Hindu Devotional Blog: January 2009

Gayathri Mantra

Gayathri Mantra :
"Om Bhoor Bhuvaha Swaha
Tat Savitur Vareniyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat"

Goddess Gayathri is considered as the veda mata , the mother of all Vedas and also the personification of the all - pervading Prabrahman. Gayatri Devi is an incarnation of Saraswati Devi, consort of Lord Brahma, symbolising the "shakti" (strength) and "dev" (quality) of Knowledge, Purity and Virtue. Gayatri Devi, with the blessings of Lord Brahma, she is believed to have given the four Vedas to mankind.

Gayatri is depicted seated on a lotus. She is depicted with five faces representing the pancha pranas, Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Sky (prithvi, jala, vayu, teja, aakasha). She has 10 hands carrying the five ayudhas. Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati are three goddesses representing the presiding deities of the famous Gayatri mantra chanted thrice a day.
Gayatri mantra is meant for realization of God and is regarded as representing the Supreme Lord. Success in chanting it enables one to enter the transcendental position of the Lord.

Legend : Once Lord Brahma decided to conduct an Yagna. He selected the place Pushkar,in Rajasthan which had a pond near by. He invited all Gods and Godesses ,devas and maharashis for the function. On a certain day the ritiual was proposed to be conducted. Everyone gathered there. But Goddess Saraswathi, Brahma's wife did not come on time. The auspicious time was only for a short period and time running short. So Brahma asked Indra to find a girl and to bring her there. The girl was brought and purified by making her to enter the mouth of Kamadenu a divine cow and exit by its tail. Brahma then married that purified girl and named her Gayathri. Then the yagna was conducted peacefully. Soon goddess Saraswati came and got rage seeing her husband remarrying another girl. She cursed Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu that they will suffer seperation from Goddess Parvathy and Goddess Lakshmi. Brahma will not have many Temple. Pushkar will be the only major place of worship for him.
Brahma gave that place to our earth by throwing a lotus in that pond, which later on became the famous Pushkarnithirtha., a famous pilgrim place. That girl Gayathri became the famous Goddess Gayathri whose mantra has become so popular. Pilgrims take bath in that pond and chant Gayathri mantras there for attaining moksha.
In Hindu Brahmins families, the thread ceremony is conducted for the sons at the ages from5 to 11 years. During that mukurtham time father of that son preaches this Gayathri Mantra in his hear thrice in the midst of Gurusastry and the mother of the child by closing themselves with a cloth. Tthat is known as Brahmopadesam .He thus becomes brahmachari. There after he performs the sandhya’ vathanam daily.

Gayathri Mantra :

"Om Bhoor Bhuvaha Swaha
Tat Savitur Vareniyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat"

This posting is a combined work by me and Sharada . Thanks to her for giving us the information.)

Slokams Part 2

1. Garbharakshambigai Slokam :

"Om Namo Devyai Mahaa Devyai Durgaayai satatam namaha Santaana Soukhyam dehi dehi Garbha rakshaam kurushva nah"

This should be chanted 18 times daily and 108 times on Tuesday/ Friday evenings. If possible, you can chant/ listen to Lalitha Sahasranaamam with devotion everyday or at least on Fridays.

Offer fresh butter as naivedya and you should share it only with your spouse. (This butter can be given to any child below 5 years also apart from you two; but no other person should share this butter).

Or chant this :

"Om Karukkaavoor kshetrasthitha Shri Garbharakshaambike namaha"

with devotion everyday as many times as possible will be enough. Also keep a photo of Garbarakshambikai in your room. She will protects you.

2. Santhana Gopala Krishna slokam : (For Getting Pregnant )
Om Devaki Sudha Govinda Vasudeva Jagath Pathe Dehimey.
Thanayam Krishna Thwamaham Saranam Kadhahaa Deva Deva.
Jagannatha Gothra Vridhi Karap Prabho Dehimey
Thanayam Sheegram Ayushmandham Yashashreenam !

3. Before Going to sleep :
To Avoid bad dreams :
1.
Rama Skanda hanumantam vainadeyam vrukodaram
Sayane sa smaren nityam dus-swapnam tasya nashyati

2.
to be chanted 3 times:
Duhsvapna duhs(h)akuna durgathi dourmanasyaDurbiksha durvyasana duhsaha duryas(h)aamsiUthpaatha thaapa vishabheethi masadgrahaarthimVyaadeems(h)cha naas(h)ayathu mae jagathaamathees(h)ah

To dispel fear:

1 - S(h)ankha chakra danurbhaaNaam dhaarayantheem thrilochanaamDoorvaadaLa nibhaam vandhae durgaam durgathi naas(h)ineem

2 - Sarvaswaroopae,sarvaes(h)ae sarvas(h)akthi samanvithaeBhayaebhyasthraahi no daevi durgae daevi namo(a)sthuthae

3 - Sarvabaadhaa pras(h)amanam thrylokhyasyakhilaes(h) variAevamaeva thvayaa kaaryam asmadvairivinaas(h)anam

It is customary to chant Om Namo Narayanaya when you wake up & Om Namashivaya when you go to sleep.

Sources : www.indusladies.com

Lord Brahma Temples

Brahma Temple is located near the Lake at Pushkar in Rajasthan, Brahma Temple receives many pilgrims to its doorsteps every year. Built in the 14th century, Raised on a high platform, the temple lies in the Pushkar valley that is known for its scenic beauty. Brahma Temple commemorates Lord Brahma, who is considered as the creator of this Universe . For the Hindus, Brahma Temple is an important pilgrim place. since all the Gods & Goddesses of Hindu pantheon observed a 'Yajna' here. Moreover, the Pushkar Lake near this temple is believed to have been appeared when a Lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma in this valley.

