Divine Brahmanda: Hindu Dharma

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Helpful Tips - Namaskara To Yati(Sanyasi), Danda(Yoga Stick), Pravara (156)

On 12/09/2013 07:39:00 AM with 0 Comment

This section Helpful Tips is all about Frequently Arising Questions. Sri Narendra Babu Sharma widely known as Brahmanda Guruji, share the knowledge on general topics and Hindu Sanathana Dharma in his Television Programme - Lakshmi Kataksha, telecasted in Kasthuri Kannada Channel, which i have put in this section. Guruji also share information of knowledge on Vasthu Shastra and lot of Helpful stuffs. Many People have lot of doubts on Hindu Sanathana Dharma, which is also covered in this section.
Please do ask a priest or elders, if you have any doubts in below, who knows very well about our customs and practices and clarify the same.

Namaskara To Yati(Sanyasi):

We should not offer namaskara to any Yati/Sanyasi/Guru (Religious Mendicant) without Danda (Yoga Danda or Yoga staff). We should offer namakara only when Yati/Sanyasi is with the Danda.

Yoga Danda or Yoga staff:

In a normally healthy person, the flow in any one nostril is slightly restricted as compared to the flow in the other nostril. This unequal flow between nostrils is normal and alternates between the right and the left on its own every few hours.

However, sometimes one nostril gets exceedingly restricted and the flow is blocked if there is any disturbance in our mind-body complex. At this time, even the alteration in flow to the other nostril is delayed.

There are ways available to change the flow of breath between nostrils if you experience the need to do so.

This is specially required to practice alternate nostril breathing successfully - a very useful Pranayama breathing technique with powerful benefits

The Tool: The Yoga Danda or Yoga staff is an ancient device, which when supported under the armpits, provides the desired effect. The Yoga Danda is a T-shaped wooden staff of about 2 feet in height. The horizontal member is bent in the shape of a “U” with a smooth broad edge to provide a comfortable support to the armpit. By using it appropriately, the flow in the nostrils can be regulated.

How to Use: Squat on the floor or be seated in any meditative posture such as Siddhasana or Padmasana with spine erect.

Support your torso on the Yoga Danda by resting your armpit on the U-shaped horizontal member of the staff. The Danda is to be placed under the side that has the open nostril. For example, if the flow is free on the right nostril, support your right armpit on the Yoga danda. After a few minutes, you will feel the flow of breath easier through the left nostril. Once this flow through the left nostril is achieved, the stick may be removed.

Benefits: The Yoga Danda offers a convenient way to alter breath flow between nostrils. This helps in freeing up the breath flow and is especially useful in gaining the maximum out of Pranayama techniques, especially those requiring alternate nostril breathing, such as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.

In fact, there is a whole branch of Yoga, called Svara Yoga that employs regulation of flow between nostrils to achieve optimum energy flows in our body with great results.

When pressed under the armpit, it aids in Detoxification. The area under the armpit is rich in lymph nodes where the absorption of toxins for excretion takes place. The lymph removes the toxins from the human body. Pressing the armpit stimulates the lymph flow which helps eliminate the toxins from our systems

In all, this is a handy tool to be had by a sincere yoga practitioner who wishes to harness the energy balancing power of yoga.

Using the Yoga Danda for Japa meditation: Some practitioners of Japa Meditation on mala beads rest the hands on the knees while turning the beads, so that the mala is allowed to rest on the floor. Others, bend their arm so that their hand is placed towards the heart while bead turning but this can be tiresome.
Often, many practitioners of japa meditation, prefer to support their forearm on the Yoga Danda, so that they can practice japa without discomfort.

In this case, the danda is placed in front of the seated body and the hand supported on it. The mala is allowed to fall freely from this raised position that facilitates turning of the beads for japa.

Can we touch the feet of Yati/Sanyasi while offering Namaskara?

No, we should not touch the feet of Yati/Sanyasi while offering prostration namaskara.

Can we offer namaskara with pravara to Yathi/Sanyasi/Guru?

No, we should not offer namaskara with pravara to Yathi/Sanyasi/Guru. We should offer namaskara with pravara only to Elders or God.

Meaning of Pravara:

Upanayanam ceremony (Thread Ceremony), which generally happens in Brahmin families, it is a version of the sacred thread ceremony where the concept of Brahman is introduced to a young boy or an adolescent male before marriage. As a part of this ceremony, one is supposed to go to people, introduce himself to them and seek alms just like how a Brahmin used to do some decades ago. The person makes use of his ‘pravara’ to introduce himself. Also, while tying the knots of sacred thread, an oath is taken in the name of each one of these three or five or seven rishis belonging to one's gotra.

Sample Pravara:

‘Chatussagara paryantam gobrahmanebhyah shubham bhavatu,

Angirasa, Bhaarhaspatya, Bharadvajasa tria rishayah pravaranvita

bharadvajasa gotrah,

Apastamba sutrah,

Krishna Yajur shakhadhayi

Subrahmanya Kiran sharmah ahambhoh abhivadaye’

Here is what it means,

Line 1: May all the cows and Brahmins across the four seas be blessed

Line 2: The names and number of the main rishis to whose lineage the person belongs

Line 3: Gotra of the person

Line 4: The sutra that the person follows

Line 5: The veda shakha that the person belongs to

Line 6: Name of the person

A Gotra is the name of the founding father (and in a few exceptional cases, founding mother) of the clan. A shaka is a Hindu theological school that specializes in learning certain Vedic texts, or else the traditional texts followed by such a school. In Brahmin lineage, each family is supposed to have one Gotra, and one Sutra, meaning that a certain Veda is treasured by this family in way of learning by heart.

So, to translate it into English, a person, introduces himself as follows,

I am 'XYZ', of Bharadwaja gotra, of Apastamba sutra, of Krishna shakha of Yajurveda, of three pravaras named Angirasa, Bhaarhaspatya and Bharadwaja.

Helpful Tips - Worship Of Three Principal Deities For Improving Financial Status & Peaceful Living (155)

On 12/06/2013 01:06:00 AM with 0 Comment

Worship Of Three Principal Deities at Home

A caller had asked Brahmanda Guruji, Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji to get improvement in financial status and peaceful living. His query was Earnings are huge but he is not able to save anything, everything earned goes in some or the other way. Guruji asked all the listeners to follow the below given simple procedure.

You have to purchase three Hundi's (offering/cash box) for three principal deities.

The three principal deities are: first is the Grama Devata (the god of the village or town or area you reside), the second is the Kula Devata (deity of his family), and the third is the Ishta Devata (personal deity).

These three Hundi's should be kept in pooja room in the order of Ishta Devata, Kula Devata and Grama Devata.

You have to start this procedure on Monday.

You have to first put pinch of Vibhuti (Sacred ash) in all the Hundi's.

After dropping Vibhuti, you have to put Silver Coin/Small piece of silver sheet in all the Hundi's.

The Ishta Devata should be choice of Head of the family (meaning if Son is following this procedure the Ishta Devata should not be of his choice, it should be his Father's choice if he is alive).

Everyday offer flowers favorable to respective deities and offer your prayers.

You have to put Rs.11/- or Rs.101/- or Rs.1001/- in all the three hundi's everyday or weekly once or every 15 days once or once in every month depending on your choice. If you start with Rs.11/- follow the same everytime for the time frame chosen by you.

You have to visit once or twice a year and offer any seva with the amount collected in the Hundi's to respective deity temples i.e. offer seva to Ishta Devata Temple, Kula Devata Temple and Grama Devata Temple.

