communicate and reconnect with them during this Mahalaya paksha.<br />
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<u>Significance of Donating Food and Clothing</u></h3>
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The easiest way to access God's grace is to feed a person who is starving for food and to donate clothes. Donating food is considered to be the greatest charity of all the charities. When you donate food and clothing to those in need, it elevates your soul. There is an interesting legend highlighting the importance of donating food.<br />
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<u>Legend</u></h3>
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The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and the great charity he had done here was returned to him hundredfold. But, it was all gold and silver; there was no food, as he had not done any food-charity! He prayed to the god of death. So, he was sent back to earth for fourteen days, to make up for this deficiency. <br />
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For fourteen days, he fed Brahmins and the poor, and offered oblations of water. On his return to the higher regions, he had food in plenty. It is these fourteen days that are commemorated in the Mahalaya Paksha. Due to the grace of the god of death, it has been ordained that offerings made during this period benefit all the departed souls, whether they are connected to you or not. <br />
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<u>Karuppasamy and New Moon</u></h3>
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During the Mahalaya Amavasya, the Sun and the Moon will be along with Rahu. The planet Rahu will be extremely powerful and on this day, the power of Karuppasamy is fortified with Rahu’s energy. Participating in rituals to Lord Karuppasamy on this day will help you receive his blessings.<br />
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New Moon days are considered as an auspicious day to offer rituals to Karuppasamy. In India, especially in South Indian state Tamil Nadu, Lord Karuppasamy is ardently worshipped and He is a village god. Once can find him on the boundaries of the villages or on the outskirts of the villages. The Villagers worship Karuppasamy as their Guardian Angel.<br />
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Karuppasamy, the Archetype of Justice, is a very important Performer God. Karuppasamy promises to help all those who seek and deserve justice, money, good health and relationships. He does not need a long explanation, be concise when you ask your question and He will help you solve your problems and provide you with the justice you deserve.<br />
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Karuppasamy is a little known village deity who is very similar to Emperor Guan, the Taoist God of War, whose immense popularity rests particularly on his power over demons and evil spirits, and his ability to prevent war. But Karuppasamy is not just a simple village God, He is the combination of 4 Gods; Kala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Narasimha and Rudra all rolled into one powerful force who puts a quick end to all that is evil. Be it curses, black magic, evil eye or even evil plotting, Karuppasamy can burst it all.<br />
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One can find the statue of Lord Karuppasamy riding on horse and is believed that He rides around the villages on horse to protect the people and his devotees. He is very strong in his appearance, wears a turban, has a big moustache and bright eyes. He is always equipped with spear and machete to protect His devotees.Usually the idols of Karuppasamy can be found at the entrance of every Hindu temple. He services as a security guard to the deities present inside the temples. Lord Karuppasamy also stands as a guard for the 18 steps of Sabarimala, the powerful vortex of Lord Ayyappa.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>15 Moons and Their Benefits</u></span></span></b></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Moon Phase or Tithi<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Benefits of Specific Moon Phase
Tarpanams<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">1st Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gives Wealth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">2nd Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Grants the Continuation of Lineage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">3rd Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gives Business Prosperity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">4th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gives Ability to Master Enemies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">5th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Grants All over Prosperity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">6th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Grants a Solid Reputation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">7th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Secures Inner Strength and
Spirituality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">8th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blesses with Intelligence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">9th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Open Up to Receive Support from
Women<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">10th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; padding: 5.25pt 3.0pt 5.25pt 3.0pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Grants Success in Your Profession<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">11th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; padding: 5.25pt 3.0pt 5.25pt 3.0pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Grants Children Prosperity and
Intelligence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">12th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; padding: 5.25pt 3.0pt 5.25pt 3.0pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For Continuation of Lineage and
Success from Education<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">13th Moon and
14th Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #C4C4C4 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C4C4C4 .75pt; padding: 5.25pt 3.0pt 5.25pt 3.0pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blesses with many Vehicles, Peace
and Longevity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Mahalaya Amavasya
- New Moon</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If you miss any of the above days,
New Moon is highly recommended. This is also an essential day for doing
Tarpanam for those who died due to weapons or accidents. During this day, the
known and unknown souls that have departed during the last 30 years are
treated equal to God.<span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Rules of Shraddha</u></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>When and where</u></h4>
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<br /></div>
The shraddha is performed on the specific lunar day during the Pitru Paksha, when the ancestor—usually a parent or paternal grandparent—died. There are exceptions to the lunar day rule; special days are allotted for people who died in a particular manner or had a certain status in life. Chautha Bharani and Bharani Panchami, the fourth and fifth lunar day respectively, are allocated for people deceased in the past year. Avidhava navami ("Unwidowed ninth"), the ninth lunar day, is for married women who died before their husband. Widowers invite Brahmin women as guests for their wife's shraddha. The twelfth lunar day is for children and ascetics who had renounced the worldly pleasures. The fourteenth day is known as Ghata chaturdashi or Ghayala chaturdashi, and is reserved for those people killed by arms, in war or suffered a violent death. <br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Mahalaya marks the formal beginning of the Durga Puja festival</u></h4>
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<u><br /></u></div>
Sarvapitri amavasya (all fathers' new moon day) is intended for all ancestors, irrespective of the lunar day they died. It is the most important day of the Pitru Paksha. Those who have forgotten to perform shraddha can do so on this day. A shraddha ritual performed on this day is considered as fruitful as one conducted in the holy city of Gaya, which is seen as a special place to perform the rite, and hosts a fair during the Pitru Paksha period. In Bengal, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. Mahalaya is the day when the goddess Durga is believed to have descended to Earth. Bengali people traditionally wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the Devi Mahatmyam (Chandi) scripture. Offerings to the ancestors are made in homes and at puja mandaps (temporary shrines). Matamaha ("Mother's father") or Dauhitra ("Daughter's son") also marks the first day of the month of Ashvin and beginning of the bright fortnight. It is assigned for the grandson of the deceased maternal grandfather. <br />
<br />
The ritual is also held on the death anniversary of the ancestor. The shraddha is performed only at noon, usually on the bank of a river or lake or at one's own house. Families may also make a pilgrimage to places like Varanasi and Gaya to perform Shraddha. An annual Pitri Paksha Mela at Gaya on the banks of River Falgu. Pilgrims from all corners of the country visit Gaya for offering Pinda to their Ancestors. According to Bihar Tourism Department estimates, some 5,00,000 to 75,00,000 pilgrims arrive in the Gaya city during the Pitri Paksha Mela every year.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Who and for whom</u></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
It is essential that Shraddha be performed by the son—usually the eldest—or male relative of the paternal branch of the family, limited to the preceding three generations. However, on Sarvapitri amavasya or matamaha, the daughter's son can offer Shraddha for the maternal side of his family if a male heir is absent in his mother's family. Some castes only perform the shraddha for one generation. Prior to performing the rite, the male should have experienced a sacred thread ceremony. Since the ceremony is considered inauspicious due to its association with death, the royal family of Kutch, the king or heirs of the throne are prohibited from conducting Shraddha.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Food</u></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
The food offerings made to the ancestors are usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and typically placed on a banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves. The food must include Kheer (a type of sweet rice and milk), lapsi (a sweet porridge made of wheat grains), rice, dal (lentils), the vegetable of spring bean (guar) and a yellow gourd (pumpkin).<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Rites of Shraddha</u></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Pinda Daan/ Pindam Tharpanam</u></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