According to the Hindu mythology, once Lord Brahma was cursed that he would be not worshipped frequently by the people. Due to the reason, this is the only known temple in the world, where Lord Brahma is the main deity. Constructed entirely in marble, the Temple can be easily identified with its tall red spire. The temple is accessible by a flight of marble steps. An image of 'Hans' (Goose) can be traced on the entrance of the main shrine. One can also spot the silver turtle, which is embossed on the floor in front of the sanctorum. In the vicinity of the turtle, many a silver coins are placed on the floor. Even, the inner walls of the temple are studded with silver coins. The main shrine houses the life-size image of Lord Brahma with four hands and four faces, facing the four basic directions. An image of Goddess Gayatri, who is known as the milk Goddess, can be seen near the idol of Lord Brahma. The walls of the temple are adorned by beautiful images of Peacock and Goddess Saraswati.

From the temple, there is a silver door that leads down to a small cave. This small cave comprises a temple of Lord Shiva.

Though most people know of only one Pushkar, there are in fact three Pushkars. All of them are in Ajmer. It is believed that while the lotus bloom itself landed in the Pushkar Lake, the two other leaves that came with the stem of the lotus fell at two other lakes. One of them is called Bhuda Pushkar and the other one is called Madhya Pushkar. Villagers who live around Bhuda Pushkar and Madhya Pushkar believe that those are the real Pushkars.

Pushkar is known as teerthraj or king of all pilgrimages. It is believed that Lord Brahma pooled water from Badrinath, Jagnnath, Rameshwaram and Dwarka to create Pushkar Lake. That is why Pushkar lake is called the teerthraj.

Since Pushkar is the place where the first sacrificial offering was made by Lord Brahma and since the water in Pushkar Lake represents combination water from four important pilgrimages for the Hindus, it is considered to be as holy as the water from river ganges. It follows, therefore, that if you take a holy dip at teerthraj Pushkar Lake, you automatically become eligible for gathering the boons for visiting the other four pilgrimages.

There are also temples in

Asotra village in Balotra Taluka of Barmer district in Rajasthan known as Kheteshwar Brahmadham Tirtha,
Goa, (in the small, remote village of Carambolim in the Sattari taluka in the northeast region of the state);
in the temple town of Kumbakonam, (Thanjavur District) in Tamil Nadu;
and in Thirunavaya in Kerala. Regular pujas are held for Brahma and during Navrathris, this temple comes to life with colourful festivities.
There is also a shrine for Brahma within the Bramhapureeshwarar temple in Thirupattur, near Trichy
and a famous murti of Brahmā at Mangalwedha, 52 km from Solapur district in Maharashtra,
the largest of which is in Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
In Khedbrahma, Gujarat, there is a statue of Brahma.A six feet tall statue was also discovered at Sopara near Mumbai.
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the temple town of Sri Kalahasti near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh

The Following are the links for the Pushkar temple Photos :

Navagraha Slokam

SLOKAM for all Navagraham combined :

Aadhithyaaya Cha Somaaya Mangalaaya Bhudhaaya ChaGuru Sukra Sanibhyascha Raahave, Kethave Namaha.
MEANING :
Salutations to the Sun God, the Moon, and to Mangala (Mars) and Budha (Mercury). Also to the divine preceptor Brahaspathi and to Sukra, the teacher of Ausuras, and to Sani, the planet Saturn. Salutations to Rahu and Kethu.

Navagraha Slokam :
1. Sooryan / Sun : (Aditya)
Japaakusuma sankaansham kaashyapeyam mahaadhyuthimthamorim sarvapaapagnam pranathosmi dhivaakaram

2. Chandran / Moon :
Dhadhi shanka thushaaraabham kshirodharnava sambhavamnamaami shashinam somam shambhormukuta bhushanam

3.Sevvai / Mars : (Kuja)
Dharani gharbhasambhutham vidhyuthkanthi samaprabham kumaram shakthi hasthamtham mangalam pranamaamyaham

4. Bhuthan / Mercury :
Priyangu kalikaashyamam rupenaa prathimam budham sowmyam sowmya gunopetham thambudham pranamaamyaham

5. Guru / Jupiter :
Devaanaancha rushinaancha gurukaanchana sannibham budhdhibhootham thrilokesham tham namaami brahaspathim

6. Sukran / Venus :
Himakunda mranaalaabham dhaithyanaam paramanguru msarvashaastra pravakthaaram bhargavam pranamaamyaham

7. Shani / Saturn :
Neelaajana samabhasu raviputhram yamagrajam chaaya maarthanda sambhootham tham namaami shanaishcharam

8. Raghu :
Ardhakaayam mahadheeryam chandhradhithyavimardhanam simhikaa garbhasambhootham tham raaham pramaamyaham

9. Kethu :
Palaasha pushpa sankaasham thaarakaagrahamasthakam roudram roudraathmakam ghoram tham kethum pranamaamyaham.

(The video also contains Pahala sruthi...I have not posted those lines... the whole video comes upto 3.28 mins. stop at 2.36 mins.)

(Thank you Padma for giving us the slokam lines ).

Lord Brahma

Lord Brahma is the Hindu God of Creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma's consort is Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning.

According to Purana Lord Brahma is Self -born in the Lotus flower which grew from the naval of Lord Vishnu at the beginning of the Universe. This explains his name Nabhija (born from the navel).

Another legend says that Brahma was born in water. In this he deposited a seed that later became the Golden egg. From this golden egg, Lord Brahma, the creator was born, as Hiranyagarbha. The remaining materials of this golden egg expanded into the Brahm-anda or Universe. Being born in water, Lord Brahma is also called Kanja (born in water). Lord Brahma is also said to be the son of the Supreme Being, Brahman and the female energy known as Prakrti or Maya.