Pechiamman Temple, Kodumudi

Kalidasa was born as a stammering and brainless Brahmin boy. One of the most commonly quoted stories about Kalidasa is an incident where he sits on the branch of the tree that is trying to cut. While many people laugh at him, one passerby takes pity on him and warns him that he is going to fall down if he continues cutting that branch. And true, Kalidasa fell. After falling, he quickly ran to that passerby and praised him for being such a great astrologer. Was that sheer intelligence?

The princess of the kingdom where Kalidasa lived was known to be a very learned women, who haughtily rejected many suitors after she defeated them in philosophical debates. Some of her suitors were very learner scholars themselves and wanted to teach the princess a lesson for being so haughty. When they heard about the stupid Kalidasa, they decided to masquerade him as a learned pundit and impress the princess. But Kalidasa was to keep his mouth shut all the time.

The princess was told that a great guru was seeking to debate with her. But since he was on a silence vow, his disciples would interpret his sign language. The princess also decided to use sign language. She showed one finger up – indicating the principle of Advaita and one Brahman. Kalidasa was stupid. He thought she meant “I will poke your eye”. He raised two fingers thinking “I will poke both your eyes”. The so-called disciples interpreted thus “Though there is only one God, the Jivatma and the Paramatma are different. They are realized by people in different stages of spiritual development.” The princess was impressed. In a similar fashion, when the princess lifts her palm up indicating that this sristi is made of the five elements – air, water, fire, earth and sky, Kalidasa thinks “She is going to slap me. Let me punch her”, and he shows a fist. The thrilled interpreters translate this into “Even though the universe is made up of the five elements, during pralayam, everything that is manifested, merges into the Brahman”. The princess was impressed with Kalidasa’s scholarship and immediately fell at his feet. Kalidasa continued to remain silent and he found himself married to this beautiful princess very soon. Not until after the marriage did the princess realize how she had been fooled. She insulted Kalidasa and cried in pity for herself. Kalidasa was deeply hurt when his wife insulted him thus, and sadly he left the palace to kill himself. But when he went to the river to drown, he saw how the stones were eroded by the river. He realized that if the river could erode something as hard as stone, then Mother KaLi could easily erode his ignorance.

When he went to the temple, he found that the idol was barren and lifeless – Kali was on rounds in the city. Kalidasa was very sad and he hid inside the temple and locked the doors. When Kali returned, she could not get into the temple. Kalidasa asked her to first give him some wisdom before he would let her in. Even though she tried coaxing him to let her in first, he was not going to do that yet, because he knew if he let her in first, Kali would run and hide in her idol and not come out ever until Kalidasa stops asking for wisdom. (Kalidasa’s innocence is portrayed here). Instead, he asked her to write something on his tongue (the tongue is where Saraswati – the Goddess of Knowledge- resides), so that he becomes wise. Kali decided to write “OM” on his tongue. He was instantly transformed to the wise Kalidasa and he wished to spread this wisdom and eternally remain the servant of KaLi, and hence adopted the name.

This is where Mahakavi Kalidoss attained knowledge from Goddess Malaiyamman. There is a shrine of Pechiamman also in the same temple for curing ENT diseases. Mahakavi Kalidoss is also said to have performed pariharam here to wash out the curses of his previous birth and recover the knowledge gained by him earlier.

Kodumudi is situated in the Erode – Trichy train route and is about 40 Kms from Erode and 25 kms from Karur. It is surrounded by Dharapuram, Thiruchengode, Namakkal and Thiruppur towns.

Helpful Tips - On Burnt Sarees, Pregnant Women, Falling In Sundays (154)

On 12/02/2013 07:27:00 AM with 1 comment

Saree's damaged due to fire

Don't offer the Saree's damaged due to spark from the fire in kitchen or due to lamp lit in pooja rooms to others. We should apply Ghee (Tuppa in Kannada ; Neyyi in Tamil) to these type of sarees and leave it in any running water source like river.

Can Pregnant Women sit cross legged?

No, pregnant women should not sit cross legged. Because it will affect blood circulation. May also lead to swelling of feet which is very common during pregnancy.

If you happen to fall on Sundays

If you happen to fall or skid on Sundays due to any reason between start and end of the day, you have to visit Lord Kala Bairava or Lord Anjaneya Temple offer prayers and tie the yellow thread (Raksha) offered in the Temple in your hand or neck accordingly.

Helpful Tips - On Karthika Masam Significance Continued... (153)

On 11/30/2013 06:42:00 AM with 0 Comment

Significance of each day in Karthika Masam:

Padyami: 1st day of Karthika Masam, Should go to Lord Siva or Lord Vishnu temple to pray them to give strength to do the puja for the whole month. This is the Day we start lighting Akasa Deepam. The Lamp you light either at the entrance of your house or at Siva or Vishnu temple.

Vidiya: 2nd day of karthika masam, Brother should go to his sister's house on this auspicious day and eat the food cooked by her and bestow her with blessings and gifts.

Thadiya: 3rd day of the month, Good Day to do Thrilochana Guri Vratham. Those who are unable to do the Vrath can do Kumkuma archana or Puja to Maa Parvathi on this day.

Chavithi: 4th Day is Chavithi, It is said to be Nagula Chavithi in Andhra. On this day its good to worship Lord Subramanya swamy (Murugan).

Panchami: 5th day is Panchami, also known as Jnana Panchami. Need to do archana for Lord Subramanya swamy.

Shasti: 6th Day is Shasti, Should not eat your favorite items today.

Saptami: 7th Day is Sapthami, Pray to Lord Surya (Sun God) and donate tie wheat in a red color cloth and donate
Ashtami: 8th Day is Ashtami, also known as Gopala ashtami, Need to do puja to Go matha (Holy Cow)

Navami: 9th Day is Navami, good to start Vishnu Thri rathra vratham, which need to be done for 3 days. Its good to do puja for Lord Vishnu in the evening and Night time.

Dasami: 10th Day is Dasami, pray to Lord Vishnu today

Ekadasi: 11th Day is Ekadasi, Do fasting (Upavasam) and break the fast on Dwadasi.

Dwadasi: 12th Day is Dwadasi, known as Khseerabdi Dwadasi . Lord Vishnu will wake up from his yoga nidra on this day. Do Puja to Lord vishnu. Good to do Puja under Gooseberry tree or Tulsi plant.

Trayodasi: 13th Day is Trayodasi, Good day to skip dinner. Auspicious to donate Saligrama Sila

Chathurdasi: 14th Day is Chathurdasi, good to donate Iron and Sesame today, Not to eat your favorite food

Pournami: 15th Day is Pournami, Need to do Nadi Snanam (Taking Bath in River). Do puja to Lord Varuna. Auspicious to light diya at Lord Siva or Vishnu temple. It brings a lot of good even if you see the deepa at the temple

Bahula Padyami: 16th Day is Bahula Padyami, Not to eat stocked food and curd

Vidiya: 17th Day is Vidiya, Good day to do Vana Bhojanam. It is said that offering prayers to Lord Vishnu under Gooseberry tree and then having food there with relatives and friends will bring great benefits.

Thadiya: 18th Day is Thadiya, Good to donate Thulasi Mala to Bramhin

Chavithi: 19th Day is Chavithi, Need to do pooja to Lord Vinayaka with Garika ( a type of grass, favorite for Ganapathi)

Panchami: 20th day is Panchami, Need to feed the animals, ants, birds etc

Shasti: 21st day is Shasti, Need to do Puja to Grama Devatha. Good to donate what ever you can depending on your status.