The male who performs the shraddha should take a purifying bath beforehand and is expected to wear a dhoti. He wears a ring of kush grass. Then the ancestors are invoked to reside in the ring. The shraddha is usually performed bare-chested, as the position of the sacred thread worn by him needs to be changed multiple times during the ceremony. The shraddha involves pinda-daan, which is an offering to the ancestors of pindas (cooked rice and barley flour balls mixed with ghee and black sesame seeds), accompanying the release of water from the hand. It is followed by the worship of Vishnu in form of the darbha grass, a gold image or Shaligram stone and Yama. The food offering is then made, cooked especially for the ceremony on the roof. The offering is considered to be accepted if a crow arrives and devours the food; the bird is believed to be a messenger from Yama or the spirit of the ancestors. A cow and a dog are also fed, and Brahmin priests are also offered food. Once the ancestors (crow) and Brahmins have eaten, the family members can begin lunch.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ps, To know what rituals can be done on for this period of 15 days at home feel free to read it at:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/09/mahalaya-paksha-ritual-for-ancestors-pt.html</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-8551874670643008662014-03-22T15:01:00.000+08:002014-03-22T15:14:56.951+08:00Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam/Havan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam/Havan</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ashtadravya, or Ashtadravyam, are eight sacred pooja items that are offered to Lord Ganesha during the special pooja known as Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi Homam. It is offered to Lord Ganesh to get his blessings – who blesses with wealth, prosperity and long life. The eight sacred things that are part of the Ashtadravya are:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coconuts,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Molasses,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sesame Oil,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sugarcane,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lemon,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rice flakes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Banana</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In some places Ashta Dravya are Dried coconut, puffed rice, jaggery, banana (kadali plantain), honey, sesame, sugarcane and fried paddy of rice.<br />
<br />
For some communities Ashtadravya are Coconut, Banana, Honey, Sugarcane, Ghee, Modhaka, Jaggery, Puffed rice. This homa is performed on very important ventures such as, purchase of new land, birthdays. house warming or when one is getting married. This homa is also performed on the day of major operations. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Ashtadravya Ganapathi homa also aids in removing marriage and other obstacles. The concept of Ashtadravya is of South Indian origin and is more popular with Hindu communities in South India.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-35652436031745480432014-03-02T00:50:00.000+08:002014-03-02T00:58:46.676+08:00Maha Ganapathi Homam/ Havan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Maha Ganapathi Homam/ Havan</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lord Ganapathi (also known as Vinayagar/Ganesha) holds the main position among the five main positions among the Gods. The remaining four is held by Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Devi Maa and Surya.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ganapathi homam is the best solution to overcome all the hurdles in life and removal of all obstacles. It provides a soothing effect to the mind as well as the body. Moreover, it also purifies the the atmosphere. Performing Ganapathi homa every once a month gives prosperity, wealth and health. If anyone is running Kethu dasa or Bukthi, or some dosha that is created due to the influence of Kethu in their horoscope it is advisable for that person to perform Ganapathi Homa in order to get relief (<i>dosha nivarthana</i>).<br />
<br />
Ganapathi homa is usually conducted before any other homas in order to avoid any obstacles during the prayers. In Hinduism, Ganapathi is depicted as the remover of obstacles (Vignahartha); therefore Ganapathi homa is a must before starting anything anew or a new venture. If anyone is suffering from losses, starting a new business, investments, housewarming, when one is getting married, or on birthdays Ganapathi homa is recommended.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TNmBN4OZYlguLecnzKbA2UAE3OqNC0AlLRgFODDagD9gyYnX7jkbwzpBN4kv1tUy2Djx1W_WdDTy5rZ9xfmz_cPAv0O3__FSaONUypxiJfFrBgYYyp5jJgoHxQn-vxZeC0fA0EgOCwfj/s1600/havan-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TNmBN4OZYlguLecnzKbA2UAE3OqNC0AlLRgFODDagD9gyYnX7jkbwzpBN4kv1tUy2Djx1W_WdDTy5rZ9xfmz_cPAv0O3__FSaONUypxiJfFrBgYYyp5jJgoHxQn-vxZeC0fA0EgOCwfj/s1600/havan-2.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-68019440148886948362014-02-26T16:27:00.000+08:002014-03-22T15:09:46.393+08:00Homam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Homam/Havan</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Homas/Havans are powerful ancient fire rituals that have been performed in India by the Vedic sages for over 5,000 years. Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita quotes, "This creation is a yagna." Yagna also means sacrifice and by this He meant that creation is an eternal flow of birth and death. It is a sacrifice where one's death gives birth to another; in other words something has to be sacrificed in for something else to arise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is how the Vedas (Hindu scriptures) interpret the creation and in the view of the Vedas, the homa is but a miniature model of this universal sacrifice. Moreover, a homa is performed to rejuvenate the body and mind, by the abstraction of the negative energies. It leads to get out of the negative cerebrating and always be positive. Positive mental conceptions magnetize the positive things, positive people and the positive life, as our predominant cerebration always manifests. It additionally avails to be prosperous in life. Homas are derived from the Vedas and it contains the highest form of knowledge. The smoke from the homa is the "oxygen" for the Devas (celestial angels) in haven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/03/maha-ganapathi-homam-havan.html" target="_blank">Maha Ganapathi Homam</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/03/ashtadravya-maha-ganapathi-homamhavan.html" target="_blank">Ashta Dravya Ganapathi Homam</a></li>
<li>Sudarshana Homam</li>
<li>Hanuman Homam</li>
<li>Santhana Gopala Homam</li>
<li>Mrithunjaya Homam</li>
<li>Navagraha Homam</li>
<li>Sri Rudra Homam</li>
<li>Dhanvanthari Homam</li>
<li>Gayathri Homam</li>
<li>Mahalakshmi Homam</li>
<li>Saraswathi Homam</li>
<li>Ayush Homam</li>
<li>Karuka Homam</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<img height="205" 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" 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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-43302845257576874282014-02-14T12:21:00.002+08:002014-03-02T01:00:56.806+08:00Why Do We Light Lamps at Home?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u><b>Why do we light lamps at home</b></u></h2>
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It is considered to be auspicious to light lamps in the morning and evening at home. It is believed that, if kids light lamps in the morning and study, it will help them to reach to their dreams faster without much difficulties in academic area. Lighting the lamp in the evening, brings wealth and prosperity to any house. There are certain procedures to follow while lighting the lamps.<br />
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One has to make sure that, the northern side of the house is closed fully. If a door or a window is open, make sure that, you shut it before lighting the lamp. The reason for this is, the magnetic current flows from the south pole to the north pole and if the doors or windows are open in the northern side, along with the magnetic current or field, the power of the lit lamp also may go out. The positive energy should remain fully inside and eliminate any kind of negative energy which is present inside the house. It is advised to chant the following while lighting the lamp, or upon seeing a lit lamp,<br />
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<i>"<b>Shivam Bhavathu Kalyanam, Ayurarogya Vardhanam<br />Mama Shathru Vinashaaya Sandhyadeepam Namo Nama:</b>"</i></div>
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It is recommended to have two flames, one to the east and the other to the west. Make sure that, those pairs of wicks are not on top of the other one. It is better not to light the lamp directly using a match box or lighter. Use another small lamp, light it first and then the lamp should be lit with the small one. The wicks should be fully immersed into either ghee or oil. It is not recommended to use them if ghee or oil was used in the kitchen. The wicks used should also be preferably of cotton and clean. Never set one, three or four pairs of wicks. Two and five are advised always while seven is also fine. But, the most auspicious is with nine flames. </div>
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Hope that, it is not necessary to mention here that, the one who lights the lamp should also care about his/her personal cleanliness before arranging the lamps or lighting them.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-2339487107902881172014-01-25T19:29:00.000+08:002014-01-25T19:29:36.829+08:00Vibuthi<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<u>Vibhuti / Thiruneeru</u></div>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Holy Ash)</span></i></div>
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Vibhuti (Sanskrit : vibhūti ; Tamil : Thiruneeru ) is a word that has several meanings in Hinduism. Generally, it is used to denote the sacred ash which is made of burnt dried wood in Vedic rituals. The Hindu devotees make a paste by mixing vibhuhti with water and apply it as three horizontal lines across the forehead and other parts of the body to please Lord Shiva. Vibhuthi smeared across the forehead to the end of both eyebrows is called Tripundra. .</div>
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Meaning:</div>
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In Sanskrit, Bhoothi means Aishwaryam, meaning wealth, treasure, precious. Vi-bhoothi with an Upasarga (preposition "vi") means very or more valuable. The synonyms of Vibhuhti in Sanskrit as said in the Amara-kosha is "Vibhuthi: bhoothi: Aishwaryam".Vibhuhti can also be called as Bhoothi,Aishwaryam,Basma etc.,.</div>
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<u>Sacred ash</u><b>:</b></h4>