Appearance : Lord Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads and four faces and four arms. With each head he continually recites one of the four Vedas. He is often depicted with a white beard (especially in North India), indicating the near eternal nature of his existence. He is shown as having four arms, with none holding a weapon, unlike most other Hindu Gods. One of his hands is shown holding a scepter in the form of a spoon, which is associated with the pouring of holy ghee or oil into a sacrificial pyre, indicating that Lord Brahma is the lord of sacrifices. Another of his hands holds a water-pot (sometimes depicted as a coconut shell containing water). The significance of the water is that it is the initial, all-encompassing ether in which the first element of creation evolved. Lord Brahma also holds a string of prayer beads that he uses to keep track of the Universe's time. He also is shown holding the Vedas, and sometimes, a lotus flower.

Legends behind as to why Lord Brahma is not worrshipped much and why Only few Temples are built for Lord Brahma :

Although Lord Brahma is worshipped in almost all Hindu religious rites, there are very few temples dedicated to him in India, the more prominent of which is at Pushkar , in Rajasthan.

At the beginning of time in Cosmos, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma approached a huge Shiva linga and set out to find its beginning and end. Vishnu was appointed the end, and Brahma the beginning. Each took their journey, Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and began digging downwards into the earth while Lord Brahma took on the shape of a swan began flying upwards. But neither could find their appointed destination. Vishnu, satisfied, came up to Shiva and bowed down to him as a swarupa of Brahman. Brahma did not give up so easily. As he was going up, he saw a kaitha(Thalamppu) flower. His ego forced him to ask the flower to bear false witness of Brahma's finding Shiva's beginning. When Lord Brahma told his tale, Lord Shiva, the all-knowing, was angered by the former's ego. Lord Shiva thus cursed him that no being in the three worlds will worship him.

According to another legend, Lord Brahma is not worshiped because of a curse by the great sage Brahmarishi Bhrigu. Once a great yajna, was being organised on Earth with Bhrigu being the high priest. It was decided that the greatest among all Gods would be made the presiding deity. Bhrigu then set off to find the greatest among the Trimurti. When he went to Brahma, he was so immersed in the music played by Saraswati that he could hardly hear Bhrigu's calls. The enraged Bhrigu then cursed Brahma that no person on Earth would ever invoke him or worship him again.

Another story in connection with Brahma's four heads is that when Brahma was creating the universe, he made a female deity known as Shatarupa(one with a hundred beautiful forms). Brahma became immediately infatuated. Shatarupa moved in various directions to avoid the gaze of Brahma. But wherever she went, Brahma developed a head. Thus, Brahma developed five heads, one on each side and one above the others. In order to control Brahma, Shiva cut off the top head. Also, Shiva felt that Shatarupa was Brahma's daughter, being created by him. Therefore, Shiva determined, it was wrong for Brahmā to become obsessed with her. He directed that there will be no proper worship on earth for the "unholy" Brahma.

Thus, only Vishnu and Shiva continue to be worshipped, while Brahma is almost totally ignored. Ever since the incident, Brahma has been reciting the four Vedas in his attempt at repentance.

Another story is as follows : Once when all the preparations for his great yagya were complete, Brahma’s consort Saraswathi failed to join him. In order to complete the ritual, he married a local Gujjar girl called Gayathri and proceeded with the yagya. When Saraswathi arrived, she was furious to see Gayatri beside Lord Brahma.Since Lord Brahma did not wait for Saraswathi for this great sacrificial offering, she felt bad and she told Lord Brahma that Pushkar is the only place where he would be worshipped in this world.

This explains why we have only one Brahma temple whereas there are thousands and thousands of temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Lord Brahma's vehicle is a divine Swan. This divine bird is bestowed with a virtue called Neera-Ksheera Viveka or the ability to separate milk and water from a mixture of the two. The significance of this is that justice should be dispensed to all creatures, however entwined it might be in a situation. Also, this virtue indicates that one should learn to separate the good from the evil and then accept that which is valuable and to discard which is worthless or evil.

Following are the local names in Indian Languages for kaitha flower :

Hindi - Kevadaa ,Keora;

Kannada - Tale hoovu, Kedige;

Malayalam - Kaitha, Thaazha;

Tamil - Thazhai; Thalamppu

Telegu - Mogil.

(Bhavani my friend, raised the question as to why We are not worshipping Lord Brahma ? and why few temples are only there? here is the answer..As a seperate Posting will explain about the Pushkar Temple and will mention all other temples for Lord Brahma.)

Kolam , Rangoli

KOLAM is a sort of painted prayer , a line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots. Kolam which is originated from South India more than 3000 years ago. Women begin their day by drawing Kolam in front of their house . kolams are thought to bestow prosperity of homes.
In olden days , they used coarse rice flour for drawing kolam. It was drawn not just for decoration purpose , but it was to invite birds and other small creatures like ants , to eat it , so that they don't work hard for meal. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the house , atleast to Goddess Lakshmi , the Goddess of Prosperity. It is a mandate that the lines must be complete so as to symbolically prevent evil spirits from entering the inside of the shapes. And thus they are prevented from entering the inside of the house. Before drawing these artistic Kolam, they used to cleanse the place with a mixture of Cow dung and water, sprinkle it at the place where they used to put the Kolam drawings. This is in a way acted as an anti-bacterial agent. Though this practice is not continued in big towns and cities, one can see it in the remote villages and interior places.