Saptami: 22nd Day is Sapthami, Need to do puja to Lord shiva with white Calotropis Gigantea (Jilledu in telugu, Erukku in tamil)

Ashtami: 23rd Day is Ashtami, Need to do puja for Kala bhirava with Vada ( Garelu in telugu)

Navami: 24th day is Navami, Good to donate water, red color saree, blouse piece, bangles etc

Dasami: 25th day is Dasami, Good to donate food , need to do upavasam (fasting)

Ekadasi: 26th day is Ekadasi, Doing Deeparadhana (lighting the Lamp), Listening to Puranas will give great benefits today

Dwadasi: 27th Day is Dwadasi, Good to donate food for the needy

Thrayodasi: 28th Day is Thrayodasi, Need to do puja to Navagraha. Good to do Fasting on the name of Navagraha

Chaturdasi: 29th Day is Chathurdasi, Today is known as Masa Siva rathri, Need to pray lord siva and doing fasting in day time is good.

Amavasya: 30th Day is Amavasya, Need to donate food on the name of pithru devathalu (the deceased). Good to do fasting. Last day of lighting Akasa Deepam. Need to light the lamp at temple and offer coconut to Lord.

Lord Muruga as Kumaraguru Advising Lord Shiva:

Another legend has it that the lamps lit symbolically represent knowledge, victory and peace. Muruga as Kumaraguru is believed to have taught the meaning of ‘OM’ to Lord Shiva. Thus the lamps lit on the day are in remembrance of sharing the ultimate knowledge of ‘OM.’ The knowledge of OM helps in enlightenment and emancipation.

King Bali Surrendering to Lord Vishnu:

Another legend associated with Karthika Deepam is that King Bali surrendered before Lord Vishnu. King Bali attained moksha by surrendering all his wealth and himself before Lord Vishnu. Special offerings made from puffed rice and beaten rice is believed to be due to this legend.

Karthika Poornima:

Karthika Poornima also recognized as a whole moon day that is celebrated on the fifteenth lunar day of the Karthika Thirty day period as for every the Vedic Calendar (November – December). It is also regarded as Tripuri poornima. This is just one of the most auspicious, sacred, highly effective and really exclusive day, each for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in Karthika masam.

It celebrates in a particular method in Thiruvannamalai, Lord Shiva asks Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to uncover out the correct area of his head and his feet. Because Lord Shiva takes a gigantic kind, they under no circumstances get to the head or feet. The Lord Shiva will take the form of a jyothi (mild of fire) on the hill of Thiruvannamali. Right here, a specific torch is lighted on the Zenith of the hill and it is thought that Lord Shiva’s jyothi will be noticeable on this day. Similarly the “Karthika deepam” which will be lightened is called “Akasa Deepam” staring from Karthika Shukla Padyami till the end of the month by worshiping in a sacred manner every day and the flag hoisted over to Dwajasthambhams in all the temples.

It is told that in olden days the Deepam became useful to the travellers or navigators in the sea or canal as star light informing them about the existence of temple, Village or people nearer to them and they used to come there to take rest for relief in their onward journey. Karthka poornima celebrations are associated with the legend ot he demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura was demolished by Lord Karthika, also known as Skanda or Kumara. Another legend associated with Karthika poornima is of Lord Vishnu’s Matsyavatara. It is believed that on this day. Vishnu was incamated in the Matsya roopa, and protected manu, the first man, from the maha pralaya (deluge).

Nagula Chavithi:

Nagula Chavithi is an auspicious day to observe Naga Puja. Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after Deepavali Amavasya during Karthika masam. Nag Panchami and Nagasashti are observed after Naga Chaturthi. In some parts of Andhra Pradesh it is also celebrated in the month of Sravana masam.

Nagula Chavithi, a festival to worship Nag Devatas (Serpent Gods), is mainly a women festival. Nagula Chavithi is observed by married women for their well being of their children. During the Chavithi festival, women keep fast and observe Naga Puja. Devotees offer milk and dry fruits to Sarpa Devata at the Valmeekam or Putta (snake pits). On Nag Chaturthi day, Ashtanag (seven hooded cobra) is worshipped.

Karthika Ekadasi or Kaisika Ekadasi:

Kaisika Ekadasi or Karthika Ekadesi is the might of the procession of ugra srinivasa of tirumala temple. This is also called uthana dwadasi in common terminology was reintroduced last year in tirumala on kasika Dwadasi day in Karthika Masam which was discontinued a few centuries ago, Vanabhojanotsavam was performed in tirumala, In this fete Sri Malayappaswamy along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi was taken in a procession to parveta mandapam in the morning and Tirumanjanam, Archana, Asthanam and Naivedyam was offered to the deities and the prasadam was distributed among devotees.

Vanabhojanam or Karthika Vanabhojanam:

Vanabhojanam or Karthika Vanabhojanam is a kind of annual ritualistic picnic undertaken during Karthika masam in Andhra Pradesh. As per Hindu tradition, plants are considered to be of divine nature and worshiped as Gods. Certain plants like Tulsi, amla, bilva and durva plants are considered as divine and used in Pujas.

It is widely believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi prefer to reside under Amla trees during Karthika month. Hence during Karthika Vanabhojanam, amla trees are worshipped by the telugu community in Andhra Pradesh. People also offer puja to Lord Vishnu and recite the Vishnu purana and Karthika purana during Vana Mahotsavam rituals.

During Karthika Vanamahotsava, traditionally people cook food under these trees after puja and consume the food as prasad. Traditionally people had atleast one amla plant in their courtyard. But nowadays due to congestion in cities, people observe Vanamahotsava more as a cultural festival than as a religious event. Many organisations arrange for an outing on this occasion and perform the puja of Vishnu and have food in the nearby gardens.

Koti Somavara Vratham:

'Koti Somavara Vratham' is observed in 'Shravana Nakshatram' (star) which usually comes before 'Karthika Pournima'.

People perform the rituals like Abhishekam and Rudrabhishekam as stated above and lit three ghee lamps before The Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. It is said that one who lights the lamps will attain moksha from all the sins (even from all the life times), also relieves from all the belongings and bonds on earth. It is also said that one who perform this will be happy forever and reach 'Kailasam' after death.

The prayers and rituals are observed as stated as above expect for the 'Rudrabhishekam' which is performed for 11 times this day to attain moksha.

Kartik Somawaram Vratam:

Soma is the another name of Lord Shiva. Known as Someswara, who keeps the “Soma” the Moon on crescent on his matted hair. The Kartik Somawaram Vratam is performed to please the Lord Someswara (Lord Shiva). All mondays in this Month are aspecious and one can perform Pooja, Abhisheka, to Lord Shiva to get the blessings of Shiva. This is the most favorite month for both of the Supreme Gods Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Praying to Lord Vishnu and Shiva during Kartik maas fetches them Moksha (Salvation). Kartik month is treated as the Sin-destroying month as per Hindu Ethics.

Satyanarayan Vratam:

Satyanarayan Pooja is one of the best & easiest ways to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu, who is the God responsible for maintenance of this Universe. Typically Satyanarayan Pooja is to be performed before and/or after the fulfillment of our desires e.g. if you want to achieve some important milestones in your life like success in Higher Education, Success in career, promotion, buying a new vehicle, new house, starting a new business, negotiating big professional deals etc... Satyanarayan is also useful if someone in the family is not well.