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Vedic scriptures say as follows "Lalaata Shoonyam Smashaana Tulyam",which means that "an empty forehead is comparable to a cemetery". So, Hindus pay special attention that their forehead is smeared with vibhooti and it remains all the time over their body in a day. Even the Almighty Lord Shiva who sports vibhuti all the time stands as an example to his followers that however one be considered as great person in this mortal world,he needs to smear his forehead and the body with holy ash prepared from a special kind of wood as he does (Lord Shiva) in the Immortal adobe of Kailasa. So,it is considered by vedic scholars that even great saints,seers,yogis and the like should wear vibhuthi all the time over forehead and other parts of the body in form of three lines to make a Tripundra. Vibhuthi smeared horizontally to make three parallel lines with forefinger,middle finger and ring finger across the forehead & other parts of the body like chest,stomach,arms,elbows,wrists etc is called as Tripundra.It is mandatory for the devotees of Lord Shiva to have Tripundra over their body all the time.A person who smears Vibhuthi purifies himself from sins and also removes the sins of persons who looks at him besmeared with Vibhuthi or theeruneru.</div>
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The great saint Thiru Gyaana Sambandar did many wonders with Vibhuthi and he expounds the greatness of Vibhuti in one of his Pathigams called "Thiruneetru Pathigam" as follows,</div>
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<b>Mandhira maavadhu neeru| Vaanavar meeladhu neeru ||</b></div>
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<b>Sundhara maavadhu neeru |Thudhikkap paduvadhu neeru ||</b></div>
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<b>Thandhira maavadhu neeru| Chamayaththil ullaadhu neeru ||</b></div>
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<b>Senthuvar vaayumai pangan|Thiruaalavaayaan Thiruneerae ||</b></div>
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<b><u>Meaning:</u></b></div>
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<i>Mantra is the ash; Higher than heavenly people is the ash; Beauty is the ash; Praised is the ash; Technique is the ash; In the religion is the ash; The Lord of Thiruaalavaay (Lord Sundareshwarar,Madurai) who share the body with the red lipped Parvathi - His Holy Ash.</i></div>
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Panchakshara mantra and the above Pathigam are generally recited by devotees while smearing Vibhuthi.Winning the Jains in the challenge on fire Thirugnana Sambandhar sang the above marvelous hymn Thiruppaachuram explaining the king and the world the limitless grace and glory of Lord Shiva and won the Jains in the water challenge.Thiru Gyana sambandar won the Jains and re-converted the king and his people back to Shaivism by Vibhuthi reciting the above Pathigam.</div>
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Vibhuthi of Vaitheeswaran Koil and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is famous for curing many incurable diseases.</div>
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Vibhuti is the sacred ash used in religious worship in Hinduism.The main ingredient of Vibuthi is a special kind of wood. It is burned in a sacred fire (Homa) to form white ash. Vibhuti is placed on the forehead as it is considered sacred and holy.</div>
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Scriptures say that Vibhuthi should not be wasted by spilling it in on floor or walls after receiving it as a Prasaad (consecrated substance) from a Shiva Temple. Goddess Bhoomi Devi (the Goddess of Earth) cannot tolerate the weight of certain substances. They are Vibhuthi, Tulsi (basil) leaves, Sacred Deepa (lamp), Sacred Thread etc., due to their sacredness. So,they are kept over a Asanam (throne) to give respect to those articles. They are not kept on the floor directly.</div>
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The ash has several symbolic meanings:</div>
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It serves as a reminder to the believer to cast away selfish and worldly desires that wrap the self in maya, and calls to mind the story of how Shiva burned Kama (the god of desire) to ashes when Kama attempted to break Shiva's focus on the Divine Truth</div>
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Normally worn along with red tilaka. Vibhuti relates to Shiva and Red tilaka to Shakti. Reminds that Shiva and Shakti form the universe and everything is though the union of Shiva and Shakti.</div>
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Glorious attributes</div>
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Vibhuti may refer to glorious attributes of the divine, and in this context is translated as 'all pervading', 'superhuman power', 'wealth' and so on.</div>
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The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash.Vibhuti (AKA Bhasma,Thiruneeru,the holy ash) is the ash from the Homa (consecrated fire) where wood is used to perform the ritual. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as Prassad to devotees. Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead,neck,chest,arms,stomach elbow,wrists etc.,. Some apply it on other parts of the body, like the knees,toes,scalp etc.,.It is considered very auspicious for the hindus especially shaiva sect of people to smear vibhuthi all over the body.</div>
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Sri Adi Shankaracharya praises the greatness of Vibhuthi Of Lord Murugan in his "Sri Subramnaya Bhujanga Stotra" as follows ,</div>
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<b>ApasmAra kushta kshayArsha prameha|</b></div>
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<b>JvaronmAdha gulmAdhi rogA mahAntha||</b></div>
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<b>PishAchAshcha sarve bhavatpatra bhoothim|</b></div>
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<b>Vilokya kshanAth tArakAre dravanthe|| (Shloka no.25)</b></div>
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<b><u>Meaning:</u></b></div>
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<i>Oh Conqueror of Taraka! Severe epilepsy, leprosy, consumption, lung diseases, venereal diseases, fevers, mental diseases of all types, they run away the moment they see Thy Vibhuti contained in a leaf.</i></div>
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The word bhasma means “that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered". ”Bha” implies Bhartsana (“to destroy”) and “sma” implies smaranam (“to remember”). The application of Bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called Vibhuti (“glory”) as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. It also reminds us that the body is perishable and shall one day be reduced to ashes. As death can come at any moment, this awareness must increase our drive to make the best use of time. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death, but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.</div>
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Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva, who applies it all over His body. According to Hindu mythology Vibhuti or Bhasma is said to be favorite to Lord Shiva and that's why He is often called Vibhuti Bhushan (the one having ash as his ornament). Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripundra (the form of three lines). When applied with a red spot in the centre, the mark symbolises Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).</div>
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Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away and it does not decay. Similarly, the Lord is imperishable Truth that remains when the entire creation of innumerable names and forms is dissolved.</div>
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Bhasma is believed to have medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. </div>
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<i>The Upanishads say that the famous <b>Mrutyunjaya</b> mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead, thus:</i></div>
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<b>“Om Tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvaarukamiva bandhanat mrutyor muksheeya maamritaat !!”</b></div>
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“We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe cucumber from its stem!!”</div>
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In yajna vibhuti is considered very sacred and is used as fuel to burn the offerings like ghee,milk,curd,rice,holy twigs etc.,in Lord Agni who carries the offerings to the respective devata in a yajna.The residue left over which is white in colour is considered as vibhuthi and is given to the devotees as prasaad for daily use to please Lord Shiva.</div>
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<b><i>Common Adulterants used in Manufacturing:</i></b></div>
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Many Vibhuthi Manufacturers these days adulterate their Vibhuthi product with Jersey and Friesian's animals dung ashes, rice bran ashes, rice husk ashes, boiler waste ashes, Thermal Power plant ashes, Bio-gas energy plants, white stone powder, paper cellulose, calcium carbonate, paints, chemicals, etc... These substances make them unfit for spiritual use. Due to lack of knowledge and awareness, the above adulterants are used by the manufacturers to gain a huge profit, as they are cheaply available and are considered as waste by-products by various industries. Many people have developed skin allergies with the use of these adulterated Vibhuthi. Special care needs to be taken by the Shiva devotees that Vibhuthi is without adulterants and is prepared in a traditional way (from wood) to gain the benefits of smearing Vibhuthi.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-76970501245019186742014-01-25T13:21:00.003+08:002014-01-25T19:14:17.185+08:00Samskaras- Chudakarma<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Chudakarma Samskara/ Mundan Samskara (Week 52)</u></b></h2>
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Chudakarma Samskara like many other rituals aims at blessing the child to have a long fulfilling life. Chudakarma Samskara or Mundan Samskara or the first haircut of the baby is an important tradition in India and relatives and friends are invited to bless the child. Chudakarma is a ceremony in which a child’s hair is shaved for the first time. All the hair from the child’s head, except a tuft of hair on the crown part, is shaved off.</div>
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This tuft is left remaining because it is believed that an important artery passes through this part of the head and shaving here may prove to be fatal. The term ‘chuda’ or ‘shikha’ refers to this tuft. This practice of leaving a tuft unshaven is rarely practiced nowadays. The child usually receives his/her first mundan in either the first year or the third year of age. A priest is called to conduct the rituals according to the traditions and a barber is called to shave off the hair. The hair on the child’s head is considered impure and not strong enough. Shaving it is regarded as the symbolic cleansing of the body and soul. The new hair that sprouts up is considered strong and clean. It is also said that the shaving of the hair stimulates the cells and improves blood circulation to the brain. Furthermore, Then its father should write <b>“Swastika"</b> on its head with sandal wood paste and put a thilak mark on its forehead.</div>