Drawing Kolam also helps to improve mental discipline and concentration. It is belived that the "Dots" are symbolic of Challenges which we have to face in our lives and the "Curvy" ,line around these dots is the jouney (Yathra ),during our life.

Few Websites where you can find Kolam designs..:

http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info/articles/kolam/kolam.1.a.gif

http://kolangal.kamalascorner.com/

Rangoli : The origin of rangoli painting is traced to a legend recorded in the Chitralakshana, the earliest Indian treatise on painting. When the son of a Kings high priest died, Brahma, Lord of the universe, asked the king to paint the likeness of the boy so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. This is how, it is believed, the first painting was made. Also, the son of the king painted a portrait of a girl whom the son liked very much, although the king would not let his son see her. Rangoli also became a form of self-portraiture for women.
Another popular story is that God, in one of his creative episodes, extracted the juice from one of the mango trees as paint, and drew the figure of a woman so beautiful that it put the heavenly maidens to shame.
They are known by different names in different parts of the country; Alpana in Bengal, Aripana in Bihar, Madana in Rajasthan, Rangoli in Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, Chowkpurana in Uttar Pradesh and Kolam in Kerala and Tamilnadu, Muggu in Andhrapradesh. Some of these, especially many of the North Indian ones like Aalpana more often refer to floor painting with traditional wet color, rather than the powder rangoli more conventional in south India.
Source : Wikipedia

(Thanks to Manjula , who provided me the Ragoli photos)

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam

Slokams

Few Slokams to be recited for each God & Goddess :

Early Morning Slokam :

Karagre Vasathe Lakshmi,

Karamadhye Saraswathi,

Karamoole Sthitha Govinda,

Prabhate Kara Darshanam

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Holy Bath Slokam :

"Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva

Godavari Saraswati,Narmada Sindhu

Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru"

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Ganesha Gayatri Mantra :

OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakkratundaya
Dheemahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat

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Ganesha Slokam :

Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum

Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet

Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye

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Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva

Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

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Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam

Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam

Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam

Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam

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Saraswathi Slokam :

Saraswathi Namastubhyam

Varade Kaamaroopini

Vidyaarambham Karishyaami

Siddhir Bhavatu Mey Sada

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Ya Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavalaa

Ya Shubhra Vastraavrita

Ya Veena Vara Danda Manditakara

Ya Shveta Padmaasana

Ya Brahma Achyutaha

Shankara Prabrithibhih

Devai Sadaa Poojitha

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswathi

BhagavatiNishyesha Jyaadyaapaha

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Devi slokam :

"Sarva Mangala Maangalye,

Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike

Sharanye Tryambake Gaurii,

Naaraayanii Namostute"

=======================

Vishnu Slokam :

"Shaantaakaaram Bhujanga Shayanam

Padmanaabham Suresham

Vishvaadhaaram Gagana Sadrisham

Meghavarnam Shubhaangam

Lakshmiikaantam Kamalanayanam

Yogibhidhyaarnagamyam

Vande Vishhnum Bhavabhayaharam

Sarvalokaikanaatham"

=========================

Ayyappan Slokam :

Bhootanatha sadananda

sarva bhootha dhayabhara

raksha raksha mahabavo

saste dubyam namom namaha

=======================

Anjaneyar Slokam :

Bhudir balam Yashodairyam

nirbhayatvam arrorgata

ashatchaya vaakpaduthvancha

Hanumanth samaranu bhavathey.

========================

Hyagriva Slokam :

Gyaanaanandamayam devam

nirmalasphatikaakritimh

Aadhaaram sarvavidyaanaam

hayagriivamupaasmahe

================================

Dakshinamoorthy Slokam :

Gurur Bramha Gurur VishnuGurur Devo Maheswaraha

Guru Shakshath Para BramhaThasmaisri Gurave Namaha

Gurave SarvalokanamBhishaje Bhavaroginam

Nithye SarvadhiyanaamDhakshina Moorthaye Namahah.