In order to maintain general happiness, prosperity and well being of the family it is advisable to perform Satyanarayan Pooja at least once every year. There is no hard and fast rule as to when Satyanarayan Pooja to be performed. Morning or evening time is ideal for Pooja. You can perform it after major achievements in life. So also it is ideal to perform Satyanarayan Pooja once every year. It is a great auspicious occasions to invite friends and relatives. It is a custom to have some program of singing, dancing, playing musical instruments etc.. with well wisher friends and relatives after the Pooja is over. Satyanarayan Pooja is to be performed on an auspicious day in consultation with Panditji.

Satyanarayan is about 3.5 to 4 hours Pooja.

Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam:

Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam is a five day ritual observed in the Karthika Krishna paksha in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu.

This vrata starts on Karthika Krishna saptami and ends on the Karthika Krishna Ekadashi.

During Paitha Mahakruchcha Vrata, Lord Vishnu is worshiped for five days by fasting and on the fifth day, i.e. the day of Uttuvana Ekadasi the fast is broken and on the next day usually the tulsi vivah is conducted with Lord Vishnu in some places. People observe fast during all the five days of the vrata. However, it’s not a complete fast as prescribed and certain foods are allowed to be taken on certain days.

During Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratha, according to tradition, these foods are allowed to be taken on the particular days. On the first day of the vrata, ie the karthika krishna saptami, water is the food for the day. On the second day of the vrata, ie the karthika krishna asthami, milk is the food. On the third day of the vrata, ie the karthik krishna navami, curd is the food, On the fourth day of the vrata, ie the karthik krishna dashami, ghee is the food and on the final day, ie the karthik krishna ekadasi, fast is broken after performing the Vishnu Puja.

Nattalu or Natta Vratam:

Nattallu or Natta Vratam is observed by the devotees. The process of observing Nattallu or Natta Vratam is to fast for the whole day and eat only after seeing the stars for the whole month of Kathika Masam. So only if this routine is followed for the complete month it is called as Natta Vratham or Nattalu.

Helpful Tips - On Karthika Masam Significance Continued... (152)

On 11/29/2013 07:21:00 AM with 0 Comment

Karthika Puranam:

The most important aspect of Karthika masam is hearing Karthika puranam. It is called as Karthika vratham. It normally includes the following rules:

Waking up early in Brahmi muhartham (4.00A.M)
Taking bath in rivers or ponds remembering Ganga
Shiva Puja / Damodara (Vishnu) Puja
Lighting Akasha deepam on sun-set
Understanding Karthika Puranam.

Basic Dos and Don'ts in Karthika Masam::

* Must take shower (including hair) daily.

* Must light deepam every evening and do pooja.

* Read one chapter in Karthika Puranam book everyday. It is even good to hear the story if someone is reading it loud.

* Prepare prasadam on Mondays, karthika poornima, koti somavaram and remaining days you can even keep some fruit as prasadam.

* One should not eat Onion, garlic and non-veg food for the whole month.

* Should not use seasame oil for anything except for lighting diyas.

* Should not eat urad dal.

* Must take meal only once per day for the 30 days. We can eat breakfast at nights or at least, we must follow this on auspicious days like Mondays,karthika poornima, koti somavaram etc.

Worships done in Karthika Masam:

Below table is the elaborate description of different worships done in Karthika masam. All of these are not compulsory but if done will give enormous spiritual wealth.

Tithi	Tithi Devta	Phalam (Benefit)
Karthika Suddha Padyami	Lord Shiva	Tejas (Glory)
Karthika Suddha Vidiya	Lord Vishnu	Santhi (Peace of mind)
Karthika Suddha Tadiya	Shakti	Aishwarya Prapthi (Wealth)
Karthika Suddha Chavithi	Naga Devathas/Lord Subramanya	Ayush and Arogya Prapthi (Longevity and Health)
Karthika Suddha Panchami	Lord Subramanya	Karya Siddhi (Success in work)
Karthika Suddha Shasthi	Lord Subramanya	Santhana Prapthi (Children)
Karthika Suddha Sapthami	Lord Surya (Sun)	Tejas and Arogya (Glory and Health)
Karthika Suddha Ashtami	Godess Durga	Sankata Nivarana (Relief from Miseries)
Karthika Suddha Navami	Pithru Devathas	Kutumba Soukhyam (Happy family)
Karthika Suddha Dasami	Lord Ganesh	Relief from Obstacles
Karthika Suddha Ekadashi	Lord Shiva	Karya Siddhi (Success in work)
Karthika Suddha Dwadashi	Lord Vishnu	Dhana Dhanya Vriddhi (Wealth and Good life)
Karthika Suddha Trayodashi	Lord Vishnu	Tejas (Glory)
Karthika Suddha Chaturdashi	Lord Kala Bhairava	Akala Mruthyu Haranam (Relief from sudden Deaths)
Karthika Suddha Pournami	Lord Shiva/Lord Krishna	Moksha
Karthika Bahula Pdyami	Lord Agni (Fire)	Tejas (Glory)
Karthika Bahula Vidiya	Ashwini Devathas (Doctors of Gods)	Arogya (Health)
Karthika Bahula Tadiya	Gauri (Parvathi)	Soubhagya (Good for Husband and Children)
Karthika Bahula Chavithi	Lord Ganesh	Kutumba Saukhyam (Gives happy family life)
Karthika Bahula Panchami	Lord Subramanya	Vijaya (Victory)
Karthika Bahula Shasthi	Lord Subramanya	Santhana Vriddhi (Children)
Karthika Bahula Sapthami	Lord Surya	Ayush and Arogya (Longevity and Health)
Karthika Bahula Ashtami	Ashta Lakshmi	Santhi (Peace)
Karthika Bahula Navami	Godess Durga	Karya Siddhi (Success everywhere)
Karthika Bahula Dasami	Ashta Dikpalakas	Keerthi (Fame)
Karthika Bahula Ekadashi	Kubera	Dhana Prapthi (Money)
Karthika Bahula Dwadashi	Lord Vishnu	Yoga Prapthi (Eternal unity)
Karthika Bahula Trayodashi	Lord Yama	Vyadhi Nivarana (Relief from severe diseases)
Karthika Bahula Chaturdashi	Mruthyunjaya	Arogya (Relief from diseases and Healthy body and mind)
Karthika Bahula Amavasya	Pithru Devathas	Mano dhairyam (Mental stability)

Mantras to be recited in Kartika Masam:

Below table is the description Mantras to be recited in Kartika masam day wise.