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The "Swasthi" means <i>"Let God's wish and his (the baby's) wish be one and the same".</i> A few minutes later the entire sandal wood paste could be applied on its head. This ceremony is termed “Choodakarama Samskara". Sandalwood paste has medicinal value. It cools his brain and stimulates his intellect. Parents and others who come to witness the ceremony bless the child and pray for his longevity.</div>
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Before the ceremony, the child is given a bath and dressed in new clothes. Then four earthen pots, one full of rice, the second full of barley, third one full of black gram and the fourth full of sesame is needed to set in the north direction of the Yajna vedi (fire ceremony with offerings cast into the flames).Then water is sprinkled on the four sides of the Vedi with mantras. Now, the fire of the Kunda is ablazed. The mother with her child sits along the western side of the fire, while the father stands in their right. If the mother is pregnant or menstruating on that day, the "Chudakarma" is postponed.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-21320814059258134662014-01-25T13:19:00.002+08:002014-01-25T19:14:54.992+08:00Samskaras- Annaprasana<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Annaprasana (Week 25-Week 28)</u></h2>
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Annaprasanna Samskar is a ritual that marks an infant’s first intake of food other than milk. The ceremony is usually arranged in consultation with a priest, who suggests an auspicious date on which to conduct the ceremony. The ceremony is usually carried out when the child is about 6 – 7 months of age. The mother or grandmother will prepare a small bowl of <b>payesh</b> (boiled rice, milk & sugar) which is blessed in a brief pooja. </div>
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The child will generally be held in the mother's lap, and a senior male family member (grandfather or uncle) will feed it a small spoonful of the payesh. Other members of the family then take turns to give the child a taste.</div>
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The feeding ceremony is often followed with a game, in which the child is presented with a tray containing a number of objects. These will include a bangle or jewel (symbolizing wealth), a book (symbolizing learning), a pen (symbolizing career) and a clay pot or container of earth/soil (symbolizing property). The child's future direction and prospects in life are indicated by the object which it prefers to hold and play with.</div>
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The significance of the Annaprasana Samskara is to wean the child at a proper time. It is not left at the impulse of their parents who often injure their children by overfeeding them without taking into consideration their digestive capacity. The feeding ceremony also warned the mother that at a certain time she should stop suckling the child. The ignorant mother, out of love for her child, goes on suckling it up to a year or more. But she little realizes that thereby she allows her own energy to be sapped away without doing real good to the child. A timely caution was given by the ceremony for the benefit of both the child and the mother<span style="color: #595959; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">.</span></span></div>
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" 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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Annaprasana Samskara</u></b></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-53348701218174632962014-01-25T13:15:00.001+08:002014-01-25T19:15:35.136+08:00Samskaras- Karnavedha<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Karnavedha (Week 12-Week 24)</u></h2>
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Karnavedha is one of the Hindu Sanskars performed for a child. It is an ear piercing ceremony that is performed on the 12th or 13th day after the birth or when the baby is 3 to 6 months old. This can still be performed in later in the third or fifth year for some Hindu children. Nowadays, both the "<a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskaras-chudakarma.html" target="_blank">Mundan</a>" and the "Karnavedha" are done together. This ceremony is performed on an auspicious day and it should be performed on the first half of the day.</div>
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On the day of "Karnavedha", the mother bathes the child first and dresses him/her well with new clothes and ornaments. The father of the child performs the ceremony and a surgeon or goldsmith does the job of piercing the child’s ear. The needle used for piercing the ear lobes can be made of gold, silver, copper or steel. The ears are pierced by covering with white yarn. The child is placed on the lap of the mother (in the South Indian community the child is placed on the mother's brother's (<i style="font-weight: bold;">Thaai Maama)</i> lap) facing towards the east direction. The ears are pierced with a needle very lightly in one stroke.</div>
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For a boy child the first ear pierced is the right ear and for a girl child the first ear pierced is the left ear. Then oil is applied to the ears with cotton. Then the goldsmith or surgeon puts a wire in the holes of piercing so that it does not fill up. A medicine is then applied on the holes so that it does not get rotted and cures earlier. Thus the ceremony of the "Karnavedha" comes to an end.</div>
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Traditionally it is performed on both boy and girl child. But in the last two centuries this ritual has been largely discontinued for male. It is believed to help in getting rid of hysteria and other diseases. The earrings are believed to help in maintaining the flow of electric current in a human body. It is also believed that ear piercing helps in maintaining the regularity in the menstrual cycle of a girl.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Karnavedha" src="http://content.achhabachha.com/templates/icc-template/images/IndianTradition/gurukula-003.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Karnavedha Samskara</u></b></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-8390556157637840292014-01-25T12:58:00.001+08:002014-01-25T19:17:12.653+08:00Samskaras- Nishkramana<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Nishkramana Samskar (Week 6-Week 7)</u></h2>
Nishkramana Samskar is an important Vedic Samskara associated with a new born baby and carried out when the child is taken out of the house for the first time. This custom is carried out usually in the fourth month when all the motor and sense organs of the baby are strong enough to tolerate the sun, the wind etc. In some cultures, this custom is carried out after the initial confinement period is over.<br />
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On the day of the Nishkramana, a square area in the courtyard from where sun can be seen is plastered with cow dung and clay and the sign of Swastika is marked on it.<br />
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The mother of the child scatters grains of rice over it. The child is brought, and the ceremony ends when the father makes the child look at the sun with the sound of the conch-shell and the chanting of Vedic hymns. The parents of the child invoke the <b>Panchabhoota (5 elements)</b>– earth, water, space, air and fire. Worship is also offered to the Surya (Sun God) and Chandra (moon god). The child is then shown the sun and later at night the moon for the first time.<br />
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The aim of these rituals like showing of the baby to the sun, the moon and to the gods, is just to pray for the boon of vitality from the sun who gives life; the moon who governs the mood, and to generate a feeling of respect in the baby for these natural powers. These also teach the parents that they should not confine their baby within the walls of their home, and let him breathe in open sky instead.<br />
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*<i>The Southern Indian Hindu parents perform this Nishkramana Samskar by taking their newborn to the <b>Periyachi Amman</b> temple bringing <b>seeru </b>(gifts)- fruits, saree, bangles, sindoor, turmeric,betel leaves and betel nuts and and perform an Archana based on the infant's name, horoscope and birth star. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-16542753469946519102014-01-25T12:37:00.000+08:002014-01-25T19:16:14.804+08:00Samskaras- Naamakarna<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><b><u>Naamakarna/ Naamkaran (Week 1- Week 2)</u></b></span></h2>
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The next important Samskara is, <i>Naamakarna/ Naamkaran </i>(naming of the child). There are<i> two purposes</i> of naming the child -<b> the first is that the name is used to address the child</b>, and the<b> second is that the name should raise good feelings inside the person, which reminds him of his goal</b>. That is why in the olden days babies were named after gods or after one of their ancestors. In addition, it is believed that when naming a baby girl the chosen name should be sweet and nice to say as girls in the Hindu household are depicted as Goddess Laxmi. There's a saying in Hindi <b>Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan </b>which literally translates that daughters' are the image of Goddess Laxmi in the house. Mostly when a baby is to be named parents of the newborn consult an astrologist to calculate the first letter of the infant's name in harmony to the infant's birth time, date of birth, day of birth, <i>Raasi </i>(horoscope) and <i>Nakshatra </i>(birth star)<i> </i>as it is believed that for each sign/birth star certain letters are considered auspicious and the first letter of the child's name should start with one of the suitable letters.<i>. </i>Moreover, whenever the child hears the name he will remember the meaning and purpose hidden in it and will be inspired by its meaning.</div>
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<b>'Sanskar Vidhi'</b> mentions about naming ceremony that the day and star of the child's birth, the same day and star should be chanted and 4 offerings should be given to the lord of that day and star. In other words, one offering in the name of day, one for lord, one for star and one for the lord of the star.</div>
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The naming ceremony should be done on the 11th day after counting 10 days from the date of birth of the child. </div>
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<i><br /></i><i>*Some parents when naming their newborn often calculate the alphabets in the infant's name according to numerology to ensure that the name is in harmony with the infant's birth number and destiny number. After a suitable name is chosen the elders call the child by the selected name thrice and bless the infant.</i><br />
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<tr><td><img alt="Namakarana" src="http://content.achhabachha.com/templates/icc-template/images/IndianTradition/namakarana.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="318" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Naamakarna</u></b></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-75510901618921812922014-01-25T12:25:00.000+08:002014-01-25T19:18:19.481+08:00Samskaras- Jata-Karma<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Jata-Karma (Week 1)</u></h2>