Significance of Wearing Ornaments

{This topic gives explanation as to : why we wear Ear stud , Bangles , Mookuthi (Nose ring), Metti , Thali (Mangal sutra).}
Ornaments and Jewels are considered fashionable all over the globe. But in ancient times, Indians & majority of Hindu women used these ornaments, mainly made of Gold and some Silver, with so beautiful crafting and designs, all the good work of handcrafted by goldsmiths. They wore jewellery items not just for show, but with some inner meaning to it.
There were 36 kinds of essential jewellery & ornaments used during Vedic era, each signifying body mechanism. Though the rich, affordable and King's family had it all, even the poorer of poorest did wear most common items. Most of the jewels & ornaments are not in common use these days.
1.Ear Stead :This ornament is mostly made of Gold with innumerable designs and fashions. Some in Gold with stones and some with plain Gold designs. This is considered to be the most important ornament and from childhood days Hindu girls are given this ornament. Ear piercing takes place on completion on one full year.
The reasons for wearing these stead is :Human anatomy, a precise location of parts in our body, was an easy accessible subject for the astrologers in those days. They found out that half of the problem occurring for human body is either because of renal failure or of bowel not cleared daily. And rest half is by food habits and dieted propositions. And they easily got the link, that an important nerve connecting the Brain, Cervical and Kidney is passing through a persons right ear and if the pressure there could be controlled, then the kidney functioning can be just maintained and protected from damages. Also piercing their ear and wearing some ornamental ear stead found another mode of controlling the kidney bladder. In the earlier days, erring students were never beaten or slapped, but teachers used to pull the ears of the boys. It is said pulling ones ear frequently increases the memory power and also controls the renal functions.
2.Mookuthi : It is widely believed and thought that the nose is exclusively for sensual smell and breathing only. But in a well established practices, this theory manipulates, that it connects with emotional, sexual and romantic propositions too! That's what the decorative ornaments and jewels to the Nose apparently causes - not only beautifying, but also significantly adds value to the marital life as well!
A piece of stead-like ornament worn by women in their nose, commonly known as nose-ring and nose stead. (known as Mukkuthi or Mookuthi in Tamil and Nath in Hindi) The custom to wear this ornamental jewel is typically different from one state to other, one caste to other and even different amongst communities. Some use it in their left nose, some at right and few wear it in both sides of their nose. Though it is mainly used for beautifying women, the in-depth meaning can't be termed as unfound myth. It is considered as a breath regularizing and some say it is just to eliminate the poison coming out while exhaling carbon. But traditions apart, every community and caste, without any barrier uses this nose-stead. According to the Indian medicine, the female who get her nose pierced is assumed to experience less pains while delivering the child. The reason behind this belief is, through the piercing some vein is pressed that makes the childbirth easier. It is said that Ayurvedic (The oldest Vedic scripts that refer to Medicine and part of Vedic Resources) medicine associates nostril's piercing location with the female reproductive organs. That's why you need get the ear pierced by an experienced goldsmith, who knows by touching the skin, whether or not any nerve pass through the specific portion. While piercing the ear or nose, no passing nerve system should be disturbed or wounded, hence much care has to be taken for piercing. The Abharana Bhushana Vidhi states, that wearing a nose ring or a nose stead is a must for a women, if one needs to enjoying life in its pleasurable counts. True. the carbon emanated during the sexual union, the poisonous emission is minimized due to the wearing of a metallic (Gold, Silver) ornament in the nose. Also, the oculists believed, it is very difficult to bring into control or hypnotize or mesmerize the women who wear such sort of Mookuthi , functions as a controlling the brainwave length thus avoiding a surrender to the opponent who try to hypnotize.
3.Bangles :The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sort of ailments. Or so it is believed. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one's own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body. This way a women gains her strength which is presumably wasted otherwise. So the ancient Hindus gave shape to this item called Bangles and later it got molded in to many shapes and designs to add more attraction and beautification. Amongst other varieties of ornaments Bangle is most important for any women, it is felt and that too if it is made of Gold then only it gives you the aforesaid values & meaning.
4.Ring : The most vital is its function and connectivity, the fourth finger from the Thumb, known as the ring finger is identified with the Star-Sun. It is widely believed, that the nerve passing through this finger is evenly spread to the entire brain neuron cells and any frequent metallic friction caused in this finger is very good for one's health. It also improves one's general capacity in handling his/her life with ease and confidence. That's why all over the world, they use gold rings for men and women, very commonly in this finger
5.Mangalsutra / Thirumangalyam : Every married women used to get a Mangalsutra. This is mostly made in gold as an identifiable mark for married women. Hindu women hold the mangalsutra, to be a very significant bond with their husband. This too is believed to regularize a women's blood circulation. This is also said to control the body pressure levels to a maximum extent, as Indian women tend to work hard, more than her male counterpart. The most important thing to note about this Thirumangalyam is, that it should always be hidden or covered in the inner garments. Just because of the constant friction of the metal gold touching the body portion directly, the effect will be more to gain the said benefits. However, if the same is worn outside the clothes and making it visible to everyone, then the effect is reduced
6.Oddiyaanam: (Jewellery knowingly used by Indian women as Hip Belt ) but the usage of this is not common. It is very particularly used to control women from getting fatter and to avoid flabs in hip and pot belly. Since no women uses these days this ornament, one can see the results that is visible!.
7.Metti : It is worned by Indian married women in general and is made of Silver. This is a ring with two or three line rounds, worn in their second finger from toe. 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 uteruses 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. 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.

If one is agreeing with these contents or not, in general everyone is aware of the fact, that these ornaments were and are being used by most of the Indian women. As a matter of fact, the interest in wearing all sorts of ornaments are in the increase, one can judge from sale of Gold in the Indian Markets. For some it is a display of wealth. For many it is really an investment mode. For a few it is compulsion of social status. And for many it is a distant Dream.
(This Topic is a combined work by Padma and me )
(few points i have collected from http://www.trsiyengar.com/)

Why do we keep Tilak & Bindi (Pottu) On Forehead ?

(I thank Padma ,for giving me more information related to this topic. )

The Tilak invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others.It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped. Religious marks are worn by men and women with ashes, clay, kumkum (Powdered red turmeric) or sandalwood powder. It is a visible sign of a person as belonging to Hindu culture.

In earlier times, The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark.The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark.The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark.Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U," Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum.

Saivites typically use ashes ( called Vibhuti) and draw their tilaks as three horizontal lines ( tripundra). Vibhuti used by Saivites, means glory and it is also called bhasma (that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered ). The holy ash is worn with adoration and respect. This is also known as “ thiru neeru” in Tamil. The holy Ash has lots of spiritual meaning. Vibhuti is so named because it endows one wih prosperity.Ash is the substance that results when things are completely burnt off. In natural terms it is a final state. It is also known as Bhasma because it burns away all sins. This ash is the ultimate reality and cannot be changed any more. By applying this as a symbol of Divinity, we prepare ourselves to give up all desires, burn our attachments and temptations and make ourselves pure, holy and sacred, for liberation.

Vaishnavites apply clay (preferably from holy rivers) or sandalwood paste. They apply the material in two vertical lines, which may be connected at the bottom, forming either a simple U shape or a form said to be like a tulasi leaf. Their Tilak is called the urdhva-pundra. Vaishnavites use clay for their Srichurnam. This is also called “thirumann” ( mann is the tamil word for clay).This is known as Srichurnam and wearing this is as an important part of the daily rites of a Sri Vaishnavite. The Tilak is applied to twelve parts of the body, reciting the twelve names of the Lord. Vedas say, by wearing this mark, he becomes fortunate, gets released of all the worldly bondages and attains liberation.