Day	Devta (Lord)	Mantra
Day 01	Sadaa Agni	"Om Jatavedasee Swadaapate Swaha"
Day 02	Brahma	"Om Greeshpataye Viriyanchiye swaha"
Day 03	Parvati Devi	"Om Parvathai Parameswarai Swaha"
Day 04	Vigneswara Swamy	"Om Gam Ganathipataye Namaha"
Day 05	Adishesu	"Om Parabrahmanai namaha"
Day 06	Subramanyeswara Swamy	"Om Sum Bram Subramaneswaraya"
Day 07	Surya Bhagavan	"Om Bham Bhanave swaha"
Day 08	Durga Devi	"Om Chamnudayi swaha"
Day 09	Pitru Devata	"Om Amrutaya swaha"
Day 10	Lord Shiva	"Om Shivayana maha"
Day 11	Shiva	"Om namah Shivaya"
Day 12	Damodara	"Om Kartika Damodaraya Swaha"
Day 13	Manmadhudu	"Om Sri Virisaraya Namaha"
Day 14	Yama	"Om Tila Priyaya sarvasamhara hetine swaha"
Day 15	Chandra	"Om Somaya Somatanave swaha"
Day 16	Swaha Agni	"Om Swahapataye jatavedase namaha"
Day 17	Aswini Devatas	"Om Aswnowvaidhya te namaha"
Day 18	Gowri Devi	"Om GaGaGaGa Gowrai swaha"
Day 19	Vinayaka	"Om Gam Ganathipataye swaha"
Day 20	Kumara Swamy	"Om Sam Saravanabhavaya Kumaraya swaha"
Day 21	Shiva	"Om Namah Shivaya"
Day 22	Surya	"Om Bhasharayane swaha"
Day 23	Ashta devata	"Om Srimatreyana maha"
Day 24	Sri Durga	"Sri Durgayai swaha"
Day 25	Dikpalakas	"Om Eesavasya swaha"
Day 26	Kubera	"Om Kuberaya sravanaya maharajaya swaha"
Day 27	Kartika Damodara	"Om Bhoothulasi dhatri sameta Kartika Damodaraya swaha"
Day 28	Dharma	"Om Dharmaya, karmanasaya swaha"
Day 29	Mrutyunjaya	"Om Mrutunjayanamaha"
Day 30	Sarvadevata, Pitrudevata	"Om Amrutaya swaha-Mama samasta pitru devatabhyo namaha"

Continued....

Helpful Tips - On Karthika Masam Significance (151)

On 11/28/2013 06:30:00 AM with 2 comments

Introduction - Karthika Maasam:

Karthika masam is very auspicious and sacred for both saiva and vaishnava devotees and the devotees indulge in month long prayers to the gods apart from various rituals and customs. The devotees observe Karthika Masa Vratham also and get good life and moksha. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Karthika month which coincides with Krithika star.

Karthika masam starts just the day after Deepavali Amavasya. Karthika month is the favorite month for Lord Shiva among all 12 months. During Karthika Masa, devotees execute various rituals and customs. They observe Karthika Masa Vratam. One really should stick to the rituals to direct a good life and to get Moksha. Dhanams like Swarna, Vastra, Cow will give good results. Upavasams to be performed on Mondays.

"Sivasya Hrudayum Vishnuhu, VIshnusya Hrudaygaum Shiva
Etha Shivamayor Vishnu, EEvam Vishnu Maya Shivaha"
During Karthika Masam it helps the devotee to understand and embrace within himself that there is no difference between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and that both are one.

Karthika masam is the most auspicious month to our hindus. Kartika masam starts the day after Deepavali, the festival of diyas or deepam. Kartika masam is very auspicious and gets us spiritual bliss when we worship Lord Vishnu/Shiva. There are many important pooja procedures to be done during this period like Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi Pooja / Kartika Deepam or Kartika Pournami Pooja, lighting the lamps near Tulasi maadam and doing nitya poojas to Goddess Tulasi, Chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam or Shiva Sahasranamam, at least daily chanting of Shiva Stotras, fasting on Mondays and meditating on Lord Shiva. According to Kalidharma and Kaladharmam we are not able to follow each and every ritual according to Kartika Puranam, but at least we can adapt some rituals and do simple pooja with scuchi and subratha.

Karthika Masam is considered highly auspicious and a sacred month for worshipping Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Subrahmanya (Karthikeya) with great austerities. Devotees of Lord Shiva perform the Ekadasa Rudra Abhishekam for the whole month of Karthika Masam to please Lord Shiva. Devotees of Lord Vishnu perform Satyanarayana Vrata on Karthika Pournami. Devotees of Subrahmanya perform Skanda Shasthi during this month. Any austerity performed during the month of Karthika would help the sadhakas to free themselves from all sins and leads them towards moksha.

Kartik Maas, also known as Damodar Maas. Kartika masa is the most auspicious and holiest month for Hindus.
Pujas are to be performed for the whole month. Those who cannot perform for 30 days (full month) they can do minimum for 10 days. These 10 (ten) days are "initial starting five days of Karthik masam and 5 days before pournima". These 10 days are important days in this month.
As per puranas, there is no sacred month like Karthik, there is no God similar to Lord Vishnu, there is no scripture like Vedas and there no river like Ganga.

Karthik month is the favorite month to both of the supreme Gods Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. Water in rivers, lakes and ponds get holy power to destroy ill effects during the month hence Karthik Snaan (bath) is one of the most popular Hindu rituals.

The pujas, all other rituals, rules and code during the month are called as Kartika Masa Vratam. There are certain rules and codes to perform Kartika Masa Vrata. The Karthika Purana details the rituals and customs to be performed during the month of Karthik. Various Hindu sacred texts have mentioned the list of basic rituals and customs of Kartika masam. Kartik is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually overlaps with the months October & November in the English calendar. Kartik Maas is described in the scriptures as the best among months for performing austerities.

Importance of Karthika Masam:

Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Ashadha suddha ekadashi and wakes-up on Karthika suddha ekadashi.

Lord Shiva killed Tripurasuras on Karthika Pournami and protected the world.

In this month Ganga (Godess of river Ganges) enters in to all rivers, canals, ponds and wells and makes them as pious as Ganga.

Ayyappa deeksha is also taken in Karthika masam and is continued up to Makara Sankranthi (Jan 15th).

Bathing In River Or Nadi Snanam:

Bathing in River or Nadi Snanam another important significance is bathing in rivers during Karthika Masam. The rivers have received fresh water during the rain season comprising of Shravan and Bhadrapada Months and have completely settled by the time Karthika Masam starts. Also, Sharad Rithu (season) known for its special Moon light comprises of Ashwayuja and Karthika Months. All along the Aswayuja Masam, the rivers would absorb the energy from Moon and by bathing in the river during Karthika Masam one can absorb this energy from the river.

As per the Science, in Kaarthika Masam Water enrich with more Magnetic Power from the Earth and will be stored in water before the Sunrise this may be the one of the reason for taking a Kartika Snanam before Sunrise.
As in Magnetic Therapy, taking bath on Kaarhika Somavaram (Monday) in any Flowing Water for 15 minutes. That Human being will get relief from STOMACH DISORDERS, LEVER DISORDERS, and GENERAL Health Problems.

The process of performing the Nadi Snanam is to close the nose with the two thumb fingers and close the ears with the middle fingers and take a dip so that the whole body along with the head is under the water. This has to be repeated for a minimum of three times.

Lighting of Diya Or Lighting a Lamp:

Lighting of Diya or Lighting a Lamp during Karthika Masam, it is considered auspicious to light a diya. Diyas are lit and placed in front of Tulasi plant and near the main entrance of the house before Sun rise, and just before Sun set. Temples light the Diya and bring the diya to the top of the Dhwaja Sthambam in the temple and tie it there on Karthika Pournami. This diya is called as Akaasa Deepam. On Karthika Pournami, the whole house is decorated with diyas.

He who Lights up a Deepam in Kaarthika Masam will have the blessings of PITRUDEVATHALU (who are our ancestors) and also the blessings of SIVA and VISHNU.

Deepam should be lighted up only in Mud Plate (Mati Pramida). If by any chance non availability of Mud Plates kindly use Silver Articles only.

At any point of time don’t use Steel Articles for Deepam (usage of Steel Articles for Pooja and Deepam increases our Poverty).