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This Samskara is conducted as soon as a child is born.The main objective of this ceremony is to inculcate some values in the child even though he/she does not understand their importance and also to arouse all the sensory organs<span style="background-color: white; color: #595959; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">.</span> The father must go to the river and bathe and present gifts to holy people which signifies pleasing their ancestors. After 10 days of the birth of the child, the father should perform <i><b>Jata-Karma </b></i><b>(</b><i><b>natal rights)</b> </i>for the child. The father places the child on his lap by saying a mantra (<i>usually Gayathri Mantra is recited),</i> smells the forehead of the child and then he says the is meant for the development of the intellect of the child. He then says the <i><b>Nakshatra</b> </i>(birth star) of the child in the child's right year. Then the father of the newborn smears a drop of honey on a gold ring and rubs the child's tongue with it saying a mantra. This rite is said to symbolise good fortune. The mantra recited at this point of time prays for a long and healthy life and also for intelligence for the child.</div>
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The Jatakarma ritual follows the following steps:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The child is made to lick from a golden spoon honey, curds and clarified butter.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The prescribed mantras are whispered over the naval or into the right ear of the child, which raise powers that give long life to the child.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The father then touches the shoulders of his child as he chants the prescribed mantras. The father then breaths thrice over the child while chanting verses from three Vedas. This rite of Jatakarma also includes the breathing of five brahmanas from the east Prana, Vyana, Apana, Udana and Samana (names of five vayus).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The mother then offers her breast milk to her child when the father chants mantras.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The father touches the earth, where the child was born along with the chanting of mantras.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A name is given to the child. The father of the child then shaves, takes bath, purifies his house and performs havan. All these are performed on the 10th or 12th day after the childbirth.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">According to psychologists, whatever a child learns during the age of five years, it will remain with him throughout his life. OM is written on his tongue with the spike of the golden spoon so that whatever he speaks will take him towards the spirituality.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The father of the child whispers “Vedosi” in his ear meaning you are a knowledgeable person.</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="Jatakarma" src="http://content.achhabachha.com/templates/icc-template/images/IndianTradition/Jatakarma.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">The Jatakarma Samsakara</span></u></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-68085916661579376892014-01-25T12:24:00.000+08:002014-01-25T14:33:57.994+08:00Samskara<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Samskara</u></h2>
The word <b>Samskara </b>(sacrements). The rishis (saints) of ancient India have derived many Samskaras for a man from his birth to death. The objective of Samskaras created is to help Hindus to live with certain principles and develop as Hindus and also as a tool to reach the Almighty. There are as many as <u>SIXTEEN </u>main Samskaras in a man's life.<br />
<br />
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</tbody></table>
<br /><ul>
<li><b><u>Pre- Natal</u></b></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Garbhādhāna</li>
<li>Puṁsavana</li>
<li>Sīmantonnayana</li>
</ol>
<b><ul>
<li><b><u>Childhood</u></b></li>
</ul>
</b><ol>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/jata-karma.html" target="_blank">Jātakarma</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskara-naamakarna.html" target="_blank">Nāmakaraṇa</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskar-nishkramana.html" target="_blank">Nikshramana</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskaras-karnavedha.html" target="_blank">Karṇavedha</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskaras-annaprasana.html" target="_blank">Annaprāśana</a></li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2014/01/samskaras-chudakarma.html" target="_blank">Chudakarma</a></li>
</ol>
<b><ul>
<li><b><u>Educational</u></b></li>
</ul>
</b><ol>
<li>Vidyārambha</li>
<li><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2013/09/samskaras-upanayana.html" target="_blank">Upanayana</a></li>
<li>Vedārāmbha</li>
<li>Keśānta</li>
<li>Samāvartana</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Marriage</u></b></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2013/08/hinduism-and-marriage.html" target="_blank">Vivāha</a><br /><ul>
<li><b><u>Last</u></b></li>
</ul>
Antyeṣṭi <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-30119886431085111232013-09-17T00:13:00.003+08:002013-09-17T00:25:48.705+08:00Samskaras- UPANAYANA<br />
Another important Samskara is; <i>Upanayana</i> which means initiation ritual is done to introduce the Vedas to the male child is the next.The sacred <i>Upnayana</i> ceremony that invests the wearer with the sacred <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is often considered a socially and spiritually significant rite It has varying formats across Hindu-Buddhist communities and performed on an auspicious day. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">*<i>Yajñopavītam</i> is known by many names (varying by region and community), such as <i>Bratabandha, Janivaara, Jandhyam, Poita, Poonal, Janeu, Lagun, Yajnopavita,Yagyopavit, Yonya and Zunnar. </i></span><b><span style="background-color: white;">The other Sanskrit term for it is </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Avyanga.</span></b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The <i>Upanayana </i>is called by variying names such as,<i> Upanayanam, Brahmopadesham, Munji, Munj, Janeu Rasm </i>and<i> Bratabandha.</i> Among Hindus, the ceremony was once associated with the higher castes. <i>Upanayana</i> (lit. "leading closer" to the Brahma) is a version of the sacred thread ceremony where the concept of Brahman is introduced to a boy. Traditionally, the ceremony was performed to mark the point at which boys began their formal education. The ceremony is performed when the boy is seven years old (<i>Gharbheshu Ashtame Varshe</i>) in the <i>Brahmin V<span style="color: black;">arn</span>a</i>, at least 13 years in the Kshatriya Varna. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through <i>Brahmopadesam</i> (revealing the nature of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality) or the <i>Gayatri </i>mantra. The child then becomes qualified for life as a student or Brahmachari, as prescribed in the<i> Manusmriti</i>. According to an appendix of the Manusmriti, girls were allowed to study the Vedas in the previous kalpa (Creation). Orthodox Hindus, however, do not accept this reference, because no Hindu canonical text allows this ceremony for a girl in the present kalpa. However, some sects, especially Arya Samaj, perform this ceremony for girls as well on the basis of this statement.</div>
<div>
<br />
Brahmins and Kshatriyas are called <i>dvijas</i> meaning "twice born". A man of these castes is born once in the womb of his mother and again during the <i>Upanayana</i> when he learns the <span style="color: black;">Gayatri Mantra.</span> The <i>Upnayana</i> is practiced by the three higher castes in India.<br />
<br />
The main point of having gone through the <i>Upanayana</i> ceremony is the wearing of the Yajñopavītam on the body. The <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is circular, being tied end-to-end (only one knot is permissible); it is normally supported on the left shoulder (savya) and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm. The length of the <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is generally 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and knowledge of the absolute.<br />
<br />
It denotes that one who wears the sacred <i>Yajñopavītam</i> should be pure in his thought, word and deed. The sacred <i>Yajñopavītam</i> reminds a Brahmachari to lead a regulated life with purity in his thought, word and deed. This <i>Yajñopavītam</i> also represents the debt that is owed to the guru, parents and society.<br />
<br />
The knot in the middle represent the formless Brahman, the pure form of energy which pervades all. The three strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> again represent the manifestation of Brahman as <i>Srishti, Sthithi</i> and <i>Vinasa</i>. The sacred strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> illustrates the fact that everything in the universe emerge from and then merge with Brahman.<br />
<br />
Ancient texts refer to the wearing of the <i>Yajñopavītam</i> in three forms:</div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Upavītam</i>, where the <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. This is for Gods. <i>Upavītam</i> is also called savya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra, etc.).</li>
<li><i>Nivītam'</i>, where the <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is worn around the neck and over the chest. <i>Nivītam</i> form is to be used during Rishi Tharpana, sexual intercourse, answering the calls of nature, etc., and during ancestor worship/funeral rites (Shadvimsha Brahmana, Latyayana, etc.).</li>
<li><i>Prachīnavītam</i> is where the <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is worn above the right shoulder and under the left arm. This is for Spirits and is used by men when performing the death ceremonies of an elder. <i>Prachīnavītam</i> is also called apsavya (Katyayana Shrauta Sutra, Manusmriti, etc.).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
In some communities, later, at the occasion of wedding, a further three strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> are added to make for a six-strand bunch. In some communities, the custom is of one thread more being added at the birth of every child. In some interpretations, these strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> are intended to constantly remind the man of his worldly responsibilities. Three original strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> (each consisting of three) make up nine strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i>, to which three are added for wife and one for children, making a total of 13 individual strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> in some communities.</div>
<div>