In Sri Vaishnava sampradaya the tilak is made out of the white mud found in anthills. The scriptures tell us that the mud from the base of a Tulasi plant and the white mud from within the anthill are both pure and best for making tilak. The Sri Vaishnavas will draw two lines representing the feet of Sri Narayana, and in the middle they will put a red line to represent Lakshmi Devi. Because the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya begins with Sri Lakshmi Devi, and they approach Narayana only through Lakshmi, their tilak reflects this process of surrender. Using mud also makes us reflect that we come from clay and go back to clay.

The Tilaks of each sampradaya actually depict the siddhanta of the sampradaya.The Tilak is also believed to have medicinal and protective functions. The pastes applied are considered to give cooling effect to the body.The Tilak is also considered to bestow spiritual comfort and protection against demons, bad luck, and other evil forces.The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga and gives concentration of spiritual energy on the forehead between the eyebrows.The tilak is applied with the prayer -

"May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds."

Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces. The scriptures say that a Hindu without tilak is worthy of condemnation and is compared to intellect without clarity

Traditionally Bindi is red in colour.'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop, and suggests the mystic third eye of a person.It is applied as an ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The bindi is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", as well as bringing spiritual protection against demons or bad luck.The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.

The Kumkum which ladies keep on the forehead , is to symbolize that they are married. Normally guys walk straight and ladies would walk with head down.By seeing the Kumkum on the forehead, one can understand that the girl is married.. In early days, there had been a custom that married guys would have a ring in their second foot finger, as metti seeing that the girl would identify that he is married...

We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, a groom used to apply his blood on-his bride's forehead as a recognition of wedlock. The existing practice among Indian women of applying a round shaped red Tilaka called Bindiya or Kumkum could be a survival of this idea.No one knows exactly when the tradition of putting a bindi started,

Sri Mahamrityunjayam Mantra

Chidambaram Natarajar Temple - PART 2

To read part 1 , check this link :

http://hindutradition.blogspot.com/2009/01/chidambaram-nataraja-temple.html

The Legend of Chidambaram and its Significance :

The story begins with the legend of Lord Shiva strolling into Thillai vanam. In the Thillai Vanam resided a group of saints who belived in the supermacy of Magic and that God can be controlled by rituals and 'Mantras' or 'Magical words'.The Lord strolls in the forest assuming the form of Pitchanadaar (a nude mendicant seeking alms.) He is followed by his Consort. The rishi wives were enchanted by the brilliance and the beauty of the handsome mendicant and his consort.
On seeing their womenfolk enchanted, the rishis get enraged and invokes scores of serpents by performing magical rituals. The lord as the mendicant, lifts the serpents and dons them as ornaments on his neck and waist. Further enraged, the rishis invoke a fierce tiger, which the Lord skins and dons as a garment around his waist.
Thoroughly frustrated, the rishis gather all their spiritual strength and invoke a powerful demon Muyalakan. The Lord gently simles and steps on the demon's back, immobilizes him and performs the Ananda Thandava(the dance of eternal bliss)and discloses his true form.The rishis surrender, realizing that this Lord is beyond magic and rituals.

Other shrines in temple :

Apart from the five sabhais are :

The shrines for the original Shivalinga worshipped by saints Patanjali and Vyagrapadha, called the Thirumoolattaneswarar and his consort Umaiyammai / Umaiya parvathi.
The Shrines for the (63) Arubathu Moovar prime devotees of Lord shiva
The shrines for Goddess Sivagami
The shrines if Lord Ganesha
The shrines of Lord Muruga
There are also other small shrines in the temple complex.

The Chidambara Ragasiyam :

The Lord Shiva in his manifestation of formlessness is worshipped in Chidambaram. The Lord is said to continuously dance in a state of eternal bliss "Ananda Thandavam", with his consort Goddess Shivagami and is driagammatically represented by a Yantra on the wall of an empty space in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. A curtain cover this space which when drawn reveals strands of golden Vilva leaves hung to indicate the Lord's presence.The curtain is dark in the exterior, indicating ignorance and brighter red in colour in the interior indicating wisdom and bliss.During the Daily rituals, the chief Priest of the day, himself in a state of godliness- Shivohambhava, withdraws the curtain indicating the withdrawal of ignorance and reveals the space, and the Lord's presence.

Thus, in total surrender, one lets God intervene and remove ignorance, one gets to see and experience his presence and hence bliss.

The Temple's Daily Rituals : The day begins with the chief priest of the day, performing requeried rituals to purify himself and assume the shivohambhava,after which he enters the temple to do the daily rituals of the temple.

The Day commence with the Lord's Padukas (footwear) being brought at 7.00AM from the Palliyarai to the sanctum sanctorum in a palanquin accompanied by devotees with cymbals and chimes and drums. The priest then performs a Yagna. Pooja is done 6 times a day. Before each pooja , the spatika Linga is ointed with Ghee, Milk, Curds, Rice, Sandal paste and Holy ash. This is followed by presenting the neivedhyam to the lord and the deeparaadhana, reciting of Vedas in sanskrit and the Panchapuranam. The Pooja ends with the priest parting the curtain in the sanctum sanctorum to reveal the chidambaram ragasiyam.

Before the Second pooja, apart from regular anointing the Crystal linga, a the Rathinasabhapathy(Ruby Nataraja Deity ) is also ointed.