Use Cow Ghee or Gingelly Oil. Do not use Mustard Oil, for Deepam.

Deep Daan (offering lamps):

Worship the Lord by offering lamps (diyas), flowers, incense, food, etc. Lighting a diya before the Lord is called as "deep-daan" and affords immense religious merits when performed during the Kartik month.

In the Padma Purana, Kartik Mahatmya, there is a very famous story of a mouse.

In a temple of Lord Vishnu, there was a mouse who used to eat the ghee from the extinguished ghee lamps which had been offered by devotees to Him. One day when she felt hungry to eat ghee, she tried to eat the ghee from a lamp which was not yet extinguished. While eating ghee from the lamp, the cotton wick got stuck in her teeth. Since the ghee wick had a flame, the mouse started jumping in front of the Lord's Deity form and thus died due to fire. But Lord Sri Vishnu accepted the jumping of that mouse with a lit ghee wick in her mouth as His aarti. In the end, He gave her liberation, the highest destination.

If somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Shri Hari even for a short time (in the month of Kartik), then whatever sins, he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa equals 1000 yugas) are all destroyed."

Of all gifts, the gift of a lamp during the month of Kartik is the best. No gift is its equal."

The Pushkar Puran states, "The person who lights the lamp of sesame (til) oil in the name of Lord Shri Hari in the month of Kartik (during Sandhya) gets unlimited prosperity, beauty, blessedness and wealth."

On the full moon day of the month of Kartika (November-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, the Hindus celebrate the Kartika Deepam. It is on this day that the huge beacon is lit on the holy hill Arunachala, in South India.

It is celebrated in a special manner in Thiruvannamalai. Lord Shiva asks Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find out the exact location of his head and his feet. Since Lord Shiva takes a gigantic form, they are not able to find out anywhere. Then Lord Shiva takes the form of a jyothi (light of fire) on the hill of Thiruvannamali. Therefore, this festival is also known as Annamalai Deepam. Here, a special torch is lighted on the zenith of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva’s jothi will be visible on this day.

Continued....

Helpful Tips - On Sri Chakra, Naga Pratishta, Exchange Of Clothes, Vermillion & Turmeric Powder (150)

On 11/26/2013 07:33:00 AM with 2 comments

Helpful Tips - On Sri Chakra, Naga Pratishta, Vermillion & Turmeric Powder (150)

Sri Chakra/Sri Yantra

If you happen to have Sri Chakra/Sri Yantra at home, please offer pooja to it two times in a day. Few people keep Sri Chakra or any kind of Yantras given by any Vasthu consultant or friends in showcase or pooja room without offering any pooja to it. Always try to avoid keeping Chakra's or Yantra's at home, if you have them then don't keep them idle at home. Kindly offer the respective poojas to them. These days many Archaks/Purohits don't know how to perform Sri Chakra - Sri Yantra Nava Avarana Pooja.

Naga Pratishta/Naga Devatha Prathista:

There is a peculiar custom among the Hindus and this can be named as Naga Pratishta. It consists in the establishment of Naga or snake images made out of stone under the spreading branches of Ashwatha tree on the banks of the village tank. They established it with the enjoined religious rites and ceremonies.
If you have done any Naga Pratishta to get rid of any kind of doshas, see to that you give visit to it frequently and offer poojas, if you are located close by. Else, give visit to it on any special occasions every year or twice in a year and offer your poojas without fail. Don't leave it dry, without any pooja offerings. It will leave your family dry without any happiness. Since you have established it, you have to take care of it well.

Exchange Of Clothes:

Don't exchange or swap the used clothes/dresses with any one, even with your brothers or sisters.

Vermillion & Turmeric Powder In Pooja Room:

Don't use the same Turmeric (Manjal in Tamil ; Arishina In Kannada) or Vermillion (Kungumam in Tamil ; Kumkuma in Kannada) powder for pooja purpose in pooja room and offering the same to female's visiting your home. Kindly use two different powders for these purposes. Don't keep the powders used for giving the female's visiting your home in pooja room.
The Turmeric or Vermillion powders which you get after your religious journey (pilgrimage) is applicable only to your family members.

Helpful Tips - On Sankastahara Chaturthi, Shri Nagnechi Ji Mata (149)

On 11/26/2013 06:12:00 AM with 0 Comment

In which Temple did Sri Sankastahara Chaturthi Ganapati Pooja was held first?

Sri Sankastahara Chaturthi Ganapati Pooja was held first at Thiruvanaikaval and Thirukurungudi Temple located in state of Tamilnadu.

Shri Nagnechi Ji Mata Temple - Kuldevi of Rathore Rajputs:

A caller belonging to Rajputs community called Guruji to ask regarding his growth in future career. Guruji suggested him to visit Shri Nagnechi Ji Mata Temple and offer your prayers, since it is the Kuldevi of Rathore Rajputs.

This Temple is situated at a distance of 4 Km from Bikaner Railway Station towards Southeast of Bikaner City, on a mound, in the area called Pawanpuri South Extension, District Bikaner, Rajasthan.

It is dedicated to Nagnechi Mata, the Mahishasur Mardini Goddess Durga and the family Goddess of Rathore dynasty.

Rao Bika Ji (the founder and ruler of Bikaner between 1472-1504 A.D.) belonged to the royal family of Jodhpur. When he left Jodhpur to establish Bikaner, he brought with him 14 royal and sacred idols one of which was of Nagnechi Mata. So this Temple was built in the 16th Century A.D. by Rao Rai Singh (a ruler of Bikaner between 1574-1612 A.D.) to install the idol of the Goddess.

Rao Dhuhad (son of Rao Asthan) once attacked on “Godyana” near Kannoj to get his old state back from Mugals but he could not success in that. On his return he brought his kuldevi “Chakreshwari’s” statue from Karnat and established under a tree of Neem (Scientific Name - Azadirachta indica) in Nagana village. Because of this all Rathores worship Neem as well. A holy tree for Rathores. Because of the name of village(Nagana), kuldevi Chakreshwari is well known by the name Nagnechiya Maa. Generally in all villages where Rathores live they have a common Than (Temple) of Nagnechiya Mata.

This splendidly built Temple is situated on a high mound and looks like a citadel. It has a high Shikhar. The Sanctum Sanctorum and the portico are built of red stone of Dulmera, while the front gate of the Sanctum Sanctorum is made of white marble. The Shrines of Chamunda Mata and Lord Shiva are also situated here.

The Temple remains open on all days from 5.00 A.M. to 12.00 A.M. and 5.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M.

Helpful Tips - On Unnatural Death, Home Cleaning, Washing Legs (148)

On 11/23/2013 08:42:00 AM with 0 Comment

Can we keep the clothes used by people who are died due to unnatural death?

Avoid keeping the clothes of people, who are passed away due to unnatural death like suicide, accidents etc.. at home. Anyhow you can use the things used by them.

Can we use the bed used by people who are died due to unnatural death?

No, we should not use the bed/mattress used by people, who are passed away due to unnatural death like suicide, accidents etc.. at home.

Home Must Be Kept Clean:

Always keep your home neat and clean because Lakshmi resides in a home that is kept clean and beautifully decorated, while Daridra resides in a home that is unclean. See to that you clean the things which are kept unused for long period in store room or on the slabs of rooms frequently. The dust accumulated in these things will lead to Daridra entering your home.
Clean the Doors and Windows of your residence every Wednesdays. If the main door is cleaned everyday, it is well and good.