Ancient Hindu texts specify an age for the <i>Upanayana</i> ceremony based on the caste (8 for Brahmins, 11 for Kshathriyas, 12 for Vaishyas (Manu Smriti sloka 2:36)). <i>Upanayana </i>marks the start of learning of "Brahman" and Vedic texts. The age for<i> Upanayana</i> supports this as Brahmins devote their life in pursuing the knowledge of "Brahman" and hence makes sense to start early and continue for a longer time. Kshathriyas, on the other hand, study additional skills and go through "Brahman 101". In the communities where three strands of <i>Yajñopavītam</i> are added at the time of wedding, there is another interpretation.<br />
<br />
Once a student achieves a certain level of Brahma knowledge ("Brahma Vidya"), the guru adds three more strings signifying "graduation" and the student goes on to study. In South Indian wedding ceremonies, the addition of the three more strings is followed by "<i>Kashi Yatra</i>". This signifies the <i>Yatra</i> student intends for advanced study. At this point, the father of the bride convinces the youth to get married and then go to <u>Kashi </u>(Varanasi) with his new bride. In modern days, the ceremony is packaged in the wedding ceremony.<br />
<br />
The sacred<i> Yajñopavītam</i> is supposed to be worn for the rest of one's life after the ceremony has been performed. A new <i>Yajñopavītam</i> is worn and the old <i>Yajñopavītam</i> discarded every year; the change-over ceremony is held on a specific date calculated as per the Hindu lunar calendar. Among Brahmins, this date varies depending on which of four Vedic Shakhas one belongs to.<br />
<br />
The sacred <i>Yajñopavītam</i> has close and essential connection with the concept of pravaras related to brahmin gotra system, which reflects the number of most excellent Vedic Rishis belonging to the particular gotra to which the wearer of sacred <i>Yajñopavītam</i> belongs.<br />
<br />
Generally, there are either three or five pravaras. While tying the knots of sacred strands of <i>Yajñopavītam, </i>an oath is taken in the name of these excellent sages. The full affiliation of a Vedic Brāhamana consists of<br />
<ul>
<li>gotra</li>
<li>sutra (of Kalpa)</li>
<li>shakha</li>
<li>pravaras.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
<u>The Symbolism Of The Sacred Thread</u></h3>
<div>
The strands of the sacred thread have symbolic meaning that varies by community and region. In a nutshell the sacred thread symbolises the transference of spiritual knowledge.The sacred thread has three strands. A bachelor wears only one sacred thread; a married man wears two of them making it six strands. If the man has married and has fathered a child, he wears three, which makes nine strands.</div>
<h4>
<u>What Does The Three Strands Of The Sacred Thread Signify?</u></h4>
The three strands sometimes symbolize three debts that must never be forgotten:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>the debt to one's teachers</b>, i.e., those who have taught the wearer;</li>
<li><b>the debt to one's parents and ancestors</b>, i.e., those who have nurtured the wearer and made possible his existence;</li>
<li><b>the debt to the sages/scholars</b>, i.e., those who discovered knowledge, both spiritual and secular, over the ages, which now enriches the wearer's life.</li>
</ul>
In some versions, the debt to the sages is replaced with debt to God. Upon marriage, sometimes the number of strands increases to six, because the man is expected to assume the debts of his wife as well. The additional three strands repesents the three Devis.<br />
<h4>
<b><u>Three Devis</u></b></h4>
The three strands may symbolize:<br />
<b>Parvati</b> (Goddess of strength)<b><br />Laksmi</b> (Goddess of wealth)<br />
<b>Saraswati</b> (Goddess of knowledge)<br />
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<h4>
<u>Purity</u></h4>
The strands of the sacred thread could also represent purity in thought, word and deed expected from the wearer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS0WRLrXOzZGJnTkppgraPcdaOZSrK0-d2y0WUPCShcEEvIAPU4JA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="318" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>The Upanayana Ceremony</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-40864847758035279672013-08-29T18:54:00.000+08:002014-01-25T19:19:02.031+08:00Samskaras- Hinduism and MarriageThe Hindu marriage ceremony is the thirteenth among the
sixteen samskaras that the Hindu observes in his
lifetime. It is also the beginning of the Grahastha Ashrama stage of a Hindu,
which is the householder phase whose main duties include raising a family and
working for the betterment of society. According to Vedic tradition, marriage
is meant to "unite two individuals firmly together so that, although they
retain their separate bodies, they become one in spirit." Thus, Hindus
view marriage as a "sacrament" and not a contract. Since such
importance is placed on marriage, it is conducted in accordance with the rites
prescribed in the ancient scriptures, the Vedas.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Most Hindu marriage ceremonies last for several hours and
involve a priest who recites the rites in Sanskrit and makes fire offerings.
The God of Fire (Agni) serves as the holy witness of the marriage and there is
a small fire present in front of the bride and groom where offerings are made
to ensure that the "human spirit" is tied with the divine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Traditionally, South Indian weddings--which the parents
usually arrange--involve the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pre-Marital Ceremonies:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Ganesha Pooja: Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and
no South Indian ceremony begins without this pooja. The bride usually does this
pooja by praying for a suitable partner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Punyaha-Vachanam: Once a groom has been chosen a suitable
place and time for the wedding are chosen with a priest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Samkalpa: The groom gives his consent to marry the bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wedding Day<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Welcoming of the bridegroom: The bride's father and other
members of the family ceremoniously welcome the bridegroom to the marriage
hall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Panigrahana: The priest sanctifies the ceremonial area,
and ties a loop of sacred grass on the bridegroom's finger.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Kasi Yatra: The bride's father symbolically disengages the
bridegroom from the pursuits of asceticism. This pursuit is symbolically
represented by his journey towards Kasi, the seat of Vedic culture. The bride's
father advies the groom not to pursue asceticism, tells him of the greatness of
marriage, and offers his daughter as the bride.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Exchange of garlands: The bride and groom exchange
garlands three times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Oojnal: The couple is seated on an oojnal, or swing, as
the ladies do dristhi, a ceremony where they ward off the evil spirits. The
bride and groom swing in the oojnal, which represents happiness and harmony,
which the couple will experience while navigating the "waves of life".<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Kanya Dhanam: The bride's hand is placed in the groom's
right palm, and the bride's father offers her to the groom. The thali, holy
gold thread, is taken around the marriage hall to be blessed by the crowd. </div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>The
thali or Mangalyam is the thread or necklace that the groom puts around the
bride's neck. After tying three knots, they are officially married. If the
bride has an older sister, she helps tie the knots with the groom.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Thaali Ceremony or Mangalya Dharanam: The groom ties the
thaali around the bride's neck. This is the climax of the wedding and is usually
signalled by the priest saying, "Gettimelam Gettimelam," indicating
that the musicians should play a tune that is associated with this ceremony.
This rite is done in the midst chanting of prayers, ringing of bells, rising music,
and the noise of the crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Sapta Pathi: Literally, "Seven Steps". Holding
the bride's hand, the groom walks seven steps with her around the ceremonial
fire. The prayers recited at this time mean, "You who have walked seven
steps with me, become my companion, whereby I acquire your friendship. We shall
be of one mind." If you are wondering why everything is done in odd
numbers, it is because, according to South Indian tradition, luck is present in
certain numbers--and they are usually odd numbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Treading on grindstone: The groom places the bride's foot
on a granite stone to indicate the firmness of her love and faith. The groom
places a <i><a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2013/06/why-do-married-hindu-women-wear-toe.html" target="_blank">metti</a></i> (silver ring on her toe), indicating his love and faith toward her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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• Homam: The married couple offers grain to the Fire God,
Agni.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• <a href="http://hindutraditionandculture.blogspot.com/2013/05/why-do-we-touch-our-elders-feet-when-we.html" target="_blank">Asheervadham</a>: After the marriage ceremony, the priest,
parents, family and guests offer their blessing to the couple by sprinkling
them with grains of rice to wish them prosperity and happiness. This couple
prostrate before the various members of family and guests to receive the
blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Of course, there are several more steps involved depending
on how the families decide to plan the wedding. Usually, orthodox families will
incorporate several other poojas into the marriage process depending on their
beliefs. Moreover, parents do not arrange all South Indian weddings--especially
for South Indians living in the United States. Nowadays, more people are
finding it acceptable to find partners themselves; the Indian community is
accepting and allowing love marriages. However, this has not led to a decline
of traditional South Indian marriages. If the marriage is between two persons
of Hindu origin, the families still manage to incorporate all the traditional
ceremonies in the marriage. Often, there are compromises between families as
they decide which ceremonies will be performed, which ones will be removed, and
which ones will be altered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img 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" 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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-65312152431798700552013-07-15T00:09:00.000+08:002013-07-15T20:14:14.162+08:00Why Hindus should avoid consuming beef?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cow is a sacred animal for Hindus. Cows are depicted in form of Kamadhenu (Holy Cow). The Hindus believe that cows are the only living form which become home for divine spirits (devas). They believe Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva live on earth inside cow. IT IS CONSIDERED A GREAT SIN TO KILL COWS. Many argue they just eat them not kill them. But they forget beef is obtained from the act of slaughtering a cow. Hindus consider those kill cow are Devils. Devils love cow parts especially liver. Those kill cow will get Pitru Dosha and will suffer in hot water pot in hell for centuries. </div>