The Third Pooja is at around 12.00 Noon, after which the temple closes and again opens at around 4.30PM.

The Fourth Pooja is performed at 6.00PM. then the fifth and the sixth pooja are performed at 8.00PM. and 10.00PM. respectively, after which the Lord's Padhukas are taken in a procession for the God to retire for the night.

To Conclude, chidambaram is also been called as Thillai vanam, perumpatrapuliyur or Vyagrapuram. The temple is located at the Lotus heart of the Universe.

Chidambaram Natarajar Temple - Part 1

Before starting to write about Chidambaram Natarajar Temple ,I wanted to convey that, my friend Vidyolatha passed on this information. I have just added few more points.

Chidambaram Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 58 Km. south of Pondicherry in Cudalore District, the east - central part of the Tamil Nadu . This temple surpasses (Distinguish oneself) the limits of architectural wonders.
In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is the seat of the cosmic dancer Nataraja (Ananda Tandava pose ; the Cosmic Dance of bliss(A state of extreme happiness)). one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the Five Natural Elements , (the Pancha Bhutasthalas).

Chidambaram is the Aakasha sthalam - Space.
Kanchipuram is the Prithvi sthalam - Earth,
Tiruvanaikaval is the Appu sthalam - Water,
Kalahasti is the Vaayu sthalam - Air &
Tiruvannamalai is the Thejo sthalam - Fire.

Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.
Temple Architecture and Significance :

This temple is spread over 40 acres in the heart of the city.
It is surrounded by massive walls with four big tall gopurams in four directions and a big tank called Sivagangai tank measuring 175x100 feet towards the North. The North & South gopurams are 160feet high. The 108 dance postures as seen in the Natya Sastra are sculpted in these towers. It has five principal sabhais known as Kanakasabhai, Chit sabhai, Nritya sabhai, Deva sabhai and Raja sabhai.

Roof of the Chitsabha Mandapam :

1.The Chit Sabhai , which is the sanctum Sanctorum housing Lord Nataraja, his consort Goddess Shivagamasundari.The idol of Nataraja is enshrined in the Chit sabhai. Behind this idol, is a screen, which is considered to cover the Akasa Lingam. It is an invisible Lingam, with golden vilva garlands, i.e stressing the belief that there is everything in nothing. There are five silver plated steps to reach the Chit Sabhai, representing the Panchakshara mantram - Na ma si va ya. The embossed images of the saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali, are to be seen on the doors. Both these saints had been blessed witht the sight of the cosmic dance of Shiva. Lord Vishnu also is said to have witnessed this scene.

The images of Ratnasabhapati (Nataraja of Ruby), the Spatika Lingam of Chandramauleeswara, Swarnakarshana Bhairavar, Mukhalingam are also to be found in the Chitsabhai.

2. In the Kanaka Sabhai (golden hall) lying adjacent to the Chit Sabhai, poojas are offered. The ceiling of these two sabhais are gold plated.
3.The Nritya Sabhai, which is richly sculpted in the form of a chariot drawn by horses houses the images of Nataraja in Urdhava Tandava pose, image of Sarabheswara. In this sabhai the Lord is said to have danced with goddess kali, an embodiment energy and established His supermacy.

4. The Deva Sabha is a spacious hall meant for the celebration of important festivals and houses the festival images of the Pancha Murtis (Somaskandar, Parvati, Vinayaka, Subramanya and Chandikeswara) and other deities.

5.The Raja Sabha measuring 103 metres by 58 metres is housed in a 1000 pillared hall in the outermost prakaram. Tradition holds that Sekhizhar did here the arangetram (first recital) of Peria Puranam that details the history of 63 Nayanmars

To be continued in Part - 2 . : check this link:

hindutradition.blogspot.com/2009/01/chidambaram-natarajar-temple-part-2.html

Goddess Garbharakshambigai

ThiruKarukavur is the abode of Goddess Garbharakshambika and Lord Mullai Vana Nathar . Garba means "Pregnancy" and Raksha means "To Protect" and Ambigai is one of the names of Goddess Parvathi.A remarkable feast about the temple which distinguishes this temple from the other shrines is that the Goddess Garbakashambika not only protects the unborn child, but also bless people whose marriages are being delayed and who long for a child .

The Slokas to be recited to the Goddess Garbharakshambigai :

For Marriage and Women to Have child :

Aum devendhiraani namosthubyam . Dhevendhira piriya baamini
Vivaaha baakyam aarokyam Puthra Laabam sadhehime
Padhim dhehi sudham dhehi. Soubaakyam dhehime subhe
Soumaangalyam subam Gnayanam. Dhehime Garbarakshake
Kaathyaayini mahaamaaye. Maha yoginya dhisvari
Nandhagoba seedham dhevam. Padhim Megurudhe Namah

For Safe Pregnancy and Delivery of baby :

Hey sangara Shamarahara PramadhaadhiNaadhari

Mannaadha shaamba sasisuda
HarithiriSulin sambo sugaprasava kiruthbavame dhayaalo
Hey MaadhaviVanesa Paalayamaam Namasthe

Prasadam offerred : Couples who doesn't have child for long time should offer Gheeto the temple and it will be placed on the feet of the Goddess and will be returned to them.If the couple eats a little of the ghee for 48 days , soon the women will get concieved and will be blessed with child.
Pregnant women expecting deliveries should offer Castor Oil and this will also be placed on the feet of the Goddess and will be returned with blessings. This oil can be applied on their abdomen and once they get the Labour pain , this oil should be applied and their will not be any complications in delivery.
The other presiding deity is Lord MullaiVana Nathar . Thousands of years before it was a garden of "Mullai" flowers and hence it is called by the name as "Arulmigu Mullai Vana Nathar " temple. The Lord shiva's statue is in the form of a lingam and it is a swayambu Murthi made of mud(Puthhu Mannu, ants mud). And hence no abhishekkam is done to Lord Shiva and worship is offered with "Punuhu".This punuhu saattam is offered as prasadam. And whoever has incurable skin diseases , comes to this temple and prays to Lord Shiva, gets cured. And even till date we can see on the Lingam the marks of "Mullai' flower creepers that ran over the lingam once.