Why elders/parents ask us to wash your foot/legs completely?

Kids usually don't wash legs properly covering the ankle/heel (Himmadi in Kannada ; Kanukkal/kudhikaal in Tamil) parts of leg. There is a story of Lord Shani & King Nala behind it.

King Nala was ruling Nidadha having Mavindha as his capital. He was great King ruling vast area of the present Indian nation.
In a Swayamvara function he married a princess of the nearby country 'Vitharpa' named as 'Damayanthi'. The Devas who attended that function were angry and jealous on the King as they couldn't marry the Princess.

They prayed to Lord Sani and requested him to give severe punishment to the King Nala. The Navagraha Lord Sani accepted this request because the King was about to get the effects of Sani Dasa in his life. One day before doing his daily puja, Nala did not wash his legs perfectly. Lord Sani immediately caught hold of him after waiting for a chance to hold him for about 12 years.
Due to this effect of Lord Sani; King Nala lost his kingdom in a gamble. His sufferings grew large. He left his land along with his queen Damayanthi. The effects of Sani were such that even he forgot what he was doing. In course of his wandering in the jungles, he parted with his queen also.

Hence elders/parents ask us to wash our legs completely.

Helpful Tips - On Balarishta Dosha And Its Remedies (147)

On 11/22/2013 06:58:00 AM with 2 comments

Balarishta Dosha:

Brahmanda Guruji, Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji just briefed us on Balarishta Dosha. I have collected more information online, which is shared below for all your benefit.

Though the birth of a child is a happy event for the whole family and is an event brought about by auspicious planetary cycles in the horoscopes of the parents, there are times when the birth occurs under some planetary combinations or asterisms that can endanger the prospects of the child or its closest relatives during the child’s infancy. This condition is called Balarishta or Bala Graha dosha.

Balarishta dosha literally means “problems arising in infancy”. Baalarishta doshas of a new born child threaten the longevity and well-being of the child and also sometimes the prospects of its closest relatives. The child whose horoscope is afflicted with Balarishta dosha will suffer from frequent inexplicable ailments that will fail to respond to conventional medical treatments. Performance of appropriate remedies along with the medical treatment can provide succor to the suffering child and sigh of relief to the parents.

Planetary positions in a child’s horoscope that are indicative of the possibility of Balagraha dosha:

Though there are many combinations given as indicative of balarishta dosha, the easy way to identify whether the horoscope is a Balarishta jataka or not is to check the following main points:

1) Lagna lord will be weak by position and also strength.

2) The 5, 8, 9, and 12th houses will have placement of malefics without the aspect of strong benefics.

3) If Moon being a malefic (Moon is considered to be malefic in its dark phase) is in the 6th or 8th houses without the aspect of benefics.

4) If Moon in 8th house is aspected by Saturn from the 6th house.

5) Moon or the lagna lord afflicted by malefics without the aspect of benefics.

6) Presence of 3 malefics in 4 kendras (Even Sun is considered to be a malefic while judging this).

7) If Moon is in the kendras or 8th house and at the same attains Mrityubhaagas (fateful degrees) of a sign, then the child's longevity will be threatened. The Fateful degrees are 26th degree of Aries, Taurus 12, Gemini 13, Cancer 25, Leo 24, Virgo 11, Libra 26, Scorpio 14, Sagittarius 13, Capricorn 25, Aquarius 5 and Pisces 12.

Apart from the above considerations, there are certain asterisms which are said to be productive of troubles to closest relatives of the new born child…..

Troubles to closest relatives arising from birth of child in certain asterisms:

1. Troubles indicated to father: Birth in 3rd quarter of Aslesha and Poorvaashaada, in the second quarter of Uttaraashaada and Revati, in the first quarter of Uttaraphalguni and Anuraadhaa, and 4th quarter of Dhanishta can indicate troubles to the child’s father.

2. Troubles to both the parents: Birth in 1st quarter of Poorvaashaada, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of Pushyam, in the 1st and 2nd quarters of Chitra, in the 1st quarter of Uttaraphalguni can indicate problems to both the parents.

3. Birth in Aslesha 2nd quarter can indicate troubles to the elder siblings.

4. Birth in 1st quarter of Moola nakshatra can indicate troubles to the younger male siblings of the child’s father (the child’s paternal uncle).

5. Troubles to maternal grandmother, grandfather, and maternal uncle:

Birth in first quarter of Chitra, 4th quarter of Visaakha, Anuraadhaa, and Moola, 1st quarter of Satabisha and Poorvabhadra, 2nd quarter of Makha, 3rd quarter of Anuraadhaa, 4th quarter of Poorvaashaada, and Full nakshatra of Rohini can indicate troubles to maternal relatives, and especially to the Maternal uncle.

Remedy for the above conditions when the child’s birth is deemed inauspicious to close relatives is to have the relatives concerned look at their reflection in gingely oil (oil of Sesame seeds) before seeing the child and then looking at the child, and then seeing the reflection in sesame oil again, and then gifting that oil to a vedic Brahmin or to a temple.

Powerful Remedies To Overcome Balarishta Dosha:

A Powerful Jupiter in the lagna will destroy this dosha completely. If Jupiter is in other kendraas (i.e. 4, 7, or 10th houses), its strength should be noted, and also we have to check if this Jupiter aspects the malefic causing the dosha to see whether the dosha is cancelled.

The other benefics like Venus, or Mercury (unaspected by malefic) can also mitigate the evil of Balarishta dosha if they are well-placed in the horoscope and are endowed with strength.

If there are no cancellation factors for the balarishta dosha, then proper remedies should be done to remove the dosha as this dosha does adversely affect the child.

The following are some tried and tested remedies for removal of balarishta dosha:

1) Chanting

"Raahur mandah kavir jeevaha Buddho Baumah sasi ravih
Kaalah srushti sthithir viswa sthaavaro jangamo jagat||"

with devotion, meditating on Lord Vinaayaka every evening, and then sprinkling the water held in hands on the child's head will help in removing the baalaarishta dosham. This can be highly effective especially if the dosham is caused by Ketu in the horoscope.

2) Chanting

"Graheswari Grahaaraadhya Grahinii roga moshini
Grahaaveshakari Graahyaa Graha Graamaabhi rakshinii

"Meditating on Goddess Durga will help in removing the Baalaarishta dosha. This should also be chanted every evening, and water energized with this mantra sprinkled on the child's forehead. This will be particularly effective if the dosha is arising out of malefic Moon or Rahu.

3) Chanting "Om Praanadhaatryai namaha" 108 times daily in the morning meditating on Goddess Lalitha Parameshwari and praying for long life for the child will help to improve the longevity of the child. This mantra can also be used if any person is critical in the hospital and struggling for life.

4) A visit to Tirukkadaiyur Abhiraami temple and offering of special prayers there will be good for removal of baalaarishta dosham and ensuring longevity of the child.

5) Offering "Aal roopam" (silver replicas of human form in thin silver foils) to Guruvayoor temple or Tirupati or the temple of your Family Deity will be helpful.

6) Offering Tulaabhaaram of the respective planetary grain (grain of the planet causing the baalaarishta dosham) in powerful temples like Guruvayoor temple or Tirupati will be a powerful remedy that can remove even the most severe of baalaarishta doshams. If there is confusion as to which is the worst malefic affecting the horoscope and giving rise to the dosham, offering of banana, gingelee oil, ghee, or coconut will be better.