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According to Indologist Madeleine Biardeau, Kamadhenu or Kamaduh is the generic name of the sacred cow, who is regarded as the source of all prosperity in Hinduism. Kamadhenu is regarded as a form of Devi (the Hindu Divine Mother and is closely related to the fertile Mother Earth (Prithvi), who is often described as a cow in Sanskrit. The sacred cow denotes "purity and non-erotic fertility, ... sacrificing and motherly nature, [and] sustenance of human life"</div>
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Frederick M. Smith describes Kamadhenu as a "popular and enduring image in Indian art".All the gods are believed to reside in the body of Kamadhenu—the generic cow. Her four legs are the scriptural Vedas; her horns are the triune gods Brahma (tip),Vishnu (middle) and Shiva (base); her eyes are the sun and moon gods, her shoulders the fire-god Agni and the wind-god Vayu and her legs the Himalayas. Kamadhenu is often depicted in this form in poster art.</div>
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Another representation of Kamadhenu shows her with the body of a white Zebu cow, crowned woman's head, colourful eagle wings and a peacock's tail. According to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this form is influenced by the iconography of the <i>Islamic Buraq</i>, who is portrayed with a horse's body, wings, and a woman's face. Contemporary poster art also portrays Kamadhenu in this form.</div>
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A cow, identified as Kamadhenu, is often depicted accompanying the god Dattatreya. In relation to the deity's iconography, she denotes the Brahminical aspect and Vaishnava connection of the deity contrasting with the accompanying dogs—symbolizing a non-Brahminical aspect. She also symbolizes the Panch Bhuta (the five classical elements) in the icon. Dattatreya is sometimes depicted holding the divine cow in one of his hands.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="292" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Sacred_cow2.jpg/250px-Sacred_cow2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condemning the consumption of beef, the sacred cow Kamadhenu is depicted as containing various deities within her body.</td></tr>
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<img height="343" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-DWKc6QWk5nKKBhHeMdo0N-HTnFc9dKw9SyYhAvA7KGP2IQpJWQ" width="400" /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="374" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwpvzA341IVJw2wZf8VRJjuYRKjfgNJGunWL7qPZ8LtGHAOwOK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kamadhenu with a woman's head, eagle wings and peacock's tail</td></tr>
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Moreover, not only cows are sacred in Hinduism; but bulls are also holy as it resembles Lord Shiva's mount Nandi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BfL_kw81ls5zsEIrW_caV6oP8anZn68zDcZ94Fxu275O5oAmPtwmf2SDgUFXMFw26VP_D9MDiCssR2ZegTE0OxYOBfDir9CiMr-c8qza6i80utBsiaDU-pZo6pv0qWMh8szEXn6wIuVi/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BfL_kw81ls5zsEIrW_caV6oP8anZn68zDcZ94Fxu275O5oAmPtwmf2SDgUFXMFw26VP_D9MDiCssR2ZegTE0OxYOBfDir9CiMr-c8qza6i80utBsiaDU-pZo6pv0qWMh8szEXn6wIuVi/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord Shiva and Nandi.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-25834043422008700192013-06-27T14:52:00.000+08:002013-06-27T14:52:51.510+08:00A Girl's LimitsHello my fellow readers, i wanted to share something i came across while watching Ramayan aired on Zee tv. In the episode where Raavan comes to take captive of Sita i learned something and i thought that i should share it with you guys. i m sure that most of you are familiar with Ramayan. There is a part in the Ramayan where while on their 14 years of exile in the forest one fine day Sita sees a golden deer and asks Raama to catch it for her. Despite Lakshman's warning that it could be the shape shifting demon, Marich Raam still goes in the forest to hunt down the deer. As suspected when Raam shoots the deer with hi arrow the deer changes into the demon Marich and calls out to Lakshman and Sita for help disguising as Raam. A worried Sita compels Lakshman to go in search of her husband Raam. Before leaving, Lakshman draws a circle around their hut and requests Sita to not step out of the line no matter what happens until he is back with his brother. As Lakshaman leaves Raavan, the king of Lanka who has been watching this whole scene behind a tree disguises himself in the form of a saint and seeks alms from Sita. When Sita goes in to bring food for the "saint" he tries to enter the line that Lakshaman drew in order to protect Sita, but unfortunately something stops him from entering he line. When Sita returns back with the food he forces her to come outside the line and give him the alms. When Sita refuses he threatens her to curse her husband. Fearing this, Sita walksout of the barrier and Raavan takes his real form and grabs hold of her arm. As Sita tries to walk back into the line Raavan grabs her even harder and tells her<b> "O, Sita you know well enough that when lady crosses her limits there's no way she can get back in it!"</b> and he abducts her to Lanka.<br />
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<i>This is what i would like to point out to my fellow girls, before you do something always think before you react because you are not only responsible for your own dignity you are also carrying your parents pride at the same time also your in-laws and husbands dignity. Once you cross your limits it's no way back.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3B5zaLvxfKb32KzIGasanMou3d-xMH_lqXdBmOVGFRDFpbUoIAUk4xbF2WQp9E5VcFjB9BiYrUJU7RLP7j6XnW7FjHqDUlQENAJn_8MP5fN4f4RAuY9_U-FxIc_tA2XzXzItBzB4ld9l/s1600/4223463747_c44e3c3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3B5zaLvxfKb32KzIGasanMou3d-xMH_lqXdBmOVGFRDFpbUoIAUk4xbF2WQp9E5VcFjB9BiYrUJU7RLP7j6XnW7FjHqDUlQENAJn_8MP5fN4f4RAuY9_U-FxIc_tA2XzXzItBzB4ld9l/s320/4223463747_c44e3c3456.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture on the left illustrates the scene where Sita asks Raam to catch the golden deer; the picture on the right illusrtrates Raavan disguised as a hermit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh4adxKg3MFV-vfSPOmrumFqdnzvZsO4PA7X5a8E0Vc8fje6EShIdlmadu-brLpH_A_1lR_j7BLYwDrDyU4RqnqI2gL2m-5JDObOCXjCKUmaN8fdrLxKeqz-dl3nh7e54PRT50ry-5Wfr/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh4adxKg3MFV-vfSPOmrumFqdnzvZsO4PA7X5a8E0Vc8fje6EShIdlmadu-brLpH_A_1lR_j7BLYwDrDyU4RqnqI2gL2m-5JDObOCXjCKUmaN8fdrLxKeqz-dl3nh7e54PRT50ry-5Wfr/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakshman drawing the Raksha Kavach</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-30702001175992292362013-06-26T10:10:00.001+08:002014-01-25T19:13:37.987+08:00Why do married Hindu women wear toe rings?<div dir="ltr">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Significance of Metti (toe ring) in Hinduism</u></h2>
Wearing of TOE RINGS is highly practiced in India. It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and is called <i>Bichiya</i> (pronounced: bee-chee-ya) in Hindi, <i>Mettelu</i> in Telugu, <i>Metti</i> in Tamil & <i>Kalungura</i> in Kannada. Toe rings (also known as bichwa) are a must for married Hindu woman. Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married women in India.Both Hindu's and Muslim Women wear these Toe rings, as a symbol of Married state. They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet.Why they use only Silver and Why Not gold? 'Bichiyas' may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist. Indians especially Hindus believe that gold is the metal of the God Lakshmi Devi, The Goddess of Wealth, and therefore they consider it inappropriate to wear gold below the waist. In the olden days both married women and men wear toe rings and at that time girls were never allowed to walk with her head held up high, thus it is believed when she sees a man wearing a toe ring she will know that he is married and would not try and court him or make any advancements.</div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u>Scientific and Ayurvedic Reason:</u></b></div>
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Some Men frequently wore a ring on the big toe for curative purposes or to augment their masculine vigor.Wearing toe ring to the second toe has sexual/erotic effect.The reflexology texts also mention about treating gynecological problems by massaging the second toe.There is also a belief that the wearing of toe rings press on certain nerves that pertain to the reproductive system, keeping it in balance and healthy.Ancient Ayurvedic medicine has long been used along side acupressure.Indians believe that your "prana" or "life force" must be in balance in order for you to stay healthy. All of the paths of your "prana" run down to your toes, so the idea that a marital symbol could double up as a reproductive enhancer is not a big stretch.By wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women.Also it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from toe, also connects the uterus and passes through heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during a day, it revitalizes the productivity organs.As Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinggzkfwa5jpnjRSXER7iwAvtEM1MbRPAu6YVNL30GXb9pTyC4lWShbi0aF7BLXZsQoZo94NizIC5qRCC5fdnwKtXONUojBC3phy6NhablxA9nFtqfoMdWtDKTsvQ3Sg4k9nAJbSmLpiuK/s640/1782-m-tr7_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EXAMPLE OF A METTI</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinggzkfwa5jpnjRSXER7iwAvtEM1MbRPAu6YVNL30GXb9pTyC4lWShbi0aF7BLXZsQoZo94NizIC5qRCC5fdnwKtXONUojBC3phy6NhablxA9nFtqfoMdWtDKTsvQ3Sg4k9nAJbSmLpiuK/s1600/1782-m-tr7_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq8HX-nwTPkL_bYDbHh8rSDE4sSn_wdbVtm_z2xB2idkeINZCn3O4A4ZA9xAv4NbS_1JSy396iCDKilDvNR6KNNN7ijKQiTS3Iq8UhaOPKuoOmaUTtCdtDIyyuKm95raQNsJ-2XsnVucY/s320/2827916551_5da183bbd3.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HUSBAND PUTTING THE "METTI" ON HIS WIFE'S TOE TO SOLEMNISE THE WEDDING</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq8HX-nwTPkL_bYDbHh8rSDE4sSn_wdbVtm_z2xB2idkeINZCn3O4A4ZA9xAv4NbS_1JSy396iCDKilDvNR6KNNN7ijKQiTS3Iq8UhaOPKuoOmaUTtCdtDIyyuKm95raQNsJ-2XsnVucY/s1600/2827916551_5da183bbd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-6091696595552343412013-06-08T19:46:00.001+08:002013-06-08T19:48:22.119+08:00Why do girls bow their head when the groom ties the thaali around her neck?<p dir=ltr>The reason the bride bows down while accepting the thaali is to tell her husband "I'll bow my head head but I'll make sure that you will be able to walk with your head held up high!" <br>
When a girl bows down it doesn't mean that the groom is superior to her! It simply signifies the respect she has for him. </p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-73884045422723530652013-05-22T04:40:00.001+08:002014-02-23T11:13:54.724+08:00Pradosham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Etymology of Pradosha - Pradosha is the son of Kalpa and Dosha.