Location of the temple : The temle is located in Thirukarukavur, Tanjavur district, Tamilnadu. And it is situated on the banks of the river Vettaru , which is a branch river of sacred rivery Cauvery.

The Temple History : Sage Nithuvar and his wife Vedika were living in this garden of Mullai flowers , when the following incident happened. One day when Sage Nithuvar was away, sage Urdhvapada visited the mullai garden.. Vedhika was tired and was sleeping without showing hospitality to the sage..infact she was having pains due to pregnancy but Urdhvapada unaware of her difficulties got angry that she din't bother to wake up and felt she could be sleeping purposely , decided to curse her .The curse made her get diseased and it also hurted the child in her womb.Vedhika was in worst pain of her life and deeply hurted that her own child is being gradually destroyed and prayed to Goddess Parvathi to help her . Goddess Parvathi took the avatar of Garbarakshambigai and appeared before Vedhika and protected her child in the womb by holding it in a "kalasam " - divine pot..The goddess has helped the child grow in the divine pot untill it grew as full fledged child. When Vedhika cried as she was not able to feed the baby with her milk, A Sacred Cow came infront of the temple and made a lake of sacred milk. The sacred "kulam" is found even now.Vedhikai prayed to Goddess Garbarakshambigai to remain in the temple forever and bless all women with good soul mate, child birth and safe pregnancy.

Thus Goddess Parvathi Devi took the avatar of Garbarakshambigai to give special protection to women during pregnancy

This slokam can be recited by anyone to get the blessings of Goddess Garbarakshambigai :

Aum Garbarakshambigaayai cha vidhmahe

Mangala dhevadhaayai cha dheemahee

Dhanno devi prachodhayaath

Through this website one can contact the temple authorities and can order online the Ghee and Oil prasadam .

http://www.sri-karparakshambigai-temple.com/form.asp?i=2

Source : www.starsai.com.

Om Namo Narayana Mantram

Raghukaalam , Yemagandam, Nalla Neram Chart

According to Vedic astrology, certain parts of the day, called Rahu Kalam, are inauspicious periods and one should not undertake any auspicious work during these periods - especially any new undertaking.
Rahukalam differs from place to place depending on Sun-rise & Sun-set time. The day duration from Sun-rise to Sun-set,

Raghukalam , Yamagandam and Nalla Neram Chart :

Why do we light Vizhakku (Lamp)

Hinduism is not a religion but a way of Life. Unlike other religions, Hindu Dharma has many specialities. This is not known as a religion, it is known as the Dharma, Sanaathana Dharma. According to Bhagavath Geeta, Sanaathana means which cannot be destroyed by Fire, Weapons, Water, Air, and which is present in all living and non-living being. Dharma means, the way of life which is the "Total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals."

In almost every Indian home lamp / Villakku is lit daily before the Altar of the Lord. In some house it is maintained continuously - Akhanda Deepam. All auspicious function commence with the lighting of the Villakku, which is often maintained throughout the function.

Light symbolizes Knowledge and Darkness - Ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" who is the source, the enlivener (An agent that gives or restores life ) and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence Light is worshipped as the Lord himself.

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

The Lamp has further spirutual significance. The Oil or ghee in the lamp symbolises our Vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick (Thiri) symbolises ego, When lit by spirutual knowledge, the Vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards, similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray :

Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute

Meaning of the Slokam : I prostrate to the dawn / dusk lamp, whose light is the knowledge principle (the supreme lord) , which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.

The following points to be noted while Lighting lamps :

The lamp can be lit by Ghee or oil . Sesame oil / Gingely oil destroys all evils. lighting with castor oil brings joy to the relatives. We should not use Groundnut Oil.
Neem oil, Ghee, Iluppai( A tree name..In English it is called as Mahua ) oil gives wealth. For Kula Deivam - Ghee, Castoroil, Neemoil, Coconutoil, Iluppaioil. For Goddess Mahalakshmi--ghee. Lord Ganesha--coconut oil. Lord Narayana--sesame oil
The Cotton wick (Thiri) is best as it would give Prosperity. And wick made out of New Yellow cloth gives Devi's blessings.
The Lamp lit towards the east removes Sorrow and Evil , West removes Debt , Enemies.
Always use two wicks for lighting the Lamp.
After lighting the lamp dont rub the excess oil on your hair; (it will make you loose your wealth) general beleif. Also rubbing in your own dress is also not good.So keep a piece of cloth in your pooja room and rub the excess oil in it .
Never keep any lamp directly on the kolam. Always keep it on a plate ( can be brass, silver not steel).
If you like keep a few grains of raw rice below the lamp - this is necessary only when you do vilakku poojai etc & not necessary everyday.
As soon as you finish namaskarams, shlokas etc, it is customary to keep a dot of milk on either side of the burning lamp after which you can put it off. After it burns for a minimum 30 mts, you can put it off, there is nothing wrong.
After head bath, one should remove the head towel before even lighting the lamp .
Lemon (Elumichai) vilakku lighting should not be done at home at all. It is to be lit only in temples. There is no harm in lighting the usual villakku at rahu kalam & chanting Durga shlokams, particularly on tuesday & friday at home.

Source : www.indusladies.com