7) Chanting the 38th slokham of Soundarya Lahiri 5000 times daily for 48 days will definitely help to cancel even the most dangerous of baalaarishta doshams. The offering can be sugarcandy, dried grapes, or any fruit. Of course, performance of this remedy is a little difficult due to time constraints and economic factors involved in this performance. The yantra can be tied as a rakshai to the child's person to ensure safety of the child.

8) Performance of "Aayush Homam"/ "Mrityunjaya homam" on the child's birth star every year till its 8th year will be very good for ensuring its longevity. This can be done even if the child's horoscope is not afflicted in any way at all!

Even if your child's horoscope has been diagnosed as one afflicted with balarishta dosha, you need not panic. There is an advantageous flip side to this! If a child is severely afflicted with baalaarishta dosha, and if it survives its childhood sufferings, then in later years that child will have a wonderful destiny. So, if your child's horoscope has balarishta dosha, take heart..... Maybe you have a great soul or a great conqueror in your care!

Helpful Tips - On Shiva Rudra Abhishekam, Temple Car (146)

On 11/21/2013 08:07:00 AM with 0 Comment

Shiva Rudra Abhishekam:

Brahmanda Guruji, Shri Narendra Babu Sharmaji just briefed us on Rudra Abhishekam. I have collected more information online, which is shared below for all your benefit.

"Abhishekam" is religious bathing, literally meaning "sprinkling". "Abhishekam" forms an important purification ritual in "Pooja" offerings. In "Siva Pujan" many sacred materials are used in "Abhishekam" as per the code of initiation by the Acharya. During the abishekam, devotee is able to see the murti in many different forms and it may also be a way of washing of one’s sins. As Rudra is a very fierce form of Shiva, abishekam may have significance in cooling of or pleasing of the God.

(Its simple, if someone is in angry mood, you cannot get anything from them. Hence we try to cool them first and then ask for whatever is needed.)

In this Puja, lord shiva is exalted in the form of linga or Lingam and abhishek is being performed with a variety of objects like flowers, curd, sugarcane juice, milk, coconut water, honey, belpatra, etc. Shiva Rudra Abhishekam is known to be a very good Homam and believed that it has a powerful hymns or mantras that can grant all the wishes of those persons who performed it. This kind of Homam gives prosperity, achievement of all desires, eliminates negative forces, getting rid away from negative karma and will give you the joy and success in life.

The Sri Rudram determine the 346 desires of the human beings that you should attain this to have a peaceful life and should worship Shiva Rudra Abhishekam in order to fulfill it. The astrology scriptures recommended that if you want to have a peaceful life, progeny or progress in your career, health or wealth Shiva Rudra Abhishekam is the ideal one.

Any monday, on Pradosh tithi, all shivratri and Mahashivratri, whole shravan month are very auspicious to do this abhisheka, or else on any day this can be done, in North you might have seen all devotee when go to shiva temple they pour water on Shiva and in this way they get punya. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.

When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sri Rama, he established Siva Linga at Rameshwaram before crossing the sea and performed Rudra abhishek to express his devotion to Lord Siva.

The sacred baths (abhishekam) offered to Lord Shiva are as follows:

01. Sudhodaka Snanam - With Pure Water

02. Pachamrutha Snanam – With five nectarine fluid

03. Ksheera snanam – With Milk

04. Dadhyaa Snapayami – With Yogurt

05. Aajyena Snapayami – With Ghee

06. Madhuya Snapayami – With Honey

07. Shakkaraya Snapayami – With Sugars

08. Phala Snanam – With variety of fruits

09. Divya Parimala Gandhokadakena Snapayami - Sandal water

10. Pushpodakena snapayami – Water scented with the fragrances of flowers

11. Akshatodakena Snapayami - Water charged with the powers of Akshata

12. Nava Ratna Khajita Suvarnodakena Snapayami - Golden water

13. Divya Parimala Bhasmodakena snapayami – Water with divine fragrant ashes

14. Spatika- Rudrakshaodakena snapayami - Water charged with spatika and rudraksha

15. Bilvodakena snapayami – Water charged with the efficacies of Bilwa leaves

16. Doorvodakena snapayami - Water charged with the efficacies of Doorva leaves

17. Haridrodakena snapayami – With Turmetic water

18. Kumkumodakena snapayami - With Kumkum water

Not all are performed as mentioned above, it all depends on the purohit who performs it. Based on his learning's, he may do all or he may perform few from the above list or he may add few to the list.

Below are few snapshots of Rudra Abhisheka. It is such a wonderful sight for us to watch.

Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam Pooja: This is a more elaborate Pooja of Lord Shiva. Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra. In this Pooja all the 11 Rudras are worshiped. After the sthapana avahana etc., Laghunyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. Abhishekam is done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 dravyas prescribed. Their 11 consorts are also worshiped . This pooja is performed by 4 pundits and Rudram is recited total 11 times - i.e. one recital for each of the 11 Rudras. It will be done in your name and with your sankalpa i.e. - The specific purpose for which you are getting the pooja performed. Only Pooja is performed and Homa ie fire oblations are not done.

Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam Homa: This is a major Homa of Lord Shiva. Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra. In this Homa all the 11 Rudras are worshiped. After the sthapana avahana etc., Mahanyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. This homa is performed by 11 pundits and each pundit recites Sri Rudram 11 times - i.e. total 121 times Rudrajapa. Abhishekam is done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 dravyas prescribed. Their 11 consorts are also worshiped. After the pooja Homa is performed with the prescribed ingredients and 1/10 the number of japas done in the pooja are repeated. It ends with purnahuti and shanti paath. It is an excellent Homa for all round shanti and success in all undertakings. It will be done in your name and with your sankalpa, i.e., the specific purpose for which you are getting the pooja performed. This Homa will be performed exclusively for you.

Maha Rudram Yajna: This is a once in a lifetime yajna to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and an excellent remedy for all doshas and for all round success in all areas of life. All other rituals are same as in the above Ekadasa Rudra Homam but in this Yagya 121 pundits recite the Rudram 11 times each in one day - i.e., total 1331 recitals of Sri Rudram. Alternately, instead of one day it is also performed by 33 pundits for 4 days to complete the total 1331 Rudra japas. After that Homa is performed with the prescribed ingredients and 1/10 the number of japas done in the pooja are repeated while performing the Homa - i.e., 133 more Rudra japas. Normally apart from the 121 reciting pundits 10 more extra pundits are included in the homa to look after the continuous process of abhishekam and passing the materials plus in case a pundit takes a break to drink water etc as it a very long Yagya.One must be very lucky indeed to get this Yagya performed as it is said that Lord Shiva and His consort Mother Annapoorna bless the performer with all the 8 types of wealth.

Small Request From My Side: I just wanted to tell all devotees that these days several offer these type of poojas online and many websites claim that they will do abhisheka in your name/family and send prasadams to your home.
My suggestion is Please DO NOT go for this, it is not possible to get full benefits when you perform it online.

When you yourself do abhisheka, pandits recite mantra then due to vibration and chemical changes taking place in you, you get benefited to full extent.
So choose any good pandit who can perform Rudra Ahishekam well and you can do it at temple or at home but at home you need to care all material which comes after touching Shiva so better to do it in temple.

Temple Car:

Before pulling Temple Car, we should first offer coconut by showing it to God present in the Temple Car and break it in front of Temple Car. This is nothing but, seeking permission from the God and start pulling the Temple Car

Divine Brahmanda