He had two brothers namely Nishita and Vyustha. The three names mean beginning,
middle and end of night. The day from new moon day to full moon day is called
"Sukla Paksha" and days from every full moon day to new moon day are
called "Krishna Paksha". During every month and during every Paksha,
the point of time when Triyodashi (13th day of the fortnight) meets the end of
Dwadasi (12th day of fortnight) is called Pradosha. During Pradosha, Nandi (the
sacred bull of Shiva) in all the Shiva temples in South India is worshipped.
The festival idol of Shiva with Parvathi in a seated pose on Nandi is taken as
a procession in the temple complex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Story of Pradosham</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once upon a time the angels ( Indra and his subordinates) were cursed that their colour would change and they would become demons. therefore they ran to seek refuge from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu asked them to churn the <i>milk ocean (paal kadal/ milky way).</i> The magical snake Vasuki (King of serpants) volunteered to serve as a rope to churn Mount Mandrachala also known as Mount Meru.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The angels pulled from the snake's tail and demons pulled from the snake's head. They worked very hard and were rewarded with many gifts that emerged from the ocean, including Archetypal Being Lakshmi. Eventually the elixir emerged. However, fate turned the moment of victory into a terrible disaster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The snake was in so much pain from the constant pulling that it vomited poison just as the elixir emerged. The elixir and the entire area started burning from the poison. No one was able to stop the destruction so the angels and demons prayed for help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story continues that Shiva heard their prayers, gathered up the poison and swallowed it, saving the elixir along with everyone and everything. The poison only traveled half-way down Shiva's throat - right where most men have their Adam's Apple. His throat turned blue around the poison, as a reminder of what happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For this reason, one of Shiva's names is Neela Kantam, or One with a Blue Throat.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">When does Pradosham Occur?</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;">All Pradoshams occur between 1-1/2 hours before and right up until the moment of sunset in the time zone where you are physically</span>. The<i style="background-color: #ea9999;"> smaller energy level Pradoshams occur every day during this time.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The<b> <span style="background-color: #e06666;">middle energy level Pradoshams occur twice each month - on the 13th moon day after the New Moon and after the Full Moon</span>.</b> To determine on which days these Pradoshams occur, begin your count on the actual New Moon or Full Moon day and count that day as "1". Continue the count until you reach "13".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are <span style="background-color: #e06666;">counting </span>from the <span style="background-color: #e06666;"><i>Full Moon, Pradosham will normally occur two days before the next New Moon</i></span>, and if you are <span style="background-color: #e06666;"><i>counting from the New Moon Pradosham will normally occur two days before the next Full Moon.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The larger energy level Pradosham occurs when one of the 13th moon days occurs on a Saturday. The <i style="background-color: #f6b26b;">planet Saturn is considered an Archetypal Agent of Karma who delivers many of life's tougher </i></b><b><i style="background-color: #f6b26b;"> lessons to help us refine and evolve their souls. On a Saturday Pradosham it is believed that the Archetypal Being Shiva has more influence over Saturn and can cause Saturn to loosen or release entirely some of the karmic bonds that limit us.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The evening of
Travodasi i.e. the 13th day between 4.30 p.m and 6 p.m is Pradosham. Whatever
sins we have comitted will be forgiven by Lord Shiva if we
pray wholeheartedly. We can pray to god by performing Abhishegam. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The twilight is the time of Shiva when he absorbs
the day and night, good and evil and all opposites into onenesss.
This time of transition is also one of transcendence. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Pradosham timings provide the
ideal opportunity to dissolve karma. Be in
a meditative mode during Pradosham time and use the powerful chant<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>"<u>Thiru Neela Kandan</u>".<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>If you are unable to do that then
chant and write<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>"Om
Namashivaya"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>108 times
to receive Lord Shva's blesssings.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Saturn Pradosham:</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturn is one of the most powerful Planets. He moves slowly
through the zodiac, 2-1/2 years per sign, so his influence is felt very keenly.
Saturn's grace creates Kings from paupers and vice versa. Because Saturday is
the day ruled by Saturn, and Saturn is a form of Shiva, when Pradosham falls on
a Saturday the rituals done to remove karma and receive Saturn's grace are
greatly amplified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Somavaram Pradosham:</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the names of Lord Shiva is Soma, Lord Someshvara, who
has placed the Crescent (the Moon / the Soma) in his matted hair. Somavara
(Mondays) are very auspicious for Lord Shiva. Moreover Soma means – Saha Uma
(Goddess Parvathi). Mondays are not only for Lord Shiva but also very
auspicious for Goddess Parvathi. Hence offering poojas on Pradosham’s occurring
on Mondays not only helps you in gaining the abundant blessings of Lord Shiva
and Goddess Parvathi but also enables one to negate the malefic effects caused
by Chandra Dosha (afflictions caused by the Moon). Another fierce form of Shiva
is Rudra. Rudra's grace can eliminate disease, enemies, and destructive
negative influences from within and without. As a form of Shiva, the rituals
done on a Saturday Pradosham or Monday Pradosham are also extremely auspicious
for Rudra (Lord Shiva).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://www.pradosham.com/images/somasutrapradakshinam.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Circumbulation during Pradosham.</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">*After completing the circumbulation it is advisable to whisper your wish in Nandhi's (Lord Shiva's vaahana) ears. It is believed that Nandhi will directly take your wish to the Lord.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">NOTE: makesure you close his left year when you whisper in His ears.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nandi Mantra<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">·
</span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Nandikesa
Maha Bhaga, Shiva dhyana parayana,</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Gowri
sankara sevartham Anugnam dathumarhasi||</span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">o
</span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Meaning:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh Lord Nandi who is Lord of all bulls,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is immersed in prayer of Shiva,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please give me permission,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To worship Lord Sankara with his consort Gowri.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-5489775813675687242013-05-16T21:13:00.000+08:002014-02-24T00:33:34.322+08:00Namaste/ Vanakkam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>The Meaning of Namaste:</b></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a
combination of two words, "Namaḥ" and "te.<b>"</b></span><i style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Namaḥ"</b></i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b> </b>means
<b>'bow,' 'obeisance,' 'reverential salutation' </b>or<b> 'adoration</b>' and </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>te</b></i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> means<b>
'to you' (dative case of 'you')</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>.</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>Therefore the words <i>namah + te = namaste</i> literally means “I bow to you” - my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. The
word ‘namaha’ can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not
mine). It has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the
presence of another.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">The meaning of Vnakkam</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The real meeting between 2 people is the meeting of their mind. When we greet another, we do so with Vanankkam, which means <b style="font-style: italic;">"may our minds meet", </b>indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship, love and humility. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why Namaste:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a
cultural convention or an act of worship. However, there is much more to it
than meets the eye. The real meeting between people is the meeting of their
minds. When we greet one another with Namaste, it means, ‘may our minds meet’,
indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the
head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love, respect and humility.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Spiritual Significance of Namaste:</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason why we do Namaste has a deeper spiritual
significance. It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the
Self or the God in me is the same in all. Acknowledging this oneness with the
meeting of the palms, we honor the god in the person we meet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Namaste in Prayers:</b></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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During prayers, Hindus not only do namaste but
also bow and close their eyes, as it were, to look into the inner spirit. This
physical gesture is sometimes accompanied by names of gods like ‘Ram Ram’, ‘Jai
Shri Krishna’, ‘Namo Narayana’, ‘Jai Siya Ram’ or just ‘Om Shanti’ – the common
refrain in Hindu chants. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Namaste/ Vanakkam</span></u></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Namaste in prayers</span></u></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169550555168560461.post-21032938983145849612013-05-16T17:34:00.001+08:002013-05-16T17:34:44.199+08:00do not sweep, mop or shower when someone steps out of the house...Why aren't we allowed to sweep and mop the house or even shower immediately after someone steps out of the house?<br />
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the reason being is that people normally sweep and mop the house and immediately take a shower when there's a funeral in the house and when the deceased is take to the graveyard to be cremated or buried. so when u sweep/mop the house or even take a shower right after someone steps out it signifies a funeral. that is why it is best to avoid sweeping and mopping the house or taking a shower right after someone steps out of the house.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09339309997186833789noreply@blogger.com0